"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Richard asked as he climbed into the truck and looked at the backseat, where Sumo and Connor were bundled in together. He was a little nervous about the idea of driving with two unsecured beasts loose in the backseat, but Hank wasn't bothered at all. Judging by the way the dogs soon settled in together, panting happily and staring out the windows, it wasn't new to them either.
"Don't worry, they'll be fine." Hank was soon pulling out of his yard and on to the dirt road that would take them to the village. True to his word, Connor and Sumo stayed put on the backseat and didn't even get up to paw and bark at the windows. The back of the truck was like a second home to them, the moving scenery a welcome and familiar sight. After a few tense minutes, Richard decided it wasn't actually that bad. Connor and Sumo showed no sign of moving to clamber between the seats and maul him, so he sat back and took to looking out the window. Hank drove the familiar winding road to the pub and parked out front.
Letting the dogs out, unleashed, Hank had absolute confidence in Connor and Sumo to stay at his side. Since the weather was still hot and the sun still low in the sky, they sat outside. Rose always let well-behaved dogs inside, but Hank didn't want to push his luck with the two of them. They were both big, and it was a nice evening, so Sumo and Connor would probably prefer it outside anyway. At first, Richard thought they might sit at one of the benches out front, but Hank beckoned him and led the way into a huge rear garden. There was a long lawn with benches scattered across it, many of them with people already seated, and an old disused play set stood at the far end.
"We'll sit at a table near the end. Connor and Sumo can run around there without disturbing anyone else." That was true. There was a large open space between the last bench and the abandoned play set, more than enough room for the two large dogs to frolic. Hank led the way with a whistle, which sent Connor zipping off towards the play set with Sumo lumbering after him. Hank greeted people as they passed, and Richard nodded and murmured a polite hello as well. Being the newer resident, he still wasn't at home with everyone yet as he fumbled through the greetings. At the last bench, Hank waved Richard to sit and pulled out his wallet, ready to head inside.
"Wait a minute! You're just leaving me out here?" Hank chuckled at the nerves in Richard's voice as his dark eyes glanced over at Connor and Sumo, who were happily frolicking on the grass together. Laying a hand on his shoulder, Hank gave it a light squeeze.
"You'll be fine; they probably won't even notice I'm gone. Besides, you did great today!" Richard wasn't sure if not screaming when Connor had planted his paws on his shoulders and bowled him over counted as great, but he couldn't deny it had happened. Hank, of course, had thought it hilarious, though he'd quickly shooed Connor away and lifted him to his feet in apology. Looking at the dogs, Richard thought Hank was probably right. Connor and Sumo were happily running circles around each other in the sun, oblivious to their human companions.
"You want an elderflower cider? Rose probably has some left." Richard felt his cheeks heat at the question and looked up to find Hank smirking at him. He remembered with perfect clarity what happened the last time he bought him cider. Licking his lips, Richard nodded. He'd just have to show a little self control. They had the dogs with them this time anyway. It wasn't like he was about to suck Hank's dick with them in the car. "Attaboy. I'll order us something to eat, too." Richard trusted Hank's food choices, so he let him go unquestioned. He hadn't had a poor meal at the pub yet.
"O-oh…" Richard balked as he turned back to find the dogs staring at him, their ears and tails drooping. It seemed they'd noticed Hank's disappearance and wanted answers as they padded over. Sumo remained on the other side of the bench, but Connor circled around to stand right beside Richard, his ears low and twitching as he looked up with big, brown eyes. "Um…Don't worry, he'll be back soon." This seemed to appease Connor a little as his tail slowly wagged from side to side, but he didn't back off. Licking his nose, the collie slowly edged forward until he could rest his chin on Richard's thigh, dark eyes still staring up. It was almost like he was trying to trap him to ensure his secondary human didn't disappear as well. Sumo, being older, seemed a lot more confident in Hank's likelihood of returning. He settled on the grass on the opposite side of the bench and closed his eyes. "Good boy…" Despite the awkwardness in his voice, Connor's tail wagged faster at the grumbled praise.
Unsure what he should do, and seeing no avenue of escape, Richard set his hand on Connor's head. He didn't even need to move it and Connor's tail was swishing. His fur was a little hot where he'd been out in the sun as the darker hair trapped the heat. A little more confident after a few hours in his company, Richard slowly moved his hand back and forth, patting the silken fur with steady strokes. A small whine rumbled in Connor's throat as if asking for reassurance, making Richard glance at the distant door.
