Cruising/Chapter 9
Title: Cruising/ chapter nine
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.
Noah couldn't help it.
He was in love.
His aunt Ruth had indeed seen it in the cards.
It was sort of wonderful and awful at the same time, and it scared the crap out of him. It was made worse by the fact that they were now possibly in one of the most romantic places in the world, Tuscany.
The ship was docked in Livorno, Italy for two days, and passengers had options to travel on guided tours to either Pisa or Florence, or be on their own. While Roland and Marco decided to head off to Florence, Luke and Noah chose to go a less touristy route. Noah was a bit relieved. As much he loved sightseeing, he was getting a little burnt out after Barcelona, Toulon and Monte Carlo. All three cities were stunning and full of incredible history. Noah had an especially good time in Monte Carlo, the setting for so many movies. In fact, Roland and Noah talked so much about Grace Kelly and To Catch a Thief that they pretty much drove Luke and Marco nuts. Roland and Noah also had to-in honor of James Bond-hit at least one of the casinos and play roulette. Noah was shocked at how quickly he lost one hundred bucks-and fortunately Luke dragged him away.
"I need to keep an eye on you, Urkel." he teased. "You are no 007."
"Apparently not." Noah agreed. "Bond made it look so damn easy."
"Because he was in a goddamn movie." Roland grouched. He'd lost about two hundred dollars.
Those were long, sun drenched days, and the whatever it was simmered between Luke and Noah like a tea kettle set on a low burner. And that was okay. He'd told Luke he'd settle for anything, after all, and now they were sort of friends and sort of...something else. They held hands and hugged and kissed, and the kissing was especially exquisite. Luke smelled so good and tasted even better, and Noah's whole body began to ache for him.
But he didn't want to push Luke. After that one moment in his cabin, when they began to furiously make out like they both were on fire, Luke doused it all with his tears. Noah was smart enough to sense how fragile Luke was in regards to all this. It hurt more than a little, knowing he was still in love with someone else, even though that guy was pretty unworthy of it in Noah's eyes.
So he tried to be patient. And he had time-Luke made it pretty clear that they would see each other back in the states, already talking about them taking Toby to a Cubs game, and inviting Noah to one of his grandma's famous barbecues at Snyder pond. Noah couldn't wait.
He also learned a little more about Luke, discovering his quirks and imperfections, which somehow made him even more lovable. He could get pissy and bitchy when tired, and needed frequent feedings. He was disorganized and messy, and lost three pairs of sunglasses. And one night, while they were sitting on deck chairs, staring up at the stars, Luke quietly told him about his long battle with alcohol when he was a teenager, and how it had almost won. Noah just held his rough, calloused hand and listened. It hurt his heart, and made him love Luke all the more, as it showed how strong and brave he was.
He was a little scared that these feelings showed on his face. He'd somehow lost the ability he'd learned from living with the Colonel to mask those kinds of emotions. Fortunately, Luke didn't seem to notice, although Roland did. They had a little talk about it when Luke and Marco off haggling with a street vendor in the Cours Lafeyette market in Toulon. Luke was buying silk scarf for his grandmother Lucinda, and Marco spoke perfect French, so Noah and Roland hung back to watch the show.
Roland suddenly gave Noah's hand squeeze."So…how you doing there, baby? Everything okay? You look pretty happy."
Noah felt himself blush. "I am. The cruise has been so much fun. And uh, getting to know you and Luke-that's been the best part."
"Well, you are amazing too, son. Falling in love is a real brave thing to do."
Noah blushed some more and glanced at Roland, not sure what to say. "How-how about you?"
"Well…" Roland said after a moment. "He's lovely. Funny and kind. I'm a bit surprised at myself, to tell you the truth. I enjoy his company. But I'm not at the swoony stage yet. But we'll see. Right now, I'm just living in each wonderful moment."
And Noah tried to follow that wise advice. Live in each wonderful moment. And this was turning out to be one of the best.
They took the bold step of renting a car, since Luke had an international license, and drove around the Tuscan countryside. Which was everything it was cracked up to be, and then some. The hills and valleys looked ageless, and the light was soft and exquisite, something Da Vinci might have painted with a careful sable brush. Noah could imagine the great Renaissance man himself traveling along these very dusty roads, winding between the sprawling vineyards and the tall, elegant cypress trees. All the buildings were made of crumbling golden stone, washed by time.
They stopped at a little inn near an olive grove for lunch, and the food was very simple and incredibly good. Luke lived up to his birth name and ordered their meal in halting Italian. They ate outside in a little patio surrounded by swaths of grape vines, with a view of some ancient monastery in the distance. They had a thick vegetable soup and bread that tasted like sourdough and woodsmoke, which their waitress called pane tuscano. They drizzled it with olive oil and fresh chopped tomatoes, and Noah felt he could eat this very day of his life. He washed it down with a local chianti. For dessert there was grapes and cheese, and they lingered for a long time at their table, content to feel the breeze and listen to the birdsong and the bees humming.
It was perfect.
It was hard to go back and break the spell, but Luke didn't want to drive around a strange place in the dark, and Noah agreed. They went in the direction of Livorno, sated and content. Luke sang a little tune as he drove. The the windows down, and wind artistically ruffled his blond hair. They turned a corner on a hill, and in the far distance, they could see Livorno spread out below, like a tinker toy town, and beyond that, the bright blue of the Mediterranean.
"Hey Luke-could you stop for a second?" Noah asked.
Luke pulled over, under a tree, near a wrecked stone wall that was probably built when Nero came into power. You could smell wildflowers and newly mown grass in the air. Luke gave him a teasing smile. "You have to pee? You drank almost a whole bottle of wine back there, buddy."
"No." Noah said, suddenly breathless and dreamy. Luke looked so fucking incredible, a little smile on his face, shirt half unbuttoned, skin glowing from being out all day in the sun.
"No." Noah said again, not making any sense. He was indeed feeling the wine, and it was making him a little bolder than normal. He was finally living in the moment, not giving a shit that it could backfire. He let go of Mason, the hurt, the fear-everything. "I've wanted to do this. All damn afternoon."
He leaned over to kiss Luke. His lips were willing and sweet, and he smelled like cologne and clean sweat. Noah found himself putting everything he had into that kiss, all the love, longing and sexual tension he'd been experiencing since he'd first met Luke. His heart beat crazily, and it got worse when Luke moaned into his mouth, and started clutching at his shirt. Noah continued his attack, alternating between Luke's lips, then his neck, his ears, the vulnerable top of his collarbone. He flicked a thumb over a nipple, hard under the cotton of Luke's shirt, and Luke shuddered. Noah kissed him deep, until he was aching with want.
Then.. he stopped. He leaned back in his seat, internal brakes screaming. Luke stared at him, face flushed, hair mussed, panting a little. His eyes were wide and dark, pupils blown. "Um…wow." he finally said.
