Chapter 2

Mrs. Petrucci was in fine form when her errant son got in. Carrying on, slipping between English and Italian, she trailed after her son as he headed first for his room standing in the doorway as he stripped off, the both of them used to his being naked in front of her, she was his mother after all, then for the bathroom whose door she did close to stand outside of unrelenting in her tirade. With the ease of years of practice Tony ignored his mother and let her carry on venting. He knew that if she went silent then he was really in trouble. Right now his mother was actually saying that she'd been worried, no matter what words she was using. It is nice to be loved.

The warm water of the shower felt good to him as he made his plans for the day. Tony felt happy, actually happy, for the first time since he realised the meaning of that empty pain in the pit of his stomach that would hit him sometimes around Darcy. He resisted the temptation to whistle thinking it likely to inflame his mother. Shaved, teeth clean, hair lightly gelled to make it look even more wavy then usual, Tony headed back to his room to dress, Mrs Petrucci still in toe.

"So where do you think you are going young man?" folding her arms across her ample bosom, Mrs Petrucci drew herself up to her full height, looking stern.

"Out Mum. To buy a motor bike, then I'm going to the pub" he cut into her renewed tirade "to work Mum, to work."

"Oh Tony! A motor bike. Oh no Tony, no. Not a motor bike, they are so dangerous" protested his mother "And why to work in a pub. You already have a job" Typically Italian her hands were as expressive of her dismay as her tone.

"I'm doing Johnny a favour Mama. He needs a hand and its a good thing to do. And I am buying a motor bike because I want to have some fun" Tony explained putting on his loafers. The fun he ultimately had in mind made him smile "I'll be back for lunch Mama" He kissed his mother's cheek, grabbed his wallet and keys and left his mother standing in his room still expressing her disbelief.

First up he needed a licence. Finding an RTA open on a Saturday was easy done with a quick call to a help line, getting parking was not. The Burwood town centre was always packed at weekends, and the Roads and Traffic Authority offices busy even this early. Sensible people with experience of the RTA's notorious queues would try to renew drivers' licences or motor vehicle registrations on a weekday but for most Saturdays were the only realistic option.

Impatient with the forms, annoyed at the restrictions on learner motor cyclists he would ignore as far as he could, Tony was chaffing to begin the search for a bike. Finally with his learners permit shoved into his wallet Tony headed for the nearest bike shop to kick a few tyres.

Meanwhile Darcy's swim had helped calm him. There were a few others in the water plugging away at their laps and he exchanged pleasantries with most, enjoying the easy camaraderie. He'd realised Johnny was scheming but at what he wasn't completely sure although he had his suspicions. During the run back up the hill to the pub Darcy decided not to worry about it anymore and do as Johnny said, for today anyhow.

After a quick shower and breakfast, he checked that Johnny was still doing well, or well enough to keep Darcy's mind at ease, which he was, before calling a delighted Aunt Beth and jumping onto his bike. Roaring off down the street happy with the feeling of freedom he got from riding, Darcy didn't see Johnny popping more pills and going to lie down to help get him through the day.

The range of bikes on display at first confused Tony. It'd sounded simple and he should've known better. Although the salesman was helpful he'd tried to keep Tony to the bikes his learners permit required, which were not the bikes Tony needed to match Darcy's. In frustration Tony stalked off to pour over the helmets and protective clothing the shop also sold. Finding a helmet style he felt comfortable in he took the salesman's suggestion and put off deciding on a colour until he'd chosen the bike, thinking to at least prevent the two from clashing colourwise.

Giving into Tony's stubborn determination, the salesman offered a deal Tony finally agreed to. He'd take a smaller bike complying with the learners licence requirements, get his full licence as soon as allowed and trade this bike in on a bigger bike Tony would order now and have waiting for him. Eager to get on with things Tony agreed, even signing up for finance he didn't need as it actually made things easier to complete. The problem of getting the new bike home was solved by the salesman promising to run it over in a ute after lunch. Fine, deal done.

Aunt Beth's idea of lunch at the ancient sandstone pub by the Hawkesbury River at St Auburns was one she'd lifted from a fellow resident, whose family had taken her there for her birthday recently. It was close to Wisemans Ferry, a small town on the thinly settled periphery of the Sydney metropolitan sprawl bounded by the wilds of national park. Little known until recently St Auburns pub was becoming quite an attraction, its strange isolation juxtaposed by its actual proximity to the city making it newly popular as a destination particularly with families. The good reputation of its food only helped.

