Talk Like a Pirate Day, the story!
Sep. 19th, 2009 12:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
valarltdThis was a Torquere Sip that has just come out of copyright.
Naomi and I hope you enjoy.
Talk Like a Pirate Day
I: Friday
David glanced over at Robin, who dozed against the window of their battered old lake truck. As was his habit, David checked his lover's lip color and his fingernails. All healthy pink, without the cyanotic blue that heralded another heart attack.
Robin said he worried too much. But David knew better. He had nearly lost his lover to a myocardial infarction three years before, when Robin was only thirty-seven. Robin's family all had bad hearts, but David wanted to keep his man as long as possible.
Robin woke up as his head bounced off the window when David hit a rut in the graded, unpaved lake-road. He looked out at the large rocks in the ditch, and at the red earth banks leading up to forest. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Since about Cole Camp. Sorry about the bump.”
“It's all right. I must have needed the nap.” He braced as the truck hit another rut and bounced off a rock. The woods had not yet turned their colors, but only showed the first hints of the fiery oranges and yellows. The sumac burned red amid the fading green.
David glanced over at him again. Robin grinned and patted David's hand. “I'm not dead yet.”
David returned it and said “Of course not. I've been listening to your stomach gurgle from the chili dogs in Windsor. Onions were not the wisest choice, nor was the chocolate malt.”
Robin rolled his eyes. “I know, I know. It's veggies all week. I'll be good. But it was worth it. Their drive-in still makes the best chili dogs this side of the Varsity.”
“You say that every time we stop there. Perhaps not vegetables all week,” David relented. “I was hoping for some nice fresh bluegill or bass this weekend.” The lake was always well stocked. “Fish is good for you.”
“Yum. And nice long walks in the woods to get my exercise in.”
“Of course. No spelunking though.”
Robin made a face. “All right, only into the outer chamber of that cave up behind the cabin. Do we have to put the boat away for winter yet?”
“Not yet. Next month.” David smiled. “I would love to take you out on the Dragon, in the sunset, with the trees all at their peak color.”
Robin laughed softly. “Just like we do every fall. But the Dragon? The boat's called Pegasus.”
“It was an ad campaign years ago, before I met you. They call the lake the Magic Dragon. It didn't fly because Missouri is too full of folks who think dragons are evil and not enticing. I was thinking of it as you slept.”
“And why be it called the Magic Dragon? A sea monster be dwellin' within?” Robin, fully awake, was exhibiting his usual playfulness and demonstrating an execrable sea-dog vocabulary. David was constantly amazed that a man with a twelve-prescription life and a job as a maintenance supervisor was so perpetually cheerful and boyish.
“The shape of it. Look on the map.”
Robin traced the shape of the lake on the map, looking disappointed. “I was hoping for the monster.”
“I'm sure you're monster enough, at least to infest our small cove.”
“Oh, aye. I'm monster enough for you. Yarr.” Robin grinned again, his dark eyes flashing above high cheekbones. “You know tomorrow is Talk Like a Pirate Day.”
David dodged a large rock that was half-blocking his lane. “Yo-ho-ho,” he said sarcastically.
“So, are you going to board the Pegasus, take me hostage, haul me back to your hidden cave and have your wicked, rum-soaked, sodomitic, lash-ridden way with me?” His brown eyes twinkled and he winked.
“If you're willing to be plundered there'll be no need for lashes.” Robin's voice was already broadening out to something that was a bizarre cross between every bad pirate accent and every bad London accent David had ever heard.
David shot him a pout. “Not even a few? Not even to one who likes a bit of warmth on the backside before the warmth of contact?”
“I'm not a cruel captain. I'd be usin' a hand or paddle for that sweet arse, not a lash.”
David was already getting hard just from the tease. He turned onto the back road that led to the cabin. “And for what sort of infraction might I get such?” He saw Robin glance at his crotch and smile.
“Failin' to hand over your purse and the key to your treasure chest, of course.” Robin stroked his thin mustache.
David laughed as he parked the truck near the cabin. He leaned across the seat. “As I have no key, and my purse is flat...”
Robin nibbled at his lip. “I'll not be leavin' without satisfaction.”
David kissed him, lingering as he had longed to do for hours since leaving Windsor, even with the onions. Watching Robin eat the chili dog had been pure torture--his firm lips closing around the bun and meat in a near-parody of a perfect blow-job-- and now David was hard again from his lover's teasing.
“Let's get unloaded and then we can take it to the water tomorrow, Captain.”
Robin climbed out of the truck and picked up the suitcases, leaving the heavier food box for David. He unlocked the sliding glass doors of the cabin and opened them. David staggered past him with the wooden box that protected their groceries in the open truck bed.
David put the refrigerated things away, and Robin set the clothes in the bedroom. He snuck up behind David, and wrapped his arms around David's waist.
“I love you.”
David smiled. “And you know I never tire of hearing that.” He looked out. “You know, we have just time for a sunset cruise before unpacking.”
“Or we could save the boat and go for a sunset swim,” Robin suggested.
David smiled. Robin had learned to swim in PT after his heart attack, and preferred it to most other types of exercise. “Our trunks are in the bottom drawer as always.” He scooted the box under the counter and went for the bureau.
Robin got there first and dangled his trunks just out of reach, as he unbuttoned his shirt. David decided to fight dirty. He leaned in and licked Robin's nipples, brown on the smooth chest.
Robin shivered. He had very sensitive nipples and David never hesitated to press his advantage. David closed his teeth, just enough that Robin would feel them threatening the tender tip.
“Take it then, old man,” Robin flounced, giving his best snarky-queen-in-high-dudgeon act as he flung the swim trunks at David with a gratuitous flick of his wrist. He stripped out of his clothes and was into the skimpy yellow suit with obscene looking cherries all over it before David finished getting out of his sneakers. “Race you to the water.”
David stripped faster and chased Robin to the shore, laughing. He caught his lover in the knee-deep water not far from the dock. Robin rewarded him with a kiss, and David took seconds.
“You keep me young,” he sighed, holding Robin close and getting them into chest deep-water. He stroked the erection he could feel in the ridiculous cherry trunks. He fished his own cock out and pressed them together.
Robin said nothing, just fastened his mouth on David's and let his lover stroke them as the sunset turned the water golden and pink and purple and then black. The stars came out and they still bobbed, not swimming, just holding together near the dock. David felt Robin shiver as the water cooled.
“Back inside and let's have a snack and bed. There will be plenty of time to play tomorrow and Sunday.”
Robin nodded and David led him back up to the house, both of them bundled in one large beach towel.
II: Saturday
David put the oatmeal on the table, watching the sun rise over the lake. Robin would sleep for another hour, if left to himself and then grumble about sleeping the day away. He went into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over to kiss Robin.
