The Long, Long Road

Part 1

By Trynia Merin

Disclaimer: KISS, Gene Simmon and Paul Stanley are actual persons. This is a work of FICTION, and is not meant to harm or demean. It is a fictional account of what things might have been like for a personal friend of Gene and a friend of Stan getting to know KISS in their formative years. Dr. Raina (Marcy) MacLaren, Karen Valentez, Trisha Malloy and Liz of Sweet Revenge are property of the author, Trynia Merin, as are the kids of the band Flaming Youth.

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Ray was aware of a voice calling her name, and she felt her body numb and stiff with cold. So cold she didn’t’ want to move from the spot on the carpet she had come to lie. Under her she felt the carpet pressed to her cheek, and the hardwood floor beneath it vibrating from the sounds of someone banging on the door frantically. A false hope emerged that it might be Gene and all this was a horrible nightmare.

"RAY!" the voice shouted. "Please, I know you’re in there… god Please open up!"

"Go away," she sobbed, into the carpet. "Please just go away…"

"Ray, please… you have to open up… I know you’re in there… oh GOD please open the door…I have to talk to you…"

Then the voice registered, and she realized who it was. Disbelief already flooded her numb body, and through sheer force of will she pushed herself up off the floor and grabbed the coffee table to pull herself to her feet. Shakily she stumbled to the door and drew back the dead bolts, not even bothering to see who it was behind the door. When she pulled it back she saw his dark eyes filling with concern as he stood there, reaching his hand out to her.

"Ray… thank god… where… oh man…"

"Stanley…" she sobbed, and fell into his waiting arms. Stanley held her tightly as she sobbed into his chest, shaking uncontrollably. He kicked the door shut with one foot, not bothering to lock it as he struggled to walk Ray over to the sofa so she would sit down.

"Ray, shh… hey… shhh," he urged, stroking her hair as he held her close to his body. His arms were strong and secure around her, the only real thing in this world, which had gone mad.

"Gene… he…" she stammered.

"Ray… what happened, did Gene do something…"

"He left…" she gasped. "Note… there…"

"Wait a minute," Stanley said, as she pushed the note into his hands. Scanning it quickly he still kept one arm around her sobbing shoulders. Burying her face in her hands Ray turned away, her cries filling the small apartment. Dark eyes traced over the lines, and his chin set firm with anger.

"Oh man… no wonder…" Stanley gasped. "Bummer… major bummer…."

"How could he DO this to me, that son of a bitch!" Ray screamed. "HOW COULD he leave me alone!"

"Ray…" Stan whispered as she got up from the sofa, eyes blazing with fury. She kicked over the coffee table, and then shoved books off the shelf in a cascade of flying papers.

"I hate him, god I hate him! After I told my PWERENTS I loved him he LEAVES ME! WHY, Stanley, WHY?"

"I don’t know…" Stanley gasped, numb in shock himself. All he could do was watch Ray in her tirade as she hurled books to the wall and kicked boxes in her mad frenzy. Anger alone was not a word that could express what he witnessed, more like rage. Outrage at a world that refused to accept their relationship, and Gene had let her go just like that. When Ray banged the wall harder and harder with her fist, Stanley knew he had to stop her before she went berserk and hurt herself.

"Ray stop it!" Stanley cried, leaping up off the sofa and rushing to her side. He pulled Ray from the wall, turning her around. She shook off his grasp, whirling on his with wild eyes wide with sheer fury.

"Did he send you to see me and report back, so he can laugh?" she screamed. "Is that why you’re here…"

"No!" Stan cried, holding her away from him. "It’s not like that! I came here to see why he wasn’t at rehearsal, and then tried to go see Steph, but she had to work… and…"

"You didn’t know?" she screamed. "You didn’t know…"

"No I didn’t… Ray…I had no idea… god I had none… and then something told me to come back here… and then I heard a call from Steve that Gene had just up and asked Brooke and him to move stuff… and then I hightailed it back here…"

"Where is he!" she screamed.

"I don’t know," Stan shook his head. "Believe me even if I did, would it help?"

"I want to know WHY!" she screamed. "WHY!"

"Ray… he doesn’t DESERVE YOU!" Stanley shouted, drowning out her scream. "I can’t believe he just left you with a note… without telling you… I didn’t want to believe… to believe…"

"He’s gone away…" she sniffled, tears pouring down her face for the millionth time that day. She wondered if she would have many more left after the day was through. Her sweet face crumpled with hurt and Stanley held her at arm’s length, biting his lip as to what he should do. His heart ached to see her in such pain, a pain and loss that mirrored his own. Despite his night of passionate sex, Marcia still haunted his thoughts. There had been no clean resolution for their relationship, and he dreaded she had been sent away without any explanation. No word had come, no sign of her sister Stella, whom he’d tried to see at the Doll’s concert. That hurt in the green eyes pulled something inside of him locked away secretly, and he suddenly knew what he had to do what Steph had done for him out of such gracious giving. He had the power to take her away from this, but dare he take advantage of her?

Hadn’t Gene taken advantage of her already? Would she slap him if he tried? Stanley mustered his courage and hugged her close in his arms, rubbing his hands up and down her back. She sniffled into his neck, hugging him tightly in return, face pressed to his chest. He sighed deeply, smelling the scent of her hair and feeling the texture he had so longed to touch that night of his concert.

"Gene doesn’t deserve you,’ Stan said firmly. "He’s too much of a womanizer to know that the best thing that happened in his sorry life was under his nose all this time…"

"Stanley please don’t," she sniffled.

"No I have to say it," Stan said, pulling away to cup her face in his hands. "He had no right to leave you like this. Because you’re a beautiful woman who deserves to be loved and comforted… deserves far more then he could ever give…"

"You don’t know what you’re saying…"

"I do, and I mean every word. I have always cared about you, Raina, and it kills me to see you crying over this… and I wish… there was something I could do to take you away from all this because… because…"

The words stooped dead on his lips, his heard pounded. Gasping he pulled her close and hugged her again, hands rubbing sensually over her back as he kissed her forehead. Ray sobbed, tears soaking his shirt as she clutched him to her, feeling his muscular chest under her soft breasts. Stanley moaned at the feel of her body’s warmth in his arms at last, sighing as he felt his own desire respond. He twisted his hip away in embarrassment, unable to control its response. Her green eyes widened as she felt the sensuousness of Stan’s fingers working up and down her, lightly rubbing her backside. A need arose in her body; aching and terrifying as the note which had shattered her world.

"Stanley…" she gasped, panting as she pushed away.

"Raina, don’t push me away," he whispered, fingering her lips with sensitive fingertips, though callused by his guitar playing. "I want to help… to take away the pain… to be here for you… please… don’t hate me for what I’m about to do…"

Dark eyes fixed deep with desire as she simply stood in shock, not stopping him as he sized her face and sealed her lips with his own. She moaned in protest, pushing against him till his arms pulled her in and his lips savaged her in a deep passionate kiss that took her breath away. His tongue slipped past her lips, coaxing them apart as his hands squeezed her ass and her mouth opened in surprise.

They drew apart, gasping as they still held onto each other. Lips parted, Stanley looked at her in concern and desire, a mingled combination thereof. Still panting Ray gasped at him, not sure of what to make of what had just happened. He caught his breath and said, "I’m sorry, I couldn’t’ help it… I… I don’t want to take advantage of you… if you want I’ll leave now…"

"Don’t leave me… alone," she pleaded, taking his face in her hands and leaning up to ravish him with her own deep kiss. Stanley moaned as his lips parted and their tongues merged in that hot space. Hearts pounded and their hands groped at each other’s bodies, rubbing and caressing every part they could reach. They tumbled along the wall, in an endless embrace, tripping over the coffee table and landing on the sofa with Stanley on top of Ray, his muscular body pressing her to the sofa cushions.

