by Drew Hunt
“I’ll help him,” Martin said with determination.
“Thanks, mate. Our Colin’s a real bottler. There aren’t many blokes like him around.”
“I know.” Martin nodded. “Any idea how long he’ll be gone?”
“I’ll ring him,” Matt said.
“Thanks.”
Matt went over to the phone and dialled the number written on the pad. After it connected, Matt said, “Are you almost done, Colin?”
“Is anything wrong?” Matt could hear a touch of fear in Colin’s voice.
“No, mate, not at all. It’s just there’s someone here who wants to apologise to you.” Matt handed the phone to Martin.
“Colin?” Martin asked, his voice shaking.
Matt could just hear his nephew’s voice. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I love you Col…I…I…” Martin dissolved into tears.
Matt took the receiver from Martin. “It’s okay. Come home when you can, but everything’s okay, trust me.”
“Don’t speed, Colin, come home safe,” Martin called out.
“You sure everything’s okay?” Colin asked, not sounding reassured at all.
“Yeah, mate, no worries. Do what Martin says and don’t speed, you hear me?”
* * * *
Colin made it back home within an hour. He’d had no luck in buying anything for Martin. Coming through the front door at a run, he met Matt in the hallway.
“Martin’s in the front room.” Matt smiled at him. “We’ve talked, we’ve shed a few tears, too, but I think it’ll be okay.”
Colin went into the front room and into Martin’s arms.
“I’m sorry, Col. I’m sorry for behaving like a prick these last few months. I love you, Col, I really do.” Martin sounded close to tears.
“No, love, I’m the one who’s sorry. If I’d have closed the gate…if I’d have—”
“No, Colin, no. You’ve apologised enough. It’s my turn to say sorry.” Looking directly into Colin’s eyes—something Colin knew it wasn’t easy for Martin to achieve—he said, “And I mean it this time, Col, I’m not just saying it. We need to move on now. I’ve been thinking this last half hour or so. In the New Year I’m going to ring up the guide dog association and ask them to put me on the waiting list for a new dog.”
“You sure?”
“It’s time. Time I got my act together and stopped moping about. I know Toby wouldn’t have wanted me to have mourned him for this long.”
Colin moved forward and placed a long, loving kiss on Martin’s lips.
From the corner of his eye, Colin saw his uncle leave the room. He’d thank the man later for doing whatever he’d done.
* * * *
Later that evening, Colin walked into the bedroom to find Martin propped up on the bed. Martin had a thoughtful expression on his face.
“Penny for them?”
“Come and sit here, please,” Martin said, opening his legs and patting the space between them. Colin did as he was asked. It was an unusual position for them; normally Colin was the one sitting behind Martin.
“This is nice,” Colin said, once Martin had put his arms around him.
Martin sighed. “Your uncle Matt told me some things today, things I needed to hear, but they weren’t all that easy to listen to.”
“He didn’t upset you, did he?” Colin made to rise, but Martin held him down.
“No, love. Did you know Matt was in love with a boy when they were both at school?”
“No, he’s never mentioned that. What happened?”
Martin spent the next few minutes telling Colin about Matt’s high school boyfriend and how it all ended in tragedy.
“Matt told me he won’t ever get the chance to make things up with Jerry, but he said I could with you...” Martin kissed the side of Colin’s neck. “I’ve been spiteful, cold, distant, and…”
“I understand, baby, honest I do,” Colin said, rubbing Martin’s arm.
“Thanks. Matt also said you have to work on forgiving yourself, too. Colin, you have to. Toby’s death was an accident, pure and simple. You weren’t to blame, and I don’t blame you. Anyone—the postman, the woman collecting for the church jumble sale—could have left the gate open. I could have, should have, put a spring on the gate to keep it closed.”
“Thanks. I hear what you’re saying, but Toby was very special to you. He was, well, he was your only friend before I came along.”
“Yes, but you came along, and I’ll always…” Martin swallowed. “I’ll always thank God that you did.”
