Bowling...

...now can anyone explain to me WHY?What is the point of bowling?Who first thought 'Ah I know we'll take a heavy plastic ball and hurl it down a piece of polished floor, knock over some pins and then we'll do it all again...and again...and again.'I mean, come on...As you may have guessed I went bowling last night. And much as though I would have loved to have objected to actually playing - for 'fashion reasons' or any other reason - it was the one time when I couldn't get out of it.It was my baby sister's birthday which translate to the time of year when my family all descend on me and I play host to the event.She had decided to go bowling this year so I was in no postion to refuse.But PLEASE can someone explain WHY to me? It has got to be one of the most pointless, wastes of time I know. And jeez - why does everyone have to be so competitive. (Note: I do NOT appreciate being booed just because I still have two pins standing. Its not as if it makes any difference to the Earth's orbit.)Anyway...yes, sorry...rant over.Apart from that a good time was had by all (well apart from me yet again getting pointed jibes from one of my other sisters about my hair. - Its my hair and at my age I have earned the right to wear it however the damn I please)It was just weird. - Whenever I go out with any of my friends to a pub or bar or even just hang out watching a movie, we discuss music, writing, music, films, music, the state of the world, music and how stupid our politicans are...It was just a bit of a culture shock to then try and be part of a conversation that revolved around house prices, who has just had or is about to have a baby and the best kind of hoover to buy!For anyone who has seen QAF - and I suspect that is the majority of you - think back to when Vince/Michael went for a drink after work with his work colleagues...how it was a whole diferent world to him.That was kinda my thoughts last night.Sure my family try and talk to me but the minute I start on about music or an article I saw in the newspaper you can just see them glossing over...oh well...come tomorrow the status quo will have been rediscovered.

In view of the upcoming report by Dr Blix...

'...We the people of the United nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small... 'Charter of the United Nations.'nuff said...

A little treat for anyone following 'Lessons in Love'

*giggles*now you all know what I'm like about doing my background research...well I went and took this little snap for you all...*giggles*http://www.geocities.com/stars_and_planets_taking_shape/griffths.jpgplus...http://www.gu.edu.au/and yes, they do do both an Accounting/Maths course and (obviously) Teaching Training... well the guy had to go *somewhere* IRL and it is the most local one...http://www.gu.edu.au/faculty/edu/...not that he finished his training...oh well the Educational Establishment's lose was undoubtedly our enjoyments' (and his bank balance's!) gain...*sigh* when will teachers start getting the pay and conditions that they deserve?sorry...soapbox subject close to my heart.

