My fan fiction journey began when I watched Glee for the first time about 2 years ago. I loved Klaine and Kurt Hummel in particular. It was suggested that I create a group on Facebook for fans over 21 and specifically over 40. I named it KLAINE 40+ SOMETHING KLAINIACS. It is alive and well on Facebook. I became a fan of a Mexican pop group named Camila during the pandemic with lots of time on my hands. My favorite group member is Samo. Someone then suggested I write a fan fiction featuring Kurt Hummel and Samo. I started it in Oct 2020 and titled it EVERYTHING CHANGED (TODO CAMBIO). It's an ongoing story. In Jan 2021 I began a story featuring Klaine and titled it WHEN SOULS COLLIDE. It is also an ongoing story.
Javi se levantou e sacudiu algumas vezes as pernas para se livrar dos alfinetes e agulhas do estilo ioga sentado, entĂŁo se abaixou e ofereceu a mĂŁo a Kurt. Kurt apertou sua mĂŁo e se levantou. Ele nĂŁo sabia o que dizer e decidiu que nada poderia ser a melhor ideia. Ambos disseram muito mais do que pretendiam, mas ele nĂŁo se sentiu nem um pouco desconfortĂĄvel. Por mais que ele nĂŁo entendesse o porquĂŞ, na verdade ele ficou um pouco aliviado por se livrar da reticĂŞncia que achava que deveria estar sentindo agora. “Eu preciso verificar meus textos”, disse Javi, trazendo os dois de volta ao tempo real, âNĂŁo vai demorar mais que um segundoâ, e enquanto vagava em direção a uma mesa de piquenique prĂłxima, Kurt pensou que tambĂŠm deveria checar a dele.
Algumas mensagens de Adam dizendo que ele estava em casa e sozinho. Sua maneira de dizer Ethan estava em outro lugar. Eles conceberam vårias maneiras de dizer coisas sem realmente dizê-las em Nova York. Havia um de seu pai apenas checando. Ele sorriu para isso. Apesar de toda a distância entre eles, ele ainda estava perto de Burt e Carole. Ele ligaria de volta hoje à noite.
Quando ele terminou, ele desligou o telefone novamente. Ele não tinha feito isso quase nada desde a mudança; ele não tinha nenhum motivo real para não ser interrompido. Ele verificou a hora, quase 5 horas. Então ele se virou para encontrar Javi apenas olhando para ele como se estivesse enfeitiçado pelo que viu. Kurt sentiu um arrepio e olhou para baixo por um minuto. Ele não conseguia segurar o olhar de Javi. Era tudo um pouco demais para entender; na verdade, era enervante. Os caras jå haviam contado a ele antes praticamente o que Javi havia falado sobre sua aparência. Ele mesmo não acreditava. Sim, ele sabia que era atraente o suficiente. No entanto, quando ele se olhou no espelho, foi tudo o que viu. Um homem razoavelmente atraente, mas certamente nada que suscitasse o tipo de adjetivos de que falaram Javi e outros. Oh, bem ⌠pelo menos ele não estava apaixonado por si mesmo, bem como pelo homem que parecia estar contemplando-o descaradamente.
Enquanto Javi caminhava em sua direção, novamente, ele notou seu andar fĂĄcil. Era como se todo o seu corpo conhecesse seu caminho perfeitamente, sem esforço. A Ăşnica coisa com que Kurt podia comparar era uma modelo se movendo ao longo de uma passarela, exceto que Javi nem parecia estar consciente disso. Nada da consciĂŞncia corporal que Kurt odiava em si mesmo. EntĂŁo ele lembrou a si mesmo que Javi tinha vivido em seu corpo 13 anos a mais do que Kurt – talvez ainda houvesse esperança. Nesse Ănterim, ele decidiu que apenas apreciaria a vista enquanto Javi pegava os dedos novamente. Ele tinha certeza de que Javi conhecia a sensação inebriante que aquele leve toque evocava, ao invĂŠs de simplesmente segurar sua mĂŁo. Muita experiĂŞncia e atenção reveladas de forma sutil.
Perdidos em seus prĂłprios pensamentos, eles quase ficaram surpresos quando chegaram ao prĂŠdio de Kurt. âVocĂŞ tem que entrar imediatamente ou tem tempo para conversar um pouco mais?â Javi perguntou. Mesmo se Kurt o tivesse convidado a entrar, ele teria dito nĂŁo. Por mais que seu corpo tivesse dito sim para Kurt praticamente desde o momento em que se conheceram, ele sabia que eles jĂĄ haviam compartilhado muito mais do que qualquer um deles pretendia. Enquanto esperava a resposta de Kurt, seus sentidos sussurravam freneticamente, espere, paciĂŞncia, ainda nĂŁo ⌠nĂŁo ⌠ainda.
Eles se sentaram em um banco ao lado da porta. Desta vez, ele foi muito intencional em pegar a mĂŁo de Kurt e lentamente revelou alguns de seus pensamentos.
âKurt, eu tenho que ficar em Los Angeles por alguns dias. Enquanto eu estiver fora, quero que vocĂŞ repense tudo o que conversamos. NĂŁo tenho dĂşvidas de que ambos quisemos dizer exatamente o que dissemos, mas tambĂŠm sei que vocĂŞ ĂŠ cauteloso e ĂŠ assim que deve ser. O mundo estĂĄ cheio de pessoas e situaçþes em que nem sempre se pode confiar. Sendo gay, acho que nĂłs dois sabemos disso mais do que a maioria.
Existem algumas coisas que vocĂŞ precisa saber sobre mim. Eu nĂŁo estou totalmente fora. Eu nĂŁo estou de forma alguma no MĂŠxico. JĂĄ meio que conversamos sobre isso, eu sei. Estou principalmente nos Estados Unidos e em San Diego, todo mundo conhece. Sair completamente pode acabar com minha carreira, entĂŁo pelo menos agora nĂŁo ĂŠ uma opção para mim. O fato de eu ter conseguido manter a especulação apenas enquanto fazia o que amo fazer ĂŠ um pequeno milagre. E estar comigo pode complicar sua vida nesse aspecto tambĂŠm. Namorar uma celebridade Ă s vezes coloca vocĂŞ no centro das atençþes. Fiz um trabalho muito bom em manter minha vida privada privada, mas como disse, muito poucas coisas nesta vida podem ser totalmente confiĂĄveis ââou em tudo.
Outra coisa que quero que vocĂŞ pense ĂŠ exclusividade ⌠ou nĂŁo. Eu nĂŁo tenho um relacionamento exclusivo hĂĄ muito tempo. JĂĄ ouviu o termo celebridade foda? Para muitos homens e mulheres, na verdade, tudo o que sou ĂŠ uma mercadoria, um entalhe em seu cinto. Felizmente, cortei a âcompetiçãoâ pela metade. As mulheres nĂŁo me interessam em nada! ” Ele meio que sorriu com isso, “e para ser franco, por muito tempo eu vivi em casos de uma noite, atĂŠ que descobri que eles realmente nĂŁo valiam o tempo ou esforço. Manter esse silĂŞncio deu muito trabalho, mas quando vocĂŞ ĂŠ bem conhecido, sempre parece haver uma maneira se vocĂŞ olhar com atenção. Eu sĂł quero que vocĂŞ saiba, a tentação estĂĄ em toda parte para mim.
VocĂŞ tem apenas 22 anos, Kurt. Embora vocĂŞ pareça mais maduro do que sua idade, haverĂĄ momentos em que poderei ficar fora por semanas e, ocasionalmente, meses. Claro, posso aliviar algumas das dificuldades com isso. Eu poderia voar de volta aqui Ă s vezes ou voar com vocĂŞ para onde quer que eu esteja, mas uma distância como essa ĂŠ difĂcil de lidar. Podemos nem sempre estar disponĂveis um para o outro, ĂŠ o que estou tentando dizer. Podemos enviar mensagens de texto, conversar, Skype ⌠mas vocĂŞ sabe o que estou dizendo. â
âSentado aqui com vocĂŞ, eu nem consigo nos imaginar como nada alĂŠm de exclusivos. Faz apenas 2 dias e eu sei que o que vocĂŞ diz ĂŠ verdade. Relacionamentos românticos quase sempre começam assim. â LĂĄ estava ele, a palavra que ambos evitavam, romântica. Kurt começou a falar, mas Javi estendeu a mĂŁo e traçou seus lĂĄbios com o dedo, entĂŁo disse: âShhhh! Por favor, deixe-me terminar. Tenho quase certeza de que conseguiria lidar com a distância e as coisas que terĂamos que fazer para acomodĂĄ-la; Tive anos de prĂĄtica na estrada. â
“Ă com vocĂŞ que estou preocupado. VocĂŞ acabou de se mudar para cĂĄ. Duvido seriamente que tenha sido apenas pelo tempo ou porque vocĂŞ se cansou do estresse de ser um estudante da NYADA. Eu nĂŁo quero que vocĂŞ se sinta amarrado a um vagabundo ⌠a menos que vocĂŞ realmente queira estar. ” Javi acalmou a voz, finalmente dando a Kurt a chance de falar. Havia um quadro de palavras, Kurt amarrado ⌠literalmente. Aqui estava ele tendo uma discussĂŁo sĂŠria ⌠de onde veio essa imagem? Como se ele nĂŁo soubesse? Ele estava tentando ser sĂŠrio, mas nĂŁo podia negar essa atração avassaladora mais do que negava sua herança latina.
“Javi, olhe para mim ⌠por favor”, e sem nem perceber o que estava fazendo, ele levantou lentamente o queixo de Javi para que ficasse olhando diretamente para ele, ele nĂŁo tinha escolha. Kurt pousou delicadamente a mĂŁo na bochecha de Javi.
âVocĂŞ estĂĄ certo sobre tudo o que disse. âMas ..â, Kurt suspirou e olhou para o cĂŠu, âEu quero tentar. Com vocĂŞ, eu quero tentar com vocĂŞ. Mesmo que nĂłs dois possamos nos machucar. Mesmo que pareça que as chances estĂŁo contra nĂłs. Mesmo que ⌠pode haver momentos em que podemos querer dizer: âPor que diabos estou fazendo isso comigo mesmo, com ele? Vale mesmo a pena? ⌠Sim, vou pensar sobre tudo isso, sĂł peço o mesmo de vocĂŞ. “
Javi levou a mĂŁo ao rosto e colocou-a sobre a mĂŁo de Kurt, “Volto na quarta-feira e podemos conversar novamente quando vocĂŞ tiver tempo. Podemos enviar mensagens de texto, ficar em contato enquanto eu estiver fora ⌠ou nĂŁo. Quero manter contato, mas nĂŁo quero que vocĂŞ se sinta pressionado. â
Kurt balançou a cabeça lentamente e disse que tinha aulas atĂŠ a uma da quarta-feira, mas ele estava livre o resto do dia. Eles ficaram sentados lĂĄ apenas olhando um para o outro, como se a conversa tivesse consumido cada grama de força que possuĂam.
Finalmente, Javi disse: “Bem, ĂŠ melhor eu ir.” E Kurt apenas balançou a cabeça. Javi se levantou ⌠mas entĂŁo se sentou novamente e puxou Kurt em sua direção, pousando as mĂŁos levemente em seu lindo rosto. Ele o beijou de leve, como o toque de uma pena na bochecha direita, depois na esquerda e na ponta do nariz arrebitado. Em um sussurro que apenas Kurt podia ouvir, ele respirou, “Besame, Kurt ⌔ Kurt nĂŁo conseguia pensar, ele nĂŁo conseguia falar, ele mal conseguia respirar, mas ele sabia o que a palavra besame significava. Ele sĂł tinha visto Mateo cantar essa palavra inĂşmeras vezes e conhecia todas as nuances de Javi nesses vĂdeos.
Bay-sa-may ⌠me beije. AtÊ o som da palavra era inebriante. Se Kurt tivesse ficado em Nova York, ele nunca teria se sentido confortåvel, tão público com qualquer tipo de afeto, mas aquilo era San Diego e seu mundo inteiro acabara de virar de cabeça para baixo.
Como Javi mal beijou seus lĂĄbios, assim como no parque, ele o beijou de volta, sentindo como se estivesse se afogando, mas nĂŁo se importava.
CAPĂTULO 15 – A HONESTIDADE Ă A MELHOR POLĂTICA
âO dia perfeito em San Diego! HĂĄ um parque nĂŁo muito longe daqui. VocĂŞ gostaria de sentar ao sol e esquecer que o resto do mundo existe por um tempo ou vocĂŞ tem planos? â Ele queria dar a Kurt uma saĂda se ele precisasse, esperando nĂŁo apenas que ele nĂŁo precisasse, mas que ele nem mesmo quisesse uma. Kurt disse que apenas enviaria uma mensagem de texto para Adam caso ele voltasse para casa e se perguntasse onde Kurt estava. Kurt nĂŁo estar em casa, exceto para estudar e trabalhar, era uma raridade. Ele realmente esperava que Adam estivesse se divertindo tanto quanto ele. Ambos mereciam.
Enquanto caminhavam com calma, conversavam facilmente sobre o trabalho atual de Kurt, quais aulas ele estava assistindo, como ele estava feliz por não enfrentar outro inverno em Nova York e quais acrÊscimos ou subtraçþes que ele poderia querer fazer em seu guarda-roupa, Javi novamente alcançou levemente os dedos de Kurt, não sua mão, apenas seus dedos. Kurt não tinha ideia do porquê, mas por alguma razão aquele sussurro de um toque pareceu mais como um raio ainda mais do que se Javi estivesse segurando sua mão.
Quando eles chegaram ao parque, Kurt ainda achou estranho que houvesse tão poucas årvores. Em Nova York, atÊ mesmo na cidade havia alguns parques que eram semelhantes a pequenas florestas. Aqui, as årvores foram plantadas intencionalmente e uma pessoa poderia facilmente aproveitar o sol. Isso era algo que Kurt realmente não havia levado muito em consideração quando eles se mudaram. Ele tinha uma pele tão clara, ele tinha que ter cuidado, queimaduras e sardas eram uma preocupação real para ele. Quem queria ter 20 e poucos anos com sardas?
Javi disse: âVocĂŞ se importa em sentar na grama? Ă algo que eu realmente gosto de fazer. â Kurt decidiu com seu jeans preto que provavelmente nĂŁo importaria. NĂŁo era como se eles fossem jogar futebol americano. Javi tirou sua jaqueta fĂşcsia e a colocou no banco do parque revelando uma camisa preta justa. Kurt quase teve que desviar o olhar! Ele tinha um corpo que nĂŁo desistia! Claro, isso era Ăłbvio mesmo com a jaqueta, mas ele realmente sabia como cuidar de si mesmo ⌠e exibi-lo com um efeito ideal. Com certeza teve um grande efeito em Kurt! E sem o paletĂł, as calças justas deixavam pouco para a imaginação, nĂŁo que Kurt se importasse; ele nĂŁo tinha vontade de ser imaginativo.
Javi sentou-se de pernas cruzadas na grama e entĂŁo entregou o chapĂŠu a Kurt. Kurt lançou-lhe um olhar interrogativo enquanto Javi dizia: âSe vocĂŞ vai morar em San Diego com pele de porcelana, precisa aprender a cuidar dela! Aqui, use meu chapĂŠu. Obviamente, eu nĂŁo tenho pele de porcelana. ChapĂŠus com abas largas podem ser uma necessidade para o seu guarda-roupa. E tenho a sensação de que vocĂŞ ficaria incrĂvel de chapĂŠus. â Ele disse isso com tanta naturalidade, como se nĂŁo fosse uma coisa pessoal compartilhar sua declaração de moda mais notĂĄvel com outra pessoa e Kurt a colocou sem pensar mais. Na verdade, ele sabia que ficava bem com chapĂŠus. E, Javi parecia tĂŁo bom sem um. Aqueles longos cachos preto-azulados. Ele queria estender a mĂŁo e tocĂĄ-los, mas ⌠Depois que eles se acomodaram, Kurt se virou para Javi e disse: “Eu tenho falado muito atĂŠ agora, ĂŠ a sua vez.” “Ă justo, o que vocĂŞ quer saber?”
“NĂŁo, nĂŁo, nĂŁo, de novo nĂŁo”, Kurt sorriu, “diga-me o que quiser.” Javi nĂŁo estava preparado para isso, entĂŁo ele olhou para a grama por um tempo, e entĂŁo olhou para Kurt com aquele olhar firme e nivelado. Quase parecia um desafio. “O namoro me assusta muito.”
NĂŁo!!!! Eu realmente nĂŁo disse isso !!!! Kurt ficou tĂŁo surpreso, mas conseguiu se controlar o suficiente para dizer: “Bem, nĂŁo sejamos tĂmidos! Isso me assusta muito. Mas vocĂŞ tem alguma sugestĂŁo melhor sobre como nos conhecermos? â e meio que sorriu. De repente, toda essa conversa deu um pivĂ´ no espaço sideral.
Ao voltar agora, o cĂŠrebro de Javi gritou com ele. âAcho que devo explicar e espero que faça sentido. Minha agenda nĂŁo ĂŠ muito complicada. Ăs vezes fico aqui por semanas ou meses e Ă s vezes passo o mesmo tempo na Cidade do MĂŠxico ou viajando em turnĂŞ ou indo tocar em festivais de mĂşsica ou qualquer outro lugar. Ă a natureza do que faço para viver. O namoro nem sempre conduz a esse tipo de vida. Acho que sĂł queria que vocĂŞ soubesse algumas das armadilhas de ter um relacionamento comigo. E talvez seja muito cedo, eu nĂŁo sei, mas eu passei os Ăşltimos 7 anos construindo minha prĂłpria carreira fora de Mateo. JĂĄ tentei namorar antes e nĂŁo ĂŠ que nunca funcione. Ă que sempre tenho medo de decepcionar alguĂŠm se a realidade desse tipo de relacionamento acabar prejudicando-os.”
Ele suspirou e entrelaçou os dedos nos de Kurt, “Eu nĂŁo gosto de machucar as pessoas e, especialmente, nĂŁo gosto de machucar as pessoas que vagam pela minha vida inesperadamente como vocĂŞ. Vou ser honesto, Kurt, talvez brutalmente honesto, mas gosto de tudo em vocĂŞ. Gosto da sua honestidade. Gosto da sua curiosidade. Sua sensibilidade. VocĂŞ ĂŠ inteligente e tem um verdadeiro senso de humor, o que me excita muito. E para ser ainda mais brutalmente honesto, vocĂŞ ĂŠ extraordinariamente bonito, de partir o coração, nĂŁo apenas bonito, vocĂŞ ĂŠ o homem mais bonito fisicamente que eu acho que jĂĄ conheci. Para colocar em inglĂŞs abreviado, vocĂŞ ĂŠ gostosa! Em espanhol, eres caliente! Kurt mal respirava. Ele nĂŁo tinha certeza se respiraria novamente, mas morresse ele aqui ou nĂŁo, ele tinha que dizer algo, mas o quĂŞ? O que uma pessoa diz a tal abertura, especialmente quando ela sabe que sente exatamente o mesmo por Javi com algumas pequenas alteraçþes, como gosto do fato de compartilharmos o amor pela mĂşsica, sua franqueza, o fato de que vocĂŞ se preocupa o suficiente com meu sentimentos para deixar o que pode ser a parte mais importante de um relacionamento abertamente, em vez de esperar 6 meses ou um ano a partir de agora para ver se “pode” nĂŁo funcionar. Claro, nĂŁo importa o que eles disseram hoje, pode realmente nĂŁo funcionar, mas pelo menos eles falaram sobre isso.
Kurt desamarrou seus dedos e pegou as duas mãos de Javi. Se este homem podia ser tão corajoso, ele tambÊm poderia ser. Ele pode ser jovem, mas tinha quase certeza de que nunca tinha sido realmente uma criança. Ele não queria se machucar ou ser machucado tambÊm, mas ele sabia que honestamente queria dar uma chance.
Ele respirou fundo, olhou para Javi e eles trocaram o mesmo olhar nivelado, olhos brilhantes para castanhos profundos, e Kurt disse ⌠Ele parou por um momento, tentou falar e entĂŁo respirou fundo. âJavi, eu nĂŁo posso te dizer o quanto eu aprecio o que vocĂŞ chama de sua honestidade brutal. Mas, nĂŁo ĂŠ ⌠brutal, quero dizer. O que seria brutal ĂŠ se vocĂŞ nĂŁo se preocupasse em tentar discutir isso comigo de antemĂŁo. EntĂŁo, serei tĂŁo honesto com vocĂŞ quanto vocĂŞ tem sido comigo, espero. Ao assistir a seus vĂdeos na noite passada, nĂŁo me escapou o pensamento de como poderia ser seu estilo de vida e como isso poderia afetar um relacionamento. NĂŁo hĂĄ uma Ăşnica coisa que eu nĂŁo goste em vocĂŞ, mas sei que ĂŠ assim que os relacionamentos geralmente começam. Assistir vocĂŞ ontem Ă noite foi uma espĂŠcie de ⌠uma espĂŠcie de agonia deliciosa. VocĂŞ tem um sorriso tĂŁo lindo que ĂŠ irresistĂvel. A maneira como vocĂŞ se move ĂŠ tĂŁo, tĂŁo sensual. Seus olhos ⌠falar ĂŠ a Ăşnica maneira que posso dizer. E sim, vocĂŞ ĂŠ definitivamente, sem dĂşvida, gostoso em qualquer idioma! â
Dito isso, se vocĂŞ estĂĄ disposto a dar uma chance a mim, um estudante de teatro que realmente nĂŁo sabe para onde sua vida estĂĄ indo, sĂł que estĂĄ indo para algum lugar, entĂŁo estou disposto a fazer o mesmo por vocĂŞ em seu estilo de vida vagabundo. Se vamos ser um ânĂłsâ de qualquer tipo, isso tem que começar em algum lugar. EntĂŁo aqui estamos nĂłs. O que vocĂŞ estĂĄ pensando?”
Quando seus olhos se suavizaram, ele deu a Kurt um sorriso quase tĂmido, mostrando aquela covinha novamente, e disse: “Estou feliz que vocĂŞ nĂŁo foi direto para as entrevistas e wikis ..” EntĂŁo, ele se inclinou e o beijou. ambas as bochechas e sempre tĂŁo suavemente nos lĂĄbios.
