Culture Aftershock

by jtrue

A sequel to Culture Shock. Emmett McCarty's Emirati partner Nasir has a new job and a green card, but will their lives together be as easy as they think? And what will happen to Seth and Garrett? SLASH LEMONS MA

3. Chapter 3

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Kay, so, I should have had this out yesterday, but after a conference call with my sister, I fell asleep. (not that she's boring or anything, quite the opposite, it's just that I worked all night and hadn't been to bed yet)

This chapter is brought to you by much toil, blood and sweat from my tireless editor-sister. And speaking of, for those of us awaiting Errors 51 with great anticipation, let me just say, it will be very much worth the wait.

Miss Maureen, as I forge ahead into chapters with kids, get ready. The questions will come fast and furious.

Anyone who has not read the incredible Equal & Opposite, or is not now reading the brilliance that is Errors & Omissions should go do so right now. Links to both stories are in my profile.

WARNING:

This story is intended for an adult audience! There is crude speech, hate speech and adult sexual subject matter of a homosexual nature. If you are under 18 stop reading now!

AU/AH/OC

All characters from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. I just take them out and play with them.

---

Chapter 3: Dickslap

Garrett Thompson sat comfortably in the grand and elegant lobby of the St. Regis hotel in Manhattan. The tall, gilded, coffered vast room of white, gold veined French marble with frescoed ceilings and immense Austrian crystal chandeliers could rival any in Versailles. Garrett wore snug jeans and a dark blue polo shirt, and thumbed through the Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times from his position, where he could see both giant, revolving, bronze doors. He smiled when he caught sight of his best friend as the man came through the doors from outside in a dark, silk suit and briefcase over his shoulder. The look on Nasir's face made it plain that he was impressed. Garrett set his paper aside and rose from the big upholstered arm chair.

"Garrett," Nasir smiled as he saw his best friend walk toward him.

"Nasir, good to see you," Garrett walked up to the taller man and embraced him. Nasir kissed Garrett on the side of his mouth.

"You are a most welcome sight to my eyes, my friend," Nasir gripped Garrett's shoulders.

"We all miss you. And this one is from Emmett," Garrett hugged Nasir again. "He gave very specific instructions," Garrett confessed, "but I'm not going to play with your butt."

"Ha!" Nasir laughed.

"At least not here in the lobby," Garrett amended. He stepped back from Nasir again and noticed the uniformed bellman approach them with Nasir's bag. "Let's get up to the suite. We're on the sixteenth floor with an excellent view of Fifth Avenue," Garrett led the way. Nasir and his bellman followed.

"Here is your key," Garrett produced a key card from his pocket. "I took the liberty of arranging a racquetball court for us."

"You did! I would love to play. Where is it?" Nasir asked as they walked up to the elevators.

"One floor below us," Garrett answered.

"The fitness center in this hotel even has racquetball courts?" Nasir was impressed. They walked onto a lift and the bellman followed.

"All two of them and I reserved one for us," Garrett looked at his watch and touched the button for their floor. "We have it for the better part of another hour."

"This is a nicer hotel than the one I work for. This is in league with Claridge's," Nasir observed.

"And now you know why I stay here," Garrett smiled.

"I didn't bring my racquet, though," Nasir realized.

"Emmett sent me with more than a hug. I have your racquet as well," Garrett informed.

"Garrett, you think of everything," Nasir put his arm around the shorter man. The lift arrived at their floor and they emerged into the plushly carpeted corridor. A man who had been alerted to their arrival by the ever observant front desk, approached them. He was dressed exceptionally formally in black tails and white gloves.

"Mr. Thompson," the man gave a nod. "You must be Mr. al Qasimi. I'm Carlton, your butler. Welcome to the St. Regis, sir. Your first time with us?"

"It is," Nasir confirmed as they followed toward their room.

"We very much hope it won't be your last. Anything at all I can do to make your stay more enjoyable, you have only to let me know," Carlton smiled. He used his master key card to open the door to their suite and stepped aside. The door opened onto an inner hall that led left to a dressing area, master bath and bedroom, and straight on toward a bar area, second full bath, and then beyond to the spacious living room. The walls were covered with a thinly striped wallpaper of the palest yellow. The furniture was all a very French with gold damask upholstery on white wood. While Nasir marveled at their accommodations, Garrett tipped the bellman.

"Shall I unpack for Mr. al Qasimi?" Carlton asked Garrett, as Nasir had disappeared around the corner into the living room.

"Please do, Carlton," Garrett smiled. He pulled two hundred dollar bills from his pocket and pressed them into the butler's gloved hand. "I notice that Laphroaig scotch is not on the room service menu, but I know they have it downstairs in King Cole. I would be most grateful it you could find a way to spirit a bottle up here."

"Leave the matter to me, Mr. Thompson, and rest assured. Ten year or fifteen?" Carlton asked.

"The older the better," Garrett patted the man's shoulder.

"Garrett, the living room has big windows on two sides!" Nasir returned from his exploration. "We have a view all around."

"Yes, I did notice that," Garret smiled.

"Oh, I want my gym clothes," Nasir stepped up to his open suitcase on the stand in the dressing room. He pulled out shoes, socks, jock, shorts and tank top and headed into the bedroom. A walk in closet opened onto the dressing area as did the bathroom, bedroom and the rest of the suite. Garrett followed into the bedroom, where his identical gym attire was already laid out on the bed and closed the door behind him. They made quick work of changing together and emerged to find Carlton was nearly done hanging up Nasir's clothes and placing folded things and underwear in drawers.

"Where are our racquets?" Nasir asked.

"Just here in the closet," Garrett walked in to fetch them and their ball.

"Thank you, Carlton," Nasir pressed another large bill into the man's hand.

"A pleasure, sir. Enjoy the fitness center," Carlton smiled.

"I am sure we will," Nasir took his racquet from Garrett and followed him out.

Nasir and Garrett both always relished their time together hitting the little ball as hard as they could and working up a sweat. They had only forty minutes before their time was up, but they made the most of it.

"Should we take a steam, or jump in the pool?" Garrett asked.

"I think I would just like to take a shower and relax," Nasir answered. "It has been quite a week already. It was not easy to avoid having a dinner planned for me tonight. Oh! I got my green card today!"

"Did you? That's wonderful," Garrett put a hand on Nasir's shoulder as they walked. "Official at last. I would very much like to see it. I've never seen a green card."

"I would be most please to show it to you. It is my most prized possession," Nasir confessed.

When they returned to their suite all was quiet and the butler gone. The clothes Nasir left in a heap on the bed and floor were missing with a note that the shirt and undergarments had been sent to launder, the suit to be pressed, and all would be back by five the next morning. They stripped naked together in the dressing room.

"A shower will feel very good right now," Nasir commented.

"That it will," Garrett pulled out a laundry bag. "Throw our clothes in this. We'll send them out too," he walked into the master bathroom and picked up the house phone.

"This is Carlton, your butler. How may I serve the Thompson party?" he answered in the proscribed manner.

"Carlton, we have another bag of clothes to send out. We're going to jump in the shower now so just come in and take it, please."

"Right away, sir," Carlton answered.

"Thank you," Garrett bid and hung up.

"I'll just leave this by the door," Nasir heard Garrett on the phone.

"Good idea," Garrett agreed. Each bathroom had a clear glass enclosed shower stall, a tub, toilet and bidet closet, and two sinks set in a huge, dark marble vanity. Garrett reached into the shower stall to turn on the water. Nasir dropped the bag of sweat soaked gym clothes just inside the room door and walked down the hall to the second full bath that was, in fact, identical to the first. On his way Nasir had to pass the bar, on which he could not help but notice was a bottle of fifteen year Laphroaig and a bucket of ice.

"Oh," Nasir's eyes lit up at the sight. He knew who he had to thank for this, and found that he could not walk by. Nasir filled a tumbler with ice cubes and poured a healthy glass. He carried the glass into the living room while gently swirling the ice to cool the fiery and smokey scotch. Nasir realized that he just stood around the corner in the living room stark naked when he heard the front door open. Of course it was their butler who just snatched up the bag of clothes and shut the door behind him again. Carlton could not see into the living room from the door, and just assumed both men were in the master bath shower.

Nasir swirled his tinkling ice one more time and took a sip. "Ah," he sighed and headed for the second bathroom. Nasir turned on the water and took a big gulp of his scotch before he climbed in. He never even noticed that Carlton set out his toiletries in the master bath. It was an easy assumption to make in a suite with one bed shared by two people.

When Garrett was done with his shower, he could have spent the usual time drying his thick, rich, long hair, but decided to let it just hang wet and air dry. He did dry his body and wrapped the towel around himself as he walked out of the bathroom. On the table before the picture window in the living room that looked out toward Fifth Avenue, Garrett found the room service directory. He picked it up and began to flip through it as he headed for the second bathroom. Nasir had not bothered to close the bathroom door. He was still in the clear glass shower and Garrett found him massaging his soapy erection with both hands.

"Would you like some help with that?" Garrett asked with a smirk.

"Would I ever," Nasir's frustration was plain.

"I'm going to tell Emmett I found you stroking yourself," Garrett leaned against the marble vanity opposite the shower and returned his attention to the room service menus.

"I cannot help it, Garrett!" Nasir protested. "You should have heard what he did to me on the way to work this morning. I nearly came in my pants just as my car pulled up to my building."

Garrett just chuckled to himself as he read further. After a moment he looked up and saw that Nasir had moved one hand to massage his soapy balls while he continued a slow stroke. "Would you like some privacy to finish that?"

