Credit Card Woes

Written By: LJ

(A crossover with Dennis, Dusty and Skyy.)


“What’s so funny, Sweets?” Rowan absently inquired as he walked into the study. He was distracted with sorting through the bundle of mail in his hand.

“Blue is telling me about Nugget’s snoring,” Darby laughed and pointed at the computer screen.

“Who or what is Nugget?”

“Blue’s long-haired, teddy-bear hamster.”

“Your adopted brother has a snoring hamster?”

“That’s his story….” Darby grinned up at the older man.

“…and he’s sticking to it!”

“You got it!” Darby confirmed the other man’s statement, causing Rowan to chuckle and shake his head. Darby turned back to the screen and burst out laughing. “This little guy is a real hoot, Row. You’ll never guess what he’s doing now.”

“All right! I’ll bite. What’s Skyy up to?”

“He’s trying to teach Nugget how to high-five.” Both men found the idea hilarious as they tried to envision such a feat being accomplished.

“You’ve got mail!” Rowan announced as he dropped a couple of envelopes on the desk in front of his partner. “I trust you’re not going to be too much longer, right? I have something I’d like to talk over with you.” Seeing the uncertain look on the younger man’s face, Rowan assured him, “You’re not in any trouble, Sweets.” He leaned in to kiss his Brat’s lips.

Darby huffed and turned back to the computer. “I’ll only be another minute or two. Blue also has to get off-line. Apparently Dennis also wants to talk with him and Dusty. He isn’t able to tell me what it’s all about ‘cause he doesn’t know himself, yet.”

“Okay, love. I’ll be in the kitchen getting a cold beer. Want one?” Rowan offered as he left the room.

“No thanks,” Darby answered. He turned his attention back to the keyboard and signed off after saying goodbye to the man he had been IM’ing. Picking up his mail, he glanced over the return addresses and notice one was from the credit card company. He tore open the envelope to find his monthly statement along with a brand new Master Card. The accompanying letter informed him of his qualifying for a new card with an increased limit because of the timely manner in which he had been making his monthly payments.

‘Whoa!’ Darby bounced with excitement before remembering he was not allowed to use it. ‘But that was the old one,’ he thought convincingly as he quickly dialed the numbers on the back of the card to activate it. After hanging up the phone, he slipped the new piece of plastic into his wallet and promptly erased from his mind anything pertaining to the possibility of future problems.

Rowan folded his newspaper and laid it on the table as Darby pulled out a chair and sat down beside him. “You said you wanted to talk, Row?”

“It’s about our vacation next week. There’s been a slight change of plans.”

“I hope you’re not about to tell me we aren’t going to visit your parents!” Darby exclaimed. He had been looking forward to the trip and wasn’t sure how he’d handle the disappointment if it was cancelled.

“We are still going, love,” Dennis assured him and smiled at his partner’s long blown-out sigh of relief. “We’re just making a slight detour. Instead of flying from here to Charlottetown via Calgary and Montreal, we’ll be going through Vancouver and only as far as Toronto where Dennis will be picking us up. The flights were open so I had no trouble rearranging ours.”

“Dennis? I don’t get it. What’s up?”

“We will be spending a couple of days with Dennis, Dusty and Skyy, before all five of us drive down to the island together. Then we’ll stay at my parents’ home for a week before returning via the same route. How does all this sound to you?”

“That’s a lot of driving, Rowan!” Darby was concerned about sleeping most the trip due to the medication he needed to prevent car-sickness.

“I found something new for you to try, Sweets. It’s in the form of a patch and shouldn’t make you so drowsy.”

“Great! And I’ll get to see my little brother again?” Getting an affirmative sign from the other man, Darby jumped up and headed out of the room.

“Hey, just where do you think you’re going? Get back here, Darby!” Rowan firmly summoned.

“I want to IM Blue and let him know!” Darby called out excitedly before retracing his steps. He didn’t bother to hide his frustration when Rowan merely clicked his thumb against his fingers and pointed at the chair Darby had recently vacated. “But, Row….” Seeing the look on the older man’s face and realizing the futility in arguing, Darby reluctantly trudged over and threw himself into the chair. He slouched with his arms crossed and glared at the man sitting across from him. “Whaaat?” he asked at the sight of Rowan’s raised eyebrow.

Rowan silently waited while Darby slowly straightened up to return his quiet gaze. “Are you ready to behave and listen for a few minutes?”

“Yes. I’m sorry!” Darby murmured as his face blushed with embarrassment.

Rowan reached over and took the young man’s hand in his. “While we’re talking here, Dennis is sharing the same information with his partners. You can IM your brother tomorrow, Sweets.”

************

Dennis placed a large hand on the top of his youngest Brat’s head. He was trying to keep the young man from bouncing while they waited for the passengers to disembark off flight A180 from Vancouver. It didn’t work and Skyy continued his movements of uncontainable excitement.

“What’s taking so long, Den?” Skyy asked impatiently as he hopped from one foot to the other.

“They were probably sitting near the back of the plane and will be the last ones off, Sport.”

“Hey, I can see them now, Buddy!”

In Skyy’s mind, it seemed to take forever for Rowan and Darby to reach the large waiting area. No sooner had the big glass doors closed, than Darby and Skyy were embracing each other. They talked non-stop the entire time their partners were exchanging greetings and collecting the luggage before transporting it all to Dusty’s truck in the parking lot.

“And then, Darby, we’re grrph….” Skyy tried to mumble the rest of the sentence through the hand covering his mouth. Turning his eyes upward, he caught Dennis’ silent message of ‘Enough!’ and nodded his head in submission.

“Thank you,” Dennis murmured and smiled at the happy faces in front of him. “It’s good to see you again, Darby,” he said and pulled the younger man into a welcoming hug while Rowan took advantage of the moment to greet Skyy in a similar manner.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to visit with you, Darby!” Dusty exclaimed, stepping up and offering the other man his hand. “I may as well give you the heads up while I have a chance. This younger partner of mine will talk your ears off if you let him.” Both men laughed at the piqued expression on Skyy’s face.

“Let’s head for home, guys, where we’ll be able to catch up on the latest news in more comfortable surroundings!” Dennis suggested before the teasing escalated. Opening the driver’s door, he waited expectantly for the others to take their seats.

************

“Any bets our partners are going to try and get us in bed early tonight, Darby?” Skyy asked, squeezing more purple liquid into the tub.

“Yeah, Rowan’s already been hinting around about us catching up on our sleep before the long drive tomorrow,” the other man griped. He was tired but refused to admit it. They had spent the day visiting and running last minute errands. Skyy’s hamster had been dropped off at Niko’s apartment in the tenement where Skyy’s adopted family lived. The Hummer had been fueled up and was packed, with the exception of a few perishables to be added in the morning.

“So his saying ‘we’re hitting the hay by ten o’clock tonight or else’ was only a hint?” Skyy teased and laughed at the look of chagrin that passed over his companion’s face.

The young men were sitting in the large whirlpool tub in the master en suite. Darby had been so impressed with the size of the tub; Skyy had invited his big brother to join him. “It will take the place of the goldfish pond we used at your place, Dek.” Skyy had made the proposal during the house tour he had taken Darby on yesterday.

