17

17

Something was wrong. Ripley was too quiet as they walked back and Fen didn't know how to put things right. He hadn't even asked Ripley about Alejandro and he was pretty sure he was the one Ripley had been talking about, the man in the only photo Fen had seen in the house. As they walked, Fen let his hand brush against Ripley's and to his relief, Ripley took hold of it.

If it was the business about the money that had made Ripley silent, well, that was what Ripley had wanted. If he'd changed his mind, he didn't need to have paid Fen anything, but he had. Was it something Fen had said? His lack of experience? He might not be an expert at relationships, but he didn't lack experience. He cringed as he thought that. I do lack experience. An encyclopaedic knowledge of everything Pornhub had to offer didn't count.

Fen wanted to ask about Alejandro, but he wasn't going to. He had his own secrets and didn't want to be pressed on those. Though he couldn't help wondering what Ripley would say if he knew what Fen was hiding. Would he even believe him?

Back at the house, Ripley went out to turn up the hot tub and Fen dealt with the pizzas. He noticed Ripley had switched off the lights on the Christmas tree in the main room at some point. That disappointed Fen, but he let it go. There were bigger worries.

Ripley came in and took off his coat. "It won't take long to get up to temperature. Are we skinny dipping? I didn't spot any swimming trunks."

"Are we overlooked?"

"I'm not sure. But being naked in your garden isn't against the law as long as you don't cause distress or alarm to others."

"Does that include some nosy neighbour sitting behind curtains with their binoculars focused on my bum?"

"Is your arse going to cause distress or alarm?"

"I hope it causes some reaction," Fen said indignantly.

"It would be an interesting legal case. I suppose if they could prove they were looking at a badger and your naked backside got in the way… But I think we're okay. Like a glass of wine?"

"Yes, please."

Fen found plates and cutlery and put them out. "Has your mum found anywhere she wants to buy?"

"Not yet. She'll rent for a while. Better to be sure she likes the town first." Ripley handed Fen a glass of wine.

"Do you watch much television?" Fen asked. "I gave up with yours."

Ripley furrowed his brow. "I explained how to do it."

"Hmm. Use this controller to switch the set on and if it doesn't work, use the other controller, press that button and not this one, and manually switch on the Sky box. Then wait and if the sound bar doesn't work, you have to press that button… You took ten minutes to explain. I think your set decided it didn't like the way I pressed its buttons. All I have to do at my mum's is press one."

"I did notice you had no TV."

Fen shrugged. He couldn't justify the expense but it was more the risk of seeing people he didn't want to see. "I couldn't afford Sky or any of the streaming channels. Plus, I can guarantee the moment I picked one to subscribe to, the show I'd want to watch would be with a different provider. If I'm desperate, I watch stuff on my phone. Or go to my mum's. Well, there is some stuff I don't watch at my mum's."

"You don't want to admit an addiction to Naked Attraction?"

"What's that?" Fen tried but failed to keep a straight face. "Fine, I do know what that is. My mum watched one episode and was appalled. Well, she said she was appalled, but apparently, she also watched the whole thing, so maybe not that appalled."

"I have no idea what my mother would make of it."

"Appalled like mine but secretly fascinated?"

"I doubt it."

"Is she all right about you being gay?"

"I'm a disappointment because there won't be any grandkids. There could be, of course, but the last thing I'd want to do is subject any child to my mother."

The oven beeped and Fen checked the pizzas. "They're done."

"Shall I tackle the TV and find something to watch while we eat?" Ripley slid his pizza onto a plate, then did the same with Fen's.

"I like QI."

"I'll see what I can do." Ripley scrolled through the channels. "I think you're out of luck. Oh, no. There it is. It started ten minutes ago but…"

Fen almost lost his pizza to the floor as he carried it to the couch. What were the fucking chances? Luckily Ripley hadn't noticed the near accident. But there was no way Fen could sit and watch his father smiling and making jokes. Arsehole!

