Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

Last Swim	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8134 -:- 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
- 6
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- 8
Planing

February 25, 2005 Wadigi Island, Fiji

“You know we could buy this island, declare ourselves an independent country, join the IOC and have a really kick ass swim team.”

Ian looked over at Michael who was currently laying face down on a lounge chair, working on his tan. They’d awoken early and after a quick swim in the ocean, they’d eaten a large breakfast on the pool deck. They were both currently ensconced on the beach, buck naked and wiling away the morning.

After taking a moment to admire Michael’s tan line which perfectly framed the other man’s taut buttocks, Ian put his water down and turned over on his own stomach.

“We’ll have to work pretty quickly on the whole citizenship issue.”

“Ah, but the beauty of my idea is that we’ll take over peacefully, armed only with swim caps and Speedos, and then declare you king.”

“Oh, if I get to be king that’s another story. What would we call our new country.”

“Phelpsiana” Michael said the word with mock reverence.

“If I’m king, why are we naming the country after you, pray tell?”

Michael turned over and reached for the sunscreen. “Oh, you named it after me, your most loyal subject and official royal concubine.”

Michael uncapped the bottle and began gingerly but thoroughly spread the cool gel over the area normally covered by his swim suit, paying careful attention to his penis.

“That was nice of me. Want some help over there? Don’t miss anything.”

“Trust me, I won’t. And you’re a very benevolent ruler, the people love you.”

“But you’re the only other citizen and let’s face it, you’re easy.”

“I’d resent that but unfortunately itrue.rue. Soon others would join us, drawn to our serene little kingdom but they’d only be allowed to worship you from afar. And speaking of worshipping, hold still.”

Michael leaned over and began to spread sunscreen across Ian’s bottom. Ian wasn’t as pale in that area as Michael but no sense taking chances.

“So, here’s a problem. The pool isn’t big enough to train in.”

“I have a crack money making idea so we’d be able to build a world-class facility.” Michael looked down and realized where his hand was, “Uh, no pun intended.”

“Would this be part of your concubine duties?” Ian wiggled a little, enjoying Michael’s touch.

“Of course, I’d also be in charge of kissing the royal mouth every morning, sleeping next to the royal body… you get the idea.”

“I do indeed. So, the money?”

“Well, I hear there’s a hot market on EBay for snips of your hair, so imagine what we could get for your chest hair? Not to mention your pubes. We could buy Hawaii, the way you grow the stuff.”

“I should never have told you about that. And are you implying that I’m some kind of furry man-beast?”

“It made the New York Times, Ian. And your not furry . . .your just kind of-“

“Don’t say it!”

“Fluffy!” Michael jumped up, grabbed his goggles and ran for the water, Ian hot on his heels. Once he was in the water, he dove under a wave and began trying to put as much distance between them as he could. Of course, Ian could swim just as fast as Michael could and soon caught up with him, snagging him by the ankle and dragging him under.

They grappled with each other in the water; dunking and splashing around until they were both a little winded, leaning against each other in the waist deep water.

“So was it really weird?”

“What? That woman trying to sell clipping of my hair?”

“Yeah.”

“It was at first but it wasn’t like it was really my hair. It bothered me more that she was using my name to scam people.”

“That was nice of you, reimbursing them.”

Ian made a face, “Well, I really didn’t want to, bunch of weirdoes if you ask me. Who goes around buying other people’s hair from strangers? But they did it because of me so I had to make it right.”

“That’s why you’ll make a very wise king. And for the record, I like you like this.” Michael ran his hands through Ian’s chest hair.

Ian glided his arms around Michael’s waist and rubbed his rapidly rising cock against Michael’s, leaning over to lick the spot were Michael’s jaw turned into his neck, a spot he knew Michael loved.

Michael arched his neck and slid his hands around to grip Ian’s ass, grinding them together, bringing his leg up and around Ian’s thigh. Ian dropped his hand between them and brought their cocks together, tilting his head up to capture Michael’s mouth and began stroking them to orgasm, both enjoying the slow rise and gentle release. They stood in the water afterwards, holding each other and exchanging leisurely kisses.

“You know, I realize there’s more to life than sex but you couldn’t tell it by us.”

“Oh, it’s only been three times in the last twelve hours. That hardly makes us maniacs, Michael.”

“I thought it was four?”

“I’m not counting that one around midnight. That was you having sex, I was just laying there and thinking of England.” Ian attempted to look innocent.

“I woke up with your mouth on my dick and you came all over my-” Michael said, outraged.

“Michael, let’s not quibble over the little details. Shall we go in for lunch?”

“Fine,” Michael grumped, “But I still think you have some kind of fetish about my-” Ian dipped under the water and pulled Michael’s ankles out from under him before calmly surfacing himself and starting rapidly for shore.

“Ian! I’m going to get you for that!”

Ian ran out of the surf and towards the lounge chairs, circling behind them to put the furniture between himself and Michael. Michael feigned to the right, feigned to the left and then leapt over the chairs to knock Ian down in the, thankfully, soft sand.

Ian landed half on his side with Michael straddling his legs and tried to scramble out from under his lover.

“Ha! Now, you’re going to have to pay!” Michael started to inch his fingers towards Ian’s ticklish knees.

“No! Is this anyway to treat your king?” Ian cried theatrically.

“It is when he’s been very naughty.”

^^
“Okay, sand wrestling is not allowed in Phelpsiana, it’s just too hazardous.” Michael shook his head, flinging sand in all directions and spitting granules from his mouth.

