AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I have decided to take the grave risk of posting this chapter on FF. It may trigger an autosearch for certain words that I certainly use quite a bit in my adult oriented writing. We'll see what happens.
I will also post this to my new home. If you go to archiveofourown `dot` org and do a search for Jtrue, you will find me.
My brilliant twinbrain little sister has my eternal love and gratitude. She always gives me time when she has none to spare.
Huge hugs as always to Maureen, Rebecca and Kate.
Now we have more (long overdue) 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 & Omissionsshould 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 28: Ulterior Motives
The next time Nasir woke, sunlight streamed in through the not quite closed drapes of their master bedroom. Emmett spooned him from behind. Nasir smiled as he ran a hand over the forearm that held him securely around his chest. He felt warm and safe and loved in his husband's arms. Nasir could think of no place he would rather be.
But he had to pee. Nasir stretched, and in so doing, straightened his legs. Emmett released him and rolled away, partly onto his back, but never woke. Nasir sat up and smiled at his sleeping husband. He realized that Emmett's body was still on Pacific time.
Nasir slipped out of bed and walked into the master bath. He went to the toilet to relieve himself and shivered as he stood doing so. After he flushed, Nasir headed upstairs to click on the heat long enough to take the chill out of the house. Then he headed back downstairs to return to bed, determined to cuddle with Emmett as long as it took his big, beautiful husband to wake up naturally. Thoughts of snuggling fled from his head as soon as he walked back into the bedroom and saw Emmett mostly on his back, covered only to his waist by the sheet and blanket. Nasir crawled carefully onto the bed and slowly pulled the covers down his sleeping husband's body, until Emmett was fully exposed. He just gazed at Emmett for a moment, struck anew by how magnificent his man was. Emmett continued to sleep peacefully. His half awake cock lay over his right thigh, his head just peeking from his foreskin. It made Nasir's mouth water. Emmett, and his dick, were in the perfect position. Nasir laid on his side with his shoulder by Emmett's hip. His own bone, once again fully erect, came to rest on Emmett's furry shin.
Nasir just admired his husband for a long moment. Emmett's heavy cock and balls a mere inch from his face. He let his breath caress them while his lips and tongue longed to do so. Nasir took hold of his own hardness and just squeezed himself. He rubbed his dickhead through the hair on Emmett's lower leg. Nasir licked his lips. He knew he should let Emmett sleep. He wanted Emmett to sleep as long as he needed. But his very soul needed Emmett in his mouth. Nasir stuck out his tongue and touched it to what little of Emmett's head was exposed. He ran his tongue around the ridge of the snake's cowl. Just as Nasir hoped it would, the big cock responded. Nasir could not help himself as he took Emmett in his mouth. The supple, sensual flesh of Emmett's penis was yet on the side of spongy as Nasir curled his tongue around it inside his mouth. Nasir did not suck, but took the whole of the growing cock in his mouth and pressed his nose into Emmett's trimmed pubes. He let go of himself and moved his hand up to gently massage Emmett's heavy orbs in their smooth sac. Nasir caressed the expanding organ with his tongue as Emmett grew to cut off his air. He wanted Emmett's big cock to crawl right down his throat. Emmett continued to slumber as he reached full hardness down his husband's willing throat.
Nasir remained fully impaled on Emmett's big dick, his tongue ever caressing Emmett's sensitive cum tube, until his lungs could take it no more. He pulled his mouth halfway up Emmett's shaft so that he could pull a much needed breath in through his nose. Nasir then went down on Emmett fully again and pulled back up as he began to suck his husband's big, thick, perfect cock. But almost as soon as he began, Nasir stopped. He should be letting Emmett sleep, not sucking his dick. He didn't want to wake Emmett. Nasir was very aware that he hadn't let Emmett sleep when he was so tired yesterday morning. Emmett had been up all night on the cursed airplane and rather than let Emmett get his much needed rest, he woke him up with his tongue in his ass.
Nasir slowly pulled his mouth up Emmett's very hard crank. He couldn't bring himself to relinquish it completely. Emmett's erection commanded his attention. He was powerless against it's demands. Nasir held the now fully exposed head of Emmett's snake in his mouth. What would that hurt, really? He let his tongue gently caress Emmett's frenulum. Nasir was just too turned on and lowered his hand to take hold of his own cock again. He knew he shouldn't stroke himself, but he just couldn't help it.
Nasir also couldn't help his moan when he tasted Emmett's precum on his tongue. And then Emmett gave a soft moan in his sleep. The same little sighing moan that Emmett gave the day before in his sleep when Nasir was licking his hole. Nasir let his eyes roll back in his head. He jacked himself faster, but did not alter his pace or change the way he moved his tongue on Emmett's frenulum. Nasir did not want to wake Emmett, but could not bring himself to relinquish the big, leaking cock in his mouth. He reasoned that he wasn't actually sucking Emmett, as he very much wanted to do. He was not trying to make Emmett come, though that was again something he very much wanted to do. Nasir just wanted to play with his husband's big, beautiful penis a little while he slept. He just couldn't resist. He had been without Emmett after their wedding, when he needed his husband the most.
But, of course, it was the same for Emmett. As the relentless tongue massaged his frenulum in his sleep, Emmett's mouth slowly dropped open and he began to breath more deeply. Nasir stopped stroking himself. He was just too turned on and had brought himself too close to the edge. He very much wanted to come, but didn't want to do it all over Emmett's leg. As it was, the hair on Emmett's shin was already slick with his own ooze. Nasir brought his hand up to massage Emmett's heavy stones again. He was somewhat surprised to find Emmett's nuts were not as loose as they were before. He continued to move his tongue on the frenulum of the big, drooling cock as he gently massaged his husband's testicles.
In his sleep, Emmett rolled more fully onto his back and Nasir moved with him. Nasir was not about to let Emmett's hard, leaking cock fall out of his mouth. The longer he held the big snake's head in his mouth, and moved his tongue on Emmett's single most sensitive place, the more Emmett's clear syrup oozed into his mouth. And Nasir knew just how to get more. He let go of Emmett's swollen orbs in their tightening sac, and wrapped his hand around the long, thick, hard pole. Nasir gave Emmett an upward stroke.
"Mmm!" Nasir closed his eyes and enjoyed the heavy surge of precum in his mouth and the feel of Emmett's foreskin as it bunched up against his lips that clutched tightly to Emmett's shaft.
