Next Morning
"What are they doing out there?" Randy asked as he caressed John's smooth chest
"I have no idea but I can tell there's a lot of movement and I'm a little worried." Randy laughed. "And it's not Evan I'm worried about."
"Ev's not going to let him do anything too crazy."
"It's really weird that they're the same age but are completely different."
"Well Cody is completely different." John laughed
"Aw, stop."
"I'm not knocking him or making fun, just merely saying. I have grown to love the jerk."
"He is irresistible."
"He's got a nice ass." Randy stated plainly
"That he does." Both men looked toward the door when they heard the clanging of what sounded like china. "What in the hell?" John said sitting up
"No. Leave them be John."
"Okay." Randy kissed John as he lay back down. "We have to get up sometime you know?"
"Says who?"
"I do because we're in Paris and we have a bed at home. Do you want to stay in bed with me all day?"
"Yes." John smiled
"We can once we're back home. I'll see what's been going on at the office in my absence, take care of it then spend a day in bed."
"You promise?"
"I promise." The men shared a look when they heard a knock on the door. "We can't pretend that we're not in here."
"Sure we can."
"Randy."
"What if I start moaning really loudly?"
"You know Cody's ass will be in here lickity-split if you do that. Come in!" The door opened and in walked Cody and Evan with trays
"Good morning guys!" Cody said in his usual chipper tone
"Good morning." Randy and John both said sitting up in bed
"What's all this baby?"
"We didn't think that you guys would want to get up and go out for breakfast so we ordered some."
"Aw, my babies. Bring it in." Randy said opening his arms. Evan and Cody climbed on the bed and hugged the man
"Well isn't this some shit." John said looking at them. Cody gave Randy his standard two kisses then moved over to John. "Oh no, don't bother now." John said folding his arms
"Baby." Cody whined as he pouted and pushed John's arms apart. "I'm getting in there so you might as well just open your arms." The older man laughed and wrapped his arms around him. "Thank you. Are you guys naked under here?"
"As the respective days we were born."
"Do you want to eat now?" Evan asked as he looked up at Randy who nodded
"What did you get?"
"We didn't know what you guys would want so it's a la carte."
"Bring it over." Randy said running his fingers through Evan's hair and kissing him
"Okay." He said sliding off the bed and bringing a tray over to Randy
"Well done." John whispered to Randy who smiled as he took a bite of his croissant then fed a piece to Evan
"What are we doing today guys?" Cody asked bringing John his tray
"What do you want to do?"
"I really want to go to the Eiffel," Cody stressed the word looking at Evan and Randy. "Tower."
"We're going to go later for dinner so we can see it all lit up."
"Can't we see it during the day too?"
"I guess."
"I'd like to go to on the Esprit de Paris Tour if that's okay with everyone...if not I can go by myself."
"Of course you don't have to go by yourself Evan." John said pushing Cody's hand and the piece of fruit he was trying to shove in his mouth away from his face
"Oh good," Evan said smiling. "I already signed up for it. It's privately guided and Adeline, the tour guide, takes small groups for a fee."
"How much is it?"
"150 euro."
"What the hell is that?"
"It's about $200 John."
"Oh. I'll pay for it."
"You will." John looked at Evan. "I never gave you your change from last night." John laughed
"I never get my change back. I'd have so much more money if I did."
"...you're not going to start asking for it now are you?"
"No Cody." Cody smiled
"Okay."
"I need to make sure my battery is charged if we're going on a tour. Can you get up for a second Ev?"
"What are you going to do with all your pictures Ran?" Cody asked slipping his hand beneath the sheet and letting his arm rest low on John's waist
"Well Codes, I have to see how they come out first."
"I'm sure they'll be fantastic."
"Thank you. If they are then I'll put them up for sale."
"How do you set the price for your stuff?"
"Um, size, color...the type of work it is. I can make my prices anything I want since they come to me; I never go to them. Plus," Randy said snapping a picture of the men in bed. "I never reproduce my photographs so if you buy one you have the only one there is making it," He snapped another picture. "One of a kind and most valuable."
"Okay can you not take pictures of me while I'm naked?"
"One: you have Cody and that sheet covering you. Two: no one is going to see these and three: it's not like I haven't taken pictures of you naked before where all of you was on display."
"Whatever happened to those?" Randy smirked and shrugged
"Who knows?"
"I would be worried if I didn't know how organized you are."
"Can I see them?"
"What for? You see me naked all the time now."
"I just want to see that's all."
"You've turned into such a little pervert."
"I haven't!"
