Category: Flash Fic Friday

The cold rain beat down steadily. Not a downpour, but an unrelenting flow. He was drenched through his clothes, his skin chilled, and his dark hair plastered to his forehead. And still he stood. Unceasing in his vigil. He would not be moved. He would not leave this spot. He could not. He’d made a promise and it was one he would not break.

“Come inside,” his sister coaxed, worry in her deep brown eyes. But he just shook his head, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

“You’ll catch your death,” his mother scolded, the frown etched in lines around her tight mouth. But he did not care if he did, for this was worth it.

“Stop this foolishness,” his father implored, anger and concern in the bass rumble of a voice. But he did not dignify that with a response, because he knew better.

All day he stood. Waiting. Watching. He was scared. He was worried. But he remained at his post as he said he would be. And as the hours passed and the rain continued to fall, he began to fear something terrible had happened. But he did not give up hope. He had faith in the one who had given him the words, and he knew the depth at which he’d returned the promise.

By late morning on the sixth day, I will return. Wait for me. For yours is the first face I wish to see.

He had said he would, and though the sun was now sinking, still he stood. Because he had promised that he would be there and he was determined to do so.

And then, his heart leapt as a lone figure crested the hill. Even from the distance, he could tell the traveler was weary. Perhaps hurting. But the figure paused, looked in his direction, and then quickened pace. His heart in his throat, he couldn’t help running and they met half way.

The first time he laid eyes on the man before him, he knew he’d lost his heart. And now having him once again in his arms, all was right with his world.

“I apologize for the delay.” The words were mumbled into the skin of his neck, and he couldn’t help the small smile. “Thank you for waiting for me.”

He pulled back, and then kissed his love with all his heart, putting into it all the longing and love that he felt. When he pulled back, they were both smiling. “Always.”

**Here’s another installment of Sean and Hunter’s story! You can find the buy links for Love at Roades End in the books page at the top. Enjoy!**

The couple checking in were two of my frequent flyer guests. Ever since the first time they’d stayed in the Red Room six months ago, they’d been back every six to eight weeks. They usually only booked for one night, but this time it was two. I loved seeing them show up because they were clearly so in love. They had an air about them, a familiarity, which spoke of a deep and long lasting relationship. I didn’t know how long they’d been together, but I would have placed my money on years. Probably from a young age. Seeing Travis and Noah return yet again made my heart happy.

I didn’t bother to show them to their room, just checked them in and handed over the key. Noah took it with a grateful smile while Travis tucked his credit card back in his wallet. Then they picked up their bags and headed up the stairs toward their room.

I was still gazing after them, with that contented feeling in the pit of my stomach, when suddenly Sean was filling my field of vision. His sudden appearance made me startle, and I started laughing before I caught sight of his face. When I did, the laugh died off. He was upset.

“Sean?” I asked tentatively. I glanced around, and saw there was no one lingering nearby. I knew all the guests who had pre-booked rooms were checked in. I stepped around the chest high desk, took his hand, and tugged him over to the wing back chairs in front of the window. “What’s wrong?”

“I saw the way you were looking at them.”

I blinked. Wait. This was about jealousy? Sean was jealous? How was that even possible? He knew he was my dream man. His looks, his personality, everything about him worked for me. How could he think I’d want anyone else? More than that, how could he think so little of me to think I’d stray?

“I wasn’t ‘looking’ at them,” I bristled. I didn’t even try to keep the irritation and hurt from my tone.

“No?” he asked, a bit of incredulity creeping in. He looked me right in the eye. “I saw the smiles and the staring and the…” he flailed about. “Swooning!”

I scowled. “I wasn’t swooning. I was admiring their love and their relationship.” I stood fast. “I can’t believe you would think I was…swooning!”

“Can you not say that word anymore?” he winced. I’d crossed the room and was behind the desk again. Sean got up and came closer. But I zeroed in my attention on my work and refused to look at him. How dare he?

“Come on, babe,” he pleaded, dropping his voice and leaning on the counter. “I’m sorry. It’s just that, they’re your type and I worried—”

“They are not my type!” I was indignant and my voice got loud. I cleared my throat, and I could feel myself turning red. I lowered my voice but I didn’t back down. “How can you even think that? You trust me so little?”

“No!” The denial came fast, and the sincerity in his eyes went a long way to soothing my irritation. “Hunter, I just…. The way you looked at them, and if you put them together and they are exactly your type. So I sat there, watching you watch them, and wondered if, you know, fantasy and all…”

He let that sentence peter out to nothing and I thought it was good he hadn’t said it out loud. I was pissed, but I could understand where he was coming from. At least in the abstract. We hadn’t had much interaction with other couples, other men. Our relationship, though solid, had thus far been played out in front of our family and friends, or in the confines of the Inn. I took a deep breath and tried not to let things get carried away.

“That’s ridiculous and don’t ever think it again” I snapped. Then sighed. So much for cool and collected. I was better than this. So I took deep breath, let it out slowly, and tried again. “I love you. I’m committed to you. And I have no intention of even thinking about someone else. All right?”

Sean took a second, then breathed out and looked at me with utter relief in his eyes. “Yes. Sorry. I let my imagination get the better of me. I love you.”

The way he always said it, like those were his favorite words, made my heart soften and he was easily forgiven. The kiss he gave me, when I allowed, felt like a physical manifestation of that love. So much feeling was packed into that joining of lips that I nearly melted right then and there. Sean wasn’t prone to jealousy in general, so this had simply been a little test. We passed with flying colors. I had no doubt we’d weather whatever life threw at us.

