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The Cabin Boy by Anel Viz © Anel Viz
At two in the afternoon under a flawless azure sky, the Pride pulled away from the pier in Miami on her week-long maiden voyage. Having recognized the gay community as a limitless source of income, the owners of Princess Lines had designed the vessel exclusively for gay cruises and outfitted her with dark rooms, dungeons, glory holes, slings and other paraphernalia many gay men enjoy, though they would see little use, as the passengers were free to do almost anything they wanted when and where they felt like doing it. There were, in fact, very few rules, and most of them had to do with proper attire: no one naked on deck once they entered a harbor; Speedos (not G-strings), tank tops and flip-flops the minimal dress for sit-down meals (clothing optional at buffets); no sailor caps or navy hats in order to distinguish passengers from the crew; a zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs and rowdy drunken behavior; and a code of respect and consideration to be observed at all times, which meant a polite refusal if someone hit on you and you weren’t interested and not to persist when told your attentions were unwelcome. Out of port almost everyone went about naked, including most of the crew, recognizable by their sailor caps and tennis shoes, although they donned tight-fitting, skimpy white shorts for their heavier duties, and every one of them a hunk. The ship’s officers only wore navy hats and open vests with the insignia of their rank sewn on, but the first, second and third mates and the entertainment director also wore sarongs, and the captain was always in full dress uniform. On the first evening everyone showed up for dinner, served in two seatings, when the full program of the voyage would be announced and the ship’s chief officers introduced. Captain Haukasson, a tall, thin, blond man in his mid-thirties who spoke excellent English with a faint accent, seemed somewhat ill at ease at being the only person clothed from head to toe in a room full of nearly naked men. After welcoming everybody on board, he concluded, “As you know, a ship’s captain has the authority to marry people on the high seas. If any of you come from places that don’t allow same-sex marriage or if you meet the man of your dreams on board, I would be more than happy to join you in ‘holy matrimony’, if you don’t mind getting married during your honeymoon instead of right before it. I’ve put a sign-up sheet for weddings in the Bursar’s office.” All the passengers erupted in applause and cheers. The captain raised his hand for silence and continued, “Since this has never been tried before and we don’t know if the United States will recognize a marriage performed by an American captain, the Princess Lines decided to hire a non-American captain. I’m from Norway; you probably noticed my accent.” Seated at his table not far from the dais, twenty-three-year-old Anthony Cioffano knew that there was only one man on board he wanted to marry – Captain Lars Haukasson. He smiled shyly at the captain, who noticed and nodded to him, a promising beginning to what Anthony knew was a long shot. The captain saw him sunning himself on deck the next day and went up to him. Anthony introduced himself. “I hope you’re enjoying the cruise,” Captain Haukasson said. “I’m enjoying the scenery.” “I assume you don’t mean the endless expanse of blue sea.” Anthony blushed crimson. “Don’t be embarrassed. I enjoy it too,” the captain continued in tone of voice meant to include Anthony in that scenery. “Is that all you’re enjoying?” “So far. I’m not a promiscuous guy, but if I meet the right man...” “I understand. That’s how I look at things.” He stood chatting a while longer, and then moved on to talk with other passengers. Captain Haukasson stood in the entrance to the dining hall that evening and shook hands with the men as they filed out. He said to Anthony, “Would you like to come to my cabin for an after dinner drink at about ten? Come in shorts and a tee-shirt. A matter of protocol.” They did not have sex, but they got to know each other better and found they shared many interests. “Come again tomorrow,” Haukasson said as he was leaving. “And don’t feel bad if I only pay you passing attention on deck. A captain mustn’t play favorites.” The next night they did have sex, and every night after that. Lars was every bit as beautiful under his uniform as Anthony expected, and an exquisite lover. He slid carefully into his partner and built slowly to a mutual climax, and took as much pleasure receiving as giving. Their last night together Lars said, “I don’t suppose you’re free to go on another cruise this year.” “I have one week’s more vacation time coming, but I have to request it a month in advance.” “I have another cruise in a week, then five week’s holiday before the next. That’s a little over six weeks. Would you consider signing on as cabin boy for that cruise?” “Need you ask?” “Good, then I’ll make the arrangements. Where do you live, by the way?” “Seattle.” “A beautiful city. Dare I invite myself to stay with you while I’m on holiday?” “I’d have invited you myself if I dared.” They lived together all five weeks, and then flew to Miami for Anthony’s first stint as cabin boy. Lars proposed two days into the cruise. “Marry you here? On shipboard?” “Does that mean yes? Unfortunately, I don’t see how a man can marry himself. Join me in Bergen two weekends from now. We’ll get married there. Can you afford to live on a cabin boy’s salary?” “I’d live on less if I could live with you, but I imagine a captain earns more.” “Oh, this captain is rich – the richest in the world,” Lars said, kissing him.
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