Two Days Later
John sat on the bottom step and watched as a normally cool, calm and collected Randy paced around the foyer. His parents would be arriving any minute now
"You need to relax babe. I know you don't want to be all sweaty when you hug your mom and you're working up lather over there." Randy stopped and glared at him
"I don't need you to attempt to be funny right now John."
"Ouch." John said as the doorbell rang. "It's show time." He said standing
"Wait a second babe."
"No. I love you. No matter what. Open the door." Randy took a deep breath and kissed John before opening the door
"Randy!" His mom said throwing her arms around him
"Hi mom." She pulled back
"You look so good…tan as always."
"You know I love a good tan."
"I know you do." His mom said kissing his cheek
"What am I, chopped liver back here?"
"I see you dad. Come in guys." Randy's parents stepped inside the foyer
"It's beautiful in – oh Johnny! There you are."
"Hello." John hugged Randy's mom and shook his dad's hand. "It's great to finally meet you."
"I'm sure Randy talks about us all the time." John laughed
"Mom. Can I get you guys anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty?"
"I could actually go for a drink myself."
"Follow me to the kitchen."
"Here, I'll take your bags for you."
"Are you sure you can handle all these by yourself?"
"Those muscles aren't just for show." John laughed
"I'm positive I can handle them." John took the bags and went upstairs
"Are you sure I can't get you something to eat?"
"Oh no, they fed us well on the plane. Remind us to thank Johnny for chartering that flight." Randy waved his hand
"Your things are in the second room on the left."
"Okay. Thanks for chartering our flight."
"Oh, you're welcome." Randy's mom smiled
"You're so handsome. Where's Cody?"
"He's still at work mom."
"I can't wait to meet him and see those beautiful eyes in person."
"And he'll be more than happy to show them to you." John laughed as he took his phone from his pocket
CodyBabe: on my way home. Are we allowed to kiss Randy in front of his parents?
John: okay, first – when did you go in my phone and save your name like this?
CodyBabe: don't worry about it. Can we kiss him or not?
John: yes but not like those sloppy ones you guys usually give each other
CodyBabe: I can keep it dry
John: good…and stay out of my phone
CodyBabe: why
John: it's not yours
CodyBabe: so. You can go through mine if you want, whenever you want
John: that's not the point. Stay out
CodyBabe: fine. Whatever you say John
John: that's more like it
"Everything okay babe?"
"Uh yea, Cody's on his way home."
"Since when did he announce his arrival? Is he okay?"
"He's fine. He wanted to know if it was okay to kiss you in front of your parents." Randy and his parents laughed. "I told him to keep it G."
Outside
"What are you doing?" Evan said walking up behind Cody in the driveway. Cody jumped
"Geez! You scared me."
"I'm sure I did. What are you doing?"
"Making sure I look okay." Cody said running his tongue over his teeth while staring in the side mirror on his car
"Why? John and Randy have seen you at your worst."
"Randy's parents are here."
"Oh! Is that today?"
"Yes."
"Will the three of you be able to have sex with them here?" Cody froze and covered his mouth
"I didn't think of that. We better…we'll make it work."
"Oh I'm sure you will." Cody stood there. "Um, are you going to go inside?"
"I'm nervous."
"About what?"
"Meeting Randy's parents."
"Is there a reason they won't like you?"
"No. Who doesn't like me?" Evan stared at him. "Oh." Cody laughed. "Duh." Both men walked into the house
….
"Hi." Cody said shyly walking into the kitchen. John and Randy both groaned inwardly. Why is he so cute? They thought. Randy reached out for Cody's hand and pulled him closer into the kitchen
"Mom and dad this is Cody in the flesh and this here is Evan."
"It's very nice to meet you." He said shaking their hands
"Lovely to meet you."
"How was work?" Randy asked kissing Cody
"I caught some kids cheating on their test today so that was fun."
"What's going to happen to them?"
"Well," Cody said slipping his bag off his shoulder. "It counts for 20% of their grade not including their final so…" Everyone in the kitchen groaned. "I know."
Later
John and Randy sat on their bed waiting for Cody to decide on an outfit to wear out for dinner that night
"What about this one?" Both men sighed
"Cody, baby, you've looked good in all of them. You look good in all of your clothes. It's a gift you have."
"I know but I want to look really good."
"You did see what my dad was wearing correct? It's not that serious." Cody walked out of their closet and eyed Randy. "I say you go like that." John laughed
"You've got my vote." Cody huffed
"I'm not going out in my underwear guys." Cody said straddling Randy
"But we might get our meal for free."