Had the lady realised the nature of the roads taking them to this idyll, then she may well've thought better of undertaking the journey on the back of a speeding motorcycle. For whilst Darcy thrilled in the steep declines and numerous tight twists and bends in the narrow old road winding down to the river flats, Aunt Beth was hanging on for grim death not entirely convinced she would survive all this excitement without a heart attack.

She had a good mind to thump her favourite nephew when he brought them to a sensibly paced stop amidst small clouds of dust outside the quaint old pub, but seeing the shining look of sheer happiness on his handsome face she relented and settled instead for a good natured grumble about his nearly scaring her to death. Darcy's full belly laugh and brilliant smile confirmed the rightness of her decision.

Being accustomed by now to the surprise of people seeing such an old lady riding pillion on a motorbike, the two headed inside to order a ploughmans lunch and with a beer for Darcy and a shandy of stout for Aunt Beth, they settled down to share a roughly hewn timber picnic table with a middle aged couple outside near the bike. Aunt Beth struck up a conversation with them leaving Darcy mainly to enjoy the surrounds. The river was small here, the grass lush if spare in places and the forest close by. All in all the attraction of the place well evident.

Too soon it seemed the shadows were creeping over the little pub, bringing in a coolness warning it was time to leave. Reminded of Aunt Beth's admonishments, Darcy was more careful on the ride out of the valley back to the retirement village. They dined early at a Thai restaurant nearby and took in a movie of Aunt Beth's choosing at a local cineplex.

Departing from Aunt Beth's Darcy considered his options and checking the time, decided on Caesar's and took off with the usual speed of a motorcyclist.

Pulling a beer wasn't as easy at it looked Tony'd decided. Old Eric and Harry were happy enough to down his multiple failures, but Johnny swiped his first true success. As the pub filled and a pleasant buzz settled in, Tony came to enjoy himself, even his wisecrack retorts to the regulars' good natured goes at finding him on the wrong side of the bar were light hearted. Johnny was pleased with how things were going, the two men managing pretty well the busy night.

Once more Paul was disappointed. Not finding Darcy at the pub was an unexpected setback to his plans, so after a couple of quick beers he decided to head off to Caesars again in preference to going home alone. He could've joined up with his flatmate and his boyfriend in Newtown but as he didn't particularly like the boyfriend, deferred.

Caesars was starting to jump when Darcy arrived, full but not the over full that it sometimes became. Recognising the tattooed hulk at the door, actually a nice enough bloke once you got past his looks, who Darcy'd worked with on a couple of security jobs in the past, they exchanged smart remarks as the hulk allowed Darcy to pass in.

Mindful of his blood alcohol levels and the police random breath testing units liking of motorcyclists, Darcy grabbed a light beer from the crowded bar and began circulating. Not seeing anyone he knew, although quite a few guys caught his eye he missed most of the appraising looks he was getting and ignored the ones he did. He was restless and not really in the mood to be here but couldn't quite bring himself to leave either. He hated being like this and started getting annoyed that he was wasting his time and would be better off heading for bed.

Paul'd run into a bloke he'd slept with a couple of times and was chatting to, considering asking him home for the night when he spotted Darcy threading his way towards to bar. Quickly but politely excusing himself, he didn't want to piss this guy off as he did like him, he zeroed in on Darcy. Sidling up beside him at the bar as Darcy was being served he said to the barman

"I've got that and a lime Vodka Cruiser too thanks"

Darcy turned to see Paul grinning close beside him

"Hey" was the best he could manage, completely surprised.

"Hey to you too" Paul replied. "Glad to see you here"

"Didn't expect to see you here either. Thanks for the drink"

"My pleasure. I'd, ummm, dropped by the pub hoping to see you, but you weren't there" Paul confessed, deciding not to beat around the bush.

"Nah, got the day off so I'd taken the bike for a run with my aunt up to St Auburns" Darcy was looking Paul fair in the eyes, liking what he saw and in no doubt of Paul's interest. When Paul picked up his bottle, Darcy grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the bar finding a clear space to talk.

"So you were looking for me?" he asked shyly but pleased

"Yeh. hoping to talk and y'know get to know you some" Paul was awkward.

"Like this type of more" feeling bold Darcy kissed him lightly first, drawing back slightly, licked his lips, read the agreeable look on Paul's face, smiled and kissed him deeply this time.

