AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Loooooong overdue. That is all.

Sis, thank you for reminding me.

An original about Tony and Dane is also nearly done and I'll get around to finishing and publishing it one of these days. And if anyone would be interested in Milan and his fellow hunky waiters as they encounter a pair of thirsty zombies, that short is finished and available now on Amazon ~dot~ com. Search for Spunk Craving Zombies, or for me, John T. Liz has also included a link on her blog. A full length sequel to that is nearly ready as well.

Much love as always to my girls, Maureen, Rebecca, Kate and Miss Pauline.

Somehow I seem to have survived the FF witch hunt. It may or may not be over. I will continue to post here and move to AO3 as and when I have to. When/if I am forced to complete the relocation you can find me at - archiveofourown ~dot~ org. Then just do a search for Jtrue.

Anyone who has not read the incredible Equal & Opposite, or is not now reading the brilliance that is Errors & Omissions, or Enticements & Obstructions, all by OhJasperMyJasper, should go do so right now. Here is how you find them since the FF witch hunt removed Liz from this site - ohjaspermyjasper ~dot~ blogspot ~dot~ com.

WARNING:

This story is intended for an adult audience! There is crude speech, hate speech and adult sexual subject matter of a homosexual nature. There is violence. If you are under 18 stop reading now!

AU/AH/OC

All character names from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. The similarities end there.


Chapter 3: Dry Run

Luca was thrilled as soon as he caught sight of the Space Needle and pestered James no end with questions about it. Who built it and why? How old is it? How tall is it? What's up there? How far can you see? Is anyone allowed up there? When can we go? And that was only the tip of the iceberg. James took the Seneca Street/6th Avenue exit from I-5 and Luca wanted to know about every building and business they passed.

The Crowne Plaza is a hotel. No, we will not be stopping at Subway, ever. The W is also a hotel. Yes, it's a nicer hotel than the Crowne Plaza. The Fairmont is yet another hotel and quite probably the finest in the city. Shuckers is a restaurant. No, it's nothing like Subway.

The street declined sharply past 4th Avenue as they headed down toward the waterfront.

"There are so many tall buildings!" Luca exclaimed.

"You must have seen plenty of tall buildings in New York," James reminded.

"I thought that was only New York. Seattle is just like New York!" Luca stated.

"Seattle is nothing like New York. This is a much nicer city and nowhere near the size," James corrected.

"I see a bank," Luca pointed. "I need to get a bank. Um-pec-you-ah," he tried to pronounce.

"Umpqua," James enunciated properly. "You don't want that one. That's a commercial bank. We'll find you something with a branch in the university district tomorrow."

James turned right on 1st Avenue and the charm of downtown became evident. This was an older section of the city and the architecture of the buildings reflected it. Both sides of the street were lined with shops.

"Harbor Steps. What is that?" Luca had yet another question.

"A pedestrian only shopping promenade that descends down to Western Avenue," James answered. "It's a bit like your Spanish Steps in Rome."

"Oh, yes! I have been there," Luca nodded.

"This is the Seattle Art Museum here," James started before Luca even asked. He saw Luca raise his hand to point to the three story tall statue in front of the building. "And, yes, I'd be happy to take you. Though, I'm sure the university will ensure a visit."

"Fonté," Luca recognized a word he knew.

"Café Fonté. It's a cute little place," James stated.

"It is a small comune not far from Venezia," Luca informed.

"Well, here it's a coffee and wine bar. Here's the Four Seasons Hotel. If the Fairmont isn't the best hotel in the city, this is," James continued to play tour guide.

As they crossed over Union Street, the terrain angled uphill again.

"Oh," Luca leaned forward as they entered an area especially well lit with many people walking about.

"This is Pike Place Market," James revealed. "It's one of the oldest public markets in the United States."

"I would like to go here," Luca looked around as they passed. "What do they have?"

"To buy? There are all kinds of shops and restaurants. We'll make it point to come down here. Perhaps this weekend," James promised. "I know it's hard to tell, because things don't look much different, but we've just crossed over from downtown to Belltown," he added as they drove through the intersection of 1st Avenue and Stewart Street.

"Belltown," Luca repeated.

"Right. Belltown is where I live. And where you'll be living for a while," James smiled at his companion. "It's a very trendy part of the city. Many of the best restaurants are here."

"I like," Luca nodded.

Belltown was not quite the same as downtown. The practiced eye could see it. Belltown was a little hipper, a little less formal, and the architecture more varied. There were also far fewer tall buildings.

"The tall buildings you see in this part of the city are all residential," James informed. "The office towers and high rise hotels are all downtown."

At the intersection of 1st Avenue and Bell Street stood The Summit. Rather than pull into the secure underground parking, James decided to give Luca the full treatment and pulled up under the porte cochere of the impressive stone entrance. And right on cue, as James put the car in park and shut off the engine, Luca's jaw dropped.

"This is where you live?!" Luca was suitably impressed.

"As do you, for the time being," James gave a quick smile before he got out of the car.

"Park the car for you, Mr. Visser?" a well built black man in security uniform of white shirt, red tie, gray dress pants and dark blue blazer with the building logo on the pocket, emerged from the lobby.

"Thank you, Carlton," James tossed him the fob after he popped the trunk.

"Get that out for ya," Carlton lifted the big suitcase out of the trunk.

"Carlton, I'd like you to meet Luca Orlandino. He'll be staying with me for a while," James introduced.

"Nice to meet you," Carlton offered his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Sir," Luca was polite.

"Carry this up the steps for ya," Carlton walked the heavy bag up the five steps and into the building. Luca slipped his backpack onto his shoulders as he and James followed.

"Peg," James addressed the night supervisor security guard at the front desk. "This is Luca Orlandino. He'll be staying with me for a while. Leave a note for Nathan."

"Sure will, Mr. Visser," Meg confirmed. She was a strong and tough looking woman with very short hair.

James led the way through the granite lobby to the elevators and Luca followed, rolling his suitcase along with him.

"We live on fourteen," James stated as he touched the button for that floor. They ascended quickly and Luca followed James out and to the right. James unlocked a thick, heavy, black wood door and admitted them into the home they would share.

"Oh, wow!" Luca left his suitcase to stand in the hall as he advanced into the living room. "Look at your view!"

"Wait till you see it in the light of day," James promised.

Luca continued to the glass wall and put both hands flat on the glass as he looked out and down. James' eyes went wide before he squeezed them shut. What kind of barbarian would just put his paws on a pane of glass? A formerly clean pane of glass. It was nothing Monica couldn't rectify easily, James had to tell himself. It would only take her a moment and he would be sure to point it out if she didn't see it.

"There is a freeway down there! Is that the one we were on?" Luca asked.

"No. That's the Alaskan Way Viaduct," James answered.

"Oh. I cannot wait to see it in the daytime!" Luca still had his hands on the glass. James had to swallow his bark. He wanted to shout at the kid, but the favorable report James needed from Luca meant that he could do no wrong while he was here.

"Would you like a tour of the house, or would you like to see your room?" James asked.

"I have my own room?" Luca finally turned.

"Right through there," James pointed.

"I would really love a shower," Luca headed in that direction. "I have been in these clothes for more than a day," he fingered his tee shirt.

"Would you like to unpack?" James motioned to the forgotten suitcase standing just inside the front door.

"Maybe later," Luca was noncommittal. "Through here?" he paused in the darkened doorway.

"I'll show you," James walked past him to flip the switch that turned on subdued pot lights above the bed and desk.

"Oh," Luca was impressed.

"And through here is your bath," James walked into the ensuite and turned on the lights in there.

"This is all for me?" Luca followed him in.

"This is your bedroom and bath, just for you," James smiled.

The large bathroom was not unlike the master. There was a long vanity with double sinks and a great Roman tub with a large, open shower area next to it.

"This is beautiful bath," Luca untied the arms of the shirt from around his waist and let it fall to the floor. He pulled his tee shirt off over his head revealing a well defined chest, and dropped that as well. To James amazement, Luca didn't hesitate to unbutton and unzip his cargo shorts, that he wore nothing beneath, and let them fall. Luca was slowed down only by his need to kick off his sandals as he stepped out of the shorts. He finished by pulling the bandana out of his hair and dropping that.

James might have been captivated by the curve of the muscular, young ass and generous, swinging, uncut cock, but he was preoccupied by the paw prints on his window, and now a trail of clothes through the bathroom.

"How does it work?" Luca stood naked in the shower looking over the knobs.

"I'll show you," James walked over to him. "Stand to the side. The water will be cold at first," he warned.

"Oh, si," Luca, rather than moving to the far side of the shower area, stepped to James' side.

"Like this to turn it on," James demonstrated. "I put it all the way hot, like so, to get hot water here as fast as possible," he waited a moment for the water to turn scaling and steam to rise. "Then regulate the temperature like this," James turned it the water cooler. "And I'll leave you to it."

"Will you stay and talk to me?" Luca stepped into the stream of water.

"If you like," James was slightly hesitant. Was he meant to stand here and watch this beauty shower? The younger man was European and had nothing to be ashamed of. Indeed, he had everything to be proud of. James stood across the bathroom, leaned on the vanity and folded his arms across his chest.

"I would like to practice my English with you," Luca took a good long time getting his hair wet.

"I'd say your English is pretty good. And as I don't speak Italian, I don't think we have much choice," James pointed out as he watched the cascading water slick the fine, golden hairs on Luca's butt and thighs to his skin.

"Good!" Luca laughed.

"Shampoo and shower gel are just there for you," James advised.

"Where?" Luca looked around and found them on a shelf built into the corner at chest level. "Ah," he poured a generous amount of shampoo into his hand. He did have a lot of hair to wash. "I have to go to university tomorrow."

"I'll take you," James assured.

"I must check in, and go to orientation, and take the tour," Luca listed.

"Sounds like you'll have a full day at your new school," James assessed.

"But I also need a bank," Luca turned to look at James as he spoke. "And I must get a US card for my phone."

"I'll help you do that," James nodded.

"You are most kind," Luca expressed.

"Happy to help," James watched the soapy water run down Luca's body as he rinsed his hair. Luca's chest and abdomen were smooth, his pubes were trimmed nicely and his balls looked to be shaved.

"I do not know how long I will be at school tomorrow," Luca worked conditioner into his hair.

"Just give me a call when you're nearly done and I'll pick you up," James stated. "I imagine you must be tired after so long a trip."

"Yes, but also I am very hungry," Luca informed.

