Moonlight Rendezvous by MissMerlot
Summary:

When Brian wins big on the lottery he and Michael take off for 2 years. Upon their return, Debs is delighted, not only are her boys back but they are finally a couple...but only according to Michael. What he thought has been a dream adventure has been a litany of moaning, complaining and bitching for Brian, so bad did it get that he cut the trip short! Now he's back and needs something to do...Ted and Emmett find him something to do during the day and his passion for photography finds him something do at night...oh and there's the little matter of Lindsay...she wants a baby and wants Brian to play daddy, or should that be Daddy Warbucks, but does Mel want to play mommy still?

Huge thanks and love as ever to my betas...you babes rock!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, not a damn thing, no copyright infringement is intended whatsoever.


Categories: QAF US Characters: Ben Bruckner, Blake Wyzecki, Brandon, Brian Kinney, Carl Horvath, Debbie Novotny, Emmett Honeycutt, Gardner Vance, Justin Taylor, Lindsay Peterson, Melanie Marcus, Michael Novotny, Original Female Character, Original Male Character, Other Cast Regulars
Tags: Anal Beads, Anal Sex (Lots of it!), Anti-Lindsay, Anti-Michael, Bottom Brian, Brain Bleach Recommended, Business Brian, Family, Friendship, Jealousy, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Raw Sex, Redeemed Behavior, Responsible Justin, Rimming, Spanking, Toppy Justin, Vulnerable Brian
Genres: Alternate Universe, Angst w/ Happy Ending
Pairings: Brian/Justin, Debbie/Carl, Emmett/Other, Melanie/Lindsay, Ted/Blake
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 71 Completed: Yes Word count: 219338 Read: 422097 Published: Jan 03, 2018 Updated: Nov 12, 2018

1. Moving Back and Moving Forward by MissMerlot

2. Kinney's Kingdom and People's Places In It by MissMerlot

3. And There Are More Subjects...And Secrets Are Revealed by MissMerlot

4. A Little Misunderstanding When Studying The Moon by MissMerlot

5. Bitching, Pitching and Playing Doctor by MissMerlot

6. Blue Moon House, Pro Bono and Being a Little Pimp by MissMerlot

7. Seeing Pluto and How He Found Out by MissMerlot

8. The Small World is About to Tilt on its Axis by MissMerlot

9. 2 Types of Block and 1 Type of Ball: Party, Cock and Black by MissMerlot

10. Meet the Teacher...and Being Schooled in the Art of Manners and Honesty by MissMerlot

11. The Truth Will Out, Read it and Whine and Recognising Yourself by MissMerlot

12. A Bit of Clarification and a White Dissimulation by MissMerlot

13. Setting Boundaries and Crossing Them by MissMerlot

14. Moonbows, Moonshine, Saturnine and Showers by MissMerlot

15. Nothing But A House Party and Adventures in Babysitting by MissMerlot

16. Softly, Softly, Gently, Gently...I'm Yours by MissMerlot

17. While There's Moonlight...Let's Face the Music and Some Home Truths by MissMerlot

18. Copernicus, Coercion and Camping by MissMerlot

19. Sidney Shows His Balls and Emmett Protects by MissMerlot

20. S'Mores...More More More...Oh How I Like It by MissMerlot

21. Oh Snap! Crash...And Sit Dog Sit! by MissMerlot

22. Boo-Boos and Flashbacks by MissMerlot

23. Tag Teaming...Revealing and Idiot Scheming by MissMerlot

24. Mothers In Arms by MissMerlot

25. Adapt*-ation by MissMerlot

26. Erinyes and The White Knight with Blue Eyes...Go to War by MissMerlot

27. Explaining and Setting the Stage...The White Knight by MissMerlot

28. Coming Together As One, Piling it On and Erinyes ups the Enmity...Sorry Ante by MissMerlot

29. Her Plot, A Cock and Say What! by MissMerlot

30. That Was A Big Mistake...Huge by MissMerlot

31. Big Grump, Little Grub and The Start of the Big Snubs by MissMerlot

32. Little Grub and Daph Do Some Unintentional Stealing by MissMerlot

33. Whining and Dining...And Payback Begins by MissMerlot

34. Plans Are Put In Motion...And A Couple of Revelations by MissMerlot

35. Making a Statement and Ideas of Revenge by MissMerlot

36. Eye Openers...As There's Bossy and in the Nicest Way...There's Debs by MissMerlot

37. Praying and Paying by MissMerlot

38. Knowing Me Knowing You by MissMerlot

39. The Good Avenue is Closed but The Bad Avenue is Open by MissMerlot

40. Causes and Clauses of a Son and Daughter's Sadness by MissMerlot

41. The Wasp-Pack Protects and The Overstep by MissMerlot

42. He Get Trashed and Smashes and She Gets Trashed and Hopes Dashed by MissMerlot

43. From That Little Conversation Comes a Lot of Action by MissMerlot

44. Acceptance, Saying Hi, Finagling and The Dark Mike by MissMerlot

45. Open House, Open Mouth...Yeah So Open Season by MissMerlot

46. Lots of Fun for Some After the Fayre by MissMerlot

47. Suck on That and See How it Tastes by MissMerlot

48. Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues by MissMerlot

49. Boys Weekend...Part 1 - Learning the Truth by MissMerlot

50. Bonfire of the Memories, Blunderbusses and the Floating Off of Inanities...Boys Weekend Part 2 by MissMerlot

51. Discovering Things and Reflections of You by MissMerlot

52. Six...No Seven of the Best and The Boom that Caused It by MissMerlot

53. Setting It All Out and Up by MissMerlot

54. Angry Sex, Latin Sex, Buttercup and Cupcake by MissMerlot

55. Buttercup, Cupcake, The Prince and Starting a Fire by MissMerlot

56. That Is What You Said So This is What we're Gonna Do! by MissMerlot

57. Reality Is Not So Much A Friend Of Yours by MissMerlot

58. A Feast For the Eyes...Well It Was! And The Bleat Goes On! by MissMerlot

59. Sun Starts to Rise on Stay...Sip and Eat and Sets on the Blonde Ambition! by MissMerlot

60. Moving Them In, Moving On Up and Kicking Him Out by MissMerlot

61. Celebrating Mothers, Good, True and God Ones and The Bet by MissMerlot

62. The Ostracisation Complex...AKA Kicking Him Off The Avenue Too by MissMerlot

63. You Really Did Start the Fire, Now Your Bridge is Burning by MissMerlot

64. Yeah That Door Is Most Assuredly Closed, Sailing Off And The Blue-Eyed Selenophile Loses His Hand by MissMerlot

65. Just The Two Of Us, Then The Three Of Us And Only You by MissMerlot

66. Hope Springs Eternal and Infernal by MissMerlot

67. The Beginning Of The End and The Start of the Beginning by MissMerlot

68. The Master vs The Idiot, Spherification and Clara-fication by MissMerlot

69. The Rat Who Sucks on a Lemon...And They're Almost Complete by MissMerlot

70. To Quote Sister Sledge... by MissMerlot

71. ...We Are Family by MissMerlot

Moving Back and Moving Forward by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 1 - MOVING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD


MICHAEL’S HOUSE, BEECHWOOD BLVD, GREENFIELD - SATURDAY MORNING


DEBS


Finally! It has finally happened! It took years of waiting but Brian and Michael are finally a couple! They are still new, as it’s only been a couple of weeks according to Michael, but his dreams have come true! Surprisingly, he doesn’t want to shout it from the rooftops; he wants to keep it themselves for now. As I look around the gorgeous house that Brian has bought him, I can’t wait to pick a room.


“Ma! Ma! Are you here?” I hear the dulcet tones of Michael bellowing outside.


“Yes! Just coming!” I call back and out to take in the sight of my son, who I haven’t seen for the last two years in the flesh. I can’t help the disappointment because he looks exactly the same as when he left! He has been away travelling the world with the love of his life and he looks like he did when he first opened the comic book store that Brian bought him, even down to the clothes!


“Welcome home, honey!” I cry out and envelope him in a huge hug.


“Oh it is so great to be back in the Pitts!” He looks behind him and I see Brian, taking out the cases. “The Europe part was so boring! There was no comic book shops and he…”


“Europe? Boring? You do realise you are Italian and that is in Europe?!” I growl at him.


“Yes, but it was so dull during the day. All he wanted to do was shop and look in museums and stuff. Then in the evening, it was dark when he wanted…”


“Michael come and help! I am not your servant!” Brian yells from the car.


He sighs and stomps back down to join him. I follow, then pause to take in the magnificence of the place again, and smile.



“Think it’s big enough to put all of his stuff in?” Brian asks as he comes up to me with a case and a kiss to my cheek.


“So which half is yours?” I laugh and give him a rib cracking, judging by the wincing, hug.


“None, it’s all his.” He smiles. “It’s good to be home, Ma. You look great. You okay?”


“Yes, I am fine. Thanks, honey. It’s good to have you home, and under such wonderful circumstances. Still can’t believe it!” I take a good look at my other son. Now he looks different. Relaxed, content and even more suave than he was before.


“What circumstances?” Brian frowns. “I couldn’t take one more…”


“Can we go in now?!” Michael demands, coming up with a box. “Did my comics and collectibles come?”


I catch the roll of Brian’s eyes and wonder what that is about, but lead them back to the front door.


“Aren’t you going to carry him over the threshold?” I tease Brian.


“No. He ate his body weight and mine in pasta. Besides, we’re not married.” Brian grumbles. “Hurry up, I need to piss.”


I open the door and point him in the right direction. After dropping the case, he virtually sprints to the bathroom.


“So where are my collectibles? My comics? How’s the store doing?”


“I’m fine, thanks for asking.” I gripe, realising that he’s not done that.


“If there was something wrong with you, you would’ve said.” He retorts. “So the store?”


“The store is exactly as you left it. Closed until further notice, remember?”


“You did what?” Brian demands, looking unimpressed.


“Oh yeah! Well you’d only just bought it for me and I…”


“Said you would be restocking and getting it ready for someone to look after, before we left.”


“Yes, but in all the excitement, I forgot.” He replies and then smiles. “But I can open it now and put all my wonderful purchases in there. Where are they, Ma?”


“Where are what?” I sigh, knowing full well what he’s talking about. But since he’s being a snotnose, I shall make him wait.


“The shipments. There were at least three I sent to you of all the stuff that I bought.” He stares at me.


“You mean those fucking huge crates that you sent to my house instead of the store?”


“Why would you have them sent to Ma’s house? It makes no sense! Where was she supposed to put them, for a start?” Brian ask as he looks around. “Did you order food?”


“I would’ve done but…”


“You’re not on holiday anymore, Michael. Order food.” He turns to me. “This place looks great. Spotlessly clean. Did you do it or call in the service like I asked?”


I look down. “It only took a few days. It’s your first house and…”


“Use the service, Ma.” He chides and giving me a kiss, which something Michael has yet to do.


“Okay. So I take it the shipments are at the store, then?”


“Yes!” I snap just so he would stop mentioning the damn shipments!


“Okay, so I’ll go to the store and check on them. Then I’ll come back and…”


“Order food first, Michael. The shipments aren’t going anywhere. You’d know that since they’ve already been there for the last six months. Never been so pleased to get out of the States. At least in Europe, there were no comic book stores!”


“You said you liked the stores!” Michael pouts.


“As a blueprint and concept for your store, with some of them. Not to spend so much fucking time in them... every damn day, and sometimes twice!” He stretches and then heads to the door. “I will see you guys tomorrow. Take it you still feed the lost boys?”


“Uh yeah, round about one.” I reply, confused by him departing.


“Great. Oh wait, can I have your wallet?” He comes up to me and I hand it to him. He flicks through to the card section and takes them all out. “You can have them back tomorrow.” He states. “Make sure he orders food. He’s had 2 years of riding on my money; he’s not riding on yours, too.” He murmurs and with another kiss to my cheek, he starts heading back out.


“Brian, where are you going?!” Michael calls out having been in the lounge.


“The loft. Where the hell else would I be going? I need to have a shower and a rest.”


“But I thought you would be staying here.” He whines.


“Yes, that’s what I thought, too.”


“Why would I stay here? This is your house, Michael. Yours, not ours, but yours. See you tomorrow.”


As the door closes behind him, I turn back to Michael. “So let’s get some food ordered.”


“I want to go to the store and get the shipments sorted out. We can do that when I come back. You’re still going to be here, aren’t you? I’m going to need some help unpacking.”


I regard my son and realise he’s not changed one little bit. “No, Michael. I’m not. I’m going home since I have to prepare for the dinner. You packed your clothes yourself right and…”


“Well the service in the hotel did.” He sniffs.


“Well imagine you’re them and act accordingly. See you tomorrow at one.”


MICHAEL


I look around my house, mine. When Brian won the lottery, we couldn’t believe it. We all thought he’d won a few thousand, but he won and won big! So he left his job and took me around travelling with him. It was great when we were going around the States as I could go to fairs and conventions, but when we went to Europe there was nothing for me to do. Luckily, we were only there for six months. We were supposed to be there longer, but Brian cut it short saying he had to get back to his life. I was tempted to say our life, but I didn’t. We are so close now. It’s like we are living out our retirement plans but we're still young enough to enjoy it.


Okay, so it did take a bit of pushing to get him to take me with him. But after the first three months, he got used to the idea and then he was fine. My stomach rumbling tells me that yeah, maybe some food is called for so I head to my study and boot up my computer. I look out the window and see that a removal van is pulling up and two guys get out.


“Looks like we have new neighbours.” I say to myself and upload the Kuhn’s website. Now this is another thing that being with Brian has wrought. The finer things in life. Before we set off on our adventure, he used to order what little food he did eat from here and had me added to the account. As I wait for the order to be confirmed, I get a call from Lindsay. I put her on speaker on my brand new iPhone and sit back, watching the world go by from my study window.


“Hey, Lindsay! How are you and Mel?”


“Michael! Welcome back! We’re great, just great! Is Brian there?”


“No, he’s not. He’s gone to the loft to collect some things, but will be back. Are you coming to Ma’s for dinner tomorrow?”


“Yes, we are so we’ll see you then. There’s so much to catch up on. So what exotic clime did you come in from?”


“The exotic but at the time cold Turkey...oh wait ha-ha-ha.”


“Oh yes, funny very funny.” Mel drawls. “So we’ll see you both tomorrow then. We have something to ask you.”


“Both. Ask you both.” Lindsay adds quickly. “Bye, Michael.”


“Oh okay, see you then.” I hang up and then look at the screen and frown. “Order incomplete? Why the hell is the order incomplete?” I call the number on the screen and am surprised that there is no longer a card attached to the account. Must speak to Brian about that, but I give them my card details for now and confirm the order.


OUTSIDE DEB’S HOUSE - SUNDAY LUNCHTIME


TED


I have to say one thing for Brian... he does look after his family. When he won, the first thing he did was buy Debs a nicer house. Even though, at first she didn’t want one, Michael insisted that she take it after all she had done for Brian. She didn’t want anything fancy and definitely not too far from Liberty Avenue, so when she spotted this, it took two weeks for her to tell him. Well for me and Ems to tell him to ask her about the house she wanted and here it is. I do miss the old place, but it was getting too small for Sunday lunches.



“You going to stand out here all day or go in?” A familiar, but not heard in a long time, voice sneers and I turn around. “Schmidt. I do believe you are looking almost passable in daylight.”


“Brian, oh how I have missed your witticisms.” I retort, staring at him before I pull him in for a hug. “How the fuck have you been?! You look really well!”


“Good. Better than good actually... Mostly, it’s been great!” He smiles, staring at me. “You’re going grey and have crows’ feet. What’s going on?”


“BIG BAD! BIG BAD, IS THAT YOU?!” Ems screams down the street and runs towards us.


“The one and only, Honeycutt.” He drawls and shakes his head as Ems launches all six foot of him into his arms, wrapping himself tightly around him. “Ouch! Honeycutt uncoil yourself from about my person!” He orders, but is smiling.


“Could you three bring the reunion inside? You’re causing a scene!” All three of us look at the haughtiness that is Lindsay’s expression as she glares at us from the front door. “Brian, you are looking very well. Being a man of leisure suits you.” She says as we file passed her, with Brian still carrying Ems.


“Emmett, what are you doing?” Michael demands.


“Saying hello to Big Bad!” He sniffs, but does get down.


“You say hello with all of your body these days? Makes a change from just one part of you.”


“Your sense of humour hasn’t improved in your absence. Still as dimwitty as ever, Michael.” Ems bites back.


“Will you two stop it?!” Debs yells from the kitchen. “Now go and sit down.”


I shake my head as they snipe at each other and then smile as the other man in Debs life comes through the door. “Where is he?” Carl demands.


“Here, right here.” Brian laughs and gives Carl a hug. “You have a key now?”


“Yep, my own key.” He claps me on the shoulder and gives Ems a kiss on the cheek as he heads to the kitchen. “Got the squash, but no melon. You want me to do the pinenuts, spinach and tomato salad?”


“Please, sweetie.” Debs smiles and brings in a tray of drinks. “So good to have all of my family in one place. If it wasn’t for video conferencing, I wouldn’t have been able to see you two.”


“We loved hearing the tales of your trips around Europe, Brian. But are you back in Pittsburgh for good, now?” Lindsay asks and I can see Brian start to tense up. I have a horrible feeling she’s going to start up where she tried to leave off two years ago.


“Yeah, I am. I’m looking for my next project and…”


“Funny you should say that...” Lindsay smiles at him brightly. “So are Mel and I…”


“Remember that little advertising agency, Kinsey’s that Vanguard took over before you left?” I interrupt and he nods, while Lindsay glares at me. “He ran it into the ground and…”


“Told you he would. Now aren’t you glad I told you to turn the job down?”


“Yes and no. For turning it down, yes, but what he’s done to it is a disgrace! Poor Murph was moved to it when you won big, and now it’s…”


“Murph? He moved Murph to that place? What for?” He scoffs. “He would’ve been bored out of his mind.”


“Uh Ted, if I could…” Lindsay tries to bring the conversation back to her.


“And he is. He’s going back to Vanguard though. Kinsey was sensible and kept the majority shareholding and...”


“He’s selling it?” He leans forward in his chair and I know I have his full attention, so I nod. “You sly old dog, Mr Schmidt.


“What?” Michael and Lindsay ask at the same time.


“How much? Would Vance still have a percentage?”


“Nope. He wants to sell as well…”


“So as my accountant, how much of a dent would buying that advertising agency put in my bank account?”


“Oh about quarter of a mil, which includes everything…”


“Everything, you say? And I don’t suppose you have a number for him to arrange a meeting?”


“But of course, I do, Mr. Kinney. Shall I arrange a meeting for as soon as possible?”


“Yeah.” He grins at me and then shakes his head. “How long have you been watching it?”


“About a year. And when you said you were coming home, I thought this would be the perfect thing to keep you out of mischief. You’ve always wanted your own advertising agency and…”


“Wait a minute! Back up! What’s going on?” Michael exclaims, standing up. “You’re buying an advertising agency? When did you and Ted talk about this? You haven’t said anything to me about it!”


“Why would he?” Ems interrupts. “What does it have to do with you?”


“Excuse me, Emmett, but why are you even asking that question? It has everything to do with Michael; he’s his best friend, after all. Although, I am not sure where you fit in anyway…” Lindsay begins only to be interrupted by a chuckling Carl. “Something amusing, Carl?”


“Where Emmett fits in? Did you seriously just say that?” Carl rolls his eyes. “Emmett is Brian’s business partner for his property portfolio. He would need to go and look at it, for a start.”


“Property portfolio? What property portfolio? You never said you had one of those?!” Michael looks accusingly at Brian, who glares back before clearing his throat.


“Why should I? I don’t answer to you.”


“But I’m your best friend! We don’t have secrets from each other!”


“It’s not a secret; it’s just none of your business.” Brian rebukes him. “We’re not partners in any sense of the word, so what I do with my money is my business.”

 

I am about to say something when I catch the expression on Debs’ face. She looks across at Michael, but he almost imperceptibly shakes his head. Ah...so that’s why Brian is back early!

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Kinney's Kingdom and People's Places In It by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 2 - KINNEY’S KINGDOM AND PEOPLE'S PLACE IN IT


TED


I watch all their faces show either annoyance or surprise. No prizes for guessing what is going on with Michael’s!


“Wait, what do you mean he’s managing your portfolio?” Mel demands, frowning. “When did that happen? The portfolio and the managing of it, I mean.”


“Not that it is anybody’s concern but ours... However, it was just after Brian bought this place. I came house hunting with Debs. She was going to go for the house two streets up, but I persuaded her to take this one instead. Brian happened to mention that he was interested in property and me, being the property whore that I am, showed him one I had seen dirt cheap. He snapped it up and voila, a partnership was born.”


“How many homes do you have now?” Carl asks.


“Now? How do you know about it?” Michael’s frustration is beginning to build and it is oh so amusing to watch.


“Well, where do you think we get the crime statistics from?” Emmett smirks, relishing yet again at having another thing over Michael.


“And because of the NDA that Emmy signed, he cannot disclose that information. Let’s just say I have a lot of property dotted in and around Pittsburgh, especially in Greenfield and Shadyside. The house that you are living in now, Michael is part of my portfolio. It’s the only one that I don’t actually own anymore. But the rest of them, I rent out.”


“So the house is mine, as in you won’t take it back?” Michael queries, narrowing his eyes.


“Yes, the store and the house are in your name. I wouldn’t take them back anyway.”


He gives a smug and sickly sweet smile. “That’s because I’m your best friend and…”


“No, it’s not because of that. The house was dirt cheap, like Emmett said. It would cost me more money to take it off you. Same for the store. Are we now done with this conversation? I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve come here to actually eat.”


“Yes, we’re done with this conversation.” Debs declares, but she is still frowning at Michael and again, he shakes his head. “Let’s go eat.”


“Wait a second! So Emmett bought my house and not you?”


Brian sighs as he takes his seat at the dining table. “No, Emmett selected the house and I paid for it.” He then sits back and looks at Michael’s expression. “You like it less now that you know that Emmett had a hand in it?”


“No, it’s just that I thought you had picked it for me.” He pouts.


“The only house I have picked is the one in West Virginia and I can’t wait to move into it.”


This causes Debs to almost break her neck, whipping her head around to look at Michael. “I thought you would be staying with Michael in Greenfield?”


“God, no! I’ve had 2 years of being with Michael. He’s on his own.” Brian laughs. “Seriously, can we eat now?”


Debs nods and starts to serve the rest of the meal, which is eaten in virtual silence as people absorb what has been said.


KITCHEN - AN HOUR LATER


MEL


“I can’t believe that he and Emmett are in a business partnership! It explains the uptick in his sartorial choices. He must be on a pretty penny.” I look across at Lindsay, who is washing up with a pinched expression. “What’s wrong?”


“He never said anything about this partnership with Emmett. I, as one of his closest friends, should have been told! I wonder how many houses he has.”


“He won’t tell you and neither can Emmett. Though, I had to quietly laugh when Michael realised that his best friend didn’t handpick the house. What’s the problem with Emmett having picked it anyway? From the pictures he’s been sending us, it’s a very nice place.”


“I don’t know, to be honest. All I know is that he and Michael do not get along. They had a falling out before Michael and Brian went on the trip.”


“So are you going to ask him before he reverts back to being the Stud of Liberty Avenue?” I ask, trying to keep the distaste out of my voice.


“Obviously, before! And the quicker, the better from what I’m gathering. I don’t see what the problem will be. I never got to explain before that…”


“It was a one-time offer that you rejected. Vehemently so, I might add.” Emmett startles us as he comes in and shuts the door. “In fact, you were positively rabid in your vociferous dismissal. Both of you and now all of a sudden, again, you want to ask him? Oh no, ladies, if I may even call you that, it’s not going to happen! Not on my watch!”


“Emmett…” Lindsay begins to placate, but he holds up his hand. “...I will not be silenced! I have known Brian longer than you have and…”


“Regarded him as beneath you. But now he’s got money, he’s a dear friend, is he?”


“He’s always been a dear friend; we’ve just never social…” She glares at him as he begins to laugh. “...what is so funny?”


“Such a dear friend that you didn’t even invite him to your engagement party?! You invited everyone, but him. Lucky for you, he couldn’t come anyway as he was going to the White Party! Does he even know you are engaged? If he does, when did you tell him it happened?”


“We told him soon after he left with Michael.” I tell him but can see Lindsay’s cheeks starting to flame.


“It was our news to tell and when to tell it!” Lindsay retorts, defiantly.


“How long did it take for you to realise he was not going to send you an engagement present though?” He smirks as Lindsay blushes more. “He’s not going to do it. He said no then and he’ll keep saying no. Get it from someone else!”


“Well, it won’t be you despite your…” Lindsay starts to hiss and I shake my head in despair, this is not the way to end this. “...new circumstances!”


“Of course, it won’t be me.” He sniffs, looking us both up and down in disgust. “It’s bad enough that I am in your company but to be tied to you forever and a day...no-no-no! Nobody deserves that torture...except the pair of you! Now if you will excuse me, I have to go and see one of Brian’s new tenants. Seems to be a problem with the house...the $275,000 house. Toodles!”


Lindsay opens and then closes her mouth before turning back to the sink and resuming the washing up.


“He’s wrong!” She spits. “Brian will give us the baby that we want.”


I say nothing but think to myself the baby that you want, not me. Not anymore!


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE, BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, GREENFIELD - AN HOUR LATER


BEN


“Must be the realtor! I’ll get it!” I shout up to Justin, who is attempting to take his telescope up to the attic.


“Okay!” He puffs and then pauses before starting again. I shake my head at his refusal of help and go to answer the door. “Next time, I take this a-fucking-part!” He grumbles.


“Told you to do that!” I shout up at my stubborn friend and roommate.


“Quiet and open the door!” He yells back.


“Hi, I’m Emmett Honey...wow! I mean, Cutt.” He clears his throat. “I’m Emmett Honeycutt. You left a message about the...sorry, could you put on a shirt please?”


I smile at his frankness and grab the tee I had just taken off and beckon him inside. “Ben Bruckner. Is that better?”


“From a professional perspective, yes, but aesthetically, no.” He grins and then clears his throat. “Okay so what’s the problem?”


I chuckle as I lead him into the lounge. “You didn’t need to come over right now; it’s not urgent, like I said. Also, it’s not a problem as such, but it’s just we would prefer a sofa instead of a sofa bed.”


“Oh honey, you got me out of a place I didn’t want to be, with a couple of people I didn’t want to be with, so trust me, it was urgent. But okay, we will swap that. Anything else while I’m here?”


“Yeah. Can you unlock the attic, please? I want to put my telescope up.” Justin asks as he comes in, wiping his brow.


“Didn’t they give you the key to that?” We shake our heads. “Oh, the idiots! First thing I said was to make sure you have all the keys. Okay, let’s go and see it. Can it stay where it is for now?” I see him wince. After his camera, it is his pride and joy. “That would be a very polite no. You lead and I’ll call.”


“Philippa, it’s me. I need the key to the attic for Plot 625 on Bloomfield Avenue. Well, who has it then? Ah, okay, I’ll call him.” He smiles as he rolls his eyes. “Seems that you and the keyholder have something in common.” We frown at each other and he grins again. “The night sky.” He punches in the numbers on his phone and begins speaking. “Big Bad, I just spoke to Philippa. She says you still have the attic key to Plot 625. Plot 625 is the one with the skylight that...ah, you remember it. Yes, we’ve rented it out. Okay, see you in a few.” He grins again. “Big Bad will be here in about 40 minutes. Is that too long to wait?”


“No, that’s fine. We can get some supplies in, get to know the neighbourhood a bit. Do you know any of the people round here?”


He frowns. “Nope, nobody at all. Look, why not go and do your thang and I’ll wait for him to get here.”


We exchange looks before nodding. I get a good vibe off of him. Ten minutes later, we’re making our way to the store to get some food.


OUTSIDE MICHAEL’S HOUSE - 40 MINUTES LATER


BRIAN


He has done nothing but bitch and moan ever since we got in the car. “Michael, for the last time, stop bitching about Emmett being the one that got you your house and store! You have a house and store that you would ordinarily not have. Now go inside and enjoy the fucking thing! I have to hand some keys over to Emmett.”


“You have a place round here? Can I see it?” He gives me the look.


“No, it’s rented now and I can’t let you inside as…”


“But I’m your best friend, it’s not as if I’m going to do anything!” He pouts, folding his arms for extra effect.


“Who you are is not relevant. Go in and enjoy your fucking house. That is their house. You wouldn’t want someone to be in your place, now would you?”


“Of course not! It’s private!” He bridles and I roll my eyes at his double standard.


“I have to go so get out, Michael.” I tell him firmly.


“Alright, alright!” He grumbles before getting out of the car and just about not slamming the door. “So this thing with the advertising agency... you’re not really going to do it, are you?”


“Depends on how the figures work out, but don’t see why not.”


“But you’ve only just gotten back and you don’t need to…”


“Schmidt knew I’d want something to do so he’s potentially found that.” I retort, getting pig sick of his moaning which started when we took off for London and hasn’t stopped since! “And if I do or do not do anything, it’s nothing to do with you. You have a store to open and a house to set up. And I have an Emmett to placate…”


“Placate? Why?” He pauses in mid-stomp up the path.


I don’t answer and cross the road to Plot 625, ignoring him calling me. Emmett opens the door quickly and I slip inside, sighing in relief. But then tensing up when the door knocks. “I’ll sort it out, you go and open the attic. Oh there’s a telescope in front of the door.”


I nod and take the stairs two at time, smirking as Emmett’s way of sorting it out with Michael is to leave him outside!


I whistle when I see the scope. It is a top of line one and very nice. I open up the attic and wrinkle my nose at the mustiness and dust. “If he’s anything like me, he won’t like this at all!” I murmur to myself as I open the window and the fresh air flows in.


“Let me in, Emmett! I want to speak to Brian!” I can hear Michael shouting.


“This is a client’s house! Go to yours and wait for him there!” He responds and I just shake my head again and sigh.


I go down the stairs and shake my keys at him and smirk. With a grin, he takes them off me and rushes out the back. I can see the silhouette of Michael outside the door with his arms folded...again, no doubt. When I hear the purr of my engine start, he’s suddenly dashing down the path and shouting my name.


I take the stairs again quickly and can see him standing by the empty space where my car was, just staring down at the road. He shakes his head and finally goes back to his own house. Two minutes later, I hear the back door opening.


“Only me!” Emmett calls up.


“Can you bring some cleaning products with you?! This place is a mess!”


“Sure thing, honey!” He calls back and within half an hour, the place is spotless. “Are we finally done? We are not moving that sofa bed just one more time!” He bitches.


“Yeah, just need to do one more thing.” I tell him before we let ourselves out.


FORTY MINUTES LATER


BEN


“Emmett?!” I call out, but get no response. It’s then that I see a note pinned to the spindle with a key looped around the newel. “Okay, here’s the key. They have moved the sofa bed out and put the telescope in the attic. They will arrange for the sofa to be delivered on Friday.”


“They moved the telescope in!” Justin exclaims and takes the stairs two at a time.


JUSTIN


I am fuming! I had that almost perfectly set up, which is one of the reasons, I didn’t want to take it apart! I look at the attic and marvel at the room and realise that they have also moved the sofa up here too, and then at my telescope, gasping.


“What’s wrong? Do I need to call Emmett?” Ben asks, knowing what I am like about my scope.


“It’s...I don’t believe it.” I sigh as I look at the darkening sky.


“Hello Emmett, it’s Ben Bruckner.” I hear him say and wave at him. “Uh, hang on a sec…”


“Hang up, it’s perfect. Perfectly aligned.”

 

End Notes:

Please be kind and constructive. Thank you

And There Are More Subjects...And Secrets Are Revealed by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 3 - AND THERE ARE MORE SUBJECTS...AND SECRETS ARE REVEALED


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - 40 MINUTES LATER


JUSTIN


Sitting down on the sofa bed, I look up to the night sky and it is so beautiful. “Mind if I come in?” Ben asks. “Bought hot chocolate and the cookies will be about another 10 minutes.”


“Of course not, come and look.” I smile as he makes his way across very carefully. “You don’t need a scope to see that.” I point up. “An almost perfect sky.” I sigh.



“Why almost...ah, no stars.” He laughs as he hands me a mug. “I like that this is up here. Saves you from dragging your bedding up instead!”


“True!” I laugh and sip the chocolate.


“What? I know you and you’re dwelling. If this is about CG then stop it. You are going to be great and…”


“No, it’s not that. It’s perfectly aligned, I mean absolutely perfect. I would like to meet the guy to say thanks.


LOFT - SAME TIME


ROOFTOP


BRIAN


Everytime I look up, I realise how small I am. That vast amount of sky and I am but a mere dot. A very rich dot, but a mere one nevertheless. I adjust my alignment slightly and then think about the tenant’s scope. I hope he didn’t mind, but I have watched the sky from that place a few times before I left. The only reason I didn’t take the place was because it was too near Michael. I still can’t believe we have come out of that two year trip alive... well him alive, and me not either behaving like Dr Richard Kimble, but having committed the murder, or in jail!


I snicker as I hear the thumpa-thumpa of the Avenue and realise that I missed it. Not in the sexual sense, as I got plenty of that. I am, well was, the Stud of Liberty Avenue after all and I had to get my needs met...but I missed the familiarity of it all. That was another refrain of Michael’s that almost got him flung into a hornets nest. He’d been keeping his ear to the ground making sure that my reputation is not sullied and now there’s this Brandon guy, who has staked his claim to Studhood. That was one of the reasons we went to Europe. I wanted to get the fuck out of the States before his whine drove me back to the Avenue, just to shut him up!


Speaking of shutting up, I do love a Honeycutt Handbagging! And boy were Lindsay and Mel handbagged. I knew about them being engaged and knew that they wouldn’t invite me to the party, which was why I went to the White Party, a ready-made excuse. We’ve been friends, or so I thought, for years Lindsay and I. And I was sincere in my offering, but it was the speed with which it was rejected; Mel actually laughed! Back then I was a mere ad exec but, like he said now that I’m a millionaire, I’m a dear friend! But I have to thank her for my interest in property amongst other things. If she hadn’t kept coming around and putting property listings all over the fucking loft, I would never have gotten into it!


I shiver slightly and take down some more Beam. “Time for bed!” I declare and with a salute to the moon, I head back inside.


BABYLON - SAME TIME


BACKROOM


BRANDON


I do up my fly and tuck in my shirt. That has got to be one of the most boring fucks ever! I look around Babylon and wonder how the so called Stud did it for all of this time. Same guys every damn time! Sighing, I head to the bar and lean against it, hoping against hope there is something interesting.


“He’s back in town, you know!” Some twink babbles excitedly.


“Who is?” His friend yells.


“Brian Kinney. He’s back!”


Ah, just got interesting.


“He looks hotter than ever. Mind you, money does make you a bit more attractive, doesn’t it?”


“It’s a shame though!” A Bear joins their conversation.


“Yeah, he could’ve left him overseas. Should be interesting to see what happens when you two come face to face, Brandon.”


“Why?” I sneer.


“No doubt he’s come to reclaim his throne. He doesn’t like to lose anything!”


“Two years is a long time.”


“Yeah. I wonder if he’s truly changed?”


“No, of course not!” A whiny voice interrupts. “He’s the same Stud he’s always been!” We all turn to look at a dark haired man, who is waving his beer bottle drunkenly about. “I should know…” He hiccups. “...I’m his best friend!”


“Yes.” The Bear sighs. “We so missed you saying that, said nobody ever! Maybe you should go home and sleep this off.”


“He bought me a house! A house all for me! He loves me! Really loves me!”


“Yeah, yeah. Come along, Novotny. Time to go!” One of the bouncers takes his arm and signals his colleague. “Get him into the lobby and then call the service for the idiot!”


RED CAPE COMICS - THURSDAY AFTERNOON


MICHAEL


The beginning of the week was a write off as I got so drunk in Babylon. But I made sure that everyone knew that the Stud and his best friend are back! I look up as the door chimes and it’s Ma.


“Hey, where have you been?” I demand.


“Helping out at the shelter. Now that I don’t have to work, I have to find other ways to occupy my time.” She looks around the store and frowns. “Michael, you need to dust and then put the stuff out, it…”


“No, this is how I want it to look. Rustic and full of…”


“Dust. It is full of dust! If you don’t want to do it, just ask Brian if you could use the service to do it, but you can’t open up like this!”


“Of course, the service. I keep forgetting the things that we now have!”


“We have? Who’s we?” She’s about to rest her bag on the counter, but changes her mind. I grimace at her continued look of dismay.


“Brian and I.” I scroll through my phone, trying to find the number. “Do you have the number for them?”


“No and you should ask Brian if it’s okay before I give it to you. And speaking of you and Brian, I get the distinct impression that only you have moved onto the next stage in your relationship with Brian.”


“What’s that supposed to mean?” I stop scrolling and start frowning.


“Some things he said on Sunday.”


“Like what?”


“I had two years of Michael, he is on his own. It’s none of your business. We are not partners in any way. Not the words of a boyfriend no matter how new to a relationship he is.”


“He was just tired and…”


“Honey, he’s not tired. He’s not interested.”


DEBBIE


I watch the liar-liar-pants-on-fire blush creep up his face. “And if you are honest to yourself, and if only to yourself, he never was.”


“He was, I mean, is!”


“Michael, I birthed you so I know when you are lying and when he is pissed off with you. You’re lying and he’s pissed off with you. I want to know why?”


He slumps against the counter. “He said I was ungrateful!”


“In what way...”


“Well he…”


“Let me finish. In what way is that not true?” His jaw drops and he slams his arms into his usual pout position. “You know what he did before he left on Saturday?” He shakes his head and rolls his eyes. “He took my cards away, saying you weren’t going to ride on my money.”


“What is that supposed to mean? Oh, that reminds me! He needs to put his card back on the food account. Think his previous one must have expired. But back to what you were saying...”


“You need to start paying your own way for things. You have barely any overheads, but you still expect Brian to pay. And before you say it, the trip around almost the entire world, the house and this, he’s paid for more than enough!” I wipe my fingers along the counter and blow off the dust. “This could be symbolic of your friendship, for that is what it barely is, disintegrating to dust.


“You sound just like Emmett!” He snipes and then curls his lip in disdain. “Still can’t believe he works for him.”


“Why? He’s got a good eye. What’s the beef with you two anyway?”


“He told a lie about Brian and I didn’t like it.”


“A lie? What did he say?” I can’t imagine Emmett lying about anything, let alone Brian. They are the same in that respect.


“Well he didn’t say it, but he kept suggesting something. I soon set him straight.” He smirks. “He didn’t like that I told him what his chances were. But it doesn’t matter now.”


“Chances were in what? If it doesn’t matter, then just say it.” I demand, exasperated by his dramatics, which Carl swears he gets from me.


“That they slept together. Him and Brian, as if!”


“But they did back when Emmett first came to the Pitts. It took a bit of persuading, but they did the deed.”


“Persuading?” He whispers, looking like he wants to either throw up or cry. “I don’t believe you!”


“About them sleeping together or that Emmy popped his cherry? Because trust me both are true.”


“Bullshit, utter bullshit!” He explodes. “Brian and Emmett? Never in a million years!”


“Michael. They. Did. He needed someone gentle and Emmett was it. Fact.”


“But he would’ve told me that. He would’ve!” He almost spits in my face with rage.


“Why would he? Like he’s constantly saying, ‘unless it’s your cock in my mouth or mine up your ass, it is nothing to do with you’.”


“But I’m his best friend. His best!” He grabs his coat and struggles to put it on such is his fury. And let’s face it, his jealousy.


“Where are you going?”


“To see Brian for an explanation!”


“Why should he explain?”


“Brian should explain!”


The door chiming brings in the man in question. “Explain what? I could hear you bellowing two doors away.”


“Ma said that you and Emmett…” He pauses hardly able to bring himself to finish the sentence.


“Me and Emmett what?” He too runs his fingers over the counter in dismay. “Why haven’t you dusted before you put the stuff out?”


“Never mind that! That you and Emmett...fuc…”


“Fucked?” Brian supplies with a smirk and then he chuckles. “So that’s it? That’s why you’re so pissy with him all the time!”


“I am not pissy with him! So did you two?”


“Yep. It was time and he was the best. Now enough about past dalliances. Your reaction now and it not being your cock in my ass are the reasons why I didn’t say anything. Are you guys around on Sunday? Now that I have finally moved into Britin, thought we could have lunch there.”


“Oh can I cook?” I plead and he kisses my cheek in answer. “Let me know what you want to do and I’ll order it for you.”


“But...Brian.” Michael stutters, but Brian is gone with a wave and a shake of his head.


“I returned the favour.” I say, picking up my bag and dusting it down.


“What?” He looks confused.


“Well he got you your first fuck on the Avenue, so I got him his.”


LINDSAY AND MELANIE’S HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


“I wonder what it’s like?”


“What’s what like?” Mel looks up from her magazine.


“Britin. It sounds so romantic.” I sigh.


“Does it? How does something that sounds like Brian sound romantic?”


I shrug. “It just does. I bet it’s huge. He always does things on such a grand scale!”


“Have you got your argument ready?” Mel puts the magazine aside and folds her arms. “For why you now want him…”


We want him…” She corrects stiffly.


“Yeah that. As the father.”


“We are simply asking him to remake the offer and we will accept.”


“And you expect him to do it just like that? After the way we treated him?”


“You treated him. You were the one that laughed!”


“Only after you said no!” She sighs and leans forward in the sofa. “Look Lindz, it’s too soon after he’s come back for you to be asking. Why not wait a while longer? He’s going after that agency after all and…”


“Which he will be doing while I will be carrying the baby. He doesn’t have to do anything, except say yes and provide.” I explain again.


“But what if he doesn’t? What if Emmett is right?”


“Emmett is not right and nor will he ever be!” I stand up and pick up the Art Forum and the Mother & Baby magazines. “I am going to have a bath; I could be some time!”


As I head upstairs, it occurs to me that Mel has been more and more reluctant to approach Brian about this, and I am beginning to wonder why.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - LATE EVENING


ATTIC


JUSTIN


“Oh fucking hell!” I exclaim as I jar the scope, ruining its alignment. “And of course, I didn’t fucking write it down!” I slump on the sofa and look up. Luckily, it’s cloudy so I wouldn’t have seen much tonight, but it’s supposed to be great watching weather tomorrow. “Ben!” I call down from the stairs and he pokes his head out of his bedroom. “Don’t suppose you have Emmett’s number? I need to ask him a question about the scope.”


“Uh sure, but I thought it was someone called Big Bad that shared your passion.” He hands me his phone.


“It is and here’s hoping that Emmett will share his number.” I grouse.


Twenty minutes later, I am beaming from ear to ear. Big Bad has sent me the magnitude numbers and I am all set for tomorrow’s moon gazing!


BRITIN - SUNDAY EARLY AFTERNOON


LOUNGE


BRIAN


Debs was in her element today. She cooked three roast chickens and there is not a speck of food left. Michael is still sulking, but that’s not my problem. Ted and I have an announcement to make.


“Ted, will you do the honours?” I say loud enough to stop any chatter.


“Sure, Bri. Well as you all know, Brian was interested in the Kinsey Agency and as of Friday afternoon, much to the huge fucking annoyance of Gardner Vance, it will be called Kinnetic and already has three members of staff.”


“Three?” Carl frowns.


“Yes, Brian, Murph from VanGuard and...me.” Ted smiles. “Brian, as some of you know can be very persuasive. I will be going in as his CFO. We will be hiring other staff, but in the meantime, we are making the acquisition of many VanGuard clients a priority. So far we have gotten Eyeconics and Ashton Pharma. That was on the strength of Brian’s name and past history alone.”


“Oh honey, that’s wonderful! You are going to be so busy!” Debs comes over and hugs me tightly.


“Yeah, I know. I will also need an attorney. Someone fierce and professional. Do you know anyone, Mel?” I take particular glee in the way her head almost snaps off her neck as she turns to look at me.


The room goes quiet. “Me as in me? You want me to recommend someone that I know to work for you?!” She gasps. “Are you nuts?!”


“Nope. So can you or not? Obviously, we couldn’t work together given our history.”


“Oh but Brian, I’m…” Lindsay puts a silencing hand on Mel’s arm. “...sure you and Mel could.”


“Not in a million fucking years would she even be a consideration. But if you could provide anyone, except you, who could give us what we need, do let me know. I believe I got that word perfect.” I repeat her words back to her and she flushes, but does nod in agreement.


“I have seen your office, you would’ve loved it.” Emmett smirks. “But no matter, I am sure someone will turn up. Someone who has the best interests of Kinnetic at heart.”


“Any other announcements?” Michael snipes, bitterly.


“Yes two. One, as you know I love photography and stargazing, so I am combining the two and going to CG to study that. And the other announcement can be easily deciphered if you look at this picture.” I project the image up onto the wall and at first, people are just staring at the moon.


“Oh. My. God!” Emmett gasps. “She! You! That’s?!” He stammers and I give a shy smile.



“Yep. Thank you, Lindsay. Thank you for being so vehement in your rejection of me when I had normal money. But you need to silence the sudden gong of your biological clock now that I’m a millionaire, because I have decided to go it alone.”


“What?!” She exclaims, going pale.


“Yes. I got to thinking as I was travelling of how I actually wanted to be a father. Now thanks to a friend and a surrogate, I’m going to be.”


“How could you?!” She screams. “How could you do that to me?! To us?! Mel, don’t you have anything to say?!”


“Congratulations, dad!” Mel sticks out her hand and smiles the most genuine smile I have ever seen. “You are going to be awesome!”


“Awesome?! Is that all you can come out with? Awesome?!” Lindsay sneers with tears streaming down her face.


“Yep, actually no. Awesome and thank you.”


“Thank you? What are you thanking him for?! He’s ruined our lives!”


Your life. The more we’ve lived together the past two years, the more I’ve realised that I don’t want kids, Lindz. I don’t. I like my life... our life, the way it is.”


“Well, I don’t!”


“Don’t I get a fucking say in any of this?!” Michael declares, his face flushed with fury.


“Nope. My life. My choice. Now those who are happy can stay, those who are unhappy can leave.”

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

A Little Misunderstanding When Studying The Moon by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 4 - A LITTLE MISUNDERSTANDING WHEN STUDYING THE MOON


MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - A WEEK LATER


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


“Are you still of the same mindset?” I ask quietly as I enter and she looks up from her papers.


“Yes, Lindsay. I am still of the same mindset. I take it by that tone and that expression, you are as well.”


“Mel....” I sniff and sit next to her. “...please reconsider. This would bring us closer together.”


“I wasn’t aware we were drifting apart.” She puts her papers down and runs her fingers through her hair. “Look at this place Lindsay; look at it properly. We are not even prepared bricks and mortar wise for a baby. This is a two bedroom cottage, not a house but a cottage…”


“Brian will move us to…”


“For fuck sake, there is no Brian! He is, I repeat, he is going to be a father. He’s not going to do this for you, Lindsay. And once again, it would be for you! I don’t want a baby…”


“You mean you don’t want me to be a mother!” I snap.


“Not if it involves Brian being the father then no, I don’t. I have never wanted that and until such time as he had money, neither did you. You want this now because of what he’s got and that’s not a good enough reason to bring a child into the world. It’s not fair on the baby.”


“I would love the baby enough for the both of us. Brian and I would…”


Brian and you? Interesting slip there. What would you and Brian do? Whatever cache you think that having his baby would give you, disabuse yourself of that notion. Remember, this is Brian Kinney we are talking about. He doesn’t change his mind.”


I scoff and shake my head. “You don’t understand, Mel. I have changed my mind about actually having the baby. I will offer to look after the baby and he pays me an appropriate fee.”


MEL


For a few seconds, I think I have run smack dab into a wall and am dazed. “You wanna what now?” I blink rapidly at her.


She smiles. “What I said. I want to bring the baby up for him. While he’s working at the agency, I…”


“Lindsay, he’s managed to keep this under wraps for however long. Don’t you think that he’s got childcare sorted out already?”


“Maybe, but doing it my way works out for all of us!”


Maybe? All of us?


“Can you actually hear yourself? I mean the actual words that are coming out of your mouth not the thoughts that got you here?! There is not supposed to be an us, there is to be a me and you!”


“Kindly do not speak to me like that!” She snaps. “As I said, this works out for all of us and I shall prove it. Now that the dust has settled, I shall explain my wonderful idea to Brian and unlike some…” She looks me up and down briefly. “...he will see the merits of it.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


STUDY


MICHAEL


A father! I still can’t believe it! There has been revelation after revelation! All of which have felt like sucker punches! And on top of that, I’ve barely seen him. He’s either been setting up this fucking agency of his or being out of the state on business. I knew that this would happen! He would start to fall back into his old ways of working but then, if he’s falling into his old ways of working, then surely he’s falling into his old ways of playing too. It stands to reason.


I have to say that this house may be great, but it’s so quiet and the neighbours aren’t all that friendly. As I look out, I spot someone coming out of the house that he and Emmett were in and what a someone! He’s lean and hunky and my neighbour! I take a quick look in the mirror and grab my keys and wallet. After a breath check, I head out to see where that beefcake is going.


GROCERY STORE - 20 MINUTES LATER


So he’s a health food nut. And judging by what’s in the basket, a single health food nut. I follow him down an aisle and take my chance. “Um excuse me, but could you help me? I’m a little short.” I look through my lashes at him and point to the top shelf.


“Oh sure!” He smiles and then gets me down the...whatever the fuck it is. “Here you go.”


“Thanks.”


“Duck confit, very nice.”


“I’ve never had it, but always wanted to try it. Didn’t realise how big the tin is though. That’s more than enough for one. Well, thanks anyway.”


“You’ll like it and you’re welcome.” He calls back and I make my way to cash desk.


Ten minutes and $37 later, seriously $37 for a can of duck, he’s still not come out yet. Hurry up for fuck sake! This level of cuteness is getting cold! Finally, he comes out and again, I hang back. Gotta make this look as coincidental as possible! And at first my plan is working, but then with those two heavy bags of shopping, he decides to jog!  Well he can fucking forget that!


“Hey! Hi!” I call out and he pauses then turns around.


“Oh hi!” He smiles and waits for me to catch up. “So what are you having with it?”


“What?”


“The duck confit.”


“Oh that. No idea, what do you recommend?”


“Green beans and lots of garlic bread. I’m Ben, by the way.”


“Michael.” I frown at him and he frowns back. “We seem to be going the same way. Do you live around here?”


“Yep, just up there with Justin.”


“Justin?”


“My roommate and fellow teacher. Well he will be, at CG.”


“CG? Sorry just moved here and am not quite au lait with the local landmarks.”


“Au lait? Cute, but I think you mean au fait. CG is Carnegie Mellon, the university we’re both going to be teaching at in a couple of weeks’ time.”


“Yes, I did and of course, it is. What do you teach?”


“Gay studies.”


Thank you god!


“Well, this is me. Nice to meet you, Michael.”


“Nice to meet you, too. I’m just up there. The red brick one.”


“Ah, we looked at that. Didn’t like the roof space, wasn’t big enough. Enjoy the duck.”


“I can bring over the leftovers…”


“Thanks.” He smiles and I virtually skip to my house.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE


KITCHEN


BEN


“Justin, you in?!” I dump the shopping on the counter and hear his muffled affirmative, which means he’s got a mouthful of paintbrush handle. “Want a coffee? Two thumps for yes and one for no!”


Thump-thump.


I switch the machine on and start to put away the groceries and then think about the fortuitous meeting of Michael and chuckle. He must have been very cold waiting for me outside. He may be cute, but he is shrill as we found out when he was yelling and screaming outside our front door when we first moved in. We were saying hi to our new neighbours and resolved to avoid his house like the plague. Much like the rest of the neighbours have. I head upstairs with the coffee and smile at the painting he started a week ago.


“How’s it going?”


“Almost done. What do you think? Who were you talking to?”


“Excellent as usual and The Shrillseeker.”


“The...oh Mr Red Brick House. Did you find out a name?”


“Michael.” I step back a bit and really look at the painting. “You going to take that to class? He followed me to the store and did the too short thing to get me to get something of the top shelf.”


“Oh god, he didn’t?!” Justin looks astonished. “What did you get down?”


“Duck confit at almost forty bucks.”


“Wait, how do you know he followed you? And, yes to show them what can be accomplished from a photo.”



“Good, I’m glad. And because he did a double take when he was looking out of the window and practically ran out of the room he was in. Clearly forgetting that you can also see in a window as well as see out.”


“Mr and Mr Thatched and Clapboard said when he moved in he was just as loud. The only redeeming thing was the guy that he was with. But he doesn’t seem to live here. Said he bought the house for him.”


“Remind us to thank him for that!” He smirks.


“Yeah thank him...that’s what we want to do!”


KINNETIC - FRIDAY MORNING


LINDSAY


Oh, this is just perfection! I look around reception and see his little touches. Not a fan of the colour scheme, but we can soon fix that.



I sigh as I am still waiting to be seen. Finally, I can hear the click-clack of heels coming down the corridor. I drum my nails loudly on the counter but that doesn’t seem to speed up their progress. I decide to take matters into my own hands and meet them halfway.


“Lindsay? Two things: where are you going and what are you doing here?”


The ice cold tones of his former assistant, Cynthia bring me to an instant stop before I turn around and make my way back to reception.


“Cynthia. How love…”


“Let’s not bullshit each other. What do you want?”


I square my shoulders and stare beadily at her. “I want to see Brian. He and I have a personal matter we need to discuss.”


“Follow me.” She leads me in silence down a corridor to Brian’s office. “Have a seat.”

“This is very nice, indeed.” I am surprised when she takes the seat as well and just stares at me. “What are you doing?”


“This matter you need to discuss with Brian, he has asked me to handle it.”


“You don’t even know…”


“Brian is currently out on a personal matter and won’t be back in the office for at least two weeks. He received a phone call of a slightly disturbing nature with regards to the future of his child. Or should I say, our child.”


“Your…”


“Yes. Mine and Brian’s child. Who as a stipulation of the surrogacy, you are to have absolutely fuck all to do with the upbringing of.”


“Wha…”


“Now take yourself out of our agency and find someone else’s child to mither over and mould into the rancorous and rapacious replica of yourself…”


“I…”


“Now that our discussion is concluded, I suppose I should see you out. Never to return.”


“You…”


“Are the third shareholder in this company...so whatever you are about to say I can’t do, believe me I can. Now this way!”


“I can find my own way out!” I sneer at her and I hold it together until I get into a taxi. The driver ignores my tears as I try to fathom what the fuck just happened and then I realise...Mel...Mel happened!


ALLEGHANY HOSPITAL ROOF - MIDNIGHT


JUSTIN


I run after the guy, who I saw coming tearfully out of the maternity ward and heading to the roof. He was muttering to himself that he has to do it! He’s taking the stairs almost three at a time. Damn my short legs! I hear the fire escape door being opened and even though my legs are aching, I speed up and manage to catch it before it closes. I look around frantically and I spot him, heading to the edge.


“Wait!” I shout and thankfully, he stops and turns to face me.


“Why…”


“Please talk to me. Don’t do that, please don’t do that.”


He frowns. “Why not it’s the perfect end.”


“No, not it’s not. Just tell me what is making you think this.” I beg as I slowly approach. “Can I tell you my name at least?”


“Okay, if you want…”


“Hang on, my lungs are on fire. You have longer legs than me and move quick.”


“My legs…”


“Justin. Want to tell me yours?”


“Brian.”


“So Brian!” I yell as he takes another step. “Want to tell me why you are doing this? Why you were crying?”


“I’m a dad…a little boy.”


“Then surely that’s a reason not to do this…”


“But it’s the perfect golden moon. I want to take the picture while it’s clear enough, so I can show him when he’s older.”


“Golden moon? Pic...oh god! I’m so sorry, I thought…” I point to the edge of the roof. He looks at me for a few seconds before a smile splits his face and he is roaring with laughter and I am mortified. “It’s not that funny! And seeing how upset you were and the...well it was a perfectly plausible thought.” I huff as my face flames. “Well congratulations on being a dad; it’s a good moon.”


“Thanks and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed. It was a very kind thing you attempted to do.”


“It’s starting to cloud over, I would wait a few, it will pass soon.” He looks up and I peer over his shoulder. “Get your finger ready, I‘ll set the focus.”


“Thanks. Need me to hunker down a bit? You know to accommodate your little legs.”


“If you could that would help.” I laugh and then focus on the focusing. “Now.”



“Perfect. Thanks.” He smiles at the picture. “As a matter of interest, why are you here?”


“Roommate tripped over his barbell and did his ankle. Just getting it strapped.”


“Ouch. Thanks for the photo assist. We should be getting back. Hopefully, he should be nice and clean now.” I laugh at the grimace on his face. “He was covered in ickiness and I am wearing Dior!” I raise an eyebrow. “Okay, so I was wearing a set of scrubs and then Dior and there could’ve been a hole…”


“I suggest you don’t tell your son that sweet bit about how he came to have his first cuddle.”


“Yeah, definitely not.” He laughs as we head down the corridor. “Well it was nice to meet you, Justin.”


“You too, B…”


“Watch it!” He pulls me back against him as two people come running down the corridor at such a lick that people get out of the way.


“BIG BAD! BIG BAD!” Someone is shrieking as they run passed.


“Thanks, makes us even.” I smile and he chortles, then turns to look at the running couple.


“HONEYCUTT! SCHMIDT! HEEL!” He bellows and you could hear them screech to a halt and then thunder back towards him. He is soon engulfed by their clamouring questions and it isn’t until I get to A&E when I realise that the person screaming was Emmett and Brian is Big Bad!


BRITIN - SUNDAY MORNING


LOUNGE


DEBS


Another family lunch, I could get used to this! Michael is looking happier, but that’s most likely due to the fact that he’s finally going to be spending time with his best friend even if we have to be there too. Very noble of him, I’m sure. Mel and Lindsay are here, but not speaking to each other. No doubt that will come out later. Lindsay is not one to shy away from letting the world know her woes when she is feeling slighted.


Ems and Ted have been whispering among themselves for the last couple of hours and I have no idea where Brian is!


“Car's coming!” Carl calls out and I head to the front door.


“Uh Ma, this is my best friend’s house and…”


“Sit down and shut up, Michael. Mother outranks son!” Mel snaps.


“And a sworn enemy outranks your fiancée, doesn’t he, Mel?” Lindsay snipes but Mel just ignores her.


I shut the lounge door on their bickering and open the front door and stare and blink and then stare again. “Can we come in then?” I step aside in silence and he comes in. “So want to take him grandma?” He asks quietly and I just hold out my arms.


“What’s…”


“Let’s tell them all at once, I wanted you to have the first hold in private.” He kisses my temple and guides me gently back into the lounge.


“You are kidding me?!” Carl whispers and comes over for a closer look. “Oh my God son he is beautiful. Debs come on sit down, sit down before you fall down!” He orders quietly.


I look around the room both Ems and Ted have tears in their eyes and are grinning from ear to ear.


“When?” I ask.


“Midnight on Friday. She was in labour for 24 hours, we’re not her favourite people, but he’s so cute she’s forgiven him.”


“The baby is here? As in here now?” Michael, for once, is rendered almost mute!


“Yep. Everyone this is my son. Gus Kinney.”



“Big Bad, it was 1136 not midnight.” Ems corrects him sniffing. “You were on the roof at midnight, remember?”


“The roof?” We all echo.


“Yeah, I had to take a picture of the golden moon as it is a symbol of hope and rebirth.”


“Hope I get.” Carl sniffs. “But rebirth?”


“I am reborn. I am no longer the Stud; in fact, the Stud is no more. Instead, I am a father. And I am going to do everything and be everything to make Gus proud to call me dad. And, nothing and nobody is going to change my mind.”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Bitching, Pitching and Playing Doctor by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 5 - BITCHING, PITCHING AND PLAYING DOCTOR


LINDSAY


I turn slowly to look at Mel and the hypocritical bitch has a sappy expression on her face. “I can’t believe you did that!” I spit at her. “How could you? Did you relish this? Did you know before and were just playing me for a fool? Has this animosity between the pair of you always been an act?”


“What are you talking about?” Mel sighs and that heightens my annoyance. “You know what, forget answering that now. We can have this conversation at home, in private. You are not pulling anybody else, especially a sweet little baby, into your melodrama!”


“Here-here!” Carl states and I gape at him.


“And this has what to do with you?” I hiss.


“The same as Gus has to do with you!” He snaps back.


I feel like I have, yet again, been slapped. “Why don’t you understand how much it means to me to be…”


“A glorified nanny, but with a top-end salary? As a matter of interest, what would’ve been the terms of your servitude?” Emmett looks witheringly at me. “Which choice piece of property would you have demanded?”


“Oh you have been chatty, haven’t you, lil Miss Catty!” I snarl at Mel, who is looking at me nonplussed. “Nothing to say?”


“So you want to do this now? Fine. As I said to you before, I never said anything in the first place.”


“Then how did Cynthia find out about my plans? I only told you!”


“Are you sure about that?” I whirl around and look incredulous as Cynthia strolls in as if she owns the place. “Because Mel is telling the truth; it wasn’t her that called Brian.”


“It must have been Mel!”


“No it wasn’t, and I have no reason to save her ass after she constantly pandered to your little Ms Empress ways!” Cynthia smirks. “The person who let that cat out of the bag was you. Darling Debs, can you take your grandson up? He doesn’t need his delicate ears to be assailed by the realisation of the ghoul that she has, yet again, been hoisted by her own, ever so slightly, flat petard.”


“I will take him up, Cyn, but don’t you dare start anything until I get back!”


“I promise you that, Debs.” She laughs and then takes a seat. “So this is fun, isn’t it?”


“As a matter of interest, just who the hell do you think you are coming in like that, Cynthia?! Don’t you think you are taking your dragon lady gatekeeper duties a bit far?!” Michael demands and for once, I wish to be anywhere but here. “And as for you two…” He glares at Emmett and Ted. “...how do you know where he was at midnight?”


“Cynthia is Gus’s mother, and Ted and Emmett are his godfather’s. They saw him right after me.”  Brian’s calm tone grates on my already frazzled nerves.


“She’s his what?!” Michael croaks. “And what about me? What am I to Gus?”


“Mother and whatever I want you to be.” He replies before grinning as Debs comes tearing back in. “Let me catch you up, grandma. Cynthia’s the mom, but you knew that…”


“Ma, you knew?! And you never said anything to me!”


“When he says knew, he means in the looks department!” Emmett sneers, looking down his nose at Michael. “He’s the perfect combination of the pair. And, you need to say sorry for accusing Debs of lying.”


“I didn’t call her a liar! I…”


“Blither, blather and bother! You just had to bring him back, didn’t you?” Emmett snipes. “So Cyn darling, how did she drop her plans into the muck and the mire?”


“She was discussing her plans with members of her nest set and…”


“Bullshit! You're lying! Brian, why would you lie about her being the mother? Look at her! She never could’ve dropped a kid two days ago and still look like that!” Michael sits back, smugly.


“I am the mother, dumbass; I just didn’t carry Gus.” She informs him coldly before turning to me. “And like I said, you were a prideful prattling princess, boasting of your plans to be the mother of Gus in all but name. You were overheard and that person called Brian.”


“Does that person have a name? Is it Mel perhaps?” I glare at the pair of them and they both roll their eyes.


“That’s one of your biggest weaknesses, Lindsay. I mean you have a lot of them, but that is one of your biggest…” Mel pauses and reaches for her drink. “...your fixation complex. It’s actually a trait you share with Michael, a very taxing trait, indeed. You fixate on what you want and how to get it and to hell with what anyone else wants. Your wants, your needs, your way! Well guess what...in a partnership, and to think that’s what I actually thought we have, it’s supposed to be our wants, our needs and our way. You don’t, no, you won’t compromise and I am beginning to get very tired of it. So very tired. But you were right about one thing and it wasn’t until I saw Gus that I realised it. It’s not that I don’t want a child; it’s that I don’t want a child with you regardless of who the father is. I don’t want a child with you!”


“Mel, this is a conversation that should’ve been held in private!” I gasp.


“Again, with the fixation complex! I said that earlier, but you were so determined to have it out now, so have it out we did. Now excuse me, I need to go and clear my head. I have a lot of things to think about.”


I watch incredulous and mortified as she gets up, kisses Debs and Carl on the cheek and then leaves.


“Well the bulldyke finally strapped on a pair, didn’t she?” Emmett snickers. “Oh don’t get me wrong, she’s still in my crosshairs but my arrow is a little lower right now!”


“My turn!” Carl exclaims and I glower at him.


“Oh? And just what do you have to say about me?!” I snarl.


“You?” He gets up and looks me up and down before shaking his head. “Nothing, nothing at all. Judging by the monitor, Gus is awake and it’s my turn to hold him. I mean, if that’s okay with mom and dad?”


“Absolutely, grandpa.” Brian grins and waits for Carl to leave. “Now you two best and dear friends of mine, hear me well. I do not lie and I do not change my mind. This is our home and…”


“Our home?” I scoff. “Who is this our? Don’t tell me she’s moving in?!”


“Again, fixating! He’s talking about Gus. You know... his son, the one you want to be mother of the year to?” Debs has never spoken to me like that before and I am dumbfounded. “I have never liked you, Lindsay. You were only around because of Brian and now that ends in this house... and in mine.”


“This is where you leave us.” Emmett approaches me like a tiger stalking prey. “How I escort you out is down to you.” He then pauses. “And don’t even think of getting comfortable Mikey, because you are out next!”


“Brian, are you going to let him speak to me like that?”


“Yes, because he is my friend and I am beginning to wonder if you ever were. Now I want you both to leave, so that I can enjoy my first day at home with my son and my family.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I am seething! Not only am I nursing hurt feelings after being thrown out of Brian’s house, but I also have a cut hand from when I opened that duck thing and the opener slipped. The wound isn’t deep but it is painful. I stare out of the window and see happy couples walking past and my eyes drift to Ben’s house. The front door opens and he limps out with a garbage bag.


“Ben! Hey, Ben! What happened?” I run across the road, up the path and gesture to his ankle.


“Tripped over a barbell. And…”


“Ouch.”


“Yeah, not good. Well, I’ve got to take my meds. I’ll see you later.”


“Oh I...well, I was wondering if you wanted to go for a…”


“Ben! Good grief, what the fuck happened?!” A voice shouts out and we both turn to the guy standing outside a cream house.


“Tripped over my barbell!” He calls out to this person.


“Hang on be right there…” He yells back and dumps his shopping inside the house. He quickly crosses over and bounds up the path. “Excuse me, please. Now Ben let me have a look at that ankle…”


“Honest, Eli…”


“No. You need to let me, as a doctor, look at it! You’ve clearly not had it strapped properly. Come on, lean on me and let me get you inside.” He orders and I am pissed by his high-handedness!


“Can I…” I begin.


“Eli! Eli, what’s happened?!” Another person calls out.


This is beginning to feel like that train station in Paris, Carte Door or whatever the fuck it’s called! Once again, I am pushed aside as someone else comes up the path.


“Lunkhead tripped over his barbell and doesn’t look like he’s been to the hospital. Monty, can you get his other side? Right Ben, no weight on that whatsoever. Ready?”


“Yeah.” Ben sighs before turning to me. “Sorry Michael, but they’re right. I really do need to have this looked at. I’ll see you around.”


“Oh o…” The door is shut before I can even finish my sentence. Sighing crossly, I head back home.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HALLWAY


MONTY


I peer through the panels in the front door and watch Shrillseeker trudge down the path back to his house. I turn to my partner, in love and now rescuing, and find him and Ben on the floor up, shaking with laughter.


“Oh my god!” Ben manages to gasp out, wiping his eyes. “Where the hell…”


“I heard him shouting your name as I got out of the car, and knew you wouldn’t be able to escape, so thought fast!” He giggles and then shoves Ben. “Lunkhead, I must have looked like I had a twitch, I was winking so much!”


“Sorry, I was trying to figure a way out of getting out of the date, he was going to ask me on. It took awhile for me to notice! For that, you deserve a drink!”


“Damn right, we do!” Eli says and helps Ben up. We follow him to the kitchen. “Oh wait, the ice cream! I won’t be long and will come round the back.” He yells and then dashes out, leaving Ben frowning and me laughing.


“Baskin Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge. I sometimes think he loves that more than me. The smile he sometimes gets when he eats it…” I smirk at the innuendo and Ben snorts.


“We’re a Rainbow Sherbet for Justin and Hokey Pokey for me household. But if we are super depressed, then it has to be Love Potion #31 for him and for me Oreo Nutty Salted Caramel. Although, when trying to be healthy, it’s Ben and Jerry’s…”


“Non-dairy Caramel Almond Brittle?” I hedge.


“You, as well?!” He snickers. “So red or white?” He asks, pulling out glasses


“Oh definitely red for me and white for Eli. Where’s Justin that he couldn’t come to your rescue?”


“Gone to the planetarium. He’s fretting about his first class and wants everything perfect.”


“Ah, I see. So what are you going to do about Shrillseeker? Oh fuck, the block party! We’re going to have to invite him.” I groan.


“You’ve just realised that?” Eli harrumphs as he comes through the back door. “Gladys Kravitz #2 is going to notice!”


“Maybe he’s not that bad once we get to know him.” Ben suggests.


“Isn’t it against some Buddhist principle to lie like that?” I ask, sipping my wine carefully.


“I am blaming the meds.” He chuckles.


MEL AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - LATE EVENING


LINDSAY


As I open the front door, I find cases in the hall. “Mel?!” I shout and she appears at the top of the stairs. “What’s going on?”


“We need distance so I’m moving out for a while.” She replies, coming down the stairs. “I said to you time and time again that I didn’t call Brian, but you wouldn’t take my word for it. Yet you would take the word of someone you purport to hate? How do you think that made me feel?”


“I don’t believe Cynthia!” I growl and then realise what I’ve just said.


“So you’re calling me a liar...again?”


“No, what I mean is I can’t think who in my el...my social circle would betray a confidence like that and…”


“Bye, Lindsay.” Mel picks up her cases and heads to the door. “We both have things to think about.”


“Where are you going?” I demand sourly. “Just in case I need to send your stuff on.”


“Where else would I go, Lindsay? Where we supposedly started.” She sighs and then closes the door behind her.


MEL’S COTTAGE - AN HOUR LATER


LOUNGE


MEL


I pour myself a glass of wine and look around my cottage and smile...I curl up on the sofa and start to go through my papers for the next day. Half an hour later, I realise something. I’m not irritated and tense like I normally am when I am doing this, and it’s because there isn’t that litany of prattling in the background. For the first time in I don’t know how long, I can concentrate.


BRITIN - THURSDAY MORNING


NURSERY


BRIAN


“Okay. You can do this. You can.” I tell myself firmly.


“Why do you have a clothespin on your nose?” Debs asks as she comes in smiling with Gus’s freshly laundered clothes.


“I may have to see it, but I don’t have to smell it.” I tell her. “Once you smell it, it’s like you can taste it...ugh!”


“Well if a clothespin stops you from going green and running out of the room, again, then pin away!”


I blush at the memory of the first poopy nappy. I squealed, clapped my hand over my mouth and ran to the bathroom then refused to come out. Carl had to change him. “Thanks for staying. I really didn’t quite think through the first week.” I admit, cringing slightly.


“Most parents don’t.” Carl laughs as he comes in with the bottle. “You can buy everything in the world and read all the books. Judging by everything here, it looks like you have. But the physicality and emotion of having Gus here, is nothing you can really prepare for.”


“So do we get to meet her?” Debs asks quietly as she watches me change Gus’s nappy and he just gurgles through it.


“Yeah. Cynthia got her to agree to come and look after Gus while she studies.”


“Good, I’m glad. Want to tell us about her?” Carl tests the milk on his wrist and part of me feels sad that my parents aren’t here to be the way that Debs and Carl are, but the major part of me is glad that they aren’t here...horrible grasping fuckers!


“Okay…” I pick Gus up and get settled on our snuggle chair…



...Debs joins us and gets comfy then helps herself to a grape before waving at me to continue. “She’s her cousin, by marriage. Her name is Daphne and she knows all about Lindsay and is not a fan!”


“Why Cynthia, though? I mean I can understand why not Lindsay, but why Cynthia?” Debs leans over and adjusts the bottle with a sweet smile. “It takes time, and you’ve only been a dad for six days. Stop it.”


“Because she offered and provided me with a contract. The very first stipulation was, and I quote, that bitch doesn’t come anywhere near the baby for as long as you, me and the baby live! I took a year to consider her offer before I said yes and came back to get the process started.”


“Came back?” Debs frowns and then her eyes widen. “How the fuck did you manage that?”


“Without Michael finding out?” She nods. “I told him I was going to get my needs met, just didn’t tell him what need.” She nods and then sighs. “Why not him after all these years of his obvious interest?”


“Can I give my theory first?” Carl asks and we both nod. “You would be carrying him every step of the way of your lives together.”


“Partly. Are you done, Sonny Boy?” I look down into the blue eyes of my son and start to burp him. “But mostly it’s because he’s Lindsay with a dick. He’s as lazy and greedy as she is...maybe even more so, actually. I can’t be with someone who thinks they are entitled to the finer things in life based on the strength of someone else’s struggles to succeed. Besides it’s a very small dick. I’m a size queen and like a good mouthful. I could fit him up my nostril and still be able to breathe out of it.”


Debs claps her hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter, while Carl had to leave the room!


“Okay now that I have erased that image from my mind. What do you mean?” Carl asks as he comes back.


“I first noticed it when we hit Los Angeles…”


Start of flashback

BOOKMONSTER COMIC STORE - 18 MONTHS AGO


BRIAN


We have been here for two hours, but it feels like a day. I still don’t understand why he actually has to read the comic book and then buy it. You’ve read it, now move the fuck on already!


“Brian, will you stop sighing? You are ruining this experience for me.”


Ruining it for him?!


“Can you stop thinking of just yourself for a minute and let us have a little time for ourselves as best friends. I don’t ask for much. Considering everything that I personally have done for you... I mean if it wasn’t for me, then you would be shackled to a kid with the munchers. Just think what would’ve happened if Ted and I hadn’t have come in? You would’ve been brow beaten into having a child with them. I mean can you imagine her as the mother of your child? Not, of course, that a Stud like you would ever have anything to do with a child, especially not with your history, which I know is not your fault. But you wouldn’t want to pass your experience on; I mean, it could be genetic! You know what I mean, don’t you? That poor kid could’ve inherited your penchant for attracting trouble. The fights you got in at school alone were fucking legendary! Why you started them is anybody’s guess! But if you had weakened, as you sometimes do with Lindsay, you would have just ponied up and we’d still be on our way to our fabulous retirement, even though there would be less money because she would have demanded child support from you. I mean, let’s face it… Lindsay’s a leech!”


Ourselves? Don’t ask much? Shackled? Fabulous Retirement?!! So it’s Lindsay who’s the leech?!! I should have Carl put out an APB to find the bullies for them to come back and finally kick his ass the way they were trying to do in the first place!


I am about to give him a well-deserved tongue lashing when my phone buzzes and he looks at me as if daring me to answer. He rolls his eyes and huffs when I do.


“Don’t be long, Brian. I’m hungry and you promised me lunch!” Then he does his ‘I just sat in shit’ stomp out the door while I connect the call.


“Hey Cynthia, you okay…”

End of flashback


WOODY’S - EARLY EVENING


EMMETT


As I flick through the listings, I sip my Cosmo. We’re all on Gus Leave this week so nobody is working. But Brian does want to get some properties in Shadyside and since I want to get ahead of the game, I’m having a looksee. When I spot a gorgeous blue brick building, I save it and sigh. “I wouldn’t mind that myself it has to be said.”



“Not a fucking hope, Honeycutt!” I roll my eyes and just hand my pad to him. “That is gorgeous. How much?”


“Under two. It’s in Shadyside, not too far from Greenfield Boulevard. Look at the rest of the rooms, so light and airy. And of course, there’s attic space.” Brian goes quiet while I start to prepare the email. “I’ve put in a spec offer of $1.4 gonna see what they come back with.” He leans across and kisses my cheek. “So what are you doing out, daddy?”


“Grandparents insisted.” He grins and then sighs.


“Told you it was too big for you, now didn’t I?” I look reproachfully at him.


“Yes, you did. I am rattling around in there and it’s too far away. But with Gus and…”


“He’s less than a week old! The only thing he recognises is you! So just move to this place instead. You’ve got all of us to help and all of us are within a 30 minute drive of each other. I do have an idea about Britin though, before you bellyache. Rent it out for now, using it as an event space.” I watch as he tries to work out logistics and figures before he slowly starts to nod. “I will handle everything with my usual aplomb and...well howdy doody to you my dear, Teddy! I didn’t think you were coming out to play today. I called and called.”


“As did Michael.” He replies sourly. “Need another drink you two?”


“What do you mean Michael?” Brian frowns and signals for a round. It is put down in minutes. “Why is he calling you?”


“Because he wants me to convince the Stud of Liberty Avenue to go back to his old ways. And…”


“So you do know him, then?” A cocky voice interrupts our conversation and we all turn to look at him...and hello doctor, wherever are you thinking of putting that thermometer is okay with me! “I’m Brandon and have a question for you…”


He’s looking at me...surely not! “I am not Brian Kinney, this is Brian Kinney and…”


“I know who he is and who he was.” He replies coolly and this gets Brian’s attention. “I have nothing to worry about him returning to claim his throne, but I do have two questions for you before I come back to you sir. First, how is that gorgeous little boy and the second is how the hell were you the Stud for as long as you were?! Didn’t you get bored?!”


For a few minutes, we are quiet and trying to work out this Brandon character when Brian suddenly grins. “Fuck me! Doctor Green, is that really you?!” He nods and smiles. “He’s fine, thanks!”


Dr Green...the new Stud is an actual for real doctor!


“That’s great. What did you call him in the end?”


“Gus. Oh let me introduce you to my friends, this is Emmett and Ted. Guys, this is Dr Green. He helped deliver Gus when Dr Carter was stuck in traffic. What do you want to drink?”


“A Cîroc and tonic, but it’s okay, I’ll get it.”


“No, I insist!” Brian asserts and when they both signal the barman at the same time, he freezes on the spot looking between the pair of them. Exchanging looks, they burst out laughing. “I bow down to the King, get your own fucking drink!”


“Thank you. So how did you do it for so long?”


“Never fucked the same guy twice.” Brian smirks.


“Ah that’s where I am going wrong!” He snickers before turning back to me. “But back to the original reason for me coming over, you are in trouble with me!”


“Me? Why?” I frown.


“You woke up most of the maternity ward inhabitants, shrieking when Gus arrived into the world. That was very bad of you.”


“And what do you propose to do about that?” Brian asks, leaning towards him. “I am very protective of the godfather of my son.”


ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BAR


MICHAEL


I knew it! The Stud is back to reclaim his place! I watch Brian get into stalk mode as he leans over the truly gorgeous guy. Ted and Emmett are forgotten as they should be and judging by the smile on their faces, a fuck date has been arranged! I think it will be the first time he’s fucked since he got back here. And once he has that prize ass, he will be back to being the Brian that I know and the Brian that he should be to me; I have waited long enough! I couldn’t believe it when we didn’t fuck at all when it was just us. But I guess he didn't want to treat me like one of his tricks and wanted to get it all out of his system before he was finally ready for it to be just me!


Start of flashback

KENSINGTON PARK HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO - 10 MONTHS AGO


MICHAEL’S SUITE, EARLY EVENING


MICHAEL


I am waiting for Brian to arrive. I asked him to wait in here, while I get dressed for us to hit the bars tonight. I have been waxed and polished to within an nth of my life and am thankful that it’s not too cold so that me being in a towel when I open the door wouldn’t look too odd!


His firm rap on the door heralds his arrival and I muss my hair up and spritz myself to make it look like I have just come out of the shower. I pull open the door and beckon him in. “Won’t be long, got caught up in bidding, ten minutes tops!” I tell him.


“Uh Mikey, I can wai…” He begins and then goes quiet as I casually throw my towel across the room and make my way back to the bedroom.


I turn back to him and smile. “Ten minutes okay.” He just nods.


I leave the door slightly ajar so I can hear his approach and sit on the bed. I smile at the sound of the clink of bottles in the cart. I just shake my head. He doesn’t need Dutch Courage for this. I have been waiting for him for ever! I shift slightly and bite my lip as the butt plug brushes against my prostate. I give my cock a quick squeeze so that I don’t go off the moment he touches me! I step into the bathroom so I can cool down a bit and then I step out when I hear my phone beep and my stomach drops in disappointment as it’s from Brian, saying he will meet me downstairs. He’s had to take an urgent call…

End of flashback

 

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Blue Moon House, Pro Bono and Being a Little Pimp by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 6 - BLUE MOON HOUSE, PRO BONO AND BEING A LITTLE PIMP


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - TUESDAY EVENING


LOUNGE


She hasn’t come back with her tail between her legs like I assumed she would! How dare she?! I tap my nails against the glass and think. I need Mel here. I hadn’t realised how much she actually does when I am at the galleries and the like. I look around and notice how shabby the place is looking. When we first started dating and I moved into her place, it was sweet, bijou and cosy. But then it got too small for the two of us and my things, so at my suggestion, we moved to this place. It needs a clean. Reaching for my phone, I send her a text. I know Mel and she doesn’t like spending unnecessary money! Ten minutes later, I am flabbergasted when she simply replies fine, I will pay half directly to whichever company you choose. No how are you? No concerns about my welfare. Bitch!


MICHAEL’S COMIC BOOK STORE - WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON


MICHAEL


I ring up the sale and just about keep the smile on my face until the guy leaves. While Brian got me this place, he still hasn’t give me any capital for stock. He paid for the stuff I bought on our road trip, but that is rapidly dwindling. I am about to place a call to him when the door chimes and it’s Ted.


“Well if it isn’t the Accountant Godfather. To what do I owe this visit?”


He sighs and puts his case down. “It’s clean. I shall tell him. Look, I’ve come here to tell you in person to stop calling me about Brian.” I glare at him but wave for him to continue. It’s not as if I am going to do as he tells me. In fact, I decide to tune him out.


“Are you finished?” I interrupt his speech.


“Yes as long as we understand each other.”


“Yeah of course, we do. Now if you could excuse me, I have a store to run.”


TED


Well that went a lot better than I thought it would, I think to myself as I head back to my car. I unlock the door and then spot Ems looking at what used to be the diner, which is now closed down.


“Ems!” I yell and he turns and waves with that I’ve got an idea grin on his face. I cross the road quickly and join him. “So what’s the idea?”


“A gay friendly estate agent.”


“Keep going?” I prompt.


“Think about it. His portfolio is huge; he’s got over 100 properties…” He snickers. “...oh damn that NDA as I so wanted to tell her! Anyway, as you know he’s moving to Shadyside now and with Britin going to be used as an event space. We need to have a central place for people to come and why not here?”


I start to nod. “Okay give me the figures and we’ll sell it to him. But we need someone to run it and I was thinking of Debs.”


“And Mel.” Ems says and I almost fall over in shock.


“Mel?! Are you feeling okay? You clearly have a fever or some…”


“Pro bono, to help those who have been thrown out for being gay by their landlords.” He sighs that sigh I know all too well. “Can we have a coffee?”


“Let’s go back to the office and get Big Bad involved now so we don’t have to say it twice.”


“Okay, Teddy.”


KINNETIC - 90 MINUTES LATER


BRIAN’S OFFICE


BRIAN


“But I thought you hate Mel?” I adjust Gus slightly and get sappy looks. “Why would you want her to work for us, free or otherwise?”


“I don’t hate her.” Emmett sighs. “Before you went away, she was all about seeing the greater good for gay rights. She would fight every step of the way. But in the two years since you’ve been gone, she’s become cowed and…”


“Started to become like Lindsay?” Cynthia suggests.


He shudders but nods. “And when she saw Gus, then said what she said and walked out, I was so impressed! Let’s test her and see what happens.”


“We need the NDA so watertight, not even a ghost could get through.” Cynthia adds and we all nod.


“I’ll call her and you call Debs.” I tell him.


“Why am I calling Debs? It’s an easy sell to her.” Emmett points out.


“Mel won’t believe you.” Ted explains gently. “Brian she will believe because…”


“He doesn’t lie.” Emmett smiles and picks up his phone to call Debs.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOME - SATURDAY AFTERNOON


ATTIC


BEN


“How the hell did you manage that?” I ask again as Justin looks like he wants to cry.


“It must have been this morning before I left. I locked up and got jerked back, but I just pulled hard and thought nothing of it. It wasn’t until I came in and found the other half…” He shows me the broken key. “...in the hallway that I went from room to room and of course it had to be.”


“Maybe between me and Mr Thatched we can bash the door in?”


“No! You can’t judge the force and you might hit my scope.” He almost screeches.


“Okay, let’s call Emmett. Maybe he has a spare key?” I suggest and he nods.


BLUE MOON [BRIAN AND GUS’S] HOUSE, SHADYSIDE - AN HOUR LATER


GARDEN


EMMETT


I have never had so much fun moving in my entire life. But right now all fun is done as we need to set the house perfectly. And I can’t do it perfectly with the Alpha Male of Perfection hovering over me! If he moves that cushion back one more time, I will wipe his face with Gus’s nappy!


“You’re beeping, go check your messages!” Carl orders as I almost stalk back inside, having stepped out to quell my tongue and then made the mistake of looking through the window!


“Good idea!” I snarl and walk to the other end of the garden with my phone clamped to my ear. “Hmmm. This could work.” I say to myself as I head back to the house and see him moving the rug. “No, this has to work!” Forty minutes later, I have the thing that can save our friendship in my hand and walk inside. And twenty minutes later, he and Gus are off down the street.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - 50 MINUTES LATER


JUSTIN


I keep looking at my watch and at the sky. “Hurry up!” I mutter to myself and then the door knocks and I almost cheer in relief but then I open the door. “Hi Shri...Michael! It’s a pleasure to meet you finally.”


“Nice to meet you too, James. I’d like to speak to Ben.”


“He’s not in…”


“Yeah I know, I saw him leave. But I was in the middle of bidding and now that I have finished, I thought I would come in and wait.”


“Come...uh no, sorry but I have a landlord’s visit and I…”


“Michael. It is Michael, isn’t it?” Mr Blue Door calls out and he turns around frowning.


“Yes and you are?”


“Your next door neighbour. Someone was trying to deliver a package and I think they are about to…”


“I’ll be right back!” He shouts at me and then dashes down the street back to his house. I step out onto the street and try not to laugh as he runs, actually runs, after the van as it starts to drive away screaming at the top of his lungs.


“Twenty bucks says that van comes back tomorrow.” Mr Blue Door says and I am about to shake his hand when someone clears their throat.


“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Justin. You’d lose.” I turn quickly and am faced with a smiling Brian. “He’s a very determined man when it comes to packages.”


“Damn, I almost had him!” Mr Blue Door laughs. “He’s right. He spends most of his time watching his front door! The drivers have taken to parking down the street so he doesn’t pounce on them before they have even opened the van door! I’ll see you at the block party. You and Ben are still coming, right?”


“Yeah, we are. Looking forward to it, see you.” I turn back to Brian. “And thank you, Brian. I now can spend my money on more important things like...oh!” I gasp as I see he has a buggy. “Oh, may I see?” He nods and I walk around. “Gus is going to be a heartbreaker! He is gorgeous. How old is he now?” I can’t help the grin as he counts on his fingers. “Just under two weeks.”  I supply.


“Yeah.” He laughs. “It was good to see you again. But I need to…”


“Come on in.” I grin at his confusion. “I’m the one that needs the key.”


“You?” He looks up to the sky. “Let’s get in quickly. First, judging by that face, Gus is going to object to something and secondly, it’s supposed to be perfect for seeing Pluto tonight.”


“I know! I am so excited! I haven’t seen it yet and...oh fuck quick, be quick!” I practically shove him and Gus up the path and he looks puzzled. “Shrillseeker!” I point in the direction of the rapidly approaching figure and Brian speeds up!


LOUNGE


BRIAN


I am hidden behind the shutters as I watch Justin briefly chat to Michael before setting off on his run. He looks pissed off and glowers as Justin heads down the street before staring hard at the house. I let out a breath as he finally turns and heads back towards his home and I hear Justin coming through the back door.


“Okay, can you..” We both freeze when the door knocks.


“Justin! Justin! It’s Ben! I left my phone and…”


“Ben! Hey, Ben!” We hear Michael shout from down the street. “Don’t move, I’ll be there in a minute!”


“Fuck! Justin, if you are in please open the door now!” He pleads.


“I can’t leave him out there!” Justin hisses. “What do I do?”


“Take him upstairs and make sure he doesn’t make a sound.” I hiss back, putting Gus into his arms. “How friendly are you and Ben?”


“Just friends.” He whispers back.


“That makes this easy.” I smirk and head to the front door and pull it open and then pull Ben into a tongue fucking kiss.


“Brian!” Michael shrieks from the bottom of the path. “What the hell are you doing?!”


I drape my arms over Ben’s shoulders and lick my lips. “What does it look like?” I nuzzle Ben’s ear and whisper. “Put your arms around me, will explain later!” I then run my fingers through my hair while looking into his confused face. “...I’m getting to know Ben a bit better. And I’d like to get back to that. It’s been a while.”


“But...I like Ben.” He pouts, but he’s smiling. “But if fucking Ben is what it takes to get you back to being the Stud and my best friend, you go ahead and then come to mine and tell me what it was like! Trust me, Ben. You’re going to enjoy it!”


We both watch aghast as he swaggers back down to his house as if he was the one doing the fucking and we quickly go inside.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - 5 MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


Wow he certainly hasn’t wasted any time! First, he dethrones the Stud and now he’s doing a Beefcake. Mind you, I would’ve liked to have gotten there first...and I was so close!


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


BRIAN


“If fucking Ben is what it takes...did I hear that right?” I look at the two of them and they nod their expressions filled with disgust and...something else.


“What a moron!” Justin explodes as quietly as he can as he’s holding Gus. “He’s basically given you permission to fuck and then has the temerity to...to...”


“He sounded like a pimp. The only difference is that he wanted a report instead of money!” Ben growls.


“You can’t let him get away with that!” Justin asserts. “You have to say something... you just have to! If you don’t, I will. Regardless of what your reputation is, he has no right to say that!”


“I can’t…” I grit out and they look at me in disbelief. “...I am too angry right now!”


“I’ll come with you and hold you back, but you must say something now!” Justin hands Gus to Ben, stalks to the door and pulls it open. “And you know you must!”


Swallowing down my rage, I nod and follow him out. I feel somewhat calmer as we walk down the path. I’m not sure if it’s because of Justin and Ben’s staunch defence or what, but I am calmer. I knock on the door and Michael takes a while to open and when he does he smiles but then frowns.


“Uh, that was quick and why is James here?”


“There was no quick and Justin is here to stop me from knocking you on your ass!” I snarl.


“What the hell are you thinking of hitting me for?”


“I am not a whore! And don’t ever talk about me or my sex life like I am! Come and tell me about it... who the fuck do you think are?! A male version of Heidi Fleiss?! You say shit like that about me or to me and I will knock you on your ass! Stay away from me, Michael! I mean it, Stay. The. Fuck. AWAY!”  


“Brian, what the hell is the matter…”


“Stay the fuck away!” I yell and much to my surprise Justin shoves him backwards and slams the door shut.


“Come on. You’ve said your piece so let’s go back.” Justin tugs on my hand and we head back to his house.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - 10 MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


BEN


Justin and I are watching Brian in the back garden while he’s slowly walking around. Gus is in his buggy sound asleep by the bay window. “Maybe one of us should go out there?” I suggest.


“I’ll go. It was me that got him to speak to him. It’s my fault.” Justin sighs.


GARDEN


JUSTIN


“Brian, I’m sorry.” I say quietly as I come up to him and he looks surprised. “I shouldn’t have made…”


“No, the only person at fault is M…”


“Don’t you dare say you! The person at fault is Michael! How dare he say such a...and you were going to say Michael, weren’t you?”


“Yeah.” He rubs his nose and sighs. “I should go back. He’s due a feed and I don’t have enough formula.”


“No, you can’t…”


“Why not?” He frowns.


“I want to see Pluto on the day your balls dropped!” I reply.


“My balls dropped?” He repeats.


“Yep, I think that smackdown was a long time in coming. And the key is still jammed in the attic…”


“Oh shit, of course!” He exclaims. “Right, let me go and have a look and…”


“I’ll go and get the formula!” Ben calls from the door. “I have to get some things anyway. So what does he have?”


ATTIC


Ten minutes later, Brian is doing something that I just know is not going to work. “Have faith. It will work and if it doesn’t you can come to ours. I’m sure I’m no longer banned from my own house!”


“Explain that comment and why you think that is going to work?”


“Emmett is setting up our new house in Shadyside and I was getting on his nerves. And this is industrial strength glue and it should be set by now and…” He carefully turns the lock and it opens. “...it works every time. You just have to make sure that the pieces are joined.”


“I can’t believe that worked.” I murmur. “So now what?”


“Take the key out and sling it. And remember to not leave it in the lock again. Why was it locked anyway since it’s the two of you? From what Ben’s said, he’s not an astronomy fan.”


“I’m not.” Ben laughs as he comes upstairs carrying Gus and the bottle. “But this is where he hides his candied pecan cookies, of which I am a huge fan, to stop me from demolishing them.”


“Candied pecan…” Brian pauses in feeding Gus and bats his eyes.


“I only have one jar left!” I protest.


“Which is full.” Ben points out and joins Brian in the batting.


“Oh for heaven sake!” I grumble and go to the cupboard. “Two each and that’s it!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE


MICHAEL


I am waiting for him to come around and apologise for humiliating and threatening me like that!


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE


LINDSAY


“You’re going to do what?” I look at Mel in confusion.


“I’m going to work for Brian on a pro bono basis. So that…”


“Oh Mel! I am sorry I ever doubted you!” I clap my hands together and then beam at her. “I knew you would find a way to get in and this is the way to do it. You had me so convinced that you meant what you said. Moving out was a master stroke. Did you think they were following you or something? Where are your cases and…”


“What are you talking about, Lindsay?”


“You offering your services to Kinnetic for free. You will gain Brian’s trust and…”


“I’m not working for Kinnetic; I’m going to be working with Emmett and Debs, who are going to be managing Liberty Avenue Estate Agents, as their legal representative.”


“Lib...what? What are you talking about?” I demand, impatiently. “You are talking gibberish.”


“I am not talking gibberish, nor was I acting or anything. I meant everything I said and I am not moving back. I am moving forward! Moving forward without you!”







https://tutti-dolci.com/2014/12/candied-pecan-cookies/

 

End Notes:

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Seeing Pluto and How He Found Out by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 7 - SEEING PLUTO AND HOW HE FOUND OUT


BLUE MOON HOUSE - JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT


ATTIC


BRIAN


“It looks like a truffle or a marbled egg. So beautiful.” I adjust my alignment slightly and wish Gus could appreciate it now. But as of this moment, he’s snuffling in his bassinet and rubbing his cute little button nose. I chuckle quietly as I put my camera up to get a picture for his album and wish that Justin was here to adjust the focus.


I break the pecan cookie in half again. We managed to persuade him to go up to four each, and he has promised to get the recipe off of his mom.


“Hey, Big Bad.” Emmett whispers, coming up with a steaming mug of something and a comforter. “Have to have hot milk with cookies and until we get a heater up here, you need this too. Now don’t stay up too late. I’m taking him down, okay?”


“Okay. Night, Emmy Lou.” He grins at me then gently carries Gus down. I switch the monitor on and curl up on the bay window sill. “A truffle. It definitely looks like a truffle.”



BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE


ATTIC


JUSTIN


“Oh, I could just eat that!” I sigh as I look at Pluto. “Great, now I’m hungry!” I reach for the jar of cookies. I can’t believe they used puppy eyes and Gus to get extra cookies. I reach for my phone and tuck the comforter round me, then put a reminder in to ask mom for more supplies. She keeps offering me the recipe, but that would be opening a whole can of cooking worms I don’t want!


MICHAEL’S COMIC BOOK STORE - TUESDAY MORNING


MICHAEL


Yet again, it is going to voicemail! I wait for it to kick in; “Brian, it’s Mikey. Look, about the weekend... we both said things we didn’t mean. I, personally, was joking. It was just that. A joke! I guess tiredness can be the reason for your sense of humour failure. Can you call me so we can both apologise and go back to where we were? We also need to talk about getting that person out after he virtually assaulted me. You have a duty of care as a landlord and my friend!”


CHANDERS RESIDENCE, WARRENDALE - THURSDAY MORNING


DAPHNE


She is painstakingly wrapping the baby clothes and has a silly smile on her face. “I know, I know.” She beams proudly at me. “Still can’t believe, you, my daughter did this for Cynthia and her friend. So proud of you.”


“Thanks, Mom. Now don’t start!” I warn her as her eyes start to fill with tears.


“Can I have one last look?” She looks appealingly at me.


“No Mom, you promised. Stop pushing.” I put my phone firmly away in my bag and hold it tightly.


“I do not push!” She pouts and then sniffs. “I guide firmly and gently in the direction I want the person to go.” She sighs. “It was worth a try. So are you all packed and ready for school? I still don’t see why you can’t stay here and continue your schooling.”


“Carnegie has more flexibility. Besides, I want to get away from here. It was driving me potty with all the touching and the patting and the won’t be long now comments! And this is as far as I can go without you putting on a GPS tag!”


“This is very true!” Dad laughs as he comes in with more clothes!


“Dad! Not you as well?!”


“Yes.” He replies simply and hands them to Mom. “You going to be okay? I mean, when you see him with Cynthia?”


“I will be just fine. I was prepared to give the baby away; I was just carrying because Cynthia can’t.”


“I couldn’t do it. I’m sorry. I know I upset you by asking if what she said how it works was true, but I had to check, you understand?”


“Yes Mom, I understand. It may be true in her world, as in that’s the way she would treat...”


“I was all set to slap the woman. The sheer brass effrontery of her!” Mom growls. “I mean, I’ve never personally had much time for the family Peterson, but the way she was talking about being a mother without all the pain, pushing and weight gain, I was so annoyed! She was talking like she was lady bountiful and the surrogate was made out to be something out of a Handmaid’s Tale. And of course, she knew everything about the incubator. She actually called this woman an incubator, who would be compensated, because nobody does it out of the goodness of their heart!  And when she said - she actually said - that she would be at the birth and be the first one to hold the child as she wanted an instant bond; oh, I was ready to tear her hair out!”


“Mom, you need to calm down. You are not driving me to the station in that mood!”


“Alright, alright. I am taking deep tantric breaths, in and out, in and out...see?”


“Dad, you drive.”


MICHAEL’S COMIC BOOK STORE - FRIDAY AFTERNOON


I am no longer amused! It has been almost a week since Brian blew up at me and still nothing! I am feeling a little hungry, so decide to go to the new Diner. It's not as garish as the one that Ma ran, thank God, and the food is better. As I walk down the street, I take in how much the place has changed in my absence. I don’t get the recognition that I used to as her son and his best friend, but I’m sure I will get that back in time.


I come to an astonished halt as I pass the diner and see Emmett and Ma inside. I rap on the window and roll my eyes back at Emmett, before he slowly, very slowly, comes to open the door.


“Yes?”


“What are you two doing in there?”


“None of your business.” He retorts and slams the door in my face before pulling down some new blinds.


I start to knock again and then decide to keep knocking, no matter how sore my knuckles get!


“Michael, what exactly are you doing?” Carl asks, making me jump.


“Waiting for Emmett or my Mother to open up.” I retort and am about to start knocking again.


“You’ll have to knock harder for them to hear you in Woody’s.” He smirks before heading in that direction. I quickly catch him, and fall into step. He says nothing. I sigh. Still nothing. I clear my throat. Nothing. “If you want to know something, then ask.”


“What’s going on with the diner?”


“Don’t know.” He replies and then turns down a street away from Woody’s.


“Where are you going? Woody’s is this way!” I point out.


“But I’m not going to Woody’s. Maybe see you later.” His laugh fades into the distance and I flick him the bird!


I stomp up to the Diner at Liberty and Barker and find it full. Not only full, but I find my new neighbours there. Ben and his rescuers! I decide to join them.


BEN


“So if we start it at…”


“Hi guys, what are you doing? Mind if I join you? Thanks.” He doesn’t wait for an answer before sitting down and moving the papers and then pauses as he looks at them. “Kinnetic Inc is throwing a block party, to welcome everyone to the gayborhood? Oh my God! I can’t believe he’s done this! I knew he wasn’t upset about that joke! He’s throwing a welcome back party for me!” He sits back and smiles. “I shall be suitably attired and surprised! See you guys later. I need to go shopping!”


After he leaves, we all look at each other. “He surely doesn’t…” I start to smile.


“No, he can’t.” Eli states firmly, “Of course not!”


The door opens again bringing in two men, one who sounds exasperated. “How delusional are you to think that someone, who doesn’t even like you would throw you a block party?!”


“Okay, he would.” Eli shakes his head in disbelief.

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thank you

The Small World is About to Tilt on its Axis by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 8 - THIS SMALL WORLD IS ABOUT TO TILT ON ITS AXIS


CYNTHIA’S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING


LOUNGE


CYNTHIA


“There is to be no swooning!” I remind her.


“I do not swoon!” Daphne pouts.


“You wanted me to get him to do an audiobook of 50 Shades of Grey! And you described the book as unmitigated claptrap that a nun wouldn’t get off on.” I watch her try to keep the smile off her face as she reaches for the wine. “Do I have your word?”


“Okay, I will not swoon.” She promises.


“Or do anything that could be described as swooning by any other word or action?”


“Yeah that too. Jeez, Cyn just show me the picture already?!”


I turn my phone around and although they have spoken lots of times, they have never met each other. When she went into labour, I was there as her birthing partner. Brian stayed at the head end and by the time he came back, she was in the mother and baby unit sleeping. And stuck to her resolve to not touch the baby once.


“He’s alright, I suppose.” She says, having been staring for the last two minutes...staring and drooling. “So when’s he coming around?”


“He’s not. We’re meeting him... well them, on Saturday.” I look at the box at her feet. “So I can’t…”


“No, you can’t! You have to open them with him. Mom insisted!” She laughs and then sobers slightly. “She wanted to slap her and pull her hair out. Lindsay, I mean and she doesn’t know.”


“Oh I’ve been wanting to do that for years! And what doesn’t she know?”


“That the incubator Lindsay was talking about is me.” She smirks.


“Are you going to tell her?” I plead and bat my eyes.


“Of course, I’m going to tell her. It’s all about the timing though!” She cackles. “Now tomorrow, I have to go and see my friend and then sort out CG.”


“Who’s that? You’ve not told me about him or is it a her?”


“Him. We haven’t seen in each other in years, but always kept in touch. Such an absolute sweetheart. Lovely guy, but cross him at your peril. Looks like an angel, but behaves like the devil when pissed!”


“Single?” I ask hopefully and she nods, but she’s got that glint. “Gay?”


“Very much so. But was able to help a gal out when she needed something dispensed with.”


“Dispensed wi...you’re kidding me!” I squeal, reaching for the bottle to top up her glass and curling my feet under me. “And…”


“Sitting will be a problem for anyone that gets him when he gets, how can I put it, enthusiastic.”


“More details, woman!” I demand.


“Well, he may be short in stature but he’s tall where he needs to be. Oh and there is one other thing: I taught him everything he knows about how to blow.”


I splutter into my drink. “I don’t quite...”


“Why do you think he reciprocated by plucking my cherry? I made him a very popular guy!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - FRIDAY MID-AFTERNOON


BEDROOM


MICHAEL


I have shopped my heart out and have three choices of outfits. I have settled on a combination of hi-lo fashion. I treated myself to some Prada jeans and boots, a leather jacket and, I couldn't believe my luck when I found a vintage Captain Astro tee-shirt. I remember something that Brian told me about his pricy shoes and that’s to wear them in immediately. I take off my shoes and socks and slip them on. After five minutes, I am wincing but you have to suffer for beauty.


BLOCK PARTY PREPARATION - SATURDAY MORNING


EMMETT


I look down the street and smile. Every single house for these three blocks is owned by Kinnetic Inc. We will close the top and bottom roads later this afternoon, so that people can wander around safely.


“Ems! Ems!” Debs calls out as she come bustling down the street, pushing Gus in his stroller. “I finally wrested him from his father!” She grins proudly.


“What did you threaten to chop off?” I raise an eyebrow.


“His hair.” She snickers.


“Oh lord!” I giggle. “Okay, let’s get inside the warm and plan!”


“Inside? What do you mean inside?” She frowns.


“Hey, Emmett!” I turn and grin as Ben and Justin come jogging towards us.


“Wow and who?!” Debs whisper demands.


“Ben, built beefcake and Justin, juicy jigglebutt. Friends only. Plot 625. Be subtle!”


“Hi, you gorgeous pair. Are you still coming this evening?” I ask.


“Yeah, and we need to speak to you about that. On Thursday, Michael helped himself to a seat at our table and saw the papers for this evening.”


“So that was inevitable and there…”


“He thinks he’s throwing the party for him.” Justin finishes.


“For as in for?” Debs demands. “Sorry, I’m Debbie. Debbie Novotny, the idiot’s mother. He gets his brains from his father’s side! Told him that amount of hairspray could not be good!”


“Yeah as in a welcome home party. Justin.” Justin puts his hand out.


“Such a gentleman.” Debs takes his hand and kisses the back of it much to his surprise.


“Now, who might you be?” She turns to Ben.


“Ben.” He waves his hand in front of her face with a mischievous smile and she bestows a kiss.


“Mind if I have a cuddle?” Ben asks and her eyes widen. “With Gus, I mean. He’s the sweetest thing.”


“How do you know Gus?” She asks.


“Brian and he kissed.” Justin explains.


“He did what?!” We both gasp.


“Come on, let’s explain indoors.” Ben chuckles.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - 20 MINUTES LATER


KITCHEN


DEBS


I take a sip of my coffee and take a slow, angry breath. “So he basically called Brian a whore?”


“Pretty much.” Ben sighs.


“Ooh, I just want to…”


“Ems, please. Let’s think about this. Brian hasn’t said anything to me, which means he’s severely pissed.”


“He did tell him to stay the fuck away from him. Fudge, I mean fudge!” Justin corrects hastily.


“You are a sweetie. I think it is time for a smackdown, but it’s a matter of how to give it. This will need some thought.”


“Oh what time is your friend coming?” Ben turns to Justin.


“In a couple of hours.” He grins. “I haven’t seen her in a while, and she said she’s got so much to tell me. And to bring me.”


“Bring you?” Ben frowns.


“Yes, a special something that comes in jar. In fact, three special somethings that come in a jar. From my Mom.”


“The cookies? She’s sending your friend with cookies?!” Ben’s eyes light up.


“Yep!”


“Oh my goodness!” Ems suddenly gasps. “I think we have our smackdown!”


“We do? What is it?” I ask eagerly.


“The new Stud…” He starts to go a bit pink. “...I, um, well we exchanged numbers and, well we’ve both been busy and…”


“Ems, I get that you like him, but how does he fit into this?!” I demand impatiently.


“I invited him and he’s said yes.”


“Not quite following.”


“Well, as you know, I am the doyenne of discretion when it comes to all things Kinney. But I also keep my ear to the ground when it comes to all things Michael. Well it seems that the night myself and the new Stud met, he was in Woody’s watching the interplay between Brian and Dr Stud with rather keen interest. That, coupled with what you guys have told us, has given me an idea.”


“Which is?”


“Have Dr Stud come here and make a play for Brian. He thinks that they’ve already done something, so how do you think his world will implode if he thinks they’ve are planning to do it…”


“Again? Oh Ems, you are wicked!” I chuckle. “Wait a second. You said earlier that you wanted to go into the warm. Where is the warm?”


“Oh, two places, the loft apartments down the street. They’ve finally finished modelling them. And I am now allowed to show the grandmother what we have to offer in the style of loft apartments. And the second place is Plot 718, which is the new house for Gus’s Bumpy Momma.”


“Bumpy Momma?” Justin looks adorably confused.


“Yes. Gus was carried by a surrogate and Brian’s now hiring her to look after Gus while she studies medicine.” He grins down at a sleeping Gus. “But now we have to go back because we all have to look gorgeous!”


“Do you need any help with anything?” Ben asks.


“Yeah, you two just need to turn up and we’re good!” I laugh as Ems and I start to head back to the Blue Moon House.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - 40 MINUTES LATER


EMS


I watch my darling Debs bustle around the kitchen, making sure everything is perfect for Daddy Stud’s return. But I know that brand of bustling; she’s more upset that she’s let on.


“Debs, you okay?” I ask.


“He called him a whore. My son called him a whore.” She sniffs.


“Aww come here. Let Ems make it all better.”


I rub her back as she sobs and vow to make Michael suffer a world, no a universe, of pain!


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - EARLY AFTERNOON


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


Contemptible! That’s what she is! Utterly contemptible! I have given her 10 years of my life and what did she do? She reduces it to hers and mine. I had no idea how anal for a lesbian she is! She kept a receipt for everything. Everything! Now I have to find furniture for the cottage after she came and collected her stuff. Me pointing out that I picked some of the items fell on deaf ears, as she could prove that she paid for them. And with Ted to witness my humiliation, the only saving grace was that it wasn’t Emmett, too. Oh, how he would’ve had a field day! So here I am, standing in the cottage looking like I am about to view the property, not like I have lived here for four years! The good thing through all of this is that I have still got the lounge and a bed, but as I look around my lounge, I grimace. Ted’s parting comment that its new style is called ramshackled chic so irked me. But with the starkness of nothingness in the other rooms, it does look a little glaring…



I have to do something and I know just the person to help me make this place better than it ever was! He must have cooled off by now. I still can’t believe he came up with the name of Gus just like that. I was going to call our son that and if the baby was a girl, she would have been called Lysette Brianna. I drum my fingers on my almost bare counter, waiting for the call to connect to Brian, but it goes to voicemail...again!


MEL’S COTTAGE - SAME TIME


TED


It’s official! I like this Mel! I was as surprised as anyone else when she walked out of Britin, wondering what grand scheme they had cooked up this time. But when she moved back into her old place, I began to think she was serious about leaving Lindsay. And now she’s taken all her stuff back, I know she is! Lindsay’s face when we turned up with the removal van was a picture. She kept leaping from piece to piece, trying to stop us from taking it but she had been told we were coming. As per usual, she didn’t think that anyone would follow through with threats unless it was her!


“Okay, I think we should move this sofa to there. You ready?” She nods. “Okay, lift... with your legs Mel, not your back!” I order and wait for her to adjust. “We take it to the middle here and we’re done!”


“Oh wow! It looks…” She smiles. “...like my home. Mine.”



BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING


LOUNGE


JUSTIN


She looks incredible. Absolutely incredible! And of course, Ben is in love with her, cookies notwithstanding.


“Are you absolutely sure I can stay in the attic? I know how precious you are about your scope!” She laughs, stretching out on the sofa. “Oh, it is so good to drink again! Nine months dry was not pretty. But my skin does looks great and my kidneys love me!”


“I still can’t believe you did that, but then I can believe it.” I squeeze her arm. “And yes to the attic. My landlord is coming over to help me move it without ruining the alignment.”


“And that sounds like him now.” Ben smiles as he goes to answer the door. He told her about the kiss that they shared in intricate detail, which I am absolutely fine with!


“Hey Brian, Gus and friend! Come in, come in!”


“Brian and Gus?” She asks. “Who’s Gus and is he available?”


“Yes, but he won’t be legal for another 17 years. He’s his son.” I grin at my dearest friend.


“Guys, this is Cynthia. She’s Gus’s mother. Cynthia, this is my friend Justin and his friend, Daphne.” Ben does the introductions and then we both notice the incredulous looks on the other people’s faces.


“What’s going on?” I demand.


“She’s my cousin and I carried Gus.” Daphne comes out of her shock.


“What?!” I gasp.


“And you and I, sir…” She turns to Brian with a mischievous smile. “...need to have a little talk.”


“What about?” He smiles.


“Metaphorically fucking the putrid pussy of one, Lindsay Peterson, with a rusty chainsaw.”


“Anything else?” Cynthia asks and I start to wonder why they are both looking at me like they are.

 

“Oh yes, my darling Cyn. We will certainly be talking about that!” She chuckles.

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

2 Types of Block and 1 Type of Ball: Party, Cock and Black by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 9 - 2 TYPES OF BLOCK AND 1 TYPE OF BALL: PARTY, COCK AND BLACK


BRIAN


“Okay, we will chat, but before that, let’s get Bumpy Momma to have a hold. Please, you did such a great thing.”


“Bumpy Momma?” Daph lights up as she takes Gus gently out of the buggy. “Oh god, you two make gorgeous babies!” She sighs before sitting down with him. “Now you two need to take that box and open it together. It’s from my folks.”


“Finally!” Cynthia cries then snatches it from the floor and starts to tear it open. She looks up at the silence. “I’m an only child!” She snickers and then she sighs as she pulls out a vintage pair of dungarees. “Your mom and her investment pieces.” She sniffs and then wipes away a tear. “I can’t wait for him to grow into this!”


I think she’s being over emotional until she hands them to me. I look at the dungarees and then at Gus and it hits me. He’s going to grow into these! “Don’t take out anything else Cyn…” My voice sounding thick even to me. “...I think Debs will want to be there when we look at the rest. Oh, she wants to meet you as well, Daphne.”


“Fine with me. Now Ben, be a doll and take that box away from my cousin. Like she said, she’s an only child…”


“So how have you been, Justin? It’s been a long time since I saw you last.” Cyn smiles across at him.


“Fine thanks, Cynthia. What a small world.” He replies and then looks across at me. “Can we get the scope moved? Then I can make up the bed for her.”


“Sure, no problem.” I reply and follow him up the stairs. I must have radiated curiosity because as we got to door, he just stopped and looked at me with one eyebrow raised. “Okay, how do you know Cyn?”


“I am from the same societal set as she is... well my folks are. I moved out as soon as I could!”


“Oh, I see.” I smirk as I notice he hasn’t left the key in the lock. “You’ve either finished them or moved them, which is it?”


“Er what are you talking about?” He frowns.


“The cookies. No key and the door’s unlocked so…”


“Oh, that reminds me! One sec!” He brushes past me and then leans over the bannister. I try, and fail, not to look! “Daph! Where’s the other jar?”


“Brown duffel bag!” She yells back up.


He grabs the bag and pulls out a jar of cookies. “That should last you at least a…” He looks me up and down. “...month? Yeah, a month. I should imagine you’re the type who, even when he treated himself to one, would break them in half?” I grin and nod, then almost snatch the jar out of his hands. “Thought so. Okay, let’s get this moved to my room for now.”


We pick up the scope and slowly shuffle to his room and I am astonished by it. “I have to say he’s got an excellent eye does Emmett.”



“He does. Ben and I were fighting over it. In the end, I won the toss off so I was very happy indeed.”


“Most men are happy when they toss off.” I demur. “And you said you two were just good friends.”


“Just good..? Coin toss, I meant!” He blusters. “Come on, and just for that, you get to help me make up the bed and I like hospital corners!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I am soaking my feet in some water. I have at least four blisters and the tops of my toes are throbbing. I called Ma, because Brian is still pretending to be mad, and asked her about the shoes. She said that I should perhaps try cutting the claws I call toenails! I peer out the window when I hear the sounds of a vehicle reversing and gasp. He’s gone all out! I can see fairy lights, fake grass and the smells are incredible. I still can’t believe he’s done this!


I quickly dry my feet and try the shoes on again, but it’s no good. I can’t wear them! I check them carefully for signs of wear and can’t see any, so put them back in the box to take them back on Monday. I limp upstairs to finish getting ready.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - 45 MINUTES LATER


BEN


“No. I’ll get it.” I order Daph and Cyn then head to the front door and pull it open.


“Hey, you gorgeous thing!” Emmett trills and sweeps in kissing me on the cheek and I look behind him. “She’s on check duty. I may like perfect, but when it comes to Big Bad, she takes it to another level!” He laughingly calls over his shoulder as he heads to the lounge.


“Hey Cyn and who is this gorgeous thing?” He demands on seeing Daph. “Wait? No, you’re Bumpy Momma?!” He gasps.


“Also known as Daph, my cousin.” Cyn chuckles.


“Cousin? Oh, she is going to spit shit when she hears this. I, my darling, am Emmett and if Cyn hasn’t told you anything about me, I shall sulk!”


“Oh she has told me lots, which is why you need to be there for the slappabitch beatdown of the century.”


“Ooh, Lindsay gets hers! When? And who by?” He asks, reaching for Gus and she hands him over.


“Whenever she feels like it. Though, I suspect it will be quick. My mom is not going to be too happy when I tell her that the person she described as an incubator was me.” Daph replies and Emmett freezes. “Inhale Gus goodness. Inhale Gus goodness.” She orders sternly.


It takes a while, but he does start to relax. “Incubator? Incubator? Really?”


“Here Ems.” I pour him a generous glass of wine and swap that for Gus.


“Mmm, thank you.” He sighs, having inhaled half the glass. “Oh, that’s better. Wait, where is Big Bad and the Jiggle?”


“Big Bad and the what?” I laugh.


“Oh, that’s what I call Justin. Jigglebutt. Have you seen that thang?!” He grins and then grabs his phone as it beeps. “He’s here!”


“Who’s here?” Daph frowns.


“Oh someone catch her up, while I go get my date-bait!” Ems coos. “Won’t be long!”


MONTY AND ELI’S HOUSE


ELI


“Have you seen outside, sweetie?” I call over my shoulder and then sigh happily as his strong arms wrap around me. “I am so glad we moved here.”


“Mmm me too. Though, I think we could all do without Mr Red Brick!”


“Perhaps we could start a petition?”


“Don’t tempt me! You know what I am like when I get on one of my causes!” He nips my ear. “I think we should start the klaxon, don’t you?”


BLOCK PARTY - AN HOUR IN


DEBS


I look down the street and feel such fucking pride for my boy! He has done this! He could’ve done anything else. I watch people start to come out of their homes and just stare. “It’s beautiful, just beautiful.” I hear someone say as they walk passed.


“Honey, we have got to ask them where they’ve gotten the cushions from.”



“No need!” I call out after them. “You get to take a set home with you each. A welcome to the gayborhood present!”


“Really?!” He gasps, reaching for it but stops after being slapped on the hand by his partner. “Oh, right, after the party!”


“Ma! Ma!” I hear the interminable yelling of my other son. “Hey guys! Welcome to the neighbourhood!” He calls out, waving to people as he passes and completely oblivious to the fact that nobody is reciprocating either words or gestures.


“Why are you limping?” I ask for want of a better conversational starting point.


“My shoes were hurting.” He explains, looking around. “I still…”


“You aren’t wearing shoes! And for the last fucking time, is a block party, not a Let’s Welcome Home My Pimp party!”


“Welcome Home My...oh, for goodness sake! This is all part of the ruse, don’t you see that?”


“No, I don’t see that!” I snarl and am about to rip into him when a little girl comes skipping up to us. “Hey sweetie, are you okay? You lost?”


“No. My daddy is over there. But he said that you said we can take a set of cushions home each is that true?”


“Yes.” I reply. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Michael start to walk down the line of cushions, peering at them intently. I then gape as he picks up two extra large ones and starts to limp back to his house. “One second, sweetie.” I easily catch him up. “What the hell are you doing?!”


“Taking the cushions.” He replies as if it makes perfect sense to take the cushions before even the drinks has been served.


“Put them back right now, asshole!” I snarl and he, for the first time, flinches.


“Why are you calling me an asshole? That’s Brian’s nom de plume.” He asserts with a smile. When I do not smile back, his drops off his face.


“You want everything that Brian has? Well congratulations, the asshole crown is all yours! Now give me them and go circulate amongst your many friends in the neighbourhood. Or simply put, go look in a mirror and talk to yourself!”


MICHAEL


I give up the cushions, after all I can always get them later. Then watch her storm off. I look around and spot the rescuers for Ben and head in that direction. But before I have even gotten three steps, I hear my name being called. It’s Ted so I wait for him to catch up.


“Yes?” I ask coolly.


He pulls out a piece of paper. “What is this?” He hands it to me and I look at it briefly.


“What does it look like?” I retort.


“You tell me and more importantly why you emailed it to Brian?”


“It’s a list of stock I want to purchase, and as he has done for me over the last two years. I want Brian to buy them now that we’re back and…”


“But you agreed during our last conversation that if you wanted anything else from that point onwards, you would use your own resources for it. You signed the document stating that fact a couple of days later.”


“What? No. I’m not using my own resources! My resources are exactly that! Mine! And…”


“Brian’s are his. As per the contract, he has absolved and dissolved all monetary ties to you, for you and with you, forthwith. Which is why we got your agreement to it in writing so you couldn’t conveniently say that you misheard.”


“Ted, this is not the time or the place for this conversation! Let’s talk tomorrow....”


“There is nothing further to talk about. You want it, you buy it!” He snaps and then walks off.


I watch him walk towards Ben’s house and then stare incredulously as not only does Ben look hot, but Brian is coming out too. I walk up as fast as I can and then screech to halt as the wannabe Stud saunters across the street and they embrace!


“What the hell is going on?!” I demand, stalking up to the pair of them. “Why are you hugging him?!”


“That’s what you do with friends; you hug them hello. It’s an experience you are not going to have from anybody anytime soon!” Emmett retorts.


“Friends? You two?” I scoff, glaring at the pair of them. “That must have been one hell of a fuck...what the hell?!” I yelp as a hand cracks across my face, causing my ear to ring and eyes to water. I look around and then glare at woman, staring at her hand. “What the fuck…”


“Got it! Look at that!” She crows and then pauses. “Oh! Sorry but that would have hurt more than the slap if it had bitten you! May I have a napkin, please?” She calls out to a waiter.


She wipes her hand and then holds it out to me. I just stare at her until she retracts it. “Look I’m a pre-med student studying tropical medicines. If that Junebug had bit you, you would be on your way to A&E!”


“This is where you say thank you and introduce yourself.” Ted growls.


“You didn’t have to slap me so hard. I’m Michael.” I retort and then notice that Brian, Ben and Brandon have gone. “Where’s Brian?”


“Why would the location of your former friend be any of your concern?” Emmett snarks and then I watch in disbelief as the wannabe Stud comes back with a Cosmo for him and then wraps his arms around him!


“What is going on with you two?”


“I am not your friend, therefore, what I do and who I do it with concerns you how?” Emmett sneers. “Now come Dr Stud, I have some sights you need to see.”


“What’s this Dr Stud shit?!” I turn to Daphne and Ted.


“He’s a Dr and a Stud, so I guess Emmett amalgamated the two. Now, excuse me. I need to be with a guy with a lot more charisma, manners and gratitude!” Ted gives me a filthy look and leaves me with Daphne.


“So, how do you know everyone?” She asks.


“I’m Brian’s best friend and have been for years. He bought me that house down there. Why are you frowning?”


“In the past year that I have known him, he’s never mentioned a Michael.” She replies. “And as for you mentioning being his best friend, this is not what I have heard. I have heard that this much vaunted position belongs to a trifecta of people, Emmett, Ted and Cynthia. You weren’t mentioned at all. He did mention a Mikey, who he regarded as a contagion or was it scourge? I can’t quite remember, but he was definitely a miscreant not worthy of the shit on his shoes. But that’s totally not you, right?”


BRIAN


I know WASPs but I don’t know about BAPs… Justin explained that this means Black American Princess, who are apparently much worse than WASPs as they can mix and match the insults, with much more finesse. Judging by the expression on Michael’s face, that’s exactly what Daphne is doing.


“Big Bad, you need to make the block party opening speech.” Ems comes over and Justin and I pretend not to notice that Brandon’s watched him walk over. I nod and take a quick look at Cyn, who’s got Gus and is being billed and cooed over. She’s not fooling anyone with that expression, she’s loving every second.


I head to the microphone and tap it for silence.


MICHAEL


I look around and can’t help but feeling self-satisfied at this. This is what it is, no matter what some jealous folk want to say! I turn to Daphne and she smiles at me. “This party is for me. All of this is for me! We’ve been away for 2 years and this is my welcome…”


“Good evening, all. I hope you have enjoyed the evening thus far. I’m Brian, the former Stud of Liberty Avenue, whether I become the Stud of Shadyside that remains to be seen. But the one thing I most definitely am is your benevolent landlord. Well until you fu...annoy me by moaning that your chintz doesn’t match your plaid. Not my problem! Be late with your rent and then I become your problem. So this block party is to celebrate the first all gay enclave in Pittsburgh. As well as that, I am delighted to say that on Liberty Avenue, I will be opening Kinnetic Estates, which will primarily focus on gay tenants. This will be managed by Emmett Honeycutt, who most of you know and Debbie Horvath, who most of you will get to know whether you like it or not! There will also be a legal advisory service, which will be headed by Melanie Marcus on a pro-bono basis. But all of this guff will be in your newsletter. So fu...go forth and enjoy! Thank you.”


He steps away from the mike and then grabs his champagne back from Emmett...and that’s it. That’s it! Daphne taps me on my arm and I turn to her. “I didn’t hear your name mentioned. Are you known as something else by him?”


“No. Excuse me a minute.” I mutter and head towards where Brian is talking to his dragon lady. “Brian, can I have a word with you?”


“No.” He says over his shoulder without even turning around.


“Brian…” I tap him on his shoulder and he turns around. “...I think this ruse has gone long far enough. I was a bit embarrassed, having told my neighbours that this party was a welcome...what are you looking at me like that for?”


“How is this away?” He retorts and then sighs. “I regret it now.” I smile as I knew he would eventually. “But there is nothing I want to do, because as I said, it is not worth the money buying the house from you. So I suggest you learn to behave because there is a Greenfield Gayborhood Committee, who are very gung-ho on nuisance neighbours, of which you are a prime example. While I don’t want to buy your house from you, if you plague them as you are plaguing me, I will advise all the residents here to exercise the option in their tenancy to remove any resident from their property, whether owned by them or not. Like I said, behave and you can start doing that by walking away!”


I am about to say something when Carl comes over and takes Gus away from Brian. “Debs and I are going to take this little one home. You enjoy the rest of your evening. Michael, go home while you still have a home to go to.”


“Carl...” I begin snidely as I have never liked the man, but then I pause because it is completely quiet. And everyone is looking at me. “...I will go home now because I am choosing to. Don’t stay out too late or be too loud everyone. I would hate to have to call the police for noise pollution.”


“You’re the only pollutant round here!” Carl snaps over his shoulder as he pushes Gus away and he gets claps on the back as he passes. Then he pauses and turns back. “Don’t even think of taking the cushions. You’ve taken more than enough!”


I turn swiftly on my heel and limp home as fast as I can, vowing to do two things: read the document that Ted was talking about and try and get a copy of a tenant’s agreement. What Brian said can’t be legal or fair! It is entirely quiet as I walk back home, but the moment I shut the front door, the music starts up again...fuckers! Absolute fuckers!


DAPHNE - NEARLY MIDNIGHT


“Hey cuz, you know what we should do?”


“Wazzat?!” She hiccups, now having been relieved of Momma duty, she has followed one waiter around like a gin-seeking-missile.


“Cheer up, Daddy Stud. I think some JB would be perfect.”


“JB? Yes he likes Beam, but I think he’s easing off because of Gush...I mean Gus.”


“No, twit! Jeez, give me that!” I take the gin and swap it for a glass of water. “Drink this and focus!” She dutifully drinks and then blinks at me as if trying to convince me that she’s not as pissed as a newt! “Oh never mind... have more gin, I’ll do it myself!”


I look around and find just the person I am looking for and make my way over. “Ben, where’s JB?”


“I, uh, don’t think the waiters have it out. I think you can get a glass from the bar.” He tells me and I growl with irritation. “Oh! That JB! He snuck back into the house to check the sky. Apparently it’s supposed to be the perfect cloudy and starry moon tonight.”


“Thank you, darling!” I give him a kiss on the cheek and go find my absent friend.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE


JUSTIN’S ROOM


DAPHNE


I sigh at what he’s doing but drool at the sight that greets me. He does have a fantastic ass, which most women would kill for! “What on earth are you doing in here?” I demand. “You could and should be outside, shaking your groove thang. They are laying down some serious toonage. I know how much you love to dance!” I point out.


“I will. I just want to get this right.” He looks sheepish and turns back to the scope. “I, once again, jolted the damn thing!”


“I thought you had…” Brian drawls from the door before he strides in, waving him away as he approaches. “Let me see here. Care to get in front so I can reciprocate the roof focus?”


“Roof focus?” I repeat and then gasp. “This? This is the guy you saved?”


“Yes.” He replies distractedly as he gets between Brian and the scope. “Shall we?”


“Oh yeah.” He replies huskily and I decide that they do not need my help.


BRIAN


“Where do you want it pointed?” I know I shouldn’t tease him, but after the toss off comment earlier, he’s fair game.


“Just above the clouds right about…” He looks out of the window and then goes still. “...you don’t need the telescope. Look at that; Brian, look at it!” He tugs my hand for emphasis and I look up from aligning.



“Christ, that’s incredible.” I murmur.


“Isn’t it?” He replies and squirms from in front of me to lean out of the window and pulls out his phone. “Can you?” He hands it back to me and I almost drop it as it is so warm from where it has been in his back pocket.


“Hot.” I whisper.


“So are you.” He grins over his shoulder then turns to face me. “Brian, take the picture and then kiss me.” I am so thrown by his assertiveness that I freeze and he takes that time to pull me gently towards him. “Take the picture. And then kiss me.” He repeats.


