Building Things

Building Things

Chapter 46

Paul and Matt sat at the table and listened to Derrick and Ty catching them up on everything. Paul had not changed the way he looked, his glow now lost with the knowledge that they had gotten married. He was hurt deeply by his best friend by not telling him what was going on.

Paul thought back to all those years ago when he and Derrick were at college, rooming together, Derrick studying architecture, Paul was studying art and was dabbling in photography as a hobby at the time. He had talked Derrick into posing for him because of his perfect body and his gorgeous look, Derrick not knowing that Paul was secretly in love with him. Derrick was seeing different people at the time and Paul never made a move on him until that one night when he finally talked Derrick into posing for him in their dorm room, they had been drinking a bit.

He had Derrick slowly strip for him while he took pictures, promising Derrick that they would never be shown to anyone, it was just for fun and for practice, Paul had told him. Derrick was losing his jeans at that point when Paul made his move, he couldn’t help it any longer, seeing the way Derrick looked, bulging big in his tight underwear the way he was, and Paul got down in front of him and began to work his bulge with his mouth. Derrick let him and that’s when it started between them. They became lovers for the next year and then slowly realized that their friendship was far more important to them than being a couple and they decided to end it. That’s when Derrick met Candice.

“Paul?” Matt asked and then bumped Paul’s arm, “Hey, honey?” Paul jumped a bit.

“What? I miss something?” Paul snapped around.

“Yeah, you did. They were asking if we wanted to go to lunch today.”

“Oh.” Paul said and then looked around, “Gee, wish we could, but I’ve got a million things to do before we go to Chicago.”

“Like what?” Matt asked.

“It’s okay, Matt.” Derrick said now knowing that Paul didn’t want to go, “We understand, no problem. We can get together after you guys get back.”

“Well,…alright.” Matt said and was a little lost and kept giving Paul side glances.

“Yeah, we should be going.” Paul said and stood up from the table, Matt got up as well, looking confused. Derrick and Ty got up as well, “They’re on their honeymoon and probably want to run around the house naked or something.” Paul reached across the table and shook Ty’s hand, “Congratulations, Ty, you’ve got a great guy here.”

“Thanks, I think so.” Ty said, he let go of Paul’s hand and took Matt’s now.

“Yes, congratulations.” Matt said shaking Ty’s hand and looking at the massive bulged underwear over the top of the table and then looked away to take Derrick’s hand. Matt smiled warmly and shook Derrick’s hand, “I’m happy for you both, Derrick.”

“Thanks, Matt.” Derrick said and took his hand back, stepping away from the table, coming toward Paul, who feigned a smile at Derrick. He gave Derrick a one armed quick hug.

“See you when we get back, I’ll give you a call.” Paul said.

“Sure.” Derrick said knowing differently.

“Ready Matt?” Paul asked and started toward the back door.

“Bye, guys.” Matt said. Derrick and Ty gave him a wave. They heard the back door close and then car doors closing.

“Wow, what happened to him?” Ty asked.

“He’s upset I didn’t let him know.”

“That’s obvious. What else is bothering him?”

“I think he’s shocked. He was thinking it probably would never happen.” Derrick said.

“I think you’re blind, babe. He still loves you.” Ty smiled and put his hands on Derrick’s waist, Derrick put his hands on Ty’s shoulders, “But, he was right about one thing.”

“What?” Derrick asked with a soft smile.

“I do want to run around the house naked and do something.” Ty said and used his hands to push Derrick’s pajama bottoms down and dropped to his knees taking Derrick’s soft length in his mouth fully making Derrick moan, his hands still on Ty’s shoulders.

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“Mister Alec?” Madame Julliene asked not seeing him in the room, she looked out on the balcony and saw him standing in the evening light of the moon. She went to him and stood behind him. “Mister Alec?” She asked softly and he didn’t turn. She came up next to him.

“It is so beautiful here.” He said quietly. She looked down at his hand on the rail, she reached out and touched it with hers, resting it gently on his.

“Yes, it is. I have always loved it. My husband, when he was alive, used to keep more flowers along the pathways out to the pool out at edge of the villa. There were always more birds then and butterflies, not so much now.”

“What kind of flowers would he plant?” Alec asked without looking at her but was warmed by her touch.

“All kinds really, they were his passion in life. He loved to have different scents in the air as you walked along the paths. It was more alive then, with all the colors and the smells.” She said just as quiet as he was.

“I can only imagine what it must have been like. You must miss him very much.”

“I did at first. They say that time heals all wounds and they’re right. He has been gone a few years now and he went peacefully in his sleep, and that made it easier for both of us I think. We had a good life together here.”

“Do you still have a good life, you think?” Alec asked still looking out across the gardens.

“Yes,…yes I do. My children come to visit now and then and I have grandchildren as well. I believe that this life is what you make of it. If you’re happy, then your life is good, if you are sad, then life can take a turn. Be happy in this life, Alec, it’s really all that we have.” She said and pat his hand. He looked down at it and smiled briefly, “He will return, and when he does, make him understand what it is that you feel, you’ll be happier that way.” She said quietly and he looked at her finally.

“How did you know?” Alec asked and she smiled softly.

“I’m a mother, remember? Mother’s always know. He loves you, that much is clear to me. I see it in the way he looks at you, but right now, he has too much on him, that’s his father’s doing. Show him, tell him, when he returns, and he will always be yours and you will always be happy.”

“You are amazing.” Alec smiled wider and leaned over and kissed her cheek, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, this old woman is going to bed. Is there anything that you need?”

“No, I’m fine, but thank you.” Alec said. She pat his hand again and she walked away leaving him alone on the balcony in the moonlight. He looked out at the gardens again, seeing the shadows of the trees moving slightly with the soft breeze that came, and then he saw her walking the path to the little house in those trees. He watched her walk along and then disappear and then he could see the soft glow of the inside lights that was mostly hidden by all those trees. He smiled and looked up at the moon, it was almost full. He turned and pulled off his shirt and walked into the room dropping it on the upholstered bench at the foot of the bed, he slipped off his shoes and unbuttoned his pants, pushing them down and stepped out of them and then slipped off his underwear, setting them on his pants as well and reached down and grabbed himself, fluffing himself up a bit. He went to the bed and pulled back the covers and climbed in, shutting off the light on the bedside table. He looked over toward the balcony and saw the moonlight coming in, bathing the room in the whitish light, he smiled and settled into the pillows and caught a sniff of something, he rolled a bit to the right and smelled the pillow, it was Conner’s scent, he grabbed the pillow and wrapped his arms around it leaving it just under his nose wanting to smell him all night long. Alec closed his eyes and started to drift away with a smile.

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Derrick was leaning against the edge of the table, breathing heavy as he looked down at Ty, his husband, the man he loved and worshipped so much and he smiled at him, Ty was licking his lips.

“Now, that’s the way to start the day.” Ty said as he rose up and leaned into Derrick and kissed him, Derrick could taste himself on Ty’s tongue and he wanted more as Ty stepped into him, wrapping his arms around Derrick’s waist, Derrick moaning in Ty’s mouth and pulled him in deeper with his arms about Ty’s muscled shoulders. They kissed long and deep, breathing through their noses but were interrupted by the house phone ringing. They pulled back.

“Let ‘em leave a message.” Derrick said.

“It might be important.” Ty said and pulled away even further. Derrick growled and went for the phone. He picked it up and answered it.

