Title: 'TIS THE SEASON

Author/pseudonym: J. S. Mikiels

Fandom: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

Genre: SLASH

Pairing: Sharkey/Sparks

Rating: NC-17

Archive: Of course!

Feedback: YES

Summary: Two lonely friends share Christmas--and a lot more.

Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Twentieth Century-Fox and Irwin Allen Productions. No infringement of copyrights held by either the TCF or the estate of Irwin Allen is intended.

E-mail address for feedback: jsmikiels@cei.net

Other websites: Yes



'TIS THE SEASON
By J. S. Mikiels

As Master Chief Petty Officer Francis E. Sharkey emerged from the embarkation hatch, he paused. The sounds of the men calling out Christmas greetings to each other as they hurried to the parking lot reached his ears. Normally, Christmas would have meant more to him. He usually went to visit his parents and aunts and uncles, as well as his sister's family. This year, however, Seaview was due to sail again on 2 January. He would have to be back aboard two days after Christmas to assist in the preparations. Since his family lived in Manhattan, there was no time to visit, even if he could manage to book a flight.

Sharkey gripped his duffel bag in his left hand and shifted his seabag as he stared into the night sky. An occasional star shone as the thick clouds broke apart. What good is Christmas, anyway? If I were in retail sales, I'd love it. If I had little kids and could watch their eyes light up on Christmas morning, I'd get that enjoyment out of it.

The floodgates holding back the memories could no longer be held shut. Abby would have had a birthday tomorrow! What a time we would have had if-.

Damn drunk driver. Didn't get a scratch. Since Wyman Dawes was in with all the right people, he got off with a year's probation. Well, one day, Mr. Wyman Dawes will face his Maker with not only Abigail's, Bert's, and Anna's blood on his hands, but the blood of our unborn child, too.

The tears spilled onto his cheeks. He quickly retrieved his handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped them away, then blew his nose.

Sharkey thought about the other two marriages. The second had ended half-way amicably, but the third--. He broke off the thought.

Women! Can't live with 'em and can't live without 'em, and it ain't legal to just shoot 'em and save yourself a hell of a lot of misery. I never thought I was a movie star or a sex machine, but I thought Delores was happy. Then, I came home a week early. She had moved out and taken everything. She had found somebody else while I was gone. During that divorce, I found out how ugly I was, what a sorry lover I was, how stupid, how oafish, how insensitive, how boring-how-.

That list could go on forever. That had been almost as bad a trauma as his first family's deaths.

With her, I was the happiest since Abby and our kids died. He wiped his eyes again. So much living happily ever after, he thought bitterly.

He thought about his black book. Maybe he could find some temporary comfort to get him out of his shitty mood. But who wants to spend Christmas with an ugly, stupid oaf? Yes, I can find someone to have sex with, but someone to give a damn about me? That's a different story.

"Hey, Chief. You okay?" inquired a familiar voice a few feet behind him.

Turning, he looked up into Sparks' earnest face. "Just thinking for a minute," he said, forcing himself to smile. "I thought you'd left an hour ago."

"I'm glad some people have something good to think about," said the young Communications Officer, the corners of his mouth
uncharacteristically down-turned.

"At least your family's here," he reminded Sparks. No need to burden him with my shitty mood.

Sparks' full lips pressed together in a thin line as his eyes narrowed. "You mean my ex-family," he corrected, a bitter edge to his voice. "Sue packed up the kids and moved out. She filed for divorce while we were at sea."

"Gee, I hate that for you; and right at Christmas, too. She could've at least waited until after the holidays," he murmured, suddenly feeling ashamed for becoming so engrossed in his own troubles that he had not thought about his friend

"What are you going to do?" asked Sparks. "Want to have a drink?"

The last thing he wanted was to be in a huge crowd with a lot of loud music. "No. I think I'll just go back to my place," he said, then noticed his friend's crestfallen look. "Say, why don't you come with me? If you'd like, we could celebrate Christmas at my place."

Sparks' expression brightened. "Look, I need to take care of some things first. Why don't you give me a little time, and I'll join you?"

He paused. "I just realized. I don't know where you live."

Sharkey set down his seabag and unzipped his duffel bag. He withdrew a small black notebook and wrote down his address and phone numbers, then tore it out and handed it to Sparks.

"See you later," Sparks said, hurrying to his car.



Part 2

As Sharkey drove to his house, he let out a long sigh. For the first time since the Seaview made port, he felt he might just make it through Christmas. He was almost home when he realized that he had bought no food and no presents. I can't have that, Sharkey decided.

He turned at the nearest exit and drove downtown to the nearest mall.

Due to the holidays, the stores were still open, despite the late hour.

As Sharkey looked over various items that might make a good gift for Sparks, he could not decide on a tool set, a Brew Station, or a blue-and-brown plaid bathrobe and pajama set. Finally, he opted for the Brew Station and the bathrobe and pajama set in extra-large and tall size. Quickly, he paid for them.