“Rise and shine, Captain. Your breakfast be ready.”
“Aye,” Robin grumbled. He opened one eye and staggered into the kitchen before flopping into the chair. He dumped half a cup of skim milk over the oatmeal and growled when he hit a walnut on the first bite. “Just isn't the same without cream.”
David sprinkled two teaspoons of non-dairy creamer over Robin's oatmeal and settled in for his own bowl. “I thought we might get some fishing in the morning. And then I'll take the Pegasus out this afternoon, since stowing away would be much easier in the cruiser than the rowboat.”
Robin looked up from the oatmeal, very puzzled. David caught the look.
“Or did we intend to start with me already your prisoner and depart from the front porch for the cave? I thought that would be a bit anti-climactic.”
“Should be plenty climactic,” Robin grinned as he spooned up the last bite. “I just didn't think much about it. Stowing away it is.” He leaned over for an unpirate-like kiss.
“Ah darling. You tempt me to play now and fish for dinner this evening.” David made a fast decision. “Shall we take it to the waters, captain?”
“Aye.” Robin went into the bedroom and came out wearing what he could put together, a tight pair of black jeans, a loose black shirt left open and wrapped, and a piece of cloth--that looked suspiciously like Robin's least favorite sheet--tied as a sash and headscarf. David was surprised by the cuffed sea boots. No wonder the suitcases had been heavy. “I planned ahead, just a little.” He jangled his necklaces with a be-ringed hand. David smiled, recognizing several items from the bubble-gum machine at the grocery store.
Robin stole a kiss and headed for the boat. David cleared away the breakfast things, went to the bedroom for a minute. Robin had laid out a loose black shirt and tight black jeans for him. A pair of boots sat beside the bed. He'd used to wear them to kink clubs before Robin had gotten sick, but hadn't seen them in years. Robin had really planned ahead and dug a lot. A scrawled note read, “Look good enough to be plundered.”
David laughed and changed clothes, giving Robin time to hide properly. Once dressed, he strode down to the dock and cast off the little cabin cruiser from its moorings. He checked the life-jackets and first-aid kit, then putted out into the Lake.
About ten minutes later, he felt a poke in the small of his back. Plastic, pointy... David grinned. A toy sword. He cut the engine and raised his hands.
“Your purse and your treasure, mate, and I'll not harm ye,” Robin growled in his ear.
“My treasure is ashore, and my purse is quite flat,” David responded.
“Ashore? How far of a sail?” Robin's breath was hot on his neck and David was aroused already.
“Not,” he gasped, “not far.”
“Set course.” Robin jabbed him lightly with the plastic sword again. David flinched as drew in a sharp breath.
“Aye, Captain. Just don't hurt me. I'm an old man but I like living.”
“You have me word.”
David turned the engine back on and headed back to the dock at a sedate ten miles per hour. He was quite hard, and used the console to conceal this as he pretended to tremble in fear. He smiled faintly, anticipating the next move in this bit of play.
When they drew near the dock, he turned off the engine and used the paddle to maneuver them in closer. He hopped out and tied the boat off to its mooring place. He rose and looked for Robin. Not seeing him, David stood up and turned toward the cabin.
“You wouldn't be thinkin' of leaving me so soon, now,” Robin drawled in his ear, pressing a toy flintlock to the base of his skull with his left hand while the right held the sword in David's back.
“Never.” David let Robin march him up the dock, across the yard and along the path behind the cabin. He kept his hands raised and well apart. He could only imagine what the Ladds and Sanders would be telling each other over dinner. He led the way into the dry cave in the hillside behind the house.
Years ago, he'd gone to some small trouble and expense to have the cave cleared out and cleaned up. Now it was a favorite hide-away. There were days when he hid out up here, unable to deal with Robin's illness or his own responsibility. It seemed an hour of lying on the well-scoured stone shelf grounded him and left him better able to cope.
“Where's the treasure?” Robin demanded.
“I lied to save my skin,” David confessed.
Robin sauntered around in front of him and gave his best menacing look, a dark glower that made David's stomach flip and his balls ache. “And why do you think it's saved now?”
David shrugged. “At least I won't be keelhauled.”
“I won't leave without satisfaction.”
David shivered as Robin ran the point of the sword down his chest. “I have nothing, my lord,” he pleaded, trying to sound frightened.
“Your clothes.” Robin emphasized this by catching the sleeve of David's shirt with the sword-point. “Remove them.”
David stripped very slowly, with a great show of reluctance. When he got his pants off there was no way to hide that he was very hard and starting to leak a little, the clear droplets welling up and slipping under the retracted foreskin and down the length of his cock. He caught Robin eying him and the tip of Robin's tongue poking out to moisten his lips, and smiled privately.
Robin folded the clothes and moved them out of his reach. “They're good cloth. They will last me for a few seasons. But I'm still not satisfied.”
David tried to look frightened. “I have nothing else.”
In answer, Robin unzipped his fly and David caught a glimpse of skin. He went to his knees, carefully, and breathed into the gap, then inhaled, taking in the clean smell that was purely Robin. “Shall I satisfy you so?”
Robin rubbed the barrel of the toy flintlock down down his cheek, coming to rest just under his jaw. “You'd better, mate.”
David slipped his tongue into Robin's pants and curled it around his cock, teasing him out of his pants by slow degrees. He heard Robin's breathing quicken and stole a surreptitious glance at Robin's fingernails. All pink and all right. He licked Robin's cock slowly, teasing a while before taking him in.
“Be really good and I won't take you back and keelhaul you still.” After a minute or so of David making it slow and wet with plenty of tongue and suction, Robin nudged him with the toy gun.
“Turn around.”
David turned and waited, still on his knees. He heard the lube cap pop open—Robin must have stuffed it in a pocket--and then Robin's fingers being sloppy. They had forgone condoms six years ago, after being monogamous for years. The slurpy, gooshy sounds of the lubricant turned him on more, as did Robin's fingers wiping the extra lube along the crack of his ass and then shoving him down onto his hands as well as his knees.
He felt Robin go to his knees and then gasped when Robin pushed in, a little roughly.
“Please, don't hurt me,” David begged, although Robin was nowhere near his pain threshold.
“And why not? You deserve it,” Robin sneered. He emphasized it with a harder thrust, and David moaned as his cock rubbed deep against David's prostate.
“Yes, for being a wanton old liar with no honor,” he suggested.
Robin swatted his bottom. “No honor now. Nothing but a port whore.”
David shoved back a little harder, since Robin was moving almost fast enough now. Robin took that cue and pounded him hard. David moaned under the treatment, coming with a small cry onto the sandy floor of the cave. Robin came not long after and pulled out.
