Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please. Thanks to Eisencookie for help with ideas on this story!

For the next few days, Aaron would visit Paul in the hospital once a day. Once the pattern was established, Aaron calmed down considerably. He liked the places Trynia took him during the mornings, because Paul needed his rest, and the doctor recommended that Aaron only see Paul for a few hours here and there per day. Usually it was lunch or dinner he would bounce in and see Paul, alongside Trynia.

Christine and Gina did their best to keep the home running smoothly so Trynia could devote most of her time to Aaron. If things got too difficult, there was always Shannon to lend a hand. For this she was grateful, and having an older mother figure with their own two kids was a good learning experience. Shannon's advice proved invaluable, as Terri was less able to spend time with Trynia due to her advance pregnancy. Any day now she was due, and Gene insisted Terri remain at home as MUCH as possible.

The next two days the trips to the local museums and libraries went over quite well. Also, Trynia spent one afternoon showing Aaron how she painted, in the new studio that Paul had set up especially for her. It was upstairs in a large room of the house, with a balcony and plenty of natural light to illuminate it. All the equipment from the home in the Poconos was painstakingly shipped and sent ahead to set up here. Aaron had his own set of paints she put together, and watched her mix colors. She had set him up with some watercolors and his own easily, because she knew watercolors were far easier to wash out of clothes then oils.

Aaron had a good sense of shape and color mixing, and enjoyed painting what she called a "still life". She explained how an artist drew what they saw, not what they thought they saw. He struggled a bit with shape, but the result was very pleasing. Shannon and Gene had told her above all to spend time with Aaron. Take him along and do things with him that could include him.

This routine continued till the fifth or sixth day, when Gene invited them all over for a pool party. Sophie and Aaron splashed in the pool while Trynia and Terri sipped glasses of decaffeinated iced tea and watched them pelt each other with water. Nicholas grabbed Aaron and put him on his shoulders as Gene grabbed Sophie, and they attacked each other playfully.

"Nick's almost as tall as Gene," Trynia shook her head with a smile.

"I know, every time I see him it seems he's shot up an inch," Terri laughed.

"I'm just glad you and Shannon Tweed get along so well," Trynia sighed.

"Well it takes WORK. And also it helps tremendously that she and Gene parted ways amicably. Every other weekend he has visitation unless he's on tour... and sometimes he has two weeks with them. Shannon has them more just because it's easier since Gene's away most of the time. Now that we're off tour... he's got them more often..."

"Will you adopt them?" Trynia asked.

"Well no," Trynia said. "They already have Shannon as their mom. Besides, it's less confusing if they just call me Auntie Terri. Or just Terri."

"But what about when your child is born..." Trynia asked.

"We'll be open. The kid will know everything it needs to, that it has a dad and mom who love it, and two siblings who are nuts about it, and an 'auntie Shannon' who wants to be parts of its life too."

"I wish I knew WHY it was easier for Shannon and Gene, then Paul and Linda..."

"I do too. But I'd like to think it was because Gene and Shannon were always up front."

"Why DID Gene and Shannon break up?" Trynia asked. "Or is that none of my business..."

"Well I don't know. From what Shannon said, she just got to the point where she and Gene were going in two totally different directions. And it became harder to find things in common. She fell for someone else very slowly, and knew that Gene would never totally commit to her. While that worked for a while, I guess she reached the point where she wanted something different. She and her new boyfriend are doing very well..."

"Is it confusing for Nicholas and Sophie to have two fathers in their life..."

"Gene's their father," Terri said quickly. "The other guy, they think of him as Mommy's boyfriend."

"But Aaron talks in terms of new daddy and old mommy..." Trynia sighed.

"Man that sucks," Terri snorted. "Pulling a kid in two different directions. Man, if I had my way I'd set that broad STRAIGHT!"

Hearing her words Trynia burst into laughter, almost spewing Terri with a mouthful of iced tea. She coughed so profusely that Terri had to thump her on the back. She asked, "Hey, are you okay? Mind telling me what set you off?"

"You saying the word BROAD, that's what!" Trynia guffawed, wiping her mouth with a napkin.

"Well, I would use ANOTHER word, but there are children present," Terri said practically. "But my point is, two parents who are separated should put their CHILDREN first, and forget their differences."

"I've tried with Linda..."

"It does say something she left Aaron with you..." Terri pointed out. "And you did say that she said you were one of the few people she trusts him with..."

"Still she could stop the crap about his new daddy," Trynia snorted.

"Well, that's up to her and Paul. But I strongly SUGGEST you say something to Paul if it bothers you."

"It's not my place..."

"The hell it isn't!" Terri exploded. "If she dumped Aaron onto YOU, you have every say in it! You're his primary care giver now... and it's your job to make sure his FATHER knows what's what. If I were you I'd go right to that hospital and tell him what's on your mind..."

"All right," said Trynia. "Gut I still..."

"Stop the inferiority. You're part of Paul's life, and Aaron is a HUGE part of that life."

That afternoon she walked in with a fresh bouquet of flowers, hand selected from the rose bushes in the back yard. White roses edged in soft pink were gathered together with red, pink, and yellow into a fragrant whole, set off with a few nice greens she picked up here and there.

As she entered Paul's room, she noticed the nurse was setting away things for what appeared to be a large tub. Paul's hair was moist, as if it had been recently rinsed. Turning, the nurse opened the blinds once more to let the sun beam into the spacious private room.

"Hey, baby....how are you doing?" Paul cooed from the bed, face brightening up at sight of Trynia standing in the doorway. She was thankful he seemed perkier today then other days, his face clear and eyes bright. They had avoided discussion of the heated topic over the last few days, regarding his and Gene's argument. Rather discussion had focussed on how Aaron was doing, and if any call had been received from Linda.

Soberly Trynia remembered the crackling transmission she had received earlier that day. It wouldn't be easy to tell him the silence of four days had been finally broken. Striding to his side, she handed him the bouquet, saying "I brought you some fresh flowers..."

"Oh my God Mr. Stanley you are one lucky man," the nurse breathed, glancing at the wealth of roses. Already he had amassed quite a collection of various floral arrangements, which dominated one whole corner of his room.

"Damn, I've got nowhere to put it. Hon, do you see an extra pitcher around here or something?" Paul asked, holding the flowers out to admire them.

"I'll find a vase for these, Ma'am," the nurse offered, taking the bouquet and setting them into the water pitcher. "There... that should work. You are one lucky man... you know, having your sweetheart bring you flowers every day!"

He smiled, "Yes, I am."

Holding out his hand for Trynia, he beckoned her over. Aaron held Trynia's other hand, following her to his father's bedside. Paul kissed Trynia's forehead softly, and held out his arms to Aaron, "Little buddy! Come here...."

"Daddy! Look what I painted for you!' Aaron chirped, hugging Paul tightly around the neck. Paul winced a bit as he repositioned himself, pain still evident in his hip.

"So, what do we have here? Is this a special painting from my special little man?" he asked, oohing and ahhing over the watercolor Aaron brought him. Arm around his son, he held it out to look at it.

"Here's a painting I did so your room would look nice, Daddy!" Aaron said. "And Miss Trynia helped me paint this one...but this one I did all by myself..."

"You've been busy," Paul laughed, and motioned Trynia over to join them.

"I wish you weren't here and got bored just watching TV all day," Aaron said.

"Aww, now how can I get bored when I have you two to visit me?"

"Paul, he was really good today... at Gene and Terri's.." she said.