"Might?" Cody said incredulously
"Oh excuse me. I'm sure no one there could resist you in those tight little things." John looked over. "Can the two of you stop for a second?"
"I've been waiting to kiss Ran like this all day."
"Well relax because we have to leave in 30 minutes and you're still not dressed."
"Will we be able to have sex guys? I mean with mom and dad here and all."
"I put them way down the hall for a reason but the two of you still need to keep it down."
"Yea, keep it down Randy."
"What?!"
"You're both noisy. Cody you whimper like a lost kitten and Randy, well you're just loud as hell." Randy laughed
"Who doesn't like kittens?" John glared at Cody
"Randy's parents when they're trying to sleep."
"I'll keep it down."
"Or I'll just smother you with a pillow, doesn't matter to me." Cody climbed off Randy and went back to their closet
"What are you wearing John?" John shrugged
"Whatever you tell me to wear babe."
"I may have to dress Cody too if he doesn't get his ass out of that damn closet." Just then Cody walked back out
"What about this?" John and Randy looked at him
"It's not a costume dinner."
"What?"
"You're dressed like Tom Cruise in Risky Business."
"What's that?" Randy sighed
"You know that movie where Tom Cruise is wearing the button down shirt and no pants?" John explained
"Oh! I'll put pants on Randy." Cody said going back in the closet. Randy threw his arms in the air
"That is it." He said jumping off the bed and stalking to the closet. John heard a scuffle and some slaps then saw Randy carrying Cody out of the closet under one arm and holding a pair of pants under the other. "Put these on." He said dropping Cody and the pants next to John. Cody poked his lip out and looked at John
"John." John kissed him
"Just put the pants on." Cody shoved his legs in the pants
"John?" Randy called stepping out and holding up a shirt and jeans
"I'll wear it. Toss it over."
Later
"Your parents are really nice Randy."
"I know they are and they really like you." Randy said unbuttoning Cody's pants
"Why do they call your dad 'cowboy'?"
"I have no idea. I refuse to ask just in case it's something I don't want to know about. Take those off and lay down." Cody shimmed out of his underwear and lay across the bed. Randy moved to the edge of the bed and pushed the young man's legs up. "You have to be quiet baby." Cody nodded
"Okay." Randy smirked as he lowered his head knowing that the odds of Cody being quiet were very slim. He spread the perfect cheeks and flicked his tongue over the tight pucker before him. "Oh god." Cody whimpered. Randy moved his tongue up and down then pushed it inside slightly causing the smaller man to moan loudly
"Quiet Cody." John said shutting the TV off and walking over to the bed
"But it feels so good John."
"I'm sure it does," He said ridding Randy of his briefs. "But you have to keep it down."
"Mmhm." Randy agreed still licking the hole. John sank to his knees tonguing Randy's ball sac as he spread his cheeks. He licked from the balls up to Randy's pucker and mimicked what he wanted to do with his cock. "Oh shit John."
"Shh! If you don't keep quiet Randy I won't do what you want me to do."
"Don't tease me John."
"I'll do what I want so just be quiet." John fingered Randy a few times before making his way inside. In an effort to keep quiet Randy bit Cody's thigh
"Ouch!"
"I'm so sorry Codes." He licked Cody's shaft before taking him into his mouth. It was his way of offering an apology for the bite and a way to shut himself up. Behind Randy, John gripped the other man's hips and pounded away at his ass. Randy grunted as he sucked Cody harder and faster
"Oh Randy, oh…my god." Cody said as Randy pushed two fingers inside him searching for the spot to set him off. John wanted Cody to shut up but couldn't help but love the sounds coming from the young man. He worked harder in an effort to nail Randy's prostate with each thrust. Randy gave one last grunt as he climaxed but didn't stop pleasuring Cody
"Oh fuck." John said throwing his head back as he came. On the bed Cody had his hand on the back of Randy's head while he moved his hips up and down
"Your mouth Randy, fuck!" He yelled shooting his load down Randy's throat
"Fuck Cody." Randy said wiping his mouth
"What?"
"You almost put your dick through the back of my neck." He said coughing
"I'm sorry Ran. I didn't realize."
"How did you not realize that your shit is huge?" Randy said getting up and walking to the bathroom. Cody looked at John
"Is he mad at me? I don't want him to be mad."
"I hope not because that's stupid but you did pound his face pretty hard." Cody laughed
"I really didn't mean to." He said getting up and going to the bathroom. John watching his hips sway as he walked away. "Ran?"
"What?" Cody opened the shower door
"Are you mad at me?"
"I'm not mad. My throat's a little sore but I'm not mad." Cody leaned in and Randy kissed him
"Again."