“Hello?” Derrick asked gruffly, “Hey, what’s up?” Derrick asked with wide eyes and looked at Ty, “Where are you?” Derrick asked, his tone softening and then listened. Ty mouthed ‘who is it?’, ‘Conner.’ Derrick mouthed back, “Paris? What’s going on?...Alec?, is he alright?...slow down, buddy…start again,…” Derrick came to the table with the phone and sat down, Ty sat next to him and held his free hand, “yeah, I can call him if you want,…what’s going on, Conner?” Derrick asked and listened for a minute, “Conner, maybe you should talk to him first,…alright, I’ll call him, what time is it there? Okay, I’ll call him tonight, I promise. No, Ty’s sitting right here with me. Hold on.” Derrick smiled and handed the phone over. Ty took it and raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, cheese ball, what’s goin’ on?” Ty asked and then listened, “You’re fuckin kidding me, you’re leaving him there while you go off half way across the world,…yeah, I’d be pissed too. No, if Derrick did that to me, I’d kick his ass no matter what,…I don’t care if the place is beautiful, it’s you that he wants, dippy,…don’t worry, I’ll have Derrick call him tonight like he said,…what? Yeah, we’ve got some news here,…yeah, we got married yesterday.” Ty held out the phone away from his ear and Derrick chuckled, Ty put it back, “Really? You’re going to yell, really? Get over it, bud. We beat you to it that’s all, no big deal, but you interrupted us having sex.” Ty said and chuckled in the phone, “And, no, we don’t always have sex.”

“Yeah, we do.” Derrick said as he leaned toward the phone. Ty chuckled again.

“Okay, so maybe we do, but it feels different now, it’s better, much better.” Ty said and then laughed, “You’re right, should have done this a while ago,…but seriously, bud, I’ll have him call,…hey, whatever we can do, alright?,…even if it is halfway around the world,…alright, when are you coming home? Well, make it soon, we need to get together,…yeah, miss you guys too, alright, love you, bud,…”

“Love you too, Conner.” Derrick said leaning to the phone.

“Alright, let us know, yeah, I’ll have him call you after he talks to Alec, okay,…bye, bud.” Ty said and pushed the end button, he looked at Derrick, “Are you fuckin kidding me? He needs help with Alec? They were completely stable until all the meddling bullshit happened.”

“We’ll fix it.” Derrick said as he looked at Ty and leaned in for another kiss. Ty smiled and kissed him quickly.

“Hey, horn dog, what are you thinking?”

“I was thinking about what you said about running around the house naked and doing stuff.” Derrick smiled and wiggled his eyebrows.

“Oh my God! What did I marry?”

“A horny prick that wants you all the time.” Derrick said and Ty laughed as Derrick grabbed Ty’s massive bulge.

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Alec woke to the singing and chirping of birds and smiled as he let go of Conner’s pillow and stretched his legs wide and his arms out. He opened his eyes fully and blinked a few times. He threw back the covers and got out of bed and walked to the bathroom naked. He used the toilet and then brushed his teeth. He walked out and went to the balcony doors and went out looking at the view in the early morning light. He smiled wide and turned to go back to the bathroom. He walked in and started the shower and waited for the water and then stepped in, washing himself. He finished and rinsed and the shut the water off and reached for a towel. He dried himself and rehung the towel and walked out into the room.

He smelled it and then saw the tray sitting on the small table. She had been here and he smiled wide and went to it, seeing the small carafe and the upside-down cup, he turned it over and poured from the carafe. The coffee smelled so good to him and he picked up the cup and sipped it. He smiled again and heard his phone ring, he walked over to the bedside table and picked it up and answered it.

“Hello?”

“Alec?”

“Derrick? Is it you?”

“Hey, buddy, what’s going on?”

“Oh,…you know, just hanging out here in the south of France, what’s going on with you guys?”

“We’ll talk about that in a bit. Are you okay, bud?” Derrick asked, Ty sitting next to him.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why? Did Conner call you or something?”

“Yes, he did, he’s worried about you, bud.” Derrick said. Alec rolled his eyes.

“Figures. I shoulda known. He shouldn’t have called you.”

“Alec, sometimes we all need a little help, in one way or another, right?”

“I guess so.” Alec said softly.

“Alright,…so why don’t you tell me what’s going on, maybe we can help, even though we’re here and you’re there.”

“You’re there and I’m here, yeah right, and he’s on his way to another continent.” Alec said.

“And you’re feeling all alone and that it isn’t working between you two, right?” Derrick asked.

“Pretty much. I mean, I understand his job and all and why we’re here and everything, but he’s so distant with me and when he comes back, he turns around and leaves again. I know we’re on a business trip, but we’re just getting back together after the other stuff happened.” Alec said.

“I know, and I’m sorry, Alec, I’m sorry that we can’t be there right now with you, and I know you must feel like the whole thing is falling apart around you, but you know, bud, it’s not. He’s overwhelmed, I’m sure, I get like that too, you’ve seen it, I know, so focused that you can’t see beyond your own nose. Don’t you think that’s what is going on with him?” Derrick asked.

“Yeah, I’m sure it is, but, I guess I’m just overwhelmed by being here, no one around that I really know. I guess I’m feeling sorry for myself aren’t I? I probably sound like a whiny little girl.”

“No, bud. You sound like someone who has a problem with the heart and it’s hard to deal with alone, that’s all.” Derrick said, “Like I said, I wish we were there.” Alec laughed a little into the phone, “What’s so funny?” Derrick asked.

“I’m sitting here naked on the bed right now, I’m kinda glad you’re not here actually.” Alec said and chuckled again.

“Really,…okay, that leads me to my next topic of conversation then,…we got married yesterday.” Derrick said.

“What? That’s awesome, Derrick. I’m so happy for you guys.” Alec said loudly. He reached over and picked up his coffee and sipped at it.

“Thanks. It was a spur of the moment deal, we did it at the courthouse.” Derrick said.

“Even better, no planning, no problems, just do it.” Alec said.

“Yeah, I guess it was the best way. But, when you get home, we’re going to celebrate, alright?” Derrick asked.

“That sounds good to me.” Alec said.

“Now, are you okay, bud?”

“Yeah, I couldn’t be better, really.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Derrick said.

“Derrick,…” Alec said softly.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for calling, I really miss you guys.” Alec said.

“We miss you too.”

“I’m going to get dressed. Give Ty a kiss for me, alright?”

“I will. We love you, Alec.”

“Love you guys too. Bye.” Alec said and ended the call. He stared at the phone for a minute and then set it down and finished his coffee before getting up and getting dressed.

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“Well, that sounded like a mood killer conversation.” Ty said as Derrick stared at the phone, “Are you going to call Conner now?”

“You think I should?”

“You said you would.” Ty said as he looked at Derrick and then leaned against his shoulder, “And I know for a fact, you’re as good as your word.” Ty smiled and Derrick looked at him, “Call him.” Derrick pursed his lips and then turned on the phone and dialed the number, it went to voice mail.

“Hey, bud. I called Alec and talked to him. He sounds okay, a little sad, but okay. Wanted you to know. You guys need to work this out. If we can help, we will and you know that. I told him that you must have a lot going on right now, but Conner, focus buddy, don’t lose him because you’re trying to live up to what your father wants from you. Alec loves you, and you love him, remember that and go with it. There are other jobs out there if it comes down to it. Remember, we’re in your corner. Call me if you want to talk. Love you, bye.” Derrick said and hung up the phone.

“Impressive.” Ty said.

“Think so?”

“Yeah, I’d vote for you.” Ty smiled and Derrick shook his head.

“Thanks.”

