It's hot down under - Part I by P.J.

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Had to break this into two parts.
Disclaimers: No baldy, butch, or flat tops in this one.

Part I

It's hot down under
My excitement and anxiety were growing as the plane touched down on the tarmac. Here I was, finally. Brisbane. Wow.

I'm Tanner by the way.
I'm in my third year of college and just embarking on my 'year abroad' as they call it.
I got my first choice, Australia. I'm attending a small private college, majoring in international business.
I'm just finishing my last leg of 24 hours of flying to get there, ugh.
There should be a car waiting to take me to the college according to the instruction packet I'd been reading between naps on the 24-hour flight.

I ducked into the restroom on the jet to try and freshen up but what I really needed was a shower. My long thick now shoulder blade length wavy auburn locks were looking a bit the worse for wear. Oh, well, first things first, I had to get to the college, check in, and meet the roommate.

We deplaned, and after waiting patiently for my luggage at baggage claim I worked my way thru customs. At long last I was out on the sidewalk searching for the car. Holy hell was it hot. I guess I forgot that while New England back home was having winter, Australia was having summer. And what a bloody hot summer it apparently was too. Yikes.

I spotted a cute young guy standing next to a Range Rover holding a sign with my name on it. I managed to get me and all my bags and baggage over to him and introduced myself. He said his name was Oliver as he helped me load the bags in the back of the Rover.

I went to get in the back seat and he smiled and he said, "Na, mate, you're up front with me for the ride."

I slid in and couldn't help but check him out. He was super handsome in a rugged outdoors kind of way. He had shaggy blonde hair, a grown-out crew cut I assumed, and a few days scruff on his face. And did I forget to mention the thousand-watt smile and brilliant blue eyes? Apparently, I wasn't as discreet as I'd hoped either. He caught me staring and gave me that thousand-watt smile again. I did my best to wipe the sweat off my brow, smooth down my lush locks, and keep my eyes forward for the moment. I did notice him checking out my mane though. I surely didn't look my best, what with the long flights, and now this beastly heat. I was glad for the AC in the Rover.

The ride to the college wasn't overly long. We kept up a running conversation about what I needed to do when I got there and about the college in general. By the time we got to campus we'd gotten the basic bio stuff about each other out of the way. Some of my earlier anxiety was dissipating, being replaced with a desire to get to know Oliver better if the opportunity presented itself. I’d decided he was smokin hot at some point during the ride. I’d already found out we were at least enrolled in the same major at school, so I'd probably be seeing him in a class or two at least. Yay! If all the Aussi guys were this hot, my gay ass was going to have a great experience in Australia.

Oliver pulled up in front of the administration building first. We both got out and he led me into the appropriate office so I could check in and officially enroll. Again, I was struck by the wave of heat that hit me when we got out of the Rover. Oliver smiled at me and laughed as pushed my huge bang shank back off my face, tucking it behind my ears. "Don't worry, you'll get used to the heat. You may have to make some adjustments though." he said with a crooked smile, eyeing my mane. Hmm, that was an interesting comment.

After what seemed like a lifetime, all the paper work was done. I could finally get to my dorm, meet my roommate, and unwind. It was only Friday here, classes didn't start till Monday so I'd have the weekend to get acclimated and unwind. It was a good thing I was somewhat tolerant of the heat at least, otherwise I'd have been a hot sweaty mess by now. It had to be at least 90 degrees F. Wow. I did need to get this mane trimmed at some point though. It was a bit too long, even for me.

My thoughts ran wild as we drove to the dorm. I hoped my roommate was a cool guy. Maybe he'd be a hottie and we'd hit it off. I wasn't sure what the gay population was at this school. Hmm, something else I forgot to investigate ahead of time.

We arrived at the dorm I'd be staying in. Oliver graciously helped me haul all my belongings up to the 2nd floor room. I'd been given a key so I just unlocked the door and we walked in, no sense knocking on the door to my own room, right? No one else was here so I'd get to settle in before meeting my roommate. I was glad the room was air conditioned too. When we got everything in, I expected Oliver to head out, instead he tossed the range rovers keys on the other desk and flopped down on the adjacent bed.