CAPĂTULO 14 – O QUE ACONTECE NO ESPAĂO CIBERNĂTICO FICA NO ESPAĂO CIBERNĂTICO
Enquanto eles passavam pela porta da lanchonete, algumas pessoas acenaram para Javi e ele acenou de volta. Havia uma pessoa em particular que ele queria que Kurt conhecesse apenas porque ele seria outra pessoa para ajudar Kurt e Adam a se aclimatarem na vizinhança. Ele se virou para Kurt e perguntou se ele gostaria de conhecer Cam e deu-lhe uma breve explicação de por que ele achava que eles deveriam se encontrar. Após as apresentaçþes e alguma conversa fiada, Cam deu a Kurt seu número de celular e convidou ele e Adam para uma reunião na semana seguinte. Kurt disse que checaria com Adam e veria sua agenda de trabalho. Eles agradeceram e encontraram uma mesa. O garçom anotou os pedidos e trouxe o cafÊ.
“EntĂŁo, como foi seu sĂĄbado, meu amigo?” e Javi se acomodou como se realmente quisesse um relato detalhado. Ele nĂŁo estava apenas conversando. Quando Kurt disse: âOh, Ăłtimo! Um pouco de sono, um pouco de dever de casa ⌠⠓Oh, nĂŁo, nĂŁo!” Javi riu e Kurt pegou um pouco do sotaque latino. “VocĂŞ pode fazer melhor do que isso. SĂŠrio! Como foi seu dia?”
“OK. Na verdade, foi Ăłtimo! Adam me deixou sozinho e, honestamente, foi bom. NĂłs sĂł estamos aqui hĂĄ alguns meses e realmente nĂŁo passamos muito tempo separados ainda. Mas ⌠bem, eu meio que tenho uma confissĂŁo a fazer ⌠“
“Por favor, nĂŁo me diga que vocĂŞ nĂŁo ĂŠ gay”, disse Javi, totalmente inexpressivo, “Certamente, o destino nĂŁo seria tĂŁo cruel comigo.” EntĂŁo, quando viu Kurt corar, ele riu novamente e se desculpou. âEu posso ter um senso de humor perverso, Kurt. VĂĄ em frente, conte tudo ao padre Javi; nĂŁo, esqueça que eu disse isso. Se hĂĄ uma coisa que eu certamente NĂO quero que vocĂŞ pense em mim como um pai de qualquer tipo, muito menos um padre! “
A essa altura, Kurt estava totalmente desfeito e nĂŁo pĂ´de deixar de rir, embora se sentisse inseguro sobre como contar a Javi o que fizera durante a noite sozinho. Ele decidiu que era a Ăşnica maneira de abordar isso de frente.
âBem, esta ĂŠ a era da informação instantânea e, eu pesquisei vocĂŞ na net ⌠Eu estava mais curioso sobre a sua mĂşsica âŚâ
âOh, Kurt! Isso ĂŠ tudo? Que maneira desinteressante de passar a noite. Pessoas fazem isso o tempo todo. Ă natural ser curioso e isso nĂŁo me incomoda nem um pouco. EntĂŁo, vocĂŞ fez mais alguma coisa? ” Kurt absolutamente nĂŁo contaria a ele sobre os chuveiros ou sobre a repetição do mesmo velho dilema de Kurt. AlĂŠm disso, ele perguntou o que ele fez, nĂŁo o que ele nĂŁo fez.
Kurt disse: âNĂŁo. Honestamente? Passei a noite assistindo seus vĂdeos quando vocĂŞ estava com Mateo. â Javi gostou disso ⌠muito! Kurt nĂŁo estava defendendo suas açþes, apenas declarando o que tinha feito, e em uma frase! Isso nunca aconteceu! Normalmente, quem quer que gaste 5 minutos falando sem parar sobre como nĂŁo deveria, mas blĂĄ, blĂĄ, blĂĄ âŚ
“Ok, entĂŁo o que vocĂŞ achou?” Kurt queria dizer que assistir Ă s apresentaçþes deles era hipnotizante, mas principalmente porque ele estava completamente focado no prĂłprio Javi. Ele queria dizer quĂŁo sensual, quĂŁo apaixonado, quĂŁo quente ele encontrava cada movimento seu. Ele queria pedir-lhe que cantasse para ele dormir todas as noites pelo resto de sua vida natural. Ele queria dizer a ele ⌠muito, mas ĂŠ claro que ele nĂŁo iria dizer nada disso. E quando ele pensou no que dizer, sua mente relutantemente, mas finalmente, voltou dos vĂdeos, e ele disse: âEu assisti alguns dos vĂdeos da MTV unplugged, e algumas de suas apresentaçþes ao vivo, alguns de seus vĂdeos de mĂşsicas oficiais e Ă s vezes a mĂşsica me fazia chorar. NĂŁo entendi senĂŁo algumas palavras, e ainda nĂŁo havia um Ăşnico vĂdeo de que nĂŁo gostasse, e nĂŁo estou apenas dizendo isso, ĂŠ a verdade. Adorei as baladas, o rock, o rap. VocĂŞ era tĂŁo versĂĄtil! â
Javi estava sem palavras. Ele estava esperando: “Eu adorei!” ou âFoi muito bom!â ou, “Realmente nĂŁo ĂŠ minha praia, mas ainda gosto de um pouco.” Ele nĂŁo esperava nada alĂŠm de superficial. E pela primeira vez foi Javi que estava um pouco assustado, um pouco inquieto. NinguĂŠm, bem, nenhum cara, tinha sido tĂŁo expressivo, tĂŁo sincero, tĂŁo genuĂno com ele desde Antonio. Ele tambĂŠm sentiu vontade de chorar. Ele tentou organizar seus pensamentos, entĂŁo nervosamente pigarreou, mas tudo o que saiu de sua boca foi, “Uau ⌔ Ele pigarreou novamente e olhou para Kurt, surpreso por ele ter baixado tanto o escudo. âObrigada ⌠apenas obrigada. Mas vocĂŞ sabe que Mateo nĂŁo era sĂł eu. Ăramos amigas antes de sermos Mateo. E ĂŠramos amigas mais prĂłximas durante a Mateo. Eu nĂŁo poderia ter feito nada sem Antonio e Rodrigo. Ăramos ⌠qual ĂŠ a palavra ⌠simbiĂłtica? ” Agora, ele se perguntava por que ELE nĂŁo estava sendo mais cauteloso. Toda aquela parte de sua vida era algo de que ele raramente falava porque era muito, muito pessoal, e aqui estava ele se abrindo para um homem 13 anos mais jovem que ele. Como alguĂŠm de 22 anos poderia entender o que era 7 anos vivendo aquele tipo de existĂŞncia quase comunal? Especialmente quando ele e Antonio eram amantes muito antes de Mateo. Na verdade, eles nĂŁo conheceram nenhum outro amante antes do outro.
Desta vez foi Kurt quem tentou resgatar Javi, “Isso ĂŠ o que eu quis dizer, Javi. O canto, as letras, a maneira como todos vocĂŞs pareciam saber o que o outro estava pensando ou faria era nada menos que fenomenal, uma presença de palco genuĂna ĂŠ o que vocĂŞs tinham. Manter isso unido por 7 anos diz muito sobre todos vocĂŞs. â Ele parou aĂ. Ele sabia que Antonio seria uma discussĂŁo que teria que esperar, assim como Blaine teria que ser uma conversa na hora e no lugar certos.
Depois que Javi se recuperou um pouco e Kurt largou sua xĂcara de cafĂŠ, Javi pegou sua mĂŁo, mas apenas segurou seus dedos e olhou para ele por um longo momento. A Ăşnica maneira que ele conseguia pensar para descrever o que viu nos olhos de Kurt era com clareza. Por mais fluente que fosse em inglĂŞs, como todo mundo, Ă s vezes as palavras simplesmente falhavam. Ele colocou a mĂŁo de Kurt de volta na mesa, mas nĂŁo a soltou e nem Kurt.
Javi olhou para a mensagem de Kurt e se sentiu esperançoso pela primeira vez no que pareceu uma eternidade. Esperançoso e alegre. Ele sĂł se sentia assim uma vez desde Antonio e durou apenas o suficiente para Javi perceber que o cara nĂŁo estava interessado nele tanto quanto ele estava interessado em “Javi”, que talvez pudesse promover sua carreira. Javier Ramos Ruiz nĂŁo tinha lugar na vida daquele chico. Felizmente, isso foi hĂĄ muito tempo e muito longe. Ele estava a cerca de 5 minutos da casa de Kurt, entĂŁo ele mandou uma mensagem para avisĂĄ-lo.
Seria interessante descobrir o que Kurt descobriu no Google e quem sabe onde mais online. Ele sabia pelo menos uma coisa com certeza. Ele nĂŁo teria que procurar muito para descobrir quem era Antoinio e, dependendo de onde Kurt decidiu explorar, pelo menos um dos muitos papĂŠis que desempenhou na vida de Javi. Ele tentaria deixar Kurt trazer Ă tona toda a coisa de surfar na Internet. Ele nĂŁo queria que Kurt se sentisse tĂŁo previsĂvel quanto a maioria dos outros. Ele sempre tentou fazer parecer que era apenas uma parte de ser quem ele era ⌠e, na verdade, era. O que ele nĂŁo estava pronto para discutir era Antonio⌠ainda nĂŁo. Se Kurt fosse tĂŁo sensĂvel quanto parecia apenas por conhecĂŞ-lo por tĂŁo pouco tempo, ele nĂŁo mencionaria Antonio. Ele sabia que Kurt tinha sua prĂłpria histĂłria de desgosto. Ele era muito cauteloso, quase tĂmido, no que parecia ser seu pavor de deixar alguĂŠm entrar. Se o que ele pensava ser a tĂŞnue conexĂŁo deles passasse do brunch, essa parte de seu passado seria revelada em breve. A Ăşnica coisa que ele pensou que poderia complicar as coisas ĂŠ se seu colega de quarto soubesse quem ele era.
JĂĄ tinha acontecido antes. NĂŁo ĂŠ que o mundo inteiro soubesse quem ele era, mas ele tinha fĂŁs de todas as idades em todo o mundo. Se Kurt jĂĄ nĂŁo tivesse uma pequena enciclopĂŠdia do passado de Javi na Internet, e Adam ou algum outro aluno que Kurt pudesse saber que era um fĂŁ, eles conheceriam a histĂłria de Antonio e Javi. Ele nĂŁo queria que Kurt descobrisse dessa forma. Ele apenas teria que tocar de ouvido, como eles gostavam de dizer na AmĂŠrica.
Ele viu Kurt antes que Kurt o visse, e Javi quase se assustou com o que viu. Ele odiava soar clichĂŞ, mesmo em sua prĂłpria cabeça, mas Kurt era tĂŁo lindo! Quase lindo. Olhar para ele era como estudar uma obra de arte. Mesmo a meio quarteirĂŁo de distância, era como se o mundo inteiro simplesmente tivesse desaparecido e a Ăşnica coisa visĂvel significativa fosse Kurt Hummel.
Ao se aproximar dele, Kurt de repente se virou e lå estava Javi. Para Javi, foi como assistir a um turbilhão de graça e charme em vermelho atrevido com um toque de flash. Para Kurt, como sempre, aparentemente inconsciente do efeito que estava causando em outra pessoa, era como se virar e observar o que poderia ser seu despertar caminhando em sua direção vestido de fúcsia e preto com um chapÊu combinando. Javi o cumprimentou com um beijo na bochecha e antes que Kurt pudesse pensar sobre isso, ele respondeu na mesma moeda.
Ele enviou a Javi uma mensagem mudando de ideia cerca de 10 vezes antes de obter a mensagem certa. Isso ĂŠ ridĂculo, ele pensou, ĂŠ um texto dizendo a um cara sim, eu gostaria de conhecĂŞ-lo no brunch! NĂŁo estou respondendo a um pedido de casamento! TĂŁo verdade, absolutamente, definitivamente nĂŁo ĂŠ isso! Javi mandou uma mensagem de volta e disse que, jĂĄ que ele estava andando, o encontraria na frente de seu prĂŠdio, se estivesse tudo bem. Claro que estava tudo bem! Muito melhor do que bem! Kurt, paixĂŁo, lembra? Cale a boca! ⌠me deixe em paz! âŚ. por favor. Estou muito mal, pensou ele, estou atĂŠ tentando ser educado com meus prĂłprios pensamentos. EntĂŁo, o que vestir?
Seu guarda-roupa havia mudado muito com o tempo. O cara que se mudou de Ohio para Nova York passou de chapĂŠus, muitos chapĂŠus! E, Ă s vezes, cores berrantes para meio que discreto com algum talento para o armĂĄrio cheio de roupas que o encarava de volta hoje. Ele atĂŠ tinha levado sua mĂĄquina de costura de casa quando foi embora e ainda a tinha. Ele ainda usava Ă s vezes quando tinha tempo. Azul sempre foi uma aposta segura, mas ele vestiu uma camisa azul na noite passada. Talvez vermelho com um lenço que tinha algum brilho nele. Ele gostou dessa ideia. Ele nĂŁo queria ser muito casual e ir com uma camiseta, pelo menos nĂŁo hoje. Jeans pretos e botas? As botas com zĂper que iam do tornozelo ao joelho? Isso iria com um toque de brilho. Se ele nĂŁo tivesse assistido a esses vĂdeos, nĂŁo saberia que Javi era um verdadeiro conhecedor de chapĂŠus. Era tudo parte de seu visual caracterĂstico. Ele nĂŁo esperava que Javi fosse mais discreto em seu visual do que na noite anterior, entĂŁo ele nĂŁo iria se intrometer naquele visual usando um chapĂŠu, especialmente porque Kurt quase nunca usava mais um.
Tudo bem, acho que sim, ele pensou, virando-se de um lado para o outro. Ele estava feliz por ter conseguido manter seus treinos durante a mudança. Esta camisa era perfeita para mostrar seus bĂceps. Ele nĂŁo usava o jeans com muita frequĂŞncia e, aparentemente, nĂŁo tinha ganhado ou perdido peso porque cabiam perfeitamente. Isso trouxe Ă mente as calças de couro de Javi e vĂŞ-lo ir embora ⌠voltando ao assunto, Kurt! De volta a toda a questĂŁo do botĂŁo. SĂŠrio?? Estou obcecado por aquele botĂŁo idiota de novo? Desabotoado e pronto. Botas, parecia que ele raramente dava errado com elas. Couro preto e zĂperes, o que poderia ser mais sexy? Espere! Foi um brunch, apenas um brunch! Quem precisa ser sexy para o brunch? Ele tinha certeza de que Javi estaria se ele precisasse ou nĂŁo ⌠Deus, estou enlouquecendo!
Ok, o cabelo. Ele imaginou que seria seguro usĂĄ-lo como na noite anterior. NĂŁo adianta mudar muito. Se Javi gostou ontem Ă noite, ele gostaria hoje. Era o seu jeito incontrolĂĄvel de costume, mas parecia tĂŁo bom quanto ele iria entender. Pelo menos ele tinha muito! Na verdade, ele tinha furado uma orelha antes de se mudar para San Diego; um presente de despedida para si mesmo. Ele olhou para os poucos brincos que colecionou. Perfeito! Aquele que parecia um pequeno zĂper! Ele olhou para o telefone, 11h15.
Hmmm ⌠oh! Seus destaques! Talvez um pouquinho de glitter no cabelo? E talvez um pouco de colônia? Ele sabia que Javi gostava de Sauvage ou pelo menos gostava de uså-lo ele mesmo. Talvez pule a colônia. Se ele usasse Sauvage novamente hoje, ele não queria que eles entrassem em conflito. Apesar do quão nervoso ele estava, era um nervoso bom, um nervoso feliz, atÊ um nervoso assustador. E ele não se sentia tão bem hå muito, muito tempo.
Quando Kurt acordou no domingo de manhĂŁ, ele estava muito feliz por nĂŁo ter que trabalhar hoje, e seu dever de casa era leve. Ele tentou dormir por volta das 2 horas, mas sua mente ainda estava presa nos vĂdeos que estava assistindo. Na verdade, preso provavelmente nĂŁo era a palavra certa. Ele nĂŁo havia tentado muito destravar sua mente. Ele estava com sobrecarga sensorial. Ele tentou todos os truques para a insĂ´nia que conseguiu pensar. Nenhum deles funcionou.
Na verdade, o problema dele nĂŁo era insĂ´nia. Um banho frio meio que ajudou; entĂŁo, ele tentou um banho quente. Depois de andar por cerca de cinco minutos, ele se sentou Ă mesa da cozinha e chamou um de seus muitos alter egos, Commonsense Kurt. Por que ele se deu esses nomes idiotas, afinal? Bem, porque faz sentido! Ă consistente, bem organizado, Ă s vezes perspicaz e, o mais importante, o manteve sĂŁo.
Provavelmente nenhum outro homem no mundo se sentaria e pensaria neste dilema um segundo, ou mesmo um primeiro! Para a maioria dos homens NORMAIS, a solução era fĂĄcil. Tudo o que era necessĂĄrio era uma de suas mĂŁos e Ăłleo de bebĂŞ ou o que fosse. Agora, isso nĂŁo parecia tĂŁo clĂnico. Ele enfrentou esse dilema desde a primeira vez que ele e Blaine discutiram âir para o sul da fronteiraâ, enquanto Kurt se lembrava de ter descrito sexo. Por alguma razĂŁo ridĂcula, e ele realmente desejava que parecesse ridĂculo resolver o problema, ele nunca se esqueceu da resposta de Blaine. Ele disse isso quase como se realmente nĂŁo importasse, “Ă para isso que serve a masturbação.”
SĂŠrio, Blaine? Para vocĂŞ, nĂŁo havia diferença entre simplesmente resolver a preocupação imediata e fazer amor? Ele nunca disse a Blaine que sua afirmação foi certamente o pior desvio naquela noite. Ele realmente sabia o que Blaine queria dizer, mas por alguma razĂŁo nunca tinha sido tĂŁo simples para Kurt. NĂŁo era apenas um simples desejo fĂsico de ser satisfeito de qualquer forma que se apresentasse no momento. Era a mesma coisa com casos de uma noite. Ele havia tentado uma vez, entre a separação de Blaine e a mudança para a CalifĂłrnia. Para ele, era tĂŁo divertido quanto ⌠bem, nĂŁo era divertido! Esse era o problema. Ăs vezes, ele realmente se perguntava se era o Ăşnico homem, gay ou nĂŁo, que queria realmente ter sentimentos por alguĂŠm de quem eram tĂŁo Ăntimos. NĂŁo que isso importasse. Ele era quem ele era.
EntĂŁo, basicamente, ele estava se salvando novamente. Primeiro, por Blaine, e agora por uma pessoa que ele conhecia hĂĄ menos de 24 horas? NĂŁo, nĂŁo foi isso. Bem, talvez um pouco ⌠Parecia totalmente insano, mas começar apenas âgozarâ nĂŁo era mais divertido do que uma noite! E nĂŁo era que ele pensasse que havia algo de errado com isso. NĂŁo era sujo ou nojento. Na verdade, obviamente foi muito bom. Simplesmente nĂŁo era especial. NĂŁo o fez se sentir querido ou amado ou eufĂłrico ou mesmo contente e isso ĂŠ o que ele realmente queria.
LĂĄ! Bom senso Kurt definitivamente cuidou disso! Nada como falar consigo mesmo para fornecer o buzz kill definitivo. Ok, vamos tentar essa coisa de dormir novamente. Ele se deitou e decidiu ouvir algumas das mĂşsicas que havia baixado depois de ouvir Mateo. Ele nĂŁo sabia por que achava que isso ajudaria, mas aparentemente ajudou. A prĂłxima coisa que ele percebeu era de manhĂŁ e o que parecia ser lindo!
Ele desligou o telefone, entĂŁo verificou se havia alguma mensagem de texto. Adam – pelo menos ele sempre poderia contar com Adam para ser atencioso. Ele iria passar o dia com Ethan e provavelmente estaria em casa por volta das 6h. Talvez Ethan estivesse se transformando em algo mais do que uma noite para Adam. E, sim, um de Javi! Ele mandou uma mensagem sobre o que parecia ser a vez em que parou de jogar na noite passada. Ele queria encontrĂĄ-lo para um brunch no After the Bars Close por volta das 11h30. Ele atĂŠ mandou uma mensagem, âse vocĂŞ estiver disponĂvel e interessadoâ. Esse cara era real? Havia realmente pessoas, especificamente caras, por aĂ que se importavam se ele estava disponĂvel e interessado? Parecia que poderia haver pelo menos um e um era tudo o que ele precisava ou queria.
Apenas algumas informaçþes bĂĄsicas. Camila ĂŠ um verdadeiro grupo. Eu os renomeei como Mateo para o propĂłsito desta histĂłria. Os membros foram renomeados para Javier Ramos Ruiz ou Javi, um dos personagens principais. Seu pianista foi renomeado como Antonio e seu violonista foi renomeado como Rodrigo. Todos sĂŁo artistas e compositores de sucesso. Eu descobri Camila ouvindo um vĂdeo de Klaine que trazia a mĂşsica Besame (Kiss Me), ao fundo.
BEIJE-ME
Beije-me e prematuramente.
Com misericĂłrdia e em silĂŞncio.
Me beije, pare com o tempo.