“Man, this feels so good.” Darby sighed with contentment as the force from one of the water jets massaged his lower back. “We sure crowded a lot of activity into a day and a half, didn’t we?”

“I’ll say! What did you think of Dooly’s last night?”

“It was a-okay, kinda like O’Finnigan’s but without the restaurant. The Dooly’s chain of pool halls hasn’t come to BC yet, but Rowan says there are a couple in PEI. Maybe we’ll get a chance to go to another one.”

“You can rent private rooms for parties, ya know. Last year, Dusty wanted to celebrate his birthday at Dooly’s but decided not to because I wasn’t old enough to get in. But Dennis is planning to hold a surprise party there for D’s twenty-fifth next month.” Skyy blew at the bubbles that were gathering near his mouth and nose as he sank lower into the water.

“It should be a blast, Skyy! You guys have got some cool friends. Well, Aaron’s cool. I’m not too sure about Slade and Jayden.” Darby glanced over to see the younger man’s reaction to this last comment. It wasn’t meant to offend anyone.

“They’ve just been through a bit of a hard time and still coming to grips with a lot of things that have happened recently. Besides, they’ve never been good at meeting new people. They’re not shy exactly, just a bit uncomfortable and it takes a long time before they warm up to a person. Don’t worry, it’s nothing personal and at least Rowan hit it off with Dominic and Stephen.”

“Yes, he did and we both really like all your family. Man, you collect relatives like my stepmother used to accumulate fur coats. Only you’re much happier with your collection,” Darby grinned at the analogy.

“My Uncle Earl was real happy to meet you. I’d told him a lot about having a big brother and all.” Skyy flashed an infectious smile and Darby couldn’t prevent himself from reciprocating.

“He isn’t doing too well, is he?” Darby murmured, turning serious for a moment.

“No. I don’t think he’s going last much longer,” was Skyy’s sadly spoken reply.

“Who told you that?”

“No one, I just know.” Skyy quietly answered. “I’m really gonna miss him but I know he’ll be at peace and outa pain.”

Skyy sat quietly immersed in his own thoughts while Darby mentally scrambled for something to say that would take his little brother’s mind off the painful subject of his uncle’s steady decline. “Ahh, Blue, hmm…why did Meme want a drawn outline of my hands?” Darby asked, batting at the bubbles floating around his face.

“So she can knit you a pair of mittens for Christmas.” Skyy giggled. He was unaware of the foam rising higher and cascading over the edge of the tub.

“But I don’t wear mittens!” Darby vehemently pointed out.

“Neither do Den or Dusty!” Skyy laughed at the memory of his partners’ stunned survey of the gifts they received last Christmas.

“What is going on in here?” Dennis loudly demanded. He was standing in the doorway with his hands on his hips and a distinctly angry countenance marring his handsome features. He started towards the two miscreants.

Darby almost sucked in half the tub of soapy water when he drew in a shocked breath at the sight of the big man bearing down on them. ‘How come he looks so big when he’s an inch or so shorter than Rowan?’ he thought. ‘Must be that mass of dark hair covering his chest or maybe it’s those huge bulging muscles’. These thoughts were running rampant through his mind as his heart beat faster and his throat tightened in fright.

When Dennis reached them, he bent down and yanked out the plug. Next he grabbed Skyy and hauled him from his cocoon of bubbles. “How many times have you been told not to add bubble bath while the jets are going?” he asked, once he had the younger man standing beside him.

“I didn’t use bubble bath; it’s liquid dish soap!” Skyy informed him.

Dennis didn’t even grace that remark with a verbal response. Placing a foot on the side of the tub, Dennis bent his youngest partner face down over his raised knee and landed a dozen hard swats on Skyy’s wet, boxer-clad bottom before setting him back on his feet. Skyy’s eyes filled as he sent a glowering pout in the older man’s direction and rubbed at the painful handprints on his rear end.

Dennis glanced at Darby and saw the uncertainty in the young man’s green eyes. Extending his hand, he offered to assist their guest. “You are not in any trouble, Darby,” Dennis assured him. “You could not have been aware of the rules concerning the use of our whirlpool.”

Darby’s relief was visible as he relaxed and let out an audible sigh. He had actually envisioned himself over the big guy’s knee and getting his butt spanked, even though no understanding had ever been reached that such an action would be appropriate.

“All right, boys. Both of you need to take a shower and get that soap residue rinsed off your bodies and out of your hair. Then I want this bathroom restored to its’ original, untarnished condition without any horsing around! I’ll be back in fifteen minutes to check it out.” With that, Dennis stalked out of the en suite. Skyy smirked when he saw his partner’s shoulders move as Dennis’ supposedly-secret smile made itself known.

Just as the last of the soap was being wiped up from the floor, Skyy sat back on his heels and pointedly stated, “All this mess is really Den’s fault, you know!”

“How did you make that reality leap, Blue?” Darby looked up in surprise. He was slowly beginning to discover how much of a scamp his little brother could be.

“Well, he clearly said not to put bubble bath in the whirlpool tub when the jets were on but he’s never once said not to use dishwashing liquid. Den should know better than to leave loop-holes for me to fall into!”

Darby shook his head in wonder at Skyy’s laughter. He made a mental note to ask for more details before meekly going along with any of the younger man’s future schemes.

As promised, Dennis put in an appearance exactly fifteen minutes later. “Thank you for doing such a good job, boys,” he said and watched Darby drape the last rung-out towel over the shower enclosure. “Rowan is waiting for you in your room, Darby. Skyy, get those wet boxers off. It’s time you were getting ready for bed. We’ll be leaving first thing in the morning.” Dennis was pleased at the lack of protest in regards to the early bedtime being imposed on them.

************

“Looks like we’re making good time, Rowan,” Dennis comment, checking for on-coming traffic before driving out of the restaurant parking lot.

“Yes, and there’s no rush. It’s nice to take it easy and enjoy ourselves after getting such a good start on the day,” Rowan answered. “You doing most the driving is another plus!” He grinned at his friend and waited for a comeback.

“Relax while you can because tomorrow you’ll be taking over as chauffeur,” Dennis retaliated.

“Man, I’m full!” Dusty muttered as he rubbed his stomach and shifted to get more comfortable.

“That place had some great food, didn’t it, Darby?” Skyy asked, turning towards the man sitting on his left.

“I guess it was all right, but I’ve had better.”

“Oh yeah; where?”

“At home; Rowan’s great in the kitchen!” Darby answered and received a knowing grin from the other two men sharing the back seat with him.

“Gotcha! Nothing beats home-cooking!” Dusty agreed. “But in our home, Skyy’s by far the best cook.”

“Do you have a favourite restaurant, Darby?” Skyy wanted to know.

“Yes, I really like O’Finnigan’s where we went when you guys came to BC for our wedding, remember?” His companions nodded their replies.

“Is that’s Rowan’s favourite as well?” Dusty asked, leaning forward to look around Skyy in order to see the man he was questioning.

“He likes it, but really prefers a nice family-owned Greek restaurant in town.”

“Den told me he used to like the Olive Garden before it closed. Now his first choice is the Red Lobster while Dusty almost always wants to go to DQ,” Skyy informed Darby. “But I rather eat at home ‘cause there’s less rules, like not having to use your best manners, trading, and a bigger choice of finger foods. Yep, eating at home is definitely better.”