“Easy for you to say, I was on the bottom and I think I’ve got sand in my ass.”

“You’ll get no sympathy from me, Ian Thorpe.” Michael staggered onto his feet and extended his hand down to Ian, pulling the other man up.

“Shocking. It’s shocking the way royalty is treated these days.”

Michael rolled his eyes and continued trying to brush the sand off himself. “We really need a shower.”

“Yes and food.”

“Oh. Food. Food would be very good.” They both started trudging through the sand towards the outdoor shower.

*************
“Michael?”

“Yeah, Ian?”

“I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”

Michael raised his head from the chaise lounge and thought about turning over but he was much too relaxed from the massage he’d just gotten. Turning his head in Ian’s general direction would have to suffice.

“Sounds serious.”

“Not really. I’ve been asked to work at the Montreal meet.”

“Work? You’re not talking about sweeping up around the pool, right?”

“Ha, ha funny boy. I’d reach over and spank you if a) you actually had an ass and b) I could move my arm.”

“I do so have an ass, you certainly seemed to have no problem finding it this morning and-”

“Michael.”

“Oh? Topic. Okay. So, Ian what are you going to be doing in Montreal?”

“I’ll be doing color commentary for ESPN.”

“Wow. Ian, that’s fantastic! What a great opportunity for you.”

“Thank you. You know this means I might end up interviewing you, are you okay with that?”

“It’ll be a little strange. Uh, when are you planning on getting to Montreal?”

“I’ll be in the States on the eighth but I don’t have to be in New York until the eleventh, competition starts on the seventeenth. I was hoping that you wouldn’t mind me dropping in for a few days before head to New York.”

“That’s a really good idea.”

“Yes, I think we’ll both be better off not seeing each other for the first time in months while the cameras are rolling.” Ian said dryly.

“We could buy Jamaica if we sold the rights to *that* interview. Once more, I find myself amazed by your sheer brilliance.” Michael again tried to move. “I’ll come over and thank you in a few minutes.”

“So not a problem, me being there while you’re in training?”

“Nah, I’ll just have to keep it in mind when I start my taper. And I’m going to have to tell Bob, aren’t I?”

“Not necessarily.”

“You don’t think Bob will notice you’re hanging around?”

“I can stay out at the house, you know.”

“I’m not going to ask you to hide out like that.”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering.”

“And I appreciate that but it would be too much like lying. I don’t mind being discreet but I won’t lie about you.”

“Even if this puts us a little ahead of schedule?”

“Well, it does but we knew we’d have to be flexible. Yeah, I would have liked to wait until after you were back competing so we could prove our relationship wasn’t going to affect us in the pool but I don’t think Bob will buy that you’re just hanging around to be my towel boy.”

“We could tell him I was there to get some background for the interview.”

Michael hauled himself up and padded over to Ian’s lounge, perching on the edge to look down into his lover’s troubled eyes. “Ian, I love you. Nothing is going to change that.”

“Not even if Bob gives you a gobful?”

“Not even then.” Michael cupped his hand on Ian’s cheek and gently kissed Ian on the mouth. “What is it about Bob that gives you the willies?”

“He could really throw a wrench in the works if he has a mind to.”

“Yeah he could and if he does, we’ll deal with it.”

“Even if it messes up your career?”

“He’s a great coach and we’ve worked well together for a long time but if he couldn’t work with me because I’m involved with you, there are other coaches I could work with.”

“Michael, that’s…” Ian looked stunned.

“Crazy?” Michael grinned wryly. “I don’t think it’s going to come to that, I hope it doesn’t anyway. But if it does, I’ll be ready for it.”

“But Bob is more than just your coach, love.”

“I know and that makes it a little more complicated. I’ll just have to tell him and see how it goes.”

Michael forestalled any more comments from Ian by kissing him again. Michael pushed and prodded until they were both on their sides and facing each other, wedged onto the narrow chaise.

Trailing his fingers over Ian’s face Michael whispered “Your skin is so soft.”

“I told you that you should have gotten a facial along with your massage,” Ian answered also whispering.

“I’ll have to get one tomorrow.” Michael bent his head and took Ian’s earlobe in his teeth.

“Yes, you really-” Ian paused to catch his breath. Michael’s hand had wandered down and began stroking in the crease of Ian’s ass. “Oh, what are you doing?”

Michael looked up from his through scrutiny of Ian’s left nipple. “I’m thanking you. Want me to stop?”

“Stop?” Ian said faintly as Michael’s finger began circling his anus. “No-o. Oh, don’t stop.”

***
“You know, I think the problem here is with your feet.”

“My feet?”

“Yeah, your feet are obviously so dainty you’re having a hard time getting traction on the board.”

“So you’re saying that because I don’t have luxury cruise liners at the end of my legs, I can’t use a surfboard?”

“*My* feet are perfectly portioned to the rest of my body.”

“Sure they are, if you were King Kong.”

“Shut up and get back on the board.”

“Right now? Are you sure you don’t have a building to climb right now, a city to terrorize?”

“Oh! That’s it. I’m never having sex with you again.”

“Never?”

“Well, at least not for another hour.”

“I don’t see why you’re so sensitive about them. I think they’re kind of cute. Will you let me suck on your toes sometime? I think I’d like to try that.”

“I…” Ian stood speechless for a moment. “Do you have some kind of list you’re working through?”

“What? Of things I’d like to try?”

“Yes.”

“Maybe a little mental one. You liked that thing last night with the chocolate sauce, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes although it made a horrible mess on the towels.”

