AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Happy Holidays! Past time for a chappy and I may or may not have another out between Christmas and New Years.
I would like to note that we get to see our beloved Brit characters in this chapter, but the timelines are not quite matched up. This chapter is further ahead in time than the events I have so far depicted in Linden Gardens, Notting Hill. As such, some things mentioned here may raise questions, as they have not happened yet in the other book. Be assured, all will be explained fully in time.
My beloved sister, the Mother Creator of the E&O Universe, has many wonderful projects that consume her time. One of them is a sequel to Handle with Care that, I have it on good authority, will be published on the anniversary of the first, which is tomorrow. Check out her original works at lizwinters ~dot~ com.
I also happen to have it on good authority, that she will get back to Errors very soon as well.
Big hugs to my girls, Maureen, Rebecca, Kate and an especially long, warm, tight hug to Miss Pauline.
The FF witch hunt appears to be over. I will continue to post here and move to AO3 as and when I have to. When/if I am forced to complete the relocation you can find me at - archiveofourown ~dot~ org. Then just do a search for Jtrue.
Anyone who has not read the incredible Equal & Opposite, or is not now reading the brilliance that is Errors & Omissions, or Enticements & Obstructions, all by OhJasperMyJasper, should go do so right now. Here is how you find them since the FF witch hunt removed Liz from this site - ohjaspermyjasper ~dot~ blogspot ~dot~ com.
WARNING:
This story is intended for an adult audience! There is crude speech, hate speech and adult sexual subject matter of a homosexual nature. If you are under 18 stop reading now!
AU/AH/OC
All character names from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. The similarities end there.
Chapter 40: Whisky
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was outside the Schengen Zone of Europe and therefore Nasir's British Airways flight from Naples was an international flight like any other. His multiple entry, ten year General Visitor's Visa for the UK had years left on it, so Nasir had no issue going anytime he wished.
Nasir was seated up front in Club Europe on the modest A319. Just as when he arrived in Naples, he had to walk out onto the tarmac and climb the stairs to board the plane. The most disappointing thing about this intra Europe flight was that the only scotch on board was Johnnie Walker Black. Nasir was desperate for a good scotch and this was definitely not it. A blended scotch that even included some grain whisky, Nasir did not want to choke down. He opted for a little bottle of a perfectly passable Australian riesling.
It was a clear evening when his Airbus touched down at Gatwick Airport outside of London. He opted for a window seat on this two hour and forty minute flight and watched as they taxied through the airport. Nasir had been to London many times and loved the city, the country and it's people, but this was his first time at Gatwick. He was thrilled to be on his way home to Emmett, but was also very much looking forward to seeing Ashok in person.
Much had happened since Nasir last saw Ashok. When they last saw each other in person, Ashok was just one of his father's servants. A quiet and demure young man who assisted in serving the men of the house. For the most part, Nasir only ever saw Ashok in his father's majlis, or at meal times, but was always struck by how kind and sweet he seemed. Especially anytime he saw Ashok with Pankaj, the servant who chauffeured for the family and saw to the vehicles and garages. Seth had seen and known immediately what it took Nasir years to begin to suspect, that Pankaj and Ashok were like them, and in a secret relationship with each other. It was all the more reason for Nasir to like them, and all the more reason for him to keep his distance. Then Pankaj had been murdered simply for being behind the wheel of the vehicle Nasir had been driving, mistaken for him. Nasir and Emmett both were horrified that the man had lost his life for Nasir, and that Ashok had lost his partner. And what made matters worse was that Ashok could not mourn or let anyone know or share his pain.
Their dear, wonderful British friends changed all that. Greg and Viktor masterminded the whole thing, though Viktor himself could not participate while he was away at training camp. Vince and Dré accompanied Greg to Dubai and took with them a very special man. A man who saved Ashok in more ways than one. A sweet man, according to Emmett who had met him when Nasir had not yet, who took Ashok into his home and into his heart, and loved Ashok as Pankaj had loved him. Ashok, by all accounts, was a new man, living free and open and safe in the UK. He was no man's servant and Nasir simply could not wait to see him.
The A319 parked at gate N47 and Nasir was pleased to see a jetbridge attach to the plane. He rose and slung his briefcase over his shoulder. He exited the plane ahead of most passengers and, following the signs, led them all to Immigration. With his UAE passport, Nasir could not enter the Citizens of the UK or EU/EEA Citizens lines. This actually gave him an advantage as there were fewer than ten who entered this line and he was the first of them. An advantage that quickly evaporated as he found himself waiting at baggage claim. It only took fifteen minutes, though it seemed far longer for his bag to appear and he headed for Customs.
Nasir avoided the red channel as he had nothing to declare. He knew the green channel was for arrivals from outside the European Union and walked through the blue channel for EU arrivals. The UK Border Agency declined to take him apart and waved him through.
Nasir's first thought once he emerged from the security area was to find an exchange booth to convert his euros into pounds sterling. He wasn't sure exactly where Greg meant to meet him and didn't notice two men rise from their seats in the waiting area as he headed for the Travelex Bureau de Change.
"Nasir, old chap," Greg called. Nasir stopped dead in his tracks. He immediately recognized Greg's voice. The Brit wore snug jeans and a long sleeved button down shirt. Nasir was dressed in his usual traveling attire of tight jeans, dress shirt and suit jacket.
"Greg!" Nasir let go of his big suitcase to embrace his British friend. "It is so good to see you!"
"And you, my friend, and you," Greg rubbed Nasir's back as they hugged. "So sorry we missed you when you were here last."
"Oh, that was a difficult time," Nasir let Greg go.
"Nasir, I would like you to meet my very good friend, Rick Diggory," Greg introduced. While Greg kept his brown hair cut quite short, the handsome man beside him had a very full head of slightly messy hair an almost golden brown. He wore a loose fitting crew neck shirt and equally loose jeans.
"This is Rick!" Nasir enthused.
"Very nice to meet you finally, Nasir," Rick offered his hand.
"May I hug you?" Nasir didn't wait for an answer and pulled the man into his arms. "I am hugging you," he said as he did so. Rick was taller than Greg, nearly as tall as Nasir, and Nasir could tell from his embrace that Rick hid a firm and fine body beneath his baggy clothes. He very much reminded Nasir of Edward.
"Ashok speaks of you with such love," Nasir let Rick move back to arms length. "But where is he?"
"He's preparing dinner with Viktor," Rick answered. "We're heading back to their flat now."
"Ah, yes. He said how much he enjoys cooking," Nasir remembered. "Something I will never understand," he realized aloud.
"He wouldn't say what they were making," Rick stated.
"Viktor wouldn't either, but I did see them put some lamb to marinate before I left" Greg revealed. "Quite good it looked. I do hope you're hungry."
"I am famished actually," Nasir confessed.
"Let's be off then," Greg gestured.
"You have a car waiting?" Nasir asked.
"Not at all," Rick took hold of the handle of Nasir's suitcase. "We took the train. The station is in South Terminal though. We'll just have to nip back on the tram. It's this way," he set off.
"Rick, I will get that," Nasir protested.
"Nonsense. Least I can do. Follow me," Rick took charge.
"I have never taken the train," Nasir confessed. "Is there a train station near your home, Greg?"
"The train takes us into Victoria. Then we'll head down into the tube to Notting Hill Gate," Greg explained.
"The tube!" Nasir pulled out his wallet. "I still have my oyster!" he produced it proudly.
"Good show. We shan't have to get you a new one," Greg was impressed that Nasir still had it. He had given their American friends their oysters a year ago next month.
Rick led the way to the elevators as they had to ascend two levels. Just outside Check In on Level 2 was the tram terminal, where they had a very short wait. The monorail train went back and forth between terminals on it's elevated track every few minutes. The ride afforded them a good view of the airport and it's surroundings. In a mere five minutes time from when they approached the tram, they arrived at South Terminal. While the monorail station was connected to North Terminal, at South Terminal it was not. An enclosed walkway took them either into the terminal, or the adjacent train station.
"Are you flying out of Heathrow, Nasir?" Rick asked as he approached one of the many ticket machines.
