Around the Pleasure Dome — season 1, episode 12 "Around the buffet table" —

Around the buffet table [season 1, episode 12]

Monday morning — in Lou's bedroom, at the Pleasure Dome

  For a whole week, Chris was treated like a king and a queen, a prince and a princess — all at once, in such ways that no royalty had ever been treated, even in the most ancient, most barbarian times in history... or fantasy — by a devoted, heavy knight with massive muscle tone and no shiny armor, with long dirty blond hair and a full beard, a strong bear and a lover generously thick with red meat, large paws and a ball belly all covered with blond fur — and so much more masculine features that would make a mighty stallion strut with pride in the prairies, or a fierce grizzly bear growl in triumph in the woods.

  It had to be maddening. It had to drive him mad... Ryan didn't say a word, but his lips and tongue were always so active to please Chris, and keep him in a perpetual but delicate balance between dizzy bliss and giddy glee, night and day, at all times — in a constant stream or splash of fire and gold, white wine and juice, honey and milk... Chris could die a happy man, anytime soon, and leave this world with no regrets.

  Sometimes, even behind closed doors, the moans and cries he let out from Ryan's bedroom, by the kitchen on ground floor, were heard by Lou and Guy in their own bed, on the eighth floor, all too distinctly.

  It didn't drive them mad, but it certainly kept them from falling asleep.

– “I swear...” Lou grumbled, his head burried in the pillows. “These two could do more damage to the building's structure than the storm did... What will we tell the insurance company, then?”

– “Let Chris handle this.”

– “Right... It's his fault. It can be his funeral.”

– “I know how it sounds.” Guy chuckled. “And it's no funeral!”

– “What is it, then?”

– “You know... Chris and Ryan got married. It's their honeymoon.”

– “Come on, Guy! that was a fake proposal. They didn't get married...”

– “Does this sound like they're faking it?”

– “Well...” Lou turned and sat up, next to his boyfriend. “For one thing, if this is a honeymoon, I don't think the moon was ever dipped or drowned in so much honey!”

– “So what? You think someone should call the coast guards?”

– “Please! Hawk would turn on the drenchers to make them stop.”

  They had a good laugh, thinking about it, then Guy moved to hold his boyfriend in a tender hug and rub his belly. Lou had grown nicely plump, but the recent days and weeks had not shown much progress.

– “Let's be honest, this newlywed charade isn't what's been keeping you awake at night.”

– “Of course not. I always sleep well, when you hold me like this.”

– “Well, you do and you don't... You're not such a sound sleeper.”

– “Oh? Do I snore when I sleep?”

– “That's not what I meant, but you stir... You toss and turn.”

– “I do?”

– “I don't know. I can only tell that there's something on your mind.”

– “You're right. There's so much to keep us all awake at night... Forget about the building crumbling from so much banging against every wall. How about our business as a hotel and shelter falling apart? How about those attacks from your father in the Press, every day? How about those projects and promises we keep making and don't get to hold?”

– “Come on, Lou.” Guy hugged him tight. “You can't be worried about all this... We keep organizing big events. Every new party has been a bigger success than the previous one. The hotel was fully booked when Chris invited all his friends for their homecoming anniversary. You've told me, you never had so many guests before.”

– “I know...” Lou sighed. “How would you call that a success?”

– “Isn't this how you measure a hotel's success?”

– “The way I see it, we treated them with our best Champagne, and the best response we got was “what refreshing sparkling water” we served. Chris had warned us about them being spoiled, entitled adult babies, but he could have added that they were the worst tippers we've ever met... And don't get me started on the number of towels they stole.”

– “Okay, I get it... You have a point.”

  Lou let out a deep sigh.

– “I'm sorry. I shouldn't be venting like this...”

– “I know how upset you are with the mess they made. So am I. And not just with the towels in the bathrooms, or the rose bushes in our garden.”

– “There was some damage done, all right.”

  Guy had to be thinking about how Ryan was caught in the middle of a very risky situation with one of the alleged “guests of honor” — by none other than his fiancée and her closest friends. Lou was too sensitive and compassionate to talk about it.

– “I get why you would think Ryan is now treating Chris to some sort of werewolf's “full moon honeymoon”. Things could get so much messier.”

– “Oh! I couldn't agree more...”

  There was a hint of bitterness in Guy's voice that didn't feel natural.

– “Tell me, big bear... Is there something on your mind?”

– “There is. You were right about Chris not telling us everything.”

– “About his childhood friends?”

– “Forget about them... I was thinking about some new “friend” of his, or whatever we may end up calling her.”

– “I'm not sure that I'm following you there.”

  It was Guy's turn to let out a deep sigh.

– “Okay... You know how Ryan gets tested on a regular basis.”

– “Of course. That's every time he has an appointment with our partner, doctor Tietsen-Nippels.”

– “And that's when I get to see her colleague, doctor Arranoah... Diego and I are still working together on that marine organic compound that's become such an essential part of Ryan's diet.”

– “A diet that has made him gain over a hundred pounds!”

  Lou's embrace, as he said those words, was truly a sign of success.

– “On and off...” Guy smiled. “We're not done. But that's not the point... Chris also gets tested on a regular basis. Ryan always drives him there, so they get to do their thing, be done with it and come home together. Recently, I've also seen Chris going to the court by the mayor's office, all by himself... It didn't feel right.”

– “There's no secret about it. He keeps telling me how he's still pleading our cause as a hotel and a shelter for homeless teenagers.”

– “I know... I've spotted him talking in the street with members of my father's council, after a meeting or something. Then I've seen him going out with one particular member of that council. More than once... He's been discrete about it, but I didn't even have to follow him to find out.”

– “Okay...”

– “He didn't see me. And I didn't like what I saw.”

– “I bet it's still just legal councelling.”

– “Lou, they were kissing. And he didn't kiss her on the cheek.”

– “Oh...”

– “Trust me on this, Lou. What they were doing behind closed doors may be legal, but you wouldn't want the public to know about it.”

– “You wouldn't want Ryan to know about it...”

– “That's just the thing. I think he knows.”

  Lou turned and looked at his big bearish boyfriend in the eyes.

– “Are you sure?”

– “It's just a hunch, but... Let's face it, Ryan may not understand when you say something important to him, then he's even more intuitive and sensitive than you are. It's just impossible to tell... I bet he could feel it, from the moment Chris started this.”

– “Well... Okay, if this proves to be true, you may be right.”

– “And, if you ask me, that's why he keeps treating Chris like they're on a honeymoon on the South coast of France.”

– “Oh...”

  There was a moment of silence in the bedroom. They heard a sudden, distant splash, from the pool on the terrace, followed by another splash in quick succession. The night air had to be both warm and refreshing.

  It was almost 3AM. Guy leaned to the side and kissed his boyfriend on the lips. Lou responded in such a way that, with a nod and a smile, they turned off the alarm on their clock... They could tell what was going on outside, and there was no reason for them not to enjoy themselves in the meantime.

– “More honey thrown at the honeymoon?”

– “Forget about the moon. These two are busy, busy bees...”

■ ■ ■

Monday morning — in Hawk's bedroom, at the lighthouse

  As he stretched out his arm to reach the plate by the bed and get the last big piece of chocolate brownie Ryan had baked for him, Austin was spread on his boyfriend's bed so comfortably that his belly looked like a dark pillow throwing some serious shade on all the white pillows around him. It made Hawk chuckle.

– “What's so funny?” Austin asked, with his mouth full.

– “I was just thinking about the weather...”

– “Okay... Not sunny, but theres nothing funny about it.”

– “Right. Your belly looks like a mass of dark clouds.”

– “I see...” Austin slapped his own side, contentedly. “BUUUURRRRP!”

– “What's that, young man... Another storm coming?”

– “Heavy weather, all right! Oh, I'm stuffed...”

– “You've been stuffing yourself as soon as you woke up. You didn't even have to move, with all those trays and plates around you.”

– “I know. I like to keep food within reach, before I go to sleep... And when the sky looks grey like this, I don't feel like getting out of bed.”

– “Hey! there's nothing wrong about looking up to a little grey.”

– “Aaaw, okay... Come and roll over with me, grizzly bear.”

  Hawk joined him on the bed. The younger man kissed him eagerly.

– “You know I don't care about the weather... A lazy boy like me always feels cold when he gets out of bed. It's a cruel and cold world outside. There's no need for me to look at dark clouds... You're my silver lining.”

  Austin stroked Hawk's grey hair with his chubby fingers, as he said so, which made his boyfriend melt and shower him with more kisses.

– “You are such a brilliant young man, you know...”

– “I know.” Austin laughed, feeling tickled by Hawk's kisses on his neck.

– “And you are quite a lazy boy, too.”

– “Proudly so! I could go back to sleep right now...”

– “It's almost 10AM. Shouldn't you go back to work?”

– “Work can wait. I'll get back to the kitchen when lunch is ready.”

  Hawk moved from his embrace to sit by the bed.

– “I mean it, Austin. You've grown fatter, and I couldn't be prouder about your awesome weight gain, but you've also grown into a really lazy boy.”

– “These things go hand in hand...” Austin shrugged. “I wouldn't gain weight so well if I kept running, coming and going around all the time.”

– “Let's be honest, I've never seen you run.”

– “When we started dating, I was running all the way up there.”

– “Were you, really?”

– “I don't know. Maybe not... I didn't want to knock on your door looking all sweaty and out of breath. Okay, I guess it was only my heart racing, and that was enough to make me choke.”

  Austin's sweet words were enough to make Hawk agree with him, and let him do as he pleased. He was a really clever young man, and he had that natural charm about him. In a moment like this, Hawk could see the family resemblance with his cousin — except he was in love with Austin, which left him free to call Chris a sneaky snake or a sly weasel.

  The young man took a sideways glance at him, and smiled.

– “You think I'm not pulling my weight, in our line of business?”

– “I know, that's quite some weight. And boy! can you pull it off...”

– “How about you? Pull your shirt off, come back to bed with me.”

  Hawk couldn't help it. Austin was always such a tease.

– “Are you even taking your job seriously?”

– “Of course, I do!”

– “Austin, you're supposed to be the CEO at the Pleasure Dome... What does this mean to you? “Create Excuses Obviously”, right?”

– “No.” The fat boy answered, unphased, as his boyfriend rubbed his full belly. “That's “Check Every Opportunity”, for your information.”

– “Opportunities for what? Slacking on the job?”

– “Call it schedule management, and you may be on to something...”

  Austin felt Hawk's large hands grabbing his waist in a squeeze.

– “Are you telling me that you're actually at work, right now?”

– “I never claimed to be “All work and no play”... Aren't you supposed to watch the coast, right now?”

– “You know I'll be on it in a second, if there's a call.”

– “Right! So we're exactly where we are supposed to be, you and me. You keep watch, and I...”

– “Yes?”

– “I let my stomach work its magic, while my big mouth gets some well-deserved rest.” Austin rubbed his stomach. “So I can grow fatter... and fatter... and fatter...”

  Hawk was definitely aroused by his boyfriend's “bad boy” attitude — it may be harder than expected for him to get back to work. 

  His best choice right now was to play along and tease Austin to get him to listen.

– “I understand... You're working hard on growing soft.”

– “That's right.”

– “When you said “every opportunity”, I guess you meant that you were considering where to go and check next.”

– “Something like that.”

– “Not all opportunities will come to you... Right?” 

  Austin smiled as Hawk lightly poked his side.

– “I'll get out of bed when I have to get more food.”

– “I get it, but... you know what?” Hawk slapped Austin's stomach. “If you had only followed me for a few steps into my office, two hours ago, you would know that your dumb blond best friend has left one mighty big apple pie for you. It looks delicious...”

– “Wait! you knew about this, and you didn't bring it to me?”

  Hawk rolled his eyes. He should have known better.

– “What else did Ryan bring?”

– “The usual, you know...”

  Austin was almost growling. Hawk got out of bed in a hurry, and came back with a magnificent apple pie in one hand, and a large box full of honey-glazed pineapple fritters — his greedy boyfriend's favorite treats in the whole world.

– “And you had the gall to scold me about doing a half-ass job...”

– “Forget about it... Clearly, you put a lot of work on that fat ass.”

– “Get your buns over here! And feed me all these tidbits.”

  Hawk was only too eager to stuff Austin's mouth with such fritters.

– “Hmmmph...” The fat boy moaned with each new bite. “I should be lecturing you, but I'm too busy enjoying myself here.”

– “Lecturing me on what?” Hawk asked with a sarcastic smile, secretely happy that he had just avoided another storm. “Doing our job?”

– “Hmmmph... No... Feeding me isn't your job.”

– “What is it, then?”

– “It's your duty! Duh...”

  And Austin opened wide for another hearty bite.

■ ■ ■

Monday afternoon — in the greenhouse, by the Pleasure Dome

  Diego was more motivated than ever to make his test subject gain and grow. Ryan had lost too much weight too quickly, while he was away... It was clear from the beginning that this “special diet” would have to be closely monitored, but Ryan's recent weight loss was the ultimate proof. In his opinion, it was unacceptable.

  Just the same, Diego's impressive weight gain was mute testimony that his special organic compound should work wonders, in the right hands.

  Once again, after he had coached him for three hours, with the most intense work-out routine followed by a freezing cold shower, he patted the blond jock's shoulder and let him go to work, hazed and confused as usual. Ryan was always easily disoriented — maybe even more so, right now... Diego didn't notice any difference in his behavior. Guy was also used to dealing with him like this, but he knew better.

– “Good workout session, Ryan. Here! have another milkshake.”

– “Okay...”

  Ryan was out of breath. He didn't look particularly thirsty, but he did what he was told to do... Encouraged to drink “faster, faster, faster”, he gulped down the whole shaker in one very long and forceful sip. Guy and Diego knew what would happen next.

– “BUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRP...”

  Diego laughed to see Ryan still blushing about it.

– “I bet you missed these delicious Koast milkshakes!”

  Ryan didn't answer. He was still catching his breath, but that may just be a good excuse for him to say nothing and be polite about it.

– “Now that we have successfully acclimated my Koast compound to still water on a few farm fields, around the Pleasure Dome, I should be able to provide you with a whole new range of products.”

– “Okay...”

– “I have also hired an assistant to do some more research and work in the fields, with me. It's taken some time, but I think we have found the right candidate for this delicate job.”

– “Okay... Good.”

– “Then it's time to put you on a bulking diet again... and for good!”

– “Oh... Okay.”

  Guy folded his arms and nodded, with a broad smile on his face.

– “I don't know what you've been eating, but you just need to get back on track. And eat, and eat... and eat like you mean it!”

  The dumb blond beefcake didn't know what to say, as he was wiping his sweaty brow with the towel from the gym... Guy raised an eyebrow and looked at Diego. It was easier to ask him.

– “How much does Ryan weigh?”

– “262lbs on the scales, this morning, on an empty stomach.”

  Diego sounded disappointed. He lowered his voice, as he kept talking to Guy. It almost felt like Ryan was standing under the spotlights, behind a glass wall, like a specimen of some rare species.

– “That's part of the problem... His stomach should never be empty for more than thirty minutes, from now on. Someone should make sure of it, like... day and night.”

– “That's easier said than done.” 

– “How did he manage to lose so much weight, so quickly?”

– “Oh! we've all been under a lot of stress, lately. We still are... It's not easy for us to make ends meet. We keep getting threats in the mail, and prank calls. Then Ryan is... very active, you know. Active lifestyle. Active everyday life. Active sex life...” 

– “Such a healthy lifestyle should go with a big, healthy appetite!” 

– “I know...” 

  Ryan had to cough to get their attention.

– “Guys? I may be in the dark with what you're planning to do next, but am I standing in the shadows, here?”

– “Sorry...” 

– “What are you two so concerned with? If it's anything like “walking the extra mile”, I'll walk the extra mile.”

– “It's more like “grabbing the extra bite”, but you have a point.” Diego gave Ryan a grateful look. “And boy! do you know your Bible.” 

– “Thats in the Bible?” Guy had to ask. 

– “Forget about the “good book”. Right now, I need you to focus on your cook book, boys!”

– “Okay.”  

– “And Ryan? I insist, you have to work on your appetite!” 

  Guy could tell that his blond friend fought the urge to let out a deep sigh. Ryan didn't want to sound impolite, impatient or disrespectful. 

– “Guys... When you told me to eat big, I tried to eat big. When you told me to cut back, I did what I had to do and tried to cut back. If you tell me to eat more, I'll do my best to eat more.”

– “Are you telling me that all I had to do was to ask for it?” 

– “Well... no. Of course not.” Ryan fumbled with the waist of his gym shorts. “It's never that simple. You know I'm not a glutton... When you watch someone like Austin eat, and eat, and eat, you get to understand what a rare talent it is.” 

– “Oh! that's so true...”  

– “Then I stand corrected, but I also stand by what I said.” 

– “Which is?” 

– “I've told you I would put my best effort into this, and I will.” 

– “In your case, it involves a lot more than eating.”

– “Okay, then... I'm all in for it, coach.”

  Diego was actually moved by Ryan's easy-going and generous attitude, his unflapppable simplicity, his natural sense of discipline and his almost animal good instincts. He couldn't help hugging him, and he whispered a few words of encouragement as he brushed a long strand of blond hair around his ear.

 

– “You'll get back to 300lbs in no time. Then 330lbs... Maybe even more! That's a promise I intend to keep. You're right about this, Ryan. You're not a glutton... but you're a bear!”

– “You want to make me growl as you make me grow?”

– “Yes, please! It's in your nature, and you know it.”

  As he listened to him, Ryan's face lit up with a discrete gentle smile.

– “Let's go for it, then. I want you to put on sixty pounds of red meat in the next three months. With the whole new range of my Koast enriched foods, and some assistance or insistance from your friends, you should get there. That's the kind of effort you'll put into this research!” 

  Diego was done teasing his test subject, with a kiss on his cheek and a few appreciative pats on Ryan's firm but nicely beefy midsection.

– “And I know I speak for everyone at the Pleasure Dome when I tell you to grow a healthy, well-fed ball belly... Three months should be a good run for this kind of bulking diet. We'll see how it goes. We'll see how you grow... Hopefully, you should be quite the man-sized meatball in a few weigh-ins! I'm looking forward to it.”

– “Okay... So am I.”

– “Then you should start with a good Koast candy bar. Now.”

– “Oh...”

  Ryan saw Diego bring a whole duffle bag out of the trunk of his pickup truck and into the greenhouse. As he unzipped it, they understood that it was full of Koast snacks: huge meatball sandwiches, candy bars the size of chocolate éclairs, brownies thick like bricks, large transparent plastic cups full of chicken salad with creamy pasta and some sort of coleslaw, and smaller cups filled to the brim with some sort of panna cotta or flan, or chocolate mousse. Then there was a plastic container with a gallon of milkshake, that took about one third of the room inside the bag...

  That was quite an assortment of highly caloric foods on display.

  Guy immediately understood that he would have to force the blond jock to eat and drink these all day, while they kept working and going on with their usual activities.

– “Keep the bag, Ryan! It should follow you everywhere you go.”

– “Thank you...”

– “You should go through all these snacks on any regular day.” Diego took a candy bar out of the bag, and unwrapped it. “I insist. These are only snacks... You shouldn't forget to eat a hearty breakfast, a healthy lunch and a decent dinner.”

– “Huh... Okay.” Ryan felt like he had to take a deep breath.

– “Try this new Koast candy bar. Eat, and go for it!”

  Diego was naturally curious to know how Ryan enjoyed the new flavors he had been working on. Guy had to hold a chuckle... Ryan was already struggling to get to the last bite of that Koast candy bar. It was just his luck that he heard Lou call him from the hotel. The dumb blond jock left in a hurry, carrying that heavy duffle bag on one shoulder — his opinion could be summed up in one word, loud and clear, even from a distance.

– “BUUUUUUURRRRRRRP...”

  It made Guy laugh, but Diego was serious about his research and his recent findings. The two of them had a lot more to discuss.

– “You've kept yourself really busy, in your ice ponds up North.”

– “Oh! yes. I know... From the looks of it, you would think I was only busy eating to fight the cold, but there was more significant progress.”

  Diego smiled. Guy also smiled when he saw the big, handsome dark-haired bear proudly thump his round belly with both hands.

– “Did you get to lose a little weight?”

– “Only a few pounds, so far... I guess 360 is a round number for a good reason. I am still trying to get my weight down to 350lbs.”

– “Lucky you! I wouldn't try so hard.”

– “Oh! well... Don't worry about it. Now that I've thrown all those tasty snacks at your friend, the temptation should be gone... Then I should be safe wearing these jeans. Right?”

– “I don't see anything wrong with that kind of temptation...”

  Guy listened to Diego's explanation about his Koast products.

– “Metabolic strategies often work in close connection with nutrition and biochemistry. Just think about seals, walruses, orcas, polar bears and so on, how their bodies need some kind of insulation system in frigid waters or in their cold dens... My Cryptophyta Pachyntika Megalophagia organic compound, or “Koast”, stores energy in such a way that, when consumed with rich foods served in frequent and wholesome meals throughout the day, causes a chain reaction to maximise the storage of muscle and fat mass. Then the bigger these meals can get, the better... Our test subject will grow. Heavy, healthy and happy. The whole process fosters thickness and strength in the tissues, optimizing density in terms of subcutaneous cellular space... That's what gave Ryan his bulky build before, and I bet it will work even better now!”