"I’m not going anywhere, baby," he whispered, as Ray smiled faintly, and buried her fingers in his curls. The entire world had gone mad as she yielded to the base desire for human companion ship, their lips meeting and their bodies questing for that final release which would take many long steps to accomplish.

Ray tore at his shirt buttons, and he ripped open her blouse, spreading the halves to reveal her bra, and kiss down her neck to the roundness of the skin held captive. He reached around to free them and pull the material away so he could take one of her nipples in his teeth and suckle her to erectness. Then to the other breast he did the same, Raina arching her neck and twining fingers in his soft curls. She cried with desire, her eyes still dripping tears. Raising his head he kissed down to her belly, and then back up to cover her chest and neck with soft feather kisses, his fingers now caressing her breasts in lieu of his hot tongue. Up and down his chest she rubbed the soft hair, her eyes feasting on his toned body straddling hers. They pushed their shirts away, letting them drop to the floor as Stan claimed her lips again in a hot deep kiss. Against her thigh she felt his desire press, reveling in its size as she reached down to brush her hand against it.

"You can touch me any way you like," he moaned. "Please… let me make love to you… I need you… and I know you need me too… I want you so badly…"

"Stanley we shouldn’t," she gasped, hugging him close as he tickled her sides and rubbed his desire on her belly.

"Why not?" he whispered. "You’re lonely, and you need someone… and I want to be that someone to help you feel better… let me hold you, touch you, love you like a woman should be loved…"

"Oh god yes!" she cried, sizing his cheeks and kissing him hard. Her teeth tracked over his bottom lip, nibbling it as he moaned. They rolled off the sofa, Ray landing on top of Stanley, and both laughed in the insanity of their passion.

"We’d better take this to the bedroom," he laughed as she reached between them to rub him through his pants.

She rose off of him, and Stanley felt her pull him to his feet. Ray led him toward the bedroom but gasped when he effortlessly lifted her and carried her quickly to the bed. She had no idea he would try a stunt such as this, for she was far larger them most of the women he had since made love to. Lying her on the bed, he climbed next to her and covered her body with kisses, fumbling at his belt. He put her hands on it, his dark eyes glancing down into hers.

"Do you want me?" he asked, eyes twinkling and teasing her with their challenge.

"Stop asking stupid questions, boy, and finish what you started," she growled, tearing at his belt. They unfastened his pants and she peeled them off him. He reached down and seized her zipper, slowly and teasingly undoing the buttons as he reached his finger inside her and felt her moist heat. Long fingers played with her, and Ray cried out in surprise at his precise touch. Where had he learned this strange mastery all of a sudden?

When he pulled her underwear down with his teeth, she laughed when he kissed her thighs and flickered his tongue into her depths to taste her juices. She moaned and whimpered as he wrong a first orgasm from her with a precision that would put Gene to shame. Gasping he lifted his head and whispered, "god Ray that was so intense…"

Her eyes registered the size of his excitement, suitably impressed as she gripped him and lowered her face to claim him in her mouth. He smiled and closed his eyes, enjoying Ray’s efforts to please him with her lips and tongue. When he pushed her off, she saw the smile in his eyes that told her she wasn’t completely in control. He was the master of ceremonies tonight.

"Damn, let me made hard fast love to you, baby," he whispered, parting her legs as she lay down, and he knelt between her marble thighs dotted with freckles. She met her gaze with his, rubbing his soft fur and nodding with a gasping pant. They could not stop the inexorable force that drew them together, as Stan entered her in a swift thrust and she cried out, hooking her legs around the base of his back. In perfect unison she rose her hips to rock with him, in and out as he pistoned into her. She cared not that he hammered hard, his size achingly imposing and so good and hard inside.

"You feel so good… am I good for you?"

"You’re incredible, so handsome…you’re a legend," she whispered, soft cries escaping her lips as he claimed her for his own, even if it was for a night. Their sweat mingled, Stanley riding high on her, his marvelous ass propelling his mighty lovemaking. She let the waves of first and second orgasm crash over her, sending her mind into overload that wiped away all pain and sorrow for the moment. A long span of time passed as he continued his relentless push to please her as best he could. He gave her everything he had, finally screaming as he pushed deep and filled her with his hot love. So explosively did he fill her that she swooned against him, senses stopping.

In the aftermath they lay under the covers, Ray holding him as he kissed her and wrapped himself around her. She lay her head on his chest, and slowly felt sleep claim her. Stanley traced her features with his lips, kissing her before falling into sleep himself.

Stan awakened, and stretched in bed, looking at her wondering what he was going to say. For the moment he was spared that awkward task for she was still fast asleep. Softly he got up to collect his thoughts, and jumped in for a quick shower. She turned over and snored peacefully. After climbing out of the shower he checked to see if she was awake yet. She was not, so he grabbed his jeans and underwear. He shrugged and used an extra toothbrush that Gene left, then ambled out into the living room to turn on the TV to a low volume. Finding the kettle, but no percolator he hunted for items to make coffee.

Ray lay in the bed, still sleeping soundly. Out in the living room, Stan grabbed a cup of coffee, then sat down to watch a New York morning show, still very distracted. Trust Gene to take the damn coffee percolator, he grumbled. At least there was instant coffee and plenty of half-and-half with sugar. Electing to remain bare chested, he wore only his jeans and a pair of socks. He heard a cry from the bed, and accidentally spilled coffee on the couch.

"Dammit," he swore quietly. Again he heard the cry, and started.

"Ray?" he said, unsure if she was awake or asleep.

"No...No!" she screamed and thrashed in bed. As if she was waking from a bad dream.

He put his coffee down and rushed into the bedroom. For a moment he watched her, unsure of what to do. She was tossing and turning violently, thrashing her arms and legs as if reaching for something that wasn’t there. Despite his trepidation he knew he had to do something. He climbed onto the bed and slid over to her. Gently he held her close to his body, hugging her for support.

"It's...Ray, it's Stan...and it's...I'm here." he said, helplessly. She blinked awake, slowly looking up at him playing gently with her hair.

"Oh god, it wasn't a dream," she whispered, fingering his cheek.

"I'm sorry. I woke you up, but you were crying...." He looked at her sadly. She wept away tears and sat up, blinking in the morning light. "No, love. He's...he's not here, and I am. And I'm sorry." he said quietly.

Ray started to cry again, shaking, "He really is gone… oh god what am I going to do?"

"And if you would prefer it.... I can leave." He watched her, powerless to help except stay or go.

"Please don't leave me," she sobbed, clinging to his arm.

"I don't want to." he whispered to her.

"Look at me I'm a mess," she sniffled, wiping her eyes.

"It makes me feel good knowing you need me...to some degree. I know that.... I’m not HIM."

"No you weren't," she sniffled. "But right now I almost hate him for leaving me..."

"Aww Ray," he sighed, still stroking her soft silky hair.

"Oh god Stan why did he?" she said, grabbing his shoulder and crying into his chest."He doesn't deserve you. You did not deserve this to happen. I would have NEVER done this, Ray, never. You don't just LEAVE.""I wish I had met you before him," she sniffled. "But all I saw at first was the kid..."

"Gene's a miserable son of a bitch who always has to have it his way, and I'll tell it to his egotistical face next time I see him."

