“Oh, Teddy was marvelous in bed. The only time I can’t remember enjoying myself was when he was high on crystal.”

That’s the answer he gets from Emmett as they sit down for dinner. The new Indian restaurant on 4th that has too many carbs but Brian can admit that it’s as fantastic as Emmett claimed. But he’s not surprised that Emmett would talk him into taking him out for a meal in exchange for information.

“But have you been to Babylon lately? Do you know what’s going on there?” Brian demands to know, “Have you even talked to Ted in the last week?”

Emmett shrugs and takes the first piece of Poori bread, making it flat in the process, “Eh. Not really. I’m still getting over Calvin, you know? He took that job and gave it no extra thought. I found myself looking in the mirror the other day and I thought, “Well, Mr. Honeycutt. You are 35 years old. You haven’t held onto a partner for more than a year. Your hairline is starting to recede and none of your friends have come to check on you. I was surprised when you called. But it warmed my heart because I thought you might be worried about me-”

Brian bites back a growl as Emmett prattles on about his depressing life. Glancing out the window, he wonders how over-the-top it would be to jump out of it.

“But Drewsie has called,” Emmett reveals, seemingly conflicted, “He has every so often. Telling me that he misses me. That he’s 21. That’s a little inside joke between us. I couldn’t just up and leave Calvin for Drew. That didn’t seem fair. But Calvin had no problem leaving me. I just don’t want Drew to think I am only going back to him now that Calvin’s gone because that isn’t the case. It was complicated and I didn’t want to hurt anyone and-”

“Listen!” Brian interrupts, “All I wanted to know was if Ted had magical fucking powers. That’s it. Nothing else. I did NOT ask about your love life or how depressing it was. You’re not the only one who feels sad 24/7, you know. But at least I don’t bother people with my shit!”

Emmett gives Brian a hurt glance before taking his hand over the table, “Brian? Are you okay? I know Justin being in New York has to be hard and the fact that you lost Lindsay and Gus to Toronto around the same time must have been even harder. I was so worried about you. But it’s been over a year and a half so I just assumed-”

“I’m fine, Emmett,” Brian tells him, putting the napkin on the table, “I just need to know how good Ted was in bed when you were with him.”

Emmett stares at him, bewildered, “But why?”

“I just do.”

“Are you...are you interested in him or something? It’s hard for me to see but I guess you are both going through similar things right now. But please, if you two want to aim for a relationship then let Justin and Blake know. I know there are no rules in both cases and if you want to just screw around then that’s up to you but don’t...don’t keep any real feelings hidden.”

Brian stands up and throws two twenties on the table, “Fuck it. I’m obviously not going to get an answer from you. You could have just rated him from one to ten but you can’t even stay on track long enough to do that.”

“Well, I’m sorry that I am a bit confused about why you want to know!” Emmett retorts, offended by his friend.

“I’ll figure it out myself,” Brian mutters before he walks away.

He makes it a few feet before Emmett calls out his name.

“Brian?”

Brian stops in his tracks, closes his eyes, and breathes out, “What, Emmett?”

“When Ted wasn’t on crystal and was feeling confident, he was a 10. I feel that he didn’t get to show his full abilities because confidence is so rare for him. But if he built some up and is feeling good...it’s hard to run across a better lay.”

Brian turns around, confused by the answer, “Then why didn’t you try to get back with him after he got sober?”

Emmett shrugs, “Too much had happened. And, yeah, he was sober, but he needed to work on himself. It was his lack of confidence and self-worth that got him to that state. He needed to find it on his own. And...he had hurt me. You know that. You told me to leave him so I would avoid getting hurt. You...you cared. You have always been blunt and nonchalant but at that moment you really cared about me not getting dragged down with him. That had been eye opening.”

Brian looks down, “Couldn’t have had two crystal queens in the group. But if he is so good that he is creating lines in Babylon’s back room then I would have understood if you stayed.”

