AUTHOR'S NOTES:
As we in the States breathe a great sigh of relief after that election, the story goes on...
Is the FF witch hunt over? We'll see. I will continue to post here and on AO3 for as long as I can. When/if I am forced to complete the relocation you can find me at - archiveofourown ~dot~ org. Then just do a search for Jtrue.
Much thanks to my sister for her dusting. Much thanks to Pauline for making sure my Brits sound like Brits. Huge smooches to you both.
This book runs more or less concurrently with Enticements & Obstructions by OhJasperMyJasper, and picks up after chapter 13. Events depicted herein are tied into the lives of the central characters from my other book Culture Shock, that take place after chapter 24. If you have not read those, some of what you read here might leave you a bit lost.
As ever, giant hugs to my girls Maureen and Rebecca and Kate.
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. If you are under 18 stop reading now!
AU/AH/OC/Non Magical
All characters from Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling. I just take them out and play with them.
There are actual Arsenal football club players as characters in this book. Real People. Much as I would like to, I do not know them. I do not know anything about them. Their personalities and sexual orientations, as depicted herein, are entirely fictional. I only know their names, what they do and where they come from. Their families, spouses, or children, if any, are entirely fictional and made up by me.
All characters from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. I just play with them too.
Chapter 11: How do you IDentify?
The two gay men and their three straight escorts headed off into the Varna night. It was much cooler, though not chilly, and a very pleasant walk back to and down Bul Knyaz Boris I. The pedestrian street was much busier now than it had been during the day. Tourists from all over the world strolled and ate all along the way. It was much easier to see the neon sign lit up in the night. They walked through the outdoor café and down the broad stairs to the basement complex beneath the hotel. A large placard on an easel advertised the spinning/mixing talents of DJ Balthazar with a huge picture of his face.
"See," Kliment pointed. On the wall in English, Bulgarian, German and French was written:
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and open minded individuals are welcome
and above that in much larger letters was written, only in English as it only made sense in that language:
How do you IDentify?
Greg found that to be pretty clever for people to whom this language, indeed even the alphabet, was foreign. There was no cover charge to ID Club, but there was a 'face patrol' at the door. Once they were judged to be either gay, bisexual or open minded, they were all admitted.
Inside the space was far more vast than any gay bar in Soho in London. As the only gay bar on the Black Sea, it needed to be. Competing music from different sections pulsed through them.
"Here is locker room if you want run around only underwear with other gay boys," Kliment pointed out.
"We no wear underwear," Viktor dismissed.
"I no tonight either!" Kliment smiled broadly.
"I can see that," Greg commented.
"Ne?" Valery looked to his close friend with wide eyes. He thought that was crossing a very gay line.
"Transvestite through there," Kliment ignored Valery as he pointed out the multiple levels and bars. "Dance floor there, and back there dancing boy."
"Transvestite?" Greg wondered aloud. "Oh, you mean a drag show, female impersonators. They perform, right?"
"Da," Svilen answered.
"Some very good. Can fool you," Valery added. "Must be very careful that here," he stressed with a warning shake of his finger.
"My, sounds like there's a good story behind that!" Greg enthused.
"We get table," Viktor took charge. He took Greg by the hand and set off. "Pink wine for everyone!"
"What he say?" Valery asked as Kliment only laughed and shook his head. Viktor led them down several steps to the main lower floor and away from the packed front bar. On the far side of the big dance floor was another bar, not nearly as crowded. Viktor led his party to one of several tall tables. From here they had an excellent vantage point onto the dance floor and the stage where the strippers performed. Just as they neared the table a man only a few years older than Viktor and Greg stepped into their path. The very forward man said nothing as he ran a hand across Viktor's tank top clad chest.
"Ne," Viktor said simply as he brushed the man's hand away. It was more than plain by the hand he held that Viktor was not single, but Greg certainly could not blame anyone for finding his partner attractive. A man would have to be blind, or straight, not to. For his part, Viktor was used to men expressing their attraction to him. It happened in London all the time. Some were more forward like this man. Some just asked for his number. He didn't really find it annoying, unless the person persisted. It was flattering, but he was not at all interested. He had found his perfect mate years ago and that was the only man who would ever be going home with him.
"Svilen, you want Almus?" Viktor asked.
"Da," Svilen nodded. Viktor left his men at the table and walked the ten feet to the bar. Greg watched his straight companions. Kliment and Valery looked around like the predators they were. Svilen was more relaxed, just content to be in a fun place with his best friends. Viktor quickly returned with two Almus and three MM Varnas.
"Blagodarya, Viktor," Svilen smiled.
"Blagodarya," Valery echoed.
"Nazdrave," Viktor held out his bottle.
"Nazdrave," they all agreed and touched the necks of their bottles together with his. The five men took a hearty swig in unison. Viktor put his arm around Greg's shoulders and took hold of his partner's head. He pulled Greg close and gave him a kiss on his temple.
"Aww. My brat so sweet," Kliment smiled. His smile faded when he noticed the very brash man who had pawed Viktor only a few minutes before, slowly circling their table like the shark he was. The man could see there was no hope of obtaining Viktor and was now quite clearly eyeing the younger version.
"Svilen, you be boyfriend tonight," Kliment put his arm around his friend's waist and pulled him close.
