The Gift

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.


Title: The Gift  
By PJ
Author's Note:  This story follows Let the Fun Begin

Slowly the presents moved from under the tree to their rightful owners. Most were standard Christmas gifts: Clothes, gift cards, books, games, CD's, DVD's, games or jewelry. But scattered amongst those gifts were the Secret Santa gifts.

Mike patiently sipped his second beer and waited for the gift he'd gotten Ray to be passed to him. He laughed with the others as most of the gifts were opened revealing a strange assortment implements and restraints. He'd never seen a Roses Leather Flogger before. The tops seemed to be enjoying the exchange, even commenting on the usefulness of their brats gift. 

Mike was glad that he had chosen a safe present for Ray because every time one of the Secret Santa gifts were open Ray seemed to blush a little brighter and move closer to Gavin. But who could blame him, Mike thought, I'm not a baby brat and some of the gifts scare me.

Santa Sheldon was handing a gift to Miles, commenting it had no givers name either. Mike looked around as Miles pulled the paddle from it's wrappings. All eyes were on Miles, well everyone's except Jared and Atticus. Jared was leaning in to his top not looking at Miles and Atticus had protectively moved his arm around his brat. Mike looked back to a red faced Miles. Simon was whispering something to him. Steve looked nervous. Simon continued and Miles turned the paddle in his hand. Mike saw that the paddle had two distinct side, one soft the other hard. Miles nodded and finally looked around the room. "I want to thank whoever took the time and care to pick this gift out for me. It's perfect." Simon kissed Miles's forehead and Steve visibly relaxed. Mike looked back toward Jared seeing the relief in his face.

The next gift was pulled from under the tree. "Finally," Mike sighed when he recognized the paper. Luke nudged his knee and only then did Mike realize he had actually said it out loud. He stiffened against Tilden's leg. 

"This one's for you, Ray." Sheldon said as he handed the present to Ray. 

Ray took the package mumbling, "Thank You." He slowly removed the wrapping paper. Never looking up from the task at hand. 

Mike held his breath watching for a reaction. Tilden's hand moved to his neck gently squeezing. Mike turned to look at his top seeing the question in his eyes. Mike could only nod and then turn back to watch Ray.

Ray pulled a soft royal blue velvet pillow from the box. He ran his hands over the pillow. Then picked up the card and silently read it with Gavin read along over his shoulder. Mike remembered the words he had written:

"When things go wrong as they always do,
Find comfort knowing you have a soft place
For ass or knee, to rest and reflect." 

Gavin rubbed Ray's shoulder. Ray looked up at him then turned back to the room holding up the pillow for all to see. "Thank you, whoever you are."

Mike breathed a sigh of relief. Then blushed when he noticed Gavin was looking at him. Mike shrugged as Gavin winked at him.

Sheldon had moved back to the tree retrieving another present.  Walking back toward the group he announced, "Jared, here's one for you"………

On to Jared's Gift

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Let the Fun Begin - Jared's Gift

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.


Merry Christmas Everyone!! Thank you to Dizzy for beta'ing and especially to Natasha for letting for letting all of us play with her guys!

This story follows The Gift

Let the fun begin - Jared's Gift

by Lorraine

Jared felt himself blush as he examined the polished switches in his stocking.  He pressed back against Atticus' legs.  Switches!  Ok, he had come to realize he was a brat.  More specifically, he was Atticus's brat and they didn't do switches!   He was Atticus' good boy!  He was held and cherished. And only, when necessary, Jared had his bottom spanked but never by anything more than the firm hand of his Top.   He, all of a sudden, started to feel very insecure here.  They didn't do this.  They should have never decided to spend Christmas at the Lodge.  He should be home with his parents not here getting switches for gifts. 

Jared continued to stare the switches.  Pushing back harder against Atticus's legs, he focused on trying to control the feeling that he was starting to spin.   He sucked his lower lip into his teeth and began to chew.  Almost immediately, he felt a hand engulf his and tug.  Atticus.  Atticus always watched for the signs of spinning, often heading them off before he felt out of control.  Landing on Atticus's lap, Jared quickly nuzzled in whispering, "Switches. Atticus, they gave me switches"

"You know Sweetheart; you were so engrossed in your stocking that I don't know if you noticed everyone got switches.  These could be fun you know, not for here, just for us at home. You could be the naughty schoolboy and I could be the stern professor," Atticus whispered in his ear his fingers tracing along Jared's inner thigh.

Jared gave him a faint smile realizing that Atticus could take a nasty switch and make it into a prop for fun.  That was a better idea.  Feeling more relaxed and loving the way Atticus could stop the spin from spiraling out of control with just a few words, Jared began to pay more attention to the gifts that were being given out.  It seemed to be a tradition that each present was handed out and everyone watched that person open the gift and comment before Santa handed out the next gift. 

Before he knew it a grinning Santa Sheldon was pushing a large brightly wrapped gift into his hands.  Jared thanked him and shook the package lightly and then slowly began to undo the bow.

"Come on, Jared, just tear it open!!!" Blade called out from his spot at Ryan's feet. 

"Stop," Ryan replied effectively silencing Blade at least for the moment.  Jared had learned nothing ever silenced Blade for long.

Jared ignored him and continued to slowly unravel the ribbons.  He glanced at the card reading it aloud as the others had done.   â€œLimitations live only in our minds.  But if we use our imaginations, the possibilities become endless!  Merry Christmas!” Jared read pondering what that saying could have to do with the box sitting on his lap.

He slid his long thin fingers along the taped edges carefully undoing the sparkly snowman paper.  Lifting the lid off of the box, Jared found inside several individually wrapped gifts nestled in tissue paper.   He lifted the first gift surprised at the weight of the circular shaped gift.  Undoing the wrap, he held up the jar of chocolate body paint.

Feeling himself blush, Jared wasn't sure if he wanted to open anything else until he heard Atticus' soft whisper in his ear.  "I can't wait to finger paint on my boy, and slowly lick you clean."



Jared groaned feeling his cock stiffen at Atticus' words.  Next, he picked a soft square package.  Slowly unwrapping the gift, he held up the soft wrist and ankle cuffs.  Made of black neoprene, the closures were Velcro and the inside soft to the touch.  Atticus groaned in his ear, "Ooh Sweetheart, how wonderful. a way to keep my ticklish boy still while I explore every nook and cranny of his body."

The next soft package contained a length of silky rope to secure the cuffs.  Atticus whispered, "Even better, my beautiful boy spread eagle on the bed. not being able to move while I tease him with my fingers and tongue."

Jared blushed at Atticus' words.  While Atticus was always proper in public, Jared was finding Atticus behind their closed bedroom door was a bit more adventurous.

The last package was slightly heavier but not by much.  The gift was nestled inside of another box.  He unwrapped and opened the box.  He just stopped staring at the contents of the box.  He didn't want to hold this one up for anyone to see.  It was purple for crying out loud. and ribbed, and it VIBRATED, at multiple setting!! The tag called it a Nexus Range Vibro Prostrate Massager.   No!  There was no way he was holding that up for the group to see.

Jared felt Atticus staring at the contents of the box from over his shoulder.   He knew his top could clearly see what was in the box.  Before Jared could voice an opinion Atticus took it out of the box slowly turning it over in his hands for everyone to see.  Hitting the button, a low buzz indicated it had come to life.  Jared blushed not saying anything just wanting to bury himself in Atticus' chest away from the prying eyes.

"Whew, Baby...OK, whoever had your name has caused quite a problem here. I don't know when this hard on is going to go away so you will just need to sit still while I think about spreadsheets and numbers instead of laying you across my lap and teasing you open with this. making you squirm and rock until you can't take it anymore and are begging me to take you over the edge.  I think this one will not wait until we get home. we need to play with this here!  Today, as soon as this exchange is done, we can slip away," Atticus slowly whispered.

Jared, still blushing, grinned at the picture in mind that Atticus' words had created.  He loved the feeling of Atticus' hardness pushing against him.  Looking around the room, he zoned in on Angus and James looking way too happy.  He smiled and mouthed thank you as he settled in to watch the rest of the gift exchange.


Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Winter Precaution

Winter Precaution

by Adele

"Are you all ready to go, Adam?"

"Yep"

"Did you put suntan lotion on your face?"

"It's the middle of December, Rod, I don't need suntan lotion in winter!"

"There isn't a cloud in the sky, it's practically noon, we are going to be outside a long time, and the sun is reflecting off all the snow out there. You need suntan lotion today."

"I'll be fine."

"All right, Adam, let me put it this way. Whatever color your face is when we get home tonight, I am going to make your ass match."

"Give me the fucking suntan lotion."

Reality Check: Let the Fun Begin

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.


Title: Let the Fun Begin
By PJ
This story follows Reality Check Secret Santa Exchange

The three of them entered the Grand Room hand in hand in hand. Across the room the 15 foot tall Balsam Fir was magnificent with the soft glow of the multicolored lights highlighting the rustic ornaments. Among the branches were personalized ornaments for each member of the Green Mountain Boys. Colorful wrapped presents covered the area under the tree overflowing onto the textured carpet. Groups of soft chairs and couches were positioned in an semi circle facing the tree. A buffet and bar were set up along the back wall.

Mike moved with his partners toward the fire place to join Gordon and Milton. “Ah, I see you didn’t have any trouble getting your partners to join the festivities this evening, Tilden.” Gordon said as he greeted the threesome.

“It’s looks to be a very popular room tonight.” Milton commented slapping his friend on the back. “I was beginning to wonder if you three were going to make it. We aren’t set to officially begin for 30 minutes but most members are already present.”

Mike scanned the room, noting the anticipation on his fellow brats faces. Ray and Gavin weren’t here yet but Ryan was seated near the tree with a red eyed Blade kneeling beside him. Mike nudged Luke, “Only Blade could get in trouble on Christmas Eve.” he whispered.

Before Luke could reply. Mike felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and turned to look into his top’s eyes. “Do you need to join Blade?”

Blushing at being overheard Mike quietly answered, “No, sir.”

Tilden leaned in kissing Mike’s forehead “Good. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on tonight’s fun.“

“Me either, I’m sorry.”

“I know, Misha.” Tilden reassured his brat. “Now why don’t you two get something from the buffet and find a seat for us.”

Quietly munching on his food and sipping the first of the two beers he was allowed by his top, Mike watched as the last of the members enter the room and joined the others in front of the tree. Some of the brats chose to settle on the carpet at their tops feet. Mike chuckled to himself. He knew the reason wasn’t because they were submitting to their respective tops, but to be closer to the presents.

The room quieted as Milton stood in front of the tree signaling the start of the festivities. “We want to thank each and everyone of you for sharing your holiday with us.” As Milton continued his speech, Mike looked around at the other couples and threesomes. Trent and Mace, relaxed and comfortable leaning against each other on one of the over stuffed chairs. Josh and Jer were sharing one of the sofas with Gordon and Landon. Simon, Miles and Steve cuddled together on a love seat. Atticus and Jared, both looked a little nervous. Ryan and Gavin on soft chairs with their boys at their feet. Ray seemed to almost be hiding between Gavin’s legs. Noah, Samuel and Jonah filled another love seat. Jonah flushed when he saw Mike looking his way, but did return Mike’s smile. James perched on a lone foot stool with Angus on the floor leaning against his leg . Mike’s attention turned back to Milton as he announced “Santa Claus will be played by Sheldon.” Milton crossed over to take a seat next to Tilden, much to close to Mike for his comfort. He glanced at Luke and saw the sympathy in his eyes.