He sounded a little breathless as he added, “And I'll take your ship.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
“I'll leave you here, naked. And throw your pistol with one shot out to you as I sail off,” Robin threatened.
David straightened up. “That's a bit harsh, don't you think? Perhaps I could persuade you to take me along?”
Robin was dressing and shook out the billowy sleeves of his shirt. He breathed on one skull ring, then polished it on the opposite sleeve as if he weren't listening. “How are you going to do that?” he finally asked.
“Mmmm.” David, still naked, came to him and licked his neck seductively before whispering,
“By promising to suck you awake every morning, by offering to let you fuck me before sleep every night.” He licked Robin again, and saw a light shudder of arousal. “And by applying my tongue all over your body.”
Robin gave a wicked chuckle. “A cabin boy?”
David rolled his eyes. “Please, I'm far too old to be a boy. Call me a look-out or a cook.”
Robin laughed and seized David's hair. “No. You'll be my boy. The crew will know.” He kissed David's mouth and bit at his throat.
David pretended to think. “And would they be having a go at me as well?” He put plenty of mock-trepidation into his voice.
Robin shook his head and gathered David's clothes. “No. My boy. My cabin.”
David nodded agreement. “All right. Anything you say, Captain.” He took his clothes when
Robin offered them, only to hesitate. “You could march me aboard naked, and reinforce that status.”
Robin laughed again. “If they saw that cock, they'd mutiny and then they'd be drawing lots to see who gets it.” He kissed David. “My boy.”
David dressed and then offered his hands to be bound. Robin cast about looking for a rope, and finally took off his waist sash, using that to bind them, since he'd clearly forgotten the rope.
David followed the gentle tugs on the sash, but leaned toward the cabin. Robin took the cue and
led them there. He followed, watching Robin for any signs of fatigue.
Once inside, David escaped the knots to kiss Robin sweetly. “I do so enjoy you.” He grasped Robin's hands and checked them for coolness. “Sit down now, darling one.”
Robin sat on the couch, grinning at the attention. David brought him a glass of water and loosened his shirt. He joined Robin on the couch, sliding a protective arm around him.
Robin kissed David's cheek and let out a very soft, “Arrr.”
David chuckled. “My darling boy.” He kissed Robin's hair. “Sweet Robin, I shall have to have a monk's habit and you a suit of Lincoln green.” Robin set the empty glass aside and nuzzled his neck, sending shivers over David. “You were quite the scalawag. Are you feeling well?” He kissed Robin's temple, checking the temperature of his face. He let his lips rest there, taking a fast pulse reading.
“Perfect,” Robin smiled.
Satisfied his lover would live through lunch and maybe even dinner, David cuddled him. “Did I do all right? I must confess, I stopped playing pirates... oh, it must be forty years ago now,”
Robin licked his neck. “You make a lovely captured cabin boy.”
“So, tell me darling, all the wicked things you would set your creaky old cabin boy to doing?” David teased.
Robin got a roguish look. “Some nights I'd tie you to my bed and have you until you couldn't take anymore.”
David agreed. “Until I'd come my balls dry and was begging you to stop. Upon which, you would spank me for my impertinence.”
Robin gave a quiet sigh. “If only I could.”
David stroked his hair. “I know.” Unwilling to let the game end on such a note, he continued the fantasy. “Or how about the night you set me to licking you?” He licked Robin's neck and Robin laughed.
“Could start that now.”
David nibbled his ear. “Mmm, your neck and face, your chest, your cock, your sweet ass.”
“All of me.” Robin made as if to push him down to start the licking.
David moved out of reach. “Yes. But not now. You mustn't overdo. So, we shall have a quiet afternoon and evening to compensate for our eventful morning.”
“How quiet?”
“You will sit on the sofa and tell me delightful stories of your piratical wickedness as I make lunch. Then we shall go out and fish for dinner. After dinner, there will be a movie. And then, we shall go to bed, and I shall have my very placid revenge.”
“Oh... good.” Robin smiled. “I like that plan.”
“Lunch can be either seagull and barnacle puffs or chains and moldy bread, the Captain's choice.”
Robin made a face. “Is there a third choice?”
“Only the cannon balls I was saving for dessert or the slumgullion which I was holding against failure to catch dinner. What will it be, my Captain?”
“I think...McDonalds.”
“Hush. The nearest is in Camdenton and you have exerted yourself quite enough. I say seagull and barnacle puffs.” David got up with a last kiss and took the pre-made creampuffs from the freezer. As they baked, he put together a delicate chicken and mushroom sauce.
Robin pretended to be disgusted at the look of the food. David coaxed him to eat. He took a bite of the puff and kissed Robin, passing it across as he did.
“Good, yes?”
Robin smiled and tucked in. “It's always good. I just wanted you to do that. It's sexy.”
“Brat.” David rolled his eyes.
“Oh come, that's no way to talk to your captain.”
“You'll be dishwasher, second-class if you don't catch anything.”
They finished eating, watching clouds roll in over the lake. David noticed the whitecaps starting out in the middle. By the time he'd washed the dishes, rain was falling in that steady gray way that can run for hours.
Robin went back to sit on the couch and David puttered, checking the picture window over the dining table for air leaks that needed caulking. He found two.
“Cabin boy!” Robin snapped his fingers at David who nearly dropped the caulk gun he was using. “Fetch me rum, boy.” When David took a moment to set down the caulk and put the kettle on, Robin snapped again. “Arr. Haste, lad or I'll think up something hideous to do to your lovely arse. I am Captain Robin Savage, after all.”
David fought not to laugh as the kettle heated. “I hear and obey, Captain,” he said pouring the water over herbal teabags and then bringing one of the mugs to Robin. Regular tea was bad enough and rum was strictly off of Robin's permitted food list.
“Ah, Chinese rum. 'Twill do, 'twill do.” He sipped at the tea. David went back to preparing the cabin for winter by checking the pipe insulation. Thunder rolled overhead, and the rain pounded harder on the patio.
“Are the hatches battened down, boy? Storm's blowing harder.”
“Aye. Shall I lay a fire, Captain?”
”Aye.” Robin sipped his tea and played with the plastic jewelry while David got a small fire going in the natural stone fireplace they'd built by hand, years ago.
He came to stand beside the couch. “What else does my captain require of me?” Robin beckoned him closer and he sat back on the edge of the couch.
“Am I the first captain you've served, lad?”
David laughed softly. “I'm hardly a lad. There's more gray in my hair than yours, Captain. But indeed, you are the first.”
“Ah good. So I get to train you in my ways. Every morning, I want you attending.”
David nodded and slipped off the couch to kneel on the thick carpet and wrap his arms around Robin's waist. “Aye, I am willing. Aiding your dressing and all.”
“And...before the dressing.” David loved the way Robin teased, drawing out the sentence.
