I Will Remember You

Chapter 5

~ The Cruise, Day Three ~

San Juan, Puerto Rico

After a late night of dancing, eating at the midnight buffet, and more dancing, the boys were just managing to drag themselves out of bed in time for lunch. Even Tristin, normally an early riser, seemed reluctant to push himself into mobility. Actually, Tris knew that the ship wouldn't be getting into San Juan until 1pm, so he wasn't in any big hurry and figured he'd need his rest for upcoming day's adventure.

Uncle Rick grinned from his table in the restaurant as he watched his three nephews drag themselves in. He didn't even think about the fact that only two of the boys were his blood kin. They had all unofficially adopted Justin and after that, he was just another one of the family.

"Morning, Uncle Rick." Tris chirped as he sat down. The smell of breakfast seemed to be enough to put him in high spirits. It didn't take much to get Tris going in the morning, even if the morning started at almost noon. Justin and Tee mumbled something resembling a greeting as they sat down also.

"So, what's on the agenda for today, boys? Shopping? A tour? Kayaking?" Rick asked pleasantly

"Oh, I was reading that there's a tour of the rain forest." Tris enthused. "And then there's all kinds of shops along the waterfront. Doesn't that sound like so much fun?"

Tee gave his cousin a pained looked. "I was thinking the kayaking sounded like fun. I'll leave you to your shopping extravaganza and rainy forest."

Justin tried not to laugh as Tris stuck his tongue out Tee. "How about you, Jus? Kayaks or Rain Forest?"

Justin had a sudden vision of himself flipped upside down in a kayak, unable to get it back upright. "If Tee will loan me his camera, I think I'll take the Rain Forest."

Tee grinned, "If it gets me out of shopping, you can have the camera. I'll endure the slide show later. How about you, Uncle Rick? Up for some kayaking?"

Rick nodded, "Sounds like my cup of tea. How about we find a place shore side to meet up for dinner, then we'll head out on our respective excursions?"

The others agreed to the plan and, once they'd eaten their fill, headed back to the room to get what they needed for the day ahead.

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"Well, Michael, are we going ashore or not? You've been up to the buffet four times now. Surely, you can't say you're still hungry?" Brian was rather amused at his friend. For the first two days of the cruise, Mikey had barely eaten anything. Now, he couldn't seem to stop and it was already past time to start disembarking.

"Just let me finish this, then we'll go." Michael said between bites. He'd been trying to postpone leaving the ship as long as possible to make sure they didn't accidentally run into Justin on the way off. "Did you think about my suggestion?" Mikey asked, trying to distract Brian's attention from the time.

Brian sighed. So far, this vacation had turned out to be about as much fun as lesbian night at Babylon. "Since when did you become interested in kayaking?" As far as Brian knew, Michael had never been on any boat smaller than the one they were on now.

To give him credit, Michael had put a lot of thought into this. Maybe he didn't know an oar from chopstick, but kayaking was the one thing he was fairly sure that Justin would not be doing today. "Come on, Bri. Let's be adventuresome, try something new."

Brian actually thought it sounded like a decent idea. He just didn't picture Michael being a big proponent of anything more strenuous than walking to the beach and back. "Sure, Mikey. We'll go paddle around in circles for awhile, then you can tell everyone back home that you joined in some water sports with a bunch of hot guys from the cruise."

Michael shot his friend a disgusted look. Here he was trying to save his friend some suffering and Brian was making everything into a joke. Well … ok …. Brian always made things into a joke. Michael decided he was just feeling a little stressed at the moment. He just needed to calm down a bit. Once they got to the kayak place, he'd quit worrying about Justin and just relax. That's what he needed, to just relax for awhile.

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As Michael and Brian walked down the gangplank and over to the waiting area kayaking, Michael noticed the kid from the climbing wall was there with the slightly older man that had been having dinner with Justin the first night they'd come on board. Of course, Brian noticed the kid too, and as he was undoubtedly the hottest guy around, Brian started easing his way closer to the boy.