While I take the picture, I recover some equilibrium. Putting the phone down on the bedside table, I put my hands in his hair and pull him to stand up on his tiptoes. “I was actually talking about the warmth of your phone.” He gapes at me and goes to speak so I take that opportunity to kiss him as he ordered!


The only sound that can be heard is our breathing and then my groan as he pulls me closer to him. Oh no, little boy. I may be thoroughly enjoying myself and The Stud may have retired, but he does not get pulled about! I lift my head a fraction and he bleats a soft protest. “Bossy boots.” I murmur against his lips. “Stop pulling. Okay?” He nods and stands up higher on his tiptoes. “Well, since you asked so very nicely...”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Meet the Teacher...and Being Schooled in the Art of Manners and Honesty by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 10 - MEET THE TEACHER...AND BEING SCHOOLED IN THE ART OF MANNERS AND HONESTY


BRIAN


I start to walk backwards and after a tiny bit of resistance, he allows himself to be led to the bed. Not once did I take my mouth off his. I lie down and spread my legs and he settles between them, but breaks the kiss. We just stare at each other. “You okay?” He nods but doesn’t move. “Are we stopping here?”


He sighs. “I think we should. You are a fantastic kisser, by the way.”


“Thanks. As are you, though a little bossy.” I tease him and then I see it a little flicker.


“I am not bossy. I just know what I want and try to get it.”


“You’re right, you’re not bossy.” I smile at him and am relieved when he smiles back. With a swat to his ass, he gets up and looks up again at the sky. I sit up on my elbows and watch him carefully. He has absolutely no idea that he’s not a bully...he’s something much more interesting!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


BEDROOM


MICHAEL


The music is down to a low roar and I look across at the clock. It is 3.00am... well that’s too late for me! The fact I have been watching a Flash Gordon marathon means nothing; I am tired now! I reach across for my phone and dial the police. “Yes, I wonder if you can. I live on Greenfield Boulevard and there is a noisy block party that has been raging since 9.00pm and I want someone to come here and shut it down.” I look out the window and then frown. My end of the street has been cleared. There is no sign of a party. “Um, could I call you back please? Thank you.”


I pull on my clothes and wince as my trainers rub my sore feet. I can’t wait for these fucking blisters to heal! I step outside and look up the street. Everything is down the other end. No wonder it was so quiet. I walk up the street to see what the hell is going on. I can see braziers flickering and people huddled around them. I don’t want them to think that I am spying, even if I am. So I keep to the shadows and then the smell hits me. Hot chocolate and brownies! I scan the area to try and locate Brian, but I can’t see him. So I take a chance and head to the nearest table where I can see a tray of goodies. Just as I am about to reach for it, there is the unmistakable sound of a siren. I shrink back against the house with a smirk. Party time is over people!


As the cars pull up the music shuts down and there’s mutterings of annoyance. Good... now they know how I felt!


“Good eve...oh morning officer, is there a problem?” Emmett asks.


“We’ve had a noise complaint and…” The officer begins, but Emmett holds up his hand and then gives him a piece of paper. He takes it, reads it and then nods. “Sorry to have disturbed you. Enjoy the rest of the party.”


“No problem, officer. Oh do you and your colleagues want to take some brownies with you and maybe have a mug of hot chocolate?” Emmett simpers as he always does!


“No that’s…”


“You speak for yourself!” One of his colleagues shouts and swiftly approaches. Soon they are all loaded up with brownies. “What was the piece of paper?”


That’s what I’d like to know!


“License for the party, up to 5.00am.”


“Oh so why was a call made to complain then?”


“A comp...was it a man and from around here?” Emmett asks, rolling his eyes and the cop checks his notes and nods. “No prizes, people! He was thrown out of the party early, so most probably had another brat-attack and…”


“Where did you get those cushions from?” The lead cop asks. “My wife is looking for something similar…”


“Oh take them. They were going to be given to the complainer, but you are much more worthy recipients.”


“Are you kidding? I can seriously take them?” He asks, reaching for them already and I want to scream that they are mine!


I decide to go home and keep in the shadows. I am almost there when I hear a massive shout of “Good morning, Mr Red Brick!” I stop briefly before storming back inside.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - SUNDAY LATE AFTERNOON


JUSTIN’S BEDROOM


DAPHNE


“So what’s the problem? You kissed with consent, right?”


“Yes but there was something different about it. There was…”


“No tongue, no noise?” I can’t believe that.


“Definitely tongue, definitely noise and we lay down…”


“And?”


“I stopped.”


“Stopped and how did he feel about that?” I frown


“He was fine. We both complimented each other on the kissing technique, but that was it.”


“What do you mean that was it? No numbers exchanged? Actually he knows where you live, so that’s moot but did you arrange to meet up afterwards?”


“No, we both went back to the party and he went home about 2.00am.” He sighs. “But it was the way he looked at me after I stopped the kiss... he called me Bossy Boots and then he looked at me as if he knew something that I didn’t.”


I shrug and say nothing further...he’s not the only one that knows something that you don’t Justin!


BLUE MOON HOUSE - SAME TIME


LOUNGE


DEBS


I look at Gus’s parents in disgust! “You two should be ashamed, completely ashamed of yourselves!” I lecture while trying not to smile. Cyn is lying on the sofa looking green and although Brian is not looking green, he is looking a tiny bit jaded!


“If you’re not really mad, could you stop?” He grumbles and then opens one eye. “And you’re not, so stop it and give me my son.”


“Here, daddy. Now, I am going to cook some breakfast and you will eat. Cyn same goes for you, too! So did we miss anything when we came back here with this little bundle?”


“I was back by 2.00am. Spent most of the time drinking and sky watching. For any gossip, you would have to ask Emmett.” He replies tiredly.


“Or Daph.” Cyn croaks. “Did she manage to get you the Beam? She was determined to find some for you.”


“Nope. Oh where’s the box, Cyn?”


“Box? Oh hang on, sitting up takes time.” She groans and like a frigate slowly turning, she sits up and then swings her legs down, wobbles to the hallway and then comes back in with a large box. “From Daph’s folks. I opened it but we only looked at one piece.” She hands it to me and sits gingerly back down.


I pull it open and almost burst into tears when I see the dungarees. “Where did she get this from and does it come in an adult size? Look, it has almost all of the Pride colours!”



“Still can’t believe that this little grub is going to grow into this.” Brian sighs happily. “So what else is in there?”


For the next hour, we laugh and argue over what he’s going to be wearing for the next week. Only Big Bad could have a week’s worth of clothes prepared for his little grub!


CARNEGIE MELLON - TUESDAY AFTERNOON


BUHL PLANETARIUM


JUSTIN


So it’s the first day of school and I am nervous as fuck! I look around as they file in and start to check my register. I smile because it’s a good mix of ages.


“Can we sit anywhere?” A voice asks and I nod.  


“Okay, class my name is…” I am about to say, when the door is opened again and Brian walks in! I quickly look at my list and can’t believe I missed that!  


“Sorry…” He looks as stunned as I feel. “...uh I had to sort out my baby son. He wasn’t well.”


I nod. “That’s okay. Take a seat anywhere.”


“Thanks.” He replies and makes his way to the back of the room. He sits down and looks at me with a mixture of expectation and amusement. I hold his gaze until it is me that has to look away.


“So first things first, why don’t we go around the class and you introduce yourself. Then tell us why you want to do night photography. Yes, I am aware of the irony of this class being held in the day!” I smile and people start to relax. An hour later, we have a better measure of each other.


“Excuse me, Mr Taylor Sir, but why is the class during the day?” Brian asks and I swallow hard.


“Because we will be going on field trips mostly, where we take pictures of the subject of your night photography during the day and compare the two…”


“Why do we need to compare? Surely, it’s obvious that one is taken at night and one is taken during the day.” Catherine sighs. “Clearly, you…”


“Do not interrupt me, Catherine. I will not tolerate rudeness in my class. You may be older, but I am the teacher, and you will treat me with the good manners that position entitles me to. Do we understand each other?” I demand heatedly and she nods. “The comparison will be of the light and shadow. Once you have completed your first assignment you will see what I mean. Now can everyone gather their things; we need to get going.”


BRIAN


Oh yes, you are what I think you are, but you don’t have a clue!


COUNTRY CLUB, WARRENDALE - THURSDAY AFTERNOON


DINING ROOM


LINDSAY


Much to my irritation, I had to dip into my savings to furnish the cottage. I finally managed to get hold of Brian. When I asked for his help he laughed and hung up, but not before he told me that I had as much chance of getting money from him as Michael did. He also said if I wanted to know what that meant to speak to Michael. I have much better things to do with my time...like now, I am going to have lunch with my ladies.


“Lindsay, darling!” Annabella calls out and I make my way over to the table. Putting my bag under the seat, I smile at her, Diana, Grace and Elizabeth. “So how’s it been?”


“Well I have had some traumatic times. Unfortunately, I had to split with Mel. We were no longer compatible.”


“Oh my dear, I am so sorry! When did this happen?” Annabella coos.


“A couple of weeks back and…”


“Ah Lindsay, there you are.” I turn to face Melissa Chanders and I stand up but then find myself sprawled on the floor, clutching my cheek. The room is completely silent. “You can explain, can’t you?!” She snarls, towering over me.


“Ex-explain what?!” I gibber.


“How you, you unscrupulous, miserable excuse for a human being, sat there and described my daughter as an incubator and expected to get away with it?!”


“Your daughter?! What about Daphne?! I never said anything about her!” I yell, backing away around the table and then cringing as I spot both Emmett and Mel, smirking behind her.


“Yes, you did and you are very fucking lucky that I have inhaled my dose of Gus sweetness. Because if I hadn’t, I would have knocked your flat, saggy ass through the goddamn fucking window!”


“Gus? What does Daphne have to do with Gus?!” I demand and then my jaw drops as Cynthia steps out from behind Melissa and she’s holding Gus! Instinctively, I reach out to him but immediately, Melissa stands between us.


“Don’t you dare! Just try to even look at him, let alone touch him. You are not worth the piss in his diapers! Now I want everyone to hear this and hear it loud and correctly! Lindsay Peterson is not, nor will she ever be, the mother to our Bumpy Grandson, Gus. She did not dump Mel; Mel dumped her and finally Daph has asked me to invite some of you all to her housewarming party next weekend. So Cyn, Emmett do you accept?”


“Absolutely.” They chorus.


“Oh, there is one other thing...this is Mel, Lindsay’s ex-partner. And as you can tell, she’s all woman and not the man she been alluded to that she was!”


“I never…” I begin to object.


“Came clean about being gay to your societal set. Well, I’ve taken care of that for you. No need to thank me. Now, Lindsay, this invite is not extended to you, of course. We certainly don't want this event to be sullied by your very presence nor do we want it contaminated with your germs of selfishness and utter stupidity! Now, I am done here. Let us go, after all, I have a rather gorgeous new father to meet. Brian Kinney, I do believe you said, Cyn. That would be the millionaire Brian Kinney, who is single. Form an orderly queue...gentlemen!”


There are astonished gasps and I can feel eyes piercing into me.


“Hang on a minute, Melissa. Are you saying that Lindsay is gay?”


“Yes, I am Annabella. Now as I said, we must go. My work here is done!” She stares at me coldly. “That’s what you get for being an uppity incubator-calling baiting bitch!”


I am frantically trying to think of what to say when Annabelle clears her throat. With dread, I turn to face her.


“So...care to tell us who this Mel is, oh sorry, was, who apparently dumped you? Clearly, it’s nobody named MELVIN as you made us believe for all those years. At least, now we know why he was always away on business trips whenever you were invited with a plus one. Anymore lies you want to clear up? Maybe why Brian Kinney is...how did you say it...oh yes, I remember. He’s delighted to share parenthood with you, but without putting you through the unpleasantries of pregnancy because both him and MEL love you too much to ever want you to go through pain and weight gain?!” Annabelle asks, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


Oh fuck! How the hell do I fix this and make it someone else’s fault other than mine?! Think Peterson, THINK!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

The Truth Will Out, Read it and Whine and Recognising Yourself by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 11 - THE TRUTH WILL OUT, READ IT AND WHINE AND RECOGNISING YOURSELF


LINDSAY


I sit down slowly and put my head in my hands briefly, before I raise it, with tears in my eyes.


“Oh yes, that’s the start of her I’m about to lie my ass off routine! Anytime she did that with me, I would believe the opposite of what she said!” Mel’s sneering tones startle me.


“Mel, maybe you can tell us what the truth is then?” Annabella asks.


“Well for a start we are, wait...we were, engaged but not married. As for the baby aspect, Brian, and, upon reflection, I must apologise to him for that, heard we wanted to start a family and offered, but neither of us wanted that. Me more than Lindsay. We weren’t kind in our refusal, either. Naturally, when he became an overnight millionaire, she changed her tune, but he went travelling for 2 years before she could ask him properly. When he came back, he had already made plans with...actually, what did she say was going to happen? What’s with the incubator comment?”


“Oh, that’s how she described Daphne.” Diana replies and I want to sew her mouth shut! “A few weeks back, we were here and she was telling us of her plans to raise a baby with a very rich friend and how happy the two of you were going to be. Melissa overheard and was seething. Now we know why. Cynthia’s folks must be thrilled...” Diana continues. “...and I love the Bumpy Grandson moniker. So sweet! He is going to be one spoilt little boy.” She frowns. “Sorry, I’m Diana Vanderlink. Where do I know you from? I do know you.”


“Melanie Marcus. And, I have seen you before, but can’t quite place you either. Look, I’ve got to go. I have to be in court in…”


“Thatcher vs Colton!” Diana exclaims.


“What about it? Which side were you on?” Mel asks warily. That case was a thorn in my side for months; she was so fixated on it.


“Colton, of course! Sarah is a dear friend of mine. So glad you wiped the floor with that guy’s hairy ass! And oh...I’ve just remembered how we met.” She goes pink and Mel has a ghost of a smile...


“Yeah, so have I.”


“I can assure you that I am not normally like that!” Diana adds, hastily.


“Is that?!” Annabella gasps. “Oh my goodness!”


“I was very flattered, but like I said at the time I was in a committed relationship.”


Flattered?!


“But you’re not now?” Annabella.


“Well no, but…”


“Are you in a mourning period for the end of your relationship?”


Mourning period?!


“God, no! Once I realised I wanted out, I couldn’t leave fast enough!” She giggles...actually fucking giggles!


“Before we proceed further...” Annabella continues as if I am not in the room. “I’m Annabella and a true friend to Diana, unlike some. Do you like children? You may not be aware, after all she lied about you, so Lord knows what she said about us, if we were mentioned at all. But Diana has a child. So would you have a problem going on a date with a single mother?”


Date?! Since when is Diana a fucking lesbian and everyone knows?!


“No, not a problem at all. I have always wanted children. It just took a while to realise it wasn’t what I wanted with Lindsay.”


“Understandable.” Annabelle snickers. “Right, do you have a card? We, the lovely ladies of Warrendale, will act as Yentas and make sure that this date happens!”


“Now just a minute!” I exclaim. “You can’t do that!”


“Why not? You and your husband have just broken up, not you and your lesbian fiancé! So then Mel, about this card?”


“Mel…” I turn to face her. “If you have any common decency, you would…”


“I have plenty of common decency, but what I don’t have is time for you, as I have said before. Annabella, here’s my card. Diana, hope to hear from you.”


With one more derisive look at me, she turns and walks away.


“Now then, Lindsay. Please settle your part of the bill on your way out so that the Yentas can get to planning.”


When I look around the room, I feel and see nothing but the coldness of dismissal. As I walk out, I can’t believe what has just happened! It should be me with Gus! It should be me with the house that Brian has apparently given her! Everything that is good that is going on should be happening to me! And I shall make sure if I don’t get it, then nobody does!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I am looking through this ludicrous agreement I was tricked into signing! I would never have signed this piece of shit. As if I would agree to support and sustain himself for the rest of his life without any further monetary assistance from Brian Aiden Kinney and...ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! The whole point of having a fucking parent is that they support you unless they are infirm! And she most definitely is not fucking infirm!


I snatch up my phone and dial Ted. It goes to voicemail. “Ted, it’s Michael! I am not happy with this agreement! There is no way on earth that I would ever agree to not approach either Brian or my mother for monetary assistance should they be in the position to provide it! And if there’s one thing that he is in, it’s the position to provide! I am going to tear this up now and carry on as normal!”


KINNETIC - SAME TIME


TED’S OFFICE


TED


I laugh as I wait for Debs to come in. I can hear her proud tones as she comes down the corridor, just cooing over everything. Carl is the first one in and I hold in my snort as he comes in with Gus, strapped to his front. “Don’t say a word.” He grumbles. “It is the only way I get a cuddle!”


“Ah, possessive grandma has kicked up a gear?”


“Just a bit! Right now, she and Cyn are back in reception as she’s redoing the order of the pictures!”


“Michael called.” I tell him. “Want to hear it?”


“Yeah, might as well get the whine out of the way!”


I replay the message and he frowns. “What does Debs have to do with that agreement?”


“We put her in the agreement as well. Since Brian is not going to pay out anymore, Michael would go to Debs. Then Brian, being Brian, would give her the money back. So in short, Michael would’ve gotten Brian to pay anyway. With her in the agreement, he can’t do that. He can yell as much as he wants about carrying on as normal and tear up the document. It is notarized and filed, so there’s fuck all he can actually do about it!”


“So what’s your beef with him? That was a lot of glee there.”


“You know about my sabbatical for three months some years back, before he got the money?” He nods. “Well, it was far from a holiday. I was in rehab... cocaine.” He gapes at me. “Brian paid for it, and Ems dragged me kicking and screaming every step of the way. Said the only people that was going to kill me was them.” I chuckle a little at that memory. It wasn’t funny then, but it was still so Em.


“So where does Michael come into it?”


“A few months after I was discharged, we were in Babylon and there was a tweaked out guy. Michael said that not only should the guy be thrown out of the club, but him and all addicts should be put against the wall and shot if the drugs don’t kill them first. I asked if he would help a family member or a friend if they were addicted and he said, ‘Not to survive, no. I would help them to OD or shoot them myself regardless of who they are. They are weak and don’t deserve to breathe the same air as decent people.’ I pointed out that Brian did a lot of drugs at the time and his response was, ‘He’s different. Brian’s heroically careful and he only does drugs when he’s partying, not when he’s fucking since he likes to be aware.’ Went right off him after that.”


“Did Brian hear any of that?” Carl is rapidly inhaling Gus sweetness.


“No he was off being the Stud and neither did Ems, or they would’ve ripped him in half. Do me a favour... don’t tell Debs.”


“I won’t. You have my word, son.”


BUHL PLANETARIUM - EARLY EVENING


JUSTIN’S CLASSROOM


JUSTIN


Thank goodness that is over and even better, Catherine has been moved to another class. I think everyone was secretly delighted, as she bitched and moaned throughout the trip to the forest. I just about held onto my professionalism, when she complained about it being damp in the forest and it was not being conducive to her hair. But Brian turned around and snapped that it was such a shame the weather god wasn’t informed of her arrival or he’s sure he would’ve had a canopy in place. She then turned to me and demanded that I, as the teacher, rebuke him for his behaviour. I was weirdly feeling proud of what he did and said she was grown enough to defend her own ass, so to get it done. She stomped back to the planetarium, saying she was going to report me. I did worry a bit, but the Dean said that he dismissed her complaints as she also complained about Brian, and moved her to another class...and gave the teacher a head’s up!


I am just checking that the place is cleared of everything when the door opens again and this time, it’s Brian. “Did you forget something?”


“No, sir. I didn’t, but I think you should google this when you get home. Don’t look at it now, sir. Do it when you get home... please.”


Once again, his use of the word sir is a bit disconcerting!


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


STUDY


DAPH


He is just staring at the screen, then me, then Ben and back to the screen again. “So are you...is he seriously suggesting that I am…”


“Yes. And he’s not suggesting; he’s telling you.” Ben whistles as he reads the print out. “This is so you, Justin!”

 

“And you do realise why he’s telling you, don’t you?” I smile and then roll my eyes when he shakes his head. “Scroll down to the next page.” I smirk when his jaw hits the floor and his eyes get real big! “So what are you going to do about that...sir?”

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

A Bit of Clarification and a White Dissimulation by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 12 - A BIT OF CLARIFICATION AND A WHITE DISSIMULATION


BLUE MOON HOUSE - WEDNESDAY EVENING, A WEEK LATER


JUSTIN


It is a beautiful house. I look right up and see his attic window is already open in readiness for tonight’s rare purple sky. But I am not here for that... well not just that. I want to speak to him about what he gave me. He’s been away since he gave it to me and I have questions! I knock on the door and wait. I can hear him muttering as he comes down the corridor and when he opens the door, he has his phone clamped between his shoulder and his ear. And a slightly upset looking Gus in his arms. I gesture for him and he hands him over with a look of relief and gratitude. Gus looks at me and decides he’s not going to cry, but is going to suck on his bottom lip instead.


“Is he hungry?” I whisper and he nods, leading me to the kitchen. “Okay, got it. You go finish that up.” I indicate the phone.


He smiles again and hurries out.


“Now let’s see here, I do believe your grandma called you Little Grub. What has daddy got in store for you?” I put him in his bassinet and test the bottle. “Yep, perfect.” I declare and pad over to the sofa and feel a twinge of envy! “I want this in our place, Little Grub. Do you think you could use your oh so considerable charm to ask your daddy to make it so?” He looks up at me with a little frown of confusion and impatience. “Sorry, feed first; sweet gurgle daddy, after. Got it.”



“A simple ‘please, may I swap the sofa in the kitchen for one similar’ will do. You don't have to gurgle at all.” Brian’s sonorous tones startle me a bit. “How’s he doing?”


“He’s a good feeder.” I smile at Gus as he guzzles his food.


“Takes after his Daddy, and his Mommy actually. Both have a good sucking action, so we’ve been told.” He replies, completely straight faced. “So to what do I owe this pleasure, Teach?”


“You need to take your son.” I reply quietly.


He chuckles softly and takes a replete Gus from me and expertly burps him. “Let me take him up and then we can talk, okay?” I just nod and wait for his return. He doesn’t take long. I watch mesmerised as he folds himself into the corner of the sofa and raises an eyebrow. “I take it this a twofold visit? Assignment as that looks like an official CG folder and the other thing.”


“Yes, the assignment. You need to do overlaying over the daytime forest and the sky at night. As explained in class... oh, do you know it’s going to be a purple sky tonight? It’s very rare, well not rare but unusual and...I’m babbling, aren’t I?”


“Just a bit. Why don’t we have that conversation and then have this one?”


“Okay, so um, why do you think that about me?”


“Think or know? And you know, I’m right. Deep down, you know that. And I bet Daph and Ben said the same thing, too?”


“Yeah, they did.” I look at him through my lashes, feeling my cheeks heat up in confusion and a little horniness. He is gorgeous! “So are you?”


“Dom or sub? Depends. I have my submissive side, but it only comes out for the right guy. And obviously with Gus now in my life, it has to be...”


“And you think that guy is me?” I start to twist my fingers.


He shrugs. “How did you feel when you ordered me to kiss you?”


“I wanted you to kiss me and…”


“That’s not quite what I asked. How did you feel when you said it? And when I call you ‘sir,’ how do you feel?”


“Let me answer this another way. When you bitched Catherine out, I felt proud of you, but would’ve stepped in if you went too far. Does that answer make sense?”


“Yes, it does. So when I stopped you from pulling me about in your bedroom, how did you feel?”


“A little irked, but that was because I was enjoying myself too much...you are a very good kisser like I knew you would be.”


“Thanks. So did you just read up or have you planned a field trip?”


“Field...? No! God, no!” I shake my head for emphasis.


“Why not? How do you know what your limits are if you don’t see what…”


“But I thought it was subs that have limits?”


“No, both of them do. They both need each other, but the most important thing you...and I mean the most important rule you must abide by first and foremost, is to pick a willing sub, because without willingness, you're just a sadist. Safe, sane and consensual...those are the core rules to this.”


“Okay.” I frown, unsure of what to do next. And he sits and waits and watches. “I think we should discuss the assignment now.”


“Yes, Sir.” He replies quietly, his eyes never leaving my face. “So what is it?”


“I want you to...I mean the class has to...to...Brian, come here. I need to show you something and you need to be closer!” I explain quickly at his smirk. He slides slowly towards me and for someone who is supposed to be in control of this man, I find myself intimidated. “Behave.”


“But I am only doing what I am told...Sir. You told me to come closer and that is what….mmmmm!”


I couldn’t help it; I had to take control back and this was the first thing that came to mind!


BRIAN


And he says I’m a good kisser! Fuck me, the thing he is doing with his tongue!! I have to admit to being a bit smug at how I baited him. You just need to know which buttons to gently push and since he’s very new at this...I gently pushed. I shift a bit so he’s either got to stop or sit in my lap. The deeper the kiss gets, the more he moves over, until I can feel my lap full of an almost dominating blonde and his wondrous wonderass! I keep my hands on said ass, but do nothing else except submit to the kiss.


Ten kiss drugging minutes later, we peel ourselves apart and look to the door, where there is a very amused looking Debs, grinning from the doorway. “Finally, they hear me!” She cackles and folds her arms and waits.


“I…” Justin begins.


“You?” She teasingly prompts. “Are old enough and gorgeous enough to tell me to mind my own business!”


“Mind your own business, Ma!” I mumble, turning to face her. “What are you doing here anyway?”


“Two things.” She beams. “One, I have got the keys and wanted to drop them off and two, you are an absolute angel and I thank you. You knew I would cave, so thank you.”


Justin looks at me for an explanation and with a sigh, I indicate the seat. He slowly shakes his head and grinds his wonderass into my lap with a raised eyebrow. “The keys are for Daph’s new house. Since Gus is going to be staying there sometimes, I need keys. And the other thing is about an agreement that I had Michael sign, stating that he can’t go to me or Debs for money.”


“You had to get an agreement for him to do that?!” He looks incredulous.


“Yep, but he’s going to ignore it and continue as normal. Which is his choice, but a stupid one.” He drops his hands onto my arms and gives them a squeeze. “What do you want to know?”


“Everything.” He replies quietly.


Three hours later, he’s on clean up with Debs and I am feeling a little less burdened. “So how is it a stupid choice to ignore the agreement?”


“Penalty clause. If he in any shape, way or form, tries to intimidate or manipulate Debs into doing what he wants, then he forfeits the house…”


“What?!” Debs gasps.


“And the store and all its contents.” I smile. “Yeah, by the time we got to Paris, I was severely fucked off. So I called Ted to arrange the agreement and to make sure the penalty clause was in it. I can count on both hands, and still not hit ten, how many times he paid willingly for something.”


“But why have you allowed him to do this for so long? This is what I don’t get.” Justin sits down with his chocolate and I softly clearly my throat. “Oh sorry.” He mutters and puts his feet back in my lap.


“Habit, weakness and laziness. Sometimes it’s easier to give in than to fight.” I explain.


“Well that just stupid and you are not stupid, are you?” He demands.


“No...Sir.” I answer, looking at him through my lashes and getting a steely eyed look in return...pushing my luck a bit there.


“Good.”


“Okay not sure what is going on there with you two, but I shall keep quiet about it until you say I can say anything. Just so you know Justin, I am not known for my patience. So get together you two and let me announce to the wider world!”


“For the wider world read Michael.” I snigger.


“Yeah, him. Oh that reminds me, housewarming party!” Debs sits back down and we both frown at her.


“Daph is throwing a housewarming party and her folks are coming. Said folks want to meet you and…”


“Why are you telling me and not...what have you heard?!” I demand.


“Oh, just a little snippet of a slappabitch smackdown of epic proportions by her mother, on one Lindsay Peterson…”


“She’s done it already? Fuck, I wanted to watch!” I whine and then go slightly cross eyed when he rolls his foot over my crotch.


“And Mel may even get a date out of it.”


“Mel? What does Mel have to do with it?” I frown.


“Now, I know what she did in the past kiddo, how she treated you. But can you come to the office on tomorrow? She will be there and you two can hash this shit out. Underneath all of that bulldyke behaviour is a good woman, who just needed to be pointed in the right direction to see the light. For me, please?”


“Okay.” I smile at her. “What time?”


KINNETIC ESTATES - THURSDAY MORNING


OFFICE


MEL


I have faced Supreme Court Judges that make me feel less intimidated than the impassively faced Brian Kinney at the moment. I had no idea he was going to be here because I am certainly not prepared...for what I must say to him.


“I’m sorry and…”


“Sorry’s bullshit, but thank you for saying it. I didn’t help by baiting you but it was oh so much fun, watching you turn puce with fury. Little tip, puce is not your colour. And going thin lipped makes you look like a lizard. So let’s have happy smiley Mel unless she’s in court, okay? So what happened?” He surprises me by breaking into a huge grin.


“Happened?” I am completely thrown.


“On your snatch date. Have you had it yet?”


“Snatch...uh Ems!” I yell and he comes quickly through the door...too quickly and Debs almost falls on top of him. “Oh, I see. No, it has not happened. But apparently, I was Melvin to her societal set.”


“I know you were the man in the relationship but still Melvin?! Couldn’t she have picked a better name?” He guffaws.


“What’s going on with you?” I glare at him. “You are not normally so jovial. Have you got your needs met?”


“Nope. Just high on life and…”


“Oh my god!” Debs whispers and presses back against the door. “Lindsay’s here!”


“What on earth for?” Brian whispers back.


“Ah recon. She wants to find out two things. One is what houses you have on your books and the second is which house is Daph’s.”


BRIAN


“Does she indeed...” I beckon them into the hallway, but Lindsay can’t see us from where she is.


“I’ve come to put my cottage on the market and rent a place from you.”


“Of course, madam. Would you like to take a seat for me please? Now let’s take down some details…”


Ten minutes later, Mel is vibrating with fury. Lindsay has spun a yarn of bullshit that even Kipling would be envious of. She’s in the middle of a messy divorce and she can’t afford to keep up the mortgage on their marital home. So she’s looking for something bijou, but in the Greenfield area. Or near Shadyside...for her and her young family!


“She has been busy.” Mel fumes.


“Busy or not, she is not coming anywhere near Gus. This bullshit ends!” Ems snarls and straightening up, stalks back into the office and pulls out a file. “May I?”


“Go to it.” I reply.


EMS


“Excuse me, Treyvon but let me handle this customer, please.”


“Oh okay, Ems. No problem.” Treyvon gets up, strides to the other desk and then regards Lindsay coldly. He knows me all too well. If I am dealing with something, someone is going to get a vanquishing of epic proportions.


“So uh Ms Peterson, what type of property are you looking for exactly?”


“I...um, I really have to go…”


“No, oh no-no. You came all of this way, so I must show you what we have on our books within your price range. Now looking at this application, you want a house. Oh with a nursery, how sweet and how old is your baby?” I watch as she pales and then goes red at the remembrance that her womb is just as underutilized as her heart, and will remain so.  “Now back to the houses on our books. Obviously, knowing the ramshackled, state of your hov...I mean home, it would not be on our books. Before you ask why it is thusly, not only is it as aforementioned but because you had to pay for the, and I use the term loosely, improvements in decor and furnishings, since Mel dumped your parsimonious, malingering shifty ass.  Oh yes before you speak, you are lazy, greedy and a liar! You, my dear Lady Muck and Mire now don’t have the money for the finer things in life, having to rely on your pocketbook means what you have nobody would put out if it was on fire!. But back to the rental side of your application, we do have these lovely properties for rent. Both prime pieces of real estate; one at the top end of Greenfield Boulevard, not too far away from this other piece of wonderment. Now what do you think? So the first property is called the Blue Moon House, which, oh dear, we can’t let to you because it’s already owned and the owner and his son are unwilling to let anyone but them stay there. But this one, what do you think of this one?



She is holding onto her appearance for all she’s worth, but I am determined that she gets the full picture...or pictures!


“Now this has a lovely back garden, perfect for a growing family. Ah, here it is.”



“And then there’s the nursery room. Isn’t it exquisite?”



“Look at the personal touches and detailing, especially the giraffe. He’s called Gerome, with a ‘G’. By the way, are you in anyway shape or form related to Mary of Bethlehem? You must be because you seem to, on paper, have acquired a child of God. While he is a deity amongst the men of Liberty Avenue, Brian is not so omnipotent as to father a child without actually having put something up that ossified snatch of yours.”


“I take it by your poisonous tongue that this is where Daphne is now living?” She snipes, her eyes filled with guile, fury and tears of jealousy.


“Oh congratulations! You succeeded in your mission of finding out what you could’ve had but now that’s too late. And speaking of tongues...learn to use it when kissing, as it fills a void. Mel said kissing you was like being sucked down a sinkhole. Now, you’ve spent so much time thinking you were better than us, all of us, that you failed to see that you and only you; oh, actually you and Michael, are the putrid piles of piss and shit as my Aunt Lula would say. You two are very lucky, because you would actually survive in the desert since vultures have taste and they won’t, despite their much maligned character, eat just anything. Now I suggest you leave while I take a breath…” She gets up quickly and stalks to the door. “...check your post.” She turns and looks confused. “Yes, you heard me correctly. While I would not have your property on Kinnetic’s books. I would most definitely have it in my portfolio. You did at least tell one truth. You are selling your property. I look forward to gutting it and making it habitable. Oh and don’t even think of trying to find out which one of the sealed bids is mine. That’s the point of them. Choose wisely. Good day.”


LINDSAY


I bang the door shut as hard as I can and suck my tears back. Quickly, I reach for my phone and place a call to my realtor. No way is he getting my fucking cottage, no way!


KINNETIC ESTATES - 15 MINUTES LATER


OFFICE


MEL

 

I have finally calmed down. It is going to drive her batshit crazy, trying to find out which bid is the one from Ems...shame he lied to her!

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Setting Boundaries and Crossing Them by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 13 - SETTING BOUNDARIES AND CROSSING THEM


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - LATE MORNING, TWO DAYS LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I haven’t opened the store in the last couple of days because Brian hasn’t returned one single phone call. I am not happy! I try him again and this time, he picks up and I put him on speaker. “Finally! You mean to tell me that you are actually alive?!”


“Bye.”


I stare at my screen for a few seconds...he has actually hung up! I try him again, but it rolls immediately to voicemail. I decide to send him a text: there seems to be something wrong with your phone. I just called you and was cut off and then it went to voicemail. It didn’t sound like you who said ‘bye’ to me in such a callous way. You need to take your phone off of your latest trick and call your BEST FRIEND back. I read it twice and feel pleased that it has just the right amount of dosage for a good guilt trip in it then press send.


Less than a minute later, my phone beeps. I get myself comfortable on my couch and open up my phone and then almost spit out my coffee. I have no idea who you are. But you WILL stop texting me as I will be blocking your number forthwith.


I almost break the screen, jabbing out his number and again, it goes to voicemail. As I look out the window seething, I am surprised to see Lindsay walking up the road. I trot to the door and call out to her.


“Lindsay!” She turns around and smiles. “What are you doing around here?”


“Just visiting a friend I know. What are you doing here?”


“What am I...I live here, remember? This is the house that Brian bought me.”


“This? He bought you this?” She looks at my house with envy.


“Yes. This house, everything in it and a trip round the world. He so loves me, though we have had a minor tiff.”


“Ah yes, he did say something about that. Such a shame. Well I hope that you two can patch up your differences. It would be so sad for this long friendship to end over something so inconsequential.”


“Inconsequential. You call what he is doing inconsequential?” I demand. “It’s not as if…”


“Michael, Michael, Michael. You know what Brian is like. He gets it into his head and then bam! So be the bigger person you know that you are and let him think he’s won this. Just say sorry and all will be well.”


“He’s the bigger person, is he?” We both turn at Ted’s snarking tones. “And where pray tell is this friend of yours, Lindsay? You have as many friends here as he does.” He jabs his finger at me. “Now, I have come here to tell you yet again, Michael to stop contacting Brian. Take him off all communications relating to anything. That includes anything relating to your store or your life in general. The agreement, which you don’t like, but willingly signed, says no financial support. Now Lindsay, I would caution you against going to pay a house visit to anyone related to Gus. Take these words on board both of you.” He gives us one more filthy look before walking off down the street.


“Who the hell does he think he is speaking to me like that?!” Lindsay carps. “I can do, go and see whomever I want. And that is what I will do!”


“Me too!” I nod vehemently and stalk back inside. I watch her flounce up the street and then think about what Ted just said then decide to follow her. She stops outside a beautiful house and folds her arms, staring darkly at it. Just as she’s about to walk off, a removal van pulls up and starts to unload. I watch as a curly haired woman gets out of the van, too.


“What are you doing here?” She sneers at Lindsay.


“I have come to say so…”


“Go away. Whatever it is you want to say, this incubator doesn’t want to hear it!”


“I should have your mother arrested!” Lindsay spits at her.


“Thought you were here to say sorry. Isn’t that what you were going to lie through your teeth to say? But as for mom, go ahead. See how far you get!”


“Don’t test me, Daphne! Just because you carried Gus it doesn’t make you untouchable! I have this knack for getting what I want, when I want!”


“You do? Then how come I am the one with this house? How come I am the one who is friends with Brian? You are what to him exactly; you and that parasite that has been following you up the street? Yes I can see you, Mr Nobody!”


“You’re Gus’s mother?!” I gasp. “I thought that was Cynthia!”


“You okay, Daph?!” Someone shouts across the street and starts to approach. “Need some help?”


“No thanks, John. I’ve got this,” she says, glaring back at me and Lindsay.


“Mr Red Brick, what are you doing this end of the block?”


“My name is…”


“I know your name. I just don’t care to use it.” He retorts. “Now it looks to me like she doesn’t want you two to be here. And as far as one of you goes, I wholeheartedly agree. So go about your business elsewhere.”


“I will be back, Daphne. Mark my words!” Lindsay marches off to wherever the hell she is going while Daphne yells at her retreating back.


“Consider me warned and unbothered! I can beat you in my sleep!” She laughs.


“Mr Red Brick, you live down there so go down there...NOW!”


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - EARLY EVENING


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


I thought he was lying like he lied about putting in a bid for my cottage. But no, he was telling the truth! That gorgeous property belongs to her. And on top of that, she put a notice in the country club newsletter notifying people of her new address. How pretentious! What I just don’t understand is the connection between her and Cynthia. Methinks a bit of genealogical digging is called for and half an hour later, I am astonished. I can’t believe they are cousins by marriage!


I am bought out of my planning by the door being knocked on. I am surprised to see Mel on the other side.


“Melanie, to what…”


“Leave Daphne Chanders alone!” She interrupts me, coldly. “Stay away from her house! You have no right or reason to be there!”


“What on…”


“I am speaking to you as the legal representative of Kinnetic Estates and she has made a complaint about you for trespass, harassment and threatening behaviour. Stay away from her and her property. Is that understood, Ms Peterson?” I just gape at her. “A simple yes or no will suffice. Standing there looking like a guppy does not get my question answered.”


“I understand what you have said, but not…”


“That’s all I need to hear. This is your first and last warning. Have a pleasant evening.”


BRITIN - AN HOUR LATER


MICHAEL


I stare at the security guard in disbelief. “He’s done what?”


“Moved.” He repeats. “He no longer lives here.


“That’s bullshit! He wouldn’t move from here; he’s only just moved in!”


“There is nobody living here, as I have said three times already. Now sir, you’ve wasted enough of my time. Please leave!”


I glare at him one more time before storming to my car and starting to head up the drive. “He wouldn’t move without telling me... he wouldn’t!!” I mutter crossly to myself and then have a thought so head to Ma’s.


DEBS HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


HALLWAY


CARL


“You can stare at me until your eyeballs dry up. If Brian hasn’t told you then we sure as hell aren’t going to!”


“Michael, what are you doing here?” Ma comes down the stairs, pulling on her robe.


“I went to see Brian at Britin. Why didn’t you tell me he’s moved?!”


“Why should I have done that? It’s not my place and none of your concern. He’s not your friend anymore, remember?”


“He is my friend! Always will be. Now the address is?!”


“Not being given out by us! Besides, it’s far too late for you to be going around now. Gus is most likely asleep. Now go home, Michael!” I grab his arm and propel him out of the door, shutting it firmly and quickly.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - THURSDAY LUNCHTIME


JUSTIN


“Oh for fuck sake!” I grumble as Michael comes down the path. Today was going to be a day of quiet marking, or so I had hoped. I grab my bag and step out.


“Sorry Michael, I haven’t got time to stop. Need to be in school in half an hour.”


“Is Ben in then? I can ask him.”


“Nope, no Ben. Sorry, must dash.”


“It’s a really quick question. Do you know where Brian is living now?” I stop and stare at him as if he’s got two heads. “What? Well, do you know or not?!”


“Yes, I do know and no, I am not telling you. You and him have fallen out…”


“We have not fallen out!” He snaps and actually stamps his foot in annoyance.


“Is he talking to you? No. Has he made an effort to tell you where he lives? No. Ergo, you have fallen out. Now unless you want to fall out with me too, I would go back home and leave me and Ben out of this!”


“I’ll just ask Daphne then! I know where she lives!”


“Oh please do so I can come and watch. It will be fun watching her slap you again!”


“That was to get a bug!” He explodes.


“No, it wasn’t!” I scoff at his continued stupidity. “That was a bitch slap and a well deserved one! I am no longer having this conversation with you. In fact, I’m no longer having any conversation with you ever again, if I can help it!”


WOODY’S - EARLY EVENING


BRIAN


I smirk and raise my glass to Brandon as he tries, and ultimately fails, to not look pleased to see Emmett as he approaches my table. “Think you need to go say hello to your man before he explodes.” I tell Ems and he lights up like a fucking candle on spotting Brandon.


“He’s not my man, but I’m working on it.” He grins and waves him over...the only thing he doesn’t do is break into a run!


“Looks like a new Stud will need to be crowned.” I laugh as Emmett kisses his cheek.


“There is only one Stud and that’s you, Brian. No pretenders to the crown need apply!”


I sigh and close my eyes at the sound of his voice.


“Go away, Michael.” Ems tells him, getting between me and him. “We just want to enjoy our drinks in peace.”


“I am allowed to go where I want; this is a free country.” He states and puts his drink on the table.


“Bye Ems, Brandon. See you on Saturday.”


“Brian, this is getting silly now! You are behaving like a child!”


“Show me your hands, Ems.” He frowns and does so. “Promise me you won’t bring a bottle.” I smile at his look at indignation.


“You swine!” He exclaims.


“Promise?”


“Oh alright.” He grumbles. “Pool table is free. You fancy a game?” He doesn’t wait for Brandon to answer, he just pulls him after him. “And you don’t allow anyone to chase you out of anywhere. Another drink, yes?”


“Yeah, please a…”


“Kinney, it’s on its way!” Carlos, the barman shouts.


“So what time is the party?” Michael asks.


I don’t answer his question, but do break into a grin.


“I knew you…”


“Hey Teach, what are you doing here?” I call out as Justin approaches.


“I could ask you the same question. This is a school night after all.” He puts down two glasses.


“Who are you with?”


“Daph. She’s outside on the phone to Cyn.”


“Where’s Ben?”


“You two both are being very rude!” Michael exclaims.


“On a date. You remember the bald headed guy from the block party?” I nod. “He called him after Daph took his phone and threatened to call him for him.”


“She shouldn’t do that. It’s…”


We continue ignore the pain in the ass that just won’t leave and continue as if he’s not still standing here.


“What’s going on with Brandon and Emmett?” Justin asks me. “Have they progressed passed playful flirting?”


“What? They are…” Michael tries to join the conversation again.


“Here, Kinney.” Carlos puts the drink down and winks at me and I smell an Emmett plot.


“So Teach, have you marked my paper?”


“Yes and I found you have a very good eye.”


“What are…”


Jesus, how much of a hint has to be thrown at him?! May I ask for a brick and not risk going to Hell?


“So what did I get or are you not allowed to disclose until I am in class?”


“What class? What the hell are you…”


PLEASE GOD!!!! I promise to be good if you would just be so kind as to drop an anvil on his head right now...


“Oh give me that!” Daph exclaims as she joins us at the table and completely ignores Michael. “She’s bitching at me because she can’t get near Little Grub! I told her not to take him to her mother’s!”


“Little…”


God, he just keeps trying...being very trying!!!


“So how’d I do?” I ask Justin, trying to keep my hands to myself. If God doesn’t work quick, I might actually risk jail time.


“Not telling.” He grins at me.


“Brian! Stop this!” Michael yells.


“Do you hear anything?” Daph grins at me and I shake my head. I should kiss her for bringing me back into focus, but who I really want to kiss… “Thought not. Ooh, pool table!”


“I will not be fucking ignored!” Michael shrieks, slamming down his glass so hard that it breaks and sends pieces of it flying.


“Ouch! Fuck!” Justin yelps, clapping his hand over his eye.


“Oh no! Justin, are you okay?!” Daph exclaims.


“Let me see!” I demand.


“Move, Brian! What happened?” Brandon is over in seconds.


He pitched a fit and broke his glass. I think some went in Justin’s eye.”


“Justin, try not to blink, okay?” Brandon orders.


“Ow-ow-ow!” Justin groans.


“Yeah, there’s glass in there. I can see it. Need a glass of water; let’s see if we can rinse it out.”


For ten minutes, he pours glass after glass in Justin’s eye until finally, it’s out.


“Blink for me. How does it feel?” He asks him.


“Okay, I can’t feel anything. Thanks Brandon.”


“No problem.”


“Where’s he gone?” I demand, looking around to find no Michael.


“Slunk off like the yellow bellied sewer rat that he is.” Carlos replies.


“Are you okay?” I ask Justin. But while he nods, there is something in his face that gives me pause. “Let me get you home. Daph, you coming?”


“No. You go look after your boy.” She replies. “And you let him.” She tells Justin.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


ATTIC


JUSTIN


I take the coffee from him and sigh. “I was temporarily blind for three years when I was eleven. I was in a car accident that killed my father and sister.” He just stares at me. “Mom was at home.”


“Fuck me.” He whispers.


“That’s why I got into sky watching.” I continue and allow myself to be pulled into his arms. I relish the gentle touch of his fingers in my hair. “I opened my eyes one night and saw the moon.”

 

End Notes:

Plerase review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Moonbows, Moonshine, Saturnine and Showers by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 14 - MOONBOWS, MOONSHINE, SATURNINE AND SHOWERS


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - EARLY DAWN


ATTIC


JUSTIN


I am so warm. I am so warm and appear to have put on about 20 stone overnight. I look down, see auburn hair and hear wheezing. With some careful manoeuvring, I manage to get from under him and cover him back up. I grab my phone to check my messages then snort in disbelief.


“What?” Comes a sleep filled and muffled voice.


“Seems that our yellow bellied sewer rat came back in after we left. He dropped his phone in his haste to leave and it got damaged.”


“How? And what time is it?” He asks as he sits up, pulling the quilt higher up himself.


“Eventually she smashed the screen and minutes to...wow!” I stop talking and look out the window.


“Yeah, isn’t it beautiful?! A moonbow. It must have rained heavily last night.”



He starts to get out of the sofa bed. “How’s your eye feeling?”


“Great. Still can’t believe he was so reckless and unapologetic.”


“And cowardly, don’t forget that.” He scrubs at his nose and stretches. “I don’t suppose I could borrow a toothbrush?”


“Sure, come with me. Since you’re going to brush, want a coffee?”


“Mmm. And maybe a cookie or two.”


“Oh alright, since you pleaded so nicely.”


Ten minutes later, we’re back under the quilt, with him spooning behind. We’re just simply watching the sky as it lightens. “What’s the field trip for tomorrow?”


“No field trip. Lunar mapping, like they do in NASA. And no pre-cramming. I shouldn’t have told you that.”


“I promise not to do that...Sir.”


“Ah now, back to that subject. I did a little bit more research and I’m not sure that it is me after all.”


“It is. It just depends on how much of the lifestyle you want to adopt. If it’s just for the thrill of having a six foot two guy bending to your will, then it can be just that. But if you want to adopt the full life style then…”


“But how? I mean how is it that you want that?”


“The same way you want to do it. It’s just the way we’re wired. I, personally, couldn’t do it all the time. I would make an arrangement and get that need met.”


“So what are you?”


“I switch it up sometimes. But mostly, I sub. To dominate, I have to be in the right frame of mind. Where you can flick in and out, I can’t.”


“What do you mean?”


“You dominate all the time, but pick your moments to let that come through. Though there is a part of you that is submissive.” I feel my face warm up as I thought the same thing. “I still think you should go to an actual place to see how it’s done.”


“Okay.” I yawn hugely and burrow backwards. “We should get some sleep.”


“Yes, Sir.” His breath is warm against the back of my neck as he speaks. “Damn, yawns are contagious.” He says, smacking his tongue and pulling the quilt higher. “Can you set the timer for a couple of hours?”


“Mmmm.” I fumble for my phone already feeling sleepy and do as I’m told.


“See. A very cute little sub.” He mumbles cheekily.


“Behave and go to sleep or I shall send you home.”


“No, you won’t. You’re too comfortable and so am I.” He murmurs and throws his leg over mine.


“Smartass.” I mutter before my eyes drift shut.


BLOOM GALLERY - FRIDAY AFTERNOON


SIDNEY’S OFFICE


SIDNEY


I appreciate that this is a difficult time for her, but asking for this time off at this late stage especially when we have the showing tonight can’t be countenanced.


“As I said Lindsay, if you had given me a bit more notice, than I could’ve gotten someone in to cover for you, but…”


“Sidney, how was I supposed to know that this viewing was going to happen?” She pouts.


“Why can’t your realtor do it? Isn’t that part of their remit?”


“Yes. Normally this would be but this viewer…” She begins tightly.


“Sorry, but the answer is no. Now can you please continue with the set up for this evening?”


She stares at me in disbelief before she sighs heavily. “Sidney, you are aware that this is a very difficult time for me and I need to get my house sold to…”


“Life can be difficult for most people, but they keep on going making the best of the situation, which is what you are going to have to do today. So the sooner you call your realtor to reschedule this viewing, the better.” I stand up and open my office door. With reluctance and great annoyance, she finally takes the hint and starts to stalk out.


“Lindsay, if it’s not too personal a question, why are you moving? Is it just because of the split? I always thought you and Mel loved that place.”


“We did. But I am moving to another property, near Greenfield Boulevard.” She replies and I must have looked shocked. The properties over there cost a pretty penny. “I know. I was as surprised as anyone when my dear friend Brian told me just to pick one. And I picked this one.” I show him my phone. “It is unfurnished though, which is why I am selling my place to do it up.”


“Oh well, that’s very generous of him.” I reply and with a smug smile, she nods and walks out.


LINDSAY


Brian has no idea how generous he is going to be and Daphne has no idea how much relish I will have redecorating that house of hers...I use the term loosely, as I am determined to make it mine!


I head back to my desk and make sure that people hear me lamenting over having to move my realtor appointment and it works like a charm. Cassidy says she will cover for me this evening. I head to Sidney’s office with my good news.


MICHAEL’S STORE - SAME TIME


MICHAEL


I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before! I have decided to make a list of all the things I am supposed to pay for, starting with my phone. I almost fainted when I went to get it fixed and they said that they couldn't just replace the screen. It cost me almost a thousand bucks. I start to prepare the invoice I will send to Brian, then I duck down behind the counter when I see a police officer stop by the door, but he doesn’t come in. It was an accident and besides I can say I was provoked, which is true.


I have had to do a major restock and add that to his invoice, which I will send once a month until he comes to his senses!


I pick up the Prada bag and double check that I have the receipt and then head to the store.


BUHL PLANETARIUM - SAME TIME


JUSTIN’S CLASS


BRIAN


This lunar mapping stuff is really interesting. Okay, so it does help that Justin is a great teacher but I really want to know what I got for my photograph.


“Right class. Everyone should have had their photos back, except Mr Kinney.” He smirks slightly. “Now the reason I’ve kept his is because I want to show the class all at once.”


Everyone is looking at me and I want to shrink in my seat.



He puts it on the screen. “Now, what do people think of it?”


“It’s very ethereal. And calming. Even with the starkness of the branches, it’s peaceful. Where was that taken? I mean what part of the forest? I don’t remember seeing that.” Joseph, one of the more mature students, asks.


“Just where Catherine flounced off from.”


“It looks like there’s a smile in the corner.” Gregor points out. “Top right corner.”


“Oh yeah. Didn’t see that.” I smile in response.


“So class, this is what a 100% assignment looks like.”


“Thank you, Mr Taylor. I will try and keep up the good work.” I call out as my photo is passed back to me.


“It was a complete joy to grade.” He replies. “I don’t expect Mr Kinney to hit the mark every time. In fact, I would be disappointed if I didn’t have reason to correct him in some way. But well done, Mr Kinney. If I were you, I would frame that. It’s perfect.”


I blush all the way down to my toes!


PRADA STORE - AN HOUR LATER


RETURNS COUNTER


SALES ASSISTANT


I look again at the shoes that he says he has not worn and frown. “Sir, are you sure that you haven’t worn these shoes at all, not even in the house?”


“Like I said, twice already, no I haven’t.”


“Did anyone have access to the shoes?”


“They’re shoes, not a government facility!” He snipes and then, angrily, shakes his head.


“Well the problem we have here sir, is that there is a blood stain at the top of the left shoe and there was a toenail in the right. So someone has worn them.”


“Well it wasn’t me!” He retorts.


“Then why are you returning something that isn’t yours?” I ask.


“They are mine. I just mean it wasn’t me that caused that lot.”


“Well I am afraid that we can’t give you a refund or an exchange due to evidence of bodily fluids and detritus.”


“What am I supposed to do now then?!”


I put the shoes back in their box and slide it to him. “I suggest you find out who did and get the money back for the shoes from them.”


He snatches the box off the counter and almost barges through the people behind him to get out.


“Did you say bodily fluids?” The next customer asks. I nod and we both shudder.


MICHAEL


As I head home, I am livid! Well, that’s another $500 he owes me!


BLOOM GALLERY - EARLY EVENING


ANNABELLA


I look around the gallery and grin in relief. It worked. She’s not here. I wave at Diana and she comes in with Mel. She has always wanted to come to a Bloom showing but was always put off by Lindsay being the gallery manager. And literally being put off by Lindsay, she always got to hear about the events after they had happened. So we took steps to make sure that she wasn’t here. It was a bit mean of us to book a ghost viewing, but needs must when the devil drives and that she-devil has been driving us mad for months!


“Mel!” Sidney exclaims, coming up to us. “Is a hug okay?”


“Of course it is, Sidney. We’re still friends, aren’t we?” She smiles and he embraces her warmly.


“Indeed, we are! Now where are you residing? Obviously, I didn’t want to ask Lindsay, now that you’ve moved out and she’s moving to Greenfield Boulevard.”


“She’s moving where?” Mel asks her eyes narrowing.


“Greenfield Boulevard. Her friend Brian has bought a house for her there; just told her to pick one at random.”


“Don’t suppose she showed you a picture of her new home, did she?” Mel sighs.


“Yes, she did. And I must say, it’s very grand.” Sidney frowns. “Is there something wrong?”


“There could be.” Mel mutters, digging for her phone and then scrolling through it quickly. “I don’t suppose it was something like that, was it?” He stares hard at the screen before nodding. “What else did she say about it?”


“That it was unfurnished and she’s using the money from the sale of her cottage to furnish it. I hope I haven’t got her into any trouble.”


“No, she’s gotten herself into trouble. Thanks, Sidney. Now don’t you worry about this. Let’s just enjoy our evening.”


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - AN HOUR LATER


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


I shake my foot in annoyance. Nobody turned up! I wait for my realtor to answer and yet again, it goes to voicemail. What a waste of an evening! At least if I was at the gallery, I would’ve been fed. And now Cassidy will get the credit for the showing as well. Why, oh why didn’t I double check the appointment?!


I look up as once again, there is a rumbling noise. “What on earth is going on up there?!” I grouse and head upstairs. I check the bedrooms and can’t hear anything. So I head to the bathroom and it is definitely coming from there. I look up to the ceiling and see a bulge then hear the rumbling noise that causes the room to shake. The next thing I know, I am soaked as water gushes from the now gaping hole in the damn ceiling!


“You have got to be fucking with me!” I sputter and rush out of the room, just in time for the boiler to crash through the bathroom floor! I run downstairs to survey the damage and want to cry in relief that I renewed that my fucking insurance yesterday! I am pissed though that this has happened now that Mel has left, she could’ve handled this!


Before I can do anything about it, there is a hammering on the front door so I squelch to answer it. I find Melissa Chanders on the other side. “Explain to me bitch! What part of leave my daughter alone didn't you underfuckingstand?!”


“Mrs Chanders now is not the time! As you can tell I am…”


“Opening a canowhipass you can’t close! Consider yourself…”


“Warned are you going to say?! Well to quote your daughter, consider me unbothered!”


“No I wasn’t going to say warned...” She pauses before a slow dangerous smile spreads across her face. “Consider yourself served.” She pronounces and pushes an envelope into my chest.


“What is this?!” I wail.


“The termination of your membership to the country club. Seems you have forgotten that it is my term of office now and yours was one of them that was up for renewal. How very foolish of you. Goodnight, Ms Peterson. Read it and weep!” She turns on her heel, laughing as she strides down the path.


I shut the door on her laughter and the gawking neighbours before I rip open the envelope. I can’t believe it... not only has my membership ending been announced to all and sundry, but Melanie’s has been approved!

 

As I screw up the piece of paper, there is an enormous crash as the rest of the bathroom joins the boiler in the lounge.

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Nothing But A House Party and Adventures in Babysitting by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 15 - NOTHING BUT A HOUSE PARTY AND ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING


DAPHNE’S HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING


LOUNGE


CYNTHIA


“Cuz, how many people have you invited?”


“The whole street... well up to the Red Prick House. I learned from my dorm days, if they are invited, they can’t complain!” She laughs as she puts out the empty plates.


“And you are doing what now?”


“Placing. Making sure that it looks right and there is a natural flow of booze to food to the dance area.


“You can take the girl out of the country set but you can’t, it seems, take the country set out of the girl!”


She turns slowly. “Gin is your thing, isn’t it?”


“And there she is!” I laugh as I check behind her island that she does indeed have my gin.


“So what kinda jams you laying down?” I pose a la gangsta and she just snorts and goes back to plate placing.


“Oh by the way, did you know what happened to Lindsay last night?” I shake my head. “Hmmm, neither does mom. She went round last night to open the can up and Lindsay greeted her at the door, soaking wet.”


“Define soaking and where was she wet?”


“What do….ewwwwww! As in covered from head to toe in water! Give me that gin!”


I take off running!


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE


APPRAISER


“Such a terrible thing to happen to a quaint home. Luckily, it doesn’t seem like you’ve been in long. Did the previous occupant not tell you about the rot? It should’ve been mentioned in their evaluation of the property.” Ms Peterson is looking like she wants to charge me like a bull. She is blowing hard through her nose and her eyes are flashing with annoyance.


“Mr Jones, is it?” She clips out and I nod, wondering where she is going with this snarky tone. She has clearly forgotten that I haven’t signed off on her claim. “I have lived here for the last 4 years and…”


“Ah, that’s unfortunate.” I interrupt in the same tone.


“Why?” She questions, sounding bored.


“Well, as you know when the insurance is renewed, the property is always inspected. The rot would’ve been pointed out and you would’ve been told to get it fixed.”


“No, I didn’t know that. My former partner would’ve dealt with that and…”


“Ignorance is not a defence, Ms. Peterson. You were both in residence at the time of renewal, so this will adversely affect your claim.” I retort, relishing the blanching and sudden softening of her expression. “I need to see the previous report.”


“I have no idea where that would be. I would need to speak to my now ex-partner and…”


“Then how about I leave a list of the things I need you to have prepared in time for my next visit? In the meantime, I suggest you find somewhere else to live. The smell in here is not going to improve.” I take out what I need from my briefcase and smile tightly at her. “This is the list and here is my card. Call me when you’ve got everything together. Good day.”


LINDSAY


I seethe at his indifference to my plight and just about stop myself from throwing the card across the room. Find somewhere to live indeed...what the fuck do you think I was trying to do, you imbecilic moron?! I snatch up my phone and decide to have a word with a now social climbing, Melanie Marcus!


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


BEN’S BEDROOM


JUSTIN


I pull back the cover from Ben’s face and stare at him. “I am waiting for an explanation, young man.”


“There is nothing to explain. Tell me about your eye.”


“My eye is fine, which is more than can be said for your love life. What happened?” He starts to smile. “Ben? Ben!”


“Justin. Oh my god, that British accent! Benson is nice and I like him. As much as, I think, you like Brian.” I start to blush. “But something is holding you back. Is it the…”


“No. It’s not that. Well it is. I think that it’s all he wants me for… you know, to meet a need.”


“But you said you’ve kissed and slept in the same bed together.”


“And that’s it. Nothing else.” I sigh and flop back on the bed, I sit up again when I hear him start to laugh. “And what’s so funny?”


“Have you actually been in a position with Brian to have sex?”


“What do you mean in a position? Of course, we have!”


“When?” He demands, his shoulders shaking.


“Well there was the block party.”


“Which he was the host at.”


“When we made out at his house.”


“And Debs turned up and you ended up finding out about his life.”


“When that rat injured my eye.”


“And he found out about your accident.”


“And when…”


“When?” Ben prompts, sobering up a bit. “Justin, being physically available is one thing, but you two have not been physically and emotionally alone to have sex. So how about you arrange for that to happen?”


“I hate you.” I retort and fling the covers back in his face.


“I know. Now come on, we said we’d help Daph.” He snickers, getting out of bed before calling out over his shoulder. “Like tomorrow, for example.”


“What’s like tomorrow for example?” I shout back.


“Why not ask him out tomorrow?”


“As in a date-date, not a fuck-date.”


“As in, it is whatever it is you want it to be. But do something about that itch you want to scratch!”


“Again, hating you!”


EMMETT’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


KITCHEN


EMMETT


I am hooting with laughter! I have just come off the phone with Louis Jones, one of my friends in the estate business. He has just had the supreme joy of knocking a hoity-toity Lindsay Peterson off her perch of pseudo beau monde after what happened in her cottage. I had a weird message from Mel last night so my first port of call is to call her.


“Mel, it’s Emmett. Have you heard from Lindsay at all? Ah, she’s left you a message, has she? Well before you call her back, seems there was a little bit of an accident in her cottage…”


MEL’S COTTAGE - 25 MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


MEL


Annabella and Diana look up expectantly as I return, having taken the call in the kitchen. I still can’t believe that I had my first ever sleepover and I am so grateful it is Saturday! After the gallery showing, we ended up grabbing a takeaway and coming back here to watch trashy TV and compare Princess stories. I know it shouldn’t hurt, but the lies she told them about our relationship really do. It was like she was ashamed. “That was Emmett. Seems that the walls around Lindsay’s castle, or more accurately the ceiling of her lounge took the full brunt of the boiler and bathroom.”


“Such a shame.” Diana takes a measured sip of her coffee, before nonchalantly taking out her phone. “And the news just gets sadder. Seems her membership of the club was up for renewal and she didn’t get enough votes for that to happen. But she can still attend as a guest of another member.”


“Who would have her as a guest?!” I scoff.


“You.” Diana returns with a smile.


“But I’m not even a member!”


“Ah, yes you are. It seems that you’re being given a chance to prove yourself.”


“But who recommended me?”


“Daphne. And she was seconded in her recommendation by her mother. If you don’t want to accept, they would understand. But if you accept, don’t give them reason to regret it.” She fixes me with a challenging stare.


“I accept and I won’t.” I return her stare with equanimity and she starts to smile. “I understand there is the grand dinner soon? Have the Yentas come to a conclusion?”


“The Yentas say yes, but a formal date is in order prior to that.” Annabella smiles. “No overnight stays please!”


“Yes, ma’am!” I salute with a grin.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


BATHROOM


BRIAN


I gently peel off his little socks and rub his tiny feet. “Now my Little Grub, daddy is going to be right back. You need some talc and you appear to have had a growth spurt in the two seconds I left you, as this is not going to fit.” I hold up the baby grow and he blows bubbles at me in agreement. “You can keep it for your son or daughter. I insist on being a grandfather, by the way.” More bubbling blowing. “Glad we are understand each other.”


I rifle through his drawers for something warm and suitable for him to wear after our shower. Finding the perfect set of PJs, I head back only to be stopped by the front door knocking. I head swiftly to the bathroom and pick him up to put him safely back in his crib. He does not look happy and his face starts to crumple. “I know Little Grub, I will get rid of them. I love our Saturday Showers too!”


As I rush downstairs, I send up a fervent prayer and it is answered when I open the door to Justin’s retreating form. “And just where do you think you are going?” I call out and he turns around with a grin. I step aside to let him in.


“Good afternoon. I was...what were you doing?” He asks somewhat breathlessly having noticed that I am not wearing a shirt. “I don’t want to interrupt you with anybody.”


“Actually, you can join us if you like. I’m sure he won’t mind.” I purr, pinning him against the wall with a look.


“Join you? Why would I do that?”


“So you can scrub his back.” I smirk. Judging by the fire in his eyes, he has got the who entirely wrong.


“No, thank you.” He replies frostily. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt your appointment. I’m so glad that you are getting that need met. It just confirms what I already suspected; that you only...”


Yep pushed it too far again!


“Little Grub and I were about to have a shower. There is nothing salacious nor does it involve a spanking. It’s just a shower. I should not have teased you like that.”


“No, you shouldn’t have.” He asserts even though he is embarrassed by his fit of pique. We just stare at each other for a few seconds. “How do you do that?” He whispers as he hooks his fingers on either side of my jeans and pulls me closer to him.


“What am I doing?” I ask, sliding my hands up so they are on either side of his head.


“Throwing me off my game.” He replies, sliding his hands up my chest to loop them around my neck. “It is very disconcerting. However, I am determined to be in charge of this situation…”


“WAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”


“Nope!” I laugh and peel myself away from him, albeit slowly. “Little Grub is in charge and he wants his shower. You coming?”


“You were serious?” He looks surprised and doesn’t move.


“Yep, now do you need a towel?”


“No, I’ll just wait down here. I could make up his bottle for you, if you’d like?”


“Actually, that would be a great help. Thanks. Won’t be long!” I call back, taking the stairs two at a time.


I pick up a very disgruntled Gus and carry him back to the bathroom. I gently undress him and make sure the temperature is just right. As I step in with him, his crumpled expression melts off his face and he sucks happily on my shoulder. “You know what, Little Grub? I do not understand Justin. In one breath, he’s all dom and then in another, he’s confounded and confused. But oh how I want him!”


“But what do you want me for?” Justin’s voice bounces off the wall and I freeze briefly before sticking our heads out of the shower. “If you just want me for that, then I don’t think…”


“No, I don’t just want you for that. I want to get to know you and want you period. But if that happens as well, then that’s good. But if not, it’s still all good. Does that answer your question?” He looks relieved and smiles. “What are you doing up here anyway?” He is now just staring at me. Specifically below my waist. “Justin?”


“You are huge.” He whispers with a leer. “I mean I know you felt big, but wow! I am one happy bunny!”


“You are, are you?” I ask, carefully stepping out of the cubicle with a contented Gus. “Can you pass me a towel please?” Mutely, and without taking his eyes off me, he hands me the first towel he can reach. “And how do you propose I dry myself or Gus with a flannel?”


“A flan…” He looks down at his hand. “Ah yes, um here. And bottle is almost ready. Do you think...actually, give me Gus and put something on!” He laughs, reaching for him and Gus goes quietly, whereas I lean against the cubicle door. “Brian, the putting on of something needs to happen now.”


“Why?”


“Because Gus needs feeding.” He replies almost sternly.


“And you want to fuck me?” I ask and despite the nonchalant way I ask, my heart is pounding.


“Yeah, that too. Very...wait...I get to top you?”


“Uh huh.” I lick my suddenly dry lips. “But you’re right let’s get Little Grub changed and fed.”


I take Gus and give my ass a little shimmy as I walk out to get him dressed, leaving a flummoxed Justin in the bathroom.


MEL’S COTTAGE - AN HOUR LATER


LOUNGE


MEL


Sighing, I put down the magazine I was trying to read, having just said goodbye to Annabella and Diana. I was looking forward to a bit of downtime before I head over to Daphne’s party, but someone is knocking on my door. I look at my watch and wonder if it is Ems. He is going to collect me so that he can pick my brains over something...something personal that he wants to discuss with me and values my discretion - I just know I am being tested!


I open the door and find myself looking at an unimpressed Lindsay...more worrying and tellingly, an unimpressed Lindsay with a case. “Well, aren’t you going to let me in?” She bristles when I don’t move to do so.


“No…”


“You have to! It is because of you that I have nowhere to live. And besides, we have to talk about your sudden interest in the country club!” Her repeated attempts to step forward are brought to a complete halt by Ems, calling out my name with a frown on his face as he walks down the path.


“And just what is she doing here? Surely…”


“No! Definitely not! She just turned up and expects me, a la Brian, to put her up. Are you ready, Ems?”


He nods and leans against the door jamb. I am thankful for his appearance, as that means I can go and get my purse and housewarming present. Lindsay wouldn’t dare step into the cottage with him standing there...she likes her hair on her head and there has been many a time I have heard him say he would like it in his hand in clumps...freshly pulled like a drag queen in a cat fight!


“Melanie, because of your failure to inform me of the rot in the bathroom, it caused the boiler to fall through the ceiling and…”


“You were told. You were supposed to sort that out, but again you left that for me to do. Well, I didn’t do it.”


“The house is in both our names, Melanie, so you owe me half the bills for it.” She puts her case down and looks smug.


“Yes. But we have a notarized and filed agreement, which again you signed, that in return for me furnishing the place, you would pay the mortgage. It also states that in the event we should we split up, I would take what I paid for and when the property is sold, you would give me a quarter of the money.”


“Hang on a minute!” Emmett exclaims, standing straighter. “You mean to say that you put in a clause that if you two split up, the hovel as it now realistically is, had to be sold?!”


“Yes.” I reply, taking great relish in the floridness of her cheeks. “At first, I wasn’t going to enforce it because let’s face it, I don’t need the money. I saved well. But after the things I’ve heard you’ve been saying and what you’ve been doing, I feel a sharp lesson is called for. I mean you were going to tell me that you were selling the cottage...weren’t you? You know when you went to Kinnetic Estates and Emmett here disemboweled you.”


“Of course, I was going to tell you!” She blusters. “But with every…you were there?” She gasps and balls her fists. “You can’t enforce that agreement!”


“Can and will. Now go and find some rock to stay under and for the love of god, bathe! You, like your attitude, stink!”


“Because of your ineptitude, I don’t have a bathroom!” She hisses at me.


“And because I don’t like, let alone love you anymore, I don’t care!” I snap and slam the door hard and lock it.


“Oh my darling, Mel. You are passing, you are definitely passing!” Ems cackles, sticking out his elbow which I take and he leads me around her and away. “Don’t look back, Mel. Never look back!” He says loudly and I smile at her gasp of annoyance.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - 40 MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


“Only until you get a new place?” I repeat to Lindsay and she nods. “And you will contribute to the bills and stuff? After all, you would be paying to stay in a hotel, wouldn’t you?” I smile as she nods. “Okay, so you can use that far room. And we need to do a shop. But we can do that tomorrow. Right now, we have a party to go to!”


LINDSAY


Oh don’t think for one minute, I don’t know what you are up to, Michael! But I shall let you play this feeble game. I smile brightly and head upstairs.


DAPHNE’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


BACK GARDEN


BEN


“Okay so repeat to me exactly what he said again?”


“He asked if I wanted to fuck him. I said yes and then I asked if he was saying I could top him…”


“And?!” Daph demands, almost shaking him.


“He said uh-huh but he wanted to get Little Grub sorted out first.” He finishes.


“And all this time he was naked?” I can’t believe he has been this much of an idiot!


“Yes!” He goes glassy eyed at the memory.


“So why are you both here?!” Daph demands in exasperation.


“Because...oh, I am a moron! Instead of waiting upstairs for him to finish sorting out Little Grub, I....”


“Went back downstairs! You absolute pillock!” I exclaim. “You had all that building up and you’re still itching!”


“Alright! Alright! I’m going!” He declares and looks about the garden then locates Brian, looking up at the sky.


JUSTIN


You are indeed a pillock! I berate myself. Taking a deep breath, I walk over and slide my hand into the back pocket of his jeans and pull him towards me. At first, he stiffens before he looks over his shoulder and gives me a gentle smile. “So what are we doing?” He asks.


“I’m taking you home to fuck your brains out. Is that a problem for you?”


“No Sir, it isn’t. Can we please go now?” He asks, turning to face me. “As in right this very second?”


“Definitely.” I tell him and pull him out the back gate.


DAPHNE


“Thank fuck for that! I look forward to his tales of Kinney domination in every sense of the fucking…” I trail off as I see the look of horror and annoyance on Ben’s face and turn around to find Mr Red Prick and Miss No Mates behind me. He is looking appalled and she is looking smug. Mr Red Prick rushes out of the back gate, shouting Brian’s name.


She flicks her hair and steps closer to me. “Well, well, well Daphne. I do like what you have done here. I shall try to keep the aesthetics in place, but I like cleaner lines.” She smarms.


“What bullcrap are you spouting now? And why are you spouting it here in my house to where you’re not invited?!”


“I think you will find that by the time I finish talking to Brian about how damaging it would be to his reputation as the Stud of Liberty Avenue that he allows himself to be dominated, by that insipid twink, that he will agree to me moving in and you moving out! Of course, there will also be the little matter of me taking over the care of Gus as it always should’ve been since you were just the in-cu-bator, as I’ve rightly said before. I am the mother! Not that barren bellied bitch Cynthia...me!”


“What did you just say?!” A voice barks out, silencing the garden and she whirls around to face the speaker. “I asked you what you just said?!”


“And who the fuck are you?” She sneers. “I don’t believe this conversation has anything to do with you!” She snipes and jabs the woman in the chest.


“Lindsay, you need to say sorry very quickly and leave!” Ben tells her at the same time as pulling me away from her.


“I don’t have to do anything of the sort. In fact, it is her who should apologise for daring to put yourself in such a position as you have. You ingrate! You and your mother don’t have the savoir-faire that true country set people, like myself, have. You...sicken me!” She spits out.


“Oh she sickens you, does she? Ingrates, are they? Incubator, you say? Barren bellied bitch, is she?! Insipid twink, is he?!”


“Before I give you a bitch slap, Mr Musclewoman 1987, who the hell are you?!” She tosses her hair as she snipes.


“That would be Justin’s mother, Jennifer Taylor.” Ben answers and swallows as Jennifer starts to roll up her sleeves. “And she’s also the best friend to Daphne’s mom.”


“Oh and knows my mom very well.” Cynthia drawls as she comes out with her gin. “And…”


“And?” Lindsay snaps, losing some of her bravado.


“You need to start running. Because if I catch you, I am going to beat your ass, both verbally and physically!” Jennifer retorts and kicks off her shoes. “You need to start now!”


Lindsay drops her glass and runs to the gate, her dress flapping behind her, just as she goes through the gate, Jennifer slams it shut and we hear the unmistakable sound of ripping material and a hysterical scream. Jennifer opens the gate and we rush towards it just in time to see a buck naked Lindsay, running down the street!


“Oh dear…” Jennifer smirks as she drops the remains of the dress in the trash. “...I do hope she’s remembered to wax.” Fluffing out her hair, she looks around. “So where is Justin?”


“Um, finally fucking the brains out of Brian Kinney.” Ben replies, laughing.


“Brian Kinney? The one who won all that money?”


“Yes.”


“Hmmm, I shall make some extra cookies. He will need the sustenance. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the former Stud of Liberty Avenue.” She heads inside to get a drink, chuckling to herself.


“Seriously, our moms are just awesome!” I smile proudly.

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Softly, Softly, Gently, Gently...I'm Yours by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 16 - SOFTLY, SOFTLY, GENTLY, GENTLY...I’M YOURS


MICHAEL


I am running down the street after them, while they’re running towards that bastard’s house, but I am hot on their heels! I am shouting his name determined that he will stop! He will listen! He will NOT do this! I am heaving in lungfuls of air as they are still really running very fast! But luck is on my side as he drops his keys and has run back to pick them up, but I get to them first!


“Leave them!” Brian shouts and we’re both surprised. “Justin, come on!” He yells and he runs back to his outstretched hand while I am stock still in disbelief. How the hell is this going to work out in their favour? I twirl the keys round my fingers smugly but it still doesn’t seem to make a fucking difference.


They just keep running, past his house and to a car then quickly get in. “Use those keys, Michael and you will be arrested for breaking and entering!” Brian shouts as he drives passed me.


“Michael! Help me!” I hear a shrill scream and turn around to see the source of the noise, but can’t see anybody.


“Who’s there?!” I call out, putting that inferring bastard’s keys in my pocket.


“It’s me... Lindsay! Over here!”


I walk over to where she’s calling from and then back off when I see her. “Where are your fucking clothes?!” I hiss.


“Please give me your jumper and let’s go home. I’ve never been so humiliated!”


I quickly hand it to her, without looking. “What happened?!” I demand as we run back to my house and quickly get back inside.


“Let me get some more clothes on…”


“Please do!” I call out as she runs upstairs and I am afforded a view of her very white ass!


Ten minutes later, she’s back down and inhaling the wine with trembling hands. “Justin’s mother attacked me.”


“Justin’s mother? How?”


“I was merely pointing out the inferiority of Daphne and she tore my dress off of me!” She sniffs. “And then threw me out of the house!”


“You should report her to the police!” I exclaim. “In fact, we both should!”


“What did he do to you?”


“Broke a glass the other night and a piece went in my eye, it was too bad.” I lie smoothly as she gasps. “Because I didn’t want to risk his tenancy, I said nothing but with this... it’s time he faces justice!”


BLUE MOON HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


JUSTIN


We have finally stopped laughing. I had no idea he had driven to Daphne’s and am curious about that. “Can I ask a question?”


“Why did I drive?”


“Oh for…” I grumble. “...you’re a mind reader now?”


“No, it just seems to be the most obvious thing you’d ask.”


“So why did you?”


“Because I wanted to either bring you here or go home with you. And I couldn’t do that and drink.”


“Oh.”


“Gus is with his grandparents. Like I said, I took a chance I wouldn’t be coming home tonight, after you went, but that I would be coming.”


“We need to go upstairs.” I tell him before I get in his lap and capture his mouth. His groan makes my toes curl and my cock bump against my zipper. When he strokes my face as I kiss him, I feel myself melting. I am supposed to be domin...but oh god, the way he is responding it’s like he wants me to...I am a pillock!


I pull away gently. “Brian, how long has it been?”


“A good few years.” He replies quietly.


“Come on, big lad.” I get up and hold up my hand and take him upstairs.


MASTER BEDROOM


I turn down the blankets and slowly strip him of his shirt then undo his jeans before pushing him backwards. I pull off his shoes, then them and swat his legs so that he swings into bed. I take off my clothes slowly, and I hope, sensually...and judging by that tenting, I got that right! I slide into bed and then on top of him. “Face to face or…”


“Face to face.” He whispers and hands me lube and a condom.


“Good.” I nuzzle his nose before sitting up. “Can we swap positions?”


“Sure.” He replies with a slight frown. “Before we do that, why are we doing that?”


“Because I want to see you open yourself up and then ride me.” I murmur and his eyes light up. “Turn around, Brian. I can’t see those fingers.”


“Oh God.” He moans, but does as he’s told quickly.


“Wait.” I tell him and I stroke his very peachy ass. “Not so fast. I want to enjoy the view first. Lean forward.” He gulps and then I feel his hands on my knees. He shivers as I stroke his ass. ”You are perfectly made, ass wise. Reach back and put your fingers in my mouth; I want them nice and wet.”


He moans again and that has to be the most sensual sound I have ever heard. As I take his fingers in my mouth, he strokes my thigh with his other hand but I give him a nip and he gets the message and stops. I release his fingers and then take a deep breath. “Look at me.” I order and he turns his head for me to look him straight in the eyes. “You are to do as you are told, not as you want to. Do I make myself clear?” His eyes widen a bit and again, there is this oh so sexy moan. “I said, do I make myself clear?” I repeat in a sharper tone.


“Yes, Sir. Sorry Sir!” He answers immediately.


“Good answer!” I praise him and smile as the goosebumps skitter across his skin. “Fingers back in mouth now.” I demand and I feel his groan reverberate around the room. I suck and lick them before letting them slide slowly out of my mouth. “Now open up.”


He slides them between his cheeks and I know the moment they touch his hole. “Two fingers only.”


“Justin.” He breathes and his other hand clenches the blanket as I spread his cheeks for him and then almost cum as his long fingers slowly sink inside him and then he goes still. “Now what do you want me to do?” He asks breathlessly.


Oh fuck me!


“Slowly spread yourself. Open yourself up nice and wide. That's it... let your tight hole suck those fingers in!” He is undulating with pleasure. “Oh my god, Brian you should see yourself. You look so wonderful.”


“Ju...stin. I don’t think I…” He stutters as he pushes his fingers in deeper.


“Brian, I’m gonna…” I gasp and then cum, coating his chest. Then a second afterwards, he yelps and coats my thighs before collapsing on them. Which means he pins me to the bed and the aftershocks are strong. “Oh fuck!” I moan as they ripple through my body.


“Unnnggh!” He groans and I feel him shudder against my legs.


“Did you seriously come again?”


He takes a while to answer. “Yeah. In case you still have any doubts, you do a mighty fine job in dominating. Seems you are a natural!” He slowly sits up and turns around to kiss me tenderly. “How you feeling?”


“Like spooning.” I murmur and he huffs a laugh before he gets us into position and then pulls the blankets over us.


“Sweet dreams.” He whispers in my ear and I turn over to tuck myself under his chin.


“Sweet dreams...Sir.” I murmur.


“Sweet dreams...Sir.” He replies before kissing the top of my head and snapping off the light.

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

While There's Moonlight...Let's Face the Music and Some Home Truths by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 17 - WHILE THERE’S MOONLIGHT...LET’S FACE THE MUSIC AND HOME TRUTHS


JUSTIN


I had almost gone to sleep when I remember something! Gasping, I sit up before snapping the light back on. “My keys!” I exclaim.


“What’s wrong?” Brian mumbles as I shake him.


“He has my keys, Brian!”


“Oh fuck! I forgot that. Hang on!” He is immediately focused and reaching for his phone.


“You don’t think he’ll use them?” I demand worriedly.


“To be honest, I’m not sure. But was it just the house keys on there?” He asks.


I relax a bit but not much. “Yes, just them. Why aren’t you sure?”


“Can you call Ben and let him know what’s happened key wise? I’ll get a locksmith out just in case.”


Ten minutes later, he’s spoken to a locksmith, who was more than happy to help out and I have spoken to Ben. But I can’t help the flash of jealousy at the locksmith’s words.


“Do you want me to take you home? Personally, if he does use them I would rather you were not in the house. But if you want to go home…”


“Yeah, please.” I reply and instantly regret it. Ben said that he wasn’t going to go home as Benson had turned up at the party, so I would be by myself. “Actually no, it’s fine. I can go to a hotel.” I realise as soon as the words are out of my mouth that I am indeed the biggest pillock on the planet!


“Justin? Why are you wanting to go to a hotel?” He frowns at me.


“Because I’m a pillock.” I sigh.


“Yeah. I worked that one out, but why are you being a pillock?” He studies my face. “Okay, you have to understand something. I fucked a lot of guys and although I didn’t fuck them again, it doesn’t mean I treated them like trash. Despite the reputation that Michael wants to cultivate for me, I am not a heartless prick nor am I a whore. I…”


“I know that. I…”


“Let me finish.” He cuts me off sternly. “I had a life before you like you had a life before me. I am not going to let my past ruin my future and I hope you won’t either.”


I feel about two centimeters high. “Sorry. I’m sorry.”


“So you don’t want to go to a hotel?”


“No.” I reply and swallow hard. “It’s just…”


“What?” His tone is softer and I am relieved.


“The way he said it.”


“I fucked the locksmith once, but he’s a better locksmith than he is a fuck. I have never done this with anyone...at all...ever.”


“You have, you make an appointment. You said...and again, a pillock!” I bump my head against the wall, but at least he is smiling. “Can we cuddle again and pretend that this conversation never happened?”


“Cuddle, yes. But the conversation happened and I’m glad it did.”


“You are?” I ask as I slide back into position under his chin. “Why?”


“Because now I know what you sound and look like when you’re jealous. It’s hot!”


“Shut up!” I gripe into his neck and then smile as his leg wraps around mine. “Sleep.”


“Yes, Sir.” He chuckles before snapping the light off again.


DAPHNE’S HOUSE - THIRTY MINUTES LATER


EMMETT


I watch Mel carefully from the other side of the lounge. She’s got an odd expression on her face. “What’s the matter?” I ask quietly, leading her to the back garden, as it’s quiet but still warm out. “Mel, what’s wrong?”


“I tried, Emmett, I really did.”


“Tried what?”


“To love her the way she wanted…” She sniffs.


Mel is crying! I don’t know how to handle a crying bulldyke lesbian, who I am supposed to dislike but find myself actually liking! Luckily, the other man in her life is over in seconds.


“Finally hit home, has it?” Ted hands her a drink and napkins as she nods.


“What has?” I am confused.


“Lindsay never loved her. She loved the idea of her and what Mel gave her but she never loved her.”


“I don’t understand.” I whisper.


“She lied to her country club cronies about me; the things she told them that we did as a couple. She described our sex life in intricate detail…”


“I always got the impression that you had a good sex life” I interrupt. “Even if it was with a plank of wood with fried eggs on it, but whatever gets you off.”


She hiccups a laugh. “She said I was Melvin to them. She told them I was a man. The sex she was having to them was with a man.”


“Ouch. I didn’t realise she took the ruse that far.” Ted hands her another napkin.


“It took me saying I no longer loved her to finally realise she never loved me. She didn’t even flinch, just gave an insouciant shrug. And that hurt.”


“So why were you giving Brian shit?” I ask, finally able to.


“She’s always maintained that theirs was just a friendship and I believed that. I had no reason not to. But then something happened and I took it out on him. We had never been the greatest of buddies but striking out at him instead of confronting her, as it were, was easier. When he offered to help us with having a baby and she turned him down flat, I felt better about it then pushed the entire episode to the back of my mind. But then when he got the money and she went after him again…”


“What are you talking about? What happened?” Ted and I exchange confused looks.


“She cheated on me.”


“She cheated on you? When?”


“A couple of years before we got engaged. It was with a man. A man who happened to be called Brian.”


“You know that he would never ever go there!” I exclaim. “Never!”


“I know. But...one time, after we got engaged, she called out his name. She came calling his name.”


“So? Just because she beat off to...ah, one sec. Were you with her at the time?”


“Not the first time, no. The second time it happened she claimed she was saying she...she loved Byron, not Brian.”


Ted and I look at each other dumbfounded. “She’s in love with Brian?!” I gasp.


“She thinks she is, you mean.” Ted looks as nauseous as I feel and I inhale my drink when Mel shakes her head. “But she can’t be? Why would she be?”


“Because of the lifestyle he can now offer her, of course.” Daph has been standing quietly, rubbing Mel’s back.


Cyn comes up with a tray of drinks. “I have always had my suspicions, you know.”


“Really?” Mel looks incredulous.


“I even told Brian. And once he’d finished puking up his lunch, he backed right off. Wouldn’t be alone with her, would never meet up when she wanted him to...”


“So why offer the donation back then?” Ted frowns.


“She seemed to finally get the message that he wasn’t going to become more to her than what he was. It was a genuine offer and the thing is that she wanted to say yes, but she also wanted to punish him for rejecting her in the first place.” Cyn explains while Daph nods sagely. “It put her back in control of the friendship. And then along came the money, but also along came Michael.”


“Oh, that man is odious!” Brandon says joining us. “Especially after what he did to Justin.”


“What did he do to Justin?” Cyn asks puzzled.


“Broke a glass in tantrum when people weren’t paying him attention and a piece of it got in Justin’s eye. Naturally, he, of course, faced the consequences of his actions by running away!” Brandon grimaces.


“And he’s got Justin’s house keys. We’ve had to call a locksmith out to get them changed.” Ben comes up, looking a cross between relieved and pissed.


“Stop. Wait. And Whoa. Why does he have his keys?” Mel demands, the bulldyke attorney coming to the fore.


“Because they were running away from the dork and Justin dropped them. Luckily, it was only the house keys. I’ve just picked up the new set. Justin is staying at Brian’s tonight and I’m going back to Benson’s.”


“And you are?”


“Ben. I share with Justin and you are Mel. Daph has told us about you. Nice to finally meet you.”


“Nice to meet you, Ben. And I am anxious and intrigued to meet the guy that can get Brian to run away from Michael…”


“Honey, that would be most men.” Ted smirks.


“So getting back to the Lindsay hideousness, Michael got in the way of her baby plans for two years by…” Daph tries to clarify.


“Being the lesser of two evils.” Ted shudders again. “She was badgering him every day, trying to get him to offer his swimmers again but he was playing dumb and, for once, ran away. Only this time it was with that ingrate Michael hot on his trail.”


“Hot on his trail? You mean Brian didn’t offer him the trip?” I’ve always had my suspicions, but still!


“Good god, no! He got him the house and the store, but the trip? No, that was all Michael, selling some things and turning up at the airport.”


“But he gave everyone the impression that…”


“Uh, Michael lies...a lot!” Ted rolls his eyes. “Especially when it comes to bigging it up with Brian. Remember when he went to the bathroom just before Brian had to go through security?” I nod and then realisation starts to dawn. “You got it, Ems. He went through security and waited for Brian then guilted him into taking him along by saying that Debs had bought the ticket for him to go with him.”


“Does Debs know that?”


“Think she does now, Ems, but at the time, no she didn’t. Michael told her…”


“The reverse of what he told him.”


“But then of course, there was Lindsay’s unintentional streaking.” Cyn starts to smile.


“What? What the hell have we missed?!” Mel demands.


“I think it will sound better coming from Daph, who she directed most of her bile at.”


“I can only say what happened in the garden. I have no idea what happened before that. Ben and I were too busy trying to get Justin to pounce on Brian.”


“I like the word pounce; it has a playful devilment about it. What do you think, Brandon?” I ask, tilting my head.


“Like hearing the word, love doing it more.” He replies with a wink.


“Ems. Yes. Definitely.” Mel smirks. “Now Cynthia, you start and Daph, you finish.”


Cynthia clears her throat and gets comfortable. “Well when she arrived, uninvited, the first thing she did was look for Brian. They both did. She saw him first and he was by himself. So she got into predator mode but once again, Michael got ahead of her. But by the time they had jostled their way through the throng, Justin had taken his man away. But they heard something that appalled one and could be used as bait by the other. So then Michael, ran after Brian and Justin, appalled and screaming like someone had pinched his marbles and then Lindsay walked over to Daph and Ben and…”


“...ooh, this is so good!” Daph chortles. “So she comes up to me praising what I have done with the place, but saying she would keep the aesthetics after all it would be her house and she would be looking after Gus...”


“But how? There’s no way that Brian would just give her your house like that. What could she possibly have on him that would ever make her believe that he would?” Mel huffs angrily. “You know, I am getting fucking sick and tired of this! She’s already had her first and last warning. So the next time I see her, she’s going to have another legal problem.”


“Justin is a dominant.” We all look at the owner of the voice in surprise. “Hello, Mel. I’m Jennifer... Jennifer Taylor, Justin’s mother.”


“He’s a dominant?” “You knew, Mrs T?” Mel and Daph say at the same time.


“Yes and yes.” She smiles at Mel. “Shall I continue, Daph?”


“Yes please, Mrs T.”


“So after she finished denigrating Daph, Cyn and Justin, I briefly introduced myself and told her to run as I was going to beat her ass. And in the process of her swift departure, her dress got caught in the gate and she took her too flat, too pasty white and way too bare ass and ran screaming down the street! It was both funny and horrific at the same time! Like a plucked chicken in a human body.” She pauses to allow us to control our cackling and cringing. “It’s in the trash can over there.”


MEL


I stare at Jennifer in admiration. “How did…”


“I just did. I was worried for a while. But then I heard nothing but good things, like I said, about Mr Kinney and I’m not worried anymore. After all, he’s been trained and corrected by the best.”


“Wow is all I can say about that. But hang on a second. You said she ran down the street?” Jennifer nods. “And they were here together?” Cynthia nods. “She has nowhere to live because of damage to her cottage, but he has a brand spanking new house somewhere and…”


“Down the road. As in literally, down the road.” Ben grumbles. “All of his neighbours are so thankful to Brian for that. I might have to remind Justin of this error.” He smirks.


I stand up and march to the trash can. “Ems, these blocks are owned by Brian and Kinnetic, correct?”


“Yes.”


“Security cameras are installed, correct?”


“Oh yes...oh we don’t have to watch it, do we?”


“No. But I know Lindsay, and she’s going to somehow say this is not her fault. Now Daph, don’t take this the wrong way but did…”


“Yes, at my insistence I might add and thank goodness for that!”


“I need a copy of that recording and Ems a copy of the recording from earlier.”


“Mel?” Ted looks nervous.


“It’s best to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.” I reply darkly. “Ben, can you take me to his house? There is a rather expensive dishcloth I need to return!”


“Uh, okay.”


I follow him out of the garden and then smile as I hear footsteps behind me. They are being led... judging by the snickering, by Ted. When we get to Michael’s house, I tell them to wait at the bottom of the path. Just to be on the safe side, of course. We wouldn’t want the poor damsel claiming emotional distress!


I knock on the door and hear his whine yelling that he’s coming and to hold our horses...I knocked once, for fuck sake!


“Me…”


“Lindsay!” I bellow. “You need to come to the door, preferably dressed!”


“Mel?! What are…”


“This is yours. It’s not too damaged so you can sew it up, I suppose. But next time, I suggest you wear underwear with it and more importantly, don’t insult people you don’t know. And as for you Michael, I shall be speaking to Justin Taylor about assault charges for the glassing incident in...where was it, Brandon?” I call back and it’s then that they notice everyone and their mouths fall open.


“Woody’s. They have it on tape, I checked!”


“So before you get it into your heads to say it was done to you...just don’t. You know how I operate, Lindsay, above the law and thoroughly. Now we are going back to Daphne's...I repeat Daphne's house to continue to enjoy our evening. So should you really still think that you will live there and look after Gus, you better think again and think fast! The ice you are standing on is starting to crack and you certainly don’t want to drown in Lake Delusional due to the weight of your combined arrogance.”


As I turn my back and head up the path, Jennifer walks down and I briefly contemplate stopping her but want to see what she’s going to do. “Michael, Justin and Ben will be billing you for the cost of having the locks changed on their house and…”


“It’s not their house; it’s Brian’s like this is mine! They don’t own it!”


“Just like you don’t own Brian for all your bluff, bluster and subterfuge. My son in a few short weeks has managed to do what you haven’t done in years and couldn’t do in a lifetime even with an open opportunity to try. He’s given him what he wants and needs. So let’s face it, the only way you are going to get Brian to bend to your will, either of you, is to take away what he loves most...and that would be Gus. And that would be a very stupid move indeed.”


“So even you think that your son is just a passing, disgusting phase...”


“My son is neither a phase nor disgusting, that is what you are...or should we say were? You were a phase of his childhood, he is now a grown up. You are disgusting because of your behaviour and cowardice. Because of your lack of class, talent and brains, you have been left behind. That goes for both of you, by the way. I said that he loves Gus most, he will just love Justin a little bit less than that, but love him he will. And he will love only them.”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Copernicus, Coercion and Camping by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 18 - COPERNICUS, COERCION AND CAMPING


BLUE MOON HOUSE - NEXT DAY, EARLY AFTERNOON


KITCHEN


DEBS


I put the kettle on as quietly as I can. Gus is having granddaddy feeding time in the nursery. When we came back to drop Gus off, we found the house silent. But when I called Brian, I could hear buzzing and went upstairs to find two things...a room that absolutely stunk of funk, it was so ripe I had to open the window! But it was also so sweet, the two of them entwined round each other...clearly having got hot, in both ways, during the night as the blankets were on the floor. Though it has to be said that the size queen within Brian will be pleased!


I hear footsteps behind me and a rumpled Brian is making his way downstairs. “Is your guest still sleeping?” I smirk and he nods. “Gus is with grandpa in the nursery.” He turns back around and goes to see his Little Grub.


“Did you have to send him the moment he woke up? I was having a nice cuddle.” Carl grumbles good naturedly as he comes in.


“You cuddled him last night. What’s the problem?” I frown.


“You’re aware, aren’t you, that you are at DEFCON 2, generally where Little Grub is concerned? When you are grubbing, its DEFCON 1. He’s lucky I am not the jealous type.”


“Oh hush!” I jab him in the ribs and then kiss his cheek. “He has company.”


“Brian does?” He whispers. “Who?”


“Justin.” Brian replies a little testily.


“Nasty nappy?” Carl asks and gets a shudder for his answer. “Wait for the post solid nappies...I suddenly had to be on duty when they cried...there is a special cry.”


“Thanks for the warning.” Brian leans against the counter and I can see he is starting to grin.


“Spill it.” I quote him.


“Nothing much. Just had a wonderful time.”


“Wonderful? Did you hear that, Carl? He said wonderful.” I tease.


“Which, as you and I both know is Brianspeak for fucking excellent. And judging by the lack of Little Grub and gentle murmurings, the reason for the fucking excellent is now up and talking to him.”


We all go silent and Brian smiles, then heads back upstairs. There is more murmuring before he comes back down with Little Grub. “He would like a cup of coffee. He’s just brushing his teeth.”


“I shall put start break...lunch.” Carl grins before handing him a glass of orange juice. “You need to drink this. Having a wonderful time can be very dehydrating.”


“Just start lunch.” He gripes.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


STUDY


LINDSAY


I look up from the laptop at Michael. “So what are you going to do about this assault charge that is coming your way?” I ask, smugly.


“What about you…” He begins, but I tinkle a laugh. “You lied, too!”


“No, au contraire Michael, I did not lie. It was because of the actions of Jennifer Taylor that caused my state of dishabile. As I was retreating from her, I could not tell who ripped the dress from my person. However, from what I understand, you broke the glass in a fit pique because you were being ignored. Not only that, you then ran away from the scene of the crime only returning to collect your phone. And you’ve yet to apologise.”


“How do you know any of that?!” He barks.


“Moderate your tone, Mr Novotny. You would be spoken to like that on the witness stand in a court of law if you spoke to an attorney like that. As to how I know, you may be Mr Popular in your mind but not so much in others. While you were sleeping, you know that’s one of my favourite films, I went for a walk around the neighbourhood and picked up some interesting tidbits.” I close down the laptop. “Have a seat, Michael and let me tell you the conditions of my stay here.”


“The cond…”


“Sit.” I order and he does so with an angry frown. “I will not be paying any bills, contributing towards any food or doing anything that in anyway benefits you.”


He looks astonished and it doesn’t take too long for stupidity to come out of his mouth. “Then I will throw you out. You have nowhere to go.”  


“You will not because I know what you did to Justin Taylor, and if he doesn’t press charges against you, I will report you to the police. I will, and you know I will.”


He blinks a few times and I hear the rusty clang of the cogs of common sense start to crank in what he laughingly calls his brain.


“I can…”


“No, Michael. You can’t. Now…” I open the laptop up again. “I have been checking the kitchen and the produce is not up to my standards. So I have done the shopping, you will thank me for it in the long run. Now I just need your credit card.” I look expectantly at him. “Now, Michael.” I smirk at his look of furious resignation as he hands it over.


DAPHNE’S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING


KITCHEN


DAPH


I am dying to know how it went! According to Ben, he’s not home yet. I look around when I hear footsteps and smile at Mrs T, who is looking more than a little green around the gills.


“Advil for the absinthe.” I hand her the glass and the pills. “Want orange juice after?” She nods.


“He gets it from me.” She croaks and I sigh in relief as I was trying to work out what my opening gambit would be.


“Hold on.” Cyn slowly shuffles in. “Whose idea was the Whinger bombs?”


“Yours.” Mrs T laughs and then winces. “Whisky, gin and ginger wine is actually not too bad. I made the mistake of having absinthe; you made the mistake of not eating enough food, Cyn.”


“I know, Mrs T.” She just holds out her hand and I plop in the pills and slide the glass of water nearer before getting us all some juice and sitting opposite Mrs T. I’m waiting for her to start again.


“Yes, I’ve known I’m a Domme since my teens but never acted on it. I saw the same in Justin when he was around my age, but wanted him to find out about it himself. And now he has. I…”


“You said something about Brian being trained and corrected. How do you know that?” Cyn’s Advil has kicked in. When she starts to remember stuff, the Advil has kicked in.


“It’s Pittsburgh and a small world. It is very difficult to miss a man who looks like that, is gay and is a switch. I have to say they were both surprised when they found out. But I think that’s what helped ease him in and out.”


“They found out? Who is they?” I ask, looking at Cyn to see if she knows and she’s as blank as me.


“The world is small, Daph but it is also discrete. If they want you to know, they will tell you. Not my place. Now we three need food and how bad is the clean up?”


“Oh not too bad. I pottered around while you guys were dozing. So you guys are on food...please and thank you. However, I will caveat that by saying the eggs have to be done, I can’t do sunnyside up while hanging!”


“Oh God!” Mrs T gasps and runs out of the room.



BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - MONDAY EVENING


LOUNGE


BEN


I hear the front door open and practically haul him inside. “Well?!” I demand, dragging him to the lounge and putting him in a chair.


“We had a very nice evening.” He replies primly while trying not to grin like a Cheshire Cat!


“Oh that cat got the cream, did he?!” I laugh and pour him a glass of wine. “So what’s happening next?”


“I’ve been summoned to dinner on Thursday and then on Friday, we’re…” He trails off because he’s grinning so much.


“You’re?” I prompt.


“Going camping in the forest.”


“Camping?” I echo, smirking.


“Yeah. You have the same expression on your face as he did when I said that. Let’s see if the same thing happens to you when I say, as part of a field trip for the class assignment.” I hear and feel my face hit the floor. “Yep! That’s what his face did, too!”


“Why are you...you did have sex? Tell me the itch was partially scratched right?” I frown.


“Yes.” He blushes. “But we uh...well…”


“Say no more.” I snicker. “So why?”


“The thrill of it, the excitement, knowing we are just this close but…”


“You are aware that this is Brian Kinney you are talking about?” I am feeling smug.


“Yes. I am aware.” He returns.


“You know everything about him, don’t you Justin?” I am starting to grin and he’s starting to look nervous.


“M-most things, yeah.”


“Including his ability to delay his pleasure for...hours. Apparently, he managed to not come at an orgy once. I mean not at all, just kept fucking and fucking. Why do you think he was the Stud for so long? I don’t believe you have that amount of control. Do you?”


“But he...I mean we...I think I may have made a mistake…”


“Yeah. You’ve hoisted yourself by your own petard. You pillock!”


DEBS HOUSE - THURSDAY EVENING


DINING ROOM


CARL


“Absolutely not! You can’t saddle Little Grub with that!” I tell him sternly.


“I don’t see what’s wrong with it.” Brian interjects. “He’s one of the most well thought of astronomers.”


“No.” I repeat and thump the table for emphasis.


“It could be shortened to Ernie?” Brian argues.


“You shorten the first name, not the middle one!” Debs points out. “And I am with Carl. No. Grandma and grandpa say no. And you know me... I will make your life a living hell if that comes anywhere near him!”


“I think you two are overreacting and besides Little Grub is my son and I can call him whatever I want.”


“But not fucking Copernicus!” Debs exclaims. “He’s going to have to live with that until he’s 18!”


“Brian.” Justin starts having been watching the three of us with amusement while holding Gus. “If you call him that, you will never touch me, and, I will never touch you...again.”


“Fine. Charles it is, then.”


“Thank you.” Debs grins pleased that her choice won out.


“Can I call something Copernicus?” Brian moans.


“As long as it’s not your cock, then yes.” Justin grins.


Again with the red face!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


MICHAEL’S BEDROOM


MICHAEL


Fucking, fucking, fucking bitch! She’s right! There is nothing I can get her out of here on! She holds all the cards. Oh well, I will just add her room and board to Brian’s invoice for this month!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Sidney Shows His Balls and Emmett Protects by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 19 - SIDNEY SHOWS HIS BALLS AND EMMETT PROTECTS


BLOOM GALLERY - FRIDAY MID-MORNING


SIDNEY


For someone, whose home is a knockdown ramshackled mess, she is looking very smug and self-satisfied! She has been on Bloom business but seems to have come back to the office via a shopping mall. Yes, I pay her to shop...but for art and for my gallery, not for whatever the hell is in there!


“And what renaissance artist’s work did you find in Macy’s?” I ask her tartly as she sits down at her desk.


“Pardon, Sidney?”


“The bag you are attempting to slide under your desk is from Macy’s. So I am assuming that there is a piece of artwork which you are perhaps going to present to me for my birthday? Which was three weeks ago. Card still in the post, is it?”


“Sid…”


“Let’s go and have a chat, Lindsay.” I smile tightly. “Now, Lindsay.”


Judging by the ramrod set of her spine, she is not a happy camper. Well, tough titties sweetheart! I do not like being taken for a ride!


LINDSAY


I head to the sofa in his office where we always have our chats. But when I look up, he is sitting at his desk. My face flushes as I go to sit opposite him.


“Much better.” He says dourly.


“Sid…”


“So what did you buy?”


“I was returning something and…”


“You have a bag, which you did not have when you left, ergo you shopped.” He interrupts.


“Sidney, I do not like what your tone is inferring.” I state primly.


“And what is that? That you cut short your visit to the art gallery and went to Macy’s to exchange whatever you bought the first time?”


“I…”


“Paul rang. He was most chagrined that you had to cut your visit short to go back to the office for a meeting with Cassidy.”


“Paul…”


“And he knew you were lying because Cassidy and he are dating. She has a migraine, which is why she is not in, but you skiving off meant he could tend to her. No, do not attempt to speak, just listen! You are on very thin ice here, Lindsay. Don’t get me wrong... I like you and admire your knowledge, but don’t mistake admiration for me being a sucker. Do not snowjob me ever again or you will find yourself attempting to find work in Alaska. I am respected in art circles. Can you say the same?” My mouth is dry with mortification. “No, I didn’t think so. Now go do the job that I pay you for; shop on your own time.”


Although I feel shaky, I smile and nod. “Understood, Sidney. It was this one…”


“Snowjobbing. Last warning.” He clips out before reaching for his desk phone and dialling a number. “Hello, Paul, yes. I have spoken to Lindsay. She has agreed to hand your next three showings to Matteus. Yes, it was very gracious of her indeed. I mean she couldn’t possibly do those and the next six showings we have over the next two weeks. Yes, lunch would be wonderful. I’ll call you to arrange.” When he hangs up, he looks at me coldly. “The job I pay you to do is not going to do itself in here.”


I feel sick to my stomach, but pasting on a smile of contrition, I head back to my desk.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - LUNCH TIME


NURSERY


BRIAN


“Kiddo, come on. Please, it was just a stomachache! The doctor said he’s going to be fine, more than fine.”


“Son, it was just a little tummy upset. It happens with babies. Their system takes time to adjust.” Carl tries to reach for Gus but I step back. “Son, listen to me. My children are grown ups, but they went through exactly the same thing.”


I look down at my son. He has gone from the Blair Witch Project crossed with Linda Blair from the Exorcist to the Little Grub he is, but with the serenity of a million angels. As usual, when he is happy, he sucks on his fist.


“Can I take him now?” Carl asks gently, and with one more look of reassurance from Debs, I hand him over. I make myself remain where I am as he takes him to his bedroom.


“Kiddo, come sit.” Debs orders, patting our chair and I burrow into her embrace. “Sssh. It’s perfectly normal to be petrified. After all, you can’t control everything. How about on Sunday, you guys come to ours and we try again?”


“Mmm.” I sniff then nod before I wipe my eyes. “He just went so red and screamed so much…”


“Carrots.” She chuckles and I frown. “My idiot son hates carrots and has since he was a baby.”


“Shame. They help you see in the dark...and there is a lot of dark in his world.”


“That’s better. There’s my Kiddo.”  She gives me a look, which again has me frowning. “I am so fucking proud of you, you know. Even if you didn’t have this money, I know that you would still have made this work.” She kisses my cheek. “Now, you have to pack for your camping trip tonight. Oh-oh, what is that face for?”


“Nothing…” I grin as I stand up. “...nothing at all.”


MICHAEL’S STORE - SAME TIME


MICHAEL


How the hell did Mel manage?! I look at the price of the last lot of food shopping her majesty ordered me to buy, and for a week it was $300! Yes, the food is good but $300?! I look up when the door opens and I am surprised to see the woman of the hour.


“To what do I owe this plea…”


“She’s expensive, isn’t she?” Mel snickers.


“Lindsay and I have come to an arrangement that is beneficial to the both of us.” I reply stiffly.


“Of course, you have. The reason I am here is to let you know that I will be representing Justin Taylor in the civil case against you. This is the last favour I do for you.”


“Favour? I don’t know why you are bothering. Any sane person will see that he provoked me into…Mel? Mel?! Where are you going?! I hadn’t…” I stop talking when she walks out of the store.


“Silly bitch.” I mutter to myself and go back to my invoicing.


ALLEGHANY HOSPITAL - RECEPTION


AMBER, ‘MATRIARCH’ RECEPTIONIST


I just stare and stare. I know Brandon Green and what he is like and oh my goodness, this man is adorable! He looks so nervous. I have sent him a DEFCON 1++ text and I can hear him running down the corridor, ignoring anyone that tries to get his attention.


“Sorry, Dr Stone, I need to speak to Amber!” He calls out.


“Understood!” Dr Stone shouts back.


I casually inspect my nails as he gets closer, and once again, look across at the long streak of nerves.


“Amber!” Brandon pants as he leans against the desk breathing hard. “What’s with the DEFCON?!”


“You are late for lunch.”


“Lunch? We had lunch plans? Are you sure?”


“No, we don’t. But you two, do.” I point behind him. He frowns but turns around and judging by the smile on the streak of nerves, this surprise has been well received. “Here is your coat, now get going. Between us, Yvonne and I have cleared you but you have to be back by three.” He nods and doesn’t even turn around to take his coat.


BRANDON


“So where are we going?” I ask a slightly bashful Emmett.


“Um...well I…”


“Max’s Allegheny Tavern. Table is booked in your name Dr Green in ten minutes from now. Start walking. And just one beer!”


“Thanks, Amber. So, Mr Honeycutt, shall we?”


“Yes.”


MAX’S ALLEGHENY TAVERN - 20 MINUTES LATER


BRANDON


He is the most genuine person I have ever met. He frowns as he looks at the beer in front of him.


“Just take a sip and if you don’t like it, we can swap it for something else.”


Sighing and approaching it like it is a nuclear bomb, he takes a tiny sip. “Hmmm, creamy and just a tiny bit bitter. Not quite a Cosmo but I can suck it down.” He cringes slightly at his phraseology and my smirking. “I mean, I can finish it.”


“Good. Now what do you want to eat?”


“Can we share the dry rub wings? I love wings but I can’t abide them dripping in sauce. I’m from the south and as well as being a gay anomaly, I don’t do sauce on wings!”


Okay the wings and…?”


“A salad? Your Studlinesses have to watch their figure, don’t they?”


“Not necessarily.”


“Oh don’t tell me you’re one of those nauseating guys, who nothing sticks to?”


“No, I’m bored.”


“Oh. I…”


“No! I didn’t mean with you! I meant I’m bored of what I do on any given evening. It’s the same thing: go out, have drinks, fuck and repeat! I want more stimulation, depth and meaning to my life.”


“Maybe you should take up a hobby?” He suggests.


“Like dating?”


“Well if you want, try that.” He smiles. “I hear it does have its advantages.”


“You ever done it?”


“Once. It was a brief, but delicious, experience.”


“Worth repeating? But with me?” I look down and put my hands under the table so he can’t see them tremble. But he has gone so quiet I think he’s left although when I look up, I find him gaping at me. “Say something?”


“Now what did you go and do that for?”


“What?”


“Ask me out on a date before we have even finished this one.” He grins at me. “Though I am taking this as a positive sign that this one is going well.”


“This is a date?” I sit back and once again, delight in his company.


“Oh yes...surprise!” He laughs and puts another wing on my plate. “Now eat up. You’ll need your strength!”


“For what?” I pick the wing and temporarily render him mute.


“For uh...I mean...fighting off Amber for when she tries to wrestle the gossip out of you. I know a gossiphound when I see one!”


“So we’re going for the platter as well then?”


“Absolutely!” He chuckles and then signals for another round of beers, before leaning across the table. “I have mints, you’ll be fine.”


KINNETIC ESTATES - EARLY EVENING


EMMETT


Treyvon and I are watching Mel put her stuff into her case and wonder what exactly she hopes to achieve from this date. Sighing, he gets up and locks the front door and then sits on the side of my desk. “Shall I start?”


“Oh, please do.”


“Mel, honey. This dinner you’re going on is it at a nunnery?”


Her head snaps up and she looks insulted. “I am going for smart casual.”


“If you are going to go like that, you might as well wear a wimple, because that sends an even clearer fuck off signal.”


She looks down at herself and sighs. “I was in court and then had to go see the idiot. I didn't think to…”


“Take off your shirt!” He orders briskly. “Quickly!” He open his drawer and pulls out a box. “You look like you can go without a bra. Aha, this is perfect! Legs shaved?”


“Of course, they are!” She exclaims.


“Tights off. Ems, call Mildred and ask her for the pumps second from the left in the right hand window.”


“Oh yes, they would be perfect!” I exclaim and reach for my phone. Ten minutes later, there is a knock at the door and Mildred’s assistant has the shoes. “Thank you, darling. Now you, my dear Melanie, put these on!”



She is just staring at them in awe. “On feet. Now! And why is your shirt still on your person, when you need to put this on instead?”


“Treyvon, I can’t not wear a...ooh my goodness where did you get that?!” She gasps and puts a trembling hand over her mouth. “May I buy it off you, please?”


“No, you may have it. I have been looking for someone to pass this onto. And you are her. When you are ready, pass it on.”





“I will. I promise.” She sniffs.


“Good. Now let’s get you gussied up for your snatch date!” Treyvon grins; she just nods and allows him to lead her away.


“I will end you; I will end the pair of you.” I mutter. “I will put them in a place where neither of you can touch them.” I look behind me to see if the coast is clear and pull out my phone then dial a number that only a few people know. “Good evening, this is Master Honey, may I be put through to Master please?” I hum a little tune as I wait to be put through and when he answers, I have to smile. “Hello Master, so I do believe he has found him. We need to gather our troops and protect them. Do I have your permission? Thank you. Bye, sweetie.” I heave a sigh of relief and smile.

 

End Notes:

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S'Mores...More More More...Oh How I Like It by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 20 - S’MORES...MORE MORE MORE...OH HOW I LIKE IT


OUTSIDE BUHL PLANETARIUM - FRIDAY AFTERNOON


JUSTIN


I HATE HIM! I hate him with the strength of a thousand, no a million suns! I had wondered why he was so chipper when I spoke to him this morning, considering how upset he was over Gus’s tummy ache before. I’m so looking forward to it, he chirruped. Actually flipping chirruped! And now I know why! Lederhosen, the man is wearing lederhosen! Not just lederhosen but suede lederhosen and the shoes that go with them.


Naturally, it fits him like a glove, and the way he keep stroking the straps as he talks to another class member, while ignoring my baleful looks is going to get him in so much trouble!



“Right, class, has everyone got everything they need?! Tents, sleeping bags, everything? Once we set off, we’re not turning back!” I wave them towards the coach and again with the strap stroking as he passes me to get on.


There is a chorus of yeses before Norman pipes up. “Although, I think Brian has had the best idea. It’s set to be a scorcher this afternoon. You are going to get some interesting tan lines!”


He, once flipping more, ignores my warning look, and strokes the strap again. I pray he doesn’t say what I think he is going to say. “Nah, I will just find a nice quiet spot and strip off. I like my tan even all over. No white bits for me. And no mosquito bites either. I have applied repellent everywhere.”


AGAIN, I HATE HIM!


COOPER AND WILD - SAME TIME


MEL’S OFFICE


MEL


“Oh either tell me or stop grinning!” Delia, my PA demands. “You’ve had that look on your face since this morning; it is now after…” She turns around for some reason and then gasps. “Yes, she’s in here!” She pushes the door open and a delivery guy comes in with an armful of flowers. “Now you have to tell me!” She demands, signing for them with a flourish, sitting down and holding them hostage...and then taking out the card with an arched brow. I just nod and grin harder. “I went for a dinner with a person…”


“Called Diana.” She says, reading the card with a smile. We’ve worked together for a long time and she’s always been impish in her behaviour but never crosses boundaries. “Where was this dinner and why are your shirt and panty hose from yesterday in your briefcase?”


I blush slightly as I remember how Treyvon manhandled me out of my shirt and panty hose and into the necklace and heels. Then he redid my makeup and tsujzed my hair into slick, flicked and fabulous in less than 10 minutes, sending me out with own it, work it, walk it ringing in my ears.


“So there will be a repeat?” She finally hands me the flowers. “They smell wonderful.”


“So does she. And yes, there is a country club dinner and she’s invited me.”


“Lovely. Is it formal or smart casual?”


“Oh crap. It’s formal. I have to dig…”


“Buy. You have to buy a new dress for this. No past outfits on present dates!” She interrupts sharply and then softens her words with a smile. “Never could understand why you always wore that one. It never suited you; made you look older than your years. So, when is this dinner? We have to book recovery cocktails. I know how much you just love to shop.” She smirks and heads to her desk.


“Cow!” I call out to her retreating back, knowing the truth of her words.


“Moo!” She mimics before giggling heartily.


CAMPSITE, FORESTRY TRIP - FOUR HOURS LATER


BRIAN


He has not stopped giving me the stink eye...or discreetly adjusting his pants whenever I bend over to take a picture. Although I would never admit it to him, as good as I look in it, I am absolutely roasting in this outfit! We have just finished dinner and people are just relaxing before we turn in for the night. I can’t believe how much I am missing Little Grub, especially after he was so poorly. But judging by the pictures Deb’s sent me, he and his grandparents are having a great time!


“You’re hot, aren’t you?” I jump slightly as he sits next to me.


“It’s been said that I am.” I reply and again, with the stink eye but he’s also smiling. So I’m not in too much trouble!


“May I see the photos you’ve taken, Mr Kinney? I would like to check if they pass muster or if your grade point average is dropping.”


“I do hope not.” I murmur as I hand my camera over. He doesn’t say anything as he looks through them.


“Seriously these are really, rather annoyingly, good.” He hands it back to me with a look of pride. “So, are you going to join us?”


“In?”


“S’mores.” He points to the campfire that someone has set up and I am astonished. It is so fucking hot out still!


“No thanks. Watching my figure.” I stand up and quickly brush his cheek as he looks a little disappointed. “Am going to go for a walk, about half an hour. Is that okay, Teach?”


“Yes, but don’t go too far.”


I head off down a path and find myself in front of a stream and with a quick check behind me, I strip off and step in. “So much better!” I sigh as the cool water surrounds me. I smirk as I hear the crack of the twig and see a flash of blonde hair bobbing down, then he bobs back again, chuckles and retreats. “Oh, you naughty boy.” I mutter to myself and wade out. As I thought, and hoped he would, he followed me. I double check, and while he has left me my shoes and tee, he has taken my lederhosen. I put my shoes on and consider putting the tee on, but use it instead to dry myself off. Then, after tying it around my waist, start to head back. As I approach the rest of the class, the chatter starts to go quiet. Casually, I sit down yoga style and smile. “Any s’mores going?”


“Yes.” Norman replies, somewhat breathlessly. “So!” He squeaks and clears his throat. “What happened?”


“Where?”


“You seem to be lederhosen less.” He says trying to keep his eyes firmly on my face but they keep drifting.


“Hmmm, seems a rather fashion forward bear snuck off with it.” I reply and take a bite of my s’more. “This is lovely. May I have another one?”


“Of course. It’s okay, Norman, I can do it!” Lizzie another mature student says, and then all attempts to fling herself in my lap.


“Where’s Mr Taylor?” I ask, looking around frowning.


“Here.” He calls out coming out of the coach, and then goes still. “Brian! I mean Mr Kinney! Put some clothes on!”


“I can’t. Someone has taken my lederhosen.” I reply. “And my tee shirt is wet and only just covers my...modesty.”


“Do not stand up!” He orders. “Who took his clothes?” He looks around the class and slowly the hand of Marcus, the other blonde, goes up. “Where are they?!”


“In my tent.” He mutters, his face almost puce with embarrassment and I almost bring back up the s’more. Blonde, yes...hot, oh fuck no. “I will just…”


“You will not! I will get it! Which is your tent?” He points to the one next to mine and I can feel the anger, radiating off of Justin. “You will apologise to Mr Kinney for your childish behaviour immediately.” He growls over his shoulder, he comes back with it and a towel. “And, you will sleep in the coach; I will pack up your tent.”


“Yes, Mr Taylor. Sorry, Mr Kinney.” He mutters and sprints to the coach.


“Well after that bit of entertainment, we should call it a night!” He declares and they all scurry away. He stalks to the coach. I would not want to be Marcus right now because that is one very pissed off teacher!


TWENTY MINUTES LATER


I am slightly isolated now that Marcus’s tent has been moved. It is also decidedly cooler and I slightly regret the paddle, but the warmth of the sleeping bag is starting to seep into my bones. As I turn over, I am surprised to see the sky. It seems I no longer have a roof to my tent. There is rustling behind my head and I find myself staring at the top of a blonde head.


“It’s cold, let me in!” He whisper hisses and I quickly unzip my bag and a very scantily dressed Justin slides in, for a few seconds he looks at me. “So yeah, got really annoyed there.”


“Uh huh.”


“Tore a strip off him and threatened to throw him out of my class.”


“Uh huh.”


“In fairness…”


“Why don’t I have a roof?” I interrupt him, then pull him closer and watch his eyes widen as he realises I am very naked in this bag.


“Hang on.” He starts to wriggle. I am about to ask him what he is doing when he pulls his tee off and throws it aside. “A little help with the rest.” Soon he is as naked as me and the inside of the bag gets a whole lot warmer. “Look up.” He grins up at me. “What is it with us and moons?” I can’t speak. All I do is stare. When I am able to formulate a sentence, it is just to ask him to pass me my camera.



“So...what are you doing?” He mumbles into my neck. “Brian, I....”


I tilt up his chin and just look at him until he gets it. “Quiet and don’t. Understand?”


“Yes.”


“Good. Keep looking at me. I want to see the desire and the need in those eyes.” They widen as I brush my fingers along his cock. “Do not bite your lip. You are no longer in control. I am. And you must be quiet.” I breathe against said lips and soon, he is squirming and scrabbling his fingers against my chest as I push him to the edge. He arches his head back and pumps his hips. “I said no.” I twitch as he forces himself to stay still. “Good.” Again, his fingers scrabble and I wince as his nail rasps against my nipple...yeah he is struggling. “Can you be quiet?” He nods frantically, but keeps his eyes locked on me. “You may cum.” I feel his rapid breaths against my neck, his cock twitching and pumping in my hand. He rests his head against my chest as he calms down. After five minutes, he burrows a bit closer. “So…?”


“I am so getting jealous again!” He mutters before dropping sound asleep.


Gently I untangle us and move his satiated form to my side of the bag. I put the roof of the tent back on. “You’d better.” I say as I slide back in the bag. “Because if you don’t, I will.”

 

End Notes:

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Oh Snap! Crash...And Sit Dog Sit! by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 21 - OH SNAP! CRASH...AND SIT DOG SIT!


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - SATURDAY MORNING


LINDSAY


I survey the damage with dismay and watch Mr Jones make notes. He’s been very quiet and I find it a little irksome. “So, Mr Jones…” I begin solicitously. “...what do you think?”


“You were wise to move out. Unwise to not fix the damage as you were told to. At best, you are looking at $30,000.”


“To have it repaired?!” I gasp.


“No, Ms Peterson…” His nose wrinkles in disgust at the pungent smell. “...to sell it. That would be your best course of action.” He gets this priggish smile on his face when I gasp. “It needs major renovations now and the rot has to be fixed. You’d be lucky if you got that, in this market. Well...”


“But…”


“Ms Peterson.” He gives me a pinched look. “You wouldn’t get more than that in your claim either. By selling it, you leave someone else to do the work...again.”


“As I’ve said to you before, Mr Jones, that was the responsibility of my former partner…”


“Ms Peterson. My job here is done. I will furnish you and your former partner, a Ms Marcus, with the copy of the report. And…”


“Well thank you for doing your job with such aplomb. I look forward to receiving it.” I make a sweeping gesture indicating his arrogant ass is no longer welcome. “Although…” I pause for dramatic effect. “...I may get a second opinion.”


“Get as many opinions as you like. They will still tell you that you are at fault and you…” He again looks priggish. “...it would seem to me are at fault in most aspects of your life.”


“How dare you?!” I exclaim. “I shall report your rudeness to your superiors!”


“I look forward to receiving it. Look at the letterhead and business card, Ms Peterson. I work for myself. You really don’t like reading, do you?” His derisive laugh grates as he starts to leave, but then he stops and stares. “Oh dear, Ms Peterson. Your claim has to be re-evaluated. You seem to have some water damage in the hallway, which, from what I can see, is unrelated to the lounge. Dear me. I shall send a colleague as soon as I can.”


“I don’t believe you!” I snap and quickly rush out, but there is a big patch of damp on the wall, it seems to be getting wider as I stare at it. “And how much is that going to cost me?”


“Like I said, I will send a colleague around. Good day.”


LIBERTY AVENUE - AN HOUR LATER


CARL


It’s a boys’ only day! Debs has been hauled off by Emmett to look at a couple of houses. As I walk down Liberty Avenue pushing Little Grub, I smile about the Copernicus smackdown Brian received and how easily he caved.


“Carl!” A shrill and definitely unwanted voice bursts through my joy. My initial thought is to keep walking and ignore the fool. But I am curious about what he wants to demand now, so after a quick check on Little Grub, who is blowing bubbles at me, I turn to see him clutching an envelope. “Oh so you did hear me, then?”


“The dead could hear you!” A guy with headphones mutters as he passes and I tamp down my smirk at his grimace.


“So what do you want?” I sigh as he glowers at the man’s retreating back.


“I want you to give this to Ma.” He says, attempting to hand the envelope to me. “Aren’t you going to take it?”


“What is it?”


“Can you just take it? And since you have him, I assume that Brian is fucking and sucking somewhere?”


“No. He has a name and Brian’s location has sweet FA to do with you. You want your mother to receive whatever that is, either mail it or drop it round. Now my grandson and I are going to continue our boys’ day out.”


“Boys’ day out?” He scoffs. “He can hardly have a beer with you, can he?”


“What an insular and isolated life you are starting to lead, Michael. There is more to life than comics, crap plastic toys, beers and right-hand jobs, or is it with your left?” He looks like he’s holding in a shit as his face has such a pinched look. “Well, while you work out the big words I just used then, we shall be on our way.”


“Why are you calling him your grandson? You’re not related to Brian!” He calls out.


“And Brian is not related to Debs, but that doesn’t make her any the less his mother!” I shout over my shoulder, as I keep walking, knowing that if I get within smacking distance, I will lose my badge, and I am close to retirement!


MICHAEL’S STORE - TWO HOURS LATER


MICHAEL


I was going to go to Ma’s just to drop it through her door, but then I got a message to say that my delivery was close. But here I am still waiting for it. I call the company again. “Yes this is Michael Novotny. I got a message from you to say that my delivery is close, but it isn’t here yet. Yes, it is order number 2864K39.” I drum my fingers as they slowly go through the system. “Of course I am still here. Right, so the driver is where? Well why was I texted earlier if he was still in traffic? Can you find out? Of course I will hold.” I sigh at the stupidity of the question and the time it is taking. “Yes. An accident, a coach party. Well anyway, he’ll be here when? Where is he anyway? Well of course I am going to wait! This is what I have been doing!” I hang up and shake my head at their pissy attitude. “I have been waiting all my life actually!”


A MILE AWAY FROM BUHL PLANETARIUM


NORMAN


“I am so sorry! I am so sorry!” Marcus blathers, and I am struggling not to punch him in the face.


“So when Mr Taylor, who for your sake had better be okay, asked for volunteers to help with the driving, how in the fuck did you not think to mention that you haven’t passed your fucking test?!”


“Norman, I feel…”


“Mr Karanski to you! No, honestly, I’m fine, tend to them, it’s just some minor cuts.” I look at the coach on its side and thank the stars that the fool wasn’t going any faster than he was when he took the turn. Four fucking times Mr Taylor told him to slow down, but he didn’t listen.


“So…” A police officer comes up to us both. “You were driving, sir?”


“No. This idiot.” I point at Marcus. “This idiot who hasn’t passed his test was! Do you know how they are?” I look in the direction of the retreating ambulances. “And where they’re going?”


“Alleghany. Three of them have serious injuries. A woman has a broken leg, one guy has major blood loss and they think the guy who was standing when the coach overturned, has spinal damage. The rest are minor cuts, bruises and concussion.”


“Oh my god. Poor Mr Kinney…”


“So, can you tell me what happened?” The officer asks. “Let’s start with your name.”


