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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Windward

August 8, 2005 Detroit, Michigan

Ian once again found him deplaning in Detroit and heading to baggage claim. Michael was in New York in meetings with his sponsors; Ian had the keys to Michael’s house and more importantly, Michael’s Escalade. ‘Guess this means he really loves me.’ Ian thought to himself.

Ian was briefly delayed trying to find the correct long term parking lot but was soon unlocking the car and stowing his bags before climbing up behind the wheel. He carefully checked the dashboard over, made minor seat and mirror adjustments before turning the ignition.

He considered himself a good driver and he’d driven large vehicles before but he was extra cautious, knowing how much Michael loved the car. It wasn’t the fastest trip he’d ever made but both he and the car arrived on Michael’s street in one piece.

He pulled into the Wilkins’ driveway and after making sure to engage the emergency br tur turned off the vehicle and locked the door behind him. Maybe he was overly vigilant but he didn’t need any extra passengers.

He ambled up to the front door and rang the bell, whistling a little under his breath. He looked up as the door opened to reveal a young woman who took one look at him, screamed and slammed the door.

Not the usual reaction Ian was used to but that must be the eighteen year old daughter. The door swung back open and Joanne slipped outside.

“Hi Ian. I should probably scold you giving my daughter the fright of her life but that was just too funny.” Joanne shook Ian’s hand and started back towards the garage. “I’ve got your stuff out here, under lock and key.” She pulled the key out and brandished it. “Give me a minute to hit the opener.”

Joanne vanished inside the garage before Ian had even had a chance to greet her properly. Within moments, the large door began rumbling open to reveal a typical space except for the pile of boxes stacked neatly over on one side.

“Joanne thanks so much for taking in my packages like this. I really appreciate”
”

“Oh no problem. I always appreciate the chance to see the UPS guy running around in his little shorts.” Joanne snickered and pulled a little red wagon over. “Here, we can use this to haul them over to the car.”

“You don’t have to help, Joanne. You’ve certainly done enough already.”

“I’ll tell you what. You load and pull and I’ll just help steady the boxes on the wagon. You’ll need it with the hill.”

Ian conceded that was indeed the case and with Joanne’s assistance, the ten boxes where quickly loaded. He also loaded a small box of Michael’s mail that Joanne had been collecting, thanked her again and drove the few hundred feet down to Michael’s house. Well, his house too for the next month.

He found the garage remote and carefully backed the vehicle in and began unloading the boxes of clothing, paperwork, books and knick knacks that his dad had expressed up for him. So maybe it had been overconfident to pack before he’d even left Australia but Ian preferred to see it as hopeful.

After a quick text message to Michael’s mobile (Your baby made it home fine. I did too), Ian began making himself at home per Michael’s instructions. He unpacked his clothing into the other half of the master closet, put out his toiletries in the bathroom and hanging his robe on the back of the door. He’d never admit to the little thrill he felt looking around the master suite and seeing his things intermingling with Michael’s.

Downstairs he stored the rest of his boxes in the still empty study and then making himself an early lunch. Feeling at bit at loose ends and not wanting to watch television; he made a quick phone call, threw a few things in a bag, checked that his mobile was charged and then carefully drove the SUV to campus. A swim would be just the thing to take his mind off Michael’s meetings.

Five Hours later and back in Detroit, Ian parked the SUV and climbed out, glad that his time behind the wheel of the behemoth was over. On the way into the airport, he paused and checked his coat and tie, brushing a few fuzzies from his trousers and smoothed his hair back. He’d dithered over bringing flowers but decided that was going a little overboard.

Michael had called on his way to the airport in New York. His meetings had been mostly positive. Like Ian’s sponsors, Michael’s were torn between the reality of backing a gay swimmer and the likelihood that said swimmer was going to spend a lot of time on the winner’s podium in the next few years.

Now it was just a matter of time. To see how the media handled it, what the public said. Of course, it would be fun to see how each group of sponsors reacted when they found out just who their client was involved with.

Due to the circumstances, Ian hadn’t been able to tell his backers exactly who Michael was. Ian only said he was involved with another athlete, one with his own sponsors and support network that needed to be informed.

Michael had planned to tell anyone who asked but shockingly, no one had. Then again, none of them had been expecting their star swimmer to sit down and calmly state, “I’m gay.”

