Magic Happens

Magic Happens… A Torquere Press Single Shot by AKM Miles "You're Trent, aren't you?" The voice coming out of the darkness scared the shit out of him. Trent Casey nearly jumped out of his skin, and damned near fell off the concrete ledge overlooking the roaring water below. A big hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. Trent swung around and looked up at the man who'd interrupted his brooding on this cold, black, Halloween night. Clouds made it seem even more eerie as they moved across the sky, changing the night into alternating degrees of dark, darker, and stygian. The intermittent rain had stopped a few minutes before, so they were both wet. The dripping and rustling from the leaves added to the creepy feeling. Trent pulled his coat closer and faced the tall stranger. "I'm Trent. Who're you?" And why are you here when I want to be alone?

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"Don't be alarmed. I'm… I've come with…" The big man stopped speaking as if unsure how to

go on.

"Yeah? You've come with…?"

"I'm not sure how you're going to take this, but I have a message from… Daniel."

"Bullshit! Get the fuck away from me. Who the hell are you? No, get out of here. I don't need

this." Trent jumped back, away from the man spouting nonsense.

The man just stood there and let Trent rant. It was as if he'd expected the fury, the pain, and the

anger. He waited silently.

"You're still here. What's your game? Why'd you say Daniel? I know you're playing me. I just

don't know why. Daniel's dead."

"I know." The voice was quiet, calm, understanding.

"You know. That's all you've got to say."

"Magical things happen on Halloween."

"Stop it! He said that. He always said that, every year. You just stop."

"Okay."

It was quiet there on the high hill above the rushing river. Silence, except for the irregular

pattering of raindrops falling off the leaves, reigned. Thoughts scrambled Trent's brain into sadness, anger, and disbelief. What the hell was going on? Trent was out here, freezing, so he could brood, with grief and anger warring for top spot in his twisted array of emotions. And, he wanted to do it alone. Moonlight peeped out from a cloud and Trent got a brief look at the stranger. His hair was cut close to his head, like it was just growing back out from a recent shave. Trent couldn't see his eyes, but he thought they were a light color; they sort of shone in the night. "Why are you here really?"

"Really, I'm here to give you a message from Daniel."

"Well, pardon me, but you don't look like a goner to me. I know it's the right night for the

walking dead and all, but you don't seem at all pale or whatever." The man tilted his head, and Trent got the impression he was smiling. The guy was tall, and while not bulky, he was no lightweight. Trent realized that he was alone in the dark with a stranger who could easily tip him over the ledge and send him to his icy, wet death below. The

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wind suddenly picked up, whipping Trent's coat around his legs. He shivered, glad he'd grabbed the long, heavy coat as he’d left the house earlier. "Don't worry. I'm really not here to hurt you. You're safe with me." "Now, why would I believe that?" Trent asked, warily. "I have no reason to harm you." The calm voice of reason the man used was beginning to bug the crap out of Trent. "I don't understand any of this. It's too…" Trent paused, trying to find a word to correctly express how he felt about the weirdness of this situation. "Can we walk? I'm getting cold up here. I haven't been out of the hospital long and I need to…" Before he could finish what he was saying, the man stumbled and down he went. Trent instinctively reached to grab him, but one second the guy was in front of him and the next he was on the ground. Trent heard him groan, then nothing. Oh, shit. What was he going to do? He might be angry and confused, but he couldn't just leave the guy there, hurt. Unconscious? Hell. He knelt on the cold, hard ground and gave a fleeting thought to the comfort of the man before him. In only a short thin jacket, he had to be freezing. Lying there wet and shivering couldn't be good for him, especially if he was recently released from the hospital. "Uh, sir? Are you okay?" When there was no response, Trent sighed. This was going to be trouble, he just knew it. He thought for a moment. He had his cell phone. Should he call for help? They'd be easy to find. Granted, he'd come way out here to be alone and brood, and it was off the beaten path, so to speak, but any rescue team sent to help would only have to cross a couple of fields behind his small house. He lived at the dead end of a side road that led into the main highway into Grayson. Another groan rent the night, sending a shiver down Trent's spine. Well, it was Halloween. He was alone in the woods, sort of, with a stranger who was moaning. Creepy. But, at the moment, he didn't think the guy was a threat, despite the crap he had been spouting earlier. Trent bent to see if he could determine how much help the man really needed. As Trent's shadow moved over the man's vision, he gasped and jerked away from Trent. "Hey. Relax. It's me. I'm not gonna hurt you, either. You fell. Are you okay?" Evidently the man wasn't unconscious. Trent sighed in relief. "I'm sorry. I'm a little unsteady still. Help me up, will you?" The request was made in that calm voice again.

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Trent put his arms under the man's and helped pull him up. Once his feet were under him, the

guy was able to help, and soon he was once again standing in front of Trent.

"Do you need to go to the hospital, or maybe the emergency clinic?" Trent wanted the guy out of

his hair, but not on his conscience. He'd help. He just didn't want to hear any more bull about

Daniel.

"No! Please. I've had enough of that. I just need to rest a little. When I get back to my car, I'll be

okay. I'll go find some hot coffee… or soup. I just needed to get this done today. He said it had

to be done today."

"Who said?"

"At the risk of pissing you off again, Daniel said." The voice was more resigned now, as if

knowing his words would be met with disbelief.

"That again."

"Sorry."

"What's your name? Where are you from? What do you do?" Trent thought if he knew more

about this person, he could figure out what his game was.

"Uh… wow. I'm Guy Daimer, from Hadley, and I'm a writer."

"Ah, that explains the vivid imagination," Trent said, with a touch of humor.

They'd been walking the whole time they talked and were now nearing Trent's home. He knew

he wasn't going to send this man, Guy, away without warming him up and finding out what he

was up to.

"Come on in. I'll fix you some hot chocolate and some soup. I want to know what you're playing

at, anyway."

"Thanks. I'll take you up on the offer, if it comes with a place to sit for a bit. And I'm not playing at anything. But I will explain a little better, in more detail, if you'll let me."