"Maybe not this. Something else, please," he whispered.

"I thought…"

Fen felt Ripley's gaze on him and he tried his best to hide the distress creeping over him, but thought he'd probably failed. Ripley changed the channel and it was a game show.

"Better?" Ripley asked.

"Thank you." Fen took a gulp of his wine. Then another. "Oh, the answer is ivory."

"You're right. That's what's used for scrimshaw. Or bone."

The presenter turned to the next contestant. "According to Tolstoy, Napoleon would tug on what part of a person if they had done something he liked?"

Fen snorted.

"Their ear," Ripley said. "Get your mind out of the gutter."

"You're right. But so wrong."

"What colour spacesuits do NASA astronauts wear?" asked the presenter.

"Orange," Fen and Ripley said at the same time.

"Dump, floater and wipe are terms used in which sport?"

There was loud laughter from the audience.

"Volleyball," Ripley said.

"Wow, is it? I thought it was going to be something weird like mud wrestling."

Fen was dimly aware more wine had appeared in his glass, but he was enjoying it so he kept drinking and eating.

"What's the melting point of gold?" the presenter asked.

"1064 degrees Celsius," Fen said.

Ripley clapped when the presenter confirmed Fen was right. "Impressive."

"Thank you. We better stop watching before they ask something easy and I get it wrong. I've had enough pizza anyway. Do you want the rest of mine?"

"No thanks. I've had plenty."

"I don't have pizza very often. It was a treat." Fen started to get up to take the plate away but Ripley lifted it from his fingers.

"Let me."

Fen sank into the couch with his glass of wine. He knew he'd drunk too much. His head was buzzing. Maybe he needed to get to the hot tub before he passed out. Ripley began to wash up and Fen took off his boots, then his sweater and T-shirt.

"Er…" Ripley said.

"If I tried to make stripping look sexy, especially when I've had a drink, I'd probably fall over."

"You're sexy without trying."

Fen beamed at him. "Am I?"

"Yes."

"We need… What do we need?" Fen mumbled. "I've forgotten."

"No more to drink."

"Trousers off." Fen wriggled out of them. "Oh my legs aren't sexy. Too many bruises. What can I do to distract you from looking at my bruises?" He took off his shorts and heard a gulp behind him. "Maybe we need to get in the hot tub before I fall asleep. I've never been in a hot tub. I hope it's not too hot. It bubbles but that's not because it's boiling, right?"

"You need to wait until I've taken the cover off."

"Hurry up then."

"Let me get some towels. Do not get in until I'm there."

Ripley hurried upstairs and Fen lingered by the back door. When Ripley came back, all he was wearing was a towel around his waist. He held another out to Fen who draped it over his shoulder.

"Let me get the top off before you even come outside," Ripley said. "There's no point standing there getting chilled. I'll make sure the water isn't too hot."

Fen watched through the door, groaned when he caught sight of Ripley's firm arse, just managed to get a picture before he was caught, then Ripley was in the tub and beckoning. Fen closed the back door behind him and yelped all the way across the patio. He climbed up the steps, clinging onto the handrails and then yelped again as he sank through the glowing blue lights into the bubbling water.

"Oh…oooh…oooooh," Fen moaned. He couldn't seem to stop moaning. "Ahh… Aaahhh…aaaahhhhh."

"Come here, you wally. Don't drop your phone." Ripley pulled him over to sit by his side. He put his arm around Fen's shoulders and tugged him down so just their heads were out of the water. "Take a selfie and I'll put your phone somewhere safe."

Fen took a picture of both of them, then handed it over. "I'm not a wally."

"I know. It was a term of affection."

"I think I like gorgeous better."

"You're a gorgeous wally."

"Much better," Fen said. "This is so lovely." He leaned his head against Ripley's shoulder. "We look like we're steaming. Oh! Are you cooking me?"

"And me too?"

"Oh yeah."

