Adam held the Walther PPK, semi automatic pistol in his hand. He'd found the key to Roman's weapon's box. The blond smiled fondly. His fiancé had spent hours with him looking for just the right weapon. Roman had first shown Adam how to break it down, clean and put it back together. The Islander told him to learn the gun like a lover. Treat it with love and care and it will take care of you.
Adam quickly broke the weapon down, cleaned and inspected it, then put it back together. He'd remembered exactly how to do it. Roman would have been proud of him. Before they met, Adam had never touched a weapon of any kind. Roman told Adam after they moved in together that he wanted his Viking protected when he was gone doing security work and for when he had to drive through bad areas to get to decorating jobs.
Adam had all the proper equipment for the range as well. Ear protection, vest, glasses and gloves. He hadn't been to the range since Roman last took him. He packed everything in his range bag. All he had to do now was wait for Rocky.
Just before ten, Adam's mail came, the decorator went out to the box. There wasn't much, a couple of decorating journals, a few bills and a card. The address on the card had been printed by computer and there was no return information. Just as he started to open the card, Dwayne pulled up and honked.
Adam turned and waved, "Let me get my bag! Be right back!" he said to the handsome man in the SUV. Adam put the mail on the coffee table. He went to the bathroom. After a quick check in the mirror, he picked up the range bag. He locked the house and went out to Dwayne's SUV.
Dwayne was waiting by the passenger door. He was wearing his usual khaki pants and print shirt. His sunglasses perched on top of his head. He smiled when Adam came around to the door. He took the heavy range bag from Adam.
"Hi sweetie, all ready to go?" Dwayne asked the pretty blond. He put the bag in the back seat next to his own.
"Hi Rocky. Yes, I'm ready. My pistol is clean and ready too," Adam replied as he slid into the passenger seat and buckled his seat-belt.
Dwayne slipped into the driver's seat and they were off, " So you know how to break down and clean your weapon. Guess Roman taught you. How many times did he make you do it?" Rocky asked with a laugh. He remembered how meticulous his cousin was about that type of thing.
"Hours, Rocky, hours. But, it was a great way to spend time together, doing what Roman loved. God I miss... no, no. I'm sorry. I said I wouldn't do that today," Adam said in a firm tone. This was time with a friend, not mourning for Roman time.
"Don't say sorry, but, yeah today is about you and me. What kind of weapon do you have?" Dwayne changed the subject. He hoped this might turn into a real date but he wouldn't push.
"Walther PKK semi. Took a long time to pick it out. I never actually got to shoot it, but once. But, as I said I can take it apart. I cleaned it this morning. Sorry... I told you that. Say, I'd like you to have Roman's weapon. I only need one and I'm sure he'd like for you to have it. It's also a Walther PKK semi, but it's a bit bigger than mine," Adam offered with a soft smile.
Dwayne had just parked at the range. He quickly wiped his eyes, "I'd be honored Adam. Thank you. Thank you so much. Now, let's go shoot some targets," Dwayne said humbly as he got out and opened Adam's door. The blond slid out and watched as Dwayne lifted the two heavy range bags out of the SUV. His muscles strained and flexed under the weight. It wasn't an unpleasant sight. Dwayne was handsome after all.
They walked into the building. Dwayne paid for two hours of range time. They went out the door that lead to the shooting range. There were only a couple of other shooters there. Adam was glad, he didn't want to make a fool of himself in front of a bunch of strangers, Rocky was bad enough.
Dwayne sat their bags down on the loading table. For the next few minutes they geared up. Dwayne helped Adam into his shooting vest. They put on their special eye protection and their ear protection was around their necks like headphones, till they were ready to shoot.
"Okay, load up and shoot a few rounds so I can see your form," Dwayne said as he stood back to watch the decorator shoot. He took Adam's request for help seriously.
The blond picked up the weapon and loaded it, "Going hot" Adam called out. It was protocol to let others on the range know your weapon was loaded and off safety.