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Chapter Two Guy was shaking so hard he thought the flesh would drop off his bones. He tried to keep his teeth from chattering. As he followed Trent into the house, his eyes hurt from the sudden light, but his body flushed with the warmth. It was a wonder to him that Trent left the comfort here for the cold spot where Daniel had told Guy he would be sure to find him. Maybe Trent went there often to be alone and think about Daniel. "Take off your jacket. Sit in that chair over there. I'll turn on the heater seat and back. I’ll cover you with a blanket while I fix us something hot to eat and drink. Relax. I'll be back in a little bit." Guy obeyed. He was numb and a little shaky from the fall and the cold. He shouldn't have overdone it after his recent release. He sat and watched as Trent set about doing the things he'd promised. He'd never sat in a chair that heated up before. Oh God, that felt wonderful. Warmth began to seep into his bones from the back of the chair. He closed his eyes and nearly screamed when the chair jerked back suddenly with a pop. He looked up frantically. Trent was leaning over him where he had obviously reached to pull the lever to make the chair recline. "Relax. I told you. Chill." Trent suddenly smiled at his joke and said, "Well, you've already got that part down. Warm, then." Guy watched him walk out of the room, stopping to touch the thermostat on the wall. As Trent disappeared into the kitchen, Guy leaned back in the chair, closed his eyes, and let fatigue take him. It seemed only moments later that he heard Trent calling to him. "Hey, dude. Guy. Wake up. You should probably get something hot down you." Guy opened his light blue eyes, feeling a little loopy, and for a fleeting moment he felt jealous at what Trent and Daniel had once had. He knew from Daniel that they'd been soul mates. Trent was a nice-looking man, well-built, though not too tall. He had really dark brown eyes and dark brown, almost black hair that was cut short. His glasses were wire-rimmed and sat firmly on his nose. Daniel had loved Trent in the glasses. God, the things Guy knew about the two of them. It wasn't right. "Hello? You in there?" Trent was looking at him strangely, standing there holding a tray with two steaming mugs on it. One, the big one, looked like a hearty vegetable soup, and the other Guy could smell. Mmm. Chocolate, with marshmallows. Instead of crackers, there were two large pieces of toast. "Sorry. I was lost there for a second. He loved your glasses." Trent gasped and looked suddenly like he was going to throw the tray at Guy.

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"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. But it's true. Please, can I have the stuff now? It smells great." Guy reached out, almost begging for the hot items in Trent's hands. Trent surrendered the tray and backed away. He kept backing until his legs hit the couch, where he sat and just watched Guy. Guy ate. The hot soup was delicious and obviously homemade. The chocolate was rich and wonderful. He dreaded finishing the food and having to start the tale. He knew Trent would be hard to convince, but Daniel had begged him. The whole time Guy spent devouring the meal, Trent watched him. Guy was nervous enough, but the stare was getting to him. "Okay. I'll tell you my story. I don't expect you to believe me at first, but I ask you to let me finish. Will you?" "Might as well." Trent sounded skeptical. "I died. Three months ago I was in a car accident and died on the table in the emergency room. Big white light, hovering over my body, watching them work on me, the whole nine yards. It's all true, what they say. It was bad. I heard them say there was no way I'd make it. I made it to a coma… sort of." "A sort-of coma?" Guy could hear the "uh-huh" that Trent didn't add. "I don't know what to call it, and I couldn't tell anyone about it. I didn't want to end up in the psych ward. This is gonna sound really strange." Trent put in, "Like everything else you've said sounded normal?" "Yeah, like that. Anyway, I don't profess to understand any of this any more than you. I just lived it. I went to this place, I guess. I walked around. There were other people there. Now that I think of it, they were all men. Hmm. It was some kind of station, I think." "Oh yeah? Like the one going to Hogwarts, no doubt." "Funny. Maybe so. I do know all the people there were gay." "Oh, come on. You mean like a gay way station? That's really a stretch. There's segregation for going to the other side?" "Granted, it was odd, but they were all gay. Some were going on, and some were waiting, and some were like me, not sure yet. Anyway, I sat on this bench and just watched people for the longest time." Guy looked over at Trent to see how he was taking this. He was relieved to see that Trent was watching him, paying attention. "This man sat down beside me. He was very tall and thin, with the most gorgeous green eyes." Guy heard a small gasp. Sounded like Trent knew what was coming.

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"He said to me, 'You're not staying. I know. I'm waiting. Will you do something for me?' I was kind of freaked. I didn't know where I was, who he was, or why I wasn't staying. You can imagine." "No-o. I can't." Trent said, sounding sad, undoubtedly leery of what Guy was going to say next. "I asked who he was, and he told me his name was Daniel Montgomery and that he'd been dead since October thirty-first of last year. He got this look on his face that told me that was a special day for him, despite it being the day he died. His face sort of lit up a little when he said it." "Daniel had a thing for Halloween." Trent said, though it sounded like he was reluctant to admit that the things Guy was saying could be true. "Yeah, I gathered. He got tears in his eyes and began to tell me about you. Man, he loved you so much." Guy watched Trent's face as he talked about Daniel. Trent's expression went from skeptical, to wary, to angry. Following that, his eyes glazed over and he seemed to draw within himself. A smile came then, just a small sweet tilt of the lips, and one tear escaped as he was clearly thinking of the last thing Guy had said to him. "Can I go on? Tell you all of it?" Guy asked, knowing he was hurting Trent with all of the references to his former lover. Trent looked over to him and made no sound or movement, just looked at him steadily. Guy took it for agreement. "Daniel began to tell me about you. First he described you, perfectly. That's how I knew he loved your glasses. He told me about where you lived, and how much fun the two of you had together fixing the place up and then decorating it to fit both your tastes. He said to tell you that he still hated the fussy old clock in the den. He thinks it's much too ornate… yeah, that was his word for it." Trent gasped again as Guy told him details that only he and Daniel had talked of, argued about, laughed over. "I don't know what to think." Trent managed to say, huskily. "I understand. No, really I do. It has to sound strange, bizarre even.” “I know weird things can happen to people in comas, but this is beyond anything I’ve ever heard about before.” Trent admitted.