"Come here." Randy said pulling Cody into the shower with him. John hadn't realized that he'd drifted off to sleep until he heard Cody's moan come from the bathroom. He smiled as he slipped off the bed to go watch
Next Day
"Are you coming with me and my mom or staying here with John and my dad?"
"What are you guys doing?"
"A little shopping and,"
"I'm going with you." Randy shook his head
"Well get ready because we're leaving in 20 minutes."
"Twenty minutes?!" Cody said as he gasped and jumped off the couch
Later: Lunch
Randy and Cody sat on one side of the booth while Randy's mom occupied the other. They had just put their orders in when his mom looked over and smiled. Randy tensed briefly before relaxing a bit
"Honey?"
"Yes mom." She sighed
"I know that you're happy. I can see it,"
"But?"
"But what happens later? John can't marry both of you…not legally anyway." Randy reached under the table and found Cody's hand waiting for his. He grasped it instantly feeling at ease
"This is what I want. I'm not expecting marriage because I don't want to be married and I never have."
"But," His mom looked at Cody. "Don't get me wrong Cody because I absolutely adore you but Randal, what about a child or children. I know that you can't have them naturally but there's adoption. With three men in a house it would be much harder to get picked…even harder than just two men in a partnership." Randy looked at Cody
"Do you want kids?" Cody shook his head
"I'm a teacher and by the end of the day I'm exhausted and just want to be around adults."
"Cody doesn't want kids. John doesn't want kids and I don't want kids. I've never wanted them. Don't get me wrong, they're nice but just not for me or for John and Cody."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm 110% sure I don't want them. You have two other children to give you grandkids mom."
"I realize that but I really think you'd make a great dad." Cody laughed and Randy glared at him
"What's funny?"
"You with kids? That's hilarious."
"Because I thought you were an idiot when I met you and you were just a kid?"
"Basically."
"I would punch my kid if it acted the way you did."
"Randal."
"Dad of the year over here." Cody quipped
Home: Backyard
John was outside cleaning the grill for that night's dinner when he heard the backdoor slide open and saw Randy's dad step out. Ah shit John thought. He'd seen that look enough times from Ted's dad
"Hey John."
"Hey. How are you?"
"Good. I wanted to talk to you about something." Goddamn it
"About?"
"What your plans are with my boy."
"Do you mean for the future?"
"Yes. I have to say that he's been a hard worker all his life and I found myself very put-off by the fact that you asked him not to work," John felt himself getting angry and he hoped he could keep it under control. He really didn't want to yell at this man
"I never asked him to stop working. I said that he didn't have to work and Randy told me he was going to cut his hours then after doing that for a while he decided to stop working altogether."
"You've made it too easy for him and I'm not sure I really like that."
"What would you have liked for me to do?"
"Make him get his ass up in the morning and go to work. Why does he get to stay home while you and Cody work?"
"From what I understand of Randy he has worked hard all his life and while he is still young and can still work why should he? I have no problem taking care of him. We've taken care of each other from day one. Cody has to work because he's never worked in his life and he needs to, in my opinion, to become a well-rounded person. I work because I love to and I want Cody and Randy to have the best life." Randy's dad shook his head
"So do you plan on taking care of him for the rest of his life?"
"Yes. Every day he lets me I'll be there taking care of him and doing everything I can to make sure he's happy." Randy's dad crossed his arms over his chest
"What if, not that I want this to happen, but what if you guys break up and you make him leave." John stared at him
"…what if that happened? What are you saying?"
"You've got him in here playing wife and if you break up and make him leave then what? What does he have of his own? Nothing because he's not working." John was getting really annoyed. He put down the grill brush he'd been gripping tightly in his hand
"Okay, I love Randy. I can't begin to express to you how much I do and I have no intention of ever breaking up with him,"
"Things happen." John ignored the interruption
"So he doesn't need to worry about being homeless. In the event he leaves this house I would make sure he had a place to go. Randy also has bank accounts with money in them so he's not poor by any stretch of the imagination. Anything I gift him during the course of this relationship is his. I won't take his car. I won't close the accounts…none of that nonsense. Also, I resent you saying that I have Randy here playing wife. I assure you that Randy is and has always been very much a man and I know for a fact he would hate to hear you say that. I haven't brainwashed him or tricked him into being here," The backdoor slid open and John saw Randy and his mom step out
"What's going on?"
"Nothing. Just having a chat with John, you know, about life." Randy saw John's jaw clenching
"Cody bought some stuff and he wanted you to look at it John. Come on." He said extending his hand. The two men walked into the house and upstairs to the bedroom in silence. Randy shut the door behind them
"You guys aren't going to do it right now are you?"
