Published by Phaze Books Also by Jade Falconer Morningstar Cold Hands, Warm… Girls on Film Tangled Web Escape Phaze Fantasies, Vol. III Savior Morningstar: Death and Life Wicked Game The Perfect Gift
This is an explicit and erotic novel intended for the enjoyment of adult readers. Please keep out of the hands of children.
www.Phaze.com
Back To the Past a novella of homoerotic romance by
JADE FALCONER
Back To the Past copyright 2008 by Jade Falconer All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
A Phaze Production Phaze Books 6470A Glenway Avenue, #109 Cincinnati, OH 45211-5222 Phaze is an imprint of Mundania Press, LLC. To order additional copies of this book, contact:
[email protected] www.Phaze.com Cover art © 2007 Debi Lewis Edited by Candi Bowen eBook ISBN-13: 978-1-59426-795-6 eBook ISBN-10: 1-59426-795-2 First Edition – February, 2008 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
The journey began with a bus ride. A public television station had sent a packet of instructions, the first of which was to meet at an office building in western New York. Noah had slept with the thick sheaf of papers since it had arrived. He'd read it over at least ten times. He still couldn't believe he'd been accepted to go on the historical reality program. Ever since a childhood vacation to Colonial Williamsburg, he'd been obsessed with history. He'd grown up in the heart of the city, gotten his first computer at the age of five, but all he wanted to do was experience life in the wilderness, without technology. The bus pulled up across the street from the appointed meeting place, and he bounced down the steps with his small duffle bag. He hadn't packed much. The instructions had said not to, and Noah had them memorized. Once inside, he got a chance to meet his fellow adventurers. They were to get their assignments and their wardrobe, along with further instructions. He didn't care what he was supposed to do. He didn't care if he ended up as a slave and had to chop wood all day long. He was chomping at the bit to start. His name was called and he was handed a thick book and a large box. Along with his fellow travelers, he retreated to his previous seat to examine the items. Spontaneous conversation broke out as they all looked over what they had been given. Noah opened his book and read the first page. "Noah Edwards, you are a landowner. Your family was granted a parcel of land by a wealthy man who was in their debt, and you have come to establish a settlement on it. You are the highest ranking member of the settlers, and your dwelling has been erected in advance of your arrival." Noah felt a shiver of excitement. He would have his own house! He read on. "In addition to the largest of the settlement houses, you have two servants, a young woman who will cook and clean for you, and your manservant. His duties will be to work your fields and any other task you choose to assign him. Yours is the only household able to afford a cow and a chicken coop upon arrival. Your fellow settlers may barter for some of your resources as they get established. Be smart about what you trade. Your male servant will reside in your home. The female servant, for propriety's
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sake, must live with a properly chaperoned family, your neighbors, the Bakers." Noah looked up then and scanned the room. He wondered who his servants were. The instructions went on to explain that they would all depart in a van after they changed clothes, to a field where their covered wagons were waiting. It was then that he opened the box. It was filled with personal items: stockings, boots, shirts and trousers. There was a coarse satchel to pack them in. There was a bible and a small shaving kit; it even included a pocket watch. "Now that everything has been distributed, please choose an outfit from your box. There are two dressing rooms where historical experts are on hand to instruct you with anything that isn't immediately obvious to you. When everyone is dressed and ready, we'll board the van and head out to the wagons." Noah picked up his box and followed the other males to the dressing room on the left. He felt like bouncing up and down with excitement. When the door closed, he picked out an outfit and started to strip, with no trace of shyness. After a few moments, a deep male voice came from beside him. "Excuse me, but you're tying that wrong." Noah looked up. He'd been completely absorbed in what he was doing, and was startled for a moment. "Oh. Am I?" he asked, and then turned toward the other man. His eyes widened as he looked up. And up. He was tall. And shirtless. His shoulders were broad, and his arms were so big. Long, rich brown hair was tied back, a few strands escaping to brush his shoulders. "Are you on the show?" Noah asked. Clearly, this man was changing his clothes, just as the rest of them were, so he wasn't an employee of the station. The man nodded, extending a hand. "I'm Ethan. Apparently I'm to be a manservant." He grinned. "I guess all those hours in the gym will finally be put to a good use." "A manservant? Well, small world. I'm supposed to have a manservant," he said breathlessly. "Um...can you help me with this?" he asked, giving up on the linen neckcloth he was attempting to tie. "Of course," Ethan said, stepping closer. "Perhaps you're my new employer and this is good practice." He expertly tied the cloth, straightening it carefully.
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Noah stared up into his brown eyes. He'd never seen a man as attractive as this one up close. He licked his lips nervously. "You said your name is Ethan?" he asked quietly. "That's my manservant's name." Ethan's smile grew. "Well, what a coincidence," he bowed. "I'm happy to be of service to you, sir. May I know my employer's name?" "Noah. But I guess you're supposed to call me Mister Edwards? I don't have a title or anything, but we get to live in the best house." He was already taking credit for providing such luxury to this man. He smirked at himself. "But don't worry. I'm sure I'll be a fair employer," he added with a wink. He needed to stop himself from flirting with this man. He was surely straight. Ethan finally stepped back and began to pull on his own shirt. "I certainly hope so," he said solemnly. "Because I intend to be the very best manservant you've ever had," he added. "Well, I have no doubt you will, since you'll be the only one I've ever had," he said. He sighed with disappointment as Ethan finished dressing. He pulled on his soft leather boots and looked at himself in the mirror. His brown hair was a little disheveled, and his slender frame looked overwhelmed in the voluminous shirt, but he liked the way the wool trousers snugly fit his long legs. Finally, Noah packed up the rest of his belongings in his sack just in time for everyone to go out to the van. He glanced at Ethan again. "Ready?" he asked, shouldering his bag. "Yes, Mr. Edwards," Ethan answered with a smile. "But I should carry that for you," he added, taking Noah's pack and lifting it effortlessly with his own. Noah chuckled as they climbed into the van. "I could get used to this." He crawled to the back, bench seat as it started to fill up. "Do you know anything about horses? I assume we'll be making the trip together, too, yes?" Ethan nodded. "So I would assume. And yes, I grew up with horses. How about you? Do you ride?" he asked as he settled next to Noah. Noah blushed. "No. I was on a pony once when I was a kid, but, no. I'm from the city. We didn't have horses on the lower West Side." He couldn't wait to immerse himself in this adventure. He wanted to see the wagon. He wanted to see the house. He wanted to get to know the rules, and Ethan. It was a twenty-minute ride. Five covered wagons waited in a field, as well as a Range Rover with the camera crew.
