Cruising/Chapter 4
Title: Cruising/ chapter four
Author: Rebop 13
Artist: pirl
Rating: Much NC-17ness. Yea!
Disclaimer: They aren't mine, but I own the lube.
Characters/Pairings: Luke, Noah, Ameera, Lucinda, many, many OC's
Word Count: Lots. Sorry, but my %&$#@ Mac writing program has no word count.
Warnings: Some angst. I mean, this is me.
Spoilers: None. We are way into AU land.
Summary: AU. Luke and Noah are emotionally blackmailed into going on a gay cruise. Romcom antics, misunderstandings, hot sex, schmoop, snappy dialogue and angst ensue. Also lots of lovely international scenery and fine cuisine.
Author’s Notes: OMG. Thank you Moey Mo for be so tolerant of my incredibly tardy ass. This thing came down to the wire, and for awhile, I didn't think I was going to make it. I am so grateful you didn't spank me and send me to my corner. Also pirl, for being both incredibly gracious, patient and talented-you rock so hard, you would scare Mick Jagger. I love Luke's cowboy stance and Noah's nose. And sorry to all my wonderful Nukies, who I've missed terribly. As usual, long story, but like a bad penny, I will continue to turn up. Hugs and smishings to all.
Luke was fuming.
He marched into his stateroom crackling like he was surrounded by heat lightning, barely taking in the luxurious surroundings. He wanted to kick something, punch someone. Especially the asshole that dared to laughed at him.
He paced for awhile, and the anger ceded a little, He then opened the sliding glass doors that led to his small, private balcony, another perk courtesy of his wealthy grandmother. He sat down and fumed some more, imagining what that tall, dark jerk must have thought of him. No doubt he'd thought he was a pathetic, helpless idiot. Which secretly echoed how Luke felt about himself at the moment.
He slouched in the chair and tried to calm down, breathing slow and deep. When he was angry, that's when he got into trouble, and with all the booze and other temptations aboard, he couldn't afford to slide into an old pattern of bad behavior. The cruise was really going to be a test of his self control, another reason it was such a stupid idea.
He finally relaxed and his anger began to be replaced by a feeling of melancholy and homesickness. He wanted to be back in his comfortable kitchen, making Toby Mac and Cheese, both of them singing "Elmo's Song" at the top of their lungs. He already missed Toby, like someone had cut out a piece of his heart. They hadn't really ever been apart since Tobes had been in diapers.
He thought back to the day he'd left Oakdale, which seemed like several lifetimes ago. His stomach had been tied into one big, sick knot as he drove Toby over to his his parent's house. Toby, on the other hand, was really wound up and excited about "having a big sleepover" and Gram and Grampa's.
"Elmo and I get to sleep in a new bed." Toby said happily from his back car seat.
"Yup." Luke answered, gripping the steering wheel a tad tighter. "You're gonna be sleeping in the same I room I slept in when I was little."
"When you were a kid?" Toby had a tone of both wonder and disbelief in his voice, as if Luke had just announced they were going to take a rocket to Jupiter or get a pet squid.
"When I was a kid. Ages ago. When there were dinosaurs."
Toby snorted. "Daddy. You are silly."
"Yeah, I'm silly." Luke made a turn at the corner of Elm. "And by they way, being silly at Gram and Grampa's is okay, Tobster. Being naughty and not minding-not okay. You got that?'
"I will be on best behavior." Toby parroted reluctantly. "You don't want no bad reports."
Luke has to repress a smile. God, he loved him. "That's exactly right. But hey-you are going to have so much fun too. Grampa's going to take you to a really big park with lots of slides and swings, and you are going to help him feed his horses every day. And I'm pretty sure that Great Grammie will let you bake cookies."Luke pulled into his parent's long driveway. "And I'm sure that Gram and Auntie Faith are going to take you shopping and to the movies, and maybe if you are really good, out for ice cream."
"Yea!" Toby yelled. "Yea, yea, YEA!"
