AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Happy almost Easter, everyone. Giant smooches to my wonderful sister for her endless encouragement and collaboration, not to mention dusting my chapters.
Huge hugs as always to Maureen, Rebecca and Kate.
Now for more of Emmett's first ever New York adventure.
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 of these stories are in my profile as well.
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 26: Old Friends and New Neighbors
"Hell of a view, huh?" a familiar voice spoke from beside where Emmett and Nasir gazed down on the majesty of Manhattan. Emmett turned to find Jasper had stepped up to the glass next to him. The thinner man wore snug jeans and a very tapered button shirt that complimented his lean frame.
"Jasper!" Emmett grabbed his old college friend in a bone crushing hug.
"Hi, Em!" Jasper hugged his big, old friend as tightly as he was able.
"Oh, my God, it is good to see you!" Emmett lifted Jasper right up off of his feet.
"Habibi, do you know my friend Jasper?" Nasir joked.
"Yeah," Emmett closed his eyes and just held the slighter man for a long moment. "Yeah, I sure do."
"I missed you too, Em," Jasper rested his head on the shoulder of the man who held him like a child. Upon hearing Jasper's labored words, Emmett finally let him go.
"Let me look at you," Emmett held Jasper at arm's length. "Sexy as ever," he gave a sigh.
"Thanks, Em. You too, by the way. Hi, Nasir," Jasper leaned to give the Arab a friendly kiss on his lips.
"Nice to see you, Jasper," Nasir put his hand on Jasper's shoulder with a smile. "Jasper is my first New York friend."
"Am I?" Jasper gave his trademark, sexy, half grin. "I'm glad, Nasir. Can you guys see your house from up here?" he gestured.
"Not quite," Emmett answered. "Where do you live, Sugar?"
"Right over there. Upper West Side," Jasper pointed. "Can you see those modern residential towers over there?" he stepped chest to chest with Emmett and pointed.
"Yeah," Emmett confirmed.
"Behind those, closer to the Hudson river, is my home sweet home for over two years," Jasper took a step back.
"Thank you for the tickets to come up here, Jasper," Nasir offered. "I probably would never have done it otherwise. The view is incredible."
"It's my pleasure, you guys," Jasper dismissed. "Let's walk around so you can see the whole city," he led the way as they walked to the East side of the building and turned around the corner.
The observation deck at the Top of the Rock wrapped all the way around the top of 30 Rockefeller Center.
"You can sorta see the Fifty Ninth Street Queensboro Bridge. Did you guys come in that way from the airport?" Jasper asked.
"I don't know," Emmett shook his head.
"You don't know?" Jasper stopped.
"We took the tunnel," Nasir answered the first question.
"I was a little distracted," Emmett answered the second.
"Ah," Jasper got it. "Good for you guys," he smiled and continued the tour. "I'm sure you recognize the UN building," Jasper pointed.
"Yeah, oh!" Emmett halted his comment as they reached the South end of the building. The view to the South was dominated by a very large and imposing structure.
"There she is, Empire State," Jasper narrated.
"I didn't realize what a big building that is," Emmett admitted.
"The view from up there is even more incredible," Jasper informed. "Empire's observation deck is on the hundred and second floor, so it's over thirty stories higher, but it takes four elevators and Disney-like lines to get up there."
"In that case, I like it over here much better," Emmett stated.
"And the tour guides over there could not be nearly as cute," Nasir added with a grin.
"Alright, you two studs, how about I buy you a drink?"
"Let us buy you a drink," Nasir touched Jasper lightly on his chest with his index finger.
"No," Jasper shook his head. "It's the least I can do for missing your wedding. C'mon," he led the way back inside. The elevator returned them to the surface just as quickly as it had taken them up, and in less than a minute Emmett and Nasir were following Jasper through the mezzanine. He led them out of the tower through a different exit and across the wide, pedestrian only plaza at the heart of Rockefeller Center. Jasper was quite adept at navigating his way through traffic, as Emmett and Nasir quickly discovered, when they crossed 50th Street.
"Welcome to forty five Rockefeller Center, guys," Jasper led them into the next plaza. "Here we are," he held open the big, brass door of Brasserie Ruhlmann.
"Thank you, Jasper," Nasir walked inside.
Emmett stepped behind Jasper and grabbed the edge of the door. "Get your butt in there," he directed and gave Jasper a pat on his ass for emphasis. Jasper smiled at the playful attention and shook his head as he walked ahead of Emmett into the restaurant.
Brasserie Ruhlmann, named after the French art deco designer Émile Jacques Ruhlmann, was a distinctly formal French space with velvet upholstered arm chairs, dark woods, shaded brass light fixtures, and crisp white linens. The bar itself was a grand Macassar ebony structure with tall, comfortable bar stools.
"Wow, this looks like a really nice place, Sugar," Emmett commented as he took the stool between Jasper and his husband.
"It is," Jasper confirmed. "And I picked it for a very specific reason."
"What is that?" Nasir bit.
"Afternoon, gentlemen," the bartender in white tux shirt, black bow tie, vest, pants and long apron greeted. "Will you be ordering from the kitchen, or just something from the bar?"
"Hi, Ted," Jasper read the bartender's name tag. "We need a double Laphroaig, your oldest, on the rocks, a dark German beer, Spaten if you have it, and a glass of the amber ale for me. And I would like to see the menu."
"Here we are," Ted produced a leather bound menu, placed it on the bar before Jasper, and set about their drink order.