"It's just nine now," James looked at his watch. "If you hurry your ass up, I'll take you to dinner."

"I wash my ass!" Luca laughed as he poured gel into his hand and set about doing exactly that. James watched Luca run his soapy hands all over himself, spending extra time in his crack, armpits and crotch. He noted with a raised eyebrow how much heavier the uncut cock hung when Luca began to rinse himself. James was glad that while very pretty, Luca was not his type.

"I shut off like this?" Luca asked as he turned the knob.

"Towels are on the rack just there," James gestured to the obvious. Luca stepped over the small lip of the shower area and grabbed a towel. He spent a bit of time drying his hair before he worked on his body.

"I feel so much better," Luca hung the towel on the bar beneath the rack. He picked up his bandana and moved to stand beside James as he looked in the mirror and retied it in his hair to keep his hair out of his face. Luca then walked over to the trail of clothes he had left on the floor. He picked up his tee shirt and gave it a sniff. "No," Luca dropped the tee shirt again, picked up his cargo shorts, and put them back on. He then picked up the long sleeved shirt that had been tied about his waist when he arrived and put it on. Though the rumpled shirt was not a dress shirt, Luca copied James by buttoning the middle three buttons, leaving it untucked, and rolling up the sleeves.

"Ready to go?" James forced a smile as Luca stepped back into his sandals. He had to remind himself that this was a college kid and he had been lucky that Luca wanted to shower at all.

"I am ready!" Luca spread his arms.

"Let's go," James led the way out of the bathroom. It was an effort to put the smelly tee shirt that had been left where it fell, twice, on the bathroom floor, out of his mind. "Ah," James turned into the kitchen. "A couple of important items. Here is your key," he picked it up from where it lay on the black granite counter and handed it to Luca.

"Oh, yes. Thank you," Luca took it.

"The second thing is, Monica comes over twice a week and she'll be here tomorrow," James informed. "She cleans and does the laundry, so you need give no thought to that. She also cooks for us," he headed finally for the front door. "So anything that you would like her to make, you just need to write down or tell her when you see her. Okay?"

"She does not need to cook for me," Luca protested as they walked around the big suitcase that still sat in the entry hall and went out the front door.

"She'll be cooking anyway, so just tell her what to make," James instructed. "Monica also does my shopping, so just give her a list and she'll get everything for you," he touched the call button for the elevator.

"I would like to go to an American market!" Luca enthused.

He was entirely missing the point. James' time was far too valuable to spend it in a grocery store. If Luca didn't know any better and had nothing better to do with his time, that was his business.

"I'll give you the number for the car service that I use in the morning. You can call a car to take you anywhere, anytime you like," James forced a smile as they stepped into the elevator. He pressed the button for the lobby and they descended quickly. "Peg," James greeted as they emerged. "Carlton," he nodded at the second guard who held the building door open for them.

"Enjoy your evening," Carlton smiled at them both.

"I am, very much!" Luca answered as he followed James out the doors. It was immediately clear that they were walking as James headed for the sidewalk.

"There is an excellent pasta place just a couple of blocks down," James gestured and then considered. "Though, I imagine you might prefer something else."

"I want what I do not get to eat at home," Luca stated. "Is there McDonald's?"

James gave a mirthfully amused laugh. "I'm sure there is a McDonald's near UW. You can have lunch there tomorrow if you like. When you eat with me, it will be in a real restaurant. How about sushi? The best sushi in the city is just at the end of this block," James gestured ahead of them. He turned to look at his guest and read Luca's face. "Or perhaps something more substantial. You're a very fit young man. I'm sure after all your travelling you have quite an appetite. Cellars is also just down the block. You might like a good steak."

"Oh, a steak?" Luca's face lit up.

"I thought so," James smiled and nodded.

The Cellars dining room was dim, candlelit and intimate. Two men coming in for a romantic dinner was not unusual in Belltown, though such was not the case for these two men.

"Good evening, Carmen," James greeted the hostess.

"James!" the dark haired woman in the cocktail dress threw her arms around his neck. "You're back!"

"I am," James indulged her in a hug. "A few weeks now. I should have come in sooner."

"We missed you!" Carmen chastised as she pulled back and slapped his arm. "And who is this lovely young man?"

"This is a friend, Carmen," James stated. "Luca is an exchange student from Switzerland."

"Hello," Luca smiled.

"Well," Carmen gave James a leer to convey that she thought he had done well. She ignored James' laugh as she picked up menus. "I'm going to seat you in Robbie's section. He'll take care of you."

"Thank you," James expressed as she led them to a booth in the front window.

"Is this okay, or would you like something more secluded?" Carmen asked. It was clear she thought they were a couple. If Luca noticed and understood, it was clear he didn't care.

"This is fine," James stated as they slid onto the red leather at a table covered in white linen, gleaming glassware and candles.

"Enjoy your dinner," Carmen handed over the menus and wine list. "It's nice to have you back."

"It's very nice to be back, Carmen. Thank you," James acknowledged.

"A glass of wine would be most welcome," Luca expressed as James opened the small leather bound book that was the wine list.

"I should have asked, you are old enough to drink?" James regarded Luca intently.

"I am in my country," Luca stated.

"Ah," James raised his eyebrows. "Under twenty one then."

"I am twenty. Why is the drinking age so high in this country?" Luca asked.

"I have often wondered that myself," James agreed.

"They would not serve me on the plane either," Luca complained.

"Good evening, gentlemen," their waiter appeared at their side. He was a good looking, dark haired man closer in age to Luca than James. "I'm Rob and I'll be taking care of you this evening. Something from the bar to start?"

"A bottle of the sauvignon blanc, please," James ordered. "And not the one from New Zealand."

"Okay," Rob jotted that down. "I am going to have to bother you for IDs."

"My associate quite literally just landed from Switzerland and doesn't have his passport on him. I can assure you he's over twenty one," James spoke with authority.

"Okay, so, I'm going to bring you a bottle of wine, because you ordered it, and I'm not going to remove any of the glasses from the table," Rob outlined. "Anything else you'd like me to put in before I run to the bar?"

"We'll take a moment with the menu," James stated.

"Be right back with your wine," Rob tapped the table and headed off.

"Thank you, James," Luca smiled.

"Think nothing of it," James dismissed. "I enjoy wine with my dinner and I certainly don't want to drink alone," he picked up his menu.

"What is good?" Luca opened his menu as well. "There is steak?"

"There is," James confirmed. "You might like the chicken skewers as well. It's served with peanut sauce, like a satay."

"A satay?" Luca didn't know this word.

"You'll like it," James nodded. "The margherita is quite good here as well, but I suspect you're probably sick of that."

"Ah, margherita," Luca nodded. "Named for Queen Margherita of Savoy."

"Oh? I didn't actually know that," James confessed.

"One bottle of Apex Yakima Valley sauvignon blanc," Rob returned and presented the bottle to James. James nodded his approval and Rob proceeded to pull the cork. He poured just a splash into the wine glass in front of James for him to approve. James picked up his glass, took a sip and paused to consider.

"Perfect," James pronounced with a nod.

"I'm going to pour you a glass," Rob filled James' glass half way. "I'll put this bottle on the table for you," Rob put the bottle into a frozen marble crock and set it on the edge of the table. "And I'm not going to watch what happens after that. Have we had a chance to look over the menu?"

"We'll start with the chicken skewers and I think a plate of the mussels and the cajun prawns," James took charge. "Then the ribeye for my associate," he looked to Luca. "How do you like that?"

Luca just raised his eyebrows as he didn't understand the question.

"Medium, medium rare, medium well," Rob listed some of the options.

"Oh, how well done? No, not well," Luca had difficulty expressing himself.

"You like it pink in the center or red?" Rob asked.

"Oh, pink," Luca waved his hand.

"Medium," Rob wrote it down. "And baked potato or garlic mashed?"

"Baked potato or garlic mashed," Luca repeated, trying to understand the meaning.

"Bring him a baked potato, loaded," James directed. "I'll have the salmon caesar and add prawns to that," he handed over his menu.

"I'll put that right in, boys," Rob jotted his notes.

"And I'm very thirsty," James added. "I might go through this bottle fairly quickly," he winked at the smiling man who sat across from him.

"I won't look back until this bottle ends up upside down, and then I'll rush right over," Rob promised.

"Good man. Thank you," James commended. The second Rob turned to walk away, he plucked up the bottle and poured a glass for Luca.

"Thank you," Luca picked up his glass and took a sip.

"To new friends," James held up his glass.

"Oh, yes!" Luca agreed. They touched their glasses together and took another sip.

"Now, tell me all about Luca," James smiled.

"What would you like to know?" Luca smiled broadly and spread his hands.

"Tell me about your family, parents, brothers and sisters, Locarno, everything," James prompted.

"My father is a baker," Luca began. "My family own Pasticceria Marnin in the old city, near to the castle. We live above. My older brother, he is married now, he is a baker also. My grandfather was a baker and his father was a baker."

"Family business then, I take it," James smiled.

"Si," Luca nodded.

"But not for you," James concluded.

"No," Luca shook his head emphatically. "If I never see flour again...," he waved his hand.

"I see," James laughed with him. "You mentioned your older brother. Any other brothers?"

"I have two younger brothers," Luca answered. He didn't even notice that James only enquired about male siblings. "Cristiano is seventeen. He wants to be a footballer. He is very good. A scout will snatch him up one day. And Tizi is ten. He is very sweet and very, ah, sensibile," Luca used the Italian word and tried to translate. "Is the word sensitive?"

"He's a sweet and sensitive boy," James nodded.

"Yes. We think he is gay. My brothers and I, we think so," Luca stated.

"Ten is a little early to know that, but, does that bother you, any of you?" James asked.

"Bother us? No. Always we look out for our brother. Especially if he is gay," Luca's face clouded. "Why should it bother us?"

"Oh, it shouldn't. Not at all. I think your attitude, you and your brothers, is admirable," James clarified. "I'm gay, in case that wasn't already clear."

"Oh, you are gay?" Luca hadn't know that. "I do not care," he gave a shrug. "I wish I had my Tizi with me now. It would be good for him to have a good role model who is gay man."

"That's one of the nicest compliments anyone has ever paid me, Luca. Thank you," James was sincere. "Perhaps someday I can meet him."

"Someday you come to Locarno. We will take you out on the lake!" Luca enthused.

"I would love that," James smiled.

"So do you have a boyfriend? Are you all alone in your house?" Luca turned the tables.