Luke stopped the car and put it in park, and then got out and started to get Toby out of the back. As he was unbuckling his son, Toby unexpectedly patted his face, and looked a him with serious, dark eyes. "You are gonna have fun too, daddy. Grown-up fun. You are gonna be on a big boat, and maybe there will be whales and octopuses an' seals an' sharks swimming by. Maybe they will let you swim with them. And you will read your big books and write your stories, and meet nice boy to kiss, so you won't be so sad anymore." Toby grinned at him widely and then slipped all the way out of his car seat as Luke just stood there, stunned.
"GRAMPA!" Toby bolted completed out of the car and barreled up the drive, Elmo doll flying after him. He ran into Holden, who was standing in welcome on the porch, and Toby ran into him like right tackle for the Chicago Bears.
"Well, hey! There's my favorite monster!" Holden caught Luke's son in his strong arms and lifted him high, as Toby giggled. And it wasn't that long ago, Luke thought, that Holden had done the same thing to him.
"I'm here for my big sleepover, Grampa! " Toby said, hugging Holden around his neck. "And we can go to the park, an' maybe ride a horse an' watch Spongebob and eat candy."
"Can't wait, tiger." Holden chuckled and giving Luke a soft look over Toby's tousled head. "Can't wait. "
It took awhile to get his son settled, although Luke was stalling a bit. He carefully unpacked Toby's things in Luke's old room, and went over the good behavior ground rules for the millionth time. Toby, on the other hand, was primed to get the 'big sleepover' started, and was rolling his eyes a little. "Daddy-you are gonna be late for Great Grandmother's plane."
Luke was secretly wounded that it was so easy for Toby to say goodbye, when he was dying inside. "You're right. And baby, if you start missing me, our get homesick, you call me, okay? Anytime."
"I promise." There was a sudden flicker of uncertainty and worry on Toby's face. "Grampa's good at reading stories, right? Not as good as you, but he can, can't he? And he'll keep the bad monsters out, right?"
Luke suddenly realized he was projecting his own anxieties on to Toby, and possibly ruining his time with grandparents. "Grampa's the best, Tobes. He used to keep the bad monsters away for me when I was little. And he read me all kinds of stories-Billy Goat Gruff and the Little Engine that Could and The Saggy, Baggy Elephant. He'll read them for you, I'm sure."
Toby brightened. "I love that one."
"I love that one, too." Luke knelt down and hugged his son tight. He was still so small under his baggy Cookie Monster sweatshirt, and smelled like Cheetos and Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo. "And I love you so, so, so much." He kissed his soft cheek.
Toby hugged him back and wiggled at the same time. He gave him a sloppy four year old kiss. "Love you too, daddy. Have fun on your boat. Bye, bye!" Then he dashed off to the living room to play with the new Lego set Lily had gotten him. Luke followed him down the stairs, finding Holden waiting in the hall.
"We'd better get rolling, Luke. "Holden said gently. "Private jets still have scheduled departure times. Besides, we don't want to give your mother any more opportunities to lecture you about why you didn't get a haircut or a new wardrobe for this trip."
"I only lectured once." Lily said, making a face at both of them as she sat down on the living room floor with the already absorbed Toby. "And all I want is for you to have a wonderful time, Luke." She blew him a kiss, and Luke had to smile at the CEO of Worldwide playing with Legos.
In the car, heading to Oakdale's small airport, Luke fought back some tears and Holden was thoughtfully silent, just letting the radio play. However, when they got to Fifth and Jefferson, Holden finally spoke. "I know it's hard, buddy. Especially this first time…but-can I give you a little advice?"
"Sure." Luke said reluctantly, although unlike most of his relatives, Holden had mercifully kept his nose out of Luke's business. One of the many reasons why he loved him so much. "Shoot."
"First of all, can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you, Luke. You're a good man, and a wonderful father. You've made the best of a really difficult situation, and Toby's such a happy, well-adjusted kid. You work so hard, and it's hard to stop myself from bragging about the both of you, even though it's a father's and Grampa's duty."
