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Simple Type

Part 1

By Starbearer TM

Disclaimer: I don't own KISS, and Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real people. This is a work of Fiction, written as a tribute to these great guys who are a rock and roll legend, based on some facts mentioned in KISSTORY and KISS and Makeup by Gene Simmons. Raina MacLaren, Karen Valentez and the idea of Sweet Revenge are both fictional characters property of Trynia Merin.

***

Karen made her way over to the loft studio where she knew the guys were rehearsing. Unfortunately she saw no sign of Brooke or Tony. She had heard her saying in the phone call that Steve and Gene had a terrific argument, and that was one reason why they had not met up in a long time.

We girls had continued to rehearse together, playing occasional gigs here and there on Friday nights and Saturdays. Things had cooled of a little between Mark and Raina, for she suspected he had been seeing someone on the side since they had first moved in together.

However she sensed that something was terribly wrong when she knocked on the door, and found it unlocked. Pushing it open, she saw someone sitting there on the couch, his guitar case sitting on the coffee table. There were large gaps in what she had remembered of the equipment that was normally stored there.

"Brooke, Tony... Gene... Steve... Stanley!" she called, voice echoing into the emptiness. Why did it suddenly emanate from the source of the solitary figure sitting there strumming his guitar?

"Huh?" the figure on the couch turned, to see her walking into the apartment.

"Where is EVERYONE? Raina told me that Steve and Gene had an argument... I was just coming by to see if you were okay... and if Tony could possibly do something..."

"Karen....look....now is not a good time..." Stanley said, his voice breaking with emotion in that halting way that signaled something terrible had transpired.

"Why... what's going on?" she asked, crossing the gulf of the floor, and realizing why it felt so empty. There were amplifiers and a whole drum kit missing, along with a reel-to-reel tape recorder that she recalled was Brooke's pride and joy.

"Where is Steve... and Brook and Tony?" she asked again, sitting down next to Stanley on the sofa. He hunched over, head in his hand as he sighed for a second.

"They're gone," Stanley answered dully. She rested hands on his slumped shoulders, as he turned his head to her. Dark mahogany eyes were filled with a great sadness that tore at her heart. It was as if he had lost his best friend.

"Gone... you mean they moved away? When will they be back?"

"The guys, they're not coming back. Not ever," he answered her, turning away again and staring at the far wall.

"What... what do you mean?" she gasped, a horrible realization dawning on her. "What happened? Did Gene... Raina said he and the guys had an argument, and that Steve got mad, and that's why he was in such a bad mood and didn't want to see her or me... and then you stopped calling... did he really..."

"Yeah, he did, and I did too."

"Oh no..." Karen shook her head, glancing wildly at the emptied loft. Only furniture and a few loose pieces of stuff were scattered, sheets of music and a few guitar strings. Glancing at the two rooms she saw that beds were still made in the wide open doors, a few bureaus and the television still present.

"Even Steve left?" she asked. "I didn't realize... but WHY! I mean you guys had a recording contract didn't you? You were so happy when you told me about it... WHAT HAPPENED?"

"Karen, they weren't cutting it. We were going nowhere. Yeah, there's that damn record contract, but let's face facts. These clowns aren't going to get us anywhere."

"Ohhh Stan..." she sighed. "I know how important Wicked Lester is to you..."

"The rest of them can go to hell. Steve, though......damn...." Stanley trailed off, burying his head in his hands again.

"Did he..." she asked, her own throat knotting into lumps. "Stanley... please... tell me!"

"Gene thought....he felt like Steve was holding us back. I tried to talk to him, but I guess in the end I listened to what he had to say. I still feel like a first class prick, though."

"Oh Stanley..." she sighed, shaking her head.

"And...Gene's right."

"That's the first time... I heard you say that," she joked feebly.

"Yeah, lucky me," Stanley rolled his eyes sarcastically. "For all the good it does me, right?"

"Stanley," she said, taking his hand. "I know... it's not easy. Bands have their fights. I mean look at Liz and Trish... we tried to make it work with their band Mystery Machine..."

"I know... you told me...""It was the same situation... When the guys were holding THEM back..." she started.

"Well maybe, but that isn't quite the same, Karen. We've....uh....Gene and I have been rehearsing on our own for awhile."

"Oh? Well Liz and Trish often rehearsed with me and Ray, till we decided to form our own group, Sweet Mystery... but they didn't throw conniption... I mean yeah her boyfriend didn't like it, but they were the ones that quit Mystery Machine..."

"The other guys never knew. Gene, and I.....Karen, we've got big plans, and we can't let them stand in our way."

"Big plans..." Karen slowly repeated. "You mean like Raina and I do..."

"Hell, yeah. I so want out of here. I want to be able to quit that sorry-ass job of mine, I want to support my parents like they deserve. I want to be able to take my girl someplace nice for dinner, instead of meeting her at a roach-infested studio"

"Oh Stanley..." she sighed again, and finally grasping the scope of it all. Here was a man with a vision, as clearly defined as the one she shared with Raina.

"Look, I know it's not easy. Ray and I... we wanted Liz and Trish... To QUIT Mystery Machine..." she began, stroking Stanley's back. "And we were much better off... Liz was afraid it would hurt

"If this doesn't work.....I don't know what I'll do."