"Yeah. Wow." Noah said, making his voice go deep, like velvet. He'd never thought of himself as a seducer-he always felt awkward and afraid in any of his brief trysts post Mason. Worried that someone would see the dorky nerd that he truly was underneath. But the expression in Luke's deep brown eyes made him bold and and a bit sly. There was a little Cary Grant in him after all. He reached out and cupped Luke's cleft chin with one hand, rubbing a thumb over his pouty lips. "Kissing you is like…oh, tasting warm honey. Perfect. Sweet."
Luke chuckled weakly and he blushed even more. "You really have had too much wine. Mayer."
"I feel drunk every time I look at you, Luke." He continued to carefully stroke Luke's face, feeling warm skin and stubble. "I can't help it. I get hot and cold, my heart flip flops in my chest. It's hard to think. I love the way you taste, smell, feel. Your smile gives me butterflies, and I love hearing you laugh. All I want to do is be close to you, Luke Snyder."
"I feel the same…" Luke said, swallowing hard. "I feel the same…" He moved slowly towards Noah, hot breath now on his face. Noah could now see the green in his hazel eyes, each perfect eyelash. "I want…" Luke continued in a strangled voice, and then their mouths crashed together again, and Noah closed his eyes, tasting Luke, drinking him in.
This kiss managed to get even more hot and bruising than the last one. Noah felt himself unravel with every delicious swipe of Luke's talented tongue. He wanted this to go on and on, although desire was prodding him to go further, demand more. But he wanted it to be Luke's choice, Luke finally letting him in. He didn't want to ever hurt this perfect, dear man.
Luke finally pulled back, as they were both breathless and dazed. Noah found himself smiling hugely, happiness leaking out of his pores. "I'd forgotten how wonderful it was to just neck in the car." He twisted a strand of Luke's blond hair between his fingers.
Luke reached up and traced one of his eyebrows with a finger, then playfully ran it down his nose. "Me too…although honestly, this beats whatever fumbling around I did in college. You are a helluva kisser, Noah."
"Likewise." Noah murmured, simply marveling over the perfect coil of Luke's ear.
Luke pulled back a bit and studied him with serious, half lidded eyes. "But as lovely as this is…" he kissed Noah's nose. "maybe…" his lips tickled Noah's neck. "We could take this a bit further. Back at the boat." Luke pressed his mouth to Noah's and made his voice go very low. "In my cabin."
So-Noah wasn't the only expert seducer in the car. He felt himself almost melt into his seat like a child's forgotten ice cream cone, ecstatic that his impulsive ploy worked. But he also wanted to make absolute sure he wasn't pressuring Luke. He kissed Luke's forehead. "You sure?"
Luke laughed." Mayer-I'm fighting the urge to rip off every stitch of your clothing. The only thing that's stopping me is that this car is too damn small for what I want to do to you." Noah's jaw dropped as Luke grabbed the keys and fired up the ignition." In other words, hell fucking yes!" And he stepped on the gas, and they roared down the Italian road.
****
When Noah was six, he saw the Disney cartoon version of The Wind and the Willows. His favorite character was the bombastic, spoiled Toad, who lost all control when behind the wheel of his "motor car", becoming a speed demon amphibian. Luke brought back this long ago memory in return to the city, with him gripping the dash whiteknuckled as tires squealed. He began to worry that they would end up arrested or worse, rather than the delightful confines of Luke's cabin. It put a bit of a damper on his libido.
But they made it back to The Evening Star in one piece, since most Italian drivers were even crazier than Luke.
The ship was fairly deserted upon their return, most of the passengers still ashore. He clasped Luke's hand tightly in his, as Luke began to lead him to his cabin. It was then that Noah was struck by a sudden thought, that made him feel stupid and teenaged, as well as a something of a buzzkill. But it was sort of imperative that he bring it up, in spite of the awkwardness.
He halted in his tracks and tried not to stammer. So much for being the masterful seducer. "Um…Luke?"
"Yeah?" Luke gave him a puzzled, worried look, obviously wondering why he was hesitating. "Is-is there something wrong?"
"Oh. God. No-no, nothing is wrong." Spit it out Mayer. You're acting like some shy virgin. " I just realized that I don't have, uh, anything with me. Er, supplies, that is. I was so bound and determined that nothing was going to happen on this cruise that I didn't, um, plan for this scenario."
Luke's sudden smile was like a summer sunrise."My god. You are so fucking cute. As well as responsible and sweet." Luke leaned up to kiss him. Then he suddenly blinked and blushed. "And…um. Shit. I don't have anything either. Since I wasn't planning to…you know. We're both idiots."
"Well, you are a pretty damn adorable idiot." Noah chuckled."And I'm also sure that on a goddamn gay cruise we can get whatever we need."
Luke laughed low."In a hundred different colors, textures and styles."He linked his arm around Noah's and winked. "Shall we go buy them out?"
Noah broke up completely.
The Evening Star had a gift shop and a pharmacy on one of the upper decks where one could buy number of items- souvenirs, magazines, candy, cameras, shampoo, sunscreen and in a discreet section, a wide variety of sexual aids. Noah and Luke quickly conferred on their preferences, and Noah decided to be gallant and make the purchase. The clerk was rather bored, and had no doubt already seen it all, and acted like Noah was buying breath mints. He returned his Visa to his wallet as the clerk was putting everything into the bag, someone spoke behind him. And he cringed, as it certainly wasn't Luke.
"Noah?"
Noah turned to face Graham St. Griffin, sunburned and aristocratically disheveled, a violet scarf wound around his neck. At his elbow, Clive Davies was smirking.
Fuck.
Noah prayed he wasn't turning beet red, although he probably was. "Hi, guys. Been having a fun trip?"
"It's been really smashing, but I was wondering where on earth you'd gotten to. Looked everywhere on the ship." Clive's smirk became somewhat lascivious."Obviously you've been very… busy." He directed a pointed look at Noah's bag. "Good for you, love…"
"Who is the lucky party that's kept you so occupied?" Graham asked, sloppily grinning. He took a step closer and and Noah detected the strong scent of wine. He fondled Noah's elbow and whispered in his ear. "Hope he'd want to, you know-share?"
Noah freaked out a bit and it got worse when he heard Luke clear his throat. He awkwardly backed away from Graham, who released his grasp. Luke, in turn, surprised Noah by throwing a possessive arm around his shoulder. His expression looked friendly, but Luke could see something was simmering underneath.
"Oh-Luke! Um…I'd introduce you to Clive and Graham. We, uh, all met in London when we first boarded the ship. Clive and Graham, this is Luke Snyder." Noah's voice sounded thin and adolescent in his ears.
"Very nice to meet you." Luke said evenly. He was staring really hard at Graham, like he was going to bore a hole through him with eyeball lasers. Graham, in turn, was staring right back at Luke, albeit a bit unfocused.
Clive laughed hugely, and Noah realized he was also as probably pickled as Graham. "Oh, my god! I recognize you! At the docks! Noah tried to talk to you and you got all horribly bitchy." He snickered as Noah became mortified. "Oh dear-said that out loud? Guess you two made up-how nice. I'd love to hear the story. Why don't you tell us over drinks? I'll buy."