"I do not need privacy from you," Nasir declined. "But Emmett said he wanted to save it for me. I should do the same," he let go of himself and turned into the steam to rinse.

"Would we like to have a quiet evening in? We can order room service and just put our feet up," Garrett suggested.

"That sounds wonderful to me, Garrett," Nasir agreed. "Every day lunch and dinner someplace with groups of people. I want to just get ready for bed and lounge," he shut off the water and opened the shower door.

"It's a plan, then. It's a school night for both of us and we will have a nice evening out with Jasper tomorrow," Garrett spoke as Nasir reached for a towel to dry himself. "Oh, I hope Seth put Jasper's number in my phone."

"Emmett said that Jasper asked for both of our numbers and that he emailed them to him," Nasir dried himself off still in the shower enclosure. "I am so looking forward to spending an evening with him. He seems very nice and everyone speaks so highly of him."

"I am sure you will like him too. He is an attractive, sweet and genuine man, it seems to me. Easy to see why Edward loves him," Garrett assessed. "Though, hard to imagine how he could be single."

"Anyone who did not know Edward and his love of Jasper, could easily say the same thing about him," Nasir pointed out.

"True," Garrett agreed with a nod.

"Should we try to find out?" Nasir asked as he finally stepped out of the shower.

"I think we very much should not. Jasper can share whatever makes him comfortable, but I think we should refrain from asking probing questions," Garrett stated. "Let's leave the interrogations to my expert husband."

"If only Sethy was here. There is nothing we could not learn," Nasir dropped is towel on the floor.

"If only they were both here. Then someone could help you take care of that," Garrett pointed to Nasir's heavily hanging cock that had softened to half mast and no further.

"As you are the only one here, it will fall to you, my friend," Nasir put his hand on Garrett's bare shoulder. Garrett laughed, until Nasir pulled Garrett's towel from about his waist. Both men stood together naked and Nasir made a great show of throwing Garrett's towel on the floor beside his own.

"There. We said we would leave our towels on the floor and now we have," Nasir smiled. He turned and Garrett followed him out of the bathroom and down the hall toward the dressing room and bedroom. Nasir walked into the closet and looked around. "I packed a pair of Emmett's boxers to wear to bed with you, but now I do not know where they are."

"Look in those drawers there," Garrett pointed. "And pull me out a pair too, please. I've been reading through the menus. What say we get a bunch of nibbles?"

"That would be fine. What did you have in mind?" Nasir bent to pull on the boxers he brought with him and then looked in Garrett's drawer.

"I was going to suggest we start with a dozen oysters on the half shell, though, in your condition, that might not be wise," Garrett mused. Nasir, with Garrett's boxers in hand, dropped to his knees in front of his naked best friend.

"Whatever are you doing?" Garrett looked down on the kneeling Arab.

Nasir looked up at the standing man. "Garrett, feed me oysters at your own peril," he held open Garrett's boxers for him.

"Which is why I have changed my mind. Thank you," Garrett stepped into his boxers and Nasir pulled them up his legs to his hips.

"There," Nasir patted Garrett's no longer bare butt and rose to his feet. "What else is on the menu?"

"How about tuna tartar and the crispy fried calamari?" Garrett followed Nasir back out toward the living room.

"Sounds delicious," Nasir paused in the second bathroom to retrieve his still half full glass of scotch, that he promptly drained. "Thank you for this, Garrett."

"My pleasure. There is also beer in the small fridge in the cabinet under the counter there," Garrett pointed.

"Right now all I want is more scotch," Nasir returned to the bar. "Can I make you a martini?"

"Oh, please do. The Kettle One is in the freezer. And make it a little dirty. You'll find the olives there in the fridge," Garrett directed. "Then how do prawn beignets with tamarind chutney and chicken satay with crushed roasted cashews and sesame seed sauce sound?"

"You are making my mouth water is how it all sounds," Nasir poured their drinks.

"Then perhaps we could split a lobster club," Garrett finished his selections.

"Get on the phone right now," Nasir handed Garrett his martini.

"All right, I shall," Garrett gladly accepted his cocktail and took a sip as he headed into the living room. Nasir poured a second healthy scotch and joined Garrett in the spacious and comfortable living room. He took a sip and seated himself in an arm chair near where Garrett sat on the sofa.

"There," Garrett hung up the phone, "our order is in. Now," he took another sip of his martini, "tell me all about your new job."

"I wish I could do my job. I will get to that point, but so far all it feels like I have have been doing is networking," Nasir complained.

"That can seem never ending, but every bit of it is important," Garrett pointed out. "These are fellow executives with whom you want to have good working relationships. Particularly the higher ups."

"That is true," Naisr agreed.

"In this you have the advantage. My higher ups are in Cincinnati. Yours are in the same building," Garrett observed.

"It is easier for you to avoid them and get some work done," Nasir countered.

"To a degree, I suppose. Out of sight can mean out of mind though, and you don't want that," Garrett advised.

"You are right, Garrett. I will have to adjust my thinking. I always did everything I could to avoid my bosses when they were my brother and father," Nasir thought back. "Neither Troy, that's my boss, the executive vice-president, or Mr. Tisch, the President, shout at me. Or at anyone for that matter."

"It will be a new experience for you," Garrett smiled.

"Very," Nasir agreed. "Garrett, the really new and wonderful part is that I can tell people that I am gay. I do not have to hide!"

"Welcome to my world," Garrett raised his glass.

"It is a beautiful world," Nasir spoke with wonder. "My assistant is a nice kid and straight. He spoke to me frankly of the girlfriend who broke up with him and asked me about Emmett. I have a picture of Emmett on my desk! If I put a picture of Emmett on my desk at the offices in Dubai, I would put my life at risk. Here they ask me his name and what is he like and comment on how handsome he is. Garrett, they asked me if I wanted to put him on my medical plan! Can you imagine that?"

"Seth is on my plan, Nasir, so I can imagine it, yes," Garrett answered with amusement. Sometimes it was easy to forget that his best friend was from a very different world.

"He is?" Nasir asked. "I did not know that."

"It never occurred to me that it was worth mentioning," Garrett admitted. "I should have known that was something that would be beyond your experience. I'm sorry about that."

"Please do not be sorry," Nasir shook his head. "It is just one more reason that I love America."

"It is far better here, my friend, but America still has a long way to go. Fortunately, until we can get married in the eyes of the law, progressive companies, like the ones we work for, offer domestic partner benefits," Garrett stated.

"Yes," Nasir nodded. "That is what they called it."

"Did you put Emmett on your plan?" Garrett asked.

"I have the paperwork in my briefcase. Emmett and I will sit down with it when I get home and see which makes the most sense, for him to keep his own or come on mine," Nasir outlined.

"That would be my advice. If both partners are working, often it makes the most sense for each to keep his own. Sometimes one company's plans are just better than another. Such was the case for us. It was much better for Seth to come on my plan than keep his own. It often comes down to buying power. The bank is a much bigger institution than the Seattle Gay News," Garrett explained.

"Ah," Nasir nodded. "This medical business is all new to me. In my country every citizen is given whatever medical care he might need. It is just taken care of by the state."

"In your old country," Garrett corrected.

"Yes, Allah! I mean, my old country. This is my country now," Nasir stated firmly.

"Exactly," Garrett tipped his glass toward Nasir.

A sharp rap, so as to be heard throughout the suite, came at the door.

"There's dinner. Should we put on shirts or robes or something?" Garrett asked as they both rose.

"Why should we bother to do that?" Nasir countered. Garrett could find no reason and gave a shrug as they walked to the door.

In the corridor waited their butler with the room service boy and his cart laden with dishes.

"Good evening, Mr. Thompson, Mr. al Qasimi," Carlton greeted. "Your dinner is here. Shall I serve in the living room?"

"Please do," Garrett stepped aside to allow them to pass. "Just set everything out. We'll nibble from everything at once."

"As you wish, sir," Carlton smiled and followed the cart through the suite. Nasir disappeared into the bedroom to get cash to tip them and Garrett set about refreshing their drinks. In only a minute their food was attractively arranged on the far table by the window overlooking Fifth Avenue.

"There we are, gentlemen," Carlton paused while the room service boy headed for the door with his cart. "Will there be anything else?"

"No," Nasir stated as he tipped the room service boy. "Thank you," he pressed money into Carlton's gloved hand as well.

"Please just ring when you are finished with dinner and we'll clear it away promptly," Carlton paused to smile at them both and then followed the cart out.

"Doesn't everything look delicious?" Garrett walked over to the table.

"I am starving," Nasir agreed.

"Should we put on the television? Is there anything worth watching on Thursdays, I wonder," Garrett mused as they both sat down and placed linen napkins on their laps.

"Emmett likes to record that vampire show. He and Edward both say they feel an affinity to the vampire brothers," Nasir picked up a fork and first tried the tuna.

"What an odd thing to say," Garrett started with the prawns. "I think Seth likes that show too. He likes the boy that turns into a wolf or something. Whatever are we to do with them?"

"I can think of several things I would like to do to them right now," Nasir spoke with raised eyebrows. "Well, one of them anyway. I leave the other one to you."

"Thank you. I'll gladly handle the other one," the thought brought a smile to Garrett's face.

They watched the television program that they had no doubt their partners would watch when it was broadcast for the west coast later in the evening. They finished their meal and called to have it cleared away. Even with Fifth Avenue beconing from below, neither man had more ambition than to have one more cocktail and contemplate the next day. The city that never sleeps could go on below them while they did just the opposite above. Nasir and Garrett sat side by side on the sofa and paid no mind to whatever show came on after the one their better halves enjoyed. Nasir was the first to give a great yawn. He set his glass of wet cubes on the coffee table and stretched.