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“Yeah. One of those things you think will never happen to you. I was in a coma for weeks and then there was a lot of therapy to get me walking again. One of my legs was crushed and now I'm sporting a lot of titanium, let me tell you. I set off all the bells and whistles in the airports." "I'm sorry. You're all right now?" Trent asked. “I’ll be fine eventually. Therapy really helped and I need rest. I just had to do this now, though, you know?” "What did Daniel want you to do? Why are you here?" Trent finally asked, if not totally believing, at least, going along with things for now. "Daniel was really concerned that you were still mourning his death. He wants you to let him go." Trent sat up straight from where he'd been slouching on the couch. Real anger laced his voice as he said, "What the hell? Let him go? I let him go a year ago on his fuckin' Hallo-ween. I had no choice in the matter. He died. Left me here without him." Sympathy oozed from Guy. "Was it sudden?" "Hell, no. We'd known for a couple of years he was going to die. He had terminal cancer. He'd gone through several stages and had finally reached the one you didn't come back from. He refused to die in a hospital, so I took care of him here. We'd lived here six years. The last six months were horrible, but I know he was better here than he would have been at a hospital, despite what everyone said. It was what he wanted. I took care of him. It was my job, my -- my honor to see that he went out the way he wanted." "I'm so sorry. I can tell you this. He looked great. I'm sure if he died like you say, he was ravaged by the end, but when I saw him he looked healthy, quite handsome, in fact." "Yeah, Daniel was that. I'm glad he -- that he -- uh…" Trent trailed off, sorrow and joy warring on his face. "I like thinking he is strong again." "Believe me, he is. But he says you refuse to release him. By that, I mean he feels like he can't go on to wherever. I don't presume to understand any of this, mind you. He feels your pain, your loneliness, your grief. It's keeping him from going on to the other side, so to speak. I guess that's how you'd say it." "What does he want me to do?" Trent wasn't even acting like he didn't believe anymore. "I'm so confused. I go back and forth between thinking you're some kind of loony and wanting to hear more about Daniel. I know this doesn't make any kind of sense, but I'm…" "I know. It's like hearing news of a loved one who's gone on a trip, but much stronger. I'm sure it hurts to hear about him, but it's also probably wonderful. Kind of like a last chance to spend a

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little time -- if not with him, -- then sharing thoughts of him." Guy hoped he didn't come off sounding preachy. "Yeah." Trent sounded tired.

"He told me so much about you. I'd be happy to tell you more, but I'm really tired and sore and I

still have to find a place to stay. I'd be happy to come back and talk to you some more. Tell you

more of what he and I talked about. Try to fulfill the promise I made to him."

"You can stay in the guest room here. Do you have stuff with you?" Trent's eyebrows shot up

right after the offer, surprised that he'd voiced his thoughts aloud.

"You don't have to do that. I can find a place in town."

"There's no need. It's late. You're tired. Hell, so am I. It may be stupid. I don't know you, but I

don't think you're strong enough to harm me."

"I have no wish to harm you. I promise." Guy spoke around a huge yawn that stretched his jaws

so wide that the pop was audible.

Trent went to ready the guest room while Guy went out to the rented silver Taurus to get his one

piece of luggage. He carried it in and stood in the main room, waiting for Trent to appear again.

Guy turned when he heard Trent approach from a hallway.

"It's back here. Come on, you look dead on your feet. I mean, uh, a common phrase, but it seems

weird now. You're not, are you? Dead on your feet?"

Guy laughed for the first time in a really long time. "No. I just feel like it right now. It was a long

trip."

"I'm surprised you made it at all."

"It was really important to Daniel that I come see you. Tonight. There's more I have to tell you,

but I swear I'm beat. I'm sorry."

"No problem. Go on and get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."

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Chapter Three As he expected, Trent had a hard time getting to sleep that Halloween night. He'd been prepared to think about Daniel all night. The man had just been a fool for Halloween. He loved everything about it. Trent had made token protests each year, but secretly he enjoyed decorating with Daniel for the spooky holiday. There was always one big party to attend and they, of course, were required to dress up for it. In the attic there was a big box full of the most ridiculous costumes ever. Trent's personal favorites were the mannequins' paraphernalia. He almost smiled remembering that party. Smiles came seldom recently. He was thinking about Daniel, it was true, but not with the pain and anger he'd been dreading. Now he was faced with a dilemma. Was he to believe this stranger? Had Guy really died, seen and talked to Daniel, and come to see Trent with an honest-to-God message from his lost love? Magic happens on Halloween. Right. While he wanted to put it all away and send Guy on his way, knowing it was all some kind of hoax, he wasn't able to do that. There were just too many things that only he and Daniel had shared and Guy knew. Daniel had loved his glasses, calling Trent his beloved nerd. More than once every year, usually when Trent was bitching about all the hoo-hah involved, Daniel would tell him that magic happened on Halloween. The last couple of years, as soon as the "magic" came out of Daniel's mouth, Trent would say the rest with him and they'd laugh together. Truth be told, Trent still sometimes slept in the big black T-shirt that he'd bought and had printed with those words on the back. If there was anything that made Daniel seem close, it was that worn-out old shirt. Daniel had hated the clock in the den, saying the trim around it made it look gaudy. Trent had felt that it went with the room. Also, as Guy had mentioned, Daniel had the most unbelievably gorgeous green eyes. They seemed to glow like emeralds when he laughed… or when they made love. With all these thoughts of Daniel and Guy warring for attention in his tired mind, Trent was able to spend his time before sleep finally claimed him trying to figure out the mystery instead of dwelling on his loneliness. He drifted off thinking it was just like Daniel to find a way to prove to him that magic did, indeed, happen on Halloween. Damn it. *** It was late morning when Trent woke to the smell of food. That was odd, he thought. Daniel didn't usually wake before he did, nor did he often cook. He turned his head, and just that was enough to bring it all back. The aroma wasn't coming from any effort from Daniel. The mystery cook must be that Guy person from last night. Trent figured he'd better get up and face the day and whatever strangeness it brought.

