July 3rd: Tampa International Airport
Randy sat there watching the automatic doors and when he saw the person he'd been waiting for he opened his car door and stepped outside
"Steven!" Instantly recognizing the voice Randy watched as Steven's face split into a huge grin. Randy walked around to the passenger side of his car and met the older man who dropped his bags and wrapped his arms around Randy who did the same
"You're here." Randy laughed
"Yea, no shit."
"I'm glad you came."
"Until you realize you had breakables in those bags you just dropped." Steven laughed
"They're just full of underwear I'll never use again." Randy pulled away
"Come on. I'm sure you want to get home."
"You don't even know." Steven said throwing his bags in the open trunk and slamming it
"Be careful." He looked at the car again then peeked inside
"Is this new?"
"Yea, John upgraded me for my birthday."
"Very nice."
"Do you want to stop anywhere before I take you home?"
"No. I just want to go home."
"What about food?"
"I had food on the plane and Alexei will be over later so I'm good."
"Okay." The men rode in a comfortable silence. Randy didn't even pull away when Steven reached for his hand and held it all the way to the house. He knew he should have. He made a mental note to stop at the store for a bar of Lava soap so he could thoroughly wash off traces of Steven from his hand before John touched it. Randy sat in the kitchen as Steven went upstairs to drop his bags off
"What's this for?" Randy asked as Steven handed him money. Without saying a word the other man walked over to his cabinets and opened them one by one before going to the refrigerator and opening it too. Randy laughed. "How did you know?"
"I know you better than you want to admit. You couldn't resist stocking my house with groceries. You also cleaned so don't think I didn't notice. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I have a confession to make."
"We've been here a total of 20 fucking minutes Steven."
"It's not a bad confession so relax your tits."
"I don't have, - go on."
"It's going to be hard for me to change my group of friends."
"It shouldn't be. Those people weren't your friends."
"I've always known that inside but they're what I know."
"Learn something else."
"Shit you're harsh."
"I have to be. Rehab was the easy part because everything was controlled. While I'm so happy you were able to stay clean at the facility now's the real test. You're in the real world and there's not going to be someone around with all the answers to your questions."
"Not even you?"
"Not even me and not because I don't want to help you but because you need to figure this out on your own as much as you can. If you stumble, brace yourself and keep going."
"Thanks Coach."
"No problem now get back into the game." Steven laughed. "We're having a party tomorrow for the 4th of July and I'm inviting you and Alexei. I have some friends coming that I met after and I'd like for you to meet them."
"Are you and Alex buddies now?"
"We've gotten a little closer since but he and John really like each other so,"
"Alexei isn't gay."
"I'm well aware of that. I offered him the D and he said no." Steven laughed again
"Fuck you. You know that's not what I meant."
"I didn't mean that he and John like each other as if they want to date dumbass."
"Oh." Randy rolled his eyes. "What time?"
"It starts at 3."
"Okay. Oh I guess I should ask how much everyone at the house hates me before I come over."
"A little more than they did after meeting you. Cody doesn't though. He doesn't know about me coming home early that time."
"I'll tread lightly then." Randy nodded
"Smart."
...
"What time do you have to go home?" Randy checked his watch
"I probably should have left already to be honest."
"Maybe you should go then."
"Are you kicking me out?"
"Of course I'm not. I'd never kick you out. I've been back for less than a day and I don't want you to be in trouble or anything when you get home. You know that John's on you like a hawk."
"He's not on me like a hawk."
"Well he splits his hawk duties between you and that adorable little Cody. How is he by the way?"
"Still adorable."
"I can't wait to see him tomorrow...Evan too."
"He's not looking forward to seeing you."
"Oh my God."
"Don't be surprised if he punches you in the face."
"It would be really cute if he tried but one) he can't reach my face, two) isn't he on crutches? and three) just no, not gonna happen."
"I said not to but my boy's a little animal."
"He's an injured animal right now."
"I'm sure he could still take you." Randy said standing. Steven gasped
"You're going to make me put a hurtin on your little toy Handsome-Pants."
"Don't call him a toy or you'll have to deal with me."
"You know I like it when you're rough." Steven said pulling at Randy's belt
"And I'm out of here. Glad you maintained some of yourself through rehab." Steven laughed
"I hate how hot you still make me you know."
"Really because I couldn't tell." Steven smiled
"I'll see you tomorrow. Alex and I will probably be fashionably late."