"It might be time to turn in. I'm bushed myself," Garrett agreed. "We musn't forget to call home first."

"I will not forget," Nasir stated.

"I am going to go in the bedroom and call Seth," Garrett rose. Nasir just gave a yawn again while his best friend walked away. Garrett returned in only a moment.

"Oh. Thank you," Nasir accepted his own cell from Garrett. Garrett just gave Nasir a smile and headed back toward the bedroom. He touched the sensor to call Seth's phone on the one in his hand. From opposite ends of the suite, calls went to different floors of the same building across the continent.

---

Seth's home office was a smaller room behind the laundry room that was intended to be maid's quarters. It was half the size of Garrett's richly wood paneled study, but he liked it for two reasons. It was as out of the way as it could possibly be in their home, so he didn't mind so much if it was less than tidy. And on days he worked from home it was easy to get the laundry done. Seth's desk was a tall and wide hutch type placed up against the far wall. On another wall hung a blanket from the Oglala Oyanke where he was born. It was red with the white circle of tipis symbol in the center, that was the flag of the Oglala Lakota Nation. Seth perched naked in his chair in front of his computer. He had not bothered to put anything on after he took a shower. It was a warm day and he saw no need. Seth snatched up his cell from where it sat nearby on his desk, at the familiar ring.

"Hey, yo," Seth greeted.

"Hey, yourself. What are you doing?" Leah asked.

"Updating Emmy and Nasir's wedding website. Have you thought about what you are getting them?" Seth enquired.

"Yeah. I'm getting them a gift certificate," Leah answered.

"Oh, yeah? For what?" Seth bit.

"A night off from you," Leah teased.

"Yuk, yuk. What do you want anyway?" Seth was flat.

"Roberto wants to have you and Garrett over for a cookout Sunday afternoon at his house," Leah informed.

"Oh? How about that. Is this a casual, c'mon by and watch the game kinda thing, or invite the in-laws kinda thing?"

"Carmen and her husband will be there too," Leah added.

"I see," Seth got it.

"You never know. We might all be related some one of these days," Leah was coy.

"We can only hope," Seth smiled at the thought.

"Justin and Melinda are also coming," Leah revealed.

"They are? Why are they coming?" Seth asked.

"Because Melinda is a very close friend of mine," Leah answered. "Is that alright with you?"

"Who else is coming?" Seth ignored her question.

"Roberto's partner Al and his wife," Leah informed. "That's everyone."

"So many straight guys for me to play with," Seth teased.

"Seth," Leah cautioned.

"Do I have to butch it up?" Seth asked.

"You know what, little brother? I would never ask you to do that," Leah stated firmly.

"I know you wouldn't," Seth acknowledged.

"All kidding aside, Seth, I would never ask you to do that. And I wouldn't let anyone else either. My brother is just fine, just the way he is. Anyone trying to win my heart had better get that," Leah declared.

"Roberto totally gets that, Sis. You know he does," Seth stressed. "I was talking about the other straight guys. Other than Justin, I mean."

"If they want to be a part of my life, they better get it too," Leah added.

"Okay, take it easy. I'm not trying to start anything or prove a point. I'll be on my best behavior. I won't even grab any crotches," Seth pledged.

"Yes, please refrain from groping all the men," Leah agreed.

"Though, I can't promise about Garrett," Seth amended.

"No one would ask that of you," Leah smiled.

"Or Justin," Seth continued.

"Poor Justin," Leah chuckled.

"Or Roberto," Seth went on.

"Seth," Leah warned.

"Relax. I'm playing," Seth's call waiting went off at just that moment and he moved the cell away to look at the screen. "We'll be there. Text me the details. My man's callin' right now. I gotta go," Seth spoke into the phone and touched the screen to switch lines. "Hi, Honey."

Garrett seated himself in the wing chair in the corner of the large bedroom in his Fifth Avenue suite and put his bare feet up on the matching ottoman. "Hello, Sweetness," the smile was clear in his voice.

"How's New York?" Seth asked.

"Not nearly as nice as last time," Garrett confessed.

"How come?" Seth pressed.

"Because I don't have you with me," Garrett clarified.

"Aww. That's exactly the right answer, Honey," Seth was touched, but playful.

"Were you on the phone? I hope I didn't interrupt anything important," Garrett was concerned.

"I was on the phone, but there is no such thing as more important than you," Seth explained.

"That's sweet, Seth," Garrett could not help but smile.

"I was on with Leah. Roberto has invited us over for a cookout Sunday afternoon," Seth revealed.

"What did you tell her?" Garrett asked.

"I told her that my man was callin' so buh-bye! I told her that we'd be there," Seth answered. "Is that okay?"

"Of course it is," Garrett confirmed.

"I thought it would be. Roberto and my sister are getting more serious all the time. He's the one, Gar. I know it in my bones," Seth could not have been more certain.

"They are very cute together. And they look very happy together too," Garrett agreed. "He really seems to love her."

"I think he would make her a good husband. I never imagined she would make any man a good wife, but she sure seems it with him," Seth mused aloud. "I do think she will be a good mother when that day comes. And he's got good dad written all over him. Like Justin."

"I think so too," Garrett agreed.

"Oh, they're going to be there too. Justin and Melinda, I mean," Seth informed. "And Roberto's sister and husband and his partner and his wife."

"A bringing together of people close to both of them," Garrett got it.

"Exactly," Seth confirmed.

"Then there is no question we should go and make every effort to engage and integrate," Garrett outlined.

"I agree, Honey. I would like to get a sit down with Roberto, one on one," Seth expressed. "I mean, I know him pretty well at this point and really, I'm already on board the Leah-Roberto wagon, but still. No one escapes Trial by Clearwater."

Garrett could not help but smile at the phrase originally coined for his father, the judge. It gave him no end of joy that his family loved and cherished Seth as much as he did, and the feeling was mutual. "Well, he hasn't proposed yet, has he?"

"No, but that day fast approaches. My Oglala sense is tingling," Seth stated.

"Now that will be a wedding to plan. Imagine the size of that ceremony and reception," Garrett shared his thought.

"Yeah. I'm not planning that one," Seth shook his head.

"Speaking of grooms, how's Emmett?" Garrett asked.

"He's fine, actually. I'm glad you guys are coming home on Saturday, though," Seth expressed. "Another day or two and he's gonna get mopey. How's Nasir?"

"Rather hard up, I would say," Garrett revealed.

"Ha! Literally, I'm sure," Seth laughed.

"I'm afraid I can confirm it. He very much needs to relieve some pressure, but he says he wants to save it. Emmett had him ready to come in his pants on the way to work this morning, it seems," Garrett relayed.

"Emmy told me about that. He's pretty worked up too. He'll blow Nasir's head off!" Seth joked.

"I think Emmett is in equal danger," Garrett expressed.

"We'll be able to hear them up here. And speaking of up here, Mr. Thompson, I'm gonna have to get in that great big bed all by myself tonight," Seth made a pout.

"I'm sorry, Sweetness. You know there is no place I would ever want to be than beside you, most especially at night. My arms long for you, even now," Garrett spoke with longing.

"Me too, Gar. I love you," Seth said simply.

"I love you, Seth," Garrett spoke softly.

"Are you guys going to bed?" Seth asked.

"In just a few minutes. Nasir is in the living room talking to Emmett right now," Garrett informed.

"Are you alone?" Seth pressed.

"I am," Garrett confirmed.

"What are you wearing," Seth grew excited.

"The boxers that I am going to wear to bed with Nasir," Garrett answered.

"Where are you?" Seth enquired.

"I am sitting in the big chair in the bedroom. You remember the one," Garrett smiled to himself.

"Do I ever. If I were there I would kneel down in front of you and run my hands up your sexy, hairy thighs," Seth began.

"Sweetness," Garrett tried to interrupt.

"Just like I did when we were there together," Seth was not deterred. "Of course, you didn't have boxers on then. I would work my nose and tongue in through your fly. I would try to lick your shaft and your balls."

"Seth," Garrett tried again.

"I would pull my boy and his balls out through your fly and feel you get harder against my face," Seth felt his own sleeping python begin to stir at that thought.

"Seth," Garrett repeated.

"What?" Seth asked.

"I don't want to get into bed with Nasir with a raging hard on," Garrett stated.

"Oh. Yeah, I don't want that either," Seth admitted. "Okay, get into bed, Honey. I love you and I sure will miss being beside you tonight."

"I love you, my sweet Seth. I will very much miss holding you in my arms tonight," Garrett spoke softly.

"Give Nasir a kiss," Seth directed.

"I will," Garrett agreed.

"And have him give you one from me," Seth added.

"He won't give me the kind of kiss I want from you," Garrett smiled.

"Yeah, he better not!" Seth exclaimed.

"Goodnight, Sweetness," the love in Garrett's voice was clear.

"Night, Gar," Seth echoed.

Garrett lowered his phone and ended the call. He sat for a long moment in the silence of the suite and light of the one lamp that was on in the bedroom. He didn't even realize that he was still smiling. Garrett did not hear Nasir and rose to go check on him. Nasir must have reached Emmett. They all knew Emmett would not miss that call for anything. Garrett walked out through the dressing room, down the hall and around the corner into the living room. Nasir lay on the sofa with his eyes closed. It was immediately clear that he had just hung up with Emmett. The Arab breathed deeply and slowly in an effort to calm himself. He held his erection in his loose boxers.