Luke had to smile." I kind of sense there is a 'but' coming on…"
"Well, sadly there is. While you are a terrific father, Luke-that's not all you are. Due to circumstances, some beyond your control, Toby has become your whole life. And that's not good, sport. Neither for you or Toby. While I'm not wild about this whole cruise idea-and you deserve extra credit for making Lucinda happy-it's about time you enjoyed yourself, and had a little fun. So when you get back, you might open yourself up to, well, possibilities."
"I guess." Luke said with a slight laugh. "Apparently, even Toby sees this. When I was getting him out of the car, he hoped I would go swimming with whales and sharks and meet a nice boy to kiss. Out of the mouths of babes, I guess."
Holden's eyebrows raised and he chuckled. "No kidding. How did he pick up on that?"
"Probably when I was bitching on the phone about it to Maddie." Luke ran his fingers through his hair, making it messier. "Look-I agree with you and apparently everyone else is saying. It's just easier said than done. And while it's silly to contemplate me meeting anyone on this stupid cruise, it's just going to be tough if I try and start seriously dating again. Oakdale has a limited gay population, dad. Plus, I need to find a guy that's willing to accept Toby, since we are a package deal."
"As it should be." Holden said, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. "Luke-I never assumed it was going to be easy. But-remember Champ?"
Luke smiled widely."How could I forget? That damn horse threw me more times than I could count. My butt was permanently black and blue for awhile."
"But you didn't let him get the best of you." Holden said seriously. "I was pretty worried about that situation for awhile- I thought he was a bit too much for a thirteen year old to handle."
"Why didn't you step in, then?" Luke asked, surprised. This was the first he'd ever heard this. "I honestly was in over my head-I picked a horse out because of looks, not temperament. And Champ was kind of an annoying bastard, much as I loved him."
"Because I knew you. You were a tough kid, and every bit as stubborn as that horse. Every time he bounced you off, you climbed right back on. You had amazing grit and gumption, kiddo." Holden gave him a significant look as they pulled into the airport drive."Still do."
But riding an ornery horse and getting over a broken heart were two vastly different things. Luke couldn't feel any of his so-called grit and gumption, just nerves and the suspicion that he had giant "L" for loser painted on his chest. He was pretty sure that was what that Tall and Dark Jerk from the docks was thinking when he started laughing at him.
Luke sat for a long time, frozen like a bug in amber, unsure of what to do. The ship finally left the dock, heading oceanward, and Luke could hear the happy sounds of departure from the lower decks, everyone revving up for the long party. And all he wanted to do was call Toby, and then take a sleeping pill, since he'd not gotten a lot of rest since hitting London.
He finally stood up and started fussing with his luggage, when a few unbidden images flashed through his mind. Champ bouncing him into the dust of the corral. Tall and Dark smirking at him. Hugh walking out of their house with a hastily packed suitcase as Toby cried.
Luke found himself wiping away angry tears. Fuck it. Fuck them. So instead of hunting for his prescription, Luke started pulling out a change of clothing. He was going to finally climb back on the horse.
****
It took him about two hours to get ready. He showered and carefully shaved, redoing his hair about a dozen times and wishing he'd followed Lily's advice and gotten it cut. He thought he looked like a demented squirrel. He also changed his clothing three times, finally settling on a white summer jacket and dark brown shirt, one that brought out his eyes, which he felt was his best feature. He hoped they were not too bloodshot.
He splashed on some cologne and headed out the door, telling himself that all that was going to happen was that he was going to get some dinner and socialize. Something he used to be really good at, pre Hugh.
He took the stairs down to the lower Aurora deck, quickly drying his sweaty palms on his slacks. He'd spent some time studying the ship's layout before leaving his cabin, ands amazed to find that there were four restaurants, three bars and a disco, two coffee shops, a gym, a mini golf course, a casino, a sauna, two pools and several jacuzzi's. Luke didn't want to contemplate what was most likely already going on in there.
The closest restaurant was the Stargazer, in keeping with the ship's theme of all things astronomical. It was crowded and buzzing with activity, and Luke felt massively self conscious when he walked in. A friendly maitre de immediately approached him. "Allow me to find you a seat, sir. it's really busy at the moment, so I hope you don't mind sharing a table…"
Luke panicked. Sharing a table with a bunch of strangers was suddenly beyond him. He felt his face flush and he stammered, "You know-I think I might go get a drink first. Sorry to trouble you." And he beat a hasty retreat before the surprised maitre de could reply.