E floresça o que eu sinto
(RefrĂŁo)
Beije-me, como se o mundo acabasse amanhĂŁ entĂŁo
beije-me e beijo por beijo vire o cÊu de cabeça para baixo
Beije-me sem razĂŁo
Porque nossos coraçþes querem beijar
Sinta-me no vento
Enquanto eu morro lentamente
Me beije com razĂŁo
E eu sempre estarei com vocĂŞ
(Refrão) Ooh ⌠oh ⌠Me beije
(RefrĂŁo)
Beije-me com misericĂłrdia
Fique em mim sem condição
Me dĂŞ apenas um motivo
E eu ficarei (e Eu vou ficar) E eu vou ficar (e eu vou ficar)
A partir daĂ, comecei a ouvir todas as mĂşsicas deles e atualmente estou aprendendo todas as mĂşsicas em espanhol. Se vocĂŞ quiser mais informaçþes sobre Camila:
“Mmmm ⌠eu nĂŁo sei”, disse Kurt, encolhendo os ombros e fazendo uma careta, “A Ăşltima vez que fizemos isso realmente nĂŁo foi bem ⌔
“Kurt, jĂĄ discutimos isso um milhĂŁo de vezes!” Adam respondeu com as mĂŁos nos quadris, revirando os olhos: “Ă um dos motivos pelos quais nos mudamos para cĂĄ, lembra? Ambos querĂamos começar de novo, nĂŁo apenas por causa de Blaine e Barry. EstĂĄvamos cansados ââdos invernos horrĂveis e da agitação de Nova York. QuerĂamos um lugar aconchegante e amigĂĄvel para gays, Kurt! Lembra, gay friendly? VocĂŞ se lembra de levar uma surra e cair no hospital, certo? E se vocĂŞ nĂŁo se lembra, bem, eu me lembro de quando isso aconteceu comigo ! “
“Eu sei, eu sei, mas estamos aqui hĂĄ apenas alguns meses ⌠SĂł preciso de mais algum tempo, acho ⌔, disse ele enquanto tentava olhar para qualquer lugar que nĂŁo fosse Adam. & nbsp; Ele sabia que Adam estava certo. Eles foram transferidos de NYADA para a Escola de Artes Teatrais de San Diego por todos os motivos que Adam deu ⌠cada um deles. Se nĂŁo fosse por Adam, ele nunca teria sobrevivido ao rompimento final com Blaine; aquela dor horrĂvel, horrĂvel, tudo de novo.
Quando ele conheceu Adam, eles fizeram uma tentativa indiferente de um relacionamento amoroso, mas os dois estavam se recuperando e depois de viverem um ano como companheiros de quarto, uma verdadeira amizade ĂŠ onde eles pousaram. Eles compartilhavam um interesse comum em cantar e dançar. Kurt se juntou ao grupo de teatro de Adam em NYADA, Adam’s Apples, como uma forma de tirar Blaine da cabeça. Mas Adam parecia estar superando Barry muito melhor do que Kurt estava superando Blaine. Ele havia investido cinco anos de sua vida em Blaine, seu primeiro amor ⌠aquele que ele pensava que seria seu Ăşltimo amor, seu amor para sempre, e entĂŁo Blaine traiu novamente! Ainda assim, Kurt se sentia mal sĂł de pensar nisso.
“Kurt âŚ. Kurt! Acorde!”, Adam disse estalando os dedos, “Estamos em San Diego, nĂŁo em Nova York, e certamente nĂŁo em Lima, OH! Vamos sair hoje Ă noite âŚ. para um bar, Kurt ⌠um bar gay! NinguĂŠm diz que vocĂŞ tem que fazer qualquer coisa, a nĂŁo ser se sentir confortĂĄvel de novo sendo social. Olha, eu sei que vocĂŞ nĂŁo gosta de ficar sĂł uma noite, ok? SĂł, por favor, vamos sair e tente se divertir um pouco! ” e entĂŁo ele suavizou sua voz e suspirou. “VocĂŞ sabe, Blaine e Barry nĂŁo estĂŁo sentados por aĂ sentindo nossa falta. Inferno, eles nem sabem ou se importam que nĂłs mudamos um continente inteiro para longe. Ă hora de seguir em frente ⌔
E embora tudo o que Kurt pudesse pensar fosse “mas para onde? para quem ?,” ele nĂŁo precisava se perguntar por quĂŞ. Blaine foi o Ăşnico com quem ele teve intimidade ⌠SEMPRE! Ele e AdĂŁo nem chegaram perto. Beijar-se e abraçar um ao outro sempre se transformou em sessĂľes deprimentes e chorosas por causa de Blaine e Barry. Deus! AtĂŠ seus nomes soavam como se pertencessem um ao outro. Sim, Blaine e Barry, eles certamente estavam juntos, ele pensou, ainda amargos. Adam estava certo, ele sabia que estava, estava na hora ⌠jĂĄ passava da hora! Eles estavam em uma das cidades mais bonitas do mundo e ele ainda estava deprimido em seu apartamento. AtĂŠ ele estava cansado de si mesmo.
CAPITULO 2 – BOTĂES
“Estou quase pronto, sĂł me dĂŞ mais 5 minutos, ok?” se ele ia fazer isso, ele faria certo ⌠o que quer que pareça hoje em dia. O que parecia certo para um bar gay quando vocĂŞ nem estava procurando por um por uma noite ou por um longo prazo ou nĂŁo estava realmente procurando por nada. HĂĄ muito tempo em um bar gay?Agora hĂĄ um oxĂmoro, pensou ele. Oh, bem, isso deixarĂĄ Adam feliz por um tempo, ele esperava. Ele deu uma Ăşltima olhada no espelho. Sua camisa azul combinou bem com o lenço, apenas a quantidade certa de verde e azul. O jeans? Eles fariam, nĂŁo muito soltos, ele pensou, como a vozinha em sua cabeça disse, quem se importa? VocĂŞ nĂŁo estĂĄ com a aparĂŞncia certa ??? E o cabelo? Bem, nunca pareceu que ele queria; ele nĂŁo conseguia se lembrar de como era um bom dia de cabelo, mas as mechas estavam frescas. Ele continuou abotoando e desabotoando o terceiro botĂŁo de sua camisa, entĂŁo percebeu o que estava fazendo. & Nbsp; “Kurt, vocĂŞ ĂŠ patĂŠtico!” mas mesmo assim ele abotoou o terceiro botĂŁo. EntĂŁo, tudo bem, ĂŠ discreto, nĂŁo grita: “Venha aqui!”, Mas ele realmente nĂŁo esperava que ninguĂŠm viesse aqui de qualquer maneira. Vamos acabar logo com isso.
“EntĂŁo! Para onde os dois homens mais novos e mais gostosos da cidade querem ir? Queremos barulhentos, orgulhosos, lotados e exagerados, queremos quer se divertir, mas razoavelmente tranquilo e descontraĂdo? Ha! Relaxado? Entendeu? ” Adam sorriu e ergueu os braços como se dissesse: “Sim! Um pouco de diversĂŁo, finalmente!” & Kurt apenas revirou os olhos e suspirou.
“Existem outras opçþes?” Kurt disse com um meio sorriso. “Vamos, vamos nos surpreender, ok?” Adam sorriu ao passar o braço em volta dos ombros de Kurt e disse: “Deve ser melhor do que outra noite neste lugar assistindo TV e pensando na lição de casa. HĂĄ um lugar a apenas alguns quarteirĂľes daqui de que ouvi falar. “Se um de nĂłs tiver sorte”, disse ele, entĂŁo olhou para o rosto questionador de Kurt. “Ok! Se eu ⌠se eu, eu mesmo, tiver sorte, entĂŁo vocĂŞ nĂŁo terĂĄ que encontrar um caminho para casa, vocĂŞ pode simplesmente caminhar para casa. ” Kurt acenou com a cabeça, parecia bom para ele, porque casa ĂŠ exatamente onde ele planejava passar o resto da noite apĂłs o desastre nÂş 2 do bar gay.
Enquanto caminhavam, Kurt teve que admitir que atĂŠ agora amava San Diego. Surpreendentemente, nenhum deles sentiu falta de Nova York. Kurt adorou depois de se mudar de Ohio. Tinha uma sensação de excitação e liberdade como nenhuma outra cidade. Mas foi quando ele e Blaine estavam juntos, apaixonados, planejando o casamento. Agora? Nova York apenas o lembrava de tudo que ele perdeu e nĂŁo achava que teria novamente. A mudança foi boa atĂŠ agora. O clima, a escola, o oceano e as pessoas pareciam tĂŁo agradĂĄveis ââ⌠definitivamente nĂŁo em Nova York.
Ok, Kurt repreendeu a si mesmo, eu tenho que dar uma chance a todo esse reingresso na cena social e eu tenho que começar de algum lugar. Mesmo que ele nĂŁo estivesse procurando por amor, ele poderia pelo menos tentar fazer alguns amigos, alĂŠm de Adam. Blaine era seu passado e para ele nĂŁo havia como voltar atrĂĄs. Aprender a confiar de novo ia ser difĂcil, mas ele nĂŁo conseguia parar de viver a vida aos 22 anos. Ele estava apenas se machucando e sabia disso. EntĂŁo, ele fez o que esperava ser uma expressĂŁo de coragem quando viraram a esquina para ir ao lugar de que Adam tinha ouvido falar. Quando Adam abriu a porta, Kurt respirou fundo e o seguiu para dentro.
CAPĂTULO 3 – VOZES NA MINHA CABEĂA
Bem, certamente nĂŁo era Escândalos em Lima e isso era uma vantagem! Ainda era um pouco cedo para a vida noturna começar e isso estava bom para ele. Isso deu a ele a chance de absorver tudo antes que o que provavelmente era a multidĂŁo usual de sexta-feira Ă noite chegasse. Ele nĂŁo estava pronto para ser apressado ⌠bem, ele era Kurt, ele NUNCA estava pronto para ser apressado. Ele olhou para Adam e antes que tivesse a chance de dizer alguma coisa, Adam o agarrou pelo cotovelo e o guiou para uma mesa que nĂŁo estava no meio do que provavelmente seria a ação, mas nĂŁo estava em um canto escuro ou. Antes mesmo de ter a chance de absorver tudo, Adam perguntou o que ele queria beber. “Nossa, Adam!”, Ele meio que riu, “VocĂŞ nĂŁo precisa me embebedar cedo, entĂŁo nĂŁo poderei sair antes da festa começar!” Ele disse a ele que uma vodka cranberry serviria.
Chamava-se The Rafters. Ele olhou para cima e se perguntou de onde veio o nome, sem vigas aqui. Havia alguns caras nas mesas ao redor deles, e todos pareciam estar juntos, como em casais. Ele foi atĂŠ a jukebox. Uau! Uma Ăłtima seleção para dançar, nĂŁo que ele planejasse dançar. E os bartenders eram certamente gostosos, nĂŁo que ele realmente se importasse. Ele gostou da atmosfera; o tipo de lugar que poderia mudar seu clima com a iluminação de hoppin ‘para romântico, nĂŁo que ele estivesse realmente interessado em qualquer um deles, especialmente romântico. O que vocĂŞ estĂĄ fazendo, Kurt? VocĂŞ estĂĄ se sabotando! VocĂŞ estĂĄ preparando a noite para o fracasso novamente!
Que voz maldita! Sempre foi certo. Adam chegou com suas bebidas e, mais uma vez, Kurt resolveu dar a esta noite pelo menos uma chance de lutar. Amigos, procuro amigos. Ele tomou um gole de sua bebida ao mesmo tempo que Adam. Os dois engasgaram e começaram a rir. “Vejo que nĂŁo preciso tentar embebedĂĄ-lo, os bartenders fazem todo o trabalho para mim! E por falar em bartenders, uau! Acho que nĂŁo terei ESSA sorte esta noite!” Kurt apenas sorriu e acenou com a cabeça. Eles o lembravam do cara que interpretou o Papai Noel em Nova York e roubou totalmente o apartamento deles depois de embebedĂĄ-los. Era engraçado agora, mas com certeza nĂŁo era naquela ĂŠpoca.
NĂŁo demorou muito para que os Rafters estivessem quase cheios atĂŠ as vigas que eles nem tinham. E Adam nĂŁo demorou muito para encontrar seu nicho com um grupo de caras falando sobre mĂşsica. Kurt ficou com eles por um tempo, conversando um pouco, mas mantendo suas vibraçþes para si mesmo. Oh, ele sabia que os tinha, mas, nĂŁo esta noite, apenas nĂŁo, nĂŁo esta noite. Enquanto ele bebia sua terceira bebida, o grupo começou a formar pares, mais ou menos, e fazendo o seu melhor para se tornar invisĂvel, ele vagou atĂŠ o bar e agarrou uma cadeira. Oh, ele sabia que alguns deles tinham se interessado, mas nĂŁo o que ele estava procurando ou assim disse a si mesmo. Conforme a noite avançava, ele conversou com os bartenders quando eles nĂŁo estavam ocupados, foi atĂŠ a jukebox e escolheu algumas mĂşsicas, mas fez o possĂvel para evitar contato visual.
Ele tinha que admitir, era um lugar divertido! NinguÊm foi agressivo ou muito alto. Todos pareciam estar se divertindo e mesmo que ele não estivesse exatamente se expondo, ele estava feliz por ter vindo. Ele sabia que estava chegando perto da meia-noite quando as luzes começaram a diminuir. Ele sabia que os bares fechavam às 2 da manhã e sabia exatamente por que estavam diminuindo as luzes. Mas, ele estava se divertindo, apenas ouvir a música e estar perto de um bando de caras de novo parecia bom, ele tinha que admitir. Então, depois de considerar a porta, ele decidiu ficar mais um pouco. Foi um começo. Do que ele não tinha certeza, mas a solidão do apartamento deles não estava realmente o chamando de volta para casa.
CAPĂTULO 4 – AMIGO OU INIMIGO
“Ei, Kurt,” Adam disse enquanto vagava atĂŠ o bar, “parece que vocĂŞ terĂĄ o lugar sĂł para vocĂŞ esta noite. Estou saindo com Ethan”, ele acenou com a cabeça em direção a um cara alto com cabelo loiro em pĂŠ na direção a porta. “VocĂŞ vai ficar bem, cara?” disse ele, olhando em volta para ver se Kurt tinha companhia.
“Claro, eu vou ficar bem! Eu nĂŁo preciso mais de uma babĂĄ, Adam, mas obrigada por me convidar para ir com vocĂŞ. Eu realmente me diverti, acredite ou nĂŁo, e eu sei que vocĂŞ nĂŁo , mas vocĂŞ nĂŁo ĂŠ eu, apenas vĂĄ se divertir e eu te vejo quando eu te ver. ” Adam sorriu, agradeceu e foi embora.
Foi bom ficar sentado aqui, ouvindo mĂşsica e assistindo gay, ele sorriu para isso. Ele se virou para a pista de dança, apenas para outro lugar para fazer sua “observação gay”. Ele tomaria mais um gole e depois iria para casa, e sim, agora estava realmente começando a se sentir em casa. Ele estava tĂŁo absorto em seus prĂłprios pensamentos que nem percebeu que alguĂŠm havia se sentado ao lado dele no bar atĂŠ que o cheiro de uma colĂ´nia cara interrompeu seus pensamentos. Depois de seu estĂĄgio na Vogue.com, ele tinha certeza que o perfume era Christian Dior Sauvage. Hmmm, nĂŁo, eu nĂŁo vou me virar, pequenos sinos de alerta em sua cabeça o lembraram. Mas entĂŁo ele ouviu alguĂŠm pedir uma bebida no que provavelmente era espanhol e ouviu uma risada deliciosa. Ainda assim, ele nĂŁo se virou. NĂŁo! NĂŁo indo lĂĄ, de jeito nenhum.
No entanto, o barman tomou a decisĂŁo por ele. “Kurt! VocĂŞ conhece Javi? Ele ĂŠ um cidadĂŁo honorĂĄrio de San Diego. VocĂŞ deve ter ouvido a mĂşsica dele, jĂĄ que estĂĄ estudando teatro aqui.”
Kurt era educado se nĂŁo fosse outra coisa. Ele se virou e nĂŁo sabia bem o que dizer ⌠ou fazer. Ele engoliu em seco e conseguiu alcançar a mĂŁo do homem, dizendo: “Hum, no habla espanol? Lo siento”, que era quase o mesmo que seu espanhol. Javi apenas sorriu e mudou para o inglĂŞs. Enquanto se apresentava e descrevia como seu nome era Javi com um A suave, Kurt tentou nĂŁo encarar. Ele tomou um gole rĂĄpido de sua bebida e tentou se recompor.
Javi vestia uma jaqueta de couro preta com strass nas lapelas, aberta, com uma meia arrastĂŁo preta revelando o peito de um homem que sabia malhar. Ele usava calças justas de couro preto, botas pretas com cadarços prateados e um chapĂŠu rosa suave com uma aba larga sobre cachos que caĂam de um lado do rosto quase escondendo um olho. Ele estava usando Ăłculos escuros, mas os removeu porque a iluminação do bar estava muito fraca. Ele usava um pino de diamante em cada orelha.
O primeiro pensamento de Kurt foi: “Este homem sabe como se vestir, adora chapĂŠu ⌠NĂŁo uso um chapĂŠu hĂĄ anos ⌔ Seu segundo pensamento foi, “aquela pele, me lembra de Blaine ⌠marrom suave ⌠“dos ancestrais espanhĂłis e filipinos de Blaine. EntĂŁo, aquela voz em sua cabeça, aquela maldita voz que estava sempre certa gritou: “NĂŁo! NĂŁo! NĂŁo! Esqueça Blaine, esqueça Nova York! Esta ĂŠ San Diego, sua nova casa, e este ĂŠ Javi!” E Kurt concordou com relutância que era hora de seguir em frente. O que quer que Javi seria ou nĂŁo em sua vida, esta noite era esta noite e ele estava cansado de ficar sozinho. Talvez este tenha sido o inĂcio de uma nova amizade ⌠talvez.
CAPĂTULO 5 – JAVI / JAVIER RAMOS RUIZ
Os Rafters eram a terra natal de Javi quando ele estava na cidade. Ele realmente era um cidadão honorårio de San Diego. Quando ele deixou Mateo e começou sua carreira solo hå 7 anos, ele se mudou para fora da Cidade do MÊxico e LA. Ele gravou nos dois lugares e geralmente passava metade do ano na Cidade do MÊxico e a outra metade em LA, dependendo de sua programação de gravaçþes e apresentaçþes. Ele havia se mudado para San Diego 4 anos antes, cansado do trânsito e do ritmo acelerado de LA. Ele tinha o suficiente disso na Cidade do MÊxico e San Diego era perto o suficiente de LA. Ele poderia cuidar dos negócios lå e estar de volta a San Diego às vezes no mesmo dia. Os Rafters sempre pareceram o bar gay do bairro e, na verdade, muitos dos moradores dessa årea da cidade eram gays.
San Diego lhe dera um lugar para ser ele mesmo, completamente ele mesmo. Ele nĂŁo estava totalmente fora de lugar, mas definitivamente nĂŁo no MĂŠxico. Por mais que desejasse que fosse diferente, mesmo na Cidade do MĂŠxico, usar suas verdadeiras cores gays poderia ser perigoso. A maioria das pessoas simplesmente olhou para o outro lado, mas nĂŁo todas. Ele tinha que ser muito discreto no MĂŠxico. Sua famĂlia inteira ainda morava em Quintana Roo e mesmo que as leis relativas Ă s pessoas LGBTQ fossem basicamente as mesmas dos Estados Unidos, isso nĂŁo significava muito quando toda a sua famĂlia tinha basicamente te rejeitado apenas por cantar mĂşsicas que nĂŁo eram relacionadas Ă igreja. Ele cresceu na Igreja CristĂŁ cantando no coro de seu pai. Sua mudança para a Cidade do MĂŠxico foi perturbadora o suficiente para eles, mas quando Mateo começou a se tornar um grande grupo pop, nenhum deles iria aos shows. NinguĂŠm. Se isso nĂŁo fosse uma desgraça o suficiente para eles, ele se assumir como gay iria destruĂ-los.
Nos E.U.A? Bem, ele estava na metade do caminho, se Ê que isso existia. Ele ainda teve que manter uma fachada em algumas situaçþes para proteger sua reputação no MÊxico. Na maior parte do tempo, ele evitava bares e atividades gays, pelo menos porque o mundo era menor do que dezessete anos atrås, quando ele foi buscar fortuna na cidade. Ser uma celebridade e se assumir completamente poderia custar-lhe sua carreira, mas ao mesmo tempo ser uma celebridade tambÊm lhe proporcionava uma companhia gay. Ele não teve problemas para ficar. Mas ele estava cansado de transas de uma noite e de falsas amizades, muito cansado. Aqui ele tinha quase 35 anos e teve apenas um relacionamento de longo prazo. Quando Antonio morreu inesperadamente, oito anos atrås ⌠bem, isso deixou um buraco em seu coração que ele nunca foi capaz de preencher.
Sua mudança para San Diego lhe devolveu um pouco de sua vida. Os Rafters eram um lugar seguro para ele. Todos o conheciam e a maioria sabia sobre Antonio. Aqui, ele poderia ser Javier Ramos Ruiz, o vizinho, e nĂŁo apenas Javi, o cantor, apresentador e celebridade. Aqui ele poderia viver uma vida um tanto tranquila. Isso lhe deu uma pausa nas turnĂŞs e gravaçþes Ă s vezes exaustivas. Ăs vezes, ele tocava em alguns dos clubes e bares da cidade apenas por diversĂŁo. Na maioria das vezes, parecia que isso era tudo o que ele realmente queria, paz e um relacionamento genuĂno ⌠outro Tonio. NĂŁo! NĂŁo outro Tonio. NinguĂŠm poderia ser Tonio; ninguĂŠm deve viver de acordo com o fantasma de Tonio. Ele precisava começar de novo, mas ainda nĂŁo havia chegado essa pessoa.
Ele notou Kurt quando ele entrou pela porta depois que seus olhos se ajustaram Ă s luzes fracas. Ele sĂł podia vĂŞ-lo de lado, mas sua linguagem corporal falava muito. Ele parecia um pouco relaxado, mas ainda assim mantinha a guarda levantada. Ele era jovem, mas havia algo nele que falava de uma pessoa com uma aura alĂŠm de sua idade. Javi nĂŁo viu ninguĂŠm que ele conhecesse e teve que subir no bar de qualquer maneira para pegar uma bebida. No mĂnimo, poderia ser uma conversa interessante, mas apenas se ele pudesse tirĂĄ-lo da concha com a qual estava se esforçando tanto para se proteger ⌠e as apresentaçþes nĂŁo seriam tĂŁo estranhas, ele conhecia o barman.