"Da, I boyfriend," Svilen laughed. He stuck his hand into the back pocket of Kliment's jeans. Valery just shook his head.
"You go find own boyfriend," Kliment teased Valery. "That guy probably volunteer," he gestured with his bottle.
"Ne, ne," Valery shook his head. "That guy like you."
"I taken," Kliment smiled. "Svilen special butt boy," he found himself very funny.
"So sweet my man," Svilen brought his hand from Kliment's back pocket slowly up his friend's body, made as if to caress his face, and stuck his finger in Kliment's ear. Kliment giggled and shoved Svilen away. Svilen grabbed Kliment's sides to tickle him further.
"Spri!" Kliment laughed. Svilen did stop and both men took a swig of their beer as they laughed.
"You two get room," Valery commented. Greg had to confess to himself that he had the same thought. If he didn't know both of these boys were straight, it certainly could be mistaken for adolescent flirting. At least, he knew Kliment was straight. Svilen leaned up on Kliment and whispered into his ear for a long moment. Kliment's eyes went wide. He looked to Svilen and they laughed together like mischievous children.
"We be back!" Kliment announced as they grabbed their beers and took off running.
"Maybe they are get room," Valery mused.
"I no think so," Viktor knew his little brother better than that. The shark swam away and bothered them no more. Viktor, Greg and Valery watched the people around them for a few minutes. Some men did take advantage of the lockers and mingled in only underwear. Greg found the view quite appealing some of the time. At other times it was best to look away. Some men had a lady friend in tow and these caught Valery's careful attention. In just a few minutes Kliment and Svilen came bounding back to the table.
"We need Grigor!" Kliment declared.
"You need me for what?" Greg asked.
"You must come!" Kliment grabbed hold of Greg's arm and pulled him.
"Da!" Svilen joined in. "Come, Grigor!" he pulled on Greg's other arm. Greg reached for his beer, but was pulled away too quickly. Viktor picked up his partner's beer and followed after them. It was within his power to stop his brother, but he trusted Kliment not to harm Greg in any way. Valery had his eye on some tasty prey already and reluctantly followed the group. Kliment and Svilen pulled Greg into the room where strippers performed on the low stage. They dragged their British captive to a chair in a far corner. No sooner was Greg seated than exotic Turkish sounding music began. Kliment and Svilen stood back with Viktor and Valery. The two instigators could hardly contain themselves as the black curtains parted and the belly dancer emerged.
"Oh my God," Greg mumbled.
"Is Mr. Nemo," Kliment laughed and hit his brother on the shoulder.
"You think you funny," Viktor shook his head. The performer who went by the name Mr. Nemo had on very loose black pants that sat lower on his hips than the hip straps of the red thong he wore beneath. He wore a tiny little red and gold vest that was not at all big enough to meet in the middle. He had matching chain belt and bracelets with dangling gold coins. The music began fairly slowly and Nemo swayed with it.
"Greg like Bulgarian boy," Kliment continued to laugh. Nemo was thin and agile, and while he was really older, looked all of seventeen. He moved ever closer to Greg as he made his slow, sultry dance. Nemo straddled Greg and took his hands. He placed Greg's hands on his chest and moved them to slowly push his vest off his shoulders. Nemo stepped back and dropped his vest in Greg's lap as he began to dance again. Greg looked over and threw Nemo's vest at Kliment's face. His brother-in-law caught the vest and nearly doubled over in his laughter. Viktor shoved his brother and Kliment nearly fell. Svilen caught him and the two clung to each other as they guffawed together. Valery too found this amusing, though not to the extent his friends did. Nemo ran his hands over his smooth body in a slow exaggerated manner. He kept his eyes fixed on Greg's face the entire time as he danced. Greg pulled out his wallet and extracted several euros as he had no leva on him. The dancer certainly did not mind and came close again. As Nemo's pants hung below his hips it was easy for Greg to tuck the notes into the sides of the boy's thong.
The dangling coins from his waist and wrists continued to jingle as Nemo performed for Greg. The writhing boy slowly turned around. The flexible dancer bent over until he was nearly doubled before Greg and slowly pulled his pants down. Viktor smiled at this. Greg was mortified. Kliment hung on Svilen and cried. Nemo stepped out of his pants and kicked them away. Now in only his well packed thong and jewelry, the dancer moved close to Greg again. Greg pulled out more euros and Nemo pulled down the front of his pouch to indicate where he would like them placed. Greg carefully obliged while his family and friends looked on. Nemo continued to dance for Greg for a couple more minutes and when the music stopped seated himself in Greg's lap facing him. He draped his arms around Greg's neck. Greg put his hands on the boy's ribs with only the intention of holding the boy still.
"Angliysky?" Nemo asked.
"Yes," Greg confirmed.
"You nice Angliysky. Make special private dance for you," Nemo gave his most alluring smile.
"No, no. That's quite alright," Greg shook his head. "You were very good. You're a lovely boy. That's my partner right there, so I won't be needing a private dance."
"I dance both you. Make very special. Very private. You like," Nemo proposed.
"I think not. Up you go," Greg was not at all interested in what this young man had in mind. Nemo backed up off of Greg's lap and the Brit stood.
