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Diplomatic Relations	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 3147 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
July 14, 2009 Amsterdam, the Netherlands

“It’s not a problem, Grant. Really.”

“But you’ve probably been here a thousand times.”

“It doesn’t matter if I have. I haven’t been here with you and you want to see it. Besides, I haven’t been back since the remodeling.”

They were walking to the Rijksmuseum so Grant could see the Rembrandts and Vermeers. Pieter had been shocked that Grant, who loved museums, had never been so he’d arranged for them to come up to Amsterdam for a few days.

It was amazing how much they were learning about each other, Pieter mused as they walked. Or maybe not that amazing since they were still in what Grant called their ‘third date stage.’ They spoke or emailed each other almost every day, even when Grant was traveling. Their conversations were sometimes serious, sometimes hilarious but always interesting.

As they’d discussed months ago, they were taking things slow especially on the physical front. They kissed each other; cuddled in front of the television and played the occasional game of footsy over dinner but neither one went beyond that.

“Pieter?”

“Huh?” Pieter came back to the present and realized they were at the door to the museum. “Oh. Shall we go in?”

&&

They spent the morning hours at the Rijksmuseum, had a simple lunch and continued on to the Stedelijk Museum before heading to their hotel in the early evening. They’d left their bags there earlier and as they walked, Grant excitedly discussed the art they’d seen.

“It’s just amazing that the same country that produced Rembrandt and Mondrian. I would love to see ‘The Night Watch’ and one of Mondrian’s modern pieces side by side. That would be so mind-blowing!”

“Yes, it would. As you love art so much, do you own any paintings?”

“I have purchased a few on my travels. They’re in storage, of course.”

“Of course. What kind of art do you buy, other than the Baker?”

“Uh, well I have another Baker. It’s called ‘Tracery.’ Very similar in style to ‘The Lake Orangeville.’ I’ve purchased things here and there but once I settle down, I want to get a Chihuly.”

Pieter recognized the name but it took a moment, “The glass blower?”

“Yes. I saw the chandelier he did for the Victoria & Albert in London right after it was installed and I’ve made it a point to visit his other exhibits when I can. One trip I haven’t managed is his studio in Seattle.”

“Why wait until you settle down?”

“Because I want a custom piece, suited for our -.” Grant stopped and looked uneasy.

“Our?” Pieter inquired, surprised but not alarmed.

Grant fidgeted in an unGrantlike fashion. “Can we discuss this at the hotel?”

“All right.”

They walked on and Pieter couldn’t help noticing how uncomfortable Grant looked.

“Grant, I am not mad. I am not upset. Stop fretting.”

&&

The Hotel de l’Europe was one of the better facilities in Amsterdam and their room on the third floor was just as Pieter expected, luxurious without being fussy. The sight of the king sized bed, though, was not what Grant had expected.

“Pieter, they’ve given us one bed. We need to go get a twin room.”

“No, this was the room I booked. We can switch over to a twin if you like but I’d like to share the bed with you. I think we’d both sleep better.”

“Ah – but you said – we weren’t –.” Grant blathered.

“Wait, let me explain. Would you please sit?” Pieter said, gesturing to the small seating area.

Grant nodded and quickly sat down on the couch, looking as if he needed the seat underneath him. “Yes, please explain.”

Pieter settled down in the chair across from him and took a deep breath. “I’m in love with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you but I’m still dealing with the debris of my relationship with Minouche. One of the behaviors I’m trying to work through is my avoidance of physical contact. I’m sure you’ve noticed that I have a startle response sometimes.”

Grant nodded again but didn’t speak, willing to just listen, which was another thing Pieter valued about the man.

“So. I’m not frightened of you but sometimes I can’t help myself. My therapist suggested that I work through this by getting used to you on a subconscious level. So my body becomes used to you being there and unlearns some of the behaviors I developed with Minouche. I know it sounds a little crazy and I’m sorry that I’m still not ready to have a sexual relationship so I will understand if you can’t or won’t do this. I booked another room across the hall if this doesn’t appeal to you but I want to try it.” Pieter finished in a rush, aware that his hands were now clenching the arms of the chair.

“I don’t think it’s crazy at all.” Grant said finally, after a long minute of thought. “I have noticed your discomfort with sudden touches. I’m willing to try it if you are.”

“You aren’t upset?”

