Chapter 5 - Spaghetti Woolacombe and (Meat)balls

Kieren sat on the hot sand, legs crossed in front of him. The sizzling summer-air was making him sweat. He watched the sea, letting his thoughts drift away. He felt so peaceful. His naked feet sunk into the hot sand – he really enjoyed the soft burn. Now that the whole humanization process came to an end, everything he felt was incredibly intense. He could barely believe he was 'cured'. Under the scrutiny of his dreamy eyes the sea was entangled in its hypnotizing dance. Now he could actually feel the air on his skin, he could smell its saltiness; he could allow himself to be caressed by it. The roots of his hair were tickling him – like little flows of electricity under his skin – at every breeze. His skin stung from the rub of salty water and sand, especially around his bathing suit, from a long exposure to sea-water and the beach. But to finally feel things, and not just know they were there… that was something he had to adjust to. He smiled at this new tactile world of wonders.

"Ouch!" A sudden sting brought him back from his contemplating and looking at the sea. Kieren raised his hands and turned his wrists so he could observe them. The wounds were closing, just like the doctors said they would, and it hurt. He often wondered how his PDS body had worked, how his vein – once split open – was now closing as if nothing really happened. He was curious as to how this was possible. He asked Simon once. His answer was calculated and mystic, of course: "I don't think the doctors know this either."

With steady fingers he tried the area around the wounds. He grazed the red bulged skin around the stitched wound, slowly, feeling the swells under his fingers. He clenched his jaw. This was so much to take in at once. His nails regained their normal healthy color and shine – every sign of the paleness or blue spots were now gone, replaced by healthy pink blood-irrigated tissue. Suddenly sadness and fear washed over him like one of the waves he was watching. Having his wrists slit was painful enough, and thinking about Simon's huge spinal incision and the pain that will inflict while healing was terrifying him. He shivered and shook his head – he had to think about something else. Worrying wouldn't do any good; he learned that on his own skin.

That day he woke up – as he usually would – before the first rays of sun sneaked their warmth and light over the horizon. He had walked on the beach, taking in all the feelings and panicking in silence. But now it was late enough, and he wanted to meet Simon before breakfast.

xXx

Simon sat on the bed leaned against the backrest. His hands were stretched in front of him, shaking slightly under his scrutiny. He heard Kieren open and close the door before he saw him.

"Hey what are you still doing in bed?" Kieren asked. He stopped at the foot of the bed and smiled excitedly upon observing the trembling members. He whispered: "Your hands-" and Simon nodded and folded his hands in his lap. They were still shaking. "When did it start?" Kieren seated himself on the bed next to Simon. He took the shaking hands in his and squeezed them softly. They were so cold and rigid – the tendons were stiff, the doctors explained him once. He wondered – once again – how it was even possible for PDS sufferers to move…to exist. His brows furrowed then he relaxed. His eyes wandered all over Simon's body searching for any major changes. He knew it was too early for anything else but happiness held no time for logic. "I noticed the shaking last night when you were in the shower." Simon spoke, his voice smoky and even as always. "But it didn't last long – less than a minute, maybe." He tried to hold his feelings under control but Kieren could easily hear the excitement, the pinch of fear and anxiety. Kieren leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on Simon's blue-ish lips.

Kieren exclaimed: "That's great." Simon smiled absentmindedly. "I was about to call Amy and brag again with how awesome this place is-" Kieren continued talking, trying to keep a straight face. "- and how terrible you are." That made Simon chuckled a little. With another reassuring squeeze to Simon's hands, Kieren got up. "C'mon now, get dressed. I'll go call Amy." Kieren bounced to the phone in the living-room area on his long thin feet.