"The answer to your question is: I know how much my good friend Nasir likes seafood, and they have a great raw bar menu here," Jasper opened his menu to that page and slid it over to Nasir.
"Ah," Nasir's interest was piqued.
"We just got a shipment of big, beautiful, jade Cotuits from Cape Cod this morning," Ted informed as he placed Nasir's scotch on the bar before him.
"One dozen on the half shell, please," Nasir ordered.
"I'll have the kitchen bring those right up," Ted nodded as he placed Emmett's Beck's and Jasper's ale.
"How well do I know your husband?" Jasper grinned.
"I guess you know him pretty well," Emmett put his hand on Nasir's knee.
"Well, here's to one of the greatest couples I know getting married," Jasper held up his ale. "I'm sorry I wasn't there, you guys," he added as they touched their glasses and bottle together.
"Thank you, Jasper," Nasir spoke for them both.
"We totally understand. How is your friend?" Emmett asked as they all drank.
"He's been home a few days, so that's good, though he still needs at least one more surgery and then physical therapy," Jasper relayed. "His mother wanted to take him home to their house in Astoria, but we finally convinced her that would be too rough on Dimi and Ross, so they're staying with me."
"I was so mad when I heard about what happened to them. I wish I had been there," Emmett shook his head.
"Our friend Felix said the same thing. He's a big guy too. In fact, I think he's even bigger than you are," Jasper informed.
"Yeah?" Emmett asked. "Then I wish we both had been there."
"How is his partner?" Nasir asked.
"Ross is exhausted, as you might guess," Jasper answered. "He has to run the catering business, but he wants to spend every waking minute with Dimi. I'm glad Dimi's out of the hospital, because Ross slept there with him and neither one of them got any rest. At least at home they're not constantly woken up by nurses taking vitals. Anyway, they have a really great right hand man at the business, and both sets of parents have been helping out, but still."
"Is Ross not welcome at Dimi's parent's home? Is that why they did not want to go there?" Nasir asked.
"No, he absolutely is. Dimi's parents wanted them both to go there, but, as I said, Ross has the business to run, and Queens is not very convenient," Jasper explained. "Ross would have had to spend more time commuting, and he didn't want that. Plus this way Dimi's closer to the hospital and his doctors, and Ross and I are both close to work so we can spend more time with him instead of on the commute. And he's not being smothered by his Greek mother hen. It's better all the way around. His mom pushed hard though."
"She's a mom. She wants to take care of her son," Emmett understood completely.
"She comes over every day. Ross's mom too. They help out a lot, especially when Ross and I both need to be out," Jasper added.
"Can he not be left alone?" Nasir asked.
"No," Jasper shook his head. "Dimi insists that he'll be fine for short periods, but Ross would never have it. I wouldn't either. Ross bathes him, naturally, but we all help him go to the bathroom. He prefers that just Ross or I do that, which is totally understandable. I'd rather have one of you guys hold my dick than my mother. We also have a friend who is a doctor, and he's been by to check on him a couple of times already."
"Good," Nasir nodded.
"Yeah," Emmett took a swig of his beer.
"Dozen oysters?" a server in a black tux shirt asked as he appeared with the oysters.
"Right here," Ted gestured from behind his bar and the server placed them between Nasir and Emmett.
"These look good," Nasir admired as their bartender placed a bowl of lemon wedges and a bottle of Tabasco before them. "Habibi?" he offered.
"No, Babe," Emmett flatly refused.
"Jasper?" Nasir offered further.
"I better not, Nasir. Edward won't be here for another two weeks," Jasper smirked.
"These are going to make me horny, Habibi," Nasir shook Tabasco on his oysters. "More horny," he corrected.
"Is that even possible?" Jasper teased.
"My husband made love to me this morning and it was as good as the first time," Emmett bragged. Nasir smiled and leaned toward Emmett to give him a soft kiss on his lips.
"So," Emmett turned back. "How are you, Jasper? You look good. You look really good."
"I am good, Em. This business with my closest friends aside, I don't think I've ever been better," Jasper answered.
"I know the same is true for Edward," Emmett stated.
"I know that too," Jasper slowly nodded to himself.
"Umm!" Nasir slurped down a Cotuit. "These are very good, Habibi."
"They're all yours, Nasi. Tell us about your trip, Jasper," Emmett prompted.
"Like Edward didn't already tell you," Jasper smiled.
"He might have mentioned a thing or two, but I'd really like to hear from you," Emmett poked Jasper gently.
"And make me believe Seth didn't get every little detail out of Edward," Jasper gave a smirk.
"Seth isn't here," Emmett gave a shrug.
"Okay," Jasper gave in. "I don't know what to say, really. It was the best trip I ever took, I can tell you that. And it had nothing to do with what we did or where we went. It was just being with him, you know?"
"I absolutely know," Emmett took Nasir's free hand.
"We both do," Nasir agreed before he slurped down another oyster.
"The first night we went camping," Jasper continued.
"Yeah, how was that?" Emmett smiled.
"Well, it was really interesting to see that tiny, isolated community. I can't believe Edward spent the whole summer there. Living in Manhattan, that's kind of unbelievable, you know, that a place like that even exists? The best part, though, was seeing how well liked Edward is there. Everyone loves and admires him. It made me really proud to be there with him."
"Imagine how proud he was to be there with you," Nasir pointed out.