“You kept squirming around.”

“You’d squirm too if someone was doing that to you.”

Michael smiled primly. “I just hate wasting food.”
*

planing - moving over the top of the water rather than through it.

(NEW CHAPTER - name not typed in!)

July 8 2005 Detroit Airport

Ian walked off the plane, carefully maneuvering through the crowds and quickly found the baggage claim. The luggage from his flight was not yet in the carousel so he found a good vantage point in front of a column and leaned back to wait.

Although he was tired from the long flight, he was eager to see Michael again. It had been four long months since he’d waved goodbye to Michael. They’d flown from Nadi through Honolulu to Chicago together, splitting up to travel on to their own destinations; Ian had flown on to New York for his postponed meetings, Michael went back to Ann Arbor.

They traveled together to eke out every moment of their time together and parting in public had been frustrating but they’d managed, going back to the twice a week phone calls and daily emails had been harder.

Ian jingled the change in his pocket, shifting his feet restlessly and thinking back over the last few months. He’d been strangely restless after returning to Australia in mid-March. Everyone around him had noticed but he hadn’t been willing to talk to anyone.

*****
One morning in June, he’d woken up after a sleepless night and after floating around his pool instead of swimming, he’d gotten out gotten dressed and proceeded to seek out everyone important in his life currently in Sydney.

Once he’d found that person or persons, he’d pulled them aside, found a private place and said, “I’m in love. His name is Michael, he lives in the States. I’m thinking about moving there.”

Reaction had been mixed. His parents, sister and brother-in-law had been supportive but concerned. His coach had tried to be understanding but was worried. His manager was in denial. Grant and Pieter had laughed their asses off.

“About time, mate. You’ve only been in love with him since you were seventeen.”

“I haven’t.”

Pieter and Grant exchanged a look and shook their heads in a pitying manner.

“Ian, my poor deluded friend. Do you remember what you said the first time you saw him?” Pieter asked.

Ian shrugged. “I have no idea. I was a little busy at the time, if you’ll remember.”

Grant bounced around in his seat, jabbing his arm in the air. “Oh, I know, I know.”

“Mr. Hackett?”

“Ian said, ‘Wow! Who is that? He’s incredible.”

“So what? He’s an incredible swimmer. He was even then.” Ian leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his beer.

Grant snorted. “Ian, he was standing beside the pool talking to som, he, he hadn’t even gotten wet yet.”

“He was laughing at-” Ian put his head down on the table as Pieter and Grant both whooped. Ian had honestly not remembered that moment, when he’d looked across the warm up pool at the sound of a man laughing. The sight of a tall slender body with a small Speedo hanging off slim barely there hips; the head thrown back and arms slightly extended as if to embrace the world.

Ian cut that thought off. Oh dear god. He’d forgotten about it, pushed it down and packed it away. When he’d discovered the laughing man was only fifteen. Had just gotten out of braces. Aside from feeling like a pervert, Ian had also been appalled at the first hint that he might not be as straight as he’d always thought he was.

“Pieter? Why didn’t you say something back in October?”

“Say what? You were still figuring it out. Besides, do you really thought any of us bought that ‘protect Michael’ thing because you were concerned about his *career*?”

“And it only took you five years.” Grant threw his two cents in.

Ian sat up and stared at his friends. “Why aren’t you trying to talk me out of this? What about my career? My reputation, the fact that’s he’s a man?”

“So you’re gay or bisexual or whatever. Not like either of us can say we’ve never been both sides of that fence. And I’d rather see you in a good solid relationship than fucking anything that moves like you were a few years ago.” Grant said, not pulling any punches.

“Oi!”

“Really, Ian. You were a bit of a slut for a while, you can’t deny it. As for your career? The clock doesn’t care you’re sleeping with.” Pieter put in.

“But my sponsors, the public?”

“Your sponsors would be crazy to drop you; you could sue the pants off of them for discrimination and even if you lost one or two, there would be others lining up to sign you. Speedo still endorses Louganis; they’d kill to steal you away from Adidas.”

“Grant’s right. As for the public, there will probably be uproar and some people will hate your guts but there are small minded petty people everywhere and someone’s always going to hate you for something.”

“Pieter and I figured that if it got too crazy here, you could always threaten to go swim for England. That’ll take the starch out of them. And god knows they could use the help.”

“Or Canada, their team sucks too.”

“I’m glad to see you two have things all worked out.” Ian said weakly.

“Well, we bonded while you were in Fiji when we realized that both of us knew what had been going on and really, what are friends for but to organize your life?” Pieter smiled impishly and turned to-

****
“Sir? Sir? Excuse me.”

Ian came back to the present to find an older man in a police uniform waving his hand in Ian’s face.

“Oh, I’m sorry. My mind was wandering.” Ian shook his head and straightened up.

“Are those your bags?” The cop gestured to two bags set over by the now empty carousel with another cop standing beside them.

“Yes, they look like mine. There should have name tags-”

“If you would please step over here and identify them?”

The officer was polite but resolute. Ian stepped over and checked the suitcases and confirmed they were indeed his bags.

“I’m awfully sorry for this, Officer.”

“Not a problem, Mr. Thorpe, it must be long trip, coming from Australia.”

“Uh, yes. Yes it is.” Ian wondered how long he’d been standing there if they’d had time to investigate him.

“Do you have someone meeting you?”

“No, I have a rental reserved.”

“Well, I’d be happy to give you a ride over there, Mr. Thorpe.” The officer gestured to a golf cart over by the windows.