– “Is that how he should grow that ball belly you've mentioned?”

– “Precisely. These results should be verified, but it looks like I'm right.”

– “It certainly does...” Guy muttered, feeling a big jealous.

– “What's wrong?”

– “Did you just compare Ryan to a polar bear?”

– “Did I? When you think about it, a guy like him could easily turn into a really good polar bear, and who would know the difference at first sight?”

– “I guess...”

– “You didn't tell me what was wrong.”

  Diego gave him a playful look. He should act responsibly with Guy... He should look stern, like any doctor — but he couldn't do it with a straight face, when he felt so happy with the new perspectives for his research.

– “You know... I don't want anything bad to happen to your friend, but there's always a risk. It goes without saying. Ryan is actually quite brave in the way he trusts you and me with his “special diet”. If he wasn't so adventurous, I would be tempted to say that he's rather careless... and more than a little dumb!”

– “Well... There's that, of course.”

– “I just need you to remember that Ryan is our test subject. This food is meant for him alone... If we get good results with him, I may consider you as the next test subject, if you decide to apply for it.”

– “Really?”

  Guy's reaction was all too spontaneous. Diego took it well, but he was right to warn his assistant and remind him to be cautious about this.

– “Wait a second...” Guy raised an eyebrow again. 

– “Yes?”

– “You told us that you've hired a new assistant. How about me?”

– “You're still my assistant here. At the hotel. In this greenhouse.”

– “I don't even have a Koast plant to sprinkle with water anymore... All the green we have left in this greenhouse is our ferns and potted palms.”

– “Right! Don't worry about it... I've brought something for you.”

  Diego showed him a few pots of his most recent seedlings.

– “Take a look.”

– “I just did... Four pots. Is that it?”

– “We didn't have much more, when we started.”

– “So this is a new start. I'm back to Square One.”

– “I understand that it won't keep you busy all day.”

– “And I can't follow Ryan everywhere. You already knew this.”

– “I know. I expected this reaction from you, to be fully honest... I have been thinking about a side project for you, that would keep you in the front line of research.”

– “Okay... What is it?”

– “Do you remember how we associated Koast with yeast?”

– “Oh! sure. Who could forget about our “Yeast/Koast” fiasco?”

– “That's because we rushed into it... Now, in its more stabilized form, I am quite confident that we would get excellent results.”

– “So... Koast beer?”

– “Exactly!”

– “Huh...”

  Guy had to think about it. It was quite an appealing daydream for him.

– “And you would let me do my own research on this?”

– “All you have to do is say the magic word.”

– “What, please?”

– “Not that one.”

– “Oh! I know...” Guy chuckled. “Microbrewery.”

  Diego patted his shoulder. They couldn't wait to get to work on it.

– “Does your Koast compound work the same with all the proteins and the natural sugars you've put to a test?”

– “Pretty much.”

– “So it should do wonders with yeast, malt and barley...”

– “And hop!”

– “I'm a grown-up, I don't hop.” Guy teased his teacher.

– “Good for you. There's no loop...”

  The two men bumped fists in friendly agreement.

– “This compound, now acclimated to fresh pond water, on the grounds of the Pleasure Dome, should develop an assimilative capacity that my team estimates about thirty times more efficient than if our test subject was fed the best kind of industrial whey protein all day, with the heaviest caloric intake... I also believe that it will help him eliminate toxins a lot better, burn calories and store their excess with the best results.”

– “How so?”

– “Basically, everything that is necessary for his metabolism gets burned in a more complete way. Then the calories that remain get stored as it is found necessary, packing his muscles with more red meat, and wrapping his body with layers upon layers of protective fat...”

  Guy found himself smiling as he thought about it. Then he had to ask.

– “Is it meant to make him so... burpy?”

– “That's just a harmless side effect.” Diego shrugged.

 

■ ■ ■

Monday evening — in the main hall, at the Pleasure Dome 

  Chris must have been quite busy with the city councilmen in Pleasance, over the last few days. Guy had summed it up quite neatly. Lou couldn't help thinking that his boyfriend's hunch may also be right... They had an appointment with a young woman they had never met, a junior lawyer from Portland, in Maine, hired to represent mayor Cochrane in the many disputes against the Pleasure Dome.

  Lou shook hands with her.

– “Delilah Delauney. Pleased to meet you.”

– “Lu Dang Yūichi... And please, call me Lou.”

– “Then you can call me Lilah.”

  The niceties were over soon enough, once they started discussing the team's project to open a shelter for homeless teenagers in their hotel. It was an important issue for the mayor's office, who was still under fire from critics around Pleasance after the storm.

  Lilah looked like a well-educated and shrewd negociator. She must have discussed some of the easiest arguments against the mayor with Chris, or she had anticipated Lou's comeback. 

  He was still smart enough to surprise her.

– “I am still quite surprised that the mayor's office takes offense at the Pleasure Dome being operated as a shelter. Or did mayor Cochrane give you the usual “Not in my backyard” speech?”

  Lilah nodded. She felt the sting. There was no neighborhood around the Pleasure Dome, whose grounds covered square miles of lawns and hills and forests on a long stretch of the coast. Their closest neighbor on the map, however, was the mayor himself — Guy's parents lived a few miles away, up North, in the family's home and farm.

– “This is not a question about real estate, at this point.”

– “I understand. The mayor's office wants to reject it on moral grounds.”

– “I guess you could say that...”

  Guy admired Lou's patience, and his skills as a chess player. Chris also stood on the side, with a knowing smile... Lilah must have expected to deal with a team of amateurs. She found herself arguing with a master, surrounded with the silent reprobation of the man she was secretely but obviously dating and a tall redhead bear who happened to be the son of her employer and her opponent's boyfriend.

  As their conversation went on, she grew to appreciate Lou's impeccable manners, his natural politeness and his congenial attitude. It allowed her to respond and behave less aggressively than she had been trained for... It dawned on her that they could have a perfectly pleasant conversation.

  She was clever enough to understand that she couldn't win — certainly not in the way mayor Cochrane considered a “win”. Lou was kind enough to suggest that a “win win” situation could easily be presented as “twice a win” to her boss... It made her smile. They knew him well.

– “I guess you're right... I recently had to remind the mayor and his advisors that a “windfall” had nothing to do with a plane crash.”

  Guy smiled — looking less tense than when he had first shaken hands with her, but still standing very much like his boyfriend's bodyguard.

– “My father still believes that a “coalition” is all about coal...”

  Lilah considered her options. She should meet them half way.

– “What's your deal? Welcome homeless teenagers with opened arms?”

– “Oh! no...” Lou smiled. “We're not arms dealers.” 

  It didn't take them long to come to an agreement, in practical terms — the community-based social service agency would send three girls and three boys to the Pleasure Dome, where they should be treated as part-time students and trained as part-time workers under decent conditions.

  Lou and Lilah would have to discuss the terms of such an agreement. It was assumed that living and working at a hotel in such a remote location would be a welcome change, for young men and women who were likely to come from the urban jungle.

  They would have to establish some rules, but there was no reason to ask the team at the Pleasure Dome to be more strict that regular social workers. Lou made quite a masterful move, when they had to define the terms for their future collaborative workframe.

  Guy was amazed to think that he would soon get paid by the same social services his father kept criticizing for their inefficiency, as a social worker. He couldn't ignore how Chris smiled — he must have anticipated this. Once again, mayor Cochrane would find himself backed in a corner, if he tried anything too shady against them.

  The real mastermind in this room had not said a word...

  On the other hand, Lou and Lilah felt free now to keep the conversation going around a good cup of coffee, and joke about their agreement.

– “Good luck, if you plan to weed out the weed smokers...”

  As they went down the stairs, on their way to the coffee corner by the main dining hall, Lilah spotted Ryan carrying what looked like a big bag of flour — but it didn't look like he was about to bake bread or cakes.

– “Who's that?”

  Chris let Lou answer for him.

– “That's Ryan. He works here as our chef.”

– “He doesn't look like much of a cook...”

– “Looks can be deceiving. He's a very good cook.”

– “Isn't that a bag of plaster on his shoulder?”

  Ryan was wearing an absurdly tight white T-shirt with his gym shorts. He looked rough, and rugged — with his long hair damp and mussed, his arms and shoulders shiny with sweat and his face still slightly flushed from heavy-duty exercise and a healthy but huge meatball sandwich.

  Lilah had a point... That blond jock looked like a construction worker more than anything else.

– “That's right. Ryan is going to the chapel.”

– “With a sack of cement?”

– “He's working on some major repairs there.”

– “You guys have a chapel?”

– “We had a chapel... It was badly damaged by the storm.”

– “I was told that you had suffered limited damage, here...”

– “Unfortunately, the chapel was already going to be taken down.”

– “How so?”

– “The previous owner wanted to get the entire East wing rebuilt, so he could increase the size of our main dining hall with an adjacent ballroom, where the chapel stood.”

– “Oh...” Lilah could tell that Chris didn't want to talk about it. “And was it okay for him to do such a thing?”

– “As far as I can tell, he didn't ask for anyone's authorization. He didn't listen to anyone's advice. He didn't care. And that's what made him end up bankrupt...”

  Guy served coffee and chocolate-chip cookies to Lilah and Chris — he saved the last piece of cheesecake for Lou.

  On her way out and back to Pleasance, Lilah asked to take a closer look around the place. She didn't find the hotel's dance floors too small. The dining halls were also spacious and well-decorated. She would come back to discuss the bedding arrangements in their future dorm. As she entered the kitchen, she let out a light whistling sound. The place was pristine, even as Ryan and Guy were cooking dinner and there was a considerable amount of food already on display.

  With a nod to Chris, she said good bye to the whole team.

– “What was that book, on the shelf?”

– “A cook book?”

– “I don't think so. It's way too big, and leatherbound...”

– “Oh!” Chris caught on. “You could say that's our cook's book.”

– “What do you mean?”

– “It's a dictionary. Not just an English dictionary, of course.”

– “I don't get it...”

– “I don't get it either... For some reason, Ryan is interested in the local culture. He's trying his hand at translating Iturritik poetry and... stuff.”

  Lilah put on her coat.

– “Wait a second... That blonde beast can read?”

– “Come on. There's more to him than meets the eye.”

– “Really?”

– “Trust me.”

– “I had him pegged as a... “Virginia Woof” kind of guy.”

– “You're not far off. He's from Virginia.”

– “Okay.” Lilah tilted her head. “And who's afraid of Virginia?”

– “Please, you vixen. You had me at Wolf...”

  Standing by the door, Chris kissed her — on the cheek. She gave him a funny look, then he looked around and kissed her on the lips.

– “See you at your office, Lilah.”

– “See you later, mister Me, Myself and More than meets the eye.”

■ ■ ■

Monday late evening — in Hawk's living room, by the lighthouse

  It was a busy day for everyone. Holding a meeting around dinner time at Hawk's place felt quite unusual. It didn't sound like the best idea in the world, just in terms of having to go back and forth to the kitchen, at the Pleasure Dome... At least Lou didn't have to convince Austin, who had spent most of the day in bed, with or without his boyfriend.

  Ryan and Guy would be on their way back, with the main course. They already knew what Lou had to tell Austin and Hawk... Chris was there to defend their project, sitting next to him at the table.

– “So you'll be hosting teenager... students? employees?”

– “Both.”

– “If we can beef up our team, that's a pretty good thing.”

– “Right.” Hawk responded with a wry smile. “That's what you boys need the most, in your team. Beefing up!”

– “The mayor's lawyer agrees that this kind of professional education is a really good opportunity for homeless teenagers.”

– “Doesn't this also mean that you would have to be their role models?”

– “Oh...” Lou understood the burden of responsibility. “We'll have to be honest with them about our policies at the Pleasure Dome. Then we can be “roll models”, if we keep eating well.”

– “There you go!” Chris applauded him.

  Austin thought about it.

– “We could open that tailor workshop we talked about.”

– “Make that an emporium. We have to think big!” 

– “Low-cut clothes at low prices for our growing customers...”

– “Something like that.”

– “How about The All-rounder Cut?”

  The whole team had fun discussing Austin's suggestions around dinner.

– “You're the creative one. I'll give you that...” Hawk offered, as he piled more candied sweet potatoes on his boyfriend's plate, with another large piece of turkey.

– “Creative? Okay! give me more.” Austin mumbled between mouthfuls.

– “There you go.” Ryan put another full plate in front of him.

– “Creativity is good...” Hawk smiled. “Except Lou here brings something more substantial to the table. I have to say, I'm impressed.”

– “Well... Thanks.”

– “You could also say that Ryan brings something more fattening to the table!” Austin patted his blond friend on the back.

– “Speaking of which...” Guy got up. “Time for your 11PM Koast snack!”

  Ryan had spent the whole evening standing by the dinner table. There was such limited seating space in Hawk's place that it allowed his friends to sit more at ease and eat without restraints, as he gave them platter after platter of the tastiest foods.

  Guy was there to encourage him to keep eating, standing up. They had brought a large bowl full of what looked like chicken salad with pasta and spinach, creamy coleslaw, tomatoes, green peppers and mozzarella — all highly enriched with Diego's Koast compound.

  As they were happily eating, Chris asked for everyone's attention.

– “Girls... I have an announcement for you.”

– “Oh? What is it?”

  Lou raised an eyebrow, but he was quickly reassured.

– “It will be a new event at the Pleasure Dome.”

– “Okay... What kind of event? Another party?”

– “Not the same. We will organize a garden party.”

– “A garden party?” Guy asked, with his mouth full.

– “Less festive than our usual parties, I know. And more political.”

– “What, with the whole city council around mayor Cochrane?” Lou didn't sound at all convinced. “It looks like quite a circus for us to deal with...”

– “It's not like we have to raise funds for the government's county fair.”

– “Even so...” Austin mumbled between greedy mouthfuls of macaroni and cheese. “It would be easier than getting a fair government to rule over our country.”

– “Of course.” Chris nodded. “The only thing that's fair about the people in charge around here is their hair.”

  Ryan was done with his chicken salad in a hurry, once again.

– “Have another Koast candy bar, before your cottage cheese!”

– “Huh... Okay, Guy.”

  Lou backed away from the table to talk to them.

– “If you're ready to eat desserts right now, maybe you boys could go to the kitchen and bring us something back?”

– “Yeah...” Austin approved. “Time for something sweet!”

  As soon as Ryan and Guy were out of earshot, Lou turned to Chris.

– “Okay... We have something else to talk about.”

– “We do?”

– “Come on, we don't have all night. Ryan will be back soon enough.”

– “What does it have to do with what you want to tell?” Austin asked.

– “Chris...” Lou straightened up. “You tell them.”

– “Okay, okay. I will.” Chris cleared his voice. “Lou and I didn't just have an appointment with mayor Cochrane's lawyer, today. I had already met her, on a few occasions... And it so happens that, for the last few days, I have been dating this young woman.”

  Austin's response was a blank stare. Hawk had to ask.

– “You've been dating her, when everyone here kept telling me that you couldn't be bothered because you were on a “honeymoon” with Ryan?”

– “I said dating. Just flirting, until now... Nothing too serious.”

– “Oh! sure... I wonder why.”

– “I didn't have sex with her! Okay?”

– “This is so not okay...” Lou whispered, looking away.

– “Come on, Chris!” Austin protested. “How many times have you made fun of Lou for “sleeping with the enemy”, when Guy belongs to our team one hundred percent?”

– “I know... It's not the same.”

  Chris slowly stood up. He had to take a breath.

– “You were right to bring this to the table, Lou. We're all adults here... Let's talk and be honest about it.”

– “That would be quite a change on your part.” Hawk growled.

– “Guy and Ryan are not children...”

– “It was your choice to leave them out of this.” Chris turned around the table, pacing. “You know what? I agree with Austin. Ryan isn't a child. I think he already knows.”

– “About you and that girl?”

– “She's not a “girl”, Hawk. Her name is Lilah.”

– “And you were just flirting with her...” Lou added. “Until now.”

– “It was her second or third day on the job, when I first met her. She didn't know who I was. We had a cup of coffee... When I told her that we would be working against each other, she looked even more interested. Lilah is a clever young woman. She saw right through mayor Cochrane's act, for instance.”

– “Good for her.” Hawk nodded. “How about you?”

– “Ryan saw right through me when I asked him to marry me.”

– “That's because you're so painfully thin...” Austin teased him.

– “You've known Ryan longer than me, but not the way I know him.”

– “Of course not!”

– “He didn't have to ambush me like this, to make me say the truth. He wouldn't even have to ask me. When we're alone together, he looks into my eyes in such a way that he knows... everything there is to know. I can also tell how he feels, when he does this.”

– “So you think he knows.”

– “And I know it hurts him, deep down...”

  There was a moment of silence. Hawk let out a low growl.

– “This is you playing 3D chess again, isn't it?”

– “You're alreaydy playing with her boobs?” Austin burst. “And she only wears a 3D cup bra? Poor girl...”

– “Chess, Austin!” Hawk roared. “Not her chest.”

– “I'm just saying... You get to play around much fuller forms, with me.”

  Chris loved his cousin for this, bringing a smile back to his face. 

– “Cards on the table, Hawk. I'm not playing chess with you.”

– “Okay...”

– “You're right. Call it an adventure, if you want. Call it cheating on your best friend! I am willing to take a risk here. Lilah is playing an important part in this game, and I'm going for it.”

  Lou didn't approve any more than the others, but he understood.

– “So you'll be gone for a while?”

– “If I play those cards right, I'll be moving in with Lilah soon.”

– “Oh...”

– “I know. Sometimes, you have to go deep.”

– “What will we tell everyone? “Gone fishing”? Just like that?”

– “Oh! no... You don't go fishing with politicians.”

– “Why?” Lou asked with an amused smile.

– “Different game. It's a known fact that most fishes have spines.”

  Austin wouldn't let his cousin off the hook so easily.

– “Okay... You've told us. Don't expect us to tell Ryan!”

– “I will tell him.”

– “There's someone else you need to talk to.”

– “Come on, Lou. You can tell your boyfriend.”

– “I didn't mean Guy.” Lou nodded. “I want you to book an appointment with our partner, doctor Tietsen-Nippels.”

– “Oh...”

  That was another unexpected move, from a master tactician who didn't even play games. Of course, Lou knew how much more difficult it would be for him to justify his decisions and actions to the woman who gave medical and moral backing to their projects — the woman also who took such a close interest in Ryan, with her own studies as a sexologist.

  Hawk looked up. They heard a distant, booming sound.

– “BUUUUUUURRRRRRRP...”

  Ryan and Guy were back, with large baskets in their arms.

– “We hope you boys are hungry for more...” Ryan announced, pushing the door opened with his shoulder, in his naturally cheerful tone.

– “As if there was any doubt!” Guy added with a chuckle.

– “What have you two been doing in the kitchen?” Hawk asked. “It looks like you've had some mischievous fun.”

– “Why? Were you guys talking about such serious stuff?”

– “Not really...” Lou tried to sound more affirmative.

– “Okay.” Guy sat next to him. “I also have an announcement to make.”

– “Oh... What is it?”

– “Diego has given me a new assignment. In a few weeks from now, you will get to taste beer... made right here, on the grounds of the Pleasure Dome, with all the caloric richness of our Koast compounds!”

  Guy sounded really excited about it. His friend weren't so enthusiastic.

– “You're going to brew your own beer?”

– “That's right.”

– “With that... Koast stuff?” Hawk raised an eyebrow. “I was under the impression that it was still on-going scientific research.”

– “It is. What's your point?”

  Hawk looked behind his back. Ryan was cutting cakes in the kitchen.

– “Don't you think that your favorite “test subject” is burping enough, as it is, with those Koast meals and milkshakes you keep pushing on him?”

– “And all that Koast cottage cheese and fruit salads...”

– “And all those protein bars...”

– “And the candy bars.” Austin teased. “Don't forget those candy bars...”

– “You have a point...” Guy scratched his beard, around his chin.

– “Huh...” Chris had to remind them. “Are you still talking about Ryan?”

– “Fuck! you're right.” Austin snapped. “Ryan doesn't drink...”

  Guy looked down. Chris was right. Ryan couldn't hold his liquor, and he didn't even like beer. It was better to keep him out of this pet project. He was quite busy as Diego's “tasty test subject” anyway.

– “Okay. I need another volunteer for this...”

– “Don't give me that look.” Lou told him. “I'm not a heavy drinker.”

– “I'll do it!” Austin raised his hand. “Heavy drinker? That's my call.”

  Ryan was back with four cakes in his hands for his friends.

– “Looks like good news for you, Austin... Who's calling you?”

– “Saint Patrick.”

– “Huh...”

– “Guy is about to start our new microbrewing business. And I'm here to help! Not working in the fields, but I'll get thirsty just the same.”

– “Austin...” Ryan sounded concerned. “Did you forget something?”