Emmett smiles a little, “Sometimes sex isn’t everything, what can I say? But Teddy...Teddy always had that extra something. Made you feel like the only gal in the world once he was inside you. Maybe his followers or subjects or whatever you called them are not used to that. Maybe the attention, along with his abilities, are what keep them coming back for more. I certainly did up until a point. Now sit down. You must try their mango lassi. I promise you, it’s divine.”

Brian looks at his friend for a few seconds before going back over to sit down across from him. He’ll let the subject go for now. He will find out what it is that Ted does to make the men at Babylon so fanatic. But right now, he’s just going to have dinner with his friend. Emmett seems like he really needs one right now. And you know what? Brian can't help but feel a little bit happy for him when Emmett decides to call Drew after all. They both deserve some happiness.

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Ted feels himself smiling as soon as Blake’s face pops up on his screen. Smiling and waving, he feels a stab of longing when he looks at the younger man. He really is so proud of him though. He’s doing so much for the world.

“Hey, Teddy,” he says softly grinning as they look at each other through the screen.

“Hey, baby,” Ted happily says back, “How’s everything in Atlanta?”

“It’s great! We have so many younger people agreeing to enter programs as well as long-time addicts who really want to try getting clean. It can be really emotional but it’s so worthwhile.”

Ted sighs, “I am so happy to hear that. I know how much this work means to you and I think that, if anyone can get them to listen, you can.”

Blake smiles sadly and touches the screen, “Yeah. I miss you, Ted.”

Ted reaches back, “I miss you too.”

“I want to come home.”

Ted freezes at the words, “Blake...Blake, you can’t give up now. Don’t get me wrong, I miss you. I miss you so much. But I’m not worth you giving up something you feel passionate about-”

“I’ve learned something, being on the road,” Blake interrupts, “From the people I have met and the ones who have entered treatment, it’s easy to see that they do better when they have a support system. A family. A partner. They have to get better on their own. Because they want to. There’s no way around that. But to have someone there who truly loves them, that gives them a reason to keep fighting and to be the best person they can be. You...You were that person for me. I know you didn’t witness it. I ran off. But you believed in me when no one else did. And I want to come home. You’re...you’re my home. The one night stands, the temporary comfort, they just aren’t cutting it. I love you too much to fall for any of them and I don’t want to fall for anyone else anyway. I want you.”

“I want you too,” Ted chokes out, “Blake, I love you. But you are doing so much good work and if you’re with me all the time-”

“What do you think we have been doing, Teddy,” Blake chuckles, “We’ve been recruiting people and doctors and creating laws in areas where addicts are having trouble getting help. We have accomplished so much these past eight months. I’m not saying I’ll never travel again to help when it’s needed but I want to go back to the center and continue my counseling there. I want to help the people of Pittsburgh now that I have people helping in their own hometowns. I want to be with you and with Lupé until we’re old and grey.”

Ted lets out a wet laugh, “Maybe that cat will come out for you. She rarely does for me.”

“You just have to coax her and be supportive. Bring her out of her shell,” Blake smiles.

God, how did he get so lucky? He loves this beautiful man so much and he’s coming home. To him. Ted Schmidt. What did he do to deserve someone so wonderful?

“So what have you been up to?” Blake asks, still sniffling over their emotional virtual reunion.

Shit.

“...Not much,” Ted lies, “Just this and that, you know.”

Blake gives him a strange look, “No...I don’t know. I haven’t been there hence why I am asking you.

Ted lets out a heavy sigh. He can’t keep something like this from Blake. Hopefully he understands and doesn’t change his mind. God, he doesn’t know if he could take that after feeling so elated after the announcement of his return.

So, after thinking of a tasteful way to break the news, he opens his mouth to speak.

“I’ve been tricking. A lot,” Ted admits, wincing at the flinch Blake’s smile.

Blake stays silent for a few seconds before clearing his throat, “Okay. That’s okay. I’m not there. And I’ve been tricking too. We agreed on no rules, just safety, sobriety, and honesty. It’s okay, Ted. I understand.”

Ted shakes his head, “You don’t understand. I’ve been fucking up to twenty men every night. Sometimes more. I spend hours in the back room and take viagra to keep up with the demand.”

