Outing [1]

::OUTING::

Chapter 1

Present Time

Gabriel’s POV

A breeze from the open window tugs at the curtain. The movement catches my eye and I watch the material swells and get caught on the frame of a picture of us taken during our first trip to Santo Domingo. I swear that it looks like it was yesterday. Time flies when you’re happy.

I look back at my sleeping lover and, carefully, I slip from between the silk sheets that my mom in law gave us the last Christmas. I wonder if she can ever imagine the pleasure we’ve been finding in them. The thought makes me grin. Knowing Delora, she probably has a half a dozen sets herself and is well aware what a turn on they are.

I get out of bed, stretching, lazy and naked. The wind blows again through the window and the drape shakes, rattling the frame of the picture. I go to the wall and carefully untangle the curtain. After a moment of consideration, I remove the picture from the nail, placing it carefully on the dresser. Some memories are so important that extra precautions are never enough.

“You’re wearing my favorite outfit.” Vin’s voice sounds a bit hoarser than usual as he looks at me.

I smile, feeling my cheeks heating up. I still can’t believe how he manages to make me blush with just one line.

He grins sleepily, patting the covers invitingly. “Come back to bed.”

Tempting, very tempting, but if I come anywhere close to him I know we won’t get out of our bed anytime soon. Don’t get me wrong, any other day I wouldn’t mind, but not today. Today is my big day.

“It’s almost nine, and we still have to take care of at least a dozen of things before midday.”

“You’re such a party pooper, you know that?” He growls and rolls over on his side, grumbling something unintelligible.

I roll my eyes, but I know what’s coming. Negotiating. With Vin almost everything is about negotiations. “How about this? I’ll take my shower first and then it’s your turn, okay?”

“Fine. Whatever,” he grumbles rather curtly and I sigh; he’s not too much of a morning person.

Before I head to the bathroom I glance at him, out of the corner of my eye and I see Vin grabbing my pillow, burying his face in it and breathing deeply in my scent. A wave of tenderness washes over me and it leaves me breathless. “I love you…”

Startled, Vin lifts his head, meeting my gaze. Vulnerable and open, he locks eyes with me and I grin knowingly. He thought I hadn’t seen him, but I did; I wouldn’t miss it either. These little gestures mean everything to me because it’s through them that Vin shows me how much he loves me.

“Come over here.” He stretches out his hand and when I take it, he tugs hard enough so I end up draped across his chest. Then Vin cups my face in his hands, his thumbs stroking my cheeks, tracing gentle patterns. “Are you happy, Gabe?”

His eyes flicker to mine. “You know I am.” My voice sounds merely above a whisper, but without trace of hesitation. “I’m happier than I thought possible.”

This has become some sort of ritual. Each morning Vin asks me this very same question and I always offer him the same answer. In his heart he knows it’s true but such a fact doesn’t stop him from repeating the question every day. I guess he just needs me to say it aloud.

“How about you? Do you regret-?”

His face hardens for a second. “No, I don’t.” He puts as much reassurance as he can, so I hold no doubts. Then tangles one hand in my hair, bringing me even closer to him. “I love you, Gabe.” He brushes his lips across mine and I smile widely. I guess that just like Vin, I also need to hear him saying that aloud.

We’ve been together for almost six years now, and the day-to-day grind has inevitably taken its toll on us, as it does on all couples. It hasn’t been easy for any of us, but still, I keep thinking that it has been harder for him.

Vin saw his life turned upside down from one day to the next. He lost things that were important for him, such as the respect of one huge sector of the show business; people with a lot of power that turned their backs on him and only because he chose to be honest not only with himself but also with everyone else.

Many future projects vanished as if made of smoke and we both were powerless witness of how Vin’s career, slow but leisurely, went up the creek in a matter of months. He had to reinvent himself, starting from point zero and was forced to renounce to stand in front of a camera, and the money that came with it, in favour of focusing on directing independent movies with a ridiculous budget and an unknown cast, so we could pay the many debts that had mounted up in a really short period of time.

Of course, he says that all those changes in his life were for the better and that if he could go back in time, then he would do it again, without a second thought. However, Vin also says that he would change one thing only; he wouldn’t hurt me at all.