"Okay." John said laughing. "Hey babe, do you remember when we took all those pictures at Sanibel Island?"
"Yes. I used to keep the naked black and white one of us in my office...when I had an office." John shook his head
"Of course you did."
"That picture is hot John."
"What happened to it?"
"I keep it tucked away with all my other shit." Randy said hopping back in bed. "Are you alright?" Randy asked Evan as he wrapped his arms around the tall man. Evan nodded. "Do you want private time with me?" Evan nodded again. "Okay. Hey guys," He looked over and saw Cody and John having some private time of their own. Evan laughed
"Well they made that easy."
"I know right. I have to get a shower."
"We can get one together in the other room."
"Sounds good to me Puppy."
"Let's go."
...
"Are you growing your hair out?" Randy asked running his fingers through Evan's hair in the shower
"Not really. I just wanted it a little longer. Does it look bad?" Randy shook his head
"I don't think you could do anything that would look bad. I like it this length...and the Bob's Big Boy swirl is killing it." Evan laughed
"Bob's Big Boy?"
"Yea...do you know what that is? I know you're young. Google it if you don't."
"I know what Bob's Big Boy is."
"Oh good."
"Can I have a kiss?" Evan asked looking up at Randy
"Since you're being so polite and cute about it." Randy brought his hands up and placed one on either side of Evan's face as he lowered his head and kissed his lips. Evan stood on tiptoe to secure his arms around Randy's neck. Randy kissed well, very well and he was intense. His kisses had the ability to make your knees slightly weak and Evan often had to hold on to some part of the man to make sure he didn't fall over. "We should get in bed." Randy said pulling away. "I'm sure your toes are hurting by now." Evan smiled
"Bed sounds like a good idea." Randy shut the shower off as Evan stepped out and wrapped a towel around his waist
"I don't know why you're putting that towel on." He said ripping it off
"Hey!"
"I want to look at your ass as you walk away. Go get in bed."
"Randy." Evan said walking with his hands over his butt. Randy laughed as he patted himself dry with the towel he'd just ripped off the other man
...
"Baby?" Cody whined
"What?" John replied his face buried in Cody's neck
"You're driving me crazy with all this kissing."
"We used to kiss all the time remember?"
"That was before I knew how good sex was." John laughed and nipped at the young man's neck
"So you just want me to use you for sex now?"
"Well no but I can't take a lot of foreplay anymore. Look," Cody said gesturing
"Oh wow, you're really hard right now."
"I know! And you were laying on it so I'm surprised you didn't impale yourself!"
"Oh my goodness." John said pulling Cody's underwear off
"Can I be on top?"
"Is that your new favorite position?"
"Yes."
"Why?" John asked fisting Cody's cock
"You get deeper that way." The older man chuckled almost darkly
"If deep is what you want I can definitely give you that without you being on top."
"Yes. That is what I want and the sooner the better." John raised a brow
"Do you want that now or this?" He asked licking the man's hard shaft then taking him into his mouth
"I...this, yea."
...
"What time does the tour start?"
"Who cares?" Randy laughed
"Ev."
"What?" He answered in a frustrated tone
"You wanted to go on a tour and now you don't care about what time it starts?"
"No, now I want to stay in bed all day." Evan responded from his position in Randy's lap
"I'd love to do that but we can't." Randy said nibbling on his ear
"But I wanna." He whined making Randy laugh again
"Puppy, you never whine."
"I know." Evan hissed as the other man gently pinched his nipples. "You're teasing me."
"How am I teasing you?" Evan looked down at Randy's hand slowly bringing his cock to life. "This? You don't like it?" He asked moving his hand faster
"It feels good so of course I like it." He replied moving his hips. The men locked eyes and lips as Randy's hand went lower and his fingers stopped at Evan's entrance. "Do it...two." As the older man was poised to slip two fingers inside he stopped and they both looked toward the bedroom door
...
Cody screamed and put his hands up stopping John from moving
"What's your problem?"
"I know that I said deep but that's too deep. Oh my goodness."
"Cody," John sighed. "What do you want me to do?"
"I don't want to do it like this. It hurts."
"So do you want to be on top?"
"Anything but this." John wanted to strangle Cody instead he maneuvered so that Cody was bent over the bed and he was now behind him
...
In the second bedroom Evan and Randy were in a similar position only instead of Randy's feet being planted on the floor he was on his knees behind the other man on their bed. He groaned as Evan flattened against the mattress leaving his ass high in the air and creating the most wonderful arch in his back
"Oh, that's perfect baby." Randy praised caressing Evan's back. From this position he was able to thrust as hard as he wanted. He smiled listening to the man repeat his name over and over like a mantra
"Randy,"
"Just cum for me Ev."