"Kliment Krum," Greg pointed at the tear streaked face of his brother-in-law, "I shall get even with you if it is the last thing I ever do." Greg put his arm around his lover's waist as Viktor put an arm around his shoulders. Kliment swore in Bulgarian and wiped his face as he, Svilen and Valery followed. Kliment continued to lean on Svilen.
"You like dancing boy?" Viktor asked as he led the group back to their table.
"Aside from the fact that he looks like a child. Bulgarian boys are nice, but Bulgarian men are what I fancy," Greg pulled Viktor closer to him.
"You see one you like?" Viktor smiled.
"Just the one," Greg leaned closer to give his partner a soft, loving kiss on his lips.
"Now they do it all night probably," Kliment complained. "I go home with you, Svilen."
"That fine!" Svilen endorsed with a broad smile. It was clear that notion was most appealing.
"We need another round?" Viktor asked as they reoccupied their original table.
"Let me get," Kliment headed to the bar and Svilen followed. They were back with fresh beers in only a moment. Greg accepted his Almus from Kliment and just gave the younger man a flat stare.
"I no laugh that hard long time," Kliment put his arm around Greg. "I know you like Bulgarian boy."
"Well now, as it happens," Greg countered, "you're a Bulgarian boy, you little tosser. Why didn't you just dance for me?"
"Ha!" Valery found that very funny and gave Kliment a whack on the back.
"Ne, ne. I no good for you. You need professional dance boy," Kliment explained.
"I see," Greg gave a sigh and shook his head. "Dreadful child," he took a swig of his fresh beer. This only made Kliment laugh more. Valery caught sight of a gay man with two women and found the fruit ripe for the picking. He gave his friends a gesture with his head and headed off.
"There he go," Svilen observed. Kliment watched to see where Valery was headed and very much approved.
"Look, that girl hot!" Kliment endorsed. "I wish I see them first," he expressed his envy. Greg could not help but notice the smile on Svilen's face fade as Kliment spoke. Svilen realized that he wore his emotion on his sleeve and quickly covered it up by drinking his beer and looking around for himself. Greg narrowed his gaze. He became convinced that there was something going on here just beneath the surface between these two, but was not yet quite certain what it was.
A group of four men walked by them, staring at Viktor as they went. They tried to be subtle as they pointed and spoke quietly amongst themselves. This would not be a first either. Viktor smiled at them and gave a nod. One of them then had the courage to approach him. Greg did not understand the Bulgarian words, but it was clear another man had recognized a sports hero and was doubly thrilled to discover that sports hero was gay. Of course, in this club it was possible that Viktor was just one of the open minded. Until he introduced his partner. Greg did not understand those words either, but smiled as Viktor placed a hand on his shoulder and gestured to him.
"This Stoyan. He not speak Angliysky. I tell him who you are," Viktor explained what Greg already knew.
"It's very nice to meet you," Greg smiled and shook the man's hand.
"Drago mi e da se zapoznaem," the man smiled back.
"He say he very pleased to meet you," Viktor translated as he rubbed his partner's back. "I tell him little bit about you," he informed and then proceeded to do so in his native language. Viktor kept his hand on Greg the entire time he spoke to his admirer. The man beconed to his chums to join them and they did so. They each shook Viktor's hand and were in turn introduced to Greg.
Viktor Krum was not the only professional footballer in ID Club this night, though he would soon wish he was. While Viktor and Greg did not see him come in, many did. The exceptionally attractive Bulgarian man wore a plain white tee shirt that stretched across his muscular chest. He wore snug jeans that were well packed front and back. He walked into ID Club like he owned it with a clearly confident swagger. A perpetual five o'clock shadow highlighted the ever present smirk on his face. Men who knew who he was, and those who did not, gravitated to him alike. He smiled at them, appreciated the advances and even those who pawed at him, and walked on. Someone in this club was going to get supremely lucky tonight, but he had only just begun to shop. He was about to spot a man against whom all others paled in comparison. A man he knew intimately, but had not seen in many years.
"Oh, no this chickidjya," Kliment spotted him first. Greg had no idea what that word meant, but from Kliment's tone and the look on his face, Greg knew it was not a compliment. Svilen too adopted a scowl. The Brit saw the striking Bulgarian man and wondered what Kliment's issue was with him. Greg found out all too quickly.
"Viktor!" the man caught sight of his fellow footballer and his face lit up with genuinely pleased surprise. Viktor turned and found himself face to face with the last person he expected to see.
"Miro!" Viktor did not resist in any way as the man took him in his arms. He even hugged the man back, though with visibly less enthusiasm. Greg almost gave a start as the realization of who this was hit him like a brick. He could not believe that he had not immediately recognized him. Greg had learned all about Miroslav Akalski years ago, when he and Viktor had first discussed their exes. At the time he had used every BBC resource at his disposal to investigate his predecessor in Viktor Krum's life and heart, though such effort had hardly been necessary. Miroslav's picture was all over the website of PFC Levski, the football team from Sofia, for anyone to see. He was after all, their star striker. Greg had learned all there was to know about this man.
"You know who is this?" Kliment's question shook Greg out of his realization.
"I'm afraid I do," Greg answered.
