"I really didn't mean it like that Puppy." Randy said leaning in and resting his chin on Evan's shoulder
"I believe you now but it still hurt my feelings a little bit. I know I'm little. I've been little since I was a baby and I'll always be."
"Well I think you're perfect the way you are."
"I know I am but thanks for noticing." Randy laughed and kissed the other man's cheek
"I love you Cachorro."
"I love you too." Evan said sliding closer to the older man and resting against him. "You're in a mood today. Why?" Randy laughed
"You picked up on that?"
"Yes. You're acting like a dick. I don't know what happened with you and Phil over there but it looked pretty heated."
"I was in a bad mood when I woke up and it's only getting worse as the day goes on. First it was Phil, then John asking me about Ashleigh's mom's boyfriend and then Roman showed up."
"What happened to Rick?"
"We're not talking about Rick."
"Okay. We won't talk about Rick." Randy wrapped his arms around Evan's waist. "What are you going to do?"
"What do you mean?"
"About being in this mood of yours."
"Nothing I can do other than being conscious of it and trying not to snap on anyone here, especially you guys."
"Do you want me to stay away from Roman then?"
"You don't have to."
"He's a nice guy."
"I bet he is...he wants to bend you over and I know because the look he has in his eyes is the same one I had."
"You still have that look sometimes."
"Because I still want to bend you over."
"Classy."
...
"Are you guys doing alright?" Randy asked Alexei and Steven
"I'm fine...well I'd be better if this wasn't such a sausage fest." Alexei said
"Maybe it's time for you to taste some sausage Alexei." Steven laughed
"No thanks Rand. If I haven't gone after you, someone whose looks are appreciated by women and men, I think I'm in this straight thing for the long haul."
"Suit yourself."
"Well I totally like that this is a sausage fest. I like sausage."
"Any particular piece you want to try today?" Steven looked at Randy. "That you haven't already had."
"Oh, now you're just being persnickety."
"Call it what you will."
"Actually," Steven said rubbing his chin. "That one over there; what's his name?" Randy looked across the yard
"Johnny?"
"Yes, Johnny. I like him...he could use a haircut but that face." Randy smiled
"Let me introduce you." He said placing an arm on Steven's shoulder. "We'll be back Alexei or at least I will." Alexei rolled his eyes at the two men who looked like they were on the prowl
"I'm almost suspicious."
"About what?"
"You're being way too accommodating about this."
"Because I think it's time you found someone. You're clean now and need to leave those scallywags you were dealing with before alone and I think you'll like Johnny. The two of you should work well together."
"Why?"
"Guys," Randy said walking up to his group of friends. "I'd like for you to meet Steven."
"This is Steven?"
"Yea."
"Why are we just now meeting him?" Johnny asked sticking his hand out. "Johnny Curtis...they call me Dirty Curty." Steven looked at Randy and smirked. Randy gave a slight nod. "Because they're assholes not because I'm dirty or anything."
"Oh right, of course." Steven said. "I would never suspect a thing like that."
"Don't worry, I didn't tell him the fandango story."
"What's the fandango story?"
"Damn it Randy."
"Oops."
"I think I'd like to hear this story." Steven said while Johnny eyed Randy who walked away smiling. He looked at the bench where he'd left Evan and saw Roman occupying the seat he was sitting in before. Roman was even straddling the bench like Randy had been
"Relax Ran." He heard Cody say. Randy turned and glared at him. "Oh no, do not glare at me. Evy loves you so remember that."
"Why does everyone think that I have a problem with Evan? It's that fucking Roman who's pissing me off."
"Well also remember that he works for John and if you get into a fight with him John's going to be so mad with you."
"Shit." Randy cursed. "I forgot about that."
"Mmhm, I know you did. I could kinda tell by the way you rolled your shoulders...like you were ready to engage your attack mode." In a move Cody wasn't expecting Randy pulled him in for a hug making him smile. "Aw, thanks Ran."
"No, thank you." Randy said softly kissing the top of Cody's perfectly coifed hair
"What's going on over there?"
"Huh?" Evan turned to the side to see what Roman was referring to and saw Randy and Cody hugging. "Randy and Cody you mean? What about them?"
"I thought that he was your man." Evan shook his head
"It's a long story but he and I are together."
"You're okay with that? He looks real close to John too."
"He is and I'm fine with it. Look, I like talking to you but I'd really rather not get into my personal life since it is just that, personal."
"Nah, I understand and we don't have to get personal. I think that's why I like talking to you so much."
"Hm. And all this time I thought it was because I'm so incredibly cute." Roman chuckled
"You're definitely that but you're also easy-going...that's the best kind of person to talk with."
"I feel with that very statement we've entered what people consider the dreaded Friend-Zone."