Tee was busy talking to his uncle when he noticed the tall, hazel-eyed man standing a few feet away. He glanced at the shorter man with him, but dismissed him after seeing the scowl on the man's face. The taller man had definite possibilities, though. He could see the same idea going through his Uncle Rick's mind. It wouldn't be the first time they'd both been interested in the same trick, but they never had hard feelings over how it turned out.

Rick decided to take the initiative, and turned to the taller man and extended his hand in greeting, "Hey, Rick James." He motioned toward Tee, "This is my nephew, Tee." Rick believed in the direct approach.

Brian took the man's proffered hand, "Brian Kinney" he responded. Then dragging Michael forward, "This is my friend, Michael Novotny. It's his first time." He added in a slightly conspiratorial voice.

Tee's eyes lit up, "Ohhhh, a virgin. If you'd like a little advice, make sure you're braced against something solid before trying to slid into the cock-pit."

"Once you're inside, be sure to push *all* the way back so you get a nice snug fit." Rick added.

"Remember to keep your hands on the shaft and your strokes smooooth and steady." Tee said, trying keeping a straight face.

"And if your shaft is double feathered, give your hands a slight twist on each stroke." Rick started to smirk.

Tee glanced over at Brian, then back at Michael. "Of course, a bent shaft can be a lot more powerful, but may be more than a virgin can handle"

"Hmmm, he probably won't need to know about 'J-strokes' just yet." Rick mused.

Michael looked from Tee to Rick and back again like they were both insane, while Brian smiled slightly with his tongue in his check. Tee decided that they'd teased Michael enough. Most of it seemed to be going over his head anyway. Tee was glad to see that Brian was enjoying the banter though.

For his part, Rick noticed the way Brian was looking over his nephew and decided that he might as well throw in the towel. He'd just have to find some entertainment elsewhere.

The transport/bus arrived to take them to the kayak place. A blond powerhouse had captured Rick's attention, so Brian had no trouble slipping in next to Tee with Michael sitting in front of them. Michael did not like the way this was turning out. All it would take is one mention of the word 'Justin' and Brian was bound to start asking questions. Or what if the kid invited Brian to join them all for dinner. What a nightmare that would be!

Maybe he would get lucky and Brian could find someplace to slip off with the kid, get a quick fuck and then move on. Otherwise, this was not going to be the relaxing day Michael had hoped for.

Michael twisted around in his seat, listening in as Brian and Tee made small talk about where they were from, previous travel adventures, how the cruise was going so far. 'What was that boy's name again?' Michael asked himself 'Tee? What kind of name is Tee?'

Michael realized that he must have said that last part aloud, because Tee looked over at him and laughed. "You'd be amazed how often I get asked that. It's actually my first initial. You know, T, as in tango."

Brian smirked, "Your name is Tango?"

Tee gave Brian a dirty look, "No, it not tango, but I'm not telling what it is, so don't bother asking."

Brian filed that bit of info away. He always enjoyed solving a mystery.

Once they arrived at their destination, they were given their kayaks and paddles (double feathered). There was also snorkel gear provided for those who wanted it. Brian and Tee hung around with Michael for awhile then headed out together, leaving Michael still going in circles close to the shore. As much as he wanted to follow, he just couldn't seem to get the hang of the paddle. Only one side seemed to be working. He finally gave up and went watch the others from the safety of the beach.

Brian and Tee paddled out a ways, then Tee put on his snorkel gear and flipped himself out of the kayak. After a few minutes of watching the kid swim around, taking pictures of fish with his throwaway camera, Brian decided to join him.

After swimming around for awhile, they both got back into the kayaks. Brian watch Tee get in first, paying close attention to how he did it. He had to admit, he wasn't quite as graceful, but he did manage to get back in. Tee had the good sense not to laugh at him.

They paddled for a bit, then just drifted and talked. Brian had to admit that he found the dark haired boy hot, but he was also finding that the kid was fairly good company. Especially after spending two days with a temperamental Mikey. It wasn't often that Brian found someone he actually liked spending time with. Of course, the fact that he tended to fuck them then ignore them probably had a lot to do with that.