"I am," Nasir confirmed.
"One way to London then," Rick began touching the screen.
"Here is my credit card," Nasir tried to hand it over.
"Put that away," Rick swiped his own card and took the ticket the machine produced. "Here we are. Track Two."
"That's our train, then," Greg looked out the windows onto the track below. "Best hurry," he led the way to the escalators down to the platforms.
"Took the liberty of putting us in first class, Nasir. Hope you don't mind," Rick smiled.
"I do not mind at all," Nasir shook his head.
"Standard will be crowded this time of day. And the seats are bigger and more comfortable in first," Greg added as he led the way to their car. Rick came last and stowed Nasir's suitcase in the provided luggage racks in the back of each car. The seats in first were a 2-1 configuration and every other row was turned around to create a small lounge around a short table. Greg took the window, Rick sat beside him and Nasir took the window facing them.
"I have said this before, but I cannot thank all of you enough for what you have done for Ashok," Nasir expressed. "Going to Sharjah and rescuing him the way you did. You are heros, all of you."
"Hardly that, mate," Greg countered. "We very much felt for his situation and all of our lives are the richer for having him in them."
"I'll say," Rick agreed. "He turned my world completely around. When you were last here and I was able to meet your Emmett, I was at a real low point in my life. Ashok rescued me as much as I rescued him. I don't know where I would be without him. I love him so much."
"I know that he loves you," Nasir smiled. "He has said so to me many times."
"He's just the sweetest chap and best thing that has ever happened to me," Rick assured.
"There we are, then. Just in time," Greg commented as the train began to move. "They run every fifteen minutes, but dinner awaits!"
"I cannot wait to see what he has made," Nasir enthused. "Is he usually so secretive?"
"Not usually, but he does like to surprise us," Greg answered.
"We have a big dinner, the lot of us, once a week, usually on Thursdays, at Vince and Dré's. I just go straight there from work," Rick added. "Ashok watches every cooking show he can find. He's having a mad affair with Jamie Oliver at the moment and when he can't watch, he records."
"I am glad that he has found something that he loves," Nasir smiled. "You work for Lloyd's, Rick? Is that what Ashok told me?"
"I do. I'm an analyst in Exposure Management. I highlight risks that might affect the market and identify and trend emerging risks. Not terribly exciting, but it does pay the bills," Rick answered.
"Three hundred and twenty five this year, aren't you?" Greg asked.
"Am I aging well?" Rick snickered.
"You're lovely," Greg nodded.
"Did a piece on us, did you?" Rick well knew that the BBC had. The whole building had been spiffed up for the swarm of camera crews that invaded.
Nasir was surprised when their train dipped underground several times on the way in toward London. As they travelled, civilization grew increasingly dense. Tall buildings grew up around them that Nasir did not recognize.
"Are we in London?" Nasir asked.
"This is Croydon," Greg answered.
"Croydon. That sounds familiar to me for some reason," Nasir searched his memory.
"You probably saw footage of Prince Charles on the telly," Rick surmised. "He and a few members of government came to tour the damage during the rioting."
"I think I saw that on CNN," Nasir was sure that was it. "I am so sorry this has happened to your country."
"Not as sorry as the PM was when his government fell," Greg added.
"Yes, I saw that. What will happen?" Nasir asked.
"We'll have a new government," Greg stated simply.
"You think so?" Rick asked.
"You saw the debate. The Leader of the Opposition wiped the floor with the Prime Minister. These elections are going to go very badly," Greg predicted with conviction.
"I hope none of you were in danger. Ashok said their was no rioting in central London," Nasir expressed.
"Not in our neighborhoods," Greg shook his head. "Though we weren't entirely unaffected. The International Friendly between England and Holland had to be cancelled. Vik can't play for the national team, of course, but several of his Arsenal lads do. Then the match between Arsenal and Tottenham at White Hart Lane had to be postponed as well. Still, that was just an inconvenience. Other people lost their businesses, homes, even their lives."
"I am so sorry," Nasir expressed again.
"So are we, mate," Greg agreed.
"And I am very glad that all of you were safe," Nasir added.
Their train zipped through Croydon as they spoke of it, and continued on toward central London. The sun was just setting when they crossed the Thames and decelerated into Victoria Station. The platforms were under the building and it was an easy walk further underground to the Victoria Tube station.
"Let me check your oyster, Nasir," Greg held out his hand as they passed ticket machines. Nasir extracted the card and handed it over. Greg stepped up to one of the machines, swiped Nasir's oyster and fed the machine a ten pound note.
"What are you doing? Let me do that," Nasir protested.
"Just wanted to make sure you had enough on there," Greg handed it back. "Come on, then. Nearly there," he led they way to the turnstiles. Three lines ran through Victoria and they descended to the Circle Line. It took only a few minutes for a carriage to arrive. While clean and comfortable, it was a far cry from the first class accommodations on the train. They settled in for the ride and Nasir took his lead from the men who lived here, remaining in his seat as they stopped at Sloane Square, South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Kensington High Street.
"Here we are," Greg signaled. He and Rick rose as the carriage slowed into Notting Hill Gate. They stepped off just as soon as the doors parted.
"Rick, please let me take that," Nasir did not want the men he was coming to visit to drag his suitcase all over London.
"I won't hear of it. You're our guest, Nasir," Rick insisted as they made their way behind Greg up to the surface.
"Now this I remember," Nasir looked around at the familiar surroundings as they emerged into the Notting Hill night.
"That's Ashok's college right there," Rick pointed.
"Oh, yes?" Nasir was pleased to be able to see the colorful building.
Viktor Krum wore a red Arsenal polo shirt that clung to his chest and biceps, and denim shorts. He stood at his grill in the larger, back garden of his home, watching over the lamb skewers Ashok had so carefully prepared. Ashok appeared from within the house carrying two large bowls that he took directly to the picnic table that was already set with plates, glassware, flatware and multiple candles. His little helper carried a third bowl ever so carefully which Ashok also placed on the table. Ashok was dressed in skinny jeans and a thin, snug, long sleeved sweater Dré had given him. Helena wore a cute little blue dress with leggings and like the adults, had sandals on her feet.
"They should be here any minute," Ashok thought out loud. "Should I get the wine? No, I think the wine should stay in the fridge. Do you think he will want wine?"
"Why you fret like this?" Viktor asked his young friend. "Come here," he pulled the thinner man into his strong arms. "You are nervous worry boy," Viktor held Ashok and gave him a kiss on his temple. "You know he love you. Why you worry?"
"I've never made Arabic food before," Ashok confessed. "What if I got it wrong? What if he doesn't like it?"
"How many years you there?" Viktor asked as he let the younger man go.
"In the Emirates? Six," Ashok answered.
"Then you must know what it supposed to taste like," Viktor reasoned.
"Don't worry, Ashok. Everything you do is wonderful," Helena assured.
"There," Viktor gestured to his daughter who clearly, as far as he was concerned, had issued the full and final word on the matter.
"Tatee, they're here! They're here!" Helena skipped toward the door when voices could be heard within.
"Princess, come here by Tatee," Viktor called. Ashok and the man who came to see him needed to be given a moment. Helena obediently skipped right back to her father. She put her hand on his leg and he ran his hand down the back of her golden head.
Then he appeared in the doorway, the tall, handsome and kind Arab with the very trim beard that was no more than perpetual scruff. Ashok ran to him, but stopped short. He wanted to throw his arms around Nasir, but this was one of the old masters. The images in his mind were as clear as yesterday and yet it seemed a lifetime ago. It was hard for Ashok to reconcile the man, the brother he had spoken to on the phone so many times, with the image of the master before him. Everyone saw Ashok's hesitancy, but Nasir did not hesitate.
"Ashok!" Nasir took Ashok in his arms and held him tightly.
Ashok put his arms around Nasir inside the taller man's suit jacket.
"I am so relieved to finally be able to see you in person," Nasir held Ashok's head to his chest under his chin. "I am so very sorry, Ashok, for everything I have caused."
Ashok pulled back to look up into the taller man's face. "Mr. Nasir, you should not be sorry. You have given me everything," he gestured around them.