– “I don't think so...”

– “You're nineteen. Still under legal drinking age.”

– “Oh...” The handsome black boy pouted. “You're right. I forgot.”

  Chris was actually amused to see him suddenly confused over this.  

– “When was the last time you tried to pass for twenty-one?”

– “I don't know.” Austin flashed his cousin with a grin. “Maybe about the last time you tried to pass for sixteen...”

  They couldn't decide who Guy could turn to for this experiment. He had to start organizing this new activity with the farmers around the Pleasure Dome... Austin offered to help him get it done, claiming that it was the least he could do. Guy thanked him for this, while Austin took a sideways look at Hawk... He was secretely pleased to show his boyfriend that he wasn't so lazy, after all, when it was about defending a worthy cause.

– “It's fine! we already need a larger kitchen table.”

  Lou let out a deep sigh.

– “Now that you mention it... With six teenagers living with us soon, under the same roof... Teenagers sent by the social service agency, in Pleasance? We may have to be more careful with the way we behave.”

– “How about them?” 

– “Come on, Hawk! We're talking about teenagers here...”

  There was a moment of silence. They let those words sink in.

– “Lou, are you telling us... we should babyproof our home?”

– “Worse. We'll have to teenage-proof the Pleasure Dome...”

■ ■ ■

Tuesday early morning — in Ryan's bedroom, by the kitchen 

  Lou was right. Chris had to come clean about his intentions... Alone in bed, he rolled to the other side and burried his face deep in Ryan's pillow to take a long breath — that was enough to give him morning wood and moan, voluptuous like a cat stretching his entire body under the sheets.

– “Good morning...” a blurry Ryan-shaped ghost whispered, with a smile. “Good to see you’re alive.”

  Chris blinked and rubbed his eyes. He was parched — Ryan had treated him so well last night, all night. Fireworks and floods were nothing, next to a lover like him. It would take more willpower than usual to get out of bed and join the team for breakfast.

– “Here...” The blond jock handed him a glass of orange juice.

  Chris gulped it down, and handed it back to him.

– “Thanks!”

– “Are you feeling all right, this morning?”

– “Oh! wonderful, just wonderful...” Chris rasped.

  He flopped back onto the pillow. There was no hurry.

– “You were so cute last night.” Ryan whispered. “And it was wild... until you fell asleep on top of me.”

– “Can you blame me? You’re always so cuddly...” Chris mumbled. “And we had just come to the end of round... what, five?”

– “Oh! who's counting? I’m glad you had fun to the end of that round.”

  Ryan ran his fingers through his friend’s hair. Chris closed his eyes and sighed happily. Then he turned to better look at him.

– “Did you take your morning shower with my cousin? I smell bacon...” 

– “I made French toast, scrambled eggs and bacon for the team.”

– “How much do you think will be left for the team, when Austin's done with his share of scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast?”

– “You're right... I made enough for him. I'll cook more when everyone's up and hungry for breakfast.”

– “How about you?”

– “I'm all set.”

  Chris saw his blond friend eat what looked like rice pudding in a large bowl, with a big spoon, then fruit salad with cottage cheese in a smaller bowl and a protein bar the size of a brick. Ryan washed it all down with a full shaker of chocolate milkshake... As he was done with that last long sip, Chris knew exactly what to expect. It made him smile in advance.

– “BUUUUUUURRRRRRRP...”

– “Austin should learn something from you. That's how you break fast.”

– “That's the fast way to a clean break, for sure.”

  Ryan rubbed his furry belly with both hands, pacing around the bed to catch his breath. He was naked, but he was stuffed — and he still had to eat a big, thick Koast candy bar, before Guy would call him to the gym.

– “You're eating really well, these days.”

– “Hmmmph...” Ryan nodded, with his mouth full.

– “You were really mighty massive and meaty, last night.”

– “That's some compliment, coming from you. Or that's some appealling 3M stuff... Is there a band-aid you want to rip off?”

  Chris felt the weight of his friend, next to him, as Ryan sat on the side of the bed. There was no need for him to say “We need to talk”. He could take a hint... He also knew how uncomfortable Ryan could feel when it wasn't time for action.

– “What's wrong, big bear?”

– “You tell me... I feel like I’ve done something wrong.” Ryan stated, sad but sincere. “Being with someone like you, married or not, it’s... Don't get me wrong, I don't want to say it's challenging. Let’s say, it requires skills I don't have, and I’m pretty sure that I’ve screwed up.”

– “Please! you and I have been screwing in all the best possible ways... And you have all the skills a man could wish for, in a skillet.”

– “You know what I mean. I can’t figure out what I’ve done, exactly, but I can tell that you’re ready to pick up young women or something, start dating again, move on and forget that anything happened.”

– “Come on, Ryan. I would never forget this. You’d have to hit me on the head so hard... I would be so flat on the floor, you could use me as a bedside rug.”

– “Are you telling me that you're not already dating someone?”

– “How could you possibly tell if I was?”

– “What do you think? When I look into your eyes, I know.”

– “You don't even look at your own eyes, in the mirror.”

– “And you know why...” Ryan looked down.

– “I also got over it. Some guys have blue eyes. Some have green eyes. You have both... in a way. What's wrong with it?”

– “It may not be this, but there's something. Something you don’t want.”

– “You know what I want, you beast...”

  Ryan didn't respond. That was unusual. He was serious.

  Chris turned to face him. He knew how wrong his last words sounded... For the last few days, he had been using this blond jock pretty much as a sex slave, a teddy bear and a security blanket — Ryan deserved to be treated better.

– “You haven’t done anything wrong.” He whispered, holding his hand. “You’re the best lover anyone could wish for. But you’re not wrong about this either. There’s this girl I’ve been flirting with...”

– “Flirting?”

– “That's what I said.”

– “You don’t flirt.”

– “I know...” Chris smiled. “I guess I do now.”

  Chris felt relieved when he saw Ryan smile. The blond jock took it well. Everyone knew how brave he was in the face of danger. Only Chris got to appreciate his friend's emotional intelligence — his instincts were just so infallible as his cooking skills.

– “So you're flirting with her?”

– “We haven't been on an official date yet.”

– “She may not be the kind of girl who will wait for you... Go for it, and don't be late for her.”

– “Are you okay with this?”

– “I'm not. I already feel sorry for her.”

– “Wow... Why?”

– “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound harsh... If she's the same kind of political animal as you are, you may have fun together, and enjoy each other's company as you look down to the rest of the world. You have great sex too, but I doubt that you'll ever get to... You know.”

– “What, make her come?”

– “Be honest with each other. Or with yourself.”

  Ryan got up. Going to the bathroom may be a convenient excuse, but he did have to take a leak after that early morning snack... Chris got out of bed, stretched out and waited for him. When he came back, all fresh and clean, he embraced him and kissed him, gently brushing Ryan's face and neck with both hands.

  His beard was thick, and his hair was longer than usual — all blond like gold. Chris thought he looked “so fucking good”. He also looked too good to be fucked, at this point. Ryan's attitude moved him deeply.

  They danced in a long, slow circle accross the room, until they both fell on the bed. Ryan kept Chris in a soft embrace, like a giant teddy bear... He didn't say a word for some time — but a wavering stream of thoughts must have kept going in circles around his head, like shiny butterflies.

– “Ryan?”

– “Yes, Chris?”

– “Tell me...”

– “Tell you what?”

– “First thing that comes to your mind.”

– “Okay... Then you tell me?”

– “Sure.”

– “What makes it more “natural” to chase a woman?”

– “I guess, if she's hot, it's only natural...”

– “How about a hot man, then?”

– “Same. But that's me being bisexual here. And honest.”

– “I agree. Thank you for your honesty.”

  The blond jock let out a silent sigh.

– “It's a hard, cruel world for ugly people like us...”

  Chris chuckled, but he understood that Ryan meant every word.

– “Come on, you and I? We're hot! You're almost too hot to handle.”

– “I can't even get my left eye to match my right one.”

– “Come on... there's no such thing as “the right one”, Ryan.”

– “There is, when there's one on the left that should match.”

  Kissing him softly on the mouth wasn't enough. Chris felt bad for him.

– “Does it bother you so much that your left eye is blue and your right eye is green?”

– “Honestly? Look me in the eye, and tell me it's not upsetting you.”

  Chris understood what was at stakes. He held his friend's shoulders in a gentle but firm grip — then he took a deep breath in, and lowered his voice to make his point.

– “You turn me on, and this doesn't put me off...”

– “Both eyes, Chris.”

– “How can I look into both of them, so close?”

– “See? It does make you pull back.”

– “Just a little. I don't want to squint.”

– “It helps if I wink, and we both know it. I should keep at least one eye closed when we make out.”

– “Oh... That's right. You do close your eyes, when I kiss you.”

– “That's because you're such a good kisser, Chris.”

– “Okay. You want to know how I feel about this?”

– “Yes, please.”

  Ryan thanked him in advance, with a passionately heartwarming kiss.

– “I like to consider myself “exceptionnal”. On a good day, I get to think that I am. There's the real difference between you and me, Ryan. I know you're exceptionnal... Truly exceptionnal. How is it that, even after a full night of passion, I can't get you to think that you are?”

– “Because...” Ryan answered with another, softer kiss. “There shouldn't be anything exceptionnal about me. Or you and me. Who wants to be an exception, when unfair rules need to be challenged and changed? Who gets to define what's normal and what isn't? We should be allowed to get married, like anyone else.”

– “I agree. I like your attitude, big bear.”

– “And I like you calling me “big bear”. That makes me feel special.”

– “Hey! you deserve it...”

  Chris grabbed and rubbed his friend's sides.

– “You're eating like you mean to grow like a truly big bear!”

– “I do. It's a lot of work, between you and me. I can only hope to grow the way Diego wants me to grow.”

– “Tight schedule, I know.” Chris teased him. “Gym shorts getting tight.”

  Ryan chuckled. He enjoyed the way Chris rubbed his tummy.

– “Let's go for it, then. You do your thing. I keep this going.”

– “I can only hope to do so well as you do...”

  Chris let Ryan rock him gently, still nestled in his mighty meaty arms.

– “We're both Alpha males, Ryan. That's our problem.”

– “I'm not so sure...”

– “Seriously?”

– “You make me feel like the Beta version of an Alpha.”

■ ■ ■

Monday morning — in the main hall, at the Pleasure Dome 

  Tim found himself alone, when the last group of people left at the bus station, a small market place in the East of Pleasance... The driver didn't make an announcement, but their next stop wasn't on his daily route. 

  Sitting on the bench at the back of the bus, Tim looked outside. Under a grey sky, heavy with layers upon layers of clouds, there were only hills and forests, in all shades of green, as far as his eyes could see. It made Tim heave a sigh that didn't exactly suggest relief.

  When the bus left him before the steps at the entrance of the Pleasure Dome, he looked up and nodded. This new place looked a lot better than any establishment he had been sent to — when the judge had told him that this was a hotel or some sort of shelter, at least not just another detention center, Tim wasn't paying much attention. A few months shy of turning eighteen, but wise beyond his years like most black men in his situation, he didn't trust the Justice system anymore.

  There was a small group of young people, three girls and two guys, standing around what looked like the buffet for a birthday party they had planned for someone he didn't know... Two waiters in tight T-shirts and aprons kept coming and going to offer them snacks and refreshments.

  It looked like their teenage guests did their best to ignore them... Tim couldn't help thinking that these two men didn't look like waiters — more like a couple of bears, with such masculine beards: one of them tall with spiky red hair, looking remarkably big and strong, the other one shorter but even more athletic with long and messy blond hair... He didn't expect this. It didn't make him frown, but it didn't make him smile. 

  The blond waiter welcomed him with a firm handshake and a smile. Tim felt suddenly warm inside, for some reason. He said his name without listening, and he answered something without thinking. When he found himself surrounded with people his own age, he looked down. There was a black girl in their group. They waved at each other... Tim wouldn't be the only black person in there — only girls didn't count, in his world.

  He grabbed a bite, and looked around. The two boys standing next to him nodded in agreement: these were some tasty snacks! They couldn't deny it, just as they couldn't ignore the sign spread over the entrance, in front of them.

Welcome

to the Pleasure Dome,

where it feels like Home

  It looked like the people in charge of this hotel meant well, at least — it also looked like they weren't really good at running a hotel.

  Tim looked at the clock. It was almost 11AM. 

– “When did you guys come to this place?”

– “Last night.”

– “I only arrived this morning.” A blond young man reluctantly answered.

  The girls looked more open and easier to talk to — except for the tall, thin dark-haired one with large glasses who seemed to keep to herself, standing two steps behind wherever Tim and the others went.

  A surly redhead young man mumbled, arms crossed over his chest.

– “I have a bad feeling about this place...”

– “Why?”

– “Come on! What could go wrong to a group of teenagers in a quaint, old hotel in the middle of nowhere?”

– “More like... on the edge of the world, if you ask me.”

– “What if we get snowed in? It will be just like that Shining movie.”

– “Huh...” Tim shuddered. “I hated that movie.”

– “Please, guys!” The black girl shrugged. “This isn't the Overlook Hotel.”

  It looked like she had already taken a good look at the place.

– “Did you see that dude eating breakfast? It's almost 11AM... This place should be called the Oversleep Hotel.”

– “Tim, that “dude” is the manager around here.”

– “And I'm sure that he started eating breakfast with everyone else.”

– “When would that be?”

– “I don't know. I guess 7AM.”

– “He's been stuffing his face for three hours straight?”

– “With that big tall grey bear who keeps encouraging him to eat.”

  The boys shared a concerned look.

– “From the looks of the guys who run this place, it should really be the Overfed Hotel... No reasons to worry about being snowed in, then.”

– “I couldn't agree more.” A redhead girl added with a smile. “Besides, I can't see anything particularly “shining” about you boys...”

  The redhead young man wouldn't lighten up, for some reason.

– “I don't know about you, but I won't stay here for long.”

– “What makes you think so?”

– “These guys and me? There's no way we'll get along.”

– “Okay... Why's that?”

– “I'm from Pleasance. They're not.”

– “Most of them come from the United States, apparently.”

– “Oh...” Tim whispered.

  He came from the United States — they didn't want him there either.

– “They come from New York or Texas, or Georgia... They were raised to believe that “freedom” should be written in two words, so they can bully everyone without consequences... That's the “American” way.”

– “You don't know these guys.” The Latino girl argued. “They may not be thinking like that. And, from what I've heard, they're openly against the current policies and the administration here.”

– “Are ther, really...”

– “There's one thing we know for sure. They're gay.”

– “Oh! what gave them away?” The dark-haired girl responded with a sarcastic smile. “Rainbow cupcakes?”

  She was actually holding a chocolate-chip cupcake in her hand.

  

– “Like the kind of rainbow you couldn't tie in a knot.”

  Still standing by the buffet, they saw the waiters who had left them for a while come back from the gym, shirtless and sweating, with large fluffy towels around their shoulders... The redhead, tall one helped the other waiter walk to the kitchen — the blonde waiter was urged to drink a full shaker of milkshake, and they both looked exhilarated. That was enough to make a few heads turn.

– “Is there... what, a “no shirt” policy around here?”

– “Of course not!”

– “Well... Maybe there is?”

– “I wouldn't mind, but I didn't expect this. No rules? Fine by me!”

– “Don't be silly, guys! Of course, they will have rules for us.”

– “Still... No shirt.”

– “No shit...”

– “I didn't catch their names.”

– “I've seen the tall one with red hair. He's the son of the mayor.”

– “No way...” The redhead guy in the group frowned.

– “How about the blonde one? He doesn't look like the son of a mayor.”

– “I agree. What's his name? Dylan?”

– “Something like that... I didn't look too closely at his shirt.”

  The black girl corrected them.

– “It's Ryan. They say he's a rock to most people around here.”

– “He does look dumb like a rock...”

■ ■ ■

Monday evening — in Hawk's bedroom, at the lighthouse 

  Hawk was devoted to feeding Austin to his heart's content. After a long day at work, the two men enjoyed some quality time with plenty of food, long belly rubs and back massages — and gossip.

– “So that's it. Ryan broke up with your cousin.”

– “They called it off, but it was clearly not Ryan's decision.”

– “I see...” Hawk massaged Austin's shoulders.

– “In any case, that ship has sailed.”

– “Please! that ship had no sails to go anywhere from this coast.”

– “I know... It feels like Chris killed it before it would sink.”

– “It still stinks. And now, we have to deal with it.”

– “What do you mean?”

– “How is your best friend taking it?”

– “Honestly? Better than I thought.”

– “You mean to say he's not talking about it.”

– “Exactly.”

– “When was the last time he started talking about anything?”

– “I know... I know.”

  Hawk slowly yanked him back to his side on the bed.

– “You're not going to like this, but I have to say...”

– “What?”

– “It may be better for Ryan that this whole charade or nuptial parade is over. You can't deny that Chris kept him on a really short leash.”

– “I see...” Austin scowled. “You're right, I don't like it.”

– “What?”

– “Still comparing Ryan to a dog?”

– “I wasn't, I swear! That's just the way I see it.”

– “Everyone knows how you feel about Chris. There's no need for me to ask, but you don't even care about Ryan.”

– “That's not true. I care about him.”

– “Oh! please...” Austin burst with a short, almost snorting laugh.

  Hawk wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's back and shoulders.

– “I care about you, Austin. And Ryan is your best friend, for all the right reasons you can find, piled high, on every plate in this room you haven't licked clean yet. That's how much he cares about you. Then I care about him... It's that simple.”

– “Oh! well... Okay, that must be the best you can do.”

– “Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't like it if something happened to him and he got hurt. Deep down, I'd say he's a good boy.”

– “A good boy?”

– “Yes. I think.”

– “How's that not comparing him to a dog?”

– “Oops...”

  The two of them laughed, then kissed. Hawk's hug grew more tender.

– “Any friend of yours who actively makes you grow fatter and fatter is a friend of mine.”

– “Hawk...” Austin growled in return.

– “What is it? You sound like a bear cub. That's new...”

– “I was just thinking... Maybe Chris and Ryan weren't meant to get married, but what about you and me? Would you be my big bear?”

– “How am I not your “big bear” already?”

– “You know what I mean.”

  Hawk didn't know what to say — he had been thinking about this, but not in such a good way, not in any way that ended up well for him...

– “Oh... I don't know.”

– “You don't know?”

  Something in Austin's tone felt sharp like a blade.

– “You look up to your cousin. You look up to Ryan. I don't...”

– “I'm not asking you because their wedding rings are available now.”

– “But I wouldn't even go for a wedding ring. I'm not catholic.”

– “Neither am I.”

– “I meant... I'm not even Christian. You've met my family. We have our own set of beliefs and values.”

– “How could I forget? Your family has a full set of kitchenware! Forget about catholicism. Even Ryan never made me eat so much over a long week-end... I know I have your mother's blessings, but it feels less like being anointed than basting in cooking oil.”

– “I know... We have our own traditions.”

  Hawk grabbed Austin's belly.

– “And most of them go really well with your appetite and the way you are groing fatter for our pleasure.”

– “I need to learn more about those traditions...”

  The handsome fat boy moaned under his boyfriend's touch.

– “I'll teach you a few things, big boy.” Hawk whispered.

– “Later...” Austin growled again. “It's time for action.”

  Letting go of Austin, Hawk grabbed the hem of his T-shirt and tugged it over his head. Austin dropped to his knees and began to work at the button on top of Hawk’s work pants... He popped the round metal disc through the hole and tore down the zipper in a decided move. 

  Somewhat anxious to be naked and feel Austin’s skin against his own, Hawk leaned back on his elbows and elevated his hips, easing the way for Austin to pull his pants the rest of the way off — he stared down, inflamed by lust at the sight of his deliciously fat boyfriend kneeling by the bed.

– “Maybe I should put a ring on you, somewhere...” Austin smiled, with a wicked glimmer in his eyes. “Or a leash, just for the sake of unleashing you whenever I want!”

■ ■ ■

Tuesday morning — in the staff meeting room, at the Pleasure Dome

  Lou rearranged his tie. He didn't want to look too stern — and his shirt felt tight enough around his neck, as it was. Wearing a tie allowed him to keep the top button opened without looking loose either. It made him feel more comfortable... This wasn't ideal, but the handsome Asian man smiled when he looked at the mirror. He had gained some weight around his chest as well.

  It was time for him to meet their teenager guests. Chris could always call it “facing the music”. He would stand like the conductor before an orchestra. Chris had a natural talent for these things: speaking in public, piling up bullshit higher than a team of farmhands, spinning everyone's heads like a cat playing with a ball of yarn, and weaseling his way out of any embarrassing situation... Lou wouldn't know where to start.

  He knew that he would be referred to as “the little Chinese guy”. That was pretty much the only certainty he had, right now.

  When he joined the group in their meeting room, Lou felt like he was entering a classroom as the new teacher — not exactly a good feeling...

– “Good morning...” He waved at the six of them.

  There was a vague echo of “good morning” sounds in the room.

– “My name isn't exactly Lou, but everyone around the Pleasure Dome calls me Lou. It's easier for everyone... I would invite you to call me Lou, just the same.”

