Leslie and Peter tried to get out of her front door to go find Davy-they really did. But they didn't quite make it. The aura around them was literally igniting with something neither could put a name to, surging back and forth, and the flame was white hot.

They had grabbed each other at the same instant, as though, God forbid, some entity might separate them, and they somehow ended up with Leslie against the wall inside the house, near the door, Peter lavishing skin quivering wet kisses all over her neck, making her sigh at first, dropping her head backward, whimpering, then asking him, asking him some more, and finally pleading with him, to make love to her. This behavior was nothing alien to them, but Leslie was amazed at how quickly things had gone from budding desire to absolutely have to have it, and now.

Peter had learned to be much slower moving, with plenty of kissing, and then foreplay, letting it happen at Leslie's pace. He found he very much enjoyed it himself this way. He was learning, little by little, to govern his eagerness; he was a willing student. But the pace today was frantic, and Peter sensed it in her as much as himself. So the clothes went flying. He didn't have to prepare her at all-she was slick, slippery, soaking by the time he grasped himself and eased into her. Braced her right up against the wall. At his urging, she wrapped her legs around his waist, and his hips began the motion that tore the cries of pleasure from them. His hands cradled her bottom tenderly. So wet, gliding in and out so easily…Peter growling his delight, Leslie's sounds indicating a craving, a demand for more.

Well, he'd give it to her, thought Peter. As much as she wanted it and however she wanted it. The slick sounds of the wetness as he ground into her increased in their mutual frenzy. The wetness Peter had caused just by being near her… It astonished her to think he could have that effect even when they had not kissed, or barely even touched, until now. His presence was all she really needed to become aware of the growing moistness between her legs.

Peter tried to get one of his hands between them to tickle her with, to help her along, but it was impossible to hold her up with one hand only. No problem with that—he'd give her plenty of orgasmic pleasure after this. He had learned how to please her so well that he sensed just when she needed or wanted something. He ducked his head just a bit to tease her nipples with his tongue and mouth as his hips pressed into her rhythmically. They were actually pounding against the wall, but neither was aware of the sound. All they were capable of hearing were the sounds of their lovemaking.

Peter's hair fell over his eyes, his bare skin glistening, the sweat running down his temples and chest, his skin bright pink, his breathing labored. She marveled at him as his eyes bored boldly and shamelessly into hers.

"Look," he said. She knew where he wanted her to look. She gazed in wonder at their bodies moving together as he pulled her hips into him again and again, thrusting his pelvis heartily at the same time. She watched him disappear into her and then pull almost all the way out. Then he would once again fill her all the way up, buried to the root. It was an exceptionally beautiful thing to see, and she allowed herself the luxury of viewing it for a few seconds before Peter fell into swift, hard jerks, and she knew he was nearing his climax. As their bodies slapped against each other, he sucked harder on her nipples, grunting with the effort toward the prize that was no more than a few gasps away.

"Fuck me, Leslie," he grunted. His voice, the words, made her moan and her hips thrust hard against him, her heels digging into his back in her need, his length, girth, hardness filling her to capacity.

As he pumped his shattering release into her, she took a deep breath that made her shudder. She felt his cock pulsing within her at the same time he felt her inner muscles spasm around him. Sucking him in… letting him know she wanted him there, right there, inside, and didn't want to let him go even for a second.

He carried her into the bedroom, still joined together, and they lay there, Peter laying them on their sides with a couple of inches separating them so he could let the sweat dry.

Not long afterward, he went into the bathroom to freshen up, and Leslie lay there, going over their torrid scene in her mind that eclipsed passion, amazed with his virility. When he came out, "Peter, you could easily handle a harem, do you know that?" He blushed, reminding her of a bashful young boy.

"I'm ready again… I want you again," he said, trailing a silent question on the end, wondering if she felt likewise. He wanted to give her pleasure with an aching abandon. Her answer was to lower herself to his ever-hard cock and begin to tantalize, tease, torment him with her tongue before she would close her mouth over it.

Peter stopped her, surprising her by pulling her up to his chest, then turning her body around gently, on top of him. "Let's do it this way. It's my favorite," he said, and his love-softened voice cascaded over her like a gentle rainfall. They pleasured each other, sometimes at the same time, and sometimes separately. He would lick her with a swift dart of his tongue once, then twice, but not lingering, thus making her cry out for it, then nipping softly at her clit, making her frantic, pausing, then finally sucking it. It was a slow, teasing build up, until they reached the point of no return. That was when they held nothing back, their orgasms coming within seconds of each other. It was wild, animalistic, yet loving, giving, all at once.