He bent to kiss Robin. “Like this, Captain?” he whispered, brushing his lips over Robin's cheek and to his mouth. He lingered there, and Robin took over, making the kiss long enough that David's knees creaked alarmingly before the end.
Robin gave him a pleased smile. “Ah yes. And a bit lower is good, lad.”
David kissed his neck and brushed his shirt open, to lick at his smooth chest and nipples. He climbed back on the sofa and kissed the scar from Robin's surgery. “Of course.”
“Mad John O'Malley, 'twas, that gave me that.”
David looked up, making his eyes big and full of worry, while trying not to laugh. Dr. O'Malley was Robin's cardiologist. “Was it a duel?”
“Nay, a great battle aboard me ship. Mad John thought he could take me and raised a third o' the crew's hand against me. Well, lad, it didn't work fer Satan and it didn't work for Mad John, neither. Me men, the good and true ones, they fought, but Mad John came for me as I knew he would. Oh it were grand, harrying each other up and down the deck, along the ratlines. But my heart was never his prize that day, close though he came.”
David sighed in relief and laid his head on Robin's chest, listening to his heartbeat. “Ah good. For I did intend to make it mine.” He kissed the scar again and rolled onto his belly on the couch before peeling the rest of Robin's shirt open.
He glanced up and saw Robin had folded his arms behind his head and was relaxing, smirking down at him. David opened Robin's tight black pants and kissed the head of his cock.
“That's right,” Robin sighed happily. The soft, happy sounds continued as David sucked him, making it slow and gentle, taking his time to taste and explore. Robin came much more quickly than usual for his second round. He stroked David's hair. “Certain that I'm the first Captain?”
David licked along the length of his cock and gave him an impish grin. “My first Captain, not my first lover. I am not young, Captain Savage. There have been many men, but you are the handsomest.”
Robin caught him by his shirt-front and hauled him up for a kiss. “You know how to keep in your Captain's good graces, then.”
David pecked his cheek and then went to stoke the fire and make more tea. They cuddled, watching the gray rain fall on the dark lake until night fell.
III: Sunday
David woke early and, out of habit, turned on the radio as he made breakfast. Oat and raisin muffins this morning, since Robin wouldn't eat oatmeal more than three times a week. He shook the premixed dry ingredients in their zipper bag, since the flax seed and wheat germ had settled to the bottom, and then dumped them into a bowl.
He watched the sun sparkle on the lake as he stirred and picked out the first red sumacs on the far shore. Next visit, they would have to shelter the Pegasus away for the winter, check the roof and generally finish the other chores for getting the cabin ready. He hoped the first frost would come by then, and the wild persimmons down the slope would be edible.
They'd be down a couple times in the winter. They always spent Christmas here, by themselves, with gifts and a fire.
“One more Christmas,” David whispered, to himself or God or the Dragon, whoever might be listening. “Let a selfish old man keep his beautiful lover for one more Christmas.”
He wasn't entirely aware he was humming along with the men's gospel quartet from Sunrise Beach as he mixed in the milk and eggs, until Robin came out and groaned.
“Sunday already?”
David realized then that the low drone of the news had turned into the Sunday morning service from Church of the Air. He clicked it off. “Sorry, love.”
“It's okay. I didn't know you knew any hymns.” Robin poured himself a glass of juice as David spooned the batter out into the muffin pan.
“I had a proper Lutheran upbringing.” David looked affronted as he popped the muffins into the oven. “I know all the words to every verse of A Mighty Fortress is Our God. Now, you've just time for a shower before they're done.” When Robin opened his mouth, David cut him off. “I've had mine already and we'll burn the muffins if I join you.”
Robin grumbled and ducked in to the bathroom. David began packing while the muffins baked.
Robin came out, wrapped in his bathrobe, and rescued the muffins, which had just browned in preparation to burn.
“Thank you, darling. I got all tangled up in packing.” David came out and took his chair.
“I wish we didn't have to go home and go back to work. I wish we could live down here all the time.” Robin spread the cholesterol-free margarine over the muffin.
“I know.” David kissed him.
“I could be a wicked pirate all the time, and you my devoted cabin boy.”
“My silly darling,” David said, sipping his tea, “we are not twelve any longer.”
“I know. But it's fun to play sometimes.” Robin polished off a third muffin. David was pleased to see the good appetite. “Who wants to be a stuffy old working stiff, when it's so easy to be a pirate?”
David broadened his Missouri no-accent into something appallingly faux British. “Aye, and rope-dancin' outside the gate is how ye'll end, mark me, Cap'n. And me alongside you.”
“Aye, but I lived a good life, mate. And that's all that counts.”
Unnerved by the tack this had taken, David cleared up the breakfast things. He reverted back to his normal tones and said, “We'll come down over Columbus Day weekend and put the Pegasus away. Then we can spend Christmas and New Year's week here.”
Robin nodded. “I'd like that.” He put the margarine away and wiped down the table. “What do you want for Christmas?”
“You,” David said without thinking. He turned, a horrified look on his face.
Robin just grinned at him. “Good thing you already got me because I'm not available in stores.” Robin lifted the food-box to the table. “Are the suitcases done? If we're all packed, we can catch a last swim before we go home.”
David nodded and started emptying the cabinets of the few supplies they'd brought. About an hour and a half later, when all that remained to be done was load the perishables into the cooler and throw it in the truck, they headed for the water, the September sun warm on their skin.
They lapped the cove, from the Sanders to the Ross dock and back to their own. As they climbed out to rest in the sun, Robin leaned over and kissed David. “One last sail of the summer?”
David nodded. “Stay put.” He ran up to the house and grabbed a couple of shirts they left at the lake for this sort of thing. He handed one to Robin and slipped the other on without fastening it.
They pulled away from the dock in the Pegasus, and once out of the cove, David opened the throttle. Robin clung to his seat, laughing as they zipped out through the deeper water, leaving a wide wake.
“My ship, lad, and I'll take the helm,” Robin said, standing up. David relinquished the controls and Robin took them on a whirlwind tour of the surrounding region.
“Careful or we'll end up out at Sunrise Beach or Hurricane Deck,” David laughed.
“Arr, I were trying for Climax Springs, meself,” Robin growled as he shifted the engine down to an idling speed and eased back into the slip on their own covered dock. David moored the boat and checked the plugs and drains.
Robin wobbled down the gangway of the dock imitating a famous movie pirate and David laughed.
“Time to go.” He caught Robin in his arms and they looked at the lake for a long moment.
They finished the loading, locked the cabin and headed home over the rutted dirt lake roads.
David stole a look at Robin, already dozing against the window again, and then one in the mirror at the lake.
“One more Christmas, please,” he whispered, not liking the pallor of Robin's hands. “Just one.”
Robin slept on, leaving little breath prints on the window.