"We both were then," Jasper conceded. "Sleeping in that tent that night, out there in the deep, dark woods, could easily have been a horrendous experience, but Edward held me, and, I don't know if I can explain it, everything was just...right. Like, more right than it ever was. Then the next night we got to a really nice mountain top lodge. We had a beautiful room with a fireplace, a hot tub and a private deck with mountain views. Edward made love to me that night and being with him like that was better than I could have ever dreamed."
"You and Edward made love, huh?" Emmett mused aloud. The significance of Jasper's choice of words was not lost on him. He well remembered Jasper's description of his and Edward's very first sexual encounter, and knew Jasper had not associated love with that act.
"Yeah, we did. All kinds of love," Jasper confirmed with a sly wink.
"Yeah? He's good, huh?" Emmett prodded.
"He's my fuckin' tiger," Jasper confirmed with a proud smile.
"If I had known that when he and Seth spent the night with me before the wedding, I would have put him to work!" Emmett slapped the bar.
"Yeah, I don't think so," Jasper was firm.
"I think so even less," Nasir spoke up.
"Coulda, woulda, shoulda, I suppose," Emmett gave a sigh.
"You know, Em. I was so wrong about him for so long. I have so many regrets," Jasper stated.
"Sugar," Emmett considered, "you really shouldn't beat yourself up. You weren't wrong then and you're not wrong now. I've been Edward's friend for a long time. Almost since you left. I know you know that."
"I feel bad that I stopped talking to you. I know you were trying to help," Jasper confessed.
"Water under the bridge, Jasper," Emmett took Jasper's hand. "Don't give that another thought. I watched Edward become one of the greatest guys I know. He is a genuinely caring and loving man. He's done so many good, selfless things for so many people. Seeing you two reconnect and get together is just the best thing I've seen in a long time. It's right up there with meeting my husband and seeing Seth fall in love with Garrett, and being there for the birth of our little brother's son."
"Thanks, Em," Jasper was touched.
"Edward is a good man," Nasir agreed, oyster shell in hand. "And so are you. I think you must make a very cute couple. I cannot wait to see you together!"
"Me too," Emmett agreed.
"Me three," Jasper joined the sentiment. "Being with him was so great, so fulfilling. I really do love him. If I'm honest, I always have. I miss him already. A lot."
"You don't have to tell me what that's like," Emmett agreed. He regretted his enthusiastic agreement just as soon as the words left his mouth. He didn't want to make Nasir feel bad that his job kept them apart and caused a hardship in their marriage. Emmett put a reassuring hand on his husband's thigh and rubbed gently. Nasir knew his working across the country was hard on them both. He could see in Emmett's eyes that his husband was sorry that he had said that. Nasir was determined that nothing would spoil the short time they had to be together.
"Ana b'hebbak," Nasir put a hand on Emmett's back and leaned closer to him.
"Ana b'hebbak, Nasi," Emmett closed his eyes as he leaned over to share a soft, loving kiss with his life partner.
"You guys make a great couple too. What did you just say?" Jasper asked.
"I love you," Emmett answered.
"That's so sweet. Nasir taught you Arabic?" Jasper pressed.
"No. I can't speak it. I don't really know anything else," Emmett stated.
"Mos zibbi," Nasir spoke casually as he picked up another oyster.
Emmett chuckled. "Sure, Babe. Right here?," he asked.
"You obviously understood that," Jasper observed. "What did he say?"
"Suck my dick," Emmett translated again.
"Then he was obviously talking to you," Jasper concluded.
"Whichever one of you hot bottoms would like to go first," Nasir teased.
"Well, it sounds like Emmett already took his turn this morning, so...," Jasper took a casual sip of his ale and passed a hand through his long hair as he gave as good as he got.
"Hey, you didn't get to see Edward's house when you were out, did you?" Emmett let the banter go for the moment.
"No, and I really wanted to," Jasper confirmed.
"It's a great place," Emmett endorsed.
"It is," Nasir agreed. "And so perfect for him. It is so pretty and peaceful there, right on the lake. Have you seen pictures?"
"I have," Jasper nodded. "Edward took me on a video tour of the whole house. I would love to see it in person, but really I just want to be there with him, you know?"
"Be in his space and share that with him," Emmett concluded.
"Right, exactly. I just know that would be so great," Jasper's enthusiasm and desire were clear on his face.
"Edward said he wanted that too," Nasir stated.
"Well, my next trip out, which I will take just as soon as I possibly can, we will do exactly that," Jasper was firm.
"We'll all try to leave you two alone so you can have couple time," Emmett patted Jasper's knee. "I think I'm strong enough to restrain Seth."
"You know I would love to see all of you," Jasper expressed. "I will need to give Edward a few minutes to recharge. I'm sure we can find time for half a beer."
"Half a beer!" Nasir found that very funny.
"Yeah, I can see it now. We'll get there at one oh five," Emmett began. "They'll be all sweaty and the whole house will smell like love, but they'll be good hosts. They'll offer us a beer. We'll all sit down out on the deck, 'cause we won't have the time to get all the way down to the lake. We'll all talk. How ya doin'. By the time we get to, how was your flight, and this will be at one oh nine, they won't be listening to us anymore. Seth will see it first, 'cause he's Seth, and he'll herd us out. And he'll be subtle too. He'll say something like, Jasper needs to get back on Edward's dick, 'cause, ya know, he's Seth."
"I'm sure we can give you till at least one twelve. We love you guys," Jasper was generous.