CAPĂTULO E 6 – DEIXE-ME APRESENTAR-ME
Javi apertou a mĂŁo de Kurt lentamente e disse com um meio sorriso que revelou a covinha Ă esquerda, “Por que, olĂĄ, Kurt! EntĂŁo vocĂŞ vai para a TAS, em que ano? Kurt parecia um pouco confuso e disse:” TAS? “Oh, vocĂŞ Ă novo aqui. Ă o que os locais chamam de Escola de Artes Teatrais. “
“Ahhh, NYADA! Ouvi dizer que vocĂŞ precisa de muito talento para entrar na escola lĂĄ. Estou impressionado! EntĂŁo, vocĂŞ deixou NYADA para vir para San Diego?” Javi questionou. EntĂŁo ele percebeu o que havia insinuado, que Kurt precisava se explicar. Desta vez, ele riu nervosamente. “Eu nĂŁo queria que soasse assim. Vamos tentar de novo, ok? Oi, Kurt, sou Javi. Prazer em conhecĂŞ-lo. O que vocĂŞ acha de San Diego atĂŠ agora?” Ele tentou evitar que perguntas inĂłcuas surgissem e enquanto ouvia, fazia o que fazia de melhor ⌠observava. Sim, Kurt era um dos homens mais impressionantes que jĂĄ conheceu, nĂŁo apenas por sua aparĂŞncia, mas por seus maneirismos, a maneira como se expressava; ele tinha aquele “aquilo” de que as pessoas sempre falavam. O que ele achou interessante e bastante fofo foi a maneira como ficava brincando com o terceiro botĂŁo de sua camisa – e sem dĂşvida, azul era sua cor! Ele nunca tinha visto olhos que mudassem de cor com o menor movimento.
A conversa finalmente parecia segura, nenhum dos dois sabendo que o outro estava se curando da dor de relacionamentos rompidos. Talvez nĂŁo esteja quebrado pelos mesmos motivos, mas quebrado mesmo assim. E nenhum dos dois queria iniciar qualquer relacionamento que possam ou nĂŁo ter discutindo isso. Nenhum deles estava procurando um caso de uma noite tambĂŠm. Mas eles ainda nĂŁo sabiam disso um sobre o outro. Javi sabia de uma coisa; Kurt estava nervoso e nĂŁo demorou muito para descobrir que teria que assumir a liderança. Se algum deles quisesse que isso fosse alĂŠm de uma conversa fiada em um bar gay, ele teria que agir devagar. Honestamente, ele nĂŁo sabia o que queria, mas Kurt parecia uma pessoa legal, para nĂŁo mencionar um jovem mais gostoso do que gostoso. E isso pode ser uma das coisas sobre as quais eles terĂŁo que falar mais cedo ou mais tarde, seja qual for a diferença de idade. Mas, por enquanto, Kurt era uma boa companhia. Ele era engraçado e bastante adorĂĄvel, na verdade. E entĂŁo, de repente, era a Ăşltima chamada ⌠eles estavam conversando por 2 horas! E embora nenhum dos dois soubesse disso, os dois estavam pensando: “O que vem a seguir?”
CAPĂTULO 7 – CAFĂ E CONVERSA
Kurt nĂŁo conseguia acreditar que era tĂŁo tarde. Ele estava tagarelando por algumas horas, mas esse cara parecia tĂŁo interessado nele, nĂŁo apenas em sua aparĂŞncia ou no que pode ou nĂŁo acontecer “mais tarde”. Essa certamente nĂŁo era sua experiĂŞncia tĂpica em um bar gay. Ele nĂŁo sentia que Javi estava apenas tentando pegĂĄ-lo para passar a noite. Ele havia lhe feito pergunta apĂłs pergunta e realmente ouviu. Kurt estava envergonhado. Ele se sentiu como se tivesse sido imprudente e se desculpou. “Eu realmente sinto muito por continuar e continuar assim.”
“E por que se sentir assim, Kurt? Fui eu quem fez todas as perguntas ⌠alĂŠm de vocĂŞ uma pessoa extremamente interessante! VocĂŞ ama as artes! Temos muito mais em comum do que vocĂŞ pode imaginar, entĂŁo vocĂŞ gostaria de vai tomar um cafĂŠ? Eu prometo, vou deixar vocĂŞ fazer todas as perguntas! ” ele riu.
Kurt considerou isso. Ele nĂŁo tinha nada para ir para casa e nĂŁo tinha planos para amanhĂŁ. EntĂŁo por que nĂŁo??? Ele poderia ficar acordado a noite toda se quisesse. Ele nĂŁo teve que trabalhar neste fim de semana. Foi muito bom ter uma conversa com outra pessoa que nĂŁo Adam. E mesmo naquilo que ele considerava balbuciante, ele tambĂŠm observava Javi. NĂŁo havia dĂşvida de que parte de seu apelo como artista era sua aparĂŞncia. Ele nĂŁo era um cara classicamente bonito, o que tornava seu apelo sexual ainda mais Ăłbvio em sua sutileza, se isso fazia sentido. Ele tinha aquela pele morena (da qual ele obviamente cuidou, pensou o Lima Kurt) e olhos castanhos profundos nos quais uma pessoa poderia literalmente cair se se permitisse. E por mais que ele nĂŁo quisesse nem pensar sobre isso, ele tinha uma maneira de baixar os olhos e olhar diretamente para ele enviando um choque por todo o seu corpo. NĂŁo! NĂŁo estĂĄ pronto para isso ⌠ainda nĂŁo! Nunca??? NĂŁo importava, estava lĂĄ se ele estava pronto ou nĂŁo. Seu sorriso era verdadeiramente radiante e ele parecia tĂŁo Ă vontade consigo mesmo. Ele tinha sotaque Latinx o suficiente ⌠Ele precisava parar com isso! Ele sĂł conhecia esse cara hĂĄ algumas horas! Kurt sabia que ele era mais velho, mas isso era assunto para outra hora. Espere! Ele teve que parar de pensar assim – mais tarde ?? JĂĄ estĂĄ planejando o futuro ?? Ok, jĂĄ chega!
Ele mergulhou: “Claro, por que nĂŁo? VocĂŞ conhece a vizinhança melhor do que eu, certo?”
“Ok, meu amigo! Vamos. E eu prometo que responderei todas as suas perguntas ⌠dentro do razoĂĄvel.” E ele riu de novo ⌠aquela risada e aquele sorriso que Kurt estava ficando ligeiramente apaixonado.
CapĂtulo 8 – A IDADE Ă APENAS UM NĂMERO
Se nada mais, ele estava conhecendo o bairro, o bairro dele. A cerca de quatro quarteirĂľes do The Rafters havia uma lanchonete / cafeteria chamada After the Bars Close. Ele sorriu, entĂŁo olhou para Javi e disse: “Bem, tem um nome apropriado!” Javi disse que eles tomavam o melhor cafĂŠ da cidade, de dia ou de noite. “VocĂŞ nĂŁo pode ser um latino e nĂŁo amar o seu cafĂŠ; tenho certeza de que ĂŠ contra a lei em algum lugar!”
Quando eles se sentaram, Kurt estava absorvendo o ambiente. Na verdade, ele nĂŁo sabia que um restaurante aberto a noite toda poderia ter um ambiente, mas aquele tinha. Havia alguns casais lĂĄ, mas nĂŁo era barulhento. A acĂşstica estava boa, aparentemente. As poucas mulheres presentes em grupos com outros gays. Uma coisa que ele notou sobre a comunidade gay de San Diego ou pelo menos a parte dela em que morava. Gays e lĂŠsbicas geralmente viviam em ĂĄreas diferentes por vĂĄrios motivos. Mas ele se mudou para cĂĄ por ser “gay friendly” e atĂŠ agora seu desejo foi atendido.
Depois que o garçom anotou o pedido, Kurt tentou não pensar em como Blaine sabia de seu pedido de cafÊ praticamente desde o dia em que se conheceram. Depois que eles se separaram, ele atÊ mudou seu pedido de cafÊ para que ele não pensasse nisso. Agora, isso foi tããão patÊtico. Ele afastou o pensamento e se virou para olhar para Javi.
“Uau! VocĂŞ gosta do seu cafĂŠ forte! Como vocĂŞ dorme Ă noite?” Javi apenas deu um sorriso suave e disse: “Quando vocĂŞ estĂĄ na estrada tanto quanto eu, Ă s vezes, o cafĂŠ forte nĂŁo ĂŠ um luxo, ĂŠ uma necessidade! E tenho bebido praticamente desde o dia em que nasci âŚ. nĂŁo mesmo! Começamos a beber cafĂŠ muito jovens no MĂŠxico. Kurt apenas balançou a cabeça enquanto pensava: “Ok, vamos deixar o mundano. Ele disse que eu poderia perguntar-lhe qualquer coisa e ele nĂŁo achava que ficar com a escolha de bebidas servisse para o “conhecer vocĂŞ, Javi” que ele realmente queria, embora ainda estivesse morrendo de medo. Mudar para o clima tambĂŠm nĂŁo ia adiantar.
Ele respirou fundo e decidiu começar com algumas perguntas sobre crescer em Quintana Roo e algumas das diferenças entre morar no MÊxico e não nos Estados Unidos. Mas o que ele estava realmente interessado era em como era ser uma celebridade, mais especificamente um cantor gay popular que viajou o mundo. Kurt não tinha certeza de que direção seguir depois de se formar, mas aqui estava uma chance de descobrir pelo menos uma faceta de como poderia ser seu futuro.
Enquanto Javi falava de sua profissĂŁo, o que amava, o que nĂŁo amava e por que decidiu que era isso que queria fazer da vida, Kurt nĂŁo conseguia acreditar como estava fascinado por aquele homem, mas entĂŁo Javi realmente parou e perguntou Kurt o que ele pensava disso ou daquilo. Esse cara estava realmente tentando ou realmente se importava com os pensamentos e opiniĂľes de Kurt. Kurt deu-lhe algumas respostas curtas, mas ele realmente sĂł queria que Javi continuasse falando. NĂŁo era apenas o assunto que o fascinava e, sim, era assustador, mas uma espĂŠcie de assustador delicioso ⌠o que o tornava ainda mais assustador. Oh, ele estava ouvindo bem, mas nĂŁo poderia escapar de observĂĄ-lo. Ele nĂŁo apenas falou, ele falou expressivamente, com todo o seu corpo. Apenas observĂĄ-lo era quase ⌠intoxicante? NĂŁo, ele nĂŁo apenas pensou que ⌠ele nĂŁo queria intoxicante ⌠bem, ele nĂŁo QUERIA querer intoxicação. Ele queria ⌠ele queria o quĂŞ? Coloque sua cabeça de volta na conversa âŚ
“Sim, eu tive uma grande coisa acontecendo com Mateo por 7 anos, mas isso ĂŠ assunto para outra ĂŠpoca. Longa, longa histĂłria. VocĂŞ perguntou sobre solo, gay, viagens. Eu respondi suas perguntas?”
“Sim, e nĂŁo se parece em nada com o que pensamos que ĂŠ a vida das celebridades, certo? Parece meio como qualquer outro trabalho Ă s vezes, mas com menos sono e mais” amigos “, ele colocou aspas no ar,” qualquer pessoa realmente deseja. HĂĄ quanto tempo vocĂŞ faz isso? “Talvez nĂŁo tĂŁo sutil quanto ele gostaria, mas Javi era uma daquelas pessoas que parecia nĂŁo ter idade.
“Alguns dias sĂŁo longos demais, outros nunca o suficiente”, ele meio que riu e suspirou ao mesmo tempo, “mas me mudei para a Cidade do MĂŠxico quando tinha 18 anos e quase 35, entĂŁo muito tempo, eu acho. ” Bom! Javi estava tĂŁo feliz que a pergunta estava lĂĄ fora e ele estava feliz por ter sido Kurt quem a iniciou de sua maneira nĂŁo muito matizada. “E vocĂŞ, meu amigo, cual es tu edad?” Ele deslizou para o espanhol na esperança de tornar o momento um pouco mais leve, “Qual ĂŠ a sua idade?”, Ele repetiu em inglĂŞs. “22, tenho 22, farei 23 este ano.” EntĂŁo aĂ estava, uma das perguntas que poderiam terminar ou pelo menos definir qualquer relacionamento.
CAPĂTULO 9 – VAMOS DORMIR
Bem, foi uma lanchonete que durou a noite toda, mas eles conversaram atĂŠ o sol começar a nascer. Como isso aconteceu? Na verdade, Kurt deveria estar pensando “por que isso aconteceu?” Mas nĂŁo havia dĂşvida de que ele gostava desse cara. Por que se fazer perguntas estĂşpidas? Ele tinha esquecido a quantidade de cafĂŠ que bebeu, mas estava feliz por ter escolhido o descafeinado. Ele riu por dentro; seu cafĂŠ pode ter sido descafeinado, mas seu corpo parecia totalmente cafeinado, alerta, dificuldade para respirar ocasionalmente, batimentos cardĂacos pulando. Nossa! Aqui estou comparando Javi ao cafĂŠ? Bem, nĂŁo, na verdade ele estava descrevendo a resposta de seu corpo a Javi como beber um bule inteiro de cafĂŠ. Isto ĂŠ ridĂculo. Sono, eu preciso dormir ⌠mas ele realmente nĂŁo queria dormir ⌠de jeito nenhum. Era a hora de ir.
Durante as horas de conversa, Javi lhe contara muito sobre sua vizinhança. Eles viviam a cerca de oitocentos metros um do outro. Ele disse a ele quais academias eram boas, alguns locais para evitar e atÊ mesmo alguns que ele gostaria de conhecer melhor. Melhor? Ele não os conhecia para começar! Então, enquanto caminhavam em direção ao loft que ele dividia com Adam, eles concordaram que ambos precisavam dormir um pouco.
Quando chegaram ao prĂŠdio, Javi disse a ele o quanto havia gostado da noite e da manhĂŁ. Ele perguntou se ele gostaria de ir vĂŞ-lo tocar em um dos bares locais naquela noite; Kurt decidiu que realmente precisava dormir um pouco, mas adoraria vĂŞ-lo se apresentar em outra hora. Javi se inclinou em sua direção e lhe deu um beijo suave na bochecha direita, depois explicou que ĂŠ assim que os homens se cumprimentam no MĂŠxico, sempre na bochecha certa. Kurt realmente nĂŁo se importava em qual bochecha ele tinha sido beijado. Esse foi o primeiro contato fĂsico e ele pensou que poderia sentir aquele beijo suave pelo resto do dia. Javi acenou, disse-lhe que mandaria uma mensagem e o veria novamente. Kurt nĂŁo podia acreditar que ele realmente deu a uma pessoa que ele conhecia por um punhado de horas seu nĂşmero de celular. Este nĂŁo era um encontro de bar gay. Ele nĂŁo tinha certeza do que realmente era, mas atĂŠ agora parecia nĂŁo ser nada alĂŠm de bom. Enquanto observava Javi passear silenciosamente pela calçada, ele nĂŁo pĂ´de deixar de notar seus quadris naquelas apertadas, apertadas, apertadas ⌠ok, meia-calça chega, Kurt! Pare! calças de couro e seu passo fĂĄcil.
Ao entrar no prĂŠdio, ele decidiu subir as escadas. Ele precisava de um pouco de tempo para organizar seus pensamentos no caso de Adam estar em casa, mas nĂŁo ficou surpreso quando destrancou a porta que Adam nĂŁo estava Ă vista. Ele tinha todo o lugar para si e desabou no sofĂĄ, voltando para o que acabou sendo provavelmente a melhor noite de seu curto perĂodo na CalifĂłrnia. Ele estava feliz por Adam ter tido “sorte”, mas no que dizia respeito a ele, ele era o sortudo. Ele conheceu alguĂŠm interessante, nĂŁo apenas alguĂŠm interessado em uma coisa no verdadeiro estilo de bar gay. E ele estava totalmente apaixonado por ele e sabia disso. Ele tambĂŠm sabia que havia uma grande diferença entre paixĂŁo e relacionamentos de longo prazo. Ele gostava de tudo sobre Javi e sĂł conseguia encontrar mais coisas para gostar, isso era paixĂŁo. Ele sabia que nĂŁo devia basear o que quer que viesse a seguir na paixĂŁo. Mas, era muito bom se sentir assim por alguĂŠm!
Javi tambĂŠm estava pensando no pouco tempo que levou para chegar em casa. Ele sabia exatamente por que Kurt o rejeitou para esta noite, mesmo que Kurt nĂŁo soubesse ainda. Isso acontecia quase todas as vezes que ele conhecia alguĂŠm novo e isso jĂĄ nĂŁo o incomodava. Na verdade, ele achou bastante engraçado depois de tantos anos. Mais tarde, depois que Kurt realmente dormisse um pouco, ele acordaria, provavelmente comeria algo, jĂĄ que eles sĂł tinham tomado cafĂŠ, e entĂŁo pensaria em procurĂĄ-lo no Google. Ăs vezes, isso era definitivamente uma desvantagem de ser um tanto famoso. Estava tudo na rede, fosse verdade ou nĂŁo. Mas uma das vantagens ĂŠ que tudo o que uma pessoa encontra, sempre dĂĄ a ela algo para falar novamente ⌠se ĂŠ que hĂĄ novamente. Ăs vezes, nĂŁo havia. Ele nĂŁo se importou mais. Se nĂŁo houvesse, isso apenas dizia a ele que provavelmente nĂŁo valia a pena prosseguir com o relacionamento. Ele esperava, muito, sim, muito, muito, que esse nĂŁo fosse o caso com Kurt. Ele sentiu como se tivessem começado muito bem seja lĂĄ o que fosse. Ele esperava que a busca de Kurt no Google o levasse mais para suas mĂşsicas e vĂdeos, mas ele sabia que a curiosidade natural o levaria a quem sabe o que estava lĂĄ hoje ou hĂĄ um ano que ele nem sabia. Ele jĂĄ sabia que poderia haver muito mais no que quer que eles pudessem ter, parecia anos ⌠o que ele estava pensando, jĂĄ fazia anos desde que ele se sentia assim por alguĂŠm. Sim, provavelmente haveria alguns obstĂĄculos, que relacionamento nĂŁo os teve? Felizmente, a diferença de idade realmente nĂŁo atrapalharia. Felizmente, as diferenças culturais tambĂŠm nĂŁo. Com algum esforço, ele desligou seu cĂŠrebro hiperativo e cansado. Ele nĂŁo precisava olhar para o futuro e criar problemas que nĂŁo existiam; hoje foi definitivamente o suficiente e ele se sentiu bem com isso.
CAPĂTULO 10 – GOOGLE
Como jĂĄ poderiam ser cinco horas? Ele meio que desmaiou no sofĂĄ e meio que se lembrou de se levantar e ir para o quarto, mas era sĂł isso. Quando começou a acordar, a noite anterior invadiu lentamente seu cĂŠrebro e, por mais estĂşpido que se sentisse deitado ali, sorrindo, era o que estava fazendo. Ele bocejou e checou seu telefone, nada de Javi, mas ele realmente nĂŁo esperava nada. Adam tinha mandado uma mensagem para que ele soubesse que ele ainda estava com Ethan e para nĂŁo esperĂĄ-lo em casa esta noite tambĂŠm. Nenhuma surpresa nisso, aparentemente a “boa sorte” de Adam ainda estava em vigor. Ele realmente precisava comer alguma coisa, mas isso poderia esperar mais alguns minutos ou mais. Ele estava gostando de se aquecer no sentimento. PaixĂŁo? Sim, mas quem se importa neste momento. NĂŁo Kurt, nĂŁo desta vez. Ele estava extremamente cansado de ser Kurt, o Cuidado, pelo menos agora.
Ok, vamos ver o que hĂĄ na geladeira. Bom! Ovos, na dĂşvida, ou quase nada, fazem uma omelete. De repente, ele estava morrendo de fome. Ele procurou por cebolas, pimentĂľes, tomates, queijo e tudo o mais que soasse bem em uma omelete, que agora era praticamente qualquer coisa. Depois de criar sua obra-prima culinĂĄria, ele a cobriu com um bocado de creme de leite, sentou-se em “sua” cadeira e ligou um pouco de mĂşsica. LĂĄ estava em sua cabeça, mĂşsica! MĂşsica de Javi! Ele nĂŁo sabia, mas talvez cinco palavras em espanhol, mas ele realmente queria descobrir como ele soava. EntĂŁo, ele se sentiu um pouco culpado. Aqui, ele poderia tĂŞ-lo ouvido ao vivo esta noite, mas disse que nĂŁo, e agora ele iria pesquisar sua mĂşsica no Google? Oh, bem, ĂŠ a era do instantâneo para tudo.
Ele decidiu que seu telefone era muito pequeno para assistir a um Javi um pouco maior do que a vida, entĂŁo ele pegou seu laptop e torceu para nĂŁo derramar nada de sua refeição gourmet nele. Bem, encontrĂĄ-lo certamente nĂŁo demorou muito. “Cantor Javi mexicano” basicamente trouxe Ă tona tudo e mais um pouco. Ele pensou por um minuto. Sua curiosidade sobre o que Javi havia lhe contado sobre sua vida e sobre ele mesmo disse dĂŞ uma olhada nos wikis, nas entrevistas, talvez em alguns sites de Mateo, mas quando ele pensou sobre isso, Javi sabia que toda aquela informação estava disponĂvel online entĂŁo por que mentir sobre isso? AlĂŠm disso, ele nĂŁo confiava muito no que estava na rede quando se tratava de informaçþes verdadeiras. Assentou. Vamos para mĂşsica e vĂdeos. Ele sempre poderia verificar as outras coisas, se quisesse.
Ele nĂŁo sabia por onde começar. Havia tantos vĂdeos e pelo menos 50 mĂşsicas que ele podia ouvir, entĂŁo ele mergulhou aleatoriamente nos vĂdeos. Ele encontrou um grupo de vĂdeos individuais de um programa da MTV apresentando versĂľes acĂşsticas de Mateo com um Javi muito mais jovem. Ele decidiu começar com eles porque tambĂŠm estava curioso sobre Mateo.