  On second thought, Lou could feel like he was looking at fish in a pond. If these boys and girls only looked up with half-closed eyes and gaping mouths, he would get a livelier response.

– “I'll take roll, then we can all introduce ourselves.”

  Lou took the list of names sent by the mayor's office.

– “Okay... Ladies first. Jennifer Gianelli?”

  The tall girl with dark hair who sat in the back waved her hand.

– “Over there. Call me Jenny... It's easier for everyone.”

– “Duly noted. Patricia Izendatuberea?” Lou managed not to stutter.

– “Huh huh...”

  The Latino girl sitting in the second row raised her hand.

– “Ruby Rubinstein?”

  The black girl sitting next to her waved in the same dismissive way.

– “Ben Dover?” Lou paused and squinted at the name. “Ben... Dover...”

  He tapped the list with his pen a few times, sarcastically.

– “Okay! “Bend over”... Very funny.”

  A young man with tousled blond hair stood up, in the back of the class.

– “Huh... Hello, sir? I am Ben Dover.”

– “No shit.” Lou paused again. “I thought you guys were pulling my leg.”

– “Oh, I don't know... I would, if you pull my finger.”

– “Your finger?”

– “Or mine!” The redhead boy sitting in the middle offered, with a wicked grin. “How about this finger?” 

  And he sealed the deal as he raised his hand with the appropriate — or rather, highly inappropriate — gesture... Lou could almost bite his lower lip for not taking a look at that list of names sooner.

– “Very well. Ben Dover it is. Now... Thomas Nyong'o?”

– “That's Timothy Nyong'o, sir.”

  A black young man had raised his hand. He didn't look offended.

– “Oh... Sorry. My bad again.”

– “It's okay.”

– “Okay, then. Timothy...” Lou corrected the name on his list.

– “Please, call me Tim.”

– “Gabriel Alejo Garaigorri?”

– “Last but not least... That's me. And please, call me Gary.”

– “Your name isn't Gabriel?”

– “No, it is. On paper.” Gary shrugged. “I just don't like it.”

  Lou took another look at his list. He didn't mind correcting it one last time... Somehow, the young persons in front of him were impressed by his patience. 

– “There's nothing wrong with “Gary”, I guess... I like it too.”

  For the following hour, they were all invited to say a few words about themselves, so they would get to know each other better. Lou told them about the Pleasure Dome, how they had started their new business and how they would like to make it work, with their help, both as a hotel and as a shelter.

  This meant that they would be given free access to all the work space inside the hotel, with the opportunity to work in any capacity they would like to try — there was a wide variety of jobs available for them, at the Pleasure Dome. They would be given assignments and regular lessons in a classroom, as requested by the social services, but also professional education with workshops adapted to their expectations. Then, if things turned out all right, they could be considered as part of the team.

  Lou's explanations were clear, and he answered everyone's questions. He was careful not to use the word “family” to describe the team. The conditions that would allow these young men and women to stay seemed fair enough... By the end of that meeting, the tone had shifted from indifferent or hostile to positively interested and almost friendly. Lou let them follow Guy to the dorm, and their bedrooms, where they could get some rest. He felt like he also deserved a tasty treat before lunch, as he walked down the stairs.

– “Oh! fuck...” Lou thought. “I just talked to those teenagers as if I was one of them. I forgot how old they think I am. That's how old I am...”

■ ■ ■

Wednesday afternoon — at the hospital, in downtown Pleasance 

  Chris had agreed to meet doctor Tietsen-Nippels, alone. It wasn't one of her regular appointments. Ryan's last visit was only a few days ago, but she didn't really know what his friend wanted to tell her.

  She didn't like it, when she was told the whole story.

– “Which young woman are we talking about?”

– “Her name is Lilah. She works for the city council.”

– “It doesn't ring a bell...”

– “She's a lawyer. A little shorter than me, blonde hair, bright eyes.”

– “Wait! are you dating Delilah Delaunay?”

– “I am now.” Chris grinned.

  He didn't expect the doctor's reaction. She was silent for a moment.

– “You do realize that you have a type.”

– “What do you mean?”

– “When you described her as “a voluptuous blonde, a little shorter than you, with bright eyes”, and smarter than she looks, it would almost suit your friend Ryan to a tee.”

– “She's not a bearded lady...”

– “I've met her. I know. And at least she is smart.”

  Doctor Tietsen-Nippels scoffed, then she gave him a stern look.

– “This is one of those “stranger bedfellows” situations. Right?”

– “You know me well.”

– “Oh, well...” She nodded. “Ryan has told me so much about you.”

– “He has?”

– “Not in so many words. You know him as well as I do.”

– “Right...”

– “I should have seen it coming.”

  There was another moment of silence, but she was only catching up.

– “You're going for it, so you can get to mayor Cochrane.”

– “Of course.”

– “It's a dangerous game you're playing.”

– “I wouldn't go for any other kind of game.”

– “I'm not even sure that what you'll do may be considered legal.”

– “We're all consenting adults here.”

– “That's not what I meant... Besides, consent requires a common sense of honesty, and I doubt that you or she will show much of it.”

– “You may be right about it, but doesn't it also mean that we have come to a certain level of mutual understanding?”

– “I guess...”

  She didn't write a word in her notebook, for a change.

– “You're a clever young man.”

– “Thank you.”

– “Feel free to take it as a compliment.”

  Chris could feel how much she didn't approve his choice.

– “So this is strictly “inside her” trading...”

– “I wouldn't put it like that.” Chris chuckled. “But you have a point.”

– “How about Ryan?”

– “What about him?”

  Clearly, she was ready to hit him where it would hurt the most.

– “Don't tell me he's just “collateral damage” in the midst of this?”

– “Of course not. We had a talk. He understands.”

– “Good for him. How much explanation did you have to give him?”

– “Not much.”

– “So you rely on his kind of “understanding”, and that's fine.”

– “No, it's not. That's why I'm telling you. Lou asked me to tell you.”

– “Now, that makes sense.”

– “I agree with him. We need your help. They need your help. I won't be staying at the Pleasure Dome for a little while, and I don't want anything bad to happen to them.”

– “How may I help?”

– “I don't know. Any way you feel ready to help will be appreciated.”

– “Okay... I will.”

  Chris felt relieved, but she wasn't done.

– “I will have a talk with Ryan but, since you've come to talk to me... I have a few questions for you. Or maybe just one question. This will stay between you and me.”

– “Okay.”

– “What is wrong with Ryan?”

  That was unexpected. Somehow, Chris was more prepared to answer the doctor if she had chosen to ask him “what is wrong with you”. This was a devastating, shrewd move on her part.

  It only left him baffled for a moment. A brutal question like this called for a brutal answer, and she had to be ready for it.

– “I'll be blunt. Ryan is just not what you would call “husband material”. He's good for everything else. And God knows! he's perfect for all of it...”

– “Interesting. I had not even thought about it. Not like this.”

  Doctor Tietsen-Nippels took her notebook again.

– “Tell me about it.”

– “Where I come from, a wedding is the ultimate “white-tie affair”, you know... Can you imagine Ryan wearing a white tie, or white gloves?”

– “I guess not...” Doctor Tietsen-Nippels tapped her notebook with some irritation. “I may be lacking imagination, I just didn't see Ryan engaged in a marriage that would end in divorce.”

  They looked at each other in the eyes, neither of them flinching.

– “Are you going to tell me that “the gloves are off” now?”

– “You said you were into playing dangerous games.”

– “You're right.”

– “How did your friend respond to your proposal?”

– “Even better than I hoped he would... He's a romantic.”

– “So he was ready to follow you to the end of the world.”

– “He was. Only I wouldn't even follow him down the aisle.”

– “So going after Delilah, or Lilah if the two of you are already on a first-name basis... That's an easy way out for you.”

– “I don't even know for sure. I love Ryan, just the way he is. I wouldn't ask him to change for all the money in the world.”

– “But you're going on a break.”

– “That should allow me to come back stronger, fight for the team and do the right thing.”

– “So you could win him over? Ask him for something real, something deeper, with no ulterior motives?”

– “Ulterior motives are my idea of depths. I'm that shallow...”

  Doctor Tietsen-Nippels understood. Her voice had grown softer.

– “Are you blaming yourself for all this?”

– “One hundred percent.”

– “This isn't the first time you have pulled this kind of stunt. Right?”

– “All my life... I wouldn't know how to act any different.”

– “But something's changed. Is that all about the Pleasure Dome?”

– “I think so. I have real friends there. They understand me.”

– “And they forgive you.”

  Chris leaned back into his chair.

– “Ryan isn't the kind of guy you can whisk off to the big city and coddle in your condo. He's good with cuddles, but he's too wild for this... He's a beast in the wild. I'm from the urban jungle. And, to be honest, he's too good to belong to either of those.”

■ ■ ■

Friday morning — around the buffet, in the main dining hall

  In the absence of Chris, the team had an unexpected debate about the discipline at the Pleasure Dome, and the rules they would have to set for their teenage guests. It called for some difficult choices.

  Austin was ready to let Jenny, Pat, Ruby, Tim, Gary and Ben find their own marks and decide what would work best for them. Hawk considered that it would be just as bad to let them roam free and not care about the consequences... Lou had a strong sense of discipline and responsibility, but he didn't consider himself like an authority figure. Guy and Ryan had to follow a tight schedule, day and night, so it felt natural for them that their students or interns should follow the same rules. Only those rules weren't written yet...

  Guy agreed with Hawk about the discipline. They worked on writing a few ground rules together — Lou read them to the class and the list was pinned on the walls of their dorms. There was nothing too demanding. 

  They followed Ryan's advice to treat these teenagers with a buffet for every meal, with a large variety of rich foods. It meant more work in the kitchen, but it was easier not to ask them what they would like to eat. They would be free to choose, change their minds, eat more or less... Letting them “roam free” around the buffet table was a good choice. Then they would go back to their daily tasks, lessons and workshops, starting with helping Ryan wash the dishes.

  Hawk wished for more discipline — but the team should behave like role models, as a consequence. Ryan wouldn't hear of it. Austin and Guy considered that the Pleasure Dome was a place where everyone should indulge. Lou agreed with Hawk that they shouldn't encourage teenagers to misbehave...

– “Come on, Ryan. We're not going to put them through boot camp.”

– “They didn't get sent to boot-licking camp either...”

  After two weeks on rather shaky grounds, it looked like they were off to a good start. The boys and girls at the Pleasure Dome weren't late when they had to attend classes or workshops. They listened and they asked questions. They didn't mind taking turns doing chores like mopping the floor, mowing the lawn or changing the sheets in their own beds.

  They were also growing closer, and noticeably less skinny.

  Pat showed a healthy appetite, which made Ruby tease her sometimes. Then Pat teased Jenny for eating one muffin for breakfast with a cup of tea... Tim ate remarkably well. Ben admired him for it, but they were all amazed at how Gary could go back to the buffet, keep on eating plate after plate and claim that he was still hungry.

– “BUUUUUURRRRRP!”

– “Dude! That's rude...” Ruby protested.

– “Girl... go hurl!” Gary flashed her a perfect grin.

  Most of the time, the boys kept to themselves.

– “Ruby's right...” Ben suggested. “How can you eat so much?”

– “Take a look at the buffet. There's so much more.”

– “And those guys are amazing cooks.” Tim nodded, contentedly.

– “When there's more to eat, I feel like I have to eat more.”

– “Same for me. I'll go get another piece of cherry pie.”

– “Hey! Not the last piece of cherry pie.”

– “I'll race you for it, dude...”

  Gary started eating faster, just to beat Tim to the chase.

– “Come on, guys... There's more than cherry pies.”

– “There's more of everything.”

– “Ooof...” Ben dropped his fork on the table, with a long sigh. “That's it. You keep it up. I couldn't eat another bite.”

– “Quitter...” Gary smirked, still eating.

– “I just don't treat my stomach like a water balloon.”

– “Neither do I. It's just that... I don't know when to stop.”

– “You have to, at some point.”

– “Yeah!” Tim added. “Like... when you're about to burst?”

– “I guess.” Gary shrugged.

  His friends saw him devour another bowl of cereals with chocolate milk.

– “BUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRP...”

– “Seriously, dude.”

– “I know.” Gary wiped his mouth. “Bless you.”

  Ben looked around, slouching back on his chair.

– “There's just too much food...”

– “So, what is this? Oliver Twist in reverse?”

– “Yeah... What a twist!”

  The girls weren't eating much less than them, but there was no real competition... Tim and Gary were the gluttons in the room, right now.

– “Guys...” Ben asked, looking at the ceiling. “Don't you think that it's too much, on purpose?”

– “What purpose?”

– “I don't know.”

– “It's not like the adults in this hotel are finicky eaters...”

– “Definitely not.”

– “You've seen how much Austin and Guy eat... You've seen Ryan cook and eat his snacks and candy bars all day. I've had a good talk with Lou. One of their goals is actually to pack on weight and get fat, like pigs or bears or whatever.”

– “You know what? I like that goal.” Gary nodded.

– “I'm shocked.” Tim patted his back. “Are you trying to get hired for it?”

– “I'm not. It's just... I'm thankful that they don't put me on a strict diet. And those guys look good with a little more weight.”

– “You look better with a little more weight...”

– “Huh?”

  Tim got up in a hurry, and went back to the buffet for a few more pancakes with maple syrup. It saved him from Gary giving him a funny look. Ben would have let them bicker for a while.

– “Maybe they want us to grow fat, just the same.”

– “Don't be silly...”

– “How am I silly? I'm just asking questions.”

– “You're asking silly questions.”

– “Are you going to tell me that you haven't gained weight?”

– “Of course, I have. You have. And Tim looks plump like a piglet.”

– “Hey!” The black young man protested. “I've put on a few pounds, and the buttons on my old jeans wouldn't close without cutting my waist like a butter wire...”

– “And you've already made the seams burst around your butt.”

– “Huh, yeah. I mean...”

– “Oink oink!”

  Gary snorted and teased him, but with a surprisingly fond smile.

– “So you guys agree...” Ben looked at his friends, slightly puzzled.

– “Maybe they let us overeat because they do, and they don't mind.”

– “Or maybe they want us to become poster boys for their business.”

– “All plump, round and squishy!” Gary winked.

– “What is it, another “chicken and egg” problem?”

– “Who cares? I'll have both, fried and scrambled!”

– “Yeah... I don't know.”

  Ben let out another deep sigh.

– “I don't even know who shot first, Hansel or Gretel...”

– “That's Han Solo and Greedo. Don't mix your classics!”

■ ■ ■

Saturday late evening — in the gym's showers, at the Pleasure Dome 

  Ryan slumped against the glistening wall of the steam room, sweating and panting, exhausted and frustrated. He ran his hands over his rugged face and into his long, damp hair... It didn't cool him down.

  He had spent his late evening in the chapel, carefully mixing gypsum plaster and applying it on the top of the walls, with a large spatula... He was almost ready to work on the vault, but these repairs went too slowly for his taste — it was so much easier to decorate a cake with chocolate frosting for Austin. Of course, that cake was no sooner completed that it was gone... Sometimes, the icing had no time to cool, and the fat boy licked his fingers so greedily that his friendly cook gave him the bowl, so he could lick it clean too.

  It was past midnight. Ryan had to come down the scaffolding and go to sleep, at some point... Feeling helpless, almost trapped like a tiger in a cage, he had slowly taken his T-shirt off. Plaster dust stuck to his neck and shoulders, his long hair, his chest hair and his forearms — even the most careless baker wouldn't look so white... Then Ryan was gone to the steam room, with a deep and husky sigh.

  This blonde beast needed a cold shower — and hot action, as soon as possible... Most guys in his situation would go for a strong drink and a hooker. Ryan needed something stronger. He could probably tear a tree trunk apart right now, with his bare hands, like a twig.

  Closing the doors to the gym behind him, Ryan wiped his tears with the back of his hand — he stood up straight and tightened the towel around his waist. It looked one size too small for him, for a number of reasons. He felt tempted to leave it on the floor again... The air was cool around him, just so fresh and clean as he was now.

  Walking back to the kitchen shirtless and barefoot helped, just a little. He moved easily, and he could breathe freely — that wasn't enough. The mere thought that he was late for his midnight Koast meal almost made him shudder. Ryan patted his stomach, which certainly didn't feel empty after his latest Koast snack. He was back to munching on one of those at every hour, on the hour, and they were bigger than ever. He was so not hungry, right now...

  As much as he loved Guy as a friend, as an aspiring cook and as the perfect boyfriend for one of his best friends, Ryan couldn't get himself to eat any more than he did... Diego's program around him was ambitious, and Guy's execution was ruthless at the gym. The blond jock didn't want to hurt his friend's feelings, but the food he was forced to eat didn't even taste that good... He didn't tell anyone about it. All that food also made him burp so loud, and so long — it was an embarrassment... Ryan didn't want to disappoint the team, but he felt like he had reached his limit.

  The lights were on, inside the kitchen. It didn't make sense. Everyone should be sleeping, at this late hour, or doing whatever they wanted to do in their beds... It may be one of the teenage boys or girls tiptoeing their way to the cookie jar — Ryan could only admire how anyone at the Pleasure Dome got to feel hungry, after the dinner they had all enjoyed in the private dining hall.

  He didn't want to startle anyone, but the kitchen was the only way to his bedroom, coming from the main hall... The door opened silently and, in the cold light of the opened fridge, he saw a young man kneeling in front of the food in there.

  A young man Ryan had never met. He didn't know him.

  It didn't look like he was a burglar... There was nothing to be stolen in there. Even the most adventurous thief wouldn't be looking for diamonds in the ice cubes compartment.

  After a moment of hesitation, Ryan stepped over the door lintel — and into the kitchen. The young man stood up like a spring, ready to pounce and defend himself.

– “Please, don't freeze...” Ryan raised both hands up to his shoulders, implying that he had no intention of punching this intruder. “And close the door. If you're hungry, you might as well sit down and be served a piece of pie with a warm drink.”

  There was a strange glimmer in the young man's eyes.

– “What makes you think I'm hungry for your food?”

– “You looked hungry, just a moment ago... And you can have some, if you want. There's a lot more where it came from.”

– “I can see that.”

– “Are you working for one of the local farmers?”

– “That's none of your business.”

– “You just got hired... didn't you?”

  The young man twisted his lips, but he nodded — reluctantly.

– “Farmers are like family. For us, at least.” Ryan only suggested. “When you first come to their homes, you can't help wondering... How often can they put food on the table for themselves and their children? Will they agree to feed you, or will you have to live on scraps?”

  These words made the young stranger look at Ryan in amazement.

– “How... How did you know?”

  Ryan lowered his voice, already sounding softer than silk.

– “You've been through the foster care system... I guess.”

  There was another silent nod, but so much less aggressive.

– “Were you... I mean, are you an orphan too?”

– “Yeah.” Ryan almost whispered, after a short silence.

– “How old were you?”

– “Twelve years old. Car accident.”

– “I see... I was sixteen. My parents are still alive, but they're dead to me. Or I'm dead to them, and I decided that it would work both ways.”

  Ryan got to take a closer look at him.

  There was an arresting ferocity to his face — something wild in the way his lips curled up into a wolfish grin, something deep in those green eyes like a tropical jungle caught in a storm, something vaguely dangerous in the way he stood in the middle of the kitchen, in front of the fridge for no reason... The light mist created around him by that cold air and the white light from the neon inside the fridge only magnified this mystery.

“Oh...” Ryan couldn't even think of anything to say, right now.

  Then it hit him. This young man reminded him of Chris — if Chris had grown a little taller, if he had grown a full beard, and if he had beefed up quite significantly to finally let his chiseled abs go, finally turning his lithe midsection into a cuddly beer drinker's paunch, complete with a delicious mat and treasure trail of dark fur that went from his collarbones to the waistband of his worn-out jeans.

  Suddenly, the blond cook felt like he was in imminent danger. The fact that he was only wearing the towel from his quick cold shower at the gym didn't help. He felt his pulse quickening in such a flush that he may be blushing like a ruby red rose. Did the young man notice? Did he also guess, quite correctly, that it had nothing to do with embarrassment?

  That smile on his face was downright predatory.

– “Wait a second! I know who you are.”

– “You do...”

  Ryan had to be blushing. He felt hot sweat rolling down his spine.

– “You're Ryan! Right?”

  The blond jock shivered, and closed his eyes. “Please, God... not this again...” He managed to stifle a sigh — of course! a new farmhand may have heard about him, from other farmhands or other young men in the area, for obvious reasons... Why was it particularly painful to him, right now? He truly wished that he could get to know this young man like a perfect stranger meeting another perfect stranger for the first time.

  It was already too late for that, and it hurt him deeply.

– “My name is Ryan. I'm not so sure about being right...”

– “Oh! sure... I bet you're all kinds of wrong.”

– “May I ask for your name?”

– “You may, but I won't tell you.”

– “Why not?”

– “You caught me in a moment of weakness. I need leverage.”

– “Fair enough...”