"No. What's really going on John?"
"You mean your dad interrogating me and questioning me about why you don't work or why I don't make you work."
"What?" Randy and Cody said
"I knew something was coming when he walked out that door. His worry, I guess, is that something will happen to us and you won't have anything because you don't work."
"What's going to happen to us?" Cody asked
"He doesn't mean the three of us Cody. He means Randy and me and he's asking about what if we break-up."
"Oh."
"Did you tell him that I have money?"
"I did." John shrugged. "I don't think he likes me all that much and if that's not his real problem then oh well, I'm not going to concern myself with it. We're not getting married so I don't have to worry about asking him for your hand."
"Why wouldn't he like you?"
"I have no idea. I only met him yesterday and we were only around each other for dinner…maybe he doesn't like the way I eat." John scratched his head. "Your mom hates me and your dad hates me – it's like I can't win." Randy put his hand up
"I'm cancelling your pity party right now."
"It's not a pity party. I just don't get it."
"I'll talk to him later. Keep calm for me?" Randy asked kissing John
"For you but keep him away from me if at all possible."
"My mom said that they were going to watch a movie when we got back so he'll be out of your hair for a while. Go finish cleaning the grill and I'll bring you a beer and something to eat."
"Okay."
"Codes you get the ingredients ready."
"I'm on it."
"What are you guys doing?"
"I'm teaching Cody how to make strawberry shortcake."
"Oh." When they reached the kitchen they saw Randy's parents standing there
"You go ahead John and I'll be right out when I finish."
"Okay."
"Dad and I want to watch a movie but don't know how to work that whole setup."
"Oh, I'll show you. Cody start washing those strawberries." Randy walked his parents to the media room and when he came back to the kitchen Cody had his back to the door. "Make sure you cut the stems off and wash them well." Cody only nodded. Randy shrugged as he set about making John something to eat. After a while he noticed Cody still standing there not really doing anything. "Codes?"
"Hmm?"
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Huh?"
"Are you eating them?!" Cody turned around quickly and shook his head. Randy laughed. "Liar. There's red juice dripping down your chin." Cody wiped his chin
"They're so good. I was only going to eat a few but…god they're good."
"I know. I pick a mean strawberry. Stop eating them."
"But,"
"You know what, put them to the side and start on your pastry. I'll wash them while you do that."
"I don't think I'll ever learn how to cook."
"Why?"
"I eat the ingredients."
"You'll never learn to cook because you don't want to cook."
"You cook so well. I don't want to take the kitchen away from you." Randy looked at him
"Oh yes, that's it. Thank you so much for I was afraid you'd turn into Bobby Flay."
"I could." Cody mumbled
"Not if you eat everything you get your hands on. Pay attention to what you're doing."
A Few Days Later
The visit with Randy's parents was going well but there was still an underlying tension between Randy's father and John. They were leaving the next afternoon and Randy couldn't let things go unresolved. When John, Cody and his mom left the house he went out to the back deck and took a seat in the chair next to his dads
"I was wondering when you'd come talk to me."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm sure John told you about the talk we had and as far as I'm concerned, haven't finished."
"You're right he did. What's your problem?"
"What's my problem?"
"Yea dad, what's your problem?"
"My problem is that you're being kept like some sort of concubine." Randy started to laugh
"That's actually a fairly accurate word,"
"I know,"
"Don't cut me off. While it may be somewhat accurate I don't feel that way. John has never made me do anything I haven't wanted to do and he can't…because he doesn't have that sort of power over me and he never will. Did he say that he'd like it if I were home instead of working? Yes but the decision was mine to actually do it." Randy kept his gaze trained across the yard. "I get it dad, I do. This isn't what you want for me but my life isn't yours to live. What you should be concerned with is whether or not I'm happy and healthy which I am. You have no idea where I'd be had it not been for John."
"What? Because he has money? Because he's letting you live here as long as you keep his meals hot,"
"Because I'd overdosed three days before I met John and was high as shit the night we met. John talked to my boss who was willing to give me a leave of absence while I completed rehab…funded by John." Randy could see his dad looking at him through his peripheral vision
"I had no idea,"
"I know you didn't and I wish I didn't have to tell you because it's not something I'm proud of or something that I like to talk about but there it is. I love John and I love my life. I'm comfortable and I get to do exactly as I want whenever I want. And whether you like him or not or like the way we live the fact of the matter is John saved my life. I can sit here and without hesitations tell you that I would have killed myself with the shit that I was doing."
"Randal,"
"Don't you love me?"
"Of course I love you!"