"That's fine...neither of you will be dressed better than Cody and that's fact." Randy left Steven's house and drove home but not before stopping at the store for the Lava soap. He washed his hands in the garage sink before walking in the house and going to the den where he found Cody and Evan
"Hey." He said kissing each man and sitting between them
"Hey Ran!"
"Hi."
"How was therapy today?"
"Good. We did more stretching then they moved me onto strengthening exercises since I'm doing so well." Randy smiled and kissed Evan again
"That's great Ev."
"I know and I was so proud of myself that I made this." He said handing Randy a sheet of paper
"What's this?"
"Why do people always ask that instead of just looking at the paper?" Randy eyed the small man then unfolded the sheet
"Oh! You made a list of acceptable cars. I'm glad you titled it because I could have gotten an unacceptable one."
"Anyway," Evan said rolling his eyes. "Are those okay?"
"They're fine. You can have whatever you want." Randy laughed. "I'm shocked you put a BMW on here. I didn't think you had it in you."
"Too much?"
"Not at all."
"Which ones did you pick Evy?" Cody asked leaning over and peering at the paper. "Another Honda?"
"I happen to like that car. It got good gas mileage and it looked nice."
"I know but,"
"And it saved my life so it's like a good-luck charm."
"It could be the opposite you know." Evan sat there for a second or two before looking at Randy
"You can go ahead and take that one off the list." Randy laughed
"I'm going to check the safety and specs on all these before making my decision. What are you guys doing?"
"We're about to watch a movie."
"Who picked it?"
"I did."
"Whelp – now appears to be a good time for me to take a look at these cars." Randy said as he stood
"Hey! I'm not that bad." Cody said slightly offended
"Of course you're not baby."
"Before you go can I show you something?"
"Sure."
"Sit down." Randy narrowed his eyes as he sat back down. "I learned that I could do this today in physical therapy." Evan said as he stood up
"You're scaring me."
"No reason to be scared." He said straddling Randy on the couch
"You know," Randy said resting his hands on the smaller man's waist. "I do believe this bit of information will be quite useful."
"I thought so."
"I think you're going to have to show me that move again later." Evan smiled and kissed Randy before leaving his lap
"I will happily show you my moves."
"You guys are so hot for each other." Cody said looking on
"Isn't everyone in this house hot for me?" The two men looked at Randy
"You've made a valid point."
"I know." Randy said leaving the room
...
"Hey babe." John said walking into the office
"Big Daddy." He smiled
"What's up?" Randy pulled a sheet of paper from the printer
"I need you to make this happen."
"I'd like a kiss before you start demanding things from me...maybe a snack or something to drink."
"Oh I'm sorry babe." Randy said standing and wrapping his arms around John. John smiled as he breathed in the unmistakable scent of Randy
"Gimme a kiss." John said pulling back so the tall man kissed him. "Thank you." The older man responded patting Randy's butt. "Is this what you're getting Evan?"
"Yes...if you can make it so."
"I can and for a lot less than $89,000."
"I would really appreciate you making it less than $89,000 but if not, I'll deal."
"I know you'll deal but I don't want you to. When do you want it?"
"No rush...but I'd like it before the end of August." John nodded
"You got it. How's Steven?"
"He's good. His cheeks filled out and the dark circles he had are gone; he looks good. Still a fucking smartass but that part was okay."
"Did you invite him and Alex to the party?" Randy looked at John when he heard him use the informal name
"Um, yea I did."
"And you told them it started at 3?"
"I told Steven it started at 3 and he's going to tell Alexei."
"You should have told him yourself in case Steven forgets."
"Would you like his phone number so you can tell him instead?" Randy snapped
"Excuse me? I don't know what you're implying with that tone but you need to bring it down a notch or two." Randy sat down again and moved the computers mouse to get rid of the screen saver. "You can stay in here and pout all you want but when you step over that threshold leave the attitude in here." John said before leaving the room. Randy clicked angrily on the items he was ordering from the Williams-Sonoma website
In the bedroom John yanked his tie hurting himself in the process which only made him madder. He hated, absolutely hated, getting into it with either of his boys but he especially hated when it happened after work. All he ever wanted to do was come home, be greeted with hugs and kisses, and spend time with Cody and Randy. Right now he wanted to shake Randy then wring his scrawny neck. John changed out of his work clothes and into a pair of basketball shorts. Still irritated he decided to give Randy a piece of his mind so he went down the hall to the office
"Let me tell you something,"
"I'm sorry John." Randy said interrupting
"Wait – what?"
