The morning sun filtered through sheer curtains that shimmered with a dazzling cool shade of an almost lemonade color. Soft tendrils of light stretched over the room, spreading its passionate warmth in the crisp November early morning sunrise. Quiet filled the peaceful setting as if taking a contented breath of relief.
The door of the room opened softly and in stepped a somber young man of twenty-four. His long sandy brown hair was pulled back in a single braid at the base of his head to just below the small of his back where it was tied. The ends danced over his slim rounded buttocks, as if to tease. Crisp emerald eyes moved over the sleeping figure of his lover in a caressing manner.
He carried a small tray in his dainty hands that on it was placed a tall glass of ice water and a Goody Powder. With care and graceful movements, he placed the tray on the night table beside the bed, then sat on the edge and leaned across the bed to his sweetheart. With only minute hesitation, he peeled the covers from the lovely face to reveal it.
The hand was gentle that brushed the unruly raven waves of hair from his sleeping face—always hoping for another opportunity to touch those waves, to comb the fingers through its moderate lengths. It was like brushing ones palm over satin or loose strands of silk that might slip through one's fingers. He loved the feel of his lover's hair and as often as was allowed, he caressed it.
"Gabe," he whispered softly, the sound of the name on his breath brought a shiver to him, knowing his love might be somewhat difficult that day.
Gabriel was a lost soul searching for something he had yet to find. It troubled him that Gabriel all too often would look in the wrong places. More often that not, he would come home in the wee hours of the morning drunk or high or both and could never tell his long time lover where he had been or with whom.
But, Bri loved Gabriel, desperately, and refused to leave or abandon him. They had grown up together in the same neighborhood, gone to school together, had most of their classes together. They were inseparable—the two of them, constantly together. If anyone ever saw one of them, the other was very close by.
Then one night Gabe rushed into Brighton's room, his face showed terror and a depth of hurt that Bri had never seen before. The once carefree spirit of Gabriel had been struck and broken and Bri had never known it was going on consistently.
"You have to let me stay here with you tonight. I can't go home, Bri. Please, let me stay," he had begged.
"It's not really up to me, Gabe. But I don't see why my parents wouldn't agree. Just let me ask."
Of course, Bri's parents did consent to it and Gabriel finally calmed down after a long 'family discussion' with them. They had always been there for Gabe at anytime he needed council or just wanted to have some type of parental attention. Gabriel loved Bri's parents deeply, more so than his own father whom he feared and despised with bitterness.
It was on that very night that the news had come via two uniformed officers who came calling to bear the sad tidings that Gabriel's father had been shot in the head in an empty lot that he proposed to sell. The police asked hundreds of questions of Gabriel, Bri and Bri's parents whose stories all collaborated. And there had been witnesses that had seen Gabe running from his father's house being chased by him that was screaming and yelling at Gabriel. They had seen Gabe run down the street and into Bri's parent's yard where the frightful boy was received.
And though the killer had never been found Gabe secretly had been relieved that he had never to go back to that house or his father again. Bri's parents took him in, supported him and loved him as their own all through high school and into college where his closest friend followed. It was there that they had discovered their secret desires, quickly becoming lovers.
"Gabe," he spoke only a little louder, then smiled as his lover stirred gently.
"Please, Bri," Gabe muttered and the stench of stale alcohol wafted up, causing Bri to coil a bit.
"Come on, baby, you promised," he almost whispered.
"I know, sweetie," Gabriel sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, baby. I'll get up," he mumbled, the heaviness of his weakened and hung over state almost overwhelming to him. But he turned and smiled faintly at Bri, even though it hurt to do it. He loved his sweetheart's touch and his gentleness.
"I brought you a glass of water and a goody powder," Bri whispered.
Gabriel moaned and smiled broader then, so pleased that Bri had once again been so thoughtful.
"I love you, Gabe," Bri rested his head on his lover's belly.
Slowly, lethargically, Gabriel lifted his hand, stroking Bri's head and face lightly. "I know, baby. I love you too."
And he did love Bri as much as he knew how. Bri had always been his one and only lover. But something was missing; something he longed to give Bri yet could not ever seem to find it. There was something so dark within him, so void—empty and faceless. He could never express what it was to his lover and had often tried. Still, it existed and gripped him so tight that it was just before crippling to Gabriel.
"Happy birthday, baby," he muttered to Bri with a tender smile and actually opened his aching blue eyes to look down at his lover.
"Thanks, Gabe," Bri returned his lover's sweetness with a giddy brightening that always made Gabriel laugh.
It seemed the laugh woke him more, though it was painful, he refused to withhold it. He pushed himself up against the headboard—hating that Bri would move, but he knew if he didn't sit up, he'd fall right back to sleep. As he leaned back against the smooth heavy wood, Bri sat up and reached for the pack of power and glass.