Behind Nasir, Greg and Rick shared a smile and slipped an arm around each other.
"I loved Pankaj very much and I am sad that he died," Ashok continued, "but you are not responsible for his death. And I have found love again. This man," he reached for Rick as his lover instinctively moved to his side. "Rick is very different from Pankaj, but just as wonderful," Ashok looked up into Rick's loving eyes. "Maybe even more so."
Nasir took gentle hold of Ashok's chin. "That must be the very last time you call me, Mr. Nasir," he put his free hand on Rick's shoulder. "We are all brothers."
"And a little sister!" Ashok added as Helena finally skipped over to them.
"Hello," Helena looked up at Nasir.
"Hello, little one," Nasir squatted down to her. "Are you the same little girl I met a year ago? You are twice the size!"
"Daddy, am I twice the size?!" Helena looked up at Greg with big eyes.
"Perhaps not quite," Greg ran a loving hand down the back of his daughter's head.
"Nasir," Viktor stepped into their midst to welcome their friend himself.
"Viktor," Nasir wrapped his arms around the solid man. "Oof!" he was not expecting to have the life crushed out of him. Now Nasir knew how Garrett and others felt when Emmett did that to them.
"Vik," Greg chastised. Viktor only chuckled and patted Nasir roughly on the back as he let him go.
"Are we eating soon?" Rick asked. "The lamb smells delicious."
"Is just done. We eat now," Viktor proclaimed.
"Shall I fetch the wine?" Greg offered.
"Oh, Rick, we have that special present," Ashok reminded.
"Quite. Nasir needs to join us in the kitchen for a brief moment. We'll get the wine. Nasir?" Rick gestured toward the open door to the flat.
"Fetch an orangina while you're up there," Greg instructed.
"Will do," Rick acknowledged. Nasir and Ashok followed Rick inside, back up the stairs to the main level, and into the kitchen.
"Greg always has a good chardonnay or four in the fridge," Rick began, "but Ashok thought you might appreciate something else."
On the kitchen counter, a single item among many others, stood the holy grail in the form of a Laphroaig canister.
"Oh!" Nasir grabbed the canister as if it would suddenly escape. "And cask strength! How did you know?"
"I emailed Emmett to see if there was something special I could do for you," Ashok revealed. "He said you like this and were not able to find any while you have been away on your business trip."
Nasir freed a hand to grab Ashok by the back of the head. He pulled him close to give him a kiss on his forehead and then did the same to Rick.
Rick just chuckled and reached into a familiar cupboard for a tumbler. "Ice?"
"Please," Nasir opened the canister and pulled out the beloved bottle of scotch. "You are too good to me."
"After all that money you sent, we're too good to you?" Rick scoffed.
"It was the least I could do," Nasir unscrewed the cap, took a moment to savor the aroma right from the bottle, and poured himself a generous glass. "Are any of you joining me?"
"I've been known to have a whisky now and again, but that one is a might too peaty for me," Rick answered.
"This is the best scotch that ever came out of Scotland," Nasir declared as he held up his tumbler full of the gold liquid.
"You've been among your Yanks too long," Rick teased with a hand on Nasir's shoulder. "No one on this side of the pond calls it scotch. They're whiskies to us."
"The best whisky then," Nasir amended and finally took a sip. "Ahh."
"I hope you like everything, Nasir," Ashok retrieved the wine and an orangina bottle from the fridge.
"And I am famished," Nasir enthused. He followed Ashok and Rick back downstairs and outside.
Greg had unwrapped the clear film the covered the salads while Viktor removed the skewers of lamb, onions and mushrooms from the grill.
"Oh," Nasir's face lit up when he saw the food on the table. "You have made Arabic food!"
"I hope you like it," Ashok expressed. Rick pulled the cork from the bottle and poured a glass of wine for every adult save Nasir.
"If you are even half the chef everyone says you are, I am sure it will be wonderful," Nasir put his free arm around Ashok.
"That's what I said!" Helena announced with great drama.
"Princess so smart. Come sit by Tatee," Viktor bid as he took a chair.
"Can I sit on your lap?" Helena skipped over to her father.
"Da, sit on lap," Viktor turned and pulled his daughter up onto one leg.
"As long as you be still now and let Tatee eat," Greg counselled as he seated himself beside his family. Ashok sat on the other side of the table between Rick and Nasir.
"I will," Helena pledged sweetly.
"Nasir, kebab?" Greg began to pass the family style plates.
"Lahm mashwi, we call this," Nasir helped himself to a skewer and passed the platter on.
"I know this is tabouleh," Ashok picked up that bowl to pass next.
"One of my favorites," Nasir spooned himself a helping.
"I don't know what this one is called," Ashok passed next a cucumber salad with garlic and mint in yogurt.
"Salatit khyaar bi labneh," Nasir gave the Arabic words.
"Is made with good Balgarski kiselo mlyako," Viktor informed.
"What is that?" Nasir had no idea what the footballer had just said.
"Bulgarian yogurt," Greg translated. "Yogurt originated in Bulgaria, you know."
"Five thousand years ago," Viktor proudly added.
"A thing I have heard many times," Rick gave Viktor a smile.
"Sheep's milk yogurt this is," Greg added. "Did you try it?"
Nasir made a point to do so at Greg's bidding, as he was intrigued. "Oh! It is very good! I like this. Labneh is made from camel's milk where I come from."
"Right," Ashok knew this, "but that's not available here."
"This better," Viktor pronounced.
"I like it very much," Nasir nodded.
"And this one," Ashok passed the last dish. It was another salad made of small, broken pieces of dried pita, more cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, mint, baqli, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil.
"Fattoush! You know all my favorites!" Nasir was thrilled as he spooned himself a generous helping.
"I should. I served them to you many times," Ashok reminded. "I know how much you like majboos too, but that one was a little too hard. And I know you like it with goat, but that's not available here either."
"You have all been so kind to me," Nasir was humbled.
"I'm so thrilled to finally meet you," Rick spoke up.
"And I you, Rick," Nasir agreed. "Thank you so much for making Ashok so happy."
"He makes me happy," Rick countered.
"Me too!" Helena spoke up. "He's the best Peter Pan ever!"
"There, you see what you've done, you dreadful man?" Greg directed at Nasir. "My daughter doesn't want to play with me any more."
"Daddy, I do! I do!" Helena grabbed and pulled on her British father's shirtsleeve.
"Daddy know that," Viktor soothed her. "Daddy teasing," he lowered his head to kiss the side of her face.
"I do know that, Lene," Greg cupped her little chin in his palm and kissed her forehead. "I love to play with you too."
"I like when we put on hats and have tea," Ashok smiled.
"Do you?" Nasir found this amusing. He pulled out his cell and called up his pictures. "Do you remember Seth?"
"Da," Viktor answered. "We pick him up, sit on our shoulders. He small, very light."
"I remember him well. Great fun, that chap. We get a congratulatory email addressed to Captain Gunner, after every match Vik wins," Greg informed.
"He is Native American and very short," Nasir added.
"Oh, yes. He has dark skin like me," Ashok recalled. "And beautiful, long hair."
Nasir handed over his phone. "That is him with their niece, Stephanie," he informed. It was a picture of Seth that Garrett had sent the last time they were at his brother's house. Seth sat to pretend tea at a tiny table, in tiny chairs with Stephanie. Like Stephanie, Seth wore a great beflowered hat and a feather boa, his in canary yellow while hers was pink, and sipped thin air from demitasse cups. Seth sat almost comfortably in the little chair with his legs crossed and held his cup and saucer like a proper lady. He even draped one end of his boa over his other shoulder.
"Oh, Lena! We need hats like these!" Ashok enthused.
"I want to see!" Helena leaned on the table. Ashok held the phone for those on the other side of the table to see the picture.
"Daddy, I want a hat like that!" Helena exclaimed.
"We get hats," Viktor immediately agreed.
"That is cute. He could have tea with our dear old queen," Greg assessed.
"Do you have a picture of Emmett?" Ashok asked. He well remembered the day in his master's car in Dubai when Greg pulled out his cell to show him a picture of the man he loved.