"Did you?" Paul asked.

"WE went swimming and Uncle Gene and Sophie, they had a water battle with me and Nick..." Aaron laughed. "But we kicked their butts!"

"Good for you," Paul laughed.

"Then Miss Trynia said we could come over here and visit you really quickly before they had dinner for you... but we ate already at McDonalds... Trynia stopped and we got drive through and ate burgers and shakes in the car!"

"Trynia's a wise woman," he winked. "AND she's also in charge, don't forget. Are you still being good for daddy?

Paul squinted at Aaron teasingly, and Aaron further reported, "She got me this way cool game... that new Jackie Chan game daddy!"

"Hmmm, nothing with too much violence, right?"

"It's rated E for everyone..." Trynia said.

He laughed, and rumpled Aaron's hair, "And I KNOW you won't buy one with too much kissing. So now that Trynia's bought you a special treat, you're going to keep behaving for her, right?"

"I'm trying daddy, but sometimes I miss... stuff..." he said carefully. "Am I gonna have to go to school here? Or at Mommy's home?"

Paul glanced at Trynia for a minute. There was surprise in the dark eyes, and she could tell the look indicated they would have to speak privately about this new development. After a few minutes thought Paul said, "Well, Ev, I'm not too sure. If your mommy is going to be gone for long, you're going to need to find a school, or a really nice teacher to come to our house and help you."

"We just don't know......how long mommy will be gone," Trynia interrupted. "But I'll help you with your homework... I was a teaching assistant in school..."

"Like Uncle Gene was a teacher a long time ago?" Aaron asked.

"Yes, Miss Trynia is VERY smart, especially with science," Paul nodded.

"Aww shut up," she blushed. "And she'll help you with whatever you want."

"Oh cool daddy! Science is hard sometimes!" Aaron shook his head. Affectionately Paul punched his son's arm.

"I'll bet Bogie was VERY happy to see you come, huh?"

"Yeah, once Miss Trynia stopped sneezing," Aaron said. "She said she was allergic to doggies... but she's okay now..."

Paul tossed Trynia a mock mean look, "OH? She never told DADDY that."

"I didn't want to worry you," Trynia hastily explained. "It's only if they LICK me... Once I get used to dogs, I'm okay... but they can't give me kisses... or I break out in a rash.."

"Honey, we can keep him outside..." Paul started.

"No it's okay,' Trynia held up a hand.

"Are you sure?" Paul asked, concern in his dark eyes.

"It's a BIG house, Paul," She laughed. "As long as he stays near Aaron I'm fine."

"It's your house too, you know," Paul said automatically.

"Uh well..." she stammered. Thankfully the knock on the door silenced her need to answer that statement, and Gina poked her head in.

"Uh, Aaron, did you tell Daddy about what you told Trynia?" Gina asked.

"Not yet, Miss Gina..." Aaron said.

Paul grinned, "Oh, a secret?"

"Well it's not exactly that..." Trynia said slowly.

"Maybe Aaron can come with me and show me that new coloring book while Trynia tells you..." Gina winked to Paul. Puzzled, he looked at Trynia. She shuffles uncomfortably.

"Ev, before you go, how about a nice hug for daddy?" Paul asked.

"Sure daddy!" he said, wrapping his arms around Paul's neck for another hug.

"I love you, little monkey. You take care of things around the house, OK?" Paul told him, giving him a playful swat on the back as Aaron hopped down from the bed.

"Sure daddy... Uncle Gene said I was the man of the house till you got home..." Aaron nodded. "So I had to be good and brave for Trynia..."

"Uncle Gene is wise behind his years, grasshopper." he grinned, and kissed his son on the head. Gina grasped Aaron's hand when he trotted over to her. Aaron turned to wave as they disappeared.

"And hey, come back and give me one of those nice hugs again before you leave. Right now daddy has to talk to Miss Trynia," Paul called.

"I sure will daddy!" came Aaron's reply. Once they were out of earshot, Paul returned his attention to Trynia, and sighed.

"Before you start....before you say anything....let me just say that I am truly sorry for the other day... and I'm sorry I took so long to apologize for it..."

"Paul I know it was hard for you to take..." Trynia said slowly. "I thought it best if you wanted to talk about it, that you would do so when you were ready..."

"I won't lie. Yeah, it is, and for some reason, this whole nightmare that used to be my marriage keeps coming back to haunt me. First emotionally. Then in my wallet. Now with Aaron."

"I'm so sorry," she sighed. "Sometimes I wish you didn't have all that money... And you could just move in with me, and help out my parents with the restaurant till we got on our feet, but I think you had enough of being a waiter..."

"And I'm a lousy cook don't forget." he smiled. "I guess...what I started to say. What I NEED to say, is that despite all this crap with Linda and Aaron, you are so incredibly special to me, Trynia, and I pray that no matter what happens, that this won't change the way you feel about me."

"It won't," she said, leaning over to kiss his forehead gently. "Not at all. This is MY chance to help you..."

"I sure wish I knew what the hell she was up to. I guess part of this rollercoaster is that for the last two years, I've often thought that I would love to have sole custody of him. And now this happens. It's almost so tantalizingly close that I'm afraid to hope for it." He sighed. "Not only that, how will this affect US? Suddenly you're thrust into a situation with a grown boy, where before it was just you and me and a bottle of champagne by the fire," Paul apologized.

"I know Paul. I'm so afraid I'll screw up with him..." Trynia said "That I'll do something wrong and it will get to Linda and hurt you."

"Sweetheart, look at me. You're worried about what PAM will think? Don't forget....this is the woman that just dumped her son at my doorstep. Never MIND the fact that I was in the hospital at the time. Something tells me she lost her mother of the year award here lately."

"I can't believe she did it. And yet I guess she was so excited with her marriage... Aaron told me she left her daughters at her parents... but there wasn't enough room for Aaron to stay... and the other guys parents are to ill to take Aaron," Trynia said. "I mean the guy has 3 kids already... And they dumped THEM on Linda's parents... Cause his parents weren't in any way FIT to take three teenage girls ranging in ages 10 to 15

"It just doesn't make sense. Damn," Paul sighed in commiseration.

"I know. I have no CLUE about his ex wife, only she was an alcoholic," Trynia continued, Paul's arm around her waist as she sat next to him on the bed. "And she's in Betty ford by now after his divorce went through..."

He muttered, "Just what I was hoping to hear about a family that my son is going to be living with. That's UNLESS I can win this damn thing."

"All these things a 8 year old boy shouldn't be telling me," Trynia said. "He does say that his 'new daddy' and he get along okay. He gets Aaron baseball cards... and is trying to get him to play little league..."

"New dad, huh?" Paul snorted. "This guy is a baseball fanatic I guess..."

"I really hate this whole crap about 'new dad' versus 'old dad'," Trynia muttered. "Talk about CONFUSING."

"Well maybe this will cheer you up. Gene.....he called me last night. He said he talked to my lawyer and they're checking into what can be done."

"Really? What can be done?" she asked. "Other then that I had Gina write down all of her conversation I could remember... and helped me remember what I couldn't at first."

"Well, they want to know exactly what was said," Paul said. "He's going to try to get in touch with Linda's family....try to figure out why she never left detailed instructions on how to get in touch with her. And to relay the message that she is to call our house immediately with that information AND with a date to return."

"Well that's what I wanted to tell you..." she said slowly.

