Mel and Me

Flying High

2012-02-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Written by Mel

in memory of Steve Walker

Well known Canadian Artist Steve Walker passed away yesterday (02/09/2012) at the very young age of 50. I have always been very taken with his art and have used it to illustrate stories in the past. You can see many of his beautiful paintings on his web site: http://stevewalkerartist.com/

Hayden looked at the birthday card, ‘To Our Son on His 30^th Birthday’.

Where had the years gone? Wasn’t it only yesterday that their boy was three? Hayden’s mind traveled back to that third birthday at the beach, with Zack releasing balloons into the sky.

“I’m going to fly up high when I get big!” The young voice had declared.

Todd had already signed the card, Hayden simply added ‘Dad’ beside Todd’s ‘Love Papa’. He smiled and tucked the certificate for the hot air balloon trip over wine country into the card, put it into the envelope and sealed it.

The End

Constant Cravings

2011-11-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Constant Cravings

Co-written by: Mel and Jodie (with Teri’s approval in the use of her character, Patrick)

Rene made a sour face as he chewed another chalky antacid tablet. His stomach had been bothering him off and on for the past few weeks. It was nothing significant, just a bit acidic; though today it was really feeling miserable.

As he thought about it, he realized the days when his stomach was worse were the days when he’d had a poor sleep the night before. Zack had been on him about sleeping lately. It wasn’t that he didn’t try to get a good night’s sleep; he went to bed on time but just couldn’t settle or when he did, he’d often waken part way through the night to toss and turn for ages after. What he couldn’t understand was why when he was feeling so tired and sleepy. Hell, he’d been having a hard time staying awake at work lately. But when he’d get to bed at night, sleep just didn’t happen.

He looked at his watch and sighed. Zack had made an appointment for him with the Doctor this afternoon and would be picking him up in a few minutes. Rene cleaned up his paints and put things away. He had just enough time to grab a shower and change before Zack got home. He had suggested he go to the Doctor on his own, but Zack wouldn’t hear of it. He’d rather hoped that by going on his own he could minimize the symptoms and just get a sleeping aid from the Doctor. But with Zack there, he knew nothing would be overlooked.

Along with the fatigue, sleeplessness and acidic stomach, Rene had been increasingly jumpy and moody. Including last night, he’d been spanked twice in the last couple of weeks for being mouthy with his husband. He felt awful about being so rude yesterday. Zack didn’t deserve his bad attitude, especially in front of his parents. He’d called Hayden and Todd this morning to apologise. Of course they’d been very gracious about it, but he still felt embarrassed.

He quickly stripped off his clothes in the bathroom and turned to check out his butt in the mirror. It was still slightly pink. God, he hoped Dr. Dean wouldn’t want a full physical. He didn’t want to strip bare and have his Physician notice.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zack filled the last few prescriptions and gave his assistant instructions to phone the customers to let them know their meds were ready.

“I can’t say for sure what time I’ll return, Patti, or if I will even be returning today. It will depend on how Rene’s appointment goes.”

“Don’t worry, Zack; we have everything covered here.”

Zack smiled his thanks and left the pharmacy. He was getting very concerned over his husband’s inability to sleep properly and the adverse effect it was having on Rene’s overall health and conduct. The stomach problems had him hoping they wouldn’t be getting a diagnosis of the onset of a gastric ulcer.

He walked through the front door of their home just as Rene was coming down the stairs. “You all ready to go, love?”

Rene gave his husband a weak smile. “Yeah, as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Zack couldn’t help but grin at the disgruntled expression marring his husband’s usually handsome face. Wrapping an arm around Rene’s waist, he swept him off his feet and planted a long, passionate kiss on the pouty lips.

It was a bemused young man he buckled into the passenger seat of his car a few moments after.

Ten minutes later, they were walking into the medical office. Rene sighed when he saw the number of people in the waiting room. “Big crowd today; it’s sure to be a long wait. You could go back to work you know. I’ll bet most of these people leave here with prescriptions they’ll need you to fill.”

“Nice try, Rembrandt, but I have a very competent assistant filling in for me and she knows I may be gone for the rest of the afternoon.”

Rene shook his head and walked over to the receptionist to register. They waited nearly thirty minutes before the nurse called Rene’s name. They were shown into a small examination room and sat down in the two hard backed visitor chairs.

A few moments later Dr. Patrick Dean walked in, dressed in a white lab coat over casual slacks and a golf shirt, he looked professional and yet relaxed. “Zack, Rene, it’s good to see you both. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting; it’s been a very busy day.”

“It’s good to see you too Patrick, and there is no need to explain, we understand completely.” Zack replied.

Patrick took a seat and glanced at the chart his was holding. It was only a thin folder with a couple of sheets of paper inside. Rene had only been here as a patient once before and that was for a physical Zack had insisted he have in the spring. “So, Rene, what brings you in to see me today?”

“I’ve been having some trouble sleeping the last few weeks,” Rene replied in hopes that would be enough said.

However, Zack cleared his throat rather loudly and gave Rene a sharp glance to encourage his husband to be more forthcoming.

“And…well my stomachs been a little acidy and uncomfortable,” Rene added.

“Add to that the moodiness, short-temper, fatigue and headaches, and I think we have a problem brewing,” Zack interjected at this point, knowing full-well the younger man was deliberately avoiding its’ mention.

“I see. Well those are all symptoms that could be caused by a number of different factors,” Patrick explained. “Why don’t you slip off your shirt for me and sit up on the exam table so I can take a look at you, Rene?”

Rene did as was requested and Patrick proceeded to do an examination, looking at Rene’s ears, nose, throat and neck. He checked his blood pressure and had him lie back to feel around his abdomen and glands. Finally, he checked Rene’s weight. When he was done he told Rene he could dress again and then sit down with Zack.

Patrick wrote a few notes on Rene’s chart and then looked up to the two men. “Well outwardly, Rene, you seem to be in fairly good shape. Your blood pressure is slightly elevated from what it was during your physical and you’re down four pounds in weight, but nothing significant. I’m going to give you a form for some blood work and urinalysis so I can see if anything is going on that way. Also, I’d like to ask you a few lifestyle and dietary questions.”

Rene nodded. “Okay sure, Doc.”

The Doctor continued with a whole list of questions about Rene’s work and if he was feeling stressed, making notes of each answer. Zack added a few remarks along the way.

“Now what about your diet, Rene; do you eat three regular meals each day?”

“Yeah, most days; I mean I do miss lunch once in a while when I get busy.”

“What about alcohol consumption?”

“I’m not much of a drinker, Doc. I have a few beers here and there. Zack and I share a bottle of wine once in a while, but not much else,” Rene replied honestly.

“What about coffee and tea?”

“I don’t drink tea at all, but I do enjoy my coffee.”

“Now that’s an understatement,” Zack mumbled and rolled his eyes, causing the good Doctor to clear his throat in order to hide his smile.

“About how many cups do you drink on an average day?”

Rene had to stop and think through his typical day. Two cups each morning with breakfast, one about mid-morning, a cup with lunch and another one or two as the afternoon passed, and one usually after dinner too.

“Well, maybe five or so,” he answered, hoping that number wouldn’t sound as bad as the more realistic one.

“That number greatly increases if he gets the opportunity to spend time at the sweet shop with Kadyn. And that seems to happen somewhat frequently.” Although Zack considered this to be an imperative detail for the Doctor to have in order to make an accurate diagnosis, he knew Rene’s feeling in all likelihood differed from his.

Rene shot Zack a look but immediately lowered his eyes when Zack returned it with one that spoke of the older man’s opinion of withholding any information from the Doctor.

Patrick put his pen down on the desk and turned to look pointedly at Rene. “Though I want to see the results of your lab tests, I can make an initial diagnosis and recommendations which I believe will help alleviate, if not eliminate, the symptoms you are complaining about.”

Rene nodded, preparing to hear the Doctor’s opinion. “Okay.”

“To be honest, Rene, I think a large part of your problem is dietary. Your coffee consumption is quite excessive and I don’t believe you’re eating as well as you should. Extreme caffeine intake can cause each and every one of the symptoms you’re suffering from. The insomnia, irritability, headaches, acidic stomach, etcetera are all classic symptoms. The weight loss and increase in blood pressure, though not overly concerning at this point, are still things to be considered. I’d like to recommend that you give up coffee altogether. However, I know that such a drastic change would be hard for you to manage. Caffeine is an addictive drug and you will feel the effects of withdrawal from it. So I recommend you cut back to only one cup in the morning. As far as decaffeinated goes, it won’t help you deal with the loss of caffeine and I don’t like to recommend it as the process for removing the caffeine introduced chemicals that could have detrimental effects over the long term.”

Rene shook his head incredulously. “Doc, no offence, but you’ve got it wrong about the coffee! I’ve been drinking this same amount of coffee every day since I my first year of university and I’ve never had these problems until the last few weeks. It has to be something else. I am not giving up my coffee!”

Zack’s eyes narrowed slightly as he reached over, wrapped his hand around the nape of Rene’s neck to turn the young man’s head until they were face to face. “You will do whatever the Doctor tells you to do, my lad, in order to regain your health.” He spoke in a firm concise manner. “Is that understood?” He hoped his husband would pick up on the warning that further backtalk would not bode well.

Rene was too upset to consider Zack’s words. “No, it’s you two who don’t understand! I told you coffee cannot be the cause of my problems! I always drink lots and it has never bothered me before!”

Patrick recognised a Top when he saw one, and Zack was in full-blown Top-mode at the moment. He hoped he could defuse the situation before Rene dug himself in too far. “Rene, I do understand what you’re saying. However, you need to understand that our bodies change as we age. Now I know you’re still a young guy, but what you could consume in the past without difficulty can change and begin to have increasing repercussions on your health now. The human body can become sensitized to certain substances over time and it is my belief that’s what is happening with you and caffeine. I’d like you to get the lab work done and make the changes I’ve suggested for the next two weeks. It’s not going to be easy for the first four or five days; you may find you actually feel a bit worse as your body adjusts to the lack of caffeine. If during that time you find you’re feeling really miserable, you can take one quarter of a 100mg caffeine tablet once a day. Zack can cut you some at the pharmacy, but I don’t want you taking more than that and only for the first few days. After two weeks, come back and see me. If at the end of that time your symptoms have not greatly improved, then we’ll have to investigate further. Can you do that?”

Rene frowned. He thought the Doctor was being ridiculous but Zack’s hand was still on his neck, squeezing it firmly enough that Rene realized he better agree to the Doctor’s orders. “Okay, I guess I could try it for a few days.”

Zack relaxed his hand and gently rubbed his fingers over the fading mark on the back of his husband’s neck to let him know he appreciated his capitulation in regards to filling the Doctor’s requests.

“I’m sure Rene will do his best, Doctor. In the meantime, we mustn’t take up more of your time as you have a roomful of other patients waiting.” Zack got to his feet and extended his hand. “Thank you for your caring advice. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

The visit came to an end with Zack and Rene leaving the office with a multitude of thoughts running through their heads; not many of which were in agreement with each other.

Rene slumped against the car seat and sighed deeply. This had not been what he’d expected to hear from the Doctor. The very idea of giving up coffee was absolutely depressing. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand that too much caffeine could cause problems, but he’d figured it was something that happened when you got old and he was not old!

He knew it wasn’t right, but part of him was angry with Zack for making him go to the Doctor. He crossed his arms over his chest and turned away from his husband as he got into the driver’s seat. Rene wasn’t in the mood for talking.

Zack gave his irate companion a quick glance, pursed his lips and turned on the ignition. He easily recognized the signs of Rene at an emotional crossroads and instinctively knew to give the younger man time and personal space to come to grips with what lay before him. He realized it had come as quite a shock to hear the Doctor’s diagnosis and instructions. Rene would either talk himself into a full-blown fury at what he’d see as righteous indignation or mellow out enough to think rationally. Zack would prefer it be the latter but knowing his husband as well as he did, didn’t hold out a great deal of hope.

Needless to say, it was a silent drive home with a very cool atmosphere prevailing. Zack sadly shook his head as he followed his husband into their home, picking up on the squared shoulders and slightly stomping feet which were indications of a fast approaching storm.

“Hold up a minute there, Rene. Before things get totally out of hand, let me know if you need some corner time to calm down or if you’re able to converse reasonably,” Zack requested as his husband headed in the direction of his studio.

Rene stopped with his back still turned to Zack. “I really don’t feel like conversing right now. I’m going to go work in my studio for a while. You should go back to work. We’ll talk later.” He continued towards the staircase leading to up to his private working area.

Oh no, you’re not.” Zack moved quickly, taking his husband by the arm and leading him over an empty corner. “I am not returning to the pharmacy and you are not going upstairs until we’ve discussed what took place during your appointment with Patrick. Now you can stand there as long as you want. Just let me know when you’re ready to talk and share how you’re feeling about all the unexpected changes you’ve been instructed to make.”

Zack stepped back with intentions of turning on the radio and getting an early start on their evening meal. He wanted to stay close in order to keep an eye on his Brat.

Rene immediately spun around to face his husband. “How I feel? I feel pissed off! But that doesn’t change a thing! I said I’d follow the damn instructions, didn’t I? I’m not going the cheat and drink coffee if that’s what you’re thinking. So what’s left to discuss?”

Zack glared at his husband for several seconds, not wanting to respond to Rene’s anger with same. He took a deep breath, placed his hands on the other man’s shoulders and looked him firmly in the eye. “I understand your annoyance, Rene. You weren’t at all prepared to hear what Patrick had to say. This drastic change you have to make really blind-sided you. But flying off the handle and shouting at me is not the way to handle it. And for the record, young man, it hadn’t crossed my mind that you’d go back on your word and cheat.”

Although Zack tried to keep the fleeting hurt he was feeling out of his voice, he couldn’t prevent a trace of it briefly showing in his eyes. “Okay, my man, last chance. Are you ready to talk it out and maybe together we can come up with ways to make all this a bit easier on both of us?”

Rene realized just how horrible he’d been. Zack wasn’t at fault for this problem and he certainly didn’t deserve to be spoken to in that way. He threw himself against his husband and wrapped his arms around him tightly. “I’m sorry, Zack. I love you. I don’t want to argue with you.”

Zack lovingly returned the embrace, softly kissing the head resting on his shoulder. “I know, baby. I love you too, and I accept your apology.” A quick squeeze and he stepped back, realizing he’d better take advantage of the younger man’s affable mood. Who knew how long it would last. “Come with me please.” He held a finger up to his lips. “Shhh,” he whispered when he saw a sign of his requested being balked at.

Taking Rene’s hand, he led him upstairs and into their en suite. Once there, he turned on the water to fill the Jacuzzi tub and deftly removed his lover’s clothing. “In you go,” he ordered with a none-too-gentle swat on the unprotected rump. He smiled when he was immediately obeyed and quickly striped, leaving a second pile of clothing on the floor and climbed in behind his husband.

Zack reached to turn off the taps, pulled Rene between his legs and against his chest. He loved these quiet times with his husband naked in his arms; relishing in the other man’s submission, and felt the tension slowly draining from his own body. He leisurely deposited amorous kisses along Rene’s shoulders before stopping at the nape of the younger man’s neck to leave his mark.

Rene moaned in pleasure at Zack’s touches, the tender spot on the back of his neck burned slightly from Zack’s renewed attention. Rene was quickly becoming aroused, but was drawn back to earth when Zack spoke.

“You’re facing quite a challenge, my love. Don’t you think it would be a good idea to formulate a plan that will make it less arduous for meeting with success?” Zack asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful ambiance but knowing the subject had to be dealt with.

“I suppose,” Rene responded with a sigh. “But what sort of plan is going to make giving up coffee any easier?”

“I have a few ideas. First, I think we should get rid of that big cappuccino maker. Replace it with a small two-cup coffee maker we could make use of every morning.”

“No way, we do not need to give up the cappuccino machine! This is a two week experiment not a permanent change!” Rene protested.

“I will not be at all surprised to learn in a couple of weeks’ time that this is life-time alteration if your good health is to be maintained. We might as well face the inevitable from the get-go, love.”

“I am certainly not calling this inevitable.” Rene vehemently objected.

Wanting to maintain a calm atmosphere, Zack decided on a little diplomacy. “You might be right. No sense jumping to conclusions this early. We’ll learn of the final outcome soon enough when Patrick goes over your test results with us. For the time being we can just consider it up in the air. How’s that?”

“Okay I guess.”

“Meanwhile, Rene, we don’t have to do this alone. We can ask others for help.”

“Who would we ask to help?”

“My parents, for a start. I’m sure that instead of serving caffeinated beverages when we’re there, Papa would easily find a substitute. He’s had to drastically cut down on his own consumption because he detests sweetener in his coffee and Dad practically goes ballistic with the amount of sugar Papa used in the past. Papa has a great selection of herbal teas along with a number of punch recipes.” Zack chuckled when Rene glanced over his shoulder and scrunched up his face. He obviously found the idea of herbal tea as a replacement for his favourite brew somewhat unappealing.

“No offence, Zack, but hell will freeze over before I start drinking herbal or any other kind of tea. I hate tea!” Rene shuddered.

“Okay, okay, I get it. No tea,” Zack laughed before moving on. “You know, we can also ask Kadyn for help. You like to visit him every chance you get; so rather than curtail those visits you can talk to him and request that he not put on the coffee pot. He’s a good friend. Bet he’d be more than willing to make you a milkshake instead.”

“I do love milkshakes, but not all the time. I’ll end up getting fat!” Rene raised his only an objection to that suggestion.

“Humph!” Zack snorted. “You’ve already lost weight according to the Doctor so a few extra calories might be a plus. They sure can’t hurt.”

“One last thing, Rene. Until you get your addiction under control, Tim Horton’s is off limits. There is no need to torture yourself with avoidable temptation.” Zack voice changed slightly as he emphasized his point. “I’m not kidding. If I find out you’ve been there, your bare butt and my hand will be having an in-depth conversation. You understand me?”

“Yes sir,” Rene replied with another deep sigh. He’d already figured he’d better avoid the place for the next couple of weeks, but hadn’t banked on Zack being so adamant about it.

“Thank you,” Zack whispered, lifting Rene’s chin and dropping a tender kiss on his parted lips. His expression grew ever more compassionate as he looked into his husband’s sad eyes and lovingly offered encouragement. “I realize how hard this is going to be for you, sweetheart, but many folks have to deal with these types of changes. As unhappy as you are with the circumstances you presently find yourself in, I have every confidence that you’ll meet this challenge head on and conquer it.”

“Thanks, Zack. I’ll do my best.” Rene turned himself around so he was kneeling between Zack’s legs. “How about I show you my best at something a lot more fun?”

“Go for it, Stud,” Zack enthusiastically egged on and gave himself up to his husband’s arousing touches.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Their activities distracted Rene from craving his usual need for coffee and he managed to finish up dinner as well as go the rest of the evening without his usual large mug full. Sleeping that first night wasn’t perfect but he’d slept somewhat better than most nights recently.

He woke in the morning to the wondrous smell of his favourite brew wafting up from the kitchen. Zack had obviously been up for a while when Rene stumbled from the bed. He wandered down to the kitchen dressed only in boxers and a t-shirt. Zack was at the stove scrambling eggs.

“Morning,” Rene mumbled as he reached for his favourite mega mug. However, the mug wasn’t in its usual spot. Instead there was a standard-sized coffee cup hanging from his hook. He looked in the cupboard above the coffee maker and checked the dishwasher. “Zack, have you seen my mug?”

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Zack wrapped an arm around his husband’s neck, drew him closer and kissed him. “Yes, I’ve seen your mug. I packed it away with the cappuccino machine when I dug out my old, much smaller, coffee maker. Kind of matches the smaller cups, don’t you think?” He braced himself for the anticipated fallout.

Rene pushed out of his husband’s embrace and looked at the spot where the cappuccino machine always stood. There was Zack’s old machine with the small glass pot filled only to the half-way point with coffee. “Zack, come on! You can’t be serious? We agreed that we’d keep the machine cuz this is only temporary! And I know the Doc said one cup a day but for God’s sake, at least let it be a decent sized cup, not this…this reject from the fifties!” he shouted, pointing to the small cup.

“Sorry, Rene, but this is how it’s going to be for the next couple of weeks at least, so get used to it. And I’d appreciate you not shouting at me.” Zack stood with hands on hips; his stern expression not boding well if someone’s attitude didn’t change in a hurry.

“Fine, whatever,” Rene replied sullenly. He knew he’d never win the argument but he sure as heck wasn’t going to be happy about it. He turned, took the small cup and filled it to the absolute brim with coffee. He normally took cream in his coffee but he figured if he was going to be limited this severely, he’d get every drop he could of the brew. He’d drink down the first of it black and then add the cream.

Zack turned back to his self-appointed task in order to keep his smile hidden. However begrudgingly he was doing so, Rene was adhering to his promise to follow Doctor’s orders.

The eggs were divided between two plates just as the toast popped out of the toaster. Zack buttered the four slices as quickly as possible and put their breakfast on the table next to glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Sitting down, he invited Rene to join him. “Dig in, Rembrandt, before it gets cold.”

Rene sat down at the table with his coffee in hand. He managed to gulp down a few sips of the scalding liquid; enough to add some cream to make it a little more tolerable. He looked at the breakfast Zack had prepared and felt a twinge of guilt in his stomach. He was once again feeling guilty for taking his frustrations out on the one he loved. “I’m sorry, Zack. I know I keep saying that a lot lately, but I really am sorry for making you the recipient of my lousy mood. I don’t know why you put up with me.”

Zack put his fork down and reached for his husband’s hand. “I don’t ‘put up’ with you, Sweetheart. I love you; I live with you and I share my life with you. I hope to do that for as long as I live.” He gave the hand in his a slight shake. “Everyone experiences moments of frustration or other negative temperaments. It’s how we deal with them that matters. You seem to find them harder to overcome at the moment. Is there anything else I can do to help you with that so it doesn’t continue much longer?”

Rene shrugged. “I really can’t think of anything. Just being here for me and knowing you love me and …well,” he hesitated, “don’t let me get away with being miserable to you. All that helps.”

“That’s doable, love,” Zack assured him, glancing pointedly at Rene’s untouched plate for a moment and then concentrating on his own when the younger man picked up his fork.

They finished up breakfast and Rene savoured ever last drop of his coffee before surrendering the cup to the dishwasher. He sighed, thinking about how long this day was going to be without having any more. “I’m going to get my shower now and head off to the daycare. Do you want to meet me for lunch today?”

“Okay, twelve sharp at the Maple Grille. I’ll bring the caffeine tablets Patrick recommended so you can take one with your meal. Does that work for you?”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” Rene kissed Zack and headed up to the shower. By the time he was ready for work, Zack had already left for the pharmacy.

Fifteen minutes later, Rene was walking into the staff room at the daycare. Miss Stephanie, the owner, was at the coffee machine pouring a cup.

“Good morning, Rene. Grab your mug. It’s just finished brewing.”

Rene sighed heavily. “Not this morning, Steph. I’m on a caffeine ration. Doctor’s orders.”

“Oh geesh, Rene, that’s not going to be easy for you. Why did the Doctor cut you off?” she enquired kindly.

“I’ve been having trouble sleeping, so he wants me to try cutting back to one cup a day for the next two weeks to see if it helps.”

Miss Stephanie looked pensively into her cup, then walked over to the sink and poured the hot liquid down the drain. “You know what, Rene? Caffeine isn’t just bad for you; it’s bad for me too. And since you and I are the only two coffee drinkers here, I’m going to join you in your caffeine fast.” She took the glass carafe with the remaining coffee and poured it into the sink as well.

“Oh Steph, you don’t need to do that!” Rene protested.

“Yeah, yeah I do. I really shouldn’t be drinking it either, because…well…” she hesitated, then smiled and whispered to Rene. “I’ve just found out I’m expecting.”

“Steph, that’s great news! I’ll be Dave is thrilled.”

“Yeah, we’ve been trying for a while now and we’re both pretty happy. So you see, now we can help each other stay away from the caffeine.”

“Sounds great; it’s nice to have someone else suffering the challenge with me.”

Rene taught his early morning art class to the pre-schoolers. By ten-thirty he was craving a coffee something fierce. He had a ten-minute break before the next class, so he went into the staff room in search of something to help appease the desire. He dug through the fridge and pull out a can of Coke. He chewed thoughtfully on his lip, knowing the pop contained nearly as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Determined to be strong, he put the can back and pulled out a small bottle of apple juice. He chugged down half the bottle before tossing the rest down the drain in disgust. Apple juice was no substitute for coffee. He stomped off to his class of three and four-year-olds and tried to put thoughts of coffee out of his head.

By the time his class was done, Rene’s head was pounding. He looked at his watch and realized he only had a few minutes to get to the Maple Grill if he was to meet Zack on time. His husband was a stickler for punctuality.

Stephanie met him as he was getting his jacket from the staff room. She had a bottle of Tylenol in her hand, having just swallowed some herself. “Here, take two of these. You look like I feel.”

“Thanks.” Rene took to proffered tablets and grabbed a cup of water to down them with. “Caffeine withdrawal sucks!”

“Be strong. We’ll get through it,” she encouraged.

They chatted for a few minutes until Rene remembered the time and excused himself. The Maple Grill was a couple of blocks down the street. He jogged along the sidewalk despite his aching head, arriving at the restaurant at twelve-o-seven. Zack was sitting in booth by the door.

Rene scooted in across from him. “Sorry I’m late.”

“Guess we’ll let it go this time,” Zack greeted. He frowned slightly when he noticed the faint lines of pain around Rene’s eyes and the creased brow. “Headache, babe?” he gently queried. Getting a nod, he kindly offered, “How about we place our order and I’ll slip around to the pharmacy to get you some Tylenol while we’re waiting for the food to arrive?”

Rene shook his head. “No thanks. Stephanie gave me a couple to take about fifteen minutes ago.”

Zack accepted the menus from the waitress and waited for her to set glasses of ice water in front of them and leave. “Is that all you’ve had this morning, Rene?”

“Yes; just the two Tylenols.”

“Then you’ve done rather well, haven’t you? I’m proud of you, love.” Zack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial. “I prepared these as promised. You can have one a day. I’ll leave the choice of taking it now or waiting until this evening up to you. There are enough for five days.”

Rene looked at the neatly cut tablets. “If I can only have one to get me through the rest of the day, what time do you think I should take it?”

“I suggest you take it with lunch so you don’t feel the effects of it at bedtime when you’ll want to sleep.” Zack watched as Rene removed one from the bottle, pop it into his mouth and wash it down with some of the cold water. “Good; now we’re ready to order. I’m starved and already know just what I’m having.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next few days were very difficult for Rene. He felt fatigued, moody and headachy. However, with the help of his husband and his friends, he did manage to stick to the Doctor’s orders and slowly the symptoms began to abate. By the time two weeks had passed, Rene had to admit he was feeling better than he had in some time. He was sleeping well at night and his stomach had ceased to bother him.

The morning of his recall appointment at the Doctor arrived and Rene was not looking forward to hearing what he knew would be the result. Though he did feel better, part of him still wanted to go back to enjoying his coffee.

As he dressed, he decided to fish around with Zack for a tiny bit of hope. “Do you think the Doctor will say it’s okay for me to have at least a couple of coffees a day? I’d sure love to have one in the afternoons again.”

Zack finished buttoning his shirt while pondering the question. “I think we’ll just have to leave all that up to Patrick, love. You’ve been sleeping so much better and your overall attitude has improved drastically. He may not want to rock the boat, so to speak. Now get a move on; we don’t want to be late.” He landed a light swat on his husband’s backside before heading out the door of their bedroom.

Patrick smiled as he entered the office and took a seat. “Good to see you both again. How are you feeling, Rene?”

“I have to say I am feeling better, Doc.”

“A lot better,” Zack emphasized. “His sleeping and eating habits have also improved. Haven’t they, Rene?” The nod he got wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as he’d have like, but he was willing to settle for it.

“Well that’s great to hear. I see your lab work came back in.” Patrick looked through the paperwork in the folder. “Everything looks quite good. Let’s check your blood pressure and weight to see if there is any change there.” He quickly did the checks and Rene resumed his seat. “Your blood pressure is back down to what it was previously, though your weight is the same as it was two weeks ago. How did you manage with giving up your coffee?”

Rene put on a rather sour face. “It wasn’t easy, but I stuck to the one cup a day as you recommended.”

“I’m pleased to hear that. I wish more of my patients were as cooperative about following my recommendations for their health. I think that given the improvements we’ve seen in the last two weeks, you should continue to limit yourself to one cup per day. Now on a special occasions it’s okay to have a second cup, but don’t make a habit of it. I’m sure you’ll quickly find that it will affect your sleeping pattern.”

Rene sighed. The news wasn’t unexpected, however, it was unwelcomed. “Okay, I guess I can deal with that.”

“Good man,” Patrick replied. “I’d also like to recommend that you start taking a good multivitamin every day; something like Centrum Forte, and make sure you’re not skipping any meals. Okay?”

“Ah-ha, giving us another challenge, are you? Don’t worry; we’re up to it.” Zack grinned, got to his feet and held out his hand to shake the Doctor’s. “Thank you for all your care, counsel and support, Patrick. We both really appreciate it.”

After they’d all bid each other good day, Zack and Rene left the office. One was rather pleased with the overall results and proposals; the other somewhat disgruntled with the final decisions made on his behalf.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rene watched sadly as Zack loaded the cappuccino machine into the trunk of his car. Though he had agreed with Zack that they would give it to Logan for use at the salon, he still didn’t like the idea.

Logan had been so enthusiastic about getting the expensive machine; he’d offered his benefactors free haircuts for the next two years as thanks for the donation. Zack had happily accepted the offer while Rene seriously considered growing his hair long.

These things aside, life in the Pearce household returned to normal over the next few weeks. Rene stuck to his cup-a-day limit of coffee and learned to enjoy fruit smoothies in the mornings at the daycare centre with Stephanie.

Rene received a phone call on a Monday afternoon that had him rushing into the pharmacy to share the news with Zack. The pharmacist’s assistant, Patti, directed Rene to the office where he found his husband sitting at the computer placing orders.

“Zack, you’re not going to believe the call I just got!”

The older man immediately knew the news would probably be as exciting as it was unexpected. He loved seeing this type of animation lighting up his young lover’s face. “You better spit it out, Rembrandt, before you burst,” he teased, spinning around in his chair to give Rene his full attention.

“I got a call from Beachwood Developments. They are the corporate owners of Highway Farms Grocery Stores. They’re opening a huge new store in Kelowna and they want me to paint a mural along the entire back wall! The guy said he’d seen my mural at the bank here in town and had been really impressed. Mr. Hudson gave him my name and number. Zack, they’re going to pay me seven thousand dollars!”

“Well done, sweetheart; that marvellous talent of yours is really paying off big time.” Zack got to his feet and hugged Rene, giving him congratulatory pat on the back in the process. “You should be proud of your growing fame. I know I am. When do you start?”

“They’ve given me a start date of the eighteenth. The only problem is the construction running behind schedule and them still wanting to open on time for the twenty-eighth of the month. I won’t be able to get in to start work earlier and it has to be completed, with me out of there, on the twenty-seventh. I’m going to have to stay in Kelowna during that time in order to get the job done. They are going to send me all the dimensions and details so I can get the sketches drawn up and ready to trace out ahead of time, but still it’s going to be a crunch to finish on time.”

Zack sat back down and whistled softly. “Wow, rather high expectations. Are you sure you’re going to be able to do it? I mean, considering the amount of work on a very tight timetable.” Zack didn’t want to sound discouraging, but facts had to be faced.

“I know it’s going to be hard work and it’ll be tough on us being apart, but this is such a great opportunity and will really put my work out there. I know I can do it, as long as I have your support.”

“Of course, you have my full support, Rene. You’re absolutely correct! It is a great opportunity and I certainly wouldn’t want you to give it up.” He pulled his husband down to sit on his lap. “So tell me where you’ll be staying while you’re in the big city.”

“They’re going to put me up at the Best Western hotel which is just down the street from the store.”

“I have to admit, it’s definitely better than living out of your car which you’ve done in the past.”

Rene laughed. “As if you’d let me do that again.”

“You got that right!” Zack affirmed and joined in the laugher.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next week had Rene making arrangements to have time off from the daycare centre while he was away and working on the sketches for the mural. He’d worked out several different options and had driven down to Kelowna to meet with Mr. Simpson, the director in charge of store design, to present them to him. Mr. Simpson liked one of the designs but had requested several changes which took Rene another few days to complete to his satisfaction.

Soon it was the afternoon of the seventeen, and Rene was packing the last of his supplies and personal items needed for his stay in the city. He’d wanted to head out right away but Zack had insisted he wait so they could have an early dinner together before Rene left.

“I know you’re anxious to get going, sweetheart, and I appreciate you delaying your departure long enough for us to have this extra time with each other. You’re going to be gone for almost ten days, so every minute counts.” Zack smiled at the man sitting across the table from him. He could tell by Rene’s body language that he was eager to get his journey underway. “I know you promised to call every night and while I love hearing your voice, it’s not really a substitute for holding you in my arms.”

“I’m going to miss you like crazy, Zack. This is going to be the longest we’ve been apart since we met. But I am so excited about this project. It’s going to be a real challenge and the pay cheque is nothing to sneeze at either.”

“True enough, Rembrandt. You’ll be well occupied and I’ll just have to find extra chores to do so the days fly by faster.” He leaned in closer and winked conspiringly. “Count of having a lot of erotic action when you get home. We’ll want to make up for lost time.”

An hour later they were saying goodbye and Zack was listing off instructions for Rene to follow. “Drive safely, my love. Remember, I will be expecting your nightly calls after you are in bed but never later than eleven o’clock. There’ll be no burning the midnight oil, regardless of how much there is to do.” He spoke firmly and watched to make sure his words were being received loud and clear. He was well aware of his husband’s inclination to easily become oblivious to much of life’s daily routine once he got wrapped up in his art. “Pace yourself accordingly, takes breaks regularly and eat properly. Stick to your one coffee a day so you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Aside from that, have a blast.” He pulled the younger man into his arms and thoroughly kissed him. “Off you go now,” he ordered in a husky voice when finally able to catch his breath. He stood on the porch and waved until the love of his life was no longer in sight.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rene checked into his hotel room and made the promised call to Zack to let his husband know he’d arrived safely. Once settled he headed down the street to the store, to have a look at the finished wall he would begin working on in the morning. He knew the wall was to be one hundred and ten feet wide and six feet high starting eight feet above the floor. From the floor to the start of his wall there were banks of freezers, meat counters, bakery display cases and a deli counter. They were providing him with scaffolding which allowed him to move with ease along his work area.