Of course Blake had been taking a sip of water when he said that. Luckily the spray doesn’t fuck up the man’s laptop.

“I’m sorry, what?” Blake blurts out.

“They...they all want me to fuck them!” Ted reveals, “They are calling me King Schmidt! People have made t-shirts and banners and-”

“I’m calling Brian,” Blake interrupts, pulling his phone out with shaky hands, “Ted, if you’ve relapsed then I need you to get help right-”

“I HAVEN’T relapsed!” Ted explodes, “I’m just really fantastic at fucking!”

“I know that, babe! Better than almost anyone! But t-shirts? Banners? That’s extreme and not realistic!”

Ted sighs, “Call Brian. Call Brian and ask him. I’ll wait.”

And so he does. Ted sits there as Blake gives him one last look before going into the other room to call Brian on his cellphone. The conversation goes on for at least ten minutes and Ted really wishes he could hear it but he can’t so he just sits there like an idiot, waiting for his boyfriend to come back to his desk.

Ted feels a little bit of relief when he does. Blake sits there with a blank look on his face before choking out, “King Schmidt?”

“King Schmidt,” Ted agrees.

“But...but why?”

“I don’t know. Because I am really good at being a top?”

“Well, I’ve told you that,” Blake dismisses, “That’s part of the reason I want to come back. No one can compare.”

Ted smiles a little, “Really?”

Blake rolls his eyes before starting to look a little insecure. God, Ted hates that he’s made him feel that way. He doesn’t want that at all.

“So...so I’m guessing you’ll want to fuck other people still?” Blake asks quietly, “I would understand. I’m sure that kind of attention is addicting.”

“I…” Ted starts, “I only enjoyed it because you were gone. It helped fill a void, making other men feel so good. Making them so enthusiastic about me.”

“Making Brian Kinney the most jealous man alive?” Blake smirks.

Ted laughs a little, “He’s so set on figuring out what I’m doing that’s so right. Truth is that I’m not doing anything. I’m just being me. A confident version of me but me nonetheless. But I’m like that naturally when I’m with you. Whatever you want me to do, I will do.”

Blake lets out a breath before staring at the camera, “The jealous part of me wants to tell you to stop fucking other men right now. That I’ll do the same and we’ll will become monogamous from tonight forward. But Brian said they were a fucking mob and what they might do if they don’t get at least a goodbye fuck scares me. So...so you name the terms and we can compromise when I get home.”

Ted thinks on it, “You said two weeks, right? That should be enough time to spread the word that King Schmidt is retiring. That way, people can schedule one last fuck with me and I can hang up my crown by the time you get home.”

“You have a crown?” Blake gapes.

“It’s from a fan,” Ted brushes off, “I barely wear it.”

Blake shakes his head, “Enjoy your two weeks, King Schmidt.”

“I’ll enjoy the years after it much more,” Ted tells him softly.

They say their goodbyes and their I love yous before signing off. Instead of a heavy weight that Ted usually feels after a conversation with Blake, he feels elated.

He just wonders how his loyal subjects will handle the news.

He picks up the phone and calls Fabio to tell him the news and, although Fabio is happy for him, the man gets quite emotional when he finds out that Ted won’t be fucking anyone else after Blake gets back. After Ted assures Fabio that he will schedule him a nice long session during Fabio’s day off tomorrow, the bouncer agrees to spread the word and arrange the next two weeks around the retiring of King Schmidt.

It was fun while it lasted. But life will be more worthwhile after it’s over.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s right after he is finished harassing Mysterious Marilyn when Brian learns the news about King Schmidt.

“I just...I just can’t imagine never getting fucked by him again!” Brian overhears a young twink sigh in the next booth over at the diner, “I’ve never EVER felt so special, so important, during any other fuck.”

“I know what you mean,” a large hairy man agrees, “Until you’ve had Schmidt, you don’t know shit.”

“Excuse me,” Brian asks, turning around, “Care to share the news with a well-meaning friend of Ted’s?”

The twink puts a hand to his chest, “King Schmidt is hanging up his crown. Taking the monogamous path in just two short weeks. I don’t know how I’ll spend my nights after this!”