...
John leaned down and kissed Cody chastely before leaving the bed and going to the bathroom. Cody felt naked and vulnerable so he pulled the blankets over and covered himself. John had never just left the bed after sex like that before. He heard John start the shower and covered his face with a pillow
Later
"Not that I didn't enjoy it because I did but at no point Evan, did you mention that the tour was three hours long." Evan smiled sheepishly
"I didn't think that it would go a full three hours but yea, it did say that in the description." Randy looked at Cody who had barely touched his lunch. Come to think of it the young man was quiet throughout the entire day and that was very unlike him. He thought that he could hear him talking in his sleep sometimes. John didn't seem like his usual self either. "What are we doing after this?"
"I'd really just like to let Max out for a bit then take a nap actually." Evan sighed
"Oh good. I was hoping someone would say nap."
"So we'll finish up with lunch then head back to the hotel. Is that okay with you John?"
"Perfectly fine with me." As planned they finished lunch and headed back to their apartment at the hotel. Evan went to a bedroom for his nap; John went in the direction of a sitting room while Cody took Max out. Randy followed him out the patio doors
"Codes?" Cody jumped at the sound of Randy's voice
"Yea?" Randy saw his hand come up to his face making a swiping motion
"What's wrong? You've been quiet all day."
"Nothing Ran."
"Don't tell me it's nothing when I know that something is bothering you."
"John."
"What happened?"
"This morning after you and Ev left the room he and I were, you know and I made him stop because it hurt but it seemed like he got all mad about it. When we were done he just kissed me and took a shower." Cody wiped his eyes again. "He's never just left the bed like that before and I don't know what I did. He's not even talking to me."
"You didn't do anything. If he was hurting you then that's that."
"But what if, like I don't know, what if he wants to break up with me because of it...because I can't do that stuff."
"John is not going to break up with you because of that. If he hasn't broken up with you for getting drunk and grinding on some guy, kissing Phil or charging thousands of dollars on his credit card he's not going to break up with you because of sex."
"He could. I Googled it and sex is definitely a reason for couples to split and if we do break up then I won't see you anymore because he would get mad and then,"
"Cody. Stop talking please. You're only getting yourself more and more worked up. I don't know what the two of you were trying to do in there but you couldn't handle it and he needs to respect that. Evan and I heard you scream but we didn't think anything of it. And as for him not talking to you, John is John and John will always be John and we know he doesn't handle things like a rational human being."
"I know but,"
"No buts. Stop crying and go rest. You're upset."
"Where's Evy?"
"In the red bedroom." Cody nodded. "Do you want a hug?" Cody nodded again and wrapped his arms around Randy
"Thanks Ran."
"I don't know what you're thanking me for but you're welcome."
"I'm not sure either but it's always best to be polite."
"You're right." Randy said as he opened the door and stepped to the side letting Cody and the dog in. He watched Cody head in the direction of the red bedroom then he turned to John
"What?"
"What did you do to him? Evan and I heard him scream but its Cody so we paid it no mind."
"I didn't do anything to him." Randy just stared at John. "What? Did he tell you that I hit him or something because I didn't?"
"No. It's about the sex you had or didn't have and you kissing him and then going to get a shower. You haven't really spoken to him today either...I saw that with my own eyes."
"It's not a big deal."
"Maybe not to you but he thinks you're going to break up with him because he couldn't do whatever it was." John sighed
"Oh my God. This is so stupid." Randy shook his head
"Pleasing you and making sure you're happy is not stupid to him John."
"He does please me and I am happy."
"You did a good job of showing it by walking out on him." He said laying his head in John's lap
"If I want to keep my sanity I cannot give in to every emotion and feeling that Cody has. I'll admit that I was frustrated when he stopped me because I really wanted to but if he can't then he can't."
"How come you didn't talk to him during the tour?"
"One: we were on a tour and whatever that girl's name is was explaining stuff to us and two: I told you that I was frustrated. You know that when I get that way it's best to leave me alone. I firmly believe that Cody was feeling guilty about it and I don't know why.
"You made him feel like shit that's why."
"I spent a whole eight fucking months with him not having sex at all so his not being able to handle a position is not the end of the world." Randy shrugged
"Okay. I can't go any deeper into this with you because you feel the way you feel, Cody feels the way he does and I have my own opinion on the matter so."
"Do you think I'm wrong?"