"But Liz was afraid it would hurt the guys, especially her guy Murphy, because he's the one that taught her to play drums... and he's the band's manager. But he's tight with Jon, Trish's prick of a boyfriend... who was cheating on her. Lydia warned her to stay away from him, and so did Raina!"

"I take it the chick doesn't listen," Stanley sighed. "Sweetie, I know every band probably goes through this, but it doesn't make it any easier."

"Stanley... I know... what you are going through," she responded. "I mean I know why you're so bummed. It's all we could do to convince Liz and Trish to leave Chris and Jon and Murphy... And join Ray and me... and make our own band!!!"

He gave her a weak smile, knowing that at least for her things were falling somewhat together. There were a few times he had sneaked out to the clubs to see Sweet Mystery performing, and he had to admit that the girls were improving. He could not let his problems taint her hopes, and so he patted her thigh, saying, "You guys will do it. I know you will."

"You are a GOOD musician Stanley... you don't need to be held back..." she continued, rubbing his shoulders through the oversized blazer he wore over the paisley shirt. Like she did, he wore a strange eclectic taste of clothes, from the chain link belt around his hips and the long bell bottoms with leather boots he wore even now. Through his dark curly hair she ran her hands, an ebony version of her own mass of blond spiral curls.

"I know that... but why don't I believe it..." he sighed, glancing up at her.

"I've heard some of the new songs you wrote... especially the ones you hammered out with Gene. I mean they are so much better then Stop Look and Listen..."

"Oh god you had to bring up that old chestnut," he groaned.

"No offense..." she held up a hand to apologize.

"None taken sweets. But here's the difference. You're so talented. You have so many choices in your life you can make - so many ways to go. I screw up this chance and what becomes of me? I drive a cab forever? I go back to art school? I hated it the first time. I don't want to spend my whole damn life regretting my decisions."

"No... Stanley, LISTEN TO Me!" she cried, turning his shoulders to face her. She slipped off the sofa, getting on her knees before him. Taking his face in her hands she kissed him softly on both cheeks.

"I'm trying, hon. It's just that...Steve....damn that Gene."

"Stanley... I HATE seeing you so upset..." she said, stroking his cheek. Did he realize just what a nicely shaped face he had, those cheekbones and the eyes that slanted a bit, giving him an exotic look. Some girls said it made him look strange, but she always thought he was gorgeous. Especially now.

"Karen... there's nothing you can do... it's done," he held up a hand.

"I just KNOW that if you want it badly enough you will make it work... with or without Gene even!" she insisted. "I mean the two of you... are like Simon and Garfunkle! Or Lennon and McCartney!"

"Simon and Garfunkle are probably going to break up too..." he sighed. "And Jon and Paul split a while ago!"

"Sorry, bad example... but you know what I mean... you guys work well together... and even though you argue, you NEED each other to work. The songs you do together... they just click!"

"I guess that's one advantage. I think I can be reasonably sure that Gene isn't rehearsing on the side without me. Gene's a nut, but he CERTAINLY is no one man band." Stanley laughed, chuckling a bit.

"Well he's a one man lady killer..." she joked. Stanley wiped his face a bit with the back of one hand, and tried bravely to smile at this lovely girl who was trying her dandiest to brighten this dark time.

"and I KNOW he needs you Stanley... you're his other half," she finished, stroking his hand in hers. "not in THAT way... but..." she wiped his face.

"Right sweetie," he laughed. "Anyhow, now comes the task of recruiting new guys."

"Well, you could put an ad in the Village Voice... even though that didn't work well for me... it worked for Chris... that's how he met Jon and the rest of us... and what you need FIRST is a good DRUMMER."

"Yep. I guess that's where we're headed. Starting all over again, in a way," he nodded, patting her hand, and pulled her up to sit next to him on the sofa again. "And I guess taking out an ad in the paper's cool.."

"Don't take this the wrong way, Stan. You need a new name... I mean face it... Wicked Lester is sort of... uh... not to hurt your feelings..."

"Damn, rub that salt in, dearie." He groaned with a wry grin. Laughing, he punched her arm.

"Sorry..." she apologized, kissing his cheek. "I shouldn't even be saying that... it's not my band..."

"No, you're right. It's not catchy enough. It doesn't have the balls that a good rock name should. I suppose I'll add that to the list of things we have yet to do. First and foremost, as you said, we need a kick-ass drummer."

"You need a real one... not Tony the tiger..." she nodded. Stanley laughed, knowing that was true. Granted Tony Zarella wasn't bad, but all those romantic lessons in the love den were distracting during practice.

"Yeah, but don't let him hear you say that," he teased.

"And get rid of the flutes, I mean you sound too much like Jethro Tull," she teased further. "I mean are you a rock band or an orchestra? You need something that really cooks... like guitars and drums. That's easier..."

"Don't let Gene hear that," he further teased. "That orchestration was his idea..."

"You need a one word name... like Tree. Remember Tree?"

"Been there already," he tickled her side. "Try again?"

"Like something everyone would remember. Hey, like Albatross... that's kick ass... or Pump or something... well..."

"Gene...we've got some pretty outrageous ideas, I have to say. If we're going to take this city by storm, we're going to have to be damn outrageous."