Adam put his ear protection on and picked up the weapon again. He took his stance, aimed and fired. The target was one of the kind that several round circles on it. A 5mm solid black circle was the bulls-eye.
Adam aimed for the center, but the bullet hit the white part of the target, near the opposite side. After six more shots, his last one finally hit the circles.
"Okay, um... yeah... some... not so nice shootin' Tex," Dwayne said as he took Adam's weapon.
"Safety on" Adam called out. At least he hit the target and had range protocol. His pretty face was flush, he was embarrassed at his performance.
"Not bad, they all hit. Your stance is wrong. Keep your arms level. Watch. Going hot!" Dwayne said as he loaded his weapon as he spoke.
The Samoan stood firm, his body set like a stone. He raised his arms and fired six shots, all landing in the heart of his target. "Safety on" he called out as Rocky set his weapon down.
"Good Lord, Rocky. Remind me not to ever piss you off! Now, teach me!" Adam said in an awed toned.
Rocky watched Adam reload. They called out to the other shooters. The decorator took a stance more like Dwayne had done. He raised his arms to fire.
"Wait! More like this," Dwayne walked up behind Adam. He put his arms around the lithe body of the interior decorator.
At first Adam didn't like it, but then, even though it was just to help him shoot better, it felt good to be in strong arms again. It was all Adam could do not to just lower the gun and lean into the embrace. Dwayne felt Adam's body twitch, then calm in his arms. His lips were at Adam's left ear. It was all he could do not to suck the delicious lobe into his mouth.
"Now... steady. Hold your breath, now... fire!" Dwayne said as he pulled Adam's ear protection up, covering the pretty ears.
Adam fired six rapid shots. This time they all landed in the center area of the target. He felt satisfied. In his mind, the target was Roman's killer.
"Great! That was much better. Reload and going hot!" Dwayne called out in a proud tone.
Adam reloaded and fired the entire clip of shots into the center of the target. He loaded again and again, it was like a he had a sudden burst of emotion. He was letting out all the bottled up anger he'd been keeping inside since Roman's death. He didn't even realize the tears had started falling.
"Adam... enough baby," Dwayne said softly. He pulled the blond into his arms and just stroked Adam's back gently. Adam sobbed and he wasn't even sure why.
After a few minutes, Adam stopped sobbing, but he stayed in Dwayne's arms. His head rested on the strong shoulder.
"I'm sorry. Everything I've held in since Roman died just... all I could think of was that the target was the bastard that killed him. I think I needed that. I feel better than I have in a long time," Adam said with a soft smile.
"I'm glad baby. You needed it. I could see it in those mata aulelei..." Dwayne stopped when Adam gasped and pulled away from his embrace. The blond was trembling.
"Can... we... go... now... please?" Adam said almost robotically. He was putting things in his bag, not caring he should have cleaned his weapon first.
Dwayne was stunned by Adam's sudden shut down. He wanted to know what he'd done, but he wasn't going to push.
"Sure, we can go," the muscular man packed his own range bag. Weapon cleaning could wait.
Adam picked up his range bag and headed to the SUV. He said nothing, he had completely shut himself down. How could Dwayne have said that of all things.
The two men said nothing for several miles. Dwayne had intended to take Adam to lunch. He didn't know what to do.
"Um... " Dwayne decided not to speak. He was close to a nice park. He pulled in, he cared too much about Adam. Something had happened back at the range. He parked under some trees and rolled the windows down.
Rocky reached over to Adam and put his hand on the graceful shoulder, "What happened back there? You were feeling so good. Then it was just like you shut me out. Did I do something wrong? Please baby, talk to me," Dwayne's voice was soft.
"Mata aulelei... Roman... those... were... the... last... words... he said... to me..." Adm broke down again.
Dwayne felt awful. He only meant to compliment Adam and instead he brought up the worst possible memory of Roman. He reached over again and stroked Adam's wet cheek.
"I'm so sorry, but I had no idea. I didn't mean to hurt you. I should have known Roman would use our native pet names. Please, forgive me. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you," Rocky said softly, as he kept stroking Adam's cheek.