It seems impossible to me now that I ever doubted this man I love so much it hurts. But it’s true. And to think that there was a time when I almost didn’t even let him to introduce himself…

————

Past (Six years before)

Vin’s POV

“Can you tell me again why the hell we have to assist this damned party?”

I swear that if it wasn’t that this skinny brat puts up with my shit like nobody’s business, I’d have dumped him weeks ago. The fact that he gives head like no one I’ve met before makes up for his rude manners, but his shitty attitude is starting to get on my damn nerves. He doesn’t even bother to hide his disappointment and keeps sulking openly. He better knock it off already or we’re gonna have a major fight. And I’m not in the mood.

“Cause it’s Gordon’s birthday party and I promised him I’d be here tonight.”

I don’t even look back to check if he’s following me as I make my way to the entrance of the house. If he knows better he’ll do, and I don’t give a fuck if he can’t stand my childhood friends, or if we didn’t share a lot of moments of real intimacy lately. In this relationship, or whatever we have, it’s my way or highway.

“Vin!”

Gordon throws himself into my waiting open arms, planting two loud kisses on my cheeks. He’s such a sweetheart, so loving and caring.

“I was starting to think that you wouldn’t show up.”

Yeah, like I would do that to him. “I said that I’d come and here I am,” I hug him tightly, knowing in my heart that if I wouldn’t show up, Gordon would forgive me, but I would hurt him, a lot.

“Oh, hi, Karim.” Gordon lets go of me to shake hands with him, smiling politely. “How are you doing, boy?”

“Fine. Happy birthday.” Karim’s flat tone of voice doesn’t go unnoticed on me or on anyone else, but Gordon chooses to ignore it. Ever the polite gentleman.

“Happy birthday, shorty,” I hand Gordon his birthday present, shooting a warning glare at Karim. If he dares to spoil Gordon’s birthday party we’re gonna have some not-so-nice words.

Gordon’s blushes, nervously shifting from one foot to the other. He looks like a little kid on Christmas day. “Aw, you didn’t have to.”

Yeah, I know. “You don’t want it? Say so.” I reach out, making an attempt to take the small box back and Gordon squeals, grabbing his present for dear life. Gotcha!

“What did you buy me?” As he asks, Gordon shakes the box wrapped with dark blue cellophane paper and a huge white lace, trying to find what I got for him without opening it.

“Why don’t you open it instead of keep shaking it, shorty?” I roll my eyes, overacting, as though it annoys me but my lips spread in a huge grin. I know he’ll love it. “It’s our present for you, Karim’s and mine.” I clarified but I know I’m not fooling anyone, least of all Gordon. “Hey, Morales!” I reach around Gordon to shake hands with Val as soon as I see him.

“Hi bro,” he taps my shoulder and then offers his hand to Karim. “Karim.”

“Hi.” It’s the dry reply Val gets in return along with a forced smile and, once more I glare hard at Karim. He better behave tonight.

I’ve been shooting a movie in Australia and I’ve missed the hell out of my friends. All I want is to have the chance to spend time with them without worrying about cameras or a crowd of fans around. I just want to relax and be myself for a few hours.

Unceremoniously, Gordon tears the cellophane apart along with the white lace and gasps aloud as his eyes grow impossibly huge when he opens the black box.

“OhmyGod! OhmyGod! You bought me a Rolex!!” Gordon squeals, bouncing up and down. “You bought me a fucking white gold Rolex!! With diamonds and all!!” he’s giving me a disbelieving look, as though he’s daydreaming or something.

I meet Val’s gaze over Gordon’s shoulder and we both grin at once. Yeah, I scored with our friend’s gift.

“Look! He bought me a Rolex!” Gordon practically shoves his hand against Karim’s stony face and I have to look down to hide the smirk.

Gordon’s a gentleman, polite, caring and loving, but such a twisted queer when he feels in the mood. I bet he figured out that Karim didn’t put one single dollar to pay for his gift. In fact, Karim was complaining about it not being necessary to spend such an indecent amount of money on a gift and for Gordon of all people. I’m almost sure that if I would have entrusted Karim to buy Gordon’s gift that skinny brat would have gotten a lollipop, already sucked and licked.

But I owe Gordon a lot; after all I spent several months sleeping on his couch because I didn’t have any money left, not even to buy food. So, yeah, I bought a fucking Rolex for him; it was the least I could do.