"I am between boyfriends at the moment," James admitted. "I was overseas on business for a couple of years and I only just recently returned."

"Oh? What do you do?" Luca asked.

"I'm asking the questions here, young man!" James asserted his authority in a playful manner. He could be playful when he wanted to be.

James continued to pump Luca for information, much the same as he had done with Jin, and Brett, and Jasper, all the way back to Lewis. James remembered the boy who he found after Lewis, with special fondness. He was the only dark haired young man to whom James had ever been attracted. Sammy's father had been Syrian and the boy had been breathtaking. Sammy had been only eighteen and, as James thought back, perhaps that was why he had been as infuriating as he was beautiful. Hindsight was twenty-twenty. If only he had gone a little easier. If only Sammy could have behaved properly. James dismissed that thought as quickly as it came to him. He had no time for regrets. He was secure in the knowledge that the body would never be found. Sammy was the only boy for whom James had ever wept. Dead at nineteen. What a waste. And that event had prompted James' relocation to Seattle. Those who knew them, or thought they did, had assumed that Sammy had moved with James. James maintained that pretense for close to a year. Until he met Jamie.

If James had one real regret in his life, it was the golden boy who got away. Brett had gotten away too, and Brett had promise, but Brett was not Jasper. There had only been one who surpassed even Sammy. And like Sammy, Jasper had been unique as well. Jasper was tall and hung. James would trade them all to get Jasper back. But such was not to be, and James well knew it.

The food at Cellars was even better than James remembered and Luca delighted in everything. Luca had never before in his life had a baked potato and declared that a steak and baked potato was his new favorite meal, and this his new favorite restaurant in the whole world. After dinner they shared a bottle of viognier and lingered until they were the last patrons in the house. James paid the bill with a generous tip and promises to both Rob and Carmen that they would return soon. It was an easy walk back up the block to James' building.

The imposing figure of Carlton stood sentinel inside the doors. He promptly unlocked them and held one open. "Mr. Visser, Mr. Orlando."

"Orlandino, Carlton," James corrected.

"Oh, sorry, Sir," Carlton grimaced.

"You were so close!" Luca wasn't bothered.

"Goodnight, Carlton," James gave him a look. "Goodnight, Peg."

"Goodnight, gentlemen," Peg returned.

"You know, Luca," James led the way onto the elevator that Peg had called for them from the security desk, "this is the first time I've brought an attractive man home with me that I can't have."

"I should have bring my friend Carlo with me," Luca nodded as they ascended. "He would jump on you."

"Oh," James looked at his watch. "How soon can he be here?" he asked and they both laughed together.

The elevator opened on 14 and again James led the way, but then stood back and gestured.

"Ah, I will open," Luca fished his key out of his pocket, unlocked and opened the door. The hall light had been left on and there stood the suitcase right where he had left it from the moment he arrived. "I think I will at least push this into my room," Luca proceeded to do so.

"It's high time you unpacked," James admonished. "You'll find plenty of space in the drawers and hangers in the closet," he called after Luca. He resolved that he would never step into Luca's room so long as it was Luca's, without being invited to do so. "Monica can press anything that's wrinkled beyond repair."

"I do not care if anything is wrinkled," Luca walked back out, content to let his things continue to languish in the big suitcase.

James just shook his head as he walked into the kitchen. "Tell me, Luca," he opened a lower cabinet. "Are you a scotch drinker?"

"Oh, no," Luca shook his head. "That kind of stuff is too strong for me."

"Perhaps you've never had good scotch," James produced a bottle of Glenmorangie Private Edition Finealta and set it on the counter. He obtained a crystal tumbler from another cabinet, filled it with ice from the door of the freezer, and poured himself a glass. "We'll let the ice work it's magic for a moment. Would you like the grand tour now?"

"Yes, please," Luca smiled.

"You are welcome to use the kitchen as you see fit. I only ask that you clean up after yourself. You're welcome to anything in the cabinets or the refrigerator," James gestured. "Anything you would like Monica to make or get for you, just leave a list here in the kitchen."

"Okay," Luca followed as James walked out of the kitchen.

"I do ask that you respect my wine collection," James pointed it out.

"Oh, wow!" Luca was impressed by the wall of wine.

"Some are quite valuable, but others can be opened. Ask me first. Down here are my study and bedroom," James gestured down the hallway. "Those are off limits, unless you'd like to give being gay a try," he added with a teasing smile.

"No!" Luca laughed and shook his head.

"Down here is the gym," James turned on lights as they went.

"What is that?" Luca pointed.

"A tanning bed which you are welcome to use," James informed. "Over here is our home theatre."

"Wow!" Luca hadn't expected that. "Do you ever watch porn in there?"

"None that you'd want to see," James walked on. "And then here is the TV room. If you have friends over, I would ask that you entertain them here, rather than the living room. Apart from my bedroom and study, you have the run of the house as you like. Feel free to come and go as you please. You have a key. Security knows you, if not how to pronounce your name properly," he rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"I do not care about that," Luca dismissed.

"I do," James stressed. "The only other thing I would ask of you is that, when it's late, do try to be quiet. If you like to listen to music, please use headphones. If you don't have a good pair of headphones, I will buy you one. We can dine together or not, as you like. Again, Monica will prepare anything you ask. There will be nights when I have dinner meetings, or theatre or opera events to attend and may be home quite late. Oh, do you have something to write on? Do you need a notepad?"

"I have in my backpack," Luca gestured.

James nodded and took a sip of his scotch. "Ah, just right. Try," he handed his glass to Luca.

Luca took a sip, made a face, and handed the tumbler back.

"Well, there's bottled water and several juices in the refrigerator. Help yourself as you like," James gestured.

"Actually," Luca made no attempt to stifle a huge yawn. "I have had good food and wine," he rubbed his stomach. "And a very long day. I think I would like to go to bed. Thank you very much for everything, James." And to demonstrate that he had no qualms about being alone in a gay man's home with him, Luca stepped forward to give James a hug.

"It's my pleasure, Luca," James only half lied. "I'm thrilled to help and I get to meet great people like you."

"You are very kind," Luca patted James' back and let him go. "I will look at my schedule to see what time I must be up."

"Would you like me to get you up at a certain time?" James offered.

"I will set the alarm on my phone," Luca decided.

"Perfect. Goodnight, Luca," James expressed.

"Goodnight, James," Luca gave a wave and headed back toward his room. James watched him go and took a sip of his scotch. All he had to do was tolerate this admittedly likable kid and his trusted position within the international exchange student department would be secured.


James would normally have ventured nude to his kitchen for a morning bagel and coffee with his newspaper. He had never once hesitated to retrieve the paper left outside his door while naked. As he had three sides of the building, there was only one other resident on this floor, and the likelihood of running into him was very slim. But this morning James pulled on a pair of sleep pants before he emerged from his bedroom. He retrieved the Seattle Times from outside the door and headed into the kitchen.

Like the microwave, the coffee maker was housed below the black granite counter. James put a pot to brew with special ground coffee from his own chain and then pulled the toaster out of another lower cabinet. James spread out his newspaper on the counter where he could read it overlooking the northern end of the Seattle seaboard.

Bagel toasted and coffee poured, James began to thumb through his newspaper. He sipped and munched as he watched the Victoria Clipper make ready to depart on her morning run to Canada. And just as he suspected it would, the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee and the proximity of the second master bedroom to the kitchen, woke the dead.

"Morning," James smiled as Luca dragged his feet out of his bedroom to meet the day. Luca was clad in only a pair of loose boxers that were significantly tented from his morning erection.

"Morning," Luca mumbled back as he rubbed his face and scratched his head through his tangled mop of hair. "Oh, wow!" he caught sight out the living room windows of the incredible view of the Sound and the Olympic mountains in the distance beyond.

"Told you," James smiled as he pulled out another mug and poured. "I assume you'd like a coffee."

"Yes, please," Luca nodded as he joined James in the kitchen. "Caffè latte or caffè macchiato is even better."

"Latte I know is milk. There's half and half in the fridge," James gestured. "A macchiato is espresso, isn't it? I don't have one of those machines, I'm afraid. Though, right now I can't think why I don't," he confessed.

"You have a machine, I make you best caffè macchiato you ever taste," Luca put both hands behind his head and arched his back as he stretched. And his hard dick popped out through the gaping fly of his boxers. "Ah, mio dio," Luca pulled at his boxers to recontain himself. "It takes so long for me to go down in the morning," he complained.

"Not that I mind at all, but you might consider sweatpants or something like that. Something without a fly," James suggested. And he certainly didn't mind. James hadn't seen an uncut cock that shapely, big or mouth wateringly beautiful since tall and lithe Jasper stood naked and erect in this kitchen.

Luca laughed, and from the look on his host's face, knew he needed to explain. "My mother also say that to me many times."

"This has happened in front of your mother?" James found that both amusing and horrifying.

"Many times," Luca nodded as he prepared his coffee.

"Well, don't feel that you have to put on anything at all, on my account," James offered with a sly smile.

"I do not want to tease you," Luca gave a grin.

"I don't think I'll be joining you for a chat while you take a shower again," James decided aloud.

"Oh, I do not mind," Luca gave a shrug and took a sip of his coffee. "Mmm," he nodded. "You have good coffee."

"Coming from an Italian Swiss, I take that as a compliment," James acknowledged. "I may just get one of those machines. Oh, here's the number to the car service and my account number," he pushed a notepad closer to Luca that he had placed here in the kitchen last night. "You'll want to give them as much notice as possible, but at least forty five minutes, or you'll have to wait. I'll take you to school this morning, because you'll have no way of knowing where you're going. They'll give you a tour with orientation I'm sure, and you'll know your way around the campus better then. Also remember that Monica comes today. Leave a list of anything you would like her to pick up for you from the store and any meals you would like her to make."

"How much money should I leave?" Luca enquired.

"Don't worry about that," James gave a dismissive wave. "And if you're interested, Bite of Seattle is tonight. I've arranged to bus the international students to the event."

"What is it, Bite of Seattle?" Luca asked.

"A food festival essentially," James answered. "The best in the Pacific Northwest. There are all kinds of restaurants, wine tasting, craft beers and ciders, entertainment."

"I would like to go!" Luca enthused.

"We'll go together," James smiled. "But first I need to get ready for my day. Help yourself to a bagel if you like, and just let me know when we need to head out."

"How far is the university? Is it close by?" Luca asked.