Ele assistiu Besame primeiro. Claro, ele teve que pesquisar o significado da letra para entender o significado, mas ele começou apenas com o tĂtulo, Kiss Me, e começou a assistir ao vĂdeo. Isso o surpreendeu totalmente! Ele nĂŁo conseguia manter os olhos fixos. Este grupo era tĂŁo unido e tinha um desempenho lindo, mas ele realmente sĂł queria assistir Javi ⌠e ouvir, e assistir, e assistir e ouvir ⌠entĂŁo ele parou algumas vezes e diminuiu a velocidade. Ele, e ele presumiu que Antonio pelo que Javi havia lhe contado, tinha grandes harmonias. E o vibrato de Javi ⌠mas o que Kurt nĂŁo conseguia parar de pensar enquanto observava eram seus maneirismos, a maneira sensual como ele usava as mĂŁos, a maneira como ele fechava os olhos e os cĂlios ⌠e aquela coisa com os olhos que ele fez. como ontem Ă noite. Como se ele estivesse olhando direto para tudo o que era vocĂŞ. Na verdade, ele pausou o vĂdeo em 2:29 e 3:13 para vĂŞ-lo novamente. O que Kurt parecia nĂŁo perceber era que ele tinha essa mesma “coisa de olho” como ele dizia. Ele fez isso sem nem perceber, mas Javi percebeu. Javi estava usando uma jaqueta muito parecida com a que usara na noite anterior, exceto que esta nĂŁo era de couro. Ele passou para dois outros vĂdeos da sĂŠrie. Ele tinha a noite toda; ele nĂŁo precisava apressar nada.
Em seguida, assistiu Collecionista De Canciones (Colecionador de Cançþes), primeiro procurando a letra da mĂşsica. Era basicamente uma mĂşsica sobre de onde veio a inspiração para suas paixĂľes e o que isso significava, neste caso mĂşsica. Novamente, ele tentou permanecer focado no grupo para sentir a mĂşsica, mas nĂŁo foi fĂĄcil. Javi fez parte desse vĂdeo Ăntimo, assim como o primeiro. Ele passou uma vez e entĂŁo se concentrou em Javi. Esses caras tinham uma coisa sobre respiração, sobre usar a respiração para realmente melhorar a mĂşsica, e nessa mĂşsica em particular parecia. Cada vez que Javi respirava, Kurt tambĂŠm respirava, alheio ao que estava fazendo. Fale sobre fazer uma mĂşsica significativa e sexy, mesmo quando sexy nĂŁo era realmente intencional. Apenas observar o homem se mover e se expressar era quase demais Ă s vezes. PaixĂŁo, Kurt, paixĂŁo, ele ficava se lembrando, embora de pouco servisse. O Ăşltimo que ele assistiu na sĂŠrie foi Mientes (You Lie). NĂŁo era de se admirar que esse grupo tivesse ganhado tantos prĂŞmios. Ele estava totalmente fascinado e nĂŁo entendia uma Ăşnica palavra, mas o espanhol costumava ser chamado de a lĂngua do amor. E havia aquele sorriso no final, se vocĂŞ estivesse assistindo apenas Javi, claro.
VocĂŞ Mente
VocĂŞ entrou na minha vida para me ensinar. VocĂŞ sabia como me excitar e depois me desligar. VocĂŞ se tornou indispensĂĄvel para mim.
Com meus olhos fechados, eu te segui. Se eu estava procurando por dor, encontrava. VocĂŞ nĂŁo ĂŠ a pessoa que eu pensei que fosse, aquele em que acreditei, aquele que perdi.
VocĂŞ mente. VocĂŞ me magoou e depois se arrependeu. NĂŁo adianta vocĂŞ tentar mais. NĂŁo sinto mais vontade. VocĂŞ volta bem quando eu estou prestes a te esquecer. Procure seu caminho em outro lugar. Enquanto isso, vou procurar o tempo que perdi. Hoje estou melhor sem vocĂŞ.
Estou saindo novo em folha, lembrando quem eu sou. Saber o que vocĂŞ dĂĄ e o que eu dou e o caminho que vocĂŞ procurou. E o tempo ĂŠ seu e sĂł seu e eu entendo que as coisas nĂŁo sĂŁo para sempre porque sim, voce nao e a pessoa que eu pensava que voce era, aquele em que acreditei, aquele que perdi.
E hoje estou melhor sem vocĂŞ. VocĂŞ volta bem quando eu estou prestes a te esquecer. Procure seu caminho em outro lugar. Enquanto isso, vou procurar o tempo que perdi. Hoje estou melhor sem vocĂŞ. Hoje estou melhor sem vocĂŞ. Hoje estou melhor sem vocĂŞ.
A prĂłxima vez que ele olhou para o telefone, era meia-noite. Passei sete horas assistindo a vĂdeos de alguĂŠm que mal conheço? Claro, foi uma Ăłtima maneira de conhecer alguĂŠm de quem vocĂŞ realmente gostava, suas idĂŠias sobre mĂşsica, como entreter, saber o que vestir e o que fazer. TambĂŠm foi uma maneira ainda melhor de dar a uma pessoa uma visĂŁo sobre o que pode fazer parte do futuro ⌠a profissĂŁo, nĂŁo o assunto dos vĂdeos. Oh, quem ele estava enganando?
Ele assistiu principalmente os vĂdeos do tempo que Javi passou com Mateo. Ele achava que era uma maneira tĂŁo boa quanto qualquer outra de aprender sobre alguĂŠm, começando pelo seu inĂcio musical. Se Kurt nĂŁo fosse outra coisa, ele era metĂłdico. Ele viu como Mateo evoluiu e Javi com isso. Ele era ainda mais jovem do que Kurt quando começou com aquele grupo e eles ganharam fama com seu primeiro ĂĄlbum, Todo Cambio (Everything Changed), e isso certamente mudou suas vidas inteiras. Aquele primeiro lançamento rendeu a eles todos os tipos de prĂŞmios latino-americanos, alĂŠm de ser elogiado nos Estados Unidos.
Mas ao observar o que realmente o impressionou foi a evolução do relacionamento entre Antonio e Javi. Ou ele estava imaginando isso? Ele voltou e assistiu a alguns dos vĂdeos que considerou importantes. NĂŁo, ele nĂŁo estava imaginando e nĂŁo estava inventando. Eles falaram pouco sobre relacionamentos anteriores. Javi sĂł havia mencionado Antonio de passagem como a pessoa que idealizou a ideia e por ter pedido a Javi para entrar, junto com Rodrigo, que Javi disse ser um gĂŞnio no violĂŁo. Ele disse que foi uma das melhores decisĂľes que jĂĄ tomou e entĂŁo mudou para outros tĂłpicos.
Assisti-los crescer como um grupo e como indivĂduos era meio que hipnotizante. Ele apenas balançou a cabeça. Hipnotizante, especialmente se vocĂŞ estava totalmente apaixonado por um dos membros. Ele sabia que todos os membros da banda tinham dicas para outros membros da banda para que eles soubessem em que direção eles poderiam estar levando a mĂşsica. Pode ser um pouco diferente a cada vez. Eles se tornaram muito talentosos nesse aspecto do desempenho ao longo desses 7 anos. No entanto, havia algo quase insular depois de um tempo entre Antonio e Javi, e atĂŠ Rodrigo atĂŠ certo ponto.
Antonio podia ser intenso e extremamente apaixonado, nĂŁo apenas no canto, mas tambĂŠm no piano. Apenas observĂĄ-lo era semelhante a observar alguĂŠm pegar cada grama de energia e o significado de sua vida e despejĂĄ-la naquele piano e nas letras das mĂşsicas. Era como se ele quase se tornasse um com eles. A intensidade e a paixĂŁo de Javi eram quase o oposto. ObservĂĄ-lo era como observar uma pessoa imersa em um recipiente de diferentes cores e palavras combinadas com um ardor e sensualidade exclusivos dele. Javi mencionou que eles tambĂŠm escreveram mĂşsicas juntos e isso definitivamente os aproximaria um do outro. E depois de um tempo, nĂŁo importava se eles estavam cantando baladas, rap ou rock, eles pareciam despertar a paixĂŁo um no outro. Eles tinham uma maneira de se olhar sem parecer estar realmente olhando. E em seus shows, a programação raramente mudava. Antonio no piano, Rodrigo no meio e Javi como vocalista. Depois de assistir tantas vezes, era quase como se Rodrigo fosse um canal tranquilo e tranquilo entre Antonio e Javi. Rodrigo fez uma coisa e muito bem – tocou violĂŁo como o gĂŞnio que Javi havia creditado.
TĂŁo difĂcil de explicar, mas depois de todos aqueles vĂdeos, ele reconheceu o amor quando o viu. Ele atĂŠ sentiu uma ponta de ciĂşme. Ele sentia falta de alguĂŠm olhando para ele como se ele fosse a Ăşnica pessoa no mundo que importava. NĂŁo faz muito tempo que ele pensou que encontrou sua alma gĂŞmea tambĂŠm. De volta a Nova York, de volta a Lima. EntĂŁo ele se lembrou que Antonio e Javi nĂŁo estavam juntos hĂĄ mais de 7 anos. Ele nĂŁo sabia o que tinha acontecido, mas esperava descobrir. Ambos tinham suas histĂłrias para contar, mas isso poderia esperar para outra hora. E sĂł porque Kurt era Kurt, Kurt, o Cauteloso, simplesmente tinha que dizer: “Se houver outro tempo.”
When Bill had called him (he never texted, so unbusinesslike) with the proposition his heart leapt at such an opportunity! Most of the time he’d tell his comfort zone to take a hike and he wanted this project so badly, but he had no theatrical experience whatsoever. The concept….the imagination….the outrageousness…..all of that was right up his alley. And yet he’d been invited specifically. Fantasy and music were like aphrodisiacs! and combining them? Yes, he could definitely do the vocal parts, but what about the dancing? Prancing around in those 8-inch heels? Sure he was used to doing some dancing onstage, but this was a musical, the real thing, with experienced and talented dancers. Yet, he loved a challenge…spreading his wings…putting his career on the line at times just to see if he could sink or swim. In the end Bill had convinced him to give it a try. It wasn’t like it the performance would be anywhere other than San Diego. And maybe Kurt could help him with the prancing in heels part.
Kurt had been all for it. He was in love with all the things that drew Javi to the play, plus he absolutely adored the costumes! And the whole thing was so Javi! The flash, the color, the sensuality, the blatant sexuality. And Kurt had been going to the rehearsals since the beginning. Having done theater himself it was fun to watch it all come together. But as usual, rehearsals had gone on for months. Eventually, Kurt wasn’t going all the time. He was still building his ideas of teaching and writing. As Javi had said, your passion was all-consuming!
But with the premiere fast approaching, Kurt now accompanied Javi to rehearsals more often than not. The excitement was building. Preparing for the full dress rehearsals, in costume and makeup, could be drudgery..but even in dress rehearsal there was something about stepping onto that stage, almost as if the play was already in progress….Kurt felt privileged to be their one person audience until…..the green-eyed monster had opened its eyes. It was a play about reinventing your sins, trying on old ones, then discarding them in exchange for freedom, sometimes volunteering your castoffs to another….was there never enough evil in the world? Javi’s part was symbolic of what the world perceived to be his sin, worn like a scarlet G, simply by virtue of his birth. He’d spent a good portion of his life in hiding, from himself, from his family, from the world, allowing others’ expectations and beliefs to define him. But no more! He’d dramatically pitch their prejudice back in their faces and refuse to live by their misconceptions and fear. Belting out the song, Feeling Good by Michael Buble, he’d prance onto the stage in bondage and reveal who he really was, his homosexuality clearly apparent, ready to reinvent himself as his true self.
Birds flying high You know how I feel Sun in the sky You know how I feel Breeze driftin’ on by You know how I feel⌠It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life For me And I’m feeling good I’m feeling good⌠Fish in the sea You know how I feel River running free You know how I feel Blossom on a tree You know how I feel⌠It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life For me And I’m feeling good⌠Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don’t you know Butterflies all havin’ fun, you know what I mean Sleep in peace when day is done, that’s what I mean And this old world is a new world And a bold world For me For me⌠Stars when you shine You know how I feel Scent of the pine You know how I feel Oh, freedom is mine And I know how I feel⌠It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life⌠It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life It’s a new life For me⌠And I’m feeling good I’m feeling good I feel so good I feel so good
If this idea had been proposed in Mexico, he wasn’t sure he would have done it. Talk about facing his fears! After that, there would be little doubt as to his sexual orientation. And yet, this play, acting or not, was forcing him to face his fear, head-on. Even though he was acting, he’d be walking a fine line. And although he believed it was more like unspoken knowledge by now, he’d never come right out and said “I’m gay!” Not in Mexico anyway.
Sitting in the darkened theater, Kurt studiously observed everything he adored about the stage, about acting. He’d forcefully shove the feeling away only to have it return stronger than ever. It was ridiculous to feel this way; no! it was not ridiculous, not at all. Javi was acting, it was a part in a play! The man on the stage was a symbol. Kurt had intimate knowledge of all that went into acting. In character, Javi was an image of a gay man in chains, giving voice to ripping the shackles away that he’d allowed the world to place on him, singing about a new day and the heady feeling of freedom. Yes, the play was intense, extremely sensual and sexual. Wearing body-hugging black leather pants, his muscular, tawny-colored chest bared, his muscles purposefully defined in makeup created to enhance their outline and of course the symbolic chains firmly strapped to his torso, hot was almost too small of a word to describe Javi. And rising from the ashes of his bondage, surrounded by a demanding crowd of bare-chested gay men, fondling his face, his chest, his arms – pleading with their hands for even a tiny piece of him, writhing on the floor…..Kurt forced his eyes away from the scene, begging his higher power to release him from the grip that jealousy had on him.
Kurt knew what it was like to attempt to release himself from those chains, but he’d done it at a young age. And hard as it had been, probably in a more accepting society than most of Mexico. And not only that, but Javi had been raised in the Christian Church, his parents devout members. Javi had been coming out in degrees at a time for years. He was in his 30s, not his teens. He’d had different demons sitting on his shoulders than Kurt had.
Over-analyzation was Kurt’s forte and his nemesis. He and Javi had a variety of ways to deal with jealousy, but Kurt had yet to mention this to him. He’d had no problem with it until they started rehearsing in full costume. Just a few weeks ago the cast had been practicing in black shirts, shorts and tennis shoes, taking silly selfies. Occasionally, they’d rehearse in heels just to get a feel for dancing and moving about the stage in them. But was that really what he was dealing with? Was he jealous of the men surrounding Javi….they weren’t even touching him anywhere near as intimately as Kurt did, although if any one of them had the chance he doubted they’d pass it up. Was it the way that Javi was seemingly coming out slowly and Kurt never felt like he’d had that luxury? Or was it the dramatic way he was doing it? He could almost metaphorically see the steam rising from the stage. If the seven deadly sins could be brought to life with your five senses? This play was way up there on the temperature gauge. Why not just call a press conference and announce that he was indeed gay like everyone else did? Did Kurt want to be on that stage or any stage for that matter? He loved an audience that was true. But right now it seemed like his entire being was consumed with writing and considering the possibility of teaching. When would he have found time to act even if he’d gotten past the audition? Maybe it was a little of all of the above. He didn’t know and probably wouldn’t know until he talked it over with Javi… and his counselor. He’d continued to see him on a monthly basis. It was like any kind of health maintenance, why let problems develop that could be dealt with early.
If Kurt had learned one thing in the past year it was that the honesty he expected from Javi had to be reciprocated. Of course they’d had lots of spats, but nothing like their first fight. It was impossible for two such creative and passionate people to entwine their lives and not clash on occasion. After that first argument, Javi had felt like he should have been more sensitive to Kurt’s feelings and behavior before that night. Kurt felt he should have just flat-out told Javi that something was bothering him and what it was. In either case, Kurt no longer hid his feelings or disturbing thoughts for very long. It was fruitless and unfair. You couldn’t work something out if the other didn’t know about it. The only exception had been “the dream.” He still discussed it with his counselor. It happened so seldom anymore and it certainly wasn’t at the forefront of his life. Maybe that reasoning wasn’t sound but for now this jealousy thing took precedence. If he didn’t let it out it would only fester.
Only a few more days until the weekend, he’d broach the subject then. After rehearsals Javi was usually drained. He put everything he had into a performance as always, even a rehearsal. There had even been times when he’d been too tired to eat, too exhausted for sex, when all he wanted to do was take a shower and sleep. Was that what Kurt was jealous of? The all-consuming nature of performing? In the beginning, and especially after a performance, his mantra had been horny and hungry. But this was a totally different kind of performing. And Kurt was smart enough to know that that level of intimacy couldn’t be maintained forever anyway. It was just the nature of love, of being in love. He smiled. Their love life wasn’t suffering by any means. Sometimes when Javi would flop onto the bed after a shower, Kurt would offer to give him a massage, which he usually accepted. Sometimes it turned into something more, sometimes the massage was enough intimacy, the warmth of each other lulling them to sleep.
Lying awake, eyes still closed, the peace of home was like silent waves lapping a sandy beach. Kurt was propped up on his favorite pillows, scribbling away in one of his many notebooks. His laptop laid beside him for when his hands started cramping from overuse. It was late…well, late for Javi, almost 10. He yawned and rolled onto his back, “So, Ernest, what’s the topic today?” Kurt glanced over sort of half listening, “Ernest?” “Yeah, like Hemingway, ya know, the great American writer. Kurt smiled and slipped a bookmark into his notebook, “Why do you ask, George?” Javi looked puzzled, “George?” “Yeah, as in Lopez, the great Mexican comedian.” Javi laughed. He rolled back onto his side, perching his head on one elbow, “You’re so gorgeous when you wake up with your hair all messy and that dimple showing, Kurtito. Come here,” he begged as Kurt abandoned his writing, accepting the invitation. Javi rolled over onto his back again and laid Kurt’s messy hair on his shoulder. Would he ever grow tired of waking up next to Kurt? “I love you so much,” he murmured into Kurt’s hair. Kurt replied, “Just remember that when all of those luscious men are rubbing their hands all over you in rehearsals…and if they ask tell them only I get to have the real thing; they can only pretend.” He said it in a way that wasn’t confrontational. He was just having fun…or at least that’s what Javi hoped, but he’d ask anyway. “Bebe, does that bother you? I’m acting! I just pretend they’re all you, except you’ve morphed into some anomaly with lots of hands..and their hands never wander below the waist….at least in the play,” he couldn’t help himself. Kurt turned his head and bit Javi’s tender earlobe, “Stop it!” “Ouch!”
Javi turned toward Kurt with a concerned look on his face, “Kurt, are you jealous? I’m sorry, why didn’t you say something?” Kurt half sighed, half smiled. “I was going to this weekend. I mean it just started recently and I wanted some time to think about it before I said anything.” “So, how recently, mi amor?” Javi laid back down and drew Kurt a little closer. His voice muffled against Javi’s neck, he said, “Just since full costume rehearsals started. And I don’t even know exactly what I’m jealous of. Is it the performance and the guys? Is it something like…how do I explain….well I came out in grade school; you’re still not completely out and this play is almost like….another step in that process you seem to be on…am I jealous because I couldn’t do it that way? And you…are….so….hot up on that stage, I mean seriously hot! Is it that I want to be on the stage instead of in the audience? Do I miss acting? I don’t know what it is. I talked it over with the doc and of course he said something like they were all valid points. So, I’ve been writing about them to see if I can pinpoint it. I don’t know, it could be a little of all of them!”
Javi was glad they’d gotten past the point where they would say things like, “this is ridiculous,” or “this is crazy,” or “this makes no sense,” all the things people said to minimize their feelings. Really, how would he feel if it was Kurt up on that stage instead of him? He didn’t know. He’d think about it and maybe gain a little perspective, but he knew there was really no way to answer that question, so they needed to work on Kurt’s questions. What he’d said was true, he loved Kurt so much! That river ran deeper than he could have ever imagined.”Hmmmm…..in the meantime why don’t you rest your brain for a minute and give me a kiss?” Kurt gathered Javi into his arms, holding him close, inhaling his morning scent. Another thing that he loved about Javi, even though he found it funny sometimes. From the very start he had no problem with morning breath. It didn’t matter if it was just a good morning peck or a good morning kiss that led to let’s get it on! Kurt had no clue what he had in mind, but he deserved more than a peck. Javi took Kurt’s unshaven face into his hands and said, “We have allll day, mi amor, and I’ve missed you.”
Kurt let him initiate the kiss as Javi lowered him to the bed. It was a tender, yet firm kiss, an are you interested sort of kiss. Javi could sense Kurt relaxing beneath him as he reached up and brushed his hair away from his eyes. Kissing his index finger, Kurt ran it along Javi’s jaw, touching his flirtatious lips. He could see the “so much” love Javi professed in his deep brown eyes as he again lowered his lips onto Kurt’s, “Y te quiero mucho, mi Javier Ram….,” another kiss smothering his declaration. The two things that always grabbed Javi’s desires were when Kurt spoke Spanish and when he called him by his given name. Now was the perfect time for lazy weekend lovemaking. Those moments when they simply allowed their hands, their fingers, their lips, to create sensual paths the length and breadth of each other’s bodies.
By now, their intimate knowledge one for the other led them along familiar and favorite paths. But paths, no matter how well known, often bifurcated. Kurt was aware of how sensitive Javi’s neck was to any kind of touch, but he was particularly receptive to the tingle of Kurt’s lips. He knew that touching his underarms and slightly tugging the hair was a turn-on, that sometimes one nipple was responsive to the touch of his fingers and sometimes it was more susceptible to his tongue, his lips….and sometimes it would be the opposite nipple. Sometimes he’d make a new discovery, following another fork in the path. They’d created their own subtle language to inform the other of more or less or not this time. They spoke in moans and sighs, in “yeses” and “nos,” that would blend with their lovemaking.
Javi knew that Kurt loved it when he bit his chin and then nibbled down his body with tiny love bites, that he loved running his fingers through Javi’s mop of curly hair, pulling it slightly. He knew that Kurt’s navel was particularly vulnerable, and when touched, would almost always produce an intolerable desire for more of his tongue or his finger….Kurt would let him know which was better in the moment. He knew that running his hands over his inner thighs and then parting his legs wide would sometimes cause Kurt to beg for Javi’s touch or his tongue. Sometimes he liked it when he barely touched his hard-on with his fingers until he pleaded for more. Sometimes he liked it when Javi would use oil, running a finger lightly up and down from his asshole to the base of his balls, finally giving Kurt what he really wanted: his hand or his mouth on his cock.
Sometimes, they’d hold back, take their time…and others, they’d let their passion run wild, like two hungry animals who couldn’t remember their last meal. And sometimes, they’d say, “no, not now,” or one might be in the mood and the other not? Sometimes, they’d pleasure themselves while the other watched or one would say, “how about this,” and satisfy the other just for the sake of love. And the shared laughter when one of them would say, “go on ahead without me.”