He first gave the pack to Gabriel and watched him fumble at opening it. But Gabe finally managed, turning the spread paper up between his lips and tapped the paper lightly to ensure all of the powder slid into his mouth. With a violent shudder and grimace, he took the glass from Bri's hand and sucked down the water until it all was gone.
Then with a sigh, he leaned his head back against the headboard and wished he could stop his self-destructive ways. He knew he was hurting Bri by making him watch everytime he'd return home stumbling drunk. And his lover was so patient and kind every morning when he would slip into bed beside Bri. Most times he could manage a good enough erection for a little roll with Bri, but not that morning. He wasn't able to begin to get it up, being as drunk as he was.
Gabe's face darkened, as he rested against the headboard, then let out a very displeased groan.
"What's the matter, babe?" Bri scooted closer.
Gabriel lifted his head and looked to Bri. "It's nothing, babe. I just hate that I couldn't satisfy you this morning."
"Oh, it's all right, Gabe. I still got to hold you."
"No, Bri," Gabriel snapped. "It's not all right!"
"Would you stop, please? I told you it was all right. So, just drop it," Bri became firm.
Gabriel stared long at him for a minute or two, a little shocked by Bri's sudden definitive attitude. He had always been restrained and submissive to Gabe, until then.
He decided that he felt well enough to shower.
"I'll go get my shower, babe," he moved slowly, as Bri stood.
"Okay," he watched Gabriel's finely sculpted body rippled, as it moved. "I'll make breakfast."
After Gabriel had showered and dressed, they ate and he drove the Hummer and Bri to Universal Studios. They spent all day at the park, going on rides and other attractions. Gabe drank a beer with his lunch and it was only then that he really began to have fun. It seemed to help him feel better right away.
When they left the park Gabe took Bri to the White Castle for a really nice dinner and show. Then he took his birthday beauty to a nocturnal club. He had never been there before, but had heard it was one outrageous place to party. The stories he'd heard were intriguing and exciting. He thought it would be nice for Bri on his birthday.
Bri was exuberant when they were allowed to go in ahead of the long line outside the door. Gabe had thought far ahead and reserved a table, from eleven o'clock until they decided to leave. They stepped past the curtain of beads that clicked and clattered into a large smoke filled room. A theater sized screen on the far wall was playing one of the club's favorite vampire movies, while patrons sat at the bar, tables, lounge chairs, and cushions spread around the floor beside short tables.
Gabe's attention went to one of the lounge chairs where a couple, were making out in plain view of everyone. The music that was playing felt so intoxicating and sounded quite strange at first. It appeared to have set the rhythm of the two lovers. There was something odd about one of them that he couldn't put his finger on, as he watched. He couldn't tear his stare away from them until Bri caught his attention.
A host was standing before them with a large grin on his face. Gabe took in a long breath as the man's sensual lips suddenly mesmerized him.
"Will you be together, this evening?" he spoke in a rich masculine tenor and accent that sent a ripple through Gabe that he couldn't disguise.
"Um, yes please," he answered, then hauled his gaze to Bri who was gleaming with obvious excitement.
"Then follow me, please," the tall muscular man with long dark hair turned rather slowly in a deliberate sort of way. His long black tailored robes shimmered in the vague romantic lighting of the room—swishing the floor as the man moved with grace and poise.
Gabe clutched Bri's arm and hand, bringing them up close behind the man.
"Your personal host will join you shortly after you are seated. If you require anything at all, you only need let him know."
"Personal host?" Bri queried with a surprised grin.
"Yes, Bri. Everyone who enters this establishment is provided with a personal host. Being the two of you are together there is no need to provide more than one." The man was slow in his speech, Gabriel deducing it was due to his accent.
"Oh, I understand that, just didn't realize we would get a host. Is that for all night, while we're here?" Bri was just before bubbling over, when they stopped walking and the house host turned to face them.
His smile was easy, sensual and possessed a wicked allure to both young men. The colorless eyes flickered with a certain amusement that was undetermined, yet radiant with the excitement that was exuding from Bri's body. It was as if they absorbed it, reflecting it back to them both.
"Yes, Bri," the man nodded, as if in respect. "We are aware that this is your first experience. It is customary that your personal host remains with you until just before dawn. However, if you do require an additional host, it will cost extra and could also be a bit of a wait..."
"Oh, no," Bri lifted a hand, interrupting the man. "Please, one is more than enough for the both of us," he added with a nervous chuckle.
"Very well, Bri," the man graciously bent slightly towards Bri. "Would you care for a drink or refreshment?"
