"Close your eyes," a nervous voice whispered. Toby obeyed automatically. He heard Chris opening the door and entering the loft- -probably to turn on some lights. Gentle hands steered Toby through the door into the cool, air-conditioned apartment. "Ok. Now you can look."
Toby opened his eyes and found himself staring at a wall--a pale yellow wall. The carpeting under his feet was pearl gray--thick and plush. The two colors were soothing and Toby liked the color scheme instantly--it exuded warmth without being too bright.
"Come on in; I'm giving you the ten-cent tour." Chris closed the door with his left hand as he led Toby into the apartment. "That's my kitchen--my pride and joy. I'm not as good a cook as my mother, but I could give Nate a run for his money." To Toby's left was an open door that led to a large kitchen that looked immaculately neat. A breakfast nook was cut into one of the walls, and there were stools in front of it; the material on the seats of the stools was the same pastel yellow as the walls.
In front of him was a long room that Toby was unable to resist studying. At the far end of the room, the living room area was slightly raised and could only be reached by climbing the two stairs directly in front of them. A large two-story window, arched at the top, was directly in front of Toby--reflecting the men's image in the paned glass. Sitting on the ledge of that window, a fish tank hummed. Toby could see one large tropical fish floating around happily in its warm domain.
For some reason, the sight of that fish made Toby grin. Maybe it finally made Chris seem like a real person to him, and not some fantasy made flesh by his fevered need to be with someone. This apartment was Chris' special place; Toby could sense that from the stiff posture and the nervous way the man was hovering around him. He felt very honored as he walked further into the apartment, while Chris closed the door.
Beneath the window, a large sectional couch was curved to perfectly fit into the corner, along the two walls. One side of the couch was directly beneath the window. The couch was black leather with yellow throw pillows scattered over it--it looked sinfully comfortable yet stylish. It also had an indelible quality that reminded Toby of its owner.
Toby walked further into the apartment and just took everything in, from the old fashioned woodwork along the ceiling and the wooden doors were all painted white. There were three closed doors along the right side of the loft, and a large rectangular dining table was on the left, just past the kitchen. Toby headed over to the table and gasped in astonishment.
The table almost seemed to glow--it was made of ebony, lacquered wood. Eight chairs with high backs surrounded the table; there were satin cushions on the seats of each chair that were also that same restful yellow. Along one wall, behind the table, was a beautiful ebony screen, decorated with flowers and butterflies painted along its shiny surface. Toby noticed that the pattern was also stenciled on the table and chairs; it all looked oriental. Toby had never seen anything like this place. It was tasteful, beautiful...and welcoming.
"This door leads to the guest bathroom." Chris smiled in relief as he watched Toby's expressive face, as the man admired his apartment. His hand was still lightly holding Toby's arm as he guided him through the apartment to the first door on along the right wall. He opened it so that Toby could peer inside.
The marble tiles and the color scheme were all shades of gray. There was a lot to be learned by poking around in someone's bathroom--Chris must've realized that. Toby would have liked to look closer, but Chris was already leading him toward the second door.
"That's just a closet," he stated as they walked right by the second door, until Chris opened the third door and turned on the light. This room looked more lived in and cluttered. The floor in this room was hardwood, which gleamed in the afternoon light streaming through the sheer curtains. There was a large, L-shaped desk, littered with papers that sat in front of another window. A state of the art computer system sat on that desk, along with a police scanner. There was also a couch and a loveseat in this room. They were surrounding a cherrywood coffee table. Along two walls were bookcases filled with books and binders.
"I unwind in here and work on cases." Chris gestured toward the couch. "That opens up into a bed. Sometimes, I just crash down here, when I'm too tired or worked up to go upstairs." Chris walked over to an entertainment console and opened a cabinet door to reveal a wide-screen TV. "This room also has surround sound, the speakers are concealed in the woodwork."
Toby was about to sink onto a cushion when Chris tugged his arm. //I guess the tour isn't over.// Toby's pace quickened when he realized what he hadn't seen yet--Chris' bedroom. Toby felt his exhaustion diminish as he contemplated getting hot and sweaty on Chris' bed. //That brings a whole new meaning to an afternoon delight.//
"Lead on, McDuff." Toby murmured when they reentered the main room again. Chris led Toby up the two stairs into the living room area, which opened up to reveal a higher ceiling than the rest of the apartment. Toby looked around and spotted another entertainment center, but Toby wasn't interested in that.
He was looking up at the second story--a small staircase, tucked against the wall, led to the second floor, which was over the kitchen and dining area. The landing faced toward the large window; Toby was sure that Chris' bedroom was up those stairs and suddenly he was nudging the detective along.
"Oh, what's the sudden rush?" Chris led Toby away from the stairs with a teasing smile and walked over toward the couch, ignoring the disappointed little sigh as he led the reluctant blond over toward the couch.
"Toby, I'd like you to meet Cleo. She swam right into my bathing suit while I was down in Australia. She was such an affectionate little lady that I paid an unbelievable amount of pounds to have her shipped back here." Chris knelt on the couch and grabbed a container, so that he could feed his pet.
Cleo was a beautiful fish with colorful stripes adorning her large fins. She seemed to recognize Chris and began to rub up against the glass where the fingers of his left hand were resting. Toby huffed in impatience as he reluctantly sat beside the detective and pretended to admire his fish--Toby was actually admiring the way the tight jeans hugged the curve of Chris' round ass. //Now that is a beautiful sight.//
"Nice...fish." Lame, but it was the best comment Toby could think of while he was examining that perfect ass. His blood was rushing down to his groin, that was his excuse. The few cells that were in his brain were probably whining because they weren't part of that mad stampede. His body's reaction to Chris still astonished him; it'd never been this way with Gen. Hell, it'd never been this way with anyone but Chris.