"That's where we're supposed to be right?"
"Yep. I didn't say that I dreaded being there. I've got a man and he's hot." Roman laughed
"Is everything okay here?" John asked walking up to Cody and Randy
"It's fine, why?"
"I don't know," John said waving his hands. "Your whole demeanor today is making me nervous."
"Am I that transparent?"
"You must be if I noticed." Cody said speaking up
"I'm not having the best day, no but I'll be fine."
"Are you sure? You don't have to stay out here or anything. If you go in I'd like it if you came out later." Randy shook his head
"I'm not going in the house John. I'll be fine really."
"Can I get you anything?" Randy shook his head
"I'm okay." John nodded but inside he was worried. He'd only seen Randy like this a few times and it was usually when he was coming down. John went into the house as the memory of the first time came flooding back and he felt sick to his stomach:
"Hello?"
"Are you alright?" John asked Randy trying to keep his cool. He'd been calling the man all day but there was no answer. He heard Randy clear his throat
"I'm fine. What's up?"
"What's up? What's up?" John responded incredulously. "I've been calling you all day and you haven't answered."
"I was busy. I'm sorry."
"Are you sure you're alright? Your voice is lower than normal and while that should turn me on, I'm worried." Randy laughed
"You should hear me when I have a cold then."
"I'm on my way over. Is that okay?" In his apartment Randy checked the clock
"You're supposed to be on your way over so of course it's okay."
"I'll see you in about 25-30 minutes then." John heard Randy groan
"I might be in the shower so just come in."
"Okay." The younger man hung up in John's ear. Randy rolled over and downed the glasses of water he had sitting on his night table and ambled to his bathroom to take a shower. Before stepping in the shower the tall man vomited in the toilet. He cursed at himself as he washed his body for overindulging while John was away on business. Anytime he was around John or knew that he would be he never used but the other man had been gone for a week and a half on business. When he finished his shower Randy dressed in a pair of basketball shorts then went to his kitchen to make some cranberry tea which usually helped. After it was done he made it, albeit slowly back to his bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. John was aware that he used but he never wanted the older man to see him like this. Reaching over he grabbed his eye mask and slipped it on. A few minutes after doing so he heard John slam his front door
"Randy!" Randy just groaned. "Randy." He heard John call softly before the bed dipped. Then he felt a hand on his forehead and heard John sigh. "When was the last time?"
"The last time what?"
"Don't play dumb with me. I know you're not."
"This morning. I had to so that I could go to work."
"And you're detoxing this bad?"
"It's not that bad."
"Randy, baby, you're sweating like you just played a game of one-on-one with Kobe Bryant in the desert and this bed is soaked. You smell clean so I know you just took a shower. No one sweats like this normally after just taking a shower." John should have been angry, and he was, but more so he felt bad. He was falling in love with Randy and didn't want to see him like this. "Come here." He said putting a hand on Randy's arm and trying to pull him closer
"Ow. Ow, stop John. My skin hurts." John wanted to cry
"What can I do?" Randy shook his head
"Nothing. I just have to sweat it out."
"Did you go crazy while I was gone?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Too bad. Tell me. Did you have a bad week?"
"Not really, no. I knew that you would be gone for a while so I, well, you know."
"Every day that I was gone?"
"Yea."
"Damn it Randy." John said in a frustrated tone. "What if something had happened to you?"
"I don't know, what if? We wouldn't be here having this conversation."
"Oh stop it. I do not want to hear that shit Randy,"
"Can you not," Randy said raising his voice then grimacing. John reached for his hand and held it
"I'm sorry. I don't want you getting worked up. I'm sorry."
"Just give me an hour, maybe an hour and a half then we can do whatever you want. I've been sweating this out for a few hours now."
"Take all the time you need babe." Randy sat up a bit, took a few sips of his tea then lay back down cuddling up to John. "Can I hold you or will it be too painful?"
"I'd like it if you held me. Please." John wrapped his arms around the younger man and held him close
"Do you think that you need some help maybe? Because I can get you any help you need. You can go to the very best place." John felt Randy squeeze him tighter. "I just don't want to worry about you and I sure as hell don't want anything to happen to you." The men lay there in silence for about thirty minutes each thinking that the other was asleep. "What?" John said when he thought Randy had said something
"I'll go." Randy said a little louder but still quietly. John was grateful and relieved
"Thank you."
"No, thank you."
"John?!"
"Huh? What?"
"What's wrong with you?" John shook his head
"Oh, nothing. What's up?"
"I think the guys are here to set up for later. Randy asked me to come in here to tell you."
"Thanks Evan."
"Are you really okay?"
"Yea." John said getting himself a glass of water. "I'll be out in a sec."