**Have you read Love at Roades End yet? If you’re looking for a sweet, quick Valentine’s romance, it might be just the thing. And this week’s flash fic takes place immediately following the story. Enjoy a little more Sean and Hunter!**

I’d been planning for our anniversary for weeks, analyzing and fretting. Waffling and second guessing. But I knew what I wanted and I was fairly certain Sean wanted it too. So I’d finally settled, and had gotten everything in place, when Mother Nature decided a snow storm was the way to celebrate the holiday instead of love. I was heartbroken to know he wouldn’t make it, but I’d rather be apart and him be safe, then for him to risk his life traveling in a blizzard.

I should have known the love of my life wouldn’t let something like the weather stop him from getting to me.

Having him slip into bed in the wee hours of the morning had been the best possible kiss, and I’d kissed him and wound him up, begging him to fuck me until he pounded me into the mattress. Sticky and sated, we fell asleep in each other’s arms. But now in the morning light, I remembered the present that I’d gotten ready for him and I nearly chickened out. My heart was pounding andI broke out in cold sweats.

It was early. The sun was barely up. I’d arranged for coverage, so I didn’t have to get out of bed. I could spent the entire morning with Sean. I should have been, by all accounts, be wrapped around him. But second guessing and a little bit of fear had me wide awake and watching him sleep.

“Hunter,” he mumbled, rolling over to grab my waist and tug me closer. “Too early for thinking.”

A laugh bubbled up. Even in sleep, Sean knew me so well. Why was I so worried? I knew he’d want this.

I leaned forward so I could trace my nose along his jaw, working my way up until I could kiss his ear. “I need you to get up with me.”

He ground his morning wood into my hip and growled, “Ohm I’m up with you.”

I laughed for real this time, and shoved him playfully. “Left myself open for that one, didn’t I?”

“You’re probably still open from last night.”

What was with him this morning? It was a good thing I loved him. “I’d forgotten sleep deprivation made you hear innuendo everywhere.” I kissed his cheek. “Come here for a minute, will you?”

“Sure,” he said, a little more awake now. He gave me a smile and proper kiss before pushing back the covers and sitting up. I scrambled out of bed and found his sweatpants before I pulled on a pair of my own. I also put on a shirt, but Sean didn’t bother. I took his hand and led him into the living room.

Where there was once an entertainment center, now sat a corner desk with a rolling fake leather chair. I’d moved the TV and DVD collection across the room, and pushed the couch to a different angle. Sean stopped dead when he saw it, and his jaw even dropped just a little.

“See,” I said softly, motioning to the set up. “There is plenty of room for two monitors, or even two whole PCs if you’d like. I believe you could work very comfortably here.”

Sean nodded slowly and took a few steps closer. “It’s really nice, babe.”

I could hear the confusion in his tone, so I did my best to try to clear that up. I’d prepared all sorts of speeches, ready to eloquently express what I wanted. In the end, none of it mattered. Looking at him, I just spoke from the heart.

“We’ve been together for a year now. Traveling back and forth. Mostly you. You have drawers in the bedroom, and shelves in the bathroom. You have a key. I have long since thought of this as our home, and not just mine.” I stopped, took a deep breath, and looked him in the eye. “I would come to you if I could, if you wanted me to. But this place is not only my work, it’s in my blood. I would hate to leave it. So I’m asking you to uproot your life and…and well, replant your roots right here with me.”

Sean’s breath caught and for a second his mouth worked like a fish. Then he launched himself at me, pulling me into his arms, and kissing me until I couldn’t breathe.

“Holy shit. Hunter.” Sean’s grin was simply gorgeous. “I thought you’d never ask.

I was suddenly smiling so hard it hurt. “Happy anniversary, love.”

“I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Henry wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and kept his gaze fixed on the door. His untouched chai latte sat cooling on the table in front of him, and he couldn’t even think about eating the piece of pumpkin roll. His stomach was tied in nervous knots, so he didn’t eat. He just watched the door of the cafe and waited.

He was finally meeting wolverineX25. They met online for the first time six months ago when they joined the same raiding party on a popular MMORPG. After realizing the other gamers in the party were morons, Henry and wolverine split off. They began meeting up to complete missions together and an easy camaraderie turned into veiled flirting. It went on for months. Henry couldn’t wait to get home at the end of the day just so he could meet up with wolverine.

Eventually, wolverine suggested they also start talking through Hangouts. Henry had been all for that and eagerly said yes. And for the last several weeks, they spent all day everyday sending each other random tidbits of their day and generally sharing themselves with each other. When Henry had said something about a traffic snarl he got caught in, wolverine realized that they not only lived in the same city, but rather close to each other. They marveled over the coincidence of it, and then, tentatively, wolverine suggested they meet.

Henry had wanted to say yes immediately. But he let common sense prevail and put it off for another couple of weeks. He and wolverine kept talking, and wolverine never pushed. Other than an occasional wistful comment that he wished they could meet. Finally, Henry bit the bullet and suggested a well known local cafe for a neutral ground meet up. Wolverine quickly accepted. And now Henry was anxious and nervous, watching the door for his date to walk in.

The door opened again, and the man of his dreams entered. Henry swallowed hard. Or at least he used to be. Before he started flirting and building something with wolverine, Logan had been what fueled all of Henry’s fantasies. They worked on the same floor, just four cubicles apart. Henry had noticed Logan the minute he started, and he lusted after him. But they never had much occasion to talk. And Logan was probably straight anyway. When wolverine had come into the picture, Henry had pushed Logan out of his mind.