"Outrageous. Well you could call yourselves Thrust or Screw... or Bump and Grind..."

"You've been hanging around Gene too much," he laughed. "And we're going to need somewhere who will be willing to do what's needed."

"Hey why don't you DRESS Up in costumes?" she asked. "I mean it worked for the Beatles... get yourself an image that NOBODY will forget! Like the New York Dolls... I mean it's lame... but hey... I saw them in the clubs the other day... and well everyone's talking about them."

"Oh, I definitely think that's where we're headed. We want to shock the hell out of everyone in that audience. We don't want to be just another bar band that everyone pays a few bucks to see, then chats through the whole damn set," he agreed.

"Well.. this is gonna sound dumb..." Karen said.

"What?" he asked. "Tell me sweetie..."

"But why don't you uh... put on makeup or something... like... become someone ELSE that nobody WILL forget?"

"Oh, so take the Alice thing a step further?" he asked.

"Yes... everyone remembers him," she nodded. "That white makeup... Like a clown... no wait, who wants to pay to see a bunch of CLOWNS playing?"

He smiled and winked at her, kissing her hand softly. "I love it."

"Will Gene think it's lame-oh?" she asked.

He laughed again, "Gene? Lame-oh? Hell, you think I'M bad? Gene would cut off his right arm to make it in this business."

She ran a hand over his shoulder, stroking it. Slowly she began again, "Well you could be sort of like... larger then life... dress like rock stars like the Who... Make costumes like nobody else has... Pretend you're hot shit... and maybe you'll believe it?"

"Well, see, that's the thing. When I'm performing, I honest to God feel like I am. It's just days like today when I'm sitting in this damn, godforsaken loft that I feel like... well... just your basic guy trying to fulfill some kind of wacky dream."

"You are," she nodded, kissing his hand again, working over to his face softly. She lifted his dark fall of hair aside, and kissed his ear tenderly.

"Aww, I like the encouragement," he nodded. "But seriously..."

"You're like Jon Lennon and Paul McCartney," she insisted. "Say, that gives me another idea. Maybe you should change your name? I mean Gene did it from Chaim... and well... how many stars are named Stanley Eisen?"

He winked, "So you're saying, some day scores of hot chicks will scream for ME?"

"Exactly. But make it a name they can pronounce! Like Ringo Starr! I'm dropping Valentino and becoming Valentine..."

"You're starting to sound like Gene. His point is that we need to totally accept new identities. I've actually been thinking about it a bit. I'm all for it. I WILL say that my mom can't stand the idea though," he said with another slow grin.

"Well use your first name as your last..." Karen muttered. "And think of some easy one syllable guy name... like take Stanley... that's a killer last name... and all you need is a good first name to go with it... for some oomph!"

"Hmmm." He muttered, tapping his chin. She was definitely on to something.

"Like Mike... or Jon... or Pete..." she tried. "Or...""It's got to click. It's got to be perfect," he cut in.

"Chris... Joe..." she continued, and Stanley shook his head. "Chris Stanley... no..."

"Joe Stanley... ick..." he chuckled, punching her arm.

"Or hmm... how about Paul?" she suddenly said. He looked at her for a long moment.

"As in MCCARTNEY?" he asked, voice raising in pitch.

"Why not? You have those lovely eyebrows..." Karen asked, stroking her fingers over his dark and soft brows. At this attention he blushed.

"He IS a friggin' legend. You've got a point there."

"Yes... capitalize on it," she nodded. "And you're a pretty boy, handsome and sexy just like he is..."

"But about ME being sexy......" He stopped. Stretching, he sighed in amusement.

"You are..." she purred, kissing him softly on the cheek and working down to his sensitive neck.

"I guess I just don't buy it. Sorry, sister. I've been the chubby school reject for just too long to buy that story."

"No... you are..." she whispered, looking up with those blue eyes. "Look at me, I'm not the best to look at... I'm blond, with a big chest and big hips, and a not so skinny waist or butt. My hair's a mess of poodle curls! On top of that most people think I'm a brainless ditz... and there are a lot of girls who look a lot better then me..."

"Well, then, my dear, you're a fan club of one."

"I don't care. I think you're sexy..." she pouted cutely. "And if you DON'T believe me..."

"And I happen to think you are totally gorgeous and you make me incredibly dizzy with lust," he interrupted her.

"What?" Karen asked. Stanley leaned over and nipped playfully at her neck. Tossing her head back she moaned and ran fingers through his hair. Softly she kissed his ear, and rubbed his chest through his shirt.

"Seriously, though, thank you for backing me up. I'm sure there are going to be some who think that Gene and I are freaking idiots for letting the guys go."

"It's my job," she purred, gently slipping into his lap and kissing him softly on the lips. "I don't think you're an idiot..."

"Well, I think you are an absolute doll baby, MS. Valentine. How's THAT for a cheesy rock star line?" he teased back. Reaching into his shirt she enclosed her hand around the Star of David he wore. Thoughtfully she fingered it, weighing it there in her hand.

"Aww you are too sweet," she purrs, and tweaks his nose.

"You.......umm.....you ever tell your parents about us, like you told me you would?" he asked, between soft kisses. Karen released his star, and stiffened there in his lap.