Watch for our forthcoming collection. This will be in there.
Naomi and I hope you enjoy.
Talk Like a Pirate Day
I: Friday
David glanced over at Robin, who dozed against the window of their battered old lake truck. As was his habit, David checked his lover's lip color and his fingernails. All healthy pink, without the cyanotic blue that heralded another heart attack.
Robin said he worried too much. But David knew better. He had nearly lost his lover to a myocardial infarction three years before, when Robin was only thirty-seven. Robin's family all had bad hearts, but David wanted to keep his man as long as possible.
Robin woke up as his head bounced off the window when David hit a rut in the graded, unpaved lake-road. He looked out at the large rocks in the ditch, and at the red earth banks leading up to forest. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Since about Cole Camp. Sorry about the bump.”
“It's all right. I must have needed the nap.” He braced as the truck hit another rut and bounced off a rock. The woods had not yet turned their colors, but only showed the first hints of the fiery oranges and yellows. The sumac burned red amid the fading green.
David glanced over at him again. Robin grinned and patted David's hand. “I'm not dead yet.”
David returned it and said “Of course not. I've been listening to your stomach gurgle from the chili dogs in Windsor. Onions were not the wisest choice, nor was the chocolate malt.”
Robin rolled his eyes. “I know, I know. It's veggies all week. I'll be good. But it was worth it. Their drive-in still makes the best chili dogs this side of the Varsity.”
“You say that every time we stop there. Perhaps not vegetables all week,” David relented. “I was hoping for some nice fresh bluegill or bass this weekend.” The lake was always well stocked. “Fish is good for you.”
“Yum. And nice long walks in the woods to get my exercise in.”
“Of course. No spelunking though.”
Robin made a face. “All right, only into the outer chamber of that cave up behind the cabin. Do we have to put the boat away for winter yet?”
“Not yet. Next month.” David smiled. “I would love to take you out on the Dragon, in the sunset, with the trees all at their peak color.”
Robin laughed softly. “Just like we do every fall. But the Dragon? The boat's called Pegasus.”
“It was an ad campaign years ago, before I met you. They call the lake the Magic Dragon. It didn't fly because Missouri is too full of folks who think dragons are evil and not enticing. I was thinking of it as you slept.”
“And why be it called the Magic Dragon? A sea monster be dwellin' within?” Robin, fully awake, was exhibiting his usual playfulness and demonstrating an execrable sea-dog vocabulary. David was constantly amazed that a man with a twelve-prescription life and a job as a maintenance supervisor was so perpetually cheerful and boyish.
“The shape of it. Look on the map.”
Robin traced the shape of the lake on the map, looking disappointed. “I was hoping for the monster.”
“I'm sure you're monster enough, at least to infest our small cove.”
“Oh, aye. I'm monster enough for you. Yarr.” Robin grinned again, his dark eyes flashing above high cheekbones. “You know tomorrow is Talk Like a Pirate Day.”
David dodged a large rock that was half-blocking his lane. “Yo-ho-ho,” he said sarcastically.
“So, are you going to board the Pegasus, take me hostage, haul me back to your hidden cave and have your wicked, rum-soaked, sodomitic, lash-ridden way with me?” His brown eyes twinkled and he winked.
“If you're willing to be plundered there'll be no need for lashes.” Robin's voice was already broadening out to something that was a bizarre cross between every bad pirate accent and every bad London accent David had ever heard.
David shot him a pout. “Not even a few? Not even to one who likes a bit of warmth on the backside before the warmth of contact?”
“I'm not a cruel captain. I'd be usin' a hand or paddle for that sweet arse, not a lash.”
David was already getting hard just from the tease. He turned onto the back road that led to the cabin. “And for what sort of infraction might I get such?” He saw Robin glance at his crotch and smile.
“Failin' to hand over your purse and the key to your treasure chest, of course.” Robin stroked his thin mustache.
David laughed as he parked the truck near the cabin. He leaned across the seat. “As I have no key, and my purse is flat...”
Robin nibbled at his lip. “I'll not be leavin' without satisfaction.”
David kissed him, lingering as he had longed to do for hours since leaving Windsor, even with the onions. Watching Robin eat the chili dog had been pure torture--his firm lips closing around the bun and meat in a near-parody of a perfect blow-job-- and now David was hard again from his lover's teasing.
“Let's get unloaded and then we can take it to the water tomorrow, Captain.”
Robin climbed out of the truck and picked up the suitcases, leaving the heavier food box for David. He unlocked the sliding glass doors of the cabin and opened them. David staggered past him with the wooden box that protected their groceries in the open truck bed.
David put the refrigerated things away, and Robin set the clothes in the bedroom. He snuck up behind David, and wrapped his arms around David's waist.
“I love you.”
David smiled. “And you know I never tire of hearing that.” He looked out. “You know, we have just time for a sunset cruise before unpacking.”
“Or we could save the boat and go for a sunset swim,” Robin suggested.
David smiled. Robin had learned to swim in PT after his heart attack, and preferred it to most other types of exercise. “Our trunks are in the bottom drawer as always.” He scooted the box under the counter and went for the bureau.
Robin got there first and dangled his trunks just out of reach, as he unbuttoned his shirt. David decided to fight dirty. He leaned in and licked Robin's nipples, brown on the smooth chest.
Robin shivered. He had very sensitive nipples and David never hesitated to press his advantage. David closed his teeth, just enough that Robin would feel them threatening the tender tip.
“Take it then, old man,” Robin flounced, giving his best snarky-queen-in-high-dudgeon act as he flung the swim trunks at David with a gratuitous flick of his wrist. He stripped out of his clothes and was into the skimpy yellow suit with obscene looking cherries all over it before David finished getting out of his sneakers. “Race you to the water.”
David stripped faster and chased Robin to the shore, laughing. He caught his lover in the knee-deep water not far from the dock. Robin rewarded him with a kiss, and David took seconds.
“You keep me young,” he sighed, holding Robin close and getting them into chest deep-water. He stroked the erection he could feel in the ridiculous cherry trunks. He fished his own cock out and pressed them together.
Robin said nothing, just fastened his mouth on David's and let his lover stroke them as the sunset turned the water golden and pink and purple and then black. The stars came out and they still bobbed, not swimming, just holding together near the dock. David felt Robin shiver as the water cooled.
“Back inside and let's have a snack and bed. There will be plenty of time to play tomorrow and Sunday.”
Robin nodded and David led him back up to the house, both of them bundled in one large beach towel.
II: Saturday
David put the oatmeal on the table, watching the sun rise over the lake. Robin would sleep for another hour, if left to himself and then grumble about sleeping the day away. He went into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over to kiss Robin.
“Rise and shine, Captain. Your breakfast be ready.”
