Ellison rolled onto his belly, and briefly immersed his face in the coolness, blowing bubbles through his mouth and nose.

Blair hovered in the shadows at the far edge of the pool, fighting an internal battle. Part of him wanted to turn and scramble back to the tent, to go back to sleep before Ellison even knew he was awake.

The other part, mainly the part located between his legs, wanted to stay and enjoy the view. Ellison was totally naked, and frolicking in the pool like a big sea lion. Blair bit back a giggle as the big man plunged his face into the water and blew bubbles, then lifted his head and shook his short hair with a happy growl.

Suddenly, Ellison froze. Blair drew back into the shadows as the big man turned his head his way, squinting. The young man held his breath, horrified at what Ellison might do if he knew he had an audience. Blair crouched down in the shadows of a large palm tree as Ellison rose to his feet, scanning. Despite his fear, Blair found himself mesmerized by the magnificent body, all smooth tanned skin and bulging muscles.

As Blair watched, the big man abruptly headed out of the far side of the pool, and disappeared into the trees.

Blair waited a long time, but Ellison didn't reappear. Curious at what the big man could be stalking, Blair slowly rose to his feet, and moved toward the pool. He'd only taken two steps, when he was seized from behind. He gasped as large arms wrapped around him, and picked him up.

"Got you," Ellison growled softly to his prisoner.

Blair gave a sigh of relief, and relaxed as the big man gently released him. He turned and looked up at Ellison, feeling his face burn with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," Blair stammered. "I didn't mean to spy.... I mean, I didn't know you would be...," he gestured in the general direction of Ellison's crotch, making it a point to avert his eyes. He looked up as the big man chuckled.

"Do I look like I mind?" Ellison asked, spreading his arms with a smile. When Blair still looked uncertain, he reached out and tousled the young man's dark curls. Then he started back toward the pool, motioning for Blair to follow.

"Don't worry about it, young one," Ellison said as they moved to the edge of the water. "Living alone for so long tends to make one forget things like modesty." The big man grinned as he waded out a few feet, and flopped down onto his belly, facing Blair.

"I mean, up until now, the only other being who ever saw me like this was Cascade," Ellison continued, gesturing toward his horse. "And I'm sure I don't make him envious in the least." Ellison bobbed his eyebrows and smiled as Blair laughed.

As he laughed, Blair looked longingly at the clear water, feeling the sand in his clothes scratching at his skin.

"Come on in, then," Ellison called, seeing Blair's expression.

Blair hesitated a moment longer, then smiled and began to pull off his tunic. He tossed the sandy garment aside, and then stripped off his undershirt, trousers, shoes and socks. As he reached for the waistband of his undershorts, and paused, lifting his head to look nervously at Ellison.

The big man laughed. "Don't worry, I'm sure you haven't got anything that I don't have!" he called. But the young man opted to keep his shorts on as he stepped slowly into the water. Ellison shook his head in amusement, and turned to backstroke toward the deeper water.

Blair took a hesitant step into the clear pool, then smiled and walked further out. When the water was up to his waist, he began scooping up handfuls and dousing his hair and upper body. He scrubbed vigorously at his skin, scraping away the sand and sweat encrusted on him. He leaned forward and immersed his curls, using his fingertips to rub the sand out of the dark locks.

Ellison treaded water in the deepest part of the pool watching his young guest as he bathed. Almost against his will, the big man found himself studying Blair's body. The young man was much more slender than he had realized before, but not to the point of being skinny. His skin was smooth, flawless and quite pale compared to Ellison's own bronzed hide.

Blair's chest was moderately muscled, and as the young man stretched one arm overhead to scrub his underarm, Ellison saw the curving lines of his ribcage under the smooth skin. The chest was sprinkled with dark hair that tapered down into a thin line over the belly, and ended just above the navel. Blair's stomach was flat and masculine, muscles gently rippling as he bent to wash his hair.

Ellison shook his head, trying to clear the lustful thoughts that had suddenly taken up residence. This young man was here because he was lost and frightened. Blair looked to him for protection and assistance, and here Ellison was thinking about what it would be like to run his hands down that belly, to bury his face in that mane of curls, kiss those nipples into hard peaks....