Emmett gave a little whimper in his sleep as his husband did that. Nasir was in very much in danger of waking Emmett, which he would have realized had he bothered to pay attention to the signs Emmett's body gave him. But Nasir was just too turned on to notice. He lowered his hand and took up masturbating himself again. If only there were a way to make Emmett come without waking him up. Nasir continued the relentless massage of Emmett's frenulum with his tongue while he jacked himself ever closer to his own orgasm. He closed his eyes and relished the feel of Emmett's leaking head in his mouth and against his tongue. It seemed like Emmett's big bone grew hard as steel.
Emmett's eyes flew open as his entire body stiffened. He sucked in a stricken gasp and held up his arms as he attempted to gather his wits. Nasir heard this, but was not about to stop his ministrations on the big, quivering dick. Emmett was very suddenly aware that he was on the brink of orgasm. He lifted his head to look down only to see his husband's loving lips fastened about his cock. Emmett could feel Nasir's tongue moving on him, driving him over the edge.
"Oh, fuck! Oh fuck!" Emmett's entire body trembled and his eyes wide and unblinking. A shudder went through Emmett from head to toe as he crashed over the edge. "I'm coming! Suck!" Emmett grabbed Nasir's head and shoved him down even as his nuts cracked.
"Mmpf!" Nasir was not expecting to be impaled on the big spike just as it erupted. Emmett's jizz gushed into the back of his throat, choking him. Emmett held Nasir's head down and just as quickly realized his husband couldn't suck him that way.
"Ungh!" Emmett held Nasir's head in place and began to thrust with his hips. He bucked his load down Nasir's throat. This turned his husband on even more powerfully. Nasir drank Emmett's copious outpouring of semen as it blasted from his thrusting spear. Nasir didn't even realize that he increased the pace of his own jacking hand on himself.
"Oh my God, Nasi," Emmett slowed the pace of his thrusts, but still held his husband's head in place. He moved his bone in long slow strokes, pulling his head just up to Nasir's clutching lips and then back into his throat as his cream no longer shot, but just flowed forth. Nasir thrilled as he gulped down another mouthful of Emmett's jizz. Nothing turned him on more. And then he realized that he should have stopped masturbating himself a long time ago. Now he was crashing over the edge himself.
"Hmm! Umm!" Nasir moaned with urgency around the big McCarty weapon that still filled in his mouth.
"Babe?" Emmett asked as he let go of Nasir's head. Nasir slipped his mouth off of Emmett's still throbbing bone and moved quickly as he scooted up the bed.
"Yah!" Nasir threw his head back and just held his straining prick pointed at Emmett as he exploded.
"Oh, fuck is that hot!" Emmett watched as much as felt the bolts of his husband's cum as Nasir painted his cock and balls with his load.
"Ungh!" Nasir's entire body was stiff and he just held his crank as rope after rope of his juice squirted onto Emmett. Nasir lowered his forehead to Emmett's big pec and Emmett wrapped his arms around Nasir's head as Nasir finished unloading onto him.
"Ugh, Habibi," Nasir finally gave himself a stroke and a shudder went through his body as he did so. Both men lifted their heads to look down on Emmett's jizz coated cock and balls. Emmett could not help but notice that his husband's final stroke had coaxed out a great glob of spunk that clung to the head of Nasir's bone.
"Get that dick up here!" Emmett commanded. Nasir just held himself for a moment and panted before he moved.
"Yeah," Emmett licked his lips as Nasir moved to straddle his shoulder. He opened his mouth and Nasir eased his cummy cock inside. Emmett placed a strong hand to Nasir's butt to encourage his husband to sink every hard inch down his throat.
"Oh, na'am," Nasir put his head back and closed his eyes as his pole sank slowly into Emmett's throat. He felt Emmett's tongue move on him every inch of the way. After a long moment, at which point Nasir knew his husband would need some air, he slowly pulled his hips back. When only half of Nasir was left in his mouth, Emmett used his hand on his husband's butt to stop him from withdrawing any further. Emmett wrapped his other hand around Nasir's still very hard cock and pumped him to milk his husband of every drop of nectar he could get. Nasir pulled his meat from Emmett's mouth finally and let himself flop over limp on the bed.
Emmett lifted his head to look down at himself again. "Wow. You came all over me," he observed that his yet hard cock was completely coated in cum. Emmett could feel it running down his now loose scrotum. Nasir summoned the strength to move and rolled over toward Emmett. He could see that his own emission was about to drip off of Emmett's big nuts. Nasir lowered his face between Emmett's legs and licked Emmett's balls clean.
"Oh, fuck yeah," Emmett watched as his husband lapped the jizz from his heavy, drained nuts. Nasir then trailed his tongue up his husband's big dick along Emmett's cummy cum tube. Nasir was quick to take Emmett back in his mouth and suck gently on Emmett.
"That feels so good, Nasi," Emmett let his head drop back to his pillow and closed his eyes as Nasir nursed on his spent, but still hard cock. "Hey, don't swallow any of it!" Emmett looked down again as he made his demand. When Emmett's cock and balls where as clean as Nasir could make them he sat up. He opened his mouth to show Emmett his very cummy tongue.
"Fuck!" Emmett grabbed Nasir's head and pulled him down fast. He held Nasir's head in place again as they opened their mouths to each other. Emmett probed his husband's cummy mouth as deeply and thoroughly as he was able. If Nasir's erection had shown any hint of subsiding, this kiss put a stop to that.
"Mmm," Nasir gave a gentle moan into Emmett's mouth as their tongues caressed each other.
"There," Emmett licked his lips as he finally released his husband. Nasir laid at Emmett's side with his head on a big, solid pec. Both men took a deep breath and gave a sigh as Emmett held Nasir to him and Nasir ran his fingers over Emmett's chest.
"Hoh, man. What a way to wake up!" Emmett expressed.
"I am sorry, Habibi. It was not my intention to wake you," Nasir apologized.
"Babe, please, you can wake me up like that anytime!" Emmett tightened his arms around his husband.
"I had to pee and I put on the furnace to take the chill out of the house, and when I came back and saw you laying here...," Nasir relayed.
"Was my dick calling your name?" Emmett chuckled.
"I am powerless to resist it," Nasir ran his hand down Emmett's body and took hold of Emmett's sticky cock.