"It really isn't. We'll need twenty minutes or so, depending on traffic," James answered.

"Okay," Luca nodded.

In half an hour they were both ready to go. Lists were left for Monica and they headed out. James had called down to have the car waiting and to Luca's delight, put the top down. James was dressed in a handmade, custom fitted dark suit and luca wore jeans and a button down shirt for his first day at UW. Both of them put on sunglasses before James put the car in gear and drove out.

The corner porte cochere took them out onto Bell Street, which was one way and forced them right back onto 1st Avenue. James went up six blocks and turned right onto Broad Street. Broad travelled reasonably well and, to Luca's delight, especially with the top down, took them right past the very foot of the Space Needle.

"This is Seattle Center," James pointed out. "This is where we're coming tonight. Bite of Seattle starts tonight and runs through the weekend. You can see them setting up."

"Can we go up also?!" Luca pointed, thrilled at the prospect.

"Certainly you can," James confirmed. He had no intention of it. "Though I wouldn't recommend doing so tonight. The lines will be incredible."

Broad Street sank beneath street level just past the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which eliminated the view of anything beyond concrete walls. Rather than continue on to South Lake Union, James took what was almost like a freeway exit from the below ground road, onto Mercer Street. The view of the yacht basin would have been far preferable to the perpetual construction that was the Mercer corridor, but this was the quickest and easiest way to northbound I-5.

Past Fairview Avenue the road became a choice of the northbound onramp to the left, or southbound to the right. James bore left and accelerated. The long ramp dipped below ground again before they came up to merge onto the interstate from the left. As the freeway rose into the hills, they were treated to a view of Lake Union on their left. Luca made no comment. He had grown up on one of the most beautiful and majestic lakes in the world. Tall and modern buildings where what impressed him. There was nothing like that in Locarno. Luca just enjoyed the sun on his face and wind in his hair.

They crossed the river that connected Lake Union with the Sound on the west and Lake Washington on the east, and Luca grew excited.

"Are we here?!" Luca pointed to the exit sign for NE 42nd Street/University of Washington.

"Almost," James continued and took the NE 45th Street/University of Washington exit.

This joined 7th Avenue and James bore right to turn right onto 45th Street.

"There's quite a lot of housing in this neighborhood if you want to get something off campus with a roommate, or mates," James informed. "That is, if you don't want campus housing."

"Oh, there is another Subway," Luca pointed out his side.

"You can have that for lunch, I suppose," James rolled his eyes behind his sunglasses. He wasn't sure if it was because Luca was straight, or young, or not from this country, or a combination of all three, but Luca didn't seem much interested in refinements and finer things. James had to remind himself constantly that he had no need to fashion a silk purse out of this sow's ear. It took constant effort on his part to remember that Luca was just fine, indeed perfect, just the way he was.

"Here's Key Bank," James gestured to the left as they came upon it. "That would be a good one for you. There's a branch near the house too. We can stop by this one here, this afternoon when I pick you up."

They came to Memorial Way and turned right. The stone pillars and the giant W on the grass between the lanes of the divided street left no doubt as to where they were. James drove through the leafy, tranquil campus until he finally stopped at the curb behind a large building.

"This is the Husky Union Building, or HUB," James informed. "The main entrance is around the other side. You'll want to go in that way."

"Do you know where in the building I am to go?" Luca asked.

"Doesn't it say on your paperwork?" James enquired, prompting Luca to pull his backpack into his lap to look for it. "In any event, I'm sure there will be signs. If you can't find it, the FIUTS office is on the second floor, suite two oh six. It's clearly marked. They'll know where you should be."

"Thank you very much, James!" Luca looked forward to his first day and opened his door.

"Okay, be a good boy. No talking back, no fighting. I better not get a call from your teacher," James kept a straight face.

"Ha! My mother will be so pleased that there is someone here to speak for her!" Luca got out of the car and shut the door. He gave a wave and headed down the sidewalk as he slung his backpack over his shoulder.

James allowed himself a smile and drove away.


"Oh!" Luca's face lit up when he saw it. He dropped his backpack on the floor and walked into the kitchen.

The Rancilio Epoca dual espresso machine sat on the kitchen counter with it's back to the windows, above where the microwave was housed beneath. The attractive, stainless steel, coffee house grade machine was the only thing James would ever allow to be parked on his counter. Luca ran his hands over it in worshipful appreciation.

"Tomorrow morning I expect the best caffè macchiato I've ever tasted," James stated. "I will hold you to it."

"Yes, you do it!" Luca enthused. "And this is such a beautiful machine. I will very much enjoy making caffè macchiato for us."

"Okay. Go get ready. We need to be there before the busses," James loosened his tie.

James had taken Luca to Key Bank and waited in the car to give him privacy while he opened his accounts and arranged for transfer of his funds. Their second stop had then been at Verizon to open an account and obtain a chip that Luca could use in his phone so his calls would not cost him a fortune. James was the first call Luca had received on his new local Seattle number, so they could store each other in their phone.

Luca walked into his bedroom and discovered his suitcase was missing. "James," he called as he walked back out into the living areas.

"Yes?" James turned back from heading for his own bedroom.

"Do you know where my suitcase has gone?" Luca asked.

"Oh," James walked toward him. "Is it not where you left it?"

"No," Luca answered.

"Where did you leave it?" James walked past Luca and into his bedroom.

"Right in the middle of the room," Luca followed.

"Oh," James nodded. "I suspect you'll find, if you open those drawers and look in the closet, that Monica has unpacked for you."

"She did? Why would she do that?" Luca pulled open a drawer to find some of his shirts had been folded and placed neatly.

"Because she is our housekeeper. That's what she does," James stated. "I'm sure if you look, you'll find the dirty shirt, and whatever else you left on the bathroom floor, has been washed and put away as well."

"She does not have to do my laundry for me," Luca protested.

"She does mine. There's no reason she can't do yours at the same time," James patted Luca's shoulder and walked out of his room.

In an effort to look more like the younger crowd, James put on plaid shorts and a white henley that accentuated his tan, and hugged his every toned muscle. He walked back out toward the kitchen and discovered Luca in his cargo shorts and a powder blue ribbed tank top that fit him like a second skin. James knew his body was tanned, toned, lithe and cut, but he wasn't going to look especially hot next to Luca, not with the younger man dressed like he was. James paused, closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose as he took a deep, calming breath.

"Ready to go?" James finally forced a smile.

"Ready!" Luca was excited.

"We're going to take the car and meet the busses at UW," James announced as he made his way toward the front door. It was a much further drive and would make far more sense to meet everyone at Seattle Center, but James wanted to spend as much time among the students, and particularly Eva and her staff, as possible.

James had parked underground this time and they took the elevator down to the garage. Luca didn't have to urge him to put the top down. He did so almost as soon as they slid into the supple leather.

The traffic was much heavier on the drive north at this time of day, but they arrived in time to find the expectant crowd in the Burke Museum parking lot. Just as he imagined they would, the students crowded around the Jaguar as they drove in, as if he and Luca were celebrities. James just shut the car off where he stopped, and he and Luca got out to mingle.

"Hi, James," Eva wore a breezy summer dress and came to give him a hug.

"Eva, good to see you," James expressed as they embraced.

"How are things at home? You and Luca settling in okay?" Eva questioned.

"He's wonderful. I can't even tell you. I love having him," James put on a fake smile to go with his lie.

"He'll probably need help getting an account set up in a local bank. He really should do that as soon as possible," Eva counseled.

"We did that this afternoon, and he has a new SIM with a local number," James informed.

"Oh, wonderful," Eva patted James' arm. "You boys have everything covered. You're way ahead of me."

"I paid a little bit of attention at Barb and Pete's," James teased. "Looks like a good turn out again."

"Even with Michael and Allison leading their camping trip," Eva pointed out.

"Ah, yes. I forgot about that actually," James admitted.

The whole crowd turned at the sound of the motor coaches as they came around the corner and into the lot.

"I'd best park the car now," James got back in his XKR and pulled it into a parking space. He paused just long enough put the top up, then got out and locked it up.

Just as last time, they waited until five fifteen in case there were stragglers. And also just like last time, there were a few.

"We'll take the second bus, Eva," Tom put his hand on Andrew's shoulder.

"Thank you, boys," Eva gave them a nod.

James followed Eva into the first bus and sat in the front seat with her. Luca sat nearby with a student from Taiwan who was clearly thrilled to be sitting with him.

"We have the same arrangements for going back as last time?" Eva asked as the busses got underway.

"Yes," James nodded. "I see a few people have blankets and the like with them. I take it they're planning to stay for the movie."

"Yes, it should be fun," Eva smiled.

"Oh, it's a cinematic masterpiece, not to be missed," James was facetious.

"They're showing The Goonies this year," Eva informed.

"I know that," James deadpanned.

"Well, what they're showing isn't the point. It's the experience," Eva pointed out.

"I experience nausea," James was dry. Eva laughed and nudged him with her arm.

They retraced James and Luca's path exactly. The busses took I-5 to Mercer Street and that to Broad Street. Just past the Gates Foundation building, they turned right onto Harrison Street, and took that to where it ended two blocks later beside Memorial Stadium. Even as their coach was pulling to a stop, James stood up.

"Everyone, can I have your attention?" James held up a hand and the bus broke out in applause. "No, no," James waved and the group quieted down. "Okay, just like last week, busses will pick us up right here, starting at eight, and running until midnight. It's a little more than half past five right now," he consulted his Breguet. "At seven, I will be in the jazz and wine garden, and I will have lots of wine tickets. Luca said he wanted to check out the craft beer garden. Does everyone know Luca from Locarno? Stand up, Luca."

Luca did as he was bid and gave everyone a wave.

"At seven, Luca will be in the craft beer garden and he will have lots of beer tickets," James revealed. "So get to know Luca, or come see me, and let's go have fun!" he finished and received the applause he expected. "Luca, come with me so we can make the same announcement on the other bus," James directed and just as the driver opened the door, swung down the stairs.

Entrance to the food festival was free and while there were a few stations giving away tiny samples, the majority of booths were from restaurants with specific signature dishes for sale. They obtained maps of the sprawling event as they entered past the first aid and lost children tents.

"You treat my students so wonderfully, James," Eva spoke appreciatively as they walked together.

"I'm only sorry I was overseas for so long. I'd have gotten involved sooner," James lied as they walked toward the international fountain. "Huh," he shook his head.

"What?" Eva looked for whatever it was that James saw.