“I love you, babe. You’re always doing the right thing for everybody else, you know that?” Ty asked.

“Should I be doing something else?” Derrick asked.

“Yeah.” Ty said.

“What?”

“Get naked and let’s do something. We’re on our honeymoon, remember?” Ty smiled and wiggled his eyebrows. Derrick grinned and shook his head.

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Conner sat across the table from the man that ran the South African office. They stared at each other for a long minute. Conner could see the resentment in the man’s eye from everything that was going on. A young girl came into the conference room and set a folder down in the middle of the table. Fingers from the man were waved and she left the room.

“I am certain that this is what you want.” The man said. His accent was thick and heavy German.

“Mr. Van Owen.” Conner said. The man looked confused for a moment.

“What?” He asked.

“My name.” Conner said and gave him a glare, “You will use it, and you will use it correctly, do you understand?” Conner asked firmly not flinching.

“Whatever you want.” The man said and Conner slammed his palms down on the table, making the man jump a little and look at him directly.

“Whatever I want?” Conner asked in reply, “No, not what I want, what the company wants. I am here to see the closing of this office, do you understand? I don’t like it any more than you do, believe me. There are many things that I would rather be doing right now than sitting here at this table with you and trying to get this done. You have been stalling me before I even arrived. Now, I suggest that we get to work, finalize what we need to, and move on to get this office closed.” Conner said in more than a firm voice as he stared at the man who now swallowed hard once, “You are being compensated for this, as has your staff. Now, shall we begin?”

“Mr. Van Owen, I offer my apologies to you.”

“Spare me.” Conner said firmly and then lightened a bit, “Look, I know this is rough. Office being shut down, everyone out of a job it seems. But, look at it this way,” Conner said, giving a brief, soft smile, “I’m not your enemy, bud. I didn’t make this decision, the company did. I am here to see it through and to get it done. There is no one to blame in this, it is purely business, I’m sure you can see that.”

“I do, Mr. Van Owen, I do.” The man said and lowered his eyes from Conner. There was a long silence in the room. Conner did not move his eyes from the man once.

“Look, I have some friends, people that I know here. If you want, I can make some calls, go and see them and see if they can do something for you and your staff.” Conner said.

“What about the dock workers?” The man asked.

“That might be a little rougher, but I can see what I can do. That’s not a promise of anything.” Conner said. The man smiled for the first time.

“You are more generous than your father, Mr. Van Owen.” The man said and Conner narrowed his eyes.

“I’m not my father.” Conner said softly.

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Conner opened the hotel room door and stepped inside. He turned on the light as the door closed, the room was somewhat small for being ‘The President’s Suite’, Conner thought. There was a small sitting area, then an open bedroom, the end of the bed was in sight from where he stood at the door. He smiled out of the corner of his mouth at the frame that was at the end of the bed that his suitcase rested on. It was dark looking, the frame, and he walked over toward it and could see it was rusted, tubed aluminum. He shook his head. The phone rang that was on the small desk in the sitting room. He set his briefcase down on a chair next to it and picked up the phone.

“Hello?” Conner asked. He listened to the sound of the voice on the other end and what they were saying, “Yes, that will be fine. I’ll be down in a bit, say in about an hour. I want to change first…alright, thank you.” Conner said and hung up the phone.

He walked out of the sitting room, going into the bathroom. It was small, tub/shower combination with a curtain that looked old and a bit tattered at one corner. A vanity with one sink, and a toilet. A rack of towels that looked a little on the thin side to him without actually touching them. He sighed and loosened the tie around his neck. He looked at himself in the mirror, not really liking what he saw at the moment. The serious face that was staring back at him seemed tired and pissed off. He turned and went into the sitting room, kicking off his shoes. He sat on the small sofa that was very firm and vinyl covered, putting his feet up on the coffee table. He pulled his phone from his breast pocket and opened it. He scanned the contacts, the first one was the one he wanted. He pushed the button and put the phone to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Hi, babe. What are you doing? What are you wearing?” Conner asked.

“Who is this?” Alec asked.

“Your blonde surfer dude, remember me?”

“Huh, I don’t know any blonde surfer dudes, but you do sound kind of hot.” Alec said.

“Why are you jerkin me around?” Conner asked, “What are you doing?”

“Can’t you hear it?” Alec asked.

“No, what am I supposed to hear?” Conner asked, focusing on the background.

“Running water.” Alec said softly.

“Are you in the bathtub?” Conner asked.

“No, something better.”

“What?”

“I’m out at the spring.” Alec said, “I’m sitting on your big rock.”

“Ohhh,” Conner said and smiled, picturing it in his mind, “What are you wearing?”

“Clothes.” Alec said and smiled, “Not what you’re thinking, horn dog. What are you doing?”

“Well, I just got back from the first meeting at the office.”

“How did that go?” Alec asked.

“Not well. The guy’s an asshole. I can’t say that I blame him, but he is being such a jerk about it.” Conner said.

“Put yourself in his place for a minute. They’re all losing their jobs, right? I might be a little bit pissy as well.” Alec said.

“I said I didn’t blame him, right? I have another meeting to try and fix this for them all.”

“Oh? What kind of meeting?” Alec asked.

“A dinner meeting. I made a phone call to our rival company here in Port Elizabeth. I am meeting the CEO for dinner to try and get these people jobs with them.” Conner said.

“The rival company?” Alec asked.

“Yeah, it’s kind of a conflict of interest, but this is driving me crazy. I have to do something for these people.” Conner said.

“Wow. Will you get in trouble over this?” Alec asked.

“Maybe, but I don’t care at this point. I just want this all over with so I can get back to you and we can go home.” Conner said.

“Oh, I see, that’s what this really all about you then.” Alec said.

“What do you mean?” Conner asked.

“It’s about what you want, not what they need.”

“I said I would do this for them.” Conner said and sat forward.

“Okay, that’s fine.” Alec said.

“Is that wrong?” Conner asked.

“Would your dad do that? Would anybody else do that?” Alec asked.

“You know better than that, Alec. My dad would just let them go and not give a shit or even give it a second thought.” Conner said.

“And so, why are you doing it?” Alec asked.

“Because I care.” Conner said, “Is that so wrong?”

“No, I just want to realize that you’re doing it for the right reason and not for what you said earlier.” Alec said and Conner was lost for a second.

“What did I say earlier?”

“Wow, you are a dipshit surfer dude, aren’t you?” Alec asked.

“You’re still jerking me around.”

“No, babe, if I was jerking you around, you’d feel it. I just wanted you to see why you’re doing this, for the right reasons, not to just get back here to me, and then to go home. You’re doing this because they mean something, they’re people.” Alec said.

“Jesus, you’re getting all deep on me. When did you study psychology?” Conner asked.

“You’re doing it because of the type of person that you are,” Alec said, “and that’s the guy I fell in love with.”

“You really love me?” Conner asked.

“Oh, of course I do.” Alec said.

“Wow, that was convincing. Thanks.”

“You know I do, dipshit. Why else would I still be here, taking your calls.” Alec said.

“Ouch.” Conner said.

“You know what I mean.” Alec said, “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Conner, you know that. But I am a little pissed at you.”

“Why?” Conner asked, “What’d I do now?”

“You called Derrick. I thought we were working this out for ourselves. You had to bring our friends into it?” Alec asked.

“Uh…yeah, wasn’t thinking over that one, sorry.” Conner said and put his free hand over his eyes.

“Are you that scared that you thought you needed help to back you up? Conner, you need to talk to me, not them.” Alec said.