Stay 20

Please see my lj user profile for my disclaimer. 20. And then it happened.One of those moments that is forever crystallised in time.Daniel was just casually leaning against the counter of the video store where Darren now worked; the radio was on in the background but neither of them were paying it that much attention. It was just a local station pumping out general pop music. Chart stuff and the like.They were much more interested in trying to work out what their meagre budget would run to for dinner that night.Being two o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon the store was deserted. The lunchtime browsers had come and gone and the schools weren’t yet out.Daniel had popped in on his way to the supermarket, sick to the back teeth of facing the same four walls of their flat.Darren had taken advantage of the lull in business to put ‘Star Wars’ into the recorder and was half watching it, half listening to Daniel’s suggestions.At the moment pasta was way ahead of any other option in the eating stakes. Primarily because it was cheap and was something that they both liked. It had the added bonus of fortunately being within their current combined financial resources of $14.73.The DJ announced the next track, the title of which got lost amongst the noise of an intergalactic battle that was currently being waged between the Rebels and the Empire.What was not lost and what made both of them instantly forget any thoughts of dinner or Millennium Falcons was the intro to that track.They both recognised it the minute it started.And the reason for this was that it consisted of notes they had heard over and over in both waking and sleeping moments for the past year.Gone was the planetary battle, Luke and his cohorts, as Darren turned the radio up as loud as the antiquated set would allow.Jaws dropped quickly replaced by shock then disbelief and finally all out whoops of joy.They were playing *their* song.True to Woodruff’s suggestion ‘I Want You’ had been released as their first single and here it was – being played on the air and penetrating into thousands of people’s homes.Raucously they sung along, Darren gyrating his hips and pretending to wave a mic stand around.They knew it had been released, they were due to shoot the film clip to it one day the following week but to hear it unexpectedly like that...Laughing they clung to each other, Darren raining kisses all over Daniel’s face and the elation Daniel felt felt like nothing he had ever experienced before mortal or immortal.All those hours, weeks, months of hard work had paid off.Suddenly all the primping and preening Daniel had endured at tiresome photo shoots, the long hours giving the same answers to interviewer after interviewer seemed worth it.If anyone had walked passed at that moment they would wonder what on earth as going on but neither Daniel nor Darren cared.Daniel knew that if he had to describe that moment it would surely be pink – or better still magenta, a colour guaranteed to lift anyone out of the deepest fug and lighten their spirits.He caught Darren’s eye and they burst into a fresh round of laughter.Instead of a traditional instrumental break the studio techs had added some funky Latin wording to the track. Daniel suspected that they had made the words up. Latin wasn’t one of his primary languages but enough of inhabitants of the little green and blue planet had spoken it for enough of their past for Daniel to at least be familiar with the rudiments.Consequently neither he nor Darren had the faintest clue what was being said. It could have been subliminal messaging for all they knew. Well so long as it said ‘buy our album by the truckload’ Daniel guessed it was alright. He just hoped it wasn’t something to do with someone’s brother and a goat. There was such a thing as taking authentic Roman lifestyles too far.But watching Darren trying to sing along to the nonsense words was highly amusing.The pasta that they ate that night was celebratorily accompanied by, what else, but a shared bottle of Cherry Cola.Afterwards, still high from the excitement, they rang both their families who, squealed (Darren’s sister), made demands for money when they were rich and famous (Daniel’s eldest brother) and congratulated them (both sets of parents).Their talk that night once again turned to all the things they would do or purchase once the money started rolling in. but for now at least it was pasta again for dinner the following day.The conclusion to their evening was inevitable. After all what better way to celebrate then to come together in a way that went beyond a musical partnership?It was a true partnership of body and soul.Slowly Darren began to kiss his way down Daniel’s body, pausing to pay special attention to the flat of his stomach.The candles Darren had lit flickered their light across his features making him appear even more ethereal in their glow. Sighing Daniel stretched out under him.This was contentment.Daniel felt it coming and knew that this time it would be mind blowing. Their shared elation at the news heightening their love making and therefore Daniel’s reaction to it.Darren’s body arched over his, their hands entwined on the pillows either side of Daniel’s head.As Darren bent to lick the sweat from his throat the crashing of waves began and it took every ounce of strength he possessed to pull back, signalling to Darren that he should turn his attention some place other than Daniel’s face. Darren knew this and understood. It wasn’t that Daniel didn’t want Darren close as he climaxed rather that when it came it was so full of powerful auric energy that it would be too much for Darren to bear.Once it had been explained to him Darren had never questioned Daniel’s veto and usually allowed his lover to draw away, contenting himself, depending on the position they were in with either placing his hands on Daniel’s chest or thighs or letting Daniel sit back to come.Only this time Darren didn’t move, if anything his pressure on their joined hands increased.‘Darren…’ Daniel pleaded, knowing that it was almost upon him.Darren’s body continued moving, thrusting deliciously in and out. He rested his head against Daniel’s and whispered. ‘Let it come.’‘But...’‘Sssh.’ Soft hands stroked his cheeks. ‘I know...I want to see.’‘I can’t…It’ll hurt you.’‘I don’t care...Show me.’With that Daniel relaxed and succumbed.Images of his origin flooded his mind, gases and nebulaes.Colours of every hue, colours that the mortal mind had yet to find names for, colours that went beyond the limited rainbow spectrum of human knowledge.And it was so beautiful, so incredible Daniel knew that it was something that he would never be able to put into words.For the words just simply didn't exist.It was like being above the clouds, outside of all time and space.It was a little piece of immortality in a mortal world.His conscious being left his body and for one brief moment he soared once more.As the vision dissolved Daniel became aware of hot breath and damp tears on his face.Hugging Darren close he simply held him. Far too drained to be able to do anything to alleviate his suffering condition.‘That was incredible. ’ He said after a while.Daniel could only agree. ‘Are you in much pain?’A small nod against his sweaty chest.‘I’m so sorry.’Another small movement of Darren’s head back and forth. ‘Don’t be. I can’t describe how it felt to see that – to see what you see…’ a pause, ‘…to know that what I am doing to you makes you see that. It is me, I mean it is only when we make love that that occurs isn’t it?’ A note of insecurity and hesitation crept into his voice.‘Yes.’ Daniel stroked his head in reassurance. ‘Its only you who has the ability to make me fly like that without my wings.’‘Mmm...good.’ Darren gave a happy little sigh and snuggled down further into Daniel’s embrace.Daniel kissed the top of his head and there they lay.The dawn was just opening it’s eyes over their tiny apartment when Daniel awoke, sated and refreshed. Summoning up the power of the new day he insured that when Darren awoke his headache would be gone.

about time for another post...