“Norman Karanski…”


A&E, ALLEGHANY HOSPITAL


BRANDON


I rush into A&E and gasp as I see a bloodied and bruised Brian on the triage bed. “What happened?!” I demand immediately checking him and wincing at the neck brace and back board.


“Coach wreck.” The nurse speaks rapidly. “He was standing up when it overturned and was thrown, stuff landed on top of him. Blood pressure is steady and he’s come to a couple of times. Dr Stone is covering the one with the blood loss. Another bad one is the blonde in 4, but he’s mostly in shock and upset, has tried to get in here a couple of times.”


“Okay, get him up to X-ray immediately. I’ll check on 4!”


As I rush out, I pray with everything that I have in me!


WAITING ROOM, AN HOUR LATER


EMMETT


I prayed on the souls of Liza and Judy, and they have come through for us! They are all going to be fine! Brian’s injuries were more cosmetic than anything else. The ‘blood’ he was covered in turned out to be someone else’s, he came out of there without any major cuts. As did Justin...bruises though lots of bruises


“Emmett! Emmett!” I jump at the screeching voice of Michael. “Where’s Brian? What happened?!”


“What are you doing here?!” Mel demands, mercifully getting between me and him, I need to take my fears out on someone and his face will do!


“Where else would I be?! I’ll be right back!” He rushes to the reception desk and we exchange frowns as he pulls out a piece of paper. He starts to wave it in the nurse’s face and his voice gets louder. “This is the power of attorney I have for him! I demand to see him right now!”


“Ah, Houston we are going to have a problem.” Mel sighs and heads to the desk, I follow, as I wouldn’t miss this for the world! “Michael!” She shouts but he waves her away without turning around. “You do not have his POA, Emmett does.”


He almost trips over his whirling feet as he turns around so fast. “Why the fuck does he have his POA?! I am his best friend!”


“He has less emotion about Brian than you and would think logically...and kindly.” Ted explains as he comes up. “They have charged Marcus Newbold with dangerous driving to keep him in jail.”


“What?!” He screams, a vein pumping furiously in his cheek. “I do not get emotional about Brian! I want to see him right now! I have the right to see him! I am his friend!”


I think the entire waiting room thought yeah right! Padded cell for the denial queen!


“At least you have taken the best out of that worn-ass mantra!” I snap. “Brian is not having any visitors, apart from immediate family, which means just Debs and Carl.” I take in a much needed breath and step forward. “And if you say that she is not his mother I will knock you through that fucking wall!” That has the desired effect as all he does is nod. “Go over there and sit down. You will see him when either they or I say you can. Be grateful that I am letting you remain here!” Again he nods and goes and sits down. “I know this is a huge imposition, Teddy, but can you sit with him so he stays there? If he moves, I swear…”


“Ems, say no more.” Ted squeezes my arm and follows Michael.


I do a whoosah gesture to cleanse away the bad air, and find Mel staring at me strangely and frown. “What? What are you looking at me like that for? I have never liked him and...seriously what?!”


“No...nothing I’ve just never seen you like that. It was a surprise, a good one, but a surprise.”


“Ooh when I get my kink on there is no stopping me!” I laugh. “Now, I’m going to avail myself of the facilities, I will be right back.” She nods and goes to keep that dog on a leash with Teddy.


MEL


Well I’ll be fucking damned! I think it’s Emmett!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Boo-Boos and Flashbacks by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 22 - BOO-BOOS AND FLASHBACKS


MEL


I look at Michael out of the corner of my eye and am unsurprised to see no concern. Instead, I see annoyance. But just to be sure, I decide to give him an update. “He’s going to be fine. The doctor said the cuts were just superficial, although the concussion and bruising are severe. He...”


“How long?!” He snaps.


“Overnight. They do that for concussion and…”


“No. How long has he had his POA, and when did you know about it?”


“Nice to see that you are focusing on the well being of your best friend.” Ted snarks. “As for how long, nobody knows but them.”


“Then how come you two are here and I had to find out…”


“I’m back just in time. How exactly did you find out?” Emmy demands, tapping his foot.


Michael gets a smug smile on his face and folds his arms before saying nothing.


“Brandon’s coming.” Ted indicates and stands up as an exhausted looking Brandon comes towards us. “Oh fuck, that doesn’t look good.”


“He’s fine. They both are.” Brandon is quick to reassure us. “But they are keeping him in for a couple of nights. The concussion is pretty bad. What we need to do is get Justin home. He’s refusing to leave. Can someone call Ben and get him to collect him…”


“I’ll call his mom. I think she will be much more persuasive.” Emmy declares.


Hmm. I am a very observant person and not once during the evening did Jennifer and Emmett exchange anything but polite conversation. It has got to be him!


“Thanks, Babe, I am bone tired. But I only have another two hours left on my shift. Thank God I am not on call.” He rests his head on Emmy’s shoulder, and when Emmy gently kisses the top of his head I can’t help the doofus grin. “And I’m sorry, but I panicked when I couldn’t get hold of you.”


“Sorry about what?”


“I called Woody’s and…”


“Really? Hang on a second.” He pulls out his phone and quickly dials a number. “Hey, sweetheart, it’s Emmett. Did you or one of your darling boys take a call about Brian a few hours ago? They did? And was there a pusillanimous prick nearby? Oh he was, was he? Ran out immediately did he? Thanks. He’s going to be fine. Banged up but fine. Look, I have to go. Will you let the Avenue know for me? Oh alright, it will be a pleasure. Bye sweetie.” Michael is looking a lot less smug now. “You’re barred.”


“You can’t throw me out of the hospital!” He splutters.


“From Woody’s. You are barred because of the glassing. They would’ve told you sooner, but you hadn’t slunk back before.” He gently jostles his shoulder and Brandon lifts his head. “Now go be doctorly to your patients and call me when you are due to come off; then I can come and collect you and take you home for a lovely bath.” Brandon nods, and with one final squeeze to his arm, heads back into the fray. “Now…” He turns back to us. “...Carl is going to stay. I am going to call Jennifer then sit with Justin. Debs is going to go home and I suggest the rest of you do the same.”


Michael glares at him, but then turns and walks out.


BRIAN’S ROOM - AN HOUR LATER


JUSTIN


“But…” I protest.


“He’s in the best place. He’s asleep. Carl is here. You are going home. Is that understood?”


“Yes, Mom.” I sigh, I know that look, and there is no arguing with her. I lean down and gently kiss his lips. “I’ll be back in the morning, I promise.” I whisper, and try not to cry as I leave.


“Mom…” I say quietly as we head to the car. “...I was so frightened. He just wasn’t moving.”


“Understandable, Darling. Now stop and come here for a hug.” I sink into her arms and sob.


”I have only just met him and…”


“He is going to be fine. Do you hear me? Fine.” She tells me sternly and I nod, sniff then take the tissue she offers me. “Now what we need to do is get you home to get some rest so that you can go and see your man like you promised.”


“Hey, Honey! Wait up!” I turn to see Debs rushing towards us. “Can you give me a lift back to mine? I need to get Carl and Brian some things. They brought us by squad car.”


“Of course. Mom, this is Debs, she’s Brian’s mother. Debs, this is my mother, Jennifer. Now let’s get going.”


“He’s right. I’m over there.” She takes Debs hand and leads her gently but firmly away.


I take one last look at the hospital and follow.


MICHAEL


I step out of the shadows and follow them quickly. He’s not his man! But the most important thing is that I will wait for Ma to go to Brian’s house and follow her.


ALLEGHANY HOSPITAL - SUNDAY AFTERNOON


BRIAN’S ROOM


BRIAN


Although it hurts like fuck, I am so happy to have Little Grub in my arms. I look up as the door opens and he promptly bursts into tears. “Come here.” I order gently. “Carl?”


“Sure. Anytime. I’ll be back in half an hour.” He takes Gus and is gone.


I open my unbruised arm and he rushes towards me. “I’m sorry, I overslept!” He babbles.


“Justin, calm down. The most important thing is that you are here and we’re both okay.”


“Okay. Can I see properly?” He asks, and when I nod he gently pulls down the sheet, he winces slightly at the bruises, lumps and bumps. “I could kill him. Seriously kill him!”


“You’re too pretty for jail.” I laugh, and then grimace as my bruised ribs throb.


“Can you move over a bit?” He asks, and starts to pull off his clothes. “I want to keep you warm, this blanket is much too thin.”


“Don’t take advantage of my vulnerable condition.” I bat my eyes at him and his flash.


“Don’t joke about your vulnerable condition.”


“Yes Sir.” I reply, as I slowly slide over and he clambers gently in. “So what happened to you?” I ask, spotting a tiny cut just along his hairline.


“Concussion and shock.” He replies, searching my face at the same time.


“Carl was saying that Marcus has been charged with dangerous driving, amongst other things.” I know he is going to explode so I hold him closer. “He was drug tested and…no come back here…” It hurts but I tighten my arms around his retreating form. “It wasn’t very high, but high enough.” He brushes his finger along one bruise and I can feel the anger starting to leave him. “Now where is my kiss?”


“Right here.” He smiles.


DAPH’S HOUSE - SUNDAY EVENING


DAPH


I look incredulously at Mel. “Are you sure?!” I hand her a glass of wine and she nods.


“You should’ve seen him handle Michael. And I mean handle. Yeah, he doesn’t like the guy, and can bitch slap him into a cocked hat; but this was different. Firmer, stronger, and when he said he would knock him into that fucking wall, I knew he meant it.”


“Well fuck me.”


“And they have.” She grins at me. “He has his POA.”


“And that means?” I don’t understand why she is grinning.


“That he trusts him absolutely. Brian is a top… and I mean a top. Emmy is a full on nelly bottom, but can get his kink on when he needs to.” I watch her grin get wider and almost fall off my seat in my keenness to hear. “Brian is not a virgin and that’s because of Emmy…”


Start of flashback

DEBS’ HOUSE - 8 YEARS AGO, AS TOLD BY EMMETT TO MEL


EMMETT


My oh my, he is mighty fine. I have seen him from afar, obviously, but never up this close, and he is utterly gorgeous. Normally there is Michael between anybody and him! When Debs asked me to do her a favour, I had no idea on earth it would be this!


“So, shall we just…”


“Calm down and breathe.” I pat his knee. “First, we have wine.” I pour us a glass each and then sit back and regard him.


“What?”


“I don’t understand how?” I smile at him and he starts to relax. “You are the newest and hottest thing on the Avenue, the Stud, as it were. Just how haven’t you been popped?”


“One guy did try. Don’t get me wrong, I have had things back there, so I know where my hotspot is, but…” He pauses to almost drain his glass and goes to start again but I stop him.


“Brian. This is me. There is no shame here.”


“I cum in about two seconds. I can’t control myself and....”


“Got it. Right, first finish that.” He drains his glass and puts it down, but again a look of trepidation washes over his face. “The trick Mr Stud, is to take the edge off first.” I stand over him. “May I have a seat?” I ask, as I take his hands from his lap and wait for his permission. He nods and I straddle him. “Do you want to kiss me?”


“I…”


“Yes or no. I won’t be offended.” I smile at him and immediately his eyes drop to my mouth.


That would be a yes then!


“Yes.” He whispers before moving forward then stopping briefly before sealing his lips over mine.


Now this is different! I expected what I normally see in Babylon, domineering, rough and… oh my, what the hell is he doing with his tongue?! I feel him shift slightly and in doing so I get a little bit more comfortable and find our tallness affords us an alignment opportunity. He tilts his hips up and I pull my mouth away. “Slow down. We’re going to get there. More than once, okay?” He looks at me for a few seconds before taking my chin and pulling me back down to his lips, and now I know what to swoon means! I put my hands on his chest and pop the first button. There is a brief pause in his tongue fucking before he resumes, and I open his shirt completely. He stops me from touching him, while still kissing me, and reciprocates the gesture. Then I understand what he is saying. Teach me.


I pull away from his oh so wonderful mouth and nod. I stand up and head to the stairs, smiling as I hear him follow. We get to Michael’s room and…”

Flashback interruptus


“They fucked in Michael’s room?!” I shriek, both appalled and impressed! “Does he know?”


“Not yet.” She chuckles. “May I continue?”


“Hell yeah!” I declare and pour us more wine…


Back to flashback

MICHAEL’S ROOM


I come to a complete stop and he bumps into me. “Yeah, it’s grim. Do you want to go back downstairs?”


“No. If we can get off here, we can get off anywhere!” I shudder and then shiver as he kisses the back of my neck, then prods me to get me moving. I tow him to the bed when I push him onto it, he starts to giggle. “What?”


“I need to get out of this position… memories!” He roars with laughter as I yank him back up again. “There is nothing we can do about the wallpaper, the curtains, the rug and the…”


“Oh my lord! Where does she find these monstrosities?!” I look down at the ugliest rug I have ever seen. “Sorry, you were saying.”


“But I refuse to do anything on that!” He turns down the quilt and the theme of the bedding goes all the way through. “In my defense…”


“I do the bed and you do you!” I order, giggling, and then whip the bedding off very quickly. When I turn back to him he is naked. I am surprised when he steps towards me. “You want to undress me?” He nods and with slightly trembling fingers divests me of my clothes. “Lie down.” When he does so I take a good look before reaching down and very quickly jerking him off… watching him writhe and moan is one of the hottest things I have ever seen.


“Holy fuck!” He yelps as he explodes, before staring at me glassy eyed and confused. “What did you do that for?!”


“As I said, to take the edge off. Now then, time to feast!”


I kiss him before he can stop me and this time I am in charge. I remember the gentleness that Godiva had with me, and slowly kiss each and every part of his body. Pausing to suck, to nibble, and to bite when I think he can take it. “Turn over.” I whisper in his ear, and for a few seconds he doesn’t move. “Brian… turn over.” As if drunk, he slowly does so, and I kiss and nip down his back until I get to where he needs me to be. Gently I part his cheeks and blow.


“Oh Christ!”


“Breathe.” I murmur up to him and he lets out the breath I don’t think he realised he was holding.


I swipe my tongue tail to balls and his legs spread wider. Sucking on my fingers, I sit up and start to work them gently in. “Tell me. I want you to tell me. My cock is just a bit longer, so tell me where to stop…”


“There. Oh god there!” He moans and, stills his grinding hips.


“Pass me the pillow… oof!” I chuckle as it hits me in the face. “You need to look up the definition of pass!” He snorts into the other pillow… and that’s when I know I’ve got him, he’s not thinking about getting off. “Hips up a bit. And give, do not throw, me the L&C!” There isn’t a tremble when he hands them to me, and again I nudge his thighs and he spreads them wider. I guide my cock to his entrance and then push in a couple of inches. He tries to take me in quicker but I pull back against his push. “Let me.” I order him firmly. “Lie down and enjoy the ride.” He goes still and again I slide in a couple of inches, then push his cheeks open wider and slide all the way in.


“Unnngh!” He groans and clutches the sheets.


“You are popped. Now for the candy, Mr Dandy.”


“Mr Dan… uh! Oh! Oh!” He cries out as I hit his spot and pause, his breathing is laboured but he doesn’t cum.


“Want me to move?” I breathe into his ear as sweat drips down my body.


“Fuck me, please, just fuck me!” He gasps out and holding his hips firmly I start to pump into his hot tight ass. “Oh! Yes! There! I...! Oh! Need! Jesus! Yes!” He grunts out with each and every thrust.


“Fuck me, can’t hold off much longer!” I call out.


“Cum, please cum!” He punches the bed with each word


“GOODNESS GRACIOUS...!” I scream as it crashes through my body.


“GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!” He bellows, and we collapse in a heap.

End of flashback


MEL


I know I haven’t known Daph for long, but I do believe she is, gobsmacked, and maybe a little turned on… but definitely gobsmacked.


“Daph?”


“Hold on…” She inhales her wine. “...they never did that again?!”


“Did you and Justin do it again?” I smirk.


“Wha… how the hell did you find out about that?!”


“You told us. You get chatty when you’re drunk.”


“Where was Mrs T?” She asks, mortified.


“Right next to you. She told you that she knew. Jesus, girl, you should not get hammered again!”


“Oh fuck that! I have had a year dry, I have a lot of catching up to do!” She shouts over her shoulder as she goes to get more wine.

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Tag Teaming...Revealing and Idiot Scheming by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 23 - TAG TEAMING...REVEALING AND IDIOT SCHEMING


OUTSIDE DEB’S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING


MICHAEL


For fuck sake, just leave already! That’s the third time she’s gone back in the house! Lindsay and I roll our eyes at each other. Although I was initially annoyed that she has tagged along, it is good because while one deals with the intergroper, the other can go and see Brian and tell him, once and for all, that we are his friends and should be reinstated, in Lindsay’s case, as such.


“Finally!” I grouse as she gets into her car. I smirk as mine starts with a lot less noise and more finesse than hers. I set the journey planner and let the car do the work. Lindsay looks around the interior with a raised eyebrow. “Problem?”


“You have this fantastic car but you keep it like a pigsty.”


“I will get it valeted.” I smirk at her as we follow Ma down the road. “In fact, I might get a new one altogether.”


“Why?”


“Because…” I roll my eyes. “...it’s my birthday next week and I’m sure after our little chat later that a suitable present will be forthcoming from Brian. Of course, Ma will get me a present.”


“Of course it is! Sorry, what with everything going on. And then of course there’s the country club dinner the week after.”


I frown at her. “Are you still going to go to that? Alone, I mean?”


“I don’t see why not.” She shrugs. “It would be nice to go with someone though.”


“I could come with you. I’ve always wanted to go to one of those la-di-dah things.” She looks cautiously at me. “I’m serious!”


“Okay, it will be black tie. Do you have a dinner jacket and smart...” She looks down at my feet and sighs. “Shoes. Not trainers. Shoes?”


“Yes.” I bluster and silently fume as I remember those weapons of torture from Prada. “Oh wow!” I gasp as Ma pulls up outside a beautiful blue house. “Why couldn’t he buy this one for me?!” I whinge as I take in the garden.


“Because you are a single man. Look at the gardens, look at the neighbourhood. That is a family home. Gus is going to grow up here. I can just see him in the garden. Or biking up to the park we just passed.” She looks wistful and then seems to shake herself out of it. “Right, so now what do we do? Do you know when he is discharged?”


“Nope. But he has to come home sooner rather than later. He’s got to get Gus after all. I say we go back to the hospital and…”


“I strongly doubt that he will have Gus with him. He’ll most like be with either the carrier-one or the barren-one.” She revels in her bitchiness. “Yeah, let’s go back to the hospital.”


ALLEGHANY HOSPITAL - TWO HOURS LATER


VISITOR’S ROOM


LINDSAY


I smile as sweetly as I can at the receptionist, but she just shakes her head and looks at me blankly. “As I said, Ms Peterson, it is family only at the moment. And no...I cannot and will not give out his room number. Now if you wish to have access to Mr Kinney, I suggest you contact his POA. Now could you please step aside so I can help this next person?”


I nod and head, frustrated and seething, back to Michael, whose hopeful expression falls of his face. “I suppose we could go and speak to Emmett, but I hate being beholden to that prick! You should’ve heard the way he spoke to me! Ordering me around like I was some kind of dog!”


“What I don’t understand is when, let alone how, he got his POA.” I say as we start to head back to the car. “He must have been high or drunk or both.”


“Or maybe Emmett tricked him into signing it over to him. Wait a second!” He exclaims. “That has to be it!”


“What has to be it? Oh no, Michael, don’t even think of going down that route. Emmett is many things but he is not a fraudster.”


“But I want to be his POA like he is mine!” He declares, stopping for some water, he drains the cup and then throws it at the bin and misses. “Come on, let’s go…”


“Excuse me, sir! You need to pick that up!” A man shouts out to us.


“No I don’t!” He calls over his shoulder and starts to walk quicker, I turn back to look at the guy who shouted, he is just glaring at us, so I smirk at him and follow Michael out.


BRIAN’S ROOM


CARL


Brian has just gone back to sleep. I look at the window and sigh as I see the retreating figures of Michael and Lindsay making their way across the car park.


“Is he still asleep?” Debs asks, coming back in with good coffee.


“No, I am not.” He grumps. “I am too bored to sleep! When am I getting out of here again?”


She rolls her eyes at his pouting. “For the last time, at six! Justin is coming to get you and Cynthia will drop Little Grub back at yours. Have you met his mother, Jennifer?”


“No.”


“Oh, there is a bit of steel and spirit in that woman. I mean, I thought I had the die-and-die-now look down pat but I have nothing on her. You know who she reminds me of?” We shake our heads. “Ems when he is in full pelt annoyance.”


For some reason that makes Brian smile. “Care to share?” I inquire.


“Yeah. Ted was telling me…”


“How has Ted been able to tell you anything?” I watch him squirm. “Where is it?” I put out my hand and like a naughty child he slowly hands over his phone. “How did you get it?”


“Emmy.” He grins, having briefly got one over me.


“Ah.” I shake my head and then chuckle. “You knew I wouldn’t search him.”


“Exactly.” He smirks. “Well, anyway, Ted was telling me that Michael was screaming a la banshee in reception, waving his copy of the POA about. He was most displeased to find out it was no longer valid and Emmy’s is.”


“Do you still have his?” Debs asks as she blows on his coffee before handing it to him. “Oh, sorry sweetheart.” She blushes in the face of his incredulity.


“Oh fuck, I do still have it!” He slumps back against the pillows. “I really have to do something about that.”


“Yeah, the sooner the better. You know how dumb he can be!” I advise sagely, and hand him back his phone. “And by sooner, I mean now, right now.”


Ten minutes later he is looking more relaxed, it seems that Ted has once again come to his rescue!


HOUSE OF MAHATMA AND MILQUETOAST - EARLY EVENING


DINING ROOM


EMMETT


I smile at my hosts as I take my seat. “I apologise for the delay, but it was unavoidable. Mast…” He waves my words away. “No formality this evening I guess?”


“No, not tonight. We are family here, not Doms and Subs. Although, if you keep blowing in my ear like that, I may have to take you over my knee!”


“Sorry.” Leroi replies, not looking remotely sorry at all.


“Pest.” Todd chides him gently before kissing his fingers tenderly. “So how is he?”


“Brian?” I query and he nods. “Bored out of his mind! But he was discharged about 2 hours ago, and early because…”


“They couldn’t stand his moaning another minute longer?” Todd laughs knowingly.


“He was not moaning according to him. He was exercising his rights to be released from his medical bondage.” I can’t help the smile quirking at my lips. “I am quoting him verbatim.”


“Only Kinney.” Jeremiah chortles as he helps himself to a stuffed mushroom. “So what about the zounderkite? Is he still being his delightful self?”


“Zounder what?” Peterkin asks, swiping the last of the crab puffs much to my chagrin...I love eating them as much as I love making them.


“Zounderkite, it is an archaic term for an idiot.” He explains, looking mournfully at the empty platter. “From what I have been hearing, he is just a mooching mithering miscreant, who has been barred from Woody’s.”


“Thank fuck for that! Now, if only we can have him banned for Pittsburgh!” Todd sighs before looking at me. “I don’t suppose you have any in your…”


“Of course I do. I shall be back shortly.” I beam with pride when his face lights up.


“And you know if…”


“If I may make a suggestion? We move this meeting to my house, I am stacked to the gills with some delicacies. Like the stuffed wings.” I venture forth as I stand up to put my coat back on.


“Stuffed with what?” Leroi demands and Todd smiles affectionately, Leroi loves wings. I think the only thing he loves more than wings is Todd!


“Pork and water chestnuts.” I reply, and am almost run over as everyone rushes to their cars.


“Are you alright, Ems?” Leroi asks worriedly. “Hey! You guys show some respect! Remember who he is!” He yells at their retreating backs.


“Leroi, sweetie, I am fine. You know what they are like with food.”


“Yeah, but still…” He grumps.


“Leroi, can you make sure that they are still waiting and have not taken off already?”


“Okay, baby.” He smiles and then trots out to the car park.


I look at Todd, the backroom boy, and smile. If only the Avenue knew how many beefy tops, bears and wolves he has reduced to a pile of gibbering mush. With one look he can have a man cowed and silent. He has taught me well, especially the art of shiatsu, which I will be using on Brandon over the weekend, as he’s on nights this week.


“She’s something, isn’t she?” He laughs as he locks up.


“She...oh Lindsay you mean?”


“Hmmm. TTC as my Le-le calls her. Oh! Don’t tell him you know his nickname, he will be upset with me.” He blushes furiously.


“I won’t I promise, but what is TTC?”


“Trolloping thunder cunt.”


“Describes her perfectly.” I laugh and we link arms as we leave to join the others. “He tried to get into see him with his old POA and I suspect that Lindsay still has Mel’s…”


“Ah, now Mel, there is a conundrum for you isn’t it?” I nod in embarrassment having judged her book by someone else’s cover. “You like her and you didn’t think you would. I loved the shoes by the way! Whose idea were those?”


“Treyvon’s.” I smirk as I see some very contrite looking people in the car park and a very smug looking Le..Leroi!


“Have you been asserting your authority?”


“Yes. This is Emmy, nobody runs over Emmy, no matter how hungry they are!” He glares at them again.


I laugh quietly to myself and then realise I must send some flowers to Diana from Mel. There is a benefit to having a dominatrix in a lawyer’s office, I need Mel to be less busy when Diana calls to thank her for them. And Treyvon and I will just so happen to be about when they are dress shopping!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


STUDY


MICHAEL


I am still hurt about that bastard having his POA now. I can’t understand why he has such a hold on him. He must know something about Brian that Brian doesn’t want the world to know and is blackmailing him or something.


I look through my paperwork and finally find it, the file with my POA and then I frown. Has it always been like that? I look through the previous ones again and huff in annoyance. They all have an expiry date and it expired in the middle of our trip! Well that’s another thing we are definitely discussing when we go around to his, I add that to my list of topics; my birthday present, my key to his house, the reinstatement of me as his POA and of course the most important one, me being made the legal guardian of...oh what the hell is the kid’s name, oh yeah Gus. Not the name I would’ve chosen myself.


This is not taking, his mother doesn’t know Brian, this is sharing. He would want to ensure that his son is being looked after, should anything happen like he gets bored for example! Guy...I mean Gus, will need a stabilising male influence in his life and who better than me to be that person.

 

https://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/stuffed-chicken-wings.html

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Mothers In Arms by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 24 - MOTHERS IN ARMS


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - NEXT MORNING


JUSTIN’S ROOM


JUSTIN


I stare at my open case and nibble my thumb. I look up when I hear a throat clearing. “Hey Benson, how you doing?”


“Fine, Guvnor, fine.” He replies, and I have to say that accent is wonderful. “How long are you going to be gone for?”


“Not sure.”


“My mother always said, better to over than under pack.” He sits cross legged on the bed. “I want to ask you something...about Ben.”


“Go ahead.”


“He ever speak about me? To you I mean. Even once?”


“No.” I reply, and regret making a joke out of it when his looks so disappointed.


“Ben talks about you every day, every minute. He really likes you, Benson.” His face lights up and the grin gets wider and wider. “Why did you ask?”


“Because I like him. And I like you. But I need to know there is never going to be a him and you.” He looks so embarrassed.


“The only thing we share lust wise, is ice cream and my Mom’s cookies.”


“Oh God, they are so good! I have at least six stashed in my socks.” I just look at him. “They are clean!”


“You are so strange!” I tease him.


“And you are rubbish at packing, Guvnor, dump that lot out!” He orders and I do as I am told and then watch him shake his head at my crumpled clothing. “Get the ironing board out. Where are you guys going to stay?” He asks as I come back in the board and iron.


“His house. He wants to see Little Grub.” He nods and quick as lightning the board is up, iron plugged in and he is ironing. “Benson? Why are you ironing stuff that is going in the case?”


“Because it won’t look like roadkill when you take it out and hang it on the hanger in the cabin.”


“Hanger? Cabin? What cabin?” I am confused.


“Ben has been telling me about the asswipe down the road. Do you know he knows where he lives?”


“What?! How?!” I exclaim in horror then pause. “How do you know that?”


“Debs…”


“Debs would never tell him that…”


“Calm down Guvnor, calm down. Debs lives five doors up from me. I was going jogging and I saw him as I passed, him and a blonde lady sitting in a car near her house…”


“Blonde? Sort of snooty and…”


“Yeah. Sat there like her shit don’t stink! Anyway, at first I thought he was picking her up but it was when she went back in for the 3rd time I thought something was not right…”


“What do you mean?”


“If he was picking her up, he would’ve beeped or something. I know what I’m like with my old lady, she right winds me up with her dithering and…” He grins. “...sorry old lady is slang for Mom in England.” I nod and gesture for him to continue. “But he wasn’t doing that. He was waiting. And when she got in her car I knew…”


“He followed her.” I sit down completely shocked.


“Mate, you okay? You look banjaxed.”


“Ban…” I start.


“Again, sorry, banjaxed means either pissed up on booze or completely stunned.”


“Stunned. Brian hasn’t told him where he lives. He went to Britin, which is his house before this one, to try and get him alone and…”


“So like I said, cabin. Now put this, this and this...actually just open your wardrobe.” He starts to put things back and take things out. “I was going to take Ben there, but you guys need the peace and quiet more than I need to have my ass reamed in the most delicious way!”


“Benson where are you talking about?”


“Got repellent? The midges are fuckers.”


“Yes. But…”


“Hang on let me show you. There you go…” He hands me his phone. “...looks like nowt but has a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and is way up in the back. It’s on my stepdad’s estate, it’s gated nobody is getting in. There’s nobody there this week.”


“Benson. That is...that is gorgeous. We can’t…”


“Can and will.” He states firmly.



“Stay the week. You’re signed off still right?”


“Signed off?”


“I mean your doctor has ordered rest?”


“Yes.”


“Then rest. Call your man and tell him what’s happening.”


“He’s not my man.” I point out but take my phone out to call my man.


“Yeah and I ain’t as black as the ace of spades!” He cackles and resumes my packing.


CYNTHIA’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


LOUNGE


CYN


Oh you are the most beautiful little boy! I am so happy I could do this for him. And speaking of him, he has not stopped FaceTiming since he got discharged. Gus is now sleeping, having been blowing bubbles at Daddy. I frown as the door knocks as I am not expecting anyone, and when I open it I am pleased to see Daph and Mel.


“What are you gals doing here?”


“Brian and Emmett did it!” Daph squeals as she comes in.


“What?”


“He tossed and popped him!” Mel says over her shoulder.


“Uh…”


“And...we think that Emmett is a Dominant on the sly. Where are your glasses?” Daph calls out from the lounge.


I scurry to join them and grin as Mel gently rocks a going back to sleep Gus. “Glasses in there and explanation please!” I point to a cupboard as I sit down.


Thirty minutes later I understand the looks now. Well I’ll be fucked!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


Four times, four fucking times we have gone to Brian’s house and he’s not been there, and I am getting sick and tired of it! We have things to discuss! “Lindsay, are you ready now?!”


“Yes! I am waiting by the door! It is you that is dawdling!”


I scowl in annoyance as I had gotten distracted by the comings and goings of the neighbourhood. Living in an apartment afforded me a bit of anonymity, but here it is fascinating to watch. I grab my keys and, ignoring the roll of her eyes, head to the car.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


LINDSAY


“So you know what we are going to say?” I ask as I unbuckle my seatbelt.


“Yes.” He replies getting out of the car and slamming the door hard.


Good he’s annoyed. When he’s annoyed he says stupid things, which will make me look like a better proposition.


We walk up, well I walk while he marches, to the front door and happily he leans on the doorbell.


“Michael, bear in mind his injuries and…” I don’t get to finish as the door is wrenched open and an unimpressed blonde glares at us. “...what?” I begin.


“Do you not understand the concept of ignoring you?”


“Pardon?”


“My son and his boyfriend have been in a coach accident and need to recover. They are recovering in peace and quiet at a location known only to us. You have been here four times, and we have not opened the door. How are you not taking the hint here?”


“Mrs…”


“For fuck sake!” Debs has joined Mrs Taylor in the glaring. “Michael, the first time you came here, I was set to punch you back down the path, the only thing that stopped me was Carl. Go home! He is not your friend anymore!”


“And as for you, Ms Peterson, whatever plan you are concocting, end it now.”


The door is firmly slammed in our astonished faces.


“What the fuck just…” He begins only to be stopped when the door opens again and Debs comes out. “Ma!” He cries as she rushes past us.


“I am going home, as in my home, so don’t follow me.”


“Ma! You will stop and you will talk to me! I order you!” He bellows and the world stops.


Now there are several things you don’t do in life, and one of them is you do not order your mother - in fact any mother - but especially this mother about. Debs stops, puts her bag down on the bonnet of the car, and very slowly, as if giving us ample time to run, turns around.


“You order me? Did you just say that, you little shit?!”


“Yes I did! You don’t seem to know your place. They have it right in Chinese culture. The women have to listen to the men. Did you know Mother that the girls have to listen to the following people: the father, the husband, the brother, and the son? I am your son. You should do what I say. I shall let you off not giving….ow!” He screams and crumples to the floor.


I don’t know when or how, but it seems during his little speech Debs had picked up a rock and with the precision of a surgeon thrown it with all her weight behind it straight at his balls!


I back up as she stalks up to his whimpering form. “Now listen and listen real good, you little punk! I am not Chinese, therefore, I do not subscribe to their bullshit mantra. I am, and there are days I am ashamed to say it, your mother. You will fucking treat me with the respect that the position of being a mother affords me. You ever, and I mean ever, even think to say that shit to me again, I will pull those oh so very small balls through your nostrils and wrap them around your neck. Do we understand each other?”


He just garbles something and then she looks at me. “Find his keys. Take him home. Make sure he stays there. I mean it, Lindsay, he comes here again I will hurt you.”


“Me? Why me?” I croak.


“Because you indulge his stupidity, admittedly to get what you want, but indulge him you do. I suggest you harness your selfishness for good and keep him contained.” Jennifer Taylor’s crisp tones slice through me. “Because if Debs, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, doesn’t follow through, I will.”


She watches Debs leave and then turns to me. “Get it off his property.” Michael is now sitting up but is still pale and sweaty. “Now.”


It takes us a good few minutes to get him into the car and as I reverse I notice she has bent down and as she straightens she is staring at a piece of paper. Most probably something Debs dropped as she left.


JENNIFER


As I read his list of demands my blood boils...time for me to step in big time!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Adapt*-ation by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 25 - ADAPT*-ATION

*affection.desire.arousal.passion.tumescence


TAYLOR RESIDENCE - 40 MINUTES LATER


DINING ROOM


JENNIFER


I slide the papers over to my dear friend and he pinches the bridge of his nose. “And they came from him?”


“I found them nearby where he fell...she wasn’t standing close enough to drop anything without noticing. I think it came out of his pocket. But what I don’t understand about this invoice is has he paid it or is he asking for it?”


Emmett’s brow creases as he thinks carefully. “He’s an immediate guy, so I think he’s got what he wanted and is now demanding that Brian pays him back for it. Oh my, my, my...he does have expensive tastes. Have you actually read this...this egregious epistle of excrement?”


“No. I just saw the points to agree on note. The thing that worries me is his suggestion that he wants to be involved as a legal guardian for Guy! Can’t even get Little Grub’s name right! I would like to be around when he says that to Daph, let alone Cyn! What I think should happen is he should be let back in…”


“What?! Why?! After...sorry, Jen, but really?!” He slumps back dramatically against the chair, and I have to smile. “Don’t tell Toddy.”


“About the little queen out there?” He grins. “Or the use of the phrase egregious epistle of excrement?”


“Both.” He chuckles. “But why in? Enemy closer?”


“Yes, and where he goes, she tends to follow, and I want her so very badly!” I can feel my anger build, and take a calming breath. “In a pure bitch-slapping sense you understand? Have no pash for snatch, and definitely not that one! But on reflection let’s not do that...I believe I will let my son handle him. While I handle her. Now, speaking of pash, I understand you have been meddling with Mel.”


“I have not! That was Treyvon on the shoes and the tszujing.” He starts to smile slyly. “I did the flowers though.”


“Very sweet. So what’s the next manoeuvre?”


“My second favourite thing...no third...no fourth...no…”


“Can we lump sex into one, including exchange of bodily fluids and consensual pain?” I raise an eyebrow.


“Yes. So my second thing is shopping. She needs to look rocking in a dress for the country club dinner. She always used to wear a matronly number according to our woman in the know.”


“Oh, that reminds me. I must check the list with Melissa.”


“Why?”


“Cyn and Daph won’t want to come, they never do, no matter how many times they are invited, but I suspect they will make an effort this year.”


“And why is that?”


“Justin has to attend this year as he didn’t last year, so if all goes according to the cabin plan; his plus one is going to be one Brian Aiden Kinney.”


“Oh my, there is going to be a lot of twittering and squaring up going on!” He laughs. “But back to the supreme irksomeness of this! I mean for heaven sake, he’s billed him for non-returnable Prada shoes! If he thinks that he is getting $26,789 for living expenses, from Big Bad, he has another think coming. He’s also billed him for the overheads for the store and the inventory. Oh that’s it, it is so fucking on!”


“You’re going to bust something.” I remark coolly. “Calm down and give me that.” I look it over and then frown. “You read his wish list, I need to check on something.”


As I make the call, I can hear his yelps and hisses of disgust. “He wants a van, a second hand one will do, just to collect his comic stuff in. Lindsay gave him the idea that perhaps using his fancy car for his work wasn’t a good idea!” He exclaims furiously.


Oh did she indeed!


I smile as the call connects. “Ah, good afternoon, Signs by Design? Good, good. My name is Elizabeth Perkerson, I am the PA to Michael Novotny. It’s regarding his recent failed delivery. He wants to make a couple of changes to it now. Yes, isn’t it fortuitous about that? Yes, he does get a little irate when things don’t go his way. Yes, it’s the colour scheme and the wording that need changing…”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - THREE HOURS LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I can’t believe she did that, to me, her son! I sit up slowly and take another sip of water. “So, what are you going to do?”


“What do you mean? Go back of course.”


“But Jennifer Taylor said…”


“I don’t believe her.” I state flatly. “And now because of my psycho mother, I can’t open the store.”


“Why not?” She looks confused.


“I can barely stand.”


“But you sit down most of the time.” She sighs before getting up. “Are you going to be alright by yourself?”


“Where are you going? Like I said I can barely stand.”


“I have an appointment with the bolshy auditor for my cottage, I told you that. I still can’t believe I am only going to get that piddling amount for it, and I have to give Mel 25% of it.”


“What did you tell her you were selling it for? That’s a rookie mistake for you.” I grimace as I am finally able to lower my legs and close them a bit more.


“I didn’t tell her! Well I did in a way, when I went to Kinnetic Estates to see what they had on their books and to check out the carrier’s home. She was in the back room - oh the irony. Look I have to go.”


“Don’t be at all surprised if you find me still here, alone and in pain.”


“No, Michael, that would not surprise me at all.” She replies as she leaves.


As I hear the front door close, I lean slowly across to get the remote. The store is not being opened today. Leaning back slowly, I suddenly remember my invoice and rifle in my pockets, as gently as I can but I can’t find it. Grumbling, I slowly get up as this means I have to print out another one. I limp to the study and watch the world go by as I reprint it. I actually didn’t check it before I left, and now I need to add the loss of revenue to Ma’s invoice.


As I wait for my other list to print, I notice a guy that looks vaguely familiar walking up the street. I can’t think where I recognise him from though. The more I look at him, the more it bugs me but then when he turns the corner I forget all about him.


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - AN HOUR LATER


KITCHEN


FRED STONE, ASSESSOR


I wish she would open the damn window! It stinks in here! “So, Ms Peterson…” She looks up from her phone with a sigh. “...did you get someone in to look at the other damp problem that you were told about, during your somewhat tempestuous meeting with my previous colleague?”


“Tempestuous? He was downright rude and insulting! If I thought there was a chance of my complaint about him getting anywhere I would’ve followed through with it.” She carps.


“So did you?” She looks puzzled. “Did you follow through and get the damp patch, which is unrelated to this, looked at?”


“No. I…”


“Of course you didn’t. Are you going to sell the property as is previously advised?”


“Looks like I don’t have any choice in the matter.” She bitches, scrunching up her face as the smell invades her nostrils.


“Not really. So is everything that could be taken out, taken out and stored elsewhere?”


“Of course, I take care of my things!” She looks indignant and I resist the temptation to point out that the cottage is also her thing and look how well that worked out!


LINDSAY


I can feel him judging me. I am much better than him! Drawing myself up, I look him in the eyes. “I see you have gone to the same school of charm as your previous colleague and company owner.”


“If you mean the School of Common Sense, then yes. So when are you going to clear the property so that it can be put in a sellable condition?”


“I’m waiting to hear from you as to when I can do that.”


I sigh heavily. “You could have, and once again, should have, done this the moment the first assessment happened. Ms Peterson, I suggest you stand here and use that oh so fancy phone of yours for its proper purpose, not just playing Candy Crush or whatever the latest game is. Get this placed cleaned up...”


“Fine I will call a cleaning company.”


“Let’s go and see the lounge, shall we?” He gestures that I go ahead of him, and as I open the door between the lounge and the kitchen we both step back as the noxious smell hits us.


“Oh my god!” I gasp, and clap my hand over my nose as we back away from the mouldering festering sight and smell. “What’s happened?” I manage to choke out while opening the kitchen window.


“Let me guess. You just left!” He is almost crawling out of the window.


“Why would I stay?! I couldn’t live in it!”


“But you did have the pipes closed off didn’t you?”


“Like I said I left!”


“Ms Peterson. You have caused an environmental hazard. I have no other choice but to take the property from you and…”


Inwardly I smile, I hadn’t wanted to deal with it anyway. Mel liked this kind of thing, I tune him out as he blathers about environment, safety concerns and some such....


“Ms Peterson!” He bellows and I focus back on him. “As I said, because of your negligent behaviour, your claim is rejected. You will be billed by us for the costs of the deep clean and…”


“You will need Melanie Marcus’s information as well. She will need to pay…”


“Ms Marcus, informed us that she was no longer residing at this property and you confirmed that you were the sole resident, which means that you and you alone are liable for all costs. I hope for your sake that the damage has not spread from your cottage to other residences, as you will be liable for their repairs too. And, of course, there is the little matter of the portion of the sale of the house.”


“Wh...what are you talking about? How do you even know about that? That’s private!”


He laughs and shakes his head. “You really don’t remember me, do you?” I slowly shake my head. “I was the lawyer who drew up the agreement. You readily agreed to it...saying, and I quote, okay, Mel, let’s do it that way, it’s not like you are ever going to leave me.


CABIN - WHITLOCK ESTATES, THURSDAY AFTERNOON


JUSTIN


I watch him come down the walkway slowly carrying two mugs of coffee. He is looking so much better and well rested. He’s forgiven me for hiding his phone, but he needed to rest properly. Debs and Cyn have been calling so that he can see how Gus is.


“Here.” He grins as he sits down next to me, we are both shirtless as it is so warm and private. “This is wonderful. I will concede that it was a great idea. Coffee kisses.” He murmurs leaning across and capturing my mouth, I sigh with pleasure as I suck on his tongue. I am vaguely aware of the cup falling from my hand as he pulls me into his lap. We part to breathe and to look at each other. “Want to?” He breathes against my tender lips.


“Yes.” I whisper back and wind my fingers in his hair. “Very much so.”


“Come on...I have been wanting this from the moment I kissed you.”


I get off him, take his hand and lead him back to the bedroom in silence. I am a little bit nervous despite my dominant side, but then he squeezes my fingers and they slip away, I know he won’t hurt me. I turn to face him and gently push him back onto the bed. At some point the sheets have been changed and turned down. “Sprites.” I murmur against his lips.


“Butler.” He chuckles. “Saw him scampering away. We have champagne and Beam.”


“And cookies. I brought some with me, but you were being such a grump I was disinclined to share.”


“Not grumpy, but definitely lumpy.” He rolls his hips in emphasis. “God, you are so beautiful.”


“So are you.” As I plant butterfly kisses over his face and neck, his fingers tangle in my hair and he purrs contentedly. “You even smell beautiful.” I tell him, and he huffs a laugh before a sharp intake of breath. “You okay?”


“Ribs still a bit sore.” He winces.


“A bit? That sounded more than a bit.” I stop and take my weight off him.


“Justin, please do not stop what we are doing.” He urges. “I’m fine. I will be less fine if we stop.”


I continue my descent down his body, sucking gently on his nipples and swirling my tongue softly through his belly button. When I get to his jeans, I look up for reassurance, and he nods and reaches for the lube and condoms. I take my time popping the buttons, and a gentle tug gets him to lift his hips so I can take them off. Mine quickly follow, and I gasp at the sight in front of me. His cock is filling as I reach for it and slowly stroke up and down. His eyes almost close, but it is the noises that I am pulling from this gorgeous man that excite me the most. I have heard the rumours, of course, of how he is very quiet, but this man is chanting my name and pleading with me never to ever stop. “Open your eyes and look at me.” I order him, and they fly open.


BRIAN


I have never seen anything like it. He is kneeling between my thighs and as well as jacking me off, he’s doing the same to himself. “So hot...oh!” I gasp as his fingers play with just my head, and I almost lose my legendary control. “Justin, now.” I beg, and almost weep in relief as he reaches for the condom and lube.


“Knees up. Gorgeous legs spread wide.” I quickly do as I’m bid, and again it takes everything in me as he rolls my balls in his hand like they are the most precious things in the world.


“Ju...Justin.”


“Give me a second.” He smirks, and reaches behind himself.


“No.” I answer. “I need you inside me now.”


He stops and blinks at me. “Need you now.” I repeat, and he gives a beaming smile. Yeah you thought wrong didn’t you. I spot the slight tremble as he sheaths himself. He puts one leg around his waist and then lines himself up against my quivering entrance. “Come on into me.” I plead then gasp, as he breaches the first ring; I remember what Ems taught me and bear down, then arch as all of him slides in. “Christ!”


“Oh my life! I am not going to last too long!” He gasps out.


“Me neither! Oh fuck!” I yelp, as he hits me right where I need him to. “Kiss me, please!” I beg.


JUSTIN


As I engulf his mouth, I can’t believe it, I am topping Brian Kinney! While my thoughts are running all over the place at the wonder of this turn of events, my cock and hips have their own brain and are driving this man wild! Our tongues lash against each othe’rs and we swallow down each other’s cries and moans of pleasure. I can feel his cock throbbing against my stomach and his precum is making my congress even easier such is the amount. I can hear thumping, and then he stiffens and then screams down my throat as his cock explodes and his ass locks down on my dick like a vice. I tear my mouth away so I can breathe, and yell my joy as my orgasm throbs through me in wave after wave of hotness.


For a few minutes it is just the sound of our breathing and heartbeats in the room, but then I raise my head and look at him and he looks...dazed but very, and I mean very, happy!


“Und? War's gut*?” I ask.


“Sehr gut**.” He replies lifting his head to kiss me. “You really know how to hit a guy with your rhythm stick.”


“Blockhead.” I giggle at his Ian Dury reference.


“I’m surprised you even got that.” He sighs. “Can you stay there?”


“For as long as I can.” I smile and rest my head on his chest.


“Good.”




Translation from German to English

*And? Was it good?

**Very good

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Erinyes and The White Knight with Blue Eyes...Go to War by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 26 - ERINYES AND THE WHITE KNIGHT WITH BLUE EYES...GO TO WAR


CABIN - THREE HOURS LATER


JUSTIN


I look across at a still sleeping Brian and then at the night sky. I have never seen it so beautiful or foreboding. “I wish I had my camera.” I sigh to myself, I smile when I feel his warmth against my back and his arm come around my waist. “Thank you.” I kiss his bicep as he hands me his.



“That is one fuck of a storm. I am slightly nervous about being in a forest in a wooden structure.” He murmurs into my neck before kissing a spot just behind my ear.


“I like storms, they let me know that even the sky screams sometimes.” He chuckles and pulls me back against him tighter. “Let’s go back to bed. I’m sure whatever storm is brewing, it will pass.”


EMMETT’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


MASTER BEDROOM


EMMETT


“You are very quiet. Is it a bad thing that I told you?”


Brandon shakes his head. “Have you ever? I mean with him again?”


“No. After that night, purely instructions only. After we finished, he was all set to get up and go, I said if he left me like that, I would follow him naked down the street yelling about his newly deflowered state. And do you know what he said?”


“Do that and I will have you murdered?”


“Nope! I don’t want you to catch a cold.”


“That was...sweet.” He frowns even as the words leave his lips. “For him it was…”


“Now, Brandon! Do not judge people by other people’s covers. How many of the men you fucked know you’re a doctor? How many of them know that you bawl your eyes out at the 1975 original of The Railway Children when she sees her dad on the platform after he is released...without fail? How many people know that you call me to say you are home after your night shifts so that I can rest easy? How many people know that when you are cruising, you always have an eye on me? Yes, I have noticed. And how many people know that…”


“You've made your point.” He grumbles.


“Don't tell me what I have or have not done! I shall finish with this, how many people know that you want exactly what Brian is trying to have right now, but with me?”


“None and one.” He admits looking rueful.


“He portrayed an image just the same as you do...well did! So don’t be a hypocrite or mean.”


“Sorry.” He leans across and kisses my shoulder. “So can I ask?”


“He screamed the place down!” I laugh. “We both did!”


“Did he…”


“No. This was all about him.”


“Weren’t you tempted?”


“Honestly? No. I’m a size queen like the next queer, but there’s only so much this boy can take. He has at least two inches in length and an inch in girth more than me.” His eyes bug out and he lifts the blanket before he could stop himself. “I named him you know…”


“You named his dick?!” He gasps.


“No you dolt! I gave him the name The Stud of Liberty Avenue.”


“You know what, knowing what I know now, I’m not surprised. There is a lot of sass and sweetness about you, but a fuck of a lot of steel.”


“Speaking of steel. “ I smirk at him and rub his thigh.


“Oh no, you don’t.” He stops me firmly with a heated look. “My turn. Now lie down and shut up.”


“Oh, yes sir.” I sigh as I slide down the sheets.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - FRIDAY MORNING


KITCHEN


LINDSAY


I shake my head as Michael comes down in his dressing gown. I sip my coffee and wonder how exactly he is paying for all of this. The house is beginning to have a sticky feel to it, where he’s not cleaned properly, if at all. He’s made an effort and stacked the dishwasher but there is no point doing that if you don’t switch the damn thing on.


“We’ve run out of cups.” I tell him as he hunts in the cupboards, and then I grimace as he pulls out one from the sink, swishes it briefly under the tap and then uses it. “Michael, don’t you think you should clean this place up?”


“It’s not that bad.” He mutters as his bare feet squelch against the wooden floors. “If you don’t like it you can always…” He pauses as I smirk at him over my mug.


“Well, I’ll be going to work. Are you going to open the store up today?” I wash my mug up but don’t put it in the cupboard. Just like I didn't do with my plate and cutlery.


“No, I am still too sore.” He laments, and I resist the temptation to say still too lazy.


“Alright. Well, try and get some rest. I shall see you tonight.”


“Sure. Uh, where are you going with those?” He points to the stuff in my hands.


“My room of course. You might be happy to eat off those…” I point to the dishes. “...but I am not. I have standards. Oh, and speaking of standards, are you still serious about the country club dinner?” He nods. “I see, well then, you and I are going to have to go shopping, if you dress as you live is anything to go by. We’ll chat tonight about that.”


“Fine.” He grumbles, but does look around the kitchen with a frown. “See you later.”


As I head upstairs, I could’ve sworn I heard him say he’ll ask his mother to come around and give the place a once over!


COOPER & WILD - EARLY AFTERNOON


MEL’S OFFICE


DELIA


“Well hello there, Missie!” I smile at Mel as she comes in. “Judging by that smile and you being a tiny bit late, something good has happened, care to share?”


“Yes. But this will involve the gossip tray.” She grins wider as she heads into her office.


Now, there are advantages to knowing one Emmett Honeycutt and one is that he knows Jennifer Taylor, who makes the best cookies in the world! I pull out the jar, after making sure she’s not peeking. “How many?!”


“Three. No two!” She calls back, and once I set up our gossip tray, I head into her office. As per usual she just shakes her head and grins at it. “Are you ever going to tell me where you got that from?” She asks, having cleared her table and is curled up on the sofa.


Oh this is good gossip...the shoes are off!


“No, of course not. I don’t want you to share this beauteous thing with anyone but me!”


“Okay, let’s go with beauteous. And how is that two?!” She chides me.



“You’ve got Riceloff and I’ve got the Pearson notes.” I raise an eyebrow as I kick off my shoes.


“Good point. I will have a finger.”


I smirk at her innuendo and hand her the cup with said finger, before I settle down and wait.


“So...oh that’s good.” She sighs as she sips her tea. “I bumped into Cassidy, she works with Lindsay, on my way back from court and she has caused a big stink in her former neighbourhood. After the boiler met lounge, she didn’t close the pipes off, just left…”


“Oh for heaven sake! That’s an environmental hazard!”


She nods as she nibbles and I just shake my head. “Exactly, so claims been rejected and she’s stuck with all the bills, which will be astronomical. But that’s not the best bit. Because the water stopped coming through she assumed that was that, so as well as just leaving and not sorting out the pipes, she also didn’t even think to turn off the water at the mains. So it had been pumping out intermittently and caused water damage to one of her neighbours…” She pauses for effect. “...but the cottage, unlike hers, is listed.”


“Holy fuck that is going to hurt!”


“Yeah, and she will be a bad credit risk as well!” She cackles. “No insurance firm will touch her without a hefty indemnity clause and massive premiums.”


“Well…”


“And that’s not all. The abode in which she is residing is starting to resemble an upscale hovel every day…”


“This is the one she’s living with her friend?”


“Yep. Seems that her friend hasn’t quite grasped the concept of cleaning, and is playing a waiting game.”


“As in waiting for her to cave and do it for them?”


She nods and her face clouds. “If there is one thing that I admired about Lindsay, until it was turned on me, is her ability to stand her ground and go for what she wants. Even if what she wants doesn’t want her.” I reach over and pat her hand, getting a small smile. “The guy she lives with is such a, well, was such a momma’s boy - she’s no longer a fan - apparently he is going to suggest she come over and clean his house. Just so he doesn’t have to do it or pay for it.” I tamp down my annoyance. I am well aware of her roommate! “Should be an interesting conversation.”


We both go quiet, lost in our own thoughts, and I decide to pull her out of her walk down Misery Lane. “Oh, a lady called Diana called. Said to say thank you and she’s looking forward to dinner next week. Said you’d know all about that.” She goes red. “Why don’t I know all about that?” I push my glasses back up my nose and primly fold my arms.


“I sent her flowers.” She says shyly.


Oh shit must call Emmett!


“You did!” I squeal. “Oh, hang on...not another word! Need the ladies, I don’t know why I have tea!” I sprint out of the room to her gales of laughter and when I reach the safety of the bathroom, I pull out my phone. “Ems it’s Delia, have to be quick! Abort the flowers, repeat abort the flowers! She’s doing fine on her own! Will catch you up later. Bye!”


I almost slide to the floor in relief that he hadn’t sent them and then realise I do have to use the bathroom...damn tea...and once done head back.


“So speaking of dinner...when are we shopping? Now, now don’t grimace, you have to buy a new dress. So when?”


“I suppose…”


“Before you even suggest Saturday, let me explain to you. Crowds, screaming children and in the evening the traffic is going to be a bitch!”


“Why the evening?” She looks puzzled.


“I am not going shopping with you without cocktails at the end of it! So pick an evening, can’t do this Friday.” Well I can but Emmett and Treyvon can’t. “Anytime bar Thursday works for me.” She flicks through her phone nodding. “So when?”


“Tuesday or Wednesday?”


“Tuesday.” I sigh in relief; Emmett had hoped for Tuesday because at least that way it gives us time to swap out whatever monstrosity she wants to buy and she will not be any the wiser because I have a plan for that. “So, have it delivered here, it will be pressed and ready and you can get dressed here, it’s closer to the club isn’t it?”


“Yeah, it is. That’s a great idea.”


“I know, this is why I have several pairs of fabulous shoes and you only have one...which you didn't even buy! So list...start typing, we need dress, shoes, bag, foxy faux fur coat and obviously a killer lipstick and some glitter…”


“I have a lipstick and why glitter?”


“The only nude when you are with her should be you not your lipstick and everyone needs to sparkle!” I look at my watch and pull a face. “Back to the coalface.”


“Yes, but not without another cookie!” She grins as she snatches up the last one.


“It’s fine. The junk in my trunk doesn’t need anymore padding!” I take the tray and with a wiggle worthy of Peg from Lady and the Tramp leave her office.


“You have got to teach me how to walk like that one day!” She laughs.


“Honey! Anyone can walk this way, they just need to want to!”


BLUE MOON HOUSE - EVENING


LOUNGE


BRIAN


This was not how I envisaged meeting his mother! She had called him and said that we needed to meet and talk, and judging by his obedience it was not up for discussion. He said that she wouldn’t tell him over the phone what it was, just that it involved me. Now she is looking concernedly at me.


“Say something. No wait.” She hands me a glass of whisky...almost full to the brim. “Drink, then speak.” She orders, and there is something in her tone, which reminds me of a certain someone, which makes me do as I am told.


I look down at the paper again and watch Justin prowl like an angry cat. I can even see the hairs standing up on the back of his neck. “He’s insane.” Is all I can come up with.


“No, he’s perfectly sane. Just used to getting his own way, and you being at his beck and call. Well, you and your wallet from what Debs has been telling me.” She smiles sympathetically.


“Debs? You’ve met Debs? When?” I frown.


“Oh of course you wouldn’t know. At the hospital. Sorry, I was so hellbent on whisking you away I forgot to tell you.” Justin resumes his prowling after his explanation, before sitting down next to me and snatching the papers out of my hands. “So now what?”


“I…” I begin and then shrug helplessly. “...have no idea.”


“Well, I have taken a liberty of fixing that sign for him.” Jennifer chuckles.


“What sign? Where does it say sign?” I look over the list and then spot it. “He wants me to pay for the sign over the shop! Is he fucking...sorry Jennifer.”


“Oh, don’t be. Sometimes profanity is the only outlet. But I don’t think you are going to mind paying for this one. For this is what I have done.” She reaches for her iPad and then scrolls through chuckling. “Ah yes,, here it is…”



“Mom! That’s cocktastically indecent! Where are we going to stick it?” His eyes gleam maliciously.


“Well I have been speaking around the Avenue and he’s not opened for a while, something about being grievously injured when Debs through a boulder into his testicles....”


“Boulder? Debs?” I blink at her.


“I think he meant pebble but got confused.” She sniffs. “Anyway, he’s not been able to open, but this needs to go up without his knowledge. The signmaker was remarkably accommodating, seems he got some of his charm. So the boulder thrower is making nice and will let the sign people in and…”


“Does she know this?” Justin asks just staring at the picture.


“I am waiting for confirmation of the delivery but I am pretty sure I can persuade her to do this. He and Lindsay came around four times and the first time Carl had to hold her back from beating him back down the path. As well as the invoice and birthday wish list there is this. For all documents, I and one other person are the only people to have seen them. He is a trusted friend and confidant. I have always turned to him in moments of turmoil. I hope you will forgive me after you have read it and I tell you who it is.”


I nod and take the paper from her and read it and am perfectly fine until I get to the end and gasp. “Guy who the fuck is...does he mean Gus? He wants to be the legal guardian to Gus?!”


“No fucking way! Absolfuckinglutelyfuckingnot!” Justin bellows snatching the paper off of me.


“Calm yourself, Justin.” She orders, and he instantly calms down. “Yes, this is what he is suggesting. The person that also knows is Emmett.”


“Emmett? How do you know Emmett?”


“Yes, I met him at the party, but I met him before, the same way you met him. We are of the same world.”


“Emmett?!” Justin gasps. “He’s a…”


“Yes. He is. A very good one, he could teach you a thing or two. But how Brian and Emmett know each other is a discussion for the two of you alone. This needs to be dealt with first.”


“I will get my lawyers onto…”


“No you won’t.” Justin states firmly.


“Justin this is Little Grub we are talking about, I am not…” I protest.


“You will do nothing. I will handle this.”” His voice is cold and flat but the look in his eyes is warm and tender.  “I can only take so much, now I have finally had enough! He’s going to learn that if my thunder doesn’t get him then my lightning will.” He smiles and strokes my cheek, which I find reassuring. “I will leave him alive but cognisant of the fact that if it was meant to be he wouldn’t have to force it. And also that you are mine.”


“I am.” I whisper.


“And I am yours.” He murmurs back.


“Ahem.” Jennifer clears her throat and we slowly move apart.


“Now to the business in hand. Do you know anything else he’s been talking about?”


“Oh yes. Well, not him per se, but his roommate, seems that she’s not happy with the living arrangements from a cleanliness standpoint.”


“Really?” He turns to me. “Do your tenants have to clean their own houses?”


“Of course they do!” I exclaim confused.


“But he doesn’t know that, does he?” I shake my head. “So perhaps it could be said loud enough that all the houses on the Boulevard are to be given a cleaning service…”


“But…”


“Wait for it.” Jennifer laughs.


“Only he gets it. Only he starts to get what he deserves.”

 

End Notes:

Please be kind and constructive. Thanks

Explaining and Setting the Stage...The White Knight by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 27 - EXPLAINING AND SETTING THE STAGE...THE WHITE KNIGHT


BRIAN


Justin is still annoyed with what he’s read, and I really don’t think now is the time for that conversation. Jennifer left half an hour ago, and although he’s not asked anything, I know he’s going to.


“Want to talk about it?” He asks quietly, sitting at the other end of the sofa from me.


“Are you asking me or telling me with a carefully structured question?” I counter.


“That was definitely asking. But why would you have a problem talking about something we should talk about? Which is, my mom knows about you and Emmett and I don’t.”


I smile at him and he puts his feet in my lap. I slide my hand up his pant leg and stroke his skin. “He deflowered me.” I watch his reaction.


“Emmett? But he’s a…well I always thought he was.” He thinks for a bit before getting a naughty grin on his face. “How was it?”


“Not a patch on you but what I needed at the time.”


“Now answer that honestly and not trying to salve my ego.”


“Not a patch on you but what I needed at the time.” I repeat looking him in the eyes.


“I see. I’ve seen him.” He giggles. “He’s not as big as you and…”


“Justin.” I crawl up the sofa so we are face to face. “Don’t pretend to be okay about this if you aren’t.”


He exhales. “It’s not that I’m not okay, I’ve slept with guys before you, obviously, it’s just…”


“And also don’t be jealous. Once. It was one time and if it helps, it was Debs who set it up.”


“Debs!” His face twists over a bit but then he looks thoughtful. “Momma knows best.”


“Yeah. After all your momma knew you are a dominant.” I point out.


“Hmmm. I’ve never had a reason to be a dominant until you. Yes, I’ve used the voice to make myself heard, but to exert control over someone with their consent. You are so carefully structured and ordered.” He winds his fingers through my hair. “I don’t know how…”


“Like your mom said, speak to Emmett. He can point you in the right direction.”


“Did he teach you anything...that...that you’ve done to me?”


“No. Everything I have done to you is new and fresh and only for you.” He nods and then goes quiet and I know he want to know the number. “I am not including Emmett or you in this, but two.” He looks astounded. “I didn’t feel the need for it but now I do...and I hope I don’t have to go anywhere else for it.”


“You do and you and I will have a very big problem!” He growls.


“So you’re okay with Emmett and me and our past? For that is what and where it is, in the past.”


“Yeah. And speaking of him, need to call him. Time for us to teach that complete know-nothing-numbskull not to mess with my man or his Little Grub!”


DEBS HOUSE - MONDAY AFTERNOON


LOUNGE


JENNIFER


She puts the phone down again and once more tries to compose herself. I should not have shown her the sign first. Carl had to leave the room as he was laughing so much, but gave us some advice: Debs is to leave the signmaker to it, just let him in and then out. Do not look. No culpability on her side.


“Alrighty! I can do this. Yes I can.” She takes a calming breath but I stop her and she frowns.


“Write it down, that way you can concentrate on what you are supposed to say.”


She nods and calls Carl back in and in five minutes, he has written what she is supposed to say. She dials the number and Carl gestures that she put it on speaker. “Yes.” He clips out and she balls her fist. “You’ve called me to apologise as you should I assume.”


“Yes Michael that's what I have called to do and offer my assistance…”


“To clean the house as a proper apology? I accept.”


“Clean the...no, not that, but wanted to know if there is anything I could do to help with the store? I am going to be in LA this week and…”


“My store is in Pittsburgh not Los Angeles! Why would you...oh wait has Brian bought me a place in Los…”


“No I mean Liberty Avenue.”


“Then why did you say LA?”


We all just look at each other and Debs shakes her head as if to clear it. “As I was saying, since I caused your…”


“Life limiting injuries.” He snipes.


“Life limiting?” She repeats, actually staring at the phone in confusion.


“My sex life Mother. You could’ve caused major damage, imagine how disappointed he would be if he couldn’t have me in full working order.”


Carl is not helping her focus by doing a gagging face. “Well, anyway, is there anything I can do store…”


“Not store wise, but they have overreacted to that little incident, and banned me from Woody’s. You can use your influence on the Avenue to get that reversed…”


“I can’t do that, Michael. That is their management decision. Maybe if you apologised for what it was you did.”


“Suppose so, though it was also their fault since they were ignoring me. Oh, hang on, there is another call coming through. Do not hang up, I am sure there is something you can do to apologise to my satisfaction.” For a few minutes there is silence during which we are trying to stop from either completely corpsing or going to his house and pummelling some stupid into him, he needs to brought to sensible in stages, very painful stages!


KINNETIC - SAME TIME


EMMETT’S OFFICE


EMMETT


I start to smile and then grin. Oh this needs my girl! I reach for the phone and pause. To make that more believable we need a committee meeting. So, first things first, let the Greenfield Boulevard Neighbourhood Committee have their first meeting.


I pull up the tenants list and snicker. I carefully craft the email to Eli and Monty, and Monty replies in seconds...so the chairman is in place, now for the rest of the board. An hour later, we have a full board, date of the meeting and the agenda, I am running them off, when there is a knock on my door.


“Come in!” I call out and smile as a slightly hesitant looking Justin comes in. “Plonk yourself on the sofa be right there, sweetie.”


JUSTIN


I’m still having a difficult time reconciling Emmett as a dominant. He just doesn’t look like the type, especially in that strawberry printed sweatshirt.  I can’t help the chuckle as he has paired it with green trousers and looking at his pink suede bomber he must be quite a sight to see.




He is whistling while he works and occasionally flashes a quick smile my way. “You want a coffee or some…” He looks at his watch. “...yes something stronger?”


“What in the realms of strong do you have?”


“Oh, let me see here…” He goes over to a telephone box and opens it and it’s a stocked to the gills drinks cabinet! “...how much do you want to know? By which I mean Brian, or how I am the way you are?”


“Nothing about Brian, we’ve talked and it’s where it belongs. But you as a dominant I just don’t understand.”


“Steel fist in a velvet glove is a popular phrase to describe me. But I have always had that side, just like you. It just needed the right person. Here…” He hands me a large brandy. “I have to say one thing about Brian, do not mistake his acquiescence for total submission. He wars with himself sometimes. For all his platitudes, he is not a total submissive. Especially, when he feels like he is being pushed for want of a better word into something he doesn’t like. That’s why he cut the trip short with Michael, he was pushing him and in order to preserve what was remaining of their friendship, they came home. And then, of course, you happened.” He smiles at me as I shake my head in confusion. “No, you did. The first time, you sought to stop him from harming himself. On the roof correct?”


“Yes but I would’ve done that for anybody.”


“Okay, I will concede that. But when you heard what Michael said to him, what was your first reaction?”


“I was annoyed because I didn’t think it was a nice thing to say and that’s not what I saw when I saw Brian.”


“And what did you do?”


“Said he had to get an apology off him…”


“No, I said what did you do. Physically what did you do?”


I think back to that day and then realise what I did. “I told him how bad it sounded, well we did and I took him back to Shrillseeker’s house…”


“And…”


“He told him to stay away from him and I shoved him back in the house and slammed the door.”


“And then later on you kissed.” He sighs. “You are his Alpha and he is your Omega...”


“But isn’t one of them female?” I point out.


“Yes, but you two are both top dogs, both Alphas, you are stronger together. You are each other’s half...basically, you howled at the moon and he answered.”


I feel a sense of completeness hearing that. “So now what do I do?”


“Do what you are doing now. Protect your mate...and his cub, I mean grub. And worry not.” I get a beaming smile from him. “Now back to this hebetuded twatsticle, so the first stage is complete, now we just need to rattle his drum…”


Another hour later, we have put the word out that the Boulevard is going to be getting a cleaning service for each house...no prizes for guessing who was the first person to take up that offer! Naturally, we said of course and I know just the person. Sipping my pear brandy, I dial the number.


“Hey there, Peterkin. It’s Emmy. Do you remember that pray the gay away nutjob that worked for your brother for a while? Is she still a cleaner? Oh good, good. Now, I don’t suppose you have a number…”


RED CAPE COMICS - TUESDAY AFTERNOON


DEBS


“Do you want to come and see it or…” I am interrupted again by Michael declaring that all I am doing is watching someone put up a sign, it is not that difficult and since I am the cause of his malaise with my random act of unprovoked violence, I should be grateful I am not being arrested! But if you want to do something else useful you could man the store for the rest of the week. “Oh sweetie, I’m sorry but I can’t do that. I have estate business to look after, Michael. I said I can’t, and I am not being browbeaten into this, be reasonable. I have responsibilities to Brian and he pays me to uphold them! Good, glad we understand each other. Now, you go and rest, I’ll make sure to lock up securely.”


I almost snap my phone in annoyance when I hang up and catch the sign writer looking at me oddly. “What’s wrong?”


“What did you do that he could have you arrested for?” I explain to him, and he is snickering so much he has to stop applying the transfer. “Hence this? This guy need to get business cards or something? I know a guy who could do you something that would match this…” He points at the transfer. “...perfectly.”


“Oh yeah? What do you have in mind? And who do you know?” I ask, smiling back at his grin of relish.


“Well, I was thinking since he’s such a nasty ass little schlemiel, no offence…”


“None taken.” I laugh.


“But how about a crab to go with the cock. So, something like Dead Crab Condoms instead of Red Cock...I mean Cape Comics and I reckon by the end of the week they could be done.”


“Okay but by who?”


“Oh, sorry, me! I’ll do it. My name is Hunter, Hunter Montgomery.”


“Nice to meet you. Deb Novotny, soon to be Horvath if I get my way.” I chuckle.


“I also do wedding invitations!” He smiles.

End Notes:

Please be kind and constructive. Thanks

Coming Together As One, Piling it On and Erinyes ups the Enmity...Sorry Ante by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 28 - COMING TOGETHER AS ONE, PILING IT ON AND ERINYES UPS THE ENMITY...SORRY ANTE


GREENFIELD BOULEVARD GAY-MUNITY CENTRE - 3 DAYS LATER, EVENING


CONFERENCE ROOM


ELI


“The first meeting of the GB Neighbourhood Board will come to order!” I bang my gavel, yes Emmett let me have a gavel despite what Monty said, and the tenants turn to face me. I try to discreetly take back my gavel, but Monty is too quick. He will pay for that later! “As…”


“Have you got very far?” An imperious tone calls out from the open door.


I sigh, I had hoped that they wouldn’t come, but no, there in her snooty glory is Lindsay Peterson, and I am assuming the raison d’etre for her holding the door open is because she’s waiting for Hopalong Catastrophe. Sure enough, he comes in with a mournful expression on his face. He looks around, and despite there being at least six empty seats in front of him, limps and winces to the second row from the front and then eases himself into the chair.


“As I was saying…


“How far had you gotten?” Lindsay asks again.


“As far as...as.” I reply icily. “And I would like to get further than that without any more interruptions.”


“What’s the agenda?” She blithely carries on. “May I have a copy? I…” She gets up and approaches the desk. “...have been on many a committee. Now in my opinion….” She starts to take an agenda but I move it out of her reach.


I stare hard at her until she retracts her hand. “You are a temporary resident, you do not get a say, and you do not get a vote, you are very lucky to get a seat, so you are ordered to be silent.”


“Well I never…”


“If only you hadn’t.” Monty sighs before joining me in the stare down. “Return to your seat, you may not have much to do after this meeting, but I fully intend to tell him off for his over-gavelling antics.” There is a smattering of laughter, but she still doesn’t move. “Girl, if you continue to stay there, you gonna flip my bitch switch. Wanna see how I play with roadkill?!”


“I am so sorry I am late!” A voice calls out, and I am about to lose my shit when I see it’s Daph and beam at her. “I had trouble with Little Grub being a Big Monster!” She looks at Lindsay and then at us. “Jesus, are we at questions already?! I didn’t realise I was that late.” I take particular pleasure at the vexatious expression on Lindsay’s face as Daph joins us at the table. “So, where are we?”


“Waiting for her to take a seat.” Monty bristles.


“Actually, since my position here is seemingly persona non-grata I shall take my leave of you.” She turns and starts to walk back to Michael, who is engrossed in something on his phone, so, with a shrug, she starts to head to the door.


“He’s with his mom tonight, so don’t bother going to Brian’s house. Or, if you are trying to find Brian himself, to Justin’s house as they are on a date.” Daph calls out.


Lindsay stiffens before turning around. “I wasn’t going to go anywhere near wherever you are talking about. I was merely going to go home. I am sure that Michael will catch me up on the results of your little meeting…”


“Which you were all set to hijack. Yeah, I’m sure he will. Now, if you could just get him to pay attention, then maybe he will be able to do that!” John the co-deputy chair and Daph’s opposite neighbour snipes.


“Michael, your friends and neighbours require your attention!” She calls out, and he whips his head up. “The meeting is about to start. I will see you at home. Kindly furnish me with anything pertinent, I am sure it will be a short conversation.”


“How am I going to get home? You know, with my injury, you drove remember?”


“Get a cab. Since I am not an actual tenant, then my presence is a token one.”


“For the love of fuck!” Mr Clapboard shouts from the floor. “Either sit the fuck down or both of you leave. This is not a place for your domestication pity party throwing!”


Her face flaming, and with Michael glaring at her, she sits down.


“Now then…” I look around and to a man and woman they are all staring at her. “...this meeting will come to order, and the first item is the proposal from our benevolent landlord and…”


“My best friend.” Novotny pipes up looking around. “And you have me to thank for this, because I suggested a cleaning service, which you all benefit from.”


“As I was saying! The cleaning service will start from next week, twice a week. Next item!”


“Wait, who gets the cleaner first? I think it should be me as…”


“Let’s take a vote all of those in favour of him going first say aye!”


“AYE!”


“It is so ordered. Next item!”


“Well that’s all I wanted to hear, thank goodness it was first. Let’s go, Lindsay.”


“Go?” She echoes. “But there’s lots more stuff to…”


“Well, you can drop me off and then come back, but I’m done here.”


I watch incredulously as they then side eye me and walk out together, declaring that they are going to go for a drink at Woody’s! Mr Blue Door gets up and follows them out. Less than a minute later he’s back in and grinning. “You are a genius, Daph!”


“A genius WASP I am, but this was not my idea, this was all Mel!” She giggles. “Now, get that wine opened and let’s have our proper meeting!”


MEL’S COTTAGE - SAME TIME


LOUNGE


 

 

MEL


I have no idea how I was talked into this. But right now all of my clothes, instead of being in my wardrobe are on racks in the lounge, and Treyvon is looking through them with the critical eye of a surgeon. I have piles of; work, maybe, hello no, hell the fuck no and burn it!


“How long were you with her?” He calls over his shoulder as he adds to the burn pile.


“About 10 years.”


“Clearly saw potential you didn’t. Underneath all of that steel is a cracking body and person. Still wearing it, I see.” He points to his neck and smiles, I stop fiddling with the chain and nod. “My god, where did you wear this?!” He exclaims pulling out a long forgotten jumpsuit. Does it still fit you?! Put it on immediately...well!” I take it off him and start to head upstairs. “Honey, I’m gay, you’re gay, you getting naked ain’t gonna change that, so just get on with it down here! I will close my eyes if that helps some?” I blush at my prudishness and get changed as not-so-quickly as I can. “Okay, now you are wearing that to the next date you go on!”


“But that’s a formal dinner.” I mutter, looking down at myself, and then stare at the racks of clothes he’s yet to go through. “Can you pass me that blue jacket with the red piping, please?” He smiles as he does so and then nods. “And maybe the bla...blue pumps?”


“No maybe...definitely...and no date, wear that to work, to court. Remember what I say…”


“Own it, wear it, walk it!” I look at myself in the mirror and like what I see.


“Close enough!” He laughs, and beckoning me closer, he bumps my hip. “One outfit down, two to go. Oh, wait, aren’t you a partner in the firm?” I nod. “Fuck Formal Fridays is what you should suggest, just so you can wear these jeans and…” He swoops on the boxes of boots I have bought but mostly never worn. “...now I glimpsed them earlier, where are they?!” He mutters to himself checking each box carefully.


I decide to open some wine while he hunts, and when I come back, I am relieved that not one of them hit the bad piles. “I am not doing this alone, you need to pull outfits together without me. Hunker down and...aha!” He pulls out a box and then looks crossly at me. “Are we going to have this conversation again about any of these?” He gestures to the boxes and I shake my head. “Good. Now show me what you’ve learned…check what you’re wearing Ms Fierce and dress from the feet up!”


I grin at him and start to look through the racks until I find it, grinning wider I turn to him, holding the evening dress that Lindsay loved me in so much, I cock an eyebrow and he gapes. “Oh honey that needs a special pile all of its own!”


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - ALMOST MIDNIGHT


ATTIC


JUSTIN


“Ha-ah!” I gasp and lift my head from the pillows and look down. All I can see is the top of Brian’s head buried between my legs and all I can feel is him sucking me down like an industrial strength hoover! He nudges my leg wider and then lifts it over his shoulder and shuffles up slightly, which takes me down deeper. “Oh for...for...slow down!” I yell and grab the sheet and then his hand as he reaches to me, I tug frantically. “Please! W..wa...wait! I’m...can’t…!” I suck in lungfuls of air and clench my stomach muscles in an effort to control the intensity but I am too far gone. I sink back down and let it wash over me...but it’s not a wash, it’s an avalanche of pleasure sweeping through my body boomeranging from my toes to the roof of my skull and back again. I am wordless, all I do is pant through it and then, as if from a distance, I hear a growl and feel the sofa shake.


“Not...not that...come up here please.” I order as sternly as I can while trying not to smile as he delicately licks his lips before sliding up my body and planting kisses on the way. “Stop that and tell me what that deliciousness was about?”


“Your punishment for being a naughty little devil...my little Erinyes.” He murmurs planting a soft tastes-of-me kiss on my lips before swiftly stripping me off the rest of my clothes. “In you get.” He orders and I burrow under the blankets. He then slides, also naked, in behind me, and pulls me closer to him. “You were magnificent.”


“How? All I did was tell the truth.” I yawn and then turn into his chest. “Inside or out?” I murmur.


“Inside, I like to grind against your thigh first thing in the morning, since you insist on sleeping in so damn late!”


“Mmmm. I would like to point out that sometimes I am not asleep when you do that.”


“I know...the little whimpers give you away. So, let me tell you a story about a devilish beat down…”


Start of flashback

WOODY’S


BRIAN


We are tucked into a booth at the back, having just had dinner. Well, just walked out before we could eat dinner as the waiter had clearly not got the I’ve retired and am with my boyfriend looks I gave him and kept hitting on me. I had to almost fireman lift Justin out before he caused major damage. So, now he is tapping the table impatiently, as we wait for the food, and, judging by the lip biting, hoping I am not too mad.


“I’m not mad.” I whisper hotly in his ear causing him to shiver but more importantly relax.


“Hihihi!” Emmy calls out as he approaches with a grin and an additional jacket, he catches my frown and rolls his eyes. “Brandon. I told him he would be too warm with the damn thing, but does he listen? Our men, what are we going to do with them?” He looks at Justin who just smiles and shrugs.


“Where is your Stud anyway?” I ask, and he points at the bar. “Want another?” I ask my man and he nods. I head to the bar and quickly locate Brandon. “What’s up, doc? Anyone die on the table today?” I tease him, and he elbows me in the stomach. “Got served?” He sighs and shakes his head, Carlos is grinning at us both before he mouths and points at the barmen, who are both in the middle of large orders.


I look at Brandon and he has the same expression on his face that I can feel on mine. “Go over to the other side. And wait for my signal.” He nods and grins wider, then I catch Carlos shaking his head. I wait for him to get in position just as the newbies start to make their next cocktail, we both click our fingers. They freeze, look around the bar and then at each other.


“Well, whatcha gonna do?” Carlos calls out. “You either complete the orders or serve the Studs and maybe, just maybe, they may thank you in their own deep and existential way…”


The bar area goes a tiny bit quieter before one of them reaches for a tumbler. “You take Beam straight with ice and he…” He points Brandon out to his colleague. “Ciroc and tonic with ice.”


“And a Cosmo.” Brandon calls out.


“And make that two Beams.” I smirk.


They just nod and get our drinks for us and we leave them hefty tips each before heading back to the only men we will get deep and existential with for a very long time. We discover they have been joined by Ted and seem to be in the middle of a game of Top or Bottom. I retake my seat and Justin leans against me. “Food not arrived yet?” He shakes his head sadly and I am about to signal Carlos when he comes up with it.


“Sorry guys. Had to get it redone, that fucking oven packed up again.” He sighs heavily and then starts to head back to the kitchen.


Ted clears his throat hard. “You know, it would cost about $70-100K to bring it up to spec, and would save you clicking your fingers and frightening the newbies.” He raises his glass and when I nod takes after Carlos.


“Top definitely.” Emmett says about a Wolf that strides by and Brandon frowns. “Watched not done.” He smiles.


“Oh, bottom for sure.” Justin giggles, as a twink totters after his boyfriend.


“Top.” I point to a tall dark haired man and Justin shakes his head. “Justin, he’s a top.” Emmett and Brandon both turn to where we are pointing and like Justin, Brandon shakes his head. “Okay maybe not all the time, but for the right guy…” I look at Justin when I say this. “...he bottoms.”


“That’s something you’d never do no matter who the guy is, isn’t that right, Brian?” An all too familiar nasal whine interrupts our evening.


“Absolutely not. You are so right, Michael.” Lindsay trills as she puts the glass down. “So…”


“Front and back never to be screwed twats.” Emmett snarks, causing Brandon to cough into his Ciroc. “And you are wrong, Michael, and you know you are. Brian has bottomed for me, remember? Your mommy set it up, and told you, so that makes it true!”


Michael colours up and twists his lip. “But he never did it again, did he?!” He hisses.


“By mutual agreement. It was a deliciously hot, screaming means to an end. Besides, I’ve had him more than you ever will and I have to say…”


“I hope your taste in bedding has improved.” Justin interrupts him and sips his drink.


“What are you talking about?” Michael turns to him. “What bedding?”


“In your bedroom. At your Mommy’s house. Which they fucked on...oh wait he tossed him and then fucked him on. It was Captain Astro I believe.”


The entire table goes quiet and I look across at a smirking but shocked Emmy, so if he didn’t tell him about that, then who did?!


“Y...you...you fucked him in my room?!” Michael glares at me.


“No he fucked him in your room.” Justin corrects him oh so sweetly. “At least the walls, if they could talk, will have something more to talk about than your one man fumblings. It must be so disheartening when your hand won’t even get you there.” He turns to Brandon. “Is there a medical name for it, I know the Latin is wankusinterruptus but the medical terminology I am not sure.”


“Michael, let’s go.” Lindsay whispers hoarsely but he shakes off her hand.


“You’ve never fucked anyone else! And you’ve never fucked anyone! You are bottoms who are mere playthings for…”


“He topped me this weekend.” Brandon interrupts. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that, Brian. The finger thing…”


“Oh that. Ems is one of these people, like me, who is lucky in that he has long fingers that are almost comparable to the size of his…”


“Bullshit!” Michael is close to screaming and people are beginning to turn and watch, Lindsay, ever the survivalist, starts to back away, but is pushed back to the table by the arrival of Ben and Benson.


“Hi guys!” Ben looks around at the expressions on our faces. “What’s going on?”


“Michael is refusing to leave the La-La-Land he’s in by acknowledging that his own pathetic dreams are dashed to dust. Because, not only has Emmy had Brian and Brandon, but I have had Brian, and will continue to do so whenever he wants.” Justin explains.


“You! Have! Not!” Michael is close to imploding.


“Yes, he has.” Benson tells him. “Oh, fellah, you need to breathe there, mate, or you are going to pass out. But back to the topic. Not sure if they’ve done it recently but they were in the cabin in the woods, top film but scary as fuck, on my old man’s estate, they definitely did, and he definitely did. More booze, folks?”


“It's on the house.” Carlos comes up with Ted. “Can’t have my partner or his selective circle of friends paying for their drinks now can I?”


“We’re set.” Ted grins. “Will draw the paperwork up tomorrow.” He sighs as he notices Michael and Lindsay. “Why?”


“No idea, but it’s been fun to watch.” I snicker, and then look at Justin, and judging by those blazing eyes, he’s far from done!


“It’s a shame really. Just think if you hadn’t been such a petulant shrivel head on that trip he might, just might, have gotten desperate enough to get that need met, but then, oh but then, you dropped your towel and…” Again he sips his drink. “...now how was it you described him to Debs? Oh yes, so small he could inhale you up his nostril and still breathe. He does not have that problem with me.”


“Michael, we need to leave now!” Lindsay clamps down on his arm and he allows her to pull him from the table.


“Oh, Lindsay, meant to say, see you next week.” Justin trills.


“Next week? Why on earth would you and I be seeing each other next week?” She snipes.


“Country Club Annual Dinner. Everyone here assembled plus Mel, Cyn, Daph and Diana will be going, we're on the top table. Mom said your name was down along with his…” He nods at Michael. “...I am not sure where you would get a black tie bib from, but I’m sure a resourceful la...person such as yourself could find one. I’ve seen him eat. It, like you, is not pretty.”


Her face is a picture of fury, disbelief and, I do believe, jealousy. There was a definite twitch when Mel was mentioned, and with one more scornful look at the table from her, they depart, she dragging him behind her like a whipped puppy.


I turn to Justin and he looks up at me with a soft smile playing round his lips. “Justin, we need to leave now!” I order.

End of flashback



End Notes:

Please be kind and constructive if reviewing, thank you.

Her Plot, A Cock and Say What! by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 29 - HER PLOT, A COCK AND SAY WHAT!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - MORNING, TWO DAYS LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I look at my watch again, this cleaner is late. Very late, she was supposed to get here at 9.00am, and it is now 10.30. Where the hell is she?! I look around the lounge and sigh. I can’t wait for her to start cleaning. Although after his behaviour on Friday, I am disgusted with him. Not only for admitting that he got it on with Emmett and with that fathead, but for what he said about my size. Correction, what the fathead said and Brian also didn’t deny!


I look up the path again, and finally it looks like someone is coming...and Brian is now forgiven! That is not a cleaning woman that is a cleaning man! And what a man! He is utterly gorgeous! I head to open the door, only to find Lindsay already there and smiling at him. Oh she is so not doing that!


“Excuse me Lindsay, I do believe the gentleman is for me. It is after all my house he’s come to clean.”


“Of course Michael, I was merely making polite conversation. It isn’t every day you…”


“Richard Richardson of Diamond Cleaning Co. Could you excuse me but can I come in and look at the place?” He demands brusquely and we are both taken aback by his manner. “I’ve got to check all the other houses out and I’m already running late.”


“For which you have not apologised.” I point out tartly.


“Yes I did.” He replies and then brings out his phone. “Michael Novotny right?”


“Yes.” I look at him warily. “How do you have my number?” I demand.


“I was given the number of all of the tenants that I have to clean the places of by Liberty Avenue Estates. See…” He shows me his phone and then nods at the one in my hand. “...have you checked your phone lately?”


“The battery is flat.” I tell him just as my phone beeps. “Or I thought it was.” I mutter as both he and Lindsay look smug. “What’s your name anyway?” I demand.


“As I said, Richard Richardson, so can you check and let me in?” He replies and sighs as I have still yet to check my phone. “Look, I can go to another house and come back to you. As I have already said I’ve got the entire Boulevard to look at.”


“Where did you get my number from again? I don’t believe you said.” I try again.


“He did. Liberty Avenue Estates. It’s perfectly normal practice Michael. This way it leaves the timings and everything between you and the contractor, in this case Richard. Now are you going to let him in or not? After all, it’s your house that is in a dire need of a clean.”


“Fine come in then. I am not happy about my number being handed out willy-nilly and will be speaking to them about it.”


“You do that but in the meantime, what areas do you want me to cover?”


“All of it.” I retort. “From top to bottom and I will be doing inspections. And you will stay until it is completed to my satisfaction.”


“The hours are as 0900-1300 or 1400-1800 you need to pick one slot not both. If they go over the time allotted due to tenant intervention…”


“Why can’t I have whole day?”


“Because they have…”


“You keep saying they? Who is they?”


“The cleaners. I inspect the properties and then assign a cleaner. Now, Mr Novotny, can we get to the rooms? I really have to get these site visits done today.”


“Yes Michael, why don’t you take Richard around…”


“Lindsay this is my house remember? Aren’t you supposed to be going to work?” I ask pointedly. “Actually, haven’t you got that former cottage of yours to have razed to the ground?”


She glares at me and grabs her coat. “Thank you for the reminder Michael, as if I haven’t got enough on my mind right now. It was nice to meet you Richard, I do hope you don’t see the mess of this house as a reflection on all that live here. I, for example, do not eat Captain Crunch, as evidenced by it being around his mouth and down the front of his shirt. Have a nice day Michael.”


I glower at her back as she shuts the door and head to a room with a mirrored surface, so I can check my face, and when I do all I can think of is smug cow!


BLOOM GALLERY - THREE HOURS LATER



SIDNEY’S OFFICE


LINDSAY


I sit up slowly and take the water with a trembling hand. “What happened?” I croak.


“You fainted.” Cassidy answers her tone a touch chilly. “Sidney is furious.”


“He’s furious because I fainted.” I bridle.


“No he’s furious because yet again you brought your personal drama to work and this time landed on the Demacq. He’s on the way to restorers, start praying that it can be fixed.” She sits on the sofa and hands me a napkin. “So what happened this time?”


I shake my head as if to clear it. “I owe the assessors money for, as Michael so sweetly put it, razing my cottage to the ground as it uninhabitable and they’ve just told me the final amount…”


“How much? Wait, before you answer that are you going to faint again or throw up or anything that involves bodily fluids?”


“No. $80,000. Which includes the repairs to the neighbour’s property.”


She whistles. “Shit. What are you going to do?”


“Well Mel will have to pay her share, no matter what she wants to say and the rest I suppose I can get from my folks or dip into my savings, but I would rather not.”


“Hang on. From what you’ve said before, you don’t have savings, you were damn near destitute.”


“I do.” I give a small smile. “I just choose not to spend it.” I smile at the pleasure that gives me that Mel doesn’t know about it, okay it’s not as much as she has but it’s enough to clear at least half of the bill, but why spend my money when I can spend someone else’s? Well, I used to be able to spend someone else’s…


“Lindsay? Lindsay?!” Cassidy calls me sharply and shakes me out of my reverie. “I said how are you going to persuade your parents to give you however much money it is you need?”


“I always get what I want.” She raises an eyebrow. “Well eventually.” I grudgingly admit.


“You rest up for a little while longer.” She gets up. “We don’t want you fainting again.”


I nod and smile my thanks before resting back against the cushions. I rub my temple as my mind is racing, the first thing I need to do is get the money out of my parents, which should be simple enough...tears always work.


I then sigh because although I am supremely irked that I have been constantly stymied in my quest to be the carer for Gus that is on the backburner for now. I have an even more pressing matter. And that matter is Michael’s house. During the weeks, I have lived with Michael, I have come to realise that he is totally undeserving of that house and I will do everything I can to get it in my name. He is a very messy man and has made the mistake of leaving his private papers around...okay I went snooping to see if there is anything else I can hold over him! I could not believe how much Brian has paid for the house and the things in it. When I found the invoices he’s made out to Brian and saw he had put my room and board on it at $600 a week, I was astounded by his nerve. Where does he get off behaving in such a way towards Brian? But then I found the other document and the invoice made out to Debs and after Friday’s and today's antics, a plan has begun to form.


Ten minutes later I am being shaken awake by a concerned looking Sidney.


“The Demacq how is it?” I mutter frantically, not that I am remotely bothered, it is insured after all.


“Fine.” He replies tightly. “Seems that your weight didn’t cause that much damage after all. I think it would be best if you went home for the rest of the day.”


“Th-thank you Sidney. I am…”


“It’s fine like I said. And please take a cab home.”


“Oh thank you Sidney that is most kind of…”


“What is? I am advising you to get a cab home, not offering to pay for it.” He interrupts somewhat coldly. “Will you be in tomorrow do you think?”


“Yes of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” I frown.


“Just double checking. I would hate for someone to have to be called in at the last minute to cover for you.”


I frown at him and sit back down. “Sidney is there a problem?”


“Apart from you constantly seeming to have crisis after crisis played out here? No, not a problem at all.” He snarks then looks me dead in the eye. “This stops now. You take your calls on your own time, like lunch time or before or after work, not during working hours…”


“I can hardly control what time people call me.”


“But you can control when you speak to them. Like I said in your own time. Other team members manage their personal lives without fainting or being economical with the truth, follow their example forthwith.” He leans back in his chair. “So what are you doing?”


“I will be back in the office tomorrow.” I tell him stiffly seething at his callous and impudent tone, I am puzzled when he looks at his watch and notes something down. “What are you doing?”


“Nothing that you need worry your pretty little head about.” He grits out. “Now you should be getting home, I'm sure  that wounded ego of yours needs a rest.”


I walk out of his office without another word but am wondering what the hell has come over him?!


SIDNEY - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


I have said it before and I will say it again. I don’t like being played for a sucker and, even more so, I don’t like my friends being played for suckers! And Mel is my friend! I was outside the door when I heard Cassidy and Lindsay talking and when I heard about her savings I was annoyed at her duplicitousness. She hasn’t always been like this, well maybe she has and I’ve never noticed it before. But if I can do anything to help then I will, I sigh as my phone rings. “Hello Mel, thank you for returning my call…”


OUTSIDE RED CAPE COMICS - SAME TIME


LINDSAY


I am looking at the sizeable crowd outside Michael’s store and wonder what is going on. I start to make my way over but can’t get through to see what everyone is looking at.


“You’ve got to be kidding, I mean really…” A voice floats back. “...you think he’d have some sense, but then again he is who he is.”


I step back from the crowd and decide to call Michael. “Michael, where are you right now? Oh you are, well there is a huge crowd outside your shop, I think now would be a great time to open.”


Twenty minutes later, Michael is running down the street and smiling at the crowd outside, I quickly cross over to join him. “Be patient! Be patient people! I will…”


“And you are sir?” A voice booms out.


“The owner of this shop.” Michael calls back over his shoulder. “Can you let me through?! I need to open up so that I can…”


“Uh Michael…” I begin having looked at the owner of the voice. As I turn back to tap him on the shoulder I look at the door, which he clearly hasn’t. “Michael! What the hell is that?!”


“Oh my new signage, isn’t it great? It is so me! It represents me perfectly.” He crows as he flips on the lights. “Aha! She said they arrived!” He grabs a box from the counter and rips it open and starts to hand them out. “These are my business cards. Like the signage, they are a reflection of me and my...oh hello officer. It’s a pleasure to have one of Pittsburgh’s finest in…”


“Iva Dead Cock dot com. That’s your website?” A guy snickers. “It takes a brave man to advertise his shortcomings like that.”


“What are you talking about?” Michael demands and then looks at his business card and goes very, and I mean very, pale. “What is this?!” He screams. “Give those back to me!” He yells and starts to snatch the cards away from people, people who are beginning to laugh at him.


“Mr Novotny about that signage.” The Officer intones. “You need to take it down.”


“Why?” Michael demands too busy snatching cards off of people.


“This may be Liberty Avenue but you can’t have a cock on your cape and think it’s okay?”


“A cock on…” He echoes and then looks the way the officer is pointing and looks like he’s going to be violently sick. “EVERYONE GET THE FUCK OUT!”


“Mr Novotny!” The Officer bellows. “You need to take that down immediately or I will…”


“I am not taking that down! I am calling the sign guy who put it up to take it down!”


“Did I miss the part where what he just said made sense?” Someone laughs. “Dude just take it down or cover it up!”


“No! I didn’t put it there I am not taking responsibility for it!”


“This is your store, you have admitted that, therefore, you are responsible! So take it down, cover it up or be arrested.” All eyes turn to him. “What’s it to be?”


“You need to speak to Debbie Horvath at Liberty Avenue Estates, she is the person responsible for that! So if anyone needs to be arrested it should be her!”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

That Was A Big Mistake...Huge by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 30 - THAT WAS A BIG MISTAKE...HUGE


LINDSAY


“Oh no you fucking didn’t just throw your momma under the train?!” Another person exclaims, and I have to agree that this is immensely stupid.


“What’s going on here?!” Booms the unmistakable voice of his mother!


“I’m Officer Dreyfuss, and you are?” He asks, and there are gasps of astonishment rippling through the crowd.


“Debbie Novotny. Again, what is going on here?” She demands, looking around the store and then freezing. “Uh, Michael, what is that on your door?! You can’t have that there!”


“So, who is Debs Horvath then?”


“I am not quite a Horvath, but this is my son. Why do you want to know who I am?”


“He said that you were responsible for putting that on his door.”


“No she didn’t.” A cool laconic voice calls out. “I put it up as per his instructions, and printed the business cards, again, as per his instructions.”  Everyone turns to face the owner of the voice, and all I can think is wowsers, Michael can keep Richard. I want this guy! “I have the paperwork right here. I was just passing and wanted to know if he was happy with it, you see.”


“May I see the paperwork?” Officer Dreyfuss asks, reaching for it, he hands it over and he reads it carefully. “Mr Novotny, can you sign a piece of paper for me please?”


MICHAEL


“Why?” I demand warily.


“Two reasons.” He glares at me. “One, I said so, and two, I want to do a quick comparison of signatures.” I sign as slowly as I can “Sir, do not try my patience any more than you have already. Sign it properly!”


Scowling I do as I’m told and hand it to him. “See they’re not…”


“Michael Novotny, I am arresting you for public indecency…”


“Now just a minute!” I bluster. “Let me see the order! I need to compare my copy to his!” I start to head around the counter, but he steps in front of me. “It’s in the office…”


“I will accompany you, sir.” He states firmly.


“Can you get rid of these people?” I mutter.


“No sir, they will be called as witnesses! Everyone is to remain here!” He shouts over his shoulder.


“Oh, the only way we would miss this, is if the Stud said you with me now!” Someone guffaws and I seethe.


“Your copy, sir.” He prompts sternly and I head to the office.


OFFICER DREYFUSS


I am enjoying this so much! I lean against the door jamb and watch him rustle frantically through his papers. When Jennifer asked me for a favour, who am I to say no, especially when it involves upsetting his applecart! What I have heard within our circle I have not liked!


“Mr Novotny, what is the problem? Is the disarray of your office causing the delay or are you stalling?”


“I am not stalling!” He counters hotly. “Aha! Let me see yours then!” He demands, waving his piece of paper at me, I hand it to him with a well hidden smile. “No! No! I didn’t order this...that! I didn’t!”


“I take it that they are the same then? Care to come quietly?”


“Ma!” He shrieks as I approach him and backs away.


“That would be a no then.” I sigh and watch him look for an escape route. “Move further and that will be resisting arrest.” I warn, and that brings him to a total halt. “As I was saying earlier, Michael Novotny, I am arresting you for public indecency…”


“But Officer! I can’t understand how this has happened.”


“...you have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one…”


“Officer! You must listen or at least arrest that guy!” Him pointing at the guy who did the signs, as per his instructions, affords me the opportunity to get hold of his wrist and turn him around. “Ma, do something! Call Brian, get him to get me an attorney!”


“Do you understand your rights as I have read them to you?” He gapes at me. “I will read them for you again then…” I growl, and then reach for my radio. “Officer Dreyfuss requesting back-up at Red Cock...Cape Comics on Liberty Avenue, got a squealer.”


“Copied. Back up on the way.” Despatch replies.


“Copied.” I respond and then look at the crowd who are quietly keen to see the next move. “Do I need to repeat your Miranda rights?” He shakes his head and then looks at the empty space his mother had occupied minutes earlier. “It seems that you are on your…”


“Lindsay!” He calls out. “Call Brian! You need to…”


“Calm down Michael.” She smiles at me as she approaches. “Now, Officer Dreyfuss was it?” I nod. “Which precinct will he…”


“All of you…” She widens her eyes. “...as witnesses to his act of indecency. Will be required to attend 27th Precinct.”


“27th?” He looks surprised. “Don’t you mean 57th?” He starts to stand up and I sigh. “What?”


“You are further charged with attempting to flee the scene of a crime.” He goes green. “And 27th is near County, 57th’s lock up is full…”


“Lock up?” He croaks. “But that means…”


“Michael, unless you want to stay the week, I would shut up now!” Lindsay orders before turning back to me. “I wasn’t a witness to…”


“Ma’am, you were the one that pointed out the sign. You are our key witness.” I tell her, and even though a scowl slightly creases her face she does preen somewhat. But before she can speak, backup arrives. “Take him first.” I point to Novotny and they quickly bundle him out.


“So, uh Miss, Mrs or Ms?”


“Miss. Miss Peterson.” She smiles at me before turning to look at the departing crowd. “I don’t suppose there is a chance you and I can share a squad car?”


“Yes. Uh excuse me sir!  Mr…” I look down at the paperwork again. “...Montgomery!” The guy stops and turns around. “You will join us. I want to take your statements first.”


He shrugs. “Sure.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - THREE HOURS LATER


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


I try really hard to keep the laughter down, but I can’t. I am by myself as Michael got mouthy and ended up being taken to county, and on top of that Brian didn’t pick up his phone, nor did Ted, Emmett or Debs. The one person who did pick up laughed when I asked her to help him. She said something that confused me. She said I can afford to get him one who will want to keep him out of jail...before I could ask what she meant she hangs up!


But the other good thing is that Officer Luke Dreyfuss gave me his number. I do believe I have a date for dinner...now I have to find something to wear. Obviously, if he says no, I can always ask Mr Montgomery or as a very last resort take Michael…


27TH PRECINCT - NEXT MORNING


DESK SERGEANT PHIPPS


“Mr Novotny, as I have said three times, your fine has been paid, but the person paid cash. You should be taking this opportunity to go back to your store and get the door fixed.”


“Surely you must have a description of him. Was he about six foot, a good looking brunet with green eyes?”


“I don’t know as I wasn’t here when it was paid and…”


“What do you mean get my door fixed?” He glowers.


“Well, obviously that could not be left there, and steps had to be taken to remove it, so we took the door. Your store has been boarded up and…”


“For fu...heaven sake!” He shouts before turning around and starting to storm out.


“Mr Novotny!” I call out, and although he stops, he doesn’t approach the desk, so I wait. “You need to know this more than I need to tell you.” I tap the desk with my pencil, and after a few seconds he stomps back. “This is where your door was taken…” I hand him the piece of paper. “...they really tried to salvage the sticker, but…”


“I don’t want that back!” He snaps before leaving, muttering to himself and yanking his phone out of his pocket.


MICHAEL


Okay so it wasn’t Brian who paid my fine, I am still smarting over him roaring with laughter before saying he would’ve paid for me to remain there! So, it must be Ma. I can’t think who else it would be. I hail a taxi and direct him to Ma’s house. I am pissed that Lindsay has not answered my call, I look at the time and realise she must be on her way to work. She and I are going to have words about her statement! I couldn’t believe she practically exonerated Ma!


When we pull up and I ask him to wait, he refuses to do so without half the fare. I send him on his way as Carl or Ma will drop me off. It takes a while for one of them to come to the door, and when it is opened it is Carl.


“What do you want?” He grouses.


“Two things, one to say thanks for paying the fine and can I have a lift to my place? I am so…”


He shuts the door, and at first I think he’s gone to get the keys but then the door opens again and it’s Ma. “Thanks for…”


“I never paid your fine. Like Brian, I would pay for you to remain there. I am beyond fucked off with you, Michael. Do me a favour and stay away for as long as possible!” She stops hissing at me and then breaks into a smile.


“I knew you were…” I begin smiling back but she shoves me to one side and a guy comes up.


“You’re the locksmith that Brian recommended, right?” She asks the guy and he nods. “Can you do the back first?” Again he nods and Carl shows him to the back door.


“And here you are, Michael.” She hands over a key.


“What’s this? He hasn’t changed the locks yet.”


“This is the key to your house. Right now, I no longer want it!”  She snaps, shutting the door hard.

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Big Grump, Little Grub and The Start of the Big Snubs by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 31 - BIG GRUMP, LITTLE GRUB AND THE START OF THE BIG SNUBS


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


STUDY


MICHAEL


I sigh and try once more to call Ma, but once again it goes to voicemail. All I want to do is say sorry and explain that I reacted in the heat of the situation. With hindsight I can understand why she is so mad, but for her to give my key back and say that she would’ve left me in jail...that really hurt. I am used to Brian saying hurtful things or a slap upside the head from her, but this has winded me.


“Any luck?” Lindsay asks, coming back in with a glass of wine and bottle of beer, which she hands to me.


“Nope. Nothing.”


“Well, I have had a bit of luck in the interim. Well two pieces.” She sits down and looks like the cat who got the cream.


“Well go on then, share some joy.” I sit in my armchair that faces onto the street, I watch Ben go by with the muscular guy from Woody’s and Justin. I grimace as they laugh and joke when they look at my house.


“Are you sure you want to hear or are you going to scowl at passersby instead? You’ve already upset one member of your inner circle today, do you…”


“Sorry. You were saying?”


“My cottage problem has been resolved.” She grins wider. “I couldn’t believe it when my parents offered to pay the majority of it and…”


“How much was it in the end?”


“$90,000. So they are paying $80,000 and Mel and I are doing the rest.”


“Wow! If I only I had parents like that!” I sigh.


“She will forgive you, she always does.” She takes a sip of wine. “The other piece of news is that the dinner has been confirmed…”


“Oh great, something to look…”


“But you no longer have to come if you don’t want to. I mean, with all of your troubles, surely time would be better spent reconnecting with Debs, who in turn can approach Brian on your behalf. She forgives, then he forgives...it’s always worked in the past, hasn’t it?” I nod. “Then it will work once more. Just give her time.”


“So, are you going by yourself then?” I ask and she looks stunned. “What’s that look for?”


“I am not going by myself. It’s not done to turn up unaccompanied.”


“So which pussy magnet are you taking?”


“Puss...oh I see! Now, I don’t want you to get upset, but it’s Officer Dreyfuss.”


“The officer who arrested me?! What on earth are you taking him for? In fact, why are you taking a man at all?!”


“I was going to take you, remember? Or are you not a man yourself?”


“You know what I meant! A straight man.”


“He intrigues me.” She smiles strangely. “And besides, Mel is going and that is going to piss her off!”


“Ah, always a good thing!” I laugh for the first time today. “Thanks for letting me off this, I would have had to have worn such an uncomfortable pair of shoes! How Brian…”


“Proper shoes?” She looks dubious when I nod. “So where did you buy this weapons of torture?”


“Prada. I don’t understand how Brian can wear these every day!”


“Wow, Prada, I am impressed! Though I am not surprised you found them painful, you live in sneakers!”


“True. I am not as prissy and plucked as some. Though Brian carries it off with great style, his wannabe dom does not, he looks like a school kid playing dress-up. Actually, can I still come?”


“Why as a matter of interest?”


“I’m curious as to how the other half live.”


“Just like everyone else but with more money. I will see what I can do about a ticket, but it might be too late, they are highly sought after you know.”


“Yeah, he said they were on the top table.” I roll my eyes. “So how did this straight date happen?”


“We just clicked. Do you want another beer?” She asks, and I quickly drain it and hand over the bottle then reach for my phone when it rings, I smile and give a thumbs up.


“Hi Ma!”


She nods and closes the door as she leaves.


KITCHEN


LINDSAY


Fuck! I had forgotten about the top table! I’m on the 5th, so will just about be able to see them, I tried to see the actual seating plan, but they are, as usual, a fiercely guarded secret! Though doggedly guarded is the right description since the carrier’s mother is in charge...I can’t wait to see this being a roaring success...not! So, not only do I get to show off my new beau but I get to watch the mess unfold too!


Tomorrow afternoon is going to be the start of the excellence, as I have to pick up my dress...I know exactly what Mel will be wearing, the same one she always wears! I made sure of that! I pour the wine and take a sip. On hearing my phone ringing from my bag in the hallway, I go to answer it. When I look at the screen, I am surprised to see it is Annabella. Well, after the last time we were together she can go to voicemail!


“For fuck sake!” Michael shouts as he storms out of the study.


“What’s happened now?” I follow him to the kitchen.


“She told me to stop calling her, and if I don’t she’s going to block me!” He wrenches the cap of the bottle off. “She said, she didn’t even listen to my voicemails, as she doesn’t care about me right now!” He turns to face me and glares. “Well?! What do you think of that?!”


“You tried to have her arrested for public indecency.”


“I know what I did! I am trying to make it better, but to not even listen to my messages as well as returning my key is harsh! She threw it at me...me! She threw it! And she’s had the locks changed!”


“Jeez!” I gasp and can see genuine hurt and confusion on his face.


“She’s overreacting!” He snarls taking another swig of beer.


“No she’s not!” I snap, all sympathy now gone. “And I would keep away from her like she says. You forget one thing…”


“She’s the mother of the avenue blah-blah-blah! But she is my mother first! If it was Brian who did this…”


“And that’s the point, if you are going to say she would forgive him, because…”


“He can do no wrong!” He gripes.


“He would never have done it.” I retort. “Ever. And another difference is that he owns his mistakes. Now I have a couple of calls to return.” He looks utterly thrown and is just staring at me with the beer partway to his mouth. “Goodnight.”


MICHAEL


Wel what the fuck crawled up her fanny and died?! I drain my beer and decide to head to Woody’s. Twenty minutes later I am staring at the muscular obstruction that is the guy that Ben was with.


“Like I said, it is closed.” He repeats.


“I can see people in there and they are drinking, so…”


“Refurbishment Committee.” He taps the notice on the wall, which I hadn’t seen.


“They are finally doing up this place?”


“Yes, Brian is…” I turn to face Ted. “...you are in my way Michael.” I just stare at him.


“Listen, matey. You standing there glowering at my friend like a bulldog licking piss off a nettle is not going to get you inside, and it is beginning to get on my threepennies…”


“Where on earth did you hear that from? And what are threepennies?” Ted asks laughing.


“It’s shit we say in England. Here, let me show you what I mean.” He pulls out his phone and starts to scroll through it. “Aha! There, see mirror image of him ain’t it? And as for threepennies, it’s rhyming slang...threepenny bits means tits.”


Ted nods and chuckles as he looks at the picture on the screen. “Can you send me that I need to have that as his contact picture!”


“No problem, Ted. Give me a few! There!”


“I demand to see that photo!” I exclaim, and try to reach for the guy’s phone.


“Me 6 foot 4, 275 with zero fat...you annoying me. Wise?”


“But that is a…” I protest.


“A picture of bulldog, whilst I know you are a bit of a mongrel this is not an actual picture of you.”


“It’s okay, Benson, I will take immense pleasure in showing him.” Ted crows and turns his phone to face me.



“You can’t use that photo!”


“Be on your way, matey, before I help you with that! You’ve gone from getting on my tits to fucking me right off! Who the hell do you think you are, telling people what they can or can’t do with their possessions?! And by possessions, I mean actual things not people! From what I’ve heard about you, you think that you are the glue that holds the family together when, in fact, you are the grenade that blows them apart!”


“Oh, very good! You should have that tattooed on your forehead. You know, as a warning sign!” I grimace at the bitchy tinge in Emmett’s voice and turn to leave. “Oh, no witty bon-mot! No justification for trying to get Debs arrested in your place because you put a dick on a cape?!”


“I would keep walking if I were you!” Benson calls out. “Your old lady is a diamond. How the fuck she ended up with a old bit of rusty worn-out cog for a son I don’t know!”


I storm back to my house with their laughter ringing in my ears!


INSIDE WOODY’S - 10 MINUTES LATER


KITCHEN


DAPH


I watch Emmett seethe as he moves things just so. When he slams the dishwasher so hard that it bounces back open, I know it is time for me to stop him. “Ems! That has only just been installed. What’s got up your urethra?”


“My what?” He exclaims backing away.


“Urethra, your..”


“Oh! I thought you said eureka and I was like what the fuck is that? And why haven’t I noticed I’ve got one!”


I chuckle briefly before sighing. “So what’s he done now?”


“Been himself of course! I know I was stupid but it was only because of Debs! I knew that Brian...well anyway it’s done, he’s out and ungrateful!”


“It’s done? What’s done? What did you do?”


“I paid the fine that got him out of there.”


“What on earth for?!” I demand and sit down quickly.


“I have my reasons...” He mutters.


“And what was the domineering... I mean a determining factor in your decision?”


“Domi…” He scrutinizes my face for a few seconds before heading to close the door. “I wondered who told him. So who told you?”


“Told me what?” I ask.


“About Big Bad and I fucking. You told Justin, as best friends do, so am figuring that either Mel or Debs told you.”


“Mel.” I concede and wait for signs of anger but he just smiles and nods. “And she’s got me thinking about something else…”


“Hence the domineering remark?” I nod. “Yes, I am, but no I didn't teach him. I am not good enough, he was taught by someone much better.”


“It wasn’t Jen was it?”


“No. It is someone that nobody would suspect and I will never reveal.” He replies firmly before grinning slightly. “But I can safely say, it is someone nobody would ever suspect!”


“It’s not Ted?!” I shudder slightly.


“We must leave immediately! As, clearly the gas is on and has mixed with the paint fumes, Ted indeed! The very idea...never mind that, the very image!”


LARRIMOR’S MALL - THURSDAY AFTERNOON


BRIAN


Little Grub definitely takes after me. We’ve been shopping for the last four hours, and he’s not grumbled one bit. He’s blown appropriately affirmative bubbles and scrunched up his nose when both of us disagreed with the salesman’s choice. I am looking forward to the dinner tomorrow night. The great and the good of the country...I can’t use my other word for them or Justin will tan my hide...will be there. Though I might say it just once to get his motor running. Mel has apparently been dragged out shopping by Emmett despite her best efforts to get out of it!


As we head back to the coffee shop, I see a guy I definitely know but I can’t think of where I know him from. I give him a brief smile and he looks away before looking back at me again. I stop and stare, and then close my eyes when I remember who he is, and where I know him from. Sighing, I head in his direction and his eyes widen. “Wait, please?” I call out as he starts to move away, he stops and puts his hands in his pockets. “Jeremy isn’t it?”


“You remembered.” I am unsurprised by his accusatory tone. “So, baby makes three does it?” He shakes his head. “That wasn’t fair, it is not your fault your bestie is a tool.”


“He’s not…” I am interrupted by a DEFCON 3 hungry cry from Little Grub.


“Saved by the baby.” He shrugs, and starts to move off.


“He can wait a few minutes. Can you let me finish?” He nods. “He’s not my best friend, nor is he a tool. He’s a twisted dickhead.” This gets a nod. “He had no right to treat you the way he did. Like I said, he’s a twisted dickhead.”


“It put me off Babylon for a long time.” He sighs. “And it didn’t help that any time he’d see me he’d get that…”


“Croc-smirk?”


“Pardon?”


“He smiles like a crocodile after a good meal when he’s been a…”


“Twisted dickhead?” He laughs.


“Yep. Look, I own Babylon now. Call this guy, he looks after the club…” I hand him Ted’s card. “He’ll set you up on a booth. It’s the least…”


“Thanks.” He says as he takes the card.


“Waaa-aaah!” Little Grub gives his best DEFCON 2 cry.


“He’s very cute, but that is one hungry little boy.”


“Yeah, I had better go. There is no three either, he’s mine and mine alone.” I put out my hand and he looks surprised. “Like I said, I shouldn’t have asked him to speak with you…” He nods again. “...and when I said speak I meant for him to buy you a drink and tell you...”


“That I should be ready and waiting for you in the back room…”


I grimace. “No, I said to tell you that I was very flattered but I was too wired to do a good job and to get your number.”


“Are you serious?!”


“Yeah. I was so fucked off that he thought it was funny to send you in there to wait for me while he took me home. I sent someone to tell you to leave before he could get in and do more damage.”


“Again thanks.”


“WAAAAAAAHAAAAAA!” Little Grub bellows and gives the Hungry Grub Glare.


“Shit we are at DEFCON 1!”


“Seriously get going!” He chuckles, and with a quick nod, I take his advice and find the nearest coffee shop!


JEREMY


As I head back to my car I am beyond seriously fucking fucked off! For months before they went away together to live their lives without bothersome wannafucks like you, he would be smirking and whispering to friends anytime he saw me. Everyone told me that The Stud would not behave like that, and now I know that to be true. What I also know is that his ex-best friend has no problem getting anybody in trouble. I was in the crowd at his comic store and I relished his arrest, but now I am going to make sure that he knows how it feels to be treated so cruelly. Oh yes, Mr Crocnotny, I am coming for you...and not in a positive life affirming way!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - FRIDAY EVENING


HALLWAY


MICHAEL


I have taken Lindsay’s advice and haven’t called Ma, but I am still seriously pissed that Ted is using that as a contact picture for me! But right now we are on our way to the dinner. Turns out that one of the calls she had to return during her Fanny Crabby moment was to someone on the committee, and not only am I going but we’ve been moved up a couple of tables. This has made Lindsay very happy indeed.


“Lindsay, can we please get going now! If I stand in these fucking shoes one more minute I am going to faint!”


“This is why…” She says coming down the stairs picking a piece of fluff off her dress. “...I said to you to put them on when we get there. That was the point of the smarter trainers I told you to buy. You should be wearing them to the restaurant, and then put the shoes on once we got there.”


“I can’t wear them out! It’s raining!” I point at front door and she looks unimpressed.


“I can see that. If your new trainers are so precious to you, wrap your feet in plastic bags for the very short walk from the front door to the fucking car!” She snipes. “So am I waiting for you to wrap your feet or can we just put up an umbrella and go?!”


I snatch my umbrella from the stand and open the door. “Make sure you lock up properly!” I say over my shoulder as I hobble to the car.


LINDSAY


I wince as he slams the car door hard, and think to myself, if this house wasn’t going to be mine because of his congenital crapulent thought process I would so be out of here! Taking a breath of self-preservation, I lock up my house and head to the car.


NINE ON NINE - AN HOUR LATER


LINDSAY


I look at the restaurant and smirk to myself. Oh, her term is most likely going to be over by the end of the evening! That’s the whole point of having a country club, is that we eat there! Michael and I barely spoke on the way here and that suited me fine.


I spot Officer Dreyfuss...I mean Luke waiting for me outside and quickly exit the car, making sure to slam the door in that idiot’s face.


“Luke!” I call out and he turns and smiles.


“You look lovely Linds...uh, what is he doing here?” He asks, looking behind me, and I pray he doesn’t say anything else but of course my luck seems to have ended when I got in the car with the idiot. “I wouldn’t have thought this was your thing, Mr Novotny.”


“It isn’t, but when...owwww!” He yelps as I accidentally step back on his already sore foot.


“Oh, so sorry, Michael, are you alright?!” I exclaim, turning to him before turning back to Luke with a smile. “Why don’t you go inside and I will meet you there, I just need to check that he’s alright.” I watch Luke head inside before turning to Michael and his gurning face.


“No, I am not alright!” He hisses, and kneels down to start to undo his laces.


“Michael. What are you doing?” I whisper as quietly and as sternly as I can.


“Checking for blood, I can feel wetness. Those things…” He points at my heels. “Are like knives!”


“Can you at least get in the car and check!” I grab his arm firmly and haul him upright. “And if there is anything, then you can bi...I can pay for any medical bills you may incur!”


“Fine. And yes you will!” He carps and limps back to the car, I do an about face and head inside.


MELISSA


“Mom!” Daph calls out to me and she squeaks towards me, I shake my head at my darling daughter and just point at the bottom of her dress. “Sneakers off now. You’ve been stalling long enough.”


“Oh, alright! Seriously, childbirth wasn’t as bad as those damn heels.” She gripes as her dad comes towards us with her shoe bag. Giving me one more pleading look, she snatches the bag and squeaks to the ladies’ room.


I look around the restaurant and see the normally reserved denizens of the country set start to relax. They are out of their environment and, at first, they weren’t happy about it, but now I see them starting to lower their defences.


“Melissa!” Annabella calls out as she arrives with her husband, Jeff. “I concede defeat, you were right. Getting us out of our time capsule was the best thing!”


“Thank you. I am only a tiny bit smug and self-satisfied.”


“Of course you ar...aha, she’s here, with that pious you’ve fucked up look to boot. Go get her, Madam Chairwoman!”


“Oh no, this takes finessing. And by finessing I mean one fine piece needs to be in place. And here she comes now.”


CYNTHIA


God, I hate these things! But it is only the promise of a smackdown of immense proportions that got me here. Anything that involves dredging that louse in the muck and mire is worth getting tarted up for. I look around the oh, so very slim pick...holy shit who is that?!


“Hello, Cyn, are you enjoying yourself so far?” I tear my eyes from the tall streak of hotness and smile at Jennifer. “Before you answer that, there is someone I want you to meet.”


My heart sinks, she and my mom mean well but this is why I don’t come to these things, they are either wet-nosed mommas boys or closeted. Neither of which appeal to me!


“Can you give me a few minutes to do a lipstick check?”


“Two minutes.”


I nod and pull my mirror out to go through the motions and when I hear Jennifer clear her throat I look up. “Cynthia, this is Hunter. Hunter Montgomery. Hunter, this is Cynthia.”


I have died and gone to heaven. The streak of hotness is...called Hunter. Game on!


“Nice to meet you, Hunter.”


“Likewise. Do you want another drink?” He points at my glass.


“Yeah, the bar’s over there. Let’s go.”


“After you.” He gestures.


“Oh no. You first.” I smile. “I just need to speak to Jennifer for a second.”


“Okay, it’s gin right?”


“Please.” I wait for him to get out of earshot and lead her to a semi quiet spot and she’s looking very pleased with herself. “So the part-black tie theme…”


“It got you here, didn’t it?” She grins at me. “Now go get him!”


“Yes ma’am. Oh, and you and mom...so much trouble but in a good way! He is so fine and the way he is wearing that tee...”



“Less talking to me and more getting of him!”


JENNIFER


I smile as she slinks, for that is definitely slinking, towards him and his eyes light up in appreciation. When I was getting that knobhead nobbled, Debs told me about his business card idea and I liked his sense of humour. I was a bit wary when she said he is bisexual, but I watched him when he saw Cynthia, he’s on the straight team for now!


I flinch as I hear the grating tones of Nancy Peterson. Hammering a smile onto my face, I turn to greet her. “Nancy, Ronald, how lovely to see you.”


“Jennifer.” She smiles toothily at me, she really needs to get those dentures tightened. “I have to admit that I wasn’t sure about Melissa as Chairman and when…”


“Person. She being a she and in these politically enlightened times, except in some enclaves, it’s Chairperson. But do continue to insult her insidiously.”


“Ah, I do believe I see the Finches, I will just…”


“Be told the same thing.” I am so done with this fucking family. “The next chairperson will be me. And I am giving you a bit of a heads up. Don’t reapply for membership. It’s a waste of my time and your money. It is non-refundable after all.” While he looks relieved she looks appalled. “Now, excuse me, I am going to speak to the Finches. We have a lot to catch up on. For instance, that monster BBQ we had when they couldn’t come to your dinner because of her headache. A retrospective headache, never knew there was a thing.”


“Before you go, can you at least tell me what this is about?!” She demands.


“Look to your loins Nancy and see what you begat has got you verboten!”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Little Grub and Daph Do Some Unintentional Stealing by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 32 - LITTLE GRUB AND DAPH DO SOME UNINTENTIONAL STEALING


NANCY


As I look around the restaurant, I realise what that unsettling feeling I have had for a while is, the cold shoulder. I look across at the Finches and think about what Jennifer just said.


“Nancy.” I pull myself out of my thoughts and smile at Charlotte Moore. “I hate to say this, but we have to move you table wise, but if it helps you have been moved up as opposed to down.” The Finches are still talking to Jennifer. Sighing and nodding, I head to the bar to join Ronald, who virtually abandoned me the moment Jennifer started to berate me.


“Should we stay for the dinner?” I ask him.


“A last hurrah. We might as well as we’ve paid enough for it.” He signals the barman. “A highball please, and what do you...did you know that Lindsay was coming?”


I turn around and see my daughter, and as usual she looks stunning. “She said she would try to get a place. Looks like as well as that she has a new friend. Shall we go over and introduce ourselves?”


“Yes, but first what did you want to drink?” He repeats with the beginnings of a scowl.


“What’s wrong? Is it what Jennifer said?”


“Partly, but also have just seen the seating plan. We’re definitely being shouldered, but I am unsure why….”


“Because your daughter is a lesbian and she lied about that.” Annabella interrupts us coldly and calmly. “For years, not just a few months, years. She was insulting to Daphne by calling her an incubator for the baby she was carrying for Cynthia, who she called a barren bitch. She then said that she, not Cynthia, would be the mother of the child of Brian Kinney. She’s lied and insulted and has to have gotten it from somewhere. And having seen you in action in the past, I am going to say from home…you specifically, Nancy. Now excuse me, I have company to enjoy.” She starts to walk away but then pauses. “Oh, and that cottage of hers…”


“Yes, what about it? I understand that Mel had…” I cut her off as swiftly as I can.


“Mel did nothing wrong. It was down to Lindsay to get the works done and she didn’t. So I don’t think Mel should contribute to the $80,000 bill for it in my opinion…”


“$80,000?” Ronald looks quickly at Lindsay who is staring at the door with a look of disbelief on her face. “Good grief is that Mel?!” He gasps.



“Yes. It seems that ditching, I would say at least 154 pounds of pale flabbiness, does wonders for an out and proud lesbian!”


“Nancy, I do believe it time for us to have a chat with…”


“Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and gentlemen!” Melissa calls out. “We will be sitting down in 20 minutes.”


RONALD


“Nancy, come on. Thank you for the enlightening chat, Annabella.” I take Nancy firmly by the elbow and lead her up to Lindsay. “Ah, Lindsay my dear, how are you, you are looking radiant.”


She tears her eyes away from watching Mel and Diana hold fingers and looks at us. “Hi there, are you…”


“Luke?” Melissa interrupts and I am beginning to get peevish. “Is that you, Luke Dreyfuss?”


“Yes.” He replies and then smiles. “Melissa Chan...oh my god!” He gasps, and is looking behind us. “That’s not Daphne is it?”


“Talking to George you mean?” She grins as Lindsay glowers. “It is indeed. So you remember her do you?”


“Hell yeah!” He smiles. “Excuse me a minute, Lindsay, old school friend.” He and Melissa quickly make their way over.


“So care to explain what it’s for?” I growl at her.


“What’s what for?” She frowns, her gaze alternating between Mel and Luke.


“The extra $10,000 for your cottage repairs. I would’ve had no problem giving you the money if you had asked for it. But you have it now, so what’s it for?” I can actually hear her thinking...no them thinking because they have matching rabbit in headlights posture. “So she was right then? She learned from you. I’m no fool, nor should you treat me as such. So answer the…”


“Finally!” I hear Melissa cry out and turn around to see what she is talking about.


“Sidney! Hello!” I smile as he approaches.


“Hello Ronald, Nancy and Lindsay.” While he is warm to Nancy and I, he is noticeably chilly towards Lindsay. “Are we on the same table?”


“Sidney, you never said you were coming to this event.” Lindsay smiles at him.


“Why should my personal social life be any of your concern?” He replies briskly. “So what table are you on, Ronald?”


“4th. I have the plan here. And so are you. So what changed your mind?”


“As you know, Ronald, my wife is a member and she missed last year’s, she’s always wanted to come here. Rather ingenious move on Melissa’s part. Oh doesn’t Mel look gorgeous? I will go and say hello in a minute. I just wanted to ask Lindsay something.” He turns to face her. “Do you know a Michael Novotny?”


“Yes. Why?”


“Well he is outside making a bit of a scene and mentioned that you have his ticket. Perhaps you should go and quell that unseemly display?”


She grimaces and nods before she heads to the front door with Nancy hot on her heels. I clear my throat and look him in eye. “What’s going on? Not that I’m totally complaining about being denied membership for the next term, but someone has told me about things Lindsay has been doing here and I wondered if she’d…”


“Did you give her any money for her cottage repairs? Forgive the bluntness of the question.”


“Yes, I was just talking to her about it why?”


“She has savings. She can cover more than half the bill apparently. Did you know that?”


I let out an angry breath. “No I didn’t. How do you know how?”


“I...I overheard. I wasn’t eavesdropping, I was returning to my office after she fainted and she was talking to another colleague.”


“Thank you for telling me. I had a feeling something wasn’t quite right with the tears. You should go and catch up with Mel. I will join you in a few minutes.” He nods and heads in Mel’s direction. I watch the door for a few minutes and then smile at the strained expressions on their faces and they have been joined by, who I am assuming is Michael Novotny. He, however swerves to the bar clutching his drink ticket like it’s gold dust. “Is it all sorted out I take it?” I ask her and she nods. “So how much?”