Noah was about to say something-most likely stupid-when Luke cut him off. "Maybe another time, although thanks for the offer. "Luke then grabbed the bag off the counter."I'm sure we will run into each other again." He started to pull Noah away."Nice to have met you."
"Have fun!" Clive said cheerfully. Graham was silently pouting, while Noah merely managed a weak wave goodbye. Luke dragged him out of the shop and they were silent until they reached a lower deck. Noah felt he needed to apologize, even though he really wasn't sure what he was going to apologize for.
"Uh…you look mad." Noah began. "I'm so sorry. That was really fucking awkward."He had the sinking, sick feeling that the rest of the day was ruined, so he needed to salvage something. He was apparently no Cary Grant. Not even close.
"Clive was standing behind me in line when we were boarding the ship, and he saw you chew me out. I had a glass of champagne with his friends as we were leaving the docks, and Graham was one of them. I couldn't get away fast enough, because he's a handsy S.O.B that reminds me of Mason. Also about the last person on earth I would want to run into while buying a bunch of condoms. Shit." Noah cringed just thinking about it." Anyway, I ruined the whole mood and I'm so sor-"
He was silenced with a fierce, determined kiss."You didn't ruin anything, baby." Noah suddenly felt dizzy with relief, hearing the unexpected endearment. "I just was mad that that tool was putting his grubby hands all over you. "
Noah's heart skipped a beat. Luke was actually jealous and possessive, and it was surprisingly arousing. "Won't ever happen again-I swear." He pulled Luke into his arms, hands resting on the sweet dip in his back. "So…where were we?"
"Heading to my cabin." Luke smiled, playfully touching his face. He moved out of Noah's embrace, and went to a nearby elevator and pressed a button to open the door. He reached for one of Noah's hands."So…that guy reminded you of Mason? Really?"
"Including the scarf." Noah said with a sigh, clasping Luke's hand in his."I was nineteen and easily impressed. Now...I have much, much better taste."
Did he ever.
They kissed in the elevator. They kissed in the hallway. They kissed in front of Luke's cabin door and it took Luke almost two minutes to swipe the key card, letting them inside. Noah's nerves seemed to have evaporated again, back in the relaxed, enchanted headspace he'd acquired when they were kissing in the car.
He wanted to savor, touch taste, smell, feel, experience everything that was Luke.
He got a quick glimpse of Luke's cabin, which was much bigger than his, and very luxurious, as well as slightly messy. Then all he was able to concentrate on was Luke, who shoved him on a halfmade bed and jumped on top of him, making the mattress creak. He was solid and heavy and felt so good in his arms. They rolled around the bed, just kissing and frantically touching, their clothing becoming just as rumpled and askew as the sheets.
It was bliss, pure and simple. There was a tiny voice inside him, wondering why he wasn't more freaked out, but he chose to ignore it. Luke overwhelmed him, and the kisses grew rougher and more demanding. Noah sensed a desperate hunger from his new lover, and he knew it had been a long time for him. So he was determined to make it good.
Clothing was becoming an annoying obstacle, almost a torture device. Noah wanted to claim all this new territory as his, so he tried to dispose of it as quickly as possible. He loved Luke's skin, it was supple and warm, and his chest was dusted with soft hair. He nuzzled it, liked how it tickled his nose. He liked the noises Luke made even more when he took a dark pink nipple in his mouth, worrying it with his tongue and teeth. "Oh, god-that feels sooo incredible…" Luke crooned and moaned, rubbing the back of Noah's neck.
Noah licked a wet trail down Luke's lightly furred belly."You feel incredible, Luke. You are so gorgeous, every fucking inch. "He flicked his tongue into Luke's navel, making him laugh, then he caused a gasp when he hastily unbuckled Luke's belt, unzipped his jeans. He cupped the hard bulge between Luke's legs, and Luke arched wantonly against his hand, like a happy cat. Noah pulled his jeans down and they got tangled briefly in Luke's shoes, which he kicked off halfway across the room. Noah laughed, then eyed the reddened erection that was peeking over the elastic of his charcoal grey underwear, now damp with precome. Noah licked his lips in anticipation, and when Luke hooked his thumbs in his jockeys and slid his shorts off his narrow hips, Noah's heart skittered in his chest. Luke's cock was stiff and heavy with blood, rigid against his belly. Luke stared up at him with half lidded eyes, and began to stroke himself, spreading the moisture beading at the fat head of his dick down his entire shaft.
Noah groaned aloud at the sight, vaguely surprised he wasn't already coming.
Instead he grabbed Luke's hips and sucked a bruise in the delicate space between hipbone and crotch before running his tongue over Luke's cock. Salty and good, and he inhaled the scent of sweat and arousal. He traced throbbing veins as Luke clutched at the bedspread. "Oh yeah, right there, Noah. Please…I love this. I need this….so bad…"
Noah then reduced Luke to nothing but incoherent babbling when he took Luke's cock in his mouth. It was velvety and hot against his tongue, the thickness stretching his lips. He took him deep, rolling Luke's tight balls in one hand. Luke sobbed and bit his wrist, eyes closed, head lolling back with pleasure.
Noah worshipped Luke's cock with his mouth, loving that he could give him this. Luke suddenly grabbed at his shoulder so tight he heard fabric ripping. Luke cried out, "FUCK!" and then Noah was almost gagged by a flood of bitter come, which he managed to greedily swallow. Luke finally said, "Stop-oh god, stop!" and Noah released him, and laid his head on a trembling thigh. His own needs suddenly came into sharp relief, his dick was aching, pressing hard against his jeans. But there was an even greater satisfaction seeing Luke's dazed smile, beaming at him.
"God-Noah…that was…" Luke pulled him up and covered his overheated face with damp kisses.
"Yeah." Noah said, grinning.
Luke suddenly flipped Noah on his back, pinning him to the mattress. Noah liked the wicked gleam in Luke's eyes. "Now-my turn."
He opened up Noah's shirt, and Noah lost a button, then he pretty much lost his mind when Luke undid his jeans and shoved them down. A firm, sure hand found it's way into his boxers and gripped his aching cock. "Want to watch you come…" Luke whispered in his ear, and Noah gasped, "I don't think you have-oh, fuck-long to wait."
That rough, calloused hand made him moan and beg, and Luke amped the situation by talking dirty, which mildly shocked him. Then again, a writer would be good with words, all kinds of words.
"Love this big cock of yours, baby-so hard for me. Want to see my hand covered in your come…"Luke bit Noah's neck and pumped his fist up and down even faster. "C'mon and let go, baby…let go for me…."
And Noah obeyed. The orgasm ripped up and down his body, and his howl rang out, echoing against the walls. He was vaguely aware of the ribbons of come splashing his belly and chest, then he slid into a series of aftershocks, body shaking. Luke smirked at him and blew what was left of Noah's mind by licking the come off his hand.
"And just think…we've barely gotten started, Mr. Mayer." Luke said smugly.
"I hope I survive." Noah said in a weak voice. All his limbs felt like warm jello.