"Yeh, something like this" breathed Paul, slightly shocked at Darcy's forwardness. "You don't waste any time do you" he laughed a small laugh

"Haven't got much time to waste" agreed Darcy going in for another kiss. "Care to continue getting to know me at your place or mine?" Darcy'd decided he liked the young policeman well enough and it had been a long while since he'd been with anyone. He figured he'd go for broke.

"Definitely mine." Paul was almost dizzy with expectation and quite frankly, lust.

"My bike's outside. I'll follow you"

Paul's place turned out to be a seventh floor home unit in a large complex beside the Western Distributor near the fish markets. Darcy wandered onto the large balcony watching the headlights of the traffic passing just below on the elevated road as Paul nervously checked the fridge for beer or coke, something to drink as a prelude. The short drive home from the club had given Paul time enough for the thrill of Darcy's offer to melt into an unsettling realisation that he wanted this to be more than a casual romp. He wanted the chance to try to build something more, maybe fill the empty hole in his life. Finding a brown glass bottle hiding behind the milk at the back, grabbing two tumblers, Paul went out to join Darcy.

Watching Paul try to pour the beer Darcy laughed and took the bottle and glass from him saying "Best let me do that mate. No offense but you suck at pouring beer" then in the flicking car lights grinned mischeviously "Hope you suck better when it counts"

Paul blushed madly, turning his head away, only to be stopped by Darcy lifting his chin with one finger, apologetically "Paul I'm sorry. Tacky huh?" Darcy's kiss was soft and light, like the kiss of an angel Paul thought, momentarily breathless with desire. Darcy chuckled, bringing him to back to his senses.

"Apology accepted...." here Paul grinned " after another two or three like that"

"I think I can manage that" Darcy sauntered around to stand directly in front of Paul. Placing the fingers of both hands lightly on Paul's jaw Darcy leaned in teasing Paul's lips with his own, allowing only the briefest of touches, sweetly tormenting Paul. The fourth was an impossible ache Paul ended by grabbing Darcy's hair with one hand, his neck with the other, forcibly meshing their lips, launching his tongue into Darcy's mouth, hotly ravishing him repeatedly.

Both men were audibly groaning when Paul broke them apart.

"Whew! Oh man" Darcy gasped laughing "I do like the strong arms of the law" he joked grabbing playfully at Paul's crotch.

"Copping a feel are we" Paul jested twisting aside.

"Maybe I'm feeling a cop" Darcy's eyes flashed cheekily trying again

"Har har har, very punny" returned Paul in a semi crouch, shoulders and arms moving in a football like ready movement, watching Darcy closely, trying to anticipate with an intercept.

"Har har har" joined in Darcy dropping into a similar stance, shuffling to and fro, matching Paul's moves, grinning widely at each other, feigning left, attacking right, blocked. They scuffled laughing like a pair of kids. It was Paul that finally called enough, dropping laughing still into one of the padded chairs beside the glass fencing. Darcy kissed him noisily on the top of his head before sinking into the other chair, passing over a glass of beer then taking a big swig of his own

Paul took a long drink, cast a look at Darcy, burst out laughing

"What?" demanded Darcy puzzled but trying to stop from joining in, almost succeeding "What? Paul?"

"I dunno" chuckled Paul merrily "Ah, you're lovely." He reached over with one hand and laced his fingers through Darcy's, grabbing on tightly.

"Y're pretty easy on the eye too. Hope y're harder real soon" Darcy wiggled his eyebrows meaningfully

"Well then, best you finish your beer double quick then eh" Paul rejoined, downing his. Done with his, Darcy stood up, switching to hold Paul's hand instead and the two walked inside, dumped the empty glasses and bottle on the kitchen bench, Paul leading them up the short hallway to his room.

Inside the facing door was a short blank wall, a kind of entry into the room. Flicking on the lights, kicking the door shut with his foot, Paul swung Darcy up against the wall face first.

Pushing Darcy's arms wide, Paul leant himself against him growling into his ear

"Guess I'd better search the suspect for concealed weapons". Running his hands across Darcy's spread arms, Darcy shivered at his touch, felt the strength in his hands, tried not to giggle as they drifted down his torso, slid around his waist to meet again in his crotch.

"Hmmm" breathed Paul appreciatingly at the growing hardness he found, hardness matching his own now pressed into the back seams of Darcy's jeans. "Seems like I got me a concealed weapon. Waddya say about that then?"