"Soon-soon!" He was sure Hank would be out within a few minutes. It wouldn't take long for him to order, and knowing his feelings about dogs, he probably wouldn't tarry. He was proven right a few moments later as Hank appeared carrying two drinks. One was in a traditional pint glass; the other, a longer, slimmer glass. It was still a pint, just a different styled glass. It was really no surprise when the slimmer glass was placed in front of Richard.
"Look at you two, you're friends already!" Connor panted and barked happily as he drew back to paw at Hank. It was almost like he was telling him off for leaving him alone. Sumo barely raised his head as Hank took a seat on his side of the bench, facing Richard. Chuckling, Hank patted Connor's head and had him settle down alongside the table. This put him in the way of anyone wanting to get by, but there were no tables past where they sat, so it didn't matter anyway. "Are you still scared of him?" There was something hopeful in Hank's voice as he asked the question.
"Not exactly…" He wasn't terrified anymore, but he wasn't about to go leaping Hank's fence without him being there. Sumo was alright. The old, lumbering dog never showed any interest in pouncing or chasing him, but Connor was so young and full of energy that Richard could well imagine him getting a little too excited and giving him a nip. He laced his fingers on the table at the thought, keeping them safely out of reach. "I mean, he's not terrible." Hank snorted at that, almost choking on his beer.
"You hear that, Con? Officially not terrible!" Connor raised his head, panting happily as Hank chuckled and ruffled his floppy ears. Richard felt his cheeks heat at that. I suppose that does sound a little mean…It really wasn't Connor's fault that he was a dog, and as dogs went, he was a fine specimen. He was friendly, obedient, and well-behaved. The only downside was that he was high energy and a little over excitable at times. Richard balked as something touched his leg beneath the table, only to realise seconds later that it was Hank's foot. Hank's eyes softened as he leaned his chin on one hand and watched him. Richard nudged his foot a little closer beneath the table so their calves touched and did his best to quash the flutters in his stomach. "It's good you're getting used to the boys…"
"Oh? Why's that?" Richard swallowed nervously, feeling a little exposed under Hank's warm, almost knowing, gaze.
"Because it'll be nice to have you over at my place for a change." Richard's house was nice and all, but it wasn't home. Compared to his own house, it was actually quite cold. Not temperature wise, but how it felt. Richard's house was decked out in dark woods and antiques. There were old paintings on the walls and sculptures and vases dotted around the rooms and halls. Everything was spotless, which wasn't a bad thing, but it made the place feel unlived in. Richard wasn't the type to leave things lying around. Everything was put in its proper place. It was like a hunting lodge one might lease for the season. Hank's home, on the other hand, was much more inviting.
There were worn carpets in the halls, and the walls were faded off-white with old family pictures cluttering various surfaces. There was a little dirt and grime from boots and muddy paws, a homely fireplace with two large dog beds in front of the sofa and chairs, and his kitchen was cluttered and crummy. He cleaned, of course; he didn't want mice inside, but it was filthy compared to Richard's. His bedroom was also very different. The bed was older, with a solid metal frame that had gone through at least three generations, though the mattress had been changed regularly. That was one of the first things to go when his wife died. It was old already, and sleeping in the same bed without her was painful. He didn't even want to think about his son's room. He rarely set foot in there at all. Things were almost exactly as they were before. A time capsule to better times. That was probably something he should sort out soon.
"Your place?" It seemed the thought hadn't even crossed Richard's mind. Being so scared of dogs, it had always been quite out of the question that he might set foot in Hank's house. Now he was getting used to them, it might not be so bad. Though Connor had been excited when he first interacted with him, he'd settled down over the past few hours. Richard was no longer new and exciting, so he was less prone to jumping up at him. He also seemed to understand that Richard was easily spooked, so if he wanted to keep his new friend, he needed to approach him with caution.
There was a brief interruption as Rose dropped off their food. She'd made a light chicken and mushroom pie with a puff pastry lid served with new potatoes and green vegetables. It went down a treat with the elderflower cider, and Hank ended up ordering a second round of drinks with dessert. Dessert that day was a freshly baked lemon tart with a thick curd filling and lime zest sprinkled over the top. It was so full of flavour that Richard's glands ached from the mixture of sweet and sour. When they finally finished eating, there was still a little sun on the distant horizon across the fields, so Hank ordered a third round of drinks. He smirked as he pushed a full glass towards Richard, who already looked a little dozy as he leaned his chin on his hand and gazed at the distant treeline.