"Who cares what I think? This is between you and Cody. All I want to say though is, don't be that way with him when it comes to sex. He still has hang ups about not being able to do what I do."
"Cody is unbelievable in bed."
"I agree."
"So what the hell is the problem?"
"I don't know. He's young John." John sighed
"I love him Randy."
"I know you do."
"I really feel that sometimes he doesn't think I do."
"I can see that but I don't know what to tell you."
"I don't want to talk about this anymore."
"Good because I tried to stop talking about it eight exchanges ago." John laughed
"You know that I love you right?"
"Yes Big Daddy." John groaned
"That makes me a little hard."
"I know. Your half chub is poking the back of my head." John laughed heartily
"It is not."
"You are." Randy said lacing his fingers with John's
"What do you want for your birthday, babe?"
"What?"
"What do you mean what? Your birthday is coming soon."
"I know. It's the same time every year." John sighed
"How is it that I have two partners and they're both acting like dicks right now?"
"Can you explain to me how I'm being a dick?"
"I asked what you wanted for your birthday and instead of just telling me you're talking about how it's the same time every year. I fucking know that Randy."
"You are in a mood today."
"Fuck it."
"Calm your nerves John. I don't want a gift and you raised my allowance so I don't need anything in the way of a pecuniary gift." John laughed
"Your allowance?"
"What do you call putting money in my account every other week?"
"A paycheck?" It was Randy's turn to laugh
"I don't remember signing up for direct deposit." He looked up at John. "Don't you think that's too much money every other week?"
"No. I should probably have more put in there since you have to deal with Cody and myself." Randy shrugged
"I love you guys."
"And we love you but we can't just ignore your birthday though."
"Then I want time."
"Time? Do you want a watch?"
"No. I want time. Stay home with me that day." John looked down at Randy
"That's all you want?"
"You? Yes."
"Then I'll stay home with you."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I'll make breakfast for the boys but I want to go to that diner we used to go to." John laughed
"Where we used to rendezvous?"
"I didn't know it was a rendezvous but yes, that one."
"We can go. Maybe out on the boat after that?"
"The boat sounds good. I need to work on my tan."
"No you do not."
"I haven't been able to tan in days John. I'm surprised you still recognize my pale ass."
"You're too much."
"I need to be tan. I look better."
"If you needed to be tan you'd be Sicilian or something already olive-skinned."
"There's Cherokee on my dad's side."
"Oh my God."
...
"Cody," The young man moaned. "You have to get up now."
"Why John?"
"I thought you'd like to shower before going to dinner but if not then go back to sleep."
"I'll shower. I don't like to put clean clothes on without being clean too."
"I know. Can you open your eyes and look at me?" He opened his eyes and John couldn't help but smile at how beautiful he thought they were
"I'm sorry about earlier. I love you Cody."
"I love you too baby."
"I'm aware. You've stuck it out with me for a long time and through all my temper flare ups."
"Well I whine a lot so," Cody shrugged. "All's fair." John kissed him
"You have an hour and make sure you wear comfortable shoes because we're going to do some walking. Randy would like to get nighttime photos."
"Okay. What about Evy?"
"I thought you'd like to wake him up." John said leaving the room. Cody smiled and jumped on the small man
"Cody!" Evan half whined half yelled
"You have to get up buddy. We have an hour until we leave for dinner."
"Okay, thanks for waking me up so enthusiastically."
"You're welcome!" Cody bounced off the bed and toward the bathroom. Evan buried his face in the pillow
...
"Are you taking my picture Ran?"
"Yes."
"Don't you want me to turn,"
"No. Shut your mouth. You give good profile." Randy put his camera down. "You ruined it. Come here Evan. John?"
"Yea?"
"I have everything set up so all you have to do is point the camera at us,"
"I know how to take a picture Randy."
"Then I'll leave you to it."
"Can you take one with my phone?"
"I'll get it Evy."
"Thank you."
"Ready?" John asked
"Yes." He took the picture and Cody huffed
"What?"
"You smiled Ran! You never smile when you take pictures with me!" John snatched Evan's phone from Cody
"Cut it out. Ready?" He snapped another shot
"Thanks J."
"You're welcome."
"Come here Cody. John?" John raised the camera
"That looks weird." He said looking at the cameras screen
"It's because Randy is smiling." Evan said so only John could hear. John laughed but took the picture anyway. "The flash made me look so pale." Evan commented looking at the picture of him and Randy
"The flash from the phone's camera or the orange flash from Randy's skin?" Everyone started to laugh
"John." Except Randy
A Week Later: Tampa
"Are you drinking this early in the day?" John asked walking into the kitchen and handing Randy an iced coffee
"No. That's for the rum dessert I intend to make."