“No because it makes sense. I’m not saying it will be easy to only sleep beside you but I’m not ready for anything more either.”

“You aren’t?”

“No. You’re still married and you were right about it not being the best start for that part of our relationship. When we finally make love, I want both of us to be ready and free. Also, I know how hard it is for you to talk about personal things so I appreciate your bravery.”

“I don’t feel very brave.” Pieter confessed. “I should have told you in Eindhoven and not dragged you across the country.”

“So you didn’t want to me to see the museums?”

“Grant! Of course I did. I just – I felt awkward in Eindhoven. Like everyone is watching me.”

“Or just Robert.” Grant said knowingly.

Pieter nodded, “Yes. He has already asked why you’re still in the den. It – I know he doesn’t mean to put pressure on me but I am starting to wonder if perhaps he’s getting some kind of back kick.”

“Kick back?”

“Right. He’s my brother, I love him but he is incredibly nosey. This is too important to me to be made into a joke.”

“I’m sorry, Pieter.”

“It’s not your fault. Now that I’ve spilled my guts, can we talk about ‘our’?”

It was Grant’s turn to squirm a bit but he managed to say, “I didn’t mean to assume anything but I hope that that is where we are heading.”

“That’s what I hope too, Grant.”

“Whew!” Grant said, blowing out a big breath and wiping his brow. “You know, we both seem to think that the other one of us knows what we’re doing but really? We’re clueless.”

“I know.” Pieter smiled with relief. “You always seem so self-confident that I forget this is uncharted waters for you, too.”

“It is. This isn’t like any other relationship I’ve ever had and I don’t want to make mistakes.”

Seeing how unsure Grant looked, Pieter walked over and got comfortable on the couch, snuggling up to Grant. “I think we’ll be make mistakes. We’re human and we can’t avoid it.”

“I know. Pieter, can I tell you something?”

“Anything.”

“I know you’re a competent capable adult but I find myself wanting to protect you.”

“Hm. I don’t mind that but I don’t want to be coddled.”

“Have I been doing that?”

“No, but it explains a few things.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. You always want to walk on the outside of sidewalks; you don’t like seeing me carry heavy things. It’s subtle, but there.”

Grant buried his nose in Pieter’s hair. “Argh. I’ve been treating you like a woman. Those are all things my parents drilled into me about how to treat a woman. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. My parents taught me the same things but do you really see me as a woman?”

“No. Of course not.”

“Good because I’m sure we looked funny as we each tried to claim the curb earlier. Are you smelling my hair?”

“Um. Maybe.” Grant answered as he pulled away. “Now that we’ve spilled all our secrets, let’s talk about dinner.”

“In a moment. I need to tell you something else.”

“What?”

“I’ve started hearing back from the residencies I applied to.” Pieter stated quietly.

“Oh! And?”

“Mayo accepted me.”

“In Minnesota? Pieter, that’s great!” Grant said enthusiastically, squeezing Pieter’s shoulders.

“Wait. That’s not all. Washington, Indiana, Cornell, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins also accepted me.” Pieter couldn’t keep the pride out of his voice.

“Oh my god! Pieter, that’s fantastic! That’s almost every program! You know this means that I have to buy dinner tonight.”

“You can certain buy but actually they all accepted me.”

“Temple and Children’s in Philly?”

“Yes.” Pieter said in a muffled voice as Grant suddenly hugged the stuffing out of him.

“Pieter, I knew you could do it! Congratulations!”

“Thank you.”

Grant cleared his throat and pulled back, “I am so proud of you.”

“But you don’t even know if I’m accepting any of the positions.”

“It doesn’t matter. Applying was half the race.”

“That’s what Dr. de Zeeuw said. Thank you for helping me with all the paperwork.”

“It was my pleasure. Really.”

Pieter leaned over and kissed Grant’s nose then his mouth. After a few happy moments, they both drew back and stared into each other’s eyes.

“We’re going to be fine, Grant.”

&&

Pieter has previously made reservations at De Kas, a restaurant in the greenhouse at the Municipal Nursery. The food was fresh picked from the gardens surrounding the structure and the wine list was one of the best in town. The romantic atmosphere was also nice, although neither one of them was ready to act as a couple in public.

They returned to their hotel by nine and while Grant was showering, Pieter took out his pajamas and clothes for the following day, puttering around a bit. The large bed seemed to hunker in their room like an elephant and Pieter suddenly felt unsure about things.