But now the man was walking into his favorite cafe, and when he caught sigh of Henry, Logan did a double take. His deep brown eyes got wide, and he looked surprised. Henry watched as Logan’s gaze swept the cafe, looking for something, before it finally settled back on Henry. And then, to Henry’s utter shock, Logan approached him.

“Hi, Henry,” Logan said in that low, soothing voice he had. “What are you doing here so early on a Saturday morning?”

Henry had to clear his throat and lick his lips before he could speak. “I’m meeting a friend.”

“Is that right?” Logan said, almost to himself.  He didn’t say anything for a second, and then he took a deep breath. “I notice you’re wearing a Captain America shirt.”

Henry looked down at himself, where Cap’s shield was plastered across his chest and then back up at Logan with a frown. “Yeah. Um, you’ve seen it before. I’ve worn it on dress down Friday…”

Henry had to chalk it up to nerves that his brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders. His eyes widened, and then he dropped his gaze to the Dr. Who shirt Logan was wearing. And then his brain finally put all the pieces together.

“Wolverine?” he asked, his voice coming out breathy. When Logan smiled and nodded, Henry let out a chuckle. “I totally get it now.”

Logan laughed too. “Yeah, well.” He looked around again, and then gave all his attention to Henry. “I had no idea SweetH17 was you.  I, um, should have put that together. Seeing as how I know your last name.”

Henry waved that away. “Nah. There was no way you could have known.”

Logan nodded and then things turned awkward. They both stared at each other for a long moment. Henry felt the blush creeping up his cheeks. This had been the man he’d been easily talking to for months. Falling in love with, really, but he wasn’t going to say that out loud. But now that he had the person in front of him, and knowing that Logan had been so close all along, Henry felt weird. Did their chemistry only work online? Now that Logan knew who Henry was, was he no longer attracted to him?

“You know,” Logan said softly, leaning forward into Henry’s space. “I never asked you out because I was lusting after this guy I had met online. We had a real connection, and I wanted to see where it went. I’m glad it was you, Henry. Surprised. But glad. Want to give this thing a try in the real world?”

Henry felt the grin stretching his lips. “Have a seat.”

**How about a visit with Dan and Vincent?  I love these guys, I really do.  I hope you do too.  Also a little bit NSFW!**

“Does Vincent have a problem with the speculation?”

“Who? What?” I asked Aaron absently.  My mind was on searching for my  e-reader.  I knew I had brought it to set, and I wanted to shove it in my bag and get home.  My boyfriend was waiting for me.

“Vincent,” Aaron repeated patiently from where he was leaning against the door to my dressing room.  He’d wandered by a few minutes ago and casually shut the door behind him.  I hadn’t thought anything of it because he did that all the time.  “Does he have a problem with all the tabloids and gossip sites and fan forums talking about how you and I are so very in love?”

The last was said with a heavy dose of sarcasm that made me laugh.  “Nope.  He doesn’t pay attention to that shit.  And even if he did, he knows better than to believe any of it.”

I didn’t register the few beats of heavy silence until Aaron spoke, his voice laced with hurt.  “My boyfriend knows better than to believe it, too.”

Ah crap.

“I’m sorry, Aaron,” I said sincerely.  “I didn’t mean to imply anything with that.  I know you’d never cheat on him.  You’re not built that way.”

Aaron’s quick smile let me know I was forgiven.  “Sorry.  Touchy subject.”  He let out a deep sigh.  “He’s always going on about it.  So grumpy and pissed off that people are talking about it.  And I don’t always handle it well, so I was hoping you had some advice.”

I thought about that a moment, finally finding what I was looking for and shoving it into my bag.

“Knowing you and him?” We were both careful not to say Lucas’s name, even though we were in the privacy of my dressing room.  It wasn’t exactly a secret they were dating, because they weren’t as subtle as they thought, but they didn’t advertise and Lucas wasn’t out.  “You just need to let him be possessive and rant.  He’s frustrated because he can’t claim you publicly.  But if you let him get that out, and then remind him that you’re his, he’ll be fine.”

Aaron’s grin was wicked.  “Oh I can remind him all right.”  He let out a dirty chuckle, and then turned to leave.  “Thanks, D.”

“Anytime, A.”

As soon he was gone, I grabbed my stuff and headed out the door.  Vincent had come in from Oak Harbor early that morning, but I’d already left for makeup call by the time he arrived. He’d let me know he and Valentine were safely ensconced in my duplex, and it had made the day all the much harder to get through.  I hadn’t seen him for three weeks and four days, and I was desperate to get my hands on him.

I didn’t speed on the way home, but it was a near thing.  I was anxious to get home to him.  Being apart just plain sucked, and I wished we could do something about that.  But right now it wasn’t possible.  At least he was still working on the movie and not traipsing around the country directing.  With him only a few hours away, we could see each other more often than if he was farther away.  Still, I missed him.

The minute I had the car parked, I turned off the engine, grabbed my bag, and ran into the house, barely remembering to hit the button on the key fob to lock the car.  I heard it chirp as I pushed open the front door, and with all the flair of a 60’s sitcom, yelled out, “Honey, I’m home!”

Valentine came running, tail wagging furiously and gave a happy bark before he barreled into my thighs and demanded pets.  I rubbed his silky red fur absently, looking around for Vincent, expecting him to be right behind his dog.  But he was nowhere to be seen.  I didn’t get nervous when this happened anymore.  At least not much.  But I still had expected him to be as anxious to see me as I was to see him.  When another minute passed and he still hadn’t appeared, I gently nudged Valentine to the side and went in search of him.