"This is the Bite of Seattle food festival. Nothing says Seattle like California Pizza Kitchen and Panda Express," James gestured. "And, I'm sorry, a falafel stand? That's carnival food."

"The students don't know any better," Eva pointed out. "It's something for them to do together and they have fun."

"James," Luca rushed up to them. "Am I supposed to meet you somewhere?"

"Let's go get your drink tickets right now," James set off and Eva and Luca followed.

The craft beer garden was located on the Fisher Lawn, directly south of the fountain. Several local radio stations were broadcasting from the festival and the C89.5 booth was opposite. The DJ was a big, very hunky guy, bulging out of a black tank top. He had thick black hair and dark scruff on his face. He was exactly the type of muscle bound meathead that most gay men found attractive and James took an immediate dislike to him. In fact, he looked like an Italian version of Public Enemy Number One's big henchman. James didn't even realize that he lifted a hand to rub his nose as he had this thought.

As he watched, a group of four attractive men who looked to be in their mid twenties walked behind the DJ booth. The DJ did not challenge them, indeed the smile he wore clearly indicated that they were more than welcome. None of the four men acknowledged the DJ at all as one of the men pulled beers out of a cooler and passed them out. Then the four went on their merry way, talking and laughing amongst themselves, having, none of them, interacted with the DJ at all. The dejected look on the DJ's face as he turned back to his console told James all he needed to know. He gave a satisfied smirk and a small nod to himself as he witnessed the DJ, a perfect stranger's, pain.

James obtained sixty beer tickets and placed them all in Luca's hands. He put a hand on Luca's shoulder and pulled him close to speak quietly into his ear. "Have someone who is over twenty one get the beers. Don't get caught."

"I will, James. Thank you!" Luca expressed. James patted his shoulder and let him go.

"Should we adjourn to the grown up section?" James asked Eva. She just laughed and took his arm as they set off.

While beer was served in red solo cups in the noisy, crowded beer tent, wine was served in actual glasses, in a café setting with tables and chairs, in an actual garden in the courtyard of the Key Arena. A live jazz band played beside another fountain. Men and women in Alaska Airlines flight attendant uniforms circulated among the sippers with trays of cheese and crackers.

James and Eva elected to dine in The Alley. This venue, directly adjacent to the jazz and wine garden, and also sponsored by Alaska Airlines, presented a prix fixe seven course meal with all proceeds going to a local food bank. Here not only was there better food from actual local restaurants, but privacy from the noise of the festival, and comfort to sit at a table.

And it gave James a perfectly brilliant idea. If he could do something like this for the international students, and help a charity at the same time, he would win on both counts. He briefly considered asking Eva to help him round everyone up for dinner, but thought better of it. The students already loved him. What good would giving to charity do him if there was no good publicity to be gained from it? This needed proper planning and an invitation to the press.

At seven James and Eva were back in the jazz and wine garden and a few students joined them. All girls save one. Yasuke would drink piss if it meant being able to be near James. The admiration and lust on the younger man's face couldn't have been more obvious.

"What kind of wine should I get, James?" Yasuke asked.

"That depends on what you like," James answered. "I recommend you start with the tasting flight. That way you can sample five wines and see which you like best."

"Which five should I try?" Yasuke wasn't going to let James get off that easily.

"Okay," James closed his eyes and tried not to let his irritation show. "Would you prefer something sweet?" he prompted. Yasuke's growing harem of fag hags all chorused that they would.

"Yes, please," Yasuke naturally agreed.

"I suggest you start with the Diversion riesling," James gestured to the Diversion Wines table. "It's won numerous awards. And if you prefer something even sweeter, Claar Cellars has a late harvest riesling. I'm sure you'll like that."

"Oh, what's this chocolate one?" one of the girls noticed the Chocolate Shop wine table.

"There's a chocolate one?" another asked.

"Chocolate?" yet another voiced as the group moved in that direction en masse.

"Or you could drink a concoction that's not even wine," James rolled his eyes. College students could be unbelievably bright and yet witless morons at the same time.

"What are you drinking, James?" Yasuke hadn't followed his group.

"The Waterbrook melange blanc," James answered. He knew Yasuke would not understand what that meant and made no attempt to explain.

"I will have what you are having," Yasuke smiled up at James and headed for the Waterbrook table.

James sighed as he considered. There was no way the young Japanese man's palate was sophisticated enough to appreciate this wine. He was going to get a glass of this and would undoubtedly drink it, even though he wouldn't enjoy one sip of it. James didn't, of course, care, but he did want all the international students to have a good opinion of him. And Yasuke hadn't joined his hags in a glass of chocolate wine. James decided to take pity on the kid.

"No," James hooked an arm around Yasuke's shoulders and steered him away from the Waterbrook table. "A glass of the late harvest riesling, please," James handed over a drink ticket to one of the two men attending the Claar Cellars table.

"Here you are, Sir," the man in the white tux shirt and black bow tie handed over the glass.

"Thank you," Yasuke accepted it and looked up at James.

"Well? Try it," James instructed. This kid was obedient and subservient enough to have potential, but after Jin, James had his fill of Asian.

"Oh, this is very good," Yasuke smiled and inclined his head several times to the wise and knowledgeable older man.

"I thought you would like it," James nodded.

"Thank you," Yasuke smiled. "Are you going to stay for the movie?" he asked with hope in his eyes. Snuggling up to James on the lawn was a thrilling prospect.

"Under no circumstances," James was emphatic.

It was after eight when Eva returned to James' side and Yasuke and company decided it was time to find a place on the Mural Lawn to watch The Goonies. All of them made their way in that direction. They discovered the lawn was filling up. Luca sat on a blanket with two Taiwanese girls and he was more than a little tipsy.

"James!" Luca raised a hand when he saw him.

"You look comfortable," James stopped at the edge of the blanket.

"Very," Luca nodded with a grin and put his arms around the girls at his sides.

"We're heading back on the next bus if you'd care to join us," James gestured at Eva who chatted with Yasuke and his friends as they spread out nearby.

"I think I will stay for the movie," Luca nodded.

"Okay. You have your key?" James asked.

"I do!" Luca fished it from his pocket and held it up.

"Please don't lose it. You have the number of the car service in your phone?" James questioned further.

"Yes," Luca nodded.

"Home is only eleven blocks away actually, but I wouldn't walk it. It would be too easy to get lost," James advised. "Be sure to call for a car. Have fun and I'll see you when I see you."

"Good night, James. Thank you for everything!" Luca expressed.

"It's my pleasure. Girls," he nodded and stepped away.

"Luca looks like he's enjoying himself," Eva rejoined James again.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he gets laid tonight. Ah, they grow up so fast," James sighed. "We have a little bit of time before our next bus. One more glass of wine for the road?"

"You talked me into it," Eva nodded and took his arm as they walked.

As the sun set and the movie began, Luca cuddled even closer with his two female admirers. He didn't mind one bit when his zipper was lowered and a delicate hand reached into his shorts.


It was nearly noon when Luca came through the front door. His hair in particular was a disheveled mess.

"There you are," James wore a smirk as he came from the direction of his study. "You either got lucky or got arrested," he followed Luca into the kitchen. James wore snug jeans and a plaid, short sleeved, collared shirt of soft cotton with only the middle three buttons buttoned.

"I got very lucky," Luca stated as he opened the fridge and pulled out a container of cranberry juice. He removed the top, pulled the seal, and put it to his lips.

"Don't worry about a glass. Drink it like a barbarian," James was flip as Luca chugged. The cranberry juice had been on Luca's list for Monica. It wasn't the cranberry juice, it was the disrespect. James made a fist as he resisted the urge to slap the jug right out of Luca's hands.

It only took a moment for Luca to down the entire quart and he finished with a most satisfied sigh.

"Dehydrated, I take it," James concluded the obvious.

"Last night and this morning, I come four times," Luca informed.

"I hope you had a good supply of condoms with you," James expressed.

"I did not come in them," Luca revealed.

"Them?" James raised his eyebrows.

"They shared me," Luca gave a wide grin. "To have pussy on my cock and on my face? At the same time?! Heaven!"

"Are you trying to make me sick?" James was flat.

"James, I am sad for you that you will never know the joy of pussy!" Luca put his hand on James' shoulder in solidarity.

James immediately brushed Luca's hand away, horrified at the thought of where that hand had been. "If you must know, I do know the 'joy of pussy' as you put it. It was a very long time ago. I was fifteen and doing what I was told I should like, except I didn't, not at all. I fucked it, but I certainly didn't go down on it. I have no idea how you straight men do that."

"James, pussy is the best thing in the world! I want to eat it just as much as I want to fuck it," Luca confessed.

"You are trying to make me sick," James concluded with a nod.

"You said you have no boyfriend. You have no one that you see?" Luca enquired. "You need some cock."

"Are you offering?" James asked.

"No!" Luca laughed. "I mean we need to find you some cock. This word means," he grabbed himself. "I just learn it last night."

"It means exactly that, yes," James stated.

"And pussy, it means...?" Luca made a gesture that was spot on.

"Yes," James confirmed.

"Okay," Luca nodded. "Where do we find you a cock?"

"Between the legs of a young stud, preferably," James answered. He smiled as Luca threw back his head in a hearty guffaw. James folded his arms across his chest and leaned on the counter as he waited for Luca to settle down. "I can only imagine that you must be hungry."

"Oh, very, very much!" Luca rubbed his stomach.

"Well then, if you wouldn't mind taking a shower, because you smell like all kinds of ass, I'd be happy to take you to lunch," James offered.

"Okay!" Luca laughed again and headed for his room.

It was only four blocks and they could easily have walked it, but James drove and they put the top down. He found parking in the expensive lot just on the other side of the small park from Cutters Crabhouse. They walked through the park, which was no more than a patch of lawn, and went inside for lunch. To his dismay, James found no one working there that he knew and had to tip the hostess to secure a table by the windows. Cutters had an excellent, unobstructed view of the Sound over the Alaskan Way Viaduct below.

"Good afternoon, guys," a waitress in black pants, white long sleeved dress shirt and a black apron appeared at their side. "I'm Marlene and I'll be taking care of you today," she informed as she poured ice water from a pitcher into the glasses that were already on the table. "Anything from the bar to start you boys off?"

"Sparkling wine is nice with good seafood," James spoke confidently. "We'll have a bottle of the Argyle Brut," he ordered. And frowned as he watched her eyes shift to Luca.

