They walked side by side to the car but never touched shoulders. Careful in public was what both of them considered prevention. There was no reason for either of them to expose their private relationship to the public. The summer brought too many visitors to Shamus’s liking.
After a while, they drove to Trim Castle, got out of the car, and walked around, but Shamus wanted to get to Dublin.
“The castle was built in 1172 by the Anglo-Normans. Originally the castle was wooden. Two years later the Irish destroyed it and built another one out of stone,” Lash said.
“Did you study history?”
“My grandfather told me.”
“I read that Trim Castle was used as the location for King John’s Castle in the film Braveheart,” Shamus said as he admired the traces of the glazed window that stood here hundreds of years ago. The Castle had three stories, and it possessed twenty sides with three of the four towers still standing. The wall was built to protect the castle and its inhabitants from potential invaders.
“That’s right. I had forgotten about that.”
“Do you mind if we get going?” Shamus asked, feeling the need to get ready for the search for Erin.
“Sure, we need to settle at the camp tonight in Dublin. Tomorrow we’ll visit the first caravan site,” Lash mentioned when they were in the car on the way to campgrounds.
The entire search overwhelmed Shamus. At least he had Lash who knew his way around and would keep him and the others safe.
They found a remote area of a campsite and set up the tents. Shamus was hoping for them to sleep in one tent, but there were tents in the distance with few trees so it would be impossible to stay together in one tent; at least Lash didn’t take advantage of the situation, and for that he had to respect him.
“So, what do you think?” Lash asked.
“The trip was scenic for sure.”
They had picked up chicken breasts to cook outside and a can of mixed vegetables.
Lash started the fire in a pit, putting a screen over it so he could cook.
“Do you cook outside often?” Shamus inhaled the delicious scent of lemon-flavored chicken.
“Sure do. My brother and I love to eat outside.”
“Your chicken smells delightful. This is the first meal you cooked for me.”
“More to come if you want. I wanted to kiss you during the drive, but…”
“I wanted you to kiss me. I wish we were sleeping in the same tent.”
“Oh, we are, unless you don’t want to,” Lash said.
“But we have two tents.”
“I know that, but you just said you wished we were sleeping in the same tent.”
“I did, and I get it now.” Shamus figured Lash must have thought he was an idiot and maybe he was. He had some formal education, but it didn’t help him in all matters, especially sexual ones.
Lash served them both plates and they sat on two folding chairs in front of the fire. Shamus hadn’t eaten such spicy and tasty chicken before. He admired Lash and was grateful he took care of everything. His thoughts bounced between Lash and his sister. What was happening to her right now? Was she happy or unhappy? Had they hurt her in anyway? He had so many unanswered questions along with an immense fear for Erin.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Lash asked.
“I don’t know how I feel. I’m worried about Erin and my brothers.”
“Why don’t you call and check on them.”
Lash took their plates and cleaned up while he called Molly. She said the boys went to school, did their homework, and were watching TV. His brothers got on the phone to say hello. He felt a little better after talking to them.
Lash handed him an apple.
“Hey, thanks. I’m so happy you’re here with me. I don’t think I have what it takes to get things done.”
“Relax. Lean on me. I want to be there for you. I’ll help you every step of the way.” Lash wrapped his arms around him.
“But why?”
“I really like you. I mean not just the sex thing, though my feelings are everywhere when I look at you.”
“I like you too.”
Lash nodded his head. “I bet you like to bottom, right?”
Shamus felt his face warming up into a blush. How did he know that about him? Was something written on his face to give him a clue.
“It’s nothing to worry about. I just knew that about you. I top mostly. I mean if you wanted to give it a go, I’d let you.”
“How old are you?”
“Thirty-four, and you?”
“Twenty-one. And before you ask, no, I don’t think you’re too old for me.”
“Good. Just checking some things out before we settle in together. I don’t want to be fucking a minor, you know.”
“Not a minor nor am I a virgin. Do you use condoms?”
“I do and I have plenty with me.” Lash lifted his eyebrows making Shamus’s cock twitch.
“I’m not that experienced. I hope you don’t use it against me.”
“Stop talking about yourself like that. You’re adorable. What I want is to make you feel good in every place on your body when we’re together. You don’t really learn these things. They come from your feelings towards each other.”
