AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Okay, so, is it just me, or is there figure skating every fucking night? My god, I'm sick to death of it already. LOVE my sweet little Apolo talking us through the speed skating. I'm only sorry we don't get to see his hot little ass out on the ice anymore. And do I not recall a contingent from the Republic of Ireland in the opening ceremonies? I'm sure there was a cute boy waving the flag. I haven't seen a single Irish athlete in any event. Though, interesting things like luge and such isn't on in primetime. That's reserved for figure skating. Which it seems to me is taken far to seriously. The announcers talk in hushed, reverent tones about double, triple and centuple lutzes, sow cows, toe tips and hoedowns and I don't know what the fuck all, that all look exactly the same to me. Sick to death of it.
Next random thought: Anyone watching Black Sails? It had/has real potential. I'll be honest, I expected some dick. But I'm losing hope on that score. I can't count the number of boobs I've seen and they even gave us pussy up close and personal. How many dicks have I seen? Zero. And this from Starz who brought us Spartacus! Disappointed Starz, disappointed. Though, this show does have the breathtaking Tom Hopper from Merlin so I will endure all the boobs and pussy they want to throw at me in the hope that we will get some bare Hopper backside or (dare I even type it!) peen.
Dearest readers, I have it on good authority that tomorrow, or possibly even later today, we will have a new chapter of Errors from my beloved sister. A lemon flavored one at that.
Big hugs to my girls, Maureen, Rebecca, Kate and 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 45: Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger occupied an historic two story building across Union Street from Benaroya Hall, and near to Pike Place, in the cultural heart of downtown Seattle. It was universally regarded as the city's best asian restaurant and that was why Seth picked it. He knew Jasper took Edward to Tao in Manhattan and knew this place would please them both. Seth sat between Emmett and Garrett at their round table on the more intimate upper level of Wild Ginger, where they could look out over the cathedral space. The entire restaurant was done in woods of a warm honey color, pale cream walls, softly lighted columns, and black leather. The main dining room was open to the very roof and had deep booths that comfortably seated six, arranged around the periphery of the main floor. Nestled within the giant U this created were tables for two and four. Beneath the second level on one side was the long bar with bar seating and it's big, glass wine cellar, and on the other was the sushi bar, also with bar seating around it.
Emmett wore snug jeans and a white henley that stretched across his chest and displayed his nipples. His sleeves were scrunched up and his heavy Emirati gold cuff adorned his right wrist. Garrett was dressed in equally form fitting jeans and a dove gray Diesel pullover shirt with a very wide, round neck that displayed his collar bones and a hint of his chest. Seth had on tight leather pants with a lace fly, and a red, hooded, zip front tank top that he wore with the hood down and the zipper zipped up only enough to leave his Emirati gold necklace on his smooth, dark chest on clear display.
"I'm surprised you didn't want to sit beside Jasper," Emmett let his thought fall out of his mouth. "You haven't seen him in way longer."
"I want to see his face, look into his eyes," Seth explained what Emmett should have known. There were limitations to his powers. How could he be expected to See if he didn't look into their eyes?
"This was an excellent suggestion, Sweetness," Garrett complimented as he perused the reserve wine list. When they were first seated, the wine book had been handed to Emmett, who immediately passed it to Seth, who passed it to Garrett.
"Beats having the staff drool all over Edward while they serve dinner," Seth reasoned.
"We could have grilled," Emmett pointed out. "Steak and shrimp again, maybe scallops. Remember that time you marinated those jumbo scallops in teriyaki and had me grill 'em? Even I thought those were delicious. We should have done that."
"I promised them a nice dinner," Seth stressed.
"The staff will all be there on Saturday," Garrett pointed out while never lifting his eyes from the pages of the reserve list.
"There will be lots of people there Saturday. The staff will be busy," Seth was confident. "Too busy to salivate all over Edward."
"Let's hope so," Emmett nodded. "Pick us out something good, Garrett."
"I'm working on it," Garrett continued to read. "You don't often find a place that features good Asian food and good wine. I do wish Nasir was here to share this with us. Oh, sorry, Emmett. That was thoughtless of me," he lowered his menu as he apologized to his brother-in-law.
"Not at all, Garrett," Emmett dismissed. "I know you guys miss him too and he'll be home tomorrow," he added with a smile.
"Here we are gentlemen," their sommelier arrived with the magnum of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Garrett had ordered to get them started. The man popped the cork while his assistant placed flutes at the five places set on the table. "Would you like to try the wine first, Sir?"
"Not necessary," Garrett smiled.
"Very well," the sommelier poured first for Seth, then Emmett and finished with Garrett. "I shall just place this in ice right here," he did so just as his assistant brought the bucket and stand. He placed the white linen napkin that had been draped over his arm, around the neck of the magnum.
"This is good," Seth took a sip.
"I know what you two like, but what are we having for dinner?" Garrett asked as he continued to read the pages of the wine list. Something paired perfectly with what they chose to eat would be ideal and Garrett didn't need the sommelier's help to do it.
"Fuck if I know," Emmett picked up his menu.
"I haven't even looked," Seth did the same.
Below, on the main floor, many heads turned at their arrival. The two model beautiful men entered and approached the hostess stand.
"Evening, gentlemen," the smiling young woman in a black dress at the podium greeted them. "Two?"
"We're meeting some friends. It's probably under Thompson," Edward advised.
"Oh, yes. They're upstairs. Follow me," she smiled and set off. Edward and Jasper moved to follow.
Edward wore a white, tight fitting long sleeved tee shirt with a V neck and a filigree design printed on the shoulders and upper sleeves under a gray and black plaid front tailored vest with a plain black hooded back. Jasper was dressed in a long sleeved, casual, trim-fit, black shirt, its front decorated with tiny square studs in a leopard print pattern. They both wore tight Fendi jeans, Edward's in a dark, stonewashed blue and Jasper's in a silvery gray.
"Wow. Everyone is looking at us," Edward observed as he looked around the room.
"Of course they are," Jasper smiled. "You're a celebrity and we look good together. The few people who aren't thinking how lucky I am to be with you, are thinking you're lucky to be with me," he asserted.
"The last few are right." Edward gave Jasper his trademark smirky grin and decided he would demonstrate to one and all that this beautiful man at his side did in fact belong to him. Jasper's heart soared when Edward took his hand to lead him through the restaurant as they followed the hostess to the wide, curving wood and metal stairs.
"Hey, there they are," Emmett saw them first. All of them rose to greet Edward and Jasper.
"Hi, guys," Edward gave a wave and a warm smile. It felt good to be joining their friends as a couple.
"Jasper!" Seth bounced into Jasper's arms.
"Hi, Seth," he gave the shorter man a hug.
