Different Kinds Of Fireworks

Written By: LJ


“Man, it sure turned out better than I thought it would, Row,” Darby joyfully acknowledged. “They finished the installation in time for the long weekend and even cleaned up after themselves as promised.”

“You’re right, Sweets. I’d say it’s safe to assume by your exuberance that you’re more than pleased with the pool,” Rowan merrily teased, finding his partner’s excitement contagious.

“You wanna believe it!” The happiness shining from Darby’s eyes confirmed his statement. “I can hardly wait for the Luau party tomorrow night! By the way, is it all right if I’ve asked Riley to come over later?”

“Well, seeing as Jayson already mentioned his plans to drop by, I can’t see the harm in you inviting his partner,” Rowan laughed. “We are also going to have a couple of other guests. And being as they have graciously offered to help us get ready for our first pool party, how about us having a bar-be-cue for them?”

“Sounds like a plan and while you’re heating up the charcoal, I’m going to change into my swimsuit.” Darby turned to leave and then stopped abruptly. “What other guests?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see. After you’ve changed, I’d appreciate you helping out by tossing together a salad, all right?”

“I guess.” The not-so-enthusiastic response from the young man as he headed into the house caused Rowan to smile and fondly shake his head. Although the older man knew of his Brat’s lack of culinary interests, he still insisted that Darby assist with some of their meal preparations.

“That didn’t take long!” Rowan commented a few minutes later. He was getting steaks out of the refrigerator and glanced around at the sound of Darby coming into the kitchen. “What are the chances you left your clothes strewn about the bedroom, hmm?”

“Aah, probably pretty good,” Darby murmured, his face flushing with embarrassment. Sometimes Rowan knew him just a little too well. “I’ll pick everything up before we go to bed, honest.” When the other man continued to stand and stare at him, Darby relented with a long drawn-out sigh, “Okay, I’ll go do it now,” and he trudged out of the room.

It seemed less than a minute passed when Rowan heard Darby barreling down the stairs. “Whoa, take it easy, Sweets. There’s no need to rush, we’ve got plenty of time before our guests arrive.”

“I can’t help it, Row!” the young man exclaimed breathlessly. “I’m just anxious to get in the pool and as soon as I get this darn salad done up, that’s just what I’m going to do.”

“Just keep in mind the rules we established concerning pool activities, Darby. We don’t want any unpleasant incidents, do we?”

“I know, Rowan, I know…..no roughhousing, no diving when alone, no cannon-balling if someone is in the pool, no throwing toys around, use sunscreen at all times,” Darby recited dutifully in a sing-song manner and rolled his eyes.

“Are you presently breaking one of our rules concerning how we speak to each other?”

“I’m sorry, Row!” Darby had the grace to answer sheepishly, his eyes begging for his apology to be accepted.

“I know you are, Sweets, and you’re forgiven,” Rowan lovingly assured his Brat as he pulled Darby into a warm embrace and kissed him. “Now, get those vegetables cut up!” he gently hassled, landing a teasing swat on the younger man’s backside.

“Skyy told me he’s allowed to swim naked in their pool,” Darby informed his partner. He was cutting up celery while Rowan sprinkled spices on half a dozen steaks before tenderizing them. “How come you won’t let us do it?” he asked, putting the finished salad in the fridge.

“If I remember correctly, Dennis’ pool is above ground. It’s completely surrounded by a deck and a six-foot wall, which provides total privacy. Also, his neighbours are not in as close proximity as ours are. There will be no nude swimming or sunbathing around here; end of discussion!” Rowan declared and walked out the back door.

“Well,” Darby continued as he followed Rowan, completely disregarding the other man’s adamant declaration, “I think we should consider at least one scenario.”

“And just what would that be?”

“Hmmm, late at night when it’s dark and everyone else is in bed,” Darby seductively suggested as he stepped closer and put his arms around his lover’s waist to move his lithe body against Rowan’s. “Just you and me…….” He stretched up to kiss Rowan but groaned instead. “Shit, their timing really sucks!” as a shout was heard announcing Glen and TJ’s arrival.

“Keep those nocturnal thoughts in mind for later, sweetheart,” Rowan murmured and dropped a gentle kiss on Darby’s lips before turning to welcome their houseguests for the upcoming long weekend.

“Hey, the pool looks great!” TJ exclaimed, squirming his way out of Rowan’s arms and tossing his backpack on the nearby swing as he past it. “Man, I’m sure glad our plans changed at the last minute.”

“We were going to celebrate the holiday with TJ’s parents but, as was an already-known possibility, they had to drive up to Edmonton because Garrett and Deanna’s baby decided to put in an early appearance.” Glen explained, shaking hands with Rowan and pulling Darby over to give the young man a hug.

“Yeah,” TJ said excitedly. “We’re uncles again. My brother’s got two daughters and now a son. We’ll be seeing them at the end of the month and I’m looking forward to it.”

“This is why we kept Glen and TJ’s visit a surprise, Sweets. Their plans were very uncertain and subject to change at the last minute.”

“That’s okay, ‘cause I love surprises, well most of them,” Darby winked at his partner. “Congrats, guys!”

“Jayson knows of our possible visit but Riley doesn’t!” TJ laughed. “I can’t wait to see his face when he gets here. They are on their way over, right?”

“They should get here any minute now,” Rowan assured him.