"Then let it be what it is." There was a heavy silence between the men
"Can I ask you one more question, maybe two?"
"Sure."
"Was it something that your mother and I did?"
"Absolutely not. My fault and mine alone."
"Are you here because you're truly in love with John and your life or because you feel like you owe him?"
"I'm truly in love with John and my life. Look around, what's not to love? Not that I had a reason to begin with but I really don't have a reason now to do any drugs and that's what I owe John…to never do anything so stupid again. To not let the time he put in ever go to waste. I'm happy."
"Then I'm happy…and I owe John an apology."
"Damn right you do." Randy said standing and returning to the house
Later
Randy was in the bedroom looking at paint swatches he'd picked up when John and Cody walked in
"Hey Ran." Cody said sitting next to him and kissing his cheek
"Hey." John kissed his other cheek
"Weirdest thing happened when I came in."
"What?"
"Your dad apologized to me."
"We had a talk. I told him."
"Told him what?" Randy looked at John and they shared a knowing glance. "Ooh, you told him. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Told him what? What's going on guys?" Cody asked looking between them
"Nothing Cody."
"No, it's something. You guys are hiding something from me." Randy sighed
"I,"
"No Randy."
"John,"
"I said no."
"This is unfair. I don't know what's going on but I feel like its important and it's not right that you're keeping it from me." John sighed and took a seat next to Randy
"Go ahead if you want but you don't have to."
"I might as well John."
"Okay." John said placing a hand on Randy's knee
"Cody," He sighed. "I, um, when John – shit,"
"You don't have to."
"It was a lot easier telling my dad."
"Are you sick Ran?"
"No I'm not sick. Cody, three days before I met John I'd overdosed…in fact I was high the night we met. John paid for me to go to rehab and I've been clean since." Cody burst into tears. "What the hell are you crying for? Why is he crying John?"
"I have no idea."
"You could have died." Cody said wiping his eyes
"Clinically I did die." That only made Cody cry harder
"Don't say stuff like that Randy." John chided
"Well it's true."
"Be that as it may that's not something anyone wants to hear. I know I certainly don't." Randy shrugged
"Sorry. Cody stop crying. I'm still here and I'm well."
"Still; what if no one had saved you?"
"Then we wouldn't be having this conversation?" Cody hit him
"Stop it." Randy kissed his forehead
"I'm fine and I'm not going anywhere." Cody wrapped his arms around Randy's neck as Randy wrapped his arms around his waist
"I'm glad you're okay."
"Me too."
"Did you know he was high John?"
"No."
"When did you find out?"
"The next morning when he woke up "sick" and irritable."
"What were you on?"
"What wasn't I on?"
"Did you use needles?"
"No. Never."
"What made you send him to rehab?"
"He needed it and I liked him. He didn't use while in my presence but I could tell when he did and when we weren't together I worried about what he was doing. Even if we weren't going to be together, which I wanted to be, I couldn't live my life knowing that he was out there getting high and doing God knows what. I think we had been seeing each other for a month before I approached him about going to rehab."
"And you just said yes?"
"Yea; no one wants to live that way…except maybe some of those people on Intervention who said no."
"I think I finally understand the bond between the two of you. Even after Ran stopped being mean to me I didn't get it."
"It's not all about that Codes. We've been together for three years and the rehab was in the very beginning."
"Yea but a month or so in you guys had already gone through something most couples don't even experience in a lifetime. You have a bond."
"I guess we do." Cody hugged Randy tighter
Weeks Later
John walked into the house and sighed. His once peaceful and tranquil home was under construction yet again only this time he couldn't retreat to his bedroom for comfort. He had no bedroom at the moment. John walked down the hall to his make-shift room and saw Randy sitting on the floor surrounded by fabric
"Hey."
"Hey. You look stressed."
"I am and tired." Randy frowned
"Do you want me to make you something? Tea maybe…a snack?" John shook his head
"I had a huge lunch meeting today and I'm still full. I just want to lie down and do a lot of nothing."
"Okay." Randy said standing
"Where are you going?"
"To the den so you can do a lot of nothing in private."
"No. Stay. I wanna cuddle."
"Oh boy."
"No seriously, I just want to cuddle."
Later
A few hours later Cody came home and found John and Randy in bed naked and asleep. He put his bag down, stepped over the fabric samples on the floor and climbed on the bed then nudged the two men awake
"What?" Randy grumbled
"I'm home." Cody said smiling
"We would have figured that out eventually you jack wagon."
"How was your day baby?" John asked kissing the back of Cody's neck
"Not as good as yours it looks like."
