A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

By

RG

CHAPTER 1 – YOU?

Sitting around doing nothing was so boring. Well it could have been worse he could have been cleaning up the vomit that some kindly patron had left in the bathroom stall. Thankfully now that he had a steady teaching job he didn't have to work for his brother anymore; though he still pitched in whenever required.

When the hell would they land up? He had Papers to grade

Meet and greet the new guy Ugh! He hadn't even met the guy but he definitely hated him already. He hated anyone who kept him waiting.

Why was Gregor making such a big deal about some random guy?

Okay, he wasn't just some random guy.

He was Charlie Schneider's nephew.

Charlie Schneider his brother's silent partner was getting married. So she had decided to hand over her share in No Limits to her nephew who had finally returned to Düsseldorf after 6 long years at sea.

Oh brother if he was anything like Olivia; even a teeny tiny bit like that brunette bimbo Christian would definitely strangle him.

He turned around when he heard Gregor greet Charlie

"Hey my Mann. So he's finally here and we can FINALLY sign some papers." Charlie said as she affectionately kissed Gregor on the cheek.

That lady was just so sweet. After the hard life that she had, she deserved the happiness coming her way. Finally able to get married. Christian felt happy for her. Sascha was a gem of a guy. If Sascha had swung his way Christian would have grabbed him in a heart beat.

Right behind Charlie entered Olivia dressed to the nines. Christian gagged and turned back towards the counter away from the unpleasant sight. He looked at Miriam and asked, "Why did she have to come?" as he rubbed his hand over his face in exasperation.

"I don't know. But I guess it may have something to do with your brother," the waitress smiled sympathetically at him as she wiped and stacked the coffee mugs.

"Here's the man of the hour now, Gregor my nephew Oliver Sabel,"

"I prefer being called Olli," a soft breathy honeyed but distinctly male voice said. It was so familiar, just like a voice he had prayed he'd never hear again.

Curiosity made him turn around to catch glimpse of the newcomer. The blood rushed to his head. He felt dizzy and grabbed the counter to steady himself. Christian couldn't believe his eyes. That was Oliver Sabel. Oh God No! Please No. Not him. Please not him. It couldn't be him. It shouldn't be him. Anyone but HIM.

CHAPTER 2 – WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

6 years earlier End of May

Christian was furious.

How dare Gregor do this to him?

His whole team had streaked their hair blue and red now he would stick out like a sore thumb during graduation.

They all had gone to the saloon and spent good money getting the streaks. But Gregor had taken one look at him when he returned home and dragged him back to the saloon to 'repair' his 'stupidity'. Now he had this horrible brown mop on his head.

He was seething when he entered the auditorium for his graduation ceremony and refused to acknowledge his brother's presence. But soon his anger vanished and he let out a sigh of relief when he saw half his team's streaks had faced the same fate. So Gregor wasn't the only one to freak out.

He smiled and waved at his brother as he went on the stage to receive his certificate.

The graduation party was in full swing

"Hey Mann so I heard you're headed to Düsseldorf College. Cool." His regular sparring partner congratulated him.

"Yah I was lucky to get the scholarship. So where are you headed?"

"I'm taking a break for a year to travel."

"Travel for a whole year!"

To a goal oriented Christian who had charted out his college and career plans way back in freshman year this 'traveling' decision was a little unfathomable.

"Yah backpack across Europe." the other boy said excitedly.

"Ummm." Christian bit back the snide remark that was on the tip of his tongue.

"How about you join me for one last sparring match at the gym tomorrow for old times sake," the boy requested Christian.

"Okay sure." Christian agreed. What harm could it do?

If he only knew what this sparring match would lead to.

CHAPTER 3 –OH NO … NOT AGAIN *Facepalm*

Still out of breath from the exertion they headed into the locker room.

"No wonder you are the best in school." Kai said as he wiped the sweat off his face and chest.

"Well I've always believed in going for everything or nothing." Christian returned snidely as he took off his gloves.

"I've also always thought you're kinda hot." Kai said giving a crooked smile.

Christian looked at the other boy quizzically and finally said slowly

"Ummm… thanks for the compliment ... I guess."

Christian wondered if he should just skip the shower, put on his street clothes and make a break for it.

His sparring partner was staring at him with a strange gleam in his eyes. This situation was getting a bit uncomfortable. But before he could do anything Kai came to stand right in front of him and the boy's hand was on his shoulder

"You know I've always wondered …"

Kai curved his hand around Christian's neck and pulled him into a kiss.

Thoughts ran thru Christian's teenage head at the speed of light

*This isn't happening…. Oh boy he has soft lips…*

Instinctively his hand reached up and cupping the back of Kai's head pulled him in closer

*What the fuck am I thinking and ...doing…*

There was a thud and Kai was lying on the floor rubbing his jaw.

"Damn pervert…" Christian growled at him.

The young boxer grabbed his clothes stuffing them into the gym bag he literally ran out of the gym.

Chapter 4 - No I'm Not! ... maybe I am... No I'm Definitely Not ... Maybe...

*Damn that Kai. Damn him straight to hell.*

*Why the fuck did he kiss me? But he did have nice soft lips. Not to mention he definitely was a good kisser. *

Christian couldn't forget the butterflies it had caused in his stomach. But he wasn't supposed to like being kissed by a guy. Straight guys didn't like being kissed by other guys, did they?

So did that mean he was ...? No definitely not he was a boxer, a sportsman. He had the buffed body to prove it.

But that kiss...no girl had ever kissed him like that. Maybe Kai was just a good kisser, that's all. But the stubble against his face had felt so much better than the smooth soft face of a girl's.

This was just nonsense he wasn't gay... he couldn't be gay... he shouldn't be gay. Gregor would disown him if he turned gay.

No, he definitely wasn't gay.

Christian's shift was over so he left the café and was headed home when he saw someone

*Oh God! Kai is standing right across the street. Run Christian Run. Hmm he does have a cute butt. Why am I looking at his butt? Wow his boyfriend is quite a hunk. Get outta here Christian. You're thinking crazy stuff. YOU ARE NOT GAY. So stop staring at guys.*

He trotted off in the opposite direction and passed a group of men definitely headed to some club

*Oooo cute fuschia shirt dude. Hmm I always could identify color shades without difficulty. So maybe I am... don't even think about it. You are straighter than an arrow. Remember that...*

*That guy's aquamarine shirt sure was too loud. Arrrgh...*

Christian was over the moon. Now that he'd soon be a college student Gregor had allowed him to move into his own flat.

Okay so he had just moved across the hall to the flat that had recently been vacated by one of Gregor's tenants. But at least he didn't have to worry about Gregor always looking over his shoulder.

But his joy was short-lived as Gregor had ordered Christian to hunt for flat mates. Living alone in the four bedroom apartment was just plain stupid according to his older brother.

So here he was sitting at the dining table on his brand new laptop typing out an ad which he would then email to all the local dailies, put up on rent/lease sites and print out as well to put up at the notice board at No Limits and at cafes all over town.

...20 m2 , in the city.

If you're the right kind for a flat share

Non smoker, not gay...

He looked at the last two words he had typed out

"Not gay ... How stupid is that?"

Just as he finished deleting the last two words a pop up appeared.

Are you feeling attracted to men even though you're a man yourself?

Christian stared at the screen intently wondering if this was an answer to all the questions that had been circling his very confused and muddled mind. He kept on reading.

Do you have feelings you can't talk to anyone about? Here's a place where you can chat anonymously with other people.

He scrolled to the bottom of the pop up

Click here and start chatting immediately

His cursor hovered over the chat now tab he wondered should he or shouldn't he. But before he could make a decision the front door was flung open and Gregor sauntered in.

Christian hurriedly slapped the laptop shut, in the process almost knocking over his glass of water.

"So you've typed out the ad?" his brother asked.

"Yah I was just going to do that." Christian said uncomfortably.

"What are you doing here?" He questioned Gregor looking at him intently.

"I ran out of deodorant. Have a hot date. Can't go smelling like a winery can I." the older Mann gave his little brother one of his blinding smiles.

"Mind if I borrow yours?" he asked

"Nope. Go right ahead." Christian said as he picked up the laptop and escaped to his new bedroom as Gregor headed towards the bathroom.

"Nickname?"

"Gast ... 84"

He wrote out a small introduction

Hi! This is my first time on this site and I have no idea why I'm here. A guy I know kissed me a short while ago. Though I haven't had a girlfriend for sometime I've always been attracted to girls alone. But that kiss...Am I gay now coz I can't forget about being kissed by a man?

He typed it up read through it once more and put it up online. He got up from his study table to turn on his CD player. As he hit play simultaneously his laptop beeped indicating that someone had responded to him.

"Message from Halunke - what kind of name is Halunke(rascal). Well whatever."

He read on

Halunke: Hey, Gast84. You couldn't come up with a more impersonal nickname, could you?

Gast84: Well I was looking for a name that was as neutral as possible.

Halunke: and you can't forget being kissed by a man. Perhaps you should start by forgetting about these gay-straight, black-white stereotypes. Maybe you're simply attracted to another human being.

Gast84: to be honest with you: I no longer know what I'm feeling right now. I tried telling myself that I found the kiss totally disgusting, but now whenever I think of that kiss I feel totally confused.

Halunke was sympathetic to his dilemma he offered advice and their friendship grew online. Christian felt very close to his faceless friend who himself was in love with a straight man.

He saw Kai a couple of times after that but didn't have the courage to approach him and was thankful that the other boy kept his distance.

Chapter 5 - New People

The hunt for room mates was a success. The subsidized rents seemed to attract quite a few hopefuls but finally Gregor settled on three he thought would be best suited to keeping his younger brother company. His choices were: Judith a second year architecture student, Constantine a third year journalism student and Lydia a child service worker. They would be moving into the flat share within the next week.

They would cramp his style but at least they weren't family. Most importantly hopefully they wouldn't enter his room without knocking which was what Gregor usually did.

But who cares about room mates he had more important things to worry about.

There was no getting out of the dinner. Locking himself away in his room was a choice but who could resist the food that Gregor had laid out as welcome feast for his new tenants.

The first to arrive were Judith and Constantine. Lydia called to inform that she would be late as something had come up at work.

Gregor took one look at Judith and whispered in Christian's ear, "Hey so I see you'll have a girlfriend soon."

"I don't think Constantine would like my hitting on his girlfriend." Christian retorted back discreetly pointing to the man sitting beside Judith.

"Not to mention she's older than me." he informed his brother

"Hey! older women are sexy." Gregor chuckled

"The ex-escort would definitely think so. Wouldn't he?" the younger man snidely remarked.

Gregor used to his brother's juvenile comments didn't take offense and just ruffled the boy's messy hair messing it up even more.

He instead said

"Come on eat up and be off to bed. You have the early shift at the café, don't you?"

Reminding him of his job his older brother now concentrated on entertaining his new tenants.

Chapter 6 - Advice, Proof ... Discovery.

...

Halunke: Maybe you should choose another tactic. Try and find out what you really want.

Gast84: Aha, ...and how?

Halunke: That's quite simple: Kiss the guy again.

Gast84: Are you kidding me? That's just really daft.

Halunke: That's not crazy at all. This way you can solve your problem once and for all. Afterwards you'll be completely sure. Either the kiss leaves you cold and you look for a girlfriend or it's hot like the first time and there no longer is a "maybe".

Gast84: If I just kissed him to find out that'd be just wrong, coz I don't have feelings for him other than as a friend.

Halunke : Not to question your noble mindedness but maybe you're just afraid.

Gast84: I'm not afraid and anyway I can't kiss him even if I was attracted to him.

Halunke : Why?

Gast84: Thing is he's already left the country.

Halunke: Are you that bad a kisser that he fled the country!

Gast84: No, he's backpacking across Europe with his boyfriend.

Halunke: Well, then do the opposite.

Gast84: Opposite?

Halunke: Yah, go on a date with a girl. Kiss her and see if there are sparks, then you can be sure it was a one time thing.

Gast84: I'm not talking to you.

Halunke: Why?

Gast84: Your advice worked.

Halunke: Then why are you angry.

Gast84: Because you proved it.

Halunke: Proved what? What happened?

Gast84: I went on a date with this really hot girl.

Halunke: Okay.

Gast84: We had a great time.

Halunke: So what's the problem?

Gast84: I kissed her.

Halunke: And fireworks?

Gast84: Nothing, Nada, Zilch. It was like kissing my sister.

Halunke: Well that's a good thing isn't it?

Gast84: How is that a good thing?

Halunke: Now you're sure. So it's a good thing isn't it?

Gast84: How can my being gay be a good thing?

Halunke: Did u just insult me?

Gast84: No.

Halunke: I'm gay. Does that make me a bad person?

Gast84: Of course not. You're a great guy. I just ... guess I need time to get my head around it.

Halunke: Take all the time you need this is a life changing discovery. It was for me. So take it one step at a time, and I'm right here to help you in anyway I can.

Gast84: Thanks.

Chapter 7 - An Alliance ... a beginning.

*Where are you? Come online, come online* Christian sat staring at his screen. He couldn't wait to talk to Halunke.

Judith snuck up behind Christian and looked at the webpage.

She smiled. Bending down she softly whispered in his ear "So I was right. You are gay."

"Judith! ... Oh My God!" Christian almost fell off his chair in fright and embarrassment.

Judith grabbed his arm to steady him.

Christian just stared at her misery written all over his face.

"Nobody knows." He whispered and gulped in fear.

"So you're keeping it a secret." Judith deduced.

Christian nodded and looking up at her implored

"Please Judith, I'm begging you. I just need a little time. I'll do anything in exchange for your silence."

"Okay. For a thousand euros I'll keep my mouth shut."

Christian's was stunned, he sat frozen and just stared at his new flat mate.

She giggled, "I'm just joking. I may be a woman but I can keep my mouth shut."

"Nobody can know. Well I'm still trying to figure everything out."

"I understand," she replied.

"But I don't think anyone around you will have any problem with it."

"No, Judith not yet. I want to be completely sure before I tell anyone. Especially Gregor can't know."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." The girl gently smiled at him

"So who're chatting with?"

"An awesome guy who has been damn helpful with my confusion."

"About?"

"If I am gay or not?"

"So you're not sure if you swing the other way."

Christian just kept staring intently at his screen.

Then said shyly "Well... I'm almost... completely sure now. But I still have a few doubts."

"So this chat friend he's a great guy. Huh?"

"Yah."

Judith then pried,

"How do you know he isn't an axe murderer?"

"He's too nice to be an axe murderer." Christian instantly became defensive

"Then maybe he's the Düsseldorf jogging park strangler."

"I don't think so." The boy got even more peeved by his flat mate's this comment.

Judith realized that Christian was on the verge of blowing up so decided to opt for a new tactic.

"Christian you don't even know what the guy looks like." She said gently.

"Do you think I should ask him for a picture of his?" he looked at her intently.

"Duh... of course." Judith rolled her eyes, men could be just so dumb sometimes.

Then she said "There isn't a dearth of perverts out there. On the other hand you never know; he may be the man of your dreams."

"Yah! right." Christian scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"You never know he maybe; either way having a look at his mug doesn't hurt does it. But don't send yours before you've had a look at him. We don't want a 400 pound trucker chasing you across Düsseldorf, now do we?"

They both laughed at the ridiculous image that emerged in their collective minds of an extremely large pot bellied man with handle bar mustaches chasing him down the street.

Judith headed out to the construction site and Christian went back to his laptop. He was thrilled to see that Halunke had signed in by then.

Gast84: Hey!

Halunke: Hi!

Gast84: so how was your day?

Halunke: it sucked as usual.

Gast84: what about ...?

Halunke: he made out in front of me with his girlfriend. How was yours?

Gast84: So so.

Judith's suggestion was still circling his head and the curiosity was definitely killing him. SO...

Gast84: After learning so much about you, I'd really love to know what you look like. Would you mind exchanging pics?

He waited for Halunke's reply with apprehension.

The laptop beeped and he let out a sigh of relief.

Halunke: Sure I don't mind. But you'll have to wait a bit while I find a decent one. But I'll send it only if you're sending your pic as well.

Gast 84 : I'm uploading mine as we speak.

As the picture cleared Christian let out a whistle the man was gorgeous.

His laptop beeped.

Halunke: Oh My! You're adorable.

Christian blushed and typed back

Gast84: Thank you. But I'm nothing compared to you. You're stunning.

Halunke: How old are you? 12!

Gast84: Of course not! I'm 18 I start college in a couple of months.

Halunke: So you have a name that goes with that adorable face.

Christian almost typed out his name but then deleted it. Giving out his real name could be dangerous, the picture could be a fake as far as he knew. Judith's warnings popped up in his head - there was definitely no shortage of perverts.

He sat thinking and wondered how he should proceed.

Finally he struck upon the solution.

Gast84: I'm Justus Berger.

Halunke: Nice to meet you Justus. I'm Florian Mansbrun.

TBC

Picture that Christian sent

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Picture that Halunke sent

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Chapter 8 - It's Just A Little Crush

It's just a little crush (crush)
Not like I faint every time we touch
It's just some little thing (crush)
Not like everything I do depends on you

- Jennifer Paige

Chapter 8 - It's Just A Little Crush

It had been three weeks since Christian and Florian had met online. Their friendship had deepened since the picture exchange. But now Florian was very depressed because the man he loved just couldn't reciprocate his affection which was understandable but on the other hand he was also being rude and generally verbally abusive to him.

Christian couldn't believe anyone could be so plain horrible towards a sweet guy like his chat partner but due to his lack of years he had no advice to give his online friend who was a good 6 years older than him.

Two days had passed and Florian hadn't contacted him even once.

Christian was worried for his depressed heartbroken friend on whom he had developed a crush.

Judith soothed him, saying, "He's much older than us. Isn't he? Maybe he's got work pressure so he isn't getting time to get online."

"Maybe you're right. But I can't help being a little worried. That asshole flat mate of his is giving him a very hard time."

"Don't worry he'll be back." Judith said kissing his cheek.

Constantine walked in right at that moment

"So this is what you're up to when I'm not around. You little shit." He almost pounced on Christian. Judith grabbed her furious boyfriend.

"Nothing happened Consti."

"Well kissing surely happened."

"Yah it did. But only because he's depressed."

"So you kiss depressed guys?" Her boyfriend seethed

"Yes, I do when the guy's boyfriend doesn't contact him for two days."

Constantine's anger deflated like a balloon. He stood opening and closing his mouth like a goldfish staring at the young boxer. When he finally found his voice he squeaked

"Boyfriend...? Christian you're gay."

"So? You got a problem with that?" the younger man growled challenging Constantine

"Oh No! No problem at all." he backed away, turning to his girlfriend he said smiling, "Judith you can kiss him anytime you want I don't mind at all."

"Gregor doesn't know." Christian informed his flat mate.

Constantine did a zipping motion over his lips

"My lips are sealed."

Christian sat staring at his laptop screen it had been 4 days and still Florian hadn't contacted him.

He was about to switch it off when he saw 'Halunke' flash onscreen and a IM flashed

Halunke: Hey Justus. I was hoping you would be online.

Gast84: where have you been? I had been worried.

Halunke: my flat mate left with his girlfriend. So it's finally completely over.

Gast84: how are you doing?

Halunke: as good as can be expected.

Gast84: I'm sorry he didn't return your feelings.

Halunke: It's alright. It was just wishful thinking on my part.

Gast84: so what are you going to do now?

Halunke: first I need to find new flat mates as my other flat mate and I can't pay the whole rent on our meager salaries.

He felt bad for Florian he wanted to do something. A thought popped in his head they had known each other for quiet a while so he went for broke

Gast84: you wanna meet?