"It's a nice view, right?" Hank said as he joined him, looking over his shoulder at the growing pink and gold streaking the horizon. The sun was low, and rapidly falling out of sight as they watched. Richard maintained his lazy expression as he watched with lidded eyes. For a while, Hank thought he might have fallen asleep, though he could still see a trace of chestnut and his fingers were still nursing the cold glass.
"Mm…pretty…" He certainly sounded like he was nodding off. Hank huffed fondly and reached across to tousle his dark hair. Richard roused himself enough to grumble and fix the ruffled locks before returning to his former place. It was nice, watching the evening creeping in. The gold and pink darkened, slowly stretching out before giving way to a darker shade of blue with the first pricks of twinkling stars. Connor, bored with sitting by the bench, padded away to nose the grass on the edge of the play area, soon followed by Sumo. Hank wasn't sure if it was for company or to keep an eye on the younger dog, but Sumo was soon plodding along at Connor's side, and Connor enticed him into a small wrestling match. "Thanks…" Hank looked up in surprise to find Richard looking at him.
"For what?"
"Everything…You've been helping around the house, helping with Nines and the coop, taking me out and introducing me to people…" Hank softened a little. Most of those were things any decent neighbour would do, and it would be a lie to say he didn't get anything in return. He didn't expect anything, of course, but sleeping with Richard was certainly a perk. With no one else close enough to see, Hank reached across the table and took one of Richard's hands. It wasn't until he held it that he realised just how much smaller it was. He really was quite delicate.
"You don't have to thank me for things like that! It's the least I can do…We are dating, after all!" Richard's dark eyes widened at that, his cheeks dusting pink in the growing darkness. Hank tilted his head, surprised that Richard was surprised. "Right?" Richard nodded quickly, gripping Hank's hand as something warm bubbled in his stomach.
"R-right, of course we're dating!" Richard felt a lot better now that Hank had confirmed it. He couldn't help feeling somewhat special. Hank had chosen him. He didn't have to say they were dating. He could have just left it ambiguous in case he got bored later and changed his mind. Actually having it confirmed made it official. Richard looked down at their joined hands, his stomach fluttering as Hank's thumb teased the back of his hand. Hank was still marvelling at how delicate his fingers were, and how soft the skin on the back of his hand was. There was a little roughness across his joints where he gripped the reins with his fingers, but aside from that, his skin was soft.
"And since we're dating, you won't mind coming back to my place, right?" Richard thought he might have a heart attack. Go back to Hank's place? With the dogs? Looking over Hank's shoulder, he could still see Connor and Sumo nipping and pawing each other and rolling around on the grass. Connor still had a lot of energy to burn, but Sumo was flagging already. Glancing over his shoulder, Hank squeezed Richard's hand in reassurance. "Don't worry. They generally stay downstairs." That helped a little. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, seeing Hank's house. He could always go back to his place if it turned out to be too much.
With Richard's agreement, they finished their drinks and Hank led the way back through the pub. Connor and Sumo followed at his whistle, panting and wagging their tails as Hank stopped at the bar to return their glasses. Since he'd been drinking, Hank decided to leave the truck and walk back. It wasn't far, and the extra walk would burn off the rest of Connor's energy. He didn't even need to keep an eye on the dogs as they went. They knew the way home and happily darted off through the trees ahead. Hank kept his pace slow, one arm looped securely around Richard's waist as he stumbled along beside him.
"Henry…" They'd barely hopped the fence into the nearest field when Richard stopped him. His dark eyes were lidded as he reached up to rest his hands on his shoulders. Hank gripped his waist to steady him and leaned down, accepting the needy kisses on his lips as Richard nudged closer. Hank hummed in satisfaction, barely waiting for an instant to rub and tease Richard's hard cock through his jeans. He smirked as he drew back, unsurprised as Richard bucked against his hand.
"Something wrong, Richie?" Richard whined softly. Hank knew exactly what was wrong! It was the same as the last time he'd drunk Rose's cider. It was bad enough last time with only one, but he'd drunk three over dinner. Maybe I should have stopped at one…Hank didn't stop him as he pulled him down. He went along with it, leaning down and kissing him until his lips were pink from the rub of his whiskers. "You want something, honey?" Richard nodded, panting against his lips as his hands slid down to grip his belt. Hank smirked as he felt the tug, leaving a few smaller kisses on Richard's lips before straightening up and jutting his hips forward. "Go on then, attaboy."