“Come on, TJ. I’ll show you up to one of our guestrooms and you can get out of your traveling duds. It’s too warm for jeans and shirt anyway,” Dusty offered, grabbing up a duffel bag. “I’ll take this up for you, Glen.”

“Thanks, Darby. I’ll be up shortly,” Glen responded.

“It’s great that you guys could make it, Glen,” Rowan said as the younger men headed into the house.

“We’re both looking forward to your party tomorrow night. I’ve got a couple of cases of beer in the trunk among other things. Would you give me a hand, Rowan?” Glen requested. “Then I’ll go upstairs and change into something cooler.”

“Sure; just a sec while I turn these steaks over.”

Glen and TJ had just reappeared on the deck when Jayson and Riley arrived.

“Perfect timing,” Rowan called out. “Supper’s ready and everyone’s here, so let’s eat!”

“Have you been in the pool yet, Darb?” Riley asked, cutting into his steak.

“Nope, it wasn’t ready until this afternoon and I was waiting for Rowan to get home.”

“So we’ll all get a chance to be the first ones to test the waters so to speak,” TJ joked.

“Only after we’ve gone over a few safety rules, guys,” Rowan informed them, looking pointedly at the three younger men who rolled their eyes and huffed out sounds of imaginary resentment. The three older men laughed at their Brats facial expressions.

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

“Did you ask Rowan about the fireworks, Darb?” Riley asked sometime later. He, Darby and TJ were sitting at the far end of the pool out of the hearing range of their partners.

“What fireworks?” TJ piped up.

“The ones that Pete and Freddie brought back from the States last week,” Riley answered. “Well did ya, Darby?”

“Yeah, I did. Sorry, guys, but Rowan said no and he meant it. He wouldn’t even discuss it, so we might as well forget about it.” Darby didn’t try to hide his disappointment and neither did Riley.

“That sucks, man! It would have made the party complete, what with it being Canada Day and all,” Riley gripe. “You’re sure there’s no way to change his mind?”

“There must be,” TJ encouraged.

“Not a chance!” Darby knew his partner well enough not to harbour any false hopes. “But the fire department will be setting off a display from the mountain side for the whole town to see and we’ll be able to watch right from our own backyard.”

“Riley!” Jayson’s call attracted the young man’s attention. “It’s getting late. Time to head home, so please got out and dried off.”

“Guess I’ll see you guys in the morning when we come back to help set up for the Luau,” Riley told his friends as he begrudgingly obeyed his partner’s instructions and pulled himself out of the pool. “Night!”

It was shortly after Jayson and Riley left when Rowan suggested retiring for the night. There was a lot to be done the next day and it would definitely include more pool time.

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

“Yuck!” Darby stood looking down at the carcass stretched out on a large sheet of cardboard on the ground in front of him.

“My sentiments exactly!” TJ concurred, turning up his nose.

“What’s the matter, boys?” Roger laughed. “Never seen a dressed-out pig before?” He was cutting small slits into the meat and inserting slices of garlic along with other spices.

“No, and I wouldn’t have minded not seeing it this time,” Darby informed the other man and turned away from the sight.

“It’s repulsive!” TJ stated before following Darby. “I prefer to see raw meat on a styrofoam square and wrapped in cellophane.”

“I’m perfectly happy seeing it for the first time, well-cooked and lying on my plate; preferably surrounded by veggies and covered with gravy.” Darby commented.

“Yeah, that works!” TJ agreed wholeheartedly.

“Darby, TJ, would you boys please take those bags over to my oven and dump in the charcoal? Thanks!” Roger called out before the young men had made their escape. “And don’t get yourselves dirty!” the older man admonished.

“Did he just say not to get dirty?” TJ asked with a looked of disbelief on his face. “How young does he think we are, for shit’s sake?”

Darby brushed off Roger’s directive and smirked at his friend’s indignant complaint. “Maybe because we’re forty years younger than him, he thinks we can’t do anything right.”

Emptying the last bag into the designated piece of equipment, TJ glanced around to see if Roger was paying attention to them. Seeing the other man still engaged in preparing the pig for roasting, he reached over and rubbed the black dust covering his hands on Darby’s face. Getting caught up in the mischief meant to antagonize Roger, Darby merrily returned the favour by spreading some over the front of TJ’s shirt.

“Can you give me a hand to lift this creature into the oven, boys?” Roger requested without looking up.

“Sure, man!” “No problem!” were the giggled answers.

Roger peered at the two young men and merely shook his head when he saw how dirty they were. “Might have known you couldn’t do a simple task without making a mess,” he grumbled under his breath, causing the Brats to burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny, guys?”

Darby and TJ spun around to see Riley walking across the yard. The young man came to an abrupt halt and stared at his friends. “How the hell did you get so dirty?”

Darby and TJ shrugged their shoulders and laughed even harder.

“Tell you later, man. For now, you’re just in time to help lift this pig into the oven,” Darby answered.

“That’s a whole pig!” Riley exclaimed. “It’s still got its’ head and everything!”

“Not everything! All the insides are gone but if the head was cut off where would we put the apple?” TJ managed to ask around another fit of giggles.

Under Roger’s watchful eye, the young men soon had the meat slowly cooking in the homemade oven.

“How long does it take to cook an entire pig?” Darby wanted to know.