Disgusted with himself, Ellison growled, and submerged.

Blair finished washing, and just stood looking up at the canopy of palms over the pool. This was what Heaven would be like, he decided, swishing his hands back and forth in the clear water. He looked toward the deeper portion of the pool just as Ellison resurfaced, shaking the water from his short hair. Blair watched as the big man began swimming back and forth across the pool.

Looking at Ellison made Blair wonder if perhaps he wasn't in Heaven after all. He never thought he'd see a being like that on Earth, The big man was like a bronze statue, all hard muscles and shimmering skin. Blair sighed as Ellison turned and floated on his back, spouting water from his mouth like a whale.

Blair let his gaze slowly wander down the big man's long body as he lay on top of the water. Ellison's chest was massive, his pectoral muscles sharply defined, and hard as rock. Blair remembered how solid that chest had felt as he snuggled against Ellison during the ride to the camp yesterday. He quickly ducked down a bit in the water as his groin stirred.

Ellison's chest tapered down to a flat, rippling stomach that would have made Atlas himself green with envy. The long tanned legs sliced smoothly through the clear water as Ellison propelled himself around the pool.

"Why don't you join me?"

Blair's examination was interrupted as Ellison suddenly called out to him. He tore his gaze back up to the big man's face, feeling a flush burn his cheeks. He hoped Ellison didn't realize he'd been under scrutiny.

"What?" Blair called back.

Ellison laughed. "Come and swim!" he called, motioning with an arm for Blair to join him.

Blair shook his head with a sad smile. "I can't swim," he replied. "Sorry."

"Can't swim?" Ellison asked, striding through the water toward Blair. "Have you tried?"

"Well, no," Blair said sheepishly as Ellison came to stand before him. "I never bothered to learn, I've always been a little scared of the water." He shrugged a little, grinning. "Besides, I'm sure I'm far too uncoordinated."

Ellison fixed Blair with a sceptical gaze. "Uncoordinated, you say?" He took a step closer, looking down at the compact figure standing before him. "I'll bet I could teach you," he added thoughtfully.

Blair looked from Ellison to the deep portion of the pool. "Oh.... I don't know," he began uncertainly. "I think maybe I.... Whoa!"

Blair's protestations were cut off as Ellison promptly scooped him up in his arms. The big man turned and carried Blair slowly through the deepening water, smiling as the young man wrapped his arms around his sturdy neck.

"Don't let go," Blair said nervously, clutching at the broad back. "Please, Ellison, don't let go of me." He curled up against the big man's chest as he felt the water getting deeper.

"Don't be afraid," Ellison said softly, smiling down at his trembling cargo. When the water was up to Ellison's ribs, he began to slowly rotate his upper body back and forth, gently swishing Blair through the water.

"What are you doing?" Blair asked, clinging tighter to the big man as the water flowed over his body.

"Just getting you used to the feel of the water," Ellison replied in the same, gentle tone. He continued to gently move Blair around in the water. "Can you feel how it holds you up?" he asked, after a minute.

Blair relaxed ever so slightly, loosening his hold on Ellison's neck. "Yes." he replied in wonder. He looked up at the big man's smiling face, and mirrored it. "Will I float if you let go?" he asked.

Ellison chuckled. "Well, I'm not going to do that just yet," he said, "But here...." Ellison shifted his hands to support Blair's back and legs, urging the young man to stretch out.

Blair leaned back in the water, one hand still clutching nervously at Ellison's upper arm as the big man slowly lowered him. Blair tensed, expecting to go under.

"Just relax, young one, I won't let you sink," Ellison said softly. Finally, Blair relaxed and lay on his back in the water. Ellison continued to support him with one hand under the small of Blair's back, and the other under his thighs.

Blair lay on the surface of the pool, looking up at the clear blue sky. He turned his gaze to look up at Ellison, and smiled. The big man smiled back, then shifted his hold him.