Of course, a drink was the last thing he needed, although the darkest part of his psyche was screaming for a vodka and tonic. But he'd fought too hard in that battle to throw it all away now.
He walked outside instead, letting the ocean breeze waft through his hair, and leaned against the railing. They were out in deep ocean now, and the bottle green water surged below him. Luke felt a sudden stab of nausea, which was most likely due to nerves. He took some big gulps of air to steady himself, and he realized he'd lost this round without ever even getting started. He'd maybe try again tomorrow.
He tried to find the stairs and instead need up near the pool, which, like the restaurant, was packed to the brim, and startlingly male. It's when the whole 'gay cruise' concept really hit home, and Luke saw so many half naked bodies-some ripped and tanned, others, a bit flabby and pale. All seemingly circling each other like a bunch of hungry sharks.
Luke quickly turned on his heel like he was on fire and stumbled over a couple making out in the dark of the the stairwell. They were both pretty hot looking, one blond, the other dark, and moaning into each other's mouths. Luke was both mortified and transfixed as their hands traveled over firm, muscled skin, and Luke suddenly remembered what it was like. The hot, wonderful arousal that rocketed through his body when Hugh touched him, the softness of his lips, the feel of his warm, callused hands. He swayed a little with the longing.
The men finally broke apart, realizing that they were being watched. Luke snapped out of his stupor and felt his face grow bright red. "Oh. God-I'm so sorry."
The blond one just grinned at him, and said, with a heavy French accent. "Don't be sorry, beautiful." He extended a hand. "Come and join us."
And if Luke thought he was panicked before, his freak out now went sky high, as a menage was about the last thing he was ready for. "Uh. No thanks." He scrambled up the stairs, face burning, and heard their soft laughter following him.
It was then that he decided he wasn't going to leave his room ever-even if the ship were hit by a fucking iceberg.
Author: Rebop 13
Artist: pirl
Rating: Much NC-17ness. Yea!
Disclaimer: They aren't mine, but I own the lube.
Characters/Pairings: Luke, Noah, Ameera, Lucinda, many, many OC's
Word Count: Lots. Sorry, but my %&$#@ Mac writing program has no word count.
Warnings: Some angst. I mean, this is me.
Spoilers: None. We are way into AU land.
Summary: AU. Luke and Noah are emotionally blackmailed into going on a gay cruise. Romcom antics, misunderstandings, hot sex, schmoop, snappy dialogue and angst ensue. Also lots of lovely international scenery and fine cuisine.
Author’s Notes: OMG. Thank you Moey Mo for be so tolerant of my incredibly tardy ass. This thing came down to the wire, and for awhile, I didn't think I was going to make it. I am so grateful you didn't spank me and send me to my corner. Also pirl, for being both incredibly gracious, patient and talented-you rock so hard, you would scare Mick Jagger. I love Luke's cowboy stance and Noah's nose. And sorry to all my wonderful Nukies, who I've missed terribly. As usual, long story, but like a bad penny, I will continue to turn up. Hugs and smishings to all.
Luke was fuming.
He marched into his stateroom crackling like he was surrounded by heat lightning, barely taking in the luxurious surroundings. He wanted to kick something, punch someone. Especially the asshole that dared to laughed at him.
He paced for awhile, and the anger ceded a little, He then opened the sliding glass doors that led to his small, private balcony, another perk courtesy of his wealthy grandmother. He sat down and fumed some more, imagining what that tall, dark jerk must have thought of him. No doubt he'd thought he was a pathetic, helpless idiot. Which secretly echoed how Luke felt about himself at the moment.
He slouched in the chair and tried to calm down, breathing slow and deep. When he was angry, that's when he got into trouble, and with all the booze and other temptations aboard, he couldn't afford to slide into an old pattern of bad behavior. The cruise was really going to be a test of his self control, another reason it was such a stupid idea.