"Have you ever been on a cruise before, Brian?" Tee interrupted Brian's reverie. They were both kind of kicked back with their feet propped up on top of the kayaks, relaxing.

"No, I probably wouldn't have come on this one but Michael talked me into it."

Tee glanced back at the where Michael was a small speck on the beach. "He doesn't seem to be enjoying it very much."

Brian felt like he should defend his friend. "He's been sea-sick most of the time. I don't think he's ever been on a cruise before."

Tee sympathized. He'd once had an inner ear infection, which was like being seasick on dry land. Not a pleasant feeling. "Have you known each other long?"

"Since we were fourteen." Brian smiled to himself. What was it about kids that made them so chatty? Not that he really minded, which surprised him. He didn't usually like to talk about himself that much. Maybe it was the sea air.

"I don't think he likes me very much." Tee observed, then with a grin added. "I think he's jealous."

Brian raised an eyebrow at that. "And what would Mikey have to be jealous of?"

Tee tossed his head back and gave Brian a knowing grin, "Because he wants you all to himself and it's obvious that you want me."

Brian couldn't actually disagree with that statement. But there was no way he was going to feed this kids ego. "Rather sure of yourself, aren't you? What's makes you think I'm the least bit interested in fucking a brat like you?"

Tee stretched himself out on the kayak a bit more, making to sure to display some of his better features in their best light. With a self satisfied grin, he purred, "We both know I've got what you want. There's no way you can resist me." He looked over at Brian who was looking him over with a mixture of desire and disbelief. "Before this cruise is over, you'll be beggin' to fuck me."

Brian couldn't believe the kid's brashness. The bad thing was, he was probably right. There is something about confidence that is a turn on in itself and this kid was loaded with it. Not arrogance, there's a difference. Just the firm knowledge that you've got 'it' and everyone else wants 'it'. Whatever 'it' may be. Much like Brian himself.

Deciding he needed to put the kid in his place, Brian turned on his own brand of sex appeal, "Just because I may want something, doesn't mean I *have* to have it. If anything, you'll be beggin' me before the cruise is over."

Tee licked his lips, enjoying the direction this was going. "I'm sensing a challenge here. What if we see just who can break who first?"

Brian felt a rush at the boy's challenge. He'd make sure the twink regretted the day he thought he could out seduce Brian Kinney. "Let's make sure we're on the same page here. First one to beg the other to fuck them loses?"

Tee nodded with a grin. Then decided some parameters were in order. "We can do whatever we want, with anyone else we want, just not each other. And no physical contact between us until one of us breaks."

Brian was getting to like this even better. He didn't need to actually touch the boy to seduce him. He did it all the time with just a look and a few words. "What are the stakes?" Actually the game itself was enough, but in any bet, there had to be stakes.

Tee thought this over for a moment, "One of these days, I'm going to make it to New York. When I get there, I want you to treat me to dinner at the best, most exclusive restaurant in town." Tee smiled. Like Brian, it was the game that mattered, not the prize. "How about you?"

Brian already knew what his prize would be. He pulled his kayak up next to Tee's so that their faces were only a foot apart and said softly, "After you beg me to fuck you, I'm going to hold your hands above your head and pound your ass so hard that you'll cum without me even touching your cock. And just before you cum, you're going to tell me what Tee stands for."

That was the last thing Tee had expected Brian to say. Narrowing his eyes, he gave Brian a 'we'll see about that' look. "You play dirty. I'll have to remember that."

Brian smirked back, his tongue in his check. "Do we have a deal?"

Tee nodded, "Deal."

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It was late afternoon when Brian and Tee headed their kayaks back towards land. After turning the equipment in, they found Michael had fallen asleep in a shady spot on the beach.

Looking over Brian's sleeping friend, Tee commented, "I think this is the first time I've seen him happy all day."

Brian gave his trademark smirk, but refrained from commenting on that. Instead, he noted, "Looks like they're rounding up the troops for the ride home." He nudged Michael with his foot to wake him.

"Oh, do you have to do that? He's so cute when he's sleeping." Tee gave Brian a mock innocent grin.

Michael woke up in time to hear the last comment, figured out that it was directed at him and shot Tee a dirty look.

