Burchester Tales 16: Sweet Dreams

Gus is thinking about the future—and Davy—in this week's episode of Burchester Tales.

Burchester Tales: Episode 16

Sweet Dreams by H. Lewis-Foster

Gus rested his head on the pillow, savouring the sight of Lee sleeping next to him. They’d only been going out a few weeks, but Gus couldn’t imagine waking up without him. Unfortunately, whichever of their beds they chose to sleep in wasn’t exactly generous in size. Gus hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since they met, but he didn’t care. It was worth it to kiss and make love with Lee, or simply to lie in his arms.

Gus was, however, looking forward to the fast-approaching Reading Week. They were supposed to spend their break from lectures catching up with their studies, but by a fantastic coincidence, Gus’s parents were going away that week. He and Lee would be staying at their Canterbury home for five whole glorious days.

While they’d certainly enjoyed their nights and days of sexual experimentation, Gus longed to luxuriate in the wonderful space of his own double bed. He couldn’t wait for Lee to stretch contentedly on the mattress, while Gus gently stroked his beautiful—

“Morning, sweetheart.”

Lee opened his eyes and smiled in that endearing early-morning way of his. Gus leaned across and kissed him on the lips. While Gus loved to kiss Lee at any time, that first kiss of the day was something special. It was totally unfettered by thoughts or concerns, a purely physical appreciation of each other, which often led to other, more intimate acts. Gus melted into Lee’s lips, as his hands trailed unconsciously down Lee’s back. Then Lee pulled away with an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, Gus. I really need the loo.”

Gus sighed and watched Lee as he slipped out of bed. He figured as it was Sunday, they had plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company, so he got out of bed and headed for the kitchen. There was no sign of Ian or his other flatmates, who were presumably still in their own or someone else’s bed. Gus switched on the kettle, spooned coffee into a couple of mugs and gazed out the window at the russet towers of St Martha’s and the gardens beyond.

He recalled the first time he’d snogged Lee in the college quad, and been reprimanded by Professor Watkins. As Gus’s stomach fluttered at the memory, it barely seemed like yesterday, and yet it could have been a lifetime ago. Gus knew he was becoming far too attached to Lee, which for all sorts of reasons was a bad idea. Apart from the fact they were both still teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them, Lee’s choice of course made any lasting relationship highly unlikely.

As a student of French, not only did Lee's course last four years, but one of those would be spent at a university in France. Gus guessed they would probably have split by then anyway, hopefully in the most amicable fashion, but he couldn’t help making vague and improbable plans.

He would have graduated by the time Lee left for foreign shores, and it wouldn’t be impossible for Gus to spend a year abroad. He’d done A-level French, and could surely get a job over there, if only in a bar or café. His parents would doubtless be appalled by the apparent waste of his time, but he’d only be deferring his career, whatever it might be, by nine months or so.

Gus pictured himself lying with Lee on a deserted beach, basking in the Mediterranean sun and moving only to take a dip in the cooling sea. His daydream was pleasantly interrupted by Lee’s arms snaking around his chest.

“So have you made up your mind?”

For one startled second, Gus thought Lee could read his thoughts and was enquiring about their long-term plans. Then he realised Lee was talking about Sol, and Stan’s revelation about him.

“Not yet. I’m not sure it’s my place to say anything.”

“Davy’s your friend, Gus. Imagine how upset he’d be, if he found out you knew and didn’t tell him.”

Lee had a knack of going to the heart of the matter, while Gus would happily prevaricate as long as possible. Gus turned to face Lee. “I suppose you’re right, but we don’t even know the full story.”

“We know that Sol got married.”

“And divorced.”

Lee gave Gus a disbelieving stare. “To a woman.”

As Lee went straight to the salient point once more, Gus tried to justify his indecision. “We don’t know why, though. Maybe he thought he was straight, then realised he wasn’t. Maybe he’s bi. There could be any number of reasons.”

“Of course there could, but that doesn’t change the fact that Davy deserves to know.” Lee was quiet for a moment. “I know Sol seemed like a really nice bloke, but he might be using Davy for his money. Just like Professor Watkins’ ex.”

Lee’s intimation was nothing Gus hadn’t thought of himself. Sol didn’t act like a gold-digger, but that was hardly surprising. A successful manipulator of wealthy men presumably had to be discreet. Gus sincerely hoped Sol was all that he seemed; a funny, intelligent man who’d taken a genuine shine to Davy. But Gus knew he couldn’t live with himself if he kept Stan’s news to himself, and Davy suffered emotionally or financially. Resigned to his fate, he wrapped his arms around Lee.

“You’re right, as always. I’ll talk to Davy tomorrow.”

© H. Lewis-Foster 2015. All rights reserved.