"Ah," Garrett at once understood the situation. "I'll leave you alone."

"No, no," Nasir protested as he opened his eyes. "I am fine."

"You look like you need to take matters into your own hand," Garrett suggested.

"I am fine," Nasir repeated. "But my hand to Allah, the very minute I get home, I am going to fuck his face, and his ass, over and over."

"I don't think Emmett will object," Garrett chuckled. "Actually, that sounds like just the prescription. I shall adopt your plan myself."

Nasir heaved a sigh and sat up. "Let us to bed," he rose in his obscenely tented boxers and headed for the bedroom. Garrett followed his best friend with a smirk and a shake of his head. Nasir walked straight to the bed, pulled it down, and got into the left side.

"Oh, do you sleep on that side?" Garrett asked.

"You do too?" Nasir countered.

"I don't have to," Garrett began to walk around the bed.

"No, actually," Nasir moved over to the other side, "it would be better for me to sleep on the other side. If you are on the wrong side of me, I will be less likely to roll over onto you, thinking you are Emmett, in my sleep."

"Probably a good idea," Garrett walked back around to his side. "There will be no mistaking you for Seth in my sleep. You're twice his size," Garrett put out the bedside lamp and climbed into bed. Both men stretched out on their backs.

"Did you put in a wake up call?" Nasir asked.

"Oh, I did, for seven. Does that work for you?" Garrett asked.

"It does. That is perfect," Nasir confirmed. "Allah," he reached into his boxers to take hold of his straining bone and squeeze it again. "I am going to be hard all night!"

"Well, just don't point it over here. Think about something that is not arousing. Think about your favorite camel that you ever rode," Garrett suggested.

"Her name was Zanzia. She was almost sweet, if you can believe that," Nasir thought back. He smiled broadly. "I remember the slow, rhythmic movement as I rode her. If I had Emmett there with me, we could both ride her, naked. I would slip inside him and ride them both."

"Nasir," Garrett thought this would work, but it went in exactly the wrong direction.

"I would hold us both still and let that slow rhythmic movement make me fuck Emmett, slowly, on and on, across the sands," Nasir squeezed himself again and gave a groan.

"Maybe we should jack each other off," Garrett mused.

"No. No, no," Nasir protested weakly.

"Tell me about your mother and father," Garrett refocused his best friend on something else. Something that was sure to kill an erection.

---

The following evening, Nasir sat in the back of his chauffeur driven town car. He wore a lite gray suit with a pink dress shirt and dark tie. Nasir sat still, nearly frozen with trepidation. He had to make a phone call. He had to make it right now. And it was not good news.

"Sir?" the driver got Nasir's attention. Nasir had not even noticed that the man had gotten in behind the wheel. Had he been speaking?

"What?" Nasir asked.

"The St. Regis again, sir?" the driver asked again.

"Oh, yes," Nasir confirmed. He pulled out his cell and just stared at it a moment as the car began to roll. He dreaded making this call, but he had to do it. Nasir touched the sensor to dial the number and for the briefest moment, hoped it would go to voicemail. But this was not something to be left on voicemail.

---

It was only a quarter past three in Seattle when a distinct and familiar ring captured Emmett's attention. He sat at his drafting table in his office at work and swiveled around in his chair to grab his cell from his desk. Emmett wore his usual work attire of dress pants and shirt. This particular ring tone never failed to bring a smile to his face. Emmett wondered why this call would come now, but of course, there would not be opportunity later.

"Hi, Babe," Emmett answered the call with dimpled enthusiasm.

In the back of his town car, Nasir closed his eyes. Emmett sounded so happy. "Habibi."

On the other side of the continent, the smile vanished from Emmett's face. He recognized the tone of his partner's voice. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Habibi," Nasir said again.

"C'mon, Nasi, you're scaring me. What is it?" Emmett pressed.

"I cannot come home," Nasir dropped his bomb.

"Oh," Emmett spoke in a small voice.

"I am so sorry, Emmett," Nasir was sincere.

"What happened?" Emmett leaned on his desk and rested his forehead on the ball of his free hand.

"There is a special reception for the executives most of the day Sunday at the owners, the Tisch's, place in Greenwich," Nasir answered.

"Greenwich Village?" Emmett asked.

"Greenwich, Connecticut," Nasir clarified. "My boss made it very clear that while attendance is not mandatory, it would very much be frowned upon if I do not go. I feel like I need to do this. I am too new to risk alienating myself from any of these people, especially the Tisches."

"You're right, Nasi. You should go. Can you come home on Monday?" Emmett was hopeful.

"Now I have more meetings scheduled for next week even. I am going to actually start to get into the meat of my job. I am so sorry, Emmett," Nasir expressed again.

"Don't be sorry, Nasi," Emmett's compassion was clear in his voice.

"I feel like I am letting you down," Nasir felt small and helpless in the back of his town car.

"No, Babe. How could being a successful Manhattan executive be letting me down?" Emmett put it in perspective. "You're working. It's all brand new. You have to get yourself up to speed. If things are expected of you professionally, then you should do them. I want you to. I understand, Nasi. Don't feel bad."

"But I do. I want to come home to you," Nasir confessed.

"Well, I would love nothing more. I don't have to tell you that. I long to hold you in my arms," Emmett rose from his desk and quietly shut his office door, "to kiss you, to feel your naked body against mine, even just to smell you."

"I feel so bad," Nasir shook his head. The incredibly impressive scenery of Fifth Avenue passed by outside the car windows and he did not even notice it.

"No, Baby. Don't feel bad, really. I'm yours. Nothing can change that," Emmett assured as he sat back down in his chair. "And you're mine, for always."

"I am, Habibi, body and soul. All of me is yours. Nothing is more important to me that you," Nasir stated.

"Just know that you can always count on me, Nasi. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. You just focus on what you gotta do. Be as great at it as I know you are. I'm so proud of you," Emmett's love shone through his voice. "Knock their socks off and be confident that your partner loves you, and supports you, and is waiting for you at home. Don't stress. Really, Babe."

"Thank you," Nasir gave a sigh. "I do not know what I ever did to deserve you. You are so very good to me, my habibi."

"You love me. That's all you did. Totally and completely, and you make me feel it every day. Even across the country," Emmett smiled.

"I do. And you make me feel it too," Nasir agreed.

"You guys are doing dinner with Jasper tonight, right?" Emmett asked. The receptionist who ever nursed her crush on the big, hunky, but openly gay designer, appeared outside the office windows beside the closed door. She held up her wrist and pointed to her watch. Emmett made a face and gave a wave.

"Yes," Nasir confirmed. "I will be back at the hotel in just a minute," he took note finally of where he was. "Jasper is meeting us here."

"Have a great time and don't worry about calling later if you guys go out. Seth and I will be watching movies or whatever he has planned. Call me in the morning," Emmett bid. "I love you."

"I love you, my Emmett," Nasir returned.

"I gotta get back to work. Don't worry, Babe, really. Everything is fine. Have a good time. Bye, Nasi," Emmett rose from his desk again and took hold of his door knob.

"Thank you for understanding. You are the best partner in the whole world," Nasir spoke with admiration and fingered his ring. "And I can't wait to marry you."

"You are and I can't wait either," Emmett looked at his ring with the big, dimpled smile that caused every time. "Bye, Babe," he quickly stuffed the cell in his pocket as he pulled open the door and rushed out of the office. His boss got testy when people were late for a meeting. Just as quickly as he departed, Emmett dashed back to his office to snatch up the file he would need for this meeting and flew down the hallway again.

---

Nasir lowered his phone and just sat in the back of the town car as it pulled up to the St. Regis. Part of him was greatly relieved. And part of him wanted to cry. Nasir climbed out of the back of the car when the hotel doorman opened his door for him. Nasir took to his feet and paused to take a deep, cleansing breath. He was loved. He knew that more surely than he knew anything. There was no reason not to enjoy his evening with friends, old and new. A smile broke out on Nasir's face as he walked away from the car and up the red carpeted steps to the great bronze revolving door.

More than one man and nearly every passing woman cast an appreciative eye on the very handsome man and, who they just assumed, was his model boyfriend. Garrett sat with Jasper behind the marble balustrade in the King Cole bar that overlooked the St. Regis lobby from it's lofty perch three steps above the main level. Garrett was elegant in snug jeans, a pink polo shirt and dark blue suit jacket. It was easy to mistake Jasper for a European fashion model in tight, low rise jeans and a dark garnet linen dress shirt that even had a hood which laid on his back. The shirt was so tailored to Jasper's body that it made the tall, slim man seem all the more thin. A little black leather coach that could have easily been mistaken for a camera case, hung on his right hip from a thin leather strap that went across his chest.

"Ah, here he is," Garrett caught sight of their tall Arab friend as he walked into the lobby with his Louis Vuitton briefcase over his shoulder. As Garrett had signed for the beer bottles they each held when they got them, he and Jasper rose from their table near the steps and descended into the lobby. Nasir caught sight of his best friend and smiled all the more broadly as he headed for them. The man at Garrett's side with the long, wavy, golden locks that Nasir had met only once before, was unmistakably Jasper.

"Jasper!" Nasir opened his arms.

"Hi, Nasir!" Jasper stepped into Nasir's warm embrace. Nasir had hugged Jasper at Garrett and Seth's reception, but with so much on his mind at the time, failed to notice that the younger man was just about his height. And the fact that Jasper stayed very trim by living in, and walking around, Manhattan, was obvious.

"I think you are even taller than Edward," Nasir observed.

