Part 9

Christian was on the dance-floor with a few other guys they had been chatting to at the bar. One of them obviously had his eye on Christian and seemed to be getting as close as he could to him the longer they danced. Syed was sat at the bar and when he saw Christian laughing and joking with this guy again, he felt really angry. He might as well have stayed at the hotel and let Christian come here on his own. Typical Christian obviously just wanted to get his leg over once again. He decided he would just head off. He got up from the bar and headed over to the dance floor. Christian saw him approaching and moved towards him.

"Coming to join us? Changed your mind then Sy?" he said beaming at him.

"No actually I think I might head back. Feeling a bit tired."

"What no you can't do that." Christian looked really shocked.

"It's fine really you stay, you're obviously having a good time."

Christian heard the resentment in Syed's tone and he knew he was jealous. Still he didn't want Syed going already and he certainly didn't fancy the guy he had been dancing with. In fact he really only had eyes for one fella. The problem was convincing him of that.

"I'll come with you Syed."

"Christian please now I feel bad. You stay here."

"Not if you're going no."

"That's just silly."

"As silly as you thinking I want a one-night stand I guess."

Syed was nonplussed. He glared at Christian.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well you obviously think I want to go home with John."

"I didn't say that, I just thought you were having a good time. Do what you want."

Syed pushed past him and virtually ran out of the club. He walked off along the promenade until he came to some steps down to the beach and he decided he would enjoy the cool night air for a while and try to calm down before going back to the hotel. He sat down and closed his eyes enjoying the relaxing sound of the sea rising and falling on the shore.

Christian had followed him but had lost him along the promenade. He backtracked his steps peering into cafes and bars as he went trying to see where he might be. Then he looked the other direction and just spotted him sat on the beach. He went down the steps and walked over until he was right next to him and then he sat down. He glanced at Syed and saw that his eyes were shut and he looked relaxed.

"I just want to be left alone" he said.

Look Syed I asked you on this weekend as I thought it would be good for you to have a break and good for the two of us to spend time together. We've had a really really good day and why you think I would just want to cop off with someone I just don't know."

"Might have something to do with the way you were so close to him."

"That wasn't me. John kept inching in every chance he got. I was hoping you would join us and I could dance with you. That would show him."

Syed opened his eyes and looked into the distance. The lights of the promenade were reflected in the sea water and it looked so beautiful and he felt his anger and jealously slipping away. He had over-reacted he realised that now.

"I'm sorry Christian, look if you like we can go back there. This time I'll dance I promise."

Christian laughed "don't worry, I've had enough dancing for one night I think. Getting too old for this crazy lifestyle you know."

"Well you said it old man."

"Oi cheeky." Christian went to dig him in the ribs but Syed smartly swerved to the side. They both laughed together. Syed leaned closer towards Christian than before and Christian reached out for his hand. He took hold of it and felt an answering squeeze from Syed. They both sat in silence for a while.

"We should be getting back Christian." Syed looked over at him and he nodded. They stood up still holding hands but Syed pulled his hand away looking awkward.

"Someone might see" he said looking around.

"It's night-time Sy and there's no-one around."

Their eyes met and Christian felt that Syed was hoping he might kiss him but he was scared to try in case it was too soon for him. He needed a signal or something. Syed for his part was wondering if his heart could beat any faster than it was at present and wishing that Christian would kiss him. He stepped in closer to Christian hoping this might send a message to him and it did. Christian immediately smiled and he stepped in too so they were almost touching and he leaned in for a kiss. As their lips met, they both closed their eyes and the kiss was gentle. It felt so good for both men to kiss again like this and they swayed together briefly and then Syed pulled back. He didn't say anything and started to walk off the beach. Christian followed him back up onto the promenade. He was worried he had gone too far but when they got up onto the path and were walking back to the hotel, he felt Syed's hand slip into his jacket pocket to join his hand and he looked over smiling.

When they got back to the hotel, Syed moved his hand away.

"I'll se you in the morning then Christian" he said hesitatingly.

"You don't have to wait until then if you don't want to" said Christian softly and his meaning was clear to both of them.

Syed shook his head "I'm sorry I don't think I'm ready for that. It's not that I don't want to, it's just …….."

"It's okay I understand." Christian leaned in quickly and kissed him on the cheek as a goodbye and then they both walked into the hotel. They went up to their separate rooms.

Christian was disappointed he had to admit but things had gone well and he didn't want to rush Syed. He could take things slow if that was what he wanted but he ached to hold him in his arms again and show him how much he loved him.

Syed for his part was experiencing very similar feelings and found he couldn't sleep. He got up and read for a bit and then tried again but his thoughts were full of Christian and it took loads of willpower to stop himself from running down the stairs and knocking on Christian's door. He wanted him so much.