“Vincent?” I called.

“In here,” he responded from the direction of the kitchen.  He sounded tense to me, and when I stepped through the doorway, and saw his mottled red face and clenched jaw, my heart started to pound.  There was no mistaking the anger and I had to bite my tongue to remind him to keep calm.  Whatever was on the screen in front of him was pissing him off royally.

“Whatcha doin?” I asked softly, making my tone light and playful.

“Oh, you know,” he said, the anger evident in his tone.  “Just checking out these links Lucas sent me.”

It took a second for the dots to connect but when they did, I closed my eyes and stifled a groan.  Ever since Lucas had played assistant director on Vincent’s movie, they’d enjoyed a closer friendship.  It helped because Lucas was my closest friend and I was glad he and my lover got along.  But I never expected Lucas to bother Vincent with these kinds of things.  Of course, I’d also thought Vincent didn’t care about who said what.  Apparently, I was wrong.

“Vincent,” I began, trying to soothe.

He turned his turbulent brown eyes on me.  “Where the fuck do they get off, saying these things?  These people talk like they know you and Aaron.  Some swear they have inside information.”

“Honey,” I tried to interrupt when he drew a breath.

“This one!” Vincent jabbed at the screen.  “This one says that the times we’ve been seen together were a front!  That it was a carefully designed marketing ploy to throw the public off so that you could continue your secret affair.”

I could see that there was no talking to him.  Not when he was in this state.  So I did the only thing I could do.  I strode across the kitchen, pushed his chair back from the table, dropped to my knees in front of him, and started undoing his pants.

“Dan?” he choked out, a little bit shocked.

“It’s all lies,” I said simply as I got his zipper open and reached in to fish out his dick.  It was half hard and getting harder.  I pumped with my hand, then swiped the head with my tongue before looking up at him.  His pupils were blown, and he was breathing hard, but I knew now it was all from lust and not from anger. “You know that.  I know that.  So does Lucas.  Why do we give a fuck what people say?  I could be doing this in a stadium full of people, and there would still be eye witnesses claiming it was faked.”

He grabbed my head, and pulled my mouth over his cock, though he didn’t force it in.  “You will not do this where anyone but me can see.”

I didn’t bother to answer.  My mouth was full.  Besides,the taste of him was as intoxicating as ever and I wouldn’t be satisfied until he came down my throat.  I went to work, sucking, laving, licking, kissing, until he was boneless in the chair and panting raggedly.  I kept glancing up so I could see his face, and then he clutched my head tightly and groaned my name.  I relaxed my throat and tapped his hip.  That was all he needed to fuck my mouth hard.  And it only took him a few thrusts before he was pouring cum down my throat.

When he was done, I pulled back and tried not to smirk smugly at his sated expression.  He rolled his eyes, then grabbed my face and bent at the same time he pulled me forward.  He kissed me long and thoroughly, his tongue sweeping through all the recesses of my mouth.  He loved to kiss me after I blew him.  He said he loved the taste of himself in my mouth.  I was just as happy to oblige him.

He finally pulled back.  I grinned and held onto his wrists.

“I’m yours,” I said firmly.  “Fuck everybody else.”

Vincent’s grin was huge.  “Yep.  Love you, too.  Now get up and get your ass to the bedroom.  By the time I make you a desperate, gibbering mess, I’ll be ready to fuck you so hard you’ll see stars.”

I scrambled to comply, and loved the sound of his deep chuckle following me.  He was all I needed, and he knew it.  I couldn’t be happier.

**Enjoy a little snippet out of Dan and Vincent’s life.  They are settling in well together, but that doesn’t mean the physical distance between them doesn’t take it’s toll.**

I’d had a lot of men in my life.  Some for just a night.  Some for longer.  One I’d even had for six years, before he decided he wanted to live the life of a celibate monk.  And I’d always been content with that, enjoying my boyfriend of the moment, until life pulled us apart.  I didn’t need to promise forever.  I didn’t need a companion.  That’s why I got a dog, and Valentine was my biggest love anyway.

Until Dan.

The first time I saw him, I was taken aback by just how gorgeous he was.  Big, brawny, beautiful, he pushed every one of my buttons.  I also knew he was straight, so I never allowed myself to even entertain the thought of having him.  Until that day in the conference room, when his inattention had landed him in hot water.  I’d called him in to ream him out because that never happened on my set.  But he’d pushed back, and when he kissed me, I was lost.  From that moment on, he was mine, even if it took us both some time to realize it.  When it got to the point where I was done playing games, ready for forever, I was fairly certain he was ready too.  Didn’t matter if he wasn’t, because I wasn’t letting him go.  Fortunately, when I’d put myself on the line, he’d been right there with me.

I tried to show him these days how much he meant to me.  But I knew he was feeling the separation.  After spending New Year’s together, Dan had to head back to Seattle to start filming.  And since I was still painstakingly editing the film I was trying to produce, I was taking a hiatus from directing and living full time in the house in Oak Harbor.  Dan hadn’t said it out loud, but I knew he wanted me to come back to Seattle with him.  At least for a bit.  But I’d purposefully ignored the hints, and he’d headed back to the mainland.  And I’d barely heard from him since.

It wasn’t like Dan to completely shut me out.  We argued like any normal couple.  There were things we were going to disagree about.  It was inevitable.  And there were times when it carried over, and Dan gave me the silent treatment.  But only when we were in the same house.  When we were apart, both of us made the effort to stay connected.  So the sporadic phone calls were starting to get concerning.  Especially since I hadn’t heard from since last night.  I’d left him three messages, and he hadn’t bothered to acknowledge one all day.  I was equal parts angry and worried, and I was going to chew him out once I finally got a hold of him.