Halunke: Do you think that's a good idea? Why don't you just call me. Take my number - ******7201

Gast84: I'm dialing you right now.

Halunke: my cell is ringing.

"Hey Justus"

"Hi"

"So do you like my voice?"

Christian listened to the low pitched husky speech

"You have a nice voice"

"Do you seriously want to meet me?"

"Yes, I do." Christian said eagerly, "but only if you're comfortable."

"I'm very comfortable," came the answer from the other end "how about Thursday at the Chuck Wagon Lounge. I hope you know where that is."

"Yah sure everyone knows where that is." Christian said enthusiastically

"So I'll see you there at say 7." came the response over the line.

"Sure it's a date."

They spoke for a few more minutes till Florian said he had to leave for work and got off the phone.

Christian was ecstatic. Maybe Judith's prediction would come true. Maybe Florian would turn out to be the man of his dreams after all.

All that now remained was to tell Gregor. But that could wait till after his date.

TBC

Chapter 9 - WHAT A SKUNK!

Christian sat staring into his 3rd almost empty glass of cola then looked at his watch for the hundredth time. It was 8 o'clock and there was still no Florian.

Great! he had been stood up and been made a complete fool of.

He paid for the cola and headed for the exit.

A hand suddenly grabbed his arm

"Hey! Where're you off to?" The voice whispered in his ear.

Christian turned and met the dazzling green eyes.

"I thought you'd played a prank on me."

"Sorry, I got caught up at work." Florian sniffed and rubbed his nose with the back of his hand.

Christian looked at the man - he had a day's growth of stubble, wore a crumpled psychedelic printed shirt over a lime green t-shirt and a pair of acid wash jeans. He looked like he had just crawled out of bed.

"Let's go to the bar." still holding his arm the man almost dragged him along with him

"What'll it be whisky, scotch, beer...?"

"A cola."

"You really are a kid! Come on let your hair down and get savage."

This definitely wasn't how he had expected Florian to be.

"No thanks! A cola is just fine for me." Christian said with emphasis.

"Your wish" Florian said flatly

Turning to the bar man he ordered "White Horse on the rocks for me and a coke for my friend here"

Christian stood nursing his coke and watched Florian down three drinks one after the other in quick succession.

"Let's dance." Florian now dragged him off to the dance floor.

Then instead of dancing with him he flirted with any guy who gave him a look.

Christian had, had enough "It was nice meeting you. But it's getting late I have to wake up early for work tomorrow."

"Oh, that's too bad. But promise we'll do it some other time again." Florian whined as he went off to dance with some random guy who was tugging at his belt loop.

Christian quickly escaped from the club.

As he headed home he couldn't believe what a huge let down this night had been.

Man that Florian was definitely nothing like he had imagined. He was definitely not going to continue this friendship.

CHAPTER 10 - One More Try

Next day his resolution wavered when he read the apologetic message a remorseful Florian had sent

I'm so sorry for last night; I don't know what I was thinking. Please give me a chance to make it up to you. Please Justus I beg you give me one more try. I promise there won't be a repeat of last night's catastrophe.

He consulted Judith about what he should do. She said there was definitely no harm in giving the guy one more chance but this time Christian should pick their meeting spot.

After a lot of hemming and hawing finally he called Florian to schedule their do-over date for the coming Friday.

This time Christian didn't have to wait instead he found Florian waiting for him at Green Sam's Café when he reached there.

"I decided to be early." Florian said apologetically.

"Hmmm" Christian acknowledged the man. He looked at the man in front of him and scrutinized his appearance. He definitely seemed different mainly due to the fact that this time he was sober and was better turned out. He had on dark blue jeans, a red jacket over a white T shirt and thankfully he had shaved.

"I'm sorry for getting drunk." The older man apologized

"Well... okay." He kept looking at Florian skeptically wondering if this evening would be a repeat of their first.

An awkward silence descended between them; broken only when they gave their dinner order to the steward.

They looked at each other wondering what to say

"You said..." Florian began

"Where do ..." Christian asked simultaneously.

They both gave a shy embarrassed laugh

"You go ahead," Christian urged.

"You're headed to college right?"

"Yes I am, on full scholarship" Christian informed proudly

"Oh that's great. So what are you going to study. Sports I presume as you're a boxer."

"Oh I'll definitely join the team but I'm majoring in Geography with a minor in teaching."

"SO you wanna be a teacher."

"Yah! I've always wanted to do that."

"I could never have the patience to manage squealing children." Florian laughed.

"Squealing children? I hope to teach high school. I had told you this in our chats."

"I guess I forgot. Sorry." Florian said uncomfortably.

Christian felt there was definitely something off about this guy. But then he squashed his paranoid thoughts the guy wasn't a computer that he'd remember every details of their conversation. He decided to enjoy himself. They fell into a comfortable banter.

CHAPTER 11 - Just A Little Fun and Games.

Christian enjoyed the dinner. After the initial awkwardness they had easily found the intimacy they had developed online. But he was sure Florian had a bladder condition as in a span of 2 hours he visited the men's room a total of five times.

"So you wanna get outta here?" Florian suddenly asked.

"Sure... Okay." Christian answered with slight hesitation. He definitely wasn't in the mood for clubbing but he didn't want the evening to end either.

Surprisingly Florian took him for ice-cream. They just strolled leisurely no particular destination in mind, talking and enjoying their sweet cold treats.

Suddenly Florian stopped in front of an apartment building

"I live here on the third floor. I just got a DVD of Triple X wanna watch?"

"Ja, Okay."

Christian realized it was just a ploy to get him into an intimate situation. But he was feeling adventurous so he didn't mind. He would definitely like to find out what kissing Florian would feel like.

Setting up the movie Florian visited the bathroom and then settled down beside Christian as on screen a man entered a club chased by some shady looking men and was then shot dead.

As they watched Vin Diesel onscreen Florian's hand slowly sidled up behind him and he gently caressed the back of Christian neck.

Christian was startled by the sudden touch. He looked at the man sitting beside him who gave him a gentle smile. Florian leaned over and kissed him. Christian's eyelids fluttered shut and he found himself pushed back onto the couch and his body being pressed further into the couch by Florian's weight on top of him.

The older man ran his tongue over Christian's lips demanding entry into his mouth. His tongue pressed against the boy's teeth and thrust past them into Christian's inner mouth.

Christian could taste his companion's spearmint mouthwash - so that's why he had made a beeline for the bathroom Christian surmised.

Christian felt a stirring in his groin and moaned into the kiss.

Breaking the kiss Florian got up, turned off the t.v. He pulled Christian upright and then pulled him to his feet.

He kissed him again and guided him towards the bedroom.

He kicked the door shut behind them his lips never leaving the younger man's even for an instant.

A hand slowly ran down the boy's chest heading towards his belt.

Christian felt the movement, jerking back he grabbed the exploring hand.

Florian seeing the apprehension now reached up and ran his fingers thru the dark hair. Christian closed his eyes and leaned into the tender touch. Florian kissed him again. when they parted Christian gazed into the mossy eyes and felt a little emboldened. He proceeded to slowly unzip Florian's fiery red jacket. He pushed it off the older man's shoulder as Florian pushed them both onto the bed.

CHAPTER 12 - What Just Happened? ... As If You Didn't Know!

Christian was overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through his body. He watched Florian intently as he kissed a path down his chest. Simultaneously the raven haired man unbuckled his young lover's belt and then yanked off his pants so that they were lying skin to skin.

Florian reached into the night stand drawer and took out a tube. Then he reached into a dish kept in the drawer and popped something into his mouth. He kissed Christian, the literally sweet kiss was a new experience for Christian.

Florian had put a candy in his mouth and was kissing him. During the kiss he felt the candy slip into his own mouth.

As his former chat partner licked a path down the center of his chest Christian started to feel light headed. Who would have thought just foreplay could make you giddy.

Florian had a very artistic mouth was an understatement.

Christian startled when he felt a slippery finger invade him.

"Shhh it's alright." Christian calmed and tried to focus on the face of the man hovering over him. He blinked a few times but his vision stayed blurred.

He felt a second finger join the first one...

*Oh that hurt. That definitely hurt a lot!*

"That's it love. It's done. There ... It's almost over." a husky voice whispered in his ear.

Sweat broke out all over his body as sensations he had never felt before took over.

His fingers dug into his lover's sweat slicked back, he held on for dear life when he felt like he would shatter into a million star-flung pieces. He felt a sting on his neck but as his eyes rolled into his head it didn't have time to register.

Christian floated back to consciousness after the intense experience. He cuddled into Florian's body and rested his head on the older man's chest, idly caressing his lover's skin as it cooled. Florian wrapped an arm around him, his fingers lightly stroking Christian's hair.
Raising his head he looked up into the serious green eyes and said shyly "Halunke, being with you felt wonderful."

Florian gave him a ghost of a smile whispering back "Same here Gast84." Setting back his head on the lean chest Christian was lulled to sleep by the strong heart beat thrumming in his ear and the hand still gently stroking his hair.

He never heard the jingle of a cell phone nor did he feel his companion slip out from under him. The older man got dressed as quickly as he could. Placing a gentle kiss on the sleeping boy's temple he whispered, "See you in the morning kleiner," and left.

CHAPTER 13 Oh Shit!

Christian woke to the sound of the clatter of dishes and running water.

He rubbed his eyes.

He was lying naked, alone, in a strange bed. His body aching at odd places.

He sat up and felt a little woozy which was odd as he hadn't had anything stronger than the mocktail at dinner.

He focused on his surroundings.

The events of last night came back to him in flashes.

Why couldn't he remember it clearly he wondered.

He looked around and saw no sign of Florian.

A crisp hundred euro lying on the night stand caught his attention.

*Florian was definitely careless. Who left money lying around like that?* He picked up the note and slipped it into the drawer of the night stand.

Dressing himself he peeked out the bedroom door which creaked when he opened it.

A woman with wild brown hair washing dishes at the kitchen sink turned around and gave him a disgusted look.

"Thank God ya've got up. Now get lost, ya're work is done here," she said in a high pitched sneer.

"Where's Florian?" He asked slowly.

"Off somewhere. What's it to ya? He left yar payment didn't he? So now get lost."

"If ya've forgotten the door's thataway."

She pointed with a soap suds covered hand.

Then screeched "Get. Out!"

Christian fled the scene. What the hell had he done?

He tried Florian's number it just kept ringing... there was no answer.

Chapter 14 Could It Get Any Worse?

Christian sneaked into the flat share and literally ran to the bathroom. He stood under a hot shower scrubbing himself thoroughly, trying to wash off all evidence of the previous night. The throbbing in his head also slowly dissipated under the warm water

Wiping himself dry he slipped on a pair of track pants he found in the dryer.

He picked up his tooth brush opening the cabinet he took out his tube of paste. Spreading paste on the bristles he put the brush in his mouth.

Returning the toothpaste to it's usual place he shut the cabinet then wiped the mist off the mirror, which was a bad idea as he was assaulted with a vision of himself.

He saw the angry blotch on his collarbone and a bruised bite mark on his throat. The brush slipped out of his mouth, clattering as it hit the bowl of the wash basin. He trembled as the full impact of his activities of the previous night hit him with the force of a crashing train.

His legs felt like they were made of jello and couldn't take his body weight any longer. He almost collapsed to the floor and sat leaning back against the supply cabinet under the basin. He hugged his knees to his chest and pondered his actions.

He had slept with some random stranger.

He had let himself be coaxed into a sexual encounter by a man he knew nothing about.

The candy that Florian had slipped into his mouth had definitely been a roofie.

Worst of all he couldn't remember if they had used protection.

He buried his face in his knees and sobbed.

That is how Judith found him

"Christian...?Oh My God Christian? What happened?"

She sat down beside him on the cold tiled floor and pulled him into her arms

He looked up at her, his eyes red and swollen; his face tear streaked.

"Last night ..." he couldn't go on.

"Oh God! sweetheart." she assumed the worst and hugged him tighter, tears filming her olive green eyes.

Swallowing the lump lodged in her throat she whispered hoarsely

"I'll get Gregor and... we have to call the cops."

"No..." Christian almost screamed.

"We have to if he ..." she couldn't even say the word.

Burying his face in Judith's shoulder he mumbled

"No, he didn't force me. But it was a one night stand. I can't remember if we used anything."

"You have to tell Gregor." Judith said forcefully. "He has to know."

"How am I supposed to tell him? He'll disown me."

"No, he won't. He loves you too much."

"But I did something so ..."

"Gregor loves you and he will stand by you through thick and thin."

"No, I won't tell him."

"You have to tell him you're gay. You have to be honest about yourself.

"Okay I'll tell him that I'm gay but no chance that I'm telling him about my reckless stupidity."

"Well that's up to you."

Silence descended as Judith soothed him rubbing a gentle hand down his back and he drew strength from her maternal touch.

"Judith will you come with me to the clinic." He mumbled

"Are you feeling sick?" she asked alarmed

"No...but ...I have to get myself checked out after last night..."

The visit to the doctor was an extremely awkward and embarrassing experience for Christian. The doctor lectured him for a full fifteen minutes handing him one pamphlet after another; then instructed him to go through a battery of tests, over a period spanning the next few months, to find out if he had contracted any STDs and get himself tested for HIV as well.

Judith sat with him through all of this; his rock, a steady source of support.

He didn't even realize it but from that day forth he now had a new protector - Judith.

Chapter 15 - My Brother The... I Don't Believe It ! ... The Coolest Ever!

"I'm so sorry Gregor, but I can't keep our today's appointment. Family Emergency." Charley's apologetic voice said.

"I completely understand Charley. We can go over the monthly accounting another time. Go take care of whatever it is with an easy heart."

"Thanks a lot Gregor. I knew you'd understand." Charley's relieved and grateful voice came down the line before the connection was abruptly cut.

As he put the receiver back in the cradle Gregor wondered who in Charley's family needed her so much that she had cancelled their appointment. A business woman like her, had till that day always put her work first. Well family was, after all family. He thought of his younger brother his only family. The boy seemed to be in a tizzy at the moment. God knew what was eating him? Christian had never been so secretive before. He stayed locked up in his room for hours nowadays. Heaven knew what he did in there. Well he was growing up so he definitely needed his privacy to do - things.

Christian watched his brother ring up the day's earnings.

No Limits his brother's business venture. Gregor's pride and joy had just completed six months that day.

Gregor looked so elated he might just float away like a cloud.

He had a purpose in life. A solid source of income. He would never again have to sell himself to fill his and his brother's stomachs.

Christian would never forget the muffled sobs he would hear emanating from Gregor's room many late nights after he would return home from 'work'.

His brother had provided him with every luxury and the best education. Gregor deserved his honesty but the shame that Christian felt did not allow him to make a clean chest of things.

"Gregor can we talk?"

"Sure champ." Gregor smiled at him as he washed and stacked glasses.

"I think you should sit down,"

Gregor took a seat on one of the bar stools but continued wiping the glasses.

"This will come as a huge shock to you. I don't know how it happened but..."

Gregor went completely still as he waited for his brother to complete his sentence

"But What?" he coaxed

"Please don't hate me." Christian whispered in fear.

"Christian you're making me very scared. Please get to the point. Just spit it out."

"Gregor ... I think I'm gay."

"You think you're gay." Gregor asked cocking an eyebrow and put down the glass he had been holding since his brother had started speaking.

"Noooo ...actually I'm pretty sure I'm gay." christian said and looked down at his feet.

"Is that it?"

"Yah, that's it." Christian slowly peeked up at Gregor wondering what was coming next

Gregor let out a relieved breath and rolled his eyes. Leaning back against the bar counter he rubbed a hand down his face then smiled.

"You almost gave me a heart attack, you little shit! I thought you were going to tell me you crashed your new bike or got some girl in trouble."

"But Gregor I'm gay." Christian said with emphasis.

"So?" Gregor asked and pursued his lips

"You don't care?" the boy stared at his brother with disbelief.

"No, of course not. Gay, straight or bi you'll always be my brother. Now, if you'd told me you were growing a pair of horns and a tail then...maybe I would have run off screaming."

Gregor suddenly laughed and shook his head

"No wonder! You never noticed those two girls who keep throwing themselves at you. This definitely clears up that mystery."

"Who are you talking about?" Christian was completely puzzled

"The Siamese twins you work with." Gregor informed him

"Nico and Coco!" Christian was flabbergasted.

"Ja, you never noticed, did you?"

"I just find them annoying that's all."

"Oh! They're totally into you." Gregor said with a crooked smile.

Christian just gagged.

CHAPTER 16 - Whatta Shock!...NOT.

"Hey Christian! You're late. We were missing you sooo much." The girl chirped making Christian cringe.

"I don't even wanna know why. Okay." He said sternly hoping they'd let him be.

"Come on. Where can you find such pretty colleagues who are ready to do anything for you."

"So you'll do anything for me?" he asked skeptically

"Yup, anything." Coco said in a voice which she thought was sultry but only sounded squeaky.

"So how about ...leaving me alone."

"Christian what's with you? Every guy wants to pick us up and you don't even give us a second glance." Nico trilled.

"Well you're just not my type." The object of the girls' interest informed them coldly.

"We're not your type?" the girls chorus in shock.

"Completely." Christian told them annoyance dripping in his tone

"We're pretty, we're sexy, we're great in bed. What else can any guy want?" the frizzy haired girl quipped.

"Oh Ho! What this guy wants neither of you has." Christian informed smirking and pointing at them.

"What don't we have?" they chorused

"You don't wanna know." The boy countered smiling as he stacked the serving trays.

"Oh we do. We definitely do. Bigger Boobs maybe?"

"No."

"Bigger Ass then?"

"Oh No."

"I can get you anything I'm rich you know." The girl said preening in pride.

"Definitely not money." Christian spat out making a face at Nico.

"Then what?" the pair whined in curiosity.

"You both really wanna know?" Christian said narrowing his eyes.

"Yes, we do." The girls eagerly nodded their heads.

"A dick." He said and grinned

"What?"

His grin growing bigger he repeated

"A dick. I'm gay I like guys." and waggled his eyebrows.

The girls just bolted.

Christian giggled as he watched the two suddenly become very busy serving the very few customers who sat and then run off to the storage at back of the café to bring supplies which weren't really required.

My brother
My brother is my keeper
My brother is my best friend
My brother is my pain
My brother is my hero

He is my keeper
My keeper that feeds me
That helps me make decisions
He is were my home is
He will take a bullet, or knife
To throat
He is my and all ways will be my keeper

- anon

CHAPTER 17 - My Brother ... Oh Brother! HE'S PISSED!

Christian picked up the morning paper and a men's sports wear catalogue fell out of it. Curious he flipped through it and his eyes accosted a picture of a high end ski suit which made him drool but then it also sent a shiver down his spine because the model wearing it was none other than Florian. In anger he flung the catalogue across the room and let out a loud snarl which had Judith come scurrying over to him abandoning the floor plans that she was drawing up.

"What ... what's wrong? Are you alright?"

"Yeah! I'm just peachy." He said a wide smile on his face as he flung out his arms.

His smile just as quickly vanished and he growled in frustration "When the fuck are those test results going to come?"

"They'll have them ready soon enough." she soothed.

"Judith what if...I'm..." he lowered his head resting his elbows on his knees he covered his face with his hands.

"Everything will be alright I promise."

"But what if it isn't. What if...?" he mumbled throw his hands

"Then we'll deal with it. You have Gregor, Constantine and me. We'll all be here for you. No matter what." Judith calmed as she patted his back.