“Of course, there are a lot of things Skyy considers finger-food that Den doesn’t,” Dusty added with a teasing chuckle. Reading the questioning expression on Darby face, Dusty continued. “Skyy thinks anything he can’t drink should be eaten with his fingers, but Den insists mashed potatoes, among other things including most desserts, be consumed using proper cutlery.”

“And he gets real pushy about it!” Skyy complained and grinned cheekily at his oldest partner’s reflection in the rear-view mirror. He knew Dennis had been listening but was unaware of Rowan’s amusement in the conversation.

“Okay, how about a favourite store or do you even have one, Darby?” Dusty inquired. The long drive was certainly giving them an opportunity to learn more about each other.

“All and any to do with music, especially those that sell sheet music or instruments,” was the other man’s enthusiastic reply.

“And candy stores!” Skyy supplemented.

“Rowan habitually heads for what I call the electronic gadget stores, like Future Shop or Radio Shack.” Darby didn’t respond to Skyy’s comment.

“But not Laura Secord, I bet!” Skyy piped in again with his two-cents worth. “Dusty’s fav is the Gap.” Skyy put his hand up to his mouth and joked in a loud whisper to Darby. “He’s a real clothes horse…..and he likes candy stores, too.”

“Hey! I heard that, kid!” Dusty shoved his fellow Brat against Darby, which caused the other two to giggle. “Anytime Skyy goes missing in the malls, Den and I know exactly where to find him. He’s either in Pets Unlimited or Toys ‘R’ Us,” he teased. “And in case he tries to say otherwise, he also buys his fair share of sweets.”

“Den likes Pier 1 and book stores with musty old books. Of course, I get to read any books he buys so I kinda encourage him to go as often as he can,” Skyy laughingly informed Darby while ignoring Dusty’s ribbing remarks.

The light conversation and friendly bantering helped pass the time, as the trip seemed to go on endlessly. Aside from one or two comments, Rowan and Dennis didn’t participate. They were quite content to listen in as the younger men got to know one another better.

“Wow, look at that!” Skyy announced excitedly, leaning in between the front seats and pointing to a large sign up ahead. “It’s a nudist campground. Can we go there for the night, Den?” Skyy was doomed for disappointment when his request was immediately denied.

“Not a chance, Sport!”

“Why not? Let’s take a vote. Who else…..Hey, you’re passing it! You didn’t even get us chance to see who all wanted to go there,” Skyy accused and pouted at the back of Dennis’ head.

“Skyy, staying at a nudist camp is not on the agenda. Now just forget about it!”

“Well, we have to stop for the night, so if there’s another one……”

“We’ll drive right by!” Dennis firmly cut him off, knowing exactly where his Brat’s thoughts were heading.

“But we have to stay someplace and we’ve never tried a …”

“We’ll be spending the night in a hotel with room-service, indoor washroom facilities, proper beds and clean linen, etc.” Dennis cut in once again.

“Deeenn!” Skyy whined. “You’re not listening.”

Darby was curious to see where this conversation was going to end. Rowan was grateful his friend hadn’t enlisted his help as he was finding it difficult to contain his amusement and knew he lacked the ability to participate in a discussion.

“Skyylar, there is nothing more to be said! I’m driving!” Dennis hoped the young man would take the hint and stop pestering him. He sighed and prayed for patience when he realized Skyy wasn’t about to let it go.

“But, Den, you can talk and drive at the same time. I know, ‘cause you’ve done it before,” Skyy pointed out and sent him another teasing grin via the rear-view mirror.

That did it. Rowan couldn’t hold it in any longer. His stomach was beginning to hurt and his throat was tight from trying to choke back his laughter. Recognizing a lost cause, he looked apologetically at the man beside him and gave in to his need to laugh. He laughed even harder when he saw Dennis roll his eyes and shake his head.

Skyy was dismayed at the idea of someone laughing at his partner, his Top. He was even more upset by the fact that he was responsible for the entertainment Rowan was having at Dennis’ expense.

Dennis looked into the mirror and saw a young face filled with regret, pleading with him to make everything all right. Checking to make sure it was safe to do so; he slowed down and pulled over to the shoulder of the road.

Darby’s eyes widened as he watched Dennis get out of the Hummer and walk around to the passenger side. “Rowan!” He managed to squeak, evidently expecting his partner to step in. Darby didn’t want his little brother to be spanked and certainly not on the side of a busy highway.

“It doesn’t concern us, Sweets!” Rowan gently refused his lover’s petition.

“But, Row…” Darby’s voice trailed off when he saw the set expression on the older man’s face. He anxiously watched as the back door opened and was confused when Skyy unbuckled his seatbelt, climbed over Dusty’s knees and threw himself into the arms of a man Darby felt he would be trying to get away from.

Dusty smiled knowingly and hastily moved into Skyy’s place as Dennis turned and backed into the vehicle to sit with his feet on the ground and his youngest Brat on his lap.

Darby continued to watch in stunned silence as the scene before him unfolded. Not a word was spoken and yet he felt an entire conversation was taking place.

After cuddling against his Top’s chest for several moments, Skyy sighed deeply and raised his head. He lightly traced his fingertips down Dennis’ jaw line, gently patted his cheek and gazed into the big man’s eyes; warm, brown eyes that held the understanding, assurances and love the young man craved. Dennis smiled and raised a questioning eyebrow. Skyy replied with a shy grin and a nod, signaling his willingness to move on.

Dennis softly kissed his Brat, set him on his feet and stood up. He waited for Dusty to slide back into his own seat, then he gently swatted Skyy’s bottom to propel the young man forward and patiently watched as Skyy scrambled over Dusty’s legs and buckled up. He winked at his other partner before closing the door in preparation for continuing their trip.

Darby wanted to know what had transpired but decide to bide his time, simply because he couldn’t come up with a way to ask without appearing too inquisitive or attracting Rowan’s disapproval. He was, however, very relieved at the outcome when he noticed Skyy snuggling under Dusty’s arm and falling asleep. He marveled at the obvious affection and love these three men had for one another and wondered if his and Rowan’s feeling for each other was as easily perceived. He smiled contentedly and for the first time since the long drive began, drifted off to sleep.

Rowan had periodically been glancing over his shoulder and checking on the three Brats in the back seat. He nodded approvingly when he saw them all taking a siesta. Dusty grunted in his sleep, disentangled himself from Skyy’s arms and pushed the smaller man aside. Skyy slowly gravitated towards Darby and nestled in against the other man without waking up. Rowan smiled as Darby’s right arm automatically wrapped around his little brother.

“You sure do a great job with them, Dennis,” Rowan complimented sincerely. “I can’t figure out how you do it though. That little one must be a handful at times.”

“I think of Skyy as my very own fountain of youth,” Dennis chuckled. “And I wouldn’t want either of my guys to be any different than they are.”

************

Skyy cautiously opened the bathroom door and checked the hall. Seeing the coast was clear, he tightened the towel around his waist and darted towards the room that had been assigned to him and his partners. Droplets of water flew in all directions.

Darby chuckled at the fleeing figure and listen for the slamming of a door.

“Was that Skyy?” Rowan inquired, placing their sleepwear on top of the dresser.

“Yep, and he’s sopping wet.”

“He probably figured it would free up the shower quicker for someone else if he dried off in his room.”