Sheldon stepped forward bowing to his audience a red Santa‘s hat covering his head. “Let the fun begin.”

“OK” Santa began. “First let’s get the stockings handed out. Looks like there’s one for each brat. I‘m not sure who they‘re from though.” After he passed them out to each brat including Miles and Landon, Santa waited for the stockings to be examined by each brat along with his own.

There was a few moments of grumbling when the stockings held nothing more than smooth polished switches. Mike glanced around the room trying to figure out who might have given this unpopular gift. All the brats got one, even Miles and Landon.

Soon, the grumbling stopped and Santa pick up the next gift to hand out.

On to The Gift

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Our Favorite Riley Moment

Our Favorite Riley Moment -- Otherwise known as Fun with Christmas Carols while Trying to Win a Trip to the Ranch Because That Sounds So Much More Fun Than Playing in the Cold Rain When it Rightly Ought to be Snow if we Dropped a Couple of Degrees. 

By Rolf, king of long short story titles, & Ranger

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even bear the enor-mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. 

The brats were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Paul's pastries danced in their heads. 

And Riley in his t-shirt, and I in my cap, 

Were wandering downstairs, can you imagine that? 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

We sprang out the door to see what was the matter. 

A hulking big stallion was giving the alarm, 

And had just kicked a hole in the side of the barn. 

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Set everything in sight with a wonderful glow. 

When, what to Jasper's eyes should appear, 

But a very old Indian with a long golden spear. 

The boys were quite busy, calming the stallion,

Forgetting of course he could be such a hellion. 

The last thing they wanted was the household awake, 

For the tops to come downstairs and determine their fate. 

Bandit calmed down and allowed the boys to lead him,

around the barn and away from the Indian. 

The boys never saw him, no not a thing, 

Not even Jasper, who was doing some investigating. 

The boys waited a bit to be sure they weren't caught

Doing something they were sure they really ought not. 

A short hike across the pasture and into a building, 

They drug out the tree they had cut yesterday morning. 

Back across the bright landscape, they argued and fought

Against the biggest tree that they could have sought. 

It took twice as long to get back in the yard, 

and to get it steady and upright was really quite hard. 

A little work was involved in scouring the garage,

they came up with some ornaments, a collection quite large. 

Another trip out in the frigid landscape, 

The tree was decorated and looked quite great. 

Two brats back inside, both of them shivering,

wondering how to get back in bed without any quivering. 

They hugged and they kissed, and we fade to black, 

And they headed upstairs after their 'nap.' 

It wasn't yet dawn when Paul rose from his bed,

going quietly downstairs wanting everyone fed. 

Very surprised there was no need for light, 

for the shine in the windows was really quite bright. 

Opening the door, he looked with wonder

at a decorated tree where once there was none there. 

Lit by what seemed like a million bright lights, 

It was something to behold in what was just white. 

He was sure he knew who the culprits had been,

but the looks on their faces had him questioning. 

Complete surprise with their eyes all aglow, 

at a tree they'd left dark not three hours ago. 

It didn't take long for the whole house to awaken,

Paul wondered and wondered until he had taken, 

A long look at Jasper and he saw quite clearly, 

The glint in his eye and a smile quite cheery, 

That mischief was had, thats the plan for most days,

Christmas had come, the way it did always, 

with a bit of mystery, and a love of family 

Happy Christmas to all and may it be quite Merry!

Reality Check Secret Santa Exchange

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Reality Check Secret Santa Exchange
by PJ, Dizzy, Natasha,  Raine,  Korusialhogi, Kristy

Title: Part 1 the Plan
Characters: Mike/Luke, Sheldon
Author: PJ

"Do you think all the brats would do it?" Luke asked Mike.

"Sure, we're all going to be at the resort for the Christmas party anyway," Mike reassured his fellow brat and partner.

"So who do we need to call?"

Luke thought for a minute then smiled, "Everyone! Ask everyone!"

"What about Jonah? Are Noah, Samuel and Jonah coming up from New Mexico?"

"I don't know. Let's call Landon first and ask him," Luke suggested. "Gordon and Landon have been keeping tabs on those three. Landon was really worried about Jonah."

"I'll call him when we get home this afternoon." Mike laughed. "I hope he's ok with us doing a Secret Santa gift exchange."

"Great, but we better get going so we aren't late for class." warned Luke.

***

Luke stood by the office door listening for signs others had come home while his partner dialed Landon's number.

"Landon, its Mike…no nothing's wrong…I, we, wanted to ask you something…no, we aren't in trouble…yes, I'm sure…Landon, we are not in trouble…well, we wanted to do a Secret Santa at the resort…no, not everyone…only the brats…what do you think? Mike glanced over to Luke giving him the thumbs up sign.

Luke grinned back at his partner, keeping his ear to the door. "This is going to be fun," Luke said, and then a little mischievously, "I hope the tops think it's as fun as we do!"

Mike nodded and continued his conversation with Landon. "Could you make a few calls and let some of the brats know what to do? We can't call them all from here…OK…we can tell Sheldon, Mace and Blade…Yeah, we can tell Ray and Steve too…Steve can fill Miles in…are Noah, Jonah and Samuel coming up for Christmas?… Really?…great…can you tell them?"

"Hey," Luke interrupted, "How are we going to pick names for the exchange?"

"Landon, did you hear that?…ok…yeah, that'll work…wait let me tell Luke." Mike turned to his partner. "Landon's going to get Samuel to hand out the names since he's neutral."

"That's a great idea." Then Luke turned back to the door hearing the front door close. "Someone's home."

"We have to go Landon…OK, let us know what they say…talk to you later." Mike hung up the phone just as the office door opened and Sheldon stepped into the room.

"What kind of trouble are you two up too?" Sheldon asked as he looked suspiciously at Tilden’s brats.

Mike laughed, "Why do you always think we are causing trouble, Sheldon? You and your baby brother cause more trouble than Luke and I could ever think up."

"Yeah, and we aren't doing anything wrong." Luke added. "We are setting up a Secret Santa exchange between the brats for Christmas morning at the resort."

"The key word here is SECRET Sheldon." Mike cautioned. "We aren't telling the tops."

"OH, I can just picture to possibilities." Sheldon eyes lit up. "Count me in."


Title: Jonah
Characters: Noah/Samuel/Jonah
Author: Dizzy

Jonah used his height to tower over Samuel, "Just paint a picture and I'll give that as a gift. You are getting a fortune for your paintings; anyone would be happy to get one."

"Jonah, stop."

Jonah's body instinctively reacted to Noah's voice, becoming relaxed and non-threatening. Turning he saw Noah in the doorway of Samuel's studio. "I'm just asking Sam-"

"No, you're not just asking. You're trying to intimidate him," Noah interrupted. "You are not his top. Who is the top around here?"

"I'm participating in this damn secret Santa thing. We are all going to go to the resort. All I wanted was a gift to give. How's that intimidating?" Jonah knew he was challenging Noah, but damn it, he thought. All those brats knew that he had been a top. Or at least they knew he had topped Samuel. What are they going to think seeing him as a brat?

"I asked you a question."

"YOU ARE! You are the top. We all know that! I wasn't trying to top Samuel!" Jonah knew that he was pushing Noah; however since the secret Santa gift exchange came about he'd been feeling off. This was the first time he would be going to the resort as a self acknowledged brat.

"Tell me, Jonah. You have to ask for it. Tell me if you want me to spank you."

Jonah looked at Noah. Noah had been pushing Jonah to tell him when he wanted a spanking, to understand his own needs. Knowing his own wants was the key, Noah had told him. In Texas, Jonah had buried his own wants so deep inside himself that he was only now learning to read his own desires. Looking at his calm, composed top, Jonah knew he could ask without fear of being humiliated.

Taking a deep breath, Jonah looked Noah in the eye and said, "I want you to spank me."

His reward for asking was the love he saw on Noah's face as he took him from the studio to their bedroom. Soon he knew he would be over Noah's lap and feeling Noah's hand on his ass. This is what he wanted, what he desired, what he craved and Noah was always happy to oblige.

***

Squirming around on the front seat of the car, Jonah couldn't find a comfortable position. The seat aggravated his well thrashed ass, but when he lifted his hips up, the seat belt pressed against the hard on he'd had since Noah had pulled his pants back up.

"I'm leaving this hard for now," Noah had told him after the spanking was done. "I think the loss of blood to your brain may help you decide on the perfect gift. We'll all go to Buckley's Palace of Punishment Emporium, to find that ideal gift for a brat."

He wanted to curse Noah for leaving him in this state, but he did love that power of dominance that Noah seemed to effortlessly hold over him.

"Come on, boy. Let's go find a whip for a brat." Noah's voice brought him back to the present as they parked in front of the gaudy store. "Maybe you'll find one you want as well."

"Or you might decide to branch out and want to try a cane," Samuel piped up from the back seat.

"Or you might find some nipple clamps to try," Jonah suggested only half teasing. He remembered how much pain Samuel had been in when Noah had pierced his nipples. Jonah also remembered the sex afterward, for days the slightest touch to Samuel's nipples had an interesting effect on his dick.

"Oh! Could we look, Noah?" Samuel asked breathlessly.

Jonah couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. How far they'd both come from that long ago day in Texas, Jonah thought as he walked into the store to buy a gift for a brat. Who knew, he may even find himself a new toy.


Title: Blade’s the Man 
Characters: Ryan/Blade
Author: Natasha 


Title: Secret Santa Gift
Characters: Ryan/Blade
Author: Natasha


Title: Mike and Ray
Characters: Luke/Mike
Author: PJ

"Hey!" Luke yelled, "I'm not done yet. Wait your turn."

Mike stood over his partner. "It is my turn. You've been on the computer all day and I need to check my e-mail."

Both boys turned when they heard a throat clear behind them. "Is there a problem?" an annoyed Milton asked. "If you can't play nice, maybe I can help."

Luke blushed bright red, not wanting Milton to have to help them at all. "No, sir, no problem here. Right Mike?" He looked up at his partner.

Mike's eyes were down but he mumbled, "We're ok. Sorry we bothered you."

Taking in both boys, Milton replied, "I don't think you two will want me to come back in here. Be good." After making sure they understood his warning Milton turned and left the office, leaving the door open.

Mike pulled Luke to him, kissing him gently, "I'm sorry I yelled at you. I'm just excited to learn who I'm getting a gift for."

"It's ok, I'm done." Luke said as he returned the kiss. "I got my E from Samuel a few minutes ago." He felt Mike pull back. "NO! I'm not telling you. It's a secret, remember."

Mike laughed, "OK." He moved to the computer to retrieve his e-mails. "Don't ask me who I got either then."

Luke's laugh could be heard as he left the office.

Opening his e-mail account, Mike saw the message from Samuel. Clicking on it he saw the name. "Shit, I wasn't expecting him." Mike whispered to himself. "I can't get Ray the cane I was thinking about." Mike knew he would be the one on the receiving end of the cane if he was found out. And he didn't want a sore ass on Christmas day.