After catching his breath, Peter went to the kitchen for a drink of water, and spied the step stool there that Leslie had been using to dust some shelves that were too high for her to reach. She had followed him into the kitchen, and they were both still naked.

"Leslie, put one of your feet on the top of the step stool," he asked. She gave him a puzzled look.

"Why?"

"Ask questions later. Just do it," his dimple let her know he was up to shenanigans, effectively captivating her into doing his bidding.

So she did. Peter got down into a crouch, his head disappeared underneath her, and the next thing she knew, she felt his tongue, his teeth, his lips. Out of this world. Her entire body quaked with the pleasure of it. It felt fabulous this way—she would never have thought of such a thing. Resourceful Peter… As he brought her to another orgasm, she grabbed and clutched at the edge of the counter, her legs threatening to give out on her.

Afterward, Leslie let him hold her close. "Peter, don't you ever tire?" she asked. He shook his head.

"Wanna know something?" His eyes were bright.

"Sure."

"Michael and I had a "session" this morning before I came over. He said I wore him out, or he would have been over first."

Leslie laughed. "So, I guess that means no Michael tonight?" she asked.

"Not sure. But I think we'd better call him and see how he's doing."

Leslie remembered Davy then, out there somewhere, and now it was mid-afternoon, and they hadn't gone looking for him yet.

"As soon as we call Michael…"

"We go looking for Davy," Peter read her thoughts. "Oh, and are we still on for the rooftop?"

"The rooftop? Tonight?" Leslie was clearly jolted.

"No, not tonight. I'll let you slide for a while, but soon, okay?" How could she say no?

Michael sounded somewhat ambivalent on the phone, which was at least an improvement over how he'd been earlier.

"We're gonna try to find David, then we'll all come over to the Pad to talk to you," Peter explained.

"Is that really necessary?" asked Michael. "I'd rather not 'discuss' it with David while I'm in this mood."

"Okay, then just me and Leslie?"

"I guess," Michael didn't seem very receptive. "I wish this whole thing would just go away."

As they walked toward the Pad, Davy fell into step beside them. "I saw you guys come out of Leslie's house," he explained.

"Hey, man. I want you to know that I understand. Leslie told me what you guys were discussing a while ago," Peter made it short and sweet.

David looked down and buried his big toe in the sand.

"I figured as much. I shouldn't have been so… sneaky. I also didn't mean any harm. I'm sorry. And thanks for understanding, Pete."

"Yeah, well, now we have to tell Michael… that it makes Leslie uncomfortable," Peter looked pained, and it tore a little chunk out of his heart.

"No… no. You shouldn't have to tell him. I should… and I will."

"We were just on our way over to the Pad… for that purpose. Would you like us to go with you, or do you want to face him alone? We talked to Michael on the phone, and he said he wasn't really wanting to talk to you yet," warned Leslie.

Davy looked undecided. Part of him wanted to run away and never look back. Realistically, that wasn't an option, but nevertheless, it still crossed his mind. The four of them in the band had been through some precarious times together, but nothing quite like this. He didn't know how he'd be able to convince himself to form the words he needed to say to Michael. The hugging, the kissing. It all had to be brought out into the open. The kissing part was the most likely to cause Michael to come unhinged. And an unhinged Michael was the last thing any of them wanted to see.

"Pete, you aren't mad at me?" he asked the blond. "I truly am sorry."

"You know me… I thought it over after Leslie talked to me … and I do understand why you did it. It's something most people just think about. You just took it a step further. But it's natural. And she said nothing… intimate happened, so I'm cool with it. Flirting is your bag—I'm not uptight about it."

"I was hoping you might understand, Pete. But Mike… well, I'm not scared of him in the way you might think. I'm scared of hurting him. He's barely over the last time."

"Not quite," said Leslie. "I think he still hurts. Emotional scars last longer than physical ones."

"And here I'm causing him anguish again."

"Davy, I am going to tell Michael the truth—that I didn't resist you. Part of the blame is… clearly mine." Peter looked a bit baffled, and Leslie realized suddenly that she hadn't told him about the kissing, the hugging. She'd have to worry about that later.

"That'll hurt him even more," Davy sounded almost despondent.

Peter jumped in. "Guys, I think we'll agree that Leslie and I should go to the Pad alone first." After a short pause, the others slowly nodded in agreement.

"Or maybe just me, alone? That might be even better," Leslie looked thoughtful. "You guys have known Michael for years, what do you think?" Peter and Davy had to agree, after giving it some thought, that Leslie's plan was best for now. Michael wouldn't lay a finger on Leslie. But Davy… well it depended on how disturbed Mike really was.