"See what I mean," Tee said. "He liked me a lot better when he was asleep."

Brian just shook his head. A brief memory flashed through his mind. The memory of someone else who had liked to tease Michael like that. Brian quickly pushed that thought away.

The three headed toward the bus/transport for the ride back to the ship. Rick seemed to have cemented his friendship with the blond powerhouse. He acknowledged their presence with a wave, but chose not to rejoin them.

Soon they were situated in their seats, Brian and Michael sharing a seat this time; Tee in front of them, conscious of their 'no physical contact' rule.

Tee politely asked Michael if he felt more refreshed after his nap. Michael muttered something unintelligible that Tee was probably better off not hearing anyway. Brian elbowed his friend in the side and gave him a warning look. Michael's rudeness was beginning to irritate him.

Tee gave up trying to talk to Michael and returned his attention to Brian. "Maybe I'll talk the family into coming here for vacation one year. The kids would love the beach and all the colorful fish."

Brian raised an eyebrow, "You have kids?"

Tee grinned, "Of course! There's the twins. They're two now. Little Sam is only a few months. And Cindy is almost five." Michael's eyes got wider and wider as he listened. Tee decided it would never be any fun to pull a practical joke on Michael. He was just too easy.

Brian shook his head, making a tisk-tisk sound with his tongue, "Kids today believe in starting early. You must have been… say…twelve, when you had your first?"

Tee laughed. "Thirteen, actually." Brian, on the other hand, would be great to try a practical joke on. He didn't let anything get over on him. "Ok, you got me. Actually, I was thinking of my extended family: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins." Brian noticed he didn't mention parents. "There's quite a few of us that live in the same area. We usually go somewhere like Hilton Head, Savannah or Charleston. It's a lot of fun to get 60 some odd people together for a beach trip."

Michael was shocked into actually saying something, "You have 60 relatives living together?"

Tee gave Michael a 'get real' look, "I said in the same area, not the same house. Southern families tend to be on the large side." Tee looked from Michael to Brian. "I take it that you have rather small families?"

Brian shrugged, "Michael's family pretty much adopted me. There's just us, Michael's mom, Deb, and his Uncle Vic."

Then Michael added, "And Gus"

Curious, Tee asked, "Who's Gus?"

Brian sighed. He still wasn't used to the idea of being a father and since moving to New York, he hadn't really had much time to spend with his son. "Gus is my son" Brian replied. "He's about one and a half now."

Tee gave a bright smile, "You have a son? A real son, I mean? That's great! Do you have a picture? I'd love to see what he looks like."

Brian gave a short laugh. The kid's enthusiasm was rather contagious. "Sure, I think I have one in my wallet."

Michael cursed himself for bringing the subject up. The last picture he'd seen Brian carry of Gus also had Justin in it. Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut? His whole body started to tense as he watched Brian pull his wallet out and start looking for the picture.

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Tris and Justin were thoroughly enjoying their trip through the Rain Forest. Justin was sure he'd gotten some really great shots of the birds and colorful flowers they'd passed during their slow walk. Since his accident, he'd begun to enjoy photography more and more as an outlet for his artistic inclinations. He still liked to draw, but it was often easier to take a picture than try to sketch something quickly before the subject or light changed. His hand tended to cramp when held in one position for too long.

After the tour, the boys strolled through the shops along the waterfront. It was mostly touristy stuff, but Justin wanted to get Molly something and maybe something for his adopted grandparents. Tris never needed an excuse to shop. He could spend hours browsing through the most cluttered hole-in-the-wall shop, never buy anything and still have a blast.

After having been drug through every store along one side of the waterfront, Justin realized it was getting close to dinnertime. He managed to drag Tris away from the tiny shop he'd gotten lost in and headed him toward the restaurant where they were meeting Tee and Uncle Rick. When Tris finally realized that it had been quite some time since he'd last eaten, he started picking the pace up, asking Justin what was keeping him.

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Michael dove under the seat after the photo he'd 'accidentally' knocked from Brian's hand. He wasn't really thinking about what he would do with it once he got hold of it. He just knew that he had to keep it from Tee's hands (or eyes).

