by S. Allen
Julian’s eyes widened in shock. “What do you mean?”
“I knew. It was obvious you weren’t happy. Greyson hardly came around and when he did he ignored you. I hope this new guy treats you good.” Ollie gripped Julian’s bicep in concern.
“He’s a good man.” Julian confirmed before turning and walking out the door. He wondered how Ro would interact with his friends. There was only one way to find out, but he wasn’t sure he was ready for that declaration. Julian was not going to introduce Ro as a friend. When the time came, Ro would be there as his boyfriend.
* * *
“Hi, handsome.” Ro leaned in to kiss Julian on the cheek, when he answered the door.
“Glad you could make it. Dinner is almost ready.” Julian closed the door behind them and walked into the kitchen.
Ro followed and accepted the glass of wine being offered. “How was your day?”
“Annoying. Brad flooded our group text with memes insulting everyone and calling himself a poker god. And I’m sure you can imagine how he twisted the word ‘poke-her’ for his own entertainment. He never wins. So, unfortunately, we won’t stop hearing about it for a while,” Julian sighed. He had explained to Ro that Brad never won because he was usually too impulsive. “They asked about you.”
“Oh, really?” Ro raised one eyebrow and stroked his beard.
“They noticed the changes and attributed them to a new man in my life.”
“What changes?”
“The shirt for one.” Julian waved down to the one he was wearing. It was white with a completed Rubik’s cube that read ‘I peeled the stickers.’ “And apparently I wasn’t force smiling any more.”
“What did you tell them?”
“That it was none of their business and then they invited you to the Halloween party.”
“You know I have the thing at the youth center, but if I was free, would you take me?”
Julian wasn’t sure why Ro was pressing the issue. He couldn’t go regardless and Julian didn’t want to admit how nervous he was about introducing Ro to his friends. Could he be a lamer boyfriend? Boyfriend, yes, that’s what they were to each other. It was the correct term for a male who you’re exclusively, romantically dating. Why couldn’t he admit it out loud?
“Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t think I’m ready. When it’s right, I want to introduce you as my boyfriend. I know we’re dating exclusively, but the title intimidates me. And my friends can be really intense when it comes to meeting a new boyfriend. I want us to go at our own pace.” The guilt from Julian’s confession had him turn away from Ro. Ro stepped up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist.
“I understand,” Ro whispered. He had his chin resting on Julian’s shoulder. “I can be patient as long as I’m the only one. You are worth the wait. I just don’t want you to be embarrassed of me.”
Julian turned his head and kissed Ro gently. “Never. My friends are great, but most of them are in very committed relationships and when they meet you, they might start planning our wedding.”
Ro chuckled, his beard brushing against Julian’s cheek. “We wouldn’t want that. I was thinking we could run away to Vegas or Niagara Falls and elope.”
“What about all my childhood dreams of a giant white wedding? Doves and so many flowers that even the people who don’t cry at our vows will have tears in their eyes due to all the pollen.” Julian was playing along, but he could close his eyes and actually picture the quiet ceremony he did someday want to have with the love of his life. Julian leaned back into Ro’s embrace before softly asking, “What if I go with you to the youth center on Halloween and we test out the boyfriend title?”
Ro turned Julian to face him so he could look into his eyes. Julian didn’t try to hide the vulnerability he felt. He might not be ready to send out wedding invitations, but he could show Ro he was willing to take the first steps towards the little white chapel. When Ro smiled Julian knew he’d made the right decision. He threaded his fingers in Ro’s hair and dragged him into a deep kiss. Julian hungrily kissed at Ro’s lips, sweeping his tongue deep into his mouth. Julian had never been so consumed by kissing, but Ro’s mouth called to him and demanded worship. Julian hummed softly as Ro’s beard rubbed along his jaw. It was soft and slightly ticklish and turned him on in ways he didn’t know were possible. Julian stepped back, grabbed Ro’s hand and quickly led them to his bedroom.
