The Happiest Place on Earth (Phelps/Peirsol) R
"I think you're full of shit."
"Dude, what reason would I have to lie to you?"
"Other than I know for a fact that you've been to Disneyland. I could Google the photographic evidence…"
"Okay, sure. I've been to Disneyland, but I've never really been, you know?"
"Nope. I really am not understanding you."
Michael rolled his eyes in exacerbated frustration, crossing his arms over his chest in a statement of defiance. There was no way that Aaron was going to keep him from enjoying his time under the Southern Californian sun. "Now you're just being an asshole."
Aaron held onto his serious face for as long as possible before cracking his undeniably charming grin. "Aww poor Mikey. Never been able to play in the happiest place on Earth? Now that's a crime against humanity." He playfully ruffled the younger man's hair before pulling him into a one arm hug. "Okay, okay… we'll go. But first dude, you've gotta take a shower."
"Fuck you, man. Why do you always have to be mean to me?" Michael pushed Aaron away with a slight pout, trying to fix his hair out of its sleep-smushed state.
"'Cause it's just so damn easy." Aaron answered with a shrug. "But if you want to get there before all of the soccer moms and toddlers, you really do have to go take that shower. I refuse to let you scare Mickey away with your BO."
Michael replied with an angry glare and his middle finger as he walked down the hallway to the former Texan's bathroom.
**
Aaron could no longer contain his laughter as he and Michael stood in front of the main entrance to the park. Hanging in front of the Main Street train station on a bright pink banner and printed in large black letters were the words "Welcome to Gay Day!" He gently slid his arm around the younger man's waist. "Oh Mike. You sure do know how to pick 'em."
"I didn't know!" Michael hadn't intended for his voice to reach such a high register and cause the several nearby couples to turn and glare.
"Mmmhmm. I knew something was up when you called and asked to hang out on this weekend specifically."
"Dude, can we please stop talking about this and just go ride Pirates?"
"I thought we were gonna go to Adventure Land first."
"Well if you knew how to read a map you would realize that Pirates is like, right next to your stupid Indiana Jones ride."
"Whoa… this is the Magical Kingdom Mikey. Check your bitchiness at the door. And besides… Indiana Jones is not stupid; it's fuckin' awesome."
"Fine, we'll go ride Indy first."
"That's what she said, honey."
Both men turned when they heard a slightly effeminate male voice float over their shoulders. Normally Michael would have been pissed that someone was eavesdropping on his conversation, but when he saw the perpetrator, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Ummm… good one."
"Oh please sweetheart, he could have done better." Responded the speaker's partner. "I hate to do this, but are you Michael Phelps?"
Aaron smirked over at a flustered Michael, jumping at the chance to embarrass the young swimmer even more. "Actually, he is. And I'm Aaron Piersol…"
"Oooh… the backstroker."
"Right. Umm I'm sure Michael agrees with me when I say this, but we are so honored to be here on such an important day in the community."
"Then would you guys be willing to take some pictures with us? I mean, my friends would never, ever believe that we actually met you."
Michael wanted desperately to kick Aaron's ass. He knew exactly how this would play out. The pictures would be released online; his agent, Peter Carlisle, would bitch him out while simultaneously planning some media tour to rebuild his image as the typical straight, American, adolescent. But of course, before he could dig himself out of this bad publicity hole, Aaron took the camera and began snapping away.
"Thanks so much you guys! It's so awesome to see two American heroes out and in such a great relationship."
"Well thank you, Danny. We're just so happy together and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend the day with other wonderful couples." Aaron squeezed Michael hand once he had it in his grasp, wincing in pain as Michael squeezed right back.
Michael leaned in to whisper as the two men walked away. "I hate you. I seriously, for the rest of my life, hate you."
"No you don't Phelps. Didn't you see how happy we just made those two guys? I mean, c'mon. So what if people think we're gay for one day?"
"I don't think Speedo will be very happy about it."
"Makes you wish you'd signed with Nike now, doesn't it?" Aaron said with a playful wink, still holding onto Michael's hand as they navigated their way to Frontier Land.
**
"Why do I always let you talk me into doing such stupid shit?" Michael asked as he stood shivering at the exit to Splash Mountain, literally soaked from head to toe.
"Because, I'm handsome and charming. And you're madly in love with me, so you'll pretty much do whatever I ask…" Aaron grinned up at his dripping wet friend. He remained unscathed as he opted for the second seat behind his much taller companion.
It was already almost 10:30 at night but neither man was ready to go home just yet. It had been forever since either of them had the opportunity to truly relax and enjoy their time at the park. Of course, they'd been stopped in almost every line and asked to sign autographs or take pictures. Aaron didn't mind playing along, and soon neither did Michael. This truly was the happiest place on Earth and damn it, he was going to have fun no matter what people may have insinuated about his relationship with Aaron. They definitely weren't a couple and Michael was pretty sure that they definitely were not gay. Although, Aaron's lingering kiss on Michael's cheek and his hand on Michael's ass while they posed for photos waiting for the new Finding Nemo ride, might have made him think otherwise.