“Oh, God! Did I say how much I love you?” Gordon’s eyes are sparkling with unshed tears and I feel my chest tightens, overwhelmed with his sincere reaction.

However, Karim snorts and rolls his eyes. I swear I’m starting to be fed up with this kid’s bullshit. He himself has two Rolexes but that’s not an excuse. To Karim it’s just a watch, but to Gordon it’s a dream coming true.

I glare at him, not bothering to mask the fact that I’m getting mad. I guess Karim gets the message because next thing he’s saying he needs a drink and slips past the three of us, heading directly to the bar.

Gordon grabs my shaved head and, tilting it down, he plants a loud kiss on the top, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“I take it you like it,” I grin.

“Like it? Like it?” Gordon blinks, a huge goofy grin plastered on his glossy lips. “I love it!!!” he squeals, looking happier than I saw him in a long time

“Told you he was going to like it.” Val smirks watching Gordon bouncing around, going from one group of people to the next one showing his indecently expensive gift.

“No, he loves it,” I correct Val and we both laugh hard at that.

“So what’s with Karim?” Val frowns, watching Karim gulping half a beer in one long pull, looking around with a disgusted face.

I shrug my shoulders. “Must be that time of the month.” My joke causes Val to snort, shaking his head. Yeah, I have such a sick sense of humor some days. “Let’s have a beer.” I tapped Val’s shoulder and with that we both head directly to the bar placed close to the swimming pool.

“Is everything okay with you two?” Val asks me and he sounds genuinely concerned. He doesn’t like Karim too much, but he likes to see me happy.

“Yeah, why?” I blink, playing dumbass. That Karim and I aren’t okay is pretty clear for everyone to see, well, at least for anyone that actually cares, anyway.

“I don’t want you having to spend the night on the couch, bro.” Val teases me, glancing at me from the corner of his eyes.

In response I snort out loud. Last time I spent a night on a couch was when I was broke and living with Val and Gordon. Back then they were the ones paying my bills. They had been sure that I would end up making it big.

“He’ll get over it.” I reply a bit absentmindedly as I look around. I know most people that came to Gordon’s party but there are some new faces too.

———-

Gabriel’s POV

I look around, sipping from my cocktail and wondering what am I doing here. I just met Gordon a couple of months ago at the gym and, even though it was by sheer chance, we’ve become kind of friends.

I can’t afford that gym but one of the owners leaves me train there for free. He thinks that someone like me not only attracts clientele, but also gives the patrons hopes, thinking that if they train hard enough, they may end up looking the way I do. I don’t agree with him, but it’s not like I’m going to voice aloud my thoughts. Not when the place is one the most exclusive, well-equipped gyms across the city of LA.

And that’s the thing. I can’t help it, but looking at the other guests I feel out of place. It’s not because people aren’t cool, it’s just that I keep thinking that I don’t belong here. Most of them, if not all, are dressed casual but, just a glance at them, and I know that their clothes are indecently expensive. Mine are casual too, but came from a second hand shop and not from an exclusive boutique.

I’m broke and Gordon knows it, but such a fact didn’t stop him from inviting me to come to his birthday party. He’s such a sweetheart, always wanting to make people happier and so that’s the reason why I just couldn’t decline his kind invitation. Still, here I am, doing my best to come up with an excuse to leave the party without hurting his feelings.

“Look!” Gordon shows up out of nowhere, standing in front of me and I blink a bit startled. I’ve been so lost on my thoughts that I didn’t even see him approaching me. Then I see what he’s so excited about.

“Wow, is that a Rolex?” I grin, admiring his brand new watch but also because he looks like a little kid on Christmas Day.

“Yep.” Gordon bounces slightly, turning his wrist to both sides so I have a better look. “Vin gave it to me. Isn’t it wonderful?” His eyes are sparkling like stars and his huge grin is contagious.

“Yeah, it is.” I grin widely. Gordon looks so happy that is impossible to miss and it makes me happy to see him that way.

“Your present is wonderful too.” He hastens quickly, not wanting to devalue my present and we both look at my picture, already hung upon his fireplace.

Yeah, sure, like one of my drawings can compete with a Rolex. “I’m glad you liked it, Gordon.” I do my best to hide my all of sudden self-deprecating smile but I know I’m not doing a very good job here.