Simon threw the blankets away and got out of bed. He could see Kieren leaned over the coffee table dialing the number – the receiver between his shoulder and cheek. He smiled to himself. This changes to come were terrifying, and not only because he had a huge incision from his cervical to his lumbar area. He tried to be this mysterious extremist, poker-faced and immune to emotional pain but ultimately he failed – because of Kieren. Because Kieren brought out the best in him and he got lost in everything Kieren did. He had a burning desire to be a better person because Kieren had that effect on him. He was weak and scared, but with every passing day his doubts that Kieren wouldn't be by his side, ready to help, scattered away. With that whirlwind of thoughts rushing through his brain, he got dressed.

"Hullo Amy – yes – me too." Kieren grinned foolishly into the receiver. "Your BDFFs are doing great." His voice echoed merrily in the room. "How was the trip back? Yeah?" he chuckled. "How's Roarton?" Simon smiled and walked behind Kieren and laid his hands on his shoulder, slipping on his chest and eventually pulling him into his chest. Kieren chuckled. "Figures. Hey, we have more great news." Kieren announced.

Amy's voice was filled with the usual joy and love for life and her best dead friends forever: "News? Well, spit it out dum dum." Simon's head was laid on Kieren's shoulder so now he could hear Amy's voice very clear. And so Kieren told her about Simon. She squealed and laughed and Kieren could hear her jump up and down and twirl around the telephone cable. "Well I guess we won't be BDFFs soon, huh?" Her loud laughter made Kieren move the phone away from his ear. "I'm thinking about BLFFs? Best Living Friends For-almost-ever?" Kieren chuckled. He offered: "Well, we'll still be friends – that is not negotiable." Amy then went on about how wonderful it all was, until she realized what implications came with that and demanded to speak to the moregeous charmer so Kieren passed Simon the phone.

Kieren left Simon in the living room, allowing him some privacy. He walked until he reached the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He sat in front of the mirror, staring at his tanned face. He still couldn't believe that the brown eyes in the mirror were truly his and not contact lenses. He leaned closer the huge mirror over the sink. Thin fingers touched his skin, like they were trying to rub off some invisible cover-mousse. But the pink in his cheeks was real; the color in his flesh was actual tan. The blue on his lips, gums, nails and neck had been replaced by a lively pink, making him look so alive. The edges of his pink lips turned upwards into a shy smile. Once again he looked at the wounds on his wrists and couldn't repress the thoughts of gratitude. It hurt – and it was such an amazing feeling.

xXx

The call had been pretty long but both men were happy to talk to Amy. She had the gift of making everything seem incredibly easy and enjoyable. That was a welcome feeling for Simon, especially in those moments. Amy repeated the story of her coming-back-to-life process, emphasizing how great everything felt afterwards and how minimal the pain was. "The fear was all in my head!" she would repeat. When the call ended Kieren was at the desk and Simon shuffled his feet leisurely towards him. A couple of weeks ago he had bought some pencils. Since then almost every evening was dedicated to this top secret 'project' Simon wasn't allowed to see. It looked like Kieren was working on said project now.

Simon leaned over his lover's back, his hands on the desk supporting his weight. When he saw the drawing he chuckled. "Is that a better looking version of myself?"

Kieren worked rapidly on the details of the bed drawing-Simon was sprawled on. He leaned into the comforting space between Simon's arms and his firm chest. "Better looking?" He asked mockingly, and his brows furrowed. "It must be the beard or the ruffled hair… or the barely visible pubic hair under the waistline of the unbuttoned jeans…"

Simon chuckled: "It's a good drawing. You're so talented Kier." Kieren let the pencil drop and smoothly turned around in the chair until his face was so close to Simon's, their noses almost touched. Kieren's hands held Simon by the waist. His eyes were big and dreamy and somewhat more mature. Simon cupped his head and pulled him into a gentle kiss. When the blond pulled away for air, they rested their foreheads against one another. Simon whispered in a serious tone: "I will grow that beard."

Kieren burst out laughing. He pushed his boyfriend away jokingly. "Dick!" He shook his head – a huge smile on his lips – and pointed his finger at Simon. "I will hold you to that!"