August had rolled around, college had started and Florian had never contacted him again. So it had all been about sex and nothing else.

Well life moves on and so would he. He shut down his online account. He deleted the picture and any other trace of that guy from his hard drive. But his brain, from that he couldn't delete the man he lost his virginity to. The colour red would always bring back those memories, atleast the hazy ones he could recall of that night. With time maybe he would forget. But at 18 he felt heart-broken. Like Romeo pining for his Juliet.

"Christian the clinic called they want to hand over your test results." Gregor informed him

"Okay, thanks." Christian swallowed in fear watching his brother.

"What tests Christian? You had your yearly check up in March."

"Just some fitness tests."

"Sanctioned by the college." Gregor coached

"Y...yes...yes ... sanctioned by the college," the younger Mann stuttered out the lie vigorously nodding his head.

"Christian you can't lie worth shit. So don't even try. Now out with it." Gregor sternly commanded as he came around the bar counter and grabbing his arm dragged him upstairs to his own apartment.

Gregor couldn't believe his ears. His face reddening as his brother slowly and in great detail acquainted him with the things he had been up to over the past couple of months.

"WAS? Had you completely lost your mind? How could you be that reckless?" he blasted then slapped him on the back of his head for effect.

"You went and slept with just some guy you met online."

"I know it was stupid." Christian whispered hanging his head in shame.

"STUPID? It qualified as stupid when you sent him your picture and then gave him your phone number. Christian the rest that you did... was downright bloody DANGEROUS! He could have murdered you and sold your organs."

"But he didn't...he just fucked me and left." He returned in an emotionless tone

"Yah, he did. Didn't he? He could have had AIDS for all you knew. For that matter he could have had any of the various STDs." Gregor ranted

Christian looked up at his brother eyes blazing

"You think I didn't realize that. I have been undergoing all the tests and I've many more lined up for the next year or so."

Gregor sat quietly for many long minutes digesting all that his brother had confessed to him; about the antics he had indulged in.

Finally he got up and declared -

"We're going to find him."

"No, Gregor." christian was horrified by the proposal.

"Oh Yes! Definitely. And when I find him he better run for his life."

Christian stared at the passing buildings and finally recognized the one they were searching for. He pointed towards it.

Gregor pulled up to the curb. They got out of the car and Gregor asked him to confirm

"Is this where he lives?"

"Yah, on the third floor."

"Then come on." He headed into the building followed by Christian.

The flat door was opened by the same woman he had been accosted by the morning after, but she was dressed and looked more pleasant. She smiled at them politely.

"May I help you?," she asked cordially

"We're looking for Florian Mansbrun." Gregor said in a soft cold tone.

"I'm sorry he doesn't live here anymore." She answered hesitantly a tinge of fear colouring her voice.

"Is she the one you saw the last time you were here kleiner bruder?" Gregor questioned still staring at the girl

"Yes," Christian whispered.

"Oh God! Oh My God! You're that guy I shooed out. Aren't you?" she stared at Christian in recognition as he nodded dumbly.

"Florian is gone. He won't be coming back." She said fearfully, addressing Gregor.

"He better not if he knows what's good for him. Damn pedophile." Gregor snarled the last two words.

"Oh Lord! Oh God No!" The girl paled and leaned against the door frame for support. Then whispered something under her breath which sounded like *Bern knows* or *Bern has to know*

Gregor turned and grabbing Christian pulled him to the elevator.

"Come on we're going to the clinic to pick up your test results."

As the elevator doors closed and it started it's descent Christian questioned his brother.

"Why did you call him a pedophile? I am already 18. I'm an adult."

"Firstly, what you did wasn't very adult. Secondly, the girl there will definitely pass on this bit of information, though false, to her buddy."

"What will that achieve?" Christian quizzed frowning.

"He won't dare show his face in Düsseldorf ever again." Gregor hissed a furious scowl contorting his features.

The pieces of paper all indicated that he hadn't been touched by anything. The next many months were the toughest. Gregor kept him under constant surveillance. His phone and net activity was closely monitored by Gregor and in his absence by Constantine who was just as appalled by Christian's behaviour. So now he had a second older brother equivalent who chewed out his ear for being a complete reckless idiot. Judith was his haven from the constant glares that were directed towards him by the two older men. She bent the rules for him and gave him a little breathing space. But in front of her boyfriend and landlord she was the dutiful adult keeping the unruly little one in line.

CHAPTER 18 - Is It YOU?

He snapped back to the present when he felt a hand on his shoulder shaking him.

He turned around to face his brother and Florian ... no, Oliver Sabel.

"My brother Christian Mann."

"Christian, my new business partner Oliver Sabel."

"Olli please." The man requested.

"Nice to meet you Olli" Christian said with a cheerful smile as he extended his hand to Olli.

The new comer stared at him for a good few seconds before taking his hand and giving it a firm shake.

"Nice to meet you too." Olli whispered shyly and quickly retreated to rejoin his aunt where she stood with Sascha.

Gregor sniffed the contents of Olli's glass

"Hey this has no pick-me-up to it."

"It's my favourite virgin Electric Shock." Olli informed him

"This is a lounge bar man live a little."

"I wish I could but liquors don't agree with my system." Olli said apologetically

"That's too bad." Gregor sympathetically patted him on the shoulder and moved away to mingle with the other guests.

"You were a bartender on a cruise liner. Now you're part owner of this snazzy place and you don't drink?" Rebecca chirped in.

"Well, fashion designers don't wear their own clothes; now do they?" Olli dryly quipped pinning his green glare on her over the rim of his glass.

"You definitely have a point there." The girl giggled in embarrassment and scuttled away to literally hide behind David, away from the piercing green gaze.

Christian observed the whole scene and began to have doubts. This definitely wasn't Florian; the guy drank like a fish at their disaster date.

The dinner at Schneider's was pleasant. Olli spoke only when spoken to and preferred to just observe his surroundings as if filing away every bit of information that he could.

Christian caught Olli intently staring at him. The older man quickly averted his gaze blushing furiously.

Christian was sure he must have definitely been mistaken. This courteous, painfully shy man was nothing like that guy he had met more than half a decade ago. Most of all Olli had an air of fragility to him and a sense of quiet dignity completely unlike his one night stand who had been cocky and at times a bit crude.

Christian snapped out of his ponderings when he suddenly heard Gregor say

"So you need a place a stay. Stay with Christian you'll get along marvelously."

"I don't want to impose." Olli said softly

"Oh, No imposition just pay me rent by the tenth of each month."

"He maybe my brother but he demands rent from me as well." Christian informed the table. But his eyes never left Olli, who gave him a shy smile.

"How soon can I move in?" Olli enquired.

"Any time would be great." Gregor informed him.

Christian switched on his laptop. Opening one folder after the other in quick succession he reached a folder titled 'Where Are You'. Opening it he stared at the items in it then clicked on one to open it - a picture. A picture that he had once undeleted and hidden away. Though the man he had met tonight in behaviour may have been a far cry from his ex-chat friend and first love. It definitely was him; Older, Healthier, Shyer but it was definitely him. He would be moving in next week. Should he just tell Gregor. Nah... why stir up that particular hornet's nest. It was all in the past and it didn't seem like Florian...no Olli had recognized him. Maybe they could become friends and he could maybe on a later date get his own back on the man. Christian fell asleep plotting an apt revenge a devilish smirk on his angelic face.

Chapter End Notes:

The previous chappies 2-17 they were a flash back that Christian had while he sat at the bar at No Limits after catching a glimpse of Florian who he now knows is Olli (Oliver Sabel)

The Christian Olli is looking at .

CHAPTER 19 - Oh Boy*facepalm*...Here We Go Again...Or ...Do We?

Christian smiled at the auburn haired woman as she entered No Limits and headed right for him.

They hugged tightly before the tiny woman gave him a smacking kiss on his mouth.

"Hey babe! How was the vacation to the Bahamas?" Christian enquired

"Fantabulous." She answered cheerfully as they headed up to the flat arm in arm.

Olli stood at the bar counter and watched the pair as they kissed. So Christian had a girlfriend. *She's definitely a catch*, he observed.

Olli felt a twinge of jealousy; he wished he had a boyfriend to hug and kiss him the way Christian hugged and kissed the pretty brunette girl.

Olli sighed deeply and rested his chin on his hand resting his elbow on his accounts binder.

"What's wrong?" Anna asked unable to miss his deep sigh.

"Oh! Nothing." he answered dully.

"Boss, it didn't sound like nothing."

"Well kiddo you wouldn't understand..." he said and opened the binder to avoid any more questions that his employee may have.

"Oh! Sure Grandpa!," Anna rolled her eyes and went off to take an order from the customer who was waving towards her.

"Our new boss is totally crushing on Christian." Anna whispered to Miriam as she handed the drink order.

"That's nothing new. Everyone crushes on that hunk. Even I wasn't spared." Miriam informed her colleague sheepishly.

"Same here," Anna replied and both giggled as they watched Olli let out another deep sigh and keep staring at the stairwell through which Christian had just exited.

Olli liked his he loved his new room.

After the tiny cabin he had been living in for the past four and a half years this place was a palace. He methodically unpacked as Christian brought in the last of the boxes containing all of Olli's earthly possessions.

Olli admired the straining of the jacket as it tightened over the blond man's broad shoulders and biceps as he put down the box. He was definitely gorgeous. If only Christian swung his way. But the girl who he seemed to be spending most of his evenings with was glaring proof that Christian was straight.

*Why were the best ones always straight*, Olli wondered.

They fell into a comfortable routine but usually didn't have time to socialize with each other. So even after living together for over a week their interaction was limited to casual greetings and informing each other when and what groceries needed to be bought.

Olli had one morning accidentally seen Christian in the shower through the parting in the curtain and couldn't help but stare at the Adonis in front of him. He had quickly exited but his heart hadn't escaped the assault.

Olli put his clothes in the washer then realized they were too few for the amount of soap powder he had already dumped in, so he picked up Christian's clothes and put them in as well.

He carefully folded and neatly piled Christian's clothes. Making sure that Christian wasn't in his room he crept in and put the stack of clothes on the bed. As he turned to leave, his eyes fell on a stack of books on Christian's table. He approached the table and picked up one to peruse the title. It was a copy of Jeffrey Archer's 'Honour Among Thieves' he looked at the rest of the stack and realized that they were all copies of Jeffrey Archer's works. Christian even had a copy of the newest titles Prisoner of Birth and Paths of Glory. He wondered if Christian would allow him to borrow them.

"What are you doing in here?" an angry growl behind him broke into his thoughts.

Dropping the book he whirled around to meet the blazing blue eyes.

"Nothing." he whispered in fear and gulped.

"Snooping! Huh! Herr. Sabel, this isn't your ship where you can wander anywhere you like. This is my home. Now get out!" Christian spat at him.

Olli swallowed in fear and hurried out of the room closing the door behind him.

"Damn Asshole!" Christian hissed.

He ripped off his jacket and flung it on his chair. As he proceeded to yank of his shirt and fling it on the bed his eyes fell on the bed and his brain registered the items on the bed - a stack of his freshly washed and ironed clothes.

"SHIT!"

Friend I will remember you

Think of you

Pray for you

And

When another day is through

I'll still be friends with you.

-John Denver

CHAPTER 20 - Time Heals ...and Provides a Companion.

'You're such an asshole' Christian berated himself.

He had just gone and made a complete idiot of himself.

He entered the living room, coming to stand by the sofa he watched Olli cook.

"Olli, ...Thanks and ...I'm sorry." Christian said awkwardly.

Olli startled and looked up at him. Seeing the questioning look in the green eyes Christian clarified, "Thanks for doing my laundry and ...Sorry for yelling at you for no reason."

"No, I'm sorry I should never have entered your room without permission," the older man said apologetically.

"Well I am just very ..." Christian began to explain.

"I understand," Olli interrupted him. "I shouldn't have invaded your personal space. I would have had the same reaction. It won't happen again," He finished.

Christian stood watching his flat mate as he stirred the contents of a pan. Shuffling his feet he wondered what olive branch he could offer and then it struck him,

"I saw you looking at something on my study table when I came in." he said.

Olli looked up

"Yes, I was looking at your collection of novels. I love to read but haven't had much of a chance on the liner."

"You can borrow which ever one of them you like." Christian offered.

"Thanks. I promise I'll take them only when you're home."

"No, you can take them any time. I just overreacted. Sorry." Christian gave him an embarrassed smile.

Christian watched the steam rising from the pan then suddenly Christian stuck his nose up and sniffed the air.

"That smells good. What are you cooking?" he asked approaching the kitchen counter

"It's just pasta and a stir fry."

"Can I have some?" Christian requested, almost begged, eyeing the pans sitting on the stove, hoping that Olli would give him a positive answer.

"Sure! I think there's enough for two." Olli offered an amused expression softening his face.

*Ooooo Mr. Mann I think I just found your weakness.* Olli smiled at Christian as he filed away this bit of new information about his flat-mate.

"We're outta beer," Christian exclaimed staring at the interiors of the fridge. "I'll go and get a couple for us from downstairs; you set the table in the mean time." He said shutting the fridge

"Just get one for yourself I'll have the orange juice." Olli told him.

"Don't worry you won't get drunk on just one. You'll be quiet sober for your shift." Christian teased.

"It doesn't matter if it's only one. Christian, I don't drink, period. Alcohol just doesn't agree with my system." Olli informed him forcefully.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you." the younger man quickly apologized.

Olli looked at the crest fallen face of his companion and shook off the memories that had been dragged up.

"It's alright. You didn't know." Olli said in a gentler tone.

Then said to lighten the mood " I'm used to questions and jokes. Can you imagine being a bartender and never drinking. I was the butt of jokes all the time on the liner." and smiled at Christian

"How did you handle that?" Christian asked him curiously.

"By becoming head bartender as soon as I could. Nobody makes fun of the boss."

"That's so true."

Both men laughed

Christian decided to have orange juice as well. After all it was healthier for him.

Where... When... How a friendship might blossom is difficult to gauge.

Sometimes you find yourself making friends with people you had already decided you could only hate.

Christian was surprised when he realized that that's exactly what was happening between him and Olli.

Though he had made up his mind to hate the man; after the laundry incident he found himself drawn into a friendship with Olli. It was difficult not to seek companionship with someone who shared his interest in books; and it was even harder to resist the food which was cooked from scratch and not the canned variety.

Olli watched Christian eat dinner. He suddenly realized that in the past week since Christian's blow up, he had been cooking for both of them instead of just for himself.

The fact that Christian loved to eat was an understatement.

Olli enjoyed watching Christian polish off his preparations with relish.

It was nice to have a friend again.

Yes, they were friends but only friends; hoping for anything more was a recipe for disaster. He had let his brains be in charge this time and focus on the harsh reality of his situation.

He couldn't risk building castles in the air again. He had let fantasy take over his common sense once before.

Which had eventually led him to do something criminal when his fantasy had been shattered. He couldn't risk falling into that old pattern.

He had a business now, people depended on him for their livelihood.

CHAPTER 21 - Sunshine On My Shoulders Makes Me Happy

The night was hectic.

No Limits was not just crowed it was overcrowded.

And shockingly it was a Wednesday night. A night which usually brought in the least business.

Olli had planned to put his feet up and watch 'Send Me No Flowers' airing that night on TCM a huge bowl of popcorn and a large coke his only companion.

Unfortunately Miriam called so he had to drag himself away from Rock Hudson and Doris Day; to go and attend to the unending line of patrons.

To make matters worse Gregor had taken Luise out for dinner to a fancy restaurant code for - I and my wife are indulging in hot sex and to top it all Anna had called in sick on this inopportune evening as well.

At his wits end Olli finally had to request Christian for help.

He watched Christian mix cocktails and serve the customers with practiced ease. He couldn't help but day dream as he watched Christian - arrange the filled glasses on the tray, lift the serving tray, saunter across the room and bend to place the glasses on the table in front of the customer, the last action giving Olli a better look at the man's shapely butt.

Twice during the course of the evening Christian caught him staring and gave him a friendly smile.

*Olli control yourself* he rebuked himself pushing away from his mind all kinds of inappropriate images involving Christian, a bowl of juicy strawberries and a dish of melted dark chocolate.

"Those asses at table three are driving me nuts, they refuse to pay unless you take the bill to them. They said I didn't add up their tab correctly. But I did it correctly, I swear." Miriam complained.

"Calm down. I'll take care of it." Olli said patting the frazzled girl's cheek as he picked up the bill folder and headed to the table.

The man disgustingly flirted with Olli as he and his companion surveyed their bill.

"By the way I'm Ricky," the man said holding out his hand, lecherously surveying Olli from head to toe his gaze lingering at his groin.

"Nice to meet you Rick." Olli out of politeness extended his hand and found it grasped in a clammy meaty paw.

"Why don't you join us and we'll order another round," the man invited a potent message in his tone.

"Sorry, I can't" Olli answered turning down the offer with the force of a door slammed shut.

"I was sure you were gay." the man said raising a questioning eyebrow.

"I am. But as you can see I have a business to run." Olli answered with a polite but bored smile.

"Come on, I'm sure you can spare a little time for old Ricky," the man said lecherously.

"I wish I could but my employees need to be kept under constant surveillance or they slack off which is bad for business, not to mention my reputation." Olli's patience was running low.

"Oh, come on just a few minutes."

"Sorry. Maybe next time." He said steeling his voice.

"Come on," Ricky said forcefully giving Olli's hand, he held trapped, a squeeze.

"Please let go of my hand," the club owner commanded as he tugged at his hand to free it.

"Come on sweetheart you n me could be fireworks," the man wasn't easily dissuaded

"Please I'm asking you politely." Olli said as firmly as he could without being out-rightly rude to the customer.

The man surveyed his surrounding and saw Christian arms crossed at his chest glaring directly at him with a dangerous expression on his rigid face, so he let go of Olli and spat out.

"Okay! Whatever! But you'll regret it."

He flung the money at Olli and left.

Christian watched the men leave and approached Olli as the older man put away the money in the cash drawer.

"Are you alright?" he asked carefully.

"Yah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Olli replied looking at him quizzically.

"No particular reason." Christian muttered and went back to prepare the next order.

Olli let out a low whistle as he added up the night's earnings.

Christian looked over Olli's shoulder and whistled as well.

"That's pretty good considering it's a Wednesday night." the blond man observed.

Olli nodded in agreement.

"So you need help closing up." Christian offered.

"No, go back to your grading" Olli answered, then added as Christian headed towards the stairs "And Christian thanks for helping tonight"

"No problem. I had to, after all this place is my brother's as well," giving Olli a gentle smile he headed up the stairs.

After bidding his employees goodnight Olli stacked the few remaining glasses and cups on their appropriate shelves.

As he wiped down the bar counter he smiled to himself and sang along with the Black CD he is slipped in.

Here I go out to see again
The sunshine fills my hair
And dreams hang in the air
Gulls in the sky and in my blue eyes
You know it feels unfair
There's magic everywhere

Look at me standing
Here on my own again
Up straight in the sunshine

No need to run and hide
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It's a wonderful, wonderful life

His life was truly Wonderful now.

After all the had done, the way he had made people suffer, he was thankful for this second chance he had been given.

Tonight he could say with conviction that he had truly left his past behind.

He had finally found a place for himself, a place where he fit in.

A place untouched by his sins.

He flipped switches in quick succession plunging the bar into darkness. In the glow of the stairwell lights he picked up the keys and approached the front door of No Limits to lock it.

Just as he slipped the key into the lock the door was yanked open.

CHAPTER 22 - The Sun Eclipsed.

The front door of No Limits was yanked open.