“It is, Gabriel.” He squeezes my arm affectionately and his smile softens. “When you finally have the recognition you deserve, it will cost a fortune.” His voice sounds firm, as though he does believe it. “I’ll be the owner of an original Gabriel Montes’ painting.”

I guess that if I have success as painter then my drawings could be more valuable than a Rolex, but until then they are just wet paper. Still, I blush at his compliment because I have no doubt that it comes from the bottom of his heart.

“Thank you, Gordon, you’re wonderful, and you look fabulous too.” Now he’s the one blushing and pokes at my ribs, rolling his eyes, like saying ‘fuck off, man’.

Gordon doesn’t think of himself as a gorgeous man, I know, and he may not be a drop to death handsome guy, but to me he’s beautiful inside, and that’s what really matters at the end of the day.

“I mean it, Gordon.”

He’s blushing again and laughs sheepishly. “Coming from you that’s one hell of a compliment, Gabriel.”

I laugh with him. Yeah, a lot of people, men and women, think that I’m a dream come true. Homosexual or not, I always get double looks, glances and the once over wherever I go. I guess Mother Nature was generous with me, but to be truthful I didn’t go a long way because of that.

“Come on, let’s dance.” Gordon tugs on my arm, once more pulling me out of my thoughts and I find myself resisting a bit.

“I’m thinking I should get going, Gordon. I gotta wake up early and…”

At my words, Gordon pouts a little. “But you just came and I want to introduce you to all my friends.” He doesn’t want me leaving his party so soon. “‘Sides, you look like a hermit, always working, working and working. When was the last time you went out to have some fun, huh?” Now he sounded like Max or Fred and I have to grin at the look of concern he gives me. If I had a mother I guess Gordon would sound a lot like her.

Although he’s right, I have to concede. My life resembles more the life of a hermit than the life of a twenty five year old man. But it’s not that strange a behavior.

I’m saving all my money to pay for my art classes. The art school is damn expensive and, even though I think I have talent, I’m way far of being able to make a living of my paintings. Hell! I have two jobs and I keep struggling to pay my bills. Not to mention that I won’t be able to keep any of my current jobs much longer.

“Gabriel, please, you gotta stay a bit longer.” Gordon gives me his best puppy eyes gaze and I’m sold. “Pretty please with a cherry on top?” Batting his lashes is such a playful way is only making it worse and I nod, feeling guilty and a bit defeated. I should start learning to say ‘no’ though, I just can’t take hurting Gordon. Oh, well…another time.

“Fine, okay, but just for a little bit.”

“Cool! Now let’s dance.” Gordon takes my hand and all but drags me directly to the improvised dance floor, right in the middle of his salon.

———

Vin’s POV

Now, look what we have here. Slim silhouette and sun kissed, flawless skin. Short hazel hair, angular face, nice nose, very kissable lips and green beautiful eyes.

“Uh-oh, I know that look,” Val whispers for only me to hear him. “You gave a similar look to Karim the first time you saw him…without the drooling part, of course.”

I snort at his joke; he’s such a comedian some days. “You know him?”

Val shakes his head ‘no’. “Not really. All I know is that his name is Gabriel and that he’s Gordon’s training partner at the gym.”

Gabriel. Nice name. “Hmmm, that’s a lot, Valentino.” Now it’s my turn to tease him and he chuckles. “Hetero?” I inquire, finding myself unable to take my eyes off Gabriel.

It’s not that I didn’t see a boy like him before, after all LA is full of guys like him. But there’s something about this Gabriel boy; I just can’t stop staring at him.

In response Val snorts. “Take a look at the way he shakes his hips. No straight guy can do that.”

Well, that’s not entirely true, bro. “You can.”

“I’m the exception that confirms the rule.” Val shrugs his shoulders and I grin.

“So, Gordon’s training partner…you think he’d like to train with me?”

Val snickers. “Everybody wants to train with you, Diesel.”

“Flatterer.” I elbow him without averting my eyes from Gabriel’s body and he chuckles.

“If you’re gonna make a move on him, do it now.” Val jerks his head in the direction where Karim is talking lively to two girls with his back to us.

I glance around to make sure that people are minding their business and then return my attention to Gabriel who now is heading upstairs, alone.