...me thinks.This one goes against the grain of me constantly sending out happy little vibes across the water along the lines of 'as long as you are happy'It was inspired by hearing the song rather than thinking the thoughts/seeing yet another 'I don't really want to be here' interview.Its one of those songs that has munerous possible fics within it I think...Disclaimed as always. Disclaimer in user profile.‘…Standing in the spotlightI bought myself a grey guitarWhen everybody loves me, I will never be lonely…’‘Mr Jones’ Counting CrowsI had it all.The solo deal, the solo album. The *platinum* album.Top ten hits, saturation airplay.Sold out tour, fans screaming my name night after night.The placards, the letters, the marriage proposals.First class travel.Limos, awards shows, A.R.I.A.s by the wall full.International recognition.My pick of producers.A home in the States.Shelves full of Star Wars paraphernalia. A light saber.Lyric checked in the movie.The gang even brought me a guitar for my birthday.Everybody loves me.So why then, standing on this stage, standing in the spotlight, do I feel so lonely?

Something that plopped through my letterbox...

...and thought would be nice to share with you all.This was a little Christmas gift from a very good friend of mine. Bless her she had hand written the entire thing just for me *feels special*Anyway I e-mailed her and she hsa very kindly agreed that I can post it up here. So I have. *Exactly* as she wrote it, punctuation and all.Its a beautiful little story and soooo sweet.Usual disclaimers apply.Don't know, don't own, have no connection with and none of it is true. In the words of Mr Hayes when asked if he was going to audition for Esp III of SW - 'Duh!'Once upon a time there was a tale that had nothing to do with a ghost of Christmas past or a miracle on 34th Street; in fact there was next to no supernatural activity involved and yet what did happen was still enough to disconcert the cynics.Maybe what happened didn’t really have anything to do with Christmas perhaps it being the festive season when this occurs was just a coincidence but there is something in the air at Christmas that intoxicates us, don’t you think? A charged environment that buzzes and throbs and recharges our, most of the time, very depressed souls.We become a little happier and as a result a little more willing to believe in, dare I say it, miracles.A miracle – ‘a supernatural event’ hyperbolically, a marvel, a wonder. Now, I am that mentioning miracles is a direct contradiction to what I talked about earlier but people tend to label happy little chances with the word miracle. And this is really a tale about just that; a little bit of serendipity!Christmas is certainly not the best time to fall out of love, personally I feel he ideal conditions to fall out of love are mid-summer. However I digress.At Christmas the nights are longer, colder and involve far too many activities that are designed for two. The streets are so busy with nameless, pink faces trudging through the snow. Disgruntled fathers, giggling children staring with wide eyed awe at every toy shop window they pass and couples drifting through the bustle, protecting each other from Mr Frost’s crisp bite.Darren scoffed at all of them, he was in no mood to be among people and yet he had been blindly wandering the bitter winter streets for over an hour and his fingers and toes were numb, but that matched his mind so he didn’t really notice.His tear stained cheeks had long since frozen over making him look paler than ever. His eyes were raw and the air stung them. He was like a ghost; the ghost of Christmas ruined and those that did notice him pitied him but did not stop. He was an empty shell over which the warm spirit of Christmas had passed. As far as they were concerned no one should look like that on Christmas Eve.Darren didn’t even see them, he was replaying what caused him to be in this position over and over in his mind. Even when he stumbled through the orange glow of some random coffee house because his body was demanding to be listened to before the winter took over and Darren froze to death without even realising. *****Daniel was jamming in his favourite coffee house. It was his favourite because it was bohemian; full of starving artists who oddly enough have enough money for pens, paper, guitar strings and of course a bottomless cup of coffee.But best of all, to Daniel, absolutely no Christmas decorations.Outside it was Christmas, inside it never changed. And that was just the way he liked it.‘You know something,’ he began, looking at his permanently stoned friend Ben, ‘I wish one day I’ll get paid for doing what I love.’Ben stared blankly at the sandy haired musician; he hadn’t had a pupil in his eye for about seven months.‘What’s that?’ he asked innocently.With slight disbelief Daniel glanced pointedly at the old guitar that hung loosely on his long arms. A precious item.When the penny still hadn’t dropped Daniel offered with good humour. ‘playing my music you dumb stoner!!’After a moments silence both young men surrendered to laughter.‘Aw man, I hate to break up this party.’ Ben managed after the laughter had subsided. ‘But its Christmas Eve and I really should be with Alexis.’Daniel’s face dropped – Ben had obliviously reminded him why he hated Christmas – nine times out of ten he spent it alone.‘Oh well, go do what you gotta do man’ mumbled Daniel, returning his attention to he partner in crime who never left him, strumming its strings lovingly.Slinging on his coat and preparing to face the harsh night air he tousled Daniel’s already scruffy hair.‘Take it easy Jones…and Merry Christmas.’Daniel rolled his eyes cynically. ‘Yeah you too man’ he returned but really just referring to the take it easy part. *****The warmth from inside the coffee house hit Darren like a wall. He was so chilled that his skin looked like marble and his joints were stiff, like he was slowly becoming inanimate. It wasn’t until he registered the odd looks that he realised he had ran out without his coat and had been wandering around the streets wearing nothing but a black tee shirt and jeans; allowing jack Frost to have his cruel little way with him.Deciding not to care the broken, black haired man scanned the room of mis-matched arm chairs and couches for somewhere that was free – he usually avoided places like this, he found this type of forced bohemia quite pretentious but right now he really didn’t care.A tall spiky haired man smiled gently at him as he passed to leave.Darren barely recognised this small gesture of anonymous friendship.He also noticed for the first time that his head was aching; a dull throb like his brain was thawing or at least recovering from a severe beating, perhaps both.‘Black coffee please’ Darren’s voice was hoarse and he had to clear his throat several times in order to be audible. The small woman behind the counter seemed to have the coffee in front of him before he could even finish the sentence anyway. She flicked one of her long red dreadlocks away from her face and said surprisingly sweetly. ‘That’ll be a dollar thanks.’With a dawning of horror Darren realised he had left his wallet in his coat. ‘Shit’ he hissed under his breath as he padded the rear of his jeans in a desperate grasping at hope that it might be there – but no.‘Look.’ Began the penniless man although the woman already knew what was coming. Clocking the woman’s expression Darren attempted to jump to his next stage of grovelling but there was no need as a fresh dollar bill was dropped gently onto the counter.‘Here you go Zelda.’ Came the faceless husky voice.Feeling a tad bruised in the pride area Darren turned to firmly assure this presumptuous, albeit invitingly warmed voiced stranger, that he really wasn’t a charity case however found that there were words being formed in his mind yet dying on his lips.He was dazzled by the most intense green eyes he had ever seen.‘You’re new aren’t you?’Someone was making an attempt at communication – was it the owner of the emeralds?‘I…’ was all Darren could muster. ‘Fuck’ he thought ‘the cold must have severely numbed my brain. What the hell’s the matter with me?’‘Shit dude you’re frozen. Come on and sit down.’The voice was like honey. It warmed Darren instantly on its own. The before desired coffee was now obsolete. Then they were sitting down and this warm stranger was offering him his hand.It was like falling asleep at the helm of your body; things were happening and Darren wasn’t completely aware what. One thing he could see clearly however were those eyes.‘Whoa’ was the first thing Daniel had thought and it came unbidden. As did the moving from his chair towards the counter to rescue this creature, this stunningly beautiful creature. With a set of striking sapphires set in marbley skin.Being painfully shy usually forbade Daniel from walking up to a perfect stranger and introducing himself, least of all such an intimidatingly gorgeous one.However there was something agonisingly melancholy and vulnerable about this dark haired guy that told Daniel that he needed to be rescued even before the coffee incident.Daniel just knew that he was the only capable. Or he knew he wanted to be. *****‘So what brings you here on Christmas Eve?’ he asked.Regaining the grace of speech ‘I’m…I’m really not sure. The place really just found me.’This caused the handsome blond to smile; a smile that literally blew away all thoughts of Darren’s past and for a brief glowing moment he thought he saw his future. And it made him smile for the first time that night. *****It was almost midnight and for the first time in almost five years Daniel felt Christmas wasn’t so bad after all.He felt warm.He didn’t feel alone. *****And they may have lived happily ever after, although I doubt it as that almost never happens…but then you never know…it was Christmas…The End