"I'm sorry for giving you attitude for no reason. Alexei is straight and you don't like him. I shouldn't have been jea – upset by that."
"...oh." John said lowering his hand that held the finger he was set to wave in Randy's direction. "I accept your apology."
"We're good then?" He nodded
"We're good." John said sighing
"Why are you sighing then? If we're not okay then tell me."
"We're fine but I wasn't expecting you to apologize so you took the wind out of my sails."
"Were you coming in here to yell at me?"
"You were going to get a stern talking to, yes."
"I'm sorry to have ruined it. You can still do it if you want."
"Now it won't be the same." John said toying with a piece of paper on the desk
"I don't know what to tell you then. Maybe I can mouth off later and you can do it."
"How about no."
"I tried."
"What are you doing?" John asked sitting in Cody's chair
"Ordering stuff from Williams-Sonoma."
"I don't know why I asked."
"I need it."
"I didn't say anything babe."
"You said it with your eyes."
"Anyway, if you just moved to a building for baking then you wouldn't have to buy all this stuff and store it in the house."
"I know that John but I like making stuff here. Don't fight with me about this."
"I'm not fighting with you, just merely saying."
"Well I'm comfortable here and in order for me to bake as well as I do I need comfort. You wouldn't know anything about that since you can't make toast."
"Shut up about it already. And I can make toast...I make bangin toast." Randy laughed
"Bangin toast, huh?"
"That's what I said."
"How come you're not downstairs?"
"Trying to get rid of me?"
"No. I'm actually about to go downstairs and I was just curious as to why you're hold up in here with me after spending all day in an office."
"Evan and Cody are down there watching a movie and Cody picked it so I ran far far away."
"As did I but I guess if we go down there as a team it won't be as bad."
"Alright partner but I reserve the right to tag out at any moment."
"As you wish wimp."
"You're just dying for me to pop you in the mouth today aren't you?" Randy laughed
"I'd rather you didn't and I know you won't." He said wrapping a hand around John's forearm as they walked downstairs. The men heard Cody and Evan laughing in the den
"Do you think we missed a good movie? I mean Evan's laughing."
"Possibly but they're both nerds so they could be laughing at something nerdy and weird."
"You're right."
"Do you want something to eat or drink?"
"Can I have both?"
"Mmhm, I'll bring it to you."
"Thanks." John said going to the den. "What are you two watching?"
"Meet the Parents."
"And you're laughing that hard?"
"Huh?"
"Nothing." John looked up at Randy from his seat on the couch when he walked in. Randy widened his eyes a bit and mouthed the word 'what'?
"Meet the Parents." John mouthed and Randy rolled his eyes
"Can John or I pick the next movie?"
"Oo! Are we having a movie night?!" Cody asked excitedly
"We can. Each of us can pick something to watch."
"Are you going to pick a documentary Ev?" Cody asked
"I watch other things but since you asked I should just because."
"That's not very nice."
"Well you criticizing my choices isn't very nice either."
"I wasn't cristisizing anything. All I did was ask." John and Randy looked at each other knowing that a bickering match was about to take place
"Yes all you did was ask but you're asking because you hate documentaries because "they're not really movies" in your opinion. And the word is criticizing."
"That's what I said."
"No it is not."
"I did."
"No you didn't." John closed his eyes as he leaned back and stopped chewing
"That's enough out of you both. Cody documentaries are indeed movies and Evan you know that for whatever reason Cody can't say certain words."
"But I did say it Ran!"
"No you didn't. You said cristi – I don't know what the fuck you said but it wasn't the right word." Cody sat there trying to figure out what he said wrong. "The two of you bicker like an old married couple."
"We always have."
"In high school they used to say that we were boyfriends because of it. That dumb Josh McAdams." Evan laughed. "What?"
"I wonder if he ever found out that I used to make out with his little sister."
"You what?!" John and Randy started laughing. "She was two years younger than us."
"I know but she was a good kisser." Cody covered his face and shook his head
"I wonder whatever happened to them."
"Josh is the manager in the men's department at Nordstrom and his sister has like 8 kids now."
"You better hope that none of them are yours." Evan looked at Cody
"I was only kissing her...you do know that you have to do a lot more to make babies right?"
"Of course I know that Evan."