This was going to take some thought. Ray was new to all of this. Mike didn't want to scare him. Over the next few days Mike search the internet, looking for the perfect gift. Finally he found what he thought would be both fun and safe. And keep his ass out of trouble. When the gift arrived, he carefully wrapped it and added a card next to the red bow. Then he tucked the present in the bottom of his suitcase. Safe from the prying eyes of his top and fellow brat.


Title: Buckley’s
Characters: Noah/Samuel/Jonah
Author: Dizzy

Jonah had long ago learned to school his features to show no emotion, but he couldn't stop his jaw from dropping as he walked into Buckley's Palace of Punishment Emporium. Buckley's wasn't what Jonah would consider a palace. It was like the large warehouse type of store that he'd been to buy groceries but here the signs hanging down were labeled with words he never thought would be in a store. Large generic signs in big black letters showed the way to harnesses, dildos, restraints, and so on.

"Hey watch where you're going!"

Jonah stopped abruptly as he ran into a shopper carrying a box exclaiming it was the new and improved Fantasy Restraint kit. Jonah jumped as a hand grabbed his armed and pulled him out of the way.

"Come on, boy. Pick your jaw up from the floor." The twinkle in Noah's eye brought a blush up Jonah's neck.

"Look! Over there," Samuel said pointing to a sign. "There's clips and clamps. Can we go look?"

"I think that would be wise. Give Jonah a chance to acclimatize to his surroundings while you find a gift for yourself."

Jonah tried to act casual as they walked to the aisle that had drawn Samuel's attention. He knew he wasn't fooling Noah as he kept feeling his hand squeezed in reassurance. Once at the vast array of clamps, Jonah stood back and let Noah and Samuel discuss the merits of each device.

"How're you doing there?" Jonah saw the concern in Noah's eyes.

"I'm ok. Just a shock when I first walked in," he admitted.

"Do you have anything in particular you were thinking about?"

"Hell, Noah, a year ago, I didn't even knew places like this existed. I don't know what to get."

"I don't think there are many places like Buckley's," Noah chuckled. "This is a one of a kind experience. Let's go over to the decorative whips and look."

Walking through aisles of merchandise Jonah hadn't ever dreamed about a loud voice came over the intercom:

"Attention shoppers! Today's red light special is in aisle 17. All pink silicone butt plugs are marked at half price. Hurry to the plug aisle. This special will only last for 20 minutes, so hurry to aisle 17, but no pushing or shoving, save that for your bedroom enjoyment!"

Jonah had to join in as laughter bubbled out of Samuel. Another sight he thought he'd never see was the pure fun and laughter that came from Samuel. The fun loving side of Samuel that had originally drawn Jonah in, and what Jonah had almost beat out of him. As hard as it was to admit he was a brat, Jonah couldn't deny that going to the Green Mountain Boys had made his life better.

"Look Jonah, do you see anything that you might want to give?" Noah directed his attention to the display of unique whips.

Skimming over the display, his eyes went to one that seemed to be the most unusual. "What do you think of this one?" Jonah asked Noah.

"Hmm, the Roses Leather Flogger," Noah read the tag. "The sensation is unlike traditional floggers, and the look is simply stunning. I think it could be use for decoration or for fun. I think it's a good choice."

"Alright, let's get it and get out of here," Jonah said, relieved to have the chore completed.

"No. It's not fair," Samuel exclaimed. "I got these turquoise clamps, you got your Santa gift, but you didn't get anything for yourself!"

"Samuel, I've got all I could ever want. You and Noah have been the best thing that I could've ever hoped for."

The kiss that Jonah received for his remark reawakened his hard on. Feeling Noah's hand squeeze him through his jeans, he heard his top whisper in his ear, "Come on, I want to finish what I started before we left."

Walking between Samuel and Noah, Jonah knew they'd be back and maybe next time, he would buy himself a new toy.


Title: Miles
Characters: Miles/Simon
Author: Korusialhogi

Miles hand tightened on the table edge, his knuckles turning white from the strain. He stared one more time at the screen, re-reading the message. He was being announced that all the brats were participating in Secret Santa project and he was invited to participate as well. Miles barely refrained from putting his fist trough the screen.

"Typical" he growled, pushing himself back from the desk. "Of course, two tops can't possibly be together, so Miles must be a brat, let's box him under that category," he parroted, in a half whisper. "Yeah, well fuck the Green Mountain Boys". He muttered angrily and stood up so abruptly the chair toppled over with the force of his movement.

"Fine then, let's brat" he grunted.

His mind raced through all the possibilities of how to create the required amount of mayhem. It was clear from the massage, that tops were unaware of this little project, at least the brats claimed so, Miles was not sure if that was even in realm of possible. But, if he played it right, he would be able to convince all the brats to wear something outrageous for the Christmas Dinner Party. That should offer Gordon and his pretentious apostles a nice heart attack for the holidays. He contemplated all the ways of making the brats' appearance even more horrific to the tops. After a while he calmed down a bit. Miles let out an exasperated sigh.

"Yes genius, give them more ammunition and prove their narrow-minded point of view - you can't actually be a proper top if in love with a top". After some more debate, he went out to execute his plan.

****

Miles was diligently cleaning and polishing a pile of twigs when Simon came home. The sound of footsteps made Miles turn around and give Simon a quick smile. Simon paused in the doors and raised an eyebrow in a question.

Miles chose to ignore his partner; instead he gave him a wink and turned back to the task at his hand.

"Care to explain the carpentry project?" Simon asked eventually.

"Well, I was invited, by your beloved Green Mountain brats, to participate in brat exclusive Secret Santa. I figured why gift only one person, when I can be generous and gift all the brats with something special. After all they all have been naughty boys all year around so a switch in the stockings is to be expected" finished Miles with a grin.

"Miles, honestly!" Simon shook his head with exasperation. "And you wonder why they see you as a fellow brat?"

"You should be grateful I didn't go with my first idea, it involved rainbow hair colors, torn jeans, tattoos and flashy jewelry as a recommended attire for all the brats taking part in the Christmas Dinner," Miles said, working on the last of the twigs. "Besides, giving a switch is a very top-like thing to do, I'm sure it's somewhere in the Green Mountain Top manual, under recommended gifts section."

Simon walked behind him and dropped a kiss onto top of his head, "Be careful, there will be more than one top willing to try one of those on you".

Miles gave him a dirty look. "Or, maybe they will finally get the hint, I'm a SWITCH, not brat and loving a top doesn't affect my ability or affinity to top!" With these words he leaped a bit to capture Simon's lips in a heated kiss.


Title: Jared’s Story
Characters: Atticus/Jared
Author: Raine

Atticus stood silently at the study door watching an oblivious Jared. He studied the look on his boy’s face, his eyebrows furrowed together as he concentrated on whatever he was studying on the computer screen. He watched as Jared began to nervously chew on his lower lip which from past experience Atticus knew was the sign of his brat beginning to spin.

Atticus swiftly made his way across the room to see what could be causing Jared to stress and spin. Hearing the soft but firm footsteps cross the room, Jared looked up and in an instant quickly closed the window on his computer as Atticus came up behind him.

“Hey Sweetheart, what were you looking at?” Atticus gently asked.

Jared stuttered and mumbled under his breath “Nothing. Something. I don’t know… I am not supposed to tell you… “

“Interesting… I thought we had an agreement that in our relationship there was nothing we couldn’t or shouldn’t share” Atticus said as he pulled Jared wrist guiding him away from the desk chair.

Jared slowly followed Atticus across the room to the oversize recliner that Jared liked to think of as their cuddle chair. Atticus sat and down and tugged Jared on to his lap. Jared quickly nuzzled in burying his head in Atticus neck. He was in the place he loved best… safe and secure in Atticus’s arms.

“Ok, Sweetheart, now that we are settled in … let’s try this again…What were you looking at on the computer that you didn’t want me to see?” Atticus said softly.

Jared didn’t say anything instead he just shrugged his shoulders

Atticus sighed moving his hand to tap Jared’s hip “Jared, you need to decide, Baby, either we talk this through cuddled up like this or we can do this bottoms up if a smarting backside is what you need to talk to me – your decision let me know…but we are going to talk about this. I can tell you I am not happy about you feeling you need to hide something from me”

Jared winced a smarting backside was not something he really wanted. No doubt it helped at times but he preferred the safe cuddles of his top. He also knew from Atticus’s tone that he was not going to give up until they talked it out. Atticus would not hesitate to put him face down across his knees for the discussion.

Playing with the buttons on Atticus shirt, Jared quickly began to ponder out loud. “The brats are all having a secret Santa exchange at the lodge and I got Miles as a name. I don’t understand Miles or how he even works… He is Steve’s top but he is a brat too. So I was trying to find a gift that he could have fun with no matter what side he was feeling that day and that’s what I was looking at when you came in…I didn’t ask for help because I think we are supposed to keep the whole exchange a secret from the Tops”

“Hmm I see… and what did you find that you thought you had to hide from me?” Atticus asked

“Can I show you?” Jared said finally looking into Atticus’s eyes

“Of course… “Atticus replied gently nudging Jared off his lap and tugging him towards the computer.

Jared quickly unlocked the screen and went to the browser history and pulled the page up showing Atticus the paddle. “See it leather on one side and fur on the other - two different sides… two different experiences like Miles”

“Nice choice, Love…soft and hard two very different sensations to play with… Let’s get this ordered and don’t worry I won’t let on to the other tops that I know about the exchange. “Atticus replied as he made a mental note of the website to make sure he took the time to order a surprise for his brat’s stocking.


Title: Trent’s Gift
Characters: Trent/Mace
Author: Kristy

Mace decided to look on the internet for the perfect gift to give his partner Trent and found Jacques comfort Jock Harness. But the price was too high to buy it. So he thought about it awhile and decided to make one just like it. That would make it extra special. It would be great pleasure for his top, Trent, when he opened it on Christmas morning.

When the time came on Christmas morning, Trent's eyes widened at the gift. Trent was surprised at Mace's craftsmanship. He was really surprised that it was made by Mace. It was unexpected that Mace made it. So they had their first go at it. They couldn't wait until night to try it, so they slipped upstairs. And word of truth it brought great pleasure for them both.


Title: Shopping with James and Angus
Characters: James/Angus
Author: Raine

Angus crashed through the front door tossing his backpack by the hall staircase and excitedly calling out, “James? I’m home! Finals are over and another semester is history!”

James came out of the kitchen wiping his hands on the tea towel and replying, “Way to go Baby! I am so proud of you! How did your last final go? Were you focused?”

Angus smiled and answered rubbing his backside and wincing,” Oh yeah, your methods for helping me focus worked as usual.”

Gathering Angus in his arms and kissing his forehead, James quipped back, “Throw a temper tantrum fitting of a two year old and threaten our Keurig coffee maker. I do get the hint loud and clear that you are spinning wildly out of control.”

Tilting his head up, Angus smiled and replied, “Yeah, I agree threatening the coffee maker was a bit over the line although I don’t think it warranted the wooden spoon…”

James replied in a serious tone, “That isn’t your decision now is it, little boy?”

Angus blushed lowering his eyes, “Nooo … but…”

James interrupted, “Babe, stop while you are ahead … Now what would you like to do this evening since you are free from studying for finals?”