“How much what, Ronald? You are asking random questions.”


“How much money do you have in savings, Lindsay? I don’t know who you have pissed off for people to keep tattling on you but tattling they are.” I check the seating plan again, thus giving her time to formulate her answer. “And while you are thinking about that, and most likely reducing the amount by at least 50%, can you explain why all your friends are on the top table and you are...you know what, forget it.” I whisper savagely enough for them to wince. “I don’t care what it is for! Or how much savings you, both...yes, Nancy, I look to you too, have. Keep it! Split it between the two of you! I knew I should’ve paid attention during the interminable dinners and cocktail parties, when you were blatherskiting about your life. Just know this, do not approach me for any more money. If you want some ask your mother! Now excuse me, I am going to say hello to Mel. I have no problem with being around a lesbian, which you, when you are in your nest of society friends, clearly did!”


LINDSAY


I turn to mother and glare at her. ”We will discuss this over lunch on Saturday. I am not impressed. You said that daddy knew about me calling Mel, Melvin, as far as the club was concerned!”


Her look is equally as baleful. “I thought he was aware. And besides, I didn't realise you had been doing it for years. A few months would’ve been more than fine!” She sighs as she adjusts her collar. “Let’s not fight amongst ourselves, darling. As for the money, let your father calm down. So this character you are house sharing with…”


“Michael. Oh, I have designs on that house mother. You’d be so proud of me!”


“Do tell. But first let’s go and see what has got Melissa all of a hysterical twitter.”


“Most probably stubbed her toe or something.” I sneer. “And besides, Luke is taking too long over there. He is my date!”


“Exactly darling, go and claim what is yours!”


As we stride over to the group of them I spot the top of Mel’s head. “Can you believe she and Diana though?” I shudder slightly. “A strange coupling.”


“No more strange than you and Melvin.” Cynthia harps from behind me, and when I turn around and see who she is with I am astonished. “Excuse us, I’m just going to introduce Hunter to my son.”


“Where have I seen you before?” Hunter stops and stares at me and I start to go red. “Oh yeah, you were at that place where your boyfriend was arrested.”


BOYFRIEND!


“Uh, excuse me but I’m not…”


“Still playing the straight card I see.” Annabella comments, and I am nudged in the ribs by my mother as the Bull-Wearings are close by.


“Oh, Lindsay, sorry to have taken so long...” Luke comes up to me with a slight frown. “I didn't realise that you and him are dating...”


“We’re…”


“Well, that makes things a lot simpler. He can take my place at the table. I’ve been invited to sit with Daph as there is a spare seat. Melissa assumed that Brian’s plus one would be an adult but it’s not, it’s his son. It is all a bit convoluted table wise, I have to say.” He frowns before turning back and calling Daphne over. “Can you explain the seating to me again?”


She gives him the doh look. “It’s really quite simple. Justin and Brian are a couple and Brian asked for an extra ticket. But we thought it was for an adult but it’s not. So you get to use that seat. Cyn’s mom had already put down a plus one for Cyn but not the name, and that’s Hunter. Mel and Diana were already down for each other...methinks they will be going down too. And…”


“We still have a spare seat though.” He interrupts


“Not anymore.” Melissa comes over and I gasp as she is carrying Gus in his carrier “Look at this wee boy, doesn’t he look smart. Thank goodness Debs and Carl talked him out of calling him Copernicus. He’s definitely a Gus. Now the table is full because Ronald is going to join us. Jennifer insisted as this is the last dinner for him for a while.”


“Lindsay! Lindsay!” I close my eyes briefly as Michael’s voice arrives a lot sooner than he does! “Where am I sitting?”


“Yes, where are you and your boyfriend going to sit?” Daphne smirks.


“Melissa, can I have my son please?!” Brian exclaims as he comes up, his face falls a bit on seeing me and that hurts. “I know he’s a handsome devil but…”


“Oh Brian. A word if I may?” Jennifer interrupts. “I’ve got someone you really need to meet. They are looking to change their advertising company. Not sure if you’ve heard of Richmand and Donald.”


“Yes, yes I have, lead the way. But first let me find Justin and Ted.”


“Oh, you are kidding me!” Hunter smiles as he brushes Gus’s cheek. “You make beautiful babies! Hi, I’m Hunter Montgomery.”



“The guy who fucked up my sign!” Michael grouses, and then glares expectantly at him.


“What’s with the look? I haven’t done anything wrong. The order was confirmed by you. If the police didn’t believe me, you know, what with me having proof and all, then I would’ve been the one charged and fined for it and not you.”


“Ladies and gentlemen! We will be being seated in the next five minutes!” George calls out, and without a backward glance daddy heads to the top table.


“So where am I sitting?!” Michael carps and I want to stand on his foot...again.


“With us on table 4.”


“Oh no, Lindsay and Nancy, so sorry, but you’ve been moved to table 6. The Finches brought a guest and they all know the Carters, so we’ve accommodated them by sitting them all together. You don’t mind, do you? After all you are only three that know each other.”


“Shouldn’t that be, that want to know each other?” Justin comes to join the fray. “I have been sent for Little Grub. Brian doesn’t want him around you.” He looks pointedly at Michael before turning his gaze to me. “Or you.”


“But it’s okay for him to be around a wannabe dominant is it?!” Michael bitches.


Mother and I smirk and wait for his response, the Bull-Wearings have moved closer, this will be so humiliating for the insipid twink! And as for Jennifer’s tenure, it will be tarnished before it starts!


“Yes it is.” Justin retorts taking Gus’s carrier. “Those are two separate things, I am not ashamed of what I am or what I like. Or should I say he likes. And he’s already racking up naughty points. I am going to enjoy telling him off.”


“You’re a dominant.” Charles Bull-Wearing gasps. “You look so innocent. I must admit that I…” He looks behind him. “...loved The Secretary is it like that?”


“A bit, I’m still new so still learning.” Justin answers. “Look, if you are interested then I can give you links and stuff.”


Charles nods and then turns to his wife. “Are we going to the table dear?” She nods. “I’ll find you later, Justin.” I fume as he, his wife and Annabella leave us with Justin.


“Sure. Bye now.” Justin smirks and walks away.


“So are we going to sit down or not?” Michael demands. “I am hungry and my feet hurt. You did cut my toe you know!”


“Lindsay, I hope you know what you are doing viz-a-viz him.” I nod. “As for what we do now, I suggest we all go home. This has been beyond tiresome.” With a curt nod at Michael she heads to the cloakroom.


“So we’re going home now? We’re not eating?” Michael looks hopeful and beams when I nod. “If we go now, as in right now, we can get home in time for the Batman marathon. Call the driver, Lindsay.” He orders, and heads to wait for it outside.


“Yes, mother is right this has been tiresome.” I sigh as I follow him out.


“Leaving so soon?” Mel’s voice halts me in my tracks.


“Not now Mel. I have a terrible head…”


“You have a terrible headache and a pain in your ass. Go home and rest you poor dear. I’m off to have fun, something I’ve realised I’ve never had with you.”


“Oh very…”


“Mel! There you are…” Diana comes out. “...oh it’s you. Are you going?”


“Yes, has a headache and a sore ego.” Mel tells her smirking.


“Don’t drink too much tonight, Mel.” Diana orders and Mel looks surprised. “I don’t want you having a headache to be a reason for me not to be able to jump you in the morning!”

 

“I will stick to water!” She laughs and allows herself to be lead away.

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thank you.

Whining and Dining...And Payback Begins by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 33 - WHINING AND DINING...AND PAYBACK BEGINS


OUTSIDE NINE ON NINE - FIVE MINUTES LATER


MICHAEL


I check my watch again and then see the car pulling up. “Oh for fuck sake, Lindsay, hurry up!” I grumble. “I don’t want to miss the marathon. Oh finally! Oh for…” I seethe as she goes back indoors. “Well fuck this! I am going!” I get in the car then tap the partition and the driver lowers it. “Can we go now?”


“Sorry. Ms Peterson is the lead passenger and needs to be present.”


“Oh for fuck sake!” I growl, and stare at the door. Rolling my eyes, I get out of the car again and hobble to go and hurry her along, we have phones she can call whoeverthefuck she’s talking to! I am about to open it when someone else does and I fall forward hitting the floor hard. “Ouch fuck me!” I yelp as I sit up, clutching my chin.


“Michael! What on earth are you doing?!” Lindsay demands coming towards me with an angry rather than concerned expression on her face!


“I was coming to get you! You said we were going and…”


“Go and clean yourself up! You’re bleeding!” She snarls as she virtually hauls me to my feet and pushes me towards the bathroom.


MENS ROOM - 3 MINUTES LATER


I have finally stopped bleeding but my lip is starting to swell. “Well isn’t that just great!” I look at my watch again and gasp. “ Shit, we’ve only got 30 minutes to get home!” Grabbing a handful of tissues I rush as fast as I can back to the car as I clamber in, she just shakes her head at me. “What’s that face for?”


“Two things; have you seen your face? And apparently you were going to abandon me here for a Batman marathon!”


“I would’ve sent the car back!” I exclaim.


“Of course you would. We can go now.” She tells the driver and then pulls out her phone and doesn’t say another word to me for the rest of the journey.


TOP TABLE, NINE ON NINE - 30 MINUTES LATER


BRIAN


We have had the first course and the seating plan has been abandoned and people are circulating, but I am seriously going to queen out if I don’t get hold of my son in a minute! I haven’t been able to hold him since he got here, and, of course, he is being completely angelic, not a DEFCON in sight!


“I believe this belongs you.” Jennifer’s gentle tones soothe my frazzled nerves, but not as much as putting Gus in my arms does. “The carrier is coming too.”


“Thanks. Do you know where Justin went?”


“Talking to the Bull-Wearings.”


“About?” I smile down at a bubble blowing Gus.


“Dominating.” She replies then grinning she walks away.


“You okay? Bri? You okay?” I turn to face Ted and just nod. “It’s a good spread and he’s been very good.”


“Yeah. He’s been an angel.”


“Which is more than can be said for his father.” Justin whispers in my ear. “Such queenliness. Tisk tisk. But…” He puts his hand on my thigh and strokes up when I go to defend myself. “I understand. Your first time out with him with people other than us, so I will let you off this time. But just this time…” He stands up and then leans down to whisper. “...next time you do that, I won’t let you cum for ages.” He saunters away, leaving me astonished.


“What were you two talking about?” Ted asks, causing me to look at him in surprise, as I’d forgotten he was there. “Well?”


“A business idea.” I reply slowly, watching Justin talk to another guest.


“Is that code for something?” He smirks. “Give me my godson and get yourself calm.” He flicks a look at my lap. “I know for a fact that that is not because you were talking about fractional theories in the current economic climate.”


“No, but those last few words have worked like a charm!” I snipe at his retreating back.


“My work there is done!” He calls back.


“Bitch!” I gripe.


JENNIFER


I adjust his collar and smile at Justin, he looks relieved to have passed his first little test. “So, tell me about them.” I point to the Bull-Wearings.


“They are just curious I think. I gave her the links I had…”


“Well done, she is definitely the stronger one.” I look over his shoulder at Emmett and Brandon. “I think he is close too. I take it your little chat with Brian is the reason he had to remain seated?”


“Yeah.” He grins back at me. “Why didn’t you tell me? About me I mean?”


“How would that conversation have gone?” I laugh.


“Hideously!” He laughs back going slightly pink.


“Ladies and gentlemen, please retake your seats for the main course!” Melissa calls out. I try not to smile at the speed with which Justin runs back to his seat.


INSIDE THE CAR BACK TO MICHAEL’S HOUSE


MICHAEL


I will not look at my watch again. We’ve missed the good bits of the first movie now, and Lindsay has got such grump on, you’d think that she was the one whose chin connected with the floor! As we pull up to the house, she doesn’t even wait for the driver to come out to open the door and almost slams it on my head.


“Are you alright, sir?” The driver asks as he opens the door for me.


“Yeah I’m fine thanks.” I look up at him and he winces. “I don’t normally look like this. I fell over in the restaurant.”


“I’d put some ice on it immediately then.” I nod and wince at the throbbing the nodding has caused. “Well, goodnight sir.”


“Goodnight. Thanks for the ride.”


“Anytime.” He replies with a smile and gets back in the car.


As I go inside, I notice that he’s watching me walk in. Considering I am looking a bit battered, I am flattered!


DRIVER - 5 MINUTES LATER


“Hello, this is Jeremy. Yeah, I am just on my way back to the garage. Yeah, about half an hour. Traffic was a bastard.”


I hang up and still can’t believe my luck! Of all the people to pick up. Don’t get me wrong I was going to try and find him to teach him a lesson, but seeing the way he reacted, I have a different idea. I am going to treat him the same way he treated me...see how it feels for him to be on the receiving end.


NINE ON NINE - AN HOUR LATER


BRANDON


What the hell has Justin just said to Brian?! He looks fit to bursting, and hasn’t left his seat since the main course was announced, and the plates were removed about 20 minutes ago. I look across at Emmett who is talking animatedly to a couple so I head over.


“...now there is a show coming up end of next week if you’d like to attend?” He tells the woman and she nods. “Okay, give me your contact details, or should I get those from Justin or Jennifer?”


“Jennifer has both of ours.” The woman is smiling. “It was a very illuminating conversation and I look forward to the show. Now come on, you, we have some appointments to shift!”


“Yes, dear.” He replies, but there is something in his voice .


“Hey there.” He grins at me. “Just the man, what are you doing next Friday?”


“Going to a show I presume?” I reply wrapping an arm around him. “What’s the show about?”


“Well, I want to introduce you to my other world. Very gentle introduction. You can watch and see if that is something…” He pauses as I press my hips against him. “...well, your curiosity is peaked, amongst other things, but seeing it live is something else.”


“I still want to see.” I whisper in his ear, and his smile gets bigger. “I shall let them know I will be bringing a guest but not participating.”


“Good.” He frowns as Justin walks by with a big grin on his face. “Someone has been testing his powers.”


“His powers? I don’t...oh!” I laugh as I look at Brian staring incredulously at his phone. “Well that explains a lot!”


“Hmm. I wonder how long he will last.”


“He’s the ex-Stud of Liberty Avenue. Did you hear about that…”


“Orgy? Yes I did, but that was about his control, not Justin’s. And he really shouldn’t be doing that…”


“Why not? Seems that Brian is fine with it.”


“Time and place. A word needs to be had methinks.” He kisses me on the cheek. “I will be right back, don’t move from here.”


JUSTIN


Okay, I am in deep shit! Mom is giving me the stop it look, and judging by the speed that Emmett is approaching, I have committed a major faux pas. “I’m stopping.” I tell him as soon as he gets up to me.


“Good.” He replies but does give me a quick smile. “There is a show next week, which I think both of you will benefit from seeing.”


“You don’t seem surprised that I know about anything. By anything I mean that anything.” I point out.


“Her name is Daphne, and of course she’s going to tell you, although I’m surprised that you haven’t asked for my assistance.”


“To be honest, it’s because I just…”


“Want it to be something for the two of you.” He smiles and gives my arm a squeeze. “I would be the same too. Now go and calm him down.”


I head back to the table and sit down. He doesn’t say anything so I clear my throat. Still nothing. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”


“You are in so much trouble.” He growls but when he turns to face me his eyes are full of laughter and lust. “It has taken some effort but…”


“You held off, I know.”


“Just.” He puts his hand on my thigh then slides it between my legs. “That last text was a corker.”


“I could tell that when you went bug eyed and had some water.”


“Am I interrupting?” Mom comes back with Gus who is sleeping. “He’s been fed and changed. Will you be staying for the dessert course?”


“No, I think not. I think it’s time for this angel and that devil to go home now.” Brian replies, taking the carrier off her and briefly he wriggles but then settles back to sleep.


“Well, goodnight then.” She gives me a wink and then goes back to join the others.


We head to the car in relative silence, and once Gus is strapped in securely, I am pulled into his lap and his hands are down the back of my pants.


“How did…” I begin and then gasp as his fingers feather the base of my spine and he wiggles my pants down. I squirm as the cold air hits my cheeks…but they soon warm up as he palms them.


“Now, whatever should I do to my little devil?!” He demands hotly in my ear.


“Forget that it happened and you...” I smirk at the expression on his face. “...accept my grovelling apology with good grace with no repercussions. No? Okay. Then you have me at your mercy.”


“Then I shall do nothing.” He replies and I blink at him. “Not until I get Little Grub round to his mother’s tomorrow. Then this ass is yours.”


“I do believe that should be the other way around.” I breathe against his lips and he stares at me, and then I realise what he has just said. “Are you kidding me? I can seriously try?”


“Yes, you can seriously try, Sir.”


“Oh.” I am not quite sure what to say now, so he just kisses me.


“There is no rush.”


“TheresashownextweekendthatEmmmettsaidmightbeagood…”


“Breathe. Sir.”


“Emmett said there’s a show that we might want to consider coming to.” I suck on his lobe to keep the noise down. “He’s...going...to...Brian stop!” I whimper as the featherlight touches on my cheeks are making them tingle and my cock twitch.


“Is that an order, Sir?” He looks teasingly at me and I just nod. “Okay. Now up.” I sit up and he redresses me.


“How the hell did you undo them so fast?” I ask as I buckle up my seatbelt.


“I have an incentive.” He chortles.


“What?” I frown as we pull up outside my house.


“You did not just seriously ask me that?” He looks astounded.


“Yeah, it’s a...oh!” I blush and then sigh. “Just say it.”


“You are a pillock!”


BLOOM GALLERY - FRIDAY AFTERNOON


SIDNEY’S OFFICE


SIDNEY


“Did you enjoy the dinner?” I ask Lindsay as we go through the summer schedule.


“Unfortunately, I had to take my mother home as she had a headache.”


“Yes that is a terrible shame. You both missed a spectacular affair. Such a good idea of Melissa’s to take us out of our club.”


“How come I haven’t seen you at the club or a club event before?” Her smile is so brittle it could crack at any minute!


“I don't like to mix business with pleasure. And you are business.” She blinks for a few seconds before looking back down at the slides. “Been meaning to ask you, what happened to the cottage? You know the one that your folks helped you, sorry, are helping you to repair to a sellable standard.”


She gulps and then affixes an almost mournful expression on her first face, whilst shifting on her true face. “My parents have been more than generous and…”


“Would have preferred an accurate figure, is what I told...I mean heard, what was it in the end?”


She is now longer shifting and is regarding me carefully. “I would prefer to keep that to myself, my parents wouldn’t want me to discuss that with people, who they don’t know that well.”


“Of course, let’s consider the subject and the bank of dad closed.” I smile at her and again she gulps but this time she adds a grimace. “So the Picasso and Dali showing, how are we doing with that?”


“The venue is confirmed.” She says brightly highly relieved to being moving on from that subject. “I take it you have you have your guest list?”


“Not yet but I do have some guests that have already booked and paid.”


“Oh that is excellent!” She smiles a non-crocodile smile...let’s see how long she can hold it for...“Do you have their names? How did they hear about it, since we’ve barely advertised?”


“I was talking to some dinner guests. They expressed a keen interest. Now let me see here, ah yes, here it is.”


LINDSAY


I take it off him and my stomach twists and my heart sinks. For on there on the list are Mel, Diana, the barren, the incubator boyfriend stealer, Annabella and the cream of society and I will be working! Fucking working! This is one of the reasons I never mentioned the showings at the club, I want to be able to circulate with them not kowtow to them! I need to escalate my house-grabbing plans. Once it is mine, I shall kick him out, sell it and move back to my true home! The cottage was a mere stop gap, once Mel made senior partner, I would’ve persuaded her to move nearer my parents. Well one out of two isn’t going to be too bad!


MICHAEL’S STORE - NEXT MORNING


MICHAEL


I have decided to open, I sigh at the darkness the temporary door has created, so have to turn on the lights. I look around and realise that something is off. I grab my inventory book and start to double check. I am not imagining it, things are missing! I hear the door going and am surprised to find Ma making her way in.


“Hello, Ma.” I say quietly and she just nods. “What are you doing here?”


“Coming to see what happened?”


“What do you mean what happened?” I approach her with my usual, sorry, expression.


“After your fine was paid. Did you find out...why is it so dark in here that you need the lights on?”


“Because of the door of indecency.” I grumble and deepen my sorrowful frown. “And I think I have been robbed.”


“How and when?! Let me call Carl!” She declares and reaches for her phone, she talks to him for a few minutes before hanging up. “You need to make a list of everything that is missing and…”


“Can you help me, Ma? I can’t do this alone.”


“No I can’t. I just came to check up on you and…”


“So you want your key back?” I ask hopefully.


“Not yet. I am still angry at you, but you are still my son.” She sighs. “Now, the quicker you report this then the quicker you can claim back on the insurance and stuff. You do have insurance right?”


“Yes, I have insurance.” I declare hotly. “This is top of the line stock, which I bought and…”


“Brian bought, you didn’t, so of course you would have insurance!” She snaps and then scratches her scalp. “Are the premiums up to date?”


“Yes.” I grouse, smarting from both the damage to my face that she’s not mentioned, and the fact it is up for renewal soon. I had asked for and got him to pay the highest level of coverage for a year. I head to my office to look through my papers.


“By the way, what happened to your face?” She asks coming into the office.


“I fell over at a restaurant going to get Lindsay, who was dawdling...” I start to smile on the inside as I think of the slightly flirty action. “...as women are apt to do.”


“Nice way to talk about your roommate.” She scoffs and then scrutinises my face. “Just bruised chin, ego and a fat lip?” She queries.


“And sore feet from the shoes she insisted I wear and then stamped on my foot.”


“You have been in the wars haven’t you?” She looks around the office. “Is everything  in here that should be?”


“Yeah, it just looks like some comics and minor collectibles are missing.”


“I see. Well I have to go to a viewing and…”


“On a Saturday?” I frown. “Where is it?”


“Client confidentiality agreement forbids me from saying.”


“Brian made you sign one of those?!” I gasp. “That’s a bit much isn’t it?”


“Standard business practice, especially when dealing with houses in that price bracket.”


“Are they like your house, my house or Brian’s house?” I know how much ours were but his must be more than them, plus he has Britin.


“Nice try. Well, I’ll see you…”


“When?” I interrupt quickly and hopefully.


“When we are ready to see you.” Carl’s voice is like a bucket of cold water.


“What are...do you mean? She’s my mother! I can see her…”


“When I am ready and not before! And be grateful that, unlike Brian, I am willing to give you a very small chance to redeem yourself!” She snaps and turns to leave. “What really chaps my ass is that you still haven’t said sorry.”


“But I am sorry.”


“Yeah we know what you are, but you still need to say sorry to her.” Carl retorts, glaring at me. “Just having that expression on your face is not an apology! Come on, Debs, I’ll drop you off.”


“I’m sorry, Ma, it was a knee jerk reaction!”


“An apology should’ve been the knee jerk reaction when you saw me!” She seethes. “You’re only saying that because you’ve been told to, and you shouldn’t have to be told.”


“I know that now.” I try not to sound whiny, but come on I have apologised now, let’s just move on for crying out loud! “I left numerous messages, which you said you wouldn’t listen to…”


“Didn’t listen to, not wouldn’t. And I did, and you never said sorry then either you just kept asking me to call you back to explain…”


“And if you had called me back to let me explain, then I would’ve apologised and…”


“Oh for fuck sake! Why are we still standing here arguing the sorry-toss with a twat like him?!”


“CARL!” Ma screeches and slams her bag down.


Yes finally! She’s back to being my Ma!


“What?!”


“No, you do not call him that!”


“Why?”


She puts her hands on her hips. “Because what he did, wasn’t twattish, it was cuntish.”


What?!


“There was no knee jerk reaction! It was all about self preservation!”


My jaw drops. “Ma!”


“What? It was. Now let’s go, Carl. Thank you for that.”


“Thank you?! What are you thanking him for?!”  I explode, my face burning with hurt and annoyance, as she has never ever used that word to describe me.


“I was trying to work out a way of calling you out on your behaviour, and he gave me the perfect lead in. I will call you, like I said, when I am ready.”


“I might not pick up the phone.” I retort.


“Your choice. At the end of the day, you want to see me more than I want to see you right now.” She calls over her shoulder as they walk out hand in hand.


CYNTHIA’S HOUSE - SATURDAY MID-AFTERNOON


LOUNGE


CYNTHIA


Gus is just looking at Hunter and frowning before the brush to his cheek makes him smile.


“He is just gorgeous. As gorgeous as his mom and his dad.” He sighs.


“About that. I heard that...”


“Yes, that is correct, but right now I am focusing all my energies on you.”


“Well that’s good to know and…”


“Cynthia?”


“You’d like to kiss me right now, and it helps if I stop talking?”


“Smart and beautiful.”


DAPHNE’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


KITCHEN


DAPHNE


I raise the spatula and my eyebrows. “I did not do that! Take it back!”


“Sorry, Ms. Chanders, but you did indeed waterbomb the head of the art department and then kept quiet.” Luke takes the spatula from me to taste the eggs. “Twice. And I got in trouble for it.”


“Ah, but you got yourself in...I mean really?!”


“You knew I took the blame for you?!” He demands.


“Yeah. But then you moved before I could say thank you.” I take the spatula back and go back to the scrambled eggs.


“Dad was so pissed at the double suspension. Know what he said?” I shake my head. “You have got to learn how to tame that woman.”


“Hah, as if!” I snort.


“That’s exactly what I said!” He laughs. “But you know what I also said?”


“You are going to have a good time trying?” I look over my shoulder at him and Luke just nods and smiles.


ATTIC, BLUE MOON HOUSE - EARLY EVENING


JUSTIN


I am so nervous! I mean, we’ve done kinda semi-dominating stuff, but this is for real tonight! I take another breath, and this time put my foot on the stair and walk up to the attic where I told him to wait for me. When I get upstairs he’s just standing there...quietly.


“Brian?” I walk up to him and take his hand even though some books have said I shouldn’t.


“Yes, Sir.”


“I want you to kiss me...like the first time we kissed.” It is quick, but he wipes the frown off his face and steps towards me. “Can we do this our way?” I loop my hands around his neck and look up at him. “As much as this is part of me. I…”


“Yes, we can. We can do this our way. Nobody else’s rules but ours, okay?”


“But the show on Friday I really want to see. Emmett sent me a link, the first part is a binding ceremony and then there is a bonding ceremony.”


“Okay, we will go. I’m pretty sure I can get Debs to get her DEFCON on.”


“So the kissing thing?” I prompt him and then sigh happily as his mouth covers mine. Ten minutes later we are both tender lipped and chuckling. “Um, question…” He rolls us so that I am lying on top of him on the bed. “...good answer.” I then groan as his hands find their way down the back of my sweats.


“Want me to take them out, Sir?”


“Don’t you dare!” I order breathlessly. “So the rules?”


“Denial.” He replies palming my cheeks as he did in the car and they start to tingle again.


“Orgasm denial? That’s going to be our thing?” I start to grind my hips.


“Yep. We place bets, and the one that lasts the longest gets to top the other for a week.”


“Uh huh.” I moan.


“Text and email only and…”


“Brian, can this start…”


“Next Saturday? Yeah, sure!”


He rolls us back over so that I am on my back. “Now then, let’s see what I can do about your little…” He slowly peels off my pants. “...oh, I was wrong. Your big problem.”

 

“Brian...oh god!” I cry out as my cock disappears into his mouth. At that moment, even though I'm excited to learn more about my dominant side, I am perfectly happy to submit as long as he keeps doing what he’s doing with his tongue!

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Plans Are Put In Motion...And A Couple of Revelations by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 34 - PLANS PUT IN MOTION...AND A COUPLE OF REVELATIONS


WOODY’S - FRIDAY EVENING


MICHAEL


What the fucking hell has happened here?! I look around and on the outside it looks like Woody’s but when you get inside, it looks so different! It looks like a cocktail bar, and judging by the amount of people here, they like the changes! I head to the bar and, at first, the bowtied but shirtless barman looks at me with annoyance but then Carlos says I am fine! How fucking dare he?! I am about to say something when I am nudged and look up.


“It’s gone down I see.” The guy smiles at me and I frown. “The bruise on your chin. I was the driver at the…”


“Oh! Yes! Lots of ice did the trick. I’m Michael by the way. I didn’t get your name.”


“Jeremy. Nice to meet you in a less formal setting.” He replies, and shakes my hand holding it a little, but very nicely, longer than necessary. “Can I get you a drink?”


“Oh yes, I would like a…” I begin and then trail off when I see Brian and the others coming in.


“Like?” He prompts.


“A beer, and if we could sit over there.” I point to the table opposite the booth they sat in and he nods. I have to move quickly to make it to the table, and when I look across I am surprised as Ted seems to have acquired a twink of his own. “Good evening all. Did you have a nice time at the restaurant?” They all look at me except Brian, because he is tucked in one corner of the booth superglued lip wise to Justin. “Well, did you?”


“Yes we did, thanks.” Ted replies.


“So, who is your friend?” I gesture at the guy next to Ted.


“Blake, he’s a drugs counsellor for those…”


“Sorrowful sacks of shit that should do the world a favour and just overdose? I don’t know why they get counselling. They get a nice place to stay and sleep, but then just go back to what they were doing. People like that should never get a chance once they fuck up.”


“Have you ever had an addiction?” Ted’s twink asks.


“No.” I retort. “I would never be so weak.”


“So it wasn’t you following Brian all over the place, begging him to love me, love me, say that you love me. You need me, you want me, don’t you? Don’t you? I’ve saved you from this, from that, from every fucking thing, all while pulling him back into his past? When you could see he was and is doing everything to strive to let go of that, to let go of his reputation, to let go of you.” The twink has the nerve to remark looking at me over his glass.


I check the bar quickly, and Jeremy is still there. “Brian will never let go of me. “That...” I gesture to his make out session. “...is nothing. He is being the Stud with a different MO and…”


“He is your addiction.” Ted asserts, “He gave you crumbs, but you wanted the loaf.” He takes a sip of his drink. “But he doesn’t and never wanted you. Never.”


“You know not…”


“You acted as the gatekeeper and provocateur. You, from what Ted has told me, yes we have discussed you and your issues, would almost be like his pimp. Granting who you thought was ‘good enough to fuck’ time with him, but you shadowed him and got rid of those who you thought would be a threat to you…”


“A threat!” I scoff. “Nobody, and I mean nobody is a threat to me. Nobody.” I look again at the bar and still Jeremy hasn’t been served. “Now…”


“Hey darlings!” I gasp as Ma and Carl come up to the booth and make themselves comfortable. “Brian. Brian! Let Justin breathe for fuck sake!”


“Ma?”


“Oh, hello. How are you doing?” She asks as she puts a phone on the table.


“How am I? I am fine. How are you?”


“Upset with this idiot over there!” She snaps and points at Brian who is smiling.


“As upset with him as you are still with me over…”


“Projectile narcissist.” Blake comments before smiling at my Ma. “Hi, Debs, how are you?”


“Am good, honey. So glad you are back in Pittsburgh, Ted was missing you terribly.”


“Debs!” Ted cries out going red.


“What? You were missing him. How long has it been for you two now?” She asks, and once again checks her phone and is now smiling.


“Almost two years. Our anniversary is in a couple of weeks.”


“Two years?!” I exclaim. “You have had a boyfriend for two years?!”


“When you couldn’t get one for two minutes? Yes, indeed he does!” Emmett replies, and waves his hand to shoo people around so that he and Inferior Stud can join them. “So, what are you going to do?”


“Do? Ted frowns. “Oh, I see! We haven’t thought about it. I mean we…”


“Hey guys!” Ben joins them with his muscle and they grab some stools and sit in a way that partially blocks my view of Brian. “What’s happening?”


“Ted and Blake’s 2nd year anniversary. Trying to figure out what they should be doing.” I hear Emmett telling him.


“Cabin. You could go there. Scream the place down.” Ben’s muscle replies.


I am about to say something else when Jeremy comes to the table and their booth goes quiet, I smile to myself. “Thanks Jeremy.” I smirk at Ma’s incredulous expression. “What kept you?”


“That.” He replies pointing to the enormous fishbowl that is coming towards the booth. “Turns out it’s the Moon Rising cocktail and it needs at least six people to drink it.”



“Holy shit, Brian! Where did you get this idea from?!” Ma exclaims as she again checks the phone.


“Ma, what are you…”


“That’s your mother?” Jeremy queries. “Why are you sitting here instead of there with her?”


“I didn’t know she was…”


“Michael, come and join us, you and your date.” Brian calls out, rendering the entire booth and most of the bar silent.


I knew it! He’s jealous!


“You happy to do that, Jeremy?” I ask him.


“More than happy.” He replies and gets up.


“So, are you going to introduce him?” Brian indicates Jeremy with a nod of his head.


“Yes. This is Jeremy…” I introduce him to everyone, making sure to get Justin’s name wrong but he doesn’t react like I thought he would. He doesn’t react at all.


“So, how did you two meet, Jeremy?” Emmett asks.


“The night of the dinner.”  I answer and put my hand on his arm to silence him. “We…”


“I drove him and his companion home. I’m a limo driver.” Jeremy interrupts me.


“Nice.” Brian replies and then looks across at a silent Justin. “You doing okay there?”


“Uh huh.” He mutters before taking a long drink. “Why...uh...did...didn’t you stay for the rest of the dinner?”


“Justin are you alright?” Ben is smirking.


“F...fine.” He takes another long drink. “Sorry, Blake,, can you let me out please? I need to…”


“Oh sure.” The other twink gets out and he virtually runs to the bathroom.


“What’s wrong with him? Could you move Blake? I would like to…”


“Sit with your date.” Ma clips out. “Justin is coming...”


“To say the least.” Brian snickers.


BATHROOM STALL


JUSTIN


Oh god! I whimper into my balled up jacket as I cum hard. I lean against the door, thankful that they have been redecorated, and take in some air. I feel my phone vibrate and groan quietly. Taking it out of my pocket I read the text and snicker, before replying: Yes it was very nice, thank you, can I take it out now? I clean myself up as I wait for the text that will end this delightful torment and it isn’t long in coming.


Yes.


I reach behind and remove the butt plug and sigh in both relief and regret. It was our first foray into denial and I lost the coin toss for who went first. I thought I was doing very well but then he would not - not that I am complaining - stop kissing me and then the random ramping up of the plug was almost the end. But when he was palming my cock under the table...it took everything not to scream. The buzz of my phone brings me out of my erotic reminiscing.


Are you coming back?


I check myself again, then head back to join my tormentor and plot ways of making him cum next week!


BOOTH


BRIAN


I have to hide my smile as Justin comes back looking a little flushed and sleepy, as he always does when he’s cum hard. “You alright, Justin?” Ben repeats his earlier question.


“Yes, just fine thanks.” He replies, retaking his seat before checking his watch. “Have we got time to finish that Emmett?”


“Why do you need Emmett to tell you that?” Michael asks having been lording it over Jeremy for the last five minutes.


“Because we’re going to a show with Emmett and he knows how long it will take to get there.” I reply.


“Oh, can we come?” He demands instead of asks and I note the slightly pissed off expression on Jeremy’s face, Michael, of course, does not.


“No.” Emmett retorts and then checks his watch. “Actually, can we go now? I have to prepare something.”


“Sure, am happy to...for heaven sake Debs he’s fine! He’s with his grandma and…” I check the phone. “...sound asleep. Get down to DEFCON 4 and enjoy the rest of the evening.”


“I’m sorry, honey, but he’s my first and…”


“He’s fine, like he said.” Carl tells her and then gives her a squeeze.


“Who are you talking about?” Michael asks, having been pouting at the rejection from Emmett and only looking up when he notices the silence. “Well, who are you talking about?”


“Gus.” I sigh shaking my head but then I smirk. “He’s my son, Jeremy. Michael, as you can tell, tends to only have a one track mind sometimes.”


“Oh nice. How old?”


“Just over four months.” Debs replies proudly. “I have pictures.” She reaches in her bag and I gape at her as she pulls out another phone. “That’s my Gus phone, this is my own phone.”


“You have a Gus phone?” I echo, sitting back down and reaching for it. On scrolling though the contacts, she has only ten contacts. Me, Justin, the grandmas, the grandpas, godfathers and the mothers. “So my son is a bit like Batman and…”


“It was my idea.” Carl interrupts as Debs starts to go red. “She would leap up every time her phone would ring and Gus wasn’t with her, so I told her to get a phone specifically for him.”


“Can I have that number?” Michael asks and we all look at him puzzled.


“You have nothing to do with Gus. Why would you need that number?” Justin asks suspiciously.


“I just do that’s all.” He answers, not looking at anybody.


“No. You are not having it, because you will call it knowing I will pick up.” He starts to go red and again doesn’t look at anybody. “Yeah, I know you better now.”


“Seriously, people.” Emmett declares. “We need to go.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


STUDY


LINDSAY


I look at the invoices that he has prepared and have to admire his greed. If only he used this level of ingeniousness in his business. The one for his mother has the fine on it! The nerve of the man! I read the contract again and there it is in black and white; should Michael Charles Novotny [also known as Michael Charles Grassi] approach Deborah Jane Novotny [also known as Deborah Jane Grassi] or Brian Aiden Kinney for any financial assistance in the future, both the comic book store and the house that are currently under his ownership and in his names will become forfeit.


I put the invoices in the envelopes, but this time I seal them and leave them on his desk, it has to be done right. He was in such a rush to go to Woody’s earlier that he had left them on his desk, he’s not going to remember if he put them in the envelopes.


Smiling to myself, I switch off the lamp. The first stage of this being my home is complete. That’s the problem with Michael, he doesn’t remember what he tells people. I don’t know why Ted has taken against him the way he has, but I know Ted and his, sometimes, overbearing, protection of Brian. So I know that clause was all Ted’s doing when I glimpsed it the first time, and now I have had time to read it properly, he’s definitely protecting Brian from Michael. Humming, I head upstairs and then realise something, what the hell am I going to do with a comic book store?! I have no use for it, but if I get the house in my name, I will have to get the store in my name too...oh I know I will change its usage, a coffee shop would look very nice there instead, much better idea than a comic book store. After all, he left it closed for two years and nobody noticed!


WOODY’S - AN HOUR LATER


JEREMY


I may have made a rod for my own back! Since they left all he has done is go on at great length about himself or Brian. How long he’s known Brian. How many guys Brian’s fucked. How many times he’s had to get rid of tricks that don’t get the message...I did freeze up at that point, but he just carried on talking.


“Well, don’t you?” Michael demands and I switch my focus back to the boreathon.


“What? Sorry was thinking about...never mind. What don’t I?”


“Think that Ma should’ve given me that other phone’s number. Supposing the other one’s battery runs out? How will…”


“You realise that doesn’t make sense? How are you going to know if that battery is dead?”


“That’s not the point.” He sniffs dismissively. “I should have access to it. As her son.”


“Look…” I say, looking around for something to distract him and spot the pool table is free and stand up. “Do you fancy a game?” I ask and point at it.


“Oh yes, I am great at multitasking, I can play and keep talking to you!” He enthuses and rushes to the table.


I am thinking talking at me would be a better description!


“Great, just great. Let’s rack them up then.”


HOUSE OF MAHATMA AND MILQUETOAST - SAME TIME


BASEMENT


JUSTIN


I am sitting next to Brandon, and we are both a little nervous. A robed figure comes to the centre of the circle of light and stands there quietly.


“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, well mostly gentlemen. My name is Hawthorn and I will be your Master of Ceremony for this evening. Tonight is a binding and bonding ceremony, between Panthera and Diamond. Step forward please, gentlemen.” Two men step into the light, one is a lean black man and the other is olive skinned but more muscular. “To my left is Diamond and to my right is Panthera…”


Okay, so I had a stereotypical thought there and was proven wrong!


“We will start with the binding…”


“You doing okay?” Brian whispers in my ear and I nod.


“I am just thinking about Ted and Blake. I still can’t quite get how Ted copes with Blake being away for such long periods.”


“It works for them.” Brian murmurs. “Blake’s one of the best counsellors around and is in great demand. I wouldn’t like the man I love being away for that long, but like I said it works for them. Now let’s get back to watching the show.”


I turn my head back and see Diamond is now winding a long piece of, what looks like silk, around Panthera’s back and waist and positioning him so that it tightens the one that is looped around his cock.


“Doesn’t that hurt?” Brandon asks Emmett as he notices Panthera’s now straining cock.


“No.” Emmett replies quietly. “Well it shouldn’t hurt, it’s a delicious pull.”


“I see.” Brandon swallows hard and looks back at the show. “I think I could manage that.”


“You’re caught in the moment...the heat of the moment.  Let’s watch the rest of the show and then discuss it at home okay?”


Twenty highly charged minutes later, Diamond is untying him and then whispers something in his ear and he nods but remains on his knees.


“What’s going on now?” I ask Brian who has a soft smile playing on his lips.


“Bonding ceremony.” He replies taking my hand and stroking my knuckles. “They’re getting married, in the eyes of everyone here, and it’s a great honour to have him officiate.”


“Who?” Brandon asks Emmett who also is smiling sweetly.


“Now to the Bonding of Panthera and Diamond.” Hawthorn announces and then I watch Ben and Brandon’s jaws almost fall off their faces. “Our Master of the House will preside.”


“What’s the matter?” I ask.


“Have you never been in the backroom of Babylon?” Brian questions and I shake my head. “I don’t believe it, you’ve never been there?!”


“Ssssh!” Emmett hisses.


“Sorry. Will tell you afterwards.”


I mouth apologies at Emmett and he smiles back; Brandon and Ben are still looking incredulously at the man officiating the ceremony. He signals two other men and they have what look like branding irons in their hands, I start to tense up as I am not expecting this.


“It’s okay Justin. They’re not going to brand them, in the sense you fear, this is for their outline.” Brian gives my hand another squeeze. “They have chosen a tattoo, and those are their pads for want of a better word. They will be completed later but this is to signify their commitment to each other and to tell the others that they are monogamous.”


“Oh, okay.” I sigh and start to relax again, Panthera leans forward and is branded on his back and so is Diamond before they face each other and kiss passionately. “Is that it? Are they married?”


“Yep. Come on. Let’s head back to Woody’s and I will explain the jaw drop to you.”


WOODY’S - FORTY MINUTES LATER


BRIAN


We are back in the booth and Ben and Brandon are both inhaling brandies. “So, what did you think of that?” I ask grinning at Emmett.


“I can’t believe it. Was it really him? I didn’t imagine it, did I?” Ben asks, looking at both Emmett and I intently.


“If you were then I was too. He’s the Master? The Master?” Brandon has just regained the power of speech.


“Yep.” Emmett grins. “He’s the Master.”


“But he’s...well he’s…” Ben trails off.


“What? Who are you talking about and what is he, apart from the master?” Justin demands.


“Before I tell you that, has Justin ever been in the backroom at Babylon, Ben?”


He sniggers and shakes his head. “Definitely not!”


“Why not?” I ask Justin who is starting to blush.


“Too much, it’s just too much for me.” He answers quietly. “I did try once, but I only got as far as the entrance and I just could not go in.”


“Aww poor ickle baby. The big backroom is too scary for you is it?” Michael sneers as he and Jeremy come back to the booth. “I’ve been in there with no problem. I was telling Jeremy here, how many tricks I’ve had to get rid of for you, Brian. I have…” He pauses and then turns to Jeremy and stares at him. “I did tell you about that right? I was going in there to rescue Brian not to fuck indiscriminately like he was doing.”


“Yes you did mention it once or twice. Listen, I have got to go…” Jeremy starts to put on his jacket. “...we will do this again, Michael, I will give you a call to arrange. Nice to meet you all.”


“Let me walk you to your car.” Michael smirks at me and follows Jeremy out.


“So, the Master.” Justin prompts. “Quick before he comes back.”


“You remember me telling you about Todd...the backroom guy who is always fine?” Ben is still in disbelief.


“Yes. Are you kidding me? That’s...that’s him?!” Justin gasps.


“Who’s him?” Michael demands as he comes back a lot quicker than we thought he would.


“What happened?” Emmett asks. “Thought you were walking out your new beau.”


“I was. But he got a cab pretty quickly.” He grumbles and sits down.


“What are you doing here?” Benson turns to him. “I don’t recall anyone asking you to join us.”


“I was sitting here before.” He rightly points out.


“That was then. This is now. Find your own table.”


“No, let him stay.” I tell Benson and he looks surprised. “We’re going instead. Ready, Justin?”


“Yeah. Yours or mine?”


“Mine. Do you hear that, Michael? Now all you have to do is work out whether or not I am telling the truth.” I laugh at his annoyed expression and then push Justin ahead of me.


MICHAEL


“Well that’s our cue too then.” Emmett stands up and pulls Inferior upright. “You guys want to share a cab?” He asks them and they nod and follow them out.


Sighing, I contemplate getting another drink but decide to go home instead. But my resolve is set on getting a couple of things...the number for the Gus-phone and to split Brian and Justin up by any means necessary. He is far too comfortable with him. Far too comfortable! The Stud does not do comfortable!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thank you.

Making a Statement and Ideas of Revenge by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 35 - MAKING A STATEMENT AND IDEAS OF REVENGE


EMMETT’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


MASTER BEDROOM


BRANDON


So much! So much! I can’t believe this feels so fucking good! I arch my back and grab the pillows.


“You need me to stop completely?” Ems asks, pausing the delicious pull, I shake my head but hold up my hand to point at one of the knots that is digging into me. “Brandon, I don’t want to…”


“You’re not!” I gasp out in both pleasure and then relief “Just so intense!”


“That’s it, I am stopping. You can’t cum like this, if it is intense now, it will be…”


“FUCK ME!” I scream as his words hit home and I am twisting on the bed.


“Oh Jesus!” He exclaims, and starts to untie me very quickly. Soon I am shuddering as wave after wave of pleasure washes over me, and he is in the bathroom doing whatever he is doing. “Brandon! Brandon! I need you to tell me if you are in any pain?!”


“No.” I croak, but I am drenched.


“Okay, now listen, I am going to clean you up. You will be hypersensitive right now, so let me know what I can’t touch.” I just nod and then sigh as the cool cloth hits my heated skin. “You lasted a lot longer than I did.” He murmurs as he checks for any marks. “You need to drink some water very slowly and sit upright. Get the blood flowing in the right direction.” I feel like I am moving in sludge as I sit up, and he has to help me with the water. He smiles as he makes me take little sips. “Are you on call tomorrow?” I grunt out a negative. “Good. You need sleep and time to think.”


“Think? Why?” I can actually see him now having just been seeing stars earlier.


“This.” He gestures to my body, which is now starting to cool. “Is this what you want because this comes as part of me. I love to dominate and I...I will dominate and…”


“Yes. I will be your sub.” I assert. “There is no way anybody is being dominated by you but me, Master.”


“Brandon! As sweet and sexy as hell that is. You need to think about it. I mean properly. You have had a mere taste of what this entails, the binding and… Now Brandon, a good sub does not...a little to the left please, I mean stop that! Does not interrupt his...oh sweet Mary and Joseph...Ma...Mas...Master...Okay, we talk tomorrow!”


Twenty moaning minutes later, I am cleaning him down then helping him drink water.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - AFTERNOON


NURSERY


BRIAN


I am feeding Little Grub. Justin is coming up the stairs with coffee, and I can hear Debs and Carl pottering in the kitchen. “Hey.” He murmurs, joining us in our chair. I wait for him to cover himself with the blanket and take a few sips of coffee, just to bring him to human. “Want me to take him?” He rubs his feet and I nod. “Come here, son.” He murmurs as he takes him out of my arms and it feels like it is the most natural thing for him to say.


“Justin, can we talk about something?”


“Uh huh.” He replies as he wipes Gus’s mouth.


“The backroom.”


“What about it?”


“You should go.”


“I can’t. It’s just too much. Don’t get me wrong...can you pass the burp rag, please?” When I hand it to him he hoists Gus over his shoulder and pats his back. “I have seen lots of porn, but the realness of it…”


“I’ll be with you.”


“You will? Why?” He frowns.


“Because this is Babylon. The best club, even if I do own it, in the burgh. Nothing bad will happen if I am with you.”


“You’ve never been to the backroom?” Debs gasps as she comes in with a plate of waffles and puts them down before reaching for Gus. “He’s right. It’s a gay man’s right of passage round here. And he will keep you safe. He kept Michael safe, although his mouth acted as a deterrent as well!” She starts to pace and pat a bit as Gus is struggling and starting to grizzle, we are silent until there is a ripe burp. “There. That’s better! Now you two breathe!” She laughs gently and hands him off to Carl. “And eat. Then plan for next Friday. You two are going!”


“Yes Ma.” I reply but I see the fear in his eyes and need to speak to someone about it.


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - TUESDAY MID-MORNING


LINDSAY


Mother was right. It took some whatever the hell she did but my cottage is now looking pristine and, according to her, I can keep the money that results from the sale. I lock it up and ignore the look from my next door neighbour. Daddy made me pay for his repairs from my savings, but with the sale from the cottage it balances out. I walk outside to head back to work, and have another quick look at the cottage before I rush to get the cab that I see ahead of me, thankful that the truck has slowed its progress. I’m less thankful for the noxious smell!


MEL’S OFFICE - TUESDAY LATE AFTERNOON


MEL


I put the phone down and try to control myself, but it’s too much and I start to giggle, then guffaw, and Delia pokes her head around the door. “What is it? You look like you are going to explode. Do I need the good tray?”


“No time!” I manage to gasp out.


“What? Come on, what?!”


“Sidney…” I wail and collapse on my desk in a gale of giggles.


OUTSIDE LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - SAME TIME


LINDSAY


I spit out the putrid ball from my mouth, then I pick myself up from the bag of manure that I tripped over and flattened and stand up. I brush as much off as I can, and stare at what was my pristine cottage, which now has bags and bags of manure in front of it.


“Ms Peterson! What is the meaning of this?!” An imperious tone pulls me out of my fug of embarrassment and nausea.


“I don’t know what…” I begin, and then blush furiously as he backs away from me. “Who are you?”


“Phillips. Conrad Phillips. I am here to give the final sign off on your cottage. I am failing to see how having bags of manure like this will achieve that.”


“This was not here this morning. I don’t know what happened.” I assert, as I try to pick pieces of shit off of my clothes.


“You were aware of this appointment, so I can only assume that you wanted to deliberately sabotage this appointment. Well I, and the company, have had enough of your behaviour. I will sign off on this property as barely habitable.” He snarks.


“Barely?!” I gasp. “This is not my fault!”


“Yes, barely, and I do believe those are your viewers. Good luck with that!” He snaps and rips a piece of paper off of his clipboard. “Our business is concluded!”


As the buyers approach I see and hear the truck from earlier. It pulls up and the driver gets out.


“Did you do this?!” I snap at him.


“Ah, yes. Sorry we had the wrong address.” He doesn’t look as embarrassed or apologetic as he should!


“Sorry?! I shall be demanding compensation for this!” I snipe, and again feel warm as he backs away from me. “Give me a business card or something so I can contact your superiors!”


“Of course. Here. Look, let me takes these away.” He points at the bags and picks one up, swinging it over his shoulder. Unfortunately, it is not as secured as it should be and I am once again doused in manure!


“Ms Peter…” I hear a woman’s voice trail off as the sodden manure drips down my face.


“Oh crap! Lady, I am so sorry! Again!” The driver yells out and tries to wipe my face.


“Do not touch me!” I scream and push his hands away. I blink to clear my vision and turn to my buyers. “As you can tell I am experiencing a little difficulty. Perhaps we can reconvene this appointment for…”


“No. That’s fine. We will make an offer on the other cottage. I do hope you will be alright, Ms Peterson.” The lady gibbers as she backs away. “Come on, dear. We need to get away from here, before anyone of standing sees us!”


It is only when I am in the cottage washing my face that I realise it was the daughter of the Bull-Wearings!


BLOOM GALLERY - EARLY EVENING


SIDNEY


Unfortunately, Lindsay did not return for the rest of the day like she said she would. A written warning is called for. I will only write her up for that and not for her trying to return the money for Mel and everyone else. She did bullshit. I delivered bullshit!


TODD’S HOUSE - WEDNESDAY MORNING


KITCHEN


LEROI


“It’s real simple, get him a mask and book a bed. Look, from what I saw of him, he’s keen as mustard but nervous. So take him there and make love, not fuck, make love to him for all to see…” I pause as Todd comes in rubbing his eyes but smiling, I was a very naughty boy last night. I pour him some coffee and point at the loveseat, which he immediately occupies. The kitchen is my domain and he behaves in here! “...you feel deeply for the guy, right? Then show everyone that. It’s his first time, make it good. Okay, bye.” I nudge Todd forward and settle behind him.


“BK?”


“Mmm.” I reply and embrace my man. “I think you need to be there on Friday, he’s taking him.”


“We will all be there.” He declares. “You’ve seen him in action. I watched him during the binding, he was very protective. They both were, but I have heard that Brandon has agreed.”


“Really? I am pleased.”


“Sole, not sharing.” He responds.


“Damn.” I chuckle and pull him tighter to me.


“We should make calls. Get people in place.”


“Yeah. I’ll call the boys and you call the men.” I nuzzle his neck.


“And your ass will pay for that remark later.” He murmurs.


“Looking forward to it.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - THURSDAY EVENING


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I put the phone down and smile. I have a dancing date tomorrow night with Jeremy!


BABYLON - FRIDAY NIGHT


BAR


BRIAN


I watch him from the stairs, and Justin looks very, very nervous. Despite having both Ben and Benson with him, he looks like he would rather eat pussy than be here! Strolling over to him, I drape my arm over his shoulder and kiss him. Yeah, definitely would rather be eating pussy judging by that response!  “Go and talk to Leroi.” He looks confused but makes his way over.


LEROI


I feel so sorry for him, as he doesn’t understand what Brian is doing, so I lead him to a place under the stairs that affords us some privacy. “This is for you.” I hand him a mask and he now looks confused and scared. “Put it on and let me tell you something.”


“More rules. More humili…”


“Stop that shit right now!” I snap, and he looks surprised. “This is about…” I tap his mask. “...protecting you. Everyone knows the Stud. He is coming out of retirement to tell Babylon something. You are the something. When he is here in what you could call his domain, he has never done this. It is against the wall. Fast, furious and done…”


“What is the this?” His eyes drift to the entrance.


“You will see.” I take a sip of my drink. “I envy you.” Again he looks surprised. “I can’t do what you do, you get the complete package.”


“The complete package?”


“You get to top. I can’t do that with him. I am a sub and Master gets his needs met here when he needs to. But, at the end of the day he comes home to me.” I still see confusion and fear. “What scares you about it?”


“They will try and…”


“Look around. Recognise anyone? Apart from Benson and Ben.”


“That’s Hawthorn.” He whispers, and I nod and watch his shoulders lower as he recognises people, but then he tenses up as someone walks past talking very loudly. “Oh fuck, why is he here?”


I follow where he is looking and smile. “Don’t worry about him.” I gently push him back towards Brian. “Just enjoy it, okay?” He nods and makes his way back to his man, and I see mine make his way to the backroom and blow him a kiss and he blows me one back.


MICHAEL


I drag Jeremy to the bar when I see the familiar figure of Ben leaning against it, and he seems to be alone. “Hello!” I shout above the beats and he tilts his beer towards me and smiles at Jeremy. “What do you want to drink, Jeremy?” I yell over my shoulder, but receive no response so turn around and find him heading to the backroom. “What the fuck?” I grouse and follow him, all ready to demand an explanation! Just as I am about to tap him on the shoulder, I see the other familiar shape! The Stud is back! “Let’s go in!” I yell and I take his  hand. I can’t help the smugness. Not only am I going in with my man but I get to prove to the twink that he matters no more!


I look at the bed bathed in light and Brian standing waiting for his trick of the night to be laid out before him.


“You are in for a treat!” I call over my shoulder as Jeremy comes up behind me.


“Oh yeah, what’s that?” He asks.


“The Stud is back to reclaim his throne!” I crow.


All around us there is action happening, but all eyes are being pulled to the bed. I watch Brian strip off his shirt. He has filled out a bit since he was last in here. I crane my neck to see who is going to be led to the bed when, what lights there are, go out.


“What the hell is going on?!” Someone yells and someone else shouts apologies. It doesn’t take long for the lights to come back on, and when it does, Brian has been joined by his sacrificial lamb! Lucky fucker!


I am surprised when I see him kiss the trick without his usual forcefulness, but maybe he is mellowing. I move back against Jeremy, and while he doesn’t move away, he’s not feeling the scene as much as most guys. Most of whom, including me but I am dressed, are sporting hard ons.


“This is the master at work.” I crow, but all he does is nod.


BRIAN


His response is slightly better than before, so I press my tongue in deeper and wait. Slowly his tongue curls around mine. I pull him close to me and cradle his head and put my other arm around his waist, then start to guide him back to the bed, but the closer we get the tenser he gets so I stop. Lifting my mouth from his, I kiss a trail to his ear. “We can leave now.” I whisper.


“Just give me a sec.” He replies before lifting my chin so I am looking at him. “Kiss me like you did the first time.” He orders.


“Respond like you did the first time.” I order back, and his eyes flash and then soften.


“Okay.” He concedes, and slowly sucks in my bottom lip, which he knows I love. I can hear the room starting to quieten as we kiss.


“Now that is some fucking kiss!” Someone states.


He has allowed me to move us to the foot of the bed, and a gentle tug to my hair is his acquiescence to be laid down. I take my time, and there is a little gasp as he makes contact with the mattress, I can feel his heart hammering in his chest, but then I feel something else, his feet coming to rest on the back of my thighs, and then slowly slide down to my calves.


“That is such an intimate thing.” A guy mutters. “So intimate.”


“How come?” His friend asks.


“It’s something they do when they are doing this...now be quiet.”


I move my hand from his waist to his collar and pop one button, he deepens the kiss and sighs. I undo all his buttons quickly, and without breaking the kiss pull him to sit up so I can take it off. I had asked him to go commando tonight, but I don’t think he has, but it is as if he has read my mind when he moves my hand to his zip. When I pull it down and slide my hand inside, I feel nothing but skin. I lift my head and look at him. The fear that was before has been replaced by lust and he smiles at me.


“I get it now.” He murmurs, and I frown. “What Leroi said you were doing, I get it.”


“Good.” I nuzzle the back of his ear and lay him back down so I can take off my pants.


MICHAEL


I stare at the bed and shift myself in my jeans a bit better and feel that Jeremy has finally joined the rest of us. “He looks incredible doesn’t he?” I murmur.


“Which one?” He replies, looking around the room at the rest of the writhing and moaning bodies.


“Which one?! There is only one!” I scoff and point to the bed. “There right in front of us!”


“How can you watch your friend like that?” He frowns, and again looks anywhere but at the bed.


“He’s the Stud. It’s just fucking, it’s like a day in the office for him.” I retort, getting annoyed as he is distracting me.


“No. What everyone else is doing is fucking. That…” He points at the bed but still doesn’t look at it. “...is not fucking.”


I turn back to the bed and find that Brian and his trick are naked, so far so Stud like, but he’s right, there is something different in the way he’s touching him and what’s with the mask?


JEREMY


I step a bit further away from around Michael, and in the dimness of the room can see his expression, he doesn’t get it. He frowns as Brian kisses a path down to the guy’s bush and then gasps, admittedly, along with everyone else, when he swirls the top of his rather impressively sized cock.


“What is he doing?!”


“Like I said, he’s not fucking!”


“What is wrong with you?! You’ve been snippy since we got in here!” He hisses at me.


“I wasn’t coming in here! I was going to the bathroom when you dragged us in here without even asking!”


“Oh.” Is his lame assed response.


“You missed a word there.” I whisper in his ear, and he turns to me puzzled but then turns back when a moan comes from the bed and he frowns harder.


Brian is now slurping the guy like he’s his favourite lollipop, and the noises that he is pulling from him are some of the most erotic sounds I have heard....but it feels wrong to hear it, there is something.


“Now that is fucking hot.” A guy to my left says, and a few people are nodding.


“Wonder where he found him?”


“Lurking around the bar somewhere no doubt.” Michael snipes, and the more he watches and bitches, the more I realise that this needs to end.


“You don’t get that intimate with someone you’ve just found lurking around the bar for fuck sake! Take a good look at what they are doing, they are making love!” I rebuke him, and he turns to face me, his face twisted in annoyance.


“He doesn’t do intimacy, he doesn’t do comfortable, he just…”


“Oh god! Brian now, please!” Being cried from the bed cuts off his sentence and he slowly turns around to look at the bed again.


I am now gaping at the sight in front of me, because I have just realised that the trick is Justin and I can no longer watch this. When we first met, we didn’t talk much, but I went to the bathroom a few minutes after him and heard someone yelping in the stall. And now I realise it was him! But I am rooted to the spot as Brian snaps on a condom and then positions himself. He starts to sink deep into Justin, and his legs go around his waist. But it is when Brian clasps their hands on either side of Justin head and starts to move that I have to leave.


“I’ve got to go.” I tell Michael, and he doesn’t say a word, he is too transfixed with what is in front of him. “I hope you realise that we will never meet up again.”


JUSTIN


Ooh that feels exquisite! As he hits me perfectly once more and Leroi’s words, amazingly at this point, reverberate around my head I know what I have to do. “Br...Brian, the mask take it off!” I gasp out.


“Thank you!” He groans and reaches for it.


MICHAEL


I had no idea that Jeremy would be this prim and sappy! Hang on, what did he just say...never meet up again?! I turn to see him striding out of the room, but again my eyes are pulled back to the scene in front of me. Brian is pumping into the trick and kissing him...this is a complete switcheroo from his usual...ah, at last the mask is coming off. Oh, you are fucking kidding me...Justin! He’s fucking Justin! Here! Of all places! This is our place!


BRIAN


I am so fucking happy that mask is off now! I let go of his hands again, but his legs tighten around my hips, his subtle way of saying slow down, I brush his sweaty hair off his face. And he smiles that lazy smile of his and pulls me down, I think, for a kiss.


“Thank you.” He pants.


“What for?” I groan as his heat envelopes me.


“This. I will exp...explain la...move now! Move now!” He exclaims.


Less than five minutes later, there is appreciative whistling and catcalling. I feel a tap on my shoulder and look up; I nod at Jerome as he lays down the gowns and bottles of water. I am keeping Justin as covered with my body as I can. Considering what we have just done, it seems odd, but this is no longer about sex. He is my partner, and they’ve seen enough.


“Can you stand, and do you want water?”


“Yes and yes.” He mumbles, and then looks surprised. “You’re still inside me?”


“Mmm.” I smirk, and give a little wiggle and he purrs. “Definitely not going another round in here. Let’s go to the shower.”


“I don’t think I can shower where...I know I’m a pillock!” He grins up at me and I am relieved to see his eyes are sparkling with laughter too.


“Yep, now come on.” I laugh and grab the robe.


BRANDON - 40 MINUTES LATER


Although we are all here, none of us went in the backroom. But, I will admit, and have done to Ems, that I was curious to see him in action, but I just couldn’t bring myself to step inside. I smile as Ems comes behind me and allows me to lean against him. “Isn’t that Jeremy?” I point at a guy near the other end of the bar.


“Yes. Hang on.” Benson replies, and heads towards him, they chat for a while before he comes back with him. “Tell them what you just told me. Repulsive.” He signals for another drink.


“What’s repulsive?” Ems asks. “Michael being in the backroom watching Brian?” We all turn to look incredulously at him. “He’s always done that.”


“Oh, for...well, that’s not it, but I can see him doing that. No, the other thing, tell him what he did to you.”


Sighing, Jeremy tells us what happened a couple of years back and how he was going to date Michael only to dump him brutally, but then he was dragged into the backroom to watch the show. But it wasn’t the show it was what he said about Brian and when he saw who it was that he just decided to cut his losses and leave.


“Good evening boys.” The man of the hour drawls as he joins us with a now bashful looking Justin. “Hey Jeremy. Where’s Michael?”


“Don’t know and certainly don’t care.” He replies, tersely looking at the floor.


“Someone catch me up.” Brian orders, and he puts his finger under Jeremy’s chin and lifts it up making him look at him. “And by someone I mean you. Do you feel better having done whatever it was you were trying to do with Michael?”


“What do you mean with Michael?!” Michael’s nasally bitch ass whine silences the group and he stares at us before crossing his arms and beginning to tap his foot. “I said what do you mean with Michael? What’s going on?”


“Well…” Jeremy begins.


“Well what? Come on Jeremy, aren’t you going to answer me?!”


“If you would stop your galling way of talking and let someone else speak then I would! Now shut the fuck up and listen!”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Eye Openers...As There's Bossy and in the Nicest Way...There's Debs by MissMerlot
Author's Notes:

This chapter was co-written with Midgardsnake - thank you lovely!

CHAPTER 36 - EYE OPENERS...AS THERE’S BOSSY AND IN THE NICEST WAY...THERE’S DEBS


MICHAEL


“Well get on with it!” I snap.


“I was going to dump you anyway, but in a much crueler way than this. Be grateful that I have more humanity than you do! I…”


“Dump me?! What…”


“Again, shut the fuck up and listen!” Jeremy yells, effectively silencing the entire bar area. “I didn’t think there was anyone that could be this arrogant by proxy than you, but you really are. You really think that being his ex-best friend afforded you rights and privileges. You don’t remember me, do you?”


“Of course I remember you! You are the frightened virgin who stormed out of the backroom just…” I stop and look at him again and then I realise who he is!


“Ah, your mind has cleared has it. Yes, it’s me. I even told you my name then, but you were so determined to get Brian away from me that you didn’t pay attention. I bet you didn’t notice how angry he was at you did you?”


“Angry at me?! Have you been stalking me or Brian or something like that?! Is that why you are back here trying to…”


“To what?” He sneers. “I don’t want anything to do with Brian. In fact, I am thankful to him for getting me out of the backroom where you had me waiting for him. Naked. Do you know what could’ve happened to me in there? It was so dark I would not have known if it was him!”


“You were in the backroom of your own…”


“No I wasn’t!” I yell, and feel the tears of humiliation burn in my eyes as I cast my mind back to that horrible night. “Like tonight, I was there because of you! I was there because that is where you sent me, saying he would be coming but knowing he wouldn’t be! He told you to buy me a drink and to say that he would love to, but was too wankered to do anything that evening. Didn't he?!” I stare at him and then shake my head. “So you can remember every goddamn boring cartoon from before you were born, you can remember every trick that Brian has ever fucked and in what position, you can remember every drink you have ever had with Brian, down to the fucking ice cubes, but you can’t remember - or is it won’t remember - a time that Brian was decent in Babylon and it wasn’t with you?!”


“Jeremy, let me call the service and get you home, okay?” Brian interrupts his lambasting of me, for which I am relieved. Finally he is standing up for me, though giving him a lift home is a bit much.


“Yes, Brian, get him out of here. I can’t believe his delusions! As if…”


“Shut the fuck up, Michael. For once just shut up.” Ben interrupts. “Are you anywhere near Greenfield, Jeremy? Can we share?”


“Yes. At the top.” He sighs. “Look, I know you mean well but you don’t have to..”


“I don't have to, I want to!” Ben interrupts. “Let’s get out of here, okay? Don’t give him the pleasure of getting off on something so hurtful to you. That's the only time he gets some other than using his hand.”


“Yeah!” Brian starts laughing. “I bet he has named them. Tim? Tom? Which one of you wants to pleasure me tonight?”


Slowly Jeremy’s face starts to light up until he howls with laughter. “And I bet that when he’s finished they are Pretty and Bad!”


“And the bad one doesn’t get rinsed as punishment!” Ted joins in. “But the pretty gets a clear nail varnish manicure...now I know what that buffing was really!”


“How can you let them disgrace your best friend like this!” I bellow at Brian.


“They’re not disgracing the behaviour of Justin, Ted or Emmett, they are making fun about you!” Brian answers as he signals the barman. “Humiliating, isn't it? How does it feel to get some of your own medicine, Mikey? Jeremy, forget about the service for now, let us all have a drink together.” He looks at me again. “In case you didn't get it, that doesn't include you, so get lost!”


BRIAN


I look at Michael with all the scales having completely fallen from my eyes. He really is a horrible person. I got used to him watching me in the backroom, but it was his face when he saw it was Justin and I that compelled me to remain over him, although I was shielding him from most of the guys there, I was really shielding him from Michael.


MICHAEL


I turn around and just run away from their laughter. Never have I been so humiliated in my entire life! Not only did he put on this show with this good for nothing trick, but what he said to me clearly shows how much this blonde asshole has changed him. Now more than ever I have to make sure he leaves Brian's life! In the long run, Brian will see how these changes were bad for us. Once the twink is gone, Brian will come back to me and I will finally get what I always wanted. And the backroom show he will do with me will shut everybody up who is now making fun of me!


BRIAN


I watch him leave and think about what I saw after Justin and I had finished...


Start of flashback

BED


I sit behind him and Jerome stands in front so that nobody can see too much. He leans back against me and drains the bottle. “Want another?” Jerome asks as he drapes the towel over his lap without looking at him.


“Please.” Justin answers, and Jerome opens the other one.


“Heater is on, Brian. Should be perfect right now.” Jerome smiles and signals Kyran and he opens the door behind the show bed so that he doesn’t have to go up through the club to get to the office. I make sure that his robe is secure, and lead him out, nobody catcalls, nobody whistles, nobody does anything to ruin this moment for us.


Except I saw it. The look of betrayal in his eyes, like he wanted to scream that it should have been him on that bed. Why doesn’t he get that he would never have ever been there?


OFFICE - TWO MINUTES LATER


He is resting against my chest as I test the water. “Yep, perfect.” I declare, and pull open the drawer. “Want me to wash your hair or not?”


“Not.” He murmurs. “I like that you made it this way.” I take out the shower cap and put it on him, making sure all the hair is inside.


“Get in.” I tell him gently. “Want a scrub or just gel?”


“Scrub, it will wake me up a bit.” He squirms a bit as the water hits his slightly cooled skin, but then starts to purr as I use the scrub on him. Soon I am rinsing him off and helping him out of the cubicle before I use the Lush soft coeur massage bar on him and he reciprocates.


“By the way, why did you say thank you?” I ask over my shoulder as he sweeps his hands up my back.


“Oh! Yes! Diamond said you were making a statement and that I am that statement. You came here to say that I am with you. And that’s why I took the mask off, to say that I am with you as well. Does that make sense?”


“Yes, and I was so desperate to take the mask off when I first laid you down but I knew you had to do this in your own time.” He pauses. “But that was a one-off. The message has been received. I will never do that again.”


“Good.” He kisses the middle of my spine and slowly, between kisses, we redress each other before heading downstairs…

End of flashback


JUSTIN


I rest against his shoulder as he looks so thoughtful. “You okay?”


“Yeah. Absolutely. You?”


“Mmm. But...um…”


“You want the wings and ribs, right?”


“Please!” I chirrup and burrow into his side.


“Had already ordered them, was just waiting for you to ask...Sir.” He murmurs.


“Good little sub!” I retort.


“Less of the little!” He snickers.


I swat him in the stomach because he’s right...little he is not! But I can’t have the other head getting swollen can I?


BLUE MOON HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING


KITCHEN


JUSTIN


I blink and am thankful that I have my robe on and had a sneaking suspicion who it would be and am proved correct. For there bustling about in the kitchen, rummaging around as if she owns the fucking place is, Debs. Yes, I know I am not a morning person, but, and it is a big but, she doesn’t seem to let Brian know that she’s coming around. We just jolt awake as we hear someone downstairs and think it’s a fucking burglar!


“Uh, Debs, what are you doing here at this time?” Brian asks the question a lot more polite than I would.


“Breakfast. Now where is my grandson?” She demands before pausing and looking at us. “I have never seen you look this well fucked, kiddo. And he had better be the reason for it. That fucking and sucking thing you do should only be for him now...capiche!”


“I…”


“Now, grandson.” She asserts and starts to go past us.


“Is asleep, and we would appreciate it if you could leave him…” My attempt at stopping the Debbie tsunami is halted when Gus lets out a lusty cry.


“He’s awake now and…”


“I will get him and bring him down.” I insist and head upstairs.


“What crawled up his ass and died?” She asks with a frown. “Did you lack some of your legendary prowess in your performance last night? You’d better make it up to him then. Tell him we will take Gus so you can fuck him into a better mood.”


CARL


Yeah I had a feeling that this was coming. At first because of Copernicus-Gate she took him backing her as giving her permission to be Debs. And I know that is not sitting well with him, Brian is used to her ways, but an outsider will see if for what it is...her being bossy and us, for I include myself in this, letting her get away with it. The only way I stopped her from going around to get Gus last week was because of the phone she got that morning.


Brian is just looking astonished as he doesn’t understand why Justin is annoyed, but I do because sometimes I get annoyed with her as well. She needs to back off...and see, sadly, that her asshole son learned from her.


“Brian, why don’t you go check on...Debs, let Brian go check on Gus.”


“But Justin is…”


“Pissed…” I interrupt her. “...and feeling protective. So let’s finish off breakfast and wait down here okay?”


BRIAN


I head upstairs, completely bewildered by his pissy mood. As I push open the door, I see him holding Gus and am about to say something when I hear him talking.


“I know she’s your grandmom, Gus, but that doesn’t give her the right to come and go as she pleases. She’s your grandmother, but he’s your father and he has to realise that he comes first, not her. I can’t stand the way she just comes in, makes these bumptious speeches, edicts and not-amusing bon-mots, takes you out of his arms, and then fucks off as if it is her right. It isn’t! He’s got to put his foot down and tell her straight out. Yes, you have keys, but let us know when you are using them, by not doing so…”


“...she’s the same as Michael?”


He slowly turns to face me his face bright red but his eyes determined. And slowly he nods.


“Be right back, you go give him a shower and get him ready for his feed. Okay?”


“Okay. Oh, and...Brian?” I turn my head to look at him again. “Can you tell her to stop talking about us fucking? That's SO none of her business, and we don’t just fuck. And I am sorry to say this, but it makes her look even more like...”


“...Michael. I get it. Be right back!” I tell him and start to head back downstairs but then turn around again. I walk back to him and kiss his forehead. “Again, thank you, Sir.”


I head downstairs and find Debs in her brooding mode. When I clear my throat she looks up and frowns. “So where...”

 

 

“He’s upstairs with Justin. You and I need to have a talk…”

 

 

“A talk?” She shakes her head and starts to head up. “Grandma time is being…”

 

 

“Stop it, Michael!” I bark and she comes back into the kitchen looking confused.

 

 

“Why the fuck…”

 

 

“Debs, listen to him. I mean it, listen to him.” Carl tells her and shuts the door behind him as he leaves.

 

 

“Well, what do you have to say?” She demands, doing the Novotny arm cross.

 

 

“He’s my son. This is my house. How would you feel if I did that to you?” I ask quietly.

 

 

“Did what?!” She demands, but I can see realisation beginning to dawn in her eyes.

 

 

“It’s not the same now. I am no longer that person. Like I said, the Stud has retired. I am a father to my son. I have a partner who wants to be a father to my son. And I have to be first in his life, not you. You can’t do what you used to do, and I allowed you to do. You can’t come and go as you please. You can’t just barge in when you feel like it, it’s not fair to us, and by us I mean Justin, Gus and…and me. The amount of times we’ve jolted awake, thinking there’s a burglar downstairs, only to find you stacking the freezer is unreal. Do you know that we can both cook?”

 

 

“Well, no, but you…”

 

 

“Don’t have to because you do it? But we want to do it. I have a list of purees I want to try for him, but you aren’t giving us the chance.”


“But, I…”

 

 

“And one other thing.” I continue, because that’s how you have to be with her sometimes, keep talking until she starts to listen. “Our love life - not fuck life, not suck life, but love life - is our business and ours alone; so don’t question or comment on what we do anymore. As I said, I am not that person anymore. Justin is not a trick, he’s my partner, and talking about our love life like that is disrespectful to him and what we are trying to build here. I don’t like it and…”


“Do you want your key back?” Her voice although quiet is laced with fear.

 

 

“No.” We both turn to Justin, as he comes in with Gus, in surprise, having not heard the door open. “Just let us know when you are going to use it.”


DEBS

 

 

I bite back my initial response of who the fuck do you think you are…and think back to what Carl said and, if I am honest, has been saying since Gus arrived…

 

 

Start of flashback

LIBERTY AVENUE ESTATES – A MONTH AGO


DEBS

 

Where the hell is he?! I seethe as Carl is almost twenty minutes late to drop off Little Grub, so that I can get him home for grandma time!

 

 

“Honey, you alright?” Treyvon asks as he closes out another successful let.

 

 

“Just waiting for Carl to…finally!” I exclaim and march up to him as he comes in.

 

 

“For God sake let me…Debs, stop it! Jesus, will you stop, woman!” He hisses, actually hisses, and then pushes away my hand. “I can undo this myself!”

 

 

“I’ll make some coffee!” Treyvon calls out as he heads out back.

 

 

“What is wrong with you?! I just want time with my son!” I snark in annoyance.

 

 

“Then go see Michael! This is Gus, and he is Brian’s son!” He sighs and unclips Gus from his chest before putting him in his buggy where, after a bit of a grizzle, he settles down. “Debs, you can’t keep doing this.”

 

 

“Doing what? What am I doing that is so wrong?”

 

 

“Taking over the raising of Gus. How…”

 

 

“I am not! I am helping him raise…”

 

 

“He has Cynthia, Daph and Justin for that. But more importantly he has himself. He obviously knows what he’s doing…okay, first poopy nappy and illness aside. Let him do it. Let him be dad and to call you when...”

 

 

“He always needs me!”

 

 

“How do you know?! You never give him a chance to find out if he can do it alone! He calls for advice and you immediately hare around there and take over. So not only do you not give him the advice, you don’t allow him to not act on the advice you don’t give him!”

 

 

“Now just a minute, Carl Horvath! I have been there for that kid since…”

 

 

“No, you hang on a minute, Debbie I want you to be Horvath! This is a different stage of his life! Let him live it! Let him invite you in instead of kicking you out!”

End of flashback

 

 

I head to the freezer and open it. “Okay, so the grown up food can stay, but the Little Grub food has to go, correct?”

 

 

“You don’t have to…” Justin begins.

 

 

“Correct?” I repeat.

 

 

“Yes, that’s correct.” Brian replies, and gives me a small smile before opening a drawer. “I want him to try this.”

 

 

He hands me a piece of paper and I read it and nod. “Carl!” I call out, and he comes inside looking worried. “I’ve got the message. Can you help me empty this lot out?”

 

 

“Sure, honey.” He kisses me very softly and we start to unload the freezer and then it hits me!

 

 

“Wait a second! What the hell was that?! You call that a…”

 

 

“Only took her a month!” Carl chuckles and I turn to see Brian, Carl and Justin smiling.

 

 

“Are you serious? You want all of this bossiness in your life?” I sniff.

 

 

“For as long as I live it. Yes, I do.” Carl replies, and pulls me weeping into his arms.

 

 

“I think that might be a yes.” Brian laughs, and I just nod. “It’s on me.”

 

 

“No.” Justin looks at him with so much love, that I feel stupid that I never saw it before and guilty because I was me. “It’s on us.”

 

 

MICHAEL’S HOUSE – SAME TIME


 

MICHAEL’S BEDROOM


 

MICHAEL

 

 

I switch off the TV and throw the remote across the room. When it shatters against the wall, I reach for my pad and add that to this list of things he owes me for! I am about to pick up the pieces of the remote when the door knocks.

 

 

“Come in!” I yell.

 

 

“Are you okay?” Lindsay asks. “You seemed very upset when you…”

 

 

“Jeremy was an asshole, and Brian let him be!” I snarl. “But I will be fine. I am so much better than them.”

 

 

“Oh…kay.” She nods and starts to back out before sticking her head back in. “Those envelopes on your desk, want me to mail them?”

 

 

“Yeah, please.”

 

 

“Okay, see you later then!”

 

 

After I finish clearing up, I head downstairs and have some breakfast. I think back to last night, and still can’t believe that Jeremy is that guy! And I don’t understand his bellyaching. Everyone in Babylon has known for years that I am Brian’s last line of defence! I have always made sure that he only fucked the choicest ones. The choicest ones that look like me!

 

 

As I pour Captain Crunch into the bowl, I rub my temple and am still smarting about the way I was treated then pause and head to the study. I see that the invoices that I had started to prepare are gone and smile. I can’t wait to see their faces when they get that, especially after Brian’s treatment of me!


BLOOM GALLERY - MONDAY AFTERNOON


SIDNEY’S OFFICE


LINDSAY


I reread the warning again and put it on the desk. “Sidney, this is not fair.”


“How is it not fair? You have over these last few months been insubordinate to the point of lying. You said you would be back yesterday afternoon and you weren’t without…”


“I was going to explain when I got here!” I exclaim.


“Which should have been this morning, not afternoon. There are phones, I know you know this because you called Makinsky Galleries to move their appointment to tomorrow. Shame you could not afford your boss, who would be the rather pissed off me, that courtesy.”


“Sidney, as you know I am having troubles in my private life that are…”


“No reason you can’t use the phone to call me to tell me that you would not be in. Don’t worry about Makinsky tomorrow though, Phillipe and Thomas will cover that. You will be cataloguing, and if that causes an issue for you, I can easily make that your final warning and you can clear your desk now.”


I can’t believe how callous he is being, but I need this job until I secure the house. “Once again, Sidney, I apologise for being human and being unable to…”


“Lindsay, don’t bullshit me...again. Let’s leave this here, and hope there isn’t another step. I suggest you go and catalogue...now.”


I get up and walk out with my head starting to pound, and for once I have a genuine migraine coming but I will just have to work through it. As I head, fuming, downstairs, I try to think of a way to badmouth Sidney to the art community without it coming to bite me in my, now I have seen it from the side, well toned ass!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Praying and Paying by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 37 - PRAYING AND PAYING


SIDNEY’S OFFICE


SIDNEY


I can’t breathe! I can’t actually breathe for laughing! Her constipated ape expression and her I’m going to fix you glare were so funny! I clear my throat hard as the door knocks sharply, so round two starts now does it? “Enter!”


“Hi. May I have a word, Sidney?” Cassidy asks, and sits when I nod and smile. “It’s about the cataloguing. I know that we’re really behind and…”


“How behind is behind?” I grumble.


“About four to six weeks.” She winces and I start to smile. “I know that...what are you smiling for? This should not induce smiling?”


“It should when the person doing the cataloguing is Lindsay.”


“Lind…” She trails off and is quiet for a few minutes. “...I was going to suggest she take the Paris trip instead because most of the cataloguing is mine and because I know she’s been…”


“You’ve been covering for her, I think it is only fair that she covers for you. Enjoy Paris, make sure that Sarah changes the ticket before you tell Lindsay. And when you tell her, let her know that it is my decision and if she wants to discuss it, to come to me.”


“Okay. Are you…”


“Absolutely. You enjoy Paris and I will deal with Lindsay.”


MEL’S OFFICE - SAME TIME


DELIA


“Seriously, stop laughing!” I order her as I try once more to redo her mascara.


“I shouldn’t have opened the picture.” She hiccups as she wipes her eyes again, thus smearing her eyeliner.


“Mel!” I admonish her and take up a q-tip to correct it.


“But seriously she looked like Carrie, but instead of blood it was liquid horse shit!”


“Mel please!” I beg but it’s too late. I start to join her in the giggling until we are both tear streaked and gasping for air. “Send it to me!” I manage to croak out. “I know a few people who could do with the laugh!”


BUHL PLANETARIUM, CARNEGIE MELLON - EARLY EVENING


JUSTIN


Class has finished and I am beyond excited! Brian is coming, which is always a good thing, but he’s bringing Gus with him today!


“Good evening, Mr Taylor. We’re ready for class now.” I turn around and don’t know who to kiss first! I find myself slightly choked up as Gus is wearing the little jeans and sweater that I bought him, and so is his dad, well the sweater anyway! “You okay?”


“You both look so good.” I murmur, and head towards them. I kiss him with as little heat as I can, and he nods his acknowledgement of time and place and takes Gus out of his buggy. “Ah, there is my Little Grub.” I coo and get bubbles blown and a sweet smile.


“Where shall I lay out dinner?”


“Dinner?” I look at Brian in surprise, then notice the basket for the first time. “What have you got there?”


“Well, for Gus, some of the finest purees that we made after Debs went. And for us, some lobster rolls, a Cobb salad and peach and almond New York cheesecake.”


“Right there, just under the telescope.” I gesture towards the windows. My heart soars as he lays out the blanket for Gus, and then his little bowls. Although Debs threw out most of the stuff she prepared for him, we did keep some as back up just in case he doesn’t like what Daddy and I have done. “Are you ready?” I ask.


“Here goes nothing.” He replies, and takes a spoonful and puts it in front of Gus’s mouth and immediately he clams up. “Oh…” He looks so disappointed.


“No. Don’t. Patience remember, it’s new to him.” I remind him gently and he nods and tries again, and this time Gus frowns before opening his mouth a little and taking a tiny taste...we both hold our breath and wait for him to spit it back out, but he doesn’t, he gives a little squeal so he feeds him the rest of the spoonful. Soon he has finished his tub and we are playing rock, paper, scissors! For what goes in must come out! “Oh man!” I sigh as I lose and the groan even more when I look at the tub. “Beetroot, you had to give him the beetroot one today?!”


“It matched his outfit, so if there was a leak then…”


“You aren’t serious with...oh jeez, Gus!” I exclaim as he lets rip and looks pleased with himself!


“You never know, he might just have parped.”


“Par…” I begin only to be interrupted again by Gus and that was definitely not a parp! “Okay, wee man, let’s go; I suggest you stop looking so pleased with yourself or him!” I chide Brian who wisely wipes the smile off of his face! Twenty minutes later we are back and find Brian staring through the telescope. “Let me put him down and could we hold off our food for a bit, please?” He, once again wisely, just nods.


“So big and so beautiful.” He sighs.


“Why thank you, kind sir.” I chuckle as I join him by the telescope. He smiles and pulls me in front of him. “But you are right, so very beautiful.”


“You know something? Hate to kill the mood here, but there has been something a bit off. I mean, you remember that list of demands from Michael, including him wanting to be made the legal guardian of Guy?”


“Yes!” I growl.


“He’s not done anything about it. I mean, nothing. I have known Michael for years. I didn’t get him a birthday present and...”


“I see what you mean. For a man that screams so loud, he’s been remarkably quiet about everything monetary, he just seems to want you to be the Stud again.”


“Not going to happen.”


“Good. Now come on, let’s eat.” I order, getting the yes sir smile, but with a hint of mischief.


“The food or each other?”


“Each other and then food.” I groan before I suck his bottom lip into my mouth.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - NEXT MORNING


KITCHEN


LINDSAY


This cleaning service that Michael has got is superb. He leaves it like a cesspit, and they sweep in and put it back in order. I am so glad that there is more than one bathroom in this place, because having to go in after him would’ve been appalling!


“Lindsay! Have you been in my bedroom and moved stuff about?” Michael yells as he storms in.


“Of course not, it’s a gross invasion of privacy! How dare you suggest that?!”


“Then where have they gone?”


“Where have what gone?” I return as I put my cup the dishwasher.


“My magazines and other stuff!”


“What are you talking about, Michael? Can you make it quick as I have to get to work?!”


“The things that were in my chest at the bottom of my bed, plainly speaking my wank mags and sex toys!”


“I have no idea that you had that in here, and even if I did, I would never touch them. Now excuse me, I have to go. Looking at some masterpieces will hopefully clear that image you have created in my mind!”


KINNETIC INC


CYNTHIA’S OFFICE


HUNTER


Once more I hand Debbie a tissue and wait for her to continue. “...and I only realised that he proposed when...when Brian told me to back off on Little, I mean Gus.”


“Ah, he finally said it did he?” Emmett smiles and nods. “Thought it would get to him.”


“He didn’t say it, I mean he did, but only after Justin was really pissed with me.” She sniffs and then wipes her eyes. “Which he, I mean they, had every right to be.” She sighs. “And I have apologised to Carl too.”


“Good.” Cynthia smiles. “So have we at least agreed on a date?”


“Two months’ time.” She beams.


“Why then?” Daph asks.


“He retires in a month. Give him time to see if he can take me all the time.” Her smile falters.


“Debbie?” Emmett looks at me and then Daph, I am still not quite sure what I am doing here!


“What if he can’t? What if he retires and then realises that he can’t…”


“Stop that, Mrs Soon to be Horvath!” Daph exclaims startling her. “How long have you been with Carl?” She softens her tone.


“About six years now. Met him in the diner, what is now Kinnetic Estates.” She smiles. “It was Brian who told me that I was being checked out, and that was that.”


“So he was in there for one day and never went to the diner after that?” Cyn seems to know where Daph is going.


“No, he was in virtually every day.” She frowns.


“And he saw you in your splendour and wants to marry you because of that. You just got a little over enthusiastic with Gus and now you know what not to do, right?” Emmett squeezes her hand and she slowly starts to regain her smile. “So down to the reason that is Hunter.”


Finally, not that I have minded trying to persuade Cynthia that making out was a much better idea than the pitch she was trying to prepare...luckily the pitch is tomorrow so she has time!


“Signwriter extraordinaire who also does wedding invites.” Cyn explains.


“Oh, right!” I grin and then look at her carefully. “Blue and gold I think…” Emmett nods encouragingly. “Something like this…” I turn my iPad to face them and Daph and Cyn scramble to see.



“Oh, that is gorgeous! Is that just the envelope it comes in?” She sighs and I nod.


“And maybe this to go on the inside?”



“Oh, that is...that is…”


“So you. You and Carl.” Emmett smiles tearfully. “So venue, will be Britin of course and…”


“What?!” Debbie gasps. “Britin! But…”


“Kindly, my darling Mrs H-to-be, don’t interrupt the wedding co-ordinator while he is planning.”


“Wed…” She gapes. “...you’re going to…”


“Yes. We are. You will get final say of course but organise not a thing, the Avenue wants to say thank you and...and...so do I.”


“What about my dress?! You can’t do that for me?!” She wails.


“But I know a woman than can. In fact, three women that can. Two of them are here and the other one is Jennifer.”


“Do I at least get to pick the guests?” She demands, her voice quavering.


“Oh I suppose so!” He chuckles and leans over to kiss her damp cheek.


“THAT ABSOLUTE FUCKING FUCK!” Is bellowed from Ted’s office and we all rush in.


TED’S OFFICE


TED


I didn’t realise I shouted that loud until the door was banged open and worried eyes stare at me.


“How was that calm exactly, Schmidt?” Brian asks, even though he is grim faced with annoyance, he is remarkably calm.


“What’s going on?” Debs demands.


“Let me get Justin on the line.” Brian replies before gesturing that they should sit down.


“Hey there, you have saved me from marking hell and I’m glad you called because Marcus is pleading no contest. Go straight to jail.”


“At least that’s one thing to cross off our fucking annoying list. Remember our conversation last night about Michael and his quietness over money?”


“Yes.” Justin sounds wary and then he sighs. “He’s sent the invoice hasn’t he?”


“Yes.” Brian just shakes his head and takes it off me. “The bill for this month alone is $46,578.00.”


“Give me that!” Debs snarls and snatches it from him. “Are you fucking with me?! He’s actually serious with this?! He bought himself a minivan for his birthday from you!” She starts to stride around the room and then stops. “What the hell does ‘50% of fine for overnight stay mean’?”


“I have no idea. It will be something that will be taken up with him when the papers are…” I pause and then look at Brian. “You don’t think? Can I see that again?” Debs hands it to me and I sigh. “Debs is Carl at home?” She nods. “Call him and ask him to check your post, see if there is an envelope from Red Cape Comics there!” When she does and asks him to read it to her it takes her less than a minute to go from angry to Mount Debsuvius! “Get him to take a scan and email it to me!” I call out and she just nods.


It takes another 5 minutes for it to come through and when I get it I sigh. “Yeah I thought as much, he’s put the other 50% of the fine and the business cards on the invoice for you, Debs and…”


“I am going to rip him in half!” She explodes.


“No you are not.” Brian replies calmly, having been talking to Justin all this time. “We are going to call Mel and invoke the clause.”


“The clause? What clause?” Ems frowns and then smiles. “You actually put that in?! I was kidding!”


“You gave me the idea, I just finessed it a bit. Right, let me get onto Mel real quick.”


TWENTY MINUTES LATER


We are all stunned into silence. “You don’t think she would really do that do you?” Debs looks worried, when all said and done, she’s still her son.


“Yes, Debs. I think that’s exactly what she would do.” Daph replies. “She already tried to get my place by saying she would badmouth Brian about him and Justin.”


“I am sorry, Debs. After what he said me by proxy. I can’t countenance not enforcing this for Brian at least, if you don’t want to then that is your...” I trail off as I feel the heated glare of two of my dearest friends on my face.


EMMETT


“What he said about you by proxy, Ted? What did he say?” Brian demands as Ted winces.


“Ted?” I prompt him and he sits down. “Teddy?”


“You remember his comments about drug users in Woody’s?” I look at Brian who shakes his head. “Ah, you were making out at the time.” He sighs. “And you weren’t there yet, Ems. He said that all drug users are: sorrowful sacks of shit that should do the world a favour and just overdose. I don’t know why they get counselling. They get a nice place to stay and sleep, but then just go back to what they were doing. People like that should never get a chance once they fuck up. That’s him virtually word for word. But don’t worry, Blake soon put him in his place. But in light of my previous history and him saying that: they should be put against a wall and shot if the drugs didn’t kill them. He wouldn’t even save a family member or friend…


I hand Debs a tissue and head to give my dearest Teddy a hug, but Brian beats me to it. “So he would’ve left you to die then, Brian?!” Justin snarls from the phone, startling some of us as they had forgotten he was there such is their outrage.


“Oh no, Brian doesn’t do drugs, well at the time he did, but in Michael’s world he didn’t. Especially not when he was fucking, because he was heroically focused.


“What was it?” Debs asks quietly. “When was it and why wasn’t I told?”


“Cocaine, and when I went away for three months, it was because these two took me to rehab. I couldn’t tell you because...because I had already let them and myself down. I couldn’t let you down as well.” She gives him a small smile and then waves Brian away. “Oh, Carl knows. He got curious about my animosity. I made him give his word he wouldn’t tell you.”


“And he always keeps his word.” She gives him a one armed hug. “Well, I didn’t bring him up to be what he has become, and he’s not bringing that shit to my house. Involve the clause for me too.”


“Involve? Yeah, we will do that too, Ma.” Brian laughs. “Do you need to go be with your man, Ted? Because after hearing that, I just want to go home. In fact, let’s all just get out of here.”


“Okay, see you soon, Brian. Be calm and drive safe.” Justin calls out. “Oh, do you want a hot chocolate when you get here? Gus is still asleep, but should be nicely awake by the time you get home.”


“Oh yes, please. And I will. Later.”


“Later.”


“So which here do I tell Mel to send the docs for a signature?” I smile at him as everyone files out deep in thought.


“Blue Moon. Oh, wait no, they’re at his now, so by the time I get there, have hot chocolate and cookies, he does his marking and then calms me down...his.” He decides.


“He has cookies?” I smirk.


“Nicely ignored. Besides, it’s before seven and they are hazelnut praline.” He grins, then almost runs to his car.


“Alpha, your Omega is coming home.” I whisper to myself and pull out my phone to call my Doctor as I need to release a bit of tension!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


BACK GARDEN




MICHAEL


The house is spic and span again, I do like Lorraine, she gets on with her work quickly and efficiently. As I head to the recycling bins to put in the newspaper, I see her still in the house, because normally when she starts to clean, I make myself scarce. I wave at her, but she doesn’t wave back. Shrugging, I lift the lid and just stare because there are all my magazines, torn to pieces with the word filth scrawled on them from what I can see, and my toys have been smashed to bits. “What the fuck?!”


“Ah, Mr Novotny, I am glad you are here.” I jump at Lorraine’s voice; then turn to face her and she has a bag of all my things in her hand. “I would’ve thought that you would’ve gotten the message by now that this…” She waves the bag at me. “...will not be tolerated! Now after this has been despatched with you and I will pray for your very soul. Clearly you need sterner guidance!”


I just stand there as she dumps the contents in the bin and all I can think of is that Brian is so going fucking to pay for that...for them and a lockable chest, they cost a fucking - or in this case non-wanking - fortune!


BLOOM GALLERY - AN HOUR LATER


SIDNEY’S OFFICE


LINDSAY


“But I have planned for that trip, Sidney!” I repeat firmly. “I have set up all the appointments with the galleries and…”


“Which was presumptive of you wasn’t it?”


“Presumptive? I am the gallery manager. I don’t think that is presumptive. It’s a matter of hierarchy and…”


“No it is a matter of deserving rewards for working hard and…”


“Deserving? You don’t think I worked hard?”


“But Cassidy worked harder. It’s only fair that she reaps the benefits of doing two jobs, don’t you think?”


“Two jobs? What do you mean by that?” I am trying to remain as cool as I can, but this is grossly unfair!


“Well, who do you think was covering for you during your many absences due to private melodrama? Now, as I have said, the decision is final. Cassidy is going and you are repaying her hard work by doing her cataloguing. Do you both understand that this issue is closed and there is to be no retribution on either side?”


“Yes, Sidney, and thank…” Crawl ass Cassidy starts, but oh no I will have my say.


“It’s your gallery and your decision, but I think a bit of leeway should’ve been…” I stop as Cassidy gasps. “...and why should that warrant that reaction from you?”


“Because of your wholly unwarranted sense of self! Now excuse me. I have to go and pack.”


“Now just a minute! How is that no retribution Sidney?”


“That is an opinion, to which she is entitled to, unlike the leeway, which you are not. Now, once again, this matter is closed. Kindly return to your desks, or in your case, Lindsay, the basement.”


“I see. Well I shall collect my phone first, would that be alright?”


“Be quick. And Cassidy, you and Paul have a safe flight.”


I flinch but say nothing as I head back to my desk and see my phone flashing; it’s a text from Michael. I can’t help it, I burst out laughing. He’s finally opened his store, but only because Lorraine has been the one clearing out his adult pieces of filth and made him pray with her for half an hour to absolve his filthy and lascivious ungodly thoughts. But it’s the last line about Brian going to pay that gets my attention. They should’ve had the post by now. I give Cassidy a scathing look as she skips out of the gallery. Soon I shall be out of here and living the life in Shadyside that I was born to live!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Knowing Me Knowing You by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 38 - KNOWING ME KNOWING YOU


MICHAEL’S STORE - LATE EVENING


MICHAEL


I have actually had a good day today, despite the debacle that was this morning. I mean seriously, she demanded that I, who she seems to forget is her employer, get on my knees and pray for my soul. Well, the only thing that made me do that was to get her the fuck out of my house! She was waving this bunch of leaves about, saying she was cleansing the home, and sprinkling some water over things, including me, which I did not appreciate! She seemed pleased that I had done my service to God and then went, but only after she told me that she had destroyed my chest of iniquity! I had to look that up, and when I did was I pissed! Brian and I seriously need to talk!


As I lock up and look up Liberty Avenue, it feels different. There is a buzz. Shrugging it off, I head back home and pass Kinnetic Estates, and am surprised to see that it is closed. “Must be slacking off.” I grumble, and pull out my phone. I tap my foot as I wait for Brian to pick up his phone, and then sigh as it rolls to voicemail. “Brian, it’s Mikey. Look, I am not sure if you know this, but the estate thingy that you have left in the not so capable hands of Emmett, well it is closed. I have been here all day and he’s not opened it up. I think you should speak to him about how he manages his time and your money. See you.”


Okay, so I haven’t been here all day, but what’s a few hours between friends?!


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


KITCHEN


JUSTIN


I am pinned against the door and being plundered, yes that’s the word, and I don’t think I have been so thoroughly kissed in my life. Not even in Babylon did he kiss me like this, and he was making a statement without saying a word. I shuffle up a bit because he seems to want to stop kissing me. He smiles against my mouth and cups my butt. “Hop, lil bunny, hop.” He murmurs, and between us we get my legs wrapped around his waist and he carries me back to my other favourite sofa. His hand slides up my top and just strokes my skin, the gentle feel of his fingertips has me squirming and pushing my tongue deeper into his mouth.


“Omega, I need you.” I whisper, as I slowly push his face away from mine.


“Omega? So you are Alpha?” I stare at him for a few minutes as I take on board what I have said.


“I…”


“Are you or not?” Still I say nothing, so he brushes my ribs again. “Okay, let’s try this another way, what was your immediate feeling when I asked the question?”


“Yes. But…”


“Then you are Alpha, I am Omega.”


“Why?”


“Because of your protection, which you don’t seem to realise that you do.”


“My protection? You’re right, I don’t realise. Can you explain?”


“When you first met me, you dragged me to confront Michael and...I can’t believe I am going to say this but here goes...I knew I could continue to do it after that. Even before we kissed, it felt right, knowing that you are at my back, no matter how far back.”


“What does that mean?”


“If whatever we are doing doesn’t work out, I know that you gave me the courage to not let anyone treat me the way he treated me ever again.”


“So this whatever, which according to you is me trying to be a father to Gus and a partner to you, is okay right now?”


“Exactly how long were you outside that door?” He chuckles as he slowly opens my shirt.


“Can you stop? We really need to discuss this.” I stay his hand and he nods. “And from the moment you started speaking to her. Carl brought Gus down.”


He pulls us into a sitting position and buttons my shirt back up. “For all intents and purposes, to the outside world I am the top in this relationship, I said as much in Babylon, but to me you are the top in this relationship.”


“I don’t...hang on.” I take a few moments to think about what he has just said instead of immediately questioning or discounting it. “In other words, I help you to be stronger?”


“Yes.”


“And you help me to be...me?”


“Yes.”


“You just correct me when I need to be corrected. Like say the jealousy thing, there is no need for it, and you tell me off as it were for that.”


“I do believe my man has got it.”


“How do you know this though?” I turn so that I am resting against his chest and he is stroking my knuckles.


“I learned.” He replies.


“Todd taught you or Emmett?”


“Leroi.” I am so surprised that I turn to face him to see if he is joking, but he looks serious. “I am not kidding. Leroi taught me how to accept both sides of me. I fought my sub side for a while before…”


“How long have they been together?” I ask, settling back down.


“7, no 8 years, they got together after my first session with Peterkin.”


“8 years! But they are…ah got it.”


“Got what?” He softly kisses my cheek.


“Something Leroi whispered to me before I went in. He said I should stop fighting my natural instinct.”


“Said the same thing to me. He said you switch, stop fighting that. You will find the guy that works for you...allows you to be you.”


“So, your first session, what was it like?”


“Filled the need. But nothing has come close to the first time...” He turns my head so that he can kiss me again. “...with you. Not the kiss. The first time you told me to finger myself.”


“Can we go back to what we were doing?” I run my hand up his thigh.


“Oh....” He murmurs and starts to undo my shirt. “...I think that is a...”


“WAAAAAHHAAAAAA!” Explodes from the monitor.


“No.” He laughs and gently pushes me forward. “Let me go and get him. Can you sort out the bottle?” He calls over his shoulder.


“Absolutely.” I look at my watch and frown. “He’s due a bath soon, so you may have a nasty nappy to deal with!” I warn him.


“Lovely, just lovely.” He shouts back.


Ten minutes later I can’t help but laugh at his gasping and retching noises. “You got me back for the beetroot, didn’t you?” He demands through the monitor.


“Yep. Beetroot and sweet potato.” I chuckle.


“Hate you so much right now.” He grumbles. “Gus! This is Zenga for crying out loud! We do not piss on Zenga!”


“I’m coming to save my prince and his shirt!” I snicker, and then pause. “Did you say Zenga?”


All I can hear is Gus burbling.


“Brian, did you say Zenga? You don’t have a Zenga shirt here.”


“It went better with the suit than the Dior one, and besides, it’s too big for you.”


“So much trouble, mister! So much!” I growl, and stomp up the stairs with his laughter ringing out from the monitor.


MEL’S COTTAGE - SAME TIME


MEL


I close the door and smile. The courier has just left with the papers for Michael, and they should be with him within an hour. I didn’t need Brian’s signature on it because of the other agreement being notarised  When I was talking to everyone earlier, I pointed out that Lindsay would most likely persuade him to put the house in her name, reasoning that they can’t take away something he doesn’t have. She tried to do that with my cottage and the one we moved into, but I saw through that straight away. She tried to explain both away as we wouldn’t leave each other so it wouldn’t matter whose name it was in. But when I said just put it in mine then, she backed right off! Funny that!


My phone beeps and it’s Diana. “Del!” I call upstairs. “Diana will be here in 10 minutes!”


“Okay, sweetheart! Uh, Mel…”


“Del....”


“This blue bomber jacket, it’s mine, right? You know, since you don’t want to have to find another PA, do you?!”


“Are you and Treyvon still arguing about that?!” I demand, coming up the stairs and heading into the bedroom.


“Blue and bomber is so not her colour or style, but it is this Nubian’s!” He declares, trying to slap her hand away from the hanger.


“It...stop that...is my...I mean it, Trey...my colour!”


“Can you do a share and wear type of thing?”


“No!” They both look at me and retort, but that means that Del loosens her hold and he triumphantly snatches it to his chest then backs away. “She…” He sniffs imperiously. “...can have the red shirt and…” He holds up his hand as Del goes to object. “...the pink shoes. Mel, you and pink will never wink.”


“At the risk of sounding like the person who owns the contents of this wardrobe, do I get a say in any of this?” One set of brown and one set of grey eyes lock onto my face. “Of course not, whatever was I thinking?” Del kisses my cheek and Trey rubs my arm consolingly. “So, have we reached an agreement on my wardrobe?” I smile at them.


“Yep.” Treyvon smirks, and then swaps the shoes that Del took out. “They are fuchsia, these paler ones will make your legs look endless.” I nod in agreement when she tries them on. “So, why am I here again?” He asks carefully putting the jacket away in his bag and the bag over his shoulder with a knowing look at Del.


“Diana loved the dress that…”


“Ended up in a puddle on her bedroom floor?” He raises his glass and takes a sip. “Or was it hung up neatly to air in your spare room?”


“Yes.”


“Yes what? Puddle or hung?” Del looks over her glass at me.


“Hung. In her spare room.” I reply and wait for them to stop tittering. “So, she’s got a luncheon and is undecided on which look…”


“Is going to end up on your floor?”


“Spare room.” I assert. “You should have noticed that my clothes are pristine.”


“Good point.” Del chuckles, and then cocks her head. “I’ll get it!” She tells me.


“No, I will get it!” Treyvon pulls her away from the door. “I need to see her first!”


“Why?!” She demands, standing in front of him.


“I am the dresser. I have to absorb her clean essence.”


“Excuse me!” I shout, pushing passed both of them and heading to let her in. “I live here and she is my girlfriend, therefore, I will let her in!” As I open the door, she has an amused expression on her face.


“What?” I frown.


“Door is not as thick as you think it is, and your voice carries...girlfriend.”


“Just get in here!” I order smiling.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - 90 MINUTES LATER


STUDY


LINDSAY


He is sitting there looking at the two pieces of paper in shock and horror. “He said he would never take them away from me. He said!”


“Not quite, Michael…”


“HE SAID!” He bellows, and turns around so quickly, I have to take a couple of steps back.


“Michael, he never said that! I was there! We all were! He said that he would not buy them off you. You breached this agreement, and he is, they are, within their rights to invoke the clause. Now, calm down and remember things as they are, not how you want them to be!” He glares at me. “And also, there is the other matter of Justin…”


“What about the annoying fucker?!” He sits back down again, shaking his head.


“He is angry with you too, remember? He may not have reported you but that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to. He will see Brian doing this as permission to proceed I think. So, what are you going to do about the housing situation?”


“Why did you post the invoices?” He growls and looks across at me.


“Because you said you wanted them posted.” I almost have him where I want him. “Oh, hell no, you are not shooting me for this! I didn't put them in the envelopes. You did!”


“I am going to call him and tell him that these were jokes and…”


“Jokes?!” I scoff as I read the papers over his shoulder again. “In what world would that be funny?”


“Look, I need to think. I need to speak to them both and change their minds.”


“Brian, as we both know, never changes his mind once it is made up.”


“He will. He will on this, and then Ma will change her mind. I just need to get him alone to make him see sense!”


“She will push it through quickly you know?"


“Who will?” He demands.


“Mel. I know how she works." Ooh this is too easy! "She will push it through to make us homeless.”


“That fucking bitch would as well!” He throws the papers on the floor and drops his head in his hands. “What am I going to do?!”


“He can’t take away something that isn’t yours.” I tell him, touching his shoulder gently.


“Lindsay…” He shakes my hand off him. “...I already have a crazy cleaner, I don’t need you thinking like an idiot too! Of course he knows the house is mine! He bought it for me, remember?! Crazy cleaner, yes that’s it. Forgery!” He grabs the papers from the floor and then pauses. “Oh no, that won’t work because I had signed it before she came. Fuck!”


“No, Michael, I meant if you sign the house over to someone else and then rent it from them, then they can’t take it from you.”


“Oh. Now that idea has merit.” He ponders for a bit. “I know, I’ll sign it over to Ma. She won’t charge me rent anyway! I should have done that before! Thanks, Lindsay! Now where the hell is my phone? Oh, it’s upstairs!”

 

As he charges to his room, I think to myself; how the hell did I snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?!

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

The Good Avenue is Closed but The Bad Avenue is Open by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 39 - THE GOOD AVENUE IS CLOSED BUT THE BAD AVENUE IS OPEN


JENNIFER’S HOUSE - FOUR DAYS LATER


LOUNGE


JENNIFER


“What I don’t understand is how, no offence, Debs, he came to you with this simply brilliant idea?”


“None taken. No fucking clue. So what would you do?”


“To be honest? I would not be put in the position in the first place. But...I would say no.”


“I know I should. But…”


“Deborah, he lied about Brian inviting him to travel with him. He willingly sold toys to be where he wanted to be at the time. Just say no.”


She sits back for a few minutes before reaching for her phone and dialling, who I really hope she is dialling. “Michael, it’s Mom. No, I won’t take your house off of you. Because I don’t want to. You will bully, bludgeon and lie to get your way, and I have better battles to fight. So, I'll see you in court, if you are stupid enough to fight a millionaire who doesn’t like you and a mother who is fed up with you being so disappointing!”


Go Debs!


“Michael. Michael, stop screaming like a bishop in a brothel raid! I said no! You made this bed, now lie in it! You have lied about your relationship with Brian for so long that I no longer believe anything you say. What did you lie about? Well, let’s see, when you came back you said that you and Brian were a couple. A lie. Before you left you said that Brian asked you to go with him. A lie. And then you have the fucking nerve to call him a whore and act like his pimp! No, he is not a fucking whore! He is a man that is gorgeous and good at fucking. Something I have never heard about you! Goodbye, Michael!


I wait for her to centre herself as she holds the phone in her hand. “Carl always said I made a rod for my own back with him. Now onto more fun things, well not fun for you, Cyn and Daphne. You need to disguise these hips!”


“What are your views on a long length jacket and trousers?”


“I am not opposed to it. Not sure what Carl will think.”


“You did not just say that.” I look at her.


“Sorry, residual stupid from speaking to Michael.”


“I have to say it is very strong in that one. And it’s all him, not genetics.” She roars with laughter and, I think, relief! “Now, before we go onto that I just need to make another call. Won’t be long, while I do that, look at these suits.”


“Okay. Oh! I love that one. Wonder if it comes in purple?!”


I wince as I make my way to the office and close the door. Drumming my nails, I try to figure a way to help and punish at the same time, and then I have it. Quickly flicking through the Rolodex, I find the number and wait for the call to connect. “Ronald? It’s Jennifer. Jennifer Taylor. Can you talk without Nancy overhearing?”


KINNETIC - SAME TIME


BRIAN’S OFFICE


BRIAN


I am pacing, thinking of rotting fish, garbage, straight sex, anything to avoid cumming. I don’t know where he got this butt plug from, but he’s in Emmett’s office with the remote and has been edging me for the last three hours! I snicker as I hear a little yelp as I rapid press my remote.


“Oh fuck!” I groan as I lean against the bookshelf and rip out a book about Ibsen and start to read, but it’s no good. “IN HERE NOW AND FUCK ME!” I bellow, and I hear his stumbling footsteps as he makes his way up the corridor.


“Stop pressing!” He yells.


“Sorry!” I yell back as I realise I have it clenched in my fist. I wrench the door open while wrestling with my belt and then find my arms full of Justin and my mouth full of his tongue. I press him against the door, it is our favourite kissing position...his legs around my waist, his fingers in my hair and me in charge of the kiss. As much as I love him to kiss me, he’s told me that he loves it when I plunder his mouth. The only sounds in the office is our breathing and slurping as we feast on each other.


“As much as I am enjoying this…” He mumbles.


“Let me call her...after I take them out. Turn around.” I order gently, and he lowers his legs and faces the door. I slowly slide his pants down and remove the plug. He shudders and breathes heavily but doesn’t cum.


“Why can’t I take yours out?” He murmurs.


“Because I want to cum with you inside me, and the moment you touch it…”


“Okay, but can I see you do it?”


“Yeah.” I moan and drop my trousers and lean against the door, and he stands behind me. “I want you to tell me when though.”


“Now.” He sighs and I reach back and start to pull the plug out. I hear his breathing stop and feeling his fingers gently caressing my ass. “Oh, so beautiful. Stop.” I grind my teeth and feel my legs tremble as the widest part of the plug presses against my tender tissues. “Continue.”


I take a deep breath and slide the rest of the plug out without cumming. “Water.” I murmur and he crosses the room to get me some. When I finish the glass, I pull my pants up but don’t fasten them.


“He’s most likely fine, and we are worrying for nothing.” I try to reassure him. Although he smiles, he does not look convinced. It is the first time that he’s seen Gus with an upset stomach. Turns out that beetroot and sweet potato followed by his bottle and rhubarb crumble were not a good combination for his tummy! He was screaming the place down this morning, but he’s with Daph right now and we’re just making sure he’s alright.


I dial the number and he breathes when a grinning Daph and bubbling Gus come on screen. “It was a tiny bit too tart methinks. He ate it fine this morning, the rhubarb I mean.” She explains as he sucks his fist.


“Hi guys!” Officer ‘Drey’ Dreyfuss calls out as his saunters across the room.


“Hey.” We reply and then grin at each other.


“But we…”


“What’s that?” Justin steps nearer the screen and peers. “Where’s that scratch from?”


“His nails. They need to be cut. So I spoke to my mom and she showed me how to do it, now watch.”


I press record on my phone as she cuts them and he doesn’t make a sound, all he does when she’s finished is suck harder on his fingers.


“He’s absolutely fine. So, now can we continue our day? By the way, Drey and I are taking him shopping and we might go to GAP.”


“Oh, can you get him those cargo pants in blue and red and the sweaters with the cherries on?”


“What about the socks and the trainers? Them too?” She asks, nodding.


“GAP? Seriously, GAP?” I sigh, and then slowly start to smile. “And those shirts in green and black please. Oh, and scratch mitts.”


“Got it. See you later, daddies.”


“Later.” We call in unison and then turn to each other and smile.


“Oh, so sappilicious!” She coos.


“Go away, Daphne!” I retort, and click her off.


“See, there was nothing for you to be worrying about.” Justin comments as he closes down the cupboard that houses the screen.


“Come here, you adorable worrywart.” I open my arms and he steps into them. “Horrifying wasn’t it?”


“Mmm. Such a big noise for such a little person.” He looks up at me, his eyes filled with mischief. “Now let’s see if I can make a big noise come out of a big person. Turn around, Omega.”


JUSTIN


He turns around and moves the things from in front of him then drapes himself over the desk. I take my time pooling his trousers around his ankles. “Step out.” I order quietly, and while he obeys I remove my trousers and just marvel at his gorgeous behind. “So peachy and so keen...peachy keen.” I croon as I stroke his cheeks.


“Al…”


“Shush, I’m coming.” I whisper, and gently scissor him open a bit more while stroking my cock, I sheath myself and align my tip against his entrance. “You going to pop?”


“Most likely.” He groans and then keens as I enter him.


“Don’t clench! It will be over too soon.” I moan, and the only thing that is heard are his sighs, my groans and our flesh meeting. I can feel my balls drawing up, so I adjust my position and piston my hips. And then I stop moving.


“Alpha! Move, please move, don’t stop now, please!” He starts begging.


“You cum when I say you can, understand?” I growl before I pinch his ass, gently but fiercely enough for it to sting a bit.


He takes a deep breath. “Yes, Alpha, I understand. Sorry for being im...oh my God!” He moans as I slowly start moving again.


“Sorry for being what?” I ask him while I continue moving in and out of him, still not speeding up.


“For...for being impatient, my Alpha.” He answers, and I can feel that he is this close to cumming.


I decide to put him out of his sweet, torturous misery. “Such a good Omega. You make me so proud. You may cum now.” I whisper in his ear.


“Alpha!” He yells and clenches so hard that I can’t actually move.


“Oh God yes, Brian, YES!” I scream as I cum.


“Jesus!” He laughs and wiggles his hips and keeps moving them. “That was hot! Okay, we had the build up with the plugs, but you ordering me about like that, so fucking hot!”


I can’t actually speak.


“Justin, you okay?” He looks over his shoulder at me.


“Mmm. I...I...oh fuck!” I yelp as I cum again much to my surprise and then feel his ripple through him, it takes a while for us to get our breath back and I start to laugh. “Did we just do a second double?”


“I do believe we did.” He mumbles.


“Do you have a shower here?” I ask, kissing his shoulder while still inside him.


“Mmmm. Want to go a third?”


“Yes. But you inside me.”


“It will be my pleasure and honour, Alpha.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON


LOUNGE


LORRAINE


I listened to his conversation with his mother earlier, well, if that’s what he calls talking so disrespectfully to the person that birthed him! Not only is this man depraved, but he’s also rude! I will have to correct that too!


“Lorraine, what are you doing?” He demands.


Demands...he demands, this impudent fool!


“Trying to remove the devil essence that you have lingering. You and I need to pray again for both your soul and your manners. If you were my son and spoke to me in such a way, you would be eating soap!” I grab his wrist tightly and yank him into a kneeling position. “I hope this round of prayer will inspire you to apologise for...kneel!” I order, and dig my nails into his wrist and he winces...good! “Now, let us begin! Our Father...you need to repeat this, Michael. Only by repeating what I say will you atone for your sins”


“Now just a...owwww!” He yells as I dig my nails in harder.


“If you were not guilty of your sins, you would not feel the pain!” I glare at him. “You are a victim of Sodom and Gomorrah. You are disrespectful to your bearer and you treat…”


“My bearer?!” He unwisely interrupts. “For fuck...are you insane?!” He screams as I throw the Holy Water in his face.


“This will cleanse your spirit!” I tell him. “Now repeat after me. Our Father!”


MICHAEL - AN HOUR LATER


I inspect my wrist where she clawed me, and it is still red and dented. I reach for my phone and dial the number. “Brian Kinney’s...stop that...cell!” A voice laughs.


“This is Mikey, I want to speak to Brian!” I snap.


“Well this is Justin and you can’t.” He snaps back and hangs up!


I dial him again and put him on speaker while I apply some ointment. “What do you want Michael?”


While part of me is pleased that he overruled that fucker, I am less pleased with his use of my full name in that tone. “Did you get my message from earlier about Emmett’s lack of opening?”


“Yes. I knew it wasn’t open as Emmett was with me. With all of us when we were reading your invoices and reminiscing....”


“Reminiscing about what, Bri?”


“Mr Kinney. Now what do you want?”


“Mr...fine, let’s do it your childish way. These invoices, they were obviously a joke, which again you have taken far too seriously. And what were you reminiscing about?”


“You have said it before that you never joke about three things: comics, collectibles and money. So, no, they were not a joke. And we were reminiscing about your lovely speech about drug users who should be put up against the wall and shot if the drugs don’t get them first.”


“I am entitled to my opinion, and that is my opinion.” I retort.


“So, my so called best friend thinks I am a whore who should be dead by now?”


“What are you talking about?”


“Well, I did a lot of drugs back in the day, or doesn’t it matter when I’m heroically focused on fucking?”


“How did you know I said...I mean who…”


“Was that it?” He sighs.


“No, this is not it. You need to get rid of that psycho cleaner that you hired to do this place. She’s grievously injured me and…”


“I haven’t hired a cleaner for you. I wouldn’t want to inflict your idea of clean on anybody.”


“What do you mean you didn’t hire anybody? You did! There was a meeting about it! Lindsay and I were there!”


“Mr Novotny, I want nothing more from you than the house and store that as per the agreement your amusing invoices have cost you.”


“This isn’t funny, Brian!”


“Mr Kinney. And, like you, I don’t joke about money.”


“Oh, come on! Ma won’t let me sign it over to her either!”


“Jesus, you are a piece of shit work!” Justin exclaims. “And I bet you wouldn’t have paid rent, would you?! In either place?!”


“Who the fuck is this?!” Even though I know who it is, I just want to annoy him like he’s annoying me by his constant interference. “And why are you speaking on Brian’s phone?!”


“Oh, come on, you can’t be that fucking dense? I take that back, you are that fucking dense! Try to cast your tiny mind back to Babylon, when Jeremy dumped you after you watched Brian and I make love...I’m that guy! And I am also the guy who will be suing you for assault, so I suggest you let your attorney know that he’s going to be very busy indeed!” I go quiet for a few seconds. “I think he’s hung up.”


“No, he’s waiting for me to tell you not to go after him.”


“Are you going to do that?”


“No.”


“No what?” The twink purrs in what he thinks is a sexy manner, but just makes him sound like he has a blocked nose.


“No Sir.” Brian replies.


“You going to hang up?”


“Yes Sir.”


“No! Just you wait, Brian! You are not hanging up on...Brian?! Brian!” I shout into dead air, and then redial and it rolls to voicemail.


“Michael, for goodness sake, who are you yelling at?! I could hear you bellowing from down the street!” Lindsay exclaims as she comes in.


“The bonehead asshole and his dickhead dominator!” I snap. “He said he’s serious about the house and the store, Ma won’t let me sign it over to her, and that dickhead said that he’s going to sue me!”


“Well, you knew that was going to happen, didn’t you? I told you that.” She shakes her head at me like I’m being unreasonable. “Why won’t she take the house and the store though?”


“Didn’t say, but she’s going to take it whether she likes it or not! And another thing, he said that he didn’t hire that nut job cleaner!”


“Lorraine? Well if he didn’t, then who did? Call that Richard guy that was here the last time and ask him.”


“Yeah, I’ll do that. I’m going to the store. I can’t believe how he is behaving after all of this...uh, Lindsay why are you home now?”


“I was supposed to be going to Paris and had already booked these days off, starting from this afternoon, but Sidney gave the trip to someone else and I am not minded to be in the same place as him right now.”


“Oh, I see. Okay see you later.”


“Bye.”


ATTIC - AN HOUR LATER


LORRAINE


I had come up here to check for any other pieces of filth. I listen to him rave on in disbelief, and he was so insulting about me! Well, I think he needs to learn a much sharper lesson!


DOWN THE STREET FROM MICHAEL’S HOUSE - THREE DAYS LATER


LINDSAY


I take my case out from the boot of the cab. I had a lovely break in New York. Okay, it’s not Paris, but it was better than staying here and listening to Michael rant about Brian and his Ma. Now that I am freed of the shackles of the cottage, I can concentrate on getting what I want and I want that house! I had time to reflect in New York and I shall just wait it out...Debs will not change her mind on this and soon he will see me as his only alternative!

 

 

As I walk up the path towards my house, I notice that people are on the street and staring at something.


“I said open this fucking door!” I hear Michael screaming and sigh.


“What has happened now?” I mutter to myself, and then come to an astounded halt and take in the scene in front of me. Michael is outside the house hammering on the door, and strewn all over the garden are bits of clothing and other things. And some of those other things are mine! “Michael!” I rush up to him. “What is going on?!”


“That nut job Lorraine has changed the locks and thrown me out of my own fucking house!”


“This is now a House of God!” She yells out of the window. “Until you repent your sins, you disgusting heathen, then I will never leave! So no, I won’t open this door to either of you!” She then slams the window shut and closes the curtains.


“Michael, do as she asks so we can get back inside and…”

 

“No! I am calling the police!” He snarls, and paces while he waits to be connected. Ten minutes later it is Michael in the back of a squad car as, true to his word, Justin has reported him for assault!

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Causes and Clauses of a Son and Daughter's Sadness by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 40 - CAUSES AND CLAUSES OF A SON AND DAUGHTER’S SADNESS


INTERVIEW ROOM 2, 57TH PRECINCT - AN HOUR LATER


MICHAEL


I stare at the cop, who just stares back. “So how long until my attorney gets here? You can’t question me without an attorney!”


“I wasn’t there when you made the call to your attorney, so I don’t know.”


“You are most probably holding him up.” I assert, and lean back in my chair just as there is a sharp knock on the door; he lets in Horace, my attorney. “How convenient! I ask what the hold up is, and lo and behold here he is!”


“Had to make my way across town. So what’s this about an assault?”


“It was an accident, not an assault. He’s over reacted as he is threatened by my place in Brian’s life.” I glare at the cop who has just scoffed. “As if I would do such a thing!”


Horace raises an eyebrow. “Okay, let’s start from the beginning shall we…”


THREE HOURS LATER


MICHAEL


I am making my way home feeling very pissed off! I have been formally charged with assault on Justin The Dumb Dom Taylor! It’s not like I don’t have enough to deal with! When my phone rings, I am unsurprised to see that Ma is calling me…no doubt this is at the nasty bidding of Carl! “Called to gloat, have you? What do you mean what about? Surely your boyfriend would...what do you mean he’s not your boyfriend anymore?! Where are you? Your place? I will be right there. Ma, I am so sorry!” I hang up and signal for a taxi. As I sink into the seat, I would feel sorry about them splitting up, but to be honest I never liked that guy! He was in her life far too long, and now it’s back to it just being the two of us...well the three of us when Brian dumps the Dumb Dom!


DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - 40 MINUTES LATER


KITCHEN


DEBS


I turn the cutlet and look over my shoulder as once more I hear Carl chuckle. “You know what he’s thinking, don’t you?” He rolls his eyes.


“What?” I ask, pouring myself a glass of wine. “Oh surely not?! That’s why he said he was sorry!”


“Shall I formally…” He begins, but then the insistent ringing on the doorbell stops him. “Want me to get it? Mess with him a bit?”


“Please and yes.” I grin.


“What are you still doing here?!” Michael demands, and then strides past him to stand in solidarity with me. “Want me to get rid of him, Ma?”


“No. It’s fine, Michael. Carl was just leaving.” I tell him. “But before he does, there’s something you should know. Carl...care to explain to my son why you are no longer my boyfriend?”


“Let me guess, you cheated on her, neglected her or both?! I said that he spent too much time on the job, if that’s what he was doing!” He barks.


“Because I’m her fiancé.” Carl replies and opens the fridge.


“Actually, I don’t want to hear it! What the hell are you doing with that beer?!”


“I am leaving to go to the lounge to watch the game. Debs, call me if you need me.”


“Thanks, sweetheart but I can handle this. I won’t be long.” He raises his bottle to me then shuts the door quietly behind him. I turn to Michael, whose jaw would be swinging if it was on hinges. “So, what was I supposed to be gloating about that my fiancé hasn’t told me?”


“Fi...fiancé?” He stutters weakly then reaches for the stool. “He’s your...when did you decide to do this, and without my permission?”


“Well, he asked me a month ago and I only just realised when Brian, Justin and I had that chat about Gus...that’s Gus not Guy, oh wannabe Guardian of the Kinney Legacy. So, I finally accepted. But I am confused, why would I need your permission? You don’t ask my permission to live your life, but expect me to fix the fuck ups you make.”


“What fucks up?! What chat? What are you talking about?! Do you have any idea the stress that I am under because of Justin and that fruitcake that Brian hired?!”


“I know I am going to regret this, but what exactly has Justin done to you, I mean apart from actually be in a relationship with Brian? And Brian has not hired any fruitcakes, had one as a former best friend, yes, but hired no.” His face begins to twitch and his eyes narrow. “Now, before you take the Chinese route with your response, remember what happened the last time?”


He subconsciously covers his crotch and then sniffs. “Ma, Justin had me arrested for accidentally breaking a glass, of which a tiny speck went in his eye. You and Brian are overreacting to the invoices, and his fruitcake has kicked me out of my house!”


“You tried to have me arrested for what happened at your store. Or do arrests only matter when you order them?”


“I said I was sorry!” He exclaims.


“Only when I made it clear that forgiveness wasn’t on the cards when you wanted it! And even then it was grudgingly given!”


“Ma, can you please just focus on the problems that I have at the moment?” He sighs. “You know his Mother don’t you?” I nod. “Well, can you speak to her about…” I shake my head and he folds his arms. “Why not?”


“Because this is between you and him. Not you, me, him and her. You started this fight. Now, Carl and I are going to eat. You created these problems, so you solve them like any normal grown up!”


“But my house, Ma, and my store! He gave me my lifelong dream! He…”


“Your dream, his nightmare!” I snap. “Carl, going to serve up now, do you want another beer?!”


“Please, honey!” He shouts back.


“So, if there is nothing else, you really should be going.”


“But I can’t get into my house!” He screams, his face going red.


“Michael, how did she change the locks in the first place?”


“I don’t fucking know!”