"I have a whole inch on him," Jasper informed.

"But he has you in bulk. You are so thin! Garrett, we must have a big dinner," Nasir proposed. "I need to change. Do you mind coming up?"

"We can't all be built like Emmett," Jasper pointed out as they headed for the elevators.

"Allah, Garrett, I cannot go home with you tomorrow," Nasir was reminded. "I have an event at Mr. Tisch's home on Sunday, and meetings all next week now."

"Oh, dear," Garrett knew what that meant.

"Uh, oh. Poor Em," Jasper made a sympathetic face. He knew his big, old friend well.

"Does Emmett know?" Garrett asked the pertinent question. He touched the button for their floor in the elevator.

"I just talked to him on the ride over here," Nasir revealed.

"How did he take it?" Jasper asked.

"He was very supportive and understanding. Emmett is the best partner a man could ask for," Nasir shared his admiration. "I do think he put on a brave face for me, though. I know he is disappointed."

"How could he not be, really? He loves you. Of course he wants to be with you," Jasper reasoned. "But I'm sure he understands. It's not like you are choosing to not go home. He knows you have a job to do."

"He does," Nasir agreed as they stepped out onto their floor.

"A man may understand, but that doesn't stop the heart from longing," Garrett put it in perspective.

"I very much long for him. More so every day," Nasir produced his key card and let them into the suite.

"Wow. This is a nice suite," Jasper looked around. "Did you and Seth stay in one like this when you guys came out?"

"The very same. I wouldn't stay anywhere else," Garrett stated. "No offense intended, Nasir."

"None taken," Nasir helped himself to a beer from the small fridge. "My hotels are nice, but not this nice. I'll just go put on some jeans, like you, Garrett," he set his beer down and headed for the bedroom. Garrett wasted no time in pulling his cell from his pocket.

"Seth needs to know Nasir is not coming home," Garrett explained.

"Seth will take care of the big guy," Jasper was confident.

"Would you like another beer, Jasper?" Garrett asked as he typed.

"I'm good, actually, thanks," Jasper held up his still half full bottle.

"There," Garrett shut his phone and slipped it back into his pocket. Nasir emerged having shed the briefcase and exchanged his suit pants, underwear, dress shoes and socks for snug jeans and his beloved sandals.

"Are we hungry?" Nasir picked up his beer and took a swig.

"Did you want to wear your tie?" Garrett asked.

"Oh," Nasir looked down. "No," he pulled it off and threw it in the direction of the dressing room. He then unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt, revealing some of his hairy chest.

"That's better," Jasper gave an approving nod.

"In answer to your question, I could eat anytime," Garrett informed.

"I'm hungry," Jasper agreed.

"Then let's go," Nasir headed for the door. Garrett and Jasper followed.

"We are near your work, Jasper?" Nasir asked as they walked toward the elevators again.

"Not too far. Easily walking distance. Though I have to confess, I went home and changed," Jasper revealed.

"You didn't have to do that," Garrett smiled.

"I wanted to look nice for my date with two big wig executives," Jasper teased. Two older ladies who had emerged from the elevator when it arrived, heard this comment. They both looked back and shared a whisper as they passed the three men in the corridor.

"I think those ladies think we hired you for the evening," Garrett observed as they stepped aboard the elevator.

Nasir made a point of looking Jasper over from head to toe. "We have good taste, Garrett."

"Yes, we do," Garrett chuckled.

They rode down to the lobby and walked through King Cole into the golden hued world of Adour Alain Ducasse. No one gave challenge to the beers in their hands as they came from the bar. Garrett gave his name and they were immediately shown to a table in the smaller and more cozy wine room. Only six, four top tables were in the room lined by just a few of Adour's over eighteen thousand bottles of wine. From this room they were not able to see, but could still hear, the strumming of the harpist. Garrett took a seat at the white linen, Limoges china and Waterford crystal set table. Nasir and Jasper sat on either side of him. Diffused light in the room was provided by small golden glass globes of varying sizes that hung from the ceiling on thin filaments and numbered in the hundreds.

"We didn't sit in here last time," Jasper observed. "I'm the one who lives here, and I feel like a country boy again with my beer," he added with amusement.

"And we shall have some more," Nasir decided as their waiter appeared.

"Good evening, gentlemen. I'm Andy and it will be my pleasure to take care of you," the smiling waiter handed them menus. "Can I bring anything from the bar, freshen your beers?"

"Yes, please bring us each a fresh beer," Nasir requested.

"Nasir, you haven't seen it yet, but they have caviar on the menu," Garrett informed.

"Oh, they do?" Nasir opened his menu.

"Russian Malossol or Caspian Golden Osetra," Andy was helpful.

"Oh, Caspian Golden," Nasir decided. "And can you bring some vodka shots on ice?"

"Yes we can," Andy confirmed. "What kind of vodka?"

"What is your favorite, Jasper?" Garrett asked.

"I like Absolute," Jasper answered.

"Absolute," Nasir pulled his wallet from his inside suit jacket pocket.

"Put that away," Garrett commanded. He looked up at Andy when it was clear Nasir would not obey. "His money is no good here."

Nasir pulled his credit card from his wallet and handed it to Andy. "You hold onto that and I don't want it back until I have paid for dinner."

"Give that back to him. I will be signing for dinner," Garrett spoke in the most authoritative manner he could muster.

"This man is under medical care, my medical care. I am his doctor. He needs assistance even to tie his shoes. Other than what he wants to eat or drink, pay him no attention at all," Nasir spun his story.

"Okay, you gave me your card first, so you win. I'll be right back with your caviar, vodka and round of brews," Andy did not buy a word of it. The giggle from the hot blonde guy only made him the more sure.

"Something tells me you two do that all the time," Jasper understood.

"Nasir thinks he is clever," Garrett gave a sigh and perused his menu.

"You, sir, think you are clever, but sometimes I beat you to it," Nasir smiled.

"The Caspian was a good choice," Garrett moved on. "I can't order it with Seth. He doesn't care for it. Do you like it, Jasper?"

"I can't say as I've ever had it. Not straight up, anyway. My friends make a spread called taramasalata that has roe in it. I like that just fine," Jasper gave a shrug.

"Taramasalata. I have never heard of that," Nasir was blank.

"It's Greek," Jasper informed.

"I do not know Greek food," Nasir admitted.

"Neither do I, really," Garrett agreed, "but I would like to try that. One of these times we can go to a Greek restaurant if you like."

"I can name several good ones," Jasper stated.

"We'll make a point to do that, then," Garrett smiled.

"Caspian Osetra is about as good as it gets. You will love it. I know," Nasir assured. "I am sorry Sethy does not like it. I am fortunate that Emmett does."

"Seth likes seafood though," Jasper mused.

"Some of it, anyway," Garrett made the exception.

"So what do you suppose those two are up to tonight?" Jasper asked.

"Emmett said they were going to watch movies and eat ice cream in bed," Nasir answered.

"Seth will want to take Emmett under his wing tonight. Now, more than ever," Garrett was certain.

"I am sorry that Sethy could not come with you, but I am more glad that Emmett has him there," Nasir shared.

"So, what's goin' on this weekend at the Tisch's place?" Jasper queried.

"Evidently, a few times a year, Mr. Tisch has all of his executives to his home for the day, a small select few for the whole weekend," Nasir informed. "It is very much expected to go. It is this Sunday and they only thought to mention it to me today," he shook his head.

"Andrew, James or Jon?" Garrett asked.

"Oh, James," Nasir clarified.

"The house out in Greenwich?" Jasper asked.

"Yes," Nasir answered. It should have come as no surprise that Garrett knew of the billionaire Tisch triumvirate, or that Jasper, in the television businesss, did as well. Nasir was impressed just the same.

"Here we are gentlemen," Andy arrived with tub of caviar and vodka shots all in nests of crushed ice with tiny blinis and condiments on the side, while a helper followed with their beers. "Have we had a chance to look at the menu?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Jasper picked his menu back up. "I've just been gabbin'."

"A few more minutes, please," Nasir instructed.

"I'll be back in a few and nearby if you have any questions for me," Andy gave a smile and walked away.

"What is good here, Garrett?" Nasir asked as he spooned some caviar onto a blini.

"Everything written on that menu in front of you, Nasir," Garrett answered dryly. Nasir could not help but smile. Jasper smiled with him as he tried a blini laden with caviar, a little crumbled egg yolk and minced red onion.

"Oh, that might be an acquired taste, you guys," Jasper finished his blini, but did not reach for more.

"I'm sorry you don't like it, Jasper. What else can we get you?" Garrett asked. "You liked the cheese tray last time, as I recall."

"Oh, yeah," Jasper remembered.

"Have a vodka," Nasir plucked a thin vial out of the ice and handed it to Jasper. He took two more and handed one of those to Garrett.

"Good friends and a fun evening in Manhattan," Garrett made the toast.

"Good friends who found really great husbands," Jasper added his own sentiment and they all knocked back their shot.

"Thank you, Jasper," Garrett smiled.

"You are very kind," Nasir agreed.

"I just call it like I see it," Jasper countered. Garrett looked around for Andy and the attentive waiter came at once.

"Are we ready?" Andy asked.

"I am," Jasper confirmed.

"Start, please, Jasper," Garrett bid.

"I'm going to have just what I had last time," Jasper stated. "The ricotta gnocchi and for dinner the venison."

"Excellent choice. The venison is so tender you can cut it with a fork," Andy endorsed. "And for you, gentlemen?"

"Garrett," Nasir bid as he continued to look over the choices.