"I'd imagine it's good for your BMD."

"I can feel it doing me good. Oooh. My cock looks bigger. So it's really doing me good."

Ripley let out a short laugh.

"Yours does as well. Though it's already—"

Fen mumphed as Ripley kissed him. The long, deep kiss t made Fen's toes curl. And when Ripley pulled him round so Fen straddled his lap, it felt good to have Ripley's strong arms around him, even better to feel their cocks lying side by side, best of all to still be kissing.

They were going to be all right, weren't they? In spite of the deadline and the money? Okay for six months was debatable. Okay for now was as much as Fen could ever hope for. It was all he could ever be because no one knew what the future held, how easily lives could be broken, just like hearts. Hope was all Fen could cling to. Okay for now, but never stop hoping for better.

For a while they didn't talk, only kissed, then Fen turned over and lay back against Ripley's chest, staring up at the night sky. "I have no clue what any of those constellations are. We hardly ever get skies black enough in London to see any stars. Have you ever tried counting them? One, two… I give up."

"Don't fall asleep," Ripley told him.

"You're so comfy. Apart from a bit of you that's poking me." Fen pulled away from Ripley. "Do you think I could swim in here?"

"Not even one stroke."

"What? I bet I can manage one stroke." Fen moved to the far side of the tub, took a deep breath, then ducked down and shuffled across until he had his hand around Ripley's cock. Fen had never been able to hold his breath for long, though he tried, but he emerged coughing.

Ripley tugged him in. "I don't want you to drown. Ready to go inside?"

"Yes." Fen yawned.

"I need to put the cover on. Try not to fall asleep before I get upstairs. Don't forget your phone."

Fen stood up and steam poured off him. "Wow, I look like an alien."

Ripley stood and wrapped a towel over Fen's shoulders. "Don't freak out the neighbour with the binoculars."

Fen wasn't even at the top of the stairs before he heard Ripley coming up behind him. His heart thumped a little faster as he headed into the bedroom. Both bedside lights were on. He turned to face Ripley.

"I'm not drunk. I think most of my babble was probably nerves. It's ages since I…had someone under me." Liar. More like never. "I'm hoping you can cope with my monster dick. I'll be gentle." You be gentle. "Take it nice and slow." That's what I need from you. "I think I can remember what to do. In and out, right? Repeat. Then faster. Then even faster. Until…pow!"

"I think you need to shut up now."

Ripley pulled the towel from around his waist and tossed it aside, then did the same with Fen's. They were both hard. Fen found himself clenching his fists repeatedly. He wished he wasn't nervous, but he was. He had a slight panic Ripley might call his bluff and expect him to take the lead. What do I do then? But Ripley stepped up, lightly brushed Fen's mouth with his as he edged Fen towards the bed, and the breath hitched in Fen's chest.

Fen found himself lying down with Ripley pressed up against him, kissing him, touching him and Fen's heart jumped around like a grasshopper. They lay with their legs entwined, cocks nestled together, and Fen trembled as the kiss grew more passionate. They held tight to each other, rutting and rubbing as they kissed, their stuttered exhalations mingling when they moved apart to take a breath. Ripley's hands slid to Fen's neck, his thumbs caressing the delicate skin below his jaw as he held Fen's head.

I can't move. But Fen dipped his tongue into Ripley's mouth, then explored his face with his lips until he came back to his mouth. Fen had never kissed like this, never been kissed like this, not until he couldn't breathe, until his entire body was tingling.

"Still awake?" Ripley smiled at him.

"I only dozed off for a minute. Clearly, you didn't notice."

Ripley growled, shoved Fen facedown and leaned over to slowly lick and kiss his way down his spine while Fen squirmed beneath him. When he felt Ripley's tongue on his lower back, Fen tensed.

"If I do something you don't like, all you have to do is tell me to stop," Ripley said.

"Are you going to do something I don't like?"

"I hope not."