"Rum dessert?"
"I don't know if I'm making a rum cake or coconut rum balls." John laughed and Randy rolled his eyes
"Balls is a funny word babe just admit it."
"I'll do nothing of the sort because I'm not 12." John snarled. "Are you home for the day?"
"Yes. Did you want to do something?"
"I'm in the middle of doing all our laundry from the trip."
"Well what am I supposed to do?"
"Are you whining?"
"A little bit." John said looking at Randy through his lashes
"Don't you dare be cute right now. I have a shit ton of laundry to do and I want to bake."
"What am I going to do babe?"
"I have something for you to do,"
"Is it you?"
"Nope, sorry. I have meat marinating out in the garage,"
"Ew,"
"It's in the fridge jackass. Anyway, I need you to get the smoker out and smoke it."
"Then what?"
"Then I'll bring you a beer and maybe give you a lap dance for your efforts."
"Ooh, beer and a lap dance. You know I got bandz."
"And they make me dance."
"Oh baby." Randy laughed as the doorbell rang. "I'll get that while you go do whatever you were doing." Randy headed toward the laundry room while John went for the front door. He signed for the package from the delivery man and dropped it in the chair next to the door while he went to the garage for the marinating meat
Randy stepped outside and watched John prep the smoker
"Who was at the door?"
"Oh, delivery guy."
"What did he deliver?"
"Don't know. Didn't open it. Dropped it in the chair by the door." Randy turned on his heel and went back in the house to get the package. He used his letter opener to cut the thin strip of tape on the flat envelope. Slipping his hand inside he slid its contents out and smiled
"John?"
"Yea?"
"Pictures?"
"Pictures? What are you talking about?"
"Us at the Pont des Arts."
"Oh! Shit yea...I knew you would want to capture the moment so I hired a photographer as well. You were so caught up in the moment that you didn't notice him. How did they come out?"
"I'm in them so they're beautiful."
"Wow. You've been around Cody for too long." John said going in the house with Randy following him. He washed his hands then looked through the pictures. "This one is my favorite."
"I like this one. I'm going to frame it and put it in the living room."
"The living room? We never go in there."
"But the colors,"
"Just put it in the living room. Can you frame this one too?"
"Where is it going?"
"The wall at my office." John said smiling
"Showing me off huh?"
"...on second thought maybe I'll keep the picture here."
...
"Hi Ashleigh." Cody said as he was writing on the chalk board
"Hi Mr. Rhodes." She said somberly while dropping her book bag on the floor next to Cody's Italian leather shoulder bag
"What's the matter?" Ashleigh took a seat
"Why does love have to be so complicated?"
"Excuse me?" Cody said putting his chalk pen down and turning toward the girl
"Do you know Colby in your 3rd period class?"
"Yes. I know all my students and apparently you do too."
"I may have seen him come in here once or twice." Cody nodded
"Once or twice, gotcha."
"Well I heard that he likes me but Kami likes him and she's one of my best friends but he doesn't like her so I don't know what to do."
"That is quite the predicament."
"Also, I'm doing really good in school now and I don't want to get all distracted with boys like I was before. I would feel like I'm letting Mr. Randy down in a way too because he gave me that lecture and he was right. I'll have time for boys later."
"Sounds like quite the dilemma but I think you've solved it already."
"Huh?"
"You have plenty of time for boys later."
"But he's so cute Mr. Rhodes. Oh...speaking of cute," Cody held his breath in anticipation of what the girl was going to say. "Your pictures on Instagram from Paris are so cute. Evan is adorable and Mr. Randy shouldn't smile with his teeth, it's weird." Cody laughed
"I like when he shows his teeth."
"...you're weird."
"Ashleigh." She shrugged
"The smirk he does is sexy."
"I cannot comment on that as I'm sure it's some sort of student/teacher violation. It's bad enough I added you on my private IG account." Ashleigh laughed
"I know that you think it's sexy too so you don't have to say anything and I've never shown anyone your pictures so it's okay."
"Oh thank you."
"Since we're already in violation can you tell me how you handle all your boyfriends without it distracting you?"
"Let's backtrack for just a second,"
"Okay."
"All my boyfriends?"
"You know, Dimples and Mr. Randy."
"That's just two people."
"That's two more than some people have." Cody shook his head
"I'm older than you for one thing and I have a life outside of my home life for another thing. When you're in high school that's what your life consists of so you really don't escape the drama of what goes on here."