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When he ambled into the bright, sand-colored kitchen, yawning, he was surprised to see quite a feast set out before him. "I hope you don't mind. I was just about to come and see if you were awake. I've been up since about seven and since I didn't want to go snooping and was getting a little hungry I took a chance you wouldn't be angry if I just went ahead and cooked a little something and you have such a well-stocked pantry and it's been so long since I cooked and… I'm babbling. Nervous. Sorry." Guy stopped and just stood, coffeepot in hand, waiting. "Relax. I'm not angry. The smell woke me. It's odd. I was the one who cooked for Daniel. He was hopeless in the kitchen." "Yeah, he admitted as much to me. He said you were a wizard, though. You, evidently, can prepare anything and make it fabulous. Please sit down. I just have the basics here, but it should taste okay." "I'm sure it's fine. It smells wonderful. Go ahead and sit down, too. You must feel better this morning." "Oh, yes, sleep is a great restorative. I, uh, hope you were able to sleep. I know I gave you a lot think about. You're not sure yet if you believe I'm for real." "Can we just talk about normal things while we have breakfast -- brunch, since it's almost eleven?" Trent wasn't ready for more intrigue this morning. "Sure. Will you tell me what you do for a living?" "Daniel had an unbelievably huge life insurance policy and I was the beneficiary. Lord, I didn't even know he had that thing. It's made me damn near wealthy. I could live off it forever if I wanted. He always wanted me to write. So, I'm trying my hand at it. I've found a really nice publishing company online that has accepted my first manuscript, and I'm working on another couple now." "You're kidding. I've heard that that is the future. E-books, they're called, right? What kind do you write, if you don't mind my asking?" Guy seemed genuinely interested in Trent's new career. "No, I don't mind. I write gay erotic fiction, mostly mysteries. I like a good whodunit. I found that I liked reading the material I downloaded from this site and so I tried my hand at it. I like it. The response has been positive." "I'd love to read it, if you wouldn't mind. That's great for you. You can work from home on your own time, huh?" "Yeah, it is cool. I've become online friends with a few of the authors there. It's fun. What do you do, or did you do, before the accident? I take it you're not back to work yet."

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"No. I'm part owner of a men's clothing chain. Got it Covered. Ever heard of it?" "Sure. Daniel and I have shopped there before. There's one in Charlotte and one in Savannah, I think. Right?" Trent asked, impressed with the news of Guy's owning one of his favorite places. Got it Covered had everything from underwear to formal wear, rustic camping gear to business suits. Their stores were huge. "Uh, someone is covering for you? Your partner?" Trent wondered if Guy had a partner in life as well as in business. "Yeah, my partner and his wife and oldest son are handling things. I've been toying with the idea of selling out to him now that his son is old enough and has shown an interest in the business, as well as an aptitude for it." "Man, I imagine you'd have it made. That would sell for quite a bit." "Right. I'd be set, for sure. But then what would I do? I'm not ready to go back to work right now, but I'm sure I'd be bored doing nothing once I got back up to full strength. I've just been, sort of, not myself lately. I'm drifting. Nothing feels right, nothing makes sense anymore." While they'd been talking, he and Guy had pretty much eaten everything on the table. Bacon, eggs, biscuits, hash browns, blackberry jelly, apple butter, and two pots of coffee had been devoured as they shared information. "Hey. You go sit and rest that leg while I clean up the kitchen. You cooked, so I'll take care of this. Thanks for breakfast, by the way." "No problem. You're out of breakfast stuff. Maybe I could go with you to shop for more and look for a place to stay for a few days." "You want to stay that long?" Trent was surprised at the news. "If it's all right with you. I still have more I need to tell you. I don't have any plans now. I'm alone, so I can do anything I want. This feels right. This area is nice. I saw some of it before dark yesterday." Trent wasn't sure how he felt about Guy wanting to stay for days. To be honest, Trent's anger was gone, replaced by an avid curiosity. He wanted to hear what Guy had to say about Daniel and, well, he wasn't hard to look at, either. Now, where had that thought come from, he wondered. Since Daniel had been gone, Trent had been living in a vacuum. Physical desire wasn't even something he thought about, which was saying a lot for a young gay man. His true soul mate was gone and he'd lived in a fog since, neither looking at nor thinking of another person. He was able to write about men having sex in his books, but never once had he

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been tempted. He stopped what he was doing, the wet dishrag in his hand hovering over the table, and made himself look inside. Was he tempted by Guy Daimer? And why didn't the mere notion of it fill him with guilt, a sense of betrayal? He shook his head as if to force out the wayward thoughts. Just because a handsome man was now in close proximity didn't mean it was time to get randy and think those thoughts. It had been a year since Daniel's death, about a year and a half since he'd had anything resembling good sex. Right after Daniel died, Trent had sworn he'd never want anyone again. So what, now Daniel was sending an emissary to tell him to get on with things and meet someone? Just like that? "Is there anything I can help you with? Trent, are you okay?" Guy came back in the kitchen and paused when he saw Trent, just standing there with the rag poised over the table. Trent turned to face Guy and said, "Tell me more. Tell me what he said. Everything." "Sure. Uh, here, let me take that and we'll go in the other room and sit down. There's not a lot more, but he was adamant that I tell you… here, put that down and come with me." Guy took the rag and flipped it toward the sink, then took Trent's hand and led him into the front room. It was an odd reversal from last night. This time, Trent was the one who was in a stupor and needed help. Trent let Guy settle him on the sofa and watched as Guy went to the opposite end and sat, stretching his leg out across the expanse between them. He waited for Guy to speak. "I've never experienced anything like what I'm asking you to believe, so I understand your reluctance to buy into it. All I know is that I did die on the table, I was told that later, and was in a coma for almost three weeks. During that time, I seemed to be in a state of -- I don't even know what to call it. Suspension? It was like my body hadn't decided whether to shut down or come back and live out my life, so I sort of drifted." Guy was talking uninterrupted now. Trent didn't know what to say, so he just let Guy tell it all. "Like I said, I was in a place and there were men everywhere. All ages, all sizes, nationalities, et cetera. I don't even know how I knew they were all gay; I mean, there wasn't an abundance of rainbow flags or welcome signs. I just knew. I felt totally lost and out of place and unsure what was expected of me. That's when Daniel came and sat down by me. I told you what he said then." "He wanted you to do a favor. Come back here and tell me to get on with it and stop mourning him." "Yes. That was part of it. He said you would resist, not only believing it happened, but doing as he asked. He says your inability to be happy without him has made it hard for him to get on. He had several memories he shared with me about the two of you. I've told you a little. The story I liked best was about you all dressing up as mannequins for a Halloween party. He said you all

