#GreySkies

The color grey is often used to symbolize dread or physical imbalance. Grey is often the color people use to describe gloom.

Jayson was up early on a conference call with his firm in LA. He was trying not to wake Ryan who was sleeping soundly in their bed. When he decided to move to Salem his intention was to MOVE to Salem, but the last six months has been so busy he hasn't even done that. He's had some of his stuff delivered from LA, but the rest still sits in his home there. Jayson never sold or out sourced the firm that holds his name; a name well known in LA and important not only to himself but the many clients he has gathered over the years.

Jayson paces the floor as the conference call takes a heated turn. "You guys are professionals or at least I thought" he raises his voice to the man on the other end of the call. "When's this meeting?" the man tells him it's this evening. The problem is this man cannot seal the deal; hell he can't even get the client to sign on the dotted line to explore the deal. "I guess I'm going to have to come and do it myself. I think it's time that you grab your balls and act like a man or I'm going to have to find someone else to run that place. I'll be on a plane in a few hours and I'll meet you at the restaurant for the meeting." The man thanks him. "Don't fucking thank me, Gary. If you did your job I wouldn't have to come and bail you out. Ryan's not going to like this." Jayson takes a deep breath and hangs up the phone.

Ryan's been very supportive of his decision to keep his firm for the time being. The deal was though that he would find a reliable replacement and have them run it. Gary was obviously not that man since he couldn't even get a client to sign on. He's worked for this firm and when he took it over it was a household name; Jayson wasn't going to watch it crash to nothing. Now to explain to Ryan that he has to leave again.

Jayson walks into the bedroom. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of Ryan curled in the comforter fast asleep. He delicately moves and cradles Ryan's back; placing his arms lovingly around him. Ryan sighs and rolls to face Jayson.

"How long have you been up?" Ryan says through a yawn.

"I had a conference call with LA this morning." Jayson's face had no emotion.

"Well from the look on your face; it wasn't a good call." Jayson shakes his head no. "What's going on now?"

"Fucking Gary can't do his job" Jayson sits up in the bed.

"Maybe it's time to explore other men to run that."

"Yeah, I completely agree. But I have to go to LA." Jayson rubs Ryan's arm.

"What? When"

"In a couple hours." Jayson nervously states "I have to be in a meeting this evening."

"Are you serious? Jayson….." Ryan sighed and sat up next to him.

"I'm sorry baby. I'm hoping that this will all be over soon."

"It's fine" Ryan offered him a weak fragile smile.

"It's not fine and you know it. You have been so supportive and I owe you so much." Jayson leaned over and gently kissed Ryan's frown. "You have no idea how much I love you."

"I do." Ryan cleared his throat and moved to the side of the bed "When will you be back?"

"Tomorrow; I promise." Jayson moved against his back and put his legs on either side of him. He started kissing down Ryan's sleek neck. "Come with me"

"I can't I promised Daniel I would work Monday for him so I have to sleep tomorrow to cover his late shift."

"Can I make it up to you?" his kiss on Ryan's neck turned to bits and gently sucks.

"Do you think sex is going to make up for it?" he turned his head to face Jayson and seductively grinned.

"No, but it's a good start." He whipped Ryan around to his back and climbed on top. He lowered and pressed his lips to his. "I'm sorry." Jayson says again. He is so concerned that Ryan is upset.

"Stop saying you're sorry, love. I'm ok. I have that meeting with Aaron today and then I was going to hang out with Davis; so it's all good."

"Is that all?" Jayson traces the outline of his jaw with his tongue.

"Mhhhm….I should probably get going now." Ryan teases and acts like he was trying to get up. Jayson grins and pins his hands to the mattress. "I love you" Ryan whispers seductively.

Jayson releases his grip on his hands and blankets his body to cover Ryan. They kiss tenderly over each other's neck until their want grew quickly. Their tender kisses turned to harsh and heavy smacks of lust. Jayson straddled Ryan's waist; sat up and removed his shirt. He doesn't have to remove anything off of Ryan because he was never dressed after their love making last night. The only reason Jayson was is because of the call this morning. They caress each other's body; running finger tips lovingly over the other. Ryan reaches to remove the dark sweats off of Jayson's waist. They're cocks were ready and eager to be touched. Jayson lay back down over Ryan and they stroked each other together; breathing heavily into the other's ear. "I want you in me" Jayson moaned into Ryan's ear. Their relationship was always 50/50; most of time though Ryan bottomed so it was always a big deal when Jayson needed Ryan in him. They made a mutual decision a few months back after they both had clean bills of health to forgo the use of condoms. They are in a committed monogamist relationship.

Ryan reached for the lube and rub it over his own cock and then on Jayson's entrance. Jayson rose and straddle over Ryan's cock and lowered slowly. "Oh, baby you feel so good" Ryan says as his head impulsively rotated side to side on the pillow. Jayson moaned as he powered up and down on Ryan's cock. Ryan shifted his hips up plunging and meeting Jayson's force; their bodies glistened with sweat and lust. Jayson's cock was waving and bouncing with each thrust down. Ryan steadied his cock and started to stroke much to Jayson's satisfaction.