"I would like to start with the chilled lobster medallions, and then the Chilean turbot, please," Garrett closed his leather bound menu.

"I will start with the same and then have the lamb," Nasir gave a nod. He looked at Garrett and noted the raised eyebrows. "I have a taste for lamb since we had the kibbeh," he explained as he handed over his menu to Andy.

"Andy, will you also bring a cheese tray, right away, please?" Garrett added. "And do we want wine?"

"Oh, yeah. What was that wine we had last time?" Jasper asked.

"I'll bring you the cellar book as well," Andy smiled and strode away.

"Okay, now what's kibbeh?" Jasper took swig of his cold beer.

"Quite good is what it is," Garrett endorsed.

"It is a little lamb and mint ball, deep fried in a wheat shell," Nasir answered.

"Oh, is it on the menu for your reception?" Jasper asked. "Emmett said you guys were doing a menu that reflected each of your heritage."

"Exactly so," Nasir confirmed.

"I'll get to try one then," Jasper gave a nod. "You'd probably like Greek cuisine, Nasir. Lot's of lamb on the menu."

"I would like to try," Nasir nodded.

"So, you getting excited, groom?" Jasper asked with a sexy smirk.

"I am. I spent so much time worrying about marrying a woman I did not know to please my family. I was so stupid," Nasir shook his head. "I am going to marry the love of my life. I will be so proud to stand beside him," he could not keep the smile from his face. "But I am filled with fear also."

"Oh, dear," this was the first Garrett heard of this. "Whyever for?"

"Not gettin' cold feet are you?" Jasper asked.

"No, no. It is not that. Never, ever that. What I mean is, at this rate, I will be able to fly in just for the ceremony and have to come right back," Nasir expressed his fears. "I will probably be as late to my own wedding as I was to yours."

"We can't have that," Garrett stated. "You don't think you'll be tied up here right up until the wedding, surely."

"Here we go, guys," Andy set the cheese tray on the table closest to Jasper and handed the wine list, that was ten times the length of the menu, to Garrett.

"Thank you," Garrett took the much thicker leather bound book.

"I will not stay longer than another week. I will not," Nasir assured firmly. "I have obligations at home. I am getting married. They will have to understand that."

"I'm coming in the week before to spend some time with Edward, but I'm also looking forward to spending more time with all you guys than I did the last time," Jasper revealed.

"That will be nice," Garrett smiled.

"It's nice that you asked Edward to stand up with you, Nasir," Jasper expressed as he munched a slice of expensive blue veined cheese on a thin toast point with a dab of black currant preserves.

"I consider Edward a close friend. He is my closest friend, really, outside of Garrett, Sethy and Emmett," Nasir stated.

"It'll be nice to see all you guys together," Jasper smiled.

"Edward is a good man," Nasir endorsed.

"Yeah, you know, I think so too," Jasper grew introspective for a moment. "So, Garrett," he changed gears, "I know what brings Nasir to my city, but what brings our favorite banker?"

"Confidentiality prevents from saying much, but there is a certain aged heiress here in Manhattan, who lives at a hospital," Garrett began.

"Huguette Clark?" Jasper hit the nail right on the head. "Lives at Beth Israel? Montana copper fortune, right?"

"You are well informed and I see I have already said too much," Garrett took another vodka shot and downed it.

"She's a crazy old bird, from what I've heard, but she's crazy loaded too. It would be quite a coup if you could take over management of her assets," Jasper was savvy.

"Indeed it would. Fifth Third has been trying for years. I have been brought in as it seems I have quite the touch with older ladies," Garrett smiled.

"Another client like Henrietta Van Cleft?" Nasir asked.

"Much in that vein, but, while I cannot go into detail, many, many times the net worth," Garrett said all he could. "Ah, here we are. It was the Domaine Trimbach Pinot Gris from Alsace, France."

"Yeah, that sounds like it," Jasper nodded.

"We'll get a couple of bottles," Garrett closed the cellar book and set it aside as he reached for another blini.

"You might get promoted," Nasir mused aloud.

---

Seth stood in the museum quality antique filled spacious living room of his penthouse home, clad in only a leather jock that was custom made for his body with a pouch ample enough to accommodate The King, and his heavy Emirati gold necklace.

"I need to bring Emmy with me on Sunday," Seth spoke into the cell he held to his face.

"You sure he won't feel a little out of place?" Leah asked.

"Leah, I can't leave him alone. This is not optional," Seth stressed.

"You know I love Emmett and think of him as my big little brother. You need to bring him, you bring him, but what happened?" Leah wondered.

"Nasir's not coming home now," Seth gave the simple explanation.

"Oh, poor Em," Leah understood.

Seth heard the key in the front door. "He's here. Gotta go!" he ended the call and flung the phone onto the nearest sofa even as one of the double front doors swung open.

"Seth!" Emmett bellowed. "Nasi's not coming home!" he shut the door behind him, left his keys and wallet on the entry hall table, and walked through into the living room. Emmett wore colorful board shorts and a plain white tank top that stretched across his chest and displayed his nipples. He stopped short when he caught sight of Seth.

"I know, Emmy," Seth made a sympathetic frown and opened his arms.

"What are you wearing?" Emmett asked.

"Like you've never seen anyone in a leather jock before," Seth dismissed.

"Well, I've never seen anyone else in a leather jock. I can tell you that," Emmett stated.

"It's new. I really like it, actually," Seth twisted around and tried his best to see himself from behind.

"It's pretty sexy," Emmett rightly observed. "Did you put that on just for me?" he added in a mock dreamy voice with tilted head.

"We'll get to that in a minute. Come sit down," Seth dictated. "Sit here on the floor," he pointed to the nearest sofa.

"Okay," Emmett did as he was told and sat down on the floor with his back against the sofa. Seth laid down behind Emmett and in this position it was easy for him to place his arm around the bigger man's neck, and rest his head on the broad shoulder. Seth didn't need to say anything. Emmett just leaned his head against Seth's and gave a weary sigh as he drank in strength from the smaller man.

"I hate it when he's gone, Seth," Emmett finally admitted in a quiet voice.

"I know you do," Seth rubbed the massive chest.

"All that time since we got back and he lost his job, I had his attention when I got home every day. I had him in my arms every night," Emmett shook his head. "I know that's selfish."

"You can admit it to me," Seth reassured. "I don't like it when Garrett is gone either. You know I get freaked out sometimes. If this were not a secure place in a secure building, I would be a wreck."

"You always got me, Sweetie," Emmett rubbed the dark arm that rubbed him. "I would never let anything happen to you."

"Better not!" Seth thumped Emmett's chest.

"Are you kidding? And not just because you're my little brother from another mother and I love you. If I didn't have you, I'd fall apart sometimes," Emmett revealed.

"What happened?" Seth asked quietly.

"Some big thing at the company president's house and more meetings and shit. I don't even know when he'll come home," Emmett shook his head.

"Look at it this way, Emmy. Nasir landed himself a great job doing something he's really good at. We need to let him do it. It's gonna be really hard for him to get away much, at least in the short term," Seth reasoned.

"I know that," Emmett agreed.

"We should be proud of him," Seth stressed.

"Oh, I am, I so am. I tell him all the time, because I want him to know it, to feel it. I love him so much, Seth. I want him to have a job he loves. He was miserable just lying around the house with nothing to do, waiting for me or Garrett to get home. I know that. I saw it. I would never let him know how much this bothers me," Emmett shook his head.

"I don't advocate hiding something from your partner, but this would only distract him and make him feel bad," Seth spoke his wisdom.

"That's exactly what I thought," Emmett agreed.

"We need to find a way to get you out there for the weekends or something," Seth mused.

"Long way to go for just a weekend, but I would do it," Emmett nodded.

"Let's make that happen if he can't come home. I would miss you both, but I need you to be with him," Seth patted the big pec under his hand gently. "Doesn't he have an apartment there that his father gave him as a wedding present?"

"He hasn't even seen it yet," Emmett commented. "Garrett is gonna go with him to check it out tomorrow."

"It was nice of Narrow Minded Shake to give you guys such a nice present," Seth smiled.

"Yeah, my father-in-law's a great guy. You'd love him," Emmett played.

"Okay, get naked," Seth clapped Emmett on his bare shoulder.

"Okay," Emmett agreed, but made no move to get up. "Um, why am I getting naked?"

"Dickslap," Seth gave the simple answer.

"Sorry, what?" Emmett turned his head.

"Tell me you don't know what that is," Seth gave the big man a hard time.

"It's a kinky game you want to play? You'll give me a black eye. How will I explain that?" Emmett teased.

"Not that kinda dickslap. And I wouldn't give you a black eye. I'd knock you out! What I mean is, Dickslap the event, and it's tonight. Small change of plan. I need to go and I need you to go with me," Seth informed.

"There's an event called Dickslap?" Emmett wondered.

"Have you heard of the Seattle Gay News? If you don't read my paper, do you at least read the articles I post on the website?" Seth was exasperated.

"Why should I read the paper, or the website, when I have direct and personal access to your big mouth?" Emmett teased.

"You're so funny," Seth rolled his eyes. "Okay, short, easy version for my big, slow friend. The Washington State Liquor Control Board has been harassing the Seattle Eagle for a long time. They are in there nearly every night and constantly giving the Eagle tickets for things that never are made an issue of at straight clubs. We have pictures of women getting their bare boobies fondled by men and women in other bars and WSLCB did nothing. We even caught a girl pulling a guy's dick out of his pants. Nothing. The Eagle was cited this last time for showing the latest Guys Gone Wild video, because, get this, the guy at the end touches himself and gives his hard on a few strokes. They showed a video with masturbation. So, of course, they got a ticket with a hefty fine."