"I'd say that maybe it deserves a closer inspection" Darcy closed in for a long kiss, twisting himself around to face Paul, hardly breaking their lip lock, reaching around to knead Paul's nice tight arse muscles. Paul's palms were flat against the wall as he let his full weight fall onto Darcy, enjoying the feel of their bodies pressed close, even through their clothes. Their erect rods slid over each other as the men continued to kiss, igniting a flame that had till now only flickered between then.

Darcy allowed Paul to take the lead, pulling him with both hands into the bedroom proper, where he was momentarily left for Paul to turn on the bedside lights and turn off the main ones. As Darcy bent over to remove his heavy riding boots, Paul came up behind him and bent over him, holding him with his arms about his waist, kissing his neck, pulling him upright when the boots and socks were off. Turning Darcy around, Paul began to unbutton his dark blue cotton shirt from the bottom, taking his time to enjoy the gradual revealing of the taut torso, nicely defined chest, all entirely smooth, lightly tanned, absolutely enticing.

Letting his shirt slip to the floor from his shoulders Darcy grinned as Paul's hands wandered over his skin, liking their caress, while he copied Paul and undid his shirt. By contrast Paul's flat stomach showed a faint line all the way from his jeans to a light inverted T of dark blond hair across his pecs ending well below his neck.

"Y're so nice" Darcy breathed, letting his fingers slide through the hair, swirl about the nipples making Paul moan softly.

Undoing his jean's buttons, Paul let them slip down as they would, showing only the top of his cliche white Calvin Kleins, more interested in ripping Darcy's jeans and bikini briefs off him, lavishing Darcy's body with his mouth, working his way down towards his rigid rod. Darcy was unprepared for the furious assault, revelling in the feel of Paul's chest hair as Paul slid onto his knees, flicking his tongue around Darcy's groin.

Paul's mouth was hot and moist around his dick, making him bite his lips to keep from crying out, hands kneading his arse, pulling him forwards deeper into Paul. Pulling away Paul stood up quickly, pushed Darcy across the bed, grinning as he stripped off, his upright dick bouncing off his tight abdomen, the head glistening in the low light.

"Gotcha" Paul said leaping for Darcy's supine form. Giggling Darcy quickly rolled away, catching his feet in Paul's, as the fairer man landed with a muffled grunt face first into the thick bed quilt. The pair scrambled about on the bed wrestling and laughing as they tested each other's strength. The game ended when Darcy's mouth latched onto Paul's rod, his hard sucking catching Paul off guard making him groan loudly at the exquisite sensations flaming from his groin. With Darcy's dick just within his reach, Paul curled his tongue about the hefty tool, relishing its fleshy hardness, bigger than he was usually confronted with. Rising to the challenge, Paul skoffed as much of it as he could, salivating and slurping excitedly over his prize.

Darcy could barely hold off under the wonderful torments of Paul's mouth and tongue, his pleasures distracting him from his own foray on Paul's dick. Not especially big, Darcy'd found it was just the right size for his mouth to deal with, smooth, straight, a nice fragrant taste, one he'd've liked the chance to explore more leisurely. It was taking a lot of effort not to succumb too quickly, but Darcy struggled to contain himself as he tried to match Paul's intensity.

Determined to get Darcy off Paul was constantly distracted by the electric thrills surging over him under Darcy's ministrations. He was having to concentrate on breathing in more deeply to suppress his release, his gasping adding to Darcy's exquisite agonies. Caught unprepared by the flicking of Darcy's tongue just under his head, Paul exploded into Darcy's mouth almost screaming with the intensity of his shooting. As Paul opened his mouth to cry out, Darcy gave in and blew his spunk like a small fountain all over the pair, trying to swallow Paul's juices as best he could.

Lying there in the messy mellow aftermath of their shared highs, Paul pulled Darcy into him to rest his chin in the soft short dark hair, savouring the warmth and the occasional flicker of Darcy's tongue over his nipple, curiously relaxing. It had been fantastic for him, more fulfilling than he'd experienced for a long time.

Darcy was happy with Paul's well shaped arms easily wrapped around him. He liked feeling the moderate bit of chest hair rubbing softly against his face, grinned to himself as he tried to tease Paul by flicking his tongue at the nipple within close range. By Paul's sighs he wasn't exactly succeeding as he'd hoped but is was a nice comforting sound anyway.

Paul roused him from his light doze with a damp face cloth, cleaning up the mess they'd made, drying him with a big fluffy towel, before pulling Darcy under the quilt to kiss languidly before falling asleep safe in those lovely arms.