A Little Treat...

...and here for all your enjoyment is the next part of 'Lessons in Love'On behalf of myself and Cheeky may I point you in the direction of my disclaimer which can be found in my user profile. Thank you :)Part 44To Darren's pleasant surprise, his day ran rather smoothly and, once he'd gotten over his initial bout of nervousness, he actually started to enjoy himself.By the end of the day, although slightly worn out, Darren was in an excited mood and on the way home from work, he stopped off at the store to buy a selection of celebratory treats that he hoped Daniel would be willing to share with him.Then he made his way home and, upon reaching their dorm room, did a quick check of his watch to see how much time he had left before Daniel would return. Seeing he had plenty of time, he moved around the room, giving it a thorough clean, something it was in dire need of, then he settled down at his desk to go over the plans for the next day, continuously looking at the clock, anxious for Daniel to return so he could tell him all about his day.Daniel spent the vast majority of his day clock watching, trying to figure out what Darren would be doing right about now. He had meant it when he had told him it would fine. The guy was born to teach, of this Daniel was convinced and he had certainly put enough time in over the preparation. Strolling back to the dorm after his last lecture he stopped of at the campus newsagents, primarily to purchase some more cigarettes but he also wanted to get Darren some small present, a kind of 'congratulations you've survived your first day' gift. He knew that he didn't have much money on him and surveyed the shop for something suitable. His gaze came to rest on the small basket of fruit on top of the counter and selecting a piece he brought it along with his new pack of ciggies. When he got back to their room he was a little surprised to see that Darren was already there, having previously warned Daniel that he would have to stay back most nights in order to meet with his in-school mentor and to get the class set up for the following day. 'Daniel!' Darren exclaimed excitedly, 'wait until I tell you what happened today, it was brilliant, the kids are wonderful and...' 'Whoa!' Daniel held up his hands and pleaded for him to slow down, going over and wrapping his arms around him tightly. 'What's that?' Darren asked spying Daniel's present that he still held loose in his hand. 'Oh I bought you something, a little 'congratulations that's the first day out of the way' present.' 'An orange?' Darren said in disbelief as Daniel opened his hand and placed it in his palm. 'Yep, well I thought of getting you an apple but considering what apples do to you I decided against it. I'm safe with an orange aren't I?' Darren couldn't help but laugh as he looked at the orange."Does that mean you don't want me tonight?" he teased but, before Daniel could hurriedly inform him that this was not the case, the look on his face telling Darren that it was exactly what Daniel planned to say, Darren pressed a finger to his lips."I was kidding, sexy" he said before snuggling back into Daniel's embrace."Okay, now, tell me about your day" Daniel said, relaxing into Darren's arms."It was fantastic. Those kids are so incredible. They're so smart. They seemed to know so much and understood everything I told them." Darren gushed, smiling as Daniel chuckled."See, didn't I tell you that you had nothing to worry about?" Daniel told him and he nodded."Yeah, I know. But from now on I will believe you" Darren replied, giving him a cheeky smile before breaking out of his embrace.'You should have more confidence in your abilities Doze, if anyone was born a teacher it is you. Now what do we say we splash out and walk down and get spring rolls and chips for dinner?'"Oooh, sounds nice. It'll be a nice change from cooking" Darren replied with a grin and, changing himself into a comfortable pair of worn jeans and an old shirt, he sat down on the bed to wait for Daniel to do his own things.Once Daniel was also ready to go, Darren grabbed his hand and dragged him out of their dorm room, not letting go of his hand even as they received a few raised eyebrows.When they walked outside, the sky was just dimming to the beginning of what looked to be a clear starlit night."Romantic..." Darren commented, moving closer to Daniel as other students grew scarce, smiling as Daniel's arm slid around his waist.'Ah a born dreamer as well as a born teacher.' Daniel said as they walked contentedly along the tarmaced path that led down to the campus village and the on-site Chinese takeaway joint. Being a week night the tiny shop was not too crowded and seeing how they didn't want anything that required ordering they were soon back out in the warm night air, each holding an open bag of chips with two spring rolls balanced precariously on top. Handholding was relegated in favour of munching as they took their time strolling back up towards the dorm. 'Wanna sit for a mo?' Daniel asked as they approached a wooden bench. 