"Yes," she snorted with disgust, pushing away. She got up off of his lap and started to pace the room, thrusting her hands into her jeans pockets.

"Uh-oh. I take it the discussion didn't go well."

"No. I don't care if you are another religion, but they DO!"

"Let me guess. Karen, he's a 17 year old without gainful employment. A damn rock star wanna-be. Jewish. Probably does drugs and alcohol and corrupts young virgins. Anything I missed?"

"And he's a taxi driver and a long haired freak," she sniffed softly.

He chuckled a bit, "Ahhh, yes. Forgot the hair bit."

"But you know what, Stanley? No other boy has been so sweet to me..." Karen said, whirling around. She moved over to take the hand he extended to her.

"Karen, you probably know more about me than just about anyone, and that's the truth."

"Stan... I care for you... how can I not know?" she sighed.

"I just hate to see you.....well, catching hell from your parents because of me. Let's face it. I'm not exactly a stable candidate for potential son-in-law of the year."

"Well you aren't, but I'm not the blessed Virgin myself. I mean I have tried grass once, and I did get drunk during my junior prom. Ever since high school I looked at you and wondered about you..." she started.

"You've GOT to be kidding. I thought the only people who paid attention to me in high school were those who were wondering what the hell I was up to."

"Do you know what I told him when he told me to stay away from you?"

"Hmm. I'm afraid to ask."

"I told him I was moving out. He already wondered where I was off to when I wasn't at work... he guessed I was at slumber parties with my friends. But he didn't even KNOW that I was crashing at Liz and Trish's place. I told him he and Mom could go to HELL for being such bigots!"

Stanley moved up behind her and slipped her into an embrace. He tenderly kissed the nape of her neck. She turned and kisses him softly, wrapping him in her arms.

"I wish I had a place where you could go. I'd live with you in a minute, Karen."

"Aww Stanley..." she sighed.

"And the hell with my parents too. If they don't know it by now, I'm not exactly going to be the world's easiest son," Stanley sighed too, kicking at his boot a bit.

"You're not the easiest boyfriend either," she teases him. "Why don't you just move in with Gene, or stay here?"

"Nah, it's probably better if I just stay at home. That way, everything I earn can go back into the band. Besides, if I can't have you, I don't want other women."

"Aww Stanley... that's a line," she blushed.

"And just WHAT do you mean by THAT little crack, miss?"

"You wanting me... someone as gorgeous as you..." she shook her head with a laugh, and pulled away a little. "You've got those bedroom eyes and those lovely lips..."

"Mmm, keep going."

"What woman WOULDN'T want you?" she asked, facing him and laying her hands on his shoulders.

"Well....."

She leaned up and kissed him tentatively on those lips she always loved the shape of. Shyly he regarded her when she pulled back.

"The one woman I want...hell..." he began, trailing off as he glanced past her. She peered deep into his dark eyes, her own blue eyes sparkling. Taking his hand she led him back to the sofa. He sat down first, and pulled her into his lap.

"What's wrong Stanley?" she asked, dropping her arm around his shoulder. Rubbing his back she kissed his nose and cheeks.

"Nothing, sweetheart. Just feeling sorry for myself. Wishing I could have you. Knowing I can't," Stanley sighed. "It's like the thing with the band. Sometimes I feel so close to it, and other times, it's miles away."

"Who says you can't," she whispers, then looked away.

"You...for one..."

"Oh," she sighed.

"When we first met, you told me you wanted to wait until you were married. Karen, I'm not even 20 years old yet. I can't make you that promise right here and now. I'm sorry, hon."

"I know..." she said, rising from his lap again.

"Maybe someday...but not now," Stanley apologized.

"But now, I'm wondering if I even want that..." she sighed, hands on her hips. She wandered over to the window, covered with a makeshift curtain that was a tie dyed sheet.

"Hey, look.....love....don't get mad," Stanley apologized, rising from the couch and rushing over to her.

"It's a neat little life... kids, husband, church... but I don't want to be tied down... I want... to sing... to stand in front of millions... screaming my name..."

"You should have that. Without a doubt," he said, rubbing her shoulders.

"Is it WRONG to love someone?" Karen asked, whirling around on him. "Before you get married? Is it?"

"No, it's not, and my personal opinion is that now is the time to try what you want."

"I don't want to be the good little pure as driven snow girl..." Karen gritted, blue eyes turning into sparks of azure fire. "I want to LIVE!"

"I'm talking about LIFE, Karen. Go for what you want. Don't let anyone, especially your damn parents, get in the way."

"You are right... like Raina... and Gene... She didn't let her parents stop her..."

"But......this decision that you're talking about now. Only you can make that, you know," Stanley said, stroking her cheek. Karen twisted the small gold ring on her finger, what her parents called a 'virgin ring', thoughtfully.

"I don't want a situation where you hate me later because of what we do right now," he continued, stroking her cheek tenderly.

"I could never hate you... Stan..." she stammered, glancing toward the floor, and unable to look him in the eyes. "I... I..."

"I'm ready. You KNOW I'm ready. The question is...are you?"

"I love you," she whispered, playing with the ring. "I'm just... scared..."

"You......you do?" he asked, dark eyes widening in surprise. No girl had ever told him those words.