As Kurt lay on top of Javi for a few moments, savoring the satisfaction their lovemaking had produced, listening to their breathing, relishing the taste of Javi in his mouth, he leaned down and whispered in Javi’s ear, “And as I was saying, “yo tambien te amo, Javier Ramos Ruiz de Quintana Roo.” Javi laughed and pushed Kurt to the bed.”
So, what are you writing about at the moment? Are you still using our notebooks for inspiration, mi amor?” “Of course I am! They’re not my only inspiration, ya know. It isn’t just about our miserably boring sex life. And right now, since it’s pertinent, I’m writing about dealing with jealousy. I’ve been going over the Keith/Elliot thing we worked through. By far, one of my favorite fantasies! I don’t know that either of us was jealous, but it would be a good way to work through it I think. And yes I know that being secure in a relationship goes a long way in situations like that….but I can’t change people, I can only try to hand them the tools to deal with it.”
“Hmmmm…..I’m sure this isn’t news to you, but it almost always seems to work for us. Well except for that time I fell off the weight bench and the time you fell off the bed and sprained your wrist….anyway! Maybe we should sort of go over the questions you raised and create a fantasy around it? We could do it together or one of us could do it…we could even create double fantasies, it worked for John Lennon!” He laughed at his own reference to John Lennon’s final album.”
Well, it sounds like a fine idea, Mr. Ruiz, but aren’t you a bit busy right now to take the time to create fantasies?””Are you kidding me? Kurt, I’m living a fantasy! I mean the very thing that’s the catalyst for your jealousy is the fantasy I’m living right now! No matter what the root of it is, I can take all those questions and work them into a fantasy…” “Don’t you think bringing a dozen writhing, bare-chested men into our bedroom is a little overboard? I mean I know that you’re pretty much up, pun intended of course, for anything, but isn’t that sort of outside….” “Not literally! We only need maybe a half dozen….ouch! Okay, what I’m saying is the play can be the basis for the fantasy. I’m having to explain this to you??? The person who put together U Got My Love and Moves Like Jagger? Come on, Kurt. I know I’m good in bed but surely our morning rendezvous didn’t cloud your brain that much.”
Kurt started laughing, “Your humility is so refreshing! Yeah, yeah, okay, I get it. Well, since you’re as you say, living the fantasy and I’ve given you all the questions, maybe you should create it. I mean, I’m happy to help, of course, but I like the idea. Have I told you the doc likes the way we create fantasies to deal with issues? I mean, I don’t go into details, but he says “it’s healthy.” I didn’t tell him that my health wasn’t the first thing that came to mind or that if I took away the l and the h, heat was more along the lines of my thinking,” he chuckled, tossing Javi a sideways glance, as Javi smiled back, pinching the dimples his laughter revealed. The next week was the same grueling schedule of rehearsals, one day in costume, the next not. The play would debut the following week. And even though Javi had no problem getting into character or enjoying what he was doing, the latest fantasy challenge was riding right along with him, making his acting even more enjoyable. He’d taken all of Kurt’s questions and written them down.
Was it the performance itself with all the boys touching him or wanting to touch him all at the same time? Even he had to admit, it was intense. And what he’d told Kurt was true; he used his imagination to bring Kurt’s hands into the performance. Was it the fact that Kurt had been dealing with the difficulties of being openly gay since he himself was basically a boy? Was he jealous of Javi’s opportunity to do it in degrees? His celebrity in his own country sometimes giving him that luxury because he was a Mexican commodity, a cash cow?
Was Kurt missing being onstage? Was he envious of the “heat” on that stage? Did he miss an audience?
Lots of ideas were roaming around in his head, but one was starting to take shape over others, his mind latching onto one thought and tossing another aside. And freeze-frame….then fade to black….
The by now familiar hesitant knock….framing one of Kurt’s photos in his mind, he didn’t dash to answer the door. Actually, it would have been impossible to dash anywhere in these heels. Building anticipation….. making him wait, knowing he was nervously standing outside the hotel room door, his eyes shifting from one end of the hallway to the other, hoping no one familiar would see him. Anticipation….trying to make this time feel more like the adventure it was and less like a test you expected yourself to pass.
And here? Just one of a thousand small cities filled with narrowed-minded, thinking and living inside the box people. This was almost laughable. One of the best days of his entire life was the day he put Lima, Ohio in his rearview mirror, barely 18, traveling a road he hoped would lead him to a place of acceptance, a place that acknowledged his humanity. Nevada was that place, its barren beauty and its subtle sense of wildness seemed to welcome him to a home he never knew he had. And becoming an actor was the only way he’d ever wanted to live his life. He’d been born an actor, just as he’d been born wonderfully, delightfully gay….in what felt like the wrong place, and as far as he was concerned with the wrong name, James Griffin. Growing up in Lima had been pure hell if you were gay. Call this an act of kindness, paying it forward, a donation to a good cause. He was stuck here for at least another week, so he might as well make the best of it. He opened the door and nipped to the side, avoiding visibility from the hallway for Kurt’s sake. Deftly stepping into his role as Xander, he invited the uneasy-appearing boy to enter. In his mind all of his clients were boys; they had a whole lifetime to take on the sometimes burdensome responsibilities of manhood. And?….he liked to think of them as entering his life as a boy and leaving it as a man. Kurt unsuccessfully attempted to conceal his surprise and Xander had become adept at camouflaging his amusement. Kurt had logged in to his website daily. Xander had become his pet character…and secret obsession. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen him in this rather fearsome guise before, but it could be rather shocking at first glance. Sauntering to the small kitchen, he said, “Something to drink, Kurt?” His voice tattling on his nervousness, he discreetly cleared his throat, and stuttered, “A-a…um…a Diet Coke?” After he’d poured the beverages over ice, he welcomed Kurt into the living room area of the suite, carefully taking a seat on the long couch, getting as comfortable as he could in his skintight outfit and 8-inch heels. He was aware that Kurt knew of him through family connections and the countless tendrils of gossip on Lima’s extremely functional grapevine. From there, finding his site was a cinch. First, expressing his condolences, via private message he’d explained that when his dad saw the obituary, Kurt thought Xander might be back in Lima soon. As they’d conversed back and forth online, Kurt really didn’t need to elaborate why he was reaching out to this fellow “Lima loser”, but he let him do it anyway. Kurt needed to get used to the reality of what he was seeking. At first, he’d just wanted what sounded like a sympathetic ear…rushing to make sure Xander knew he’d pay him just for the conversation. And Xander appreciated his sense of responsibility. His services didn’t come cheap onstage or otherwise. But Kurt was a frightened, sometimes insecure, sometimes brave and wise beyond his years 16-year-old. Xander had lived Kurt’s trial by fire himself. Reading his cyber-messages led him down the streets and alleys of his younger years. The alleyways harbored the bullies. It led him through the congested maze of McKinley’s hallways, the whispers, the name-calling, the thinly disguised shoves. Under normal circumstances he tried to appear to be all business, a professional, but his heart…and his memories….would not allow him to treat Kurt as a business transaction.
He specialized in gay teenagers. Sometimes he chuckled when he thought of that. He could visualize the opaque glass of an office door, his name in bold letters first and underneath something like “Specializing in Gay Teens” or maybe “Gay Teens, Specializing in Virginity.” He was 24 and he liked younger men, but they had to be legal younger men! He wasn’t about to lose part of his livelihood by breaking the law. If it were up to him, he’d provide his services for anyone that was 13 or older. In his mind, puberty should come with a detailed instruction book with several chapters devoted to what it meant to be gay. But it wasn’t up to him. Most of the boys, and surprisingly even a few in their 20s, came to him for one reason. Most were virgins. What they knew of gay sex was what they’d read online or in books, what they’d seen in videos and porn. And though their hormones begged them for a first time with anyone, they were either cautious or sensible enough to know that fumbling in the backseat of a car or even doing it with someone they knew who had done “it” before or had never done “it” wasn’t what they wanted for themselves. And he understood, particularly if you actually lived in one of the many Lima-cloned cities across America. Once the word got out and you were labelled gay (whether you were or not), no one cared that it might not be the truth.”
Kurt, I’m so glad you contacted me. Tell me a little bit more about your sexual knowledge. I know this feels awkward. It’s one thing to chat online about sex or making love if you prefer. It’s totally different in person, isn’t it? My guess is that you’re uncertain if this was really such a good idea after all….and that’s normal. Remember this, I don’t expect you to be experienced. I’m the one who should be concerned about experience, my past experience….and that your current experience is what you’re looking for. We only go as far as you want and at your pace.” As Kurt haltingly explained where and how he’d learned about sex along with some of the reasons he’d chosen to seek out Xander’s services, he began to feel more comfortable in his own skin. He’d already said some of this in a roundabout way online, but as Kurt continued, he gently probed without trying to sound intrusive. There was as much psychology to sex as there was physical contact and factual knowledge. And he was happy that Kurt had taken the time to watch the videos on his website, especially the one that had prompted him to request this particular alter ego, Xander.
Despite what people may think of his choice of professions, Xander was not only talented, but highly intelligent and meticulous. His conjoined passions fueled both roles. Most would label him “gigolo,” “male prostitute,” “boy toy,” “hustler,” “gay for pay,” and the list was never-ending. And fair enough, maybe he was all of those things, but he loved the fact that he was acting no matter what! In a play, on screen or in living fantasies he provided for his clientele…but few would understand his second motivation. His teen years had been a living nightmare! Even today, his mind skittered away as if trying to find a rock to hide under. Anything to escape the memories of this….place (he didn’t even like dignifying Lima with its name) …. his first time….how naive he’d been, somehow believing that because someone had actually taken the risk of professing their love for him that it was true….that his first time would be something magical. No! Alongside his other passions, the desire to create something safe and magical for someone else’s first time was at the top of his list.
Xander studied Kurt’s expressions, listened to his soft-spoken words, quietly reaching to dim the lighting even further. He’d chosen sensual instrumentals as musical underpinning. When Kurt seemed to be running out of words, Xander reverted to nodding and murmuring, or turning the conversation to a subject Kurt would be comfortable with. Eventually, enfolding one of his hands in his own, he beckoned Kurt closer, watching for cues. He was here for one reason, to please Kurt, to help him through a rite of passage, and for him failure was not an option.
Giving Kurt a slight, but thoughtful smile, he said, “Kurt, please look at me,” and Kurt slowly raised his eyes, to find contemplative kindness in Xander’s bicolored eyes. “I believe we’ve been over all the logistics in our pms. So, if you have any questions about that, now is the time to ask them. And ask yourself one more time if this is truly what you want. Hopefully, someday you’ll fall in love with someone that deserves all the love you have to offer, but I’m not him. We’ve talked about the concept of transference and that you may experience that after tonight…and that it doesn’t last. I’ll become the memory of your first time…and I want that to be a cherished memory.” Xander went silent as he held Kurt’s gaze. After a minute or so, Kurt nodded. He’d asked himself what seemed like a million times a day if this was what he wanted; it had been settled in his mind weeks ago. “I know this costume can be a little frightening in person, but you requested it for a reason. This night is yours, Kurt. Tell me, are you looking for the character I portray in the play or are you looking for one of the alter egos you found in my other videos? Do you want sweet and soft, hot but with a touch of heart….devilish? Angelic?” Communication was crucial.
“Um….well I like the character in the play a lot…um…,” he giggled, “I’m sort of obsessed… but kind of the devilish Xander? But….nothing painful…and I think hot with a touch of heart sounds…about right.”
“I know you read this online, but here are the ground rules. Stop, yes and no are your safe words..don’t be afraid to use them at any time. Remember this is your first time and your fantasy. I’m here to be who and what you’ve dreamed of…to create what you want.”
For the first time, Kurt really looked into the depths of Xander’s eyes, one a deep brown, the other sky blue – he assumed the blue was a colored contact, but the contrast spoke to him. His toasted skin, his facial features including his high cheekbones revealed his South American heritage. The sexy black leather costume and the colorful face paint spoke to his own actor’s heart. He remembered reading somewhere that blue eyes were symbolic of calm, peace and knowledge, while brown eyes revealed a combination of self-confidence, offering security and stability. And silly as it sounded, he decided to attach those traits to Xander, mentally handing over whatever transpired in this night to him, entrusting him with this pivotal turning point in his life.
He was sort of like the character Kurt longed to play, but didn’t have the courage for….at least not yet. His head tilted downward, those mesmerizing eyes, barely blinking, refusing to allow Kurt to look away. His gaze was steady and his persona hissed “enter at your own risk” while at the same time whispering “lose yourself in my…..web….”Xander released Kurt’s sweaty hand, gently placing his arms around Xander’s neck. Taking in Kurt’s scent, he drew his body close….his lips barely touching Kurt’s sensitive ear he purred, “Such a pretty virgin boy……and mine….all mine…” He slowly drew his sensual, warm lips down Kurt’s jawline, his breathing even but purposefully audible. As his hesitant lips hovered over Kurt’s, barely grazing them, Kurt shivered. “So soft….so fresh and pure….I’m here to rob you of your purity Kurt…if that’s what you want….tell me…..tell me little one…..is that what you want….” he continued to murmur as his lips moved closer to Kurt’s. Kurt was holding his breath and hadn’t even realized it. He’d imagined this moment for weeks, Xander poised to kiss him…..what it would feel like…what it would be like to return the kiss…..but never like this…..nothing like…..he released his breath and barely nodded his ascent to Xander’s salacious invitation. He felt a butterfly touch as Xander closed his eyelids (was he really so lost that he hadn’t noticed they were still open?). Suddenly the dim lighting exploded behind Kurt’s eyes as a whimper escaped his lips. “Shhhhhh,” Xander whispered, “I may devour you…..but it won’t hurt…..let me show you my pretty pretty boy…” Xander’s lips were hungry, yet tender, taking his time, allowing Kurt to find his way in response. The tentative touch of Kurt’s fingers on his painted face, questioning what he was doing but unwilling to stop…..the way he explored where their lips met, told him Kurt was eager for something more…..The soft rumble of Xander’s evil and dirty laugh …….could anything sound hotter? He slowly separated Kurt’s once virginal lips from his own and slowly licked Kurt’s lips with the tip of his tongue, “Mmmmm….your lips are….silent….for now….and your tongue is still tame….but my tongue is feral…..and wild…savage……when I unleash it……oh Kurttttt….when I unleash it….” he could feel Kurt’s hands tense on his cheeks, straining toward him as he tucked his tongue into Kurt’s mouth, touching it lightly and then more forcefully to the tip of Kurt’s. Kurt, unsure of what to do, allowed Xander to explore his mouth….well maybe not allowed….in truth he had no control. He was drowning in a sea of lust….raw desire….indescribable…. and they hadn’t even gotten past the first kiss.
And as he began to respond, Xander sensually wrapped Kurt’s tongue with his pulsing lips, welcoming it into the depths of his own mouth. Almost impatiently Kurt traversed Xander’s mouth, a slight moan escaping his lips. Xander knew that the first time for most went by too quickly. While Kurt was engaged in his maiden voyage, he started to very slowly and deliberately unbutton his shirt. Such an exquisite boy. Of course, Kurt had provided photos but like Kurt’s initial reaction to his costume, Xander was pleasantly surprised that he was even more engaging in person. Those expressive eyes! His elfin face…the tiny cleft in his chin. Tall without an ounce of fat. Kurt would make someone very happy one day. But for now…..he granted Kurt permission to satisfy his unquenchable thirst, replacing his baby bottle knowledge of kissing with a goblet filled with intoxicating wine.
The buttons having given way, revealing the still somewhat boyish expanse of his chest, without breaking the kiss, he swept Kurt into his arms, laying him on the king-size bed. How many times had he practiced this in these heels? He cradled Kurt’s face with his hands, and little by little separated their lips. Kurt let go reluctantly. As his vision cleared, again he was confronted with those bewitching, catlike eyes. He’d long ago forgotten that Xander was an accomplished actor. In that level gaze his own lust, want….even greed were reflected back to him, as seemingly real as his own. Xander’s experience told him that Kurt had been physically ready from the moment he’d hungrily whispered his lewd description of him into his ear…..but he’d sought out and summoned Xander for a reason….it was time to break the momentum….Running a solitary fingertip from his delicate chin to his narrow waist, he halted at the button of his jeans……his fingers playing over the button…. “Would you prefer I dance…..for you……or…..with….you….my innocent…..” Kurt closed his eyes not knowing what he wanted….he wanted it all….but not all at once. He was already so hard it hurt….his body pleading….his prick almost screaming to be released….from his jeans, from its need…. But he’d watched that video so many times…..Xander strutting….prancing….and he’d jacked off to it just as many times. His memory wanted to see him years from now….in this room….doing it all for Kurt….only Kurt. Kurt barely croaked, “For….um…for me please….” Xander’s lips twitched slightly as he released that dirty laugh again. He knew Kurt hadn’t seen a full clip of his performance, so he fully intended to give him the show he knew he was looking for. But he wanted to leave Kurt with an appetizer….a small taste of his not so distant future. Perching on the edge of the bed, he caressed Kurt’s porcelain-skinned face, engaging his fingers in his thick ginger hair. “Such a beautiful boy”….Capturing Kurt’s crystalline eyes again, he slowly feasted his own eyes over Kurt’s vulnerable body, finally returning his gaze to Kurt’s, then sliding his eyes to Kurt’s lips….”I think I mentioned devouring you…and you’ve proven to be quite tasty my little lover…..maybe one more taste….” he hissed as he clamped Kurt’s face in his hands, kissing him hard, forcefully dividing his lips, delving into his wide-open mouth, relishing Kurt’s imploring moans, Kurt clenching his arms tightly around Xander’s neck.
Lifting the remote from the bedside table, Xander switched the background instrumental to the legendary I’m Feeling Good by Michael Buble. Of course, he didn’t have his cast of bare-chested boys with him, but he was pretty sure Kurt wouldn’t have wanted that part anyway….not tonight.
The steady beat filled the room, as he began the leisurely, but purposeful strut to the smooth tone of Michael Buble’s voice, his hips swaying, his eyes riveted to Kurt’s, his head lowered. Swinging the pink leather rope (pink to match his hair), he snapped it a few times, imaginatively suggesting a couple of its uses…..a whip for fun? a restraint? whatever your pleasure sir…..and as he placed every planned, heeled step in front of the other, he artfully slipped a strap from his shoulder. The straps represented chains in the play, the bondage of repression, oppression, discrimination, hatred, self-loathing…the world’s ugly labelling of who he was, James Griffin…Xander…. of what he was….gay, queer, fag. As he removed one strap, he’d replace the other, turning around to a squat and then a rise so Kurt could fully visualize his firm ass. And finally, he removed the straps all together so that they hung at his side revealing his bare chest….throwing the chains to the world who created them….finally loving and accepting himself. As the song ended, he leaned into Kurt’s wide-open eyes, took the strap between his lips, snapping it again, then drawing it down Kurt’s chest, swaggering away.
SAMO’S STRUT
Disappearing into the bathroom, he removed his boots. He had to admit, as much as he loved doing that routine, he didn’t miss the boots when they came off, but to try to keep it as smooth and sexy as possible, he carried them back with him, one in each hand, laces dangling, along with the straps of his imaginary chains.
Kurt watched Xander saunter toward him, his coffee-colored chest now completely naked. He was still somewhat stunned. He had dreamed of this…sometimes day and night…ever since he’d reached out to Xander. None of those dreams he’d sometimes labelled outlandish compared to what was happening here….in Lima….in this hotel room. If this was what his wildest dreams looked like?????