At Ian’s sort of baffled look, the cop laughed sheepishly. “My oldest daughter’s a big fan; she has a poster of you on her bedroom door. She’d give me hell if I didn’t treat you right.”

Ian laughed a little, “Oh, I was worried you were trying to get me out your airport as quickly as possible.”

After a chatty ride with Sgt. Wilkins and a couple of autographs for his eighteen year old daughter; Ian soon found himself on the road at the wheel of red Sebring convertible and speeding towards Michael with the top down.

**
Michael was a little twitchy in the pool. Partly because he was a week away from the Worlds but mostly because he knew Ian was coming in sometime today.

Ian had refused to tell him the exact time, not wanting him to take any time away from training. Michael appreciated the sentiment but now he’d have to greet Ian under Bob’s eagle eye.

Michael flipped over and pushed off. His conversation with Bob in March had strained things between them for a while. Bob had objected to Michael and Ian’s relationship, not out of homophobia but because they were competitors. And for different countries.

Michael had pointed out that he didn’t swim against Ian; he swam against himself and against the clock but Bob wasn’t convinced. However, his coach had decided to defer any permanent judgment and reserved the right to say ‘I told you so’ if Michael had a meltdown mid-pool.

Not a totally positive result but Bob had made a real effort to stand back and just be a coach over the last two years and was willing to give Michael the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

Michael touched the wall on his final lap and swam over to the ladder, pulling out of the water and slipping on his deck shoes in one smooth motion. He was already in taper so it hadn’t been his normal workout but he still felt good.

He kicked off the shoes and slipped into the hot tub as Bob walked up and they started discussing the swim, the next few days of training and travel arrangements.

Bob had looked down to double check something on his clipboard when Michael suddenly fell silent, his eyes glued to the front door. Bob turned around in time to see Ian striding in, dressed casually in khaki trousers and pale polo shirt, his eyes sweeping around the large room until they found Michael.

The genuine smile of joy on Ian’s faced matched the one on Michael’s. Well fuck, Bob thought. He’d been halfway convinced that Ian’s interest in Michael was some kind of mind game.

“Ah, Coach Bowman. Nice to see you again.”

“Ian, you can call me Bob. And nice to see you again too.”

The two men shook hands before Ian turned to Michael. “Hi Michael. How have you been?”

“I’ve been good, how about you?”

Bob stifled a smirk at the oh-so casual greeting. “Ian, Michael’s got another ten minutes in the tub. You want to come back to the office or hang out here for awhile?”

Ian was acutely aware of Michael and the stares that the other people in the area were giving him. He glanced down at Michael wi rai raised eyebrow and Michael nodded slightly.

“Actually, I had a few questions for you if you have the time.”

Bob ushered Ian towards the office area, the two chatting informally about the facility and the latest news until Bob closed his office door.

“Thank you.” Ian said gratefully and slumped down in the chair Bob had waved at.

“For what?” Bob threw his clipboard on the credenza and sat down behind his desk.

“For not making this more difficult than it already is.” Ian didn’t just mean Bob’s maneuver out at the pool.

Bob shrugged, not willing to admit anything at this point. “Good thing you’ve got that television gig or the rumors would be flying.”

It was Ian’s turn to shrug and he said casually, “Actually the rumors might not be far off. I’ve been thinking of moving to the States.”

It was a good thing Bob was sitting down. “What?”

“I’d been planning to go to Europe this year anyway, once I start seriously training again. But America has some fine facilities and it’s much more convenient than Australia for competitions.”

“But what about your coach?”

“I’ve been very happy with Tracy and we’ve had good results but she’s not willing to relocate regardless of where I end up. I don’t intend to totally abandon Australia; I’m just looking to expand my options. Tracy would still be in the picture.”

They both ruminated over that for a minute.

“So, you have any facilities in mind?” Bob said carefully.

Ian decided to lay his cards on the table. “I’d like something close to Michael, so we can see each other. Training here would be ideal but I’m not sure he and I could actually train in the same facility. I’m not sure if we should.”

“I can see you’ve put a lot of thought in this.” Bob allowed himself to be briefly enamored with the idea of working with another world class athlete and the sheen it would put on his career but Ian was right.

“I don’t want either of our careers to suffer because of our relationship.”

“You know once people find out about your relationship, there are going to be problems.”

“Yeah, we both know. I’m sure you think we’re both being incredibly foolish.”

“Not foolish. But I am amazed at how quiet you’ve kept this.”

“Well, it may not be quiet for long. I’d like to make a proposal. Michael and I were planning on visiting his mum in Baltimore after Montreal. I’ve cleared my schedule and I’d like to come back here for a month or so and see how it works. Both in the pool and out. Is that possible?”

“It could be arranged. That would be a good time to try things out. Michael doesn’t have a meet scheduled until November in Portugal.”

“Yes, I know. I’m scheduled for that too. If things go well the first month, I’d like to stay through that meet and we can go from there depending on both of our results. Now, this is all dependent on how Michael feels of course.”

“You haven’t even talked to him about this?”

“No, because I wanted to talk to you first and he’s too close to the meet to even mention something like this. That’s your decision as his coach. But I’d like to wait until after he’s done. This is his pool, you’re his coach, and it’ll be his house. And it’ll mean he and I are that much closer to going public.”

“Ah, okay. You’re planning on living with him?”

“Bob, I’m not moving nine thousand miles to live across town from him and sneak around.”

“So, big step.”

“And all subject to his approval.”