“Like you did before?” Brian suggests, intrigued but inexplicably nervous by the news.

“God, that mundane life!” the twink scoffs, “Just getting fucked by average men with average cocks.”

“You just described Ted Schmidt,” Brian sneers, turning around.

“Sounds like a man who hasn’t had the pleasure of King Schmidt’s perfect cock up his ass,” the bear snickers.

Brian taps his fingers on the table nervously. He shouldn’t feel nervous. Ted’s quitting. There’s no competition anymore. Brandon’s a raging bottom now. If he’s not getting fucked by Ted then it’s by someone else, claiming he’s found his true purpose and he had just been afraid before. So Brian will be on top, both literally and figuratively.

But he won’t know. Ted will always have something over him, even when he starts only fucking Blake.

He’s tried to find it himself but he keeps running into dead ends. No matter who he talks to, all he finds out is that Ted is the best fuck in the country but no one can pinpoint why, or at least explain it in terms that he can understand.

There’s only one thing left he can do.

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Brian is never nervous before propositioning someone. He hasn’t been ever since he got on his knees for his gym teacher his freshman year of high school. He should have been, considering how that went, but it was what it was and he wasn’t going to become a blushing virgin for Ted Schmidt, especially when he still hasn’t answered the door yet.

When Ted opens it, he is disheveled and is ushering a tearful man out the door. Raising his eyebrows, Brian watches the scene with interest.

“King Schmidt, please! You don’t have to do this! You don’t have to go back to that monogamous life. You are meant for bigger and greater things!” the trick begs.

Ted strokes the man’s face and gives him a pitiful look, “You’re right. I don’t have to go back to monogamy. But I want to. I love Blake, Leroy. That’ll never change. He makes me happier than anyone in the world.”

Leroy forces a smile and nods, tearing up still as takes a few steps backwards, “I really hope you have a great life, Ted. A man like you truly deserves one.

Breaking into sobs, Leroy quickly runs down the hallways and down the stairs.

“Leroy,” Ted calls out, upset over the man’s heartbreak before turning to Brian.

“Oh. Hi, Brian. Sorry you had to see that. People are taking my decision to become monogamous harder than I thought they would. You need something?”

“Yeah. Can I come in?”

“Of course, come inside.”

Ted moves aside to let Brian in and Brian glances around the apartment, gulping at the thought of what he’s about to ask.

“Something you need?” Ted asks, stepping closer, “Would you like a glass of water or something to eat or-”

“I want you to fuck me, Theodore.”

There. He said it. Might as well get it out of the way after all and, even though Ted is blinking with surprise, Brian feels much better.

“Um...Are you sure? I know you don’t like to bottom for anyone and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. Besides, we’re friends and-”

“It’s not like I’ve never bottomed before,” Brian interrupts, already heading for Ted’s bedroom as Ted quickly follows, “I bottom for Justin from time to time and enjoy it. I just have to trust someone before I let them do it. I guess it was one too many dangerous close calls in my twinkhood that made me more cautious about it. Whatever. I just...I need to know what the fuck you are doing to make the guys at Babylon so crazy. Asking Emmett and Blake have gotten me nowhere. Mysterious Marilyn said you didn’t come to her for a spell. So I need to know.”

With that explanation, Brian takes off his shirt and lets his pants and boxer briefs fall to the floor. Ted’s eyes travel down to his cock and he licks his lips appreciatively before he meets Brian’s eyes again.

“What about Justin? Aren’t you supposed to not get names and-”

“No rules after his move,” Brian declares as he gets on the bed, flat on his stomach with his ass perked out, “My decision. It was for the best. In case he met someone up there that ended up being important to him. Now are you going to fuck me or not?”

Ted takes a few moments to study Brian before slowly approaching the man to knead his cheeks.

“So you want to experience firsthand what I do that makes the guys keep coming back for more?” Ted asks him seductively before licking a stripe against his hole.

“Y-Yes,” Brian gasps out, already feeling overwhelmed by the sheer feeling of Ted’s tongue.