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were the hit of the party. He made me promise to show you a new pose he'd come up with that you all should have tried." With those words, Guy struggled up off the couch. Standing there in front of Trent, he stuck one hip out with his weight on that foot, and put that arm down and reached back as if touching someone behind him. The other arm curved up to and around his head, as if grasping someone's head to pull that person down to him. It would be the perfect pose for a partner to step up behind him and settle into the hands that were reaching for him. Of course, Trent would have been the one to be in an opposing pose for a while, then he’d sidle up to Daniel and ease himself into position for a lover's clench. It was classic Daniel. Trent didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Damn Daniel. He was always thinking of new poses for them, and they always ended up in some kind of lover's pose. Finally, he gave up and sputtered with laughter. It was so typically Daniel to try to make him laugh, from the grave even. So he gave in and let himself enjoy thoughts of Daniel without the tears and anger overtaking him. Guy looked relieved. He came out of the pose and sat on the edge of the sofa. "He said you'd do that. You'd fight it and want to be mad, but that you'd have to give up and you'd lose it. He knew you so well. I've tried not to be jealous of the deep love and understanding you two shared. I've never known that with anyone. He wanted me to stay long enough to make sure you were okay. I don't know how I'm supposed to judge that, but I have no other plans right now and I'd like to stay around for a little while. I can tell you more little things he said or shared and see if I think you are getting to a point where you are going to be able to go on without him. I mean, go on in a more healthy manner." "Look, I'm fine, but if you want to hang around awhile, you're welcome to stay in the guest room. You don't have to find another place. If you want, that is." Trent wasn't even surprised he'd made the invitation. He was comfortable with Guy for some reason. He wasn't ready for the man to leave. “That’s kind of you. I’d like to stay a while.” Guy relaxed a little with the acceptance. "Let's go into town and get some groceries. I think there's a storm coming in tonight and they say we'll have snow, lots of it. It's really early for a big one, but it's happened before." "I'd love to see a big storm. You'll be stuck with me for sure then. With this leg I won't be getting out and mucking around. I'm too afraid of banging it up again." Trent watched Guy for a moment and realized that he was looking forward to spending more time with him. He liked the man more and more. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. He'd zoned out for a moment and had to think about what they'd been talking about. Oh yeah, the snow.

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"No problem. We'll get plenty of good stuff in and be fine. While we shop, be thinking about things to do in case we're snowed in for a few days." *** Trent and Guy had a great time shopping for groceries. It hadn't occurred to Trent how alone he'd become and how unhappy he was with his life. He'd gotten so used to being part of a couple and he missed doing all the little fun things that made everyday life more enjoyable. They joked about the things they both wanted to put in the basket and argued over brands they preferred and the merits of each. At the checkout counter, Guy picked up a pack of Phase 10 cards. Trent was not familiar with the game, but said nothing. There were several board games at the house that he and Daniel used to play on snowy days and nights. There was a little spring in Trent's step that had been missing for a long time, and a lightness in his heart that he barely understood. The only thing he knew for sure was that he felt happy, as he hadn't in a long, long time. He was surprised that he didn't feel guilty about enjoying the time with Guy. Guy invited him to lunch in town before they took their things home. He accepted and suggested they go to Rodney's Steak House. Rodney's had great sandwich and soup combos, and, when asked, Guy agreed that it sounded like just the thing. Trent watched as Guy shivered in his jacket. Did the man not have a winter coat? Hell, he owned a clothing store. "Why don't you have a bigger coat? You're freezing in that little thing. I should have gotten one of Daniel's out for you." "You'd do that?" "Well, yeah. He'd be the first to offer it. I just can't figure out why you don't have one, since you own Got it Covered." "I know. I wasn't thinking straight when I packed. I wasn't home when the seasons changed, and instead of getting back into the closet for the heavier stuff, I just grabbed this and set out. I didn't spend much time there after I got out. I wanted to get here by Halloween. It seemed important to Daniel. Frankly, since all this happened, I've been a little spacey. I mean, what would happen if I didn't do as he asked? The whole thing is so out of my league. Magic, and being dead, then there, then back, and now here. It's a little disconcerting, to say the least." "Do you want to leave?" "No! No, I really don't. I like not being at my place right now. It didn't feel right when I was there for that short time right out of the hospital. If it won't freak you out, I feel better in your guest room than I do at my apartment. Weird, huh?" Guy seemed embarrassed that he'd revealed so much about himself.

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"Not really. They say you change a lot after going through a near-death experience like that. You look at things differently, value things more, things like that." "Hmmm." Guy muttered, obviously thinking about that.

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Chapter Four Guy was beginning to get an inkling that he had a problem. He really liked Trent Casey. Daniel had painted such a great picture Trent, and Guy was finding it was all true. Trent was very handsome with those dark looks, and he was cute with the glasses perched on his nose. His feelings were being tipped and twisted. Guy was beginning to care about Trent as he watched him try hard to believe all that Guy was telling him. It had to be difficult to take it all in. Guy found himself noticing more and more things about Trent that increased his interest in the man Daniel had sent him to meet. Guy noticed the way Trent's hair grew in a kind of wave pattern over his head. He bet that if Trent let it grow, it would be gorgeous. The dark hair and eyes made him look like a model from a calendar. Okay, the glasses made it look more like a calendar for librarians or scholars, but Trent was definitely hot. Just thinking about Trent had made him hard a couple of times. He was afraid to even think about there being something there. Trent so wasn't ready to try being with someone again. But Guy couldn't help wondering about it. Well, it had been a year, not that a year was the magic number for relief from grieving. But maybe it was time for Trent to think about letting go, like Daniel had wanted. Guy could only hope. Later in the week, they went on another shopping excursion. Upon returning home, Trent had suggested that Guy rest his leg while he worked on a manuscript since he had a deadline. Guy'd had enough of lying on the couch doing nothing, so he went in search of Trent to see if he couldn't start something for their supper. Maybe a big pot of chili would be good. He'd made sure all the ingredients were in the cart when they shopped. "Hey," Guy began as he stopped in the doorway of the den where Trent was typing away. "Is it okay if I start a pot of chili for supper?" "Mmm, yeah. Daniel hated chili, so I seldom had it. I love it. You sure? You don't have to cook for me." "I don't mind. You cook all the time. I can't just sit around and do nothing. It makes me crazy. How's the book coming along?" Guy wasn't just asking to be polite. He found the idea of Trent writing gay erotic material fascinating. His mind wasn't the only thing that was interested, though. He wondered if Trent would let him read some of his books. Guy turned before Trent got an eyeful of the rise in his jeans. He knew he was beginning to have feelings for the man Daniel had sent him to talk with. Trent was intriguing and sexy and smart. Spending time with him over the last few days had made Guy afraid he was falling for Trent, and made him even more afraid he wouldn't have a chance until Trent was able to reconcile himself to Daniel's death.

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Later that afternoon, the house smelled wonderful. Guy knew what he was doing in the kitchen, and he liked the idea of doing something nice for Trent. He'd also made a batch of cornbread to go with supper. He was setting the table in the kitchen when Trent walked in and startled him. "Good Lord, what are you doing?"