Davy left then to pick up some pizza, as it was getting late. Leslie gave him the keys to her car so he wouldn't have to go to the Pad for the keys to the Monkeemobile.

"Don't worry, Les. We'll save you a slice or two," Peter smiled mischieviously . "It's all about love, man. That's where it's at. You'll do fine. I have faith in you," he reminded her as he turned and went back to her house to wait for Davy and the pizza.

Leslie suddenly remembered it was Michael and Davy's birthday tomorrow, the thirtieth of December, and then New Year's right after that. She reflected on this on her way to the Pad. They couldn't be having any problems right now. It was imperative that they all be happy for those events, but regretfully, things felt like they were spinning out of control.

No one had mentioned the birthdays, and Leslie realized Peter and Micky had probably forgotten. Another thing she'd have to worry about later! But… there were only so many hours left until tomorrow morning.

She hadn't gotten Michael or Davy a present, but an idea started to sprout in her mind. Disneyland! She remembered the boys had mentioned in the past how much they loved the place. How they had rarely been able to afford to go back when they weren't getting many gigs. Things were different now. They could treat Davy and Michael to a day at Disneyland, split the cost between Leslie, Peter and Micky. That would be their gift to their friends. They could cover everything- the park entry, the meals, snacks, and souvenirs. It wouldn't be that expensive if they split the cost three ways. She smiled to herself. She was sure the others would eagerly agree. That was one problem out of the way. The most difficult one was yet to come though…

"Come in!" Mike's voice came from within the Pad at Leslie's knock.

She walked in, and he stood there motionless. She walked right up to him, noting how his eyes were flashing, his mouth set in a grim line. He was a formidable sight. But she didn't fear Michael for a second—never would. Her trust in him was entire. He'd earned it. She breathed in his scent, savoring it as she reached up and gently moved the hair back from where it had been covering his left eye. He allowed it-he was so very gentle where she was concerned.

"Touch me," he said softly. Leslie gulped a sudden intake of air, keeping her gaze on his eyes, which had softened visibly. She ran her hand over his forearm, still staring into his dark eyes with an intensity that shook Michael to his depths.

"Hug me," he said then, something she'd been practically holding her breath to hear. The hug was so tender, yet so fierce at the same time. Possessive, clinging. The kiss was just as intense, his mouth devouring hers with a silent plea. She knew what that plea was. He loved her, and he wanted her love in return. He'd never said the words aloud, but she knew nevertheless. Would have staked her life on it. Because she loved him too. She also instinctively knew that now was the best possible time she could tell him. He needed to know… he needed to hear it.

"I love you, Michael."

He paused, made a funny strangled sound in his throat, then, holding her back from him at arm's length, looked deeply into her eyes. His eyes were a bit too bright. She wondered if he were holding on to some unshed tears.

"Oh God, Leslie," he took her back into his arms. "I love you too. I've… I've been wanting to say it for a while now… but I didn't know…"

"If I felt the same?"

"Yeah, with Peter and all… I didn't want to make you think I was trying… to lure you away from Peter or anything. But that was stupid… we both love Peter, and we both know it," she felt his smile against her cheek. Peter seemed to be everyone's soft spot.

"Yes."

"And now David…."

"That's what I came over about. Peter and Davy are getting pizza over at my place. Where is Micky? You and I need to talk alone."

"I don't know, it's not my day to watch him, but let's go in the bedroom and lock the door, just in case he shows up."

"Okay," Michael said as they sat cross legged in the middle of his bed, facing each other. "Tell me about your talk with Peter this morning."

"About Davy, and how there are feelings…" she rushed a bit, but she had to, as otherwise the words wouldn't come. "I mean, I didn't tell Peter the extent of it."

"Between you and Davy?" Michael tensed, looked suddenly spooked, so Leslie spoke quickly.

"Yes… but hold on, let me explain. I feel close to all of you, but I'm in love with you and Peter. I have to explain though, that, somewhere along the way, I discovered I love Davy too."

Michael stared at her. He didn't quite expect this. Peter hadn't mentioned this part. What the? He could almost feel the walls crashing down on him. The roof giving way. His heart being crushed, all the blood seeping out of it…

"I'm not in love with Davy though. There's a big difference, you know. It's not the 'bedroom' kind of love. Nothing sexual. Just a warm, close love between friends."

Aghast at this admission, all Michael could do was continue to stare at her, trying to comprehend exactly what she was saying. When he felt he might be able to, he attempted to speak. "And… and… how far does this... love go?" he asked.

She shivered. She'd heard what sounded like a stifled plea in his voice, and it rattled her a bit.