Chris spotted him gazing toward his posterior and smiled as he closed the food and placed the container back into position beside the tank. "Cleo isn't the only affectionate one in this room. I love it when you rub against me, Tobe." Chris ran his hand through the soft hair, glowing from the fluorescent light of the fish tank.
It was an invitation that didn't need to be repeated; Toby smiled and eased up onto his knees until he could reach Chris' mouth. Elegant hands reached out to cup the beloved face, drawing it closer to him. Chris began to nibble along his jaw, tasting the smooth skin as Toby wrapped his arms around Chris' waist, drawing their bodies closer.
Chris leaned closer and captured Toby's lips, which parted eagerly, for a hard kiss. Both men moaned as they became lost in the deep kiss. Tongues clashed and mouths were explored as both men became lost to everything except the other person held in their arms. They were back in their safe little world again, surrounded by love.
The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but Chris was already panting and his heart was racing like a locomotive. He eased his mouth away, and chuckled when Toby growled in protest. "Easy tiger." Chris had been waiting all day for this.
Toby's wide eyes as he looked around the apartment had said it all; Toby admired his home. It made Chris feel proud that this man was impressed with his modest apartment--the culmination of everything that he loved and treasured. The apartment was transformed into a magical place when the person that he loved more than anything was here--in his home, and wanted to be with him.
Little Chris was getting demanding and the detective suddenly couldn't wait any longer--he needed to see Toby sprawled across his bed, ready and waiting for Chris to show him what a little friction could accomplish for two horny guys. NOW!
He leaped to his feet and kneeled down on the floor. Before Toby could even cry out, he was being hoisted over one broad shoulder as Chris rose to his feet and ran toward the stairs. Toby closed his eyes as he hung upside down, facing Chris' much admired ass.
"Ch-ris", Toby called out as he tried to ignore the dizziness that was overtaking him.
"Shhh," Chris patted Toby's round bottom, which was right beside his face. "Half the fun of designing the rooms like this was that I always wanted to carry someone up these stairs and ravish them on my bed."
When they reached the top of the stairs, Chris walked over to the king-sized bed and gently lowered Toby onto the comforter. This large room was his pride and joy. From his bed, which faced the window, he could look out on the street below. A skylight was also right above the king-sized, brass bed; sometimes he opened it and fell asleep listening to the sounds of the city--his own personal lullaby.
But Toby wasn't looking at the city or the skylight. He was frantically searching the room, while his skin turned almost as gray as the carpet. When he spotted it, he bolted off the bed like a bullet and ran toward the bathroom. He didn't stop to admire the décor; all he was interested in was finding the toilet, before he embarrassed himself. Luckily the lid was up, because that soup was also coming up too. Toby leaned over the bowl and emptied the contents of his stomach into the cold porcelain.
When his stomach finally seemed to be empty, Toby registered the gentle hand rubbing his back--Chris was knelt down beside him, trying to soothe the blond. His body was trembling under that touch, as Toby's body rejected the warm meal he had just consumed. He could taste that sour flavor in his mouth and his throat felt raw--this was certainly not what Toby had imagined when he'd discovered where the bedroom was located.
When his muscles felt a little stronger than limp spaghetti, Toby allowed Chris to wipe his face with a damp cloth and lead him away from the porcelain god. He paused to accept a drink of water, which he swirled around his mouth and spit into the sink. Chris also reached into his pocket and took two white pills from the prescription bottle that the doctor had given Toby.
Toby grimaced when he saw the pills. "I don't need 'em, I'll be fine in a minute."
"Yeah, right." Chris kept dangling the pills in front of Toby's face, patiently waiting. With a huff, Toby opened his mouth and Chris slid the pills inside. Chris also handed him the cup, which Toby sipped until he'd swallowed the large pills.
"Now I'm going to fall asleep on you," Toby whined. "I was sort of hoping that...we'd do a little more in that bed than *sleep*." Blue eyes were ablaze with indignation and disappointment. Toby knew he sounded like an overgrown child, but he was beyond caring by this point.
Chris thought that Toby's pout was irresistible. //Only Tobe could look scrumptious while he's carrying on like a kindergartener.// Of course, the fact that Toby was disappointed because he wanted to be with him was also damn flattering. It felt so liberating to finally be with someone who wasn't trying to impress him or flatter him into bed. Toby wasn't capable of artifice--what you see is what you get. Chris found that he wanted it all, and then some.
He led the blond back into the other room and helped him lie down on the bed--his bed. "We will Toby, but for now, you're gonna take it easy and follow your doctor's advice."
Toby's head was spinning and he whimpered pitifully when his head finally rested on the pillow. Chris winced in sympathy as he lay down beside the blond and pressed their bodies together under the covers--Toby was shivering and Chris knew that the body heat would warm him better than any blanket.
Chris continued to rub his hands through Toby's hair--soothing him, lulling him to sleep. Chris' words penetrated through Toby's tired mind after several minutes. Chris was quietly apologized for... something.
Toby slowly turned to face the detective, as he tried to understand what Chris was getting worked up about. "What is it, honey?"
Chris began to rain kisses over Toby's face as he tried to comfort his sick lover. "The doctor warned me that your equilibrium was still hinky, but I wasn't thinking with my brain when I carried you up those stairs. I am so sorry, baby. I'd never do anything to hurt you." Chris sighed when the blue eyes finally focused on his face. Toby still looked deathly pale, but his pulse wasn't racing and his skin was cooling down. "I just...couldn't wait another minute to see you...to finally have you in *my* bed."