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"We're here," Noah said with quiet wonder in his voice. He opened the book and flipped through it. "Does it say how far we have to go in the wagons?" he asked. Ethan shook his head. "No, but I'm assuming it's going to be at least a day or two. To give it some realism." He smiled over at Noah. "How did a city boy get involved in something like this?" They started filing out. "I'm kind of a history nerd," he joked. They all reassembled outside and another television station official began to instruct them. Maps were passed out, and it was explained that the camera crew would be following them. They were instructed to only pay attention to the cameras when directed to. The rest of the time they were to behave as if the camera wasn't there. Noah was shown to his wagon, and Ethan was meant to follow. In a moment a young woman approached. She curtsied and giggled. "Hi, I'm Rebecca. I'm your maid, but I'm supposed to travel with the family I'm staying with." Noah smiled at her. "Very good, Rebecca. See you at the settlement, then." He was just as happy to see her skip off to another wagon. He only hoped she could cook. Other than that, he was content to be alone with Ethan. He climbed up into the wagon. Ethan watched her go, then turned to Noah. "She seems nice," he said, lifting their packs into the wagon. He sat next to Noah on the hard wooden bench. "Hmm? Oh, yes," he said, looking over the reins. "That, one horse can really pull all of this?" he asked, looking back at the small prairie schooner. "I suppose so," Ethan replied. "I'm sure the animal protection people would be all over the show if they were mistreating animals." He picked up the reins. Noah felt instantly relieved.. He had been secretly hoping that the whole manservant thing extended to doing the driving. He spread the map over his knees. "It seems like we go straight west for about thirty miles, then turn northwest for about ten. There are some landmarks, and it looks like part of it is an actual road." He showed Ethan where he was looking on the map, and he realized that the rest of the wagons seemed to be waiting for them. He looked around at them. "Oh...well...seems we're in the lead." Ethan grinned. "I guess we'd better get moving then! Don't want to hold up the whole show." He gave the reins a quick tug, getting the
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horse's attention, urging him on with a clicking sound. The horse grudgingly moved off. Noah was beside himself with excitement. It was a beautiful day and riding across the countryside in a covered wagon really made it feel like they were in the past. There was nothing to do but talk, so he smiled at Ethan. "So what made you want to come on this adventure?" he asked. "I'm a history professor, actually," Ethan responded. "I'm on sabbatical, and this is a research project for me." He grinned. "Not to mention great publicity for the university." Noah was instantly impressed. "Oh. Well then, I hope you know all sorts of handy things that will help us get through this!" He beamed at him. "I feel well cared for already." "I certainly hope so," Ethan agreed. "Though I suspect the knowing and the doing are a little different. But that's what I'm here for." He leaned closer. "And to serve you, apparently." Noah's eyes widened slightly. "Lucky me," he said softly. He touched Ethan's arm, playfully squeezing a bicep. "I suppose you'll do," he teased back. He couldn't imagine that Ethan was really flirting with him, but it would be nice if he were. Even as excited as he was about the trip, and the settlement beyond, he could barely take his gaze off the other man. Though he wasn't traditionally handsome, Ethan was certainly attractive, especially when he smiled. Ethan laughed, and urged the horse on faster. "So you said you're a history nerd. I can certainly relate to that. What do you do? Are you a student?" "Yes, well, sort of. I went to college for a couple of years, but then I took some time off. I sort of started a computer consulting company and it got busy, but I'm going to go back to school eventually." He shrugged his shoulders. He didn't really have a passion for computers, but he was good at it. Ethan nodded. "So is this," he waved his hand, indicating the wagon and the others, "Your favorite era of history? Is that why you decided to try out for the show?" "I don't know that I really have a favorite. Of course I love revolutionary, civil war, all that, but I do like periods of history that aren't necessarily associated with violence. I mean, I know the settlers faced a lot of violence with the Native Americans, but I like it when not everything is about body counts and pistol technology, you know?" He
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colored slightly, thinking Ethan must find him very nerdy. But then if he was a professor of history, perhaps he shared Noah's passion. "I know what you mean," Ethan nodded. "I always hated history lessons that were all about the battles and numbers. The people. That's what makes history come alive for me. And now we're going to know, just a little, what it was like!" His enthusiasm was evident in his tone. Noah felt instantly comfortable with Ethan. They talked for the entire journey. When they finally reached the settlement, everyone was tired from the long trip. But Noah felt a renewed sense of excitement when he spotted the houses and picked out his own. It was larger than the other three buildings. It had two big rooms and a loft. There was also a small paddock and stable in the yard, a chicken coop, and a cow munching on fresh hay. The entire community pitched in to unload the wagons, lending a hand to each other after their own burdens were safely stowed away. The two other families who had horses asked Noah's permission to stable their animals in his shelter. It was long after dark when they finally had a quick meal and settled in for the night. Noah noticed that there was only one bed. He closed the door and looked at Ethan. "Um...does the book say anything about this?" he asked, taking a seat at the small table to riffle through the pages. Ethan came over to where Noah was sitting and leaned over his shoulder to read. "I'm sure the manservant is supposed to be close by," he mused, and glanced around. "Perhaps in the loft?" he asked, pointing up. "Is there a bed up there?" Noah asked, looking up, then stood, brushing against Ethan's shoulder. He turned away abruptly and climbed up the ladder to the loft, peeking over the edge. "Oh," he looked down at Ethan, still standing on the main floor. "It's not much. More like a pallet than a bed, really." Ethan shrugged. "I'm sure it will be fine. I can sleep anywhere. It's one of my many talents." He flashed a grin up at Noah. Noah pouted, wondering about his other many talents, and started to climb down. "But that's like you getting the top bunk," he said with mock-petulance. "I suppose I should take my rightful place in the big luxurious bed, since I'm the lord and master, after all." He grinned and rolled his eyes as he stepped to floor again, before suppressing a yawn. "I hardly did anything today, and I'm exhausted." "It's the fresh country air," Ethan declared. "Early to bed and early to rise and all that."
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Noah nodded. "Yes, yes. I suppose we'll be up at dawn sorting things out." He smiled. "Um, I guess, thanks for everything." He gave Ethan a wave, then slipped off to his room. There was no door to it, so he just started to undress for bed. When he got his shirt off, he popped his head out the doorway. "Oh...we're not supposed to pray at night or anything, are we? I mean, I know the whole church on Sunday thing is mandatory..." Ethan already had his shirt off and was starting on his pants. "I hope not," he said. "Because I don't think I could manage it." Noah pulled one of his boots off, hopping on one foot as he stood in the doorway. "I think the Sunday service is some ridiculous length of time, though. Like three hours or something. Will I get in trouble if I fall asleep? I'll bet it would be historically accurate." He grinned as he balanced on the other foot to pull off the other boot. Ethan laughed. "Your manservant will be there to discreetly nudge you awake." He watched Noah for a moment. "Would you like some help?" he asked. Noah stood, stocking feet on the rough, cold wood floor. He looked down at himself, half-dressed as he was. "Um, I don't think you have to be a valet, too, do you?" He wasn't sure about the nightgown. It seemed kind of thin. Ethan was silent for a moment, then said, "I'll be whatever you need me to be." Noah looked at the other man. He looked like some sort of Greek statue of a god or a warrior in the low candlelight. "That might be a tall order," he said quietly. "I'm up for anything," Ethan said seriously, looking into Noah's eyes. "Just say the word, Mr. Edwards." Noah's mouth was suddenly dry. "Can I, um...I need to say something off the historical record, and I hope it doesn't upset you, but since we'll be in such close quarters, I think it's only fair. I'm gay. So, now you know I might be interpreting things you say totally wrong. Anyway, I just thought I should tell you. You know, it's not like I intended to come out all over the place. Or have it, have any impact on you or the show." He had to put his hand over his mouth to stop himself from babbling any more than he already had. Ethan regarded Noah with a steady gaze. "I kind of figured that out," he said, after a moment.