'Sure why not?' Darren replied, 'ouching' slightly as he burnt his tongue on a chip, fanning his hand in front of his mouth as if by doing so that action would somehow miraculously dissipate the pain."Now that brings back fond memories" Daniel teased as he watched Darren."Yeah, and I remember exactly what I wanted to do to fix it for you" Darren replied, giving Daniel a wink before searching for a slightly cooler chip."And just what was that?" Daniel asked, suddenly seeming very interested."I wanted to suck on your tongue...cool it down with my own. But, since I thought you were straight at that stage, well you got my coke instead" Darren grinned."Hmm...so...is your tongue still burning?" Knowing where Daniel was leading, although his tongue had stopped hurting moments earlier, Darren nodded his head, poking out said tongue for Daniel's inspection.Moments later Daniel leant in and drew Darren's tongue into his mouth, sucking on it gently."How does it feel now?" he asked when they finally parted."Mmm...good..." Darren answered before returning his attention to his chips, this time looking for the hottest one he could find.Daniel knew what Darren was up to and after two more so called hot chips he called a halt to it. Pleasant as it was to sit here and exchange tongue cuddles with him, he had lecture notes to go over and he knew that Darren must have stuff he needed to do before the morning. Offering Darren the last of his spring roll, Daniel bundled up his greasy wrapper and tossed it into a nearby bin, returning to haul Darren reluctantly to his feet. ‘Come on, let’s head back, it’s getting nippy.’ ‘Just have to find a way to keep you warm then won’t we?’ and Darren’s arm slipped round his waist pulling him close.They strolled slowly towards their dorm, just enjoying the fresh air, the night sky and each other's company and it was with great regret that they finally reached their room."Well, I suppose I should really get to work…" Darren sighed, eyeing his papers on his desk.When Daniel nodded his head, Darren let out another sigh and sat down at his desk, pouring over the plans and lessons until he had given himself a headache.'How you doing there?' Daniel asked, setting a cup of tea down in front of Darren, taking care not to put it on any of the myriad of papers that he had splayed out in front of him. 'Argh!' Darren moaned and let his head fall forward until it rested on the desk. 'That bad eh?' Daniel took his own drink and went and sat down on the edge of their bed. 'I'm never going to keep up with all these.' 'Yes you are, just remember all that your tutors have told you and it'll be ok. It's not as if you haven't done this before.' 'Yeah,' Darren lifted his head and ran a hand through his hair in exasperation, 'but never a whole class, by myself, all day every day.' 'You're going to have to get used to it come September.' Daniel said logically. 'I know I know but right now I don't even want to think about September, I just want to get through the next eight weeks.' 'Come here.' Daniel patted the bed beside him. 'Enough lesson plans for one night.'Gratefully Darren pushed back from his desk and went straight for Daniel's arms, snuggling into them as they wrapped around him."Why didn't I choose an easier occupation?" he whined, closing his eyes as Daniel nuzzled his throat."Because you chose the one you'd be perfect for" Daniel answered and Darren chuckled."I swear that one day you'll say the wrong thing..." "Not in this lifetime..." Daniel replied with a cheeky smile and Darren shook his head."Yeah...probably not...you're too perfect for that...""Oh come now, I wouldn't go that far..." Daniel said, blushing slightly."I would..." Darren whispered, not entirely sure if Daniel heard him or not.Daniel heard Darren's words that came out as little more than a faint breath of air across his skin. He smiled and pulled Darren closer, holding him so that his head was settled into the crook of his neck. 'Oh I nearly forgot?' 'Forgot what?' Daniel enquired as Darren wriggled out of his arms and made for the fridge. He had been enjoying their little snuggling session.Opening the fridge, he withdrew his earlier purchases and, grabbing two tumblers on his way back, he settled in Daniel's lap."Champers and chocolate?" Daniel said, raising an eyebrow."I wanted to celebrate my first day" Darren replied, suddenly feeling a little unsure."No complaints here. Although I can think of another enjoyable way to celebrate and it involves me drinking this champers from somewhere other than that glass you're holding" Daniel replied, a mischievous smile spreading across his face."Is that so? Well, I'm afraid that you're going to have to settle for a glass because it's a school night..." Darren said in a mock-stern voice.'Awwwwwwllllll.' Daniel complained. The thought of sipping champagne off of Darren's naked body had appealed to him immensely. 'So that's how it's going to be from now on is it? Rationed to the weekends?' 'You'd better believe it.' Darren replied, twisting away from Daniel so that he could pop the cork on the bottle. 'But however will I survive?' Daniel whined, laughing as the fizzy liquid overspilt and ran over Darren's hands. 'I guess I'll just have to go back to Ewan for my comforts then.' 'Don't you dare.' Darren poured some of the champagne into each tumbler and handed one to Daniel. 'Here's to your first day.' Daniel toasted and took a sip of the icy cold alcohol. Setting his glass down on the floor he then also took Darren's from him. 