"I will need to see ID," Marlene stated with a smile.

"My associate just flew in from Switzerland this morning for a project and doesn't have his passport on him. I can assure you he's over twenty one," James tried.

"Sorry," Luca gave a shrug and a smile.

"A person has to have ID on them to be served. That's the law in Washington. I am sorry about that," Marlene enforced kindly.

James closed his eyes as he took a pause and a deep breath. He was unaccustomed to being disobeyed, and it made him furious.

"I will have an iced tea, please," Luca was accepting.

"And for you, Sir?" Marlene asked.

James saw red and had to fight to maintain his composure. "Bring me the Argyle that I asked for."

"Are you sure? I can only bring one glass," Marlene informed.

James hated having to repeat his instructions. And most especially for a third time. His eyes flashed and Marlene saw it, though James kept his voice calm and steady. "Bring the Argyle," he enunciated each word slowly and deliberately.

"Okay," Marlene nodded. "Be right back."

James closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose as he let out a slow exhale. "I can see I am going to have to get to know the management here again."

"It is okay, James," Luca was easy.

"No, it isn't," James disagreed. "We could share the glass, I suppose, except I know where your lips have been."

"I know where your lips have been too," Luca pointed at James. This made James give a wry smile.

"It's been a bit longer since my lips have been wrapped around another man," James pointed out.

"I brushed my teeth," Luca gave a shrug. "And we have to find you someone to wrap your lips around. There are many gay students at the university. I know it."

"No, no, no," James waved his hand. "We are not going to fix me up with a student. That's not why I'm doing this. I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing a trick home while you are living with me anyway, no matter where he came from. The house should be a safe space. If I had a partner, that would be different. Then we would both be hosting you, but since I don't at the moment, it's just you and me. And I would ask that you refrain from having overnight guests as well."

"Okay," Luca agreed.

"Have a look at the menu," James bid as he picked up his own.

"What is good here?" Luca asked as he began to read.

"Seafood is good here," James answered simply. "North Pacific seafood especially. I see they still have the crab dip. That's quite good. We'll start with that."

"We have much seafood in Locarno, but there is nothing here that I know," Luca stated.

"Good," James nodded. "Something new, then. I will add, that if you like oysters on the half shell, they're not bad here, but they're better elsewhere."

"Oysters on the half shell?" Luca had no idea what that was.

"Raw," James clarified.

"I don't know if I would like that," Luca was dubious.

"Well, as I say, this is not the place for that anyway," James stated.

"Oh, they have mussels. Those were really good the other night," Luca recalled fondly.

"They do them with blue cheese here. We'll do those too," James decided.

"Blue cheese?" Luca was not familiar.

"You'll like it," James nodded.

"Here we are, gentlemen," Marlene returned. "Iced tea and here's some lemon. And the Willamette Valley Argyle Brut," she presented the bottle.

"Please," James gave the slightest nod. Marlene proceeded to pull the cork and pour James a flute of the sparkling wine. He took a sip and just gave another nod in approval.

"What sounds good for lunch?" Marlene asked.

"We'll start with the dungeness and rock crab dip, and the Penn Cove mussels," James ordered. "What else looks good to you, Luca?"

"I liked the prawns we had the other day," Luca was still reading.

"We'll each have a Louie," James held out his meu.

"So we have the crab dip with the aged parmesan baguette, the mussels with blue cheese and green onions, and two signature Cutters Louie," Marlene listed.

"Thank you," James didn't bother to look at her.

"Thank you," Luca surrendered his menu as well.

"I'll get your starters right in," Marlene dashed.

"What is a Louie?" Luca asked.

"A salad with Alaskan Salmon, dungeness crab, prawns," James gestured, "deviled eggs, tomato, asparagus and avocado."

"Oh," Luca nodded as he considered. It didn't sound bad. It had the prawns he wanted, and he came here to learn after all.

"Try our sparkling wine," James moved the glass closer to Luca.

"Mmm," Luca took a sip from his side of the glass. "This is good."

"Argyle is quite drinkable," James evaluated. "I'm glad we have this time, Luca. I've been thinking and I want to bounce some ideas off you," he took another sip.

"What are you thinking about?" Luca spread his hands with a smile.

"The Bite of Seattle trip and the Summerfest in West Seattle before that, you weren't here yet for that one," James began, "were planned by FIUTS. I just provided the transportation. I promised to come up with an event for them myself and I want to share my thoughts with you."

"Please!" Luca enthused. "The Bite of Seattle was really fun!"

"Yes," James held a different view. "Here's what I want to run by you. There is an organization called FareStart. It's right in Belltown. They are a culinary job training and placement program for homeless and other similarly disadvantaged individuals. They have a restaurant that is open for lunch every day and for dinner only once a week, or by special arrangement for groups. I was thinking of arranging a dinner for the students. What would you and your contemporaries think of something like that?"

"What would we do?" Luca asked.

James raised his eyebrows. "Eat."

"Well, everyone wants to eat, but what would we do?" Luca pinpointed the hole in James' plan. "Either before, during, or after?"

"I see what you're saying," James got it. "There needs to be an activity. At Bite of Seattle there was a movie. At Summerfest there were bands. At both there were beer gardens."

"Bands and beer gardens are always good," Luca affirmed.

"Aren't they though," James took another sip while he thought. And then it came to him. There was a bar just around the block on 2nd Avenue from his home. Indeed, from his family room, he could look straight down on it. The Crocodile was a perfectly dreadful little place that had partnered with the Seattle School of Rock. Bands that formed at the school performed there. James could just imagine the grungy, dirty and almost certainly smelly types that formed these bands. Attending something like this sounded to James like a fate worse than death, but the international students would eat it up.


It took Karen nearly a month. In fact, it was the friday of the weekend Luca was due to move out. He had secured on campus housing and would be sharing a room with Yasuke of all people. James suspected the young Japanese man had gotten close to Luca, only to get closer to him. James had never been more than tolerantly polite to Yasuke, but that hadn't deterred him. And the fact that Yasuke was openly gay, didn't bother Luca in the least. Neither did it seem to bother any of the other straight boys in their circle. Nor was Yasuke the only one. A young Argentinian named Alejandro clearly had eyes for Yasuke. Yasuke unfortunately, still only had eyes for James.

James had decided to forgo the guest chef from a local restaurant, lest that chef steal the limelight for donating his time for such a worthy cause. Rather, James hired his own. His private group dinner at the FareStart restaurant was set to coincide with the Seattle School of Rock, Aught Rock event at the Crocodile. And his choice of chef could not have been better as she came with just the right contacts built in.

"James!" Luca was surprised when he caught sight of his host. "I thought you said this was casual. I am not dressed properly?"

"No, Luca, you're fine," James gave a dismissive wave as he joined Luca in the entry hall. "There will be some media coverage tonight and I want to look my best," he smiled. James wore a slate gray pinstriped suit with a white dress shirt and a red tie. He carried a small bag with a change of clothes for after dinner. "You look very nice, actually. I expect I know who it's for, and I expect, after dinner, I won't see you until tomorrow."

"No, no," Luca shook his head. "My friends are coming in the morning to help me move. You must make me come home with you!"

"Make a hot, drunk boy come home with me? That'll be just awful," James teased with a pat to Luca's butt as they walked out the door together. Luca laughed playfully as he danced ahead to call the elevator. He wore a tight white shirt, jeans that fit him very well, and his ever present bandana in his hair to hold it back from his face.

A Town Car waited under the porte cochere. James wasn't about to walk and didn't want to have to deal with parking. He handed his bag to the driver and got in the back with Luca.

They took 1st Avenue to Virginia Street and that up to 7th Avenue. It was a quick ride the nine blocks and their driver swung them easily to the curb in front of FareStart. James didn't wait for the driver and opened his own door. Luca followed him out and they went inside. The door had a large sign that read Private Event and James walked in like the owned the place.

FareStart was an open, high ceilinged industrial space with exposed venting. The walls were adorned with close to a hundred hand painted dinner plates and James found the dining room goche, if at least very clean. A glass wall separated the dining room from the kitchen so that patrons could see the action they came to support. The soaring space easily accommodated a loft dining room above the kitchen.

An army of wait staff was gathered in a corner of the restaurant. James had asked that staff be dressed in black tux shirts and white bow ties, and noticed immediately that not even half of them were.

"Good evening, gentlemen," a tall woman turned from the assembled staff to greet them with a smile. She wore a black skirt with a white blouse and camel jacket that did not at all compliment her long platinum blonde hair, nor did the odd, black beret that she wore perched on her head. "The restaurant is closed for a private event this evening," she started to explain.

"I'm James Visser," he walked right past her.

"Oh, well, Mr. Visser?" she followed James right into the kitchen.

To set herself apart, Carla Betz wore her black chef coat with scarlet buttons and piping, and a white Seattle Seahawks cap on her head. She was the creative force behind FareStart this evening and directed the kitchen staff to bring fruition to her vision.

"Carla," James called.

"Oh, James," Carla smiled.

"Who is in charge here?" James asked.

"Well, tonight, I am," Carla answered. "In the kitchen anyway. Jaycee here is in charge in the dining room."

"Ah," James suddenly found the beret wearing woman worth addressing. "I'm quite sure my assistant conveyed my instructions about uniform requirements for this evening."

"She did, Mr. Visser," Jaycee began patiently. "The thing is, many of the men and women in our job training and life skills program just don't have what you asked for."

James raised his eyebrows and was about to go off on her until he realized that he was in fact surrounded by homeless and disadvantaged people, in both the kitchen and dining room. The very people this program was designed to help. And more importantly, if he made an issue, it would lower the opinion both Luca and Carla held of him. Carla was essentially an employee, but her other half wasn't. Carla's wife's good opinion of him was equally important.

"Of course," James put a hand on both women's arms. "I completely understand. What they're wearing is just fine. It's the mission that counts. And I should probably get out of your hair," he said to Carla. "Everyone looks very busy back here."

"Yeah, get outta my hair, will ya?" Carla teased.

Friendly and easy going Luca chatted with the staff, all of whom loved him instantly. The group turned when their manager emerged from the kitchen with James.

"Do you have champagne?" James enquired.

"Mark," Jaycee called. "Assist Mr. Visser, please."

James gave the woman beside him a glance. An answer to his question would have been the first appropriate response. Mark was a fresh faced, handsome man with no history of substance abuse or dependency in his past, and was therefore entrusted with the keys to the bar.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Visser?" Mark asked with a smile.