“I’m going to take my time with you, Brian Kinney. You have done so much for the men of Liberty Avenue, more than I have even. You deserve to be just as worshiped as I am. I will fuck you long and hard. I will take you to the brink and make you beg for more. Do you understand me?”

Brian takes a few heaving breaths, “Ted...Ted, please!”

“Turn over, Brian.”

Brian does what he’s told and gets on his back, staring up at Ted with his blown pupils, anticipating what will happen next.

He grips the sheets as Ted sucks him off, groaning at the feeling of the hot soft mouth as Ted holds his hips still. He whimpers when Ted prepares him, thrusting his fingers in and out of his tight hole while Brian pushes down on them. By the time Ted is putting the condom on his cock, Brian is more than ready and is begging Ted to fuck him.

And when Ted finally enters Brian’s hole, his cock settling in at the hilt, Brian sees stars. He grips his Ted’s shoulders, looking up at the beautiful man who is making him feel so good as the speed increases. Ted started out slow but now he’s pounding into him. The obscene smacking of balls against Brian’s ass and cries of pleasure are the only things to be heard. They both have great stamina and Brian has never been more thankful because he never wants this to end. This feeling of being filled by the world’s most perfect cock. Usually being fucked this hard would make him feel nervous, used even, but not now. Right now, he’s the only man in the world and Ted is his oxygen. It’s all for him, just in this moment.

Ted brings him to completion first. He comes all over their stomachs and Ted whispers sweet encouragements through the aftermath. Brian whimpers as Ted takes the next minutes to keep thrusting into his hole but smiles when Ted asks him if he’s okay in between thrusts. God, he hasn’t felt so good in months.

When Ted comes, he collapses on top of Brian and Brian welcomes the weight. He wraps his arms around Ted’s body, holding the precious godlike man close as he comes back to himself.

“That…” Brian starts before trailing off in complete emotional awe, “That was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.”

Ted lifts his head and runs his fingers through Brian’s hair, “I am so glad you enjoyed yourself, Brian. You have done so much for me. I wanted to do something for you too.”

“Would you...would you do it again? Just one more time since I’m already here. I’ll wait in line like everyone else after this, I promise.”

Ted lets out a good-natured sigh as he looks down at the younger man, “Well, I do need to get ready to be at Babylon by 8. But I think if I keep my shower quick, I’ll be able to swing another round.”

Brian nods eagerly as he wraps his legs around Ted’s form before whispering, “Fuck me, Ted.”

As Ted reaches over to grab another condom, Brian feels his heart beat with anticipation. And when the older man enters him once more, he has forgotten the reason why it was so important to get fucked by Ted in the first place.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The line is extra long on his last night as King Schmidt. He’s glad he brought his whole bottle of Viagra with him as he fucks his twelfth trick of the night. It’s been emotional, to say the least. The men have presented him with gifts and tears and toasts and cheers as they give their blessing and genuinely wish him the best in life with his love.

He was only King Schmidt for a few weeks but he’s seen these men grow under his guidance. Vincent decided to go to law school, something he was unsure of doing when they first fucked. Gregory decided to move to LA to try his hand at acting. He’d miss that wonderful young man. Brandon had found a wonderful top who promised to take care of him forever and always. Tyler was supportive of Brandon’s desire to be fucked by Ted as much as possible before his retirement, even giving in to let Ted fuck him a few times. As sad as Brandon is tonight, he knows his life with Tyler will be a happy one.

And then there’s Brian. The man who had been so set on getting to the bottom of things really had gotten to the bottom of things literally. Before he had been livid over Ted’s popularity but every night since they had sex back at Ted’s apartment, Brian had waited in line (okay, used his privilege as owner to pass everyone) in order to be fucked by him. He knows Brian sees their time together as several great fucks and a way to get in touch with his bottoming side. Ted likes to think of it as quality time between two close friends.

He had been expecting the unexpected on his last night as King Schmidt but the one thing he hadn’t been expecting was for Justin Taylor to come into the back room, led in by his excited boyfriend.