Toby started to chuckle as the absurdity of this situation drifted through his tired mind. "E-every time you get me into a bed, I...kill the mood by th-throwing up or falling asleep."
Chris also started to chuckle--Toby's laughter was almost irresistible. Also, the lawyer was right. Three for three. Every time Chris got Toby horizontal, he was either zoning out on meds or throwing up from them.
"If I were more sensitive, I might have to start seeing your analyst, Toby." Chris kissed Toby's forehead and inhaled the scent of his hair, while Toby snuggled into his favorite position--draped over Chris.
"These new meds are knocking me out--prescription drugs always make me drowsy. I'll just take a little nap and then I'll....be..."
"Fine." Chris finished the statement. Toby was already asleep lying on top of him. Sleeping with Toby had been part of the agenda, but that was supposed to happen after a marathon of sex. //Ok, no sex yet, but this is still good.//
Chris reached out his hand and hit a button on the remote--that opened the skylight to let in the familiar afternoon noises. He snuggled into his pillow and closed his eyes. He had slept lightly at the hospital and had hardly slept at all the night before--a beautiful blond had disturbed his sleep and his life when he stumbled into the bedroom of the penthouse. He needed this sleep almost as much as Toby did. He hadn't had a vacation in months and the stress and worry over his father hadn't been conducive to long nights of peaceful slumber.
But, somehow, with Toby cradled in his arms, Chris wasn't worried about anything. Everything would be all right as long as he had Toby beside him, loving him and supporting him. Chris closed his eyes and cuddled closer toward Toby. He fell asleep inhaling the subtle herbal scent of Toby's shampoo.
The sound of jazz music slowly penetrated into Toby's consciousness. A woman's voice was singing: Crazy they call me. Sure, I'm crazy. Crazy in love...am I.
The song made Toby think of Chris--many of his acquaintances would think that he was crazy for falling in love with a man. Morons--each and every one of them. They would see the sculpted body and assume that it was just a physical attraction. Part of the mystique was physical, but Toby had fallen in love with the man hidden behind the confident facade, the sensitive and reserved person who had allowed him to see the extraordinary depths hidden behind his cocky smile.
Toby smiled as he felt those familiar hands stroking along his back as the music continued to play. He could hear Chris' heart beating beneath his ear, as Toby slowly stretched and tried to awaken his sluggish body. Chris started helping his efforts along, by nibbling on his right ear--that sure as hell was an effective way to wake him up.
Toby tilted his head, and Chris moaned a protest when his evening snack was taken away. "Sorry," Toby whispered. "How long was I out?"
Chris glanced over at the clock radio." A little over three hours."
Chris winced when he heard loud laughter, emanating from the crowd at the café. "You probably would've been dead to the world for a few more hours, but the skylight is opened and the sound from down below woke you up. One of the drawbacks of living over the café is the noise."
"I usually turn up the AC when the café opens up, so that I don't hear anything. But I didn't want to get up and disturb you--you needed the rest." Chris leaned over and hit the remote, closing the skylight--that helped to cut down on the noise level.
Toby shifted onto his back and stretched out his arms, allowing the muscle shirt to lift and reveal his flat stomach. Chris had a strong urge to lick around Toby's navel. A light sprinkling of blond hair was gilded in the light, and the skin looked soft and inviting. The soft tufts of blond hair in Toby's armpits were also another fascination. Chris longed to stroke that soft hair, and see if it was really as soft as it looked.
Chris licked his lips as Toby shifted again, and lowered his arms. Chris frowned as he realized how oblivious Toby was of the effect that he had on Chris. The blond didn't possess a startling allure-- it was subtle, but it packed a hell of a punch. His fair complexion, the way he moved and his facial expressions all seemed to culminate into a charisma that was irresistible. Toby was a hottie, and the only person who didn't know that was him! That trim body was another asset, and Chris felt so lucky that this beautiful man was here, with him, in his bed.
Toby really didn't seem to notice the effect his looks and polite demeanor had on others. The nurses at the hospital had given him quite an affectionate sendoff--full of lots of hugs and kisses. Chris noticed that the blond had smiled politely, while he held Chris' hand in a tight grip. //I'm going to make you realize how gorgeous you are, baby. Count on it.//
When Toby turned to face him, his shy smile made Chris' pulse leap. Clear blue eyes were intently watching him. Toby's eyes were the mirrors to his soul; Chris could see the invitation being offered in those guileless depths. Toby wanted to be with him, to continue their sexual explorations where they'd left off.
Chris shivered as he remembered the vow that he'd made to Toby in the hospital. Little Chris longed to be buried inside that beautiful body, surrounded by Toby's warmth. Toby's hands, which were tracing over his chest, were also making his resolve melt away. Chris was determined to obey his mind, not his dick. This was Toby, and Chris intended to put his needs before his own.
He leapt off of the bed, away from the sweet temptation draped across the spread. He had already made Toby ill once today because of his overactive hormones, and he didn't intend to do it again. //Space-- the best defense is distance.//
Chris looked over at the blond, who was lying in the middle of his bed. There was a definite 'come hither' expression illuminating the sky blue eyes. Chris was tempted to accept the invitation--parts of him were practically weeping to lose himself in Toby's arms. But this wasn't about instant gratification; it was about love and being unselfish.
Chris walked over to a bureau and opened the top drawer. "I've got something for ya, Tobe." He began to push aside pairs of socks until he located exactly what he needed. Chris concealed the present in his hand, as he walked back toward the bed.