"Wow" I said, exhaling softly. "This has been a loooong day. I think I'll just unpack, grab a shower and a nap. Thank you for everything Oliver. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Maybe you could come back by at dinner time and show me where the dining hall is, and have dinner with me? Unless my roommate is back and he'd like to do it, or if you have other plans, that's O.K. too. I'd like to explore the campus a bit after dinner too if it wouldn't be too late." I knew I was babbling a bit but his stare was making me a bit nervous. His blue eyes looked like they were trying to peer into my soul. I thought he'd take the hint and head out but he just kicked his Vans off and flopped back on the bed.
"No worries, mate, I'll put my earbuds in and take a nap myself, unless you'd like help unpacking. And by the way...I'm your roommate for the year. Unless you find me unsatisfactory that is. He gave me a small hopeful smile.
"Ah, " I said, returning with a smile myself. I'm afraid you did neglect to mention it." I decided to have some fun with him too. "Well, if I have a choice, could I meet the other potential roommates before I decide?"
Oliver sat up with a stricken look on his face. "Well, um, sure, if you want" he replied dejectedly. "Is there something about me you don't like?"

I gave him my 1000 watt smile. "No dude, I'm just screwing with you a bit. You'll do nicely." I replied, blatantly checking him out from head to toe this time.

He sighed and smiled warmly back. "Whew mate, you had me there for a second. Go ahead and unpack, we have an ensuite bath so you only have to share with me. It's thru that door there" he replied pointing to a door between our respective closets.

He put his ear buds in, laid back and closed his eyes. I made short work of unpacking and stowing my gear. Surreptitiously checking Oliver out while I unpacked. I decided he’d do nicely, not caring whether he was gay or straight but secretly hoping for gay. Suddenly I was a bit nervous. I badly needed a shower. I started to get undressed. Hmm. Was Oliver asleep, or just resting with closed eyes. I'd never been nervous undressing in locker rooms and my previous dorm rooms, what was up with this, I thought. I was quite comfortable with my body, I'm a pretty fit guy so there was nothing to be embarrassed about. I'd worked up a bit of a sweat too, unpacking. Naked now, I wiped the perspiration from my brow, threw a towel over my shoulder, grabbed my dob kit, and strolled my naked body into the bathroom. As I was closing the door I caught Oliver looking at me with a look I recognized from other guys before. Hmm.

My mind wandered while I was showering. While unpacking I'd caught Oliver watching when he thought I wasn't looking. Hmm. I'd decided to save the 'Hey, I'm gay' conversation for dinner time. I really hoped it wouldn't be a problem for him.
The shower was so relaxing. I could have fallen asleep under the stream of hot water, wow, I really needed that nap. I took some time to double condition my mane too, didn't need it frizzing in this heat. I finished up, toweled off, and stepped back into our room running the towel though my plush shoulder blade length locks. I was still naked as a jay bird too. I startled Oliver and he stared open mouthed at me. "Holy cow mate" was all he could eek out as he sized me up in all my naked glory.

I flushed just a bit at his overt ogling. I put on some skivvies, gym shorts, and a dri-lok tee. I was standing in front of the door mirror, brushing out my thick wavy mop. I was reminded again that I probably should have gotten a bit of a trim up before I left, especially if I'd done my homework about the heat down here, but time had gotten away from me. Oh, well, maybe Oliver knew of a good shop. Although, he was probably only familiar with the old school barbers judging by his short locks. He had just the right shade of blonde, with those sparkling blue eyes. I liked the shaggy look on him too.

"You know, when us student volunteers were selecting who would room with whom, amongst the international students coming in, I have to say, your auburn mane is partially what sold me on picking you. It's such an unusual color. It gives you an air of mystery. Right now it's quite a bit longer than your school packet pic was though. And forgive me for asking, but is that your natural color?" Oliver asked politely.

"Nothing to forgive man", I said back, laughing. "and yes, it is my natural color. It's a family trait on my dad's side. We Goodwins are just a tad bit Irish. And yeah, it's a good bit longer now for sure. I probably should have had it trimmed before I left, especially with this heat. Uh, I am curious though, was there anything else about me that interested you?"

"Well, you are a 4.0 student, and you play rugby. So.... smart, athletic, and tough I assume, right." Oliver replied. You also have a very unique way of smiling at the camera, it made me wonder what you were thinking when the pic was taken." He chuckled lightly. "I'm a rugby player too so we have that in common."