"You guys look really nice," Seth evaluated. "Turn around, both of you," he stepped back. "Very nice," he nodded in approval as they did so. "Look, Edward," Seth put a hand on Edward's hip, "pants that fit you."
"You're not the only one who can pick out clothes for him that make him look even hotter than he already is," Jasper stated with a pat on Seth's shoulder. "C'mere, Garrett."
"Jasper, good to see you," Garrett took him in his arms.
"You too," Jasper patted Garrett's back as they hugged.
"Come sit by me, Eddie," Emmett gestured. "I saw Jasper last week. I haven't seen you in two!"
"Good idea," Jasper agreed as he pulled out the chair next to Garrett for himself. "It's not good to have too much hot top concentrated in one place."
"Ha!" Seth found that very amusing.
"There," Jasper seated himself between Garrett and Edward. "I've got the best seat in the house!" he teased.
The wine steward appeared and quickly plucked the magnum from it's icy bath to fill Edward and Jasper's flutes.
"Oh. Champagne, Edward?" Jasper offered, finding amusement in that they had not been asked.
"May I?" Edward snickered.
"It's good. You'll like it," Seth assured. "My husband picked it out. Now tell us every little thing. How did it go in Port Townsend yesterday?" he tried very hard to sound casual as he pumped for information.
"It actually went better than I could have ever dreamed," Jasper took Edward's hand. "Edward's mom really went out of her way. She cooked and baked all of my favorites and dragged out old photo albums from when Edward and I were boys. She said I was her second son."
"Oh, you're in," Seth concluded. "Mom and Dad call me their little son."
"What did you think of the inn?" Emmett asked. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"Oh, absolutely it is," Jasper agreed. "It's like stepping back in time. We had milk and cookies in the dining room when we arrived."
"Milk and cookies?" Seth was not about to let that go. "How did you get up there? Are you two even old enough to drive?"
"My mom's cookies are the best and you know it," Edward pointed at him. "Pumpkin butterscotch, Seth, pumpkin butterscotch."
"Edward's mom's cookies are only surpassed by Edward himself, when he puts his," Jasper deliberately paused, "where I like it."
"Ha!" Seth loved that rebuttal.
"I can compete with my mom's cookies?" Edward gave Jasper a grin.
"Nothing competes with you," Jasper assured.
"What else did you guys do?" Emmett prompted. "That you're willing to share at the dinner table," he amended.
"We had a really nice walk around the sleepy little town," Jasper relayed. He and Edward smiled at each other. And Seth narrowed his eyes. There was something behind that smile.
"What did you guys talk about on your walk around town?" Seth fished. He could See, but he didn't know what it was.
"What a pretty little town it is," Jasper didn't miss a beat. "Did you guys see my man on TV?" he deftly changed the subject.
"We sure did," Emmett enthused, entirely unaware of the undercurrent of secrecy that Seth had detected.
"And his boss in their snappy dress uniforms," Seth let it go.
"It's just the long sleeved shirt with the tie," Edward made light. "And the longer jacket."
"You looked hot," Jasper put his hand on Edward's as he took a sip of his champagne. "Oh, this is good," he appraised.
"What did you think of Roger?" Seth enquired.
"Super cool. I really love him," Jasper expressed.
"He's a great guy," Emmett agreed with a smile.
"He is," Edward nodded.
"He and Edward brought civilian clothes to the studio so we could go out to breakfast afterwards," Jasper informed. "Not that I would have minded them wearing their uniforms, but they didn't want the attention. Roger told me how popular Edward's evening fireside programs are in the campgrounds. Women and children love him."
"I bet they do," Emmett gave a grin.
"Especially the lady who deliberately fell in the lake on one of his hikes, so she could cling to him and grab all over him," Jasper revealed.
"You never told us about that!" Seth exclaimed.
"I'm so glad Roger shared that story. I was soaked too," Edward shook his head.
"Did she offer to help you out of your wet clothes?" Seth asked.
"More or less," Edward admitted. "The other rangers had a good laugh over that one. Roger found out when he heard all the commotion in the locker room and came from his office to find out what was going on. He couldn't have been out in the park that day, oh no."
"Edward in the locker room peeling off his wet clothes with all the other rangers around him," Jasper enjoyed that visual.
"I saw a porn start like that!" Seth enthused.
"That's just great," Edward nodded in embarrassment.
"We're all here?" their waitress appeared. "Have we had a chance to look over the menu?"
"Oh, I haven't even picked it up," Jasper did so.
"Do we want some starters?" Garrett asked.
"I want the Siam lettuce cups," Seth stated.
"How about a satay?" Jasper proposed. "Do we want to just get a bunch of things to share? Kinda do a tapas sorta thing?"
"That's a marvelous idea," Garrett agreed. "Sweetness? Emmett?"
"Sure," Seth was easy.
"You know what we like," Emmett put down his menu.
"Okay," Jasper read the satay options. "Bring us a peasant's chicken, the Saigon scallops, a Nam's prawns, and we want some red meat too, right?"
"Also the young mountain lamb," Garrett took over, "the Vietnamese beef, the Bangkok boar, and then the lettuce cups, pot stickers, and the tuna bruschetta. Also please bring an order of the fragrant duck and seven flavor beef."
"And the Mandarin chicken," Jasper finished their order.
"White or brown rice, boys?" the waitress asked.
"White for us. Jasper?" Garrett asked.
"White," Jasper echoed.
"Am I doing two checks?" the waitress pointed.
"You are not. There will be one check and it is mine," Garrett dictated.
"How hot is he right now?" Seth asked Emmett.
"I know," Emmett chuckled.
"And will you take the wine order?" Garrett asked.
"I certainly can, if you didn't need any advice on them," she smiled.
"In that case, bring us a bottle of the Josef Leitz Rüdesheimer Klosterlay Kabinett, a Neyret Gachet viognier," Garrett ordered. "And," he flipped pages, "Jasper, thoughts?"
"You know, I'm not an expert on wine. Edward?" Jasper deferred.
"Do you have Uncloudy Day chardonnay?" Edward asked.
"We do," she confirmed.
"A bottle of that," Edward selected and Jasper nodded at him with a smile.
"And an Argyle Spirithouse Reserve pinot noir, please. The Willamette Valley vineyard," Garrett surrendered the wine book.
"Okay, great," she wrote down the details. "Did we want all the food together?"
"Please," Garrett confirmed.
"And I'll give Sam your wine order right away," she stated and departed.
"How impressive are these two?" Seth complimented.
"I know, right?" Emmett agreed. "If Nasi were here, he could keep up."
"He always does," Garrett confirmed.
"I'm just not in that league. You know what they say, you can take the boy out of the country...," Jasper joked.
"That's right! I forgot you're from Bumfukt, Texas!" Seth observed.