“Me, too.”
Martin kissed the top of Colin’s head. “Your uncle also said something else.”
“He has been busy,” Colin laughed, relieved he and Martin were repairing their relationship.
“Yes, but if anything this next bit was the most important thing he said.”
“Oh?” Colin was intrigued.
“He told me no one is there to protect you. I know you are there for me, but who’s out there for you?”
“I don’t need anyone to protect me,” Colin said.
“That’s what I told him. But he made me see that everyone—no matter how strong and special and wonderful—” Martin rubbed Colin’s arms—“needs a protector. It might not be in the physical sense, but everyone needs to know they have someone to guard them emotionally. I don’t think this is coming out right, Col. Matt phrased it better than I’m doing. But what I’m saying is, I’m here, I’m your protector. You do so much for me, look after me, make sure I’m safe, that kind of thing. Sometimes, Col, you go a bit too far.”
“Sorry, I know I do.”
“It can be a bit frustrating at times. I need my independence, you know. But the fact that you want to love and protect me, be my white knight so to speak, makes me love you all the more. But we come back to the point that no one does those things for you. Well, Colin Rodgers, I’m your protector, and you aren’t going to stop me from fulfilling my duties.”
Colin turned round in Martin’s arms, rose up onto his knees and kissed Martin firmly on the lips. “Sounds wonderful.”
“And we’re going to start with me treating you to a full body massage. I know you’ve been under a lot of stress recently, and I bet your muscles are all in knots. Then when I’ve got you all loose, I’ll be able to bend you to my will.”
Colin chuckled. He liked the idea of Martin taking charge for a change.
Unfortunately the Rodgers’ didn’t have any scented massage oil, so Martin had to make do with baby oil.
“Col, will you let me blindfold you whilst I do this?”
“Why?”
“It’s all about trust. I can’t see, but I trust you completely never to hurt me. I think if you can’t see me either as I massage you, it might sort of increase your trust in me.”
Colin was surprised by Martin’s request, and secretly a little fearful; however, he agreed to have a scarf wrapped around his head.
“Okay, I’ve spread a bath towel on the bed, so lay face down on it,” Martin said softly.
As Colin lay on his front, with Martin kneading his flesh, he began to realise how much he could trust Martin, it heightened his enjoyment of the massage enormously. Martin’s talented fingers soon found a number of knots in Colin’s trapezius muscles.
The firm but gentle massage began to arouse Colin, and he started to moan. His passions grew even more when Martin slowly and sensually stroked along his inner thighs.
“Okay, turn over,” Martin said.
Colin was then treated to his front side, receiving innumerable sensual and erotic caresses. Martin worked a leisurely and painstaking path down Colin’s body, starting from his neck. He then kneaded both deltoid muscles; Martin had always admired Colin’s broad shoulders. He moved downwards to Colin’s pectorals, and then his biceps and triceps got the loving treatment.
Colin was purring when Martin had reached his groin, and was having difficulty remaining still when the so
les of his feet were tenderly stroked. However, this was as nothing to the exquisite pleasure he felt when Martin moved onto the inner arches of his feet.
Throughout the whole thing Martin spoke softly, telling Colin how much he worshiped and adored the body of the man who had transformed his life beyond all recognition.
Colin was embarrassed. He protested, told Martin he had also transformed Colin’s life, but each time Colin tried to say something, Martin would silence him with kisses.
By the time Martin had finished his massage, Colin was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, he felt horny, relaxed, gratified and at peace, but most of all he felt loved.
Martin then climbed on top of Colin and spent a few moments hugging his man, kissing him, wrapping his body around him and whispering in his ear.
“I’ll take care of you. I’ll do everything I can to protect you from those people who don’t or can’t understand the type of love we share. I’ll always be there for you, ‘cause you’re my man…my Colin.”