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Noah felt a weird mixture of relief and disappointment. "Oh. Okay, well, I just thought you should know," he said quietly. "Um, see you in the morning, I guess." "Sweet dreams," Ethan said, before turning away to climb the ladder to the loft. He paused once to look back at Noah, but didn't speak, then continued to the top. Noah sighed and took off the coarse trousers, then the soft cotton boxer-like garment that protected his skin. He pulled the loose nightgown over his head and slipped between the plain cotton sheets. All in all, he was happy with the day. It was exciting and he was looking forward to so many things. As long as Ethan was friendly, it was better than he'd hoped for, really. He blew out the candle and almost instantly fell asleep. **** Ethan woke quickly, as he usually did, but he was confused about where he was. The bed was harder than he was used to, and the quality of the light was different, as were the smells. Then it all rushed back to him. The show. He'd dreamed about it so many times since he'd gotten the acceptance letter that it was hard to believe it was really happening. He sat up and stretched, smiling to himself, as the rising sun peeked through the slats on the window. He didn't know just when the camera crews would start filming, so he pulled on his pants and shirt. He ran a hand through his hair, tying it back again before climbing down the ladder. He glanced at the bed where Noah still slept, and he hesitated. He hadn't reacted when Noah had admitted he was gay. As he'd said, he'd already figured it out. No, he'd hoped he was. Because Ethan was attracted to the slim young man. He was bisexual, though he'd never admitted it to anyone else. Except the couple of guys he'd actually slept with, if admitting constituted hot sex against a wall in a club, or a bathroom. That was the extent of his experience with men, but he knew what he liked, and Noah was it. The younger man was slender, almost fragile looking, with features delicate enough to belong on a girl. Noah's dark, almost black hair was wispy and framed his face, with expressive pale gray eyes and the most sensuous mouth he'd seen on a person, male or female. Ethan was well on his way to being smitten by Noah, and he didn't know what to do about it. The few brief encounters he'd had with men had been scorching hot, but he hadn't had to initiate them. They'd just
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happened. He'd had girlfriends, of course, so he knew about relationships. But to combine the two? A relationship with a man? He had no idea. Not to mention that their lives were not their own right now. It was all so complicated. He sighed and walked over to the bed. He should wake Noah; it would be his job as manservant. He reached out slowly, feasting his eyes on the pretty boy, his face relaxed in sleep. He put his hand gently on Noah's shoulder, and whispered, leaning close, "Time to wake up." Noah's eyes fluttered open and he looked up at Ethan blearily for a moment before he started to truly wake. "Oh," he said softly, leaning up on his elbows. "I haven't overslept, have I?" he asked. He rubbed his eyes. "I slept like the dead." Ethan smiled. Noah looked adorable like this. "No, it's barely dawn. You didn't oversleep." He kept his gaze from straying down Noah's body, but just barely. "I can make you some coffee, but I suspect Rebecca will be here soon to make your breakfast." Noah pushed the covers back and sat up properly. "No sign of the cameras yet?" he asked, raking his fingers through his hair. "I guess we have to get fresh water from the stream if we hope to wash at all. I wonder if digging a well is really hard." "Well, I think I'm going to find out," Ethan grinned, stepping back regretfully. He wondered if he should have said something last night when Noah had made his admission. But he'd been so surprised that the words hadn't come to him. Well, they were going to be living in close quarters for a while. He had time. "Shall I go fetch you some water to wash with, sir?" he said formally, but with a smile. "Wow. You know, I wasn't expecting that being the boss of someone would be so difficult. But yeah. We need water." He squirmed. "I wanna get dressed before the girl gets here, you know?"' Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Of course, sir." He bowed slightly. "I shall be right back." He shot a grin at Noah and went to get the metal pail. Before he went out to get the water, he realized he should get a fire going, for warmth and so Rebecca would be able to cook. He smiled at the simple pleasure of the crackling flames. He stepped outside; the morning air was bracing and it was easy to pretend he really was living in that time period. He could just smell the smoke of cooking fires as he made his way to the stream. It was easy to pretend, that was, until he caught sight of the camera crew. They
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followed him for a while, but he ignored them as he was supposed to, splashing some crystal clear, ice cold water on his face from the stream before filling the bucket and carrying it back to the house. Rebecca was just arriving at the house as he returned. She was standing by the small fenced yard at one side of the house, eyeing the chicken coop warily. She turned to Ethan when she spotted him, looking relieved. "Do you think I need to see if there are any eggs in there?" she asked. Ethan bit back a sarcastic reply; the cameras were hovering nearby. "I think you ought to, yes," he replied. "If you'd like some help, I'd be glad to. Just let me get this water inside to Mr. Edwards." Rebecca looked completely lost, and he wondered briefly just why she was here. Aspiring actress maybe? Rebecca smiled and thanked him for his offer, then hesitantly slipped inside the gate to the yard on her own. Ethan went into the house, and hesitated when he saw Noah standing there, shirtless, his upper body pale and perfect. He wanted to put his hands all over him. He swallowed and forced his gaze to Noah's face before speaking. "Sorry for the delay. I believe Rebecca is afraid of the chickens." He brought the water closer to Noah. "It's ice cold, sorry. I'll just warm some over the fire for you." "Oh, that's okay. I don't mind," he said, waving Ethan into the room. "I thought I might try to take a dip in the stream a little later. I just want to not smell. Do you think there's anything we could use to make some sort of tank so you don't have to go down there every morning?" he asked. Ethan considered. "Possibly. But I think it would have been traditional to draw fresh water every morning. I don't mind." He poured some of the cold water into a basin for Noah, then took the rest over by the fire. He resisted glancing back at Noah's half-naked body. He was Ethan's idea of perfection in a man. Noah washed quickly, and in a few moments, joined Ethan in the main room, for the most part properly dressed, except for the neck kerchief. "Do you think you could help me with this again? I'm determined to puzzle it out eventually," he said with a sheepish grin. "But since we have a meeting with everyone, I thought I should have it done right." "No problem," Ethan said, approaching Noah. When they were this close, the difference in their size was most apparent. Ethan was easily six
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inches taller than Noah, and much broader. He felt the tingle of impeding arousal as his fingers brushed against Noah's warm skin. He could just imagine taking the smaller man into his arms and pressing their bodies together. He realized he was gazing into Noah's eyes as he finished tying the cloth. "I got three eggs!" Rebecca said, stepping in the door triumphantly. She bustled past the two of them, seemingly unaware of the mood in the room. "Can I use some of this water for porridge?" she asked, putting the eggs carefully on the table and pulling her little guidebook out of her pocket. "Of course," Ethan said smoothly, stepping back as he gave Noah's tie a last adjustment. "Do you need any help?" He didn't want her to inadvertently poison Noah. He glanced over his shoulder at Noah, giving him a smile. Noah's own book was still on the table where he had put it last night. He took a seat and propped one booted foot upon the opposite knee. "I'll just sit here and wait to be fed, then," he said, grinning. He picked up his book and started flipping through it. Ethan did his best to help Rebecca; she seemed to get the hang of things, but slowly. They all managed to have something to eat, and the camera crew filmed part of it. It was actually getting easier to ignore them, to Ethan's surprise. He'd thought that would be the hardest part of the show. The crew soon melted into the background. He hoped he wouldn't get too complacent about it though; it could be embarrassing. After breakfast, the three of them headed to the building that doubled as a chapel and meeting house. It was just one small room, and they had to squeeze inside to fit. One of the other men in their group stood at the front and a cameraman stayed in the doorway, filming the proceedings. "Though it be small, our community needs leaders, one secular, one spiritual. We have been charged with voting a week from today for a town mayor. As I have some experience at it, I am offering myself for the position of minister. If anyone has any objection to this, please speak freely." Ethan watched as the speaker, an older man with a receding hairline and wire-rimmed glasses, spoke. People shuffled around, still getting accustomed to their unfamiliar surroundings, and no one seemed to object. He kept glancing over at Noah, who was taking everything in with wide eyes.