Without wasting one more second, I gulp the rest of my beer in one long pull and, tapping Val’s shoulder, I follow Gabriel upstairs, watching as he enters the bathroom. Let’s seize the day. I smile inwardly and I knock on the bathroom door.

————–

Gabriel’s POV

“Just a second.” I call just as the door opens. Hell! What’s wrong with these rich people? Don’t they have any manners left? “Can’t you wait a second or what?” I snap my head up and freezes, staring at Vin Diesel in the flesh and bones.

He’s casually leaned against the door, a smug smile on his lips and it strikes me that Gordon said that Vin was the one buying for him the Rolex. ‘Vin’, as in Vin Diesel. I slap myself mentally. I’m such a blonde some times.

“Actually, no. I can’t wait.”

His reply pulls me out of my shock and I manage to finish clasping my jeans. Well, maybe he’s right. If he can’t wait, he can’t. “Well, all yours.” I move to the sink to wash my hands, stealing a quick glance at him out of the corner of my eyes.

“The bathroom?” He tilts his head to one side, giving me a slow once over and I notice that his eyes shamelessly linger on my ass. “Or you?”

What? “I’m not that kind.” I reply before I realize that I did it and, drying my hands, I meet his eyes through our reflections on the mirror.

He’s staring at me, licking his lower lip. “What kind, exactly?”

“Casual sex is not my call. I’m not into one night stands.” I find myself clarifying, even though I don’t know why. It’s not his business, anyway. Pushing myself off the counter, I move forward, just a step. “Now if you excuse me…” I gesture with my head in his direction. His blocking the only way out and doesn’t seem in a hurry to move any time soon. Damn!

“I’m…”

“Vin Diesel, yeah, I know.” I cut him off, rather curtly, I admit. But he’s making me nervous. I guess I should feel flattered because I caught Vin Diesel’s attention, and the thought fleetly crosses my mind. Hell! Mr. Diesel represents every queer’s sexual fantasy! But either way it would be a one night stand, and I do not like one night stands at all, not even with him. “I’m still not interested.” I feel compelled to add, just so he gives up. This time however, my voice sounds softer. I don’t feel like disrespecting him. Last thing I want is for Gordon to get upset because I was rude with one of his friends.

He sighs. “One night stands can be fun.” His voice is a low sexy rumble that sends shivers up my spine. I’m so screwed.

“They make me feel dirty and empty.” I’m not sure why I said that. It definitively is none of his business, or anyone business for that matter to know shit or care about my issues. Besides, I have to shoot a scene tomorrow morning.

He knits a brow, but other than that he doesn’t move. Damnit!

“Listen…I…” Words fail me and all of sudden I feel my heart working its way up my throat. Damn! I gotta get out of here.

“Why are you scared?” Vin narrows his eyes, leaning his weight against the door.

“I’m not.” I blurt, shivering uncontrollably. Why am I such a shitty liar? I can’t lie worth shit. I’m scared but not of him. I’m scared of myself. I’m used to having people making a move on me, being far more direct and even more aggressive that he’s being. But there’s something about this man that makes me suspects that if he keeps pushing, then I might end up giving in.

“Hmmmm.” He hums, tilting his head slightly to one side as he seems to be taking a minute to study me. Fuck, man! Give me a break! “Gabriel, right?” As in slow motion and without averting his eyes of mine, he pushes himself off the door, finally moving to one side.

Thank God! I nod ‘yes’ as I finally order my legs to start moving. Wait! How come that he already know my name? I blink, startled and he seems to notice. His gaze softens and his smile turns gentle.

“A pleasure, Gabriel.” Vin offers his hand to me and, hesitantly at first, I reach out, shaking it.

“Same here.” I offer a polite smile and slips past him, almost running out of the bathroom as I hear a chuckle at my back. Damn him!

“Gabriel!”

Gordon is calling me. I guess that making a mad dash to the main entrance, flying out of his house, wasn’t precisely a brilliant move. I risk a quick glance over my shoulder and I see Vin talking with one of his friends. I recognize him in one second flat. Valentino Morales, the hottest Latino alive.

“Gabriel, wait!”

Damn! I better do this the right way. “I’m sorry, Gordon, but I gotta go.” I blurt, as I turn around to look at him, a huge smile already plastered on my lips, even though I know that is not reaching my eyes.