“Yeah, you’re right, I’m sorry.”

“It’s not about one of being right or wrong, it’s not about us being sorry, Conner, it’s about us talking to each other, something that you told me to do that day in the apartment, remember? That we needed to communicate to make this work? You know, that means you and me? Not Derrick and Ty. Which, by the way, thanks for telling me that they got married.” Alec said.

“I didn’t know until I called them.” Conner said. There was a long pause between them, “Are we gonna be okay?”

“Do you want to be?” Alec asked.

“You know I do.” Conner said.

“No, I don’t, Conner, because we haven’t talked. We need to. I want us to be okay, I want us to be happy, together.” Alec said.

“So do I.” Conner said.

“Good, that’s the first step. Now, we need to take the rest of them together. When you get back.” Alec said.

“Alright, we will. I swear to you.”

“And no sex until we talk first.” Alec said.

“What?” Conner asked, “Aren’t we talking now?” Alec chuckled into the phone.

“Yes, my dipshit surfer dude, but…not face to face. Those are my conditions.”

“Killin me.” Conner said.

“Why?” Alec asked and smiled into the phone. He bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing.

“Because, whenever I see you, all I want to do is tear your clothes off.” Conner said and let out a sigh.

“Well, then you’ll just have to learn control. Talk first, face to face, then…sex, and lots of it.”

“Really? Promise?” Conner asked.

“No…” Alec said and Conner looked all sad, “guarantee.” Alec whispered into the phone. He smiled and Conner went wide eyed on his end.

“Okay…okay, now, just hold that thought. I’ll be there before you know it.” Conner said and was excited all of a sudden.

“And no phone sex or sexting.” Alec said, Conner pouted. Alec knew it and flashed his eyes.

“Can we face time?” Conner asked.

“Absolutely not.” Alec said, sounding firm, Conner pouted again, “That changes the conditions.”

“You are killing me.”

“Good. It will make you work harder for this, won’t it?” Alec asked.

“Why are you doing this? You’re being such a bitch.”

“Do you remember when you were in New York?” Alec asked. Conner was silent, “You drove me crazy. I couldn’t touch you, smell you, nothing. It was the worst five days of my life. Then you came home, came to my apartment, woke me up. We made love over and over, Conner, you and me. That’s what I want.” Alec said softly into the phone. Conner was bulging in his suit thinking about it. He moaned into the phone a little, “And I want that every day…forever.”

“I’m sorry, Alec.” Conner whispered in the phone.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about, sweetie. You know what I want, I know what you want. We need to work together to get to it. Now, go to your dinner meeting, make this happen for those people. Come back to me. I’ll be waiting for you…in that big bed.” Alec said in his sexiest voice that sent chills up Conner’s spine and drove him crazy, “I love you, Conner.” Alec said and then pulled the phone from his ear. He stared at it for a long minute. The water from the hot spring was gurgling and flowing just past him. He shut the phone off. A tear dropped from his eye.

Conner saw the phone go dead, the call ended, and he closed his eyes. He tossed it on the coffee table and hung his head. He put his hands over his face and wanted to cry, but couldn’t. He didn’t know how to cry tears over Alec. As much as he loved him, Conner knew that Alec was right. They needed to make it right between them, what had happened with the Cal and Kurt thing, even though it was a set up. There was too much temptation out there. Conner wanted Alec with every fiber of his being, his complete soul. Conner growled deep in his throat and then wanted to scream with frustration. He lifted his head and lowered his hands. Fuck, he sighed silently. He got up off the couch and went to his suitcase.

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Derrick smiled as Ty was running his fingers through Derrick’s short soft hair. Derrick was lying on the couch, his head in Ty’s lap. Ty was sitting holding his husband, his feet crossed and on the coffee table as the TV was playing some old movie that had Ty completely lost with.

“Okay, so you want to tell me what is really going on with this? I can’t make heads or tails of it.” Ty said. Derrick rolled his eyes and smiled wider.

“Seriously? You have no idea?” Derrick asked.

“Yeah, I mean, why would this guy wander around the desert in an army outfit? And who’s this guy he’s with?” Ty asked.

“Okay…the movie is Lawrence of Arabia, ring a bell?” Derrick asked and rolled his head to look up at Ty. Ty pursed his lips and shook his head, “Okay, let’s start from the top, true story about a British Army officer, one of the greatest movies ever made, and…” Derrick raised an eyebrow as Ty was laughing now, “okay I give, you got me there.”

“I just love to see you get worked up like this.” Ty said and looked down at Derrick.

“You’re a shit, you know that?” Derrick asked as he shifted and rolled on his back fully. Both of them were totally naked, watching this movie together.

“Well, a couple of the Arab guys were kinda hot. You know all those robes and camels?” Ty grinned and bent lower, Derrick lifted himself and kissed Ty.

“Such a perv, aren’t you?”

“That’s why you love me.” Ty wiggled his eyebrows. Derrick shifted up off Ty’s lap, sitting up, “Hey, I thought while you were down there…”

“Think again.” Derrick said and stood up. Ty’s eyes went up and down Derrick’s perfect beautiful body, the light olive skin that he had, the definition of muscle, the tight butt, and then there was what Derrick possessed in front. Ty’s mouth watered. He shifted on the couch and reached for Derrick, Derrick smiling as fingers touched his skin, looking down at his beautiful man sitting on the couch, “Can’t wait, huh?” Derrick asked.

“Why wait?” Ty asked as he slowly traced muscle, lines, and then what he wanted most, Derrick’s big balls. Ty sighed and shifted on the couch again, Derrick turned slowly where he stood, Ty getting closer, fingers touching, fondling him slowly. Derrick let out a deep breath through his nose. Ty was slowly rubbing him, making him firm up, grow thicker and begin to rise.

“Let’s go to the bed.” Derrick said.

“What’s wrong with right here?” Ty asked as he cradled Derrick’s heavy balls. Derrick closed his eyes as he gently rubbed and worked.

“Nothing.” Derrick whispered with a moan.

“We haven’t done it here on the couch in a while.” Ty said pulling the heavy orbs down a bit. Derrick groaned as Ty looked up and watched his reaction. He could see that Derrick loved it, what he was doing to him and now Ty was totally hard, long and thick, “Want something else?” Ty asked.

“Whatever you want to do.” Derrick said. Ty smiled briefly and leaned forward, using his nose and nuzzled into Derrick’s smooth balls, pushing them around slowly, gently. Derrick put his hands on top of Ty’s head, resting them there. Derrick spread his feet a bit more to let Ty in to get closer and take what he wanted. Ty wasted no time with it, opening his mouth, tongue coming out, dragging slowly one Derrick’s right one, Derrick moaned at the feeling, loving it. Ty moved his tongue, turning his head a bit, dragging tongue over the left one, going slow, up and down, “So good.” Derrick whispered with a low moan. Ty heard him and opened his mouth, taking one in, holding it, tonguing it, and let it go. He did the other the same way, then rubbed it with his nose tip. Derrick let out a breath and looked down. He smiled as he saw Ty looking up at him, “I fucking love you.” Derrick said in a whisper.

“I know.” Ty said, wiggling his eyebrows again, turning Derrick with his hands. Derrick knew what was going to happen next. Ty ran up a hand up Derrick’s back and pushed him, silently telling him to bend over as he ran his other hand over Derrick’s smooth, firm cheeks. Derrick bent over, hands resting on the coffee table. Ty looked at what was in front of him now, that beautiful olive hole between the perfect mounds of muscle. He grinned and leaned forward, tongue out, touching it, sending waves through Derrick along with a deep moan. Ty grabbed both muscled mounds with his hands, spread them apart, going deeper with his tongue, entering the tight opening. He shook his head a bit and Derrick shuddered, loving it. Ty went after it more and more, spreading Derrick open.