“Aye,” Robin grumbled. He opened one eye and staggered into the kitchen before flopping into the chair. He dumped half a cup of skim milk over the oatmeal and growled when he hit a walnut on the first bite. “Just isn't the same without cream.”
David sprinkled two teaspoons of non-dairy creamer over Robin's oatmeal and settled in for his own bowl. “I thought we might get some fishing in the morning. And then I'll take the Pegasus out this afternoon, since stowing away would be much easier in the cruiser than the rowboat.”
Robin looked up from the oatmeal, very puzzled. David caught the look.
“Or did we intend to start with me already your prisoner and depart from the front porch for the cave? I thought that would be a bit anti-climactic.”
“Should be plenty climactic,” Robin grinned as he spooned up the last bite. “I just didn't think much about it. Stowing away it is.” He leaned over for an unpirate-like kiss.
“Ah darling. You tempt me to play now and fish for dinner this evening.” David made a fast decision. “Shall we take it to the waters, captain?”
“Aye.” Robin went into the bedroom and came out wearing what he could put together, a tight pair of black jeans, a loose black shirt left open and wrapped, and a piece of cloth--that looked suspiciously like Robin's least favorite sheet--tied as a sash and headscarf. David was surprised by the cuffed sea boots. No wonder the suitcases had been heavy. “I planned ahead, just a little.” He jangled his necklaces with a be-ringed hand. David smiled, recognizing several items from the bubble-gum machine at the grocery store.
Robin stole a kiss and headed for the boat. David cleared away the breakfast things, went to the bedroom for a minute. Robin had laid out a loose black shirt and tight black jeans for him. A pair of boots sat beside the bed. He'd used to wear them to kink clubs before Robin had gotten sick, but hadn't seen them in years. Robin had really planned ahead and dug a lot. A scrawled note read, “Look good enough to be plundered.”
David laughed and changed clothes, giving Robin time to hide properly. Once dressed, he strode down to the dock and cast off the little cabin cruiser from its moorings. He checked the life-jackets and first-aid kit, then putted out into the Lake.
About ten minutes later, he felt a poke in the small of his back. Plastic, pointy... David grinned. A toy sword. He cut the engine and raised his hands.
“Your purse and your treasure, mate, and I'll not harm ye,” Robin growled in his ear.
“My treasure is ashore, and my purse is quite flat,” David responded.
“Ashore? How far of a sail?” Robin's breath was hot on his neck and David was aroused already.
“Not,” he gasped, “not far.”
“Set course.” Robin jabbed him lightly with the plastic sword again. David flinched as drew in a sharp breath.
“Aye, Captain. Just don't hurt me. I'm an old man but I like living.”
“You have me word.”
David turned the engine back on and headed back to the dock at a sedate ten miles per hour. He was quite hard, and used the console to conceal this as he pretended to tremble in fear. He smiled faintly, anticipating the next move in this bit of play.
When they drew near the dock, he turned off the engine and used the paddle to maneuver them in closer. He hopped out and tied the boat off to its mooring place. He rose and looked for Robin. Not seeing him, David stood up and turned toward the cabin.
“You wouldn't be thinkin' of leaving me so soon, now,” Robin drawled in his ear, pressing a toy flintlock to the base of his skull with his left hand while the right held the sword in David's back.
“Never.” David let Robin march him up the dock, across the yard and along the path behind the cabin. He kept his hands raised and well apart. He could only imagine what the Ladds and Sanders would be telling each other over dinner. He led the way into the dry cave in the hillside behind the house.
Years ago, he'd gone to some small trouble and expense to have the cave cleared out and cleaned up. Now it was a favorite hide-away. There were days when he hid out up here, unable to deal with Robin's illness or his own responsibility. It seemed an hour of lying on the well-scoured stone shelf grounded him and left him better able to cope.
“Where's the treasure?” Robin demanded.
“I lied to save my skin,” David confessed.
Robin sauntered around in front of him and gave his best menacing look, a dark glower that made David's stomach flip and his balls ache. “And why do you think it's saved now?”
David shrugged. “At least I won't be keelhauled.”
“I won't leave without satisfaction.”
David shivered as Robin ran the point of the sword down his chest. “I have nothing, my lord,” he pleaded, trying to sound frightened.
“Your clothes.” Robin emphasized this by catching the sleeve of David's shirt with the sword-point. “Remove them.”
David stripped very slowly, with a great show of reluctance. When he got his pants off there was no way to hide that he was very hard and starting to leak a little, the clear droplets welling up and slipping under the retracted foreskin and down the length of his cock. He caught Robin eying him and the tip of Robin's tongue poking out to moisten his lips, and smiled privately.
Robin folded the clothes and moved them out of his reach. “They're good cloth. They will last me for a few seasons. But I'm still not satisfied.”
David tried to look frightened. “I have nothing else.”
In answer, Robin unzipped his fly and David caught a glimpse of skin. He went to his knees, carefully, and breathed into the gap, then inhaled, taking in the clean smell that was purely Robin. “Shall I satisfy you so?”
Robin rubbed the barrel of the toy flintlock down down his cheek, coming to rest just under his jaw. “You'd better, mate.”
David slipped his tongue into Robin's pants and curled it around his cock, teasing him out of his pants by slow degrees. He heard Robin's breathing quicken and stole a surreptitious glance at Robin's fingernails. All pink and all right. He licked Robin's cock slowly, teasing a while before taking him in.
“Be really good and I won't take you back and keelhaul you still.” After a minute or so of David making it slow and wet with plenty of tongue and suction, Robin nudged him with the toy gun.
“Turn around.”
David turned and waited, still on his knees. He heard the lube cap pop open—Robin must have stuffed it in a pocket--and then Robin's fingers being sloppy. They had forgone condoms six years ago, after being monogamous for years. The slurpy, gooshy sounds of the lubricant turned him on more, as did Robin's fingers wiping the extra lube along the crack of his ass and then shoving him down onto his hands as well as his knees.
He felt Robin go to his knees and then gasped when Robin pushed in, a little roughly.
“Please, don't hurt me,” David begged, although Robin was nowhere near his pain threshold.
“And why not? You deserve it,” Robin sneered. He emphasized it with a harder thrust, and David moaned as his cock rubbed deep against David's prostate.
“Yes, for being a wanton old liar with no honor,” he suggested.
Robin swatted his bottom. “No honor now. Nothing but a port whore.”
David shoved back a little harder, since Robin was moving almost fast enough now. Robin took that cue and pounded him hard. David moaned under the treatment, coming with a small cry onto the sandy floor of the cave. Robin came not long after and pulled out.
He sounded a little breathless as he added, “And I'll take your ship.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
“I'll leave you here, naked. And throw your pistol with one shot out to you as I sail off,” Robin threatened.