I was finally satisfied with brushing out my mane so I sat on my bed and slid back so my back was against the wall. "By the way", I asked. "Since I didn't get time to get my mop trimmed up before I left, is there a convenient shop not too far away that I could try, maybe tomorrow, or next week. If I could impose on you to take me that is?"

Oliver smiled and chuckled again. "Well, yes, there is a unisex salon, and a barber in town. I'd suggest the unisex salon first though. The barber is a no-nonsense type. He'd never trim up that magnificent mane to your liking, I'm sure."
"I’m guessing you know more about the barber shop, judging by the length of your hair"? I asked, nodding at his shaggy head. "I couldn't help but notice that it looks like you get some sort of short or crew cut type style, right?"
"Ha, ha, well right as to the style, wrong as to where I usually get it cut. You happen to be rooming with the resident barber here in the dorms, so this is pretty much a self-cut, with a little assistance on the back from a friend. And yes, it's pretty much a longer crew cut type style. It's in need of a recut soon I might add."

"Ah, I see. I don't suppose you’re very good at long cuts like mine then, or are you?" I asked. A bit of trepidation creeping into my voice.

"I think I'll be more than able to take care of you, if and when the time comes mate." he replied, smiling devilishly. "No pressure though, the unisex place will do a great job too, unless you're looking to do something shorter." His brows raised questioningly.

"I'll have to give it some thought. By the way do you go by the formal Oliver, or can I call you Ollie?" I inquired.

He gave me a warm smile again. Ollie is what my friends call me, so sure."

"Cool, well, I'd like to catch 40 winks before dinner time, mind if I nap? Please wake me up in time to go to dinner. I'd be really glad to have you show me the way too, If I'm not intruding on other plans."

"Nah, your good mate, get a nap in, and we'll go to dinner soon enough."

I awoke to Ollie softly massaging my shoulder. Once my eyes focused, he said "time for dinner sleepy head". His hand accidentally brushed my thick mane as he removed it. I thought I heard him moan softly.

I remembered to slap some antiperspirant on the ol pits and grab my room key and phone as we headed out the door. As we exited the dorm, the heat practically bowled me over. "God you Aussies sure like the heat eh" I chirped.

"Na mate, we hate it as much as you do, we're just used to coping with it. You'll adjust to." he said, ruffling my thick shag hanging halfway down my back. "Good god mate, that really is quite the mane you've got. Wow." he replied with a shy smile. "Hope my touching it didn't put you off".

"Not at all Ollie. I replied, raking my hands thru it, brushing it all back behind my ears. I'm used to it actually. You can touch it anytime you want." I replied, smiling back demurely.

We made it to the dining hall before I completely melted into a puddle. He walked me through showing me the various choices. We grabbed trays, made our selections, and cashed out. He walked to a quiet corner and sat at a table for two. "Is this O.K.?" he asked. "I thought this might be a little more private and we can sit and chat easier."

I nodded and said "sure, this works fine."

We each talked about our college years, our backgrounds, and interests. Rugby being a common one.

Somehow, we got back on the topic of my lush locks. I explained how attached I was to them and really disliked short haircuts. "This mop is practically part of my personality mate. I just pop a headband on when I'm playing Rugby and my boyfriend can spot me anywhere on the field..... Ah, s**t. Ollie, sorry, I didn't mean for that to come out just yet. I wanted to be a bit more subtle about my letting you know I was gay. I hope you aren't offended, or worse yet intolerant about it? I mean I can switch to another room if you are, it's O.K., really. I decided to stop rambling at that point and wait for a response from Ollie.

"Tanner, it's perfectly fine mate, I am too, O.K.?" I know the college can't put questions about your sexual preference in the survey but I'd hoped you might be. And just so you know, I'm unattached at the moment." He gave me what I interpreted as a hopeful smile.

"Oh, and full disclosure, I don't have a boyfriend anymore either. We broke it off this past fall." I added quietly.

Ollie raised his brows at this bit of news but said nothing for a minute. He finally cleared his throat and fixed his azure blue eyes on me, quietly saying "Getting back to that mane of yours. I give you a week, then you'll be asking for a haircut like mine. This heat will do you in with that lush mane Tanner. I'd be happy to take you into town, or have a go at it myself, whatever you wish. Though if I cut it I'll probably cry" he said, giving me a sad smile. "It suits you perfectly mate."