Ian figured once the astonishment wore off, things would be very different but until then he wasn’t going to eat himself up worrying about it especially not when there were more interesting things to spend his time on.

As another crowd came into the baggage claim area, Ian easily spotted Michael and once again was thankful they were both tall as Michael’s eyes found him over the sea of heads. Michael gave him a little wave and head tilt and they both adjusted their trajectories and met a few feet away from the shuffling throng all trying to get to the carousels first.

“Hi!” They hugged and Michael quickly brushed his lips across Ian’s cheek before they both stepped back.

“Hi. Good flight?”

“Not bad. Why are you so dressed up?” Michael still had on the coat and tie he’d worn for his meetings but he’d expect Ian to be more casually dressed for a trip to the airport.

“Well, something occurred to me this afternoon. We’ve never been out on a date. Not a proper one anyway.”

“Wow. You’re right.”

“So if you have no objections and you’re free tonight, would you like to go out with me?”

“This is kind of short notice; I was planning on doing my laundry tonight. But seeing as you’re being so charming and irresistible, okay I’ll go.” Michael couldn’t resist teasing a little.

Ian grinned. “Good. We’ve got reservations in an hour at restaurant here in Detroit.”

“Food? Why didn’t you say so in the first place?”

***
Ian and Michael were ushered to table that overlooked the waterfront and handed menus after they sat down.

“Ian, this is a really nice place. How did you find it?”

“On the internet. I’d thought we’d get a chance to come here last month but they were fully booked for Saturday night and closed on Sunday.”

“They don’t actually serve rattlesnake, right?”

“No, I think it’s just a catchy name. Their rack of lamb is supposed to be wonderful. And don’t make that face.” Ian didn’t even look up from his menu.

Michael finally opened his own menu. “I can’t help it. Lamb.”

“You won’t even try it, how can you say that? And this from the man who eats poor helpless crustaceans that have been boiled alive.”

“You ate them too.”

“Yes, because I like to experience new things, broaden my horizons, taste-”

“Alright, alright. If you order it, I’ll try a bite.”

&&&
Ian looked regretfully down at the remainder of his Crème Brule, put down his spoon and gently pushed the plate away.

“Is there something wrong with it?” Michael asked over the crumbs of his white chocolate ravioli.

“No, I just don’t have any more room.”

Michael laughed softly. “Am I going to need to find a wheelchair to roll you out?”

“You will if I try to finish it.”

“This was a really good idea, Ian. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for accepting.” They’d had a thoroughly wonderful meal and although they’d eaten out in public together before, both were aware this was different. They were still discreet but had been a little flirty with each other, a little giddy.

“Hey Ian, are you busy next Saturday?” Michael asked a half hour later, as they drove back to Ann Arbor.

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Would you like to visit the Botanical Gardens and Arboretum with me? We can take a picnic along, weather depending.”

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Yeah.”

“I suppose I could pencil you in. Why there?”

“I got lost one day and drove by, it looked interesting.”

“Sounds like fun to me. Just remember, I don’t put out on the first date.”

^^
“Home again, home again.” Michael said happily as he pulled the car into the garage. “Hey, we need to get you a set of keys. Want to do that tomorrow?”

“Sure and I’ll need to see about renting a car while I’m here. Mind doing that too?”

“I was thinking about that, actually. Would you mind if I bought a car-”

“You aren’t buying me a car!”

“You didn’t let me finish. Notice, I haven’t gotten around to getting a second car and I’ve given up on the Seville, for right now. So we go out and find a car we can both live with which you can drive while you’re here.”

“Michael, that’s very kind of you. And I’d even drive a Seville if that’s what you wante get get.”

Michael slid his arms around Ian’s waist. “Do you really think I’d do that to you? After all you’ve done for me?”

“Have I told you how much I love you today?” Ian said as he nuzzled along Michael’s jaw.

“Not since you so cruelly threw on a plane to that den of iniquity at the crack of dawn this morning.” Michael eased his fingers down the back of Ian’s trousers. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Um, I think you did on the phone. Michael?”

“Yes, Ian?”

“I missed your birthday.”

“That’s okay. I thought we agreed we weren’t going to make a big deal over them anyway. Mom really loved the flowers though.” Michael inched his hand around to start unbuckling Ian’s belt.