"Now all I see is a man, who cares for me..." she whispered, tracing his lips with her fingers.

"I...Ray.... I’ve cared about you for a long time..." he admitted.

"You have?" she wept away a tear. "I had wondered... you were so young, so innocent... I didn't dare think that you'd be attracted to an older woman like me."

"I never understand why you two were so good together. Seems to me that Gene's got his agenda, and whatever got in his way.... Well, it's disposable. He'd cut me lose in a damn minute if he thought he'd gotten all he needed out of me," he said, with sarcasm. "And apparently, he'd do it to you also."

"Stan," she sighed, wiping away tears, as she played with his chest hair. "You're like a guardian angel."

"Man, that’s a bit heavy… I’m hardly an angel…"She remembered how they had unprotected sex the previous, and blushed. She was glad she was on the pill. Sensing his awkwardness she said, "Do I smell coffee?"

It was his turn to blush a bit; "I made myself some. I hope you don't mind."

"Why would I mind?" she smiled.

"Stan?" she asked slowly, fingering his cheek.

"Umm, yeah?"

"Would you mind terribly if I kissed you good morning?" she asked, stroking his hair softly.

"Not at all." he said, smiling at her, "I even brushed my teeth for the occasion."

She laughed and shyly put a hand on his chin and leaned over to kiss him. He put his hand lightly on the back of her head and enjoyed pressing his lips to hers in a slow kiss. She returned it, stretching it out in the morning sun that beamed through the windows.

"Ray... what were you going to do?" he said as he pulled away, looking at her with dark eyes. So deep and dark they were, she lost herself in their depths, and shivered for a moment when they seemed to peer deeply into her soul.

"I hadn't thought," she sighed, shaking the thought away. "I need coffee..."

"I don't want to push you. We have all weekend. I quit my job, and....well, I got another one yesterday...but I told them I can't start until Monday."

"That sounds nice," she smiled. Getting up she grabbed her robe and put it on, wandering out to the kitchen. Thankfully Gene left the chairs and table, and all the food. The coffee was instant Maxwell House, and she took the hot water to pour over a spoonful for herself.

"But if you prefer.... I don't want to get in your way."

"I don't know what I'm going to do yet, except get coffee," she mumbled, sitting down. "Damn I wonder if there is anything to eat... I can't think straight..."

"I found some cereal, if that sounds good. If not, I can run out and get something. I can make pancakes," he said.

"If you would be so kind," she smiled warmly at him. She got some coffee and sat down, nursing it. Still her eyes were red from crying in her sleep. He sighed a bit and walked over, perusing her pans, till he found a likely one and pulled it out. He grabbed a box of instant pancake mix, reading the directions. It was obvious he had never made them before. He scratched his head cutely as he mumbled the directions to himself.

"You need help?" she asked him, getting up. She found milk and the measuring cups for him, with eggs from the fridge.

"Oh...uh...thanks. My mom usually does this." he said sheepishly, "But I'm sure I can manage.... Right?"

"You can with help," she laughed. "If you can make those sandwiches... pancakes were a snap... here’s a mixing bowl and a wooden spoon... and the cooking oil..."

"This should be enough, I suppose." he chuckled and began to gather his supplies.

"Here’s a mixing bowl… just go to it…"

"You.... You still have your job, right?" he said, as he began to measure out the ingredients. She watched him with amusement, pulling out orange juice and turning on the radio."That's something, right?""Yes..." she said. "But I am thinking of transferring to another district when I'm done my assistantship. Another school... You, you said you quit your job, why?"

"Got tired of it, being one of a few guys with a bunch of women… not that I mind that… but one of my co workers lost their fingers in a press punch. I get so bored I punch holes on the wrong side of the board! It's going nowhere, plus they wanted to send me to third shift, and it would interfere with the band...uh...sorry..." he blushed. "Didn't mean to bring up the band."

"That's okay,' she said. "Reality," she mumbled. "Stan, you ever thought of driving a cab or something where you can make your own hours?"

"That's actually what I'm going to do. A friend of mine does it and said the dispatcher is a lazy son of a bitch, who sat around all night and watched TV. Half the time he doesn't even care how much actual driving you do, as long as you bring in enough money to keep the bosses off his back. And....my thinking is.... I could drive some, practice some, drive some."

"There you go," she smiled, watching him pour the first pancakes into the griddle. "Orange juice?"

"Nah, I'll stick to coffee," he said, turning back to the box. All of a sudden it feels very strange to be in Gene's apartment, with Ray. She slid her arms around him from behind, slowly kissing his back.

"What am I going to say to him when he calls me?" he said quietly, turning around slowly to kiss her."I don't know," she said, kissing him back. "I just don't know...""Do I say what I WANT to say...."

Ray sighed, slipped her arms around him, and looked up at him, "And what is you'd want to say?" she asked softly.

"I told him when he called me.... I told him that he was the dumbest motherfucker on the planet," he said, scowling. "And that women like you don't give second chances."

"Wow," she said softly, wiping away a tear.

"But the next time we talk.... I don't know...we're band mates...shit."

"I don't want to ruin your chance," she said softly. "This might be your chance to make it big... I thought you and Steph... I'm sorry..."

"If you want to know the truth, it sort of felt good, lecturing him for a change. Seeing as that he's done his share of it to me," he smiled.

"She's into OPEN relationships, which translated loosely means, she got to sleep with whoever she wants. Sound familiar?"

"Shit," she sighed. "Free love..."

"And I just don't know if I can do it. I mean, she's amazing. Absolutely blows me away. It's too early to tell, and honestly, maybe I have no right to put chains on her. I guess we'll take it as it comes."

"Do I... blow you away?" she asked candidly.

"If I 'm the world's most amazing lover like she said, she won't need other men. If I'm not, oh well." he grinned cutely.

"I know I’m not some siren with a great ass and legs to heaven."

"Ray... I would give the world to be with you." he said quietly, "Like what Gene had. Not just sex, we've done that, but REALLY be with you. But... it’s reality, right?"

She looked up at him. "I wish it were so easy... you're so young and you have your whole life ahead of you me... Shit look at me... I can't even get my head straight about what I want..."

"I know, Ray, and I don't want to pressure you, really, I don't. Let's just take this weekend for what it is...two people who could USE a damn good time. What do you say?" he said, touching her chin lightly.

"I think I could use it," she smiled.

"So.... I won’t bother you for anything. No commitment. No answers. No bother. Just time with a friend." he grinned, "And some REALLY shitty pancakes."

She laughed, "I can get time off... I earned it. After what Mr. Fisher put me through... Gloria suggested a few days off... All I need to do is call Monday morning... but if you have to work..."

"I don't. I can work around a few more days off. I'll just tell them I had some problems getting my license on time. They'll never know."

She smiled, "You are a rare treasure Stanley Eisen. At leas till i have an action plan put together."

He chuckled, "That's a teacher term if ever I heard one.... An action plan."

She laughed back as she watched him flip the pancakes. "These were going to turn out terribly." he wails, "I really hope you don't mind cereal...just in case."

"I have some frosted flakes," she smiled, opening the fridge. Seeing the Tabasco sauce she winced and took the bottle, throwing it into the trash. Stan watched her go through the fridge, but said nothing. She threw away some other spicy stuff as well, including the paprika and hot peppers.

"If you need any help, moving anything, or rearranging things...I guess I don't know how much of him he really left," he offered, shoving the oddly shaped pancakes onto a plate, then pouring four more.

