TURN OUT THE LAMPLIGHT

By Val         

Author’s note:  I heard this song on the radio tonight and as I’m an incurable romantic, who loves happy endings (sorry Sioux!) I decided it would be perfect for a Craig/ Luke story. It starts after my last story when Luke has been living for some years in Mumbles with Craig. Their relationship has grown stronger with the years and now it is almost time for Craig’s 60^th birthday. Luke is planning a surprise party for him.

Rating: NF/ MF

Feedback : to the usual address please

Luke let himself into the bungalow that had been his home for almost twelve years and sighed with satisfaction.

All his plans for the party for Craig’s 60^th birthday were in hand and as far as he knew, unbeknown to Craig. The guests of honour (apart from the man himself) were to be Craig’s family from Swansea. His parents, now in their eighties, were still well enough to travel the short distance, but Luke had booked them all into a hotel for the night after the party so they would not be too late home. They were coming by car with Megan, Andy and their two daughters, as Craig’s nieces were the light of his life.

 Luke’s mum Jenny was coming by train from London with her lifelong friend, Ruth, and Luke was so looking forward to seeing them both, as his mum was very special to him. She had supported him when he ‘came out’, when many of her generation would have condemned. Besides she adored Craig and told Luke she would have been in competition with him, if only Craig hadn’t been gay!

 Luke had also been busily getting in touch with many of Craig’s colleagues from the past. He was pleased that he had had lots of positive responses from many people and it was, he felt a measure of the man, that made so many people want to come and wish him well on this special birthday.

“Of course, I may just be a little biased, seeing as I love him so much,” Luke thought.

He had booked the function room of the local hotel and the party was to start with dinner then be followed by dancing to a local band. As far as Craig knew, he and Luke were having a quiet dinner, so the presence of his family and many colleagues from his police service and his time in the security firm in Swansea would be a complete surprise.

“I hope he’s not mad with me,” Luke thought, “but if I promise to take him home and treat him nicely I’m sure he’ll forgive me.”

Just thinking of treating Craig nicely was turning Luke on as he let himself quietly into the lounge and switched on the radio. The man of his dreams was working late tonight, so he’d have to use his imagination until he arrived home. This wasn’t usually a problem for Luke, as thinking of making love to Craig was one of his favourite occupations. He got himself a beer, sat in his favourite chair and began to dream of Craig’s talented hands caressing all his sensitive special places. Mmmm! More please Craig!  Then he heard a voice on the radio and was instantly mesmerised. He hadn’t heard the song before, but the words were crystal clear and he knew he’d have to play them later for Craig.

Turn out the Lamplight : (Words by Rod Temperton and sung on the version Luke heard, by a Dutch singer called Laura Fyji.)

Coming home is always a joy to me,

Ain’t a place that I would rather be

I need to see the heaven in your eyes

Cause you’re the love that’s always hard to find

Every dream that’s ever crossed my mind

Only you can make the day end right.

Chorus

So turn out the lamplight

Sit by my side, love me tonight

So turn out the lamplight, let’s dream for a while

Just you and I and we’ll let the world go spinning by.

On a day when problems get me down

It’s nice to think about the love we found

All I need is you and I’ll get by

And though the years may make me old and grey

Darlin’ you’ll still take my breath away

Cause time can’t change the warmth inside your smile

Chorus to fade

Luke knew that he’d have to buy the CD as an extra present for Craig’s birthday, so would save it till after the party to play it for him. Just the thought of what it might do to his man was turning Luke on seriously, so he dashed upstairs and had a cold shower so as to be fresh and clean for Craig’s return. He hoped that Craig would still be in the mood for making love but realised that he might have to make do with just a cuddle.

Finally he heard Craig’s key in the door and his man climbed wearily up the stairs towards him.

“Darling!  I’m in bed waiting for you,” he called as Craig came out of the bathroom.

“Just as well Ashton, as I’m feeling very horny tonight and thoughts of my fresh faced boy have kept me going all the way home!”

Luke giggled as Craig joined him in their king sized bed and soon the thoughts and actions of both men were on pleasuring each other, while getting so much pleasure themselves.