Luke bent down and gave him a dirty, come flavored kiss. "I think you're pretty tough, stud."
They shed what was left of their clothing, and Luke fetched a warm washcloth from the bathroom to wipe away the sticky and the sweat. Noah thought the sight of Luke walking from the bed naked would forever be burned in his brain, and his sated body got a little hungry again. They pulled off the bedspread and lay naked against cool cotton, languidly kissing and caressing each other, breathing in the heavy incense of sex.
Luke rested his head on Noah's chest and traced a pattern around his nipple."I'm so glad you kissed me this afternoon, Noah. I was too scared to make the first move."
Noah picked up his hand and kissed his fingertips. "Are you scared now?"
"No. How could anyone be scared of you, Urkel? You're a sweet, gorgeous, very sexy man. This feels so right." Luke raised his head and waggled his eyebrows. " So. Ready for round two? I think we've wasted enough time."
"I'm ready for round two." Noah kissed Luke's nose. "And maybe round three and four."
"Big talk." Luke laughed deep. "Like to see you prove it."
Now it was Noah's turn to pin Luke to the bed. He pressed soft kisses to Luke's mouth, chin, neck, chest. "My pleasure."
In round two, they took their time. Noah discovered more places on Luke's body to love, the edge of his ribcage, the length of his spine, the sweet dip of his back, his firm, delicious ass. Luke was equally busy, finding out that Noah's ears were sensitive, that he was ticklish under his chin, that he loved his nipples pinched and scratched. They teased and playfully tormented each other, stoking the fire back up again. Noah rubbed his cock against Luke's, making them both moan in delirious anticipation. For a brief few seconds, Noah wondered if Luke was more bottom or top, and then he decided he didn't give a shit what happened-he was just along for the wonderful ride.
And that's exactly what occured a few minutes later. Luke suddenly grabbed the bag of their supplies and pulled out the lube and a condom. He tore the trojan open and handed Noah the lube. "I can't wait to feel that big cock of yours, baby…"Luke murmured, making Noah swallow hard. Noah let Luke roll the condom over his now throbbing dick, and Noah uncapped the lube. He smeared some of the thick fluid over his erection, then he paused. Luke answered him by straddling his thighs and guided his hand to that secret, hot place. Luke was tighter than tight, and he moaned loudly when Noah first breeched him, and then cried out when Noah found the bump of his prostate. Luke's cock leaked precome on Noah's stomach like a string of bright beads. One finger, two fingers, then three, Luke fucked himself on Noah's hand. He held on to Noah's shoulder for balance, his other hand unconsciously stroking his sweat dampened chest, a deeply erotic show.
Noah looked into Luke's eyes and saw a 'yes' there and he withdrew. He sat up on a little straighter, and Luke guided himself onto Noah's dick, inch by slow inch. It was bliss. Noah could feel Luke's heat through the latex, the rapid beat of his heart. He could tell it was painful for Luke, and he stilled every muscle, panting into Luke's chest, not wanting to hurt him. He held his lover close, stroked soothing circles on his back.
"Fuck-oh fuck. Oh, Noah…" Luke left bruising fingerprints on Noah's shoulders. "It's been soooo, long…"
"I know, I know…" Noah said softly. he looked up at Luke's flushed, sweaty face. "God, you're beautiful, sweetheart."
For a minute, Noah thought Luke might cry. Instead, he leaned down and kissed Noah, and it was a very gentle one, his fingers ruffling through Noah's damp hair. Then he began to move, to ride Noah. It took every ounce of willpower Noah possessed not slam upwards and drive home. He let Luke set the pace and they began to moan in unison at every downstroke. Noah cupped Luke's ass and felt his hard muscles flex.
Luke stared down at him wild-eyed through a thicket of hair."Oh, god, I love your cock. I want to come, I want to come…"He said in an x-rated chant. Noah bit one of Luke's hardened nipples and Luke threw back his head and wailed. There was an intense sound of flesh slapping flesh, then Luke reached down between their slick bodies and gave his cock a hard couple of tugs. His body clamped down on Noah's cock when his orgasm struck, and the incredible sight of Luke coming pushed Noah over the edge. The world tilted, and the climax washed over him like a tidal wave.
Afterwards, everything was in soft focus. Luke clung to him, breathing hard, his whole body shaking. Noah had to lay back down and Luke collapsed on top of him in an awkward sprawl. He felt a wetness on his shoulder and he realized that Luke was crying. Now alarmed, he gently turned Luke's face to his. Those big brown eyes were full of tears, but to his vast relief, Luke was also smiling.
"Sweetheart-you okay?" His voice was thin and wobbly.
Luke's smile got wider." Sorry-just being a dork. I'm…just happy, baby."
And I'm so in love with you. Noah wanted to say. But he didn't. it was still waytoo soon. "And I'm happy too. However-I think I talked too big. Round three will have to wait."
Luke kissed him and gave a contended chuckle. "I'm sure it will be more than worth it, Mayer." He snuggled closer. "Rest up."
Noah found himself closing his eyes with a smile on his face, happy to obey.
*****
Noah slept deeply, with no dreams, no doubt due to the wine and all the shattering, incredible sex. When he woke up again, he squinted and rubbed his eyes, as the cabin was mostly dark, only one small lamp burning on a dresser. He rolled on his side, looking for Luke, and discovered the bed was empty. He lifted his head off the pillow and saw Luke standing at the window. He had a bathrobe on and nothing else, and the moonlight traveled over the muscles on his chest and belly. He was completely breathtaking, and Noah felt he could look at him forever and never get tired of it.
After just gazing at him for awhile, he decided to break the spell. He quietly slid off the bed and padded over to his lover. He wrapped him up in his arms, and Luke leaned back against him with a sigh. "Hey, sleepyhead."
"Hey yourself." Noah kissed the side of his face, lips brushing against whiskers. "Been awake long?"
"About a half hour. I listened to you snore and watched you sleep."
Noah gently rubbed Luke's stomach."Hopefully I didn't drool, too."
"Nah. You actually looked like some fairytale prince, asleep from some spell ." Luke whispered."Beautiful." Noah's heart soared and he hugged Luke tighter. The emotions he was suddenly feeling threatened to overwhelm him, and he had to take a few steadying breaths to calm himself down, not say what was in his heart just yet. The words, I love you, I want to always be with you, would more than likely ruin the moment. He'd gotten this far by being patient, no need to change tactics.
There was a full moon hanging like a big golden lantern in the sky. In the distance, the lights of Livorno twinkled, and from the ship were the sounds of laughter and music. A band was playing, and Noah made out the faint strains of the song, "Stardust".
"Can I have this dance, Mr. Snyder?" he said softly in Luke's ear.
Luke turned around and laughed, most likely at the absurdity of it-two men dancing naked in the moonlight.
"Why thank you, Mr. Mayer. I believe I will."
They just shuffled in time to the melody, and Noah rested his head on top of Luke's. They fit together just perfectly, two broken pieces of a vase that belonged together.