“And you believe that, do you?”

“Let’s just say I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“Ya! Right!” Darby laughed at the other man’s muttered ‘anything’s possible’. “Your parents have a nice big house, Rowan, but it’s going to be a challenge, sharing one bathroom between seven adults.”

“It will be nine adults and one child when Kayla and Nate arrive the first of the week with Jonathan.” Rowan grinned at his Brat’s groan and watched him fall back on the bed. “It could be a lot worse, Sweets, if Trevor hadn’t decided to rent a cottage for his tribe and if Erin and her boyfriend weren’t staying with my youngest brother and his wife.”

“Good grief; that would have made seventeen of us, nineteen if Logan and Kate didn’t have a home of their own in town.” Darby shook his head, unable to fathom how so many people would stay in one house with limited facilities.

“Hey, guys,” Dusty drew their attention when he stuck his head in the doorway. “Are you planning to use the shower now?”

“You go ahead!” Rowan suggested. He smiled when Dusty hollered, “We’re up next, Den!” and disappeared.

“Well, Mom’s certainly happy to have so many here at one time.” Darby stated.

“Bet she’s been cooking and baking for weeks,” Rowan commented, picking up a magazine and laying down to read.

“That reminds me! I gotta go tell Skyy that we’re not spending a lot of time in the kitchen during our vacation!” Darby called back as he ran out of their bedroom. He knocked and walked into the room next door to find Skyy sitting on the floor and playing Solitaire. It wasn’t hard to notice the younger man’s cotton nightshirt was clinging to his still-damp body.

“Hi, Dek! Wanna play cards?” Skyy invited, gathering up the deck that was spread out in front of him.

“Sure! It’s good to have some quiet time after the hectic day we’ve put in. Man, we have been going non-stop since arriving here at noon.”

“That’s cause there’s so much to see and do. It’s gonna take the whole week to get to everything. Hope we can squeeze it all in!”

“Tomorrow’s schedule is jammed packed. First is the volleyball tournament in town. It’s held on a street that’s been blocked off and has truckloads of sand dumped on it. According to Rowan, it’s traditionally the opening event for the annual Harvest Festival.”

“There’s a parade at two in the afternoon and the carnival will be up and running by four o’clock. I love carnivals. Last time we went to one, Dusty won a giant teddy bear and gave it to me. Course we ate too much and got sick on the rides, but that’s all part of the fun!” Skyy laughed at the grimace on Darby face. Then he began reading over the list of activities on the pamphlet he had found earlier. “Hmmm, Sunday looks kinda boring unless beauty pageants and flower arranging contests do anything for ya.”

“They don’t! But I overheard Rowan and Dennis talking about bar-b-queing and swimming at a beach somewhere on the south shore,” Darby informed the younger man. “I think Mira and Kalev will be joining us.”

“Sure sounds better than the stuff on here,” Skyy said, waving the paper in his hand.

“By the way, Blue, did you guys talk anymore last night about that nudist camp?

“In our hotel room, you mean?”

“Uh-huh!” Darby nodded.

“Yeah. Dennis said he wasn’t comfortable being naked in a public setting with both genders and all ages present. Wouldn’t bother me though!”

“Rowan kinda said the same thing. Makes me wonder if they talk it over before saying anything to us. Guess we’ll just have to forget about it, Blue.”

“But I don’t want to ‘cause I really want to go to one!”

“Want to go to what, honey?” Dennis questioned as he walked in, drying his hair. He hung the towel over the back of a chair and looked expectantly at his youngest Brat.

“A nudist camp!” Skyy grumbled.

“Don’t fuss, Sport. There’ll be plenty to keep you busy over the next few days.” Dennis assured him.

“Too busy, Blue, to waste time with big meal preparations, right?” Darby asked, hoping the younger man would get the hint.

“You bet! Where’s D, Den?”

“Cleaning up the bathroom. He’ll be here momentarily.”

“Rowan’s looking for you, Darby.” Dusty announced, coming in and throwing himself across the bed. “Hope we left enough hot water for you.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Night all!”

“Good night! See you in the morning!”

************

“How are the games going, Sweets?” Rowan asked as he and Dennis joined their partners in the bleachers.

“Pretty good! This is the last one. Skyy’s playing but his team is losing, big time!”

“How did he get to play?” Dennis wanted to know.

“They were short-handed and Skyy offered to play providing they let the kid in the wheelchair play too.” Dusty replied with a crooked grin.

“It must be rather tricky maneuvering in all that sand,” Rowan commented.

“That’s why the others didn’t want Jimmy playing. With the exception of Skyy, his whole team is made up of physically or mentally challenged players.” Darby was the one to provide this information. “It’s not actually an element of the tournament. It’s just kinda a whim on the part of some of the guys. They’re having a great time, though!”

“Makes me wish we had arrived sooner,” Dennis grumbled, kicking himself for taking so long to get his day started. “I didn’t realize the volleyball games would get so interesting.”

“Finally made it, huh?” Skyy teased as he climbed up to sit next to Dennis. He was out of breath and using his T-shirt to wipe the sweat off his face and chest. “We won, Den!”

“Skyy, the score was 22-4 in favour of the other team. You lost, kid!” Dusty pointed out.

“No way, man! We were winners the moment we got onto the court.” Skyy eyes were sparkling as his fellow team members made they way over to him. “We did good, guys!” he enthusiastically announced as they milled about congratulating each other.

“What do you want to do next, boys?” Rowan asked. They had waited for the crowd of participants and spectators to gradually thin out before getting up to leave. “Did you want to eat out or would you rather have lunch at home?”

“Home!” was the unanimous response.

“Did you bring the car, Den?” Skyy was hot and tired. He didn’t feel up to the two-mile hike back to the house.

“No, we didn’t! We figured if you guys could walk down, so could we.” Putting his arm around the younger man’s shoulder, Dennis started prodding him towards the sidewalk. “Come on, Sport. It’s not that far!”

They were just past the halfway mark when Dennis realized Skyy had run out of steam as he kept lagging further behind. Dennis retraced his steps for the umpteenth time to encourage his Brat to try and keep up with the others. Finally admitting it was not going to happen; Dennis turned his back to Skyy, bent over slightly and offered an alternative which was readily accepted.

Skyy immediately climbed up, looped his arms over Dennis’ shoulders and wrapped his legs around his Top’s waist. Dennis put his arms under Skyy’s knees and held on to his hands. He smiled at the long drawn-out sigh of contentment and hurried to catch up with Rowan.

Rowan glanced over at his friend and, after taking a closer look, voiced his astonishment. “He’s asleep!”

“Yeah, I know.” Dennis grinned. He had felt Skyy’s warm rhythmic breath on his neck as Skyy relaxed with complete trust in the bigger man’s willingness to carry him. “He can fall asleep in a heartbeat, just about anywhere, as long as he feels safe.” He chuckled at the expression of incredulity on Rowan’s face.

“Ah, Dusty, mind if I ask you something?” Darby softly requested. They were several yards ahead of their partners and beyond the hearing range of the older men.

“Sure, why not?”

“I know Skyy doesn’t like to talk about his past, but I’d really like to learn more about him. I’ve kinda already guessed he was abuse at one time. Am I right?”