“Wow Luke! I must stay away longer more often if that’s the welcome home present I get. I love you so much, darling. Let me get my breath back though I’m not as young as I was!”

“Can’t stand the pace Gilmore. I always knew there would be difficulties with your being so much older than me!”

Deftly avoiding a smack on the backside, Luke got up and asked Craig if he wanted a drink. 

“Hot milk for old fogies isn’t it?”

“Cheeky  boy!  Just bring me the whisky decanter, give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be up for round two and we’ll continue where we left off. I see you’re up for it already though!

“That’s very funny old timer!  I’ll hold you to that,” Luke replied.

“You can hold me to anything you like. I’m ready for you,” Craig responded giggling loudly.

“Gilmore you’re impossible when you’re horny,” Luke laughed as he went downstairs to get them both a drink.

It was this banter shared with Craig that Luke loved so much about their relationship. He had missed him for sixteen long years and had only got the nerve to get in touch again after telling his story to Tony Stamp, who’d encouraged him.

“Go for it Luke,” Tony had advised. “He can only say no.”

However Craig had said an emphatic “yes!” and their relationship ever since had been one of perfect loving and caring. Of course they rowed from time to time like all couples, but the making up was always so sweet and Craig knew that he would die if Luke ever left him again. His heart had been just about broken after their time in Sun Hill. Luke had changed so much however. He had accepted his sexuality and loved Craig with a passion that scared him some times. Both men were just so happy together.

Having returned upstairs, Luke returned to bed and they both settled down with their drinks and talked about their respective days. It was this sharing that they both enjoyed so much and Luke recounted his experiences with some young offenders he’d been trying to help. Craig enjoyed keeping in touch with Luke’s police work even though it was several years since he’d left the police force.

The conversation moved on to Craig’s birthday and Luke made sure that Craig was free to go out for dinner that evening.

“Of course I am if you’re paying,” Craig joked.

“I wonder if they do pensioner’s specials?” Luke mused, earning himself another smack from Craig!

They finally settled down contentedly after some gentle cuddling both very happy and secure in their relationship.

Time passed very quickly and soon the day of the party had arrived. Luke had booked two days holiday to finalise the arrangements and Craig was just seeing some clients locally, so they would both have time to change before going out in the evening. Before they went Luke gave Craig his birthday present of a new watch, which he’d had specially engraved with a loving message. Craig was thrilled with it and immediately put it on. They made their way to the hotel and Luke was feeling quite nervous hoping that his arrangements had gone well.

Craig wondered why they were going up to the first floor instead of to the restaurant, but all was soon revealed when the door opened and all the guests yelled “Happy Birthday” to a bemused Craig! He couldn’t believe how Luke had arranged it all so secretly and was so pleased to see so many familiar faces of family and friends. He went round greeting as many people as he could before dinner was served. It was a great meal as Luke had ordered Craig’s favourite food (seafood starter, followed by Welsh lamb and a selection of desserts) which was enjoyed by everyone.

After the meal there was more time to chat and Craig was delighted to see some faces from his time at Sun Hill and spent time chatting to as many people as he could. Luke had been very thorough and had invited as many people as possible from Craig’s past. He had wondered about whether to ask Gina Gold, who (like himself) had hurt Craig very badly in the past. However he decided that all broken relationships need a second chance so had put her on the list. Gina was now long retired but just as feisty as ever and she and Craig were both glad to have made their peace.

The whole evening was a splendid success and it was very late that when the two men eventually got home to bed. As usual they talked over the events of the day and Craig was so delighted with his special surprise party. Luke had brought his new CD upstairs and played it for Craig as they lay cuddling quietly.

As it finished there was silence and Luke wondered what Craig had thought.

“Darling Luke,” Craig whispered, when he could finally speak through the tears. “They are such wonderful words. I especially like the line

 ‘and though the years may make me old and grey, darlin’ you’ll still take my breath away.’

What wonderful words for a birthday Luke. You do take my breath away as well. Every time I come home and remember that you’re there, life feels good even at 60! Come and let me love you now and end my special birthday in the best way possible. Play the music again too and turn out the lamplight!”

Index