"That's just stupid," Emmett stated.

"What's worse is that the owners of the Eagle have the WSLCB officers screen all the videos they show in the bar first, to make sure they're okay. The officers didn't watch the whole thing through, it seems, so even though they approved this particular piece of cinematic gold, they gave them a ticket anyway," Seth went on.

"A video of a guy touching himself is a problem? At the Eagle?" Emmett could not wrap his head around that. "How is it that two perfectly legal things, porn and alcohol, suddenly become illegal when they're both at the same place at the same time?"

"I know. It makes no sense at all. And a video of a person all alone is a ticketable offence, but actual people, touching each other, live and in person in other bars, is no problem evidently," Seth pointed out.

"That's super shitty," Emmett observed. "When are we gonna get to the part called 'dickslap'?"

"Keep your pants on. Sorry, actually, please take them off. The community is fed up and we're not gonna take it anymore. There is a 'members only' event at the Eagle tonight to fight back. Cover is twenty dollars with proceeds going to the Eagle legal defense fund," Seth explained. "Membership will be given to anyone who simply pays the cover, unless, of course, you happen to be an officer of WSLCB, in which case the answer will be, sorry, members only. The dress code is a jock, so that everyone has a bare butt. It's called Dickslap and it's tonight."

"We're going to go to the Eagle in just jocks?" Emmett's eyes went wide.

"You're also going to wear a harness," Seth dictated.

"A harness!" Emmett was so not that type.

"And I bought a jock with a lace up front that is too big on Garrett, but it should fit you just right," Seth continued.

"Seth, in spite of your penchant for leather garments, neither of us are leather queens. We are not going to fit in at the Eagle," Emmett was dubious.

"Everyone is going, Emmy. It's gonna be packed. I need to cover it. Dane is going too, to get some shots, and you know he's not a leather boy either," Seth went on.

"What is Garrett gonna say when he hears you went to the Eagle, dressed like that?" Emmett gestured with his chin.

"He's gonna say that he was glad you were with me. There's no way I can go by myself. Someone built like me, at a private event in a place like that, I'd end up getting fucked on the pool table with a line out the door. It actually worked out that it's just us. Garrett wouldn't want to go to this," Seth pointed out.

"You know Garrett would go with us. He doesn't say no to you," Emmett observed.

"I know. And neither do you. And I'm gonna call Edward," Seth reached behind him and produced his cell.

"Where do you keep that, in your ass?" Emmett snickered.

"Where do you keep yours?" Seth touched the sensor to call Edward and put the phone to his ear.

"Hi, Seth," Edward answered.

"Hi, ho. What's up? I know you took the night off from talking to Jasper, 'cause he's with Garrett and Nasir right now," Seth began.

"Instead I have the pleasure of speaking to you. What's up with you? Em okay?" Edward asked.

"He is, and I'm glad you asked. We're going to Dickslap tonight and you're coming with us," Seth commanded.

"Seth, I don't know what that is, and I don't want to know," Edward stated.

"Does everyone I know live under a rock?" Seth complained. "It's an event at the Eagle to raise money and awareness and fight back against discrimination. We're going and we're wearing jocks and so are you."

"And that just sounds like so much fun, I am going to have to pass," Edward declined.

"Get your butt in the car, Cullen. What else you gotta do?" Seth demanded.

"Well, going to a leather bar in a jock is, surprisingly, not high on my list of things to do tonight," Edward was flip. "Besides, it's a school night for me. I have to be on my mountain just after sun up."

"You could leave from here. We're not gonna stay that long anyway," Seth tried again.

"No," Edward said simply.

"Okay, be that way. You'd look hot in just a jock, just so ya know," Seth gave a last ditch effort.

"There is only one person I would be interested in seeing me dressed that way and since he won't be there, I'm just gonna have dinner, sit out on my deck with a beer, and think about him. Kay?" Edward was final.

"Fine. I'll talk to you later. Goodnight," Seth said and ended the call.

"I could have told you that," Emmett shook his head.

"You want Mario's?" Seth asked.

"Is there a section where they seat people in jocks?" Emmett teased.

"I'll have them deliver," Seth made a face. "Usual?"

"Usual," Emmett answered.

"Go in my bedroom. Your jock and harness are on my bed. Try them on," Seth instructed as he called up the number to their favorite pizza place. Emmett got up from the floor with a huff and headed for the bedroom. By the time Seth joined him, his shorts lay on the floor and he was in the process of trying to fit himself into the dark green jock with the lace up pouch.

"You don't quite fit in that, do you," Seth observed as he walked into the bedroom. He stopped in front of Emmett and put his hand on his chin as he considered.

"I'm trying," Emmett pulled the laces and tied a tight, small bow. The laces could not pull the pouch completely closed so that the skin of Emmett's ample meat was partially visible.

"I don't remember you being so substantial when you're soft," Seth observed.

"I don't get completely soft anymore. I'm horny as all fuck and I miss my man!" Emmett exclaimed.

"You want me to leave you alone for a minute?" Seth suggested.

"Not gonna do that," Emmett shook his head.

"Well," Seth knelt in front of Emmett and attempted to adjust his best friend's package.

"Not helping," Emmett looked down. "Could you not fondle me please?"

"Actually, you look fine," Seth stood back up. "Try the harness now."

Emmett peeled his tank top off over his head with one arm. The memory of how hot seeing him do that always made his partner, caused his jock to grow even tighter. He picked up the thick leather straps and slipped the thing over his head. It was a good quality, heavy duty harness with a Y on his back. The tops went over his shoulders and Seth helped him fasten the buckles of the straps that went around his torso from the bottom of the Y in back to attach to the big ring in front. It fit snugly under his pecs and accentuated his chest and muscular back and shoulder blades.

"There. I thought that would fit you nicely," Seth stood back. Emmett walked into the spacious master bath to assess himself in the full length mirror.

"Seth! I look ridiculous," Emmett protested.

"Please, the way you are built, every cub and bottom there is gonna drool and slobber all over your big feet," Seth folded his arms across his bare chest in the doorway of the bathroom.

"Oh, yeah, that's what I want," Emmett was sarcastic.

"You look great. They're gonna eat you up," Seth complimented.

"Well, I feel ridiculous. This is so not our scene. Or, at least, it's not mine. Where did you get this thing, anyway?" Emmett demanded with a darkened brow. "Should I be concerned that you have this in your closet?"

"Oh," Seth gave a dismissive wave, rolled his eyes and walked away from the bathroom.

"Could I wear jeans with this thing instead of this jock?" Emmett followed Seth. "I promise it'll be my tightest pair."

"No. The whole point, or one of them, is to bare our butt cracks, 'cause that's one of the things WSLCB hates," Seth headed for the living room.

"What are you wearing with that thing?" Emmett continued to follow.

"My two favorite accessories, charm and wit," Seth called from the hallway.

---

"You guys ever see footage or shots of the guys in the big control room with the wall of monitors in front of them?" Jasper asked as they relaxed over French press coffee after dinner. "Sometimes they show the control room at awards shows or things like that."

"Yes," Nasir confirmed.

"They guy in the center is the director," Jasper continued.

"You direct the show?" Garrett asked.

"No," Jasper shook his head. "Well, sometimes, on the occasional Saturday. I'm one of the guys in the headsets at the panel in front of the wall of monitors typically."

"What does the headset do to your hair?" Nasir smiled.

"Some days I look pretty silly," Jasper admitted with a grin. "Rockefeller Center is only six blocks from here. You could come see me next week if you get time during the day, Nasir. I'll give you a tour of the studio. You can actually see into the studio from the street."

"You can?" Nasir found that hard to imagine.

"I've caught the show a few times," Garrett stated. "I remember shots of the crowd through the windows."

"Studio One-A is right across 49th Street from the GE building," Jasper added.

"If I can find time during the day, I will do that," Nasir looked up as Andy returned with the little leather book with his credit card and charge slip.

"Thank you, guys. Have a great evening," Andy bid.

"You do the same," Garrett smiled before the waiter walked away.

"There," Nasir signed the slip and put his credit card away. "Now then, Jasper. This is your city. Where can we go to get into trouble?"

"Not too awfully much, just enough," Garrett amended.

"Well, now, let's see. Where to get into trouble," Jasper thought a moment. "There is always The Cock."

"The Cock?" Garrett raised his eyebrows.

"The Cock. Subtle, huh? It's a bar in the East Village. A dark and dingy place. Wall to wall men, everybody groping everybody else. Half the guys in there will have their dick in someone else's hand. There are dancers on the bar, naked and hard. You'll see people give them a tip, and sometimes a suck, and then move on to the next one," Jasper explained.

"Such a thing is legal here?" Nasir was amazed.

"Yes it is," Jasper confirmed.

"Slightly less trouble than that," Garrett stated. "Sorry, quite a bit less trouble than that."

"If only Emmett were here," Nasir gave a sigh.

"If that were the case, you'd be up in your hotel room sucking him," Jasper added quietly.

"What you say is true," Nasir admitted with a nod.

"Is that a bar you frequent, Jasper?" Garrett asked the pointed question.

"I have been there a grand total of two times," Jasper held up two fingers. "Neither time by my choice, and very glad I was with a group of friends each time."

"Where else might we go?" Nasir asked.