“Jules,” Ro whispered hoarsely before pushing him back onto the bed. Julian pulled his shirt off just in time to feel Ro’s whiskers glide up his belly, past his chest and up to rub sensually along the column of his neck. Julian pulled at Ro’s shirt, but Ro didn’t react with the expected action of pulling it off. Instead he stopped Julian’s hand and leveraged up on his elbows.
“I want to feel you, skin against skin,” Julian explained.
“It’s just that I have some scars and I don’t want you to be disgusted and I don’t want to explain how I got them right now.”
“Okay. I understand, but know nothing about you disgusts me. I can wait until you’re ready.” Julian gently kissed Ro in hopes of coaxing him back into the lustful moment they had been in minutes before. He ran his hands up and down Ro’s back, over his shirt and thrust his hips up showing Ro he was still wanted. Ro chuckled and sat up. He pulled the rest of Julian’s clothes off and just looked him up and down. There was something extremely erotic about lying there completely naked while Ro was still dressed that made Julian moan and reach down to palm his erection.
“As hot as that is, your cock is mine and right now I don’t want to simply watch you play with yourself, but I want to own your pleasure.” Julian nodded and raised his hands over his head and surrendered himself to whatever Ro wanted to do.
Ro started licking around Julian’s bellybutton and nipped his way towards his hipbone. Julian’s erection went ignored and twitched each time Ro got close. Ro sucked up a mark on the right side of Julian’s lower belly and blew softly on the leaking head of his cock before moving over to the left side.
“Ro, just put it in your mouth already,” Julian called out desperately. It had been years since he’d found relief with another human being and he really didn’t want to cum without being touched, sucked or fucked.
Ro took pity on him and gripped the base tightly before sucking the head into his mouth. He swirled his tongue around the flared ridge before pulling back and tonging the slit and swallowing down again. Julian bucked into Ro’s mouth as Ro slid his hand down pulling at Julian’s balls and pushed up against his perineum. In a garbled litany of noises Julian was signaling his impending orgasm. Ro hollowed his cheeks and took everything Julian had. Julian’s breaths were ragged as his body went limp on the bed.
Ro immediately sat up, undid his pants and grabbed for his erection. With just a few quick pumps the red, angry head spewed Ro’s release across Julian’s cooling body. Ro slumped next to Julian and wanted nothing more than a nap.
“Well, we sure made a mess.” Julian smiled and then looked over at Ro and added, “On me.”
“I like you covered in the evidence of our passion.”
“Yeah, and I’d like to not be sticky. Shower?” Julian got up and walked to the bathroom. He looked over his shoulder in an unassuming manner and wiggled his butt. Ro laughed—as was the desired affect—and joined him in the bathroom.
Ro was hesitant in lifting his shirt off after having left his pants and boxers in the bedroom.
“You don’t have to. You know I won’t judge you or push you either way.” Julian turned around and stepped into the shower. He heard Ro sigh and then step into the shower behind him. Julian soaped up the loofa and steeled himself for whatever disfigurement that had Ro tied up in knots. He was determined not to react.
Ro had his eyes closed and his head tipped down as the water fell down his body. Julian carefully dragged the soapy loofa across Ro’s chest. He felt no disgust at the old injury that had caused Ro’s embarrassment. His left pectoral muscle wa
s slightly misshaped and appeared underdeveloped and there was a littering of small scars surrounding a large one closer to his shoulder. Careful not to spend more time washing over the scars, he turned Ro and scrubbed his back. Once he rinsed the suds off, he kissed the back of Ro’s neck and said, “Thank you for trusting me.”
Ro turned and kissed him softly and then began to laugh as water trickled into his mouth. “Let’s finish up and eat.”
Clean and fed, they sat cuddled up on the couch quietly talking. “Any plans for this weekend?”
“Not really. Vinnie’s holding the final round of interviews and then we’ll make a decision by Tuesday.”
“Anyone you really like for the position?” Julian asked genuinely interested.