“Yeah, his old man was one miserable son-of-a-bitch. I don’t have many facts though, ‘cause Skyy always clams up whenever the subject surfaces. I only know the fat, old bastard used to beat on him, among other things. Skyy has several faint marks on his back from a belt buckle and a healed scar at the top of his left thigh that Dominic says looks suspiciously like a cigar burn. He’s also had his right shoulder dislocated a few times and it’s starting to interfere with his range of motion. Dennis knows a lot more but won’t tell me about it.”

“Why not?”

“Cause I get so pissed off I sometimes wish the rotten slob was still alive, just so I could beat the shit out of him.”

“I wouldn’t mind having the opportunity to help you!” Darby sincerely stated.

“Yeah, well like Den says, there’s no point dwelling on it, ‘cause the asshole’s dead and there’s nothing we can do about it.” Dusty looked back over his shoulder to see their partners getting closer. “We better drop it before Dennis hears us. He won’t be too happy to find out we’ve been discussing Skyy’s past and getting worked up over it.”

“I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t mentioned it,” Darby sadly whispered. He suddenly felt an overwhelming desire to do something special for his little brother. ‘Yep, if Skyy asks for something, he’s got it! Hmmm, wonder if there’s a nudist beach around here? I’m gonna talk it over with Rowan again.’ Darby thought. He smiled as a wave of happiness engulfed him.

************

“Come see this, Dek!” Skyy quietly demanded, tugging on the other man’s arm. They had been driving around the countryside with their partners, when they’d happened upon an out-of-the-way antique shop. “There’s a bunch of really old instruments in the back room.”

“These are neat, Blue! Let’s see if any of them actually work.” Darby picked over the various items while making derogatory comments about most of them. “This violin sounds like it’s in heat, the strings are missing on this guitar, this French horn has a big dent on one side, and the reed’s dried up in this clarinet.”

“In other words, it’s all a big pile of junk!” Skyy griped, putting down the badly damaged accordion and dusting his hands off on his shorts.

“Not necessarily! Let’s check out that old piano.” Darby sat down and lightly ran his fingers over the chipped, yellow keys. “It’s not the nicest looking thing but it has a good sound. I’m going to ask how much it costs.”

“Hey, you already have one!” Skyy called out to his quickly disappearing brother and ran after him.

“Yeah, but you don’t!”

“You better not be thinking I’m gonna buy it.”

“I though you were planning to take some music courses this fall. You’re going to need a piano, Skyy.” Darby picked up on the younger man’s uncertainty. “Think of it as a tool of the trade. After all, Dusty just bought a box of rusty tools ‘cause he’s a grease-monkey.”

“D’s not only a diesel mechanic. He’s an engineer. He could teach or design if he wanted to but he prefers the hands-on work. He collects tools and will clean those up to put in his workshop.”

“So you’re not going to buy anything at all?”

“I don’t need anything, Dek!” Skyy announced decisively.

“Well do you think Dennis really needs that hideous piece of artwork he bought?”

“Den just wants the fancy frame and beside, in case you haven’t noticed, there is a slight size difference between a painting and a piano.” Skyy pointed out.

“Maybe we can get it shipped.” Darby suggested thoughtfully.

“Like maybe we should forget about it!” Skyy insisted.

“Whoa!” Darby suddenly stopped, causing Skyy to run into him. “Get a load of this, Blue,” he reverently whispered. “It’s perfect!”

“What are you talking about?” Following Darby’s line of vision, Skyy saw what had attracted the other man’s attention. “It’s just an old desk.”

“It’s an antique roll-top desk. Shelley’s always wanted one. Man, I’ve been months searching for the perfect wedding gift to give her. Who’d ever have thought I find it in such an obscure little place!” All other thoughts fled from Darby’s mind.

“It probably costs a fortune and I bet it weighs a ton!” Skyy exclaimed as he closely examined the piece of solid oak furniture. “How would you ever get it home?” He was relieved to have Darby’s attention focused on something other than the piano.

“I’m going to see what kind of deal I can make with the shop keeper. Be right back!” Darby made his way towards the front of the store, leaving Skyy to wonder if his brother knew what he was doing.

“Where’s Darby, Skyy?” Dennis inquired, coming up behind the younger man and startling him.

“Huh? Oh, he’s just getting some information.”

“See anything you like, Sport?”

“Not really.”

“How about helping me pick out a few books from that pile in the corner over there?”

“Musty old ones, right?” Skyy teased and happily accompanied his partner on his search for reading material.

Twenty minutes later, Dennis and Skyy joined their other partner at the cash. Dusty sneezed when Skyy dropped several books on the counter, causing small clouds of dust to billow off them. “Got the dirtiest ones you could find, eh?” he jokingly complained and laughed at his fellow Brat’s sassy smirk.

“Are you fellows just about ready to head for home? We’ve spent the better part of the afternoon in this place!” Rowan commented. “Darby’s waiting for us in the car.”

“We’ll be out as soon as we pay for our last purchase, Rowan,” Dennis assured his friend.

Skyy was curious to find out how Darby had made out with his inquiries, but he waited until later that evening to have his curiosity satisfied. Shortly after supper, he found Darby swinging on the front porch and sneaked up on him. “HEY!” Skyy giggled when his brother jumped in fright. “Did ya get it, Dek?” he asked conspiratorially and sat down beside the other young man.

“Yes. I’m sorry I got kinda sidetracked and forgot about the piano, but I really needed to get this desk. I think I got quite a bargain.” Darby settled back and chuckled as Skyy’s eyes widened when he heard the amount the other man had forked over for the gift. “The price included the taxes and shipping, Blue.”

“Man, I didn’t know you had so much cash on you!” Skyy exclaimed. “And I seem to recall your debit card not working.”

“I used my credit card. A new one came in the mail a couple of weeks ago. I almost had the old one paid off but now it’s just about maxed out again. But it was worth it! Shelley is worth it” Darby knew he had acted impulsively and would inevitably have to own up to Rowan, but not just yet. He decided it would be best to swear his little brother to secrecy for the time being. “Ah listen, Blue. I’d kinda like to keep this a secret for awhile, okay? You know, just between you and me. What d’ya say?”

“Mum’s the word, Dek!” Skyy pulled his thumb and finger across his lips as if closing a zipper. “I won’t tell a soul. Promise!” He wondered how deep a hole the other Brat had dug for himself.

************

“Aren’t you finished yet, Darby?” Skyy asked from where he was standing in the doorway. “There are other chores to do this morning, ya know!”

“Almost! How the heck did you get your room cleaned up so fast?”

“It wasn’t messy to begin with. Den makes us keep things tidy,” Skyy explained as he walked to one side of the bed and began making it. “And we’re in the habit of making the bed first thing. Actually, the last one up has to make it.”

“Well I’d be quite happy living like a pack-rat, but it would drive Rowan crazy. He’s such a neat-freak!” Darby groused, gathering up his dirty clothing and accepting a few articles from Skyy. “Thanks!”

“You’re welcome! Anything to get outside so we can get the lawn mowed for Kalev while it’s still cool.”

“Who’s doing what, do you know?”

“No. All I know is Den won’t let me use the weed-whacker ‘cause it hurts my shoulder. I’m going see if I can drive the ride-on. It’s such a big flat area to cut, I bet I could really rev it up,” Skyy said hopefully as he slid down the banister while his companion thumped down the stairs.