Finally managing to get a hold of the picture, Michael breathed a sigh of relief. The photo was of Lindsay and Gus (no Justin to be seen). As he attempted to extradite himself from his position on the floor, Michael hit his head on the edge of the seat ahead, feeling a flash of pain as something wet flowed into his eyes.

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"…so Brian had to take him back to the ship to see the doctor. It didn't look too bad, but he may need a couple of stitches." Tee finished the story for the benefit of Jus and Tris. "And I never did get to see that picture."

While they waited for their food to arrive, Tris filled them in on his and Justin's day. They pulled out their purchases, showing what they'd acquired that day. Tris had bought several little trinkets for various relatives back home. Jus had gotten Molly a doll in 'native clothing' and himself a 'fcuk on holiday' T-shirt.

Tee considered telling them about his wager with Brian. He knew they'd get a kick out of it. He also knew that they'd do everything they could to help Brian win it, so decided to keep it to himself for now.

Once the food arrived, they all dug in (it had been a long day). It wasn't until they were well into the meal before anyone felt the need to make small talk again.

"So, what happened to the blond, Uncle Rick? I figured you'd be somewhere else about now." Tee asked. He hadn't seen the guy since he'd helped Brian get Michael back to the ship.

"Humph, would you believe the guy just wanted to be just friends? Said he really 'liked' me and didn't want to fuck that up by fucking. I think he was serious, too. Can you imagine?" Rick sounded rather disgusted.

Tee laughed, "Don't worry about it, Uncle Rick. The guy's nuts. The only guys you'd want to be *just friends* with are the ones you don't want to fuck."

Tris gave his cousin an 'I can't believe you said that' look, "You mean two gay men can't be just friends if they're attracted to each other?"

Tee looked at Tris like that was the most obvious thing in the world. "Right"

Tris couldn't believe his cousin was serious. "But they can be friends if they aren't attracted to each other?"

"Hmmm" Tee thought about that for a moment. "Actually, if you're horny enough, you probably want to do them too."

Justin knew Tee had some strange ideas some times, but he was way off base on this one. "Wait a minute. Tris and I are *just* friends. How do you explain that?"

Tee looked grossed out. "Ewww, Jus, you're family. That would be… well… incest!"

Tris rolled his eyes. "Jus and I are not actually related, knot-head. Answer the question."

Tee tried a different tactic. "I think you secretly have the hots for each other and just don't want to admit it for fear of hurting my delicate sensibilities."

Justin could tell BS when he was knee deep in it. "So, two gay men can be just friends if there's a third party involved whose feelings will get hurt if they aren't just friends? I think you're stretching it."

Tris was started to get an idea that would back his cousin into a corner. "So, Tee, *would* your feelings get hurt if Jus and I were more than just friends?"

Tee looked at them both in mild surprise. "Forgetting the 'ewww' factor for a moment, why would that bother me?" Then smiled sweetly, "Besides, that would just prove me right."

Justin countered, "Not if we remained friends despite the fact that it wouldn't bother you if we *were* more. That would remove the third party theory."

Tee shrugged, sensing they weren't going to resolve this and wanting to get on to desert. "I still say you two are more like family. That's why you can just be friends."

Tris felt his idea solidifying. "OK, so two gay men can be friends if there's an 'ewww' factor involved? Well, I'll tell you right now, I have no 'ewww' factor when it comes to Justin. In fact, I've always thought he was rather hot."

Justin smiled at Tris, knowing he was up to something. "Thank you, Tris. You're not exactly a troll yourself." Then turning to his friend, asked. "So, Tee, will you concede that two gay men can be just friends, even if they are attracted to each other?"

"Humph" Tee snorted, "No, I won't. You two are just an aberration."

Fortunately, the waiter showed up for their desert order, putting the conversation to an end. After ordering, Tee excused himself for a moment to find the restroom. By the time he came back, they were busy discussing plans for the evening's entertainment. Tee wondered if he'd be able to find Brian tonight and try his seductive powers out. He guessed he would just have to wait and see.

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