“Pieter, don’t be nervous about this.” Grant said, breaking the heavy silence. He was already wearing pajamas and toweling his hair dry.

Whipping around, Pieter jumped a bit. “Oh. I didn’t hear the shower shut off.”

“Sorry, I thought you noticed. And I repeat, don’t be nervous. We’re only going to be sharing the bed and I’ll even stick to my side. I like the left side, by the way.”

“Okay. I, uh, guess I should go shower.”

“Okay.” Grant said comfortably, walking over to the left side of the bed to fuss with his luggage.

In the bathroom, Pieter tried very hard not to think about anything but getting clean. When he pulled out his shaving equipment and looked in the mirror, he realized that he was avoiding the issue, just as he’d avoided many issues with Minouche.

‘Pieter, don’t be a fool. Grant is the most trustworthy person you’ve ever met. He’s not going to take advantage of the situation.’

He kept repeating this mantra while he shaved, finally washing his face and brushing his teeth. As he rinsed out the sink and tidied up the bathroom, he chastised himself for being stupid and went back into the bedroom.

What he found was rather shocking. Grant Hackett, all six foot six of him, was standing by the television wearing what could only be described as ‘footie pajamas’. In an eye-blinding purple with big white bunnies romping across the material. From Pieter’s angle, it was apparent that the outfit came complete with a bottom flap and a hood.

“Uh, Grant? Is there something you’d like to tell me?” Pieter asked once he managed to control the urge to fall onto floor and laugh his guts out.

“Huh? Oh, you mean my designer outfit? You don’t like it?” Grant asked as he posed with his arms stretched out.

If it weren’t for the devilish look in Grant’s eye, Pieter might have thought he was serious so he decided to play along. “I could get used to it, I suppose.”

“Hah, well you haven’t seen the best part.” Grant commented as he went over and turned off the light, revealing that the bunnies actually glowed in the dark.

“Oh for heavens sake! Those are ridiculous!” Pieter gasped out.

“I know!” Grant chuckled, as he turned the light back on. “I was planning wearing them in front of Robert but they have now served a higher purpose. I won’t torture you anymore. There’s a movie coming on in twenty minutes I’d like to see if you aren’t too tired.”

Once Grant had changed back into regular pajamas, they settled into bed with the TV tuned the movie. It was a comedy that neither of them had seen and very funny. By the time it was over, Pieter was relaxed and a bit sleepy. He had no difficulty turning off the TV and lights and giving Grant a quick kiss goodnight.

During the next thirty minutes, however, he grew increasingly uneasy when it dawned on him that he was in bed with Grant. It took half that time to determine that he was a little scared but also a little turned on. He’d felt flickers of arousal before, whenever he and Grant kissed and cuddled, but this time, it was more than a flicker.

“Pieter?” Grant asked from his side of the bed.

“Yes?”

“Is this too uncomfortable for you?”

“Uh, no. A little but its okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Will you be able to sleep?”

“Yes, I think so. What about you?”

“No worries but can I try something?”

Pieter paused for a moment then answered, “Okay.”

In the darkness, Grant slid his hand into Pieter’s and squeezed gently, “There. Now you know I’m here.”

Grinning, Pieter turned onto his side into his usual sleeping position, keeping a light grip on Grant’s hand. “How do you always know what to do?”

“I’d like to take all the credit but you aren’t the only one seeing a therapist.” Grant confessed.

“You? Why?” Pieter asked, surprised.

Grant wiggled around a bit, “To be honest, I’m having some anger issues.”

“With me? I know I was foolish and-.”

“No, hush. It’s not with you. I’m angry at Minouche. And at myself.”

“Minouche? But why?”

“Because she hurt you. Even if I didn’t have deeper feelings for you, I’d be angry at anyone who hurt one of my friends. The feelings just make it that much worse. And I’m angry with myself for not saying something to you earlier. I knew you weren’t happy years ago but I couldn’t make myself say anything.”

“So when do you see this therapist?”

“When you’re seeing Dr. de Zeeuw. I asked her for a referral and she recommended Dr. Anders.”

“Who has an office near the University.” Pieter said, putting the pieces together.

“Right. Are you mad?” Grant asked hesitantly.

“No.” Pieter said as he turned it over in his head. “No. Actually, I am relieved, I suppose. I want us to have the kind of relationship where we can rely on each other but right now, I’m not in such a good position for that.”