Angus smiled and replied, “Dinner out and a trip to Buckley’s” He grabbed his Top’s hand from where it rested on his hip and made his way into the living room. He flopped on the couch pulling James down next to him.

James laughed as he snuggled up to his brat, “Buckley’s? Is there a new toy you have in mind because you know me, I am always up for expanding the toy selection especially since we have time to play while you are on break.”

Angus replied, “Maybe... but in all honesty I need to browse. I have to pick up a gift for the brat Secret Santa which by the way you know nothing about.”

James raised an eyebrow and questioned, “What Secret Santa exchange am I supposed to know nothing about and who is the poor unsuspecting brat that you are picking for?”

Angus explained, “All of the brats have been assigned Secret Santa names for a gift exchange at the lodge and I got someone who needs to learn to let go and play…”

“Who?” James asked again.

“Ok. I’ll tell you but you have to promise to keep an open mind and I mean wide open, please?” Angus replied.

James replied in a little firmer tone, “I always keep an open mind–and you are testing my patience…Who?”

“Jared.” Angus replied, “I know what you are thinking. He and Atticus are more private than most and toys may not be up their alley but hear me out.”

“I’m listening,” James replied, thinking to himself this should be good, Angus could if he set his mind to it, justify anything.

“Jared has come a long way since Atticus came along. He doesn’t look like he is about to collapse from exhaustion and he doesn’t stress when I care for his parents or even when some of the other medical students rotate through to help out. He has really learned to trust that Atticus knows what is best for him, Angus started to explain.

“Ok and that equates to toys from Buckley’s how?” James questioned. “I am not sure I am following your line of thinking.”

“I just think they still need to let loose and I thought if I provided the toy…They could take it from there and stretch some boundaries. I know from the skinny dipping stories that at least Atticus can be spontaneous and daring if nudged,” Angus explained.

“True…but nothing over the top. I actually think this part of Christmas shopping will be fun. Much more exciting than shopping for Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe,” James replied smiling. “Give me twenty minutes and I will be ready to go.”

“OK. I wanted to change anyway. Should we stop for dinner before or after?”Angus asked.

“After if it is OK with you- Buckley’s shouldn’t be as crowded this early in the afternoon,” James replied as he walked away.

Forty five minutes later they strolled in to Buckley’s hand in hand. “What did you have in mind?” James asked.

Angus replied, “Not sure. I thought if we browsed the aisles–together we would figure it out”.

“OK... let’s make a start here… hmmm… Chocolate body paint… that could be fun and yummy although I usually avoid giving either of us a sugar high,” James laughed.

“It is a thought,” Angus replied. “Hmmm… this is a really nice dildo…it is curved for prostrate massage or this one is glass with bumps and ridges…nice.”

“True,” James said. “But if you are looking for a fun toy for them to play with here is a remote controlled wireless vibrating butt plug like the one we have. I love that toy… remind me to make sure it is in our bag for the trip to the lodge.”

“Yeah, I know you love it,” Angus replied making a face. “You aren’t the one who almost showered Gordon with salad when it buzzed.”

James laughed. “Your face throughout dinner was priceless, Love. I think Atticus could have lots of fun with that toy. Ooohh… Anal beads…that silicone set that is very nice… Look at how nicely the beads graduate up in size. Pull them at the right moment and I bet that would make you really pop!”

“Absolutely,” Angus replied. “We need to take our beads to the lodge too.”

Angus wandered down the next aisle. “Nipple clamps in every variety… if it was Blade, sure, but no probably not Jared. Ooh! Floggers!! Feel how soft this deer hide one is. That one is definitely in the running. And, so is this paddle nice quality leather.”

“Turn and bend forward boy,” James instructed as he picked up the leather paddle and the clear Lexan paddle that was out of his brat’s line of vision.

“Yes Sir,” Angus replied as he bent forward bracing his hands on the shelf. He knew the drill. James always liked to try paddles and floggers out in the store before buying.

SWAT! The leather paddle rang through the air connecting with the jean clad backside.

“Thoughts?” James asked.

“Nice sting but not too much… This one could be fun for play or discipline if used a little harder,” Angus replied as he began to straighten out.

“Stay, little boy… I didn’t tell you to break position,” James instructed.

“Yes, Sir… but why we tested the paddle?” Angus inquired.

“Yes, but since I have not had much success in reigning in temper tantrums lately, I thought it may be time for a new incentive to help you remember I don’t like being yelled at or having coffee machine abused in the morning,” James explained.

Angus heard a hiss as something moved through the air and then he jumped at what felt like a swarm of bees attacking his jean clad backside. “OWWWWW,” he whined loudly. “Not that one…whatever it is…it is wicked bad and can stay here.”

“Oh little boy,” James chuckled. “I think we have found a new incentive for polite respectful morning behavior. I heard these Lexan paddles really drive home the message. Ok, up. Let’s move on.”

Angus straightened up and feverishly rubbed his backside as he followed James glaring at the clear new paddle in his Top’s hand.

James stopped in front of the restraints. “The Pleasure Package here is nice too… Cuffs, blindfold, rope.”

“True, especially if we picked up some soy candles to go with the set. Wax play is one of the first sensations we played with and it still one of my favorites,” Angus noted.

“Well, we certainly have thrown out a lot of choices,” James commented. “Anything in particular catch your eye as the perfect gift?”

“Yeah actually… let’s head back this way… over here… I think this is perfect,” Angus replied, pointing to the display.

“I couldn’t agree more,” James replied picking up the toy. “It is a done deal- let’s pay and go get dinner.”

Let the Fun Begin
By PJ
Characters: Tilden, Mike, Luke, Milton, Sheldon and Gordon


The Gift
By PJ
Characters: Mike, Sheldon, Miles, Simon, Steve, Gavin, Ray


Let the Fun Begin - Jared's Gift
by Loraine
Characters: Atticus and Jared


Surprise
by Natasha
Characters: Ryan, Blade, Sheldon and Milton

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

The Twelve Gays of Christmas

Title: The Twelve Gays of Christmas

Author: Tarabeth 

~*~ 

On the First Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me a Paddle across my Booty. 

~*~ 

On the Second Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Two Nipple Clamps 

and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~ 

On the Third Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Three Greek Gods, 

two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~ 

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Four Buzzing Cocks, 

three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~ 

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Five Butthole Plugs, 

four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~ 

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Six Gays a-Laying, 

five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~ 

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Seven Hunks a-Humping, 

six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four bussing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~ 

On the Eighth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Eight Jacks a-Jerking, 

seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~ 

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Nine Laddies Submitting, 

eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~ 

On the Tenth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Ten Lords a-Licking, 

nine laddies submitting, eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods,two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~ 

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Eleven Peters Pumping, 

ten lords a-licking, nine laddies submitting, eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~ 

On the Twelfth day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Twelve Doms a Domming, 

eleven Peters pumping, ten lords a- licking, nine laddies submitting, eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty. 

~*~

Caribbean Capers

Caribbean Capers

A Jude and Dominic Story for Christmas

by Jay

“How about we go away for Christmas this year?”  Jude made the suggestion in late summer, knowing that his partner always needed time to come to terms with new ideas.  But Dominic was learning not to panic when faced with the unexpected, especially when it was presented by the man whose judgement he’d learnt to trust.  He paused over his evening meal, putting down his knife and fork and taking a sip of wine in order to give the suggestion his full consideration.  Eventually he voiced his prime concern.

“What about my mother... and your father?  I’d hate to think of them on their own throughout the holiday season.”

“So would I, love.  We’d have to plan the holiday so we could see them just before Christmas or at New Year.  We’ve both got a good bit of leave due and I think Semdar can do without our services for two or three weeks over the Christmas period.  What do you think?”

“Where were you thinking of going?”

“I hadn’t got as far as planning anything,” responded Jude with a laugh. “I was just wondering what you thought about the idea in principle.”

“I haven’t taken many holidays,” admitted Dominic with some embarrassment.  “Not since Mum and I stopped going away together... not since I went to university really.  I didn’t have anyone to go away with and I didn’t fancy travelling abroad on my own.”  As Dominic never spoke of places he’d visited, Jude had already guessed that his partner had little experience of foreign travel.  As was so often the case when he delved into Dominic’s past, Jude was saddened by evidence of the lonely lifestyle the young man had once led.  But he showed no sign of sympathy which he knew would be unwelcome, choosing instead to make light of Dominic’s lack of familiarity with holiday destinations.

“I haven’t been anywhere special for a while either,” he said with a smile.  “But I find it’s the company, not the place which makes a holiday memorable.  I’m happy to do whatever you like over Christmas, so long as we spend it together.”

Dominic was unable to conceal his pleasure at Jude’s remark.  It was through such affirmation, through such loving words and thoughtful gestures, that Dominic’s confidence had grown.  Knowing that he was loved unconditionally, that he was admired and desired by a man as self-assured and successful as Jude Merrow, had given Dominic a newfound sense of his own worth.   “It might be nice to go somewhere warm,” he mused, coming round to the idea of a winter holiday.

“Is there anywhere special you’d like to go?” asked Jude.

“No..... no... It’s just....”

“What?  Tell me if there’s something you’re not sure about.”

“Well…. I was just thinking it would be nice to go somewhere where we can be together without worrying what people are thinking.   A destination where no one will comment about two men holidaying together; where we could, perhaps, walk hand in hand.”

“I never knew you were such a romantic,” Jude teased but Dominic was not to be dissuaded from voicing his concern.

“I didn’t enjoy bucket and spade holidays when I was a kid so I’ve got no desire to spend time with young families now,” he responded gravely.

“I take your point, love,” Jude conceded.  “We’ll need to do a bit of research.  I know there are singles holidays and rambling holidays and even holidays for bridge players.  There must be specialist companies catering for our needs.”

“I’ll have a look on the internet later,” Dominic said although he didn’t get around to the task until the following morning in the office.  Then he was amazed to find that searching for Gay Holidays UK brought up pages of results. He’d begun following the most promising links when Sarah Powell passed his desk on her way to the coffee machine.  Out of habit, she glanced over his shoulder to see if he might be ready to take a break.  She’d got used to Dominic’s tendency to become so immersed in his work that he was reluctant to leave his desk and she often brought him a cup of coffee around midmorning.  But one glance was all it took to convince her that her friend was not in the middle of constructing a complicated spreadsheet.

“Ogling cuties on company time?” she enquired. “I wonder what the boss would make of that?”

Dominic’s hand flew to minimise the browser but not before Sarah had got a good view of scantily clad but well muscled young men cavorting on a beach.  “I was just looking up some holiday destinations,” Dominic said guiltily.  “I told Jude I’d do a bit of research.”

“I’m only teasing,” said Sarah. “After all, we’re allowed to access the internet for personal use in our break times, so long as we don’t view pornography or send offensive emails.”

“I know,” said Dominic.  “I wrote the company policy on internet use.  I’m just a bit embarrassed to be caught on a gay site during office hours.”

“Why?” asked Sarah reasonably.

“I don’t know,” Dominic conceded.  “Force of habit, I suppose.  It’s not as though you don’t know about Jude and me.”

“I do know you two haven’t taken anything like your full holiday entitlement this year.  I hope you’re planning a good long break.”

“Jude thought we might go away for a couple of weeks at Christmas time and I said I’d try and come up with some holiday destinations.”