Ripley rolled away and Fen turned his head. "Where are you going?"

"Nowhere." Ripley dropped a condom and lube on the bed.

"Oh an orgy."

"I think you need more than two participants for it to be an orgy."

"You, me, and our friends Lube and Condom."

Ripley chuckled.

He kneaded Fen's backside, and when he drew his lube-covered finger down the crease of his arse, Fen groaned.

"Slow and gentle enough?" Ripley whispered in his ear.

"You expect me to talk as well?"

"I suspect nothing would shut you up. I hope it doesn't."

Slowly and gently, Ripley's finger found a way into Fen's body. Fen was doing his best to relax but every time he thought he was about to melt into the mattress, Ripley would do something to make him moan. His legs were spread. Had he done that? Ripley was still kissing and fingering him and Fen wondered how long he could last without falling apart. When Ripley's finger caressed his prostate, Fen gasped.

One finger turned to two and Fen's heart pounded. He slipped his hand under his body and squeezed the base of his cock. I do not want to come yet! But the relentless pressure and rhythm were driving him towards release.

When he managed to open his eyes, he saw Ripley roll on a condom, and Fen bit his lip. Ripley pulled Fen onto his knees, and pressed his cock against the entrance to Fen's body.

He could feel Ripley breathing heavily at his back. "I'm not sure I'll fit."

That made Fen laugh, then suck in a breath as Ripley slid a little way into him.

"Oh, yes I do," Ripley whispered. "What a relief."

"In one smooth move. Lovely." Fen smiled into the pillow. "Not much bigger than your finger. Pinkie finger at that."

"You little…"

Ripley pushed in further but this time shoved Fen up the bed. He pulled out slowly, then drove back harder, and each time he did, Fen's moans grew louder.

"Oh fuck, fuck," Fen gasped.

Ripley pulled Fen onto his side and pressed his hand on Fen's hip to hold him in place. Fen was zoned out, caught up in pleasure so intense as Ripley's cock hit the perfect place with each forceful drive, he felt as if he was in another world. Ripley's hand wrapped over Fen's where he held his cock, then he brought Fen off in the same rhythm as he was fucking him and Fen could hardly believe how perfect it felt. Why hadn't it felt this good before?

It wasn't long before the need to come shot from urgent to desperate. Fen had his head back, his neck stretched out with Ripley's face pressed into the crook of his shoulder.

"Close," Ripley gasped.

There! Fen exploded into both their hands, each pulse wrenching a cry from his throat. A second later, Ripley was coming too, clutching Fen tightly, still slowly moving in and out of his body.

When the world steadied, they lay pressed together, muscles shivering, sticky fingers still entwined.

"Christ," Ripley said with a sigh.

"Wow."

"That was…"

"It was."

Fen was dimly aware of Ripley cleaning him up. He briefly considered getting up to clean his teeth, then fell asleep.

Something had changed between them. Ripley felt it. Changed in a good way, so that was all right, though there was a little niggle of concern Fen might… Might what? Enjoy this too much? Come to think it would lead to a happy ever after? Want more than Ripley was prepared to give?

It was just sex. Hot sex, but just sex. Yes, money was involved but even so… there had been no pretence. Fen hadn't faked his pleasure. That was the good thing—no, the great thing—Fen was into this as much as him.

If he hadn't woken the next morning to find the bed empty, Ripley would have been keen on round two, but he could hear Fen clattering around downstairs and singing…a Christmas song, but Ripley couldn't do much about that.

Fen came upstairs with a bacon sandwich.

"I squirted ketchup on the plate in case you wanted some. You can wipe the bread over it."

"Thank you."

Fen was already dressed, wearing the lined trousers they'd bought yesterday.

"Have you had something to eat?" Ripley asked when he'd finished.

"That was for me too."

Ripley shot him a horrified look until he registered Fen looked too innocent.

"Oh dear. Lying? Now you need to be punished. Clothes off."