"I so happy my brat have you, Grigor," Kliment pulled Greg close. "This govnarche ask about Viktor every time see me."
"Does he now?" Greg mused aloud as he watched his partner's ex lover hold his partner. There was no mistaking the smile on the man's face.
"Time to find putka," Kliment announced and strode away. Greg was too distracted to notice Svilen's obvious disappointment and the longing with which he watched Kliment depart.
"Viktor, it is so good to see you!" Miroslav spoke in Bulgarian as he held Viktor tightly.
"I did not expect to see you here. What are you doing in Varna?" Viktor asked in same as he broke their hug and moved the man to arm's length.
"Same thing you are," Miroslav smiled into Viktor's face. At arm's length, it did not stop him from holding on to Viktor.
"I am with my family," Viktor countered, still speaking in Bulgarian. "Your family lives in Plovdiv."
"I always come to the Black Sea on holiday before the season begins," Miroslav continued to smile broadly in Viktor's face and hold onto Viktor's arms. "I am glad to see that you do too."
"You know what they say?" Svilen asked Greg quietly in an effort to be helpful. He had been with Kliment every time this man ran into him and while he did not know him, Kliment's dislike of this man was good enough for him.
"Not at all," Greg confessed.
"They talk about what he doing here. His family not here," Svilen tried to fill in.
"I see your brother here sometimes and I always ask about you. Does he tell you?" Miroslav looked at Viktor with hope clear on his face.
"Ne," Viktor answered simply. He wouldn't care to know that and Kliment knew it.
"Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, Viktor," Miroslav raised a hand to Viktor's face.
"That doesn't need a translation," Greg observed for Svilen. Viktor quickly grabbed Miroslav's hand and pulled it away from his face.
"Miro, there is no way you would have known this, but I am with someone now. I have been for nearly seven years," Viktor explained. He switched to English. "We speak Angliysky. He British. This my partner, Grigor," Viktor put his hand on Greg's shoulder. "This Miroslav."
"Oh," Miroslav's entire demeanor transformed. His smile faded and he finally let go of where he was still holding onto Viktor.
"Hello, Miroslav," Greg adopted a friendly smile. "I thought you looked familiar. Always a pleasure to meet another star footballer," he offered his hand.
"Blagodarya," Miroslav shook Greg's hand without a hint of enthusiasm.
"Angliysky," Viktor reminded in a firm tone.
"Thank you," Miroslav repeated in English.
"Can we get you a drink?" Greg smiled confidently. It was clear his presence had very much hampered Miroslav's agenda.
"Zagorka," Miroslav answered.
"Coming right up. I'll get a round. Come with me, Svilen, in case I need a translator," Greg smiled at the lone remaining younger man. Viktor said nothing, but handed Greg his wallet. He knew Greg did not have any leva on him. Svilen downed what remained in his bottle as he followed Greg the short distance to the bar.
"How did you meet him?" Miroslav asked in Bulgarian.
"In my very first month at Arsenal I was interviewed on a morning TV show. Grigor ran the studio," Viktor answered in same with a shrug. There was no point speaking English when there was no English speaker within earshot to hear them. "I was so nervous that morning and he did everything to make me feel at ease. He is a kind, gentle, loving man," Viktor assured.
"You look really good," Miroslav quickly changed the subject. His smile returned as he ran a hand up over Viktor's pec and bare shoulder. "I keep in good shape," Miroslav lifted his tee shirt to show off his six pack to Viktor. He continued to hold up his shirt and tilted his head as he gave his most inviting smile and ran the fingers of his other hand up and down his carefully trimmed happy trail. He dropped his shirt in the face of Viktor's complete disinterest when Greg and Svilen returned with two Almus, an MM Varna and a Zagorka.
"Here we are then," Greg handed Viktor and Miroslav their frosty cold bottles.
"Thank you, Slunchitze," Viktor put a hand to the back of Greg's head to pull him in for a gentle kiss on the lips that was as much for Miroslav's benefit as their own. Greg tucked Viktor's wallet back into his pocket while they kissed.
"Blagodarya," Miroslav spoke without a hint of feeling as he watched Viktor be loving with his mate.
"Cheers," Greg took his own bottle from Svilen and held it up with a smile.
"Nazdrave!" Viktor enthused and they all took a swig of their fresh, cold beers.
"I imagine you two have quite a bit of catching up to do. Don't worry about speaking English just for me. Catch up," Greg bid. He put an arm around Svilen. "I'll just have a natter with Svilen here."
"It is really good to see you," Miroslav was quick to take Greg up on his offer as he began in Bulgarian again. "It brings back so many memories," he smiled.
"Not all of them are good, Miro," Viktor pointed out, also speaking in Bulgarian.
"The ones worth remembering are. I made a lot of mistakes when we were together, Viktor," Miroslav confessed. "I did things that I regret. I've grown a lot since then," he glanced at Greg. There were few men who could compete with him, and Miroslav decided that this Brit was not one of them.
"It's ancient history now, Miro. No reason to even think about it," Viktor took a swig.
"Well...," Miroslav began.