The lecherous customer from earlier that night strode in and growled

"Nobody says no to Ricky. What Ricky wants... Ricky gets. And Ricky wants you."

Olli was all alone with a man who definitely outweighed him by at least 60 pounds.

He backed away but his retreat was halted by a table the back of his thighs bumped into.

Ricky took the opportunity, grabbing Olli he pushed him back onto the table.

Olli struggled violently and let out a yell which was stopped halfway by the salivating drunk's mouth. Olli pushed at him but couldn't dislodge him so he scratched at Ricky's face and went for his eyes. Ricky just guffawed.

"A wild cat I see. I love wild cats. Go ahead fight me it only makes me hotter for you."

The attacker delivered a backhanded slap splitting Olli's lip and drawing blood.

Fisting his hand Olli went into attack. Ricky just casually swung back out of the way.

He trapped both of Olli's hands. Holding them over his victim's head with one humungous paw he unbuckled Olli's belt.

Olli screamed with all his might though he knew at this hour no one could or even would hear him. Ricky punched him in the face to silence him and got the desired result.

Olli felt the blood slowly drip down the side of his face from his bleeding nose and mouth as he stared up helplessly at his attacker.

Ricky effortlessly flipped him over and started tugging down Olli's jeans.

Olli kicked and struggled turning over a chair which made a loud clatter as it fell over.

Ricky grabbed him by his hair and slammed Olli's head against the table making him see stars.

Olli whimpered in pain.

If only he had accepted Christian's offer at helping in the clean up.

CHAPTER 23 - Dark Night ...Armored Knight ...

Finally the last assignment had been graded; Christian yawned and stretched.

Slipping the bundle of folders into his satchel he headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth before turning in for the night.

He had just picked up his brush when he heard what sounded like a yell.

Intrigued he came out to the living room. This time he heard a clearer guttural yell and it sounded like it was coming from downstairs.

He wondered if there had been a hit and run. Maybe the victim was lying outside on the street. Grabbing his keys he exited his flat and ran down stairs to help the hapless person.

But the loud metallic thud as a chair was turned over focused his attention to the dim interiors of No Limits. A break in was his first thought then as his eyes habituated to the dim light he saw something that made his blood run cold.

He bolted into the bar.

Grabbing the man he yanked him up and off Olli.

A struggle ensued but was quickly cut short by two well placed punches, the first teeth clattering one to Ricky's jaw and the second to his stomach; the knee in the groin sealed the deal paralyzing the animalistic intruder instantly.

Dumping him on the floor Christian twisted and held the now moaning attacker's arms behind his back then sat down on the man straddling him and trapping him completely.

Thanking his stars that he had forgotten to take out his cell phone from his pocket Christian dialed the police.

Olli slid off the table and collapsed to the floor.

He looked around horrified and relieved at the same time, his brain still unable to register the sudden turn of events.

He had been saved!

His guardian angel had sent a white knight to his rescue.

Hastily he re-buttoned and re-buckled his pants.

Still sitting on the floor he drew his knees to his chest.

He stared intently at a wine stain on the wall to wall rug as he waited for the police to arrive and tried to stop his body from shivering.

Once Olli's molester had been escorted off the premises, to be secured in prison, Christian firmly locked the door behind the exiting cops and let out a sigh of relief. That's when he noticed that Olli was nowhere in sight. The man had quietly slipped away after giving his halting statement to the inspector.

Christian quickly made his way up to the flat share to check on Olli.

But he wasn't in the bathroom or in his bedroom; Olli wasn't in the flat share at all.

Christian rushed back down.

"Oh Shit! Olli! Where the hell are you?" he whispered in panic.

He had just flipped open his cell to dial Charlie when he heard a soft controlled sob come from the back of the club.

Olli was sitting huddled in one corner of the big semi circular couch; hidden away from view by the link metal curtain.

Approaching he gently enquired

"Olli, are you alright?"

He saw Olli tremble and tuck his knees closer to his body trying to make himself smaller.

Christian sat down beside him and extended his hand.

Olli screwed his eyes shut and flinched as if expecting a blow.

"Olli it's just me. Come on let's go up." He said caressing the midnight dark hair.

"I swear! I didn't encourage him." the scared man said in a pathetic whisper looking at Christian with tears in his eyes.

"I know that! The sick bastard attacked you." Christian soothed.

"You believe me!" Olli looked at him utter surprise on his face.

"Of course! I believe you! I saw what happened!"

"Now come on let's go home and get you cleaned up." Christian said as he stood up and offered his hand.

Olli stared at Christian's sympathetic face and then at the extended hand.

Slowly uncurling himself he took the offered hand and stood up.

They walked towards the stairs together.

At the bottom of the staircase the hurt and terrified man looked down at their linked hands, and then up into Christian's concerned face. Embarrassed, Olli slowly withdrew his hand out of Christian's.

He slowly made his way up the steps to the flat share closely followed by Christian.

CHAPTER 24 - Thoughts ... and a Conversation.

Christian led Olli into the bathroom. As he took out the medical kit Olli sat down on lip of the tub.

After wiping away the blood Christian gently applied the antiseptic to the split lip and a cut on Olli's cheek. Ignoring Olli's flinch and hissed curses he checked it there were any breaks in Olli's nose.

"Hmmm. Seems to be fine. No permanent damage. Though you will have some marvelous bruising." He said carefully caressing the already darkening skin of Olli's cheek

Olli didn't give any response he just sat staring at Christian's face, especially at the clear blue eyes. They reminded him of another angelic blue pair that had looked at him with utter trust in them.

Seeing Olli's dazed expression Christian said playfully

"Okay My boy! Off to bed with you now."

Christian's words seemed to jerk Olli out of his stupor and he bolted out of the bathroom. As Christian picked up the soiled cotton swabs to dispose off he heard the slam of Olli's bedroom door.

There was some deep rooted damage in that man; that had been brought to the surface by that night's attack.

Olli tossed and turned in bed. Hoping for the oblivion of sleep. But his brain was too keyed up to allow him the luxury of sleep.

*Is this what I'd done to him?* he thought burying his face in the pillow and swallowed a painful scream when his nose came in contact with the pillow.

He angrily flipped over onto his back.

*Oh God! I was so sick, I drugged him and then I ...*

Slowly a tears slid down the sides of his face and wet the hair at the nape of his neck.

*If only I knew where to find you .I would apologize to you. Though I know it would never make up for what I cruelly snatched from you.*

Finally, as the days events took root in his mind and he registered what he just been thru thankful sleep overtook his tired body.

As his eyes finally closed the last thought that ran through his mind was -

*God waited for me to return to Düsseldorf before he punished me for my sins. I completely deserved what happened to me.*

Christian lay in bed and went over the events that had taken place that night and the things he had been witness to.

When he had first met Olli and realized who he was Christian had made up his mind to hate him.

But these past couple of weeks talking to him, after getting to know him he had realized that Olli wasn't really a bad person or if he had once been an unscrupulous dickhead, he wasn't that man anymore.

What had happened that night was horrible. How could anyone be such an animal. Poor Olli being attacked like that. The perverts like Ricky that populated the world should all be shot dead at point blank range he thought and seethed with anger. Because of people like him the entire gay population was clubbed under one umbrella as perverts and sickos who only knew how to take advantage.

Christian thought it best to keep his distance; which was easy as Olli seemed to hide away from him. Christian felt bad and he would have liked to know if there was something he could do to help. At least he could have lent him a sympathetic ear. But Olli just didn't seem to want to be in his presence.

Three days passed. Christian couldn't believe how good the man was at avoidance. In the morning when Christian would leave for work Olli's door would be locked. In the evenings Olli would stealthily slink away downstairs and after his night shift at No Limits would return only at dawn when Christian was fast asleep.

And when Christian went down there Olli would simply go and hide in the kitchen or suddenly decide to do the inventory and go off to hide in the storage locker.

Christian was back to eating canned food which after the meals that Olli had been preparing now tasted even worse than before.

Down in No Limits it was business as usual for Olli. The version that his employees knew was that there had been a break in and he had been beaten up by the thief but was rescued in the nick of time by Christian. Beyond that he refused to divulge anything else.

"You think it was only a break in?" Anna asked Miriam.

"No, I'm sure there's more to this than meets the eye. Just look at the way Olli is taking special care to completely avoid Christian."

"Then do you think Christian did that to him?" Anna was flabbergasted.

"I wouldn't put it past him. With that nasty temper of his anything is possible." Miriam explained.

Both girls' were eaten up with curiosity and they wished there was some way they could uncover the true facts.

"Olli sweetheart I just heard. Why didn't you call me?" Charley said as she cornered Olli at No Limits a few days later.

"Why? What would you have done?" Olli asked flatly.

Charley gently caressed the bruised cheek and forehead.

"Oh Schaetzchen. Is it true, you were ..."

"Yes, I was almost raped. Big deal. I most probably deserved it anyway." was the man's toneless answer.

"What? Are you crazy?" Charley scolded slapping the back of his head.

"Charley I should be in jail."

"But the boy never pressed charges." Charley countered.

"Yah! How could he? First of all I never gave him my real name. Secondly I wasn't in Düsseldorf when they came searching for me."

"It wasn't your fault. There were so many reasons."

"I was the cause behind all of it. Can we now please talk of something else?"

"Okay sure. Heard Christian was the one who saved you." She said a gentle smile lighting up her face.

"Yes, he did."

"He's a sweet boy, and quite good looking if I might add."

"You think I haven't noticed that?"

"Olli I'm only saying..."

"I know what you're going to say. Consider me warned. I won't let personal feelings mess up my professional life. This place is too important to me. I promise I won't let my feelings get the best of me."

"But Olli..."

"I know you think I won't be able to control myself. But I have changed. I'm not a junkie anymore so my brain rules my behaviour. He is safe from me. Please Charley just trust me."

"Okay, if you say so. I trust you." Charley answered a confused frown creasing her brow.

Charley couldn't help but think about how much Olli had changed in the past six years. The once aimless boy was now a very career oriented man. She felt proud of him.

CHAPTER 25 - Food For Thought

It had been five days since he had last spoken to Olli.

Christian sat preparing the notes for the next day's lecture when he heard the door of his flat open behind him. Expecting Gregor or Luise he turned around with a smile on his face and met Olli's intent gaze.

Olli slowly closed the door. Walking over to the dining table he took the chair facing Christian.

"I never thanked you for saving me." Olli said slowly looking down at the table unable to meet Christian's clear aqua gaze.

Christian just couldn't decide how to respond to that.

"I'm sorry for avoiding you for so long." Olli continued and finally looked up at Christian.

The pain he saw in those green eyes made him want to reach over and caress the bruised face. To stop himself Christian interlocked the fingers of both his hands in his lap and quietly responded,

"Olli personally I can't even imagine what you went through. So there's no need to apologize. As far as my saving you goes. Nobody messes with my friends." He gave his flat mate a small smile.

"Thank You." The older man whispered as he got up and retreated to his room.

Early next morning Christian awoke to the aroma of food.

He followed his nose and hurried into the living cum dining room. The treasure trove he discovered made his stomach growl.

As he reached out for one of the pancakes cooling on a tray placed on the dining table he heard a chuckle and an amused voice said,

"I think brushing your teeth before you eat anything is the norm followed all over the world."

He turned around to face a smiling Olli. But he was soon distracted by the sausages, eggs benedict and brötchen that sat on the kitchen island behind the man.

A firm hand placed squarely on his chest halted his attack on the food.

"Brush and shower first ... then food." Olli said smiling at him and pointed towards the bathroom.

Christian inhaled most of Olli's preparations within minutes of sitting at the table.

Olli watched in satisfaction as Christian ate. The boy sure had an appetite.

He wondered if this was the same boy he had ... during that ...

No, it couldn't be him.

If this had been Justus then Olli would have been locked up weeks ago.

Christian being straight was another reason that it next to impossible that he could have been that boy.

Neither did Christian look the type who would experiment.

He smiled at Christian, the guy was definitely easy on the eyes. Olli realized he was developing a crush on his flat mate. He'd been through this once before. He couldn't fall for a straight guy again.

Christian felt uncomfortable. Olli was staring at him again. Then he realized it was obviously because he hadn't complimented him on his cooking.

"Thif if piffy goof," the blond said.

"What?" Olli frowned trying to decipher the garbled words.

Swallowing his mouthful Christian repeated.

"This is pretty good."

"Thanks. I'm glad you liked it." Olli beamed.

Polishing off the last of the food Christian said

"Wow if you feed me like this every day I won't be able to fit thru the doors after a month."

Olli looked crestfallen.

"No, no please don't stop cooking. It's just that I have to eat in moderation. I have to stay fit for my upcoming bouts."

"I understand." Olli cheered up. "Fitness food is all you'll get from now on" he promised

Though their job routines were hectic Olli was glad for the time they shared during breakast every morning and at dinners the nights Christian did not go out to meet his girlfriend. Olli's heart was stuck on his blue eyed white knight. But Olli had decided he definitely wouldn't act on it. His heart wouldn't be able to take the rejection. So he was satisfied with the friendship that Christian offered.

With Judith back in Dusseldorf Christian was glad for the distraction she offered from Olli, he was able to wrangle dinner invites from her on a regular basis. His feelings towards Olli were definitely confused he was having a tough time with them. He wanted to ask him what had happened in the intermediate six years since their fateful night together. Judith had gauged that there was something wrong and asked him point blank but he had just demured and finally changed the topic.

After a lot of thought he decided to start from scratch that is ask Olli about his life as a whole from childhood till the present.

Christian found it difficult to break through his flat mate's quiet tight lipped reserve towards him. He had watched Olli chat up and flirt with his customers. He had surely bounced back very well after the horrifying attack. At No Limits he was the same old friendly, open and flirtatious Olli. But when they were alone Olli would clam up and every time Christian even tried to learn something about him Olli would expertly veer off the topic to something that dealt with No Limits or Charley's upcoming nuptials. Sometimes to put an end to the conversation altogether he would start talking about Olivia who he knew Christian couldn't bear even thinking about.

It was just frustrating that even after almost a month of living together he knew hardly anything about his flat mate other than some basic facts like he was born in Meppen, left his college studies coz he flunked his senior year and later worked for his Aunt before heading off to sea.

Particulars about him beyond his birth date were unknown to Christian, whether his parents were dead or alive? Where were they? Did he have siblings? All were a mystery to Christian.

The fact was Christian was once again mesmerized by Olli. He could feel long buried emotions that he had once had towards Florian, ... no Olli,... gah whoever had started to revive themselves slowly and steadily one day at a time.

Olli could feel his guard slipping. Everyday he felt himself falling deeper and deeper in love with Christian. It was definitely high time that he started searching for another place to live. He knew if he didn't leave soon he would definitely confess his love to Christian.

Olli sat on the blue sofa and looked at the listing folder the real estate agent has sent over. The listed flats were within his budget range. But none of them had everything that he wanted. If it had a spacious bedroom the bathroom wasn't big enough to put in a tub. If it had a spacious living cum dining room then it had a closet kitchen. Whoever said house hunting was fun had never bought a house themselves. He was confused by just looking at a listing which gave only skeletal information about the flats.

Olli put the folder back in his bag and let out an exasperated breath. Slowly he rolled his neck to work out the stiffness. Suddenly two large warm and soft hands started massaging his neck and shoulders. A warm voice near his ear said "Wow! You are really tense Olli."

Olli startled and turned around to meet the amused blue eyes. "Now sit still while I work my magic" Christian said with a smirk. He kneaded Olli's shoulder and slowly worked his way to the nape of Olli's neck. He repeated the actions a few times. Then Christian suddenly said, "This isn't working, I'm not able to do it properly. Take your shirt off."

Olli looked up at him and hesitated.

"Olli I have no ulterior motives. I'll just massage you. Trust me."

"Christian, of course I trust you." Olli tugged off his T- shirt and Christian continued with the massage.

*Oh Boy! His hands feel good.*

Olli thought as he moaned his appreciation.

Christian massaged Olli with firm and sure fingers. He felt himself getting aroused. Why did he offer to do this? This sure wouldn't help him get over his crush on Olli. His eyes traced a path down along Olli's body , he admired the sinewy shape of his shoulders and strong back. His eyes followed the shape of Olli's spine to his waist and then backup to his neck. Olli leaned back and raised his legs and rested them on the coffe table placed in front of the sofa. Christian gazed at the arch of Olli's neck. Christian wondered what Olli would do if he kissed his neck, most probably punch him then charge him with assault. But he did have a beautiful body. He remembered the skinny boy he had met but this stud who he was massaging was a polar opposite.

Christian admired Olli's long legs encased in the form hugging jeans. His eyes traced a path from Olli's toes to his calf pas the knees to his thighs up to his ... His mind wandered and his imagination ran away with him

- to a secluded beach where Olli lay on a lounge chair a sparkling white towel across his waist. Christian slowly massaged his legs with scented oil.

Christian's hands massaged Olli's strong calves and slowly travelled up past his knees after he placed a kiss on each of them.

With measured strokes he kneaded Olli's thigh as he lavished a kiss on those sumptous lips. His hand made its way up Olli's thigh to ...

"Ouch!" Olli suddenly in yelped in pain, "not so hard please."

Christian snapped out of the x rated movie playing in his head.

"Sorry," Christian mumbled. His fingers gentled but his urge to kiss Olli only grew stronger.

After another 15 minutes of massaging, Olli felt much better and more relaxed. He thanked Christian for his thoughtful gesture. Putting his t-shirt back on Olli headed down to No Limits.

Olli bounded up the steps, he had a night off. Maybe he could cook something exotic for dinner there was enough time.

Unlocking the door he entered the flat.

"Shit!" he gave a whispered exclaim when he saw Christian cuddled on the couch with his girlfriend tucked in his arms.

He hoped to slink away to his room unnoticed. But the couple on the couch together turned towards him.

"Hey Olli, what are you doing back here so early." Christian asked

"It's my night off. I didn't know you had company. I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb you and ..."

"Judith" the woman said between sniffles. Wiping her tears she got up and said "you must be Olli Christian's new flat mate." she extended her hand.

"It's nice to meet you," Olli said with as much cheer he could muster. He definitely hadn't wanted to meet Christian's girlfriend.

Seeing her distraught state he couldn't help but be curious

"If you don't mind my asking, but are you alright?"

"Oh I'm fine. Better than fine, actually I'm wonderful."

"Then why are you crying?" Olli asked with a frown.

"Tears of joy. I'm pregnant."

Olli heart sank to his stomach.

"Congratulations, to both of you." he said in a strangled voice looking at Judith and then at Christian before hurrying away.

Olli walked into his room and locked the door behind him.

*Great! Just Bloody Perfect!*

DEJA VU if there ever was one.

Why the hell had he ever come back to Düsseldorf?

History was repeating itself.

Unattainable straight man and Olli the fool falling for him.

He swallowed his rising scream. He gnashed his teeth and yanked at his hair.

He would have to move out as soon as possible.

Judith would soon move in and then have the baby.

Christian and she would be married...

Chapter 26 - A Friendly Nudge Towards You

"Did he just congratulate me? He did congratulate me as well as you, didn't he? I wonder what that was all about," Christian said completely puzzled.

"Is he gay?" Judith asked

"Yah! So?"

"Damn! You really are blind." Judith said giggling then asked "Does he know you're gay?"

"It never came up. Why?"

"Because he has a thing for you, and just now when I told him about the baby I'm sure he thought you were the father."

"What?" Christian spat out flabbergasted

"Yup," Judith confirmed.

"His gaydar definitely must be broken." Christian said rolling his eyes and shook his head.