Richard didn't even wait before dropping to his knees, lips already working the rough denim of Hank's jeans. His own cock was solid, uncomfortably snug in the tight material of his pants. That wasn't his immediate concern though. A large hand laced in his hair, making his dark eyes flutter as he looked up. Hank really was a beast of a man, almost twice his size. He didn't stop him as he pulled his belt and rucked his jeans to his knees. Richard cursed under his breath as he buried his face in Hank's thighs, working his lips over the cotton swaddled bulge. Hank's cock wasn't quite hard yet, though feeling the hot breath on his crotch was certainly getting him there.
"Fuck, you're thirsty tonight." Richard openly moaned as Hank tugged the waistline of his boxers low enough to release his cock. It knocked Richard's cheek as it swung free, and he wasted no time in opening his mouth to lick the heavy shaft. Hank chuckled as he watched. It was almost like he was playing a game. His mouth hung open, tongue chasing his cock as it swayed, hands gripping his large thighs. "Come on now, honey, here you are." Hank gripped his cock and pumped slowly, holding Richard just close enough for his tongue to lick the dripping tip.
Despite the grip in his hair, Richard tried to nudge closer. His own cock twitched in his pants, making him squirm as Hank denied him. A moan rumbled in his throat as Hank slapped his cheek with his cock, just letting his tongue graze the side before holding it out of reach again. Hank chuckled, cursing under his breath as Richard let him slap his cheek again. Fuck, it was debauched how he moaned with each hard tap, leaving the sticky smears on his cheek.
"That's it. Fuck, Richie, open up." Richard's mouth was already open, tongue lolling to lick the underside of Hank's cock as it slipped between his lips. He moaned around it, letting Hank's hand lead him. He didn't care that his throat wasn't stretched yet, or that his jaw started aching within the first three thrusts. All that mattered was the cock stretching his jaw, the tip barely grazing the roof of his mouth as he rocked backwards and forwards. "Attaboy." The encouragement made him moan, one hand leaving Hank's thighs to grip his cock instead. He worked his hand with his lips, letting Hank guide him back and forth.
Richard closed his eyes, focusing on the tugs on his scalp and tightening the hand on Hank's cock. The taste of skin and salt filled his senses, making his mouth water. It was almost like Hank felt the slickness increase as he snapped his hips and hit the back of his throat. Richard almost choked around him, parting his own thighs and shuffling closer on the dewy earth. The scent of soil and grass reached his nose, alongside the musky scent of Hank's sticky skin. He didn't even care that his own knees were getting wet, or that his shirt was sticking. All that mattered was sucking the cock in his mouth until he got his reward.
"Fuck, open your eyes Richie. Look at me!" Richard did as he was told and opened his dark eyes, letting Hank see how hungry he was as he squirmed and sucked. Hank's mouth was open, skin flushed and glowing in the starlight. It wasn't that late, so the sky wasn't completely dark, even without the glittering stars. "Fuck, that's it…That's it." Richard shuddered as something nestled between his thighs, and it didn't take him long to realise it was Hank's foot. He rocked greedily, rubbing his cock against his shin. Hank smirked as he pushed closer, enjoying the sight of Richard humping his leg. Of course, he wouldn't let him overdo it. "Drink it down, Richie, you hear me?" Richard whined around his cock and pulled back to the tip as he spilled.
Hank didn't think he'd ever tire of seeing Richard sucking his cock, especially with the way his eyes fluttered when he swallowed. His hand pumped greedily, lips sucking until there was nothing left and his tongue got to work licking him clean. As soon as he was clean, before Richard could finish, Hank pulled him off and dragged him to his feet. He chuckled as Richard rocked against him in a futile effort to finish.
"Nu-uh-uh, Richie. I don't want you to finish until you're spread on my bed and I'm balls deep in your ass…Would you like that?" Richard whined, the sound something between an encouragement and despair. He'd been so close, happily squirming on the leather of Hank's boot, and now he was hard, frustrated, and wanting. Hank chuckled, appeasing Richard with a few more gentle kisses before wrapping his arm around his waist and guiding him across the fields that would take them home.