Angel's Tears - 6. Stiff Limbs and Headaches

I opened my eyes and instantly snapped them shut again. The light from my window had felt like a dagger shooting through my retina. Add to that the throb building up in my skull and you had a good morning.

Last night may have been a bad idea. I couldn't remember half of it and that's never a good sign. What I do remember involved dancing like an idiot, drinking, and tearing my shirt off at some point.

Sure enough, when I opened my eyes again, there the shirt was lying on the floor ripped to shreds. Good thing I hardly ever wore it and didn't care for it too much.

What the hell happened that night? Thankfully my bed was empty and no random clothes lingered with mine on the floor. At least I hadn't brought home some random drunk. You have to look for the silver lining.

I knew I would EVENTUALLY have to crawl out of bed. My bladder was already rebelling my non-movement. My stomach followed suit soon after.

After I had run to the bathroom for a spell, I dragged myself over to my medicine drawer in search or aspirin. It took me a moment to focus on the contents enough to even begin looking for the correct bottle. I must have lost a contact at some point during the debauchery.

Sweet, sweet drugs in my veins, and my backup glasses on my face I decided to make a cup of coffee to try and sober up the last little bit. I hadn't even checked the time. Judging from the amount of light I would say about four o' clock in the afternoon.

I was planning on just sitting around the house in my underwear with a movie playing and no lights on. Question is what movie? A romance, comedy, thriller, action, or an occult flick? I booted up the computer and loaded up a streaming site. Took a minuet but I picked out some random b movie that looked okay.

By the time I had built myself a nest of snacks, soda, and pillows on the couch, it was almost five o clock. I pulled up the movie, started the trailers, and was lowering myself into position when there was a knock on the window.

"Ow." I said, as it was a loud knock to my head in its hung over state. "I'm coming," I say a little louder, getting up to shuffle to the door. I don't want to answer the door but I suppose I have to, to be polite.

"What you want?" I ask opening the door. I was expecting it to be Aiden. It wasn't.

"Hey sexy." She was a beautiful woman of about five foot four with straight black hair and deep green eyes. Her figure was a perfect hourglass with a large rack to top it off. I suppose she would be sexy, but not exactly my cup of tea.

"Um hi? Who are you?" I say staring at her bewildered.

"We met last night at the club silly goose! We danced for hours and you told me to stop by today." Oh gods, what had I done?

"Wow, ummm, I can't exactly remember anything about yesterday after I got there. I'm sorry. I don't even remember your name."

"Well, I'm Jasmine. Don't freak out, that's normal with a first timer to that place." She was looking me up and down and I felt like I should be blushing. "Most bars and clubs and, well, anyplace that sells booze really, waters it all down to a point that you can taste it but takes more to get trashed. Full Throttle doesn't. They keep it pure and strong. So newbies don't know their 'Full Limit,'"

It was some interesting information. No wonder my head felt like someone had been using a jackhammer on it.

"So, uh, what all did I do last night then?" I gave her a look clearly saying 'did we do the nasty?'

"Oh, honey, there's no reason to fret. You didn't even give me the time of day. Aiden, on the other hand, had your eye all night. It was kinda cute." She smiled and gave me a sly look. "That's why we danced, to make him jealous." She started laughing and I started turning cherry red.

"So I guess it was a very enlightening night for Aiden." She just looked at me like I was stupid. "What?"

"He already knew. You gays can, like, sense each other right?"

Just as a note, my floor tastes like popcorn. I know this because my jaw was currently lying on the carpet. "Do you mean what I think you mean?"

"You didn't know?! Well, shit. Guess I was wrong." I guess my face must have been comical because she started laughing at me.

"Could you laugh a little quieter? My head is throbbing." Also, I didn't think my face could get any redder than it already had.

"Sorry, that's just priceless. And your face! You looked like you'd just found out your long lost puppy is alive!"

"He died? Nooooooooo!" I screamed, trying my hand at changing the subject.

"So he has a sense of humor. Ha."

"I try from time to time. So, uh, crap I forgot your name."

"It's Jasmine. You’re cute when your brain is melting."

"Ya I get that a, wait a second. When my brain is melting? What the hell?"

"I was wondering when that would sink in. It's my way of describing a hangover."

"Okay? Anyways, Jasmine, what can I do for you today? At least, now that I know I didn't turn straight in my drunken mess."

"Well, you told me to stop by and I did, Cutie." She gave me a wink and handed me a card with her number on it. "Hit me up if you ever want to go to the club again."

"Uh, sure, I guess." Here she grabbed me and gave me a big hug like it was totally normal. I didn't really get what was going on, but might as well roll with it right?

"See ya later cowboy," she said, blowing a kiss as she sauntered away.

"How the hell can women walk in heels that high and make it look easy?"

"Trade secret I guess." I jumped about three feet into the air and almost landed on my ass.

"What the HELL Aiden?! Why do you always sneak up on me?"

"Because I love seeing you flustered." He gave me that half smile with a little wink face that I could love. "How you feelin? Full Throttle can leave a wicked after taste huh?"

"Dude, apparently my brain is melting." He looked at me like I was crazy and we both laughed.