"Not his fault that you could easily pass. I had told you not to wear only plaid and pastel shirts all the time." Judith quipped.

Olli heard the trill of the doorbell. The joyful voices and the laughter increasing his misery.

There was a knock at his door.

"Olli. Are you alright" Christian voice asked thru the door

"Yah I'm fine." Olli called out

"Come join us in a toast to the baby." Christian's cheerful voice invited.

Not accepting the invitation would be blatantly rude.

"Just a minute I'll be right there."

Rubbing his face he got up. Changing his clothes so it would seem that there had been a genuine reason behind his locking himself up, he left the sanctuary of his room.

Olli opened the hall door and just gaped at the scene in front of him.

The girl Judith was kissing a man with softly curling black hair as Christian stood grinning at the pair.

Hearing the click of the door as he shut it the couple parted and looked at him.

Judith beamed as she made introductions, "Olli meet my partner in crime, in other words my husband Count Constantine Von Lahnstein. Consti this is Christian's new flat mate, Olli."

Constantine gave him a warm smile and extended his hand.

Olli enthusiastically shook the man's hand and congratulated him heartily on the soon to come new addition to his family.

Olli's heart did a cartwheel. He wanted do a cartwheel. So she wasn't Christian's girlfriend and the baby wasn't his.

But that didn't change the fact that Christian the macho boxer was straight as they came so his happiness did diminish a bit again.

Meeting Christian's old flat mates was a delight. Olli could definitely hope to call them his friends if and when their acquaintance grew.

They all sat indulging in friendly banter their conversation flowing and ebbing easily when Judith suddenly laughed. "Olli you won't believe the amount of people who threw themselves at Christian during College. The girls were gaga for this guy."

"I can definitely imagine that," Olli agreed nodding his head but was unable to keep the bitterness he felt out of his tone as he stared into his coke then took a long gulp.

Judith smiled as she looked at him then continued

"But they all were disappointed. So were most of his suitors. Constantine you remember the persistent of the lot. Christian what was his name? Timmy? Right?"

"Timo," Christian corrected, "he followed me around for weeks. It was like having a puppy. If Serge hadn't taken a liking to him I would have definitely strangled Timo. He even followed me into the toilets sometimes"

The old friends all laughed

On the other hand Olli had almost choked on his coke when he was confronted with the new information. His ears pricked up and he hung on every word that passed Judith's lips next.

"Then there was Anton the skater, mutual break up" Christian nodded.

"next was Zapper now that was a messy one"

"Don't even remind me of him," Christian said with a look of utter disgust and shuddered.

Constantine too made a face, "That guy made my skin crawl. What were you even thinking when you hooked up with him?" the Count asked his friend.

"I have absolutely no idea. I think it had something to do with the fact that he was in a metal band. How was I supposed to know he was a crazy creep?"

"Well the first clue should have been when he started collecting your nail and hair clippings." Constantine replied

"Yah! He told me he had made an altar of worship dedicated to me." A look of shock crossed the blonde's face

"I was the happiest when his parents came and took him back to Switzerland for 'treatment'." Judith said "good riddance to bad rubbish. But this guy moped for weeks." Judith said looking directly at Olli.

Olli slowly digested all the information and sent Christian furtive glances.

"Ahh! and then there was your Prince Charming." Judith declared with a big grin.

"Oh yah, the American," Constantine said laughing. "Bradley. Call me 'Brad' like Brad Pitt," Constantine mimicked making his voice deep and sultry.

"Christian was already picking out his and his towels when suddenly Brad just up and left. Turns out he had a husband back in the States." Judith explained.

Olli's heart sang. And he couldn't help but grin like a fool.

Timo! Anton! and Bradley!

All men.

That could only mean Christian was - GAY.

So he definitely stood a chance with Christian.

As Olli regaled in his happiness Gregor and Luise arrived.

Hearty congratulations were passed on to the expecting couple. Toasts were made. But Olli's mind and eyes were only on Christian the rest of the world had just faded away.

When Olli finally zoned back into the conversation he heard Gregor say

"Now that you two are soon going to be on diaper duty what do you say to one last trip to the wilderness. A weekend at the cabin"

"That'd be great," everyone agreed.

Turning to Olli Gregor started in a beseeching tone

"Olli..."

"Don't worry have fun. No Limits will be fine. I... "

Judith interrupted Olli's assurances

"Gregor why don't you close No Limits for the weekend. I'm sure your employees wouldn't mind a little time off."

"Yah and Olli has been working pretty hard since he's been here. We all deserve a break." Christian added he hadn't missed Olli's uplifted spirits when Judith had quite tactlessly brought up the topic of his ex-flames and stalkers.

Gregor slapped his knees and announced,

"Okay! So it's decided. This weekend No Limits will be closed and Wilderness weekend open."

Everyone cheered and clinked glasses.

After everyone had left as they cleared up the dinner things that night Christian suddenly asked

"By chance did you think I was straight?"

"Yah. I did." Olli replied

"And you thought Judith and me..."

"Yah I did."

"Does that mean you ...?" Christian asked unable to contain his curiousity

"Yes, I've developed a crush on you. It just happened." Olli replied defensively and focused on diligently scrubbing the already clean baking tin he held.

He heard Christian soft laugh in his ear as he came to stand right behind him and then, the whispered words "I like you too... a lot."

Then Christian was gone.

Back to you
it always comes around
back to you
I tried to forget you
I tried to stay away
But it's too late

Over you
I'm never over
over you
something about you
It's just the way you move
the way you move me

-John mayer

CHAPTER 27 - Butterflies and Wilderness Weekend

"Charley! I didn't know I could be this happy." Olli said as he came jogging into Schneider's and enveloped Charley in a bear hug.

"I'm happy that you're happy Schatz. But may I ask the reason behind this happiness." She queried once he loosened his grip on her.

"He's Gay! He. Is. Gay." He said twirling her around as he hugged her again and then placed a kiss on each of her cheeks.

"Who's gay?"

"Christian! He's gay."

"I could have told you that. Actually come to think of it I did try to tell you that he's gay." She said alluding to the conversation they had just after his attack.

"I thought you were warning me off of him like you did about..." his eyes dimmed, "I'm such a bastard."

"Shhh...let's not go there." She ran a gentle hand in his hair to sooth him then continued "The past is gone. Focus on the present darling. Focus on Christian now." Olli slowly nodded his head and gave her a weak smile.

"So he's gay and single."

Olli's face instantly brightened.

"Yes, he is. I'm going to a cabin in the woods with him on a getaway this weekend" Olli chirped unable to contain his delight.

"That was pretty quick." Charley gave a startled frown. "He's known you for five minutes and now he's already inviting you to solitary romantic getaways."

"No, we're not going alone. Gregor, Luise and Christian's best friend Judith and her husband will be going as well."

"Thank God. He had me scared for a minute there."

"He's such a gentle soul. I never thought I'd meet someone like him."

"OH! So you are already in love with him."

Olli smiled shyly and nodded his head.

"And what about him?"

"I think he ... I think the feeling might be mutual."

"Well what can I say?"

"Say you're happy for me."

"I definitely am my dear. And he is a good man. I couldn't have chosen a better son- in- law."

"Woah! Charley back up. We've not even been on our first date as yet."

"But you are going to be together this weekend."

"Yah, we'll be together but not alone... So what have you decided about the seating arrangement ..."

"I'll see you on Monday then." Olli said as he zipped up his jacket.

"Enjoy yourself and have a great time." Charley said and kissed his cheek.

"Oh, I certainly will." Olli answered a mischievous glint in his green eyes.

After the hour and a half long drive thru the lush country side they finally reached the cabin.

Luise went inside to air out the cabin as the rest of them unloaded the cars.

Suddenly Judith let out a string of cusses

"Damn it! We forgot all of it. Shit!"

"What did we forget?" Constantine asked puzzled.

"The food Consti. All of it. Both the baskets! DAMMIT!" Then let out another string of cusses

"Okay, okay calm down." Gregor soothed, "there's a farmer's market a couple of miles back we'll go and pick up everything we need."

"Boys," Gregor called addressing Christian and Olli, "it seems that we have a food crisis, so while we four go and rectify that situation, why don't you two make yourself useful and sweep out the cabin." Gregor completed his order and handed each of them a broom.

The married couples headed out and the pair diligently swept out the cabin. They were almost done with the sweeping of the porch when Olli accidentally poked Christian in his side with the broom he held.

The blond straightened and fixed his sparkling blue gaze on an apologetic Olli's face

"Now you've done it." Christian said mock angrily

Wielding his broom he announced

"En guard Herr Sabel."

Olli smiled and got into the spirit of the game and wielded his broom as well.

There started an impromptu sword fighting with the brooms. Olli backed away as Christian chased him out the porch and around the cabin.

CHAPTER 28 - Capture A Wild Moment

The SUV came to a halt and the two couples tumbled out. They headed inside and set the food and other supplies on the kitchen counters.

Suddenly Judith observed, "Where are the two of them?"

"Christian? Olli? Where are you guys?" Gregor called out

Luise giggled, "They're out there." She said pointing out the window, "Awww they're so cute."

The four of them stood watching the two oblivious men involved in childish play.

The playful pair clashed and parried with the brooms behaving like school boys at lunch break.

Suddenly Olli tripped over a tree root and his broom tangled with Christian's.

A thud and Christian found himself laying on top of Olli their noses almost touching. Both were out of breath because of the exertion and their sped up breath intermingled in the small space between their mouths.

Christian stared into the glittering green eyes as they blinked up at him. Christian slightly tilted his head and brushed his lips against Olli's in a gentle kiss. Feeling a response he deepened the kiss. Olli's hand came up and tangled in Christian's hair pulling him closer.

The couple lay on the ground oblivious to the four pair of eyes watching them through the cabin's open window

"I told you they'd make a cute couple." Judith whispered feeling very proud of herself.

The collective clearing of throats caused them to break apart, hastily Christian rolled off Olli.

Gregor looked at the pair lying on the ground and quipped, "Though we are definitely enjoying the show, there are plenty of beds in rooms which have doors- that can be locked, that are yours to use if you want to continue your twilight rendezvous." The older Mann said and gave them one of his dazzling grins.

Turning around the tittering couples left them and headed back to the cabin.

Christian rose to his feet and offered his hand to Olli to help him up.

They stood tongue tied just looking at each other, still holding hands.

"Shall we go inside?" Christian gently enquired.

Olli blushed, "We're never going to hear the end of this are we?" and gave Christian an embarrassed smile

"Oh definitely. Get ready for the most awkward evening of your life." Christian laughed as Olli blushed scarlet.

Christian tugged Olli towards himself wrapping his arms around Olli he kissed him again.

Olli slowly pulled away from the kiss. Leaning his forehead again Christian's he spoke softly fiddling with the top button on Christian's jacket, "We've just met. We should take it slow."

Christian nodded "Yah I think that'd be the wisest thing to do."

"But I feel like I've known you for years." Christian added which was the truth Olli was completely oblivious to.

They kissed once more before heading back inside. Christian draped his arm around Olli's shoulder and tucked him into his side as Olli's arm encircled his waist.

During dinner Gregor gave them a good ribbing and cut as many jokes as he could at their expense. Until Luise rebuked him and made him apologize to a blushing Olli.

The rest of the dinner passed pleasantly.

Then suddenly Judith said "You know Olli I get this feeling that we've met somewhere before."

"I worked at Schneider's before I left to work on the cruise liner. You must have seen me there." Olli said matter of factly.

"Maybe..." Judith mumbled here brows creasing in a thoughtful frown.

Christian prayed hoping that Judith wouldn't remember.

Otherwise his pint size knight in shining armor might throw a spanner in the works because against himself he had managed to fall back in love with this green eyed enigma sitting beside him.

Christian built a camp fire and lay down by it staring up at the stars.

He heard the snap of twigs as some one approached him.

"What are doing here all by yourself?" Olli asked as he came to stand by him

"Contemplating the universe." Christian answered philosophically.

"Really?" Olli asked a smile on his face as he sat down beside Christian.

"No," Christian answered as he sat up , "I thinking of my mom. She would have liked you."

Olli just kept looking at Christian unable to come up with a suitable response.

"I miss her so much. Especially now." Christian said his voice thick with emotion he stared into the fire.

Turning to Olli he asked, "What about your mom?"

"For all purposes Charley is my mother. The woman who gave birth to me is of no consequence to me." Olli answered bitterly. "Hate is too mild a word for what I feel for her." he explained his handsome features distorted by the utter anger that engulfed him.

"I'm sorry I brought it up." Christian apologized.

Olli smiled at him.

"You always keep apologizing to me. When it's none of your fault at all. Now that we are together..." he looked intently into Christian's eyes, "we are together right?"

As an answer Christian curled his hand around the back of Olli's neck and pulled him towards himself, "What do you think?" Christian murmured against Olli's lips right before capturing them in a fierce kiss. He lay back down and pulled Olli on top. His hands crept inside Olli's jacket and then under his t-shirt to caress his back as their tongues fought for dominance.

CHAPTER 29 - Can I Lean On You?

The touch to his bare skin startled Olli. He broke the kiss immediately then literally jumped up and off Christian. The change in Olli's behaviour completely confused Christian

"What...what's wrong?" Christian asked dazed and confused by the sudden loss of contact. He watched Olli sit up rigidly and look away.

Christian felt like kicking himself Olli may behave like it was no big deal but it was impossible that he was past the attack.

"Oh God! I came on too strong didn't I?" he whispered disgusted at himself.

Christian started to get up to give Olli the privacy to fall apart.

But Olli grabbed him arm. Looking up at Christian with pleading eyes Olli said in a small voice, "Don't leave me alone please."

Christian sat back down and Olli placed his head on Christian's shoulder.

They sat silently for the longest time just looking into the crackling fire.

Olli's arm encircled his waist and he tucked his body closer to Christian's, taking the cue Christian put his arm around Olli and gently rubbed his upper arm,

"If you hadn't come that night I don't think I would have survived." Olli slowly said

What could Christian say to that? There was no appropriate answer.

"There aren't words that can fully express how grateful I am to you." Olli added his voice choked and hardly above a whisper

Again silence descended

"I think I'll go back in." Olli finally said and stood up.

Christian watched him walk towards the cabin head bent, shoulders slumped and hands tucked in his pockets. He looked like an abandoned child searching desperately for sanctuary.

Christian got up and chased after him.

He reached Olli just as the older man had almost made it to the porch.

He came to stand right in front of Olli and blocked his path.

He observed Olli look up at him a frown creasing his brow right before Christian pulled him into his embrace.

Placing a gentle kiss on Olli's neck he whispered in his ear "You're not alone anymore. I'm right here with you."

The words seemed to break Olli and he put his arms around Christian. His hold around Christian bruising tight but the younger man didn't mind. Olli tucked his face in Christian throat and just let go.

The weeks of bottled up emotions finally found expression as he silently sobbed; his hands twisting the back of Christian's jacket pulling him as close as he could.

"What are you two doing standing in the dark," Gregor drowsy voice drifted towards them from the open door.

"Nothing," Christian answered as he led Olli in and then towards the bedrooms.

Christian led him into the bedroom Olli was to occupy for the weekend and then turned to leave.

"Stay with me tonight." Olli requested as he wiped his tears.

Christian turned to look at Olli's flushed tear stained face and shut the door.

Giving Christian a wan smile he said "God! This is embarrassing I haven't asked someone to stay with me since I was eight and had the measles."

"I don't mind," Christian answered as he took off his jacket.

"I promise not to appall your modesty and take advantage of you." Olli said to lighten the mood.

"Oh! You're most welcome to take advantage of me in any which way you feel like." Christian jovially returned with a naughty dimpled grin and waggled his eyebrows glad to see the normal Olli peek through the sadness.

They undressed in silence and got under the covers. Tired from the emotional outburst he had Olli fell asleep almost instantly

Christian watched Olli sleep, the dark eyelashes fanned against the pale cheek.

He thought about the new detail about Olli's life that he had just learnt.

Unlike him Olli seemed to have had a very painful relation with his mother. To consider his aunt as his mother was indication that the person who gave birth to him must have done something truly so hurtful that it had turned Olli against her.

Something had disturbed Christian's sleep. There it was again, a soft whimper. Christian switched on the table lamp and turned to find Olli curled up in a tight ball whimpering into the pillow. As he strained his ears Christian realized that Olli was murmuring over and over the phrase, "I'm sorry". Gently rubbing Olli's back he whispered to the fast asleep man, "Shhh...it's alright."

Olli woke up and looked up at him his eyes wild.

"It's just me." Christian whispered

"He hit me," Olli whimpered.

"He isn't here anymore, it was all a bad dream," Christian soothed.

"Don't leave me," Olli cried grabbing his arm as Christian turned to switch off the light.

"I'm not going anywhere," Christian promised.

Soothed Olli put his head on Christian's chest and snuggled into him and soon was softly snoring again.

That attack had done more damage to Olli than he showed. He needed help and Christian wondered if he would be capable of giving Olli the help he needed and required.

Early next morning as Christian sat on the porch steps tying his shoelaces Olli came out two cups of coffee in hand.

Handing one to Christian he sat down beside him, "Sorry for being such a weepy wimp last night." Olli said giving Christian an embarrassed look.

"I could say no problem, but I'm glad you trust me enough to be weak in front of me."

"Thank You."

"Olli you're my boyfriend, you don't have to thank me you just have to trust me."

"I do," Olli answered sincerely. They sat in companionable silence and drank their coffee.

Looking around himself Olli observed "It's so beautiful here, so quiet and peaceful."

"Yes, it is the perfect hideaway. When we were younger Gregor and I would come here at least once a month to camp and trek. Or just getaway from the general craziness of everyday life." Christian told him.

"It is definitely the perfect place to clear your head. I haven't felt this relaxed and at peace with myself for a long time." Olli confessed.

Gulping down his coffee at one go Christian handed his empty cup to Olli and got up.

"I'm off I'll see you later." The blond said before jogging off in the direction of the clearing which led towards a jogging trail.

CHAPTER 30 - Petals On The Path

Olli sat on the porch steps watching Christian jog off and disappear behind the trees.

Letting go last night had felt good. Christian just being there for him had been more than Olli could have expected.

He trusted Christian but would Christian trust him if he really knew why he had backed off during their kiss last night.

Christian assumed that it had to do with the attack, which it had partially but not wholly.

"The past is gone." Charley's advise rang in his ears.

Olli squared his shoulders. He made the decision to take Charley's advice to heart and make a fresh start.

A fresh start with Christian.

He was so lost in thought that he didn't realize that he was no longer alone.

"I assume you slept well last night." Judith gently said.

Olli looked at her and smiled.

"Yes, I did."

"Mind if I ask you a question Olli?"

"Go right ahead."

"What you feel for Christian, it isn't just a reaction to his saving you is it?"

"No, I promise you it isn't. I fell for him long before that night."

"Another question."

"O..kay" he said with curious frown

"How the hell did you even assume that he was straight?" Judith queried giving him a bemused look.

"I saw him kiss you and thought you were his girlfriend. And my assumption was strengthened when he seemed to spend most of his free evenings with you."

"Oh That. That was only so he could avoid you." Judith said and tapped him on his thigh.

"Me? What did I do?" Olli asked confused.

"Other than being completely scrumptious to look at? Nothing. But that's just Christian's usual behaviour when he has the hots for someone. So I just put 2 and 2 together and came up with U."

"So that night that you came over..."

"Well, I had come over to tell him about the baby but then I met you. Your behaviour at my announcement made me realize that Mr. Macho hadn't divulged the fact that he swung the other way; causing you both to waste time that you could have been better spent in activities more enjoyable than just making googley eyes at each other." Judith said in one breath.