"C'mon dude, you're making me cold just looking at you." Aaron wrapped his arm around the slimmer swimmer's waist, guiding him through the thinning crowd back to their new favorite ride, the Haunted Mansion. It was the perfect blend of cheesy spooky with cool upgraded special effects; plus it would be dry and much warmer than the cool night air.
Michael followed willingly, thankful that most of the annoying little kids were gone and the crowds were making their way to the parking garage after the fireworks show, leaving the ride lines much shorter than they had been earlier on in the afternoon. He leaned into Aaron slightly while they waited in the dark foyer of the Haunted Mansion ride, feigning a need for body warmth, when really he was a bit creeped out.
"Aww… is Mikey cold?" Aaron gladly complied with Michael's silent request for a source of warmth as the taller man leaned into him, sliding both of his arms around his waist and hooking his chin over Michael's broad shoulder. He barely gave his posture a second thought as both of them had been play-acting as a couple the entire day, his voice low and seductive, revealing the southern drawl he'd picked up since living in Texas. "I wonder how much trouble we would get in if I… oh never mind."
"If you what?" Michael turned to whisper, thankful that he had an excuse for shivering from the feeling of Aaron's warmth breath against his ear. It'd been a long time since he'd felt this kind of simple affection and there was very little he could do to keep his body from responding.
"Nah… I don't think you would be up for it."
"What? You think I don't break rules?"
Aaron nuzzled into Michael's neck to muffle his laughter as the lights went out and the creepy voice came over the speakers, detailing the circumstances under which the mansion became haunted. "Mike, you've lived on the straight and narrow your entire life. The thought of you being rebellious is probably the funniest thing I've heard all day."
"Fuck you man. Whatever shit you're thinking of pulling, I'm down."
"You sure about that Mikey…?" His voice was thick with lust and he couldn't stop his tongue from tracing the outer shell of Michael's ear with a soft moan.
"Uh-uh… what are you doing, man? I didn't think you were…" Before Michael could finish, the lights came up and the group was guided down the long hallway and into the waiting room for their car to begin coasting through the ride. Michael remained silent while he waited for their carriage to arrive, fidgeting with the drawstrings on his hoodie, trying desperately to avoid the "come hither" stare he was getting from Aaron.
For his part, Aaron leaned against the metal railing, his eyes trailing over Michael's lean frame. He was pretty sure the guys knew about his open sexuality, so he was a bit taken aback that Michael reacted with such surprise to his advances. Oh well, Aaron thought. He doesn't seem to be rejecting the suggestion.
Michael quickly climbed into the carriage, waiting until they were out of sight of their fellow passengers, leaning over to whisper against Aaron's ear, "I didn't know you were gay…"
"I didn't know you were blind…" Aaron lightly slid his fingers along Michael's exposed thigh, grinning as goose bumps began to rise on the younger swimmer's skin and this time it wasn't due to the cold air. "What's the fastest you've ever came?"
"I-I don't know… ummm a couple of minutes, maybe?"
"Well then, think of this as a race… The faster you get off, the less trouble we get in." Aaron set to work teasing Michael's neck with his skilled mouth and tongue while his hand snuck into his shorts.
When the two swimmers emerged from the darkened hallway of ghost portraits, Michael was slouched in his seat, gasping for air while Aaron quickly licked his fingers clean, biting his thumb nail playfully as he grinned over at his friend. "Another world record to add to your list of accomplishments…"
"Fuck you, dude… You just violated me in Disneyland."
"And you liked it."
"That's not the point…"
"Actually, that is the point. And I'll be expecting you to return the favor." Aaron threw over his shoulder with a wink as he walked past the group of girls giggling over the pictures they'd taken on the ride.
"Happiest place on Earth my ass…" Michael mumbled as he caught up with Aaron, snagging the map to decide what ride they would jump on next, preferably one with a long trip through a dark tunnel. There was no way he was going to let Aaron get away with this little prank of his.
"That's the spirit Mikey…" Aaron slid his hand into the back pocket of Michael's shorts, squeezing playfully as he smirked up at the red-faced swimmer and led them to Pirate's for the fourth time that day.
Michael couldn't help but laugh, nudging Aaron's hip with his own just before climbing into their boat. "That's Cap'n Jack Sparrow to you, mate," Michael stated with a resounding kiss, his tongue exploring Aaron's warm mouth with a soft groan.
Aaron returned the kiss hungrily. "Drink up me 'earties, yo-ho," he sang into Michael's ear, having perfected the Jack Sparrow, chuckling softly as they floated into the darkened ride, giving the diners to their right quite a show.