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Conner came out of the elevator, stepping out into the lobby of the hotel. He came over to the desk, a long tall counter and stood as the man behind it was on the phone. They made eye contact and the man hurried the call a bit, thanking the caller for calling and then hung up the phone.

“Good evening, sir.” The man said with a smile that had obviously been rehearsed for years.

“Evening.” Conner said, “I was wondering if the car for me was here yet.”

“I do believe it is out front, Mr. Van Owen, the driver should be waiting for you, sir.”

“Thank you.” Conner said and stepped away from the long counter. He went toward the front doors of the hotel and stepped out, looking about and saw a man in a suit standing at the rear door of a sedan. They made eye contact and Conner stepped toward him.

“Mr. Van Owen?” The man asked and bowed his head slightly. Conner smiled briefly and came to him, “Your car, sir.”

“Where are we going?” Conner asked as he came around the door.

“Mr. Platt asked that I bring you to a nice restaurant here in the city. He is waiting for you, sir.” The man in the suit said before he closed the door as Conner sat in the back seat.

“Excellent.” Conner said. The door was shut and he smelled the air of the car, it was fresh smelling but it was an older sedan. The back seat was very roomy and was upholstered in a soft leather. Conner watched as the man in the suit came around the front and came to the driver’s door, opening it and seated himself behind the wheel. The door was closed and the car started. They pulled away from the curb.

“The restaurant is close, sir.” The suited man said as he drove carefully through the busy street, focusing on his driving, “Mr. Platt has asked me to be available for you, to drive you anywhere you wish after your meeting.”

“Thank you, very considerate of him.” Conner said.

“It can be a little…difficult here for those that are not from this area.”

“Beware the traveler.” Conner said as he looked out the window to his left.

“You understand, sir.”

“I have been here before, but it has been some time.” Conner said.

“I see.” The suited man said and focused on his driving. In a few short minutes, the car pulled up to the restaurant and stopped. The suited man got out and came round the front to Conner’s door and opened it.

“Thank you.’ Conner said as he got out. He looked about and saw several people milling about, doing what tourists do, talking and pointing at architecture and signs that were in the various windows.

“Have a pleasant dinner, sir.” The suited man said with another slight bow of the head.

“Thank you again.” Conner said, giving him only a side glance. Conner stepped up on the walk and went to the door of the restaurant and was met there by a young girl.

“Good evening.” She said, holding menus in her hand.

“Evening.” Conner said with a nod and without a second look toward her, “I am supposed to be meeting someone here.”

“What is the name, sir?” She asked but Conner saw him and recognized the older man seated at a table. Eye contact was made between them and nods were given as the older man raised his hand a bit.

“I found him, thank you.” Conner said and went around her and walked toward the table. The older man stood and held out a hand.

“Good to see you, Conner. It has been far too long, my boy.” The older man said as Conner took his hand and gave it a firm shake.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t remember me, Mr. Platt.” Conner said, taking his hand back. The older man signaled to a chair opposite him that Conner took and pulled out a bit, sliding into it as they both sat down at the table.

“You would be very hard to forget, my boy. You look so much like your father when he was younger.” Platt said and gave a brief smile, folding his hands together and resting his elbows on the table.

“Thank you. I am told that I resemble my mother more though.” Conner said.

“Not from where I sit. I see your father, my boy. His confident ways and manner are in your eyes. Reminds me of times long since passed.” Platt said and smiled a cold smile toward Conner. He was elegantly dressed for sure, a crisp blazer with a perfect white shirt under it and there was no hint at all of any discomfort with the temperature of the outside. Every hair was in place, most of it being grey to silver, mostly at the temples and Conner noticed how smooth his face was, no sign of any stubble whatsoever.

“I am not my father, but am my own man.” Conner said.

“Of course you are, my boy, and all so much the better because of it.” Platt said and there was that cold smile again.

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Derrick was on his back on the couch, Ty was half lying on him asleep, his left muscled arm draped over Derrick’s chest. Eyes opened slowly and fluttered, looking about and then Derrick rolled his head slightly, meeting the back of Ty’s head and it made Derrick smile, he sighed softly to himself.

They had made love here on the couch together and as always, it was more than wonderful to Derrick. Ty was the perfect man as far as Derrick was concerned, not just because of what he possessed physically, but what he had that was from the heart which made Derrick love him even more, with each passing moment that turned to minutes, then hours, finally to days. Derrick’s chest swelled with love being like this, with his man, his husband, his friend, and that would be with him for life and he was so warmed by it, so enveloped by it all, it almost brought tears to his eyes he was so happy. Derrick brought his arm up and put his hand slowly and gently on Ty’s muscled back, holding him a bit, touching the warm skin. Ty did not move as he rested and slept on top of Derrick, so peacefully, so quiet. Derrick rolled his head and looked over at the TV. The DVD menu was playing and the screen was locked. He moved his hand and arm and reached over for the remote, taking it in his hand, shutting it all off. He set the remote back down and put his hand back where it had been on the muscled skin that lay on him. Derrick closed his eyes slowly. There was nothing in the world that could be more perfect to him right now.

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“So, you come to me to ask me for quite a favor.” Platt said as he stared at Conner, taking all of his features in.

“I do, and I feel that I really have no choice in this but to ask.” Conner said.

“You have a deep compassion, my boy, something that most businessmen do not or at least have forgotten or abandoned. I find it quite refreshing.” Platt said. He lifted his glass and looked at Conner again, “You know, I tried to hire some of them away once, but they were all far too loyal in their positions. And now here you are, closing down your office, and asking me to take on all of these people.” Platt said and Conner stayed firm in his look, not swaying once.

“I am.” Conner said firmly, lifting his glass as well, “I will not pretend to say anything other than the truth to you. These are good people, highly trained and proficient in their jobs. They have all rendered service to our company with little or no supervision and have done more than adequately.”

“Yet you are closing down your operations here in South Africa. Why is that I wonder?” Platt asked.

“To be quite honest, I am not aware of the why. I was only instructed to see it completed.” Conner said.

“Come, come, my boy. You obviously have a good head on your shoulders and I am more than certain that you can see what is going on within your own company.” Platt said. Conner narrowed his eyes a bit and saw what the older man was actually looking for now, information.

“If there is something going on, other than consolidation, I assure you, I am not aware of it. As I said, I am only here to see the closing of this office.” Conner said and sipped his drink carefully.

“I see. Let me ask you another question, my boy, what about all of your ships?” Platt asked.

“I know nothing about them, other than what I have read in the briefs before coming to Port Elizabeth. My primary focus was only for the closing of the office as I have said.”

“Do you know of the loss of one of your freighters recently?” Platt asked. Conner shook his head, “Hmmm, perhaps you should find out more then.”

“I fail to see…” Conner said and Platt’s eyes changed, growing colder as he glared at Conner.

“A typical Van Owen maneuver I see. You come to the table asking for one thing, but feign ignorance of all the relevant facts.” Platt said.

“Believe me, sir, when I tell you, I know nothing about the loss of a freighter.”