"The furniture," she mumbled. "No turntable though... And no desk. Just my stuff and the bed and dressers, and the sofa, TV and the kitchen chairs and table..."

"Damn," she sighed. "Well let's try those pancakes."

"Maybe we can work on it...making the place your own, you know...getting rid of HIM." he said, watching for her reaction.

"Maybe, or maybe I can just move out and in with Gloria," she mumbled, opening a cabinet and pulling out some Aunt Jemima syrup. "It's a two hundred per month place... Or else we can make it mine, till something better comes along."

"You've got some time...I would think. Gene told me rent's paid for this month already," he said quietly. "He told me that after I accused him of screwing you."

She sighed hugging herself after she put out the butter and her plate on the table. "Damn this feels weird... knowing he's seeing you, but he won't see me."

"Maybe he just needs time. Could be after he spends some time alone, he'll realize what a gem you were," he said, not sounding entirely convinced.

"That's sweet of you," she sighed, slathering the pancakes in syrup, and dolling butter on top.

"My mom still makes a big breakfast every Sunday. That's one thing I'll miss when I move out. Still haven't found me a cook like mom," he said sweetly, trying to change the subject.

"These weren't bad,' she said, trying them. She held up a forkful for him to try. He took a bit and pretends to cough but smiled at her.

"Uhhhh, if you say so. I screw better than I cook." he teased. She leaned over and licked syrup off his face.

"You screw VERY well, I must say," she nudges him."At least I THINK I do," he laughed, flipping his own pancakes."I know you do," she winked, flushing. "Thanks to your good loving i feel a lot less... sorry for myself today."

"I always knew you would be good in bed." he smiled at her.

"Aww go on," she blushed. "I’m nothing special."

"On the contrary, I wouldn't have pursued you if I didn't think you were." He admitted. She looked at him oddly. "If I thought you were just another of Gene's conquests."

He blushed a bit, noticing her look while he finished the next batch of pancakes and put them onto a plate for himself, not forgetting to turn off the gas. Raina watched him with lovely green eyes as he pulled out a chair and set his plate down opposite hers with his coffee and a glass of milk.

"I never thought of myself as being worth being pursued... by someone else...""I thought you were beautiful the first time I met you.... But I knew you were taken. As most beautiful women were." he winked, as he layered syrup and butter on his pancakes and tried a tentative chew.

"Most men were taken, but there were some rare ones..." she smiled, fingering his chin and then sliding her hand down his arm to grasp his hand in hers.

"And maybe they're not taken because they're exceedingly odd." he grinned, kissing her lightly across the table. Another moment of awkward silence ensured, and both of them ate their meal in silence, exchanging shy glances. Amazing that for a shy person he could be so bold one moment, and timid the next, a strange dichotomy. Ray ate more pancakes and sipped more coffee, feeling better with food inside her. Stanley was definitely easy on the eyes, his glorious chest fully visible to her now covered in thick dark hair, so soft and cuddly.

When she was finished he took her plate and his to dump them into the sink with soapy water. Moving up behind him she slid her arms around him and began to rub his chest. He turned around in her arms, shaking off water from his hands and leaned over to deposit a kiss on her lips.

She laughed and put her arms around his neck, pulling him to her for another kiss. They lingered on each other’s mouths, Ray slipping her tongue into his mouth to join his, moving in a delicate dance of pleasure. He was a bit easier to reach then Gene, only being six inches taller then she. Shyly she let one hand wander down to caress his ass, and marveled at how firm it was.

"Let me ask you something..." he smiled at her, pulling back for breath.

"What?" she asked pulling her hand away from his ass with a blush.

"If you were needing to go somewhere, would you get in a cab with me?" he said, wanting to keep the mood light.

"My sister said no one will ride in my cab because of my long hair."

"I would," she laughed. "Considering you're one of the few white cab drivers in this berg who can speak English."

"That's what I figure...and I know how to get most places.... Sort of...." he winked and licked the syrup from his fingers.

"Do that again," she grinned. "You look very sexy when you lick your fingers... especially your middle one."

"What? THIS?" he said, doing it again for her in slow motion.

"Oh god," she moaned. "You should have a warning label on you. Do not operate hazardous equipment while using."

"Good one," he chuckled, smiling charmingly. It was impossible to resist wanting to be near him any longer. Ray got up out of her chair and sat on his lap playfully, trying to distract herself by focusing on him, to mask the emptiness she felt. He wrapped his arms around her.

"Anything I can do, love?" he sighed.

"Act two of last night?" she winked. "Or were you still tired out?"

"When it comes to you, never. I just don't want to push, if you know what I mean."

"I know," she sighed, fingering his ear. "So what should we do today?"

"Well..." he said. "We could work around here, but I think you really need to get out."

"Any suggestions?" she asked. He rubbed her back and thought a moment.

"What's your favorite hangout on a Sunday early afternoon?"

"My bed." he grinned.

"Mmm sounds nice," she smiled, breathing into his ear.

"Other than that, playing my guitar...somewhere...or sketching, maybe."

"OOOH! Wait here..." she gasped, leaping off his lap. Rushing off she grabbed her sketchpad, setting it on the table before him. Page by page she showed him some of the sketches she had made of the band at rehearsals as well as other places. He took a long time to study them, with an artist's eye.

"You're not bad, Ray. You ever had any formal training?" he nodded, suitably impressed.

"Not much," she whispered. "It's just my doodling... I did take one of those silly mail in classes. Where you draw Tippy and then take a free art test. I completed their basic drawing course by mail. Maybe you can give me lessons?"

"Ah, it's either you have a knack for it or you don't. Like music. Some people pick it up like that. Others study for years and don't," he shrugged, then regarded her with a penetrating dark gaze that sent shivers through her. "You really ought to get into music, Ray. A shame to let that go to waste. A pretty woman like you, needs to be onstage."

"Thanks," she blushed. "Perhaps you'd like to sketch in the park, and then play for me afterwards? If you know a place where we can go and not be disturbed... I know a music store, which has nice guitars... they let you play them. Old man Masters on 9th avenue... he has a studio where people can play their merchandise..."

"Damn.... That sounds like...heaven, Ray." he said, smiling at her.

"I would love to take you. Let me get a shower and get dressed. I have a shirt you can wear... if you want to change."

"That’s not necessary Hon," he laughed. Yet he chased her into the bedroom and saw her leafing through her hangers. She pulled out a paisley ladies blouse, very nice and funky. It was purple and sea blue, large patterns swirling all over it made of soft silk.

"Damn that’s nice," he whistled, fingering it.

"See if this works for you..." she smiled. "It would go great with those jeans you have… with the silver studs on the front…"

"Thanks love," he laughed, realizing it was very much his taste. He slipped it on and stuffed the ends into his pants, then grabbed his belt to put it on.

"You’re one of the few men I can trade clothes with," she smiled.

"Thanks," he smiled warmly, walking over and pulling her into a hug. This time it started platonic as he rocked her, but then the inexorable pull happed and they met lips in another passionate kiss.

When they parted this time, she said, "I’d better go get that shower…"

"Yeah, I’ll finish cleaning up in the kitchen, and then get some boots on… and let you dress… unless you want help…"

"Shaddup you," she smacked him on the ass and he laughed, throwing her a clean towel as she dashed to the restroom.