"Dude, what reason would I have to lie to you?"
"Other than I know for a fact that you've been to Disneyland. I could Google the photographic evidence…"
"Okay, sure. I've been to Disneyland, but I've never really been, you know?"
"Nope. I really am not understanding you."
Michael rolled his eyes in exacerbated frustration, crossing his arms over his chest in a statement of defiance. There was no way that Aaron was going to keep him from enjoying his time under the Southern Californian sun. "Now you're just being an asshole."
Aaron held onto his serious face for as long as possible before cracking his undeniably charming grin. "Aww poor Mikey. Never been able to play in the happiest place on Earth? Now that's a crime against humanity." He playfully ruffled the younger man's hair before pulling him into a one arm hug. "Okay, okay… we'll go. But first dude, you've gotta take a shower."
"Fuck you, man. Why do you always have to be mean to me?" Michael pushed Aaron away with a slight pout, trying to fix his hair out of its sleep-smushed state.
"'Cause it's just so damn easy." Aaron answered with a shrug. "But if you want to get there before all of the soccer moms and toddlers, you really do have to go take that shower. I refuse to let you scare Mickey away with your BO."
Michael replied with an angry glare and his middle finger as he walked down the hallway to the former Texan's bathroom.
**
Aaron could no longer contain his laughter as he and Michael stood in front of the main entrance to the park. Hanging in front of the Main Street train station on a bright pink banner and printed in large black letters were the words "Welcome to Gay Day!" He gently slid his arm around the younger man's waist. "Oh Mike. You sure do know how to pick 'em."
"I didn't know!" Michael hadn't intended for his voice to reach such a high register and cause the several nearby couples to turn and glare.
"Mmmhmm. I knew something was up when you called and asked to hang out on this weekend specifically."
"Dude, can we please stop talking about this and just go ride Pirates?"
"I thought we were gonna go to Adventure Land first."
"Well if you knew how to read a map you would realize that Pirates is like, right next to your stupid Indiana Jones ride."
"Whoa… this is the Magical Kingdom Mikey. Check your bitchiness at the door. And besides… Indiana Jones is not stupid; it's fuckin' awesome."
"Fine, we'll go ride Indy first."
"That's what she said, honey."
Both men turned when they heard a slightly effeminate male voice float over their shoulders. Normally Michael would have been pissed that someone was eavesdropping on his conversation, but when he saw the perpetrator, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Ummm… good one."
"Oh please sweetheart, he could have done better." Responded the speaker's partner. "I hate to do this, but are you Michael Phelps?"
Aaron smirked over at a flustered Michael, jumping at the chance to embarrass the young swimmer even more. "Actually, he is. And I'm Aaron Piersol…"
"Oooh… the backstroker."
"Right. Umm I'm sure Michael agrees with me when I say this, but we are so honored to be here on such an important day in the community."
"Then would you guys be willing to take some pictures with us? I mean, my friends would never, ever believe that we actually met you."
Michael wanted desperately to kick Aaron's ass. He knew exactly how this would play out. The pictures would be released online; his agent, Peter Carlisle, would bitch him out while simultaneously planning some media tour to rebuild his image as the typical straight, American, adolescent. But of course, before he could dig himself out of this bad publicity hole, Aaron took the camera and began snapping away.
"Thanks so much you guys! It's so awesome to see two American heroes out and in such a great relationship."
"Well thank you, Danny. We're just so happy together and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend the day with other wonderful couples." Aaron squeezed Michael hand once he had it in his grasp, wincing in pain as Michael squeezed right back.
Michael leaned in to whisper as the two men walked away. "I hate you. I seriously, for the rest of my life, hate you."
"No you don't Phelps. Didn't you see how happy we just made those two guys? I mean, c'mon. So what if people think we're gay for one day?"
"I don't think Speedo will be very happy about it."
"Makes you wish you'd signed with Nike now, doesn't it?" Aaron said with a playful wink, still holding onto Michael's hand as they navigated their way to Frontier Land.
**
"Why do I always let you talk me into doing such stupid shit?" Michael asked as he stood shivering at the exit to Splash Mountain, literally soaked from head to toe.
"Because, I'm handsome and charming. And you're madly in love with me, so you'll pretty much do whatever I ask…" Aaron grinned up at his dripping wet friend. He remained unscathed as he opted for the second seat behind his much taller companion.
It was already almost 10:30 at night but neither man was ready to go home just yet. It had been forever since either of them had the opportunity to truly relax and enjoy their time at the park. Of course, they'd been stopped in almost every line and asked to sign autographs or take pictures. Aaron didn't mind playing along, and soon neither did Michael. This truly was the happiest place on Earth and damn it, he was going to have fun no matter what people may have insinuated about his relationship with Aaron. They definitely weren't a couple and Michael was pretty sure that they definitely were not gay. Although, Aaron's lingering kiss on Michael's cheek and his hand on Michael's ass while they posed for photos waiting for the new Finding Nemo ride, might have made him think otherwise.
