Chapter Text
Where the hell is Kiribati? Adam tried to find it on the map but all he could see was a small speck surrounded by a hell of a lot of water. He was getting cold feet, “I think I am better off just doing Fiji or Cypress.”
Brad rolled his eyes, “You are far too famous to go anywhere known besides everybody does Fiji including paparazzi. If you seriously want to go in hiding and totally get away this is a much better choice. You need to think out of the box. Trust me this place is paradise and totally unknown. My cousin was a volunteer out there and we never heard from him for two years. No one will find you there.”
Adam desperately wanted to disappear from the world. Brad turned his laptop to show Adam a beautiful white beach with palm trees and bright turquoise water. It looked like very remote and very serene. Sold.
The last year had been a living nightmare. Professionally, Adam had been on top of the world. His second album reached triple platinum within two months of its release. He had finally felt like people were getting past the gay thing and taking him as a serious artist. He was even being considered for a lead in a movie. That was until his ex decided to sell a sex tape to get even. Worse than it being a graphic sex tape, it had been filmed out of context and showed Adam being verbally abusive and rough. To top it off his ex, was claiming Adam had been physically abusive throughout their relationship and had raped him on several occasions.
It was all lies but the media was going wild. The media didn’t even cover the fact that the judge at thrown the rape allegations out of court. People, as usual, believed the worst. Even some of his rabid fan base was shaken. The stress was getting to be too much and he was turning to alcohol and drugs. Adam was constantly being stalked by paparazzi and he was really losing it. Adam Lambert was having a breakdown and didn’t trust himself. His management suggested he go to rehab since he was drinking a lot. Thankfully, another ex turned best friend, interceded and suggested they just go on an extended vacation away from everyone.
A week later Adam found himself flying over a narrow strip of land in the middle of nowhere and regretting his impulsive decision. He watched as the plane swooped over a ‘runway’ chasing dogs away so the plane could land. Still the ocean looked beautiful and it still looked serene. The plane landed and they exited into the a thick heat that felt like hell itself. The sun was glaring off the concrete and Adam’s eyes were burning. Brad shook his head, “I hope the hotel has cold drinks and air conditioning. This weather is going to wreak havoc on my skin. The sacrifices I make for you.”
Adam rolled his eyes and they entered a very basic building with a tin roof. The serenity he viewed quickly turned into chaos. The airport consisted on one not air conditioned room full of non-english speaking locals that stared at them and giggled. So much for blending. Brad was just as shocked as Adam and was getting frustrated, “It is so fucking hot here. This is not what I expected. Is that our luggage that kid is jumping on? What the fuck?”
Adam looked over and saw 5 or 6 little kids jumping on his three thousand dollar luggage. They were also pulling Brad’s bedazzled gems off his bag. Brad ran over and yelled at the kids who just smiled and started touching his jeweled shirt. Adam laughed at Brad’s horrified expression. Adam went over and the kids turned to him. He did not want to suffer the same fate so he offered them a pack of gum. They took the bribe and went over by some other people.
Brad was getting frustrated, “There must be some mistake. This was supposed to be paradise but it feels more like hell. I requested a pick up. Do you see a hotel shuttle or a limo?”
Adam was pretty sure a limo would not be coming. This was a poor, remote island with little in the way a tourist services. It had been a long flight over and they were both exhausted and hung over from their going away party. Adam noticed two other foreigners in the room. They were young men wearing white shirts and ties and were talking with some local children. Adam went over hoping for assistance. One of the guys with glasses looked him up and down,
“Did you and your…er…friend forget to get off the plane in Fiji?”
Although the guy was a douche, Adam was happy not to be recognized. He had become accustomed to people always swooning over him so it was refreshing. He responded evenly, “Actually, we meant to come here but I am not sure how to get to the hotel. They were supposed to send a car.”
“Which hotel are you at?” asked the other man.
Adam looked over at the man who spoke and immediately smiled because he was really cute. Really, really cute. He was exactly Adam’s type except for the awful fashion. Since Adam was distracted by the guy’s good looks, he didn’t respond immediately. The two men exchanged looks as if they were acknowledging their new friend might be slow. Not wanting to scare them off, Adam pulled himself together, “I don’t really know. Is there a nice resort? I was hoping for something peaceful and on the water.”
The cute guy laughed adorably, “You are on an atoll, everywhere is beachfront property. Good luck finding something NOT on the water.”
Adam noticed he could see water everywhere and laughed at his own stupidity. The other guy rolled his eyes, “Where are you from?”
“Los Angeles.”