Tony woke early on Sunday morning with the raucous sounds of a flock of cockatoos passing overhead, disturbed he reckoned by the aeroplane lumbering in after them. Surprised at how well he felt, Tony lay there for a bit with his hands underneath his head looking at the ceiling patterns, thinking. He'd had a good night at the pub, even if Johnny had had a go at him about being too mean with the spirit nips, his protests that he was giving the proper measure earning him a black look and a quick demonstration of the proper size of a nip according to Johnny. If Darcy dealt out the same sized nips then it was no wonder that he'd ended up on that damned lounge. They were almost doubles.

By the end of the night Tony felt confident that he could pull a decent beer, remember more than two drinks in an order and punch up the right prices on the cash register. Fortunately Darcy'd made the labelling simple on the keypad and even if Johnny'd grumbled about the whiz-bang you beaut wonder bloody till, Johnny was still able to show Tony how to work it easily enough. They'd closed the doors and cleaned up, well Tony cleaned up as Johnny sat slumped directing him from his barstool, the extertions of the night clearly having taken their toll.

Johnny'd shoo'd Tony off home when Tony'd asked if he needed any more help after the bar was done and the water flowing through the beer lines. Tony was reluctant to leave as Darcy wasn't back yet, something that played at the back of his mind.

Sighing contentedly Tony thought that maybe laying off the beer every once in a while may not be such a bad thing after all. Checking the time on his clock radio Tony decided that he'd easily make morning Mass with his mother, which would help him get back on her good side.

Tony would've driven but Mrs Petrucci liked the 20 minute walk so they strolled at a fair pace through the sleeping streets to the church that did double duty with the Catholic primary school next door, the same school Tony'd gone to in his childhood. He wasn't expecting his mother to say anything about his joining her and she didn't disappoint him, chattering on instead about this one and that one as they walked passed the relevant houses and businesses, carrying on like there was nothing out of the ordinary.

Grinning broadly at the thought that neighbourhood watch had nothing on an aging Italian widow with too much time on her hands, Tony let her go with only the occasional comment to ensure his mother was aware he was listening. He was too, fascinated as ever about what his mother knew of their area and its people. Certainly people like her were the glue out of which a real community grew and an invaluable resource to police like him. What he needed right now in fact with the case that had fallen apart on Friday. That thought spoiled the walk a bit for him.

There was time for Mrs Petrucci to engage in a brief gossip session at the church door, catching up was what she called it. The Mass was lightly attended, even so Tony found the familiar rituals soothing and he resolved to make sure he came more frequently. Dutifully he cooled his heals standing respectfully slightly behind his mother as she chatted after the Mass was over.

Taking a different route home mother and son passed through the main commercial area and Tony seeing a cafe open for the Sunday brunch crowd persuaded his mother they should treat themselves. Looking a bit dubiously at the establishment, modern heritage greens, blues and burgundy with dark wood stained table settings, she relented and midway through her omelette and pastries decided that the coffee was good enough and thereupon thoroughly enjoyed herself. Tony was delighted and tucked into the big pile of eggs and sausages on his plate with gusto.

Darcy had woken slowly, finding Paul's eyes already open, as he was held closely. Squirming a bit under the growing heat under the thick quilt Darcy kicked the covering off the cuddling pair, sighing pleasurably as the cooler air hit them. Darcy's fingers played lightly with Paul's stiffening rod

"Mmmmmm, feeling frisky are we?" Paul muttered kissing Darcy's head noisily

"Not really" Darcy's denial belied by his fleshy prong growing along Paul's thigh.

It was a nice relaxing start to the day, Paul decided, not feeling under any pressure or indeed any need to perform. He was content to lie there, just holding Darcy, allowing the dark haired young man to play with his manhood as he wished. He was firm rather than hard and nothing Darcy was doing would change that anytime soon. Very nice, much better than with anyone else he'd been with in a long time. Something he could get used to very quickly.

For his part Darcy was equally as happy. He liked the feeling of Paul beneath him, firm rather than hard, comfortable and safe with Paul's arms wrapped around him. Occasionally he'd blow over Paul's chest, watching the hair move, enjoying Paul's quivering, his steady heart beat, the smoothness of his dick on Darcy's hand. He sighed and snuggled in closer, closing his eyes.