Simon raised his arms defenselessly. "I warned you about kisses with a bearded guy." Kieren rolled his eyes. He watched Simon put on some clothes (constantly teasing him: "I might have drawn that a little shorter." Simon continued to pull his underwear up, slower. "I might have to redraw it… with you as a model… when you grow that beard." White fluffy pillow flying towards Kieren's head: dodged. ) and then they left the hotel room.

After a very late breakfast in which Kieren rediscovered his love for food, (Kieren: "This-" he pointed to an almost-empty plate of English muffin egg pizzas "-this I adore!" he chuckled. "I'm gonna get fat aren't I?" he asked joyfully as he bit from another mini-pizza) they finally got a call from the house-sale company. They had checked their preferences and put together a whole list of houses they might like and afford, all over Woolacombe beach, seafront.

xXx

As the asphalt got gradually covered and eventually replaced by sand, Simon stopped the car. In front of them stood proud the third house they were planning to look at that day (and the ninth in the two weeks after the first call). It was an immaculate white beach-front house, cozy-looking with its huge French windows and window-doors welcomingly open. A well-dressed minute woman sat on the front porch. Upon seeing them arrive she stood up and went their way.

"Gentlemen." The woman was their home sales assistant: petit figure, short blond hair and sunny personality. She agreed on meeting them at the house after taking care of a few more details, and as it seemed, those details had been taken care of. "Would you like to see this beauty from the inside?"

They followed her through the glass front door, stopping in the hall – observing wide-eyed. It was a truly wonderful house: spacious, modern pastel-colored furniture, clean white walls, polished wood floors. The living room was separated from the hall by an opened smoky-glassed sliding door, allowing the men to peek inside: a sofa, two armchairs, an immense wall-bookcase with a rectangular hole for the flat screen TV, a fluffy carpet and ceiling-to-floor windows facing the sea. The bedroom shared most of the chromatic details, huge French windows, fluffy rug and modern furniture, not too crowded yet practical and comfortable.

"Wow." Kieren was genuinely amazed. From all the beach houses they visited that day, this one was by far his favorite. Simon seemed equally pleased.

The blonde led them into the kitchen next, taking a few minutes to assure them that this house – just like the others – was well appointed, replete and ready to be sold.

The woman was standing tall and she spoke with certitude. "I had a feeling this was the house you were looking for."

Simon, unlike Kieren, didn't do a lot of observing the house. Instead, he watched his boyfriend's reaction to it, and right now Kieren was beaming. His puppy eyes were glued to every detail, taking in the structures and colors and possibilities. "Seems like you were right." Simon acknowledged.

The blonde arched her eyebrows, half in amazement half in self admiration for yet another well-done job.

Kieren studied the dark-haired man for an instant, searching for the right things to say. He failed; he was too excited, and instead he decided a nod and a lively "Yes!" would do the job.

Three signatures, a cup of tea and a chat later the house was theirs.

After the sales lady left, Kieren nearly jumped into Simon's arms. "We own a beach house?" He grabbed his blond hair in half-disbelief and excitement, taking Simon aback with a long kiss.

"So you're happy?" Simon buried his hands in Kieren's soft dirty-blond hair. Kieren rolled his eyes, deciding to ignore the question and deepen the kiss. A decision highly approved by Simon. The new house and dreamy prospects of a life with his lover were nourishing the fires of Kieren's excitement. When they broke the kiss Simon gave him an once-over full of mysticism and huge love.

"Don't go all mystic-" but Kieren's protests went unheard as the dark-haired man claimed his lips in a passionate kiss, nearly making them both stumble and fall. "Easy there." Kieren joked; his lips grazing his lover's lips as he spoke.

"You want me to stop?" with every word Simon pecked Kieren's lips, his eyes never breaking contact with his lover's once he pulled away.

As much as he wanted to pull Simon back into the fiery – and newly wet – kisses, Kieren took a step back. "It wouldn't be fair. You still can't feel."