Guy nearly dropped the spoons he was holding when he swung around toward the door.

"What? I'm sorry. Did I do something wrong?"

"Wrong? Yeah, you made it impossible for me to keep working. I didn't realize I was hungry

until I smelled that. I know what you can do if you sell out to your partner. How about being a short order cook?" Trent was bending over the chili pot when he said the last, and the look on his face was pure bliss. "It's my mom's recipe. I hope you like it."

"If it tastes as good as it smells, don't worry. Is it ready?"

"Yeah, I was about to call you."

"Great. Can I help with anything? Drinks? Soda or tea?"

They got supper on the table together, and it was as if they'd been working together in the

kitchen for years. They moved around each other, getting this or that, handing each other bowls to set down, one getting the butter out as the other grabbed the cornbread. The comfort wasn't lost on Guy. He wondered if Trent noticed how in sync they were. While they ate, Guy couldn't stop glancing at Trent.

Finally, Trent noticed and asked, "Is there something wrong? You keep looking at me."

"No, nothing wrong. Daniel was right, you're extremely hot."

"Oh, come on. Daniel did not say that!" Trent was blushing.

"Yeah, he did. He's right, you're very handsome. The glasses make you look very smart, too.

You're a nice man, clever, and compassionate. I see why he loved you so much. I'm halfway…"

Guy stopped talking, stunned at himself.

Trent looked just as stunned. All movement and sound ceased, and they just looked at each other.

Guy figured he was ahead since Trent hadn't reached across and slapped him. He was afraid to

move. Had he just admitted to Trent that he was halfway in -- something with him? Something.

Surely not love. Guy had only known Trent for-- Well, if you counted all the things Daniel had

told him, the time he'd spent listening to Trent's life story, Guy figured he knew Trent pretty

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well. Meeting him had surely done nothing but improve Guy's impression of the man. Guy wasn't about to say anything, afraid he'd make the awkward situation worse. Trent looked at him for a long time. Finally, without saying a word, he stood, took his dishes to the sink, set them down, and walked out. Guy sat still, wishing he'd put a stopper in his mouth. He'd ruined things, made Trent uncomfortable. Maybe he should just go. Guy got up and began clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen, castigating himself the whole time. Why hadn't he thought before he spoke? Yes, he was becoming infatuated with Trent, but it was obvious Trent wasn't ready. At a sound in the doorway, Guy turned. Trent walked over to him and, still without a word, took Guy's face in his hands and kissed him. Just like that. He put his mouth over Guy's and pressed, asking admittance. Guy was quick to comply. He was surprised, but not slow. He put his hands on Trent's shoulders and held on. Oh, this was wonderful. Guy moaned and opened wider, wanting more from Trent. Trent pushed, and the next thing Guy knew he was up against the counter by the sink, Trent's hips thrusting against his. Guy was thrilled to find that he wasn't the only one with a raging hardon. He held on, sliding his arms all the way around Trent and squeezing hard, needing to feel him closer, harder. Guy couldn't believe this was happening, hadn't realized how much he wanted it. He met Trent's tongue with his, and suddenly, getting a good breath lost importance as they continued the kiss. Trent's hands were still on Guy's face, holding him motionless for the steady thrusting of his tongue into Guy's mouth. Guy moved his hands over Trent's back, smoothing, grasping, clenching as passion escalated. The kiss seemed to go on forever. It just changed to slow languorous pressure and soft nips from teeth, followed by tender licks. Trent finally eased his mouth from Guy's and, without words still, put his face into Guy's neck and breathed heavily for a few minutes. Guy was lost. He had no idea what to do. Was Trent sorry he'd kissed him? Was he having second thoughts? Guy had never felt like this, like he'd come home. It felt like his life finally made sense. But what about Trent? "Are you okay?" Guy mumbled, worried that Trent remained silent. Trent rolled his head from side to side against Guy's shoulder. Was that yes or no? Guy tried to push Trent back so he could see into his eyes, get an idea for what the man was thinking, feeling. Trent hid, resisting the slight tug from Guy. He tightened his arms that had moved up around Guy's neck, holding him close. "Please." "Oh, honey, please what? What do you need?"

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Guy thought he heard a whimper of sound from Trent's throat, but he wasn't sure. He just stood for a bit, holding Trent securely in his arms. "Hey. Let's go into the den and sit together on that big couch. I'd like to hold you for a little longer, if you'll let me." Guy knew he was going out on a limb with the request. Now Trent would have to acknowledge what was happening between them and admit he wanted to continue, at least as far as Guy had suggested. Guy waited, breathless, to see what Trent would do. Finally, Guy felt a small nod. He eased Trent back enough to walk with him, arms still around each other, into the den. He liked this room, despite the ornate clock. It was cozy, comfortable and inviting. Best of all, there was a very large sofa. He led Trent there and stood a moment to see if Trent would sit with him. Trent looked up at him and slowly put one hand out to take Guy's. Guy thought his heart would burst with delight and desire. He clasped Trent's hand and waited to see what Trent wanted him to do. "I don't know what I'm doing. That's so not like me, Guy. Will you be patient with me and let me work some things out in my head?" "Of course I will. Is there anything -- I mean -- what do you want me to do?" "Hold me, just be with me. I've got stuff fighting for dominance in my head and I'm feeling kind of lost." Guy eased down onto the big couch, bringing Trent down with him. He settled in the corner and pulled Trent into his arms, settling Trent between his legs and holding him close, letting Trent's head rest on his shoulder. "Do you want to try to talk it out? Work it out. I'd be glad to listen. I gather I'm good at that. I've been told, anyway." Guy hoped Trent could hear the warmth in his voice. Trent tilted his head and looked up at him. "By Daniel, huh?" "Yeah. He was a good man, and he really wants you to be happy." "Can you tell me something?" "Sure." "How does he know I'm not? I mean, how does it work? Does he see me here, know I'm alone, lonely, unhappy? How will he know when I'm with someone? I mean, when I…" "When you find a nice man, fall in love, and move on with your life?"