“Hey, what’s the rule about other people’s banisters, Skyy?” Dennis demanded as he lifted his partner off and set him on the floor with a swat on the seat of his pants.

“But Mira said I could!” Skyy responded and rubbed his backside.

“And I said no!” Dennis firmly reminded him.

“Guess we’ve got a stalemate,” Skyy retorted with a cheeky grin. “My vote can break it.”

“You cast your vote over a year ago, Sport. Do you remember when that was?”

“Yeah; it was when Dusty and I elected you to the post of presiding tyrant.” Skyy and Darby snickered when Dennis merely shook his head and rolled his eyes, before chasing them out of the house.

“Okay, guys! Here’s the plan!” Rowan announced to get everyone’s attention. “Skyy, the ride-on is all yours.” He smiled as two of the Brats enthusiastically high-fived each other. “Darby and Dusty, if you’ll handle the weed-trimmers, Dennis and I can get the hand-mowing out of the way. It shouldn’t take us more than an hour!”

“Hold on, Sport!” Dennis caught Skyy by the back of his T-shirt. “This is new territory for you, so take it easy.”

“Aah, Den!”

“It’s either that or you trade assignments.”

“Okay, I’ll watch what I doing and keep it at a reasonable speed. But you’ve just taken all the fun out of it, you know.”

“Be good, because there’s a special surprise waiting for you.” Dennis smiled as the younger man’s eyes lit up in anticipation.

The job was completed within the hour and all the equipment was cleaned and put away. The five men were standing around the kitchen quenching their thirst when Rowan made another announcement. “Hope you are all up for an afternoon at the beach. Mom’s packed us a picnic basket and as soon as we get our things together, we’ll be taking off.”

“You’ll only need a couple of towels each, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, boys,” Dennis informed his partners as he followed them up the stairs. “And a book in case you feel like reading.”

“You forgot to mention our bathing suits, Den,” Dusty pointed out.

“You won’t be needing them.” Dennis waited for his words to sink in. He smiled at the expressions of unadulterated joy radiating off their young faces.

“Wow! No shit!” Dusty exclaimed, while his fellow Brat’s eyes opened impossibly wider and his mouth formed a round ‘O’ of surprise. “How come you changed your mind?” Dusty wanted to know.

“Well apparently, a certain little someone’s wishful gripping prodded another to approach his partner and plead on that certain little someone’s behalf, to at least reconsider the idea of visiting a nudist resort. Rowan and I read the information Darby found on the Internet and decided to go give it a try. Unless of course, you’d rather not go….” Dennis left the unfinished sentence hanging in the air. He laughed at the expected activity as his Brats rushed around gathering up the items they would need for an afternoon of outdoor fun.

To Skyy it felt like the forty-minute drive would never end. After parking the car, the group of men grabbed up the supplies and made their way to the office, where they were greeted by Mr. Cooper, the camp manager.

“Hello! I am so pleased you chose to spend part of your day with us! I want to thank you again for calling ahead. As I told you yesterday, the foundation of our establishment is built on self-acceptance and respecting the individuality and rights of other guests you will come in contact with. I will just repeat a few of the rules for everyone’s benefit. Clothing is optional for a short period of time until you get comfortable. In all likelihood, you will soon become self-conscious at being the only ones dressed. We do not allow cameras or pets here and you are required to keep at least one towel for the soul purpose of sitting on the chairs and decking. Please bear in mind that any actions needing an apology are unacceptable. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you some of our facilities and the day-use-only area you were inquiring about.”

The guys agreed on a site and set their belongings on the large picnic table. Skyy couldn’t get his clothing off fast enough. He was as delighted as Dennis knew he would be.

“Can I check out the pool, Den?” Skyy asked as he stuffed his clothes and sneakers into his backpack.

“All right; but come right back. Don’t wander off!” Dennis called, receiving a wave to indicate he had been heard.

“He’s a natural nudist, isn’t he?” Mr. Cooper laughingly commented. “He has an easy time discovering the joys he had as a child.”

None of the men responded, fully aware of the limited periods of happiness Skyy had encountered while growing up. Mr. Cooper’s observation provided Darby with a final confirmation of his having made the right choice in persuading Rowan to come here.

“Hey, what’s taking you guys so long?” Skyy demanded after running back to find them still fully clothed. “Dek, you ever been skinny dipping before?”

“Yeah! Riley and I do it all the time up at the cabin,” he answered, pulling his T-shirt over his head and dropping it on top of his sandals lying on the ground. He then added his shorts and boxers to the pile. “I have to wear a swimsuit when I’m in our pool, though.”

“So that explains why you have a band of white around your hips,” Dusty jokingly declared. He squirted a large dollop of sunscreen on his hand and tossed the container over to Skyy. “Grease up, little buddy!”

“Anyone want to try out the lazy-river ride, Den?” Skyy asked, rubbing lotion on his chest. He held out the bottle and when Dennis had taken it, turned around so the older man could apply some to his back.

“As soon as we get undressed, Sport.”

“That sounds like fun, Skyy!” Darby exclaimed and grabbed up his towels.

“Skyy and I are going on ahead, Den. We’ll meet you over there.” Dusty wrapped his arm around Darby’s neck and teased. “You too, Pale-cheeks!”

Rowan and Dennis adjusted quickly to the new experience of being nude in public. Both men were pleasantly surprised when they realize it was far less sexually charged than many people were inclined to think and it wasn’t nearly as big as deal as they themselves had anticipated.

“I don’t know about you, Rowan, but I’m finding this entire venture rather liberating both in body and mind,” Dennis commented several hours later. They were lounging in the shade of a large tree. “I’m also enjoying a sense of spiritual independence.”

“Hmmm, me too,” the other man murmured contentedly. “This is definitely one time I’m pleased our partners were so persistent; especially that little guy of yours.” Rowan looked up and smiled when he saw his friend reach down to remove the book that was falling out of his sleeping Brat’s hand. “Does he always fall asleep when you call a time-out?”

“Almost every time,” Dennis chuckled, turning down the page to mark Skyy’s place. “Skyy could wear out the energizer bunny. He goes non-stop for a few hours but after he crashes for about twenty minutes, he’s raring to go again.”

“We needed this break away from everyone. This past week has been so hectic with my entire family home,” Rowan grumbled.

“In spite of being so busy, Rowan, we’ve had one terrific vacation. It’s been great getting together like this,” Dennis assured him.

“You’re right! We’ll have to do it again. Maybe we can make plans to spend a couple of weeks up at the cabin next summer. What do you think?”

“Sounds like something we can discuss on the trip home.”

“Yeah, ‘cause we have a day and a half’s drive before us,” Darby reminded the older men. He was lying facedown on the ground next to Rowan, hoping to improve on his tan. While admitting one day wasn’t going to accomplish much, he felt it would have had a better chance if he had gotten away with using as little sunscreen as possible. But as usual Rowan had been watching him like a hawk.

“What time do we have to leave tomorrow, Den?” Dusty asked, putting down the magazine he was reading. A cooling breeze waved over them and feeling Skyy’s involuntary shiver, Dusty gently covered the younger man lying next to him, with an extra beach towel.

“Early, love!” The remark elicited groans from Darby and Dusty.