“Only right for me to thank your mum. But I want to give you a present anyway.” Ian carefully nibbled on Michael’s earlobe.

“Oh, I like the present I’ve got right here.” Michael said has he skimmed a finger down Ian’s half opened fly.

“That’s part of your present but not everything.”

“Did you gift wrap it?”

“No. But how about we head upstairs, get a quick wash and I’ll see if I can find a bow.” Ian wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Michael stepped back, took Ian’s hand and started leading them to the stairs. “You know, we take an awful lot of showers for guys who spend so much time in pools.”

“Are you trying to suggest something?”

“Would I do that?” Michael walked into the bedroom and began stripping off his clothes.

“In a word, yes.” Ian pulled off his shirt and pants and then walked into the closet. “Here, hand me your things.”

Michael picked up his clothes and walked into the closet. “You don’t have to hang up my stuff. Wow. Were you bored today?” Michael spun around slowly, taking in the perfectly organized clothing that now occupied the closet.

“Maybe a little. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Nope. I’ve always wanted my shirts arranged by color, style and weight.”

“Don’t forget sleeve length. Stop giving me that look. You know I like things tidy.” Ian walked out of closet and into the bathroom.

“Ian, there’s tidy and then there’s you.” Michael followed Ian into the bathroom and stepped over to the toilet. “I promise to try to keep things neat just so I don’t drive you crazy.”

Ian turned on water in the shower. “You’re very neat anyway, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Hang on a minute before you get in there.” Michael flushed the toilet. “I wouldn’t want you to scald anything.”

“Thank you, love. Now come here.”

“Shower sex! You got me shower sex?” Michael stepped in the stall eagerly.

“No, I just want to tidy you a bit.” Ian stuck out his tongue.

“Don’t stick that out unless you’re prepared to use it.”

“I have plans for that later. Now turn around.”

“Oh that feels good. You sure you didn’t get me shower sex?”

“No. By the way, would you mind if I took a few classes while I’m here?”

“Mind? Why would I mind?”

“Well, you’ll be back in class soon and I’ll have more free time than I know what to do with. I’ve never had time to attend university before but I don’t want to step on your toes.”

“Babe, that’s terrific. What are you thinking of taking?”

“There’s a first year Chinese class at your school but admission may be a problem. The local community college has photography and Spanish.”

“Whatever you end up taking, it’s all good. You want to take Chinese for Beijing, right?”

“Yes and we’ve gotten a little off track here.” Ian slid a soapy finger down Michael’s crack.

“Ian? Are you sure it’s not shower sex because normally when you do that, we’re having shower sex.”

“Are you obsessed with shower sex? Trust me; you’ll like what we do just as much. And now you’re nice and clean all over. Go ahead and dry off; I’ll be out in a minute.” Ian patted Michael on the butt and gave him a gentle shove.

After they were both dry enough, Ian led Michael into the bedroom, sat him down on the bed and pulled an elegantly wrapped present out from under the bed.

“Ian, we said no birthday presents.” Michael chastised.

“This is actually for both of us. Go ahead, open it.”

Michael debated slowly unwrapping the small square package but just couldn’t resist ripping into it. He tore the paper off and opened the lid to find red silk material.

“Is it a shirt?”

Ian shook his head. “No.”

Michael pulled out the material and discovered two long sashes. He looked at Ian in confusion. “Are these for our robes?”

“No, here give them to me and I’ll explain later. Go on, there’s two other things in there.”

“Um. Tissue paper.” Michael moved the paper aside and saw the back of what looked like a picture frame. He lifted it and discovered a matching frame underneath that held a picture of Ian and himself.

It had obviously been taken on Wadigi. They were laying on the hammock, Michael tucked under Ian’s arm and looking into each other’s eyes, their hands clasped over Ian’s chest and legs tangled together under their sarongs.

Michael looked up at Ian in amazement. “Where did you get this?”

“Janna took it. I asked her to take a couple of pictures if she could manage without disturbing us. And you know how discreet the staff was so I wasn’t worried about the snaps ending up in the tabloids.”

“I don’t care about that. How did you know I wanted a picture of us together?”

“I’d planned to give them to you on our anniversary but after I saw the clipping on the fridge, I didn’t want to wait.”