Emmett gave his booming laugh. "We'll call that a plan."
"Edward will be so glad to hear of it," Nasir added with a nod. He picked up and slurped down his last oyster.
"Do you think you're going to kiss me with those oystery lips again?" Emmett teased.
"I will kiss you, with tongue, right on your asshole," Nasir stated.
"I hope you let the Tabasco wear off a little first," Jasper pointed out.
"Oh, Jesus!" Emmett cringed at that thought.
"Peace be upon him," Nasir held up his right hand. "Where is the restroom, Jasper?"
"Right back around there," Jasper pointed.
"I will be right back," Nasir rubbed Emmett's shoulder and resisted his urge to give his husband a kiss before he departed.
"You guys are so good together, Em," Jasper took his big friend's hand.
"We are, Sugar. I love him with all my heart," Emmett stated.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't able to see you marry him," Jasper expressed again.
"You know what? It was the best day of my life. It was beautiful and perfect and he looked so handsome. Even my brother kidnapping him couldn't ruin it," Emmett relayed.
"Oh, Edward told me about that!" Jasper laughed.
"I can admit now, though I was frantic there for a little while, that Carson's stunt just made it all the more perfect. I would never admit that to my little brother, of course," Emmett continued. "Nasi's sister was there too, when we thought we would never see her again."
"Yeah, Edward mentioned that too," Jasper nodded.
"The only thing that could have made it any more special was my old friend Jasper being there," Emmett put his arm around Jasper's shoulders.
"I know," Jasper gave a resigned sigh.
"I don't say that to make you feel bad. We totally understand. We really do," Emmett assured. "I'd like to pound the fucks who did that to your friends right though the Goddamn pavement."
"Get in line," Jasper quipped.
"I'm sure. What I mean is, I've known and loved you for a long time, Jasper," Emmett got back on track. "I just want you to be happy. I've known and loved Edward for very nearly as long and I want him to be happy too. And I can tell you that he is now, like I've never seen him. He loves you so much. You two belong together."
"Thanks, Em. That's nice to hear. I love him too," Jasper expressed.
"I know you do," Emmett rubbed the shoulder he held.
"You two look cute together," Nasir spoke up as he returned. "It is a good thing you are a bottom, Jasper, or I might have lost my Emmett years before I ever met him!"
"Yeah, there we were, two innocent college kids," Jasper began. "Tails in the air, just waiting for a big, sexy top to come along. And look, here's one now," he made a point of looking Nasir over from head to toe.
"As I said," Nasir spread his arms as he stood before their scrutiny. "Whichever one of you hot bottoms would like to go next..."
"I'm first, next and last, Buddy," Emmett stated firmly.
"You are only, my habibi zawji," Nasir gave his husband a soft kiss on his lips and Emmett did not protest.
"Alright, guys," Jasper put a hand on the bar. "I need to get home to look after Dimi. What's my damage, Ted?" he asked the bartender.
"Your friend already took care of the check, Sir," Ted gestured.
"What?" Jasper turned to find a grin on Nasir's face where he stood beside Emmett's chair. "Hey, I wanted to buy you guys a drink, ya sneak!"
"Forget it, Sugar. He does that all the time," Emmett gave a dismissive wave.
"Well, thank you," Jasper offered.
"It was nothing," Nasir stepped back as Emmett and Jasper slid off their stools.
"Thank you, gentlemen. Come see us again," Ted called.
"Oh, you haven't seen the last of us," Emmett gave a wave.
Jasper led the way out into Rockefeller Plaza. "I'm actually gonna jump on the subway so I can get home faster. The entrance is just down here around the corner on Forty Eighth Street," he pointed.
"We'll walk with you that far," Emmett stated.
"Could we ride the subway with you?" Nasir asked. "I have never been on the subway before."
"Sure," Jasper was agreeable.
"Jasper lives on the Upper West Side," Nasir thought out loud. "We will get off with him and we can walk home through the park, Habibi."
"Okay, yeah," Emmett nodded. "Good idea, Babe. I'd like to see more of the park."
"More of the park?" Jasper asked once they were across 50th Street.
"We walked down Fifth Avenue," Nasir answered.
"Ah, right," Jasper gave a nod as he led the way through the central plaza.
"The park is even more beautiful when all the fall colors come out," Jasper informed. "You'll have to find a reason to come back, Em."
"Yeah, I'll see if I can't find something in this city to hold my interest," Emmett jested back. He smiled at his husband and took his hand as they walked.
They turned right when they reached 48th Street and headed for 6th Avenue. The stairway down into their destination was obvious with a big sign that read:
Subway
47-50 Streets
Rockefeller Center Station
B D F M
"What do the letters mean, Jasper?" Nasir looked up at the big sign as they descended.
"Those are the lines that serve this station," Jasper explained. Once below the street he headed for one of the convenient vending machines.
"Oh, is this how we get tickets?" Emmett asked as he reached for his wallet.
"Yep," Jasper was ready and swiped his debit card through the machine reader.
"Hey!" Emmett did not want Jasper to pay for their tickets.
"You bought me a drink when I was trying to buy one for you. The least I can do is get you guys on the subway," Jasper followed the familiar menus on the screen. "Here we go," he handed Emmett and Nasir each their own MetroCard. "Now, follow me and do as I do," Jasper replaced his debit card and produced his own MetroCard from his wallet. Emmett and Nasir followed Jasper to the turnstyles, swiped their cards as he did, and proceeded through.