'Hey...' Darren began to protest but quickly shut up as Daniel took one of his hands in his and began to lick the stickiness that the split champagne had deposited there. Slowly drawing each finger into his mouth and swirling his tongue around over it until it was clean.Biting back a groan, Darren gave Daniel a heated look."That's not fair" he whined, trying to fight the pleasure that moved through him."What?" Daniel answered innocently. "All I was doing was cleaning up a mess. If you had of left it, it would have gotten even stickier and nobody likes stickiness""You're evil..."'Yeah and?' Daniel replied, smirking as he let Darren's fingers drop from his lips. 'And you must be made to pay.' Darren announced with a smirk of his own and before Daniel had a chance to register what was happening he was upon him, attacking all his weak points with his nimble fingers, tickling him, poking him. 'No, no...' Daniel tried desperately to fight back but with Darren practically sat on top of him it was futile. Eventually Daniel managed to hook his feet under the backs of Darren's legs and flip him so that he was now the one with the upper hand. 'You were saying my dear Mr Hayes?' Daniel asked, fingers poised."I was saying that I really have to be getting to bed soon so if you're not interested in finishing off the champagne and want to pass up these chocolates that I know it's absolutely impossible for you to do, that's fine with me" Darren replied with a sly look and, with one solid shove, Daniel was lying on the bed beside him."The choice is yours, Mr. Jones"Chuckling at Daniel's grumbling, Darren sat up and, after a quick search, located their glasses and returned Daniel's to his hand."Drink up baby...the sooner you do, the sooner you can go to sleep, dreaming about licking champagne from my body""Now there's an idea...but don't blame me if you have the sheets tomorrow morning" Daniel replied with a wink and Darren grinned."If that's what has to happen, then that's what has to happen" Darren said with a shrug.'Just don't say I didn't warn you. Now did you say something about chocolate?'Rolling his eyes, Darren searched around for the block of chocolate he'd managed to lose somewhere in the scuffle and upon brandishing it, had it snatched from his hand."Oi! Manners boy!" Darren warned, watching as Daniel tore through the paper and then through the foil."And leave some for me dammit!" he then had to quickly add as it looked like Daniel planned to eat the entire thing.'Not sure you deserve any.' Daniel mumbled through a mouthful of the sweet confectionary. 'After all, you have just informed me that you are going to deny me sex five out of seven days a week for the next term.' Darren's response was to pounce on Daniel and steal back some of the chocolate for himself. 'Urgh!' was Daniel's only comment when Darren drew back. 'I do wish you would stop doing that. Didn't your mother ever teach you that it was rude to steal other people's food especially once it has reached their mouth?'"Hmm...I must have missed that one..." Darren replied cheekily before sucking on the pilfered candy. "And I seriously can't understand what you're complaining about! I mean, depriving you of sex is also depriving me of it you know!"Daniel was silent. He knew Darren had a point and, after a few moments, decided that Darren had indeed earned some of the chocolate."But believe me, baby, I'm soooo going to make it up to you on the weekends. You're not going to know what hit you"'Is that a promise?' Daniel asked. 'Cos it had bloody better be or else my Ewan poster is going back up and I am not afraid to use it.' he threatened. 'Hmmmmm, now there *is* an idea.' Darren said, much to Daniel's surprise. 'What me putting the poster up?' 'No, watching you use it. Watching you full stop.' 'You mean watching me as I...' 'Oh yeeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhh.' Darren said, a dark glint in his eye.Darren couldn't help but grin at the expression on Daniel's face."What? You're always telling me to share more of my fantasies..." Darren stated and Daniel nodded slowly."You wouldn't want me to watch?"'Nooooo, yes, I mean yeah, after all I have seen you that afternoon we got back from the creek.’ Daniel peered at Darren intently. 'You would really like to watch me jerk off.' 'No,' Darren said quietly, his hands coming to rest on Daniel's chest. ''No?' Daniel was confused, what was Darren getting at now? 'But you've just said...' A finger to his lips silenced him. 'I don't want to watch you jerk off, I want to watch you bring yourself pleasure. Not some quick five minute job before breakfast but really deep down sated pleasure and I want to watch you achieve it by your own hand.'Silently Darren watched Daniel's face, trying to read his expression and waiting patiently for his final reaction."Imagine what it would be like, me watching you as you pleasure yourself...watching as you bring yourself to fulfilment..." Darren trailed off as Daniel's eyes darkened and he knew that, if he kept going, chances are his rule of no sex on school nights would go straight out the window."I would love to watch you Danny..."'You would?' Daniel asked incredulously. Of course it had been mind-blowing when Darren had done it for him, more than mind-blowing, it had been so erotic, to see the look on his face as he brought himself nearer and nearer. 