I called him yet again, my fingers drumming impatiently on my thigh.  He answered on the second ring.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said, his voice ragged like he’d been gargling gravel.  “Every time I thought I’d get a break today, that little fucker interrupted and I just now got home.”

He sounded wrecked, and my anger started dissipating.  I tried for soothing.  “What happened?”

“Avery fucking Lang, that’s what happened.”  I heard a thump that sounded suspiciously like a fist into the wall.  “He’s so fucking full of himself and this is the third fucking time this season he’s been in to direct.  Since someone decided to take a few months off, we’ve had to make do with directors we don’t usually have to deal with too often.  But oh no.  Lang is taking every episode he can, and running us fucking ragged in the mean time.  We went over by four fucking hours today, because he had us doing, and I’m not even joking, a hundred and seventeen takes of the same fucking scene.  I just now got home and walked in the door.  I swear to God, that man is on a goddamn ego trip and I fucking hate working with him.”

He took a deep breath, and I knew his rant was over.  “So you had a pretty bad day huh?”

“The worst,” Dan said, with a small chuckle.  Then he gave a soft sigh. “Wish you were here.”

“I am.”

There was a beat of silence, and then an incredulous snort.  “What?”

“Come into the bedroom.”

I heard him running, and then he burst through the doorway before stopping dead and staring at me.  I turned off my phone and tossed it on the bedside table.  Dan continued to stare.  I stood up and opened my arms.  It broke the spell, and he was suddenly there, gathering me into his arms and pressing my face against his neck.  I loved that he was bigger than I was, but that he let me have control over him.  I kissed him long and hard, until he was panting and then I pulled back to give him a soft smile.

“Strip and get on the bed,” I commanded quietly.

His face fell, and he took a step back.  “Vincent, I’m sorry but I just don’t think…I mean right now…later I’ll–”

I cut him off with a hard kiss.  “I’m not going to fuck your beautiful ass right now.  We’ll save that for the morning.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t make you feel better.  Strip and get on the bed.”

He did, all the while shooting me curious glances.  Once he was face down, I slid out of my clothes quickly and then grabbed the bottle of warming lube from the bedside table and straddled his ass.  My dick perked up, because I had my gorgeous boyfriend underneath me, but I was old enough to ignore it.  Instead, I spread some of the slick stuff between my palms, and then started at his lower back, rubbing and pressing hard to work out the tight knots.  After a few minutes, Dan breathed out a harsh breath.  And then his groans and grunts filled the air as I massaged all the tension out of his back and shoulders until he was a pile of content goo below me.

I kissed his nape, and then bit his shoulder lightly, before I rolled off him.

“Feel better?” I whispered.

“Mmmm.  Yes,” he mumurmed.  One of those dark brown eyes cracked open.  “You’re the awesomest boyfriend ever.”

I smirked.  “I really am.  I’ll order us some pizza, and we’ll eat.  Then we’ll see how your ass feels about greeting my cock properly.”

Dan’s chuckle was low and wicked.  But all he said was “Pizza isn’t very heart healthy.”

“Maybe not.  But sex is excellent exercise.”  I grinned, and then added, a little more seriously, “You always take care of my heart.”

His smile was beautiful and sweet.  “Love you too.”

Yeah, I knew he did.

**Dan and Vincent have stopped by to show what happens next!  You can find buy links in the book tab, if you haven’t read their story yet. Of course, you can probably enjoy this story anyway whether you’ve read Something Like Peace or not :D**

The house in Oak Harbor was one of my favorite places in the world. Filming had kept me busy, so even though I was close, I hadn’t seen Vincent in weeks. I was anxious for the break in shooting, and even more eager to see my boyfriend.

The phone, a toy, and Vincent’s commanding voice only went so far.

The moment I crossed over Deception Pass bridge, I started to relax as the peace suffused my body. It was always better on the island, and I knew I wasn’t far from the west beach and Vincent’s home. By the time I pulled into the driveway, the tension that had been coiling in my muscles for weeks was gone. I grabbed my duffle and practically sprinted onto the porch. I used my key in the lock, and called for Vincent the moment I stepped into the house.

I was answered with complete silence. There wasn’t even a bark.  No Vincent. No Valentine.

I took a deep breath and tried to ward off any panic. Maybe they were out for a walk. I ignored that part of my brain telling me that Valentine was very particular and regular as clockwork, and that this wasn’t the usual time for his walk. I stamped down the fear and headed straight for the office at the back of the house.

And nearly wept with relief when I saw Vincent completly absorbed at his computer, working on the movie.

His headphones were on and he didn’t even notice me. He was completely engrossed with what was on the screen. He’d been working on the film for months, editing and producing himself. He’d even collaborated with an old friend to score it. Talking With Ghosts was still months away from completion, but he was making progress.

I didn’t care how long it took. He looked better than he ever had. A healthy glow seemed to permeate his skin, and he was happier and smiling more than he ever had. Even the stressors he experienced were less and easily dealt with. Vincent was in a good, healthy place and that made me happier than anything in the world.

Carefully I backed out of the room. I wanted hugs and kisses, more if I were honest, but I knew we had time. We’d spent Christmas apart and with our respective families, because we both felt it was best. We’d only truly been together for a couple of months. But even though I’d rushed back to be with him the moment he returned to Oak Harbor, we had a couple of weeks before I needed to return to set. I’d still be getting my kiss at midnight.