“Have you discovered where to go for winter sun?”

“Well, yes... possibly.  Actually, I’d be glad of your opinion, Sarah.”

“You know me.  Always happy to help you spend money.  Your very own personal shopper, that’s me. How about I get coffee and biscuits and we can look at the possibilities together?”

While Sarah was over at the coffee machine Dominic went back on the computer and saved some of the more promising sites.  When she returned with two steaming mugs, he pulled up a second chair beside his desk and the two of them sat down, as they often did, to enjoy a convivial break together.  Dominic was at ease in Sarah’s company and had got into the habit of asking her advice when he was perplexed.  For such a formidably intelligent young man, he could sometimes prove woefully ignorant of worldly matters but Sarah was always willing to explain some of the complexities of social interaction.  She had watched with pleasure as his confidence grew, putting his transformation down to the stabilising effect of his relationship with Jude Merrow.  But her own contribution was not inconsiderable and Jude himself rejoiced that his partner had such a firm friend at work.

“I haven’t much experience of foreign holidays.... or of holidays in this country, for that matter,” he admitted. “Actually, I don’t mind too much where we go.  I just want to feel comfortable while I’m away with Jude.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t want to feel people are looking at us and wondering.  You know..... We’re always so careful at work and while we’re on holiday I’d like... I’d just like us to be able to show a bit of affection towards one another in public, that’s all.”

“Of course; I understand, Dominic.  I presume that’s why you were looking at companies which specialise in gay holidays.”

“Yes; I’ve found a number of gay cruises,” said Dominic with sudden animation.  “I didn’t know that such things existed.  A gay cruise could be just the thing for us.  What do you think?”

“I don’t know, Dominic.  Honestly, I’m a bit out of my depth here. It’s just, well, gay cruising has connotations which, to my mind, have nothing to do with holidays.”

Dominic looked baffled for a moment and then understanding dawned.  “Oh,” he said, looking embarrassed.  “Am I being naive here?  Do you think a gay cruise is just about... about hooking up for sex?  I wouldn’t want Jude to think I’m looking for anyone else.”

“There’s no chance of him thinking that,” said Sarah firmly. “And I really think he’s the one to talk to if the idea of a cruise appeals to you.”

“I suppose I was rather taken with the idea of all the different ports of call. As I haven’t been abroad much, I thought I could see a lot of places on one holiday.”

“That’s certainly one of the big advantages of a cruise,” agreed Sarah.  “I know cruises have become very popular lately, especially with the younger crowd.  Let’s have a look at the ones you’ve found online.”

Dominic and Sarah turned their attention to the computer screen and tried to stifle their giggles as they both eyed up the talent.  “My God, I’m going to have to put in some work at the gym if I’m going to swim on this holiday,” said Jude.  “Do you think you’re obliged to wear those skimpy trunks?”

“Now you know how women feel about appearing in their bikinis on holiday,” Sarah laughed.  “But don’t worry.  I think the tour companies choose the beautiful people for their advertising.  It stands to reason that all shapes and sizes must go on cruises.  Anyway, you and Jude have nothing to worry about when it comes to parading your assets!”

“Sshh!” hissed Dominic, glancing round the open plan office but no one seemed to be paying them any attention. 

Sarah continued to search through the sites Dominic had found and finally she said, “There are gay friendly cruises listed here as well.  Have you considered those?  They seem to offer a wider choice of destinations and the entertainment seems a little more... what shall I say?.. restrained.  Would that suit you and Jude better?  There’d be a wider cross section of people but I think you’d find the freedom and acceptance you’re looking for.”

“The best of both worlds, eh?  You’re right, Sarah. I don’t think Jude would want to dress up for a Judy Garland appreciation night.”  Dominic indicated a page illustrating evening entertainments on one of the cruise ships.  “Look at those men dressed as Dorothy!” he exclaimed in amazement.  “I can’t see Jude in a blue gingham frock and sparkly red shoes, can you?”

“I can’t imagine either of you in drag,” Sarah replied with a shudder.  Dominic shared her sentiments and resolved to suggest to Jude a gay friendly cruise with its more mainstream entertainment programme.

That evening Jude proved more receptive to the idea than Dominic had expected.  He was particularly taken with the idea of a cruise to the Caribbean where warm weather was practically guaranteed throughout the Christmas season. The varied programme of lectures on board ship also appealed to him and Dominic was grateful for Sarah’s wise advice to avoid the cruises with more riotous amusements.  The decision having been taken, it only remained for them to complete the booking and then count the days until departure.  Strictly speaking it was just Dominic who counted the days, torn between excitement at his first luxury holiday and worry that he didn’t have the right clothes for a cruise to warmer climes.

It didn’t take long for Jude to pick up on his young partner’s anxiety and one or two pointed questions had Dominic quickly confessing the cause of his concern.  He’d long since accepted that Jude wouldn’t permit him to bottle up his worries and he’d learnt that the sooner he got them out in the open, the sooner he felt better.  To say nothing of the after effects of Jude’s displeasure if he found Dominic had worked himself into a state without asking for help.  On this occasion Jude was able to make light of Dominic’s worries, announcing that he too would need to purchase a new wardrobe for the holiday.  He made the resultant shopping trips, which were always a source of trepidation for Dominic, an entertaining experience.  By the time the two of them had tried on Hawaiian shirts and Bermuda shorts, and laughed at themselves in the changing room mirrors, Dominic had forgotten his fear of haughty shop assistants. Not only that, he now knew that Jude enjoyed helping him to choose well fitting and flattering clothes.  He’d come to trust Jude’s sartorial judgement and his confidence had grown so much that he strutted and posed in the changing room, knowing that Jude was enjoying the show despite issuing light hearted warnings that if he didn’t stop messing about he wouldn’t sit comfortably for a week.

By the time the two men arrived in their cabin aboard the cruise ship, Dominic felt confident that he was well equipped for everything from formal dinners to beach volleyball games.  When he saw the limited amount of storage space in their cabin, he was grateful that Jude had helped him keep his packing to manageable proportions.  There were two single beds, each with a small chest of drawers at the foot, a limited amount of hanging space in a built-in wardrobe and one small bedside cabinet for each to share. Their cases had to go under the beds and the ensuite bathroom afforded just enough space for one person to stand in front of the basin or squeeze into the tiny shower cubicle.  What with the flight to Barbados and two weeks on board ship, the holiday was expensive and they’d decided to economise on the cabin, rightly assuming that they wouldn’t be spending long in it.  Nonetheless, they both began to wonder if they’d have done better to upgrade until they managed to find a home for all their clothes, books and toiletries.  Then the cabin began to appear cosy rather than cramped.

“Let’s go and explore,” said Dominic as he finally kicked his empty suitcase under the bed.

“Wouldn’t you like a lie down first?” enquired Jude.  “We had a long wait at the airport and it was a tiring flight.”

“We’ll have plenty of time to catch up on our sleep tonight.  Come on; let’s find the swimming pool and the gym.  Where’s the plan of the ship?”

Jude couldn’t help responding to Dominic’s childlike excitement, especially as he ran up and down the staircases exclaiming in amazement as they found bars, restaurants, a fitness centre, a theatre and many places just to sit and relax.  Seasonal decorations abounded throughout, the Christmas trees and coloured lights appearing incongruous on board ship in the tropics. When they finally got out on deck they leaned on the rail in the unaccustomed warmth and looked down at the quayside way below where passengers were still boarding the ship.  It wasn’t until they strolled right to the stern of the vessel that they found the open air swimming pool in which a couple of lithe and handsome young men were already disporting themselves. 

Jude couldn’t help but notice that their capers became even more athletic as soon as they realised they had an audience. They began pushing one another under the water, shouting and splashing, so that Jude and Dominic had to step back to avoid getting their trousers soaked.  Dominic watched them with curiosity and when he was sure their attention was directed elsewhere he whispered rather tentatively, “Do you think they are?   Gay, I mean.”

“Oh, I think so, don’t you?” responded Jude with a laugh, as they walked to safe distance from the pool.

“I don’t know.  I’m always hopeless at spotting these things. How can you tell?”

“I’m not sure I can put it into words, love, but I usually know, especially with young men like that.  I don’t think they’re a couple though.”

“No?”

“Well, I wouldn’t swear to it but I reckon they’re two friends on the lookout for some fun.  Well, maybe they’re a bit more than just good friends but I don’t think they’re in a committed relationship.  In fact, I’d say they have trouble written all over them.”

Dominic stopped and turned back to watch with a rather wistful expression on his face as the two young men resumed swimming across the pool.  Jude, on the other hand, turned his attention to his partner in whom he sensed a longing to join in the fun, a desire to overcome inhibitions and make new friends.  That insight persuaded him to modify his judgement.  “I don’t mean they have malicious intent,” he said, “but I suspect they’d be game for any stunt.  We’ll probably find that they’re great fun.”

“Do you think they’ll come and talk to us?” asked Dominic hopefully.

“Oh, I think they’ve already clocked us as a couple to make contact with,” Jude assured him, resolving not to stand in the way of Dominic getting to know new people.  He just hoped that his reservations were unfounded and the two young men would show better judgement and decorum than their behaviour in the pool had led him to expect.

In the event, their paths didn’t cross again until the first full day at sea when Jude and Dominic decided it was time to go for a swim.  They’d completed no more than a few decorous lengths when the two young men introduced themselves by jumping in so close by that both Dominic and Jude were hit by the resultant tsunami.  That provided the opening for insincere apologies and an invitation to play ball which soon developed into a riotous game of water polo as others joined in.  Eventually Jude got out of the pool, spread his towel on a sun lounger and settled down to read his book.  However, his attention was periodically drawn to the laughing, cavorting young men in the pool and particularly to Dominic who appeared to be having the time of his life.  Jude knew that his partner had been one of the geeks at school who had taken every opportunity to avoid the embarrassment of organised team games.  Looking now at Dominic’s toned body, glistening with water as he leapt to catch the ball, Jude reflected that it wasn’t lack of sporting ability which had held him back.  In an environment where he felt comfortable he’d forgotten about his fear of doing or saying the wrong thing and was participating with enthusiasm and carefree enjoyment.  Jude was glad that they’d chosen the cruise holiday and he hoped there’d be more opportunities for Dominic to socialise with the young crowd while they were away.

When the game ended, arrangements were being made to meet for drinks before dinner and Jude quietly joined the group as they climbed out of the pool.  To Dominic’s surprise, his partner acquiesced to plans for them all to rendezvous in the Riviera bar that evening where free cocktails were to be served before the first formal dinner of the cruise. 

As they were dressing after their showers back in the cabin Dominic tentatively questioned Jude about their new acquaintances. “What do you think of Bill and Harry?” he asked. 

“Your two noisy playmates?”

“Yeah!  They’re Americans.”

“That’s no reason for them to shout quite so loudly.  Half the ship must have heard them.”

“They were enjoying themselves,” said Dominic rather defensively.

“It’s possible to have a good time without drawing attention to yourself quite so insistently,” said Jude.  Then reminding himself that he was not going to be disapproving, he added, “But I suppose we’re on holiday and everyone is tolerant of high spirits.”