“Well, unless she’s a trained locksmith, I’m figuring what my fiancée is trying to say…” Carl drawls as he comes back in. “...is that you should call a locksmith and get them changed like she did. But we ask again, how did she get them changed in the first place? She would have to prove ownership for a start…” Michael shifts and looks away. “...what did you get her to do?”


“She took advantage of my…”


“Stupidity and laziness?” I sigh. “Since I want to eat, I shall let you know what I know. You broke the key in the lock when you were taking delivery of more toys. She turned up to do her usual shift, but you called the locksmith and had her wait for them, while you went to a fayre.” He looks flabbergasted. “How do I know this?” He just blinks. “You seem to forget that I work for Kinnetic Estates, and almost all of the houses bar one are owned and leased by us. People talk! She had warned you about your filth and disrespect, and you didn’t take heed. So, if you want that dream house back, I would be a good little penitent pissant and repent! I will tell you one thing though, Michael…” He looks hopeful. “...if you do get back inside, make the most of it, because we will take ownership of it and your store. But if we are feeling magnanimous enough, we might let you work there.”


“Where will I live?” He says looking queasy.


“Damned if I know, and fuck if I care, but know this: it won’t be here!” Carl growls and pulls him off the stool but he wrenches his arm free. “Want to be arrested again? I haven’t retired yet!” He growls.


“How on earth did you end up with this guy?!” He sneers, and holds his ground. “You never told me how this great romance came to be. I came home from a convention and that was that, we were saddled with him! But he obviously knows a good thing when he sees it, he’s not going to let this cash cow go, is he?!”


The only thing that stops me from giving him a proper slap is relishing what I am going to say next. “Brian told me he was checking me out.”


His face falls. “Br...Brian contributed to this relationship?!”


“Even paid for dinner and my outfit. And he’s paying for the wedding, well he and Justin are, and letting us have it at Britin. Just so you know, you are not invited. Brian will be giving me away. And speaking of away...GO!” I yell and shove him towards the front door.


“Don’t come crying to me when this all goes wrong!” He snarls.


“I have never come crying to you before and I don’t intend to start now!” I shove him out and slam the door in his face before he can say anything else. “Right, let’s eat!” I tell Carl firmly.


“No, let me hold my fiancée first and try to make it all better.” Carl tells me gently, and I step into his warm and loving embrace.


MICHAEL’S STORE - MORNING, A WEEK LATER


MICHAEL


I have ended up sleeping on the couch in the office. The first night it was because I was just too shocked to go anywhere but here! So Brian is the cause of me getting him, of all fucking people, as a stepfather! But for the last few nights, I have been guarding my store just in case she sends one of her fruitcake friends here! I am so glad that I persuaded Brian to put in a shower. I wince as I sit up and my back spasms. “I knew I should’ve insisted on a sofa bed instead of this damn couch!” I grouse as I slowly stand up. “Right, first things first, shower and then a word with the gay version of Patti Stanger!”


Twenty minutes later, I feel better and am pouring myself a cup of coffee. I haven’t left here, not even to buy food, I wait for the takeaway guy to leave before I quickly unlock the door and snatch the food inside...but the bins are starting to get full and the air a little funky.


I frown when I hear the door knocking, and am surprised to see Lindsay peering through the windows. I wave my phone at her and she rolls her eyes before calling me. I put her on speaker so I can drink my coffee. “What are you doing here, and why haven’t you been returning my calls?” She demands.


“Drinking coffee and protecting my Alamo. What are you doing here? Where did you end up?”


“At my cottage.”


“I thought you didn’t have that anymore?” I frown.


“Michael, can you please let me in? I would rather not discuss this so that all of Liberty Avenue can hear it!”


“Alright but be quick coming in!” I snap and open the door.


“Thank you.” She says as she comes in, and then wafts her hand in front of her face. “Can you open a window at least? Have you even left here?”


“How can I protect it if I leave? Now, what is that about your cottage?”


Sighing, she looks for somewhere to sit, and uses a couple of comics as a cushion. “Well, it turns out that I am not as free of the cottage as I thought. I had made a minor miscalculation and still have a small mortgage on it. But luckily I have almost found a tenant for it. I have been making it habitable. It cost my parents a good few dollars, which, surprisingly, they loaned me. This is why I was at my cottage, I am not living there, too many bad memories!” She sighs again but I am in no mood to be sympathetic!


“That’s great for you! Meanwhile, I still have a problem with my house! And on top of that Ma and Carl are getting married!”


“Oh, sorry to hear that.” She twists her face in disgust...she hates him too! “However, I am not here to discuss geriatric marriages. It seems you no longer have a squatter in your house!”


“What? When did that happen?!” I exclaim.


“I don’t know! I was called last night by that Eli from the Committee to say we must return immediately!” She retorts.


“Come on, let’s go!” I start to leave but she remains seated. “Lindsay, I want to go home!”


“That’s the thing, you still won’t have a home. Or a store. You know when the court case happens...”


“For fuck sake!” I snarl. “What am I going to do? Ma is refusing to take them over from me.”


“I honestly don’t know, Michael, but at least you will have them for a few weeks, and it will give you time to maybe put some stuff temporarily in storage. I am sure there is an appeals process for this...”


“No! I am not losing my dream house or my perfect store…”


“It doesn’t look so perfect right now.” She points out.


I stride to the office and pull out the paperwork I had on me at the time of the arrest, and the transfer papers are still there. “How about I transfer them into both our names?” But she shakes her head. “Why not?”


“You clearly don’t remember, do you? The clause was very specific...any property bought by Brian Aiden Kinney for Michael Charles Novotny or Grassi that is in his name will be forfeited.”


“Christ!” I holler, and try to get Hugo on the line, but he’s out of the state. “Come on, let’s go!”


“Go where?!”


“There’s a property attorney up the street, Pitsson something or other, let’s get this signed over to you right now!” I declare.


LINDSAY - AN HOUR LATER


“Okay, Michael, let’s get you home!” I tell him as we head to find a taxi.


“Thanks, Lindsay, you’re a lifesaver!” He sighs as he rubs his eyes tiredly. “Alright, so we have to do it tomorrow, but at least my house and store will be safe from them!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


“Did you get them to clean up the garden?” He asks as I get out of the cab.


“No. I have been staying with my parents.”


I don’t understand what has happened here!


“Ah, Mr Novotny and Ms Peterson, you are finally back.” The snotty tones of Eli interrupt us.


“Look, Eli, we have had a very trying time and…” I begin.


“We have spoken to Mr Kinney, and now that we are aware of your situation with him. That combined with the continued disruptive behaviour emanating from this residence, the Greenfield Boulevard Neighbourhood Committee has voted to invoke the eviction notice. You are to check your boxes and leave immediately!”


“What?!” We both exclaim.


“You can’t do this!” I gasp.


“We can. It is a term of being a tenant and...”


“I am not a fucking tenant! I own this house!”


“And for being a homeowner in Greenfield Boulevard, there is an expected level of behaviour. You have never come close. Now, as I said, check your boxes and leave. They only have your clothing and other personal effects. The furniture, as per the agreement, remains.”


“What?! No! I chose that!” He wails.


“For once you showed exceptional taste. It is a shame for you both that you didn’t behave that way. You have one hour!”


Michael and I exchange horrified looks. Why was that fucking attorney busy? Why?!


WOODY’S - AN HOUR LATER


BOOTH


JUSTIN


“Mom, over here!” I call out as I see her beautifully coiffured chignon; she smiles as she approaches, and takes a seat. We look at her expectantly.


“They are out!” She grins.


“Are you sure? They’re gone?” Emmett demands.


“As of 15 minutes ago, they were last seen in a truck heading away from Greenfield Boulevard. Both looking like they wanted to cry...actually I think Michael had already started before the first box was put in. Oh wait, Melissa over here!” Mom calls out.


“Mom?!” Daph demands puzzled.


“Meet the other protagonist in this happy tale.” Mom pours her a glass.


“Seriously, Jennifer, they’re gone? Both the store and the house are mine?” Brian looks stunned.


“Yes they are a parasitic best friend, dear friend, unloving son and manipulative daughter free zone!”


Mel raises her glass. “Well I suggest a toast. To never pissing Jennifer and Melissa off!”


“Cheers!” We all yell.


“Hey. You okay?” I whisper to Brian, who although raised his glass still seemed a little shocked.

 

“Never been happier.” He grins.

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

The Wasp-Pack Protects and The Overstep by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 41 - THE WASP-PACK PROTECTS AND THE OVERSTEP


JUSTIN


“But how?!” Daph demands, sipping her champagne. “And why didn’t you let me play Mom?!”


“Because the wasp-pack wanted to defend their cubs.” Mrs C - as I call her - replies, smiling at Daph’s sulky expression.


“Again, how though?” Benson asks.


“Amazingly enough it was Michael that gave me the idea. A very simple plan. I called Ronald and asked them to help Lindsay with the cottage. She, naturally, bit their hands off like a rabid dog once made the offer, so that held her focus. Between Peterkin, me and Richard, it was a matter of bringing it to completion. We already did the set up; and Lorraine who, by the way, you are most welcome for, played her part beautifully…”


“Richard and Peterkin?” Brian questions.


“Mom, who’s Richard?” I ask, looking around the table at a circle of bewildered faces.


“And who the hell is Lorraine?!” Emmett demands.


“Richard is a fellow Dom. You all, well mostly, know Peterkin. So, when Peterkin told me of your plan, Ems, to send in the pray away the gay nut job that was at his brother’s. It gave me the idea to get the committee to invoke the eviction clause, very good whoever put that in”


“How did you know about that clause?” Brian asks.


“A lady never tells. So I called in a favour from a rather obedient little sub of mine. Which reminds me, I need to give her a reward session. Once he was out, she called me, and then it was a simple case of pack them up while keeping Michael busy protecting his store and Lindsay in her cottage. The place looks very nice now.”


I don’t think I have ever seen Mel and Brian look so stunned. “You did this in a week?” Mel gasps.


“Yes.” She smiles. “So what are you going to do with the house and the store? From what I heard on the Avenue, a fumigation of the store is called for!”


“Wait, hang on!” Ted slaps the table.


“No more champagne for you, mister, not until you eat something.” Blake tells him firmly.


“Okay, honey.” He grins at him before turning back to Mom. “How did you keep Michael there though?”


“Leaflet drop.” She takes a delicate sip. “Shame those religious groups only posted them through his letterbox.”


“Thank God I will never face you in court!” Mel exclaims raising her glass.


“Oh, we need another bottle. I’ll get it.” I declare, and ignore the questioning look on Brian’s face. As I reach the bar I take out my phone and send a text. Do not tell Brian I told you about the clause, when I overheard him at the block party! Thanks, Mom.


I signal the barman and feel a bit better at not having betrayed a confidence. I smile as a familiar arm drapes over my shoulder. “Hello.” He whispers in my ear and I shiver at the warmth of his breath. “Your Mom asked me to look after her phone while she went to the powder room.” I stiffen and swallow before turning to face him.


“Um…”


“Um?”


“I shouldn’t have told her what I overheard but I was…” I trail off as he just gives me that look. “Are we going home now?”


“Not yet. But when we get there, I want full and frank disclosure as to what you’ve been saying. Understand?”


“Yes.” My heart sinks because that his business voice...yeah, I’m fucked, and not in a good way.


“You go back to the table, I’ll bring these.” He orders, and then turns back to the bar.


When he comes back, he barely looks at me. “So, Melissa, what part did you play in this play of however many parts?”


“I saw Sidney the week before last and asked how he was going to cope without the expertise of Lindsay while she is in the process of fixing her cottage up for her new tenant. Told him I felt so sorry for her, what with all the problems she’s been having, but having an income from that tenant should ease her concerns...”


“And…” Drey prompts.


“Well, she told him that she’s got a mild case of e-coli, which she caught from equine excrement that was erroneously deposited outside her cottage. This has increased her stress and anxiety levels to such an extent that her doctor insisted she rest...she produced a doctor’s note and every…”


Mel starts to laugh and takes her phone out of her purse. “How the fuck didn’t we send that?!” She exclaims. “Grab your phones, people! Grab your phones!” Soon the entire table is roaring with laughter as we watch Lindsay first trip over the bags, and then get covered in horse shit. “I can’t thank whoever sent this enough. I mean…”


“I’ll tell him, I’m meeting him for lunch.” Mom grins.


“Who?” We say almost as one.


“Sidney.” She turns to Mel. “You have a very loyal friend in him you know?”


“I do now.” She blushes a little. “So, the house, rent it or sell it. But the store, what the hell do you want to do with that?”


“No fucking idea.” He looks around the booth. “Anybody got any suggestions? It is not going to remain a comic book store, I can tell you that much!”


“Have you got the store yet though?” Ted asks frowning. “He’s been there all week, so…”


“Such a terrible shame about the break-in.” Drey pipes up.


“What break-in?” Ted looks at Brian who shrugs.


“Apparently, not soon after he left the store with Lindsay, someone broke in. Made off with half of his stock, my colleagues are still trying to locate him to let him know about this unfortunate turn of events…”


“Wait a second...” Ted looks between Drey, Mom and Mrs C. “You’re a WASP!” He points at Drey who nods slowly. “And...no let me try to navigate this...you, Jennifer, called in a favour over his store door?” More nodding. “Is Hunter a WASP?” She shakes her head. “So how did...he’s not the signwriter is he?” She tilts her head in confirmation, and he pauses for a few seconds. “You know what I think?”


“Go on, impress us more than you have already.” Mrs C demands, smiling.


“I think you were planted there, Drey, to arrest him over the cock on the cape thing? But it was pure coincidence that Lindsay was there and she had a cock-alert-jerk moment. And when you, Justin, mentioned the dinner, she was determined to come and rub Mel’s nose in it that she’s with a guy now? But I don’t think Daph and you were set up as it were. Unluckily for Lindsay, it was a coincidence, but Hunter for Cyn wasn’t? Am I right so far?”


“So far so very good.” Mrs C chuckles.


“Now here’s where I get a bit lost, why did you agree to help, Drey?”


“Mrs soon-to-be H and Little Grub, and not just because Daph carried him.” He replies, and that stuns everyone.


“Well, why then?”


“Mrs soon-to-be H is a great lady, and she’s made that grizzled old bear of a cop happy. You know, he wasn’t going to retire?” He smiles. “For the last two years they’ve been so happy, the amount of double shifts he pulled before he left was because he could not bear to watch her be browbeaten by that ungrateful reprobate. He was utterly heartbroken for her when the great romance between Michael and Brian turned out to be nothing but a wet dream. He hadn’t changed, in fact he got worse, and she was so disappointed…”


“Yes, she told him as such when she refused to take his store and house.” Mom sighs.


“But then when he was prepared to have her arrested, that was the last straw for him...and her.” He shakes his head. “She’s done so much and been so much for people, even when they don’t want her to…”


“Yeah, I hear that.” Brian snickers and I smile at him, but his promptly drops off his face and again my heart sinks. “Excuse me, Benson. I need to just to go to the bathroom.”


“Sure, Guvnor.”


Once I am in the sanctuary of the stall I pull out my phone and send him a text; I was drunk and cross and I’m sorry. Alpha.


I wait for ten minutes and he doesn’t respond. Sighing, I head back to the booth.


BRIAN


“We were beginning to think you fell in.” Daph teases him, and he gives her a small smile.


“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Jennifer asks, and he nods but doesn’t look at me, which is fine because I don’t want to look at him right now!


“So, coming back to why you helped Drey.” Justin turns to him. “What was it about my Little Grub that made you…”


“Stop it!” I growl.


“Stop what? I call him Little Grub. What’s the problem, Mr O, I mean K?”


“You know what. Now stop. I am already fucked off, let’s not make it any worse!”


“What’s going on?” Emmett looks worriedly between the pair of us.


“Me make it worse?!” He exclaims. “You seem to forget your place and…”


“My place! My place!” I bellow at him and the entire bar goes quiet. “I know my place in your life, but you don’t seem to understand where you fit in my business life, and that is nowhere! You had no right to say what you said, drunk or not. No right!”


“I hadn’t realised that they were mutually fucking exclusive! And whilst we’re on the subject of rights, Ome…”


“Stop it, Justin! Stop trying to pull rank here!”


“BOYS OFFICE NOW!” Jennifer yells.


“No!” I shout and stand up almost shoving everyone out of the way to get away from him and her. “This, with all due respect, Jennifer, is none of your business. I will see you guys later!”


“Brian! You are being a fucking drama queen!” Justin yells.


“Justin, shut the fuck up!” Is the last thing I hear Jennifer bellow at him as the door closes behind me.


JUSTIN


I can’t believe she just said that. “Mom! You don’t know what the fuck is going on, so keep out of it!”


“I know that judging by the text from you that you fucked up big time! But you’re right, I shall keep the fuck out of it and watch you lose the best thing that has EVER happened to you!”


“I got him. I can get someone else without his level of hysteria!” I snipe and storm out.


As I stand outside I start to shake, not because of the cold because it’s still warm, but because I know I have well and truly fucked up. Once again, I was just too Justin to let him calm down.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


BRIAN


I relish slamming the door because Gus is with Cyn tonight. Not even Michael has made me as angry as Justin made me right now. He breached a confidence and then tried to use his Alpha position in public to bring me to heel! I pour myself a Beam and slowly start to calm down. I scrub my face and sigh before I drain the glass and head up to bed.


EMMETT’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


MASTER BEDROOM


BRANDON


“So, can we talk about it?” I question warily.


“Brian and Justin?” He turns on his side and then nods.


“What do you think it was about?”


“I think, judging from what Jennifer said about the text that it was Justin who told her about the clause in the contract, and he was trying to get her to not drop him in the shit. But in doing so he dropped himself in it, then reacted in a Dom-outside way, when Brian was justifiably fucked off.”


“Dom-outside?” I frown.


“Justin should not have tried to dominate him outside the privacy of their relationship. He breached a boundary to, in a sense…”


“Force Brian into stopping being angry?” He nods and smiles a little grimly, “l don’t see how he thought that would work.”


“That’s the point. It didn’t work, and he being new at this is no excuse for not using common sense!”


“I hope they work it out.” I sigh as I curl into his side.


“They had better. They’re going to notice when I make Justin stand on a box so I can bang their heads together!”


BLUE MOON HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


MASTER BEDROOM


BRIAN


It’s no good! I can’t sleep! I have been staring at the ceiling for the last couple of hours, trying to work out who was more at fault and, ego aside, hand on heart it’s him. I would’ve been fine if he hadn’t brought Gus into the conversation. That really fucked me off. I wouldn’t have blown up so much if he hadn’t done that. He crossed a line there, and then Jennifer trying to make me do as she said as well, I just had to leave before I said things I'd regret and couldn't take back.


I snap on the light as I think I heard something, but then it is quiet, so I turn it off again. But then I hear it again. I get out of bed and head downstairs just as Justin comes through the door.


“What are you doing here?” He asks quietly.


“I live here. What are you doing here...” I begin.


“I have a key. You gave it to me.”


“I know, I was there when I did that. I mean what are doing here with those?” I point to the bags in his hand.


“I have to…”


“Where did you think I would be, if not here?” I think I know the answer, and feel myself starting to get annoyed.


“Out I guess.” He mumbles.


“Out. You thought I would be out? Doing what? Fucking and sucking all night?


“I don’t know! I’ve never seen you so cross!”


“Cross?! I wasn’t cross! Don’t try to trivialise my feelings or what you did, I was fucked off!”


“Well I was fucked off too!” He barks at me.


“You?! You were fucked off?! Pray tell what were you fucked off about exactly?! I don’t remember breaking any of your confidences and then trying to get my mother to cover it up!”


“That’s not fair!”


“How the fuck is it not fair when that’s what you did?!”


“Look, I know I fucked up, badly! I was wandering around for the last couple of hours and you are right! Not only shouldn't I have told Mom, drunk or not, I definitely shouldn't have tried to make her cover it up. On top of that I never should have tried to use my position as your Alpha to make you stop being angry with me. I humiliated you and no one should ever do that. There is no excuse even though I am truly sorry. Let me just go and grab my stuff and I will be gone in a heartbeat.”


“What are you talking about, gone? Gone where?” I ask, not having a clue what's happening here.


“Out of your life. Where else should I go? I am clearly not what you need. You deserve a Dom who treats you with respect, and that's definitely not what I did. How could you want me after I was so horrible to you? I love you so much, and...I want you to be happy...not to make you miserable.”


He looks at me, and there are tears pouring down his face. I can't believe what is happening here, what he is talking about? “Justin, what…” I start but he interrupts me again.


“Can I ask you for one last favour? Not that I deserve it, but...can you...can you tell Gus that I love him and give him...one...just one last kiss from...from me?” He walks past me with his head bowed. I see his shoulders start to shake and hear the sobs as he starts to walk upstairs to the bedroom.


“NOW JUST ONE FUCKING MINUTE!” I yell, and he stumbles up the stairs in surprise.


“Please don’t shout anymore!” He whispers and keeps walking.


“You don’t get to do this!” I snarl. “You don’t get to come into our lives and think that after one, admittedly, monumental fuck up, that you have to fucking leave!” He takes a hiccuping breath. “And you most definitely don’t get to say you love me without me saying it back!”


He stops walking and slowly turns around. “What? What did you just say?”


“I haven’t said it yet.” I tell him as I walk to the foot of the stairs. “I was going to say I love you, but I realise that I don’t…”


“I understand and deserve the honesty, no matter how much it hurts!” He says, and starts to walk back up the stairs.


“For fuck sake! Jesus, Justin! Will you let me finish?! We love you. Me and Little Grub love you.” There is nothing but silence, I can’t even hear us breathing. “But I love you in a different way than he does.”


He sniffs. “Oh good, because that would be all kinds of wrong if you didn’t.”


“Who’s moving first and where?”


“Me to you!” He cries and flies down the stairs, I almost cry myself when I tighten my arms around his trembling body and try to stop his frenzied apologies and promises of never to do it again.


“Justin. Stop!” I shake him firmly. But then he starts shaking and slumps down on the floor. He pulls his legs to his chest and wraps his arms around them. He is starting to freak me out because he looks like he is going catatonic. “Justin? Justin, what the fuck? Talk to me, please!” His breathing is choppy and he’s pale. I run to get the blanket and cover him up with it and then wrap myself around him.


“I’m sorry!” He says, over and over again. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! Dad, I am sorry! I’m sorry Dad!”


“Justin?” I try to reach him again. “It’s Brian, please look at me. Look at me Justin.” Slowly he turns his head. “Keep looking at me. See me.” For a few minutes I watch his pupils flicker but he never blinks and I am seriously considering calling an ambulance when he blinks. “Do that again, blink for me again.” He blinks twice and turns his head from side to side as if trying to figure out where he is. “You are home Justin. With me and, when he gets home, Little Grub.”


“I’m freezing.” He mumbles.


“Can you stand?” He blinks hard at the question. “Can you stand?” I repeat.


“Yes.” I unwrap myself from him and take the blanket off him and see why he is freezing he is drenched with sweat. “Can I have that back? So cold.”


In answer to his question I scoop him up and swiftly carry him to the en suite, which is always warm, and put him on the floor near the radiator. I start to set the bath putting in his favourites.


“It was my punishment.” He says.


I turn off the taps and look at him. “What was?”


“Being blind. My punishment. If I hadn’t argued, he wouldn’t have turned around to yell at me and he would’ve seen the truck.”


I wipe my hands on the towel and sit next to him. “When you told me about the accident, did you lie?”


“No, of course not!” He fumes.


“Then you know that the argument happened at home and a drunk truck driver hit your car.”


“But the last thing he said to me was, that I was an immature brat, and he was right, and I never apologized to him. He was so angry with me, and if I hadn't been acting like the fucking brat I was back then, he and Molly would still be alive!”


“No, Justin.” I turn his face to me. “He wasn’t angry at you, he was angry at the situation you were in. You were running late for Molly’s class, his meeting and then he got a flat.”


“But I told him to speed up so that…”


“Yes, you did tell him to speed up. But did he?”


“No.”


“But the drunk driver did. This is not your fault. It is his, and you need to let that go.”


“I miss them. Every day I miss them!”


“And you will! You won’t stop missing them, but you have to let go of all that guilt!”


“I said the same thing to Mom on that day and she said the same thing back. Except that she said that I had the best father in the world who loves you no matter what.” He whispers.


“And he still does.” I tell him, and he buries his face in my neck and cries until the water goes cold.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - NEXT MORNING


JENNIFER


I am fuming! He’s not picking up his phone! He’s not been home! He’s being an immature brat again!


I knock hard on the door and hear the quick thump of footsteps before the door is pulled open. I am not surprised at how strained he looks or how quickly he beckons me in. “Brian, I am so sorry. Sometimes Justin just doesn’t think about how his bratty behaviour affects other people. He’s not called you either, then?”


“No, he…”


“I knew it! He just doesn't learn! He pulls off shit like this and then he runs away! Not taking responsibility for his actions, not thinking for one moment, that people might be worried! It’s always about him! He’d better come up with some damn good excuses for acting, once again, like an immature brat!”


“The same immature brat he was the day, his father and sister died? Or the moment you told him yesterday, that he was about to lose the best thing that had ever happened to him? Knowing he already lost his father and sister and still blames himself? That immature brat?” He asks and my eyes widen in horror.


“What? Why do you..? How..?” I stammer.


“He came here yesterday, coming to collect his stuff, thinking I would be out, fucking, I suppose. He was leaving because he failed me, as a partner and as a Dom. He told me, he loved me and that I deserve better and that he wants me to be happy. And when I told him, that I love him and that Gus loves him, he started apologising and...he couldn’t stop. He wasn't able to. He totally broke down, apologised to me and his dad. He started shaking and crying and when I finally got him to calm down, he was drenched in sweat.”


“He...I don’t…” But I stop when he glares at me.


“Besides Gus being sick, this was the scariest thing I have ever seen.” He runs his fingers roughly through his hair. “Do you know he still blames himself? That he thinks he being blind after the accident was his punishment? A punishment he deserves for being an immature brat, did you know that? And do you know that he’s heartsick that he didn’t get the chance to apologise to his father, before he died?”


I have never been so winded in my life. “Oh my god!” I whisper. “How could he even…”


“Because, quite frankly, you picked wrongly, twice. You chose to interfere in what did not concern you, and you chose to be Domme first and then a Mother.”


“I just wanted you two to…”


“It was between us two, not us three. He told me to tell Debs about boundaries and not to cross them. I am telling you the same. Yes, he’s new as a Dom, and has a lot to learn but not from you. You need to be his Mother and only that.”


His words shake me to my core, and I take the tissue he hands me, I hadn’t even realised that I was crying. I fix my face and give him a wobbly smile. “Thank you, Brian, I am sorry that I said such hurtful things about the man you love. And I am glad that you do love my son, you two are ideally matched. Look, can you give him a couple of messages for me…” He nods. “...that his dad knew that he didn’t mean what he said and wasn’t angry with him, he never could be angry with his golden boy, and two, that I would like to apologise to him face to face, if he would let me?”


“I will. I promise.” He replies.


“Thank you.” I say as I walk to the door then pause. “Definitely matched.” I tell him, and he goes a little pink. He goes pinker when I brush his cheek before I leave.


As I walk down the street to my car, I push down my immediate thought and decide to let them come to that conclusion by themselves.


MASTER BEDROOM


BRIAN


I try to get back into bed without waking him, but his eyes flutter open. “Where’d you go?”


“Your Mom was here.” He frowns at me. “She was worried about…”


“Oh Christ, she’s going to bawl me out when…”


“No she’s not. We’ve spoken…”


“What about?” He starts to sit up his brow creased with worry.


“Boundaries and how she, like Debs, should not cross them. Now before you ask another question, want a hot chocolate?”


“Mmmm.”


“Okay, meet me downstairs.”


KITCHEN


He still looks pensive as he comes in and takes a seat on the sofa. I see the slight tremble in his hand when he reaches for the mug. “Brian?”


“I told her that she should be a Mother first and a Domme never where you are concerned.”


“You did?!” He gasps.


“In fairness, I don’t think she realises she was doing it. All she saw was the need to fix the problem, but I told her it wasn’t hers to fix.”


“Bet that went down well.” He sighs.


“She accepted it and also left me two messages for you.”


“What are they?” He rubs the back of his neck.


“That your dad could never be mad at his golden boy, and he knew that you were sorry.” He starts to tear up again. “And that she wants to apologise to you face to face for her behaviour.” I take his mug away so that he can get into my lap. When he stops sniffling he looks up at me and I am relieved that his eyes are bright and clear. “So, what’s it to be?”


“What do you mean?”


“Breakfast and then go get Little Grub or get him first?”


“Get him first, I just want to hold him.”


“Good answer, let’s get dressed.” I smile.


“I’ll call Cyn and let her know!” He calls out over his shoulder, but then stops suddenly and comes back in. “Are we okay? Like really okay again?” He asks quietly.


“We’re better than okay, we’re imperfectly perfect!” I smile, and he grins back before belting up the stairs. As I hear him thundering about upstairs, I heave a sigh of relief that Justin is still here. My partner, Gus’s Papa, and hopefully, soon...my Alpha again.

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

He Get Trashed and Smashes and She Gets Trashed and Hopes Dashed by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 42 - HE GET THRASHED AND SMASHES AND SHE GETS TRASHED


BLUE MOON HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


NURSERY


BRIAN


I come in with a wrapped in a towel, and sucking his fist, Little Grub fresh from our shower. He only objected a bit about being woken up when we got to Cyn’s, then he saw us and started to blow raspberries of happiness and gurgled all the way home.


“Feel better now he’s home?” I ask him.


“Yes. And we still need to talk, don’t we?”


“Yes we do.” I expect him to either tense up or sag with resignation, but he does neither.


“I fucked up, but Mom shouldn’t have interfered and…”


“You need to listen to her a bit more…” He frowns at me. “...she said a lady never tells when I asked about the clause.” He is floored. “She was protecting you.”


“She was?” He asks as I massage cream into Gus’s skin. He yawns and tries to get into his do not disturb sleep position, which is like mine, on his stomach. “No, Gus, let’s finish this first.” For a few seconds he fumes at the indignity in his mind of the situation and pulls his legs tighter to his body. “Gus.” I say again and tug on his foot.


“Stroke.” He says quietly. “If you stroke his feet instead of tugging, it relaxes him.”


”It does?” I frown.


“Sure, let me show you.” I watch as, true to his word, Gus stops looking grumpy and starts to relax. “He’s a very easy baby. Molly would wait it out.” He leans against me. “I managed to last a whole 30 seconds once.”


Less than five minutes later, he is sound asleep, and we are at opposite ends of our snuggle chair.


“My business is exactly that, mine. I was pissed, not just because you said something, but also because you tried to cover it up. Then you gave an excuse instead of owning your mistake once you knew I knew. Don't take this as me shutting you out of that part of my life, far from it, but this is our life and when I want...no that’s too…”


“Brian, I get it. You don't need me there, just like I don’t need you in my class prep.” I nod. “And despite me telling you what the next class was, I know you didn’t cram for it. So I am truly sorry.” He replies. “And I will never do it again.”


“And if you do…”


“Tell you straight away.”


“Yes.” I reach for his feet and put them in my lap. “So, when are you going to see your Mom?”


“I’ll call her in a few minutes. Just want to watch him for a while.”


“You watch him and I’ll watch you.” He smiles and moves to rest on my chest and soon we both drift off.


TED AND BLAKE’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


KITCHEN


BLAKE


“I’ve been thinking…” I say over my shoulder as I pull a soufflé out of the oven and hold my breath...it stands proud. “... about the store. He could make it into a cake shop.”


“A cake shop?” Ted looks over his paper at me. “Why that?”


“The Avenue doesn’t have one, I mean a proper tea room type place. Yes, there’s the diner, but somewhere with less hustle and bustle might work.”


“Honey, what’s wrong?” He wraps his arms around me and I lean back against him.


“I miss this.” I sigh sadly. “I miss last night, argument aside. I can’t bear to hear it second hand anymore. Four months was four months too long and…”


“Do you want to give up counselling?”


“No. Well, yes.” I turn to face him expecting confusion and annoyance, but instead see relief and maybe hope. “I want to say, ‘how was your day, dear’ when you come through the door instead of having to call you and ask you.”


“How long have you been thinking about giving up?” He asks kissing my nose.


“About a year.” I confess. “At first I was pleased that people wanted my help so much. Yes, I let my ego get ahead of me for a while. But then when it started to take me out of Pittsburgh and away from you…”


“So, what are you going to call it?” He starts to smile.


“Call what?”


“Our new tea room.” He grins. “When Emmett first suggested that clause, I asked Brian if I could have first refusal when, not if, Michael fucked up. He was too busy being angry with Justin to remember.”


“So, when do I do it? I have to give them at least two months’ notice?” Before he can answer I pull him into a deep and passionate kiss.


“Now. You do it now and then we go back to bed!”


PETERSON RESIDENCE - AFTERNOON


LINDSAY’S BEDROOM


LINDSAY


How I hate this ceiling! I sit up to reach for my flashing phone and groan when I see who it is. “Michael, good after...what break in?!” I gasp. “Alright, calm down. I will be at the store as soon as I can!” I look at the time and decide that my as soon as I can will be much later than he thinks. I have to get some more soft furnishings for my cottage, I can’t wait to meet the tenant Daddy has lined up for me!


MICHAEL’S FORMER STORE - THREE HOURS LATER


MICHAEL


Where the hell is Lindsay?! So much for being here as soon as possible! I turn as the door opens and my jaw drops slightly. “Emmett, what are you doing here?!” Of all the people to show up I hadn’t expected him.


“I have to change the locks.” He replies as he looks around. “Oh, not too much damage, that’s good.”


“What do you mean change the locks? I don’t understand.”


“The clause is being invoked, remember?” He looks so fucking chipper. “You have had a break-in and we are taking this opportunity to avoid a court case, which you will lose.” I just stare at him. “Ah, here he is.”


“Hey Emmett.” A large guy says. “Front and back?”


“Please, and can you add security locks to the windows. We don’t want any rats trying to sneak in.”


“But the contents, surely I get to keep them?!” I am fuming.


“Nope. Nothing. Not even a tiny little toy hand!” He’s gloating now. “And you want to know what else you don’t get to keep?”


“What?”


“Remaining in here.” He retorts and points at the door. I start to make my way outside, trying to figure a way of at least getting my store back. “You shouldn’t have done it…”


“It was a fucking joke! Why can’t people see that?!”


“Oh, no, it wasn’t! But I’m not talking just about that. You shouldn’t have kept calling me a liar, I do not lie. If you hadn’t done that then, and spread the rumour that I am a liar, I wouldn't have suggested that clause! Now be off with you!”


He shuts the door and then two other guys get out of a van. “Ah, the cock cape place!” One snickers. “What I don’t understand is why this place was on The Avenue. There can’t be that many gay comic book freaks.”


Gay comic book freaks?!


“I don’t recall this place being very busy, think the busiest it got was when the cock door went up.”


“Up!” His comrade in being a dickhead laughs. “You know the guy who owned it?”


“No, but heard about him. Reckoned he was something with The Stud…”


“Which one, the retired or the retiring?”


“Oh, retired. Although the retiring was looking pretty loved up when I saw him last.” They start to take out some large chipboards. “In fact, the guy in there is the reason for the smile on his face.”


“Nice. Anyway, back to the guy who thought he was something with the retired Stud. He has a nickname amongst the less enamoured of us…” He laughs again. “Scragend Nobralls.”


“Scragend, I get, as that's the inexpensive and unglamorous part of an old sheep or mutton, man did he sometimes look like mutton dressed as lamb! But Lowbrawl, what the heck is that?”


“No, No-bra-lls…”


“Which is?”


That’s what I want to fucking know, and to know who came up with that?!


“No is easy, as in short for nobody. Bra is short for brain and the rest is the end of balls


“Still don’t get it.” He dicky friend frowns.


“Nobody with a brain and decent set of balls will fuck him because he’s, well who he is.” He laughs heartily, in fact they both fucking do! “And you want to know the best part?” He nods. “The person who gave him that nickname...”


“Ah, gentlemen, there you are!” Emmett comes out smiling at them, it drops off his face when he sees me still there. ”I...”


“I am allowed to walk where I want, Emmett, you don’t own the street!”


“Avenue, not Street. And speaking of not owning, you seem to be loitering with intent. But before you move along...” I glare at him, and he pulls out his phone. “Hello, oh hi, Brian, yes, all secured. We just need to get rid of the Scragend loitering about and get it boarded up and we’re all good. Speaking of good, did you two sort out...oh great!”


“You?!” I shout at Emmett, then snatch his phone and throw it to the ground. I am pleased when it shatters into pieces. “That’s what you get for calling me fucking names!” I snipe, and kick some of the pieces into the gutter.


He pulls himself up to his full height and smiles...why is he smiling? “You ought to know me by now. If I am going to name call, I go to the source of my irritation and tell them loud and proud. So, Scragend Nobralls, is something I wish I came up with. However, you called Brian earlier today and he’s just returned your call…”


“How do you know that?!”


“That…” He points to the remains of the phone. “...is your phone, not mine. You left it and I was hoping, in a Good Citizen way, to catch you to give it back.”


“My phone?!” I gasp and scramble to pick up the pieces.


“You are lucky that you don’t have a gag reflex.” Emmett says as he leans over me.


“Oh yeah, and why’s that?” I snap as I think how much the phone cost me to replace the first time! My stomach rolls as I remember the accidental damage  insurance I refused to get, telling them there was no way this phone would be broken by me!


“Because, if that was my phone, as well as having no gag reflex you would also have no teeth!” He stands up and turns to the two dickheads. “Board this shithole up. This caterpillar will be turned into a butterfly in no time!”

 

LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - AN HOUR LATER


LINDSAY


It is perfect, absolutely perfect! I love it! Mother has said that now that Daddy is back in line, she is going to persuade him to buy Michael’s house for me, so it looks like I get it anyway. I look out of the window as the door knocks, and am surprised to see Sidney. I beckon him in.


“How are you feeling, Lindsay? Looks like your cottage and minor e-coli are all cleared up.”


“Yes, seems rest was the way to go.” I smile at him.


“How was it restful?” He looks around the room nodding.


“How do you mean? I just rested, you know, did nothing but take care of…”


“Getting your cottage ready for your tenant.” He bites out, glaring at me.


“My ten…”


“Yes. How did you get that doctor’s note? You keep taking me for a fool and snowjobbing. I told you that this has to stop, and now it will!”


“Sidney, I don’t understand why you are so angry with me!” I grouse. “I have my doctor’s note, which you accepted and…”


“It is from Dr Brian Whitlow not Dr Marjorie Stanhope. You know, the doctor who you have on your personnel file.”


“I changed doctors and forgot…”


“You did not change doctors. I called to verify the note, and his practice nurse told me that you are not a patient of his. You're a good friend, but not a patient.”


“You were checking up on me?! What on earth for?!” I demand heatedly.


“Because you lie!” He proclaims. “Like I said, it ends now. You have already been given a written warning. As of this moment, I consider our working relationship - and I use that term loosely as has been evidenced over the last few months - as terminated. I have taken the liberty of retaining the phone and laptop, thank you for leaving them as you would be on doctor ordered rest. The remains of your things are in a box in the trunk of the car. Kindly go and check that everything is there. Anything that you feel is missing, please call to arrange a time for you to come and collect it, I don’t want anything left of you in my gallery.”


“How dare you treat me...I shall sue!” I warn him. “I shall sue you into the ground!”


“Go ahead, see how far you get! Now come and collect the box! I have more important things to do than waste any more time with you!”


Less than five minutes later, I am sorting through the box, and there are a few bits missing so I snatch up my phone to call his office. “Hello, Sarah, this is Lindsay. I want to make an appointment to collect some stuff that you, I presume it was you, missed! What do you mean Cassidy did it?! Why the hell is Cassidy…I see. Well, when can I come and collect the stuff Ms Gallery Manager missed? I would also like to speak...away for two weeks! Where is she?!” My heart races and my blood boils as I hang up. At least I won’t have to go through the indignity of her watching me collect my things!


I head to the small workspace area and boot up my laptop. This is a much sought after area, and now that I have no income coming in I need to up the rent. I still can’t believe that not only does that conniving cobra have my job and she went to Paris, but Sarah refused to tell me where she is, as I am no longer staff! The years I have given that gallery, and this is how he dismisses me!


I look up at the sharp rap on the door and head to open it. “Daddy! Mother! What are you doing here?”


“Bought you a house-warming gift, and to make sure your tenant is settled in nicely.”


“Oh, darling, it looks wonderful!” Mother looks around approvingly. “May I go upstairs?”


“Of course, let me show you.” I lead her upstairs, and as soon as we get to the bedroom she shuts the door. “Mother?”


“This tenant your father has got for you, I can’t tell you much about her apart from she’s from a good family, but has fallen on hard times. So be kind and patient with her, alright?”


“Of course, she’s from our stock?” I am already looking forward to getting to know this lady.


“Seems so. Like I said, he’s not told me much about her. Now let’s go downstairs, he said she would be here in about half an hour.”


We head downstairs and I set up the tray for four people. “Should I do champagne do you think?” I call from the kitchen.


“Maybe not on her first day, she’s got to unpack and everything.” Daddy calls back and I head back to the lounge to join them. After half an hour of chitchat she has yet to arrive. I look at my watch again. “Oh, do you want to open your present?” Daddy asks and I smile and nod. He gets up and rests it against the lounge wall. “There you go.”


“Oh this is so exciting. I love presents, especially from my parents.” I pull excitedly at the paper to reveal a beautiful ornate full length mirror. “Daddy! This is exquisite!” I breathe.



“Ronald, where did you get this from?” Mother comes to stand next to me as we both admire the mirror.


“A little place I know.” He smiles as both Mother and I gaze at our reflections.


“She’s here.” He declares.


“Who?” I ask adjusting my hair slightly.


“Your tenant and doom mate.” He comes behind us both and drapes his arms across our shoulders before staring hard at us in the mirror. “Nancy, you are the tenant to Lindsay. This is now your home, since you just can’t stop being conniving in thoughts, words and deeds. So, until such time as I feel you have redeemed yourself in my eyes, you will stay here. Lynette will be sending your things, she’s packing for two weeks, I believe that will be time enough for you to realise what side your bread is buttered.” We both gape at him. “And, yes, the locks have been changed.”


He adjusts his tie, and with one withering look at the pair of us, walks out.


“Mother?”


“Lindsay, be quiet! I need to think!”


“About?”


“I have enough money! This may be perfect but it is not good enough. I have been wanting to leave your father for years. He just doesn’t have the gravitas I need to propel me to the upper echelons. So, this house of whatever his name was, how close to the gays is it?”


Close to the gays?!


“Mother, you do realise that I am bisexual?”


“Of course you’re not! You were with that guy however briefly and then the date at…”


“Get out and find a hotel.” I tell her.


“What? What do you mean? We haven’t secured the property yet.”


“I haven’t secured the property yet, but I fully intend to do so.”


“What are you…” I stop her sentence by grabbing her by the elbow and dragging her to the front door and shoving her out. I take pleasure in dead bolting the door to her hectoring cries, then ignore her numerous calls to me. When I look out of the kitchen window half an hour later she’s no longer there. Smiling, I pull out my phone.


“Daddy. I c-c-can’t believe it! Mother is leaving you! How do I know?! She told me, let me send you this recording. Daddy I am so sorry!”

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

From That Little Conversation Comes a Lot of Action by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 43 - FROM THAT LITTLE CONVERSATION COMES A LOT OF ACTION


COFFEE SHOP 10 MINUTES WALK FROM LINDSAY’S COTTAGE


NANCY


I can’t believe the effrontery of the brat to treat me like that! I wish I had paid attention to the name of the idiot she came to the dinner with. I am loathed to contact either Melissa or Jennifer, and then I realise that I can see the guest list on the website. On checking, his name is Michael Novotny, and after an hour of research on him and his best friend, Brian Kinney, I have an appointment with Kinnetic Estates with a view to renting his property. Smiling, I start to gather my things and make my way there.


KINNETIC ESTATES - 20 MINUTES LATER


EMMETT


Mel looks most amused as I come in. In fact, she seems to be positively glowing with malice of more-thought. “Do I have to ask five questions, after this one I mean?”


“Oh yes.” She leans back in the chair and regards me over her cup of coffee.


“Business or pleasure?”


“Both.”


“Lindsay related?”


“Yes, and her mother.”


I frown, I didn’t interact too much with that family the evening of the dinner. I know that she went early because her mother had a headache or something. “Can you just tell me? Can you just tell me? Oh, and can you just tell me?” I grin at her as she rolls her eyes. “You said five questions, you never said they couldn’t be the same ones.” I chuckle and she waves me to sit opposite her.


“Lindsay has been fired from the gallery and the tenant that she was preparing the cottage for is her mother. However, she threw her out when she said she’s leaving her Daddy and now Mother is on her way here to rent out Michael’s old house.”


“How the hell do you know this?” Treyvon looks over his shoulder at us.


“Sidney called to tell me about Lindsay, Ronald called to tell me about Nancy, and I spoke to Nancy and she didn’t recognise my voice.”


Treyvon snickers from his position at the window. “I have a question; what does Lindsay’s mother look like?”


“A dried up version of her, but with her, her mouth is like a badger’s ass as Benson would say, he does come out with some things. Why?”


“Well, unless I am mistaken, both Lindsay and her Mother are bearing down on this very store. Oh, she moves pretty fast for a woman of her dotage!”


“Lindsay or her Mother?” I chuckle, and join him by the window.


Lindsay gets stopped by traffic, and her Mother looks very pleased with herself as she strides towards the door, but she drops her purse, which gives Lindsay time to catch up with her and then almost comes to blows with her, trying to get in the door first; a tussle that Nancy wins.


“I am Nancy Peterson. I have come to rent out the property formerly owned by Michael Novotny!”


“No, I have come to rent that property out!” Lindsay declares.


Treyvon strides back to his desk with a wink and I head back to mine...oh, how I love the way this man’s mind works!

 

“Oh what a terrible, terrible shame, it has just been leased out.” I interrupt.


“What?!” They both declare

 

 

 

“How has that house been rented out so quickly?” Lindsay demands. “We were evicted only last week!”


Nancy smirks and Lindsay blushes. “Evicted, how very gauche and low class of you, Lindsay. Now, as I was saying, I have an appointment with a view to renting it, naturally, I would not cause such inconvenience. I made that specifically clear to the young woman I spoke to!” Nancy exhorts.


“At least I am young.” Mel snorts and Nancy looks at her as if she’s done a pussy fart in church. “Besides, you didn't make it clear, you just said you wanted an appointment and…”

 

“When, and why wasn’t it taken off your books? And will you take double to lease it to me?” Nancy demands before she looks scathingly at Lindsay. “At least I can cover the rent.”


“I know how much the rent was, Mother, and you can’t afford half, if that, not without Daddy’s help. You know, the Daddy you are leaving because he can’t propel you to the upper echelons of society? Been thinking about it for years you said.”


“Lindsay! Kindly do not discuss family business in a place of this repute! We have standards to keep, appearances to maintain…”


This repute?” Treyvon growls and stands up, he is fiercely protective of The Avenue and its businesses.


“Yes, Mother, do try to explain what you mean by that.” Lindsay’s tone is full of pomposity.


“Back to the matter at hand, ladies, if I can call you that after that mudslinging display.” The pussy fart in a church look is directed at me now. “Normally it is against company policy to give out that kind of information, but these are exceptional circumstances. The when will be the moment I put that payment through. Even if we hadn’t leased it, you would never have been approved to live there owing to your homophobic tendencies, Mrs Peterson, and neither would you, Ms Peterson, as I don’t like you.”


There isn’t a word said for a few minutes before they turn to look at each other. It seems a ceasefire of sorts has been agreed upon as they turn to the door and, almost in arms, walk out.


Mel drains her cup, shaking her head at the antics of the pair of them, before checking the time. “So, boys, I have a mountain of papers to read.” She stands up and puts on her jacket. “So who did you rent the place to? It does need to be rented out, even if he doesn’t need the money.”


“Oh, a couple you know. Both looking to move out of where they are; one to be nearer work and the other to get away from work.” She stops getting ready to leave and regards me for a few minutes. “You can ask five questions and not the same ones!”


“Ben and Benson?” She tries.


“No.”


“Gay or bi/gay or straight?”


“Gay all the way.”


“Couple or friends?”


“Friends.”


“You say I know them. Do I know some of the contents of their wardrobes?”


“You may well do.”


Slowly she turns to a vibrating with happiness Treyvon. “You and Delia?!”


“Yes!” He chirrups and rushes to hug her. “Sleepover on Saturday, not optional, bring Diana!”


“I will!” She grins, and whips out her phone as she dashes out before coming back in to bestow a kiss on my cheek...and I am as startled to receive it as she was to bestow it!


“Go bust some balls!” I order, and she quickly departs; seconds later, Treyvon, sometimes the quiet gentle friend, hands me a tissue and asks one question...coffee?


JENNIFER’S RESIDENCE - NEXT MORNING


KITCHEN


JENNIFER


The only time I have been this nervous was when Justin’s eyes were tested for the final time after he got his sight back. I remember the night it happened like it was yesterday...


Start of flashback

TAYLOR RESIDENCE - 15 YEARS AGO


I stand in the doorway of my screaming son’s room and wait for him to calm down. “Another nightmare, sweetheart?” I call out, but remain where I am. Ever since he lost his sight in the accident, he hates me to come in his room unless he tells me I can. The room is glowing, although there is no light on, and he shakes his head. “Do you want a pill to help you sleep, or is it a migraine?”


“Ha...had a headache. Gone now.” His voice sounds slurred as if he’s, and I hate to use this word, drunk.


“May I come in?”


“Wait…” He turns to face me and then points to the window. “...can you tell me what you see?” Although surprised at the question, I cross the room to do as he asks.


“The sky looks angry, and so does the moon, it is red, I have never seen a red sky before. It looks…”


“Like it is on fire.” His voice is barely audible. “It is sitting so low to the ground it’s as if it is resting on the trees.”



“You were always great with the way you describe…”


“Are you are wearing dad’s robe? I can smell his aftershave even after all these years.”


“Yes. I sometimes spritz some on. I will never forget him, but sometimes I just need…” I blink and almost stumble in my rush to put the light on.


“NO!” He yells. “It might go away again and I want to see the moon one last time…I want to see you one last time, sit down quickly!” I drop trembling to the bed and he reaches for my face. “You’ve grown your hair out, it suits you. You are so pretty, Mom.” He runs his fingers all over my face as if trying to map it.


“Let me get a mirror!”


“No! I don’t want to see me, I don’t deserve to see anybody!”


I sit down again and place the mirror in my lap. “Darling, please don’t stress yourself out. Just a quick look. As you say, you might not see yourself again. Won’t you regret that?”


Slowly he takes it from me and lifts the mirror to his face.


DR CALLOW’S OFFICE - TWO MONTHS LATER


“Well, I don’t know how, and I don’t care why, but your sight is back for good.”


“Mom, there’s no point me being able to see if you give me another injury when you break my fingers. Let go!”


“Sorry, sweetheart!” I rub his hand. “So, there is nothing in there at all?”


“Nope, nothing. Whatever was resting on your optic nerves and retina to cause the damage has gone. I suspect the headaches were part of the healing process.” He looks across at Justin, who ever since his sight started to return is starting to smile. “Now  you have your life back as it were, young man, what are you going to do with it?”


“What my Dad wanted me...”


“Darling, how wonderful, but you don’t have to do that. Besides, you are too young to make your mind up about college yet, especially a prestigious place like Dartmouth.”


“No, he wanted me to go to business school, and since I k…”


“He also wanted you to enjoy your life. We have plenty of time. Now, come along, we have good news to impart!” I have to almost yank him from the chair to get him to stand, but it’s Dr Callow, who has my attention, he is watching us with a guarded expression.


“Mrs Taylor, if I might have a word, please?”


“Yes, of course. Justin, go and wait with Daphne, this shouldn’t take long, and then we can celebrate.”


“Okay, Mom.” He sighs, and I wait for the door to close before turning to face Dr Callow.


“Mrs Taylor, how is Justin?”


“Fine, he’s fine, just stunned that after all this time he can see again.”


“Mrs Taylor, I don’t think Justin is fine. I think he struggling…”


“Of course he’s struggling, he’s back to his old reality and that is a shock to his system.”


“His old reality, as you put it, had his father and sister in it. His new, not old, reality doesn’t. From what I’ve seen over the last couple of months, I think Justin needs to…”


“Dr Callow, you are an ophthalmologist not a psychiatrist, he is fine. Now, excuse me! Like I said we have to celebrate.”

End of flashback


The sound of the key in the door brings in Justin. He looks so nervous as he comes towards me. “You weren’t fine, were you?” I whisper, and he shakes his head sadly. “And I am so sorry that I didn’t let you tell me that.” I pat the seat next to me. “Is that why you left as soon as you could?”


“Yeah. I felt like everyone was watching me, and you were being so…”


“A proper widow instead of a Mom. Did Brian tell you what he said to me?”


“He gave me the general gist. I am sorry I swore at you then and now. And, like you, we have to listen to each other.” I frown. “A lady never tells.” I smile.


“He would've been a bit put out, I’m not going to hide that, but so very proud you forged your own path.”


“Can you imagine me in Dartmouth?”


“Oh, fuck no, you’d have been expelled in days just so you could get out and have our money returned!” I laugh and he rests his head in my shoulder. “No more Domme Mom…”


“You aren’t dumb, Mom. Don’t talk about yourself like that!” He lectures.


“Not dumb but domme. For you, I am just Mom.”


“Oh. Oh good, and we are discussing my lovelife never, apart to say it is fine or If ask for your opinion on it!”


“Deal.”


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - AFTERNOON


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


So we have reached a fragile accord, now that neither of us have the house...yet, we need each other. I haven’t sent Daddy the recording, as the internet crashed before I could, but it is good to have that in reserve. It’s not as if Emmett, Mel and Tree-something will ever run in the same circles as Daddy, and for now, if he asks, I can say I misheard her.


Mother’s things were delivered last night, and she’s in the back bedroom. She is still pouting about being rebuffed in her efforts to take the master bedroom. I took great pleasure in pointing out that she is not the mistress of this house!


“Someone is knocking on your door.” She sniffs, and settles herself back into the cushion.


“One day I am going to ring your bell.” I mutter as I make my way to open it. I jolt in surprise to see Daddy outside. “What are you doing here?” I step aside and he strides in without a word and is followed by Lynette. “And what are you doing here?” I follow them in and gape as Lynette cracks Mother across the cheek. “Have you gone mad?!” I shout at her and rush to check Mother’s face.


“I have been waiting to do that for years!” Lynette snaps. “Thank you, Daddy. I will be in the car waiting for you to resolve this...issue.”


“What issue?!” Mother yells and bats away my attempts to help her.


“It won’t get you far, you know.” Daddy answers with the countenance and stature of a relieved man. “Certainly won’t get you into the upper echelons, unless you plan to use Lindsay, but I think her courtesan days are long past.”


Courtesan?!!!


“What are you talking about?” Mother bridles.


“Your settlement. It won’t get your far.”


“My settlement?” She repeats.


“Yes. This is the one and only payment.” Daddy hands her what I presume is a check and I itch to snatch it out of her hands to see the amount. “Unless, of course, you want to take me to court, which I would advise against, because Lindsay is not the only one that watched and learned.” He smiles wider than I have seen him do in years. “I have taken the liberty of approaching an attorney, who I am sure won’t cause you any difficulties at all. Now, you are to expect the call in the next few days.”


“You’re divorcing me?!” She screeches, as she finally catches up with the rest of us! Then she turns to me. “What did you do?!”


“I misheard, Daddy! I thought she said she was leaving you, but the you she meant was me! I realised later, but I was too mortified and didn’t want to make an already volatile situation a whole lot worse!”


“So, what about the recording you mentioned?”


“I didn’t say anything about a recording…”


“You did, I heard you perfectly…”


“I was crying and mumbling, I said let me see you in the morning. With everything that had just happened and I had thrown her out thinking she was leaving you.”


He nods his head slowly and sighs. “Sorry, Nancy, Lindsay, I don’t believe you. The divorce goes ahead. Take the settlement or I’ll see you in court.” He starts to stride out but then pauses and turns back to us. “Marcus.”


“Marcus what?” Mother demands. “You will regret this, Ronald, and this paltry insulting amount! Which, by the way, I won’t cash. I will see this Marcus person in court! Hit me with your best and most pathetic shot!”


“Melanie Marcus. She’s my attorney.”


BRITIN - WEDNESDAY MORNING


HALLWAY


DEBS


I still can’t believe that in less than 6 weeks I get married here! Daph is toting Gus around, and though it kills me to have to wait to hold him, wait I must. “So, we have the suit, the invites, now we need to master the food!” Cyn calls out from the kitchen.


“Shit, the wedding cake!” I exclaim. “I hadn’t even thought that far and…”


“Calm down!” Brian orders, and then smiles at Ted. “Well, go on then.”


“Do you know what Blake does to relax?” Ted grins and then grins wider as I open my mouth to answer. “Apart from that!”


“Well, I was going to say that. So no, I don’t know what he does to relax.”


“Bakes. One of the reasons that I have had to go to the gym again is because he bakes the most exquisite cakes, soufflés, pies and, oh, the cookies, oh my, the cookies. Here, let me show you one he did for an outpatient…” He scrolls through his phone. “...ah, this one?”



“That looks gorgeous!” I declare and start to flick through the pictures and pause. “Oh yeah, it has to be that one!”



“For the bachelorette party, not the wedding!” Jennifer states firmly and I nod reluctantly. “Let me see that. Do you mind, Ted?” He waves her on. “You want a sexy theme?” I nod. “But maybe not as in your face...or hand...as that one?” I concede with a small shrug. “And you wanted purple…” She starts to smile. “...but we vetoed the suit.” I glare at my three mean fashionistas who are crowded round Ted’s phone and smiling. “So how about we say yes to one of these...”





“...with the latter picking out the gold and the blue of your invites…” Brian nods approvingly.


“So, is that the cake sorted?” Jennifer hedges and I can’t help the happy sniffle.


“But what about the rest of the food?!” I repeat. “And where is he going to bake this piece of loveliness?”


“In Woody’s kitchen, unless our tearoom is ready before then.” Ted replies his smile almost splitting his face.


“What’s happened? What tearoom?” I look at a host of happy faces.


“Blake has given his notice. He’s coming home for good, and we’re turning Michael’s old store into a tearoom.”


“Oh, honey, I am so happy for you!” I embrace him tightly. “And finally another good idea for The Avenue. That store was a waste of space!”


“Speaking of Woody’s, come on, let’s go back and plan the wedding of the Avenue!” Ted decrees, and we follow him back to our cars laughing and joking.


MICHAEL - 10 MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE


I watch them all drive away. I had spotted Ted calling for Ma to hurry outside Kinnetic Estates so they could get going, and followed them. Luckily, none of them know what my van looks like, as Brian even took my car back, and the guard just waved me through.


Now I am absolutely beside myself with fury! It took everything not to storm up to them and give them the shitkicking they deserve as I listened from outside the door!


So my store was a waste of space, was it?! They’re going to turn it into a tearoom are they?! The Wedding of the Avenue is it?! We will see about that...correction, I will see about that, because I am going to show them that the answers to all of those questions is a big fat fucking no!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Acceptance, Saying Hi, Finagling and The Dark Mike by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 44 - ACCEPTANCE, SAYING HI, FINAGLING AND THE DARK MIKE


ALLEGHANY CEMETERY - TWO DAYS LATER, MORNING


BRIAN


He and his Mom talked some more and now it’s time. Although he’s obviously seen the graves, he’s not visited as much as he could’ve, or as he confessed last night, should’ve. But I understand, he couldn’t cope with the guilt and now that he’s been unburdened, it’s time.


This is a beautiful cemetery, and they are under a tree. “They always hated the sun.” I hear him whisper, but say nothing, letting him approach by himself. He stops and turns back to me. “Please, I want them to meet you.” I reach for his outstretched hand and am glad to see he is not trembling.


“Did you draw those and they recreated them?” I point at the sleeping cat carved into each headstone. He nods and smiles. “What were their names?”


“Murphy and Mitchell. Mom gave them to my grandparents when I couldn’t see them anymore.” He chuckles. “They are old men now and completely spoilt. But oh how they loved them. Murphy is Dad’s and Mitchell is Molly’s.” He puts his flowers down and tugs me to kneel between the headstones. “Hi, CCTV and Mollusk…” He catches my frown. “Nicknames. Craig Cole Taylor was his full name, so one day I added the V and it was our thing, just like Mollusk was mine and Molly's ours. She loved seafood, so they stuck.”


“Nice to meet you both.” He nods at me to continue. “My name is Brian, Brian Kinney. I…” I stop when he puts his hand on my wrist.


“So, CCTV, you were right, I am gay. Brian is my boyf…”


“Partner.” I correct him gently.


“Partner. Sorry, I haven’t been around for a while; but I felt so guilty, and now I know that it wasn’t my fault. It was his and only his. Okay, so let me tell you what’s been happening since I was last here; I shall start with school. Oh CCTV you are not to freak out when I tell you about the camping trip…”


An hour later we are walking hand and hand back to the car. “Next time we bring Little Grub.” I tell him, and the smile tells me my Alpha is on his way back.


TREYVON AND DEL’S HOUSE - FRIDAY AFTERNOON


TREYVON


We are officially roomies! While the furniture is nice, it isn’t our style, so when we politely asked Ems if we could choose something else, I have never known an open house sale happen so fast! We spent the last two days choosing furniture, and it is due for delivery early tomorrow morning...the reason it took two days is because we changed everything...Ems insisted that the house was cleansed of the spirit of the evil one!


“Trey, are you sure you want to get rid the crockery?” Del calls from the kitchen. I haven’t checked the kitchen out yet, as we had pre-moving drinks last night, so it’s the last room for us to see.


“What’s wrong with it?” I call out as I head towards her voice and find her pulling out boxes of unopened crockery: serving dishes, glasses, in fact he looks like he was a proper Susie Homemaker. “How much did this guy need?” I start opening them, and pull out a cupcake stand then clutch it to my chest. She waves her hand in surrender. “At the risk of sounding stereotypical…” I begin.


“I will make some for the open house.” She grins, and starts to open the top cupboard. “So, nothing from the kitchen…” She begins and pauses. “...apart from whatever the fuck they are supposed to be, is for sale.”


I peer over her shoulder and stare at a set of truly hideous plates. “I wouldn’t puke on them, let alone eat off them. Throw them out, I doubt anybody on The Boulevard would want them!”



For the next hour we sort out the kitchen so it is a room this house deserves. “Now that is much better.” We grin at each other. “Okay, not a fan of orange, but it works in here!” Del declares.



“It sure does. Now then, the study, how are we going to divvy up that space?”


“We both need to have a window.” She declares, heading to it. “Maybe desks opposite? That behemoth is foul.”


“Wishful thinking or over compensating?” I chuckle.


“A bit of both! Oh, the tales Mel has told me!” She runs her fingers over the desk before blowing the dust off her fingers. “Okay, we need to do a top to toe dust. Ems said that the van will be here early evening, so let’s get cracking shall we?”


MICHAEL’S NEW HOME - AN HOUR LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I found a place to rent that is two blocks from Ma’s house. It’s not a patch on my old house, but it will do for now. By the time I have finished teaching them a lesson, I will be the stuff of legend! I look at my pad again, although I have decided to teach them a lesson, I still haven’t got a clue as to how it should be taught! Sitting back, I unmute the TV and hope that Captain Marvel will give me some inspiration.


An hour later, I still have nothing on my paper but dribble, as I fell asleep soon after the programme finished. “Come on, Michael! Think!” I tap the pad and then pause. “Well, before you can go ruining and teaching, you have to find out the date of the wedding, you fool!” I stand up and smile. “Seriously, think like a villain where they are concerned! Lull her into a false sense of security. I’m her son and she’s not seen or heard from me for a while. I am merely giving her my new address!”


DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - 40 MINUTES LATER


CARL


“Ah, you’ve surfaced. How nice. Debs, it’s for you!” I hold the door wider and Michael steps inside.


“How have you been?” He asks grudgingly.


“Fine. A bit giddy from the wedding preparations, but just fine. You?”


“You mean apart from being homeless, store-less, car-less and nobody seeming to give a damn? I’m fine.”


“Hello, Michael. How’s the new place? You settled in okay?” Debs comes down the stairs very carefully, as she is holding Little Grub.


“I’m...what’s he doing here?” He frowns.


“Time with grandparents. Haven’t had him over for a while. So have you?”


“Have I what?”


“Here, Debs, let me take our boy, you catch up with him.” She nods and hands him over. “Come on, young fellah, let me show you how we men watch football.”


DEBS


I wave Michael into the kitchen and look at him. He’s looking a little thin, and I as much as I shouldn’t be swayed by that right now, he’s still my son...just about on some days.


“Do you want something to eat?”


“Yeah.” He plonks himself on the stool and looks around. “What do you have?”


“We have plenty of food, which you won’t be getting if you don’t find your manners.” I grit out.


“Yes, please.” He returns, and I head for the fridge. “I’ve moved out of the hotel that I was in.”


“Yeah, I know. You’re two streets up, just on the corner of 4th. Is it nice?” He doesn’t say anything, so I turn around. He is looking flummoxed. “Are you alright?”


“You know where I live and you’ve not come around to see me?!” He gripes, then cuts his eye at me. “How did you know anyway?”


“It was by chance that I found out. You live near Benson, and he saw you.”


“Who’s Benson?” He bitches.


“Ben’s boyfriend. You know, Ben, the semi-roommate to Justin, who is Brian’s partner and…”


“Partner? They are partners now? This quickly? Well, that fire is going to burn out pretty fast and…”


“You do remember the bed show, don’t you? That show was...” He grunts dismissively and rolls his eyes. “...to let everyone, including you, know what is happening with them. So, back to food, I have some lasagna that I can heat up, or you can take back to your place and fester there? Or was there another reason for you to be here? I assume the primary one was to give me your address?”


“You’ve changed so much in these last few months, you don’t feel like my Ma anymore.” He picks up the spade of self-pity and starts to shovel dirt on me. “You won’t even let me come to the wedding. Carl didn’t even ask my permission, as your only son, for your hand in marriage, and…”


“Stop right there.” I fume. “The only permission that Carl needs is mine, and with me saying yes he has it! As for you not coming to the wedding, I concede that was unfair of me, and you are, of course, invited. I was angry at the time, you have to understand that. After all you’ve popped off on me plenty of times!”


“When it is then, and is it still going to be held at Britin?”


“Yes, still at Britin, and the 22nd of June. It’s the longest day of the year, so it will be a big ole party!”


MICHAEL


Oh yes, it will be a long day, but I will be the one celebrating while everyone will be commiserating!


“That’s great, Ma!” I smile at her and then gesture at the lasagna. “I’ll take it to go. I don’t want to disturb your time with Little Gub.”


“Grub.” She states.


“Yes, I know the lasagna is grub, Ma, can I take it then?”


“Yes, but that’s not what I meant. It’s Little Grub not Gub.” She stares at me for a few long seconds. “It would go some way to getting into Brian’s good books if you remember that.”


“I’ll take that on board, but right now I have to go. I have to contemplate.”


“About what?” She queries with one eyebrow raised.


“What to get my future stepfather to say welcome to the family!” I enthuse with a fake face cracking smile.


“He’s been family for the last six years!” She rebukes me, and I nod in agreement as speaking will be counterproductive to my plans. “It’s good to see you taking your head out of your ass. Do you have actual food at your place, or do I need to do a shop for you?”


“No.” Carl and I say at the same time.


I sigh inside. “As a matter of interest, why are you saying no?”


“I’ve been thinking about these invoice things you sent. Where did you get the money to buy the stuff you invoiced them for in the first place?”


“My savings, where else would I have gotten it from?” The look on their faces tells me that I have just made a slight error in honesty!


“Your savings? You are such a cheapskate!” Carl looks contemptuous. “No wonder Brian wanted to come home early with you living off his dime all the flaming time!” I flinch. “Oh, you didn’t know that, did you?! Well, now you do! And you are not taking that!” He snatches the box of lasagna off the counter. “Use some of that savings you have to either order take out or buy a book and learn to cook. You aren’t taking any more food from here!”


I look at Ma and she is just shaking her head, then does an about face and heads to the lounge when Little Gob starts to cry.


“Hear that boy in there? Learn from him!” Carl barks. “Now you are done here and need to leave!”


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - EARLY EVENING


NANCY


It’s been almost a week since Ronald served the papers, and I can see that settlement check taunting me from my dresser. I get up and look at the amount. It seems so paltry for the years that I was with him.



I deserve more, and with Lindsay no longer working, this will only keep us in the manner we’ve been accustomed to for a year, maybe two. I want to never have to do anything again, so we need to put a plan in place to secure our station!


“Lindsay!” I open the door and call out to her. I hear her on the phone, so I head downstairs.


“Sidney, you do not understand the position you are in!” She snaps. “There is no justifiable reason for you to fire me! None!” She beckons me into the lounge and waves toward the sofa, so I sit and wait. “You knew the circumstances…” She stops and her face plummets. “...I was signed off by the doctor! No, it doesn’t necessarily have to be...hello? Hello! Sidney?!” She puts her phone down, and for a while doesn’t say anything. “What did you want, Mother?”


“A less churlish countenance would be preferable.” I dig at her. “So that avenue of resource looks like it is cut off to you. Pity. However, do you remember Gustav Fieldmore?”


“Yes, vaguely. What about him?”


“He’s a widow now...and has been for the last four years.” I smile at her.


“Are you thinking of going there? He’s quite high up, isn’t he?” She smiles back.


“Well, not high enough for me, but for you he would be a very good catch, and is not from this part of the society catchment area, so you would need to move.”


“He must be in his 70s at least!” She exclaims.


“Then at least he won’t be so demanding!” I snap. “Sometimes, Lindsay, I do wonder how much you took on board when I was teaching you the societal rules!”


LINDSAY


“I took on plenty, Mother!” I sit down in my armchair and take her in. Seeing with fresher eyes as to how she actually is. “So this settlement from Daddy, what are you going to do about it? I would advise against going up against Mel. She had many failings, but being an attorney is not one of them.”


“Why did you two split up?”


“She wouldn’t support me when I wanted to approach Brian for a child again. She said she did want a child, but just not with me.”


“Oh dear, that must have hurt to hear.” I don’t keep the glee out of my voice and relish the flinch.


“Look, let’s try and make this as little less like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as we can. You don’t comment on my disappointing relationships, and I won’t comment on your affair to Daddy.”


She goes grey, then white, and finally red. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Lindsay, I never had an affair during the time we were married.”


“So you separated for 2 years and didn’t tell anybody?” I have been waiting years to hold this over her! “Like I said, Mother, I took on plenty. Now, excuse me, I have to go and see my attorney about taking Sidney to court for unfair dismissal. As for Gustav, if you want to use him as a leg up into society, spread your own!”


NANCY

 

I wait for her to leave the cottage and then rush to the kitchen for some water! How did she find out? When? I was so careful! Well I had to be! I try to calm my racing heart. I have to get out of here! I stride up to my room, taking the stairs two at a time. I snatch up the check. I have to get out here now! My first stop is the bank. I don’t believe for one minute that she is going to her attorney. The sooner that money is secured, the better!

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Open House, Open Mouth...Yeah So Open Season by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 45 - OPEN HOUSE, OPEN MOUTH...YEAH SO OPEN SEASON


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - HALF AN HOUR LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


Apoplectic! That’s what I am right now! I was fucking pissed the way that Carl talked to me, but this has tipped me over the edge! I had forgotten to take my name off of the Greenfield Boulevard Residents mailing list, and have found out that there is going to be an open house sale. This would be fine if it wasn’t the furniture that I picked out for my house! And the amounts he is charging, are so fucking insulting considering the calibre of some of the pieces. Well, although I lost them, it is not me making a loss on them! But then I start to calm down and think like an avenging villain. Yes, I will help him with that loss. It will be a small victory, but at least I will get my stuff back. I start to put reserves on them, and then book a storage facility to put them in, ready to start my new life, but not before I destroy theirs...all of theirs!


It’s a pity it has come to this, but after all I have done for him and the things I bought for him - for us - to start our new life together, well, my love for him has turned to hate! I vow to make him as miserable as he has made me!


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


2ND BEDROOM


LINDSAY


“You can come up, she’s gone!” I call down.


“Did she take the check with her?” Lynnette asks as she enters.


“Looks like it.” I sit on the bed and we smile at each other.


“So, what made you suddenly decide to be Daddy’s Little Helper?” She asks, sitting down. “I know you, you haven’t done this for altruistic reasons? May I hazard a guess?”


“You may.”


“You get a clear shot at his wallet?” Her lips purse in disdain and I shrug, but then get a bit uncomfortable.


“Don’t look at me like that, Lynette, you are already set for life! I want to be back in Shadyside, and there can't be two Queens in the…”


“Hive?” Her cold stare reminds me of Mother. “Well, thanks for doing a good thing for selfish reasons. Do you really think she will cash it?”


“Oh yes, then come after Daddy for more.” I titter a little. “It’s what I would do, but not against Mel. And that was another reason.”


“What was?”


“Her delight in my failed relationships. And she wanted me to go for Gustav…”


“Fieldmore?!” She quails.


“The very same!” I blench. “And she really did say that, about leaving Daddy I mean, for years apparently.”


“Jesus. But naturally with Mother’s connections, you won’t be willing to say that in court.” I flinch under her cold glare. “Thought not. Well, thank you for coming to me with the affair. I am glad that our plan worked out. Hopefully, when you are the Queen of the Hive, you will remember how she treated you and adjust your behaviour.” Again, she heads to the door. “But I doubt it.” Then once more she pauses. “So, with Sidney, what did your attorney say?”


I look at her in dismay. “Why do you think I am helping you rid Daddy of Mother? I have no case for unfair dismissal, but I am going to take the bullying angle and claim emotional distress. I gave years to that place, and there is no way he is bulldozing me out of its history without more than a mere month’s salary, and no references apart from the standard one! Who the hell does he think he is?!”


“Lindsay, take this under advisement, don’t go up against someone you don’t know everything about. You didn’t know he was a member of the club for a start, so you don’t know his connections.”


“Connections? Sidney?” I check my reflection in the mirror. “Sidney has about as many connections as Mel does at the country club!” I snipe. “How many times has she been since she became a member?”


“A few times. And she and Diana are going to the summer solstice picnic with Diana’s son. Seems that Harry has taken quite a shine to Mel.”


“She’s met her son already?” I gasp in surprise and annoyance. “That’s a little quick isn’t it?”


“Why waste time when it feels right.”  She replies, and looks at her watch. “Well, I have to be going, I have dinner plans.”


“Oh yes, which husband is this with? You’re on number what now? I can never keep up. Or have you taken after Mother and are dining with someone else’s?” I can’t resist the digs after her Mel comment.


“Goodnight, Lindsay.” Is her only response.


INSIDE LYNNETTE’S CAR - 5 MINUTES LATER


RONALD


“Did you record it?” I ask as she gets in and her smile tells me everything.


“Yes, Daddy. So now what happens?”


“Get that to Mel and we wait for the downfall of the Witches Obsession and Sorcery.” I chuckle.


“Okay, why those names?” She smiles.


“Lindsay is obsessed with status, so that’s her, and your Mother, well she’s always hatching and scheming. So let’s hear it before you send it.” After we finished listening, we look at each other a little sadly. “It has to end with your Mother, I mean, she is virtually frozen out anyway, but it has to be a fait accompli. The reign has to end with her. Sidney needs to have that as well.”


She nods and squeezes my hand. “See that light? That’s the end of the tunnel. Head towards it!”  I start the car and smile as I drive to my new life.


TREY AND DEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


We look out the hallway window when we hear beeping, and a large truck is reversing down the drive.


“All ready?” I grin at her and she nods. This place has been cleaned from top to bottom, Lorraine came in to help as well, and she worked lightening quick. Seems she has a treat in store later on this evening!  


“Let me get those butt-ugly plates!” Del calls out and trots to the kitchen and I head outside.


“Hey-hey!” I smile at the familiar trill of Ems as he gets out of his car. “So, these almost empty ones are to take out, and the one in a few hours has your new things in it. Now...what the hell are they?!” He points at the plates.


“Don’t worry, we are throwing them away.” I pat his arms reassuringly and he relaxes.


“No, give them to me. There is a shooting weekend at Benson’s folks’ estate, these will be perfect!” His smile is vicious. “But first, your beds are going to be taken up so you can rest well. So can I say it now?!” He beams at us both.


“Oh yeah.” We say in unison.


“Welcome to The Boulevard!”


BLUE MOON HOUSE - EARLY MORNING


BALCONY OVERLOOKING BACK GARDEN


BRIAN


I love this house, but it’s the garden that sold me on it. It’s perfectly styled, not overlooked, and last night we christened it!



I hear the faint rustle of sheets that says he’s awake. This is confirmed by his padding to the bathroom. Five minutes later, I am smiling at his sigh of relief after he sniffs the air, which means he is on coffee autopilot. “Mind the step!” I warn, as he has tripped over it before when he was fully awake.


“Morning.” He mumbles, and I wait for him to take at least half a cup down so that he can open his eyes. I thought Ted was bad for no-talk-before-coffee, but Justin takes it to another level.


“Why don’t you want to sit down?” I ask cheekily.


“Rattan chairs need cushions.” He mutters before heading back inside and coming out with a pillow, my pillow, then sitting down and finishing his coffee in silence before waving the cup at me.


“Yes, Sir.”


He gives a half glare then heads back into the bedroom rubbing his cheek, his very plump naked cheek, and I start to count.


“Ome...Brian!”


“A bite for a bite!” I call back, and he huffs in indignation. “Middle of the inner thigh...you nibbled!”


“The word there is nibbled...not lovebite on ass!”


“Methinks the owner of bubble butt doth protest too much, considering you were chanting more-more-more at the time…”


“That was during rimming…” He pauses to giggle. “...why is my bush green?”


“Grinding.”


“Grinding?”


“During the rimming. You were grinding and humping.” I head back into the room to see him staring at his bush and picking out the odd blade or two. “Want me to help you get clean?”


He looks at the clock and reluctantly shakes his head. “I promised Ems I would help with the open house.”


“And that is because you are a kind hearted person and not because of the immense pleasure it will give you to watch them be sold?”


“No, of course not.” He demurs. “A WASP of my lineage would not be seen doing such a thing.”


“But a very possessive Dom?”


“Oh fuck yeah!” He laughs, and runs to the shower. I swiftly follow.


TREY AND DEL’S HOUSE - MID-MORNING


DEL


It’s as if we have lived together for ages. We’re both morning people, so there’s none of this creeping about quietly bullshit. He has been making breakfast for us, and I have been doing the cupcakes, I am very pleased with them.





“Why the animals though? Handbags and heels I get, but animals?” He asks, cutting up my pancakes so that he can feed me as I work.


“At least four of the guys and gals here have kiddies.” I explain, and he raises his finger to say gotcha. I sigh, contentedly, as his perfectly cooked pancake lingers on my tongue. “So the stuff from here is going to be on the green at the bottom of the street. Apparently, there has been some keen interest…”


“Yes, I saw that. Virtually everything was bid on…”


“Mmmhmmm.” I open my mouth and he pops in another piece of pancake.


“Should be fun to say the least.” He looks at his watch. “Okay, you go down and I’ll load the dishwasher!”


“Done! See you in 20!” I call over my shoulder as I carefully lift up the first box. “Oh, before I go, are you sure about these ones?” I look down at my feet.


“Did you like Mel’s shoes?” He huffs.


“Love them!”


“Then I’m sure!” He bows down to take the plaudits.


“Okay, see you in 18 then!” I stride out with the cupcake trays and had barely got three steps down the street when I hear the familiar only-you snickering of Ems.


“Trey’s in then?!” He calls out as he pulls up alongside me. “Are you going to be okay walking in them?”


I look down at my feet and up at the sky. “Honey, the only thing that is getting these off my feet is the heat!”


“Okay, so you will be on the matting up to the stage, but then you are going to be conducting the auc...ah, that’s what the stool is for!”


“‘Ah-ding! Now, where are my helpers for all things cupcake?” He looks up the road where someone is calling his name, and a blonde, an auburnite, a beefcake, and a dark delight come jogging towards us. “Tell me that this is them?”


“Ah-ding!” He smiles, quick introductions are made and warnings given about Justin and his penchant for nibbling!


“Don’t worry, Duchess.” Benson assures me. Duchess? I like that, I like that a lot! “Any nibbling will be reported and an exacting punishment will be dispensed...later, right Guvnor?!” He looks at Brian who grins.


“Go, you rapscallions, while I see that everything is where it should be and not where Trey thinks it will do!” Ems starts to wave us off. “Love the boy to hellandback, but while he knows all things sartorial, he has no idea about how to place furniture!”


OPEN HOUSE AUCTION - AN HOUR LATER


LORRAINE


Oh, this is going to be so good! That dresser is going to be mine! When I first went in, I asked him where he got it from and his sniffy there is no point telling you as you can’t afford it reply really pissed me off! It wasn’t as if he was using it for its actual purpose, oh no, it housed his very low brow reading material. I am not talking about his porn, because it was surprisingly squirmingly good. No, he stuffed it with comics...which I heard Emmett took along with the plates. Apparently, he’s going to a bonfire and BBQ next weekend! I run my fingers over the dresser and sigh.



“You like this piece?” I freeze at the voice and slowly turn around. “Good afternoon, Lorraine.”


I swallow hard. “Master Todd.” I whisper, I’ve obviously seen him around, but he’s never spoken directly to me.


“Just Todd, please. So, do you like this piece?”


“Yes. Yes I do, and the…”


“Ah yes, the steamer trunk, now that is very nice. The perfect place to store your things.” He smiles. “They are yours, as a personal thank you for what you did.”



“Mas…” I stammer but he shakes his head.


“Yours. I insist.” He states firmly. “In fact, Leroi, can you come here a minute?” I can’t believe I am in the company of these two! “Give him your purse, please.  Make sure she doesn’t spend any money today.” He bows his head and I hand it to him, then he leans across and whispers something in Todd’s ear. “Alright, let me see it. Will we see you at the block party, Lorraine?”


“Yes you will, Todd.” Peterkin comes up behind me and squeezes my shoulder. “Our heroine of the hour is the guest of honour!” When it is only the two of us I am still just staring at the dresser and trunk that he is getting for me. “You were so good last night. Domme J was most pleased. Lorraine. Lorraine?” I shake my head and turn to face him. “They are the power couple, aren’t they?” I nod still in awe at what just happened. “I knew it, I knew the moment he saw it he would want it.”


“What?” I ask finally coming down from that high.


“Balloon chair. Come on, let me show you. I really hope there is another one, because I want one! Perfect for making you read and sit up straight.” I chuckle at his innuendo as then sigh as I see it.



“It is exquisite, I must admit to being surprised that a man of his repute and dubious cleanliness has such good taste.”


“Absolutely not! I saw it first!” Is hissed to our left and we turn to see the new wolves of the pack squabbling over a leather box.


“Gentlemen! This inglorious display will not do!” Emmett interrupts, and takes whatever they are fighting over off of the blonde. “Now you go that way and you go that way. Cool down and then heat up in another way, understand?” They both nod and go in opposite directions, and although he has told them off, he looks fondly in both their directions before rummaging in the drawer they were fixated on. “Aha! Of course he would!” He grins and then marches off with his booty in his hand.


“Clue?”


“None at all!” Peterkin laughs. “Let’s go and see what else is here!”


EMMETT


I saunter over to Brandon, who has been trying to resist the cupcakes. I don’t know why he has bothered, he’s got nary an ounce on him. “I think the pig cupcake would be perfect, since that’s how you were oh-so-sexily squealing last night.” I whisper. He closes his eyes and inhales sharply. “How are you holding up?”


“O-okay so far, but not sure I can do all day.” He leans back against me and his lids flutter. I am so proud of my little sprite, we had a session last night and now he is bound in public for the first time. He presses his lips together, and I know he has had enough. I look around for a place of privacy, and see Del waving at me. I head over.


“I took the liberty of organising some portaloos, with the kiddies and everything else. The ones on the left are for adults...last one is big enough for the two of you.”


“Thanks for that, I was just so keen to get this lot sold that I didn’t think ahead. Can you hold these for me until I give you the signal?” She nods and I rush over to Little Sprite and then lead him to his place of relief. Ten minutes later, he’s eating the pig cupcake with a smile on his face and sparkling eyes.


MICHAEL


Boy, are they going to be surprised when they see me, I gloat to myself as I pull up. I have hired a haulage van to take the bits of my furniture I want to take today, and will come back for the rest! I haven’t worked out how to ruin Ma’s wedding at Britin, but have decided to report Woody’s for under aged drinking. That should get it closed down for a while!


I pause when I get to the green and stare at how they have laid everything out, then frown at my ex-neighbours milling about with booze and cupcakes, running their sticky fingers over my stuff!


“Oh, you’re here, we were wondering when you would arrive.” I look up at Eli and say nothing. “You know, that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”


“I never said anything!” I smirk.


“I know, and what bliss it was. Such a shame you are too stupid to have left it that way!” He laughs as he walks off.


I decide to check my stuff for damage, because I will be making sure that any damage is repaired at their cost! As I look around, I see my former friends, if they were ever that, talking together. I want to hear what they are talking about, so instead of sneaking to eavesdrop, I walk right up to them.


“So, this is what it has come to, has it?!” I snap at Brian who is blonde boy free for a change!


“Yes.” He replies and takes a beer off a passing waiter. “Oh, by the way, you have to thank my renowned powers of persuasion because Justin has dropped the charges against you.”


“Much like he’s dropped you by the looks of it!” I take pleasure in mocking their partnership.


“Keep spitting bile and I will reinstate them.” Justin’s voice startles me, and I long to wipe the smirk off of Brian’s face, even more so when Justin walks up to him, takes his beer, and drains it, then he walks off with a wobble of that enormous ass of his.


“Debs said you’re coming, will you just stay for that?” Emmett asks me and I frown. “The wedding, I need to put numbers down for the catering company and…”


“I thought Woody’s was cooking up this meal…” I trail off as yet again I have almost given away something.


“Just the cake. It’s all around Liberty Avenue, and so many people want to help.” Ted’s streak of piss simpers. “But I want to do it myself, such an honour.”


“Yes. I will be staying all the time.” I respond to Emmett.


“Okay, so that’s table for one, in the corner under the damp patch in the dining room...confirmed.” Emmett sneers and I glare at him. “I can glare better with my eyes closed.”


“As usual, you are babbling. What you said didn’t even make any sense!”


“Much like Brian and your friendship, but that, like this conversation, is at an end. Now come on people, the bidding is about to start!” He shepherds them away from me, and I stare daggers at their retreating backs.


I begin to follow them but then spot the chest of drawers that was in the hallway and remember something. I stroke it reminiscing about how pleased I was when he saw it, and, much to his surprise, I paid for it! What I am looking for is not in there and that gives me pause, then I realise they must be in one of the boxes I have yet to unpack.


There is a tapping on the mic and people go quiet. “Good afternoon, everyone, welcome...mostly...to the Greenfield Boulevard Open House Fayre! My name is Del, and I will be your MC for the day. Now, let’s get this started. Our first piece is the bed frame, obviously without the mattress…” This raises laughter. Why? “...who will start me off at $200?!” My bid is $300, so that’s a steal. I put my hand up. “Sold!” She declares, and I look across at Brian and shrug but he just shakes his head.


“The next lot is the bed in the second bedroom. Who will start me off at $150?”


Again my hand goes up, and again the bid is accepted, and this is how it goes, I am starting to claim things back. I have the beds, the wardrobes, the study desk, the sofas, the armchairs. I am keeping a tally of what I have spent, and it is barely half the cost of the car he got me. I look around but can’t see it, I check the list and it’s definitely on there so where is it?!


JUSTIN


I look across at his frantic waving and wonder if instead of being dropped on his head as a kid, he was given one too many swirlies and he has some residual water on the brain! How can he not see that nobody wants them? We want him to want them...and he does! He seems to think that showing Brian he can spend his own money means something. Brian has long known about his savings, but has never said anything to Debs about it, citing the NOHIP reasoning...it took a wee while for me to work out he meant not his place! Most of the big stuff is now his, now it’s the personal stuff coming up.


“Right. Now we’re going to take a break before we come to the smaller items of furniture and other knickknacks!” Del announces, and I smile across at Ems, as this is where the coup de grace from the cunning mind of this Alpha will be dealt.


“You alright?” Ben asks as he hands me a beer.


“Fine, just fine.” I smile up at my friend and he looks so content. “So this thing at Benson’s, what exactly is it?”


“Shooting dishes in a barrel, bonfire of the magazines, and then the BBQ. And before you even think to ask, we’re in the cabin!” He laughs at my disappointment. “Don’t worry, he’s got something special lined up for everyone in the main house...with enough rooms between so that hearing each other scream is not going to be a problem!”


“Do you think he will move in?” I have been wanting to ask him for weeks now.


“Now that the Turgid Turd has moved near him, I think he might be finding GB a much more relaxing place.”


“Good, I’m glad, but nobody uses the attic.”


“No, definitely not, especially since the pecan cookies are running out again!” My look is suitably baleful. “We didn’t touch the ice cream if that helps.”


“It doesn’t. I am going to have to cave and get the recipe aren’t I?” I sigh and harrumph at his laughing nod as I send Mom a text. When she replies I burst out laughing, and show him what she said. “I had wondered why he wasn’t complaining that he didn’t have any! Ooh, wait till I get hold of him!”


“He’s over there.” He points to Brian, resting against a chest of drawers, which I have to grudgingly admit, I really like. “Go get him.”


I feel a set of you-know-whose eyes boring into my back as I head over to Brian, and as I get close enough, I reach for his beer. “Leave me some this time.” He chides me, and I nod then tilt the bottle to see how much is left. I take a couple of swallows then hand it back. “You’ve got the gotcha look on your face.”


“Two words: Pecan cookies.” He doesn’t even try not to look guilty. “So where are they, and where do you cook them? I would recognise that smell a mile away.” I sit down on the chest and swing my feet, bumping them against the drawers.


“Don’t bump. I like this chest. I am seriously considering going for it.”


“Oh, you too?” I grin. “Where would you put it? I think it would look great in the kitchen. Now, back to the pecan in hand, where do you cook them?”


“She lives 5 miles away, this is why you never smelt them.” He looks very pleased with himself.


“Debs?” He nods, and again I pull out my phone, which has him looking puzzled. “Going to ask her to bring some dough around when she drops off Little Grub.” He gives me a dazzling smile. “Oh, and next week we have another camping trip, this time in the Alleghany Mountains.” I hold up my hand as I know what is coming. “It’s on Thursday night, not Friday.”


“Good…”


“Oh, that’s cool!” I point to a trunk.



“No.” His tone is so firm and final that I am taken aback.


“Why not?”


“That’s the trunk for his actual junk.” He shudders, and my interest evaporates!


“Right, ladies and gentlemen!” Del calls out. “The next piece to come up is the chest of drawers currently being used as a sofa by our benevolent landlord and his partner! If they could remove their luscious butts so that people can see it, the drawers I mean, then we can start the bidding!” I watch his hand quiver in readiness, and nod at Ems, who in turn nods at Del. “I will start this off at two fifty! Who will give me two fifty?!” Predictably, his hand shoots up. “Can anyone give me three?” He looks around and I put mine up, he glares at me. “Will take three fifty, sir?” She points at him and he nods. “Take four?!” She calls out and soon it is a bidding war until we get to six, and with a look of resignation he shakes his head. “Sold to the blonde! Right, next item…”


Her words fade to blackness as Brian has swooped me into a kiss that has some people whistling. “What was that for?” I gasp.


“I would’ve paid a thousand to get it.” He admits sheepishly.


“I would not have let you do that. Now it’s yours. Let’s watch the show from right…” I tap the top of the drawers. “...here.” I catch the baleful look before he stalks off to another part of the field.


For the next couple of hours he bids on piece after piece. He loses out on more than he wins, thanks to some nodding from Ems and me. Finally, we are down to the last few pieces, but he is frowning and checking the papers he has in his hands.


“Now these are two specialist items. Bought in London, they are antique telescopes. Who will start the bidding at two for the pair?” He is frantically looking through the papers with his frown getting deeper and deeper. “One fifty do I hear one fifty?” A hand goes up. “Back up to two then. Do I hear two for these fine antique telescopes from London?!” She almost bellows and finally his head and hand shoot up. “Two fifty anybody? Can I have two fifty?”




“Me.” Brian declares and he glares at him.


“Three.”


“Four.” Brian retorts.


“Five!” He snaps.


“Go to seven.” I murmur to him, and he frowns. “Go to seven.”


“Seven.”


All eyes turn to him and he fights with his crapricious nature before admitting defeat.


“Sold to our benevolent landlord!” Del declares, and then clears her throat. “And that concludes the Greenfield Boulevard Open House Fayre! Now those with items to collect, please go to the marquee and present your dockets and paddles!”


He almost breaks into a run to get there. “Come on, you have got to see this!” I tug on his hand; he just shakes his head and follows, only letting go to snag a beer. When we get there, there is a steaming mad Double T raging at Ems, and waving the papers about.


“As I and the website have said, the items that were listed did not represent the totality of the items owned and up for auction by Brian Kinney, and it is his choice as to whether they were put up for the fayre. Now, the blue dresser, the balloon chair, the steamer trunk and the car were removed at the last minute, as is his right. Please go and collect your other items.”


He turns to go to the collection point, but sees us and stalks over. “Where are they?”


“What?”  Brian drawls.


“The balloon chair, the blue steamer trunk and dresser, the car, along with the kitchenware, where are they?!”


“As Ems said, I withdrew them at the request of other interested parties…”


“Oh, don’t tell me, you bought them for him because they match his eyes!”


“No, I got them, and for free.” He tenses up and turns around. “I see your manners have not improved in my absence.”


“Lorraine, I wouldn't have thought they were your kind of people. Seeing as you are of such a religious bent, if you pardon the pun!”


“Oh, these kind of people are my kind of people, but opprobrious whoop-ding-wackadoodles like you aren’t! Now, excuse me, I have to be lauded for my efforts and success in getting you and that anathema by default off The Boulevard!” She walks away giggling.


He turns back to us. “I thought you said you had nothing to do with her being in my house?”


“She was not our idea, and it is no longer your house. Now, collect what you bought and fuck off!” Brian tone reminds me of that night...I am so glad it is not me he is talking to.


“Hang on, the telescopes and the chest of drawers, I paid for them…” He looks like he’s going cream his pants, such as his delight. “...or do you dispute that?”


“Chest of drawers, no. And I had wondered where the scopes came from. They are a surprisingly tasteful choice, considering you have no interest in that.”


“I bought them for us when I thought we might have a chance, same for the kitchenware, but you have chosen to go down the Titanic way. More fool you. However, I am due the money for them, so pay up.”


Brian frowns as he didn’t know the ins and outs of this auction. For the final time today, at least where this oddjob is concerned, I nod at Ems and he comes across with them and waits for Brian and him to look at him. “That will be $7 please, Big Bad, and $6 from JB for the chest of drawers.


“What?!” They say at the same time.


“Here’s our money, Ems. I’ll take the scopes, can you arrange for delivery of the drawers to Blue Moon?”


‘Absolutely. Now here you are…” He hands the money to a dumbstruck Double T. “...we have forgone the need for commission for such a paltry amount. Who’d have thought that 13 would be lucky for you? We will see you guys at the block party later, right Big Bad? As I suspect you require an explanation, and then will be rewarding JB for his masterful handling of the...now what did Lorraine call him again?”


“Whoop-ding-wackadoodle!” Ted calls out.


“Yes, that, must remember that! So, Big Bad, go let JB explain and we will see you later.”


“What? Uh yeah. Um, JB?” Brian looks utterly flummoxed.


“JiggleButt.” Ems cackles, and we leave a stock still Double T to his own devices!


MICHAEL


I don't know how long I was standing there for, but I gather my wits when there is someone calling my name. “That's me!” I call out, and seeing a cop approaching me, I swallow hard. “Is there a problem, officer?” My mind flashes back to the earlier conversation with blondie, and I begin to wonder if this was a ruse.


“Yeah. Your truck is blocking the boulevard, you need to move it or…”


“I can’t, it has broken down.” I explain, having remembered the last block party and that the green end is the only way up to the houses.


“We thought it had. I have taken the liberty of calling a tow truck as we have other vehicles to get in. Should be here in five minutes.”


“But...but I have some stuff to load into it.” I protest.


“From the fayre?” He frowns.


“Yes. I have the proof of purchases here.” I bridle.


“No, it’s not that. It’s just that it said on the website that they would arrange for delivery, there was no need to hire a truck. So which garage should I get this towed to?”


“Arrange delivery?” I repeat and could swear I hear the sickening snickering of a few people.


“Yeah. So the garage?”


“Never mind, I can get it there myself!” I bite out.


“How? Are you a distant relative to Samson or Hercules?” I set my lips in a thin line and wait for him to finish. “By which I mean, are you going to push it there yourself?” He demands. “Or is it that there is nothing wrong with the truck and you are just being obstructionist?”


“No.” I grind out. “I meant that I can arrange a tow truck myself.” I paste a smile on my face.


“Well there’s no need like I said, and I can see the tow truck now. I will come with you so that you can give them the name of the garage. This way, sir.”


I have no other choice but to follow him.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - 10 MINUTES LATER


ATTIC


BRIAN


I settle on the sofa and look at my Erinyes, my partner and my Alpha. “So, may I take a very proud and educated guess?” He wiggles his toes in my lap and nods. “I think that you and Ems, with the help of the delectable auctioneer, changed the meaning of the amounts on certain pieces. So what he thought were hundreds of dollars were in the singles.”


“Yep.”


“And that’s why you wouldn’t let me go further than ten?”


“Uh huh.” He smiles as I adjust my position so that I am lying on top of him. “Even though he bought them they are beautiful.”


“The scopes?” He questions, and my silence gives him his answer, he scrunches up his nose then fluffs my quiff with a soft smile. “But we own them now. And all we have to do is work out who gets which one.” I nod. “Which do you like?”


“Ah-ah-ah. Last to cum gets first pick, assume the 69!” I declare.


Happily we got the ones we wanted and made it to the block party!

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Lots of Fun for Some After the Fayre by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 46 - LOTS OF FUN FOR SOME AFTER THE FAYRE


OUTSIDE MICHAEL’S OLD HOUSE - LATE EVENING


MICHAEL


So far nobody has seen me, and judging by what I have just seen inside, he’s forgotten all about it! Seeing that the party is still in full fucking swing, I take a chance and head to the house. Those trusting fools! As I thought, the door is unlocked, so while their rat tenants are away this lion is going to play! I snicker like the Joker as I flick the light on and go to the kitchen...and come to a stop! What the fuck have they done?! It looks, it looks…I turn around at the tap on my shoulder and then everything goes dark.


I can feel someone slapping my face and slapping my face hard! “Stop it!” I mumble but it is hard to talk as my jaw is hurting. Slowly I open my eyes and am looking up at someone who I don’t know and a very unamused looking Carl!


“Good evening, sir.” He drips sarcasm. “Can you sit up?”


“Unh.” I reply as it hurts to move my head.


“I am going to take that as a yes.” He turns to my assailant as I slowly sit up and rub my sore jaw. “Was anything taken?”


“No. I just heard a noise from upstairs and…” He starts to laugh.


“What’s funny?”


“He was narrating his entrance!” He starts to laugh harder. “He was like: little do they know that I am Ninja-like in my stealth. I shall steal in and take what is rightfully mine! Well, I don’t know about you, Detective Horvath, but there aren’t many Ninjas I know, either real or imaginary, who need to turn the light on to be stealthy!”


“He assaulted me.” I protest.


“He defended his property, as is his right.” Carl retorts.


“Shouldn’t he have given me a warning or something?”


“I tapped you.”


“You punched me!” I wince as my chin throbs.


“I tapped you. She punched you.” He points to a woman standing by the sink with her hand in the crystal ice bucket I spent two hours finding!


“Do you want to press charges?” Carl asks, and they both shake their heads. He turns back to me. “Did you drive?”


“Yes.” I am too beyond mortified that I got knocked out by a girl to think straight!


“I will get you home.” He sighs. “I won’t have you bitching to Debs about anything more than you need to. Not that this will stop you.” I get up and feel a bit wobbly, but he does nothing to help me. “Do you need medical attention?”


“Yeah, I feel woozy.” I mutter.


“Of course you do.” He looks skywards before turning to my attackers. “See you on Wednesday.” He tells the guy who nods. “And, as for you…” He smiles at the cow that hit me. “...get that looked at if it swells up.”


“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be fine, his jaw was unsurprisingly soft.” She laughs, they all do, while I fume.


“Too easy.” He chuckles and waves me ahead of him. We walk in silence to the car, and, once inside, he sighs and waits until I look at him. “Seatbelt.” He orders, and when I put it on, he starts the car. As we drive, a plan begins to formulate and I close my eyes to think it through further. When I open them, we are at the hospital. I frown at him.


“You said you needed medical attention, this is the place to get it.” He steps out and strides through the doors. Within minutes a gurney is being rushed out and my car door is opened, before I am urged to get out and get on. “I shall leave you to it.”


“You’re not staying?”


“Nope. I don’t think there is anything wrong with you, so will wait in the comfort of our home to be proved right or wrong. I am many things to you, Michael, none of them good I suspect, but I am neither a fool nor a wet nurse. Drop by the house when you get discharged, as, despite your many failings, she will want to see that you are alright.”


All I think as I am wheeled in and he drives away is curses!


BLOCK PARTY - ABOUT 1145


DAPH


It is no use! I have tried every wile I have to get them, but Justin is not budging. I try for the ick factor to sway him.


“You do realise that the top one is a woman?”


“They are definitely two guys!” He hiccups, clutching the bag to his chest. “I should know, I was in that position a few hours ago!” His mouth hangs open before he looks around and waves at Brian who ambles over. “I di...said... something personable.”


“Wassat?” Brian grins slightly.


“It’s about these…” He opens the bag and I know that I have lost. “...Daph wants them, but so do I, and I said I was like that earlier, so I know they are men!”


He pulls one out of the bag. “Definitely men! And definitely not. He found them, he keeps them, and I know exactly where they are going!”


“Where what are going?” Ems saunters over.


“These.” He puts one on the bar.




“Where’d you find them, Jiggle?” Brian asks, and he points to a large silver box he found earlier that didn’t make it into the fayre.


“I...why…” Justin sways slightly before Ben steadies him.


“Okay, coffee for you.” Ben orders, and Benson goes to get some. “Now sit down. What have you been up to? You don’t normally get ripped so fast?”


“That.” Brian points to the doorknob laughing. “I came last.”


“You came...oh!” Ben snickers, and I just shake my head, smiling.


“It’s funny how orgasms can sometimes be delightfully and deliciously detrimental to your alcohol tolerance!” Benson guffaws as he comes up with the coffee. He looks at Justin and takes a swig himself. “He’s barely awake, just get him home.”


“Yes indeed, Guvnor.” Brian mimics, and then jostles Justin from his resting position with his head on his chest. “Justin, come on. Let’s go home.”


“No knob taking! Knobs mine!” He burbles before dropping sound asleep.


“Out of the mouths of drunken lambs!” Ems laughs, and picks up the box. “You lead, I will follow.”


“Where was that?” Brian indicates the box.


“Don’t know. Justin said he found it in the garage and...” I reply and we all stop.


“Garage?” Ben asks slowly.


“Do you think…” I begin, and take off running with Ben and Benson in my wake. I hear Ems screaming that they will be right there!


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - 5 MINUTES LATER


JUSTIN’S ROOM


BRIAN


I tuck him up and he doesn’t notice. Sighing, I turn to Ems, who holds up his hand. “I know and I’m sorry. I let my personal feelings get in the way.”


“What are you talking about, Honeycutt?”


“Don’t call...you mean you’re not mad at me because of the…” He gestures to the box.



“No. To be honest, I had forgotten about the garage too. Let’s go and see what else Squirrel Nutjob had in there.”


MICHAEL’S OLD GARAGE - 10 MINUTES LATER


When we get there Benson is standing outside the doors like a bouncer, and I can hear excited voices. “What’s going on?” I ask as he steps aside and pushes the door open with a flourish.


“Well, he certainly was going with a theme.” Emmett drawls as he looks around.


“Can you believe this guy hid that amount of taste under all of that twatty tawdriness?!” Daph exclaims. “I suppose the chances of me having this chaise longue without telling Justin are next to zero?”


“Less than zero.” I reply, and her face falls. “But, I think he will be okay with it. He’s not into white, especially with Little Grub, so if you put that in your room then it should all work out just fine.” She grins and plants a smacker on my cheek.



“What about the rest of the stuff?” Ems asks taking pictures. “Another fayre?”


“No, I have a much better idea!” I laugh, and as usual Ems gets it straight away.


“It is going to take a big ass fucking bow but yeah, I’ll get this all wrapped up!”


“Great. You get back to the party, and I am going to go join my man in bed!”


“You say it like it’s a bad thing!” Ems titters.


“It’s not, it’s just when he’s drunk he snores! The only thing that seems to stop him is a blowjob...it’s such a tough life being with him!”


“Your martyrdom is duly noted, Big Bad.” Ems smirks.


BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING


JUSTIN’S BEDROOM


JUSTIN


I smell coffee and hear whistling. I lift the cover off my head and look around the room before slowly sitting up.


“Mr Chatterbox lives.” Brian says dryly, and I cringe. “Bathroom, then back in bed to take these, then drink that.” I look to the side and there is a glass of ice cold fizzy water, pills, a huge covered mug of coffee...and three pecan cookies! I nod and head to the bathroom, and ten minutes later I am nestled between his thighs, waiting for the pills and water to do their thing. “I take it a very quiet day at home is needed?” I rub my face and nod. “Want me to tell you then?”


“Yeah. What did I say and do?”


“You were arguing the finer points of doorknobs with Daph…”


“Doorknobs?” I look up at him and the memory slowly starts to come back. “Did I win the war to keep them?”


“You did. And the box they came in, which we will, investigate later. But the highlight for me was you declaring rather loudly that the knobs are yours before dropping sound asleep and dribbling on my shirt.”


I chuckle and reach for my coffee. “How’d I get here?”


“I carried you. But what I want to know is why you were in the garage?”


“Oh yes! I went to our garage to get something. I was surprised to find stuff in there still. Why was it in there?”


“We had completely forgotten about it.” He smirks. “He had some nice…”


“The chaise lounge!” I exclaim.


“Yeah, Daph has…”


“Which one? There were two; the white one and the suede one.”


“There was?” I nod as he reaches for his phone and dials a number “What about the suede one?”


“Thought it would be nice on the balcony at Blue Moon.”


I would need to…Ems, morning, sounds like you stayed to the early hours, ah only just going to bed.” He laughs and shakes his head. “I won’t keep you, but can you send the pictures from the garage, specifically the...yeah the suede chaise longue.” He smiles again and gives me the thumbs up. “Okay, will check it out. Bye.”


“What did he say?” I ask, reaching for the plate.


“Pills kicked in then?” He snags a cookie and then blows crumbs off my shoulder before flicking through his phone. “Is it this one?”


He shows me the picture and I nod. “Ems thought the same, and is going to have it delivered along with the drawers. Did you get what you went to your garage for? And, how did you get in his garage?”


“Oh, let me up please. It wasn’t locked.”


“It wasn’t? Hang on.” He reaches for his phone as it rings. “Hey, Debs, how is your…?” I heave the box onto the bed. “Great. So what time…” He looks stupefied and then scrubs his nose while listening. “Well, okay then, it certainly answers that question. Yeah, sure, no problem, see you later.” He sighs and flops his hand down on the bed.


“Brian?”


“Michael went to the garage last night, which is why it was unlocked. Then, he went into Red Brick, but was caught by Trey and Del. She knocked him out with one punch.” I try really hard not to smile. “Carl took him to the hospital...as he was out for a while, and, after a rip-snorting speech, left him there.” I press my lips together really hard. “Unfortunately for him, Trey found the garage keys in the kitchen and locked it back up. Debs is going to have them put a keypad lock on it. Actually, I think we will do them all, as that way he can’t bitch that he is being unfair…”


“...ly treated.” I finish off for him, but he looks puzzled. “You alright?”


“Yeah, it’s most probably…” He runs his thumbnail up and down the tip of his nose.


“Omega, what is it?”


He gives a beaming smile before it falters slightly. “He mentioned Woody’s doing the food for the wedding, and Blake said that it has been all over The Avenue. Which is true, but he hasn’t. Nobody has seen him for a while…”


“So how did he know about the food?”


“I don’t know, but I am sure it will come out. So what did you get?”


“It will, he’s arrogant enough to boast. Can we be done with discussions of him now?”


“Yes sir.”


BRIAN


Omega, he said Omega, without prompting!


I shift down the bed to help him take the lid off the box, and, when I do, I am astonished at what is inside. “Ems said it felt like you had rocks in here! May I...uh?” I pause, unsure where we are.


“Justin or Jiggle.” He leans over and the kiss is a combo of him, pecan cookies and coffee...so succulent!


“Ah, you remember that?” He bobs his head and mock pouts. “Would you prefer me just to call you Butt?”


“Do you want to get in it again?”


“Justin or Jiggle it is then! So these beautiful things are from where?” I pick up a rock and marvel at the coldness of it contrasting with the beauty of the colours.


“When I could see again, I started to collect moonstones and crystals but then the guilt kicked in and I put them away. No longer hiding them now.”


“They are gorgeous. Are there stands for them? Where are you going to put them?”


He starts to go pink. “Well, I wanted to give you and Little Grub the green and the orange ones. And keep the icy blue one for me.” He lays out his selection and waits as I cast my eye over them.



I beckon him closer. “And where is the icy blue one going? If the answer is not on top of the drawers in the kitchen alongside these two, you won't be getting in my ass.”


“On top of the drawers alongside those two.” He parrots back, grinning.


“Good answer. However did you come up with that?!”


“Funny. So what about the box? What do we do with that?”


“Keep our junk in it? And make sure he finds out about that.”


“You are evil.”


“I learned from you Erinyes.”


“I must reward you for your noble efforts.”


“Yeah, you must. You really must!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - MID AFTERNOON


HALLWAY


MICHAEL


I recheck the jacket pocket and they are definitely not in there, so where the hell are they?! While I am pissed that I can’t find my car keys, I am pleased that they weren’t on the same keyring as the house keys. I need to get my van and the stuff in the garage back to the storage unit. My jaw throbs as I grind my teeth in frustration. That is another thing! Once Carl dumped me there, I was discharged within 10 minutes, with advice to get some sleep, take Advil and put ice on it! That was it and I had to wait ages for a fucking cab!


I pause to check my reflection, I think a bit more bruising is needed first before I go to and see Ma. She called earlier to tell me to come around, so I am happy for her to tend to her poor wounded soldier! I set off down the path and see a guy staring at me, and, for the second time, I have a flash of deja vu. Where have I seen him before?


Shrugging it off, I head towards Ma’s, and when I get there, I can’t believe it! My car is there, looking pristine with a huge bow on it! I see the tag flapping in the breeze, and rush to read it. There in her familiar scrawl are the words; to you, I couldn’t let anyone but you have it xxx. I rush up to the door and start hammering on it.


“Alright! All fucking right!” I hear her yelling, and the door is pulled open. “You are lucky that Gus is with his Grandpa!” She growls.


“Sorry, Ma, but I just can’t believe it!” I jabber excitedly.


“Neither can I! I cannot believe that you are that stupid!” She snaps, before grabbing me by my chin and I wince. “I, on the other hand, am not.” She wipes her fingers on my jacket.


“I tried to cover it up so it is less noticeable.” I state, and then look back at my pride and joy. “So, when did you get it?”


“Of course you did. When did I get what? Oh, the car. Yesterday. Got it delivered this morning while he was...” She pauses before breaking into a big smile. “Hi, sweethearts!” She calls out as Carl comes up the street pushing the buggy.


I feel like Venom at his best, as I wait for his reaction when he sees what she's done.


“Debs?” He slowly comes up the path, looking between the car and me.


“I know what you are thinking…” She looks uncertain. “...but I caught you looking at it a few times, and here we are. Brian has tried but it doesn’t fit, so we are going to have to get one specially made.”


“What doesn’t fit?” I ask her.


“Gus’s carrier.” She walks towards the buggy and takes him out of it. “Did you have a nice walk with Grandpa?” She turns to me. “Michael, you are in the way. Carl needs to get the buggy inside.”


My thoughts of victory die on the spears of defeat as I watch Carl kiss Ma and I hear the jangle of my keys. “It’s all yours.” She grins at him. “Now get that inside, and then take it for a spin!” She heads back to the house, but stops and regards me coldly. “Well, come on in then. While I feed him, you can explain to me why you are being such a lame brained dickhead.”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Suck on That and See How it Tastes by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 47 - SUCK ON THAT AND SEE HOW IT TASTES!


MICHAEL


Lame brained dickhead?!


“Move it! If he gets to DEFCON 1 because of you, then you and I are going to have another problem!” Ma bitches from the kitchen, and Carl uses the buggy to nudge me along. I shoot him a dirty look and step inside.


“Or honey, we could just keep that for ourselves.” Carl calls out as he comes into the room.


“What do you mean?”


Yes, what do you fucking mean, Stepdaddy dear?!


“Why go through the unnecessary expense of getting something fitted that he’s going to grow out of unless, of course, Brian has told you something that you have been sworn to secrecy over?” He chuckles as he opens a small fridge. “What did he have this morning?”


“What do you mean sworn to secrecy? Pumpkin and carrot.”


“Well, with Brian, Justin and Little Grub becoming more of a family, you never know. They might want to add to it.”


You are fucking with me, right?!


“Wouldn’t that be borderline incest?” I scoff, and then six pairs of eyes swivel in my direction and nobody says anything for a few minutes. “Isn’t Daphne like his sister or something?”


LITTLE GRUB


Something is not right. Blob has done something. I am doing bubbies, I think Da calls them bubbies. Ga is not so soft and squidgy and Pa does not have his squishy face that he does when I do bubbies. I look around and try to find Da and Li so that they can take Blob away, but I can't see them. I don’t like Blob, I need Da and Li I need them! I know how to get them...


“WAAAAAHHHHHAAAAAAA!!!”


DEBS


“DEFCON 1!” I glare at the lame brained dickhead in front of me. “Even Gus knew that was a dumbass thing to say! Listen to him defending them!”


“Oh, for crying out loud! He’s hardly a human!” Michael flaps...actually fucking flaps his hands dismissively at my grandson and calls him hardly human!

 

 

 

“Get him outta here!” I order Carl, and while he deals with that I try to soothe Gus.


Ten minutes later he is alternating between screaming and grizzling, Carl and I exchange looks. “Needs his Daddies.” He declares and reaches for his phone.


FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER


BRIAN


“Don’t you ever come near him again, do you understand me?!” I rasp at an unwisely belligerent looking Michael, he was still about when we arrived and followed us in, but he just shrugs. “Hardly a human…” I take a breath and try to shake off the restraining hand. “Let go of…”


“Brian, I am not letting go, and you are calming down.” I turn to look at Justin, his determination to stop me is as fierce as my determination to defend our Little Grub. “You are calming down. You are calming down.” He repeats firmly. “Gus needs Daddy hugs, so calm down.”


I nod and my heartbeat begins to slowly regulate. “Walk, while you still can.”


“Excuse me, you may have bought the house, but that is my Mother not yours, mine. I will…”


“Brian, go outside, just for a minute, please.” Justin tells me, and I am so shocked that I start to do as he says.


“Being ordered about by a twink. The aging Stud of Liberty Avenue is nothing but a whipped pussy boy.” His words stab into my back. “I am sure The Avenue will be delighted to hear how the mighty have fallen!”


My old feelings of insecurity bubble up but this time I push them aside and really think about what I have versus what he says I have and who I am. “Carl!” I call out and he steps inside, glaring at his soon to be stepson. “Can you get him for us?”


He nods. “Won’t be long.”


I hear the advance of a DEFCON 1 wailing Gus long before I see him, but the moment he is in my arms, he stops crying and buries his damp face in my neck. I rub his back until he calms down.


“The Avenue and The Boulevard know Michael. They see it every day, if this is what being whipped feels like, then I am glad. Every morning I wake up, I have a want and a need. I want cuddles with Little Grub and I need to see Justin, but it is not being whipped...it is being happy. Happier than I have been in the entire time I have known you.”


He gasps and tears gather in his eyes. “I can't believe you said that…”


“Believe it because it is true. Now Justin and I are taking our Little Grub - AKA Gus, not Little Gub or some kid called Guy - home.”


“Kiddo…” Debs interrupts gently. “...let him go to sleep before you take him home. Go up and give him a bath. Go on the pair of you, I will deal with this.”


BATHROOM


JUSTIN


Fucking livid does not come close! Little Grub is still hiccuping a little, but he is sucking his fist so that’s a good sign.


“If he thinks…”


“Brian, please calm down. This…”


“Justin, I am calm.” I raise an eyebrow. “Well, I’m getting there, but that was not what I was going to say. If he thinks he is going to force Debs to choose then he is mistaken.”


“What do you mean?”


“The amount of times I have seen those tears and heard those words, they are generally followed by Debs lambasting me for upsetting her boy and harping on until I make him all better…” He goes mushy as Little Grub starts to blow bubbles. “...well I have more important people to make better; you and him.” I grin as he lies him down to tenderly undress him, so I start to set the bath.


“Uh, Brian…” I snicker as I open the cupboard under the sink. “...have you and Debs been shopping for toiletries by any chance?”


“No, but she did ask if there is something specific that I used once. Told her that he likes Burt’s Bees, especially the oil, why?”


“Well that explains the four baskets then.” I start to laugh. “Sorry, make that five! And none of them are open!”


“What are you talk…” He trails off as he peers into the cupboard. “...I don’t believe it.”



“Well since we’ve almost run out of the oil and massage cream, I don’t think she’s going to mind if we take one do you?”


“No, I won’t....” Debs laughs from outside the door. “...there’s another 3 in the storage cupboard! Can I come in?”


I open the door and she steps inside. “Kiddo, he’s gone, so when you two are finished, put him down, and come and eat something.”


Brian just nods and tests the water, before lowering him gently into the tub.


LITTLE GRUB


Da and Li are here! I look around and I can’t see Blob. I knew they would get rid of him. I am all warm, and Li was doing the rubbing thing, I like the rubbing thing, on my front, it makes me feel all soft. Now Da is doing it on my back, I really like this...but I must tell them not to let Blob back in...will tell them in a...


MICHAEL’S HOME - AN HOUR LATER


KITCHEN


Well that’s another blot on her copybook! Ma threw me out, not Carl, but Ma! And she told me that it is up to me whether or not I come to the wedding! It is my choice, but she would be happy either way! Either way?! Either fucking way? I am her son, she should have uninvited me again, that way I would’ve had another reason for exacting my revenge. But oh no, she’s put the onus on me to decide. Well, that’s not how it fucking works in the world of sabotage and payback!


And as for Brian, I almost started to applaud! Such grandstanding, worthy of Custer’s Last Hurrah! But, unlike everyone there, I know now that everything he does is an act, a sham. He is a charlatan, a fraud, and a liar! He pretended to be my friend, he pretended to want a life with me, but he lied! He built my hopes up and dashed them cruelly on the rocks of doom and despair.


Plotting revenge and making plans for a new life away from here is hungry work! I look in the fridge and see nothing inspiring, so decide to order in and reach for my phone, but can’t find it. I must have left it at Ma’s. Then I remember about the van, which is by the garages! I start to panic as I can’t remember if I locked it or not.


“Remain calm, this is something that you bought for yourself. Of course you would make sure it is secure. It’s not something that he bought and could replace easily like he has replaced our friendship!” I head to the lounge and boot up my laptop before logging onto the GPS tracking site. The van is there, so once more I don my jacket to make my way to her house to pick up my phone, which is most likely where I left it.


GREENFIELD BOULEVARD GARAGES - SAME TIME


TREY


I knock on the side of the van and the driver waves his goodbyes. I look at the camper van and then think about what happened earlier. “I wonder…” I mutter as I dig in my pocket for the keys I found, and there is that all too familiar beep and flash. I open it up, and the first thing I spot is a phone on the floor. I gingerly pick it up because this thing is a travesty, and that’s just the phone! Has this man not heard of a screenwipe! Oh, this will never do, I can’t have this monstrosity here sullying up The Boulevard. Even if nobody else can see it, I can feel its dirty pervading presence. No, it has to go!


I drop it back where it was and pull out my pristine phone. “Ems, darling boy, it’s me. Oh, sorry Brandon, can I speak to him please? Hey, have you spoken to Debs or Carl at all today? No? Oh, an all-day-pray-away-day! I knew you were knocking some back, and heard tales of torches being sung! Anyway, listen, let me catch you up…”


Twenty minutes later, I am feeling much, much better, especially as a fuming Ems ordered the van to be towed posthaste, and, with one final look in the now empty garage, I close the door and punch in our new code.


“Marque, there is a tow truck coming for that. Can you make sure it is gone before you leave?”


“Sure, Trey, no problem, gonna be here a while anyway. Got all these garages to put the keypad locks on.”


“Not that I am complaining, but why are they being replaced?”


“Dunno. Carl called and asked if I could do it. Wasn’t doing much, and it’s double time. No brainer.”


“True enough. See you later, poppet!”


“Poppet?! Now that’s not one I’ve ever been called. You know, with me being 350 pounds of pure muscle with a tattooed head!”


“Oh hush!” I call over my shoulder, and his laughter fades into the distance as I make my way home.


DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - 20 MINUTES LATER


MICHAEL


We are at a standoff, which quite frankly, he of all people should not be challenging me to, especially here!


“I want to come inside my Mother’s house, and you can’t stop me!” I try to step inside, but again Justin pushes me back. “Touch me one more time and I shall have you arrested for assault. See how you like that!”


“Two things; for me to assault you, I would need to touch you. I am stepping towards you, you are stepping back - as is your wise choice. And secondly, you have been told to keep away from Little Grub, and he is still here, so you can’t be.”


“I want to check if I have left my phone here! I have things to do!” I fume.


“Is it on silent?”


“No it isn’t, not that this is any of your business!”


“Because I can ask Debs to call it, unless, you have another friend that you’d like her to call for you...no? Why am I not surprised.”


“It’s not here.” Ma says as she steps outside and pulls the door almost closed. “You didn’t come in with it. Try to think back to the last place you were, the reason why you have yet to explain, maybe you left it there. We are going to eat now. Come on, Justin.”


I recoil at the memory of last night, but there is something about the look on his face. He looks so self-satisfied!


“And what does that expression mean?!” I demand peevishly.


“It means, once again, I have bested you.”


I have to wipe that expression off his face, and I have just the thing! “What do you use when you thrash Brian?” He looks taken aback, I am so glad! “You know with that lifestyle you have corrupted him into.”


“What is he talking about, Justin?” Ma asks, and I can see the wariness on her face...she doesn’t know!


“Care to tell her? I am sure she will find it as disturbing as me, considering his past!”


“Justin?”


“I would need to speak to Brian first, and if he wants to share this with you then he…”


“He’s…” I jab my finger at him.  “...a dominant! He beats Brian regularly and…”


“He’s a…” She trails off as she stares at him and then steps back inside. I hear Ma and Brian’s voices and feel triumphant, there is no way that she will allow Brian to be treated like this. No way!


The door opens and she’s back. “It’s disgusting isn’t it, Ma? You should…”


“You ever beaten him?” Ma asks.


“No!” He declares heatedly, and is red in the face. So much for besting me! “It’s not…”


“Justin…” She smirks, and puts her hands on her hips.  “...have you ever beaten him?”


He cocks his head at her and smiles. “Of course I have! Although he’s 3-2 up with one tied.”


“And to think…” She turns to me. “...you are the same as them Michael but different.”


“What?!” I yell.


“Like hell…” He begins, but then chuffs a laugh and turns back to me. “...she’s right, however, the difference is that we enjoy delaying as long as we can together, but you deny yourself an orgasm simply by existing.”


“Justin, go and eat. Once again I will handle this.” He leans over and she accepts the kiss on her cheek before he goes inside.


“I was wrong about you. You are not a lame brained dickhead, you’re limp dicked and brainless!” She turns heel and slams the door in my face.


GREENFIELD BOULEVARD GARAGES - 2 HOURS LATER


I was so stunned at what he said that I went home to see if there is such a thing and there is! I can’t believe Brian would willingly subject himself to this! I got so lost in researching it that I lost track of time, but here I am, and staring at an empty space where my van is supposed to be. Not only that, but all the garages have new locks on them!


However, only mine has a notice on it; your van has been moved to another location, please go to Kinnetic Estates for your keys and the address. Sincerely, Emmett Honeycutt.


KINNETIC ESTATES - 40 MINUTES LATER


I have to run as I see Mel coming out and seemingly about to lock up. “Mel! Mel! Wait!” I am too focused on getting my van back to query the way she looked at me or the huff of annoyance as she reopens the door.


This close.” She sounds like she’s bitching. “Stay out here.” She steps back inside and puts the door on the latch. She keeps me waiting for 10 minutes while she’s on the phone. I am about to knock on the door when she steps out, locks up and waits.


“You need them more than I want to give them.”


“Can I have my keys?”


“Debs raised you with better manners than that, but since I don’t want to be in your company for too long...” She holds out the keyring.


I snatch it off her and notice that the garage key is still on there. “What’s the point of this?” I take it off and go to hand it to her but she looks confused. “The garages have keypad locks, so I need the code for it and to know where my van is.”


“It has just been towed to your new house. As for the code, the answer is no. The garage and the contents have been forfeited, you have Justin to thank for that. If he hadn’t gone to his garage and found yours open, then…” I inhale sharply. “...however, you can keep that along with the key to the house. Put them in your memory box...to remind you of what you have lost.”


I wince as the keys dig into my palm, then exhale slowly. “I paid for the contents of the garage myself and…”


“Can you prove that? Do you have receipts?”


“Not on me, no!” I bite out.


“Then until you can provide documentary evidence to say you personally bought them, they remain forfeited.”


“Brian gave me the money, but I selected and physically got them!” I blast. “And he…”


“Hence me saying personally, as in from your own finance. You’ve just told me that you didn’t, so they are Brian’s and not yours.” She sneers and adjusts her bag on her shoulder. “I have seen the pictures, some of the pieces are really very nice, an improvement on your usual unsophisticated staple. It almost seems like you were maturing and setting up home with...”


I start to walk away before she can see how crimson my face is, but I am stopped by her laughter and turn around.


“You were! You were trying to set up house!” She announces, walking up to me with a bitchy grin on her face. “With Brian? As if! But it’s okay, it’s all worked out!”


“How is it all worked out?!” I snap.

 

“Well, Brian doesn’t need nor want them, so he’s going to give Debs first choice as a wedding present.” I feel sickened that he has, yet again, been so indifferent. “But you could get them back…” Her bitchy grin gets deeper at my quizzical look. “...if you wind your neck in, as Benson says, and be the son you’re supposed to be, she might leave them to you in her will!”

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 48 - GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES


DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - NEXT MORNING


CARL


Life is just a bowl of rotten lemons for that boy! Debs is in bed, having gotten a headache from the bitching call she took this morning. I step out the door and close it quietly, then look up at someone clearing their throat. “How you doing, Jools? How’s business?”


“Fine, just fine. You?”


“Great. What do you think of the car? And how fine is fine?”


“Business is booming. And nice, very nice. Actually, this is what I wanted to talk to you about.” He looks concerned. “I have seen it before, but outside someone else’s place. Then I saw the guy this morning looking at it, and I think...


“Back up, what are you talking about? What place? What guy?”


“There was a guy who lived on Greenfield Boulevard but I’ve not seen him around for a while. But now he’s popped up here, and I…”


“Hold up, let me show you something.” I whip out my phone and show him a photo of Michael and Debs during a rare calm in the storms that he causes. “Is this him?


“Yeah, that’s him. Can you come and look at this?” He’s pointing at the front of the car. “I think he may have done that this morning.”


Sighing, I go to the front of the car and sure enough there is a huge scratch from side to side.


“Are you sure it is this guy?”


“Yep, made out he dropped something then walked off afterwards.”


“Thanks, Jools, I’ll sort that out with him.”


“No problem.” He smiles and starts to go about his business but I call him back. “What’s up?”


“Why was it bugging you? The car I mean?”


“Oh, not the car, the guy. I couldn’t understand why he just didn’t go in.”


“Go in where?” I frown.


“Britin. When you guys were last there, he just stood outside the front door.”


“He is a strange fellow.” I grouse. “Wait a sec, were you following him?”


“This morning? No. He lives three doors up from me, but opposite. Bennie is not a fan!”


“Bennie?”


“Benson. Every time he steps out of his door, he looks at the house like he wants to burn it down!”


“Well I won’t keep you...sorry, one more thing, when did you see him out the door at Britin?”


“Oh I didn’t, it was on the security footage.”


“How many sites do you look after now?”


“For Kinney? Four. Britin, The Boulevard, Babylon and Liberty Avenue. I got another three more purely from word of his mouth. What’s that expression for?”


“He never ceases to amaze me. I didn’t know about Liberty Avenue.” I clear my throat feeling so proud of him. “Right, let me go and speak to a brat about a scratch!”