"May we gift wrap those for you, sir?" asked a pleasant young woman.

Sharkey almost told her that she did not address a Chief Petty Officer as "sir", but caught himself in time. He nodded, glad to be relieved of that chore.

At the grocery store, Sharkey picked out a medium-sized turkey and a ham about the same size, as well as the ingredients with which to cook them.

After paying for them, he drove back to his house, grateful to be through with the hast-minute holiday buying. I sent my family their presents before we sailed since the Admiral said he didn't know if we'd be back in time. Mom and Dad will be so happy with their coats and the Brew Station. Ethel and her husband don't drink coffee, so I bought them a deep fryer and a large electric griddle. The kids'll be happy with the toys and clothes. Hew felt a twinge of homesickness. I wish I could be there when they opened them.

He turned into his driveway and parked. He had finished carrying in everything when the headlights of a car shone through the living room window. Looking out the window, he saw a red Pontiac Firebird pull in and park behind his car. A familiar man got out and reached behind the seat. He pulled out several bags and walked toward the house.

Sharkey turned on the porch light and opened the door. Sparks entered.

"Hey, Sharkey, where do you want me to take these?"

"What all did you get?" asked Sharkey.

"I got a big turkey and the ingredients for the green bean casserole and the dressing and some gifts," he replied, his wide, full lips parting in a smile.

"Sparks, you didn't have to do that," protested Sharkey. "I stopped and got things for Christmas dinner. I didn't mean for you to go to any trouble."

"You asked me over to spend Christmas with you. It's the least I can do," said Sparks. "I also got some cognac, a bottle of Crown Royal, and some beer. I remember you said you like Michelob and Lowenbrau Dark, so I got two six-packs of each."

"Sounds great. My favorites," Sharkey told him.

"I got several movies, too. I wasn't sure what you liked. I got some comedies and some old sci-fi movies that you find on late-night or early morning TV."

"Great!" Sparks exclaimed. "I always liked "Science Fiction Theater" and stuff like that," he said. "It came on back in the Nineteen Fifties and Sixties, so they were before my time, but the Nostalgia channel and some of the old sci-fi programs liked to air them. I watched them every chance I could."

Sharkey grinned. "Me, too. My dad always watched sports, but Mama let us watch the Nostalgia Channel and some others. She wouldn't let us watch just anything." He laughed. "She didn't want us to pick up foul language and learn about things we shouldn't."

Sparks' face took on a wistful look. "Sounds like she loved you a lot and cared how you turned out."

Sharkey chuckled again. "But she sent us to school every day. We heard as many four-letter words as if we were out with a bunch of drunk sailors. Matter of fact, the teachers used to catch boys and girls hiding behind the curtains in the auditorium."

"What were they doing?" asked Sparks.

"The boys called themselves humping the girls."

"I hope they used some protection," Sparks said. "How old were they?"

"That was all through school, but my better memories of it were in elementary school."

"Elementary school!" Sparks echoed.

"Yeah. From junior high on up, I can see it. We both know that our hormones start kicking in at about eleven for some of us. We want to experiment," Sharkey said.

"How many girls were you caught with? I bet you were caught with at least two a week," Sparks said, grinning.

Sharkey shook his head. "If my parents had been called to the school because I'd done something like that, I'd still be black-and-blue.

Besides, I was a little shy when I was in grade school."

"Was there never any times when two boys or two girls were caught together?" asked Sparks.

"It probably happened, but not at school," Sharkey acknowledged.

Why would he want to know that? wondered Sharkey. Could it be--? He broke off the thought. He's been married twice, so I don't think he's gay. But I've been married three times and I've had some-encounters with men.

He had begun having sex in the tenth grade, but that had been only with girls. Then, he had joined the Navy. After he had been assigned aboard one of the submarines, there had been another sailor or two that he had become close friends with. Sometimes, they would spend their shore leaves together. One time, Sharkey and Ralph Barton had rented a room when they had made port. Both men had been out on the town, but were still just drunk enough not to care what happened next.

As Sharkey returned to their motel room from his date, Barton had emerged from the shower with a towel wrapped around his slim waist and hips. "You score with that chick?" he had asked him, coming to sit beside him on his bed.

"Yeah," Sharkey murmured.

"I guess you're happy now. You got some," Barton had said, grinning.

There had been something about his smile that had seemed sad or forced.

"Yeah. It was okay," Sharkey had responded.

"Women are okay, I guess." Then, Sharkey had noticed Barton's searching gaze. "It's better than using your hand."

Barton had laid a hand on his shoulder. Their gaze had met and held.

"There's another way to go," Barton had murmured huskily. He had leaned over and kissed Sharkey on the lips very lightly, very gently.

At first, Sharkey had been too shocked to move. Barton had then kissed him again as he ran his fingers over his cock, which had almost immediately begun to harden.