David straightened up. “That's a bit harsh, don't you think? Perhaps I could persuade you to take me along?”
Robin was dressing and shook out the billowy sleeves of his shirt. He breathed on one skull ring, then polished it on the opposite sleeve as if he weren't listening. “How are you going to do that?” he finally asked.
“Mmmm.” David, still naked, came to him and licked his neck seductively before whispering,
“By promising to suck you awake every morning, by offering to let you fuck me before sleep every night.” He licked Robin again, and saw a light shudder of arousal. “And by applying my tongue all over your body.”
Robin gave a wicked chuckle. “A cabin boy?”
David rolled his eyes. “Please, I'm far too old to be a boy. Call me a look-out or a cook.”
Robin laughed and seized David's hair. “No. You'll be my boy. The crew will know.” He kissed David's mouth and bit at his throat.
David pretended to think. “And would they be having a go at me as well?” He put plenty of mock-trepidation into his voice.
Robin shook his head and gathered David's clothes. “No. My boy. My cabin.”
David nodded agreement. “All right. Anything you say, Captain.” He took his clothes when
Robin offered them, only to hesitate. “You could march me aboard naked, and reinforce that status.”
Robin laughed again. “If they saw that cock, they'd mutiny and then they'd be drawing lots to see who gets it.” He kissed David. “My boy.”
David dressed and then offered his hands to be bound. Robin cast about looking for a rope, and finally took off his waist sash, using that to bind them, since he'd clearly forgotten the rope.
David followed the gentle tugs on the sash, but leaned toward the cabin. Robin took the cue and
led them there. He followed, watching Robin for any signs of fatigue.
Once inside, David escaped the knots to kiss Robin sweetly. “I do so enjoy you.” He grasped Robin's hands and checked them for coolness. “Sit down now, darling one.”
Robin sat on the couch, grinning at the attention. David brought him a glass of water and loosened his shirt. He joined Robin on the couch, sliding a protective arm around him.
Robin kissed David's cheek and let out a very soft, “Arrr.”
David chuckled. “My darling boy.” He kissed Robin's hair. “Sweet Robin, I shall have to have a monk's habit and you a suit of Lincoln green.” Robin set the empty glass aside and nuzzled his neck, sending shivers over David. “You were quite the scalawag. Are you feeling well?” He kissed Robin's temple, checking the temperature of his face. He let his lips rest there, taking a fast pulse reading.
“Perfect,” Robin smiled.
Satisfied his lover would live through lunch and maybe even dinner, David cuddled him. “Did I do all right? I must confess, I stopped playing pirates... oh, it must be forty years ago now,”
Robin licked his neck. “You make a lovely captured cabin boy.”
“So, tell me darling, all the wicked things you would set your creaky old cabin boy to doing?” David teased.
Robin got a roguish look. “Some nights I'd tie you to my bed and have you until you couldn't take anymore.”
David agreed. “Until I'd come my balls dry and was begging you to stop. Upon which, you would spank me for my impertinence.”
Robin gave a quiet sigh. “If only I could.”
David stroked his hair. “I know.” Unwilling to let the game end on such a note, he continued the fantasy. “Or how about the night you set me to licking you?” He licked Robin's neck and Robin laughed.
“Could start that now.”
David nibbled his ear. “Mmm, your neck and face, your chest, your cock, your sweet ass.”
“All of me.” Robin made as if to push him down to start the licking.
David moved out of reach. “Yes. But not now. You mustn't overdo. So, we shall have a quiet afternoon and evening to compensate for our eventful morning.”
“How quiet?”
“You will sit on the sofa and tell me delightful stories of your piratical wickedness as I make lunch. Then we shall go out and fish for dinner. After dinner, there will be a movie. And then, we shall go to bed, and I shall have my very placid revenge.”
“Oh... good.” Robin smiled. “I like that plan.”
“Lunch can be either seagull and barnacle puffs or chains and moldy bread, the Captain's choice.”
Robin made a face. “Is there a third choice?”
“Only the cannon balls I was saving for dessert or the slumgullion which I was holding against failure to catch dinner. What will it be, my Captain?”
“I think...McDonalds.”
“Hush. The nearest is in Camdenton and you have exerted yourself quite enough. I say seagull and barnacle puffs.” David got up with a last kiss and took the pre-made creampuffs from the freezer. As they baked, he put together a delicate chicken and mushroom sauce.
Robin pretended to be disgusted at the look of the food. David coaxed him to eat. He took a bite of the puff and kissed Robin, passing it across as he did.
“Good, yes?”
Robin smiled and tucked in. “It's always good. I just wanted you to do that. It's sexy.”
“Brat.” David rolled his eyes.
“Oh come, that's no way to talk to your captain.”
“You'll be dishwasher, second-class if you don't catch anything.”
They finished eating, watching clouds roll in over the lake. David noticed the whitecaps starting out in the middle. By the time he'd washed the dishes, rain was falling in that steady gray way that can run for hours.
Robin went back to sit on the couch and David puttered, checking the picture window over the dining table for air leaks that needed caulking. He found two.
“Cabin boy!” Robin snapped his fingers at David who nearly dropped the caulk gun he was using. “Fetch me rum, boy.” When David took a moment to set down the caulk and put the kettle on, Robin snapped again. “Arr. Haste, lad or I'll think up something hideous to do to your lovely arse. I am Captain Robin Savage, after all.”
David fought not to laugh as the kettle heated. “I hear and obey, Captain,” he said pouring the water over herbal teabags and then bringing one of the mugs to Robin. Regular tea was bad enough and rum was strictly off of Robin's permitted food list.
“Ah, Chinese rum. 'Twill do, 'twill do.” He sipped at the tea. David went back to preparing the cabin for winter by checking the pipe insulation. Thunder rolled overhead, and the rain pounded harder on the patio.
“Are the hatches battened down, boy? Storm's blowing harder.”
“Aye. Shall I lay a fire, Captain?”
”Aye.” Robin sipped his tea and played with the plastic jewelry while David got a small fire going in the natural stone fireplace they'd built by hand, years ago.
He came to stand beside the couch. “What else does my captain require of me?” Robin beckoned him closer and he sat back on the edge of the couch.
“Am I the first captain you've served, lad?”
David laughed softly. “I'm hardly a lad. There's more gray in my hair than yours, Captain. But indeed, you are the first.”
“Ah good. So I get to train you in my ways. Every morning, I want you attending.”
David nodded and slipped off the couch to kneel on the thick carpet and wrap his arms around Robin's waist. “Aye, I am willing. Aiding your dressing and all.”
“And...before the dressing.” David loved the way Robin teased, drawing out the sentence.