"I can brighten it if you'd like. Take your pants off." John laughed
"No thank you but I'll gladly take you up on your offer later."
"Why not now?" Randy asked caressing Cody's cheek
"I have some work to do." Cody said moving closer to Randy and leaning into the touch. Randy smirked
"How much do you have to do? I'm sure it won't take you that long to get it done." He said kissing the young man softly. Cody wrapped an arm around Randy's neck and deepened the kiss. John just lay there watching Randy work his magic. In no time at all Randy had Cody naked and squirming beneath him. John was impressed
"Faster baby." Randy began to piston his hips faster. "Yes Randy yes! Oh my god, right there…I'm so close." Randy lifted Cody's hips slightly. "Shit!" Cody yelled as he came. Randy smirked as he continued nailing the man's prostate. "Randy…fuck, Randy!" Cody gripped the sheets as he experienced another orgasm. Randy pulled out and jerked his cock until he came on Cody's stomach. "What," Cody panted. "The fuck was that. It was great."
"I was only trying to make your day better."
"I think you succeeded in doing so Randy." John said wiping Cody off
"Well," Cody said sitting up. "Thanks for the good time." He said as he patted Randy's thigh and slipped on a pair of shorts. "I have to get that work done." And with that he left the room
"John?" Randy said staring up at the ceiling
"Yes?"
"I feel used." John laughed
"I think he just used you so that feeling's appropriate." Randy sighed
"Hold me." John started laughing
….
"I like this one."
"John?"
"No. It's too dark."
"John," Cody whined. "It looks good. I think it's sexy."
"It's too dark Cody."
"But,"
"How about," Randy said cutting in. "We do this color paint to keep the room light and so John doesn't feel like he's sleeping in his coffin and we use this fabric which is similar to your paint choice." Cody huffed and crossed his arms
"Fine. Whatever. I'll just paint my own room and sleep there." Randy rolled his eyes and John leaned across the table
"Are you getting your own apartment and I'm unaware?"
"What?"
"That's the only place you'll be painting sweetheart."
"You were making such progress in the maturity department Codes. John doesn't like the paint and he has to sleep there too. And to be honest, I don't really like this paint either but not because it's too dark."
"Then why did you get the swatch?!"
"I didn't pick it for that color!" Cody flinched. "Oh, you don't like it when people yell do you? Then don't yell at me."
"Sorry Ran. Point taken and I do like that color fabric."
"John?"
"It's nice." Randy shook his head at the limited descriptiveness of John's answer
"So we're going with Palladian Blue for the bedroom and November Rain for the bathroom?" Randy looked at John and Cody. "Hello? Am I talking to myself here? Maybe the two of you should get the hell out of here and I'll do this alone."
"Randy I hire people to do this stuff for me. I know what I like and that is why I have a designer as part of my staff."
"Right and John will just veto what I say so I'm not going to say anything anymore."
"You're really irritating me today Cody and it's beyond you getting under my skin it's, it's like you've gotten under it and you're scraping my raw nerves with your fingernails." Cody looked shocked. John never spoke to him that way
"Time out; John get a beer and go to the den or down to the game room. Cody, just don't even open your mouth. Wherever John goes, you don't." Both men left the kitchen. "And my mom wants me to adopt. I have two children already." Randy mumbled
….
"John?"
"What Cody?"
"Are you mad with me?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"Because you were mean to me in the kitchen. You've never spoken to me that way before."
"I'm not in a good mood and while normally I can take your whininess, today I can't."
"My whininess?"
"Yes." John said knocking the eight ball in a corner pocket. "You whine a lot Cody but I already know that about you so I just deal with it. Just like I know that Randy is prone to outbursts but I deal with it because it's what the two of you do however, today is not a good day for me and I think that I'm entitled to have a bad day or two so if you don't mind."
"You want me to go back upstairs?"
"Yes." Cody left John in the game room and went back to the kitchen
"What did you do?" Randy asked looking up
"I went to talk to John."
"Did I or did I not say to leave him alone?"
"You did but he was mean and I wanted to know why."
"And in doing so you ended up getting your feelings hurt worse?" Cody nodded and Randy shook his head. "Well I told you not to bother him."
"I know. You were right."
"Of course I was." Cody rolled his eyes
A Week Later
In a few days it would be John and Cody's anniversary and John was wracking his brain trying to come up with something nice to do for Cody. He didn't have time for a trip and shopping was simply out of the question after Cody's shop-a-thon in New York. His original idea was shot all to Hell when Cody had his little blow-up about Randy getting a ring and not him. John was going over some blueprints when an idea came to him
"I got it!" His assistant Antonio and lead contractor gave him confused looks
"Got what sir?" John blushed
"Um, could you excuse me for a second? I have to make a few calls." John stood and walked out of the board room and down the hall to his office
….