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"Yeah, that." "Honestly, I don't know, Trent. I have no idea how any of this works. I never dreamed that I'd be in a coma and go wherever I went and talk to Daniel and then wake up and have this compulsion to come here and see you and it had to be on Halloween. None of it made sense to me, but it happened. Now, with you in my arms, things make sense. I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be." "I feel like I'm supposed to be with you. How can that be? I haven't known you for that long, but I feel good around you, comfortable with you, safe. But then, I'm also beginning to -- I want you, Guy. Is that wrong?" "I don't think so. God knows I want you. Do you feel like it's wrong, or do you just think you should feel bad about wanting someone else?" Trent looked up at him again without saying anything. It was obvious that Trent was giving his question serious thought. Guy was quiet, letting Trent think. "I want to make love with you." It was all Guy could do not to gasp. His arms tightened around Trent, and he closed his eyes, hearing his dreams come true. "Oh, God. I want you, too. More than you know. I've been falling for you since Daniel started talking about you. Meeting you only made it stronger. Does that freak you out?" "No. Does it freak you out that I'm going to be awkward? Daniel was the only lover I ever had. It's been a long time." "Shush. Can we go to my room? I know you might not want to take me to the room you shared with Daniel." Guy didn't want Trent to be uncomfortable. "No. You'll come to my room. Daniel sent you to me. He wanted you to come to me. I don't doubt that he wanted this to happen. It's like he put his seal of approval on a relationship between us. Don't you feel that way, a little?" "I can see that, yeah. He was so insistent that I be here on Halloween. 'Magic happens on Halloween' he kept saying, like he was trying to make me believe in it. I think magic did happen when I met you." "Kiss me again, and then let's go make some magic of our own." Trent leaned up to take Guy's mouth again in a kiss of promise.

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Chapter Five Trent's heart thundered in his chest when he and Guy headed for the bedroom. He had done some redecorating since Daniel's death, so it wasn't like he felt he was taking Guy to an off-limits, sacred place. Now it was just the room in which he slept. When they drew up beside the bed, Trent admitted to Guy, "I'm nervous." "Tell me why." "I don't know. This is what I want. Really. I don't feel like I'm betraying Daniel's memory or anything, and I guess I thought I would. It seems strange to have been without for so long, alone. Now it seems right that I'm here with you and… am I talking this to death? Killing the mood?" "Honey, I don't think you could kill the mood with a sledgehammer. I'm so gone on you. If we make love, I'll be the happiest man ever. If all we do is hold each other all night and snuggle and kiss and touch, I'll still be the happiest… horniest man ever." Trent snorted at Guy's honesty. He pushed at Guy and followed him down to the bed. He realized he felt lighter, happier, than he had in a long, long time. "Oh, I don't plan on leaving you horny. Me, either. Just wanted you to know this is about you. I'm into you, Guy. This is for us." "That makes me happier than you'll ever know. Knowing what you all had, well, I was afraid there was no chance for me." "Hey, here's your chance. What are ya gonna do with it?" Guy pulled Trent to him and attacked his mouth. He thrust his tongue inside and swept through like a conquering army. Trent wiggled closer and held on as the kiss went from hard to ballistic. It was like permission had been granted for them to be together. There were no more barriers in his mind, or his heart. Guy moved his hands over Trent's back and sides to settle against his ribs. Trent jerked and pulled away, laughing. "Stop. I thought we were horny." "We are. I am. I just wanted to hear you laugh. I like the sound of it. Come back here," Guy said, gazing up at Trent's happy face. "Move your hands to a safer place." "How's this?" Guy asked, and put them both on Trent's ass, squeezing.

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"Oh, much safer." Trent wiggled again, rubbing his thick cock against Guy's. Guy laughed and rolled with Trent so that Trent was on the bottom. Trent looked up into Guy's open face and felt his heart turn over. "How do you feel about condoms?" "Hate 'em." "Yeah. I'm clean. So clean I squeak. Papers in the drawer." "Ditto. But I don't have mine with me. I had so many tests and stuff done in the hospital. No problems there. We gonna go bare?" "Yes, we are. I have total trust in you. Right now the only thing to say is 'Take me, I'm yours'." With that, Trent lay back and spread his arms, ready to be taken. "I'm crazy about you. You know that, right?" Guy asked him, grinning down at Trent, happiness evident in his eyes. "Yeah. Right back at ya. Come on! You're my Halloween magic come true. Make me believe again." Slowly, Guy lowered his head and began to move his lips over Trent's face, pressing soft kisses on forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and right in front of his ears. He settled at last on Trent's mouth and kissed him with so much emotion that Trent found himself aching with the joy and beauty of the moment. They began undressing each other, leaving kisses behind as each piece of clothing was removed and flipped onto the floor. Trent felt like it was a choreographed dance, the way one movement flowed into the next until they were finally, blissfully naked against one another. His hands could not touch enough, his lips could not taste enough of this wonderful man. He tried, though. He gave his best effort in the attempt to reach every single delicious morsel of the tall hunk in his bed. Trent took special care around Guy's leg, a mass of scars and mottled skin. "Ugly," murmured Guy. "Beautiful," quipped Trent, kissing down the leg that, though it was mangled, still worked well enough. That was all Trent cared about. He slid his lips up to Guy's groin and settled in to taste and tantalize. With one hand he held the large, hard cock, and he set about moving his lips and tongue up and around from base to tip. He pushed his tongue against the slit and tasted the drop of liquid there. Guy jumped and thrust his hips up, obviously seeking more. Trent opened and took as much as he could, humming as the tip hit the back of his throat.