  As they were talking, never raising their voices, Ryan and this young man kept walking in circles, going from left to right around each other — like satellites in space around a distant planet, far away from them. The attraction was mutual...

  When it started feeling like a whirlwind in slow motion, the words they whispered grew more daring and resolute. They didn't know what depths they were about to fall into, but they couldn't help themselves.

– “Drop the towel. Now.” The young man said, hoarsely.

– “What is this, strip poker?” Ryan desperately tried to keep his cool.

– “Don't be a sore loser... I'll poke you if you don't do as I say.”

– “If this is what you call leverage...”

– “Please. I want you stripped bare, bear.”

  Ryan couldn't tell if the “magic word” there was “please” — or the fact that this devilishly handsome young man had just called him “bear”. He felt dizzy. He felt his hands around his own waist. He felt the towel softly tumble around his ankles... When he opened his eyes, he was almost tempted to ask the stranger standing before him if he was okay.

  He wasn't just staring, and gaping, with his tongue sticking out. Ryan saw him lick his lips, as an instinctive reaction. It was almost alarming.

– “Huh... Okay, I didn't expect this.”

– “I'm sorry?”

– “I had heard rumours. About you. I didn't expect... so much.”

– “Take off your pants too, then... Please. Do it your own way.”

– “I will, if you don't look away.”

  Ryan nodded with a smile, which caused the young man to blush.

  Then they didn't say a word. There was no need for words... They had come to a point where their bodies took over. The two men expressed themselves on such terms that quickly drew into the most perfect kind of mutual agreement. It felt both familiar and wild, for Ryan.

– “Wow! you're a big bear all the way...”

– “What should I call you? Just for the night.”

– “Call me your “bear cub”... Treat me like your bear cub.”

  The young man writhed when Ryan licked his Adam’s apple, a second later, right where his beard began — then one nipple after the other, flicking them in such long, teasing brushes with the tip of his tongue, it made him gasp and groan a few more times.

  Long waves of pleasure coursed through his body, going back and forth like the tide, several times... It lingered for a good while, then slowly subsided, leaving him slightly exhilarated and hungry for more.

  Everything was moving too quickly around them.

– “I need to lie down...”

– “I'll take you to bed.”

– “Where's your bedroom?”

– “Right behind this door.”

  There was another exchange of looks, sharper than razor blades.

– “Shower first?”

– “Okay...” Ryan nodded quickly, without thinking.

– “You look like you were just coming back from a shower.”

– “Oh? Yeah... I forgot.”

  This made the young man smile in a positively wicked way.

– “Good to know, I already make you feel dirty.”

  They couldn't break such a tight embrace. Still dancing like two leaves attached by the stem caught in a raging tornado, they managed to find their way into the bathroom and in the shower... There was something heroic about it: they couldn't wait any longer — then they couldn't stop.

  Ryan had never met anyone so insatiable in the bedroom... Then, at some point, before dawn, he heard his “bear cub” whisper that he had never met anyone so generous in bed.

  In a final outburst of passion before complete exhaustion, he pounced on the helpless blond bear to fully rest on top of him — and pretend to playfully crush him under his weight.

– “Growl for me, big bear!”

– “...what?”

– “Come on! do it for me.”

  Ryan looked at the bedstand.

– “Okay... Would you hand me that shaker?”

– “What is it?”

– “Early early morning milkshake.”

– “Huh... Okay, there you go.”

  The young man saw him down the whole shaker in one long gulp.

– “BUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRP...”

– “Wow... That's a mighty bear growl!”

– “I don't know if it counts.”

– “It does!”

– “You don't think it's... rude?”

– “It's crude, it's not rude. I love it!”

  It was Ryan's turn to pounce, causing them to roll on top of the bed.

  He felt two warm hands rubbing his sides, teasing him.

– “I have to say, I didn't expect you to be so meaty... around here.”

– “Oh! I know... I'm growing bigger.”

– “You're athletic. Massive. It's great. And what an appetite you have!”

– “I just eat too much.”

– “The way you eat is good for you... I love this even more.”

  That was enough to make Ryan throw caution and all sense of self-restraint to the wind... This sexy “bear cub” was rewarded with the most passionate kiss and the most arousing moves ever inflicted on a young man to ensnare his senses in a fiery maze of forbidden pleasures — and it was blissfully clear that this “big bear” wouldn't stop anytime soon. 

  Assuming that he would...

  This “bear cub” felt like he may have been baiting the wrong beast.

– “Wow...” He swooned, his eyes welling up. “You're going to be trouble.”

– “How about you?” Ryan smiled, also blushing as they saw the sun rise.

– “What do you think? I'll be your worst nightmare!”

■ ■ ■

Monday morning — in the kitchen

  Guy stacked oranges and other fresh fruits on the buffet tables. Ryan was sweeping the floor in the lobby, even though it wasn’t that dirty.

  After the night he had gone through, with another perfect stranger who had disappeared before dawn, he couldn't stand around doing nothing — he also felt a little bloated after his first heavy milkshake of the day and his big, thick Koast protein bar and candy bar.

  Hawk had put a sign on the wall for them, in the kitchen. It said:

zer edo zer egin

meaning “something to do” in Iturritik, to remind them to work hard.

  Ryan took the sign, turned it around and wrote on the back:

Hobe kontu erdibana,

egonen da zain lana.

which meant “Better cut both ways: work can wait”.

  He knew Hawk well enough, by now... Austin's big bearish boyfriend secretely enjoyed being challenged like this, in a fair fight — and Ryan's studies of the old basque language helped him raise to such occasions.

  Focusing on such little details also allowed him to distract his friends for a moment, then let them talk while he kept a low profile.

  While Austin and Lou were mostly interested in their breakfasts, Guy had an important announcement to make.

– “I can't wait for Diego to join us. I have made serious progress with my project for him, and we'll start working on producing a first batch for taste testing soon.”

– “Remind me what it was?” Austin yawned.

– “Beer, Austin. Microbrewed Koast beer.”

– “Oh! yeah... Good.”

– “It won't be “just good”. I want it to taste great. It should help guys grow big beer bellies, with calories of the highest quality!”

– “You will do fine, Guy.” Lou kissed him on the neck, under his beard.

– “We still need to find test subjects for it, but it didn't feel right to keep you out of it, Austin.”

– “How so?”

– “I suggested that we name it Nitsua.”

– “Nitsua? Okay... I don't get it.”

– “That's “Austin” spelled backwards.” Lou whispered.

– “Oh... Nice touch!”

  Austin went back to his stack of pancakes.

– “I also have something to tell you...” Lou took a long, deep breath. “I understand how much this new project means to you, Guy. We all want you to succeed, but I feel like I should do more than encourage you.”

– “Lou...” Guy whispered, quite moved. “Are you saying that...”

– “I'm willing to be your taste test subject for this... Nitsua beer.”

  The tall bear almost pounced on him and hugged him tight.

– “Lucky you...” Austin devoured another pancake, drenched in maple syrup. “You get to be a walking beer can. I'm still a beer can't.”

  Guy was overwhelmed, holding his boyfriend's hands in his paws.

– “Thank you so much for this! Thank you for your encouragement.” 

– “I'm happy to go for it. I'm not much of a beer drinker, but we'll have so much fun doing this together.” 

– “You bet!” Guy rubbed his belly and teased him lovingly. “And I will encourage you too. You'll drink and eat, and drink, and grow...” 

  That last suggestion deserved a kiss.

– “And Diego approved your choice?” Lou asked his boyfriend.

– “It was some lucky break for me... Nitsua or Nitxoa means “niche”, in Iturritik. I have checked with the team, it's not a trademark. It would be rather strange to refer to a “dog house” when you're brewing beer...”

– “I bet it will be quite a niche market.” Austin mumbled.

  Guy told his friends about his new work in the field. Austin promised to go take a look. Ryan was making hot dogs for the breakfast buffet for their teenage guests. He had not been listening too closely... There was a light knock at the door from the garden. Diego came in, followed by a handsome young man with a dark brown beard.

– “Good morning to you all.”

  Ryan froze on the spot. While Diego was introducing his new assistant to the team, he had already met him — and spent the night with him.

– “This is Luke.” Diego patted his assistant on the back.

– “Hey guys...”

– “Now that Guy has found this new project to work on, Luke will be in charge of our dear blond cook's workout schedule, routine and diet plan.”

– “Good luck with all that...” Austin mumbled again.

  Diego literally pushed Luke in front of Ryan, still silent, immobile and wide-eyed with a tray in his hands.

– “Dumbstruck, Ryan?”

– “Huh...” The blond jock was still blushing.

– “Don't mind him!” Austin laughed. “He's always slow in the morning.”

– “I'll let the two of you get better acquainted.”

– “Thank you.”

  They couldn't shake hands. It didn't feel approriate. Luke hugged Ryan, holding him close to whisper into his ear, with a stolen kiss on the cheek.

– “Look at you. A hot, stray dog with a tray of hot dogs...”

■ ■ ■

Thursday afternoon — in the fields, around the Pleasure Dome 

  Austin had no intention of looking like the CEO at the Pleasure Dome, or one of the agents investigating around the hotel, as he followed Guy from one farmer's field to the next. The fact that he was wearing shades had nothing to do with his position in the company, or mocking the Police force led by inspector Badgett. It was tempting, but he had better things to do on such a sunny day.

  Hawk had invited him for a short swim, in the morning. He had taken a shower to get rid of the sand in his shorts but he didn't even put on a T-shirt, coming from the beach.

  In less than three weeks, Guy had organized his own team of farmers and farmhands with the premises, facilities and equipment to produce a new experimental Koast yeast. He was ready to start the fermentation process soon, and he was in high spirit about it.

– “I wouldn't mind being your test subject... if Hawk let me go for it.”

– “I know, Austin.”

  Guy would spend some time in the lab, doing more tests on samples of Koast seedlings — Austin would rather go back to the Pleasure Dome... Walking through the fields, in no hurry, he would be right on time for an early dinner. Whoever sat first at the table got to stay more time around food. He had read it in one of Ryan's books about the Iturritik culture.

  Austin spotted Diego working in the fields, with his new assistant. They were more than a mile away, but it was worth taking a short detour.

– “More milk from the dairy farm, Luke?”

– “That's right! I have so much to do with these milk barrels...”

– “And I have to say, you've been pretty successful.”

  From the moment Luke had started working with Ryan, he had proved to be quite creative — and productive. His area of expertise seemed to center around milk and dairy products, in association with Diego's Koast compound. While he may have followed his teacher's intuition or just his own instincts, he had already provided Diego with a substantial amount of new products, using his own recipes: Koast cottage cheese, Koast flan with caramel sauce, Koast yoghurt with whole milk and fresh fruit salad, Koast custard, Koast custard ice cream, Koast baked cheesecake, Koast rice pudding and banana cream pie, Koast panna cotta with home-made preserves and marmelade, Koast crèmes brûlées, Koast chocolate cream pastries and Koast tiramisu...

  Needless to say, Ryan's daily caloric intake was significantly increased. All those new food items had to find their way into his stomach — so the once malnourished blond jock was now quite forcefully overfed, following the advice and instructions of his coah. And Luke was clearly determined to make him grow like a bear.

  Austin teased his best friend about it, not without a certain fondness, and a secret admiration, claiming that Ryan's “daily dairy” caloric intake amounted to more than a full gallon of whole milk a day... While Diego and Luke didn't comment on it, they agreed that the athletic blond cook consumed more than 12,000kcal on a regular day — and the metabolic adjustments triggered by their Koast compound helped him assimilate all that food very well, even better than in their most ambitious projections.

  Ryan was struggling to eat that much — or he would be, if it was up to him, but he didn't have a say in his new diet. Luke forced him to eat and follow a precise schedule, just as he forced him to work out harder at the gym. He pushed him to swim faster and with more ample moves, in the pool. He forced him to lift heavier weights. He even forced him to work harder in the kitchen. Austin was convinced that Luke would force the helpless blond jock to vacuum the rugs more intensely, all the way from the entrance to the terrace by the pool, if he didn't mind hearing a sarcastic young black friend yell at him “You suck”.

  He didn't dare to joke about it — Austin had caught the two of them, once, rolling on the floor, early in the morning, in a passionate “rugged rug hug” that no one was supposed to see or know about. As much as he enjoyed a good secret to share with Hawk, he wished he could forget about that particular incident...

  Nevertheless, at least one goal had been reached. Ryan was packing on weight at a very healthy rate — after a disappointing new start, when he was focused on helping the teenagers who lived under their roof, Luke's intervention had proved to work wonders on his metabolism. In the first four weeks Diego had assigned to him, Ryan had eventually managed to gain 32lbs. He would still blush when he was told to stand on the scales, but his well-muscled body stood proudly, massive and meaty, as if it had developed a will or an attitude of its own... It was a sight to behold.

  Ryan's arms and forearms were mighty, thick — and his thighs could choke a bear... Diego praised him for his well-balanced weight gain, but he was definitely gushing over a few more significant points — the blond jock's sides were curving out, his abs were buried deep under a most appealing layer of chub, his belly was growing thicker, rounder, and it was beginning to hang over the waistband of his shiny black leather gym shorts. It was just not an option to rub his belly or grab his side... Ryan didn't really appreciate that kind of gesture, spontaneous as it was, but he couldn't avoid those belly rubs by now. It would be easier not to cuddle a man-sized teddy bear. At almost 300lbs, he was encouraged to keep going, and keep growing, by all his friends at the Pleasure Dome. 

– “It's only natural to give praise where praise is due, and Ryan deserves to be encouraged with the kind of motivation, energy and drive you keep showing as his coach. I'm really proud of you too, Luke.”

  Even compared to Guy or Diego, Luke was a ruthless tyrant at the gym, a domestic tyrant in the kitchen, and a devilish tyrant in bed. Ryan could pretty much keep up with his insatiable demands in the sack. He could barely stay on time with his work schedule and his daily chores. He could hardly follow his coach's instructions at the gym... Every work-out session left him out of breath, shivering and struggling to keep his eyes opened, by the time he was done with his routine. Not matter how much calorically supercharged he was, it looked like Ryan would just pass out and fall flat on the floor.

  Only then, Luke brought him back to Life... Underneath that “bad boy” attitude, almost cruel in his choice of encouraging words, insensitive in the way he moved on so swiftly to keep Ryan facing new challeges, there was genuine affection and passionate feelings. It took someone intuitive and hypersensitive as Ryan to break such a code, or pull such a shitty puzzle together — and he did... It was no small achievement, in its own right, pretty much as if a grizzly bear had untied a fine, tight knot with his paws and claws.

  Luke was overwhelmed by it... As much as he made Ryan jump through hoops day in day out, and sweat like a wet sponge pressed in an iron fist, he was head over heels about that same blonde beast. Certainly, the tides turned when the sun went down, and he danced to a different tune. Diego knew his assistant well enough to confirm that he was a changed man — in more ways than one, and a lot more than expected.

– “If praise should be given where praise is due, I don't know if I should credit Ryan for it, but it looks like you've also gained weight.”

– “Is it already so noticeable?”

– “When you have an eye for it, maybe...”

– “Huh... Okay. You really know me well.”

– “And it's no military secret that Ryan is a pretty good cook.”

– “Pretty good? Don't be silly, he's an amazing cook! You could almost say that Ryan is “pretty”. He's not. And I don't do pretty.”

– “I can see that...”

  Diego couldn't quite suppress a smile. Luke blushed.

– “How about you, mister Nutritionist?”

– “What about me?”

– “I may be blindsighted by the way the sun shines on this milk barrel, or how green and tasty those big plants of Koast salads look in these fields, but it looks like you didn't lose much weight since you've started your diet.”

  Luke's biting comment made the taller guy frown, and almost growl. It was almost laughably obvious that Diego still carried more than 360lbs on his portly frame — with a round and doughy belly that stretched the fabric of his light grey T-shirt to its limit.

– “Okay... If you want to know, I want to know.”

– “Huh?”

– “What's good for the goose is good for the gander.”

– “Hey! watch it.” Luke protested. “Ryan does not feed me like a goose.”

– “Cards on the table, then... Come on, I tell you how little I've lost, you tell me how much you've gained.”

– “Okay. Deal. Did you actually lose weight?”

– “Not an ounce. I may have gained an extra couple of pounds...”

– “I wouldn't know... It's different for me.”

– “You weren't trying to lose weight.”

– “I was only focused on making Ryan gain weight. A lot.”

– “How about you, then?”

– “I must have put on sixteen pounds...”

– “In three weeks?”

– “That's right.”

– “Sixteen pounds?” Diego raised an eyebrow.

– “Okay, nineteen!” Luke snapped. “You knew it, I said it. Ryan is a great cook. He's a fucking great cook... I feel all pumped and plump, when I'm with him. And it feels so good, I hate it! I should hate him for it, but he makes it feel... so fucking good.”

– “And it doesn't look bad, just so you know.”

  The two men shared a knowing look, and a knowing smile.

– “Hey, guys.” Austin joined them.

– “Oh... Hey, Austin!”

– “Looking good! You rock that bathing suit in a sea of Koast salads...”

  The handsome black young man rubbed his sweaty belly with his palm.

– “I was just thinking that these were some wonky-looking salads.”

– “They don't look “wonky”, mister.” Diego game him a stern look. “I bet their leaves taste better than regular salad, or spinach. And they make good food taste even better!”

– “And more caloric.” Luke added with a gleeful grin.

– “A lot more caloric...” Diego confirmed, beaming.

■ ■ ■

Saturday night — in Lilah's bedroom, in downtown Pleasance 

  Chris was quickly adjusting to his new environment. He had talked to all the movers and shakers in town, after Lilah had properly introduced him — the men who worked around mayor Cochrane were the people he wanted to meet the most and, at the same time, the people he wished to never see again.

“Austin's right.” He thought. “These guys would scratch the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments to the United States Constitution, if they came to power, back home...”

  It only took him a few days to invite everyone for a garden party at the Pleasure Dome, and it took a few more days for him to get the answers he needed. Everything was settled.

– “I'm impressed.” His new girlfriend admitted. “Did you get everyone's answers, so soon? The councilmen in Pleasance are such homebodies...”

– “And busybodies.”

– “Please, Chris...” Lilah smiled. “Busier than you, with this body?”

– “I did. There's nothing impressive about it. I'm just efficient.”

– “That's almost a thousand guests.”

– “I'm from New York, Lilah... New Yorkers are notoriously really good at pretending that they're really good at what they're doing.”

– “Oh, really? Let's find out.”

  It was a well rehearsed routine. Once the door closed, Chris took off his shirt right away, grinning as Lilah’s eyes fell upon his perfectly pumped, smooth chest and that tight set of chiseled abs, on full display. Then the young man’s commanding hand reached behind her head, gently pulling the voluptuous blonde woman into a full, lustful kiss. Everything was just perfectly timed — not rushed, but with an unmistakable sense of hunger, and urgency...

– “Chris... Aren't you forgetting something?”

– “Huh?”

– “Like a condom.”

– “It's okay. I'm...” He suddenly froze, and blushed. “I'll be right back.”

  Of course, Chris was one hundred percent clean after playing dirty for weeks on end with someome so sexually responsible as Ryan... but that was it. He could definitely make her pregnant.

– “One of the many downsides of being straight.” He sighed.

  Out of the blue, he remembered a line Ryan and Lou sometimes used, as a friendly code between them — from a poem he didn't know so well, by Emily Dickinson...

                                And Life steps almost straight.

■ ■ ■

Monday morning — in the dorms, at the Pleasure Dome

  Anyone less patient than Lou would have given up on the teenage boys and girls they had welcomed into their home... A young man like Gary was particularly abrasive — on the other hand, Jenny always kept to herself so much and she was so transparent that Lou couldn't get her to answer a simple question in class.

  He had tried everything Guy, Austin and Ryan had suggested: painting their own bedrooms with their own choice of colors, decorating the dorms according to their own tastes, creating a game room by the rose garden for their pauses during the day... Nothing seemed to work.

– “Booo...oooring!” Gary yawned, so loudly as he could.

  Tim turned around. They were supposed to study all together.

– “Seriously! what's wrong with you?”

– “That's not for me to say. Tell me something I don't know...”

– “Are you telling me that you already knew about this lesson?”

– “I knew enough.”

– “Really!” Ben snapped, closing his own copy of the book on the table. “What if Lou asks you to share your vast knowledge of this subject with the class?”

– “I know that I don't care about it. That's all there is to know...”

  From the other end of the room, Pat rolled her eyes.

– “Sure, what you know you gnaw...” Ruby mumbled.

  The girls had written their “rules” for the boys in the form of a poem on the board, by the door leading to their bedrooms. That side of the dorms was now adorned with a “no trespassing” sign that said

                                            No ink —

                                            boys think

                                            about girls

                                            & their curls —

                                        you can be a bat

                                        if you smell the rat,

                                        just don't be a brat.

  This left the boys puzzled all day. They had to take action.

– “And not challenging them to a fight!” Tim insisted.

– “Why not?” Gary grinned. “They have nails.”

– “Oh! sure... Go fight tooth and nail with the three of them! Let's see how many teeth you have left, when you come back.”