"Yes... god help me..." she choked, turning her head to meet her gaze with his again. "I've NEVER had this feeling before..."

"Karen, I told you that I can't....." Stanley began.

"But this virgin thing... it's a label... a stigma... I HATE it!" she spat, anger wrinkling her young face. "What does it matter? We live in a modern world... why do we have to play by the rules?"

"Look, maybe I should leave and let you think about it," Stanley decided. He lowered his hands from her arms. Leaving her standing there he placed his guitar in its case, and closed the clasps with a snap.

"Where are you going?"

"You can stay here if you want to, I'm gonna go home. I feel like you're getting pressured and that was not my intention..." he continued, leaving the hollow sound of his boots on the bare floor.

"Paul... please..." she cried, turning and rushing to stop him before he reached the door. Startled, he flicked his head around to stare at her in astonishment. It was then she realized she had called him by another name.

Slowly he turned around. The wide grin that split his face made her heart skip a few beats. "Paul?"

"Oops..." she blushed.

"As in....Paul Stanley?"

"Yes..." she laughed, face flushing hot with blood. Moving up to her he put his guitar case down and fingered her cheek.

"I like it. It's got character. And already, it's getting me beautiful ladies."

Karen slipped in front of him, blocking Stan with her body. Pressing her front to his she wound arms around his neck and leaned up to kiss him. As her tongue flicked past his lips he felt her press her hips tightly to his. Breaking the kiss, he whispered lightly in her ear,

"Do you want me to stay?"

"Yes..." she nodded. "Please... don't leave me alone here.."

She licked her lips, the blue eyes gaining what he called a 'come hither' look. It excited him to see the hungry desire, and her seriousness in the way in which she rubbed up against him deliciously. Stanley licked his own lips, saying, "You......umm......I think we're going to need..."

Between his blazer and shirt she slipped her hands, rubbing his chest. She asked, "What love?"

"I can just pull out....I suppose..." he said, hoping it didn't sound too crude.

"Say WHAT?" she asked, glancing at him in wide-eyed confusion. "Uh do you mean... pull out of a woman... when you're having sex with her?"

"Well.....yes....I thought that's what you meant when you asked me to stay...."

"Yes... of course," she laughs, blushing. "But don't you think that's... well.. unnecessary... wait here..."

Patiently he waited as she rushed away from him and ran into one of the back bedrooms. She hoped it was still there, the object of Tony and Brooke's bragging. A secret stash, and she didn't mean grass. Something far more useful for now. Even though there were many things missing she noticed the Zarella love den was still intact. Almost reverently she entered under the curtain of hanging beads, and winced. He had still left the Peter Max posters on the walls, a lava lamp on the bedside table. Rushing to his dresser drawer she found a few socks and underwear still shoved into place, and reached behind them to find a small clay jar.

"Aha... they're still here," she chuckled, fingering the wrapped packages in the half opened box. Giggling she took them out to Stanley.

"What baby... I HOPE that's not grass..." he rolled his eyes, folding his arms across his chest.

"No silly... Is THIS what you're talking about..." she asked. "They were in the love Den... Brooke bragged to me that he always kept some there that Tony didn't know about... because Tony NEVER changed his underwear till after sex!"

"Damn, he was good for something after all," Stanley laughed, taking the box of condoms from her.

"I always wondered HOW they worked..." she shakes her head, looking at the packages in the small box.

"Hey, that's my department. Let me worry about that, and you just get comfortable," he smiled. "And let me spoil you."

Karen lost her nerve for a moment, realizing she had few ideas save what she read in the forbidden romance novels of what he meant. Did getting comfortable mean taking off her clothes? She slipped off her jacket, and pulled her hair out of its topknot to fall around her shoulders. Nervously she glanced around the apartment, "Uh... which room..."

"Ladies choice, my dear," Stanley winked, swatting her on the rear.

"Yikes, you stinker!" she yelped, rushing toward Zarella's infamous Love Den. He pulled her close to him and kisses her passionately. As his tongue probed hungrily into her mouth she felt a bit of fear.

She stammered a bit and looked into his eyes, dark with desire. He had unleashed his appetite a bit, and she saw the intensity of his hunger for her.

"Is it too poetic and sappy to say that I'm wanted you for a very, very long time?" Stanley breathed deeply.

"No... because I wanted you for a long time..." she whispered, leading him toward the back room of beaded curtains. "you know what I'm scared of?"

"Hopefully nothing....."

"I heard... it can hurt... the first time..." she groaned. He buried his lips in her neck, standing behind her.

Stanley whispered, "There are things we can do to lessen that."

"Such as?" she asks, kissing his ear as she moved into his arms again. Embracing him tightly she groaned at the feel of his hands wandering over her back in firm hard groping squeezes. Her own hands wandered down the tight muscles of his back, and squeezed his hard firm butt. She stifled a breath at how tight and firm it was through the jeans.

"And, from what I've heard, by the time it gets too uncomfortable, it's over."

"I thought you'd think I was being silly..." she whispered.

"It's.....uh....your choice. I can either go inside in one quick motion, getting it over with, or else I can go slower, taking it easier so that you can get comfortable with it."

"I think... that... well I'd leave it up to you..."

"I've heard that both work..." he reiterated.