"Now," Ellison said, moving both hands to the small of Blair's back, "I'm going to let go of you, OK?"

Blair tensed briefly, then relaxed again. "All right," he said nervously. He relaxed as he felt Ellison's hands slip out from under him. At first, everything was fine; Blair floated. But then, his midsection began to drop, pulling the rest of his body down like an anchor. Blair flailed, startled.

"Whoa, whoa, easy!" Ellison quickly slipped his arms under the thrashing figure and scooped him against his chest again. Blair clung to him, trembling.

"Easy now, I've got you," Ellison said softly as Blair curled against him. Ellison held him tight until the young man stopped shaking. "Are you all right?"

Blair nodded, breathing hard. "What did I do wrong?" he asked, looking up at the big man.

"You let yourself bend," Ellison explained. He moved Blair into position again, easing him to stretch out on the water's surface, hands underneath to support him. "This time when I let go, don't let your bottom sink. Try to keep your body straight, understand?" Ellison looked down at Blair.

Blair nodded. "I think so," he replied. He felt the big hands slide out from under him again, and held his breath, expecting to sink. This time, when he felt the pull of gravity, he resisted, locking his spine and staying rigid on the water.

"Is this right?" Blair asked.

Ellison grinned down at him. "Perfect, you're a natural!" He laid a hand on Blair's shoulder, and began to push the floating figure around the pool. "I can't believe you never learned to swim," Ellison said, amazed. "You were born to be in the water, it seems."

Blair giggled, watching the sky as he drifted slowly around the pool.

An hour later, Blair was paddling back and forth across the pool like a pro. Ellison moved up onto the bank to collect some figs for lunch, keeping one eye on his young protégé as he swam.

"Try and get your arms a little higher, Blair, your stroke will improve!" Ellison watched as Blair followed his instructions, smiling back at the big man. Ellison chuckled, and gathered up the figs.

Later, Blair had washed his clothes and hung them over a horizontally growing palm trunk to dry in the sun. Ellison had given him one of his own robes to wear in the meantime, the sleeves of which dangled far past Blair's fingertips. Now they were escaping the fierce afternoon sun in the shelter of Ellison's tent.

"So," Ellison began, as he finished curtaining off the second sleeping alcove he'd set up for Blair. "What on Earth were you doing out in the middle of the desert all by yourself?" He moved to sit on the floor, and patted a place in front of him for Blair.

"Well, I'm part with an anthropology class from The United States," Blair replied, sitting. "We came to study a group of nomads, and they're letting us travel with them for a few weeks. We've set up camp out there," Blair's face fell, "Somewhere."

Ellison watched Blair's face as he spoke, mesmerized by the expressive smoky-blue eyes.

"A few nights ago, I went out exploring," Blair continued. He shrugged, and sighed. "I figured I would be able to follow my footprints back to the camp, but...,"

"But the wind erased them, right?" Ellison asked. He plucked a fig out of the bowl at his side, and bit the tip off. Then he tossed a second fruit to Blair.

"Thanks," Blair said, catching the fig. "Yes, totally gone," he said. "I couldn't believe it. I've never felt so... alone... in my life than I did at that moment." Blair's eyes clouded over with the memory of his fear as he'd realized he was lost.

"If you hadn't found me, I don't know...," Blair broke off suddenly, looking into Ellison's blue eyes. "Thank you," he said softly. "I think you must have saved my life, bringing me here." Blair lowered his eyes as a blush rose in his cheeks.

"I was in the neighborhood," Ellison replied casually, leaning back and folding his arms under his head. He grinned as Blair chuckled.

"I was wondering, Ellison," Blair began.

"Yes?" Ellison asked, rolling over onto his belly and rising up on his elbows.

"Well, my class," Blair continued. "They must be terribly worried about me." He looked hopefully into Ellison's eyes. "Do you think we'll be able to find them?" he asked.

Ellison furrowed his brow, thinking. He studied Blair's face. "You don't have any clue what area you were camped in?" he asked.

Blair shook his head reluctantly. "No, we'd only just made camp the day before I got lost."