"And if she doesn't.......I guess we argue that she's abandoned him," Paul said. "He also said that if it goes on for any length of time, he's going to petition the court for a temporary stop in child support."

"Gina says she got a call the other day..." Trynia began again.

Attempting to sit up, Paul pushed the button on his bed and elevated the back a bit more. He grabbed her hand and asked, "Really? Oh, God. What did they say?"

"No honey don't..." she says. "Easy now... You know hurricane Bertha?"

'I've heard of it. Go on...."

"Well it hit the Bahamas around the time that they got there... and knocked out some of the major airports... Shortly after they got there..."

"And....." Paul asked, brown eyes anxious. "So, they're what? Staying? For how long?"

"So it's gonna be a while before they can get the stuff running again. I mean they are in the Bahamas. They were without light and electricity for a few days, but the hotel was pretty much safe. They've got power now... but since the airport was so badly damaged, they don't' have any way of getting out of there for another two weeks, perhaps more... unless they can get a private flight out..."

"Did they...give you a number where they can be reached? Did she even act like she CARED?"

"The resorts still running, and they're looking into trying to get some other trip package together," said Trynia. "But she did call this morning since the phones were up, to let us know she was okay. And she left the hotel number..

Paul looked sad for a moment and sighed, "Shit. I was sort of hoping....well, never mind."

"But she lost her passport and stuff..." Trynia said. "So they gotta get new ones made... it sounds like there's trouble in paradise..."

"I guess we'd better help the little guy get comfortable. It sounds like it's going to be awhile," Paul smiled sadly at her.

"I'm sorry about this Paul, it just sucks. It's a wonder they don't just charter a helicopter and get out of there... But there aren't any that can get out there till the other cleanups happen..."

"I just hope that in this whole chaos that has become her life, that Aaron doesn't get lost. Good God, look at it. Three teenage girls. Substance abuse problems in the family. In-laws who somehow don't care to take care of him. I have to tell you. It worries me."

"Well Linda did say that the only reason her parents couldn't take him was they had no room," Trynia reminded him.

"And they didn't think it would be good for Aaron to be with three girls he didn't' know very well yet... They called your parents... but your mom said it wasn't a good time..."

'I suppose you're right. Man, I wish we were married sometimes and could just adopt him outright. You have a career you want to go for first, though, and Linda will never agree to it," Paul sighed. "Why couldn't mom and dad take him?"

"Because your dad's gone in for a cardiac cath test..."

"My dad? WHEN?" he asked, snapping his head up.

"Earlier this week. He's fine. He didn't need anything done... but he needs to rest. Your mother said he's fine... but just needs to take it easy. That's why they couldn't' take Aaron."

"Oh, thank God," he sighed with relief. "Mom drives me nuts some times. She's always telling me the little things on and on, but somehow forgets the big."

Chuckling he added, "Do me a favor and send him some flowers or something from us, hon."

"I already did..." Trynia nodded.

"Thank you," he smiled.

"An FTD pick me up goes a LONG way," said Trynia. "Paul, I couldn't find the car keys to anything except that Porsche... I was wondering WHEN that car you got me would get shipped here... I hate driving your good car... I'm scared I'll wreck it."

"Oh, well....umm...Hon, I'm sure you're doing fine," he patted her hand. "You DO know how to adjust the seat, right? Because if you don't, you might not be able to see too well, and..."

"Paul... that's not the problem," she shook her head. "It's just it's one of those multi thousand dollar cars... and if I wreck it..."

"If you wreck it, there's insurance. That's sort of the idea behind it."

"I know... it's silly... but I've never driven a Porsche. I just got used to a Mercedes..." she said.

"I used to feel the same way, until I got used to it, now I won't drive anything else," he said, stroking her hand. "Hmmm, have Gina talk to Chris and figure out a way to get your car out here, hon. Especially with Aaron staying with us."

"It's being shipped. But it won't be out here till next week..." Trynia said, then changed the subject. "But we did find a housekeeper and a cook..." she said.

"Damn, you've been busy. Hopefully you found someone good."

"Yes. Henry is a whiz in the kitchen..."

"Make sure it's someone Aaron likes, or he'll whine for weeks about how she "misplaced his stuff".

"And Christine's a great maid... she knows EXACTLY where everything goes..."

"Uh-huh, Henry?" Paul chuckled a bit. "Well, that's a bit of a surprise."

"I know, but Chris said he needed a job..." Trynia said. "Catering's not been so lucrative lately..."

"And you're......alone in the house with him?" Paul asked.

"Christine's there... And Gina's there most of the time before he leaves..."

"I guess I trust your judgment, love. However you want to staff the house is fine with me. As long as, well, we have our "alone time" too, once I'm back in action," said Paul. "And as long as they are OK with Aaron."

"Gina's been a HUGE help... I don't know WHAT I'd do without her..."

"I'm glad you gave her a chance. Chris was just about desperate for her to start working again. Apparently they are.....considering a child."

"By the way, Henry is gay..." Trynia said.

He grinned, "Well, God love him. I guess, as long as he can cook and he's respectful to you guys, that's fine with me."

"No worse then Bill was for you guys... he was a good manager right?" Trynia joked. "But if he so much as makes a move on you, I'll kick his butt!"

He groaned and threw his head back, "Oh GODD, that's just what I need to hit the tabloids!"

Laughing, he glanced fondly at her, and she laughed also. Gently he stroked her thigh, and gave it a firm squeeze that sent a bolt of desire to the reaches of her body. Smiling, he said, "I should be able to go home next week. That's what they tell me anyway. I guess they've had enough of my ugly mug around here and they're getting the eviction notice ready."

"I found one or two nurses to help out when you get home..." Trynia smiled, blushing. "But I'm still interviewing either one... It will be good to have you back home. It's felt really strange there without you..."

"I will be so damn glad to get there. Even just to sit outside on the patio for a bit. If sitting is even possible. If not, well, then, I'll just lie in bed and admire you."

"Aww you are too much," she laughed. "I don't know HOW Terri manages to live in that museum of a place Gene has... It's enormous!!!"

"The nurse said that they will be arranging for physical therapy to come to our house. One of the perks of stardom, I suppose" he rolled his eyes.

"Well, you'd better make sure you stick to it, Mister..." she shook her finger at him.

"But I think I need to really go at it. Gene's already talking about how soon we can talk about maybe going on the road."

"Oh," she said slowly. "I was thinking perhaps you were considering going back to Phantom..."

"Yeah....I guess there are mixed emotions. Ace wants to, but he's got his wallet open, understandably. Eric, he's all for it, but we need to arrange it with Alice. Gene, he's champing at the bit to go out, but there's the little issue of him having a baby now. As for me. I don't know. I guess I can see advantages to both."

"Damn, on the road after just getting the hip replacement. Isn't it risky?" she sighed. "I guess it's not my place to say anything..."

"Well, this wouldn't happen until next year, at the earliest."

"Oh, well that's different then..." Trynia perked up. "You'll have time to heal..."

"I suppose I have two choices. Follow my heart and do theatre, which I miss terribly. Or tour with the guys, which will fatten my wallet and in TURN fatten Aaron's and our children's some day," he said. "Plus, if everyone else wants to go out, I can't let them down."

"No you can't. And I can't let you NOT do something you want..." Trynia agreed. "Whatever you want or think best I'll support..."

"I guess we have one more tour in us. Thirty years next year, after all. After that, who knows? Maybe I FINALLY retire to that little villa on the beach."