He finally relaxed and his anger began to be replaced by a feeling of melancholy and homesickness. He wanted to be back in his comfortable kitchen, making Toby Mac and Cheese, both of them singing "Elmo's Song" at the top of their lungs. He already missed Toby, like someone had cut out a piece of his heart. They hadn't really ever been apart since Tobes had been in diapers.
He thought back to the day he'd left Oakdale, which seemed like several lifetimes ago. His stomach had been tied into one big, sick knot as he drove Toby over to his his parent's house. Toby, on the other hand, was really wound up and excited about "having a big sleepover" and Gram and Grampa's.
"Elmo and I get to sleep in a new bed." Toby said happily from his back car seat.
"Yup." Luke answered, gripping the steering wheel a tad tighter. "You're gonna be sleeping in the same I room I slept in when I was little."
"When you were a kid?" Toby had a tone of both wonder and disbelief in his voice, as if Luke had just announced they were going to take a rocket to Jupiter or get a pet squid.
"When I was a kid. Ages ago. When there were dinosaurs."
Toby snorted. "Daddy. You are silly."
"Yeah, I'm silly." Luke made a turn at the corner of Elm. "And by they way, being silly at Gram and Grampa's is okay, Tobster. Being naughty and not minding-not okay. You got that?'
"I will be on best behavior." Toby parroted reluctantly. "You don't want no bad reports."
Luke has to repress a smile. God, he loved him. "That's exactly right. But hey-you are going to have so much fun too. Grampa's going to take you to a really big park with lots of slides and swings, and you are going to help him feed his horses every day. And I'm pretty sure that Great Grammie will let you bake cookies."Luke pulled into his parent's long driveway. "And I'm sure that Gram and Auntie Faith are going to take you shopping and to the movies, and maybe if you are really good, out for ice cream."
"Yea!" Toby yelled. "Yea, yea, YEA!"
Luke stopped the car and put it in park, and then got out and started to get Toby out of the back. As he was unbuckling his son, Toby unexpectedly patted his face, and looked a him with serious, dark eyes. "You are gonna have fun too, daddy. Grown-up fun. You are gonna be on a big boat, and maybe there will be whales and octopuses an' seals an' sharks swimming by. Maybe they will let you swim with them. And you will read your big books and write your stories, and meet nice boy to kiss, so you won't be so sad anymore." Toby grinned at him widely and then slipped all the way out of his car seat as Luke just stood there, stunned.
"GRAMPA!" Toby bolted completed out of the car and barreled up the drive, Elmo doll flying after him. He ran into Holden, who was standing in welcome on the porch, and Toby ran into him like right tackle for the Chicago Bears.
"Well, hey! There's my favorite monster!" Holden caught Luke's son in his strong arms and lifted him high, as Toby giggled. And it wasn't that long ago, Luke thought, that Holden had done the same thing to him.
"I'm here for my big sleepover, Grampa! " Toby said, hugging Holden around his neck. "And we can go to the park, an' maybe ride a horse an' watch Spongebob and eat candy."
"Can't wait, tiger." Holden chuckled and giving Luke a soft look over Toby's tousled head. "Can't wait. "
It took awhile to get his son settled, although Luke was stalling a bit. He carefully unpacked Toby's things in Luke's old room, and went over the good behavior ground rules for the millionth time. Toby, on the other hand, was primed to get the 'big sleepover' started, and was rolling his eyes a little. "Daddy-you are gonna be late for Great Grandmother's plane."
Luke was secretly wounded that it was so easy for Toby to say goodbye, when he was dying inside. "You're right. And baby, if you start missing me, our get homesick, you call me, okay? Anytime."
"I promise." There was a sudden flicker of uncertainty and worry on Toby's face. "Grampa's good at reading stories, right? Not as good as you, but he can, can't he? And he'll keep the bad monsters out, right?"
Luke suddenly realized he was projecting his own anxieties on to Toby, and possibly ruining his time with grandparents. "Grampa's the best, Tobes. He used to keep the bad monsters away for me when I was little. And he read me all kinds of stories-Billy Goat Gruff and the Little Engine that Could and The Saggy, Baggy Elephant. He'll read them for you, I'm sure."