"Has anybody ever told you that you are frank to a fault?" Olli said with a laugh

"Hey, That's just me. I can't help calling a spade a spade. I have known that kid for a long time. I've seen him thru a lot. Especially his first heart break from which I think he never really recovered. So here's my advice to you. Take it or leave it."

"I'll definitely take it." Olli was all ears.

"Well it's more like a warning. Christian is like family to Consti and me. So you dare not break his heart or we'll kill you and make it look like an accident. Get It." Judith said putting on her best threatening face but looking just as adorable as ever.

"Got It." Olli answered and smiled at her.

Her job done Judith moved onto lighter topics.

"I think I'll go and get breakfast started." Judith said as she got up to head inside.

"I'll help you." Olli offered

"You cook?" Judith asked in surprise. Then asked in curiosity "Does Christian know?".

"Yes, I do. And yes Christian knows. Infact I've been keeping him fed for the last couple of weeks." Olli completed rather proudly.

"SO you know about Christian's ..."

"Large appetite ...yah I do." Olli completed tactfully.

"You don't need to be polite. It's an open secret that he has a bottomless pit for a stomach." They both laughed in mutual agreement.

Olli was setting the table for breakfast when he saw Christian through the open window as he came jogging back towards the cabin.

Christian entered and looked around cautiously. Seeing that they were alone he walked up to Olli and held out a bunch of flowers towards him.

"I got these for you." Christian muttered uncomfortably.

Olli took the bunch of wild flowers tied together with a long blade of grass.

Christian looked around again to make sure that none of the other occupants of the cabin were witness to his this gesture.

Olli caressed the flowers with light fingers and closed his eyes as he enjoyed their scent.

Olli smiled when he noticed the uncomfortable expression on Christian's face as the younger man kept looking around, "They've all gone for a walk before breakfast." Olli informed him.

"Oh ... good." Christian said relief washing over him then he started to apologize to Olli "About last night I didn't mean to ..."

Before he could get any further Olli placed a finger on Christian's lips and interrupted

"Stop, you did nothing wrong, I just panicked."

Cupping Christian's cheek he continued, "Don't ever apologize for last night because what you did for me by just being there for me I can't thank you enough for that."

Olli placed a gentle kiss on Christian's mouth to stop him from saying anything else.

The rest of the weekend passed pleasantly; they flirted, stole discreet kisses but didn't go beyond that. On Sunday evening as they drove back Christian decided that next time when he came to the cabin it would be with Olli alone and they wouldn't step outdoors once they entered through the door. He smiled at Olli as he entwined their fingers.

They were back at their flat a little after 8 on Sunday evening. Hanging up his coat and jacket Christian plopped down on the couch and stretched.

"God! We didn't do a darn thing all weekend but still I feel like I just ran the Boston Marathon." he moaned.

Christian cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders.

"How about I give you a massage," Olli offered

"That'd be wonderful," Christian said and hummed as Olli started to knead his shoulders.

"You know this'd work better if you took your shirt off," Olli slyly said, alluding to the previous time they had been in this situation.

Christian tilted his head back and looked into the green eyes as they sparkled with mischief.

"Yes you're right," Christian agreed and quickly whipped off his shirt.

Turning around he looked back up at Olli and said "This would work even better if ..." he jumped off the couch and grabbed Olli by his shirt front.

CHAPTER 31 - Don't You Dare ... I Promise.

Olli found himself lying back on the couch as Christian straddled him.

"This definitely works better," Christian observed as his lips moved along Olli's jaw leaving small kisses. Christian's mouth covered Olli's and he nipped at his lower lip begging him to part his lips. Olli parted his lips granting free access to the exploring tongue. He moaned into Christian's mouth as their tongues tangled in a sensuous dance.

Their tongues twirled together till Olli's shyly retreated, forcing Christian to chase it back into Olli's mouth. Christian groaned at the taste and pressed forward to grind his crotch against Olli's. He felt a shiver crawl up his spine and sweat broke out on his upper lip. Christian could feel Olli's heart beating and it thrilled him to feel it race harder the longer they kissed. Christian couldn't think of anything that could delight him more than the knowledge that this man wanted him.

Christian slipped his hands under Olli's t-shirt, running them over the sleek muscles of his back, kneading and drawing groans from Olli. His mouth left Olli's and he moved his body, pressing against Olli so he could lower his head to nuzzle Olli's neck. He licked and sucked the sensitive skin there.

His exploring mouth was obstructed by Olli t-shirt. Raising his head Christian looked into Olli's emerald windows seeking permission. Olli raised his head off the couch and captured Christian's mouth in a kiss that spoke his total trust in the younger man.

As they kissed with gentle hands Christian raised the t-shirt . Breaking their kiss the blond sat up.

"Off" Christian chuckled and yanked the t-shirt over Olli's head and flung it over the back of the couch. Now that his mouth had no obstruction, he hungrily latched onto an aroused nipple, biting it gently before rolling it in his mouth and sucking. Olli could only moan and hold on tightly to the other man.

This impassivity lasted only until his nipple was released, then Olli did some demanding of his own. "Want to feel you," he explained as he reached for Christian's belt.

Christian grabbed his hand and got off the couch. He saw the disappointment start to spread over Olli's face. But before Olli could complete a thought Christian pulled him up into his arms and held him close as he whispered in his ear, "Bed".

Like horny teenagers kissing and grabbing at each other they made their way to the bedrooms.

"Yours or mine," Christian whispered between frantic kisses.

"Yours," Olli choked out right before he found himself pinned against the glass of Christian's door as Christian turned the handle and they both tumbled into his room.

Eager hands made short work of the rest of the obstructing clothing. Stepping back Christian admired the sight that took his breath away. Olli's skin gleamed in the meager lights streaming in through the windows, the pale-pearl tone of his flesh beckoned Christian's touch. The older man wasn't slight in form, well formed sinewy muscles made him look strong, but Christian knew that strength was deceptive, that the older man had a fragile core that Christian was just beginning to discover. But above all he was beautiful!

Olli fidgeted, uncomfortable under the azure-eyed regard. Did Christian not like what he saw? But hearing Christian's whispered, "You're beautiful," he smiled a shy smile and hesitantly reached for him. Their mouths fused again.

Olli felt himself being laid back on the bed and Christian's delicious weight covered him. Olli couldn't stop his moan as their arousals rubbed together or control the excited thrust of his hips as his body begged for more. He willingly spread his legs, making place for the younger man's solid frame, joyously giving a low laugh at Christian's guttural groan.

Christian couldn't get enough of Olli's lips. Their kisses grew wet and sloppy, but neither minded and it was only reluctantly that Olli released Christian's lips when the other man began nibbling and sucking on his neck and shoulders and made his way lower.

Christian paid homage to each nipple, spreading kisses and bites to one then the other until Olli was a whirling mess under him. Christian's lips moving further down. A stubble roughed cheek rubbed along the sensitive skin of Olli's belly. Olli felt the tip of the wet hot tongue lap at his belly button and move still further down to the base of his hard cock. Christian licked his way up to the tip and after some, rather inarticulate encouragement from Olli, Christian carefully took him into his mouth.

Olli started to move in that warm mouth. He felt like he couldn't possibly get any harder, but Christian's lips prove him wrong. His fingers entangle in Christian's hair pushing his head down. Christian realized that Olli is close and withdraws, he smiles at Olli's unappreciative groan. The younger man slowly moves his way back up to Olli's mouth and kisses him as his hand encircles Olli's cock to gently stroke it.

Eventually Christian takes his weight off Olli's body and hovers over him on hands and knees. The lack of contact causes Olli to open his eyes. He looks up at Christian his eyes heavy with unquenched passion and eagerly awaits Christian's next move.

"Tell me what you want," Christian whispers with infinite tenderness.

"Make love to me," Olli whispers back.

"Please make love to me," Olli whispers hoarsely almost begs as his hands slowly caress Christian's back and then tangle in his hair to pull him down into a desperate kiss. Olli moans and Christian can feel Olli's hands slide down his back, pressing Christian closer to his own body.

Christian broke the kiss and crawled off Olli, causing Olli to grab at him,

"I'm not leaving you," he whispered as he opened a drawer to take out the lube and a condom.

Olli's eyes flared in anticipation as Christian kissed him again. Christian's lubed fingers gently circled Olli's entrance before he slid one digit inside, halting at the knuckle, letting Olli adjust to the penetration.

Once the muscles of Olli's entrance stopped gripping his finger, Christian moved it in and out, going further each time until he could move his finger in and out of the passage smoothly. Only then did he add another, thrusting in and out, enjoying his lover's groans. Withdrawing his fingers Christian impatiently ripped open the condom, unable to prevent his own moan as he stroked it on his erection. Coating himself with the rest of the lube on his hand, Christian splayed Olli's legs wide on either side of his body. Olli adjusted his legs so that they were bent at the knees and his feet flat on the mattress as he felt Christian's cock at his entrance.

"Ready?" Christian hoarsely asked.

"Yes," Olli answered his voice breathless. Olli halted Christian briefly with a hesitant hand on the other man's arm. "Just go slow, please. It's been a while," he requested, mossy green eyes pleading for understanding. Christian moved forward using the momentum of his body's movement to slowly push himself into Olli.

Olli bucked under the pressure and the pleasure. He took the weight of the other body as he started to move in him. Almost without thinking Olli moved, lifting his legs, he wrapped them around Christian's lower back, so they rested behind him. It took the pressure off his legs, but also pushed Christian in even deeper.

Christian raised himself up on his hands and started to slowly pick up the speed with which he pulled in and out of Olli's tight hole. Olli groaned, his breathing started to become labored as he was moved faster towards climax.

"Christian," Olli moaned and his hips lifted from the bed, his body clenching around the thick length filling it. All he could do was hold on as Christian began moving faster, thrusting in and out of him, wringing cry after cry from Olli's lips. When the next thrust was angled to hit his prostrate, Olli saw stars and his stomach and balls tightened, signaling he was close.

Christian reached between their bodies, taking Olli's cock in his hand he fisted it rapidly, knowing neither one of them was going to last much longer.

Christian's next two thrust sent Olli over the edge. He came with a loud cry.

"Olli!" Christian cried as the tunnel around his cock grew tighter, squeezing and forcing his own release from him. He thrust fast and hard twice more before collapsing on his lover.

They stayed like that for several minutes, each trying to regain their breath and slow their heartbeats. Olli rubbed up and down Christian's damp back, enjoying the other man's weight on him and the cock still inside him. He hummed with disapproval when Christian rolled off, and he immediately snuggled close as Christian discarded the condom. Christian pulled the warm lethargic body gladly into his embrace.

Placing an affectionate kiss atop the mussed midnight hair he asked "Okay?"

"Wonderful," Olli mumbled drowsily

Suddenly a question invaded Christian mind as he wondered about Olli's plea for slowness.

"Olli?" he said softly. At the older man's low "yes," he asked. "How long had it been?"

Olli raised his head, green eyes meeting blue , a little confused by the question. He frowned for a moment, not getting it, but then with a soft "Oh," he laid his head back upon the other man's chest. "A little over six years," he answered not seeing the shocked disbelief in Christian's eyes.

Christian couldn't believe that Olli hadn't been with anyone in six years! "How come?" he asked, unconsciously tightening his arm around his lover.

Olli stiffened then whispered halting, "You've tired me out Schatz can we talk about it some other time." He turned his back to Christian to avoid any kind of pillow talk. Christian watched the curved back, as Olli lay curled in a semi fetal position, for a few moments, Then he said, "It's getting cold. Mind if we get under the covers," and for effect he tugged at the covers they both lay on. Olli got up pulled on his boxers and headed to the bathroom. Christian flipped back the blankets and then headed for the bathroom as well.

Christian came back into his room expecting Olli to be already under the covers but instead found that Olli had brought back the discarded T shirts from the living room. The older man had even folded Christian's clothes and kept the items on Christian's study table chair.

Christian got under the blanket and watched Olli pick up his jeans then turn to leave.

"Was this a one time thing," Christian hissed through clenched teeth.

Olli head snapped around "No, of course not."

"Then why are you leaving?" Christian growled

Olli turned back around and stood looking at Christian. Twisting the clothes he held with nervous hands, finally he said,

"I...thought...you..." he stopped as if trying to sort out his thoughts. "It's your room." Olli finally finished lamely.

Christian held up the corner of the blanket in silent invitation and held his breath. He didn't have to hold either of them too long as Olli quickly dumped his clothes on the chair and climbed back in with him.

"Don't you dare ever leave again." Christian warned as he pulled Olli into his arms

"I won't. I promise." Olli whispered as he buried his face in Christian's solid chest and breathed in the younger man's calming scent.

CHAPTER 32 - Candy Kisses

Olli jerked awake in the dawn light. He took in his unfamiliar surroundings and started to panic. Where the hell was he? he wondered; until he felt the weight of the arm encircling his waist and the steady beat of a strong heart against his back. Panic instantly evaporated replaced by bubbling happiness. He took in a deep cleansing breathe as his eyes misted over with thankful tears. For the first time in a long time he didn't feel the need to crawl out of bed just because he was awake. After many years of trying to run away from his nightmares this morning he could just enjoy the first minutes of the new day as he lay here beside the man who had made his nightmares stop once and for all. He watched the sky redden as the sun slowly began it's ascent into the sky. The singing of the birds made his own heart sing. He gently touched the arm around his waist and entwined his fingers with the sleeping man's to reassure himself that this morning wasn't a figment of his imagination.

The ringing of the alarm clock broke into Olli's thoughts and he felt a soft kiss on his shoulder. Christian mumbled a yawned 'Good morning' to him and hugged Olli closer.

"I know you're awake," Christian whispered as he caressed Olli's chest.

"And what if I wasn't?" Olli asked as he turned around

"Then I would have woken you up,"

"Ugh morning breath." Olli exclaimed covering is nose and mouth with the blanket.

"Sorry," Christian giggled and held the blanket to his mouth. "Guess we should brush our teeth."

"You look happy," Miriam observed when she heard Olli softly humming as he worked.

"Hmmm?" Olli asked looking up at her dreamily as he stacked the meringues on the stand.

"I said you look happy" the blond waitress repeated.

"Coz I am." He answered glowing

"Someone got laid,"

Olli blushed smiling shyly and went to start up the coffee machine as he set up for the day.

"DO we know him?" Miriam prodded

"Yes, you do," a cheerful voice behind her informed.

Christian came round the counter and kissed Olli.

"Figures" Miriam rolled her eyes and went off to tell Anna about the latest development.

Christian pushed Olli back against the counter and slowly nibbled a path up his jaw and bit his earlobe then proceeded to kiss him again.

"Oh please! Not in the middle of day." Gregor's voice remarked and made a gagging sound.

The couple turned and looked at Gregor.

Christian huffed, "It's 8 in the morning Gregor."

Then he growled "Why don't you just go hide in the storage closet if you have a problem with Olli and me,"

"Christian," Olli whispered in shock.

"Loosen up Christian I was just teasing."

"Didn't sound like it," Christian growled scowling at Gregor.

"I'm sorry kleiner bruder."

Christian just scowled back at him.

The mood was instantly changed when the first customers of the day came in.

Christian took a seat on a bar stool at the counter. Leaning his chin on his palm he sat watching Olli go about his work.

"Stop that," Olli scolded.

"Stop what?" Christian asked in all innocence.

"Stop staring at me."

"Why?"

"Coz you're making me uncomfortable," Olli said in a whisper.

"Okay, if you insist." Christian answered mock sadly then continued cheerfully "but... I wouldn't mind getting a piece of candy."

"Piece of candy?" Olli was puzzled.

Christian gently tapped Olli's chest.

Olli looked down at his t-shirt and laughed in understanding. He was wearing his purple T-shirt which had the question 'Do you want a piece of candy?' emblazoned on it.

"So do I get a piece of candy?" Christian asked with a deep dimpled smile

"Sorry I'm all out of candy." Olli answered shaking his head.

Christian stuck out his lower lip and made a sad face.

"But I can give you a kiss and a chocolate brownie instead." Olli offered and leaned towards Christian

"Delicious." Christian exclaimed after receiving the kiss.

"Now the brownie please," Christian demanded holding out his hand.

As Christian munched on his brownie he looked at his watch and said half heartedly "Guess I should be heading to school anyway. I hope I get a kiss before I leave."

"Come here," Olli tugged Christian towards himself by the collar and gave him a kiss. "Mmmm chocolatey."

Then giving him kiss on the cheek Olli said "Have a great day and don't go chasing after strange men,"

"Olli, I'm one of three men on that campus and believe me the other two guy's wives ..."

Seeing Olli's grin he stopped mid-sentence.

"Oh ...you were joking." Christian observed and smiled back sheepishly.

"I'll see you in the evening then." Christian said and left amidst Miriam and Anna's giggles.

After handing out the pop quiz papers to his class, to solve, Christian sat back in his chair. His mind drifted out of the classroom across the playground, out of the school - straight to No Limits.

He wondered what Olli was doing right at that moment.

Serving a customer.

Ringing up a bill -check.

Scolding a clumsy Miriam who had dropped a tray of drinks, again.

Or maybe he was flirting with that customer who always came in for his Chai Latte everyday. The last image made him grimace.

But his mood lifted when he looked at his watch and realized it was close to 1 so Olli was most probably at lunch with Charley going over one or the other details concerning her wedding.

He didn't realize he had a goofy grin plastered on his face as he stared into space until he heard some concealed titters from his students. Instantly he shook off the daydream and focused back on his surrounding.

"I wonder what Herr Mann was grinning about." Anja pondered

"It wasn't any of us definitely." Tisca observed with a giggle.

"Most probably he was thinking about the twink he boinked last night." Tanja quipped sarcastically.

"Eww Tanja. Keep your dirty opinions to yourself. Coach Mann definitely isn't that type." Delilah the boxing team captain hissed making Tanja quiver.

"He's a fairy, isn't he?" Tanya returned mustering up as much bravado as she could.

"Why don't you say that to his face next time during practice?" Delilah challenged, "Mrs. Jorgen will throw you out of St Clarissa's so fast. It'll make your head spin." Delilah growled at her.

"As if he'll tell her." Tanya answered confidently

"Oh! He definitely won't. But Kitina certainly will. She is after all Mrs. Jorgen's daughter and a complete tattle tale; not to mention she is also Coach Mann's biggest fan." Delilah informed the other girl with a smirk on her face making Tanja squirm.

CHAPTER 33 - If You Love ...Then Confess.

Christian knew he had been too aggressive when Gregor had teased them that morning. But the fear that Gregor will somehow know that Olli was Florian made him very nervous.

Even though he had never shown Gregor the picture the fear kept eating at him and he didn't know how to get over this fear. Gregor's threat that he would 'kill the man who had taken advantage of his little brother' still rang in Christian's ears clear as a bell.

Christian wasn't good at lying that is what had got him caught in the first place.

But not telling wasn't the same as lying, was it? So he hadn't lied to Gregor this time. He just hadn't told him anything but if he kept up his aggressive behaviour Gregor would definitely smell a rat and that would lead to an interrogation.

He had to curb his temper if he really wanted to keep Olli safe and give their relationship a chance to grow.

*Cool down baby* Christian told himself before he entered No Limits and was greeted by his smiling boyfriend.

"Christian can we talk," Gregor asked as Christian was unlocking his door.

"S..sure," Christian stammered.

"About this morning..." Gregor started.

Christian stared at his brother and prayed that his very receptive brother hadn't picked up on his strange behaviour.