***

He caught up to her, and she turned, her robe having slipped open. She blushed, but he pushed her robe down her arm and whispered, "Let me look at you…"

"Stan," she blushed. "The shower…"

"Mm, right, but thinking of you hot and wet… it’s sort of getting to me," he whispered."You’re insatiable," she laughed, seeing the bedroom look in his dark eyes. Except they were in the bathroom, and his fingers tracing over her bare shoulders and sliding her robe off sent a tingle all over her bare flesh."Is that a bad thing… I know I said I didn’t want to push you, but damn if you weren’t even prettier with nothing at all…""I’m not beautiful," she blushed, realizing the bit of the stomach and large thighs she had.

"You were to me," Stanley said, kicking her robe aside and putting his hands on both her shoulders. He slowly undid one button at a time on his shirt, stripping it and his pants off in front of her. She turned to turn on the shower, a cold blast stinging her arm. He reached past her to turn on the hot and select a temperature that would be nice.

"You already took a shower," she blushed, her pale skin flushing rose cutely all ver her chest and neck as well as on her face.

"Wow, so a woman really DOES blush n more then her face," he laughed. "And anyway, if I don’t turn into a prune what’s the harm in another shower… cause I think I’m going to NEED it…"

She stepped into the shower, followed by him, and he put her in front of him as he closed the curtain around them. Before she could lift the shampoo bottle he whispered, "Uh uh, I’m gonna do the honors… just let ME wash you…"

Lathering the sweet strawberry scented herbal essence into his hands he lathered it up and pressed it into her hair. She moaned and closed her eyes, feeling the firm fingers kneading her scalp then working the shampoo through to the tips of her long auburn hair. Like the women in the beauty parlor he worked her tight scalp to a soothing tingle, then turned her around to face him, tipping her head back to rinse off the shampoo."You’re starting from the top and working your way down?" she smiled, feasting her eyes on his muscular body, fully revealed to her and in close proximity in the shower. All those loose clothes hiding his body were a crime when she saw all of him right there. Her hands slid over his moist wet chest, and he smiled at her as he reached for the soap and traced it over her breasts, then down her belly. All over he washed her, his fingers working magic that turned her flesh to goose pimples. She could not suppress her moans that echoed as he reached teasingly between her legs to finger her. For a moment she was paralyzed as he slid his fingers in and started to work her to a fast release. Groaning she leaned against his chest for support and his other hand held her up against him while his right relentlessly tickled her intimate place."Two can play at THAT game," she laughed, grabbing him and rubbing him between her hands. This time he moaned and leaned his head back, his dark long lashes closing as she slid down and took him into her mouth. His hand slid from her and both grabbed her hair as she worked him hard. However when she did not see any sign of him even reaching release she shook her head."I’m ENJOYING this," he moaned, holding off his release as Steph had taught him. "Don’t stop…"

Pulling her up he turned her around and washed her back, trailing soapsuds down to caress and pinch her ass in his large hands. Reaching around her he pressed his hot sex to the small of her back as he fondled her breasts. Hot kisses rained on her ears, moving her hair aside to nibble on her sensitive neck. Gasping she turned and seized his face in a hot steamy kiss, devouring his lips. Moaning he bent down on one knee and pulled her to straddle it, bringing her head level with his."Damn, I can’t resist this… I want you now…""You’ve got me," he whispered, panting, her nakedness and caressing of his body and inner thighs driving him mad.He got down on both knees, pulling her to straddle him in the shower. She shrieked as his hot flesh touched hers and slid in hard. Rocking and slapping the bottoms of her thighs to the top of his she cried out as his hands cupped her ass and controlled her pace. Both their heads arched back, their groans merging together as Stanley and Ray ground into each other furiously. A hunger that echoed the emptiness inside spurred them to complete each other as deeply as they could. This time he couldn’t hold off his pleasure.

"Cum for me Ray, please!" he moaned.

"Not till you do," she whispered."Damn… I’m…" he moaned, and then shoved up hard. His full length buried into her and she could feel his erection through her belly if she stroked it. Crying out she held him fast, fingernails biting into the flesh on his back, his strong arms crushing her to his body. With her he didn’t have to hold back his strength they gripped each other so fiercely. When his hot excitement flooded her she moaned softly, burying her face in his neck as he hugged her. For a while they let the water stream down them, panting as they looked into each other’s eyes in awe."Thank you," she whispered as she brushed the wet curls from his face."Don’t mention it love," he whispered, and they rose shakily to help clean each other off and complete their shower.

****

It was a bright Sunday afternoon that vanished into darkness when Ray and Stan rode the subway down to Greenwich Village to take in the sights and sounds. As they got off the subway, Stan turned in a hurry to grab her hand. "Don't want you getting swept away." he teased, "These animals will plow you over."

"Whoops,' she said, tripping a bit.

"I know it," she laughed, grabbing his hand as he pulled her along and up the stairs. The Sunday goers were rushing about them in a rapid tide that threatened to bowl them over."You going to tell me yet where we were headed?"

"Let’s just say it's in the village, and it's something we can both enjoy."

She giggled, leading him up onto the street. Shivering a bit against the cold, she noticed it was still brisk out. Catching the end of Stan's muffler she playfully flipped it over her shoulder as they walked along."Did your mom make this?"

"Would it make me look like a mommy’s boy if I said yes?" he winked.

"Up to you," she laughed.

"Maybe I should abstain from answering then." he chuckled, squeezing her hand. She smiled. "Seriously though...if you're cold, you can have my coat. I'll manage."

"Aww I can't expect you to do that," she pouted. "I've got a coat..."

"I can handle it. It's no big deal," he said. People hustle and bustle about them, and she sees a street artist doing portraits.

"Look at the rent an artist," she pointed him out to Stan. He walked over and peered at the portrait for a moment, watching the man hastily scribbling patterns with a pastel into a coherent face of the little girl sitting in the stool as her mother watched in admiration."This band tanks...that could be me some day." he teased softly. She smiled and directed him toward the bank of shops.

"Think I could support 10 kids doing this?" he laughed and let her drag him along.

"I wouldn't mind having your ten kids," she teased. "If they were all as handsome as you were."He rolled his eyes back at her, a shy blush hitting his face. "I wouldn't mind MAKING them. Supporting them is another thing." he laughed, "Just think of the number of hotel rooms we'd have to get on the road."

She laughed, and walks him into a leather goods store. He looks around a bit and his eyes light up. "Voila, here is the Second Skin."

"You're INTO this?" he hissed happily, "No SHIT?"

She grinned, and waved him in. "I have a wild side... you should have seen me in college."

"I wish I could have." he said, "What...uh...which of these things do you like?""Damn, Ray, CUFFS!" he said, walking over to one of the shelves. She strode over to a rack, filled with leather skirts and studded belts. There were also studded chokers and jeans with metal studs dotting them. She held up a leather miniskirt and top with tall boots that come to her knees."Sweet," she mumbled.

Stan grabbed a pair of handcuffs and acted as if he was going to lock them on her hand. "Can you imagine? Being chained to the bed all night...damn... " He said, a slow grin forming on his handsome face.

"Mmm," she smiled. "With you that would be nice."

"I could do ANYTHING. "I'll buy them if you want me too. That can't be THAT much, can they?" he said, fumbling for a price tag. They were only two dollars.

"Hell, I'll tell the owner we're newlyweds and see if he'll cut me a deal." he winked. She blushed.

"Ahh, here...two dollars.... Pocket change."

She smiled and put them into a basket. She also saw some jeans and shirts. He wandered off by himself to look at some leather guitar straps. Then she picked up a studded choker collar and tried it on with studded leather bracelets."Can I try these on?" she asked the shop clerk, showing her the blouse, skirt, boots and jacket.