He gave his name to a construction worker at the door and was given entrance. He looked up to the back wall and immediately realized that though the gyprock had been installed, the seams had not yet been taped or mudded and no primer paint had been applied. He could not begin the mural on an unfinished wall! Rene pulled out his cell phone and called Mr. Simpson to report the problem.

The design director was shocked by Rene’s news, having been promised it would be finished by now. He suggested that Rene head back to the hotel and that he would take care of dealing with the tradesmen whose job it was to get the wall completed

Rene got back to the hotel room and sighed as he looked over his sketches and began to recalculate the hours it would take to complete the mural. He had originally allowed for approximately ten to twelve hours per day for the ten days he had been allotted. He knew now that there was no way he’d be able to start work tomorrow and wasn’t even sure about the following day as the wall finishing had to dry sufficiently before he could begin.

His cell phone rang as he began going over the numbers for a second time. He answered with a hopeful sounding ‘Hello’ when he saw Mr. Simpson’s name on the call display.

“Rene, I’m terribly sorry about the situation at the store. Apparently there was some lack of communication to the front line workers regarding the expected completion date for the wall. They have assured me the wall will be taped and mudded this evening but it must have twenty-four hours to cure before the primer coat can be applied and then another twenty-four hours for the primer to dry before you can begin your work. Which means you won’t be able to begin until the morning of the twentieth. I know we’re asking a lot of you, but we really need that mural finished by the evening of the twenty-seventh. Can you handle it?”

Rene knew it would mean much longer work days but he didn’t want to disappoint his employer. “Yes sir, I’ll get it done for you.”

“Good man. I’m looking forward to seeing those sketches of yours come to life on the wall.”

Rene bade Mr. Simpson a good night and slumped back on the bed. He would now have to work up to fifteen hours a day to complete the project. If he arrived at the store by seven a.m. each day and took minimal breaks, he could be out of there before eleven p.m. and make his daily phone call to Zack.

Deciding to try and put the whole thing out of his mind for a while, he watched some TV until the eleven o’clock news started. He quickly stripped out of his clothes and climbed under the bed covers before picking up his phone and calling Zack to wish him good night.

“Hello again, love. Two calls from you in less than four hours, not a record breaker by far but very nice all the same.” One could hear the smile in Zack’s voice. “I take it you’re in bed and ready for a much needed rest before you begin work in the morning.”

“Yeah, I’m in bed and wishing you were here beside me.”

“Wish I was too, sweetheart,” Zack empathized with a resigned sigh before switching topics. “So did you get into the store to check out the work site like you told me earlier you were hoping to do?”

“Yes, I went down to check things out.” Rene decided to change the subject in hopes of avoiding further questions. “It’s really going to be a beautiful place; very big and bright. They are even going to have a pharmacy inside the grocery store. I’m glad we don’t have that in Jade Heights. I think it’s much nicer to have a smaller one like yours where you know your customers and really care about them.”

“My sentiments exactly; which is why I jumped on the one I have as soon as it became available.” The tenor of Zack’s voice suddenly changed. It became deeper and forceful. “I take it you are naked. If not you better be.”

Rene felt a shiver go down his spine at the sound of Zack’s voice. “Yes, sir.”

“Good! I want you to slowly run your hands down your body. Start at your neck and gradually move down towards your genitals. Take a few moments to play with your nipples. Talk to me, tell me what you’re doing,” Zack softly demanded.

“Touching myself like you do; scraping my fingernails down my sides and back up again,” Rene panted. “Now I’m pinching my nipples. They’re hard and begging for your attention.”

“Keep exploring yourself. You have the most amazing body. I wish I was the one caressing it, kissing it, causing your excitement to grow along with my own.” Zack paused to listen to his lover breathe harder. His own breathing pattern changed and increased in tempo as he quickly removed his own clothing and stretched out on the bed. He knew Rene could hear him and the thought heightened his own anticipation. “What would you want me to do to you if I was there, my darling?” he asked gutturally.

“I’d want you to open me with your fingers; push them deep inside me until they were scraping over my prostate, making me harder and harder. Then you’d take your other hand, grab my shaft and pump it while you continued to finger me.”

“Close your eyes; in your mind let your hands become mine. First push in one finger, then a second one and stretch yourself open for me. Push in further. Now start working your erection with your other hand.”

“I can’t,” Rene moaned.

“Yes you can. Now do it!” Zack commanded. The resonances from his end of the line sounded hot and steamy. He gripped his own straining member, began manipulating it and pictured his beautiful lover doing the same.

“Oh God, Zack!”

Zack realized Rene was about to come. The sounds of his husband’s orgasm emanating from the phone triggered one of his own that was shattering, powerful and consuming. Several long moments passed during which only echoes of their raspy breathing could be heard.

“Good night, my love. Sleep well and sweet dreams,” Zack whispered when he was finally able to speak coherently. ‘I love you’ was his final, soft-spoken vow prior to hanging up.

Rene murmured ‘I love you too’ as he disconnected the phone. He managed to grab some tissues to wipe off his hand and stomach before turning over and falling into a deep sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rene slept in a little later than normal the next morning. He hadn’t bothered to set the alarm to wake him since he couldn’t begin his job that day. It was after ten a.m. by the time he was showered, dressed and heading out of the room in search of some breakfast. There was a Tim Horton’s next to the hotel and though Zack had forbidden him going to the one in Jade Heights, he reasoned it would be acceptable for him to have his breakfast and his one cup of coffee there in the mornings while he was away from home.

He treated himself to a medium size coffee with his breakfast sandwich and sat in the restaurant reading the local paper as he ate. Once finished he felt at a loss as to how to spend his day. Part of him argued that he should call Zack and go home until tomorrow evening, but he immediately dismissed the idea as being a lot of extra driving and stress just to pass some time. Besides, he wasn’t quite sure how Zack would take the news that he now had only eight working days to complete the project. He decided to take a walk and explore the area. A few blocks from the hotel he found an art supply store and went inside to browse.

He quickly decided he would pass the rest of this day and the next by trying something he hadn’t done since he was in university. Purchasing the needed supplies, he headed back to his hotel room where he spread plastic sheeting over the small table. Working from memory and a small photo from his wallet, he began his project. He was so excited by his work that he didn’t notice the passage of time until his stomach began to growl in protest. Not wanting to bother going out, he found a number in the directory and ordered a pizza to be delivered. It was after seven p.m. when the delivery boy arrived with his order. He washed down several slices of pizza with a can of coke knowing the added caffeine wasn’t in his daily allotment but was all that was left in the vending machine.

At ten p.m. he covered up his work for the night, got cleaned up and settled into bed to make his nightly phone call to Zack.

Rene was keenly aware of how much he missed his husband as they talked. He longed to feel Zack’s body pressed against his in the bed, to feel the weight and presence of the man with whom he shared his life. He confessed to the coke with his dinner. Zack gently admonished him and exacted a promise from Rene that he would find a proper meal with a healthier beverage for the next day. He deftly managed to avoid lying to Zack’s inquiry about his work with an honest reply that he was really pleased with what he’d gotten done that day and following up with questions about things at home. They talked for more than half an hour before they finally said their good nights.

Rene was up early the second morning. He repeated his breakfast routine from the day before and then returned to his room. He wanted to get his project completed as he knew there wouldn’t be a spare moment once he began his work in the store. Mr. Simpson called in the afternoon to confirm that Rene would be able to begin work early the following morning. He skipped lunch again but did go out for dinner at a fast food burger chain down the street. Making a concession to Zack’s admonishment that he find a healthy beverage, Rene ordered chocolate milk and a bottle of water.

At eight p.m. he placed the finishing touches on his project. He was thrilled with the results and hoped Zack would be too when he gave it to him. His bedtime phone call to Zack had gone well as he neatly avoided a direct answer about what work he had completed that day.

The third day found Rene up by five a.m. He carefully packed his finished work of art into a carton and placed it in the closet safe from harm. He was at the store shortly after, with a large coffee in hand, ready to begin the mural. He worked all morning and most of the afternoon with no breaks other than to run to the washroom. By four p.m. he found himself yawning and struggling to continue. Though he was pleased with how far he’d gotten with the initial phase of transferring the outlines of his sketches to the wall, he knew he still had a lot left to do in very few days. What he needed was a boost of energy; something to keep him going for another few hours. He climbed down from the scaffolding, grabbed his jacket and headed off to find something to eat. He found a sub shop a short walk away; bought a sandwich and soft drink hoping the food would reenergize him. However, as he walked back towards the store, he found himself yawning.

He didn’t want to go back on his word to Zack about drinking coffee, when a not so very honest solution came to mind. A pharmacy stood at the corner right next to the supermarket, and Rene stood outside the window for several minutes arguing with himself. Finally acknowledging he’d never get done on time without some help, he went inside and minutes later walked out with a small paper sack containing a bottle of caffeine pills. The bottle stated that each pill contained the equivalent amount of caffeine as found in one cup of coffee. He took two and returned to work.

At eight p.m., exhausted but satisfied with his day’s work, Rene headed back to his hotel room. He showered and then spent a little time watching television before placing his nightly phone call to Zack. He felt good being able to talk about the work in the supermarket that day without having to hedge the topic as he’d done the last two nights. After saying goodnight, Rene settled into bed to sleep. However, sleep didn’t come quickly and he knew why. As he tossed and turned, he reasoned he’d taken the caffeine pill too late in the day and they were still having a strong effect. Tomorrow he’d be sure to take them earlier in the day so that they’d be worn off by bedtime.

The next day unfortunately turned out to be anything but highly productive. He was forced to stop working several times during the day as workmen needed to shift his scaffolding out of the way to move things into place beneath his work space. Adding the fact that he was tired from lack of sleep the night before, he ended up working until ten p.m. and popping five of the caffeine pills to make it through.

By the afternoon of Rene’s seventh day away from home, he was working like a mad man. His nerves were on edge and he had to stop a number of times to steady his shaking hand while he painted. His stomach was constantly burning and he had little appetite for food. He knew he was a mess from the excessive caffeine intake, but could see no other way of getting this project finished on time. He was dreading how difficult it would be once he returned home and had to suffer through the symptoms of withdrawal from the drug. He was also feeling very guilty about what he was doing; knowing Zack would be very disappointed in him if he found out about it. He hated himself for deceiving his husband, but promised himself vehemently that this was a onetime thing and would never happen again.

His call home that night had been strained. Zack had questioned him twice as to how he was feeling and it had taken all his control not to snap at his husband, which he knew would only make the older man more concerned.

After hanging up, Rene knew he’d never get to sleep so he decided to head back to the store and get a bit more work done. They had given him a pass key to get in when needed and he reasoned that during the night he could work undisturbed. He toiled for three hours before returning to the hotel for a few hours of restless sleep.

Rene was up on the scaffold on the afternoon of day eight when he heard the voice of Mr. Simpson calling him from below.

“Rene, my lord this is beautiful!” the older man called up to him. “I can’t believe how far along you are.”

Rene looked down at his employer. “Oh hi, Mr. Simpson. You’re happy with the work then?”

“Very happy indeed. But you must have been working day and night to be this far along, especially given the delay you suffered.”

“It’s been an effort to catch up but I can promise you it will be done on time for your opening,” Rene replied in a shaky voice.

Mr. Simpson took his eyes off the art and looked carefully at the artist perched several feet overhead. Rene looked pale and his eyes were rimmed with dark circles. The only colours in the young man’s face were his blue eyes and a few splotches of paint splatter. Evan Simpson was concerned they’d pushed their artist too hard. He didn’t want to be responsible for the man becoming ill while in their employ. “Rene, are you feeling all right? You look very pale.”

“Yes; I’m fine, sir. Just a bit tired. I’ll catch up on my sleep when this project is complete.”

However, Rene was far from fine. A few minutes after Mr. Simpson departed, Rene found himself in the men’s room for the second time that day, vomiting bile from his empty stomach. He’d been running too long on only caffeine and adrenaline.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Meanwhile, Zack had been counting the days until Rene’s return. Regardless of how busy he’d kept himself, he still found the time dragging on with each passing day of his husband’s absence. He’d spent most his lunch hours in the apartment above the drugstore as the guest of his old childhood nanny, Nessa. He had made it a habit to take her to the Maple Grill at least once a week since she’d moved to Jade Heights last year and this week he done so two extra times. He loved her dearly and enjoyed his one-on-one time with her. He had also eagerly accepted the open invitation to have his supper with his parents instead of preparing and eating a lonely meal at home. That had left him with just the long evening hours until Rene’s nightly call to fill in.

As a result of Zack’s efforts to make time pass faster, the entire lawn had been manicured to perfection and there was not a single unwanted plant to be found in any of the flower beds. Their vegetable garden was also completely weed-free and foot after foot of hedge had been faultlessly trimmed.

Inside, their home had been immaculately cleaned. Even the windows were sparkling. Todd would have been hard pressed to find a speck of dust or a smudge of any kind. All but the baseboards had been wiped down. These were strictly Rene’s domain. Zack had quickly realized that corner-time only worked for short periods of time in helping his Brat calm down and think. Longer periods involving extensive thought required a somewhat time-consuming, monotonous chore. Baseboards easily filled that need.

Each night he’d glance down at the large empty bed in the master bedroom, sigh and reluctantly crawl under the covers on his side. It was never easy to resign himself to the fact that not only was he going to bed alone, but he’d also not be waking up to a warm body curled next to his own.

By the seventh day, Zack had run out of extra chores and was upset to find himself pacing the living room floor. He was understandably missing his lover a great deal and wanted badly to see him; hold him; make love to him. Phone calls, no matter how hot and sexy a couple of them got, just weren’t cutting it. Besides, Zack was beginning to believe Rene was under more stress than the younger man was letting on. Zack felt his husband was skirting around some issues to do with the job and that pressure was building up as a consequence. Nothing he could actually put his finger on; more of a subtle nagging in the back of his mind. It was then he decided to surprise his husband by driving down to Kelowna on the weekend to spend the remaining two nights in the hotel with him. He could always find something to do during the day while Rene was at work.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zack dragged the thermal picnic basket and his overnight bag from the backseat and closed the car door. It had been over a week since he last saw his beloved and he was looking forward to surprising him.

Leaning against the driver’s side, Zack stuck his head in the window and thanked his parents for dropping him off. Hayden and Todd were on their way to Vancouver to spend a few days with friends and Zack had hitched a ride with them. He hadn’t wanted to drive his own car as he planned to stay in Kelowna with his husband until Rene’s job was completed at which time they’d return home together, so a second vehicle would be redundant.

He waved to his dads as they drove off and then walked into the reception area of the hotel. After obtaining a key, he went back outside and leisurely strolled down the sidewalk until he arrived at his husband’s room. He let himself in and tossed his bag on the chair in the corner, rolling his eyes at the disarray that greeted him. He wondered why the chambermaid hadn’t been in yet as it was well past five p.m. His question was answered when he opened the door leading into the hallway to discover that Rene had neglected to remove the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign from where it hung on the knob. Zack decided it may as well stay where it was until morning.

He set about making the bed and picking up the clothing scattered about the floor. Once the room was in order, he unpacked the first piece of luggage, hung a change of clothes in the closet and set his toiletries on the bathroom vanity next to Rene’s.

Next, he emptied the basket of its’ contents. He placed the wine, salad and casserole in the fridge. Talerene was an old family recipe and one of Rene’s favourites. Zack would re-heat it in the microwave later. He neatly set the table with the white tablecloth, candlesticks, crystal wine glasses, china, and silverware he’d brought from home. He stood back to admire his work, happily anticipating his husband’s arrival and subsequent discovery of the surprise that awaited him.

Everything was ready in time for him to sit down and watch the six o’clock news. It was during his search for the remote control that he found the small white paper bag from a local pharmacy. Inside was the sales slip which told him all he needed to know and confirmed in suspicions that something might be awry. He just wished his instincts had kicked in earlier so he could have gotten here sooner. He seriously considered going to look for his husband at his workplace but changed his mind and settled for waiting until Rene got back to the hotel room. Privacy was what they’d be in dire need of.

He stretched out on the bed and clicked on the TV. With his mind working overtime in an attempt to come up with the best approach to the issue of prohibited caffeine pills, he was unable to concentrate on the news and he ended up nodding off sometime during the weather report.

It was the sound of a car pulling up and the glare of lights shining in the window that woke Zack from his unintended nap. Glancing at the LCD numbers on the clock, he was alarmed by how late it was. He sat up, took a deep breath to calm himself, listened for Rene’s passkey in the lock and waited for his unsuspecting Brat to enter.

Rene felt exhausted as he drove back to the hotel. His head was pounding and his stomach was cramping. He looked in the car mirror; the face looking back at him didn’t even resemble his own. Zack would have a fit if he saw him like this. He’d have to get himself together before he headed home in two days. He dug for the room pass card in his pocket. For some reason his pocket seemed deeper than usual and his pants were riding lower on his hips. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was quarter to eleven. He was just in time to call Zack, then grab a shower and collapse on the bed. He fervently prayed he could actually get a decent sleep tonight rather than tossing and turning, only to wake a dozen times through the night like he had for the past few nights. The bottle of caffeine pills rattled in his pocket as a noisy reminder that he had no one to blame but himself for feeling like this. But it would soon be over and he’d be back at home.

He slid the card into the slot and opened the door. The first thing he noticed was a light was on in the room. The second thing he saw was his husband standing beside the bed. ‘Oh crap!’

Zack’s eyes narrowed. He was shocked and appalled by Rene’s haggard appearance. Jamming the sales receipt into his pocket, he quickly stepped forward and embraced his lover. Taking another deep breath to keep his rioting emotions under control, he muttered against the head on his shoulder, “You look like hell, Rembrandt!”

Nothing else was said for several minutes as the men clung to each other, reclaiming who belonged to them. Then Zack landed an unanticipated swat on the seat of Rene’s pants. “Shower!” he roughly ordered. “And then we’ll talk during what I believe is a badly needed meal.”

Rene didn’t even consider arguing. He just headed to the bathroom and started the shower. He quickly stripped out of his paint splattered clothes and stepped under the spray. The heat felt good against his back, helping to relax tense muscles. As he washed his hair, he ran his hand over the spot on the back of his neck. The mark Zack always left there had faded to almost nothing in the week they’d been apart. What they needed was to reconnect.

A few minutes later, he was wrapped in his robe and walking out of the bathroom. The rich smell of Talerine filled the air and despite his unhappy stomach, it did smell good. He only hoped he could keep it down. He didn’t want Zack to know he’d been vomiting today.

He smiled at his husband as he took in for the first time the table set with cloth and candles. “Looks and smells great, Zack. It was a wonderful surprise to see you here.”

Zack returned the smile as he pulled out a chair and indicated for his husband to sit down. “It is so good to see you again, my love.” He bent and gently kissed the top of Rene’s head, taking in the intoxicating scent of the freshly washed hair of his lover.

Settling in his seat and shaking out a linen napkin, he conversationally inquired, “So exactly how did your week go? My guess is that it didn’t go as well as you’ve let on.”

Rene grimaced. “Well it’s not that the work itself has gone badly. Mr. Simpson has been in a couple of times and is very happy with how it’s looking. But…ah… it’s been a bit more intense trying to get it finished on time for the grand opening.”

Noticing Rene had yet to pick up his fork, Zack encouraged him to dig in. “It’s one of your favs, sweetheart. I strongly suspect you haven’t been getting the nutrition or rest you should have and I can well imagine the week’s proved to be more difficult than first anticipated. Are you sure you’ll be able to complete the task as promised?”

“Yeah I’m sure it can be done on time.” Rene looked at the food on the plate in front of him. He attempted to put a forkful in his mouth, but his stomach heaved and he took off from the table at a run. He knelt down in front of the toilet bowl and threw up a mouthful of bile.

Zack quickly followed in his husband’s footsteps and bent over to massage Rene’s shuddering shoulders, offering non-verbal support. He waited patiently for the heaving to stop and then dampening a washcloth, gently wiped Rene’s face.

“I think we’ve got a lot more talking to do, Rembrandt,” Zack firmly intoned, taking Rene’s arm and helping him off the floor before steering him into the other room to sit down on the foot of the bed. “So what’s going on, Rene?” he demanded, his expression clearly indicating he’d not tolerate too much more procrastinating.

“It’s just that I’ve had to work longer hours than I thought. I’m just tired and well I’ve…” Rene looked at Zack as if pleading for him to help, for him to understand without his having to come out and say the words.

Zack’s expression softened as he made note of the supplication in his husband’s eyes. “I see you’re still skirting around some important facts, Rene. Maybe I can help you out before you dig yourself any deeper by letting you know what I am already aware of.” Zack reached into his pocket, dug out the sales receipt and smoothed it out. Placing it on the bedspread, he slid it across for his husband to see. “You dropped this on the floor between the bed and the nightstand. I would now like a full explanation as to why you felt you needed these.” His voice was devoid of accusation, concern being his only consideration.

Rene sighed when he saw the sales slip. He’d known deep inside that it would have to come out in the end but he hadn’t expected Zack would find out this way. “I’m sorry…” he began. “I know you’re disappointed in me. I just couldn’t get it all done in the time I had left. The first two days were lost because when I got here, they hadn’t finished the wall.” Rene went on to explain about the reduced schedule in which he’d had to work. “So I ended up working sixteen to eighteen hours a day.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Zack sadly shook his head, put an arm around his husband and pulled him closer. “Why didn’t you just tell me right at the start? We could have work something out and made arrangements to get you some help. There were a number of options available to you that would have been so much better than the one you chose.”

“I…I didn’t think there…” Rene’s voice cracked as the warmth and love in Zack’s arms and voice finally reached him. “I didn’t know what to do but I had to keep going. I had made a commitment I had to fulfill. What choice did I have?”

“Well had you talked it over with me, we might have come up with some ideas. Out-sourcing comes to mind. Or I could have come down and helped out. I know I'm not an artist but once you had the design in place, I could have done some of the rough work, leaving you free to concentrate on the more intricate areas. If nothing else, I could have been a gopher for you. I also would have seen to it that you had proper meals and got to bed on time.”

Rene blinked as his brain began to take in Zack’s ideas. “I’m really dumb, huh?”

“Hey there; what do I think of you making self-disparaging comments? You’re a brilliant, talent, conscientious man who when found with his back against the wall, became somewhat rattled and didn’t think things through.”

Rene gave Zack a weak smile. “You’re too good to me. I guess I’m in a mess of trouble with you, huh?”

“I’m afraid so, but we’re not going to deal with your disobedience or increased caffeine intake at this time. We have other issues to take care of first. Right now, you are going to eat. Not a lot; just enough so your stomach isn’t empty. And then we’re going to plan out the next couple of days to get this contract of yours completed as promised. We’ll be finishing it up together, Rene. You’re no longer in this alone, my love.”

“I don’t know what I can eat right now. My stomach feels so miserable; maybe some crackers or something.” Rene leaned heavily against his husband. “Thank you for coming.”

“I had to come, Rene. I was missing you too darn much not to. Rest here while I get you a snack and tidy up.” Another quick hug and Zack went about his self-appointed tasks. When done, he sat down with Rene standing in front of him. He leisurely undressed his lover and tenderly caressed the body he loved and knew so well. He frowned slightly at the signs of Rene having lost the bit of weight he’d managed to gain in the last couple of weeks before coming to Kelowna, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself for the time being.

After settling his exhausted husband in bed, Zack quickly disrobed and climbed in beside him. As soon as the light was turned off, two pair of hands reached for the man next to them and the slow ritual of re-familiarizing themselves began.

It was well after midnight, when Zack turned Rene over and spooned around him. He smiled at the soft sigh that escaped Rene’s lips seconds before the younger man fell asleep. Zack closed his eyes and took time to revel in the joy he felt at having his lover in his arms again.

Rene slept fitfully, waking several times. Each time, Zack tightened his hold and soothed his husband back to sleep with softly hummed melodies of love.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The alarm on Rene’s cell phone went off at five a.m. and Rene scrambled from the bed in search of the device to silence it. He pulled it from the pocket of the pants he’d thrown over a chair the night before and quickly shut off the loud recording of a trumpet playing revelry. He looked back at the bed to see Zack sitting up and staring at him with an unhappy glare.

“Umm…good morning. Sorry about the alarm. It was preset to go off at this time. You can just go back to sleep. I’ll be out of here in a few minutes.”

“Hold on there, Rembrandt. You’re not going anywhere at this ungodly hour.” Zack reached up and yanked on Rene’s arm, causing his husband to land back on the bed beside him. “We’re staying right here until at least six-thirty. No discussion! Now sleep!” He pulled the covers back over them both.

“Zack!” Rene protested as he tugged against the restraining hand. “I have to get to work. I only have two days left to get the job done.”

“You’ll have a greater chance of success with proper rest. Now be quiet!” Zack growled as he landed a sharp swat on Rene’s hip. “Sleep for another hour and we’ll talk over breakfast.”

Rene rubbed the stinging spot on his hip. There was no arguing with Zack when he spoke like that. He knew he had little choice but to stay in bed for the next hour. He sighed deeply and tried to fall back to sleep. He was surprised to find himself waking up some time later to see the sun filtering through the hotel curtains. He leapt from the bed as he glared at the clock and saw almost two hours had gone past. His husband was just stirring as he tore into the bathroom to get washed up.

He was in the middle of shaving when Zack entered the bathroom. “I’ve got to run now that it’s so late. You can come down to the store when you’re ready if you’d like to see the mural.”

“I won’t be just viewing the mural, Rene. I’ll be helping you with it. It is barely seven, so we’ve time to pick up breakfast to go at Timmy’s.” Zack opened his leather travel kit and prepared to remove the overnight growth from his face. He glanced in the mirror and saw the opened-mouth stare on his husband. “What? I told you last night I’d be giving you a helping hand.”

Rene felt warmed by Zack’s sincere desire to help. It felt good to have his husband here to back him up. He only hoped Zack wouldn’t try to keep him from doing all he needed in order to get the job done. “That sounds great, but we need to get moving.”

“Five minutes, love. I don’t need to perform self-mutilation while I’m shaving,” Zack jested in an attempt to maintain a calmness he felt would be expedient for a good day. “By the way, Rene, there is something you have that I prefer to hold on to.”

Rene knew immediately what Zack was asking for. The caffeine pills in his pants pocket from the day before. He grimaced slightly as he replied, “Yeah, I know. I’ll get them for you.”

“Thank you.”

Rene wiped the traces of shaving cream from his face and then went to retrieve the pills. He dug through his paint splattered pants and pulled out the bottle. The cap was off and he found several of the pills loose in the pocket. He tossed them back into the bottle, replaced the cap and took it into the bathroom where Zack was finishing up. “Here you go.”

Zack silently accepted the small vial and examined the label. “We’ll deal with this when we get home, Rene. First things first; you have a contract to fulfilled and only two days left to do it.” He left the bathroom and hastily pulled on his clothes while Rene did the same.

They picked up their breakfast to go and arrived at the store where they were greeted by the site manager who commented on how late Rene was in arriving this morning. Rene grimaced slightly when the man went on to say that Rene had been here before anyone else arrived every morning this week and was still there working when they all left for the day.

Zack lifted an eyebrow at this, giving Rene a look that said it would be one more thing they’d be discussing.

Wanting a change of subject, Rene led Zack to the back of the store where the huge mural spanned the width of the wall several feet above the floor. “Well, this is it so far.” Rene gave the wall a sweeping gesture with his arm.

Though Zack had seen the sketches, the actual work in its true size was more than he’d imagined. The scene, which started to the left side, depicted the local vineyards and farms with their fields of abundant bounty. Then as you looked across, it changed to the homes, businesses and buildings of the city of Kelowna with people walking along the streets and shopping at vibrant store fronts. It was a beautiful mural and to Zack’s eye appeared nearly complete.

“This is undeniably breath-taking, love,” Zack commented in a hushed voice filled with awe. “You have definitely out-done yourself with this stunning success.” He turned to the young man by his side. “And while it certainly looks near completion to the eye of the average beholder, I’m sure you will always notice areas that need to be touched up. So concentrate on precisely what must be done before the grand opening in two days. Remember, I’m here as your gopher to hopefully save you some time.”

Rene smiled at Zack’s praise. “Thanks, but it does still have a lot of work to be done. If you don’t mind, I’ll put you to work getting some paint opened up and mixed.” Rene explained what he needed done while nibbling at the breakfast sandwich Zack had pushed into his hands. He’d tried very hard to not complain when Zack had refused to allow him coffee this morning, citing how ill he’d been from caffeine intoxication the night before. He gulped down the juice and set to work leaving the half-finished sandwich on the side of the scaffold.

Zack quickly filled his husband’s request. Noticing the partially eaten food, he picked it up and tapped Rene on the shoulder. When he had the younger man’s full attention, he made one thing quite clear. “You are to eat three squares a day, Rembrandt. No partial meals on my watch! Got it?” He handed it to Rene and stared until the sandwich was unenthusiastically lifted to pouting lips.

The morning passed fairly quickly and Zack had slipped out at noon and brought back Rene’s favourite pizza for lunch. Rene was a little frustrated that Zack had insisted they stop working while they ate, but he did finish the slices his husband had insisted upon, actually feeling hungry for the first time in a while.

By mid-afternoon, Rene was dragging badly and his head was pounding. He knew those were symptoms of caffeine withdrawal but he didn’t want to let Zack know just how bad he was feeling. He was afraid Zack would insist he stop working. He went into the men’s room while Zack was filling in a small area of paint where Rene had instructed him to.

He sat in a cubical for a few minutes with his head resting in his hands, trying to get the throbbing to stop. He knew he’d better get back before Zack came looking. As he was straightening his clothes, he felt something in his pocket. He reached in a pulled out a small pink caffeine pill. Relief was in his hand; easily taken and no one need ever know. He went up to the sink and ran the water until it was nice and cold. Then he tossed the pill into his mouth and scooped up a handful of water to rinse it down.

As the water touched his lips, the glint of his wedding ring caught his eye. The ring Zack had placed on his finger reminded him of what was more important. He spit the pill into the sink and let the running water carry it down the drain.

Two minutes later, he was kneeling down beside where Zack was sitting on the scaffold and painting. He leaned against his husband’s shoulder. “My head is killing me. Can I have some Advil?”

Zack put down the brush and wrapped an arm around his husband. He was aware of Rene’s body having once again become dependent on the drug over the past week and that he was now paying the price of going without it. “How does some pain medication and half a caffeine tablet sound?” he asked with his lips pressed gently against Rene’s forehead.

“Like heaven.”

Zack got the proffered tablets and a bottle of water. He insisted that Rene sit for a few minutes and rest before starting back to work.

The pills soon took off the edge and though still achy and tried, Rene was able to get through the rest of the afternoon without too much difficulty.

It was shortly after five when Zack decided it was time to call it a day. They’d accomplished a lot considering Zack’s lack of artistic skills and Rene being a little under the weather. “All that’s left, Rene, is a few touch-ups. They can be done in the morning. You have to wait for the paint to thoroughly dry before doing them anyway.”

Zack sighed and shook his head in sympathetic understanding. His young husband was too exhausted to do much more than nod his agreement. So it was back to the motel room and a well-deserved break that included a hot meal and a reviving shower.

Rene came out of the bathroom wrapped in a robe and drying his hair with a towel. Zack was sitting on the bed fully clothed and watching C.S.I. Miami. Rene sat beside him, leaning his body weight up against the larger man. On the TV Horatio Caine made a comment about the amount of clay in the soil where a body was buried.

“Clay!” Rene exclaimed. “How could I have forgotten?” He quickly scrambled off the bed and went to the closet and pulled out the box which he’d placed there earlier in the week.

Zack looked up at him curiously. “What have you got there, Rembrandt?”

Rene began to open the box. “You know how I had to wait two days after I arrived, before I could start the mural? Well, I filled those days making something for you. I found an art supply store down the road and thought I’d give a try at a medium I haven’t worked in since college.” He slowly reached in and pulled the bust from the box and handed it to his lover. “I did it mostly from memory and the photo of you I have in my wallet. Clay sculpture really isn’t my thing but I did have fun making it.”

Zack took hold of the gift and turned it around to examine it from several directions. “This is amazing, Love. I do believe you’ve captured my persona. We’ll have to find a place of honour in which to display ‘me’ when we get home. In the meantime, I want to treat you to a nice romantic dinner at that fancy restaurant we passed on our way back from the jobsite.” He got up, kissed Rene’s lips and placed the bust safety at the back of the dresser. With one final pat, he turned to see his beautiful lover hastily getting dressed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They arrived at the store at eight o’clock the next morning. Though Rene had slept much better than he did the night before, he still didn’t get the quality of sleep he would have liked. He couldn’t wait until they got back home where they could sleep in their own bed again. He set to work with Zack’s help, finishing up the last of the outlining and touch-ups which were needed to complete the mural.

At noon Rene was preparing to add his signature to the bottom right corner of the wall when a voice drew him from his work.

“Rene, this is positively remarkable!”

Rene turned to find Mr. Simpson standing on the floor below the scaffolding.

“I cannot wait for the executives to see this tomorrow at the grand opening. They are going to be blown away by your talent,” the older man added.

“Thank you, Mr. Simpson. I’m so glad you’re happy with it. Let me just add my signature here so I can climb down and join you.”

“Well, it seems I arrived at the perfect time.”

Rene took a moment to add his stylized signature before descending the ladder. Zack, who had been packing up the remaining supplies, came over to join the men. “Mr. Simpson, I’d like to introduce you to my husband, Zachary Pierce. He arrived the other night and has been assisting me with the final work.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Zack pleasantly addressed the older man, holding out his hand.

After the two men exchanged greetings, Mr. Simpson turned back to Rene. “I’d like to thank you, Rene, for your extremely hard work and professionalism in getting this magnificent work completed in less than the ideal time line. We, at Highway Farms, want you to know that your efforts have not gone without notice.” He pulled an envelope out of his brief case. “This is the cheque for the agreed upon contract price with a three thousand dollar bonus for completion in less than the contracted time.”