"Cody go away."
"Just tell me Ran."
"I told you that I don't know. If John has something planned for the two of you I do not know what it is. I'm just as clueless as you are, well not that clueless but you know what I mean."
"Hey – don't make fun."
"Why do you need to know anyway? You should let it be a surprise if there is one."
"I want to know in case I should need a new outfit or something."
"You don't need any new outfits you little twerp and you know that John will love you in whatever you choose to wear. What you should be focused on is what you're doing for John in honor of his spending 730 days, which he won't get back, of his life with you."
"What do you mean?"
"What do you mean what do I mean?"
"You think that I should do something for him?"
"Cody." Randy sighed. "You're a huge part of John's world and you didn't think to do anything for him? Two years is a long time Codes."
"I know but I just – I didn't think about getting anything for him. He never asks for a thing."
"No he doesn't."
"What did you get him?"
"Don't worry about what I got him."
"Ew." Randy looked at Cody
"It wasn't sexual. He'd been looking at a watch for a couple of months so I bought it for him."
"I hadn't noticed."
"No surprise there. Just do something for him that he would like…and I don't mean anything involving sex because he gets that all the time."
"Randy." Cody whined
"What?"
"I don't know what to do. I'm a terrible boyfriend. Help me!"
"What does John like?"
"Well,"
"So help me if you tell me that you don't know or can't name at least two things he likes." Cody clapped his hands together
"What if I take him to that cigar bar lounge thing that just opened? He likes cigars and food."
"Sounds good to me."
"Wait! What if he already planned a dinner for us?"
"Tell him not to make any plans for that night."
"Good idea."
"Thank you."
"Should I make reservations?" Cody asked typing in his phone
"I don't know. Do you think you'll need reservations?"
"I don't know Randy that's why I asked you. I've never done anything like this before." Randy shook his head
"I forgot that John's been your only boyfriend. Sorry. I'll go make phone call and check it out for you."
"Thanks Ran."
CodyBabe: don't make any plans for Thursday night
John: why?
CodyBabe: did you forget our anniversary?
John: I have not
CodyBabe: so don't make plans okay?
John smiled
John: did you make plans for us?
CodyBabe: john
He laughed hearing the whine in Cody's voice via text message
John: I've cleared my calendar. Thursday night I'm all yours
CodyBabe: thank you
John: you're welcome
Thursday
When Cody stepped into the teacher's lounge for his break he saw his normal table covered with a table cloth, an ice bucket with a bottle of Martinelli's Gold Medal Sparkling Cider and a plate covered by a dome lid. Cody covered his mouth and bit back tears
"Oh my god."
"Is something special going on today Rhodes?" Cody nodded as he picked up the small envelope resting on the lid and pulled out the card inside
For two wonderful years.
Please enjoy.
I love you. –J
"Is that from Randy? Are you two lovebirds celebrating?" Bill looked at Steph
"I've never met anyone as rude as you. Why don't you mind your business Stephanie?" Cody held his hand up
"Don't worry about her Bill because I'm not…certainly not today. I have a lunch packed if you'd like to have it and you're more than welcome to share my sparkling cider."
"Are you old enough to drink?" Cody laughed
"Yes but I think drinking during school hours is frowned upon."
"Is it?"
"Bill."
CodyBabe: thank you so much John. It was such a nice surprise
John: you're welcome. You didn't cry did you? I only thought about that after I'd sent it
CodyBabe: almost but I held back
John: sorry. I have another surprise for you after work
CodyBabe: you do? What is it?
John: if I tell you then it won't be a surprise
CodyBabe: : (
John: I'm not telling
CodyBabe: do I have to do anything?
John: nope. Just leave like you normally would
CodyBabe: okay. Love you
John: love you too
….
"What do you mean you don't know where it is Randy?"
"Just what I said John, I don't know where it is. I know where it should be but it's not there." John sighed. "Relax. I can just go up to the school and ask him for his keys."
"No. I really really need you to find Cody's spare key. I don't want him to know what's going on and if you go up there and ask for the keys to his car he'll get suspicious."
"Fine. I'll keep looking."
"Thank you. Let me know what happens."
"Whatever. Bye." John laughed as he hung up the phone
Later
As Cody walked down the steps of the building a stretch limo pulled up in front of him and stopped. The driver's side door opened and the driver walked around
"Mr. Rhodes?"