"I have a question..." she asked him.

"OK...."

"If you do go on tour... does that mean I stay here... or come with you?" she asked with some trepidation.

"Tryn, Hon, of COURSE I want you to come with me. I would LOVE for you to be with me," he assured her, draping his arm around her shoulders. "I guess that's up to you, and whatever you're doing at the time. I mean, I can't force you...."

"I didn't know..." Trynia said. "I thought that perhaps wives or girls of rock stars get in the way... on the road... I mean Ace always left his wife at home... and Gene was arguing with Terri over if she should be traveling with a baby..."

"It depends on the guy and what his philosophy of fun on the road is. Twenty five years ago, yes, you'd have your cute little rear at home. Now, I'm no longer interested in the quick, cheap score. Not unless it's with you, of course." he teased.

"I'm relieved... I guess it was a silly question..."

"No it isn't. I'll fill you in on a secret. It makes Gene a little edgy. He loves Terri, of course. To death. But as you know, Gene likes to have his fun too."

"Yes, I was afraid of that," Trynia sighed.

"They make it work, somehow. It's not for me, but hey, since when does Gene need my permission."

"I'm glad... it's not for you..." she said, ashamed for presuming.

"But touring not for everyone, love. I guess the question is whether or not you would want to."

"I don't want to be apart from you for long periods of time..." she said. "And I do like traveling..."

"And maybe by then.....well, we'll see what happens," Paul nodded.

"Yes..." she agreed. "I'm only sorry that this mess with Aaron and Linda is making a difficult situation worse..."

"I just wish I knew what she was thinking. Marrying someone on a whim. Someone unstable. I know I'm assuming a lot about a guy I don't know, but Linda's got NO money worries any more, thanks to dear old Paul. She doesn't need to settle for just anyone," Paul shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment.

"No, but this guy has money too..." Trynia pointed out. "He's a hot shot lawyer... for celebrities... He did a divorce for Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger... He was on Mick Jagger's team... he got at least fifty thousand in that case alone!!"

"Well, that may be the case. But I still think I get the better end of the deal. This guy got Linda, for God's sake. I got you."

"Yes..." she smiled, laying her head on his chest. "And I could care less how much money she got from you... I mean as long as we don't have to move in with my parents I don't care WHERE we live..."

He laughed, "Or mine. I could make tartar sauce jokes ALL day."

"Oh God, you had to bring THAT up!"

"Yeah, I did, and now my damn hip is going to start hurting if I laugh too much."

"I wish I could just kiss it and make it better," she sighed.

"Hold that thought, love. There will be plenty of time for that. And hopefully sooner than later."

"You've got another reason for that PT..." she winked at him, and Paul glanced at her with desire dark eyes. "How long do you suppose it will be until...."

"I don't know... we talked to the doctors... they say that for the first two weeks to take it VERY easy...' he grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"The first month it will be sore... but the more PT that you do, the better... and the stronger it will get... since you're in such good shape the doctor says that it might be faster... And it's been two days."

"Yes," she sighed. "I felt weird about asking the doctor about... you know... But she told me that there are some... ways around it..."

"I'm not a patient person, in case you haven't picked up on that, and I'm CERTAINLY no damn good at being celibate."

Trynia continued, "I know... since she knows WHO you are, and who I am... well she did suggest we could... as long as you don't... well... move that hip TOO much.... especially now... but that doesn't' mean you cant... uh... if you stay as still as possible during..."

He laughed loudly this time, "Let me get this straight. You asked my doctor about when we can resume sex? YOU? What happened to my shy little sweetheart I used to know?"

Tickling her side, she yelped and he caught her in his arms, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek that fluttered her heart in her chest. Flushing with desire she said, "I well... you know it's a matter of urgency... I mean you without sex for several days..."

"It IS a matter of urgency. At least you didn't tell me the advice came from Doctor Dad," he winked.

"Oh god..." she groaned. "Well I DID ask him how long it takes for a person to recover from hip surgery. How long it takes for them to be able to walk... and well... it takes about two weeks to get someone onto where they can even walk with a walker... assisted..."

"I'm sure he didn't piece it together, or you would have had to endure a lecture on premarital sex with aging rock stars," Paul teased her. "I found one or two nurses to help out when you get home..."

"Well for all he knows... you and I were like early Sonny and Cher..." Trynia laughed.

"Damn, that was a night," Paul reflected.

"Right," she laughed, poking his chest.

"And it went downhill from there."

"You know the stories about Cher and Sonny not sleeping together when they first moved in..." she mused. I wonder if they were REALLY true..."

"Hmmm, I don't know. Cher's a pretty straightforward kind of person. I would imagine if she didn't want to, nothing happened."

"Well it was something she mentioned in an interview. It wasn't till later on that the fireworks happened..."

"Cher's a trip. We really ought to hook up with her again. You'd love spending more time with her, Tryn," Paul said, running his hand over her thigh again, more slowly this time.

"Yes, she does seem really nice," she laughed.

"But anyway, back to this secret plan of yours..." he whispered seductively. She looked at him blankly for a moment.

"Youuuuuu know. The "let's save Paul from a life in the priesthood" plan."

"Oh yeah," she laughed. "Duh! Well I was reading a lot about people in this situation... how they try to cope with the... pain factor... and I figured as long as you don't shift those hips too much... we should be okay... But there will be no crazy stunts..."

"In other words....you do all the work." He completed.

"Yes..."

"And don't you mean no PLANNED crazy stunts," he grinned wickedly.

"Paul..." she warned. "I don't want to KEEP you in here..."

He leaned over and snaps her bra strap playfully, "There you go again, being the smart one."

"It's my job..." she said. "To keep YOU out of trouble..."

Leaning over him, she brushed her chest against his, with the sheet between them to hug him. Softly she kissed his cheek. He groaned and bit her arm playfully.

"Ow! You rotten sneak," she scolds him.

'It's your own fault. Teasing poor me like that.....in my state of denial."

"I'm sorry," she apologized, drawing back a bit. "I guess I'm making it worse..."

"Nah, don't be sorry, sweetie. I was....well...highly enjoyable."

"Would it be that torturous... to kiss you?" she asked.

"It shouldn't be. You just have to watch and make sure you don't accidentally put your weight on this side, or something. And if you do, well, I'll let you know."

She leaned over him, still sitting on one side of the bed by his good hip. Reaching across him with one arm, her weights balanced on that arm, and holding her body slightly off of his. Leaning over she kissed him gently at first, stroking his cheek with her free hand. He kissed her anxiously back, still aware of the awkwardness of his movements. Reaching up he cupped his hand behind her head, gripping her neck to deepen the kiss. He pulled her down, pressing his body close to hers. She was hesitant, but allowed him to continue.

He whispered to her, "Tryn, if you feel weird about this, we don't have to."

"Is someone going to nail us... if we go further?" she asked.

"The only one that's gonna get nailed is you sweetie. Hmmm, if I use this call button right here and tell them I'm taking a nap and not to disturb his Royal Highness," he hummed. "And you go and shut that door over there."

Getting off the bed, she quickly moved over and closed the door. It wouldn't lock, to her consternation, and she grumbled as she returned to sit next to him on the bed. Kicking off her shoes, she swung her legs alongside him on the bed.

"I always loved that pic of you... in bed with that nurse.." she joked.

"Well, Nurse Merin, I'm a very difficult case for you here right now," he winked, and picked up the call button. "Nurse's station".