'Uh-huh.' Darren's hands traced small circles over the fabric of the shirt that covered Daniel's chest. 'I don't know what to say, the thought that you would want to watch me. I'm flattered.' 'So you'll do it?' Darren asked in barely more than a whisper. 'Yes.' Daniel felt his groin begin to stir. The thought of somebody, Darren, watching him whilst he gave himself pleasure was an intense image indeed. 'Good.' Darren said smiling and raised his head for a kiss, which Daniel happily granted him. Slowly, bit-by-bit Darren had started to volunteer information and this pleased Daniel no end but one thing puzzled him. Refilling their tumblers with champagne he asked 'Just out of curiosity why?' 'Why what?' 'Why do you want to watch me?' 'Like I said I want to watch your face, see your expression.' 'But you can see that every time we make love.' 'This is different. I've never watched anyone pleasure themselves before. With Adam he would always attend to things like that alone, not that he often did, I mean whenever he got horny he always had me around whether I was in the mood or not. I did ask him once if he would do it for me and his reply came in the form of the back of his hand across my face. I guess the idea freaked him out.' 'Oh Darren.' Daniel reached out and taking his free hand in his he rubbed the fingers sympathetically. 'He really didn't deserve you, you know that?' 'I do now but at the time I thought I was in love. I would have done anything for him.' Daniel placed his glass back on the floor and pulled Darren to him, wrapping his arms tightly around his body. 'And now I will do anything for you my love. If you want to watch you shall.' He nuzzled his face in Darren's hair. 'Anything else you want, you only have to ask. I want to know if there is anything at all I can do to please you.' 'Well, I don't know.' Darren said looking up at Daniel with a mischievous grin. 'I mean, some things are sacrosanct.' 'Like what?' Daniel was intrigued. 'I don't know. Like how much chocolate sauce I like spread on my nipples.' 'You what?' Daniel chuckled. Now there was an idea that hadn't occurred to him. He had only tried something like that once before, whipped cream smeared all over his nether regions and yes, it had been very pleasurable. Darren nodded shyly. 'Yep. Weird huh?' 'Weird? No Doze, I don't think it's weird. Different maybe but not weird.' He paused. 'So did Adam ever do that to you?' A sly smile. 'Just the once, back in the early days. It was his idea of course but I found out that I actually quite liked it.' Daniel shook his head and playfully fingered Darren's right nipple. 'Chocolate sauce eh? I'll have to remember that one.' The beeping of Darren's mobile phone cut off any further revelations and sighing he went and dug it out from his backpack. 'Hi Mum.' Whilst Darren chatted away to his mother Daniel cleared up the chocolate wrapper and rinsed out their glasses, putting the half empty bottle of champagne back in the fridge.Happily Darren recounted his first day of teaching practice but not once did his eyes leave Daniel.It was good to hear from his mum but he was a little disappointed at her timing. He was enjoying the sharing moment.Sadly he knew the moment was over. He knew that as soon as he hung up the phone, it would be bedtime and as if to prove this, Daniel started getting ready for bed, ducking out of the dorm for the bathroom and when he returned, Darren was just hanging up."Sorry about that" he said as he put the phone back in his bag.In reply, Daniel shook his head then began to get undressed, grinning when he felt Darren's eyes on him.'Hey you were the one who instigated this rule not me just remember that.' 'Yeah yeah, nothing in the rules that say I can't look though.' Daniel considered this for a few moments. 'Nope I guess not.' and finishing removing his boxers he did a twirl, to a chorus of wolf whistles from Darren. 'Now if you have gotten your fill of my gorgeous body I suggest you make quick with your own clothes and join me. I take it snuggling is still on the menu.' 'Oh most definitely so.' Darren replied with a grin and headed of for the toilets leaving Daniel to get under the covers. As a special treat he decided to occupy Darren's half of the bed and warm it for him ready for his return. Not that the continuing heat meant that it really needed much warming. In fact it promised to be quite a muggy night.Quickly rushing to the bathroom, doing what he had to do, then rushing back to his room, Darren almost bowled over a fellow student."Hey! Where's the fire?" the guy yelled as Darren kept moving."You don't want to know!" he called back and then quickly let himself into the room, raising an eyebrow when he saw where Daniel was lying.Then, deciding better of commenting, he moved towards the bed and smiled as Daniel slid over."Thank you baby" he said, beginning to undress quickly but then having a bit of a play with it as Daniel watched him.Then, giggling as Daniel applauded him, he climbed under the covers and instantly attached himself to his lover.They lay silently for a while, Darren's fingers drawing patterns on Daniel's chest while Daniel's hands stroked up and down his back.Then, slowly their movements ceased as they fell asleep.