Adam sniffed, "I... know. It just... hit me... hard. I'm... sorry... I spoiled..." he let his voice fade.
Dwayne pulled Adam against him. He just let Adam take the time he needed to recover. He made a mental note not to speak any Samoan words, especially terms of endearment.
"You're a special guy, Adam. Don't let my big mouth set you back. You had a real break through at the range. Would you like to walk a bit? This is a nice park," Dwayne asked in a hopeful tone.
Adam nodded. Soon the two men were walking up the trail that was in the wooded section of the park. The more they walked the more relaxed Adam became. Dwayne could tell his companion was deep in thought.
Adam's feelings were all over the place. He knew Rocky couldn't have known those were Roman's last words. It had felt good to get rid of a lot of his pent-up emotions. He decided that he did feel a lot better and if he let every little thing cause a set back, he would never be able to fully move on.
The decorator also decided that Dwayne was a really sweet man and it had felt good to be wrapped in strong arms again. The other thing he truly appreciated about Rocky was that he let Adam know he was there, but didn't push at him. Dwayne just quietly supported him and gave him strength. He reached out and laced his fingers with Dwayne's as they walked.
Rocky's heart jumped a bit when he felt Adam's hand slid into his. He hadn't expected it, but he wasn't going to reject it, in fact it felt really, really nice. He squeezed Adam's hand in silent acknowledgement and continued walking.
After about ten minutes they came to a shady area with a couple of benches. Dwayne had led Adam to one and they sat down. It was a calm and peaceful place. Birds sang and chirruped, while insects made their bug noises. It was a concert of nature.
When they sat, Dwayne held on to Adam's hand. They sat next to each other, their outer thighs touched. Rocky laid his arm over the back of the bench. He didn't pull Adam in, but the blond knew Dwayne was there. Again, not being pushed felt nice. Roman had been much the same. There, in quiet companionship, it was comforting.
"I want to thank you Rocky. You're a good person and I appreciate the fact that you don't push. You really did help me a lot today. I can't let every little memory set me back. I have to keep moving forward or I'll never get better. So again, thank you for being so understanding," Adam said in a soft tone as he looked into Dwayne's dark Island eyes.
"I'm just glad I could help. I think you've made some major emotional steps forward today. I'm more than happy to be here for you. After all you are family," Rocky replied with a warm, soft smile.
Adam leaned over and kissed Dwayne's cheek. Rocky thought the blond's lips were soft and warm. He wondered what the would feel like against his. He leaned over to the blond slowly. It wouldn't do to scare him.
"Adam..." he whispered softly to get his companion's attention. When the decorator turned to look at Rocky, he found himself in the middle of a gentle, soft kiss.
At first instinct Adam wanted to pull away, but there was something sweet and familiar in the kiss. Dwayne's lips weren't as full as Roman's, but they were just as soft and warm. It wasn't an unpleasant experience at all. It was closed mouth kiss, but it was intense.
When they broke apart, they just looked into each others eyes. There were so many emotions in them.
"Um... so... yeah" Rocky didn't know what to say. He wanted more, but he'd already pushed the kiss and he didn't want to do that.
Adam blushed a bit, "Yeah, that was... nice. I think... I liked it... but... maybe..." he hesitated. Part of Adam wanted Rocky to ravage him, after all he still had needs, but the other part felt like he was betraying Roman.
Dwayne took a chance. If he felt Adam protest in any way he would stop, but there was no way he could just stop now. Adam was too damn beautiful. Their lips met again. This time Adam relaxed and parted his lips when Dwayne's tongue swiped at them. The darker man's mouth claimed Adam's and Adam loved it.
All thoughts of betrayal flew from his mind as Adam felt Dwayne's tongue lapping at his mouth gently. Strong arms wrapped around him as Rocky's hands slid up into the silky blond locks, he only wished they were free from their band. His efforts were rewarded when a soft moan escaped from Adam's vocal cords.
Adam melted into Rocky's embrace. At first he found it strange there were no long curls to wrap his fingers in, but when Dwayne moaned as Adam played with the short hairs at the base of his neck, it didn't matter.
