Satisfaction Guaranteed

by Samantha M. Derr

  "Is it a Doctor Who keepsake from your personal collection?" Cory asked. He stood sandy-eyed and clutching his coffee like a lifeline, but he was always ready with a quip.

  Jessan gave him a scathing look. "That's off limits. No, this is a highly-coveted gift certificate to Atelier Geek."

  "You used your online store points to redeem that, didn't you?" Marina smirked at him and mock-toasted him with her latte, snuggling back into the arm that Marc put around her. She wasn't a geek or more than a casual fan of the show, but as it turned out, Marc was a self-professed Doctor Who fan, and had been happy to tag along with Marina when she'd told him Jessan was organizing a marathon.

  "Of course!" Jessan scoffed. "How else do you think I could afford to pay for a prize?"

  "This is rigged," said Dave, one of Jessan's co-workers from Go Big. "You're the only one who has to be here for the whole marathon, so—"

  Jessan waggled his TARDIS mug, pulling it in hastily when his Starfleet-sanctioned Earl Grey threated to spill. "I'm not eligible." He glanced over at Felipe with a covert grin. There was someone else he hoped would stay until after, at least, because it would give them the privacy that his rekindled sex drive deserved.

  Felipe's face brightened when their eyes met. He had shown up bright and early to help set up, wearing an old-school Toho Godzilla shirt and jeans and thereby proving to Jessan—not that he'd needed proof—that he was willing to let his geek flag fly.

  "Questions? Comments? Concerns? There's plenty of tea, pop, coffee in the thermal pot, snacks…" Jessan gestured behind himself. He'd made a post-midnight run the night before, and was certain they wouldn't need to replenish anything. A sandwich collection for Johnny Jim's would be taken around noon, a pizza collection around six. It would be the marathon to end all marathons; he was only sad he hadn't been able to organize it across two days. They were starting out with a small crowd because Jessan was airing certain episodes and specials so early, but by noon and afterward, every viewing surface in his apartment would be packed.

  He'd gone all out with the equipment, too, running the DVDs off a computer tower in the living room, setting up a projector that would use the entire undecorated white wall for a viewing screen.

  "It's going to be epic," Cory declared.

  Jessan pumped a fist. "Then, allons-y." He got scattered grins for using the Tenth Doctor's catchphrase, raised brows from Marina, and a puzzled look from Felipe.

  Once he got the first episode of the marathon up and running off the projector, he surveyed the room. There were plenty of places to sit, and he had spread out blankets and bean bags for the friends who would be there later. Felipe twisted around and patted the seat he'd been saving on the couch beside him, and Jessan nodded and went to claim it as his due. He was the organizer, he'd be hosting the party for seventeen hours or so, and if he wanted to sit by the hot guy he was dating… wanted to date… might be dating, then that was his prerogative.

  Felipe leaned in close when Jessan sat. It brought a warm, pleased flush to his face, thinking Felipe wanted to snuggle. Or maybe he would fall asleep—it was only about half past seven, and he was surprised six people had showed up. Eighteen had been invited; the rest would probably show up later at a decent weekend hour.

  "Hey, I hope you don't mind if I bother you with a lot of stupid questions." Felipe's breath was warm on Jessan's ear, and his hand was familiar on his thigh.

  Jessan wasn't going to complain. He shifted enough to connect their gazes, and replied with a tiny nod. "Figured you would have them. This kind of marathon—it's not the greatest intro to Doctor Who but, well, it's a lot of fun for all of us."

  Felipe's grin warmed Jessan from his belly on upward. "That's what I thought. And, hey, I've been meaning to see Doctor Who for a while now—never found the time. If this goes well, we could go back and see the whole thing, you know?"

  The promise of that statement made Jessan's belly flip. 'This' could mean the marathon, or the new and fragile connection between them. Either way, he knew his answer. "I'd like that."

  Felipe settled against his shoulder and turned to look at the giant wall screen, where a cheery snow-covered holiday scene was being infused with atmospheric effects and music that sent it heading toward something more sinister. "Spooky."

  "Yeah, by tonight, you'll be saying you can't believe it's billed as a kid's show along with the rest of us."