Zack pursed his lips and exhaled a silent whistle. He too was more than a little surprised at the company’s generosity, but then Rene more than deserved the additional acknowledgement.

Rene took the envelope, a huge grin on his face. “I don’t know what else to say, but thank you. This was very generous of you.”

“Not at all, Rene; it is you who have been so generous in doing this project under these circumstances. I promise you this sort of thing won’t happen again.”

Rene looked up. “Again?” he asked.

“Well I was hoping to talk with you about our next store opening three months from now in Medicine Hat.”

Rene saw Zack’s face blanch and quickly replied. “Mr. Simpson, I’m honoured that you would consider me for the job, but I really don’t want to travel that far or be gone from home for so long a period again. I enjoyed working on this project and hope that if you have anything else close to Jade Heights, you will remember me.” He shook Mr. Simpson’s hand.

“Well, I can’t say I’m not disappointed. However I do understand and will keep you in mind for any local work. I hope you can stay to be here tomorrow for the opening?”

Rene shook his head. “No, I’m sorry but we have other commitments at home to attend to. Thank you though for the invitation.”

“I understand and thank you again from everyone at Highway Farms.”

Goodbyes were said and Mr. Simpson went on his way. Zack and Rene finished loading the car together in preparation for their trip home. There was no need to return to the motel as they had already checked out.

“We have one extra stop to make, Rene, after we have a bit to eat. Then we’ll be free to get on the highway for Jade Heights,” Zack said as he buckled himself into the driver’s seat of Rene’s vehicle.

After a quick lunch and several minutes of driving through an unfamiliar area of the city, Zack pulled over to the curb and parked the car. Last night while Rene had been showering, Zack had Googled a specialty store in Kelowna that sold a particular item he was looking for. He had also found directions on how to get there.

“Okay, let’s go,” he directed, getting out and waiting for Rene to do the same. “It’s right in there.” He pointed to a somewhat unassuming store front with only a small unobtrusive sign saying ‘Adults only’. Seeing the interior was difficult due to the filmy material hanging in the window. One actually had to know the address to find this place that filled a specific need for a particular type of clientele.

Once inside, they were greeted by an older man who introduced himself as George and offered assistance.

“We’d like to look at your paddles, please,” Zack requested.

Rene’s jaw dropped. He stared at Zack in shock but couldn’t seem to form any words.

They followed the proprietor to the back of the room to see what he had available.

“This will be your paddle, Rene, so I not only expect you to pick it out, I also expect you to pay for it.”

Rene gave Zack an incredulous look. “You want me to choose, m-my own?” he stammered.

“Maybe I’d be able to offer a bit of expertise if I knew what the paddle was to be used for,” George proposed. “Will it be for play? If it is your first one, you might want to keep it light.”

“It will be used for correction and education,” Zack informed him. Glancing at Rene, he added, “And for craving control.”

“I see.” George studied both men for a moment or two; mentally taking into account their heights, approximate weights, and builds. He took down four paddles and placed them on the counter. “I’m sure any of these will get the job done.”

Rene looked down at the four implements laid out before him. He was still in a state of shock that Zack had brought him here for this. But now he had to decide on which one of these things would be used on him. “I don’t know how to pick.”

“We could always try out a couple, Rene; here and now. I am sure George has a back room where we’d have a bit of privacy.”

That statement didn’t seem to faze George at all. The man had a large number of customers throughout the BDSM and DP communities. He had even dabbled in some of the lifestyle himself. He was also well known for his good judgment and tactfulness.

Rene shot a look of pure horror at his husband for even suggesting such an idea. “No…no, just give me a minute.” A myriad of feelings were coursing through him as stood contemplating at the paddles. Shocked, yes for sure; horrified at being here, definitely, but not in general at the idea of a paddle. He realized what Zack was saying, was that he’d put himself in a place where Zack felt a change was needed. His lover had only used a paddle on him once before and that paddle he’d borrowed from his father. Though he’d never discussed this with his husband, after that incident Rene had actually done a little reading up on paddles. He’d had a sort of morbid fascination with them since reading about them being used in stories online and after Zack had paddled him that time, he’d looked into them further.

He knew from that one experience the first wooden one was very solid in its’ impact. The second was one he’d read about. It was made of Lexan, a very strong plastic that was light weight but apparently stung like the devil. The third was leather-covered wood, which he understood made it a heavier impact than wood alone. The fourth was also wooden, but wider and heavier than the first; definitely more bang for the buck as it were.

He picked up each paddle, felt their weight in his hand, turned them over and examined them carefully. Finally, he took the larger wooden one and handed it to the proprietor. He found it very difficult to meet the man’s eyes as he spoke. “This one, I think.”

“Good choice,” George praised, instinctively recognizing the signs of acute embarrassment.

The transaction was completed and they left the shop with Rene carrying his new implement in an unmarked thick plastic bag.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ninety minutes later, Zack turned into the driveway of their home, used the remote to open the garage doors and drove in before shutting off the ignition. It had been a rather quiet drive as both of them seemed to have a lot to think about.

Having mulled over the entire situation, Zack opted for leaving the unpacking of the car until after they’d discussed what was foremost in their minds and wiped the slate clean. Neither was looking forward to the next hour or so, but both knew it had to be taken care of and putting it off any longer would only cause Rene’s anxiety to escalate.

“Just bring your newest purchase into the house, Rene. The rest can wait for now,” Zack calmly instructed.

Once inside, they went directly to Zack’s office and sat down on the leather sofa. Zack’s emotions were rapidly swinging between irritation, disappointment and hurt, fortunately with a superseding sense of compassion. Taking Rene’s hand in his and working to keep his most negative sentiments under control, Zack patiently tackled the problem head on and softly inquired, “Can you tell me why we’re doing this, love? You’ve had plenty of time to prepare for this discussion, so I’d like to hear what you think were your errors in judgment over this past week.”

Rene looked up and met Zack’s eyes. He knew his husband just as well as his husband knew him. He could see Zack was working hard to school himself. This made Rene feel all the worse. He’d really gone and messed up and now he was going to have to atone for what he’d done. He spoke without hesitation, for as Zack said, he’d had plenty of time to consider things.

“I wasn’t honest with you. I should have told you right away about the delay in my ability to start the project. I continued that lie for the rest of the week each time I spoke to you. When I was feeling overwhelmed, instead of sharing my problems with you, I hid them and resorted to taking the caffeine pills to help me function. I knew full well that I was not able to tolerate large amounts of caffeine and that it was making me ill but I didn’t stop, therefore endangering my health. I really made a mess of things, didn’t I?”

“Uh-huh,” Zack agreed. “And you just zeroed in on the underlining issue that we’ve had to deal with several times in the past. You still have difficulty with the art of communication and in this case, it led to further tribulations. Making yourself ill by not following orders from both your doctor and your Top is a serious matter, Rene, which we’ll discuss first.”

Zack saw his Brat glance at the paddle that had been placed on the coffee table, and slowly shook his head. “Not yet; we’ll be getting to that soon enough. I want you to research and do a paper on the damage excess caffeine can do to a person’s system; how it can affect their overall health and lead to additional complications. While doing so, I want you to think about how you’ve felt this past week when you’ve been unable to sleep or eat properly and how you even allowed the cravings to interfere with our relationship. I want at least six full length pages, Rene. Be warned, my lad; the next time you succumb to the temptation, you’ll not only end up with a very sore backside but also a badly cramped hand from writing the entire essay out five times. ”

He paused to ensure all his expectations were being taken in and understood. “Okay, up you get and let’s take care of the rest of this.”

Rene stood, slowly taking his place beside Zack’s right knee. He fumbled with his belt, finally releasing it. He got the button and zipper undone. Drawing a deep breath, he shucked his pants and boxers down to his knees. He hated the moment where he laid himself across Zack’s lap like a lamb to the slaughter. Yet unlike the lamb, he knew exactly what was to come and still he did this. At this moment, he always questioned why he chose to do it; why did a grown man willingly lie himself out to be punished in this way? To the outside observer, Zack appeared to have all the power in this situation. In reality, it lay with Rene. He had only to say no and Zack would let him up. His husband was not an abuser, this was consensual. Today he was not only submitting himself for a spanking but for a paddling as well, with a damn paddle he’d bought and paid for himself.

He knew he wasn’t a masochist; he didn’t get off on the pain. He was definitely of a submissive personality; he liked having Zack take control, both in their bedroom and in their day-to-day life. But this wasn’t just submissive, it was a step beyond. It was accepting retribution for stepping outside of the structures which guided their lives. He did this to wipe the slate clean; to take what he deserved for what he’d done. With that thought, he lowered himself across Zack’s lap and attempted to prepare himself for what was due.

Zack lifted Rene’s shirt and loving stroked the bare bottom laid out for his punishing hand. He could well imagine his husband’s thoughts when in this position and he felt humbled by the trust the younger man put in him. While he valued his role as head of their household, this was one aspect he took no pleasure in at all. But it was the end result that matter; the forgiving and the forgiveness, the moving on without guilt to try again.

He lifted his right hand and brought it down with a resounding smack, causing Rene to jerk slightly and his butt to quiver. Neither deterred Zack in his objective as he steadily heated two beautiful globes. It only took a minute before Rene was squirming and quieting crying into the arm his had his head resting on.

Zack paused and examined his handiwork. Both cheeks were evenly red and hot. He placed his hand gently on them to get his husband’s attention. “What will you do, love, the next time you find yourself in a quandary you are unable to disentangle yourself from?”

“I’ll talk to you…no matter what!” Rene promised, his voice breaking with emotion.

“Good man; you’re learning. We’re almost done.” Zack leaned over and picked up the paddle. He rubbed the cool surface over the well-warmed flesh, lifted it and proceeded to land four solid swats on each side of an already sore backside. He ended the punishment and shoved the paddle down between the seat cushion of the sofa. He soothingly caressed Rene’s back and patiently waited for the heaving sobs to abate; then he as carefully as possible lifted the chastened man unto his lap, making sure not to let the abused area come in contact with anything remotely hard.

“Shh, love, it’s over. You’re going to be all right.” Zack began the litany that had always helped settle his lover in the past.

It took some time before Rene felt like speaking or moving at all. He was feeling exhausted, both mentally and physically, to say nothing of the burning of his backside. Finally, after almost thirty minutes in Zack’s arms, he felt himself cramping up and needing to change position.

“I have to move,” he mumbled as he struggled to his feet. His butt protested the movement and he rubbed at it cautiously. Instantly regretting the move, he cursed. “Damn, that paddle is horrible!”

“I can believe it is,” Zack intoned sympathetically as he stood up. “Although I think you made a good choice, I hope we rarely find need to use it.” He put a hand on each of his husband’s shoulders and looked him straight in the eye. “Rene, I will never stand by and let you knowingly make yourself ill like you did this past week. It hurts me too much to see you suffering when it can so easily be avoided.”

There was no condemnation in Zack’s voice, only the deep love and concern he bore for the man gazing back at him was evident. He softly avowed, “I love you with all my heart. You are my life. I want you healthy and as free from harm as possible.” Running his hands down Rene’s arms and around his waist, Zack pulled his lover closer. Then lowering his head, he gently began kissing the tear-streaked face before focusing all his attention on slightly swollen lips and insistently gaining entrance to taste the sweetness within.

Despite his aching butt, Rene found himself melting into Zack’s kiss. The stresses of his time away were beginning to abate and he suddenly found his body reacting to Zack in a very positive way. He slid his own hands down to his husband’s rear end and firmly grasped it while stretching up to grind his now growing erection into Zack’s. They hadn’t made love in over a week which was unheard of for them, so it seemed that despite a newly paddled backside, Rene’s libido was in full gear.

Zack instantly felt the change in his lover’s body language and reciprocated in kind. Both were panting heavily by the time their lips parted. Seeing the desire in Rene’s beautiful blue eyes, Zack’s brief nod signified his own rising need to reconnect. They quickly divested themselves of their clothing.

Rene’s eyes were dilated and he felt lost in his need to give himself to his husband. He wanted nothing more than to feel Zack’s dominate strength. There was something so erotic about being taken after a punishment. He didn’t want to be coddled or fussed over. He wanted to show his own strength by taking all that his lover could give him.

Zack steered his husband over to the large oak desk and bent him over it. He fetched the lube from the middle drawer and stepped behind Rene to prepare both of them for his entry. Taking a few moments to admire the sight before him further intensified Zack’s arousal. The beautiful versatile globes of flesh, cushiony when relaxed but firm when flexed, made the rear view mesmeric. It was always a breath-taking turn-on to see his partner in this position with bottom red from Zack’s own hand, legs spread wide and waiting for him to make his move. Knowing it was going to be rough and fast only added to the building sexual tension.

Rene gasped as he felt Zack’s blunt fingers lubing and spreading him to take his size.

Once ready and taking care not to injure his beloved, Zack placed his shaft against the rosebud between the still red, still hot cheeks, grabbed hold of Rene’s hips and firmly pushed inward. He only paused for a second or two to give his lover time to adjust to the sharp pain of entry, before pulling back and slamming in again and again. When he felt the contractions of both his and Rene’s internal organs, he extended his right arm to wrap a hand around his husband’s manhood, and then he increased the vigorous pace he’d been maintaining until their orgasms crashed over them.

Zack dropped down exhausted over Rene’s back where he worked on catching his breath while listening to his lover’s heartbeat as it slowly returned to normal. Dipping his head, he gently sucked on the nape of his husband’s neck, replacing the mark he always kept there to reclaim who belonged to him.

“Love you, Babe,” he murmured before dropping a light kiss on each shoulder and standing up on slightly shaky legs.

“Love you too,” Rene murmured. It was at this time that he wished for the content of post orgasmic bliss as written about in novels. Oh, he felt loved and sated, but hardly comfortable as he attempted to push himself off the desktop. He was sticky, sweaty, cramped and sore, but when he stood and turned and Zack pulled him into his arms and kissed him, he felt some of that bliss roll over him despite the mess.

He was about to suggest a bath when Zack’s hand slid down his back and grazed his very tender butt. “I really need a shower. Are you going to join me?”

Zack chuckled at the subtle hint. “You’d be setting yourself an impossible task if you tried to keep me from showering with you,” he answered, his amusement evident.

He took Rene’s hand in his and headed for the stairs. “Come on. We are both in urgent need of some long, drawn-out reconnecting time in order to put any negative aspects of this past week behind us. The romp we just enjoyed didn’t come close to appeasing the sense of loneliness I felt during your absence. I’m still left with this overwhelming urge to take my time exploring your delectable body and making slow passionate love to you. And as luck would have it, we have hours in which to do just that.”

The End

Rudeness Isn’t Tolerated

2011-04-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

Written by: LJ

This is in response to a WL Spring Drabble Challenge

Todd smacked his hand on the table in sheer frustration over being unable to change their working agreement even after arguing about it for hours.

“You know what you need, Hayden? To just chillax sometimes,” he hotly exclaimed as he left the room, slamming the door.

‘Bad choice,’ he realized as half a dozen swats landed on his backside.

“I should have remembered you are as up on modern slang as I am,” he repentantly murmured from the comfort of Hayden’s arms.

“Lack of forethought often leads to unacceptable insolence, my love.” There was no censorship in Hayden’s loving voice.

The End

Ghosts of Christmas Past

2011-04-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Written By: Mel and LJ

OC’s: Hayden and Todd

Todd sat on the floor, his back supported by the sofa behind him. He was surrounded by numerous boxes partially filled with holiday ornaments. He loved decorating but always found the removal of festive décor depressing. He temporarily set aside the job of packing away the decorations for another year and picked up an old photo album to thumb through. Often, reviewing memories from the past raised his spirits but not necessarily at this time of year.

As far back as Todd could remember he’d suffered a mild form of depression when the excitement of the holidays faded. Even though a new year had begun, an old one had also ended. Add the prospects of a long wait until spring brought a newness to his world, and he’d found it difficult to work through the doldrums that easily overwhelmed him.

The album turned out to be one he more often than not experienced mixed feelings over. It was full of pictures from the first Christmas season after he and Hayden moved in together. They were getting used to each other’s differences and some areas hadn’t gone as smoothly as others. Todd grimaced as he recalled his partner’s reaction to him overspending. But then wasn’t that what Christmas and giving was all about? It had been to Todd’s way of thinking; although that particular view had changed over the years.

Hayden had been out on the porch removing the miles of garland from the rails and window frames. Though they’d hired a young man to put up and remove the lights decorating all the eves of the house, Hayden had enjoyed working with the beautiful evergreen garlands. The wonderful pine scent and the beauty they added to the house was well worth the expense of getting fresh ones every year and he liked the idea that they would be picked up by the garbage collector, composed and used to mulch the town park flower beds this coming spring. He placed the last piece of greenery into the large blue bin and put it out to the curb for pick up.

Now he could go in and assist Todd with the rest of the indoor décor. He knew his husband found the packing away to be a depressing job and wanted to do what he could to buoy up Todd’s spirits. Coming into the kitchen from the back entrance, he carefully hung his coat and placed his boots on the tray so no puddles of melting snow would mar the gleaming floors. He noted it was nearly noon and seemed a good time for them to take a lunch break. He quickly heated some of the beef and barley soup Todd had made the evening before and filled a tray with two steaming bowls, along with slices of fresh buttered bread and a pot of tea with the china cups and saucers Todd preferred.

Whistling a pleasant tune, he headed to the living room with tray in hand. “I’ve brought us some lunch, sweetheart!” Hayden frowned at the room which was still more decorated than not. He let out a sigh when he spotted his partner on the floor with the photo album on his lap. Placing the tray on the coffee table, he then glanced down at the page in the open book. It was a picture of their first apartment with the little tree they’d had that first Christmas together. Todd wasn’t just being nostalgic, he was reminiscing a time that led to the worst point in their mutual history.

“Hey, love, close up the book and have some soup.” Hayden was still hopeful he could distract Todd from his annual state of depression, though the look in his husband’s eyes caused that hope to deflate. This was going to take some work.

Todd snapped the album shut and gave his husband a somewhat guilty smile. “Lunch looks good, darling. Thank you.” He pulled himself over to the coffee table and began pouring tea. “All the trimmings are off the tree and it’s ready to go out to the curb once the stand is removed. I’ll get the rest packed away shortly.” He didn’t sound terribly enthusiastic.

“Hmm, just what I needed,” he murmured, settling back with a hot cup in his hands. “Is all the outside taken care off?” As yet, he’d made no attempt to eat anything.

Hayden picked up his bowl and took a mouthful of the thick hearty soup before replying. “Yes, all the garlands are down and the bows are packed into the bin for next year. I’ll help you get the rest of this packed up after lunch.”

Todd nodded but didn’t say anything as he continued to sip his tea.

After a couple of minutes, Hayden put his own soup down and reached for Todd’s tea cup. Taking it from his husband’s hand, he replaced it with the second soup bowl. “Eat, please.”

Todd pouted briefly at the loss of his tea before half-heartedly scooping up a spoonful of soup. Of their own volition, his eyes wandered back to the album and he couldn’t help remembering times past.

“Oh sorry, Hayden; I didn’t hear you. Would you repeat that, please?” Todd made a firm effort to bring his mind back to the present and focus on what his husband was saying.

Hayden reached down, took Todd’s chin in his hand and turned his head so his husband was looking directly at him. “I said to eat please. I don’t want your blood sugar dropping. After lunch, we can work together to get the rest of these decorations packed up.” He stroked Todd’s hair. “I know you hate putting away all the Christmas décor, my love, but it’s past time we got it done.”

Todd obediently swallowed a couple more mouthfuls and was surprised to find he was actually hungry. Once the meal was eaten, he piled the dirty dishes on the tray and got to his feet. Then instead of taking everything into the kitchen, he straddled Hayden’s lap and wrapped his arms around the bigger man’s neck. He was definitely in need of some cuddle time.

“We’ve had so many Christmases together, and I wouldn’t want to forget a single one because they are all so special. I glad we have pictures from each and every one of them, Hayden. And as imperfect as one or two of them may have been, I wouldn’t give any of them up. I don’t know why I find this time of year so hard. I’m just so thankful I don’t have to go through it by myself.” Todd reached up and gently kissed the lips of the man he loved more than life itself.

Hayden pulled Todd into a firm hug. “As long as I’m around, you’ll never again be alone though anything that makes you sad.” He kissed the side of his face. “You’re thinking about that first Christmas, aren’t you? It was a rough time for both of us.”

Gently tightening their arms around each other as if in search of comfort; they both allowed their minds to wander back in time.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thirty-five years earlier:

Hayden couldn’t believe what he was looking at. They’d made a budget, discussed the need to stick to it, and here he was looking at a hundred and forty dollar cashmere sweater Todd had purchased for his assistant at the dental clinic. They’d both just begun their careers and had major student loans to pay off, and spending money like this was out of the question.

“Todd, this has got to go back. We can’t afford to spend this much on gifts for our assistants. I bought Judy a thirty-five dollar gift basket from The Body Shop, and you need to keep your gift for Kimberly in the same range.”

Although they’d met and started dating two years ago, they’d only been living together for ten months. Budgeting had been a sticky subject almost from the first. This time though, Todd figured he had good reason for spending more than they had settled upon.

“First off, it didn’t cost me as much as the price tag says. I had a fifteen percent off coupon.” Coupons had become a thing with Todd. He spent most Saturday mornings, scissors in hand, going through the various sales papers and cutting out coupons. Then he’d meticulously file them for future use.

Hayden would have considered this a worthwhile endeavour had Todd only purchase items they needed. However, such was not the case and it resulted in money being spent on things they didn’t need and would never have normally purchased. Like a month ago when Todd had arrived home with a head full of tight curls. He’d had a coupon for a free manicure provided he paid forty-five dollars for a perm. He’d successfully talked Hayden in to accepting it had been partly his fault as he’d been the one pointedly suggesting that Todd’s hair was getting too long and needed to be cut. And being as Hayden had never really pushed the issue after that, Todd merrily continued adding to his coupon collection. He’d then have to make use of any purchases in order to avoid arguing over it. This habit led to him serving up some rather strange concoctions at mealtime.

“Besides,” Todd added to his defense. “You have several family members to purchase gifts for, while I don’t have any. Overall I probably ended up spending the same amount of money as you did.”

Hayden sighed in exasperation. “Todd, fifteen percent is only a little more than the sales tax. The sweater was still well over a hundred dollars which is an awful lot to spend on a gift for your assistant. Besides you were the one who asked me to help you stick to a budget so you could pay off your loans sooner. You agreed that it would be an area where we would enforce discipline if needed. Now I’m asking you to return this sweater for something more reasonably priced.”

“I can’t return it, Hayden. It’s a one of a kind and absolutely beautiful. Kimberly is going to love it and she really deserves something this nice.” Todd leaned in closer as if divulging a big secret. “You know, her boyfriend just broke off with her,” he softly informed his partner as if there was someone else present who might overhear. “She’s going to be in for a sad Christmas and I am hoping this will help make her feel better. I’m sure my financial plans can absorb this one little extravagance. Please let me give it to her,” he implored with his blue eyes in puppy mode.

Hayden was torn. He knew he should stand firm and insist Todd return the sweater, but his lover’s mention of his lack of family left Hayden feeling guilty. Todd’s family had disowned him because of his lifestyle and Hayden had promised himself he’d do everything in his power to give him back the security and love of a family. “All right, if I let this go I want you to promise to stick to your budget for the rest of your shopping.”

“Yes!” Todd exclaimed jubilantly as he threw his arms around his partner’s neck and firmly kissed him. “I can do that! In fact, I promise you here and now I will definitely do it. No more excess spending.”

Todd kept his word and the rest of his purchases were within the price range he and Hayden had agreed to.

It was a couple of days before Christmas and the last working day for the year when Todd presented Kimberly with her gift. But during her fervent response to the sweater, Todd began to experience mixed feelings. A little voice that had been niggling at him over the last month or so, started up again. While he was thrilled with the joy the gift had brought his assistant, it was somehow tarnished by him having gotten his own way after breaking a rule. Once more he shoved the negative thoughts aside and threw himself into the happy spirit of the season.

Their first Christmas together in their little apartment was all the men could have hoped for. Friends dropped by, gifts were exchanged, Hayden’s family was visited, and they’d even helped out with serving dinner to the less fortunate at the Salvation Army kitchens.

It was a little into the New Year when Todd arrived home well after midnight. He parked his car in his allotted space at the back of the building and glanced up to notice the light on in their living room. He grimaced as he dropped his head against the steering wheel. Hayden had waited up and there was no way he’d be pleased to hear what Todd had been up to.

There was a group of so-called friends Todd had associated with since his early college days that Hayden considered disreputable and whom he’d prefer his partner not hang around with. These men had a disgraceful habit of taking advantage of Todd and their treatment of the man he loved really angered Hayden. Todd himself didn’t particularly care for these guys and had even asked Hayden to help him in dealing with them. So it became a rule that anytime these men asked Todd to join them in some activity, Todd would tell Hayden and they’d do something together so Todd would be able to say he had other plans.

Tonight, however, Todd had chosen to disobey the rule. But he had a darn good reason for doing so, or so he thought.

He slowly climbed the three flights of stairs while mentally rehearsing the whys and wherefores of his evening. Inhaling deeply to brace himself for the upcoming discussion, Todd turned the door knob and stepped into their apartment.

Hayden’s mood had been shifting from worry to fury and back again for the last three hours. He’d had to work late this evening and had informed Todd of that before leaving this morning. It wasn’t that he expected his partner to sit home alone waiting for him, but Hayden had been home since nine p.m. and it was now past midnight. All he knew of Todd’s whereabouts was from a quickly written note on the kitchen table. ‘Gone out for a while, won’t be too late. Todd’.

They’d had previous discussions about being considerate of each other and keeping the other informed of where they would be and when they expected to be home. As far as Hayden was concern, Todd’s note did not fill the bill in that category.

As he heard the door open, he drew a deep breath. He would stick to his guns on this. It was time to enforce the discipline they had both agreed upon. He looked up at Todd as he walked into the room. “Welcome home,” he said while looking pointedly at the clock on the wall.

“I’m sorry for being so late, Hayden,” Todd began with a sincere apology. “But I have a very good reason. I had barely arrived home from the clinic when Ralph and Joey showed up. They were on their way to the hospital to see Kevin and Kate who’s just become parents of a baby girl. You should have seen her, Hayden. She was so beautiful, even if she was a bit wrinkly. They named her Susannah.” He began getting excited as he talked about the baby. “I got to hold her and I wasn’t a bit afraid of her being so little.” He got a bit dreamy-eyed as he remembered the feeling of wonder while looking into the precious face on a newborn and feeling her tiny fingers wrap around his bigger one.

Releasing a sigh, he returned to the here and now. “You know, Hayden, that’s something we’re going to miss; not having a child of our own. But that’s life, huh?” Todd’s philosophical shrug did nothing to hide the bit of sadness that remained.

“Anyway,” he brightened up some to pull himself away from the unhappy thoughts, “being as it was such a special occasion, we had to take Kevin out to celebrate. I agreed to be the designated driver, so of course I didn’t drink. I did buy a couple of rounds though. The time just got away from us and by the time I dropped the guys off, it was almost midnight. When I’d first realized how late it was, it was too noisy to call you from the bar and besides, I figured you’d have already gone to bed.”

Todd sat twisting his hands as he waited for his partner’s response. Both men knew Ralph and Joey were very much inclined to only contact Todd when they wanted something. They thought nothing of shameless using Todd and taking advantage of his generous nature. This was the main reason Hayden preferred his partner avoid them at all costs.

Hayden was not impressed with Todd’s story and wanted to make that very clear from the start. “Ralph and Joey again?” he questioned. “Even after we agreed that you would not go out with them anymore? Now don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with you going to see Kevin and Kate and their new baby; I’m sure they were ecstatic about the new arrival. However, after your visit to the hospital, you should have said you had other plans and come home. Instead you find yourself not only as designated driver, but buying rounds for them. The designated driver is already contributing by driving and should not be buying rounds for the drinkers. And as far as it being too noisy to call from the bar, I’m sorry but that’s not an acceptable excuse and you know it. Nor is thinking I would actually be asleep when I had no idea of your whereabouts.”

Todd blinked at the seriousness in his partner’s voice. His mind raced with plausible reasons as to why he shouldn’t be in trouble. “But Hayden, Ralph and Joey bought drinks for Kevin too. All three of them were fairly drunk by the ending of evening. It’s a good thing I was there. You wouldn’t want a new father driving home with an inebriated person, would you? What if there’d been an accident? What if Kevin had been badly hurt or even killed? Talk about things taking a turn for the worse real fast.” Todd was sure this all made perfect sense and should exonerate him from any blame.

Hayden frowned slightly and shook his head. “Well I must offer my sincere apologies to you, Todd. You see, I was under the mistaken impression that Ralph, Joey and Kevin were all adults who were intelligent enough to know if they went out drinking without you in attendance, one of them would have to be the designated driver or baring that, they would have to…oh I don’t know, maybe take a cab home. But now that you’ve explained the situation to me, I completely understand. However, I am terribly concerned about Kate. She is obviously also mistaken about her husband’s abilities. I feel obligated now to call her and let her know the father of her child is under your care and that she daren’t trust him without you there to ensure he doesn’t get into a car with a drunken driver. That given this, perhaps she’d best not trust him with the care of their new born child.”

Todd stared at his partner in disbelief. He’d seldom heard Hayden so sarcastic and it raised his own ire. Tightly pursing his lips, he just glared for several seconds before getting to his feet and firmly stating, “If that’s your take on things, then this conversation is over. I’m going to get ready for bed.” With that, he turned on his heel and stomped off down the hall to the bathroom. He quietly shut the door and sat down on the closed toilet seat to think over what he considered an uncalled for reaction on Hayden’s part.

While it was true that Ralph and Joey probably had ulterior motives for inviting him to go to the hospital with them, they hadn’t actually coerced him into going to the club. He hadn’t been looking forward to spending the evening at home on his own and as a result had easily got caught up in the excitement of seeing the baby. He had just wanted to be included in the celebration.

‘Guess we’re both tired,’ Todd thought with a yawn. ‘Maybe if I apologize to Hayden for causing him to worry and stay up late, we can put this whole evening behind us.’ He got up to do just that as the bathroom door opened.

Hayden sighed as Todd had stormed down the hallway. He knew the minute the words had left his mouth that he’d handled the whole situation poorly. He’d let his worry and anger get the best of him and only succeeded in making things worse. His own father had chastised him in the past for his sarcastic tongue, but obviously he hadn’t learned to curb it yet. If he were to be the head of their household, he would need to control himself better. Making up his mind to correct things, he followed Todd and entered the small bathroom.

“Sweetheart, we need to talk.” Hayden could see the look of distrust in Todd’s face. He took his partner’s hand and guided him back down the hallway to the living room and over to take a seat beside him on the sofa. “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you; sarcasm was not called for. I still do not approve of your going out with Ralph and Joey as you did; nor am I pleased about not hearing from you when you were going to be out so late. However, I should have handled it better than I did.”

More than happy to talk things over and bury the hatchet, Todd grabbed onto Hayden’s hand like it was a lifeline. Once seated, he turned to his partner and earnestly apologized. “I’m so sorry for not calling and thereby adding to your worry, darling. Although I never planned to upset you, I was happy about getting out for a couple of hours. There is only so much to keep me busy in this little apartment and I get bored when I’m here alone. But I promise the next time you work late, I’ll find a better activity to fill the time.”

Hayden felt he was allowing things to go too far without consequences, but was also feeling guilty for his poor handling of the situation from the start. “I appreciate that promise, my love, but I think this needs a little more than a promise for the next time. As I recall, you agreed if you went out with Ralph and Joey again without my permission, it would be a spanking offense.”

Todd looked up at Hayden with a shocked expression. He opened his mouth to speak but Hayden raised his hand and continued.

“Ah…let me finish first before you say anything. I’m going to allow this to pass one last time without a spanking, but I’d like you to write out in essay form at least five different strategies for coping with boredom and five ways you can avoid falling into Ralph and Joey’s traps. I want this essay written out and presented to me by tomorrow evening at nine p.m.”

Todd stifled a groan at the thought of writing an essay, although he much preferred it over the idea of a spanking. He’d had another reprieve and could hardly believe his good fortune at how lenient his partner was being. Little did he realize at the time how badly it would all come back to haunt both of them.

“All right,” he nodded, “nine o’clock tomorrow evening it is.” He reached up to gently touch Hayden’s cheek. “I know you’re tired. I am too, so can we go to bed now?”

“Of course, my love; I think we’re both in need of a good night’s sleep.”

It was while Todd was doing his assignment the next evening that uncertainties began rearing their ugly heads. His mind wandered and instead of writing on the sheet of paper in front of him, he began doodling. He’d hoped for more stability in his everyday life when he and Hayden had sent up the parameters for their relationship. It wasn’t that he wanted to be called on for his acts of impulsiveness and punished for them, it was the security he felt in knowing someone cared enough to hold him accountable and would provide him with the incentive to assume more responsibility for his actions. But this didn’t seem to be happening and small seeds of disenchantment and restlessness were beginning to take root.

Todd gave his head a shake as he made more of an effort to finish the essay he was working on. The least he could do was to obey his partner’s instruction and hand it in on time. He owed that much to Hayden after worrying him last night and he only had a little over an hour left.

The assignment had met with Hayden’s approval and the following week or so went by without incident. Unless one takes into account Todd making his student loan payment a bit late. It was becoming a bad habit but one he always managed to find a good reason for. So once again he narrowly escaped punishment by insisting the payment date had fallen on a weekend and therefore, having paid it on the Monday after, meant it should be considered on time.

It was Friday evening and the month of January was slowly sipping away. Todd was nervously filling in time by puttering around the apartment. He had been praying for a way to avoid joining Hayden for a rather formal dinner at the Pierce family home. As luck would have it, an unexpected opportunity to learn a new dental technique had provided Todd with the perfect excuse to not show up at the gathering. However, it had been rather impolite of him to have failed putting in an appearance with little more than a message about his change of plans left with Hayden’s secretary.

Todd had not wanted to attend the dinner in the first place. Hayden’s parents were unaware as yet of his sexual orientation and considered Todd only to be his good friend and roommate. Todd worried about saying or doing anything that would give their true living arrangements away. His own parents would have been appalled to know their off-spring had a partner. He just neglected to share his feelings of insecurity with Hayden.