"I am not," Jasper countered. "I didn't get fucked in my bum until long after I left Texas."
"Ha!" Emmett's booming laugh was loudest.
"So, Jasper, you're an uncle," Seth prompted.
"I sure am!" Jasper's face lit up at the mention of the kids. "I love those boys! Liam is so open and engaging and Owen is so sweet. When we pulled up they came tearing out of the house. By the time I got out on my side and walked around the truck they were all over him. Liam pointed at me and said: 'who is that man? Is that your boyfriend?' He's so fuckin' cute! And as soon as Edward confirmed that, he wrapped his arms around my legs."
Edward's beaming smile as Jasper told this story was lost on none of them.
"Then he called for his moms. 'Mommy, Mommy, it's uncle Jasper.' Too fuckin' cute," Jasper continued. "And it was so nice to see Maggie again after all these years! And meet her wife."
"Was it?" Edward asked softly.
"Edward, we talked about this," Jasper took Edward's hand. "Maggie was a little tough on me, but I'm fine with that. We had laundry that we needed to air. We totally have an understanding. We're all family now."
"Good," Garrett nodded.
"Yeah. I was introduced to all the stuffed animals," Jasper elaborated. "I helped Liam defeat a dragon. I think. I know I helped him put together the duplo airplane I got him."
"He means Liam watched him put it together," Edward clarified.
"Owen climbed into my lap and laid his head on my chest, and made me fall completely in love with him," Jasper added. "I swear I nearly cried."
"Wow. That is special," Emmett observed. "He only does that with Edward and Seth."
"And me," Jasper pointed out proudly.
"It's an exclusive club," Seth stated.
"Gentlemen," Sam the sommelier and his helper returned. "We have the Josef Leitz Kabinet," he set all the bottles on the table and presented this one first.
"Thank you," Garrett acknowledged.
"Who would like to try it?" Sam asked as he pulled the cork. Garrett simply gestured to Emmett and the sommelier poured him a sip into one of the many glasses his assistant placed on the table.
"Mmm. It's good," Emmett nodded. Sam handed the bottle to his helper who poured Emmett a proper glass.
"Anyone else?" the steward asked and when no one else wanted any at the moment, placed the bottle in one of the three freshly arrived ice buckets.
"The Neyret viognier," Sam presented the next bottle.
"Please," Garrett nodded.
"Sir?" Sam pulled the cork and offered the taste to Garrett, and when Garrett nodded, he poured it.
"Lovely," Garrett approved. "Sweetness?"
"I'll have that as well," Seth informed the steward who poured a glass for him and Garrett.
"The Sanuis chardonnay," Sam continued.
"Perfect," Edward took over. Sam pulled this cork and poured a taste.
"Yeah." Edward nodded and took Jasper's hand.
"Will you share your wine with me, Edward?" Jasper asked, his tone suggestive.
Edward entwined their fingers together as he looked into his lover's eyes. "I will share everything with you."
The slightly uncomfortable steward poured them each a glass.
"And then the Argyle pinot noir," Sam presented their last bottle.
"I'll taste it and then just leave it to breathe, please," Garrett instructed.
"Yes, sir," Sam pulled the cork and poured a taste of the ruby colored wine for Garrett.
"Very nice," Garrett approved.
"If you gentlemen require anything else, I am at your service," their sommelier took the time to place the riesling cork beside Emmett's glass, the viognier and pinot noir corks beside Garrett's glasses, and the chardonnay cork beside Edward's.
"Thank you," Garrett raised his glass. "Boys, here's to a most eventful week."
"You can say that again," Jasper agreed as they all touched their glasses.
"Okay," Seth set down his glass and put his hands on the table. "Let's talk about the party. I have costumes for you both."
"Seth, we...," Edward began, but was silenced by Jasper's hand on his thigh.
"I can't wait to hear this," Jasper took over. "That's so thoughtful of you, Seth. What did you get for us?"
"I'm so very glad you asked," Seth smiled from ear to ear. "I'm going to dress Edward as a European footballer. I have a tight jersey he should be able to get into, and the matching shorts are tiny!"
"Oh, sounds great!" Jasper smiled at Edward. "What do you have for me?"
"A hospital gown," Seth answered simply.
"A hospital gown?" Jasper repeated with raised eyebrows.
"Yeah. You'll be an out patient," Seth delivered his punch line. "Get it?"
"Cute!" Jasper laughed.
"What will he have on under his hospital gown?" Emmett knew their little diva better than anyone.
"Nothing, of course," Seth answered like that should have been obvious.
"And will it be closed in the back?" Emmett asked the next question.
"Well, of course not," Seth rolled his eyes. Was he dealing with simpletons?
"If you think, for one second...," Edward started, but Jasper silenced him again.
"Much as I would love to see Edward in that footballer outfit, we already have our costumes, and I think when you see them you'll approve," Jasper informed. "Thank you so much for thinking of us, though."
"Why won't anyone work with me?" Seth lamented. "I got Leah a Reno 911 costume for Roberto. The shorts are so tight! But I don't think she's going for it."
"We always wear what you tell us to," Emmett pointed out.
"Well, of course you do," Seth gave a dismissive wave.
"And what's your costume? Little Red Riding Hood?" Edward made reference to what Seth was wearing.
Emmett reached over and pulled Seth's hood up. "You do have an impressive basket," he commented.
"Hmm," Garrett gave a grin and a nod.
"But, Honey, I wouldn't wear pants with this costume," Seth protested.
"Are you dressing me as the big, bad wolf?" Garrett asked with a smile.
"That needs to be a private show," Edward stated.
"I'd like to see it," Emmett asserted. "It'll be the first time in history the wolf gets eaten up by red riding hood."
"I'll eat you alive, Honey," Seth promised with a hand on Garrett's thigh.
"I love when you do," Garrett put his hand over Seth's.
"And speaking of, I'm sure Edward's bed is now your bed, Jasper," Seth forged ahead.
"We made it ours," Jasper smiled at Edward.
"It's all ours," Edward held Jasper's hand. "You all know I've always loved the house, but now that Jasper is there to share it, it's a whole new, wonderful place. It's our home. Our Washington home."
"I love being there with you too," Jasper looked into Edward's green eyes. "I love feeling like we belong there together. You, me and Remmy. I really want to kiss you right now."
"So kiss him," Seth stated.
"No, I mean climb into his lap, kiss him," Jasper clarified.
"Oh, do it!" Seth enthused.
"I don't want to have dinner with a hard on," Jasper took a deep breath to calm himself. Edward silently put a hand to Jasper's face and leaned over to kiss him softly and lovingly on his lips. It was not at all the kind of kiss they both longed to share, but it was appropriate for the setting and conveyed Edward's feelings.