  With Felipe against his shoulder, sometimes shifting to murmur a question in Jessan's ear, it was a viewing experience unlike any before it. He was warm and comfortable, suffused with a pleased flush when Felipe twined their fingers together, and saw one of his favorite shows through new eyes with each quietly-murmured inquiry that Felipe put to him.

  "Why do they call it Doctor Who?"

  "Well, that's the question. They never do answer it." Jessan shifted to fit his shoulder more snugly beside Felipe's. "I think if they ever got to that point, the show would end. It's less a running joke and more of an overarching theme, really."

  He was chuffed that Felipe never took his phone out to play with it, paid attention, and asked questions. He sat beside Jessan and watched the show, or got up and helped him collect peoples' money and food orders when the time came. He cracked jokes, deftly made small talk with each new friend of Jessan's that showed up to the marathon, and appeared rapt with each new episode that resumed. At one point near the end of the evening, as Jessan met Felipe's eyes while he said goodbye to Marina and Marc and Felipe stood chatting with Cory, he was caught at the crossroads of excitement that the whole thing had gone so well and the anxiety that it might be too good to be true.

  "So Felipe, is he your club guy?" Marina asked, picking up her coat and handing it to Marc, who helped her into it with amusement in his eyes.

  "Yeah." Jessan shifted from one foot to the other and passed a hand over his rows, giving her a bashful smile.

  Marina's head bobbed. "I like him. Have you heard back from Atelier Geek?"

  Jessan's smile dwindled. "No, it'll probably be a while. I bet they got hundreds of apps."

  "No kidding." Marina patted his arm. "The show wasn't bad! Still don't see what you all get out of it, but I had fun."

  "Thanks," Jessan said, trying not to sound sour. He brightened when Marc offered his hand with a grin.

  "Awesome marathon, man. I'd love to come next time, if it's okay." Marc more than made up for Marina's lack of enthusiasm.

  "Sure thing!" Jessan bumped knuckles with him as they released the handshake. "I'll keep you in my contacts."

  The evening crowd dwindled down, but there were a few diehards who stayed through to the very last episode of Series Seven. Felipe became increasingly fidgety on the couch beside him until Jessan was sure he'd be out the door with his departing friends, or even before.

  "Too much?" Jessan murmured, when the show's distinctive music and ending credits began to roll across the screen, accompanied by various groans and the sounds of stretching and joints popping throughout the room. He squeezed Felipe's knee.

  "It's a lot." Felipe turned to him with wide eyes. "You weren't kidding about it being hardcore. I don't think I've ever watched so much television in a day—or, well, ever."

  Jessan opened his mouth to respond, but had to get up and play host when first Dave, then Cory began to clamor for a group viewing of the new season's premiere. He patted Felipe's knee and stood. "I'll see what I can do, guys. Anyone need to crash here tonight?"

  "Please God, no," Felipe muttered behind him.

  "I already had to barter some confusing favors in exchange for a roommate-free apartment this weekend," Jessan continued. He flashed a mischievous look over his shoulder, certain that Felipe wanted to stay given what he'd said under his breath. "We'll see what I can drum up for the premiere."

  "Fair enough," Dave said, extending a hand for a fist bump. "Epic marathon, man. As always."

  Jessan looked around expectantly at his friends for a moment before he realized why they were all still
hovering. He suppressed a grin as he recalled the Atelier Geek certificate. "Oh, the grand prize? That's for the one who stays through the clean-up."

  "It's been great, Jessan, gotta go!" Cory all but sprinted out of the apartment.

  "Hey, thanks for hosting!" Jessan's college friend Nick backed out fast.

  "Oh, wow, look at the time," Eliza exclaimed, grabbing onto her boyfriend Randy's arm and towing him toward the door.

  Jessan sighed and put his hands on his hips. "Shame." He turned slowly, giving Felipe a speculative look.

  Felipe raised his hands. "Hey, my mama taught me to stick it out and clean up my messes." He cocked his head to one side. "I've never seen a room clear so fast."

  "That's why you get the certificate." Jessan hooked a finger and gestured Felipe to join him. "And kisses."

  "It's not so bad, most everyone cleaned as they went." Felipe rose from the couch, swaggering around the side and stretching. He approached until they were nose to nose, and put his arms around Jessan's waist. "Hey, Jessan."