“Justin!” Ted greets as he pulls out of the emotional trick, “I didn’t know you were coming in this weekend! How are you?”

“A bit confused, to be honest,” Justin tells him, strained and pursing his lips, “I understand that you’re pretty popular, Ted.”

Ted risks a glance at Brian, still strangely bright eyed, “I am guessing Brian told you that we’ve slept together?”

“Ding ding ding!” Justin says sarcastically as he puts a hand on his hip.

Ted lets out a sigh, “You don’t have to worry, Justin. I won’t be tricking after tonight. Blake is coming back and we have both decided to be monogamous.”

Justin stares at him, looking for a lie, before letting out a breath, “Okay. Alright, good. Because, while there are technically no rules between me and Brian, the way he talks about you...how good you are at topping...it just made me nervous. I thought he might be falling for you.”

“Justin, I told you,” Brian smiles as he pulls Justin into an embrace, “You don’t have to worry about that. I love you. Ted just...Ted brought out a lot of emotions, I’ll admit that. But it was like his cock opened me up in so many different ways.”

Justin stares at his boyfriend, bewildered, before shaking his head, “Well, as long as it changed things for the better, then I can’t be too upset. I definitely can't say I'm upset with your decision to even things out when it comes to our positions as well.”

Brian nods eagerly before he leads Justin towards Ted, “I want you to experience getting topped by Ted. It is such an emotional journey and it would be negligent of me as your partner to not make sure it happened.”

“I don’t know-” Justin starts but is shushed by Brian.

“Believe me, Sunshine. It makes things so much better. It makes the world so much better.”

With one last glance at Brian, Justin slowly nods before going over Ted to trace his finger against the man’s chest.

“Think you can get it up for me on your last day of royalty, King Schmidt?” Justin asks as he stares up at the man.

“Of course,” Ted answers graciously as he leads Justin over to the couch.

And, after he promises Brian for the third time that he will fuck him next, Ted enters the man’s boyfriend and watches Justin’s expression fill with ecstasy. He takes his time with the boy who he watched grow into a man since it is Ted's last night, after all, and Justin hasn’t been here.

After Ted brings tears of joy to Justin’s eyes and Brian one of the best orgasms of his life, he watches the two men promise each other forever and feels his heart soar when Brian gets down on one knee in the back room.

“Yes, Brian!” Justin sobs, standing his partner back up to wrap his arms around him, “I want forever too! It was stupid of me to leave and spend so much time away from you-”

“It wasn’t,” Brian soothes as he cradles his lover’s face, “It wasn’t stupid, Sunshine. You have an agent now. You had to leave to get to a certain point and to grow into your own person. You can work from wherever you want now. You can come home. Home to me.”

Justin breaks out into a brilliant smile before bringing the man in for a kiss. He turns to look at Ted, still smiling, and laughs so happily.

“Thank you, Ted. We wouldn’t have gotten here without you. You will always be a king in our eyes.”

Brian nods in agreement and puts an arm around Ted’s shoulders, kissing him on the cheek.

“Thank you, Theodore,” Brian whispers fervently, “I don’t know how I will ever repay you.”

“Just...just keep me employed at Kinnetik,” Ted chuckles.

“You've got it. Enjoy the rest of your night, King Schmidt. Your drinks are on the house from this point forward.”

“And please, you and Blake must come over for dinner when he’s back in Pittsburgh and settled,” Justin adds, “We would love that wouldn’t we, Brian?”

“More than anything,” Brian says as he presses his forehead against Justin’s.

Ted watches the two men leave the back room, holding onto each other tightly. He is so happy for them. He’s not sure what he did to get Justin to come back but as long as Brian is happy and feeling complete, it doesn’t matter.

He still has a lot more work to do. Part of him feels negligent for deciding to hang up his crown after only a few weeks of enlightenment but Blake deserves all the love and care in the world. As long as he is bestowing his gifts upon his favorite person, then Ted Schmidt is a happy man.

But, until tomorrow morning, he is King Schmidt. So with a few strokes of his cock and a smile in place, Ted opens his mouth and yells out the word that has now become automatic for him.

“Next!”