Trynia turned and chuckled, as he continued, "Yes, this is room 148. I'm going to be taking a nap here shortly and I'm very tired. I would appreciate no interruptions please. I'll call when I wake up, or if I need meds."

"Certainly, Mr. Stanley. You've taken your pain medication?" came the reply.

"Uh-huh, yes I have."

Trynia felt a bit funny, seeing him there so vulnerable in bed. She was thankful he had no more IV's to contend with at least. A prickle of erotic thrill shivered out the bumps on her skin, and Paul noticed with a sly smile as he heard the nurse's reply, "That should be fine. We will come in to check on you in about an hour. I'll make a note that you don't wish to be awakened."

"OK, thank you," he laughed. "See, lambchop, we have a WHOLE hour..."

Arms wrapped around her, pulling her close into a hug. Groaning she kissed his cheek softly and inhaled the scent of his freshly washed hair, and the tang of his aftercare. His smoothly shaved cheek pressed up to hers, skin firm and warm.

"You are SNEAKY, Mr. Stanley." She whispered.

"And horny...." he hummed, nuzzling into her neck.

"Uh oh..."

"A week without sex makes Stanley a dull boy," he continued, tugging at her collar and poking his nose playfully into the groove of her neck.

"I know you poor thing," she sighs, kissing his ear softly as she shifted to lay along side him and not shake the bed.

"I have been VERY poor this past week, but now....umm....I'm beginning to feel just a bit richer," he whispered into her ear, sends shivers down her spine. "You know, sweets, its MUCH warmer right here under this nice hospital blanket....right next to little old me."

"Are you asking to meet me under the covers?" she joked.

"I am. I'm CORDIALLY inviting you."

"Well I have never been one to turn down an invitation from a handsome man," she laughed.

"Well get up for a moment and well see," he winked, watching her every move. She did so, and saw him pull back the covers, revealing the brief hospital gown that snapped up the back. Bare hairy legs, muscular and strong disappeared into the mass of white sheets, and she hesitated. Damn it she wanted him so badly, she hadn't realized just how much she missed him till that moment. Tugging off her pantyhose, she shed them and hung them over the chair. Laying alongside of him, she led him drape the covers over both of them.

"I guess.......hmmm.....you're back on the pill?" he whispered.

She laughed and nodded, "For a while now.."

Gingerly she climbed into the bed alongside him, feeling the warmth of his body along hers. He laid on his back, slipping his arm under her and pulling her into strong arms so she pillowed her head on his chest. Lips near her ear he whispered, "That's good. I mean, it wouldn't be good. I'm on every kind of medication."

"You're a poster child for the major pharmaceutical companies..." she joked, fingering his nose. He laughed a bit and started nuzzling her ear again. She whispered and laughed, feeling the texture of his hospital gown. It has snaps up the side and back, and she brushed her hand over his chest lightly. Long fingers reached for the buttons on her blouse.

Dark eyes kept contact with her, intense as he whispered, "Tryn......"

"Yes love?" she asked.

"I just want you to know....that I trust you fully. Not only now, here in bed, bad hip and all, but also with this situation with Aaron."

"Thank you," she whispered back, as he kissed her ear and licked it gently. "I was so afraid I'd screw things up..."

"You didn't..."

"I miss you SOO much..." she groaned, stroking his chest through the hospital night shirt.

"I do to. You're the only one I can think of that I'd totally trust to watch Aaron until I'm home."

"Really?"

"Yes, absolutely. If you weren't here and Linda tried this....well I don't even want to think about that little disaster," he said, rubbing her breast lightly through her blouse. "Let's not let her ruin our time together shall we?"

"Never...." said Trynia.

"Now about these buttons."

"I thought you were undoing them," she joked.

"Well, I'm TRYING to, but god KNOWS where you find these articles of clothing that are harder to open than a damn pair of handcuffs. What's WITH these damn buttons? They're square, or something," he teased, fiddling playfully with them.

Taking the halves of her shirt, she quickly tugged it apart with the pop of a series of snaps. Paul chuckled when he noticed the buttons were fake decorations to cover them. He said, "DAMN! I knew it. They don't even work."

"It's snaps silly, just like yours!" she scolded, tugging at his nightshirt. He snapped a few back up, then playfully ripped it open again. Suddenly she was aware of how hot it had grown in the bed. Soon her chest was free, and she tried to wriggle out of her shirt still under the covers. Paul took her hand and put it on her chest again. She moved onto her hip, turning her torso toward him so he could push the shirt off and bare her chest. Reaching around her, he started to unhook her bra. The sheets fell from around her shoulders as she sat up, chest fully visible to him as she knelt up in bed.

Anxiously she glanced at the door, and Paul lightly caressed her breasts, causing her breath to quicken. He tugged her down, tongue sampling her delights and nuzzling between them. She hugged his hair and groaned, savoring his hot breath on her sensitive nipples. Suddenly desire flooded over her whole body, and Paul hooked his fingers into the waist of her skirt. She sat up, pushing aside the sheets and hopped out of bed to free herself of it, and put it with the rest of her pile of clothes.

He teased her, "You KNOW, of course, if you start screaming, some nurse is going to barge in here in seconds."

"Uh oh..." she groaned. He tugged her hand, and pulled her back into the bed, holding the blankets up for her to climb under and join him in the cocoon of warmth again.

"Mmm, c'mere," he whispered, stroking his hands up and down her back. "I think I need a little help getting this gown off..."

"Oh boy..."

"What??? You can't back out on me now. Don't make me give you the puppy dog eyes," he begged.

She reached down and rubbed his chest lightly through the shirt. Reaching behind his neck she began to unsnap the snaps, and tug the gown down. Ever so painstakingly she tried to reach under him and undo the lower ones. Her hand brushed over his side as she kissed his neck. He attempted to roll over on his side, but stopped.

"Damn it....this is so frustrating." He hissed. Together they managed to tug the gown forward and off, laying it to the side. Only bare skin was between them now.

"I just can't get comfortable. I want to be able to....ahh, well..."

"Easy, just lay on your back... and keep the bed up a bit..." Trynia urged. Bracing her arms on either side of him, she kissed him softly, still laying on her hip, her other leg hanging off the bed a bit. He put one arm around her, enjoying her kisses. The other arm was protectively wrapped close to his hip. She shifted to get more comfortable, because it grew steadily warmer in the bed. He slid his arm down to the elastic on her underwear, attempting to tug it down. He became more anxious, when she reached down with one hand to explore his crotch. Softly he moaned, and she she realized he wore no underwear... but the bandage over his hip.

"Oh, god, Tryn," he groaned.

"Sorry," she whispered.

"Maybe if we put a pillow there, or part of this blanket," he suggested, and she took the soft fold of egg crate styrofoam and asked where he wanted it. "Right here, baby. That way, if you accidentally knock it, I'm protected. Hmmm, but back to where we were."

Trynia placed his hand between her legs, laying on her side as she gently caressed his lovegun. Disappearing under the covers, she slid down so she could take him into her mouth. He began to squirm, annoyed by the dull pain in his hip. He moaned in response to both.

"Are you okay," she asked, pulling him out of her mouth, head and shoulders slipping up from the bedsheets again.

"Yes," he whispered between clenched teeth, eyes shut for a moment.

"Do you want me to continue this... or something else?"

"No, no, this is comfortable. It's just that I can't really move and it's driving me crazy," he panted. "And when I TRY to move, well, that's proven to not be a great idea."