The need for air swiftly became an issue. The couple broke apart. Rocky's head rested on Adam's right shoulder as Adam's head rested against Rocky's body. They didn't speak, but their breaths were heavy.
"What... happens now?" Adam asked, his voice full of emotion. He honestly felt so... confused.
Dwayne didn't know how to respond. He knew what he wanted, but he wasn't sure if it was the right thing or not. However, if he didn't say it, he would never know.
"I know what I want to happen. I just... it's... hard baby," Dwayne whispered softly. He cupped Adam's chin in his hand. He continued to speak. "I want to take you home, lay you out and make love to you. But... I don't know if you're ready for that. I want it to mean something. It's not just sex to me," Dwayne tried to explain how he felt. It was a difficult situation to be in.
"You... do? I... yes," Adam replied just as softly. He felt things for Dwayne... but could he really betray Roman? Would it be? He wanted to try.
Rocky smiled, "Then... let's go." He stood up and held his hand out to the beautiful decorator.
Adam took the offered hand. He wasn't sure about a lot of things, but he was sure of one thing, he trusted this man.
-Back at Adam's bedroom-
Dwayne was holding Adam in his arms, their lips pressed together in a passionate embrace. The darker man was expertly removing Adam's clothing. The decorator's shirt was already tossed across the room. Now Rocky was working on his pants.
Rocky had removed his own shirt and Adam's hands felt good on his skin. The decorator's fingers were soft, delicate and graceful. Adam's hands loved the feel of the flesh they caressed. The skin was smooth, the body hard. It felt so familiar it was comforting.
Before long both men were completely naked. Hands wandered and explored. Kisses were hungry and passionate, cocks were hard and leaking. Need was growing. Adam reached up and pulled the band from his hair, the long locks tumbled softly around his shoulders. To Rocky, Adam was now even more beautiful. He gently laid Adam down on the bed.
The blond was both in lust and scared, was he doing the right thing? What would Roman think? Adam gasped as Rocky's mouth enveloped around his hard shaft.
Adam's thoughts flew out of his head as his fingers raked through Rocky's short, dark hair. It had been so long. He began to rock his hips as Dwayne's mouth worked its magic and his large hands gently massaged the soft skin of Adam's inner thighs. Rocky was rewarded when the decorator began to whimper and moan.
Dwayne's tongue ran down the thick vein on the underside of Adam's shaft. He'd never tasted anything so good in his life and he'd had a lot of cocks in his mouth, over the years. He was very talented and he knew just where to nip or when to suck. He was an expert.
When he pulled his mouth from Adam's shaft it caused the blond to whimper, "Lube?" Rocky asked as he swiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Adam fumbled with the drawer of the bedside table, he pulled it open. It took him a few seconds, but he finally found the bottle of slick liquid, he handed it to Rocky.
As the darker man slicked up his fingers, he spoke, "Are you really sure, sweetheart? Are you truly ready to do this? I'm happy to just suck you off," Rocky spoke softly as he gently stroked Adam's cheek with his lube free fingers.
Adam sighed, he was... wasn't he? He looked into Dwayne's warm, dark eyes, "Please Rocky. I need this... I need to know... if... you still... want too," the blond's voice was soft, but sure.
The response came when Adam felt the long, slick finger working his hole open, "Ah... shit..." Adam gasped, it hurt, but in that wonderful way, especially when Dwayne hit his button on the second thrust.
Rocky feasted and kissed on Adam's neck as he worked to loosen the tightly puckered flesh. He normally liked to talk dirty while having sex, but this time he kept his mouth shut. He didn't want to say something or use a dirty name that Roman might have used. He didn't want a repeat of earlier in the day. Especially now, he wanted Adam to enjoy their time together.
Adam found he wanted to keep his eyes open, he had to remind himself this wasn't Roman. Rocky felt so... good. He let himself relax and enjoy it.