"A smile, a wink now and then, a hug, and a couple of kisses. But they were innocent kisses," she hurried on as she saw his growing restlessness. "And it was just as much my fault as his. I didn't turn him away. At first, he just caught me off guard, but when he hugged me, I didn't pull back. I know why now though… I was wanting it to be you or Peter, or both. So it's not the same kind of love I have for you and Peter, and nothing sexual will ever come of it, that I promise you."

Michael shifted, cupping his chin, absently stroking his sideburns with the tips of his fingers. A nervous thing, decided Leslie.

"Where has he been seeing you?" Michael looked confused, trying to put the pieces together.

"He hasn't. In the haunted house there was brief contact, once when we swam briefly together, and here, when the power went out at the party."

"Man…" Michael ran his hand through his hair again, unconsciously. "Right under my nose….tricky little bastard." His possessiveness was getting the better of him—the heat of his anger was building up. He could feel it in his chest. Does David feel the same as you?" The question was hard for him to ask.

"Yes. I think so. We talked this morning. Peter came over, but we talked enough before the interruption for him to let me know it's only flirting on his part. He came over to discuss it, afraid I'd taken his… actions… the wrong way."

"And Peter… you told him this morning?"

"Not all of it. But I'm sure he senses more than he lets on."

"And I suppose he was all sunshine and rainbows about it?"

"Yes, but you know Peter.' Love is where it's at,'" she smiled. "He doesn't feel threatened, no. I do need to speak with Davy again tonight though, to be absolutely sure of where we stand," she said. "I want tomorrow to be perfect. Peter, Micky and I are going to take you and Davy to Disneyland to celebrate your birthdays, and I want everyone to be happy." She had been so sure the others would go along with it that she hadn't even mentioned it to them yet. But she felt secure in her decision. Then she asked the question that gnawed at her. "Do you think you'll be alright with this?"

Michael sighed, and looked vacantly over her shoulder as if he were studying something she couldn't see.

"Well… Leslie… this is a lot, and so sudden… but… if everything you said is true, and I have no reason to believe otherwise… then I'm with Peter. As long as you remain mine and Peter's girlfriend, and Davy is… just a friend… that you love very much… then, well, I can't help but think of something Peter says. 'Love is understanding.' He's currently writing a song with those words being part of the lyrics. I think it applies well here. You understand Davy; he understands you. And that brings a closeness."

Leslie smiled. "Peter's becoming a special breed of hippie. He's all about love, he doesn't really know anything else. He's all about giving and receiving pleasure, he's the love drug, love recycler, nothing goes to waste."

"You can say that again!" You do know that I have to speak to David about this though…" he suddenly looked dead serious again. She nodded. "And I have to tell Peter the rest," she said.

Leslie hugged Mike with a wild happiness—her spirits were soaring. Maybe it was going to be okay after all. Michael chuckled.

"I know you need to get back to your place. You didn't get to finish your talk with David this morning."

He knew what she was thinking. "My God, Michael. I want you so much… but as much as I want to stay here with you, you're right. I have to talk to David. And then you do, too. Peter, well… he's easy." She smiled, and Michael smiled knowingly right back at her. Peter was always easy. He was cool with most things.

'I think I'll take Davy out on the beach alone, and we can make sure we're understanding each other, so that nothing will mar you and Davy's birthday at Disneyland tomorrow!"

"Sounds like a plan. After you talk to David though, give me a call and I'll be over… if you still want me to."

"Oh, believe me, I'm going to be straining at the bit, missing you. We've waited too long already. I feel as if it's been a lifetime. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours at most. Have you eaten any…"

Just then the phone rang. Michael nodded, as she was nearest to it, and she picked it up. It was Peter, announcing Davy had bought two pizzas, and that he would be glad to bring the extra one over. Leslie confirmed that would be a good idea.

"Perfect! Peter will bring the pizza over, and I'll go over and talk to Davy," she said to Mike after hanging up. Then I'll call you after we have our talk."

"Okay, and I'll fill Peter in on the details while we're alone. But… I can't eat a whole pizza by myself," said Mike.

"Oh Michael! Freeze the leftovers, or you guys can have it for breakfast. Men! No imagination!" She flounced out of the Pad, leaving Michael behind, chuckling.

She and Peter met at about the halfway point. It was beginning to get dark. Leslie hated these short winter days. She ready for spring, and that wouldn't be for months to come.

"Hey, big Peter," she teased him. He blushed crimson. "Any pizza left for me at my house?"

"Yeah, Davy has several pieces left over there. Michael and I can polish this one off. Is it safe?"