Toby sat up and smiled eagerly as Chris sat on the edge of the bed and handed him a flat, wrapped package. Toby looked down at the gift and smiled. "This wasn't necessary, but thanks. What's the occasion?"
Chris could feel his face becoming flushed as Toby examined the small package, wrapped in green wrapping paper. "Um, I wanted to give you something...a sorta engagement present, I guess you could call it." Chris rubbed the nape of his neck as he tried to explain his impulse. He'd stopped by the apartment before the interview with O'Reilly to wrap up this little gift for Toby. He'd almost forgotten about it after the fiasco. But now that everything was settled, Chris wanted to give this gift to Toby.
As Toby carefully unwrapped the paper, Chris wasn't as confident about his choice of gift. Would Toby understand what he was trying to say with this gift--something he treasured?
When Toby had carefully peeled the paper away, a small cardboard box was revealed. Toby cautiously lifted the lid off the box and pushed aside some tissue paper. //It's some sort of picture--some...sort of team picture.// Toby turned the box over and a baseball card floated into his palm. The uniform the man in the picture was wearing had the insignia of the Dodgers on it.
"A baseball card," Toby murmured as he continued to stare at the card. Chris leaned closer and his hand lifted the card off of Toby's palm.
"Turn it over and look." Chris' voice was filled with awe as he pointed to the stats on the card. "Do you know what this is?"
Toby was sure that Chris treasured this card, for some reason. Toby had never been interested in organized sports--especially baseball. Years of always getting picked last for kickball teams during recess had left an indelible impression--he hated and despised the whole subject of baseball.
"It's a baseball card," Toby replied.
Chris sighed in exasperation and rolled his eyes when he heard the fatuous statement. "It's not just a card--it's THE card. That's *Pedro's* rookie card. He's the MAN!"
Chris pointed at some scribbled marks at the bottom of the card. "See, I got him to autograph it while the Sox were playing in New York." Chris grabbed Toby's hand and folded his fingers over the card. "It's one of my prize possessions--now it's yours." Chris smiled into his lover's bemused eyes.
Toby looked down at the card and sighed. Chris was having trouble releasing his hand; obviously letting go of this "Pedro" person wasn't easy. Toby felt very touched by this gesture. He leaned close to Chris and kissed his lips. "Thank you, Chris."
He could feel something digging into his side, reminding him that he had something for the detective. Ok, he had a few things lined up for Chris, but now seemed to be the time to give him this one. Toby reached into his pocket and extracted the small packet, wrapped up in blue tissue paper. Angus, who'd been a real trooper about the whole thing, had a hell of a time finding this item when Toby had called him; he'd brought it to the hospital, hidden in the duffle bag.
Toby handed the small package to Chris, who seemed shocked to be receiving something. "Wha' is it?"
"Try opening it and you'll know."
"Smart ass." Long fingers reached out and gently tickled Toby's side, making him yelp. Chris smiled as he opened the paper and revealed a ring. Chris turned the ring over and read the insignia--Harvard.
"This is your class ring?" Chris asked and Toby nodded. Chris continued to examine the ring before he finally placed it onto his finger. It was a little big, but that was all right. The fact that Toby had given him his ring--the symbol of all his hard work--made the butt-ugly thing valuable for Chris.
"I guess we both had the same idea," Chris said as he watched Toby place the card back into the box, where it would be safe.
"Yeah, I guess we did." Toby placed the box on the night table. "I'd really like to get back home tonight. Your place is beautiful, but..."
Chris nodded as he slid the ring off of his finger and walked over to the bureau again. He opened another drawer and lovingly placed the ring into a small jewelry box, next to the antique watch and a pair of gold cuff links--the only jewelry that Chris owned.
"You wanna go home and banish the demons," Chris stated as he shoved the heavy drawer closed.
"Um," Toby slid off the sinfully comfortable bed and walked over to the railing. From his vantage point, he was standing directly in front of the window. "If I don't go now, with you--I may never want to go back there, ever again." Toby stared out the window, as he considered his reasons to return to the apartment.
Chris walked behind Toby and placed his arms around his waist. Toby leaned back, till he was braced against the strong body cradling him as he continued to explain his need to return to the penthouse to the detective.
Chris understood what Toby was trying to tell him about their future. "I love this place Tobe, but it's just a place. You and your family are my home now." Chris glanced around the apartment, his sanctuary from the world. His mother had talked him into redesigning this place when his second attempt in marriage to Bonnie had fizzled out after a couple of months. Picking out the furniture and consulting with the architects kept him from feeling depressed--most of the time. But, he didn't need this place anymore. Although Kyra and Nate were going to miss having a babysitter upstairs, he knew it was time to move on. His life now included this man and his unconventional family, and Chris didn't have any regrets.
"The kids love that place; it would break their heart if we moved. I love the apartment, too. It was the place where I learned to redefine myself and it's also the place that I finally met you." Toby rubbed a hand over a well-defined arm--hard and yet so gentle. "I want us to live there. We could move some of your things in when we've done some remodeling. You can have the study--I'm dying to redesign that room and filling it with your things and your presence."
Toby leaned closer toward Chris' ear to whisper his plea. "I want our first time to be there, making love will banish the final bad memories right out of that place."
Chris kissed Toby's cheek. "You don't have to justify it, Tobe. I wanted to get you back to your home for some of the same reasons; I just got distracted when you attacked me on the couch."
Chris also glanced out the window, nodding his head as he pictured the things he would want in Toby's apartment. That place was so huge practically every stick of furniture in his apartment could be comfortably placed into there. But Chris didn't intend to remove everything from this apartment. He tightened his hold around the slim waist as he whispered, "We could hold onto this place, so we'd always have a spot to have mad, uninhibited sex in--without having to worry about the kids walking in on us."