"Oh shit." John muttered under his breath. Cody never used Evan's full name
"I was just asking." Cody narrowed his eyes. "You don't like people saying that very much do you?" Cody huffed
"Whatever." Evan shrugged
"Can I get a clear and concise, emphasis on the word concise, answer on whether or not we're having movie night?"
"Well I'd like to have a movie night." Cody said looking at Evan. Evan opened his mouth to say something smart no doubt and John spoke up
"Cut it out Cody."
"This is so annoying." Randy said
"We're having a movie night if none of you want to show up then I'll watch in here by myself."
"Baby I want to watch movies tonight."
"I was up for watching too...I'm not going to call you baby though."
"Not even once?" John joked
"Alright," Randy said breaking up the banter between Evan and John. "So movie night is on. I'm going to plan the menu."
"Wait for me Papi." Evan said getting off the couch. Randy laughed and waited for the small man before walking into the kitchen
"What should I make?" Randy asked looking in the pantry
"It doesn't have to be anything healthy or complete like our normal dinner does it?" Evan asked putting an arm around the taller man's waist as he leaned against him
"No. I can make snacks if that's better."
"I think that would be better actually."
"So what should it be?"
"Is it too late for popcorn balls?" Randy laughed
"I can make popcorn balls. What flavor?"
"You make flavors?"
"I make everything. I'm perfect Cachorro and every day I wake up hoping that the three of you realize it."
"Perfect? You talk about dumping bodies in scrap pieces of carpet. You're crazy babe."
"The perfect kind of crazy."
"So yea, popcorn balls, meatballs would be good."
"Is this going to be ball themed? Are you trying to tell me something?"
"You know I don't beat around the bush. If I wanted to see your balls I'd just say so." Randy looked down at him. "Later." Randy nodded
"What about my 7 layer dip and buffalo wings?"
"Yes. Can I help?"
"Yes. I'll leave the dip to you." Randy said thumbing through his recipes on the kitchen iPad
"I can find it Randy. You have all that other stuff to do."
"You know, I really like that you help me in the kitchen. I could do it alone but the fact that you come in and help...I don't know. You're making me ramble and I don't ramble." Evan laughed
"That very much sounds like rambling to me."
"You never heard that. Shut up."
"I just like doing things with you and I know how much you like to be in the kitchen so it's kind of a no-brainer. And," Evan stressed. "I actually know how to cook."
"I remember that garlic bread you made."
"Oh my goodness," Evan said laughing. "How long ago was that?"
"I don't know but your specialty was a hit. John ate 32 pieces."
"That is not my specialty and there weren't even 32 pieces to be eaten."
"He found the extras."
"Oh right." Evan said on the way to the fridge
...
"Are you thirsty John?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm smart enough to know when I want something to drink. Why don't you get up and get yourself something instead of trying to get me to get up and go to the kitchen?" Cody looked at John and smiled. "Uh-huh, I know what you're up to." The younger man stood up
"Let me get that plate for you baby."
"Thank you." John said as he watched Cody's perfect butt as he walked away
"What are we eating later guys?" Cody asked walking into the kitchen
"Evan kinda suggested we do snacks instead of our normal dinner so we're having meatballs, Buffalo wings, 7 layer dip with chips and popcorn balls."
"I love popcorn balls."
"Rumor has it you like all types of balls."
"Ran." Randy laughed at himself. "Can we have vegetables too? Like carrots or celery...I like those with Buffalo wings."
"You have to prepare the carrots." Cody made what had been dubbed by the other men in the house as his "eek" face
"I can't Ran."
"Yes you can."
"Does it involve a knife?"
"Not this time. I have a bag of baby carrots in the fridge. They say that they're already clean but I don't trust that shit. Get the small serving platter from the cabinet and wash it then put the carrots on it and some hummus or whatever you want in the middle okay?" Cody nodded
"Okay." John had been sitting the den for over 30 minutes before he realized that Cody wasn't coming back anytime soon and he was out of beer. He stood up and made his way to the kitchen where he found the other three at work. Well Cody was more so hanging around while Evan and Randy worked
"Is there anything I can do?" He asked speaking up
"I think we've got it all under control baby."
"Hush boy." Randy said. "We're going to move movie night to the media room so can you make room on that chair table thing in there for the food and stuff?"
"Heavy lifting is my forte."