"This is like a London Oyster, Habibi!" Nasir up his card.
"Yeah," Emmett smiled. He too had fond memories of the time with their friends in the UK.
"It's exactly like that," Jasper agreed as he led the way down to the platform.
No sooner than they descended the final steps, a train roared into the station.
"We don't want this one," Jasper put a restraining hand on Emmett's arm.
"We don't?" Emmett was puzzled.
"This is an F train. It's not going where we're going. We want a B or a D," Jasper explained. "New York is more complicated than London, guys. Here several lines run on the same tracks for part of the way. See the map over here," Jasper led them to it. "I need to change to a 1 train at Columbia Circle to get home. Only the B or D lines go there from here."
"Oh," Nasir got it.
"Yeah, you gotta pay attention or you could end up a long way from where you're going," Jasper concluded his lesson.
The F train pulled out of the station and less than five minutes later a D took it's place. They walked aboard with a handful of others and seated themselves on the hard orange plastic seats.
"What are you guys doing for dinner?" Jasper asked.
"I am taking Emmett to a place I know he will like," Nasir stated.
"Is it a secret?" Emmett smiled.
"There's a pretty good steak house in Rockefeller Center. I should have pointed it out," Jasper stated.
"Yeah?" Emmett's interest was piqued.
"Yeah. Montana Grill. Real rustic. I haven't been in years though," Jasper filled in.
"I am taking him to Keens," Nasir revealed.
"Oh, shit. That's about the best in the city," Jasper affirmed. "Keens is way better than the place I was talking about."
"Yeah? Is it a steakhouse too?" Emmett asked.
"Let me just put it this way, Em. Your husband is good to you and you are going to be a very happy man," Jasper assured.
"I'm already a very happy man," Emmett put his arm around Nasir's shoulders and pulled his husband against him. "But I will admit, a good steak would make me even happier today."
"Then you're going to be ecstatic," Jasper was certain.
After one quick stop at the 7th Avenue 53rd Street Station, they arrived at their transfer point. The 59th Street Columbus Circle Station was much larger with two levels of platforms.
"We're looking for a 1 train this time of day," Jasper led his friends deeper beneath the city.
"This time of day?" Emmett asked.
"A 2 train would stop here and at my station, but they only run at night," Jasper informed.
They had only another short wait before a 1 train pulled to a stop before them. They seated themselves again and the train pulled out, continuing to carry them North.
As they slowed into the third station, Jasper rose and grabbed the hand bar. "Here we are."
Emmett and Nasir followed Jasper into the 79th Street Broadway Station and up until they emerged onto the sunlight sidewalk.
"So this is your neighborhood?" Emmett asked as he looked around.
"This is it," Jasper spread his arms. "If you're heading for the park, you're going that way," he pointed. "And I'm going the opposite way, toward the river."
"Sugar, it was so great to see you!" Emmett snatched Jasper up right off of his feet in a great bear hug again.
"You too, Em," Jasper relished his big friend's big hugs.
"Take care of yourself and take care of your friends," Emmett expressed as he set Jasper down on his feet.
"Jasper, I almost forgot!" Nasir exclaimed as he reached for Jasper. "Edward instructed me to deliver his love to you."
"Well, you can hardly do that out here on the street!" Jasper laughed.
"This is for him," Nasir gave Jasper a soft kiss on his lips.
"I want a whole lot more than that from Edward!" Jasper held the Arab man by his arms. "But that will have to wait until he gets here."
"I leave the rest to him," Nasir smiled and gave Jasper a quick hug.
"Okay, you guys," Jasper stepped back in the direction of his home. "Nasir, I'm sure I'll see you soon. Em, enjoy the rest of your stay. Come back often."
"You can count on both, Sugar," Emmett assured. "You want us to walk with you?" he pointed.
"This is a good neighborhood. I'll be fine," Jasper started to walk backwards.
"Okay. I'll be back in two weeks with Edward. See you then," Emmett gave a last wave.
"See you then. Bye," Jasper waved as well and turned to walk forward. Emmett and Nasir turned as well. Emmett took his husband's hand as they headed toward Central Park.
Duane wore tight button fly jeans and a loose gray tee shirt. He stood barefoot in his kitchen, chopping vegetables on the butcher-block section of the counter. It was a very Ikea kitchen in stainless steel and blonde woods. Duane wanted to surprise his husband with the beef and broccoli stir fry that was one of his favorites. Rodney's work schedule didn't always allow him to be home for dinner, but he would be today, and Duane always liked it better when he was. With their combined schedules, it was one of the few nights of the week they could spend together. Duane converted two big broccoli heads into many florets and popped one into his mouth as he glanced out the window. Here on this side of the 12th floor they had a view of the top floor of the building across Park Avenue. Park Avenue was hardly an unattractive view, but more importantly he could see that it was a bright and sunny day in Manhattan.
Duane set his knife down and walked around the counter when his phone rang. Since they had redone the kitchen to make room for a larger stainless steel refrigerator, and more counter and cabinet space, there was little room left over for a table. A bistro set that could only just accommodate the two of them was squeezed into a corner, and it was here that Duane had left his cell. He snatched it up without looking to see who it was.
"Duane Seiler," he spoke into the phone.
"Duane, it is Nasir," Nasir greeted.
"Oh, hey there, neighbor!" Duane's smile came through in his voice.
"Emmett is with me. Would now be a good time?" Nasir asked.
"Y'all, come on down anytime," Duane offered.