– “Guys! that's really not the way to go.” Ben stopped them.

  Obviously, Tim and Gary could keep on bickering like this for a while.

– “Let's be honest for a second. We have it pretty good around here.”

– “Ben is right. Why would you start a fight over nothing?”

– “I don't know...” Gary shrugged. “You're right. I've never slept so well. And I'm pretty sure I've seen you smile more than once, this morning.”

– “What do you mean?” Ben frowned.

– “When I first saw you... I swear... I told Tim and Pat that you were a hopeless case of “early morning mourning” face.”

– “Oh...”

– “And you, Tim? You must have gained fifteen pounds already!”

– “No, I didn't.” The young black man protested.

– “Really?”

  Watching both Gary and Ben stare at his stomach, Tim laughed.

– “You need to get your facts checked. I've gained sixteen pounds.”

– “And you must have put on an easy twelve pounds.”

  Ben had commented on it without thinking. Tim nodded.

– “We'll need larger beds, if we keep eating like this...”

  Gary stood before the two of them, giving them a funny look.

– “What a dreary bunch of scarecrows we were... Seriously.”

– “We're no longer skinny. That's a good thing.”

– “I agree. And you two may actually grow plump, pretty soon. It will be a good look for you.”

– “Why just Tim and me? How about you?”

– “Me?” Gary stretched out his arms. “I plan to hit the gym.”

– “Huh!” Tim scoffed. “As long as you don't his anything else...”

– “Right...” Ben also reacted with a wry smile. “Wouldn't you just love to be the dom in the dorm?”

  For the rest of the afternoon, the boys had a more constructive talk about their options: it came down to a simple choice, according to Tim. They had already made that choice: “fatten up”, so they wouldn't have to “flatten down” before anyone.

– “Okay, then... Are we good?” 

– “We're good.”

– “And I don't know about you, guys... but I'm feeling hungry.” 

– “Finally! I didn't want to be the one who would say it first...” 

– “Time for dinner. Let's go.”

  The boys answered with their own “rules” for the girls, on the board by the door leading to their bedrooms. Gary enjoyed a good challenge.

                                            No chalk —

                                            girls talk

                                            about boys

                                            & their toys —

                                        if you feel that itch,

                                        throw it in the ditch

                                        & don't be a bitch.

■ ■ ■

Tuesday evening — in the gym and spa, at the Pleasure Dome 

  Luke felt the fresh evening air wrap his naked chest. It felt so good, so quiet and so exciting at the same time, in Ryan's bedroom... He had always been pulled tight, like a wire ready to snap. Something was going on with him, something that was driving the young man out of his mind.

  He couldn't stop thinking about him. He would only close his eyes if he knew that Ryan was standing close to him — close enough to gently kiss him and keep that kiss going until it would hurt to keep his eyes shut.

  They held on to each other. They would smile and whisper in the dark, in the silence of such nights. They wiped each other's tears after sex, and sweat after training — or the other way around... They had a rich, intimate and deep relationship.

  Luke couldn't stand to stay alone like this. Not anymore.

  Ryan joined him, a few minutes later. Still sweating, looking a bit hazed and confused after another intense workout session with Guy, the blond jock smiled somewhat tiredly at Luke, who went to him and kissed him. Ryan’s beard had filled in a little bit, lately, just as his face had filled out quite a bit — with all the Koast protein snacks, the Koast candy bars and the rich Koast milkshakes that were forced on him at almost every hour, on the hour, during the day. He always looked like he was about to burp. 

  And, more often than not, he did.

– “BUUUUUURRRRRRP...”

  This never failed to make Luke smile, in an almost cruel smirk.

– “Someone's been a good jock at the gym.”

– “I don't know... It took me so long to complete that last set.”

– “Oh! I know. It's doesn't matter... We do have all night.”

  Ryan was still wrapped in his large white, fluffy towel.

– “Come on! let your body breathe some more...”

– “I'm still running a sweat.”

– “It's all for your own good.”

– “That's what you say. I wonder, sometimes...”

– “About me?”

– “Yes. How much should I trust you with all this?”

– “This much...”

  And Luke patted his friend's round belly. Ryan smiled.

– “Or the question may just be: should I trust you?”

– “Why wouldn't you?”

– “I don't know... You could be a wolf in sheep's clothing.”

– “Oh! I am.” Luke grinned. “And you're a bear with no clothes on.”

– “I'm still wearing my gym shorts...”

– “And it's a shame. You should be forced to do another set of squats.”

  Ryan folded the sweaty towel and left it on the back of a chair.

  Luke moaned as he felt Ryan's tongue licking his skin. It was becoming painfully clear to him that this beastly blond jock wasn't just really good at kissing: he knew what to do with his mouth, no matter where it was.

– “That's more like it...”

– “Do you forgive me?”

– “Of course not! I want more. That's what I said...”

  They never just kept it going. Each new kiss got more adventurous. 

– “Let me take a look into your eyes.” Luke whispered.

– “Oh... Are you sure?”

– “Why not? There's no hurry... I don't wish to rush this.”

  Ryan’s eyes were actually fascinating, with such delicate patterns in his irises. He was easy and fun to be with. Luke enjoyed playing around with him, in the kitchen, especially when they were both fully naked... He couldn't help it as his thoughts prompted him to kiss the blushing blond jock again — bringing his hands up to snake along his neck and grip his long hair. That move caused him to shiver and groan even lower.

  For some reason, that was a secret weak spot, hidden around the back of Ryan's skull. Luke was overwhelmed. It worked wonders, as if he had found the key to an invisible back door... And, as much as it made him growl like thunder, he looked particularly vulnerable in this situation.

– “I want you to come inside me, Ryan...” It felt like Luke’s words were dragged out of him through his teeth. His breath had gone short, shallow and almost steamy. “I got tested, this morning... I’m fucking clean, even after everything we've done, you and me. I feel so virtuous, I want you to make me feel spoiled to the core!”

  Luke's moves were swift and feline, playing with his prey. 

  Ryan's gym shorts slid down... He wasn’t wearing any underwear — no surprise there, but quite a sight to behold. Luke was still quite surprised by what he saw. Ryan’s ass was smooth and a little pale against the rest of his skin, hard and round below the dimples in his lower back, where it began to curve out.

  And there it was, swinging between his thighs like a mighty pendulum. Luke’s mouth started watering, and he had to dig his nails into the palms of his hands to stop himself from straight-up drooling.

– “You know what I want, Ryan. You know what I need...”

  The blonde beast didn't answer with words, but that was precisely the kind of eloquence Luke responded to the most.

  Time stopped — or, if the world kept on turning on its axis, it was no longer a motion that mattered to Luke. When the young man came back to his senses, he completed his sentence.

  

– “...and I know what you need.”

– “Huh...” Ryan exhaled.

– “You need to eat.”

– “Again?”

– “And more!”

  Before he knew it, Ryan held a large piece of baked Koast cheesecake in one hand, and a tall glass full of milkshake in the other hand.

– “You really won't cut me any slacks...” He commented, out of breath.

– “I won't even let you wear slacks, you bear! Eat!”

– “Hmmmph...”

– “Eat faster! And drink your shake.”

– “Hmmmph...”

– “Eat! I want you to grow so massive and so meaty as you can.”

  Ryan certainly didn't disappoint him...

  When Luke shot his load for the fourth time, he looked up at the moon. There it was, full and shiny, half hidden in the clouds of a coming storm. Perfect... He almost howled from too much pleasure.

– “You feel your heart pounding in your chest too, big bear?”

– “Huh... Yeah. I do.”

– “Okay, Ryan... I’ll be blunt. I want you to roll me over, and pound me into the mattress right now, all the way, with a full pound of your meat!”

■ ■ ■

Thursday evening — in Hawk's bedroom, at the lighthouse 

  Austin was finally done with a full box of pineapple fritters. He let out a long contented belch, followed by a deep moan of delight. Stretching out his arms, he was ready to brush his teeth and go to sleep... Hawk waited for him in bed.

– “I have something for you.”

– “There's another apple pie in your office?”

– “No...” Hawk chuckled. “It's not something to eat, for a change.”

– “Oh shoot...”

– “It's a gift. From me to you.”

– “Oh goody! Gimme, gimme, gimme...”

  Hawk opened a small box and gave it to his boyfriend.

  It was a medallion, about the size of Austin’s palm, with a silver frame around a white-enameled background and a series of almost concentric silver circles, the center of each circle a little lower than the smaller one inside. It looked like an onion sliced askew by a cook in a hurry...

– “What is this?”

– “I've told you. It's a gift.”

– “I didn't know you were into accessorizing...”

– “That's not what this means. It's a symbol for the Itsasorak.”

– “Oh? Okay...” Austin took a closer look. “What does it mean?”

– “In a nutshell, it's meant to express... devotion, adoration.”

– “Love?”

– “That would be wrapping it a bit too quickly.” Hawk blushed.

– “There's nothing wrong about it.”

– “It's the sign of a particularly binding union.”

  Austin played with the medallion, his fingers entwined in the chain.

– “It looks like onion rings...”

– “No, it doesn't.”

  Hawk sounded slightly offended. Austin was quite amused by this.

– “It's not an... engagement onion ring, right?”

– “Don't be silly.”

  They kissed again... Austin felt like he was about to be deep-fried in his own fat and Hawk's belly rubs — like a freshly sliced onion smothered in crispy batter.

■ ■ ■

Saturday morning — around the buffet table, in the garden

  Austin's first reaction to his cousin's announcement was that he must be joking. Only Chris was serious, and he kept his promise... There were so many visitors in the garden, the rose garden, around the swimming pool and on the lawn by the Pleasure Dome, that they could count as a thousand guests for their garden party.

  Lou was nervous — he had bought new work clothes for the young women and men whom he had taught and trained for this big day. The six of them looked good, healthy and active, with clean haircuts.

  As a precautionary measure, Guy had agreed to stay in the kitchen... There was little chance that he would meet his father in the crowd — it would be quite a surprise, for everyone, if mayor Cochrane showed up at such an event. Ryan would work with Guy, keep him company and make sure that he wouldn't be bothered by anyone.

  Graciously, Luke had offered to participate and keep an eye on the six waiters and waitresses who kept coming and going around the buffet tables — he didn't look like a regular security officer, or an educator, but gracious enough. The shirt he had rented for the occasion was still tight around his neck, so he kept the first two buttons opened, and his suit helped hiding the fact that his pants were a little tight around his waist.

  Lou had spotted Chris and Lilah on the parking lot.

– “Oh, you've seen Chris?” Guy nonchalantly asked him.

– “He should be here any minute now.”

– “Did you see Lilah with him?” Ryan asked, with some curiosity.

– “Of course. Do you want me to introduce you to her?”

– “No.”

  Guy and Lou shared a concerned look.

– “Okay... Why?”

– “Call me old fashioned, Old Testament, or whatever...” The blonde jock looked away. “But I've been taught about what women named Delilah do to meaty guys with long hair like me.”

  Lou didn't insist — the gardens were buzzing with chatters, with their guests gathering around that  “power couple”. It was “party time”... for some people.

– “They weren't kidding.” Ben put more appetizers on his platter, in the kitchen. “That's a lot of people.”

– “It's a crowd...” Gary frowned. “Just a flock of crows.”

– “Jump Jim Crow, they're not ravens.” Tim commented, bitterly. “Austin, Ruby and I must be the only black folks on these grounds...”

– “Lucky you!” Gary gave him more hors-d'œuvres to carry to the buffet tables. “Then you won't get lost.”

– “You get lost...”

  Chris and his date left the waitresses unimpressed.

– “So that's her, Looney Lilah?”

– “According to the grown-ups, it's actually Delilah.”

– “It is.” Jenny confirmed. “Delilah Delaunay.”

– “It's the same!” Pat yawned. “Duh, Lilah... Duh, looney...”

  Ruby bumped fists with her, laughing. Jenny didn't find it funny.

  They weren't paying attention to the discussions.

– “In the wake of mayor Cochrane's reelection...”

– “Oh! you guys also had a wake?” Chris commented.

  Lilah and he were clearly enjoying themselves, in a feisty way.

– “This administration only considers you as people you sow chaos.”

– “Chaos. We saw it too. What can you expect from this administration?”

  When Lou came to say hello to Lilah, he felt a bit of a shock — it looked like Chris had gained quite a noticeable amount of weight... He wouldn't dare to take a more precise guess, but he could only look away from his friend's midsection for a few seconds.

  Chris wore a white T-shirt under his shirt, but he couldn't feel cold, at this new size. Lou was left wondering about it all afternoon. He couldn't ask Guy to come over and confirm this for him. He couldn't ask Austin — that would be too blunt. He couldn't ask Ryan. He had to tell them.

  Austin only shrugged, when he was told. Guy was busy cooking. Ryan didn't comment on it either, but he followed him outside with a whole heavy platter to put on a table as a centerpiece.

– “You're right. He must have put on fifteen pounds.”

– “But...” Lou almost stuttered. “Chris has only been away for...”

– “A few weeks.”

  Ryan came back to the kitchen. Lou felt bad about the whole thing. He couldn't call it an “incident”, but he had to think about it. Was Ryan secretly jealous of Lilah, just because Chris looked bigger and fatter in her company? There was no reason for him to believe that she could cook...

  It was a puzzle, and he had no time to solve puzzles right now.

  Chris didn't even eat that much, with a plate in his hand like everyone. Most of the guests had already gone for third and fourth helpings.

– “Does mayor Cochrane leave his team hungry for more than power?”

– “Just keep buttering them up.” Lilah winked. “It should be easy. Your team is definitely not running short on butter.”

– “And these men do enjoy buttering their bread on both sides...”

– “You're not doing much better, in the United States.”

– “Yes we do! There's corruption, sure... Just not this much.”

– “Didn't you vote for a president Bush for the second time?”

– “Oh! well... Yes, we chose to bring another George to Washington D.C. again. So that's president Bush number two at the White House. It's not like we have president Bullshit.”

– “Not yet...” Lilah commented with a sly grin.

– “How is Canada doing any better than us, when you still have kings?”

– “Check the money, big boy. We have a queen.”

– “Lilah, dear... The only queen I recognize is the one I see smiling at me in the bathroom mirror, every morning when I go take a leak.”

  There were more discussions around Lou, who was considered as the main investor and de facto owner of the Pleasure Dome, for some reason. He did his best to undeceive them — but they were so used to being deceived...

– “Most people around Pleasance don't even own their homes.”

– “And what does this administration own, exactly?”

– “They should own whatever comes next to bite them at their juiciest, where it hurts the most...” Austin saved his friend, in the nick of time.

  The party was a great success. When it was time for the waiters to take a break, they had lunch in the kitchen with Ryan, Guy and Luke.

  Their blond cook treated them with perfectly crispy sliced breaded veal cutlets, pan-fried until golden brown, served with the most delicious, sticky and spicy honey sauce with caramelized carrots and mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and  peppers, fresh salad and creamy, buttery pasta.

– “We're going to need larger chairs, if we keep eating like this...”

  Gary moaned in the most shameless, sensual way.

– “Forget about chairs! We'll need larger stomachs, if he keeps cooking like this for us, day in day out.”

  By the end of the day, Lou was only embarrassed at the suggestion that the Pleasure Dome should operate as a catering business “on the side”... It was such a far cry from the hotel, haven and shelter he was actively working for.

  As the sun slowly went down, more and more guests starting leaving.

  Lou came to talk to Chris a bit more privately. Lilah was in the center of her own little court of admirers, but she looked ready to join the and say good bye for the evening.

– “Did I just hear you tell everyone that you were going to bang her?”

– “We are going to Bangor. In Maine. Where her parents live.”

  Lilah congratulated Lou and the team for such a great garden party.

– “Delicious food, and such a nice place to host events like this.”

– “Thank you.”

– “I have to say, I'm pleased to see your six young protégés behave so well. They have done a pretty good job. I didn't know they had it in them to serve and wait tables and almost act politely with your guests.”

– “It's a fine mix of party planners and party crashers...”

  As they were leaving, Lilah commented on the hotel's value.

– “Are you into real estate or what?” Chris teased her.

– “Real estate is the only real deal. I'm all about getting real..”

– “This isn't just about assets or equity.”

– “I bet...” Lilah smiled. “When was the last time anyone thought about equity in the United States?”

  In the car, as Chris was driving, Lilah showed him a big bristol card. 

– “What is this?”

– “An invitation. To mayor Cochrane's flower show.”

– “Huh...” Chris kept his eyes on the road. “I knew mayor Cochrane wasn't into fruits, but he's okay with flowers?”

– “He and his wife is a famous for their rose garden. Your rose garden is okay, and you have that greenhouse where your friends do research. Mayor Cochrane's father created a new variety of rose, years ago, and he's kept working on it.”

– “I see... So this is a new show for his latest achievement?”

– “It will be a beautiful rose, to be known as the Cochrane Carnation.”

  Chris chuckled, with a wicked glimmer of glee in his eyes.

– “You do realize that you just said “cock reincarnation”... right?”

■ ■ ■

Sunday afternoon — in the kitchen, at the Pleasure Dome 

  It was a really long day for Ryan and Luke. When they were done with the buffet tables, the chairs and all the decorations in the gardens, they mopped the floor in the hall together, cleaned the kitchen, washed the dishes and put them back on the shelves.

– “Okay, Ryan. It's time for a big Koast yoghurt with your fruit salad.”

– “Already?”

– “Of course! And another big piece of Koast baked cheesecake!”

– “Okay...”

– “And a big bowl of Koast rice pudding with another banana.”

  Ryan grunted. Luke kept pushing food in front of him, on the counter.

– “What?”

– “It's just... You know, it's a lot.”

  Luke was silently pleased to see him start eating anyway.

– “That's right. Get yourself started. There's more!”

– “Hmmmph...”

– “How about Koast panna cotta with apricot marmelade?”

– “Hmmmph...” Ryan nodded in agreement.

– “Good! Less talking, more eating.”

  When he was done, Luke forced him to eat another Koast candy bar, and drink one last milkshake for the night.

– “BUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRP...”

– “There you go.”

– “How about you?”

– “I'm good.”

– “Please, have another piece of pie. Leftovers make me feel so sad.”

  Luke couldn't resist that smile. He had to eat all four pieces of pie...

  Ryan gently took Luke’s mug of cocoa out of his hand, and placed it on the coffee table, next to his own — then, with a soft kiss on the lips, he lowered himself carefully, almost too carefully, to cover him with his big bear’s body.

– “You're always so cuddly when you're stuffed...”

– “I feel so... heavy.”

– “Duh!” Luke thumped his blond friend’s belly, with a loud thud.

– “I mean it. I'm not used to this...” Ryan whispered, as if it would deter Luke from wanting to be smothered by him.

– “Get used to it, big bear! And go for it, I won’t break.”

– “I should hope so...”

  He slowly hauled him closer, with a broader smile.

– “Let's just hope that the bed doesn't break...”

– “It's okay...” Luke hugged him tight. “You make me feel so warm, so safe, so comfortable. I really get to believe that you've turned me into a bear cub, when you hold me like this.”

  The young man decided to be bold.

– “Bathroom, bedroom, or some more public space?” he asked in a low voice.

– “Let's keep this private... Follow me.” Ryan said, his voice somewhat huskier than it was, just a few seconds before, his eyes both sparklier and unmistakably darker than usual.

  His bedroom was sparsely decorated, in a poor but somewhat tasteful, masculine way. Ryan kept the lights dim, soft and warm, as he took off his sneakers and his socks, then his jeans and his boxers, tossing them onto a chair. 

  He didn’t want to look or sound too intimidating. Luke kept provoking him, and he would never regret it... This blond bad boy was naturally heavy, bulky and imposing — only his attitude and his smile suggested something different, like unfathomable depths of kindness, generosity and devotion. The way he wrapped himself around Luke's back, slowly taking both their T-shirts off, with a gentle kiss on his nape, was already more sensual than anything he had seen in porn.

– “Okay, let’s go...” Luke said. “I want to get to the rough part of it.”

  Grabbing handfuls of Luke’s blue jeans, he pulled them down and held him close to his chest. Luke responded immediately, with a deep hungry groan. He placed his hands on Ryan’s upper back as he kissed him. For a long moment, it looked like they were both starving men facing the buffet again, with the most delicious foods they could imagine. It felt like Luke had not been caught in anyone's arms in ages. The poor guy was shivering. Ryan kissed him back, playing and exploring his mouth with his lips and tongue, as if he was tasting him for the first time but also giving him a taste of what was to come next.

  Luke’s head swam. He was drowning there, standing up. He placed his hands on Ryan’s thighs, feeling those solid muscles, naturally hairy and so much softer to the touch than the worn-out fabric of his pants. He slowly moved his hands to grab Ryan's buttocks, then up to his lower back. He let them rest around his waist, as a comforting and reassuring presence. It felt like the blond beefcake needed to be reassured.

  Ryan covered Luke’s hands with his paws, turning to meet his eyes. 

– “Did you really want us to do this outside? Or at the gym?”

– “It's okay.” Luke whispered to his ear. “I like to keep it a secret too.”

  Ryan surprised him with a swift but passionate kiss.