"That is not your forte but we're going to keep this conversation G." John smirked as he left the kitchen
"It's always sex with you and John." Cody commented
"Jealous?" Randy asked sticking his tongue out. Evan laughed and Cody tried not to but did
Later
"Did you guys pick scary movies?" Cody asked
"Maybe." John responded
"That means yes so I want to sit between the two of you."
"We're home so nothing's going to get you. I really don't understand how you get this scared."
"Just be happy I don't still have my nightlight John."
"You had a," John shook his head. "Why wouldn't you have had a nightlight?"
"Don't make fun baby." Cody said loudly biting into a carrot
...
They'd managed to finish John's movie and were half-way through the horror movie Randy had selected when he looked over at John and saw Cody practically in John's shorts. He laughed
"What's funny?" Evan whispered. Randy pointed to his left and the small man leaned forward to get a look. "Oh my."
"How come you don't get as scared anymore?"
"Correction: I never got that scared."
"Oh excuse me. How come you don't get scared anymore?" Evan shrugged
"I just don't anymore."
"Is it because I'm here to protect you?" The other man chuckled
"Yes. You're my knight in shining True Religion jeans and an Obey shirt."
"Are you making fun of my clothes? Because it sounds like you're making fun of my clothes."
"Does that even sound like something I would do?"
"I don't know. You've been serving up some sass today."
"What?" Evan said above a whisper earning a shush from John and then Cody. "What?" He said whispering that time
"I heard you the first go-round Puppy. First you corrected Cody then you asked if he knew how to make a baby."
"I wasn't giving sass. Codes and I get into it sometimes, it's just how we are and will probably always be. You guys don't even hear half the arguments we get into." Randy held his laughter
"I'd love to see that." The other man rolled his eyes
"It's not as interesting as you're making it out to be in your head."
"Still."
"Don't you find it annoying when we bicker?"
"Most of the time, yes."
"So why would you want to see it?"
"I'd just like to know what gets it started."
"Doesn't matter. We can bicker about anything really. We're gifted in that respect."
"Oh is that it? Interesting."
"Are we going to watch the movie now or would you like more insight into Cody and I?"
"Don't get popped Evan."
"Sorry."
Next Morning
When Randy woke up he found Evan looking up at him
"So you do sleep?" He laughed
"I told you that I sleep. I would be a vampire or something if I didn't sleep."
"I wasn't above just classifying you as one. You do like to bite." Evan said straddling the older man's waist
"Ah yes, this is true." Randy said reaching up and running his fingers through Evan's hair
"You weren't kidding when you said that you liked my hair were you?"
"When did I say that?"
"That night you got drunk in Utah and decided to tell me all the things you like about me just stopping short of what I really wanted to hear."
"I said you have nice hair and eyes so what else did you want?" Evan looked down at Randy
"You know what I wanted to hear...preferably sober."
"Oh...I did tell you and I was 98% sober when I did."
"Yea but that was after almost saying it before. I didn't get any sleep that night because of you. I stayed up fretting." Randy laughed
"I didn't mean to make you fret. I'm not even sure why you did though."
"Because Randy, you were going to say what I wanted you to say but you were drunk and I was afraid that you were only going to say it because of that. Then when you didn't respond I thought you'd had one of those drunken moments of clarity and thought, oh shit, what did I do?" Randy sat back on his elbows
"I'm sorry Ev. I didn't realize."
"You're sorry?" Smirking, Randy leaned forward and kissed the other man. "Thank you."
"Did you like me when you were with Nick?"
"Do we have to talk about this?"
"Yes. Did you?"
"A little. I liked you from that time I came over to go out with Cody. I still remember you coming down the stairs and thinking holy shit in my head." Randy laughed
"So that time we kissed on John's old boat you liked me?"
"Yes Randy. How much ego stroking do you need?"
"Not much."
"If I didn't like you I wouldn't have let you kiss me."
"You didn't really let me kiss you I,"
"I let you kiss me."
"That's not how I interpreted it."
"I didn't expect you to interpret it the way it was but that's just how you are."
"That's how I am? How's that?"
"Can we stop talking now?
"What do you want?"