Toby shivered as he pictured that. Suddenly the world was full of wonderful possibilities and having Chris beside him was an essential part of that future. "Um, can we get going then? I'm kind of eager to get to the sex part of this equation, and I get the impression that it could happen right here if you keep rubbing against me like that."
Chris hadn't realized he was rubbing. So much for self-control. "Just let me grab a few things and we'll get going."
Toby sighed in disappointment when the strong arms were removed. Somehow, the decision to return to the penthouse seemed so much easier when Chris was holding him, keeping him safe. Now that he was alone, the idea didn't sound as appealing.
"Sure," Toby answered automatically as he tried to repress a shiver. Some things were certain--Toby intended to banish those shadows the old fashioned way--while he was having some hot, sweaty sex with Chris.
Another certainty was that the study was also going to be remodeled, so that Chris could feel comfortable there. That couch in there was a goner; He'd have George remove it as soon as possible.
Toby patted the wooden railing and started down the stairs. Now that his plans were made, he was all set. He intended to inspect that bathroom while Chris was busy up here. Toby suspected that there was *something* in there the detective hadn't wanted him to see.
"Get over here, now!" Toby called out, playfully.
Chris had been acting skittish since they'd gotten back to Toby's apartment, and it was driving him crazy. Every time he got close, the detective bolted away. Was it possible to die of terminal horniness? Toby wasn't going to take that chance--he'd begun to formulate a desperate plan when it looked like Chris was determined to be good, and keep his distance from Toby.
Toby had finally gotten desperate and feigned dizziness; the concerned man had followed Toby into his bedroom, as he anxiously watched over him. But he was still hanging around by the door--ready to make a quick escape.
As soon as he entered the bedroom and saw Toby's smirk, Chris knew he'd been had. Toby had bluffed him and he'd fallen for it.
The blonde's mischievous smile and the husky growl were very hard to resist, but Chris grimaced and shook his head in denial. "Toby...you've been sick and...and, you're feeling vulnerable."
Chris tried to keep his tone soft, soothing--trying to defuse this heated moment with reason, but he couldn't know that Toby refused to be put off. The sultry pout on those beautiful lips was especially hard to resist. "Maybe it would be better if we...wait--just until you're fully recovered from everything. You're just released from the hospital, for Christ sakes!"
//Two years. With only two blowjobs and a quickie in a hospital room in all that time, WAIT, he says. I don't think so. I'll just have to start this without you, Chris!//
Toby didn't bother to reply, he glared defiantly at his would-be lover, who was leaning with deliberate casualness against the door jam, watching him as he began to unfasten his pants with eager hands that fumbled with the clasp. He knew that his lack of coordination was as much do to with his frustration as well as the dark blue eyes watching his every move, mesmerized by him.
Toby smiled, enjoying the power, as he lowered the zipper and slid out of the shorts and underwear. Chris gulped in a lungful of air when naked skin was immediately exposed. His eyes were raking over Toby, staring and savoring the view that he considered too glorious for words.
Chris' mind urged him to flee; the doctor's advice--to avoid strenuous activity--was haunting him, but his feet were rooted to the floor, uncooperative. He couldn't tear his eyes off the blond man, who had become the center of his universe. Did Toby realize the sensual allure that he could weave around Chris? Chris was beginning to suspect that he did--not that he was complaining. Whimpering and drooling seemed way more appropriate for this situation, Chris decided, as he wiped his suddenly sweaty brow with his hand.
Toby reached up and yanked the tee shirt off of his head. It became tangled on his glasses momentarily, but with another tug, he was free. Free, naked and very aroused. He could feel his blood pounding through his arteries, racing toward his groin. Suddenly he felt very light headed. //Well, the doctor did recommend that I go home and get right into bed--which is exactly where I plan to stay for the next...month.// He leaned down to grab the edge of the covers, yanked down the comforter and the sheets with one impatient tug before he sank onto the bed.
He slid his glasses off and placed them on the night table before he positioned himself in the middle of the large mattress. His mind marveled at this daring. Toby had never been comfortable exhibiting any part of his anatomy in front of strangers; he even got squeamish when he visited the doctor. But this was different, this was for Chris and Chris was far from a stranger; he was the person who held the keys to his heart and that made all of the difference.
Toby laid back, sprawled across the forest green sheets, his blue gaze locked onto another pair of eyes, watching him intently. Chris wasn't leaning negligently against the wall now. He was standing straight with his hands at his sides, both hands were clutched into fists as Chris fought off his body's urge to leap onto that bed and claim the prize being offered to him, to penetrate the beautiful body before him. To claim, to finally possess this remarkable man and claim his heart and soul forever.
//I need to be with him like I need to breathe in air and drink water- -I won't survive unless I touch him soon!// Chris rubbed a hand over his sweaty upper lip as he continued to stare at the lawyer. //I've gotta remember, Toby's new to all this and I have to show him how good...oh...how good...it can all be.//
Toby raised his right hand and began to trace his lips. He opened his mouth and sucked his index finger into his warm mouth and began to suck on it enthusiastically. He imagined that it was Chris' cock in his mouth as he sucked on the digit. He hid his smirk of satisfaction behind the palm of his hand when he saw the detective reach up to wipe the sweat beading on his upper lip.
When the finger slowly slid out of his lips, Toby whispered, "I've been dreaming of how good it'd felt when you touched me, Chris. Watch. This is what you could be doing to me, right now." Toby used the moisture to trace a nipple, leaving a glistening trail on his skin as the finger began to glide down his chest, till it reached his navel. He circled the opening with his finger, as Chris gasped.