"I just gotta love New York. I either wake up with your tongue in my ass or my dick in your mouth," Emmett observed.
"This is how my zawji should be treated," Nasir stated.
"Okay, I need to take a piss now," Emmett sat up. "Be right back," he swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose. Nasir smiled as he enjoyed the sight of his naked husband's full, round backside.
"Oh!" Nasir flew from the bed himself as he remembered something very important that he wanted to do with Emmett this weekend. He dashed into his closet and retrieved a large paper shopping bag by it's handles. Nasir brought this back to the bedroom and dumped out the contents on the bed. He tossed the bag aside and climbed into this mess on his knees. There were close to thirty magazines and Nasir set about organizing them.
Emmett walked back into the bedroom, wiping his cock and balls with a warm, wet washcloth. "What's all that?" he asked as he tossed his washcloth aside.
"These are home decor magazines for you," Nasir informed as Emmett climbed onto the bed with him. "So we can look through them and see what you like to redo this bedroom."
"Oh, good thinking, Nasi," Emmett picked one up.
"I cannot take the credit. Joel got them for us," Nasir informed.
"All these? Wow. He didn't mind doing that?" Emmett was concerned.
"I did not even ask him. He did this on his own," Nasir revealed. "I told him that I did not at all like the way our penthouse is decorated and he came to work the next day with this bag, for when you arrived this weekend."
"That was very thoughtful. You sure he's straight?" Emmett teased.
"He must be straight, Habibi," Nasir tried very hard to hide his smirk. "He spits."
"He spits," Emmett repeated.
"Yes," Nasir confirmed, still working hard to keep his composure.
"Oh, so when you come in his mouth, he doesn't swallow, he spits it out," Emmett nodded his understanding. "That's not like cheating at all."
Nasir burst out laughing and let himself fall over onto his side.
"Yeah, you got jokes. Hope you enjoyed working with him," Emmett said casually as he thumbed through his magazine. "I'm gonna hire you a little old lady. Picture Gram."
"Habibi, my cock shrivels at the thought!" Nasir covered himself protectively.
"Good! The only mouth, or ass, you better ever come inside, are mine!" Emmett exclaimed.
"I was teasing, Habibi. There are no other men," Nasir put his hand on Emmett's thigh.
"I know that, Nasi," Emmett leaned down to give his husband a gentle kiss on his lips. "Of course," he sat back up and flipped again through his magazine, "when Dane comes by with the proofs from our wedding, I'll make sure he spits too."
"Ha! Dane only has eyes for our DJ," Nasir poked Emmett's leg. "Nice try, Habibi."
"Yeah, I didn't think that one through," Emmett admitted. "Hey what do you think of this?" he held his magazine to show his husband an intriguing page.
"It is better than this," Nasir gestured around them.
"We'll put this aside in the maybe pile," Emmett set the magazine toward the foot of the bed, open to the page they wanted and picked up another.
"Would you like some coffee, Habibi?" Nasir offered. "I do not even have to go upstairs, just out in the hall."
"Well, in that case, I would love a cup," Emmett agreed. Nasir smiled, leaned forward to give Emmett a soft kiss on his lips, and climbed off the bed.
Emmett sat flipping through his magazines while his husband made them coffee in the little bar kitchen in the hallway. "Hey, Babe, would you like something nautical?" he yelled.
"Nautical?" Nasir called back in a tone that made his opinion clear.
"We'll save that for when we get a beach house someplace," Emmett thought out loud as he tossed the magazine in the growing 'no' pile. "That'll probably be next," he mused to himself with a chuckle. Emmett started to flip through yet another when Nasir's cell rang from his beside table. "Your phone, Nasi. You want me to answer it?" Emmett called as he leaned forward on his fists to see who it was.
"Please," Nasir called back.
"It's Duane," Emmett announced as he snatched up the phone. "Hi, Duane."
"Emmett! Mornin' to ya. How're my favorite, sexy, upstairs clients this mornin'?" Duane greeted.
"Well, just fine, Duane. How's our favorite big city lawyer?" Emmett deliberately omitted the word 'sexy'.
"Never better. Y'all boys up for brunch?" Duane got to the reason for his call.
"You know, that sounds really good right about now," Emmett confessed. "You guys know a good place?"
"Great place," Duane affirmed. "And it's right around the corner. Two minute walk."
"Okay," Emmett nodded as Nasir returned with a mug of steaming coffee in each hand. "Brunch with our attorney, Babe?"
"That would be nice. Rodney is joining us?" Nasir placed the mugs on his bedside table.
"Rodney is coming, right? This is a double date?" Emmett asked.
"He's right here and lookin' forward to it," Duane confirmed.
"Okay. Give us about an hour. We'll ring on our way down and meet you in the lobby," Emmett outlined.
"Sounds good," Duane agreed.
"See you then," Emmett ended the call and traded Nasir's cell for a mug of coffee.
"I am glad Rodney is coming," Nasir nodded and sipped from his own mug. "You will like him."
"I'm glad Rodney is coming too," Emmett took a sip, "so Duane'll behave."
Nasir laughed good naturedly and carefully folded his legs beneath him on the bed. "We have a little while before we have to get into the shower," he pushed the untouched magazines closer to Emmett. "Find us a nice new bedroom."
"I got a couple possibilities, but I'll keep looking," Emmett picked up yet another magazine. He paused to smile at his husband. "Ana b'hebbak."
"Ana b'hebbak, il zawji," the Arabic words flowed easily off of Nasir's tongue accompanied by a broad smile.
The imposing doorman looked up from his desk and Sunday paper when the highly polished elevator doors slid open in his lobby. He stood to greet two of his most friendly residents. "Good morning, Mr. Seiler, Mr. Slocum. Is beautiful day."
"Mornin', Vlad," Duane greeted with his infectious smile and Southern charm that he turned on everyone. He wore form fitting jeans with a tight, dark, crew neck shirt and slightly darker suit jacket. His husband also wore tight jeans and an untucked pinstripe shirt with elaborate embroidery across his broad back. Rodney also wore his brown leather messenger bag across his back.
"Hey, Vlad," Rodney extended his hand. He always enjoyed a firm handshake with their equally muscular doorman.
"You know Mr. Qasimi from penthouse?" Vlad asked as he shook Rodney's hand. "I meet his husband yesterday! You can be friends!"