“That mean’s we’ll have to be in bed at a reasonable hour; reasonable to you two guys, that is, but too early for us!” Darby complained, wishing the subject had never been brought up. Rowan and Dennis further aggravated him by laughing, so he curled up and pulled a towel over his head in an attempt to ignore them.

“If we plan to spend any time with my folks this evening, we better start getting ready to head home, Sweets,” Rowan stated, lovingly patting Darby’s bare bottom before pushing himself out of the hammock he had been relaxing in.

The four men reluctantly got dressed, gathered up their belongings and loaded everything into the Hummer. Dennis waited until the last possible moment before waking his youngest Brat, bullying him into putting his clothes back on and guiding him towards the parking lot where the others were patiently waiting.

************

The return trip had been remarkably peaceful and uneventful. Rowan and Darby had stayed overnight at Dennis, Dusty and Skyy’s home before flying back to BC. Saying good bye to their friends had been a necessary, albeit reluctant, moment made only slightly easier by the knowledge they would be vacationing together next summer. Their last flight had landed several hours ago and they had taken care of all the tasks associated with a homecoming after two weeks absence.

Rowan was sitting at his desk about to access his e-mails when he felt his partner’s presence. Turing around in his chair, he saw Darby standing in the doorway. The young man had a look of uncertainty and was nervously shuffling from one foot to the other. Rowan had been expecting this. He had not failed to notice the increasing number of times over the last three or four days, when his Brat would get sullen and moody. A sure sign something was disturbing his partner. Rowan had patiently allowed the younger man his space and the time needed to come to grips with whatever was bothering him.

“Come here, Sweets!” Rowan held out his arms in welcome and pulled his lover onto his lap. “What’s up, baby?”

“I-I…” Darby took a deep breath. “I have to tell you something and you’re not going to be too pleased about it.”

“I’m listening,” he lovingly encouraged.

“I bought Shelley and Toby a wedding present a few days ago,” Darby said quietly, sitting rigidly and refusing to look in Rowan’s face.

“Well that’s good. I know you’ve been searching for the perfect gift for a long time. Are you going to tell me what it is or keep it a secret awhile longer?” the older man teased. When he didn’t receive an answer, Rowan tenderly stroked Darby’s hair and softly stated, “You know, love, together we can fix just about anything.”

“I bought a roll-top desk. Shelley has wanted one for nearly as long as I’ve known her. But I spent a lot of money, Row. Money I didn’t have,” Darby whispered almost inaudibly and melted against his lover. ‘There,’ he thought. ‘It’s out!’

“How much money are we talking about here, Darby?” He unfolded the piece of yellow paper handed to him and his mouth dropped when he read it. To say Rowan was surprised by the amount is an understatement. But what really angered him was the additional information the receipt provided. He placed it on the desk and took a few moments to get his initial feelings of wrath under control. Maintaining an even tone in hopes of preventing his Brat from shying away and becoming close-mouthed, Rowan calmly inquired, “And just where did this money come from, Darby?”

“I used my credit card,” the younger man mumbled, knowing his partner was already aware of that fact.

“Are you telling me you removed the confiscated card from my desk drawer?”

“No, no, I didn’t do that, Rowan! I used the new one.” Anxious to get this horrendous mess cleared up while he still had the courage to do so, Darby confessed to everything. He started from when he received the ill-fated letter and ended with his impetuous purchase. “I am so sorry, Rowan. I know I should have told you about the card as soon as it arrived. I just really wanted to get Shelley something extraordinary, but instead I’ve given you every reason to distrust me. I’ve ruined everything! The wedding, our vacation, our relationship….” Darby’s voice cracked as his eyes filled and overflowed.

“Darby Evan Kincaide, while it’s true you made some very poor choices, you are definitely not going to assume responsibility for anything being irrevocably ruined. To begin with, I will not permit it! Besides, such is not the case. Do you understand me?” Rowan’s voice had a decisive ring to it.

“But, but, Rowan…” Darby stammered. “Owww!” He wailed when a large hand landed solidly on his backside.

“I asked if you understood me, young man!” Rowan scolded. Getting a sniffle and a watery nod, Rowan placed a hand on each side of Darby’s face and used his thumbs to wipe away his Brat’s tears. “Where is the new card, Darby?”

“In my wallet.”

“Go get it, please.” Rowan watched his Brat run from the room; then he opened the middle drawer, withdrew the old credit card and placed it with the invoice that represented the tangible proof of Darby’s willful disobedience. He listened for the sounds of his partner’s return and solemnly accepted the item handed to him.

“Is this the only purchase you made using this, Darby?” Rowan inquired, waving the new piece of plastic in the air. A shame filled nodding motion from a hanging head answer his query. He tugged the younger man down to reseat him on his lap. “We both agreed to you not having a credit card, didn’t we? Why did we do that?” he asked when Darby nodded a second time.

“Because of overspending and under paying,” was the simple explanation.

“Clarify that, please!” the older man adamantly insisted.

“I’m impulsive when shopping and I forget the consequences of making payments.”

“Well, my love, I’m afraid there are consequences to be faced right now that you will definitely not be forgetting anytime soon.” Rowan put Darby on his feet, stood and led him over to the sofa. Then he sat down and reached up to unzip the younger man’s jeans. After lowering his Brat’s pants and underwear, he settled him as comfortably as possible over his thighs.

“Why are we doing this, Darby?” Rowan asked, not unkindly. He knew it was imperative to take care of the discipline aspect of this situation before a subsequent discussion could be successfully initiated.

“I broke a rule and I was deceitful by doing it behind your back,” was Darby’s genuinely remorseful response.

“In effect, lying to me as well as being disobedient and that will definitely not be tolerated, my boy!” Rowan lifted his arm and dropped a cupped hand firmly against the bare bottom in front of him. He landed slow steady swats, progressively increasing the speed and intensity of the spanks over the next couple of minutes. He spanked hard and he continued longer than he usually did.

Darby was sobbing uncontrollably and kicking wildly by the time Rowan applied the last half dozen smacks to the tender underside of his enflamed backside. Although they never did him any harm, Rowan’s spanking hurt, really hurt a lot. But Darby accepted his need for this in order to feel he was paying for his mistakes, knowing he would be starting with a clean slate afterwards. The well-chastened man lay across his disciplinarian’s lap, hitching out his apologies as the crying gradually subsided until only sniffles and hiccups remained.

Rowan gently lifted his partner and resettled him on his lap, taking care not to cause further pain to Darby’s already very sore bottom. “Sssh, little one. You’re all right. It’s over.” Rowan’s tone radiated reassurances as he calmed and soothed the young man snuggling into him. He appreciated the feel of Darby’s arms tightening around his neck as his Brat sought comfort and forgiveness.

“I-I’m sorry, Rowan,” Darby murmured out his regret, trying hard to keep any more tears from escaping.

“We’ve taken care of it, love. No more apologies are necessary.” Rowan kissed the damp curls on Darby’s forehead and repetitively rubbed slow, hypnotic circles over the other man’s back. “We still have some talking to do, Sweets, as well as following through on what I have decided to do about the desk.” he softly stated once he thought Darby had his emotions under control. He smiled when he felt a slight nod of agreement against his shoulder.

“We’re still okay, Row?” came a small uncertain whisper.