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"Trent… oh. Jesus, you're gonna make me come. It's been too long," Guy gasped, hands moving down to hold onto Trent's head, fingers sliding through his hair. Trent didn't want to let him go long enough to tell him just to go for it. Lord knew he wouldn't last past being touched himself. He pulled back and then began moving up and down, taking Guy as deeply as he could on the way in and providing suction on the way out. Guy had been right. Soon the man was coming hard, splashing against the back of Trent's throat as he struggled to swallow all of it. He did, and began to lick and clean Guy's now-soft cock. He brought a hand up to pat and caress the ball sac underneath. He pressed a last buss on the thigh next to him before looking up into Guy's dazed eyes. "Come up here, baby, I've got to kiss you." Guy's voice was husky as he made the request. Trent wasted no time, diving for Guy's mouth. Guy groaned as their tongues met and tangled. It was a while before Trent even thought about taking a good deep breath. He pushed his face into Guy’s neck and licked a swipe up to Guy’s ear. He chuckled as Guy shivered. "What would make you happy?" Guy eventually managed to ask. "Touch me. That's probably all it'll take and I'll go off like a sparkler on the Fourth." Trent said ruefully, knowing it to be true. He was close just from blowing Guy, tasting him and feeling the luscious man against him. "Mmm, let's see how good I can make it for you." Guy pressed another kiss on Trent and moved out from under him. He pushed Trent down and bent to take Trent's cock into his hand, and then his mouth. He managed to get a couple of licks and one strong suction in before Trent proved his prediction correct. Guy took it all, caressing Trent as he came, reaching under to stroke his balls, then farther to touch and tease at Trent's hole. Trent bucked hard and shot more as he succumbed to the sensations. "God. Just… God." Trent was able to mutter. When Guy crawled back up to him, he added, "Can we rest a few minutes and then try for more? I want you to fuck me. Oh, hey, your knee… I'll ride you so you won't hurt it. Is that okay for you?" "Okay? Nah, more like heaven. Come kiss me again and we'll snuggle a while. I love the taste of you in my mouth. I wonder what we're like all mixed up." "Mmm. Nectar," Trent said a minute or so later, easing his tongue from Guy's mouth to move down and lap at Guy's neck, at the spot where it met his shoulder. Guy shuddered and Trent kept it up, happy that he'd found such a sensitive place. He pressed a kiss there before moving on to Guy's chest. Now Trent felt like he could take his time and savor the textures and flavors of his new lover. Putting his lips over Guy's right nipple, he sucked hard, loving the sound he heard and the tight, hard bud he pulled up. He got a match for both on the left side. Moving back to the right side,

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Trent opened his mouth over Guy's chest and, using teeth and strong suction, drew up a mark on him that had Guy coming up off the bed and crouching over him. "God, you're killin' me." Guy looked down at the mark on his chest and got a gleam in his eye. "Uh-oh. You don't like that? I'm sorry. I…" Trent got no farther before being forced back onto his back, and before long he was groaning as a matching mark was placed over his heart. Hot, very hot. He grasped Guy's head and brought it up to his. "Come here, Magic. I want you." "You got me." Trent pulled Guy up to him and hugged him, a feeling of both elation and satiation. Unable to believe how good he felt, he rocked back and forth with Guy in his arms. "This is good, we're good." Trent muttered in Guy's ear. Guy's cheek was pressed right by Trent's on the pillow and he sighed at Trent's words. "We are." Trent eased Guy over onto the bed beside him and leaned over him to look down into his eyes. "I want to feel you inside me," Trent whispered, reaching down to take hold of Guy's cock. "I want this big dick in me, Guy." "Yes. It's all yours. Take what you want." Guy helped Trent settle over him. Trent reached for the side table, found a bottle of oil, handed it to Guy, and scooted up so Guy could reach him. He knelt on one knee, bringing the other up on the other side of Guy, opening himself so Guy could prepare him. Guy was very large, and it had been such a long time since Trent had anything inside him. Guy was taking special care with him, pushing his long, well-oiled fingers inside, and moving them around before adding more. "Now, please. I'm ready." "Sure? I wouldn't hurt you for anything." "You won't. Come on," Trent didn't mind sounding like he was pleading. He wanted this so much. He brought his other knee back down and settled over Guy's groin. Guy was smoothing oil over his cock, getting ready. Trent rose up and moved Guy's hand out of the way, taking that hard cock into his hand and lining it up with his hole. He began to ease down, feeling the large head break though the tight ring of muscle at his entrance.

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"Oh!" Trent couldn't help the exclamation. "You okay?" Guy grabbed Trent's arms, trying to stop his downward motion, obviously afraid of causing Trent pain. "I'm fuckin' great… don't you even think of stopping, Guy." Trent reached and took Guy's hands in his, linking their fingers as he continued sliding downward until Guy was seated all the way inside him. Trent was sure he was going to burst or cry or scream. Something. It was just too much, too good. Guy was watching him, acutely gauging his expression. Trent smiled for him, then pulled up so he could make that glorious slide again. Guy grinned back, squeezing his hands, pulling him forward. Trent let Guy pull him down, but didn't stop the movement of his hips. He felt almost like a gymnast, rising, dropping, and bending until his lips met Guy's. For just a few seconds, he thrust his tongue in and out of Guy's mouth. "God, you're something else. Fuckin' gorgeous. Nnnh. Gorgeous fuckin'. You're so tight and so hot, I'm gonna burn up." Guy was babbling, trying to speak in between deep breaths and moans. "Leg okay?" Trent managed to ask. "Fine. Don't stop." "Not gonna last long, Guy. You feel so damned good inside me, so big." Trent moved back up and began to ride Guy hard, holding on and rising up, only to push down and impale himself again. He lasted longer than he thought he would, but soon he was coming hard. He yelled and clenched his hole tightly, rhythmically around Guy's cock. "Oh, fuck yes. Come on my cock. You're killing me. Trent, sexy man. Mmph. Yes. Yes… oh!" Guy reached for Trent's hands again as he came deep inside Trent's ass. He thrust up and up until he was totally spent, crashing back down to the bed, catching Trent as he fell. Trent thought he would pass out. He was shaking from head to toe, worn completely out, but happy beyond words. He nuzzled into Guy's shoulder and settled beside and on his tall lover. With his arm thrown over Guy's stomach and his leg lying across Guy's, he breathed deeply against Guy's neck. "Happy?" Guy asked, tilting his head to look at Trent. "You have no idea," Trent managed to say. "Yeah. I do." "Yeah. I guess you do."

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"Can I sleep here tonight?"

"You can sleep here every night. In fact, I insist. We'll talk tomorrow about you, me, us, your

business, and your plans. I'm thinking about finding ways to stay together, in case you're

wondering. Am I being too quick? Do you need more time?"

"No. I want to be with you. You're not being too quick. I was afraid you'd have regrets."

"None. I'm good."

"Oh Trent, my love, you are good."

"Am I? Your love?" Trent held his breath, waiting for the answer.

"You are."

Trent sighed in satisfaction. "Sleep, love. I'm glad Daniel sent you to me."

"I am, too. I think he proved his point about Halloween and magic, huh?"

"Okay, I admit it. Magic does happen on Halloween."

End

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Magic Happens Copyright © 2008 by AKM Miles All rights reserved. No part of this eBook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information address Torquere Press, Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680 ISBN: 978-1-60370-525-7, 1-60370-525-2 Printed in the United States of America. Torquere Press, Inc.: Single Shot electronic edition / October 2008 Torquere Press eBooks are published by Torquere Press, Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680

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