"Perfectly safe. He gets it, Peter! I think he understands! He's going to talk to you a little more."

They hugged each other happily; Peter had to set the pizza down on the sand before it got squashed between them. Then he hopped up and down a few times, expressing his joy.

"See ya later, big Peter," she said, just to see him turn pink again. "And ask Mike to tell you about our plans for tomorrow."

"Plans for tomorrow?"

"Two birthdays!"

It dawned on Peter then.

"No problem, it's all taken care of. Be sure to tell Micky about it too, when you see him. I just have to talk to Davy a bit more, and we should be all set."

"Great! See you in the morning! Early start?"

"Not sure," she said. "Michael will be over as soon as I'm done talking to Davy tonight."

Peter nodded knowingly. "He's recharged, I guess!" he laughed heartily as he said it. Leslie slapped at him playfully, and they went their respective ways.

"Wow! You guys sure chowed down, didn't you?" Leslie said to Davy, eyeing what was left of the pizza on the coffee table—all four pieces.

"Yeah, well…. I didn't eat any yet. Peter ate all of it."

"You must be joking!" Leslie had to giggle at her cleverness at using one of Davy's lines. "Did he really?"

Davy nodded somberly. "I waited for you to come back, like a gentleman," he said. "Those other guys are… a little rough around the edges, yeah?"

"They have good appetites, I'll say that much. And get this… when I ran into Peter on the way here, he said he and Mike would polish the other pizza off!"

"What did I tell ya? He's a savage," Davy's eyes gave him away. Leslie could clearly see the affection Davy had for his bandmates in his expression.

They ate the rest of the pizza—two pieces were perfect for Leslie, and Davy seemed satiated too.

"Wanna go for a walk on the beach?" asked Leslie as she put the pizza box next to her trash container in the kitchen.

"Yes, we didn't get a chance to wrap up our talk this morning," was his answer.

"Yes, I know. Sorry, I forgot to tell you Peter was coming over. I actually forgot myself," she explained.

"As they say in Australia, 'no worries,'" he smiled.

It was almost completely dark now. The cooler nights didn't bother Davy. He had a tank top and shorts on, but Leslie dressed a little warmer, in a pullover sweater and slacks. As they exited her house, she turned on her porch light. She couldn't help but notice Davy's physique in its glow. He was so toned, muscular, as well as bronzed. He never seemed to lose his tan, no matter the weather or season. She thought of the bronzed gods you see in museums, beautiful marble icons of an age gone by—Davy should be sculpted.

As they walked, she felt no discomfort or awkwardness in his easy company.

"Why did you do that in the haunted house?" she asked. She wanted to know for sure what he was feeling. Her intuition was pretty reliable, but then again, she wasn't a mind reader.

"I hope I don't cause you to flip out, but… I love you. It's not physical in the full sense… its sensually answered with looks, touches, hugs. I'm not sure if you feel it too, I'm not certain, as I'm not a mind reader." He looked hesitant, halfway expecting a strong negative reaction.

Leslie giggled, amazed that he had put into words exactly what she'd been thinking. She told him so, so he wouldn't think she was poking fun at him.

"How does it feel to you?" he asked.

"Sensual, natural, beautiful," she said the first words that came to her mind and out of her mouth, knowing that honesty was essential, that directness was all-important, that nothing be kept hidden.

Davy stopped walking and faced her now. His chocolate brown eyes shone bright out of their dark depths in the moonlight.

"Before I forget, I told Peter the rest of the story—the parts he didn't know," he said.

"Oh, thank you, Davy. Now I don't have to worry about that. I was going to talk to him at my first opportunity. What he did say?"

"He got it, and he understands. I know it from the accepting look on his face and his positive attitude."

"I knew he would," Leslie felt relief flood through her. Things seemed to be good all the way around.

Davy's face became very serious, and she knew he was about to say something significant.

"I don't want us to ever part, even if we marry other people. You're my heart and soul beyond this mortal coil," his voice was soothing on the breeze, so calming. "Do you feel the same way?"

"Yes, Davy. I do. You have quite a way with words."

His hands went around her waist. His tongue licked his lips—those ripe, soft, plump lips that drove girls wild, and always would, she imagined. He leaned in then and kissed her gently, lips very slightly apart, and then they hugged.

Breaking apart, Davy said, "I love you," touching her nose with the tip of his finger.

"I love you too."

"And now… now I'll go face Michael," he said with renewed fortitude— much more like the Davy she knew so well.

Without another word, Davy smiled, turned and walked away, back toward the Pad. She called after him quietly. He turned and nodded, she nodded back, and there was a silent understanding that their love would remain innocent.