"Really, I should thank you," Viktor interrupted. "I never told you this, but I got an offer from Bayern Munich when we were together. I turned it down because I didn't want to leave you. Then I found out that you slept with every man who turned your head. I made up my mind that day to take the next offer no matter who it was from, to get out as soon as I possibly could. I hated being on the same team with you and having to see you everyday, especially in the locker room. I had such regret for not taking the Bayern Munich offer, so when a much better offer came from Arsenal, it was almost too good to be true. If it were not for you, I would have gone to Germany. I would not have had as good a contract, would not have been a starter, would not be in England, and most importantly, would not have met the love of my life. If you were not a cheating bastard, I would not be living the perfect life I have now."
"I was really stupid back then, Viktor," Miroslav shook his head. "Like I said, I did many things that I regret. I remember how it was in the locker room after. I remember how you avoided me for the rest of that season. I vowed to myself that I would win you back, but then you didn't come back that fall. You went to England. I knew I had no chance then. That was when it really hit home. That hurt, Viktor."
"Did it?" Viktor nodded. "When we went to that match in Prague and I found you in the bar that night with that player from the opposing team in your mouth, that hurt. Others tried to tell me, but I would not listen. When I saw with my own eyes, then I believed."
"Viktor, I won't lie to you. That was not the first time, but, again, I was young and stupid. If I had it to do over again, I would never do anything to risk losing you," Miroslav took Viktor's hand.
"It's ancient history. Doesn't mean a thing now," Viktor gave a shrug and let go of the other man's hand. "It very much worked out for the best in the end, Miro," he smiled at his ex.
"It could. Eduardo Macia came to watch me play during training camp. I met with him personally," Miroslav dropped the name.
"Did you?" Viktor knew who the chief scout for the Reds was.
"Eduardo says it's all a matter of how a player acquits himself on the field. More a winning mentality than just a player of quality," Miroslav informed. "He says I have the skills and attitude that Liverpool is searching for."
"You have an offer?" Viktor asked.
"Not yet, but it should come any day," Miroslav answered with a smile.
"I wish you well in Merseyside," Viktor gestured with his bottle.
"We will both be in England then. We can get close again," Miroslav hinted. He ran a finger up Viktor's forearm.
"Don't do that," Viktor moved back just enough to break the contact.
Greg's keen eyes observed the hopeful, flirtatious smile on Miroslav's face and the stern determination on his partner's face. In just the first few fleeting seconds of this conversation that he could not understand a word of, Greg learned all he needed to know. He turned his attention to the visibly sad younger man at his side. "Have you known Kliment and Valery a long time, Svilen?"
"Da," Svilen nodded, "Since we very small."
"You three must be very close," Greg posited.
"We like brothers," Svilen confirmed.
"Not that I don't enjoy your company, because I very much do, but wouldn't you like to go chat up a pretty girl, score some tail for yourself?" Greg asked.
"Ne," Svilen shook his head. "I no into it tonight."
"I think Valery is already gone and it seems like Kliment is well on his way," Greg nodded toward where Kliment was deep in conversation with a gay man and his straight female companion who Greg judged to both be in their mid thirties. Kliment stood casually with his hand on the woman's hip while both pawed him. As friendly as Kliment was with them both, only one would be taking him home.
"Da," Svilen conceded. The sadness and longing were clear on his face as he watched Kliment.
"You're quite fond of Kliment," Greg observed as casually as he could. "Does he know how you feel?"
Svilen looked to Greg with fear plain in his dark eyes. He saw only compassion and kindness in the warm brown eyes of the Brit.
"I am certainly not going to judge you, Svilen. Your secret is safe with me," Greg put a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Seems like you could use a friend who understands you."
Svilen looked away from Greg and back to Kliment. The younger Krum's hand was on the small of the woman's back now and inching ever lower. Unshed tears glistened in Svilen's eyes. He gave an almost imperceptible nod. He took another swig of his beer, but said nothing.
"I'm sorry, mate. It must be very painful," Greg rubbed Svilen's back.
"It is," Svilen confessed in a voice so low that, in the noise of the club, Greg almost didn't hear it. "He not know and I can no ever tell him."
"I think it not very likely that he could ever return your feelings, but are you sure you could never tell him?" Greg asked. "I realize how things are here generally, but you see how he is with his brother, with me. Kliment clearly does not have an issue with gay people."
"That different," Svilen shook his head. "Viktor his brother. You with Viktor. I his friend. They look at me different. No be the same."
"I don't know Valery. It might very well make a difference to him. I can't say really," Greg was honest. "Kliment grew up with an openly gay person in the house, until he was nearly fourteen anyway. He will still love you like a brother, Svilen."
"I can no take that chance, Grigor. It kill me to lose him," Svilen confessed.
"He loves you," Greg pointed out.
"I love him. So much," Svilen took a deep breath as he fought back his tears. "I want what you and Viktor have."
"There is no reason you can't have what we have, Svilen," Greg smiled as he rubbed the younger man's back. "You deserve to be happy. I would dearly love to see you happy. For that to happen, the first thing I think, as painful as it is, is to accept that you will never have that with Kliment. He does love you, but as a brother. Kliment is straight. He will just never be able to return those feelings," Greg watched the slow, sad, resigned nod Svilen gave him. "I'm so sorry, Svilen," he thought a moment. "I still think it would be good to be open and honest with him. He might even be willing to help," Greg suggested.