“Well, I don’t have to do anything official for you to swim here through August so I guess you’ll just have to talk to him while you’re in Maryland. You and I can speak about this further once you’re back here.”

“Good enough. Thank you, Bob.”

“Fine, whatever. Now get out of here, I’ve got work to do.” Bob flapped his hand towards the door, hiding a smile. Maybe the kid would stop moping around now.

***
Ian walked down the stairs after leaving Bob’s office. He hadn’t expected things to go so well. Michael had reported that Bob wasn’t very favorable about their relationship so Ian had been rather unsure of how Bob would react to his proposal.

“Hi!”

Ian looked down the stairs to see Michael coming up them. “Well, hi there stranger!”

“Are you all done?” They asked simultaneously and then laughed.

“I guess we’re both done?” Ian said with a grin.

“Yep,” Michael turned around and began heading down. “How’d things go with Bob?”

“We had a nice conversation.”

“Really? I was kind of worried.”

“It went very well, no worries.”

Ian held the door open for Michael and they exited the building. “So, do you still remember how to get to the house from here?”

“Sure but I thought I’d just follow you.”

“I kind of need to stop at the grocery store first, there’s not a lot of food at home.” Michael looked down a little sheepishly.

“Michael!”

“I cook every once in a while but it’s not much fun when it’s just me. But they have a really good food service on campus so I’m not starving or anything.”

“No wonder your mother worries about you. And don’t think you’re going shopping without me.”

***
“Okay, so maybe coming back to the house first to drop off my car and make a list wasn’t such a good idea.”

“I don’t know, I think it was a fantastic idea.” Michael bent his head and kissed Ian.

“But this floor is a little hard. Couldn’t you have waited until we’d gotten to a rug or something?”

“Who kissed who first?”

“We didn’t even get our clothes off. Now we’re going to have to change.”

“Oh, we can take a shower together. I really missed showering with you.”

“I missed showering with you too but not this time.”

“But Ian!”

“No. First you get me upstairs then we’re in the shower and then it’s the bed and the next thing I know, you’re gnawing off one of my legs because you’re hungry. No way.”

“I guess this means the romance is gone from our relationship.”

“There’s nothing romantic about cannibalism. Now, go on. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes. And don’t even thinking of ambushing me up there.”

“Damn.” Michael pouted for a minute.

“Hey,” Ian pecked Michael on the lips. “I still love you. And I want to spend hours showing you just how much I missed you but you,” Ian flicked Michael’s nose. “Are in training and you need to keep up with your diet.”

“All right, Mr. Spock. But I’m going under protest.”

Ian waited until Michael was down the hall and then looked down at his pants and grimaced. He hadn’t come in his pants since, well ever. He unzipped and cleaned up a little with a wet paper towel before taking a quick look around Michael’s cupboards and making a rudimentary list.

He heard the shower turn off and turned to check the fridge and froze at the sight of a picture of himself and Michael stuck on the front with a little heart magnet.

It was obviously taken in Athens after Ian had won the 200 Free and printed off a website. He and Michael were bumping fists and sort of smiling at each other.

“Oh, I meant to take that down before you got here.”

Ian turned to see Michael, bare-chested and rubbing a towel over his hair.

“Why?”

“Seems like the kind of thing a teenager would do.” Michael said sheepishly.

“I find it kind of sweet actually. You don’t kiss it every night or something?”

“No, Ian. I save that for the life sized cut out I sleep with.”

Ian laughed and tweaked one of Michael’s nipples. “Well, did you hide it so I’m not freaked out when I get up there?”

“Yeah, yeah. All hidden away along with my Ian Thorpe undies.”

“No need to hide those. They’re very popular.”

“Yeah, but how many people have ones actually worn by you?”

&&&

“Michael, I’ve very impressed.”

“I told you I was practicing my cooking.”

“Still, it was very good and you had everything ready at the same time, that’s pretty hard to master.”

“So, you want take a walk? Give the food a chance to digest?”

“Sure. I need to stretch my legs for a bit.”

“Great, there’s a trail down to the railroad tracks and back up the little pond.” Michael stood up and started clearing the table.

“Do you walk it a lot?” Ian handed him a plate and gathered up the silverware.

“I got so used to walking around campus that I’ve tried to keep it up during the summer. It’s about a half mile, nothing strenuous just nice walk.”

They loaded the dishwasher and tidied up the kitchen before heading out, Michael locking the door carefully behind him. They walked silently for a moment, Michael waving at a neighbor.

“Still no dog?”

“Nah. Lenny really worked me on that one. First he talked me out of getting a dog at a pet store and then not getting a puppy. I’m actually signed up with a couple of bred rescue groups but I’ll need to get a roommate who’ll be around when I’m not. Not that the groups are against kennels or single people but a dog needs constant supervision in the beginning.”

“Any line on a roommate?” Ian asked, trying to be casual.

“Well, I’ve gotten used to the privacy, especially when you’re here.” Michael smiled at his lover. “But there’s this space over the detached garages, it’s got a full bath and it would be pretty simple to put in a kitchen. The guy who inspected the house when I bought it said it had the right kind of wiring and piping up there.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that. That sounds like a good solution. You’ll have someone around but you can still run around in your underwear if you want.”

“Yeah, can’t go without that. So, what’s been going on with you? Are you excited about being on television?” At Ian’s look, Michael amended “On the other side of the camera.”

“I’m excited but it looks like it’s going to be a lot of work. Not that I’m afraid of working hard, just a big learning curve working with the American press in that capacity.”