Michael cupped Ian’s cheek and tenderly kissed him. “You are the most perfect person.”

“I’m glad you like it. But you didn’t look at the other one.”

After carefully setting aside the frame he was holding, Michael flipped over the other frame. It captured them as they’d been sitting with their legs dangling in the pool, their backs half turned to the camera with the ocean behind them. Ian’s hand was frozen in midair and he was grinning at Michael who was laughing, his head thrown back.

“Wow. Janna’s a really good photographer. Wasn’t this when you were telling me about Grant and that model?”

“Yes I think it was. How about we put this one over on my nightstand and the other over on yours. Is that okay?”

“Uh huh.” Michael still a little overwhelmed.

Ian placed the frames and then came back to sit next to Michael. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Thank you, Ian. I love you.” Ian found himself with an armful of naked Michael, which was one of his favorite things.

“And I love you. Now, we’re not done here. I’d like to try something. Something you mentioned you’d like to try.”

“Oh. That’s a really long list; want to give me a clue?”

Ian reached behind them, picked up the silk sashes and dropped them in Michael’s hands while giving his lover a meaningful look.

“You’re going to tie me up! Ian!” Michael launched himself at Ian, knocking him back on the bed. “I never thought you agree to do it.”

“Whoa. I’m not going to tie you up, my objections still stand. It’s not something we can do without a lot of research and discussion. However, I did a little research and found other things that aren’t dangerous. Are you game?”

Michael nodded and grinned. “You bet.”

“Okay, so help me move the bed, we just need it a little away from the wall.”

After they scooted the bed, Michael removed the duvet while Ian tied one of the silk sashes to the leg under the head of the bed and pulled the two ends onto the bed.

“Come here love.” Ian helped Michael onto the bed and placed him in center, making sure he was comfortable. “Now, this is all about control.” Ian took one of ends of the sash and wrapped it loosely around Michael’s wrist and folding his hand over to hold the material.

Ian moved to Michael’s other side and did the same with that wrist and hand, leaving Michael lying with his arms over his head. “You have all the control here, Michael. At any time, you can pull free and make me stop-”

“As if!” Michael interjected.

“Or you can free yourself…” Ian reached into his nightstand and pulled out a couple of condoms and a small bottle of lube and placed them on a corner of the bed. “And make me use these however you’d like.”

“Are you ready?”

Michael nodded.

“Do you want to use a blindfold?” Ian held up the other piece of silk.

“No, I want to see you.”

“And you understand the rules?”

“Yes.”

Ian slid over to sit at Michael’s hip and ran a hand down his lover’s chest. “Do you know how good you look, spread like this for me?”

Ian dipped his head and licked one of Michael’s nipples. “I love your nipples. They’re very sensitive aren’t they? I’ve seen them bud up in a stiff breeze.” Ian tweaked the other nipple and then licked it too enjoying the way Michael trembled and moaned beneath him.

“And your mouth. You have such a talented mouth.” Ian spent a little time giving Michael a chance to prove how talented his mouth was before pulling away. “I love the way you kiss me.”

“I love your eyes and the way you look at me, like you believe that I can do anything.” Ian kissed both eyelids. “I love your ears, I love the way you listen to me and I love the way you react when I lick your earlobes just so.” Ian demonstrated. “Yes, just like that, I love the way that makes you squirm.”

Ian licked his way over to Michael’s neck. “Did you know your neck tastes differently on one side than it does the other? I still haven’t decided which side I like better. I love the way you arch your neck when I bite you right here.”

Michael shuddered and whimpered as Ian’s teeth closed on the skin of his neck. “I love your arms and the way you hold me.” Ian kissed his way up one of Michael’s tanned arms to the hand that was currently clenching the strip of silk. “I love your hands, the way you touch me. The way your fingers stroke mine as we’re falling asleep.” Ian placed a kiss on each knuckle before kissing his way down the other arm.

“I love your chest, I love to put my head right here and listen to your heart beating.” Ian kissed the spot over Michael’s heart and then nibbled his way down to Michael’s hips. “Your hips drive me wild. I love the way your suit just barely manages to cling to them. I love the way you move them when you’re inside me.” Michael was now muttering incoherently, his hands straining against the silk.