"Shh, let me love you," she whispered. Hesitating, she wondered if she could safely straddle him.

"I have no choice," he said sadly. "I just wish I could do the same."

"I know love," she nodded, kissing his cheek softly. Leaning across his body, she lifted one leg over him, and he helped her straddle him, the pillow shielding his hip. He attempted to rise up to meet her, but can not move far. Hand braced against his chest, she pushed him back for a moment. He touched her hips lightly, as if to tell her that he couldn't thrust.

"Look, hon. Let's just try it, OK? If it's terrible, I'll say something, I promise. I just don't want to miss out on being with you."

"All right," she breathed, astride him. Her knees bracketed his hips, the pillow separating the one side from her leg. Unable to shift his hips, he traced his fingers up and down her back as if to encourage her. Reaching down she grasped his lovegun and guided it into herself, slipping overtop of him gingerly.

"Ohhh," he gasped sharply, at the feel of her soft warmth encasing him.

"Put the bed down a bit..." she whispered. He did so, pressing the button to tip his shoulders back a bit so her legs could have more room. In effect she moved onto her feet, asking him to take her hips with his hands and hold her up off as she squatted over him on the bed. Clenching muscles inside, she caressed and rocked a bit. Paul's response was a moan, his large hands seizing her hips and guiding her. Instead of coming up to meet her he pulled her up and down his length. A grin broke over his face when he realized he could still retain some control, instead of thrusting. He began to move her body to suit the tempo, and she noticed his breath getting sharper.

"I won't... last long..." he apologized.

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

"Ms. Merin, I don't EVER want to be without you for a whole godforsaken week," he groaned, pulling and pushing her up and down on him at a quicker tempo. Not deep inside her, he still knew exactly where to make each stroke count for the best stimulation.

"Oh god Paul..."

"I'm weak...." he whispered, feeling his groin muscles tighten.

Unable to hold back a muffled scream, she threw up her hand and bit her wrist. He laughingly whispered, "Love, shh!"

"I can't..." she gasped, panting heavily now as he continued to move her on him. Hard and hot, she clenched him inside. As he felt himself beginning to climax, he pumped his hips every so slightly. With the mixed feeling of pleasure and pain he sighed deeply. One last time he tugged her fully down, pushing as deep inside as he could. Her sharp scream indicated her own orgasm peaking, hot tears rolling down her cheeks. Paul's strong hands continued to hold her onto him, face tensing in pain. Inside her she felt the eruption of his own climax, flooding her with a wash of warm pleasure that was sorely missed. Paul's low moan told her they had reached this point together.

"Ok.....OK....I'm alright," he gasped. He still breathed heavily, his eyes tightly shut. Closely she watched his face, unsure if he was coming into the orgasm or in pain.

"Paul, oh god that felt good," she whispered breathlessly, stroking his hair aside of his face. He opened his eyes and looked directly at her. Exhaling a bit he smiled warmly at her, eyes deep with affection and a hint of pride.

"Are you...." she whispered, staying completely still.

"A little bit. I'll be fine here in a minute," he panted, pressing the control to lower the head of the bed slowly so he could lay down. He pulled her onto his chest, so she could take the weight off his pelvis. Dark eyes perceived the momentary fear in her eyes that she was hurting him.

"Tryn, I'm fine. I promise. It's just a little sore. That's all," he whispered, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her lips softly. "But damn, you felt good, and THAT felt good."

She groaned, and laughed, resting most of her weight on the one leg that was astride his good hip. Her knees were like putty, weak and shaking, his softness spent and still intimately worked into her body. She was afraid to move herself, lest she injure him and make anything worse.

"And I surely love you for coming all the way out here and having sex with a 50 year old man with a crappy hip in a hospital bed. Not exactly what you had in mind when you envisioned your dream man, I'm sure," he joked.

"Oh shut up," Trynia cut him off with a kiss.

"But some day, VERY soon, I'll be at 100% capacity, and then it's payback time for you," he promised, kissing her deeply. How good he felt right where he was, under her, their bodies pressed together there.

"I think.....I might need to grab me another pill, sweets," he said after a time, and tried to sit up.

"No, I'll get it," she offered. "Just raise the back of the bed and I think I can reach around you to get it. You want me to move now... or stay right here?"

"Umm, how about I scoot you over to this side, just in case," he said, shifting her off of him and laying her to the side. She reached up over him, and fished the medicine out of its paper cup. Handing it to him, she also grabbed his mug of water with the straw poked into it.

He washed the pill down with a swig of water, and gave her a smile, "See, give it 15 minutes and all the remnants of pain will be long gone."

"I hate causing pain, but I know what Gene means by SWEET pain..." she said, stroking his chest hair.

"Oh, it was DEFINITELY worth it. You have no idea how much I've missed being with you like this. I mean, I'm used to every night with you."

"So am I... and sometimes after lunch," she teased.

"You know I HATE to brag, but when I met you, you were a sexual weakling. And NOW look at you. Contorted positions in hospital beds. I'm SO proud."

"Sexual weakling?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

He backed up just a bit, "Well, it's just that... You told me that no man had ever had his way with you all night.""

"Nobody..." she nodded. "They would just go out poof... like that... after one time..."

"And....umm...I was just kind enough to offer my training program. That's all I meant."

"I'm gonna get you GOOD for that," she said tickling his side. "I've never had more then three times a night but with the Paul Stanley workout it's a lucky seven most times," she joked.

"Seven, you say. That's a SLOW night...." He teasingly poked her in the rib.

"I didn't think I could keep up at first..."

"Now, young lady, is it my fault that you can't resist me and you just erupt in orgasmic delight every time you're with me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in mock innocence.

"Well.. it takes TWO to tango... Mister Stanley..."

He kissed her neck softly, "And I'll dance with you ANY day."

Trynia dozed a bit with her head pillowed on Paul's chest, enjoying the skin on skin contact of his breathing body under hers. At the sound of the door clicking open she started up and awakened Paul.

"Uh oh," she gasped.

"Easy honey," Paul said softly, blinking and stroking her back reassuringly. "I told them not to bother me for an hour... and judging by the clock over there, we have fifteen more minutes..."

The door opened, after someone knocked on it, and Trynia pulled the sheets over her head in sudden fear. Paul couldn't help but chuckle, but he couldn't blame her either.

"Who is it? I told the nurses station I didn't want to be disturbed for an hour damn it," he snapped at whoever it was.

"I thought you might like your guitar," came a familiar voice. "I've got a few songs I need your input on, and seeing that you're still able to pick up a guitar..."

"Gene, you jerk, haven't you heard of knocking?" Paul asked.

"Where the HELL is Steve?" he asked. "I thought he was supposed to call the nurses station and let you know I was coming... He was supposed to meet me here to bring your guitar..."

His sharp eyes happened to fall on the squirming beneath the blanket. Moving over he set the guitar and pointed to the moving bulge that was migrating just under the drape of sheets. A pair of stockings hung over the chair where Gene set the guitar case down and he lifted them up, asking, "I don't think these are YOUR size, are they Paul?"

"Simmons....what in God's name are you doing?" Paul rolled his eyes.

"Oh my god, this is RICH!" Gene started to laugh, putting all the elements together. "Are you doing some undercover work?"

Paul laughed, and responded, "You know it's funny. I'm just not quite clear on when exactly I invited you to my room today."