"To fuck Randy, come on." Randy laughed
"If people knew the mouth you had on you." Stealing a page from Randy's book Evan smirked making Randy growl and kiss him hard as he reached for the lube already sitting on Evan's bedside table from the previous night. As they kissed Evan was grinding his lower half against Randy's. After getting enough lubricant on his hand the older man reached down, applied the solution to his cock then pulled the smaller man close, guiding him where he wanted him to go. He heard Evan groan low from his throat as his body enveloped Randy's member. "Careful baby." Evan nodded his head
"I'll be okay."ll be okay." his head
loped Randy' wanted him to go. He heard Evan groan low from his throat as his body enveloped Rany'he small Randy looked down and watched as Evan moved his hips clockwise then counter-clockwise clenching his muscles as he did so. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes letting his head fall back as Evan fucked himself on his dick. Randy heard himself moan as the other man started to roll his hips back and forth. He leaned back and began thrusting upwards. "Randy!" Evan yelled leaning forward and bracing his hands on Randy's stomach. "Oh fuck." He whimpered. "I'm gonna fuckin cum." Randy just kept thrusting until he felt warm drops on his abs. "Don't stop Randy...don't, oh god." Evan experienced another orgasm while Randy had his own. Seeing that Evan wasn't moving, Randy gently flipped them over so that the other man was on his back while he lay on his side
"Are you alright?"
"Mmhm...I want to do that all day." Randy laughed
"I'd love to do that all day but we're having a party so we can't."
"Whose idea was it to have this party? I'm going to punch them."
"I'll let John know."
"Never mind...he pays my insurance."
"We also cannot stay in bed because your parents are coming. I don't think they'll like the idea of us being in bed while there's a party going on."
"I suppose you're right. They won't stay long." Randy laughed
"So when they leave we can sneak away?" Evan playfully slapped his chest
"That's not what I meant. I was just saying that they wouldn't stay long."
"I'm sure they just want to check on you and see how you're doing."
"Or see how well I've been taken care of."
"Well I wasn't going to be the one to say it." Randy said stretching. "I don't want to get up. I can't believe I let you talk me into sex."
"You have to be talked into sex? I really don't think that's true."
"Sometimes I like to be romanced."
"Romanced right out of your pants."
"Puppy."
Later
"Do you think that this shirt is too much? I know that it's the fourth of July and all but do I really need a shirt with Old Faithful on it?" Randy fell over on the bed laughing while John brought a palm to his face
"Cody," Evan said. "Old Faithful is a geyser. The American flag is Old Glory."
"Oh my God. Is it?"
"Yes."
"You know, I'm really happy I don't say these stupid things outside of the house." Cody slapped Randy's butt. "Stop laughing Ran."
"Another one of those and maybe I'll stop." He brought his hand back and slapped Randy again. "Ooh, that was nice." John rolled his eyes at the two men
"Why don't you wear this shirt Codes? It'll make your eyes really stand out." John nodded and gave Evan a thumb up. "And you'll be able to keep those red shorts on."
"Okay." Cody said striping out of the shirt he was wearing. "Do you guys really like my eyes?"
"Yes." The three men answered in unison
"Hm...I always thought my smile and butt were my better assets."
"Those are nice too especially your butt."
"Oh thanks Ran."
"You're welcome." They heard the doorbell ring and all looked toward the TV that was currently airing their security feed
"It's the caterers." Randy said getting off the bed. "I'll let them in."
4:30 p.m.
Randy was walking around the yard picking up discarded items that should have been thrown in the clearly marked trash cans when he saw Steven and Alexei. He wanted to get to Steven before Evan spotted him. Although he had told him not to touch Steven he wasn't quite sure the small man would listen. Randy threw away the cups he had in his hand and walked across the yard
"Hey." He said walking up
"Hi there Gorgeous."
"Hey Rand."
"Thanks for coming."
"Well I wouldn't have missed it...unless I was still in rehab or something."
"If you were still in rehab I wouldn't have invited you Steven."
"You have a point."
"Thanks so much. Anyway, the food is over there near the outdoor kitchen and all beverages are on the other side of the kitchen in the shade."
"Ran," Randy turned around already recognizing Evan's voice. "Oh."
"Ev this is Alexei and you already know Steven." Evan stuck his hand out toward Alexei
"It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too." Evan cleared his throat
"Glad you're back Steven."
"Thank you. I'm glad to be back."
"What's up Ev?"
"My mom wanted to know who you used for catering before they leave."
"When are they leaving?"
"Now."
"Make yourselves at home." Randy said sticking his hand out for Evan. "Where are they?" He asked letting the small man lead him around
"I'm not going to say anything to him." Evan said as they walked
"What?"
"I'm not going to say anything to Steven."