Ray noticed him fishing through the guitar straps, admiring them. She smiled and the shop clerk opens the door and she wanders in to change. A few minutes later she walked out, in a leather mini, thigh high stilettos, a leather jacket Stan turned to look for her and saws she was gone. He came over to look for her and smiled as she emerged. Stan watches her and whistled softly. She has a velvet purple tank top. With the boots she was three inches taller. She notices that he is holding a leather jacket with rhinestones.

"Very nice.... Most likely very expensive.... But VERY nice." he grinned.

"That is sweet," she said, fingering it."Yeah...too much for the likes of cabby Stan, but someday.... It’s HOT."

"Someday," she smiled, and holds up a pair of metal studded jeans to him. "How about these?"

"These were.... Wow...this place has got some nice things." He said, admiring the jeans."Try them on," she smiled. "And this..."

She pulled down a loose peasant sleeved shirt, with a wild design on it. Something kind of loud, jeans with flowers stitched all over it. He smiled at her a moment, sadly, "But I can't afford this, Ray. And the owner is starting to stare me down.""Just try them on, and don't worry," she whispered. He looked at the size for a minute.

"I guess these could fit," he said."C'mon, it's just to try on," she smiled. "I'll be out here..."

He raised an eyebrow and playfully took them from her. She pushed a shirt into his hands too. "These pants won't like right without platforms."She pulled some down and hands them to him. "Those won't even come CLOSE to fitting my feet." he chuckled, and grabbed a larger pair off the high shelf chock full of ankle breakers.

She grinned and watched him take the items to try on. He stepped behind the curtain and shed his pants. He groaned a bit as he zipped the jeans. They were built tight. While he was occupied, Ray whispered to the shopkeeper, who nodded as she picked out a pair of the same jeans and platforms, putting them aside with Ray's other items. Ray also took a guitar strap and put it aside for him. Stan finally emerged, blushing slightly and turned around in a mocking model style."Ooh NICE," she wolf whistled.

"Do I look good enough to?" he winked.

"I just wanna f..." she teased, going up and rubbing her hand over his chest, covered in the shirt. He moaned and leaned down to kiss her.

"Sometimes tells me this is a BAD idea in these tight jeans." he whispered. She kissed him back, and rubbed his ass thought he jeans.

"Hmm, maybe if you try a size larger... for that love weapon you have there.""You're just saying that." he smiled shyly. "But don't stop on my account.""I don't bullshit," she whispered. "I think the wrapping suits the package nicely..."

"Even if I'm just a "kid"?" he said, with dark eyes. "Because frankly.... It bugs the shit out of me when Gene said that...and he said it ALL the time."

"You were not a kid," she whispered.

"Not after last night."

"Like he's Mr. Experience.... Women were falling ALL over him, right? I think he suffers from his own delusions."

"Fuck Gene," she whispered."I don't want to." he whispered back. "I found something I'd much rather."

"Well I think I’ve made my purchases," she winked at him.

"You buying that hot skirt?" he said, putting his hand firmly on her rear."Yes," she whispered, as she handed the credit card to the shopkeeper.

He took the master card and rang up her purchases, and Ray signed the carbon that the shopkeeper slid through the small plastic machine. In the meantime Stan headed reluctantly back into the dressing room to change back into his old jeans. He sighed a bit to himself, wishing he could afford it, but knowing he couldn't. He emerged and joined her at the checkout. Little did he know the treasures her bags contained other then the cuffs and her own clothes?"Shall we go?" she winked, still wearing her entire outfit."Any chance you'll wear that tonight?" he said quietly, but the shopkeeper looked at him and smiled.

"We're NEWLYWEDS." Stan winked pinching Ray's butt.

"I'm wearing it now," she winked back to him. "This whole entire outfit."

"But...I mean.... Tonight... just for little old me?"

"Yes, for you all day, and tonight," she tweaked his nose. "You don't mind if I walk around with you in this do you?"

"No, not at all. I'll be the envy of the neighborhood, and in Greenwich Village that’s saying something." he teased.

"So, lunch... what do you suggest?" she winked, taking his arm and leading him out with her bags in hand."Huh.... Anything come to mind?"

"Picnic in Central Park?" she asked. "WE can get some sandwiches... and go.""Perfect." he grinned, arm around her. She smiled and they walked up to a likely place."What food?"

As they passed by a street musician, Stan stops to put a dollar in his guitar case. Ray put a dollar in also. "Something...I don't know...I know it's not park food, but I feel like pizza." he grinned"Let's go," she smiled."We hardly ever have pizza. My sister hates Italian food," he said, as they walked."You pick," she said. "Which place.""How about.... Down there? They've got the Italian music going. It's GOT to be good, right?""Let's go," she smiled. "And incidentally i LOVE pizza."

"I'm glad, because sometimes girls get so goofy about their weight."

"I don't," she smiled.

"I'm not the skinniest guy in the world. Doesn't bother me if a pretty girl wants a few slices of pizza. Hell." He is enjoying walking with her, hand in hand. She loves the feel of his hand around hers. His fingers were twice as long as hers were.

"The size of the hand an feet,' she chuckled.

"You know...Ray...and don't take this the wrong way, but I am REALLY enjoying hanging out with you.""I don't have to TRY so hard. I don't have to worry about IMPRESSING you all the time. I can just...be a moron."

"You're a good friend."

"I can say the same about you," she smiled, caressing his butt lightly. "So, w hat pizza do we try?""What do you like on it?" he said, leading her into the restaurant.

He pulled his wallet from his pocket and discreetly checks it. He has $20. He put his wallet back in quickly.

"Hmm, how about everything?" she winked.

"No green peppers." he winces. While he's not looking she put an extra 20 into his coat pocket.

"Whatever you want love."

He smiled at her use of the word "love". Fingers still entwined; he strode to the hostess and requested a table for two. The dream was so sweet it ached her heart, but she knew she would try and keep this going for a short time. They were led to a booth in the restaurant, which is fairly dark. As the hostess leaves, he said to Ray, "I'm going to order wine." he grinned wickedly and opens the menu.She smiled. "What wines? Perhaps a Chablis... or a white zinfandel?"He looked blank for a minute. "You probably know better than me," he smiled. "Something white.... Something sexy.'

"White zinfandel." He gave her a slow wink, as she continued, "You should learn about wines. It is the drink of love.""That will do. I don't drink it that much. Have sort of a taste for vodka when the band gets together, much to the consternation of.... Well, you know. But he doesn't run my life, so screw him."

"Yeah,' she laughed. "He who will not be named."

The waiter stopped by with a towel draped over his arm. Dressed in a white shirt, red vest and black trousers he was sharp and efficient, down to his freshly trimmed mustache. Glancing down, Ray noticed Stanley's hand overtop hers. "And what can I get the fine young couple?" he asked."Yes...my ...uh...my wife and I would like a medium pizza, everything, no peppers, though. And a bottle of white wine... zinfandel. And some of those crackers that you usually keep at the table." he said, trying to act wordily."And we don't have any Parmesan cheese. We need that," he said, closing the menu."Sure, any appetizers? And you have a lovely wife I must say,' he smiled at Stan with a knowing wink. Ray giggled as the waiter wrote their order down and strode off."We just got married yesterday." he grinned, as he kicked her lightly under the table.

"Newlyweds..." she blushed as the waiter returned back with wine, two glasses and a basket of rolls.

"I keep telling everyone that and NO ONE gives me a discount. Damn, were we not CUTE enough?" he teased to Ray. She laughed as the waiter opens the wine bottle and waves the cork under Stan's nose to sniff.