“Several hours; it will be ready sometime after five o’clock and I better not catch any of you trying to open that box until I say it’s all right. Got that?” Roger sternly advised.

“Where did you get that thing?” TJ pointed at the make-shift oven as he questioned the older man.

“I made it myself out of an old army footlocker. I lined the interior with sheets of stainless steel, fitted it with a grated shelf over the charcoal to hold whatever I was cooking and finished it off with this air-tight cover. Sure beats digging a pit.”

“Do you do this kind of thing a lot?” Riley asked.

“I’m retired. Cookouts are something I do on the side to augment my pension. I usually hire out to do a party like this once or twice a week. Will you let Mr. Kincaide know I’m leaving now, but that I’ll be back later? And don’t touch anything, it’s hot!” he finished, gathering up his supplies and heading to the front of the house where his truck was parked, all the while muttering, “Darn fool kids! They’ll probably all have burnt fingers by the time I get back.”

“Think we should tell him there are two Mr. Kincaides?” Darby asked his friends. They all found the idea hilarious.

Three Tops glanced up at the sound of their Brats entering the kitchen and did a double take when the saw how filthy two of the younger men were.

“Darby, what have you been doing?”

“Helping Roger with the pig,” Darby answered innocently.

“TJ, do you have an explanation as to why your shirt is in that condition?”

“Huh?” TJ gave his partner a bewildered look.

“It’s going to be a long, long day!” Rowan and Glen’s unanimous complaint was barely heard over Jayson’s hoot of amusement as Darby and TJ headed upstairs to clean up.

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

“Wow, it looks great!” Darby was all but bouncing as he took in their backyard.

Coloured lights hung from the trees. A bar decorated Hawaiian style, was set up on one side of the deck with an artificial palm tree gracing the back of it. Tables and chairs had been placed strategically around the pool, and a long serving table stood off to the side on which lay the full-sized pig, cooked to perfection and surrounded by tray after tray of fruits and vegetables. There was also a dessert table where a multitude of plates, cutlery, napkins and glasses could be found. A box of floral leis sat on a small stand, waiting to be handed out to each of the guests as they arrived.

“Man, I’ve got to hand it to you guys. This is one bang-up job of decorating!” TJ voiced his awe at the sight before him.

“Hey, we all pitched in!” Riley reminded his friend.

“Our party guests are starting to arrive, love, so let’s get this shindig up and running,” Rowan whispered in his partner’s ear and with a kiss on Darby’s cheek, sent the younger man to put on the music while he answered the doorbell.

Rowan and Darby were more than satisfied with the turn out for their Canada Day Luau. Everyone invited put in an appearance. Those able to stay for any length of time brought refreshments to add to the food already set out. Many participated in the games organized by the younger members of the crowd while couples interested in doing so, danced to the music softly playing in the background. Others were content with just sitting around and talking.

One activity that provided a great deal of hilarity was the all-male beauty pageant. Several men were brave enough to dress up as hula dancers and parade before the large gathering of friends and neighbours. TJ managed to chalk up the greatest number of votes and won the contest. Topping off his grass skirt and coconut bra, was a long blond wig. He owed his marvelous makeup job to Shelley’s artistic abilities. The audience responded to his sensual dance routine with outlandish suggestions, improper invitations and loud cheers.

“If I didn’t know any better,” Glen laughed, “I’d think that Brat of mine had a secret ambition of becoming a drag-queen.” With that, he added his own cat-calls and whistles.

Some of Rowan’s co-workers had brought along their children and in anticipation of this happening, a piñata filled with candy was hung from the tree house. Several of the ladies present organized the event, blindfolding each child in turn, arming him or her with a stick and allowing each of them to hit the piñata until its’ contents were spread all over the ground.

The firework display started at dusk, much to the relief of many of the guests because its’ finale signaled the departure of the children and the beginning of some ‘serious partying’ according to Darby and his younger friends.

“I still think it sucks that Rowan wouldn’t let us set off our own fireworks,” Freddie muttered.

“He doesn’t realize the trouble we went to getting them across the border,” Pete complained.

“What was wrong with the display the city just put on?” Darby asked.

“Yeah, yours wouldn’t have come close,” Riley pointed out.

“Besides, isn’t it illegal for just anyone to set them off?” TJ questioned.

“I don’t know if it’s really against the law to set them off, I just know you can’t get any up here and that’s why we had to get them States’ side,” Freddie said, disappointment still evident in his voice.

“We’ll keep them for another time. Maybe we’ll get an opportunity to use them tomorrow,” Pete suggested, getting enthusiastic nods from Riley and Freddie.

The arrival of a group of entertainers hired by Rowan put an end to the conversation and soon the topic was forgotten as everyone enjoyed the show put on by the fire dancers. The performers were dressed all in black and the only things visible in the darkness were the circles of light moving in time to the music the dancers had brought with them.

“No, my love, you are not going to try that. You could get burnt. It’s not as easy as it looks and requires a lot of practice,” Rowan patiently explained once again. Darby had asked several times if he couldn’t try twirling the flexible wires with the balls of fire on the ends of them.

“But, Rowan…..” Darby started only to be cut off by his older partner.

“What did I just say, Darby?”

“No,” he murmured.

“And that means……?”

“That I can’t try it and I’m not to ask again.”

“Thank you, Sweets.” Rowan put his arms around the pouting young man’s shoulders, giving him an affection squeeze.