"I will show you my favorite picture of Emmett," Nasir took back his phone and took a moment to call up that picture. It was the same one he had shown Maurizio on the beach in Positano, of Emmett in the shower, from the back, with him giving a dimpled smile over his shoulder.
"Oh!" Ashok covered his mouth.
"That's rather more of him than I saw the last time," Rick commented and handed the phone over to Greg.
"Ah, yes," Greg nodded. "Do you remember uncle Emmett?" he deliberately held the phone so that she could only see the upper half of the picture.
"Yes! He's a friend of uncle Jasper!" Helena remembered well.
"I am also a friend of uncle Jasper," Nasir smiled. "Emmett and I were together with him in New York not even two full weeks ago."
"Oh!" Helena all but stood up on Viktor's leg. "Will you see him again?!"
"I see him every week," Nasir spread his hands.
"You must give him a hug for me! Promise you will!" Helena leaned forward in her insistence.
"Of course I will," Nasir assured with a warm smile. "And you should come over here right now, because uncle Jasper gave me a special hug just for you!"
Helena all but dove off of her Bulgarian father's lap and ran around the table. Nasir was ready for her and scooped her up in his arms. She buried her head in his chest as he held her tightly.
"There," Nasir leaned back just enough to be able to look into her face. "Uncle Jasper said that was especially for you."
"Tell him I love him and I miss him very much," Helena bid.
"I will do so," Nasir let her slid back down onto her feet.
"Come snuggle up here between daddies, Lene," Greg bid.
"Ashok, tell me of your life," Nasir turned back to his food. "Rick pointed out your school."
"I love my school and my classmates," Ashok enthused. "It is very different here than it was in India when I was young. There is a muslim boy in my English class. He is only eighteen. His name is Tariq and he is from Yemen. We joined a study group and sometimes I have to translate for him when he doesn't understand something. He was surprised when I spoke Arabic to him. It is nice that I am able to help someone. He is very smart. He helps me too."
"That is beautiful," Nasir nodded.
"I have classes from nine until one thirty, except on Fridays," Ashok continued. "Then if my study group is not getting together, I go home to study by myself, or I go to Vince and Dré's. Sometimes I pick Helena and Emily up from school if Emily's mum has something to do."
"I like that," Helena spoke up.
"You like that because Ashok will dance on the furniture with you two little monkeys," Greg reminded.
"That only happened once. I promise," Ashok swore.
"No dancing furniture!" Viktor commanded in a faux stern voice and shook his finger at Ashok.
"Oh, stop that. If you were home at the time, you'd have just as likely been up there too," Greg called his partner's gruff.
"Da," Viktor admitted with a grin and a nod.
"Ashok, you have a Student Visa now," Nasir stated.
"Yes," Ashok confirmed. "Dré's father switched it for me."
"That must give you more time then," Nasir concluded.
"It is a two year visa, but," Ashok looked to Rick with trepidation, as if he had said something he shouldn't have.
"But?" Nasir enquired.
"But?" Greg echoed, the concern on his face was clear in his voice.
"Da, but?" Viktor added.
"Go ahead and tell them," Rick smiled warmly at his lover and reached into his lap to hold his hand.
"We have not done it yet, but we are going to apply next week for a," Ashok's face darkened and he looked again to Rick. "What is it called?"
"A Proposed Civil Partnership Visa," Rick gave the words.
"Oh!" Greg's face lit up. "You two!" he reached across the table to them. "That's bloody marvelous! Just bloody marvelous!" Greg was up from his seat and Viktor was close behind. Rick and Ashok rose to meet them. Nasir rose, not from understanding of what this meant, but because the others did.
"Ashok," Greg pulled the thin Indian into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"Oof!" Rick was nearly crushed in Viktor's exuberant embrace.
Greg gave Ashok a kiss on his cheek and let him go. "Rick, I couldn't be happier," he moved to his best friend as Viktor moved to Ashok.
"Thank you," Rick took as much comfort in Greg's warm hug as Viktor's approving one. "About ruddy time I had a good man in my life, eh? I mean, you know what I mean," he amended.
"I know perfectly what you mean and I couldn't agree more," Greg rubbed Rick's back before he let him go.
"Yay!" Helena hopped up and down beside them, though, apart from the joy the men displayed, she had no understanding at all of what this meant.
"What is Proposed Civil Partnership?" Nasir asked.
"Oh, so sorry, Nasir," Greg chuckled. "Perhaps we should explain that."
"You all might be surprised to learn that it was my father who got me thinking about it," Rick began as they all returned to their seats. "Ashok's visa is good for two years, but then what? Two years is a long time, but then what? No one has been so special to me," he took Ashok's hand again. "I don't want him to leave the UK now, or in two years, or ever. My father pointed out, and rightly so, that Ashok and I can't just get married, because he's a non EU foreign national. We couldn't have done anything with his General Visitor's Visa, but now that he has a Student Visa, we can simply apply to have it converted. The process for an immigrant partner takes five years and, as my father also pointed out, that clock does not start until we get his visa converted."
"Then you will be able to stay for good?" Nasir was thrilled.
"Yes," Ashok nodded.
"I am so happy to hear that," Nasir put his arm around Ashok and held him close. "I cannot thank all of you enough for what you have done for Ashok."
"He's done just as much for us," Greg asserted. "Believe me, our lives are the brighter for him. Dré might have actually gained a pound and Vince has a best friend he loves like a brother."
"Where are Dré and Vince tonight?" Nasir asked.
"Oh, it's campaign season, my friend," Greg informed.
"Not only do they have Dré's father to support, Dré's barking aunt parades them out as well," Rick added. "And having a gay nephew and a gay couple who publicly support her, certainly won't hurt her here in Kensington."
"Quite," Greg agreed. "I daresay they're more help to Dré's aunt than they are his father down in Surrey. The real conundrum is that she is a staunch supporter of equality. She voted for the Marriage Bill. One is hard pressed not to vote for her on the face of it."
"Da," Viktor nodded.
"She's our MP, you see," Rick made the hard choice they faced more clear to Nasir. "She lives just over here on Lansdowne Walk by Saint John's," he pointed in a generally northwest direction.
"Ah," Nasir nodded. "Are you able to vote, Viktor?"
"My Vik is a Naturalized British citizen," Greg answered. "This will be his first national election actually."
"I see. Someday I will be a US citizen," Nasir looked forward to it. "Did you have to go through the same thing Ashok and Rick are doing?"
"Vik is from Bulgaria. He was a citizen of the EU, so the rules were quite different for him," Greg began.
"How are they different?" Nasir enquired.
"A citizen of the EU has the right to reside anywhere in the EU he likes," Greg explained. "There are special rules in the UK for permissions to work for citizens of Bulgaria and Romania, however, but Arsenal saw to that."
"I am highly skilled worker," Viktor smiled.
"That you are, Vik," Greg agreed. "After we entered into our Civil Partnership, we didn't have the option to marry at the time, he was simply able to apply for Naturalization as the Civil Partner of a British citizen. After the requisite number of years, of course."
"Is that the only requirement? I think it is more complicated in the United States," Nasir was sure.
"There's a bit more to it. He must be over eighteen, which he well is," Greg listed. "He must be of sound mind, and clearly he is. He must be able to communicate in either English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic. Nearly there," he teased.
Viktor said nothing, but reached over their daughter to give Greg a light wap on the back of his head.
"He must also have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK, and clearly he does," Greg continued undeterred. "He must be of good character, and quite clearly he is."
"Both my daddies are wonderful," Helena endorsed.
"And he must be the most wonderful partner and father ever, which he absolutely is," Greg finished. Viktor reached over Helena again, this time to grab a fistful of Greg's shirt. He pulled Greg closer and gave him a loving kiss on his lips.
"It is easy to see that our friends here are couples just as happy as we are," Nasir wiped his mouth. "Thank you so much for making me arabic food. I never get to have it."
"I know you like seafood, but Emmett told me that you had it at every meal when you were in Italy," Ashok revealed. "I wanted to make something I knew you would like."