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The rest of the meeting set down some community guidelines. There was a book, apparently, of some basic legal points that were in force at the time of the historical period they were living. Noah paid attention to every detail. When the meeting broke up, they went about their work. There was much involved in starting a settlement, and everyone had agreed to take a week to get accustomed to his or her routine before embarking on more complicated civic projects. **** The first order of business was to establish the crops. Noah's property was beside the most fertile piece of land, so they set to work tilling the soil to prepare it for planting. Of course this was Ethan's burden to bear, but Noah did what he could to help. By evening, Rebecca had prepared a stew with the cured meat they'd been given to start with. Noah was relieved when she finally left for the night. He sat at the table with his book. One of the cameramen was hovering in the doorway again, but Noah ignored him. "I hear they're taking away our books at the end of the week," he said casually. "We'll be truly on our own then." Ethan came over and sat at the table. He'd already ripped a shirt and was trying his best to mend it with a bone needle and coarse thread. "I would have thought you'd have it memorized by now anyway," he commented, smiling. Noah smiled sheepishly. "I'm doing my best. Have you read the whole thing through? Everyone's is different." He felt much more relaxed with just Ethan there, even if the other man wasn't attracted to him. He felt protected.. "Only about a hundred times," Ethan laughed. "I'm a little obsessive about these things. I'm sure you understand." He took a deep breath and smiled. "I'm really enjoying this so far. How about you?" "All that plowing today wasn't too much for you?" Seeing Ethan out in the field, shirtless and glistening in the sunshine was torturous, but in a good way. "Actually...I loved it," Ethan admitted, blushing faintly. "I felt alive, you know?" Noah had to make a concerted effort to try to speak more authentically. He was used to slang words, but he wanted to really immerse himself. "I do know what you mean," he said, smiling back. He'd been hard-pressed not to ogle Ethan as he prepared the land for planting. "We must all participate tomorrow, even myself, so that we
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may sow all our seeds. Rebecca will need to lend a hand for part of the day, as well." "Then we're in trouble," Ethan muttered under his breath, and looked around quickly, but the cameras had gone. "I found the physical labor...cathartic." Noah smiled. "Like working out?" he asked. He could tell that Ethan was a very physical person. He let himself imagine what it might be like to be with him, and he had to shake himself. He drew a ragged breath. "Not exactly. Working out is so narcissistic. A means to a selfish end. The plowing was...I don't know. Altruistic somehow." He ducked his head, grinning up at Noah. "Am I making any sense? It was more meaningful." Ethan's smile was so utterly adorable, it made Noah's heart flutter. "Yes. I understand what you mean. Even though, to some extent, this entire thing is something of a vanity, but in the short term, we do need to feed ourselves." Ethan nodded. "I know this sounds silly," he began. "But I always felt like I was born in the wrong time. Not that I'm anti-technology or anything. I just...feel like I don't fit in sometimes." "I know exactly what you mean. I feel that way, too. Sometimes," he looked down, embarrassed to admit it. "Sometimes I've thought I might like to move someplace like Alaska or Montana or someplace that still has a wilderness and make my own way like this. Just live simply and appreciate and enjoy life. But I don't necessarily want to be completely isolated from other people. I just want, oh, I don't know." He shook his head, frustrated by his inability to express himself. Ethan smiled and reached out, gently putting his hand on Noah's. "You don't have to explain it to me," he said. "I understand. Really." He gazed into Noah's eyes. Noah bit his lip. If only Ethan was gay, too. He was stunningly dreamy. He was everything Noah could ever want. He sighed wistfully. "Yeah. You really do, don't you?" Ethan nodded and squeezed Noah's hand. "This is going to sound odd, but I'm really glad it turned out this way. That we're together, I mean. We're going to have lots of fun." "Me, too," he said quietly. "I wasn't expecting to find someone that I had so much in common with." Now if only they had just one other thing in common. But Noah knew it was pointless to hope for that. He wasn't
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here to hook up. He was here to have the experience of a lifetime, living part of history. Ethan was silent for a moment, then he smiled. "We should get some sleep. Lots of work to do tomorrow." He squeezed Noah's hand one more time before standing up. "And I think by tomorrow I'm going to have to test out the water in the lake. I'll need a good scrubbing by then." "Mm, a bath sounds wonderful," Noah agreed. They shuffled off to their respective beds and slept soundly through the night, undisturbed by cameras. **** The next day was indeed a long one. Rebecca took care of food and any laundering that had gotten dirty so far. She joined them in the garden when she was finished with her duties, and they all spent the day planting. By nightfall, they stopped and ate again. Noah thought it was a good occasion to treat everyone with some of the ale they'd been provided from one of the casks as a reward for a hard day's work. When Rebecca left for home, Noah stood in the doorway, watching her leave. "Full moon tonight," he commented. Ethan approached from behind Noah and looked out past him. "Almost bright enough to read by," he observed, then after a pause he added in a low voice, "Or swim by." Noah turned his head and grinned at Ethan. "I was just thinking the same thing. And it's warm enough. I bet the water isn't even that cold yet." He felt another little flutter of excitement again. "Great minds think alike," Ethan smiled down at Noah. Then he said, "Though, we have no bathing suits. I don't have a problem with it...if you don't." He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I doubt the settlers worried about such frivolous luxuries as bathing suits, did they?" he asked, an impish grin on his face. He stepped out the doorway, stuffed his hands down into his pockets, and started to stroll down the still indistinct lane. The lake was at the mouth of the stream, half a mile beyond the settlement. Noah glanced over his shoulder to be sure Ethan was following. After a moment, Ethan caught up to Noah. He looked around. "Do you suppose the camera crew has retired for the night?" he asked in a conspiratorial tone. Noah raised his eyebrows. "Not sure. They've been up pretty late before, but I don't think they'd deliberately film us without our clothes
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on, would they?" he asked. It was an innocent enough adventure. They were only trying to bath , after all. Ethan snorted. "Not unless they want to raise the ratings of the show a little higher," he replied. "Of course, you never know." He glanced around as if to see if they'd been followed. The lake was just coming into view, glittering in the moonlight. Noah shrugged. "Well, it's not like they're very good at hiding, in any case. I don't see them anywhere, do you?" They hiked to the line of trees surrounding the lake and stepped through to the grassy shore. There was a convenient sizeable boulder, and Noah pulled off his shirt, draping it across the rock. The night was slightly chilly, but not enough to discourage him. He leaned against the rock to yank off his boots one at a time. Ethan shed his clothes quickly, on the other side of the large rock. "No sign of them," he said. As Noah slid his trousers down his legs, he glanced up and saw Ethan looking at him. His heart skipped a beat and he wet his lips. It almost seemed like the other man was admiring him. But surely it was just wishful thinking. "Something wrong?" he asked, struggling to keep his own gaze above Ethan's shoulders. "No. Not at all," Ethan murmured. He looked at Noah a moment longer. "I hope there's no biting fish in there," and continued toward the water's edge. The moment Ethan's gaze was diverted, Noah feasted his eyes on the other man's magnificent body. He could barely stop himself from gasping when he finally allowed himself to peek at Ethan's cock. He looked away instantly, blushing a little as he, too, stepped into the shallow water. "It's not so bad," he said, taking a few steps more until he was immersed to the thighs. Ethan yelped from the cold as he ducked himself under to the neck, then stood up again. "Not so bad after you go numb," he laughed. "It does feel good to get clean though." He turned to Noah again, not hiding his gaze. "The moonlight suits you," he said softly. Noah gasped then, and blushed. He dove into the water, and surfaced right next to Ethan. He pushed wet hair back off his face. "Thanks," he said breathily. "You, too." He shivered from the cold water. Ethan moved slowly closer, staring right into Noah's eyes. "Such a romantic setting," he mused. "It would be a shame to waste it."