Even now, Sharkey felt his body respond to the memory. For the first time in his life, he had felt a real connection with someone while having sex. From then on, they had dated and had sex with women to divert suspicion, but their main affections had been reserved for each other.

Later, both men had been transferred to other boats. Sharkey had found another lover, Senior Chief Petty Officer Harmon Hampton. Although the man had been over him in the chain of command, he had insisted that Sharkey be the best in his unit. It had been a difficult relationship because of that, but it had been a very companionable, pleasant one when they were not on the boat.

About fifteen months later, Hampton had been suddenly transferred.

However, he had managed to have a word with Sharkey before leaving.

"Somebody reported me to the NIS. I don't know who, so watch yourself. You don't have to talk to them at all, but whatever you do, don't tell them anything. If they tell you I spilled the beans on you or anyone else, it's a damn lie."

"What the hell were you doing having sex with someone else?" Sharkey had demanded.

There had been no formal understanding between them. Still, Sharkey had felt hurt.

"It was before you. He was transferred out just before we got together," Hampton had told him.

The NIS had not visited him, but he had taken that to be the handwriting on the wall. He had never gotten involved in another same-sex relationship again. A few months later, Sharkey had met Abigail. She had loved him from the start; he had felt very deeply about her. They had wasted no time in starting their family. Then--.

Sharkey felt a warm weight on his shoulder. "Hey, Sharkey, you okay?"

Sparks asked. "You had this sad, faraway look on your face."

"Just thinking a little too much, I guess," Sharkey replied.

"I guess I do that, too." Sparks opened the bottle of Crown Royal. He took a rocks glass from the glass cabinet and poured himself a glass. Sharkey opened the fridge and took out a bottle of Lowenbrau Dark. Sharkey headed for the den, Sparks in his wake. They sat on the large sofa and propped their feet on two large ottomans. "By the way, you can call me Francis, if you want to," Sharkey told him.

"I'm Peter Colton, but my friends call me Pete." Sparks grinned. "And I definitely consider you a good friend."



Part 3

After watching a couple of the movies that Sparks had rented, Sharkey switched off the remote control. "Thanks for bringing
the movies. I've really enjoyed them," Sharkey said.

A feeling of warmth not related to the whiskey he had drunk spread through Sparks. "I'm glad you liked them," he said.

A pleasant silence reigned between them for a moment.

"Where are your parents?" asked Sharkey. "I've meant to ask you where they live."

Memories he had long buried began to seep into his mind.

"They lived in Portland, Oregon. My parents were killed when I was eight."

"Damn, that was a tough break for you," Sharkey said.

You have no idea how tough, thought Sparks.

"What happened to you after that?"

"I stayed with my grandparents until I was about eleven. They became too ill to take care of me, so they sent me to my dad's aunt and uncle."

"At least you were with family," Sharkey said.

"My grandparents were really good to me. My aunt and uncle didn't have much money to speak of. Still, they took me in." A lump came into his throat as more memories surfaced.

"Did they have any kids?" asked Sharkey.

Sparks nodded. "Two boys and a girl."

"At least there were others your own age around. It made a new family for you to fit into, I suppose," Sharkey said.

At first, maybe. Then, after about five months, I was persona non grata. They watched every forkful of food I put into my mouth, every glass of juice I drank, everything I did. Finally, they sent me away. Sparks did not want to go into it. "I didn't stay there long. They sent me to an orphanage in about six months." He picked up the bottle of Crown Royal and poured himself another glass, then tossed it down.

Sharkey frowned. "Damn! Sounds like some fucked-up people," he said. "How long did you stay in the orphanage?"

"Until I was almost fifteen."

"Did they treat you good?" asked Sharkey, moving closer to Sparks.

"Ever since I've known you, you've always been pretty quiet, so I can't see you as a troublemaker."

Don't think too long about that! Sparks told himself sternly. "Sometimes, trouble comes and finds you," he mumbled.

"Were they mean to you?" Sharkey frowned, his brown eyes full of sympathy.

"The adults punished me, mostly for fighting. I guess the other kids thought they could pick on me because I was quiet. I'd take it till I'd had enough, then knock the hell out of the ones doing it."

"That's understandable," Sharkey said. "The adults should've tried to stop them from picking on you."

"They did, but you know how kids can be if they decide someone doesn't act and walk and talk like they think they should,"
Sparks said.

"Cruel," Sharkey said bluntly.

Sparks thought back to his early teens. Yes, he had experimented a little with girls. Although he had liked it, girls had
not become the obsession that they had with most of the other boys.

Then, Brad had arrived. At first, he had seemed to be all right. Then, Brad's loutish, insensitive ways had begun to show. He had begun to bully others, but had not been too hard on him. Several times, Sparks had noticed Brad staring at him from across the room.

When he had showered, Brad had begun taking his shower at the same time.