"Aww," Seth gave voice to how touching the moment between Edward and Jasper was. He immediately reached for Garrett as he was compelled to do the same with the man he loved. And immediately felt bad for his best friend.
"C'mere, Emmy," Seth reached for Emmett and pulled the bigger man down to him. He gave Emmett a kiss on his lips that was not at all filled with the same feeling as the one he had given Garrett, but was sweet nonetheless.
"Thanks, Sweetie," Emmett appreciated the gesture.
"I wish Nasir were home," Seth gave a sigh.
"I wish he could be home all the time. He'll be home tomorrow," Emmett looked on the bright side.
"And I'm glad of it as well. I've nearly forgotten what he looks like," Garrett lamented.
"I'm gonna pounce on him," Seth nodded to himself.
"I'm gonna pounce on him," Emmett assured with an entirely different meaning.
Servers arrived en masse with every dish they had ordered.
"Saigon scallops, Bangkok boar?" one of them asked.
"Just put everything in the middle," Garrett instructed as empty luncheon sized plates were placed before each of them.
"Wow. Everything looks delicious," Seth appraised.
"It does. I'm starved," Emmett rubbed his stomach. Their wine steward appeared and without a word refreshed everyone's wine.
"Chicken, Edward?" Jasper asked as he served his lover first. It was another touching moment that was not lost on any of them.
"I'd love to try the boar," Emmett expressed. "I don't get to have pork very often."
"I seem to remember having fresh pork sausages with you not even a week ago," Jasper pointed out.
"Oh," Emmett chuckled. "Yeah," he nodded, "that was one of the few times."
"One tiny drawback of having a Muslim husband, I suppose," Jasper considered.
"Is he?" Seth asked.
"Is he what? Muslim?" Emmett asked. "You see how often he prays or goes to a mosque. He doesn't even own a prayer rug."
"That's my point," Seth served himself scallops and prawns. "He's about as good a Muslim as I am a Christian."
"Lots of people don't go to church regularly," Edward pointed out.
"But he doesn't believe," Seth countered. "He'll tell you so."
"No, he doesn't," Emmett confirmed. "But some things are just so deeply ingrained in his culture. They don't eat pork. You hear him say 'Allah' all the time, but that doesn't mean he believes it. It's like when we say 'Jesus Christ.' It's just an expression we're used to."
"I hardly ever hear him say 'Allah,'" Edward thought about it.
"He says that when he's about to come," Seth revealed.
"And that's why I don't hear him say that," Edward nodded.
"So then why doesn't he eat pork?" Seth questioned. "Has he ever tried it?"
"Not that I know of," Emmett answered.
"I guess you can take the man out of Islam, but you can't take Islam out of the man," Jasper mused. "I mean, at least to some small degree."
"You might be right there, Jas," Emmett nodded. "He's pretty closed minded about it. But he's my baby. If he doesn't want the schwein, that's just fine."
"Ha! You made a rhyme," Seth laughed.
"So, Em, I didn't get to talk to him for obvious reasons, but how did his trip to Italy go?" Jasper asked. "I did get a text of a beautiful shot of the town."
"It was a little frustrating for him because of all the red tape he had to cut through to complete the purchase and get construction started," Emmett relayed. "That's why he was there so long and why we both had very blue balls."
"Oh, sorry I couldn't help you out with that," Jasper gave his lopsided grin.
"Yeah, what good are you?" Emmett teased.
"Does he have any other pictures besides that one?" Jasper continued. "I'd love to see what the palace looks like."
"He said it was full of leaves and pigeons," Emmett revealed.
"That must be pretty," Seth expressed with sarcasm.
"I'm sure it will be," Garrett stated. "And when it opens, we shall all go. Nasir intends to invite you two as well, if he hasn't done so already."
"What do you think, Edward? A long weekend on the Amalfi Coast?" Jasper enquired.
"I've never been to Europe. Maybe I can meet your English friends too," Edward considered.
"They're super great guys. You'll love them," Seth assured. "Maybe we can all go to a game again!"
"Match," Jasper corrected. "And I would love that."
"I'll get another signed ball," Seth nodded. It was a foregone conclusion.
It wasn't more than six blocks and they could have walked, but he would never do that. And it wasn't any lack of dedication to fitness. He was extremely lean and toned. While not overly muscular, he was certainly strong enough and had a remarkably low percentage of bodyfat. He did a high impact aerobic workout that included running on his treadmill in his in-home gym almost every day. His aversion to walking anywhere was that common people did that. And he was anything but.
The well connected and successful businessman had his own car, but often used a service as he didn't want to bother with parking. They rode in comfortable luxury of the back of a long wheelbase Town Car. They both wore dress pants, expensive shoes and custom tailored pinstriped dress shirts with white collars and white French cuffs affixed with Yves Saint Laurent cufflinks.
"I'm sure I don't need to tell you how important these clients are," James spoke in a deceptively kind sounding voice.
"I'll be good, James," Krister assured.
"I know you will, Sweetheart," James held Krister's hand on the seat between them. It gave Krister no comfort. There was no way to predict when the tide would turn.
They rode down Second Avenue, turned on Pike Street and took that up to Third. At the corner of Third and Union, they pulled up to the curb at their destination and James waited for his driver to get his door.
"Enjoy your evening, Sirs," the driver bid.
"I'll text you when we're ready to be picked up," James stated flatly as he took Krister's hand and led him to the door of the restaurant. He held the door for Krister with a devoted smile on his face and looked for the all the world like a loving partner.
"Evening, gentlemen," the smiling young woman in the black dress at the hostess desk greeted them. "Two?"
"Reservation for Visser," James stated.
"Oh, yes, Mr. Visser. The table you requested is ready for you. Right this way," the hostess smiled and led the way.
There was a section in the very front of the two story restaurant with more casual seating. Leather sofas and deep, comfortable chairs were arranged at a low, oblong table. The one in the center, under the giant picture window, where everyone could see and notice him, was the one he had reserved.
"Here we are, Mr. Visser," the hostess smiled. "Enjoy."
"Send your sommelier right away," James instructed as he and Krister moved to sit on the sofa. "And I am expecting two very important business associates. Bring them right away when they arrive."
"We sure will," she didn't manage to muster quite the same smile for the admittedly beautiful, but clearly testy man. It was obvious the sweet looking kid at his side was with him. She concluded Mr. Visser must be rich for the kid to put up with him.
It was a very short wait, because the sommelier and waiter had been warned.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Sam arrived. "Here is the reserve wine list," he handed it to James. "Did you have any questions or shall I leave you a few minutes to peruse the list?"
"Bring us a bottle of Dom Perignon," James set the unopened book on the table and didn't bother to open it at all.