“Bill met someone last night,” Dominic confided.  “He was telling us that they made out in the bathroom.  I wasn’t quite sure what he meant at first but judging from what the others said I think they may have had sex in the toilets…. the public ones behind the dance floor.”

“What!” exclaimed Jude, shocked not only that Bill had had sex in a public toilet but that he’d been bragging about it to casual acquaintances. “I take it they were in a locked cubicle but even so, that could cause offence to other users of the facilities.  Nothing ever justifies sexual activity in a public lavatory, even if you’re on holiday.”

Dominic was rather taken aback by Jude’s adamant condemnation of his new friend.  “Don’t say anything,” he begged.  “I wouldn’t want to get him into trouble.”

“Don’t worry,” Jude reassured him.  “It’s not my job to act as arbiter of public morals.  I’m just shocked, that’s all. I won’t deny that.”

“So was I…. to start with,” Dominic admitted, “but the thought of having sex in a public place is a bit of a turn on, don’t you think?”

“I never knew you entertained fantasies of being an exhibitionist!” Jude laughed.

“I don’t; well, not really.”

“I’m glad of it.  The other passengers have been so welcoming and friendly.  It’s behaviour like that which runs the risk of confirming people’s worst fears and prejudices.  This may be a gay friendly cruise but it behoves us to behave in public with an element of decorum.”

“I suppose so.  But Bill and Harry are a lot of fun.”

The two young men were certainly on good form when Jude and Dominic joined the party in the Riviera lounge.  The supply of free cocktails having dried up, they were buying drinks at the bar and they insisted on getting the cocktail of the day for their new English friends.  By the time dinner was announced Bill and Harry were getting very merry and Jude was rather relieved to find they were not seated with the Americans in the restaurant. 

Jude was soon chatting comfortably to the two married couples who were their dining companions for the evening and even Dominic was sufficiently fascinated by their tales of foreign travel to abandon his reserve in the company of strangers and quiz them enthusiastically about the places they’d visited.  Suddenly, in mid conversation, he reared back as he was struck on the head by something quite soft which landed beside his plate.  Momentarily puzzled he picked up a bread roll and then looked in the direction from which it must have come, only to catch the eye of Bill who was grinning, laughing and pointing at him.

Without further thought he twisted in his chair and flung the bread roll straight back but unfortunately his aim was not as true as Bill’s.  The roll landed with considerable force in the plate of a woman sitting to Bill’s left and food splashed all over her dress.  Her shriek and her husband’s rapid move to her side drew the attention of diners on neighbouring tables and silence fell as all eyes turned to the stricken woman and then to the person whose demeanour clearly marked him out as the cause of her distress.

The colour had drained from Dominic’s face and his hands had flown to his mouth in shock.  Jude took in the situation at once and got calmly to his feet, placing a firm and reassuring hand on his partner’s shoulder. He walked across to the woman, whose husband had mopped the worst of the mess off her dress with a linen napkin, and offered a fluent apology along with a request to pay for cleaning or replacing the dress.  He left his name and cabin number with the couple before returning to the table where he continued with his meal. 

The crisis over, the level of noise rose as people returned to their conversations. Jude threw out a conversational gambit which was rapidly taken up by the others on their table. Everyone was anxious to end the awkward silence but Dominic didn’t join in. Embarrassment made him feel as though he remained the focus of accusatory glances and guilt took away his appetite and robbed him of all pleasure in the meal and the company.  He pushed his food around his plate and even the pressure of Jude’s knee against his own under the table failed to provide any comfort.

Jude’s initial annoyance at Dominic’s thoughtless action had long given way to sympathy for the young man’s plight. He knew how much his partner hated to feel himself in the wrong and his heart ached in the certain knowledge that Dominic would be suffering agonies after such a public humiliation.  All Jude’s anger was directed towards Bill who appeared quite unabashed despite having provoked Dominic into his disastrous act of retaliation.  As soon as he’d eaten dessert, and before coffee was served, Jude excused them both, pleading the desire for an early night.  Dominic got to his feet with relief to follow Jude out of the restaurant and return to the privacy of their cabin.

Having sat silently throughout the remainder of the meal, Dominic was the first to speak as soon as the door was closed.  “What are you going to do then?” he asked in a challenging tone.

Jude sighed.  Dominic’s guilt and distress were manifesting themselves as aggression and he set himself to calm his agitated partner.  “Do?” he enquired calmly.  “I’m going to get out of this suit and then I’m going to stretch out on my bed and watch the film on television.”

“And you’re just going to ignore the exhibition I made of myself in the restaurant?”

“What do you want me to do, love?  I apologised on your behalf.  We’ll pay for the lady’s dress to be cleaned.  If you like, we can arrange for a gift to be sent to her cabin tomorrow.”

“And that’s it, is it?  You’ve got nothing else to say?”

“I’m not going to lecture you, if that’s what you mean.  What could I possibly say that you don’t already know?  I’m sure you didn’t throw that bread roll with the intention of causing damage.  I could see it was just a reflex action to return it after it hit you on the head.  I wish you’d given a moment’s thought to the possible consequences but I don’t blame you for what happened.  I blame Bill and, if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll let him know what I think of such boorish behaviour at a formal dinner.”

“So we just forget about it, then?  I ruin the evening for others and you’re going to do nothing about it!”  Dominic’s voice had risen in volume.

“Don’t shout at me, Dominic.  I know you’re feeling upset and ashamed but taking it out on me won’t help.”

“Well, I’m not just going to sit here and pretend that we’ve had a fine evening.  It’s been fucking awful and..”

Dominic got no further with his foul mouthed complaint.  Without a word Jude placed firm hands on his shoulders and steered him down the narrow passage between the wardrobe and the bathroom until his nose was up against the cabin door.  “You can stand there until you calm down and are ready to speak quietly and politely,” he instructed, before walking back to the bed where he began calmly to remove his suit and tie.

The whole manoeuvre had been effected so swiftly and efficiently that it took Dominic a moment to realise what had happened.  When the reality of his situation permeated his agitated mind he was shocked to find himself standing with his back to the cabin.  It was as dark there as in any corner at home, although he had the added distraction of a brightly coloured plan of the ship attached to the cabin door.  He began to study it intently and read repeatedly through the fire instructions as a means of distancing himself from the events of the evening.

However, the enforced immobility and the silence had a calming effect, as Jude knew it would.  Gradually Dominic’s stress level fell and his anger melted leaving him feeling ashamed and distinctly apprehensive.  He heard Jude moving about the cabin and opening drawers as he searched for comfortable clothing to take the place of his formal dress.  When he heard the bed creak as Jude stretched out and turned on the television, he knew he was in for the long haul.

Eventually his mind was drawn back to his behaviour in the restaurant.  He squirmed with embarrassment as he relived the moment when all eyes had turned to him in accusation.  And he remembered how swiftly Jude had intervened to defuse the situation.   He felt so sorry for the woman whose evening he had spoiled and he wished he’d stepped up and made his apologies in person although, at the time, he knew he’d been rooted to the spot, overcome with shame and confusion.  He remembered that Jude had offered to pay for cleaning or replacing her dress and had just suggested sending a gift to her cabin.  Suddenly he thought of something he could do by way of restitution.

Totally forgetting that he hadn’t been given permission to move, he turned impulsively to Jude and said, “We’ll be in port tomorrow.  I could find a florist’s shop, couldn’t I? I’m sure there’ll be exotic blooms on a Caribbean island.  I could buy her a big bouquet of flowers.”

Familiar with Dominic’s rapid thought processes, Jude responded at once.  He clicked off the television and sat up to smile at his partner.  “That’s a great idea,” he said.  “I’m sure if we asked the purser he’d be able to direct us to a florist’s near the quayside, or even arrange to have flowers sent direct to her cabin.”

“No,” said Dominic decisively.  “I want to take them myself.  It would give me an opportunity to apologise in person.” He paused and then added rather sadly, “You had to apologise for me in the restaurant.”

“I knew you wouldn’t be up to it at that point.  I wanted to smooth things over for you as quickly as possible.”

“I know that and I am grateful; I just wish it hadn’t been necessary,” said Dominic miserably.

“Come here, love,” said Jude in a comforting tone.  Dominic, who’d been standing indecisively beside the door, conscious now that he’d broken the rule that forbade him to move from his place of confinement without permission, responded at once to the invitation in that tone.  In a few hasty strides he covered the distance from the door to the bed and flung himself into Jude’s arms.  “Hey, hey,” said Jude who was in danger of strangulation from the strength of Dominic’s grip, “there’s no need to upset yourself.” 

Dominic, who hated succumbing to tears, was controlling himself with an effort but his bodily tremor and ragged breathing betrayed the extent of his distress. “I’m sorry, so sorry,” he murmured passionately into Jude’s shoulder.

“I know, love.  It’s all right.”

“It’s not all right.  I behaved disgracefully in the restaurant and then shouted at you.  The truth is I’m angry with myself, not with you.”

“And you just needed a bit of time to see that for yourself,” Jude gently pointed out.  “I didn’t take it personally and I’m quite happy to help you come to terms with what happened. But trying to provoke me into punishing you won’t do the trick.  Look at me.” Jude gently pushed Dominic away from him and the young man reluctantly lifted swimming eyes to do as he’d been asked.  “You were trying to push me into spanking you, weren’t you?”

“No.. no… I wouldn’t..”

“Weren’t you?”

“Mmn.  I might have been,” Dominic conceded, ducking his head.

“Who makes the decisions about punishment?”

“You do.  But I wasn’t…..”

“Correct,” Jude interrupted him. “I do.  And I’m not going to punish you for an error of judgement.  You had no intention of causing harm and the consequences of your action were unforeseeable if unfortunate.  This is not a major problem, love, even if it feels awful to you at the moment.  My apology, on your behalf, was accepted.  The couple were very nice about it.  No one else is going to remember this tomorrow; you won’t hear it mentioned again.  And your idea about giving the lady flowers is perfect.”  Jude paused; then, in a lighter tone, he added, “Anyway, I couldn’t spank you even if I wanted to.  There isn’t room to swing a cat in this cabin, let alone administer discipline.  The lack of space would cramp my style.”

That observation drew a reluctant smile from Dominic and Jude followed it up with a very welcome invitation.  “Now go and get out of that suit and come and join me here on the bed.  There’s room for two if we snuggle up.”  Dominic didn’t need to be asked twice.  Jude’s comforting embrace did much to dispel his misery and soon he was engrossed in the film on television.  By the time he felt ready for bed he was beginning to think that things would look better in the morning.

When he woke, the familiar motion of the ship was stilled and, when he got up to look out of the window, he saw that they were already tied up alongside the dock. Then he was anxious to get dressed and go enquire about the nearest place to buy flowers.  Jude permitted himself to be hastened through breakfast so they could be the first passengers to disembark but he had to admit the effort had been worth it as they returned to the ship with Dominic triumphantly carrying an enormous arrangement of exotic blooms.  Wanting to spare his partner disappointment, he had a call put through at once to the couple’s cabin to check they were willing to receive visitors. Then he escorted an increasingly nervous Dominic to their door. 