"It was very thoughtful," Nasir rubbed Ashok's back. "You are all most kind."
"You've done so much for Ashok," Rick countered. "We used the last of the money to pay for his college."
"Ah," Nasir downed what remained of his scotch. "I will have Garrett wire more."
"No, Nasir. I won't hear of it," Rick was firm. "Ashok and I can manage just fine."
"Really," Greg chimed in. "It was very good of you to do what you did for him, but Ashok is one of the family now."
"If you are sure," Nasir put his hand on Ashok's shoulder. "You need only ever ask."
"You have already given me everything," Ashok would be forever grateful. "I can never thank you enough."
"I am just so happy that I am able to be here with you at last," Nasir slipped his arm around Ashok's shoulders again and held him close. "Viktor, I am told you are the Captain of our favorite team now. Seth records every match."
"Da," Viktor confirmed with a nod. "I am Captain. Someone have to lead young men."
"You do it splendidly," Greg complimented.
"Thank you, Slunchitze," Viktor smiled at his husband. "Cesc gone like that," he snapped his fingers. "Practice with us one day, gone next. At match, Arséne say you Captain today, and I am still Captain."
"I think Seth said there were others who went missing as well," Nasir thought back.
"Cesc sold to Barcelona, Samir sold to Manchester City, Robin sold to Manchester United," Viktor listed. "And my friend André go back to St. Petersburg."
"I hope Arsenal got a pretty penny for all of them," Rick spoke up. "Cesc and Robin in particular were heavy losses. Still our team is in good hands with our new Captain. Viktor will see us through."
"I hug you so hard, break all your ribs," Viktor promised.
"Oh, I think I'll pass, thank you," Rick laughed. "You think I sing your praises? Your number one fan, Mr. Krum, those on that side of the table with you excepted, is none other than Draco Malfoy."
"Da?" Viktor smiled.
"I know he and Vince are fans, but number one?" Greg asked.
"He'd never want you to know it, of course. Ashok heard him get into a row with one of his tenants last week," Rick informed. "The chap said Arsenal was doomed without Cesc and evidently Dré had words with the fellow."
"Viktor is a better Captain than that Spaniard ever was and will lead the team to greater heights than Cesc ever could," Ashok parroted.
Viktor chuckled. "I give him smack on arse when I see him."
"You know how much he loves that," Greg spoke with sarcasm.
"He like when Vince do it," Viktor stated.
"You're not Vince," Greg pointed out.
"I smack his arse anyway," Viktor nodded.
Helena leaned against Viktor and gave a giant yawn.
"It is, in point of fact, well past someone's bedtime," Greg stated.
"Is time for princess bath!" Viktor announced.
"I will get this cleaned up," Ashok was quickly on his feet.
"You'll do no such thing," Greg commanded. "You cooked for us."
Between the five men it took only one trip to bring everything into the flat and upstairs to the kitchen.
"Princess say goodnight now," Viktor instructed.
"Good night," Helena spoke to everyone.
"Goodnight, Tink," Ashok squatted down to give her a kiss and hug.
"Sweet dreams, little lady," Rick did the same.
"So very nice to see you again, Miss Helena," Nasir took his turn. "Give me another hug for uncle Jasper."
"Oh, yes," Helena all but flung herself into his arms. "Promise you'll give it to him."
"I promise," Nasir assured.
"Come," Viktor held out his hand to his daughter. Helena took her father's hand and headed back downstairs with him.
"Let me help clean up," Rick pushed up his sleeves.
"What can I do?" Nasir was helpless in the kitchen.
"You, sir, are to pour more of that whisky into your glass," Rick pointed.
"I will get you more ice," Ashok took Nasir's glass to the freezer and then poured the scotch for him.
"Thank you, Ashok," Nasir smiled.
"Pour us all another glass of wine while you're at it, Ashok. Then you two sit right down there at that table and keep us company," Greg directed. Ashok poured three more glasses of wine and joined Nasir at the big table in the spacious kitchen.
"I should start thinking about finding a hotel," Nasir sipped his scotch. "Is there a good one near here and can I invite all of you for a drink?"
"I shall have to pass," Greg answered. "I'm off quite early for work in the morning."
"You'll do no such thing, by the way," Rick pointed at Nasir.
"We would like you to come home with us," Ashok smiled.
"Oh, I would love to see your home!" Nasir enthused. "Does the visa you are getting allow you to come and go from the country as you wish?"
"It does, for short periods," Rick gave the answer. "Ashok and I are going to take a week this winter to fly to India. We have to have visited each other's home country and met each other's families you see."
"My family will not want to meet Rick," Ashok was clearly saddened by this. "And they will be very angry with me for no longer working and sending my wages to them."
"I should still like to try to meet them and if they're dead set on being unpleasant, we shall just have ourselves a nice holiday in India. Bangalore isn't far from the ocean. There must be a seaside resort or something," Rick looked on the bright side. "And then I shall be able to prove to the Border Agency that I've been there."
"I understand what you are feeling," Nasir took Ashok's hand. "These men are your family," he gestured. "I am your family now," Nasir squeezed Ashok's hand for emphasis. "The people in India, your parents and siblings, are your relatives. Sethy taught me to think of it this way. My relatives, apart from my sister, would rather see Emmett dead than embrace him. Sethy's family does not accept him or Garrett either."
"I like that philosophy," Rick gave a nod.
"And I rather think that if your only value to them is how much money you send home, they don't deserve you," Greg opined.
"They have not been a part of my life since I was a boy," Ashok admitted. "I have not seen any of them since I was fourteen. My father told me not to save anything for a trip to go home, only to keeping sending my wages."
"Part of me doesn't even want to meet people like that," Rick admitted. "But they are your parents and if it is at all possible to have a relationship with them, I would like to try."
"I'd wager they'll embrace you with open arms once they get a look at you," Greg was pragmatic.
"I do not think they will," Ashok shook his head. "Pankaj and I had to hide in your father's house, not only because we were in the Emirates. In India, attitudes are very similar. We had to hide from the rest of the staff as well. Being gay is a western import or a perversity of the lower class. We are lower class, but my parents would still be very angry with me for bringing shame on the family. They will be particularly angry with me because I am the oldest son. I am the custodian of the family's honor. And they will say that Rick made me this way."
"Might they perhaps be superficially pleasant to get you and Rick to bring them here?" Greg posed and he and Rick sat down at the table with them.
"They might, but, while I am young yet, they will insist that I get married," Ashok stated. "They will arrange it."
"Oh, no," Rick shook his head and made a fist on the table.
"Ashok, my brother, do not go down that road. Learn from me," Nasir advised.
"I would not, Rick," Ashok took his lover's hand and held it tightly. He was focused entirely on the man who held his heart. He well knew what thoughts this would stir in a man who had been in love with someone else's husband for years. "I would not. I love you and I would not ever do that. I am yours. Only yours."
Rick smiled at his partner and held Ashok's hand in both of his. "I love you too, Ashy."
"We are so very similar," Nasir mused, entirely unaware of the unspoken communication going on between his friends. "My parents do want me to come back and get married as my father has arranged and be a man, though, my brother would rather kill me than see this happen."
"Oh, surely not," Greg couldn't imagine that.
"He said so to my face, in my home," Nasir confirmed, "just before Emmett broke his nose."
"But do you think he meant it?" Greg had a hard time wrapping his mind around such a thing.
"In my country, my old country, homosexuality is punishable by death," Nasir informed. "But rarely is someone prosecuted. We are taken into the desert by other men, often our own relatives, where if we are very lucky all they will do is hold us down while they shovel sand into our mouths and nose until we suffocate to death. It is a thing that is done almost routinely for various reasons, and Kasim very much meant it."
"If you're lucky all they will do is kill you?" Greg enquired with raised eyebrows.
"I have heard horrendous stories involving cattle prods and jumper cables and other truly horrifying things," Nasir revealed. Rick and Greg exchanged a look of terror as they sat down at the table with Nasir and Ashok. A shudder went through all four of them.