"How he do that?" Svilen did not understand.
"Have you ever come here by yourself? This is perhaps not the only place to meet men, but would you like to have a boyfriend? Have you ever had a boyfriend?" Greg asked.
"Ne," Svilen shook his head. "I could no. Kliment and Valery find out."
"Have you been intimate with women, then?" Greg queried.
"Da. It expected. I no have choice. One time Kliment, Valery and me share two girl," Svilen confessed.
"Oh, my, you naughty boys. I'd have paid money to see that," Greg gave a grin and bumped Svilen's shoulder with his own. This elicited the smile Greg hoped for from the younger man.
"It okay because Kliment there. He so beautiful to me. When I see him come, I come. Girl think she do it, but no," Svilen explained.
"It must be difficult to be with a woman when the desire is not there. I can't speak to that, really, as I've never tried," Greg thought out loud.
"I must do," Svilen gave a shrug.
"Well, the thing is, you don't. Not if you are going to be true to yourself. Have you ever been with another man?" Greg asked.
"A few time," Svilen admitted. "In bathroom at school mostly. Once in library."
"Never in the privacy of a bedroom?" Greg pressed.
"Ne," Svilen shook his head. "I want hold him in my arm at night, wake up by him. I want boyfriend. Want Kliment."
"I know, Svilen. I will tell you that sleeping beside the man you love and waking up next to him is one of the most fulfilling things in life," Greg stated. "I could not be more grateful that I get to do it every day. Or, very nearly every day that is. Listen, this may not help you now, but for what it's worth, I do understand how you feel. I spent quite a few years in love with a man I could not have and who did not love me back. He only saw me as a friend while I wanted so much more. I wanted it all."
"Da," Svilen nodded. "I want it all with Kliment."
"Right, I know you do," Greg put his hand atop Svilen's on the table. "My point is, I was as unhappy at that point in my life as you are right now. I loved him so much it almost hurt to see him every day. And he is gay, but that doesn't matter. He was every bit as unattainable. He was, and still is to this day, in love with someone else. A man I had only just met gave me the sterling advice to be open to other people. To not let my love for Rick blind me to other men. Then one day, when I very much least expected it, the most incredible, beautiful, wonderful man walked into my life and swept me off my feet. And now, near on seven years later, I can say without reservation, these have been the best years of my life. I did not know what it was to truly be in love until I met Viktor Krum. And that man who I thought was the only man I would ever want, is my best friend today," Greg relayed his experience.
"But that man gay also," Svilen pointed out the difference. "He understand you."
"That might be true," Greg conceded, "but I don't think it makes a difference. Look at it this way, do you think Kliment loves you and Valery because you are, or I mean, thinks you are, straight?"
"Ne," Svilen shook his head. "That nothing do with it."
"Exactly my point. You are still Svilen, straight or not. You support him in his life's interests," Greg gestured with his bottle to where the younger Krum stood now shirtless. The woman kissed him deeply while she rubbed his obvious erection where it was trapped down his tight pantleg. The woman's gay friend rubbed Kliment's strong bare back which he did not mind at all. Allowing the man a few small liberties was getting him right where he wanted to go.
"He deserves the opportunity to support you in yours," Greg stated. "We need to find you a boyfriend. When you have someone to hold your romantic interest, you will be able to see Kliment as the friend he is. Now," he looked around, "we want someone worthy of you. You are a beautiful boy, Svilen, inside and out. The most attractive man here would be lucky to have you. And I know whereof I speak. I consider myself rather the expert you see. I've had some years to study mine, so I know a lovely Bulgarian boy when I see one," Greg smiled.
"You say kind things, Grigor," Svilen gave an almost shy smile.
"It is quite simply the truth. You know, the insight of an openly gay Bulgarian man might be uniquely beneficial. Do you mind if I speak with Viktor, share with him what you have told me?" Greg asked.
"I no know, Grigor," Svilen shook his head slowly. Fear was clear on his face.
"Vik will be of more help than I can be. I'm sure of that," Greg put his hand on Svilen's shoulder.
"He no tell Kliment," Svilen stressed.
"I shall swear him to secrecy," Greg stated. Svilen looked to the Brit's kind, understanding, smiling face for a long moment without speaking. Greg could see what sharing this burden had done for the younger man even before a tear escaped Svilen's eye.
"Come here," Greg pulled Svilen into a warm hug.
"Blagodarya, Grigor," Svilen took refuge in the older man's arms.
"Of course, mate. And we are mates now," Greg held the crying man and rubbed his back. "It's okay. Let it out."
Miroslav continued to flirt with the ex he wanted back, but to no avail. He made a last ditch effort as they continued to speak in Bulgarian. "We were good together, Viktor," he ran a finger down Viktor's tank top clad abdomen. "We belong together. I know you feel it too."
"Ne," Viktor chuckled as he shook his head.
"You really don't want me?" Miroslav could not fathom it. Incredulity was plain on his face.
"You are wasting your time and mine, Miroslav. I really don't want you," Viktor answered.
"Because you have him?!" Miroslav pointed at Greg. Such a thing was beyond his comprehension. "What do you see in this guy? He is not hot like us."