“Then there are your legs. I love the way you wrap them around me when I’m deep inside you.” Ian ran his hands down his lover’s legs, sucking on random bits of skin.

“Michael, you need to turn over now.” Ian said softly. Michael whined a little as Ian helped him onto his stomach. Ian made sure Michael was comfortable and placed a pillow under his hips and one under his chest before continuing.

“I love the nape of your neck. I love the way your scent is so concentrated right here. You have such an additive scent. And your back. I love the way your back moves under my hands when we’re making love.”

Ian nibbled his way down Michael’s spine relishing every groan and twitch his lover made before arriving at Michael’s ass. “I love your bottom, I love feeling it flex when you drive into me, I love being inside you, the way your body welcomes me.” Ian dipped his head and licked his way down the crease of Michael’s ass before using his tongue to circle Michael’s hole.

Michael froze, unable to believe Ian was doing that to him. When Ian’s tongue darted inside of him, Michael wailed and thrust his hips back.

“Oh my god. Oh my god, Ian. Please!” Michael didn’t know what he was begging for; he just knew he never wanted that feeling to end. But soon, it wasn’t enough; Ian’s tongue wasn’t long or hard enough.

Michael furiously untangled his hands and scrambled to the head of the bed. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes wild as he grabbed the condom and lube.

“Ian. Ian. God.” Michael pulled Ian to him, furiously kissing him as his hands were busy tearing open a condom packet. He stroked Ian’s cock, rolled a condom on his lover and quickly applied a generous dollop of lubricant. Pushing Ian onto his back, Michael swung his legs over Ian’s hips and sank down on his lover’s penis.

Michael threw his head back and began rocking his hips. Ian grasped Michael’s hips and bent his legs to thrust up until he felt his balls begin to tighten. He moved his hand to grasp and stroke Michael’s dripping cock, bringing them both to orgasm.

Michael collapsed back on Ian’s knees for a moment then pitched himself forward and kissing Ian deeply before burying his head in Ian’s neck and whispering, “God, what you do to me.”

Ian rubbed Michael’s back, kissing along the side of his face. “Are you okay love?”

“Yeah. Do you need me to move?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

Michael sighed as he slipped off Ian’s rapidly softening cock. He rolled over, stood up and helped Ian slid over, handing him a tissue so Ian could remove the condom. They repaired to the bathroom, Michael starting the shower and both of them quickly rinsing off. After brushing their teeth, they walked back into the bedroom.

Ian stripped the sheet he’d placed on top the regular sheets earlier and Michael spread the duvet out before they both got in bed, twining their bodies together.

“You take such good care of me, Ian. I’m so lucky you’re in my life.”

“I love taking care of you. But you take care of me too, you know.”

“I know. I love you, Ian.”

“I love you too. Thank you for letting me move in.”

“Thank you for wanting to move in.”

They shifted a little to grin at each other. Michael leaned forward and gave Ian a quick peck on the lips.

“You know what just occurred to me?”

“What?”

“I’m like the easiest first date ever. Not only did I put out but you’re all moved in. That’s got to be some kind of record.”

Ian chuckled. “I’m not going to be judgmental; I was planning to put out after our date on Saturday.”

“You’re going to make me wait until Saturday?”

“No, you sex maniac.”

“Whew.” Michael mimed wiping sweat off his brow and then yawned.

Ian kissed Michael’s brow and held him close. “Good night, love.”

“Night, Ian.”

Alee

August 9, 2005 Ann Arbor, Michigan

Michael woke up early the next morning and sprang from bed, full of vim and vigor. Ian slept on peacefully as Michael showered, dressed and went downstairs to the kitchen. After setting out his ingredients, Michael set about making a large breakfast of omelets, fried potatoes, bacon, toast and assorted fruits. He hadn’t mastered pancakes yet so this would have to do.

Humming absently, he stood in front of the stove swaying back and forth, fork in hand waiting to flip the bacon.

“You know, all I have to do now is get you pregnant.”

Michael jumped at the sound of Ian’s voice, almost dropping the fork. “Ian! I didn’t know you were up. And I may be barefoot and in the kitchen but I am not birthing your babies.”

“I can’t help but think that’s actually a good thing.” Ian smacked a kiss on Michael’s cheek before heading for the coffee pot.

“What, that I’m not able to get pregnant or that we can’t have kids?”