Meanwhile, Hayden had politely explained to his parents why Todd couldn’t attend the dinner celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary. Although they’d accepted the excuse with their usual good grace, Hayden wasn’t feeling at all graceful towards his partner. Todd had promised to attend with him and he considered it extremely rude that his partner would back out at the last minute and then be unavailable when Hayden had called to speak to him about it.

He’d wanted to go fetch Todd and make him come along. However, the timing was such that he had no choice but to head straight to his parent’s home from the office or end up being unforgivably late. His fuming over Todd’s behaviour had taken all the joy out of the evening. Later as he was saying his good byes, his father took him aside and chastised him for being distracted and uncommunicative throughout the evening. He’d had to offer his apologies to both his parents before departing. He had climbed into his car feeling like a child who had disappointed his mommy and daddy.

Hayden walked in the door of the apartment prepared to give his partner a piece of his mind and dole out a suitable punishment for the rude behaviour. He found Todd sitting on the floor in the living room sorting through their LP collection.

“Well, I’m glad to see the records are alphabetized, even if I had to attend my parents’ anniversary dinner alone.”

Todd glanced up with a guilty expression on his face and slowly got to his feet. “I know the timing was off, Hayden, but I just couldn’t give up the chance to learn this new innovative procedure for dental implants; and one from the originator himself. It was really a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even though the head of our clinic had mentioned it earlier in the week, it only became a definite at the last minute. I’m sorry for not speaking to you about it, but I really believed it was going to fall through.” He stood, wringing his hands as he gave his excuses and sincerely apologized for not being available to participate in the festivities.

Hayden had a feeling in his gut that something was not quite right about what Todd was saying; that he wasn’t getting the full picture. But he was tired and not in the mood to try and ferret out information. He shook his head sadly. “All right, Todd. I understand about work, but I really would have appreciated you giving me the courtesy of calling earlier and in person rather than a quick message left with my secretary. Besides I missed you this evening; it wasn’t the same without you at my side.”

Todd kept his mouth tightly closed as he followed Hayden down the hall and into their bedroom. He almost blurted out how much he too would have preferred to spend time with his partner; just not at a party where he’d have been uncomfortable. He was mindful of his tendency to be a little outrageous at times and although Hayden had accepted this part of his personality, not everyone was as amiable. Hayden understood a lot of it was a front of sorts for Todd to hide behind, but even he was unaware of all the complexities of his partner’s insecurities.

Lying in bed later, Hayden wondered if he shouldn’t have pushed Todd to discuss things more this evening. He was supposed to be in charge and should have dealt with things more openly, shouldn’t he?

Things seemed to deteriorate further during the coming week. Todd didn’t realize it was his own guilty feelings making him misread how things stood. He saw it as him and Hayden drifting further apart; as Hayden becoming distant and not as observant as he once was. The new coat Todd had purchased a couple of weeks ago was ample proof of that; at least to Todd’s way of thinking.

Todd’s last paycheque had included his sixth month raise and was a bit higher than they had expected or hoped for. While waiting for the increase, Hayden had suggested the extra money go directly on Todd’s student loan in order to pay it off even faster, thus saving some of the interest. Todd had giving the impression he agreed; however, such was not the case.

It had been a subconscious desire to provoke Hayden that had enticed him to buy the expensive leather coat he’d long had his heart set on. Clothes were important to Todd and the coat he’d been making do with for the last couple of years was a cheap imitation of the one he really fancied.

Unfortunately, Hayden still hadn’t commented on Todd’s new acquisition. Both coats were very similar in appearance and quite likely Todd, with his slightly more discerning tastes, was the only one to detect what to him, were very obvious differences. Hayden’s failure to notice only added to Todd’s feelings that the older man wasn’t going to hold him to account the way he’d promised to.

With the knot in his stomach growing with each passing day, Todd came to the conclusion that he could no longer live like this.

************

Hayden wandered aimlessly through the university district for the third day in a row. He kept hoping to find Todd in all the places they used to frequent, but no one had seen him. He’d even contacted Ralph, Joey and Kevin but they all claimed ignorance as to Todd’s whereabouts. Hayden suspected they were lying to him but got nowhere while questioning them; if anything he suspected he’d only alienated them further.

The owner of the dental practice where Todd had been working was also concerned about where the young dentist had vanished. He’d shown Hayden the letter of resignation Todd had left, but it gave no clue as to where he intended to go.

Hayden had made a trip to the post office when all mail addressed to Todd ceased coming to the apartment. He’d been informed that Todd had paid to have his mail forwarded to a new address but the post office could not divulge that forwarding address to anyone.

It was a typical cold, wet January evening and Hayden was chilled to the bone as his wanderings took him past Sparks, the off-campus lesbian pool hall and bar run by huge old dyke named Delia. Hayden had met Delia during his first year of college through the small group of gays and lesbians students who were trying to find a place to meet. She’d happily lent them her back room at the pool hall and taught them about all the places they could go to be safe and meet other gay and lesbian people in the city. Vancouver was pretty liberal as Canadian cities went in the seventies, but still one had to be cautious.

Though Sparks was mostly a lesbian hangout, gay men had always been welcome and Hayden needed some place to dry off and get a drink before he continued his search for his missing lover.

Being a Friday night, the place was busy. Hayden found a stool at the bar and ordered a beer. He looked around and saw a few people he knew casually but none whom he thought could lead him to Todd. He’d been nursing his beer for a while when a familiar voice called him.

“Hayden love, what brings you out here in a Friday night? And where is your beloved other half?”

Hayden looked up into Delia’s smiling face. “Hello, Delia. I was in the neighbourhood and thought I’d get a drink before heading home. How are you?”

Delia frowned as she studied Hayden’s face. “I’m better than you are apparently. You look like something the cat dragged in.”

Hayden grimaced. “Just a bit tired. It’s pretty wet outside so it’s hard to keep up my best appearance.”

“Don’t bullshit me, young man.” Delia took the beer from Hayden’s hand. “In my office; I think you and I need to talk.”

Hayden considered refusing. He even considered just saying goodnight and heading out the door, but he couldn’t be that rude to this lady he respected. Reluctantly he followed the large woman from the crowded bar room and down a narrow hallway to a door marked ‘Private’.

The office was nothing like he would have expected. It was painted in a soft green with furnishings of a French-Provincial decor upholstered in floral damask. Delia indicated a small sofa. “Give me your coat and have a seat. I’ll get you some coffee.”

Once settled on a chair across from the sofa and with coffee cup in hand, Delia looked at Hayden with a more appraising eye. “So what’s happened with you, Hayden? You obviously haven’t slept in days and don’t think I didn’t notice that you ignored my question about Todd. Where is the silly boy?”

For the first time since he’d found Todd’s note, Hayden felt tears welling up and spilling out of his eyes. Delia’s forthright question seemed to set off a chain reaction of emotion. Within seconds, Delia was beside him on the couch and putting tissues into his hand.

When he was finally able to form words, Hayden replied. “Todd left me. I don’t even know where to find him. All I’ve been doing for the last three days is searching for him, but he’s gone.”

“Oh my dear, what have you done to send that boy off running? He’s mad for you. Anyone can see that and I don’t think for a moment he’s fickle. Now he didn’t find you with some other boy, did he?”

Hayden shook his head. “No...no, there is no one else. It’s my fault. I’ve messed things up so badly that he doesn’t want me anymore.”

Delia let Hayden cry things out for a few minutes, knowing he needed the release of emotion. She spoke once he’d calmed down enough to hear her words. “I think you need to tell me just how you think you messed up with Todd; the whole story.”

Hayden wasn’t even sure where to begin, nor was he sure of exactly what had gone wrong; only that he was at fault. Hayden talked about their lives together, about difficulties with money and responsibilities, about long working hours and family. How he wanted to provide Todd with the security and love he hadn’t had since his family had rejected him. However, he didn’t mention anything about the discipline aspects of their relationship, feeling it was too private a subject for discussion with Delia.

Delia listened attentively to Hayden’s words; to everything he was saying, but more importantly to what he wasn’t saying. Hayden came to the last of it, telling her about the note he’d found and his fruitless search for his partner.

“Now I’d like to hear the whole story. Not this sanitized version you’d give to your parents, but the real one; the one that talks about the type of relationship you and Todd have. You’ve radiated ‘Top’ from the first time I met you as an undergrad and Todd was totally smitten by that power in you. He’s a sweet sensitive boy who needs someone to guide him, not some overbearing Top who wants to crush him. So, Hayden Pierce, talk to me about what’s gone wrong with your topping that boy.”

Hayden was startled by Delia’s insight and directness.

“I...I don’t know, Delia. I really don’t know,” he murmured. “I don’t think I’ve been too harsh with him. I...we made an agreement on certain expectations. I tried very hard to be understanding about things when they haven’t been lived up to. I don’t know what else I should have done.”

Delia sighed. She thought she could see the problem but needed more information. “Give me some examples of these expectations and when you’ve had to deal with them.”

Hayden went on to describe several of the times Todd had broken the rules they had set up and what, if any, consequences Hayden had imposed upon him.

After the third example, Delia called a halt to the dissertation. “Enough. Hayden, you’ve left that boy spinning and confused. You thought you were being understanding, when what you were being was inconsistent and confusing. Todd needs and wants security and structure; not a Top who wimps out at the slightest complaint from his Brat.”

Hayden looked up startled. “Brat? Todd might be a bit difficult at times but calling him a brat is hardly necessary.”

Delia laughed. “Brat isn’t an insult, dear. It’s a term used to describe the role Todd plays in your type of relationship. You’re the Top; the one who takes control, provides the structure and metes out discipline when needed. Todd is the Brat. He lives within your rules and accepts your authority, and in turn gets the security he needs.” She gave Hayden’s hand a squeeze. “Most unfortunately, my dear, you have not been fulfilling your role very well at all. You need some serious lessons in the role of a Top.”

Hayden allowed Delia’s words to sink in and knew with sudden certainty that they were true. He hadn’t failed Todd by being overbearing as he’d feared; he’d failed him by not enforcing those rules and expectations they had agreed to in the first place.

“You seem to know a lot about this sort of thing,” Hayden commented.

Delia smiled. “Sharon has been my Brat for nineteen years now. It’s not something we generally advertise or discuss with others. However, once in a while we meet another couple who we see shares our same desires. I’ve seen that in you and Todd. I should have spoken to you sooner, but this is not something I’ve generally done with male couples. We’ve mentored several lesbian couples over the years and I think it’s time to bring our first males into the fold.”

“Thank you for your offer, Delia, but I don’t even have a partner right now. I’ve been looking for Todd for days but he seems to have vanished completely.”

“You’ll find him eventually, love. In the meantime, you and I are going to work on sharpening up those Top skills of yours. When you do find that errant little boy of yours, you’ll be able to give him what he needs.”

Hayden somewhat reluctantly agreed to spend every Sunday for the near future with Delia and her partner. Delia wanted him to learn from both of them and to see firsthand how a well-managed, power exchange relationship worked. Though he never witnessed Sharon receiving any corporal punishments, as that was strictly private between the two, he did learn a lot by watching how they interacted. It was Sharon’s open and honest talks about her needs and feelings that gave Hayden true insight into the needs of a Brat.

Though Hayden seemed to be taking in everything they were showing him, Delia was growing more and more concerned about him as the weeks went by. He put on a good show publicly, but she could see he’d lost weight and was just not his usual self. Hayden was broken-hearted and not getting over it very well at all.

She’d put out the word to everyone she knew in the LGBT community to inform her immediately if they learned anything about Todd’s whereabouts, but it had been almost two months now without a word. “If I find that boy, I swear I’ll spank him myself,” she muttered after seeing Hayden out after the seventh Sunday spent with him.

She looked at Sharon. “I think it’s time to help find someone new for Hayden. He can’t go on like this and I think a distraction of a new boy might be the only thing to pull him out of this funk he’s in. Finding Todd would be my first choice, but I’m beginning to fear that won’t happen.”

************

Todd was curled into a ball in the corner of the dingy sofa. He wished he’d had the foresight to take his own furniture with him when he’d left. But that had been impossible at the time as he had left in such a hurry and hadn’t wanted anyone to know where he was going. Of course at the time he had no idea himself as to where he was going. Since that fateful day, he’d certainly had plenty of time to think through all the events that had led up to his leaving the way he did.

They had repeatedly gone over the premise for the type of relationship they both wanted; one that was to involve discipline, including spanking when called for. Rules and consequences had been discussed and agreed upon. Hayden had promised to help Todd reach for and attain goals in his life. But they had spent months just spinning their wheels and getting nowhere.

Todd assumed Hayden had changed his mind but didn’t know how to tell him, so their lines of communication slowly dissolved to the point where they seemed to have stopped sharing their thoughts and feelings.

It wasn’t that Todd wanted to be physically punished; he wasn’t into pain. But he remembered when the subject first came up and how the caring aspect had hit a previously unknown core of Todd’s rudimentary nature.

As a child, he had often been threatened with a sound spanking, but it had never materialized as he’d always been able to talk himself out of trouble. As he got older, he began to wonder if quite possibly his parents didn’t think he was worth the effort and he firmly believed it had something to do with his sexual inclinations.

The same technique that had worked to keep him from being spanked as a youth also appeared to have succeeded in his not being physically disciplined by Hayden. So Todd once again assumed it was because he wasn’t worth the effort and decided to end their partnership before Hayden did.

He cringed when he thought of the hastily written note he had stuck on the refrigerator moments before walking out the door. It had simply read: ‘Sorry, but this isn’t working. I can’t handle it any longer. I’m setting you free.’ If only he had got up the nerve to talk to Hayden before making such a drastic, heart-breaking decision. Instead, he had given up the job he enjoyed immensely, the friendships he had cultivated, and most importantly, the life he had desperately wanted and needed with the love of his life.

He looked around the gloomy basement flat that served as his abode. He couldn’t be bothered turning on the lamp even though the fading sun resulted in the room growing darker by the minute. He felt totally drained.

It had been two months now and he still cried over the world he’d left behind. His present place of employment left a lot to be desired as did this horrid little bed-sitter he lived in. And he missed Hayden terribly.

“What a miserable way to spend a Friday evening,” Todd complained to the empty room. He glanced down at the notice in his hand. His student loan payment was late again. “So who cares?” he muttered as he tossed it on the unpaid bills piling up on the end table beside him. “Maybe things will be better tomorrow,” he wistfully mused, nurturing a false hope in there being something to make life worth living.

Reaching for blanket on the back of the sofa, he wrapped it tightly around his body and cried himself to sleep. It was something he had perfected after two months of practise.

************

Saturday dawned bright and sunny with a warming breeze gently blowing. A rapidly approaching Spring was in the air and it motivated Todd to get out and hit the road in search for a little solace.

He drove through the streets of Victoria without a destination in mind, unexpectedly arriving at the terminal crossing to Vancouver. There was a ferry about to leave the dock and without giving it a second thought, Todd paid the fare and drove on.

Mid-afternoon found him meandering through the familiar walkways surrounding the grounds of the University of British Columbia. It hadn’t been too long ago that he’d been a dental student here.

For a short time, Todd felt his spirits lifting; so many happy recollections here, so dreams made and realized. He came to a halt in front of a favourite haunt; a local coffee shop. Memories came rushing forward as he stared in the window. They were almost crushing him with their intensity. This was where he had been introduced to Hayden over two years ago.

“I know you think he’s a dreamboat and you’re anxious to get together with Hayden Pierce but bear in mind, Todd, the man’s somewhat reticent; especially compared to you.” Howie had tried to prepare him for another rejection.

“Are you saying I’m overly sociable, genial, or demonstrative? Even a bit of an extrovert, maybe?” Todd had joked with his friend.

“Geesh, man, are you kidding? You’re not only all of the above but also extravagant as well as sometimes just plain outrageous. Hey, but I still love ya.” Howie had wrapped an arm around Todd’s shoulders and given him an encouraging squeeze.

“All I can say to that is what you see is what you get. I can’t hide who I am so why should I even try?” Todd was putting on a brave front. He really wanted this handsome man he was about to meet, to like him. For months he had been deliberately detouring through buildings not at all associated with dentistry in order to catch a glimpse of this particular law student whom he had his heart set on.

Todd smiled sadly as he thought of that first meeting, briefly thinking if it had not taken place he would not now be suffering from a broken heart.

Hayden had decided to go for a walk in hopes the fresh Spring air would make him feel better. Having walked for almost an hour, he headed to Tasha’s coffee shop for a cup of his favourite brew.

A lone figure staring into the shop window made him freeze in place some yards from the door. The colour of the hair, the stance, and the profile were unmistakable. Part of him considered turning around and leaving. He was almost afraid to finally see Todd after all this time, but he knew he could never leave. He had to speak to him; to at least tell him he missed him.

Pulling upon every bit of courage, he walked up beside Todd and waited to be acknowledged.

About to turn away, Todd caught sight of a reflection that was not his own. His eyes filled as he spun around in hope that the image was real. He caught his breath when he saw the man he had been thinking of, standing before him. It was a man whose face was haggard and worn with sorrow; a man who looked much older than Todd knew him to be.

“Oh Hayden,” Todd managed to breathe out as he tenderly ran his fingertips over the day-old beard covering his beloved’s jawline. “You haven’t been taking very good care of yourself,” he choked, the tears which had been threatening now trickling unchecked down his cheeks.

Hayden was momentarily tongue-tied but finally managed to choke out, “I’ve been missing you.” Todd seemed to look as miserable as he was feeling. Deciding he had to make the first move, he asked, “Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”

Todd chewed on his bottom lip in an attempt to get control of his emotions. He was unable to speak for fear that in opening his mouth he'd end up crying and possibly embarrassing both of them. He was unaware that his deep abiding love for this man was evident in his countenance and body language. He merely nodded his acceptance.

Hayden held open the door of the coffee shop and waited as Todd preceded him inside. He had to hold back his arm from its’ automatic desire to move to the small of Todd’s back and guide him to a table. Instead he followed Todd to a booth by the window and took a seat opposite to him.

Deciding to start off with safe, non-personal conversation, he gave Todd a smile. “How have you been?”

Todd caught himself from following his first instinct which was to just sit there and stare into Hayden's face. He shrugged in hopes of maintaining as casual an impression as the man sitting across from him was sending. “I’ve been doing well. I got a new job and a nice apartment,” he lied, looking down at his hands tightly folded on the table and secretly wishing Hayden would pick up on the unspoken truth. But hey, the man wasn't a mind-reader and Todd was at yet unable to admit the truth. “How have you been?” he asked as if it wasn’t obvious.

Hayden recognized that Todd was hiding something and he wondered if he should call him on it. But it had been two months and their relationship was not what it had been. However, he also knew that if they ever did get back together, he wouldn’t put up with Todd hiding things or lying to him ever again.

“I’ve been okay. I’m glad you’ve been doing so well. Though I know Dr. Bloomberg was pretty upset with the way you left, it’s good to know you were able to find another job.” He hesitated for a moment before asking the question that had been plaguing him. “Where are you living and working? I know it’s not been in Vancouver.”

“I moved to Victoria. It’s not quite as big a city but I’m settling in. I’m sorry about Dr. Bloomberg. I know I should have given him more notice, but at the time I just felt the need to make a change as quickly as possible. I wish things could have been so different,” Todd murmured this last sentence in a voice that sounded full of regret and sadness.

Hayden shook his head. He hadn’t thought of Todd moving to the island, though it should have occurred to him as he’d always loved the picturesque city of Victoria. He suddenly felt the need for openness had to start with him.

“I wish I could have been a better partner for you. I’m so sorry that I failed you as I did, but I didn’t get much of a chance to talk to you about it, leaving as you did. I wish...” His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the waitress.

“What can I get you?” she asked.

Hayden looked up. “Just coffee for me,” he replied, wanting to get rid of her as quickly as possible.

Knowing the woman was waiting, Todd hastily ordered the same with extra cream and sugar. Once they were alone again, he leaned in and softly assured Hayden he’d been the best of partners. “I felt as if I had somehow failed you, Hayden; not the other way around.”

Hayden was tired of beating around the bush. He wanted answers even if they were answers he wouldn’t like. “Why then...why did you leave like you did? I have my theory but I’d like to hear it from you.”

Todd sipped on his drink that had just arrived and gathered his thoughts. “As good as most things were, there were also a few major issues being skirted around,” he started out slowly. “I thought we had discussed in detail the type of relationship that would work best for us, but then we never seemed to actually get it off the ground. It was my fault, Hayden. I should have tried harder to stick to the rules we had both agreed on. I knew if I didn’t leave, you’d easily talk me into staying and nothing would change. I felt so uncertain. I thought you had changed your mind because you discovered I was just too much to handle.” He paused as his eyes filled once again. “I was afraid,” he whispered.

Hayden grimaced at Todd’s words. There was honesty and openness that they should have had before. “You’re right in the first part of what you said. We never did get the discipline aspects of our relationship off the ground. But you’re wrong when you say it was your fault. The fault lies entirely with me in that area. I didn’t live up to my side of the agreement. I let you down, Todd. It had nothing whatever to do with how hard you tried to stick to the rules and you were never too much to handle. I should have stood firmly, but I didn’t. I let things go that I never should have.” He shook his head sadly. “You had every reason to be afraid. I wasn’t giving you what you needed to make you feel secure and safe and loved. I’m so sorry for that failure.”

“Do you think there is any hope of us giving it another chance, Hayden?” Todd quietly inquired, praying with all his might for an affirmative response.

Hayden paused. It was a loaded question that needed a thoughtful reply. Though his heart was crying out yes, a small voice in his head told him to be careful. He was still hurting badly from the break up and the way Todd had left him. He was just beginning the healing process from that and didn’t know if he could take it happening again. But then as he gave it further thought he knew that simply by asking, Todd was saying he too had been as miserable and unhappy as Hayden had been. The break up hadn’t been good for either of them. Hayden knew however, that he’d have to be a different kind of partner than he had been. He’d have to be the kind of partner, the kind of top he’d learned about in his time with Delia. He would need to be firm with Todd and stick to his guns no matter how much Todd tried to persuade him otherwise.

Giving a small smile, Hayden replied. “Yes, I do think there is hope. However, we need to talk things through and be very sure where we both stand. I won’t go ahead unless we are both comfortable with what we want and need.” He reached across the table and stroked Todd’s hand. “Would you like to come back to the apartment where we can talk in private?”

Todd reluctantly withdrew his hand, worried about it being seen as intimate. Although it thrilled him, others might have less favourable thoughts about two men getting too personal. “I’d really like that, Hayden. We do need to talk and this isn’t the place to do it.” Pushing away his unfinished mug of coffee, he got up and waited for Hayden to do the same.

“My car isn’t far from here. I’ll go get it and follow you,” Todd suggested. A moment’s thought had him asking, “You do have your car, right?”

Hayden shook his head. “No, I walked. Can I hitch a ride with you?”

Todd grinned. “Of course.”

They drove back to the apartment, keeping the conversation to the weather and other mundane topics; neither man wanting to get into the important discussion until they were somewhere without distraction.

When they got to their destination, Todd went to park his car on the street until Hayden spoke up. “Your spot is still there; I haven’t cancelled it.”

Todd turned to look at Hayden and his eyes shone with tears. “Hayden, I...thank you,” was all he could say, as for some reason that small thing seemed to overwhelm him. He turned the car into the driveway and pulled up beside Hayden’s Toyota.

They made their way up to the small apartment on the top floor; the building was only three stories high and had no elevator. Hayden had cursed the stairs when they’d moved in and had to carry all the furniture up them, but Todd had turned the little space into a comfortable home.

Hayden unlocked the door and allowed Todd to precede him inside. He cringed slightly as the untidy living room with newspapers on the coffee table, a sweater tossed over the chair and socks lying on the floor. Todd had always kept the place so neat.

“I’m sorry for the mess. I...well I wasn’t expecting...” He began to pick up the papers and stack them.

Todd stood silently gazing around the flat he had once called home. When he finally became aware of what Hayden was doing and saying, he couldn’t stop himself from softly chuckling at the man’s unnecessary apologizing. “Let it go, Hayden. This place looks a lot better than mine does.”

He walked over to the sofa and sat down. Patting the seat beside him, Todd invited Hayden to join him. “We’re here to talk, remember? It would be easier to do if you weren’t fluttering around trying to tidy up.”

Hayden chuckled. Todd could be awfully bossy for a Brat. ‘Brat’, he thought it was funny that a few weeks ago he’d have never thought of Todd using that term, but after his time with Delia and Sharon it seemed to fit. He put down the stack of papers and sat on the couch beside Todd. “Of course we are here to talk, and that’s just what we’re going to do. I need to start off by telling you about an experience I’ve had over the last while. I spent some time with Delia and her partner, Sharon.”

“Really?” Todd asked, his curiosity beginning to rise.

“Yes, and it’s been very enlightening and informative. I stopped at Sparks one evening and Delia seemed to know right away that something wasn’t right with me. The next thing I knew, I was in her office telling her all my troubles. I found myself being told off and rightly so, for failing to be the kind of partner I promised you I would be. It seems Delia knows all about discipline relationships first hand. She and Sharon took me under their wings as it were, and taught me about what a good one is like. And about the role of a Top, that’s me, and a Brat, that’s you, within the relationship.”

“Did I hear you correctly?” Todd’s eyes flashed with indignation. “Did you just refer to me as a Brat?” He was about to get to his feet, but the pressure of a large hand on his arm curtailed him. “You better have a good explanation for calling me that.” He reluctantly settled back down to hear what Hayden had to say next.

“It doesn’t mean what you think it does. In this type of relationship the term is used to refer to the partner who consents to give authority to the Top. It is never meant to be derogatory; it’s a term of affection. It’s also possessive, as in Sharon is Delia’s Brat. Within power exchange relationships that has a lot of meaning. The Brat gives control of certain agreed upon aspects of their lives over to the Top. It is a gift of incredible meaning that is to be cherished and never abused. It is what you and I were trying to create before, but we didn’t have the right framework to make it workable. Now if we were to get together again, I have a better understanding of my role as the Top and hopefully can give you the security and comfort you want. I’m not saying it will be easy but I think with time, effort and a lot of talking, we can come to terms with what we both want. I for one do want to have the final say and be the authority within my partnership. I want and need a partner who is willing to give me that control, to let me cherish and protect him from the outside world and when needed, from himself. Part of that protection would involve the meting out of discipline, if he were to break the rules we’d set up within our relationship. I know we agreed to that before and I failed to follow through. What I thought as being lenient was in fact being weak, and I left you floundering and wondering where you stood.”

Hayden paused for a moment and chewed his lip as he gathered the courage to say what was in his heart. “Todd, I know I failed you before, but I do love you. I think I’ve loved you from the first day we met and I’ve missed you more than I can begin to say. If you’d be willing to work with me and trust me to be your partner and your Top, I can promise you I will do everything I can to give you a secure, loving relationship. I can’t promise to be soft and let you away with things. I will likely be very strict, but I will always try to be fair and will always be willing to hear you out and give you only such discipline to which you have agreed.”

Todd had calmed immediately upon hearing Hayden tell him ‘Brat’ was a term of affection, and had listened attentively to all the other man had to say. He had been nodding his head off and on throughout the carefully-worded dialogue. Tears were flowing freely by the time Hayden finished speaking.

“You’re-you’re giving me another chance? You’re giving our relationship another chance?” he managed to stutter out, almost afraid he had misunderstood. Getting a confirmatory nod and seeing the love in Hayden’s eyes, encouraged Todd to open his mouth and earnestly pour out his deepest feelings.

“I still love you, Hayden, with all my heart. I never stopped loving you; not for a single moment. I missed you dreadfully over the past two months. You have no idea how much I’ve regretted taking off and not talking to you first. I was just so confused.” He smiled through his tears and reached out to tenderly pat Hayden’s cheek. “I really would like the opportunity to be your ‘Brat’. In fact, I’d be honoured. And I trust you implicitly to be my ‘Top’. I truly believe by working together, however hard it may be, we’ll get it right this time. I think the most important promise we can make to each other is to keep the lines of communication open and to share our thoughts and feeling honestly. I failed to do that so time, and for that I am extremely sorry.” Todd’s voice cracked as he threw himself into Hayden’s arms.

Hayden sighed in contentment as he held Todd for the first time in months. It felt so right to have this man back in his arms again. “It’s all right, my love, we’re going to work it out. We have a lot to deal with but we can do it.” He placed gentle kisses on the side of Todd’s neck.

The two sat just holding each other for several minutes, allowing themselves time to revel in the moment. Hayden finally broke the silence. “You said you’d been in Victoria. Do you have a job there? Have you joined a dental practice?”

“Yes, I found work right away due to a member of the staff having just left. It seems this particular clinic has a fast turnover of young dentists and it wasn’t too hard to figure out why. They have a list of problem patients they sucker the newbies into taking. I’ve been bitten, kicked and punched more in the last couple of months than in my whole life. And some of the patients must have had a morbid fear of toothbrushes or something. I bet cleaning a septic tank would have smelled better than some of the mouths I’ve had to look in. I hate it there.” Todd’s list of complains seemed justified, even if a bit exaggerated. “I’m still on my three-month trial, so either I can leave or they can let me go with little to no notice. I’d sure like to get my old job back. At least I left on good terms.”

Straddling Hayden’s lap, Todd ever so lightly ran his fingertips over the other man’s face. “Of course, there’s no point in my considering a job change unless you say I can move back in here with you. May I?” Hopefulness mixed with a little uncertainty shone from his baby blue eyes as he gazed pleadingly into Hayden’s.

“I would love for you to return, Todd. As far as I’m concerned, this is still your home. Heck, almost half the furniture in here is what you brought from your student apartment.” Hayden looked at his watch. “It’s far too late to try and get all the way to Victoria and back today. With tomorrow being Sunday, it would be nice if we could get up early in the morning and catch the first ferry across to the island to collect your things. However, you’d need to contact your employer. Even without having to give much notice, just not showing up for your appointments Monday morning, would hardly be acceptable.”

Todd grimaced before replying. “There is no fear of that. The job isn’t exactly regular hours. I usually get about twenty-five hours a week and it so happens, I don’t have any appointments until Tuesday afternoon. So I could give my notice by phone first thing Monday morning, giving them time to get one of the other staff to fill in or rearrange the appointments.”

“With so few hours how were you managing to pay for an apartment and your student loans?” Hayden asked with concern.

“I guess I should prepare you for a couple of things you more than likely will not be too pleased about. First off, my apartment; you’ll see soon enough that it’s far from being well-appointed and not in the best of neighbourhoods. Secondly, I’ve fallen behind on my student loans.” Although Todd wanted to be up front about his situation, he was too embarrassed to bring up his having acquired and maxing two new credit cards, so he opted out for changing the subject. “I sure could use your help getting my stuff back here. On the drive there, my small car was packed to the point of almost making driving dangerous and I bought a few things since then in an effort to make my flat a bit more inhabitable.”

Hayden’s heart was aching as Todd described his living conditions. He hated the idea of this normally fastidious man living like that and working at a job that was obviously less than desirable. He was also concerned about just how far Todd was behind on his loans. However, he didn’t want to make an issue of that at this moment in time. But one thing was for sure, Todd was not going back to Victoria without him. He wasn’t going to let his lover out of his sight until he was safely living back at home with him.

Wrapping his arms around Hayden’s shoulders, Todd half-wishfully suggested, “Right now, I would really like to you to make love to me, Hayden.”

Hayden pulled Todd into a crushing hug. “I want you so much.” Kissing Todd forcefully, he opened his lips with his tongue and began to ravage his mouth, needing to again take possession of what was his. Todd’s mouth was always sweet and clean; to Hayden, he was like honey to a bee.

A few minutes later, the two men were in the bedroom stripping off clothes as quickly as possible. Standing at the foot of the bed, Hayden pulled Todd’s nude form against his and ran his hands down the slim back before grasping the nicely rounded buttocks he’d always loved. He kneaded the firm flesh in his fingers as he again ravaged the sweet mouth with his tongue. Then he pushed Todd onto the bed and stood for a moment looking down at him. The other man was roused and hard with a need Hayden had every intention of taking advantage of it. He kneed Todd’s legs apart where they hung off the end of the bed, then bent over and licked the ridged member.

Todd grasped the bedcover with his fists and let out a groan at the feel of Hayden’s tongue working up and down, licking and sucking in just the right places. It had been too long and he couldn’t contain himself when Hayden wrapped his mouth fully around his penis and drew it all the way into his throat. Todd let out a keening wale as he exploded into his lover’s mouth.

Hayden pulled away grinning like the cat who’d swallowed the canary. “Move up all the way on the bed,” he instructed as he quickly grabbed lube from the bedside table. He had to chuckle when Todd shoved the bedcover away so that he was lying on the sheets. Only Todd would be worried about messing up the bedspread at a moment like this. Hayden crawled up on the bed and knelt between Todd’s splayed legs.

“I’m going to take you, boy, long and hard. I’m going to make you mine again!” Hayden lubricated his fingers and slid first one, then two into Todd’s tight rosebud. He took his time stretching and lubricating him, regularly scraping his finger over the little nub inside until Todd’s softened member began to grow hard again. Once he was sure Todd was ready, he oiled up his own straining penis and slid it deep inside his lover’s body with one firm push.

Todd gasped at the sharp pain of the sudden intrusion before it rapidly changed to pleasure as Hayden began to move in and out.

At first Hayden moved slowly, but within a few moments he was thrusting hard and fast. He wanted Todd to feel this for some time and to be sure to whom he belonged. He was never going to let him go again. From this moment forward, their relationship was going to be different and it was going to be better.

Hayden had every intention of keeping Todd with him and happy for the rest of their lives. He held off as long as he could to make this as good for Todd as for himself. It wasn’t until he could see his lover was once again ready to come that he grasped Todd’s penis in his hand and pulled him over the edge with him. Hayden screamed out his climax, coming deeply inside Todd. Then he collapsed over Todd’s body, panting hard.

“Who do you belong to, Todd?” he gasped out as soon as he could talk.

Todd smiled dreamily as he lay beneath the large man whom he loved with all his heart. “I belong to you and only you, my love; forever and always.” He breathed deeply, willing his spent strength to return to his body. “That was marvellous, Hayden, and once we’re able to do so, we’ve got to shower and then do it again. We have a lot of catching up to do.” He chuckled softly at the look of disbelief on his partner’s handsome face and decided he better reassure him. “But it doesn’t have to be all in one night, of course.”