NANCY’S HOTEL - LATE AFTERNOON


NANCY’S SUITE


NANCY


That’s so much better! I was so outraged that the bank dared to question the authenticity of the check because of the smudged date! We have been patrons of theirs for many a year! Now that it has cleared, I can set in plans to begin my life anew, and the first thing is to engage an attorney. I know exactly how much he has and I intend to get my fair share!


I reach for my phone and run my fingers through my hair and wait for it to connect. “May I be put through to Edward Whitworth please? Yes, it is Nancy Peterson. Hello, Edward. Yes I am very well, yourself? Good to hear. I know it has been a while since we last spoke, but I have a need of your services, well, professional for now. We wouldn’t want to muddy any waters. I am going to divorce Ronald and...yes, finally. I have opened my eyes to the true Ronald. So may I book an appointment with you to start proceedings? Yes, I have a pen ready whenever you are...oh, Edward you are still as naughty as ever!”


Ten minutes later, I am hurrying to catch a cab. Well, since he’s not my attorney yet and I’m now a free agent; it would be foolish to waste an opportunity!


BENSON’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER


BENSON


I double check my bag and heave a sigh of relief that Ben said I could stay with him for the run up to the weekend. Now that the whiner knows I live almost opposite him, he has taken to staring out the window and waving at me every fucking day!


Ben’s torso flashing on my phone has me smiling and putting him on speaker.


“Hey!”


“Hey, what time you leaving?”


“In the next ten or so, want me to hold off?”


“No, just checking what time I should start dinner.”


“You’re cooking for me? Nice!”


“Reserve judgement until you taste it!” He chuckles, “Start it in 10 then? Oh, and on Friday afternoon how are we splitting the driving?”


“Yes in 10. What wine shall I bring? As for getting to my folks gaff, nobody is driving. Have booked mini buses for us each.”


“Why each? And red.”


“Independence, so we're not tied to each other.”


“Good thinking, though would live to be a fly on the wall in Brian and Justin’s bus.”


“Had anticipated that. Have booked drivers too. Thus avoiding rows and affording make-out sessions.”


“I like the way you think, this should be rewarded.”


“Leaving now!”


OUTSIDE MICHAEL’S OLD STORE - WEDNESDAY MORNING


MICHAEL


They certainly didn’t waste any time did they?! I look at what my store has become! A mockery, a travesty and a farce! All traces of me have been removed and replaced with this!




“I can’t wait for that to open! It’s just what LA needs.” A man next to me peers at the picture showing what it will look like.


“Rubbish!” I declare hotly. “They don’t need two places to eat! Liberty Avenue is losing its unique character and charm! This will go bust in days!”


He stares at me for a few seconds. “Bitter much?”


“What is that supposed to mean?”


“Well this is where you used to be, isn't it? Besides, this place...” He gestures at the picture. “...will be the perfect juxtaposition to the busyness that is LA.” He smiles as he looks at it again, before turning back to me. “Just because you failed here doesn't mean that they will. For instance, I should imagine that they wouldn’t close for two years the minute after they open. And then, even when you got back, you only opened sporadically. No wonder the other place took your customers.”


“What other place?!” I demand.


“Blue Moon Library Room. It’s near the theatre district.”


“Thank you very much for making my already crappy week even crappier!” I snap at him and storm back to my van.


“You’re welcome!” He shouts back. “Happy Asshole Day, oh Sainted One!”


BLUE MOON LIBRARY ROOM - 40 MINUTES LATER


MICHAEL


I am agog, officially agog! This place is incredible! It looks like a...upscale library! I walk around just incredulous. From the outside it just looks like a bookstore, but then you come inside and downstairs and see this:



I head to the information desk to find out a bit more.


“Good afternoon sir, my name is Lemuel. How can I help you today?”


“Can you tell me about the set-up of this store?”


“Of course, but it’s a library and a members club. You can buy the books to take home and read at your leisure or read them here.”


“What’s the point of that?!” I scoff loudly.


“Well, being a member means that you can use all the amenities here, which…”


“And they are?!”


“As I was about to say, full access to the store, the movie library, the bar, restaurant, and, the piece de resistance, gold star membership to Babylon.”


“So this isn’t a comic store then?!”


“A comic...no, why would it be? Although we do have some graphic novels, but that’s for the younger end of the market. This is primarily focused on the more discerning clientele, who want a bit more bang for their…”


“Fuck?”


“I was going to say buck, but whatever gets you there sir.”


“So how much does all this discernment cost?”


“$2000.”


“A month?!”


“Half yearly. It’s to…”


“Keep screaming queens like him out!” Someone mutters as they pass me and head upstairs.


“What’s up there?”


“The movie library, restaurant and bar. This is the library part. You would need to be a member to go up there.” He pauses. “Do you want to be a member, sir?”


“Can I have a membership pack and think about it?”


“Of course sir, here you go. You can also complete the membership form online, saves you coming back here.”


“Great thanks. Bye!” I take one more look at the place and I have to admit that being a member here would be a feather in my cap. Also, because it’s this side of LA...Liberty Avenue none of them will ever come here! Smirking, I head back to my van.


LEMUEL


“Thank the gods for the screening process and the waitlist being six months long!” I breathe in relief as the haranguing harpy departs.


KINNETIC - AN HOUR LATER


MICHAEL


“Well, I want to see him NOW!” I bark at the twin of Lemuel who doesn’t even flinch.


“I am sure you do, Mr Novotny, but he’s in the middle of a very important client pitch and can’t be disturbed.”


“Then I will wait!” I seethe and head to the sofa. “Nothing new there, I am always waiting for Brian fucking Kinney!”


“As you wish. In the meantime, would you like an antacid?”


“What the fuck for?” I snap.


“Kindly do not swear at me. Maybe some water then? Anything to cool the fire that is raging within your core.”


“Nothing will put this fire out!”


“Then bank it down or I shall have you removed from the premises regardless of who you are to Mr Kinney.” He looks down at his desk and smirks. “He’s free now, I will just announce you.”


“I can announce myself!” I spit and stand up.


“Not if you want to get in that office you won’t!” He barks. “Now sit down and wait or your ass will be skimming down the road!”


“Samuel! Who on...” Ted comes to a stop when he sees me. “...I see. Understandable, what does he want?”


“Wants to see Mr K, came in frothing and waving.”


“JUSTIN!” Is suddenly shouted. “You have to get back to school! Stop that! I mean…what is the matter with you?! Seriously, I nee...need to...okay real quick!”


“Looks like his meeting has reconvened.” Ted laughs along with Samuel. “Can I help you at all, Mr Novotny?”


“You can explain this!” I throw the pack down on the table and they both approach.



“Everytime I see it, I feel so proud!” Samuel twitters and then glares at me. “What are you doing with this? You’re surely not…”


“Why should you be proud of anything?” I look him up and down with distaste...he stinks of twink!


“I designed the membership pack. You’re not thinking of joining are you?”


“I was, I’m not now!”


“Oh thank goodness!” He swipes at his forehead. “So close!”


“What is the meaning of this?!” I stab at the pack.


“Ah you’ve found out then?” Ted starts to smile. “Only took you two and a half years!”


“He opened in direct competition to me!” I splutter.


“Don't be fucking ridiculous! It’s not the same concept for a start! Besides, he opened and then kept it open! You opened, closed and then fucked off on a trip that you lied to get to go on!” Ted retorts.


“What shit are you talking about now?!” I bluster, but can feel my face start to go red.


“You told each of them the opposite, you told Brian that Debs paid for the ticket and told Debs that Brian invited you! Neither of which was true, does that ring a klaxon?!”


“Who told you that?! In his dotage, he is misremembering stuff now!” I yell.


“You sold several collectibles to get the money for the ticket. But coming back to Blue Moon...oh, I have just realised that’s the same as what he calls home. Wonder if it was a subconscious thing...anyway, this library of ours, what do you want to know?”


Ours? Who is ours?” I snipe.


“Brian, Emmett, Blake and I. What do you…”


“So as well as that stupid tearoom, you have this…” I stab at it again. “...this place!”


“This is doing very well, as will…” Ted begins only to be interrupted by laughter coming down the corridor.


“No! Go! I have to work and you the field trip to prepare for!”


“Just five more minutes. Promise to keep it PG!”


“Shutting the door now!” Is yelled before a door is shut hard and there's a few seconds of silence.


“I can’t believe you locked me out! I was only coming back for my phone!”


Silence.


“Alright, I’m going!”


Ted’s phone rings and he smiles as he answers. “Yes, Bri, he’s still outside the door! Justin, come and sit down, I’ll get your phone. Okay, Bri, he’s coming down the corridor. Open the window before I come in...what do you mean why? You’ve been practising for that pitch for almost an hour!”


JUSTIN


My good mood and horniness evaporate when I see Michael simmering in reception. “What is he doing here?” I ask Samuel who in turn rolls his eyes.


“No idea but he had this with him and was frothing about it belonging to Mr K et al.”


“Blue Moon Library Room? What’s this?” I look through the pack. “This looks gorgeous, where is it?”


“Oh, you mean you don’t know?” Michael smirks. “Thought partners shared everything?”


“You didn’t know either.” Samuel bats back. “And you were his best friend at the time it opened. And it has open since then, which is more than can be said for your former business.”


I give him a scornful look and Samuel a thumbs up before clearing my throat. “Even if you applied, you wouldn’t be allowed in.” I smirk. “Vetting process would stop you immediately. I, on the other hand, don't have that problem.”


“Nor do you have to fill out the membership form.” Ted tells me as he hands me my phone with a grin. “Samuel, call your brother and arrange for platinum gratis memberships for Justin Taylor, Benjamin Bruckner, Brandon Green and Benson Francis please?”


“With pleasure.”


“Now, Mr Novotny, is there anything else?” Ted asks as I make myself comfortable and send a text. Less than 10 seconds later a door opens.


“Ted! Reschedule the pitch or do it yourself, and Justin, come and finish what you started!”


“Will reschedule!” Ted calls back and then turns to an almost purple faced Michael. “You are complete opposites in every way, you’re dark to his bright, he’s smart to your dumb, etc etc and so forth!  Good afternoon. Reginald!”


MICHAEL


“MY NAME IS MICHAEL, AND WELL YOU FUCKING KNOW IT!”


“But this guy, the concierge and security guard heading towards us, is called Reginald. He is going to escort you to your minivan.” Ted is smiling that smile I have come to detest. “Make sure he goes.”


“Yes, Ted, no problem.”


“I can see myself out!”


“If only you would stay that way!” Ted snaps before walking away.


Five minutes later I am pounding the steering wheel with my fists. Taking calming breaths, I think back on my week so far; Carl threatened to have me arrested and my van impounded if I didn’t pay for the repair to his car, and now this! I wonder how much more he has hidden from me!


OUTSIDE SIDNEY’S HOME - MID-MORNING


LINDSAY


I turn back and look at the house that Sidney shares with his po-faced wife. He doesn’t seem to realise how much of that house is down to my efforts.




Well, I tried to be reasonable, but he would not negotiate. In fact, he was downright dismissive and found the entire conversation laughable! As for his wife, she said I am contemptible and a neurotic nincompoop! I’m not surprised that they don’t have children or that he is as cantankerous as he is sometimes, she is a gnarly natured old bat!


“Oh, Lindsay!” Sidney calls out to me, and I wait for him to catch up with me. “I hope you don’t try to take me to court for this. I have operated, sadly, within the full remit of the law. If it were my choice you wouldn’t have gotten what you did.”


“That is not helping me to change my mind!” I state haughtily.


“Whatever, but it is a bad idea, not just because you will lose, but as well as that you will have to move out of Pittsburgh at least as there won’t be a gallery in the city who will hire you, they’ve had a meeting.”


“You’ve been bad mouthing me?! I can sue you for reputational damage!”


“Which…”


“Sidney!” His wraith calls from the door. “Come back inside, we’ve wasted enough of our time with that! We've got to get ready for lunch with Ronald and Lynette.”


“You are dining with Daddy and my sister? Why?”


“That is our business, not yours. If you want to know the answer, ask them!” He clips out before one more filthy look at me is cast and he heads back into the house.


I hurry back to my car and place a call but it goes to voicemail. “Hi Lynette, it’s Lindsay, just found out you and Daddy are going to have lunch with Sidney and his wraith...I mean wife, today. I know I don’t have to tell you, but please don’t mention anything we discussed to them. What was said was in the strictest of confidences. Let’s catch up soon. Bye.” I sit back for a few seconds before I chuckle. “Sidney has connections my ass! As for his; they’ve had a meeting snipe, I can get a job anywhere I want, my skills and artistic eye are exemplary!”


OUTSIDE BUHL PLANETARIUM - EARLY EVENING


JUSTIN


“Alright, does everyone have everything? Equipment, warm clothing including a hat. I know that some people are precious about their hair but a head cold is not fun!” I smirk at Norman who has been pouting about having to mess up his hair with a hat that Brian insists that he wears! “Right, everyone been to the bathroom and the like? We will not be stopping until we get to the mountainside and going in prickly…” I try not to laugh as Norman and Maude head back inside, I look around the rest of the group. “Seriously, it’s at least an hour's drive.” Virtually everyone heads back and I studiously ignore a certain person’s smirking expression as I trot after them!


MOUNTAINSIDE - 90 MINUTES LATER


I am going to kill him! I shift slightly in my damp jeans and swallow down some water. As they all file off the coach, he makes sure he’s almost the last one off then leans down to whisper.


“The score is now 6-2.”


I watch him saunter off and try to work out how he does what he does to me!


BRIAN


Norman gives me a knowing wink as he watches Justin check the coach for the third time.


“It’s a shame we couldn’t camp out like we were going to.” Maude adjusts Norman’s hat and he smiles ruefully. “So we have to take three pictures of any part of the city from the mountain but at different times?”


“Yes. Should be fun.”


“Right, are we ready everyone?!” Justin calls out as he disembarks.


“Oh yes, Teach!” Alan, a new student, calls out.


“My name is Mr Taylor, and you will address me as such, Alan!”


“I’d rather undress you as such if you get my meaning!” He leers.


“Never going to happen!” Norman snarks at him. “Now shut up or walk back! Some of us are here to learn, not to try and play out their clichéd teacher and naughty schoolboy fantasies!”


“Thank you, Norman. And one more off colour remark out of you, Alan, and you will be removed from this class after you walk back. Understood?!”


“Yes, Mr Taylor.” He simpers and licks his lips.


“Alan is it?” I call out and he looks at me, then locks onto me with a smile. “Want me to toss you off?” Everyone goes quiet. “You know who I am, right, along with my reputation for being the consummate fuck as well as the consummate fucking asshole?” He nods. “So yeah, I could toss you off. You'd make one fuck of a splat from up there, and I would do it. I suggest you say sorry to Mr Taylor right now!” He goes bright red and mutters something. “Enunciate.” I take a step towards him. “Or I will tape your eyes open. Just think of being unable to close your eyes as...”


“Sorry, Mr Taylor!” He says louder.


“Is that a suitable response, Mr Taylor?”


“Huh? Oh yes, thank you, Brian. Right, so we go up this path.”


As I watch that gorgeous ass swish ahead of me, my phone beeps; late aftershock follow thru plus defending does not make the score 7-2!

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Boys Weekend...Part 1 - Learning the Truth by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 49 - BOY’S WEEKEND...PART 1 - LEARNING THE TRUTH


BRIAN


I snicker quietly to myself and resist the temptation to respond. As we are separated into groups, I notice that I am not in the same group as Alan, but he is in the same group as Maude, our other protector. It came to our notice in some classes that Norman would sometimes just watch quietly and nod, and then one day he took me to one side and told me he knew. That it was Maude who pointed it out and they would keep quiet. I asked him how they knew, he said it was very simple...he would look for me in class. No matter where I sat he would look.


“Okay everyone, I think now would be a good time to take your first picture!” Justin calls out and he goes around individually checking for focus, lighting and positioning. I notice that Alan is sitting down chewing on a stalk of grass, aiming for the coolness of James Dean but looking like Elmer Fudd! Although every part of me wants to pull partner rank at the way he is salivating over Justin much like a wolf over a wounded bison, I know he has to handle this.


“Alan? How many pictures have you taken?”


“One, Mr Taylor. And it’s perfect.”


“I see. But I will be the judge of that.”


“I could show you if you want.” He smirks.


“I do want, but tomorrow with the rest of the class.”


“Sure I can’t tempt you with a private viewing after this field trip?” He drawls.


“Absolutely. I have a partner who is all man, not whatever the hell you are aiming to be. Your offer may not be off-colour, but it is borderline. Stop it now. I am not interested, will never be interested, and will be having you transferred out of my class in the next ten minutes!”


“You can’t do that!” He squeaks, all swagger gone.


“Can.” Justin retorts before taking his phone out. “And will.” We all watch in silence as he places a call. “Dean Campbell, this is Justin Taylor. I am sorry to have to call you this late, but I have a problem with a student, Alan Thorncroft. He has been making inappropriate remarks on a field trip towards me, and I would like your permission to return him to Buhl? Okay, thank you. Norman and Maude will wait with Alan and I, the rest of the class, led by Lillian, can continue the rest of the field trip. Can you send me an email confirming his removal from my class with immediate effect? Thank you so much.” He ends the call and then looks at Alan who is now standing and looking very annoyed. “Sit down, Alan.”


“And if I don’t, Mr Taylor Sir? I need this fucking class for my credit and you are not kicking me out of it!”


“I am not kicking you out, I am transferring you. You will still be in a class, but not mine.”


I put my equipment bag down but see Norman, behind Justin, subtly shake his head.


“Oh, that’s okay then. As for you, I am no longer interested...” He looks at me. “...now him I am interested in. The…”


“Who you are interested in is not my concern. The rest of the class will continue ahead…”


He waves Justin’s words away. “Shut up, Teach. Mr Kinney, I want to be fucked by you, what do you say?”


“No.”


“You do want me, I can see it.” He brags.


“I don’t…”


“Mr Kinney? Please, can you continue up the mountain and we will join you?”


“Yes, Mr Taylor.” I reply, and feel a little twitch.


“Since I am no longer answerable to you, I can go where I please, and I choose to follow that very fine ass up…”


“ENOUGH!” A voice bellows. We all turn to the source and striding towards us is Assistant Dean Stone, and my heart stops! It’s not as if Justin and I would stop seeing each other, far from it, but our relationship could have an impact on his professional reputation. “Alan, get in the car right now and not another salacious word from you!” He obeys like a lamb, while Justin and I exchange worried looks. It is only when the door slams that Dean Stone turns back to us. “I am so sorry, Mr Taylor. We had hoped that he would not act up. He’s a trust fund kid, used to getting his own way.” He turns to me. “I hope that he didn't cause you any discomfort, Mr Kinney. Your, ahem, status, on Liberty Avenue, should not have laid you open for his kind of attention.”


I could have seen the flash of annoyance in Justin’s eyes from the other side of the world. Time to step up.


“No, it shouldn’t, but I am a big boy. What disturbs me is that you knew this child’s reputation and you still put him in Mr Taylor’s class. To what end?”


“There was no end.” He sighs. “He just needs to knuckle down and pass his GED but he gets distracted and…”


“His GED?” Norman echoes. “How old is he?”


The Dean shifts uncomfortably. “27.”


“Assistant Dean Stone, we will be discussing this further, but right now I want to finish my field trip and have a nice weekend.”


“Of course, Mr Taylor, of course. We will understand and respect whatever decision you reach.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


The Joker in me is feeling pleased. I have my List of Destruction prepared. I need to call the authorities about Woody’s allowing under aged drinking and their members’ thingy place for dubious porn, so that fixes both Emmett and Ted as well. Ma told me who her officiant is for her wedding so I will cancel him nearer the time! But the best thing is that I can get that fat assed blonde bastard fired, or at least in deep shit! I have just remembered that he’s a teacher there and Brian is in his class! I shall enjoy making that call immensely!


BUHL PLANETARIUM - FRIDAY AFTERNOON


JUSTIN’S CLASS


JUSTIN


I can’t believe they set me up, thinking that I would be harassed, or even worse, flattered into giving him an easy mark! I was so fucking pissed off, and then deeper in love because Brian said he was absolutely fine with me blowing off steam without him, so I went for an angry jog and boxing session before going back to mine.


We have almost reached the end of show and tell from the field trip. Brian is the last one to show, as he had that client pitch that I interrupted him in the middle of doing...ahem!


Everyone is talking about Alan’s behaviour, and the Assistant Dean ears got a real blistering by the time I finished speaking to him.


“Sorry, Mr Taylor!” Brian calls out as he enters. “Unavoidable meeting.”


“I trust it was successful?” I ask politely.


“Oh, very, I intend to celebrate its success long, deep and hard into the night this weekend.”


“I see. Well, if you could forward the pictures to me so that I can put them on screen that would be great.”


“Of course, Mr Taylor.” He sits down right in front of me and does as I ask, I catch my awww when the first picture comes through of Little Grub grinning gummily at me. “Oh, sorry about that, wrong photo. It’s these three.”



“Very nice!” Norman exclaims. “You really are very good at this, Brian.”


“Thanks, Norman, I just caught them right, that’s all.”


“That’s all!” Maude grouses good naturedly. “Seven of the ones I took were too dark to see!”


We spend the rest of the class discussing and comparing pictures before we call it a day.


“Mr Kinney? A moment please.” I call out to him and he saunters back to his seat.


“Problem, Mr Taylor?”


“Not as such. He’s right you know, you really are very good at photography, much better than this class…” He frowns. “...look, I am not teacher’s petting you, but these are exhibition quality. You should really consider a show.”


He blushes, so adorably I have to fight the urge to kiss him. “Seriously? You think I could?”


“Absolutely! Those three are perfect, and I mean perfect, though I would change the order of them.”


“I will think about it.” He ponders for a while. “Okay, I’ll do it. Is that all, Mr Taylor?”


“Yes, that is all.” I keep behind the lectern and am glad I did as Dean Campbell enters. “Can I help you?”


“Yes, I am glad I caught both of you.” He looks nervous. “I understand you spoke to Assistant Dean Stone earlier…”


“I didn’t speak to him.” He looks puzzled and goes to interrupt but I shake my head. “I gave him, as my friend says, a fucking bollocking. It was a well deserved one.”


“Indeed it was.” He rests against one of the desks. “Can we consider this matter resolved? Obviously, you both have my deepest and sincere apologies for what occurred. “


“If a member of my staff did that, regardless of the fucking bollocking he got, he would be suspended at least.” Brian growls standing up straighter. “He abused his position, and you are letting him walk on water for it.”


“No, Mr Kinney, I haven’t let him walk on water. He has been written up.”


“That’s something I suppose. Well, if you will excuse me, I have a filthy weekend to prepare for.” The Dean laughs, which takes us both by surprise. “What’s so funny?”


“I am neither blind nor stupid. You, on the other hand, Mr Taylor, are very professional and discreet. It’s a class once a week. If it was any more than that, then I would request that he be transferred, but it’s not so I won’t.” He heads to the door but then pauses. “And he’s right, you do have a good eye for photography. Enjoy yourselves.” With a small wave he leaves and closes the door.


“Uh…” Is all I can say, and Brian sits back down.


“Well fuck me!” He chuckles.


“I intend to. Let me just get my things!” I giggle.


OUTSIDE BEN AND JUSTIN’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


BEN


You are kidding me?! I can’t believe that this is what he hired, this is not a minivan! I turn to face him, in fact, we are all staring incredulously at him.


“I know, I know!” He looks so embarrassed. “I said minivan to my old man and he sends a Cadillac Escalade SUV!”



“Well.” Emmett grins. “Which one is ours?”


“The first one is me and Ben, then Brian and Justin, then you and Brandon and Ted and Blake you get the last one.”


“Always said you were a bottom guy, Schmidt!” Brian quips.


“Funny!”


“Uh, Benson, there is a guy in the car.” Justin points out.


“Yeah, the drivers. Saves on arguments.”


“Alright, get in the back, Doc, I have a pair of lips I want to ravage!” Ems declares before frowning. “Is there…”


“Yes, and the seats go back too!” Benson chuckles.


“Wagons roll!” I declare.


OUTSIDE BENSON’S FAMILY HOME


TED


I turn to an equally, if not more stunned Blake. “Is that a…”


“Castle. Yes.” He gawps.



“Uh, Benson? Where exactly are we?” I ask.


“My folks place. Let’s go in.” He replies briskly, and shakes his head at the driver. “I can manage.”


“Yes sir.” He bows...actually bows!


“Did he just…”


“Bow. Yes he did.” Blake murmurs.


As we follow him in, nobody says a word. “Can you guys excuse me a minute? I need to speak to my old man, won’t be long, just wait here.” We nod as we are just so surprised, we are all just looking around when a group of well dressed men approach. “Good evening, gentlemen, my name is Wilson and these are your pages. I hope the journey was pleasant?”


“Yes it was, thank you.” Justin steps up to the politeness plate. “Um, excuse me Wilson, but we’re not sure what is going on here.”


“I shall let his highness explain all. Now please follow us, we will show you to your rooms.”


“Pages? Rooms?” I mutter.


“And what’s this his highness shit?” Ben snipes, clearly unimpressed by this side of Benson.


Wilson stops and turns around. “Excuse me, sir, but his highness is not a shit, and I will not have you address him as such.”


“He has you call him his highness!” Ben retorts. “A bit pretentious isn’t it.”


“No, it is not at all pretentious, it is his correct title.” Wilson returns fiercely. “He has tried to get me to call him by his name at all times, and in the privacy of his quarters I do so, but not when there is company. His highness is as formal as I will get.”


“His title?” Ben echoes. “What are you talking about?”


Wilson’s expression softens and he smiles. “He’s not told you then?”


“No, Wilson, I haven’t.” Benson sighs and he joins us looking bashful and uncomfortable. “I didn’t want to make it a big thing, but I have to tell you something if we...”


“Tell me what?” Ben demands.


Wilson squeezes Benson’s arm. “I take it he is Ben?” Benson nods. “I see. Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Prince Benedictine Francis I.”


“Prince what?!” Ben exclaims, dropping his bag in shock.


“Benedictine Francis I. At your service. Guvnor.” Benson bows.


“You’re a prince, a proper, real like royalty prince?!” Emmett squeals.


“Yes.”


“So this is….?” Ben gestures.


“The family home.” He sighs and sounds so defeated. “Can you at least let me explain before you go back?”


“Question? Where were we? I mean the cabin, what’s that?” Justin asks his eyes wide.


“The summer palace, sir.” Wilson smiles. “He’s never brought anybody here, you must be very special to him. Please allow him to explain, Ben, please?”


“Summer palace.” Ben murmurs. “You have a summer…”


“May he explain?” Wilson presses, and I feel a lump form in my throat. This elder statesman of a man clearly adores Benson, I mean Prince Benedictine.


“Yes, but I need a drink or two!”


“I suggest the lower drawing room, your highness. I shall have the cars brought around in the interim.”


“Thanks, Wilson.” Benson mumbles. “This way.”


LOWER DRAWING ROOM


BENSON


Six pairs of incredulous and one pair of incredulous and pissed eyes are focused on me. I finish pouring the brandies and sit down opposite them. “Long and short, my old man is a prince. He met my mom when he was in his early 20s, and it was love at first sight, but his folks weren’t having it. Said give her up or leave the family. So he gave up the family and married her…”


“You said he’s your stepfather, you said…”


“Ben, listen.” Justin chides him, and he huffs an angry breath. “I get that you are feeling a bit blindsided, but did you not hear what Wilson said?”


“What?” He grumps.


“You must be very special to him. He’s not brought anybody here.” Brian reminds him.


He fiddles with his glass. “Then what happened?”


“He arrived.” A voice makes us all jump, and into the room comes my mom! “Hello, everyone, I’m Grace, or, his old lady as he calls me!”


“You said you wouldn’t be here!” I growl.


“I know, but I couldn’t resist and…”


“Neither could I!”


“Dad!” I almost scream. “Why? Just why?!”


“You call asking if we were going to be home as you want to bring a friend around, and you don’t think I am going to try and see who this friend is?! You are my son, you sprung from my loins, so you should know better!”


“DAD!” I do scream much to Ben’s amusement...at least he’s smiling, even if it is at my expense!


“So, Ben is?” Mom asks and he puts up his hand.


“Oh, what excellent taste you have!” Mom fans herself.


“MOM!” I bellow, and want to crawl under a rock and stay there!


“What? I didn’t get a proper look at the…”


“And that means?” I sigh, knowing exactly what it means. “How many?”


“Just two.” Dad smiles and then holds out his hand to Ben. “Nice to meet you.”


“Likewise, uh…”


“Valentin. And they are off you now, I promise.”


“How many what?” Emmett asks.


“Security detail.” Dad explains. “He hates it, says he can look after himself, which he can, but as a prince he…”


“I thought you gave the family up.” Ted frowns.


“I did, but then his grandmother took one look at him and fell in love. But we were in England by then. She gave me my title back, but I refused to come home. It would’ve been too dangerous. Yes I am a minor royal, but I won't take a chance on their safety. In England, yes, were we’re an anomaly but an anonymous one.”


“Very Edward and Mrs Simpson.” Brandon laughs.


There is a discreet cough and Wilson is in the doorway. “Are the gentlemen ready to leave now, your highnesses?”


I don’t look at Ben, just at my glass and wait for his response.


“No, but I would like to speak to his highness in private.” Ben replies.


BEN


Everyone leaves pretty quickly, and Wilson gives me a small smile as he shuts the door.


“So where are you on the pissed off scale?” Benson asks, staring at the bottom of his glass.


“I’m not pissed off. I was, like Justin said, blindsided. I just never had you down as a prince.”


He looks nervously at me. “Does it make a difference now?”


“Only if you want me to call you your highness!” I grin at him and he grins back. “So, do you have a surname?”


“The family name is Zhernakovdakovich.”


“Zherna…I can see why you would shorten that to Francis! And you get your bossiness from your Dad I think.”


“I am not bossy, I am…”


“...a royal, but delicious pain in my butt. Now come here, your highness!” I laugh as I find myself with a very relieved 300 pound of muscle man in my lap!


OUTSIDE BLUE MOON HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING


MICHAEL


I can’t believe I was so stupid as to forget this! I post the note and knock hard a few times and wait. Nothing happens. I knock again. Still nothing happens. “Clearly he has forgotten that I am very determined, I managed to get him to kowtow to me many a time, but now I am determined and vengeful!” I mutter.


“He’s not in!” A voice calls out, and I turn to see the owner of it.


“Do you know where he’s gone? I’m an old school friend and wanted to surprise him with my visit.” The guy starts to laugh. “And what is so amusing to you?!” I demand.


“Sorry, but, it’s just what he said he was going to be doing.”


“Which is?” I almost, hiss with frustration!


“Are you from around here, as in Pittsburgh?”


“No.”


“Oh, no matter, you won’t understand the places I am talking about, but you will, as an intelligent guy, see the funny side of it. There was a comic book store there, but it’s not there anymore, and Kinney owns the stock from it.” Yes, I fucking know that, this is why I am here! I paid for some of that, and I want them back! “Well, this weekend he’s going to dispense with it and some of the other things that he had from the guy.”


“Other things and what guy?” I query, starting to fume. If he thinks he’s keeping that money from the sale, he has another fucking think coming!


“Just some godawful kitchenware. Not sure how old the guy was, but he should’ve grown out of that childish phase by now. Anyway, so he’s taken the entire thing to…”


“Auction?” I smirk, I know him and money!


“Auc...no. His friend has an estate and they are going to burn all of the toys and comics from the store for the BBQ and use the kitchenware for target practice with a twelve gauge shotgun!”


ZHERNAKOVDAKOVICH PALACE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


BEN AND BENSON’S BEDROOM


BENSON


Ben was looking around our room in awe, but now I have him on the bed and we’re kissing. Well, we were, but now my phone is buzzing. “Benson.” I growl as I answer and then smile, nod and hang up. “Now, where were we?”


“You’ve done something.” He states, putting his finger to my lips. “You tend to look like that when you’ve done something you really shouldn’t have. Like eating Justin’s ice cream and having to get up at the crack of dawn to replace it, when he was coming back early.”


“I have done something.” I nuzzle his nose before giving him a sweet but hot kiss. “I have done something for the Jeremys everywhere!”


“Going to tell me what?”


“Nope, you will see tomorrow.” I tell him firmly. “You sure you still want to date this Black Russian? I mean seriously, there is a lot of shit I sometimes have to do, and…”


“Like what?” He laughs.


“State dinners. There are two of them each year, in summer and winter. The summer one is coming up, if you want to come. You don’t want to do the winter one, we never go, too fucking cold! The only reason we do the summer one is because…” I stop talking because he looks astonished. “...I know it’s full on, but…”


“Benson, it’s fine. Just takes a bit of adjustment. Oh, why Benson by the way?”


I drop my head on his shoulder. “Pure irony. There was a TV series called Benson with Robert Guillaume as a butler in a Governor’s house, he was the smartest one there. Closest to Benedictine I could get.”


“So anything else you want to tell me about yourself?”


“Yeah, a couple of things. First, I have a dog. Well two dogs...”


“I love dogs; so why are you saying it like that?”


I fiddle with my phone and then turn it to face him.



“Meet Hagrid and Sirius.” He gapes at the picture. “Yeah, also a complete HP - and I don’t mean the sauce - geek.”


“Where are they?” He starts to shove me off the bed. “Must meet and get snuzzles now!”


I pin him back down. “Snuzzles? Did you say snuzzles?” He nods and then licks those wonderful lips of his. “Can you meet them tomorrow?”

 

“Definitely.”

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Bonfire of the Memories, Blunderbusses and the Floating Off of Inanities...Boys Weekend Part 2 by MissMerlot
Author's Notes:

Credit for the Lindsay plot point goes to BlueMyst. Thank you my dear!

CHAPTER 50 - BONFIRE OF THE MEMORIES, BLUNDERBUSSES AND THE FLOATING OFF OF INANITIES...BOYS WEEKEND PART 2


TED AND BLAKE’S TURRET - NEXT MORNING


BLAKE


I look up and Ted is creeping across the room. “You’re awake.” He whispers as he makes it into bed.


“Why are you whispering, and where were you creeping around like that?” I stretch before getting back into position.


“Bathroom. I didn’t want to wake anybody up. It’s a gorgeous day, well it looks like it’s going to...what’s so funny?”


“Teddy, we have our own turret, the only person you have woken up is me! Now go back to sleep!” His laughter rumbles against my back. “Oh, before you do that, we have to meet with the architect on Wednesday. We’re at final stage now.” He gives me a squeeze. “I can’t wait for the stuff to go in, or to start on the wedding cake.”


“Do you know what we are doing today?” He yawns and pulls the blanket up higher.


“Nope, but Benson said he will explain after breakfast. Now sleep, it’s six a fucking clock in the morning!”


“My bladder can’t read a watch. When it needs to go, it needs to go!” He murmurs, and I tap his hands. “Yours can’t tell the time either!” He calls out as I rush to the bathroom.


BEN AND BENSON’S ROOM


BENSON


This is ridiculous! I tap his thigh and he stops. “What’s wrong?” He whispers.


“That! It’s too quiet!” I glare at him. “The walls are seven inches thick and we’re in my chambers. My folks have gone and nobody will dare disturb us! Make some damn noise! Fuck me like normal!”


“Yes, your highness!” He growls, and his next thrust renders me mute with pleasure!


EMMETT AND BRANDON’S TURRET


EMMETT


“Was that okay?” Little Sprite looks nervously at me and continues to stroke my heated backside.


“Delicious.” I reply, and slowly sit up and then astride his lap. “Thank you for that.”


“Why did you want me to?”


“Sometimes, I just get the tingle and…”


“I see. So...um can we try again?”


“Binding in public? If you want, but not this weekend. Okay?” He nods. “However, should you feel the need to misbehave, I can show you how I do this…” He squirms. “...and I do it oh so very well. I have been known to get a man to the point of no return...”


“That’s possible?” He licks his lips.


“Be naughty and find out.” I raise an eyebrow.


“Oh I will. But, speaking of point of no return…”


BRIAN AND JUSTIN’S TURRET


JUSTIN


I sit up and look out of the beautiful arched window, it looks like it’s going to be a wonderful day. I smile at my covered mug and ponder where my errant Omega has gotten off to. As I sip my coffee, I am surprised to see him coming through the door fully dressed, but his hair is damp. “Where have you been?”


“Outside. This place is beautiful, look at that view…” He says, shucking off his pants and sweatshirt and getting back into bed, I hiss at the coldness of his feet against mine.



“...sorry, it’s not as warm as it looks.” He reaches for his camera. “I took these.” He sets the camera up and hands it to me. “For the exhibition…”



“They’re...Brian, they are wonderful. How long were you out there for to get these?!” I look up at him with pride.


“Since about four.” He shrugs.


“What are you going to call it?” He frowns. “They need to be titled.”


“A Bug’s Life.” He rolls his tongue in his cheek and grins when I nod and put my mug down.


“Come on.” I tell him and get out of bed. He smiles as he follows me to the heavy table, with condoms and lube already in his hand. “I think you should teacher’s pet me over this…”


“On top of…” He purrs.


“On top of?” I look over my shoulder and shiver in anticipation as his cock begins to fill.


“Hmmm...I measured myself against the height of this table, and…” He lifts me up and pushes back so I am lying down with my legs dangling over the edge. “...it is perfect. Put this just above your beautiful butt and rest your ankles on my shoulders” He orders, and hands me a cushion and I get comfortable. “You look so hot!”


“Oh, this is going to be...ah-ah-ah!” I gasp as he starts to work me open, I reach for the condom and shake my head at the lube. “Bri...oh now please now!” I groan, and he quickly sheaths himself.


“Ready? Justin? Are you ready?” He moans.


“Uh…” Is all I can manage before he enters and bottoms out.


“Oh, that’s the sweet spot!” He purrs and pulls me tighter to his pelvis and then starts to move in earnest. “Hah! Oh hah!” He cries out as he pumps into me.


“Christ! I...oh Christ!” I fling my hands behind my head, trying to grab anything that will transfer the wave after wave of pleasure coursing through my body. “Close!” I scream.


“NOW!” He bellows then stiffens, his mouth open wide, his hands flex on my waist, my toes scrunch tight, my ass clamps down then we explode within seconds of each other. He tenderly withdraws and gently lowers my legs, rubbing my hip joints to ease any pain. He scoots up to engulf my mouth in a searing kiss, while pushing me up the table.


“If I get splinters I will kill you.” I murmur.


“I have…” He breathes in with a very sexy smile. “...decided that we are getting a table like this for the garden at home, you happy about that?”


My heart beats a little quicker, although I have a key he has never asked what I would like in the house before. “I like the idea very much.”


“Good. Now let me check for splinters...with my tongue.”


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - AN HOUR LATER


LINDSAY


I can find them! I know I can find them! This is just perfect! I have been spending the last few days trying to work out what to do with myself now I have all this free time, and I spotted it. An arts and photography exhibition at Carnegie Mellon, and there is a prize for the best drawing or photographs. I fully intend to win that $15000 scholarship...and I don’t care who I have to fuck or fuck over to do so!


ZHERNAKOVDAKOVICH PALACE GARDENS - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


WILSON


I make sure that everything is in order. The bonfire on the island is stacked high and will be lit later, the lanterns are prepared, and those too will be released later. I have a chuckle at what he has done, but then again he is a very inventive man.


“Morning, Wilson.” Ted calls out, and I head in his direction. “It’s a gorgeous place, I mean palace. So secluded and quiet.”


“Indeed it is, Ted. But if I may…” I look over my shoulder to make sure we are not eavesdropped upon. “...the quiet in your room only works if you shut the window.”


“I told you!” Blake blushes furiously. “I said it wasn’t shut!”


“How many...uh heard?” Ted stammers.


“Only those who were in the grounds, and they are the souls of discretion, or they will answer to me. All other guests, had their windows shut.” I reply with a smile.


“We will make sure it is shut from now on!” Ted babbles and drags Blake off.


“Hey, Wilson.” I smile as his highness walks over with a great big smile on his face.


“Judging by the walk, I take it that he is accepting of the situation?”


“Can’t call me by my first name in company, but can comment on my post-fuck walk? You are an odd bird, Wilson.”


“My adherence to protocol has many facets, your highness.”


“So you going to trust me with this gaff?” He links his arm into mine and rests his head on my shoulder.


“I shall be in the cottage if you need me, and, well you know it. All other staff will be relieved of their duties, until dinner. The food and drinks are set up. I want a promise, a promise, that you will dispense with the crockery first, before any drinks are imbibed?”


“In other words, you want us to do it now?”


“Please.”


“Alright, let me go get the boys and…”


“I will get it set up.”


BENSON


I head back to the boys who have all, judging by the lovey dovey behaviour, taken advantage of the privacy and romanticism of the place. “So, come on, let’s get this done. Wilson is having kittens over us doing this, pissed as farts and besides, Hagrid and Sirius don’t like the noise.”


“Uh, Benson, what and who are you talking about?” Brandon asks.


“Follow me and find out.” I lead them to a large table and Wilson has laid out the toys.



“What are they?” Brandon gasps.


“Blunderbusses. German. Been in the family for years. And we are going to use them to hit those targets over there…” They look where I am pointing.


“What in hell’s name is that atrocity?” Ben gasps as he takes in the full horror of the crockery.


“What that idiot ate off every day. He had stacks of the fucking things. This was not what Trey and Del found, now that stuff was…” I trail off. “...sorry, Brian, I didn’t think.”


“It’s okay, he’s part of my past and will remain there. So, how does this work?” He picks one up and looks surprised. “It’s quite heavy.”


“Has a kick to it.” Wilson intones. “Now I want you to all watch carefully, this is how you load the gun…” I have never seen the guys so focused. “...when firing, the trick is, if you are not using the sights, is to use your other hand to steady your arm and then fire. I am an old hand at this so do not, I repeat, do not do what I am doing!”


He lines up his arm and fires and there is a collective gasp as not only does he hit it dead in the centre, but the bang reverberates through us. “Now let's practice first…” For the next hour we practice before Wilson is satisfied that we can be trusted. “...I will take my leave of you all. Enjoy the rest of the shooting.”


For a few minutes, nobody says anything as he walks away. “How long has he…” Brian begins.


“He started looking after me when he was 16 years old. His family has always been in the business.”


“How old were you?” Justin asks.


“5 months old. My Grams sent him.” I smile at his retreating back. “He’s like a brother to me.”


“Is he gay?” Justin queries as one of the pages follows him at a discreet distance.


“Nah. He walked in on me once, passed clean out!” I wait for the laughter to die down. “That’s his son.”


“I miss being a big brother.” Justin sighs and Brian pulls him into an embrace and Ben looks sad.


“She is here, sweetie. Both she and you dad are right here.” Ems taps his chest and then his forehead. “You are still a big brother to her and a son to your father. Just because they are gone doesn’t make them any the less here.”


“Thanks, Ems.” He smiles and kisses him on his cheek.


“Speaking of gone...let’s annihilate those fucking awful things!” Brian declares.


“Oh fuck yeah!” Justin giggles.


An hour later, there is nothing but dust where his fugly crockery once were.


“I know it is really bad! But God that felt so good to do!” Ted laughs.


“Yeah it was!” Ems smirks. “Now before we proceed further, we have done the what, so whom is the who?”


“Whom are...oh Hagrid and Sirius! I will be right back!”


BEN


“Snuzzle time.” I grin at them, which does nothing to clear their confused expressions. “Oh Jesus they are huge!” I gape as two things happen...Benson is striding with a miniature stallions on either side of him, and the way be is striding is making my heart thrum.


“Everyone. This is Hagrid to my left and Sirius on my right.”


Silence and nobody moves...in fact nothing can be heard apart from their panting and the swishing of their tails in the grass.


“They are very friendly.” He frowns as he sees Wilson coming back wearing a jeans and a sweater with holes in it.


“Uh Wilson what…” I begin.


“They won’t believe it unless you show them.” He replies looking at Benson, who nods, then Wilson strides down the garden until he’s about twenty feet away from us.


Benson clears his throat. “Stand.” Hagrid and Sirius obey we all take a step back. “Potselui!”


Immediately they rush towards Wilson and we brace for impact but what happens is amazing, they slow down when they get within about five feet and then Hagrid rears up and with the gentleness of, for want of a better word, a butterfly plops his paws on Wilson’s shoulders and then washes his face! He drops down and then Sirius does the same thing.


“Still growing.” Benson grins goofily as they run back to him on his signal. “So who wants to play with them?”


“Me! Just a sec, they are still growing? How old are they?” Justin grins. “Love cats but love dogs more.”


“Five months. Birthday present from my folks. They are trying to get me to oh-so-subtly settle down.”


“I should say that the first stage is complete your highness!” Wilson snickers as he heads back to where he came from.


“So they look after this palace then, just the two of them?” I ask as six grown men run, whoop and gambol around with the dogs.


“No. They’re too precious to me to have them at my place, especially with him across the road.” He takes another picture. “And they are also a bit too big. No garden. We have another 15 dogs guarding the palace.”


“Really that little for a place this size?” I look around. “That’s enough dogs?”


“Let me call one!” He looks around and then pulls out his phone and speaks rapidly in Russian. “Be about five minutes.” Five minutes later, everyone is stock still and staring. “No sudden movements, nice and slowly come back to me. Now this girl is not friendly. She’s a working dog, completely focused. Does not play well with others. In fact does not play at all.”


“What is that…” Ems whispers having got behind both me and Brandon.



That was in the gardens this morning?” Brian croaks.


“Yep. Russian Caucasian Shepherd Dog or Bear Dog depending on how much you like titles. But so was her handler, so it was all good Guvnor.”


“Please don’t go out there tomorrow!” Justin begs quietly.


“I won’t.” He swallows hard. “I promise.”


“Teper' vy mozhete vernut'sya k svoyemu soobshcheniyu. Spasibo.”


“Da vashe vysochestvo.” Her handler says and they disappear back into the woods.


It takes a while for us all to relax. “What did you say just then?” Brandon asks.


“You can return to your post. Thank you,  and he said yes your highness.”


“And before? What was the pet...or pot something.”


“Potselui. Means kisses.”


BENSON


“Now come over here boys!” I lead them over to the bar area. “We are going to have a cocktail making competition. Each couple has to make a martini and then we taste them.”


“What about the blunderbusses?” Ems frowns.


“Ahem.” Is coughed discreetly. “I have been sent by…” Javid, one of the newest butlers, trails off when his eyes alight on Brian and then Brandon. “The Studs of Liberty Avenue!” He exclaims gawping. “You know them?!”


“Not as well as their partners do, Javid.” Wilson clips out. “Return to the castle, take Hagrid and Sirius with you and prepare for your departure. I will handle this.” He blushes and scurries away with Wilson shaking his head. “It is your fault, your highness!” He grumbles.


“What?” They all chorus.


“Javid has just joined us in service and has come out; but he…” He jabs his finger in my direction. “...has been filling his head with tales of Liberty Avenue. Twice I have caught him trying to get there...not to um sample your wares, I mean the...I uh…”


“Debs?” Ted looks at Brian and then Ems.


“Definitely Debs. I think she is in need of a lost boy. And one whose nappy she doesn’t have to change literally and figuratively.” Brian replies before looking at Ems who is already dialling a number.


“Debs, darling it’s Ems. Will be quick, but we are in need of some Mother of the Avenue guidance…”


MEL’S COTTAGE - SAME TIME



LOUNGE


MEL


“So now what am I doing wrong?” I demand as Drey pulls his feet firmly out of reach. “Not funny, help me!”


“Okay let’s try again!” Daph fails to keep laughter out of her voice. “Come on Drey put them in my lap. Now watch.”


I watch again as she shows on the now puddle of bliss that is Drey, how to do a foot massage. Diana has been complaining of sore feet all week and I want to make her feel better. “You should not go at it like a monk on a day off. Firm but gentle.”


“I would’ve preferred nun, but I get the gist.”


“So I hear that you are going to the country club picnic and Diana is bringing Henry?”


“Yeah. He’s a sweet kid.” I fiddle with the glass for a minute. “Can you…”


“My Mom will kill us if we didn’t bring Gus. Since, he’s her guest of honour. Cyn and Hunter will be there too.” I take a sip of wine. “And yes I have put down Trey and Del’s names too.”


“Jesus is it that obvious how nervous I am?!”


“Not nervous, in love, you are in love. Now back to the feet!”


PALACE GARDENS - FIFTY MINUTES LATER


BLAKE


“So much for friendly rivalry!” I laugh as we start to line up our martinis. “I knew that Brian wants perfection but really! That’s the second one he has thrown away. And Brandon is no better!” I tell Ted.


“Right before we taste, we have to have some food!” Benson declares and signals the waiters. “So we have vegan pizza, crunchy crubeens and chopped salad. That should soak that lot up nicely.”


“What’s a crubeen?” Justin asks.


“Pigs trotters, haven’t had them since I was a kid! Seriously they are so good!” Brian enthuses and takes two onto his plate.


Dubiously they reach for them but in seconds the platter is empty. “More then?” I suggest and get nods.


“Why them?” I ask after wiping my mouth...and watching for the return of the waiter.


“Old lady is from Irish stock, favourite of hers. As is the gin and tonic tart. Which will have when we have the bonfire.”


“You’ve actually set it up?!” Ems grins at Benson.


“Of course. Every little bit of it is there. Just need an archer and we’re good to go.”


“What’s going on?” Brian looks between Ems and Benson.


“You’ll see. Now whose cocktail is first?” Ems replies mischievously.


“Ours!” Ted declares. “We’ve made a Marmalade Martini.” He hands them around and I have to admit that they are really good....may suggest that this is put on the menu at the Library.


“Next is us!” Ben decides. “Millionaire’s Martini, classic vodka martini with a splash of champagne. They are deceptively strong!”


“You are not kidding!” I cough and put it down. “Much too strong for me.”


“Espresso Chocolate Martini from us!” Brandon serves and there are contented sighs as it slips down very well. “Yeah, it’s good we know.” He crows.


“Hold your bragging, you’ve not tasted ours yet.” Justin points out. “Brian, if you could please?”


“And this is?” Ems sips and then smiles. “Apart from lovely!”


“Lemony-blueberry Martini.”


“And it is also the winner!” Brandon grimaces. “I know when I’m beat but…”


“These would be perfect for Debs reception drinks. Or even at the Library, I noticed there aren't any cocktails on the drinks list.” Justin looks around and basks at the nods of approval. “Do you want to suggest to her that now? While we’re sober enough to remember.”


“It must be a twink thing Justin, as I was thinking the same thing for the Library. And as for suggesting these to Debs, no, not yet.” I reply looking at my watch. “Not just yet.”


NANCY’S HOTEL - SAME TIME


BAR 


NANCY


“But I don’t understand why I can’t! I refuse to accept this amount!” I gripe at Edward.


“The full and final payment means exactly that. If you chose to fight him in court it would, not could, would cost you at least that and you could end up with nothing.”


“There must be something I can do. I want what I am due! I gave him many years of my life and…”


“Cheated on me with him among others.” Ronald’s voice is Arctic cold and I feel chilled to the bone. I turn to face him with an equally glacial look. “Heard you left Lindsay’s and Lynette said this was a particular favourite hotel of yours. Not with you Edward, someone else.”


“What did you want Ronald?” I bite out ignoring the hurt expression on Edward's face.


“To advise you that I shall be in and out of the country for the next month for both business and pleasure.”


“And why should that be my concern? We are separated.”


“”I would rather you heard this from me than anyone else. I will not be going alone.”


“You are taking Lynette with you? She has always been your favourite! She even took precedence over me at some points!”


“Not with Lynette, another lady. You do know her and…”


“You cheated on me?!” I exclaim.


“You’re aware of the irony of that question, especially with me sitting here and what we have done earlier?” Edward points out tersely.


“Who is this creature?! I will name her in the petition against you!”


“She is someone I have always admired but never approached until I was certain our marriage had ended.” He raises his eyebrow as if challenging me to say otherwise. “Don’t come for more money Nancy. Mel knows everything and will not hesitate to make this as painful for you as possible.”


This is only the third time in my marriage that Ronald has rendered me speechless!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


KITCHEN


DEBS


“So does he know you are here?” He asks with an edge of hopeful malice.


“Of course he does, he’s waiting outside. I’ve just stopped by to say that I won’t be here for the next few days.”


“Oh, and where are you going to be?”


“New York.”


“What’s in New York? Are you taking your grandson?Or have the Daddies dumped him off on someone else?”


“No, he is with his Mother. Besides the first road trip has to be with his fathers. I think they are going next weekend. As for us, we’re going to visit a friend of Carl's.”


“Well, enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about me, not that you have been lately.” He snipes.


“I will and I won’t. The only person that should worry about you is you.”


“Me? Why should I worry about me? I mean…”


“You are too quiet, which means you are planning something.”


“I am not planning…”


“When Brian decided to go around the world, at first you were upset, but then you went quiet.”


“So?” He shrugs.


“Then you turned up on the trip of his lifetime, after lying to us both. You were so upset but then too quiet. That’s what I mean when I say you should worry, because if you do anything to fuck with anybody, I will come at your ass harder than a sex starved rhino!” I pat his cheek just that bit too hard and delight in his wince of pain. “Have a lovely weekend.”


PALACE GARDENS - EARLY EVENING


BRIAN


We all went back to our rooms to sleep off the Martinis and excellent food...and for me and Justin to work up an appetite!


“Gents, you will need these coats, it gets chilly by the lake.” Wilson orders as he hands out coats. “Once it gets going then you can take them off, but I would rather you had them.” He waits for us to put them on. “Now, if you will follow me to the carts, we shall be off. There are flasks of toddies for you all too.”


“Where are we going?” Justin calls out as we bundle into the carts.


“To see the Bonfire of the Memories and the Floating of the Inanities.” Ems calls out chuckling.


Ten minutes later we are staring at a fine and delicious smelling spread and in the distance can see something stacked high on an island in the middle of the lake. But it’s what in the lake that catches our attention. There must be thousands and thousands of floating lanterns.



“That is beautiful. Fuck no camera!” I almost pout, but stop myself in time.


“I will take pictures, Brian, of the lake...and the sky.” Wilson gives me a small smile.


“The…” I look up, and it too is filled with floating lanterns.



“What’s going on?”


“The lanterns are made from every comic that he ever owned.” Ems explains. “I can’t believe you took me up on this, but I am so glad that you did.” He smiles at Benson. “And over there on that island is every piece of stock from his store...dripping in kerosene.” He has that determined and steely look in his eye. “It has to end. I know you, you will always think what if. There is no what if. You must end this, Brian.”


“Can they do it, Guvnor?”


“It has to be done, you must remove every vestige of him. Ashes to ashes dust to dust.”


“Jeepers.” Justin breathes and then looks at my face and I feel sure that my confliction shows. “Can we have a minute, guys?” They leave us and he takes my hand. “What do you want to do?” I sigh. “Without thinking about it, answer immediately. What do you want to do?”


“Burn it.” I reply, and that both surprises and relieves me. “Burn it!” I call out with absolute surety, and Wilson nods.


“Come back here, Guvnors, let them do their thing.” Benson orders and we join them. Six men step forward, each carrying a bucket and a bow and arrow.  They spread themselves evenly along the shoreline before dipping their arrows in the bucket, and then I realise what they are going to do.


“Wait!” I yell and everyone stops, I look at Justin who nods and looks so proud. I inhale and step forward. “I want to...no, I need to start it to be finished with him.”


“Okay, in that case I think you should use this…” Wilson pulls out a crossbow. “I find it has much more accuracy for a novice archer.” He leads me to the middle of the archers and loads the crossbow and then dips it in the bucket. “Hold it absolutely steady...imagine hitting right at the heart of the pariah.” I nod and adjust the bow in my hands. “When I light it you must fire as soon as it catches. Understand?”


I nod again and wait for him to strike the long match and touch the kerosene soaked wad on the end. I can feel the heat on my face as it blazes into life and I pull the trigger. It flies across the water and it is so quiet we hear it land.


“Tell them.” Wilson whispers.


“Fire!” I yell.


All we hear are the pings of the arrows being released and then the thunk of them hitting the pyre and at first when they hit nothing seems to happen, Justin turns to Benson, who just smiles.


“Wait for it.”


Suddenly there is an enormous whoosh and the island is alight.


“Fuck me!” I exclaim and back up pulling Justin with me. “You can feel the heat from here!”


“Luckily the smell is going downwind. When we had a practice run we had to make sure that the wind was in the right direction, and tonight was perfect.” Benson smiles. “You good, Guvnor?”


“Better than good. Starving, what’s to eat?”


“Roast chicken, Persian herbed rice with broad beans, and my old lady’s tart, plus the winning martinis, wine and beer.”


An hour later we are sitting watching everything burn away and I start to laugh. “It’s a shame he won’t know about it.”


“Oh, he does.” Benson grins as he tucks the blanket around Ben. “Made sure he knew that you are here for a bonfire and what you would be doing with all of his stuff.”


We are all stunned into silence.


“How and be-cause?” I ask slowly.


“How was easy. Sent Wilson to make sure the message was delivered, and because…..well, he fucked me right off, so when Ems suggested it, I made it happen.”


“Speaking of making it happen, now don’t be mad.” Ted says, giving my arm a squeeze and I sigh. “She might not have done it, it was only a suggestion.”


“Get on with it.” I order crisply.


BLAKE


“Blake, the floor is yours.” Ted bites his lip.


“Well, I thought of it and ran it by him, and this was the only weekend that they could do it, and you have this exorcism as it were. And don’t take it out on Ted, it was my idea.”


“Just spit it out.” Brian almost growls.


“Debs and Carl may have gotten married in New York about two hours ago. They were visiting an old school friend of his who wouldn’t be able to make their wedding, because it clashed with his daughter’s, and…”


“Has she done it?” He asks quietly.


“Let me call her and find out.” Ems looks a little teary eyed and I begin to feel like a complete shit for even thinking of this, “Debs, it’s Ems. Blake told us that…” He clutches his pearls and then shakes his head grinning. “Okay, we will see you when you get back!”


“Right, so she didn’t do it?” I prompt.


“They couldn’t. They couldn't do it to us. We have to be there. No matter what happens, we have to be there. It has to be at Britin.” He snivels.


“Has she finalised the guest list?” Wilson suddenly asks.


“Not as far as I know.” I reply.


“Can you ask if two more people can attend?”


“You coming, Wilson?” Benson frowns.


“Oh no, Benson.” Wilson surprises us all by using his name. “Hagrid and Sirius will be accompanying you.” He reaches for a Martini and takes a measured sip.


“They will?”


“Yes, as your seeing eye dogs...and if he messes about, then he gets to see their eyes up close and very personal!” We all gaze at him in astonishment. “They won’t harm him, of course, but he doesn’t know that!”


“Call Debs and get the okay!” Brian snickers, and we wait for him to calm down. “There are two things that Michael is afraid of, and he’s already lost me. The other is big dogs!”




Benson and Ben’s Millionaire’s Martini - mix vodka martini and add champagne:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/221893/vodka-martini-cocktail/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringContentType=search%20results&clickId=cardslot%207

Ted and Blake’s Marmalade Martini:

https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/drinks/marmalade-martini

Emmett and Brandon’s Espresso Chocolate Martini

https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/alcoholic/espresso-chocolate-martini-drink-recipe

Brian and Justin’s Lemony-Blueberry Martini

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/148363/lemon-blueberry-martini/?internalSource=recipe%20hub&referringId=14932&referringContentType=recipe%20hub&clickId=cardslot%2054

Vegan pizza:

https://minimalistbaker.com/my-favorite-vegan-pizza/

Crunchy crubeens:

http://www.europeancuisines.com/Crubeens-Cruibini-Crunchy-Pigs-Feet-Trotters-March-14-2007

Chopped salad:

https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/jools-s-chopped-salad/

Chicken: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/roast-chicken-with-lemon-and-thyme-102159

Persian herb rice with broad beans

https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/mains/persian-herb-rice-with-broad-beans

Gin and tonic tart:

https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/desserts/gin-and-tonic-tart

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Discovering Things and Reflections of You by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 51 - DISCOVERING THINGS AND REFLECTIONS OF YOU


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SUNDAY MORNING


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I have been wracking, my brains trying to think of anyone that Brian would know who has an estate, and I can’t think of a single person who is richer than him...unless he has another place other than Britin! I can easily see this being the case after the way he has changed so dramatically! I look across the road, the guy who I know that I have seen before is walking down the street, so I am going to satisfy my curiosity once and for all! I run to the hallway and snatch my keys off the low table and rush outside.


“Hey, Buddy! Excuse me!” I shout; he turns around and points to himself, I nod and catch him up. “Sorry to stop you, but don’t I know you from somewhere?”


“Yes, what can do I for you?”


“I just wanted to know where I know you from. It’s been bugging me for weeks.”


“I provide the nightwatchmen for Greenfield Boulevard. Maybe that’s where you’ve seen me, walking around there. Or maybe on Liberty Avenue, my…”


”Michael.” I introduce myself with a smile. “Michael Novotny.”


“No. My name is Jools…”


“No, I mean my name is Michael.” I laugh, but he starts to walk off. “So are you around here for business or pleasure.”


“Neither. Well, have a nice day, sir.” He tells me.


“You don’t need to call me sir. Michael is fine.”


“I believe in politeness and respect for the older generation, so will stick to calling you sir.” He replies before striding off down the street, leaving me shell shocked that he thinks I am in need of being treated with that level of respect at this stage in my young life!


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - SAME TIME


LINDSAY


Sighing, I get off my knees and go to open the door. I am surprised to find Mother pushing her way past me. I manage to grab her arm to halt her progress. “What are you doing here?!”


“Moving back in of course!” She tries to pull her arm out of my grip, but I am so surprised by what she said that I let go and she ends up sprawled on the floor on her back. “What is wrong with you?!” She exclaims, sitting up, rubbing her elbow and glaring.


“You just said you were moving back in! Said, not asked I notice!”


“It is your fault that I am homeless, and this is the next best thing and cheaper than a hotel.”


“Nancy, why are you on the floor?” A distinguished gentleman is hovering outside my door looking amused. She scrambles up quickly and ushers him in. “And who is this?”


“That is my bisexual daughter Lindsay. Lindsay, this is my very good friend Edward.”


“Only two of those words are accurate, and even one of them is when she remembers. Let’s stick with Lindsay. Nice to meet you, Edward.”


“Likewise. Is this as beautiful on the inside as it is on the out?”


“Yes, and that goes for me too. Mother, why don’t you take your cases up to your room, and I will get Edward some refreshments?”


“But there are four cases Lindsay!” She tries, and just about succeeds in keeping the hiss out of her voice.


“Which you managed to take out singlehandedly when you left,” I smile. “This way, Edward.”


“I won’t be long, Edward!” She grits out and starts the first of her many journeys upstairs.


“Take your time. I shall get to know your lovely daughter.” He calls back.


She couldn't hold in that hiss!


BLOOM RESIDENCE - HALF AN HOUR LATER


KITCHEN


SIDNEY


I do love my Sundays. It is the one day my darling wife, Bella, insists that there is no art or gallery talk. She says it helps me to relax, and she’s right. Or she would be right, if I hadn't agreed to judge the CG Photography and Arts Exhibition and present the scholarship prize.


“So, you have ten minutes, you rapscallion!” She chides me, and hands me a glass of Bellini, so she’s not that mad then?!


“It is open for students of CG, people who haven’t had their work published and those who have no connection to the art world.”


“When is it and where?”


“In two months’ time, and at the Andy Warhol Museum. It is also black tie.”


“Okay, sold!” She kisses me sweetly. “Now, how many tickets can I have?”


“Who are you thinking of inviting?” I smile as she counts off on her fingers and mouths the names. “So, Annabella, Diana, Mel…” She glares at me through her lashes and then starts again, but seems to get stuck on the fourth and fifth persons and frowns. “Elizabeth and…” I prompt.


“Marshall. Knew I would get there eventually!” She takes my glass off me and drains it. “Ten minutes are up now.”


“Yes, dear.” I simper and she rolls her eyes. “So, I can have a top up now, can I?”


“Yes, and for your sass, you are also washing my back in the bath.” She declares.


“Such a terrible taskmistress!” I sigh melodramatically, and she giggles all the way up the stairs.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - FORTY MINUTES LATER


BATHROOM


MICHAEL


I have been peering at my face in natural light as my former best friend once advised, and I gasp as I seem to have grey hair which can’t be right! I pull it, it must be fluff, but no, there it is, attached to my fucking head. A fucking grey hair! And on closer inspection, it is not just a grey hair, there seems to be loads of them! I set about checking my face...crow’s feet, when the hell did I get crow’s feet?! And my skin is looking blotchy, also I do believe I have spots! This is all due to the stress they have put me under!


I stalk to my bedroom and pull out the care package he bought for me, while we were in France. I have never used it, because quite frankly I never saw the need, but he swears by them, so I might as well give them a go.


I open the box and go still, for there inside, is a locket, a silver antique looking locket. I stare at it for a few minutes before it hits me what it is! I meant to put in it the secret drawer in the box in my garage! I put it carefully on the side, as I don’t want to lose it, I make a note to speak to her about getting that box back. I don’t want anybody to find what is in there!


As I head back to the bathroom, I remember something, the muscleman that Ben is dating, he has an estate, and I bet it is him he is with! I smirk to myself as I make a note to drop that little bit of news like a bomb in Ben love life...it’s a shame about Ben, but as in all wars there is collateral damage!


PALACE DINING ROOM - JUST BEFORE BRUNCH


EMS


I smirk as Ted comes downstairs looking refreshed! “Remembered to shut the window, did we?”


He flicks me the bird as he pours some orange juice. “Wilson said nobody could hear us!” He grumbles.


“We didn’t hear you as such, we just heard Blake say shut the fucking window or there will be no fucking-fucking.”


“You are lucky you are my best friend or I would not be speaking to you!” He gripes with a smile. “So has your Little Sprite gone jogging too?”


“Yes.” I scrunch up my nose. “He’s doing very well, you know? Considering he’s never subbed before.”


“So you toasty no returned him did you?”


“Yes! Oh, Teddy, you should’ve seen him! I don’t think he’s ever cum that hard, without cock touching, it was just…”


“How do you know?” He interrupts frowning. “I mean, you must have known that he was your one, like Brian and Justin know that they are their ones. So how?”


“From a Dom point of view, you mean?” He nods. “I dunno, I guess Toddy sums it up perfectly; you just do. From the moment you touch them, you just know. How did you know about Blake?” He doesn’t say anything. “Teddy, what’s wrong?”


“I lied.” He replies quietly. “He wasn’t a pat…”


“Patient. He was your counsellor. Yeah we figured that one out.” I laugh as he just stares at me. “Oh, come on, he had the pain of knowing in his eyes, and besides, Big Bad had him checked out.”


“Brian had…”


“Remember, the only people that are going to kill you is us!” I grin. “Now come on, let us prepare a warm welcome for our jizzing joggers!”


“Ems!” He splutters.


PALACE GARDENS - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


BRIAN


“Justin!” I gasp as he swirls his tongue around my head again. “Mmmm!”


“Are you close?” He purrs from deep within my crotch.


I shake my head as my legs tremble, but I lock my knees to keep myself upright. I am dripping with sweat, but determined. “Keep going! It will be my turn next and…”


“Brian.” Something in his voice makes me look down and he is staring intently at my cock and I suspect he's just spotted it. “How didn’t I see this before?” He runs his finger gently over the scar, and that is followed by his tongue and a soft kiss. It’s the very gentleness of the action and simple acceptance, which tips me right over the edge!


“Jesus fuck!” I bellow and slither to the ground, twitching and trembling. He just holds me.


“Can you sit back, please?” He smiles as I slump against the tree and suck in air. “Want some water?” I nod and allow him to hold the bottle while I drink.


“Cyn knows. She had to make the appointments. It was while I was at Vanguard. Didn't handle it well. So that makes three including me.”


“Not even…”


“Definitely not. That was one of the reasons that I changed to Emmett. He’s strong enough to let me go.” He smiles and then nods in understanding. “But I have been clear for years. It comes up for renewal in six months, shall we talk then?”


“Yes, please.” He drinks some more water. “I have to get my affairs in order myself, so maybe I can do that then too?”


“Yep. Shall we go back? Do you think you can get hold of tweezers and aloe vera?”


“You have splinters?” He frowns and helps me up.


“Nope.” I grimace and look down. “Thought so, next time we decide to do that, can we check the base of the tree?” He looks down and then at my ass. “Yep, stinging nettles! Move it, my ass is on fire and not in a good way!” He just about manages to hold in his giggle!


LOUNGE - AN HOUR LATER


BENSON


“Fair play, Guvnor, I would be beyond pissed and stayed in my room!” I laugh as I look at Brian stretched out on one of the sofas on his stomach. Well, when I say stretched, he is draped over Justin’s lap, trying to sip his drink.


“Perhaps a straw, Brian?” Wilson suggests, coming in with one before checking his watch. “In another hour, Justin.”


“Never have I enjoyed a bed bath so much.” Brian drawls as he takes the straw with a nod of thanks.


“Big Bad, you’ve got one of those except it is smaller! I am sure you have!” Ems suddenly exclaims pointing in the corner.


“One of what, and why do you call him Big Bad?” Wilson asks, and heads to where he was pointing. “Oh this? Yes, a rather fetching storage box. Not sure if your folks have even remembered it is here. Oh, the row that it caused!” He laughs bitterly.


“Row? What row?” Ben questions, and pulls the table to one side so that the storage box could be put down.


“Hold up, it’s the same as that box Justin found in the asshoe’s garage.”


“You mean asshole?” Blake suggests.


“No. I don’t mean that, do I Wilson?” He purses his lip and sniffs. “It’s what he calls Michael.”


“Big Bad first, and then Wilson can explain.” Ems asserts. “As everyone knows, I did him a favour, a delicious favour…” Wilson’s eyes widen and his eyebrows almost hit the back of his skull. “Also named him the Stud, but there was a time before that when he wasn’t very nice at all. He was so reckless, I mean with people's feelings. It wasn't very long, but long enough to fuck me off enough to starting telling people about the Big Bad Wolf. And warning off a couple of Goldlicks he had his eye on!”


“You…” Wilson gapes.


“Cockblocked him. Yes, I most certainly did!”


“Like I said, he is strong enough to let me go, and rofuckingmantic enough to pull me up on my shit.”


“When was this?” Justin asks.


“When I was working at Vanguard.” He wriggles a little as Justin strokes his ass, but it’s the tenderness that gets my attention, there is no heat in his touch. “Yep, then.” He says over his shoulder and Justin nods.


“Then? What then?” Wilson, ever observant, noticed the action too.


“I had cancer in my testes, didn‘t react well and acted like I was going to die, so thought fuck everything and everyone. Cyn made me keep going to the doctors and Ted gave me something to focus on.”


“That’s when you…” Ems trails off and then nods. “...so why asshoe? Although I think I can guess.”


“It's not that difficult. He’s an ass and a hoe for Brian’s dick, heart and money.”


“And a very accurate description!” Ems laughs. “Now the row.”


“Oh that. Went to an auction in France, and there was two of these. My old man told her to get both of them, but she almost got into a physical in the auction room after she got into a slanging match with some idiot, who wanted the box for his fiancé, got in her face. Now you think my temper is bad, you should see my old lady. She got some Gaelic in her and got to stepping. He had the fucking nerve to demand that her credit reference was checked!”


Slowly Brian starts to sit up, wincing a little. “Was this about a year or so ago?”


“Yeah, oh she was so fucked off! She had to step out to calm down so he got the other box, but it‘s not as good as this…”


“A queen took on a princess and…” Ems begins and we all get it in seconds.


“I am going to annihilate that fucker!” Wilson explodes. “Her highness was so upset about the way he talked to her, rather than what he said!”


“Look, just forget about the row, we have it now. Why did he want it so bad anyway?” Brian gets up slowly and gingerly sits down. We all hold our breath and wait, he heaves a sigh of relief, but it is not as big as Justin’s!


“It’s French antique and has a keepsake compartment.” Wilson explains as he opens the box.


“What compartment?” Justin looks at Brian. “Do you remember seeing one?”


“No, but the bottom was covered with the bag.” He shifts a bit more, then leers at Justin. “All comfortable on the ass front, you can have at me later.” He blows him a kiss of happiness.


“When you get back home, you need to do this.” Wilson opens the box and then presses either side above the front legs at the base lift up and a drawer rises. “From memory, this cost…”


His eyes widen again and then mine do! I have just remembered how much she paid for it and how much it insured for. “Where is this?”


“At home. We’re going to use it for our funky junk.” Justin laughs.


“Then I suggest you get it insured for at least $15,000 first. This one cost $37 grand, less commission.”


“And we also need to get it cleaned.” Justin whispers in awe.


“Brian, I think we need to go through what was in his garage and get it properly appraised. Mel told me that she let him know about Debs cherry picking. She hasn’t got the room to keep the stuff, and he could, metaphorically, bludgeon her into giving it to him, and to get rid of him once and for all, Carl would go along with it.” Ted advises. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but at the time you most likely said yes, to what he wanted, just to shut him up.”


“Yeah and yeah.” Brian sighs and we all hate the look of sadness in Brian’s eyes, as the full extent of Michael’s greed hits him.


“If I may, your highness…” Wilson begins.


“Boys, let Wilson get his guy to have a look. He’s the curator for all the family jewels.”


“Okay, sure. Now can you bear with me a second, I just need to…” Brian begins and walks out, closing the door behind him.


“Ems, Ted.” Justin looks at them with a small smile. “Can you check on him?”


“Sure sweetie.” Ems is out in a flash and Ted follows after he takes Brian's glass off of Justin.


“Why didn’t you go?” I frown.


“I don’t know, it just felt the right thing to do.” He looks around. “I think that they need to…”


“Talk.” Blake finishes. “Yes, they do.”


LOWER LOUNGE


EMS


Pacing, pacing is not good! “Ted, for fuck sake just sit down and spit it out!”


“They’ve got it all?” His voice is low and filled with guilt.


“Yes. All gone and all clear.” Brian gives him bright smile.


“You were going…”


“All gone and all clear.” He repeats firmly. “Now stop with the guilt. We were both behaving like assholes for different reasons. Those reasons are in the past, now let’s get back to the one thing that the asshoe will never have.”


“Our men?” Ted hedges snickering.


“Any man!” I correct him. “Now, Teddy, go cuddle, I just need two minutes with him.” He nods then leans across and kisses Brian’s forehead before closing the door quietly.


“You pissed?” He asks draining his glass.


“A little. I couldn’t understand the switch…”


“Like I said, he gave me focus…”


Start of flashback

OUTSIDE TED’S APARTMENT - 4 YEARS AGO


BRIAN


I knock again. “Come on, Schmidt, time's a-wastin! I am not missing out on fucking because you are trying to camouflage the scaffolding that holds up your wizened countenance.”


“Brian! Come on, just leave it! He doesn't want to come out then that’s his choice!” Michael shouts from the lift.


“True! Hear that, Schmidt? We’re leaving!” I press my ear against the door and think I hear something.


“Brian! I said come on! We don’t need him!” Michael orders, and with a shrug I trot down the hallway to join him. “Why couldn’t Emmett bring him, he’s his friend after all?!”


“He is still getting ready.” I reply, checking my reflection in the mirror, before adjusting a hair. “Perfection takes time.”


“He's not perfect! He never will be!”


“Stop being a bitch, Michael.” I raise an eyebrow and sigh as he starts to pout, as he always does whenever I defend Emmett. Speaking of Emmett causes me to smile and then check my pocket. “Fuck! I dropped it! Bet it’s outside Schmidt’s door!”


“Dropped what?” He sulks.


“My safety goggles!” I glare at him and I am pleased when the lift stops. “I will meet you in Woody’s.” He just shrugs and I decide to take the stairs as it would be quicker. “Sometimes, Michael, you can be the most consummate asshole!” I mutter to myself, but then smile when I spot the pack outside his door. Bending down to pick it up, I am surprised to see the door is slightly open.


“Schmidt, you idiot!” I mutter, and pull out my phone. “Emmett, how close to disco fantastic are you? Can you come to Ted’s first, he’s gone out and not locked his…” I pause and realise that this is anally retentive Ted we are talking about. “...where are you and do you have his keys? Five minutes away and you do, good.”


In less than five, he is striding down the stairs with a very concerned look on his face and his phone glued to his ear. “Not picking up.” He tells me and pushes the door slowly open and we both just stare.


“What the actual fuck?” I gasp as we take in the room.



“Where’s Teddy? We have to find him!”


“Calm down, Honeycutt. Let’s check the bedroom, maybe he’s in there…” Then there’s the noise I heard earlier. “Schmidt!” I yell and stride to the bedroom and push the door open then almost scream in horror! “Holy shit!” I dash to the bed, where Ted is lying with his arm tied and a needle sticking out.


“Teddy!” Emmett screams from the doorway.


“Honeycutt! Call Anita!”


“You mean an ambulance!” He gibbers and starts to dial.


“NO, ANITA! She knows people!” I yank the tourniquet off and slowly pull out the needle, putting my finger over the point of entry. I concentrate on Ted and he’s still breathing but sounds funny. I turn him on his side and can hear Emmett blubbering. “Give me that! Keep him breathing! Honeycutt! Here!” He leaps to my side and I take his phone. “Ani, it’s Brian! Ted took something, he’s crashed, please can you send someone?! Not sure, but I think...oh fuck, it looks like cocaine.”


“Teddy, you stupid, stupid man!” Emmett wails.


“Okay, okay, hurry please, Ani, please hurry! What? Okay! Who? So I know...got it!” I throw his phone down. “Get him up, we need him to come around and be sick!”


We drag him to the bathroom and get him in the tub then turn the shower on to the coldest setting. It takes about a minute for him to come back, and, thankfully, he immediately vomits.


“That’s it, you dumbfuck, keep being sick! Bring that poison back up!” I yell at him, yanking off my shoes so I can get in and hold him up.


An hour later, it is just the two of us. Ted has been taken by one of Ani’s friends to get the clean up he needs, and we look around the room.


“When the fuck did he get into this shit? And why didn’t we notice?!” Emmett snivels.


“I was being an asshole.” I sigh, and once again my phone blares into life and it is a drunk Michael. “Go home and sober up. Yes, I’m about to fuck and get sucked!” I cut him off before he can say anything else.


“Trouble in best friend paradise?” Emmett starts to clean up.


“Yeah a bit, but let’s clean up your best friend first, okay?”


TED’S APARTMENT - LATE AFTERNOON, TWO DAYS LATER


Michael is not talking to anyone, and Debs is pissed, but we have more important things to worry about. We knock and then enter just as Ted is coming out of the bedroom, and although he looks like shit, he looks a fuckload better than he did.


“Want to tell us why and when?” Emmett asks gently...too gently!


“Same old pathetic story like most people…”


“Addicts, the word you are looking for is addicts.” I interrupt, and although Emmett stiffens at my brusque tone he doesn’t correct what I said.


“You are a fine one to talk! You do drugs every fucking night, sometimes during the day!” Ted growls.


“Yes, but I am addicted to Ani’s shit, that’s why she’s my trusted supplier! And I tried cocaine once, she warned me off but I didn’t listen. I didn't sleep for four days, thinking I wouldn't wake up!” They both look shocked. “So here is what is going to happen, Schmidt. You are going to pack, you are going to pack for a month. We’re taking you to a place I know and you are going to get better whether you like it or not!”


“You know a place?” Emmett frowns.


“Yeah. Never been, but was recommended. Now help him pack!” I order, and pull out my phone. “Cases and shit are in the bedroom!”


“Why are you of all people helping me?” Ted wipes his eyes on his t-shirt.


“Who else am I going to pick on when I get fucking bored?” I retort, and with a nod he heads back into the bedroom.


“And I’m helping you because you are my best friend, and nobody kills my best friend but me!”


“Us!” I shout as he shuts the door.


“What he said!” Is Emmett’s somewhat muffled response, followed by a yelp of pain. “Get packing!”


I smile and wait for the call to connect. “Hey, Cyn, I have cancer of the testes, can you book me into John Hopkins for a course of treatment? Thanks, Cyn.”

End of flashback


We sit in silence for a while. “It was the one time she did it and meant it.”


“Who?” He asks pulling me up from the sofa.


“Cyn. She slapped me really hard and said not to give her cause to do that again.”


“And if you do, her slapping you is the least of your worries, okay, Big Bad?”


“Yeah. Why did you drop the Wolf?” I ask as we head back to join them.


“Because of the sweet lamb that you actually are.”


JFK AIRPORT - EARLY EVENING


DEPARTURE LOUNGE


DEBS


“You happy we didn’t?” Carl asks, taking my hand and kissing it.


“Yes. Very much so. I’m glad he reacted the way he did when we told him. I was, once again - don’t look so surprised - being selfish.” He gives a tentative nod. “When you told me what they suggested, all I thought was how he could not be allowed to ruin my day, without thinking how much being married without my true boys would ruin theirs. They would understand, but they would still be hurt.”


“Yes, especially Brian and Ems. Ted has always had Blake and his support, but those two have been lone wolves. Okay, they are not now, but they always had you.”


“Hmm, and now they have both of us. Are you okay with us not getting married now?”


“Absolutely. But there is one thing that I wanted to do with just the two of us.”


“What’s that?” I sip my champagne and smile, both in relief and happiness at the right decision I am still musing when I realise that people are staring and Carl seems to have dropped something. “You okay honey, have you…”


“Just say; yes honey they are perfect so I can get off my knees!” He chuckles, and opens the box.



“From left to right, your engagement, your wedding and my wedding.”


“Yes, I say yes!” I weep, and he puts the engagement ring on me and wearily gets up. Ten minutes later we have gotten responses from all my boys....except of course, him! And I can’t say I am surprised let alone disappointed.

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Six...No Seven of the Best and The Boom that Caused It by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 52 - SIX...NO SEVEN OF THE BEST AND THE BOOM THAT CAUSED IT


BLUE MOON HOUSE - EARLY SUNDAY EVENING


LOUNGE


BRIAN


We both stare at the now open secret drawer. Curiosity got the better of us, well me if I am honest, and we left early. Emmett made us swear to let him know what was in there first, and he will let everyone else know.


“Well, let’s see here shall we?” He reaches inside for the first envelope. “It’s addressed to Debs, so let’s give that to her. Let’s see who envelope number 2 is addressed to...oh, this is yours.”


“You can read it.” I tell him over my shoulder as I pour us drinks.


“Out loud?”


“Please.”


“It doesn’t feel right for me to do that. This is something that he clearly wanted to give to you and…”


“Whether I wanted it or not.” I point out.


“True. But still I feel…”


“What?” I snap, and his eyebrows go up, “Sorry, but I am so fucked off! He is still in my life no matter what I do or how much I try to oust him from it. He’s not even replied to Deb’s ring announcement…”


“Seriously?! How shitty! How do you know?”


“Carl texted me. Despite what she said, she kept checking so he took the phone off her when she was on the cusp of bitching him out.”


“Can I finish what I was going to say?”


“Are you asking or telling me this is what is going to happen?”


“I am asking you! And how the hell are we having a row now?!” He snaps, standing up and putting his hands on his hips.


“It didn’t feel like it!” I bark back.


“You are reacting to the heavy emotional…”


“Don’t fucking tell me how I am feeling!” I knock my drink back and then his. “I know how I feel!”


“And how is that, apart from wanting to use me as a punching bag?! Which by the way, in case you can't tell, is not going to fucking happen!”


“Used! I feel fucking used!” I bellow, and just about stop myself from throwing the glass across the room. “And hurt!” I start to pace and he continues to glare at me. “What are you pissed about?”


“You need to apologise for taking this crap out on me, I wanted to wait to open the box, but you insisted on coming home and doing it now! And until you apologise, I am not staying here!”


“FINE!” I roar at him and storm upstairs. After I slam the door to the bedroom, I throw myself on the bed and blink back tears.


Five minutes later, I hear him talking on the phone outside the door. I bury my head in my arms and wait for him to leave so I can release my anger.


The door is gently opened and I force myself to remain in position. “Okay, Debs, tomorrow evening, we will read them then. He’s okay, just a little strained. Sure. Bye, Debs.” The silence stretches on until he clears his throat. “I asked Debs and Carl to come around tomorrow so that you can deal with it together.”


“Fine.” I mumble into the pillow. I wait for him to leave, but instead the bed dips by my hip and he rubs my back.


“What do you want me to do? Do you want me to leave?” I shake my head. “I don’t know what to do, but you need something, maybe you should talk to Leroi?”


“Maybe.” Is my response. He continues to rub my back and I listen to him talk to Leroi about how I behaved.


“He wants to talk to you now.” He tells me quietly, and I can hear Leroi calling my name. “Do you want me to leave? And come back, I mean, I was…” He pauses when I shake my head and take the phone.


“Hey, Leroi. Just so fucking angry about it, and...what? No, I...I don’t think...okay, he wants to talk to you again.” I sit up and look at him so I can see his face when Leroi tells him what he has suggested. His eyes widen and he opens and then closes his mouth before he nods then hangs up. For a few seconds we just sit and take stock. “I…”


“Come here. Stand in front of me, Omeg...Brian, stand here.” He points to the spot right in front of his feet. Slowly I move to where he wants me, and he spreads his legs. “Kneel down and suck me off.” I must have looked surprised as he smirks. “Our way. Now kneel and suck. I want six of the best, and they must be the best and different, but you are not allowed to cum at all.”


JUSTIN


When Leroi suggested that I spank him, I was stunned. Not because of the spanking itself, as it is something that happens, but I couldn’t strike him like that. Yes, I have biffed him in jest, but to cause pleasure pain. I just can’t, and judging by the relief on his face he feels the same way.


“So, start spanking my bratty lil monkey.” I growl, and he slowly gets on his knees. He leans towards me until his I can feel and smell his Beam laced breath on my face. “Kiss me after each one, I want to taste myself on your lips, your tongue, your fingers...I want to taste.”


“What do I call you?” He asks quietly as he pushes me on my back and starts to unbuckle my belt.


“Jiggle.” I reply. “Now begin.” He gives a little snort before tapping my hips so I lift up and he removes my pants, then pushes a pillow under my butt and my legs wider. “Do not touch yourself, this is all about me and...awwwk!” I gurgle as he takes both of my balls into his mouth. I have never felt anything so extraordinarily good! He manages to alternate between sucking my balls and licking my hole. “Oh Jesus!” I cry and start to writhe and arch. “Mmmm, Brian! I...oh so good! You should feel this! Oh God!” I start to pluck at the sheets as the pleasure races through my body, I didn't think I would be cumming this quickly or this hard! “Fuck me!” I gasp and it ripples through my body like white hot lava.


“That cums last.” His voice floats up to me as I try to gather my scattered and shattered equilibrium. “Next up...rimming, but first we kiss.”


Two hours later, I am languid and satiated in his arms, with his cock heavy with longing pressed against my crack. “Sorry for being such a shit earlier.” I kiss his hand in acceptance. “Thanks. Now go to sleep.”


“Mmmm.” I nod and am barely awake when I hear it, the unmistakable sound of quiet tears. I sit up and snap on the light, but he starts to turn away. “Don’t, please don’t. Talk to me.” At first I don’t think he will but he rests his head in my lap and I wait.


“What is it about money that turns people into unmitigated selfish wankers?”


“It doesn’t turn them into that, it just brings out what was already there.”


“I’ve been thinking about what was in the garage and his house. He was setting up a home, with me I mean. He asked, no demanded, a key to Britin, said that we always had keys to each other's places. But…”


“You never had a key to his?”


“Never wanted one, which was another bone of contention. He put one on my keyring once, citing the same argument, but I took it off, telling him that his house was that, his house. In the end, I found a solution, no keyring meant no keys.” I blink in confusion. “I am going to blame the Big Six on your bafflement. I had keypad locks put on my loft. He couldn't get one on his place as he rented at the time.”


“Got it. I have a house question, but after you've said what you need.”


“Okay, the other key issue came about when I first started to come and go at Debs, there was an open door policy. But it only came about because he threw the biggest sulk.”


“Because Debs was trying to help people? To become the Mother of Liberty Avenue that we all love?” He looks up in surprise. “Yes, me too, don’t tell her, she will only hug me and I haven’t got my back brace yet.” It is small but there is a smile. “So the sulk?” I jostle him gently.


“She gave me a key. Said it saved me knocking.”


“And he sulked because of that?!”


“Yep. I was all set to give it back and go back to knocking, but she came up with the unlocked door. One and only time we lied to him...”


“You still have it don’t you? And you told him you gave it back?” He nods and pulls the blanket up a bit higher. “Come on, let me get you a warm drink and cookies.”


“I’ll come…”


“No. I’ll do it, you change the bedding.” I order ruefully and he smirks. “I have another question for you, which is not about the house.”


“Okay, so can we use the new blanket then?” He calls out just as I start to head down the stairs so I come back in the room. “It’s nice, wasn't sure if it was for best, so thought I would check.”


“Yes to the blanket, and Mom sent over some new cookies, almond and dark chocolate.”


“When did she do that?”


“I mean she dropped them off and I packed the tin but forgot about them after everything we discovered. Still can’t believe he's a prince!”


“Me...almond and dark chocolate you said, with hot milk?”


“Of course. Won’t be long.”


BRIAN


He pads in wearing an apron and carrying a tray. “Meant to tell you to put on my robe.” I take the tray so he can get back in bed. “You would’ve seen yours underneath mine.”


“Oh thank you, your arms are too long.” He takes our mugs and puts them on our sides and the cookie plate between us. “You first.” He rubs his foot along my calf, a gesture I find comforting, taking the cookie I taste it and groan with pleasure. “Good then?”


“Right now I can only think of three things that taste better than this…”


“Four things. It should be only four things...my tongue, my cock, my ass and my fingers after I have been playing with your cock and your ass.” I just nod and have another cookie. “Why’d you buy him the house and the store? It can’t have been just to shut him up or a sense of owing for your childhood. The person you should thank is Debs, not him.”


“Thought you were going to ask that, surprised you hadn’t asked before. It was a cheap place. In fact, all The Boulevard was cheap, but I did the house because I knew it would piss him off, and I bought him the store to keep him out of my fucking hair!” I snicker with glee as I remember that pinched expression on his face when he found out that Emmett picked the house.


“Not a mind reader, Nettlebutt!” He prods me in my side. “Share with the group.”


“Nettlebutt? Nettle if you please! Emmett found The Boulevard and we built it up, but that house was the last one to be done. He thinks it was the first, like he thinks he was the first in everything in my life. He thinks that because it is his that he took priority, but it was going to be mine. I was going to sell the loft and move there.”


“Why did you change your mind? I can’t see you or Little Grub anywhere but here now though.”


“He kept trying to help with the design, so I was pissed off one day and said if you want to add your little touches you might as well have it, and as usual he took that literally. When Emmett found out, he had to go through him for furnishings, he came up with the clause because he was so fucked off.”


“So Britin, what are you going to do with that in the long term?”


“We can move to it when Little Grub is older because this place will be too small for us and our other…”


“Who’s going to carry? Because if it is me, I will expect my cravings to be catered to, and there is to be no complaints about my figure not snapping back as quickly as you hope!”


“Well, that was one of the easiest conversations I have ever had.” He laughs around a mouthful of cookie. “Would we ask Cyn and Daph again?” I rest my head on his shoulder. “But with you providing?”


“Yes am very happy with that, but…”


“In six months?”


“Ugh, we must not be one of those couples that…”


“Partners...who finish each other’s…”


“Sametences.” He laughs blowing on my hair.


“Cookie crumbs? And please tell me you said that word when you and Daph were kids?”


“Yes and yes! I shall leave it in the past.”


“So what was the other question?”


“Would you like to cum now?”

 

“Please, but kiss me while I do.” He moves the plate and whips the blanket back.


JUSTIN


“How are you holding off?!” I moan as I clamber astride his lap and align our cocks. “Never mind. Come here, Nettle!” Fifteen minutes later I have screamed myself hoarse and am trembling so much. “That ranks as one of the best wank jobs I have ever had! You okay?” His head is resting on my shoulder and he is still and quiet. “You backed out for a bit there didn’t you?”


“Uh huh.” He mumbles before rolling us on our sides. “Slee…”


“...eep!” I murmur.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - LUNCHTIME


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


The Joker is smiling as the door knocks and I look at my watch. Not even 24 hours since she sent those pictures. I take my time going to answer. She can wait a few minutes longer, but when I open it, I am surprised to see Ben’s muscleman there. “What...did you and Brian have a nice weekend?”


“Yep, most illuminating. This is for you.” He hands me a DVD. “I didn’t bother to put it in a fancy box, as I doubt you would like to watch it again unless you are a masochist. To save you googling, that is a person who likes to receive pain, we already know you are an emotional sadist. Enjoy.”


“Does Ben know about your little tryst? I will tell him anyway, but I am curious as to how you explained you both being away.”


“You are repulsive.”


“So that would be no then? Well, at least it wasn't a long term fuck you two were doing.”


“Like I said, enjoy.” He spits before turning and heading down the path. I laugh as I start to shut the door but then I hear him calling Ma’s name and stop.


“Hey, honey, good weekend?!”


“Never mind that, let me see it in real life!” I step outside and watch him take her hand. “That is beautiful and so are you. So happy for you both. Look, can I do something for you two?”


“You don’t have to honey, but what is it?”


“Rehearsal dinner. Can I host it at my folks’ place, please?”

 

“You don’t have to do that!” She exclaims.


“Answers are yes, we’d love to, or yes, we’d fucking love to; depending on how polite you are feeling!”


“This is me...so we’d fucking love to!” I watch as she pulls him into one of her trademark hugs and he doesn’t flinch. “You are one solid man! No wonder Ben likes you!”


“Oh, so is he and he feels more than that!” He laughs and she smiles at him.


“Shame he has the same ideas about fidelity as Brian!” I call out, and they both turn around. “Can we get to the purpose of your visit Ma, I have things to do, places to…”


“I wasn’t coming to see you, I am coming to do a landlord inspection! Kinnetic Estates does not own that house. You wouldn’t be in it if we did!”


“Of course you do!” I retort. “Well, I’ll let you go about your business...the coffee will be ready in ten minutes!” I head inside to the kitchen to allow her to say her goodbyes and wait for the musclebound Ken Doll to go before she comes indoors to complain!


Twenty minutes later, I see Ken Doll walking back up the street with a bunch of flowers, no doubt going to see Ben to lie about his deeds. I look at my watch again, she is taking her time, and then I spot the DVD and decide to watch that in the meantime.


LOUNGE - TWO HOURS LATER


My eyes are burning from where they have been on stalks! I have watched, transfixed, as all those collectibles went up in flames! As if that wasn’t bad enough, when Brian fired the first arrow, he might as well have fired it into my heart. And his callous yell of fire chilled me to the bone. I stop the disc again and play it slowly...and there on-screen, in front of the bonfire of our friendship, is those two. Locked in a kiss…


See the source image


...I can’t stop staring.


“So, Mr Nobralls…” I am so startled to hear Emmett’s voice that I drop the remote, which stops the disc. I hit play again. “...here you have it, your scorched earth, or should that be scorched dirge? I am not sure, but no matter, he is finally free of every single trace of you from The Boulevard and The Avenue. I would love to see your face right now looking at this, mostly wide of mouth...kinda like The Munch, which you and Lindsay have in common in that you no longer doing that. But, unlike her lack of munching, you definitely suck and blow...and not in a positive life affirming way. But when you keep disappointing yourself and others, what do you expect? So this is goodbye for now. No doubt, you will try and do something to exact your feeble revenge...but remember what Ma said, and she was quoting me then, she will come at your ass like a sex starved rhino. Oh, one more thing, the DVD was the idea of Benson, Ben, Blake, Ted, Brandon and I...Brian and Justin knew nothing about it...as you can tell by that lost in each other kiss. Toodles for now!”


“You have no idea what revenge I am planning, you fucking asshole!” I yell at the TV then switch it off. “Looks like I have to start the wrecking ball early!”


It isn’t until I have made my two anonymous calls that I realise that Ma never came around.


BLUE MOON HOUSE - EARLY EVENING


LOUNGE


DEBS


Brian had been teasing Carl about getting fit in order to carry me across the threshold...I thought we had him when Carl said that we’ve done much more strenuous things than that for much, much longer. Then he told us about the Big Six in explicit detail...I should’ve known better than to take on the master of innuendo, filth and frankness!


“So these letters were in here, you think there is anything else in any other stuff?” Carl asks, picking up the one addressed to me.


“Emmett is going to go through them, but so far nothing.” Brian replies, and I ruffle his hair. “I know, Ma, I know.”


“So let’s get this read, shall we?” Carl declares and rips it open.


“Edited highlights only, he does tend to ramble!” I bitch.


“Upshot is that he wanted Debs to give you both away to each other.” Carl reads sourly.


“What?!” Justin explodes.


“There’s more. As Brian has paid out so much to her, and as the father and the mother of groom, it is down to Debs to foot the bill for the wedding...and I am not reading the rest because…”


“Give me that!” I snatch it off him and continue to read. “Oh he does, does he? He has a list of places for the honeymoon, which are all conveniently around Comic Con season! And as for the presents, all of them are toy based. Oh wait, I was wrong, there is one for you, a link to Prada but it has expired. However, the Prada sale happens the same time every year, so we can always put it off to give me time to save up! Brian wouldn't mind receiving his present late!”


“Oh fuck my life!” Brian snorts and holds up a piece of paper. “He wrote out our wedding vows!” He winces. “And it has a superhero theme! So, fuck no anyway! Wait, there is another envelope!” He opens that and starts to read.


“Of all the arrogant, assholey things! How are you so calm?!” Justin turns to him as he has gone quiet. “Brian?” He wordlessly hands him the paper and he starts to read. “It gets better or should that be worse! He wanted an anti-cheating clause, a prenup, a monthly allowance and, the best bit, monogamy after a year.” And then he too goes quiet and stares at Brian. “Does...does that say what it says it says?”


He nods. “Yeah it does…”


“What? What does it say? It can’t be that bad?!” Carl demands.


“He says having successfully fought off Lindsay’s attempts at motherhood on my...I mean on Brian’s behalf. He feels that the only way to ensure that Brian is the last of the studs, was for them to have a va...vasectomy. He wanted them to both get vasectomies! On their first anniversary!”


“But that…” Carl trails off choking at the realisation.


“Yep. No children. No Little Grub. It would have been just us.”








 



https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=9&ved=2ahUKEwiJ0OOyiL7bAhUJVsAKHdNFDw0QFjAIegQIABAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovefromtheoven.com%2Fdeep-dark-chocolate-almond-cookies%2F&usg=AOvVaw36v1ubHXIaXrUUlNy2BY8t

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Setting It All Out and Up by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 53 - SETTING IT ALL OUT AND UP


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - TWO DAYS LATER, EARLY EVENING


LOUNGE


NANCY


It took some judicious manoeuvring but I have managed to head off Lindsay's pathetic attempts to get between myself and Edward. As if she could possibly match up to me! I stretch out on the sofa as I hear the key go in the lock and she blusters in.


“Mother!” Her voice is unusually shrill, so I am guessing that he has called to sadly cancel her.


“In here, just resting before I…” I stop, stare and then sit up. “...what have you done to yourself?” I swing my legs to the floor and approach her. “There is…”


“Oh nothing, just had a little bit off the ends.” She simpers and flicks back her hair in that now very immature manner. “Did you call me for a reason? It’s just that I have to go back out again. I need to speak to Sidney…”


“Sidney? I thought your association with him was over and done with?” I am still staggered by her transformation. It’s not a big thing, nobody outside her very close set would recognise anything has changed, but there is a glow about her. A satisfied glow that I don’t like one little bit!


“Although our professional relationship has ended, our personal one is still as strong as ever. Yes, we had a minor falling out, but that has been resolved. Now really, I must be going, Mother, I have to change and then go and meet him before dinner.”


“You are going to dinner with Sidney?” I probe nonchalantly, wishing I had read her appointment book when I had the chance.


“I am going to dinner with a...a friend, but meeting Sidney before, don’t wait up!” She trills, and then heads upstairs swishing her mane like some prancing Andalusian dancing pony!


LINDSAY


Well that should set the cats about her bat belfry! I start to select my outfit for this evening. I may have been cast out of my original country set, but I have been accepted into a new one. I am quite the coup...well that’s what Mother will think when she hears! And hear she will!


LIBERTY AVENUE - MID MORNING


JUSTIN


He is going to punish me severely, but hopefully the C&C...cool and cute...factor will add to my oh-so-delicious punishment.





With one more bubble blown, I gently push the glasses back over his eyes and start heading towards Woody’s when I see Blake going inside with a big box. “What you got there?!” I call out, and he looks relieved to see me. “You okay?” I ask as I catch up with him.


“Yes and no. Can you keep a secret?” His eyes are moist but he’s smiling.


“Is it about Brian?”


“Yes and no.”


“I won’t keep a secret from him. I won’t tell him but will say you have said something to me.” He nods and we follow him in.


“Tedproposedandisgoingtoaskhimtobebestman.” He blurts out and bursts into tears.


“I am so pleased for you!” I gasp and hand him napkins.


“Th...thank you!” He weeps. “Poor Teddy!”


“Why poor Teddy?”


“Because I love him so much! And I am so happy and he’s going to be cross when he gets either fat or over muscled!”


“Okay.” I know I have moments of twinkerish, but generally I am ripped and either Ben pours coffee down my throat or Brian kisses me to stop me from talking. “Nope, not following any of that! Now sit and explain.”


He gestures behind me and then I get it! “How long have you been in here?!” I drool as I take in the full majesty of all the cakes!



“Since he proposed last night...” He grins sheepishly. “...I came straight here and started to plan a theme as I was so happy! When I am happy, I…” He clears his throat, bringing my attention back to him. “...bake. Would you like to taste any…”


“Everything. Just give him one of everything.” Brian makes us both jump as he comes in with Ted and a sniffing Ems, Cyn, Mel and Debs, who are all beaming but not crying. “So I call to order the first tasting of the...what the fu...fudge are you calling it? That name has to go.”


“Sip, Eat and Stay.” Blake takes Ted hand and kisses it gently.


“Stay, Sip and Eat, maybe?” Brian suggests.


“Yeah, it flows better. Now this is why he is the best man and…”


“I am the officiant!” Ems wails, flailing his arms about and almost smacking Brian in the head. “Sorry! But I am. I need to get ordained, have to get a minister's outfit, get the licence and...and...and…!”


“Honeycutt, breathe!” Cyn orders, chuckling. “Give him Gus, he has a miraculous calming…” She looks at me after she looks in the buggy. “...you will tell me if they come in an adult pair?”


I tense up as Brian comes to see what she looking at. “Justin, you can explain why, right?”


“It was…” I stop as he unbuckles Gus and takes him out and, on seeing him, Ems is off again. “...very sunny at the time.”


He is looking at the glasses. “Ray-Bans, very nice. And how many pairs did you buy?”


“Just the one?” He shakes his head sighing. “What?”


“You have learned nothing. I shall have to teach you again. He needs a pair for every day, a pair for best and cherished best pair for the weddings.”


“What’s the difference? I mean between best and cherished best?” Blake asks, and I almost pout...for obvious reasons, I wanted to ask that!


“Stole your uh...thunder there didn’t he?”


“Just a bit.” I smirk.


“The difference, dear Blake, is that cherished go in his memory box, along with anything else from the weddings.”


“Awww now look what you've done! This is Zenga!” Ted grumbles as he starts to guide a hysterically weeping Ems to the bar. “The next person out of this kitchen is you, Blake. You’ve done enough, you need to sleep!”


“Yeah. I do a bit.” Blake concedes. “I don’t know how I am going to do both weddings and open the shop.”


“Wedding wise, I can help you.” Mel pipes up. “Remember the cupcakes from the fayre?”


“Oh yes, they were wonderful!” Debs sighs. “I gained about 20 pounds just looking at them!”


“Del made them.” Mel licks the frosting off her finger. “Looks like I will have to take this one and eat it, such a terrible shame! And maybe we can get Jennifer to help too. I can ask them both on Saturday.”


“Why are you seeing my Mother on Saturday?”


“The country club picnic. It’s a triple date. Me, Diana and Henry.”


“Henry?” Blake and I ask.


“Diana’s son.” Brian rolls his eyes and after adjusting Gus hands me a cupcake. “You need sugar, have a strawberry bunny.”


“Thank you…” I grin and inhale the scent of strawberry frosting and delicately nibble on the strawberry ear. “...the cream is later?” He just winks at me.


“Blake!” Ted calls from the door. “Please come and sit down for a few minutes.”


“But what about all of these?” He gestures tiredly.


“Leave this with me.” Brian declares, and puts Gus back in the buggy, which promptly leads to the GGF from him and blind panic from his Dad as he hates to see him upset. But now is not the time for the let him cry lecture from Debs, which I know she is itching to give, so I clear my throat and she stands down.


“Okay, not back in the buggy right now, Little Grub! No need for Grumpy Gus Face! Uh...”


“May I take him?” Mel asks, putting down the cake and stunning us all.


“You sure?” Brian recovers quickest.


“Yes.” She replies, reaching for him and Brian puts him in her arms. “Well, hello there, Little Grub, my name is Mel.” She smiles and tickles him under his chin until his expression softens and he starts to suck his fist.


“Well I’ll be damned.” Debs looks awestruck. “Taken to you from the get go!”


“As I was about to say...seriously, Blake, go and lie down in the office!” Brian orders, and he jerks awake. He pauses as Blake makes his way wearily towards Ted and is out of sight. “I think...what’s that face for?”


“His eyes were open!” I gasp blinking rapidly. “He sleeps with his eyes open!”


“No he doesn’t, I mean well he does, but not all the time it’s a habit thing” A calmer Emmett comes back in dabbing his eyes. “Old user trick.”


“User trick?”


“Hmm, look like you’re awake and nobody will touch your stuff.”


“Or you.” Debs laments. “The things those boys have put themselves through, so glad that they found each other and came out on the other side together.”


“Yeah. As for him, I could’ve knocked his block off when I found out!” Cyn seethes.


“But he had stopped when you found out.” Brian looks at Ems who nods, nobody is understanding Cyn’s anger.


“That’s as maybe, but he still should not have used it, and you should not have said yes.”


“Said yes to what?” Brian frowns.


“Using your card to pay Anita.”


“That most definitely did not go on the company card! I kept that separate! As well as being heroically focused, I was heroically sensible!”


“One time it did, you were going through treatment and he...you do know who I am talking about right?


“Michael?” I sigh, exasperated as yet another discovery is made.


“Yep. Whenever he did drugs, he’s always gone to Brian’s supplier, never bought his own. Said to put it on the tab, but only after I said what I would do if he found your card again!”


“He did drugs? He did?!” Ems growls. “Oh, wait until I get a hold of that hypocritical little…”


“Oh not the hardcore shit that Brian did, but yeah he did, so Anita and I came to an agreement and decided that placebos are a wonderful thing.” Cyn smiles. “He wasn’t paying for it, so he wasn’t getting it.”


“And this is why she is the Mother of our child!” I mumble around a mouthful of cupcake.


“Back to the cupcakes.” Debs laughs as Brian hands me a napkin with a disgruntled expression.


“Mel? You alright?” Ems questions. “You have that same look you had when you warned Lindsay off after the housewarming.”


“Yeah, it's most likely too late now, but that was fraud.” She rocks Gus who rests his head on her shoulder and starts to drift off.


“Look, let’s just leave him where he is, in the past, until he tries to fuck with our futures.” Brian declares. “I am determined to get these cakes on Liberty Avenue before they go stale or someone eats them all, so everyone but Mel, grab a pile and get moving!”


“Wait!” I exclaim and quickly dump out Gus’s cool bag before I put one cupcake from each platter in. I am so focused on what I am doing, making sure they don’t topple and aren’t touching, that it takes me a while realise that it has gone quiet. Slowly I look up. “I have no reasonable excuse, sorry!”


“Pillock!” Brian shakes his head and brushes my flaming cheek. “Okay, now that the Blue Moon House Gannet has finished packing, let's take these out. Mel, he’s due a feed in about an hour. He will let you know, trust me!”


“Is this the DEFCON?” She looks nervous.


“Yep! Want me to stay?” Debs suggests.


“Um, no, I will have to be alone with Henry at some point, so might as well start small...very small and very cute!”


“How old is Henry?” I put the bag under seat and then adjust it flat.


“Just coming up to two.” She replies, putting Gus in without waking him. “She always wanted to be a mom and did it alone. He's very cute, well what I have seen of him.”


“Little Grub is a good judge of character, you will be fine...now what are you doing?” Brian grouses when he sees me on my phone.


“Calling Mom to see if we can get places for the picnic.” I explain, and then nod at Mel and soft smiles spread across faces as they watch her gently tuck him in. “Hi, Mom, the picnic on Saturday, can you see if...ah, okay, thanks bye.”


“Sorted?” Cyn asks quietly and I nod but there is something in her smile. “Good, very good.”


LIBERTY AVENUE - 40 MINUTES LATER


MICHAEL


As I turn the corner on Liberty and Bakers, I stop and stare. There is a huge crowd outside my old store, but as I can see Ma there, I can’t go too close. I crane my neck to see what’s happening, and although I can't see, whatever she has smells good! But I must focus because if it is opening sooner than they said it is, then I shall call about them too, finish it before it starts!


I can hear laughter and then see Brian and the Humungass coming down the street, and while part of me is proud of his new name, the other part is flabbergasted at what Brian is doing! He is carrying a platter of pansy ass cupcakes like some barboy from Woody’s! What has become of him? Humungass has desecrated the sanctity of the Stud!


There is a lull in the chatter and I wait for the pisstaking to happen as everyone stares at him.


“What?” Brian looks at the stunned crowd. “They are called double pleasure cupcakes, he gets to he gets the pleasure of eating them and then of me eating him…”


“If it works for the Stud…”


“Retired!” Humungass calls out and people applaud!


“...then it’s good enough for me! Two, please!”


“Ah, Mr Novotny, care to sample the wares?!” Humungass calls out. “They’re free! You don’t have to find anybody’s company card to pay for it.”


“No thank you. I like to maintain my physique…”


“Who for? Nobody wants it, not even you.”


“Actually, I find myself very desirable, which is more than can be said for you.”


“Why would I want be desired or lusted after by the Beast when I get that and bedded from the Beauty, who is a big Beast admittedly.”


“Thank you for highlighting my talents.” Brian drawls.


“No problem, Stud. Oh, just one thing Michael, I would suggest contortionism for your onanism.”


“Is that how you solved yours?” I return slightly sharply.


“No, I don’t need to make like a pretzel to put my dick in my mouth because nobody else will put it in theirs. I repeat, I am lusted, loved and regularly bedded by the Beauty and his Beast!”


“Are your talents on the wane, Brian? I mean...” I bite out fuming at the sniggering.


“Definitely not. It has to have been you, as they never once rose whilst in your company. Drunk, sober or even when I broke my hand, he was always dead when you were around! Justin, we must leave immediately so that you can administer mouth to cock resuscitation!” He shoves the platter of cakes into my chest, causing me to stagger back a bit. “They’re mostly carrot, good for the eyesight, you know, so you can find that tiny dick in the dark!”


“Oh, touche!” Someone laughs.


“Fuck you, Brian, and you, fatso!” I snarl.


“What's good for hearing?” Humungass laughs.


“Using your ears to listen with?” Brian takes a cupcake and bites it in half before he feeds him the rest. They take their time and I tighten my grip on the plate. “It has been established that the only person I am going to fuck for a very long time is him.”


“Brian!” He growls.


I am thrilled at the discord I seem to have caused, time to push the knife in deeper and set fire to the one thing he values, his image! “Oh, looks like you’ve upset your Master, Mr Sub! Not au fait on the rules, but I am pretty sure you’re not allowed to speak to him like that!”


“Shows how much you know, then doesn’t it? I am not upset, I am horny, oh so very horny and need him right now! So you call the Library and I’ll speak to Grandma!”


“It’s okay, Justin!” Ma springs up from somewhere and smacks me on the back of the head, much to everyone's amusement! “I will drop him off...judging by that look, tomorrow would be good, yes?”


“Definitely! Grab that cab, Mr Fatcock!”


“Now if anybody else has anything to say about their lovelife form an orderly queue behind the King of the Jealous Idiots and watch how I deal with him!”


“Very funny, Ma!” I shove the plate into her hands and start to walk off, only to be sent painfully sprawling as someone kicks me in the ass! It takes a minute to right myself, and when I do there is only Ma there. “Who did that?!” I demand as I get up. “You must have seen!”


“Nope, didn’t see a damn thing…”


“Ah, Debs, there you are!” Mel calls out. “Oh, hello, Michael. Not that I am surprised to find you getting up from the gutter, but why were you there this time?”


“Someone kicked me, but of course nobody saw anything!” I grind out and start to walk away.


MEL


“Bye then!” I turn back to Debs and pinch another cupcake. “Anyway, Debs, can you do me a favour? Can you tell Brian that I have finalised all the paperwork, and the purchase of the two blocks of houses on Cherrytown Crescent has been finalised and they will be his in a couple of…”


“What did you just say?!” Michael demands as he sprints back to us.


“Can I help you with something?”


“Cherrytown Crescent, you mentioned that! Brian has bought it... all the houses?!”


“I am not at liberty, even though we are on Liberty Avenue, to discuss that. So can you pass that on, Debs? I have to be going. Damn, those are good!” I lean in and kiss her cheek before striding down the street.


DEBS


I look expectantly at Michael, who is now pale and confused. “Why are you here, where again, you are not wanted?”


“He’s bought the blocks, does that include where I live?!” He clamours.


“Not at liberty...not sorry. Now excuse me…” I smile as Cyn wheels Gus down towards us. “...I have a grandson to mollycoddle.”


“Ma! Does Brian own my house?!”


“What is he mithering about now?” Cyn glares at him.


“Mel just said that Brian is buying Cherrytown Crescent, I live in one of the houses, is that true?!”


“Cynthia is…”


“Yes. As one of the shareholders of Kinnetic Inc., and a key decision maker, I am not beholden by any NDA or legal constraints…” Gus starts to grizzle so I take him out and start to bounce him.


“Which means?!” Michael seethes.


“That if you want to know the answer to your question, you will pull your manners out of that underfucked ass of yours!” His mouth puckers so tight that it looks like a pinhole. “Come on, I know you can be polite when you need to be…”


“Can you tell me what…”


“BLEURGGHHHHH!”


“Oh my fucking god!” He screams as the remains of Gus’s projectile vomit drips down his sleeve. “That is disgusting! This is suede! I shall send Brian the bill for this!” He bitches as he gingerly takes off his jacket and pulls out a handkerchief to start clean up.


“Please do so, and he will take it off your next month’s rent, because the answer to that question is yes.” Cyn chortles. “Now come on, Grandma, let’s get our boy cleaned up!”


“And to think, Michael, for a man who never wants kids with Brian, you and his son have something in common.” I taunt him. He freezes and goes slightly pale. “Oh, yes, we found your little love notes. But back to this matter in hand...or should that be sleeve? Carrots, they don’t sit well with him either.”


MICHAEL


I try to keep both the nausea and the panic down as they walk away. He owns my house! He owns my fucking house! What the hell am I going to do?!


DEBS


Cyn and I head back to Woody’s with a contented looking Little Grub. “Is it me or did Gus do that deliberately?” I chuckle.


“He’s much too young to have mendacious thoughts...but then again, the Kinney/Moore combination has been known to kick an ass or two!”


“So, Cherrytown Crescent, when was that decided?” I ask, looping my arm into hers.


“It wasn’t. I got a text from Mel to say yes to anything he might ask about it if I see him.”


“And he’s going to be shitting himself, waiting for the post…”


“Pity.” She snickers.


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - THURSDAY EVENING


LOUNGE


LINDSAY


“Are you sure you’re alright? You’ve been very quiet.” I ask Mother who has been brooding for days.


“I am fine, Lindsay. Just waiting for Edward to call.”


“Edward? I thought he was in Houston, doesn’t fly in until late this evening, and I think he’s on a plane now.”


“Hou...how do you know that? Are you his personal secretary now?”


“No, and as to how I know that, he told me, when he invited me to the society picnic on Saturday.” She almost sucks her face down her throat she swallows so hard. “Naturally, I said yes, but only after checking that there wasn’t any residual toes to step on, he assured me there wasn’t.”


“Oh, did he?” Her dentures clack in fury. “Well, have a nice time then, dear. I shall…”


“Be coming with us, if you like. He has a friend that is in town, maybe we could make it a foursome?” I pinch my thigh to stop the smile of victory blooming onto my face as my fishwife of a Mother takes the bait.


“Well, since I wasn’t doing anything, I might as well come along. It will be nice to catch up with some old friends.”


“Oh, I am so glad. I will confirm it with Edward and Gus.”


“Gus, what a sweet name.” She barbs but I don’t flinch. “And his surname?”


I shrug. “He never said. Oh...are you going up now?”


“Yes, for a bath. I am suddenly tired. Goodnight Lindsay.”


“Goodnight, Mother.”

 

I wait for the sound of the water running and throw my hands up in the air in victory! Oh yes, Mother, the name Gus is very sweet. Such a shame in your case it short for Gustav! And you won’t find out about it being decrepit Gustav Fieldmore until you get there!

End Notes:

Pldease review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Angry Sex, Latin Sex, Buttercup and Cupcake by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 54 - ANGRY SEX, LATIN SEX, BUTTERCUP AND CUPCAKE


TRENT AND DEL’S HOUSE - FRIDAY EVENING


KITCHEN


DEL


My roomie is looking pensive. “What is wrong?”


“Trying to decide whether leather trousers or smart pants would be best tomorrow?”


“Well for wipe clean, then leather but for proprietary it would need to be smart. You don’t normally fetch like this…”


“Mel’s first proper event, in their environment, and you know who is going to be there too, don’t you?”


“No, who?” I frown, unable to think of anyone that could cause Mel problems...unless? “I really hope you are not going to say her fishwife of an ex, Lindsay?!”


“The very same, and I am determined she’s not going to crawldaddy all over her!”


Crawldaddy? Don’t you mean crawdaddy? Though not sure why you would even mean that!”


“No, I mean crawldaddy, it means to use her dad’s connections to get herself where she wants to be?”


“Really? I thought that Daddy dear was persona non-grata where the council was concerned?”


“Oh no, not at all, that was the Mother. He was dissed by association, but that association is no more....”


“Such strange and ridiculous rules.” I muse, and then frown at his continued pensiveness. “I sense something else is bothering you.”


“Yes, but in a good way. But I don’t want to jinx things by saying stuff.”


“Come on, just say it! I promise on my life to wear a pair of your choice!”


“Any pair?” He starts to pull out his phone and I start to get worried...because he has taken pictures of every pair of shoes that I own...including the ones in storage! “These ones...and I shall tell you tomorrow, you have my word and my bond. Do we have a deal?”


“Yes. Now show me, because I need time to either shop or change my outfit!”


“Shop, we definitely need to shop.” He declares, keeping the phone close to his chest, then he looks at his watch. “One glass of belting burgundy and then an early night!”


“Deal!”


BENSON’S HOUSE


HALLWAY


BENSON


I tighten my hands on his hips. I have never been this horny before, but he got me so riled...and I will admit, quietly, jealous! He was trying to come onto Ben in front of me, so I decided to let him know exactly whose man he is! First, I gave him a tongue fucking deep throating kiss, then practically tore his clothes off as I dragged him across the street to my place! “Oh fuck my life!” I pant, and start to thrust harder. “You...you...sure…”


“Yes! Freaking hell! Yes!” Ben cries out and drops his head in his hands. “Oh god!”


“Mmm-uuuh!” I yell as pleasure sparks all over my body. “Do...oh...do..that! Yes! Again!” He tightens on the downstroke and I almost yank the hair out of his head as I pull him back up so that we can kiss.


“Uh, boys...!” A voice bellows. “.. just going to shut the door for you!”


“Th...thanks!” Ben groans out and just as the door is firmly shut he clasps my cock like a boa constrictor and pulls my jizz and ability to speak outta me! “Holy Jesus and Mary!” He shouts and sinks to the floor. I just slump atop of him and kiss his shoulder. “I think we should send him a thank you card, it is the polite thing to do when you receive a gift of such magnitude!”


“A fruit basket for a fruit basket.” I chuckle, and slowly withdraw and tie off the condom. “You alright there?” I peer, concerned, at his still prone figure. “Ben?”


“He’s repellant. Completely repugnant.” He mumbles and slowly sits up. “But I am very grateful.”


“Because?” I am shocked.


“Was going to ask you to top this weekend.” His shy smile melts my heart. “Not that I don’t love topping you all the time, it’s just…it looks and feels so good in my mouth, I…”


“I get it, and thank you. So does yours. Fancy a shower, or as Brian would put it...another round and then a shower?”


“Mmm.” He stretches and then stands. “Come on, big lad, let’s wash that man out of your hair and me into that ass of yours!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


I can’t believe he did that! Just to blatantly fuck like that in the hallway like it was the corner of the backroom at Baylon! Although it has to be said he does have a good body, all that muscle. Sighing, I realise how long it has been since I have enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh other than mine...I will have to do something about that, but in the meantime, I need to find out what is happening with the street. As I look up said street, I spot someone familiar and it is the guy who told me about Brian’s firestarter weekend. Smiling to myself, I decide to welcome him to the neighbourhood.


WILSON


There are times I despair of his highness, but I can never stay mad at him for too long. I had driven him home after a day of meetings, and Ben was just crossing the road when the asswhore called out to him! And Ben, knowing this man’s tenacity, stopped, but soon regretted it as he started to make obvious overtures. Ooh, his highness was so fuming, I thought he was going to hit him but my suggestion of a more obvious statement did the trick!


As I walk down towards the alleyway where I parked so I can head back to the palace, I hear the sound of footsteps and heavy breathing, so I speed up but prepare myself for anything!


“Excuse me! Hey! Can you wait a second?!” That voice chills me to the bone and I almost break into a run. “Hey, buddy, I just want to speak to you!”


His need for another lesson gets the better of me and I turn around. “What about?”


“Do you remember me?”


“No.”


“We met briefly outside an old school friend's house. Brian…”


“Ah, Brian, yes I remember now. Did you catch up with him in the end?”


“Yes, yes I did.” He replies grimly before brightening. “So, do I get to find out your name? Mine is Michael.”


“Wilfred.”


“Oh. Do your friends call you Wilf instead, and are you a wolf?”


Revolting and rude, how unbecoming! I have much better things to do with my time than teach a fool not to put his hands in the fire, if he wants to get burned so be it!


“Yes they do…”


“So, Wilf, what are you doing around here? Do you live…”


Wilfred and wishing I had never stopped.”


“Do you want to step inside for a coffee?! He continues blundering on. “I live just over there.”


“No thank you. I have to go, and…”


“I make the best…”


“Your overbearance is irksome.” I clip out, having spent far too much time on him. “I have to go.”


“How do you know Brian?” He asks as he falls into step with me...seems I need a bigger swatter.


“I screwed him.” I reply, and when he stops walking in astonishment, I take the  opportunity to leave him in my dust!


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - FORTY MINUTES LATER


BEDROOM


MICHAEL


“Unnnnghhhh!” I groan as I finally cum. Sighing, I sit up and wipe down my stomach. That took ages to happen! And all because I was pissed at Brian for being the fucking Stud, for once! I can't catch a fucking fuck-break, he’s had virtually everyone...in some form or other, even fucking been fucked by Emmett, and now some English twig of a dude!


Standing up, I pull up my jeans and head downstairs for some water. Once I drain the glass, I decide on a shower and bed, but am stopped by a sharp knock on the door. On opening it, I am surprised to see Ben.


“Wanted to say thanks for inspiring Benson to give me the fucking of my life. You should bottle yourself…”


“You're welcome, and I will!” I reply, then cringe as I realise what we have both said.


“As well as your entire physical self and your toxic personality, it is because of you lack of intellect that Brian is with Justin...in fact, why Brian was with anyone but you!”


“Oh, go get fucked!” I snarl.


“I just did! Hence the thanking!” He taunts me. “Goodnight...oh, one more thing, when you are wanking and it seems to be taking a while for you to get there; do yourself a favour and stop. Also do your neighbours a favour and close the window before you start! No-one wants to hear that.”


Ten minutes later, my face is now red with anger instead of embarrassment. I look at my list of things to do on Monday, and right at the top is to call the university and report their relationship!


LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - SATURDAY, EARLY MORNING


HALLWAY



LINDSAY


She is doing this deliberately! But I shall keep my temper as she wants me rattled and flustered and I refuse to be any of those things!


“Another ten minutes Lindsay, why don’t you go on ahead and I meet you there?”


“Okay, Mother…” I pause and shake my head at her obvious stalling to make me late for my appointment. “...when booking your cab to the society picnic, make sure you get a return journey.” I hear the floor creak as she steps out of her bedroom.


“Taxi?”


“I told you last night, just before you went up, that Edward had sent a car for my use today, and since you are not ready, I will see you there then.”


“Surely you can wait two minutes?!” She calls back, rushing to her room.


“Oh I thought you said ten! Of course I can...I will be in the car. Remember not to put the door on the bolt or you will be locked out.”


Three minutes later she is shutting the front door then stops in surprise as she sees the magnificent Daimler that I am sitting in. She smiles as she thanks the chauffeur and settles down. “Isn’t this lovely? So kind of Edward to provide it for me. Are you going to call a cab now or later, bearing in mind how busy it will be by the time you want to go home.”


She barely suppresses her quiver of annoyance, but pulls out her phone and orders a cab to pick her up. For some reason we don’t speak for the rest if the journey, and that suits me fine. I want her to be expending all her energy keeping up appearances!


BLUE MOON HOUSE - SAME TIME


MASTER BATHROOM


JUSTIN


I wince slightly as his fingers brush my hole. “Tender still?” He asks, kissing my shoulder, and I nod before leaning back against him. “Me too, and I have bite marks.” He husks in my ear, making me squirm from the heat of his breath and twitch at the hotness of his words.


“Nibble. I nibble, I do not bite.” I murmur, and then sigh softly as his hand wraps around my cock, I reach back for his, which is throbbing against my ass. “And they are not anywhere that can be seen, unlike this behemoth on my neck.” He chuckles and licks said behemoth.


“You are amazing, you know that? Still can’t believe you did that last night.”


“Had been wanting to do that for a while.”


“How long will they keep?”


“A week, but with Ben and Benson, I should imagine about an hour!”


“Mmmn. Do that, yeah that.” He breathes into my ear and presses forward, trapping me between him and the sink. “Good, oh good!” He moans as I twist and stroke his head. “Want! Want to so bad, but don’t want to hurt...” He beseeches and I press him back so I have enough room to lean over, while stroking him. I reach for the condoms and lube. “Oh, thank god!”  He lets go of my cock and quickly sheaths himself, muttering incantations to keep his focus...I am flattered! For him to feel like this about me is as hot as all get out!


“Can’t…” I press myself against the coolness of the sink to try and calm down.


“Hold on, please hold on!” He mutters, and starts to tug my hips. Whatever I was thinking, let alone about to say, is thrust out of me as he enters swiftly and hits me bang on! “You are so fucking fucking hot!” He babbles, and starts to move and in seconds I am shuddering and open mouthed with shock at the intensity of it. “Mirabilis es mirabile...cum te amo habeo omnes! Ego fucking non vult deficere!” He murmurs in my ear, and I lock eyes with him in the mirror. “What?” He licks the back of my neck. “Oh shit, let me guess, you studied Latin in school...” I nod. “...and you want me to say that in English as well?” Again I nod. “Roughly…” I gasp as he starts to move again, I thought he had cum already. “...amazing, you are amazing. I love you with everything that I have and I will never tire of fucking you.” All the time he is speaking he’s not looked away, he just keeps staring and thrusting...it all gets too much and my eyes start to roll back in my head…


...not sure how much later, I open them again and I am on the bed with a concerned Brian and Emmett staring at me. “I am never speaking to you in Latin again!” Brian grumbles, and Emmett just smiles sweetly at his blustering.


“Got a little overheated, did we?” He asks, handing me a glass of water with a straw, which Brian helps me with, making Emmett smile wider.


“Just a bit. What are you doing here?” I sit up slowly and rest against the pillows, but Brian nudges me forward and gets behind me.


“Shopping with Treyvon and Del. She needs a picnic and gold appropriate outfit.”


“Uh huh.” Is the only response I have to that!


“Will you be well enough to go, sweetie?” Emmett sits next to me and feels my forehead.


“Yes, I just got a little hot after getting hot!” I protest, and try not to grin as Brian gently swats his hand away.


“Well, I shall leave you in his oh-so-capables and see you later then!” Emmett trills before kissing us both on our cheeks and trotting down the stairs and out.


We sit in silence for a minute or two before he puts the straw to my mouth and I obediently suck. “They call it le petit mort in French.”


“I was speaking Latin. Personally, I think you overbaked, too much cooking…”


“Yeah, that must be it. Nothing to do with your supreme technique, of course.”


“Of course not! It had everything to do with it!”


I snort at his warranted arrogance and finish off the water. “You okay?”


“Hmm, et dedit mihi, non turbarentur faciam illud.”


“I did?” A small shrug is his response. “I promise not to frighten you like that again.”


“Good.”


“Shall we get ready then?”


“In a minute.”


“Okay.”


TRENT AND DEL’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER


LOUNGE


EMMETT


Oh how I love to shop with these two! They are efficient and fun! Funfficient! No, that’s not the word, fu-fficient, maybe? I will figure it out. Right now though, we are waiting for a curvy Domme to come down in an insisted upon denim jumpsuit, which, according to Trey, will give a flash of her volumptuousness and her shoes!