"I hope we will be, Vlad, thanks," Rodney expressed.
The elevator bell sounded again and the doors parted behind them.
"Way ahead of ya, Vlad," Duane gestured as Emmett and Nasir stepped out of the elevator, hand in hand. Emmett wore the jeans he had worn to dinner the night before, with a pinstriped Visconti shirt that had paisley cuffs and matching trim on the collar. Nasir wore equally snug jeans with a dress shirt and suit jacket. Both men wore sandals.
"Here they are," Nasir smiled.
"Hey, guys," Duane took charge. "Emmett, I want you to meet my husband, Rodney."
"Hi, Rodney," Emmett offered his hand to the not quite as tall and very nearly as well built man. "Very nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet my competition, Emmett," Rodney said as they shook.
"Competition?" Emmett's brow clouded. Looking at Rodney, he missed the knowing smirk on Duane's face.
"I was the stud in this building until you showed up!" Rodney teased.
"Oh!" Emmett laughed. "Just visiting, I'm afraid. You get to keep the title."
"We're a couple of lucky guys, ain't we, Nasir?" Duane prompted and openly looked over both of the bigger men.
"Very much we are," Nasir smiled into Emmett's crystal blues.
"Alright now, who's hungry? I know I sure as fuck am," Duane stressed.
"Let's go," Emmett gestured toward the door. Even as the four of them moved toward it, Vlad rushed to hold it for them.
"Can we bring you back something, Vlad?" Rodney offered.
"No, thank you, Mr. Slocum. Mrs. Cohen bring down to me blini with jams every Sunday," Vlad smiled as he held the door for them. "Enjoy brunch."
"Oh, it is a beautiful day," Rodney observed as they all walked out onto the sidewalk.
"Where are we headed?" Emmett asked.
"Saint Ambroeus," Duane answered.
"Saint Ambroeus," Emmett repeated. "Is it a church?"
"Will they let me in?" Nasir asked. Duane and Rodney both laughed.
"It's not a church and they will definitely let us heathens in," Duane stated.
"You guys know The Mark hotel?" Rodney gestured to their left as they reached the corner of 78th Street. Duane took the lead and they followed him across Park Avenue.
"I don't know where anything is. Well, I could get you to Rockefeller Center, but that's about it," Emmett answered.
"I do not know it either," Nasir added.
"It's just one block up and around the corner on Madison," Rodney pointed ahead.
"You fellas can see The Mark from your place," Duane informed.
"Can we?" Emmett hadn't known to look for it.
"The restaurant is right next door," Rodney finished.
"Duane said it was a two minute walk," Emmett recalled.
"It's our favorite place," Rodney smiled.
"Well, we're very ready to eat," Emmett stated. "What do you do, Rodney?"
"I'm an OR Nurse right here at Lenox Hill Hospital," Rodney gestured back toward Park.
"That is very close!" Nasir knew the hospital well as he rode by it to and from work every day.
"Yeah, one block is a tough commute," Rodney nodded.
"You could always get the car," Duane pointed out.
"Oh, yeah, why didn't I think of that, D?" Rodney was flip.
"You guys have a car?" Emmett asked.
"Where do you keep it?" Nasir asked the more pertinent question.
"Down in the Park Avenue Garage," Duane answered.
"On the corner of Seventy Fourth Street," Rodney added.
"We could have a car here if you want, Babe," Emmett squeezed the hand he still held. "We'll ship one out."
"When you are not here, I go to work and come home, except on the few occasions I meet Jasper," Nasir shook his head.
"Jasper?" Rodney latched onto that point.
"Old friend of mine," Emmett answered. "Guy I went to college with, has lived here in the city for years."
"Now he is my friend," Nasir stated.
"If he's handsome as y'all, we'd love to meet him," Duane smiled.
They reached Madison Avenue at the end of the long block. The Mark hotel was more than obvious on the other side of the street, dominating the far corner. Looking up at it, Emmett realized that they could see the mansard roof of the hotel from their breakfast room. Duane led them across Madison and down toward the hotel. Just adjacent to the hotel was a peach facade with a green awning. 'Sant Ambroeus' was written in large, attractive script with the word Ristorante in smaller block letters below. A large picture window afforded patrons in the front dining room a clear view of Madison Avenue. Rodney held open the glass and stainless steel door with a smile while Duane led them inside.
An older Italian man with advanced male pattern baldness and a thick, dark mustache looked up from the book atop his small podium. He wore a tweed suit and broke out in a broad smile as soon as he recognized two of the men who walked through his door.
"Ah, Mr. Duane, Mr. Rodney!" the host greeted them warmly in a distinctly Italian accent. "And you have friends with you."
"Aldo, our friends and neighbors, Nasir and Emmett," Duane introduced.
"Benvenuto," Aldo spread his arms. "Welcome," he repeated in English. "I have your favorite table," Aldo picked up four menus. "Righta this way."
"Mmm," Emmett expressed as he gazed through the glass of the curved pastry counter near the door. Nasir smiled and squeezed his hungry husband's hand.
Aldo led them through the busy front dining room, past the small bar, and through to the oddly angular back dining room. It was nearly as large as the front dining room and every bit as well appointed with crisp linens, gleaming glass and flatware, but far less busy. Only one table was occupied when Aldo led them into the room, by a young couple very much into each other who paid them no mind. The table for four in the left rear corner of the room was tucked behind a large potted plant which gave the illusion of privacy. The table was oblong with one end against the wall, leaving two places to sit on each side.
"Here we are," Aldo stood back to allow the men to seat themselves. Duane and Rodney moved in and deliberately sat across from each other in the inner seats. Rodney slipped the strap of his messenger bag over his head and let it hang on the back of his chair.
"Cop a squat, Emmett," Duane patted the seat next to him. Emmett and Nasir might have preferred to sit beside each other, but across made it easier to place their feet together. Without hesitation Emmett sat beside Duane and Nasir beside Rodney. They immediately slipped off their sandals and Emmett gathered his husband's feet with his.
"Everyone likes mimosa?" Aldo handed them their menus. "I bring for you. Is on Aldo for my special friends. I tell Innocenzio you are here," he paused to smile at them and then headed for the bar.
"So, first time here?" Emmett turned to Duane.
"Yeah," Rodney laughed.