At least Noah hoped so.
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.
Noah couldn't help it.
He was in love.
His aunt Ruth had indeed seen it in the cards.
It was sort of wonderful and awful at the same time, and it scared the crap out of him. It was made worse by the fact that they were now possibly in one of the most romantic places in the world, Tuscany.
The ship was docked in Livorno, Italy for two days, and passengers had options to travel on guided tours to either Pisa or Florence, or be on their own. While Roland and Marco decided to head off to Florence, Luke and Noah chose to go a less touristy route. Noah was a bit relieved. As much he loved sightseeing, he was getting a little burnt out after Barcelona, Toulon and Monte Carlo. All three cities were stunning and full of incredible history. Noah had an especially good time in Monte Carlo, the setting for so many movies. In fact, Roland and Noah talked so much about Grace Kelly and To Catch a Thief that they pretty much drove Luke and Marco nuts. Roland and Noah also had to-in honor of James Bond-hit at least one of the casinos and play roulette. Noah was shocked at how quickly he lost one hundred bucks-and fortunately Luke dragged him away.
"I need to keep an eye on you, Urkel." he teased. "You are no 007."
"Apparently not." Noah agreed. "Bond made it look so damn easy."
"Because he was in a goddamn movie." Roland grouched. He'd lost about two hundred dollars.
Those were long, sun drenched days, and the whatever it was simmered between Luke and Noah like a tea kettle set on a low burner. And that was okay. He'd told Luke he'd settle for anything, after all, and now they were sort of friends and sort of...something else. They held hands and hugged and kissed, and the kissing was especially exquisite. Luke smelled so good and tasted even better, and Noah's whole body began to ache for him.
But he didn't want to push Luke. After that one moment in his cabin, when they began to furiously make out like they both were on fire, Luke doused it all with his tears. Noah was smart enough to sense how fragile Luke was in regards to all this. It hurt more than a little, knowing he was still in love with someone else, even though that guy was pretty unworthy of it in Noah's eyes.
So he tried to be patient. And he had time-Luke made it pretty clear that they would see each other back in the states, already talking about them taking Toby to a Cubs game, and inviting Noah to one of his grandma's famous barbecues at Snyder pond. Noah couldn't wait.
He also learned a little more about Luke, discovering his quirks and imperfections, which somehow made him even more lovable. He could get pissy and bitchy when tired, and needed frequent feedings. He was disorganized and messy, and lost three pairs of sunglasses. And one night, while they were sitting on deck chairs, staring up at the stars, Luke quietly told him about his long battle with alcohol when he was a teenager, and how it had almost won. Noah just held his rough, calloused hand and listened. It hurt his heart, and made him love Luke all the more, as it showed how strong and brave he was.
He was a little scared that these feelings showed on his face. He'd somehow lost the ability he'd learned from living with the Colonel to mask those kinds of emotions. Fortunately, Luke didn't seem to notice, although Roland did. They had a little talk about it when Luke and Marco off haggling with a street vendor in the Cours Lafeyette market in Toulon. Luke was buying silk scarf for his grandmother Lucinda, and Marco spoke perfect French, so Noah and Roland hung back to watch the show.
Roland suddenly gave Noah's hand squeeze."So…how you doing there, baby? Everything okay? You look pretty happy."
Noah felt himself blush. "I am. The cruise has been so much fun. And uh, getting to know you and Luke-that's been the best part."
"Well, you are amazing too, son. Falling in love is a real brave thing to do."
Noah blushed some more and glanced at Roland, not sure what to say. "How-how about you?"
"Well…" Roland said after a moment. "He's lovely. Funny and kind. I'm a bit surprised at myself, to tell you the truth. I enjoy his company. But I'm not at the swoony stage yet. But we'll see. Right now, I'm just living in each wonderful moment."
And Noah tried to follow that wise advice. Live in each wonderful moment. And this was turning out to be one of the best.
They took the bold step of renting a car, since Luke had an international license, and drove around the Tuscan countryside. Which was everything it was cracked up to be, and then some. The hills and valleys looked ageless, and the light was soft and exquisite, something Da Vinci might have painted with a careful sable brush. Noah could imagine the great Renaissance man himself traveling along these very dusty roads, winding between the sprawling vineyards and the tall, elegant cypress trees. All the buildings were made of crumbling golden stone, washed by time.
They stopped at a little inn near an olive grove for lunch, and the food was very simple and incredibly good. Luke lived up to his birth name and ordered their meal in halting Italian. They ate outside in a little patio surrounded by swaths of grape vines, with a view of some ancient monastery in the distance. They had a thick vegetable soup and bread that tasted like sourdough and woodsmoke, which their waitress called pane tuscano. They drizzled it with olive oil and fresh chopped tomatoes, and Noah felt he could eat this very day of his life. He washed it down with a local chianti. For dessert there was grapes and cheese, and they lingered for a long time at their table, content to feel the breeze and listen to the birdsong and the bees humming.
It was perfect.
It was hard to go back and break the spell, but Luke didn't want to drive around a strange place in the dark, and Noah agreed. They went in the direction of Livorno, sated and content. Luke sang a little tune as he drove. The the windows down, and wind artistically ruffled his blond hair. They turned a corner on a hill, and in the far distance, they could see Livorno spread out below, like a tinker toy town, and beyond that, the bright blue of the Mediterranean.
"Hey Luke-could you stop for a second?" Noah asked.
Luke pulled over, under a tree, near a wrecked stone wall that was probably built when Nero came into power. You could smell wildflowers and newly mown grass in the air. Luke gave him a teasing smile. "You have to pee? You drank almost a whole bottle of wine back there, buddy."
"No." Noah said, suddenly breathless and dreamy. Luke looked so fucking incredible, a little smile on his face, shirt half unbuttoned, skin glowing from being out all day in the sun.
"No." Noah said again, not making any sense. He was indeed feeling the wine, and it was making him a little bolder than normal. He was finally living in the moment, not giving a shit that it could backfire. He let go of Mason, the hurt, the fear-everything. "I've wanted to do this. All damn afternoon."
He leaned over to kiss Luke. His lips were willing and sweet, and he smelled like cologne and clean sweat. Noah found himself putting everything he had into that kiss, all the love, longing and sexual tension he'd been experiencing since he'd first met Luke. His heart beat crazily, and it got worse when Luke moaned into his mouth, and started clutching at his shirt. Noah continued his attack, alternating between Luke's lips, then his neck, his ears, the vulnerable top of his collarbone. He flicked a thumb over a nipple, hard under the cotton of Luke's shirt, and Luke shuddered. Noah kissed him deep, until he was aching with want.
Then.. he stopped. He leaned back in his seat, internal brakes screaming. Luke stared at him, face flushed, hair mussed, panting a little. His eyes were wide and dark, pupils blown. "Um…wow." he finally said.