“So, how do I look?!” She trills, already knowing the answer!



“You have surpassed yourself.” I nod approvingly at Treyvon, who is undoing her hair. “I feel woefully buttoned up!”


“But in a purely Emmett way!” Trey soothes, and I have to agree!


“Oh yes, that’s much better, all that hair has to flop and be flicked! Now, we must proceed to round up the nervousness that is Mel. Though can’t see why, it was a brief hug the first time she met Gus at Cyn’s, and clearly he remembers her soothing touch.”


“She’s really come into her own person again, hasn’t she?” Del grins as she adjusts her straps.


“Yep, and we’re here to kick her ass should she stumble back into that dirgey dyke again!”


COUNTRY CLUB PICNIC - TWO HOURS LATER


GRANDVIEW PARK


MELISSA


Once again they are out of their comfort zones, and once again they are embracing the change. Those who have not quite got the hang of dress down have gone back home to try again. I knew there would be a few traditionalists, so factored that in timing wise! I don’t remark on some well known catering boxes that have come out...they can't be expected to dress down and cook their own food!


“Hey, Mom!” Daph calls out, striding across in her cut-offs and wedges. “Before you ask, with Cyn and her folks…” I close my mouth. “...Debs brought him, and now they are discussing the finer merits of his wedding outfits!”


“Don’t you want to be…”


“Involved in the conversation? No. He’s not mine, Mom. Yeah, he’s your Bumpy Gus, but he’s theirs. Cyn’s, Brian’s, and, if the signals are right, Justin’s.”


“Oh, you see it too, do you?” I can't help but feel happy for Justin, after all he and his family went through for him to find peace and happiness, it is wonderful.


“Notice something?” I lean in closer, and she looks discreetly around and then giggles. “Baby steps.”


“Oh yes! Speaking of baby steps, how adorable does Henry look?!” I chuckle as Diana hoists a giggling Henry on her hip, but is looking nervously towards the park entrance. “I am on reassurance, you get wine!”


DAPHNE


“What if he doesn’t like her?!” She whispers to me nervously and adjust Henry slightly.


“Why would you think that?! Diana, relax please, it is going to be fine.”


“He’s very particular, and...oh my goodness, she looks gorgeous!” She sighs and I turn to see where she is looking, and Mel does indeed look gorgeous...and as nervous as she does! But with a not-so-gentle shove from Emmett, she starts to make her way over and with every step she takes her nerves start to fade until she’s in front of us.


“Hi.” She says, and then strokes Henry under the chin. At first he looks confused by the gesture, but before she can pull her fingers back he catches one of them and holds it. “Hello, Henry.”


“Gampfl!” He exclaims, and wraps his gums around her finger.


“Like I said, nothing to worry about!” I grin.


LINDSAY


It was excruciating, but we are here! She insisted on staying with me during my hair appointment, but I had anticipated that and made sure that she couldn't see what I was having done. A few extensions and a tiny jab or two does nobody any harm! And what she doesn’t know, she can’t have one over on me about!


“Well, I see that Melissa has taken one of her liberal ideas again!” For once, we are in agreement. The whole point of an us and them is that we don’t mix with them unless absolutely necessary, and since we have an enormous garden at the club, I don’t feel this is necessary at all! “I can’t wait for the status quo to be returned to the area. Us being in our proper environment, with...is that Emilia Braycroft?” Mother exclaims. “...and is she wearing jeans?!”


Now that gets my attention and I look to see where she is gawking, and Emilia Braycroft is definitely wearing jeans, in fact, mostly everyone seems to have elected to slum it. “Why on earth would she, I mean they, wear such a thing?!” I bitch.


“Lindsay!” I smile inside as Mother flinches at Edward’s voice. “Oh, and Nancy, so glad that you are here. Don’t you two look...uh, smart!”


“Edward.” I kiss his cheek while seething at the smart remark...we look elegant and refined while the rest of them look like they are at a mock-beach BBQ in the burbs! “You look very relaxed. No Gus?”


“Yes, Edward…” Mother drips ice. “...where is my date?”


“Gustav will be here shortly, he is just putting down his provisions. What did you bring?”


“Gustav?” Mother whispers and I relish her look of quickly masked horror.


“Yes, Gustav Fieldmore. He was delighted to hear that you wanted to be his plus one for this event, Nancy. I am delighted as well. You two are much better suited than you and I. So, what did you bring to this shindig?”


The only way that could have gone more perfectly was if I had said it myself!


“Not sure what you mean, Edward. This is the usual country club picnic, but with a different venue.”


“No, it’s all change…” Daddy’s voice startles us both and we slowly swivel to look at him. Mother barely contains the gasp as she sees who he is with...Catriona Middleton-Shaw, and they are holding hands! “...Melissa has dragged us, some kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. Edward, nice to meet you again. I believe Gustav is looking for you over by the bar.”


“Oh, thank you. Won’t be long.”


“So, Catriona, how are you finding my husband?” Mother can’t help herself, and I am delighted. This way she looks so much more inferior than the cultured and discreetly refined person that I am.


“Why would it be of your concern, Mother? You left him, remember?” Lynette’s bitter voice cuts her to the quick and then she turns to me. “You should take note of this, Lindsay, what happens to people, when they move on and find their happiness. I believe Mel is over there with Diana and Henry, seems he has taken quite a shine to her.”


Now it is Mother’s turn to be smug, but that is mercifully short lived as I can see Edward coming back with Gustav!


“Nancy! Oh my dear Nancy! How lovely to see you!” Gustav Fieldmore totters over, and I am struggling to keep my composure. “I can’t believe after all these years I finally have a date with you. Shall we circulate?” He holds out his elbow and wiggles it for emphasis.


“Neither can I, Gustav, neither can I.” She grinds out and reluctantly takes his arm. “Yes, let’s.” She turns to look at me with fire in her eyes. “Are you two coming?”


“I hope to be later, Mother. I hope to be later.” I mutter just loud enough for only her to hear and flinch...again!


MEL


I feel like the biggest idiot! I have degrees and everything! I am in a park with people who,  two years ago, because of reading someone else’s book, I thought were beneath me and my enemies or those to be used to achieve an end. But right now, I am so happy...with these people who I am now proud to call my friends. And the cuntry-club set, as Brian whispered to me, aren’t that bad!


I am steadying Henry as he tries to eat a banana and investigate the hugeness that is Benson. Brian, Brandon and Emmett are slicing up the loaves that Justin made last night...Blake took one taste, insisted we keep them to ourselves, and demanded the recipes. Trey is giving love advice to a couple who were bickering. Daph, Drey, Hunter and Cyn are on wedding detail with Carl. Diana, Blake, Ben and Ted have gone to get more wine and champagne, and then there is Justin...Justin is mock-fuming because every time he goes to move from the spot that Brian put him in, after his fainting spell this morning, Debs puts Gus in his arms.


“Oh, sweet god in heaven!” Del suddenly exclaims. “It can’t be?!” She peers into the distance. “Surely, it can’t be?!”


“What’s wrong, Del?” I look where she’s peering and my heart sinks a little, because, bearing down on us, is Lindsay with a man. And although I knew this would happen, after all this is her modus operandi to find and flaunt, and I am very happy with Diana, it still hurts.


“You’ve got this…” Brian states firmly, and he puts Gus in my arms while Benson takes Henry. “...you’ve got this.” He repeats and I nod.


“Hello, everyone! Isn't this cozy?! I never thought I would see…” She trails off as Del stands up in a way that gets everyone’s attention and starts to head towards Trey. She said that she could not be in Lindsay’s presence for more than a second!


“She has got to teach me how to do that!” Justin mutters.


“Damn right she fucking does!” Brian replies.


“Uh, Del, is that you? You look…” Lindsay begins and then stops and looks at me, her mouth falling open in shock. “...is that Gus? Oh how he has grown, may I hold him?” She ask-demands, her voice rising enough to get people’s attention and holds out her hands with a slight smirk.


“No. He’s about to be fed.” I reply calmly, and she looks stunned but rallies.


“Well I can…” She stops as Gus lets out an enormous fart and judging by the smell fills his nappy.


“Perfect timing, Gus, come with grandma!” Debs takes him off me. “Now you can fight back properly. Like he said, you’ve got this! “


“Go…” I begin.


“Delia? Is that you?” The man next to Lindsay calls out. Del stops walking and slowly turns around, then almost drops her glass.


“Edward! My Buttercup!” She cries, and flies towards him, but in her enthusiasm causes Lindsay to stumble and then crumple to the floor...where she lies like a dying swan!


“Cupcake! My darling girl!” He picks her up and swings her around. “It’s been a while!”


“Where have you been? You haven’t been getting your, now how is it you put it Brian?”


“Needs met.” He calls back.


“Yes, that. Elsewhere. I shall be very disappointed and have to…”


“Edward, did you not see me on the ground?!” Lindsay hisses as she gets back up again, under her own steam, much to her great annoyance!


“Sorry, Lindsay, my sight was impeded by my Cupcake. And the answer to that was going to be yes, but now that I have found you again, the answer is definitely not!”


“Cupcake?!” She demands. “Tell me, Edward, exactly how do you know Delia?”


“She was my Mistress.” He gazes her at her fondly. “Until she decided to make an honest woman of herself.”


“Mistress?” Lindsay and I both repeat...but only one of us looks appalled as I had long suspected there was something about Del.


“Hmm. You remind me of her a little, Lindsay, which is why I am so intrigued, but you can’t beat perfection.”


“Perfection? Her? And what is she perfect at?”


“Correcting his mistakes.” Del purrs, and then looks at Lindsay with revulsion. “Of which you were about to be one. No longer, I am back to claim what is mine. And Buttercup is mine.”


“Now aren’t you glad I waited and made you wear those shoes?” Trey rejoins us grinning.


“You darling devil!” She gives him a one armed hug. “How did you find him?”


“We got to chatting Trey and I and he told me about you two.” Jennifer comes back with the rest of them and the booze, and judging by the look on Lindsay’s face, she could do with a large glass! “So I made sure that Edward was here, but in the event of him not being here, they would’ve reconnected, I would make sure of that.”


“When you say correcting his mistakes, what do you mean?” Lindsay bristles.


“What do you think she means?” Emmett prowls up to her. “This little group is for friends and family only. You are neither.”


“How do you know Lindsay?” Edward is frowning at Del.


“She’s Mel’s ex.” Jennifer explains. “Mel, the gorgeous brunette here, is now with Diana. Yeah, she’s that Lindsay.”


“Oh, I see. Well, you can make your own way home, can’t you, Lindsay, along with your Mother.”


LINDSAY


I am reeling, first to see Mel holding Gus and him looking so comfortable and content, and now this...whatever the hell is going on here!


“Home? I thought…”


“Wrong.” Jennifer interrupts. “I am sorry, Edward, that I involved you somewhat in my plans of revenge, but nobody, and I mean nobody, calls my son an insipid twink and gets away with it...nobody.”


“That’s perfectly alright, Jennifer.” He smiles at her before turning to me. “Come with me, Lindsay, you need to remove your things from the car. I am not sure where you can put them that would be secure though.”


“Edward!” I gasp. “You are abandoning me at a drop of a hat for…”


“Careful how you finish that sentence, sweetie, I have nothing but loathe for you.”


“Lindsay!” Mother’s timing could not be more immaculate, but her smiling expression is what worries me. “I have to thank you and Edward for introducing me to Gustav. What a fascinating man! Are you definitely out this evening, as Gustav and I want to get to know each other properly away from prying eyes.”


I ignore the giggling and hold back my revulsion at the thought of her getting to know anybody in my cottage. “No, Mother, I have a headache and will be leaving now. You will have to get to know him elsewhere.”


“Oh, I see. Well, I will come and get my things and then take Gustav home and...”


“Bettune will be pleased he’s back early.” Edward nods. “She does worry about him being on his own at these events.”


“Bettune? Who is Bettune?” Mother queries.


“His companion. She has a cold and couldn’t come, so I said I would rustle up someone for him and when Lindsay suggested you, I thought why not.”


“Com…” She gapes at him.


“Tisk-tisk. Didn’t you tell her, Lindsay?” Edward laughs. “That was very remiss of her, but then she takes after you in leaving out information. He’s been with her for almost ten years! Now, come along you two, let’s get you out of here. What, with your sudden headaches and all.”







https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/cakes/seeded-banana-and-apricot-loaf

https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/cakes/chunky-monkey-loaf

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks

Buttercup, Cupcake, The Prince and Starting a Fire by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 55 - BUTTERCUP, CUPCAKE, THE PRINCE AND STARTING A FIRE


DEL


I have known Lindsay for a few years, unfortunately, and judging by the emotions flitting across Mel’s face she sees it too. The determination of Lindsay to make this unpleasant for everyone.


“That won't be necessary, Edward. Mother and I are staying, aren‘t we, Mother?”


“Yes, I think that spot just over there will be perfect. Is there anything in his car, or outside of it, which cannot easily be replaced?”


“No.” She looks as dismissively as she can, there seems to be something wrong with her face, and flicks her hair. “Why don't you go and get us some drinks, Mother? Edward, on reflection, your last act as a gentlemen would be to bring my things to me, don’t you think? I would hate to put purloining temptation in your mistress’s reach. Although she will have adequate counsel for any charges that would be brought.”


“Of course Lindsay, it will be my pleasure. Call it an exorcism, your brief presence has left a terrible stench.” He rejoins smartly before walking off, leaving her open mouthed in his wake!


“Now, who wanted what?” Jennifer asks before looking at a puzzled looking Justin. “You okay, sweetheart?”


“Do you feel dizzy or anything?” Brian asks, concerned, going to sit next to him.


“Yes, I mean no to the dizzy, but I am a little curious and want to know if I have read this right before I say anything.” He is looking intently at Del, who holds his gaze. “You're his mistress, but not in that sense?”


“Correct.” She grins, and we all watch confusion flood Lindsay’s face. “Buttercup, was mine for a few years between relationships. It worked for us, and…” She smiles sweetly. “...and now it looks like we’re both free. I wonder if he would be amenable…”


“You know what they say, when you stop being a mistress you create a vacancy!” Lindsay trills.


“At least I didn’t try and swallow in my mother’s...I mean follow in my mother’s footsteps!” I retort, causing spluttering laughter from the rest of them and angry contorting and staining of Lindsay’s, stiff for some reason, mug.


“Oh, Duchess, you nailed her good!” Benson grins.


“Duchess?!” Lindsay exclaims. “How can you even think that of her?! I have met royalty, and she is not it!”


“Like recognises like.” Benson responds, and there are knowing looks from the boys...as Mel calls them.


“What are you talking about? Who amongst that lot is royal?!” Nancy scoffs, having returned for the end of the conversation.


“Me. And two things you should know: the correct way to start that question is with whom, and you should’ve finished with your highness since you are all about the protocol!”


“What rot, you are about as royal as I am…”


“Unwelcome.” Edwards asserts as he returns with a bag, which he almost drops on her but all she does is glare at him. “And he’s right, you should address him thusly.”


She glowers at him before turning her cold eyes back to Benson. “Like I said…”


“Meet Prince Benedictine Francis I.” Ben interrupts just as Debs comes back with a cheerful Gus.


“Prince who?” Lindsay sneers. “Like I said, I have met royalty and I would’ve heard of him. There is not a Francis in any principality. What is your family name, your high-not!


“Zhernakovdakovich. Old lady’s maiden was Francis.” He replies. “Want me to wait while you look me up?”


“Might as well, it will pass some time.” Nancy snipes before pulling her phone out. “Sure you know how to spell it?”


“Nancy, I have no reason to lie to you. In fact, I relish the times you are made a fool of, and this is one of them, with, as usual, the help of your offspring.” Jennifer remarks. “He is royalty, albeit of a minor Russian principality but royalty nevertheless.”


If I could freeze frame I would...the expressions on their faces! And that's when I realise what is off about her, apart from her very existence!


“Benson, you’re royalty?!” Debs exclaims, and he looks abashed.


“Yeah. Still want to come to my old man’s palace and have your rehearsal dinner?”


“Pal...palace!” She gasps. “What the hell do I wear to a palace?!”


“Oh! Can I suggest a fancy dress theme?!” I burst out, surprising everyone including myself!


“Swapnight!” Justin suddenly exclaims, and we all look at him, but Benson is starting to grin.


“You mean clothes right? Men as queens and women as kings?”


“Yes!”


“Let me have a word, Guvnor, though don’t see an issue. Now Ems, how twinkly do you want to go, and Duchess, I can get your number off Mel, right? Cos you will need to speak to Wilson about getting those assets contained!”


“Mother, we need to get something to eat!” Lindsay orders brusquely, much to Nancy’s surprise but not, it seems, to Mel, Jennifer or Justin’s; and then it dawns on me...and it’s not a surprise to me either.


“Let’s take our stuff to the shade…”


“Yeah, wouldn’t want you to get more dried out.” Jennifer smiles, but this time tongues are firmly bitten.


No prizes for guessing what they are going to discuss then try and do!


MARQUEE - 10 MINUTES LATER


NANCY


I wait impatiently for her to confirm what we know to be true. Like she said, she has no reason to lie. “So now what do we do?”


“We?” Lindsay looks pityingly at me. “I am going to go to this dinner as Michael’s guest. Who you go with is your business.”


“Lindsay, this in-fighting is not getting us what we want…”


“You have a point I suppose. Once again, a ceasefire until we are firmly at the top of the pile?”


“A true ceasefire, no backstabbing from either of us?”


“Agreed. Now first things first, no doubt Michael is carrying a grievance over this marriage and will want to wreak havoc, let’s help him with that while helping ourselves!”


“And we must go back to where we were sitting!” Mother seethes. “I want to hear about this Del creature!”


“Me too, and to know when Mel started to play fucking earth mother?!”


“Language, dear!”


BENSON


“It was very nice of that couple to watch Lindsay’s bag while we moved, wasn't it?” I wink at everyone. “This is a much better area, and I think it’s time we cooled off! Anyone fancy a paddle?”


“Where? The lake is on the other…” Hunter stops talking when I signal and four guys appear carrying a massive paddling pool and behind them is a fire truck.


“A fire truck? An actual fire truck?!” Ben gasps as it comes towards us. “When did…”


“My old man. He’s a big kid at heart!” I laugh as I remember the argument as the small paddling pool morphed into a six foot thing because other kiddies in the park would be upset if they couldn’t share! Me pointing out that there was an actual lake in this park brooked no argument...especially when he said it was going to be hot and not all kiddies are under 14!


His point is well made when Justin and Blake start to tear off their shoes and roll up their pant legs!


“For goodness sake, you two!” Carl chuckles. “Let them fill it and the little ones get their paddle first!”


“Yes, grandpa!” They chorus, and he rolls his eyes.


“So you coming then?” I turn to Edward and he looks surprised and confused. “I mean to the dinner. She's coming, right, Debs? So you going to be her guest? If not, why not? She’s peachy keen judging by the looks she’s trying not to give you.”


“Are you always this direct?” He questions.


“Yep. So?”


“She needs to ask me, and…”


“She is asking you, via me, so?”


“Yes, I would be delighted to attend with her.” He concedes. “I have missed my Cupcake.”


“Oh yes, back to that!” Blake declares. “So this mistress thing, what other sense is there?” We all just look at him. “What?”


“You’re not serious with that question?” Jennifer laughs.


“Why not? It…” He closes his eyes and starts to blush. “...ah yes, got it.” Then he frowns. “May I ask another question?”


“Yep.” Del rests against Edward.


“Taking your direct approach, when are you going to tell him?” He asks, looking at me, and it is my turn to frown. “It is obvious that you do, or you are pretty close.”


“We already have kind of said it.” I mumble, wishing the pool was full so I can cool down!


“Have we?” Ben teases.


“Eight by three with three hundred pounds of thrusting power...want that again?”


“We’ve kinda said it!” Ben concurs quickly and I wink at him.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


BACK GARDEN


MICHAEL


I haven’t heard from Lindsay in a while, and I have to admit it was nice to have someone outside of the collectibles community to talk to. As I open the beer, the smell of BBQ invades my nostrils and I am a bit put out! I have been living here for almost a month now, and other than an occasional wave, none of my neighbours have invited me over. That being said, I haven’t invited them either, but I am new and they should make the first move, like a welcoming committee.


“Ouch! Fucking hell!” I yelp as something hits me in the back of the head.


“Jeez, sorry about that!” A voice yells, and a head pops up over the fence. “I didn’t mean to throw it that way! Are you okay?”


“No! I shall most likely have a bruise! You need to be more careful!”


“Hey, buddy! He said he was sorry! Can’t you…” The guy looks at me strangely before curling his lip up in disgust. “Let’s go to the park and play.”


“Uh, dad?”


“Come on, there is more room and less company.”


“Don’t you want this back?!” I call out frowning.


“No, you can keep it!”


“What the hell am I supposed to do with a frisbee?!” I demand stamping up to the fence.


“Bite on it to keep the noise down!” He snaps before following his kid inside.


“Dad, what did you mean by that?” The kid asks.


“I will explain the onanism etiquette rules to you when you’re a bit older.” He replies and shuts the door. I throw the frisbee back over the fence and go back to finish my beer, but curiosity gets the better of me and I head inside to the lounge to find my laptop.


“Own an ism, I think that’s what he said.” I type it in and the flame of humiliation burns all over me. “Onanism...masturbating.” I shake my head to clear his scowling face from my mind as Ben’s taunting words come back to haunt me. “Surely, I couldn't have been that loud, could I?!”


GRANDVIEW PARK - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


GUS


Da is carrying me to a very big bath, I am not sure about this. I look at Li, but he is smiling big. The big bath looks a lot colder than my one and there are no nice smelling round things that go away when I touch them, this is not going to happen!


“Waaah!”


Da stops and Li is no longer smiling big, there is a loud noise and I don’t like this one little bit!


“Waahaaahaaa!”


Good, he is moving away from the loud noise and we're sitting down again. I can see the big bath better now. Wait a second...where’d those round things come from?! There is loads of them! Maybe I was wrong about this bath thing?


“Ganmph!” I wave my arms at the bath, and...yes, we are going back!


Li gets in the bath, he doesn't seem to mind it...oh, here comes the water, oh, it’s like my bath at home, nice and warm! I splash my feet and blow bubbles! Yes, this is very goo...uh, what is Li doing?! I try to squirm away because he seems to be taking off my clothes...he's surely not giving me my bath now and then taking me to my room?! I can't see my room! “Nerrgh!” I try to bat his hands away but he just smiles more. “Nerrgh-nerrgh!” I repeat but despite my protests I am now naked as the day I was born, but without the icky thing!


I glare at Da but he just smiles at me...of course he’s smiling he’s not naked and...and...who is that and why is he in my bath?! It reaches for me and I start to cry but then it does something soft and gentle...it touches my face and then smiles like Li but not as big. Okay, it can stay!


MEL


I watch Henry be very gentle with Gus and can’t help the warm feeling. “Aren’t they adorable?” I sigh to Diana who just nods. “I hope they will be friends when they are older.” I can’t help but smile wider as they are both sitting on the grass and appear to be getting along famously!


Image result for cute mexican little boys


“Thus implying…” She puts an arm around my waist. “...that you intend to stick around?”


“As long as you want me to.” I reply, and kiss her tenderly...and there’s a fluttery feeling, one I have never had with Lindsay not even when I first met her!


“I was so nervous. I thought he wasn’t going to be comfortable with you.”


“You too! But I seem to have worked my magic! So, what do you think of Del’s idea of fancy dress?”


“I am not sure about that. I might break royal protocol and insist on wearing a dress. But I do look forward to seeing you dressed as a king...my queen.”


This is going to be one shopping trip that I will enjoy, and it will be just the two of us!


LINDSAY


“Any luck?!” I demand of Mother as we have split up in an effort to find where they have gone. “Where?! What fire truck...oh, I see it! Yes, see you over there!”


I stride over with the basket of food and drinks, which I suppose was a good idea of Melissa’s. Having finally secured my bags somewhere, I could not believe they just left it with a total stranger! Well, a club member who I have a vague recognition of, but it wasn't one of them looking after it, and it should’ve been!


As I am joined by mother, we both scowl when we see Edward with his slattern of a mistress sitting all cosy. “I always had my suspicions about her you know?” I raise my voice, as we settle down on the grass, so she can hear me, there is no point insulting her otherwise!


“In what way, dear?” She adopts the same tone.


“Well, she had to be subsidised in some way, because of the cost of all outfits she wore...I mean, let’s just say that paid-in-kind must have been one of the terms.”


“Allow me to defend the honour of my lady. I would caution you both against any diatribe at this point!” Edward yells as he strides over to us. “Del has a uniqueness and character that is sadly lacking in the pair of you. You, Nancy, filled a need for the brief period, and you, Lindsay, I am so glad that I did not get to find out how badly you emulate her.”


Del strolls over and links arms with him. “I think you have wasted enough time with these inferior beings, Buttercup. Time to be with me.” She looks from me to Mother then starts to smile. “I was wrong, I thought you were like this because you’ve not had a prick lately, but you have...and it too doesn’t seem to agree with you.”


“What are you blathering on about, you tiresome slack creature?!”


“Oh, the irony of that word...slack...it implies that something needs tightening, and judging by those rapidly scabbing over Botox prick holes in your forehead and temples, they’ve overdone the dose.”


“Oh you little scamp! Come away with me! You are in so much trouble!” Edward asserts laughing.


“Oh no, you are the one in trouble, Buttercup. That ass of yours is in for a major hiding!”


“Yes, Mistress Cupcake.” He replies meekly and follows her like a lamb!


BRIAN


I look across at Justin as he and Blake start to get into a water fight, the fire truck will be back later, but I have an idea, so head over to Benson. “Got a minute?”


“Sure, Guv, what’s up?” He stands and we move away from the group a bit.


“I was wondering if you can do me a favour?” I query and lean in.


“Let me see what I can do for you, Guvnor.” He walks away chuckling and on his phone.


Ten minutes later the truck is coming back, and I stroll over to a very wet Justin and wait for him to notice I am there. He pushes the hair out of his face and splashes towards me. “You have recovered fully I see.”


“Mmm.” He stands on his tiptoes to kiss me. “Did you know about the fire truck?”


“Nope. Why?”


“I was just thinking...” His eyes are lambent with desire; seems we may be on the same page here! “...have you ever seen the movie Backdraft?”


Yep, definitely the same page!

 

End Notes:

Please if reviewing be kind and constructive. Thank you.

That Is What You Said So This is What we're Gonna Do! by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 56 - THAT IS WHAT YOU SAID SO THIS IS WHAT WE’RE GONNA DO...!

 

BRIAN

 

Justin and I eye fuck each other as the controls are explained to us.

 

“Try not to make too much mess on the paintwork!” Benson guffaws from a safe distance.

 

“You’re just jealous because you didn’t think of it first!” Justin calls back.

 

“Damn right I am! Not fair! It’s my daddy’s truck, I should have first fuck!”

 

“Well tough titties…”

 

“Ask Lindsay what they are like!” Del cuts in, causing fury and laughter.

 

“...you can’t!” Justin continues. “Now excuse me, I have to go ring someone’s klaxon!”

 

“Must you use that language in front of the children?!” Lindsay’s mother lectures.

 

“They are asleep and over there!” Mel calls out, pointing to where they are napping under a tree with Carl and Debs watching over them.

 

“That is not the point.” She gets to her feet and crosses her arms sternly. “I do not like that kind of language, so you will stop it immediately!”

 

“Fuck off.” Justin replies with a devilish smile. “You are choosing to sit next to grown ass men and women, and you know of our rambunctious natures. Go plot somewhere else if the colourful language upsets your delicate composure.”

 

“Your mother should be ashamed of you!” She spits at him and I can feel the Dom starting to arrive.

 

“Not as ashamed as you should be of yourself! Now either move or shut up!” He raps out, fixing her a hard stare...and that’s not the only thing getting harder!

 

“I see that your father’s death has been severely detrimental to your manners and moral decency!”

 

Benson quickly gets between me and her. “You contemptible old cunt!” I snarl, trying to get past him because she needs to be walloped really hard! Lindsay is just standing with her mouth open. “Get her the fuck away from here, right the fuck now, or I shall take it out on you!”

 

“Justin. Jennifer, I…” Whatever the old cunt was going to say is blasted into the ether as she hit by a powerful and unrelenting stream of foam.

 

“Justin! No! Switch it off!” I yell over my shoulder.

 

“He never turned it on!” Jennifer shouts back.

 

I whirl around and, like the last time, he’s gone stock still. I put my hands on his shoulders when I get to him and squeeze them gently. “Look at me.” I order quietly and slowly his eyes shift towards me, thankfully, they are clear, but blazing with heat. “What do you want to do?”

 

“Just go home and have you make love to me.”

 

“Then that is what will happen.”

 

“Someone switch that fucking thing off!” Lindsay screams as the old wretch struggles to evade the bubbles but nobody moves.

 

“You switch it off!” Jennifer declares. “But you will have to get past me to do so!”

 

Suddenly there is a clunk and the foam stops, we all look at each other, we’re all here, so who switched it on?

 

“Consider that mouth washed out!” A voice calls out and we are floored when Lynette steps out from behind the truck! “Now you!” She spits at Lindsay. “Take that and get it as dry as her cunt is!”

 

“Lynette!” Ronald exclaims. “Use the word snatch in your mother’s company. A more appropriate moniker for a woman who tries to snatch away everything. Get her home or you’ll find yourself playing nursemaid!”

 

LINDSAY

 

She looks like a drowned rabid rat, and if this situation wasn’t so mortifying I would be laughing. But right now it is all salvation systems go! “We are leaving quickly and quietly or you are sleeping outside!” I order her. “You deserved everything you got and twice more. Move, Mother!”

 

I walk briskly ahead of her, thankful that we were at least not overheard or overlooked, I can hear her squelching as she starts to catch up with me. “What were you thinking?!”

 

“Yes, do feel free to explain yourself!” Melissa is blocking our path.

 

“Melissa, I can understand your distress, but…”

 

“Distress? You think this is me fucking distressed?! Not even close!”

 

“If I could just get her home before she catches a chill and…”

 

“You are worried about that cold hearted crone getting a chill?! A chill would be a fever to her! But yes, get gone, but know this, this is not over! Not by a long chalk!”

 

I quail inside as she is proving, much to my deep chagrin, a much better chairperson and adversary than I had thought. With a tight smile at her, which she does not return, I gesture Mother ahead and follow her to the information centre, hoping that a cab won’t take long.

 

JENNIFER

 

At this precise moment in time, I love one man more than I love my son, and that man is Brian Kinney. Not just because of his staunch and rapid defence of Justin, but because he is letting us have a private moment. After their departure the pain of her words hit home and he started to cry. Naturally, everyone rallied to his side but Brian’s words of, he needs his mom, will be burned forever into my soul. The sniff brings me back of the matter of fixing his heart.

 

“Maybe if I hadn’t told her to fuck off she wouldn't…”

 

“She would,  and deep down you know she would’ve found a way to be a nasty ballsack to someone, you happened to speak first. And she used her knowledge of you to hit you where it would hurt the most.”

 

He sighs heavily. “So much for being a great strong…”

 

“Don’t you fucking dare denigrate yourself!” He blinks rapidly so fierce is my tone. “Don‘t ever join the likes of her by putting yourself down!”

 

“Jennifer, may I say something?” Lynette calls over, everyone has been looking over with deep concern, the only two having seen him so distressed are Brian and Daphne, the latter had to be handled by Melissa after she started to follow them along with Cyn. I nod and beckon her over. “I apologise for that.” He and I must look confused. “As I was saying to the others I pulled the wrong lever, meant to hit her with water. The foam was bubble bath, specifically Gus’s favourite, so please let me replace it.”

 

“Did you really say as dry as her…”

 

“Yes!” She grins at Justin. “Been waiting to let her have it for years!” She squeezes his arm. “I am truly sorry she said such a base thing…”

 

“Not for you to apologise, but thank you.” He pats her hand and with a nod she returns to the group.

 

“Shall I get Brian to take you home?” I am surprised when he shakes his head then stretches. “May I ask why?”

 

“Because we have to plan, and the more heads the better!” He strides towards the group and Brian meets him halfway, they chat for a few moments before he nods and smirks. “I’m fine,  everyone, well good and fucked off but fine! Now let’s talk payback!”

 

“She’s already had her mouth washed out, what else is there?!” Mel sighs.

 

“Washed out? That’s it!” Benson declares. “Remember what I sorted over his bits of tat?” There are nods. “Well she and her jackanape want to join the elite circle, well they are going to start from the bottom up. Leave it with me and Wilson! But I need everyone’s sizes by the end of the week.”

 

“Sizes?” Del frowns.

 

“For the rehearsal dinner, gonna sort outfits.” His expression is deadly. “Let’s call it a dress rehearsal for the life they should truly live!”

 

“Look, you guys, stay and enjoy the rest of the picnic but I really want to get him home.” Brian orders and my heart soars a little more as he strokes the back of Justin’s neck.

 

“Honey, are you sure?” Emmett asks and they both nod. “Call me if you need me.”

 

“Us.” Blake corrects and then clears his throat. “Justin, you know if you ever…”

 

Again with the rapid blinking. “I would. Could we arrange that?”

 

“Anytime.” He smiles at him kindly.

 

“After your place opens…”

 

“Anytime, Justin, I mean it.” Blake asserts before turning to me. “And that extends to you as well.

 

Now I am blinking.

 

BLUE MOON HOUSE - TWO AND A HALF HOURS  LATER

 

BACK GARDEN

 

JUSTIN

 

“OHHH MMMM!” I growl as the pleasure consumes me, I squirm against the grass uncaring that I am going to have a green bush again! “That was exquisite!”

 

“Glad you liked it.” Brian chuckles in between nipping at my cheeks. “Feeling better?” I get up on my elbows and look over my shoulder at him. He rolls his eyes and smiles. “Obviously you are after that! What I meant…”

 

“Yes. Come up here.” I sigh contentedly as he blankets me and then covers us with the quilt, I take a few minutes to think about how to start this conversation.

 

“I think it is a good idea for you both to talk to him.” I exhale in relief. “I can come if you want, just to yours.” He adds quickly.

 

“I would love that.” I kiss his hand. “It wasn’t done then, you just grieved and then got on with life.”

 

He kisses my shoulder before moving his hips and I am taken aback. “Um having…”

 

“No, not that, you pillock.” He murmurs before moving again.

 

“It certainly feels like that!” I object, and start to push back then remember something from the aftermath of our first major blow out. “Want me to spread?”

 

“Hmmm.” He nuzzles into my hair so I move so that our cocks are perfectly aligned between my legs. “We slept like that all night, you didn’t move.”

 

“I know.” He pulls me slightly closer. “We can’t stay out here all night though. I think it is going to rain and we”ve got Little Grub to pick up first thing.”

 

“Mmmm. Just two minutes.”

 

“Three and then we absolutely have to go in.” He affirms.

 

Twenty minutes later we go inside, it didn't rain but it did get very hot under that quilt!

 

MICHAEL’S HOUSE - THREE DAYS LATER

 

KITCHEN

 

MICHAEL

 

I look at Ma suspiciously. “So you have come to do the deed have you?”

 

“Deed? What deed?” She looks around the kitchen and doesn’t seem to like what she sees, I point to the envelope. “Oh that!”

 

“So you are here as an employee instead of my mother. Your first visit, and it is to give me notice to quit.”

 

“Notice to...no, this is the save the date cards for the dinner and wedding.” I take them and put them on the counter. “Aren’t you going to open them?”

 

“Not yet. I am still waiting.”

 

“For what? Before you answer that, how can you live in such a mess?!” She moves away from the sink and stands by the door.

 

“If Brian finds the way I keep my home so disgusting he can always send Lorraine to clean up.”

 

“Lorraine? Who the heck is Lorraine and why do you...oh, oh fuck me!” She starts to snigger so I wait for her to come to her senses. “He doesn’t own your house, Michael. He doesn’t own any area around here. Cyn and Mel played a well deserved trick on you...you know, after all your prissiness over drug users. But you had no problem using Anita for a little bit of a buzz when you needed it!”

 

“But that was years ago!” I exclaim.

 

“It is always excuses with you! No apologies and no regrets…”

 

“Just like Brian!l I bite back.

 

“Not remotely like Brian! He doesn't hurt you behind your back, he does it in plain sight! And nine out of ten times the person he’s hurting has deserved it!”

 

“What did I ever do to him?!”

 

“You stole, you lied, and if you were with him in the sense you wanted, you would’ve cheated too. You were prepared to make him miserable to be with you.”

 

“Miserable?! We were never given a chance because of…”

 

“You. You were the problem. Are the problem and always will be the problem.” I feel my rage building. “You can huff and puff but you are never going to blow Brian or his house down! Now you either come to them or not, just let me know either way! But do so by the end of the week as I need to let Benson know your measurements, although…” She looks me up and down. “...you seems to have found those pounds you lost on when you first moved here, and their friends.”

 

“Are you trying to say that I am getting fat?!” I rebuke her.

 

“No, you are getting fatter, soon you girth and ego will be the same size if you don’t watch it. Get yourself measured by tomorrow!” As she turns to leave she stops and runs her finger over the counter then wipes them on the cloth. “I never knew I raised such a pig in habits as well as in mind.”

 

I watch her walk down the path, having almost, but sadly not quite, clipped her heel as I shut the door. I’m about to open the envelopes when I see my phone is flashing, but I can't get to it fast enough so have to wait for any message to come through. I pass the time opening her envelopes and my eyebrows shoot up. Who the hell is this prince and how the fuck does she know him?! I check my phone again and there is a message, I put it on speaker.

 

“Hello this is the Dean from Carnegie Mellon, I received your message regarding the inappropriate relationship between one of our teachers and a student in his class. I can assure you that I am aware of the relationship between Mr Taylor and Mr Kinney and do not consider it an abuse of Mr Taylor’s position. Therefore, I will not be taking this matter any further.”

 

I listen to it again just in case I missed the bit where he said thank you for drawing it to his attention. But the only thing that gets to any attention is mine to the clearing of a throat to the side of me. I look at the window and find myself staring at Lindsay.

 

“What are you doing here?” I ask, reaching for my phone to stop the message before going to let her in.

 

“Can’t I visit an old friend?” She smirks...I know that smirk. “How have you been?”

 

“Fine thanks and you?”

 

“Been better. So what do I owe the purpose of this sudden visit?”

 

“Now Michael, don’t sound so testy. I have had some personal problems that I had to deal with and didn’t want to burden you with them. What’s the news with you? Any news on the marriage of the century?”

 

LINDSAY

 

I have to play this just right, I can’t let this opportunity to meet with Russian dignitaries be squandered! Mother has been making overtures of abject apology to Jennifer and Justin, but these have been vociferously rejected! She was fuming about the flowers, which were returned. She knew they would be, but it was the manner in which they were completely destroyed that irked her and amused me...not only did Jennifer send her the remains of them, but also a wonderful video of how the destruction occurred.

 

“What is the point of asking a question if you don’t listen to the answer?” Michael sounds more churlish than usual.

 

“Sorry, Michael, I am having issues with my mother too. So...oh, are those the invitations? Are you going  to go?”

 

“Yes, and I wasn’t going to…” Oh for fuck sake, now is not the time for you to pull a sulking in the corner act! “...but then I read it and it’s fancy dress held at some Prince’s place. I have to let her know my measurements tomorrow. You know, she had the nerve to say I had put on weight! What she hasn’t realised is that I am not used to doing my own laundry so my clothes have shrunk!” Yes there is a detergent that shrinks your clothes and causes your body to expand...only in your universe!

 

“You don’t look any different from the last time I saw you.” You were starting to balloon and bloat on all the good food that Brian was supposed to be paying you back for! Oh how high you lived on that hog only to be on famine when you realised finally that the bank was closed!

 

“I know. They don’t give a theme to this thing, just says fancy dress. Want to come? You can be the Harley Quinn to my Joker without the kissing and stuff!” Of course fucking not, I would rather kiss an actual scrotum frog than you! “What do you say?”

 

I crease my brow. “When it is it? I am hoping to do some travelling you see? And I have an art exhibition at Carnegie to prepare for.”

 

“An art exhibition, wow, you must be really good if they have accepted you into that!” I know that and turning up with a Russian dignitary on my arm is going to be the piece-de-resistance! “I’d love to see some of your stuff! You see, I think I have a rather good eye. I bought some good pieces on what turned out to be our first and last trip.” Oh I think not! “This thing…” He waves the invite at me. “...is something you’d enjoy more than me…” oh please God yes! “...so how about you and I go to this so that I come to that? Fair enough exchange isn’t it?”

 

Oh he has got to be Joker-ing around!

 

STORAGE FACILITY - EVENING

 

MICHAEL

 

I open the doors to my unit and sigh crossly. I have to build my home up from scratch again! Now there isn’t an our home, I can at least buy pieces for me and me alone, no longer thinking of what he would like. He never thought of me at all, not once, after all I did for him.

 

“Ah, Mr Novotny, I was hoping to catch you.” The Super smarms up to me.

 

“I was just going actually, just wanted to check on things.”

 

“Speaking of things...it has not arrived.”

 

“What has not arrived?” I concentrate on locking the door.

 

“Your rental payment is past due. So follow me to the office to either pay it or...”

 

“Really?” I fake surprise and innocence. “I don’t know how that has happened?”

 

“You are bidding on a Joker figurine against me and ironically we each need the money to outbid the other.” I stop walking. “The collectibles market in Pittsburgh is a small one. Let’s get this bill paid and that added to my collection shall we?”

 

As I walk sullenly behind him I decide to call the authorities on Woody’s and his library the moment I get home!

 

WOODY’S - THREE DAYS LATER

 

OFFICE

 

CARLOS

 

I try not to bite my nails as they look through the footage. “Told you it was clean. This is The Stud, he may have been a bastard when it came to fucking, but when it’s business...he is all about that.” The inspector gets up and sighs. “Someone has it in for him, we were called about the Library as well. Again, nothing wrong. That must be one bitter ex-fuck.”

 

“A no fuck.” His colleague sighs. “Rumour has it, this is the Revenge of the Nobrall!”

 

“What do you mean the revenge of the…” I come to a fuming halt. “You sure about this rumour?”

 

“Well who else could it be? All was fine and dandy until the bottom fell out of his ass now that Kinney is all about domestic-one-man studification with the hot blond. If you’d been hankering for some loving all this time, then find yourself dumped for everything you are not, wouldn’t you harness your inner vituperator and try and ruin him? Okay, we’re good here. I will send a report, but you can open tonight as usual.”

 

“Thanks.” I smile in relief as I lead them out. Once they leave, I lock the door. Then my full fury is unleashed. “Oh you’ve played that game, have you?! You’re forgetting one thing, this is also my business!” I take a few calming sips of the whisky I poured then dial an oh so familiar number. “Hey buddy, you cool? Listen dude, can you get your dad for me real...yeah I am pissed off!” I smile at my nephew’s ability to read a mood so easily and wait for the silky tones of my brother from another mother to come down the phone. “Hey Wilson, how’s you and our resident royal doing?” I smile as his calm tones soothe my frazzled nerves. “Good to hear. I am in need of a favour…”



 

 

End Notes:

Please be constructive and kind if reviewing. Thanks.

Reality Is Not So Much A Friend Of Yours by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 57 - REALITY IS NOT SO MUCH A FRIEND OF YOURS


MICHAEL'S HOUSE, SEWICKLEY - MORNING, A WEEK LATER

 

MICHAEL

 

I take it in. Granted it is not as grand as the one he got me, his on, Ma’s, or Britin, but it is mine!

 

Image result for houses in sewickley

 

And it is away from them! After all, I couldn't just up and leave the Pitts, I have too much history here.

 

I was so peeved that the Super at the storage place was the guy I was bidding against, so decided to stop lining his pockets and am moving in today. Well, not moving in, just setting up home. I need to be in plain sight when I play my final hands, and then the Joker will make like the Invisible Man and disappear!

 

I wait for the truck to back down the road to the gate, and head to open the back door to my house. For the next four hours I get it the way I want it. “Now to get supplies.”

 

The grocery store is much better than the one near The Boulevard and the eye candy is too and no stupid cake shop, porn library or Babylon. I will be a totally new person here!

 

LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - SAME TIME

 

NANCY’S BEDROOM

 

NANCY

 

I heave a sigh of relief. After a week of calls and six hand-written and delivered notes, my apology to Justin and Jennifer has finally been accepted! I hop out of bed and go to locate Lindsay. I find her in the lounge, sorting through her etchings. I refuse to see them as art because there are much better ones...but entente cordiale is in effect for now!

 

“Lindsay, dear, they look great!” I fix a grin of admiration on my face, and she shrugs as if to say I know. “Are these the ones you finally selected to show?”

 

“Yes. The only downsides are that the judges are being kept a closely guarded secret.” She goes back to putting them in order.

 

“Sides? You said downsides…Lindsay are you alright? You seem very distracted.”

 

“Hmmm? Oh, the entries have to be anonymous, but my talent will speak for itself…have you invested the money that Daddy gave you?”

 

“Not yet, but it has cleared. Why? Do you want to borrow some?” I ask warily.

 

“Be calm, Mother, that is not the reason for the question. I was just curious, as you know I am okay, but the prize money from the art competition will be a lovely addition. Did you come down for something?”

 

I marvel at her supreme confidence, which could be mistaken for arrogance if she didn’t take after me. People need to know the difference between confidence and arrogance. We are just sure of ourselves and our place in the world and that is at the top.

 

“Mother?”

 

“Yes, my reason for coming down. They have accepted my apology and he said that he spoke in the heat of the moment.”

 

“Well that was responsible of him. He shouldn’t have goaded you like that should he? So it’s good that he’s taking his part of the blame. Such a filthy mouth on one that looks so cherubic.”

 

“Indeed. And speaking of filthy mouths, words will be had with Lynette over the use of that to describe me!”

 

“I was so shocked, and the fact that Daddy allowed her to get away with it uncensored!”

 

“To be honest, I am no longer surprised by the reptilian behaviour of your father, but Lynette was brought up with better manners than that!” I run my fingers through my hair, relieved that this little bit of animosity is now at an end. “So what are you going to do after you’ve finished with this?”

 

“Not sure, fancy doing some shopping and a nice lunch?”

 

BENSON’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER

 

LOUNGE

 

WILSON

 

“Do you think they will do?” I can’t help the Cheshire Cat grin on my face. I am particularly pleased with the outfits for our special guests...three of them instead of two! After Carlos and I had our talk, it had to be done.

 

“You have surpassed yourself, Willy Boy!” Benson giggles.

 

“Please don’t call me Willy Boy, it sounds so effete.” I grumble good naturedly, knowing he’s going to do the opposite

 

“So what’s on the lower halves for the chaps?” He is clearly imaging Ben in it.

 

“Calfskin trousers and leather boots in either this style or that one, and maybe a cane? And for the ladies, tiaras? Well most of them.” I titter. “So Jennifer has it all in hand…” I wait for him to stop drooling over the trousers and concentrate on what I am saying, I clear my throat and that somewhat brings him out of his trance, but not quite. “...Your Highness, if you don’t mind I would rather you didn’t bone up over Ben when he’s not here.” This finally gets him to click away from the image, but not without saving it first. I tisk at his rhapsodising and turn his chair so he has his back to the screen. “So Jennifer is going to send a dove and invite Nancy, so that is...a dove is a peace offering.” I explain when he frowns. “Debbie has already said that the asswhore is bringing the daughter…” I sigh as his eyes drift to the window. “Should I come back when Ben is not expected?”

 

“He’s not com...expected. It's just what you said about asswhore. I saw him this morning, looking very chipper, so some shit is going to go down.”

 

“I expect so.” I remark, and then give what he said some thought. “Is he aware that Blake and Ted are engaged?”

 

“I don’t think so, no.”

 

“Perhaps you could suggest an announcement be made during the dinner?”

 

“And maybe a gift could be given to them by my folks?” His eyes twinkle with mischief.

 

“Gift? Do you mean?” He nods, grinning wider. “Just perfect. Will you speak to them or shall I?”

 

“I will do that, Willy Boy.” He replies with a wink.

 

I turn him back to the screen and kiss the top of his head. “Don’t call me Willy Boy!”

 

He snickers as he reaches for his phone and I smile as he asks his mother if she wants to get a little bit of payback!

 

BLOOM GALLERY - THURSDAY MID-MORNING

 

OFFICE

 

SIDNEY

 

I ignore my wife’s pointed look as I pull more entries out of the box for the bursary competition at Carnegie.

 

“One more box or even handful and you are judging them alone. I will be staying at home drinking that bottle of Montrachet that you’ve been saving for best, and I will have it with…”

 

“The last one!” I hold up the empty box as proof and she smiles her gotcha-smile. “You ready?”

 

“The things you make me do.” She grouses cheerily as she gathers up a handful and goes to the sofa. Soon I join her as we look through the pictures of their offerings, and although we are supposed to be professional at all times and not let our taste cloud our judgement, we are soon wondering if some were photographed let alone drawn in the dark! And in a couple of cases snorting in derision!

 

“Sidney? What are the rules of this competition?”

 

“Original works in the last six months, and…” She holds up an entry and I take my time apprising it, they are good so I am not quite seeing the problem.

 

“I, no, we have seen these before....” She puts an entry to one side. “...I am sure, oh it will come to me soon enough.”

 

I shrug and then chortle as I look at the next one and turn it to her. “I thought they had to be of university age? That was drawn by a two year old surely? It says their style is a mix of Matisse’s early works and Pollock’s intensity.”

 

“Pollock’s or bollocks?” She quips.

 

“The latter and...come!” I call out as the door knocks, I pray there is no more entries as she is one to follow through and she will drink the entire bottle!

 

“Hi Sidney and Mrs Sidney!” Cassidy beams. She like everyone, much to her delight, calls her Mrs Sidney when she’s here “Sarah asked me to bring this in while she brings in the other one.”

 

“Other one.” I echo weakly, and eye the box with trepidation.

 

“Hmm. Seems to be very popular this thing.” She places it on the table and my heart sinks, but then soars, for inside are not entries but donuts. “Booyah! I heard she threatened the Montrachet and couldn't resist!”

 

“You monster!” I chide her and then grab a donut. “Apart from almost making the oenophile in me weep, what did you want?”

 

“Wanted to give you the final guest list for the summer showing.” She hands it to me and plonks down next to us. “Can I be nosy and see what great or…” She gazes at the Matisse/Pollock entry. “...my oh my, I do believe the word we are looking for here is godawful!”

 

“To say the least.” I go back to reading the list and smile when I see a familiar name. “Mel is still coming then?”

 

“Uh huh.” She mumbles around a donut. “I really like Mel, saw her a couple of days ago looking very loved up indeed!”

 

“Define loved up?” I take another donut and hand it to Mrs Sidney.

 

“Victoria Secret’s loved up!” She giggles. “And she made her friend wait outside the store!”

 

“Do you think that she and Lindsay ever…” Mrs Sidney begins, then stops and picks up the entry she had set aside and hands it to Cassidy with a sneer. “I do believe we three have seen these before.” She regards it for a few long seconds and then rolls her eyes “Care to share with my oblivious and forgetful husband?”

 

“How can you have forgotten?!” She exclaims. “It was the most bore inducing snorefest ever. Yes, the art is passable, but as evenings go it is right down there with picking off lint from your jacket with boxing gloves on!” She titters as she flicks the pages. “Why do you...oh surely not?! She’s not entering is she?! She can’t enter, these are years old!”

 

I grab it off her and stare hard. “And they are, as you kindly put it, passable. But no these will not be in the bursary competition...and I shall tell her myself, eventually, if I have time.”

 

“Sidney.” I give Mrs Sidney my most innocent of looks. “Let me be there?”

 

“As one of the judges it is your duty. And you never shirk your duty.”

 

“Clothes yes, duty no.” She murmurs coquettishly.

 

“And I am outta here!” Cassidy chortles and swipes another donut as she leaves.

 

MICHAEL’S SEWICKLEY HOUSE - FRIDAY MORNING

 

MICHAEL

 

I smile as I open the front door and then stop smiling, for standing in the middle of my hallway is a guy I vaguely recognise and I am momentarily taken aback.

 

“Mr Novotny?” He asks somewhat coolly, not quite the warm and fuzzy greeting I was expecting considering I am paying a year’s rent!

 

“Good afternoon, you must be the realtor?!” I smile, but again his is cool, actually it borders on cold! “So shall we get started?”

 

“I’m…”

 

And then it hits me! “I know you, you were at the Greenfield Fayre! So you are a realtor when you aren’t getting people’s furnishings for a steal?” His coldness now extends to the look he gives me. “Well this is going to be fun for me. I am a very exacting tenant and am going to make sure that you do exactly what I want when I want it. Starting with taking that look off your face!”

 

“No, because it is my face and I can put what I want on it, just like this…” He falters as the door opens again. “...is my house. Christopher, hi, please cancel the lease agreement with this man immediately and return his deposit, less the amount for any damage caused of course. Can you do the inspection now? As for you, get out of my house you carping zounderkite!”

 

“Please, wait...just wait a minute! Let’s be reasonable now, I am already here and you are due a year’s rent from…” My guts twist as it dawns on me that if he follows through with this, I will have to repack and find another place...and this place was a steal!

 

“We are within the cooling off period, and after your display at the fayre I was definitely cool with you, but I am now cold! Christopher, here are the leases, please proceed.”

 

“Yes, Mr Peterkin.” He looks like he is enjoying his job way too much!

 

“Please don’t do this! I will have to find…”

 

“Your manners, good graces and compassion as well as somewhere to live? That is not my issue. Now as I said, I no longer want you as a tenant and I am returning any monies due.”

 

“I’ll pay double the deposit! I will do anything you want!” I beg.

 

“I see, that is more than generous.” He ponders my offer. “But I want you to leave, so leave and take your crap with you!”

 

STORAGE FACILITY - SIX HOURS LATER

 

Six hours later, I am right back where I started on Monday, but instead of taking stuff out of here I am putting it back. And in the few days that I have been out, my unit has been rented and the only one available is the next size up that costs an extra $40 a month! The Super almost keeps the look of glee off of his face...almost, but not quite!

 

As I head home, all I think is how much I am looking forward to the rehearsal dinner. Ma sent me the menu. It looks wonderful and this time I get to have truffle! Brian refused to let me have some when I was in Italy, I was so annoyed at his stinginess!

 

OUTSIDE ZHERNAKOVDAKOVICH PALACE - SATURDAY AFTERNOON

 

LINDSAY

 

This palace is incredible! Mother and I could not believe it when the cars came to pick us up!

 

Debs and Carl, amongst others, are still to arrive. Mother and Jennifer have been talking, seemingly without rancour, but Melissa has kept her distance. I have been saddled with Michael, but I will ditch him as soon as the other guests arrive.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen!” A man calls out - who has incurred Michael’s wrath by his very presence, judging by the vexatious look he is giving him - and waits for the chatter to die down. “My name is Wilson, and I am the Equerry to Prince Benedictine. We will be joined by the rest of the party shortly. In the meantime, please help yourselves to champagne and canapes.”

 

“Thank goodness for that, I am starving!” He moans and almost clears the canapes such is his need to slake his hunger! “Oh this is really good!” He exclaims as I get myself out of canape-crumb-fire.

 

“I am sure they are, but I would like a whole one myself, not the crumbs from you.” I retort, and of course he misses the inference!

 

“Lindsay!” Mother beckons me across and I head over swiftly. “Jennifer was saying that the outfits are from the Russian Court! Isn’t that exciting?!”

 

“Isn’t a cossack outfit too hot for now?” Michael asks, as he joins us ladened with more canapes, leaving a seething waiter in his wake.

 

“Cossack?” Jennifer queries frostily. “Why would it be Cossack?”

 

“What else would they wear then?” He turns swiftly and clicks his fingers. “Another glass of champagne!” The waiter approaches and then pauses before turning on his heel and walking in the opposite direction. “What the hell? I asked for…”

 

“And I turned him back.” Jennifer interrupts crisply. “Line your stomach with the food on your plate before you have anything alcoholic. Your mouth tends to run unguarded at the best of times.” He looks insulted. “Unless of course, you wish to leave the food and fix your own supper at your place? I am sure there will be no trouble finding a car to take you back.”

 

Mother and I hold our breath in fervent hope, but of course this time he gets the inference immediately and goes back to eating, mercifully with his mouth closed!

 

“They’re here!” Melissa suddenly calls out, and both Mother and I roll our eyes, but then a fleet of cars roll up. Not the cars that brought us of course, these are much, much better. As they sweep to a stop, naturally the first ones out are Debs and Carl, and they, like us but with less finesse, gawk at the splendour of the palace.

 

“This? This is where we are eating?!” Carl demands and for once Debs is rendered speechless.

 

“So you don’t know this prince?” Michael taunts Carl, but he is is too busy looking around the palace to answer.

 

I look discreetly at Mother and can’t wait to see Michael’s face when he finds out who the prince is!

 

The next car brings out Cynthia, Hunter, Lucas, and Daphne. All their chattering and giggling stops briefly when they see us, but then starts again but slightly quieter. Blake and Ted are next, and I can feel Michael starting to bristle when he sees the car they are in. Yes, we were in one each but that is not the point!

 

“The party starter is here!” Is yelled out by the one and only Emmett as he clambers out, holding a bottle of champagne in one hand and a vanity case in the other. Following him is his boyfriend, Del and Edward, and then there is a gasp from Michael.

 

“What’s the matter?” I whisper.

 

“That guy!” He hisses. “I know that guy!”

 

“Treyvon? How do you know him?” Jennifer asks.

 

“Treyvon? Is that what he is calling himself? He was Christopher the last time I saw him!” He spits before jamming in another canape.

 

“Yes, his name is Treyvon Christopher, so again where do you know him from?” She asks, but Michael just continues to eat.

 

“Would you look at that!” Daphne exclaims as a royal blue Daimler sweeps down the drive.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, The Royal Family and their guests!” Wilson declares as the footmen scurry to open the doors.

 

“His royal highness, Prince Benedictine Francis I and his consort, Benjamin Bruckner!”

 

Michael’s face as Benson gets out of the car is almost picture perfect, but unfortunately, his mouth is open; displaying the masticated canape in all its glory.

 

“Close your mouth. Not that the flies would want to go in there, of course.” Jennifer snipes and I hear it snap shut. Then it is my turn to gape as Mel gets out of the next car and she is holding Gus! “Same goes to you, Lindsay. Now excuse me a minute, I need to hold that gorgeous boy! Oh Mel…!” She calls out as she strides over, and, sickeningly, Gus breaks into a sunny smile when he sees her.

 

“What the hell is going on, Lindsay?” Michael whispers, spraying my cheek. I wipe it furiously and glower at him. “Sorry, but did you know about this?!”

 

“Of course not!” I snap, not completely lying. “Let’s just make the best of…” I inhale sharply as Diana follows Mel out of the car. “...the situation.” I finish firmly.

 

“You’d do well to take that advice on board.” Melissa bites out as she passes us and joins Daphne and the others.

 

“Their royal highnesses, Prince Valentin and Princess Grace, and their guests, Brian Kinney and his consort, Justin Taylor!”

 

I sneak a look at Michael and he looks livid. His face is riven with jealousy, and that makes me a bit better about Mel and Diana being very much together, while I am with my mother and Michael!

 

“Ladies and gentlemen! We will now enter the castle where you will be taken to your rooms to freshen up, then rejoin the family for refreshments before being dressed by our courtiers for this evening!”

 

“Do you think we can keep the clothes afterwards?” Michael mutters. “It’s not as if they are going to fit anyone else, they asked for our measurements after all.”

 

At first I was going to rebuke him for such a question, but for once he has raised a good point, so I merely shrug and follow the family inside.

 

RECEPTION ROOM - AN HOUR LATER

 

TED

 

I am trying to locate Blake. He took one taste of the mini cabbage rolls and demanded to meet the chef, which was half an hour ago. I scan the room once more and relax, he is back talking to Wilson, who has wrestled the notebook out of his hands and is now pointing at me. He heads over looking sheepish.

 

“Sorry, but they were so good!” He kisses my cheek.

 

“So a mix of savoury and sweet then?” I tease him.

 

“What are you two odd lovebirds twittering about?” Michael smiles as he approaches. “How are the works going on your little hole in the wall stall on Liberty?” He waits for a reaction, he’s going to be waiting a while!

 

“How have you been, Michael?” Blake asks politely.

 

“Great. My life, without certain disappointments, is great.”

 

“That’s wonder…”

 

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Wilson calls out. “It gives me great pleasure to announce the arrival of His Regent Prince Vladimenko and Empress Micheline!”

 

All eyes swivel to the door, and in strides a man that makes Hagrid in Harry Potter look small and he heads straight to Benson with a smile that could rival Justin at his happiest!

 

“Teen!” He cries as he envelopes him in a hug and Teen holds him tightly then bursts into tears. “Teen stop, and do not blame your old folks, we told them to keep it quiet.”

 

“Old man and old lady, not old folks.” Benson corrects him with a teary grin. “Grandfather, I would like you to meet someone very…”

 

“Ben?” He smiles. “We will say hello, but as for getting to know, that is not for now. You must introduce us to the rest your friends and guests! Before you do, please everyone call us Vlad and Micheline, no formality within these walls, Teen proceed!”

 

On hearing the word friends Lindsay stands that little bit taller and moves closer, then I have to bite my tongue as she, Michael and Nancy are left till last and the look Micheline gave Nancy, could have put out a volcano.

 

“Why do you call him Teen?” I ask Vlad.

 

“He refuses to answer to Benedictine, so I took the end and we reached a compromise.” He smiles at me and puts a meaty paw on my shoulder. “I think the summer palace for you and Blake.”

 

“Me and Ted what?” Blake queries.

 

“Honeymoon or wedding, your choice. I hear that with Kinnetic and the store, it is going to be a busy time for you. That will give you a break but keep you close.”

 

“You are joking, surely?!” I am completely floored.

 

“Never more serious. I think you should announce.” He winks at me and then nods at Wilson, who grins and walks out.

 

“Erm okay.” I tap the glass and the room goes quiet. “Hello, everyone, uh as um most of you know Blake and I engaged, and…” I am cut off by a squeal and find myself being hugged by Melissa and Blake is giggling as Daph twirls him around.

 

“When are you getting married? Where? Can we come?” Melissa rapid fires questions at me and out of the corner if my eye, I see the look of jealousy on Michael’s face as he glowers at a canoodling Brian and Justin.

 

“Not for a while. We have to prepare for the shop, and of course the wedding of the Avenue, Blake is doing the cake. But absolutely you are invited!”

 

“And we have a gift for you!” Grace declares and signals Wilson and Frederick, his son, and the doors are opened. Two footman bring in the chest that we saw the last time and now he looks at us. “You can use it as a trousseau.”

 

“But...that’s...no, we couldn’t take that!” Blake shakes his head vehemently.

 

“You are not taking, we are giving, now please, accept from all of us.” Valentin pleads.

 

“As his best man…” Brian fills the silence. “...I accept this generous gift on his behalf.”

 

“Thank you, Brian.” Valentin signals a waiter. “Now some schnapps, this is good for shock. So you will let Wilson know whether it is honeymoon or wedding for the summer palace?”

 

We both just nod.

 

MICHAEL

 

BEST MAN! BEST FRIGGING MAN! I can’t believe this! Of all the people to get married at all, it is the most boring man on earth! And they are getting that for their freaking trousseau! I seethe as everyone is admiring what would’ve been my piece and congratulating Ted and his soon to be husband. I refuse to join in, so stay to the side pretending to admire their nicknacks.

 

“Would you like a drink, sir?” I turn to the waiter and check out the tray.

 

“Yes, and leave it here!” I order, when he cuts his eye at me, I am about to say something when there is more glass tapping.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen…” Brian calls out. “...please return to your rooms so that you can be dressed for the rehearsal dinner!”

 

I fume further because I should be the one handling proceedings! But when I suggested that to them, I was flatly and brutally rejected by Carl. He said it was bad enough I was going to be there, having my lame ass attempts at compering was not going to fly! And she laughed and nodded when he said it...bloody laughed and nodded!

 

“Once you are in your quarters, you will be made up and then dressed blindfolded.”

 

“Blindfolded?” Ma looks wary. “What kind of kink are you planning, Kiddo?!”

 

“No kink. Just want everyone to see each other all at once. Now get going, you two first, Mr and soon to be Mrs Horvath!”

 

As they leave and people start to follow, I find myself joined by Justin. “It’s a lovely piece isn’t it?”

 

“It’s okay. I have to…”

 

“You do have moments of exceptional taste.” He calls out, so I stop walking and turn around. “Former best friend is a sexy beast, and now mine. The smaller chest that matches theirs is now ours. We keep our toys and condoms in it...soon it will just be toys. Excuse me, I have to allow Brian to scrub my back in that claw footed bath we shared the last time we were here. Such a terrible lovelife I have.”

 

As he walks out, I imagine the bath is filled with acid and his screams as he dissolves!

 

TURRET TOWER - TWO HOURS LATER

 

LINDSAY

 

I am thankful that we have a room each, not as exquisitely furnished as the rest of the house, grandly austere is how I would describe it. I had to go and get Michael who was just standing in reception looking queasy. I didn’t bother to ask what the problem was this time.

 

“There, you are finished.” The courtier announces. “Blink for me. Oh, that is perfect! Now the blindfold, but before that, this is where your clothes are.” I nod and then my heart races with anticipation as I am plunged into darkness. I try to keep still as the fine silks are placed on my body, but the excitement of seeing myself is getting to me. “Could you breathe in so that I can get the corset tied? And let me know if it is too tight.”

 

“Get it as tight as you can.” I declare.

 

“Are you sure? It is a six course dinner.”

 

“Six? Oh okay, maybe a little bit of give then.” I concede.

 

Forty minutes later, we are finished. “Now this cloak…” She explains as she drapes it over my shoulders. “...will ensure that the big reveal is just that, the big reveal. Put your hand on my shoulder and we will depart.”

 

I am shaking I am so excited. “Your mother and Michael are with us now.” She tells me.

 

“Lindsay!” Mother twitters, and for once that response is appropriate. “Reach out for me, can you connect our hands?” She asks, and I am surprised at how calming her touch is. “Isn’t this wonderful?”

 

“Yes. Michael, are you alright? You are very quiet.”

 

“Fine, just hungry and want to get this thing off, it is a bit warm!”

 

Taking the gloss off of everything again I see!

 

“We will now proceed to the small dining room.”

 

“Can you please hurry? I can hardly bear the suspense.”

 

“Of course.”

 

Ten agonising minutes later we stop walking. “We are here.”

 

A door is opened. “Miss Lindsay Peterson, Mrs Nancy Peterson, and Michael Novotny!” Is announced and we are led into the room and guided to, I guess, our marks.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen! Please hold still as we are now going to remove your blindfolds!” Wilson orders.

 

I blink a bit as my vision adjusts and we are all in a circle, each wearing a beautiful silver brocade cloak, I stroke the material and sigh, hoping that Michael is right and we get to keep them.

 

 

“Now, we shall start with, of course, the bride and groom to be. Please remove their cloaks.”

 

The room is so quiet you can hear the clasps being unclipped and I can’t help the gasp as, for once, Debs looks utterly gorgeous and Carl looks so very handsome!

 

   

 

“Debs, you look…” Carl just takes her hand but can’t continue.

 

“So do you, honey. So do you.” She strokes his robe before leering. “How much are you wearing under that?”

 

“Ma.” Michael cringes, but the family doesn't seem to mind, so I titter alongside them, as does Mother.

 

“Now the gentlemen and ladies of the wedding party.”

 

I want to scream, and I suspect so does Michael, as they are revealed. Both Brian and Mel look spectacular in their costumes. Everyone is admiring them. Jennifer is taking pictures, and Melissa is dabbing her eyes. What I don’t understand is why Daphne is part of the wedding party, but I am going to find out though! As for Del, well at least she’s got somewhere to rest that chin of hers, so high are her tits hoicked up!

 

Image result for mens russian ornate jacket   

 

“And now for the son and his guests.”

 

“Can we do it ourselves?” Michael asks, staring Wilson down.

 

“Of course.” Wilson replies, and waves the courtier back.

 

“Okay ladies, on either side of me and on three?” Michael suggests, I nod and we get into position. “One two three.”

 

We throw our cloaks off and as one we look down.

 

“What the freak is this?!” Michael shouts as pictures are snapped and laughter starts to ripple around the room.

 

 

“Why are we dressed like this?!” I weep, too mortified to do anything but.

 

“Jennifer, was this your idea?!” Mother wails.

 

“Nothing to do with me!” She retorts. “As I said, I have forgiven you for your heinous attack on Justin, but it seems he and his friends did not. This was their idea.”

 

“Let’s just leave.” I sniffle. “Mother, Michael, come on.”

 

“Why should we leave?!” Michael declares, just as the doors to the main door open and I see not only is the room filled with other guests, some of whom I recognise, but the servers are dressed exactly like us!

 

“You three, what are you doing in here?!” A large man demands to our left and we all turn to him. “Come with me immediately, you are needed in the kitchens!”

 

“That’s why!” I snarl as the laughter gets louder and louder.

 

 

 

End Notes:

Please, if reviewing, be constructive and kind. Thanks.

A Feast For the Eyes...Well It Was! And The Bleat Goes On! by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 58 - A FEAST FOR THE EYES...WELL IT WAS! AND THE BLEAT GOES ON!


LINDSAY


“Move it! You are not going to hold up our esteemed guests! It is bad enough that you thought you were good enough to hang around longer than you should have!”


“Tell him who we are, Ma!” Michael yowls, but Debs and Carl have been taken into the next room and the door is, thankfully, closed.


“Can anyone vouch for them?” The man looks around and we wait for someone to speak. Anyone. “Like I said, with me!”


“No, I am going home!” Michael snarls and starts towards the door, but the guy pushes him back. “Get the…”


“Wait!” Wilson calls out. “I can vouch for them.” My heart comes down from my throat. “I vouch that they are despicable excrement and should be escorted out of the palace immediately!”


“Yes sir!”


“Wait a second.” Emmett’s voice is cold and hard as he stares at Michael. “You messed with our businesses, do that again and I mess with you. This, what happened here tonight, will be nothing compared…”


“Why don’t you just admit it, Brian?” Michael snipes. “You did that to me to keep me close to Ma, and therefore, close to you. Your kiddie boy is in for a rude awakening when you finally tell him the truth. As they say, the truth will win out. Does he know about the two of you?” He gestures between Brian and Wilson. I tug on Mother’s arm and we start to edge towards the door.


MICHAEL


“Which port in the delusional storm are you docking in this time?” Emmett sighs.


“Brian knows. It seems that he and…”


“So what of it?” Justin replies. “We weren’t planning on being exclusive then. We are now, he said he was good, not a patch on me of course, but good.” I look quickly at Brian, but now I can no longer read him. He is as closed as a coffin to me. “You see, Michael, you need to know the difference between fact and fiction, between a loving friendship and a loving relationship. Fiction: Wilson and Brian having sex. Fact: you and Brian never have and never will. Fact: he took me to Babylon, your place of history, and made love, not fucked, not screwed, made love to me there to tell you that the only laying with you he is going to ever do is the ghost of the friendship you destroyed…”


“I didn't!  He did by changing and lying to me!” I rant, then pick up the cloak and fling it over my arm. “Come on, ladies, let’s…”


“They’re gone you twannock.” Benson growls from Ben’s embrace. “My old lady is too much of a lady to give you the pummelling you deserved, but, while I am a queen, I ain't no lady, so put that down before I cram my fist in your mouth.”


“Teen, you have guests, wanted ones, dispense with that please.” His dad calls from the door.


My face burns as the waiter I had snapped at earlier approaches with a sinister smile. “Give or I will take it from you in the same manner you demanded I leave the tray.” I hand it over and head to the door. As it is slammed shut behind me, I hear them all laughing.


“Thanks for sticking by me!” I sneer at Lindsay and her Mother.


“Michael, unlike you, I know some people in the other room! Your embarrassment factor is miniscule compared to ours!”


“All I can say is thank goodness we came in individual cars, as I can’t abide to be in your traitorous company right now!”


“What cars?” Wilson laughs. “You were brought here for the sole purpose of teaching you a lesson. It has been taught, so how you get from this residence is down to you, but you will be escorted to the road. The beasts have not been fed and are hungry.”


“Did you just call us traitorous? You! Of all people?” Lindsay bellows. “Your sole mission in life has been to become Mrs Brian Kinney, a pathetic pipe dream at the best of times, and a nightmare for everyone that you managed to ensnare into listening to you. Waterboarding would’ve been preferable!” She turns to Wilson and smiles sickeningly and I know what has just happened. “Please, can you arrange for Mother and I to be taken to collect our things?”


“Follow that gentlemen out.” He points to someone and soon it is just me and him in the hallway. “You are still here because?”


“I want to be.” I sit down and smirk at his puzzled look. “You see, I don’t believe this for one second.”


“Don’t believe what?”


“All of this! Lindsay needs to brush up on her acting skills. She was good, but too much bitchiness, pointing, and Exorcist style shrieking. You see, I am a far smarter animal.” I brush a crumb off of my outfit. “Justin has the cunning, like the little jealous fox he is. I am not sure why Lindsay colluded with him on this, as I thought she didn’t like him, but it is, like I said, a ruse.”


“Guards!” He calls out and two large men come running.


“Guards! Guards! Come quickly! Make haste! They look real enough, but those guns. I’ve seen better in an arcade. Now send them away, I am going to join my Mother.”


“How the hell have you come to that conclusion? How are you wired that you could possibly think that this is anything but real? You really don’t believe that anyone can be as cruel as you are do you?”


I shake my head piteously at him. “I am not cruel, I am honest and treat people the way they treat me...and how they deserve to be treated.” The guards look at him and then at me. “How about I help you out a bit here?” I rest my chin on my hand. “If this is real, then…” I give it some thought. “You can lead me on a collar through the banqueting hall and then send me home...naked. You won’t, because I know…” I stare him down once more.


“Strip him!” He orders so I stand up and hold my arms out like Jesus on the cross.


“Feel free to tie my hands behind my back, but be gentle boys. I bruise easily.”


DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - NEXT DAY, AFTERNOON


KITCHEN


CARL


I pour the coffee and wait for her to say something. Anything. She is just sitting there staring out of the window. “Debs?”


“Not just mentally.” She states, then smiles her thanks as she takes the mug.


“What’s not just mentally?”


“That he stopped growing.” She takes a sip and then rolls her lips in, just like her true son.


“It did seem to shrink a little.” I hedge, trying to gauge if she is truly upset or just trying not to laugh.


“A little? It looked like his naval had dropped into his crotch!”


I mop up the spat out coffee and can't help but laugh and nod in agreement as I remember the image of a very naked and uncooperative Michael, being dragged among the guests as he screamed at the top of his lungs for Debs and Brian to help him. “You are so right. And man has he chunked up…”


Start of flashback

DINING ROOM - PREVIOUS EVENING


I can’t believe we are here and dressed like this. Debs is talking to Vlad, and judging by the nodding and exchanging of numbers I see a proper royal visit to The Avenue in the offing.


“Where are you going to go for your honeymoon?” Micheline asks, and adjusts a gurgly Gus. “You will miss Little Grub.”


“Very much so, we haven’t gone a week without seeing him. First grandchild.” I tickle him under the chin and he smiles. “As for honeymoon, not sure, but there is so much to do after we’re married, helping Ted and Blake. It is so kind of you to offer them the summer palace.”


“It needs to be lived in…” She looks briefly and fondly at Benson. “...but he can be stubborn, gets that from both of them.”


“I think they are going to be fine, and will be fine for a long time.”


“Glamoj!” Gus burbles and gets the face.


“And that’s my cue!” I chuckle and reach for him. She looks bereft, but lets me take him. “Bathroom break, I will bring him right back.”


“Honey, you want me to…” Debs calls across, but I shake my head. She turns back to Vlad.


“But in the meantime, can you do me a favour?” She nods. “In our room there is a trinket box, it’s the gold leaf one, can you ask Wilson where I can get a copy of that made? She’s not taken her engagement ring off, said that she’s not found a box worthy of it. But when she saw that…”


“Of course. Leave it with…”


“Gaaamphhtt!” Gus exclaims.


“Leaving now!” I tell him laughing.


I just about made it to the bathroom, and now have a much happier Little Grub in his filigree PJs. Where Justin finds some of his clothes is a source of annoyance to Brian, because he won’t tell him which shops they are, they are just for them. As I carry him back to Micheline, I catch sight of his dads, who although are in different parts of the room, often look at each other and smile, and when I look down at him he is smiling too. “I just can’t imagine you not here.”


“The Empress has told me about the box.” Wilson smiles and looks across at Debs. “I will see what I can do. Do you want it as an on-the-day present or a private one?”


“A private one.”


“Good, that gives me a bit more time.” He looks at the door and nods. “Excuse me, Carl.”


“Of course. I believe someone is feeling a little Gus-starved.” I put on my best hang-dog expression as Brian beats Justin to me, but I back away from him and he holds up his hands in surrender. “Are you sure I can’t take him on honeymoon with us.”


“Absolutely sure.” Justin strokes the top of his head and gets bubbles blown. “If he is going on honeymoon with anyone it is going to be us.”


Brian doesn’t say anything to contradict him. In fact, he is just staring in the direction that Wilson went, so I turn around and really regret it. As I suspect everyone else who is looking at what has just walked in does!


“Tell me I am seeing things.” I whisper, and shield Gus’s eyes.


“Oh my God.” Justin looks queasy. “Any idea why?”


“No, but judging by the smirk on his face, he’s not realised what a bad idea this is!” Brian blinks rapidly. “Yeah, such a bad idea!”


I look at Debs and all colour has drained from her face; the dining room is silent because being led in by a dog collar is a blindfolded Michael, not only that but he is stark very small bollock naked!


“You may take off the blindfold now.” Wilson tells some guy behind him.


“Hey Justin, I have to admit that you getting us dressed…” His words die in his mouth and he looks around the room. “...who are all these people?”


“Dinner guests. Some known to your Mother, and others known to Benson and Brian.” Wilson explains. “Give me that lead.”


“Wh...what are you doing?!” He tries to step backwards but finds that path blocked.


“As you decreed we do, your Royal Highhandedness. Walkies!” He jerks the lead and Michael stumbles forward, almost but not quite landing on his knees. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the naked mole-rat in human form, Michael Charles Novotny! It was his idea to provide this form of entertainment for this evening, and has insisted that he is walked through the guests being petted before making his way home...as he is currently un-dressed.”


“Michael!” Debs squeals. “You are…”


“Debs, come with us.” Grace and Micheline are by her side. “Let him bask in his vaingloriousness without your presence.”


“Ma! I thought this was a joke, the outfits before...ow!” He squeals as once again Wilson jerks his lead. “Help me, make him stop!” She just shakes her head and follows them out.


“You are truly despicable!” Brian calls out and then follows Debs.


“Brian! Don’t leave me here! BRIAN! MA! BRIAN! MA!” He bellows, but the door shuts on his cries.


“Can we take pictures?!” Someone calls out.


“I don’t see why not!” Wilson replies, and this time Michael is propelled forward by the man behind him.


“Do not come to the wedding, Michael!” I bellow, and take Gus to cheer up his grandma.

End of flashback


DEBS


“You barred him from the wedding?”


“Yes, but I will unbar him if…”


“No, honey, knowing him he will just ignore you. He knew how much that meant to me, and to humiliate me like that, I just don't understand it.”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - FORTY MINUTES LATER


MICHAEL


I am dumbfounded and blindsided. Lindsay has just left, she heard what happened last night and has told me in no uncertain terms that I am not coming to her art showing! She was incensed when I told her that I had thought she was in on the joke with Justin! I head back to the lounge to lick my considerable wounds over last night…


Start of flashback

DINING HALL - PREVIOUS EVENING


This is not happening! This is not happening! I am pulled, prodded, pinched and laughed at as I am paraded among the guests. I am near tears with humiliation, and just when I think it can't get worse it does!


“Thank goodness I didn't rent to him, is that a skid mark?!”


“Peterkin, what are you talking about?!” Emmett’s laughter filled voice calls out.


“He was going to rent my house, but when I saw who it was I tore up the lease. Can you imagine how he would leave my house if this is how he leaves himself?!”


“I can see why he has never, even when he considered it.” I turn my head when I hear Backroom Todd’s voice. “Just to stop him from humping his leg, the amount of times he came to me and sought guidance, and time and time again I told him no. At least he took my advice and went on the trip...shame he went with him…”


“And once again, Michael, the wanting to fuck you and have done part, pure fiction.” Emmett makes a retching noise and then flicks his hand. “Move that along.”

End of flashback


I drain my glass, and the picture of Ma and I on the mantel piece catches my eye and I take it down. I look at it for a brief second before taking it out of the frame and tearing it into pieces and heading to the kitchen. After I throw it in the bin, I pour myself another drink. “I am more determined than ever to ruin your day, Mrs soon-to-be Horvath. For you to not rescue me, I now know I no longer have a Mother. I have no one but me.”

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Sun Starts to Rise on Stay...Sip and Eat and Sets on the Blonde Ambition! by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 59 - SUN STARTS TO RISE ON STAY...SIP AND EAT AND SETS ON THE BLONDE AMBITION!


TED AND BLAKE’S HOUSE - THURSDAY MORNING


KITCHEN


TED


“AND THERE ISN’T ENOUGH FUCKING CURRANTS IN THE FUCKING STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES, MY WAXER CANCELLED BECAUSE HIS FUCKING DOG HAD HER FUCKING PUPPIES, AND WE’RE GETTING MARRIED IN A YEAR!”


“Are you…”


“NO, I AM NOT FLIPPING FLAPPING DONE!!!” Blake screams, his face contorts in rage and is almost puce.


“Okay, continue queening.” I get up from where his first explosion blasted me into the seat and start to clean up the mess of the batter and broken bowl that preceded it.


“HOW CAN YOU BE SO FLIM FLAMMING FREAKING CALM?! WE ARE OPENING UP IN TWO DAYS, AND YOU ARE LIKE A PIGGING SWAN!” I pause in what I am doing. “SAY SOMETHING!”


“Will you stop queening so I can kiss you and then explain how to be rational?”


“RAT...RATIONAL! YOU WANT TO EXPLAIN TO ME HOW TO BE FRIGGING RATIONAL?!!”


“No, I want to kiss you calm and that will be…” I duck as the batter covered spoon flies at me and splats against the wall. There is a bang followed by the sound of breaking glass, then the sound of tears. “Did you cut yourself?” I call out, fetching the cleaning stuff from under the sink. “Blake?!”


“No! But I broke them.” He hiccups.


“Go and sit down.”


“Are you mad at me?” He snivels.


“A bit, but you're still my lil puddin’. Now go and sit down.”


“Okay.”


I find my lil puddin’ curled up in the corner of the sofa, staring morosely at the remains of our pair of swans. “Don’t even begin to think that this is a sign.” I chide him, and he closes his mouth. I clear up the mess in silence then go and sit next to him. “So, do you have a TDL that I can look at?”


He looks tearful again. “I can’t find it. Think it is in the kitchen. It has to be in there, it’s the only place it could be.”


“So why is it in there?”


“I was baking up a storm. I knocked it and heard a splut, but not where it splutted to. I am super tired and when I am like that, I get…”


“Super clumsy. First things first, a nap for you and I shall call for reinforcements.”


“Reinforcements?” He rests his head on my shoulder.


“Remember Del and Jennifer and their offer to help, which you airily turned down?”


“Hmm, maybe I was a little hasty there…” He twists the button on my shirt. “...I do need help with this.”


“Didn’t get to kiss you.” He says nothing. I look down and smile, his huge yawn tells me everything. “Come on you. Bed.”


“What about Hank and Marvin?” He points to the table where they once perched.


“Oh, H&M III will be taken down from the attic and the table moved.”


“H&M III?”


“Yep, I’ve slammed about in your absence, so I stocked up. We’re down to four once they are put somewhere other than there.”


“You really are the best.” He lifts my arm and puts it over his shoulder, I lean back so he can rest on my chest.


“Blake, which of your TDLs were you looking at when it all went tits up, and what colour is it on?”


“Mmm. Store, wedding and no colour. They are on my phone.” He mutters, and sighs sleepily.


“You've finally put your to do lists on your phone, I am imp…” I stop and then gulp, he whips his head off my chest and stares horrified at me. “...how many TDLs are on your phone?”


“All of them.”


“Work or personal?” I begin to sweat.


All of them.” He begins to sweat and we both fly into the kitchen.


“What time was it when it splutted?!” I demand. “Are you sure you had it here?!


“Yes I am sure! Three or maybe it was two! Super tired, remember?!”


“You’ve already queened!” I yell as I wrench open the cooler. “Can you at least remember what you were making?!”


“Su.per.ti.red!” He bellows from the pantry, his voice filled with desperation.


“Uh, lil puddin’, I think you were making jelly.” I pull the dish out and put it on the counter. He slowly approaches and relief starts to flood his face as he peers into the dish. “Well, that looks like your phone…” I pull mine out and dial, the dish buzzes and wibbles impressively. “...it still works! Apple does make things to last, don’t they?” He starts to giggle and reaches for a spatula to rescue it from its gelatinous tomb.


“It's Apple in an apple jelly.” He scrapes it clean. “Thank goodness you got me that cover.”


“Boringly practical has its uses.” I taste the tomb and nod. “First things first, take that TDL off your phone and use a notebook, then add that to the list of things to eat.”


“In general or for our wedding night?” He tastes it himself. “Definitely wedding. I think sucking that off your…”


“How tired are you? Would a relieved I found my phone fumble be out of the question?”


“Think that would be the perfect pre-sleep appetiser!” He takes his phone and the dish. “We need a practice run…”


“Practice suck you mean.” I growl as I propel him out of the door and upstairs.


Two hours later he is sleeping, with his eyes closed, and I am heading downstairs to call Mel. She is laughing as she picks up. “What's amusing you?” I put her on speaker so I can clean up at the same time.


“Daph has brought the video over! Oh sweet Jesus, did it just shrink?!”


“What video are you watching?!”


“Michael the fooldog being led…”


“Oh, can she send it to me, please?!”


“Of course!” Daph yells.


“Thanks, after this morning I need a laugh.” There is silence their end.


“What’s wrong?” Daph demands.


“Blake overdid the prep and is too proud to ask Del for…”


“Oh for goodness!” A voice grumbles. “Where are you, Ted?!”


“Who's that?” I stop cleaning and stare at my phone as there is rustling. “Mel, who…”


“Del. And I am calling Jennifer, where are you?”


“At home.” I sigh in relief. “He's taking a nap, and…”


“We will be there in an hour, two tops. Is this taste test or prep?” Del asks.


“I think it is prep for the opening, and then taste test next week for their cake.”


“Fine. Uh, boss, can I book next week off?”


“Absolutely.” Mel replies.


“See you soon, Ted.”


“But…” I begin to protest at her taking her holiday like that, but I am speaking into silence.


AN HOUR LATER


I gape as almost everyone, even Debs and Carl, are here! “What on…”


“Schmidt! Do not let him be chief taster, I need to sit!” Brian orders as he ties an apron around Justin’s waist.


“Same for Benson, please!” Ben is stacking the dishwasher and gets popped in the butt with a towel. “The last time you decimated those cookies, I had to fight you off with a hose and a barbell!”


“What is it with high-bubble-butted men?” Brian ponders as he looks from Benson to Justin, who are both proudly grinning.


“No idea.” Ben chuckles, and then looks across at a contemplative Emmett. “Ems? Any problems with Brandon and overdoing the sugar.”


“Well…”


“No!” Brandon asserts from inside the pantry and then goes very quiet.


“Oh you have to spread the love around now.” Del purrs as she strides to the pantry. A few seconds later, a vermillion faced Brandon is being pulled behind her. “Known him for a long time...and his kinks and foibles. Now I can keep guessing until I get it, and he will answer, for he does not lie when asked a direct question…” All eyes turn to Brandon. “...m’kay, so Emmett, when he gets hopped up what does…”


“I...I go to sleep.” Brandon mutters.


“After you’ve banged the shit out of him?” Del guesses with a smile.


“Doesn’t get that far, literally, too much sugar sends me into an almost catatonic state.”


“I am not following why this would be embarrassing honey?” Debs is on coffee.


“It’s not, it’s just dull. I am the dullest man in the world.” He sighs.


“Who is currently wearing a cage right now...looks so very sexy.” Emmett muses from inside the fridge.


“Yeah, that’s not dull!” Benson snickers. “Can we have a look?”


“Lesbian in the house!” Mel protests while staring at his crotch.


“Not in the kitchen, it’s unsanitary!” Brandon orders and heads to the lounge. We are too stunned to follow, so he pokes his head back in. “One time only!”


“Outta my way!” Justin exclaims, and misses the comical look of horror on Brian’s face as he strides into the lounge...


“Emmett.” Brian swallows hard. “How long has he had that on?”


“Since last night. His staying power is amazing, so proud.” Emmett waggles his eyebrows. “Well, go and look then!”


“Be right back!” Debs calls out.


“Deborah soon-to-be Horvath, stop right there!” Emmett rushes to halt her progress. “You are neither gay nor his mother, no!” She starts to head back towards the sinks. “Debs, you’ve been in my life for years, I know the fake Novotny retreat very well.” She smiles briefly but then looks sorrowful. “Aww, honey, has he been in contact at all?”


“Yes, but…” She looks across at Carl for help. “...he sounded so different. I’ve heard him angry, upset, pissed and fucked off, but this was new. He sounded cold and indifferent. He was saying all the right things, but I just didn’t believe the sentiment behind them.”


“What exactly did he say?” I ask. ‘Did he mention what happened at the palace?”


“No, he never, just asked if he could come around for dinner.”


“And you said?” Brian prompts.


“I wanted to say no but Carl said yes.”


“I haven't taught him my lesson yet.” Carl shrugs. “And it has been a long time coming.”


“Carl, what…” Debs begins, but is interrupted by a very pleased looking Justin and Ben coming in. “...are those faces for?”


“Look!” Justin waves his phone at Brian, who sighs as he takes it but then his eyes light up.


“Is he still…” He scans the room quickly. “...Brandon, don’t do them up yet!” He strides into the lounge.


“Should I worry?” Benson looks at Ben who just gives him a mysterious smile.


“Emmett!” His lordship bellows, and with a saucy grin he heads to his master’s voice.


Five minutes later all three return with Brandon looking proud. “And what’s that face for?” I ask.


“I am finally the Stud in something he’s not.” He preens.


“For now.” Brian hits back before handing Justin his phone. “I’ve ordered two. They vibrate. A rush delivery. Debs, can you look after Little…”


“Will collect him on Friday.” Debs chuckles, shaking her head at their interplay as Justin is gazing in undisguised lust at Brian. “You drove here, go take the edge off a little.”


“No, it’s okay. Ready to play Jiggle?” He purrs, and he slowly nods. “Anyone got a coin? Need to toss to see who starts.” I beat everyone to handing him a dime. “Heads or tails?”


“T...no heads.” His eyes never leave the coin as it flips in the air and then lands on the floor.


“Tails. Looks like a run of bad luck for you.” He hands me back the coin. “So, Ted, what are we doing?”


“I don’t know what you two are doing, but making cakes is what the rest of…” The door opening brings in Blake, who is looking much more rested. “...hey, sweetheart. The reinforcements have...be right back!” I hustle him back into the lounge to once more mop up his tears.


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER


MICHAEL


I take the box without a word and shut the door. The look on that guy’s face was so nauseatingly smug that I wanted nothing more than to have a death ray to remove him from this earth. Him and his smelly hairy small horse. I rest my head against the door to calm my temper and cool my face.


Sighing, I trudge back to the lounge and dump the box on the sofa. It has been the first time I have ventured near the door since that humiliation. I have avoided all calls...not, if I am honest, there have been a lot of them from my ex-family and friends, but then what did I expect?


I head to the kitchen and get some scissors and the garden shears then open the box and pull out the contents. It’s, as I knew it would be, the clothes I was wearing that night before everything happened. I still can’t believe what they did afterwards…


Start of flashback

PALACE GROUNDS - REHEARSAL DINNER EVENING


“Was that as much fun as you thought it would be?” Wilson goads me while twirling the loop of the leash in the air.


“I just want to go home.” I mutter.


“And you will. Ah, Dharvo, there you are.” I turn to the face of the waiter, but this time he has a huge dog with him. “Now this is the quickest and most private route to his house, take him now. I have seen more than enough of what little he has.”


“Yes, Wilson.”


“The car will be by the gates. I do hope the rain holds off. Take care of yourselves.”


“Thanks.”


He strokes the dogs head and then heads, laughing, back into the castle. I try not to shake as Dharvo looks me up and down. “Do not worry, you may be my tribe but not my type. I like a lot less flab and a lot more length. Come on, I am not wasting anymore time in your company. Oh, and I have a ball gag should you wish to whine or get chatty.”


I say nothing as he leads me to the gates, I can hear the crunch of wheels on gravel and stop. “Now, what are you doing?”


“Waiting for the car.”


“The car is for our return journey, and she is for your protection, should there be anything on the way home with no taste that fancies a nibble of you. Walkies!”


I daren’t speak as he jerks the lead and channel my tears into anger as I follow him all the way home. All I can think about is how my mother, she is no longer my Ma, has dishonoured and denigrated me by allowing this to happen! She could have and should have stopped them, they both should have. We don’t pass a single person, for which I am thankful, but he stops when he gets to the green behind my house.


“Here.” I hear the jangle of keys, I take them and he removes the leash. “We will send your clothes on.”


“Keep them, I don’t want to be reminded of this night!”


“Keep those bits of infantile garb in the palace? Wilson would never allow that. Goodnight, your Royal Roly-Polyness, perhaps the run to your house will lead to a much needed exercise programme.”


I do nothing but run to my house and pray that nobody sees me. Once again my prayers are answered. I sink against the door, gasping for air, it takes a while for me to regulate my breathing.


Finally, I can stand and head to the bedroom. As I pass the mirror, I look at myself. I look fine! I don’t see where this fat-bitching is coming from. As I slip on my robe, I think to myself, I am wheezing because I am in shock at what has happened, I am not out of shape!

End of flashback


I pick up the jeans first and start to cut them with the shears until they are completely destroyed. Then the tee-shirt and overshirt, but it’s when I come to the shoes and jacket that I pause. I put the shoes to one side, now I have broken those bastards in I am not cutting them up. The jacket, however, this is a conundrum to me, it holds memories...like the shoes...as it is the first piece of clothing that he bought for me on our trip. Shrugging, I put that aside too. “I can make another memory for that.”


CARNEGIE MELLON AMPHITHEATRE - FRIDAY EVENING


BRIAN


I am smug, a smug Stud in fact! Smug for one very big reason, I won the play-off with Justin, as I was determined to do and tomorrow that hot little pocket rocket has to wear a cage and not much else all weekend!


“Stop it! I am trying to be a teacher!” He chides me as he approaches and the Dean looks across smiling.


“What am I doing that prevents you from doing that?”


“Looking so pleased with yourself everytime you look at me.”


“But only you know the reason for my pride, so…”


He leads me to a private corner. “Do you know why the Dean keeps smiling at me? It is sort of freaking me out.”


“Oh that, yeah. When we were playing, you had your work phone with you.” I lick my bottom lip. “I noticed, you didn’t. So what are you going to do about me being such a bad-bad-boy?”


“Omega!” He gasps, clapping his hand over his mouth and pushing me further back. “I can’t believe you did that! He can see them! Our IT department can see them! I’ve only just started! This is...is...a joke right?”


“Nope. But I did send them to your personal phone when I got back and deleted them, then asked the Dean to play along…” He looks both relieved and vengeful. “...so, Alpha, what?”


“I will think of something! Now go and be proud over there. The finalists are being announced.”


I wiggle my butt as I saunter towards the other finalists of the art competition and then cease butt wiggling as I see Lindsay! What the hell is she doing here?! And judging by the expression on her face she’s thinking the same about me!


I don’t return her smile as I walk up to her. “What are you doing here?” I come straight to the point.


“You know my love of art, and…”


“Where’s the serf and the other scullery maid?” Her eye twitches. “Have you been shown to the kitchen yet?”


“Brian.” She growls. “You have more than made your point. Can we move on from this and…”


“I am in the world you are trying to return to. Take the hint. They don’t want you. Nobody does.”


“We will see about that. There are some wonderful pieces on display. What are you doing here anyway?”


“Justin works here, remember? I am here as his partner and…”


“Ladies and gentlemen! My apologies for the slight delay!” The Dean smiles at us all. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that the finalists for the bursary competition have been selected. Please, can you view the entries and those with at least two red dots have been selected. As per the competition rules, try to keep your disappointment or delight contained.”


“Like I said, we will see about that.” Lindsay smarms and heads to view the entries.


I am about to follow when my phone vibrates and I pull it out. Told you so! Love, Jiggle. Now get that butt over here immediately!  I snort a laugh and turn back towards my Alpha.


LINDSAY


I smart with embarrassment as I catch the dismissive look that Justin gives me as Brian rejoins him. Well, he is a jumped up little nobody of no import. None of them are. I think I have spotted a judge who has been looking appreciatively at me, once I win this competition, I will be on my way, I smile on the inside as I see the dots on my paintings.


“Ah, Lindsay, there you are.” I don’t bother to smile or disguise my annoyance at the sanctimonious tone of Sidney’s wife. “I have been looking for you.”


“Oh? Why’s that? I don’t believe we have anything further to discuss after our last conversation.”


“That was the conversation you had at my husband, this is a conversation that I am going to have with you. I won the coin toss. Withdraw and save yourself the humiliation of rejection. Naturally, this will be between us girls, but withdraw.”


“I am sure that I don’t know what you are talking about. I’m going now, as I have much more pleasant people to enjoy the company of.”


“It was three years ago, so that’s them out of the running on time frame. You are a, well almost, professional artist, and these are copies, with minor tweaking, but copies nonetheless, so that’s them out on original works.” She leans in closer. “And you are out because you are unpleasant, Miss Scullery Maid.” I turn to look at Justin and Brian and vow to deal with them later. “Oh, it wasn’t them. We were there. Jennifer made sure we were in a prime spot.”


I watch the bursary disappear from view in my mind’s eye and hate her even more for the supercilious look on her face. “I was in on the joke, for that’s all it was.”


“No, my dear, it’s all you are.” She tinkles a laugh. “Like I said...withdraw.”

 

As I head back to my car, I vow one thing because that was the final straw! I promise myself that with or without mother, I am going to leave this town and never come back!

End Notes:

Pkease review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Moving Them In, Moving On Up and Kicking Him Out by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 60 - MOVING THEM IN, MOVING ON UP AND KICKING HIM OUT

 

LINDSAY’S COTTAGE - JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT

 

LOUNGE

 

NANCY

 

“You aren’t serious! We have an established standing here.”

 

“Never more serious, and as for the established standing, this may be the case for you, however unstable the foundations, but I am not one for being overshadowed. We are too similar and too strong willed, as you said…”

 

“Where are you going to go? What about me?!” I watch her carefully, and there is that familiar light of determination in her eyes.

 

“I'm leaving here and setting up in another state, and you’ll survive, you always do. You have your wiles and some of your beauty, albeit it faded.”

 

“State?! Which one?” I sit down carefully still reeling from her out of nowhere  announcement. “Have you actually thought this through properly? Yes, what happened over the last few weeks has been an exercise in humiliation, but we are made of sterner stuff…”

 

“Melissa Chanders has thrown us out of the club, the next tenure is Jennifer Taylor’s and she has not forgiven you. Never confuse forgiveness for weakness. She is waiting to get her revenge, and while that would be fun to watch; won’t it get tiresome being bested by someone who is more powerful than you will ever be? Longevity has not given you the cache you think or crave.”

 

“I will concede that they have bested...”

 

Us. They have bested us, let’s be honest now. And they have the ear of Sidney and his banshee of a wife. I am sick and tired of the gurning faces that delight in our misfortune, especially from Daddy and Lynette. We can’t even move to the next enclave to set up shop as it were. His new lady heads that one!”

 

I sit back and try to digest what is happening. “What are you going to do with this place then?”

 

“Sell it like I should’ve done in the first place.”

 

“I never had you down as a quitter over a run of bad luck…”

 

“A run of bad luck?” She scoffs. “You could say that, but it has been months, years even, not weeks.”

 

“I’m not following.”

 

“If I hadn’t been, well you, and said yes to Brian’s first offer, then I would not be out in the cold and with a child. Now it is Mel, of all people, within his inner circle who effectively has my life but without me in it.”

 

We sit for a while, me in a stunned and she in a resigned silence. “So when does the great switcheroo of Lindsay Peterson’s life start?” I can’t and won’t disguise my annoyance at her abrupt decision.

 

“Now.” She claps her hands on her knees and stands up. “Might as well get the final denouement humiliation over with.” She reaches for her bag and takes out her phone, her face already beginning to redden as she waits for the call to connect. “Don’t hang up! I did mean to call you.” She takes a deep breath. “I would like to sell my cottage, and you are the best on The Avenue. Yes, I am serious. Can I make an appointment for Monday, or if possible tomorrow? You can do tomorrow, good, what time? Yes, that works fine. I will see you then.”

 

I try to fathom out who she would possibly be calling this late, and why they would readily agree to an appointment at this time.

 

“That was Emmett Honeycutt. At least tomorrow I will be in my own clothes and not dressed as a scullery maid. Goodnight, Mother, I would start to pack if I were you. I know Emmett, and when he wants something done and quickly, it is done and we’re talking nanoseconds.”

 

I spring to my feet. “You need to give me more notice than this! Just because you are having a crisis of confidence, it does not give you the right to throw me to the wolves!”

 

“Mother, you have a quarter of a million dollars, plus the reserves we both know that you have, and I suspect Daddy does too, hence that paltry amount. Do what you did when you thought you had a chance with Edward, book into a hotel.”

 

STAY...SIP & EAT - EARLY MORNING

 

TED

 

LiL puddin’ is in his element! I, however, am pouting! There is a sweet little nook that they have created, well two, and there is a sofa in each. Beautiful plump sofas with a throw and cushions on each. He won’t let us have one at home, it has to be kept separate. And not only that, I haven’t been able to test a single piece of furniture for comfiness or any crockery, stemware or basically anything that hasn't been food. Again it has to be separate, which is fine but I have seen the mugs.

 

“Blake!” I am staring at the cutest mug. “Can I have one for work? Please, can I?”

 

“No, because you will spend all day trying…”

 

“Oh, where the hell did you get that from?” Emmett sweeps in and picks up said mug. “I must have one!”

 

 

“If Emmett gets to know, you are handwashing.” I threaten but he just stares me down. “I’ll dry, but come on they’re so cute!”

 

“As a matter of interest, why can't he?”

 

“Because this and home has to be kept separate.” I explain, but there is something in his smile that makes me believe my lil puddin’ has played me somewhat.

 

“I understand, and will be a good friend and not buy one, as I would be tempted to tease Teddy with it at work! Now, shall I do a quick walk around and...?” He sniffs the air. “...plump? After you have told me what that gorgeous smell is?!”

 

“Candied bacon for the…”

 

“Oh dear God!” Emmett sighs, and heads straight into the kitchen. We grin at each other as we hear the oven door open and a hiss of annoyance. “How long until it is ready for it's first tasting?!”

 

“About 10 minutes!” Blake calls back, and a disgruntled looking Ems comes back out. “But you and Teddy can have the first breakfast of waffles, candied bacon, and slow roasted tomatoes.” He lifts up another box. “So, in honour of it being Liberty Avenue, here are the mens mugs…” He opens it and puts a mug on the table.

 

 

BLAKE

 

Their mouths are hanging open. “I am going to go with Brian or Justin.” Ems laughs, and he inspects the mug.

 

“Neither. Daph saw them. You like?” I blink at my lil dumpkin, and he nods before chuckling. “And speaking of the devil.” I point behind them as Daph comes in with huge smile.

 

“Morning! Are you read…” She sniffs and then spots the mugs. “...oh, what to do first?!” She exclaims, planting herself between the counter and the kitchen door.

 

“We shall investigate the plates!” Ems decrees. “As I suspect, you have been influential there too!” He chivvies her snickering into the kitchen.

 

“Lil puddin…”

 

“Yes, lil dumpkin…” He colours up slightly at his endearing nickname. “...what is it?”

 

“First, promise you won’t tell them that’s what you call me. Especially not Brian…”

 

“I promise…” I blow him a quick kiss. “...but I think it is very cute, and…” I brush his cheek. “...it reminds me of our first proper date, when you made pumpkin soup.”

 

“Which I dumped all over the table because I was so nervous.”

 

“Hmmm, it was very nice, what I had of it, though. So the other thing?”

 

“Ooh...yes, the other thing. We have staff, the Squinkers, I can’t believe you agreed to call them that and got tees to match, are here to work. Let them do so please. I am not having you have another meltdown. As much as the comforting was devilishly delicious, it was also sticky, you need to take that off the...”

 

“Mom! Mom, get dad on the phone! Hurry!” Daph comes dashing out, running to the door. “I, I mean we need to move money, lots of money!” She bangs the door shut before sticking her head back in. “I will be back! Promise!”

 

Ems comes out whistling and nibbling on a piece of pumpkin bread. “Ems?”

 

“As quick goes, it was one of my fastest sales. She will be pleased.” He settles down next to us with a satisfied smile.

 

“That’s not the bread, well, not only that.” I prompt and his smile broadens.

 

“A girl needs to have a nice quiet base for moments of reflection, and…”

 

“You're not going to say until you have a nice big audience?” Ted sighs.

 

“Absolutely not, and that will be tomorrow.” He finishes off the bread. “Carl has told us to come for dinner.”

 

“Told?” I repeat.

 

“Told.” He chuckles. “And about those mugs…they need an impact statement.”

 

“How about…” I think for a minute and then find my inner Brian. “...they have to say something like cafe latte in a large cock and espresso pussy when they do the order?”

 

“Perfection.” Ems grins. “Now the bacon has to be done!”

 

BLUE MOON HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER

 

MASTER BEDROOM

 

BRIAN

 

My ass is warm, nicely toasted, I check it out in the mirror, and yep, it is also slightly pink.

 

“What was it like?” He looks warily at me, not because of the spanking he gave me but because of the cage in my hand. “Is it something we could add to our repertoire?”

 

“You're stalling, but yeah, definitely. It felt nice.” I slowly approach him and he starts to shift back on the bed. “Jiggle? Where are you going?”

 

“What’s that?” He peers at the cage. “Big Bad, is that...is that a butt plug?”

 

“Hmmm.” I lower the blind and then shut the balcony door. “The shower awaits.”

 

“You didn’t say anything about a butt plug…” He gets up and heads to the bathroom. “...wait till you lose a beat-off, I will make surprise additions too!” I smile as he turns the shower on while muttering his objections, but his cock tells me that he doesn’t mind at all!

 

“You need to get that down.” I murmur as I approach him. “Think of Michael as a dog…”

 

“Brian!”

 

“Aww, poor ickle peachy Jiggle, let me do your back and crack.” I hear him swallow down his moan. I push him under the waterfall shower without protest, and take down his toffee shower gel. “Loofah or gloves?” He mutely hands me the gloves and then pulls the shower head down until it is at a height that he can clasp his hands over and then turns around to face me. “Ready?” His smouldering eyes gives me his answer.

 

DAPH’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER

 

OFFICE

 

DAPHNE

 

They are at a standoff. The ‘they’ is mom and the router, which has decided to pitch a bitch fit right in the middle of the transaction.

 

“Mom, we need it. Put the shoe down.” I approach slowly and she hands it to me. “If nothing happens then you can…”

 

“It's gone through.” Dad gets between her and the router from behind, she whirls around and grabs the tablet from him, staring at the screen with delight. “Not that I have a problem with this, but why?”

 

“We have our reasons why we made it happen.”

 

“Yes, but what are they? She already…”

 

“Is here and can speak for myself.” I huff. “It is a very simple twofold reason: I did unto her what she tried to do unto me and a favour for a friend.”

 

BLUE MOON HOUSE - THIRTY MINUTES LATER

 

LOUNGE

 

JUSTIN

 

I groan and clutch the armrest tightly before the feeling ebbs away. I know I am looking at him, but right now he is somewhat out of focus.

 

“Do you know how good you look?” He purrs as he continues to film. “I can't wait for you to do this to me.” My eyelids flutter closed as the combination of his words and the vibrations finally break through my defences and I start to writhe and twist on the chair. “Look at you. Sweat covered, trembling with pleasure, and about to cum with the strength of…”

 

“Gnnnnh! Ah! Ah! Ah!” I bow my back in a futile effort to lessen the intensity before everything fades to black.

 

LIBERTY AVENUE ESTATES - TWENTY MINUTES LATER

 

LINDSAY

 

Mother has left, for which I am entirely thankful! After our chat last night, she has decided to go and stay with friends she suddenly remembers. Her parting shot that she never raised a quitter rolled over me. I am not quitting, I am merely going to a place I have a better chance in.

 

“So, good news.” Emmett’s syrupy tones bring me back to the matter in hand. “I will wave the commision on selling your property. You need to read and sign this, and then we are all set.”

 

I read in silence and then smile wryly, this is Mel’s work. “May I have a pen?” He hands it to me, and once signed, hands it to Treyvon and then hands me a check with a look of delight. “What’s this for?”

 

“You and Michael are both the same, although you read then sign. It is sold.”

 

“Sold? But I only called you last night, how could you have,,,who have you sold it to?!  Not Mel surely?!” I can’t abide the thought of her living there without me, and pray with every fibre of my being.

 

“No, not Mel. She’s very happy where she is, although she is finding there is a bit of adjusting that needs to be done because of a curious two year old.”

 

“Two year…”

 

“Henry, Gus’s new friend and son of her girlfriend. I have sold it to someone connected to Gus. I believe you called her the incubator once.”

 

“Daphne!” I gasp in horror. “How did she know about it?!”

 

“I told her, and the reason why is simple. I want you gone.”

 

“I know that, but don’t see how her getting my cottage is a factor in that.”

 

“It isn’t. It just got you gone quicker. I would’ve made it my mission to buy the cottage from you to get you out of their lives. You’re nothing but a stain, a pall, a nasty little stink: three things I don’t like. You hurt one of the nicest men in the world with your sneering dismissal of his sweet gesture, and before you even mention Mel, they have made peace with each other, which is more than you have even attempted to do, and you were one of his dearest friends.” He stands up and opens the door. “Our business is concluded and you are not sullying my air with your putrid presence anymore.”

 

I stand up and head towards the beginning of my new life, but before I can turn and say anything else the door is slammed and locked. I think back to my last conversation with Michael and realise that I owe him that much, but there are two people who I need to speak to first.

 

DAPHNE’S HOUSE - FORTY MINUTES LATER

 

LOUNGE

 

MELISSA

 

I purse my lips and sigh. “Is that it? Are you finished?”

 

“Yes. I am truly sorry for everything I said and did. I hope you have a happy time there, it is a lovely cottage. But I am curious as to why you wanted it.” Daphne shrugs. “I mean apart from what I was going to do to you. Why are you financing…what will be my new life away from here.”

 

“Because I am going to flip it.” She flinches slightly. “I have a buyer already.”

 

“Mind if I ask who it is?”

 

“Not at all. Your father.” She smiles at her gasp of surprise, which is matched by that of my dear husband.

 

“Daddy! Why does he want it?!” He could’ve bought it off me…”

 

“For what, an extra ten grand? Oh I think not!” Daph laughs and I grin at her with pride. I can’t believe we pulled it off. Ronald has long been an admirer of the cottage, but could see no way of getting it without being stung by Junior Wasp 1945, especially after she did it up with his money. But it is his now.

 

“What is he going to do with it?”

 

“No idea, he didn’t say. Now if you’re done, we have things to prepare for. The wedding of The Avenue, the opening and christening…”

 

“Opening? Christening?”

 

“Yes. At Debs insistence, Gus is being christened. Like Copernicus, it was a non negotiable.” Daph is enjoying this and I wait. “Though how she is going to react is anybody’s guess, but I think the ‘glampf’ was the deciding factor.”

 

“Gla...who are you talking about?” Lindsey's brow furrows as she stands.

 

“Mel of course. She’s going to be Gus’s godmother.” She looks absolutely winded. “Brian’s suggestion. He is going to ask her at dinner tomorrow. You know the way out.”

 

OUTSIDE DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - SUNDAY MID-MORNING

 

CARL

 

It isn’t often I take a stand, but for him to do that….well enough is enough. I smile as the stragglers get out of his car and walk towards me hand in hand.

 

“Hey. How...Jeez, is that Gus?” Justin exclams as a ripe cry rings out.

 

“Yep, but panic not, he is on lasagne.” I can’t help the chuckle.

 

“Carl, he has no teeth, how the hell is he chewing?” His daddy frowns and I stop his advance into the house.

 

“He’s fine, you are needed out here. As for how, he is gumming and slurping, wearing just a nappy. You should see his face...and his hair...then his chest.”

 

“Oh, that is a saving grace I suppose. You have the first nappy, Justin.”

 

“Gee thanks, you give me the sweetest things.” He drawls.

 

Brian laughs and so do I, but then my smile dies as the guest of honour slithers towards the house.

 

“Debs! Your sin...I mean son is here!” I holler at the open window.

 

“Give me two minutes!”

 

“Hello.” Michael smiles. Nobody smiles back. “Shall we go inside?”

 

“Nope.” I reply just as Debs comes out.

 

“Get everyone else.” I tell her, and although she frowns, she calls them outside.

 

“Carl, what…” Justin begins, but I shake my head and he goes quiet.

 

“What are we doing out here?” Ems asks, and his face falls. “A double dose of ugly, just my luck.”

 

“You don’t look too bad, Emmett, stop talking about yourself that way.” Michael looks like he’s won a great prize, which in a way he has.

 

“Please, can we get to the reason he is in our company?” Ted sighs.

 

“I saw that you’ve opened your little hole in the wall five and dime place. The novelty will soon wear off. Oh, don’t look like that, Ted, I am just joking.” Michael again smiles.

 

“The Joker never jokes.” I hold out a set of keys. “But this will be the last laugh for you.”

 

“What are those?” Debs asks as he takes them.

 

“Keys to that rental there, where all of the things that were in your garage now are. They are yours to take away…”

 

“Are you serious?!” He runs to the van, quickly opens it up, and hops inside.

 

“With me.” I tell everyone and they follow in silent confusion, I lean against it and watch him check the contents. “They are all there, down to the last button. And these are for you too.” I hold out the envelopes and he recognises them as the conditions of their marriage.

 

“Ma, what is going on? I thought you were keeping these. The furniture I mean, not…”

 

“I was…” She begins uncertainly, but I shake my head and she goes quiet.

 

“Take these away. Never come back to this house while Debs and I are together.”

 

“Oh my.” Ems whispers.

 

“You ruined what should’ve been one of the best days of her life, and, according to sources, you are hell bent on ruining the next one…”

 

“That was Justin’s fault! He got us dressed like that!”

 

“But he didn’t get you undressed, that was your suggestion. You took that one time to follow through.”

 

“Carl, what are you telling me? That I can’t come here? This is not your house.”

 

“And it seems, judging by this torn picture, she is no longer your Ma.” I take the remains out of my pocket. “Care to explain? Or was it accidentally cut up with the clothes from that weekend?” The silence stretches on. “They were found in the trash outside his house.”

 

“Come on, Debs, let’s go inside.” I hear Blake say gently, and my heart breaks for her. “Carl won’t be long I’m sure.”

 

“Ma, you have to choose, either him or me.”

 

“You made the choice for me.” I am proud that her voice is strong and clear. “But if I had to choose, I would still choose him.”

 

“Debs, wait, there is one more thing to give back. I don’t want it, not after that.”

 

She nods and heads to the house. Less than a minute later she is back with the car keys. “Here…” She holds them out. As he gets out of the truck, his face is twisted with fury. “...not you!” She seethes, and hands them to Benson. “How small can that be crushed?” She points at the car and he smiles and then indicates about an inch. “Get it done and send it to him.”

 

“Ma!” He exclaims.

 

“Mrs Horvath to be!” She snaps. “Now get away from here or I shall give them permission to give you the physical bitch slapping you so richly deserve!”

 

 

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Celebrating Mothers, Good, True and God Ones and The Bet by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 61 - CELEBRATING MOTHERS, GOOD, TRUE AND GOD ONES AND THE BET

 

BRIAN

 

“Everyone except Brian go inside, please.” Carl orders, and, with a kiss to my cheek, Justin is the last one to follow.

 

“You heard Ma, get away from here!” I step up to him, I don’t even want to say the name Michael anymore.

 

“Brian…” Carl begins, but without taking my eyes off of him I hold up my hand.

 

“Finally, you’ve given me a present I want, a mom and a dad.”

 

“You are welcome to my sloppy seconds.” He spits, and with one more nasty look slams the van shut then gets in the driver’s seat. He guns the engine and as he peels off, Carl is howling with laughter.

 

“What happened?” I demand, but he is doubled over and holding up his hand so I wait for him to compose himself. “Carl?” I prompt.

 

“When everyone is here. I think that is Mel now.” He nods up the road. It is her, and she is holding Henry’s hand. “Oh good grief how cute is he?!”

 

“What?” Diana looks puzzled, but Mel is looking full of herself, yes definitely full of herself.

 

“Was it a gift?”

 

“Yes. And since he is wearing it, no gift receipt. Sorry.”

 

“That’s it! He is telling me where he gets them from!” I grouse, and look for my Mystery Shopper. “You!” I find him in the kitchen and pin him against the counter. ‘I demand to know!”

 

“What is wrong with…” He starts to smile as he hears Mel laugh. “...awww, doesn't he look so handsome!”

 

“Jiggle. I will toast you until you tell me.” This gets his attention back on me. “I am serious, toast and tug. We will go home now…your choice.”

 

“Can we toast and tug later?” He nuzzles my throat. “Debs needs us here now.”

 

“Look forward to it.” I return the nuzzle. “Where is she?”

 

“Upstairs.”

 

“Mel, with me, please.”

 

“Is everything okay?” She asks as she follows.

 

“Not really, no.” I check the bathroom and I am pleased to find she’s not in there. “Ma! Where you at?”

 

“In here!” She calls out from Little Grub’s nursery. “Has he gone?” She asks as she rocks him.

 

“Yeah. Want me to take him while you explain?”

 

“Explain what? What’s happened?” Mel rubs Gus’s knuckle as he is transferred into my arms.

 

“Carl told Michael that he’s not welcome here as long as we are together because of what he did at the dinner.”

 

“Really?! Good on him! I’m sorry, Debs, but that was just so…” She fishes for a word.

 

“Michael?” I supply, and Ma looks sorrowful. “You knew this time would come, didn’t you?”

 

“But I thought I would be the one to do it. He really loves me, doesn’t he?” She brightens up considerably. “Do you really think Benson can do that to the car?”

 

“Benson do what to the car? Please start from the beginning!” Mel grumbles, stroking his chin. “Sorry, Gus, no need for the Grumpy Face, Auntie Mel is just a little frustrated with your daddy and gramma.” After a few seconds of Little Grub thoughts he grins at her and reaches for her finger. “So ‘splain to me, as Desi would say.”

 

“Desi?”

 

“We were watching I Love Lucy in bed this morning.” She smiles.

 

“And Desi is the girlfriend?”

 

“Oh honey, you and Justin need to do more in bed than sleep and fu...fulfill your desires!” I quirk an eyebrow. “A weekend, I bet you can’t do a weekend?”

 

“Oooh I will take change on that!” Mel grins. “I bet you $1,000 that you can’t.”

 

“You do realise that I earn that in interest alone in about 5 minutes?” Their faces fall, much to my amusement. “Okay, here’s my terms. If we can go 48 hours without fulfilling our desires, then you take me to where Justin shops. And if we can’t do it, then...oh what can it be, let me think about it a bit.”

 

“Why don’t I like that smile?!” Ma peers at me. “You are up to something. You’ve got your back end covered somehow!”

 

“I don’t know what you are talking about. But back to the matter in hand. Michael tore up a picture of Ma and threw it away, along with the clothes from the weekend. He didn’t deny that he put it in the trash and demanded her to choose between him and Carl. She chose Carl, and Benson is going to compact his car and send it to him in a one inch cube.”

 

MEL

 

“Debs, you guys coming soon?! They really want to know what’s making me laugh down here!” Carl calls up, and Debs heads towards the door, taking Gus on the way, which affords me the opportunity to stop Brian.

 

“What? About this bet, I haven’t…”

 

“No not about that. He really is a nasty piece of shit isn’t he?”

 

“Yep. But hey, I at least can use my key now.”

 

“Key?”

 

“I’ll tell you in a minute, but first Carl wants to say something.”

 

LOUNGE

 

We are all looking at him with great expectation. We could hear him intermittently chuckling, but refusing to tell them without Debs.

 

“Okay, she’s here now.” Ems curls himself into the corner of the sofa. “Now where does Little Grub need to be?” We all frown at him. “Well you laughed and gave him the finger, so whatever it was he did, it was both funny and annoying. So who does he need to be with?”

 

“Auntie Ems.” He replies, and this silences the room. “And maybe Henry too.” He waits for them to get settled and for Ems to inhale deeply. “He spat at me.”

 

“He what?!” Debs growls, and she jerks her head at Brian.

 

“Yeah, pulled a sputum from deep down in that pit of his throat and spat.”

 

“How is this funny?!” Brian is halfway out the door.

 

“Sit down, son.” He looks at him until he does so. “The window was shut.”

 

It takes a few seconds for it to register and I shudder. “Eww! But serves him right! That is disgusting!”

 

“And no amount of Big Grub Little Grub is helping. Take them. Take them now.” I have never heard Ems speak so calmly but look so enraged. Debs and Diana take the children and he gets up very slowly. “I won’t be long...and nobody best get between me and him.”

 

I look around the room and no one is moving to stop him. “Uh, guys, you are going to do something, right?”

 

“No.” Debs replies. “Normally when it comes to things like this, he gets calmer the nearer he gets to his destination.”

 

“Like what?” Diana is rocking a slightly put out Henry as he had just got comfy.

 

“Just before they went away, someone spat in his face and he then found out the guy was positive.” Debs starts to tear up and I just can't believe this. “Worst two weeks of my life, waiting with him for that result.” I sit next to her and kiss her cheek. “I never, and I mean never ever want to see him that scared again. He made us all promise…”

 

“And typical of him!” I snarl, and stride out in the hopes that he hasn’t got far.

 

EMMETT

 

He is parked and furiously cleaning off the window. “Emmett!” I sigh as my hopes of a surprise attack are dashed by Mel bellowing my name, so I stop and wait for her to catch up. “Any calmer?”

 

“No.”

 

“Good. But be quick, Henry and Gus wants their lap back.” This makes my fury die down a little bit. “I had no idea.”

 

“You weren’t privy to my life then, you are now.” He is leaning against the van and I try not to look at the window. “Spitting. Seriously?”

 

“It was the least I could do, a final parting gift. Now fuck off you nelly prick and butchy dyke, this is private property.” He turns back to the van and mutters something under his breath. I shove him in the shoulder and he whirls around but backs up when he realises how close I am.

 

“We’re only staying long enough to tell you that if you, you sussurating shithead, do that to anyone again, especially a member of my family, this nelly prick will shove that car up your ass and the butchy dyke will seal it shut!“ The last time Ems spoke to him like that was at the hospital, and he, like then, says nothing. “I know this hire company very well, if there is one spec of your miscreant DNA anywhere...I will break your face.”

 

Ten minutes later, having watched him clean the window to his satisfaction, we are heading back laughing our heads off.

 

BEN

 

I heave a sigh of relief when I hear the door opening, I think everyone does. I look across at Blake and he gives me a small nod, I think that he needs to talk to him too.

 

“So what did we miss?” Mel asks, settling Henry on Emmett’s lap.

 

“It was Lindsay who called and said that Michael mentioned about trying to screw with the wedding.” Debs repeats what Carl told us, and they are as flummoxed as we were.

 

“Why would she warn you though?” Mel frowns.

 

“Yeah, we had just got to that part.” Brian scratches his head. “It's just like…”

 

“She’s sold the cottage to her father and is leaving the state.” Emmet sips his drink. “Oh, that’s better. No, that's not right, I sold her cottage to Daph and Daph sold it to Ronald.” All eyes are on him. “Further elucidation?”

 

“Honey…”

 

“Okay, Big Bad.” He adjusts a dozing Henry and tells us how Daph and her mom got the cottage off of Lindsay after Jennifer had suggested to him that he take it off her by subterfuge, if necessary, after all the money that he poured into it. And after all they did, he began to warm to the idea. “So there you have it. One down, one to go, and go he shall. Now onto more pleasant subjects, please.”

 

“So, Kiddo, what’s the wager?” She tops up his glass.

 

“Wager, Guvnor?” Benson looks utterly adorable lying with his head on my lap and Gus sleeping on his chest.

 

“Hmm. Mel and Mom have bet me that Justin and I can't go 48 hours without sex, and I accepted.”

 

“You did what?” Justin looks ill.

 

“Accepted. If we manage it, then Mel takes me to the store and I go nuts, and if we don’t, then she gets to be Gus’s godmother.”

 

“You sneaky…!” Justin hisses.

 

“Aha, knew you had it covered! Well played!” Debs laughs.

 

Now everyone is looking at Mel. She gets up and takes the blanket and covers Gus up. “Born Under the Moon.”

 

“Thanks, Godmomma.” Brian smiles, and then blows Justin a kiss.

 

“I wanted to T&T later.” He gripes.

 

“That will still happen.” Brian licks his lips and Justin lights up.

 

“Why will it? Whatever you are talking about that has him like that.” Blake asks.

 

“Because he cut out the labels. How can you be a label queen junior, if there are no labels?!”

 

“Oh, Kiddo, only you!” Debs chuckles.

 

 

End Notes:

Please, if reviewing be constructive and kind. Thanks

The Ostracisation Complex...AKA Kicking Him Off The Avenue Too by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 62 - THE OSTRICISATION COMPLEX...AKA KICKING HIM OFF THE AVENUE TOO

 

BLUE MOON HOUSE - EVENING

 

LOUNGE

 

BRIAN

 

I have said it before and I will say it again, he really does have the most perfect ass. “I love the irony.” I husk as I palm his hot cheeks. He spreads his legs a bit and pushes back against my hand. I slide it between his legs so I can stroke his balls and he mewls.

 

“Iron...irony?” He moans, and then gasps as I crack my hand against his cheek.

 

“Born Under the Moon.” I turn his head so I can kiss him. “Considering that is how we met.”

 

“Uh huh….ouuummm!” I rap out six swift taps, his eyes darken and his juices saturate my lap and he starts to grind. “Tug. Close.”

 

“Look at me. Look at me.” I croon, and slowly tug him to heaven. His mouth drops open and he chants my name until he finally quiets. He rests his head on the armrest until his breathing regulates. “Don’t go to sleep, let’s shower first.”

 

“Two minutes.” He slowly sits up and straddles my lap, his eyes begin to lighten as he starts to come down. “I will sew them back in.” He murmurs against my neck.

 

“Thank you.” I chuckle and reach for the blanket.

 

PETERSON RESIDENCE - MONDAY AFTERNOON

 

RONALD

 

She is incandescent and it’s so funny. “But why won’t you?!”

 

“Because I don’t want to. I have my reasons and they remain that: my reasons to tell whoever I want; and since you are no longer in my...now what was it you both called it...special circle, I choose not to. In fact, it could be said you aren’t even near the perimeter of the square that squares the circle.”

 

“Daddy.” She sighs then nods in defeat. “Is there anything in the cottage you wish to keep?”

 

Ah, she's trying to see if I am going to rent it out. You are not fooling this old fool, not anymore!

 

“Yes, actually there is…” She practically falls over so earnest is her lean. “...I want the thing I actually like in there, the mirror.” Her face and her body almost hit the floor at the same time.

 

“The mirror?! But you bought that for me, and…”

 

“You fixed it to the wall, which works in my favour, because to remove it will cause damage to my cottage which I will bill you for.” She almost pulls her temple hair out in frustration. “Don’t do that, dear, you don’t have the bone structure for an undercut.”

 

“Undercut, oh the irony of that word when you are doing exactly that to me! Your own daughter!”

 

“I am not. I have paid exactly what the cottage is worth, plus their commission.”

 

“But, once again, I am your daughter!”

 

“Who forgets that I am her father when it suits her!” I rebuke her sharply. “You had no problem plundering the coffers when you wanted something, this is despite having your own resources. I am merely clawing some of it back! Now then, when exactly are you moving?”

 

“When am I...what’s the rush?” She scans my face intently.

 

“No rush exactly, I just need a timeframe. For a start, I want to repaint. Not a fan of the colour, and, of course barring the mirror, the furniture needs to be gone. No such a fan of the rumpled look…”

 

“Rumpled!”

 

“Would you prefer ramshackled instead? So you will let me know? As for the other rush, I have a date this evening and I need to get ready.”

 

“A date? I can’t believe you are so casual about the ending of your marriage!”

 

“As your mother doesn’t mind, I am as casual without it…” I stand up and gesture to the door. “...as you were callous within yours.”

 

LINDSAY

 

I’m sitting in my car seething and reeling! I had hoped that with me being his daughter and Mother now off on a six months’ cruise - as a fillip to her recovery from the callous eviction and abandonment of her family - that he would allow me to rent the cottage or stay until I have found the perfect place for me, but no, he wants me out almost immediately!