Memories fade...

...and thank goodness some do...Linda's comment brought back a flood of memories.with me it's music... a tune will play, and I'll think... Texas... or Keesler... or high school.I always used to link music to times and places. Indeed up until about eight years ago I always used to play some tracks over and over again. Make up complilation tapes with all my favourites on.The only downside I found to this (and I'm not saying that it is the same for everyone - I think I just over-indulged) is that when I now hear a track relating to that time I can't listen to it.A perfect example of this reared its ugly head a few days back. I received an invitation to a friend's wedding. Now this is where it starts to sound cliched and I guess in a way it is.When I was about 21 I fell for this guy. He was a mate first and then, as it all too often the case, he started putting out a whole host of mixed signals and I fell for it, hook, line and sinker. I've put it all behind me, moved on a long, long time ago but what bugged me at the time was when we had the inevitable 'talk' he made me feel like a stupid teenager and never accepted any blame for his part in it. Never was there any indication that he (being six years older) should have been clearer about things, should have taken responsibilty for the mis-understanding, should not have led me on, let me think there was more to the friendship. After all it all went on for well over a year.Anyway...long and irrelevant story short....and this is where the cliche *really* kicks in...he upped and offed to Africa to be a missionary (no I am *not* kidding you - he really did.) Now he's back and getting married. As far as he's concerned we are still friends...the lack of emails on my part for the past four years doesn't seem to have gotten the hint through to him.The point of all this I guess is to say that to this day I will walk out of a room if 'Drive' by The Cars or 'Africa' by Toto comes on the radio/TV.Weird and partly my own fault for making those damn tapes.The flip side is of course whenever I hear 'One More Time' by Daft Punk or the Liberty X track or 'Vogue' I get a nice warm fuzzy feeling deep inside ;)but I do avoid over playing tracks now.and yes, that little tale I have just recounted - and I don't tell that one often - is one of my bottles. Pushed right to the back. Over and done with and now safety out of the way.There you are...no fic, no stories tonight, just a little bit of soul bearing.