"Right away, Sir," Sam gave a smile and departed. His services hadn't been needed at all.
"Evening, guys. I'm Steve and I'll be taking care of you tonight," the waiter arrived and handed James and Krister their menus.
"Bring us a spicy tuna roll from the sushi bar," James took Krister's menu from him and set them both aside on the table.
"One to share or one each?" Steve asked.
"If I wanted two, I would have said two. One," James answered with ill humor.
"I'll put that in right away," Steve assured without noticing how the silent, younger man had tensed, and headed off.
James took a deep breath and sat back on the sofa. He smiled at Krister who also leaned back. James put his arm on the back of the sofa with his fingers in the collar of Krister's shirt at the back of his neck. He gently caressed the back of his lover's neck. In a moment they would have good champagne. They would have a small bite or two to have something in their stomach. There was a beautiful younger man at his side who was, for the moment, behaving perfectly. James was not going to let a barely competent waiter ruin his evening. Though, one more stupid question and he would demand the manager.
James didn't bother to look around the restaurant. He had chosen this table, as he did everywhere he went, to be seen, not to see. He was beautiful, brilliant and successful, and had an equally beautiful younger man at his side. Let them look at him. Had he bothered to look around the dining room's multiple levels, he would have seen some faces he didn't wish to see.
Above, and in clear view, Emmett took a bite of the young mountain lamb satay with the Indonesian soy and Thai peanut sauce. "Wow," he nodded. "This lamb is delicious. Nasi would love it."
"I thought of him when I saw it," Garrett admitted.
"How's the seven flavor beef?" Seth enquired.
"I'm enjoying all seven flavors," Emmett gave a grin. "Especially the ginger. Try it," he encouraged. Seth reached over with his fork and stabbed a small piece from Emmett's plate.
"Oh, that is good," Seth nodded. "Maybe we should try to make that sometime," Seth considered aloud. And without knowing it, struck a nerve.
"What I need to figure out how to make is Arabic food," Emmett lamented. "You know what Ashok made for dinner for Nasi when he stopped to see them in London? All his favorite Arabic dishes."
"You make him that omelette he likes all the time," Seth pointed out.
"Yeah, that one thing. I guess 'cause that's easy. Nasi loved all the stuff Ashok made for him. He told me all about it," Emmett poured out his guilt. "I didn't let on, but I felt terrible. I still do. I love him and I've never done that for him."
"He very much enjoys everything you make, Emmett," Garrett attempted to ease his brother-in-law's feelings. "He loves the German things especially, because it's a part of you."
"Well the Arabic things are a part of him," Emmett was undeterred. "I feel like I've been conveying to him that I don't value or love him, and nothing could be further from the truth. I feel like a shitty husband."
"I can assure you that he does not feel unvalued or unloved," Garrett stated firmly.
"I can attest to the same," Jasper added.
"I'll help you, Emmy," Seth put a hand on the bigger man's arm. "Do you know the names of these dishes?"
"Yeah," Emmett nodded. "I wrote them down."
"We'll make them when he's home next week and get him to taste things, and tell us if we're on the right track," Seth planned. "We'll make a game of it."
Emmett looked down on Seth for a moment. He leaned over to put his arm around Seth and pull him close. "What would I do without you?"
"You'll never have to find out," Seth assured.
"We'll have some scotch and keep you two company while you cook," Garrett envisioned. "Edward, Jasper, will you join us? How long are you staying, Jasper?"
"Not long enough," Edward answered.
"I do have to fly back on Sunday. I can't push it out any longer," Jasper spoke regretfully. "Which reminds me. I should text Nasir and apologize for missing our standing Thursday evening cocktail," he set down his fork and pulled out his phone.
Seth would never know exactly what it was that caught his eye. There was constant movement in the restaurant. He turned to see two Asian men in dark suits shaking hands with two white men at a table directly in the front, main window below. It was the taller white man that made him gasp. And that gasp made every eye at his table follow his gaze.
The split second it took to see and recognize who it was, seemed to happen in slow motion for Edward. He saw the man he most hated in all the world and turned to see Jasper's eyes go wide. The phone that slipped from Jasper's fingers seemed to take forever to hit the table, fall to his lap, and slide off to drop to the floor. Edward clenched his jaw as white hot fury welled up inside him along with deep concern for the love of his life at his side. The man who had been harmed so badly, both physically and psychologically, by the bastard who stood smiling with impunity below.
"Oh, dear," Garrett gave voice to how they all felt.
"Jas," Edward quickly slipped his arm around Jasper's shoulders.
"I'm fine," Jasper held up his hands. "I'm fine," he repeated, though no one had suggested otherwise.
"How big is this city and we had to run into that fuck?" Emmett expressed.
"He hasn't seen us," Seth observed.
"It doesn't matter," Jasper assured. "I don't care if he sees us or not. He's worth less than a scraping off the bottom of my shoe and he has no power over me."
"Do you want to go?" Edward thought he was being supportive.
"I most certainly do not!" Jasper picked up his wine glass and drained what remained. "I want to enjoy the rest of our dinner with our dearest friends."
"Okay. Whatever you need," Edward assured.
"I'm fine, Edward," Jasper stressed again. "Pour me another glass of wine, please."
"Sure," Edward did so. He then slipped his chair back a bit to be able to reach down and retrieve Jasper's cell from under the table.
"Oh, how clumsy of me," Jasper spoke as Edward set his phone on the table between them. He hadn't even noticed that he had dropped it, but wasn't about to admit that. "I would be lying if I said that seeing him didn't bring back some unpleasant memories, but I'm fine. I know he can't hurt me anymore."
"I would kill him," Edward stated in an even voice that let them all know he meant it.
"There's no need for that," Jasper put a hand on Edward's thigh. "Across the country is bad enough. It would be worse with you in prison," he expressed. Jasper took a deep breath to calm himself and took a gulp of his wine to assist in that endeavor. "Let's just eat and enjoy ourselves."
"Okay," Edward repeated. He picked up his fork and took a bite of chicken, but left his arm protectively around Jasper. In this moment he needed more than anything for Jasper to feel safe. Jasper took a bite of scallop and could not help himself from looking at James while he chewed. It was then that he noticed the younger man at James' side on the sofa below.
"Who is that with James?" Jasper asked. He didn't notice Edward's body tense at this question.
"His name is Krister," Seth provided the answer.
"Krister?" Jasper noted the odd name.
"He's an exchange student from Sweden," Seth added.
"From Sweden? So far from his home and family," Jasper questioned. The implications of that were lost on no one and especially not on Jasper. How easy it would be to isolate a man from another country, with no local family or friends to support him. Had James not done so easily enough to him, even though he did have support?