Simon shook his head, dismissing the idea and pushing himself back in Kieren's personal space. This time they didn't stumble. "No, but I'm hungry." He said in a low seductive voice. Kieren rolled his eye and asked in mock exasperation: "Really?" But Simon shook his head, chuckling. "I mean it." He whispered. He leaned his forehead against Kieren's, closing his eyes, his hands caressing his boyfriend's chest and shoulders. "Ever since this morning I felt hungry… for 'normal' food." Kieren straightened up. He cupped his lover's face looking him straight in the eyes. As the realization of the statement sank in, the corners of his mouth lifted more and more. "You eat?" Kieren beamed. "See, I told you everything was gonna be alright." He comforted Simon before his lips captured the other man's pale lips in a hungry, excited kiss. He pulled away soon – he had so many questions: "Did you eat? Are you still feeling hungry… or sick in some way?"

Simon shook his head. "I haven't eating. I think it's too early for that and I'll feel sick." He explained.

Kieren's eager hands fondled Simon's body from cheeks to hipbones – part with worry part with excitement. "How about pain?" He asked. "Does something hurt?"

"No." Simon assured him.

"Do you want to see what this 'well-appointed' kitchen has to offer?" Kieren asked. "I could cook you something?"

"How could I say 'no' to that?" Simon teased. He tugged Kieren by his shirt, catching his mouth in another round of kisses.

Kieren pulled away before it could get too intense – and before his pants would get too tight. Simon watched him with overconfident eyes and a crooked smile. Kieren cleared his throat. "This hunger I'll satiate later." He whispered. He moved past Simon and into the kitchen.

He searched in every cupboard for something he actually knew how to cook. In the back of the top cupboard he found a box of pasta, some salt and a couple of small jars of ragù with big chunks of meatballs. He took the jars in his hands and smiled. "These I can cook." He stated – catching Simon's amused gaze. "You'll help, of course." He teased, turning his back on Simon. He heard him chuckle and move towards him.

He said: "Tell me what to do, and I'll follow your lead."

Kieren opened the lower cupboards in search of a saucepan. When he found it he stood up and laid it in Simon's hands. "I always knew you were a sub." He teased. "Now, be a good boy and fill this with water." Simon tried to hide his smile but failed. He filled the saucepan with water, while Kieren pulled some spaghetti out of the box and turned the stove on. Simon placed the saucepan on then moved behind Kieren. He nuzzled the nook of his lover's neck, kissing it and making him giggle. "I'm not that hungry. I could still prove you wrong: I'm not a sub."

Kieren laughed. "We'll burn down the house." He turned into Simon's grip. Their chests were pressed against each other, Simon's leg between Kieren's tights. "And of course you are a sub."

"Of course." Simon approved while leaving kisses trails from Kieren's jaw to his cheeks and lips. "Totally submissive."

Kieren moaned softly: "Definitely the sub."

Somehow between make-out sessions they managed not to burn the food. They found plates in the upper cupboard and filled them with steaming pasta and ragù.

They were seated at the table, Kieren's hand on Simon's lap. "Are you ready? It's totally fine if you don't want to eat, you know." He reminded his lover.

Simon shook his head. "No, it's fine." He revealed: "I was actually pretty hungry." He scoffed. "It feels so unreal."

Kieren knew what he meant. He had been there nearly a month ago. But he also got through it, and there were no records – so far – of PDS sufferers that didn't make it through the change. He tightened the grip on Simon's leg and made sure the other man would notice – since he couldn't actually feel it.

Simon smiled bitterly. "Well, let's see if you should give up painting for cooking." He warned Kieren before ungracefully stuffing a forkful of ragù-dripping pasta into his mouth. He couldn't taste it nor smell it, of course. But playing pretend every once in a while was healthy.

"How is it?" Kieren asked. His plate was still untouched.