"Is this to your liking sir?" he asked Stan. He sniffed it, a bit unsure of what to do.

"Yes.... We’ll take it," he said. Smiling the waiter poured the wine into two glasses for them. Ray picked up her glass of wine and sniffed it daintily.

"I will be back with your order. It will take about half an hour..." the waiter smiled charmingly at them, and strode off gracefully to the next set of patrons. Many couples of varying ages sat in the soft dark of the restaurant, their faces illuminated in the pools of light emanating from the softly flickering candles on their tables. Like stars they gleamed in the twilight dusk of the Italian restaurant, relaxing to the violin music piped through the sound system."I haven't had wine since well... when I went out with my teacher friends." She asked. "What shall we toast to?""Oh...hum.... How about a beautiful woman, who needed a friend, and found one.""Hmm." she smiled."And whatever else happens.... Is for us to find out." He added.

She raised her glass and toasted, "To a boy who has become a man, and one of the best I have had the fortune to know."

"Achieving manhood, huh?" he chuckled, very amused, "You have a hand in that, no pun intended?"She smiled, "Myself and Steph I must guess..." She knocks back a considerable sip and sighs. Then she took a dinner roll and starts to put butter on it and eat it.

"Why do they make these places so dark?" he said, "Is it so you can't see the pizza stains all over the table cloth?"

She giggled and sipped more wine. "You were so SILLY, I love your sense of humor. You were a real treasure, Stanley Eisen... by the way, do you have a middle name?"

"Umm...you don't want to know."

"Mine is Lindsey," she winced. "Nothing could be worse then THAT."

"Let's put it this way. It's worse than Stanley and Eisen COMBINED."

"Mortimer? Oswald?"

"It's pitiful," he said, licking some of the wine off his glass rim discreetly.

"Jervis?" she persisted. He looked at her with dark eyes, swimming with amusement. "Milton?"

"What will you give me if I tell you?"

"Hmmm..." she said, rubbing his thigh under the table.

"THAT for a middle name? You're going to have to work MUCH harder, sweetheart."

"Erwin?" she tried again. He pulled a disgusted face and drank more wine. "Me handcuffed to a bed? And you can do whatever you want to me? Rumplestilskin?"

"In that mini?"

"Umm," she grinned. He raised an eyebrow comically

"Fred?"

"Is that a YESSSSSS?" he tormented. "TELLLLL me.""Youuu tell me first," she pouted, watching Stan licking his finger slowly, his eyes twinkling flirtatiously.

"Oh god," she moans, sipping more wine."If I tell you.... Will you wear the mini... and the cuffs?" he said, moving close to her.

"Umm, yesss," she whispered into the wrong ear. He turned his head to the other side."One more time." he grinned. "Oops," she groaned.

"Excuse me sir, ma'am, here is one lovely pizza for two," the waiter interrupts. He set the pizza down on a fold out tray and cut out two pieces, putting one on each of two plates and setting them before Stan and Ray.

"This looks delicious." Stan smiled, slowly putting sauce on his index finger and eyeing Ray provocatively. "I'm going to make you BEG before the night is over."She groaned and started to cut her piece with a knife and fork while Stan picked up his piece, folding it in half to eat it with his hands. Then she sipped more wine, finishing her glass. She took the wine and fills her glass then tops his off. He chuckled lightly, "No one's ever BEGGED me before.""Decent stuff, huh?" he watched her fill her glass."Oh definitely."

"You deserve it" he whispered."Thanks," she whispered, sipping more followed by a chaser of pizza. "Damn this is good..."

"We can still go to the park after this, if you want. Or we can go back to your place.""Mm, the park," she winked. "And the metropolitan museum of art..."

"My guitar's actually in the trunk of my car at your apartment. I can play you some new tunes.""Oh... we have to hear that...' she smiled.

"When we... get home... kick our shoes off."

She nibbles her pizza, and then took another piece for him and her. The thought of home brought mixed emotions to the surface, goaded there further by the wine.

"Ray, I hate to bring up a sensitive subject.... But did you ever talk to Marcia?" he said, looking at her."I managed to get her on the phone," she said. "She's not pregnant..."

"What did she.... Any... AHHH, thank GOD." He sighs, falling back in his chair.

"And... She’s been sent off to live with her aunt... and she's going to finishing school."

"So hopefully she knows I don't hate her."

"She knows Stan, she knows." Ray assured him. "I told her that you still love her and wish you could be together."

"I don't want to be the stereotypical cherry popper who dumps her after the deed."

"She said she cares for you, and she understands, and she's sorry.""Because...dumb as it sounds, I don't sleep with someone I don't have some level of caring for." He said, watching her. She started to tear up and sipped more wine. Tears ran down her face and she put her face in her hand.

"Gene said that will change when the band hits big. Said I'll screw so many girls, my prick will fall off." he said, sipping more wine. "But we're DIFFERENT, me and Gene.... Huh, Ray?"

"Just... that the first... man I was with... he dumped me," she sobs.Not wanting to tell him it was Gene. "The man who popped my cherry... I wish it had been you..."

"Crap, Ray, I didn't mean to go on and on. I need to just shut my mouth and talk about pizza stains," he said, running fingers over hers. "And I promise you, I'll never utter the name Gene again."

"It's not your fault... Don't worry about it. From now on he's just your band mate to me,' she said and drinks more wine.

"Decent wine, huh?" he said.

"If you get a bit carried away, I'll take care of you." he said

She laughed and sipped more. By now she's on her third slice of pizza and almost done with her second glass of wine. "You were so sweet... don't ever change. Any woman who ends up being your wife will be the luckiest damn woman on the face of the planet."

"I can be a pain in the ass sometimes too." he smiled at her.

"So can I," she laughed. "So, have you written any more songs?"

"A few I'm kicking around. Our band...Gene and I, we write. The rest of them don't seem to be too talented in that were. Soooo, I guess if we don't want to play covers our whole career, someone needs to write."

"I have written a few," she blushed. "But I doubt they'd be kick ass enough to rock..."

"I'd love to hear them, Ray. No kidding. I won't steal them.""Mm, when we get back to the apartment..." she nodded. She watched him put away a fourth slice of pizza and patted her stomach in a soporific trance.

"I'm stuffed," she sighs, finishing her third.

"Me too," he said, falling back in the booth.

"Only one thing I'm still hungry for." he licked his lips at her and took another sip of wine. She got up and sat next to him in the booth. Taking her wineglass and sipping at it. She put her hand on his thigh and rubbed it up and down, laying her head on his shoulder. He put his arm around her and stole a kiss causing her to moan softly.

"You keep doing that and I'm going to have to limp out of here."

"Were you growing a third leg?"

"Very, very shortly and guess who's fault it is?""Mine?" she asked. The waiter stopped by and asked if they wanted anything else, "Anything else, sir and ma'am?""No...I think we're good," he said, clearing his throat and digging out his wallet.

"Thirty percent off for the newlyweds..." he smiled, adjusting the bill.

"Look at that, dear." he said, tickling Ray, "Thank you."

"You were most welcome sir… and congratulations.""We conceive a child tonight...it's named after you." he winked at the waiter. She smiled and sipped the wine.

He winked back and said, "may you have a long and fruitful marriage..."

Stanley grinned and handed him the money. He took it and nodded.

"I'm starting to feel this." he whispered to Ray.

"Feel what?" she asked him. She picked up her bags and felt lightheaded. "Whoa..."