Krister's reality was all too familiar to Jasper. He saw himself sitting beside James, being quiet and smiling sweetly at the nameless, faceless associates, the endless social functions and events where one tiny, insignificant, meaningless, and unknown misstep would earn him a beating later, because he had lived that life. He knew the desperation, isolation, hopelessness and terror. He knew the pain and he knew the shame. Jasper knew what it was like to believe that he was worthless and deserving of every beating and every strike, because he had at the time. It was only, finally, the fear of losing his own life that forced him to seek help then. And he didn't want another man to go through what he had.
"Do any of you know what he is going through, right now?" Jasper asked as he looked around the table. "Do you?"
"We all know James is a monster," Edward assured softly.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Jasper waved a hand. "Of course you do. You were there. But, that boy needs help. He needs our help."
"Jas," Edward spoke calmly and patiently as he gently rubbed Jasper's shoulder, "you know that people trapped in the cycle of domestic abuse aren't always ready to admit that they need help. The abusers brainwash them into believing that they deserve what happens to them and even that the abuse is a sign of love. They refuse to see that the person they're with, the person they love, is evil."
"We know this one is," Jasper stressed.
"We absolutely do know that," Edward agreed with a nod. "And we could intervene. We may even get Krister away from James for a time, but we also know how often victims go back to their abuser, especially if the decision to leave wasn't theirs. James made sure Krister was totally dependent on him in the US, and the boy may not be ready to return to Sweden. How much worse would it be for him if he went back to James after leaving him?"
Jasper turned to look again at Krister as he pondered his lover's words. He held the hand of the arm that wasn't around him and gripped it tightly. He watched James speak with his associates, all the while one hand absently and possessively on Krister's knee. Jasper knew exactly what that hand felt like and it gave him a shudder.
"My beautiful, brilliant and crafty husband," Garrett cast a loving glance and smile at Seth, "found a way to speak to Krister privately. He made sure Krister knows that help is out there whenever he's ready and that he does not deserve to be hit, ever, by anyone, and most especially by someone who claims to love him."
"Oh no!" Jasper had terror in his eyes. The simple and innocent act of speaking with Seth, his own friend, was what had caused James to react with such rage that Jasper feared being beaten to death. Only the fact that James was out of town and Emmett was strong enough to carry him, and Seth and Edward were also there to watch over him, had saved his life. "James will know. He always does. I'm sure he's having Krister watched just like he had me watched. What that poor boy must have gone through after that conversation."
"It happened right in front of James so he couldn't do a thing," Garrett spoke up. "Seth cleverly used Lady Van Cleft's influence to his advantage," he smiled at the man he loved and praised.
"I don't know who that is," Jasper confessed.
"Suffice it to say she is a very wealthy, elderly lady at the pinnacle of Seattle society," Garrett explained. "She's one of my clients and she likes to surround herself with gay men to demonstrate her liberalism. She dotes on James and Krister just as she does on me and Seth."
"She wants us all to be friends," Seth added. "As if! I only wish we could tell her what a sick fuck James is."
"Dane was there photographing the event," Garrett continued.
"Dane is the staff photographer at SGN and he photographed our wedding. He'll be at the party Saturday," Seth stated.
"And Seth had Dane organize photos of the museum trustees," Garrett picked back up. "This was at a museum event and James was maneuvered onto the board by Lady Van Cleft, who is on the board herself."
"James didn't have a choice. He was forced to participate and watch while I was left alone with Krister to talk about bottom boi stuff," Seth finished.
"Like how to get help and get away from the bastard that's beating him," Emmett added.
"Seth planted the seeds, but Krister has to want our help," Edward rubbed Jasper's shoulder. "If we do anything before he is ready, it could make James' hold over him even stronger."
"Okay," Jasper nodded. "Okay," he picked up and drained his wine glass again. "Oh. Should we get another bottle?"
"I'm driving, so I'm done," Edward answered.
"I might try some of the red. Do you mind, Garrett?" Jasper reached for the bottle.
"Not at all. That's what it's here for," Garrett smiled.
Jasper took small, but rapid sips of the pinot noir as he watched James and Krister again. "Does he not go to the university at all anymore? Is he a total prisoner?" Jasper asked. He well remembered how bad it was when James made that decision for him.
"He goes to class," Seth provided the answer. "He is escorted there and back and watched the whole time. I have eyes and ears too."
"I'm sure the thinly veiled excuse is that James is paying for his education," Garrett stated.
"We could pay for it," Jasper pointed out.
"But what would that solve?" Garrett posited. "Let's assume for a moment we could get Krister away from him by financing his needs. What of the next boy, and the next?"
"They're not together because of his money," Seth spoke astutely and slowly shook his head.
"This requires a more complex and permanent solution," Garrett turned to look at James again himself and chose not to elaborate on what he meant by that.
"Okay, okay," Jasper held up his hands. "I do not want this to ruin our evening. Let's talk about something pleasant, can we? Tell me more about the Halloween party. Who all is coming?"
"Gar's older brother Justin and his wife Melinda," Seth began. "Malynn, that's what I call her, is super nice and Justin is great fun, and just the best straight guy you'll ever meet. Our friend Dane will be there, like I said, with his boyfriend Tony. Dane's our photographer and Tony is our DJ. They met at our wedding and fell in love at Emmy and Nasir's."
"That story sounds a little familiar," Jasper shared a smile with Edward for the first time since they spotted James.
"I do beautiful things at weddings. It's true," Seth took all the credit. "Dane's a cute little guy, like me, and Tony is an Italian version of Emmy. You know Maggie and Rosalie. My sister and her detective McHottie fiancé will be there."
"That's right," Jasper drained his wine glass yet again. "Edward told me your sister got engaged. I look forward to meeting him."
"Yeah, another straight guy in the family to play with," Seth summed up the situation.
"Is there any of the riesling left, Em?" Jasper asked. In answer, Emmett reached to pour Jasper a glass. Edward caught Emmett's eye as he did so and Emmett saw Edward's concern for how much Jasper was drinking. Emmett gave an almost imperceptible shrug as he placed the now empty bottle upside down in it's bucket. Emmett tried to convey without words, that if Jasper wanted an extra drink or two to calm his nerves, it was no big deal. Jasper wasn't driving.
"Well," Jasper sat back in his chair. "Oh, this is good," he appraised the Kabinett. "What a week it's been already. And I've loved every minute of it," Jasper took and held Edward's hand again, "from the moment Edward pulled up in his NPS truck, in his uniform," he smiled at that recent memory, "and I could see for myself that he wasn't hurt. And then to see his mountain and the way the locals around the park idolize him. I've been so proud to be by your side, Edward. I love your house and Remmy. I love Roger. I love Maggie and Rosalie and Liam and Owen. I love your mom. I especially love these guys. Not even that particularly odious piece of shit down there can ruin this trip, this week, or even this dinner for me. I want him to see us. I want him to see me hold your hand. I want him to see that despite his best efforts he didn't break me, and he didn't destroy us. He may have derailed everything for a while, but we're back on track now and he can't do anything to get in our way anymore."