Ellison grimaced. "That will make it difficult. The only way I can think of to possibly track them down is to go into the city and ask around." He sat up then, and tossed Blair another fig.

"The city?" Blair asked, nibbling on the fig.

"That's where nearly all the desert-dwellers go for supplies," Ellison explained. "Anyone living out here ends up in the city at some point in time, and there's a good chance someone there knows where your class is settled." He stood up and stretched, arching his back.

Blair stood up too, and followed as Ellison strode out of the tent toward the pool. "Can you give me directions to the city?" Blair asked as Ellison moved to Cascade. He watched as the big man untethered the horse, and led the animal to the water's edge.

"Directions?" Ellison asked doubtfully. He turned to lean against Cascade's broad side as the horse drank. "You aren't thinking of setting out on your own, are you?"

Blair just stood there, uncertain. "Well, I guess so. Aren't I?" he asked.

Ellison chuckled. "I don't recommend it," he replied. "There are too many perils that could befall someone like you between here and there." He turned to pat Cascade's silky neck, and was rewarded with a whinny. Cascade lifted his head to nuzzle Ellison's face.

"Oh," Blair said sadly.

Ellison turned, and sighed at the sight of the crestfallen young man. "Tell you what," he began. "I was supposed to go to the city on a supply run in two weeks anyway." He turned, and took up Cascade's reins to lead him back to the shady area beside the tent. "I'll take you there myself," Ellison added over his shoulder. He smiled at the gasp of surprise from the young man.

"Really?" Blair asked, running to catch up with the big man.

"Of course," Ellison replied, smiling as he tethered his horse. "We'll leave the day after tomorrow, all right? I want you to rest a little longer before I take you into the desert again." Ellison reached out and patted Blair on the shoulder.

Blair just looked up into the blue eyes and smiled. Unable to hold back, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Ellison, hugging the big man.

"Thank you," Blair mumbled into the robes. He sighed as he felt one big hand on the back of his head.

"Anytime, young one," came the murmured reply.

The next day passed quickly, consisting mostly of Ellison and Blair exchanging stories of their pasts. Ellison told Blair the story of how he'd come to live in the desert. Six years ago, he'd been stationed with the military at a local base. Soon, having found his service to his country at an end, and the rest of his platoon on their way home to the U.S., Ellison had opted to stay behind.

He'd been attracted to the desert. Others saw the expanse of hot, dry sand as Hell, a place to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Ellison had seen it as a challenge. He'd found the tiny oasis, and had instantly fallen in love with it. It provided him with food, water, shade, shelter and most of all, privacy.

He'd always been a private man, one who preferred to be alone. In fact, he'd quite surprised himself these last two days, letting Blair into his world as he had. Rescuing the young man from death in the desert was one thing, but allowing him to share his tent, his food, his life story? And tomorrow, altering his strict schedule to take Blair to the city? Strange, this sudden wave of soft-heartedness that had come over him.

Late in the day, Ellison had taken Blair on a tour of his oasis. Not much to see, really, just trees, sand, and the spring. The young man had watched Ellison like a hawk during the excursion, hanging on the big man's every word. Ellison found himself growing a bit flushed every time he glanced up and met those smoky-blue eyes. They looked on him with such trust and wonder it made his heart ache.

That evening, Blair had changed back into his Western clothes, now dry and sand-free. He'd handed the borrowed robe back to Ellison with a words of thanks, not noticing when the big man lifted the garment to his nose. Ellison had closed his eyes as he filled his lungs with Blair's scent. He'd laid the garment aside, then, sharply declining Blair's offer to wash it for him.

Now he stood over Blair, watching the young man sleep. It was late, and Ellison, too was ready to go to bed. He left Blair's alcove, and was headed toward his own when the wind suddenly picked up.

Ellison moved to the opening of the tent to study the sky. The stars were obscured by clouds. The wind was steadily increasing, and he could easily detect the taste of ozone in the atmosphere. They were going to get a storm. No rain, of course, not until later in the year. But it felt like thunder and lightning were a definite possibility.