We cleared out of the dining hall, it was finally starting to get dark and you could feel that the intensity of the heat was starting to wane. Thank God I thought.

Ollie and I walked around campus so he could get me oriented. Commenting about professors and classes as we went along.

"Hey" he chirped, there's a casual pick-up rugby game tomorrow if you're interested. Might help you shake off the jet lag. No pressure but it'd be great if you'd come, even if you just watch. You could meet some of my mates too."
We headed back to the dorm room and turned in for the night.

Next thing I knew Ollie was brushing my thick mane off my face and giving my thick locks a tug. Was he flirting?

He said "Hey, I'm going to catch some breakfast and then head over to the field. You're welcome to come, even if you only watch. He gave me a crooked smile."

I stretched and yawned, gazing at the clock. "Holy s**t, it's 10:00?" I barked.

Ollie laughed and said, Yeah, you were sleeping so soundly, I didn't have the heart to wake you early. I've just been hanging out reading.

I quickly got up and dressed for rough play. I ran a brush through my mop and slipped a silicone headband around my neck. I'd slide it into place when we started to play.
I noticed Ollie eyeing me while I brushed my hair. "What's it like to have a mane like that?" he asked? Mine's never been more than 4 or 5 inches long. Basically a winters grow out before the heat starts again."

I decided to be a bit forward, what the hell, I was more than interested in him, and I sensed he felt the same about me. Might as well start things off.

I turned to face him. I reached out and took both of his hands, placing them up on my shoulders. "Go ahead, run your hands through it, feel how heavy it is and the texture of it. It's alright. I want you to."
Ollie's face registered shock first, then recognition, then pleasure. He smiled, then moaned as he worked his fingers through my lush locks. I loved it when guys did this with me. After a minute or so he withdrew his hands gently. I couldn’t tell If I’d just heard a soft moan, or was it a whimper?

"Tanner, why'd you do that?" Ollie said quietly.

"Ollie, I've caught you numerous times staring, especially when I've been messing with my mop. I'd rather just satisfy your curiosity. Unless I miss my guess, you enjoyed that as much as I did, yes?" I replied. I smiled, hoping that he wouldn't think I was too weird, or forward. "I get asked about it all the time so I'm used to people touching it, I'm totally comfortable with it. Especially when certain people touches it." I gave him a smoldering look.

"Ah well, thank you mate" Ollie replied. " And can I add that I am so jealous mate. Unless you have any strong objections, I'd love to be the one that trims it for you, when you're ready for it that is. I promise to be very conservative about what I cut too."

I smiled warmly back at him while tucking my thick locks behind my ears, and said "well now, we'll have to see won't we. " I gave him a conspiratorial brow wiggle. "Let's get some grub, I'm starved. I need my stamina if I'm going to actually play with you guys."

We went off to the dining hall, grabbed a hearty breakfast, then took off for the pickup game.

Needless to say, we had a great time, played extremely hard and were both hot, sweaty, tired, and hungry again.
We got back to the dorm, showered and cleaned up and headed off to grab a late lunch.
Food in hand we found seats off to the side again, this time my choosing.
While eating I decided to take Ollie up on his offer.

"Hey, maybe tonight if you're going to be around the room, could I take you up on your offer to trim my hair for me?" I asked between bites.

I thought Ollie was going to drop his burger. He looked up at me wide eyed. "Are you serious mate?" he replied. Narrowing his eyes and staring at me intently.

"Oh, yeah, I don't want a buzz cut or anything like that, but this needs to be cut shorter at least. With it this long, the heat here is kicking my ass. Especially when we were on the field." I knew I had a sad face but I had to face facts, at least some of this had to go, it was just too f***ing hot here. This was going to be a tough decision. I hope cutting it shorter didn’t spoil my chances with Ollie.

"Tanner, I'd be glad to oblige, mate. And I promise, I won't get over zealous." He gave me a confirming smile. "We can trim it tonight if you want".

O.K. I guess, the sooner the better, right? I smiled wanly.

"Buck up mate, as you said, it's only a trim, I'm not giving you a buzz cut." Ollie chirped.

I had some errands to run so we agreed to meet in the dorm room after dinner to do the dastardly deed.