Fen grinned. "That's a punishment?"

"Have you heard of edging?"

"Yes. My record is two minutes."

The next thirty minutes was fun for them both.

Ripley parked in one of the large car parks in Charmouth. It wasn't a warm day but at least there was no rain forecast.

"I'm so excited," Fen said as they walked to the meeting point.

"And you just can't hide it?"

"I'm about to lose control…"

"And you think you like it?"

Fen laughed.

He was busy taking pictures when a guy in his thirties, a canvas bag slung over his shoulder, came up to them. "Fen and Ripley?"

"That's us," Fen said.

"Hi. I'm Gordo." Gordo held out his hand.

"Are you a barrister?" Fen asked.

Gordo frowned. "No, why?"

"He can't shake hands with you if you are."

Ripley rolled his eyes and took Gordo's hand.

"Is that right?" Gordo asked. "Barristers can't shake hands?"

"A tradition. Like the wigs and gowns."

"Right. Well, I'm going to talk as we walk, so if you have any questions, shout out."

Fen's questions started before they'd even crossed the bridge to leave the car park.

"Are you a professional fossil hunter?"

"No."

"Is there such a thing as a professional fossil hunter?"

"Yes."

"How many fossils have you found?"

"Too many to count."

"Which is your favourite?"

"A megalodon tooth."

"When did you find it?"

"Last year."

"Wow!" Fen's eyes widened.

"Wow indeed. A megalodon is two or three times larger than a great white."

"Is it true the worse the weather, the better the fossil hunting?"

"Yes. So today is a great day."

In the end, Ripley said, "Am I allowed to ask a question?"

Fen got the hint. "Oops. Sorry."

"Just an easy one from me," Ripley said. "What happened to the dinosaurs?"

Gordo and Fen both groaned.

The three of them chatted as they walked, and Ripley made sure the pace wasn't too fast for Fen.

"Ammonites and belemnites can be found all over the beach." Gordo showed them pictures. "There's no need to use hammers and, in any case, it's illegal to hammer into the cliff, and dangerous. Having said that, I'll show you what stones to look for that might have something inside."

"Do you have a hammer?" Fen asked.

"I do."

"Do you hammer in the morning?"

Gordo smiled. "And in the evening."

Ripley rolled his eyes.

"Is your middle name Thor?" Fen asked.

"How did you guess?"

A few minutes later, Gordo bent and picked up a stone. "See this crack? That might indicate there's a fossil inside. I'm not a fan of breaking open concretions to see if there's something in them, but this looks worth it."

"Concretion?" Ripley asked.

"Concretions form inside sediments before they harden into rocks, when they are still soft. As minerals within a sediment precipitate, they might form layers around a shell or a pebble. They're harder than the rock they're found in. Right, stand back and I'll open it up. You need safety goggles and gloves if you have a go yourself."

Gordo hit the crack a couple of times with his hammer and the concretion split open.

"Oh wow," Fen gasped. "An ammonite."

"A good one." He passed it to Fen. "You can keep it."

"Thank you." Fen brushed his fingers over the fossil and smiled at Ripley.

"We're going to search over there. If you're interested in sea glass, you can look for that too. There are some lovely stones and gems around."

"It's like looking for treasure." Fen's eyes were shining.

Ripley's heart clenched. I think I've already found it.

The three of them walked along the beach with their heads down. Moments later, Fen called out, "I found something!"

Gordo went to look. "A rock. A nice one but just a rock."

"What are those marks, then?" Fen asked.

"Not fossils. Mineral deposits."

"What about this?" Ripley showed Gordo what he'd picked up.

"An ammonite. Well done."

Fen gasped. "I didn't think we'd find anything."

"I've never walked on this beach and come back empty-handed," Gordo told them. "There's always something to pick up."

"Can I take a big rock with me?" Fen asked.

"If you can carry it."

"I brought my donkey."

Ripley growled. "Watch it."