  "Hm?" Jessan's eyes were already half closed, anticipating the kiss.

  "Do you date?"

  The question made Jessan's eyes fly open, and his pulse sped. Felipe's eyes were dark, and so close, near enough for Jessan to see the trace of apprehension. He'd fretted over putting himself out there. His anxiety bled away, leaving only excitement as he recognized he wasn't the only one. All he could do was nod, too happy to even grin.

  "I'd like to date you," Felipe said, so formal and serious that Jessan had to grin then, and when it spread, it couldn't seem to stop.

  He replied with a kiss, and Felipe returned it. Once they got started with that, it couldn't be stopped either.

  The after-party cleanup could wait.

  Jessan led Felipe to his room, more glad than ever that he'd secured complete and total privacy with the absence of his roommates until the end of the weekend.

  "Geek haven," Felipe murmured on the threshold.

  "You love it," Jessan shot back, squeezing his hand.

  "It's much better put together than mine," Felipe said with a nose crinkle.

  Charmed, Jessan leaned in to kiss the appendage. They melted into another kiss, arms around one another. Once their lips came open and their tongues came into play, it got hot and wet fast, and Jessan found himself struggling with Felipe's shirt while Felipe's talented fingers undid his pants.

  Their teeth clashed briefly and Felipe laughed into his mouth. "Someone's eager."

  "Someone's horny," Jessan corrected, and turned his head to nip the side of Felipe's throat. They parted long enough for Jessan to pull his shirt over his head as Felipe shucked off his pants and they came together again for more hot, open-mouthed kisses. "You're like… like my sexual kryptonite."

  Felipe lifted his head and gave him a bemused grin. "Wouldn't that make me the supervillain?" His hands played down Jessan's ribs and settled on his hips.

  "No way," Jessan denied. "If anything, you're my superhero."

  "Oh, yeah?" Felipe guided him toward the bed with firm pressure on his hips.

  Jessan sat on the edge and tugged him down, smiling. "Yeah, you rescued me from my Fortress of Solitude."

  "I'm going to kiss you hard enough to make you forget your horrible metaphors," Felipe informed him, and his kisses began at Jessan's throat and concluded at his groin, paused to ask for and put on a condom, parted his lips and slid Jessan's cock into his mouth down to the root.

  Jessan had been on edge for what seemed all night, between the warmth of Felipe settled at his side and the knowledge they would most likely have the place to themselves to do as they liked. He wanted nothing more than to prolong it, but Felipe's lips and tongue pulled him right to the edge and drew the orgasm straight out of him. He shouted and pulsed his release into the condom, legs shaking. When he drew Felipe up afterward to lie atop and kiss him, he didn't even mind the taste of latex. Much.

  "What are you thinking?" Jessan murmured as Felipe rested his weight on him and looked as satisfied as though he'd enjoyed his own orgasm, though his cock was hard against Jessan's belly.

  "Oh… how good 'now we're dating' sex is," Felipe said, eyes wide.

  "Hmm, have to agree," Jessan replied, reaching for Felipe's cock. "Want some more?"

  Felipe flashed him a grin and rolled onto his back, hands tucked behind his head. "By all means."

  Jessan took his time, mapping out the sensitive places on Felipe's belly, hips, and thighs before rolling a condom down and following suit with his lips. He sucked Felipe off until Felipe was moaning, his eyes drawn tightly shut, and Jessan himself was humping down into the bedspread. Felipe noticed and tugged on a fistful of Jessan's braids.

  "Get on me," he invited, and Jessan didn't have to be told twice.

  Screwing into Felipe made sweat break out across Jessan's body and his arms shook as he pushed in to the hilt, holding himself up over Felipe's back. He was tight, and when Jessan reached around his kneeling form he found him only half-hard, a condition he set about remedying with slow rolls of his hips. It wasn't long before they were moaning together and moving quickly, Jessan pumping into him as hard and fast as his body could withstand, each of them striving for something they could only find together. He tugged on Felipe's cock as they fucked, and pulled out when Felipe filled the condom.

  "Fuck," Felipe breathed, groping for his cock as Jessan settled beside him. "That was… ahhh." He peeled Jessan's condom off, lifted up and located the bedside trash, and beat Jessan off until he came across their stomachs.