"Ryan, please don't stop…..that feels so good. I, I think I'm going to cum" Ryan stroked him harder as his own orgasm got close. Jayson screeched Ryan's name and chanted yes as he exploded onto Ryan's chest; he watched Jayson quiver and squirm sending him over the edge and he released himself fully into Jayson. Exhausted, Jayson crashed onto Ryan's spent body.

"I love the weight of you on me" Ryan kissed the side of Jayson's neck. "I love you"

"I love you too baby…..so much."

Salem was in the middle of a hot and sticky summer; the grey skies and the steady rain showers were a welcome relief for them. Jayson packed his overnight bag and got ready to leave. "EJ is coming over later to grab this packet. Can you make sure he gets it?"

"Of course" Ryan hugs Jayson "Call me when you land please."

"You know I will; love you" Ryan returns his sentiment and watches him leave. One of the good things about Jayson's travels is that he can do it in the comfort of his own plane. EJ gave him one of the new aircrafts from the Dimera line so at least he didn't have to wait at stuffy airports or worry about layovers.

Jayson had written up a contract of sorts for Aaron and his dad to sign; always the professional. Ryan cleaned up the penthouse a bit and waited for Aaron to get there. His phone wrung and it was an unfamiliar number; Ryan normally answered but wasn't in the mood today. The weather was really playing with his head and he could feel a migraine coming on. He let the phone and goes to voice mail as he lay back on the couch with a pillow over his eyes. He heard a knock on the door that sounded like a million woodpeckers. "One second….I'll be right there." Ryan yelled and held his head as he stood up. He looked at the clock and was amazed he had fallen asleep for a couple hours.

Ryan opened the door and Aaron was standing there with several bags full of groceries. "Are you ok?" he asked Ryan whose eyes were weak and dark.

"Yeah, yeah….come on in. What's all this?" Ryan asked assisting him by grabbing some of the bags.

"I figured you might want to taste what that lemon chicken was supposed to taste like" Aaron smiled.

"How'd you remember the recipe?" Ryan rubbed his head.

"I sort of have a photographic memory….it's both gift and a curse." Aaron watched Ryan rub his head and roll his eyes under his closed lids. "Are you sure you're ok?"

"I just have a fucking headache….migraine actually. I haven't had one in a long time, but I think it's just stress and shit. Oh, crap I probably shouldn't be swearing around you, sorry."

"Please. Nothing I haven't heard before believe me." Aaron chuckled. "My dad called about an hour ago and he said he left a message giving me permission to work for you and then he said to give you this if you have any questions." He handed Ryan his dad's business card.

"Oh, yeah I got a call and let it go to voicemail because of my headache. I am so sorry." Ryan checks his phone while he skimmed the business card. "Yeah that was him. Wait your dad is Salam's new district attorney? Wow. That's crazy."

"Why's that?" Aaron asked as Ryan showed him the kitchen.

"Jayson's an attorney so I'm sure they will meet; small world." Aaron's smile went to a frown.

"You didn't tell me Jayson was a lawyer."

"You didn't ask. Are you ok, now?" Ryan noticed his body tense.

"Yeah, I'm good. No big deal. Where is Jayson anyway?"

"He had to fly to LA for business; look Aaron I'm going to be honest. Jayson's the rule guy and I'm kind of laid back. So he made this and this a sheet of rules and shit. Just look it over have your dad sign it and the jobs yours." Ryan smiled and rubbed his aching head. "I just want this headache to go away and to take a nap on the couch."

"Do you mind if I make this quietly in the kitchen and you guys can rewarm or you can have it for dinner tonight. I have all the stuff anyway."

"No, that's fine. As long as you need nothing from me" Ryan grins and lies on the couch and pulls the blanket to cup his face.

Aaron walks into the kitchen and unpacks all his stuff. He starts to nose through the cupboards and draws. He comes to the spice drawer and pulls out everything he needs. He walks back into the living room with a mug; steam can be seen streaming from the top. "Ryan". Ryan lifts his head to look at Aaron. "Here, this will help with your headache; promise."

Ryan sits up and takes the warm cup of "What the hell is this anyway?"

Aaron laughs "I know it looks bad but it will help. My dad used to give it to me when I got my migraines. We went to several doctors when I was younger and nothing helped. Finally my dad talked to this old Cherokee Indian man and he gave him this recipe and it worked every time. If it doesn't work then what's the harm….so it's worth the try right?"

"I suppose you're right" Ryan sipped lightly and was pleasantly surprised of the cinnamon taste to power over the rest. "That's not that bad."

"I looked through your cupboards and drawers to find the stuff; I hope that's ok"

"That's not a problem. Thank you" Ryan finished the drink and laid back on the couch while Aaron resumed his work in the kitchen. A couple hours have gone by. Ryan was asleep the entire time and the house filled with beautiful aroma of lemon chicken; the way lemon chicken was supposed to smell. Aaron finished garnishing the plates and cleaning up when he heard a knock on the front door. Not wanting to wake Ryan he answered it himself.