"Damn right! I will never let anything or anyone get between us again; not James, not my father or my sister or even me," Edward held Jasper's hand in both of his. "I don't have the words to describe how wonderful it's been being with you this week."
"You know how badly I wish it didn't have to end," Jasper gave a small smile.
"A lifetime would not be long enough," Edward agreed.
"That's how we feel!" Seth reached for Garrett.
"It absolutely is," Garrett gave his husband a deeply loving smile.
"I want to hold Nasi so bad right now," Emmett hung his head.
"Tomorrow, Emmy. We'll all hold him tomorrow," Seth patted Emmett's solid thigh.
"How are we doing, boys? Can I tempt you with some dessert?" their waitress returned.
"I couldn't eat another thing," Seth shook his head.
"We're good," Garrett handed over his black metal credit card. "Thank you."
"I'll be right back," she smiled.
"Everything was really delicious," Jasper praised. "Great idea, Seth, and thank you, guys."
"Yeah, thank you," Emmett rubbed Seth's back.
"It's our pleasure," Garrett smiled. "We don't see you out in the provinces as often as we would like."
"I know." Jasper nodded and tightened his grip on Edward's hand. "But hopefully that will change soon. I've made inquiries about jobs in Seattle," he revealed.
"Ooh!" Seth bounced in his chair. "I knew this would happen. I have many contacts in the local media. We'll find you a great spot. And if we can't, we'll make one. Seattle Gay News has been thinking about producing a local cable access show. You could work on that!"
Jasper tried not to grimace. He would sacrifice anything to be with Edward, of course, but a move from working at the New York headquarters of a major network to Seattle cable access would be quite a demotion. "Thanks, Seth, but I'd like to stay with the networks. I'm sure something will open up."
"I have contacts at all the major stations too," Seth stated. He knew the state of the local market and doubted anything would open up, but this was no time to be realistic. "I'll put my ear to the ground and see what I can find," he assured.
"Thanks, Seth," Edward said gratefully.
"What have you planned for tomorrow?" Garrett enquired as two bussers quickly cleared their table.
"I don't know. Edward's done all the planning and I'm just along for the ride," Jasper stated. "I'd be happy if we stayed in bed all day fuckin'. I gotta get my fill of that amazing cock before I have to go back to New York!"
One of the busboys smirked while the other gasped in shock. Seth giggled delightedly when several nearby diners looked in their direction with wide eyes.
"I think we will stay in tomorrow. It's been a busy week and we could use a day by ourselves just to chill," Edward attempted to be subtle.
"My ass and throat will be nice and relaxed for you, babe, but I don't like the wind down part. I'd prefer to wind you up instead," Jasper jumped in unabashed.
"Whatever you want, Jas. I'm yours," Edward said simply.
"I want...," Jasper began, but was quickly interrupted.
"Let's talk about that on the way back to the house," Edward cut in.
"Oh," Jasper's head felt fuzzy and he didn't really understand why Edward might not want to broadcast his sexual prowess publicly. As he thought about it, though, he realized that such a broadcast would not really be in his interest. He'd seen the looks some men in this restaurant were sending Edward's way. The last thing he needed was to make Edward sound even more desirable than he looked. "Oh! Okay. You're right. I don't want everyone in Seattle how fantastic you are in bed. Not while I'm not here yet to protect my turf!"
Everyone around the table smiled as though he'd said something funny. Jasper didn't get the joke, but he felt amiable and smiled back. "What are you guys doing tomorrow?" he asked.
"Nasi," Emmett gave a nod.
"I'll bet!" Jasper laughed delightedly.
"I have a conference call at six, unfortunately," Garrett revealed.
"You don't mean six in the morning," Jasper frowned.
"Cincinnati doesn't care what time it is in the provinces," Garrett gave a sigh.
"Lucky you don't run the Hong Kong branch," Jasper jested.
"Oh!" Garrett laughed. "My bank isn't that big."
"If you want, Honey, I can get up and bring you coffee. Like I did last time," Seth rubbed his husband's thigh.
"The last time you did that, the Chief Investment Officer of the bank asked my thoughts and I think I told him we should paint monkeys on the clouds," Garrett was calm and dry.
"Let me guess what he was doing!" Edward laughed.
"You don't have to guess," Seth stated.
"Here we are," the waitress placed the little leather book and a pen in front of Garrett. "Thank you, boys. Have a pleasant rest of your evening."
"We shall. Thank you," Garrett signed the receipt with a generous tip and placed his card back in his wallet. "Shall we?"
"Let's go," Emmett was the first to rise from the table.
Edward stayed very close to Jasper's side as they walked to the curving staircase. Jasper had insisted repeatedly that he was fine, but Edward wasn't sure how true that was. And it was harder to tell given how much wine Jasper drank. It was, in fact, the most Edward had ever seen him drink. Jasper seemed fairly steady on his feet, but still Edward descended the stairs at Jasper's side, one hand on Jasper's back, prepared to grab him quickly should he start to fall. Thankfully, that was not necessary as they reached the bottom of the stairs without incident.
Jasper immediately took Edward's hand and grasped it tightly. They were now directly in James' line of sight. He had but to glance to the left and he would see them.
And he did. Emotions James would rather not have revealed played out across his face entirely unnoticed by his dining companions. He was enraged at seeing the face of the man he considered Public Enemy Number One, here in this nice restaurant in the heart of the city of all places. The nauseating Dudley Do-Right's fucking face was all over the news every fucking day. Did he have to run into him in person as well?
That thought was immediately followed by a flash of fear as he caught sight of the intense and intimidating scowl on the face of Public Enemy Number One's big and powerful henchman. The memory of the impact of that man's fist would never leave him.
James was envious of the fact that his investment banker, a talented man with whom he very much desired a close business relationship, was deeply ensconced within the enemy camp.
And then his utter surprise at seeing Jasper, the golden angel who got away. James felt need flood his entire body. His cock twitched with desire for Jasper's body, his mouth and his ass. He longed to bury himself in that perfect ass one more time. He longed to pound his fists into Jasper's face and torso while he fucked him. Such a thing would give him enormous satisfaction. And when Jasper had been beaten unconscious, he would put his hands around Jasper's neck and fuck him until he was dead. He wouldn't let go until he came inside him. Just like he had done with that extremely pliant and subservient boy in China.
Then James saw the clasped hands between Jasper and Edward. They were together after all. That's why Jasper was here. That anyone would chose a park ranger over a far more attractive and successful businessman like him was insanity. It defied all reason.