************

Todd sat toying with the unopened mail in his hands and worked at convincing himself that tonight was the night. He had finally reached the point of admitting to having backed himself into a corner and was just coming to grips with the fact that the only way out was through Hayden, who would be arriving home momentarily.

It had been almost two weeks since he and Hayden had made the trip to Victoria to clear out Todd’s little apartment. At the time, Hayden had been so caught up in the first wave of shock at seeing the place; he hadn’t noticed Todd hastily slipping a few folded envelopes into his jacket pocket.

To say the older man had been less than impressed with his partner’s temporary home would definitely be an understatement. If the muttering Hayden did during the packing was anything to go by; dismayed, appalled, and possibly disgusted better described his feelings. At least that was the distinct impression Todd got even though they hadn’t actually discussed it.

Once the two cars had been loaded with all Todd’s personal belongings, Todd had taken the key upstairs to the landlord. Mr. Johnston had been sorry to see him go and had generously returned his tenant’s damage deposit, acknowledging that Todd was leaving the apartment in better condition than he had found it. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it was enough to cover the costs incurred in moving Todd back to the mainland.

Aside from going to work, Hayden and Todd had been all but attached at the hip to each other since Todd’s return home. Todd’s position at the dental clinic was still available and he’d been welcomed back with opened arms. His abilities had always been appreciated; particularly his gift to gently calm anxious patients, most notably with young children.

Hayden had also been able to work his magic and he’d fixed the problem with Todd’s student loans by paying the overdue interest and having the outstanding principle added to the end of the remaining balance.

There was only one dark cloud looming overhead; the two credit cards Todd had acquired when living on his own. While not overly large amounts, the total of five hundred dollars seemed overwhelming to Todd. The embarrassment that had prevented him from telling Hayden up front what he’d done was now being overshadowed by guilt, and although he had a plan for paying off both cards, he knew he’d broken his side of their agreement by not disclosing everything to his partner.

Todd glanced up at the sound of the front door opening and softly closing. He barely managed to return the smile Hayden sent him upon walking into the living room.

Hayden had arrived home smiling every day since Todd’s return. Life was good and things felt right again. That was until he walked in the door this evening. His internal radar went off the second he saw the look on Todd’s face. The smile that didn’t reach his eyes, the pale complexion and stiff body spoke of a troubled Todd. And however much he wanted to blurt out ‘what’s wrong’; he also wanted to give Todd the opportunity to unburden himself without having it dragged out of him.

“Hello, my love. How are you?” Hayden asked, keeping his voice neutral as he bent over and gave his lover a kiss.

Todd returned the kiss somewhat inattentively and gazed up into his partner’s gentle blue eyes. Taking a deep breath, he reluctantly held up the two envelopes in his hand. They were rather bedraggled looking as he’d spent the last half hour nervously playing with them while trying to decide if he really wanted to open them or not.

“These arrived today,” he croaked as a blush of contrition spread across his cheeks. Clearing his throat, he determinedly went for the abbreviated version of his confession. “They’re credit card statements I was too embarrassed to tell you about. But don’t worry; I have a plan for how to pay them off in full.” Todd hoped the good news would outweigh the not-so-good.

Hayden accepted the envelopes. He glanced at Todd as he carefully tore them open. The totals weren’t outrageous but given Todd’s other debt load from his student loans, he would be hard pressed to pay them off before the high interest rates made the amounts climb further. But what really bothered him was that Todd hadn’t disclosed these debts before this. They had been back together for two weeks and not a word had been spoken, even when they’d discussed how Todd would catch up on the arrears payments on his student loans.

He looked at Todd who was twisting his hands together nervously. “When we got back together we discussed at great length about being open and honest with each other, that we would not keep secrets or withhold information. Yet you consciously chose to keep these debts from me. What do you have to say about this?”

Todd hung his head, unable to face the anger he expected to see on Hayden’s face. “I should have told you much sooner. I wanted to. I even rehearsed how to. But each time I started to, I chickened out. I just felt so darn humiliated at having done such a miserable job of being on my own again.”

“How you handled being on your own is not the issue here,” Hayden commented with a shake of his head.

Finally daring to look up, Todd tentatively offered up his plan to repay the entire amount. “I was thinking that since there’s a really good public transportation system available, I could sell my car. It’s beginning to show its’ age and will soon need repairs I can’t afford. It would be best to sell it now rather than later. Besides, aside from my going to work, we usually use your vehicle so that makes a second one kind of redundant and a luxury we can do without.” Todd’s countenance brightened a little and he held out his hands, palm up. “See how well it can all work out?”

Hayden nodded. “I give you credit for your plan and I do think it’s a very good idea. However,” he added with a sigh, “the debt itself really isn’t the issue here. The issue is your withholding this from me. We’re in a committed relationship, Todd, and we need to be honest with each other about all things. Embarrassed or not, you should have told me this upfront. The time was when we were discussing how you’d catch up on your arrears payments of your student loans. We worked out your budget then and you knew well the budget we agreed upon would not cover this added debt. This is unacceptable and I’m going to spank you. You need to learn you don’t hide things from me.”

Todd’s eyes widened as he stared up at the man standing in front of him and glaring downward. He was about to protest and make an attempt at talking Hayden out of doing that, but stopped himself short. It was just what he’d always done in the past and it had led to him moving out.

He sat chewing on his bottom lip and thought about the two months they had been apart. There was no way he ever wanted a repeat of that miserable experience, nor could he go back to living with unsolved issues hanging over them. He loved Hayden with all his heart and wanted to be with him forever. His steadfast lover offered all the love and stability he needed as a constant in his life.

Todd felt Hayden sit beside him on the sofa and sensed him waiting patiently for a response. He knew Hayden needed his consent before he would continue, but was he strong enough to submit to being spanked. The guilt he was feeling said he better be. The trust he had in his partner gave him the courage to nod his head in agreement. “I understand, Hayden,” he murmured.

“All right then, stand up and let’s take care of this.” Hayden’s words were spoken in a kind but firm voice.

Todd got up and stood by Hayden’s right knee as instructed. He fidgeted for a second or two before blurting out, “Just so you know, I want to be held when this is over. That is, if it isn’t too late to negotiate.”

“Sweetheart, holding you is non-negotiable. I insist upon it. I’m not going to spank you and then leave you. We need to reconnect afterwards. Just trust me. I’ve got you and I’ll take care of you.”

After undoing his belt and zipper, Todd hooked his thumbs into the waist band of his trousers, paused and then dropped his arms by his side. “This is as much as I can do, Hayden. I need you to help me.”

Hayden gave Todd a gentle smile as he reach up to pull the pants and underwear down to his lover’s knees. He took Todd’s hand and pulled him forward until he was bent across his lap with his upper body supported by the sofa cushions. He wrapped his left arm around Todd’s slim waist and pulled him firmly up against him, so there would be no room to manoeuvre. He could feel the tension and stiffness as Todd tried to prepare himself for the experience.

After having squirmed for a few seconds, Todd quickly realized he was in no danger of falling off Hayden’s lap. He wasn’t exactly certain about what to expect but surmised it would not be pleasurable. He clenched his bottom in anticipation of what was to come.

Hayden placed a gentle hand on the white skin of Todd’s backside. “You’re going to be okay,” he promised reassuringly. “We’ll get through this and be all the stronger for it.” With that said; Hayden raised his right hand and brought it down in a resounding smack on the butt before him.

Todd let out a gasp and immediately put his hand back to protect his vulnerable rear end.

Hayden stopped and firmly issued an order; “Hands back, Todd.” The hand was pulled away and Hayden landed three more hard swats before the hand came back again. “Todd, move your hand please.”

“Sorry; I can’t help it, Hayden. It hurts too much,” Todd managed to pant out.

Hayden realized his lover needed some extra help from him, so he took the offending hand in his own and pinned it to Todd’s side where he held him. Then without further words, he returned to the spanking.

He had discussed the mechanics of a spanking with Delia and had a good idea of the impression he wanted to make in this first one. It had to be firm enough that Todd learned from it and long enough that he would surrender himself to it. Yet he didn’t want to go too far either. He continued applying firm spanks, quickly seeing a red bloom appear on the tender flesh.

Todd was never ashamed to show his emotions, so Hayden wasn’t surprised to hear the first sounds of crying coming from where Todd had his face buried into his left arm. He had to steel his heart and remind himself this was what they’d agreed upon and that it was needed. He continued spanking until all of Todd’s bottom and the soft curved underside where the thigh met butt were turned a vivid shade of crimson.

It was shortly after the punishment began that Todd let go and went limp over Hayden’s muscular thighs. He finally accepted the inevitable; that the length and severity of the spanking was completely up to the older man and all Todd had to do was submit.

It took him several moments to realize the punishing hand had stopped falling and the heat was no longer building to intolerable levels on his backside. He’d not only been totally unprepared for the pain a spanking could cause, but also the loudness of a mere hand landing on bare flesh.

By then the only sounds in the room were his own diminishing sobs and Hayden’s beloved voice offering reassurances that it was over. He tried pushing away from his partner but instead felt strong arms turning him over until he was sitting on his chastiser’s lap. He reached around to hesitantly touch his sore bottom and immediately changed his mind.

Clinging tightly to Hayden’s shirt with his head nestled against the bigger man’s broad shoulder, Todd felt himself zoning out and everything taking on an unanticipated sense of vagueness.

He wondered if he may have things a little muddled. After all, he had been embarrassed by his living conditions when on his own; he’d been embarrassed by spending money he didn’t have; he’d been embarrassed by and ashamed of keeping pertinent information from his life-partner. Yet he hadn’t been the least bit embarrassed by being bare-butt over his lover’s knees nor had he felt any embarrassment at being spanked. In fact, aside from having a backside that felt like a blow-torch had been used on it, he felt remarkably carefree and no longer inhibited by the burden of guilt he’d been carrying since he and Hayden got back together.

He barely had the wherewithal to earnestly whisper what was foremost in his mind at that point in time. “Thank you, Hayden, for being strong enough for both of us.”

“Us, is the significant word, my love. I want there to always be an ‘us’. And if this is what works for us as a couple, if it makes us stronger and better; then this is what we’ll do. I love you too much to let my hesitancy to respond get between us again.” Hayden kissed Todd’s forehead. “I want us to be forever, Todd. If it were legal for two men to marry, I’d marry you tomorrow. Can you imagine? We could buy a house and maybe even adopt a child and become dads.” He sighed. “You never know, maybe someday it will happen for us.”

Todd vigorously nodded his agreement. “Someday we will look back on this time, my darling, and I only hope we will be able to concentrate of the positive aspects of these last few months and not the negatives ones. We are really so blessed to have each other with our whole life ahead of us.” He pulled Hayden’s head down to give him a toe-curling kiss.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Present Day:

Hayden kissed Todd’s head as he held him against him. “We had a few rough moments in the beginning but I wouldn’t change a single thing. If I could go back and speak to my younger self, all I could think to tell him was to hang on tight because he was going to enjoy the wildest and best ride he could imagine; sharing a life with one Todd William Pearce.”

Todd couldn’t help but smile. “Sometimes it pays to take a trip down memory lane. It helps us remember our dreams and how many of them have come true. After all, we were eventually able to be legally married: we had a child and have now been blessed with two piglets: we’re retired and living in the beautiful town here in the Okanagan Valley: and in ten days’ time, we leave on our three week vacation in the sun. Barbados, here we come. Only one major event has yet to take place, and that’s our becoming grandparents.”

Hayden shook his head. He knew Todd desperately wanted Zack and Rene to give them a grandchild and if he were honest, he’d love that himself. However, he wasn’t going to do anything to push his son and son-in-law into something they were not ready for. He gave Todd a peck on the cheek. “Maybe someday, love; but that’s up to the boys, not us.”

“I know, and it isn’t as if you haven’t reminded me enough. It’s not going to keep me from hoping though.”

Todd pushed himself off Hayden’s lap. “In the meantime, this work isn’t getting done by itself. I’ll take the tray of dishes to the kitchen and get them out of the way. Once that’s done, I’ll help you remove the stand from the tree and you can carry it out to the curb.” He headed down the hall still rhyming off orders like a sergeant-major.

Working together like a well-oiled machine, the two men soon had the tree removed, the last of these baubles wrapped up and the bins closed. As usual, Todd had stood at the head of the basement stairs and passed the bins down to Hayden to be stored until next year.

“I’d have helped more, Hayden, except no amount of coaxing will ever get me down into that spider infested cellar,” Todd declared, spraying bug spray to ensure no undesirables found their way into his kitchen and making it necessary for Hayden to bat his way through a cloud of insecticide as he made his way back upstairs.

“Brat, I thought I tossed that can of Raid in the trash!”

Todd chuckled and hastily moved out of the swinging hand’s reach. Then quickly changing direction, he turned and threw himself into his husband’s arms.

“You know, I remember the first time you called me a ‘Brat’. I opened my mouth to indignantly protest but stopped in mid-screech when it suddenly hit me just how lovingly you had said it. You spoke it almost reverently and I instantly felt so special. You’ve spoken it in that manner every time since.”

Todd gently caressed the handsome face smiling down at him: a face he knew as well as his own. He gazed into warm blue eyes: eyes belonging to this wonderful man he had fallen in love with over thirty-five years ago: endearing eyes that clearly showed it had been well-worth the ride.

“You are very special, my arachnophobic Brat.” He gave Todd a kiss then reached behind to where the can of Raid stood on the counter. “This is going in back in the trash!”

The End

Violated

2010-11-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

Co-Written By: Mel and LJ
with input by Myst

It was just past twelve noon, and Rene had finished his half-day of work at the daycare centre. He stopped by the market and picked up some homemade bratwurst and some fresh corn on the cob. It was the last of the season and he was pleased to get some for tonight’s dinner. He planned to make the bratwurst with apple and onion like his mother always made. He wanted Zack to try this favourite dinner of his. With purchases placed neatly on the back seat of his car, he headed home.

He pulled in the driveway of the beautiful home he and Zack had purchased earlier in the year. It never ceased to amaze him that they could own such a wonderful place. Whistling an off-tune version of a song he’d been listening to on the radio, Rene grabbed the bags from the back seat and headed to the side entrance of the house. As he approached the door, he moved both bags to his left hand while selecting the house key in his right. It wasn’t until he was about to insert the key into the slot that he notice the door was standing ajar. The wood framing around the lock was splintered and broken with pieces of it lying on the ground.

“What the hell...” he spoke out loud as he pushed the door open and looked inside the kitchen. Cupboard doors and drawers all stood open and there were food packages and their contents scattered on the floor. Rene dropped the bags of groceries where he stood, taking in the mess. His heart was pounding in his chest as he slowly walked further into the house. From the hallway, he could see into the living room. The wall where the new flat screen TV had been hanging this morning was empty, as were the shelves below it that held the blue ray player and stereo equipment. Couch cushions were askew and the piano bench seat was open with sheet music lying on the floor.

A glance into Zack’s office showed further destruction. His desk had been ransacked and papers were scattered across the floor. Rene looked in horror and anger at the sight of the painting of their house that he’d done and given Zack for his birthday. It was tossed on the ground, the glass shattered and the water-coloured paper badly torn.

“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God...” he kept repeating as he looked around at the mayhem that had been their beautiful home only a few hours earlier. He slowly made his way up the stairs to glance into the guest bedrooms. The closets had been opened and some things they stored in them tossed about. But the master suite was in a worse mess with all the dresser drawers pulled out and empted onto the floor. Even the mattress on their bed had been lifted and tossed to the side. The jewellery box on Zack’s dresser was dumped over and empty. Zack had had heavy gold chain in the box, which was gone. Thank God the gold pocket watch that had been left to him by his mother was currently at the jewellers being cleaned and repaired.

Rene began to shake as he realized that he probably shouldn’t be in the house because the thieves could still be here. He ran back down the stairs, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket as he went. As soon as he reached the driveway, he hit the speed dial to the pharmacy. The phone rang several times before it was picked up.

‘Please be Zack. Please be Zack,’ Rene silently begged as he waited for an answer.

“Dispensary, may I help you?” Zack’s friendly voice enquired.

“Oh God, Zack, come home! We’ve been robbed!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After making sure his customer understood how she was to take her new prescription, Zack slipped the vial of pills into a small white bag and handed it to her. “Don’t forget, this is not to be taken on an empty stomach. I hope you’re feeling better soon, Margaret. Bye now.”

Just as he turned to replace the large bottle back in its’ place on the shelf, the phone rang. He finished what he was doing and walked to the far end of the counter to pick up the receiver without looking at the call display.

His heart jumped into his throat when he heard his young husband’s panic-stricken voice and learned they’d been robbed.

“Do not go into the house, Rene!” he ordered. “Drive a short distance away; then call the police. I’ll be right home. Stay in your car until I get there, okay?”

“I...” Rene hesitated. He didn’t want to tell Zack he’d already been through in the house. “Okay, just hurry please.”

“Okay, sweetheart, give me five minutes.” Zack would have liked to sooth the young man but it was impossible to do so until he got home. He left instructions with his assistant, hung up his lab jacket and headed out the back door. He hastened across the parking lot, starting his car with the remote as he ran.

Rene quickly got back in his car, backed out of the driveway and drove down to the end of the street. Once he stopped, he picked up his cell and dialled 911. The emergency dispatch promised him the police would be there in a few minutes. They too cautioned him not to enter the house. Rene closed his eyes and gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.

Zack pulled up beside his husband’s car just as the police were rounding the corner. Rolling down his window, he hollered over the Rene. “Are you all right? Can you follow me to the house?”

Rene looked over to his husband and nodded. He started his car, turned it around and followed Zack back to their home.

Their cars pulled into the driveway side by side. Zack got out of his, walked around to Rene’s and slide into the passenger seat. He immediately noticed that Rene was hyperventilating. “It’s going to be fine, love. Just take a few deep breaths,” he instructed, massaging the back of Rene’s neck. “We’ll wait here until the police tell us it is safe to go into the house.”

Rene was still gasping for air as he spoke. “Oh God, Zack, it’s so awful. What are we going to do?”

“We’re just going to take this one step at a time, Rene. I know it’s upsetting but we’ll deal with it together,” Zack spoke calmly and he hoped reassuringly. He wasn’t sure of all that lay ahead of them and he didn’t have any idea concerning the extent of the damage done to their property. “I am sure Chief Barrett can lead us through the first phase.”

“But it’s horrible. They left such a mess and our things are...” Rene bit down on his lip, realizing he’d now as much as told Zack he’d been inside the house.

“And just how would you know that?” Zack looked his husband right in the eye and sternly asked, “Rene, have you already been in the house?”

Rene looked down at his hands and mumbled. “Yes, I...I didn’t think. Before I called you, I just went in and looked around.”

Zack leaned back against the headrest, closed his eyes and exhaled a loud, long breath to rid himself of the stab of fear he’d just felt. “Okay, I’ll put it down as a knee-jerk reaction when you found the door opened.” Turning a frown on the man sitting beside him, he added, “But in future, you darn well better think before you act. Your safety always come first and is your responsibility, especially when on your own.”

“I’m sorry Zack, I’ll know better in the future. I just wasn’t thinking.” Rene leaned over and put his head on Zack’s shoulder as a tear escaped his eye. “This is so terrible, how can people think they have the right to go into other people’s homes and do this?”

“I don’t believe they do think; or certainly not the way we do,” Zack mumbled, sounding somewhat disgusted. He gave Rene a quick hug and a kiss on the head, when he glanced up to see their Chief of Police approaching. He rolled down the car window and gave the man a sad smile. “Not looking good, I take it.”

Chandi shook his head. “I’m afraid your home is in shambles. It’s safe to go in now, but better prepare for the worst.”

Zack felt a shudder run through Rene’s body. “Thanks, Chief. We’ll follow you in.”

Rene exited the car and found Zack at his side, taking his hand and holding it as if he was afraid he might bolt. Rene heard the intake of breath from the man beside him as they arrived at the side entrance and saw the broken door frame. When Zack stepped forward to follow Chandi inside, Rene froze. He didn’t know if he could bear looking at it all again, knowing that this time it would be in even more detail and that the reality of the damage would really sink in.

Seeing his husband motionless, Zack place a hand on Rene’s back and gently steered him through the side door and into the kitchen. He understood the younger man’s hesitation and need for encouragement.

“Sorry for adding to the mess with the fingerprinting powder,” Chandi apologized. “Try not to move anything until my men have finished taking pictures.”

Zack pursed his lips in dismay at the sight that greeted them. Nothing had prepared him for the destruction; no room had escaped the thieves wrecking havoc. He held onto Rene’s hand as together they slowly inspected each room, trying to follow the Chief’s directive and by not disturbing anything.

“I am going to need both your fingerprints for elimination purposes,” Chandi informed them, “as well as from anyone who spends any amount of time here.”

“Well, so much for hoping Papa doesn’t hear about this before we get it under control,” Zack muttered for Rene’s ears only. “I know my parents had to be told sooner or later, but I was kind of opting for later. May as well get Rene and me out of the way, Chief, but would you mind possibly waiting until tomorrow to fingerprint my dads?”

“Not at all,” Chandi assured him. “I imagine you’d want to spend a few days with them until your losses can be catalogued and you’re able to put things to right. I trust you have insurance coverage.”

“Yes, more than adequate coverage. Of course, that can never take into account the emotional distress of having our privacy invaded like this. This is our home, our sanctuary and I just feel it’s been desecrated.”

Rene gave a distressed look towards his husband. “We can’t stay at your dads’ and leave the house like this! The door is broken and things are everywhere. We need to stay and fix things and protect our home!” Then suddenly remembering a place they hadn’t looked yet. “Oh my God, Zack, my studio; we haven’t even checked my studio!”

“We may as well face it now, sweetheart. Putting it off won’t make it easier,” Zack said, opening the door next to the one leading to the garage. “If you’ll give us a few minutes, Chandi, we’ll go through the fingerprinting routine when we come down.”

Together they slowly mounted the stairs, both dreading what they would find.

Zack was silently praying the damage to the studio loft would be minimal. He couldn’t bear the thought that these heartless thieves might have violated the room where his husband’s marvellous talent was given free reign. Most of the things in the rest of the house were just that, things which could be replaced. But Rene poured his heart and soul into his art and it was unconscionable that this room might have been desecrated. Zack didn’t think he could stand to have the love of his life wounded in such a deep and personal manner.

As they reached the top of the stairs, Rene bit down so hard on his lip that the copper taste of blood crossed his tongue. This studio had been a dream come true, a place where he could express his inner self. Would the thieves have turned it into a nightmare?

To say they were pleasantly surprised by the sight that greeted them would be an understatement. The entire studio remained unscathed. The culprits who were responsible for the damage done to the rest of their home, hadn’t so much as set foot in Rene’s studio.

Zack stepped up behind his husband, wrapped his arms around him, bent his head and softly spoke into Rene’s ear. “What are you feelings at this precise moment, love?”

Rene let out the breath he’d been holding. “Relief,” he whispered, “relief and thankfulness.”

“Hold on to them. In the coming days when you’re feeling overwhelmed, remembered how much worse things could have been.”

Rene turned in Zack’s arms and buried his face against the larger man’s chest. “I’m glad my studio was untouched; but, Zack, our house, our beautiful house. What are we going to do?”

Closing his eyes, Zack leaned his head on Rene’s and took a minute or two to think. He was grateful for having a partner who was depending on him to make the decisions as it helped him clear his head in order to contemplate their next move. “We’re going to give ourselves a bit of time to get over the shock, sweetheart. Then we’ll take it one step at a time, starting with going downstairs and talking to Chandi.”

After placing a gentle kiss on his husband’s dark hair, Zack took his hand again and led the way downstairs to rejoin the officers waiting for them in the kitchen.

“Okay, Chandi, how do we go about this?” Zack inquired, pulling Rene to his side and placing an arm around his shoulders.

“I’m going to have Officer Quincy do the fingerprinting while I check with my men who have been searching around the outside of the house. I won’t be long.”

Several minutes later, Zack gave a spurt of laughter as he worked at removing the black ink from his hands. Getting quizzical looks from the other two men in the room, he merrily explained. “I was just thinking of Papa’s reaction to having this stuff all over his fingers. I can’t see him being too happy about it.”

Just then Chief Barrett came through the patio door. “Does this belong to either of you men?” he asked, holding up a crowbar in a gloved hand. He smiled broadly when Zack and Rene both shook their heads. “Great! We may have some evidence here as there are a number of very clear prints on this. I believe it may have been used to break the lock on the side door. It’s a good start, anyway.” He dropped the object into a large plastic bag and handed it to one of his officers.

“I’m finished here, Chief,” Constable Quincy announced as he gathered up the equipment he had been using.

“We’ll be leaving now, but I promise to keep you informed of our findings. Will you be staying here?”

“No, I think we’ll make arrangements to stay for a few days with my parents,” Zack replied.

Rene was tossing ink-stained paper towelling into the trash while Zack and Chandi spoke. He looked unhappily at his husband. “Zack, the door is broken. We have to get it fixed or anyone could just walk in. Then we need to start cleaning up all this.” He waved his arms to indicate the mess surrounding them. “We should be here at home, not at your dads’.”

Zack frowned slightly. Although Rene had brought up valid concerns, the older man didn’t appreciate being contradicted in front of others.

“We will simply bar the door from the inside, Rene. I do not want to be living here 24/7 while we thoroughly tackle one room at a time. This will prove a great deal more beneficial in compiling a comprehensive list for the insurance company than rushing through the clean up in order to make it liveable as quickly as possible.”

“If I may offer a little assurance,” Chandi spoke up. “We have been increasing our nightly patrols over the past few of weeks and will endeavour to ride by here at least once every hour. This makes the fourth burglary we’ve had in the last month, even though it’s the first in this area of town. The methods used to enter the premises, the wilful destruction for no apparent motive, an even the electronic items taken are the same in every case. We have reason to believe it may be a small group from out of town as Jade Heights isn’t the only community to be hit with this rash of break-ins. It is unlikely your home will be targeted again. The thieves already got whatever they came for.”

“I hope the Chief’s been able to set your mind at bit at ease, love; because whether you like it or not, we are going to my dads’ place,” Zack said decisively.

Rene looked pleadingly at his husband. Couldn’t Zack see that they needed to be here to protect their home? But he knew that look on Zack’s face, the one that said he’d made up his mind and arguing wasn’t going to change it. Normally he loved Zack’s take charge manner, it made him feel safe and secure. But today he felt like a big chunk of that security had been stolen along with the items from their house. He glanced one more time at Zack’s face before replying. “K,” he mumbled and then added. “But we don’t have to go yet, do we? It’s only just after two o’clock; we can start in on things here and make sure the door is well barred.”

“That’s exactly what we’ll do, love.” Zack understood his young husband’s anxiety in wanting to stay here, but felt a little distance was needed in order to keep things in perspective. He saw Chandi out, sincerely thanking him and his officers for their prompt response in coming to their aid. Then he returned to find Rene staring at the clutter around his feet as if at a loss of what to do first.

Picking up a large lined note pad and a pencil from the floor, Zack wrote ‘KITCHEN’ in large bold letters across the top of the page and handed both to Rene. “Here, sweetheart, why don’t you begin making a list of the items stolen or damaged here in the kitchen? I’m going to make a couple of phone calls and then I’ll bring in the big trash cans from outside and start getting rid of some of this debris.”

“Okay.” Rene looked around for a clear spot on the counter in which to put the note pad. Finally, he just wiped a pile of spilled coffee beans into the sink and sat the paper where they’d been. He looked at the beans with sadness. It had been a pound bag of his favourite dark roast. He started the list with that.

Some of the cupboards had been completely emptied, with their contents tossed all over the floor and countertops. Other cupboards seemed to have been left untouched. A tin of Zack’s favourite chocolate-covered cookies were open on the counter, half the contents eaten. Rene knew the tin had been unopened this morning. A lower cabinet that had held casserole dishes had been emptied and its’ contents tossed on the floor. Three of the dishes were smashed and another lay intact amongst the debris. The sugar canister had been shattered and bottle of oil spilled over it, leaving a sticky disgusting mess.

As he worked Rene listened to Zack on the phone. His first call had been to their insurance agent. He could hear Zack describing the mess and assuring the man that the police had taken all the evidentiary photos that would be needed.

Rene crunched through the broken bits and pieces, stopping to pick up an unbroken mug from the floor. When he stood, his eyes fell on a suddenly very empty place on the countertop near the sink. The espresso machine was gone. It was a rather expensive model that had belonged to Zack’s mother. They’d brought it back from Vancouver when they’d emptied her home after her death.

Anger welled inside Rene. “Fucking hell!” he yelled as he threw the mug into the sink, smashing it with a satisfying crash.

A startled Zack bid a hasty goodbye to his dad and ran in from the hall. “What happened?” He took in the scene before him; a very angry man and a smashed bit of crockery in the sink where none had been before. He put the wireless phone down on the table and rushed over to Rene’s side. He pursed his lips as he put his hands on the younger man’s shoulder and gave him a slight shake to get his attention. “I know this entire affair is beyond infuriating and would make anybody see red, but throwing things isn’t the answer.”

Zack’s resolve melted when he saw the look of fury and resentment on his husband’s beautiful face. “Okay, maybe it isn’t exactly the best response but hey, if it helps us to feel better for even a few minutes, what the heck?” With that, he reached into the cupboard and pulled out a couple of cups, handing one to Rene. “You want another go or is it my turn?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Rene took the cup and threw it into the sink with only slightly less enthusiasm than he’d thrown the first one. “They took the espresso machine!” he yelled angrily. “And they ate your chocolate biscuits!”

“My cookies? Off all the gall!” Zack exclaimed; his cup immediately following Rene’s into the sink. He reached into the cupboard and took down two more cups while stifling a chuckle. He certainly didn’t want Rene for one moment to think he was being laughed at. Zack was hoping the young man would see the humour in what they were doing before they found themselves without an unbroken cup or plate in the house. He realized angry outbursts would in all likelihood persist over the next couple of weeks and in an effort to pick his battles, he was willing to cut his Brat some slack. Of course, it went without saying that there was a limit to what he’d put up with.

Rene took the newest cup and again tossed it angrily into the sink. As he threw it, a bubble of laughter escaped his mouth. The extremes of emotion were churning so much he didn’t know if he wanted to laugh, cry or kill someone. He turned and faced Zack, pounding his fists lightly against the older man’s chest. “Damn you, don’t make me laugh! This is so not funny!” He tried to sound angry but he couldn’t help but laugh more. Then the laughter stopped as suddenly as it started. “I hate this, Zack. It’s just not right what they did to us.”

“Of course, it isn’t right, sweetheart. Life isn’t always fair or right.” Zack put the cup in his hand on the counter and pulled Rene into a firm embrace. “But we’re both strong and we’ll get through this. Now let’s see if we can locate the floor. You keep writing and I’ll sweep. We have just enough time to get this room straightened out before going over to my folks’ place. Dad mentioned something about taking us out for supper, but that’s still up in the air depending on how we’re feeling by then.”

Sensing the man in his arms had settled some; Zack dropped a kiss on top of his husband’s head, released him and walked over to fetch the broom and dustpan from the closet.

Rene went back to the list and added the espresso machine to the growing number of missing or damaged items.

“What’s this?” Zack asked, holding up two grocery bags he found pushed up against the wall.

Rene shook his head rather sadly. “That is...was our dinner. I just dropped them when I walked in on this mess. It’s bratwurst sausage and fresh corn on the cob. I was gonna make you my mom’s recipe for cooking the bratwurst with apple and onion. We should put the sausages in the freezer or they’ll spoil. Maybe we can take the corn over to your dads’ because it really should be eaten by tomorrow.

“We could probably have it instead of going out; this is if there’s enough and you’d like to make the meal for all of us.”

“Honestly, I just don’t think feel up to cooking tonight. Maybe I could do it tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow will be just fine. You’ve already got my taste buds hankering for that new taste sensation.”

The men worked mostly in companionable silence; making only the odd comment here and there when they noticed something worth bringing to the other’s attention.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

At four o’clock, Zack called a halt. He glanced around and nodded his approval in all they’d accomplished in just under two hours.

“Let’s go upstairs and shower, get rid of this grime and dust. I know I’ll feel better out of these clothes. What do you think, sweetheart?”

Rene nodded. “Yeah, I could use a shower.”

They headed out of the kitchen and as they passed the living room, Rene stopped to once again take in the mess and loss. But before he could even speak, Zack’s hand was at his back pushing him along.

“Let it go. We’ve dealt with enough for now,” the older man commanded. “We still have to face our bedroom.”

Zack was right. The bedroom was an awful mess, with their dresser drawers dumped out when the thieves had hunted for valuables.

Rene let out a long sigh. “I don’t even want to change into clothes they may have touched. It just feels so gross.”

Zack spotted a couple of plastic bags sticking out from under a pile of clothing. Bending down, he picked them up and showed them to Rene. “Here are the new boxers and socks I purchased last weekend. I never got around to opening the packages. Hmm, for once it seems that procrastination paid off.” He tore off the wrappings and handed a couple of items to his partner. “Even though these boxers will be a bit too big for you, you’re welcome to use a pair. You can have some new socks as well.”

“Thanks, it’s nice to have something fresh to put on. It looks like we still have clothes hanging in the closet that weren’t tossed about so they’ll be okay, but we’ll have to wash everything else.” He sighed as he looked over at their dishevelled bed. “We’ll have to take the duvet to the dry cleaners, because it won’t fit in our washer.”

“Yes, love, all in good time.” Zack turned his partner towards their en suite and firmly pushed him forward until he had him out of the bedroom. With deft movements developed through plenty of practise, he quickly had them both naked and standing under warm cascading water.

Zack gently shampooed Rene’s hair and then rinsed it before squirting body wash on his hands and wrapping his arms around the slightly shorter man from behind to begin washing his chest. He kept up the soothing massage, steadily moving lower while gently sucking on the nape of his lover’s neck.

He softly growled out his pleasure when the tension in the other man’s body began to drain away. Within minutes, low moans were slipping from Rene’s lips as large soapy hands enticingly fondled his growing erection.

Rene began to thrust into Zack’s hands as the older man stroked him. All thoughts of the break-in and robbery slipped temporarily from his mind as he gave into his body’s demands. He could never resist Zack’s advances; the man could play him like a violin. It wasn’t long before his found himself coming in hot spurts against the tiles. Before he could catch his breath, he felt Zack’s slippery fingers entering him, slowly stretching and preparing him.