“We can adopt but can you imagine what our child would look like? Between your ears and my nose, not to mention if the poor thing inherited your dainty feet, we’d be paying for plastic surgery and therapy bills for years.” Ian sat down and sipped his coffee.

Michael ignored the ear and feet cracks. “But think of how fast little James Frederick would be in the pool!”

“With our luck, he’d end up wanting to play beach volleyball, for France.”

“So true. And then we’d have to hide our faces in shame forever. Want butter on your toast?”

“Sure. You should have woken me up; I would have helped with breakfast.”

“Actually, I was planning on serving you breakfast in bed but after the Great Wadigi Orange Juice Fiasco, I reconsidered.”

“I appreciate your thought and the rethought in this matter.” Ian said dryly as Michael sat a plate in front of him. “This looks really good, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Need a refill before I sit down?”

‘As you’re up, sure.”

After they ate, Michael asked, “So, we need to get copies of the keys made, go car shopping, I need to give your name to the alarm company; anything else?”

“Are we back in the pool tomorrow?” Ian stood up and took his plate over to the dishwasher.

“Yeah, at eight. But we can go tonight for a quick dip, if you’d like.”

“That sounds like a plan. Do you mind if I set my laptop up in here?”

“You can use the study, if you want. We’ll have to get a desk and chair, though.” Michael brought his own plate and glass over for Ian to load and then started rinsing the pans he’d used.

“Where will you study? For that matter, where did you study last semester?”

“I found this neat little space upstairs, it’s supposed to be a storage room but I liked the view. Want to see it?”

Ian nodded and finished the rest of his coffee. “Sure. Is that the last of dishdishes?”

“Yep.”

Upstairs, Michael led Ian into the laundry room and opened what Ian had thought was a simple broom closet. Instead there was a small oddly shaped room tucked into the eaves, with a window that looked out over the backyard and into the trees. There was barely a few feet of standing room, due to the pitch of the roof but Michael had put a desk for his computer against the window, a low black sofa on the wall to the right and an even lower shelving unit opposite which held a stereo, flat screen TV and all the accessories.

“Ah, I was wondering why you didn’t have a TV in your bedroom.”

“That’s our bedroom now. And I did at first but kept falling asleep with it on and having weird dreams.”

“This is a really neat room, Michael. Kind of like a tree house. For the record, I don’t like having a TV in the bedroom but a small radio might be nice to listen to in the mornings.”

“Thanks. And we’ll pick up a radio.”

“Thank you, love. And I’d kiss you but I’m afraid we’d hurt ourselves attempting it in here.”

“You should have seen me trying to get this furniture in here; I almost went through the window a few times getting that couch through the door.”

They made a quick stop in the bedroom for shoes and to brush their teeth. Michael was in mid-brush when he suddenly remembered something and walked out of the bathroom leaving Ian to wonder where the heck he was going.

Ian rinsed his mouth and was just about to call out when Michael walked back into the room holding a small parcel. At Ian’s inquiring look, Michael pointed to his mouth and finished brushing.

“Where did that come from?” Ian asked.

“I got it in Baltimore. It’s just a key chain. Sorry I didn’t wrap it but go ahead, open it.”

Ian picked up the box, surprised at the weight. It wasn’t heavy but weighed more than he thought it would. He opened the box and saw a metal cylinder, only a few inches long with a thick loop at one end. It looked like a rectangle with the corners cut off or an unevenly sided octagon.

He picked it up, again surprised at the weight and noticed the engraving. On one of the broader sides, he read: IJT AUG 29 2004 MFP.

“Ian James Thorpe, our anniversary, Michael Frederick Phelps?” He looked at Michael who grinned and confirmed the decoding.

Ian turned the cylinder to one of the thinner sides and saw ‘2000’ with five inlaid disks of metal; three gold, one silver and one bronze.

“The Sydney games?”

“Yep.”

The next side was wide again and engraved with: TTBBITKUFYMLSARC 42.3302, -83.7334

Ian pondered it for a moment but couldn’t figure it out, with a look at Michael he moved on the next side, again a thin one to see ‘2004’ followed by four disks; two gold, a silver and a bronze.

“That’s Athens.” Ian said as he rubbed a finger over the disks.

“It is and the other two sides are blank for Beijing and the 2012 games.”