"My concern is not you saying anything."
"I won't hit him either...only because you don't want me to not because I'm afraid of him. I don't want to be in trouble with you."
"A wise decision on your part."
...
"Take a picture with me Ran."
"I thought selfies were of you."
"They are but the pictures I take with you guys are usies." Randy laughed
"Okay Codes."
"Are you ready?"
"I'm ready...wait, am I allowed to smile or no?"
"You can but I want you to do what you do best."
"So not smile. Got it." Randy wrapped an arm around Cody as the younger man angled the camera properly
"Ooh, we look good Ran. The smolder in your eyes is hot."
"Am I on fire today?"
"Fiyah!"
"Did you learn that from one of your students?"
"Yea. I had to ask them what it meant. I used to be cool."
"I love you but I find that hard to believe Codes."
"Hey! I was!"
"Okay."
"Ask Ev."
"I really shouldn't have to go to someone else for confirmation on your coolness." Cody narrowed his eyes at Randy. "Don't eyeball me boy." He wrapped his arms around Randy's neck
"I'm not eyeballing you Ran. Oh look, there's Phil." Randy's arms dropped back down to his sides as he was about to hug the other man
"What's he doing here?"
"I invited him. He's not a bad person Ran, honest. Remember he got me home when I was drunk that time?"
"How could I forget? I wanted to slam his face through the hood of your car until I reached the engine block." Cody looked at Randy
"You still scare me." Randy laughed then caressed Cody's cheek
"But you know that I'd never hurt you."
"I know." Cody said almost purring as the hand traveled down his neck. Randy watched as Cody nearly melted at his touch
"Hey Cody." Phil said walking up and virtually snapping Cody out of his trance thus giving Randy another reason to hate him
"Hi Phil!" The young man said hugging his friend
"Hey Randy."
"Phil."
"You still don't like me do you?"
"Not at all, no."
"Why? I know all that stuff with Steph was pretty shitty but it wasn't my fault...and Cody getting drunk, also not my fault."
"Can't I just not like you? And that shit with Steph was your fault because you slept with her, were still sleeping with her and then you hid it from Cody that you'd slept with her in the first place during your stint as a gigolo. And by hiding it from him you took away his choice of whether or not he wanted to be friends with someone who could ruin his career. It may not bother Cody now but I'm nowhere near as nice as him so when I see your face, yea it still bothers me. You didn't have to see him emotional and hurt and scared, I did. So no Phil, I don't like you and I probably never will. I don't have to." Randy took a step forward to walk away but stepped back. "Oh in case you were wondering and even if you weren't, if John hadn't come home that day I would have killed you." On that less than delightful note Randy walked away from the men. Cody looked at Phil who just stood there dumbfounded
"I, I don't know what to say Phil. I didn't know he was going to say all that stuff."
"It's alright. I mean I knew that he didn't like me but I didn't realize how deep it ran. He's let me come to the house a few times on the weekends."
"That's because I like you. As long as it's not harmful or really stupid John and Randy let me do whatever makes me happy and I like having you around even if Ran doesn't."
"I get it. I'd want you happy too and I'm sorry again for not telling you about," Cody shook his head
"I accepted your apology before and I meant it. You don't have to keep saying sorry Phil."
"I need a drink. Got any Pepsi?"
"We only use Coke products here. Is a Coke okay?"
"As long as it's diet."
"Come on, I'll show you where everything is."
"Hey." John said as Randy was about to walk by
"What?"
"What just happened?"
"Nothing."
"Don't tell me nothing Randy." John said pulling him off to the side of the yard. "What happened?"
"I kinda went off on Phil."
"Well I didn't hear anything so it wasn't too bad. Why did you do it?"
"He said something about me still not liking him and I just let him have it."
"And you couldn't hold that in?"
"No. I don't like him and after what happened I never will. When I see his face I want to put my fist through it...repeatedly."
"Oh, okay then. Cody likes him so try not to give him too hard of a time."
"I know that Cody likes him that's why he's still around."
"Around like he's allowed at the house or around like you've thought of rolling him up in one of your pieces of scrap carpet?"
"I meant the house but now that you've mentioned my carpet."
"No...but speaking of your carpet, what happened with Ashleigh's mom's boyfriend?" Randy shrugged
"I don't know."
"Are you saying that you don't know because you don't or because you're not going to tell me?"
"How many of these either or questions are you going to ask me?"