Later
Earlier John arranged for the fireworks display company PGI to come out and set up an elaborate display on the extra land he had in the back. When they were done he and Randy set up chairs and placed blankets around so that there would be seating for everyone. The two men made sure they would have the best seats though. Before the party started Cody and Evan, with Max in tow, had gone around to the neighbors and invited them to see the fireworks display that night. When it had gotten dark enough their friends and neighbors who had been invited were directed to the back of the yard
"Are they going to be up that way?" Cody asked wrapping his arms around John's bicep
"Yes baby."
"Ooh, we have good seats then." John and Randy smiled. Randy laughed when he looked behind him and saw Steven and Johnny seated on the same blanket. "I should have charged my phone." Cody said as he scrolled through his Twitter feed
"Maybe if you left it alone for more than ten minutes your battery wouldn't die so quickly."
"Maybe." The young man said absently. "I still have enough juice to take pictures of the show." He said taking a bite of the cotton candy that had been passed around from the rented machine
"Are you sure we're not too close?" Evan asked looking at Randy
"I'm sure. I think your glasses are giving you the allusion that you're closer than you are." Evan laughed. "Why are you wearing your glasses anyway?"
"My eyes were hurting."
"That happens?"
"Yes." Evan answered tossing a piece of popcorn in his mouth. He snatched the bag away when Randy reached over
"You little,"
"You didn't ask."
"I don't even know why I deal. You're such an evil little shit."
"You like how difficult I make your life Randy. Open." Randy opened his mouth allowing Evan to drop some popcorn in
"Is that the impression I've given?"
"Mmhm...because it's truth." Randy shushed Evan as the fireworks started making the smaller man laugh. There was a collective round of 'oohs and ahs' as the first pop of fireworks went off in the sky
"So pretty!" Cody said unlocking his phone to take pictures. Randy smiled when he felt Evan rest his head on his shoulder. He quietly put an arm around the man as they watched the display
...
After the party was over Evan and Cody stayed with John to help him clean up while Randy went up to the bedroom since he was still in a mood. He showered then lay across the bed just staring up at the ceiling. Enjoying the silence and being alone
"What are you doing?" John stopped in his tracks and looked at Randy
"How did you know it was me?"
"Your footsteps are too heavy to be Puppy's and you were far too quiet to be Cody."
"Scary. Anyway, we finished cleaning so I came up here for a shower. Why are you just lying there like that?" Randy repositioned himself on the bed throwing one arm behind his head
"Draw me like one of your French girls." John burst with laughter
"I don't even know what I'd do without you."
"Starve probably."
"Probably." John said walking to the bathroom. John showered quickly and when he stepped out he laughed at Randy still lying there. "Why do you even own clothes? You never wear them."
"It's illegal for me to go out in public naked. I don't know why though...I wouldn't bake or cook naked either."
"What if I get you aprons? Does that still count as being naked?"
"According to Cody I have nothing there but technically I do have an ass and that would be out so I would consider that being naked."
"Where the fuck is Cody?"
"You tell me. You saw him last. What were they doing?"
"Taking Max for a walk since he was in the house all day."
"Call him." John picked up his phone and dialed the young man's number. It went straight to voicemail
"His battery's dead." Randy reached for his phone
Papi Chulo: where are you?
Puppy: we ran into some of the neighbors on our way back to the house. Still talking to them
"They're talking to some neighbors."
"How long are they going to be out there?"
"A while it seems. You know that once Cody's mouth gets going."
"Tell Evan I said to discreetly tell Cody to get his fucking ass back here."
"I don't know how he's going to be discreet about that."
"Evan's smart and will figure it out."
Papi Chulo: John said to, discreetly, tell Cody to get his fucking ass back here. You come with him
Puppy: how can I be discreet about that? ...and for the record I'd rather be home and in bed
Papi Chulo: he says you'll figure it out. Try for me. Cody's phone's dead and John's mad
Puppy: oh great
"Did you tell him?"
"Uh-huh. He's working on being decorous."
"Okay. Want to sleep next to me tonight?"
"Yes."
"Get up." John said trying to pull the blankets back. Randy raised his hips allowing John to pull the duvet and sheets. "You're having one of those days aren't you?"
"I think so." Randy said lying next to John. "When I woke up things were just off balance. They warned us about days like this in rehab and I've only had about one, other than today, since I finished."
"You did good. Aside,"
"Well."
"What?"
"I did well not good." John rolled his eyes
"Grammar Nazi. Anyway, you did good. Aside from the interaction with Phil but I'm sure that would have happened regardless."
"I'm sure it would have but I wish that it had been another day and not in front of Cody. Stuff like that hurts him and I don't want to do that."
"I know you don't. Cody knows that you don't. Would your Klonopin have helped?"