The evening was winding down and the party gradually coming to an end as families, couples, and individuals said their farewells and left.

“We’ll come back tomorrow and help with the clean up, Darby,” Pete offered for himself and Freddie.

“That would be great, guys. See you then,” Darby accepted their offer as he walked them and their dates to the front of the house where Pete’s truck was parked at the curb. “Night, thanks for coming!” he called as they drove away.

“I have to tell you, Rowan, this was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and certainly made the trip for us. Right, TJ?” Glen smiled down at his yawning partner.

“Yeah, it’s great being able to celebrate Canada Day with our best friends,” was the sleepy reply.

“It is well after midnight and you are not the only one with a tired Brat on his hands,” Jayson chuckled as he wrapped his arms around his unusually quiet partner. “Are you ready to call it a day, babe?”

“Huh-huh,” Riley relied in a barely audible voice. He was curled up against the older man’s side and didn’t want to be disturbed.

“You’re more than welcome to use the other guest room, Jay,” Rowan invited and pulled a restless young man down onto his lap. Seeing the wide-eyed look on his partner’s face, he commented, “I think you’re about past the point of no return, Sweets.” He was wondering how much work was going to be involved in getting his wound-up Brat to bed anytime soon.

“I’m okay, Row,” Darby tried to sound convincing but Rowan knew otherwise.

“Think we’ll take you up on your offer, Rowan. It will be easier helping Riley up the stairs here, than carrying him into our house from the car.” Jayson gently shook the young man beside him. “Come on, sweetheart; let’s get you up to bed.”

“I better get TJ moving before he falls asleep because unlike either of you, I can’t carry my partner.” Taking hold of the younger man’s arm, Glen helped TJ up and directed him into the house.

‘Goodnights’ were exchanged and only one couple remained on the back deck.

“Wait here, love. I’ll be right back,” Rowan whispered. He entered the house and locked up for the night. Then one by one the lights went out until the deck and pool area were in complete darkness. Returning several minutes later, he handed Darby a glass of champagne.

“Gee, Rowan, I can hardly see you ‘cause it’s so dark. There’s no moonlight, no stars shining…..nothing.”

“Nothing but privacy, my love.”

Sitting down on the porch swing next to the love of his life, Rowan raised his glass, “A toast, Darling, to us and the successful evening we’ve just had.”

The young lovers gently swung back and forth, enjoying the slightly cooling temperature and relishing this downtime together after a hectic day spent rushing around to get ready for the party.

When Rowan felt enough time had past for their guests to settle for the night, he slowly undressed his partner. As he removed each article of clothing, he tenderly kissed the bared flesh. He felt Darby’s hands reaching for him in an effort to rid him of the clothes that prevented direct contact between each other’s bodies. He heard his young lover’s in-drawn breath as he licked a particular sensitive spot on his neck. His own heartbeat increased as small butterfly movements caressed his back from neck to now naked backside and their sensitive genitals rubbed against each other.

Standing up, Rowan pulled Darby to his feet and led him into the water, where he sat him on the side of the pool and made slow, erotic love to him.

Darby’s breathing accelerated under the continuing assault to his senses as his lover slowly kissed and nibbled his way down to his navel and lower before taking him into his mouth. Within minutes, Rowan succeeded in taking Darby over the edge as the young man found his release with a soft cry of rapture.

Rowan allowed the other man several minutes to come back to earth, then turning Darby and bending him over to lean against the side of the pool, Rowan used the water-proof lube he had taken from the house to prepare his precious Brat before gently entering the young man’s body. He lovingly nibbled at his lover’s neck before reaching around and encircling Darby’s redeveloping arousal with his hand. Then steadily increasing the rhythmic motions so well-known by both men, Rowan brought them to a crashing climax, causing another much more intimate display of fireworks.

Rowan waited until their breathing had all but returned to normal. Then picking Darby up, he carried him into the house and up to their bedroom. Leaving his lover on the bed, Rowan got a couple of large bath sheets from their en suite to dry them both. After hanging up the towels, he returned to crawl into bed and smiled knowingly when he saw his Brat had already fallen asleep.

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

“Okay, guys, we’re here! Where do we start?” Pete called out as he and Freddie came through the gate at the side of the house.

“As usual, your timing leaves a lot to be desired,” Riley complained.

“Hey, we said we’d drop by to help clean up from the party, didn’t we?” Freddie glared his displeasure at having been greeted so ungraciously.

“Except it’s lunch time and we’ve already done all the work,” TJ pointed out, not at all impressed with Riley’s friends.

“We’ve got plenty of food left over from last night,” Darby announced and hoping to keep the peace, he generously invited, “You’re welcome to join us if you want.”

“Thanks, man, and sorry we’re so late but we overslept this morning,” Pete offered by a way of an excuse.

“We kind of thought you fellas would have been sleeping in yourselves,” Freddie commented and sat down at the picnic table.

“We got up to wish our partners good luck in their games today,” Riley said, handing around paper plates.

“Rowan and Jayson are both taking part in the annual golf tournament put on by the airline they work for,” Darby explained. “They probably won’t be home much before supper time.”

“So, where’s Glen?” Freddie asked as he served himself up a large scoop of potato salad.