“I think you’ll do great.”

“Thank you, Michael.”

As the rounded a curve, Ian spotted a group of kids sitting on the curb looking in their direction. When they spotted them, they jumped up and started shouting Michael’s name.

Ian grinned and had time to say, “Fan club, Michael?” before the kids were crowding around them, all vying for Michael’s attention. Ian estimated there were seven or eight kids, between six and ten but it was hard to tell the way they were milling about.

“Okay, okay. I can’t hear anything when you’re all talking at once. Whose turn is it to be the spokesperson?”

A cute little girl stepped forward jumping up and down in her excitement, “Me! It’s me!”

“Hi Marissa.”

“Hi Michael.” Suddenly shy, Marissa looked down until one of the boys, her older brother by the resemblance, leaned over and poked her. “Oh, will you play basketball with us?”

Michael looked like he was seriously considering the question for a minute. “Well, I can’t play basketball tonight,” The kids all groaned in disappointment. “But we could play a game of Dog. That okay with you?”

The kids all cheered and one of them began to tug on Michael’s hand. “Wait a minute. Guys, this is my friend, Ian. Ian’s from Australia, which is almost ten thousand miles from here. Ian, these are my friends Marissa, Charlie, Sienna, Garrett, Tommy, Mykala, Henry and Jimmy. Say hello, everyone.”

“Hi kids. Nice to meet you.” Ian nodded to the kids as they all echoed the greeting.

“You don’t mind, do you Ian?”

“No, go ahead. This should be fun.”

Michael allowed himself to be tugged away by Charlie, the tallest boy in the group and Ian followed as they walked up a driveway to a hoop set about six feet up on the side of a garage wall, a few arches drawn with chalk on the macadam.

Ian had no idea what the game of Dog entailed but it was very cute seeing Michael interact with the kids. After a couple of rounds, he thought it had something to do with making a basket just like the person ahead of you and getting a letter if you missed.

Michael was having a good time; picking up the kids and helping them make ridiculous shots, keeping any squabble from turning into a fight, bucking them up when they missed a basket.

Ian heard a window open above his head and looked up to see a trio of older looking girls leaning out the window.

“Hi, Michael!” They spoke in unison and kind of reminded Ian of a Greek chorus.

Michael looked up and waved. “Hi, Shelly, hi Karen, hi Ashley.” He quickly turned back to the game, shooting Ian a look as if to say “Shut up.”

Ian silently chuckled, hearing the girls giggling and carrying on. Michael must be the most popular guy in the neighborhood between the kids and the pre-teen girls.

“Girls! I told you to stay out of my bedroom! Karen, close that window and take your friends back to your own room!”

Ian started and turned his head, surprised to see a woman standing next to him looking up at the window with her hands on her hips.

“Mother!” One of the girls wailed in the way teenage girls had been wailing at their mothers for centuries. Ian remembered his own sister taking that tone with their mother.

“I mean it Karen, don’t make me come up there and send your friends home.”

Ian remembered that tone too, from his mum and chuckled.

“Sorry about that, didn’t mean to yell in your ear. I’m Joanne.” The woman wiped her hand on her jeans and offered it to Ian.

“I’m Ian, nice to meet you.” Ian said as he shook her hand.

“Oh, so you’re Michael’s friend from Australia?” Joanne sat down on the stairs next to Ian.

“Yes, did the accent give me away?”

“That and the fact that Michael turned down our pool party tomorrow because you’d be visiting.”

“Oh, I’m sorry…”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I’m kind of envious. Twenty kids high on sugar and screaming in a pool? I wish I didn’t have to be here.”

Ian laughed again. “That sounds like fun.”

“Well, it’s probably for the best. I have a hard enough time keeping Karen and her friends from hanging all over Michael. He’s really sweet about it but it gets a little old.”

“He does seem to have a fan club around here.”

“He’s a great neighbor. Good with the kids but not in a creepy way. Has a good lawn service, doesn’t drive like a teenager, and puts his garbage out at the right time.”

“All good points.”

“Sure. But Alan Brenner, the guy across the street from Michael, had the whole neighborhood in a panic. He told us some kid was buying the house, must be a drug dealer to have that kind of money at his age. Brenner’s nice enough but he’s fifty going on ninety and kind of a busy body.”

“Well thankfully when he showed up back in December, he introduced himself to Janice, who has the red house next door to him. She recognized him and that calmed everyone down. So, are you staying long?”

A little boggled at the quick change of subject, Ian took a second to catch up to her question. “Oh, just through Monday.”

“Are you swimming in Montreal too?”

Ian stared at her for a moment. “Oh you’re good.”

“Thank you Mr. Thorpe.” Joanne’s eyes twinkled. “Your face is sort of recognizable. Karen’s older sister has your poster on her bedroom door.”

Ian burst out laughing. “Your last name isn’t Wilkins, is it?”

“Yes, how did you know that?”

“I think I met your husband earlier at the airport, he’s a police officer on duty there?”

“Yes, yes he is. Isn’t that amazing?”

“What’s amazing?” Ian and Joanne looked up at Michael who was looming over them, the game obviously over.

“I met Joanne’s husband earlier at the airport. He very kindly gave me a ride from baggage claim to the car rental agency.”

“Wow that was nice. I’ve seen the way you pack, Ian.” Michael smirked and bounced the ball.

Joanne laughed. “You want some water, Michael?”

“No, thanks Joanne. We need to be getting back.”

Ian stood up and they both said goodbye to Joanne and all the kids before heading back down the driveway.