He looked Adam up and down. “Figures. You and your friend look like some rich, Hollywood actors trying to kick a drug habit?”
“Danny! Listen, I am Kris and this is Danny we are missionaries. ”
Adam’s fantasy of screwing the cute guy came to a screeching halt. Missionaries? Shit, that didn’t bode well. The mean guy with glasses looked at Adam again, “Do you believe in Jesus?”
“Actually, I am Jewish.”
The cute guy smiled, “What’s your name, heathen?”
Adam was shocked but then noticed the twinkle in the guy’s eyes and answered, “Adam.”
“Welcome to Kiribati, Adam. We have to see some people off but we can help you and your friend get a ride to the hotel. There is one government run hotel near the airport, a couple smaller places near ‘downtown’ and a quaint place in the North. Which one do you want to stay at?”
“Which is better?”
“The one near here is bigger and the most modern. It is expensive though. It is $80 a night. Is that ok?”
Adam felt like laughing since he often paid four digits for a hotel room. Plus, now he was sure they had no idea who he was and how many records he sold. He just nodded. Adam noticed a lot more people were crowded around Brad and their suitcases. Kris laughed again, “Is that your luggage? I don’t think they ever saw purple, sequined suitcases.”
Danny looked at Adam with disgust, “I hope you realize this is a very conservative, Christian culture. They do not take well to people living in sin.”
Kris rolled his eyes, “It is not a crime against God to have ugly luggage, Danny.”
Adam was offended, “Hey! Those are designer suitcases.” Kris looked at Adam and blushed, “Sorry, no offense. I guess purple, bedazzled suitcases are just not my thing. You better help claim your bags before people try and rip off the rhinestones. They probably think they are diamonds. We’ll come help you when we are done.”
Adam went over by Brad and offered the people some Mentos candies. He seriously hoped he had more candy somewhere to keep bribing people otherwise they were doomed. “Doing ok, Brad? Those two guys over there are going to help us.”
Brad looked over, “Those bible thumpers? Figures the only English speaking people we find are people we don’t want to hear. Adam, that is worse than being eaten by the natives. They are going to preach at us.”
“If you have a better solution, I am all ears.”
A few minutes later, Kris came over with two boys and an older man. “This is Tebeti and his sons. He has a car and can take you to the expensive hotel or you can try the cheaper, really nice resort to the North. They even have a maneaba over the water. It is really nice but it doesn’t have electricity or TV and it is rustic.”
Adam hoped a maneaba was a bungalow. Brad was completely absorbed with his iphone and apparently trying to get it to work. He sighed, “Babe, my phone isn’t working? We may not be able to stay. I am supposed to have a twitter party tonight.”
Adam ignored Brad’s inane statements and turned to Kris, “We’ll try the resort. Is it far?”
“No, about a fifteen minute drive and a small boat ride. Tebeti’s family owns it so they will take good care of you. They belong to our church and are a really good family.” Kris smiled and Adam melted.
Brad seemed to notice, “Adam, you remember why we are here right?”
+++
Kris loved Kiribati and loved his work. His father had convinced him to go abroad with his church after Kris mentioned he wanted to break up with his girlfriend, Katy. Kris’ family had wanted him and Katy to marry but they both weren’t ready. Katy wanted to study acting and Kris didn’t have a clue what he wanted to do. He had spent a semester at college but it just wasn’t working out. Kris was lost and missionary work gave him a sense of purpose.
Kris was sent to a small group of atolls in the middle of the Pacific. He and another church member, Danny Gokey, would work with the local church to help the people develop morally and improve the quality of their lives. Although Danny was very self righteous and conservative, he was proving to be a decent workmate. They both liked music and would often sing with the youth. Kris also taught reading and math while Danny coached sports.
Life was simple and Kris was feeling at peace. He had little contact with the rest of the world other than sporadic emails from Katy and his family. He could only access a computer once a month when he went to the main village. On Tuesdays and Fridays the plane from Fiji came which was always exciting. Kris and Danny usually knew people coming or going so would meet the flight. Kris was surprised when he saw two good looking almost sparkly people get off the plane. They didn’t look like missionaries or volunteers so Kris had no clue what they were doing in Kiribati. Danny immediately made a snide comment, “What are those fags doing here? They must be lost. They look ridiculous and won’t last a day here.”
“Maybe they are looking for something new and exciting?” Kris really could not refute Danny’s statement that they wouldn’t last because most people didn’t. Even other missionaries often left because it was too third world and boring. These two looked like they belonged in a big city rather than a small atoll. Kris hoped he was wrong because the tall one just had an aura about him that was magnetic.