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"I...w-what do you mean?" Noah asked . Ethan definitely seemed to be flirting. Hitting on him, even. But he was straight, wasn't he? Even so, his body started to react to the other man's closeness. Ethan stopped about a foot away from Noah. "I mean, this sort of scene usually calls for a kiss, don't you think?" he breathed, looking down at Noah. Noah whimpered. "Yes, but I thought you were straight," he said. He was confused, but he certainly wasn't going to turn him down. "Did I ever say that?" Ethan responded gently, reaching out to nudge a damp strand of Noah's hair out of his eyes. "But I thought, when I said I was and you didn't…" He was breathing faster, and trembling slightly now. "I guess I just assumed." He took half a step closer to Ethan. "You are?" Ethan shrugged. "I'm bi," he said. "Just not as open about it as you. Being a teacher and all." He licked his lips. "And just because you're gay, well, that didn't mean you were into me." Noah laughed. "No, but having a pulse means I would be into you," he said, smirking. He felt a little less bewildered now. "So are you saying you want to kiss me, Ethan?" he asked, tilting his head. "Oh, I want to do more than kiss you," Ethan breathed, tracing his fingertips down Noah's slender neck. "But that'll do for a start." Noah reached out and braced his hands on Ethan's broad shoulders. He leaned in and pressed his lips against Ethan's, his eyes drifting closed. He hummed as he thought about what else Ethan might want. Ethan kissed back immediately, hands coming to rest on Noah's hips under the water. He parted his lips, tongue begging for entry to the smaller man's mouth. Noah didn't deny him. He opened his mouth , inviting Ethan in. His hands slid around Ethan's shoulders and their bodies brushed against each other under the water. Noah could feel Ethan's arousal and it made him moan, low and deep. Ethan accepted, sweeping his tongue gently inside Noah's mouth, caressing. His hands traveled up Noah's back, sealing their bodies together. Noah was sure he'd never had a kiss that made his toes curl. His fingers slid into Ethan's damp hair, and he pressed against him needily. He was falling for this man. The thought was pure and clear and true. He was in love. But it was too soon. They had so many weeks ahead of
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them, hiding what they felt, and he didn't even know if Ethan really liked him, or just wanted him. Ethan groaned into Noah's mouth, and his hands dropped to the smaller man's ass. He pulled Noah up, lifting him easily, until Noah could wrap his legs around his waist. Noah clung to him with arms and legs. He whimpered, finally breaking the kiss to gasp for breath . "Oh, God," he whispered. Ethan smiled back, panting. "Yeah. Just what the scene needed." His large hands were on Noah's firm ass, and his hard cock nudged at Noah. "God, you're fucking beautiful." Noah smiled. The way Ethan said it sounded so perfect. "I'd sort of given up hope," he said. "But we're kind of in a really awkward situation now." He ducked his head in and tasted Ethan's lips quickly again. When the kiss ended, Ethan grinned. "Doesn't feel awkward to me," he said, tracing fingers down Noah's cleft. "No, more like perfect." Noah gasped and his eyes widened. He moaned. "Oh, that..." He rested his head on Ethan's shoulder, panting against his neck. "Ethan, how can we?" It was difficult to think when Ethan touched him like that. He rocked his hips against him. Ethan continued to touch him intimately, murmuring, "We'll just have to be careful, that's all. Because I need you, Noah. So badly. Feel how much I need you." He rocked his hips so that his hard cock slid along the cleft of Noah's ass. "We can't tell anyone," he warned. He nuzzled into the crook of Ethan's neck. "I want you, too." He was truly aching for him now. Just a few hours ago he was sure Ethan was straight and had no interest in him. Now, they were making out and touching and discussing how they could sneak around behind the backs of the cameras. A dream come true. "No. No one needs to know. It'll be hard, but," Ethan grinned at the pun. "It will be like we're in high school. Sneaking around behind our parents' backs." He captured Noah's mouth in another scorching kiss. Noah whimpered into Ethan's mouth. It had been such a long time since he'd really kissed anyone like this. If ever. He couldn't remember such hot aching need. He broke the kiss again. "But I don't have condoms. They didn't let you bring anything, and I didn't really think I would need them, anyway." "Shit," Ethan hissed, frowning. "Yeah. Didn't think I'd need them, and they would have been against the rules anyway. Fuck." He rocked
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against Noah. "I guess we're just going to have to do things that don't require them." Noah bit his lip. "We should get out of the water." Noah felt chilled. "And go back to our house. And I think I need to inspect your sleeping quarters, Ethan. I can't have my servants not making their beds," he said gravely. "Absolutely, Mr. Edwards," Ethan said, carrying Noah back toward the shore. "Shall I carry you back as well?" Noah giggled. "No. What if a cameraman is out wandering around?" He wriggled against him, but he was grinning. He kissed him quickly again, feeling a kind of shy affection. Noah didn't have a lot of experience, but he felt like he wanted to do nice things for Ethan. He wanted to kiss him and touch him and be with him. "Then he'll get an eyeful," Ethan said, waggling his eyebrows. But he set Noah down gently, and his gaze raked over him. "I think the sooner we get back to the house, the better," he purred. Noah pulled on his clothes quickly, fumbling a little with the dry fabric on his wet skin. He sat on the rock to pull on his boots. "I have to agree with you," he said, not hiding the fact that he was ogling Ethan right back. The walk back to the house seemed to take forever, and Ethan kept his distance the entire way. He opened the door for Noah, and then shut it securely behind them. "See any cameras?" he asked, looking around. Noah laughed. "You think they hid some in here?" he asked. "It said in the original papers that they wouldn't film 'strictly personal' spaces, like bedrooms, unless they are invited. We just can't let on." Noah smiled shyly and took the candle from the table. He started up the ladder. He hadn't actually been in the loft yet, and he was excited about that, because of what might happen there. Ethan waited until Noah was off the ladder, then climbed up. The space was small, but they didn't need much room. He pulled his shirt off and said, "Now where were we?" Noah scooted over to the lumpy little bed. He kept his head ducked under the slope of the roof as he started to strip again. "I think we were both naked and you were groping me liberally," he said in a hushed voice. Ethan nodded as he squirmed out of his boots and pants. "That's pretty much the way I remember it too," he agreed. "Except this time I'm going to be on top of you, pretty Noah." He waited for Noah to be ready.
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When Noah was naked again, he lay back, hard and panting. He watched Ethan's every move. He couldn't wait to feel his bare skin against his own again. He couldn't wait to kiss again. "Okay," he said. Ethan moved closer, slowly. "You're so beautiful," he repeated as he pressed against him, half on top. He reached out one hand and touched Noah's chest, tracing lightly down to his belly. "Do you really think that?" Noah asked. No one had ever called him beautiful before, and he liked it. Ethan made him feel beautiful. "I think you're the sexiest man I've ever laid eyes on," he murmured. "I wouldn't say something I don't mean," Ethan replied. His hand had skipped over Noah's straining cock, and now caressed his pale thighs. "I wanted you as soon as I met you. When I tied your tie for you. I was half hard then." Noah ran his hand up Ethan's arm to his shoulder. "You were?" Noah was amazed. He'd had no idea. He wriggled a little beneath him. "I think you should roll over on your back," he murmured hotly. "And let me show you how much I like you." Ethan moaned and instead rolled on top of Noah completely. "Oh yes? How would you do that? Would you use that sexy mouth on me?" He was much larger than Noah, and it had never been more evident. Noah whimpered. "Yes. Would you like that, Ethan?" he asked. Nothing he'd ever done had been as hot as this. Ethan was everything he could ever want. Ethan groaned, his gaze focused on Noah's full lips. "I think I'd like it very much, to have that mouth on my cock," he breathed. "I'll bet you're good at it too." He rocked against Noah, pushed his arms up over his head, and leaned down to kiss him again. Noah moaned again, letting Ethan pin his arms. The gentle restraint sent a shiver of delight through him. He wondered if there had been any gay settlers, or if it was so taboo back then that men who couldn't deny their nature just remained alone. Either way, he didn't intend to deny himself when he was sure there would never be a man as perfect for him as Ethan. He kissed him back hungrily. Ethan finally pulled back, panting. "If only we had what we need," he breathed. "Then I would spread those gorgeous legs of yours and take your tight little ass." Noah gasped. "Oh, God, I wish." He licked his kiss-swollen lips, tugging lightly at his arms to test Ethan's grip. "I've never been so turned on by anyone, ever."
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"Soon enough, I will take you," Ethan promised. "I'll fuck you so hard you'll scream. Can't wait, baby." His free hand traveled down Noah's body, touching him everywhere. Noah made a needy little sound and arched beneath him. "Ethan, let me suck you." He wanted to see Ethan lose control. He wanted to make him come. Groaning, Ethan relented, rolling off Noah and lying back on the bed. "Do it. Use that pretty mouth. Suck my cock. So hard for you." Noah rolled towards Ethan and wriggled down between his knees. He bent over him and curled his fingers around his large cock. He looked into the other man's eyes as he took the head between his lips. "Yeah, that's it, God, Noah," groaned Ethan, his gaze fixed on Noah's face. "Suck me." His hands gripped handfuls of the coverlet and his muscles strained. Noah sucked as much of Ethan into his mouth as he could. He didn't have very much experience, but he knew what to do. He hoped it was good for the other man. He wanted Ethan to want him for more than just this. Though it had only been a few days, he felt incredibly close to him. Groans and gasps came from Ethan, and he encouraged Noah, "So good, baby, your mouth is so hot, don't stop." He never took his gaze from Noah. Noah soaked up Ethan's encouragement and it spurred him on. He sucked him deeper, stroking firmly with his tongue. He wanted to make Ethan come more than anything, and he bobbed his head quickly, pressing with his lips. His hands moved rhythmically up and down Ethan's thighs as he worshipped his cock. "Noah, oh," moaned Ethan, his voice deep and hoarse. "I'm going to," he gasped. "Going to come." Noah pulled back just enough so that he wouldn't choke when Ethan started to come. He sucked him through it, swallowing, still caressing his skin lovingly. When he was done, Ethan pulled Noah into his arms, panting. "Noah," he whispered, holding him close. "You're amazing." Noah cuddled against him. The words he wanted to say were on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't want Ethan to think him a silly little kid. Not that Ethan was so much older. He just seemed wiser. He nuzzled into the crook of the other man's neck. "It was okay?" he asked quietly. Ethan laughed breathlessly. "So much more than okay." He held him close, hands caressing Noah's skin. "You're so sexy."