“He went along to cheer them on. We chose to stay here rather than spend most the day walking around a golf course in this heat,” TJ answered after swallowing a mouthful of bar-b-cued chicken.

“Yeah, today’s a pool day. It’s getting too hot to do anything other than swim.” Darby’s statement received nods of agreement from the other young men.

A couple of hours later, the water activity’s entertainment started to wane. All five young men were getting bored, especially in light of having to obey the safety rules set out by Rowan. They all knew failure to adhere to the rules would result in them being denied future access to the pool.

“You know, fellas, Pete and I still have our fireworks in the back of the truck,” Freddie reminded the others.

“Then what are we waiting for? Bring them on, man!” Riley enthusiastically encouraged.

“I-I don’t think we should, guys,” Darby hesitantly spoke up. “Rowan doesn’t want anything like that on the property.”

“Okay, we’ll put them off in the alley behind your fence,” Pete suggested before leaving with Freddie to get their stash of pyrotechnics.

“Come on, Darby. What harm can it do?” TJ asked. “If we’re careful, the big guys will never even find out about it.”

Pushing his doubts to the back of his mind and getting caught up in the excitement of the moment; Darby decided to go along with the others. After all, who was he to ruin anyone’s fun?

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

Rowan, Jayson and Glen arrived home earlier than expected with hopes of pleasantly surprising their partners. Instead, they found a surprise awaiting them and it was far from pleasant.

Strolling into the house, feeling good in spite of having barely missed winning first prize, the three men came face to face with three very apprehensive Brats sitting in the family room.

“What’s happened?” Rowan asked, his concern being echoed by the other two Tops.

“Hum…aah……” Darby stammered as he stood up and pointed towards the back yard.

“I….we….Pete and Freddie…” Riley was unable to come right out and share the sordid events of the afternoon.

“TJ, what are the chances of you being able to articulate better than these boys who appear to be your companions in some kind of mischief?” Glen’s request for details was met with wide-eyed silence.

“All right,” Rowan said, taking a deep breath and rubbing his fingertips across his forehead. He led the way into the kitchen and once everyone was seated around the table, suggested as patiently as possible, “Let’s take this one step at a time. Darby, why don’t you start with what you boys did immediately after Jayson, Glen and I left this morning?”

“Well, first we clean up around the yard and house and…..”

“And then…..”

“Pete and Freddie came over just in time for lunch…..”

“Next….”

“We swam for a bit.”

“We obeyed all the rules!” Riley figured jumping in here with something positive might be advantageous.

Rowan sighed and glanced around to see how Jayson and Glen’s patience was holding out. He was afraid getting all the facts could take a bit of time. Darby had difficulty explaining things at the best of times and under pressure, he would often clam-up completely. But, they had been practicing.

“What took place after you got tired of swimming?” Rowan decided to cut to the chase and zero in on when he suspected the trouble arose.

“Fireworks,” Darby hung his head and spoke so softly, Rowan thought he had misunderstood his Brat’s reply. He certainly hoped he had!

“Did you say fireworks, Darby?” Rowan requested clarification.

“Yes,” Darby tearfully whispered before looking up to add, “but it was an accident.”

“Are you trying to tell me playing with something you were forbidden to play with was an accident?”

“No! Burning a hole in the roof of Mr. Bowman’s shed was an accident!” TJ answered for his friend, a little too loudly if the warning glare on his partner’s face was anything to go by.

“Just how big a hole are we talking about here and exactly how did it come to be in Mr. Bowman’s shed, Riley?” Having taken a deep breath and silently praying for strength, Jayson took it upon himself to continue Rowan’s fact-finding quest.

“Well, it’s not very big, even though the old man kept yelling that we would have to replace the whole roof. It was the last rocket that did it, Jayson. Everything had been going fine up to then.”

“Jayson, Glen, I think it would be a good idea if we went and had a look for ourselves.” Taking Darby’s arm, Rowan moved his partner over to the nearest corner. “Darby, I expect you to be right here when I return. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Rowan,” Darby murmured his acceptance of the directive.

“Riley, if you move from this spot you’ll be in more trouble than you can imagine, young man!” Jayson firmly stated after parking his partner in another vacate corner.

Glen didn’t say a word. He merely escorted TJ to the far corner of the family room, confident his Brat realized it was in his own best interest to stay exactly where he had been placed.

The three older men used the time to check out the damage, express their profound apologies to Mr. Bowman and make arrangements to do the necessary repairs to the man’s property. They also used the time to calm down and discuss the most appropriate way to handle the well-deserved disciplinary action that had to be taken care of before the younger men got any more stressed out than they already were.

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

“Darby, I want you to tell me what I said in regards to the fireworks when you first asked me about them.” They were seated on the couch in Rowan’s study, facing each other.

“You said the fireworks were not to be brought anywhere near our property.”

“What were the reasons for me making that decision?”

“It’s illegal and dangerous for untrained people to have them.”

“You apparently disagreed with that.”

“Nooo,” Darby lamented. “I know you were right and-and I told the others what you said, but I couldn’t stop them.”

“Did you try very hard to stop them, Darby?” Rowan asked quietly, trying to keep his frustration from showing.

“Not really,” the young man softly admitted. The guilt and shame he felt for disobeying his partner was threatening to overwhelm him. “I’m so sorry, Rowan. I realize you had my well-being in mind when you said no, even if I was disappointed at the time.”