"It may have taken the edge off but I hate taking them for one and two it would have just made me lethargic and in an even shittier mood."
"Oh. Well like I said, you handled it well and what's most important is that you didn't use or go out looking for something to use."
"You're right."
"I know." John said kissing him
"Sorry John. Sorry, sorry, sorry," Cody said flying into the room. "We ran into the neighbors and we started talking and next thing I know Evy's telling me that you were looking for me and I checked my phone only to see that my battery was completely dead and by completely dead I mean it was dead like I couldn't even turn the thing on so I asked Ev if I could use his phone to call you but he said that it would just be best if we came home so we said bye to the Bojanowski's and I picked Maxi up because sometimes he walks too slow, I think it's because he's so little, and we all hurried back here and here we are." Evan just shook his head and walked to the bathroom while John and Randy looked at the blue-eyed man. "What? Are you mad? Please don't be mad."
"I'm not mad. Did you lock the door and put the alarm on?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
"I'm going to take a shower now." John just nodded. When Cody was definitely in the bathroom John looked down at Randy
"I don't know John."
"I mean just all in one single breath." Randy laughed
"We may have discovered his one and only talent."
"Certainly that's not his one and only talent Randy."
"His one and only talent we're able to talk about outside of this house."
"That's more like it."
Weeks Later
John left work early so that he could go home and spend some time with Randy. Evan and Cody had left early that morning for Florida Supercon in Miami with some of their friends. After a lot of pleading and sad puppy eyes the two men convinced John and Randy to let them stay overnight. John made reservations for them and their friends at his hotel in Miami and advised his staff to secretly keep an eye on them. He seriously considered hiring someone to keep an eye on them at the convention but Randy told John not to. Even if Cody didn't realize that they were being followed Randy knew that Evan would have figured it out within an hour. Although he was definitely the Dom in their relationship, Randy didn't want to upset his Puppy. Happy Puppy was always better than Snippy Puppy
When John walked into the kitchen he found Randy searching through his cake decorating kit looking for the perfect tip for a piping bag
"Honey you're home." He said still searching
"I am. What's up?" John asked handing Randy a caramel macchiato
"Thank you. I'm just about to ice these cupcakes for a baby shower."
"What kind are they?"
"It's for a set of boy/girl twins so 12 are strawberry and 12 are white that I dyed blue."
"Twins huh?" Randy looked up at John
"I know. One of the many times I've been thankful for being gay. No surprises like a baby...or two." John laughed and picked up two of the tips
"What's the difference between these? They look exactly the same."
"But they're not. Let me see your hand." John stuck his hand out while Randy put a tip on a piping bag. "Open star." He said putting some on John's pointer finger then changing the nozzle. "Closed star." He said after putting some on another finger
"Ooh. You learn something new every day."
"That's what I've heard."
"Now," John said wiggling his fingers. "What are we going to do about this?" Randy smirked before taking both of John's fingers into his mouth and cleaning the icing off. "You should save some of that icing for later."
"I will depending on which one of us is going to be eating it." John raised an eyebrow
"Have you heard from the boys?"
"Yes. Evan called me when they got to their room and Cody was shouting into the phone over his shoulder about how much fun they were going to have." John laughed. "He told me to tell you that he loves you and although he's going to have a "butt load" of fun he can't wait to come back and cuddle with you. He even made kissing noises in the phone. I barely heard them though over Puppy dry heaving."
"Your puppy sounds jealous." Randy guffawed
"Oh please, my Puppy has no reason to be jealous. He's satisfied ten times over and doesn't need to make sloppy kissing noises to me over the phone."
"You prefer your kisses sloppy and in person huh?"
"Damn right. And speaking of kisses,"
"I brought you Starbucks!"
"John!"
"What?"
"Are you telling me that I don't get a kiss because you brought me some fucking Starbucks? I make your goddamn dinner every night." John laughed
"You're so testy." He said kissing Randy softly before adding tongue
"Of course I'm testy. It's what you love most about me."
"I'll agree to avoid an argument."
"I never want to argue with you John." Randy responded as he topped a cupcake with pink icing using a plain round nozzle
"How much longer before you're done?"
"I don't know. Thirty minutes maybe. I still have to put sanding sugar on them and the 'It's a boy!' and 'It's a girl!' paper toppers."
"These cupcakes sound very elaborate."
"You ain't lyin. When I looked at the order I had to call immediately just to make sure I was reading it correctly. I feel like I'll have diabetes by the time I finish making them." John laughed
"I'm not as smart as you but I'm 100% certain that's not how you become diabetic."
"Have you heard of gestational diabetes? I'm going to get situational diabetes."
"Is situational a word?"
"Yes." Randy said laughing. "Don't make me laugh while I'm doing this. I feel like I'm getting saliva all over my work."