"Yeah. Wow." Noah said, making his voice go deep, like velvet. He'd never thought of himself as a seducer-he always felt awkward and afraid in any of his brief trysts post Mason. Worried that someone would see the dorky nerd that he truly was underneath. But the expression in Luke's deep brown eyes made him bold and and a bit sly. There was a little Cary Grant in him after all. He reached out and cupped Luke's cleft chin with one hand, rubbing a thumb over his pouty lips. "Kissing you is like…oh, tasting warm honey. Perfect. Sweet."
Luke chuckled weakly and he blushed even more. "You really have had too much wine. Mayer."
"I feel drunk every time I look at you, Luke." He continued to carefully stroke Luke's face, feeling warm skin and stubble. "I can't help it. I get hot and cold, my heart flip flops in my chest. It's hard to think. I love the way you taste, smell, feel. Your smile gives me butterflies, and I love hearing you laugh. All I want to do is be close to you, Luke Snyder."
"I feel the same…" Luke said, swallowing hard. "I feel the same…" He moved slowly towards Noah, hot breath now on his face. Noah could now see the green in his hazel eyes, each perfect eyelash. "I want…" Luke continued in a strangled voice, and then their mouths crashed together again, and Noah closed his eyes, tasting Luke, drinking him in.
This kiss managed to get even more hot and bruising than the last one. Noah felt himself unravel with every delicious swipe of Luke's talented tongue. He wanted this to go on and on, although desire was prodding him to go further, demand more. But he wanted it to be Luke's choice, Luke finally letting him in. He didn't want to ever hurt this perfect, dear man.
Luke finally pulled back, as they were both breathless and dazed. Noah found himself smiling hugely, happiness leaking out of his pores. "I'd forgotten how wonderful it was to just neck in the car." He twisted a strand of Luke's blond hair between his fingers.
Luke reached up and traced one of his eyebrows with a finger, then playfully ran it down his nose. "Me too…although honestly, this beats whatever fumbling around I did in college. You are a helluva kisser, Noah."
"Likewise." Noah murmured, simply marveling over the perfect coil of Luke's ear.
Luke pulled back a bit and studied him with serious, half lidded eyes. "But as lovely as this is…" he kissed Noah's nose. "maybe…" his lips tickled Noah's neck. "We could take this a bit further. Back at the boat." Luke pressed his mouth to Noah's and made his voice go very low. "In my cabin."
So-Noah wasn't the only expert seducer in the car. He felt himself almost melt into his seat like a child's forgotten ice cream cone, ecstatic that his impulsive ploy worked. But he also wanted to make absolute sure he wasn't pressuring Luke. He kissed Luke's forehead. "You sure?"
Luke laughed." Mayer-I'm fighting the urge to rip off every stitch of your clothing. The only thing that's stopping me is that this car is too damn small for what I want to do to you." Noah's jaw dropped as Luke grabbed the keys and fired up the ignition." In other words, hell fucking yes!" And he stepped on the gas, and they roared down the Italian road.
****
When Noah was six, he saw the Disney cartoon version of The Wind and the Willows. His favorite character was the bombastic, spoiled Toad, who lost all control when behind the wheel of his "motor car", becoming a speed demon amphibian. Luke brought back this long ago memory in return to the city, with him gripping the dash whiteknuckled as tires squealed. He began to worry that they would end up arrested or worse, rather than the delightful confines of Luke's cabin. It put a bit of a damper on his libido.
But they made it back to The Evening Star in one piece, since most Italian drivers were even crazier than Luke.
The ship was fairly deserted upon their return, most of the passengers still ashore. He clasped Luke's hand tightly in his, as Luke began to lead him to his cabin. It was then that Noah was struck by a sudden thought, that made him feel stupid and teenaged, as well as a something of a buzzkill. But it was sort of imperative that he bring it up, in spite of the awkwardness.
He halted in his tracks and tried not to stammer. So much for being the masterful seducer. "Um…Luke?"
"Yeah?" Luke gave him a puzzled, worried look, obviously wondering why he was hesitating. "Is-is there something wrong?"
"Oh. God. No-no, nothing is wrong." Spit it out Mayer. You're acting like some shy virgin. " I just realized that I don't have, uh, anything with me. Er, supplies, that is. I was so bound and determined that nothing was going to happen on this cruise that I didn't, um, plan for this scenario."
Luke's sudden smile was like a summer sunrise."My god. You are so fucking cute. As well as responsible and sweet." Luke leaned up to kiss him. Then he suddenly blinked and blushed. "And…um. Shit. I don't have anything either. Since I wasn't planning to…you know. We're both idiots."
"Well, you are a pretty damn adorable idiot." Noah chuckled."And I'm also sure that on a goddamn gay cruise we can get whatever we need."
Luke laughed low."In a hundred different colors, textures and styles."He linked his arm around Noah's and winked. "Shall we go buy them out?"
Noah broke up completely.
The Evening Star had a gift shop and a pharmacy on one of the upper decks where one could buy number of items- souvenirs, magazines, candy, cameras, shampoo, sunscreen and in a discreet section, a wide variety of sexual aids. Noah and Luke quickly conferred on their preferences, and Noah decided to be gallant and make the purchase. The clerk was rather bored, and had no doubt already seen it all, and acted like Noah was buying breath mints. He returned his Visa to his wallet as the clerk was putting everything into the bag, someone spoke behind him. And he cringed, as it certainly wasn't Luke.
"Noah?"
Noah turned to face Graham St. Griffin, sunburned and aristocratically disheveled, a violet scarf wound around his neck. At his elbow, Clive Davies was smirking.
Fuck.
Noah prayed he wasn't turning beet red, although he probably was. "Hi, guys. Been having a fun trip?"
"It's been really smashing, but I was wondering where on earth you'd gotten to. Looked everywhere on the ship." Clive's smirk became somewhat lascivious."Obviously you've been very… busy." He directed a pointed look at Noah's bag. "Good for you, love…"
"Who is the lucky party that's kept you so occupied?" Graham asked, sloppily grinning. He took a step closer and and Noah detected the strong scent of wine. He fondled Noah's elbow and whispered in his ear. "Hope he'd want to, you know-share?"
Noah freaked out a bit and it got worse when he heard Luke clear his throat. He awkwardly backed away from Graham, who released his grasp. Luke, in turn, surprised Noah by throwing a possessive arm around his shoulder. His expression looked friendly, but Luke could see something was simmering underneath.
"Oh-Luke! Um…I'd introduce you to Clive and Graham. We, uh, all met in London when we first boarded the ship. Clive and Graham, this is Luke Snyder." Noah's voice sounded thin and adolescent in his ears.
"Very nice to meet you." Luke said evenly. He was staring really hard at Graham, like he was going to bore a hole through him with eyeball lasers. Graham, in turn, was staring right back at Luke, albeit a bit unfocused.
Clive laughed hugely, and Noah realized he was also as probably pickled as Graham. "Oh, my god! I recognize you! At the docks! Noah tried to talk to you and you got all horribly bitchy." He snickered as Noah became mortified. "Oh dear-said that out loud? Guess you two made up-how nice. I'd love to hear the story. Why don't you tell us over drinks? I'll buy."