"Can I help you?" Aaron stands tall and addresses EJ and Davis standing at the door.

"Um, sure" EJ looks around him to the quiet penthouse "Where's Ryan?"

"He's sleeping; is there something I can help you with sir?"

EJ cracked a half smile "And who would you be young man?"

"I'm their chef" Aaron stood confidently as EJ and Davis chuckled.

"Oh, you're serious." Davis's laugh muffled.

" I'm sorry. I just need to pick up some packets that Jayson left for me."

"There over here EJ; come on in" Ryan woke and sat on the side of the couch. Aaron walked back into the kitchen.

"You have boy chef?" Davis laughed

"You make it sound horrible….he's young and wants to go into culinary arts. We're doing him a favor and he's doing us one. It will help him when he's in school so he doesn't have to work late night and it's just a couple days a week."

EJ nods "You could have had Mary fix you some stuff and have it sent here. Jayson is a Dimera; he can use our staff."

"Use your staff?" Ryan laughed "They're people."

"I know that" EJ laughs. Aaron walked out and set three plates on the table in the dining room.

"Are you feeling better Ryan?"

"Actually yes, wow that stuff worked great"

"What was wrong with you?" Davis asks

"Migraine and then Aaron gave me some drink and it feels better."

"Good, if your friends and you are hungry the food is done and there are lots of left overs for Jayson to try." Aaron invites them to sit at the table.

Ryan asks EJ and Davis to join him for lunch and they kindly accept the offer. They sit at the table to the beautifully plated food. "This smells divine" EJ says as he takes his fork and cuts through the tender chicken.

"Wow, kid. This is amazing." Davis says with a shocked looked.

"So good Aaron….thank you" Ryan says in between bits. His phone beeps a text. "Jayson is in LA and on his way to his house to get ready for his meeting."

"Hopefully he can find a suitable replacement " EJ enjoys the lunch.

"You're telling me" Ryan notices Aaron standing by the kitchen opening. "Aaron, come join us."

"That wouldn't be professional"

"Well, you're not and we're not so please sit and talk; make yourself a plate." Aaron did as Ryan asked. Aaron thanked Ryan and then offered EJ a warm smile as he sat.

"This is EJ. Jayson's brother." Ryan introduced and EJ smiled.

"Jayson's brother?" Aaron almost looked surprised.

"That's right" EJ met his confused look. "That surprises you?"

"No, not at all." Aaron took a bit of the food nervously "I'm an only child so I always look shocked when people mention siblings. I've always wanted a sibling. That's not going to happen."

"And this is Davis; my brother." Davis nods hello and greets Aaron's smile.

"EJ, Aaron's father is the new DA here in Salem."

"Really? Bentley Wiltz?" EJ asks and Aaron nods his head yes.

"Well I will have the honor of meeting him on Monday."

"You're an attorney too?" EJ tell him yes. "You and Jayson both?"

"That's right, we're partners. I work more with the DA though so your dad will know me I'm sure. If he's done is homework."

Aaron smiles "That's good….speaking of. I should really get going. He's probably home from his meeting and I was going to grill those steaks tonight. Do you need me to clear the table? I already cleaned the kitchen."

"No, no….you cook that's it." Ryan stood and pulled out his wallet "Here, for today."

"No, today was a trial on me."

"Absolutely not…take it please." Aaron gratefully took the money. "When do I start?"

"Tuesday….if you that's ok. I'll call and we can talk more, but make sure you have your dad read and sign that." Ryan points to the stack of papers Jayson wrote up. "Or Jayson will have issues." Ryan laughed.

"I will" Aaron left.

"Nice boy…..and a hell of a cook for his age." Davis devours his food. "Tastes like moms"

"Yeah that's because it's her recipe he used, he seems very mature. What do you know about his dad?" Ryan turned to address EJ.

"His dad is hard. He never loses. I'm really going to have to set up my game or put Jayson in there to go after him in those cases." EJ laughs.

"Any news on Stefano?" Ryan asked Davis; EJ and Davis looked at each other.

"We had a lead, but trying to find Stefano is like trying to find the real Waldo in a page of Waldo look alikes."

"That's what Davis and I were doing. I have someone going to a plantation in Italy right now to see if the lead is reliable. If father's there; we'll soon find out."

Aaron was outside in the hall with his ear to the door. He heard everything they were discussing. After talking about Stefano they went back to saying how Jayson would probably be the best to beat his dad; he sighed. His dad had a reputation; some even called him the dictator because he was so hard on the other attorneys going against him. He was good job, no doubt. He was even better dad. Aaron and his dad were a team; they looked out for each other because it's always been just them. Aaron walked in the elevator and let out a long breath. He closed his eyes and leaned against the stainless steel walls. This was supposed to be good move; all of this was supposed to be good.