– “You shouldn't have to be silent. There should be no secrets between us... or around what we do. You should enjoy yourself, Luke. Scream, if you feel like it! Get so loud as you wish...”

  Luke had a hunch that he would be very vocal, and loud, all night.

– “I keep pushing you too hard. At the gym. At work. And now...”

– “It's okay, you're a very creative lover.”

– “It takes two to create something like this.”

  It also took a lot to surprise him. How Ryan managed to keep him thrilled and dizzy like a surfer riding high, always on top of a tidal wave, he couldn't explain...

– “Oh! yes... Yes please.” Luke didn’t so much say it as he exhaled it. 

– “What?”

– “I just can't resist this...”

– “Why should you?”

– “You know what they say. Temptation is a beast that demands to be fed at all times. And I know, I am just... insatiable.”

– “How much of a temptation am I to you?” Ryan asked with a smile.

– “Oh! the worst and the best... all wrapped together in one mighty big package, you grizzly bear.”

  They spent some time in the shower. They spent some time against the wall. They spent more time on top of the bed. 

  When Ryan settled his weight on him, Luke let out a whimper that could be quite embarrassing for his manhood, but he was too delighted to care. Ryan nipped at the sensitive skin of his neck, and Luke’s cock stiffened for the umpteenth time that afternoon.

  He moved his hips to press it against Ryan’s thigh.

“I want to suck him all the way, some day... If it can be done, I'll do it... when I'm prepared for all this.” Luke thought, and eventually growled.

– “Are you okay?”

– “I couldn't feel better...”

– “Okay. I just need to know that we're on the same page.”

– “Ryan, we spend most of the night between the same sheets...”

  His lips slowly slid off Ryan’s massive cock — with an obscene, lingering drag of his tongue, drooling along that mighty thick and lengthy shaft... He couldn't help licking his lips, then — deliciously contented, but hungry for more. Ryan closed his eyes, feeling them rolling back in his head.

  Sprawling all over the bed, the massive ball-bellied blond jock couldn't say anything right now, even less so than usual, and Luke was perfectly down with it. It made him chuckle mischievously.

– “I want you to fuck me, Ryan.” He whispered, sounding rough and raw. “I want you to go for it, all the way, as long as you don't hurt me... too much. So deep as you can.”

  They spent more time on this, until they were both spent. Luke slapped Ryan's belly harder and got even louder than expected.

  Then they spent some quiet time together, listening to the wind in the trees outside. The blond bear changed the bed cover, the pillows and sheets, so drenched with sweat, then it felt like a fresh and comfortable bear's den again. Luke swooned, nestled against such a meaty chest and wrapped in such a loving embrace. They had a good talk.

– “I want you to eat another piece of Koast cheesecake.”

– “Later, Luke... I'm still full.”

– “Okay...”

  His body seemed to loosen a bit... He watched Ryan with his eyes closed, his beautiful long lashes fluttering in the dark, his large chest covered with blond curls and sweat.

– “You have to eat some more, Ryan. It's no longer late. It's early!”

– “Since when does early count as too late?”

– “You just let me do it. Follow my moves. I'll feed you.”

– “Okay.” Ryan groaned.

– “You make me feel so wild... I want to fuck you like this, I think. On your back, big bear... I want to see you come all over that gorgeous, well-fed body of yours. I won't sugarcoat it for you, Ryan. Let me see you cover your belly with jizz, like thick buttercream frosting on top of a monstrously big marble cake!”

■ ■ ■

Monday morning — in the main hall, at the Pleasure Dome 

– “Doorbell!” Austin called, but he wouldn't move from his desk.

– “Did we expect a visit, on a sunday?”

  Lou opened the door. There was a pizza boy standing with what looked like a dozen extra-large pizzas.

– “Did you guys order fifteen pizzas?”

– “No...” Lou wondered. “Why would we?”

  The young man looked impatient to leave.

– “Did you come all the way from Pleasance?”

– “Yuh huh.”

  Lou frowned. It had to be a prank call.

– “I'll get my wallet...”

  Once he had paid the pizza boy, he felt free to ask his friends about it.

– “Typical.” Austin commented. “It's like we're back in high school...”

– “I was just thinking the same.”

  Lou called for a special meeting. When everyone was sitting around the kitchen table, with the pile of pizzas standing in the middle like a block of cardboard, he cut to the chase.

– “Gary? I'm only going to ask once. Did you make that call?”

– “Why are you going after me? Anyone could have done it.”

– “And I could be asking everyone, but I would rather hear the truth from the person who knows what he did, and should know better about lying to the people he lives with.”

  Gary did look guilty as sin, just from the way he frowned.

– “This isn't fair... You always blame the sulky ones.”

– “If that was true, he would also ask Jenny.” Pat commented.

– “Hey...” The dark-haired girl protested. “I didn't do this.”

– “I've seen you going through the halls, and upstairs. I was wondering what you were doing. There aren't so many phones in this place.”

– “I was just looking around... That's none of your busniess.”

– “And it's easier than you think to trace a phone call.” Lou concluded.

  He turned to Gary again.

– “So... What will it be?”

– “Come on! don't get your bowels in an uproar...”

  Then, to everyone's surprise, Lou slapped the young man.

– “Listen to me, Gary. Just because you look like the man I love when he was your age, before he grew a beard, that doesn't make you “special” in any way, at the Pleasure Dome... I understand that you have issues with authority, but Guy was raised by the worst man I have ever met and he turned out to be the best man I know. If that's what it takes to help you grow a spine, straighten up and become the fine young man you could be, so be it.”

  Lou didn't even raise his voice. Gary looked down.

– “Okay... I did this.”

– “There you go. First things first, you will deliver these pizzas to the teams who work in the closest farms around the hotel.”

– “That's seven large farms, with a number of farmhands.” Austin nodded.

– “It's fine. Gary will go to each team with two pizzas for them to share.”

– “What should we do with the last one?” Guy asked.

– “I guess we could eat it.”

– “Gary should eat it, while we watch...” Tim smirked.

  It took all afternoon for the redhead boy to do the whole tour. When he came back to the Pleasure Dome, he found everyone gathering in the kitchen again. They weren't exactly waiting for him. 

  It looked like Guy had organized something for the team, on a whim.

  Tim and Ben were waiting for him on the terrace, with Pat and Ruby.

  He wiped his forehead. They were there to make fun of him.

– “I'm done with the last pizzas. Let's hear about this. Shoot.”

– “You're not done with the last pizza.”

– “And we are so not done with you...”

– “Okay. Let's join the team. Face the music.”

  The two boys and girls around Gary agreed that Lou was really fair with him. Besides, they had been tempted to slap him for some time.

– “After a long walk like this, you must be ready to stuff your face.”

– “I am... Okay! time to eat, I guess.”

– “There's always time to eat, around here.” Ruby smiled.

– “And room for more...” Gary patted Tim's stomach, somewhat findly.

– “Where did Jenny go again?” Pat asked. “Have you seen her?”

– “Nowhere around our dorm.” Ruby nodded.

– “Did you?” Pat asked Gary.

– “Why would I have seen her anywhere?”

– “You were wandering around here. She's always wandering...”

– “So what? Did she get lost? Let her get lost.”

– “She wouldn't be much of a loss...” Ben muttered.

– “Maybe she locked herself in somewhere, and she can't get out.”

– “Oh! please... Let's count down the number of fucks I give.”

■ ■ ■

Monday evening — in the kitchen 

  Guy asked everyone to sit at the dinner table.

– “Since we find ourselves with an extra-large pizza, and we've all been working so hard lately, I thought it would be the right time for me to ask you to taste the first batch of Koast beer I've been working on.”

– “That's you big plans for tonight.” Ruby scoffed. “Pizza and beer.”

– “I know... Add a football game, and we would almost look straight.”

– “I wouldn't take it that far.” The black girl smiled.

  Gary was told to cut the pizza in small pieces, like more cocktail food. Guy came back with three large ice boxes containing brown bottles.

– “There. Who wants a first taste of this?”

  Lou raised his hand.

– “Guy, we've been over this... Ryan doesn't drink. I don't know about Luke... We have six teenagers with us, and Austin is also too young to drink.”

– “I can drink.”

– “Not legally, you can't.”

– “And who are you? The Law?” Austin drawled.

– “The fact that your cousin isn't there doesn't make you old enough.”

– “Right. If Chris was here with us...”

– “He would joke about the fact that Hawk not being in the kitchen with us doesn't make you look younger.” Guy teased.

– “What should I do, call them?”

– “That's not for me to decide.” 

  Lou wouldn't give up, but he wouldn't argue with a smart boy like him.

– “Dude...” Tim patted Austin on the shoulder. “Let's be fair. If I can't drink beer, you don't get to drink beer either.”

– “Are you telling me that you've never drunk beer.”

– “That's not what I said...”

  Tim raised his hands to his chest in defense.

– “You're some authority figure, Austin.” Gary smirked. “I look up to you.”

– “How are you doing with that pizza, slicing and dicing?”

– “I'm done.”

– “And I'm thirsty.”

  Guy agreed with Lou, of course.

– “Dude, you need to read the temperature in the room.”

– “And what?” Austin chuckled. “Drink room-temperature beer? No way.”

– “Then you don't. Leave it to the adults in the room.”

  It only left Lou, Guy and Luke. And Ryan.

– “Why wouldn't you drink beer?”

– “Because I don't drink.”

– “Ryan's a lightweight.” Austin teased, with a wicked grin.

– “You wouldn't know when you look at him.” Luke also smiled.

  Ryan had every reason to feel backed into a corner. 

– “If I drink this, will you deal with the consequences?”

– “I will.” Luke nodded, on a dare.

– “Okay... Don't say I didn't warn you.”

  Tim and Gary encouraged him a bit too forcefully. Ben joined them.

– “Come on, Ryan! Chug, chug, chug...”

  The blond jock took a cool bottle from the ice box. There was no need to chant around him. He downed the whole thing in one long sip.

– “BUUUURRRRP...”

  Luke didn't have time to react. It felt like he was assaulted by a mighty tiger, pouncing on him. The kitchen went silent as everyone saw, wide-eyed, one of the most impressive kisses they had ever seen. Austin was left gaping like a goldfish. Guy and Lou were blushing. Pat let out a low, whistling sound... Ruby and Ben felt tempted to look away — but they couldn't. Tim stood like he was struck by lightning and Gary had to wipe his mouth. He wasn't the only one drooling...

  Ryan slowly backed down, with a final soft peck on the lips.

  His embrace got a little softer, still firm and unyielding... Luke's eyelids were still shivering with that lingering, dark and ecstatic sweep of such long lashes against his cheeks, like the helpless fluttering of a butterfly caught in a spider's web.

– “Huh...” He managed to whisper. “What was that?”

– “Consequences.”

  Just so swiftly, Ryan grabbed Luke's wrist and took him to his bedroom. The door closed itself shut behind them.

  Lou was still blushing. He cleared his voice.

– “I guess that's what they mean, when they say “If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”. Right?”

– “And follow Ryan in his bedroom? No way! That's an “Out of the frying pan, into the fire” situation...”

  Gary sat down, and raised his voice.

– “Okay! who wants pizza... with no beer?”

– “What, you want to eat all this?” Tim teased him.

– “We can't get drunk. That's the Law. It's a stupid law, but let it pass. There's no law that says we can't get fat.”

– “So you want to get fat?” Ben muttered.

– “Four... Three.... Goody two shoes.” Gary winked at him.

  Austin agreed. They had more leftover food and soft drinks. 

  The “adults in the room” were largely outnumbered, at this point... Lou felt like he may be cautious with one of Guy's drinks, if Ryan's reaction to it was to be considered “normal”.

– “Tell me, Lou... How does it taste?”

– “Light enough, but thick.”

– “You only took a quick gulp. Drink some more.”

– “You want me to drink it as we've just seen it done?”

– “Hell, yeah!” Guy answered without even thinking about it.

– “Okay then. You and me, together.”

– “Synchronized drinking!” Ruby cooed. “Woohoo...”

  Her attitude made Pat laugh.

– “I didn't see you as one of those “woo girls”, Ruby.”

– “Look at them go!”

  In a matter of seconds, Lou and Guy had downed their beers.

– “BUUUUUUURRRRRRRP.”

– “Oh, synchronized burping... Even better!”

  There were more brews in the ice box for them.

– “It's too bad...” Lou whispered “Chris isn't with us tonight.”

– “Why?”

– “He could drink a few of these. He's grown a little beer belly, lately.”

– “Yeah...” Guy nodded. “I've seen it.”

– “Chris is excused because he went straight to bed.” Austin smiled.

– “That's straight sex for you. Selfish. No fun.”

  Watching Guy and Lou binge drinking made the boys want to eat.

  Gary looked particularly eager to stuff his face, at this point.

– “Dibs on the pizza?”

– “Dude! share the wealth...” Tim slapped him on the back.

  Ruby reminded everyone that there was a whole platter on the kitchen counter, with a tall pile of leftovers from the garden party.

– “Perfect! Let's pig out.”

– “And share.” Austin insisted.

– “Please, please sir...” Gary pleaded with Bambi eyes. “May I get down on all four, eat all this and grunt like a pig? I've spent all afternoon going from one farm to another...”

– “There's no boot-licking in this house. Just lick your plates clean.”

  Lou was holding his fifth beer in his hand. Guy wasn't far behind. They had to be more than a little bit tipsy, but in such a way that they looked fired up.

  It was time for Guy to make an important declaration.

– “Lou...” The tall readhead bear held his boyfriend by the shoulders, his fingertips tingling with drunken excitement. “You know how I feel about you... but you don't know how I feel about you growing fatter. I love the way you eat as much as you can, I love the way you gain weight... but I love you so much more!”

– “Guy...”

– “I can't just watch you eat. I want to make you eat. Make you grow. I want to feed you, like... too much! Stuff you full... almost painfully full. I want to fatten you up, Lou!”

– “Wow...”

  As they kept going, taking longer sips from their beer bottles, Lou's voice was softer and softer while Guy spoke louder and louder, until he couldn't resist the urge to kiss his boyfriend passionately and hold him in a crushing embrace, with all his strength.

– “Guy... You're hurting me.”

– “You don't want me to stuff you full?”

– “You're hugging me too tight...”

– “Oh! yes... Sorry.”

– “Guy...” Lou slurred, also quite tipsy. “I want you to feed me.”

– “You do?”

– “And weigh me in the morning, every now and then.”

– “Anytime.”

– “Tell me how plump I've grown, and be honest about it.”

– “Always.”

– “And fatten me up! Make me grow as fat as you want, Guy...”

  Guy didn't say a word — he growled, and reached for the next bottle.

– “Drink, Lou. Drink more! Grow a thick beer belly.”

– “I want you to grow a big beer belly, too... A big bear's belly!”

  In the heat of the moment, the two men downed their bottles of beer in one long, hurried gulp. Pat and Ruby nodded and went “woohoo” on them thogether. Tim, Gary and Ben were staring at them in amazement.

– “BUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRP!”

– “Huh... Guys?” Gary chuckled. “Get a room!”

– “And a groom.” Tim whispered. “If these two aren't on a honeymoon...”

  Lou had to catch his breath.

– “Okay... Maybe we should call it a night.”

– “Bro!” Gary gushed. “You can call it everything in the book.”

– “Lou's right.” Ruby nodded. “It's getting really late.”

– “Do you have a late-night date with your pillow?”

– “No... We're having fun. I only heard Jenny say something about us getting in trouble, at some point.”

– “Jenny doesn't know a thing about trouble... or fun.”

– “Forget it. I don't know either...”

  Pat turned to her, concerned.

– “Why? What did Jenny tell ya?”

  For some reason, the three boys chuckled.

– “What's wrong with you?”

– “You just said Genitalia...” Tim was still giggling. 

– “Female!” Gary added, which made the two others laugh. 

  Pat and Ruby were apalled.

– “Boys...”

– “Wait!” Ben asked. “Did you guys also hear a noice?”

– “Where?”

  Ben went outside, on the terrace. Then whatever he saw made him run away. It came from everywhere around them, through every door except the one to Ryan's bedroom. In less than a minute, a dozen Police officers stormed into the kitchen.

– “Everybody freeze! You're all under arrest.”

– “What is this?”

  Inspector Badgett entered, with a warrant in his hand.

– “You have the right to remain silent.”

– “Tell me something I don't know...” Tim shouted. “That's the only right I've ever had!” 

– “Everyone in this room, follow us outside. And take the evidence.”

– “What...” Guy protested. “Hold my beer? No way!”

  The policemen had cuffs for the two girls and the four men.

– “How about the other one? That blond one.”

– “We have men running after him.”

– “Oh! poor Ben...” Gary frowned. “He couldn't get the right men to run after him.”

– “Shut up!” A policeman shouted at him, and everyone.

– “Hey!” Austin growled. “Watch where you put your hands.”

– “Where am I supposed to hold you?” The policeman suddenly found himself blushing. “You have quite a... massive belly.”

– “That's right! Don't mess with my mass.”

  Inspector Badgett was beaming with pride, enjoying the crisp fresh air on the terrace. Tim and Gary gave him a dark look.

– “You look awfully proud of yourself.”

– “And I should!” The inspector laughed. “This is Police work at its best. It couldn't go better. Caught with the morning dew...”

– “What is this?” Gary protested, as he was handcuffed. “Dew process?”

■ ■ ■

Tuesday early morning — in the main hall, at the Pleasure Dome 

  Luke got under the sheets. He rested his head on Ryan’s chest, holding on to him like a giant teddy bear, letting the deep rise and fall of his almost silent breathing lull him to sleep.

  Even the air in the room felt clean and fresh — as if it had been washed away, or sucked into a snowy vacuum, frozen and waiting to be thawed.

  It felt quiet, almost perfect. Suddenly, the phone rang.

– “Oh! fuck...”

– “I'll take this.” Ryan got out of bed.

  The kitchen looked strangely unfamiliar, as if someone had forced his way inside to steal something. Ryan recognized Austin's voice over the phone.

– “Why are you calling me like this?”

– “What do you think? We've all been arrested.”

– “Where are you?”

– “In Pleasance. In jail. Except for Ben and Jenny. They're MIA.”

– “Oh...”

– “Find them. Take the car and come to the Police station with our “get out of jail free” card.”

– “You know we don't have one of those.”

– “Take the company's credit card.”

– “You're all in jail...” Ryan asked. “Who's on duty tonight?”

– “Joel and Danny, I think. They asked me to say hi to you...”

– “Okay. They shouldn't treat you badly. Tell them I said Hi too.”

– “Done. They looked disappointed, you know... They would just love to have you behind bars.”

  Ryan didn't comment on it. This was serious.

– “How are you holding up?”

– “Guy's snoring. Lou's with him right now. They're drunk. I'm jealous.”

– “That sums it up. See you in the morning.”

  Luke was standing there, behind him. Hearing about jail had made him get out of bed. He was naked, in the same natural and vulnerable way as Ryan could be sometimes, and he shared his friend's amazement and his worries at the moment.

– “What happened?”

– “I have no idea... but we sure dodged a bullet, here.”

– “Do you want to go back to bed? I could comfort you...”

– “Thank you... I don't think I would keep you just comforting me.”

– “Come on, Ryan. I know that look... You're like a tiger in a cage.”

– “We're free, you and me. My friends are in a cell.”

– “They're also my friends, you know...”

  Ryan was moved by those last words. He hugged Luke and kissed him.

– “I need to clear my head, tonight. Get up early and look sharp.”

– “Look sharp, tomorrow morning? You had to go to bed three days ago.”

  Luke teased his blond bear, but it did help him feel better.

– “You're right, Ryan... I should go home.”

– “Do you have to? Everyone I care for will be in Pleasance...”

– “I also have something to do, tomorrow.”

– “Okay.”

– “How about a good night kiss?”

– “Just a kiss?”

– “You know, Ryan... A kiss from you goes a long way.”

– “I don't want you to be gone a long way.”

– “If I stay close to you, I get burned. It's like sleeping by the fireplace.”

– “I'll keep that in mind. We'll sleep by the pool.”

– “Nuh huh... I would roll over in my sleep and drown.”

– “I won't let you get drowned.” Ryan kissed him. “Or drawn to the fire.”

– “All right, big bear. Surprise me...”

  They looked deep into each other's sparkling eyes, then they closed their eyes. Ryan whispered for Luke, knowing that the young man spoke German just so fluently as he spoke English.

Nicht mehr bleibest du umfangen    Darkness no longer snares you,

in der Finsternis Beschattung,         shadows lose their ancient force

und dich reißet neu Verlangen         as a new desire tears you

auf zu höherer Begattung.              up to higher intercourse.

Keine Ferne macht dich schwierig,   Now no distance checks your flight.

kommst geflogen und gebannt,       Charmed you come as you draw nigh

und zuletzt, des Lichts begierig,      till, with longing for the light,

bist du Schmetterling verbrannt.     you are burnt, O butterfly...

  There was a short moment of shivering silence.

– “Fuck...” Luke whispered, breathing like a steam engine.

– “Are you okay?”