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Noah tipped his head back to look into Ethan's eyes. "No one's ever called me that before," he said quietly. He knew he was perhaps naive, but everything Ethan did only made Noah adore him more. Ethan's eyes widened. "What? No one's ever told you how sexy you are?" he asked. Noah swallowed. "No. Is that bad?" he asked. He felt out of his depth. "I've only really had one boyfriend." Ethan caressed Noah's face. "You're sexy and beautiful and sweet, and you should be told that every day," he breathed. His hand slipped well below Noah's chest, and he smiled. "And I think there's something here that needs attention." He wrapped his hand around Noah's cock and stroked. "Oh God." Between Ethan's words and his touch, Noah knew he wasn't going to last long. He was already trembling. "Ethan, feels so good." Ethan stroked firmly but slowly. "I want to hear you moan, Noah. I want to know what you like, what makes you feel good...think about how I'm going to fuck you..." Noah moaned loudly in response to Ethan's words. He wasn't used to being able to just let go. He gripped Ethan's bicep. "God, I want you so much. Want you inside me." His hips bucked forward against Ethan's hand. Ethan stroked faster, purring, "I'm going to be inside you, Noah. Deep inside. Going to fuck you so hard." His thumb brushed over the head every few strokes. Noah's body refused to wait another moment. He arched his back and bit his lip, muffling a scream as he came hard, pulsing over Ethan's fingers. Every inch of his skin seemed to tingle with his release. Ethan stroked him through it, slowing his pace gently. "You're even more beautiful now," he declared, gathering Noah into his arms and holding him tight. Noah had never felt so warm and protected. He cuddled up to Ethan, spent, sated, and deliriously happy. "I love you," he murmured sleepily. He was barely aware that the words had slipped through his lips. Ethan's eyes widened but he smiled. He stroked his hair, gazing down at him. "Wish we could stay here all night," he murmured. Noah made a purring sound, nodding against Ethan's shoulder. "Mm. I know. I guess I should go back to my own bed before I fall
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asleep here," he murmured. He didn't want to leave, but he didn't want to get caught, either. "Unfortunately, yes," Ethan sighed. "I wish I could hold you all night." He couldn't seem to stop touching Noah. Noah regretfully pulled away, kissing Ethan once more before he gathered up his clothes and made his way back down the ladder. **** In the following weeks, they fooled around every chance they got. They took a few risks, and Noah suspected a few of the other settlers knew what was going on, but they never got caught. However, they had yet to have sex. It was a long three weeks later when Ethan cornered Noah behind the barn. No one was nearby at the moment, and he knew by now how much the smaller man liked being pinned by Ethan's larger body. "Guess what," he said breathlessly, already getting aroused. Noah gasped. "What?" he asked, licking his lips. He slid his hands up Ethan's chest. "I have a surprise for you," Ethan grinned. "It's in my right pocket." He moved back just enough so that Noah could get a hand free. Noah smirked. "Dressing 'right' today?" he quipped. He slid his hand into Ethan's pocket and felt around. His eyes grew wide. "Where did you get a condom?" he asked. Ethan grinned triumphantly. He had been so excited to show Noah. "I bribed one of the camera crew," he explained. He'd had to promise the man all sorts of things, including a blow by blow description of the 'girl' he was going to use it on, but he'd gotten two condoms from him. Noah smiled. "How many did you get?" he whispered. His hand lingered in Ethan's pocket, stroking at his hip. "Just two, unfortunately," Ethan replied. "But he promised to get me some more as soon as he can." He leaned in for a quick kiss, then said, "You have plans tonight, Mr. Edwards?" Noah grinned. "It certainly looks like I do now," he said breathlessly. He kissed Ethan lightly on the lips again. Ethan moaned softly. He always looked forward to nighttime when he could touch and kiss Noah. But tonight would be special. Their first time. He couldn't wait. "I love you," he declared. It was the first time he'd said it out loud, though he'd felt it almost from the beginning. Noah gasped. "You do?" he asked.
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Ethan smiled. "I do. And tonight we're going to make love." Nothing had ever felt so right, so perfect. Noah glanced off to the side. "I think someone's coming." He kissed Ethan quickly again and gave him a gentle push away. "And we have work to do, anyway," he added. The hours until they could once again be alone seemed to last forever. Ethan and Noah shared secret glances and the condoms in Ethan's pocket seemed to be calling to him, reminding him of what they were going to do. Ethan spent most of the day hard. Finally, the day drew to a close and they were all alone. Noah came back in from the small pantry with two mugs of ale. He put them down on the table with a smile. "I thought maybe we don't want to rush things?" he asked, taking a seat. Ethan nodded, and rose to make sure all the blinds were closed and the lamps turned off. Only the light of the fire illuminated the scene. Then he sat down and beckoned to Noah. "I think you're a little far away, though," he said. He wanted Noah as close as possible, on his lap. Noah stood up. He carried his tankard to Ethan's side of the table and put it down before settling himself on Ethan's lap. "Better?" he asked, sliding his arms around his neck. "Much better," Ethan breathed. He wrapped his arms around Noah and pulled him in for a slow, deep kiss. He was aching for Noah, but he also wanted their first time to be special and perfect. Noah relaxed against him, kissing back. He drew in a deep, trembling breath, lacing his fingers through Ethan's hair. Although they'd thoroughly explored each other's bodies by now, each touch and caress was still a pleasure. Ethan loved putting his hands all over Noah's slender body, possessing him with fingers and mouth. Now they could do more, and he let himself think about it as he slipped a hand under Noah's untucked shirt. Noah moaned quietly, kissing Ethan's face. He leaned back and pulled his shirt off altogether, draping it over another chair. Ethan touched Noah's pale skin all over, almost reverently. "So beautiful," he breathed. "My Noah." He pulled him closer on his lap, pressing against the other man's thigh with his very hard cock. Noah gasped when he felt Ethan's arousal. He stared into his eyes for a moment. "You're so big," he whispered. "Are you sure it will fit?"