“Neither am I so we’re on equal ground. You really don’t need to hear about my evil plans for revenge. It’s not healthy.”

“You have evil plans?”

“Yes. A few.”

“Well?”

“You seriously want to hear it?”

“Yes. I want to see how your mind works.”

“Hm. Okay, this one’s the worst of the bunch though. I want to sneak into Minouche’s place while she’s gone and dye all her clothes baby blue.”

“She hates that color. How did you know that?”

“She once insulted you for wearing that gorgeous blue sweater. Remember?”

Pieter sniggered, “Yes. And if I recall correctly, that was actually your sweater.”

“I know. So she insulted both of us and making you get up and change was beyond the pale. And you looked fantastic in that.”

“That was part of the problem.” Pieter said quietly. “But I suppose it was really the whole problem.”

“What?”

“Minouche really resented it when I looked good or if I was good at something she wasn’t.”

“Like swimming.”

“Yes. I think she resented that especially. She always said that she could have been just as famous, just as successful.”

“She wasn’t that good and she never liked working that hard.”

“No. Minouche always complained about practice then complained when she lost races. It was never her fault, of course.” Pieter said slowly.

“You sound like you’re having a breakthrough.”

“I think I am. I’ve been trying to understand how Minouche and I ended up where we did. Why she resented me so. She’s been jealous all this time and it’s only gotten worse through the years. God, I’m such an idiot for not seeing this before. Did you see this?”

“You are not an idiot and no, I didn’t. Although I think Ian did.”

“Ian? Where does Ian come in here?”

“It was something he said before he left for Michigan. About how he was surprised you came to Australia before Minouche could join you.”

Pieter rose up on his elbow, “She was finishing up a work commitment but what did he say exactly?”

Grant was silent for a moment then said, “I don’t remember exactly. It was something about you slipping the leash. I was surprised because Ian can be catty but usually not that catty. He just said it was obvious that Minouche couldn’t stand for you having a moment of fun with or without her.”

“Humph. Well, I don’t want to say Ian was right . . .”

“But he was, wasn’t he? As long as you were miserable, she was satisfied.”

“Yes.” Pieter said thoughtfully then shook his head. “And enough about the subject for now. We’ll never get to sleep if we keep on it.”

“All right. Give us a kiss, love.”

“I already kissed you,” Pieter mock complained as he leaned forward and kissed Grant anyway.

“But your kisses wipe away the bad things.” Grant explained a few moments later.

From the tone, Pieter could hear that Grant had managed to sound completely serious but the slight shaking of the bed betrayed him. “And I have a mountain outside of Amsterdam to sell you.”

&&

Grant woke up that morning and opened his eyes, realizing after a minute that he was lying in a very strange position. His body had been twisted around in the night and Pieter was wrapped all around him. Pieter’s right knee was bent and pressing against his back, Pieter’s left leg was draped over his waist and Pieter’s arms were both holding and pinning his upper body to the bed.

It was unusual but it was rather comfortable and he felt well rested. He hated to disturb Pieter but nature was beginning to tap dance on his bladder. Carefully, he wiggled over to the edge of the mattress and managed to get out of bed without Pieter waking up. On his way back from the bathroom, he noticed it was only six so he squeezed his way back into bed and tried to assume his previous position.

He thought he’d succeeded until he heard Pieter say, “That was interesting.”

“I didn’t know you were awake.”

“Mm. I’ve been awake for a while.”

“And you just watched me get up?”

“Yes because at first, I was wondering how we got this way and I was a little embarrassed when I realized it was all my doing.”

Grant grinned and squirmed around to face Pieter, “You woke up and had me in a wrestling hold, yet you thought I did it?”

“Yes, because you are sly like that.”

“Hm. I don’t agree.”

“Of course you don’t. So, how did you sleep?”

“Well. Very well. And you?”

“I did as well. Can I tell you something?”

“Certainly.”

Pieter leaned in close and whispered, “Last night was the first time I slept through the night in months.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Usually I’d wake up every two or three hours.”

“Was there a reason?”

“No. Just anxiety.”

“But that’s a reason.” Grant pointed out.

“Oh. Yes, I guess it is. So what time is it?”

“Just after six. Too early for breakfast.”

“Yes. Are you still sleepy?” Pieter asked with a yawn.

“No. Not really. What would you say to a swim?”