– “Ryan, if I believed in God, I would adore you...”

■ ■ ■

Tuesday early morning — in Lilah's apartment, in downtown Pleasance

  Austin had called Ryan to get them out of jail. Lou also called Chris to tell him about this new ordeal — Guy and Hawk were in no condition to call anyone, snoring as they were in the same cell with their boyfriends.

  Putting his cell phone back inside his jeans, hanging by the bathroom's door, Chris took a lingering look at his reflection in the mirror.

  The spotlights made his smooth abs shine like cobblestones glistening with morning dew. He took a long, deep breath. In the corner, on a chair, there was the padded “fat suit” Lilah made him wear under his T-shirt, every time they went out together.

  As he came back to bed with her, the phone rang in her office.

“Who could be calling at this hour?” Chris thought, with a smile, as he took the opportunity to hog the covers.

  Lilah didn't close the door, but she kept her voice low.

– “It's you? Make it quick, he's in the next room... Did you get to look into his files? Good... I know about this... You were right, it caused some diversion. Okay, consider that your work here is done. Get back with the team as soon as you can... You don't want anyone to ask more questions than you could answer. See you soon.”

  She hung down the phone. It looked like Chris was asleep.

  Lilah chose to change the subject.

– “You know, Chris? I should get a slightly larger padded fat suit for you, before we visit my parents in Maine, next week.”

– “Training fat suit?”

– “Something like that.” She smiled.

– “Do you want me to look pregnant or what?”

– “Oh! you don't want my parents to think I'm pregnant...”

– “Fair point.”

– “They would give me a funny look... but they will stab you with more than their eyes!”

– “Parents.” Chris scoffed. “They always blame the straight boyfriends.”

  He took one look at the alarm clock. It wasn't even 6AM.

– “Do you have to go?”

– “My friends need my help.”

– “They're in pleasance?”

– “Precisely. They're in jail.”

– “What happened to them?”

– “I don't know.”

  Even if he did, Chris wouldn't tell her.

– “Okay. How long will you be gone.”

– “When you go to the cops, you never know when you'll come back.”

– “That works when you're gay...”

– “Or black. That's the other situation when you don't go back.”

– “Then you'll be fine.”

– “I don't know. There's another situation when I feel gay.”

  Lilah rose from the bed, in her night gown. She kissed him.

– “You're going to the Police. Tell them what they need to hear, bail your friends out of jail and be done with it... There's no need to wrap it in silk paper, or rhethoric. Be straightforward, for a change.”

  Lilah gave him the keys to her car, and went back to bed.

“I would rather move forward with positive thinking.” Chris thought. “Oh! well... Just another example of the many downsides of being straight.”

■ ■ ■

Tuesday morning — in the chapel, at the Pleasure Dome 

  It was quiet in the halls, the kind of quiet that is left after the storm. 

  Ben slowly walked to the chapel — he had never stepped foot in there. Ryan was sitting on a bench, alone.

– “What are you doing here?”

– “Would you believe it if I told you I was waiting for you?”

– “All the others were arrested. Except for Jenny. I haven't seen her.”

– “She must be hiding somewhere. We can wait for her too.”

– “So you were just waiting, here?”

– “After a few phone calls, basically. Yes. I've told you.”

– “Okay...”

– “How about you?”

– “I don't know...” Ben shrugged, with his fists in his pockets. “Waiting for something to happen, when you think about it... When you're in a church, doesn't it count as praying for it?”

– “Something, like... anything?”

– “I wouldn't know.”

– “Then it's closer to a prayer than you might think.”

  Ryan wrapped his arm around Ben's shoulder.

  The young man was more shaken than he would admit, after he had seen his friends and Ryan's friends get arrested. Maybe this felt too close to home — then he didn't want the Pleasure Dome to feel like home...

– “Come on. Sit down.”

– “You want us to wait together, for... whatever?”

– “If you don't expect too much, you may not wait for so long.”

– “Okay.”

  There was a moment of awkward silence. Ben looked up.

– “Why didn't you guys put a cross up there, or something?”

– “I don't know. There's no need for it, really.”

– “This is meant to be a chapel. Something's missing.”

– “It isn't, if you feel like there should be something up there.”

– “Doesn't this place feel empty to you?”

– “Honestly? No...”

– “How?”

– “Take a look at the wall in front of us. What do you see?”

– “Nothing. It's blank.”

– “Most people wouldn't see the writing on the wall.”

– “Okay.”

– “I like it better this way. I bet the Pope himself would rather have an empty quiet church, with someone like you sitting in the middle and asking questions, rather than a crowded temple where shady deals get discussed while the music is playing.”

– “I see... Didn't Jesus throw the merchants out of the church?”

– “He did.”

– “What would he do now?”

– “I don't know... I guess he wouldn't be allowed to enter, now.”

– “Well...” Ben nodded. “So much for that second coming.”

– “Yes, good luck with that.”

– “You could still put a crucifix against the wall.”

– “Honestly, the crucifixion isn't even my favorite part of the story...”

– “Why is that?”

– “It's not like I should have a choice in this matter, but... Jesus didn't just die on the cross, or suffer for our sins and the sins of our fathers. That was two thousand years ago. We're still suffering for our sins and the sins of others.”

– “That's true. And when Mary holds baby Jesus for the shepherds, she's always so quiet. It's like no one ever asked her about the pains of giving birth to a child like him?”

– “Women have been suffering for men's sins a lot more than Jesus ever did, long before he was born and it certainly holds true to this day...”

  Ben sat closer to Ryan. He ran his fingers through his surfer's hair and rested his head on the taller man's shoulder.

– “Ryan... May I ask you something?”

– “Sure.”

– “Can you keep a secret?”

– “Of course.”

– “I should make it clear, first... This isn't a confession.”

– “And I'm clearly not a priest.”

– “Good for you. And that's fine by me.”

– “I'm listening...”

– “I don't believe in any of this. I've been listening too. I just don't.”

– “It's okay.”

– “It's not!” Ben snapped. “Why do I keep feeling like it's not for me?”

– “You don't have to pray in Latin, or in so many words...”

– “I know. It's not like it's a language I don't understand.”

– “What makes it so hard, then?”

– “I have no idea. I just can't take a knee, sit down, join hands, or go through any of that “good little choir boy” show without getting really angry.”

– “Would this make you angry at yourself?”

– “I guess.”

– “Then what you did was definitely better for you. I recommend it.”

– “What was I doing now?”

– “Waiting for it...”

  There was such silence around them, Ben let out a sigh. 

– “We're no longer talking about a sign from Heaven, right?”

– “That's for you to decide. God is all about Love.”

– “Is he, really?”

– “Whoever tells you otherwise deserves to be slapped in the face.”

– “I guess you're right. Love's hard... God must be hard on me as well.”

– “Don't be too hard on yourself.”

– “Either way, it feels like stuff that's not for me.”

– “It's never easy. I can only agree with you on that part.”

  Ryan looked up, holding Ben's shoulder in a firm grasp.

  Then he whispered something the young man didn't understand.

Why was I made for Love, and Love denied to me?

– “Huh?”

  Ben made Ryan repeat it, then he remained silent for a minute.

– “Fuck me... That's exactly how I feel! I mean, literally. Word for word.”

– “I can't take credit for it. That's Coleridge.”

– “Who?”

– “An English poet. We named our hotel after one of his works.”

– “Wait! someone wrote a poem about the Pleasure Dome?”

– “Not about us, but he wrote a poem about a pleasure dome.”

– “Oh! okay...” Ben thought about it. “Is he a friend of yours? I would like to meet that guy. He could talk some sense into me.”

– “Ben, that guy's dead. He's been dead for quite a while.”

– “Just my luck.”

– “You can listen to what he had to say, if you read his poems.”

– “I don't know... Poems? That's girl's stuff.”

– “What you just made me tell you twice, did that sound girly to you?”

– “No.”

– “I'll get a collection of Coleridge's Poems at the library for you.”

– “Like... to read?”

– “Duh! you have to return those books. I can't let you eat them.”

– “Okay...” Ben let out a deeper sigh. “You don't make it any easier.”

– “Going uphill, young man... It's always for your own good.”

  Ryan had a hunch that this troubled young man may be asexual — and not much of a romantic either... There was nothing wrong about it. Ben was sensitive, in his own way, and he needed help.

– “It’s okay to be all thorns, when you’re a teenager. You’ll get to bloom when you’re ready, on your own terms, and you’ll be such a perfect rose. No one could tell that you had it in you. Maybe you didn’t know it either. So what? Then it will be there for everyone to see, and love.”

  Ben was actually moved by this. He put his hand on Ryan's shoulder.

– “You weren't really waiting for me. Right?”

– “Who else is there?”

– “No one, but he will come back.”

  Ryan put his mighty paw on Ben's hand, brushing it gently.

– “Let's go.”

  Ben walked down the main hall with him, wrapped in his own thoughts.

– “I don't know how I would feel, if I was sent home to my family.” Ben crossed his arms behind his head, looking at the ceiling. “If it means that we should feel safe, warm, well-fed, in a group of people who accept us as we are, do their best to understand us and encourage us, no matter what, then it feels like home when we stay at the Pleasure Dome...”

  When Ryan opened the door, the cold air made him recoil and shudder.

– “Do I have to go?”

– “The Police expects me to drive you there, and they expect you to join your friends at the precinct. You know, for a little while.”

– “I could go without friends like these...”

– “Come on, Ben. You can't stay here in hiding.”

– “Why not?”

– “We're already up to our necks in hot water... At this point, it would be kidnapping.”

– “I'm not a kid.” Ben mumbled. “And I don't need to take a nap.”

■ ■ ■

Tuesday morning — in juvenile detention, in Pleasance

  Pat and Ruby were locked in one cell. The guard had taken their shoes, their belts and their bracelets. They were sitting, side by side, looking at the floor and bored out of their minds.

– “So that's it.” Pat mumbled. “Back to square one.”

– “When did you go to jail?”

– “On and off...” The latino girl shrugged.

– “Where did Jenny go?”

– “I have no idea. They will catch her, eventually.”

– “I mean... Where did she go, when we were at the Pleasure Dome?”

– “Hiding, I guess.”

– “How?”

– “I don't know, and I don't care! Let her get lost.”

  Ruby moved away from Pat. The firl had to be in a bad mood.

– “Come back, Ruby. I'm sorry... I'm just pissed at what happended to us. It's not your fault.”

– “I don't like it any more than you do, but what can we do?”

– “I have no idea. I can't even get my pants to stay in place.”

– “They wouldn't let us keep our belts. So many girls hang themselves in jail, during a night like this.”

– “I'm so glad to have you with me, to lift the moon.”

– “They won't let us have razors either, for the same reason.”

– “I get it.”

– “You know it goes the same for Tim and Gary.”

– “No it's not... If some guard catches them with their pants down to their ankles, he won't even care. That's just boys being boys.”

– “Same rules, different consequences?”

– “You said it, sister.”

  Pat jumped on the occasion to react vehemently.

– “Wait! so they don't even have to shave?”

– “Maybe tomorrow morning, if they want to...”

– “How about us? What if I don't want to shave my legs?”

– “You'll get hairy legs... Is that something you want?”

– “Well, no. But these wankers are allowed to grow a beard!”

– “I guess. Would you want something like that, too?”

– “Please! the only beard I've had was my would-be boyfriend Bob.”

– “Oh... Okay, and did you make him grow a beard?”

– “I couldn't get him to grow up! And the only way to make him grow a pair was to dump him...”

  Pat and Ruby bumped fists on this.

– “You know what?” Pat smiled. “It's fine. We'll get through this.”

– “Of course, we will. One way or another. If a guard comes after one of us, you pat and I rub...”

  Ruby made the right gestures, like a kitten with her claws out.

– “With these nails? Count me in.”

  Tim and Gary were sitting and brooding in the next closed cell.

– “What time is it?”

– “I don't know. Happy hour, somewhere else in the world. Not here.”

– “Obviously... We should try and get some sleep.”

  Tim rested his head on Gary's shoulder. Gary brought his arm around him, in a quick move, then he started stroking his shoulder. Tim turned his head to look up at him and their eyes locked. He didn't feel anything, as they gradually moved closer to each other. Tim didn't realize how close they were until their lips met — and they kissed. Neither of them pulled away... Tim went in for seconds, encouraged by Gary reaching up and gripping his fingers in his hair. His tongue started licking Tim's lips, as if he was begging for them to part. He let him in. 

  Gary got to taste his friend’s natural sweetness, and Tim couldn't help but moan as he massaged his tongue and explored new feelings in his mouth. Suddenly, he pulled away, his eyes wide opened in panic.

– “Wait. I'm not gay...” He whispered, panting.

  Gary shook his head, with a wry smile.

– “It's okay, dude... Neither am I.”

  He couldn't finish what he was going to say as they pulled each other close, their mouths colliding together once more. 

  Tim had never kissed anyone like this, but he understood. He felt the heat, like something he had missed all his life... He longed for someone else's touch. He had been left out in the cold far too long — surely that was why his body felt so receptive to the idea now.

  He had never been into men... Of course. His breath hitched as he felt Gary's fingertips tease him, rubbing his belly then going to his waistline and the top button of his pants.

– “Jerk me off.” He whispered hoarsely.

  Clearly, Gary meant every word, when he usually stopped at “jerk”.

– “Huh...” Tim nodded in vague agreement.

  He could do this. He had jerked himself off enough to know what to do. How hard could it be for another guy, when they were both so hard?

  They fumbled with each other's pants, almost drunkenly, shoving them down in a hurry... Their cocks sprung free — Tim caught himself staring. He wasn't gay, he kept telling himself. No, this was just two guys helping each other out. That's all it was, he told himself as he timidly wrapped his hand around Gary's throbbing cock.

  It felt so natural... He still whimpered as he felt his friend do the same to him, and lightly begin to stroke. Someone was determined to keep it going to its natural conclusion, no matter what.

  His whimpers were silenced by Gary's lips as he leaned forward and kissed him, pumping his hardness like a pump at the station. Tim gave just as much into the kiss as he did to the hand job he was giving Gary. His free hand gripped into those flaming red hair and held him close, making sure none of them could back away again. Tim shuddered as he felt Gary moan deeply into his mouth, his whole body going stiff as he came into his hand — Tim didn't last much longer.

  For a long moment, they listened to each other catching their breaths.

– “What just happened?”

– “Huh...” Gary let out a sigh. “I don't know. What do you think?”

– “You tell me.”

– “Whatever it was... It's nothing compared to what will come next.”

  Tim felt the back of Gary's fingers brushing his cheek, his neck and his chest, until the redhead boy slowly rested his head on his shoulder... It was a surprisingly gentle move from someone like him. He didn't know how to respond.

  Then Gary grabbed his free arm and put it around his own waist.

– “Hold me, fat boy.” He groaned.

  That solved Tim's problem. It brought a smile to his face.

– “You can talk... tubby!”

  And they fell asleep in that soft embrace.

■ ■ ■

Tuesday afternoon — at the hospital, in Pleasance 

  Doctor Tietsen-Nippels didn't expect to find her colleague in her office. And, for some reason, Diego looked just so puzzled as she was.

– “Doctor Arranoah.” She said, in her usual cold tone.

– “Doctor.”

– “Did you have an appointment with...”

– “I think your patient called me on purpose.”

– “Oh! really?”

– “Let's wait for him. Let him explain.”

  They didn't have to wait. Luke was joining them in the doctor's office.

– “You may be wondering what I have to tell you on such short notice.”

– “I'm only surprised that you called for the two of us.”

– “That's right.” Diego nodded. “We had an agreement.”

– “That's why...” Luke sat down on the couch. “That's precisely what I need to tell you about. The two of you. It's better that way. I don't think that I could do this twice.”

  The two doctors sat down, next to the couch, in front of him — they didn't expect to see the young man take off his shoes, wrap himself in a blanket and lie on his side, on the doctor's couch.

  He didn't even say a word.

– “Luke... Cat got your tongue?”

  They heard him let out a long groan under the blanket.

– “He's a luxuriant jungle wild cat, all right... and a mighty big bear. Got my tongue? Please! that's just an appetizer for him.”

– “I see... Your lips are an “amuse-bouche” now? That's a new one.”

  Doctor Tietsen-Nippels wasn't amused.

– “Did you come to my office to tell us about Ryan?”

– “Not exactly... I'm asking you to call it off.”

– “What are you talking about?”

– “You just said it, we had an agreement. I can't go on with it.”

  The two doctors exchanged a severe look... They had hired Luke for a reason — or a number of reasons, but with the same purpose in mind.

  He was n°1 on the sexologist's “shirtless short list” of attractive young men, for instance. She felt disappointed, then she thought about it. She should feel concerned about Luke's situation.

– “I don't get it...” Diego mumbled.

– “It looks like our friend here gets too much of it.”

  Doctor Tietsen-Nippels was ready to ask Luke, or let him talk.

– “Is this your problem? Is this about Ryan?”

– “It's about him... and me. Or maybe just me.”

– “I was under the impression that you got along just fine.”

– “More than fine. Explosive. He's nitro to my glycerine...”

  Diego felt that he should assume his position as Luke's teacher. 

– “We've talked about this... You told me how much you loved this new job, training with him, coaching him and so on, living the dream!”

– “All the way... Ryan is a wet dream come true.”

– “What's wrong with that?”

– “It's not wrong. It's... so completely unexpected.”

– “What did you expect?”

  The young man curled up even further under the blanket.

– “You two and your expertise wouldn't add up to a count of three.” Luke groaned, tears still softly flowing on his pillow. “You guys told me Ryan was “a beast in heat”. He can look like a beast whenever he wants. He's always at white heat, body and soul...”

– “How is that different from what you had heard?”

– “It's so not the same... It's a totally different heat.”

– “Okay. How intense does it get?”

– “When he holds me tight and he makes me come, so hard, I feel like an erupting volcano directly connected to the core of the Earth...”

– “Huh... Okay.”

  Diego was tempted to take off his T-shirt, at some point.

– “So you've found your perfect match.”

– “Ryan's not a match! He's... wildfire.”

  Doctor Tietsen-Nippels brought him back to reality.

– “Luke, I'm sorry that you felt deceived. We were honest with you.”

– “I know... I don't blame you.”

– “What should I have told you? This job assignment and this mission were precisely the kind of project you wanted to be involved with.”

– “On paper, that's true... Ryan and me, we're not paper tigers.”

– “What does that mean?”

– “I've heard about your list of men around Ryan. The regular ones, the semi-regular ones, the occasional ones, the irregular ones...”

– “What about it?”

– “Ryan is not the exceptional one.”

– “Oh! really...” Doctor Tietsen-Nippels raised an eyebrow. “What would you say he is, then?”

  Luke let out a deep, long sigh. It sounded as if he was in pain.

– “He's... the one.”

  Now doctor Tietsen-Nippels was shocked.

– “Luke... you of all people have always claimed never to get trapped in any kind of relationship. Are you going to tell me that Ryan is “boyfriend material” for you?”

– “No. Ryan isn't “boyfriend material”, for anyone.”

– “Would you care to explain this to us?”

  Luke chose to straighten up for it. He sat in front of them.

– “Ryan's no “mister Right”. He's rarely right. He's... good. He's a great, caring friend. He's a great cook. He has real genius for it... He's a great athlete. I have to push him like a workhorse, at the gym! He's beyond great, in bed. Then too many goods can make a wrong... I'm exhausted. I'm lost. I used to boast about being such a ruthless, insatiable bad boy! Now, when I take one look at him, it's like...”

– “You were staring at the ceiling, and then you saw the sky?”

– “Worse. I had been looking at the floor, and I saw the abyss... Then I looked up to him. He wiped my tears with his tongue. I closed my eyes, and I was floating like a cloud, bathed in the hot sun. Am I losing my mind?”

  Diego took over.

– “So you need to take a break?”

– “I need to take a breath...”

  Luke was panting. He had said his piece. His hands were shaking.

– “I can give you another assignment. We have job to do, up North.”

– “Okay...”

– “On one condition.” Doctor Tietsen-Nippels cut them.

– “Yes?”

– “You have to come clean with Ryan. Tell him.”

– “Tell him... what, the truth?”

– “If you think he can handle it.”

  Diego turned to meet her eyes.

– “You'll need a larger couch before you know it...”

  Luke nodded, with tears in his eyes.

– “Okay. I'll tell him... something.”

– “Make it a clean cut. The last young man who asked me for that kind of favor also promised me to tell him “something”. That's how you got to meet Ryan. That's why should have known better...”

– “Knowing Ryan the way I do really means knowing better.”

– “Then it's setlled.”

  She closed her notebook.

– “You know what? I'm going to need a larger notebook...”

  Diego sat next to Luke, wrapping an arm around his back.

– “There's something to be said about the Pleasure Dome.”

– “All these things we've been talking about...” Luke turned to look at the doctor, with a smile. “They're easier said than done. There's so much to be done around the Pleasure Dome...”

Note: The poem quoted by Ryan to comfort Luke is by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Selige Sehnsucht (“Blessed nostalgia”) written in 1814, and included in the West-Östlicher Divan, published in 1819.