Dwayne felt the change in Adam's body. He knew the writing man under him was ready, "Gonna go in now baby... you're so damn hot. I can't wait to feel you clamped around my cock," the larger man husked out.
"Ready for you... take me... please," Adam whimpered. He lifted his foot and placed his leg on Rocky's shoulder, he wanted this.
Just as Rocky lined his cock up with Adam's stretched pucker, he realized that Dwayne was only the third man to make love to him. He just hoped he would be good enough. He could tell Rocky was very experienced.
Adam held his breath as the large shaft eased into his pucker. "God... fuck... gah... so damn tight... so... hot... oh sweetheart," Rocky just had to let the words fly, it felt so damn good.
Adam whimpered, Roman was big, but he swore Rocky was thicker. The white-hot pain flew up his spine right to that part of his brain that sent waves of pleasured pain coursing through his body.
"Ah... please... don't stop... just take me... please... take me!" Adam's tone was so wanton and needy with a demanding touch.
"Like it hard, do you baby?" Dwayne husked out. He was glad Adam seemed to be truly into this. He decided if he stayed away from Samoan "love" names he'd be safe. Adam was too hot and sexy for him to keep his mouth shut.
Adam nodded and pulled Dwayne down for a passion filled kiss. Dwayne swallowed down the gasp Adam let out his large, dark hand reached down between them and started tugging at the decorator's shaft.
Rocky worked his cock into the tight heat. He paused to give Adam a chance to adjust. The blonds channel was constricting as he kept working Adam's cock. Adam arched up against the Samoan. He wanted more. He was ready to just have his body used; for the wonderful feeling to take his mind away and just feel good.
Rocky set a hard pace. He stroked Adam's cock down as he pulled his hips back, then tugged up as he rammed back into the tight heat. Adam's hands ran up and down Rocky's broad back. His nails scratched lightly, urging the Samoan to keep going.
Dwayne loved the noises the beauty was making. Adam sounded like a hooker downtown on Saturday night. He also thought that in the heat of passion, Adam was the most beautiful creature he'd ever had under him.
They made love for the next hour. When they finally came together, Adam was an undone, mewing mess. It felt wonderful. Rocky's was so much different that Roman. In some ways he was even better than his lost lover, but one key thing was missing... love.
Dwayne was lazily kissing Adam as he slowly pulled his spent cock out of Adam's delicious heat. Adam's hands laid gently on Rocky's lower back. He hissed slightly as the shaft pulled out of his body.
"Sorry sweetheart. You okay? Got a little rough at the end," Dwayne asked softly as he stroked Adam's hair. He found himself caring very deeply for Adam, maybe even the first stirrings of... love. He wasn't about to rush into anything. He knew Adam was not ready for that... yet.
Adam's green eyes blinked lazily as his hands moved to caress Dwayne's sides, his right leg bent and his knee rested against Rocky's hip. He sighed contentedly, then spoke.
"Yeah babe, I'm fine. It... was nice. I needed that. Thank you," the blonds words were soft as kissed Dwayne's lips.
They laid together like that for a few more minutes. Rocky wouldn't have minded an invitation to stay the night, but it wasn't his place to ask.
"Guess, I'd better go. Would you mind if I grabbed a quick shower first?" Dwayne asked as he started to pull away from Adam.
"Oh... um... okay... yeah, you can shower. There are clean towels under the sink. Help yourself to my body wash and shampoo. Um... you... can... um... would... you... um... stay the night?" Adam's voice was hesitant. He wanted Dwayne to stay, but he didn't want the man to feel obligated if he really wanted to leave.
Dwayne flashed a handsome smile, "I'd love to stay, baby. Thanks," He rolled Adam towards him and kissed him.
"Hold me... just... please hold me," the blond whimpered in almost desperation. He hated being alone after sex and was happy Dwayne wanted to stay. Dwayne wrapped Adam in his arms and held him close. It was just between late afternoon and evening. They had only intended to take a short nap.
Adam woke up with a start. He was unable to move and a strange sound was invading his ears. Sunshine was peeking through the curtains. It took him a moment to realize he was in someone's arms. He smiled, it was a dream! Roman was still alive!