The next wider side read ‘Come live in my heart and pay no rent’ in an elegant script with the final broad section left blank.

“Michael, this is really beautiful. And it’s a key fob, not a key chain.” Ian gave Michael a hug. “But you know, trying to figure out what those letters and numbers mean will drive me crazy.”

“Do you want me to tell you?”

“No. Let me think about it for bit. Where’s the quote from?”

“Samuel Lover, an eighteenth century Irish writer, poet, artist. I wrote a paper about him last semester but there’s a restaurant in Baltimore that has that quote over the door and I always liked it.”

Ian stroked his fingers over the letters. “Is this titanium?”

“Uh huh. It has a steel core, that’s why it’s a little heavy but I thought it felt better than the hollow core.”

“Thank you, Michael. This is a very thoughtful gift.”

Michael gave Ian a little kiss. “You’re welcome. You want to go and get some keys to put on it?”

***
Michael drove along, snatching glances at Ian who was sitting in the passenger seat with his key fob in hand, trying to figure out the mystery letters and numbers.

“Oh. Are the numbers longitude and latitude?”

Michael grinned. “Yes, that’s the GPS coordinates to the house; actually the drive way since I couldn’t pick up coordinates in the house.”

“Very clever, Michael.”

Michael turned into the parking lot of a hardware store. “Thank you. Are you going to stay here or come with?”

“Definitely come with.” They both exited the vehicle and Ian carefully slipped the key fob into the pocket of his shorts.

&&
“Okay, we’ve agreed on a four door luxury sedan with leather seats in almost any color but definitely not red. Am I missing anything?”

“No, go ahead and click the button.”

Ian and Michael were huddled around a computer screen at the local Kinko’s. Although they both had computers back home, the Kinko’s was closer and they’d wasted enough time debating what dealer to visit first.

“This was a brilliant idea, Michael.”

“Thanks. Oh, we have results. Forty of them.”

“No worries. Let’s eliminate the ones we won’t consider, like those Bentleys and the Jaguars.”

“Or just anything over one hundred grand. Who pays that much for a car?” Michael clicked off those choices. “Okay. Now we’re down to twenty. Hey, the Seville.” Michael grinned slyly at Ian.

“Leave it on and we’ll test drive it.”

“You’re so good to me. In exchange, I’ll take off the Lincoln Town Car and if you don’t mind, the Mercedes. Mom loves hers but I’d like something different.”

“I can live with that if we can also take off the Saabs and Buick.”

“Done. Now we’re at seven. That seems more manageable and five of those dealerships are all in the same area. Want me to print the list?”

%%%

Michael and Ian parked at the restaurant next door and got a quick snack before walking over to the Cadillac dealer. This was their last stop on the list and while they had a couple prospects, Ian knew a decision couldn’t be made without giving Michael a shot at the Seville.

“What do you think?” Michael had stopped in front a black car.

Ian wasn’t sure what model it was but it didn’t look the Sevilles he’d seen on the road during their trip. “It’s certainly big enough. Is that a video system in the dash?”

“Kind of hard to tell.” Michael said peering through the side window.

“May I help you, gentlemen?” The salesman had approached from behind, looking at them skeptically. He saw two rather tall young guys who were wearing sunglasses, ball caps, t-shirts, shorts and sandals, both of whom could use a trim in his opinion.

“Hi, sir. Yes, do you have this model in the showroom so we can take a look at the inside?”

“Sure, so you like the DeVille?”

“I was thinking about the Seville but I like the way this looks.” Michael walked with the salesperson as they headed towards the showroom, Ian trailing behind. Ian had no real interest in cars other than reliability but it was fun to watch Michael speak the language with another car buff. And also spend a little time checking out Michael’s ass, that was fun too.

They entered the air-conditioned showroom and Michael immediately was drawn to a silver colored car like the one in the lot. “Wow. Is this the 2006 model?”

“Yes, it’s a beauty too. Go ahead take a seat.” The salesman didn’t think this kid was a serious buyer but he was polite and it was a slow day. Might as well give him a thrill.

Michael opened the door and slid in. “Very nice. Ian, you want to try?”

Ian went to walk over to the passenger seat but Michael sprang out from behind the wheel. “No, try over here.”