JAVI’S CAT WALK
And now for Xander’s favorite part. He flung the boots aside and smoothly dropped to his hands and knees, seeking Kurt’s reaction, and finding it….in those astonishingly peculiar eyes. Slipping into the glove of his cat in the wild persona, he slowly and steadily slid toward the bed, one stealthy paw at a time. Kurt’s heart was racing! The hungry look on Xander’s face, the sleek sway of his entire body….he just couldn’t tear his eyes away. Climbing the side of the bed, his gaze holding Kurt’s like glue, he pushed Kurt onto his back, straddling his body. He fondled Kurt’s lovely face, murmuring, “Say my name Kurt….call me by my name….” Kurt swallowed hard and barely whispered, “Xander….” His desire was like an electrical charge traversing his body and they could both hear it in his voice. “Kurt….” he murmured again, running his fingers along Kurt’s long neck, leaning in to softly kiss it as his hands wandered to his bare shoulders pushing the shirt away, his hands, his lips trying to stay in rhythm. Shifting his body lower, at last he began circling Kurt’s erect nipples with his lips, his tongue, his fingers….his teeth nibbling….ohmigod…..it felt nothing like his many fantasies…each tiny bite was an exquisite mixture of pleasure and pain…..and Kurt involuntarily arched his back. His own hands were quite familiar with his body, but ohhhh the difference when the fingers belonged to someone else…and Xander’s moist lips, his knowledgeable tongue…..he could barely stay still. Xander’s mind quickly reviewed the direct messaging they’d done about yet another necessary and practical bit of logistics. They were practical questions that no one wanted to ask in the moment. Xander had explained to Kurt how quickly he would come the first time. It was just a fact. And he also had to explain that a condom was necessary to protect both of them. If he could avoid it he never left the logistics up in the air. He gently moved a hand to the zipper of Kurt’s jeans, first laying his hand over the outline of his erection. Kurt had requested a touch of heart….and it was little things like this that told him he was not just a client, but a human being that Xander cared about. The zipper undone, he helped Kurt slide out of his jeans and underwear…. and then did something Kurt really wasn’t expecting. He stood at the side of the bed and slid his black leather pants to the floor revealing a jet-black mesh thong underneath. He turned in a slow circle, finally laying down beside Kurt’s completely exposed and thoroughly gorgeous body. This was purposeful on Xander’s part. Chances were Kurt had never seen another man, not only with a hard-on, but also wearing a thong in reality. And even in the midst of fulfilling a fantasy, drawing his client into his own passion, his desire to give them something extra….something they may never have expected….a gift that was Xander’s signature….that was the stuff of Xander’s fantasies. Adeptly removing the condom from its package, he moved to the end of the bed and slipped it onto Kurt’s achingly hard cock, knowing this was also a new experience for him. He took one of Kurt’s hands and slipped it into the thong. He could sense Kurt’s uncertainty….and then his hand gradually relaxed around his hard-on…he could have said “no” or “stop,” but….he hadn’t. Another something they’d discussed was whether Kurt wanted him to use his hands or his mouth the first time. Xander had quietly reiterated that it was his experience. The whole night was his and his youth worked in his favor in that he could come at least twice and maybe more in the hours they would spend together. Kurt had decided he wanted the first time to be with Xander’s hands. Yes, he knew what his hand felt like, but no one else’s….and he couldn’t imagine anything better than feeling Xander’s hand around his cock, his fingers exploring….And of course he wanted the other, his mouth…..god how he wanted that….but there would be time. He was curious about anal sex but not curious enough….not yet. Xander leaned in towards Kurt again saying….”do you like touching me Kurt…..” he just could not look away from those eyes…”Yes…..” “Say my name Kurt…..” he said as he reached for Kurt’s swollen cock….”Xander,” Kurt murmured under his breath…”.My unbelievably hot….sexy….decadent virgin boy…..” his warm breath against the sensitive skin of Kurt’s neck, “Touching you……..knowing I can make you come….that you wanted me to be the first…….I want to feel you come Kurt…wet and warm…….such a rush to have that kind of power……I want to watch……your hand on my cock…..so tantalizing……” he whispered as he slowly moved his hand up and down over Kurt’s readiness…..his eyes closing…the sensation of Xander’s hand so new…not alone…..letting go……..it felt like an earthquake. The silence of the room was palpable, but comfortable..mellow….Kurt kept his eyes closed, savoring these moments. As discreetly as possible, Xander reached for some tissues. He’d learned long ago that making this transition from who Kurt had been in his mind and who he was now was maybe the most important part. Silently, he allowed Kurt whatever he was feeling right now, time unhurriedly slipping by. His mind at last aware of his surroundings, Kurt opened his eyes and furtively glanced over at the man who would forever be in his memory. He felt gratitude….peace….acceptance…Kurt lessened the grip of his hand, just then realizing how tightly he’d been holding Xander’s member. He started to say something, to apologize, but Xander placed a finger to his lips. Stroking Kurt’s beautiful face, he quietly asked, “Kurt, would you like to get me off?” Kurt hadn’t expected…he felt shy about it though. “Um….yea…but I’ve…” “I’ll help you.” He stood up again and slid out of the thong, giving Kurt plenty of time to observe, and then reaching for another condom. He laid back down, slipped the condom over his distended prick and took Kurt’s hand in his. Placing Kurt’s hand underneath his own, Xander glimpsed Kurt’s expression out of the corner of his eye and gave him a half-smile. “Just allow your hand to relax a bit under mine and don’t concern yourself with what we’re doing. Move your hand with mine and observe me…watch my face….my body…..use your senses to sort of feel what I feel.”. Kurt moved a bit closer sensing the warmth of Xander’s body, watching carefully as Xander closed his eyes, his hand moving with Kurt’s over his stiffness, intentionally avoiding the head. Under Xander’s expert tutelage, he allowed their hands and fingers to move in unison, sliding lower over his balls, then up and over his distended cock, almost feeling his body begging for release. It was hypnotic, his face changing expressions, his hand gripping Kurt’s more tightly, listening to him as he murmured in a world that for these few moments only he resided in. Kurt had never even considered watching like this. How it would make him feel. An experience like this went way beyond videos….beyond his own hands….his own fantasies….and as Xander came, Kurt unexpectedly felt a jolt in response. Again, the room was silent, Xander still gripping Kurt’s hand, his eyes closed, allowing his breathing to return to normal. Finally, Xander released the world he’d inhabited and looked over at Kurt. “Are you hungry?” he asked. In the midst of all that this night represented to Kurt, he started to laugh allowing the tension to disappear. “Am I hungry???” This, too, was intentional. Xander was hungry and their night was far from over. The tension had indeed disappeared. There were other worlds to explore. Places Kurt had never been, feelings and sensations he was aware of, but hadn’t known how to put into perspective. Yes, when daylight returned Kurt would leave Xander and this room with a new understanding of himself, his body, what it felt like to be pleased and how to please another.”
Really, Javi???? You’re going to leave it with am I hungry?” “Well, you are, aren’t you? I mean it’s been hours since we ate and…it’s a fantasy! We can return to it any time! After all, “Kurt” still has a lot to learn remember?” Kurt gave Javi a nudge, “And maybe Xander has a few things to learn too! If he’s going to continue to ply his trade…well an expert is always learning, right? Maybe I can be Xander next time, but I want a different name like Damian or something.” “Oh, Kurtito, of course we can switch roles, but the whole purpose of this fantasy was to possibly discover why you were feeling jealous. Please don’t tell me you’re now jealous of the man in the fantasy!” With a frustrated sigh, Kurt said, “Stop it! Sometimes I really do hate you!” Javi’s deep rich laughter filled the room and soon he was gasping, unable to stop, “Kurt…ohmi….Kurt!…you are so….cute!….hate me???? Ohgod….” Kurt threw one of the pillows at him and stomped toward the hotel kitchen. If there was one thing that Kurt hated more than Javi in that moment, it was being called cute. “You can be sooooo annoying,” throwing the words back at Javi as he opened the refrigerator. As Javi’s chuckles dissipated, he followed Kurt into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around his waist, “You make me so happy even when you hate me. You are the reason I want to get out of bed every morning…well and..” looking back at the tangle of pillows and sheets…”and actually the reason I want to get into it, too.” Kurt tried not to laugh but….he couldn’t help himself. “So, basically you’re saying you keep me around to be your alarm clock in the morning and your boy toy at night.” “You mean there are other reasons?” “Sooooo damn annoying!” He reached into the fridge grabbing a couple of the hero sandwiches they’d bought earlier, “Here Xander! The night’s not over, so you’re still my gigolo….my gay for pay…and you didn’t even make me pay! You’re gonna need this sandwich if that’s how you do business so eat hearty!”
Blaine and Jeff were so excited! They’d been invited to their first party in LA. These past four months had been beyond hectic. In fact, this party was the first social event they’d attend together since they’d arrived. Jeff had barely had a day off since they parked their newly purchased car in the parking garage of the high rise at Easton Apartments. But now he was past the mandatory three-month probation period at the hospital and was allowed to trade shifts with other PAs. The long weekend lay before them like a banquet of free time just waiting to be tasted and a party was just the way to start things off right!
Dress was casual, of course – wasn’t everything casual in California? Jeff had spent part of the day going through a palette of paint swatches chosen by Blaine. He was glad that Blaine had taken the initiative in choosing to paint some of the walls. Kurt had certainly been a tremendous help with that; he wasn’t Jeff’s type, but the man certainly had style! Even though Jeff was home so little, it still felt welcoming to walk into a place that wasn’t totally bland, completely vanilla with no character or hominess.
Jeff heard the click of the key in the door lock. He turned his head just as Blaine opened the door swishing through like he was being chased by a mountain lion. You’d never find one in LA, of course, but….”Are you ready?” he tossed the words at Jeff heading towards their bedroom with determination. “Hey, hey, hey! Not even a kiss? We don’t have to leave for at least three hours, boyfriend! And it’s only two floors down!”
Blaine stopped in his tracks and silently laughed at himself. He’d just finished with play rehearsal, but it was so unusual for Jeff to be home when he arrived that his mind hadn’t adjusted. He turned around, dropped his gym bag on the floor and took Jeff’s hands. Looking into his chocolatey brown eyes, he sat down on the couch beside him.
Sometimes he couldn’t believe how much he loved this man. It was a different kind of love than he’d had with Kurt, more mature, more grounded. It still surprised him that romantic relationships came in so many different colors and flavors. Other than Kurt, he’d had no real experience with love or romance. Well…..there had been Barry, but that had been so short-lived and he no longer considered that an example of love. Nothing and no one would ever diminish or change what he’d had with Kurt. Kurt was and always would be a part of who Blaine had been…..and probably still was. They had been soulmates, best friends, first loves. Those treasured memories were sheltered in a part of him that only he had access to. And now it seemed like he might have the privilege of adding to them via friendship in the present and future. That was his hope anyway.
But Jeff? In his mind, they were still defining their not even year old relationship. In some ways it was still fluid; in others it was solid. As silly as it might sound, one of the things he loved about them was the fact that they could argue in a constructive way….most of the time. Just a few years ago he’d avoided confrontation like the plague. Instead, he’d stuff his anger deep inside….only to see it explode in other ways often totally unrelated to the real problem. He strongly believed that counseling and journaling had saved him from yet another broken relationship. He’d been seeing a new counselor following the move, but he wasn’t sure Dr. Gomez was a good fit. In the meantime, he was using the skills he’d learned in New York from his prior counselor until he settled the question mark at the end of Dr. Gomez’s name.
Jeff placed the paint swatches on the nearby coffee table and wrapped his arms around Blaine’s shoulders, drawing him into a strong embrace. “A whole weekend, Blaine..” he murmured into his lover’s ear. Releasing him, he took Blaine’s olive-skinned face into his hands and kissed him slowly as Blaine responded in kind. Right now it seemed like years since the last time they’d done anything slowly, much less drown in each other’s hungry lips. “Mmmmm….I hate to let you go for even a second, but I need a shower, don’t you think?” “Actually, I kinda like you hot and sweaty, but you definitely need a shave,” Jeff replied in that Oklahoma drawl that made Blaine’s heart skip a beat every time. “I’m up for a compromise, how ’bout if you join me in the shower? That shave will only take a minute…or less with the right incentive.” Blaine said with a wicked smile.
Jeff chuckled. “Or we could start by christening every room in this apartment…there are several rooms that are still virginal.” “Well, we can’t have that any longer, can we?” Blaine kissed him one more time before pulling him by the hand to their initial wet and wild weekend rendezvous.
Kurt scowled at the Word document in frustration. He’d been typing and deleting, typing and deleting for what seemed like an hour. He just couldn’t seem to get what he wanted to say in print. He’d even switched to writing in his notebook! But even that reliable standby wasn’t helping. He was working on one of his chapters about using fantasy as a tool to enrich your relationship.
He was dividing them into different categories or examples. Some of the examples were from the notebooks he and Javi maintained about their love life, like Moves Like Jagger, U Got My Love, Dance for Your Papi, and of course, Reinventing Your Sins. Xander was still one of his favorite alter egos conceived in their role playing. All of them could be found in his own love life notebook he’d titled Everything Changed (Todo Cambio)/Javito. At the same time he was trying to give some instructions on ways to create your own fantasies. A large part of he and Javi’s relationship was based on creating fantasies. Everything Changed (Todo Cambio in Spanish) most certainly applied to what had happened when they’d met. It was the title of one of Mateo’s best known songs and Javi still sang it to an enthusiastic audience at almost every performance.
Kurt had been a sad and bitter man when he made the move from New York to San Diego with his best friend, Adam. He and Blaine’s final breakup? He was sure it would destroy him, but instead it had made him stronger and he hoped wiser. As he looked back on it now, it was a wonder it had lasted as long as it did! They’d been in high school when they met and fell in love. At that age they were positive their love would be different. Certainly not like everyone else’s… and of course in some ways that was true, but they were just like any couple in most ways. They had worked hard at keeping their love alive, almost five years! But the distance between Lima and New York had certainly created wear and tear on their relationship. The loneliness, the growing pains…so many things had factored into their eventual split. At the time, of course, all Kurt could see was Blaine’s infidelity. Now he knew that that had probably been a symptom of the multifaceted stumbling blocks that drove them apart. And he had been so high and mighty. Blaine had never said it, but his superior attitude, his often unforgiving spirit…he could see now that it only fueled Blaine’s insecurity and driven him away, perhaps in an attempt to seek happiness with someone else.
He shook his head, trying to draw himself back into the chapter, but it was no use. His mind just wasn’t in it and they were going to a housewarming party tonight. The fact that it was for Jeff and Blaine?…..he was glad that he could finally be happy for Blaine, that they at least had a friendly relationship. If someone had told him a year ago that that would happen, he’d have called them a liar or delusional. He glanced at his phone. Javi should be almost done with rehearsals. With a smile, he decided to text him to see if he was up for a little phone-powered afternoon delight.
The playhouse stage behind him once more, he was sure he could perform the part of Lust in his sleep. Much as he loved Reinventing Your Sins and his part in it, he welcomed his time off. They’d altered the schedule for the next two weeks, taking Friday and Sunday evenings off. This was always a transition time in LA. Kids were heading back to school and college. Parents were busier than usual because of it. Music and film festivals would stagger themselves over the entire month, so they’d decided to shorten the six-day a week schedule. The play had been popular enough that it looked like they might be extending their time in LA. But as usual, nothing was set in stone yet. Typical show business!
Being the sprawling metropolis that LA was, it could sometimes seem cold or unfriendly to new arrivals. And then there was the fact that the pace was faster than bees in an active hive. However, for the most part it wasn’t hard to make friends in your community, and in this case the community was an apartment building. Finding affordable housing in LA wasn’t much different from trying to find it in New York. But when Jeff and Blaine had moved, Cedars-Sinai had agreed to pay Jeff’s rent for the first six months as an incentive. How could he turn down an offer like that? A job in one of the best hospitals in the world and a sign-on bonus? He could save most of his paycheck for the first six months in anticipation of either staying in their current apartment, maybe getting some room mates, or finding something else.
Strange as it would seem to outsiders, Javi was looking forward to the party tonight. They didn’t live in the complex where Jeff and Blaine lived, but some of Jeff’s coworkers did, so the host had decided to invite a few people that the pair already knew, and not surprisingly he and Kurt were on the guest list. Deni had caught them one afternoon in the foyer, introducing herself, with an explanation of who she was. “I’ve noticed you guys seem to be friends with Blaine and Jeff, am I right?” she asked in a cheerful voice.
Most people didn’t know the backstory of the four. It wasn’t like you walked up to a person and said, “Hi! I’m Blaine, Kurt’s ex-boyfriend,” and in the next breath another would offhandedly say, “Oh, hi, I’m Javi, Kurt’s new boyfriend.” Talk about raising eyebrows and creating fodder for whatever rumor mill existed at Easton Apartments! They gladly accepted her invitation as she emphasized once more that it was a surprise party so…….sshhhhhh!
Javi was just heading for the gym when he heard his phone ping. He knew it was Kurt. He’d finally gotten around to giving everybody their own ring tone. He wasn’t a techy except when it came to music. Phones were a necessity. You’d never find him scrolling through text messages or social media for fun. But knowing who was actually calling him at any given time did make his life a little simpler. “Hey, heat wave!” (Javi laughed out loud; Kurt loved to give him alliterative nicknames) Have time for a 1-900 call?” referring to the old phone prefix sometimes used for paid phone sex. Hmmm….he rarely missed his daily workout but with all the rehearsals it wasn’t like one workout missed would be the end of the world. He texted back, “Give me 20 minutes? đ đ” “ok đĽ đ ” came Kurt’s equally emojied reply.
Javi chuckled to himself. Who needed a gym for physical fitness? He’d surprise Kurt with a personal one-on-one visit at their temporary apartment. He certainly liked Kurt’s equipment far more than ellipticals, rowing machines and chin-up bars! Going to his office would take too long and possibly being caught having single-handed sex in his car wasn’t the best idea. “Oh! I’m sorry officer. Um, I didn’t know it was illegal to have phone sex with your boyfriend while driving!” Now there was a picture! Maybe he’d suggest that Kurt not use that as an example in his book.
Jeff knocked on the door of apartment 201. He could hear the music spilling into the hallway from inside. It’d be nice to spend time socializing even if everyone in the room was new to him. He and Blaine both needed it. He’d met the woman organizing the party disguised as a tenant meeting in the elevator. He’d seen her around more than once, but had been so intent on a few hours sleep to take the time and energy to introduce himself. When they both caught the first-floor elevator at the same time, she took the initiative to introduce herself and he’d asked her in for coffee, hoping that Blaine wasn’t out running errands or rehearsal hadn’t run overtime.
Fortunately, he was home, mindlessly watching TV while relaxing in anticipation of the show later that evening. They chatted back and forth for about an hour, but Jeff’s eyes were drooping, “I hate to interrupt this but I really have to get some sleep.” He’d told her he worked at Cedars-Sinai when she’d noticed his blue scrubs on the way up to the fourth floor. “Ahhh, so that’s why I see you around at odd hours,” she’d said in an understanding tone. As he got up from the kitchen table, so did she, but Jeff stopped her, “You don’t have to leave. Finish your coffee. Blaine could certainly use the company,” and Blaine nodded in agreement, inviting her to stay a while longer.
A couple weeks later she’d slid a light blue flyer under their door inviting them to a party/tenant meeting presumably to go over some changes they thought were needed in the building. But, she’d underlined and highlighted the word “party” making sure everyone knew that partying was the most important reason for the invitation.
As expected, Jeff had balked, pleading work as his reason. Even though he was allowed to trade shifts now, it could be such a hassle. Blaine wanted to go so badly….but not alone. Rather than pressure Jeff though, he listed all the reasons why they needed to go, needed some extended time together. And finally he’d relented. Blaine was more than right. He should take advantage of the recent change in his work status. God knows when he was working he gave them his all and more!
And now, as they waited for Deni to open the door, Jeff realized just how much he really did need this; yes, he’d wanted to go as well, but need had certainly won out. Sure, all that shifting of schedules and some of the paperwork that went with it had been a pain in the ass. But he’d do it all over again for the respite of this three-day weekend.
Deni looked through the peephole in the door glad to see their honored guests had arrived. “Welcome!” she exclaimed, transferring the wine bottle and bag of chips from Jeff’s hands to hers. Inviting them in, they were greeted by a group of festive partygoers screaming, “Surprise!” Surprise? She’d planned a party for them? Wow! It was so unexpected! Two banners, Welcome! and New York Sucks! were strung across walls. They looked at each other and cracked up over the banner about New York.
“How did you know I wouldn’t have to work tonight?” Jeff turned to Deni. “Well, I didn’t actually…..but I sort of guilted Blaine into getting you to take the night off….and that didn’t take much, believe me!” she snickered, “When I first mentioned it, I could tell he’d been socially starved for way too long.” He turned to Blaine, “Did you know it was a sur….” Deni interrupted, “Oh no! He knew nothing, as clueless as you!”
And then he spotted some people from the hospital…and even two he’d traded shifts with! He wondered how many trades they’d had to make to be here. But now wasn’t the time for such considerations. Everyone was inviting them in, eager to introduce themselves, shaking their hands, some even hugging them.
Blaine was the first one to notice Kurt and Javi seated on the floor chatting with a few of their friends from the play, all waiting to officially welcome them to LA. And it certainly wasn’t hard to detect Javi in a crowd. He’d been cast as a character that required him to dye his black curls to shocking pink and if that didn’t catch your attention, well, the sleeveless black net top and the sparkle from the string of thin gold chains around his neck would. Javi was not even close to his type, but even in a city abounding in toned (and sometimes over-toned) bodies, you couldn’t miss the shapely muscles and tattoos. He made no attempt to hide them either.
He caught Kurt’s eye, giving him a small finger wave. Kurt waved back with a half-smile and gestured for them to join the group once they’d finished meeting the new neighbors.
They hadn’t really been counting, but they spent the next hour greeting at least thirty people. And gifts?! Jeff nudged Blaine, drawing his attention to a table full of gaily wrapped boxes and gift bags. Apologizing for the brief interruption, Deni asked what they’d like to drink, quickly returning with two goblets of wine, one white and one red. Jeff had been so pleased that Blaine had already started to feel quite at home in LA, especially after landing parts in the same play that Javi was in. But, other than coworkers at the hospital, he pretty much knew no one in a social setting. He recognized one or two of the actors and dancers that Blaine had brought home with him on several occasions, but the only two in the group he actually knew were Kurt and Javi.
When they finally got a break from visiting with their new acquaintances, Jeff led Blaine over to the small group of his coworkers. They all knew about Blaine from hurried conversations with Jeff when they actually got a real break, but like Jeff, had very little time for a social life. Talking shop had been forbidden tonight, but they did ask Blaine about Reinventing Your Sins and he was thrilled to have a potential new audience! After a half hour or so, Jeff raised his hand to Kurt and shooed Blaine off, knowing he wanted to join the group of his own coworkers. Jeff said he’d be over in a few minutes. Some sat on chairs, some on the floor but all clapped and cheered as they toasted Blaine’s official arrival on the LA scene.
It was after midnight when the party started to wind down and surprisingly none of the uninvited neighbors complained…well, except for the lady who called asking if they would turn the music down some. She was trying to get her twins to sleep. Every time she thought they’d finally arrived in the Land of Nod, she’d hear them dancing to the beat of the bass in their bedroom again! Deni had shooed Jeff and Blaine away from the cleanup crew, handing them the boxful of opened presents, firmly instructing them to enjoy the rest of their long-awaited weekend.
“Mmmmm, it’s so good to be home,” Kurt said as he curled into the security of his by now familiar place under Javi’s left arm. True, it wasn’t home like their house in San Diego was home, but it was as close to it as they had in LA. “And not having to spend hours in those heels tonight? It feels like heaven!” Javi said, referring to the 8-inch heels required for his part in the play.
Javi often came home exhausted after a performance and Kurt loved pampering him with massages, a glass of wine or in some way accommodating his post-performance mantra, “hungry and horny.” Kurt would never forget the festival in New Mexico where they performed together onstage. But it wasn’t necessarily the concert duets he remembered best. When not in the spotlight, that mantra had literally come to life, alternating the satisfaction of their double-H needs. A desert paradise in every way imaginable.
But Reinventing Your Sins was far more demanding on his body than any of his concert performances. Quite often Javi would fall asleep in the middle of a bedtime conversation. And Kurt would usually smile, shake his head and draw the covers over his naked body (Javi hated wearing clothing of any kind at home) and either join him in slumber or quietly slip out of bed to go work on his ever-consuming book or lesson plans.