"I have never shared that with anyone before," Nasir realized aloud. "But I do not wish to speak of such things. This is a joyous time. I asked about your visa to invite all of you to New York. The invitation is open. Please come anytime and as often as you like. Emmett would love to see all of you and I know Jasper would too."
"I would love that!" Ashok enthused. "I would like to see America. Rick, have you been?"
"I have," Rick confirmed. "We all have," he gestured to Greg. "New York is a fun place to visit. We shall take you up on that sometime, Nasir."
"I would like to be able to sit and talk with Emmett like I am able to do with you," Ashok expressed.
"Emmett would like that too," Nasir took Ashok's hand again. "He very much wishes he could be here with me now. And he would be if the terrible things I put him through had not caused him to take so much time off of work already this year."
"There," Viktor announced as he walked into the kitchen. "Princess to bed. She wait for you to give her kiss," he patted his partner on the shoulder as he walked past.
"I shall do that right now," Greg rose.
"We should get going," Rick finished his wine and stood up as well. Ashok was right at his side.
"Greg," Nasir moved to give the Brit a hug first.
"Nasir, lovely to see you," Greg embraced the tall Arab. "So glad you could swing through London."
"As am I," Nasir let go of Greg and moved to Viktor. He made a point of shrinking back in faux fear of another bone cracking hug as Viktor reached for him. The quick Gunner was on him in a flash.
"You no get away," Viktor caught Nasir in his arms and gave him a hug not quite as tight as the first. "I leave you one or two rib."
Nasir laughed and patted the footballer on his broad, muscular back.
Greg moved to Rick and gave him a hug to whisper in his ear. "Put those thoughts from your mind. Ashok would never do that."
"Never," Ashok echoed at Rick's side.
"I know that," Rick acknowledged and reached to pull Ashok closer while he still hugged Greg. "I do know that."
Viktor let Nasir go and gave Rick and Ashok warm hugs as well.
"Right then, off you go," Greg slipped the bottle of Laphroaig back into it's canister and that into a small bag. "And take this with you," he handed it to Ashok. "Safe trip home, Nasir."
"Thank you," Nasir smiled at Greg and Viktor. Then he saw Rick pull up the handle of his suitcase and wheel it out the door. "Will you let me take that?" he protested again.
"I will not," Rick was firm and led the way out of the building.
"Night," Greg waved from where he and Viktor stood in their open doorway.
"Night," Ashok waved back.
"Good night. Thank you both so much," Nasir called.
It was an easy walk back down Linden Gardens and through the Mews to Notting Hill Gate. They descended the steps into the Tube and used their oysters. The Central, Circle and District lines all ran through Notting Hill Gate Tube station. They selected the Circle line and got off at only the second stop, Gloucester Road. Here the station was above ground and an escalator brought them up to street level, where they emerged right at the entrance to Gloucester Arcade and Waitrose.
Nasir was somewhat surprised that the first thing he saw, directly across the street, was Burger King, Starbucks and KFC.
"That's rather a good place for fish and chips just there," Rick gestured to The Patisserie beside the KFC. "At least, it used to be. I used to nip in on the way home rather frequently, but now I have a splendid dinner waiting for me at home every day," he smiled at Ashok and reached for his hand.
Just beyond the Arcade, they crossed Cromwell Road and continued up the now more residential Gloucester Road. On the next block they walked past the local Barclays Bank branch which was directly across the street from the Montana Hotel.
"Oh, is this a good restaurant?" Nasir pointed. Within the Montana was the Light of India.
"Quite good actually," Rick endorsed. "My father in particular loves that place. Very colonial India. My parents insist on dinner there at least once every time they come to London. The king prawns masala is to die for. They do quite a good tandoori as well."
"Have you been Ashok?" Nasir asked.
"No. I do not want to eat out. I want to cook myself!" he smiled.
"Of course," Nasir laughed.
They continued on past Queen's Gate Gardens and the very old Saint Stephen's Anglican Church, into the ever quieter neighborhood. Rick and Ashok steered Nasir left on Cornwall Gardens. This was a much narrower street and had houses on both sides for a short distance before the right side gave way to a long private garden.
"Here we are," Rick announced just over a block down. Ashok jumped up the steps and opened the building door.
"This is your house?" Nasir asked.
"Our flat's just up one flight," Rick informed as he carried Nasir's suitcase up to the door.
"Rick, please let me take that," Nasir protested yet again.
"You silly man, I told you I've got it," Rick dismissed. Ashok held the door and followed the other men inside. Ashok took the beautifully polished original wood stairs two at a time up to the second floor and opened the door to the flat.
"Nasir, please come in. Welcome to our home," Ashok smiled broadly.
"Thank you very much," Nasir immediately kicked off his shoes on the hardwood floor. While the layout, materials, and furnishings were completely different, and this flat was a one bedroom, the rooms were spacious and the square footage was very close to the condo he shared with Emmett. They entered more or less directly onto the kitchen. Nasir could see the living room to the right which overlooked the street and garden, and the full bath and bedroom to the left.
"I'm going to put your suitcase here, Nasir," Rick parked it just inside the living room. "There's a closet just there by the door if you'd like to hang anything up. And here it is," he spread his hands. "The home Ashok and I share."
"It is beautiful," Nasir approved.
"Would you like another whisky?" Ashok pulled the bottle from it's bag and canister.
"Perhaps just one more," Nasir agreed. "Then I must think about finding a hotel."
"You must do as you like, of course, but we'd love for you to stay here," Rick smiled.
"Oh?" Nasir raised his eyebrows.
"It's not as fancy as some hotels, but that sofa pulls out into rather a comfortable bed," Rick pointed. "You're welcome to it, or if you'd prefer, you can have the bedroom while Ashok and I sleep out here. Might be better that way anyway, as I have to get up for work in the morning."
"Please stay with us," Ashok handed Nasir a tumbler of his beloved scotch on the rocks. "I'd love to make you your favorite breakfast in the morning. I've been practicing!"
"I accept, but I will not put you from your bed," Nasir pointed.
"Fair enough," Rick agreed.
"And if I am staying, I am going to take my jacket off," Nasir set his glass on the nearby counter and slipped his suit jacket off his shoulders.
"I will hang that up for you," Ashok was quick and did so in the coat closet by the door.
"Shall we make ourselves comfortable?" Rick gestured toward the living room. "Have a seat with Nasir, Ashy, I'll pour us some wine."
"I will get it," Ashok headed for the kitchen.
Rick grabbed Ashok's arm as he passed and pulled him close. "You are not a servant, you are my lover. Now go sit down while I get us a glass of wine," he pointed the younger man toward the living room and gave him a pat on his butt to send him off. Ashok couldn't help but smile as he walked into the living room to join Nasir.
"Ashok, I am so happy to be here with you," Nasir seated himself in a comfortable chair.
"I am happy you are here too," Ashok smiled. "If you had told me, the last time I saw you, that I would have this whole new life in the west, I would never have believed you."
"But here you are, right where you belong," Rick walked up behind him with two glasses of wine held in the fingers of one hand. He bent to give Ashok a kiss on the side of his neck. "Come sit with me," Rick bid as he took Ashok's hand and sat on the sofa. Nasir could see why Ashok had waited. Rick seated himself comfortably as any man would. Ashok then sat down beside him, curled up and leaned into Rick's side under his arm, with bare feet up on the sofa. Rick held the darker man close. Nasir could see this was entirely automatic and that they sat this way all the time. It reminded him of the way Seth always reclined against Garrett and Garrett draped his arm down Seth's chest and abdomen.
"I wish Emmett could be here with us," Ashok expressed.
"As do I. I miss him very much," Nasir confessed. He tried to keep the sadness of that off his face and out of his voice.
"You've been in Italy," Rick recalled. "Business wasn't it?"
"My company is building a hotel in Positano," Nasir informed. "Well, not building as much as renovating and converting an old palazzo. It will be beautiful. When it opens Garrett and Sethy and Emmett and I are going. You must come as well, all of you, as my guests."
"That sounds smashing," Rick readily agreed. "I've never been to the Amalfi Coast. How does that sound, Ashy? Sunny and warm climate, good food, beautiful beaches," he listed Italy's virtues. "You in a tiny little bathing suit," Rick added lustily.