Squirting some baby oil into his hand, Martin began to loosen Colin’s anus. Although the two enjoyed a full and very rich sex life, Martin usually bottomed. Colin was the more dominant one in their relationship, something Colin knew Martin was completely comfortable with. But on this occasion Martin wanted to do all the running. Colin sensed his man needed to show Colin that he could take charge, be the strong one, someone who Colin could feel safe in submitting and letting go to.
“Ready?” Martin eventually asked.
Martin had spent the best part of fifteen minutes loosening him up. Colin was beyond ready. By way of answer, Colin raised up his legs, and presented his man with his anal opening.
“Go for it, stud.”
Martin slowly eased in, withdrawing a little every now and again, before moving in a little further. Once home, he rested.
Martin was big—wonderfully, satisfyingly big. Colin squeezed down on Martin’s fullness.
It had always been Colin’s role to be the one in charge, but it was thrilling to let Martin be in the driving seat for a change. It heightened Colin’s appreciation of the wonderful prize he had in his lover; it deepened his love for the gentle and soft-spoken person Martin was. This rarely seen dominant side to Martin’s personality was a real turn-on.
Colin twitched his anal muscles again at the not inconsiderably sized invader. It felt glorious to have Martin inside of him. The two had got themselves tested not long after they had moved in together; it wasn’t really necessary in Martin’s case, as he’d never been fortunate enough to have been intimate with another man, but Martin had insisted that if Colin was going to go through it, then he was, too. Therefore the two no longer needed condoms when they made love.
* * * *
The lusty groans and the rhythmical thumps of the headboard from the next-door bedroom reassured Matt his nephew and his lover were well on their way to repairing the damage done to their relationship.
Matt’s erection was pressing painfully against his jocks. Reaching down, he freed it and began to stroke himself off in time with the banging headboard.
A few moments later two loud grunts of pleasure told Matt both men had achieved almost simultaneous orgasms. Matt wasn’t far behind them. As he cleaned himself up, he decided as soon as he returned home in the New Year, he would sound Bruce out about putting their relationship on a firmer footing. He hoped Bruce wouldn’t reject him.
* * * *
Next door, Martin lay spent and content in Colin’s arms.
Colin had taken off his blindfold and was lazily delivering kisses all over Martin’s face. “You were wonderful. Thank you, love. You have to promise me you’ll take charge like that again. You and Uncle Matt were right, I do need to let go the reins every now and then.”
Martin smiled. “I’ll always be there for you, Col. You’re my man, now and forever.”
Martin settled down to sleep, relieved the many months of bitterness and hurt were behind them.
* * * *
“But your ankle, and the crowds?” Colin sounded sceptical.
Martin shook his head. “Sweetheart, I love it that you think of my welfare all the time, but my ankle is much better. I’ve rested it for a couple of days now and, yes, I know everywhere will be busy with Christmas shoppers, but I’ve got one extremely hunky boyfriend and a furry Australian teddy bear to protect me.”
Martin heard Matt trying to stifle a giggle.
“How do you know Uncle Matt is hairy?” Colin asked.
“An educated guess,” Martin smiled.
The family were at the breakfast table, discussing what they were going to do that day.
“And besides,” Martin continued, “I haven’t got the love of my life anything for Christmas yet, and I need to do something about that.”
Martin amazed himself at being able to speak so freely about his relationship with Colin in front of the man’s family. But the Rodgers had been so welcoming, Martin felt totally comfortable in being who he was.
“Having you back to your warm and wonderful self is present enough.” Colin squeezed Martin’s hand.
Martin stood and moved to Colin’s chair. “I am back, love.” Martin kissed the top of Colin’s head. “And I want to get into the holiday spirit. The first thing on the agenda is to go Christmas shopping. And if the offer of a tour round the sights is still on, I’ll be in that, too.”
“I’d like to come, too,” Matt said. “It’s years since I had a tour round London.”
“I think you ought to take a cab,” Harry said. “There’s no way on earth you’ll be able to park the car.”
“That’s true,” Colin said.
* * * *
“Okay, gov’ners, where to?” the cabbie asked.