"You're so wise Mr. Rhodes."
"I don't think anyone has ever said that to me."
"Someone should. Anyway, what should I do really?"
"How come you can't just be friends with Colby?"
"Did you hear when I said that he was so cute? Could you be just friends with Mr. Randy or Dimples?"
"Good point. Um, I suggest you have a talk with Kami about it and with Colby and maybe the two of them should talk to each other and see where it goes from there. If she really does like him and you respect the friendship then, and I know you don't want to hear this but you might have to hold off until she moves to someone else or forget it altogether. I was in a similar situation."
"Really?"
"Yes. I liked someone but he liked Evan only I didn't know. Evan wouldn't date him because we're best friends and he didn't want to hurt my feelings."
"Aww...he seems so nice."
"Ev is really nice."
"Did he ever date the guy?"
"Years later."
"Were you mad?"
"When I found out I was but I was already with John by that point and Evan was happy and that's what I want for him."
"I can do that. If Kami can't let him go then it'll be fine. Colby's not the only cute boy in the world. This is that not the only fish in the sea thing isn't it?" Cody nodded
"Yes." Ashleigh sighed then smiled
"Thanks for the talk Mr. Rhodes."
"You're welcome."
"You always know just what to say. You should be my go-to gay."
"Ashleigh."
"Was that mean?"
"No but it was inappropriate."
"When am I ever appropriate?"
"This is true and I do prefer you saying go-to gay over calling yourself a fag hag." Ashleigh laughed loudly
"I thought about saying that."
"Well I'm glad you thought again. Grade these papers for me?" Cody said standing
"I'm on it." She said reaching over to rifle through the pens on Cody's desk looking for her favorite red one
"It's in my top drawer." Cody said over his shoulder as he opened the door to let the next class in. Ashleigh smiled
...
"The meat's smoking." John said walking up behind Randy
"Good job." Randy responded looking on the shelves of the pantry
"Where's my beer?"
"You walked past the refrigerator to come in here."
"I just wanted to touch you." John said wrapping his arms tighter around the other man. Randy turned his head slightly to the side and met John's lips for a kiss
"And now you have."
"What sides are you making?"
"Baked beans and,"
"Your potato salad?"
"Well I was going to make,"
"The potato salad."
"A spicy corn,"
"Potato salad."
"I'm sorry; did you want potato salad John?" John gasped dramatically
"Why yes I do. I can't believe how well you know me."
"So I'll make the salad and something else."
"The baked beans."
"I don't want to make those and,"
"The baked beans."
"We're not doing that again."
"Are you making the beans then?"
"Yes."
"Thanks babe."
"You're welcome. I need to get out of here. Back it up." John started to walk backwards still holding on to Randy
"Where are we going?"
"The island right now because my phone is going off." John guided them to the island and Randy grabbed his phone. "Hello."
"Hi Angelface."
"Hi. How are you?"
"I'm 23 days sober and I feel good."
"I'm happy to hear that."
"How are you? How was Paris?"
"I'm well. Paris was beautiful. We had a good time."
"That's great." Randy sighed
"How are you really? You don't sound like yourself or is this the new you?"
"I think it's a little of both. I'm learning to not be such a dick and the food here sucks so I'm not happy about that." Randy laughed
"They teach you about being better but it'll rub off a day or two after you leave."
"Oh good. I don't like this nice bullshit."
"That sounds better."
"I get my first chip in a week."
"Ah yes, the 30-day chip. Are you going to make a speech at your ceremony?"
"Fuck no," Randy laughed. That was more like Steven. "I'd be happy with just making it to the 30 day mark and going on with the day. I don't understand why the hell we need chips. Do you still have yours?"
"John does." John looked up at the mention of his name
"He took them?"
"I was going to throw them away but he kept them. I don't know where they are."
"That's kinda sweet in a weird sort of way."
"That's John." John looked up again. "Have you talked to Alexei?"
"Yes. He wants me to call him every day practically."
"You're his big brother."
"We're only two fucking years apart."
"Still. When are you letting him visit?"
"I'm thinking of letting him come for the ceremony."
"You should."
"Eh. I'd rather have you visit."
"Steven."
"I miss your cheekbones. My hand is dying to touch your face." Randy laughed again
"That's not the same hand you jerk-off with is it?" John looked up for a third time
"Well I jerk-off with both hands like a threesome so yes."
"Oh my God."
"You know if you visit you could do it for me and that way I'll keep my hands clean."