"We are in the park, just coming to Fifth Avenue now. We will be there in ten minutes," Nasir stated.
"That's perfect. You know what door it is," Duane smiled.
"I do. We will see you in a few minutes," Nasir confirmed.
Duane ended the call and placed his cell back on the table. Ten minutes would give him the perfect amount of time to set the stage. He tore off through the house at a run. His first stop was the office. His laptop was open and on, atop his desk. Duane quickly called up the photograph he wanted and set the laptop on the credenza behind the desk, so that anyone walking into the room could clearly see the picture on the screen. That ready, Duane tore off again. He whipped off his tee shirt when he reached the master bedroom and threw it into the walk in closet. He dropped to the hardwood floor and began to do push ups. When he reached fifty, Duane stopped and took a moment to lay on the floor and pant from his exertion. But he didn't have have time to rest. Duane hopped up and ran into the master bath.
He looked at himself in the mirror and ran a hand over his scruffy face. Duane had deliberately not shaved since Wednesday morning in anticipation of this very meeting. No client meetings Thursday or Friday had allowed him to get away with it. Nasir had hair on his face, ergo Emmett liked that. Duane was thirty two years old and in excellent shape. At five eleven he was not at all short, nor overly tall. Duane was not overly muscular, but gym toned and defined in all the right ways, in all the right places. He smirked to himself as he took note that his push ups had puffed up his chest just as he intended. There was a dusting of hair on his tanned chest that turned his smooth husband on no end. Duane popped the top button on his already low rise jeans. This would draw the eye right where he wanted and make it clear that his pants were button flys. There was even a hint of his tan line. Duane turned on the faucet, wetted his hands and ran them through his dirty blonde hair. He knew how sexy he looked fresh from the shower. He wasn't of course, but his guests wouldn't know that.
And right on time, came the knock on the door. Duane strode toward his door in only his nearly buttoned jeans with great anticipation. He paused just long enough en route to throw open the door to the play room which they normally kept shut. Duane then went straight to the front door and threw it open.
"Nasir, there ya are!" Duane offered his hand.
"Hello, Duane," Nasir shook the shirtless man's hand.
"And this must be Emmett," Duane offered his hand to Emmett as well.
"You must be Duane," Emmett displayed his dimples with his handshake. Though the poster sized picture on the wall in the penthouse above was most provocative, Emmett was even more attractive in the flesh. The deeply scooped tank revealed much of Emmett's chest, certainly less than Duane had already seen in the photograph, but the way it stretched across the massive chest and highlighted Emmett's pert nipples made Duane's mouth water. He was very grateful the weather was not cool enough to force Emmett to wear his cardigan closed. Duane might could wish for weather warm enough to entice Emmett to not wear a shirt at all. He silently chastised himself for not cranking up the heat the second Nasir called. What he wouldn't give to be standing here bare chest to bare chest with Emmett right now. Not to mention the way Emmett's jeans fit him. Duane could only hope to turn this magnificent hunk of a man on as much was Emmett was doing to him.
"It sure is nice to meet you. C'mon in, y'all," Duane bid and stepped back. "I was just about to crack a cold one. Join me?" he headed for the kitchen. "We do like to keep Spaten in the fridge."
"In that case, how can we refuse?" Emmett spread his hands. He and Nasir followed their host to the well appointed, modern kitchen. Duane pulled three bottles of Spaten lager from one of the crisper drawers and set them on the counter.
"Oops," Duane attempted to be manly by twisting off the caps, but quickly discovered that Spaten bottle caps did not in fact twist off. A drawer right next to the fridge contained the needed opener. "Here we go," Duane covered as best he could and had all three bottles open in a flash. "New neighbors," he held up his bottle as Nasir and Emmett picked up theirs.
"I'll drink to that," Emmett smiled as the three men touched their bottle necks together and took a swig.
"Yeah, that hits the spot. Say, Emmett," Duane stepped forward. He placed his left hand on Emmett's right pec and ran it up to Emmett's shoulder under his cardigan. "You obviously work out. You should come to the gym with us sometime. It's right up the street. Both y'all," Duane finally withdrew his hand from Emmett and stepped back.
"Thanks for the offer, Duane, but I don't get enough time with my husband," Emmett looked to Nasir and took his hand. "I won't be going to the gym while I'm here."
"I sure can understand that. Well, c'mon through. Got yer papers in the office," Duane bid and set off for the living room.
"Papers?" Emmett asked as he and Nasir followed.
"Oh, you didn't tell him?" Duane asked Nasir.
"You will see in a moment, Habibi," Nasir put his hand on Emmett's broad back as they walked. On the far side of a living room not nearly as large as theirs, but still spacious, was a set of French doors that opened into a smaller room, that Duane clearly used for an office.
"Make yerselves t'home," Duane walked around the desk and seated himself in his high backed, dark brown fabric upholstered swivel chair. Emmett and Nasir took the two matching arm chairs in front of the desk. And could not help but notice the image of the naked man on the laptop screen behind Duane that their host seemed not to see at all.
"Is that Rodney?" Nasir pointed.
"What?" Duane looked back. "Oh, yeah. That's my Rod. You fellas caught me," he swiveled sideways to admire the image of his big, hunky husband. Rodney stood facing away from the camera and looking over his shoulder. He wore a helmet, harness, combat boots, knee and elbow pads, and held a large weapon. Otherwise he was naked. Other men dressed the same were visible in the background. Rodney was a bigger man than Duane and built much like Emmett. Nasir, of course, had already met him, but he hadn't seen this much of the man.