I found Valentine on the sun porch, and he, at least, was thrilled to see me. Dog kisses couldn’t replace human ones, but they were welcome nonetheless.

I wasn’t even aware I’d fallen asleep on the wicker lounge until a very human body covered my own, and warm, passionate kisses stole me from sleep. I was hugging Vincent to me before I was even fully awake.

“How long have you been here?” He asked, kissing along my jaw to my ear. I was prepared for the nip on the lobe, but I couldn’t stop the shiver.

“No idea,” I answered. I arched my chin back to give him better access. “A while.”

Suddenly, Vincent grabbed my wrists and pinned them beside my head. He ground his hips against me, and I writhed in his hold. I loved it when he got like this.

“Next time you interrupt.” It was a commanded and I agreed fast.

Vincent grinned wolffishly, then kissed me long and hard. I was panting by the time he pulled back, and when he stood and held out his hand, I was quick to take it. I wanted him more now than I ever had before, and it was easy to follow him to the bedroom that I now thought of as ours.

Later, pleasantly sore and sated, wrapped around Vincent’s warm body, I remembered to look at the clock. We still had about an hour to go, but I thought I could say it anyway.

I kissed the nape of his neck then whispeeeed into his skin, “Happy new year, sweetheart.”

Vincent grunted and rolled over, and I saw the quirk to his lips. But all he said was “I love you.”

It was all I needed to hear.

**From Andrew and Garrett–and especially me–Happy Holidays!**

I woke to the warmth of his body wrapped around mine, his lips on my skin, and his breath in my ear.  I grinned even before I opened my eyes, and Andrew’s answering chuckle warmed the pit of my stomach.  He tucked his thigh between mine, pressing hard on my balls, and hugged me tightly.

“Merry Christmas, Garrett,” he whispered in my ear.  He bit at the lobe, and I sucked in a fast breath.  “Our first Christmas together.  I think we should start a special tradition.”

Considering what was poking into the small of my back, I thought I knew what he had in mind.  I pushed my ass back into the cradle of his pelvis. “Oh, yes, please.”

Andrew’s laugh was joyous, with just a wicked edge.  He kissed my neck, sucking hard for a second, and then he was gone.  The sudden chill of his absence was a shock, and my eyes popped open.  When I looked over my shoulder, he wasn’t rummaging through my bag where I’d packed the lube just in case, despite him telling me there wouldn’t be any sexy times while we were staying in my parents house.  I’d been optimistic anyway, and he knew me well enough to know I’d have packed it.  But instead of him retrieving it like I expected, he was pulling a small square beautifully wrapped package out of his own case.  I watched his shoulders lift as he took a deep breath, and then he smiled beautifully, sitting on the edge of the bed.

I sat up, and returned his grin, even though I wasn’t sure what was going on.  “What’s this?” I asked softly.

“Open it,” he commanded.  He looked relaxed, even excited, so I eagerly took the present he held out.

I didn’t waste time being careful.  It was nicely wrapped, but I was of the first belief that wrapping paper was made to be ripped and recycled.  I tossed it on the bed between us, and then lifted the lid on the box inside.  My breath caught.  I lifted the crystal star up, and let it sparkle in the morning light streaming through the window.  It had a tiny plaque on top proclaiming the year.  It was, if I wasn’t mistaken, the Swarovski ornament and it was absolutely breathtaking.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured.  I couldn’t tear my gaze away from it.

“I’m glad you like it,”Andrew said.  He reached out and took my free hand, squeezing my fingers.  I turned my attention from the star to my boyfriend, and he grinned.  “I know how much the tree and decorations mean to you this time of year.  I thought that a special ornament could mark each of our years together.  For the rest of our lives.”

I loved the sound of that, but I was so choked up, I could do nothing but nod.  I dropped my gaze, and carefully put the crystal star away so that it could make the journey home.  When I was done, I leaned to set the box on the nightstand, and then I threw myself into Andrew’s arms and hugged him tightly.

“Merry Christmas, babe,” I managed whisper. “I love you.”

“I love you too.  Merry Christmas.”

**Special edition!!!  So we have Andrew and Garrett back to tell us what happened next.  But also, they are doing double duty, to also wish our dear Alder a lovely, wonderful, happy birthday!  Happy birthday, dear, and I hope it’s filled with awesome.  This one was your request, and I hope you enjoy it.  I hope everyone enjoys it!**

It was unseasonably warm, and Garrett had spent most of the five hour drive dodging other cars and bitching about the fact it was going to be a green Christmas.  For him, the snow on the ground and rooftops made Christmas feel more like Christmas.  I couldn’t exactly blame him, but since I’d spent much of my life in the South, I’d never had snowy Christmases to begin with.  That was a thing for the movies, and it wasn’t until I’d moved here that I’d experienced snow at all.  But I’d made soothing noises, and even pointed out that the holiday spirit wasn’t dependent on snow.  He’d grudgingly agreed, but I knew he hadn’t been happy about it.

When we finally turned onto his street, the sun was just beginning to set, so all the lights decorating the houses were beginning to shine.  We drove for blocks, until he began to slow.  And then I saw the split ranch that was familiar from some pictures.  Only it was decorated to the hilt.  Lights along the roof line and candles in the windows.  A wreath on the door.  Animatronic deer in the front yard, next to a huge Alder tree that had also been draped in lights.  There was a blow up snowman, a sign that proclaimed Happy Holidays, and plastic candy canes lining the walkway up to the front porch.  It was, in all honesty, just this side of tacky.  Anything more would have tipped it over.  But the way Garrett’s face lit up when he saw it made me appreciate it more than I normally would have.