“Ask your man then, your man in your office. He knows and will tell you all about it. Once you know what it is all about, give me a call and we can discuss this further.” Platt said and sat back in his chair. The server came to the table and set the bill down on a small tray. Platt looked at it briefly and reached for his wallet in his lapel pocket. He produced a card and set it down. The server came back and took it, “I have a thought. I am having a small informal get together out at the house this weekend, like a pool party, if you will. I would like you to come. It is tomorrow in the afternoon.”

“I thank you, but I am not really…”

“Nonsense. There are going to be people there that you should meet, business contacts as well as others. I will send the car for you, say tomorrow around three?” Platt said.

“I don’t know what to say.” Conner said and sat back in his chair.

“Say yes, of course. It will give me time to think over what you are proposing for your staff. We can discuss it further at the house and I can let you know of my decision then.” Platt said after signing the bill. He put the card back in his wallet, putting it in his lapel pocket and rose. Conner rose from the table as well. They shook hands. Conner noticed that the older eyes were going up and down him carefully, “Thank you for coming, I will see you tomorrow then.” Platt said, taking his hand back.

“I thank you for having me for dinner and meeting with me.”

“Think nothing of it. Just remember to ask your man in your office and I look forward to hearing about it from you. Have a pleasant evening.” Platt said and walked away toward the door, leaving Conner standing there alone.

“You as well, sir.” Conner said after the man was gone. He was lost in his thoughts now about what had been said.

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Ty lifted his head off Derrick’s shoulder and moved just slightly. He could feel the warmth from Derrick and hear him breathing. Ty leaned over and kissed the soft cheek next to his own face and nuzzled his nose into Derrick’s ear.

“Let’s get up and go get in bed.” Ty said softly. Derrick exhaled through his nose and wrapped his arm tighter around Ty’s muscled back.

“Why don’t we stay here?” Derrick asked quietly.

“It’s a little tight and I think you might want some more room.” Ty whispered still nuzzling Derrick’s ear.

“Does somebody want something else?” Derrick asked.

“Yeah…I want to get you into the bed and climb all over you.” Ty whispered and kissed Derrick’s earlobe.

“You’re doing a good job of it right now.” Derrick whispered and tightened his arm even more. Ty smiled and lifted his head, Derrick turned his slightly and they went eye to eye in the dark.

“You feel so good to me, but you’d feel even better in the bed.” Ty whispered and moved. He pushed himself up and got off Derrick. Ty inhaled deeply through his nose and stood next to the couch. He took Derrick by the hand and pulled him gently.

“We’ll have to do this more often.” Derrick said as he stood up. Ty kissed him softly and led Derrick across the room to the bedroom door. Derrick followed him in, Ty using his other hand to pull back the sheet, still leading Derrick to the edge of the bed, climbing on it, Derrick got on as well and they came together as they both settled onto the mattress and sank into the pillows.

“Maybe we’ll spend the whole day in bed.” Ty whispered as he wrapped arms around Derrick and pulled him in.

“That would be nice.” Derrick said and exhaled softly and slowly as he nuzzled into Ty’s neck and shoulder, “Love you, babe.”

“I know. I love you as well.” Ty said as he kissed Derrick’s forehead. Ty closed his eyes, putting his left arm over Derrick and slid one leg between Derrick’s. A soft sigh came from Ty and Derrick smiled as sleep took him again.

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Alec woke and stretched out his arms across the big wide bed. He tensed his legs and stretched them as well and looked up at the ceiling. He could see the beams and the rugged structure of it and he loved it all the soft roughness. It made him smile as he stared at it for a long minute. He could hear birds singing outside as he rolled his head slightly and looked toward the open balcony doors. The long sheers that hung from them were moving slightly as they caught the soft morning breeze from the edges of the doors. Alec lifted the bed coverings and rolled to his left, getting out of the bed, going to the edge and he sat there. He looked at his phone and saw the small light blinking, letting him know there was a message. He reached for the phone and opened it with a swipe. It was from Conner and it made him smile. He read the text. He saw the time of it, it was five hours ago.

“Was thinking of you. Miss you so much. Can’t wait to get back to you. Hate it here without you. Can’t sleep.”

Alec thought for a moment and then texted back. He closed the phone and set it down on the night stand. He got up and went into the bathroom. He used it and brushed his teeth and started the shower. He stepped in under the head and let the water run over him as he thought of Conner. What he might be doing right now, what he was thinking. Alec washed and rinsed himself and shut the water off. So many things started going through his mind at that moment. He reached for the towel, taking it off the hook. He dried himself, stepped out, drying his feet then rehung the towel.

He walked out of the bathroom, going toward the long bench at the foot of the huge bed. He reached for his underwear, stepping into it, pulling it up, tucking himself in. His phone started to ring. He sighed and went for it, picking it up on the night stand. He saw the name and opened the phone.

“Hey, what’s up?” He asked as he sat down on the bed. He listened and smiled, “Okay, so I should have called you too before we left. Did Mama tell you? Well, if I called you, I would have to call everyone, wouldn’t I? So, instead, I called Mama because I knew she would say…” Alec fell silent and rolled his eyes, “Yes, it is nice here. No, I did not see the Eifel Tower. Conner said we were going to go and have dinner there before we come back home. What?” Alec asked and looked over his shoulder and saw her coming in with the usual morning tray, making him smile, “No, I’m up a little early this morning, I couldn’t sleep last night.” Alec went to get up to go toward Madame Julliene but he realized that he was only in his underwear and stayed still, “No, we are staying in a villa,…a villa, it’s a beautiful house here that Conner’s parents own. Yes, I told you about his parents, remember? Yes, they’re the ones.” Alec said as he made eye contact with Madame Julliene. She smiled at him and poured him coffee, bringing it to him. Alec covered himself with the duvet as she walked up, “Thank you.” He said to her and she nodded, “No, I was talking to someone else. Look, let me call you back in just a bit, I’ve got to get dressed. Alright, no, I’ll tell you later, alright, bye.” Alec shut off the phone and sighed loudly, “I’m sorry, my sister.” He said to Madame Julliene.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” Julliene said, “Do you get along with your sister?”

“Yes, we are very close, all of us are.” Alec said.

“How many of you are there?” She asked.

“There are six of us.” Alec said and sipped his coffee.

“My heavens.” She said with widened eyes, “Your parents are very blessed.” Alec chuckled.

“My father didn’t think so when we were all younger. My parents struggled just to feed us.”

“And now?” She asked.

“He’s close to retirement and loves to spend time with all of his grandchildren.” Alec said.

“How many do they have?” She asked.

“Five for now, but my brother, Rafael, wants to get married to his girlfriend and he keeps talking about a large family with her. They’ll probably have a dozen on their own.” Alec said and smiled.

“Children are a blessing for certain. It is difficult sometimes to raise them, but, they are a blessing.” She said.

“How many do you have?” Alec asked.

“I have three. Two boys and a girl. Each of them has two children, so I have six grandchildren. My daughter is actually bringing her family to visit tomorrow for the day.” She said.

“Really?” Alec asked and looked a bit excited. She nodded in reply, “Where are they coming from?”

“From Marseille. They come by train and then take a cab to come here.” She said.

“And they’re only coming for the day?” Alec asked.

“My house is very small, there is little room for them to stay, and they have little money to spare, so they only come for the day.” She said and seemed so calm about it. It shocked Alec and he shook his head.

“It seems like it is such a long way to come. Why don’t we have them stay in the spare rooms here in the house?”

“Oh no, that would never do, Mr. Alec, as thoughtful as it is of you, this is the master’s house and that would never do.” She said.