"I would like that," Ashok put a hand on Rick's chest and looked up at him with such devotion on his face that it melted Nasir's heart. He would never be able to thank any of these Brits enough.
"There are many private beaches to be found if you rent a boat, where bathings suits are not needed at all, I might point out," Nasir revealed.
"Ah, now, that sounds even better!" Rick enthused.
"Have any of the others been to Italy?" Nasir asked.
"We've all been. We took a class trip in Uni, the lot of us, to Rome to see the museums," Rick answered. "Can't even remember what class it was for now. At any rate, I'd bet Dré and Vince have been to Amalfi. The summer after Dré graduated, his mum took him and Vince to Rome for a month. The Malfoys have a flat there you see, right in the old city. More of a penthouse really. Dré's mum winters in the Caribbean, springs in Rome, and summers at the house in the lake district."
"Why does she do that?" Ashok enquired.
"She says England is too cold in the winter, too wet in the spring, and the lake is lovely, but, and Dré will tell you, the real problem with Malfoy Manor is that her husband is in it," Rick explained.
"Ah," Nasir nodded.
"Oh," Ashok's face fell. "That is very sad."
"It works for them," Rick shrugged. "Dré's mum is a kind woman, but his father can be decidedly unpleasant when he puts his mind to it."
"But he got me my visa," Ashok had a hard time reconciling the man with the act. "Both of them."
"He did," Rick agreed. "But it was not out of the goodness of his heart. Dré had to negotiate. And his mum helped as well. At any rate, my point was, that summer in Italy, Dré and Vince took a car and Vince drove them all over the country."
"I must do something special to thank Dré," Nasir mused aloud.
"No need. Ashok has already done that in spades," Rick stated. "They both rave about all the meals Ashok has prepared for them."
"I love to do it," Ashok smiled. "I learn something everyday. I love to watch all the cooking shows and I am going to take a class at the Le Cordon Bleu this spring."
"I will pay for it and do not argue with me," Nasir commanded with a pointed finger.
"You have done so much," Rick protested anyway. "More than enough. I can take care of my guy," he held Ashok close.
"I see that you can," Nasir smiled. "In many ways. What will you do for the holidays?"
"Oh, we haven't discussed it yet," Rick admitted.
"What holidays?" Ashok asked.
"The christian holidays," Nasir clarified.
"I don't really know anything about them," Ashok admitted.
"I did not either," Nasir agreed, "but if Rick's family is anything like Emmett's family, you will love it. They are German, so these may all be German things. I do not know for sure. They put up a big pine tree and we all have to decorate it with all sorts of beautiful little things. There is even a pickle shaped ornament that Emmett's mother hides in the tree and we have to find it. I think a lot of people put up a tree like this. I know Garrett said his parents do. Garrett's brother does. Others of our friends do."
"Christmas trees are quite widespread in the western, christian world," Rick informed with a chuckle. "That's pretty universal. The pickle ornament thing though, I've never heard of. That must be a German thing."
"I love every part of it," Nasir stated. "I mean, Emmett's family is not religious, so there is no unpleasant church aspect. Though, in his grandmother's house, there is a picture by her little tree of the catholic Holy Father. Not this Pope. Actually, I think it is two popes ago. That was slightly off putting for a brief moment, I will admit to you, but she is such a good and kind woman. Clearly she does not adhere to the teachings of her church."
"It sounds very nice," Ashok assessed.
"Apart from the pickle, we do all the same things. Though," Rick raised his eyebrows, "we do attend church."
"You do?" Ashok was worried and looked it.
"Since they've owned the home in Burton-on-the-Water, we've gone to Christmas Eve service at Saint Lawrence, there in the village," Rick revealed.
"Will they let me in?" Ashok asked timidly.
"I'm quite sure they will, but we don't have to go," Rick was quick to assure. "Mum will understand and dad won't care one bit. He's quite used to people of other faiths, as you can well imagine."
"You have met Rick's family, I think you told me," Nasir recalled.
"Yes," Ashok nodded enthusiastically. "His parents are very nice people. They accepted me so warmly. I did not think such a thing was even possible."
"Well, certainly it is. My parents adore you and why shouldn't they?" Rick countered. "They see what a sweet and kind person you are. They love you because we love each other."
"I understand you perfectly, Ashok," Nasir nodded. "Such a thing was entirely beyond my imagination too until I met Emmett's family. They welcomed me with open arms. Emmett tried to calm me, but I was so nervous!"
"So was I!" Ashok gave a mirthful laugh. "I am glad we can laugh about it now."
"Ninnies, the both of you," Rick teased.
"It is easy for you to imagine a warm and loving family. You are from the West," Ashok poked Rick on his pec.
"There are no warm and loving families anywhere else?" Rick could not accept that argument.
"Not in my experience," Ashok stated.
"Mine either," Nasir agreed. "My brother is the Great High King of all assholes and our father taught him to be that way. Mostly," he considered. "Kasim seems to have a propensity for it all his own."
"I have no brothers. Like Greg, I'm an only," Rick informed.
"Too bad Rick does not have a cute little brother like Emmett does. He is great fun," Nasir remarked. "I would say that he is the man of the family since Emmett no longer lives there. Emmett's family live in Minnesota, a very cold state somewhere in the heartland. Their father died when they were young, and you can just imagine how foreign this was to me, their mother is very much the head of the family. I think it is a German thing. That took some getting used to."
"I do not think I know which of Rick's parents is in charge," Ashok thought about it. "Might it be your mother?" he looked up at Rick.
"Marriage in the west is a partnership, or should be. It generally is. My parents raised a son together. They each have their parts to play," Rick attempted to explain. "In the kitchen of course, it would definitely be mum."
"What about your father?" Ashok wondered. "Rick's father is a very important man," he stated with reverence and solemnity.
"Is he? I suppose he is," Rick was more amused by that thought than anything else. "He's just dad to me."
"What does he do?" Nasir asked.
"His full and proper title is: Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey," Rick informed.
"Oh," Nasir was suitably impressed.
"He pursues the agenda of Her Majesty's Government as set forth by the Prime and Foreign Ministers, but he officially represents the queen. At home of course, he goes by the slightly less grand title of: Dad. That's what I call him," Rick pulled Ashok closer. "You do too."
"I like it," Ashok smiled.
"We spent a long weekend with my parents and mum asked Ashok if he would call them mum and dad too," Rick relayed. "By the end of the weekend it just came naturally, didn't it?"
"It did and I like it very much," Ashok confirmed.
"I do too," Rick smiled at his lover.
"Emmett's mother told me to call her mutti," Nasir shared. "And now I would not think of calling her anything else."
"I had great fun cooking with mum," Ashok smiled at the memory.
"Not half as much as she did," Rick assured.
"Now there I envy you. That is a bonding experience I will never have," Nasir admitted. "I was raised to believe that a man has no business even setting foot in the kitchen. Of course, I was raised to believe a lot of things that could not be further from the truth. But, as a result, I know nothing. I do help Emmett sometimes. He gives me simple things to do."
"I did not know anything either," Ashok confessed. "I was allowed to watch in your father's house and when I came here Rick got me many magazines and books, and let me watch many shows."
"I didn't let you," Rick objected to this characterization. "You're free to do as you wish."
"And then he let me play in the kitchen," Ashok poked Rick in his ribs. "And he ate everything I made and told me it was good."
"It is good," Rick stated.
"I do not have your passion," Nasir shook his head.
"We're all good at something," Rick philosophized. "We don't know how to build a hotel."
"Ah," Nasir nodded. "If only I could work more from home like I used to," he added wistfully. "I have not seen Emmett in two weeks now and I miss him so much. I miss him every week when I am at work in New York."
"Why do you work so far from him?" Ashok asked.
"When everything went to hell with my relatives, my father dismissed me and had my business visa revoked," Nasir explained.
"Oh!" Ashok knew only too well that fear.
"Indeed. I was faced with deportation back to Sharjah where if I lived long enough, I was certain to be arrested," Nasir continued. "But regardless of my fate, I did not want to be parted from Emmett."