"This wine. Being here with you. Just having a good time." He stands up and crooks an arm under hers.

"So am I... let's walk through Central Park..."

"We can go back if you want. You can lie down.""I want to stroll... Feel the air, and enjoy the afternoon son with you."

"OK.... Let’s stroll." he said, helping her out. She seemed a bit steadier, finishing off her wine and walking with him and carrying her purchases. The park was a few blocks walk from them. It's an enormous perimeter of trees, spanning 150 city blocks and 50 city blocks wide. They noticed the other couples walking arm in arm or hand in hand as they crossed into the park, and strolled down an asphalt path.

***********

Stanley and she came to Belvedere castle, which was the local weatherstation that overlooked a manmade lake, flanked by umbrella tables and choked with paddleboats. Still hand in hand they chased one another, getting a good look at the structure that hearkened to the legends past.

"You could almost imagine we were lancelet and Gwenivere," he teased.

"Bad choice," she mumbled, thinking of how the two lovers had subverted the relationship of Arthur and his queen, starting one of the biggest love triangles in literary history. Both were ill fated and doomed to split apart the kingdom from within and it gave her a cold shiver of foreboding.

"More like Troyus and Cressida," she mumbled.

"You don’t have to bring up ill fated lovers. We’re not Tristan and Isolde…"

"You like opera?" she asked.

"Yeah, but Wagner’s not my cup of tea. I prefer Puccini… Madame Butterfly and others like Carmen…"

"Damn, I haven’t seen a good opera in a while…" she sighed, holding up her hands and interlacing her fingers with his. He backed her up against the stone wall overlooking the lake and pushed his front to hers, and she felt his jeans tightening. They allowed a quick kiss before she bolted off running with Stanley chasing after her. He knew she couldn’t get far in those high-heeled boots.

Laughing she glanced back to see him pursuing her on his long shapely legs. Still clutching her purchases she dodged around and ran back opposite the castle and down the lane towards the stands of trees nearby. Large rock formations that some children were climbing hid her, and she playfully dodged around the stone gargoyles and turtles past astonished joggers. She reached the soft grass, ambling in among the trees and noticing couples trying to hide their petting sessions, spread out on blankets. By one tree she stopped and panted, knowing Stanley would soon catch up.

"Oho baby," she heard a sultry voice, which sounded familiar, just in the next clump of trees. "Do it…"

Little shrieks and giggles punctuated soft moans and sighs. Ray smiled mischievously, peering around the tree to see a honey blonde with her head tipped back, someone’s hand unbuttoning her shirt and spreading it aside. Dark curly hair temporarily obscured her breast as her lover licked and reached around her for a moment. The head dipped out of view, and she saw bare breasts now, the woman’s head ached back.

"Oh yes, oh YES!" she moaned, tossing her head back and forth, her marble white shoulders in view. Again the head obscured her breasts and ray guessed what the woman’s paramour was up to. A sexual twinge hit Ray’s private recesses, tingling over her like a wave of strong hunger. Then the man moved up, his shoulders and back visible, hidden by a long coat. Ray twisted into confusion when she realized such coats seemed familiar. She saw female hands wrap around his neck and grip his jacked to slip it off his arms, revealing a blue denim shirt embroidered with flowers. Oddly familiar also. Fingers tipped in red nails twined into his hair, curling through it.

Ray slunk to the ground, watching in rapt interest. She could not see the man’s face, but she could hear the woman’s moans and heard what sounded like kisses and the soft sigh of buttons being undone. The shirt was pulled down around the man’s shoulders, then down to his waist as she pulled it off of him, revealing a powerful if hairy muscular back, olive toned. His hair was shoulder length and bushy black. Pulling back, Ray hid herself in the leaves and continued to watch.

"Umm, BABY…" she moaned, and Ray heard more kissing sounds, then heard the slow clink and cut on leather as she guessed the woman must be undoing the man’s belt buckle. The rasp of a zipper being undone, and the moan coming from the man as he reared up followed it. Blond hair spilled over his lap, and Ray noticed his knees were bent.

"Baby, do it," he whispered hoarsely, then moaned. Ray gasped as she felt a pang of familiarity.

Stanley chuckled, pushing through trees and bushes to find ray. He saw her in the trees, her back to him, apparently watching something. Slowly he crept up behind her, trying not to make a sound. Ray heard him, and slowly turned, then returned her gaze to the young lovers.

"Oh… damn…" the man moaned in a deep voice that sent shivers over Ray’s spine. She heard his moans and the muffled grunts of the woman, her blonde hair spilling over and being gripped in the man’s fingers. Powerful hands guided her and she saw his back tensing as he thrust into her lips. For a moment the woman’s head slide into view and Ray shivered when she recognized who she was.

It was Shirl, Brooke’s girlfriend. But the man she was going down on did not resemble Brooke at all. She felt hands ver her eyes, and someone whispering, "Guess who…"

"Shh," she whispered to Stan.

"What are you…" he whispered, before she put her hand over his mouth and pointed. His eyes widened and he slowly grinned and blushes.

"Sound familiar?" she whispered to him. Stanley felt his pants tightening, as the woman’s bare breasts were again visible when she leaned up and then rubbed her hands up and down the man’s back. She pushed him down, and Ray flinched at the visible features. The man’s face was still out of view as the woman reared up to let him peel off her stockings and underwear, and she felt Stanley’s hand grip her shoulder tightly as he leaned in over her shoulder to satiate his own curiosity.

"Oh fuck me, fuck me… you’re the master!" she moaned as she slid a condom on the man and straddled him, slowly teasing him with her femininity. He groaned loudly again, shivering Stan and Ray both. Slowly Stan’s hand crept over ray’s front to fondle her breasts and she gasped in pants.

"OH god, oh god!" the woman cried as the man thrust up into her heat and they saw her start to bounce and buck on his hips. Her breasts slapped as she put her hands over those clenched on her hips, moaning. Her moans turned to soft cries as the man grunted and slammed up into her.

"Cum for me," growled the man, and Shirl whimpered and moaned as he stopped.

"That’s not fair…"

"How bad do you want it, doll?" the man growled, and Ray shuddered at the sound of his speaking voice. An aching pang filled her heart, and Stanley frowned, trying to place the voice. Brooke would be furious if he found out Shirl was fucking someone else. Or did he know about her open relationship?

"Please fuck me, master, or I’ll die!" she moaned, tossing her head from side to side.

"Well we can’t have that," he laughed. A hot tear burned ray’s face as she heard the laugh, and Stanley felt his blood run cold.

"FUCK ME!" she screamed, and the man rammed up into her. She moaned and screamed loudly as her body shuddered, and she rocked again. Quickly she flashed out of sight as the man’s exposed flanks and back were revealed, and he started to pound into her, taking her ankles and putting them on his shoulders. She screamed, laying back, her hair haloed around her head, rocking from side to side.

"Cum baby… I wanna see you SCREAM," he growled.

"Oh god, oh god… oh…EAAAHHHHHHHHH!" she screamed as the man thrust into her one last time, and growled. Still with his back to Ray and Stan, he let out a loud cry that made Ray’s heart break.

"Let’s get out of here," Stan whispered, pulling a stunned Ray back with him. She leaned heavily on him as Stanley glared back into the trees as the man and woman collapsed on each other. His foot snapped a twig, and he saw the man’s head and shoulders bob up to glance around in dazed confusion.

Stanley’s eyes met those of Gene’s, and he ducked out of side, pushing Ray with him as they stumbled out of the park.