"I bust my ASS bringing your goddamn guitar and you're having a damn good time without me!" Gene laughed. "And this is the thanks I get. Can you believe this Tryn?"

"So, let me guess. The nurses station told you I wasn't to be disturbed and you came anyway?"

Realizing she was discovered, Trynia tossed back the stifling sheet and took a gasp of fresh air. She gathered it around her bare body, flushing in embarrassment at Gene's amused expression. Holding his sides he was laughing so hard that tears dripped out of his eyes.

"Might as well give up, Hon, we've been busted," Paul laughed, stroking her head. "It's only Gene though..."

"Well I figured I could drop these off... but you didn't' seem to be sleeping when I passed by..." Gene grinned, gasping for breath. "And when I heard the fun, I couldn't resist..."

"You are something else," Trynia groaned. Paul rolled up a towel on the bed stand and hurled it at gene, grinning. Almost mortified, she used the confusion to leap out of the bed and grab her clothes. Gene watched her make a mad dash to the room's bathroom.

"Hey sweetie where are you going in such a hurry?" Gene joked, holding up her blouse and skirt. "You forgot your clothes!"

He gathered up the remainder that Paul threw him, knocking on the door diplomatically. Opening the door a crack, Trynia's hand reached out and snatched the offered items from Gene's grasp.

"They gave up streaking before you were born sweetie," Gene joked. "honestly Paul, what are they going to do when they discover this little episode?"

"You figure it out, genius! Besides......is it MY fault if she shamelessly came onto me?" Paul raised his voice loud enough for her to hear.

"Shut UP, Paul!" came her answer, muffled by the closed door.

"There's going to be HELL to pay when she emerged from that bathroom. You KNOW that, don't you?" Paul grinned wickedly at Gene, who threw the hospital gown at Paul. He slipped it on, only bothering to snap the back of it.

"Well... what did I do?" he said innocently, opening the guitar case and pulling out an acoustic Ibanez. "I was just bringing you your guitar, Stanley."

"So, let me guess. You've booked us for a show in the hospital cafeteria?" Paul joked as Gene handed him the guitar. He clicked open the second case, pulling out one for himself.

"Well, I was thinking a Gene Paul unplugged session... more intimate..." Gene said, pulling up one of the hospital chairs and settling into it. "I've got some new ideas for songs, and I need you to tell me if they suck or have a chance..."

"Well, I can already tell you they probably suck, but here, let me work on them and maybe they will suck just a little bit less." he teased.

"Here you go, wise guy," Gene laughed, starting to strum.

"You're in luck. I just took my pill, and well, had a cuddle or two, so I'm feeling nice and happy. Show me what you've got so far."

"A cuddle or two..." Gene smirked. He started to sing a song with a more mellow melodic line, undergirded with a simple chord progression that had odd layers of complexity in the strumming. Paul sat quietly as he listened to Gene playing it through the first time. At times, he frowned or smiled as he thought of possible criticisms.

In the meantime, Trynia emerged from the bathroom, hearing the sound of guitar playing. Paul held out his hand and gestured for Trynia to come and sit next to him. She again was clad in her skirt and blouse, missing her underwear which had mysteriously vanished. Enraptured by Gene's song, she stared at his fingers sliding with ease on the guitar, marveling at how well Gene could play. It was a pleasant surprise.

When he had finished, Paul said, "Let's ask a fan first, What do you think of it, Tryn?"

"Hmm..." she muttered, trying to maintain an air of casualness even though she felt very hard pressed to offer musical criticism to two rock legends. "It's... similar to something you had off your solo album Gene... but in a good Beatlesque sort of way..."

"Hmm, I'm going to have to tell Terri she writes like Lennon now," Gene winks.

"You mean TERRI wrote that song?" Trynia gasped.

"Sure did, and I put it to a melody I had rattling around in my head," Gene nodded.

"Let's go back to the second verse. Something there doesn't work," Paul muttered. He lay his guitar across his lap and began to mess with a few of the chords in the bridge. Accurately he reproduced Gene's melody note for note, then added a few embellishments. Trynia watched Paul's fingers easily picking along the strings.

"That cord, you've got to be sh**ting me," Gene mutters. "A diminished F?"

"Nah, no just wait. Let me play with it a bit." Paul said, holding up a hand. "Something there just isn't working."

"What isn't working?" Trynia asked him. "Is it just that it doesn't quite sound... right..."

"There he goes, screwing up a perfectly good song," Gene joked. "In his own way of course.."

"Well, it's just that chord progression doesn't work as well as this one... baby," Paul explained. "This one sets the tone better..."

"I get it," Trynia nodded. "A major D instead of a minor F..."

"My compliments to Terri on the lyrics, though," said Paul appreciatively when he looked up at Gene again. "It's just too bad you had to go and f**ck up the chords."

"I'll tell her," Gene nodded.

"Hey, that's what I do," he shrugged, the good natured teasing and chop busting well underway.

Paul grinned and turned to Trynia, "Babe, tell the man once and for all. Who writes better songs?"

"Oh Paul, you AHVE to ask," she groans, seeing his attempt to kiss up to her.

"You and your goddamn PISSING CONTESTS!!!" Gene burst out laughing.

"She means to see 'You, my love". She's just shy."

"Paul, you're mean and horribly rotten," she pouted. "Asking me to judge your poor best friend here... I'm hardly a impartial judge!"

"She's definitely very partial, especially since she's got the damn POUT down pat," Gene joked.

"Well, what can I say, Geno? You win some, you lose some. Good thing I'm so darn humble," Paul grinned smugly, still strumming lightly on his acoustic.

"Humble, my ass, he says," Gene laughed. "This is from a guy who goes on and on about his damn LOVE GUN... and includes the song on every compilation album..."

"Yeah, well....she's a fan of that too. The song AND the appendage."

Paul smiled, looking RIGHT at Trynia. He started to strum "Wild Thing" on his guitar.

"Uh huh," Gene nodded unconvinced. "Especially undercover."

He joined Paul on the song, and Trynia realized they were extending their teasing banter to include her! It was simultaneously endearing and exasperating. Overwhelmed she grabbed the sheet and buried her head under it.

"Stop it! no FAIR!" she cried out from the folds of the sheet. Paul stopped playing, still grinning widely, and scratched her back lovingly.

"Paul, I think your lady is trying to tell you something."

"I guess you're right. I'd better be nice, because in my hipless stage, she could very well kick my butt from one end of town to another."

"Very true Paulie."

"Just teasing, Tryn" Paul whispered to her. He wanted to be sure she wasn't angry with him.

"I know," she whispered back, still flushed and charged with the sudden sexual energy that crackled in the room. "I'm just... you two together just drive me nuts... and make me.... well... excited... I can't explain it... when you're rapping about music..."

"Hmm. So you're telling me that guitars make you.....well, bothered?" Paul wondered, pulling the sheet away and revealing her flushed face.

"Well it's like that day on the KISS bus, and several other times when the two of you are in a room with me, I don't have a chance.."

"You might get lucky again Paulie boy," said Gene laughing.

"That's what I'm thinking" he grinned, "Don't you have another guitar case to lug up here? Say 15 minutes worth of lugging?"

"I think so," Gene grinned back, and rose from his chair. "And I'll even make sure Nellie Nurse stays clear..."

"You're a real pal, Geno. Even when you're being an ass, you're still quite a guy."

"Have fun kids," Gene winked, pushing his guitar to his back and walking toward the door.

"Wait...Gene....."