“Well, the master is not here, is he?” Alec asked with raised eyebrows, “And what he doesn’t know, won’t hurt him. So, I say that we have your daughter and her family stay here in the spare rooms. You can have a longer visit, I can have someone else to chat with, and we can both do some wonderful cooking for someone else.” Alec said and stood up, uncovering himself. He went wide eyed when he realized it, but she didn’t even look down at him. She treated him as if he was fully dressed.

“That is very thoughtful of you.” She said, “But it really is inappropriate.”

“Well, you let me worry about that. I mean after all, I’m sleeping with the master, in the master bedroom, aren’t I?” Alec asked.

“Well, when you put it like that.”

“I do. It’s settled. Now, let me get dressed, we can plan a menu and I will help you get the rooms ready.” Alec said, setting his coffee down.

“I can do that. It is my job, as you know.” She said with a sure tone in her voice, gentle but firm.

“Uh…yes, it is…and you’re right, but I would love to help.” Alec said. She smiled, leaned forward and kissed him on his cheek.

“You are one of a kind, Alec.” She said, “I will meet you downstairs in the kitchen.”

“Okay.” He said. She turned and went out of the room. He was amazed at how quiet she moved, not making a sound as she walked away. He shook his head and went back to his clothes, getting dressed. He knew he had to call Lucia back. He’d make it fast.

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Conner sat at the long conference table with several folders in front of him. They were reports from the insurance company, the Captain of the ship at the time of the incident, a maritime finding from a committee that held an inquiry about the incident itself, and a report submitted from the US Navy involved in the rescue of the crew.

Conner read the insurance report first as the man sat across from him with hands folded and resting on the table. Conner looked up at him with only his eyes, as he set the report down on the table.

“Who told you to keep this quiet?” Conner asked. The man seemed a bit nervous about it.

“Well, Mr. Van Owen, I cannot say who, really. My instructions came only by email.”

“And you didn’t think that something might be wrong with that?” Conner asked, “I noticed that there is one thing that is missing from all of this.”

“What would that be?” He asked, still sounding guarded.

“What was the ship carrying? There’s no manifest here.”

“Uh…well…I am not at liberty to say.” He said.

“What the hell does that mean?” Conner asked.

“I have instructions not to mention what the cargo was aboard the ship, Mr. Van Owen.”

Conner picked up the report from the Captain. He opened it. It read like a sworn affidavit, a statement of events. Conner read it and several of the lines were blacked out. He kept reading and finished it after a few minutes. He set the report down.

“So, I had a dinner meeting with Mr. Platt last night.” Conner said as he sat back in his chair, “You know who he is, don’t you?” Conner asked and the man nodded, “He seemed to know all about this and he suggested that I ask you. Now, how would he know all about this?”

“Bad news travels fast in this part of the world, Mr. Van Owen.”

“It says here, in the Captain’s report, that the ship caught fire and sank. That the crew had enough time to get off the ship and watch it burn and sink. It also says that they weren’t in the water for very long before they were picked up by a Us Navy ship.” Conner said.

“Very true.”

“It doesn’t say too much about those that were responsible for this.” Conner said, “Were they actually pirates?”

“They are more like raiders, Mr. Van Owen. They board merchant ships from time to time, steal what they can and get off the ship as fast as possible.” He said.

“Look, Stein, I’m not here to point fingers, especially in your direction. But, Platt seemed to think that you know what is going with this. And part of what he said to me last night about taking you and your staff on, hinges on this. Now, from what I can see, there is something that’s being covered up, whether it’s by you or the company, I don’t know. But it seems to me that Platt does know and he’s the goddamn competition. Now, you want to tell me what the fuck is going on?” Conner asked. The man, Stein, was sweating. His bald head had streams starting to run down his face. Conner narrowed his eyes at him, “I can’t help you like I wanted to, unless you help me first.”

“Mr. Van Owen, I…”

“Yeah, I think we’re done here.” Conner said and stood up, “This office will be closed down by day after tomorrow, ready or not. All files will be boxed and ready to ship back to the States. All discs and drives will be boxed as well, is that clear? I will have the locks changed at that time then one hour later I will be on a plane to go back home. And you, my friend, can fend for yourself here in this part of the world. I tried to work with you, tried to help you, but you slammed the door in my face.” Conner said and shook his head, “Not gonna happen again. Follow the instructions that I have given you or I will find someone else to get it done. Are you good with that?”

“Yes, Mr. Van Owen.” The man, Stein, said, his head hanging down a bit.

“You have a nice day.” Conner said and walked to the door. His phone beeped in his breast pocket. He pulled it out as he kept walking down the corridor. It was a text from a number he did not recognize. He opened his phone and then the text.

“Come outside.” Was all that it said. Conner looked at it and thought it was strange. He closed the phone. He went down the stairs to the ground floor, going out of the building. He was looking for a cab. He didn’t notice the man that walked up behind him. Conner went to raise his arm to hail one but he was touched from behind, stopping him.

“We need to talk, Mr. Van Owen.” The slightly raspy voice said, Conner turned.

“How do you know who I am?” Conner asked.

“A lot of people know who you are.” The rough looking man said. Conner looked him up and down. Had this been the States, Conner would have thought he might have been a homeless guy, but here, it was a bit different, and he wasn’t up on the area or its people.

“Well, why don’t you tell me who you are and we can make it a party.” Conner said.

“I was the Captain of the freighter that was lost.” He said and Conner went wide eyed, “Like I said, we need to talk.”

“Yeah, yeah, we do.” Conner said, he put a hand on the arm of the man and turned, raising his other, “Cab!” Conner called out. A cab started to slow down.

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Derrick woke up to the sunlight starting to stream in from the window at the foot of their bed. He tensed his whole body to stretch and eased slowly. He rolled his head over and looked at Ty. All he could see was the back of Ty’s head with the short stubby blond hair, his neck and his muscled back and one shoulder. The sheet was covering Ty just below the waist and Derrick smiled at seeing his man lying there, sleeping peacefully. He got up and went into the bathroom, using it, then brushed his teeth. He looked at himself in the mirror, smiled briefly at himself, then walked out. He took the thin pajama bottoms off the top of the dresser and slipped them on. He looked at Ty again, but he had not moved. Derrick walked down the hallway and into the kitchen.

He reached into the cabinet and pulled out a cup, setting it in the coffee maker on the counter and pushed the button. The machine began to hum and dispense the life giving hot liquid. He pulled out the cup, turned as he held it and looked about the kitchen. It was going to their last day together before going back to work. But now it was going to be different. Ty would be starting his new job with Beckett and would not be here during the day. Derrick sipped his coffee and thought about what to do today to make it special for them both. Breakfast, he thought. He set the cup down, moved to go to the fridge when he heard a knock at the door, the front door.

“Who the hell?” He asked mostly to himself as he went through the dining room, into the living room, going to the door. He opened it and recognized who was standing on the front porch, but couldn’t remember his name.

“Hi.” He said meekly, one hand in his back pocket of his skinny jeans.

“Hi.” Derrick said.

“I hate to bother you so early in the morning, especially on a Sunday.”

“No, it’s alright, I was up already, it’s okay, come in.” Derrick said. The boy stepped in through the door, Derrick closing it behind him, “Where’s your bother?”

“He’s in the car.”

“Aiden, right?” Derrick asked shaking a finger lightly.

“Yes.” The boy said and he seemed to ease a bit with Derrick calling him by name.

“So, what brings you here?” Derrick asked.

“Actually, I was looking for Conner.” Aiden said.