"Yes." He opened the back door and motioned for Cody to enter. Cody shrugged and ducked inside the car and smiled when he saw John seated on the opposite sides bench seat
"Hi baby." John said sliding over to sit next to his young lover
"Hi." Cody kissed him. "What's all this and what about my car?"
"I have one more thing for you and don't worry about your car. Randy had a friend drive him up here so he could drive it home."
"Where are we going?"
"You're absolutely terrible at just going with the flow. Why are you so nosy?" Cody laughed
"I'm not nosy."
"Yes you are." John poured Cody a glass of champagne. "Relax. We'll be there shortly." Cody sipped his drink as he curled into John's strong arms. Thirty minutes later the limo pulled up in front of Mayors Jewelers and the driver let them out
"What are we doing here John?"
"Come inside and you'll see." He said reaching for Cody's hand. The men were greeted by the staff as they walked in. Cody still had no idea what was going on but he couldn't stop himself from smiling
"Mr. Cena and Mr. Rhodes?"
"Yes."
"My name's Brian Jacobs and I'll be helping you today." John shook his hand. "Follow me please." They followed Brian to an exclusive back room and were served champagne after they were seated
"John." John kissed Cody's cheek as Brian laid out velvet trays
"Cody – as you know I'm not good with words but I want you to know that I love you very much and I don't know what I would do without you in my life. I'm so very proud of everything you've accomplished since I've known you." Cody covered his mouth. "Please don't start crying."
"Sorry."
"This," John said gesturing toward the velvet trays. "You've earned. For all that you've put up with."
"I don't mind John, really." John laughed
"I know you don't."
"Do I get to pick one of these?"
"Yes."
"You're letting me pick a Rolex?"
"Yes. Anyone you want."
"Anyone?" John and Brian laughed
"Yes Cody." John didn't think it was possible but Cody's already bright eyes brightened even more
"I don't know which to choose."
"Should I take some of the options away?"
"No!" Forty-five minutes and three glasses of champagne later Cody had picked the Sky-Dweller with a brown leather alligator strap
"I feel so grown up." Cody said once they were back in the limo. John smiled
"So, what do you have planned?"
"Well Randy brought it to my attention that I never do anything for you, which I blame partially on you but that's beside the point, anyway, he made me think of things you like and I think I've come up with the perfect thing…especially for a Thursday night."
"Back up – how is that partially my fault?"
"You never ask for anything so I never think to get things for you."
"So I need to ask for more things?"
"I'd rather you didn't but," John started laughing
"Don't worry. I'll continue to buy the things I want and spoil you and Randy."
"Thank you." On their ride home Cody attempted to sleep off his buzz from the four glasses of champagne he consumed. When they pulled up to the house John nudged him awake and all but carried him inside. John took Cody's bag to the bedroom while Cody headed for the kitchen
"Hey."
"Hi Ran."
"What did you get?" Cody smiled
"John took me to a jewelry store and let me pick my own watch."
"Why type of Rolex did you get?"
"How did you know I picked a Rolex?"
"Wild guess."
"I think it's called a Sky-Dweller."
"Oh, nice choice." Cody nodded
"Can you make me an espresso? I'm a little drunk and a lot tired." Randy laughed
"Sure. What time are you guys leaving?"
"I'm going to change after I finish this. Did you put our clothes out?"
"Yes I did."
"What are you going to do while we're gone?"
"Ev and I are going to MacDinton's Pub." Cody eyed him
"Are you now?"
"Yea we are. What's the problem?"
"I don't know. The two of you seem really buddy-buddy now."
"We live together."
"I realize that but, I don't know."
"We're going to a pub so relax." Having heard enough John walked into the kitchen
"Are we wearing the stuff out on the bed?"
"Yes."
"Where are we going?"
"I can't tell you John. Back to you Randy,"
"Back to me? Back to me for what?"
"This situation between you and Evan."
"What situation?!" Just then Evan walked into the kitchen. Wonderful John thought
"Evan what's going on with you and Randy?" Evan just stood there
"What the hell are you talking about Cody?"
"The two of you seem like good friends now." Evan shrugged
"We live together."
"Uh huh,"
"What time are we leaving Cody?" John said intervening
"The car will be here in about thirty minutes."
"So shouldn't we be getting ready?"
"Right after Randy and Evan promise me they won't make out tonight."
"As tempting as it is, I promise you Cody that I will not make out with Evan tonight…or any night after this one."
"Nick and I are back together but I'm promising you Cody that I won't make out with Randy tonight or any other time."
"Okay." Cody said standing. "I'll be mad if you do…especially behind my back."
"Because you'd feel betrayed or because you didn't get to watch?" Cody stood there
"…maybe a little of both." Randy smirked
TBC