Ian took Michael’s place and looked around, fidgeting a little in the seat. “Has a lot of head room, lots of gauges.”

Michael rolled his eyes. “You philistine. Sir, would it be possible to take a test drive?”

“Sure. You both have valid driver’s licenses, right?”

“I have a Michigan license but Ian has an international one. Is that okay?”

“It’s fine. Give me a minute to get the keys and we’ll take one of the models out on the lot.” Michael and Ian handed over their licenses to be copied and the salesman walked away.

Ten minutes later, Michael was carefully pulling the car out of the parking lot, the salesman, Dan, in the passenger seat with Ian in the backseat.

“It rides really well. How’s the room back there, Ian?”

“I’m not eating my knees, which is always a good thing.” Ian had to admit it was a very nice car. Not as finished as the BMW they’d tried but Michael wanted an American model. “It’s not as big back here as the Ford though.”

“I liked the Ford but fake wood, why did they go with fake wood?”

Michael drove about five miles before pulling the car into a parking lot. “Okay, Ian. It’s your turn, remember drive on the right.”

“Very funny.” Ian glanced at Dan, who looked a little nervous, as he got behind the wheel. “Not to worry, Dan. I’ve driven in the States before.”

“I noticed you’re from Australia. Are you here for college?” Dan hadn’t really paid much attention to Ian, thinking he was more along for the ride than interested in the car.

“No, I’m here on business.” Ian smoothly pulled out into traffic after adjusting the seat and mirrors. “Hopefully for at least the next year.” Ian caught Michael’s eye in the rear view mirror and smiled.

“So what do you think, Ian?” Michael asked eagerly, resisting the urge to hang over the seat.

“I like it. Handles well.

Ian made the turn back into the dealer’s parking lot and parked the car where Dan indicated.

They all got out and Ian returned the keys to Dan.

“So, Ian?” Michael asked hopefully.

“I like it, you like it and it’s not a Seville. We both win.”

“Yes!” Michael pumped his fist in the air and Ian shook his head ruefully.

Michael turned to Dan. “We’d like to look at the car in the showroom again or one in that color fully loaded. Oh, I left the insurance paperwork in the SUV. I’ll be right back.” Michael dashed away, very excited.

Dan turned and looked at Ian in amazement. “He’s buying the car?”

Ian, who had been well aware that Dan didn’t consider them serious buyers, nodded. “Yep.”

“Well.” Dan watched as Michael opened the door of a tricked out Escalade and reached inside. “Guess financing won’t be a problem?”

“I think he’s going to pay cash.” Ian said absently watching Michael jog back to them.

“Okay. Why are we still standing here?” Michael stopped in front of them, clutching the papers.

&&
Dan led them into his office and took out the paperwork. “I’m glad we had the model you wanted in stock, Michael.”

“Me too.” Michael sat down and turned to Ian. “You sure you’re okay with this?”

“Yes, Michael. I’ll even drive the SUV home so you can be alone with your new car.” Ian said sincerely with a tiny smirk.

“Just for that, I’m definitely putting the spinners on it.” Michael knew how much Ian disliked those accessories.

“Do those come with a pimp hat or do you purchase it separately?”

“Gentlemen?” Dan interjected getting their attention.

“Oh, sorry.” Michael apologized. “Time for the paperwork?”

Once everything was signed, Dan led them back to the delivery area and they all stopped to admire the freshly washed car.

Dan handed Michael two sets of keys with keyless entry key fobs and Michael promptly handed a set over to Ian after shaking Dan’s hand and thanking him.

“You sure you don’t want to drive it home, Ian?”

“I’m positive. Go ahead; take it for a spin and I’ll meet you back there.”

“You still have the spare keys for the SUV?”

“Yep.”

“Woo!” Michael opened the door, slipped behind the wheel and turned the ignition. He pulled the car out and suddenly stopped twenty feet down the parking lot. The window came down and his head came out. “Hey Ian?”

Ian trotted over and leaned down. “What’s wrong?”

“You are going to get so lucky tonight!” Michael winked as the window rolled up and he drove away.

Ian rolled his eyes and walked over the SUV. He stopped, pulled out the key fob Michael had given him earlier and took another look at those letters.

TTBBITKUFYMLSARC

Ian figured out the code and suddenly started laughing.
- 7
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Last Swim