“What happens every time you disregard my saying no, Darby?” There was no accusation in Rowan’s gently spoken question, only loving exasperation mixed with a little disappointment. He didn’t want his Brat feeling any worse than he already did.

“I get spanked,” was the barely audible reply. Darby didn’t wait for the older man to tell him what to do. He got to his feet and removed his shorts and sneakers before submitting to the gentle tug on his arm and letting Rowan guide him across his thighs. Darby whimpered when he felt a cool draft flow over his backside as his boxers were pulled down to his knees.

“You will not play with fireworks again, Darby! The next time will involve the hairbrush!” Rowan firmly admonished before raising his right hand and bringing it down hard on the bare bottom in front of him. The punishing hand continued to rise and fall, instilling in Darby the commitment to never repeat today’s disobedience. When the kicking and squirming had stopped, signaling to Rowan that the message had been understood and accepted, he brought the spanking to an end. Gently lifting and turning his Brat, the older man began the process of calming the sobbing young man in his arms.

“All right, baby. It’s over. You’re going to be fine, Sweets.” The lovingly spoken words were repeated over and over again as the crying gradually slowed until only hiccups and sniffles remained.

It had been a long afternoon but Darby was finally in his favourite place. He was being securely held on Rowan’s lap.

“I sorry I disobeyed you, Rowan.” Darby’s heartfelt apology was murmured against Rowan’s shoulder. “What are we going to do about the damage we caused to Mr. Bowman’s property?” he asked, raising his head to look into the older man’s face.

“We’ll all be talking about that later, Sweets.”

Darby slowly nodded and taking a moment, he spared a thought for his fellow culprits and wondered how they were faring. ‘Probably not much better than I am,’ he thought as he reached around to gingerly rub his burning backside. ‘Man, it feels like my butt’s on fire.’

***********

“Riley, how many times are we going to have to go over this issue of you going along with Pete and Freddie’s hair-brained schemes?” Jayson asked, looking into the rapidly filling eyes of the young man standing in front of him.

“I don’t know,” Riley shamefully admitted.

“I realize the number of episodes has greatly diminished over the past few years, but each one has to be addressed in order to make an impression that it is not to be repeated. Do you agree?”

“Yes,” Riley whispered, responding to the love and patience he heard in his partner’s voice.

“Were you aware of Rowan’s decree that the fireworks were not to be use anywhere near his home?” Getting a shaky nod, Jayson continued, “Did you support Darby when he told Pete and Freddie it wasn’t permitted?”

“Not really,” Riley mumbled truthfully. A tear slid down his cheek as he felt the button and zipper of his shorts being unfastened. Seconds later he was face down over the other man’s lap with his bared bottom being raised into position.

“Why are you getting this spanking, Riley?”

“I-I took part in something dangerous and illegal…..I-I broke a rule…..and…I-I helped cause damage to someone else’s property,” Riley stammered out just as a large hand landed on his right cheek. He kicked and wailed at each hard smack as the heat grew to an almost intolerable level. Just when he thought he couldn’t take another swat, the spanking ended. Riley couldn’t push himself up and into his lover’s arms fast enough in his hurry to find the comfort and forgiveness he needed. Jayson’s soothing voice flowed over him, the hands that had caused the pain now gentle and comforting, enabling him to settle where he felt most cared for.

“I won’t do it again, Jay, honest!” Riley sniffed and blew his nose into the tissue the other man handed him. “Don’t know why I follow along so often…..I mean I know I always get in trouble….but I can’t seem to stop myself….. it just seems like so much fun at the time.”

“Hmmm, a possible solution we might consider is supervised visitation for you and your business partners?” Jayson suggested and smiled understandingly at his Brat’s disgruntled groan. He gently eased up Riley’s head to see his face and wipe away the last of his tears. “Of course, it would just be outside of working hours, right?” he teased.

“Nooo,” Riley let out a mock wail of indignation even though he recognized the light-hearted teasing as a sign of his transgression having been absolved.

“We still have to discuss the repercussions of burning a hole in Mr. Bowman’s shed, but that can wait until later, babe.”

“Yeah, I know.” Riley was relieved to hear of that particular discussion being put on hold as he was still trying to cope with the aftermath of the spanking he’d just received.

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

Tightening his right arm around his partner’s waist, Glen raised his left hand and brought it down hard on the brown-skinned bottom in front of him.

“There will never be a time when I will tolerate you disregarding the wishes of someone who has been good enough to invite us into their home. Do you understand me, Thomas Josiah?”

“Yes, yes, I understand. Owww…stop…please, Glen….it hurts….” TJ cried and squirmed, attempting to get away from the painful smacks being steadily applied to his bare backside.

Once he determined his Brat had learned the lesson being taught, Glen landed a last resounding swat on each cheek and ended the spanking. He let the sobbing man slide off his lap to kneel beside him. TJ leaned his head against the older man’s leg as his cries gradually diminished until only intermittent hitches of breath remained.

“Come here to me, baby,” Glen invited, gently drawing his lover up off the floor and into his arms. “You’re all right.” A softly spoken litany of words soothed the younger man’s soul as he settled into the peace and comfort of Glen’s loving embrace.

“I’m sorry for not thinking things through and ruining our weekend, Glen,” TJ quietly apologized and reached up to wrap his arms around his partner’s neck.