Johnny wasn't well that morning. He'd struggled up, checked for Darcy and finding his bed unslept in, alternately hoped the lad had enjoyed himself and that he was alright. It was the first time since he'd moved in that Darcy hadn't come home. Slumped at the upstairs kitchen table Johnny considered what he should be doing to get ready to open as against what he wanted to do, namely throw up and go back to bed. He settled for downing some more pills, which eased the nausea, and headed off to the shower and then, taking his time, downstairs. Which was where Darcy found him late morning when he cheerily burst in adding a ray of sunshine to Johnny's dark day.

"D'ya have a good day yesterd'y lad?" Johnny wheezed through a cigarette

"Yeh thanks. Excellent. Aunt Beth had us run up ta St Auburns pub. Nice spot." Darcy grabbed coffee from the pot brewing behind the bar before leaning up on the counter opposite the older man. "Y're looking a bit worse for wear though. Tony work out orright?" He sipped the black coffee watching his boss carefully.

"We coped. Think I'll offer him a regular night, Frid'y or Sat'd'y, so as you can have a night off" Johnny offered. "Dip ya wick then did ya lad" He grinned mischeviously. Darcy ducked his head blushing furiously.

"Ummm, yeh I did."

"Ah! Anyone nice or just a one nighter?"

"Someone nice Johnny. Someone really nice" Darcy sighed lifting his face smiling at the memories fresh in his mind, his pants growing tighter with his thoughts. Johnny cackled happily.

"About bloody time lad. My fault I know. Shouldn't expect ya ta live like a monk on my account." He shifted awkwardly on the stool "I'm sorry y'know. Red blooded young bloke needs his exercise. Well we'll make sure you get more chances now we will" Johnny nodded emphatically.

"Its orright Johnny, but thanks anyway." Darcy deferred "Best get ready to open up then" And with that set to the business of the day.

You never could pick Sundays. Sometimes opening seemed a waste, other times it was frantic. Today was in between, allowing Johnny to go upstairs to rest not realising that it should've been Darcy's regular day off. For his part Darcy didn't say anything about it but just kept working.

Sunday lunch at the Petrucci house was as often as not a family affair with the married Petruccis, their spouses and growing tribe of small children playing rowdily in the yard and narrow back lane as soon after the big lunch as they were allowed to. Tony was impatient to try out his new bike but wasn't about to make a fool of himself in front of his elder brother in particular. The rivalry they'd had as children was still there in adulthood and if they had not've been related would not've bothered to try to get along at all.

So it was late in the afternoon after the terrace house cleared of visitors and quiet returned that Tony was finally able to haul his new motorbike out of the garage into the back lane. The salesman'd said it was like riding a bicycle but it'd been years since Tony'd last ridden one; gym bikes hardly compared. So it was with a mild case of the wobbles that Tony seated himself on the motorbike, turned the key and uncertainly twisted the throttle. The tinny roar he expected, the sudden lurch forward almost caught him, but Tony recovered quickly enough to get off to an unsteady start.

Chugging and wobbling Tony pointed the bike uphill, exhilarated at his small achievement, glad that it was this smaller bike he was on and not the bigger Suzuki 900 that he'd harangued the salesman for.

As he turned out of the laneway onto the cross street, Tony felt game enough to change up a gear, lurching and over-revving as he fumbled with the throttle and the foot lever. Getting to 20kph Tony felt he was flying, trying not to get distracted by the road moving underneath him.

A car pulling out suddenly made him baulk and brake too fast, sending him forwards in the saddle into the fuel tank, crunching his balls against the red metal. Wincing in pain Tony accidentally hit the throttle spinning the bike out sideways, toppling him onto the roadway with a loud slapping sound. The bike slid away from him growling in protest.

Standing was awkward, a warm wetness inside his jeans at his left thigh, his grazed left hand coloured by bits of embedded asphalt. Stinging. Cursing in English and Italian Tony limped over to haul the bike up, his anger over-riding his uncertainties. Jumping onto the bike again, pleased not to see any sign of damage, Tony smoothly took off, slowly but smoothly.

Passing the front of his house several streets and corners later, Tony's spirits lifted and he chanced an upwards gear change, less revving now, making him smile into his helmet. Picking up speed, he took the corner neatly this time, wobbled a bit as he overtook a slowing car, recovered and headed off to repeat his loop.

Mrs Petrucci was standing at the gate on Tony's sixth loop, yelling something at him. Bringing the bike to an unsteady stop, front wheel angled to the curb, Tony lifted off his helmet to hear what his mother was saying. The flushed look of proud achievement on his beaming face made her check her words, and she couldn't help but smile in return, remembering back to the first time Tony'd ridden a bicycle when he'd worn a similar grin. The man and the boy collided there in front of her. Stepping down to him, Mrs Petrucci took his face in her hands.