"There's Xes over in Chelsea. They have big monitors and do favorite TV show nights. It is the place to be when Spartacus is on," Jasper informed. "There's Boxers. Probably not the best on a Friday night. It's a sports bar where the bartenders' uniform is boxers."

"Is that a gay bar? A gay sports bar?" Garrett asked.

"It is," Jasper confirmed.

"Only in New York," Garrett smiled.

"Not really. I would say the Madison Pub is Seattle's equivalent. I grabbed a drink there with a friend when I was out for your wedding, Garrett. Oh," Jasper smiled knowingly. "I know. I'll bet you guys don't have one of these in Seattle. Ever been to an absinthe bar?"

"No," Garrett confessed.

"I thought it was illegal in this country," Nasir stated.

"It's not anymore," Garrett informed, "but I've never seen it offered anywhere or ever tried it."

"I have never had it either," Nasir added.

"Then you guys are in for a treat. It's pretty unique and quite a production. The place is called Apotheke. Absinthe is just one of the things they do, but it's what they're known for. It's way down in Chinatown, so we'll have to grab a cab."

Nasir and Garrett both pulled their cell phones out of their pockets.

"I'll call," Nasir called up the number.

"You picked up dinner. I'll get the car and bar tab," Garrett raised the phone to his ear. He darkened his brow when Nasir raised his phone to his ear as well. "If you are a gentleman, you will hang up and let me do this small thing."

"As you wish," Nasir put his phone down.

"This is Garrett Thompson. My account number is 71597. I need a car at the St. Regis right away, please, a limousine," Garrett ordered. "Thank you," he hung up and slipped his cell back into his pocket. "And we can have a martini in the bar while we wait," Garrett suggested.

"Sounds good," Nasir agreed as they all rose from the table.

It was a short walk from Adour Alain Ducasse back to the King Cole bar. The bar was far from empty, but all the couples occupied the small tables and left the big bar under the enormous King Cole mural free.

"Evening, gentlemen," the smiling barman in white tux shirt with black bow tie and vest greeted.

"Good evening," Garrett returned. "I would like a Kettle One martini, very dry, with anchovie stuffed olives if you have them. Jasper?"

"Cosmopolitan with Absolute Citroen, please," Jasper gave his order.

"Seth is a cosmopolitan drinker," Garrett could not help but notice.

"Who do you think introduced me to it?" Jasper smiled.

"And this odd man out will have a double Laphroaig on the rocks, the oldest you have," Garrett finished.

"Let me get this," Jasper reached for his wallet.

"Here is my room key. I will sign it to the room. Their money is no good," Garrett handed it over.

"Yes, sir," the barman took it.

"C'mon, Garrett," Jasper pressed.

"There is no use. He is stubborn as a camel," Nasir ribbed.

"The pot describes the kettle," Garrett teased right back.

"I guess I am going to be spending a great deal more time here," Nasir thought out loud. "I hope you can help me get acclimated, Jasper. I came from a small place in the desert, to Seattle, to here. Nothing has ever prepared me for what came after it."

"I can do that, Nasir," Jasper gave his endearing lopsided smile. "New York is like no other place in the world. London is pretty cool too. I lived there for a while, but the Big Apple has my heart."

"Oh, yes. I know that you lived in London. I love London," Nasir expressed.

"I do too," Garrett agreed.

"It was years ago, part of a college program," Jasper informed. The barman returned with Nasir's tumbler of amber liquid and two martini glasses. The tall stemmed glasses had only three olives skewered in one an a large lemon twist in the other.

"And here we are, gentlemen," the bartender poured Garrett's clear martini and Jasper's pink cosmopolitan from twin shakers at the same time.

"Marvelous," Garrett handed Nasir's glass to him and all three took a sip.

"You met my friends when you were there," Jasper stated.

"We did. We even went to a game," Garrett enthused.

"Yeah, they told me you saw a match. They really like you guys," Jasper revealed.

"We very much like them too," Nasir expressed.

"Seth cherishes his signed ball. It has a special place on the shelves of his hutch in his office at home," Garrett smiled.

"They are fun guys," Nasir gave a nod.

"That's what they said about you," Jasper stated.

"I would love to see them again," Garrett was sincere.

"Me too. It's been a while. Maybe we can all meet up in London sometime," Jasper suggested.

"Oh, now, we'll hold you to that," Garrett pointed.

"Yes we will," Nasir agreed.

"It's a deal," Jasper pledged and held up a hand.

"What brought you to New York in the first place, Jasper?" Nasir asked.

"I've been coming here in the summers and for a lot of holidays since I was a kid. My father lives here," Jasper answered.

"I must have misunderstood," Nasir was preplexed. "I thought Emmett said your family was from the same little town that Edward is from, though I cannot remember the name of the place."

"Forks," Jasper chuckled. "Actually, only Edward is from there. I'm from Texas originally."

"Oh, I do remember Seth saying that," Garrett added.

"My parents divorced and my mom got remarried when I was little. Then we moved to Forks when my stepfather got a job as the Superintendent of schools there," Jasper explained.

"I understand now," Nasir nodded.

"The winters here are gonna be tougher than you've ever experienced, I'm sure," Jasper mused.

"I do not look forward to that. I do not do cold very well," Nasir confessed.

"No one could blame you, considering where you come from," Jasper gave support. "There are the best restaurants, like the one we just came from, and thank you for that, by the way."

"Our pleasure," Nasir smiled.

"There are the best bars and shopping and museums, but I think best of all, that you just don't find anything close to anywhere else but London, is Broadway," Jasper stated.

"Oh, yes," Nasir gave a slow nod.

"The plays and musicals on Broadway and off, are so many and varied that you could never see them all. And some of the off Broadway shows are the best," Jasper enthused.

"I would love to take Emmett to some shows," Nasir liked that thought.

"If Emmett were here right now, you'd never get out of the hotel room," Garrett pointed out.

"Well, no," Nasir admitted.

Garrett's pocket beeped and he pulled out his cell to read a freshly arrived text. "Ah. Our car is out front," he read. "Bartender," Garrett called.

"Sir?" the barman came at once.

"Have you plastic cups? I don't want to walk out the front door with your glasses," Garrett asked.

"Yes, sir," the bartender reached under the bar and produced plastic cups, into which he poured their cocktails.

"If you have to leave a party, always take a traveller," Jasper spoke his altruism.

"My very thought," Garrett agreed. The barman handed Garrett back his room card and the charge slip.

"Now then, Nasir. Let's take our very pretty rent boy out for a night on the town," Garrett teased as he signed the slip. Jasper just giggled and Nasir put his arm around Jasper's shoulders as they strode away from the bar. Down and across the marble lobby, through the great bronze door, down the red carpeted steps, their Lincoln limousine was waiting.

"Evening, sirs. Where can I take you?" the driver opened the rear door.

"We're going to Apotheke," Jasper answered. "It's on Doyers Street down in Chinatown. Do you know it?"

"I do. Hop right in," the driver confirmed. Jasper took the rear facing seat while Garrett and Nasir sat together on the rear seat. In but a moment they were on their way downtown.

---

Seth reclined on one of the living room sofas, while Emmett sat across from him, each with a beer in hand, until the house phone rang. He hopped up and dashed off to the kitchen, the location of the nearest cordless, to answer it.

"Dinner?" Emmett asked as Seth returned from the kitchen.

"Pizza guy is on his way up," Seth confirmed. "I'll just pop some sweats on and grab some cash. Will you get out plates and forks? We can eat in the kitchen, unless you'd rather sit outside," he kept talking as he disappeared down the hallway to the master bedroom. Emmett said nothing, but got up and headed for the kitchen. An evil smirk painted his face and he turned around to head for the front doors. His keys and wallet were right where he left them on the table in the entry hall. Emmett took enough cash out of his wallet to cover the pizza and a generous enough tip to hopefully make up for the fright the kid was about to receive.

A knock came at the door and Emmett opened it. The look on the delivery boy's face was priceless. If the shaggy haired kid was out of high school, it was not long behind him. He just stood there with wide eyes and mouth open, holding the oven bag in his hands as he stared at the big, muscular man bulging in the leather harness and laced front jock.

"Pizza?" Emmett finally asked. As if jolted by an electrical shock, the kid jerked into motion. He nearly dropped the whole thing as he opened the bag to extract the hot pizza.

"Will this cover it?" Emmett asked as he exchanged the box for his cash.

"Uh, um," the kid stammered as he did a quick count and, upon discovering that it more than did, turned on his heel and flew across to the elevator. The car was still on this floor and the doors opened promptly.

"Have a nice night," Emmett called with a smile as the elevator doors closed on the sweating delivery boy. He chuckled to himself and closed Seth's front door.

Seth appeared in his entry hall in a pair of loose and baggy, boy's sized sweat pants, cash in hand, only to discover Emmett holding their dinner. "Emmy! Did you answer my door dressed like that?"

"I wanted to get dinner, Sweetie," Emmett answered innocently.

"You could have just given me the money!" Seth pointed out.

"I could have, and did, just give the money to the delivery boy," Emmett countered.

"Dressed like that?" Seth demanded again.

"What's wrong with how I'm dressed?" Emmett looked down at himself. "You dressed me."

"Oh, give me that," Seth ripped the pizza box out of Emmett's hands. "I'll probably never get pizza delivered again," he headed for the kitchen.

"We can always have it delivered to my place," Emmett smiled as he followed.

"And when we do, I will be sure to answer your door in my most see-through thong!" Seth promised.

"They make a thong big enough to hold all of you?" Emmett teased.

"No!" Seth made his point all the stronger. Emmett just laughed as they walked into the kitchen to eat.