Noah was about to say something-most likely stupid-when Luke cut him off. "Maybe another time, although thanks for the offer. "Luke then grabbed the bag off the counter."I'm sure we will run into each other again." He started to pull Noah away."Nice to have met you."
"Have fun!" Clive said cheerfully. Graham was silently pouting, while Noah merely managed a weak wave goodbye. Luke dragged him out of the shop and they were silent until they reached a lower deck. Noah felt he needed to apologize, even though he really wasn't sure what he was going to apologize for.
"Uh…you look mad." Noah began. "I'm so sorry. That was really fucking awkward."He had the sinking, sick feeling that the rest of the day was ruined, so he needed to salvage something. He was apparently no Cary Grant. Not even close.
"Clive was standing behind me in line when we were boarding the ship, and he saw you chew me out. I had a glass of champagne with his friends as we were leaving the docks, and Graham was one of them. I couldn't get away fast enough, because he's a handsy S.O.B that reminds me of Mason. Also about the last person on earth I would want to run into while buying a bunch of condoms. Shit." Noah cringed just thinking about it." Anyway, I ruined the whole mood and I'm so sor-"
He was silenced with a fierce, determined kiss."You didn't ruin anything, baby." Noah suddenly felt dizzy with relief, hearing the unexpected endearment. "I just was mad that that tool was putting his grubby hands all over you. "
Noah's heart skipped a beat. Luke was actually jealous and possessive, and it was surprisingly arousing. "Won't ever happen again-I swear." He pulled Luke into his arms, hands resting on the sweet dip in his back. "So…where were we?"
"Heading to my cabin." Luke smiled, playfully touching his face. He moved out of Noah's embrace, and went to a nearby elevator and pressed a button to open the door. He reached for one of Noah's hands."So…that guy reminded you of Mason? Really?"
"Including the scarf." Noah said with a sigh, clasping Luke's hand in his."I was nineteen and easily impressed. Now...I have much, much better taste."
Did he ever.
They kissed in the elevator. They kissed in the hallway. They kissed in front of Luke's cabin door and it took Luke almost two minutes to swipe the key card, letting them inside. Noah's nerves seemed to have evaporated again, back in the relaxed, enchanted headspace he'd acquired when they were kissing in the car.
He wanted to savor, touch taste, smell, feel, experience everything that was Luke.
He got a quick glimpse of Luke's cabin, which was much bigger than his, and very luxurious, as well as slightly messy. Then all he was able to concentrate on was Luke, who shoved him on a halfmade bed and jumped on top of him, making the mattress creak. He was solid and heavy and felt so good in his arms. They rolled around the bed, just kissing and frantically touching, their clothing becoming just as rumpled and askew as the sheets.
It was bliss, pure and simple. There was a tiny voice inside him, wondering why he wasn't more freaked out, but he chose to ignore it. Luke overwhelmed him, and the kisses grew rougher and more demanding. Noah sensed a desperate hunger from his new lover, and he knew it had been a long time for him. So he was determined to make it good.
Clothing was becoming an annoying obstacle, almost a torture device. Noah wanted to claim all this new territory as his, so he tried to dispose of it as quickly as possible. He loved Luke's skin, it was supple and warm, and his chest was dusted with soft hair. He nuzzled it, liked how it tickled his nose. He liked the noises Luke made even more when he took a dark pink nipple in his mouth, worrying it with his tongue and teeth. "Oh, god-that feels sooo incredible…" Luke crooned and moaned, rubbing the back of Noah's neck.
Noah licked a wet trail down Luke's lightly furred belly."You feel incredible, Luke. You are so gorgeous, every fucking inch. "He flicked his tongue into Luke's navel, making him laugh, then he caused a gasp when he hastily unbuckled Luke's belt, unzipped his jeans. He cupped the hard bulge between Luke's legs, and Luke arched wantonly against his hand, like a happy cat. Noah pulled his jeans down and they got tangled briefly in Luke's shoes, which he kicked off halfway across the room. Noah laughed, then eyed the reddened erection that was peeking over the elastic of his charcoal grey underwear, now damp with precome. Noah licked his lips in anticipation, and when Luke hooked his thumbs in his jockeys and slid his shorts off his narrow hips, Noah's heart skittered in his chest. Luke's cock was stiff and heavy with blood, rigid against his belly. Luke stared up at him with half lidded eyes, and began to stroke himself, spreading the moisture beading at the fat head of his dick down his entire shaft.
Noah groaned aloud at the sight, vaguely surprised he wasn't already coming.
Instead he grabbed Luke's hips and sucked a bruise in the delicate space between hipbone and crotch before running his tongue over Luke's cock. Salty and good, and he inhaled the scent of sweat and arousal. He traced throbbing veins as Luke clutched at the bedspread. "Oh yeah, right there, Noah. Please…I love this. I need this….so bad…"
Noah then reduced Luke to nothing but incoherent babbling when he took Luke's cock in his mouth. It was velvety and hot against his tongue, the thickness stretching his lips. He took him deep, rolling Luke's tight balls in one hand. Luke sobbed and bit his wrist, eyes closed, head lolling back with pleasure.
Noah worshipped Luke's cock with his mouth, loving that he could give him this. Luke suddenly grabbed at his shoulder so tight he heard fabric ripping. Luke cried out, "FUCK!" and then Noah was almost gagged by a flood of bitter come, which he managed to greedily swallow. Luke finally said, "Stop-oh god, stop!" and Noah released him, and laid his head on a trembling thigh. His own needs suddenly came into sharp relief, his dick was aching, pressing hard against his jeans. But there was an even greater satisfaction seeing Luke's dazed smile, beaming at him.
"God-Noah…that was…" Luke pulled him up and covered his overheated face with damp kisses.
"Yeah." Noah said, grinning.
Luke suddenly flipped Noah on his back, pinning him to the mattress. Noah liked the wicked gleam in Luke's eyes. "Now-my turn."
He opened up Noah's shirt, and Noah lost a button, then he pretty much lost his mind when Luke undid his jeans and shoved them down. A firm, sure hand found it's way into his boxers and gripped his aching cock. "Want to watch you come…" Luke whispered in his ear, and Noah gasped, "I don't think you have-oh, fuck-long to wait."
That rough, calloused hand made him moan and beg, and Luke amped the situation by talking dirty, which mildly shocked him. Then again, a writer would be good with words, all kinds of words.
"Love this big cock of yours, baby-so hard for me. Want to see my hand covered in your come…"Luke bit Noah's neck and pumped his fist up and down even faster. "C'mon and let go, baby…let go for me…."
And Noah obeyed. The orgasm ripped up and down his body, and his howl rang out, echoing against the walls. He was vaguely aware of the ribbons of come splashing his belly and chest, then he slid into a series of aftershocks, body shaking. Luke smirked at him and blew what was left of Noah's mind by licking the come off his hand.
"And just think…we've barely gotten started, Mr. Mayer." Luke said smugly.
"I hope I survive." Noah said in a weak voice. All his limbs felt like warm jello.