“Sorry about that, should have warned you about Joanne. She’s really nice but…”

“She can be a little overwhelming?”

“Yeah, she used to be a police officer too, but she quit after Karen was born.”

“Ah, Karen.”

“Yeah, don’t start. That’s why I lock my door and set the system.”

“She snuck into your house? You never told me about that.”

“Not her, her friend Ashley. I was in the backyard, talking to a contractor about putting in a dog run and came back up to the house. She was waiting in the kitchen. Thank god contractor guy was still with me and helped me roust her out.” He and Ian turned into Michael’s driveway.

“Did you call her parents?”

“Yeah, that’s when I had a talk with most of the parents. I’ve been really careful around the kids. They aren’t allowed to come over unless a parent is with them, not even when we play baseball in the backyard and none of them are allowed in the house. Not even to use the bathroom.”

“You’re erring on the side of caution.” Michael stopped to unlock the door and then ushered Ian in.

“You bet.”

“You know, you’re all sweaty.”

“Sorry. I’ll go up and take a shower.”

“No need.” Ian grabbed Michael by his damp t-shirt and pulled him over, laying a long deep kiss on his lover. “I like you like this.”

^^^
August 1, 2005 Flight 2303
Newark, NJ to Baltimore-Washington Airport

Ian looked over at Michael, who was peacefully snoozing with his head leaning against the bulkhead. It has been an exciting but exhausting meet.

Michael had broken three of his own world records and won all five of his individual events, just out-touching Pieter in the 200 Free. On a professional level, Ian had been amazed at how much better Michael had gotten. Most of it was natural talent but Michael’s improved stroking in the breast and better turns spoke a lot about his coaching.

Ian was suddenly looking forward to getting back in the pool and working with Bob. Of course, he hadn’t talked to Michael about it yet but he hoped Michael would agree.

The pilot came over the intercom and announced they’d be landing shortly so Ian reached over and gently shook Michael’s shoulder.

“Michael, we’re getting ready to land.”

“Huh? Oh okay.” Michael blinked rapidly and rubbed his eyes, stretching a bit before sitting up and pushing the button to bring his seat upright.

“Good nap?”

“Too short.” Michael yawned.

&&&

Another airport baggage claim, another car rental agency and they were soon heading up I-95.

“Hey, are you hungry?”

“I could eat.”

“You mind stopping at Pete’s?”

“Not at all.”

“Great! I’ve been craving their pancakes.”

Michael flipped his turn signal on and exited onto another highway, heading into Baltimore. The midday work week traffic was heavy but Michael knew where he was going.

“Which one of those is for baseball?” Ian asked pointing to the two large stadiums on their left.

“The second one, with the big brick building. That’s the largest brick building on this side of the Mississippi. I just realized that I never got a chance to show you the town on your last trip. Hang on a sec.”

Michael executed a quick lane change to the right and steered the car around a curve detouring them through the Inner Harbor and Michael played tour guide for a couple of minutes.

“Seems really busy.”

“It’s kind of a tourist trap, you can say it but the Constitution is really cool and the Aquarium and Science Center are fun. Hey, you want to go to a baseball game while we’re here?”

“If it’s not too much trouble to get tickets.”

“Shouldn’t be too hard, I’ll have to check their schedule.”

“You really like it here, don’t you?”

“Yeah, Michigan’s okay but this will always be home. Would youw mew me a around Sydney sometime?”

“You’ve been to Sydney.”

“During the games, which doesn’t count because I didn’t get to really go anywhere and there were all those people around. It kind of sucked to be so close to the Opera House and not go inside.”

“I’ll be pleased to show you around, Michael.”

“Awesome.” Michael made another quick turn and parallel parked, unsnapping his seat belt while turning off the car. “You ready?”

##
Michael greeted the proprietors as they walked in the door and then led Ian to a seat at the counter. He handed a menu over while chatting enthusiastically with one of the waitresses and waving hello to a couple of people further down the counter.

He introduced Ian to Lou and Char, the owners, and to all the waitresses and they were both soon served their meal. Ian was a little doubtful but quickly realized the food was delicious despite the surroundings.

Before Ian knew it, they were back on the road. “That was quick.”

“Well, I can’t really hang around there anymore. People know when I’m coming to town and start staking it out.”

“I know how that goes.”

“I knew you would.”

%%

Several hours later, Ian walked out of the bathroom at Debbie’s house and padded down the hall to Michael’s room. He slipped into the room and quickly removed his robe re sre sliding in between the sheets next to Michael.

“Hey babe.” Michael immediately inched over and snuggled into Ian. He tilted his face in for a kiss and ended up yawning.
“Sorry.”

“That’s okay. I’m really tired too.”

“I didn’t get a chance to see you on TV. I hope my TiVo got everything.”

“I got you a tape. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to interview you.”

“No, you were right about it. You would have looked bad, not disclosing our relationship to them. I just missed my chance to play footsy with you on national TV. Love you, Ian.”

“Love you too.”

&&&

Ian enjoyed the baseball game although Michael was thoroughly disgusted at the poor performance by the home team. They’d attended the game with a couple of bodyguards. Michael had wisely borrowed seats in a club box and access was limited to those with tickets for that level.

And they’d been very grateful for their precautions after a camera person had found them in the crowd and put them on the Jumbotron.

They’d both been intent on the action down on the field, Michael explaining the rules and Ian was jokingly comparing the game to cricket.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, if you look at the Jumbotron, you’ll see one of Maryland’s most famous sons and greatest athletes here enjoying the game tonight. Please give eight time Olympic medalist and current 5 time world champion, Michael Phelps a big hand.”