We'd both had dinner and were now back in the dorm room. Ollie had positioned one of the desk chairs in front of the big mirror on the closet door. He'd started laying out his hair cutting gear on the desk.

He patted the chair and said "O.K. Ollie's tonsorial parlor is now open. Have a seat here please sir." chuckling at me. "Oh, and I have the chair backwards, I want you to straddle it at first, your hairs too long for me to work on it if you sit the other way."

I dutifully slumped into the chair, hugging the chair back. I suddenly stood, handing Ollie my phone.
He looked at me strangely "what's this for eh?" he replied.

"I know it’s weird, but could you take a couple of pics of me with this mop. I'll probably never have it this long again." I said dejectedly.

"Ah, yes, yes, of course." he replied, smiling. I posed and he snapped off a series of shots. I turned the chair around and slumped back into it again.

"Hey, what'd you turn the chair around for Tanner?" Ollie barked, as he was getting the cape and sterri strip out.

As he settled the cape over me I replied. I don't want to watch any of this. I'm not looking forward to it at all."

Ollie nodded his head. "Ah O.K. I get it. So, what exactly is it that you want me to do he asked, starting to brush out my mane.

"Well, I did some research this afternoon. I think I'd like to donate what we cut today. It has to be 8 inches though so I'm not sure we'll have enough with what I want you to do."

Ollie reached over to the desk and retrieved his comb. He handed it to me and said "there's a ruler printed on one side in inches. How about I measure off 8 inches and put a rubber band around it, and show you what would be left. You'd probably lose an additional inch after that, with trimming to even it out again. I can measure and mark after I get all of your hair brushed back. And after I get tired of running my hands through it" he giggled.

"I sighed heavily. Yeah, sure, O.K. that sounds good. Just don't cut till I say it's O.K."

Eventually he finished brushing it. He took the comb from me and measured off 8 inches. Pulling the thick heavy bulk through the band and getting it snug was no small feat. Ollie handed me a hand mirror, and let the heavy tail flop down against my back. He pressed lightly where the band was to indicate what length would remain. Ugh, I thought. Barely enough to be able to tie back after the cut and trim and still look good.

I said "O.K. sure. that’s quite a bit shorter than I usually have it trimmed but maybe the shorter length will help me deal with the brutal heat here. I feel like I'm sweating all the time."

Ollie reached for the fast feed Oster’s. "I’m going to sever the tail with the clippers Tanner, it will be much quicker and a more uniform cut. Your mane is so thick, scissors will take me forever." Ollie flicked the switch and the clippers roared to life. He plunged them into the thick hank about an inch up from the band. They bit deeply and made short work of severing the huge tail.

"Ta da!" Ollie proclaimed Holding the huge tail out in front of me to prove the deed was done.

"Wow" was all I could eek out. I shook my head from side to side. "I can't believe it, what a difference in the weight on my head Ollie."

Ollie couldn't resist. He plunged his hand into the thick bulk that remained on my head. "Ha, imagine what it would feel like with the rest of this clippered off, down to a nice tight butch." He chirped.
I got serious, "Ollie, that's never going to happen man. Just so you know. O.K." I barked back sternly.

"Yeah, yeah, mate." Ollie replied, smiling mischievously. "So, I'll just even this up and layer it a bit on the ends eh. Anything else you want me to trim? I could really go to town and give you some nice layers, trim the bangs a bit, really give it some shape and style. I don't get to work on nice long lush locks like this, ever mate." Ollie stated.

"Just even it up for now, I guess. I may take you up on the rest at some point. I have to give that some thought. I've always just had it brushed back all one length."
"Suit yourself mate. You know where to find me" Ollie Chuckled. He brushed my mane out and set about trimming and evening it up. Once he'd finished, he held the mirror up for my inspection and approval. "If it looks good, go hop in the shower, rinse off the stray hairs."

I came out of the shower and brushed out the mop. "Wow Ollie, I can't believe how just cutting that much off feels so much lighter. Thank you so much guy."

"Oh, believe me, the pleasure was all mine, I assure you sir" Ollie laughed and smiled. "Fortunately, it really doesn’t change your overall look much, mate."

We both settled down and watched a movie before turning in for the night. I caught Ollie eyeing me like a hungry panther several times as we watched. I don't think he knew I'd busted him though. This was going to be an interesting year to be sure.

Part II Follows

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