With a whimper, Chris surrendered to the inevitable. He impatiently yanked the tie off of his neck and dropped it on the floor as he walked closer to the bed.
//So, you getting a little warm over there, Chris? Well, it's even warmer over here. Good, you're moving closer and you're finally unbuttoning that damn shirt...but that's still not enough.//
What would be enough, Toby wondered. Flesh pressed against flesh wouldn't be enough; he wanted this man inside of him, merged with him. Toby knew what that would entail but he longed for the invasion. He was sure that when Chris finally entered him, it wouldn't just be about sex. It would be the merger of loving souls that he had longed for and found unexpectedly, asleep in his bed, waiting for him.
The finger started gliding lower, down his thigh, over toward his engorged penis. Toby began to use the heel of his hand to rub, stroking his groin, using the familiar touch that he enjoyed. He imagined that the hand was Chris' rubbing him, stroking over his slick skin. It felt so good, and Toby closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensations. Rubbing. Stroking.
When the last of his clothing lay in a tangled heap at his feet. Chris looked over at Toby. To Chris, he was breathtaking. His eyes raked over the slim, well-proportioned body on display before him. Chris laid down on the bed, and gently placed his body beside the blond, whose eyes shot open in surprise and welcome.
When Toby had felt the mattress dip and a hand was placed over his, halting his efforts, Toby slid his eyes opened, and he gasped. Somehow, Chris had managed to remove all of his clothing, and the sensation of naked skin against him was intoxicating.
"How?" Toby whispered as his eyes devoured the wonderful view before him--acres of flawless skin were exposed to his hungry gaze. Toby marveled at the sculpted perfection of Chris' naked body. Toby couldn't believe his luck--that this godlike creature wanted to be with him.
Toby's incredulous blue eyes traveled down the torso, and he groaned when he spotted the most beautiful ass that he had ever seen. He suddenly wished that he possessed a smidgen of Ronnie's talent with painting--an ass that...perfect...was a work of art and it should be immortalized. Not that Toby ever intended to share his prize. //He's all mine.//
Toby reached out a hand, and traced his finger over the tattoo on Chris' upper arm. He curved his fingers around the solid muscle and tried to pull Chris closer to him, the few millimeters between their bodies was intolerable.
Chris smiled as he gently settled his body on top of Toby's--where he always seemed to fit flawlessly, as if they had been designed to align so perfectly. "I've had a lot of experience undressing in locker rooms." Chris looked down at the man lying beneath him--god, he wanted him so much it hurt! "I've learned to strip quickly and move on, since there are inevitably a big bunch of guys standing around, shooting the breeze-- I don't give free shows to anyone but you!"
Chris could feel his skin tingling where it brushed up against the warm flesh beneath his. His mind still marveled at the rightness, the completeness that he felt when he had finally laid down on the tantalizing body draped across the bed. The sight of the creamy, ivory skin had been enough to stop his heart, but when Toby followed through on his threat and began to touch himself-- Chris had almost had a heart attack. He hadn't felt so aroused since he was a teenager and had discovered that his penis held hidden pleasures that he had never suspected.
Toby reached up and wrapped his hand around Chris's nape, drawing him down, bringing that beautiful face closer to his. Toby captured the soft lips, which immediately opened. Toby took the invitation and invaded the warm mouth. It was hot and moist--welcoming. The kiss was long and deep--everything that he'd ever dreamed of, and so much more. He sucked on the tongue and began tracing the velvety interior, the white teeth, and the palate.
Chris's tongue was dueling with his, wrapping around it--so hot, moist and demanding, Toby was having trouble breathing, thinking. He felt as if he could drown in the taste of this man. He was becoming dizzy from the oxygen-depriving kiss; he just couldn't seem to get close enough to Chris.
Toby moaned when two strong arms insinuated themselves around his back and drew their bodies closer together. The feel of hard flesh against his let him know just how affected by this embrace his lover was becoming. Satisfaction eased its way through Toby's mind as he freed his mouth to draw much needed air into his burning lungs.
Toby had dreamed of this encounter, fantasized about it as he lay in the hospital bed, waiting for Chris to come back. He had never imagined the tenderness that he could feel in the gentle touches. He could feel Chris' heart pounding against his as the hard flesh was rubbed against his groin. Kisses were showered over his face and neck; every touch of the soft lips conveyed a promise of love.
Toby hadn't realized the ache, the hunger for him that the man had suppressed, that his own body was echoing. As his hands mapped the sinewy muscles of Chris' broad back, Toby could feel the body trembling with need. Toby looked up at the beloved face, strained with longing. Chris' skin was flushed with his efforts to restrain his ardor and his desperation to have completion.
The feeling of heat radiating off of Chris' skin warmed Toby's heart as the man's talented mouth latched onto the skin at his neck and began earnestly suckling on the skin between his neck and shoulder. Toby had never considered that to be a sensitive part of his body, but that was before Chris began to suck on the soft flesh.
Toby had hoped to prolong this experience--but things had progressed too far. There would be many first times with this man who could penetrate through to Toby's heart and soul with one look. Toby decided to finish this--Chris would never ask for what he needed.
Toby moaned and arched up, as the mouth began to nibble on his shoulder. "Chris! Chris! Take me. I need you inside of me! Please!"
Dark blue eyes searched the sky blue ones, looking for permission, assessing, before his lips returned to the shoulder and began to trail down to a nipple. He brought the hard flesh into his mouth and sucked greedily on the nub. Toby screamed and babbled something that Chris couldn't understand. He reluctantly released his prize and raised his head.