"Hot and funny!" Duane took the opportunity to pat Emmett's solid thigh. He let his fingers feel the firm muscle within Emmett's tight jeans and pulled his hand back to his own lap just before it got too awkward.
"So, how did you guys meet?" Emmett asked partly out of curiosity, and in an effort to focus the flirty man next to him on his own relationship.
Duane chuckled. "You tell em', Roddy."
"About four years ago, the hospital got sued," Rodney began. "Never went to court though. We have a good law firm, you see."
"Let me guess," Nasir smiled.
"Exactly," Rodney confirmed while his husband smiled. "But I did have to give a deposition. So my boss and I went down to our attorney's offices the day before to prepare for the deposition, and in walks this little southern charmer hottie."
"It was damn sure hard to keep focused," Duane took up. "They came right from the hospital wearin' their scrubs. Shew!" he shook his head. "I had to tell him to put on a tie for the depo. Hardest thing I ever did."
"I had no idea at the time," Rodney continued. "He was totally professional. I'm sure I was more than obvious. In fact, I know I was. Bridgette kept kicking me under the table. After I gave my deposition, I thought I'd never see him again. Then a few weeks later, he called me at work and asked me out."
"After the case was settled," Duane made the point.
"Buongiorno, Signori," an exceptionally handsome and very obviously Italian waiter swooped up to them with a tray of mimosas. He wore black bow tie, pants and apron with a white tux shirt. The young waiter had thick, rich, jet black hair and the same slightly exotic, smooth, olive complexion as Nasir. "We have friends today," the waiter observed as he placed their flutes before them.
"Guys, meet our favorite boy, Innocenzio," Duane gestured. "But don't let his name fool you. He's far from innocent."
"Only my boyfriend know for sure," Innocenzio gave a coy little smile.
"Your boyfriend and us," Duane stated.
"Dino in the kitchen?" Rodney asked.
"I tell him you here. And who are these handsome men you bring to me?" Innocenzio put a hand on Emmett and Nasir's shoulders.
"Nasir and his boy Emmett," Duane introduced.
"Very nice to meet you both. Are we hungry?" Innocenzio asked.
"You know, we are, but we haven't even looked at the menu," Emmett picked his up.
"I give you few minutes," Innocenzio smiled at Emmett, winked at Nasir, and walked away.
"He is very friendly," Nasir observed.
"You'd enjoy that insatiable little bottom, Nasir," Duane commented.
"This place is really authentic. Is everyone here from Italy?" Emmett asked.
"Milan to be specific," Duane answered.
"We think most of them are related," Rodney added.
"Here's to sharing with good friends and neighbors," Duane held up his mimosa.
"I'll drink to that," Rodney enthused as all four men touched their flutes together and took a sip.
"So, what's good here, guys?" Emmett opened his menu.
"Everything," Duane stressed.
"And the food too," Rodney smiled.
"I'd kinda just like to focus on the menu at the moment," Emmett looked it over.
"I get the dijon mustard crusted, baked chicken breast," Rodney informed. "D likes the tagliatelle with veal sauce."
"I get it every time," Duane confirmed.
"You might like that, Babe," Emmett suggested.
"I was thinking just the scrambled eggs with tomatoes and parmesan," Nasir took a sip of his mimosa.
"Maybe do a side of the salmon," Emmett wanted his husband to enjoy brunch to the fullest. "I think I'll do the filet mignon with the dijon sauce."
"I am eavesdropping," Innocenzio appeared from around the big plant. "Sound like decisions. Scrambled eggs with tomato and parmigiano reggiano?" he put his hand on Nasir's shoulder again.
"Could you put mint as well? Do you have it?" Nasir looked up at the younger man.
"I will ask Dino. I know we have parsley," Innocenzio stated.
"Parsley is fine, both if you have it. And a side of the Norwegian salmon," Nasir finished his order and handed over his menu. Emmett wanted to kick himself for not insisting that they go to the store yesterday and just stay in this morning. Of course Nasir wanted mint. Nasir had no one to make him his favorite native dishes all alone here in New York. Emmett couldn't remember the last time he made his husband the mint and parsley omelette he so loved, and silently vowed to make it for him at the very next opportunity.
"And for you, Signore, the filet mignon?" Innocenzio turned his smile on Emmett.
"Please," Emmett surrendered his menu as well.
"Duane and Rodney, your usual?" Innocenzio asked.
"You know it," Duane confirmed.
"And to eat?" Innocenzio could not hide his smirk.
"You little smartass! Nasir, smack that butt for me," Duane directed.
"Oh, no, Signore, please!" Innocenzio protested while he stuck out his hip and pointed his ass at Nasir. Nasir made s shrug and gave the waiter a half hearted tap on his butt. Innocenzio giggled himself away from the table. Emmett just rolled his eyes. It would take a good bit more than a flirty, nelly, Italian twink to threaten him.
"So how did you guys meet, Nasir?" Rodney asked the man beside him with a smile. Nasir chuckled to himself.
"Suffice it to say, I'm glad what happened in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas," Emmett stated.
"Oh, now I really wanna hear this story," Rodney drained his mimosa.
"My best friend is fond of telling people that I sleep with my clients, but that's not true," Emmett began.
"It is almost true," Nasir teased.
"Not quite sorta kinda," Emmett hedged. "Okay, so I get sent to Vegas to meet with the construction company building a hotel that my firm designed the kitchens for. So I get there, I check in, and I wait for my foreman to pick me up. And while I'm waiting this fleet of limousines pull up to the front of the hotel. These have to be important people because an army of hotel staff swarmed out to greet them. Then these Arab sheikhs get out of the cars."
"There was only one sheikh," Nasir held up a finger.
"You all looked like shiekhs," Emmett picked back up. "And one, in particular," he gestured across the table, "was fucking gorgeous."
"When my family and I arrived at our hotel, I saw the most beautiful American I had ever seen," Nasir added.
"I figured I'd never see him again and went off to the construction site," Emmett continued. "The next day I got to meet with the big boss and damn, was he an asshole."
"My brother always is," Nasir asserted. "When I saw who was taking the brunt of his typical abuse, I decided to step in and take over. Any excuse to be near this man. My brother happily left us to it and we have been together ever since."
"Yeah, your brother sure was happy about that," Emmett gave a wry smile.
"Oh, you're family's not cool?" Rodney asked.