“G’day, mate, we want the tour. Buck House, Houses of Parliament, the works,” Matt replied, getting into the back of the black London cab.
“Sure thing, gov. You want me to give you a commentary, like for your friend there?”
Colin bristled; some people, shop assistants and waitresses being the worst offenders, would look at Colin and ask him what Martin wanted. Martin told Colin it was known as the ‘does he take sugar’ principle.
Martin spoke up. “Thank you very much, err…”
“Ken.”
“Thank you, Ken. A described tour would be very welcome.”
“Sure thing, mate.”
The cab set off, and soon Ken began talking. “We’re on Kilburn High Road and it’s a straight run through St. John’s Wood.”
“Oh, that’s quite a posh area isn’t it?” Martin asked.
“Yeah, lousy tippers though.”
Colin wasn’t sure if that wasn’t Ken’s way of haggling for a decent tip at the end.
“Now we’ve got Lord’s cricket ground coming up here on our right.”
“Site of many a famous Aussie victory,” Matt added smugly.
“I’m more of a football fan,” Colin said, hoping not to get into a discussion on the state of the England cricket team.
“Who do you support, gov?” Ken asked.
“Leeds United.”
Ken made a derogatory comment under his breath. “The Gunners, now there’s a team,” he added, referring to Arsenal Football Club.
“Yeah, right,” Colin said.
Obviously in an effort to get the commentary back on track, Martin asked, “Where are we now?”
“Oh, sorry, mate, we’re going down the Edgware Road heading towards Marble Arch.”
“Isn’t that where the centre of the city is—I mean, on the Ordnance Survey maps?” Matt asked.
“That’s right, gov.”
“Fancy you knowing that,” Colin said.
“I’m not a complete galah, you know.”
“Huh?” Colin asked.
“From the bird of the same name, which is bloody stupid.”
Colin wasn’t much wiser, but decided to stay mum.
“Right then,” Ken said, resuming his tour, “we’re
just passing Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, but it’s usually only in business on Saturdays and Sundays. Now and again there’s a decent speaker, but most of the time there’s nothing worth hearing.
“Right, we’re halfway around Marble Arch and I’m turning into the top end of Park Lane. You can see—oh, sorry mate,” Ken said getting embarrassed.
“Please, Ken, don’t worry at all. I use the word myself,” Martin told him.
“Thanks, mate. Well, there’s Hyde Park on our right, and on our left we have a few of London’s famous and bloody expensive hotels, like the Grosvenor House and The Dorchester.”
Colin and Matt looked at the impressive facades of the buildings as they drove past.
“Okay, we’re now turning into Constitution Hill.”
“Some hill,” Matt observed dryly.
Seeing a puzzled expression on Martin’s face, Colin said, “Oh, sorry, Martin, there’s no hill at all, it’s as flat as a billiard table.”
“What’s this Park on our left?” Matt asked.
“Green Park, gov. It’s one of the capital’s royal parks. And speaking of royalty, these high spike-topped walls on our right mark the boundaries of the gardens of Buckingham Palace.”
“Can we get a look at the main front view of Buck House?” Matt asked.
“Sure. It’s just coming up here at the end of Constitution Hill.”
“It’s strange to think Queen Elizabeth is our monarch, too, but she lives at the other side of the planet,” Matt said.
“Do you think Australia will become a republic?” Martin asked.
“I expect so one day. It’s a pity though.”
Seeing the front of the palace, Colin noted the absence of a flag flying from the pole, but before he could tell Martin why, Ken beat him to it.
“The royal family are at Sandringham for the holiday. They only fly the royal standard when the queen is in residence.”
“Oh, right,” Matt said.
“And now we have The Mall,” Ken said.
“It’s pink!” Matt exclaimed.
“Oh, I know about that. It’s because of all the royal processions, isn’t it, Ken?” Martin piped up.
“You’ve got it, mate. It looks good on the films when they shoot footage of the processions.”