Chris reached out a hand to stroke the silky soft blond hair that curled around his fingers. He licked his lips and tried to force words out. "We will baby, we will. But I won't rush this. You have to give me time to get us ready." He had suspected that the blond man hid a passionate nature beneath that calm demeanor--boy, had that been right.
A huff of air told Chris that his blond lover wasn't happy with his caution. "I'm ready Chris, stop worrying! I love you and I want to express that." Gentle fingers were tangled in his hair, while the other hand traced over the muscles of his back, stroking and massaging the strained muscles. Chris gasped when the hand moved lower to gently squeeze his ass. "I learned a lot when I did some research on the web--I'm dying to finally demonstrate what I learned with the person I love."
The fingers were exploring along the crack and the detective arched toward the curious hand, imploring it to finish the job. Chris shivered when the finger traced over the puckered flesh, before it gently eased into him, massaging the flesh that longed for this intimate touch.
Chris cried out in pleasure when that finger began to stroke him. Chris was panting, having trouble getting enough air into his lungs. Suddenly that finger found that magical spot, and Chris whimpered as waves of pleasure shot through his body. Toby was killing him--and what a way to die.
As Toby slid the finger out of Chris, he groaned in disappointment. Sky blue eyes looked up at him, urging Chris to finish what they'd started. Chris marveled at the power that Toby wielded so effortlessly over him. Even though Toby was under him-- the traditionally submissive position, he was still assertive.
Chris had always longed for a partner who would match his passionate nature; Chris was beginning to suspect that Toby would be quite the handful--he foresaw meals packed with lots of protein and loooong naps in his future if he were going to stand a chance of keeping up with the demands of the blonde's libido.
Chris slid his tongue down the heated flesh, licking, tasting the overheated skin laid out like a banquet that he was ravenous to consume. He paused when he spotted the bruises over Toby's ribs; this was where Robson had kicked him. Chris kissed them gently as he silently thanked god that Toby had survived that ordeal.
"Chris, Chris" Toby loved the feeling of those soft lips on his skin. So gentle and passionate. Nothing had prepared him for this.
Toby's flesh tasted sweet, Chris could have done this all day. But urgent cries let him know that Toby was close. Chris knew what he wanted to accomplish, and it was time to move on. Down, further down toward his prize. Toby's cock was dripping with precum, which Chris greedily lapped up, trying to memorize the flavor of this beloved man.
"Oooooh, god. Chris. Chris."
The moans and gasps of pleasure urged him to continue his explorations. Never had this act meant so much to him, he was deriving as much pleasure from the explorations as Toby was.
//He wants...ME. He's finally mine.// Chris greedily sucked on the throbbing organ, sliding it down carefully into his throat before he allowed it to slide out. He slid his tongue around the velvety flesh as it slid in again; Toby sobbed in ecstasy. The sound was music to Chris' ears. Chris repeated the action while strong fingers clutched tighter around his back.
Chris kept remembering the entry in the journal--Toby had longed to find someone who could break through his inhibitions and make him scream. As Chris raised his head and eased his body over the heaving one beneath him, and smiled in satisfaction. //I made you scream a few times there, baby, didn't I!//
Chris smiled in satisfaction as he gazed down at the beloved face. The pale cheeks were flushed with color, the wavy, blond hair was damp with sweat and Toby was gasping for breath. //I did that! I made him look like that.// Suddenly drowsy blue eyes opened and Toby smiled up at him, as Chris' right hand reached up to wipe the sweat off Toby's heaving chest.
"This would be better...less painful if you rolled over, Tobe," Chris whispered as he looked into the blue eyes full of love and sexual tension.
"No, no," Toby shook his head as his hand traced up Chris's spine, making the man shiver. Toby's cheeks turned redder as he hesitantly explained, "I want to face you, to look into your eyes as we fuse together."
Chris' protest was silenced when the other hand that was still nestled in his hair slid down his face to gently cover his lips. He licked the palm of that hand and Toby's smile grew even wider. "I know that you want to make this memorable for me...well, that'd make it memorable. I want to watch your face and see what I'm doing to you...see the pleasure and the love glowing in your eyes as we come." Toby's blue eyes got the pleading look that Chris couldn't resist and his resolve melted like butter. "Please, honey?"
Chris groaned and pressed his forehead against Toby's. "God, I can't deny you anything, baby." Chris saw the pouty lips curve into a satisfied smile before he captured them again.
When he released the luscious mouth, Chris whispered, "I need a lubricant. Have you got anything around here that I can use?"
Toby was having trouble concentrating. His body was singing and he longed to have Chris finish this. It had been so long and his body longed for release. He wet his lips as he concentrated, "There's baby oil in there," he gestured toward the nightstand. "Will that work?"
Chris leaned toward the table and slid the drawer open. Sure enough, the bottle was there and Chris grabbed it eagerly. "Perfect." He snapped the lid open and poured some oil onto his palm as he used his other hand to spread Toby's thighs, allowing him better access to the sensual body.
Toby wrapped his legs around Chris' waist, as he wiggled into a better position. Chris leaned over and licked that delectable lower lip and sucked it into his mouth as his finger entered the warm body.
Toby gasped and moaned when he felt the finger wiggling, stretching and preparing him as Chris' tongue slid into his mouth again. A second finger was inserted into the narrow passage and Toby moaned as the fingers began to gently thrust inside of him.
Suddenly, lightning seemed to crackle through him and he screamed as a wave of ecstasy surged up, leaving him gasping for breath. He looked up at Chris and saw the satisfied smirk on his face and realized how much Chris was enjoying his uninhibited responses. Somehow, it made this even more incredible, knowing that this wasn't about selfish pleasure, but about giving and receiving pleasure.