"That sounds disgusting."
"It is now hush."
"One more thing and then I'll leave you alone; do you want to go out for dinner tonight?" Randy nodded as he continued to decorate. "Okay. I'm going to make reservations somewhere and leave you alone." The taller man just nodded again. John left the kitchen and went up to the bedroom to change his clothes. After getting comfortable in a pair of basketball shorts he went to the office so that he could make dinner reservations
"Babe?" John said popping back into the kitchen
"You're back."
"I'm back."
"Mmhm."
"I made reservations at Malio's for 7."
"Oh really? I've always wanted to go there. I heard that it's really nice."
"Now we're going and it is nice."
"I guess I have to wear my special panties for you tonight." John started laughing
"Jesus Christ." He said leaving the kitchen
Miami
After eating a quick lunch in their hotel rooms Evan and Cody, along with Kofi and Phil, headed over to the Miami Airport Convention Center for the first day of Florida Supercon
"Some of these cosplay characters are awesome." Kofi said
"Yea, I totally should have come dressed as Wonder Woman." Everyone looked at Cody. "I know people think I'm super gay. It was a joke." Evan, Phil and Kofi laughed
"Good one Codes."
"Thanks."
"Oh cool, Chandler Riggs and Sergeant Slaughter will be here. I have to see what time their panels are." Phil said
"Isn't that the kid from The Walking Dead?"
"Yep."
"I'd like to see that."
"You're into wrestling?"
"Yea man!" Kofi said excitedly
"How come we're not best friends already?" Phil asked
"I don't know!" Evan and Cody laughed at the men and their enthusiasm
"I'm glad we're best friends already so we don't have to go through this."
"Yes, we've sifted through all our awkward moments." Cody watched as Evan's eyes widened
"What?"
"There's Deadpool." He said his voice barely above a whisper
"Wanna get a picture?"
"Yes."
"Guys we're going to get pictures with Deadpool."
"Kofi and I are going to find stuff for Walking Dead."
"Okay." Evan said checking the program. "Let's meet up – holy shit Jason David Frank is here."
"The original green Power Ranger?"
"Yes!" Evan said laughing. "Let's meet there in...an hour?"
"Deal." Cody and Evan walked off in search of cosplay characters to make fun of while Phil and Kofi looked for affiliates of their favorite comic books
Tampa
Randy watched as John walked into the kitchen and went to the pantry and over to the fridge then back to the pantry again. John then went to the sliding glass door, looked around the backyard and moved to the pantry again
"John,"
"Are you almost done yet?" John blurted out
"Yes." Randy said laughing. "Why?"
"I don't like being by myself so you need to be done so that I'm not alone."
"It can't have been more than 20-25 minutes John." Randy said folding down the lid on the cupcake box
"It's been like 20 hours...and you forgot the flag topper things."
"No I didn't. I wanted to see how far down I needed to stick them."
"After that you'll be done?"
"I'll be done with the cupcakes. I need to wash the few dishes that I have." John silently went over to the sink, turned the water on and proceeded to wash up Randy's dishes. Randy chuckled to himself
"How do I clean these?" John asked referring to the nozzles
"I let them soak then use a Q-Tip."
"A Q-Tip?"
"Yes...I'm precise. I would use a little brush but I don't want to scrape the inside and possibly damage it." John put the tips in a cup of warm water then washed the spatulas and other things Randy had used. Thinking that the other man would be done John was shocked when he turned around and saw Randy still standing there with the cake toppers
"What's the problem?"
"I don't know whether I want the toppers to the left or to the right."
"Why don't you split the difference and put them in the middle."
"...sometimes I think too much."
"I think you're right." Randy finished with the cupcakes then closed the boxes
"Done." He said and smiled at John
"When's the delivery?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"I'll take you then we can go out on the boat."
"I like that you still call a 60+ foot yacht a boat."
"I'm humble. Come on I hear the couch calling us."
"Can you go warm it up for us while I let Max out?"
"First cupcakes and now the dog." John complained
"You're being a real baby today."
"Just hurry up." Randy rolled his eyes as he slid the door open and Max took the opportunity to run out
"I guess you had to go."
Later
"Stop it John or we're going to be late." Randy said not really meaning it. "And I'll be mad if I don't get to eat at Malio's." That part was true. John continued to suck Randy's neck in a particularly erogenous area while the warm water of the shower rain down on them. He heard Randy whimper and stopped. "What the fuck?" Randy asked out of breath
"You told me to stop so I'm stopping."
"But I was really getting into it." He said quietly
"I see that." John said glancing down at the other man's erection then grabbing his body wash
"I don't like you very much at the moment."