Gene turned suddenly, stroking his chin and glancing at Paul there on the bed. He fixed his gaze into Paul's, saying, "By the way... sorry I blew my top the other day."

"No, I think if anyone needs to apologize, it's me. You've done a hell of a lot for me...for us....with all this crap going on. Tryn's been telling me about all the support you guys have been for her, and you come here to see me and I go off on you."

"Hey Paul, don't go and get mushy about it, ok?" Gene asked. "I just hate seeing you tearing yourself about this shit again..."

"I've been doing a lot of thinking, lying here, and you're right. You've been right all along. I've got to give up my mistakes from the past and move on."

"When you got yourself a lovely lady there who just wants to make it all better..."

"You admitting I'm right... that's a tape recorder moment, Tryn." He sighed. "I know, and that's what I've been thinking about. We need to look forward and find out what we can do about this whole mess."

"Well Paul, count me in. I'm first in line to deal with this situation once and for all.."

"Nah, that's just for today. Probably tomorrow, you'll be as wrong as ever."

"Yep, and so will you, Stanley," Gene pointed at him, and grinned. Paul grinned back, flipping Gene a one-finger salute.

"Love you too, Stanley," Gene blew him a kiss.

"See you tomorrow, buddy," Paul waved as Gene opened the door.

"Bye!" Gene laughed, closing it behind him. There came the sound of conversation, Gene's voice instructing a female voice along the lines of Paul requiring sleep.

"That's one friend for you," Trynia shook her head with a slow smile. "Admitting he was sorry..."

"Yeah, it really cleared the air," Paul nodded. "This day just gets better and better... now that you're here.."

"You are so sentimental," she laughed. An awkward silence arose, and she pointed to his guitar.

"I wish to heck I could play," she pouted.

"Mmm, anyone can play. It's just a matter of sitting down and learning. And a whole lot of practice."

"Well I'm sitting down..." she said, nudging him playfully.

"Well, let's see if Stanley can give you a private lesson," Paul pursed his lips. "But it means you have to sit awful close so I can see what you're doing... as it right here..."

He handed her the guitar, and pulled the sheet back. Indicating she should sit between his legs, he moved one to the side so she could sit there between his thighs. He pulled the blanked over both their laps, and placed the guitar in hers.

"Now, you hold the guitar like this..."

"I know that, silly," she joked. "I'm not blind..."

"Of course," he teased back, tickling her side. Reaching around her he positioned his hands on the guitar.

"So..."

"Put your hands on top of mine..." Paul whispered, leaning over her shoulder. "So, what do you want to hear, sweetheart? Here's your own private concert, right here and now."

"Damn so many songs and so little time," she mused. Paul smiled and began to play the opening series of notes from "Rock Bottom". Her hands gliding along with his, she marveled at the length of his fingers in proportion to her own small hands. He switched into another progression that she recognized as "move on..."

"As I recall, this one was your song, honey."

"Are you trying to TELL me something?" she asked.

He chuckled, "Nah, just remembering that night in your apartment."

"My... apartment?" she asked. He softly kissed her ear.

"Your OLD apartment."

"Oh... but when did I mention moving on?"

He leaned into her ear and whispered, "Don't you remember? You threatened to make me sleep on the couch because I quoted that song to you."

"Oh duh on me!" she groaned.

"But I wasn't worried because you can never resist me," he hummed, still strumming.

"Oh my aren't we confident," she laughed. "And you said you were the modest one!"

"Well, let's just say, my confidence levels tends to increase when I have a hot little number strumming a guitar between my legs."

"Anything vibrating between your legs would get you off," she joked, and then flushed at how crude it sounded. "I'm sorry..."

Reaching down, he teasingly bit her neck. She gasped and laughed. He chuckled, "You are noticing for the record, I have not denied that statement."

"Well then, I don't feel quite so guilty doing this..." she whispered, moving her hand down and lightly rubbing his thigh.

"But my personal preference....my favorite choice...is here with me right now," he whispered, sighing softly at her touch. Taking her hand he raised it back to the guitar and positioned her fingers on the strings. "Here, you try..."

"Okay, but cover your ears," she joked. He guided her over the strings with his long fingers, which she loved touching hers. Overtop hers his pressed the smaller hand into the strings with a steady pressure her fingertips were unaccustomed to. Soon she was picking the guitar herself, her left hand guided still by Paul's. Lightly something trickled over her cheek, moving her hair aside. It was then she realized it was his fingers caressing her cheek. Seizing the fingers in her mouth she slowly began to suck on them.

"Umm," he moaned, feeling a tightening in his groin once more. She felt the movement of something pressing against the base of her spine and chuckled, running her tongue along those fine fingers delicately. Freeing her hand from the fingerboard she sneaked it behind her back and began to rub him luxuriously. Paul closed his eyes and gasped, enjoying the slow teasing that worked him to another delicious frenzy. He noticed the strumming had ceased.

"Perhaps I should let YOU play," she laughed.

"Oh, no, no! You just feel free to continue, little lady."

"I would stop and play this... but I think it's hard doing it one-handed..." she joked. "I don't know my chords very well... But I can pick it out, if you switch places..."

"Mmm, but there's something you know VERY well...."

"Oh and what would THAT Be?" she asked coyly.

"You can definately do me one handed instead of that guitar. Just keep rubbing it for me, honey," he whispered, breath quickening. He extracted his fingers from her mouth, and puts his hands on the fingerboard, and she switched hands to strum as he picked out the chords.

Paul moved the guitar out from before her, setting it to the side. Again his breath came in labored pants, dark eyes dilated with fierce hunger. "I think I'll move this to the side..."

"You sure?"

"Very sure," he whispered. "I think I'm wanting an acoustic session with you..."

"How can I make this easier?" Trynia asked.

"Lean over sweetie," Paul whispered. "I have a sudden flash..."

She realized her underwear and stockings were not present, and guessed what he had in mind. Laying her down across his long legs face first, he spread her legs wide and pushed the railings down to give her legs space to hang free in the air. Baring his legs she tossed the sheet down, and gently kissed his ankles. Taking his big toe into her mouth she began to suck on it deliciously.

Paul stroked his hands over her toned flanks lovingly, and carefully plunged himself inside from behind. The strange angle was deliciously intense, making her moan. He pulled the sheets over her teasingly, till she was covered up, legs bent and straddling on either side of his hips. In effect her weight rested on his knees and thighs, not on his pelvis. He pushed forward a bit with his whole torso, shoving with light thrusts so he didn't have to thrust up with his hips.

"Let me see your face," she called out to him. He pulled out, and helped turn her over. Her legs made a V overtop his, bottom nestled in the soft V between his thighs. Taking both her ankles he lay her back across the bed and grasped her backside in his hands. Pulling her to him he entered her again, taking his time to rock her back and forth on him. She braced her hands under her back, supporting his movements and taking most of her weight on her wrists and elbows. Resting her ankles on his shoulders, he continued to hold her body off his pelvis with the strength of his hands and foreams alone, resting his elbows on the lowered railings. Sweat dripped down his face as he continued to pull her into him. Once more they reached mutual orgasmic release, Paul's excitement spurted into her body once more with a sweet hot rush.

When the solid bursts of light energy lessened in his brain, he pulled her up to join him. She scrambled not to bump his hip and pulled the covers over both of them. Even though wet with the juices of their passion she lay alongside him, kissing him softly. Nestled together, they enjoyed their comfort till a very astonished nurse walked in on them.