“Our weekend has had only the slightest of setbacks, sweetheart. You haven’t ruined it,” Glen assured him, kissing the black curly hair on the head nestling into his shoulder. “Come, love. You’ll need to get cleaned up before you’re ready to face the world again.”

“I don’t want to,” TJ pouted, burrowing deeper into the other man’s arms.

“Then let’s get more comfortable, okay?” Glen suggested. Being mindful of his Brat’s sore backside, Glen carefully maneuvered them both until he was leaning against the headboard of the bed with TJ tucked under his left arm. He intended to give the younger man all the time he needed to come to grips with this afternoon’s events before moving on to the next part of their day.

After twenty minutes of cuddling, TJ finally felt calm enough to move on. “I’m ready to go wash up now,” he whispered, pushing himself out of his lover’s arms and getting to his feet.

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

Several minutes later, Glen and TJ walked into the kitchen to find two subdued-looking, young men sitting at the table; and not too comfortably if the amount of squirming going on was an indicator.

TJ gave his friends a grim look of understanding as he made his way over to the tall man preparing a meal at the counter.

“I’m sorry for not doing anything to defuse the situation this afternoon, Rowan. I knew you didn’t what anyone using that stuff around here and I shouldn’t have gone along with it.” TJ looked directly into Rowan’s eyes as he softly spoke his words of regret. Glen stood back, nodding his approval and beaming with pride at his Brat’s apology and willingness to admit his part in today’s mischief.

“Thank you, TJ. I appreciate you saying so and all’s been forgiven now,” Rowan kindly assured his long-time friend and gave TJ a comforting bear-hug.

TJ turned to Jayson and, putting his arms around the older man’s neck, burrowed into his shoulder.

“You’re very lucky you have Glen taking care of things now, little boy. It means I won’t have to, right?” Jayson said quietly and fondly smiled down at the younger man’s nod of agreement. TJ didn’t see the smile because he preferred to keep his face hidden in the fabric of Jayson’s shirt. “Why don’t you go join your partners-in-crime, kid?” the older man suggested, giving TJ a gently push towards the center of the room.

TJ noticed the cushions missing from three of the kitchen chairs and an empty chair with an extra pillow on it. He smirked at Darby and Riley. “"Cute!” he muttered as he gingerly sat down on the seat prepared for him. “Bet I can guess where the other two pillows are.”

Darby and Riley returned the smirk. They were at a loss to explain TJ’s brief exchange with Jayson, but merely shrugged their shoulders and decided to ask questions later.

“Well, boys, here’s the game plan,” Rowan announced as he place a tray of sandwiches on the table between a platter of cut up vegetables with dip and a large bowl of chips.

After the three older men had taken their places on pillow-less wooden chairs, Rowan continued, “Mr. Bowman has ordered the necessary supplies to repair the damaged done to his property. Fortunately, his son-in-law works at the hardware store and is able to have everything delivered this evening. You three, along with Pete and Freddie, will be responsible for paying the costs incurred. Early tomorrow all five of you will be at Mr. Bowman’s house, replacing the roof on his shed. You will also be on ‘Tom Sawyer’ duty.”

Somewhat confused, Riley and TJ glanced over at Darby. They realized from the other Brat’s groan of despair that he knew what his partner was talking about.

“Rowan means we have to paint old man Bowman’s fence,” Darby moaned, putting his head down on his folded arms. Then he looked up and grinned as another more-positive thought struck him. “At least his fence is shorter than ours and I won’t be painting it alone.”

“Well, I’ll paint, but Pete and Freddie will have to do the roofing ‘cause I’m not very good with tools,” Riley pouted.

“Same here,” TJ said. “Carpentry isn’t exactly my forte.”

“Do you know how much it’s going to cost us, Rowan?” Darby was concerned about his savings taking another major hit. He had been saving for Shelley’s upcoming wedding and had already had an unexpected expense when the Spider’s transmission needed repairs.

“I’m afraid each of you boys can count on being approximately one hundred dollars out of pocket money,” Rowan informed them.

“I guess it could have been worse,” Darby muttered.

“Whoever would have thought building supplies were so expensive!” Riley complained. “Are you sure the old man is trying to rip us off?”

“Riley!” Jayson’s voice boomed across the table. “You better not be accusing someone of being dishonest, young man!”

“But it’s a lot of money, Jayson, for just a bit of paint and a few shingles,” Riley answered defensively.

“One entire side of the shed roof has to be replaced along with a section of the fence and lumber is very costly,” Jayson explained. “It would have been higher if Mr. Bowman’s son-in-law hadn’t been able to apply his employee’s discount.”

“In other words, you think we got off lightly?” TJ griped.

“No! What we think is that whatever the cost, you have to face the consequences of your behaviour and hopefully learn from it,” Glen answered. “Now stop whining about it and eat your supper.”

“You too, Sweets, eat up!” Rowan gently admonished when he saw the younger man hadn’t put anything on his plate.

“I’m not hungry, Row.”

“Darby, you are going to have a proper meal and it’s not up for discussion!” Rowan watched as his partner picked up a sandwich and bit into it. “Thank you, Sweets!” He was relieved when Darby chose not to make an issue of doing what he was told.

Riley and TJ followed Darby’s example, wishing they’d had the foresight to have done so that afternoon.