Luke bent down and gave him a dirty, come flavored kiss. "I think you're pretty tough, stud."
They shed what was left of their clothing, and Luke fetched a warm washcloth from the bathroom to wipe away the sticky and the sweat. Noah thought the sight of Luke walking from the bed naked would forever be burned in his brain, and his sated body got a little hungry again. They pulled off the bedspread and lay naked against cool cotton, languidly kissing and caressing each other, breathing in the heavy incense of sex.
Luke rested his head on Noah's chest and traced a pattern around his nipple."I'm so glad you kissed me this afternoon, Noah. I was too scared to make the first move."
Noah picked up his hand and kissed his fingertips. "Are you scared now?"
"No. How could anyone be scared of you, Urkel? You're a sweet, gorgeous, very sexy man. This feels so right." Luke raised his head and waggled his eyebrows. " So. Ready for round two? I think we've wasted enough time."
"I'm ready for round two." Noah kissed Luke's nose. "And maybe round three and four."
"Big talk." Luke laughed deep. "Like to see you prove it."
Now it was Noah's turn to pin Luke to the bed. He pressed soft kisses to Luke's mouth, chin, neck, chest. "My pleasure."
In round two, they took their time. Noah discovered more places on Luke's body to love, the edge of his ribcage, the length of his spine, the sweet dip of his back, his firm, delicious ass. Luke was equally busy, finding out that Noah's ears were sensitive, that he was ticklish under his chin, that he loved his nipples pinched and scratched. They teased and playfully tormented each other, stoking the fire back up again. Noah rubbed his cock against Luke's, making them both moan in delirious anticipation. For a brief few seconds, Noah wondered if Luke was more bottom or top, and then he decided he didn't give a shit what happened-he was just along for the wonderful ride.
And that's exactly what occured a few minutes later. Luke suddenly grabbed the bag of their supplies and pulled out the lube and a condom. He tore the trojan open and handed Noah the lube. "I can't wait to feel that big cock of yours, baby…"Luke murmured, making Noah swallow hard. Noah let Luke roll the condom over his now throbbing dick, and Noah uncapped the lube. He smeared some of the thick fluid over his erection, then he paused. Luke answered him by straddling his thighs and guided his hand to that secret, hot place. Luke was tighter than tight, and he moaned loudly when Noah first breeched him, and then cried out when Noah found the bump of his prostate. Luke's cock leaked precome on Noah's stomach like a string of bright beads. One finger, two fingers, then three, Luke fucked himself on Noah's hand. He held on to Noah's shoulder for balance, his other hand unconsciously stroking his sweat dampened chest, a deeply erotic show.
Noah looked into Luke's eyes and saw a 'yes' there and he withdrew. He sat up on a little straighter, and Luke guided himself onto Noah's dick, inch by slow inch. It was bliss. Noah could feel Luke's heat through the latex, the rapid beat of his heart. He could tell it was painful for Luke, and he stilled every muscle, panting into Luke's chest, not wanting to hurt him. He held his lover close, stroked soothing circles on his back.
"Fuck-oh fuck. Oh, Noah…" Luke left bruising fingerprints on Noah's shoulders. "It's been soooo, long…"
"I know, I know…" Noah said softly. he looked up at Luke's flushed, sweaty face. "God, you're beautiful, sweetheart."
For a minute, Noah thought Luke might cry. Instead, he leaned down and kissed Noah, and it was a very gentle one, his fingers ruffling through Noah's damp hair. Then he began to move, to ride Noah. It took every ounce of willpower Noah possessed not slam upwards and drive home. He let Luke set the pace and they began to moan in unison at every downstroke. Noah cupped Luke's ass and felt his hard muscles flex.
Luke stared down at him wild-eyed through a thicket of hair."Oh, god, I love your cock. I want to come, I want to come…"He said in an x-rated chant. Noah bit one of Luke's hardened nipples and Luke threw back his head and wailed. There was an intense sound of flesh slapping flesh, then Luke reached down between their slick bodies and gave his cock a hard couple of tugs. His body clamped down on Noah's cock when his orgasm struck, and the incredible sight of Luke coming pushed Noah over the edge. The world tilted, and the climax washed over him like a tidal wave.
Afterwards, everything was in soft focus. Luke clung to him, breathing hard, his whole body shaking. Noah had to lay back down and Luke collapsed on top of him in an awkward sprawl. He felt a wetness on his shoulder and he realized that Luke was crying. Now alarmed, he gently turned Luke's face to his. Those big brown eyes were full of tears, but to his vast relief, Luke was also smiling.
"Sweetheart-you okay?" His voice was thin and wobbly.
Luke's smile got wider." Sorry-just being a dork. I'm…just happy, baby."
And I'm so in love with you. Noah wanted to say. But he didn't. it was still waytoo soon. "And I'm happy too. However-I think I talked too big. Round three will have to wait."
Luke kissed him and gave a contended chuckle. "I'm sure it will be more than worth it, Mayer." He snuggled closer. "Rest up."
Noah found himself closing his eyes with a smile on his face, happy to obey.
*****
Noah slept deeply, with no dreams, no doubt due to the wine and all the shattering, incredible sex. When he woke up again, he squinted and rubbed his eyes, as the cabin was mostly dark, only one small lamp burning on a dresser. He rolled on his side, looking for Luke, and discovered the bed was empty. He lifted his head off the pillow and saw Luke standing at the window. He had a bathrobe on and nothing else, and the moonlight traveled over the muscles on his chest and belly. He was completely breathtaking, and Noah felt he could look at him forever and never get tired of it.
After just gazing at him for awhile, he decided to break the spell. He quietly slid off the bed and padded over to his lover. He wrapped him up in his arms, and Luke leaned back against him with a sigh. "Hey, sleepyhead."
"Hey yourself." Noah kissed the side of his face, lips brushing against whiskers. "Been awake long?"
"About a half hour. I listened to you snore and watched you sleep."
Noah gently rubbed Luke's stomach."Hopefully I didn't drool, too."
"Nah. You actually looked like some fairytale prince, asleep from some spell ." Luke whispered."Beautiful." Noah's heart soared and he hugged Luke tighter. The emotions he was suddenly feeling threatened to overwhelm him, and he had to take a few steadying breaths to calm himself down, not say what was in his heart just yet. The words, I love you, I want to always be with you, would more than likely ruin the moment. He'd gotten this far by being patient, no need to change tactics.
There was a full moon hanging like a big golden lantern in the sky. In the distance, the lights of Livorno twinkled, and from the ship were the sounds of laughter and music. A band was playing, and Noah made out the faint strains of the song, "Stardust".
"Can I have this dance, Mr. Snyder?" he said softly in Luke's ear.
Luke turned around and laughed, most likely at the absurdity of it-two men dancing naked in the moonlight.
"Why thank you, Mr. Mayer. I believe I will."
They just shuffled in time to the melody, and Noah rested his head on top of Luke's. They fit together just perfectly, two broken pieces of a vase that belonged together.
At least Noah hoped so.