"...I didn't mean to cross the line like that. I'm sorry."

Christian mentally sighed in relief.

"It's okay," Christian answered breezily now that he knew his brother didn't suspect a thing.

"Gregor just please cut down on the jibes okay. I think Olli might be the one. So I don't want you chasing him away."

"Wow! The one! Kleiner bruder are you sure." Gregor asked a look of utter disbelief on his face.

"I said he might be, so please cut down on the stupid comments. Think about how it was with Luise. And next time think if she would have liked the comment if I had said it to her when you two were dating."

"Okay, ok I get it. No more inappropriate comments. Alright, are we ok now?"

"Well, at least we are on the same wavelength now." Christian said to give Gregor the impression that he was still pissed at his brother's thoughtless behaviour.

He quickly opened the door and slammed it shut behind himself so that their conversation couldn't be extended.

He collapsed on the couch. He wondered how long it would be before he blurted out something to either Olli or Gregor.

Christian watched as Olli skillfully chopped the carrots, the onions and tomatoes like an expert TV chef

"Wow! You're fast." Christian gaped in awe.

"Well I've had a lot of practice. I cooked for my friends on the ship on my days off."

"Where did you learn to cook? From Charley?"

"No," Olli laughed and continued, "That poor lady can't even boil water. I took classes in rehab"

"Rehab?"

Olli looked up in shock at the blond man and realized what he let slip out. He proceeded hoping Christian wouldn't flee.

The stories of swift break ups that he had heard from his fellow rehab mates who he was still in contact with rattled in his mind.

Hopefully Christian wasn't like those people's partners, so Olli soldiered on with his explanation.

"Yup! I've been sober and clean for 6 years now." Though there was pride in Olli's voice his dimmed eyes conveyed the shame he felt.

"Sober and clean?" Christian questioned his eyes growing wider with shock.

"I was a double offender. Not only was I an alcoholic I was also a drug addict. There is nothing that I hadn't snorted, swallowed, puffed or injected." Olli explained as he spread the vegetables in the baking dish and started to arrange the chicken fillets over them. He watched as Christian's face slowly paled and then reddened.

"I wasn't someone your brother would have wanted you to associate with had we met six years back. I would have been a terrible influence on an aspiring teacher. Come to think of it..." whatever he was going to say was interrupted by the trilling of his cell phone.

"Hi! Olivia." He greeted his cousin's voice

"No I can't." whatever the girl was asking Olli wasn't budging

"I'm not going to do that either."

Christian stared at Olli as the other man tucked the phone between his ear and shoulder and continued with his chores. He put the baking dish in the oven and set the timer. He kept listening to the annoying voice in his ear as he wiped down the kitchen counter then proceeded to put away the dishes from the dish washer.

Christian absorbed the information - So that's where Florian had disappeared first to a rehab center and then to sea.

Olli watched Christian as the younger man sat intently watching Olli.

*So he hadn't run off screaming that was a good sign* Olli felt relieved. Once Olivia's incessant jabber had ended he put down the phone finally And in turn watched Christian before speaking.

"You're staring. Anything the matter?" Olli asked breaking into Christian's thoughts and jolting him back to reality.

"Nothing. Just overload of info. I can't believe you were that guy. You don't look the type." Christian hoped Olli wouldn't see through his lies.

"Christian there isn't a 'type' who is more prone to becoming addicts." Olli said gently.

Christian realized he had to change the topic so he decided to go to his favourite and asked

"When do we eat?"

"Well another 20 minutes to go before the fillets are done. So why don't you have some cucumber sticks" Olli said holding up the bowl of salad.

Christian just made a face and headed to the fridge.

Olli blocked his access

"No chance Sir. You are supposed to be watching your weight. It's either cucumbers, fruits or nothing."

"Yes Mom," turning around he picked up a cucumber stick and sat chomping on it, a look of utter disgust on his face.

"God you remind me so much of..."

Christian's ears pricked up

"Who? Who do I remind you of?"

"Oh just someone I once knew." Olli sadly said as he took off his apron.

Then he smiled at Christian cheerfully

"I'm going down now. I'll be back in a few minutes so no scrounging in the fridge."

Christian just stuck his tongue out at him.

"Very mature Coach Mann" Olli teased ruffling his hair. He leaned in to kiss Christian but the blond backed away and just stared at him with an unreadable expression on his face.

Olli straightened, turning he walked to the door swiftly opened it and exited the flat.

Firmly shutting the door behind him Olli leaned back against it.

Great he had just nipped this relationship right in the bud.

*Bravo Olli! You complete moron. You had to confess didn't you*

CHAPTER 34 - A Cuddle and A Giggle

Christian hadn't missed the hurt that had passed over Olli's features when he had backed away

*Shit I'm such a bloody idiot*

Stuffing the cucumber stick in his mouth he jumped up. Hurrying to the door he yanked it open and Olli fell right into his arms.

Turning him around Christian kissed him.

Instantly Olli pulled away, "Blaaakh. You've still got food in your mouth."

"Sorry" Christian smiled and quickly swallowed. He again tugged Olli tight in his arms and thoroughly kissed him.

"What's with you guys and PDA." Gregor's voice floated in from the hallway.

"Drop Dead," Christian mumbled as he slammed the door shut.

He walked them back to the couch and pushed Olli onto it then followed him covering the lean body with his own.

He scattered kisses all along Olli jaw line and throat as he unbuttoned the older man's shirt.

Once Olli's shirt was unbuttoned and un-tucked Christian attacked the pale taut flesh of his chest as Olli's fingers tangled in his hair.

Though he would have liked to give in Olli preferred that they talked first.

"Christian please, stop!"

Christian instead kissed him.

Olli planted a firm hand on Christian's chest. Pushing him away Olli wiggled out from underneath the blond.

"What?" Christian demanded with a frown as he watched the older man sit up.

"Sex doesn't solve anything." Olli retorted.

"Solve what?" Christian enquired as he watched Olli button up his shirt and sat up himself.

"I'm an ex-addict." Olli said firmly.

"So?" Christian asked and leaned in to kiss him but this time Olli backed away.

"So how do you feel about me now?" Olli demanded to know looking at Christian's face intently

"Do you still use?" Christian asked in an irritated tone.

"No, Of course not" Olli answered with vehemence.

"Am I going to find you passed out on our bathroom floor?" Christian quizzed him.

"No you won't," Olli answered

"I'm sorry I backed away when you tried to kiss me. But finding out my boyfriend is an ex-addict kinda knocked the wind out of my sails." Christian said and put his arm around Olli's shoulder.

"Forgive me." The blond requested looking into the green eyes.

"There's nothing to forgive." Olli said and smiled.

"Now may I kiss you?" Christian asked pouting.

"Sure," Olli said and proceeded to push Christian back onto the couch.

It would be a good hour before Olli would get a chance to go downstairs and check up on Miriam and consult with Gregor.

Their time together as a couple was quiet identical to the way they spent it before they became a couple. They ate breakfast together which Olli prepared then headed to their individual jobs and on days Olli went in late the older man would head back to bed to take a nap once Christian left for school.

They prepared dinner together and ate while exchanging details about their day before Olli headed down to No Limits on the days he had the night shift and on his nights off they'd watch a movie together.

The big difference was that weekends they had breakfast in bed; which sometimes Christian would be the one to prepare now that Olli had started teaching him to cook.

And on some nights when Olli didn't have to go to No Limits they indulged in activities which were far more enjoyable than anything that was playing on the television.

Olli was going thru the mail when he came upon an envelope marked URGENT in red.

He ripped it open, and quickly read the single sheet of paper he had pulled out.

"Shit! I'd completely forgotten," he exclaimed and slapped his forehead.

Christian who had been sitting at the dining table reading a school text preparing lecture notes looked up at him in alarm,

"What did you forget?" he asked Olli with a frown.

"My stuff. It's still in storage." Olli answered

"Your stuff?" Christian's curiosity was piqued

"Yah from the time I used to live here before I went off to sea."

"You have more stuff!" The blond exclaimed.

"Yah some pieces of furniture and my old bike. I have to go pick them up before the storage company auctions them off."

"When do you have to go get them?" the younger man enquired.

Olli checked the dates. "I have to empty the space by this Sunday."

"Okay we'll go down there on Saturday. We'll hire moving vans"

"One van should be more than enough. I have a single bed, my old desk, a couple of chairs and my bike. I can drive my bike back here."

"Olli your bike will have to be transported by van as well. After being locked up for so long it'll be in dire need of servicing." Christian informed him knowledgably.

Olli had to agree with Christian's logic.

"I hope it is serviceable it's a damn old model," he finally said

"Which one is it?" the blond enquired

"A 1992 K75 I bought it second hand" Olli crowed proudly

"It's like the grand dad of my K1200GT." Christian scoffed

"It maybe old but that baby runs like butter when she's in top form. Yours it's just so so."

"Come on. Mine is an upgraded model. You have to agree mine is bigger and better" Christian declared.

"As if? It may be bigger but that doesn't make it better" Olli countered .

Suddenly Olli heard a click.

Olli sensed they had an eaves dropper and said loudly

"Oh can we please not get into the 'mine's bigger than yours' debate." And pointed towards the slightly open front door.

Christian got into the game and answered back just as loudly. "You know it is after all a valid point of debate. And I say mine is bigger than yours."

"Okay yours bigger than mine. There I said it." Olli answered and suppressed the laugh bubbling inside him.

Christian got up and slowly approached the door.

"As if there was ever any doubt. And I'm sure Miriam will agree with me." Christian finished a little too loudly when he spied the top of a blond head.

"Miriam I know you're out there so why don't you come in and tell Olli that mine is bigger." Christian invited her in.

Red faced Miriam entered she looked from Christian's straight face to Olli's smirking one, and gulped.

"How am I supposed to know?" The blonde girl mumbled out turning a deeper shade of red.

"Miriam its basic math a 1200cc motorbike is definitely bigger and better than a 750cc one isn't it?"

"You were arguing over bikes?" the truth dawned and Miriam's face slowly turned to its normal shade.

"Yah! Of course. What else would we be arguing about?" Christian queried as he crossed his arms over his chest and frowned at her.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Miriam mumbled and tried to escape.

Olli couldn't suppress his guffaw.

"You know Miriam curiosity killed the cat and eavesdropping on private conversations is gonna give you a heart attack." Olli advised wisely before the boyfriends burst out laughing as they looked at Miriam's flustered expression.

"I didn't mean to eaves drop I just came to tell you that the bachelor party we had been booked for, that group has arrived. So we need you downstairs."

Christian gently told her patting her head.

"Next time ring the bell. It's been put there for that very purpose."

Miriam fled.

"And you," Christian said pointing at Olli "better take back the key you gave her."

"I'm on it. But her face... I've never seen her turn that shade of pink ever before."

They both collapsed into each other's arms laughing.

Chapter End Notes:

Olli's bike

Christian's bike

.dk/images/Walls_3/BMW-K1200GT-2003%

CHAPTER 35 - Truths, Trust and Everything in Between

Christian sat in the teacher's lounge staring at the old picture of Olli on his laptop.

Mentally he made two lists

Florian...

Drunk,

Roofie,

Crass,

One night stand.

Olli...

Teetotaller,

Food,

Gentle,

Love.

He hadn't seen any part of Florian in Olli. It was like they were two completely different people. Should he confront Olli he wondered. But what purpose would that serve? Except open up a whole can of old worms.

He was happy with Olli. It was best for everyone if Florian stayed buried.

"Ooooo! Hey isn't that the hottie from No Limits." Nina the English teacher's voice broke into his thoughts as she came and stood beside him and turned the laptop towards herself.

"Yah! It is."

"What're you doing with a picture of his?" she asked with a curious frown.

"Wellll, I guess it's natural to have picture of your boyfriend to show off isn't it."

"Oh Great!" Nina humphed and plopped down on the chair beside him.

"Oh the agony! The pain! The suffering! Why are all thee hot guys gay?" she said wiping away a fake tear and for effect fake blew her nose noisily.

Christian laughed, "No wonder you're in charge of the drama department."

"So is he hot in bed." the girl asked with a waggle of his brows

"Sorry Nina I don't kiss and tell."

"You're no fun." Nina said with a pout.

"Sorry m'lady you'll have to find someone else to spill their bedroom tales. Coz this guy here ain't saying a word." Christian informed her chivalrously

"He's lucky. Wish Paul was more like you." she said with obvious envy.

"Did he do it again?"

"Yah! I'm not a prize horse. The way he always shows me off."

"You should have dumped him ages ago." Christian advised.

"Herr. Mann a word with you," the lady commanded shortly

"Sure Mrs. Jorgen." Christian immediately stood up in greeting

"I hope you are aware that a student of yours is mooning over you," she informed him tactlessly

"Madam, you don't have to worry I will handle the situation tactfully and carefully."

"I hope so. This is why we don't hire male teachers here. The situation could get messy," the principal almost sneered.

"Madam please put your mind at ease. I will never do anything to jeopardize the name of the school and most importantly my teaching career," Christian's heart sank.

Olli entered the flat a little after 2 in the morning. He opened the fridge to take out the bottle of water when he felt two arms encircle his waist from behind. He jumped in fright and almost dropped the bottle.

"God Christian you scared me." Olli rebuked Christian as he turned and hugged his boyfriend.

Letting go of Olli Christian went and sat on the couch as Olli switched on the lights.

Noticing the expression on Christian's face he asked in concern, "Alles Okay." and sat down beside Christian.

Christian instantly lay down in Olli's lap. Burying his face in Olli's midriff he whispered, "Nein, nichts ist okay."

"What's wrong?" Olli asked as he ran tender fingers through Christian's hair.

"You remember that student I told you about." Christian mumbled into Olli's stomach

"The one who you thought had a crush on you?"

"Ya, it was confirmed today and the principal was the one who confirmed it. Then she warned me."

"Warned you? About what? She thinks that you'll suddenly go straight or something?" Olli enquired puzzled.

Christian looked up and gave a hollow laugh, "Can you believe it?"

"SO what're gonna do?" Olli questioned.

"Frankly, I have absolutely no idea." Christian said and sat up.

"My first job and I might get kicked out because some little girl has taken a fancy to me. And the principal thinks that I would take advantage of it. Years of hard work down the fucking drain."

"Christian calm down. The girl hasn't made any advances on you and you definitely won't make advances on her. So stop worrying. I'm sure the principal just wants you to stay on your guard that's why she warned you. They all like you there don't they?"

Christian nodded his head to indicate a positive answer.

Christian laid his head on Olli's shoulder as the older man put his arm around the blond and pulled him close.

"Now stop worrying your fuzzy little head. Crushes pass within weeks she'll be over you in no time. This time next month she'll have a crush on Hugh Jackman or some other movie star or pop star and you'll be just her teacher once more." Olli told him.

"I hope you're right," Christian mumbled snuggling into Olli.

Olli watched him yawn and yawned himself.

"Now my sexy coach shall we go to bed."

"Sure." Christian said but made no attempt to get up.

Christian slowly walked his fingers up Olli's thigh and then up his chest.

Olli watched the progress of his boyfriend's fingers.

"What are you doing?" Olli asked cocking one eyebrow and pinning his boyfriend with his green gaze.

"Trying to seduce you."

"Oh baby you had me seduced at hello,"

"That's the cheesiest line I've heard," Christian said laughing.

"Why? It worked for Tom Cruise didn't it?" Olli said and giggled.

"You're nuts." Christian said laughing and tweaked his boyfriend's nose.

"Yup, I'm nuts. Nuts about you." Olli said his eyes bright and trusting as he kissed Christian.

Christian heart gave a twinge. Should he tell Olli? No, then he would only lose him.

He wrapped his arms around Olli to pull him flush against his body and deepened the kiss to block out all other thoughts.

CHAPTER 36 - Red and Green and A Side Of Pickles

Christian loved Saturdays. Saturdays meant he could hang around No Limits eat as many croissants, brownies and other sweet nibbles he could lay his hands on and at regular intervals kiss his boss for the weekend.

As he picked up yet another croissant Olli remarked, "You do know that those have been kept there to be sold to paying customers."

Christian gave a pout and whined, "It's just my first Olli,"

"No, My love that's your third. It's a wonder that you aren't big as a house the way you keep eating."

"There I'm not eating it!" Christian scowled as he flung it back on the tray, "Satisfied!"

"Christian I didn't mean..."

Christian just headed off to take an order with a hissed, "Screw you!" at Olli

As he handed the order to Miriam, he startled when Olli who had been speaking on the phone started hopping in glee.

"What's with him?" Christian asked Miriam, "He's your boyfriend, you ask him." she answered with a sweet smile.

"Tschuss!" Olli ended the call a wide grin plastered on his face.

Turning to Christian he kissed him and said, "Guess who that was",

"I don't know," Christian answered, "Ummm ...Anna Maria Kaufman."

Olli giggled, "No, you remember I had told you I wanted to book that awesome event manager for Charley's wedding."

"Yah, but they said that he was booked solid for the next six months."

"They had a cancellation, groom ran away with the mother in law or something of the sort. But now that he has an opening he will take us. After all it is the wedding of Charlotte Schneider and Sascha Groebel. He said he'll make it the biggest event of the year."

"That's fantastic!" Christian said as he kissed Olli, he was just as overjoyed that Charley would be getting her dream wedding.

"I know." Olli couldn't stop smiling.

"So when is he coming?" Christian asked.

"In an hour or so if traffic isn't bad."

Their earlier tiff forgotten Christian picked up his abandoned croissant and bit into it.

Olli smirked at him.

"Was?" Christian asked his mouth full and a frown marring his handsome face.

"Nothing," Olli answered smiling and kissed his boyfriend on the cheek.

Christian watched the man enter No Limits. He was a bit under dressed for the cold early February weather.

*A connoisseur of fashion I see * was Christian's first thought.

He watched the man approach the bar counter and ask for Oliver Sable.

*So this was the event manager. Looks more like a clothes horse.* Christian thought with a dismissive smile.

For the first few days, his contact with Robert Marenbach was minimal as the man would be on his way out of No Limits after discussing arrangements and plans for the wedding by the time Christian returned home from school.

But then the next Saturday Christian noticed something that made his back arch like an alley cat's.

Robert who preferred being call 'Rob' took every opportunity to touch Olli.

A touch on his arm, a touch on his knee or his shoulder, but Christian controlled his jealousy.

Christian finally saw red when Rob playfully pinched Olli's cheek.

He was about to do something about it when Judith came in and gave him a tight hug instantly distracting him.

As they sat talking Christian couldn't help keep glancing at the corner table where Rob and Olli sat.

"Oooo do I see the green monster raising its angry little head?" Judith enquired with a teasing smile.

"No, of course not." Christian answered too quickly proving Judith right.

"Christian you do know I'm not blind. The way you're gripping your glass I think you would prefer that it was that guy's neck." Judith remarked

"Just look at him." Christian almost spat.

"I see nothing extraordinary." Judith said giving Rob a thorough inspection

"The way he is behaving." Christian said trying to be more specific.

"What way is he behaving?" Judith asked puzzled

"He's touching Olli." Christian said blazing with anger.

"So?" she couldn't see anything extraordinary about it.

"I don't like it." Christian finally told her.

"Wow! If you get any more jealous I'm sure green steam will shoot out your ears." Judith joked trying to deflate his bad mood.

"Thanks. You're a true friend" He answered sarcastically, "there that guy is fingering my boyfriend and here you're making fun of me."

"Calm down Christian. Don't you trust Olli at all?"

Christian instantly felt ashamed, Judith knew exactly how to put everything into perspective.

"Yes, of course I trust him." he answered meekly.