"Do you have champagne here?" James was forced to repeat.

"We have three sparkling wines," Mark was quick to grab a wine list from a nearby table. "We have Domaine St. Michelle," he began to recite from memory as he handed the list to James.

"No," James was not going to drink that swill.

"We also have Jaillance brut rosé and Schramsberg blanc de blanc from California," Mark finished.

"Really?" James was disappointed.

"The Jaillance isn't bad, but the Schramsberg is way better," Mark advised.

"The Schramsberg then," James agreed. "And a glass for my associate," he gestured toward Luca.

"Sure thing," Mark smiled and headed for his bar.

James had to smile to himself. Luca was anything but an associate and everyone here would know that if they didn't already. He was so accustomed to calling Luca that, it was a habit now.

"I imagine you'll have the main table," Mark returned with bottle and ice bucket.

Supported by two thick, wood columns, a long table had been fashioned from two heavy wood beams that were salvaged during the initial reconstruction of the place. It was in the dead center of the dining room, bar height, and could seat eight on each side. The restaurant called it the 'community table' and that was exactly where James intended to sit. Mark popped the cork and poured a flute for James and Luca.

The lesbians arrived together. Carla's wife Sally Clark, President of Seattle City Council, drove their best friends Annmarie Cruce, UW Provost, and her better half, Jennifer Durkin, US Attorney for the Western District of Washington. The Provost was dressed in a man's suit while her partner wore a skirt suit. Sally was dressed in jeans, a salmon colored polo shirt and a dark blue blazer.

"Ladies," James greeted when they all walked in.

"Hi, James. Good to see you again," Annmarie took and shook his hand firmly.

"You as well. Mark, champagne for the ladies," James called.

"Is this one of my students?" Annmarie appraised Luca.

"Luca, I'd like you to meet Provost Cruce," James introduced.

"Oh, hello," Luca raised his eyebrows. He never expected to personally meet so prominent a personage at the university. He was equally impressed, though he realized he shouldn't be, that James knew her.

"I need to go kiss the chef," Sally announced and headed for the kitchen.

Through the tall glass facade of the restaurant James saw the King 5 news van pull up across the street just before his two motor coaches arrived and obliterated the view entirely.

Eva had her entire staff with her. She wore a dress as James had warned her there would be press. Mike, Tom, Andrew, Andreas and Allison were all dressed casually like their students. Eva and company came at the head of the sea of people as they flooded into restaurant. Jaycee and her staff went swiftly into action organizing and seating the rush of excited students.

"Eva, you look lovely," James painted a smile on his face.

"James," Eva embraced him. They shared a hug like the dear old friends she thought they were and he pretended to be.

"Mark," James called. "Champagne for Ms Schepler."

"Yes, Sir," Mark was never far and quick to obey.

"Oh, Annmarie!" Eva didn't expect to see the Provost herself in their company. But Annmarie was about to be eclipsed.

A man in an expensively tailored dark blue pinstriped suit walked through the door and James couldn't help but smile. He had personally invited the University President.

"Michael," James offered his hand.

"Ah, James," Michael approached and shook James' hand.

"So glad you could make it," James expressed.

"I think I saw the press setting up outside," Michael gestured. They both knew why he was here.

"You know, I noticed that as well. Perhaps we should go speak with them," James suggested with a smile.

Reporters and cameras from King 5 and the Seattle Times did a quick interview with James. They also interviewed Michael Young, Annmarie Cruce, Sally Clark and Eva Schepler, all of whom had nothing but praise for James Visser, the handsome hero philanthropist who in one delightful evening was helping no less than three groups of people, and two local businesses. The King 5 cameraman panned through the restaurant just once before they packed up. The Times took several shots inside, including one of all the people they interviewed at the community table with their special guests.

The staff swung into quick action once all the tables were organized and seated. Soft drinks were included with the dinner James provided, but alcoholic beverages were not. Unless, of course, you happened to be at the main table with him. The first course was a bowl of FareStart's signature tomato basil soup. Once Carla took command in the kitchen and tried it, she decided there was no reason to mess with perfection.

On James' side of the table, on his left sat Eva and her staff, Mike, Tom, Andrew, Andreas and Allison. Michael Young sat across from James and to his right were Annmarie, Jennifer and Sally. Several students were also invited to join the leadership at the main table. Luca sat beside the City Council President and to his right were Chen and Mei, the best friends from Taipei who had shared Luca's big Italian cock on more than one occasion. Yasuke sat beside Mei, wishing he could be nearer to James. Alejandro sat next to Allison and across from Yasuke, wishing the short, cute Japanese boy with the fringe of hair in his sweet eyes would look at him the way he looked at their benefactor.

"Mark," James turned to the hovering barman, "bring enough bottles of the DeLille Cellars sauvignon blanc to give everyone at this table a glass."

"Right away, Mr. Visser," Mark flew into action. James watched the dark haired young man as he dashed to obey him. Mark was attentive and obedient. He anticipated needs and saw to them with minimal instruction. James noticed for the first time that he had a nice little build on him and a pert little ass.

"Mmm," Michael nodded when he took a sip of the wine. "Good choice, James," he complimented.

"It's one of my favorites," James smiled at the man who sat across from him.

"I'll get the next round," Michael picked up the menu card that listed their courses. "Let's see now," he opened the small book containing the wine list. "Oh, yes. Mark, is it? Do the same as you just did with bottles of the Poet's Leap riesling with the salad."

"Yes, sir," Mark nodded and headed for his bar again.

"That sounds perfect," James spread his hands and smiled, though he couldn't disagree more. James had a few personal rules when it came to wine and one of them was that a riesling was never the right answer to anything. If James had it to do over again, he would have prearranged wine pairings for his table himself.

Mark had all the glasses poured when the servers brought out the beet and goat cheese salads with a white balsamic vinaigrette. If James were honest with himself, the riesling wasn't terrible with the salad, though it was far from the best choice.

The main course was what Carla liked to call, the Olympic duo. Applewood grilled Pacific King salmon was served with Carla's special kalamata olive salsa, alongside a bourbon and mustard marinated prime top sirloin steak, topped with sautéed mushrooms. These were complimented by a Yukon gold potato gratin and roasted spaghetti squash.

"Salmon is an oily fish and steak is, steak. What say a malbec, Michael?" James picked up the wine list.

"I'd say that's brilliant, James," Michael agreed.

"Catena Zapata, Mark," James ordered.

"And give me the bill for that," Annmarie called after their bartender slash wine steward.

"Yes, ma'am!" Mark called back.

As the students and professionals enjoyed the entrées, and Mark poured the next course of wine at the head table, Carla emerged from the kitchen.

"Ah, here's the chef!" Michael reached for her. "You've outdone yourself, my dear."

"Thank you, Michael," Carla paused just long enough to accept his compliment and moved on to where her wife sat.

"It's a wonder I don't weigh five hundred pounds," Sally quipped as her wife began to rub her quite fit back and shoulders.

James bristled as accolades were heaped upon the woman he hired. She might have created the meal, but he had commissioned it, and he didn't like sharing his limelight.

"Alright, kids. I better check on dessert," Carla headed back to the kitchen.

As dinner was cleared away the servers headed right back out with Carla's signature lavender crème brulée.

"Now what wine are you going to pair with this?" Eva asked the man who sat beside her.

"I was thinking along the lines of a madeira," James picked up the wine list again. "Mark?"

"We don't have anything like that, Mr. Visser," Mark was apologetic.

"No, I see that you don't," James closed the wine list booklet. "More champagne in that case."

"Right away," Mark rushed off to his bar.

They cracked through the dark, hard sugar shell of their brulées and enjoyed the thick and luscious lilac colored cream within. Those at the community table lingered over their last glass of sparkling wine after they finished eating.

"I think the natives are getting restless," Eva observed.

"I see what you mean," James agreed.

"Mike, Tom, will you start rounding everyone up?" Eva bid.

"Sure thing," Mike and Tom slipped off their barstools. Everyone else stood as Michael, James and Annmarie settled their individual checks.

"James, thank you so much for dinner!" Luca gave James a quick hug.

"My pleasure," James patted Luca's back and let him go.

"I am going to go with my friends," Luca stated. "You are coming to the concert too, right?"

"I'll be there," James assured.

"James, and ladies, could I interest you in joining me for a sherry?" Michael gestured toward the bar.

"That's so sweet, Michael, but I going to head over with the students," Eva stated.

"Ah, in that case," James reached into his inner jacket pocket, "let me give you the paperwork for our tickets. Everything is waiting at the box office."

"I'll give these to Mike. Are you coming to the show?" Eva asked.

"I'll be there," James confirmed.

"Okay, good. Oh, I meant to mention this earlier and I'm sure it'll be too noisy to talk about it later," Eva took hold of James' arm. "I have a student for fall session that I want to place with you. Are you familiar with the Valle Scholarship?"

"I'm afraid I'm not," James confessed.

"One of the things Valle does is award scholarships to young people in Scandinavia who might otherwise not get the chance to attend higher education. UW is a member and a Valle awardee is being sent here," Eva explained. "He's gay, so I especially wanted to place him with you. You'll be able to take care of him like no one else. Allison will email you his details, if she hasn't already," Eva stated.

"I look forward to meeting him," James gave his first truly genuine smile of the evening.

"Okay. See you at the Crocodile," Eva gave James a kiss on his cheek and headed for the door. James was held up a few moments by students passing by to shake his hand and thank him for dinner. When he was done, he turned to find Mark by his side.

"Your sherry, Mr. Visser," Mark presented James his cordial glass.

"Thank you," James accepted it and took a sip.

"Did I hear you say your group is attending a concert?" Mark asked.

"You did. There's a School of Rock show tonight at the Crocodile," James confirmed.

"That really sounds like fun," Mark smiled. James narrowed his eyes. Mark's smile was subtly flirtatious. He was a servant and certainly not anyone James would be interested in, but he would do for the few minutes it would take.

"Would you like to go?" James asked.

"With you? I'd love to!" Mark expressed.

"What time are you through here?" James gestured to where the staff was busy cleaning up all around them.

"I just have to restock and put away the glasses the kitchen will bring out in a little bit. I might be ready when you are," Mark stated.

James simply nodded and walked around Mark to join Michael, Annmarie, Jennifer, Sally and Carla at the bar. Six was the number of seats at the bar, but none of them sat while they enjoyed their sherry. Mark busied himself readying his bar for tomorrow and James didn't so much as give him a glance.