Rick and Ashok held each other just a little more tightly as Nasir spoke and didn't even realize they did it.
Nasir continued unaware, "I was given a mere forty eight hours to leave the US. Garrett's father is a highly placed judge and he arranged for another judge to issue some type of order for me to be able to stay in the country while my application for asylum is pending. I could not leave the country of course, or I would have self deported and never be able to return. That is why I could not come to London when they brought you here."
"Ashok had only a single entry Visitor's Visa at the time, or we would've been at your wedding," Rick reminded.
"I do wish we could have gone," Ashok expressed.
"We wish you could have been there, but we completely understand," Nasir smiled.
"My Student Visa has multiple entries. It says so," Ashok stated. "Your visa must be like mine."
"My company sponsored what is called a Green Card. I am now a Permanent Resident Alien. I can come and go as I wish," Nasir's face clouded slightly. "That is the theory at any rate. In practice I have yet to actually do so. I guess I will find out tomorrow."
"I hope you have no trouble," Ashok expressed.
"Indeed," Rick agreed.
"You are a permanent resident and applying for asylum?" Rick was puzzled.
"I applied for asylum first, but if one should fail, I want to have the other in my pocket," Nasir explained.
"Nasir, why can Emmett not live with you?" Ashok pressed.
"His job and our lives are in Seattle. He loves his job as I love mine. Garrett and Sethy are there. I would not ask him to give all that up," Nasir stated.
"Might you give up your job when your asylum is granted?" Rick asked a seemingly simple question. "That's permanent, isn't it? You wouldn't need your job then, would you? I mean, you don't need to work, do you?"
"Well, no," Nasir searched his soul. This was a difficult question to face. He had not considered it before. "I have not thought about what I would do if my asylum is granted. I love my job very much. It is very fulfilling. I feel like I was born to do this," he dropped his gaze and slowly shook his head. "But I hurt Emmett every day that I do it."
"Sorry, Nasir. That was rather a deeper question than I'd intended," Rick offered.
"I very much appreciate you asking it," Nasir looked Rick in the eye. "I would find something else to do," he decided. "Something where I could be home with my husband and family."
Ashok let go of his lover and rose from the sofa. He walked around the coffee table and perched himself on the arm of Nasir's chair to give the man a hug. None of them said anything as Nasir rested his head against Ashok's shoulder and held the younger man's arm. It was an unexpected reversal for Ashok to be able to offer some small comfort to Nasir. Nasir had millions of dollars in the bank while Ashok was penniless, but Ashok was the one who got to sleep beside the man he loved every night. They both realized how much simpler Ashok's life was and how much richer he was for it.
"Have you spoken to him today?" Rick finally broke the silence.
"We speak every day at least once," Nasir stated. "When I go to work and to bed usually."
"Do you want to call him now?" Ashok asked.
"Should we give you a bit of privacy?" Rick added.
"No, no," Nasir pulled his cell out of his pocket as Ashok moved back to Rick. "He will still be at work, but I know he would love to talk to you as well," Nasir paused as he noticed how Rick immediately put his arm around Ashok when the younger man slid in close beside him. "Actually," he held up his phone. "You two are very cute together," Nasir appraised. This only made them give each other warm, natural smiles and Nasir clicked the picture.
"I will send him this first," Nasir did so and then touched the small picture of Emmett to dial him.
"Hi, Babe! Are you in London?" Emmett's happy and cheerful voice greeted.
"I am in London," Nasir confirmed.
"Did you get to see the guys? Did you see Ashok?" Emmett fired his questions.
"Check your text," Nasir instructed.
"Yeah, it did chirp just before it rang," Emmett called up the text and attached picture. "Oh, how cute are they!"
"That is just what I said," Nasir smiled. "Rick and Greg met me at the airport and we rode the train into the city. Ashok and Viktor had dinner waiting at Greg and Viktor's home. Now I am with Ashok and Rick at their place."
"Okay. Give 'em my love," Emmett bid.
"I will put you on speaker," Nasir said as he did so. "There. Can you hear us?"
"Sure can. Hi, guys," Emmett greeted.
"Hi, Emmett!" Ashok leaned forward.
"Hello, Emmett. Sorry you couldn't be with us, mate," Rick expressed.
"Me too, Rick. I'd love to see everyone again, especially you two," Emmett was sincere.
"Habibi, you know Ashok likes to cook. He made Arabic food for me. Some of my favorite dishes," Nasir informed his husband.
"Oh? Kibbeh? Majboos?" Emmett enquired.
"Other favorites. Tabouleh, fattoush, a cucumber salad with the most delicious Bulgarian labneh, and lahm mashwi," Nasir gave details that not all of which his husband understood. "And guess what I am drinking," he tinkled the ice in his glass close to his phone.
"Oh, just let me guess now. Good scotch?" Emmett knew full well.
"Whisky!" Rick corrected goodnaturedly.
"What?" Emmett didn't get it.
"I just learned that they do not call it scotch here," Nasir admitted.
"See? We're turning you into an American after all," Emmett teased.
"One day," Nasir smiled.
"I can't talk long, Babe. I'm at work. Where are you staying tonight?" Emmett asked.
"We're keeping him!" Ashok announced and was clearly thrilled. Rick smiled at his partner and pulled him closer.
"They have asked me to stay with them and I am going to do so," Nasir confirmed.
"Oh, nice. That's really sweet, guys," Emmett was touched.
"And I'm going to make breakfast!" Ashok enthused.
"They are treating me like an Emir," Nasir stated.
"You deserve it, Nasi. Hey, don't worry about calling me in the morning. I know you've got a lot to do tomorrow. So do I. Your flight lands before mine, right?" Emmett asked.
"Yes," Nasir confirmed. "And it is only the next terminal, so it is an easy walk."
"Good. Okay. Don't keep me waiting and scare me," Emmett instructed.
"I will not," Nasir assured. "I should have plenty of time. I will be there waiting for you."
"Good. Are you going to see Samira?" Emmett continued.
"I am going to try," Nasir answered.
"Give her a hug for me," Emmett bid.
"I will. Ana b'hebbak, il zawji," Nasir expressed.
"I love you, my husband," Emmett spoke the same words in English. "And I am looking especially forward to seeing you."
"As am I," Nasir echoed with surety.
"Night, Nasi. Night, guys. Take care of my baby," Emmett requested.
"Be assured," Rick offered.
"Goodnight, Habibi," Nasir ended the call.
"Well," Rick stood up. "I am going to make this sofa into a bed."
"I will get the pillows," Ashok rose and dashed.
"Thank you both so very much," Nasir got up from his chair as Rick pulled the coffee table out of the way.
"Happy to have you, Nasir," Rick smiled. It took him no time to unfold the sofa into a bed.
"Here are your pillows and some towels," Ashok returned and set them on the bed.
"Feel free to help yourself to anything in the kitchen," Rick gestured.
"All I want is your bathroom for a moment," Nasir stated.
"Go right ahead," Rick offered. "We'll go after you."
Nasir headed for the bathroom and did not bother to close the door as he stood to the toilet and relieved himself. Afterwards, Rick and Ashok did the same. Nasir unbuttoned his dress shirt and pulled it out of his jeans before he slipped it off his shoulders.
"Do you want me to hang that up for you?" Ashok offered as he emerged from the bathroom.
"Not at all," Nasir dropped it beside his suitcase.
Ashok walked up to Nasir and slipped his arms around the taller man's waist. Nasir hugged Ashok back as they just held each other silently for a long moment. They needed no more words. Finally, Ashok let Nasir go and walked to where Rick waited in the bedroom doorway.
"Night," Rick called as he slipped an arm around Ashok.
"Goodnight," Nasir gave a wave as Rick and Ashok disappeared into the bedroom and softly closed the door. He shed his jeans last, clicked off the lamp, and slipped into his bed. Nasir took a deep breath as he relaxed and closed his eyes. Ashok was safe and loved. He already knew that of course, but it was another thing to see it with his own eyes. And even more importantly, tomorrow, he would be home in Emmett's arms.