"C'mon dude, you're making me cold just looking at you." Aaron wrapped his arm around the slimmer swimmer's waist, guiding him through the thinning crowd back to their new favorite ride, the Haunted Mansion. It was the perfect blend of cheesy spooky with cool upgraded special effects; plus it would be dry and much warmer than the cool night air.
Michael followed willingly, thankful that most of the annoying little kids were gone and the crowds were making their way to the parking garage after the fireworks show, leaving the ride lines much shorter than they had been earlier on in the afternoon. He leaned into Aaron slightly while they waited in the dark foyer of the Haunted Mansion ride, feigning a need for body warmth, when really he was a bit creeped out.
"Aww… is Mikey cold?" Aaron gladly complied with Michael's silent request for a source of warmth as the taller man leaned into him, sliding both of his arms around his waist and hooking his chin over Michael's broad shoulder. He barely gave his posture a second thought as both of them had been play-acting as a couple the entire day, his voice low and seductive, revealing the southern drawl he'd picked up since living in Texas. "I wonder how much trouble we would get in if I… oh never mind."
"If you what?" Michael turned to whisper, thankful that he had an excuse for shivering from the feeling of Aaron's warmth breath against his ear. It'd been a long time since he'd felt this kind of simple affection and there was very little he could do to keep his body from responding.
"Nah… I don't think you would be up for it."
"What? You think I don't break rules?"
Aaron nuzzled into Michael's neck to muffle his laughter as the lights went out and the creepy voice came over the speakers, detailing the circumstances under which the mansion became haunted. "Mike, you've lived on the straight and narrow your entire life. The thought of you being rebellious is probably the funniest thing I've heard all day."
"Fuck you man. Whatever shit you're thinking of pulling, I'm down."
"You sure about that Mikey…?" His voice was thick with lust and he couldn't stop his tongue from tracing the outer shell of Michael's ear with a soft moan.
"Uh-uh… what are you doing, man? I didn't think you were…" Before Michael could finish, the lights came up and the group was guided down the long hallway and into the waiting room for their car to begin coasting through the ride. Michael remained silent while he waited for their carriage to arrive, fidgeting with the drawstrings on his hoodie, trying desperately to avoid the "come hither" stare he was getting from Aaron.
For his part, Aaron leaned against the metal railing, his eyes trailing over Michael's lean frame. He was pretty sure the guys knew about his open sexuality, so he was a bit taken aback that Michael reacted with such surprise to his advances. Oh well, Aaron thought. He doesn't seem to be rejecting the suggestion.
Michael quickly climbed into the carriage, waiting until they were out of sight of their fellow passengers, leaning over to whisper against Aaron's ear, "I didn't know you were gay…"
"I didn't know you were blind…" Aaron lightly slid his fingers along Michael's exposed thigh, grinning as goose bumps began to rise on the younger swimmer's skin and this time it wasn't due to the cold air. "What's the fastest you've ever came?"
"I-I don't know… ummm a couple of minutes, maybe?"
"Well then, think of this as a race… The faster you get off, the less trouble we get in." Aaron set to work teasing Michael's neck with his skilled mouth and tongue while his hand snuck into his shorts.
When the two swimmers emerged from the darkened hallway of ghost portraits, Michael was slouched in his seat, gasping for air while Aaron quickly licked his fingers clean, biting his thumb nail playfully as he grinned over at his friend. "Another world record to add to your list of accomplishments…"
"Fuck you, dude… You just violated me in Disneyland."
"And you liked it."
"That's not the point…"
"Actually, that is the point. And I'll be expecting you to return the favor." Aaron threw over his shoulder with a wink as he walked past the group of girls giggling over the pictures they'd taken on the ride.
"Happiest place on Earth my ass…" Michael mumbled as he caught up with Aaron, snagging the map to decide what ride they would jump on next, preferably one with a long trip through a dark tunnel. There was no way he was going to let Aaron get away with this little prank of his.
"That's the spirit Mikey…" Aaron slid his hand into the back pocket of Michael's shorts, squeezing playfully as he smirked up at the red-faced swimmer and led them to Pirate's for the fourth time that day.
Michael couldn't help but laugh, nudging Aaron's hip with his own just before climbing into their boat. "That's Cap'n Jack Sparrow to you, mate," Michael stated with a resounding kiss, his tongue exploring Aaron's warm mouth with a soft groan.
Aaron returned the kiss hungrily. "Drink up me 'earties, yo-ho," he sang into Michael's ear, having perfected the Jack Sparrow, chuckling softly as they floated into the darkened ride, giving the diners to their right quite a show.