"I think... this is sappy," she breathed deeply, trying to catch her self composure. "But if you are gentle with me..."

He kissed her forehead. "I thought you'd say that."

"Uh lover... did they take all their stuff with them when they left?" she asked. Did he know about the love den? "Since we found those... rubbers... I wonder what ELSE they left behind..."

"I don't know. Exactly what type of adventure are you looking to get into?"

"Uh... well... I noticed a nice double bed... full bed in that back room where I found the rubbers... Is that Tony's love den?" she asked. "I mean he forgot to take the bed and the bed sheets when he blew out of here..."

"Sounds perfect. Lead the way." He grinned, loving the initiative she was suddenly taking.

"This is his love den, right?" she asked, parting the bead curtains.

"Umm, God, yes. You'd never know it from looking at the guy, but somehow he was VERY successful with the ladies," he chuckled. A few strands of beads hit him in the face. He covered his eyes in mock-blindness.

"Aww poor baby... did they hurt you?" she asks with a laugh.

"No, I'm fine, sweetie. You don't mind making love to a cyclops, do you?" he asked. Smile twitching the corners of his lips, he grabbed her and started to tickle her ribs.

"Yikes!" she shrieked, writhing. He dug his fingers into her sides, making her squeal with mirth. Falling over he pulled her down onto the bed with his solid form under her.

"Yikes... Stan... uncle!" she cried. "What's that over there..."

"Uh... that's uh... lava lamp? Shit I didn't realize he left that behind!"

"Well look at this..." she said, slipping free of his grasp. She sat up and fumbled at the table. IT was a small incense burner that gleamed in the light of the lava lamp she turned on.

"He left this behind to cover the pot smell didn't he?"

"Didn't do a very good job of it, did he?" he joked.

"No..." she sniffed. "I still smell reefers..."

"Kind of goes with the whole beads and lava lamp thing," he chuckled as she found some incense and lit it with the lighter in her pants pocket.

"Yeah... groovy isn't it?" she joked, turning to him again.

"Mmm hmm, VERY," he purred, nuzzling into her hair.

"yikes is that a Peter max poster?" she asks, looking at the walls.

He starts to tug at her shirt, and she raised her arms. It was dark cobalt green with white tie dye patterns across its long sleeves. She let him pull the shirt up and over her head.

"I don't know. Remember, I'm blinded by your beauty." he winked.

"Aww... you are too sweet..." she laughed, kissing his ear and pushing the jacket off his arms. He shed it and threw it over the chair across the room.

'I'm trying DAMN hard to impress the pants off you, my sweets. And I do mean that literally."

"oh you are..." she whispers, rubbing his chest through his paisley shirt. She started to unbutton it, one button at a time. Eyes closed as he enjoyed the sweet attention. Both of them fell on their sides. Kicking off her clogs, she kissed his revealed chest.

"You know, the old saying is 'Never trust a guy who tells you he loves you while you're in bed.'" Stanley whispered, rubbing her breasts softly through the silk of her bra.

"Really?" she asked, tugging his shirt out of his pants.

"But some times old sayings are wrong," Stanley said, getting up for a moment to tug his boots off and let them fall to the floor. Turning back to her he lay down again.

"Yes..." she laughed, sliding his shirt down his arms. "Oh god Paul... oops... Stan... I mean... you've been working out!"

"Nah....just guitar playing....." he grinned at her, shyly. Over his arms she ran her fingers, squeezing and caressing in ways that drove him crazy.

"I think those love handles are gone lover..." she teased, tickling his ribs. He was still awkward about compliments on his body, she realized when he threw his shirt aside to join hers. More aggressively he pulled at her pants and bra. Reaching around her he picked at the fastenings with those guitarist fingers.

She kissed his neck in encouragement, while he unfastened the hooks. Pulling it away, he rubbed her breasts carefully and in just the way she loved so much. Karen arched her back, leaning up to kiss him.

"God, Karen, this is driving me nuts." He hummed, taking one in his lips and suckling on her.

"I'm going crazy too," she pants, rubbing his chest.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted this."

"I always wanted... it to be you..." she whispered.

"And I'll probably feel guilty as hell tomorrow morning, but I still need you here tonight."

"I want you here..." she whispers back. "I want you... Stan.. Paul..."

"This is your night, baby. Just tell me what you want me to do. I'll do anything."

"I don't know..." she moaned.

"I want so much to be good for you." He whispered, reaching for her belt.

"you HAD to ask that now... Show me how.... to love you..."

Heavily he panted, "You tell me what....you need.....to get ready...what you want..... Or if you want me to just do it."

"Just... take me... show me how..." she whispered.

"Are you ready? Are you sure? Damn it, Karen, be ready."

Reaching for the virgin ring on her finger, she slipped it off. He watched her fling it to the bedroom floor. He winked at her, "You going to get that, or shall we leave it there?"

"Leave it there..." she waved her hand dismissively. "I'm SICK of looking at it."

He flipped her on her back and begins to remove her pants. He's kissing her neck and down her chest. Hot surges of breath fanned her bare skin. She twined her fingers in his hair and arches her back as he peeled them off and revealed her white thighs. Silently she prayed thanks that she had remembered to shave.