"Chris, finish this," Toby gasped out when he could think again.
Chris poured more oil onto his hand and was smearing it over himself when a soft, impatient hand reached down and began to assist him. Chris closed his eyes and savored the sensation of Toby stroking his penis, smearing the warm oil over it as he stroked it tenderly.
Chris nudged the hand away as he positioned himself over Toby and thrust into him. Toby cried out as Chris penetrated his body and slid deep inside of him. Toby's arms wrapped around him, urging him further inside until Chris was completely engulfed in Toby's welcoming body.
"Perfect fit," Toby gasped out when Chris settled onto his body. Toby looked up into Chris' eyes, and knew that this was where he belonged. No other love, no other body would ever touch him again. Chris had staked his claim, and now Toby's heart and soul were forever connected with his--just like their merged bodies.
Chris inhaled the smell of Toby's hair as he tried to catch his breath. Toby's body was warm and so welcoming; his mother was right after all; this man was his destiny, and Chris never intended to let him go. Not even death was going to keep them apart-- God wouldn't have the balls to do that.
Instinct took over, and Chris began to slide out and slide back into the warm body. "God, I love you," Chris gasped out.
He could feel his heart pounding, as his concentration centered on the instinctive thrusting. His body found it essential for him to increase the tempo, and he drove his penis into his lover's body. He strove to achieve that perfect moment--where mind, heart and soul would finally be one with this beloved man.
After several long thrusts, Chris could feel the muscles in his groin tightening. He continued to plunge into Toby until the man stiffened beneath him and Chris felt warm fluid squirting out, over his stomach and chest.
Then, finally that moment arrived--where Chris' body and soul merged with Toby's for a brief second of perfection. Chris cried out as he allowed himself to drown in the waves of pleasure, and he released his seed into the warm body beneath him. With a final moan he collapsed onto the sweat-slicked blond as he surrendered to the waves of pleasure.
When awareness finally returned, he tried to raise himself off of Toby, but the blond groaned in protest and wrapped his arms and legs around Chris. Chris could feel Toby gasping for breath beneath him, "I'm squashing you, baby." But the arms around him prevented him from moving and Chris capitulated to his lover's request. It felt so right; he felt cocooned by Toby's warm body. He placed his head beside Toby's on the pillow and closed his eyes, as he basked in this new sensation--contentment.
Toby loved the feeling of having Chris so close, their limbs tangled together and their hearts beating in time with each other. The lovemaking had left him feeling sated and very, very satisfied. Toby also realized that he felt awed--he knew that it would be phenomenal, but the pleasure and the love had surpassed anything that he'd imagined--he'd totally surrendered his inhibitions tonight and Chris had been there to welcome him home.
Toby rubbed a soothing hand across the heaving back--the skin was slick with sweat. "Chris, you do realize what this means?"
Chris opened his eyes and tried to concentrate on the question. "Wha'?" He knew Toby had a point, but Chris' body was still tingling from an explosive orgasm and he was having trouble concentrating on anything but the warm skin beneath his. Even now, as their bodies remained tangled together, Chris still felt merged with Toby, a connection to this sweet man that Chris never wanted to end.
"We didn't use any protection, so I could be pregnant. This means you're gonna have to marry me."
Laughter erupted from Chris as he stroked his hand through the soft blond hair. Toby was also chuckling--the sound of their combined laughter seemed to banish the last of the shadows from the apartment. "Well, I guess a trip to Vegas is in order then, before you start to show."
//God, if only we could have a baby! Huh, for once the idea of that isn't freaking me out-- go fig.// Chris knew that he fully intended to keep this promise of commitment; he wanted them to belong together forever, and marriage sounded like a great place to begin. It wouldn't be legally binding in many states, but their hearts were the only place that really mattered.
"We'll have to redo the ceremony for the families. My kids wouldn't speak to me for weeks if they missed out."
"Ha, your kids--try my mom! She'd skin me alive if I didn't invite her to this." Chris couldn't resist kissing Toby again. This kiss was soft and loving, as the lovers savored the taste of each other without all the frantic need driving it.
When he finally released that sweet mouth, Chris settled back onto the pillow, facing Toby. The smell of sex, sweat and Chris were on Toby's skin, mixing with the man's own essence--the scent pleased Chris, as he inhaled it. He liked smelling himself on Toby's skin.
//I could get addicted to this. Oh, hell. Who am I kidding; I'm addicted to this!// Chris traced a finger over Toby's face, relearning every curve and groove, while he basked in the afterglow.
The blond shifted and kissed his cheek. "You were incredible." Toby whispered into Chris' ear.
Chris smiled as he snuggled further into the warm embrace and yawned. "Ahhhh; excuse me. We were incredible, baby. We were." Chris could feel himself drifting off to sleep, but he forced himself to whisper, "I knew it'd be like that, and I never intend to let you...go."
Toby smiled as he heard the even breathing; Chris was asleep in his arms, in his bed. It had been a long battle but Toby finally felt like he was where he was meant to be. His family was safe, his children already liked Chris and Toby adored him.
It was a good beginning. Toby had never believed in happy endings, but this wasn't an ending. It was a beginning...the beginning of a lifetime of love, laughter, arguments, and growing old together. Toby could see the future spread out before him, full of possibilities. And through whatever path he chose, Toby knew that Chris would be beside him.
Toby kissed a sweaty cheek and sighed in contentment as he closed his eyes and drifted off into a contented sleep.
The end!