Michael resisted the urge to sink down onto the floor and Ian stifled laughter.

“Go on and wave, Michael.” Ian urged.

Michael waved and smiled for the camera.

“And for those with sharp vision, you’ll see sitting next to Michael is nine time Olympic medalist, Ian Thorpe who swims for Australia. Hope you’re enjoying the game, Mr. Thorpe.”

It was Ian’s turn to smile and wave. “I’m the guy who swims for Australia; you’re a famous son and greatest athlete?”

“If we were in Sydney, you’d be son and athlete and I’d be that guy who helped steal relay medals from us.”

Ian laughed. “You do understand the Australian attitude don’t you?”

They signed a couple of autographs for the people in their box and the ones next door and settled back in to watch the game. While Michael was trying to explain what relation John Denver’s ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ had to baseball during the seventh inning stretch (after explaining what a seventh inning stretch was), Michael felt a tap on his shoulder.

“Pardon me, Mr. Phelps.”

Michael and Ian turned to see a man in an Orioles jacket standing next to them who went on to explain that he was an assistant manager for the venue and asked if he and Mr. Thorpe would be willing to come down and take pictures with the teams and their families.

“Teams?”

“Yes sir. Both teams.”

Michael looked at Ian who shrugged. “Up to you, Michael.”

“Okay, I guess.”

“Great. I’ll be back up to get you after the game.”

Michael waited until they were relatively alone again before trying to apologize for the fuss. Ian just waved his hand.

“Michael, it’s okay. Remember, I know what it’s like.”

“I know but do you find it kind of embarrassing too or is it just me?”

“Remind me to tell you a few stories later.”

$$

Despite Michael’s trepidation, the meeting after the game was very low key and handled very smoothly and he and Ian both enjoyed the experience.

Afterwards, the venue security team and their bodyguards were required to get them out of the ballpark. The bodyguards moving the car and the security team sneaking them out. The game had been broadcast and there was quite a crowd outside the stadium, hoping to see Michael and/or Ian.

Once they were finally dropped off back at Michael’s house, they were both ready to get some sleep.

“Hi boys, did you have a good time at the game?” Debbie was still up, watching a movie.

“Hi mom. Yeah, the O’s lost but what else is new?” Michael leaned down to give her a kiss.

“Ah, then you didn’t have any problems? You made the eleven o’clock news.”

“We did what?”

“I didn’t get a chance to tape it. They just mentioned that you and Ian were at the game, showed some tape of you sitting in the stands.”

“Oh. Okay.” Michael, clearly not wanting to worry his mom, decided to drop the subject.

“We’re beat so we’re going to head up to bed. Night mom.”

“Night Debbie.”

“Goodht, ht, boys.”

Ian and Michael went up stairs and after their usual taking turns in the bathroom dance, met again in bed.

“Hey Michael, I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”

Michael sighed in relief. “Well, finally!”

“What?”

“Something’s been on your mind for months.”

“No I couldn’t.” Michael sat up and fluffed the pillows behind him.

“Why not?”

“Because I knew you’d tell me when you were ready.”

“You weren’t worried?” Ian slid over, laid his head on Michael’s abdomen and wrapped his arm over Michael’s waist.

“I was a little, only because you seemed worried there for a while but you seemed much calmer after you got here last month.”

“Oh.”

“So?”

“Oh. Um. Well, I’ve been thinking and this all depends on how you feel about it. But you know how I’ve been looking into training in Europe.”

“Yeah, so did you find a place?”

“How would you feel about me training at Ann Arbor, with Bob?”

“Huh.” Michael sat silently for a moment.

“You don’t like the idea.”

Michael swatted Ian’s head. “Did I say that? Give me a minute here. How would this work?”

“Well, we’d spend the next month trying it out. Making sure we could share a pool and sort of share a coach. Tracy will still be my official coach. If things go well, I’ll stay on until the meet in Portugal. If we’re all satisfied with our results, I’ll stay through to the next meet.”

“Is this what you were talking to Bob about the day you go in?”

“Yes, but I didn’t want to say anything until after you got through last week. And like I said, it’s your pool and your coach so you’ve got to be okay with this.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“I think Bob’s a great coach and you’ve made some serious improvements just in the last year but also because I hate only getting to see you every few months.”

“So doing this, it won’t hurt your career?”

“I won’t know until we try. We could spend one day in the pool and decide it won’t work. Bob’s given me pool privileges until the second week of September. Nothings official until we’ve tried it out.”

“So, you’d be in Ann Arbor?”

“Michael, not to be too forward, but I was hoping to live with you unless you think that will be-”

“Stop. Okay. So, you living with me; you know that will basically mean the jigs up, right?”

“I told my parents, my sister and her husband, Tracy and my manager about you back in June. And as Grant and Pieter so helpfully pointed out, I can always offer to swim for Canada.”

“Their team really sucks. You’d have to swim all four legs of a relay to have a shot at a medal.”

“Trust me I know. You don’t have to make a decision right now you know.”

“You’ve sort of made this really easy for me to not say no. You’re the one moving away from home, you’re putting your career at risk changing coaches.”

“We’re three years out from Beijing. If I’m going to do something, better now than later.”

“Okay.”

“So you want sleep on it, give it a few days?”

“No. Okay. I’m agreeing. Let’s give it a whirl.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m absolutely positively sure. When do you want to move in?”
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Last Swim