"I am from the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. We are Sunni Muslims. In my country homosexuality is punishable by death. A law with which the people to whom I am related by blood, with the sole exception of my little sister, enthusiastically agree. They are decidedly not cool," Nasir stated.
"I'm sorry, man," Rodney took the opportunity to caress Nasir's jean clad thigh.
"My real family," Nasir continued, "Emmett, Garrett, Sethy, Edward, and everyone else in Seattle, are a true blessing and fill my life with joy every day. Every day that I am with them."
"That's how it should be," Rodney patted Nasir's thigh and finally withdrew his hand.
"Amen to that," Duane agreed and drained his own glass. Emmett and Nasir did the same.
"Mio Dio, such lushes," Innocenzio appeared right on cue with another round. He quickly exchanged their empty flutes for full ones and walked away. All four men gave a shrug and took a sip of their fresh drinks.
"I'm really glad to have the chance to sit down with you guys this morning," Emmett expressed.
"Any time, Emmett, any time," Duane gave Emmett a friendly pat on his thigh again.
"I would love to pick your brains about our neighborhood. I don't know where anything is," Emmett stated.
"I do not either," Nasir confessed. "We did find our way to that deli you told me about."
"Pastrami Queen," Duane nodded.
"Excellent suggestion there, by the way," Emmett endorsed.
"Happy to help," Duane spread his hands. "What else would you like to know?"
"I need to go grocery shopping for one thing," Emmett began.
"Rod, you got the iPad in there?" Duane pointed.
"Yeah," Rodney twisted around to get into his messenger bag. He pulled the iPad out and handed it across the table to his husband.
"I'll just get on line right quick and pull us up a map," Duane set about doing so. "Kay, here we go," he moved flatware aside to set the pad down on the table between him and Emmett. "Here's our building. So, you said grocery store."
"Gristedes, for sure," Rodney declared.
"Which is right here," Duane pointed. "Southeast corner of Seventy Eighth and Third. Great neighborhood grocery. They got a little bit of everything. They do have a meat counter, but, if you want really good meat, Ottomanelli is over here on York at Eighty Second. Best butcher shop in the city."
"They have everything too, turkey, chicken, beef obviously," Rodney listed. "Even rabbit, elk and buffalo."
"Ottomanelli even have a little Italian market on Park, ten blocks up at Eighty Eighth," Duane continued.
"Is there a German store?" Nasir asked.
"Oh, yeah, a good one. Schaller and Weber," Rodney answered.
"You got some German in ya, Emmett?" Duane asked.
"Huh. Just a little," Emmett smiled.
"I thought Nasir was Arabic," Duane didn't miss a beat.
"In that case, I am the one with German in me," Nasir stated. "But it is not little."
"Ho!" Duane whooted.
"Well, alright, Nasir," Rodney high fived the man next to him.
"Where is that, Roddy?" Duane asked.
"Second Avenue at Eighty Sixth," Rodney answered.
"And there's Citarella too. That's a little gourmet market on Third down at Seventy Fifth," Duane pointed. "What else y'all need to know?"
"This is great stuff, guys," Emmett was grateful.
"Where is there an ATM machine?" Nasir asked. "I have run out of cash."
"Bank of America on Lexington," Rodney was quick.
"Let's talk about Lexington for a minute," Duane took charge. "You found Pastrami Queen, and right next door is Don Filippo. Another hole in the wall, but the best pizza in the city. Don't let no one tell ya different. On the corner of Seventy Ninth is the bank branch. Then past that on the other side of the street is Oren's. Great coffee and a huge selection of beans to grind at home. That's where we get our coffee. Again a tiny place. And right next to that another tiny place called Burger One. The burgers there'll make you wanna slap ya momma."
"They're really good," Rodney nodded his agreement.
"I've had some damn good burgers in my life, but none that made me want to slap my mother," Emmett teased.
"Well, these will," Duane assured. "Okay now, here's the most important thing you need to know: Wine Emporium is on Second Avenue at Eightieth. Beer, wine, liquor. Great selection, great service and they deliver."
"They already have," Nasir nodded.
"There ya go," Duane spread his hands.
"I should have been taking notes," Emmett expressed.
"I'll send it all to ya," Duane picked up the iPad.
"And if you guys want, the neighborhood is full of little gems like this place," Rodney added.
"The staff at those places aren't quiteas accommodating as they are here," Duane smirked.
"No," Rodney had to agree.
And right on cue the staff in question appeared. Innocenzio led the way with a plate in each hand. He was followed by a man with more plates who was clearly kitchen staff in a white double breasted chef's jacket and loose striped pants.
"Look who I find in la cucina," Innocenzio stepped behind Emmett and Duane to serve them.
"Hey, Dino!" Rodney's face lit up. The chef was a bigger man than Innocenzio or Duane, but not as tall as Nasir or broad as Rodney or Emmett. His build was hidden by his bulky chef's jacket and he wore his hair in a short Marine style buzz cut.
"Hey, guys! Is good to see you," Dino spoke in as thick an accent as their waiter as he served Rodney and Nasir.
"You too," Rodney looked up with a smile. Dino remained behind Nasir and Rodney with a hand on their shoulders while Innocenzio did the same behind Duane and Emmett.
"Dino, our friends and neighbors, Nasir and Emmett," Duane introduced.
"Ah, yes, nice to meet you," Dino nodded.
"You too," Emmett smiled.
"Maybe they will come play with us!" Innocenzio enthused.
"Sorry?" Emmett asked with raised eyebrows.
"Yes. You come play laser tag," Dino patted Nasir's back. "You tell them?"
"Sure did," Duane confirmed.
"You guys look athletic," Rodney assessed as he looked Nasir over carefully. "You'd love it. We got these two turned onto it and now they never miss it."
"No. Very good, fun time," Dino nodded. "I always win."
"The hell you do," Duane objected.
"I no stop let people blow me," Dino spoke in a voice so as not to be overheard by anyone else in the dining room.
"I'm quite sure I can find a picture that proves otherwise," Duane picked up his iPad.
"Maybe one time," Dino conceded.
"Yeah, just the one time," Rodney chuckled.
"I have to get back to kitchen. We leave them enjoy their food," Dino stepped away from the table and motioned for Innocenzio to come with him. The younger man quickly moved to Dino's side and Dino took him under his arm as they walked away.