When he knew Rene was ready to receive him, Zack gently pushed himself into the welcoming warmth of his lover’s body. He waited a few moments before pulling back and then plunging forward, hitting Rene’s sweet spot. He repeated the movements numerous times, increasing the speed and depth with every thrust. Reaching around, he trailed his fingertips over the sensitive flesh of Rene’s stomach, moving down to lightly graze the length of his hardening penis and then stroked his thumb over the head.

Rene gasped as Zack’s hand rubbed him. He was surprised to find himself growing hard again as he was very sensitized from just having cum. Part of him wanted to push Zack’s hand away, but the rest of him was enjoying the sweet torture his lover was inflicting on him. Zack’s thrusts grew harder and battered his prostate. As the hand assaulted his penis, Rene was caught in some incredible place between heaven and hell. He became aware of a keening wale surrounding him and realized it was coming from his own throat. He could not form words or coherent thought. He was caught in a world of stimulation beyond such mundane things.

Soon Zack’s thrusts became frantic as his body sought completion. Just as his lover began to cum, he scraped his finger over the head of Rene’s penis and bit down on his neck. The sharp pain sent Rene over the edge as he screamed out his second climax. He felt his knees folding as Zack’s penis slipped from his body. Only the older man’s strong arms kept him from falling forward and hitting the tiles.

Zack kept his legs spread wide in order to maintain his balance. With one arm wrapped around Rene’s slim waist, he used the other to brace himself against the wall, barely managing to keep them upright. Gradually his heart rate slowed to a normal pace and the light-headedness he’d experienced in the immediate aftermath of their love-making, diminished.

“I love you, my darling. As long as we have each other, we’re as rich as we can ever want to be,” Zack murmured as he turned the man in his arms and gently kissed his lips. He looked down into the beautiful blue eyes he adored and smiled when he saw them still slightly unfocused. “Better get it together, my love. We have a dinner date with my parents.” He chuckled when Rene blinked as if waking from a dream.

Sighing deeply Rene leaned against Zack’s broad chest. “I love you too, Zack, but I think you just killed me. I wanna go to sleep,” he mumbled, oblivious of the water still pouring over them.

It wasn’t until Zack reached around him and shut off the tap that Rene became more coherent. Zack gently led him out of the shower and handed him a towel. “Get dried, Rembrandt, we need to get going.”

Rene was still in a blissful haze as he dried off. He was bent over to pull on Zack’s too-large boxers when reality returned to him. He looked out into the disaster that was their bedroom and felt the weight of the day return to his shoulders. Nothing had changed while they’d made love. No magic had taken away the mess or restored their loss. He looked back to Zack who was getting dressed, and grew determined to keep up a better attitude. After all, he had the man he loved and no chaos or loss of material goods could damage that. He closed his eyes on the disarray and quickly finished dressing.

Zack may have appeared to be concentrating on getting clothed but he was also cautiously watching his husband. He saw Rene look into the bedroom and sensed a slight change in his demeanour. He made note of how fleeting it was and strongly suspected the younger man of purposely putting aside distressing thoughts.

Deciding to keep his observations to himself, Zack teasingly badgered Rene into hurrying up. “We’ve got ten minutes to get to the Maple Grill, love,” he commented while checking his watch. “Don’t know why I find it so hard to keep my hands off that delectable body of yours. Maybe I can get a pill for my obsession,” he joked as he gently steered his lover down the stairs and out of the house.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Arriving at the restaurant five minutes late, they found Hayden and Todd already seated in a booth in the corner near a large window. Four menus lay on the table along with four glasses of ice water that were dripping condensation on the white cloth.

“Hi, Dad and Papa; hope we haven’t kept you waiting long,” Zack greeted as he waited for Rene to slid into his seat and then followed him. “Something came up at the last minute.” He didn’t so much as crack a smile.

Todd was dying to ask questions, but his husband’s hand resting firmly on his thigh reminded him that he’d been told not to jump in with his third-degree the moment the younger men arrived. So he settled for a kindly spoken, “We just barely got here ourselves and are glad you were able to join us.”

Rene couldn’t help the flush that crossed his face. Though he knew Zack said nothing to imply what they were doing, just thinking about it in front of his father-in-laws made him blush. He squirmed slightly in his seat, still feeling the effects of Zack’s passion which cause his face to flush even more. Trying to hide his appearance, he picked up his menu and held it in front of his face. “I’m starving; I wonder what the specials are today.”

Hayden couldn’t help but notice his son-in-law’s discomfort. He was concerned about both Rene and Zack. They’d been through a traumatic day and he wanted to try and help as best he could. He’d had to practically sit on Todd all afternoon to keep him from rushing over to the boys’ house. He insisted they’d need some time to come to terms with what had happened before being inundated with Todd’s emotional, if well-intentioned and loving, presence. Now however, he fully intended for he and Todd to help out in whatever way they could.

With that in mind, he reached across the table and pulled the menu down enough to see Rene’s face. “Order whatever you like, Rene. After we’ve had a good dinner, you boys are coming back home with Papa and me. We’ve got the spare bedroom all set up for you and tomorrow we’re going to help you deal with what you’ve been through today.”

“Hayden’s right, we’re both here for the two of you. You’re not going to have to do this by yourselves,” Todd stated in his firmest voice, glancing back and forth between the two young men sitting across from him. “But just now, we are going to put the whole sordid subject aside so we can properly enjoy a delicious meal and excellent company.”

As hard as it was not to ask questions, Todd understood and respected Zack and Rene’s need to step away from the trauma of the day, at least for a little while.

Zack blinked rapidly a few times when he felt his eyes watering. He’d known all along that he and Rene weren’t alone, but it meant a lot to hear his fathers saying so. He knew in the coming days he would be relying on his dad for support so he could be strong for Rene. His desire to care for his husband was at times almost overwhelming, but it was a responsibility he embraced not out of duty, but out of love and devotion to his beloved.

The waitress arrived as they were talking. “Good evening, gentlemen. Are you ready to place your orders?”

After perusing the menu, Zack quickly made his choice. “I’ll have the strip loin and shrimp with a baked potato, mushrooms and sautéed onion. Oh, and a side salad to start.” He looked at that man beside him and asked, “What would you like to order, Rene?”

Rene was warmed by the support being offered by his father-in-laws. It helped to know that they were there for him and Zack. He looked back at the menu. “I think I’ll have the half rack of back ribs with sweet potato fries and a small Caesar salad to start.”

Hayden gave Todd’s leg a gentle squeeze. He was very pleased to see their boys relaxing a little after they day they’d put in. “I think I’ll have the prime rib dinner with all the trimmings,” he announced. Then looking pointedly at his husband, he added, “and I don’t want to hear about cholesterol tonight.” His voice was light and teasing.

Todd smiled at the man beside him. “Okay, make you a deal. No talk of health issues and you share a piece of carrot cake with me for dessert. In the meantime, I’ll have the grilled haddock, baked potato, fresh veggies and a garden salad with light ranch dressing. A pot of tea would also be nice.” He grinned up at the waitress who was writing this all down.

Without saying a word, they unanimously agreed to keep the conversation carefree. Hayden and Todd talked about their upcoming trip next month; Zack mentioned an expansion idea he had for the pharmacy and Rene shared a couple of amusing anecdotes about the little ones at the day-care.

They enjoyed a companionable meal and were soon arriving at Hayden and Todd’s home. Hayden suggested they play a few rounds of euchre and went off to find the cards while Todd was getting drinks.

Zack and Rene sat opposite each other at the kitchen table. Rene was beginning to feel antsy. Though he loved Zack’s dads, he really wanted to be at home. Patently ignoring Zack’s earlier edict, Rene leaned across the table and whispered, “Zack, it’s only seven o’clock. If we went home, we could get a few more hours work done tonight. Get our bed put back together and sleep in it.”

Zack reached across the table and firmly took Rene’s hand in his. “Don’t even go there, sweetheart. It is not up for discussion. We are staying here and we’re going to try our best to relax.”

Rene sighed. His husband was a very stubborn man when he’d made up his mind on a subject. Now if only Rene could persuade his own mind to stop worrying about things at their house. He tried to put on a look of acceptance even if he didn’t feel it.

They played cards for a couple of hours and discussed what they were going to do the next morning at the house, though Zack kept that conversation short and light. After watching the news, the four men headed off to bed.

Todd had shown Zack and Rene to the guest bedroom and had made them as comfortable as possible. They were soon settled into the large cosy bed.

Zack pulled Rene into his arms and kissed him firmly. “Go to sleep, my darling. We’ll both be able to cope better after a good night’s sleep.”

Rene tried to do as Zack asked of him. He spent over an hour attempting every measure he knew to fall asleep, but to no avail. Zack had admonished him to stop tossing and settle a couple of times until Rene finally just lay still pretending to sleep in order to allow his husband some much needed rest. All he could think about was that their house was empty and vulnerable to another break-in.

By two-thirty a.m. he was still wide awake with Zack snoring softly beside him. At this point Rene had worked himself into a frenzy of worry. He had to check on their home, had to ensure things were all right. He quietly slipped out of bed without disturbing his husband, pulled his jeans on over the boxers and t-shirt he’d been sleeping in and made his way down the stairs. He pushed his bare feet into his running shoes and dug in the pocket of his pants for the keys he’d left there earlier. Rene slipped out the kitchen door and was soon behind the wheel of Zack’s car and on his way to the house. He promised himself he was only going to check on things and head right back to Hayden and Todd’s before he was missed.

He pulled in the driveway feeling very leery of what he’d find, but things looked normal. They’d left the outside lights on, so it was easy to see his way in. It seemed strange going through the front door but he had no choice as they’d barred the back one where the robbers had entered. He flipped on lights in the living room and was once again startled by the mess and the noticeably missing items.

As he walked through the house, he looked around carefully ensuring that nothing had been disturbed further. He was going to head back out when he spotted the photo album from his and Zack’s wedding lying on the floor in front of the bookcase. He couldn’t leave it just lying there like so much trash. He checked it carefully, relieved to find the album itself undamaged.

He put the book back on the shelf and without conscious thought began to work at re-shelving all the other books and items on the floor. More than an hour passed as he meticulously replaced each thing to its’ original spot on the shelf.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zack would never know exactly what woke him. He only vaguely remembered reaching over while still more asleep than awake and encountering a cooling void where his husband’s warm body should have been. Sitting up, he waited a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the darkness and listened. Silence greeted him and he instinctively knew Rene was no longer in the house.

Resignedly sighing out his frustration, he tossed back the quilt, hauled himself out of bed and dressed as quietly as possible. A couple of minutes later, he was noiselessly shutting the back door of his parents’ home and jogging down the driveway. It took him just under a quarter of an hour to get to his and Rene’s house. He wasn’t at all surprised to see the light on in the living room.

After letting himself in the front door without making a sound, he stood in the shadows of the lower hall for a few moments and watched his husband at work. Rolling his eyes in loving exasperation, he cleared his throat and walked into the room.

Rene jumped, terrified for a moment that the robbers had returned. He was relieved and then suddenly very nervous when he realized it was his husband who had walked in on him. “Oh...uh...hi Zack,” he squeaked.

“Pack it in, Rembrandt. We’re going back to my dads’ place. Keys, please,” Zack calmly requested, holding out his hand.

Rene climbed slowly to his feet, dug the keys out of his pocket and dropped them into Zack’s hand. “Zack, I’m sorry I disobeyed you but I just couldn’t sleep. I had to check and see that everything was okay here.”

“Rene, we’ve been over this. Nothing has changed. The house is exactly as we left it earlier and the police are making extra patrols. If fact, I was just speaking to an officer when he stopped me from coming up the drive. He though you were an intruder and was about to call for backup. Fortunately, I was able to convince him you were not.” Zack raised his eyebrow and waited to see what his Brat’s take would be on that bit of news.

Rene bit down on his lip. Having the police arrive while he was at the house hadn’t occurred to him. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have come, but I just couldn’t seem to help myself. I had to be sure. I don’t want to be the cause of trouble for the police or for you.” He felt tears welling up in his eyes.

Zack sadly shook his head and wrapped an arm around Rene and pulled him close. “Oh baby,” he murmured into the dark hair beneath his chin. “I understand; I really do. But I need you to trust me when I say we come here together and only during daylight hours. It may take some time to get our home back to what it was, but it will happen. I promise.” He dropped a gentle kiss on that same dark hair and then pushed Rene back a bit, to look in the younger man’s face. “We are only going to stay at my parents’ for a couple nights and then we’ll be back here for good, okay? Think you can work with me on this?”

Rene nodded. “Yeah, I can.” He chewed his lip again before hesitantly asking, “Are you going to spank me for disobeying you tonight?”

Zack studied the young face gazing up at him. He used his thumb to pull Rene’s lower lip from between his teeth. “Not this time, love. I don’t spank you for running home, only for running from it. But a word of advice; don’t push your luck.” He winked to soften the sternness behind the warning.

Taking Rene’s hand, Zack led the way outside and then locked up. “I hope we can get back in bed without waking my dads. I gave up this sneaking into the house when I left for university so I may be a bit rusty,” he mused, chuckling slightly.

The two men were able to get back to Hayden and Todd’s home and into bed without disturbing the older couple. With Zack‘s calm comfort wrapped around him, Rene finally fell into a deep sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They arrived in the kitchen the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing and fresh muffins just out of the oven.

“Mmm, that smells great!” Rene inhaled appreciatively.

Hayden greeted his son and son-in-law. “Good morning, boys. I thought you might sleep later, given your late night prowling.” He grinned at the look of surprise on Rene’s face. The young man had obviously thought he’d gotten out and back in without being heard.

Zack smiled as he took a seat at the table. “While I may be a bit rusty, apparently you aren’t, Dad.” He picked up the mug of coffee place in front of him. “Thanks, Papa.”

“Although you often got out undetected, you never did master the art of sneaking back in. Your dad always caught you,” Todd teased with a soft chuckle. Stepping up next to his husband, he leaned in and murmured, “Like I’ve often said, you have me to thank for you being able to hone that particular skill so well.”

“Although you often got out undetected, you never did master the art of sneaking back in. Your dad always caught you,” Todd teased with a soft chuckle. Stepping up next to his husband, he leaned in and murmured, “Like I’ve often said, you have me to thank for you being able to hone that particular skill so well.”

“Don’t remind me, Brat,” Hayden whispered back as he gently patted his husband’s backside before turning back to the younger men. “We’ve got a fresh fruit salad to go along with Papa’s blueberry muffins and yogurt. I hope that sounds acceptable to you boys.”

“Sounds and smells delicious,” Rene replied as he sipped his own coffee. He was hoping the talk of food would mean an end to any discussion of his sneaking out during the night.

“Hmm, gotta love your muffins, Papa,” Zack mused as he bit into one. After swallowing the first mouthful, he brought up the subject of today’s plans. “When we’ve finished breakfast, Rene and I are heading over to our place. We got a good jump on the kitchen, but still have a lot to do before we’re ready to move back in.”

“Your dad and I would like to come with you, if that’s okay. We can do the general cleaning up as you complete the list of missing or damaged items in each room,” Todd offered. Although a bit curious about the condition of the boys’ home, he was also very concerned about them facing the emotional turmoil on their own. He could only imagine how they felt based on how he would feel himself if his and Hayden’s home had been invaded.

“We both feel that you could use the help,” Hayden added. “This is a horrible experience and such is what family is for; to help out when times are tough.”

“Thanks, Papa and you too, Dad; I’m sure there’s enough work for all of us.” Zack smiled his gratitude. “But you may change your minds when you see the mess.”

“Not likely,” Todd scoffed. Pointing to the large cooler by the back door, he merrily listed all that was packed in it. “So you see we’ll have plenty to eat in order to keep our strength up.”

Rene felt a warm glow of happiness. Hayden was right; this is what family was for. “Thank you both. It makes it a lot easier to face with your support.”

His happiness seemed short lived when they once again walked into the mess that was their home. He felt overwhelmed by the extent of things. “I’d like to start upstairs today, okay? I want to get our clothes sorted out and know just what’s missing.”

“Sounds like a good idea, love. I’ll be right up to start on the en suite.” Zack turned to his parents and swung out his arm to indicate the articles lying about so obviously out of place. “We’ve compiled the list for kitchen, but didn’t have time to put this stuff away. Would you mind doing it for us?”

“Not at all,” Todd assured his son as he grabbed up a tea towel and tucked it into his waistband like an apron. “Drop anything you want laundered down the laundry chute and we’ll get that started too.”

Zack smiled his thanks before following his husband out of the room and up the stairs.

Working in their bedroom, Zack had helped Rene get the large king sized mattress back on the bed and Rene stripped off the bedding, and gathered clothes and things to be washed. He discovered his high school ring that he kept in a box in his nightstand was gone. Although it hadn’t been of great monetary valuable, it still held memories and he was sad to lose it. A sudden thought had him on the floor looking under the bed. To his horror, a certain small plastic case was gone. He looked frantically around the room, but it wasn’t in sight. ‘Oh God, not that,’ he thought. “Umm...Zack, can you come here for a minute?” he called out with a strained voice.

When Zack came into the room from where he was working, Rene pointed under the bed. “They’re gone, Zack. Our uh...movies and toys are gone,” he whispered. They had owned a few adult-themed gay movies and a couple of sex toys. “I can’t believe they’d take those, Zack. It’s so humiliating. Why would they want to take those things?” Rene’s face was red with embarrassment and tears welled in his eyes.

Zack sadly shook his head and quickly stepped over to comfort his distraught husband. “There’s no answer to that question, love; just as there is no answer to why they are breaking into peoples’ homes to begin with. I understand you feeling mortified, but chances are the thieves never put faces or names to owners of the items they steal.” He gave Rene a hug and kissed him. “We’ll just buy new toys and movies, okay?” he asked light-heartedly and then added with a grin, “Of course, I recommend we don’t report this particular loss to the insurance company.”

Rene grimaced. “Oh God, not in a million years.” He looked up at Zack, a thought forming. “Speaking of the insurance company; do you remember when we first got the policy for the house and the agent asked us if we had or intended to get a security system? I think we should get one. They even give you a break on your insurance rates. What do you think?”

Zack paused to the idea some thought. He really felt it was something his husband could look into and by doing so, might get back a sense of control. “I say we go for it. How about you going online this evening to see how much information is available? Try to find a reputable dealer close by and check out available equipment as well as the costs involved in getting a system installed, then we’ll decide together just what will work best for us.”

“Great, you don’t have to worry. I’ll find us the best security system available. I don’t ever want to go through this again. In the meantime, we’d better get back to the work of sorting things out.”

Zack and Rene worked all morning categorizing things and compiling lists of missing and damaged items from the upstairs rooms. They sent down multiple loads of laundry to be washed. They just didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of wearing clothes the burglars may have touched.

Rene was in the middle of wiping down the bedroom furniture when Hayden’s voice called up from the kitchen. “Boys, Papa has lunch on the table; time to take a break and eat.”

Rene smiled as Zack came into their room from the spare bedroom he’d been working in. “I’ll be down as soon as I finish cleaning the dressers.”

“Oh no, you won’t,” the older man disagreed, shaking his head. He took the damp cloth from his husband’s hand and let it fall back into the bucket containing warm water and Mr. Clean. “This can wait but my stomach can’t” He laughed when Rene’s stomach took that moment to make its’ hunger pangs heard. “And apparently, neither can yours.”

Taking Rene’s hand, Zack towed his somewhat reluctant husband from the room and down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Something smells delicious, Papa, and looks so too,” Zack praised as he sat down at the table. His eyes lit up when he spied some of his favourites. “Hmm, your homemade lasagna and garlic bread fresh from the oven. No wonder my stomach’s been growling.”

“I knew it would be the deciding factor in whether you stopped working long enough to eat or just keep slugging away.” Todd smiled contentedly as he watched his family hungrily load up their plates. “Don’t forget the Caesar salad. I used my own recipe for the dressing.”

Todd sat across from Hayden and began filling his own plate. “You know, aside from the crockery smashed in the sink and the door latch, nothing else appears to be broken. What wasn’t stolen was mostly just thrown about.”

Zack and Rene smiled at each other before Zack responded. His eyes were merrily twinkling as he briefly explained what had taken place. “The robbers did a lot of damage that Rene and I cleared away yesterday, but they weren’t responsible for the mess in the kitchen sink, Papa. Rene and I sort of conducted a controlled tension-release exercise. It worked rather well even if the results were only temporary.”

Hayden frowned and raised an eyebrow, though his voice was light and teasing. “Zachary William Pearce, are you telling me that you stood here in this kitchen, using an ill-tempered moment as an excuse for smashing dishes into the sink? I thought I’d taught you better than that, young man!”

Rene started to giggle and within moments was laughing uproariously at his Top being chastised by his father.

Zack began to laugh along with him. He winked at his dad for helping to keep the conversation lightly entertaining. “I am not even going to ask what you find so amusing, Rene. I just love the sound of your laughter even if it may be at my expense.”

The four men finished off the delicious meal with plenty of light-hearted bantering. Then while Todd rolled up his sleeves in preparation for washing the dishes, Zack and Rene headed back upstairs.

“Hayden, would you mind running some errands? I have a lengthy grocery list written out. The pantry shelves have to be completely restocked thanks to those miserable reprobates who perpetrated this crime. Our poor piglets; having to suffer this violation.” Todd turned sad eyes up to his husband. “They certainly didn’t do anything to deserve this.”

Hayden took the list and gave Todd a gentle kiss. “No, they didn’t, my love, but we’ll do whatever we can to help them recover.” He glanced at the extensive list and moaned. “I’ll even suffer the agony of the grocery store on a Saturday afternoon.” He picked up his keys and jacket. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. And don’t over work yourself,” he added in a tone of warning.

“No fear of that happening due to us finally getting the last of that filthy black fingerprinting dust scrubbed off the door frame and counters. That chore certainly proved harder than I would have imagined. I’ll be spending the entire afternoon finishing up the laundry as soon as I get these dishes out of the way.” Todd gently pushed his husband towards the back door. “Off you go, enjoy the fresh air.”

He followed Hayden out to the car and waved as he drove out of the driveway. Taking a deep breath, he headed back into the house. They had accomplished quite a bit while the younger men had worked upstairs. Todd had been pleased to see that nothing outside had been damaged. The bar-b-que they had given the boys for a housewarming gift still stood in its’ spot on the deck, the sun shining off the stainless steel. The patio furniture was completely unscathed. Even the lock on the garden shed was untouched.

Hayden had checked out the two-car garage and had been relieved to find the ride-on lawn mower hadn’t been taken and the only disarray seemed to be a result of the thieves throwing around the few tools Zack owned.

“Guess they figured nothing was worth carting off. Although I am sure it would have been different had there been expensive power tools involved,” he’d reported. “However, I did discover the empty gas can that had been tossed in the bushes by the back fence. It wouldn’t surprise me if they’d emptied the fuel into their own vehicle.”

It had taken Todd most the morning to get the kitchen area back to his pristine standards. He had also cleaned the powder room but nothing else. He would never admit to being unable to go into the front rooms. After venturing part way down the hall and becoming afraid to face whatever destruction might be there, he had scurried back to the refuge of the kitchen.

Setting about his self-appointed task, Todd smiled as he listened to Zack and Rene’s voices floating down from the upper floor.

The carpenter and locksmith had been by; the door frame had been repaired, the lock and handle on the door replaced. All Rene and Zack needed to do, was put a fresh coat of paint on the new woodwork.

By late afternoon, Hayden had returned and all the groceries had been put away. The washer and dryer were finally quiet.

“The upstairs is a good as we’re going to get it until we replace the bigger items that were stolen and some of the smaller things that were damaged. We sure put in a good day’s work,” Zack announced as he walked into the kitchen with Rene.

“Thank you for bringing the last laundry basket down, Rene,” Todd said, reaching to take the item from his son-in-law’s hand. “I trust everything got neatly put away.” He turned a questioning expression on his son.

“Yes, Papa,” Zack assured the older man. “But you didn’t have to iron everything. Rene and I aren’t used to wearing jeans that look so spiffy.”

“Chalk it up to habit, son,” Todd responded, secretly pleased with the praise.

“We all put in a good day’s work and now I think it’s time to get back to your place, Dad. Papa, there’s no need for you to make another meal because Rene and I are doing up some homemade bratwurst and corn on the cob. It was what Rene had planned for last night.”

“That sounds wonderful, boys; let’s lock up here and head back home. I’m looking forward to the dinner. I’ve always loved bratwurst sausage; it has such a fun name.” Hayden grinned.

“It’s my mom’s recipe for cooking it with apples and onion. It was a favourite in our house,” Rene replied.

A couple of hours later they were relaxing over an after dinner coffee. Rene was still worrying about the house being unprotected. He looked to his father-in-law. “Dad, would you mind if I borrowed your computer for a while? I’m going to do some research into security systems for the house.”

“Certainly, Rene; help yourself.”

“A security system?” Todd piped up. “What an excellent idea. You know, Hayden, I think it would be a good idea for us to invest in one too.”

Hayden nodded. “Yes, I think it’s something to consider. I really didn’t think we’d need on in Jade Heights, but perhaps something like what we had in Vancouver might be in order. I’ll see what Rene comes up with for their home and then we can decide from there.”

Zack’s eyes followed his husband as Rene walked out of the room. He smiled understandingly at the younger man’s haste in getting his search started.

“This in all likelihood will be our last night staying here,” Zack announced, turning back to his parents “I think we’ll have the house set to rights enough to move back in tomorrow. On Monday, our insurance adjuster will be dropping by and it’ll good to get a lot of the paperwork out of the way. Our being able to tell him about our plans to put in a security system should keep our premiums from escalating. This is the first time we’ll be filing a claim, but I’ve heard that insurance costs can go up if the company feels you’re too vulnerable. Do you think there’s any truth in that, Dad?”

“Most definitely; I’ve heard of this happening to a number of people over the years. Robberies are a sad fact of life, and we all pay for them in our insurance premiums. The insurance companies will do all they can to recoup their losses by hiking premiums of those who make claims. However, if you show yourselves to be diligent homeowners, they take that into consideration when assessing you.”

“Then here’s to hoping they cut us a break when we get our system in place. Although to tell you the truth, I’m doing it more for Rene’s peace of mind than for lower insurance costs.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rene was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information on home security systems as he began his web search. He could not believe the number of companies offering services or the different types available. He narrowed his search parameters to companies servicing their area and then by those who had received approval of the insurance companies. However, there was still a lot of information to sort through. He’d been compiling lists of things he thought were most important; wireless installation, magnetic alarms of doors and windows, motion detectors, voice activation, multiple zones and key pads. He wanted the best for their home; he never wanted to go through this nightmare again.

He’d filled several pages of word documents with information and had no idea of the time passing as he worked.

Zack quietly entered the study and stood behind his husband, shaking his head at the amount of information appearing on the screen. There were also a number of sites still open, their tabs showing up at the bottom of the screen.

“You’ve done a mega amount of research, sweetheart. How about printing it off and we’ll go over it once we’re settled in bed? Dad and Papa have already gone upstairs for the night and I told them we’d be following shortly.”

Rene startled at the sound of Zack’s voice. He hadn’t heard his husband enter the room. “Oh hi, Zack; I’ll be done in a short while. I just found this new site with some really state of the art equipment. You should see what they have in the way of remote computerize monitoring. It will notify us on our cell phones of anyone even coming up to the door of the house when we’re out.”

Zack pulled up a chair and sat down. “Okay, let’s see what you have here.” They spent the next several minutes going over some of the highlights of the collected information. It was all rather complex and mind-boggling.

“Okay; we know we want a monitored security system, not just an alarm system. It should include a wired control panel with digital touch pads, battery back-up, transformer and siren. All interior equipment must include motion detectors, vibration/impact sensors, and distress buttons. Perimeter devices must include magnetic contacts for doors and windows, glass break sensors, as well as vibration/impact sensors. We can also consider bandit bars on all basement windows and cameras around the outside of the house. What do you think, love? Does it sound secure enough for you?”

Rene yawned and nodded. “Yeah, I think that should cover things pretty well. Now we just have to decide what company we want to go with. I’d like to narrow down the list to about three and then contact them to get quotes. Do you have any preferences?” Rene brought up the list of names he’d gathered. “I was thinking...” he spoke while yawning, “that the...” yawn...

“You were thinking that it’s probably a good time as ever to hit the hay? Hmmm, maybe? And that we can look over the list in the morning?” Zack didn’t wait for an answer. He merely saved the information and shut down the computer. Putting his hand under Rene’s elbow, he helped him up from his chair and began steering him out of the room. He chuckled softly to himself when Rene looked back over his shoulder as if to protest but only managed to blink sleepy eyes.

Fifteen minutes later, they were fast asleep. There’d be plenty of time for decision making over the next few days.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Balancing the small cardboard tray and two bags, Kadyn turned the knob on the back door. He wasn’t overly surprised to find it locked, so he merely knocked instead and waited for Rene to answer. He knew that like himself his friend would be spending a greater part of the day on his own as both their partners worked most Saturdays.

“I’m in between birthday parties at the shop and thought you could use a break as much as I can, so I stopped off at Timmy’s,” he announced, while smiling broadly and holding out two large lattes. Inside, he glanced around and took in the changes since he’d last been here a few days after the break-in. At the time he could only imagine what his friends had faced in the immediate aftermath and the emotion toll it had taken on them.

“You’ve got a lot done over the past week, Rene.” Kadyn didn’t mention the several empty places still glaringly obvious.

Rene nodded and sighed lightly. “Yeah, we’ve got everything cleaned up now but as you can see, not replaced. The insurance agent was here for ages on Monday, going through all the things that are missing or damaged. We’re still waiting for them to assess everything and get back to us with how much they’re going to pay out for our losses. However, he was pleased about the security system we just had it installed on Thursday. I think Zack believes we have too much, not that he’s complained. Well other than when the alarm went off in the night when he went down to the kitchen for a drink.”

Rene shook his head, laughing slightly at the remembrance. “He’s just gotta remember to turn off the motion detectors in the zone he’s going through. We got a really good system with four zones in the house with motion detectors and vibration/impact sensors, and distress buttons. As well as magnetic and glass break sensors for the windows and doors, outside cameras...well the whole works. Costs a pretty penny but we do get a break on our insurance because of it and I think we both feel better knowing the house is safer. I don’t think either of us could stand going through this again.”

“I know I sure wouldn’t want to go through it,” Kadyn lamented with his friend. “Vincent is talking about adding to the existing systems at both our shops but hasn’t said too much about the house. Maybe I’ll have to bug him about it. I did overhear him saying something to Zack about replacement insurance. From what I understand our policy pays full value for any item replaced. Hopefully yours will do the same.” He dug into one of the small paper bags he’d brought with him and handed Rene a doughnut. “Have you had any news about the robbers? Have the cops found any of your stuff?”

Rene picked up the treat and took a big bite while he sipped his coffee. “No, not a word and frankly, I don’t think we will. I’ve done some reading on the internet and not very many of these kinds of robberies ever lead to an arrest or recovery of the stolen goods. I know Chief Barrett and his officers will do their best but with little evidence, we’ll need a lucky break for anything to come up.”

“Then I guess we’ll just have to cross our fingers and hope for that lucky break,” Kadyn optimistically suggested with a shrug of his shoulders and a broad grin, then he sat back to enjoy his coffee.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Wandering aimlessly around the stuffy store, Kadyn mindlessly picked up odd articles only to put them down seconds later. He wasn’t terribly impressed with the place as it was far from clean and organized in the manner he was used to. Thank goodness it wasn’t a business he or his partner made a habit of frequenting. He was about to share his feelings of boredom when Vincent turned and smiled at him.

“Okay, sweetheart, I’ve got what I came for. I can’t believe that after searching for months online and in numerous musty book stores that specialize in antique first-additions, I finally found this treasure listed here in an out-of-the-way pawn shop. Makes a person wonder how it came to be here. I’ll just pay for it and then we can go somewhere for dinner. It’s my treat for you being so patient.” Vincent wormed his way through the maze of shelving with Kadyn following closely behind him.

It was while they were standing by the cash register when Kadyn spied an article that looked very familiar. “Psst,” he hissed in order to get his partner’s attention. “That belongs to Zack and Rene,” he whispered, pointing at the shelf behind the proprietor. “We gotta get it back,” he insisted barely loud enough for Vincent to hear.

“Hush, Kadyn. We’ll talk it over later.” Vincent turned back to the business at hand and accepted his purchase. He frowned slightly, not caring for the look the shop owner was directing at Kadyn.

It ended up being Vincent’s decision that they inform Zack and Rene of Kadyn’s suspicions and let them decide the best way to handle the situation. He called their friends that very evening.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Well that was certainly an interesting bit of news,” Zack commented as he hung up the phone after ending the conversation they’d been taking part in using the speakers. “I’d like to get a look at that machine Kadyn saw and see if it really is ours but I’m afraid it will have to wait a couple of days as I can’t get away before then. I think it would be best that if it ends up being ours, we just inform the police and let them handle it.”

“A couple of days!” Rene exclaimed. “Zack, it could be gone by then. Someone might buy it. We need to go tomorrow and check it out!”

“Sorry, Rene, I’m not able to go any sooner. Besides, Vincent was far from convinced it was ours. He only told us about it to appease Kadyn. On the other hand, if it should prove to be ours then there is always the possibility that the shop owner is aware of buying stolen goods. With that in mind, it is not someplace I’d suggest you going to alone.” Sensing an argument brewing, Zack continued in hope of nipping it in the bud. “You never know what kind of trouble you might run into in some of these places, love. Besides, it’s an expensive item. I can’t see it selling too quickly.”

Rene sighed. “Okay, I understand.”

“Good! Now that we have that settled, how about giving me a hand to get supper on the table?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Any thoughts of following Zack’s directives were slowly discarded when Rene and Kadyn met up for coffee the next day. The more they talked about the theft and all the resulting turmoil it had caused, the easier it became to convince themselves to make a trip to Kelowna that afternoon to retrieve the stolen item. They didn’t let the fact that the pawn shop was on the seedier side of town, deter them.

Having already gotten a good look at the pawn shop’s proprietor, Kadyn was a little uneasy about seeing the man again. However, he quickly got caught up in his friend’s ambitious plans to get back what belonged to him.