He bent to kiss Robin. “Like this, Captain?” he whispered, brushing his lips over Robin's cheek and to his mouth. He lingered there, and Robin took over, making the kiss long enough that David's knees creaked alarmingly before the end.
Robin gave him a pleased smile. “Ah yes. And a bit lower is good, lad.”
David kissed his neck and brushed his shirt open, to lick at his smooth chest and nipples. He climbed back on the sofa and kissed the scar from Robin's surgery. “Of course.”
“Mad John O'Malley, 'twas, that gave me that.”
David looked up, making his eyes big and full of worry, while trying not to laugh. Dr. O'Malley was Robin's cardiologist. “Was it a duel?”
“Nay, a great battle aboard me ship. Mad John thought he could take me and raised a third o' the crew's hand against me. Well, lad, it didn't work fer Satan and it didn't work for Mad John, neither. Me men, the good and true ones, they fought, but Mad John came for me as I knew he would. Oh it were grand, harrying each other up and down the deck, along the ratlines. But my heart was never his prize that day, close though he came.”
David sighed in relief and laid his head on Robin's chest, listening to his heartbeat. “Ah good. For I did intend to make it mine.” He kissed the scar again and rolled onto his belly on the couch before peeling the rest of Robin's shirt open.
He glanced up and saw Robin had folded his arms behind his head and was relaxing, smirking down at him. David opened Robin's tight black pants and kissed the head of his cock.
“That's right,” Robin sighed happily. The soft, happy sounds continued as David sucked him, making it slow and gentle, taking his time to taste and explore. Robin came much more quickly than usual for his second round. He stroked David's hair. “Certain that I'm the first Captain?”
David licked along the length of his cock and gave him an impish grin. “My first Captain, not my first lover. I am not young, Captain Savage. There have been many men, but you are the handsomest.”
Robin caught him by his shirt-front and hauled him up for a kiss. “You know how to keep in your Captain's good graces, then.”
David pecked his cheek and then went to stoke the fire and make more tea. They cuddled, watching the gray rain fall on the dark lake until night fell.
III: Sunday
David woke early and, out of habit, turned on the radio as he made breakfast. Oat and raisin muffins this morning, since Robin wouldn't eat oatmeal more than three times a week. He shook the premixed dry ingredients in their zipper bag, since the flax seed and wheat germ had settled to the bottom, and then dumped them into a bowl.
He watched the sun sparkle on the lake as he stirred and picked out the first red sumacs on the far shore. Next visit, they would have to shelter the Pegasus away for the winter, check the roof and generally finish the other chores for getting the cabin ready. He hoped the first frost would come by then, and the wild persimmons down the slope would be edible.
They'd be down a couple times in the winter. They always spent Christmas here, by themselves, with gifts and a fire.
“One more Christmas,” David whispered, to himself or God or the Dragon, whoever might be listening. “Let a selfish old man keep his beautiful lover for one more Christmas.”
He wasn't entirely aware he was humming along with the men's gospel quartet from Sunrise Beach as he mixed in the milk and eggs, until Robin came out and groaned.
“Sunday already?”
David realized then that the low drone of the news had turned into the Sunday morning service from Church of the Air. He clicked it off. “Sorry, love.”
“It's okay. I didn't know you knew any hymns.” Robin poured himself a glass of juice as David spooned the batter out into the muffin pan.
“I had a proper Lutheran upbringing.” David looked affronted as he popped the muffins into the oven. “I know all the words to every verse of A Mighty Fortress is Our God. Now, you've just time for a shower before they're done.” When Robin opened his mouth, David cut him off. “I've had mine already and we'll burn the muffins if I join you.”
Robin grumbled and ducked in to the bathroom. David began packing while the muffins baked.
Robin came out, wrapped in his bathrobe, and rescued the muffins, which had just browned in preparation to burn.
“Thank you, darling. I got all tangled up in packing.” David came out and took his chair.
“I wish we didn't have to go home and go back to work. I wish we could live down here all the time.” Robin spread the cholesterol-free margarine over the muffin.
“I know.” David kissed him.
“I could be a wicked pirate all the time, and you my devoted cabin boy.”
“My silly darling,” David said, sipping his tea, “we are not twelve any longer.”
“I know. But it's fun to play sometimes.” Robin polished off a third muffin. David was pleased to see the good appetite. “Who wants to be a stuffy old working stiff, when it's so easy to be a pirate?”
David broadened his Missouri no-accent into something appallingly faux British. “Aye, and rope-dancin' outside the gate is how ye'll end, mark me, Cap'n. And me alongside you.”
“Aye, but I lived a good life, mate. And that's all that counts.”
Unnerved by the tack this had taken, David cleared up the breakfast things. He reverted back to his normal tones and said, “We'll come down over Columbus Day weekend and put the Pegasus away. Then we can spend Christmas and New Year's week here.”
Robin nodded. “I'd like that.” He put the margarine away and wiped down the table. “What do you want for Christmas?”
“You,” David said without thinking. He turned, a horrified look on his face.
Robin just grinned at him. “Good thing you already got me because I'm not available in stores.” Robin lifted the food-box to the table. “Are the suitcases done? If we're all packed, we can catch a last swim before we go home.”
David nodded and started emptying the cabinets of the few supplies they'd brought. About an hour and a half later, when all that remained to be done was load the perishables into the cooler and throw it in the truck, they headed for the water, the September sun warm on their skin.
They lapped the cove, from the Sanders to the Ross dock and back to their own. As they climbed out to rest in the sun, Robin leaned over and kissed David. “One last sail of the summer?”
David nodded. “Stay put.” He ran up to the house and grabbed a couple of shirts they left at the lake for this sort of thing. He handed one to Robin and slipped the other on without fastening it.
They pulled away from the dock in the Pegasus, and once out of the cove, David opened the throttle. Robin clung to his seat, laughing as they zipped out through the deeper water, leaving a wide wake.
“My ship, lad, and I'll take the helm,” Robin said, standing up. David relinquished the controls and Robin took them on a whirlwind tour of the surrounding region.
“Careful or we'll end up out at Sunrise Beach or Hurricane Deck,” David laughed.
“Arr, I were trying for Climax Springs, meself,” Robin growled as he shifted the engine down to an idling speed and eased back into the slip on their own covered dock. David moored the boat and checked the plugs and drains.
Robin wobbled down the gangway of the dock imitating a famous movie pirate and David laughed.
“Time to go.” He caught Robin in his arms and they looked at the lake for a long moment.
They finished the loading, locked the cabin and headed home over the rutted dirt lake roads.
David stole a look at Robin, already dozing against the window again, and then one in the mirror at the lake.
“One more Christmas, please,” he whispered, not liking the pallor of Robin's hands. “Just one.”
Robin slept on, leaving little breath prints on the window.
Watch for our forthcoming collection. This will be in there.