The way Brad had looked at him had made him feel so-strange.

One night after bed check, Brad had come to Sparks' room. "Come with me, Peter," he had instructed. He had gone with Brad to the gym. It had been locked, but Brad had managed to get them in by pulling open the rear door, which had not locked automatically.

There, on the mat where the boys practiced their wrestling moves, Brad had introduced him into the world of same-sex. The first few times, it had been kissing and manual stimulation. After that, the relationship had escalated to oral sex. At first, the taste had grossed him out. It took me a little time to get to where I could swallow his load and not get sick from it.

Finally, it got so that I didn't mind it too much. And Brad gave a real great blowjob and swallowed my load.

Sparks felt his loins become heavy as he remembered how good it had felt.

Then, the relationship had turned into a nightmare. One night, Brad had instructed him to get on his knees and bend over. Brad had rubbed some lubricant on his hole and had begun playing with him back there. It had made him uncomfortable at first, but he had finally gotten into it.

Suddenly, Brad had mounted him and begun putting his big cock inside of him. It had felt as if he were being torn apart.

"Stop it, Brad!" Sparks had pleaded as tears spilled down his face.

"You're hurting me! You're hurting me bad!"

"I've wanted to get you like this for a real long time," Brad had told him, steadily pushing his way in. When he had buried himself in Sparks, he had begun thrusting hard into him.

Suddenly, Brad's cock had angled downward and struck a spot inside him, sending intense pain all through his lower parts. Sparks had remembered screaming. Brad had only thrust into him faster and harder, striking that spot inside him with every thrust. Finally, he had passed out.

He had become aware of somebody shaking him. "Hurry up and get dressed. We've got to get back," Brad had ordered.

Sparks had sat up. A wave of nausea and light-headedness had washed over him. "I-I can't. I-I'm sick. You-you hurt me bad," he had finally managed.

"Don't be such a pussy. You'll get used to it," Brad had growled.

The hell I will, he had raged silently.

Two nights later, Brad had tried to force Sparks to let him take him in the ass again, but Sparks had kicked him in the groin and grabbed him by the throat, squeezing hard. "You even think about putting anything in my ass, and you'll be sorry," he had promised.

Shortly after that, Brad had been caught trying to force one of the girls to give him a blowjob. He had been sent away, but Sparks had never heard where he had been sent to.

That spring, Stanley and Joyce Benton had talked to him several times with a view to adopting him. He had gone to live with them a few weeks later. Although he had been well-treated and fairly disciplined when it had been necessary, they had never adopted him.

A familiar voice brought Sparks back to the present. "Did you stay at the orphans' home until you were eighteen?" asked Sharkey.

"A few I went to live with the Bentons. I was hoping they'd adopt me, but they never did. When I graduated from high school and went away to the University of Oregon, I stopped hearing from them." Tears welled up in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away, hoping Sharkey had not seen.

"Mr. Benton became pregnant with twins in my junior year of high school, and my foster dad's mother moved in with us a little after that. I guess they just didn't have time for me or need me any more."

"I can't believe they'd just discard you like that. Surely, there was something else going on."

Sometimes, people just don't want you around anymore. I don't guess they have to have a reason, Sparks thought as his eyes burned. "Well, I graduated and found a home in the Navy; after that, aboard Seaview," he said with studied casualness.

"What about when you got married?" Sharkey said. "That had to be tough when your home broke up. You strike me as a very solid, stable fellow. I don't understand how women think sometimes."Sparks grunted. "Janet and I had a boy and a girl. Then, she found some well-to-do fellow that she thought could do more for her, so she left for Florida with him. Then, I met Sue. We didn't have any children, but she had two by her first husband. They were cute, sweet little kids."

I miss those little kids even more than I miss Sue, thought Sparks as his throat tightened.

Sharkey drank the last swallow from his bottle of beer, then walked into the kitchen and came back with another. Sparks looked at the end table. There were three empty bottles on it.

When did Francis drink that many beers? wondered Sparks. I thought he'd just had one and was starting his second. Oh, hell. Who's counting right now?

"Women! All they are is a shitload of problems," Sharkey said, his expression hard with anger. Then, his face relaxed a trifle. "After that last divorce, I decided I don't need one around, screwing up my life."

"You can say that again," Sparks said. Suddenly, a sense of incompleteness came over him, making him feel even sadder. "But I wish I could find someone to really care about me and want me around."

"Me, too," Sharkey agreed.

Sparks' eyes me Sharkey's; their gaze held. Suddenly, feelings that had been buried for many years began to stir as he continued to stare into Sharkey's warm brown eyes. For an instant, Sparks wondered what it would be like to cover Sharkey's thin, serious lips with his wide, sensuous mouth and pull Sharkey against him. My God! I haven't felt that way about another man since college. I knew it could endanger my Navy career, so I was determined not to have feelings like that. I dated women and married twice. I thought those feelings were just a phase I went through when I was younger.