“Very much so, sweetheart!” Rowan unfalteringly replied. “However, as it is too late to do so this evening, I will be calling in a cancellation of your acquisition first thing in the morning. Fortunately the desk was not due to be shipped until Monday.”

Although Darby expected it, he was unable to keep his disappointment hidden and fresh tears welled up. One look at his partner’s face convinced him of the hopelessness in pleading for Rowan to change his mind. It was not going to happen.

“I know we have more to discuss but can it wait until tomorrow, Rowan?” Darby quietly requested, feeling himself grow weary. Getting assurances that further conversation would be better held after a good night’s rest, he toed off his sneakers and, with Rowan’s help, removed the jeans that were tangled about his ankles. He got to his feet and hissed as the fire re-ignited on his butt when the soft cotton boxers were pulled up. Next, he submitted to his Top lovingly guiding him up the stairs and tucking him into bed.

************

“Mornin’, Row,” Darby mumbled as he was pulled into his lover’s embrace. He leaned heavily against the bigger man’s chest and relaxed to the sound of Rowan’s heartbeat.

“Good morning, Sweets. Sleep well?” Rowan chuckled at the garbled response, planted a kiss on his Brat’s head and released him. “Hope you’re hungry, because I’ve got breakfast ready.”

“I guess I can eat if I have to. Not too much though.” Darby glanced at the kitchen chair. He had serious reservations concerning his ability to sit on it.

“Grab a couple of extra cushions, love,” Rowan suggested after picking up on the younger man’s hesitation.

They ate in companionable silence and when Rowan was satisfied that Darby had eaten all he could, he got up and started clearing off the table. The two men made quick work of cleaning up and putting things away, after which Rowan took Darby’s hand and led him into the family room. Rowan lied down on the sofa and gently settled the other man on top of him. They had long ago discovered the ease with which they could converse in this position.

“Talk to me, Baby!”

“I-I don’t know what to say,” Darby stammered, hiding his face in Rowan’s shoulder.

“Think you can tell my why you feel it is so necessary for you to buy Shelley such an expensive gift. She would certainly never expect or want that kind of extravagance.” Rowan was convinced there were underlining misconceptions, fueling his Brat’s recent unacceptable behaviour.

“I’m supposed to be her Man of Honour, Row, and I’ve failed miserably in fulfilling my duties in that role!” Darby lamented.

“And why do you think that?”

“Shelley’s family has interfered with almost every function a Maid of Honour would normally perform just because I’m a man. Her mother forbade me to even enter the Bridal shop when Shelley was choosing and being fitted for her wedding dress. When I tried to plan a shower for her, that pushy bitch of a .…” Seeing Rowan’s raised eyebrow, Darby wisely opted for re-wording his complaint. “I mean, pushy big-mouth sister-in-law of hers took over. The event ended up being a disaster and making Shelley really unhappy.”

“The wedding is still two weeks away, Sweets. Why don’t you just have another shower for Shelley?”

“Because they invited almost everyone Shelley’s ever met, except me and any other guys. They said it was for women only, but that’s a pile of crap! They held it at a male strip club and Shelley hated it. She always dreamed of having an old-fashion garden party for her wedding shower.”

“So what say you plan one for next Saturday. You can hold it right here in our own backyard?”

Seeing the seriousness behind the suggestion, Darby gave it some thought. “Yeah, that would work! Then at least I’d have done something for her, ‘cause I refuse to spend the morning of her wedding day with a bunch of giggling women at the beauty salon while they are getting their hair done or whatever else they do there.”

“I don’t think I’d have any interest in doing that either, Sweets,” Rowan laughed.

“But I wanted to have some private time with Shelley before the ceremony, only her mother won’t let me,” Darby sadly murmured. “So you see what I mean when I say I’m not being much help to my best friend on one of the most important days of her life.”

“Oh, but you are, love. You’ll be driving up to the Synagogue with her in that expensive limousine her father has hired. You are the one she will follow down the aisle. It will be you she hands her bouquet to and it will be you from whom she seeks that final nod of encouragement and approval. You’ll be there for her in the moments she’ll need you the most.” Rowan watched as his words slowly sank in and a light of understanding dawned in Darby’s beautiful green eyes.

“I just really wanted to give her something spectacular for her wedding.” Darby’s wishful sigh did not go unanswered.

“You’re going to. Actually, we’re going to!” Rowan smiled at the quizzical expression on his Brat’s face. “I cancelled the entry on your credit card this morning and then placed a few long-distance calls while you were still sleeping. My father is making arrangements, as we speak, to pick up the desk and have it shipped out to us. He was able to call in a few favours, saving us the transportation expenses.”

“I-I don’t get it! How come you changed your mind?”

“I didn’t! While I admit to being rather shocked at the shipping costs, I had no problem with the gift or its’ price, Darby. It was the method used to obtain it and we’ve dealt with that issue. I trust you approve of the gift being from both of us, don’t you?” Rowan didn’t realize a person’s eyes could open so wide.

“Of course, I’d want it to be from both of us. How could you think otherwise?” Darby was slightly affronted.

“Just checking, Sweets!” Rowan assured him with a teasing grin. “We’ll split the cost 50/50,” he added.

“But where will I get my share if you won’t let me use the credit card?”

“You’ll take it out of your bank account!” Rowan tightened his arms around Darby’s waist and waited in anticipation for the cry of indignation. He wasn’t disappointed.

“But it’s taken me months to save that!” Darby wailed. “It’s to pay for a new paint job for my Spider.”

“So you’ll have to start saving over again. It’s your choice, Darby. It’s one or the other but you have to decide within the next few minutes so I can notify my Dad if there is going to be a change in plans.”

Accepting that Rowan was standing firm, Darby quickly thought over his options. It wasn’t as hard a decision as he had feared it would be. In fact it proved to be quite easy. “The desk!” he adamantly announced.

“You’re sure?”

“Uh-huh! Shelley’s happiness is worth any sacrifice, Row. I want her to have that desk.”

“I hope you’ve learned of an important option that was available to you, Sweets.”

“Yes. I should have talked to you first. But I thought you’d say no.”

“Well, you were wrong. I’ll always hear you out, Darby. Your desires and opinions are important to me.”

“I know,” Darby admitted sheepishly. “I guess I would have saved my butt some grief if I had showed you the desk, explained why I wanted it and offered to use my savings in the first place.” He glanced up with a cheeky grin. “Come to think of it, it’s probably better to paint a car after the winter season rather than before it.”

“Brat!” Rowan laughed, his eyes radiating amused affection.

Darby smiled happily and pushed himself off his partner’s recumbent body. Holding out a hand, he offered to assist the other man to his feet. “Just one more thing to take care of!” he declared, leading the way down the hall and into the study.

Darby stared down at the items on the desk pad for several moments before picking up the two rectangular pieces of plastic with one hand and a pair of large scissors with the other. He glanced up questioningly at Rowan and waited patiently for the older man’s go-ahead nod. He grinned, cut the troublesome cards into a number of segments and dropped them in the wastepaper basket.

Throwing his arms around Rowan’s neck, Darby let out a deep sigh of accomplishment. “Now that should put an end to any future credit card fiascoes!”

Rowan returned the hug and voiced his agreement. “You’ve got it! There’ll be no more credit card woes!”

The End.