Toby brightened. "I love that one."
"I love that one, too." Luke knelt down and hugged his son tight. He was still so small under his baggy Cookie Monster sweatshirt, and smelled like Cheetos and Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo. "And I love you so, so, so much." He kissed his soft cheek.
Toby hugged him back and wiggled at the same time. He gave him a sloppy four year old kiss. "Love you too, daddy. Have fun on your boat. Bye, bye!" Then he dashed off to the living room to play with the new Lego set Lily had gotten him. Luke followed him down the stairs, finding Holden waiting in the hall.
"We'd better get rolling, Luke. "Holden said gently. "Private jets still have scheduled departure times. Besides, we don't want to give your mother any more opportunities to lecture you about why you didn't get a haircut or a new wardrobe for this trip."
"I only lectured once." Lily said, making a face at both of them as she sat down on the living room floor with the already absorbed Toby. "And all I want is for you to have a wonderful time, Luke." She blew him a kiss, and Luke had to smile at the CEO of Worldwide playing with Legos.
In the car, heading to Oakdale's small airport, Luke fought back some tears and Holden was thoughtfully silent, just letting the radio play. However, when they got to Fifth and Jefferson, Holden finally spoke. "I know it's hard, buddy. Especially this first time…but-can I give you a little advice?"
"Sure." Luke said reluctantly, although unlike most of his relatives, Holden had mercifully kept his nose out of Luke's business. One of the many reasons why he loved him so much. "Shoot."
"First of all, can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you, Luke. You're a good man, and a wonderful father. You've made the best of a really difficult situation, and Toby's such a happy, well-adjusted kid. You work so hard, and it's hard to stop myself from bragging about the both of you, even though it's a father's and Grampa's duty."
Luke had to smile." I kind of sense there is a 'but' coming on…"
"Well, sadly there is. While you are a terrific father, Luke-that's not all you are. Due to circumstances, some beyond your control, Toby has become your whole life. And that's not good, sport. Neither for you or Toby. While I'm not wild about this whole cruise idea-and you deserve extra credit for making Lucinda happy-it's about time you enjoyed yourself, and had a little fun. So when you get back, you might open yourself up to, well, possibilities."
"I guess." Luke said with a slight laugh. "Apparently, even Toby sees this. When I was getting him out of the car, he hoped I would go swimming with whales and sharks and meet a nice boy to kiss. Out of the mouths of babes, I guess."
Holden's eyebrows raised and he chuckled. "No kidding. How did he pick up on that?"
"Probably when I was bitching on the phone about it to Maddie." Luke ran his fingers through his hair, making it messier. "Look-I agree with you and apparently everyone else is saying. It's just easier said than done. And while it's silly to contemplate me meeting anyone on this stupid cruise, it's just going to be tough if I try and start seriously dating again. Oakdale has a limited gay population, dad. Plus, I need to find a guy that's willing to accept Toby, since we are a package deal."
"As it should be." Holden said, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. "Luke-I never assumed it was going to be easy. But-remember Champ?"
Luke smiled widely."How could I forget? That damn horse threw me more times than I could count. My butt was permanently black and blue for awhile."
"But you didn't let him get the best of you." Holden said seriously. "I was pretty worried about that situation for awhile- I thought he was a bit too much for a thirteen year old to handle."
"Why didn't you step in, then?" Luke asked, surprised. This was the first he'd ever heard this. "I honestly was in over my head-I picked a horse out because of looks, not temperament. And Champ was kind of an annoying bastard, much as I loved him."
"Because I knew you. You were a tough kid, and every bit as stubborn as that horse. Every time he bounced you off, you climbed right back on. You had amazing grit and gumption, kiddo." Holden gave him a significant look as they pulled into the airport drive."Still do."
But riding an ornery horse and getting over a broken heart were two vastly different things. Luke couldn't feel any of his so-called grit and gumption, just nerves and the suspicion that he had giant "L" for loser painted on his chest. He was pretty sure that was what that Tall and Dark Jerk from the docks was thinking when he started laughing at him.