It was the smirk that crossed James' face that set Jasper off. Whether his courage and fortitude were bolstered by the presence of Emmett, Seth and especially Edward, or the alcohol in his system, or all of the above, Jasper would never know, but suddenly he was consumed with the need to rail in this man's fucking face. His very soul needed to shout in the face of the monster who was solely responsible for causing him to waste years of his life, instead of being with the man he had always loved.
Edward watched Jasper's face transform from a look of trepidation, to contempt, to anger. Again, as if it were in slow motion, he watched Jasper's body move forward, toward James, as he took that first step. Then, in a flash, his arms were around Jasper.
"No, Jas," Edward urged.
"Edward, let me go!" Jasper struggled with the arms that held him. "I need to..."
"No you don't," Emmett placed his body between Jasper and his quarry. "He's not worth it. C'mon, Sugar, time to go," he placed his hands gently on Jasper's shoulders to urge him to comply. Jasper stopped struggling. He might try to resist Edward, but there was no way to get around Emmett, and especially not both of them. He turned to walk out of the restaurant behind Seth and Garrett. Edward kept his arm around Jasper and Emmett followed them closely.
"Who was that?" Krister asked innocently. He had followed James' gaze and saw an angry looking man appear to want to approach them, but had been stopped and herded out of the restaurant by others. Then realization dawned on Krister. The kind little Native American man was among them. The man who had told him things he could never reveal to James. Seth was his name. And Seth had said that he had a dear friend who had once been with James. A man that he said James had abused. Seth certainly seemed to know intimate details of his own injuries. And now here was a man, who was very clearly James' type, and who was also very clearly, very angry and wanted to get to James.
The innocent question had been a simple expression of Krister's natural curiosity. When James did not answer, he turned to look at James and the look on his lover's face made him gasp in fear. He knew that look. He knew he should never have spoken. Asking James his business was dangerous. He had learned this lesson before, many times, and always the hard way. His ribs hurt so badly it often took his breath away just to move, and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that James would pound on him there just as soon as they got home. He shouldn't have spoken. He knew better. He deserved every blow he would get for being so stupid, but that didn't make it hurt any less. Perhaps this would be one of the nights James would not hit him quite as hard, or for as long, if he begged enough. The look on James' face made him doubt it, but he had to try. Krister tried not to visibly shake with fear, but he couldn't help it.
James made sure to convey with just his expression how dissatisfied he was with Krister's questioning of him. This admittedly beautiful boy could be so irritating and so stupid, it made him want to pound Krister through the floor. Though, tonight he was almost glad Krister had fucked up. After seeing Public Enemy Number One and his henchmen with the one who got away, James needed to blow off some steam.
Out on the sidewalk, Emmett took charge.
"Where are you guys parked? We'll walk you to your car," Emmett offered.
"I'm okay, you guys," Jasper held up his hands.
"Would you boys like to join us in the penthouse?" Garrett offered. "It's just a few blocks. That way you don't have to drive all the way back to Covington tonight. You can take your pick of our guest rooms."
"We can do breakfast," Seth added optimistically.
"No," Jasper shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, it's very kind, but I just want to go home. Edward, please take me home," Jasper squeezed Edward's hand.
It made Edward's spirits soar to hear Jasper refer to his house as theirs, as home.
"Of course I will, Jas. Home it is. My man's decided," Edward gave a smile. "Thanks anyway, guys."
"We'll still walk you to your car," Emmett stated. "Which way?"
"We're at the parking garage at 520 Park Tower," Edward said. Although he couldn't have anticipated running into James and Jasper's resulting heavy drinking, which now made him unsteady on his feet, he nevertheless regretted his decision not to drive and park closer to the restaurant at the end of their shopping trip. This was a safe neighborhood and he didn't anticipate any trouble, but the New York attack on Jasper's friends was still fresh in his mind. If trouble found them, Jasper wouldn't even be able to run, much less fight, and Edward couldn't be sure he alone would be able to protect them both. "Did you guys park closer? Could you maybe give us a lift?"
"It wasn't far to walk," Jasper protested, but his voice was slurred and he wavered unsteadily on his feet even with Edward's support.
"Sure, my car's just down here," Emmett pointed.
Seth got in the back seat of the Range Rover Sport with Edward and Jasper while Garrett sat in the front with Emmett. It was late enough in the evening that traffic didn't pose much of a problem as they navigated the grid of one-way streets until they were in the garage next to Edward's car. All five men got out to say their goodbyes.
"Okay, you guys. Give us a hug," Emmett bid with open arms. He had a full bodied bear hug ready for both of them. Garrett hugged Edward and Jasper as well, and Seth deliberately went last.
"Don't let him ruin your night," Seth held Jasper tightly.
"I won't," Jasper assured.
"Edward," Seth let go of Jasper and wrapped his arms around Edward. "Take care of him," he spoke softly.
"You know I will," Edward rubbed Seth's back and then let him go to walk around the car. Jasper got in and fastened his seatbelt.
"Alright. Safe drive home," Emmett bid and shut Jasper's door. They remained standing in the garage as Edward pulled out and drove towards the exit with one last wave.
"Now I know why we don't go to that restaurant," Seth commented.
"I think Jas wanted to tear that fuck's head off," Emmett said. "I've never seen him like that."
"No good would have come of that," Garrett shook his head.
"Jasper blames James for making him afraid of Edward and running, and being apart from him all these years," Seth astutely assessed. "They wouldn't be the men they are if they hadn't been though."
"I'm sure that's true," Emmett agreed.
"I wish I'd had the pleasure of knowing them in college," Garrett mused. "And I especially wish I'd known you," he pulled Seth to his side.
"Would we have been freshmen when you were a senior?" Seth worked out the age difference. "Honey, what would you want with an innocent Native American college freshman, from the buttcrack of civilization, who knew nothing of the world, with a big dick and a twitching hole just aching to be filled?"
"I would have shown him how seniors from the City of Brotherly Love swallow big Native American dicks and shoved my tongue up that sweet, twitching hole, before I filled it with something more," Garrett answered.
"Yeah, you know," Emmett quipped. "Like he does now."
"I'm sure I don't know what either of you mean. You're going to have to show me," Seth stated.
"I'm not sticking my tongue up your ass," Emmett refused.
"Not you!" Seth wapped the bigger man on his arm.
"I would be delighted to demonstrate," Garrett offered.
"It's five blocks home. You guys think you can keep 'em in your pants that long?" Emmett asked as he retook the wheel.
"We're about to find out," Garrett reached for the handle of the back door. Seth had ridden to dinner in the front seat with Emmett. Emmett couldn't help but notice that Seth was not getting into the front seat now.