"Well hurry up and shower so we can go to dinner and you'll love me again." John laughed as Randy lathered angrily and rinsed his body
Miami
"I think we're going to need another car to get all the stuff you bought and us back to Tampa." Phil said looking at all the things Cody had purchased
"Do you think? Should I call John and tell him?" Phil laughed
"No. I'm just kidding but you did get a lot of stuff."
"I know. Mostly comic books that I'd been looking for and some graphic novels." Cody said kicking his legs up and resting them on Evan's lap
"How come we're not at the Double Tree hotel? It's closer."
"This one was free." Evan said
"Free? How do you get dope hotel rooms like this for free?"
"John owns it." Cody answered thumbing through one of his novels
"Is that what he does?" Phil asked. "I always thought it was something much shadier."
"Nope, this is it. He's legit."
"What does Randy do? He seems shady."
"Hey." Evan said
"Oh yea sorry, but you have to admit that his slow gate just screams dark alley deals...or serial killer." Evan laughed
"I can't even be mad about that. Anyway, he's a photographer...at least he was before he started staying home."
"A photographer?!" Phil shrieked. "I imagine someone calm and not half crazy being a photographer, not Randy."
"He is calm when he takes pictures and 98% of the time. Randy just doesn't like you so it seems like he's always agitated."
"So it's just me?"
"Yea, it's just you. He's hot but do you think that any of us could really stand to be around someone who was prickly all the time?"
"I don't suppose so."
"Since we're not paying for the room should we buy you guys' dinner tonight?"
"You can buy Cody's since he's the one sleeping with John, not me."
"Ev!" Kofi and Phil started to laugh
"Nah, we've got you too Evan."
Tampa: Malio's
"Oh," John said wiping the corners of his mouth. "I talked to my car guy and he's able to get the car you want for Evan by the end of next week."
"Awesome. With everything I requested."
"Every single thing and for $15,000 less."
"I like the sound of that."
"I don't mean to be all in your business and you can tell me to butt out if you want but can you afford to buy a $74,000 car?"
"Yea."
"I don't mean can you buy it I mean afford,"
"I know the difference between being able to and being able to afford to. I can afford it. You "pay me" twice a month an exorbitant amount of money, you purchased a lot of my pieces for the hotel in New York, a bunch of people bought stuff after seeing my art in your hotel...then the pictures I took when we were in Paris," Randy shrugged. "I have more than enough money. Hell, you bought over $40,000 worth yourself." John laughed
"Hotels have a lot of rooms."
"I've noticed that. By the time we made it back to Tampa I had about ten orders or so. I don't sell anything for less than 1000 a pop and if they want it framed that at least another 200." John nodded
"Okay. I like Evan, I really do but you're my priority so I want to make sure you're taken care of first."
"I understand. Trust me, I wouldn't have offered to buy the car if I couldn't. I would have driven him to work every day before doing that."
"You're smart and I trust you but I had to check to make myself feel better." Randy watched John take a sip of wine then place his glass on the table
"What?"
"Not knocking your ability because you're incredible. I mean you look into the lens of a camera and see things that,"
"Stop blowing smoke up my ass. What do you want to say?"
"How is it that the base price for your work is $1000? I wanted to ask for a discount but that would have ruined the surprise." Randy laughed
"Oh trust me, when I started I would have given my stuff away for 1000 bucks. Once I became better known amongst the art elitist I raised my prices. It almost became the in thing to have an R. Orton somewhere."
"So you were a fad?" Randy laughed
"I was a fad yes. I also found loyal and repeat customers."
"Like Dr. Monroe?" Randy smiled almost shyly at the mention of the doctor's name
"You remember?" He asked referring to one of the first conversations he and John had at his apartment
"I remember a lot of things about us Randy. I hope that you never forget that."
"Sometimes I do." He said shrugging. "It happens."
"I don't so don't you forget either."
"We get so caught up in other things," Randy stopped. "I don't even know what I'm trying to say right now."
"Please get it together and say whatever it is so I can stop worrying."
"Why do you always worry?"
"You're worrisome. I know what Cody's thinking because that man is almost 200 pounds of walking talking emotion. Whether it's the appropriate time or not he's going to let you know how and what he's feeling."
"Will he ever. I'm not Cody though."
"I know that. I can't handle two Cody's."
"If something is on my mind you should know by now that I will tell you John. Just because I'm quiet doesn't mean I'm plotting or planning. I'm just more reserved. And I think what I was trying to say earlier is that we're all so busy all the time. The only time we're really together and able to honestly talk is vacations so I forget about the little things. I've lived with you and Cody for two years and it's almost like us before that didn't exist...so sometimes I do forget about those little things. But when I do remember they make me the happiest." John sighed. "What?"
"I'm going to die trying to keep two different people happy."