“The pools don’t open until ten unless you want to use the one downstairs.”

“The puddle sized pool?”

“That’s the one.”

“Hm. No thanks. I don’t want to stay in bed because a) I’ll get overly tired and cranky and b) you are very tempting with your hair all mussed.” Grant’s said, ending in a growly whisper in Pieter’s ear.

“Oh, all right.” Pieter sighed as he tried not to blush and straighten out his hair. “We’ll get up and see the sights until we’re hungry. Do you want the shower first?”

&&

At five pm, Grant peddled along behind Pieter, heading back to the hire shop. They’d started out walking that morning but after breaking their fast around ten, Pieter suggested renting bikes.

Grant hadn’t spent such a long time in the saddle in years but it had been a good idea. He and Pieter had covered most of the city and they’d seen things even Pieter hadn’t viewed before.

“Are you as hungry as I am?” Grant asked once they’d checked the bikes in.

“Yes. We’ll need to hurry or we’ll have to dine without showering.”

“We’re dining?”

“Yes, we have reservations at La Terrasse, the hotel’s brasserie.”

“Ah. Good, because I don’t think I can walk much further than the lobby.”

“Oh, are you sore?” Pieter asked in mock sympathy.

“Yes dammit. I had no idea I was so out of shape.”

“You look fine to me.”

“I’m glad you think so but I’m feeling the ride in my legs. Too much traveling and not enough training.”

“Training for what?”

“That’s a good question. I was quite happy to tone down my routine once I retired but I miss it.”

“Me too. Grant, where do you want to live?”

Taken aback at the sudden change of subject, Grant paused. “I hadn’t really thought about it. We could live here.”

“You like the Netherlands?”

“Sure. It’s okay.”

“But just okay? And don’t worry about offending me.” Pieter said. “I know it’s not for everyone.”

“But if this is where you want to live.”

“It can’t all be about me. Do I look like Ian?”

“Now that you mention it . . .”

“Don’t make me poke you, Grant. I’m serious. I wouldn’t have any objection to Australia.”

“But it wouldn’t be your first choice.”

“I didn’t say that. I liked Sydney – get that look off your face – and Brisbane. I just don’t think I’ve spent enough time in either place. Would you object to living in the States for a few years, just until I finish my residency?”

“If that’s where you want to go, I’m all for it.” Grant replied with enthusiasm.

“Really? Even if it was Philadelphia?” Pieter asked, just as they arrived at the hotel.

Grant didn’t answer until they were in their room but Pieter could tell Grant was seriously thinking about his question.

“Well, Ian and Michael are there so we’d have friends near by. I would be close to New York and Washington D.C. for my research. It’s a nice city, lots of parks and good public transportation. I don’t think it would be a hardship. Are you serious about doing your residency there?”

“I’ve been thinking about it. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is a great facility but Temple has an orthopedic surgery and sports medicine program with rotations at their Children’s Medical Center and the Shriners for Children. The program head, Dr. Hurley, has developed several intriguing therapies for repetitive stress injuries in young athletes.”

“Well, I got the gist of that but I’ll bow to your superior knowledge in the field.” Grant said with a self-depreciating laugh.

“Good, now go get in the shower or we’ll have to scrounge for dinner.”

&&

July 16, 2009 the Netherlands

They traveled back to Geldrop the next afternoon by train. There weren’t many other travelers so they could sit together but as was their custom, didn’t really talk much. Neither of them was interested in chit-chat and whatever personal conversation they could have would wait until they had privacy.

At least that’s what Pieter thought until Grant scrawled something on the corner of his notebook.

:Are you still planning to go to I & M’s wedding?:

Pieter pulled his pen out and wrote back:

:Yes. Why wouldn’t I?:

:Just checking. I have a meeting in Brisbane the week before but I can fly here on Sunday and we can fly to NYC together Monday:

:Monday? All right but only if we can stay at that library place you were telling me about:

:I’ll take care of the reservations:

Pieter nodded and put his pen away, letting Grant get back to his work.

&&

They arrived back at the apartment around five. Pieter followed Grant into the den and started packing things up.

“Pieter?”

“What? You’re moving into my room.” Pieter said, and then realized he was being pushy. “If you’d like. I’d like it if you would.”

“No, no. I’d like that too. Are you sure? What about Robert?”

“He’ll just have to deal with it and yes, I’m sure.”