“Come on,” he urged, practically giddy as he climbed out of the car.  I followed him at a more sedate pace and made it to the porch just as the door opened revealing his mother and father.  The hugs were tight and his mother got teary.  But after the greetings were complete, Garrett turned to me.

The introductions were stilted and awkward.  At least, I was.  I held myself stiff in his mother’s quick hug and his father did little more than grunt and shake my hand.  We were shepherded into the house, and things went from bad to worse as we were forced to make small talk. Dinner was downright uncomfortable. I knew it was me.  It was my fault things were strange, but I couldn’t seem to loosen up and relax.  Garrett talked a mile a minute to try to make things easier, but while we all talked to Garrett, we didn’t talk to each other.

It wasn’t that late when Garrett finally made our excuses, saying it had been a long day of driving, and we headed up to bed.  I was surprised that his parents were allowing us to share a room.  Mine certainly never would have, even if we’d been a het couple.  But his parents had just wished us a good night, reminded us that we were going out to get the tree in the morning, and we headed upstairs.

Garrett shut the door behind us, and immediately threw himself into my arms.  He hugged me tightly, and kissed the side of my neck.

“It’s okay, Andrew,” he murmured, his lips against my skin.  “You can relax and enjoy yourself.  My mom and dad are not going to say or do anything bad, and when my brother and his kids get here tomorrow, they’ll be focused entirely on them.”

“I’ll try,” I said.  I meant it too.  It wasn’t going to be easy, but I knew the bulk of the weirdness had been my doing.

“That’s all I ask.” He kissed me softly, and then pulled away.  He opened his suitcase and pulled out our toiletry bag.  “I’m going to use the bathroom.  I’ll leave the stuff in there for you.”

He was gone before I could say thank you, so instead I changed into the silk paisley print pajamas he’d bought me.  Normally, I slept naked or maybe in my boxers.  But I would feel uncomfortable doing that in his parents house, so Garrett’s solution had been to buy us ridiculous pajamas.  I loved the way the fabric felt against my skin, but I still felt silly wearing them.  I laid out his pair–a rich emerald green that matched his eyes–and when he returned he gave me a grateful smile.  I also saw the way lust darkened his eyes, and I beat a hasty retreat across the hall to the bathroom.

I was not fucking him in his parents house.

I took in the quaint beach themed bathroom while I brushed my teeth.  There were little vials of sand and starfish on the shelves, seashell shaped soap in the holder on the sink, and curling waves on the wallpaper boarder. It seemed out of place in this landlocked mountain town, but I figured maybe that’s why it was decorated that way to begin with. I spit, rinsed, and straightened, wiping my mouth on the towel.  When I turned, I noticed the spider in the corner of the shower.

I eyeballed the thing for a long moment.  It was fairly big, and if Garrett saw it in the morning, he’d have a panic attack.  Not that I had any love for the arachnids.  I’d read a spooky book when I was young where a spider crawled across a sleeping child’s face.  It was supposed to add ambiance to the story, and it had, but I’d never been able to get the image out of my head.  If I knew there was a spider in the house, I’d never be able to sleep.

I looked around, and saw a magazine curled up and tucked next to the toilet.  I grabbed it, and the glass, and climbed up onto the edge of the tub.  I reached, balanced precariously, and nearly fell and bashed my head against the tiled wall.  With a bit more stretching, the spider obligingly went into the glass, and I covered it with the magazine. Another near death experience as I attempted to climb down, and then I had both feet solidly on the floor.  I took a few deep breaths to steady myself.  And then I quickly descended the stairs, walked around the corner into the kitchen, and straight out the back door to let the spider go.

When I turned back to the door and grasped the handle, I realized to my horror that it had locked behind me.  I bit back the groan.  I didn’t have my phone, so I couldn’t let Garrett know what happened.  I was going to have to knock and hope that someone would hear me.  At the very least, Garrett would come looking eventually.

I raised my knuckles but before I could rap, the door swung open to reveal Garrett’s formidable father.  The man blinked, surprised.

“Andrew?”

I held up the glass and magazine, like that explained things.  “I was liberating a spider, sir. I didn’t want Garrett to see it.”

Garrett Sr. laughed.  “Well, you certainly do love my son, if you’re removing spiders from the house.”  He stepped back and gestured with his arm.  “And you can stop with the sir shit.  We aren’t that formal around here.  Call me Gary.”

I nodded as I walked inside, shivering a little as the warmth hit me.  “Thank you.  I, um, I’m sorry.  About earlier.”

Gary just waved his hand.  “Garrett told us a little about what happened to you.  I know this can’t be easy for you.  But that you’re willing to try, that you’re here because of Garrett?  Well.  That tells me all I need to know about how much you care for my son, and that’s the only thing that matters to me.  Treat him well, and you won’t ever have a problem with me or his mom.”

The blunt and sincere way he said it left no doubt of his sincerity.  Just hearing it made a weight lift from my shoulders.  I suddenly felt sure that nothing bad was going to happen, that Garrett was truly accepted by his parents.  And if I could learn to relax, then maybe they would learn to like me too.

“I’ll never hurt him if I can help it,” I said, offering my own honesty.  “I love him more than I thought it was possible to love another human being.”

“Good,” his father said with a single nod.  “That’s how it should be.  Now you better get to bed.  We have an early start tomorrow.  Sometimes it takes hours to find the perfect tree.”

“Hours?” I echoed, even as he steered me toward the stairs.

“Hours,” he confirmed.  And then he grinned.  “It’s always worth it though.”