"Top to top, Nasir, ain't that a fuckin' fine backside?" Duane gestured with his bottle.
"Is he holding a paintball gun?" Emmett scrutinized the photo carefully. "Are you guys playing naked paintball?"
"Oh, no!" Duane laughed. "That'd hurt like hell, man! It's laser tag. We belong to a league. We play Asylum Lasertag out at a private facility in Brooklyn. They have actual paintball guns retrofitted to be laser guns. We play every other Thursday."
"And you play naked," Emmett finished for him.
"Yes we do. It's hella fun, man. You fellas should join us!" Duane enthused. "It's a great big warehouse of a place. It's dark in there and they're always changing the course. We love it!"
"I'm not here on Thursdays, but if I ever am on one of those Thursdays, maybe we'll take you up on that," Emmett was polite.
"Well, alright," Duane smacked the top of his desk. He set his bottle down and turned to face them fully. "Let's get down to a little business. Here we go, boys," Duane placed what was obviously a legal document before them and set a silver Cross pen on top of it. He then leaned back in his chair and gave a very shit eating grin as he deliberately placed his hands up behind his head. His eyes never left Emmett.
"What is this?" Emmett picked up the pen. "Is this a deed?"
"General Warranty Deed transferring title of your penthouse, which is spectacular by the way, especially the artwork," Duane added with a leer at Emmett.
"Oh, you've seen it," Emmett laughed.
"Yes, Sir, I sure did," Duane made it very clear what he thought of the framed, poster sized picture of Emmett and the other men hanging on him before he continued with his explanation. "This transfers title from Nasir bin Omar al Qasimi, a single man, to Nasir bin Omar al Qasimi, a single man, and Emmett McCarty, a single man, as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, and not as tenants in common."
"We both own our Seattle home," Nasir took the pen from Emmett and slid the deed closer. "We will both own our New York home as well."
"Right there, Nasir," Duane leaned forward and pointed.
"I do not want property separate from you. What is ours is ours," Nasir inscribed his name on the document.
"That's sweet, Nasi," Emmett smiled as Nasir handed him back the pen and slid the paper to him.
"And you sign right there, Emmett," Duane instructed.
"I hate that it says 'single man' though," Emmett spoke as he signed.
"Oh, I understood you two weren't actually married," Duane attempted to clarify.
"Only because we can't get actually married," Emmett explained.
"In Washington, you mean. You can here in New York. I married my husband," Duane took another swig of his beer and held up his left hand to display his ring.
"Oh, that's right," Emmett nodded.
"Will you marry me again, Habibi?" Nasir rubbed his husband's thigh.
"Yes I will, Nasi. We should do that," Emmett slid the deed back to their attorney.
"Alright," Duane took back the pen Emmett handed him as well. "I'll just notarize this right quick," Duane took a stamp from a desk drawer, stamped the document and signed it himself. "And we're done. I'll have this recorded for y'all first thing next week."
"Thank you so much, Duane. What do I owe you?" Nasir asked.
"Not a thing. What are neighbors for?" Duane spread his arms and smiled broadly.
"You must let me pay you," Nasir protested.
"I tell you what. You get me some face time with your General Counsel at Loews and that will be payment aplenty," Duane assured. "My firm would love to have a piece of the business of a huge corporation like that. There's a whole bunch of us tryin' to make partner at Cosgrove, Wilhite and Messenger, and if I can land this, it'll be me."
"I will make that happen, Duane," Nasir assured with a smile.
"Well, come on out in the livin' room, boys," Duane rose and came out from behind his desk. "Put yer feet up, relax. I'll getcha another beer," he gestured with his bottle.
"We should actually go, Duane. I am taking Emmett to dinner. We should get ready," Nasir stated as he and Emmett rose as well.
"Are ya sure? Rodney'll be home soon. He'd love to meet Emmett too," Duane smiled at Emmett.
"You guys around tomorrow? Maybe we can do brunch or something," Emmett offered.
"We will and we can call that a date," Duane enthused. "Give us a call or pop on down."
"Okay," Emmett nodded his smile.
"Thank you again, Duane," Nasir shook their host's hand as he walked them to the door.
"No trouble, Nasir. No trouble. Glad to do it," Duane patted Nasir on the back as they walked. "You can more than thank me by making a quick, easy introduction."
"And I will," Nasir assured.
"Thanks very much, Duane," Emmett offered his hand again at the door. "Nice to meet you."
"Aw, no," Duane side stepped Emmett's hand and moved in to embrace him. "We friends and neighbors now," he leaned up to rest his chin on Emmett's broad shoulder as he ran his hands over the bigger man's muscular back.
"Yes we are," Emmett held the shirtless man for a moment.
"Okay," Duane let go of Emmett before he became entirely too obvious. "Rodney'll be sorry he missed y'all, but we'll see you boys tomorrow. And don't be strangers. Pop on down anytime."
"See you tomorrow," Nasir echoed as he and Emmett walked out into the elevator lobby. Duane walked out to wait for the elevator with them. The car was still at this floor and the doors parted immediately. Nasir and Emmett stepped inside and with a smile and a wave, left Duane alone.
"Was that a little weird?" Emmett looked to his husband as they ascended.
"How so?" Nasir took Emmett's hand.