Rene followed Kadyn into the small dingy-looking shop. He’d had enough of being a victim to the people who had broken into their home and stolen their things. Now it was time to stand up and reclaim what theirs. He was sick and tired of filling out insurance forms and waiting to replace things. He wanted their own things back and even if the espresso machine was the only thing they ever found, it was empowering to think he could get it back.

“That’s it on the shelf behind the counter.” Kadyn pointed to the machine.

Rene walked up to the counter and looked carefully at the machine in question. He knew right away it was theirs. The scorch mark on the front of the stainless steel finish was very distinctive.

The proprietor came over at the sight of potential customers. He was a greasy-looking older man who smelled of cigarettes and beer. “Can I help ya?”

“Yes, I’m here about that espresso machine,” Rene replied.

The man smiled with yellowed crooked teeth. “That’s a beauty, ain’t it? New in the stores they sell for nearly two grand, but I can letcha have this one for only five hundred.”

“Where did you get it?” Rene demanded to know.

The man suddenly looked defensive and snapped. “It was sold to me by the rightful owner.”

“I’m afraid that’s not true. I’m the rightful owner of that machine and it was stolen from our home in a burglary last month.”

“You’re mistaken, mister. There’s lotsa machines out there that look like this one. Now if you’re not interested in buying, I suggest you leave.”

“I’m not buying my own property back,” Rene replied. “I know this is my machine. I recognise that scorch mark on the front and if you turn it around, you’ll find the plug has been replaced with a bright yellow one as the wiring had broken in the original.”

Kadyn had been looking from one man to the other and following the conversation closely. “He’s telling you the truth. I know cause I’ve seen that exact espresso machine at his house many times.”

The man warily looked at the back of the machine and saw the yellow plug. “That don’t mean nothing. I’ll bet lotsa them got replaced. Now you boys best get outta here before I call the cops on ya.”

“I’m calling them myself,” Rene retorted as he pulled out his cell phone. “I think they’d like to know that you buy stolen merchandise here.”

“You go for it, Rene!” Kadyn encouraged his friend. Gone was any nervousness he had felt about coming here. He boldly stood his ground as the adrenaline began to rush through him.

When the shop owner stepped out from behind the counter as if to challenge Rene, Kadyn rushed over and grabbed the item they had come after. “Come on, Rene! I got it! Let’s get out of here!” With that, he headed out the door as fast as he could, hoping the weight of the machine wouldn’t slow him down.

Rene was momentarily shocked by Kadyn’s sudden snatching of the espresso machine. He paused just long enough for the shop owner to grab his arm.

“Hey! You thieving little bastard, get back here!” the old man yelled.

With a strength born of fear, Rene managed to wrench his arm from the man’s grasp and tear out the door at a run after his friend. He thanked God the old man was obese and slow. He glanced back over his shoulder as they ran down the sidewalk. The man was standing outside of the pawn shop, shaking his fist at them as they ran for the car. Rene pulled his keys from his pocket and hit the remote entry to allow Kadyn to climb inside with the machine in his arms.

Rene jumped into the driver’s side and started the car up, pulling away from the curb with barely a glance for oncoming traffic. A blast of a horn told him that he’d cut someone off in his haste, but thank heaven hadn’t cause a collision.

They headed as quickly as possible away from the pawn shop. “Oh my God, Kadyn, I can’t believe you did that!” Rene was both panting and laughing with the exhilaration of getting away with his beloved espresso machine.

“I can hardly believe it myself,” Kadyn breathlessly muttered as he gazed wide-eyed at the machine on his lap. “Ah, do you think this means we stole something, even though it really belongs to you?”

Rene frowned. “I don’t know. I mean it was stolen from us. Zack and I are the rightful owners. That guy would have hidden it away once we called the cops cause he knew damn well it was stolen merchandise. I’d like to know if he has anything else of ours. But I’m not going to worry about it. I’m just going to feel good that we got back at least one of the things that were taken from us.”

“Well I hope Vincent sees it that way too,” Kadyn mused with a shrug of his shoulders. “It’s too late to second guess myself now. No sir! It’s time to bask in the thrill of our success.” Kadyn was never one to fret over things. He always lived for the moment.

“Yeah, I hope Zack feels the same,” Rene quietly responded, now doubting his previous convictions.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I’m home, love!” Zack called up the stairs to the studio where he took it for granted his husband was working. Turning towards the counter, he was surprised to see an espresso machine sitting on it. Closer examination confirmed it was their own that had gone missed during the break-in. Hearing footsteps coming up behind him, he glanced over his shoulder and inquired somewhat suspiciously, “You wouldn’t happen to know how this magically reappeared, would you, Rene?”

“Well...um...that’s kinda a long story.”

“I’ve got time to hear it.” Zack pulled out a stool and sat down, resting one elbow on the counter. “Please explain, Rene.”

“Well, I was talking with Kadyn and we got to thinking it would be good to just go and check out the pawn shop where he and Vincent saw the espresso machine. And well...it was ours, Zack. You can see that for yourself. And I couldn’t just leave it there. It came from your mother after all. I really couldn’t see us losing it. You understand that, don’t you?”

Zack wiped his hand across his forehead and sighed. “At least you didn’t go alone,” he muttered his resignation. Looking up, he curiously inquired, “So just how much did you have to pay for it?”

Rene squirmed and looked at the floor, trying to come up with an answer that wouldn’t gain his husband’s instant disapproval. “I…umm...didn’t exactly pay for it. I told the guy it was stolen from us and that I wasn’t going to pay to get back something that rightfully belonged to us.” He glanced at Zack’s face and saw the look that said the older man wasn’t going to accept anything but the full story. Rene tried to put a tone of righteousness in his voice, hoping Zack would understand. “First he tried to pretend he didn’t know it was stolen property. Then he tried to throw us out of the shop. So...so we just took it and left.”

Zack just stared at Rene for several moments while trying to wrap his mind around the idea of his husband doing something so brazen. “I take it that confiscating our property in this manner wasn’t part of your original plan when going there, right?” Not waiting for an answer, he continued to verbally analyze the incident. “I imagine one of you had to distract the shop owner while the other did the snatch and run. Although I’d be interested in knowing who did what, I suppose it’s irrelevant as you are both equally guilty.”

Getting to his feet, Zack began pacing as he ran his fingers through his hair. He was trying desperately to get rid of the excess adrenaline he felt building inside of him as thoughts of just how horrific this whole episode could have ended, came to mind.

“Do you have any idea of the danger the two of you put yourselves into? Just facing down a stranger and even suggesting he might be in possession of stolen property was extremely reckless and risky. You should have just left the store and reported your find to the police.”

Rene thought for a moment about Zack’s words and feelings before he replied. “Zack, I realize you’re angry about what we did. It wasn’t a very smart move; I know that. But this whole thing situation has made me feel so angry, so helpless, and for just one brief moment, I felt like we’d gotten some justice. It doesn’t excuse what we did and I know I owe it to you to be more careful. We have a relationship where I am expected to defer to you when it comes to situations like this. And I love that you’re in control; that you get to decide how things are done.” He sadly hung his head as he spoke. “I took that decision from you by going to Kelowna without talking to you first and I’m so sorry. I deserve to be punished for breaking our rules; for ignoring your feelings and authority.”

Forcing himself to calm down, Zack listened closely to what Rene was saying. His young husband was obviously forming a better understanding of their individual roles in their jointly chosen life-style. “You’re right, love, I should have been consulted before you decided on today’s adventure.” He reached for Rene’s hand at the same time as he pulled a chair away from the kitchen table. “But we have a way of taking care of broken rules, don’t we?”

Rene nodded sadly. “Yes sir.”

Zack sat down and patiently waited for Rene to lower his jeans and boxers, and then he helped him settle across his thighs. “I don’t see the need to reiterate what this spanking is for; as I am sure we are both aware of the ‘why’.”

With that Zack lifted his right arm and brought it down to land a resounding smack on the vulnerable backside, leaving a bright red outline where his hand had landed. His arm continued to rise and fall in a steady rhythm, gradually turning the once white flesh a deep shade of crimson. His husband’s body language and cries let him know when the lesson had sunk in enough to not be repeated any time soon. He immediately brought the punishment to an end and gently raked his fingers through Rene’s sweaty hair.

Rene slid off of Zack’s lap to kneel on the floor with his head resting on the older man’s knees. His bottom was blazing with heat and his face covered with tears that were now soaking Zack’s slacks. He tried to pull himself together enough to talk, but his words came out stuttered and broken. “I’m s...sorry, Zack. I really am. I won’t d…do anything like that again.”

Zack put his hands under Rene’s arms and lifted him to sit on his lap, taking care not to let the sore flesh make contact with anything other than air. “Shh,” he softly cooed as he soothingly rubbed circles on the sobbing man’s back. “It’s taken care of, sweetheart. You’re fine; we’re fine. I love you. You’re mine no matter what.”

He tenderly kissed Rene’s head while repeating the mantra over and over again to give the love of his life time to regain his composure. In the quiet aftermath, he spoke of his plans for the evening. “We’re going shut down all the phones and after a light supper, spend the next few hours just mellowing out in each other’s arms. Just ‘couple’ time with no interruptions; how does that sound, my love?”

Rene pressed his face into Zack’s neck, relishing the warmth and love he felt in his husband’s arms. “That sounds wonderful.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zack was pleasantly surprised when he answered the door a few days later, for find their Chief of Police standing there. The smile on Chandi’s handsome face was probably in part responsible for Zack’s pleasure.

“You look as if you have some good news, Chief,” Zack greeted, stepping back to allow his guest to enter.

“Good enough I think to make it worthwhile bothering you on your day off,” Chandi affirmed, his smile widening. “Is Rene home?”

“Yes, he’s working in his studio. Come on into the kitchen and I called him down.” Zack walked down the hall and stood at the foot of the stairs leading to his husband’s private domain. “Rene, we have company and your presence is required,” he called before turning his attention back to their guest. “Have a seat and make yourself comfortable, Chandi. I’ve got a fresh pot of coffee on, would you like a cup?”

“Yes, please. I can’t remember ever refusing a mug of fresh brewed coffee.” Chandi chuckled as he pulled out a chair and sat down at the kitchen table.

Rene put his paint brush into soak and wiped his hands on a rag before heading down the stairs to see who the unexpected company was. He was surprised to find Zack sitting at the kitchen table with Chief Barrett. “Hi Chief, what brings you by?”

“I’m here to give you an update.” Chandi slipped a hand into his pocket, withdrew two small plastic bags with ‘Evidence’ marked on them and set them on the table. “First, I have a couple of items I hope one or both of you will be able to identify.”

While Rene fetched himself a coffee, Zack picked up both articles at once and nodded almost immediately. “Yes, this is Rene’s high school ring and this gold chain belongs to me. Where did you find them?”

“Well, that’s a rather interesting story in itself. Prepare yourselves for a bit of a laugh, guys.” Chandi took another mouthful of coffee and grinned over the top of his mug as his hosts looked questioningly at him. “Apparently there’s been quite a rash of break-ins throughout the surrounding vicinity. All have been perpetrated by the same gang holed up in Kelowna. The ringleader happens to be the owner of a pawn shop; one you might be familiar with.” He looked pointedly at Rene. Zack had reported the confiscation of their espresso machine at the time, but the police chief had not followed it up as no report of it had been filed with the Kelowna police. Chandi highly doubted there’d be any repercussions from the incident anyway.

Rene blushed. “Yeah, I ummm...know the one.”

Chandi smiled and continued, “Almost all the stolen articles ended up in the pawn shop. The few fingerprints we managed to lift at each crime scene let nowhere as none were in the system, due to the thieves being rather young and new on the job. Their arrests came about as a result of reckless move on the part of one member of the gang. A young woman tried to cash a nicked pension cheque at a convenience store, claiming it belonged to her elderly aunt. When asked to produce some ID, she showed the cashier her driver’s licence.” Chandi couldn’t help laughing. Bringing this case to a close had not only proven swifter and simpler than would be the norm, but also had an amusing side to it.

“No one ever said the average thief was overly bright,” Zack commented while laughing along with the chief.

Rene shook his head in disgust at all the trouble it had caused them. “I guess since you only brought the jewellery that our other things were gone by the time they were caught? The flat screen TV and all the entertainment centre equipment probably sold pretty fast to someone looking for a really good deal.”

“Which is why the insurance company has reimbursed us for anything we’ve replaced and will continue to do so,” Zack reminded his husband. “Another couple of weeks and our home will be back to what it was before all this happened….that is, with the exception of a lot of added security apparatus around the place.” Zack’s voice was light and teasing. He knew the new system was badly needed and truly appreciated all the time and effort Rene had put in to acquiring it.

“I better be getting home now,” Chandi announced, drinking down the last of his coffee. “Eric knows I’m off duty and is waiting for me. I’ll return these articles to you as soon as possible. For the time being, they’ll be needed as evidence in the upcoming court cases. I’m sorry we weren’t able to find more of your possessions, but believe it or not, you fared better than most whom had their homes broken into by this gang of thieves.” The Chief shook hands with both men and after bidding them a good evening; left them to ponder over this latest bit of news.

Zack shut the door and turned to smile at Rene. “Do you think, love, that we’re just about ready to put this whole episode behind us and move on?”

Rene pressed himself against his husband, wrapping his arms tightly around the larger man’s waist. “I sure am. I hate that this happened but I must admit I feel a lot better knowing they’ve caught the people who did it to us, and especially good that the creep from the pawn shop is being charged too. They violated our home and took more than just our things; they took away our sense of security. I know we’ve got that back now, but it was a horrible experience.”

“But one we survived! And we’re stronger for it because we tackled the problems together.” Zack dipped his head and gently kissed Rene’s slightly parted lips.

The End

Never Say 'Old'

2010-06-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

Co-Written By: Mel and LJ

Todd paused at the top of the stairs with the empty laundry basket in his hand. He was hit with a unexpected urge and without giving the temptation a second thought; he put the basket on the top step and stood back laughing gleefully as it bumped its’ way down the stairs. Then he placed his left leg over the banister and squirmed to get his butt perfectly lined-up. Once seated comfortably, he let go of the top newel with an exhilarated, “Wheeee!”

He stopped just in time at the bottom to avoid hitting his lower back on the much larger newel and hopped off. He turned to find himself grinning up at a white-faced, somewhat shaken husband.

“Did you see that, Hayden? I did it! I was standing at the top of the stairs and suddenly it hit me that it’s been years since I last slid down a banister. And that means I’ve never slid down this one. So I thought I’d give it a try. And I did it!”

Hayden’s right hand was itching so much it took every effort of self-control he had, not to bend Todd over and apply that hand firmly to his husband’s still very attractive bottom. “You did it all right!” he exclaimed. “You scared ten years off my life, is what you did! What were you thinking; a man of your age sliding down the banister like a ten-year-old boy? What if you had fallen?”

“My age?” Todd sputtered as he stepped around his husband and picked up the basket from where it had come to rest against the coat rack next to the front door. “Really, Hayden, you say that as if I was getting too old to have any fun,” he huffed indignantly. “I’ll have you know that being in our early sixties, doesn’t make us old. Well maybe you, but certainly not me.” With that sassy remark, he winked up at the slightly older man and sashayed down the hall towards the kitchen.

Hayden ran down the hall and blocked Todd’s path. He took the laundry basket from the spluttering man’s arms and tossed it on the floor. He then pulled him into a hard kiss, forced his tongue into the sweet mouth and ravaged it until he felt Todd respond. When he knew he had his husband’s full attention, Hayden pulled away from the kiss and smiled at him; then drew his arm back and landed two hard swats on Todd’s butt cheeks. “I never said that either of us was old. However, you are old enough to remember that I do not put up with cheeky Brats, no matter what their age.”

Todd rubbed the seat of his jeans and peered passed the glasses into Hayden’s warm, hazel eyes. Eyes that showed no hint of irritation, eyes that held only a deep abiding love, a love that was returned in equal measure. Knowing he hadn’t seriously stepped over the line, Todd wrapped his arms around his husband. Always grateful for the role Hayden played in his life, he contentedly murmured, “I’m happy to hear you agree with our not being old. But have you noticed that some parts of our bodies seem younger than others?” He pressed against his lover, grinding his pelvis into Hayden’s and smiling at the results.

Hayden grasped Todd’s butt in both hands and dug his fingers into the firm flesh as his body responded to the pressure against his groin. “Let’s go upstairs and give those young body parts a work out.” He took his husband by the hand and led him up to their bedroom, where he made short order of divesting himself of his clothes and then watched appreciatively as Todd did the same. Bedcovers were quickly tossed back and soon two naked bodies were pressed together on the bed.

Hayden felt overcome with the need to possess his lover. He rolled Todd onto his back, grasped his hands and placed them above his head to grip the wrought iron frame. “Don’t let go,” he ordered gruffly. He grabbed the lube from the bedside table and kneeling between Todd’s legs, he quickly had him lubed and stretched enough to accommodate his girth. He lifted Todd’s legs over his shoulders and smoothly thrust into the welcoming heat he knew so well.

“Mine,” he growled as he continued to thrust. He wanted Todd to feel this for the rest of the day, wanted him to remember he was cared about. Hayden didn’t like it when Todd took risks; even little things like sliding down a banister worried him. He soon lost himself in the look of passion in his lover’s eyes and quickly felt himself nearing the edge. He grasped Todd’s straining erection in his hand and stroked it in time to his thrusts until they both were crying out their climax almost simultaneously.

Several minutes later, Todd lay looking up at Hayden with his eyes still shining softly with the afterglow of their lovemaking. He reached up and gently ran his finger tips over the start of stubble on his husband’s chin before moving his hand to the nape of Hayden’s neck. “I love you, you know,” he murmured, then pulled Hayden’s head close enough to kiss his lips. He slowly ended the kiss and smiled sleepily. “I hope my admitting, I could do with a little nap right now, won’t be taken as a sign that I may be getting more than just a teensy bit older.”

Hayden chuckled. “If needing a nap after mind-blowing sex is a sign of getting old, then we were old in our twenties. I recall falling asleep in the back of your old Beetle before we got our first apartment. We were lucky campus police didn’t catch us in the act!”

“Oh yes, I remember those fun days. We should go parking again sometime,” Todd replied around a yawn as he fought to keep his heavy eyelids from closing.

Hayden rolled onto his side and pulled Todd close so he was spooning against his back. “Sleep, my love,” he whispered softly before drifting off himself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I just need a little more practice, Hayden.” Todd winced and tried to pull his hand back from the painful first-aide being administered to his badly scraped palm. It hurt even more than the scrape on his shin. “I really believe I’d do a lot better if I had my own skateboard; then I wouldn’t have to borrow from the young fellow down the street.”

“Hold still,” Hayden commanded rather gruffly as he gripped the damaged hand firmly in his own, carefully inspecting it for debris. Though the cut wasn’t deep, there was a sizable amount of skin scrapped away and it was speckled with dirt. Still holding Todd tightly with one hand, Hayden flipped on the water at the kitchen sink and then thrust the open wound under the running water until the dirt was flushed away.

“You’re right about not borrowing Robby Sampson’s skateboard again. As it was, I had to pay him forty dollars for the damage you did to it,” he said as he gently dried the wound. “However, you will not be getting one of your own nor will you be going near another skateboard again as long as you live! Because if you do; a certain board that lives in the bottom drawer of my desk is going to be making repeated connection with your backside.” He applied a liberal amount of Polysporin and wrapped the hand with gauze.

Todd grimaced, knowing his husband meant business. What he’d done earlier fell into the category of harming himself and that had always been a spanking offence.

“It looked so much easier than it is. Mind you, I’m sure if I had been able to keep it going in a straight line, it wouldn’t have slipped off the curb. Of course, catching a wheel in the sewer grate didn’t help matters.” Todd sighed out his relief at having the bandaging in place, happy in the knowledge that Hayden would no longer be poking about the sore hand. All that remained now was a dull throbbing. “I’m sorry, Hayden, for being such a bother. No more skateboarding, I promise.” He crossing the fingers on his uninjured hand in the hope his husband wouldn’t notice the injury he’d done to his left leg.

“Thank you,” Hayden replied as he gave Todd a quick kiss. “Why don’t you set the table and I’ll fix lunch for us. I don’t want you getting that dressing messed up.” As Todd turned to walk around the kitchen island, Hayden noticed a slight limp in his husband’s gait. Then his eyes zeroed in on a tear in Todd’s normally immaculate jeans. “Todd William Pierce, stop right where you are!” He bent over and tugged up the leg of the torn pants. A long, lightly bleeding graze marred the pale skin. Hayden stood and quickly unbuttoned Todd’s pants and pushed them down his legs before the other man could protest. “Step out of them now!”

Todd meekly lifted his sock-clad feet from the pants pooled around his ankles. He opened his mouth to speak but Hayden stopped him before he could utter a sound.

Hayden turned Todd around and landed a firm swat on the boxer-covered bottom. “Had you any intention of telling me about this cut or were you just planning on hiding it from me? I thought we had long ago come to the understanding that you do not keep injuries or sickness from me.”

“I would have told you, Hayden. I just wanted to get it cleaned up a bit before showing it to you. I would have taken care of my hand as well, had you not been in the kitchen when Robby helped me home.” Todd leaned over to better check out his leg. “I admit it looks a lot worse than it feels. You see, I grazed my hand when I fell on the sidewalk. When I tried to get up, I felt a little woozy and tripped and landed on the edge of the skateboard that was lying on its’ side.” He frowned a little in confusion. “I can’t figure out why I got light-headed. I didn’t hit my head and besides, I was wearing a helmet as well as knees and elbow pads.”

Todd happened to take that moment to glance up at his husband and notice a slight look of disbelief on the handsome face. “What? You didn’t think I’d take the time to put on safety gear? Because I did. Too bad there weren’t any gloves or shin pads,’ he mused as he once again examined his leg. “My hand and lower leg are the only parts of me that got hurt.”

“I’m pleased to know you did use some safety gear to help protect you from injury. What I am concerned about here is your being light-headed.” Hayden went to the cabinet where Todd’s diabetic testing supplies were stored. “So let’s get a blood sugar reading, shall we? Just to see if that’s the culprit in this case.”

Todd kept up a steady flow of chatter while watching his husband first swab the end of his finger, then prick the tip of it with a lancet and squeeze out a drop of blood onto a glucose strip.

“You know, there are lot of things I’d like to try, Hayden. Activities we never had time to do when we were busy doing other things like getting our practices set up, establishing our relationship, buying a house, raising a family and lastly, relocating here to Jade Heights. But now we’re retired with plenty of time on our hands.” He leaned in closer to read the result showing up in the small window of his glucometer. “Hmm, five isn’t very good, is it?” Blue eyes lifted to gaze into hazel ones.

“It is a little low, my love, and I’m sure the reason behind your light-headedness.” Hayden walked over to the refrigerator, poured Todd a glass of orange juice and placed it in front of his husband. “Drink this while I clean up the cut on your leg. Then we’ll have some lunch and we can discuss these things which you say you’d like to try. After lunch, you’re going to go upstairs and have a nap.”

Todd normally voiced his objection when a nap was mentioned, but today he willingly agreed with the plans just decreed by his husband. He obediently drank his orange juice while his leg was being tended to; managing to only wince a couple of times as he tried hard not to complain about it hurting.

After a careful examination of his torn designer jeans, he resigned himself to just chucking them out as they were now stained and damaged beyond repair. ‘Apparently, learning I may not be cut out for having wheels under my feet has proved rather costly,’ Todd thought with a slight frown, keeping the observation to himself.

Over the light meal Hayden prepared, Todd brought up his earlier subject. “I don’t want to do anything overly dangerous, Hayden. For instance, I wouldn’t be interested in bungee jumping or parachuting. But I do think I would like to learn to parasail. Maybe it is something we can look into next January when we go for our annual vacation in the sun. I’d also like to try snowboarding.”

Hayden rolled his eyes. He didn’t want to jump all over Todd and crush his enthusiasm, but he wasn’t about to allow his husband to get involved in extreme sports or activities. “Sweetheart, I’m all for participating in healthy and fun exercise. However, neither of us is twenty years old anymore. I think we can find some activities better suited to us.”

“Ah-ha, ah-ha; I knew it! I knew you’d eventually get around to saying we’re too old for something.”

“I did not use the word ‘old’ at all. I simply indicated that some activities are not suitable to be taken up at this point in our lives.”

“Reminding me that we’re no longer as young as we were is hinting that we’re getting old.” Todd finished off the last of his lunch and put his empty plate to one side. Without a second thought, he boldly suggested, “Maybe we can learn how to knit. That can’t be too dangerous. We can do it from the safety of our rocking chairs on the front porch.”

He immediately clapped a hand over his mouth and his eyes almost doubled in size when he saw the expression on his husband’s face. That was definitely not the smartest proposal to give voice to. Why did his ‘self-preservation’ gene always fail him when he needed it most?

Hayden’s lips thinned and he took a deep breath to compose himself before replying. One of Hayden’s pet peeves was a disrespectful mouth. He’d never tolerated it before, and wasn’t about to start now. As he stood up, he put a smile on his face that came nowhere near his eyes. “Learning to knit sounds like an excellent idea, my love. You can knit me a glove for my right hand to protect it from the sting it feels when spanking your backside!” He pulled Todd up from his chair and landed a hard swat on the seat of the other man’s boxers. “It’s convenient that you’ve got your jeans off. You’ll have less to take off for your nap. Now let’s go before I decide to drop those shorts too, and add several more swats.”

Todd didn’t say another word. He just headed for the stairs, making sure he stayed out of his husband’s reach. In the master bedroom, he hastily removed his shirt before pulling back the bedcovering and sliding underneath it.

“I’m sorry, Hayden, for being smart-mouthed with you. I didn’t mean any disrespect.” Stretched out on the bed with the quilt held tightly under his chin, Todd believed himself to be relatively safe from additional consequences. Staring up at the man standing over him, he tried to explain. “The thought just came into my head and before I could stop myself, it got out. You’d think after all these years I’d have gained better control over what I say.”

“Yes, you’d think so, wouldn’t you,” Hayden agreed with a chuckle. “However, I have come to realize ‘after all these years’ as you put it, that your mouth operates about ten seconds ahead of your self-control. Not that I’m saying I find that totally acceptable, nor will I cease in my efforts to help you learn better control, but I do acknowledge that it is... possibly... at times... part of your charm.” He walked around the other side of the bed, removing his own shirt and trousers as he went. “Come here and we’ll nap together,” he invited as he slipped under the covers and held his arms open.

Todd smiled and scooted over to snuggle against the bigger man. “I love you, Hayden.” Todd gently kissed his lover’s lips. He laid his head on Hayden’s shoulder, wrapped an arm around his husband’s broad chest, placed a leg over both of Hayden’s and squirmed to get into one of his favourite sleeping position.

In a matter of minutes, both men were dozing off.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It had taken a week for Todd’s hand to heal, finally enabling him to work in his dearly loved garden. Early spring was his favourite time of year as he spent as much time as possible out in the sunshine and fresh air.

This afternoon, it had taken him a good part of the last hour to weed around all the dahlias bulbs he had planted. They had brought his treasured collection with them when moving to Jade Heights last fall. Todd was thankful the bulbs had survived the transition as they’d been prematurely removed from the garden at their old home.

He straightened up from where he had been leaning over the flower bed and stretched his back. He lifted his head skyward and felt the warmth of the sun kissing his face. Just as he opened his eyes, he saw the robin who had recently built a nest in their maple tree, take flight.

Now was his chance. Todd quickly got to his feet and hauled an old plastic garden chair over to the tree. After making sure it was as stable as he could make it, he stepped up onto it and reached for the lowest branch. It was a bit of a struggle but he finally managed to hoist himself up, grateful that the branch was able to hold his weight. Although he had not climbed a tree in some time, he was still confident in his ability to do so. After all, he was the one who had taught their son, as well as a couple of Zack’s friends.

He was peering into the nest, marvelling at the three tiny blue eggs nestled inside when the mother bird returned. “You are going to have quite the little family there,” Todd murmured to her as he began to climb down.

He had just placed his foot on the arm of the chair when it toppled over, causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground. He lay there on his back with the wind knocked out of him and stared up through the leafy foliage. Suddenly his view was blocked by the man standing over him.

‘Strange how Hayden looks so much bigger from this angle,’ was the only thought that went through Todd’s brain as he laboured to get his breath back.

Hayden quickly knelt down beside his fallen husband. He’d been looking out the kitchen window when he saw his husband up in the tree. Unfortunately by the time he’d reached him, Todd was laying on the ground. “Don’t try to move,” he commanded softly. “Are you in pain? Does anything feel broken?”

“I-I’m fine, Hayden,” Todd gasped. “Just a bit winded. Give me a minute or two and then you can help me up.” He smiled and attempted to point up at the branch above him. “You should see what’s in that nest. We’re going to have a nice little family living in our back yard.”

Hayden glanced upward and then looked back at Todd, his facial expression changing from one of concern to one of complete dismay. “You climbed up on a cheap plastic garden chair to look at a bird’s nest? Never pausing for one moment to think about falling?”

“I’m very good at climbing trees, Hayden. You know, I have to stay in practice so I can teach the grandchildren we’ll be blessed with someday.” Todd sat up and all but sneered at the cause of him being where he was. “But now that you mention it, it does beg the question; what the heck are we doing with a rickety plastic chair in the first place?”

Hayden stood, then took Todd’s hands into his own and pulled him to his feet. He looked his husband over, critically assessing for damage. Seeing no sign of injury, he grasped Todd by the shoulders and gave him a slight shake. “The only question being begged here is why you felt it necessary to do something as foolish as climb up on that chair; not why we haven’t tossed out that old thing left here by the previous owners. Now let’s go in the house; you and I are going to have a talk about what’s going on with you. Sliding down banisters, skate boarding and tree climbing are a symptom of something and I intend to get to the bottom of it!” Hayden emphasized his point with a swat to Todd’s bottom as they headed inside.

Todd grabbed Hayden’s hand and walked beside him up the couple of steps leading to the deck and into their kitchen. He figured if he had a hold of the hand, it couldn’t swat him again.

Once inside, he pulled out a stool and sat down. With an elbow on the counter and his chin resting in the palm of his hand, Todd gave the only explanation he could come up with. “It’s a battle I’m involved in, Hayden. One pitting me against growing old, and one I intend to win. I want to keep active and continue doing the things I did when I was younger.”

Hayden sighed heavily. Though he understood Todd’s feelings, he could not condone his actions. He took a seat on the stool next to Todd’s and drew his husband’s hand into his own and kissed it. “My love, there is nothing wrong with wanting to keep active or wanting to do many of the things we did when we were younger. However, there is something wrong with the way you’re going about this. You could have been badly hurt, falling from that tree. If you wanted to look up at the bird’s nest, you know as well as I do there were much safer ways to do so. Do you have any idea how frightened I was when I found you laying on the ground?” He could see Todd cringe at the question. “I’m sorry, Todd, but this was self-endangerment and you know what that means. Now let’s get this taken care of.”

Hayden slid off the stool and pulled a straight-back chair out from the kitchen table. He stood waiting patiently for his reluctant husband to join him.

Todd slowly slid off the stool and made his way over to Hayden. “I’m sorry for frightening you, Hayden. I had no idea you would be looking out the window.” He undid the button on the waistband of his jeans as he neared his ever-so-tolerant Top. “I just didn’t stop to think…..again,” he muttered somewhat self-disparagingly.

“I know,” Hayden replied, not unkindly as he sat down. He pulled Todd in between his legs and finished undoing the jeans, then slid them along with the boxer shorts, down below Todd’s knees. He gave the now exposed butt a pat and Todd hesitatingly bent over Hayden’s thigh. Hayden raised his hand and brought it down with a loud smack. He proceeded to pepper the entire surface of Todd’s bottom until it was a deep red.

When Todd was no longer yelping with each swat, but was gasping and letting out quiet sobs, Hayden stopped the punishment and carefully guided Todd back up and into his arms. “All right, my darling, it’s over now,” he soothed. “I sincerely hope that is the end of any reckless attempts at regaining your youth. You can still be active and healthy without endangering yourself. Besides you’re only as old as you think you are. I don’t think of either of us as old, but I do appreciate the stage we are at in our lives. Being retired, having time to spend with you, and with our son and his spouse, seems a pretty great place to be.”

Todd nodded and sniffed several times in an attempt to get his crying under control. He accepted the handkerchief held out to him and wiped his eyes, then blew his nose. “You’re right,” he quietly agreed, laying his head on Hayden’s shoulder. “We are at a rather good time in our lives. Retiring was hard, but no where near as bad as I had imagined. I really like all the free time we have to do whatever we want.”

Todd sighed deeply as he wrapped his arms around his husband’s neck. He was still sitting on his husband’s lap with his jeans and boxers around his knees. His butt was throbbing, but he felt loved and protected. “I’ll try to think of safer activities from now on, my love.” He said a silent prayer that he’d be able to keep his promise.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Several days later, Todd was still on a mission. He was bound and determined to prove he and his husband were not getting ‘old’. It was just a question of who he was trying to prove it to; himself or someone else.

He stood in the living room, checking out his handiwork and reviewing the mental list he had made. The drapes were drawn and flames jumped inviting in the fireplace; the Chardonnay was chilled and the wine glasses set out; candles were lit and pillows in place. He completed the last of his preparations and lay down on the pile of blankets.

Satisfied that all was ready, he called out for Hayden. “Come here, my love. I need you,” Todd requested loud enough for his voice to carry across the hall to the study where the man he wanted, was working.

Hayden was sitting at his desk paying bills, when he heard Todd’s call. Long used to his husband’s demands for immediate attention when he beckoned, Hayden closed his laptop and headed out to the living room. He thought perhaps Todd was in need of assistance with some chore, so he was quite surprised with the sight that greeted him.

Todd was laid out stark naked on the floor in front of the fireplace, nested on blankets and surrounded by pillows. He’d obviously spent some time grooming himself, as his body was smooth and hairless, barring that which grew on his head. Hayden had always been highly turned on when Todd did a complete body shave. There was something about the satin-smooth skin of his lover that he simply could not resist.

“Well...well...well... what have we here?” he asked with a rather lecherous grin. “A beautiful creature just laid out for my pleasure.” Hayden began to slowly unbutton his shirt. “I hope you are prepared to be ravished?”