"Shut the fuck up John. I didn't say I wasn't happy. I said when I remember things before they make me happiest. Don't they make you happy when you remember which is often apparently?"
"Are you done?"
"Yes."
"Good and don't tell me to shut the fuck up again." They both knew Randy would. "We're not arguing about this."
"I don't want to."
"I swear that at times you do." Randy shook his head
"Not with you."
"You like fighting with Evan?"
"Only because I can see him trying to assert some dominance and I get off on watching him slip back into the role of sub." John laughed
"You're sick."
"I've got quirks." Randy said reaching for his phone
Codes: what's Cuban mojo sauce and should I eat it?
Randy laughed
"What?"
"I assume they're at a Cuban restaurant because Codes just asked me what Cuban mojo sauce is and if he should eat it."
RandyCandy: if it's authentic it's a sauce with garlic, olive oil, paprika and cumin. Try it
Codes: that last thing has me worried
RandyCandy: don't be a little pervert. It's a spice
Codes: okay. I'll have it. Thanks Ran!
RandyCandy: you're welcome
"Did you get that straightened out?"
"Yea."
"Why didn't he just Google it?"
"I am his Google."
"What happens if you don't know?"
"Then I Google it and get back to him. He's none the wiser and it makes me look that much smarter."
"Is that why you're so smart?"
"Because I Google all day? Yes."
"Are we having dessert or not?"
"I thought we were having that at home." John raised his hand signaling the waiter
"Check please."
John paid for their dinner and the men left the restaurant hand-in-hand. They waited outside for the valet to bring John's R8 around
"What made you buy this car?" Randy asked buckling his seatbelt
"Have you looked at it? This thing is badass. Why did you want a Bentley?"
"It's sexy like me." Randy said simply. John opened his mouth to speak then just closed it
"It's really hard to respond to that."
"You would be insulting me and my car if you did." They both heard John's phone buzzing
"Saved by the buzz." He said picking it up. "Hi baby."
"Hi John!"
"How are you?"
"Good. What are you doing?"
"Randy and I are driving home from dinner."
"What did you guys eat? Was it a date or just dinner?"
"We went to Malio's,"
"Never heard of it."
"And I guess it was a date. We dressed nice."
"Did you take pictures? I bet Ran looked hot." Randy laughed
"No we didn't and yes he does. How was the first day of Supercon?"
"Oh! It was so much fun John! We got to see the creators of a lot of comics which was really cool and I bought a lot of comic books that I'd wanted and I also got some graphic novels. Phil said that we would need another car just for the stuff I bought."
"Do I need to send another car?"
"No. He was just being dumb."
"Naturally." Randy mumbled
"Did you eat dinner?"
"Oh yea! At this place called Versailles and it was Cuban and the food was so good. Thanks for telling me to eat that sauce Ran."
"You're welcome."
"Can you make Cuban food?"
"I could try."
"You can do it Ran."
"Okay."
"What are you doing now?"
"Waiting for Evy to get out of the bathroom so we can go to bed. We're going to get up early to see more stuff since we have to leave tomorrow."
"Wait," John said. "I did get you rooms with two beds right?"
"Yea but I asked Ev if I could sleep in bed with him and he said yes. You know that I don't like sleeping by myself John."
"So I could have just gotten a room with one big bed then?"
"Yes. Frankly I don't know why you didn't."
"Watch it."
"Sorry. Are you guys doing it when you get home?"
"Yep." Cody sighed
"I didn't think about that before coming here."
"You'll be fine until tomorrow."
"But I won't be back until late tomorrow."
"There's nothing I can do about that Cody."
"I know but just be ready when I get home okay." John laughed. "You hear me Ran?"
"What do I have to do with this?"
"I may need you both."
"What about Evan? He's not getting any either. My boy's got needs."
"He can come too."
"Well holy shit," John said. "We're going to be busy sounds like."
"Yes we are. Where ya goin?"
"Who are you talking to?"
"Evy. He just walked out of the bathroom, grabbed his phone then left the room."
"He probably wants to talk to Randy before bed."
"I guess. I'm going to start one of my novels then."
"Okay baby."
"I'll call you in the morning."
"Alright. I love you."
"Aww, I love you too."
"Night Cody."
"Goodnight."
"Is he going to call you or just text you all night?" John said looking at Randy who was typing away on his phone
"I'm going to call him when we get home." John cleared his throat
"We have stuff to do when we get home." Randy laughed
"It's not even 10 right now and he's got to go to bed early."
"I'm just sayin. This dog needs a place to bury his bone."
"What the fuck did you just say to me? I should sleep in an entirely different room for that." John laughed as he pushed the garage door opener and parked in the structure. "I'm going to talk to Cachorro for a bit. I'll meet you upstairs okay?"