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Ethan licked his lips, tasting Noah on them, and promised, "It will fit. I would never hurt you." He knew he would have to prep Noah carefully. Noah pressed his lips against Ethan's. He kissed him slowly and deeply. The kiss was soft and sweet and full of passion. Ethan knew that soon he would take Noah, but there was no hurry. During the day, it might be difficult for them to be together, but the nights were all theirs. He pulled back from the kiss and took a drink of ale, his gaze never leaving Noah's beautiful face. Noah rested his head on Ethan's shoulder. "I want to touch every inch of you. I want to kiss you all over," he murmured, sucking gently at the side of his neck. Ethan moaned. "You have the most amazing mouth," he said. "Would you like to go to the bed now?" He wanted to feel Noah under him, and not stop this time. Noah nodded slowly. "Let's do it in the real bed this time," he said. "I want to revel in comfort while I'm being ravished," he added. "I like the sound of that," Ethan replied, and stood, lifting Noah easily. He knew how much the smaller man liked his strength; it made him feel protected, he'd told him. Well, he had no problem showing off for his pretty lover, and he carried him bodily over to the bed. Noah held on to Ethan's neck. "I hope you appreciate the fact that you're the first servant to have the privilege to sleep in my bed, Ethan," he teased. Ethan set Noah down gently, and smiled down at him. "Oh, I have no intention of sleeping just now," he purred lasciviously, running his hands all over the pretty man. Noah kicked off his boots and they landed with a soft thunk on the floor. "Oh? And what exactly are your intentions, then?" he asked, stretching his arms above his head. Ethan rid himself of his boots as well, then reached down to unfasten Noah's trousers. "My intentions?" he smirked. He slipped his hand inside. "To fuck the hell out of you, Mr. Edwards." Noah gasped and arched up under Ethan's touch. "Oh, God," he panted. "You want something, baby?" Ethan purred, wrapping his fingers around Noah's hard cock. He couldn't get over how much he wanted this
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man. It was like he'd opened up a floodgate, and all he could think of was taking him. Noah whimpered, nodding. "I want to be naked, beneath you, open to you," he rasped. He reached down and wriggled out of his trousers a little awkwardly. "God, Noah," Ethan moaned, helping him out of his pants. "Need you so much. No one's ever made me feel like this. Like I'd die without you." He pulled off his own shirt, eager, to feel skin against skin. When Noah was finally naked, he reached up and pulled Ethan down, kissing him forcefully. His hand slid down Ethan's chest to the laces on his trousers. He tugged them open, fingers fumbling in the semi-dark. Before the trousers were off completely, Ethan retrieved a couple of items out of the pockets, then he rolled on top of Noah. They'd been naked before, and he'd been on top of the smaller man, but this was different. He was going to take Noah tonight, be with him completely. He was aching for it, and he rubbed his hard cock along Noah's, moaning. Noah's breath hitched and he gazed up at Ethan. "All yours." Ethan reached for the small bottle he'd brought with him. Gonna make you mine," he promised. He sat back, between Noah's legs. "I have to get you ready." Noah spread his legs far apart. He licked his lips, watching Ethan. He leaned up on his elbows. Ethan held up the small bottle. "You don't know what I had to go through to get this. Glycerin is a natural lubricant, condom safe, but luckily also used in making soap." He poured some of the substance out on his fingers and said, "Try to relax." Noah smirked. "How...resourceful of you," he said. Ethan snickered. "Or maybe I just want you so badly I'll do anything," he replied. Gently, he began to prepare Noah, using one finger, then two, finally working up to three. It was still going to be tight, but he would go slowly. Noah lay back, gasping at Ethan's touch. By the time he was nearly done, he was whimpering piteously. "Please, Ethan. I...please, I can't wait..." Ethan slipped the condom on, and applied more glycerin to it. Then he said, "I want to look into your eyes while we make love, baby, is that
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okay?" He liked different positions sometimes, but face to face was the most intimate. Noah nodded. "Yes," he breathed. "However you want me, I'm yours." He held out his arms to Ethan, beckoning him forward. Ethan leaned down and eased between Noah's legs, his arousal nudging at the smaller man's entrance. "Mine," he breathed. "Love you." He reached down to position himself and slowly began to enter him. Noah moaned and pulled his legs up around Ethan's hips. "Love you, Ethan," he panted. He gazed directly into the other man's eyes. "Tell me," Ethan panted, already feeling the tightness of his new lover. "If I hurt you." He slid in as carefully as he could, wanting more than anything to please Noah. Noah bore down, biting his lip. He was panting hard. "You're, God, so big." Entering inch by inch, Ethan sheathed himself inside Noah. "You're so tight," he gasped, trying to hold back. He thrust just a little, gently, to see if Noah was ready. Noah whimpered, tightening his legs around Ethan. "Oh, oh God, unnhhnn, more," he ground out. Noah's words made Ethan even hotter, and he thrust again, deeper, watching Noah's face. "You like my cock inside you, baby? Feel me filling you?" "Yes. Ethan, feels so good. Take me. Ethan. Not fragile." His fingers laced into Ethan's hair and he pulled him down for a kiss. Ethan moaned into the kiss and thrust harder, eyes rolling back from the pleasure he felt. He had to break the kiss because it felt so good. He built up speed and force, always gazing into Noah's eyes, drinking in his lover's pleasure. Noah never looked away. His slim body started to tremble and his panting became more intense, along with the half-choked moans he made with each thrust. "Oh, Ethan, I'm..." His hips jerked up towards his lover. "You're so perfect," moaned Ethan, all composure gone. He knew they both were close, so he quickly reached down to stroke Noah's cock as he thrust. He wanted to drive him beyond all reason. Noah cried out, his body shuddering beneath the larger man. He pulsed over Ethan's fingers, gasping for breath, but never losing eye contact.
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"Oh Noah," Ethan moaned as the smaller man tightened around him. He thrust a few more times before he succumbed as well, whispering Noah's name as he climaxed hard. Noah smiled slowly, his full lips parted, breath coming in little gasps. "I love you," he whispered. He flexed his fingers on Ethan's shoulders, then stretched his arms above his head, relaxing into the mattress. Ethan pulled out gently, removed the condom and set it aside. He'd have to dispose of it discreetly so they wouldn't get in trouble. Then he pulled Noah into his arms and said, "Was it worth the wait, love?" Noah melted against him, closing his eyes and breathing deeply. "Mmmm, yeah," he purred. "Didn't you think so?" "Oh yeah," Ethan replied, fitting their bodies as close as possible together. "I think I'm going to have to get more condoms. Somehow. Because now that I know what it's like to make love to you, I won't be able to resist." Most of all, though, he was so happy to have found someone he was compatible with in every way. Noah grinned up at him. "And how do you think you're going to do that?" he asked. "Won't it be obvious?" "I'll find a way," promised Ethan. "And after the show is over, well, I want to spend all night with you in my arms. I love you, Noah. I want to be with you." Noah looked adoringly at him. "I live in New York City, but I wouldn't mind LA. You have a real job and everything." He kissed Ethan's cheek. "But thank you. It means a lot that you would move for me." "We'll make it work, baby. We have to. Now that I've found you, I'm not giving you up. You're perfect." He kissed Noah softly. "So does that mean you like being bossed around? I can still do that after, if you like," Noah teased. Ethan laughed, and rolled on top of Noah, pinning his arms again. "Or I could boss you. You seemed to like it a lot," he breathed. "Mmm, you think? You make me feel so overpowered," he said quietly. Ethan was beginning to breathe hard again. "You are overpowered, Noah. I can do anything I want to you..." "Careful," Noah warned. "Don't want to use up our last condom already, do you?" he said, eyes twinkling.