“I most certainly am.” Todd grinned back. “And now that you’ve started to undress, I wouldn’t mind being treated to a slow erotic strip-tease.” He picked up the remote control to the stereo system and within seconds, soft music was playing. “Does this tune work for you, darling?” He sensuously ran his fingers lightly over his own chest and abdomen, all the while flirting shamelessly.

Hayden grinned. If Todd wanted a show, well he could provide it. He finished undoing the last button on his shirt and allowed it to fall open, revealing his lightly haired chest. He took his time slowly undoing his belt and then slid it of the loops. He gyrated his hips as he played the length of leather over his hands and slid it sensuously through his fingers before dropping it on the floor. He then bent over and quickly removed his socks and twirled and tossed them in stripper style, one at a time over each shoulder. He smiled at his lover as he slowly undid the button and zipper on his pants, then turned his back to Todd and let them drop to the floor. He then stepped out of them and kicked them aside. Then looking back over his shoulder, he slowly allowed his shirt to slide down off his back until it too fell to the floor. This left him wearing only his boxers.

By this time, Hayden’s penis had grown very hard and was tenting the front of the black silk. He turned back to face his husband and pulled the elastic out so it could clear the sizable erection, allowing Todd a peek at it before he pulled it back over and covered himself again. He knelt down by Todd’s face. “You want to see more? You’ll have to take these off yourself...using your mouth,” he challenged.

Todd was as horny as hell. His husband was a major turn-on at any time, but this…this was what dreams were made of. He pulled himself up on one elbow and leaned in to meet the challenge he’d been given. Fastening his teeth on the front of Hayden’s waistband, Todd kept his eyes on the other man’s face as he slowly lowered the article of clothing that was blocking access to the body part he wanted most.

Once the boxers were down around Hayden’s knees, Todd smirked triumphantly as he flicked his tongue over the head of his lover’s shaft. “Stand up, Darling, so I can remove them completely,” he breathlessly requested. When his lover had done as requested, Todd once again took the waistband between his teeth. He paused long enough for Hayden to step out of the underwear when they reached his ankles. Then with a toss of his head, Todd sent the silk boxers flying across the room.

Hayden smiled at the needy look on his lover’s face. Todd’s pupils were dilated, and his lips slightly parted and moist. It was pleasing to know that he could still entice this level of excitement. He shifted to stand between Todd’s legs, and after pushing them further apart with his foot, he knelt down between them. Leaning forward, he began a slow and thorough oral assault; kissing, sucking and gently biting each of Todd’s erogenous zones. He worked his way from the neck slowly downward. He spent an inordinate amount of time licking along the perineum behind Todd’s heavy balls that had Todd writhing and panting, before he moved up enough to capture a hairless testicle in his mouth, laving it thoroughly and then repeating the same on the other. By the time he took the ridged member into his mouth, Todd was beyond conscious reason. Hayden sucked deeply, moving his mouth up and down the engorged shaft while at the same time rolling the balls around in his hand. Within moments, he felt Todd’s testicles pull up towards his body. Todd arched his back and screamed as he came deep in Hayden’s throat.

Hayden released the now softening penis from his mouth and sat back on his ankles with the look on his face like that of the cat which got into the cream. Todd was panting for breath but otherwise his body was limp and boneless in the aftermath of his orgasm. Hayden reached for the bottle of lube Todd had left beside his pillow, quickly slicked his own erection and then pulled Todd’s legs up over his shoulders. It only took a second to prepare his lover for penetration; the muscles were so relaxed that his opening stretched without effort. He aligned the head of his penis with the relaxed entry and then thrust inward. It was only then that Todd even seemed aware of him as he let out a gasp at the sudden intrusion.

Hayden grinned wickedly and set up a driving rhythm, sliding deeply inside and then pulling out almost the full length before pushing inward again. As Hayden worked, Todd began to respond as he reached for and grasped a hold of Hayden’s butt cheeks and began to pull hard with each downward thrust.

It took only moments before Hayden felt his own balls drawing upward and his orgasm followed with explosive force. He collapsed forward, laying full length on top of his beautiful lover. “Love you soooooo much,” he panted.

Todd lay still under his husband’s body. He barely had the strength to pant. He certainly didn’t have the strength to move the bigger man off him. He felt as weak as a new born kitten; completely depleted and yet so contented.

“I love you too, darling,” he managed to whisper as cool air waved over him to replace the weight that had been there seconds before. He lay boneless while Hayden cleaned them both and drew a light blanket over them before shifting to spoon behind him.

Neither man even remembered having fallen asleep when they woke an hour later.

Todd looked around to get his bearings and began to laugh. “See, Hayden, we are still young. We not only had floor sex, we were actually able to sleep in comfort.” His face glowed with self-satisfaction.

Hayden shook his head in slight, but loving exasperation. “My darling, I never thought for a minute we were old, and certainly not too old for ‘floor sex’. As far as sleeping in comfort goes, I could have slept on a bed of nails after having such mind-blowing sex with you.” He rolled onto his back with a slight groan. “However, my not-old back is protesting against this floor. How about we go upstairs and have a nice soak together? We could take this bottle of wine with us and enjoy it at our leisure.”

“I’m all for that idea,” Todd enthusiastically agreed and lithely got to his feet. He grabbed the bottle and headed for the stairs. “You bring the glasses, love,” he called over his shoulder.

“Hmm, this is so nice,” Todd murmured a short time later. He was sitting between Hayden’s legs, relaxing with his back against his husband’s broad chest and sipping wine. He turned his head to lovingly kiss Hayden’s lightly whiskered chin. “You know, I really think we should go parking and make out again in the back seat of your car. Maybe I can ask around for an ideal location. Does that sound like a good plan?”

“Todd, enough is enough.” Hayden looked at his husband as if he’d lost his mind. Were they not sitting in water, Hayden would have given Todd a swat for such a ridiculous proposition. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but we are not about to go parking and make out in the back of my car. We may not be old but neither are we a pair of horny teenagers. When I want to make love to you, it will be in the privacy of our own home.”

“You’re right, Hayden. Car sex is really for kids,” Todd graciously accepted his Top’s decree. He realized he may have been pushing things a bit. “But I hope this isn’t a sign that you’ve lost your sense of adventure. There are so many things we’ve never tried before.” Todd briefly considered tackling the subject at a slower pace, but then opted for his usual ‘just jump right in’ approach. “For instance, I’d be interested in looking into that wall-climbing activity the piglets are involved in. Rene gets so excited when he is telling us about it. They’ve been doing it for several weeks now, you know. What do you think? Can we give it a try?”

“Actually I find that idea very appealing. Zack was quite enthusiastic about the workout they get from wall-climbing. And I must confess, I’ve always thought it looked like fun. We’re both fit enough that I think we could take it on. Why don’t I give Zack a call to see when we can set up a date to join him and Rene?”

“Oh yes, do that; the sooner the better.” Todd clapped his hands and then looked a little closer at them. He chuckled as he held them up for Hayden to see. “I think we’re just about wrinkled enough to get out of the tub now.”

Later that afternoon, Todd and Hayden were in the kitchen getting their supper ready. Hayden was talking on the cordless phone as he set the table. “All right, son, we’ll look forward to seeing you then. Bye for now.” He put the phone down and gave Todd a smile. “Zack said he’s happy to have us join him and Rene on Sunday. We’ll leave at noon to drive to Kelowna. He’ll make the reservations at a place called ‘Kelowna Rocks’. He said they have good instructors for new climbers.”

Todd’s eyes lit up at the news. “It can’t come fast enough for me,” he exclaimed, throwing his arms around his husband and hugging him. “Do we need to purchase anything special in order to participate in this sport? A certain type of footwear, maybe?”

“Zack says you can rent everything you need from the Kelowna Rocks, including shoes. Once we’ve tried the sport and if we decide we like it, we can purchase our own shoes and harnesses. He said he and Rene just bought their own shoes the last time they went but still use the other equipment supplied by the climbing facility.”

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll like it. This is so exciting. It’s been a while since we tried something new.” Todd’s face had a dreamlike expression as he tried to imagine what the activity would be like. He smiled up at his husband. “It’s a good thing Sunday is only a couple of days away, isn’t it?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sunday afternoon came quickly enough and the four men were on their way to Kelowna. Zack was driving with Hayden sitting in the passenger seat beside him and Todd and Rene in the back.

Rene had Todd as his captive audience as he enthusiastically described his experience at wall climbing. “I really think you’re going to enjoy it. It’s a real challenge finding the hand and foot holds and then pulling yourself up. But it’s a total rush when you get up to the top. And you don’t have to worry about falling, cuz you’re secured in the harness. They have several levels, from beginner to advanced climbing walls. We’ve moved on the intermediate level now and boy, it is way harder than the beginner. The holds are further apart and narrower too.”

Todd listened avidly to the young man sitting beside him; totally enthralled by everything he was being told. He would have liked to ask questions, but didn’t know enough about the sport to do so. He just sat in his seat and silently hung onto every word.

Zack glanced over at his father and smiled. “I can’t remember Papa being so quiet for such a lengthy period of time.” He couldn’t help but chuckle at the priceless look on Hayden’s face.

“Neither can I, son. I might have to borrow Rene whenever I’m in need of some quiet.” Hayden laughed.

“What was that, Hayden?” Todd piped up from behind his husband. “Are you insinuating that I talk too much?” he asked in a feigned huff.

Hayden was saved from answering when Zack pulled into the parking lot of the facility.

Zack found a spot close to the building and turned off the motor. He glanced around as they got out of the car and was surprised to see so few vehicles. “It looks like we’re not going to have too long a wait for our turn at the wall, guys, which will be great.”

“Come on, let’s get our gear! I can’t wait to hit the wall.” Rene was very excited about this activity and the opportunity to share it with Todd and Hayden, made it more so. “Zack, can we try the more advanced wall today?”

“I think with this being Dad and Papa’s first visit, we should stick with what we already know so we can assist them,” Zack suggested as he held open the door for his parents to enter.

“Okay, that makes sense. But I can’t wait to tackle the big one; maybe next time.”

Zack wrapped an arm around Rene’s shoulders. “I’d really prefer we stayed with my dads today, Rene. We can always do with the extra practise and advance as a team. I hope you’re not too disappointed.”

Rene leaned into the embrace. “No, it’s okay. I want to do it together with you when we’re ready.”

“Thanks, love.” Zack smiled and tightened his hold briefly. “Now let’s get things underway.” He tapped Hayden on the shoulder to get his attention. “Dad, before we get geared up, you and Papa have to sign climbing waivers. They’re referred to as a ‘Release and Acknowledgement of Risk’ agreement, and should be read by each participant prior to using any of the equipment.” With his father being a lawyer, Zack knew the man would study the document carefully before signing it.

Hayden perused the papers. They were standard disclaimers disavowing the facility of liability in the event of accident. He knew that such would hold little weight in court should the business prove to be negligent in their practices, but he’d been reassured by Zack that this was a reputable place. So he filled out and signed his form, then passed Todd’s on to him.

While Zack and Rene got ready to do a climb, Hayden and Todd were led off to take a first-timer’s class on climbing and belaying. Both men listened with rapt attention to the instructor as he explained the equipment and techniques. Hayden ensured that he and Todd understood fully each detail of belaying, as the person climbing depended on the belayer to stop them from hitting the ground should the climber lose his grip and begin to fall. They learned the names of the various hand, finger and foot holds; which ones to aim for as beginners and also which ones to avoid until they developed the strength in their fingers and hands to hold their body weight on the tiny grips. Techniques for tying the figure-eight knot and securing the ropes took some practice for both men to feel comfortable but once they had that down, they were ready to try their first climb.

Hayden knew Todd was anxious to climb so he suggested that he would belay while Todd made the first assent on what was deemed the ‘baby’ wall.

“The ‘baby’ wall?” Todd questioned, glancing up from the harness he was in the process of tightening around his legs before securing it behind him. His expression was one of umbrage. He knew there was a beginner’s wall, but had not heard of one for toddlers. If there was such as wall, he had no intentions of using it. “You better be teasing me, Hayden.”

Hayden smiled and winked. “What? Me tease you?” he asked with mock indignation. “I’d never do that.” He glanced around to ensure he wasn’t being observed and then discretely gave Todd a pinch on the butt. “Now show me what you got there, mountain man.”

Todd rolled his eyes. “Never tease me; yeah, right! And pigs fly,” he muttered before turning his mind to more pleasant activities. “I’ll show you, have no fear of that.” He grinned as he accepted the challenge and headed to where Zack and Rene were already climbing.

Finding an available area to climb, Todd grabbed hold of the two ropes hanging down and handed the one furthest from the wall to Hayden. “You’re sure you won’t let me fall?” He knew his husband would never let that happen but thought a bit of returned teasing was in order.

“I’m sure; now let me see you properly tie that rope off on your harness.” Hayden watched carefully as Todd completed the knots they’d been taught and then secured his end of the rope through the belay. He gave Todd the thumbs up. “Anytime you’re ready.”

Todd stepped up to the wall, took a deep breath and released it before grabbing two holds with his hands and setting his left foot on the lowest hold. Then he placed his right foot on the wall and stretched his left arm up slightly higher to reposition his hand. He paused to think over his next move. Remembering what he’d been taught, he walked his right foot over so it crossed to the hold above his left one.

He kept up this step-through method, making sure his center of gravity was directly below his feet, until he was halfway up the wall. Then he made his first mistake. He looked down, panicked and let go of the wall.

Hayden was very glad he’d carefully listened to the belaying instruction and was able to rapidly hold off Todd’s fall as he gripped the rope and absorbed the shock by jumping up slightly himself. As soon as he got his own feet back under himself, he looked up to his husband hanging from the rope several feet above him.

“I’ve got you!” he called out. “Just hang on while I lower you down slowly.” He carefully allowed the rope to slide though the belay device until Todd’s feet touched the ground. He released it and stepped forward to give Todd a gentle pat on the back. “Great first try, love.”

With his feet once again firmly planted on the floor, Todd looked back up at the wall and then at Hayden. “I’d really like to give it another try, Hayden, if I may?” he requested, slightly out of breath. “I’m not promising I’ll make it to the top, but I think I can go higher this time.”

“Of course, my love, go for it. But don’t let yourself worry about how high you climb. Just have fun and do what you feel comfortable doing.”

Slightly to the right and twenty feet overhead, Rene called down to his father-in-law. “Don’t worry, Papa, you’ll get the hang of it!”

Todd made his second attempt and managed to get almost as high as his son-in-law before asking Hayden to bring him down.

They ended up spending another couple of hours with the men taking turns and gaining confidence with every climb. Hayden was able to get all the way to the top, but Todd never succeeded in getting much more than half way up. Still, they left the facility feeling they had accomplished a lot.

“That was so much fun,” Todd enthused on the drive home. “We really have to do this again and the sooner the better.”

“It really was enjoyable and challenging,” Hayden agreed. “We need to set a date for the four of us to do this again soon.”

“That would be great!” Rene encouraged. “I’m all for coming more often. I’d go a couple more times a week, except...” Rene hesitated to give the reason he couldn’t go wall climbing as often as he’d like.

“Except, I’ve forbidden him to come here without me,” Zack finished for him. “A climber must have a belayer at all times and the gym doesn’t always have the personnel on-hand to supply them. We don’t know anyone else who comes that I can trust Rene’s safety to.”

Hayden nodded his agreement. “Most definitely this is a fun sport but one that requires caution and safety procedures be followed at all time. The same goes for you, Todd. We do this together, okay?”

“Fine by me,” Todd readily answered. He couldn’t imagine why he’d come without Hayden, as they had decided on this as an activity to do as a couple.

Over the next three weeks, the four men returned to enjoy this new activity as often as time would allow.

One Saturday morning, much to Todd and Rene’s dismay, Hayden and Zack chose to get in round of golf before going to the rock-climbing facility. However, in order to save time, they did agree to meet their husbands at the gym.

Being as Hayden had used his car to go to the golf club, Rene was using his to pick up Todd. The younger partners of the two couples arrived at the designated time. They quickly got into their gear and were watching other climbers while waiting for their husbands to join them.

Todd’s cell phone rang and flipping it open, he found a text message from Hayden.

“Hayden and Zack have met up with an old friend who is visiting the area, and have gone to have a coffee and chat. They’ll try to get here as soon as possible.” Todd slid the cell back in his pocket. “Oh yeah, I can just see how this plays out. Time has a habit of slipping away when chatting with old friends.” It was easy to tell from his manner that Todd was far from pleased. He had never handled being kept waiting very well.

Rene sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. We’ll probably be here waiting for ages and bored out of our minds. I’ve half a mind to start climbing without them.”

“Now there’s a thought! We shouldn’t have to stand around like this,” Todd huffily commented. “There aren’t too many people here, and that leaves more free space on the wall.” His attitude improved as an idea hit home. “Why don’t we just go ahead and practise some? We can belay for each other.”

“Great idea; we’re both experienced enough to manage just fine. Do you want to climb first, while I belay?”

“Sure thing,” Todd readily responded and they walked over to the beginners’ wall.

After switching roles several times, and with Rene’s encouragement, Todd finally made it to the top. He was ecstatic.

Once he stopped his happy dance, Todd boldly suggested they move to the more advanced wall. He had noticed Rene looking at it rather longingly.

“We could really surprise our partners with our expertise.” The older man’s rubbing of his hands together, demonstrated his enthusiasm at moving to a higher level.

Rene was exhilarated with the climbing and happily agreed to take on the advanced wall. On this one, the grips were much smaller and further apart. The height of this wall went the full reach of the massive warehouse ceiling in which the gym was located.

“Do you mind if I tackle it first?” Rene asked. He’d been wanting to do this wall for the last couple of weeks but Zack had held him back, insisting he become more proficient with the easier climb first.

“I was going to suggest that,” Todd informed him with a wide grin. “That way, I can learn where the more difficult parts are.”

“Great. Let’s get going then.”

The two men moved over to the wall in question and proceeded to prepare the rope for Rene’s first ascent. Rene studied the various finger and foot holds for several minutes before he felt comfortable with his route. He grasped the first hold and started up. He had to concentrate on each move by trying to put the majority of his weight onto his feet, but the grips were smaller and about one third up he slipped and found himself falling. Todd was very good on the belay and had him carefully lowered to the ground with no difficulty.

“Thanks. I didn’t get my weight situated properly. Let me try it again.”

With Todd’s agreement, he tried again; this time making it a little further before losing his grip. After the third attempt and making it almost three quarters of the way up, Rene decided to take a break from climbing and give his father-in-law a shot.

“Try and go over to the right a bit. You see those yellow grips? They’re a bit better spaced,” Rene advised as Todd secured his line.

Todd nodded. He was determined to do this, no matter how daunting the task.

By taking his time and carefully following Rene’s instructions, Todd made it just about as high as the younger man had. He reached for a new grip, missed and grabbed onto the one he had just let go of. A moment of uncertainty caused him to doubt his ability to go further and he froze. He couldn’t move, up or down. He just hung there with his eyes tightly closed and wished Hayden was near by.

Rene noticed his father-in-law’s hand slipped slightly, that he grabbed frantically at the grip and then stopped moving and froze in place. “Papa!” he called up. “Are you okay?” When no answer came, he quickly realized that Todd was too frightened to move. “Papa, if you don’t want to climb or descend on your own, just let go. I can lower you down. You’re perfectly safe, I promise.”

When there was still no response, he continued to try and persuade Todd to let him belay his decent but nothing was moving the frightened man. Two of the gym’s staff came over and also called up to him, but no amount of encouragement from Rene or the staff could alter the older man’s present position.

Meanwhile, Zack was merrily joking with his father as they got into their equipment, totally oblivious to what was happening in the other area of the large facility.

As the two of them entered the climbing area, he stopped short and his jaw dropped. “Oh my God,” he uttered as he tried to fight down the fear he felt at seeing his Papa up so high and obviously terrified.

Rene hadn’t noticed Zack and Hayden’s arrival as he continued his gentle words of encouragement to his father-in-law.

When Hayden looked up and saw his husband’s predicament, he knew immediate action was needed. “Zack, belay for me. I’m going up to him.” He took hold of the rope next to Rene and quickly secured the figure-eight knot while Zack took the other end and fed it through the belayer cinch.

Rene turned when he became aware of his husband’s and other father-in-law’s arrival. “Zack, he’s been up there just frozen in place for almost fifteen minutes. He won’t move.”

Zack glanced up from what he was doing and took in the anxious expression on the young man’s face. “It’s going to be okay, sweetheart,” he softly assured his husband. “Dad will get Papa down.” Zack never for a minute doubted the older man’s ability to do so.

Hayden took enough time to study the wall before he began his ascent to reach his distressed husband. He didn’t even think about the fact that this wall was much more difficult a climb than he’d attempted before. His only thoughts were on helping Todd.

With a speed and agility born of fear for his beloved, Hayden moved up the wall and within minutes, had his right hand over where Todd’s left hand held the wall in a death grip. “My love, look at me,” he spoke quietly. “I’m going to move over and grasp your harness. Then when you’re ready, we’re going to push off the wall with our feet and let Zack and Rene belay us to the ground.”

Todd instantly responded to the voice that meant the world to him. His breathing was no longer shallow. It had slowly been increasing in speed and was nearing the point of hyper-ventilating when he felt his husband’s gentle touch. Drawing in a much slower breath, he opened his eyes and looked into the beloved face of his rescuer. He blinked back tears and nodded.

Soft words of encouragement enable him to push away from the wall and within minutes, both men once again had their feet planted securely on the floor. Todd wanted so badly to throw himself at Hayden and feel the comfort of his husband’s strong arms around him, but he held back. Quickly realizing he’d already put on enough of a spectacle for those present, he tightly wrapped his arms around himself and allowed a numbness to settle over him, successfully shutting out everything around him with the exception of Hayden.

In almost a trance-like state, he stood quietly while Hayden removed the ropes and harnesses. Then he meekly walked at his husband’s side to the changing area.

Hayden placed a steadying hand on Todd’s shoulder in an attempt to ground him without causing him further embarrassment. “Let’s just get changed and then we can go home.”

They quickly changed into their street clothes and headed towards the door. He turned to Zack, who was followed by a rather shaken-looking Rene. “I’ll give you a call later this evening.”

“That’s fine, Dad. We’ll be home.” Zack turned to Rene and held out his hand. “The keys to your car, please,” he softly requested. It was a sign of just how distraught his young husband was when not a word of contention was uttered. As a rule, Rene preferred to drive his own car.

Hayden guided Todd to the passenger side of his car and waited until he was situated comfortably and had his seatbelt secured before he closed the door and moved to the driver’s side. He waited until they were on the highway back to Jade Heights before he spoke to the silent man beside him. “I know you’re feeling upset right now, but I want you to talk to me anyway. I need to understand just what you and Rene were thinking, when I know you both had been specifically told not to climb without Zack and me with you.”

“Rene isn’t to blame, Hayden. It was my idea to try the other wall. I was sort of on a high after finally getting to the top of the first one and I became over zealous in wanting to surprise you.” Todd twisted slightly in his seat to face his husband. His eyes lit up as he remembered the good news he had to impart. “I did it, Hayden. I really got to the top of that wall I’ve been struggling with ever since we started going there. I figured I was on a roll and just went for the bigger challenge. But it proved to be much harder than I expected.” This last sentenced was muttered with a note of despondency as he settled back in his seat and once again wrapped his arms around himself.

Hayden wanted to take away the sadness his husband was projecting, but he knew it was also accompanied by guilt for his behaviour and he knew there was only one way of dealing with that guilt.

“I’m not blaming Rene, my love. However, you both knew how Zack and I felt about you climbing without us. Zack and Rene will have to work Rene’s part in this out between them, just as you and I will work out your part. Though I’m sure you feel good about accomplishing your goal to reach the top of the wall, it was done in unacceptable circumstances. I didn’t request that you not climb without me just to be draconian there were justifiable reasons. Firstly, we started this as a couple’s activity and I thought it was nice to keep it that way. Secondly, whether you like to admit it or not, you do have a tendency to get carried away when you’re excited about something and you agreed a long time ago that for your own safety, you would accept my authority in such circumstances. But without me there, I have no opportunity to make a judgement as to how you’re coping. Do I?”

“No, you don’t, and I know your decisions are made with my best interest in mind,” Todd unenthusiastically, but unequivocally agreed. “Rene and I arrived at the appointed time. We waited for you and Zack, but when I got your text message saying you’d been held up, we didn’t want to wait any longer. We were bored and I just thought I’d use the time to practise a bit. Then one thing led to another and before I knew it, I was stuck on the wall and praying for all I was worth that you’d arrive soon and save me. I’m sorry, Hayden, for not waiting until you got there and for scaring everybody.”

Hayden reached across the centre console of the car and took Todd’s hand in his own. “All right, love, I know you’re sorry and we’ll deal with the consequences when we get home.” He glanced quickly at Todd and could see the strain and exhaustion in his face. “It’ll be a while until we get home. Why don’t you close your eyes and rest?”

Todd readily agreed with Hayden’s suggestion and was soon quietly snoring.

Once home, Hayden roused his sleeping husband and guided him inside. “Let’s go through to my office and get this discussion over with.”

Hayden’s office had always served as a quiet sanctuary. The colours were rich and masculine; the slight smell of well cared-for leather furniture and books touched at the nostrils. Hayden took a seat on the soft hide of the sofa and pulled Todd down to sit beside him.

“I’m very disappointed in you choosing to disobey my decree that you not climb without me. I understand completely that you were bored and disappointed with Zack and I running late. I fully expected to get an earful from you for keeping you waiting. I was prepared to tender apologies and offer to take you, our son and our son-in-law out for a nice dinner in hopes of making it up to you. But being bored or disappointed is not an excuse to break our rules. You know I will not tolerate that from you. Is there anything else you want to say before we deal with your disobedience?”

Todd remorsefully shook his head. More than anything, he hated disappointing this man who made up his world. “I take full responsibilities for my actions, Hayden. I deliberately ignored an important rule and I am truly sorry for disobeying you. I’m prepared to take whatever punishment you see fit.” There were many times when Todd would do his best to get out of a spanking, however this was not one of them. This time he was being bluntly honest in owning up to his wrongdoing.

“All right then, let’s get this done.” Hayden waited patiently as Todd stood and unfasten his trousers. Knowing his husband could never quite bring himself to do more; Hayden reached up and pulled the pants along with the silky boxers over the slender hips and down Todd’s thighs. He pulled Todd forward and assisted him in getting situated as comfortably as possible across his lap with his upper body resting on the sofa.

Todd’s butt cheeks were clenched in anticipation of the onslaught they were facing. Hayden wasted no more time and began to spank. His hand fell in a rapid staccato on the rounded cheeks, continuing without hesitation until they were glowing red and hot.

Todd had long stopped kicking and jerking at the strength of the blows. He was sobbing uncontrollably and at first was unaware of the hand lightly stroking his back instead of assaulting his backside. He spent several minutes calming down as he listened to his chastiser’s softly spoken words of love and forgiveness. Then when ready, and with Hayden’s help, he carefully manoeuvred himself until he was sitting on his husband’s lap rather than lying over it. He wrapped his arms around Hayden’s neck and silently held on while a post-spanking haze settled over him.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zack waiting until Rene was buckled up before driving out of the parking lot and turning towards home.

He glanced at the man sitting so tense in the passenger seat. He reached over to pat Rene’s knee and get his attention. “Would you like to talk now, sweetheart, or do you prefer to hold off the entire discussion until we get home? However, you can only choose to wait with the condition that you don’t sit there stewing over what happened and working yourself up. Personally, I think the sooner you get it out, the better. But the choice is yours.”

Rene had barely spoken since Zack and Hayden had arrived at the climbing centre. All he could think about was how frightened Todd had looked up on the wall, just frozen there and unable to move. Rene knew the blame lay on his own shoulders. If he hadn’t come up with the idea to climb without Zack and Hayden in the first place, none of this would have happened.

The lesson about keeping things from Zack had been well learned, so he knew he had to talk. And Zack was right, better now to get it out of the way. “It was my fault, Zack. Your papa wouldn’t have been up there so frightened if it weren’t for me. And I climbed too, even though I know you told me not to climb without you. I’m so sorry. I know I screwed up big time.”

While Zack appreciated his partner owning up to his transgressions, he was also disappointed. “Rene, you are only responsible for your own actions. Like you, Papa made his own decisions. And like you, he’ll have to deal with the consequences. That said; I have to admit my disappointment in you not waiting. I was looking forward to doing the advance climb with you. Why didn’t you wait?”

Rene hung his head. “It sounds so petty now, but we were kinda put out that you guys were running late after your golf game and we just didn’t want to sit around waiting any longer for you. Your papa was so excited when he finally reached the top of the intermediate wall. His enthusiasm had me wanting to go for the advanced one. I didn’t think it through and now any pleasure I got from the climb just feels sour. I’m sorry I disappointed you, Zack.”

Zack released a troubled sigh. “It crossed my mind when Dad was texting Papa if there would be ramifications for keeping you waiting. I should have gone with my feelings and texted to remind you not to start without us. But that does not absolve you of your disobedience, does it?” Zack momentarily took his hand off the wheel and placed it behind Rene’s neck, gently rubbing to take the sting out of his words. He wished he could do more to sooth his husband, but traffic was heavy.

“No sir,” Rene murmured sadly. He leaned heavily into Zack’s hand, relishing the comfort his husband’s touch always gave him. He felt Zack’s thumb brush over the love bite he always left on the back of Rene’s neck. It was a small mark of possession they shared only between themselves. Rene secretly checked the mark every day by standing in the bathroom and using two mirrors to see it. To some it might seem silly, but to him it was a strong symbol of Zack’s dominate nature in which Rene revelled.

Feeling the young man settling somewhat, Zack decided he wanted to give Rene something to help take his mind off the discussion facing them when they got home. He swung off the road and got in line to await their turn. Five minutes later, they drove away from the Tim Hortons, each with a fresh cup of coffee in hand.

Some time later, Zack pulled into their driveway and shut down the motor. Together they walked into the house and without exchanging a word, headed for the study. This was Zack’s refuge of sorts and spoke strongly of his personality. They sat down on the leather sofa, facing each other.

“We both know what happened earlier, having discussed it at length in the car. I see no need to rehash it, do you?” Zack’s voice was one of love and patience, no reproach was present.

Rene shook his head. He was always relieved when Zack didn’t insist on him reviewing the reason why he was about to be spanked. “No sir.”

“Then let’s get this taken care of, love.” Zack helped his husband get to his feet, lower his jeans and boxers, and stretch out over the hard thighs, wriggling to get in position.

Raising his right hand, Zack brought it down on the unprotected bottom with a resounding smack. The suddenness of the pain caused the young man to jerk, and Zack tightened the arm he had wrapped around Rene’s waist. He kept up the painful onslaught, sounding spanking first one smooth globe and then the other, until the entire backside was red and very hot. Zack trusted it was enough to curtail his Brat’s penchant for acting without thinking things through, at least for the time being.

Landing two last swats, he carefully lifted the sobbing man unto his lap and began the soothing mantra of nonsense words he used to calm the younger man after each of these sessions.

Rene’s butt felt as if it was on fire, but his heart felt lighter. Zack’s spankings were wicked, but they absolved him of the guilt he’d been feeling. He wrapped his arms around his husband’s neck. When he’d calmed down enough, he spoke. “I love you and I’m sorry I disappointed you. Thank you for making me yours.”

“I know, sweetheart, and it’s over now.” Zack placed several light kisses on Rene’s wet cheeks, forehead and damp hair. “I love you with all my heart and will never let you go. We belong to each other until death do us part….and that will not happen for a long, long time if I have anything to say about it.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It had been a long afternoon of mixed emotions that resulted in two men calling it a day somewhat earlier than they normally did.

While Todd had gone to shower and prepare for bed, Hayden slipped into his office, picked up the phone and dialled Zack and Rene’s home. Zack’s voice answered with a quiet ‘Hello’.

“Hi son, how are you and Rene doing? I hope Rene isn’t too upset about this afternoon. He looked very pale as you were leaving.”

“He’s been fine since we had our discussion and wiped the slate clean. Right now we’re just enjoying a relaxing, stay-at-home evening. ” Zack was talking quietly as if not to disturb someone. “How’s Papa? Is he over his scare?”

“I’m glad to hear that Rene is feeling better, I was quite concerned about him. Your papa is also feeling better now. We worked things out between us in a similar manner to how I’m sure you and Rene did. I think that once this incident is behind us, say in a couple of weeks, we’d like to go back and do some more climbing together with you two if you’re interested.”

“We’d both really like that. I was kind of thinking that waiting for two or three weeks before returning to the gym would be a plan to consider. I have to talk it over with Rene though.”

“Okay we’ll arrange something for then. In the meantime, I believe I promised you and Rene a dinner out this evening which of course never came to pass. So how about Papa and I take you to the Maple Grill tomorrow?”

“Both of us will certainly look forward to that, Dad. Thank you for calling. Love you.”

“We’ll see you then. Goodnight, son. Love you too.” Feeling more contented now, Hayden hung up the phone and headed up to the bedroom.

Zack waited for his dad to hang up and then he settled back down beside his husband to finish watching the movie Rene had chosen from their DVD collection. Wrapping an arm around his lover, Zack pulled him close and lovingly kissed his head.

Finished with his evening ablutions, Todd pulled down the duvet and crawled into bed where he thought he would just wait patiently for Hayden to join him. “Hayden, what’s taking so long? I’m waiting for you.” So, maybe he doesn’t yet have patience down to a fine art.

Hayden was just approaching the bedroom when he heard Todd calling to him. “I’m here, love. Just give me a moment and I’ll join you in bed.” He quickly got washed and stripped down to the boxers he normally slept in. He slid under the covers and reached across the bed to pull Todd up against him and kissed him soundly.

Todd cuddled up against the bigger body and let out a sigh of contentment. “You know, Hayden,” he spoke softly while playing with the hair on his husband’s chest. Tired but not quite ready to sleep, he opted for a bit of teasing. “You and the piglets weren’t the only one I scared a couple of years out of. I scared myself out of some time too. Only a month or two, mind you. But I guess I can afford to lose that much. After all, I’m a great deal younger than you are.”

Hayden laughed and applied a light swat to Todd’s hip. “Brat! Those two years do not make me an old man compared to you. Besides, there is nothing wrong with growing a little older. I happen to believe very much in that beautiful line from the poem by Robert Browning: Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”

The End