But Sharkey might not be open to such an idea. There was only one thing he could do to avoid humiliating himself, losing one of his few really close friends, and maybe his career. Sparks pulled his car keys from his pocket and stood, swaying as the room began to spin. "I've got to go," he said, walking slowly toward the front door.



part 4

As the two men talked, Sharkey moved a little closer to Sparks. He longed to reach out and touch Sparks' cheek, then trace his full, sensuous lips with the tip of his forefinger. At times, Sharkey thought he had seen tears in Sparks' eyes. He fought the impulse to lay a hand over Sparks'. He didn't trust himself to be able to stop there.

His briefs and pants were becoming uncomfortably tight from his rapidly developing erection.

The clean, yet spicy, aroma of Sparks' aftershave reached Sharkey's nostrils as Sharkey leaned toward Sparks, placing his arm on the back of the sofa.

Suddenly, Sparks sprang to his feet. "I've got to go," he said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his car keys as he swayed from side to side. He walked slowly toward the door, almost falling.

What's gotten into him? Sharkey wondered. Did he see my erection and realize what I was thinking? Did he think I invited him here to get him drunk, then force him to do things? I'd never do that, never in a million years. I think too much of him as a person and as a friend to do something like that.

Besides, I didn't think about him that way before now.

For a moment, Sharkey sat there, not knowing what to do. One thing was certain: Sparks was too drunk to be driving.

Sharkey got uncertainly to his feet and walked to his friend. "What's wrong, Peter?" he asked, having to concentrate to speak plainly. "Did I do something to offend you?"

Sparks shook his head vigorously, almost falling. Sharkey wrapped his arms around him in an attempt to steady him. Sparks tried to pull away, but when he almost fell again, he stopped resisting. "No, Francis. It-It's me," he slurred. "If I stay, I'll end up offending you, believe me."

Gently and carefully, Sharkey guided Sparks back to the sofa. As he turned Sparks to help him sit down, he noticed the unusual bulge in Sparks' fly.

Can it be? Sharkey thought as he continued to stare at the front of Sparks' trousers. Sharkey eased his friend back onto the sofa and sat beside him, smiling as he did so. His own erection strained against its confinement.

Their eyes met; Sparks quickly looked away. "I-I'm sorry, Chief Sharkey," he murmured. "I don't know what the hell's got into me."

Sharkey took Sparks' hand and laid it on his own groin. "It's Francis," Sharkey corrected. "And I'd like to think you've suddenly realized what you really want and need." Aft first, Sharkey was astonished at what he had said, but as he thought about it, he realized it was how he really felt.

As Sparks' gaze met his, Sharkey leaned over and kissed his lips.

Sparks gasped, then smiled at Sharkey. "Francis," he murmured.

Sharkey's lips met Sparks' again, nibbling at his full, sensuous mouth as he gently probed with his tongue. Whenever Sparks opened his mouth, Sharkey pulled his tongue back. Then, they melted together as they ran their hands over each other's bodies.

They caught their breaths and backed away for a moment. With trembling hands, Sharkey began undressing Sparks. Sparks' large hands gently removed his clothing. As Sparks slipped his briefs down, Sharkey noticed Sparks stared intently at his rigid cock. "Mmm, you look good," he murmured, bending and taking Sharkey's right nipple into his mouth.

Sharkey quivered and clung to his lover, moaning with pleasure When Sparks released his nipple, Sharkey kissed and licked Sparks' nipples. Sparks unfastened his pants and pushed them down, along with his briefs, and stepped out of them.

Sparks' large, long cock stood straight up, its flared mushroom-shaped tip glistening with pre-come. Sharkey stared at Sparks' cock, then caressed it with his fingers. He's beautiful there. But he's big. And his cock head flares out so that it's even bigger than it would normally be.

On one hand, he yearned to feel Sparks inside him; on the other, he felt his buttocks tighten in resistance. I haven't had a man take me in the ass in over twenty years. It can be uncomfortable, even with a gentle partner who doesn't have such a big cock.

Sparks unfastened Sharkey's pants and slipped them down, along with his boxer shorts. When they fell around his ankles, Sharkey stepped out of them. Sparks drew him close; Sharkey's heart pounded even faster as he felt Sparks' large erection against his belly. Sharkey's glans brushed Sparks' testicles.

"This feels wonderful, Francis," Sparks murmured as his tongue flicked Sharkey's earlobe.

"I just wish I were bigger where it counted," Sharkey said, suddenly self-conscious. Back in high school, the guys would've given me more respect if I'd had a real big cock like Ski or the Skipper. The Admiral's, too, he finished silently. Some of those crazy bastards even tried to call me Ethel. Being hung like a stallion would've given them something about me to notice besides my middle name. I don't know why my parents couldn't come up with something besides Ethelbert. When I took up boxing, that deep-sixed the Ethel problem. I was little, but I was fast and packed a hard bunch.