Simon moaned then swallowed loudly. "Never tasted anything more delicious in my entire second life." He said exaggerate-politely making Kieren laugh. Taking another fork of pasta Simon caught his lover observing him. "Not hungry?" he pointed with the fork toward Kieren's untouched plate. "I can assure you this is amazing pasta."

Kieren's brows furrowed. "It's too hot. They were emerged in boiling water for about ten minutes? The perk of being human: an overly-sensitive tongue."

They had been indeed very hungry. They ate, avoiding silence like the pest. They talked about anything house-related, about paying the hotel and finally moving, about a possible future visit from Jem and Amy…

Simon remarked: "We should invite Philip too. He's Amy's plus one after all." They chuckled and started imagining Amy's married life:

Kieren: "Could you imagine them as parents – having three little brats running around the house, breaking stuff, making noise?" He laughed.

Simon: "Honestly I can't even imagine Philip taking care of an inanimate object."

Kieren – unable to stop laughing: "Are you still making jokes about the toaster?"

Simon: "That was the first thing Amy told me about him. Chances are this is going to be the only think I'll ever remember about him." He chuckled.

Kieren – around a fork full of pasta: "Yes but- you bought him a toaster for the wedding!" He shook his head. "Amy told me it had a short circuit… it's dead." Both laugh knowingly.

After dinner Kieren offered to wash the dishes while Simon rushed to the bathroom. He didn't feel sick, he didn't feel anything at all, actually – he didn't feel the hunger anymore. Despite him feeling alright, Simon still spent about an hour in the bathroom. He sat down on the closed toilet seat holding his head in his hands, walking in front of the mirror from time t time. But nothing happened.

xXx

"How are you feeling?" Kieren was waiting on the corridor leaned against the wall.

"Have you been here the whole time?" Simon asked.

Kieren nodded. "In case you felt sick and you needed help." He furrowed his brows with worry. "How is it?"

The usual crooked and charming smile formed on Simon's lips. "I'm fine. I don't feel sick at all."

Kieren's face lit up. A wave of relief washed over him and for a moment he felt so light he had to lean against the wall – worried he might just float away. He beamed. "This is so great!" When his feet finally stopped feeling like jelly, he closed the distance and kissed Simon's cold lips.

"I kinda feel sleepy, though." Simon informed him.

"Okay." Kieren's hand took Simon's and he pulled him gently towards the bedroom. Once there Kieren let go of Simon's hand and watched him strip in his underwear, get into the king-sized bed and disappear under the covers. "Get some sleep." He leaned over him and kissed his forehead. "I'll go take a shower."

Kieren closed the bedroom door behind him and crossed the corridor to the bathroom. He closed the door quickly got rid of all his clothes.

He felt so sticky. He looked for some shampoo or soap and found a bottle of shampoo soon enough. Although he didn't feel tired, visiting beach houses, in the hottest time of the year – with a newly brought back to life body – sure made him sweat. He was so thrilled to finally have found a house. During dinner they planned on going back to the hotel the next day to pick their stuff. He was so excited.

He got into the shower and adjusted the water temperature. The water pressure was – surprisingly – so much better than the one at the hotel. He let the hot water run down his lean body, down his cock, through his fluffy hair, down his pale ass – thinking about Simon. About how wonderful everything would be from that moment on, and about how terrible this change would be for his lover in the beginning. He would be there for him, no matter what. But he had to admit, the idea of a human Simon was a huge turn on for him, beard or no beard. It wasn't only the appearance, but also the thought of him finally feeling something physical and being able to please him… and have him please Kieren. The thought of having Simon as a human: kissing moist hot lips, touching hot skin, rubbing an erected twitching member, hearing actual moans of pleasure not just having him fake it, was very delighting.