I nodded dumbly and ascended the stairs.  I was still a little shell shocked by the whole conversation when I entered the bedroom.  Garrett was sitting up in bed, a book in his lap, and his frown was concerned when he saw me.  “Everything all right, babe?”

I took a second to answer, really thinking about the question.  I felt the smile stretching my lips before I was even aware I was going to grin. “Oh yeah.  Everything’s perfect.”

He squinted at me.  “You sure?”

I’m sure he was wary of my sudden about face.  I nodded, and climbed into bed to curl myself around him.  “I’m sure.  This is going to be a great Christmas.”

He tensed for just a second, and then relaxed, breathing out a contented sigh as he snuggled in.  “Yeah.  It sure is.”

**Let’s take a pause in the ramp up to the release of Something Like Peace, and visit with Garrett and Andrew once again as they get ready to visit with Garrett’s family.  (You can catch up with part 1 and part 2 if you need to.)  Enjoy!**

I was not a coward.

I’d jumped off 40 foot cliffs with nothing but a bungee cord attached to my ankle. I’d gone deep sea diving and not even flinched when the stingrays swarmed.  Hell, I drove in upstate New York in the middle of winter, for fuck’s sake. So it was no fear holding me back.  It was not fear that caused the hard knot in my stomach.  It was dread that filled me with trepidation.  And maybe a little bit of nerves.  And possibly worry.

But certainly not fear.

I loved Garrett with everything I had, and he’d made my world brighter from the moment I met him.  Things had been bleak since my parents disowned me, since I’d lost that loving support of my siblings.  I hadn’t known how they’d react when I gave them the news about my sexuality, but I’d been hoping for the best.  They’d never said anything negative in my presence, so I had reason to hope.  To have that crushed had killed a part of me.  And though I’d survived, and even thrived, in the years since, it still hurt.  Garrett claimed to have his family’s support and love, but I also knew I was the first serious boyfriend he’d had.  We were making a life together, one we were working at making last, and I knew that could change everything.  Knowing your son was gay was one thing; actually seeing him settled with another man was something else entirely.  I never wanted Garrett to face the kind of rejection I’d had to face.  And it seemed especially cruel to subject him to that at the holidays.

Christmas had never been a big deal in my house to begin with, but when I’d been kicked out and abandoned it meant even less.  I didn’t hate the holidays; I just didn’t see much point of celebrating them on my own.  And if Garrett was to be believed, I’d turned jaded.

I pushed that thought from my mind, not wanting to dwell on the things we’d hurled at each other during our fight.  We’d wanted to be hurtful, and we’d both succeeded.  I felt like a piece of me had been ripped off when he’d driven away and had instantly started planning ways to make it up to him.  When he’d texted, I’d replied, even as I worked to bring all his decorations out of storage.  I knew it would be the only thing that would make him forgive me.  Well, that and agreeing to spending the holidays with his family.  Whom I had never met.

He’d begged me to clear my schedule, and since I had nothing pending, I’d cashed in a few favors, passed out the work that couldn’t be left, and taken the week off.  My boss was just ecstatic that, for once, she wouldn’t have to pay out all of my vacation time come the end of the year.  Garrett had already requested the week off and had been anticipating his vacation for months.  I wanted it to be everything he wanted, and I even tried to be excited when he talked about it.  We were leaving in the morning, and the drive would take us five or six hours depending on traffic and weather.

Beside me, Garrett slept peacefully, his face smooth and his lush lips parted slightly.  He breathed heavily, not quite a snore, and I lay there watching him.  I couldn’t sleep myself.  I was too ramped up, agitated.  Nervous, really.  My mind would not shut off.  There were so many things that could go wrong, and I wanted so badly for Garrett to have the holiday he deserved.

I slid out of bed carefully so I didn’t disturb him, and then padded on nearly silent feet into the living room.  The dark specter of the tree seemed ominous, and I fumbled around until I could get the tree plugged in.  The light was blinding for a second, but then my eyes adjusted.  The colors bounced off each other and the shiny ornaments, making the whole tree seem to glow.  It really was lovely.  I sat on the end of the couch and leaned my head back, turning to the side to so I could just stare at the tree.

Suddenly I had a lapful of warm, sleepy boyfriend.  I automatically reached up to steady him so he didn’t fall, and Garrett snuggled right in.  He was only wearing his boxers, and he shivered in the cooler air.  I wrapped him up tightly, and grabbed the afghan from the back of the couch.

“Whatcha doin up?” Garrett asked, then gave a jaw cracking yawn.

“Couldn’t sleep,” I answered simply.  It was the bare bones truth.  “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Tree lights always wake me.  I think it’s ingrained from my childhood.”  Garrett snorted out a tiny laugh as he snuggled in deeper.  “Turn your brain off, Andrew.  Everything is going to be fine.  We’re going to have a great time at my parents’.  It’s gonna be an awesome holiday.”

I wanted to believe that so badly.  For his sake.  “Tree is really gorgeous,” I said, changing the subject.

He was quiet for a moment, and then let out a soft sigh.  “It is.  And you didn’t want to put one up at all.”

I laughed and hugged him closer.  “You know I didn’t mean that.”

“I know.”  He went quiet again, and I was content to hold him and stare at the sparkling lights.  Then he turned his head and kissed my neck.  “It’s going to be a Christmas to remember.”

I nodded.  There was no doubt about that.  The question was, would be remembering good times?  Or bad?  I stared at the tree and sent up a fervent Christmas wish it would be the former.

We’d find out tomorrow, when we got to our destination, if my wish would come true.