 

I sit back and try to gather my thoughts. I think a cup of tea is called for. “Let’s see what Ted and Blake’s new place is like, although by all rights this should be mine. Yet another example of someone stealing my idea and making it theirs. There is no way that Brian suddenly decided to call him Gus!”

 

As I head towards Liberty Avenue, my mind goes onto Michael. Hmm. He mentioned that he was going to, as well as ruin the wedding, move away from here. Wonder who the realtor is on his house. I know it is not Emmett, or Michael would not be there. I make a mental note to find this out! It may be semantic arguing, but if I am able to get his house I will simply call it Another State, it’s not my fault they misunderstood that...

 

STAY...SIP AND EAT - TWENTY MINUTES LATER

 

JAVID

 

I love Liberty Avenue and I love Debs and Carl! They have been so great and introduced me to the safe places to be, and now I have left the palace to work here. They thought it was a better environment for a young twink such as myself. Ted and Blake are just wonderful, and we have just taken in a shipment of special mugs for those who are deserving. I pull one out, and at first don’t see the point of it, as the others make much more of an impact, especially with what we have to say! I lift it up and then smile.

 

“Aaaah. Subtle and understated.”

 

 

“And here is the King of them now.” Blake grumbles as a dark haired man comes in.

 

“Who is that?”

 

“Michael Novotny. He’s Debs newly and very estranged son.”

 

“Is he the guy from the rehearsal dinner that…”

 

“The very same.”

 

“Why not bar him?”

 

“He’d love that. He thinks we are running scared of him. He’d be crowing like cockerel.”

 

“From what I see of him and what was described that night, there is little to get scared or excited about.”

 

“So I am not barred then?” He leans onto the counter and looks around scornfully.

 

“Why would we bar you? You are a paying patron, and as long as you observe the rules of the tearoom you are welcome.”

 

“Which are?” He yawns badly and then looks at the notice that I tap on, he reads it for a few seconds.

 

 

“I hate pussy…” He rolls his eyes slightly at the gasp behind him. “...besides, the people who should read the hippy ramblings coming out of a flea riddle snatch are Brian and his new mommy and daddy.”

 

I can’t believe he just said something so disgusting!

 

“What did you want to drink? And is it to take away?” I ask hopefully.

 

“A hot chocolate and one of those, I am going to go with cupcakes?” He points behind me. “And I will be over there.” He bolts for one of the easy chairs in the corner and puts his feet on the table.

 

“King you say?” I stroke the arm of a fuming Blake. “I would say he is the Lord God.” This raises a small smile which disappears completely when a blonde woman comes in, looks around and then and heads for his ungodliness. “You okay?”

 

“Yeah. Uh, you know one of the duties of a page was to observe and report to Wilson if anything needed to be reported?” I nod and smile then go to play waiter.

 

LINDSAY

 

“Good afternoon, Miss, how may I help you today?”

 

“Hi, uh Javid, this place is gorgeous!” Michael snorts but I need tea more than I need to deal with him right now. “Can I have…” Scanning the menu almost breaks my heart. “...a frappe with a slice of sachertorte please and a glass of sparkling water?”

 

“Of course, do you want the order together or as it comes?”

 

“Together, run a tab, we will be here for a while.” Michael rubs his foot on the table. I don’t care what his problem is he is not doing that!

 

“Michael, people have to eat off of that.”

 

“Then he can clean it, as is his twinking job, when I go. I know where my feet have been, shame I won’t tell them.” I smile apologetically at Javid and he gives me a tight smile of thanks, then heads to place the order. “What are you doing here anyway? Oh, how did the show go?”

 

“Wanted to check it out and it went fine.”

 

“Sounds like you were bored, bet you regret uninviting me now?” He scratches far too close to his crotch for my, and judging by the tisking from the table next to us, liking. “Did you get through to the winning whatever?”

 

Winning whatever? A $15000 bursary, he calls a winning whatever!

 

“Why did you say twinking job? Did you mean stinking and mispronounce it?”

 

“No, that’s what they are called, the people who work here, they call them the Twinkers. Not sure why.”

 

“You’re not sure why?” I repeat, thinking that Helen Keller could see and hear why! “Maybe you should look outside of your orbit, Michael.”

 

“Frappe in a pussy with bubbles and slice and PPM with a cup!” Is bellowed out and there is snickering.

 

“Frappe in a…” I can’t help but smile when our order is put down. “...please tell me the mug is for sale?” I plead.

 

“No, sorry and we don’t disclose where we got them from either. We want to be unique, and…”

 

“What’s unique about this place is that the cake is actually passable.” Michael speaks around a mouthful and sprays some crumbs.

 

“So if it is so displeasing to your sophisticated palate, why are you here?” I cut the torte and almost die. Passable? This is exquisite!

 

“Because it bothers them. Let me tell you what happened over the weekend…”

 

As he bemoans a fate that he caused, I keep the smirk off my face as I work out what PPM means, plain prick mug, but it what he has just said that brings me screeching to a halt with that thought and shuddering with revulsion and realisation.

 

“Say that again, I think I misheard you.”

 

“I said that we are both one and the same. We will both strive our utmost to repay wrongdoings.”

 

“We do?”

 

“Hell yeah, we do!” He laughs quietly, and leans in, the smell of coffee only just masks his body odour. “Just because they say I can’t be there doesn’t mean I won’t be. I shall get the last laugh before my fare thee well to these cunts.”

 

I sit back with the scales plunging from my eyes. He’s right, and I don’t like it.

 

“Hi, Javid. Please may I have the remains of this to go?”

 

“Of course, Miss.” He takes them to the counter and I stand up, dusting off the crumbs.

 

“So where are you going in such a hurry?” He looks as put out as I once did, when Mel had to go and fight a pro bono case last minute, and an oft tamped down sense of shame envelopes me. “I was just getting to the good bit.”

 

“I have to pack up my cottage. If you had bothered to ask anything about me, which does not involve you in some way, you would’ve found out that I have sold it and am looking for a place to live.”

 

“We could share again.” He is keen as mustard and I am as cold as a grave.

 

“No thank you. I want to live somewhere else.”

 

“What’s wrong with where I live? You’d be opposite a prince.” Again with the foot rub.

 

“Because you would be close by. I have come to the realisation that you are correct, we are the same...” He shrugs and nods at me to continue. “...and that revolts me. Bye, Michael, and one other thing, never has a mug been so apt!”

 

“Your order, Miss.” Javid hands it to me and after thanking him I walk out.

 

I turn back to see Michael looking at the bottom of the mug before slamming it down and storming to the counter. Heading back to my car, I spot the travel agency and go inside.

 

“Good afternoon, Miss, my name is Lennard, how can I help you today?”

 

“Yes, I would like to book a cruise to Europe.” His eyes light up. “For a year, my budget is twenty thousand dollars, what would that get me?”

 

“Have a seat, Miss, that would get you a great deal.”

 

MICHAEL

 

I refused to pay for their food after they showed me up like that. My ears are still ringing from the laughter that followed me out. I decide to find solace in the new diner. I take a seat at the nearest table and wait.

 

“What can I get you?” The busboy clips out.

 

“A coffee, burgers and fries please.”

 

“Johnno, PPM and some swill for booth three!”

 

“An interesting way of ordering you have…”

 

“It’s exclusive.” He seems to be sneering. “Reserved for special people. Oh, can you move to booth three at the back? This table is a little rickety.” I nod and move and five minutes later a bag is placed on the table.

 

“I wanted to eat here.” I explain, starting to hand the bag back.

 

“We don’t want you to. We will happily take your money, but we don’t have to have your company.” As he goes to place the mug on the table, I catch sight of the three words that have been the bane of my life today on the bottom of it…I’m a prick. “The mug is on the house.” I glare at him, push them both aside, and start to leave. “It doesn’t matter where you go on The Avenue for food, this is the only poisoned chalice you will drink out of. Emmett has made sure of that.”

 

As I slam out, I pull the collar of my jacket up and ignore the rumble of hunger. I have had more than enough humiliation for one day, I shall go home and maybe order in.

 

MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER

 

KITCHEN

 

“Oh that hits the spot!” I sigh, and scrape away the remains of the food. “Now what’s this?” I pick up the ball of wrapping paper and it feels quite weighty, and when I open it I frown at a cup and saucer and then I read it…

 

 

Five minutes later I am waiting for Emmett to pick up but he doesn’t.

 

“This is harassment. Let’s see how he likes it!”

 

 

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

You Really Did Start the Fire, Now Your Bridge is Burning by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 63 - YOU REALLY DID START THE FIRE, NOW YOUR BRIDGE IS BURNING


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TWO DAYS LATER


LOUNGE


MICHAEL


Officer Thirn looks at the crockery and then at me. “So what exactly are you asking me to do about this?”


Stop talking teacup.jpg kindly teacup.jpg


“Your job! Find the people sending them to me!”


“Did you call the delivery company?”


“They are delivered personally. There are security cameras up and down the street, I am waiting for someone to come…”


“Well until a representative comes…”


“Let me finish, please! They are coming in the next five minutes or so, and…”


“I am not your beck and call cop, nor do I like being screamed at.”


“I apologise for screaming, but you have to understand the stress this has put me under. This is the third set I have received in the last two days…”


“So your cup runneth over, Sir.”


“I would appreciate it if you took this seriously.” I grind out.


“Of course. Sorry, trying to inject some humour there..”


“You failed. What if it’s this next one?” I gesture at the laptop. “I have found where they get them from, they have ones that say, I Hope You Choke, You Are Tedious and I Could Poison You amongst others. And then there…”


“There is someone at your door.” He interrupts me and I frown as I hadn’t heard the knocking or the bell. “Aren’t you going to open it?”


“What if it’s them?” I whisper.


“Do they normally knock?” He whispers back.


“No, the delivery is in my cubby.” I whisper back and then start to feel silly as I get what he means, I clear my throat. stride to the door and open it. “Officer, there is a caller here!”


“Can I come...”


“He wants to come in!” I yell over my shoulder, not taking my eyes of the guy at the door.


“Sir, why are you shouting?”


“Holy shit, don’t creep up on me like that!” I scream and stumble forward only for the guy to step aside so I almost fall on my face. “Double shit!” I wince as my palms scrape on the path and my knees hit hard.


“Are you alright?” The officer asks, helping to get me upright.


“Not really, no! Who are you?!” I bark at the stranger.


“Nate Killson.” He reaches inside his jacket but I grab his hand. “I would let go if I were you…” He growls.


“Sir, unhand him!” Thirn barks at me. “I am sure he is just reaching for ID, right?” He nods and I slowly loosen my grip. “Please give the ID to me, Mr…”


“Killson. See it says right there.” He sneers as he hands it to him. “I was called about wanting to see some surveillance discs.”


“Why didn’t you identify yourself immediately?” I demand.


“I wasn't given a chance to, what with you trying to jump into my lap or wrestle me to the ground! Now can we get this done?!”


“Yes let’s. After you.” I tell them.


OFFICER THIRN


“Sir, if we were going to attack you like you clearly fear, it doesn‘t matter if we are in front or behind…”


He nods and goes ahead of us and I resist the temptation to goose him just for the hell of it! The urge to frighten him gets worse as he keeps giving me the eye to ‘watch him’ as Killson sets the disc up for the night of the first delivery.


“So, Mr Novotny, are we ready?” He asks wearily.


“Yes.” He replies, moving closer to me, and, after helping him up before, I move away. He does not take the hint that his shit does indeed stink. We watch the disc and watch a young man come stand at his gate, he appears to be talking to someone and points at the front door, he gives a thumbs up and then comes down the path and puts the package in his cubby. The next disc shows a different kid who again points at the door and delivers.


“So, do you recognise them?”


“No. But they look like subs!” He seethes. “Just the kind of minor he likes!”


“What’s this now?” I frown.


“Well he wouldn’t come himself, obviously, so he sent them. I bet that he’s up the road watching them deliver!”


“Who are you talking about?”


“Emmett Honeycutt. He most likely is the guy that is sending them to me.”


“Do you have the packaging still?” Killson asks as he peers at the screen.


“Yes, why?”


“That last delivery, I saw a flash of white…” He straightens up. “...maybe a...”


“Hello, anyone in?!” Is bellowed. “Door’s wide open! Is everyone okay?!”


“Stay here.” I tell them, Killson nods and I pinch my nose as Novotny has somehow made it to the other side of the room behind the sofa, and is looking petrified!


I head to the door and find a young man with a box in his hand. “Oh, hi Officer, is everything alright?”


“Yes. What you got there?”


“Delivery for this place.”


“Can you come in for a second?” He frowns and takes a couple of steps back. “I just want to talk about that.”


“Can’t we talk out here, where my boss can see us?” He points up the road so I step out and again he steps back.


“Sir, can you come here please?!”


“Who are you?” The guy shouts back, but is coming down the street. “Hello, Officer…”


“Thirn. And you are…”


“Benson…”


“You asshole!” Is shouted from behind then Novotny comes storming up the hallway. “You’re not black!” He exclaims as he gets level with me, and for a few long seconds nobody says a word. “Who are you and why are you being a delivery boy for that prick Honeycutt?!”


“Who are you talking about? I am Tobias Benson from Sip…”


“Ted and his boyfriend are doing this?! It makes sense now after that mug!”


“Ted and...no, these deliveries are as per the order.” He pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to me.


I read it, pinch my nose again and sigh. “My Novotny, according to this, you ordered these. They were out of stock when it was first placed and now they’re being hand delivered. And it also says for them to be returned to you should there be nobody to sign for it. Leave in cubby.”


“Ordered?” He repeats, and then the redness of realisation suffuses his face.


“Can we step down the armed guard and close the file on your stalker?”


“Um, yes, I had…”


“So I can go too now, right?” Killson snickers and I huff a laugh before waving him on his way. “Oh, and sleep with the lights on! That way you can see nobody coming to get you or screw you!”


MICHAEL


Twenty minutes later I am wondering how the hell I forgot about ordering them for Mrs Soon To Be Horvath as a joke wedding present. Officer Thirn said before he left, that he was tempted to caution me for wasting police time, but my humiliation would be enough of a cautionary tale for me. I head to the cart and pour a brandy. I can no longer stomach that drink. Settling back on the sofa, I try to plan my day, then my stomach grumbles. I was so panicked that I couldn't eat.


“I will be damned if I go there! Oh I know!” I drain my glass and then grab my keys and jacket and head to the car, then I stop and stare at the back of the truck Carl hired disappearing down the street!


“Hey!” I shout and run to my car to follow it. “You are fucking with me!” I bellow as I drop my keys and they go straight down the drain!


LIBERTY AVENUE ESTATES - TWO HOURS LATER


TREYVON


I jump out of my skin as the door is almost kicked in and the idiot ninja is looking like he is going to combust.


“Where is she?! Or him?!” He bellows striding up to my desk.


“Who are talking about?!”


“Honeycutt! Or Mrs Horvath to be!”


“Emmett is out on an appointment with Debs. Maybe I can help you, you know, once you calm down.”


“I am perfectly calm, and no, you can’t help me! I shall just report this theft to the authorities and they can deal with them!”


“What theft?” Debs asks as she comes through the back.


“I thought you weren’t in! Mention the police and like Suddenly Susan here she is, not of course that she will be charged with anything, screwing the law has its advantages after all! So where is Honeycutt?”


“Suddenly Susan? Theft?” Emmett comes through the front and I wheel out of the line of fire, because, unlike him, as he is closing the door, I can see the expression on her face.


Screwing the law has its advantages, did you seriously just say that?!”


“Yes. It’s true, as you are. Don’t you like the truth? So, Mrs, oh what do I call you since you’re not a Novotny now and not a Horvath yet?!”


“Neither are you!” She snarls. “You are a DeVore! I am a Grassi and ne’er the twain shall ever meet again!”


“What do you mean neither am I?! Who is DeVore?!”


“That would be the name of your father. I believe his first name is Daniel, but goes by the name of Divina sometimes. The ugly screaming diva personality and appalling taste in clothing has to come from him.” I tell him coldly and stand up. “I assume your rabidity is because the van was towed?”


“My…”


“It was taken back by the hire company because it was late to be returned, this is standard practice. You can collect it from there. Now your choice, door or window?”


OUTSIDE MICHAEL’S HOUSE - NEXT DAY


MICHAEL


I am still in shock after their latest betrayal! For years, years! She told me that my father was Lt Novotny, and now my entire identity is ripped asunder! Last night, her son came around. I saw him coming up the path and opened the door before he had time to knock, thinking he had come to give me a grain of comfort; but oh no! He threw it in my face and walked away! That caused a papercut to my cheek, another wound from him, but this time people can see it.


I took my time to open it and inside was my birth certificate and a brief note saying that at the time he had walked away, but knew about me, he was just not ready for fatherhood and she let him be who he needed to be. She said that she has told him all about me...yeah, as if!


I spent a lot of time on the internet, and he is quite the celebrity. So today, I am going to surprise him with a visit! I can start my family anew with him.


“Ready or not, here I come Dad!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SIX HOURS LATER


BATHROOM


MICHAEL


I look at my reflection; I have a bruised cheek, a fat lip, a broken tooth and a speeding ticket!


I wince as I apply the compress to my face. Turns out that she had indeed been telling him all about me. She had brung him so up to date that when I got to his place, the first thing he did was punch me! He then snarled that I should consider myself an orphan, and that I am a disgrace to his loins. He then dragged me to my car, shouting that if I ever darkened his door again, he would make sure that pissing and fucking would be a problem for me!


And to cap it all off, the cop that gave me speeding ticket for doing 40 in a 30 mile zone, despite my obvious distress and injuries, which I rushing home to tend to, was Officer Thirn!


I trudge downstairs, my stomach a swirling mass of fury and disappointment. Sighing, I stare out of the lounge window and watch the world go about their business, when my guts drop. For there across the street is her going into his highness’s house laughing!


“Enjoy your happiness while it lasts.” I mutter bitterly, and then start to smile as I realise that I have the perfect payback. “She told my real dad about me, let’s see how much she likes it when my fake dad’s family find out about her!”

 

End Notes:

Please, if reviewing, be kind and constructive. Thanks

Yeah That Door Is Most Assuredly Closed, Sailing Off And The Blue-Eyed Selenophile Loses His Hand by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 64 - YEAH THAT DOOR IS MOST ASSUREDLY CLOSED, SAILING OFF AND THE BLUE-EYED SELENOPHILE LOSES HIS HAND


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - FOLLOWING EVENING


MICHAEL


I am curious as to what she is doing there again, but before I can figure a way of finding out, two vans from the hire company pull up. Good, I have another channel for my annoyance.


“I take it my stuff is intact?” I sniff as I stride down the path towards the driver. He just stares, no doubt mocking my damaged face, then shrugs. It is back to being bloody after I opened the wardrobe door on myself earlier.


“Didn’t open it. Not allowed to, so however it was in there is the way it still is. The keys.” He holds them out along with a tablet. “You need to sign here and produce some ID.”


“As I said before, making love to the police has its advantages!” I bellow in the direction of Benson’s house as I pull out my wallet. I scribble my signature and hand it back. He looks at it then puts the keys in his pocket. “Now what?”


“Emmett told you that he knows us, so we know all about you. Want to sign again?”


“I have signed it under my new and true name!” I shout out as I see Brian heading into the house effortlessly carrying a crate of beer on his shoulder. “Tell your lying mother that the Army frowns on this kind of thing!”


“Well the second party to this van is Michael Charles Novotny, so unless you sign as him or provide ID to your new and true name, you can’t have the van. And also, I need a picture of you...”


“That is ridiculous!” I explode.


“That is common practice, so that people can’t deny that they have received it. So sign and say cheese or get some new and true name ID, sign and say cheese. Either way, the van doesn’t become yours until you do.”


“By rights Det Horvath should have paid for it, however, I shall walk the moral high ground, which is more than I can say that he does.” He says nothing after checking my ID and taking my picture. “So the van is mine until the end of next week as per the agreement?”


“Yes. And we want it back on time and spotless, or you will incur removal and/or cleaning charges. Then you will be blacklisted. Oh, and we will also empty it, we find that ex-clients don’t like having to collect their stuff from the city dump.” He looks behind me and a small smile plays on his lips. “Well thanks for that. Enjoy your high ground, don’t get vertigo looking down from that lofty perch of yours, or you might land on your face...again.” He smirks before turning smartly on his heel and striding off before I can formulate a response. I frown when he takes his time getting in the other van before slamming the door hard, then he and his colleague drive off laughing.


“I would complain to his superiors if they weren’t in legion with the cops.” I mutter as I head to check the van’s contents. I get inside and after about two hours, I am satisfied that there is nothing missing.


It is when I am heading back indoors that I realise why he slammed the door so hard, it was to mask the fact that the front door had been slowly shutting behind me...and my keys are inside!


BENSON’S HOUSE - FIVE MINUTES LATER


LOUNGE


DEBS


I take the brandy and check my cards with a small smile. I could not believe it when we found out after Brian suggested poker night; that Ben, Justin and Benson have never played!  He and I haven’t played in a long while! The rest of the boys and gals know better...besides Ems and Brandon are playing their own game. It unwinds him after a stressful day...apparently!


It feels oddly freeing to not have that lie hanging over me anymore. It is sad that I have lost Michael in the process, but it was all getting to be a bit too much before he went away...no he didn’t go away, he stowed away...with Brian.


“Houwf!” Benson exclaims and puts his cards down with triumphant but slightly drunken grin.


“Shot!” Brian orders, pouring generously.


“Wass wrong wiff houwf!” Benson peers at his hand.


“For the fifth time, we are playing poker not bingo!” Ben guffaws, just as drunkenly as Benson take half the shot down. “You really aren’t very good at this are you?”


“I am a rubbish poker player that's true!” He concedes, knocking back the rest of the contents.


“Well you excel in other areas and do make a rather adorable, if confused, bingo player.” Ben clinks his glass and throws in his hand. “Though I think we may be getting somewhat shafted.”


“Who by?” Brian looks over his glass at them and gives me a quick smirk.


“There! I knew it! We’ve been hushtled!” Benson looks across at a dead-to-the-world Justin. He had six shots and is now curled up in a ball, snoring. There is a competition for who is louder: his snores or stomach rumbles. “Poor boy had no chance!”


“Bullshit. He's neither that drunk nor asleep. He is a sore Selenophile because he doesn’t understand it, and he's going to be a great deal sorer, if he doesn’t stop pouting.”


“This cannot be this difficult!” He grumbles, sitting up and hiccuping.


“Okay, maybe a little bit wired, but definitely not drunk enough to warrant that level of nasal bassooning!” Brian pats his lap. He sighs and comes to sit down, frowning. “One more time?”


“Just let me see you play a hand and I’m sure I will get it.”


“Speaking of getting it….” Ben is by the window tilting his head. “What...no why is the...is the neighbourhood asswhore trying to break into his house?”


We all get up and join him; sure enough, Michael is holding a rock in his hand and is about to launch it at the front door window!


“He can’t be serious?!” Benson gasps, pulling on his trainers and heading outside.


“Yes he is, and no!” I tell him firmly, and he comes back in. “Whatever he is doing is his concern, and…”


“...he’s most likely going to end up in jail.” Benson is still by the door.


“Jail? Why jail?” I frown.


“They have a private security company that patrols these blocks. One of the security guards lives at the top of the road. He put the windows in, and…” The sound of smashing glass silences us and we return to watch what happens next. “...they will be here in about ten minutes.” He finishes, and then takes off his trainers when I look pointedly at them.


NATE KILLSON'S HOUSE

 

 

NATE


Part of me wants to run, such is my glee to make his life even more miserable, but this has to be done properly! I watch the screen carefully. One of the features of the front of these houses is that although there is a cubby and a picket fence surrounding the pretty garden, there are no hiding places. I watch him sweep the glass out into the garden, and now he is talking, well it looks like arguing with his neighbour.


“Think I have to step in, because that guy is balling up, as Benson would say.” I sigh and put my shoes on. I had hoped that I wouldn't have to go out, just call the boarding company to sort the door out and then go do the needful in the morning, but of course not!


The voices are getting louder and more abrasive as I get closer.


“Not that this is your concern!” He spits at the neighbour.


“Why didn’t you just call the security team to let you back in, you buffoon?!”


“What security team?!” He snaps, and then looks at me in surprise. “What are you doing here?”


“The security team. I live up the road and…”


“I knew it! I knew he owned it!” He throws the broom down and crosses the road to Benson’s house. We follow because we all know how Benson feels about him! “I wonder what else she lied to me about him!” He bellows, but before he can start to, no doubt, hammer on the door it is opened by Benson. “I want to speak to my not-so-benevolent landlord!”


“Then go home and call him. Contact details are in the lease. Brian does not own this block!”


“Yes he does!” He snaps. “BRIAN, GET OUT HERE NOW, YOU ASSHOLE!”


“He is not an asshole, Mr Asswhore, now get gone before I start balling!”


“Aww, poor ickle baby, does this big scary man fwighten woo?” He jeers.


“Balling…” His neighbour sighs. “...in the way both him and I mean, is to ball up a fist and smack you one!” This wipes the sarcastic look off his face, and he looks at me and I smile. “And he's right. Whoever Brian is, he doesn’t own these houses! Have you called the company to sort that mess out, Nate?”


“Yes. So, Mr Novotny, kindly stop causing a disturbance, return to your house and wait!” I order him.


“What is going on here?!” A voice bellows behind me, and I can’t help my ever widening smile as the female officer approaches. “I asked a question, and one of you will answer!”


“He needs to leave, officer, I am slightly drunk, very mad and don’t like him!”


She takes in the scene and nods. “Sir, he has asked you to leave, and I am telling you. Do you live far?”


“Just across the street.” He mutters, all swagger gone.


“What happened to your face, sir?”


“I got into an altercation with…”


“Careful…” Benson growls.


“My father…” He sighs. “...we have fallen out.”


“How the hell did you fall out with him?!” A redhead shouts as she joins Benson by the door and stares at Novotny’s face. “What did you say to warrant that?!”


He doesn’t answer, just gives her a filthy look and then heads back to his house.


“Are we all done here?” The officer asks, and with a small nod, Benson closes the door muttering very dark and murderous thoughts.


“What happened in the lead up?”


“He broke the window to his front door, because he left his keys inside.” The neighbour rolls his eyes.


“How did he end up here?”


“Thought some guy called Brian is his landlord, he’s in there.” I explain, and with a curt nod she strides across to his house.


“I will need a statement from you about the damage he caused if you saw it. Uh, sorry, I have forgotten your name. So many…”


“Don’t worry about it. Should imagine you only remember the bad’uns. It's Shaw. Philip Shaw, and absolutely no problem. So will this put him in breach?” I have never seen a man look so desperate for this to be true.


“Most likely. Could be out in a week.”


“Hmmm. I do believe a block party will be thrown to coincide with that!” Philip chuckles and heads back to his house.


I start to walk back up to mine when a blast of a horn gets my attention and I get in with a smile. “He’s right you know, even if I didn’t like the way he said it, making love to the police has its advantages. Good evening, officer.”


“Hey.” Officer Heather Pillow smiles tiredly. “What an ass.” She jerks her head back in the direction we have just come. “Why did he say that?”


“No idea. Let’s just get home, and how quickly can you get a crime number for me?”


“How quickly can you open that bottle of white?” She rubs my thigh.


“Very!” I smile.


LINDSEY'S COTTAGE - TWO DAYS LATER


RONALD


I sigh in contentment. Not only has Nancy gone from my life forever, but in a few short minutes the other bane of my life will also be gone. I hear her footsteps down the stairs as she does her final checks.


“Well, that is me done and dusted.”


“Well the done part is right. The dusted not so much, but cleaning up after your mess was never one of your strengths.”


“Can we make this as…”


“As pleasant as possible? I guess so. As a goodbye gesture you can be chauffeured to the airport.”


“Thank you. Will he be long?”


“He's outside, you just need to load your bags.”


“So what are you going to do it?”


“Like I said, none of your concern. Now, you wouldn't want to miss your flight.”


“No. Well, goodbye, Daddy.” She gives me an awkward hug, which I return, and I watch her get in the car without a backward glance.


“Goodbye and good riddance, Lindsay.” I call out as she disappears into the distance.


PITTSBURGH AIRPORT - TWO HOURS LATER


FIRST CLASS LOUNGE


LINDSAY


I dab my eyes and shake off my morose mood. “Pull yourself together!” I chide myself for feeling like Little Orphan Annie. “You have means and wiles, just use them judiciously, and, for once, kindly.” I look around the lounge at my fellow passengers and signal the barman for a drink.


“What will it be, ma’am?”


“Well, since I am soon to be in Rome, might as well do as the Romans. A Negroni, please.”


“No problem. Take a seat over there and I will bring it to you. May I have your boarding pass?” I hand it to him. “Oh, you have lots of time, we do some great bar snacks if you want to look at the menu?”


“Thanks. I will.” I take a seat in the corner and peruse the menu. He places the drink down and a glass of champagne. “I didn't order that.”


“Perks of first class.” He grins. “Want some food?”


“I think I’d better!” I laugh. “Can you give me a few minutes?”


“Sure!”


I sit back and sigh as my mood starts to lift, I reach for my phone as I feel it buzz, then grimace before sending it to voicemail then switching it off. “My new beginning is not going to start with your whining, Michael. Whatever your problem is, fix it yourself!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TEN MINUTES LATER


MICHAEL


I glower at the swaggering back of Nate Killson. I have been given a week’s notice. Sighing, I head to the laptop to look for another place when I see an email from Mrs Horvath to be and smirk. Seems she is changing allegiances. This falls off my still sore face when I read it. She spoke to Daniel and took his advice, which was that she tell Lt, Novotny’s family what she had told me and they have a copy of my birth certificate, should I feel the nasty need to contact them!


BLUE MOON HOUSE - EVENING


BALCONY


BRIAN


“Oh now that is unfortunate. My cheeky selenophile, once again you lose.”


“How?!” He stares at his hand, then mine, and then at the poker tutorial he insisted we had running at the same time. “This is...what did you call me?”


“Selenophile.” I coo, closing the laptop and nudging him towards the chaise lounge. “My blue eyed, strip poker losing selenophile.”


“You called me that on poker night, what’s is it?” He pulls me on top of him.


“A lover of the moon. So it is off with the pants, so I can feel those moonlit bathed cheeks rising and falling around my cock.”


“You say the hottest things.” He sighs.

 

“I know. Now strip!”

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Just The Two Of Us, Then The Three Of Us And Only You by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 65 - JUST THE TWO OF US, THEN THE THREE OF US AND ONLY YOU


BRIAN


The air around us feels cool but electrified. He looks almost pearlescent, and seems to be oscillating as the pleasure wracks through him. The sweat clings like diamonds in his hair before it slides down his back, but it is the sight of his hole clutching my cock as he adjusts his position every three or four plunges that will be forever burned onto my memory! We are barely making a sound, he sighs and I purr and then I see it...that very sensitive inner ring glistening, as if begging me to touch it, as he plunges down. I brush my fingers over the sensitive pink ring and he gasps.


“Again.” Is whispered like the faintest breeze and I comply. “Again.” His nails dig into my thighs and then he goes still...his head slowly falls back and his ass seems to be trying to suck all of me inside him. “Love you love you love…”


“Nusquam dimmittunt!” I cry out.


“Never! Never! Never!” He declares while undulating around my cock, and I relish the sweet agony of his nails marking me. Finally our tempestuous storms abate and he sits up. At first I think he is going to dismount, but he lies back against my chest and I go cross eyed as pleasure jolts through me.


“A viverra delicious…” He whispers before kissing me softly and tenderly. His lips taste of sweat and cum. “...a lumine lunae inveni caritate.”


“Hmmm.” I murmur. “Justin, you have to get up.” He groans a protest. “Need to take it off…” I hold the base of my cock and almost cum again as he slowly slides off me. “...can we make it three months?” I plead.


“Even that is too long, but absolutely!” He looks down at himself. “A bath, definitely a bath.”


“And an explanation.” I throw the condom into the trashcan and start to count down the days in my head, heart, and, if I am honest, my cock!


“About what?” He calls over his shoulder as he heads to the master bath, I catch up to him and pull him to a stop, which makes him frown.


“Quando vos satus discere Latinam?”


He blinks for a few seconds. “When did you start to learn Latin?” I nod. “I didn't start, I already could, just needed a refresher course after you told me how scared you were. In Latin.”


“Ah, yes. And the viverra delicious?”


“Delicious pull? Speaking of which…” He pulls us to the bathroom. “...you didn’t like it?”


“Oh very much so, but that particular cock pull is known to a select circle and even fewer within it.” I watch him blush from the ass up as he sets the bath. “I take it you and Ems have been chatting?”


“Me and Brandon.” He looks uncertainly at me. “He told me the first time he was bound and then when he bottomed from the top...and I won't do that again.”


“You most certainly will!” I grin at him and grind my thickness against his plumpness. “So, want to know what it feels like?” He turns off the taps and nods but looks me up and down slowly. “Oh, there is another way, which takes into consideration certain differences.”


JUSTIN


“Sancter mater Dei!” I yelp as I pull back and he clenches hard. “Dei…!” I don’t get to complete the sentence as he starts to lower himself. “...Dei! Dei!”


“Meet me now!” He orders, and when we meet in the middle, I almost short circuit.


TWENTY MINUTES LATER


“I won’t.” He looks lazily at me from his end of the bath with a smile.


“Good to know. I will never, never, never let you go either.” He beckons me closer and I swim to my lover and rest my back against his chest.


“As a matter of interest…” I begin and he laughs. “What?”


“Was wondering how long it would take you to ask...ouch muscle still recovering!”


“So answer my almost asked question!”


“Nobody. Made it up, just for you.” I turn around so fast water splashes out of the bath. He is serious. “Can we please keep our love life, especially this part of it, private?”


“You have my word.” I kiss him softly.


“And your word is your bond?” He brushes the damp hair off my face and rests our foreheads together.


“Melius est vinculum.” I promise him and kiss his nose,


“And as did I.”


“As did you what?” I frown.


“A lumine lunae inveni caritate. I found love by the light of the moon.”


DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - MONDAY MORNING


DEBS


“Carl!” I call out and put all my weight behind the door just in case the enormous man wants to shoulder his way in. I couldn’t stop him, but I could slow him down a bit. “My boy...fiancé is a cop!” I exclaim.


“I know that, he sent me.” The guy smiles but doesn’t move.


“Debs! You okay?!” Carl hurries in from the back garden and I almost sag in relief. “Who is...oh, Rupin, hi!”


“Rupin hi?!” I snarl. “Next time you have a game buddy coming around, tell me their name and that they are the size of a battleship!” I start to go to the lounge, when their chortling stops me so I turn back fuming. “Now just a minute!”


“Sorry, sweetheart, simmer down and let me explain. Can I let him in?”


“I suppose, but only to the kitchen!” I follow them in and plonk myself on the sofa, which we managed to persuade Brian to let us have from Michael’s nesting. And since we have christened it, it’s all ours now. I unfold my folded arms, and focus my attention on the mountain man blocking out the light. “Well?” He puts a prettily wrapped box on the counter and looks at Carl, who nods and he leaves, closing the door behind him. “Carl…” I begin as I take in the loving expression on his face. “...what?”


“You said you liked it, so here is one for you, for your rings...no our rings.” He nudges the box closer. “You don’t have x-ray vision, so open it!”


My hands are shaking and my heart is racing as I open the box, and when I do, I just close it again. “Carl Horvath, are you crazy?!”


“It’s a replica! Do you like it?”


“Oh thank God! In that case I love it!” I open the box again and stare in wonderment at it and then him, before I take them out and rest them against the backsplash.


“Utterly beautiful, but what’s the pendant for?” He blushes. “Carl?”


“It’s a ridiculously parental thing from your son.”


“My…” I can feel the tears starting to build.


“There’s more love inside.” I am shaking all over, and as I open it the tears start to flow. “I can hang it if you like?” I just nod.


See the source imageSee the source image


“The outside represents us and the inside represents him. He said...he said...he wanted to be inside because of the love we give him.”


There is a gentle knock on the door.


“Can he come in?” He wipes my eyes with his cuff.


“Come in, Rupin!” He looks worriedly at me and then the boxes. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I love them. Now what happens next?”


“I take them back for engraving and bring them back the day before the wedding.”


“Can we make it official and engrave both?”


This time I am wiping his eyes. “Debs, are you serious?!”


“Never more so.”


MICHAEL’S HOME - FRIDAY, TWO WEEKS LATER


ATTIC


MICHAEL


I have been in for almost three days now. It was the only place that I could get within their insisted upon time frame, but oh the joy, I am on the other side of Greenfield Boulevard Green. As I stand in the attic - another joy - I can see my old house. I hear the thunk of my letterbox going and head downstairs.


I spot the flyer and sigh as it has been the only piece of post I have received. I am almost tempted to go back to paper bills just so I can have someone visit at least once a month! I read it and it is a reminder that there is going to be a block party tomorrow for the Greenfield Boulevard residents! I look at the date and screw up the notice and go to throw it in the bin. I had wondered why this day was so unsettling, it is his birthday!


I head to the lounge and then pause and go back to the bin, as I could’ve sworn there was something else. And yep, there it is, it is a joint party, for their wedding and for him!


MONTY AND ELI’S HOUSE - SATURDAY AFTERNOON


KITCHEN


ELI


“And you are absolutely sure that nobody, not even Trey, has had a taste or seen them?”


“Monty!” I gasp. “Sorry, Del, Blake, but ever since you showed us the pictures, he has been rabid about the secrecy!”


“It’s okay, I see it as a compliment. The staking out of the house and Woody’s out not so much.” Blake looks pointedly at my now reddening partner of 10 years. “At one point we had to send Jools to take him home.”


“Would that be when you flooded the engine and he came to your rescue?” I arch a brow and he tosses his nose in the air then sniffs haughtily. “That’s his ‘yes and we will not speak of it again’ answer.”


“But still you speak of it.” He pouts before softening. “I just want them to be the first to see them. They have been so good to us. Debs started on The Avenue, and now we have The Boulevard because of Brian. Carl is changing hearts and minds in the precincts. It has to be perfect! Like these are!”



“And it will be, well almost will be. Now, not one conniption from you, Monty, but what about the cast-out-one?”


“Michael? What about him?” Blake sighs as he checks the cloche.


“Well, he is going to notice the party since he had no friends and lives on the other side of the green.”


“What?!” Blake exclaims. “When did he move there?!” He reaches for his phone at the same time as Del does. “Teddy, we have a problem about tomorrow!”


“Edward, darling, please tell me you didn't have the reminders for the block party delivered yesterday...oh shit! No, don’t panic...Buttercup, calm down, you haven’t done wrong, we just might need a bit more muscle. Let me call the Master. Bye, darling.”


“Master?” I frown.


“You worry about keeping those beauties a secret, let me worry about the ugly down the road.” She replies, and for the first time, on hearing that tone, I feel the smallest amount of pity for Michael if he decides to be himself!


GREENFIELD BOULEVARD - EVENING


DEL


Daph and I are doing the final checks. Each of the six tables has a cloche with the cakes under it, and there is an end-to-end line of food tables running down the block with a spit roast topping and tailing. On the green itself is a massive marquee where the dancing is to be held. How Cyn, Daph, Justin, Ted, Blake, Ems, me and Trey got this nailed down without them, especially Debs and Carl, finding out is one of life’s sweet mysteries! I think we also got lucky because Brian doesn’t celebrate his birthday, well he didn’t used to, but Justin agreed to this being his last non-celebrating one. He did have to use Little Grub though, and speak of the devil! Here he and his Godmomma come!


“How is the ickle dumpling?” I smile at them “Oh you can’t speak yet can you, darling? How you doing, Mel?”


“Funny!” She snorts. “Am good, you had fun putting reinforcements in place?”


“Like you would not believe! There is one enforcer in particular that hopes he befouls the area with his stench.” She sniggers and goes to say something but I shake my head. “No, it is better if it is surprise to everyone.”


“How long till they get here?” She looks around and gives a soft smile. “I am so happy for them. And to think…”


“Everyone has their yesterdays, and their tomorrows...look forward.” I tell her gently, as she still feels guilty about the way she behaved towards him.


“Indeed.” She looks around and I wait for her to notice, then she gasps. “Is that a cow? You have actually got a spit roasted cow?!”


“Yep, and the two pigs are down the other end!” I wave towards the green and then grin as I see Edward’s car coming up the street. “Everyone hide! They’re coming!”


As the car glides to a halt my heart pounds, Debs and Carl are taken out first with blindfolds on and placed into position, then a grumbling Brian.


“Where are we?”


“Not Altoona!” Debs snickers. “We’re on The Boulevard, I recognise the smell of the flowers. Why are we here and what have we just gotten out of?”


“Turn around!” Justin orders, and they do so. “Now, we’re…” He gestures towards Ems and Ted and they stand behind Debs and Carl and he behind Brian. “...going to take off your…”


“Daaa!” Gus exclaims and everyone silently coos.


“Little Grub?” They all say and turn in our direction, as they were told he was with the other one; Brian reaches for his blindfold.


“Please! Please! Let us do this!” Justin begs, and after a few very long seconds they lower their hands. “Thank you.”


“Daaaaa!” Gus bellows and squirms in Mel’s arms.


“Perhaps I should hold my son for whatever this is?” Brian says and I catch the slight droop of Justin’s shoulders, as does Ems and I know what is going to happen.


“One second.”


“Please, Brian, we’ve worked hard, especially Justin!” Ems states firmly. “Give him this.”


“I’m being an asshole, right?”


Silence.


“He’s nodding?” Brian asks.


“Yes.” Ems replies, and smiles as Brian waves Justin back to him. They talk for a few seconds and he steps behind him again. “I take it we can continue?”


“Yes.” Justin is grinning. “Now we’re going to take the blindfolds off!”



See the source image

They are just staring at the vintage Daimler. Debs then looks to her left and taps Carl. Brian is looking in the car with a little bit of envy.


“Brian!” Carl calls out, and now he is looking around. “What the heck is…”


“Surprise!” Everyone shouts and comes out of their hiding places. “Happy Almost Wedding and Studly Birthday!”


Brian rolls his tongue in his cheek and looks at a grinning Justin. “You, my Erinyes, are in a lot of trouble. Now may I have Little Grub?”


“I suppose.” Mel chuckles as she walks towards him. He hands over his phone to her. “Oh, does his highness want a picture?”


“With his princes? Yes he does. So get on with it, Godmomma!” She takes several, first on his phone and then on Justin’s.


“Right, so as you’ve guessed, it’s a joint party for you three!” Ems declares, grinning. “There is food, drink and later on dancing!”


“I can’t believe you have done this!” Carl chokes out and pulls a weeping Debs into his arms.


“Totally deserved!” Ted hands Blake a napkin. “Now let’s enjoy!”


“Oh my god, have you seen the cakes?!” Debs shrieks. “This, this could not have gone better if we planned it, could it, Carl?”


“No, it couldn't, but let’s come to that later.”


I look across at Mel and she shrugs, whatever it is, judging by those smiles, it can’t be bad.


GREENFIELD BOULEVARD GREEN - 2 HOURS LATER


BRIAN


I was a total asshole earlier, but he’s forgiven me. But only because it’s my birthday! I smile as I watch him trying to strategize the best route to the suckling pig and the spit roast cow while avoiding as many people as possible. Carl is carrying Gus as Debs is trying to put as many presents in the car as she can, but I think we will be leaving some at Ben’s and collecting them later. Luckily, I have no presents for which, once again, I have Erinyes to thank...he is my best present.


“You okay, Big Bad?” Ems links his arm through mine and guides me to a quiet corner. “You doing good?”


“Yeah, Ems.” I kiss the cheek of a man who has long been my champion and one of my closest and dearest friends. “So these tete-a-tetes between Brandon and Justin…”


“Stopped. You and I have that in common. What goes on in there, unless we specifically say, stays in there.”


“How long was it before he could sit down without wriggling?”


“A couple of hours.” His eyes sparkle with, no doubt, the memory. “And Justin?”


“Very tired, poor boy, so very tired.”


“I said you can’t fucking stay and you are not fucking staying!” Is yelled, and everyone looks down the road at a stand-off.


“No, let him stay!” Deb calls down, much to everyone’s surprise, including Michael, her obnoxious former offspring. “I doubt he will be here long!”


“You’re right, Mrs Whatever, I won’t be long! I just wanted to give Judas here his present!” I see Benson and Ben start to move, but I shake my head. He can goad, but I won’t react. “So, happy birthday, Judas!”


“Thanks, Dickless.” I reply, people are snickering and he blushes.


“It is rather appropriate for your moniker. Thirty pieces of silver!” He throws them at my feet.


“Oh, silver foil chocolate coins, how sweet. But since I want to keep my figure and these perfect teeth pristine...I’ll pass.”


“Do what you want, you always do!” He whirls around and starts to head towards a table. This time I do nod at Benson, because if he tries to destroy anything….! “Oh, what a lovely spread and these delectable cakes. Made by your ickle twink, Schmiddy?” He sneers, and I can see Ted is going to lose his oh-so-considerable-but-not-oft-seen-temper!


“Now is as good a time as any!” Debs booms out and strides over to Carl to take Gus from him and hand him to Cyn. “Kiddo, come here!” She orders, and it is in such an unheard of tone that I immediately comply.


“Oh, it looks like mommy is upset with you!” He chuckles, and helps himself to a piece of chicken, Eli gets to him before Benson does and moves the platter. “Not enough salt anyway.” He drops it on the ground and turns to head back the way he came.


“Wait, you need to hear this!” Carl calls out, again in the same tone as Debs. Justin comes to my side...what the hell is it now...is she sick? Is he sick? “Not that you will care, but you need to hear!”


“I’m not ill and neither is Carl!” Debs pats my arm and I think everyone relaxes a bit. “But I am going to let The Avenue in on a little secret. There is a reason for it, so indulge me a little. Not many people know this, but after Jack Kinney died, Brian legally emancipated himself from the rest of his family.”


The look on Michael’s face is one of hurt and confusion and I know what he is going to say.


“Because it wasn’t your business then and it sure as hell isn’t now! That’s why I didn’t tell you!” I spit at him.


“At least me and the sprite have something in common. Judging by that expression he didn’t know either!”


“I did know. This is because of what I think is going to happen next…”


“He’s very clever, this man you love, Brian, very clever.” Carl smiles and nudges Debs to continue and she pulls out an envelope and with a trembling hand passes it to me. “Open it and read.”


I tear it open and my heart stops for what must have been seconds but felt like aeons as I stare at the paper. “Debs...Carl...!”


“Big Bad, what is it?” Ems is at my side and taking it off me to read. “This is...this is…”


“Yeah it is, we just need to fill it in, and luckily we have an attorney nearby who can do the needful with the papers.”


“What is it?!” Michael screams and snatches the paper off of Emmett before we can stop him. His eyes widen and he goes very pale. “This is a joke, an insult, you can’t do this!” He turns the paper towards the crowd...there are gasps and I can hear Justin start to sniff.




“You can’t do this!” He bellows tearfully. “You can’t do it!”


“You have no right to say what I can and cannot do. The only person who can stop me from being his mother and from Carl from being his father, in the eyes of the law, is Brian.”


“Aiden H. Kinney.” I choke out, and then take a few deep breaths. “My name is Brian Aiden H. Kinney!” I state clearly and proudly, and my smart man beams.


“H? What is the H for?! Hero?!” Michael screams, tearing the paper in half, and I am livid...it is go time!


“No Kiddo! We can get more! Justin will design it, won’t you?!” Debs grabs my arm and I can see him nodding furiously out of the corner of my eye as he holds my other arm. “The papers are what matter!”


“Don’t I matter?!” Michael wails, pounding his chest.


“You do, but only to yourself, as it always has and always will be.” She retorts before easing her grip.


“I know what the aitch stands for! Heartless!” Michael screams, hands flailing and eyes bulging.


“Horvath.” I reply, and then I point to Little Grub. “And his name is Gus H. Kinney.”


“Why just H?” Debs asks but Ems is smiling and tearing up.


“Because three surnames is a bit much.”

 

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

Hope Springs Eternal and Infernal by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 66 - HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL AND INFERNAL


DEL


Well screw me with a pneumatic drill, if that don’t beat all! But before we get to the happy we have got to get rid of the miserable! I look across at Drey and nod. It takes a few seconds for the sirens to be heard. There is angry grumbling and he smiles, no doubt thinking this is going to be shut down.


“What is going on here?!” A voice booms, and the smile drops. “Ah, Mr Novotny, Grassi or whatever; why is it wherever you are there is generally an antagonistic crowd or angry person?” He turns to Carl. “What’s he done?”


“Just creating a disturbance, Thirn. Take him to cool off so that we can get on with the celebrating.” I gesture to where Novotny was. “And get him for resisting arrest if he doesn’t stop walking away!” He stops and slowly makes his way the few feet back.


“You need to read me my rights!” He snaps as Thirn opens the squad car.


“You want to go to jail?!” He gasps. “We were just going to drop you at home and have another car sit outside to make sure you stayed there, but this way I can come back straight after paperwork and booking, what time is shutdown?”


He shuts the door on his protests and we chuckle as his partner turns to read him his rights!


“What time is shutdown, Ems?!” Mel asks as she flicks through the papers which Debs had handed to her in the interim.


“Five.” He hands Justin his iPad with a frown. “What do you want it for?”


“Have an idea. May I borrow your car please, Edward?” He nods and hands him the keys.


“Idea about what?” Brian asks as he waves at the idiot, who is almost foaming at the mouth, and then realises. “Can I come with or do you want to surprise me?”


“Come with, we won't be long, it is just an outline of it. And besides, we need to discuss the surname thing.”


“Ah, I take it I am in more trouble?” He laughs as he takes Justin’s outstretched hand.


“Yes.” He smiles.


“You have an hour, okay?!” Carl calls out.


“Yes, dad!” Brian calls out and then stops as the enormity of what they want to do hits him again. He strides quickly ahead and they are soon in the car.


“So I have time to get home and get changed? Great! See you later!” Thirn calls out as he gets back in the car.


OUTSIDE 55TH PRECINCT - FORTY MINUTES LATER


THIRN


We are standing by the car and I sigh as he gives me the look that says; I am miserable, therefore you must be too!


“So we can do it one of two ways: a caution and you go home or you get belligerent and overnight. Pick wisely.”


He looks up at the precinct and frowns. “I thought it took longer than normal, why are we here?”


“Because this is where I am based, and, like I said, caution and home or stay and I still get to go to the party…”


“I accept a caution.” He mutters.


“Good. Now, off the record, stop being a dick!” I snap. “And hail that cab!”


GREENFIELD BOULEVARD MARQUEE


JUSTIN


He had something in his eye in the car when we got inside, so I just kissed him then said nothing for a few minutes…


Start of flashback

EDWARD’S CAR - TWENTY MINUTES EARLIER


JUSTIN


I let him compose himself and then look him in the eyes, mine are as shiny as his. “So the name thing...”


“I was caught up in the moment of it all…” My face falls and he reaches for me. “...no, wait! I want to commit to you and for Gus to have your last name, but…” He scrutinises my face and smiles at the relieved expression I am sporting. “...not marriage? Not yet or not at all.”


“Not yet. We, as a family, need to be secure, and I want Gus and any other children we have to be aware of what their daddies are doing...mmmm!” He tastes of Beam, smoked duck...and hope.


“So…” He grins down at me, having flattened me against the seat. “...Emmett and I have been talking. Brandon got his cheeks warmed, took him two hours to sit comfortably.” My eyes widen. “Just a heads up should you wish to chat some more…” I shake my head slowly and he nods. “...so how about a commitment ceremony like Diamond and Panthera did?”


It was the longest kiss we have ever shared.

End of flashback


EMMETT


“You are serious?!” I grab both their wrists and drag them outside. “Please tell me you are serious?!”


“We’re serious, but take your time. Need to send her into married life in style.” Brian grins. “No expense spared.”


“For your parents! As if you had to tell me that! Now come on, let’s dance!”


MICHAEL’S HOME - EARLY DAWN


MICHAEL


I have to think this through properly. As I plod back upstairs to my room...I have to think this through properly!


BLUE MOON HOUSE - MID AFTERNOON, NEXT DAY


LOUNGE


BRIAN


I lay our son on Justin's chest - sometimes it is only him he wants - I try not to feel too jealous, because there are times only Daddy will do. “Think he is overtired.”


“Hmm.” I pat his legs and he lifts them so I can sit down. “It was a bit raucous.”


“Yeah.” He yawns and Gus protests at his shifting. “You know what…”


“Britin?”


“Yeah.” He starts to gently shuffle upwards and gets the grumpy face. “Come on, Little Grub, we’re taking you to a quiet place.”


BRITIN - AN HOUR LATER


NURSERY


GUS


I look around the room, why haven’t we been here before? It is nice. I like this big squashy that Li has put me on. It feels so soft, like the pop things, but it doesn’t go away. I was a bit grumpy when I woke up, well, not when I woke up, when they woke me up by making a horrible sound! I couldn’t go back to sleep, and now I have a hungry! I am about to tell Da and Li, when Da gives me the sucky thing. That’s better! Yes, that is so much better, Da and Li are smiling. They don’t like it when I am grumpy.


“Da!” I gurgle as he takes away the sucky thing, and they smile wider. Li picks me up and starts to rub my back. “Li!” I wriggle as the thing happens with my front. Now I don’t feel grumpy, the hungry is gone, and I want to lie on the squashy.


BRIAN


He is drifting off as Justin rocks him and rubs his back. We wait for the second burp and his eyes slam shut.


“And he’s out!” I chuckle as he puts him on the sofa and covers him with a fluffy blanket. “Want a coffee?”


“Hmmm and a cuddle.”


“Cuddle? Did you say cuddle?” I tease him, and he nods and moves to the other end and curls up in a ball. I know what Ems said about Britin being too big, but that was before Justin and our plans. I head downstairs to make some coffee for us. It doesn't take long. I grab a fur blanket and tap his shoulder. “Which do you want first?” He opens one eye and glares. “Of course, coffee…” We drink in silence, watching Gus sleep. He has turned onto his stomach and is snuffling.


“Time for him to be in bed, methinks.” He chuckles as he picks him up, and after a tiny whimper he goes back to sleep in his cot. “I think we should follow his example.”


MASTER BEDROOM


We’re in bed drinking our coffee, stealing glances at each other, and willing the other to broach the subject...or should I say subjects.


“So…” We begin at the same time.


“You first.” I nudge him, but he goes quiet and pink. “Justin, what is it?”


“I didn't think I would…” He trails off to gather his thoughts.


“Feel so instantly at home now that we have our future planned?” I hedge and he nods and looks across. “Me too. Before it was just too big, but now the Blue Moon feels…”


“Too small?”


“Yeah.  So I could rent it out to Ben and Benson. It would be a shame to leave it standing empty.”


“Want me to talk to him?” He puts his mug down and turns to straddle me. “I think, though, it will be like giving a bone to a starving dog!”


“This is very true!” He looks uncertain and leans in to kiss me, so far so usual, but then his hand rests on my throat. I take it gently. “I thought you were close...”


“I almost did, but it felt…” His fingers flex. “...so…”


“Heightened?”


“That’s it. Heightened.” Again the pause and flex. “Have you…”


“No, this is as close I have gotten.” He grins as he is as on to me as I am to him. “I have seen it done, but to be honest, it is just too dangerous a thing for me - for us - to try. Especially with…” Right on cue Gus gives the nappy cry. “...I’ll go.”


NINETY MINUTES LATER


JUSTIN


I chuckle as he heads back into bed. That was one heck of a nappy that Gus had, he had to have a bath and then we had to wash the bath out after he nappied again!


“Have ordered take out. Nothing with carrots or sweet potato!” He blenches. “I don't know about you, but I think that was some revenge pooping for waking him up with the singing earlier.”


“And the snoring, don't forget the snoring.”


“I do not snore!” He huffs. “I have a deviated septum, which…”


“Honks like a foghorn when you get boozed up?” I suggest.


“Ooh, you little minx!” He rubs the bridge of his nose and I squeeze his thigh before reaching for his spray. “Want some pain pills?”


“No, this should do it. It comes in handy, this deviated septum. Judging by the look on your face, the smell was just as bad!”


“It was hideous and all invading. I think some got in my follicles.” He closes his eyes and snickers while leaning his head back. I take that opportunity to put the iPad in his lap; he looks down and picks it up, then leans across and kisses my cheek. “I can…”


“Leave it exactly like it is...perfect.” He strokes the screen. “When did you do this?”


See the source image


“When you were foghorning, you didn’t just keep Gus awake.”


“I see. Let me send this to them. Then maybe I can apologise for my gross dereliction of quiet sleeping duties, by nailing you until you pass out.”


“Hit send quickly, Alpha!”


MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME


KITCHEN


MICHAEL

 

Forget the wedding, they deserve each other! No, the thing I need to stop is this adoption. The last thing I want is Brian to be hers! Him saying it will happen, and them doing it are two different things. I never thought in a million years she would betray me like this. I read the article on mental incompetency again. If I can’t have them as parents, well, him not so much, he sure as shit isn‘t going to!

End Notes:

Please be constructive and kind, if reviewing. Thanks.

The Beginning Of The End and The Start of the Beginning by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 67 - THE BEGINNING OF THE END AND THE START OF THE BEGINNING

 

BRITIN - FIVE MINUTES LATER

 

MASTER BEDROOM

 

JUSTIN

 

We have silly grins on our faces as we read the response from Debs and Carl, well, mostly Carl as Debs couldn't see through her tears. They love it and have been speaking to Mel. She knows a judge who deals with adult adoptions, and has agreed to finalise the papers. So, in three short weeks, he will have the mum and dad he deserves. I wipe away the thing in his eye and hand him his spray for his blocked nose. We sit for a few minutes in silence just taking in the enormity of what has happened...what will happen.

 

“So our ceremony…” He begins as he puts the spray down. “...what are we going to have?”

 

“Have?” I am a bit surprised by the question and the lack of pouncing!

 

“Hmm. And do I ask them now or when we officially marry?”

 

“Ask them? Who are you…” I just gaze at him for a few seconds. “...you would do that?” I whisper, feeling choked.

 

“We may be an unconventional couple, but the tradition is that I ask for the hand in marriage from the father first and get the approval of his sister.”

 

I sit astride him and brush my fingers through his hair. “When we get married, and I will ask too.”

 

“To quote you, giving a starving dog a bone. So what…”

 

“Pouncing and nailing. As in you should be doing this now.”

 

“How remiss of me…” He murmurs against my lips before sucking my bottom lip into his warmth. He suckles and swipes before nipping gently, and finally, I mean seriously, kissing me deeply. Judging by that chuckle down my throat, he could feel my keenness! “No hair pulling…” He protests softly.

 

“No more teasing.”

 

“I am trying to build up to a deep, hot, juicy love making, and you are complaining about the prelude.

 

“Fine…” I fling myself onto my back. “...do with me what you will.”

 

“Are you pouting, Jiggle? He leans over me then bumps my nose with his. “Are you?”

 

“Well…” I nip his chin, and then almost scream when he slowly rises then stands by the side of the bed, just staring at me. I feel myself getting a weird combination of turned on and embarrassed, such is the intensity of his gaze.

 

He strokes my ankle, his touch jolts through me. He slides out of his boxers and I reach for mine, but he shakes his head. Slowly he reaches for the waistband and then goes at a snail’s pace, peeling them off me.

 

“Do you remember our best of six? His breath is warm, no, scorching, in my ear. I can only nod. “...want five edges then a final push by the Kinney cock?”

 

“Ye…” His mouth is ravenous, his tongue duelling with mine. He holds my head in position, and I almost swoon as his fingers twist and tease my nipples. He shifts to the side and pushes his leg between mine, then rubs his knee against my balls in tandem with his twisting. I moan and groan in delight, and soon the familiar feeling starts to throb and he slowly eases off.

 

“One…” He murmurs.

 

NINETY MINUTES LATER

 

BRIAN

 

We are covered with sweat, pre-cum, and love bites. What started off as me wanting to edge him turned into a reciprocation session instead...after the nipple and ball play, the feather light touches on the perineum almost sent him over the edge, but for me it was almost touching the hot spot. When I was rimming him he almost bit through the pillow, but now having twisty fingered each other, we have reached the point of almost no return.

 

I look over my shoulder at him as he feasts his eyes on my quivering hole. I am about to chivvy him along when he starts to sink into me, inch by slow inch. And then he stops and withdraws just as slowly.

 

“Sorry. I am so sorry!” He whispers fearfully. “I…”

 

“What the hell were you thinking?!” I hiss as I turn to face him.

 

“Brian...”

 

“Justin?!” I can’t believe he has just done that! “Well?!”

 

“I…” He takes a breath. “...honestly thought I had one on.” I raise my eyebrows, but then he shows me the condom packet and we both stare at each other.

 

“Where is it?” I feel like a shit but I see understanding in his eyes.

 

“I put it on, was looking at you and then…” He looks thunderously at me as I slowly withdraw my hand from his crotch. “...I can’t believe you!” He leaps off the bed and gapes at my grin. “Time and place! And that is not right now! There is nothing for you to be…” He stops and peers at my hand, specifically what is dangling between my thumb and forefinger.

 

“Lookie what I found....” I roll my lips in.

 

“Is that...it?” He sits back down and takes the remains of the condom then scrutinises it. “It broke?”

 

“Uh huh. Seems you had a growth spurt...”

 

“Brian!” He snorts and starts to giggle, soon we are both hooting in the mattress with laughter. “I think…” He gasps out before pushing me on my back, then resting on my chest and grinning “...that we should clean up and…”

 

“I am sorry. For thinking…” I kiss his hand.

 

“I know. I would've reacted the same.” We gaze at each other and I sigh then brush his cheek.

 

“How’d it feel?”

 

“Hot and perfect” He replies quietly. “How was it for you?”

 

“A brief but exquisite glimpse into our future. I mean, if you…”

 

“We can get tested tomorrow and put a rush on it…”

 

“Phone!” I order, and his smile lights up the room.

 

MEL’S COTTAGE - TWO WEEKS LATER, LUNCHTIME

 

LOUNGE

 

MEL

 

This is a new low. I read the email again and my heart sinks further. “Okay, Marcus, time to show him what time it is!” I reach for my phone and call the one person I thought I would never call again. The speed of the pick up somehow fills me with confidence. “Hi, how are you?”

 

KINNETIC - TUESDAY LUNCHTIME

 

BRIAN’S OFFICE

 

CYNTHIA

 

I had said to Hunter it was too good to be true. I know that shithead too well. When he goes quiet, it means something bad, and I was right. We are all simmering with annoyance, well most of us, Brian is flat out raging and Ems is on the cusp of calling his Dom friends to get them to fetch him! But Mel has called us here because she has something to tell us.

 

“The incompetency hearing is tomorrow.” Mel continues. “But he will not get anywhere. How he got someone to write this up will be one of life’s mysteries, but rest assured, nothing will come of it!”

 

“How do you know?” Carl strokes Debs’s arm. “Like you said, he got this written up.”

 

“Nothing will come of it. Now the other reason I wanted to talk to you is because of the wedding. I know you said you were going to have it at Britin, but…”

 

“Nah, guvnor, not anymore…” Benson interrupts as he paces. “...the old man wants it at our gaff. No disrespect meant, but he can get in there. I mean, that's how he heard about it in the first place, right?”

 

Brian rubs his temple then nods, I can't help the sad smile as Justin hands him his spray. How many silent tears has he shed over the actions of that punk? Those were angry and frustrated ones, and whilst these are the same, they are also ones of sadness, and disbelief that he could hurt his Ma like this.

 

“So have it at the palace, and, in the highly unlikely event of him remembering where it is, we’ve got a couple of new and not quite trained pups…” This at least raises smiles. “...so, we good with this? Carl? Debs? The whole shebang at the palace?”

 

“Yes.” Debs replies quietly. “Now can we talk about something else?”

 

ALLEGHENY COURTHOUSE - TUESDAY MID-MORNING

 

COURTROOM FOUR

 

JUDGE FRANKLIN

 

I read the papers again and look at the petitioner and sigh. “Mr Grassi, can you tell me in your own words, why you feel that Miss Grassi is mentally incompetent and should not be allowed to adopt Mr Kinney.”

 

“She has clearly not thought this through, and her behaviour leading up to this has been erratic to say the least.” He looks across the table at his mother and Det. Horvath. “He has…”

 

“Examples of this erraticness, please.”

 

“”She is marrying him, and…” He pauses at the knock on the door and my clerk pokes his head around.

 

“The witness is in place.”

 

“Thanks, Jack. Mr Grassi, I haven't heard or read anything that says she is not in control of her faculties, but what I can see is that you resent what she is doing.”

 

“What she does is no longer my concern…”

 

“Then why are you doing this, if you are no longer concerned with her actions?”

 

“I don't want Mr Kinney to be disappointed when she tires of him. She has cast me out…”

 

“You told her to choose between you and Carl! You spat at him! You tore up the picture of you and her and...”

 

“Sir, please remain calm and sit back down.” I order firmly, and wait for him to do so. “Please state your name. Your comments need to be attributed to…”

 

“Emmett Honeycutt.”

 

“Thank you. Now I have statements that attest not only to her sanity but also to her kindness and support of others, whereas I have nothing that suggests you have learned from her knee.” The people surrounding her frown and look at each other, all except Melanie Marcus. I press the intercom. “Please connect us.” The screen comes on and there are gasps. He looks surprised but somewhat pleased. “Good morning, Lindsay Peterson, is that correct?”

 

“Yes, Your Honour…”

 

“There is no need for you to address me like that, it is a pre-hearing. I understand you wish to make a statement regarding Miss Grassi.”

 

“Yes.” She looks at her and sighs. “There is nothing wrong with her apart from not putting a stop to his behaviour a long time ago. If anyone is mentally incompetent, it is him. The things he has done to her since he and Mr Kinney returned from their trip, which he lied to go on...”

 

“May I have examples?”

 

“Yes. For instance, the invoices he prepared for them both for things he paid for, which only he benefited from.”

 

AN HOUR LATER

 

MEL

 

“The last debacle was when he allowed himself to be led through their rehearsal dinner naked and on a leash.”

 

“A leash?” Judge Franklin repeats, then moves further away from Michael. “And naked?”

 

“If I could be allowed to explain that. You see…” He starts to babble.

 

“No, you can't. I have heard more than enough to throw out this spurious and envy-based petition. I suggest you get help for your emotional issues, Mr Grassi, as Miss Peterson has stated you are the problem, not her. Thank you, Miss Peterson, you have been very helpful. You may leave if…”

 

“Thank you. And I am sorry for my part in causing you all problems. I wish you good luck in the future.” With a tiny smile and a small wave, she is gone.

 

“Miss Grassi and Detective Horvath, I am sorry you had to go through this, but due process had to be followed,”

 

“We understand.” Carl nods and everyone looks stunned but relieved while he looks shell-shocked. “Can we go now?”

 

“No, not yet, there is one more thing, I mean things.” He shuffles through the papers and I try not to cry. “Ah, this is it. Who is going to witness it?”

 

“Ted Schmidt and Emmett Honeycutt.” I answer, and reach for the paper. “You need to sign the bottom here and here.” I take out a Mont Blanc pen bought especially for the occasion. “Guys, come on and sign.”

 

“What is…” Ted begins and then gapes before looking at me. “...now? They are doing it now?”

 

“Yes, now. I thought it would be best to get it sorted out before he tries to do anything else.”

 

“Mel?” Carl looks astonished. “Is this the…”

 

“Yes, Det Horvath, I am the Judge that is going to notarise and arrange for the filing of your adoption of Brian Aiden Kinney.”

 

“Where do I sign again?!” Emmett squeals, and snatches the pen off of Ted, who is in tears, and that sets me off.

 

“There.” I sniff.

 

“Ted.” Blake jabs him, and he shakily signs.

 

“Now. I, Judge Richard Franklin, hereby recognise, formalise and notarise the adoption of Brian Aiden Kinney by Deborah Jane Grassi, and, also in her soon-to-be married name, Deborah Jane Horvath, and Carl Horvath. Congratulations, it’s a boy!” He grins at them and there is a crash as Michael passes out. “One minute. Jack…” He calls through the intercom. “...can you send for an ambulance? Mr Grassi has fainted.”

 

“Yes, of course. I will be right in!” Jack replies.

 

“Let’s go to my chambers and finish this off.”

 

CHAMBERS OF JUDGE RICHARD FRANKLIN - 10 MINUTES LATER

 

EMMETT

 

“You are shitting me?!” Debs gasps clutching Carl’s hand and it takes some strong tugging from him to get her to let go. “We’re…”

 

“I am not. He’s all yours.” Judge Franklin smiles. He looks over the papers one more time before handing them to her. “These are your copies. Mr Kinney, would you like a set?”

 

Brian has not said anything since we came into the courthouse. Michael kept side eyeing him, but he didn’t even look at him.

 

“Yes. I mean yes, please.”

 

“I know you are in shock. After all that has happened today, but it’s all good news, and you have Melanie to thank, and…”

 

“Lindsay.” She adds, and rubs Brian’s arm, he is starting to tremble. “I couldn’t believe it when she said she would speak on your behalf. I think the sea air quite agrees with her.”

 

“Whe...when did you call her?” I ask, still stunned by her coming down on Brian and Debs’s side.

 

“When Del found out that this was going through the system, I called everyone on The Avenue for statements but knew I needed something stronger to refute what little he had. And who better than his ex-co-conspirator?”

 

“Brian, you okay?” Justin takes the papers from him and turns his head to face him. “Are you okay?”

 

“Yeah, I have a mom, a dad, my son and you, what else could I want?”

 

“Very good answer.” He grins. “And it comes in threes…”

 

“What does?” He is beginning to smile.

 

“Good news. You also won the first prize of the bursary for the competition. Found out just before we came in.”

 

“What?! You are kidding me?!” Brian stands up and then sits back down again. “I think I am going to faint!”

 

Our laughter is cut off by a sharp rap on the door and Jack comes in looking dour. “I am sorry to interrupt, but Mr Grassi has come around now. There was no need for an ambulance.”

 

“Great. Thanks for letting me know.”

 

“But he’s refusing to leave.”

 

Angry sighs abound.

 

“Okay, I have had enough of this shit! Where is he?!” Brian barks.

 

“Still in the room.” Jack swallows hard.

 

“Right, excuse me, let me handle this!” He orders and takes off his jacket, carefully hanging it over a chair. “Won’t be long!”

 

“Mr Kinney,  perhaps it would best if…” Judge Franklin begins.

 

But Brian is taking off down the corridor. Justin is in hot pursuit, followed by the rest of us, but because of the head start and his long legs he reaches the courtroom a few seconds before we do and then we hear it.

 

“Michael Charles whatever the fuck you call yourself, you are under citizen’s arrest!”

 

“Don’t talk crap! You can’t...what are you doing?!” He demands nervously as Brian rolls up his sleeves.

 

“Arresting you like I said, and I am allowed to use reasonable force.”

 

MICHAEL

 

I take a step backwards and almost fall against the chair, but just about keep upright then get behind it, holding it like a shield. “Keep away from me!”

 

“Nope! You have had this coming for a long time!” Brian snatches the chair out of my grasp and steps closer. “I am looking forward to this!”

 

“Brian, listen to me...” Carl begins. “...I do not want my first duty as your father to be arresting you, especially over him. Calm down and step away.”

 

“You are very lucky, you know that?” Brian sighs and starts to walk back around the table to the door. “Very lucky.”

 

“Lucky? How the hell am I lucky?! All I want is a life with you! After all we did for you, isn't that what I deserve?!”

 

“No.” Brian sneers. “I am not a trophy that you win!”

 

I throw my hands up in frustration. “We provided you with shelter, love, friendship and support. Don’t I deserve something for all of…”

 

“No.” Ted snaps. “He is not some trinket for you to dangle from your arm! You did not provide shelter or give him sanctuary, his Mom and Uncle did! You did not even give him friendship, you did fake brinkmanship. Now, we were leaving, we have the wedding to finalise, a birthday party to arrange and lives to lead without your malevolent presence.”

 

“Malevolent?! Oh, big fancy words you use. I can come and go as I please, and if that just so happens to be near any of you, well…”

 

“Can anybody hear anything?” Brian interrupts. “Or see anybody in the room?”

 

“Oh how childish! You are going to pretend I don’t exist…” My fury starts to mount as they all follow Brian out, storming into the corridor I feel revulsion as she links arms with him and calls him her beautiful boy. “He's not beautiful! He is an ugly bastard who…”

 

“Mr Grassi.” I turn at the voice and find myself looking at Backroom Bottom Boy Todd. “What are you shouting for?”

 

“None of your business!” After I rush back into the room to gather my things so I can catch up to them, I hear the door click shut and find him leaning in front of it, his eyes trained on me. “And you are doing what exactly?” I sneer as I approach him. “Move out of the way, I have things…”

 

“The only way I'm going to move is if you make me.” When he pulls himself up from his leaning position, I am thrown to find that he is taller than me and there is a coldness in his eyes that I am not comfortable with. “It is time for you and I to have a very long and much overdue talk…”

 

 

 

End Notes:

Please review kindly and constructively. Thanks.

The Master vs The Idiot, Spherification and Clara-fication by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 68 - THE MASTER VS THE IDIOT, SPHERIFICATION AND CLARA-FICATION


MICHAEL

 

I tip my head back and roar with laughter, composing myself a few seconds later, and if anything in that short time, his gaze has gotten colder.

 

“What is amusing about that?”

 

“As if you and I have anything to talk about! Oh, unless it is swapping bottom tips, which I do not need from you. I will have you know…”

 

“Admiration is a strange feeling...”

 

“Although I know I have many admirable qualities, which one do you admire most?” I sit back against the table and am surprised when he sits next to me.

 

“I said admiration, not that you're admirable. Mostly, what intrigues me is where you get your hellbent despicable persistent vindictiveness from? I can’t understand your almost nymphomaniacal desire to get your own way, regardless of the cost to anyone else.”

 

I stand up quickly and wrench open the door. “As a matter of interest, what are you doing in this place, get arrested did you?”

 

“I am the senior processing clerk…”

 

“Of course you are. See you, backroom boy, wouldn't want to be you!” I taunt him and slam the door in his face. I rush outside while thinking where they would go...of course, the brand new sparkly Woody's!

 

TODD

 

I watch him look up and down for a good five minutes, I smile as I dial a little friend. “He’s outside, pick him up and give him a better option than to cause strife and mayhem, then take him to the house. I know, my dear, but this has to be done within the confines of legality. Bye now.”

 

I turn around at the tap of the door and bid them enter. “Hi, Jack, is that for Brian Kinney?” I gesture at the papers and he hands them over with a toothy grin, which I return.

 

“So cool…” He points at them. “...though I did think he was going to clobber him.”

 

“Hmm. Must have been very tempting. Well, let's get back to dealing with the rest of the ugly, which, sadly, is our staple.”

 

“True! See you later!” He calls back over his shoulder as he heads in the opposite direction.

 

I watch his butt bounce under his slacks, and whistle under my breath, but I will never betray my LeLe like that. And, speak of the devilish Dickens! “Hey there…” I sigh into my phone. “...how are you? Good. Ah, Ems called, did he? Mmmm, yes, all sorted out, it was a bit naughty of me to rejig Franklin’s cases so that could be heard by him, but it had to be done. Speaking of done, can you call Del and let her know that his attorney did not write this up, he refused, but an Angus Horton did. Yes, that Angus Horton, the one that is friends with Gardner Vance, who also doesn't care what the papers are as long as he gets paid. I shall deal with him myself…” I look at my watch and sigh. “...I have to go file them and then I am in court until at least four. Bye, baby.”

 

Shaking off my darkening mood although looking forward to our talk, I head to my office.

 

WOODY’S - FORTY MINUTES LATER

 

CARLOS

 

Bossman has parents! I am absolutely delighted for him, couldn’t have happened to a nicer set of people! Every so often, he looks across at them, especially Carl, and gets this look that says I have a dad who loves me and won’t hurt me.

 

“Okay, people!” I holler. “In honour of this auspicious occasion, we have prepared a dish to celebrate the joining of the two houses of Kinney, Horvath and Horvath-to-be! I present to you surf and turf, steak and lobster with roasted garlic chimichurri butter…”

 

“Uh…” Justin begins.

 

“With string fries of course!” I add with a grin.

 

“Yes!” He kisses Brian’s cheek and then does the same to Carl and Debs. “So, this is where, and can I help?!”

 

“In the kitchen, and no you can’t!” Blake declares, sprinting to the door, much to Brian’s amusement and Justin’s chagrin.

 

“Okay, let’s serve.”

 

“Wait, where’s the celebratory booze?!” Brian calls out, looking around.

 

“Be patient! And prepared to be awed!” Blake grins at me, and I nod at the barkeeps who head to get them. As they come back with a mountain of balloons it goes quieter.

 

“Carlos, why are we looking at whatever we are looking at? And what the hell are they?” Brian looks unimpressed.

 

“Booze balloons. Stop glowering and listen. Have a scientist friend who is also an environmentalist but with a loud mouth, which tends to get him into fights. He  came up with this. Basically it is a seaweed based outer with booze inside. You can eat everything, cuts down on…”

 

“Call your friend.” He picks one up and inspects it thoroughly and thoughtfully. Ted starts to smile and pulls out his phone to make notes. “Can you imagine this at Pride? Or the Blue Moon Library? Definitely have to have them there. Yeah, Ted, you need to…”

 

“Investigate proprietary rights, way ahead of you. Think the process is well known, but having them with booze, we have to nail that down. Leave it with me, Bri.”

 

“Son?” Carl frowns.

 

“Glass is glass.” He replies and, judging by his expression, this doesn't clarify anything. “I mean, you won't get rid of glass in bars, that is part of their appeal, but if they swapped to these from eleven and when fights tend to occur, there's no glassing be…”

 

“...cause there is no glass!” Debs declares. “And throwing these eases the tension because it is funny?!”

 

“Yep. Ted!” Brian looks around. “Where’d he go?!”

 

“Office. Hold on Mac...said he’d be an hour and can we wait?!” Brian nods. “Mac is on his way.”

 

“Can I at least have a roll or something?!” Justin glowers.

 

HOUSE OF MAHATMA AND MILQUETOAST - EARLY EVENING

 

TODD

 

I snicker as I hear the the grating tones of Michael genuflecting at his altar. The way he tells it, the Stud of Liberty Avenue was named by him, is no longer a virgin because of him and they have an agreement that he flies free for five years and then nests with him. Nests!! Seriously?! I turn as the door opens, and our Get Outta the Avenue card has arrived!

 

“Darling, you look exquisite. Stand by the hatch.”

 

I head to the lounge, and when I enter he stops talking, then goes slightly red. I smile and Robert, who picked him up outside the courthouse, smiles back, then rises and stretches. “I trust you had a pleasant afternoon?”

 

“Yes, luckily my masochism extends to being bored to tears. But everyone has their limits…”

 

“What is…” Michael begins to object.

 

“Silence! You will not speak anymore!” Robert pulls out a ball gag and waves it nonchalantly. “I also have a sadistic side and it is between you and the door! May I send them in?”

 

“You may. Clarence!” I call out, and he comes into view. It takes a few seconds for Michael to recognise him. When he does he looks confused and relieved. “I take it you remember him?”

 

“Yes, yes I do. Nice and tight.” He crows. “First time I topped in the backroom. Is this a return visit, and Backroom Bottom Boy wants tips?”

 

“No.” Clarence's face twists with revulsion. “I had more than enough of what little you had to offer.” He is about to say something when the Council arrives. He looks uneasily at them and shifts in his seat. “Oh, worry not, they are not going to cause you any harm, they are to stop you from harming me.”

 

“Harm you? Why would I do that?”

 

MICHAEL

 

I don’t understand what he is doing here, let alone these people, I casually reach for my phone, which was on the table, and put it on my lap before I dial the number in readiness, then I realise I can't tell the police where I am anyway.

 

“287 Fieldwork Drive.” Backroom Boy calls out. “This is the address for here. And I told you that I work at Allegheny Courthouse, and I love my job, being arrested for whatever is concocting in your brain will mess with that. Now, back to the reason you will leave Pittsburgh never to return…”

 

“I am not leaving…”

 

“You sit, and Clarence, you show him.” The guy I recognise as my almost landlord orders, Clarence nods and takes off his jacket and steps towards me.

 

“You never listen.” Clarence blathers, and I am about to bitch at him when I notice two things under his top, or should that be three things! I gasp and stand up as the overshirt is removed. “I said to you that the condom broke but you just said you were clean. In fact, you were celebrating a clear result. Had the letter with you as you wanted to show Brian, you said, but he wasn’t in Babylon that night after you came back home.”

 

I start to feel sick as I take in the sight in front of me. “You're a woman?!”

 

“And a Drag King and pregnant. And you’re the father.”

 

“No!” I gibber and stand behind the chair I was sitting in shaking. “No! This is a trick, a lie!”

 

“Denial is not just a river in Africa it seems. Proof is what you need, and proof is what you have.” Backroom Boy presses a remote and the flat screen shows the backroom, more specifically it shows me and Clarence going at it and then her following me to the car. “Brian doesn't know about this, but he and Debs will be told. You may not see her as your mother anymore, but The Avenue and The Boulevard proudly does, and claims her.”

 

“How many months?” I can't tear my eyes off the video, which seems to be on a loop.

 

“Just passed four, so it’s too late, and I wouldn't anyway.” She answers, putting her overshirt back on. “I am not sure if I will keep the baby though. Now you will steal off into the night or this…”She points at the screen. “...and everything that you have said since you got here will hit The Avenue and every gay bar in the wider Pennsylvania area, by the time I am through making you look like a closet case you will regret the day you were ever born.”

 

I open my mouth to say something, but before I can make a sound, one of the goons starts to laugh. “What the fuck is so funny?” I snap.

 

He flaps his hands several times as he laughs harder and harder. Finally he regains control of himself but gives me a sneering look. “How fucking stupid can you be? You couldn't even tell it wasn't her ass you were shoving that tiny little dick into?!” With that, the whole group, including Clarence, howl with laughter.

 

“And the answer to your chanted question is hell no!”

 

“What do you…”

 

“I am the best after the Stud, right? The best! You’ve never had it so good, right?! Best after the Stud! Best after the Stud!” My voice rips through me on each thrust. But it is the look on her face...she looks bored!

 

She stops laughing and looks coldly at me. “So we are going to take you back to your place and pack it up so you can start some place new...”

 

“How do I know you won’t share this anyway?!” I snarl.

 

“You don’t.” She retorts. “And this is what will keep you away, because of your unwavering and unwarranted sense of self, your misplaced sense of pride of being who you are. You will go now and never come back that we get to hear about...or so you think. We got this, remember, so think about what else we might have?”

 

CARL AND DEBS HOUSE - TWO DAYS LATER

 

LOUNGE

 

EMMETT

 

My flabber has never been so gasted! Nobody says a word but we cringe an awful lot, as we watch him channel the Stud! Horrendous does not come close!

 

“Please switch it off.” Carl mutters from behind his hands and Debs’s back.

 

Todd waits for Brian and Debs to look at him. “He is leaving, a friend is staying with him right now. He could not pack fast enough. However, Clarence has made her decision. She will not keep the baby. When the child is placed in the care system, I will keep an eye and make sure that whoever takes him or her is…”

 

“Oh god!” Debs weeps and my heart breaks as yet another one of his clusterfucking chickens comes to roost!

 

“No.” Justin declares and looks at Brian, who at first frowns, and then has such a look of astonishment combined with relief and love that I start to cry. “So tell her.”

 

“Tell me…” Debs begins then she looks at them carefully. “...kiddo?”

 

“We are going to have kids together, so why not start with my niece or nephew? He is still your son despite what he has done, right?” He takes her hand. “Right?” She nods with tears starting to flow. “So it is settled. Mel can you and Todd speak to Clarence and…” He frowns and looks at Todd. “...what is her actual name?”

 

“Clara.” Todd grins and pulls out his phone, before pausing. “What about his rights?”

 

“Get them signed over now, I want no way back for him.” Debs orders. “My son is out and proud and people know him, far and wide. He’s behaved this way already and once the baby is born…” She trails off as the full picture hits us of what Michael could attempt to do.

 

“Let me call my friend.” Todd starts to dial but stops when Benson clears his throat. “What?”

 

“Before you do that, let me make a couple of calls myself. Give me an hour, he ain't going anywhere from what I gather right?”

 

“Correct.” Todd and I exchange looks.

 

“There is an advantage to being me.” Benson intones and then heads outside speaking rapidly in Russian.

 

FOUR HOURS LATER

 

BENSON

 

“Like I said, being a prince has its advantages. He will not cause you anymore problems.”

 

“So how isn't he going to do that?” Todd demands.

 

“A lady never tells, do they, Jen?” I top up her glass having brought her back with me.

 

“Deystvitel’no, oni ne.” We all look at her in bewilderment. “That's Russian for indeed they do not.” She winks at Benson, then raises her glass with a smile.


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End Notes:

Please if reviewing, be kind and constructive.

The Rat Who Sucks on a Lemon...And They're Almost Complete by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 69 - THE RAT WHO SUCKS ON A LEMON…AND THEY'RE ALMOST COMPLETE


JUSTIN

 

“Mom, two things: one, when did you learn to speak Russian, and two, what have you two done?”

 

“I didn't do anything, it was already done by the time I was collected by Benson. And, as for Russian, remember when I went to Stalingrad? I had to learn some then to get by.”

 

All eyes turn to Benson. “My old man’s lawyer, Gregor, went to his house and offered him a place gratis to leave and never come back…”

 

“What?! How is that going to work?!” Carl demands.

 

“My old man thinks you all are wonderful and anyone who is good to his Teen is good with him.” He drains his glass. “So he showed him a picture of the house and said that it would be best if he typed the address for him. He was stupid enough to let him do that.”

 

“So?” Ted prompts.

 

“The gay community is not the only place he swings his dick.” Benson continues with a grimace, no doubt remembering that video.

 

“And so, my dear Prince, you and Gregor…” Brian is starting to smile so I jab him in his side, he leans across and kisses my cheek. “...oh very nicely done.”

 

“What is very…” I am beginning to pout.

 

“Michael was going to send a mass email crowing about his new place. Gregor said he would attach the picture of it.”

 

“But he didn’t...he sent the video instead?” Blake queries.

 

“And the picture. He also added a little PS, inviting them around for a taste of his candy pole and bcc’d me in. I should imagine that not all of his collectible friends are gay. Oh look, I have replies.”

 

Emmett holds out his hand and Benson gives him the phone. I move so I can read over his shoulder.

 

“Oh my god...this is the place? And you gave it to him?” I am bowled over at the opulence of it. “Surely not?” I turn the phone around and everyone is stunned into silence.

 

“Yep, that’s it.” Benson looks nonplussed by our dismayed expressions. “Look, I know it seems like it is rewarding bad behaviour, but…”

 

“But it is!” I exclaim.

 

“But he also got him to sign over his rights to the child.” He hands over the piece of paper and we crowd around to Mel to read it. “That’s what took the time, getting him to sign them over.”

 

“That won’t make a difference, the moment he finds out that we are going to adopt the baby he will come after us, rights or not!” I can feel myself getting worked up, as yet again, he has a way to come back. “He will enjoy making things difficult!”

 

“Justin,  calm yourself please.” Emmett orders firmly. “Now everyone sit down. I think I have worked this out.” He turns to Mel. “How watertight is that?”

 

“If this was the Titanic, it would sink the iceberg!” Mel crows with tears in her eyes. “Like the hearing. He tries, but it goes nowhere.”

 

“What’s wrong with it? The house I mean. You don't like him, so what’s wrong with it?” Emmett points at the phone and now confusion reigns.

 

“Ever seen the movie Money Pit?” Benson chuckles at the slow nodding. “Well, financially, that makes that lemon in the film seem like a peach. And then, of course, there’s where it is?”

 

“Where?” I sigh wearily.

 

“Bustleton in Philadelphia.” His grin gets wider and wider. “Which is a mostly Russian enclave, the majority of whom are very fond of my grandparents, my folks and me. He won’t be able to blink and us not hear about it. And he won't be able to sell...”

 

“And as for the adoption...” Todd smiles. “...it will be private and sealed. He will never find out from anyone outside of this, to quote Benson, enclave.” Feelings of relief start to flow and grins abound.

 

Del turns to him with an evil smile. “So have you located him?”

 

“Yes. He’s got an appointment with the Bar Association in two weeks’ time. As much as I wanted to do it my way, this is so much better. I am sorry, Brian, but he went to Gardner Vance’s attorney to get the papers for the incompetence hearing written up.”

 

BRIAN

 

I lean back in the chair and sigh. “How did he even get to him, and…”

 

“I don't know, but he is his problem now. After he lost the hearing, it seems that Michael called the Bar Association to complain about his failings…”

 

“So…” Debs looks confused.

 

“So that prompted an investigation into some of the other cases that he had written up. Can’t imagine where they got the information from…?”

 

“As I said before, he is the Master.” Ems gives a blushing Todd a one armed hug, followed by a kiss on his cheek.

 

My heart starts to race as realization dawns that we are finally free, but there is just one thing that is bugging me.

 

“He can leave the enclave anytime he wants though.” I feel the fear creep back in the room a bit.

 

“Well, unless he becomes a mountaineer or a canoeist, he ain't leaving by any route other than the one he came in.” Benson stretches and pulls Ben off the sofa. “It is land and water locked on three sides.” I start to smile. “And he can’t sell to anyone but me, and I ain't buying. So come on, folks, breathe and be happy. Before we go though, Debs, Carl, that needs to be replaced…” He points at the TV. “...it is forever sullied. But more importantly, people, go home and fuck each others brains out!”

 

MICHAEL’S NEW HOME - AN HOUR LATER

 

MICHAEL

 

Wow, it is a lot more chilly in Philly, I decide and shiver, wishing I had worn a slightly warmer coat. I take out the keys to my place, still in disbelief that I have this for free!

 

My phone peeps again, and now I can finally check my many messages, no doubt congratulating me on my new swanky abode. I frown at the first one, telling me in no uncertain terms to fuck off. In fact, the majority of them are telling me never to contact them again, but there was one who wanted to take me up on my offer, and she would bring her friends as long as I brought the Stud I was shouting about! “What the hell’s going on?!” I mutter, and am about to check my sent items when the door knocks. “Seems that these neighbours are friendlier than the last lot. I can deal with that later.” I open the door, then gulp as a sense of dread washes over me.

 

“Howdy, neighbor.” The smile on the face of the palace guard who led me home almost has me throwing up. “Your world has just gotten very small, and it will remain so as long as I can help it.” He leans against the door jamb. “Let me in so I can explain the rules of this little principality.”

 

Two hours later, the only thing that is keeping me calm and happy in my new hellhole is the fact that my former mother will never, ever find out about that blasted child!

 

BRITIN - EARLY DAWN

 

MASTER BEDROOM

 

BRIAN

 

He is sleeping. The pad rests on his chest, and I wait for his hand to relax so I can finally see what he has drawn. I freeze as he grumbles as his skin briefly chills, but then he sinks back into sleep. I settle against the pillows, and as I flick  through, I'm smiling as there are ones of Gus, Debs, Carl and, of course, me.

 

“Back page.” He mumbles, and shuffles up then taps my arm, I wrap it round him and he plays with my happy trail. I turn to it and am stunned into silence.

 

“It won't be that big.”

 

“It is beautiful.” I stroke the page in awe.

 

“Maybe brighten it up a bit?”

 

“No. You are the light to my dark, and I am the Ying to your Yang. Beautiful and perfect. Don't change a damn thing. This is our commitment tattoo.”

 





 

 

 

End Notes:

Please be kind and constructive if reviewing.

To Quote Sister Sledge... by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 70 - TO QUOTE SISTER SLEDGE...


BLUE MOON HOUSE - MORNING, TWO WEEKS LATER, A WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING

 

BRIAN

 

Justin is checking upstairs, and I am checking down. It doesn't look like we have left anything, it is a blank canvas for Ben and Benson to move into. I smile as I hear the melodious humming of Ems coming down the path, though I can't see him for the enormous vase of flowers he has in his arms.

 

“Want some help?!” I call out.

 

“Oh, Big Bad, don't scare a lady like that!” He grumbles after jolting to a startled halt. “I could actually, can you take these and put them in the lounge, note I said put, I will place!” He smirks as our battles over placement are legendary. “You can put them higgledy-piggledy in Britin, but not in Blue Moon!”

 

“I shall make sure the edict is followed.” Justin laughs as he comes down the stairs, I look over my shoulder at him and frown. “He does it better than you, you are the concept guy and he is your eyes.” I am about to defend my honour  when he holds up his hand. “Only when it comes to styling a house, everything else you are the master at.”

 

“Nice save, Jiggle!” Ems titters, then frowns. “What you got there?” We both grin at him. “What? What is it?”

 

“Our tattoo brands.” Justin hands the iPad to him. “We would be honoured if you, instead of Todd, conducted it.” I manage to catch the pad before it hits the floor, then glare at Justin. “Okay, okay, I should've asked then showed him! Uh...Ems, are you going to answer?”

 

Ems has one hand clapped over his mouth, the other clutching his heart, and tears streaming down his face.

 

“Are we to take it, you Nelly Big Bad Deflowering Bottom, that this is a yes?” I open my arms and he stumbles, nodding, into them. “Good.” I murmur, then kiss his ear while Justin rubs his back.

 

“What’s wrong?!” Brandon exclaims as he comes in with cupcakes from Del.

 

“Nothing bad…” Ems sniffs, and nuzzles my shoulder to wipe his eyes. “...stop scowling; it is last season! Besides, you will get crow’s feet!” All three of them snicker as my face drops. “They asked me to do their ceremony and I said yes.”

 

“Oh, I am so glad.” Brandon heaves a sigh of relief. “Kitchen?” He indicates the cloche. “Or bedroom?”

 

“Bedroom.” Ems replies, starting to pull himself together. “Right, people, let’s get this place B&B perfect!”

 

WOODY'S - AN HOUR LATER

 

KITCHEN

 

VLADIMENKO

 

I taste the borscht and add a bit more salt. Blake and the chefs are doing the final testing of the wedding feast, and Debs insisted that each of her boys, of whom Teen is now one, have a dish of choice. I am so proud he has chosen this, it is the first time we have made it together. “So, move in day is tomorrow, Teen?”

 

“Yeah…” He is unusually contemplative before he looks at me seriously. “...the summer ball next year, put his name down.”

 

“Your father already did.” I smile and then lean across to kiss his forehead.

 

“Also can…”

 

“I will have my best man look after your man. Worry not.”

 

“Good. Now come on, we have black bread to make!”

 

HOUSE OF MAHATMA AND MILQUETOAST - EARLY AFTERNOON

 

OFFICE

 

DEBS

 

I am not often rendered speechless, but I am truly stunned into silence. “You...” I pause. “...are a Dom, and you…” I point at Leroi, who I have known for years but as an immigration officer. “...are his sub and have been together for eight years?” He nods and I turn to my boy, Emmett. “And you and Brandon are…”

 

“In training, but want to have what they have, but without the backroom bit.” He replies, grinning.

 

“Brian is a...did either of you teach him?”

 

“I did.” Todd smiles. “And Leroi taught him how to sub.”

 

“I don’t quite understand why you are telling me though.”

 

“Because we need you to explain to Carl how the commitment ceremony works, and it would sound better coming from you…”

 

“Commitment ceremony?” I echo. “Who is being committed?”

 

“Brian and I…” I am startled when Justin comes through the door looking nervous. “...I wanted to ask you officially…”

 

“Where’s Brian?”

 

“Asking my Mom.” He sits down. “I will ask Carl when Brian asks my dad and sister…”

 

“Wait back up. Ask Carl what?”

 

“For Brian's hand in marriage. It is not going to be yet, we want the kids to be there, know what we are doing and why…”

 

“Then you have it. Anyone got a pen and notebook? I suspect I need to write this down.” I grin as everyone else sighs in relief.

 

JENNIFER’S HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER

 

KITCHEN

 

JENNIFER

 

I pour the vintage Beam and smile at his incredulous expression. “When you two made up after that row, I knew, and it took everything to just be Mom, so I went and got this…” I tap the bottle. “...for when you wanted to ask for my permission for the ceremony, which of course you have.” He smiles and we clink. “And this is also for you both.”

 

“What is this?” He swivels the box.

 

“Not telling, open it with him, but don't start it until six months before.” We clink glasses, but he frowns. “Trust me, when he sees them he will follow my instructions.” He knocks back his drink and I chuckle. “He said that about you.”

 

“What?” He puts on his coat in such a rush that he messes up buttoning it and has to do it again.

 

“You are not known for your patience…” He pauses and I hold up a finger. “...and that was all he said, but the next day he was walking funny and sitting gingerly. It doesn't take a genius…”

 

“Well...uh...of course...uh quite!” He mutters and almost uses the window to leave.

 

“Oh, Craig and Molly…” I raise my glass to the heavens. “...how you would have loved Brian so.”

 

BRITIN - THREE HOURS LATER

 

KITCHEN

 

BRIAN

 

“She said you didn't divulge the intimidate details.” I call over my shoulder as I pull a smoldering Justin behind me. “But that combined with your failure to act sensibly earlier, well you can see why…”

 

“Actually, no I can't.” He complains and sets his feet, thus halting our progress. When I let  go of his hand he pinches the bridge of his nose then puts his hands on his hips. “Brian, I don't understand why you are all Dom for something you admit I haven’t done, and…” He trails off when I move and he can see the candle lit table. “...Brian?”

 

“Come here, Jiggle.” He slowly starts to approach. “From your Mom. Said I should open it with you.” We open the box in silence, and inside is a whisky advent calendar, I check out the list and whistle. “Wow, where the hell did she get this from? One of those alone for a small bottle is $110…” He sniffs, and a tear drops onto the table. “...Justin?”

 

“They are my dad’s favourites.” He takes the list from me and nods. “He was a whiskey nut, and would try and find the rarest ones. He...he said once that he would share his appreciation of the fine amber nectar, as he called it, with me when I was old enough. But the one thing he always did was buy his calendar six months in advance of Christmas and store it away.”

 

“Then that is what we will do. Let’s rewrap it and put it in the bo...no, get a special box for it.”

 

“Thank you.” He wipes his eyes and then frowns. “What’s this?” He points at the envelope.

 

“I went to see Clara after your Mom said what you said about me.” I hand him the envelope and wrap my arm around his shoulders as he opens it. He sniffs again. “Let me tell you something, if you go down the clichéd route then I will tan your hide.”

 

He looks up from the picture. “No pink?”

 

“No. Rose Grub does not do pink.” I kiss his trembling mouth. “So, can we talk names?”

 

“Yes.”

 

ZHERNAKOVDAKOVICH PALACE - DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING

 

DEBS

 

I still can't believe it! We are all silent as we enter the lounge, Ben clears his throat, and Benson looks around from the fireplace very smugly. “Well, get your coats then you can come out and see it properly!” He demands, as he strides out, we just follow shaking our heads.

 

“Uh, Benson!” Ben has been trying to pull an explanation out of his boyfriend since we got here, but he has refused to say anything until we are all present.

 

“Wonder what they are thinking?!” Benson muses as he watches for their arrival.

 

TEN MINUTES AWAY FROM PALACE

 

BRIAN

 

I don’t think I have ever seen a building so beautiful, or been so freaking cold! All that can be heard is the sound of panting of the dogs and swooshing as the sleds pull us towards the palace. “He can’t be serious?!” I mumble as I take in the full majesty of the building.

 

“Brian?” Justin’s muffled gasp from under my chin makes me smile. “But I thought…”

 

“So did I.” I reply, and look around, I can see the wide-eyed expression on Emmett’s face as his sled draws level. “Did you know?!” I yell out, and my tongue almost freezes. He wisely just shakes his head. “It doesn’t look real…” I sigh. “...it can’t be real!”

 

As we sweep up the drive, I see waving. “I think that is a heavily bundled up Debs. And isn’t he cold?!” I demand as Benson starts to applaud our arrival in just a puffa jacket, jeans and no gloves! We glide to a stop and he grins as he lopes towards us, waving at those behind him to follow.

 

“No looking back! You promised!” He yells, and heads bobble.

 

“Can we look now?!” Ben’s attempts to angrily cross his arms are thwarted by the thickness of his coat.

 

“It is not my fault you guys wanted to come up last night instead!” He laughingly retorts as he shuts Brandon’s mouth. “But yes, turn around.”

 

 

Nobody says a word for a while before Ben moves to Benson’s side. “So this is the winter palace then?”

 

“Yep. Will it do?” He grins at Debs and she, like Emmett, just nods.

 

“Come on, everyone, back indoors! It’s a bit chilly out here!” Wilson shouts from the front door.

 

“A bit chilly?” Emmett declares, trying to run and almost landing face first when he skids, but he is saved by Brandon. “It is colder than Siberia!”

 

We gingerly make our way inside, and now it is their turn to smile at us. “Not that I am complaining about being here, but why are we here? This is utterly breathtaking!” Justin gasps, wide eyed.

 

“Oh my God!” I splutter, and Benson’s grin gets wider. “Everyone look up!”

 

“Is that a…” Jennifer begins only to start to chuckle.

 

“Wilson saw it and couldn't resist.” We all look astonished at him while he snickers.

 

“See, I do have a sense of humour, despite my dour countenance!”

 

“Does that come in a smaller size?” Justin blinks.

 

“That is small.” Wilson replies. “And a pain in the ass to clean. Now come and get some refreshments, their majesties will join you shortly. They have some duties to perform, one of which is slightly unpleasant.”

 

We follow him into the lounge, and those in the sleds almost run to the fireplace and crowd around it. “You will warm up soon enough. Oh, and Emmett, you are wrong, Siberia is colder. It’s lucky we aren’t closer to the border.”

 

“Back to my original question…” Emmett takes the steaming mug with a smile. “...because?”

 

“The winter ball is on Sunday, and old folks and the grands have to be there.” Benson explains, licking the cream off of his lip. “And this was the only way for them to attend the wedding as well.” He smiles softly at Debs. “You should have seen his face when he opened that invite.”

 

“We were, no are, very touched.” Vlademenko strides in. “And there was no way we were going to miss it. Now that the unpleasantness is finished with, the celebrations can begin!”

 

“If you don’t mind me asking…” I take a sip of the hot toddy. “...what was it you were doing?”

 

“Changing his nappy.” Micheline comes in, carrying Gus with a smiling Mel and Daph behind her.

 

“Ah.” I put the mug down and take him in my arms. “What did he eat?” He grins gummily up at me.

 

“Lentil soup.” She shudders. “I don’t want to see that for a while!”

 

“It is gorgeous, son, a real rib sticker.” Carl advises. “Got the recipe.” He looks up at the silence. “What?”

 

“Think that’s the first time you’ve called me son.” I hand Gus over to Justin and go over and kiss his cheek. “Thanks, Dad.”

 

“Always and anytime.” He murmurs, squeezing my hand, and I swallow hard.

 

“So, you going to show us around this little hovel of yours, your highness?” Ben teases Benson. “I saw the hallway and the bedroom and…”

 

“The ceiling. And that howling last night was not a wolf!” Benson teases back, and Ben almost goes magenta with embarrassment.

 

Two hours later, we are settled in our rooms. The nannies, which Micheline insisted that she provide, are looking after Gus and Henry, so we can make the most of the time. I have just hung up on Carlos, he completely understood about the wedding being moved so he’s catering our ceremony instead.

 

“Oh my gosh, we have to get one, please can we get one?” Justin pads out of the bathroom in his robe.

 

“One what? The robe?” I pull him by the collar closer to me. “This is like an overcoat, it will be too hot in the Pitts.”

 

“Go and look.” He kisses the side of my mouth and shoves me gently towards the bathroom.

 

“I doubt there is…” I trail off and stare. “...but this is a Russian palace!” I mutter as I take in the bathroom.

 

 

“I know. So pick an end.” He sashays in front of me and drops the robe. “Left, right, ass or mouth?”

 

“Against the wall, ass out!” I order, and ache as he gets into position. “And…” He groans as I work him open. “....we are definitely getting one!”

 

WOODY’S - SAME TIME

 

CARLOS

 

When I suggested to Kinney that he ban Michael from this place, I was surprised when he said no and to let him live his life. I just can't understand why! He’s been hawking around like a bad smell. I sigh as he slithers up to the bar. “Another visit - how much is it costing you in petrol to come back and forth? What can I get you?”

 

“A beer, unopened.” He retorts, I wait for him to pay first, as usual he makes no move to do so. “Put it on my tab, I will pay eventually. After all, they are not hurting for money. I have no other bills to pay. You do know that I got a free house, I have…”

 

“A free running mouth that nobody wants to hear!” I snap, and put the bottle down.

 

“I need a bottle opener, unless, of course, you want me to use the edge of the bar. And we know how badly that will go down with the son of the mother, no longer my mother, thank Christ, of Liberty Avenue.”

 

I open the bottle for him, which he swipes then turns his back on me. “You can drink that elsewhere…” He turns back looking puzzled. “...yeah, that’s to takeaway.”

 

“I will drink it here, thanks.” He takes a long pull and holds my gaze. “Another, Mr Barman! Keep them coming, until...”

 

“Ah, there you are!” A heavyset man with an even heavier accent strides up to the bar and the idiot’s face falls. “How many is that?” He gestures at the bottle.

 

“First, but sadly I doubt it will be his last!” I retort, and reach for another when he shakes his head.

 

“No, that is enough. Oh, my manners, Jarenko.”

 

“Carlos.” I reply and we shake hands and his face lights up.

 

“Ah the infamous Carlos! As for me, I am one of his many shadows, much to his great annoyance. Wherever he goes, one of us will follow.” He turns to Michael, who looks like he is going to implode. “Like I said, this is your last one…” He points to the bottle again. “...so drink up and let us go. You have to do some shopping, all this take out is playing hell with your waistline...again.” He starts to go red. “Although you are not as fat as the last time I walked you.”

 

“Walked him? What does…”

 

“Let’s go!” Michael snaps, quickly draining the bottle, then gestures to the door.

 

“I walked him naked on a lead all the way from the Palace to his house…”

 

“Do you have pictures?!” I gasp, and now the idiot has gone as white as a sheet...not so cocky now!

 

Jarenko sniggers and grins at me. “...oh yes, it makes sense now. Wilson said that I should tell you when I met you. As for pictures sadly no…” He leans closer. “...but if that were to get around from a trusted Avenue source, then that would curtail his visits somewhat, would it not?” We look at him as he gurgles in outrage, fear and disbelief!

 

“Oh, that it would, Jarenko, leave it with me.”

 

“With pleasure.” He laughs, and then clears his throat. “So salads, and maybe use the gym in our enclave for something other than cruising where nobody wants you to dock!”

 

WEDDING DAY - MORNING

 

DEBS’S ROOM

 

MICHELINE

 

I try again to do her mascara, but again she starts to cry.

 

“Debs, please try!” Jennifer sighs, although her eyes are suspiciously bright. “If you are like this now, how are you going to cope when the suit is put on?”

 

“Okay, soon-to-be Mrs H, get it together!” Debs chides herself, and I decide now is as a good a time as ever.

 

“So, where are you going on honeymoon?”

 

“Ah, no idea.” She chuckles, and we both frown at her. “Brian wants, of course, to pay for it, but Carl said no. We can do this ourselves. Took a lot of arguing, but he has promised to let us do that, so we’re going to dip into our savings for it. Why?”

 

“Vlad and I want to give you something to come home to.” I put down the mascara and go to the door, I chat to the person outside and then shut it again with a smile. “Won't be long. Let’s get her dressed in the meantime, eh, Jennifer?”

 

CARL’S ROOM

 

CARL

 

My hands are shaking as I do up the buttons of the cloak, but then start to sweat like a pig despite the coldness outside. “Dad, calm down!” Brian orders, handing me a handkerchief. “What's with the nerves?!”

 

“Waiting for the shoe to drop…”

 

“Why the hell would it?!” He looks surprised.

 

“I asked before...you know, but she wanted to wait.” He sits down looking stunned. “She wanted to wait until he was finally settled and thought it was going to be with you and…”

 

“Jesus.”

 

“Yeah, I know, right. I didn't ask again because once she knew it wouldn't be with you, I was afraid she would want to wait again, and I thought she did when she didn't say anything for a month.”

 

“Little Grub fever.” He chuckles, and then reaches in his pocket. “Some liquid courage…” He hands me the flask. “...not so fast!” He exclaims, laughing as he takes it back off me.

 

“So this commitment ceremony...I uh have seen my kids grow from birth...could you wear pants or something?!”

 

“Yes, Dad, we will wear pants!” He snorts and then reaches for his phone, I wait for him to stop tapping. “How about these?” I look at the leather pants approvingly. “Good. I shall put a rush on them. Won't be long.” He scampers, definitely scampers, out.

 

I think for a bit and shake my head. “Brian!” I call out.

 

“Yes!”

 

“Are they are assless?”

 

“Yes!”

 

DES'S ROOM

 

DEBS

 

He is going to love that! I lean across and kiss Micheline on the cheek. “I thought it appropriate, since it is so true.”

 

“They will take pride of place in…”

 

“You have to use them, no gathering dust in a display cupboard!” Jennifer rebukes me gently, and I nod and survey the mugs one more time.

 

“First thing in the morning!” I declare, and put them on the dresser.

 

Image result for queen of fucking everything king of everything left

 

“Debs...” Jennifer looks at her watch. “...the ceremony is in an hour, and I know you well enough now, so shall ask. Do you want to give the room a once over?”

 

I grin and nod, we troop down the stairs and that chandelier still makes me laugh heartily. “It is a shame we can’t get married under that.” I muse. “Which way is the room?”

 

“Wilson!” Micheline calls. “You were right, let’s get the stuff moved!”

 

KITCHEN - FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER

 

TED

 

Blake scrutinizes and then smiles his it is perfect smile. Del and I hug and then we hear Wilson calling. “I knew it! Typical Debs!” I laugh, and we go to help!

 

TWO MINUTES BEFORE THE CEREMONY

 

CARL

 

“Why the hell does she want me to wear a blindfold?!” I step away from Justin, but run straight into Brian.

 

“Because she does!” Brian growls, and wraps his arms around me. Within minutes, the blindfold is tied around my head, and I can hear the door being opened.

 

“Here comes the groom!” I hear Vlademenko shout, and the room goes quiet. “Stop!”

 

I can hear tittering. “Come on, guys, what is it?!” I grouse.

 

“We may be in Russia, but we are getting married Liberty Avenue style…” Debs chuckles, and I feel her kiss on my cheek. “...open your eyes and look up!” She demands.

 

I close them again and start to smile, as only she could want this! “Okay, Mrs soon-to-be Horvath, where do I stand?!”

 

“What a question!” She exclaims, and strides to stand under the chandelier. “By the cake of course! Am watching my figure!”

 

    Image result for ornate wedding cakes

 

Brian’s arm slips into mine. “Ready for your short walk towards long-time happiness, Dad?” He grins his eyes bright.

 

“Son, I was born ready!”

 

 

 

End Notes:

Please, if reviewing, be kind and constructive.

...We Are Family by MissMerlot

CHAPTER 71 - ...WE ARE FAMILY


BRANDON

 

The laughter dies down and we take our seats. “One more thing.” Brian stands in front of his parents. “He asked and I said yes.” They frown. “Your Priest, for want of a better word, Theodore Schmidt.”

 

Gasps ripple around the room as a slightly nervy looking Ted steps out with a lot more confidence than I suspect he feels.

 

“An honour, an absolute honour!” Debs declares. “Any more wonderful surprises?!”

 

“I give you the ring bearer!” Mel calls out, and points behind them. We all turn to see Henry walking slowly towards them, clutching the cushion in one hand and Benson’s fingers with the other and wearing ear defenders. “We’re recording this, right?!” Mel wipes her eyes. She, like everyone else, had gathered behind Ted to film them.

 

“Oh yes, we are most certainly doing that!” Wilson replies with a look we have comes to recognize as his beatdown look. “Now let us begin!”

 

“To you all, I bid you welcome…” Ted begins, and I frown at Ems. “...there is one more surprise for the King and Queen of Liberty Avenue. Because of the circumstances we know and loathe, the wedding of the year could not be held where you would’ve liked, so this is the next best thing. Thanks to modern technology and Eli and Monty, I give you, Debs and Carl, greetings from The Avenue and The Boulevard!”

 

We all gasp as what we thought was a plain black wall shows a split screen of all of The Avenue and The Boulevard having a wedding block party.

 

“Say hi, guys!” Ted orders, and we are all almost blown out of our seats by the roar, and some of us are trying to quell the ringing in our ears for a few minutes afterwards. “Now you know why he has the defenders on, Mel, I knew they would get loud!”

 

“The Avenue is not known for quiet!” Carl laughs and hands Deb a handkerchief, she dabs her eyes. “You okay, honey?”

 

“Yes. Can you marry us, no...wait, no! Where’s Little Grub?!”

 

“Right here.” Daphne calls out, bringing him in. “Thought it might be best for the noise to die down a bit.” She gives him to Justin, as Brian is Carl’s best man.

 

“Quiet please! So, the wedding of Carl...sorry, ladies first, the wedding of Deborah Jane Grassi and Carl Horvath will begin.” He clears his throat. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the eyes of God and the hearts and minds of those that matter and truly love Debs and Carl and wish them nothing but happiness…”

 

MAROUSHKA BAR & GRILL, BUSTLETON, PHILLY - SAME TIME

 

JARENKO

 

I look from the screen to him; he looks incredulous and angry then he turns and starts storming out. “Don't you want to see what you could've done if you just had the heart?” He whirls around, his face twisted in annoyance, the room goes quiet. “You could've, no should’ve, been the one walking her down the aisle, Michael!”

 

“Like I said before, she is no longer my Mother to walk!”

 

“Bullshit!” Leonid, one of his other shadows, seethes. “Your heart, like hers, is breaking. But, unlike you, she will have someone to help her heal. Now go on your way...we are staying to watch the wedding. You will be shadow free for once, but do avoid Liberty Avenue.”

 

“Why’s that?” He affects boredom.

 

“It is closed for the wedding block party.”

 

“What?!” He splutters incredulously. “How the hell did...ah, my never-to-be stepdad pulled some strings. Like I said, screwing the law as opposed to being screwed by them has its perks.”

 

“Just go, you hateful little man. Go play with your toys and your rapidly diminishing online friends! I don’t know why you slunk in anyway, it clearly said private party!” Leonid snarls and yanks open the door, and if Michael thinks I didn’t see that last look at the screen he is kidding himself.

 

“It is a privately run TV channel, the number is 27!” I call out. He stiffens, and with one more sneering look at me, flounces out.

 

MICHAEL’S HOUSE - TEN MINUTES LATER

 

LOUNGE

 

MICHAEL

 

I look up at the screen from the laptop. I have just heard Ted’s speech about how she cared for him and others, and see how proud Emmett looked to be standing by her side.

 

“We both made our choices!” I snap, and go back to the bidding.

 

“So…” Ted continues. “...it is without further ado that I ask for their son to step forward and make his speech.”

 

I pause and swallow hard, but it is too late, the angry tears bubble up and flow down my face. “Still, at least I can take solace knowing she will never know her grandchild and…” I sniff again. “...in getting this action...oh, what the freaking hell?! Oh this is the story of my life...bid rejected!”

 

I slam the laptop shut and am about to go upstairs when the door knocks. I open it and it is Vance’s lawyer. “What the hell are you doing...owww!” I yelp as he punches me in the eye. “Why’d…”

 

“You went to the bar association!” He bellows, and I flinch at the spittle that lands in my cheek. “You’ve ruined my life, consider that small payback!”

 

“Bar association?!” I step back as he balls his fist again. “I don't know what you are talking about!” He shakes his head then strides back down the path. “I will have you arrested for assault!”

 

He takes his time turning to face me only to have a mocking sneer instead of the worried look he should have. “Why do you think I came now? Because I knew you would be alone! No witnesses! You have nobody!”

 

He gets into his car and goes back to wherever the hell he came from. As I head to the bathroom to tend to my eye, his words hit home. “And now I never will.” Once I finish dressing the small cut, I switch off the light and go to the bedroom. “And it is all my fault...I can at least admit that, if only to myself.” I crawl, fully dressed, into bed and cry myself to sleep.

 

BACK TO THE WINTER PALACE

 

BRIAN

 

I stand forward and turn to face my parents. My gaze finds Justin and he blows me a kiss, which oddly calms my sudden nerves. “Mom, Dad, all I can say is that you are perfect for each other. And what I brought together there is nobody, nowhere and no how going to tear it asunder. Emmett, your turn.”

 

“Thanks, Big Bad.” There is giggling and eye rolling. “What? He will always be Big Bad to me. Now then, back to the stars of the show. Debs, you have two of the best things in life, well three if you count my fabulous self. A man who worships the ground you walk on and a son who has always longed for you to be his Mom. And Carl, you have a woman who will love you fiercely, proudly, and sometimes bossily, and a son who you have longed to be your own, though in your heart he always was from the moment you saw him with Debs...don’t, Big Bad, I am barely holding on!” I tip my head back to stop the tears from falling and take a couple of breaths. “May I continue?” I nod at him and look to Justin, and again his blown kiss calms me down. “You three, sorry five, no soon to be six are a family, and a beautiful one. Now get married already before I drown the palace in tears!”

 

“Inelegantly put, but he raises a good point!” Ted chuckles, and then kneels down. “Henry…” He looks up at him. “...may I have the cushion please?” He points at it and Henry takes a step back shaking his head.

 

“Mine.” He states, clutching it to his chest.

 

“I had a feeling that might happen.” Diana calls out, and then produces another box identical to the one that is on the cushion. “He’s at that everything is mine stage! They are in here.” I take the box with a smile. “You have this to come!” She chuckles, and goes and sits back next to Mel.

 

“It is beautiful…” I sigh as I regard the box elegant in its simplicity.

 

Image result for ornate ring box

“And I look forward to it!” I call out to her.

 

We look forward to it!” Justin corrects me, and I blow him an apologetic kiss which he catches and presses to his lips.

 

“Hey! Focus and stand here! We are the ones that are supposed to be sappy!” Mom calls out, and I get in place next to Ems between her and Dad. “It is our wedding after all!” She grumbles with a smile.

 

“Indeed it is. Now, Debs, you first, your vows.” Ted’s voice starts to break.

 

“Carl…” She sighs. “...I love you so much, not just because you love me but you accept all of me too. It would be my great honour to be your wife.”

 

“Now...C...Carl, yours.” Ted takes the handkerchief from Blake and wipes his eyes.

 

“You okay? Ted, can I say them now?” Dad asks, squeezing his wrist and he nods. “Debs, you are my everything. When I lost my dear wife, I thought I couldn’t love again, but then you came along and captured my heart...oh, don’t worry, I am not about to do a Lionel Ritchie on you, but if you could please!” He signals Wilson and the beginning of the song fill the corridor. “May I have this dance?” He holds out his hand.

 

“You have my heart, my mind and my soul, you might as well have this too!” Mom smiles tearfully. “Well, come on people, get up and dance!”

 

I find my arms full of Justin and he pulls me down for a kiss. When we break for air, I look around us, virtually everyone is dancing in the room and on screen. Ten minutes later, the music has stopped and we are all gathered around Mom and Dad, everyone holds their breath as finally they put their rings on.

 

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now snog the groom!” Ted declares, and Mom obliges.

 

I bend my head to kiss Justin, but stop just a hair’s breadth from his tempting mouth.

 

“What?” He whispers.

 

“I have our results.” I murmur and his eyes widen. “Shall, we find a spot to…”

 

“We will be right back!” Justin yells and drags me out.

 

TWENTY MINUTES LATER

 

JUSTIN

 

I am a bundle of happiness, and oh so very horny! We get to do it raw! But we have agreed to wait until after the commitment ceremony.

 

I look around and smile. It is just the family now, the screens are off and I should imagine one hell of a party is being held! However, it is Brian that gets my attention. I mean he always does, it's just that right now he has that look in his eye! But it is only three more weeks...we’ve waited this long.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Benson calls out. “The pre-dinner appetisers will now be served!”

 

I quickly put my drink down and grab a plate, then burst out laughing when Brian hands the basket to me. “Black or white balls?”

 

 

“Who did these?!” I chuckle and take a black-balled one.

 

“Wait a second, what about those who don’t want to nibble on a dick?!” Mel snickers.

 

“Spicy salmon skin crostini for those anomalies amongst us.” Benson laughs.

 

“As for the inventive caterers, Benson and his grandfather, the latter was mortified when he saw the moulding but gamely carried on. Be careful how you nibble the end...there’s cream...uh cheese with salmon and caviar in there…” He bites the end and dips his tongue inside, I clutch the plate. “Not as creamy as yours, but it will do...for now.”

 

“Brian…” I begin and he leans in closer, his eyes blazing with lust. “...we can’t leave to do that on your parents’ wedding day!” I rebuke him, holding onto every vestigate of Wasp-dome I have.

 

“Why not?” He slides the remains of my shaft, I mean roll, inside leaving just my...no the...balls hanging out of his mouth, I watch them slowly disappear down his throat and almost break the plate in half.

 

“We would have to be super fast!” I order, and put the plate down.

 

“Oh, we will definitely be that!” He husks, and, with a quick look around, we leave. We try the room we were in just minutes ago, but it is locked. “Fuck!” He bitches as he looks up and down the corridor, but no doors are open.

 

“Bedroom?” I suggest, already pulling him up the stairs.

 

“No. There!” He points to an open door right at the end and we race towards it. Once inside, he slams the door shut and pins me against it. “God, I want you so badly, Omega, I need you so badly!”

 

“Me too, Alpha, me too! Hurry, we…” Suddenly the lights go out and torches burst into life, I look behind him and gape, for there are Emmett, Brandon, Ted, Blake and Ben, all smiling. “...what is going...now? We’re doing the ceremony now?! But I don’t have the…”

 

“You need to get changed! We’re going to help!” Brandon laughs as he and Blake step towards me with a bag. “Ben and Ted are going to sort Brian out.”

 

“What about Benson?” I stammer as I am led away from a grinning Brian.

 

“He’s setting up the room for afterwards!” Emmett chuckles as he shoos us away. “Vite-vite!”

 

Another 40 minutes later, we are facing each other, shirtless in black skin tight assless leather trousers, both of us struggling not to cry.

 

“Gentlemen, are you ready?”

 

“Yes.” Brian whispers as he takes my hand. I rub his knuckles and smile. “I spoke to my folks and explained how I knew, deep down, you wouldn’t want to be bound in public, but would do it for me. And the nearer it got the more uncomfortable you would get, so they agreed and here we are. So let’s do it our way…”

 

“Like we always do?” I nod and love him more for knowing me so well.

 

“Yes, like we always do.”

 

“Please hold out your wrists.” Emmett commands, his voice strong. “Take the opposite wrist and wind the silk first to join your hands and then I shall instruct you in the art of kinbaku…”

 

Fifteen minutes later, we are looking deep into each others eyes. “Can you breath okay?” I ask him as we are helped to be bound around the waist by Brandon and Ben.

 

“Yeah…” He groans. “...you feel like you are enjoying it as much as me!”

 

“Even more so.” I admit with a breathy sigh.

 

“Now, Alpha and Omega…” Ems sounds like he is miles away. “...you need to hold still for the tracing, but do feel free to…” His voice fades to black as our mouths meld together.

 

FORTY MINUTES LATER

 

BRIAN

 

The blood is roaring through my veins. The marks of the binding faded a while ago, but the feeling of them remains. I am on my back on the bed, the silk cools my fevered skin. “Are you ready, Brian?” Justin brushes my lips gently. There is no Alpha or Omega now, just the lovers, Brian and Justin. “Are you ready?”

 

“Yes. Now please.”

 

“Then take what is yours.” He purrs, gets on his back and spreads his legs. I frown, but he smiles. “I had a taster already...hooommmm!” He writhes as I surprise him by grabbing his cock and jerking him in tandem. “Oh, what are you...why-oh-oh...!”

 

I stop as quickly as I started and get between his quivering thighs. “Lock your ankles around my waist! Quickly!” He obeys and I sink into his warmth and the rapturous look on his face as I start to move no doubt mirrors mine. The sound of our whimpers and moans bounce off the walls, heightening this heavenly experience.

 

“Brian! I’m…” He screams, clawing my back.

 

“...one more minute!” I cry, digging into his hips, as I want our first one to be together. “Now...cum!”

 

We stiffen as the pleasure rockets through us. All we do is look at each other in stunned silence as we ride out the storm. Twenty minutes later, we are finally still, though there is the odd frisson of an aftershock. In the midst of the greatest cumming known to man, we flipped over and he is staring down at me.

 

“My…” He growls, and then looks to the door when it knocks. “...who is it?!”

 

“It’s mom!” Jennifer replies, and I feel us both withering. “We figured you weren’t going to come back, so have left you something to give you energy. See you in the morning!”

 

We wait another five minutes before he slides off me and goes to the door. He is snickering as he returns carrying the same platter as was at Blue Moon.

 

“What you got there?” I sit up as a sweet smell invades my nostrils.

 

“God, I love our family!” He chuckles as he puts the tray down. I join him in the laughter when I see the contents.

 

 

“So subtle!” He puts an entire cake in his mouth and I go still. Slowly I mimic the action and then move the tray.

 

“Your turn.” I growl at him, and he flattens me to the bed.

 

“And nobody else’s ever.”

 

“Never ever.” I murmur before he kisses me quiet and fucks me senseless.

 

SUMMERTIME - FOUR YEARS LATER

 

BRITIN

 

GUS

 

I am making my way to the big cake, it's not the cake I want, well I do, but right now I want the toy on top. Da said I can have it!

 

“Gus!” I turn around and do my best eyes as Henry catches me. “Not yet, young man, afterwards! A long time afterwards, now come along with me, you naughty Little Grub!”

 

I grin up at him and take his hand. With one last look at the toy we head outside.

 

“Did you manage to stop him, Henry?”

 

“Yes, Momma…” He tells Auntie Mel. “...he was climbing the table!”

 

“Wasn't!” I gasp.

 

“Okay, you weren't climbing, but you were really close!”

 

“Come on, you two, you need to get in place.” Auntie Mel takes takes both our hands and leads us to the big tent. I smile at Auntie Clara as we pass her and Auntie Daph. Mommy is on the other side with Uncle Hunter.

 

“Gus…” Henry looks at Auntie Clara’s tummy. “...you going to teach me how to be a big brother? I don’t know how to be that, especially to a girl. Mommy says that the baby is definitely a girl.”

 

“Yes! It is so easy though.” I smile at him. “She won’t be able to do anything for ages, but when she can it is really neat!” I turn at the sound of my sister calling my name as she totters towards us. “Be careful, Amber, slow down!” I call to her, as it looks like she is going to fall.

 

“Don't worry, Gus, I’ve got her!” Uncle Benson calls out and picks her up when she does tumble. I hope she isn't going to cry, but she is soon smiling again and holds his fingers like Henry taught me and I taught her. We get inside the tent and I see my daddies smiling at each other right up front. “Okay, Gus, you take her now. Do you remember where to stand?”

 

“Yes, Uncle Benson.” I take Amber’s hand and we join our daddies. “We’re here!”

 

“Perfect timing.” Li hunkers down and kisses both our cheeks. “So, you have a ring each, right?”

 

“I will give it to Amber when I am told to, didn't want her to lose it.”

 

“Good boy.” Da says. “Ready, family, it’s showtime.”

 

AN HOUR LATER

 

“So Gus…” Da smiles down at Amber and me, while holding Li’s hand. He is smiling really big too. “...what are yours and Amber's full family names now?”

 

I grin as I have been practicing. “Gus Charles H. Kinney-Taylor and Amber Rose H. Kinney-Taylor.”

 

“Well done!” Li picks me up and Da picks up Amber. “Shall we have cake?”

 

“Yes!” Amber and I yell.

 

TWO HOURS LATER

 

I don't think I can eat another bit of cake for the rest of my life! Amber has gone for a nap and I am resting on Uncle Ben, playing with his ring. He and Uncle Benson did the same thing as our daddies did, but I don’t remember much of it, apart from being really cold! His ring isn't as smooth as our daddies.

 

“You okay there?” Uncle Brandon comes over. “Sit up and drink this, it will help your tummy.” I hand the glass back to him and he goes back to Uncle Emmett.

 

“Gus, can you come with us please?” Li calls out, and I slowly get up. “ Did you enjoy today?” He asks as I follow them indoors.

 

“Yes…” I yawn and rub my eyes. “...bit tired and very full now.”

 

“You did eat your bodyweight in cake! That was on top of the dinner!” Da laughs and picks me up. “Nap time for you I think.”

 

“Hmmm.” I yawn again and feel myself drifting off. When I wake up later, I smile as I see what is on the table, I sit up and read the note from my daddies. “For your cherish box, love Da and Li, kiss-kiss-kiss.” I scramble under the bed and pull it out and put the toy inside. “Still, don’t understand why, but they promised they will tell me when I am a bit older.”

 

 

“Right…” I close the box and rub my happier feeling tummy. “...time to wake Amber, find daddies, and have more cake!”

 

The End.




Black bread: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/russian-black-bread-recipe

Spicy salmon skin crostini:

https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Spicy-Salmon-Skin-Crostini-969864

 

 

 

 

End Notes:

So the moon has set on this story - hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. Thanks.

 

Please be kind and constructive, if reviewing.

This story archived at http://www.kinnetikdreams.com/viewstory.php?sid=1197