It was the sudden, unmistakable anger in Viktor Krum's voice that caught their attention and broke Greg and Svilen from their hug. Viktor had tolerated his ex lover's flagrant advances and suggestions, but a derogatory reference to his partner was the straw that broke the Gunner's back.
"This man," Viktor grabbed Greg's arm, "is ten times the man you will ever be! He is my husband and the father of my daughter. He is the hottest, kindest, smartest, funniest, most loving man I have ever met! This man is the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. He satisfies me like you never could! I told you years ago that I want nothing to do with you."
"Vik, what is it?" Greg did not understand the heated Bulgarian words, but the emotion behind them was clear.
"You are just a shallow, boy toy, play thing," Viktor ignored his partner as he continued to dress down his ex. "My Grigor is all man. And the truly sad thing is that I know you don't even get it."
"Vik," Greg tried again.
"He want Viktor back," Svilen tried to help with an oversimplified translation summary.
"The Vatican might throw Pope Palpatine out on his sorry, hateful Nazi arse tomorrow too and say, 'oops, our mistake,' but I don't think that very likely either," Greg was flip. He pulled on his partner's arm. "Vik, don't be too hard on him. He just sees what he lost."
"You not know what this arsehole say!" Viktor countered, speaking English at last.
"I rather get the gist of it, I'm sure," Greg remained calm. Miroslav stood there in complete disbelief as he looked between the two faces of Viktor's anger and Greg's confidence, and back again.
"Whatever, Viktor," Miroslav held up his hands in defeat. "It's your loss," he turned to walk away.
"But every other whore's gain!" Viktor called after him. "Lizhi ciganska sperma, kurva!" he shouted at Miroslav's departing back.
Svilen burst out laughing.
"What did he say?" Greg asked.
"How this translate? He say," Svilen thought a moment, "lick gypsy sperm, whore."
"Vik," Greg chastised.
"Is very funny," Svilen endorsed. He raised his bottle to Viktor and took a swig.
Viktor turned to his partner and took Greg in his strong arms. "I sorry, Grigor. He make me angry. He think he better than you. Govnarche," he held his love tightly in his arms.
"I know, Vik. He can think or say what he likes. Yours is the only opinion that matters to me," Greg pulled back enough to look into his strong lover's deep brown eyes as he put a hand to Viktor's face. He gave his partner a gentle, loving kiss on his lips.
"Tay obicham, my Grigor," Viktor closed his eyes and rested his forehead against Greg's.
"I love you too, Vik," Greg echoed.
"You two very beautiful together," Svilen smiled.
"I need another beer," Viktor announced as he at last released his partner. "You too?" he picked up Greg's bottle to check. "Just three of us left," Viktor gave a nod and headed over to the bar. Greg drained what little remained in his bottle.
"You must be have big dick," Svilen concluded casually with a slow nod.
Greg very nearly spit his beer in Svilen's face in his surprise. "Why do you say that, mate?"
"The way Viktor talk. He say how so much better you are," Svilen informed.
"Did he now," Greg smiled to himself. "Svilen, mate," he put his hand on the younger man's shoulder, "the exact size of the tackle in my pants is," Greg paused for dramatic effect, "a Krum family secret."
"Ha!" Svilen laughed. "If that true, Kliment tell me!"
"He doesn't know, I'm afraid. It's a family secret known to only one Krum," Greg explained. "And he shall take it to his grave. Or he might very well just tell you."
"I tell what?" Viktor returned with three bottles.
"How big Grigor," Svilen filled in as he took the offered Almus.
"Oh," Viktor nonchalantly pulled his cell out of his pocket to call up his photos.
"You put that mobile away!" Greg commanded.
Viktor gave a big smile. He loved to tease his partner. "You want know how big my Grigor? He this big," Viktor opened his mouth as wide as he possibly could.
"Vik!" Greg laughed.
"Oh, I see. Very nice for you," Svilen laughed with them.
"Just right for me," Viktor pulled Greg close and gave him a quick kiss. He then looked around. "Where Kliment now? He go too?"
"He was right over there," Greg pointed. "You see that man there in the green shirt, with those other two men? He had a lady friend with him and now both she and Kliment are missing."
"Ah," Viktor nodded and took a swig of his beer. "That what he do. He either home before we get there, or not till morning," Viktor stated. He misread the look on Svilen's face. "What matter, Svilen? You sad be left with gay boys?"
"Ne!" Svilen quickly protested. The fact that he did not find that funny, clued Viktor in.
"You okay, Svilen?" Viktor asked.
"He's really not," Greg informed.
"What matter?" Viktor was genuinely concerned.
"You should talk to him. He can help," Greg told the visibly fearful, younger man.
"You must swear you no say," Svilen stressed.
"No say what?" Viktor asked.
"It's big, Vik. He could use our help and we mustn't tell anyone," Greg elaborated.
"Da, da. What happen, Svilen?" Viktor put a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
"Nothing happen. I keep secret from Kliment. Is big secret," Svilen took a deep breath. "I love him."
Viktor looked from Svilen to Greg and back. It was clear that he did not get it.
"Svilen means he is in love with Kliment," Greg clarified.
"Da. I in love with you brother," Svilen confirmed.
"You gay!" Viktor's surprise was obvious. "Kliment know this?"
"Ne!" Svilen shook his head.