“There’s a few, but anyone will be better than Darcy.” Ro knew she was most likely not going to work out after her first week, but he’d held out hope she’d change her tune. Unfortunately, her attitude never improved and when he’d overheard her talking shit about her co-workers while on her phone in the storeroom, he’d fired her on the spot. She’d already been written up several times for various violations and finding her on her cell phone while on the clock was the last straw. He’d told Julian all of this already.
“It’s her loss. After everything you’ve told me, I can’t believe it took you guys so long to fire her.” Julian ran his fingers through Ro’s hair. He knew how much Ro had hoped to be able to reach Darcy and help turn her life around. “What about the youth center?”
“Nothing too exciting. There will be more planning for the haunted house, but no extra events or anything I’m needed for.”
“Great. So, I’ll have you all to myself.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“Nothing too much. Maybe a small bungee jumping adventure.”
Ro smiled wide and kissed him in affirmation.
3. Sweet Treats and Nasty Tricks for the Fall Holidays.
“Nice job, Jim.” Ro walked up to his employee as his was stacking pumpkins. Summer was fading away in a wash of red, yellow and orange. The nursery had been selling pumpkins for most of October, but now that Halloween was less than a week away, Jim had built a fall harvest display. He created a half circle of hay bales and artistically filled it with pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn. Ro was really impressed with how Jim had taken the initiative to suggest building large themed displays and offering how-to-classes. Everything had been a success so far and Jim’s confidence was higher than ever. Ro made a mental note to schedule a review with him and offer him a raise. He also wanted to talk to Jim about his future. Ro knew he was interested in taking some classes at the community college. Unfortunately being called dumb and stupid all of his life had created a huge doubt in Jim’s mind that he could ever go to college. Ro saw the potential and was going to make some suggestions, maybe even offer to help pay a portion of Jim’s tuition.
“Thanks, boss-man. I was going to carve a few tomorrow. Maybe we could offer an evening class, like for free? You know, come down and buy a pumpkin and carve it here and maybe some paint for the kids so they don’t have to use a knife or have an adult help them. Yeah, and we can offer or even sell hot chocolate and stuff. And then we can hand out fliers for a wreath class next month. I know it’s a little late, but we have most of our regulars’ email addresses and I can make a big sign and hang it out front. What do you think?”
Ro chuckled, “Those are really good ideas. Would you be willing to work an extra day to work the class? We still haven’t replaced Darcy yet.”
“Man, am I glad Darcy didn’t work out. I mean, not that I’m glad you are short a worker or that you had to fire her, but she was not a good egg, if you know what I mean. And well I guess you do because she’s not here any more. But yeah, I’ll come in and run the event. It’ll be fun and I like being here.” Jim got the entire thought out in one breath.
“Okay, then. You pick the evening and make the advertisement. And I think it should only be paint, no carving.”
“Yeah, paint only. Thanks.”
“Are you still planning on helping out at the youth center on Halloween?” Ro asked before Jim could launch into another long-winded comment.
“For sure. I had a blast last year. What time do you want me there? I’m off that day, unless you need me here. But it’s cool, whatever, I don’t have any other plans.” Jim nodded his head.
Ro laughed. “Great. I’ll get the details to you as soon as I know. I’m taking off, call if you need anything.” Ro waved and walked away. He was headed over to Julian’s for dinner.
***
On Halloween Julian went straight to the youth center after work as was planned with Ro. His office had done a costume contest as usual, but this year Julian actually dressed up, sort of. He wore a t-shirt that read “This is my costume” and a creepy zombie clown mask. He didn’t win, but he did receive a lot of back slaps and positive comments for participating. When he arrived at the youth center, he had to park a couple of blocks away since the parking lot was filled with a series of dark tents clustered together on the left half and booths advertising food and drinks and even a few games occupied the right side.
A sign advertising the haunted adventure was pointed to a grim reaper that was sitting on a stool flipping through pages on a clipboard. The hood was back exposing the blonde head of a teenager. Julian walked up to the reaper. “Hi, do you know where I can find Ro?”