He opened his green eyes, he looked at the man's face. It all came back in a rush. I wasn't his beloved Islander, but his cousin, Dwayne. Adam kept his smile though, it had been a nice way to wake up and it was the best sleep he'd had in weeks.
"Good morning Sunshine," Dwayne's voice said softly as he stroked his fingers through Adam's blond locks. It was nice to wake up with someone in his arms.
Adam yawned, "Morning, babe. Give me a few to wake up, then I'll make us some breakfast and head out to church," Adam yawned again as he spoke.
"Um... I'll take you out for breakfast and I don't do church," Dwayne replied with a stretch. He admired people who had faith, but he just didn't believe in it. He'd seen too much in the world. If there was a God, why was Roman dead?
Adam frowned, "No, I'll cook... I like it. But, you don't go to church?" Adam was now sitting up. He reached over and grabbed a cigarette, he didn't light it.
"Okay. No, I don't... sorry," Dwayne said softly. Hopefully this wouldn't be an issue for them.
"Church is really important to me. I wouldn't have gotten through any of this without it. But... I think I could miss once," the decorator said as he put the cigarette down and got up. He really wanted a shower.
Without further talk each man took his own time in the bathroom. Adam had gone first. He was now in the kitchen mixing up the waffle batter. He added some blueberries, he hoped Dwayne liked them. Adam had dressed in simple loose jeans and t-shirt.
The only problem Adam has what that he was a little stiff and sore, otherwise he was happy and felt more settled than he had in a long time. For the first time his thoughts weren't consumed with Roman. He didn't feel as guilty as he thought he might.
Rocky, freshly showered and groomed came into the kitchen. "What smells so good?" the Samoan asked as he sniffed at the pot simmering on the stove.
"I'm making blueberry syrup to go on the blueberry waffles. I hope you like blueberries," Adam said as he placed batter in the waffle iron and waited.
"I love them. What can I do?" Dwayne asked with a playful kiss to Adam's nose.
Adam told Rocky to set the table and get their juice and coffee. Adam also fried up some bacon to add a taste of salty with all the sweet.
After the couple ate their breakfast, Adam decided he couldn't miss church. He quietly went to change while Rocky sipped coffee and read the newspaper. He thought Adam as just taking a longer time in the bathroom. He was shocked when Adam came out in a light blue button down shirt and black slacks.
"Um... Dwayne... I'm going to church. You're welcome to stay here if you want. I'll be back a little after noon," Adam said a little hesitantly, he wasn't sure what Rocky would say.
"That's cool baby. I'm going to head home though. I've got some cases to go over before tomorrow. I would have left soon anyway. I promise, I'll call you tonight. You're a very sexy creature and I want to see more of you," Rocky said as he held Adam in his arms. He pulled the decorator in for a very passionate kiss.
"I'd like that. I look forward to hearing from you. Last night meant a lot to me... it really did," Adam whispered quietly as he hugged Rocky tightly.
The new couple parted ways. Dwayne to his home and Adam to church where he sat next to Hunter on the front row. The older man noticed that something was up with Adam. The blond was smiling and he knew the kind of smile it was. He would talk him after church, but now Shawn was in the pulpit, ready to start the service.
Hunter invited Shawn and Adam to lunch at the Country Club. Adam was grilled like a steak on a barbecue spit. He happily filled them in on what had happened.
The older couple was happy that Adam had taken steps with Dwayne. Of course Shawn was worried that Adam would be hurt. Adam assured his father figure that he would be okay. He knew it was just to see where it might lead and that Rocky cared about him.
After lunch Adam was back home. He'd changed into some sweats and t-shirt. He picked up the mail that had come the day before. He put the magazines and journals aside. He sorted through a couple of bills. He picked up the computer addressed card with no return address.
H was a little surprised to see it was a sympathy card. The cover was pretty with a picture of flowers, it read "Sorry to hear about your loss."
Adam opened the card. When he saw the signature, he started to shake with uncontrollable fear...