"Well, I do think I'll call it a night," Michael set his empty glass on the bar. "James, thank you for dinner. Carla, outstanding."

"This was great fun," Carla stated.

"Are we ready, girls?" Annmarie set down her empty glass.

"Let's go," Sally put her arm around Carla.

James turned to set his drained glass on the bar and met Mark's eyes. James made an almost imperceptible motion with his head toward the door and Mark gave the slightest nod in return.

"Have a good night, James. Thank you again," Annmarie bid as they all stepped through the doors onto the sidewalk. The lesbians went one way toward their car and Michael went the other. James' car was waiting at the curb and his driver got out to get his door.

"Thank you," James took off his suit jacket before he seated himself in the backseat. The driver closed him in and walked back around the Town Car.

"Where to, Sir?" the driver took the wheel.

"Wait here a moment," James loosened his tie, undid the knot and pulled it from his neck. "And I need my bag."

"Here you are, Sir," the driver passed it back to James. James set it on the seat beside him as he unbuttoned his dress shirt. He pulled the shirt out of his pants and shrugged it off his shoulders when Mark emerged from the restaurant.

The bartender looked around for the man who had tipped so well and did not see him. He did notice the rear passenger door of a black Town Car, parked not twenty feet from where he stood, as it was opened by someone unseen within. Mark walked down and leaned to look inside.

"Get in," James directed.

"Oh!" Mark noticed that James was bare from the waist up and slid in beside him.

"I brought a change of clothes with me," James unzipped the bag that sat on the seat between them.

"Yeah, good idea," Mark endorsed as he shut his door.

"Drive," James directed. The driver started the car, put it in gear, and pulled away from the curb.

Mark found this the perfect time to unclip the white bow tie from around his neck. He slowly unbuttoned the first, second and third buttons of his black tux shirt as the man in the seat beside him slipped off his shoes and pulled his belt from his pants. James didn't stop there. He unbuttoned, unzipped and lifted his butt from the seat as he pulled his underwear down with his pants. James let his bare butt rest on the seat as he pulled his feet out of the pants and underwear. Stark naked, he began to exchange the clothes he had just shed, for the ones in the bag.

Mark watched intently, infused with awe and arousal at the sight of James' cut and defined physique. The incredibly sexy man leaned back in the seat and spread his legs. Mark could not tear his eyes away as, in the light of the passing streetlights, the hooded serpent that hung between those hairy thighs began to wake.

James watched Mark watch him as he grew to full hardness. He took hold of his cock lightly and gave himself a gentle stroke. James smirked as Mark swallowed and his tongue darted out to moisten his lips. James stilled his hand and waited for Mark's gaze to meet his. In one smooth motion, James swept the clothes and bag off the seat between them and reached up. He grabbed Mark by the back of his neck and pulled him down. James hooked his cock with his thumb to point it at Mark's face as he pulled the younger man down. Mark didn't resist in any way as he was forced onto James' bone.

"Ugh," James let his head drop back and made no attempt to be quiet as his length slid into the warm, wet embrace of Mark's mouth. Mark didn't mind at all that James shoved him onto his cock. He didn't mind that James held him in place or that he couldn't breathe because of it. James wasn't huge by any means, but he was long enough to block Mark's airway when his six plus inches was swallowed whole. Mark conformed his mouth to James' meat and caressed every bit of it he could reach with his tongue.

James eased his grip on the back of Mark's head and let the younger man move up his shaft. He heard Mark begin to suck a breath in through his nose, but pushed him down again anyway. Mark got the message and began to suck James' cock.

"Yeah, suck," James kept his hand on the back of Mark's head and urged him to a faster pace. Mark wanted this to be a prelude, not an event, but James had another plan. He closed his eyes and let his head rest back on the comfortable leather seat as he drove Mark's head on his straining cock. These were the first lips that had wrapped around him since Jin. "Ugh."

"Everything okay back there?" the driver asked as if he didn't know perfectly well what was happening.

James grabbed his wallet and pulled out five twenties. "Just drive," he barked as he threw the bills into the front seat. While James was preoccupied, Mark pulled his mouth up and off of James' throbbing cock. He wrapped his fingers around the rock hard bone and stroked it slowly as he let his lips play with the snake's exposed head.

James gasped as Mark's tongue circled around his very sensitive head. That felt very good, but suddenly he was no longer in control. This man was now playing with him. Mark had a talented tongue and an obvious desire for what he was doing, but now James was receiving, and that just wouldn't do at all.

"Suck!" James commanded as he grabbed Mark's head with both hands and shoved it down. "Ugh," he flexed his hips as he buried his bone in Mark's face and held it there for a long moment. Then James used both hands to lift Mark's head and direct him on a fast pace on his straining cock.

Mark liked the way this confident and successful man took control. He had good top written all over him and if he played his cards right, he might get more nights than one. He clutched his lips to James' shaft as he was willingly driven up and down on the throbbing spike. Mark moved a hand between James' legs to fondle and massage his nuts in their deliciously smooth sac.

"We're going to the Crocodile," James informed the driver. He knew his orgasm wasn't far off and the last thing he wanted to do was drive around with this bartender a moment longer than he needed to.

"I know right where that is, Sir," the driver assured as he changed lanes in preparation to make a turn on the next street.

James had a hard time holding his hips still and he didn't want to. He wasn't exactly sure when he made the transition from driving Mark's head onto his cock, to holding it firmly still with both hands while he thrust up into his mouth. "Yeah, fuck," James hissed. Mark had a hard time taking anything like a full breath with James' cock plunging to the back of his mouth. He had an equally difficult time massaging James balls as the man's hips thrust. James' stones drew up tight to the base of his shaft.

Mark could taste James' freely leaking precum. He wanted to savor it. He wanted to take his time and make love to James' entire body with his lips, tongue and mouth. Mark wanted to lick his biceps and his nipples. He would lick James' armpits if he liked that. He would spend a good long time worshiping James' balls with his tongue and lips. Mark wanted to suck him slowly and build him up before he sat on his cock and rode him to completion. It was increasingly apparent that James wanted to get off in his mouth, hard and fast. And that was okay. They could spend a few hours listening to the music, maybe dance and have a few drinks. If James got off now, he would be able to last that much longer later. Of James' virility, Mark had no doubt.

"Oh, shit," James began to tremble as he fought to maintain control of his muscles. "Oh, shit," his thrusts became erratic as drove himself to the brink.

Mark felt the rod that jabbed deeply up into his mouth grow even harder as it swelled a little larger.

"Fuck! Fuck!" James crashed over the edge. He gritted his teeth and tried to stifle his moan as he stopped thrusting and held Mark's head tightly, fully impaled on his pulsing cock. Mark put his hands on James' thighs, but was unable to free himself from James' vice like grip. James' body convulsed and he had to stifle his moans as his cum pumped into the back of Mark's mouth, clogging his throat.

Mark choked on James' semen as the pulsing cock continued to deliver it in thick bolts. James held him fast and Mark worked to swallow James' considerable load. At the outset, James blasted faster than Mark could swallow it, but as his orgasm waned, James's spurts lessened in equal measure to the convulsions of his body.

James grew still and, as all of his muscles relaxed, he slowly let go of Mark's head. Mark drew his mouth up James' still hard bone and pulled off to clear his throat and cough.

"No. No, no," James reached for Mark once again. "Suck," he guided Mark back onto his yet hard cock. "Slowly and gently. That's it," James coached as he let himself relax in the afterglow of his powerful orgasm.

Mark continued to nurse on James until he began to soften.

And James could see that they were only a block from 2nd Avenue and Blanchard Street. "That's good," he lifted Mark's head from his spent cock. James pulled on snug, very flattering jeans and a gray henley with a wide round collar. James didn't need to unbutton it to easily get his head through the neck, but he did anyway.

"Would you like me to get the door, Sir?" the driver asked as they rounded the corner and pulled to the curb. He wasn't at all sure of the state of undress of either of his passengers.

"Not necessary," James gestured that Mark should open his door. Mark complied and slid out of the car.

James slid after him, but paused to address his driver. "He doesn't get back into this car. No one gets in unless they're with me," he commanded and then slid out behind Mark. James showed his ID at the will call window and he and Mark were immediately admitted.

The Crocodile was every bit the dive James imagined it to be. His students were at least eighty percent of the patrons by the look of it. At the Back Bar and pizzeria, there were a few shabby tables and chairs, but otherwise the place was just standing room on a bare concrete floor and reeked of stale beer and equally stale bodies.

At the bar, James scanned the top shelf. Why did bars think Johnnie Walker was good scotch?

"Do you have Walker Blue?" James asked the bartender when he turned to them.

"Sure do," the bartender confirmed.

"Double on the rocks," James ordered and turned to Mark. "What would you like?"

"A Bud please," Mark ordered. Of course he did.

James paid for their drinks, picked up his scotch and took a sip. It wasn't good scotch, but it wasn't furniture polish either. It would do. "I'm going to join my associates now. You're on your own."

"Hey, but I thought...," Mark wore surprise on his face.

"Don't think," James patted Mark's shoulder and walked away.

"Asshole!" Mark called after him, unsure if James heard him or not in the din. He took a swig of his beer. Mark hadn't minded the taste of James' cum in his mouth at all. In fact, he liked it, but now all he wanted to do was wash the taste of the man away.

"Oh, James!" Allison caught his arm as he joined her and Andrew at the loft bar. "Did Eva tell you about Krister?"

"Who?" James furrowed his brow.

"Krister Nordqvist. The exchange student from Sweden?" Allison asked.

"She mentioned a student. She didn't say who from where," James stated.

"Well, anyway, his name is Krister and he's from Sweden. I've been emailing with him for the last few days. He seems super sweet," Allison spewed information. "And he was relieved when I told him I could place him in a gay household. I emailed you his details just before the busses picked us up."

"I can't wait to meet him, Allison," James smiled at her.


It was one in the morning when James finally walked into his study. He opened the laptop sitting on his desk and took a sip of actual good scotch while he looked out over the dark Sound. It only took a moment for the laptop to be ready and James leaned over it to call up his email. There was the promised message from Allison and he clicked it open.

The picture of the sweetly smiling blonde boy took his breath away.

"Well, hello Krister Nordqvist from Sweden," James sank into his white leather chair. "You'll do very well," the corner of James' mouth turned up in a smile.

Step Three, ingratiate himself with those who can deliver him exactly what he wanted: Accomplished.