She watched him stand up and unbuckle his pants, his back to her. He shimmied out of them, revealing the backs of his thighs and a smooth firm ass covered only by his underwear. Sharply she drew in her breath, "Oh lord you're beautiful..."

"You think so?" he answered, back still turned to her.

"Absolutely so," she breathed. He leaned down and turned the light off. She heard the snap of elastic and the sound of a package ripping open.

"Stan..." she whispered, reaching up to him. She pulled the sheets back, smelling that they were clean and soft. At least Tony had some sense of hygiene, she was thankful. Strong fingers found her body, climbing under the sheets with her. Passionately his lips found hers, his weight pressing down from above. Deeply she breathed, feeling him settle between her legs.

"Yes?" he whispered.

"I've wanted this for so long..."

"That's all I needed to hear, love," he sighed, rubbing her breasts again. She felt his hand part her thighs, and bending her knees to rest them on either side of his hips.

"I want it to be you... make me yours..." she panted, heart pounding so hard she was afraid it would explode. "Be my first love..."

"Karen....I.....I've not been with thousands either, you know. I'll......I'll try..."

"I want you to be my first Stan..." she repeated, peering up at his hair painted in soft orange. "I chose you..."

All she could hear was his breath in the room, and the pounding of her own heart out of control. Scant light peeked through the Venetian blinds, and it was residual from the street below. The light contoured his muscular body, hard and firm there. Something else hard and firm slid down the inner surface of her thigh, touching her intimate spot.

She yelped, tensing. His hands found her belly, rubbing gently. Around her hips the fine fingers closed, the firm tip of something equally warm touching between her legs.

"Hon, you're going to be sort of tight, so let's just go slowly, OK?" he urged gently. "Tight... oh lord," she muttered, stifling her gasp.

"You need to relax for me, sweetheart."

"I'll try..." she breathed heavily, in an attempt to calm down. It was futile, for her whole body shuddered with the force of her hunger.

"But once I'm in, it will be soooo much better," he whispered, touching his lips to hers again. Surrendering to his voice, she lay still. There was a pressure as he began to enter.

"Oh god..." she groaned, body tensing up to the new invasion. Solid thickness glided in, impaling her more and more each second.

"It... hurts..." she whimpered and bit her lip. Grabbing her hips firmly the hands squeezed and lifted under her backside. A gentle push forwards and a spasm of pain erupted with the gentle deep thrust breaking through to the other side. She heard his gasp, her own heart pounding so loud she feared he would hear it.

"Aaah!" she screamed suddenly.

"It's over, Karen, it's OVER!" he comforted her, remaining still as he could. "Now just relax and let me make love to you."

"Oh god..." she whimpered, wondering at the extent to which he filled her. Tight and not room for much else except strange awe. He began to move his hips very slowly to get her acclimated.

"I feel... strange..." she whispered, remaining still. He leaned over to kiss her passionately, in a hope to distract her attention.

"What do I do...""Here," he said, still holding her hips gently. "Follow me. Move like I do, only when I come down, you come up to meet me."

"Like this?" she asked, trying to stifle her gaps. With each stroke she rose to meet him.

"You're doing PERFECT." He gasped. It was difficult to talk, both succumbing to the newly discovered whim of their lovemaking. Soft cries met his ears at each advance.

"Just follow.....this rhythm....like this.....ohh God...." he encouraged, her nails raking down his back.

"Paul... I... feel..." she gasped.

"Karen...do you...do you...like this?" he panted.  "Oh god... oh my god..."

"You feel.....so incredibly...wonderful....so warm and tight.... I...... I...."

"You... you're filling me so much... oh god..." she groaned. "Never imagined... it would be... so much... ooh."

He gasped loudly, "Damn......."

She arched her back and screamed as her orgasm peaked, "Oh my god... Stanley!"

She immediately excited him. In response he screamed, "YEAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

His loud cry vibrated through them both, and she quaked under him. It turned her on even more, skin tingling as she reached a second orgasm. He suddenly slammed one last time in, remaining perfectly still. Over her he loomed, eyes closed shut and face tensing as if in pain. When at last he did move again, she felt his soft careful kiss, hair falling around her face to tickle her cheeks. He felt the warmth of her tongue. He sighed deeply and pulled out of her, not wanting to remain inside and irritate her.

"No... please... don't move.." Karen whimpered. Still he was sweat slick, panting heavily. She wrapped her legs around his back and pulls herself onto him again.

"Karen....I don't want....don't want it to be too much....right away..." he panted.

"I know," she whispered, and loosened her grip.

"You were.....absolutely incredible." He whispered, kissing her ear. Reaching around her he cuddled close, and she relished the feel of him spooning into her back.

"Oh god... Paul..." she murmured, hugging her knees and shivering in the aftermath of her strange weakness. "I feel so wet and sticky..."

"So, I'm dying to know. What did you think?" he asked. "My male ego's on the line here, sweets."

"Hmmm..." she sighed, stretching. "That was.. the most INCREDIBLE thing I ever experienced..."

"I'm glad you feel that way. Even after the rocky start?"

"I feel... I feel... Alive..." she panted, still floating a foot above the bed in the cool sheets that imprisoned her.

"I'm glad you feel that way. We'll build your endurance up, and before you know it, we'll be in here all night."