But there was no need for anxiety.  When Dominic’s victim opened the door she was confronted with an enormous flower arrangement which nearly filled the narrow corridor.  Her delighted expressions of appreciation attracted one of the stewards who immediately offered to arrange the flowers in a large vase.  That left Dominic free to make his apologies and he did so blushingly but with stammering sincerity.  Jude could see at once that the lady was captivated by his charm although he knew with absolute certainty that Dominic had no concept of the favourable impression he was making.  Finally he rescued Dominic from her protestations of thanks with a firm repetition of his request to send the cleaning bill to their cabin and he escorted a relieved and restored Dominic to the bar for a drink.

For the next few days Dominic was more subdued than he had been at the beginning of the voyage.  He didn’t stray from Jude’s side, quietly reading on a sun lounger when they were on board ship, or accompanying him without question on expeditions ashore.  To start with Jude thought it was just coincidence that there was no sign of Bill and Harry but eventually he decided that they were deliberately keeping out of his way.  Dominic had made no effort to seek them out and eventually Jude began to regret that his young partner was missing out on some of the fun which he’d enjoyed during the early part of the holiday.

When the bill for dry cleaning eventually arrived Dominic was cast down yet again.  The charge wasn’t exorbitant but, on board ship, it was considerably more than they would have paid at home.  Although Jude pointed out that the cost could be added to their account to be settled at the end of the cruise, Dominic insisted on going to pay at once with his own credit card.  It was as though all his guilt had been reawakened, along with a desperate desire to pay the price for his one thoughtless act.  Jude began to suspect that he hadn’t been able to put the incident behind him as readily as might have been hoped.

Thus, when Dominic raised the question of an organised trip to one of the Caribbean beaches, Jude was immediately encouraging.  The brochure promised beach volleyball, the opportunity to try snorkelling or wind surfing and a barbecue to finish the day. 

“It looks fun, love,” he said approvingly.  “Are any of your new friends going?”

“I don’t know.  I haven’t seen them lately.”

“Why don’t you ask?  Judging from these pictures it looks as though it’s a trip designed to appeal to the young.”

“Don’t you want to come?” enquired Dominic in surprise. 

In fact, Jude would quite like to have tried snorkelling, although beach volleyball wasn’t his idea of a legitimate sport.  However, he wanted to encourage Dominic to strike out on his own socially and this seemed like an ideal time for the young man to participate in an event safely, without having his partner at his side.  “I’d never live it down at the rugby club if they found out I’d played beach volleyball,” he said with a laugh.  “Actually, I was looking at a tour of historic buildings with an expert on the colonial history of the islands. I didn’t think it would be your cup of tea so perhaps we could each do our own thing that day.”

When the day dawned Dominic seemed to have recovered some of his joie de vivre.  He could hardly contain his excitement as he packed a rucksack with his towel and swimming trunks and Jude had to intervene to ensure that he’d also got sun screen, a bottle of water and a light jacket for the evening.

“Have a great day,” Jude urged.  “Text me and let me know what you’re up to.”

“You, too.”

“And, Dominic,” Jude hesitated, unwilling to sound like a killjoy, “Don’t behave in an unseemly manner.”

“Unseemly!” Dominic mimicked.  “Who uses words like that?”

“I do, young man,” replied Jude in a tone which rapidly focussed Dominic’s attention.  “The West Indies is still a deeply conservative society.  We tend to forget that when we think of what goes on at The Notting Hill Carnival.  Don’t do anything which would offend the local population.  And don’t,” he added with greater emphasis, “let anyone else persuade you to act in a way I would be unhappy with.  Do I make myself clear?”

When Jude spoke like that, Dominic had a tendency to respond very politely. “Yes, sir,” he said promptly.

“Oh, I know you’ll be good,” said Jude, sure that his message had been clearly understood.  He tousled Dominic’s hair and picked up his own rucksack.  The historic tour of the island was departing early so they could visit some of the colonial properties before the day became really hot.  “I must be going,” said Jude, as he gave Dominic a quick kiss on the cheek.  “I’ll see you this evening, love.”

The historic tour was fascinating and the rest of the party proved sociable and interesting.  Jude had little time to worry about how Dominic was getting on at the beach although he checked his phone a couple of times in the hope of finding a new text.  When no message had been delivered after a couple of hours, he decided that Dominic was probably in the water or playing on the beach with his phone lying forgotten in his rucksack.  It wasn’t until after lunch that he heard the alert which signalled the arrival of a picture message.  He clicked it open and read one brief sentence from Dominic: 

Havin a gr8 time wiv Santa’s little helpers!

Then he scrolled down the page to view the attached picture.  There was no mistaking the identity of the elves.  Bill and Harry, wearing Santa hats and very little else, were immediately recognisable. For one brief moment Jude entertained the hope that the third young man, with his back turned to the camera, might not be Dominic.  But the set of the shoulders, the curve of the exposed backside, even the shape of the hairline at the nape of the neck were all unmistakable.  Jude would have recognised those beloved features anywhere.  But this time they aroused feelings of anger and not the usual affectionate admiration for his partner’s lean and toned form.  He pressed reply and rapidly composed his response:

I suggest you cover your arse before you get sunburn.  But don’t get too comfortable.  That arse’ll be glowing as red as an elf’s hat before the day is out.

Quick as a flash a reply popped up on Jude’s mobile:  You said u can’t swing a cat in our cabin!  So no fear of a sore bottom, eh?

This time Jude took a minute or two to consider what to say next.  He was beginning to appreciate Dominic’s motives, recognising deliberate provocation when he saw it.  Judging from the isolated spot where the photo had been taken, Dominic had obeyed Jude’s instruction to avoid offending the local population.  However, the young man was in no doubt about Jude’s views on the subject of public nudity, to say nothing of allowing others to handle him intimately.  The sight of the Americans with their hands casually placed inside Dominic’s swimming trunks was sufficient to make Jude growl.  Dominic was angling for a spanking all right but Jude suspected it had nothing to do with making him jealous and everything to do with a lingering sense of guilt.  Ever since the incident in the restaurant Dominic’s subdued manner had suggested that he still felt himself to be in disgrace.  Nothing Jude could say or do to convince him that the matter was closed brought about a return of his high spirits.

More than once Jude had contemplated with regret his decision to make light of Dominic’s misjudgement in the restaurant.  He’d come to suspect that a spanking, even a very mild spanking, might have been sufficient to convince Dominic that he’d paid for his mistake.  Now, his initial assumption that Dominic’s apology and gift to the unfortunate woman had drawn a line under the incident gave way to certainty that Dominic was still labouring under a heavy burden of shame.  That being the case, Jude knew he’d have no problem addressing the issue in the way Dominic was clearly demanding.  He punched his reply into his phone and pressed send:

We’ll be discussing this tonight. Lack of space in the cabin won’t save you from a well deserved spanking.

This time there was a lengthy delay before Dominic sent a response and Jude correctly guessed that the young man was having second thoughts about the outrageous picture and the inevitable consequences of sending it to his partner.  Eventually a short message popped up on Jude’s phone and it clearly signalled Dominic’s state of mind when writing.  The smiley conveyed not misplaced optimism but a touching desire to placate.

You’re not angry are you? :-)

Jude decided that only an honest answer would do:   I was angry, love, but I’m not angry now.  Enjoy the rest of your day.  We’ll sort everything out this evening.  Don’t worry.

Dominic’s reply was swift and it went a long way towards putting Jude’s mind at rest, enabling him to enjoy the rest of his island tour with only the occasional thought as to how he would handle his errant partner when they regained the privacy of their cabin.  The reply was just three words long but Jude knew they were words which Dominic never used casually or thoughtlessly:

I love you.

Hours later, after both men had returned to the ship, showered, changed and eaten dinner in the restaurant they finally turned their attention to the events of the day.  Dominic had been subdued throughout the evening meal but not seriously anxious or agitated.  Jude’s calm and reassuring manner had contributed in part to Dominic’s composure but Jude also suspected that the young man felt a certain sense of relief that his sins were about to be punished and pardoned.  However, Jude had no intention of allowing Dominic to skirt around his feelings and avoid facing up to the manipulation inherent in his outrageous conduct on the beach.  Jude’s opening question, addressed to the penitent young man sitting opposite him on the bed brought Dominic’s head up in surprise.

“If you still felt you needed a spanking, why didn’t you say something instead of staging that stunt this afternoon?

“I…I didn’t.  It wasn’t staged. I don’t understand..”

“You understand perfectly well,” interjected Jude.  “I made my expectations perfectly clear before you left for the beach.  You couldn’t have more blatantly disregarded my views on seemly behaviour if you’d tried.”

Dominic flinched at Jude’s straight talking.  His partner was sitting so close to him on the adjoining bed that their feet were almost touching.  He struggled to maintain eye contact as he tried to explain.  “I didn’t behave in an unseemly way.  There was no one around.  I remembered what you said about not offending the local population.”

“And how do you think I felt when I saw Bill and Harry with their hands in your swimming trunks?”

Dominic gasped.  “They weren’t… They were only….  I didn’t think…”  After a pause to collect his scattered wits he ended lamely, “I’m sorry, Jude, I really am.  I wouldn’t have let them do anything inappropriate.”

“I know that, love.  I never for one moment thought you were engaging in any sort of sexual activity with those young men.  But that didn’t prevent me feeling jealous when I saw their hands on your bottom.”

Jude’s admission gave Dominic a surprise and also a guilty jolt of pleasure.  “Oh,” he breathed and his blush made Jude laugh with ready understanding.

“It’s good to know you can make me jealous just by allowing someone else to touch you, eh?”  Before Dominic could make his denials, Jude went on.  “Don’t worry.  I know that wasn’t your intention.  But you were angling for a spanking, weren’t you?  And you fixed on the quickest way of getting my attention.”

“It wasn’t my idea to pose for that photo,” Dominic tried to point out.  “It was Bill’s suggestion and well, it seemed like a fun thing to do so….”  Jude was looking at him so pointedly that his voice trailed away.   “Okay…. I knew you wouldn’t approve.  But no one saw.”

“Apart from the person who took the picture and, presumably, the rest of the group who went to the beach.”

There was no answer to that and Dominic’s silence could only be interpreted as acquiescence.  Jude let the silence drag on until Dominic lifted pleading eyes to his.  Then he appeared to relent.  “All right then. I’ll accept there was no harm done.  None of the locals witnessed your high spirited Christmas caper and I know your behaviour wasn’t sexually motivated.”  Dominic breathed a sigh of relief but, as Jude’s voice hardened, he realised he’d relaxed too soon.  “So that just leaves me to deal with the fact that you’ve continued to labour under a sense of guilt and shame.  Rather than voicing your worries you’ve struggled with them alone.  Finally, you decided that you could clear the slate by forcing me into spanking you.  Is that a fair summary?”

Dominic could hardly deny it.  “It wasn’t deliberate,” he said falteringly.  “I didn’t plan it that way.”

“But that’s what happened, isn’t it?  You were still feeling guilty and you knew perfectly well how I’d react to that photo.  You’ve got yourself exactly where you wanted to be.”

“I didn’t think it would be like this,” said Dominic miserably.

“I bet you didn’t, my lad.  But I’m not having you try to manipulate me in this way.  I make the decisions about punishment and I say that you have no need to feel guilty about the incident in the restaurant.  It’s over and done with.  You’ve paid for your mistake and made amends in a very acceptable manner.  But you’re not off the hook now.  I won’t have you deliberately disobey me and I’m not pleased that you went along with Bill and Harry when they pulled your pants down.  There’s only one person you pull your pants down for and that’s me.”  Jude paused and Dominic’s stomach muscles contracted in alarm at the realisation of what was coming next.  “So stand up and drop them,” Jude ordered.