"Yea, I don't think John, Evan or Cody would be okay with that." This time John just closed his magazine and leaned back as he folded his arms over his chest
"I wouldn't tell them."
"Well John is sitting right here staring at me so he knows something's up. He'd smell my hands or something when I came back." Steven laughed and John's jaw dropped
"What the fuck are the two of you talking about?"
"Nothing John."
"Nothing? It doesn't sound like nothing to me."
"Really though it's nothing." John eyed him. "I'm about to get in trouble."
"We don't want that. I still want you to visit and if he doesn't trust you then that won't happen."
"Well he can trust me."
"Right...I'm the one not to be trusted. I acknowledged that he won you fair and square but I'd still fuck the shit out of you given the chance." Randy's eyes widened as he coughed
"So, um, yea, have you met with the psychologist yet?" Steven started to laugh
"Are you just going to ignore what I said?"
"Absolutely."
"Cute...yes, I have met her. My first session is later today."
"Later today? They were usually in the morning."
"Yea. I told them I wasn't with that morning shit and would much rather talk about my feelings after 12 pm."
"Let me get this straight: you just changed the rehab schedule to better suit your needs and the fact that you're not a morning person?"
"Yes. This is about me is it not?"
"I can't even argue with that."
"How pissed does that make you? I know you like to argue with me."
"I'm moderately pissed about it."
"Get over it sweet cheeks."
"Isn't your phone time almost over?"
"Bitch." Randy gasped. "Will you visit with Alexei next week?"
"After you just called me a bitch?"
"You are a bitch Randy. Will you visit or no?"
"My answer right now is yes but that might change to no after I talk to John. He heard all the wrong parts of this conversation."
"He didn't hear what I said."
"I wish I hadn't either."
"Whatever. I'll put you down as a maybe. Let me know soon okay?"
"Yea."
"I have to go."
"Alright. Call me tomorrow if you can."
"Of course."
"Bye."
"Bye honey bunch." Randy ended the call and turned toward the refrigerator
"Oh no, no," John said. "Turn yourself right around and tell me what all that was about." He turned slowly and smiled at John
"It was nothing."
"If you say nothing one more time I'm going to flip this island over."
"It's anchored to the floor."
"I know so I suggest not testing me by saying the word nothing again."
"It was Steven being Steven."
"And that means?"
"Inappropriate."
"Do I even want to know what he said?"
"...probably not."
"Don't tell me then."
"That being said, his 30-day ceremony is next week and I want to go."
"After hearing what I did you know what I want to say."
"You want to tell me no." John nodded
"But having gone through this with you and knowing that you want him to get better, maybe more than he wants to, I won't say that. I don't want to take any support from him."
"Thanks."
"I do however want you back here asap."
"Then I'll be back here asap...by asap you mean like two days right?"
"Why do you have to go for two days? The ceremony is one, well more like half a day."
"John."
"What?"
"I don't want to fly all the way to Utah for one day. That's a," He stood there thinking. "That's like a 6 hour flight."
"I'll send you on the jet."
"You're being unreasonable right now."
"Two days Randy then I want your skinny ass back here."
"Two days."
"Why don't you take Evan with you?"
"Take Evan with me? Why not Cody?"
"Because I'd miss Cody so I want him to stay here with me."
"If I bring Ev what will he do while I'm banging Steven?"
"Randy." He laughed
"You know that he can't leave the lodge and there's no sex in that place so,"
"Those are the rules but that doesn't mean anything."
"John how could," Randy stopped speaking and John looked pointedly at him. "Oh yea," He said smiling. "I forgot we did that. Shit, we've done it everywhere haven't we?"
"Just about."
"Forget that. He and I aren't going to have sex so stop worrying about it."
"Two days and you're taking the jet so you can come back when you want...within the two day limit."
"Yes John. Whatever you say baby."
"Don't patronize me."
"I'm not." Randy said walking over to John and sitting in his lap. "I just want you to trust me. You know that I'm not going to cheat on you." John kissed him
"I know but I'm not putting it past Steven to try and tempt you."
"He can tempt all he wants but if I don't give in then no harm no foul right?"
"You're right but that doesn't mean I like it. You're with me now and you're going to be with me so he needs to stop."
"Okay Big Daddy, I'll tell him you said to stop." John groaned
"Do I have time to take you upstairs?"
"Maybe after I put the potatoes on to boil."
"Maybe?"
"I mean we'll have time after I put the potatoes on to boil."
"That's what I like to hear."