"you mean... you can do it more then once?" she asked, turning over to face him again.

"I mean more then once a night?"

"Hmmm. Give me a few minutes to recuperate and let's see."

"But the girls... they said..." she gasped in surprise. "Oh my word...."

"What girls?" he asked, panicking momentarily.

"The girls at the convent who'd slept with boys... there was a senior named Deloris... and she was bragging about how she'd done it with a guy... at camp last year..."

"And THESE are your sex experts?" he laughed with relief.

"She said that they'd be lucky if the guy could last or keep up with them!!! And he couldn't keep up with her!"

"I'll promise you this, my love. I would do my absolute best to satisfy you....always. What kind of rock star would I be if I didn't?" he teased.

"A pretty crappy one," she teases back. "Besides, I'm honored to be your first groupie... oh Lord did I say that?"

He laughed loudly, smacking her thigh playfully, "Yes, you just did."

"And I don't even have purple hair!!!"

"You certainly earned your title tonight."

"Mmm, I'm glad you think so, Mr. Paul Stanley..." she whispered, wrapping arms around his neck and kissing him.

"I absolutely do think so. I'm just glad that you enjoyed it, because if you enjoyed it, you'll want to do it again...and again...and..."

He reached down and kissed her again, pressing her under him. She leaned up and kissed him hungrily. He stopped for a moment, and disentangled himself from her embrace.

"Be right back. I think this one's more then used..." he said, voice receding as she saw him cross over the light from the open room beyond.

"So, just how many rubbers did you find back there?"

"Uh... well... six others..." she said. "You can see them in the box there..."

"Hot damn!" he laughed, and joined her on the bed.

"I uh... never imagined... This is going to sound stupid... I mean I've seen boys... men before... but I never imagined..." she began, hoping this didn't sound stupid, but it had to be said.

"You'll be even better at it next time. You've got everything down now. You can just enjoy, without having to stress out about the pain."

"Mmm I'm glad..." she moaned, as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Never imagined what?" he asked.

"Well... uh... I have seen guys at camp, and I have brothers who have... played with themselves... and uh dam... how do I say this..."

"Oh, now this ought to be interesting!" he laughed.

"Uh well... I was reading in this book that Deloris smuggled in... that the average guy is... uh... five to six..."

"Deloris. Of course. Go on..." he chuckled, chest rising and falling against her back. "Hmmm. Can't say I've ever noticed."

"And she said she could get her hand around her guys... hem... and well... when I first touched you... It took both my hands to hem..."

At this Paul laughed loudly, "Aha! Is this where you tell me, 'You're oh so big, Stanley'?

"Yes..." she blushed.

"No need to be shy, sweetheart, you can tell me that alllll night. But it's probably just that you're not practiced yet. I'm sure I'm no different than anyone else,” he blushed and looked up at her coyly in hopes that she will contradict him.

"I have a confession..."

"Yes?" he asked.

"Yours isn't the first... I've touched... I mean... there was one summer at camp... where I did a dare..."

"No kidding... well... that's OK..." he said quickly.

"And well I was kissing a boy... and well, he put my hand into his pants... and I felt his... ahem... And then he uh... took it out... and well... let's just say... there was NO comparison to you..."

"Sounds like my camp experiences. And just think. All these parents think they are sending their kids off for a week of wholesome fun."

"Yes... to an ALL girls camp... across the lake from the boy's camp."

"I appreciate the compliment. You have no idea what you've done to my ego,” he grinned, kissing her cheek softly.

"Well... it was nothing," she laughed.

"Nah, tonight was definitely SOMETHING. I'll always remember it, Karen."

"I will always remember it," she whispered, and for a moment she turned on her side away from him, hugging her knees.

"Damn.....Did I say something wrong?" he asked.

"No... you didn't..."

"Did.....it upset you?" he asked.

"No... it didn't... I just... feel so much..." she repeated again, unable to give words to what was squirming and forming into her heart. "I've NEVER had this feeling before..."

"I have to tell you, I haven't either."

"Really?" she asked, turning over to look at him in the moonlight.

"I wish.....that I was older and rich and famous and we lived in a nice mansion and had a couple of kids and didn't have to ever get up early and we could make love every night and write music together every day, and..." he continued, but then fell into silence for a moment.

"Oh Paul... so do I..." she whispered back. "But we don't know what the future will hold..."

"But instead, I'm a 17 year old cabby, hanging his dreams on a rock band which just crumbled before his eyes."

"I just want you to know something..." she whispered, pressing her body close to his under the sheets of the double bed.

"Yes?"

"I love you..." she whispered. "I really do..."

"I love you too."

"And I KNOW you have what it takes..." she continued, voice shaking with emotion. "to be SOMEONE... someday..."

"Right here and now. You're right about the future." He nodded.

"Someday you'll be a big time star... with everything he could ever want..."

"I will, Karen, or I'll literally die trying. Gene and I are going to do everything in our power to make it out of here."

"You will... I believe in fate Paul..."

"And you'll come see our shows, right? When we're playing Madison Square Garden?"

"Yes..." she nodded.

"I'd like that," he sighed, cuddling up to her, and waiting to gather his strength for the next time.

"Unless I'm playing my own show," she whispered to herself.

 

***