Ellison moved quickly out of the tent to tend to Cascade. The horse didn't care much for lightning. Ellison guided the animal around to the back of the tent, where he had erected a small shelter just for such occasions. He guided Cascade inside, and tethered him to the pole planted in the sand.

"Easy now," Ellison murmured softly as lightning flashed. The horse tensed, nothing more, and Ellison smiled. "Good boy," he whispered, with a final pat. He turned and exited the shelter, heading back to the tent.

As he stepped through the flap of the tent, there was an ominous rumble, and the breeze kicked up. Ellison moved about the tent, tightening the support lines and securing anything that looked unstable. When he was satisfied none of his belongings would blow away, he moved to look out at the angry sky once again.

There was a blinding flash of lightning, and Ellison counted softly to himself, waiting for the thunder. A few seconds later, there was another louder rumble. The storm was headed their way.

He knelt, and closed the flap of the tent before moving to his sleeping alcove. On a whim, he crossed the floor and poked his head through the other alcove, to check on Blair on more time.

The young man was still asleep, but shivering. Ellison realized that the temperature had dropped significantly with the arrival of the storm, and he reached for a blanket folded on the floor. Very gently, he draped it over the small, sleeping figure, reaching one hand to stroke the dark curls. Then he stood, and retreated to his own alcove.

An hour later, Ellison woke with a start. He sat up on the pillows, eyes scanning the interior of the tent for the source of the sound that had awakened him.

The storm was still blowing full blast, but Ellison had long ago learned to tune out the sound of thunder. It had been a necessity with his hearing being so sensitive. Sure enough, a moment later there was a flash, accompanied by a simultaneous clap of thunder. He hardly noticed it. What he did notice was the sharp, alarmed cry of fright from the far end of the tent.

Ellison crossed, pushed the curtains aside and entered Blair's alcove. The young man was sitting up on the sleeping pillows, blue eyes wide with terror. There was another flash, and Blair shrieked and covered his head with his arms as the thunder bellowed.

Ellison quickly knelt and placed his hands on Blair's narrow shoulders. He sighed as he felt the frightened tremors shaking the slight body. At the next clap of thunder, Blair turned and buried himself in Ellison's arms, clutching at the robes on the big man's back.

"Shhh," Ellison soothed, wrapping his arms around the frightened young man. He tightened his hold with the next roar of thunder, moving one hand to weave gently through Blair's hair. "Easy now," he breathed, rocking the young man in his arms. "Everything's fine."

Blair pressed his face into the strong chest, trying to block the the sounds of the storm. He'd always been terrified of thunder and lightning, ever since he was a child. At home, he could hide in his closet to escape. But Ellison's tent offered little shelter; every flash printed the shadow of palm trees on the canvas, every clap of thunder shook the walls.

There was another deafening crash, and Blair screamed into the folds of Ellison's robe. The big man, quickly shifted, laying Blair down on the pillows and stretching out beside him. He kept his arms tight around the young man, pulling him into the shelter of his chest. Blair continued to cling to him, whimpering and shaking like a leaf.

Ellison reached for the blanket that had been kicked aside, and pulled it up over his and Blair's heads. In the dark shelter of the blanket, he pulled Blair closer and wrapped one arm around the curl covered head. He felt the tense young body gradually relax against him.

"Shhh," Ellison breathed, hugging Blair against him. He pulled his legs up, curling his body around Blair like a cocoon. "Don't be afraid," he whispered. "I won't let anything happen to you." Ellison continued the litany of soothing words as the storm raged on and on.

Blair continued to cling to Ellison. After what seemed like hours, he heard the thunder at last beginning to fade and breathed a sigh of relief. His fear was soon replaced by exhaustion, and he found himself quickly drifting off to sleep in the safety of Ellison's strong arms. He had never felt so safe....

Ellison felt the arms around him relax, followed by the sound of a quiet snore. He raised up on one elbow, pushing the blanket down as he studied the sleeping youth curled against him. With a gentle smile, Ellison leaned down and brushed his lips across the smooth brow, before curling his arms around Blair and falling asleep.

On to Part 3