"Here we go," Duane set the iPad down on the table between he and Emmett again. The screen now displayed a man who was clearly their chef, in laser tag helmet, harness, elbow and knee pads, sneakers and nothing else. He held his laser rifle in one hand and had his other hand on the back of the head of the man who knelt before him. The picture was taken sufficiently from the side so as to get a clear view of the few inches of thick Italian cock not already in the kneeling man's mouth.
"Uh, huh," Emmett looked over the picture. "That's not Innocenzio."
"No," Duane laughed.
"That's our friend Chuck," Rodney added.
"They are not together, Dino and Innocenzio?" Nasir asked. "I got the impression that they are together."
"Oh, they're together," Rodney stated.
"Dino is just generous with his big, Italian dick," Duane took a bite of his pasta.
"Huh, very," Rodney stressed.
"Yeah, it sure looks that way," Emmett made a point to be neutral as he cut a piece of his fillet mignon.
"Here ya go," Duane swept his finger across the iPad screen to advance to the next picture. A picture of Duane dressed in only the same laser tag gear as the previous pictures of Dino, Chuck and the one they saw of Rodney yesterday. The difference was that this shot was full frontal of Duane walking toward the cameraman. And he was clearly in a state of semi-arousal.
"Oh-kay," Emmett raised his eyebrows again. He looked to Duane who smirked and winked at him.
"What is it?" Nasir asked.
"Even more of our attorney than we saw yesterday," Emmett picked up the iPad and handed it to his husband.
"Ah," Nasir nodded as he looked at the picture. "You are happy to see someone."
"You know how it is, Nasir," Duane made his excuse. "All those beefy boys' bare butts around me. What's a top to do?"
"Get hard, we hope," Rodney snickered. "Right, Emmett?"
"There's only one top's dick I'm interested in, and I married him," Emmett made the point firmly.
"And there is the only bottom I will ever want," Nasir added.
Duane and Rodney shared a knowing look between them. They had met couples like this before. They just took a little more work. And it was always worth it in the end.
"So, how long are you with us, Emmett?" Rodney asked.
"I have to get home and back to work tomorrow, I'm sorry to say," Emmett revealed.
"Maybe we could hit the gym together next time you're out," Rodney offered. "We belong to Boom. It's a nice, big, fully equipped place on the corner of Third and Eighty First. The five block walk gets you warmed up just right. I'd be happy to take you as a guest. If you like it, you can join too."
"Thanks for the offer, Rodney. I appreciate that," Emmett expressed. "My time here is so limited, I want to spend it with Nasi. I hit the gym pretty hard at home during the week."
"We can see that," Duane took the opportunity to place his hand on Emmett's thigh again and run it down his leg. Emmett looked at the man next to him. He could tell exactly what Duane was doing. Emmett resolved to indulge their helpful attorney's advances so long as it went no further. But if Duane reached for his dick, Emmett would knock him out of his chair. And he couldn't help wondering what he couldn't see going on, on the other side of the table.
"You look like you're in pretty good shape too, Nasir," Rodney did just what Emmett suspected and rubbed Nasir's thigh again.
"I like very much to play racquetball with my best friend, but my opportunities to do so are severely limited while I am here so much of the time," Nasir expressed.
"Well, hell. I like to play racquetball," Duane stated. "You and I can head on up there and play. Some nights I work damn late, but when Rod is working one of his long shifts, I'd love to have someone to bang a ball around with, work out some stress. Boom is open twenty four seven, so we can go anytime."
"I will take you up on that, Duane," Nasir smiled.
"I'll hit you up tomorrow night," Duane planned.
"I do not have my racquet though," Nasir realized aloud.
"You can have mine, Nasir," Rodney put his hand on Nasir's leg yet again. "D got equipment for us both, but I've never liked it. I'd much rather spend my time on the weights and machines."
"Thank you, Rodney," Nasir smiled.
"You're very welcome," Rodney smiled and gave Nasir's thigh a pat and gentle squeeze.
"Hey, you guys both gonna be in town for Halloween?" Duane enquired. "We always have a hell of a bash."
"Yeah, we'd love for you guys to come!" Rodney enthused.
"We have a prize for the best mask," Duane went on. "It's masquerade. Everyone has to wear a mask."
"And nothing else," Rodney added with a smile.
"People wear a mask, and nothing else?" Emmett wanted to confirm this most significant point.
"It's fun not knowing who all the naked guys are," Duane smiled.
"And all you guys gotta do is come down the elevator!" Rodney was wide eyed with excitement.
"We'll be in Seattle that weekend," Emmett stated with finality. That was already the plan, but now he would make damn sure of it.
"Our best friends always have a big Halloween party," Nasir added.
"But with slightly more clothing," Emmett asserted.
"I know you lushes don't want any more mimosa," Innocenzio appeared with a tray of four fresh drinks and exchanged them for the empty flutes on the table.
"Baby boy," Duane held out his credit card.
"No," Nasir did not expect to be preempted. "You must let us get brunch!"
"No, Sir," Duane shook his head and gestured at Innocenzio to go when he hesitated.
"What can we do to show our appreciation for helping us get to know our new neighborhood?" Emmett asked. The last thing he wanted was to feel obligated to these men.
"Come to our Halloween party," Rodney answered Emmett's question while looking Nasir over yet again. That Rodney was trying to picture Nasir naked could not have been more obvious.
"What can we do with our clothes on?" Emmett was a little more specific.
"Introductions are all I want," Duane picked up his flute.
"I will make that happen. We will have you up to dinner one evening as well," Nasir stated. "When my husband is in town."
"That reminds me, Nasi. We need a grill," Emmett loved the idea of a cook out on their vast terrace.
"Then we shall have one," Nasir gave a nod.
"We'll grill some steaks some night," Emmett promised. "After we find our way to that butcher shop."
"That there's a date, Emmett," Duane's hand found it's way to Emmett's leg again.
"I must say, this was really delicious," Nasir set his flatware down across his finished plate. "Thank you, both."
"Yeah, thanks, guys," Emmett agreed.
"Happy to do it," Duane nodded as their waiter returned.
"Here we are," Innocenzio walked behind Emmett to place the little leather binder down before Duane. "You want maybe coffee? One more round?" he rested his hands on Emmett and Duane's shoulders.
"I think we're ready to go," Emmett stated. "If you guys are."
"I know you two got a lot of shopping to do," Duane handed the binder back to Innocenzio.