"Stop being smart and answer me."
"I'm just saying 'I don't know' because you don't need to know." John sighed
"Just answer one question for me."
"What?"
"Is he at least still alive?"
"He is alive."
"Is he well?"
"That's two questions." Randy said walking away
"Goddamn it." John cursed. He followed behind Randy into the house and found the man standing there with Max in his arms
"Why is this bothering you so much?" Randy asked scratching the dog behind his tiny ears
"Because I don't like not knowing stuff and if you get in trouble I'd like to know what we'll be up against."
"I'm not going to get in trouble. Why would I get into trouble?"
"I don't know because you're not telling me anything!" John yelled
"Calm down John. I haven't done anything to warrant trouble for me. You have nothing to worry about. I wouldn't do that to you guys." John took a deep breath
"Okay...you're not going to tell me,"
"Not telling you a thing."
"Okay. I trust you."
"Thank you."
"Gimme a kiss." Randy leaned in and kissed John. "Thank you."
"You're welco," John turned around and looked out of the door to see what made Randy stop mid-sentence. "Did you invite them?"
"Uh, yea."
"Like, all three of them?"
"Yes I invited all three of them. You've got Evan on lockdown Randy so why are you worried about Roman?"
"Why? Because he's gorgeous John and I don't need that around my boy...and he's got a thing for him."
"Evan's got a thing for Roman or,"
"I mean Roman's got a thing for him and I'm sure down in there Evan likes him a little but my concern is really that Roman."
"This is interesting. I don't know if I've seen you jealous."
"I'm not jealous. I said that I was concerned."
"So now you're using semantics."
"Look, look look," Randy said pushing John closer to the door as if he weren't close enough. "He made a beeline right to Ev."
"You're not going to give him shit about this are you? The boy can't help that he's cute."
"No. I'm not giving him shit and damn he is cute." John laughed
"You're enamored with him. I should be upset that you never fawned over me like that but I'm not."
"How do you know I never fawned over you? We didn't live together so I could have had a shrine to you in my closet for all you know."
"Hmmm," John hummed. "You did take a lot of pictures of us back then."
"The entire back wall of my closet John." Randy said still staring out the door
"You lie."
"Okay I didn't but I could have and I was sweatin your balls a little but I could hide it well. You were my special man."
"I don't believe for a second that you were like that but thanks for trying to raise my self-esteem."
"I can't raise your self-esteem and what I said was true. I'm going out there. He's touched Evan way too much."
"Touched him?" John asked looking out the door
"Yea, he keeps touching his hand and arm."
"Just don't make a scene." John said feebly as Randy left the house. After walking out the door Randy went across the yard and over to where Roman was standing telling a story animatedly to Evan who was smiling and laughing along
"Hey babe." Evan said to Randy
"Hi. Hey Roman."
"Hey. How are you?"
"Good. You?"
"Great." Evan tried not to laugh as he watched the men size each other up. He wasn't sure why they did since Roman knew he was with Randy and Randy knew that Evan was committed to him
"Are you hungry?"
"A little bit, yes."
"You'll be here a while right Roman? We're gonna go eat."
"Yea, yea, I'll be around." Evan and Randy walked away from Roman and over to where the buffet was set up. Randy took a seat at one of the picnic benches while Evan made a plate for each of them
"Did you really have to do that?" Evan asked before taking a bite of his potato salad
"He was touching you too much."
"So you were watching me from the house. I knew those icy eyes were on me."
"I was watching him." Randy said swallowing a bite of his cheeseburger
"Oh, I see. You just looked right past me."
"It's not that difficult." Evan frowned
"Well I guess not."
"Ev," Randy sighed. "I meant because he's so fucking big,"
"And I'm so small. No, I get it."
"Baby I really didn't mean it like that. You're taking it the wrong way."
"Okay then I'm taking it the wrong way."
"I don't want to fight with you about this."
"I'm not going to fight with you about it. I don't even want to talk about it anymore to be honest with you. Do you want something to drink?" The young man asked getting up from the table
"Yea." Evan didn't bother asking since Randy pretty much lived by a regimen. "Thank you." Randy said taking the diet Coke being handed to him
"You're welcome." The men ate in silence with Evan barely looking at Randy. He wasn't used to feeling like he was in trouble. Cody was much more suited for this. When he finished eating Randy threw his plate away then walked over to Evan and straddled the bench he was sitting on
"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
TBC