Sparks' fingers slid up and down his cock, sending runnel of pleasure through his loins. Sparks smiled tenderly as his blue eyes met Sharkey's. "Why do you think that? You're bigger than a lot of men."

Sparks kissed his lips lingeringly. "Believe me, you more than pass my inspection."

With his hands on Sparks' shoulders, Sharkey turned enough to see where he was going and led Sparks down the hall to his bedroom. He switched on his nightstand lamp to its lowest setting, which provided a restful glow to the off-white walls and the bed, which was covered with a dark brown spread. Sharkey turned down the bed, revealing light tan and blue striped sheets.

The two men quickly got into the king-sized bed. Sharkey rose to his knees as he kissed Sparks' lips, then kissed his way down to his nipples. Gently, Sparks took hold of him and turned him so that he could kiss his nipples at the same time.

As the currents of pleasure raced through Sharkey's body, his eyes were drawn to Sparks' big, leaking manhood. He kissed and licked his way down to Sparks' navel, then probed it with his tongue. Ripples of pleasure coursed through him as Sparks reciprocated.

Sharkey licked Sparks' fluid from his cock, which tasted salty, bitter, and fish-like. For an instant, Sharkey was disappointed. I hoped he'd taste better than this, he thought. But I should have expected it. Sparks eats a lot of meat and dairy products; not only that, he drinks a lot of black coffee.

Taking Sparks' cut glans in his mouth, he laved it for a few seconds. Opening his mouth as wide as he possibly could, he managed to take most of Sparks' manhood into his mouth. Sharkey felt Sparks' mouth envelop his cock, licking and sucking gently at first, then more vigorously.

Just as Sharkey was about to come, Sparks stopped his ministrations for a moment, gasping for breath.

Sharkey took the remainder of Sparks' cock in his fist, stroking it slowly, then faster as he sucked.

Then, Sparks moaned, which sent runnels of pleasure though Sharkey's loins. Sparks' cock swelled even larger for a moment. At the instant Sharkey felt the lightning-bolts of ecstasy shoot his love essence from his body, Sparks' come spurted into his mouth. He swallowed all he could, but he felt a small amount trickle onto his chin. Each man held the other's cock in his mouth for several moments. Finally, Sharkey turned around and laid his head on Sparks' shoulder, relishing the feel as Sparks' right arm encircled him.

"Hey, that was incredible," breathed Sharkey, closing his eyes. He shuddered at the intensity of the feelings Sparks had
unleashed.

"Yeah, it was," Sparks whispered huskily, his arm tightening around him. He ran his hand up and down Sharkey's shoulder and upper arm. Then, Sparks' arm tightened around him again.

The two men lay entwined for almost an hour. Then, Sparks' nearness and scent began to arouse Sharkey again. He ran his fingers over Sparks' chest, pausing to lightly pinch and pull at his nipples.

Sparks inhaled sharply, a dreamy smile parting his full, sensuous lips.

Sharkey's hand traveled to Sparks' groin. He began stroking his friend's already firm cock. Soon, it was fully hard again.
Sharkey spread Sparks' legs and knelt between them. For a moment, he stroked Sparks' member, relishing the feel of it. Then, he reached for the bottle of lotion on his nightstand and pumped some onto the palm of his hand. Putting some on his fingers, he probed between Sparks' buttocks. His fingers found the opening to his lover's body and caressed the outside of it with a lubed finger.

Sparks stiffened; his eyes widened. He bit his lip.

"Just relax," Sharkey said gently, giving his lover a gentle smile in an effort to reassure him.

Sparks remained tense for a few moments. Finally, he began to relax. Sharkey began probing the outer ring of muscle very gently.

It took longer than he would have liked, but Sparks' opening finally relaxed enough to allow him to insert his finger.

As he carefully stretched Sparks, he could feel that some tension remained. When Sharkey could insert three of his fingers, he looked into Sparks' eyes. "Bring your knees up. Put your legs around me," he said, his voice hoarse with desire.

Sparks hesitated. For a moment, Sharkey thought Sparks was not going to do it. "Come on, sweetheart. I really need you," pleaded Sharkey.

Sparks slowly wrapped his legs around Sharkey. He immediately placed his cock against Sparks' opening and pushed. Sparks gasped as his passage tightened.

Sharkey stopped, taking a few deep breaths to control his rising desire. Finally, Sparks relaxed a little. Sharkey pushed in a bit more, pausing when Sparks tightened up again.

Eventually, Sharkey was inside Sparks. As Sparks' muscles tightened once more, it was all he could do to keep from shooting his load. He shut his eyes as the intensity almost overcame him. He took several slow, deep breaths and went through the steps of the dive sequence in his head. His desire finally in check, Sharkey began thrusting, slowly at first, picking up his speed as Sparks began moving in rhythm with him.