  Jessan thrummed with so much satisfaction, he was all but purring. He did have to reach for Kleenex to wipe up the jizz, noting that Felipe seemed fond of painting release, his or Jessan's, on their skin. He could get used to it.

  "Good?" Felipe nuzzled at his jaw and kissed the corner of his mouth.

  "Better than good," Jessan replied, happy enough to deliver the compliment aloud.

  Once again, they curled up together entangled and sweaty, and Jessan smiled when Felipe kissed the back of his ear. He fell asleep with Felipe's slow, regular breathing behind him.

  The next morning when they woke, neither of them were in a hurry to be anywhere.

  *~*~*

  "Jessan! Hey, over here!"

  Jessan came out of the blocky building that was so new it still had plastic on some of the pillars in the entryway. He was bouncing on his toes as he headed for Felipe's car at the curb. The day after they'd officially began dating, he'd learned that Felipe's job as sales representative meant his hours began in the late mornings. That was why his family had pressed him into service helping with shuttling his nieces and nephews to school. His living situation was still transitional, and he was as big if not a bigger geek than Jessan, though Doctor Who had been an untapped well, and while he enjoyed a night of clubs and dancing, he was equally at home on the couch with Jessan as each of them browsed the internet or played on their respective devices.

  He slid into the passenger's seat, leaned over for a kiss, and sighed, buckling in. He was full of energy and didn't know if he wanted to take it straight to bed, or go out and celebrate.

  "How'd it go?" Felipe's dark eyes were expectant, and a fraction shy of Jessan mentally labeling them as 'twinkling.'

  "Well, you know how I came from my first interview with Atelier Geek thinking I'd bombed it completely, they hated me, and I was certain I'd blown any chance of working for them in any capacity?" Jessan could hardly stand to reflect on that night of chagrin. It had taken all of Felipe's sweet-talking skills to get him out of the house and occupied with other things besides self-flagellation.

  "Yeah, and you were wrong, and you got called for a second interview." Felipe smirked at him.

  "And you weren't shy about saying you'd told me so." Jessan didn't bother to contain his grin. "The second interview went so much better than that. Total one-eighty. As far in the opposite direction as it's possible to go, without getting to China."

  Felipe
looked pleased. He shifted the car into gear. "So we have something to celebrate?"

  "Do we ever!" Jessan gave the air a one-two punch. "They hired me on the spot, Felipe! They want me for team lead. I can quit that shitty call center now… and I hate to say it, but I think I'll be leaving Go Big Comics, too."

  "Hey," Felipe said, laying a hand on his thigh. "Don't feel bad about moving up and taking a better opportunity, you know?"

  "Oh, I know." Jessan was quick to cover Felipe's hand with his own. "Go Big was good to me, and I enjoyed the job—but this is going to be so much better. And my boss there gave me a glowing reference, or so I heard."

  The car headed down the drive, turning onto the street. "Remember how you showed me an epic marathon night?" Felipe asked.

  Jessan smiled, tangling their fingers together. "Do I ever."

  "Time for me to show you an epic date night, in turn."

  "I'd love that." Jessan turned his head to look at Felipe's profile, and the building of Atelier Geek beyond him. He'd put himself out there and made the leap, and both times it had brought what he wanted within his reach. "We've got a lot to celebrate. Let's get out there and do it."

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  R.D. Hero

  R.D. Hero lives a life completely dedicated to m/m. When she isn’t spending time sifting through multitudes of yaoi looking for the rare perfect one, she’s writing slash online. Once in awhile, if she has to, she goes out into the real world to do unsavory things like “college” and “socializing”. Mostly though, she prefers to stay in her cave with her boxer, Brandy. You can find her at www.rdhero.com.

  Diana Sheridan

  No stranger to male/male stories, Diana Sheridan edited gay male sexzines for the better part of two decades under the nom de plume of “Dan Maxwell.” Though “Diana Sheridan” isn’t her true name either, it does reflect her true gender. In her own name, she has had numerous books published both in print and as e-books, is an accomplished editor of both books and magazines, and is comfortable switching gears to go from serious nonfiction to erotica in her work. Diana lives with her Significant Other, who is fully aware of and supportive of the many facets of her career.