Dominic got reluctantly to his feet.  It was true that he’d had some vague notion that provoking Jude in a light hearted way would result in a semi playful spanking which would serve to alleviate his feelings of guilt.  The problem was that Jude didn’t seem to be taking the matter lightly and Dominic could see precisely why.  He couldn’t now understand what had possessed him to pose so shamelessly with his American friends.  He could see that doing so was not only in direct contravention of Jude’s precise instructions; it was also entirely inappropriate behaviour.  What had seemed like a bit of harmless fun on the beach now seemed to Dominic himself altogether more serious with its potential to damage their relationship.

“Do I have to undress you myself?” Jude asked with some asperity and Dominic hastily pulled himself out of his reverie.  His hands went to the fastening of the grey twill trousers which he’d worn to dinner in the restaurant and he fumbled with the hooks and zipper.  Standing in such close proximity to his partner in the tiny cabin made it a trifle embarrassing to get ready for a spanking. Jude’s immobility and calm, relentless gaze made him feel even more exposed.  His fingers shook slightly as he slipped them under the waistband of his underpants and resolutely pushed all the fabric down to his knees.  Jude shifted back slightly on his narrow bed and Dominic laid himself gingerly across Jude spread knees, sparing a thought for the lack of sound proofing in the ship’s cabins.

It seemed, however, that Jude was not yet ready to embark on the punishment.  Instead he spoke quietly but firmly to Dominic.  “You’re here for one reason and one reason only.  Can you tell me what it is?”

“It’s got nothing to do with the lady I splashed, has it?” replied Dominic, knowing he was correct and playing for time.

“You know I don’t hold you responsible for that,” said Jude firmly.  “What have you done to earn this spanking?”

“I behaved inappropriately on the beach,” admitted Dominic, “…..after you’d told me not to.”

“Yes.  And why did you do it?”

“I was trying to provoke you… trying to get you to deal with an issue which was worrying me.”

“What should you have done?”

“I should have told you I was still upset.  I should have explained that I wanted some way of easing the guilt.”

“So why are you over my lap now?”

“Because I didn’t tell you how I was feeling,” said Dominic with sudden understanding.  “Because I tried to deal with things myself.  Because…. because I didn’t trust you to make things right for me.”

Jude didn’t need to express his approval of Dominic’s insight in words. He just ran a firm hand down the curve of his partner’s back, into the dip at his waist and up the gentle slope of his buttocks, coming to rest at the top of his thighs.  Dominic sighed audibly, shifted slightly to secure his position and then relaxed.  It was the signal Jude had been waiting for and he began to administer a series of smacks which imprinted clear finger marks on Dominic’s backside, soon to be obliterated by a uniform redness.

Jude reflected that his reservations about the use of an implement in the cramped cabin were probably correct.  There really wasn’t room for an effective swing.  However, such considerations did not apply to a hand spanking and he felt no constraint about laying on with a will.  It was Dominic who was labouring under a sense of constraint, attempting to remain silent out of consideration for their neighbours who, he estimated, could be no more than six feet from where he lay, gasping and squirming over Jude’s lap.

Matters had progressed well beyond the point at which Dominic still felt able to control his reactions before Jude stayed his hand.  He’d been reduced to sotto voce begging and apologising long before the onslaught finally ceased. Then he lay, exhausted, emotionally drained yet perversely satisfied as his body thrummed with cleansing pain.  Eventually, Jude made the first move by easing himself out from under Dominic’s body and allowing the young man to shift to the centre of the bed.  A long day of activity in the sun and sea would, of itself, have been enough to cause Dominic’s eyes to droop with tiredness but the added turmoil of the evening’s inquisition and punishment meant that he hadn’t even got the energy to get himself ready for bed.

Jude left him alone for a little while until he was certain the sting must have diminished to manageable proportions and then he gently pulled off Dominic’s nether garments which had got tangled round his ankles during the spanking.  It was then the work of moments to strip him completely, roll him under the bedclothes, kiss him and tuck him in.  Dominic mumbled his thanks and to judge from the warmth of his response to that one kiss, he’d been left in no doubt that he was forgiven.  Jude smiled to himself with both satisfaction and affection when he heard Dominic’s breathing become slower and more audible with the onset of sleep.

In the morning Dominic was a little more sheepish, uncertain how to approach Jude and ask the one question which still troubled him.  Jude was immediately on the alert, challenging his reticence.  “How are you feeling this morning?  Fancy a dip before breakfast?”

“I’m feeling fine,” he insisted, “but I’m not sure if I’m fit to appear in public in bathing trunks.  What’s the state of my bottom?”

“Look for yourself in the mirror inside the wardrobe door. I think you’ll find there’s nothing worse to be seen than the effects of a little sunburn.”

Dominic padded naked through the cabin and twisted and turned in front of the mirror to confirm the truth of Jude’s claim.  “Okay, I’ll go up to the pool with you.”  Dominic paused and Jude looked at him expectantly.  There was no denying he had something else on his mind.  “I suppose…. I expect you want me to stay with you today.”

“I don’t remember asking you to do that.”

“No… but you won’t want me mixing with the others.  Not with Harry and Bill…. not after yesterday.”

“I thought we agreed that I decide on punishments.  It’s not up to you to dictate penalties.”

“I know,” Dominic agreed hastily. “It’s just that I thought… I thought…”

“You thought I was going to ban you from socialising with the young crowd.  Of course I’m not.  I may not approve of everything they get up to but I’m not responsible for their behaviour, thank God.  I do, however, expect you to make wise decisions if they propose conduct which you know I’d disapprove of.”

“Oh,” said Dominic, with some surprise, “thank you. I did enjoy myself yesterday and in future I won’t do anything against my better judgement when I’m with them.”

“I should hope not,” concurred Jude with mock gravity which didn’t deceive Dominic.

“I hope you’ve deleted the offending text,” he said with twinkle in his eye.

“No, I don’t think so,” said Jude blandly.  “You’d better check my phone.”

Dominic unplugged it from the socket where Jude had left it overnight to charge and the screen immediately lit up.  There was the picture which until that point Dominic had done no more than glance at in bright sunlight.  He couldn’t help thinking it was a rather good photo which showed off the tan he didn’t know he’d acquired.  He must have admired it a moment too long because Jude laughed and said, “Yes, I thought it was rather festive too. I’ve decided to use it on my home screen… well, at least until we’re back at work.  It might cause consternation in the office but, for the moment, I think we can fling propriety to the winds.”

Dominic didn’t realise how literally Jude was to take that seemingly frivolous observation until the final night of the cruise.  By then the two of them had had a wonderful time, forgotten all the pressures and problems of work, acquired a deep winter tan, made new friends and seen places they had only ever dreamed of.

“It’s our last night on board,” said Dominic rather wistfully.

“I know.  It’s going to be hard to settle down to real life after this adventure.”

“I wish we weren’t going home tomorrow. It’ll be cold back in Britain and we’ll have to get up in the dark to go to work.”

“So let’s go out on deck now,” suggested Jude unexpectedly. “It’s late but it’ll still be warm.  Just grab a jacket.”

The stairways were deserted as they climbed upwards.  Even the bars were nearly empty as passengers returned to their cabins to pack and get an early night.  On deck the stars shone brightly in the clear sky and the gentle slap of waves against the bows of the ship was just audible.  Dominic and Jude spent a long time leaning on the rail, enjoying the balmy breeze and talking quietly about their favourite ports of call on the cruise. 

“Shall I tell you what I liked best of all on this holiday?” enquired Dominic rather shyly.

“Go on,” encouraged Jude.

“That day when we visited the island and walked hand in hand along the beach.  We’ve never done that before… at least not where anyone could see us.  It felt so good to show people that we belong together.”

“We belong to one another,” Jude affirmed, bending to kiss Dominic on the lips. It was clear that he too appreciated the freedom, afforded by the gay friendly cruise, to show affection in public.  Dominic’s arms snaked round Jude’s waist and the two men exchanged a hug of pleasure and satisfaction at the end of a perfect holiday.

On their way back to the cabin Jude halted abruptly outside the gents and, after a quick glance down the corridor, pulled Dominic inside.

Standing with his back to the door he issued a brief instruction, “Go into that cubicle, drop your pants, place your hands on the cistern and bend over.”

“What?” gasped Dominic, hardly able to credit what he was hearing.

“I don’t intend to repeat myself,” came the firm response.

“B..b...but someone might walk in.”

Jude discreetly leant even more firmly against the door.  “So,” he asked, “is that any reason for refusing to obey me?”

Dominic’s breath caught in his throat and his pulse quickened.  Fear of public exposure gave way to arousal at Jude’s masterful display.  The prospect of indulging in sexual activity in a public place tapped into one of Dominic’s long held fantasises, although he seemed to remember Jude stating that sex in public lavatories could never be condoned.  However, as Jude’s eyes darkened with a combination of lust and impatience Dominic began to think he must have misremembered the conversation.  Obediently, he walked into the cubicle and unfastened his trousers.  Then, taking a deep breath, he slipped his fingers into the waistband of his underpants and pulled his clothing down below his knees. Hobbled by the bunched fabric, he spread his legs as widely as possible and leaned over as instructed.  Only then did Jude remove his shoulders from the outer door and walk silently into the cubicle to stand close behind Dominic, locking the door as he did so.

Dominic shivered with anticipation as Jude’s hands touched his flanks and moved slowly up his torso, pushing his thin shirt up his back.  Naked from armpits to knees, his body was totally open to Jude’s questing fingers and he gasped as those fingers fluttered over his belly and encountered the rising evidence of his excitement.  He could feel the fabric of Jude’s clothing rubbing against his naked buttocks and thighs and he could hear Jude’s ragged breathing against his ear.  He pushed back against his partner, silently signalling his consent and urging Jude to make free with his body.  Jude needed no further assurance of Dominic’s willing submission.

The whiteness of Dominic’s taut buttocks contrasted attractively with the golden tan he’d acquired from the hips upwards.  Jude spread the pale cheeks with firm fingers and ran his thumb over Dominic’s puckered orifice which contracted temptingly at his touch. “Remember what I said about behaving with decorum in a public place?” he enquired and Dominic could hear the laughter in his voice.  “Don’t make a noise.” And with that terse instruction he plunged one spit slicked finger deep inside his partner.

Dominic gasped at the sudden intrusion but otherwise managed to remain silent.  On reflection, he was sure he hadn’t misunderstood Jude’s absolute prohibition on sexual activity in a public place so he was forced to conclude that Jude was intentionally disregarding his own ruling. The knowledge that any noise would alert a passing visitor not only to their presence but also to the nature of their activity just added to his excitement.  He gripped the edge of the cistern more tightly as he heard the unmistakable sound of a zipper being lowered and then felt the familiar nudge of blunt, questing manhood.   Fleetingly, he registered the fact that Jude must be setting aside a deeply held principle in order to enact his lover’s fantasy as a final gift on the last night of their voyage. Then he was rendered incapable of rational thought as he abandoned himself totally to the eroticism of the moment.

~*~*~*~*~*~