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Ethan rocked against Noah, growing hard again. "There's lots of other things we can do," he replied. He wanted to do everything possible with this beautiful man. "Some day soon we won't have to find alternate methods." He raked his fingers through Ethan's hair. "I'm so glad I found you, Ethan." "So am I," Ethan grinned. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." **** Somehow, Noah and Ethan managed to hide their trysts from the cameras and their costars while still spending every possible moment together. But all good things come to an end, and before they knew it, the filming was finished. Ethan had the rest of the summer off from teaching, and to write his paper based on his experiences on the show. Because of that, they'd decided to stay at Noah's place for a while, getting to know each other for real. Ethan looked forward to it, but he was also apprehensive. He'd fallen hard and fast for Noah but he just hoped it wasn't the frontier atmosphere that had done it. He'd flown home to LA to straighten out a few things, but flew back to New York as soon as he could. Still, it was several days apart, and he could barely think of anything but Noah. The six-hour flight seemed like six days, and as he walked down to baggage claim he looked around hopefully for his pretty lover. Noah was waiting by the baggage carousel. He held his cell phone in his hand, glancing from it to the incoming crowd of people. When Ethan finally spotted him, his breath hitched. Noah was wearing faded torn blue jeans and a white button down shirt open over a snug Rocky and Bullwinkle t-shirt. He looked so good that Ethan wanted to kiss every inch of his slender, firm body. He was used to seeing Noah in period dress, and the change was startling. It made it seem all the more real. Ethan gave a little wave as he approached, feeling shy, which he knew was ridiculous. As soon as Noah's gaze fell on Ethan a huge grin broke across his face. He practically ran towards him and threw his arms around his neck. "Hello," he said quietly, a smile obvious in his voice. "I missed you so much." Ethan moaned softly as he held Noah in his arms at last. It felt like months since he'd touched him. Noah's body felt perfect to him. "Missed
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you too," he whispered, though the words seemed inadequate. "God you feel good..." He held him as long as he dared. Noah stepped back, wearing a broad smile. "Let's grab your bags and get out of here," he said quietly. He walked beside the taller man to the baggage carousel. "I'm parked pretty close." "Good," murmured Ethan. He leaned close to whisper in Noah's ear, "I can't wait to show you just how much I missed you." He was already half aroused with his need to touch Noah. He scanned the conveyor for his bag out of the corner of his eye. Noah stayed close, leaning against him a little in the tight knot of people clustered around the bags. He shivered and looked up at him. "I hope there's no traffic," he said quietly. He nibbled on his bottom lip. "If there is, I just might explode," Ethan confided, unobtrusively brushing his fingers over Noah's. Then he brightened. "There it is." He darted forward and grabbed a suitcase, then grinned at Noah. "Let's get out of here before I get us both arrested for public lewdness." Noah giggled a little as he led the way to his small Honda. He unlocked the door for Ethan, and soon they were zooming down the highway into the heart of Manhattan. He parked in the garage of his building, and smiled at Ethan. "I can't believe you're really here," he said softly. Ethan had spent the journey alternately gazing at Noah and trying to keep his hands off him. He was achingly hard now, but mostly he just wanted to feel Noah against him. "I feel like it's been months," he confided, smiling back. "I want to be alone with you, baby. Let's go." Noah smiled, wasting no time. He led Ethan to the elevator, then to his apartment door. He unlocked it with trembling fingers, and finally he stood aside to let Ethan in. As soon as the door closed, Ethan pulled Noah into his arms. It wasn't that he was uninterested in their surroundings. He just couldn't hold back a moment longer. That slim body was what he craved, that sinful mouth...He crushed his mouth to Noah's and moaned softly. Noah melted against Ethan, his slender arms instantly going around his neck. He kissed back, a little surprised squeak coming from his throat. Ethan pushed Noah back against the door, pressing his stiff cock against the smaller man's stomach. His hands roamed all over him. It felt too good to be true.
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Noah moaned aloud, panting softly. "Ethan...I....I missed you so badly. I...there are condoms in my back pocket," he breathed. Ethan was torn. He didn't want their first time back together rushed, but he was so very hard. He could barely think. "Noah...tell me what you want," he whispered. "I want you," he breathed. "But...it would be kinda novel to do it in a real bed." He grinned a little and pointed to a door off the hall. "It's just there." Ethan grinned. "I think I can wait until we get there, then," he replied, panting. "But maybe we'd better hurry." He pulled back, took Noah's hand and led him toward the bedroom. Noah laughed as they stumbled towards the bedroom. He flung open the door and half-dragged Ethan inside. It wasn't a large room, and was dominated by a queen-sized bed with a dark purple comforter. Noah backed towards it and pulled off his shirt and t-shirt with a coy smile. He slipped his hand into his back pocket and pulled out a tube and a foil packet. Ethan groaned as he looked at his half-naked lover. "You have no idea how much I missed you," he breathed, pulling off his own shirt. He wanted to take his time but he was too blinded by lust. He couldn't keep his hands off Noah's body, touching him everywhere, possessively. "My Noah." Noah put the lube and condom in Ethan's hand as he toed off his sneakers. He flicked open the button of his low-cut jeans with his thumb and wriggled out of them. "Modern clothes are really a lot more convenient, don't you think?" he said with a grin. Ethan stilled, and watched him intently. "God, you're fucking beautiful." Noah blushed a little. "You make me feel beautiful, Ethan." He stood naked before him then slowly sat down in the bed. His gaze remained on Ethan as he scooted back, lying down, letting the other man look his fill. "No interruptions this time. No looking over our shoulders, worrying about being found out." Ethan loved Noah's slim pale body; he craved it, and hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. And now here he was. All his. He slowly unfastened his own jeans and slid them off. He hadn't bothered with underwear and his hard cock sprang out, ready for action. "Missed you so much," he breathed.
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Noah's gaze roamed over Ethan's body. He licked his lips and held out his hands to him. "Here I am. I'm all yours," he said quietly. "Love you, Noah," Ethan whispered. He'd never been so sure of anything before. Whatever it took, he needed to be with Noah. He climbed onto the bed slowly, crawling over his lover's body. Noah put his hands lightly on Ethan's face. "Love you, too. I can't believe how lucky I was to find you." "We were meant to be," Ethan agreed. They had so much in common, despite their varied backgrounds. And it had taken a television show to bring them together. He began to kiss his way up from Noah's stomach. Noah's breath hitched. His long, slender arms reached up towards the headboard and his body arched up. "Mmm," he hummed. "We definitely were." His tender feelings were there, but his libido would not be denied, especially when Noah insisted on looking so fucking sexy. He reached the smaller man's throat, kissing and biting. "You were made for my cock," he purred, the cock in question pulsing as he thought about being inside Noah. Noah moaned, and spread his legs apart as if Ethan had requested it. "And I need it so badly, Ethan. I need you inside me," he panted. "Oh, God," groaned Ethan. Noah was simply his fantasy in every way. Slender, pale, dark-haired and perfect. He pressed his cock against Noah, rocking a little. "I ache for you, baby..." He wanted to take his time, but he could barely think past his need. "Please," Noah breathed. "We have time to go slowly later. We have all the time in the world. Need you, Ethan." He stared into his eyes intently. That was all Ethan needed. He thrust up, as gently as he could, and entered Noah with a deep groan. It was the best ever, and they didn't have to hide or be quiet or hurry. "My Noah," he panted as he slid inside. Noah gasped and held on tight with long arms and legs. He smiled breathlessly at Ethan. "Love you," he said, licking his lips. Ethan claimed Noah's body slowly, moaning at the way it felt to be so close to this beautiful man. "Love you too," he whispered. "Missed you so." After weeks of nearly continual togetherness, the forced absence had only served to convince Ethan that he needed Noah even more. Noah murmured Ethan's name over and over with every thrust. His fingernails raked down Ethan's back, as he trembled.
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Ethan couldn't take his eyes from Noah's pretty face. He was so in love with this man and he knew he couldn't live without him. He drove faster, deeper, and the pleasure mounted. Noah's body arched up, straining towards Ethan. He cried out, warning Ethan that he was close. "I...oh Ethan...I'm gonna...pleeeeaassse..." "Do you want to come, baby? Gonna scream for me?" Ethan loved to hear Noah scream for him. Noah nodded, panting hard. "Yes, ohgodyes, Ethan...please. I need to..." Ethan also loved how Noah always asked for permission, though he had never told him to. Somehow, Noah just knew how it would affect Ethan that he was surrendering to him that much. "Yes. You can come," he said, fighting for control. Noah didn't hold anything back. He screamed Ethan's name, coming hard as his body was rocked by the climax. His muscles tensed around Ethan's cock. "Fuck!" Ethan cried out as the pleasure increased. He could only hold back for a moment more as his lover came for him. Then he began to climax, pulsing long and hard. Noah panted hard, relaxing slowly. He smiled up at Ethan. "I'm so lucky to have found you," he said. Ethan moved off Noah, snuggling close. "Not as lucky as me," he breathed, wrapping his arm around the smaller man. He never wanted this to end. Noah shifted closer, melting into Ethan's embrace. He sighed with contentment. "Thank you for coming here. It means so much to me. I never want to leave your side again." "I know we were meant to be. I want to be with you too, forever." Ethan had never felt this way before. "It will be forever. We've lived the past together, now I want to live the future. With you. Only you."
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About the Author Inspired by the important things in life: beauty, love, and passion, Jade Falconer has spent several years writing erotic fiction. The forbidden nature of homoeroticism has been the basis for many megabytes of fiction that has delighted a wide circle of online readers. Please feel free to visit Jade on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/jadefalconer.
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