“All right but those aren’t my sweaters.”

Pieter looked down and realized he’d been packing his own clothes he’d stored in the den for the summer. “Ah. Right. I’m a little nervous.”

“Me too but we’ll get by.”

Moving Grant’s things into Pieter’s room took over an hour but only because they needed to move the bed away from the wall and rearrange the furniture. Once that was done, they went downstairs, made and ate dinner and while Grant did some research on his laptop, Pieter watched TV.

They both looked up when the garden gate clanged and a tired looking Robert entered with a pizza box.

“Hello Pieter, hello Grant. How was the big city?”

“Good. What have you been doing?” Pieter asked.

“The team had road practice today.”

“Ah. Since when?”

“Since today. We lost a practice match on Saturday to the ‘B’ team. Very embarrassing.”

“So running?”

“Yes, ten kilometers followed by biking for twenty. Do you want pizza?”

“No, we already ate. You should take a long bath followed by stretching to avoid cramps.”

“After I eat, Dr. van den Hoogenband. And please wake me up if I fall asleep.”

“Will do.”

Robert must have gulped his food down because he was upstairs five minutes later and the water started running.

“Pieter?”

“Yes, Grant?”

“Stop me from doing a horrible thing.”

Pieter turned around and saw the evil look in Grant’s face. “What are you planning for my poor helpless brother?”

“I was going to slip into my jammies. My special jammies.”

Snorting, Pieter turned back around. “I’m my brother’s keeper, not yours. But it would be very cruel of you to wait until he is asleep in there.”

“Oh? I thought he was joking.”

“No. He always falls asleep in the bath. For the record, I am not encouraging you. I’m just conveying information.”

“Right. You keep telling yourself that.”

Thirty minutes later, Grant put away his work and computer and silently glided upstairs. A short while later, Pieter heard the bathroom door open followed by a startled yell and a loud splash. Grant, laughing hysterically, came skittering down the stairs wearing his psycho-bunny suit with an angry naked Robert brandishing a back scrubber.

“Hackett! I’m going to get you for that!”

Grant ran around the couch Pieter was sitting on, turned quickly when Robert changed direction and then headed for the dining room table. Pieter turned to watch the race, laughing so hard he fell off the couch but really didn’t care.

Robert almost caught Grant by the front door but Grant’s superior height and ability to leap over both the coffee table and couch saved him. Pieter heard them both pounding up the stairs and the slam of a door.

“I can break the door down, Hackett!”

“It’s your brother’s door!”

“I don’t care! He can buy a new door! You can buy him a new door! Come out of there!”

“No!”

Pieter got up off the floor and went upstairs, holding onto the railing and holding his ribs.

“Come out of there, kangaroo boy!” Robert shouted.

“No! Not even if you were wearing wooden shoes. Not even if you had your own windmill! Go dike yourself!”

Robert turned and spotted Pieter, “Are you going to let him talk to me this way?”

Pieter shrugged and propped himself up on the wall. “You’re a big boy.” Then he dropped his eyes. “Well, age-wise anyway.”

“Oooh! Burn! Good one, Pieter!” Grant said from the other side of the door.

“Hey! This isn’t fair. You’re both picking on me!”

“Yeah? What are you gonna do about it?” Grant asked as he cracked open the door.

Robert whirled around and went for the door but Grant was too quick.

“Dammit! Come out of there.”

“Pieter, you were right about the size thing!” Grant sang out from his safe position.

Robert turned such a bright red that for a moment, Pieter thought he was having a fit of some kind. He was relieved when Robert only turned for the bathroom, cursing them both under his breath. A loud slam was his final word and Grant peeked out from the bedroom.

“Is he gone?”

“Yes and he’s going to tell Mother.”

“Sure he will. ‘Mum, Grant woke me up in the bath and I chased him around the house naked.’ Maybe all those women were just him overcompensating.”

“I heard that!” Robert shouted.

Pieter snickered and pushed Grant into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.

“You need to get out of that . . . that costume.” Pieter said, waving his hand.

“Right.” Grant replied and reached for the zipper.

Pieter was busy trying not to notice the broad chest that was slowly being revealed and didn’t hear the bedroom door open. Robert, now wearing sweat pants, launched himself through the air and into Grant, both of them landing on the bed with such a big bounce, they ended up on the floor at Pieter’s feet.