With strong fingers he squeezed the shampoo bottle. A nice-smelling substance spilled into his hand and he put the bottle aside. He rubbed the shampoo all over his chest, muscular arms, neck and tights – with closed eyes, and still thinking about Simon sprawled naked on a bed pleasing himself – until he reached the inside of his tights. He felt his semi-erected member twitch at the contact with his slippery hand. A soft whimper escaped his lips. He didn't really want to jerk off in the shower – and not just because Simon was in the next room – but his hand slipped so perfectly around his hardened member, and his groin felt so warm inside, he just couldn't stop. He gave his cock a few lazy strokes. His thumb and index played with the head – teasing it.

There was a sudden cold breeze but Kieren ignored it. He kept his eyes closed and his hand pumping, until eventually he had to lean against the wall for support.

There was a noise and Kieren opened his eyes to find Simon naked, in the shower door – a huge crooked smile on his lips. "Don't stop because of me." He said in a husky, sensual voice that sent shivers into Kieren's entire body – especially into his cock.

"I wasn't about to." Kieren moaned softly.

Simon closed the shower door behind him. "Good." He grabbed Kieren's hipbones and held his gaze for a while then watched as the other man fondled his shaft.

Kieren bit his lower lip. "Enjoying the show?" He asked seductively.

Simon's answer came just as seductively: "Very." He moved slowly closer to Kieren's lips and kissed them softly while Kieren tried to shut off the annoying water hitting his face. He succeeded, but Simon turned it back on. He grabbed the head of the shower with a hand and Kieren's shaft with the other.

"What are you doing?" Kieren chuckled.

Simon's gaze caught his and he smiled. "You don't expect me to drink soap?"

"Wha-?" Kieren tried to ask, but was cut off by Simon's swift fall on his knees, then by kisses on the inside of his tights and finally by Simon's mouth around the head of his cock. Kieren moaned. This was so much better than what he was doing minutes prior.

Simon's tongue swirled around the head before going deeper. His hands were fondling Kieren's balls and base of the dick, while Kieren's hands were pulling the other man's hair, pushing and urging him to take more cock in his mouth. Simon bobbed his head again and again and his lips and dimpled cheeks made pornographic sounds around the erected cock. Soon Kieren was a moaning mess, writhing under Simon's special care and trying not to thrust too hard into his mouth. When Simon picked up the pace, Kieren was already on the edge. When Simon moaned with Kieren's dick deep in his throat said edge crumbled under Kieren's feet. His toes arched, his muscles tensed and fingers clenched in Simon's hair, his breath quickened and heartbeats threatened to push his heart out of his chest. Realizing Simon's mouth wasn't going to pull away, Kieren reached his climax. With loud moans and hitched breaths he came hard into Simon's mouth, while he milked Kieren through the orgasm. He was violently thrust forward and had to grab the walls for support before his feet turned to jelly. He let himself slip down the wall until he reached Simon's level. He moaned at the sight. Simon's lips were covered in white sticky cum and he was lazily licking it.

"Better than your hand I hope?" Simon asked cockily – which earned him a playful push against the shower doors. He answered: "Way better." Catching his breath, Kieren mounted over his boyfriend and started kissing him passionately. His hands cupped Simon's head while his tongue explored and tasted the insides of his mouth and his cum-splashed lips. Tasting himself on Simon's tongue, he moaned. When they pulled for air they laughed and took a moment. "How about we wash and go to bed?" Simon suggested – Kieren cuddled on his chest.

They washed one-another slowly and lazily, kissing and chuckling from time to time. When they were finished they towel-wrapped themselves and shuffled their feet back to the bedroom where they fell tired on the bed. Simon covered them both then nuzzled next to Kieren, waiting for him to slip closer and cuddle.

They fell asleep: legs entwined, cuddled in each other – both breathing easily.

A/N: (Apology: I suck at finding good titles and this one just...*face-palm*) HoLy sHiTe! This chapter was supposed to be the last chapter but I'm thinking about writing another one? Like an epilogue or something, I have no clue yet. Writing is fun… but hard. I just hope you enjoyed this chapter! :3 (Please let me know if you did/ or didn't – I love comments!)