“Uh, well, he doesn’t live here anymore. He and Alec got an apartment together.” Derrick said.

“Oh. I didn’t know.” Aiden said and it totally changed what he was thinking when Derrick said that.

“You okay, bud?” Derrick asked.

“Yeah.”

“Right.” Derrick said but was not convinced, “What do you need Conner for?”

“I needed to ask something of him. Can you tell me where the apartment is?” Aiden asked.

“I could, but it won’t do you any good.” Derrick said watching all of these facial expressions on this boy.

“Why?”

“Uh, because he’s on a business trip in South Africa right now.” Derrick said. Aiden lost a little bit of color in his face, “Okay, what’s going on, buddy?” Derrick asked, “You don’t look so hot.”

“Hey, what’s going on?” Ty asked in a sleepy voice as he came out of the bedroom, coming up behind Derrick.

“I don’t know.” Derrick answered as he watched Aiden, “Here, come sit down.” Derrick said and led Aiden over to the couch, sitting him down. He looked over his shoulder at Ty and shook his head as Ty was standing there naked, “Why don’t you put some clothes on, babe.” Derrick said. Ty really woke up then, turned, and went back into the bedroom. Derrick looked back at Aiden, “Did you say your brother’s in the car?” Derrick asked. Aiden just nodded. Derrick went to the door, opened it, stepped out on the front porch and got the other boys attention, beckoning him into the house. Derrick came back in and came over to Aiden, who looked a little worse now.

“What’s going on, buddy?” Ty asked as he came close in front of Aiden. The boy looked at Ty as Ty knelt down in front of him, putting his hands on the boys knees.

“Uh, I…uh,” Aiden was struggling as the other boy, Seth, came in the door, closing it and was standing there. Derrick looked at him and smiled, the boy seemed a bit nervous for some reason.

“He didn’t tell you, did he?” Seth asked. Derrick stood and looked at Seth, the younger boy.

“No, not yet.” Derrick said.

“Something happen at home?” Ty asked Aiden and then the tears came, Aiden nodded and lowered his head, “Hey, hey, hey, hey.” Ty said and leaned forward, putting a muscled arm around the slender shoulders, “It’s okay, bud, let it out.”

“What happened at home?” Derrick asked Seth.

“He told my mom that he was gay and she freaked out. Her boyfriend went crazy too.” Seth said as he stared at his brother, “There wasn’t anything I could say to stop them.”

“Oh Jesus.” Derrick said softly and looked at Aiden as Ty held him. Ty looked at Derrick with sad eyes. Derrick looked back at Seth, “Are you alright?” Derrick asked and the boy just nodded, “They didn’t get physical, did they?” Derrick asked, Seth nodded.

“Her boyfriend did. He slugged Aiden really hard.”

“What?” Ty asked and got angry. He held Aiden even tighter, “Nobody needs that. That is so wrong.” Ty put his cheek to the top of Aiden’s tilted head, “I am so sorry, buddy.”

“What about you, Seth, did they get physical with you?” Derrick asked and Seth shook his head.

“I pushed Aiden out of the house after he got slugged. Thank god, I had his keys in my back pocket. He always loses them, so I always pick them up. We got in his car and started driving. We didn’t know where to go.” Seth said with an even voice that never faltered as he stared at his brother still.

“What about your uncle?” Derrick asked.

“He’s dating some waitress and they went away for the weekend.” Seth said.

“When did all of this happen?” Derrick asked.

“Last night.” Seth said.

“Last night?” Derrick asked, “You’ve been driving all night long?”

“No, not really. We parked at one of the parks but the cops came and made us move on. We parked in an alley for a while but some homeless guy wouldn’t leave us alone, so we left there and it was pretty close to dawn. Aiden kept talking about Conner and how he would help straighten this out and would know what to do. So, we came here looking for him.”

“Yeah, he knew what to do alright, he came here.” Ty said and lifted Aiden’s chin with a finger, “I promise you, bud, it’s going to be okay, because I’m gonna make it happen. You with me?” Ty asked and Aiden nodded a bit, tears streaming down his face. “Good deal.”

“Well, I’m certainly glad that the spare room is ready.” Derrick said and smiled at Ty. Ty nodded his head, “Are you boys hungry?” Derrick asked. Aiden shook his head and Seth just smiled, “Yeah, you remember, don’t you?” Derrick asked Seth.

“It would be hard to forget.” Seth said.

“Babe, why don’t you show Aiden into the bathroom so he can wash up. Seth and I can start getting things ready for breakfast.” Derrick said and put an arm around Seth’s shoulders, “Come on, I’ll teach you how to cook.” Derrick said as he led Seth toward the kitchen. Aiden stood on his feet, Ty rose with him. Their eyes met, and Aiden’s were swollen and red.

“I’m sorry.” Aiden whispered

“What are you sorry for?” Ty asked.

“Coming here and dumping this on you like this.” Aiden said.

“Now you listen, you did everything right. First, you told your mom, and that was incredibly brave, second, you didn’t fight back and get yourself into trouble, third, you came here and let me tell you, this is the place to come. Because that man in the kitchen with your brother, not only is he my husband, but he can fix just about anything there is to fix in this world.” Ty said.

“He’s…your…you guys are married?” Aiden asked. Ty nodded his head and smiled.

“The best thing I ever did in my life.”

“When?”

“Two days ago.” Ty said and smiled wider, “I couldn’t wait any more.”

“He’s a really nice guy.” Aiden said.

“Bud, you have no idea.” Ty said and hugged the boy nice and tight, Aiden returned the hug and buried his face in Ty’s muscled shoulder, “It’s gonna be just fine, I promise.” Ty pulled back from Aiden, “Now come on, let’s get you washed up. He’ll feed you and then we can have you relax a bit, maybe get some sleep. It looks like you could use it.” Ty said and Aiden nodded as Ty led him into the dining room.

“See? Crack the egg with one hand and use your fingers like this to spread the shell open and it falls right into the bowl.” Derrick said. Seth was watching closely.

“Wow, that looks easy enough.” Seth said.

“Okay, you try it.” Derrick said and moved over a bit. Seth took an egg and tapped it on the edge of the bowl, holding it like Derrick had done with his. He got part of the egg on the counter and part in the bowl, “Got to move your hand over the bowl a bit, remember?”

“Yeah, sorry.”

“No harm done.” Derrick said, “Takes a bit of practice. You do these while I go change, alright?” Derrick asked and Seth nodded as Aiden and Ty walked by the counter headed toward the bathroom. Derrick winked at Ty, who smiled back at him. Derrick turned and went around the corner, down the hall into the bedroom. Ty came into the bedroom as Derrick was slipping a shirt on over his head.

“Son of a bitch.” Ty said softly as Derrick pulled his shirt down.

“What? His mom?”

“Yeah, I know her too. She’s a real piece of work, that one.” Ty said and shook his head.

“We can’t pick our families, right?” Derrick asked, “But, we can pick our friends, and that boy has a good one in you.” He stepped close to Ty and kissed him on the cheek, “I’ll get breakfast, then we can talk a bit and figure this out.” Derrick said and Ty nodded. Derrick kissed his cheek again and started to walk out of the room.

“You know, I didn’t want kids right off the bat. I was hoping to wait a while.” Ty said, Derrick turned and smiled at him.

“Yeah, well gifts sometimes come when you least expect them. And you’re a great dad. You love that boy, I can tell.” Derrick said.

“I’ve known him since he was six. They’re both good boys.” Ty said.

“I know.” Derrick said, turned and walked out of the room.