“So, how were classes this week?” Javi inquired. Kurt drove or flew back to San Diego every week to teach his Wednesday and Thursday night classes. The classes were a practical way to not only test what he was trying to get across in his still-untitled book, but also to stay in contact with their friends in San Diego, most of whom were satisfying their longstanding curiosity by taking Kurt’s classes. At present he had five couples in the group. Although there were several more who wanted to take advantage of the free classes (the subject matter of which was the talk of the neighborhood, all the way from The Rafters, the gay bar where they’d met, to When the Bars Close, the local all-night diner), Kurt had discovered he could only handle five couples at a time. Sometimes less depending on the individual’s personalities.
“They’re going pretty well, Javito, but I never realized how much of myself I’d have to pour into writing a book, the classes, the preparation…you were so right when you said your passion is all-consuming!”
“One of the hardest parts is dealing with each couple where they are in their relationship. I’ve had to make it crystal clear that this is not about taking them back to the initial falling in love stage of their relationship and staying there. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Kurt laughed. “It’s about maintaining a strong relationship no matter what stage they’re in. And I guess not surprisingly lots of them initially come to the class expecting it to revolutionize their sex lives…and we both know it most certainly can, but….well, they can learn all about improving their sex lives by applying what can be found in any number of books out there. The hardest part is getting them to understand that they need to go back and build a new or stronger foundation. That’s where I usually lose them if they’re going to quit. And that’s fine. I mean, why waste their and my time?”
“Do you still plan to engage some of your students as future teachers so you have more time to write and hopefully travel with me?” Javi murmured into Kurt’s ginger hair, kissing his head. “Of course! But as you well know not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Look at how long it’s taken me? I’m thinking possibly Ethan; I’m not sure about Adam yet. I’m not sure he’s organized enough. Ethan is interested enough in teaching to have helped me with some lesson plans. He’s giving me a student’s perspective, too. He’s not afraid to be honest with me. Do you still think the play has a chance of being extended here?”
“I’m hoping! It would be much easier to deal with the revised concert schedule if I’m based out of LA…at least for the immediate future.” Javi yawned. It was past 2 and between the rehearsal and the party, it had been a long day. “Mi Kurtito, I’m worn out. I think I’ll take a shower and hit the sack. “I’ll be in in a bit, mi amor,” Kurt said, giving Javi a warm, lingering kiss, ruffling his pink hair, “I need to write down a few things before they slip my mind, and after your surprise performance this afternoon….well, I have to include that in the notebook of course.” Javi’s low laugh spilled into the room remembering their mid afternoon romp. “I might have just enough energy left for an encore…..” he said, raising one eyebrow. Kurt chuckled, “I’ll be in soon.”
In truth, Kurt did have something he needed to think about but it had little to do with his writing or teaching. It was that persistent dream again. He hadn’t told Javi, but he’d had it twice this week. And even though it had been weeks since he’d encountered what had grown in his thoughts to become THE ROOM in Blaine’s apartment, it was always there in the back of his mind. In the few conversations they’d had since he kept hoping he’d bring it up, but it appeared Blaine attached no significance whatsoever to the room. So, why were they having close to identical dreams, but in different rooms?
He still didn’t understand his strong knee-jerk reaction when he first entered that guest bedroom. Yes, the furnishings were strikingly similar, and yes, it appeared to be the same room from his dream but….when he saw the photo of the Glee Club in a crystal frame not unlike the one Javi had given Carole for Christmas? All his mind’s eye could see was the shattered glass on the floor, all he could hear was Antonio shouting, “Everything’s changed!” over and over. At least the weird part when Antonio threw Blaine out a window had disappeared, whatever that meant. Stymied, he gripped his head in his hands and rubbed the back of his neck. What was it he feared? Javi’s previous partner, Antonio, had been dead for eight years! He didn’t pose a concrete threat. He couldn’t see how either Blaine or Javi could create a problem that hadn’t already been addressed. He loved Javi without reservation and he and Blaine were on good terms again.
It was the shattered picture frame….it was finding the close to matching frame intact on the bedside table at Blaine’s….and maybe the significance of the picture it held, as well. The carefree faces of almost every person he’d ever loved smiled back at him from the past. The Glee Club had saved his tortured life at McKinley. As hard as it was to believe, that mismatched bunch of talented kids had formed a bond stronger than almost any relationship he’d ever had. They had been his safety net….actually, they’d been each other’s safety net.
He had a standing appointment with his counselor every Wednesday when he was back in San Diego. Of course, the man wasn’t a dream interpreter, but hearing someone else’s take on the dream could be helpful. Someone who wasn’t actually in the dream. Closing his notebooks and powering down his laptop, he sighed, his shoulders sagging. If his Javito was still awake, an encore of this afternoon would be nice…but what he really needed was for his lover to hold him.
Jeff lay awake staring at the popcorn ceiling. It had been the perfect day and night. And while Blaine lay beside him, breathing evenly, Jeff rolled over gathering Blaine’s warm and tantalizing body into his own. Blaine was such a sound sleeper….except when he was awakened by a tornado of bad dreams. He hadn’t mentioned “the dream” lately, but the hospital often laid claim to Jeff’s nights. How would he know if he’d been awakened by one or not?
He gently ran his fingers through his curly hair, kissing his upper back. When he’d met Blaine, he hadn’t been a stranger to living alone. His last boyfriend, Marc, still lived in Oklahoma and for the most part he had fond memories of him. Their relationship had just kind of died a natural death. And once he arrived in New York his life had been so manic, he hadn’t really taken the time to seek out a serious relationship. He’d had a few potentials here and there that lasted for maybe a month, but in the end there wasn’t that something he’d always been looking for…or maybe it was simply what he’d come to expect a serious relationship to look like. But he knew one thing – what he felt for Blaine was deliciously scary and over-the-top wonderful! It made him realize that he’d honestly never been in love….until Blaine.
They’d been cautious, Blaine fearing he’d be hurt again, or worse that he’d hurt someone else again; Jeff, unsure of what he was feeling. All he knew was that the thought of Blaine kept him awake (lack of sleep that he could ill afford). He was his very first thought in the morning and his very last before falling asleep, his troubled sleep peppered with Blaine’s presence.
But they’d been together now for almost eight months. He was hopelessly in love, his first true love. And although they’d declared their love for one another many times, the three single-syllable words so precious to him, he’d yet to tell Blaine just how deep the well of his love was.
At first, it was his uncertainty. Blaine was like an addictive drug. Like a craving that couldn’t be satisfied. And it wasn’t just physical….and that frightened him even more! But by the time they’d left for California, he knew without a doubt that he’d follow Blaine to the ends of the Earth. Back in New York, Kurt had always been a nebulous person out there somewhere. A huge part of Blaine’s past. And even though Jeff had known that Blaine was trying to reestablish a friendship with him, it was something he was sure he could handle. After all, hadn’t Blaine been brutally honest about Kurt? Blaine had even asked him to go to some counseling sessions with him. That took guts and strength of character. It told Jeff just how important he was in Blaine’s life.
And then there was the evening not long before they’d moved. He swore he could smell dinner before he’d even opened the door. He’d grown up in a meat-and-potatoes family, in the heart of Oklahoma’s cattle country. Despite the trend toward vegan and vegetarianism in his generation, he would never be found eating tofu or beans to replace his protein. And the aroma of the pot roast that Blaine had in the oven made his mouth water. Blaine was seated on the couch, guitar in hand, picking out a tune that Jeff didn’t recognize. Blaine welcomed him with a sly smile and beckoned him to sit down beside him. “I’ve been working on a new song. Sometimes I really miss my piano, ya know?” As he began strumming his guitar again, he said, “Tell me what you think, okay?” Jeff nodded as Blaine began singing inserting each of their names.
I’ve been alone Surrounded by darkness I’ve seen how heartless The world can be
I’ve seen you crying You felt like it’s hopeless I’ll always do my best To make you see
Jeff, you’re not alone Cause you’re here with me And nothing’s ever gonna bring us down Cause nothing can keep me from lovin’ you And you know it’s true It don’t matter what’ll come to be Our love is all we need to make it through
Now I know it ain’t easy But it ain’t hard trying Every time I see you smiling And I feel you so close to me And you tell me
Blaine, you’re not alone Cause you’re here with me And nothing’s ever gonna bring us down Cause nothing can keep me from lovin’ you And you know it’s true It don’t matter what’ll come to be Our love is all we need to make it through
I still have trouble I trip and stumble Trying to make sense of things sometimes I look for reasons But I don’t need ’em All I need is to look in your eyes And I realize
Jeff I’m not alone Cause you’re here with me And nothing’s ever gonna take us down Cause nothing can keep me from lovin’ you And you know it’s true It don’t matter what’ll come to be Our love is all we need to make it through
Cause you’re here with me And nothing’s ever gonna bring us down Cause nothing, nothing, nothing can keep me from lovin’ you And you know it’s true It don’t matter what’ll come to be You know our love is all we need Our love is all we need to make it through
He didn’t know what to say! Blaine was suddenly bashful, “I….um…I just wanted you to know before you moved all the way across the country…for me….that that’s how I really feel about us.” Jeff was trying to hold back the tears, “Blaine…” he choked, “I’m not moving to California for you. I’m moving for us. I’m moving…..I’m moving…” he had to stop, “because I believe every word of that song to be true.”
He took the guitar from Blaine and kissed him with a passion that couldn’t be contained. And as Blaine melted into his arms he whispered, “Dinner’s going to be late.”
And now here they were in LA, working hard to establish a new life, a future together. So why this doubt? This fear? Blaine had made it a habit of singing part of that song to him every single day! And Jeff liked Kurt. He could see them having a friendship…..until he’d observed Blaine and Kurt interacting with each other. He doubted they were even aware of it….or was it Jeff’s overactive imagination? How to describe it? It was like…watching two puzzle pieces worn and torn at the juncture where the pieces were supposed to fit. Not completely successful at melding together, but just enough to see that they had once been a perfect fit.
Jealousy wasn’t the issue. It was something else…something he couldn’t put his finger on. Just as it was obvious that he and Blaine loved each other, it was equally as obvious to see that Kurt and Javi’s partnership was solid…so why was this keeping him awake? He sighed and Blaine must have sensed his unrest because he rolled over to face him, muttering in his sleep, “Jeff..what’s wrong?” “It’s nothing, babe, just a messed up body clock,” he replied. “Mhmmm….okay,” he murmured almost asleep once again. “I love you, J.” Blaine rolled over again, fitting his body into Jeff’s curves…..just like two puzzle pieces….but what if the pieces only seemed to fit together….what if in the end they only appeared to dovetail one to another?
The links below are just what they say they are. I can’t seem to find a video or link that shows Kurt actually singing all of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina so I did the best I could. I’ve never done this with The Boy Next Door, but I watched it with the sound off. If anything, Chris is just as hot and gorgeous with the sound off. And they really highlighted his eyes in that video.
Kurt couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed a weekend like this one, if ever. It was Sunday afternoon and they’d just come back from the beach. Kurt had spent little time there since arriving in San Diego. Between his body consciousness and his fair skin….well, as magnificent as the ocean was and the weather that came with living here, it just seemed like too much of a hassle. But, Javi had persuaded him to give it another chance. He hadn’t brought his swim trunks with the other clothing he’d packed, and not surprisingly, Javi had a treasure trove of them. He found a pair that fit that weren’t too revealing, and Javi being Javi, his choice was a pair just short of being a thong. Kurt had to smile at that. He saw more of that exceptional body in beach attire than he’d been allowed even on Friday night. This man could be a class A tease and Kurt was loving every second.
It had been late when they finally succumbed to sleep Friday night…actually, Saturday morning. Between the feel of the silk bedding on his skin and the knowledge that Javi was so very close, he fell into a deep and peaceful sleep. When he finally woke up it was almost noon. He stretched lazily and took in his surroundings once again. As he took his time waking up, the world could not have felt more perfect. Spending time with Javi felt like the ultimate aphrodisiac and cerebral experience all at the same time. Oh, he was in love without a doubt, but as his “man in the hat” had said, there was no reason to rush what they had right now. Finally, he made himself get up, and looking around the room he noted the evidence of all that had transpired there the night before. He decided to straighten the room before he took a shower. Each item he picked up brought back the lovemaking that had taken place here. The squares of silk and velvet, the bottle of oil, the clothing and robe he’d tossed carelessly on a chair. He could still smell the faint aroma of sandalwood. He’d slept with Javi’s long-sleeved shirt wrapped around him, his hat sitting on the pillow beside him.
He had quickly texted Adam as soon as they walked into Javi’s house. He didn’t even have to think about whether he’d be staying the night and probably the weekend when he saw all that Javi had done. Adam, and probably not many of his friends, would call what had transpired between him and Javi lovemaking, but they would be oh so very wrong. He felt as close to the man who’d created every detail of last night’s encounter, well, encounters, but the second one had been for Kurt to create, as he’d ever felt to Blaine. Not just physically, but totally, emotionally and even spiritually. Although he didn’t really know his own thoughts on the last one, he knew Javi’s. He had been so open and honest. That he saw god as rejoicing over their supposedly unnatural love (he would always be able to hear the taunts and hatred from those who thought being gay was not just wrong but filthy)…he’d never heard anyone say that. He sat on the bed for a minute as one of Mateo’s videos played in his mind. What had existed between Javi and Antonio was this. Body, mind, spirit. All of it. It was completely unconventional but terribly desirable. He was a bit surprised that the thought of Blaine and Antonio didn’t bother him right now, and he took it as a very good sign.
After he’d taken a shower and gotten dressed, he padded down the hallway to find Javi sitting in the media room again. He’d obviously been busy tidying the living room and he’d just sat down with a cup of espresso. He’d made something not nearly as strong for Kurt, told him where the cups were and invited him to sit beside him. “Oh! mi amor, such a heavenly sight you are to wake up to!” Kurt took in that Javi smile, almost childlike at times. He set his coffee cup on one of the coasters and took Javi’s face into his hands and looked deeply into his eyes for a moment, then wrapped his arms around him and covered his face with kisses, taking his time, as Javi responded by wrapping his arms around Kurt and kissing him back. Kurt slowly broke the kiss, tucked his feet under his legs and rested his hand on Javi’s thigh.
They sat there for the longest time in silence and finally Javi asked if he was hungry. As it turned out, they were both ravenous. Moving to the homey kitchen with its solid wood decor and comfortable chairs around a table that could seat 6, Javi created an omelet stuffed with veggies, sausage and a touch of Mexican spices.
As they planned their day, talking about everything and nothing, Javi continued to observe Kurt letting his eyes and his senses absorb this fascinating man. Being in love was like no other feeling on earth. He was captivated by every move he made, every word that fell from those delicious lips that tasted of Kurt. As the light from the window played over those inexplicable eyes and his gaze moved over Kurt’s body he felt all the emotions from the night before wash over him. The connection he felt between the two of them already was anything but tenuous. They weren’t fighting their feelings, but neither were they giving into rushing forward, allowing their overwhelming desires to guide the direction their relationship was taking. He knew all too well the inner strength it took to do what they were doing.
For the first time in a very long time, it was actually raining. It wouldn’t last long, but it made the idea of staying inside more inviting. When they’d finished brunch and cleaned up the kitchen, they went back to the media room. If there was a form of entertainment and the equipment it took to sustain it, it would be found in this room. Javi asked Kurt if he’d remembered to bring the videos from some of his performances at NYADA, and although watching himself singing was not his favorite activity, his sense of fair play once again told him that he had had every opportunity and more to watch Javi sing and perform, so the least he could do was reciprocate. He went back to the bedroom and got them out of his satchel.
Javi was again sitting on the couch. It was by far the most comfortable piece of furniture in the room and it was long enough to accommodate even Kurt’s height if he was lying down. A pitcher of cold water with lemon sat on the coffee table along with two goblets, just like last night. Celebrating water seemed to be something Javi took seriously, Kurt thought with a smile. He handed the videos to Javi and the first one he chose was of him singing Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing and hearing, but he kept silent. Here was a singer with a range that was rarely found in anyone that he knew of, his breath control, the vibrato and the stage presence, there was that “it” again. He had chills just watching. It almost brought him to tears. Still, he didn’t say anything. He picked up another, The Boy Next Door. Gold lame pants so tight he could not imagine how he moved with such fluidity in them! He looked so young and so mature all at the same time. And suddenly Kurt had gone from soulful and sad to playful and sassy with enough sex appeal to attract anyone he could ever want. And his moves! His hip swivels would embarrass even Elvis! He tried not to think too hard about the hip swivels…a distraction he didn’t need. There were a few more videos, but they could watch them later.
“Kurt! You’ve been hiding this person in one of America’s biggest states of entertainment opportunity? Where did you learn to sing and move like that? You took me on a rollercoaster of emotion in just two songs!”
Kurt just sort of shrugged and said, “I didn’t really have much formal training unless you count some theatre in high school…and I was in Glee Club. We even won a few competitions. I went to New York thinking Broadway was what I was looking for, but I don’t feel that way anymore. I don’t know what I’m looking for, really.”
“You can sing way beyond who knows how many professional singers, including me! You can dance; you have natural rhythm. And you have the looks that in California could take you almost anywhere in entertainment. You are the entire package and then some! Hasn’t anyone ever told you what you are and what you have???”
Kurt looked at Javi and shrugged again, “Well, not exactly like that, no. But, I’m not even sure if that’s the direction I want to go. I came to California for lots of reasons, but I wasn’t really looking for much beyond finishing school. Sure, I like performing and Glee Club was lots of fun, but….” Javi looked at him and nodded. “And being an entertainer, no matter the medium, is something you have to crave. It’s got to be in your soul. If it’s not, this business can tear you apart. Fame is a fickle friend and often more enemy than friend. You’re right, just because you have a talent, a gift, for something doesn’t mean it’s your destiny. But, being an entertainer, seeing what I just saw makes me want everyone to see and hear it, and perhaps it makes me a little jealous, too. When I say you have it all, I mean it!”
Again, they went silent and listened to the rain. For a moment Kurt felt homesick, not just because of the rain, but because again he had that feeling that he had come home right here. He hadn’t told his dad about Javi yet. Not because he didn’t think his dad would approve. Burt would probably be ecstatic. He knew how hard the breakup with Blaine had been for Kurt. He just kind of wanted to keep him a bit of a secret for a while longer.
Javi was laying on the couch with his head on the arm and Kurt was laying with his head in Javi’s lap. He was playing with the curls on Javi’s forehead. He couldn’t get enough of running his fingers through them. He looked up at Javi and said, “Can I ask you something?” Javi reached down drawing Kurt closer to him. “Ask me anything, mi amor. If I can answer it, I will.” Kurt, with his eyes closed, he was so relaxed, asked, “Do you remember when you said that you and Tonio had been lovers almost from the beginning?” Javi nodded, and said, “Yes, I remember.”
“Well, if you and he were….doing what you and I are trying to do, what did you mean by saying you were lovers almost from the beginning?” Ah, he saw the confusion Kurt was experiencing. How to explain?
“I think part of it is cultural and part of it is how Tonio and I interpreted what being lovers meant. I don’t know that this is true of Americans in general, but being someone’s lover here usually implies, how do I put this? A fully consummated sexual relationship or an extramarital affair of some sort. Latinxs use ‘lover’ in a much broader sense, someone you love deeply, someone you may have a sexual relationship with but it can be at any stage, like us. Tonio and I, we knew almost from the moment we met that our destinies were combined. That is what I meant when I said we were lovers almost from the beginning. And, Kurt….I hope I’m not assuming or presuming something that isn’t real, but for my part I feel the same way about you. Whether you feel that way yet I don’t know, but to me you are my lover, mi amante.” Kurt was quiet again for a while, his head still in Javi’s lap. Finally, he reached up and put his hand over Javi’s heart and said, “And you are mi amante, my lover, in any and every language.”
It was getting late and they had planned to go to After the Bars Close for dinner. Rain was so rare in San Diego and Javi loved walking in the rain. They had a little time before they had to get ready though. Wishing he could stay right where he was forever, but getting up anyway, Javi sat up and Kurt moved up, too.
“My beautiful and talented, Kurtito, I forgot two things last night. You took me by surprise and spirited me away back to Wonderland! See what you do to me?” he laughed.
He reached behind him to the end table and picked up a black velvet jewelry box. “Have you noticed my new earring?” Javi asked, playing with it so Kurt could see it better. Kurt had noticed, but decided not to say anything. Even though it had his first initial K on it, maybe it had another meaning for Javi or maybe no meaning at all.
Kurt held it on his fingers and said, “I did, it’s very….Javi.” It really was and he couldn’t think of any other way to say it. Javi held the black box out to Kurt and said, “Open it! I promise the White Rabbit will not leap out.” Kurt lifted it open and there lay an identical earring to Javi’s, with his first initial J, twinkling as it caught the light. He didn’t know what to say. He carefully removed it from the box, removed the one he was already wearing, and slipped the new one through his earlobe. “Oh, Javi! It’s gorgeous…and so unique! You had them custom made, didn’t you?” “So, now if anyone tries to pick you up, you can just show them this and say, “Sorry, I’m with Javi.” Kurt smiled, “I don’t need anything to prove who I’m with. I’d just say, “Sorry, I’m hopelessly in love with Javi, and there’s no way you can even begin to compete.”
Before Kurt could kiss him, he got up, went to the fridge and reached for the wine they’d forgotten about the night before. He set it on the coffee table along with two wine goblets, then poured some for each of them. “I said we would toast our phone rendezvous last week this weekend and now we have even more to celebrate!
He reached for Kurt’s arms, then placed them around his neck. He picked up one of the glasses he’d filled halfway with wine, raised it a little and murmured, “To being in love. I’ve been looking for you for what seems like an eternity. And an eternity is what I hope for you and me.” Then, he handed the glass to Kurt who took it in his hand and raised it. He had to pause, trying to find his voice. “To the bright star in the sky that I was sure had deserted me. But it was just hiding, and then it fell to Earth and there you were, burning even more brightly. May you never hide yourself from me again.”
They each took a sip of the wine as Kurt’s arms tightened around Javi and their lips met in a cloud of passion that was almost unbearable, their moans and sighs punctuating the quiet. At last, Javi raised his head just long enough to say, “How do you feel about calling for a pizza instead?” Kurt sort of chuckled and said, between breaths, “Who needs food?” Then, he removed Javi’s T-shirt and his own in one swift move and pulled Javi down on top of him, wondering what imaginative scenario they could create this time to suit the limitations they’d placed on their physical relationship. That’s when he realized that that had become half the fun!