“But…”

“Gordon…” I look past him and meet Vin’s gaze. He’s staring at me, his eyes sparkling with a weird mix of amusement, hurt and disappointment. “I-I really need to go.” I do my best so my voice sounds even but my nerves betray me and an uncontrolled shiver runs up my spine causing Gordon to narrow his eyes.

In seconds, he looks back over his shoulder, staring at Vin. Please, Gordon, let me go. I can’t stay longer, not with Vin Diesel under the same roof. It’s stupid, I think, at the end the man did nothing wrong. He was just hitting on me. It’s not that big of a deal, but I have this odd sensation I can’t explain. I gotta get out of here and fast.

“Okay, honey, see you tomorrow at the gym?”

I let out the air I didn’t realize I was holding and nod at him. “Sure.”

Gordon smiles and kisses my cheeks, seeing me to the door. “You okay, honey?” He squeezes my arm, his eyes filled with concern. I feel such an idiot. I’m being rude and thoughtless and…

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I smile and, hugging him briefly, I turn around and all but run across his front yard and down the street.

———-

Vin’s POV

Gordon is pissed off; actually he’s mad as hell. Even from where I am standing I can feel his eyes boring holes on me with unveiled anger as he marches in my direction. Hell! I did nothing wrong.

“What did you do?” Gordon sternly demands to know even though his voice sounds barely above a whisper.

I knit my brows, blinking. “Nothing.” I reply innocently but I think that I’m only infuriating him more.

“What did you do to Gabriel, Vin?” Gordon’s patience is failing fast, I can tell by the way his aorta seems to be about to pop out of his neck.

“Nothing, I swear.” I lift my hands as if I’m surrendering. “He didn’t even give me a chance, Gordon.” Which is true, even if not all the truth. I wasn’t rude or mean with the kid and I only hit on him, a little bit. I wouldn’t disrespect someone Gordon clearly cares for. Not even I’m that stupid.

He narrows his eyes, staring at mine. I know he’s reading me silently, searching for the least sign that tell him if I’m lying. I’m not, but all the people that know me also know that I’m a pushy fucker that never give up when I want something or someone.

“Vin?” Gordon crosses his arms over his chest, waiting. The stern look on his face tells me that I better stop messing around. Fine, you got it.

“Okay,” I roll my eyes, sighing a bit exasperating. I’m overacting here, but I’m an actor after all. “I just made a move on him and he turned me down. That’s all.”

“Smart kid.” Val whispers under his breath and I glare at him. Shut up, Morales!

“Must be the first time.” Gordon’s lips tugs up in a grin that comes and goes in a flash. If I knew better I’d think that he’s taking enjoyment in the fact that the kid brushed me off. Then he grows serious and locks eyes with me. “Listen, Gabriel is not Karim, okay?”

I snort. “No shit.”

“I’m not joking, Vin. Gabriel is not a rude, mean, little piece of shit like Karim. He’s nice and sweet and cares for people.” Gordon lowers his tone of voice even more and then continues, lecturing me. “He has almost no friends and I know he does not have family at all. Gabriel is my friend and I don’t want him getting hurt.”

Ouch! That’s a blow bellow the belly, shorty. “I’m your friend too, Gordon.” I’m not sure what’s wrong with him. It wouldn’t be the first time that I fucked someone we all knew. He never cared before, wo what’s with this kid, anyway? “What? You care more for that guy’s feelings than mine?” I pretend I’m upset, but my performance fades fast.

Gordon is not smiling, not even chuckling. Damn! He’s looking at me square in the eye, his face deadly serious. “If you…” he sighs heavily, “just don’t, okay.”

I knit a brow, but I know what Gordon’s cryptic words mean. He doesn’t want me treating Gabriel as if the boy is just another toy I would use, playing with him until I grow tired, or worse, Karim’s substitute.

Whatever. I shrug my shoulder. “Fine, okay.” I lie. “The fish tank is full of fishes.” I add nonchalant as I look around.

Gordon and Val narrow their eyes at once in suspicion. They both know me almost as well as they know themselves. I guess that they suspect that I’m not going to get over the fact that Gabriel turned me down so easily, but it’s just that with his behavior, that kid only got me much more interested on him.

———-