"Well, that's the first time I've ever been to see an attorney that didn't have a shirt on," Emmett began. "Couldn't even button up his pants. Imagine seeing Aro Volturi like that."
"We saw Duane in his home, Habibi. He can dress any way he likes. It does not matter to me," Nasir gave a shrug.
"Okay, but what's with the picture of his husband on his computer?" Emmett continued.
"We have a very nice picture of you on our wall," Nasir pointed out as they stepped out onto their floor.
"Yeah, but that was hung there. This was a 'you caught me' moment, supposedly," Emmett spoke through the things that stood out to him as they took off their shoes. "If he was looking at pictures, why was his hair wet? And he had clearly been working in the kitchen. And how do you drink Spaten, but not know the caps don't twist off?"
"It was a little weird," Nasir conceded as he opened their door.
"And why was I the only one who got a hug?" Emmett followed his husband into their home. "And felt up."
"I did notice that," Nasir darkened his brow.
"There really is a Rodney?" Emmett asked.
"I have met him! He is very nice," Nasir confirmed.
"Something just felt off. I'm not sure. I wish Seth was here. I guess we can see how it goes at brunch tomorrow," Emmett put his hands on his hips as he contemplated.
"Maybe he wants in your pants," Nasir mused as he stepped up to Emmett and slipped his arms around his husband's waist. "I know how hard it is to resist you," Nasir edged Emmett's chin up with his nose to kiss Emmett's throat.
"He has his own husband to find irresistible," Emmett wrapped his arms around Nasir.
"Mine is hotter," Nasir kissed Emmett's adam's apple. "It is understandable."
"Mine's hotter too," Emmett lowered his face to kiss the side of Nasir's neck.
"Do you want to get ready to go now?" Nasir asked. "Are you very hungry?"
"You know, I am," Emmett answered. "I've only had that sandwich today, but it's still early yet. I'd love to lay down and snuggle with you for a while, like we did this morning."
Nasir did not speak. He stepped back, took Emmett's hand, and led him down the stairs.
Duane returned to work in his kitchen after his guests had gone. He had more vegetables to chop and when he was done with that, he had to slice up the beef. He stood doing that when he heard his husband come through the door. Duane quickly moved to the sink to wash his hands and was still doing so when Rodney walked around the corner into the kitchen.
"Hey, Big D," Rodney smiled as he caught sight of his husband standing shirtless at the island sink. He was a taller, much more muscular man than Duane, who clearly spent a great deal of time at the gym. While he was built much like Emmett, Rodney was not quite as tall. Duane loved the sight of his husband in his pale blue hospital scrubs. Rodney also wore a light leather jacket and his messenger bag across his back. He stepped over to greet his husband and ran a hand down Duane's well defined back.
"Hey, Rod," Duane tilted his head up to accept his husband's loving kiss.
"Whatcha been- hey! Are you making beef and broccoli stir fry?" Rodney answered his own question with brightly enthused eyes. "Oh, my God! I love you!" he grabbed Duane by the shoulders and spun him around, only to grasp him in a giant hug that lifted him right off his feet.
"I know it's your favorite," Duane spoke with his arms wrapped around his husband's strong neck.
"Yeah," Rodney let Duane go and noticed the beer bottle. "You're drinking a Spaten? Oh, did they come?"
"They did," Duane confirmed as he picked up the bottle and handed it to his husband.
Rodney took a swig. "It's good," he evaluated. "Kinda rich."
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Duane nodded his agreement.
"So, what was he like in person?" Rodney handed the beer back and walked over to the table to shed his bag and jacket.
"Big and beautiful as you," Duane took a swig himself.
"Yeah?" Rodney smiled.
"But, fuck is he tall! He's even taller than Nasir," Duane informed.
"You like big, beefy boys on your dick," Rodney smirked.
"I sure as fuck do," Duane finished his second beer as he rubbed the growing bulge in his tightening jeans.
"I'd sure like that sexy, furry Arab to pound my ass," Rodney opened the fridge and bent to get out another couple of bottles.
"I'll pound your ass!" Duane added a hard slap on Rodney's butt for emphasis.
"Oh, yeah?" Rodney set the beers on the counter and leaned menacingly toward the smaller man. "You think you can handle this ass?" he demanded. He knew this tough talk would provoke the kind of aggressive response that he loved in his husband.
"Boy, you better get down here and suck this dick!" Duane popped the remaining buttons on his jeans and hauled out his already more than half hard cock. Rodney did not and could not ever resist when his husband talked to him this way. He dropped to his knees without a moment's hesitation.
"Yeah," Duane held himself in his right hand and grabbed a fistful of Rodney's dark hair with his left. "That's it," he encouraged as he stuffed his meat into the kneeling man's mouth. Rodney was held fast by the strong grip in his hair, his nose pressed into his husband's trimmed pubes. Duane's cock grew to full hardness down his throat, cutting off his air. There was nothing Rodney loved more than a virile man dominating him.
"Move your tongue," Duane commanded. "Oh, fuck yeah!" he tossed his head back as his husband's talented tongue set in motion on the whole length of his cum tube. Duane felt Rodney try to pull back and relaxed his grip in his husband's hair to let him do so. He knew Rodney would pull back only enough to get some air. Once Rodney had Duane's dick in his mouth, he only let it go when commanded, or after Duane fed him his juice.
"Boy, I am gonna fuck your throat raw!" Duane declared. He widened his stance, gripped Rodney's hair tightly with both hands, and proceeded to do exactly that.