Then, Sharkey angled upwards and began pounding into Sparks' prostate.

Sparks screamed; his entire body became rigid. His face went from pleasantly flushed to pale. "Stop it!" yelled Sparks between ragged breaths.

"Stop! Stop!"

Sharkey froze. "Hey, what's the matter?" he said, staring at Sparks' eyes.

"Get off me! Please!" Sparks pleaded, his voice shaking.

Sharkey immediately withdrew, feeling disappointed as their joining ended. He lay beside Sparks, stroking his face and hair.

"W-What's the matter, sweetheart?" he repeated, alarmed.

Sparks trembled, tears spilling from his eyes. "You're hurting me," he said, his voice breaking. "I was hoping you wouldn't, but you did."

"Hurt you? How?" When Sharkey was the bottom man in past liaisons with his other partners, his partner had always pounded him hard once they were into it. The intense pleasure had threatened to blow his mind. That was what he was hoping to do for Sparks-make it really good for him.

Sparks stared him, his expression hard at first. Gradually, his expression softened. He looked away, as if ashamed. "I-I don't know. I guess something's wrong with me." He paused.

"What makes you say that?" asked Sharkey.

"I've read that most of the time, men aren't really sensitive in there, that most of the sensation is on the outside. I've heard that it makes most men feel good to have their prostates pounded or prodded hard."

Sparks paused again, wiping his eyes with the back of one hand. "Well, I-I'm different. My ass is really, really sensitive. My prostate is even more touchy. Doc has put it on my medical record to be extra gentle when he gives me a finger-wave, so he won't hurt me," he said, his voice still shaky.

Sharkey felt his eyes burn as they filled with tears. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he whispered over and over, punctuating his spoken regrets with kisses and caresses. "I'm so sorry," he again told Sparks shakily as he hugged him.

Sparks' arm slipped around him. "I guess I should've told you," he said. He grunted. "Someone else told me I'd eventually get used to it, but it hurts so bad I don't keep doing it. I-I've never gotten used to it." He looked shame-faced again. "Sorry, Francis."

Sharkey shook his head. "There's nothing to be sorry about," Sharkey told him. "You shouldn't have to put up with someone causing you pain, especially during an act that's supposed to feel good to you." With utmost tenderness, Sharkey kissed Sparks' lips as he caressed his chest with his fingertips.

For a long time, they lay together. Finally, Sparks' nearness began to get to Sharkey again. He stared into Sparks' beautiful blue eyes. "Pete, I didn't know you're that sensitive before. But I do now. Believe me, I know what to do to take you to the stars. If you'll let me try again, I can promise you it'll be out of this world for you this time. In a real great way." Sharkey paused, then bent and kissed Sparks' nipples. They immediately became hard.

As Sharkey knelt between Sparks' legs, Sparks frowned a trifle. "Just take it easy with me," he whispered.

Sharkey nodded, putting more lotion on his fingers. He began to lightly stroke and probe Sparks' opening. "If I do something that don't feel good to you, let me know," he said.

After a few moments, Sparks' cock began to harden again.

Sharkey took it into his mouth and held it there as he gently inserted his finger, then moved it from side to side as he withdrew it. Soon, Sparks was relaxed enough to allow him to slip a second finger into his passage, then another a third.
Sharkey released Sparks' cock and knelt between Sparks' legs again. He felt Sparks' leg muscles tense slightly. Very slowly and gently, Sharkey began thrusting into his lover with his fingers, burying them all the way in his passage. Sparks closed his eyes and smiled dreamily as his face became pleasantly flushed.

Carefully, Sharkey felt for Sparks' prostate. When he found it, he ran his finger very lightly over it. Sparks gasped as his eyes sprang open. Sharkey swept it again with his finger before withdrawing a little, then pushing in again. This time, he applied a bit more pressure to Sparks prostate as he massaged it in a circular motion.

Sparks began to writhe; his cock pulsated. "Ohh, Francis!" he breathed over and over. He began to tremble. His back suddenly arched as he screamed. His semen shot out onto his belly and chest in long streams. One streamlet actually reached his chin.

Sharkey withdrew his fingers and carefully entered Sparks. This time, he angled his thrust so that it grazed his prostate instead of pounding it. Sparks was still writhing when Sharkey climaxed. Finally, both men lay with their arms around each other, basking in the ecstasy of their mutual satiation.

Sharkey pushed up on his elbows and stared at Sparks. "Oh, Petey! Dear one,--." He could not find the words to express the feelings. "Petey!"

Sparks' eyes met his. The look on his face expressed far more than simple warmth and tenderness. If I've ever seen a look of love, this is it! Sharkey realized.

I've always liked associating with Sparks. We've been friends for a pretty good while now. We get along real good working together. During the last two years, we've started spending some of our off-duty time together. But he never said anything that would've led me to think he wanted me like this. But it was in him somewhere, or he never would have trusted me, especially after I--. He felt his eyes fill with tears again. I never would've hurt him for anything, never in a million years.