"And he doesn't want your brother to find out," Greg added. Viktor grabbed Svilen in a tight hug. Svilen buried his face in the older, stronger man's neck as he laid his head on Viktor's shoulder.
It was dark save for the soft glow of one dim lamp in a corner of the Krum living room. Viktor used his key to let himself and Greg into the house, and locked the door behind them. They had taken the long route home to make sure Svilen got home safely. Varna was a reasonably safe city, but you just couldn't be too careful. And between Kliment and his friends, Svilen was the slightest.
"Should we leave the lamp on? Do you think Kliment is home?" Greg asked quietly.
"We check. If da, I come back down," Viktor took Greg's hand and led him up the stairs. The door to Kliment's room was open and his still made bed was empty.
"Still out then," Greg drew the obvious conclusion.
"He not likely come home, but we leave on anyway," Viktor led his mate a few steps further down the hall. He slowly and carefully pushed open the door to the smaller room that was Kliment's when he was a child. Both men peered in to see the children sleeping soundly, tucked in with their dolls in the bunk beds. Helena had the lower bed as she was not used to such things. Radka was behind the rail of the upper bunk right where she liked to be. Greg quietly pulled the door nearly closed and they retired to their bedroom. Viktor closed the door behind them. He put on the small bedside table lamp while they got undressed. Viktor peeled his tank top off and dropped it on the floor. He unbuttoned, unzipped and turned while he slowly bent over and lowered his tight jeans down off his hard, round ass.
"Oh, there's a fine sight," Greg enthused. He quickly pushed his own jeans down his thighs and grabbed Viktor's hips as pressed himself into his lover's ass.
"Umm," Viktor could feel his lover's expanding cock in his crack.
"Oh my God," Greg sighed as he held himself pressed into his partner's butt. "I could fuck you so hard right now we'd wake up half of Varna."
"Mmm," Viktor straightened up and twisted around to capture Greg's lips with his own. "I like it too."
"Let's get into bed before I lose my mind," Greg stepped back and Viktor was quick to grab the thick, hard bone in his hand. Greg closed his eyes while his lover held his erection.
"No be easy to sleep with this in bed with me," Viktor gave his partner a gentle kiss on the side of his neck. He let go of Greg and pulled down the bed.
"Boxers?" Greg bent to the suitcase.
"Ne. Want be naked with you again," Viktor laid down on the bed on his back.
"Sounds lovely to me. I'll just put them here handy," Greg placed both pair of underwear on the lone night table that was on Viktor's side of the bed.
"Lay down on me," Viktor opened his arms.
"Won't have to ask me to do that twice," Greg climbed onto the bed and laid himself down fully atop his strong partner. Viktor wrapped his arms around Greg as the pale Brit laid down on him.
"Thank you," Viktor sighed.
"For what are you thanking me?" Greg asked from where his head lay on his lover's shoulder with his face against the Gunner's neck.
"For be you. For be my Grigor. I not tell you enough how happy you make me, how happy is my life with you, with our daughter," Viktor tightened his arms around Greg's back. Greg knew exactly what brought on the need to share that sentiment.
"I hope you know that I feel exactly the same way," Greg put his hand to the other side of Viktor's face. He gently caressed his lover's cheek with his thumb. "You are the best husband and father anyone could hope for. Don't let your ex rattle you."
"He make me see more truth in front of me whole time," Viktor confessed.
"Certainly is a bold bugger, shamelessly coming onto you right in front of me that way," Greg observed.
"No feel bad, Grigor. No one take me from you," Viktor tightened his arms around Greg again.
"I know that, Vik. I will admit that it was hard not to be a little bit intimidated. Miroslav is bloody gorgeous," Greg stated.
"Some people maybe think so," Viktor conceded, "but he just play thing. You all man, my Grigor. You feel like man, not brick wall."
"Well, this man is all yours and always will be," Greg assured. Viktor closed his eyes. He already knew that, but it was very nice to hear. They lay together in silence for a few minutes.
"You reach light?" Viktor asked.
"I'm sure I can," Greg lifted himself off of his lover and reached to turn off the bedside lamp. He moved then to lay on his side in the crook of Viktor's arm with his head on his lover's strong shoulder.
"That was rather some unexpected news from Svilen tonight," Greg shared.
"I not expect that," Viktor agreed.
"You know, when I watched them interact, there were subtle clues," Greg stated.
"Da?" Viktor asked.
"The way Svilen looks at your brother mostly. And he is ever finding an excuse to touch Kliment. I'm worried about the poor boy," Greg admitted.
"He need boyfriend," Viktor rightly concluded.
"Just what I told him," Greg agreed.
"Kliment need know," Viktor stated.
"We promised we wouldn't tell, Vik. He's afraid your brother and Valery will treat him differently. He's afraid he'll lose them," Greg reminded.
"His pretend be straight with Kliment and Valery is what keep him from have boyfriend," Viktor astutely observed.
"I'm afraid that's true, but it's not our secret to tell. He'll tell them when he's ready. All we can do is be his friends and help him as best we can," Greg tried to sound hopeful.
"Da," Viktor agreed. He turned his head to kiss his lover's temple. Both men were quiet with their own thoughts for a few minutes before they fell asleep in each other's arms.