Luke sat for a long time, frozen like a bug in amber, unsure of what to do. The ship finally left the dock, heading oceanward, and Luke could hear the happy sounds of departure from the lower decks, everyone revving up for the long party. And all he wanted to do was call Toby, and then take a sleeping pill, since he'd not gotten a lot of rest since hitting London.
He finally stood up and started fussing with his luggage, when a few unbidden images flashed through his mind. Champ bouncing him into the dust of the corral. Tall and Dark smirking at him. Hugh walking out of their house with a hastily packed suitcase as Toby cried.
Luke found himself wiping away angry tears. Fuck it. Fuck them. So instead of hunting for his prescription, Luke started pulling out a change of clothing. He was going to finally climb back on the horse.
****
It took him about two hours to get ready. He showered and carefully shaved, redoing his hair about a dozen times and wishing he'd followed Lily's advice and gotten it cut. He thought he looked like a demented squirrel. He also changed his clothing three times, finally settling on a white summer jacket and dark brown shirt, one that brought out his eyes, which he felt was his best feature. He hoped they were not too bloodshot.
He splashed on some cologne and headed out the door, telling himself that all that was going to happen was that he was going to get some dinner and socialize. Something he used to be really good at, pre Hugh.
He took the stairs down to the lower Aurora deck, quickly drying his sweaty palms on his slacks. He'd spent some time studying the ship's layout before leaving his cabin, ands amazed to find that there were four restaurants, three bars and a disco, two coffee shops, a gym, a mini golf course, a casino, a sauna, two pools and several jacuzzi's. Luke didn't want to contemplate what was most likely already going on in there.
The closest restaurant was the Stargazer, in keeping with the ship's theme of all things astronomical. It was crowded and buzzing with activity, and Luke felt massively self conscious when he walked in. A friendly maitre de immediately approached him. "Allow me to find you a seat, sir. it's really busy at the moment, so I hope you don't mind sharing a table…"
Luke panicked. Sharing a table with a bunch of strangers was suddenly beyond him. He felt his face flush and he stammered, "You know-I think I might go get a drink first. Sorry to trouble you." And he beat a hasty retreat before the surprised maitre de could reply.
Of course, a drink was the last thing he needed, although the darkest part of his psyche was screaming for a vodka and tonic. But he'd fought too hard in that battle to throw it all away now.
He walked outside instead, letting the ocean breeze waft through his hair, and leaned against the railing. They were out in deep ocean now, and the bottle green water surged below him. Luke felt a sudden stab of nausea, which was most likely due to nerves. He took some big gulps of air to steady himself, and he realized he'd lost this round without ever even getting started. He'd maybe try again tomorrow.
He tried to find the stairs and instead need up near the pool, which, like the restaurant, was packed to the brim, and startlingly male. It's when the whole 'gay cruise' concept really hit home, and Luke saw so many half naked bodies-some ripped and tanned, others, a bit flabby and pale. All seemingly circling each other like a bunch of hungry sharks.
Luke quickly turned on his heel like he was on fire and stumbled over a couple making out in the dark of the the stairwell. They were both pretty hot looking, one blond, the other dark, and moaning into each other's mouths. Luke was both mortified and transfixed as their hands traveled over firm, muscled skin, and Luke suddenly remembered what it was like. The hot, wonderful arousal that rocketed through his body when Hugh touched him, the softness of his lips, the feel of his warm, callused hands. He swayed a little with the longing.
The men finally broke apart, realizing that they were being watched. Luke snapped out of his stupor and felt his face grow bright red. "Oh. God-I'm so sorry."
The blond one just grinned at him, and said, with a heavy French accent. "Don't be sorry, beautiful." He extended a hand. "Come and join us."
And if Luke thought he was panicked before, his freak out now went sky high, as a menage was about the last thing he was ready for. "Uh. No thanks." He scrambled up the stairs, face burning, and heard their soft laughter following him.
It was then that he decided he wasn't going to leave his room ever-even if the ship were hit by a fucking iceberg.