Sparks reached up and caressed his cheek, a warm smile parting his lips.

"Wow!" His mouth moved, but no sound came out. His eyes were brighter and more moist than usual. He opened his mouth, but closed it without saying anything.

Suddenly, a feeling of completeness enveloped him. For the first time in ages, he was truly happy. Then, reality began to sink in. If this goes on, we're apt to be in a hell of a mess. I'm an enlisted man-a noncom, but an enlisted man nonetheless. He's an officer. He's young and has a promising future. I don't want to be what messes it up for him.

And if the men found it out--. Lightning bolts of dread coursed through Sharkey. Oh, my God! They'd have a field day! Like starving sharks on a piece of chum. Riley, Ski, and Pat came to mind first.

I'd be a laughingstock in Riley's eyes. And Ski and Pat have something going on between them. If I didn't keep a close eye on them, they'd probably be fucking on the boat, I'm sure. If they find out anything on me, I'll lose the upper hand with them.

But no matter what happened, Sharkey knew he did not want to go back to that feeling of incompleteness; of aloneness. They'd just have to watch out. "We've got to be careful," Sharkey said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Real careful."

"You mean you'd like to be with me again, Francis?" His lover's voice sounded as if he did not believe what he was really wanted.

This was a point he could have used to back out of a steady thing with Sparks. However, Sharkey knew that if he did, he would rue the day.

"You'd better know it, Petey baby," Sharkey assured him.

They kissed warmly and slowly as they held each other. Finally, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

**

They awakened at 0736 hours the next morning. They kissed and lay entwined for several moments, enjoying the feelings. Sharkey felt the first stirrings of desire, but pushed away the thoughts. They should have gotten the huge turkey in the oven an hour before.

"What's the matter?" Sparks said, frowning slightly.

"This is Christmas. We'll need to eat about 1230 hours,"

Sharkey replied. "That turkey isn't going to cook in a few minutes."

"True."

Both men showered and dressed, then went to the kitchen and prepared the turkey. Soon, they had it in the oven. It probably would be done at 1330 hours, but it would still be delicious. Then, Sharkey put on eggs to boil for the dressing and grated a loaf of bread for the dressing. On the next counter, Sparks combined maraschino cherries, mandarin orange slices, pineapple chunks, and cocoanut in a large bowl.

Then, he topped it with Cool Whip and placed the bowl in the fridge. He then prepared the green bean casserole for baking. When the time came, the dish could be popped into the oven. Sharkey poured the canned carrots into a pan and seasoned them. They would be heated later.

With dinner preparations made, Sharkey turned to Sparks. "It's time for you to open your present," he said, walking into the living room; Sparks followed him. He picked up a large present and handed it to Sparks. "I hope you like it," he said tentatively.

"You didn't have to do that," Sparks told him.

Sharkey smiled. "I know, but I wanted to. It seemed--." He paused, not quite knowing how to say it. "Well--, you."

Sparks walked to the bag of nonperishable things he had brought in and withdrew two gifts. "These are for you," he said, holding two gifts out.

Two gifts! He didn't have to do that. "You didn't need to get me anything," Sharkey told him.

"But I wanted to. I hope you like them," Sparks said.

Sparks carefully unwrapped his present. "Hey, this is great!" Sparks exclaimed, holding up the pajama top. I love the colors. Unusual, but a very good combination. Thanks a lot, Francis. I'll really get some use out of these things."

Sharkey opened the small box. In it was a very expensive-looking pen and pencil set. "Hey, Pete, I like this. If I have time, I'll have my name engraved on it," he told his friend.

"Open the big one now," Sparks urged.

Sharkey peeled away the paper and broke the tape that held the top and bottom of the box together. In the box was a dark brown pair of slacks and a tan silk button-up shirt. There was another layer of paper.

Sharkey pulled back the tissue paper. In the bottom of the box was a dark brown velour bathrobe. "Hey, you outdid yourself! This'll be just the thing. I needed a new robe," he told Sparks.

For a long time, both men were silent. Then, Sharkey closed the distance between them and laid his hands on Sparks' shoulders. Sparks bent and covered his lips in a warm, tender kiss.

Sharkey broke the kiss and backed up a few inches, but continued to stare into his lover's eyes. "Thanks for the gifts, Petey, but you've already given me what I really want. What I really need," he murmured, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Sparks' full lips parted in a gentle smile. "And what would that be?"

"You. Your love," Sharkey whispered.

Sparks smiled; his eyes became moist. "And you have me, and my love."

They melted against each other. As they clung together, a trace of uneasiness mingled with Sharkey's satisfaction. They were taking a big risk, but whatever the future held, he now knew that he had someone to care about and share his life with. That, after all, was infinitely more precious than the most expensive material possessions.



End