“They just better hide their sins and not try and corrupt these innocent people.”
Kris just rolled his eyes and watched as the shorter man run ran over to the most atrocious looking luggage he had ever seen. If Liberace had bags, those were them. It was so inappropriate for the island it was actually funny. Though not quite as funny as the small guy trying to stop the kids and getting attacked by them instead. The other man was tall, dark and handsome. He lifted his sunglasses and Kris was amazed at how blue and captivating his eyes were. They turned on Kris and he felt an immediate jolt straight to his core. The guy was gorgeous and definitely out of place. Kris watched and admired as the guy saved his friend with a pack of gum.
A few minutes later the beautiful man approached them and Kris found himself offering help. Up close the guy was even more flawless and was very charismatic. His blue eyes were clear and honest. There was a real sweetness about him Kris liked and he was definitely more down to earth than his friend.
Danny was convinced they were lovers and refused to help. Kris thought that was very unchristian like but held his tongue and told Danny to just leave without him. Kris wasn’t sure if they were gay or lovers but it wouldn’t surprise him. Regardless, it was no one else’s business anyway.
Kris sent one of the boys to get a church member who drove and then convinced Adam to stay at their resort. Never mind that it was walking distance to the house Danny and Kris shared with the other missionaries. It was a good place. Kris went in the car with them as they drove down a dirt road, over a scary looking bridge and parked before a channel. It was high tide so they would have to take a boat across.
“You have got to be kidding? I am not putting my luggage on that canoe.” Adam’s friend, Brad seemed to be very high maintenance. Personality wise he was the exact opposite of Kris which made him wonder about Adam’s taste. Not that it mattered but Kris was curious just how good of friends they were. Kris didn’t like him and responded sarcastically, “I am sure the sea air and humidity will ruin your stuff just as much as it fallen in the water so no worries.”
Kris noticed Adam looking across the water in awe at the picturesque, one room structures built on stilts over the water. It was beautiful. “Brad, stop being a prima donna. This place is gorgeous besides you like sleeping under the stars.”
“No, Adam, I like fucking under the stars and then showering and going to bed in a fancy air conditioned room.” Brad batted his eyelashes, “Maybe you can make this bearable.”
Adam laughed as the two shared an intimate look that made Kris’ stomach turn. Not that the thought of two men together disgusted him, he just didn’t like the thought of them together. Adam must have noticed Kris’ sour look and misinterpreted, “Sorry if our lifestyle offends you but I don’t do closets.”
“You may want to tone it down while you are here. Homosexuality isn’t culturally acceptable and you are a guest.”
“Actually, I am a customer and I expect to be treated as such.”
Adam had a point and since they were Imatangs or foreigners the I-Kiribati would probably just overlook their behavior. The locals were deferential to outsiders and were passive by nature. However, they were also passive-aggressive. Kris just looked down and Adam continued, “Don’t worry, Brad and I won’t make out in front of them or blow each other on the beach during the day.”
Kris’ was caught off guard by Adam’s frankness and spoke without a filter, “Is that what you usually do together?”
Brad laughed, “Sweetie, we do a hell of a lot more than that.”
Kris blushed and Adam laughed, “Brad, stop being outrageous. So, Kris what is there to do around here?”
Kris shrugged, “I work mostly but there are botakis and church events.”
Brad looked at Kris, “What is a botaki?”
“It is a party with lots of dancing, singing and food.”
Brad just nodded and turned to Adam, “Babe, I think we can turn around and go back to the airport. This is dangerously dull and I want to leave. I hate it here.”
“We just got here. If it doesn’t get better, you can fly out on Friday. Besides, a botaki sounds fun. Is there alcohol on the island?”
Kris nodded, “Unfortunately there is a lot of beer and they ferment the coconut sap. Alcoholism is a real problem.”
Adam just smiled, “Not to me. I definitely want to try the coconut booze. See, Brad, they even have a local beverage.”
“Shut up. I can’t wait until you get a sunburn and start crying. Gingers don’t do well in the tropics.”
“Got it covered.” Kris laughed as Adam put on a rather unfashionable, huge straw hat.
Brad scowled, “Have you no pride as a gay man?”
So, he is gay. Kris wasn’t sure why that made Adam seem more interesting. Perhaps it was because he had no gay friends and it was different. Kris wanted to be Adam’s friend.
Adam laughed at Brad’s comment and Kris smiled because the sound was so contagious. Kris glanced up at Adam and found him staring back. Adam winked, “So, Kris, when are you taking us to a botaki?”