"Then stop behaving like scalded cat and go introduce yourself." Judith advised

"He already knows who I am." Christian said petulantly

"Then go and show some interest in the wedding plans. Do I have to think of everything?" his longtime best friend said.

Christian got up intending to follow Judith's advice when she caught his hand

"But before that, could you make me a chocolate blackberry apple ginger milkshake."

"Yuck!" he said and shuddered

"I'm pregnant schatz and that's what I crave." Judith said smiling sweetly then added "Make sure you put extra whipped cream on top and bring a side of pickles".

"Double Yuck!" Christian said and gagged.

Once he had served Judith Christian went and sat down beside Olli.

He draped arm around Olli's shoulders as if marking his territory.

"So how are the plans coming along.?" he asked

"They're coming along." Olli said a tinge of frustration in his tone.

"Oh Chrissie baby, Nice of you to join us." Rob's chirpy greeting only made Christian want to strangle him but he squashed his first instinct and instead said, "SO what theme have you chosen."

"Paris in Winter," Rob said theatrically waving his hands making a semi circle in the air and looking dreamily at the ceiling.

Christian snorted, *a 'Winter' theme for a late spring wedding,* you can always trust wedding planners to come up with something absurd.

Olli suddenly said very sweetly to Christian, "Why don't you and Rob talk for a bit while I go check up on Miriam and Anna." and getting up he left the two blondes together.

Rob gave Christian a crooked smile and said, "Olli told me you work as a teacher."

"Yah!"

"What do you teach the little kiddies?," Rob asked smirking.

"Rob I'd hardly call my 11th and 12th graders 'kiddies'." Christian answered shortly

"Ooooo... any of them hot?" Rob enquired waggling his brows.

"Rob that's sick." Christian hissed cringing in disgust.

"Relax Chrissie I'm just pulling your leg. I didn't mean to insinuate anything. No offence," Rob apologized sincerely.

"None taken," Christian said in a tone which communicated the exact opposite to Rob.

"Olli is right you are really cute when you're angry." Rob said chuckling and pinched Christian's cheek.

Christian gaped at the man, what was this Rob character's game he wondered.

CHAPTER 37 - Rob A Big Pile Of Floating Hearts.

Rob is in Love!
Oh This is it!
I finally found someone, someone to share my life
I finally found the one to be with every night
Cause whatever I do
Its just got to be you
My life has just begun, I finally found someone
And whatever I do
Its just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone
- Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams

CHAPTER 37 - Rob A Big Pile Of Floating Hearts.

"So do you really wanna help with the planning or did you come to keep an eye on Olli and me to make sure I wasn't trying some hanky panky with him," Rob enquired with a knowing smile.

"I...ummm...," Christian slammed his mouth shut he had never been so embarrassed in his life. Rob had caught on to his behaviour very quickly.

"There's no need to apologize, I am used to it, my Lu is exactly like you. If he catches another man even looking at me he turns the brightest shade of green. You two are like peas in a pod. But things have been easier since the ceremony." Rob confided to Christian

"Since the ceremony?" Christian asked with a puzzled frown

"Our commitment ceremony," Rob explained and held up his right hand to show off his humongous gold ring peppered with diamonds.

He rolled his eyes and continued "I know it's on the wrong finger but Lu got my size wrong and I'm just too superstitious to have it resized."

"How long have you been married?" Christian asked curiously

"A little over six months. You're still very young Christian so you can't imagine what it's like to be loved like that. Even the jealousy is endearing. Olli may get peeved at you for it but he knows that you love him. One piece of advice though try to tone it down a little kiddo, otherwise you may end up chasing him away." Rob advised patting him on his back.

"So how about we both get chummy and you show some interest in the wedding plans. Just for Olli's sake hmmm." Rob said with a gentle smile.

Christian soon realized that this Rob character wasn't up to anything, other than help Olli give Charley the dream wedding she truly deserved.

Christian also realized that Rob was just an over affectionate guy who patted and hugged people at the smallest of provocations as he had been on the receiving end of Rob's sudden affectionate behaviour as well.

And Rob loved to talk about his 'Lu'.

God alone knew what Rob's husband's full name was coz once he started singing 'Lu's' praises there was no stopping him.

A few days later as Christian and Olli sat down for dinner the conversation inevitably turned to the wedding plans and at the slow pace at which they were proceeding because some or the other thing would remind Rob of his husband and that would set him off with yet another series of anecdotes about Lu

"I understand that he's in love but this constant floating hearts around his head is a bit nauseating," Olli griped.

"They're still in the honeymoon stage and the impression I got was that for Rob that acceptance, that love was very hard fought for." Christian opined.

"Yah!" Olli agreed, "Finally having a family again is a big deal for him. I thought I had a terrible outing because my mother disowned now I have realized that I was one of the lucky ones. Rob had it so much worse he was bashed within an inch of his life by his own brothers when he came out."

"Bloody Shit! That's terrible." Christian exclaimed in horror.

"Yah! tell me about it. Your own blood behaving like that with you. They'd rather have you dead than be gay." Olli said with disgust.

They sat in silence each contemplating their own thoughts when suddenly Christian chuckled, "Did you at least finally come to know what Lu is short for ... Luan, Luciano, Luboslaw, Lukas... Lucifer?"

"Christian I try not to say any word that starts with an L around him. I swear if I hear another 'My Lu does this' or 'My Lu said that' I'm definitely going to strangle him."

As they lay in bed that night Christian suddenly said ,"Being in love is a great feeling isn't it?"

"Umm Hmmm" Olli mumbled as he was already on his way to dreamland.

Christian watched Olli sleep.

Carefully lifting the sleeping man's hand to his lips he pressed a kiss on the back of Olli's hand.

Cuddling closer to Olli he softly whispered in his ear, "I love you so much, I hope you can forgive me for my omission, for not telling you the truth."

Pressing a gentle kiss on Olli's cheek he laid his head on the sleeping man's chest and was lulled to sleep by the steadily beating strong heart.

Chapter End Notes:

Rob's 'Lu'

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So my dear ones what do you think of this interpretation.

I wrote this after I saw 'Speed Dating'

Please Read and review.

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CHAPTER 38 - An Accident and An Old Wound

"FUCK!"

The loud exclamation rang out through the flat share and was followed by uproarious laughter.

Christian could make out the laughter was Olli's. But who did the loud cuss belong to?

Intrigued Christian walked out to the living room. The scene that greeted him made him laugh as well.

Rob was standing at the kitchen island an empty can of coconut milk in his hand and a hapless expression on his face as he watched the coconut milk that he had managed to dump on himself slowly dripped off his clothes.

"What happened here?" Christian asked as he tried to control his laughter.

"What do you think?" Rob snapped, "Stupid tin wouldn't open so I gave the cover a mighty tug and now it's all over me. I wanted to learn Thai curry from Olli but now the coconut milk is all gone. Now what am I supposed to do? I wanted to learn it so I could make it for Lu's birthday on next Saturday because it's his favourite and this is his first birthday after our wedding. I'm so stupid. I'm the biggest idiot on the planet and the worst cook in the universe." Rob ranted in despair as tears filmed his soft grey eyes.

Olli gently patted his shoulder, "Hey, hey calm down. It was an accident. It's just four in the evening; the supermarket is right round the corner. We'll get as many cans as you need. Okay," Rob tearfully nodded.

"Now go to the bathroom and take a shower and I'll find something for you to wear." Olli instructed the man and pointed him towards the bathroom.

They heard the shower run.

"Christian I guess we'll have to give him something of yours coz he ain't gonna be able to fit into anything of mine."

Christian dutifully went and brought Olli a pair of his Khakis and a shirt.

Olli knocked on the bathroom door and entering hung the clothes on the towel rack.

"He definitely is silly. Why does he have to cook? What's so great about cooking for someone anyway?"

Olli cocked an eyebrow, "It is considered an expression of love schatz, and you seem to have conveniently forgotten that I cook for you."

Christian looked at Olli's annoyed face and realized his comment had been completely inappropriate.

Rob came out and looked around like a chastised child.

Approaching Christian he mumbled shyly, "Thanks for the loan,"

"How do you know they're mine?" Christian was stumped.

"The colours are too sober to be Olli's" Rob said and smiled at Christian, "where is Olli anyway?" he asked Christian

"He went to get some tetra packs of coconut milk so there isn't a replay of the coconut milk bath scene." Christian informed him and managed to extract an embarrassed smile from Rob.

They sat in silence as Christian flipped through a magazine.

"I hope you don't mind that I will have to keep Olli busy coz I wanna give Lu a big birthday bash here at No Limits this Saturday." Rob suddenly said

"Nope, I don't mind. I'll even help in the arrangement if required." Christian replied giving Rob a winning smile.

"By the way what is Lu's given name," Christian asked, it was high time that mystery was unraveled

Rob frowned in confusion "His name?" Christian nodded, "Oh I never did tell either of you guys did I? I'm feel so stupid now. It's Lukas Kaiser-Wulf."

"Oh very royal name I see. Is he of royal blood?" Christian asked playfully but Rob just took him seriously

"No, sadly he isn't, but he is my prince charming. Have I told you how we met It was just like out of a movie. I was hired by his sister to plan her wedding and he being gay and all was assigned to help me. We hated each other at first sight but then something happened we started to get along, became friends even. I fell for him but he was always standoffish I was sure there was no future for us. The day his sister got married that night he invited me back to his place I thought it was for a date but he said he wanted to go over the final expenditures so that he could cut me a check. You won't believe how heartbroken I felt as I had headed over to his place that night but he really did arrange a candle light dinner for two with all the trimmings. I never thought I'd get that lucky. ..." and Rob was lost in his reminisces.

Christian rolled his eyes in irritation this was the third time he had heard that story. He let Rob ramble on and waited patiently for Olli's return.

He was happily thankful when Olli returned back home in a few minutes.

As Olli put away his purchases and Rob babbled on non stop Christian whispered in his boyfriend's ear, "Don't ever leave me alone with that guy again."

"Why what happened? He started with his Lu stories again,"

"Yah! What else? But atleast I was able to extract his name this time. It's Lukas." Christian declared with a grin.

Hearing Lukas's name mentioned Rob came over as well.

"Yah that's his name." Rob said proudly.

Olli stared at the two blondes and swallowed in fear, "Lukas?" he choked out.

"Yup, Lukas Kaiser- Wulf. That's his name." Rob said again with a wide grin.

Olli let out a relieved breath all that went through his mind was *It isn't him*

As Olli put the last touches on the 'Happy Birthday Lukas' banners. The apprehension he had felt since the first time he heard that name gnawed at him again. But that was impossible. Firstly, this Lukas was not only married but he was married to a MAN. Secondly and most importantly the last names didn't match.

All dressed up Olli tried to calm down. Trust Rob to completely catch Olli off kilter.

Rob had very off handedly told Olli "We'll be having some extra guests on Saturday night for Lu's birthday. You see he has such important clients we have to invite everyone of them."

Telling Olli only 48 hours in advance that he was inviting 225 people instead of just 25 was bad enough but then telling him that those 'extra' 200 included the richest people of Düsseldorf was unforgivable.

The Von Lahnsteins were coming!

That meant the press would be crawling all over the place.

*I hope they like the arrangements we've made*

One bad review and No Limits might as well shut down for good.

Gregor and he had to scurry around like squirrel getting ready for the winter to arrange everything on time. Luise and Christian had pitched in so the work load had been lightened. Especially Luise's knowledge of arranging galas and every kind of large function had come in very handy and cut their work by half.

Chicly decorated No Limits was almost unrecognizable now. But even then this would be Olli's first time arranging such a huge event. Unable to control himself Olli headed to the bathroom and threw up again. He bent over the toilet bowl until his stomach was empty and the dry heaves had abated.

He splashed water on his face then gargled to refresh his breath

Olli was overcome with a feeling of impending doom and it had him in a vice like grip. He jumped in fright when his cell phone suddenly buzzed. He flipped it open after reading Miriam's name

"Hello," he said into the mic mentally crossing his fingers and praying that there wasn't any trouble in No Limits.

"Olli, Miriam here, the caterers are have arrived,"

Olli checked his watch and felt like jumping in joy, "They're early!"

"I know," Miriam answered and giggled.

"What about the food?" he asked hoping there wasn't a problem there.

"They're setting up as we speak and I think it's more than enough and the aroma Olli, mmmm... it's making MY stomach growl. The head chef wants to talk to you though about the dessert."

"I'll be right down. By the way is Christian down there."

"Olli food is here so it's obvious he'd be here as well. I think the chefs are going to kill him coz he's already got that gleam in his eye and has started poking around."

"Okay I'm coming. Try to keep him away from the food until I get there." Olli said and laughed.

He hurried down stairs and found exactly what he had expected Christian was going round lifting lids off dishes and sniffing at the contents.

"Christian heel," Olli whispered in his boyfriend's ear.

"Olli I was just looking," Christian whined

"Yah, of course," Olli said a knowing smile on his face.

"Honest, Scout's honor," Christian swore

"Okay, I believe you. Now go get dressed." Olli instructed giving him a playful pat on his butt and pushed him towards the stairs.

Olli looked around No Limits and admired all their hard work as he sipped a glass of mixed juice.

Everything looked perfect. Nothing could spoil this evening except... his constant urge to throw up. Olli headed to the restroom to vomit out the miniscule amount of juice and the few pretzels he had just consumed. As he washed up he realized the last time he had been in this state it was right before his college exams which he had invariably flunked. He hoped this wasn't a sign from above that this night was going to be a major disaster as well.

Tightly gripping the rim of the wash basin he rebuked himself

"No, I have to be positive. And anyway there is no chance anything can go wrong. This is just my insecurities filling me with doubt," He blew out a long breath smoothing his coat and buttoning it he instructed himself, "Get a grip Olli and think positive,"

The next couple of hours flew by in a blink of eye and the next thing Olli knew was No Limits was filled with diamonds and furs. Keeping the crème de la crème entertained was a little difficult as they weren't the regular party crowd. There was still no sign of Rob or his husband. Worst of all the party planner's cell phone was switched off as well.

As time passed Olli could make out that the guests were slowly started to get pissed off. He couldn't help but hear the snide comments that were being passed in honey and milk tones.

When the clock struck nine and there was still no sign of the pair in whose honor the event had been organized Olli finally gave into his panic and scurried off to the flat. He didn't want to be present when the invitees started to curse him and then leave in a huff.

Olli sat in the dark bedroom contemplating the impending humiliation when Gregor came in a wide grin on his face,

"Hey! Good news the birthday boy and his better half have finally shown up." Gregor informed him.

"Really!" Olli jumped up, "Thank God"

"It's crazy down there! I was sure all of them were about to trash the place right before Rob arrived. But now that they've arrived the guests have finally calmed down." Gregor told him, "I'm gonna take a break from the madness if you don't mind,"

"I completely understand, go put your feet up for a little while, Christian and I'll manage just fine,"

Reinvigorated Olli headed down to the bar. As soon as he entered Rob instantly approached him and started to apologize profusely,

"I'm so sorry but the Thai Curry was such a hit that our afternoon celebrations went on for too long and we fell asleep," Rob said and blushed.

"I'm just glad you made it before they lynched me," Olli replied with a small laugh.

"I'm really sorry," Rob said again.

"Well what's done is done. Now won't you introduce me to the birthday boy?"

"Oh of course definitely." Rob said and grabbing Olli's arm almost dragged him towards the center of the crowd of well wishers towards a tall well built figure of a man who had his back turned to Olli as he stood speaking to Christian

Whatever he had said had elicited a genuine smile from Christian which was definitely a good sign as Christian usually did not warm up to strangers so quickly or easily.

Christian saw him approaching and waved him over with a

"Hey Olli, we finally get to meet the elusive Lu,"

Christian's words made the man turn around and Olli couldn't help but stare in shock

Lukas's smile disappeared as well and he stared back at Olli as if he had seen a ghost.

Olli stopped in his tracks and stood gaping at the man he had desperately prayed, actually begged God, he'd never encounter again. The man who had sparked the beginning of the worst phase of Olli's life.

CHAPTER 39 - Crash and Burn

Rob walked over to his husband and linked his arm with Lukas's

"Lu you've already met Christian and this is Oliver Sabel co owner of this bar."

"And Olli this is my husband Lukas Kaiser-Wulf. Isn't he something else?" Rob preened and kissed Lukas's cheek.

Olli limply held out his hand and said weakly, "He's something else alright. Nice to meet you Lukas." Olli prayed he hadn't been recognized.

Lukas took his offered hand and stared at Olli very intently a deep frown creasing his forehead.

"Oliver Sabel? Olli ! It is you, isn't it? How have you been buddy." Lukas said and firmly shook Olli's hand.

Olli quickly tugged him again away and gulped his mind slowly started to blank.

"Do you already know each other?" Rob asked eaten by curiosity.

"We used to be flat mates." Lukas informed his husband and gave Olli a cordial smile.

Though he was wearing a deep V-neck t-shirt Olli suddenly felt like he was being choked. Looking around in panic he mumbled, "I'll be right back," and fled towards the stairs his only aim to cocoon himself in the sanctuary of the flat. He felt like his heart was being squashed in his chest. He rubbed the general area hoping to sooth the tightness in his chest. It was so cold when had the air conditioning been lowered to that extent he wondered. He shivered as dizziness and nausea overcame him. Finally came welcome darkness his only respite.

Christian had watched in concern as Olli had paled after being introduced to Robert's partner. His concern had turn to full blown alarm as he had watched Olli stumble towards the stairs and then suddenly collapse into a heap.

Running over to the motionless figure on the floor he fell to his knees beside him. Turning Olli over onto his back he gently patted his boyfriend's cheek, "Olli, come on wake up." There was no response. Seeing that Olli's usually pink lips were turning blue he yelled to Miriam, "Call an ambulance." The waitress who looked like she was close to tears hurriedly dialed emergency. She stammered out the cause of her call and gave No Limits' address.

"Olli! Oh God! Dammit! Please wake up!" Christian scooped up Ollie and cradled him against his own chest. Placing a gentle kiss on the now sheet white forehead he waited for the ambulance hoping against hope Olli would make it.

Just as the emergency medics were placing Olli on the gurney Gregor came hurrying down, "I heard the sirens. What happ..." he stopped midway when his eyes fell on the occupant of the gurney

"Oh God! Olli? Christian! What happened?"

"I don't know." Christian exclaimed raking a finger thru his hair. "He just collapsed."

"Are you family?" one of the medics asked addressing Christian and Gregor.

"No, but I'm his boyfriend." Christian mumbled. The medic made an unsavory face but continued flatly, "Please inform his family there will be hospital formalities to be taken care of." His duty done the medic jumped into the back of the ambulance and shut the doors. The ambulance took off sirens ringing, lights blazing.

As they all sat in the visitor's area. All kinds of thoughts crowded Christian's brain. There could be a million causes behind Olli's sudden collapse.

Olli was an ex-addict which increased his chances of developing something severe - coronary failure, a burst aneurysm, multiple organ failure, heart attack , all of which were fatal.

Christian controlled himself as long as he could. But when he saw the motionless form of Olli lying hospital gurney and being wheeled out of the examination room to a private room the tears finally escaped his eyes and trickled down his cheeks. Gregor came and sat beside him. Hugging him Gregor whispered, "Don't worry he's going to be just fine."

Christian looked into his brother's eyes and said desperately, "What if he isn't? How will I go on?"

"Keep a positive attitude." Gregor advised.

Christian scoffed and looked away his eyes falling on the approaching form of the doctor. He sprang up and briskly walked over to the man.

"What happened? How is he?"