"Tony, its dinner time" she said quietly, kissing him on both cheeks.

"Okay mum" he happily agreed.

Cleaning up for dinner was mildly painful, picking out the bits of road gravel with tweezers, cleaning the gash in his thigh wrapping both in gauze before facing his mother. For once Mrs Petrucci chose to keep her counsel: seeing her son's discomfort as they talked about other things over dinner was satisfaction enough.

Tony fled for bed as soon as he reasonably could. Sleep came quickly, a deeper, sounder, healthier sleep than he'd had in an age.

Paul had turned up at the pub early in the evening. Johnny saw the looks Darcy threw at the good looking fair haired man, looks returned in the same measure. He wasn't sure whether he ought to feel pleased for the boy or disappointed for Tony. Sighing heavily he wiped the countertop hoping things would work out for the best.

Tuesday night Darcy took off early to see Paul. He'd been tempted to say no but Johnny didn't have the heart to. Unusual that Tony hadn't been around he reflected, but maybe it was a blessing he wasn't. Better that lad had no idea that Darcy's interests were elsewhere, at least for now.

For his part Paul was ecstatic when Darcy called, interrupting his dinner, to ask if it'd be alright for him to come over again.

"I'll be waiting" Paul could hardly contain himself.

"With bells on?" Darcy teased, trying to keep his voice down not to be overheard by prying ears in the pub.

"No bells, just me" laughing Paul hung up, now too excited to eat. He ran about tidying up the living room, laid out clean towels, took a quick shower, went to put on cologne, deciding it mightn't taste too good so he left it. Throwing on a white t-shirt and jeans he felt sexy with no underwear, his dick semi hard in anticipation. He couldn't sit and felt silly pacing, the carpet warm beneath his bare feet, the kitchen tiles cold.

Stopping at the fridge Paul had a sudden bad thought, flung the door open, searching in vain for something to offer his guest to drink. There was nothing apart from some milk getting uncomfortably close to its use by date and a mouthful of orange juice. Cursing, Paul debated running out for coke or something, but looking at the time he worried he wouldn't be back when Darcy arrived. Running his fingers through his hair in indecision he started to pace again when the security intercom went. Saved by the bell Paul thought as he dived to answer.

"Beam me up Scottie" Darcy joked from the street entrance.

"Aye aye capt’n" faking the Scottish accent of the Star Trekker and hearing the giggle from the other end, Paul opened the front door, keeping the line open until he’d heard the closing click. Excited and impatient he did a quick survey of the room, running about like a little kid hyper on red cordial so as he missed the first soft tap on the apartment’s door. The second was louder, more laconic.

Running his fingers through his hair again Paul leapt to open the door, coming nose to nose with a grinning Darcy, one elbow resting on the door frame with his hand supporting his head.

"G’day handsome" Darcy leant in for a quick kiss. "Glad you could find the time to let me in" he smiled

"Hi, ummm, come on in" Paul was flustered, stepping back and extravagantly gesturing for the other to enter. Darcy kissed him as he strolled in waving a carry carton 6-pack of Hahn Premium Light beer that he had hidden behind his back. Paul’s eyes lit up at the sight as relief flooded him.

"I was brought up not to call by empty handed" Darcy said by way of explanation

"Thanks! The fridge is a bit light on right now" Paul grinned, going to take the carton from Darcy’s hand, missing as Darcy whirled around him lifting the beer high to evade Paul’s outstretched hand.

"One of the benefits of working in a pub" blandly said as Darcy headed around the high counter into the kitchen to rummage in the drawers for a bottle opener.

"Well make yourself at home" said Paul sarcastically as he propped himself on the countertop holding his chin in his hand

"I intend to" Darcy flashed a toothy grin that set Paul’s heart racing neatly flipping off first one bottletop then another before putting the rest of the beer in the fridge "You’re not wrong about the cupboard being bare" he noted closing the door before going to look for glasses.

"Well I wasn’t exactly expecting company, and try the one over the sink, no to your left"

"Tah." Was the only reply as Darcy found what he needed and proceeded to pour the beer with a fluid ease born of much experience.

Shoving a glass towards Paul who was still leaning on the high countertop, Darcy raised himself to his tip toes and brushed his lips over Paul’s.