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

“I can’t figure out how this happened!” Rowan commented. The six men stood looking at the fifty-plus feet of charred fence. “What projection path was the rocket taking?”

“It went wrong right from the start, Rowan. Instead of going up in the air like the others, it fell over just as Freddie lit it and flew along the ground for a few feet. Then gaining speed, it began to rise upward and veer to the left along the fence before ricocheting off that post and landing on the roof.” Darby supplied all this information while the other two Brats waited by his side and nodded their agreement.

“It didn’t explode though,” Riley added. “It just kinda sizzled and made hissing sounds.”

“Until it landed up there, then it caught on fire,” TJ finished.

“Well boys, we’ve got our work cut out for us!” Jayson stated. “And as usual Pete and Freddie are running late!”

“Any bets they won’t even show up?” Riley grumbled low enough for only Darby and TJ to hear.

“We’re never going to get everything done if there’s just the three of us,” TJ pointed out and turned a pleading look to his partner.

“Come on then. We’ll all work on it,” Glen offered, much to the relief of the younger men.

The six men worked together as a team and by noon the roof was repaired and the fence ready for painting.

“Good job, guys!” Rowan complimented. “Let’s go in for lunch. We’ll feel more like tackling the rest after we’ve had a bit of a break.”

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

The job was nearing completion when Darby remembered yesterday’s brief exchange between TJ and Jayson. “Hey TJ, what was going on with you and Jayson yesterday?”

“Yeah,” Riley joined in. “What did Jay mean when he said he wouldn’t have to take care of things?”

“Oh, it’s something that goes back to our college days.” TJ looked up from where he was cleaning his paintbrush. “Haven’t Rowan or Jayson ever talked to you about our years together when we were all in university?”

“Not much! I only know you, Glen and Rowan shared an apartment with Jayson,” Darby answered, dropping the last of the empty paint cans into a large garbage pail.

“Well, it was Jayson’s place and by the time I moved in, Rowan and Glen had already been living with him for a year. We sort of considered ourselves a family with Jayson the head of it. The three of us kinda relied on Jayson to help us settle into academic life and keep us on track so to speak. We set up household rules and Jayson enforced them. He even disciplined us when necessary.”

“You mean he-he spanked you…..all of you?” Darby stuttered. TJ didn’t think his friend’s eyes could open any further.

“I don’t think he ever physically punished Rowan, but I know he paddled Glen at least once and walloped me more times than I care to remember. I just had a harder time than the others….you know, with sticking to the rules and applying myself to my studies. Jayson was there for me through most of my university. I don’t know if I’d have made it without his help,” TJ sincerely acknowledged. “I never had a romantic interest in either Rowan or Jayson, but Glen and I dated off and on over the years until almost three years ago when we decided to commit to a partnership with each other.”

“How come you’re not sure whether or not he paddled Rowan?” Darby’s curiosity was getting the better of him.

“Cause when I asked, I was told it wasn’t any of my business,” TJ explained.

“Wow, this blows my mind! I’ve got to ask Rowan more about his college days!” Darby bounced excitedly. “Are you going to talk to Jay, Riley?”

“Man, you can bet on it!”

“Hey, guys, all I ask is that you wait until after Glen and I have left for home tomorrow, just in case there’s any fall out for me having told you something they didn’t want you to know. Okay?”

“You got it!” Darby and Riley assured their friend.

“Are you fellows finished here yet?” Glen asked, coming up behind the three young men. “Rowan says to get a move on. He’s got supper waiting.”

“Good! I’m starving!” Darby took off running towards home with Riley and TJ fast on his heels.

“I think I can speak for Jayson and Glen as well as myself when I say we’re proud of the job you boys did today,” Rowan liberally praised the young men’s accomplishments once everyone was seated around the kitchen table.

“We couldn’t have done it without your help though.” TJ was more than willing to give credit were credit was due.

“Yeah, especially since Pete and Freddie copped out and left us short-handed after saying they’d be here.” Riley couldn’t hide his disappointment in his friends’ lack of dependability. “It seems as if they are becoming more unreliable every day and I’m sorry they didn’t show up.”

“It’s all right, babe. You don’t have to apologize for them and there is no need for you to feel responsible for whether or not those boys keep their commitments,” Jayson said, wrapping his arm around his Brat’s shoulder to hug him.

“It wasn’t very fair for our partners to have to pick up the slack. After all, Rowan, Jayson and Glen didn’t cause any of the damage!” Darby made clear his feeling on the matter.

“It’s also not fair that we got punished and they didn’t,” TJ griped, looking pointedly at his partner. His partner’s raised eyebrow had TJ blushing and hanging his head. “Sorry!” he whispered, leaning against the other man and silently seeking forgiveness. Glen’s loving embrace assured his young partner he had indeed been forgiven.

“That’s because they don’t have anyone who cares enough to correct them or worry about their well-being,” Darby murmured and glanced at Rowan to see his partner’s take on things. The older man smiled his understanding and reached across the table to give Darby’s hand a gentle squeeze before drawing the younger man up and over to sit on his lap.

“It has definitely been an interesting weekend with a wide variety of activities, don’t you think, Sweets?” Rowan quietly spoke as he nuzzled into his Brat’s hair.

Darby heard the rumble of laughter from Rowan’s chest, in response to his softly spoken declaration. “Well, no one can say there was a shortage of different kinds of fireworks!”

The End