"Okay. I'm going to warn you though that I may or may not be naked by the time you get there."
"I prefer you naked John."
"Hot damn." John said walking in the house. Randy laughed then went to his favorites and tapped Cachorro letting the phone dial for him
"Hello."
"You sound tired."
"I am and my leg hurts a little."
"How much walking did you do today?"
"A lot and I was dragged around by Cody. I might as well of had a leash, it would have given me more room to maneuver." Randy half grunted/half laughed
"How are you other than that?"
"Good."
"Now you sound sad." Evan sighed
"I miss you." Randy laughed
"So you sound sad? Is missing me that bad?"
"No but I hate needing people."
"You're just tired and sore. You don't need me."
"I do." Randy smiled to himself. Much like himself, Evan wasn't one to express his feelings freely. It was sweet hearing him say that he did in fact need Randy
"Well I miss you too."
"Good."
"Did that make you feel better?"
"Marginally."
"Only marginally huh?"
"Just a margin."
"Okay. I miss you Evan and I love you and I can't wait for you to come back." Randy could practically hear Evan smiling on the other end. Evan cleared his throat
"Thanks. That was very nice of you." He said seriously making Randy laugh
"Anyway, I heard you were sleeping next to Codes tonight."
"He asked and I agreed. I mean, why not? He's got super soft skin and cuddles well. We're both winning."
"I'm inclined to agree." Randy heard the other man yawn. "Go to bed Puppy."
"Okay."
"That was easy."
"I'm really tired. I can't even fight with you like I want."
"Save it for when you get home." Randy said laughing
"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
"Wait," Evan said right before Randy hung up
"Yes?"
"...I love you."
"God you're so cute. I love you too. Sleep well."
"Bye."
"Bye." Randy pressed 'End' and went inside the house locking the garage door behind him and setting the alarm. He went upstairs and found John on the bed
"I was about to get started without you."
"That would have been an interesting sight." Randy quipped as he started to undress
"Strip for me baby." John said crawling to the edge of the bed and giving Randy his full attention
"You want me to strip for you?" Randy asked smirking
"Yes although I'm not sure how much of your clothes you're going to take off before I just rip them off myself. I'm horny as hell and ready to go."
"I'll strip for you on one condition."
"Whatever it is I agree."
"You let me finish."
"Fuck."
"Yes or no?" John really wanted to watch Randy strip but he also really wanted him to be naked already
"Yes." He watched Randy walk over to the Bose iPod dock and knew he was in for it. Randy grabbed the iPod connected to the devices Bluetooth and skimmed the selection. The tall man knew exactly what he was looking for. He started the track and John smiled upon hearing the kick drum sampling
You let me violate you, you let me desecrate you
Randy tossed the iPod on the bed then started to rock his hips from side to side while John watched with rapt attention. John watched Randy bring his hands up to the buttons on his shirt then work them from their holes
You let me complicate you
As he got to the last visible button Randy slowly pulled the shirt from his pants then proceeded to finish. He ran a hand down one sleeve undoing the button at his wrist then repeated the action on his other sleeve. Randy let the shirt fall off his shoulders a bit before running a hand down his chest and over his abs. John swallowed hard and watched as those slim fingers hit the buckle of Randy's Louis Vuitton belt. The fingers moved without thought then the older man watched as they closed into a fist around the buckle then the belt was pulled from where it rested in the pant loops
You can have my absence of faith, you can have my everything
John licked his plump lips as Randy cupped his bulging manhood through the material of his pants. He rubbed himself in an unhurried fashion just to tease his audience of one. After having fun with that Randy moved to the button of his slacks, popped it then lowered the zipper of his pants
Help me tear down my reason, help me its' your sex I can smell
Randy slipped his hands into the waist of his slacks and turned around bending over as he leisurely lowered the garment to the floor. John groaned
Help me you make me perfect, help me become somebody else
John stood up and sat at the edge of the bed
I want to fuck you like an animal
Randy stood up and turned around
I want to feel you from the inside
John pulled the man closer to him as he slipped his own hands into the waistband of Randy's underwear, pulling them down
I want to fuck you like an animal
My whole existence is flawed
You get me closer to God
"You lasted a hell of a lot longer than I thought you would. I'm proud of you." John just growled as he lifted Randy from his feet and slammed him on the bed
TBC
A/N: We're rapidly approaching chapter 50 and I'd like to do something in honor of the 50th chapter since I NEVER EVER thought this story would be so long. If any of you have ideas/suggestions for a story let me know and I'll write it. If I finish the current story I'm working on by the middle of this week I'll try to post the idea I pick and chapter 50 on the same day. Ambitious I know but a girl can try. Thanks! - NDP