"Oh, and wine glasses, I just remembered," Emmett wiped his mouth with his napkin a final time.
"We will get a Waterford suite," Nasir decided.
"Head on over to Macy's," Duane suggested.
"I say ciao," Innocenzio leaned down to give Duane a kiss on his cheek.
"Ciao, Cutie pie," Duane stood up to give the younger man a hug and firmly grip a butt cheek. Innocenzio giggled and zipped around the table to Rodney.
"This from Dino," Innocenzio gave the much bigger man a hug and kiss as well.
"You give this to Dino right back from me," Rodney refrained from playing with the younger man's ass.
"I hope you come to see me again," Innocenzio looked up at Emmett and Nasir as they rose.
"I am sure we will be back," Nasir put a hand on the waiter's shoulder.
"You say for me. You tell Aldo," Innocenzio insisted.
"Oh, we will," Emmett assured. Duane started the movement toward the front of the restaurant and Rodney brought up the rear. Innocenzio escorted his favorite customers through to the front dining room and the door.
Aldo looked up from his podium as they approached. "Ah, Mr. Duane, Mr. Rodney, brunch was good? Innocenzio take extra good care of you?"
"He always does, Aldo," Duane patted the older man on his arm.
"Arrivederci until next time," Aldo smiled broadly. "Thank you for coming," he added with a nod to Emmett and Nasir. Duane pushed open the door and held it as they emerged onto the street where the sunny day was bright, even beneath the green awning.
"So, where you boys headed first?" Duane asked.
"I think we'll start at Macy's," Emmett looked to his husband for agreement and Nasir nodded.
"We'll head on home, then," Duane reached for Nasir. "Nasir, I'll call you tomorrow for racquetball," he gave the taller man a hug. Rodney and Emmett exchanged a warm and friendly hug as well.
But then Duane and Rodney traded.
"Emmett, safe trip home," Duane embraced the bigger man.
"Thanks, Duane," Emmett hugged the man who conformed himself to his body.
"Nasir," Rodney smiled as he took the Arab in his arms and hugged him with his whole body.
"Sure was nice to spend some time with y'all this morning," Duane let his hands roam over Emmett's back. "We gotta find a way to get you out here full time, Emmett."
"That'll never happen," Emmett gave Duane a final pat on the back and let go of him, indicating that their hug was over. Duane reluctantly pulled his hands from Emmett's lower back and stepped back. Neither man was sure, had the hug not ended when it did, if Duane's hands would have ended up on Emmett's firm, round ass or not.
"You guys gonna walk? It's a beautiful day," Rodney finally let go of Nasir.
"I'd rather walk, but I think we'll grab a cab," Emmett answered. "Only in the interest of time."
"I do not have any cash, Habibi," Nasir protested. "I will call for a car," he pulled out his cell.
"I have cash, Babe," Emmett assured. "And I'm sure they take credit and debit cards."
"They do?" Nasir had no idea.
"We're headin' home. Happy hunting," Duane smiled.
"Yeah, you too," Emmett returned with raised eyebrows.
With a final wave Duane and Rodney turned, joined hands, and headed up Madison toward 78th. Emmett stepped out into the street to hail a passing cab. In the late morning on Sunday in the Upper East Side, it took less than a minute for an empty yellow cab to pull up for them. They got in on the driver's side. Emmett opened the door and let his husband slide in first.
"We're going to Macy's, please," Emmett informed as he shut his door.
"Yes, Sir," the cabbie acknowledged and stepped on the gas. Madison Avenue was one way the wrong way and so was 78th Street. They went up Madison to 79th and took that one block over to 5th to head down to the giant store.
Emmett took Nasir's hand as they rode along and loved seeing the smile that brought to his husband's face.
"You gonna go play racquetball with Duane tomorrow night?" Emmett asked.
"I think I will. I would like that," Nasir gave a nod.
"As long as it's just you and Duane," Emmett advised.
"Rodney is a little forward," Nasir considered.
"What did he do?" Emmett was quick.
"Well, nothing that Sethy has not done to me many times," Nasir answered.
"Like what?" Emmett demanded. He didn't even realize that he tightened his grip on Nasir's hand. Seth could take liberties. Other men could not.
"His hand was on my leg an awful lot during brunch," Nasir revealed.
"Huh," Emmett scoffed. "No more than Duane's was on mine, I'm sure."
"Duane was touching you?" Nasir's face darkened.
"I thought something was up yesterday. Now I'm sure of it," Emmett stated. "There is no question they want to sleep with us."
"How can they be together, be married, and want to do that?" Nasir mused aloud.
"Some people are like that," Emmett gave a shrug. "They like variety I guess. I'm sure they've slept with Dino and Innocenzio too. Clearly they don't mind sharing either."
"I will share my husband with no man," Nasir squeezed Emmett's hand for emphasis.
"Neither will I," Emmett agreed. "Man or woman," he well remembered the dark times of contemplating that. "I'm really glad that I got to meet Rodney, get a feel for him."
"His hug was a little too friendly as well," Nasir thought about it. "Even Garrett does not hug me like that."
"The difference is," Emmett evaluated, "Garrett loves you, but doesn't want your dick in his ass. Duane's hug was the same. He wants to fuck me so bad he can taste it."
"I can obviously understand his desire. I cannot blame any man for wanting you," Nasir spoke. "But they will all have to take my word for it on how good you taste."
"Yes they will," Emmett stated.
"I will avoid Rodney," Nasir decided.
"You don't have to, Babe. I know I can trust you," Emmett expressed. "It's them I don't trust. Rodney can want you to top him all he wants. I know that's not gonna happen."
"No it will not," Nasir was firm. "Emmett, I would never, ever do anything to jeopardize the love and trust that we have for each other."
"I know that, Nasi. Neither would I," Emmett lifted his husband's hand to his face and kissed softly. "I hope you're as sure of that as I am."
"I am. Absolutely I am," Nasir assured.
"Macy's," the cab driver who had been trying very hard to not listen, but couldn't help it, announced as he pulled up before one of the historic store's many entrances.
Emmett pulled out his wallet and handed up cash to cover the fare displayed on the rear screen and a generous tip. "Thank you."
Nasir followed Emmett out of the driver's side of the cab and shut the door behind them.
"Come on, Babe. Let's get some stuff for our home," Emmett took Nasir's hand again and together they walked into the vast department store.