Later
"Hi guys!" Cody said sliding the backdoor open and stepping outside
"Hey Codes."
"Hi handsome."
"I do look handsome today don't I?" Cody said kissing John then Randy twice
"I think you look handsome every day." Randy rolled his eyes
"Thank you. Is that dinner? It smells so good...and smoky."
"It is dinner and it's in a smoker so there's reason for that."
"What,"
"Brisket."
"Ooh, I love brisket. Your potato salad and baked beans would be really good with it."
"John already badgered me into making it." Cody kissed John again. "Go change your clothes."
"I'm going." Cody said turning around
"What are you doing?"
"Looking at his butt."
"Randy."
"What?"
"Don't look at him like a piece of meat."
"He's quite tasty John."
"Yes I know. I do know how to pick 'em."
"Mmhm."
"Hey I was thinking,"
"Oh no."
"Shut up. I'm going to take a day or two off a week so that I can spend time with you and I want to have date nights with Cody...if you guys want me to."
"I'd love it if you were home a day or two during the week with me and you know Cody would love to have date nights with you."
"I figure he and I going out would give you more time with Evan without Cody or I feeling neglected,"
"I do appreciate that."
"I thought you would. It's also good because I've never really "dated" Cody. We got together and pretty much just hung out."
"You didn't take him to dinner or anything?"
"No, not really...maybe a handful of times."
"What?"
"Yea. I'm terrible I know."
"Poor Codes. He'd never been on a real vacation until the three of us went and his only boyfriend didn't properly court him." John looked over at Randy
"I'm going to right my wrong okay?"
"Okay."
"Hey Evan." John said looking over his shoulder at the man who just walked out the door
"Hey J. Papi chulo." Randy smiled
"Cachorro."
"What's up?"
"Nothing. How was work?"
"Good. Oh! One of the teachers requested cupcakes from you for her son's birthday. Can you do it?"
"Yes just let me know when she needs them and what kind."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I need to talk to you about something."
"What?"
"I'm going to Utah next week and I'll be gone for two days."
"Utah? What the hell's in Utah?"
"That's where Steven's in rehab. He wants me to visit."
"Steven." Evan said flatly. "I don't want you to go."
"I'm gonna go inside." John said standing up and leaving
"Why?"
"I'm not the biggest fan of Steven but more importantly I don't want you to go because I'll be here by myself."
"John and Cody will be here."
"That's not the same and you know it."
"He's my friend and I'm going to go see him. I'll only be gone for two days."
"Randy." Evan huffed
"Don't get all pouty because it's just going to make me irritated."
"I'm not pouting but I don't think it's right."
"What's not right? I don't want to be with Steven so you have nothing to worry about. You better than anyone knows that I know how to control myself." Randy stood up from the patio chair and walked toward Evan who took two steps back. "Stop moving away from me." Randy said reaching out and taking hold of the man's arm. "I wanted you from the moment John opened that door and I saw you standing on the doorstep but I didn't touch you or make any real advances because of John and Cody. Not only do I have the two of them here but I have you. I wouldn't do that to any of you."
"You're going to go regardless of what I say aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Then go. I don't know why you even told me." Randy rolled his neck
"Go in the house." Evan turned and slid the door open with Randy hot on his heels
"Randy," John watched him slam the door shut and leave the kitchen. "Never mind. Help me find a pan to put the brisket in Cody." Cody jumped when he heard Evan's door slam shut
"Uh oh. Should we,"
"Nope. We're not getting involved. I am curious though about how it will turn out."
"Me too!"
Evan's Room
"You're going to make this difficult aren't you?"
"No." Evan answered simply as he unbuttoned his shirt and pulled at his bowtie
"Yes you are. You know that Steven is my friend,"
"I told you that Steven wasn't the problem!" Randy blew out an extended breath
"That was your one time."
"My one time what?"
"To yell at me. As long as we're together you better not do it again." Evan rolled his eyes. "That's not how things are going to go between us. Do I yell at you?" Evan said nothing. "Did you go deaf suddenly? Do I yell at you?"
"No. I'm sorry."
"I actually wouldn't mind you coming with me but I have no idea what you'd do while I'm at the center and the ceremony is during the week while you'll be at work."
"It's fine Randy." Evan said standing in front of him. "Will you be back for the weekend?" Randy nodded
"I'm only going for two days. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Can you take your contacts out and put your glasses on?"
"Do I have to?"
"You and I can sleep in here tonight if you do." Evan's eyes lit up thinking of all the things they'd do
"Be right back." He said moving toward his bathroom. Randy laughed
TBC