Grant, who was half in and half out of the bunny suit, squirmed and shoved until he was laying half on top of Robert with his arm pinned under Robert’s shoulders. Pieter, who was enjoying the show, took a seat on the bed to watch.

“All right, English. Do you give?” Robert gasped out.

“English? English! I’m not English, I’m a Queenslander. And you’re the one who should give since you can’t move.”

“Of course I can’t move. You must weight a hundred and fifty kilos.”

Suddenly, Grant’s arm was free but Robert was still pinned. Grant let his hand hover over Robert’s ribs in a menacing manner. “Are you calling me fat?”

“Yes! That’s the only reason you can out wrestle me.”

“You call this wrestling? This is just a little tussle. If you want to wrestle, we both need to be naked and oiled up.”

“Gah! Like I want to see you naked!” Robert yelled then paused as he considered their half-naked bodies. “Oh god, tell me you’re wearing underwear!”

“Hm. I don’t think I am.”

“Aah!” Robert screamed, in what Pieter considered a very girlish manner. Somehow his little brother managed to wretch himself out from under Grant and scrambled out the door, once again taking refuge in the bathroom whilst yelling about having to shower again.

Grant laughed, stood up and shuffled over to lock the bedroom door before taking the suit off. “Pieter, I had no idea your brother was such a homophobe.”

“Me either. And you are too wearing underwear.”

“Of course I am. This material chaffs. Do you think we’re safe for the rest of the night or should I expect further attempts at reprisal?” Grant asked as he pulled on a pair of jeans and a shirt.

“We? I’m not the one who mentioned naked oily wrestling. Once he recovers, he’ll keep trying to get you.”

“Then you’ll just have to watch my back. Let’s go downstairs. That soccer program you like will be on in a few minutes.” Grant said, unlocking the door and waving Pieter forward.

“Football.” Pieter corrected automatically.

“Soccer.” Grant countered.

&&

August 14, 2009 Geldrop, the Netherlands

“I can take you to the train station.” Pieter offered again as he carried Grant’s suitcase down the stairs.

“I’d rather you didn’t.” Grant said, as he packed up his laptop. “Don’t take this the wrong way but it’s too hard to saying goodbye to you like we’re just friends.”

“Oh. How else am I supposed to take it then?”

Grant sighed and turned to Pieter, resting his hand on Pieter’s shoulder and tilting his head down so he could look into Pieter’s eyes. “I understand why we can’t take our relationship public but it’s hard because I love you. Casually saying good bye at the train station, it’s painful. I want to be able to hold you and kiss you when I leave.”

Pieter shuffled forward and leaned his head on Grant’s chest. “All right. You are amazingly patient about all of this. If it helps, I wasn’t looking forward to just shaking your hand.”

“That does help.” Grant said, sighing as he put his arms around Pieter and nuzzled the dark hair. “I’m going to try to come back on Saturday. Can you leave on Sunday?”

“Yes. I’ve taken the whole week off.”

“Good. We’ll have over two days before we board the ship. What are we going to tell Ian and Michael when they ask about Minouche?”

“I haven’t decided. I don’t want to tell them the whole sordid tale, not during their wedding.”

“The only sordid bit is the way Minouche behaved. Do you intend to eventually come clean?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll go along with whatever you say. Now, give us a kiss.”

Pieter complied happily until the beep of the taxi interrupted them. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too. Take care of yourself and I’ll call you as soon as I land in Brisbane.”

&&

August 22, 2009 Heathrow Airport

“Grant!”

“Pieter! You made it!”

“Yes.” Pieter said with a grin as he hugged then kissed his boyfriend.

Grant hesitated in surprise but quickly threw himself into the kiss. “Well, that was nice.”

“It was, wasn’t it? We’re not in Holland.”

“Ah. Well, then meeting here was an even better idea than I originally thought.”

Grant’s original travel plan was to fly from Brisbane through London into Brussels then fly back through London to New York with Pieter. Pieter, who thought it was silly for Grant to fly an extra leg suggested meeting in London and here they were.

“We have two hours. Would you like to get dinner?” Grant asked.

“Robert’s right about you.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, you travel on your stomach. And dinner is good. Where?”

“The first class lounge. That way we can sleep through the flight and have all day tomorrow to explore.”

“I’ve been to New York before.”

“I know but we’ve never been there together as tourists. It’ll be fun.”

&&
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Diplomatic Relations