"Oh no you don’t! C’m ‘ere" Paul grabbed the back of Darcy’s head, pulling him into a deep, long kiss. Darcy planted his hands on the lower benchtop and lifted himself higher to better play with Paul’s lips.

"Mmmmmmmm. You taste so nice" Paul whispered barely breaking their link. The glint in Darcy’s eyes told him all he needed to know so he scooted around into the kitchen to lift Darcy to sit on the bencktop, pushed his knees aside and, wrapping his arms firmly about Darcy’s middle, hugged him into another kiss.

The rattle of keys in the door lock didn’t interrupt them but the gagging sounds made Paul pull back to focus on the intruder, an average sized guy with reddish short hair and nice face who was presently miming throwing up. Paul grinned.

"Guys get a room puh-leese" dramatically said the red head, hands now on hips, his right foot tapping on the floor tiles.

"Nick off Todd." Paul said without heat "I have to cope with you and Jason doing far worse. Oh Todd this is Darcy, Darcy this tragic queen is my flatmate Todd"

"G’day Todd, good to meet you" Darcy grinned and offered his hand. Todd’s grip in reply was firm and dry; solid. Darcy decided right then that he liked the guy.

"Likewise. But don’t believe anything Constable Plod here tells you about me okay" gently thumping Paul in the shoulder to emphasise his point. "So where have you been hiding this cutie huh?"

"Cut it out Todd! You’d better get used to being nice to this one. I intend on holding onto him for a while yet"

Darcy beamed at this announcement, the first indication he’d had that Paul was serious about him. He grabbed Paul, squeezing him tightly as he kissed the top of his head.

"Okaaay. I guess its mutual then." Todd winked theatrically making Darcy laugh and Paul blush slightly.

"Todd, rack off will ya?" Paul asked lightly.

"Okay I can take a hint." Paul glared and Todd looked back in mock horror "I can honestly! Anyhow" he continued normally "I was only ducking in to get a CD for Jason, then I’m off to his place for a bit"

"Thanks mate. We’d appreciate the time alone" Paul gazed into Darcy’s green eyes and gently stroked his cheek. They stayed like that while Todd quickly went through the CD rack beside the big floor speakers, took what he wanted and headed for the door.

"Have fun guys. Look forwards to seeing you again Darcy" Todd said as he worked the door open.

"Bye Todd" the other two chorused then giggled in reaction. Todd rolled his eyes and slammed the door shut on his way out.

"He seems nice" Darcy offered, stroking Paul’s cheek.

"Yeh he’s okay"

"So, ummm, do you two have, ummm, a history?" Darcy bit his lip unsure that this was a proper thing to be asking. Paul sighed and pulled back a bit.

"Kinda sorta" Paul said evasively then went on, a defensive note in his voice "We fell into bed once or twice before we moved in here. Nothin’ serious though. He’s too much into the scene for me and" here he sighed ".. and we want different things. Both of us know it wouldn’t work so we settled for being friends is all."

"Sooo, you wanted more?" Darcy asked softly.

"I guess" Paul shrugged his shoulders. "He doesn’t light my fires the way you do."

Darcy laughed heartily at this confession and pulled Paul back into a tight embrace.

"What?" demanded a puzzled Paul "What’s so funny?"

"Nothin’ I can explain" chuckled Darcy. Actually he was relieved to learn all this. Knowing these two had slept together cut off any suspicions he might’ve had about a lingering attraction between them. They’d already resolved the issue well before he met Paul and he felt safe that he could let himself fall and fall very hard for Paul. It was incredibly liberating and for the first time Darcy realised that he wanted to fall too.

"You know that I am well on the way to falling for you big time Constable Plod" Darcy confessed, amused at using Todd’s epithet.

"Right back at you" Paul mumbled as he snugged into Darcy’s embrace. "But you can quit with the ‘Constable Plod’ thing right now" he jerked his head up defiantly, bumping Darcy’s chin, making the pair of them laugh.

"Let’s have this beer before it gets warm and flat" Paul said, breaking away once more, taking a sip. Darcy leaned back to grab his glass from the high countertop and copied him, his loose shirt moving to reveal a tantalising glimpse of tanned smooth skin above his jeans. Paul gulped some of his beer at the sight and had to suppress a cough. Damn but he was getting hard. This guy was really something special.

Finishing off his glass quickly Darcy put it down and taking Paul’s hand while looking deeply into his eyes quietly said, "Take me to bed please. I need to be with you."