"How much do you remember?"

"Just what Jasmine told me? You?"

"I'm no newbie, man. I know how to handle that place. I remember it all, in glorious detail." He looked me over, probably remembering some of those details. "You've got some slick moves by the way."

"Oh god, don't tell me I tried to dance!"

"I thought you were cute. What ya got planned for today?"

"Veg out with coffee, popcorn, and a random movie. Want to join?" I TRIED to give him my best 'come hither' stare out of the corner of my eye. It didn't work.

"Nah, I'm more of a nap all day after drinking kinda guy. Just came up to see if you were alive." He winked at me and started walking toward the stairs. "See you at work, Casanova," he called over his shoulder.

"Ya ya, see you there!"

And then I was alone again with some new information to mull over. Why hadn't Aiden warned me about the alcohol level at the club? Had he wanted to see me drunk? Did I make a complete ass out of myself or just a little ass?

It appears that this would be a thinking day. If my brain can handle it, that is.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

Friday night was insanity, Saturday was recovery, and Sunday had to be work day. I had to finish that portrait and work on some other pieces. I had a feeling my own work would be second string come Monday.

I woke up pretty nervous. The very next day I would be starting a new job with someone who has seen me EXTREMELY drunk. Add on top of all that, that I had never done any kind of work like this before, and you get a very nervous man.

What if I had done something very stupid on Friday? Could he tell that I'm gay? Would it freak him out? Will it loose me my job? There’s only one way to find out. Ask.

Twenty minutes later I found myself at Aiden's front door, even more nervous than when I woke up! I couldn't hear any voices from inside, but that didn't mean no one was home. 'Please let him not be home!' I plead to the sky. Well the ceiling in this case.

I had barely knocked when I heard a scramble from the other side of the door. It was as if Aiden had supersonic hearing or was expecting me. Within seconds, the door was thrown open wide and he was standing there in boxers and a smile.

It's sad that the mere sight of him and his toothy grin calmed my rapid beating heart. Maybe it was because the blood had found a place to rush.

"Was wondering when you would make it around to pounding me for info." I swear my nose almost started bleeding at the images playing in my mind. I had to give myself a mental shake and a ‘down boy” command before I could respond.

He gave me a quick wink and waved me into his apartment. "Sorry if I interrupted anything," I said taking a quick peek around when I thought he wouldn't notice.

"I told you some people do crazy thing to these tiny places. Just didn't tell you I'm one of em." He couldn't help but laugh at himself.

"It's not TOO crazy," I said taking another look. "Just a little. But then again, who isn't a little crazy today?"

"Good point I guess. So what's up?"

"Friday."

"Ok? What about Friday?"

"How stupid WAS I and am I fired?"

He started laughing at this and couldn't stop for a few moments. Of course I blushed ten shades of red, which didn't help matters.

"Why in the world would you be fired?" he managed to squeeze out at last.

I don't know if it was his reaction or his answer but I suddenly felt very, very silly. So much so, that I couldn’t help but chuckle and look away into the corner.

“Dude, it’s alright! Nothing serious happened. You got drunk, flirted around, and danced with Jasmine a lot. There’s nothing wrong with that. Why would there be?”

I was flabbergasted to say the least. Either, 1 he didn’t care about my being gay, 2 he didn’t know I’m gay, or 3 is really good at hiding his emotions and mind. I was hoping on option one but betting on option two. Option three just seemed so improbable under the circumstances. It took me a moment but I finally came up with a decent cover.

“Well, from what Jasmine said I was totally trashed. Seeing as I couldn’t remember a thing I was wondering if I offended you and consequently had lost my job. Or perhaps you now think that I am an alcoholic and don’t want me involved with your work. Or maybe you found out something unpleasant about me that came out in my drunken state; not that there is anything unpleasant about me to come out.”

“That was very long winded, Mister,” he said chuckling to himself. “Well, you have nothing to worry about, Phoenix. It was merely entertaining to watch you gallivant about the place topless.” He turned to do something else but remembered something before he got all the way around. He looked over his shoulder at me and said with a smile on his face, “yes you tore your own shirt from your body. It was quite sexy actually.”

Happily he turned and started getting out some supplies for a project he must have been starting because my jaw was heading toward the floor and my ears were even turning pink.

“Alright,” he said, “not strip.” Apparently I could get redder and my jaw would soon be visiting China.

“Say what?”

“I don’t have as good a memory as you do. So strip. I want a model for my new series and you’re it.” He stood looking at my unmoving body for a moment before he giggled and pushed me toward the corner and said, more fiercely, “Strip!”

From years of living in a church area I was used to following orders. So I don’t know why I was surprised to find myself facing the wall, carefully taking off my shirt, and slowly turning red from the head down.

“What’s this new piece about and for?”

“It’s called ‘The Angel’s Sorrow’ and it’s for my own use,” he said as he watched me. “That is, unless the boss takes a liking to it. Then he may use it or even buy it. You know he wants to keep up on our personal work as well as our company work.”

“Oh, right. I almost forgot I sold my soul the other day.” About this time I was working on undoing my belt. For some reason I was having some trouble. My hands just wouldn’t stay still.