“Sure, follow me.” The guy pulled off the skeleton mask that was hanging around his neck and set it on the stool he vacated and waved Julian forward into the maze. After they walked through the black curtains there was a sign in glowing paint welcoming the doomed souls that risked entrance. The first display boasted a zombie freak show. Next was a tank of water with a deformed mermaid. Julian shuttered at the thought of how creepy these would appear in dim lighting with rolling fog. They walked by several more scenes and finally stopped at one that depicted a jail cell with chains attached to the walls. Ro was directing a kid on how to unlatch the chains without it being obvious.
“See, Scott? Use your thumb to release the latch and then you can rush the bars.” Julian watched Scott work the lever until he had it down seamlessly.
“Ro, this guy was looking for you. I’m gonna make sure everyone is in their stations.” The grim reaper tapped his clipboard with the pen that had previously been behind his ear and walked away.
“Jules.” Ro smiled. “Are you excited to dress up and scare some kids?” Julian nodded and followed Ro through the rest of the haunted house. Exiting, they walked by a few scattered bales of hay before coming up on a small concession stand. The man behind the counter was waving his hand in a desperate attempt to get Ro’s attention.
“I think that guy might need something.” Julian nudged Ro with his elbow.
“That’s Jim.” Ro chuckled. “He works for me at the nursery. Ready to be introduced as ‘the boyfriend’?”
Julian answered by linking his fingers with Ro’s and began walking towards the stand. He felt even closer to Ro after they’d braved their bungee jump. It had been exhilarating and the sex afterwards was mind-blowing.
“Hey, Jim, what’s up?” Ro asked.
“Oh, who’s this? Boyfriend? Well, duh, I mean you two are holding hands. It’s so great to meet you. Ro has been smiling way more lately. Not that he was grumpy or anything before. He’s a great boss and would never take a bad mood out on anyone. You know what I mean, he’s the nicest guy, but not a pushover.”
“Yes, thank you,” Ro cut in. “This is Julian, my boyfriend. Everything should be all set. Sara will be here any minute to work the booth with you. If you have any problems Jake or I will be by to check in on you periodically. Any questions?”
“Nope. I was wondering who would be working with me or if I was going to be back here by myself. Not that I couldn’t do it, but it might get busy. I think a lot of people are going to be passing through tonight and they’ll want snacks and warm drinks, especially knowin
g that all the money raised will be going back into the center. I think this is such an awesome thing, fun for everyone and benefiting a great cause.” Jim paused to take a breath.
“Thanks, Jim. I agree. I’ll be back in a little bit, but right now I’ve got to get Julian settled.” Ro stepped back towards the youth center taking Julian with him.
“He’s a character,” Julian commented.
“Yeah, good kid, but he can be long winded.”
“You don’t say?”
“So, how did the boyfriend title feel?” Ro pulled him into a classroom and shut the door. He palmed Julian’s cheek and waited for his answer.
“Nice. It feels good to belong to someone. I’m more than Julian, I’m your boyfriend. It’s funny because I don’t know what I was afraid of. We’re already together and it feels like you are more than just my boyfriend.” Julian nuzzled Ro’s hand before turning his face for a kiss. Ro moved his hand to the nape of Julian’s neck and met his seeking lips. Julian leaned into Ro’s solid body feeling warm and secure.
“Break it up in here, there are children present,” a booming voice ruined the moment.
“You have the worst timing, Vinnie.” Ro dropped his forehead to Julian’s shoulder while turning his head to look at the intruder.
“And you must be Julian. He never shuts up about you,” Vinnie teased.
“Let me guess, you’re the infamous cousin Vinnie.”
“Guilty. What has he said about me? Dish.” Vinnie cupped his hand around his mouth hiding his lips from Ro, as if conspiring against him with Julian. “I’ll tell you everything he’s said about you.”
“You first,” Julian stage whispered.
“Enough.” Ro laughed. “Where are you supposed to be?”
“I’m a werewolf who gets to follow the crowds and snarl at people. I can’t wait.” Vinnie pulled the wolf mask out of his back pocket, put it on and growled at them.
“Nice. Get into place. We are going to be opening soon. I still need to get Jules into costume.”