“Love the sarcasm,” he said. “Are you okay?”

“I’ve never done this before, and before you ask, both.” Of course I was referring to his oncoming question of; ‘Which, get undressed in front of another man or model?’ Yes, I am a virgin. Bombshell has dropped.

“I have no idea what ever you mean.” He gave me a little wink and went about setting up his supplies.

I was finally able to get the buckle undone and the button popped out on my pants. I took a deep breath and pushed them down to my ankles. Ignoring the mock catcalls from Aiden I stepped out of them and pushed them to the side.

“Those too, Mister. I want la buff.”

I turned to either complain or argue but stopped short. There was a fire in his eyes that mesmerized me. There was no way I could deny him his wishes. Shortly I had rid myself of my last layer of clothing and was standing covering myself and facing the wall.

“No need to be shy, dude. I’m going to pose you now. Don’t freak out.” He walked slowly over to me and grabbed my arms. First, he simply pulled them away and stared at my body not bothering to hide the pleasure from his eyes. “Just as I remembered, a perfect body. Now turn.” He gave me a nudge to the right and I turned until he stopped me about a quarter of the way on with my right shoulder facing his station. He then grabbed me and started positioning me. First he put my left arm in front of me bent so that my elbow was sticking out a little. He put my right arm dangling beside my body. He titled me forward a tad and turned my head down and to the right. “Make sure to keep still and look toward the ground with a sad yet serene face.” I changed my expressions and he said, “Perfect. Now hold that.”

To say that it was an awkward experience for me is an understatement. I’m not very good at standing still on my best day. This was a FAR cry from my best, although it was slightly exciting to have him admiring my very naked body. Though not soon enough he stood behind me, snapped a picture for future reference, and told me we could take a break before the frontal view.

“A frontal view? Can I at least wear a sock or something? Maybe a leaf?” I wasn’t sure how I felt about having my genitals preserved in artistic form.

“Sorry buddy, I don’t do cheesy and corny things like that. I’ll do you justice, don’t worry.”

“Why doesn’t that make me feel any better?” I asked as he handed me a towel to wear during our little intermission.

“Because you’re a whiny little baby,” he said, sticking his tongue out at me. I blushed and stuck mine out in turn as I sat down on a chair and stretched out my stiff limbs and bones.

“Dude, I have to say I’m sore as hell.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

“To get used to it I would have to do it often,” I said looking at him suspiciously.

“Well, you may be doing this often when the boss sees these.”

“Can I see the progress?”

“Not yet you can’t,” he said chuckling softly and throwing a spare sheet over the painting.

“Fine, fine. Can I at least have a glass of water? I’ve got dry mouth standing up there trying not to move.”

He walked into the kitchen, took a bottle out of the fridge, and tossed it to me. It was the expensive stuff too. “Thanks,” I muttered as he walked back over to me carrying a bottle for himself. I closed my eyes and took a long drag from the bottle, enjoying the clean pure taste. I almost choked when I felt Aiden’s cold hands massaging my leg. “What are you doing?”

He peeked up at me from under his lashes and said, “I know how stiff your legs must be right now and I need to get at least another hour out of you so I’m going to work out some of the kinks. Now stay still.”

Wherever his hands went they left a trail of tingling and warmth. Within a few minutes I had to stand up and walk away muttering something about the bathroom. In truth, I just wanted to get away before he noticed my rising hard on. Since the layout of our apartments was the same I already knew where to go. He was surprisingly tidy, I soon discovered. Every tiny little toiletry had its own place and seemed to be obsessively placed.

It only took me a few moments to calm down and by then he was ready to start session number two. He handed me the bottle of water and took my towel away. Boy was I glad I had calmed myself down. I didn’t need him seeing me full mast just yet.

“Get a few drinks and try to get back in position. I’ll be right back,” he said walking out of the room. I took a gulp of water and put the bottle aside. It wasn’t too hard getting back into position but I guessed that I still messed up on a few points.

“Excuse the crudeness but I don’t have any more of the usual oil.” He walked over to me carrying a bottle of lube. It took every ounce of my will to stay in position and not jump away.

“What’s that for?”

“It’s for your abs. It will add definition and make it easier to see the ripples and such. I think I’ll add some to your arms too. You’ve got some really good definition by the way. You go to the gym?”

I couldn’t help giggling a little bit. “This town has a gym?”

“We may be small but we aren’t THAT small.” He rubbed the lube over my chest and arms laughing softly. “Now I have to decide how I want the hand positioned,” he said pointing to my bent left arm and the fist I was making. “Hmm, maybe I’ll lay it across your stomach? Or a little bit away … “ He went on musing a little moving my hand until he had in in a spot he liked, resting a few inches away from my body half clenched as if I were holding something.

“That’ll make it easier if I want to add a sword or something,” he said walking away to grab his camera. He took a few shots and went back to work on the second painting, keeping the first well out of my line of sight. This session went well like the first and sooner than I thought it was over. He thanked me and I went back to my apartment confused and eager to see the results.

“Guess I had better get to work on my painting while I still have light,” I muttered as I went back to my room for the night.