by A. D. Ellis
Our friends, family, fellow business owners, and even a couple of local news channels gathered around as dusk turned to dark.
“Thank you all for coming. You had to know that Benji and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to tackle an art project, so our lighting fix took a little longer than normal.” Rhys smiled and took my hand. “As you will see, our light display is a large silver and gold flame with several internal lights that not only flood the area with light, but also shine brightly on our wall. Once we turn on the lights, you’ll find that our wall showcases several images portrayed in varying shades of silver and gold, outlined in black along with The Silver and Gold Creative logo and a couple inspirational quotes.”
When the silver and gold flame was switched on from inside the studio, a collective gasp came from the crowd. I admired the glowing flame and studied the mural Rhys and I had worked so hard to create.
Same but different, different but the same.
Gorgeous sprawling images of items that fit the theme. Nails and screws, a horse and a donkey, a pen and a pencil, a marker and a crayon, a brush and a comb. The entire wall was filled with items such as these. The Silver and Gold Creative logo was prominently placed along the top left edge of the wall. Two quotes that spoke to Rhys and I were in the spotlight. What we reach for may be different, but what makes us reach is the same. ~Mark Nepo and Whatever our souls are made of yours and mine are the same. ~Emily Bronte.
The project had started as a way to bring light and curb vandalism, but it had turned into so much more. The wall and flame were artistic representations of Rhys and I coming together, imperfections, and how similarities and differences should be celebrated and are beautiful.
Rhys and I took a few moments to answer questions for the reporters as their cameras focused on the art pieces. I had a feeling Bode had called the news channels; I wasn’t going to turn down free publicity.
As the crowd mingled, Rhys and I stood quietly to the side and admired our friends, family, and fellow business owners.
“Thank you for teaching me that our same and different is beautiful, and our imperfections are what make us absolutely perfect,” Rhys whispered at my ear before kissing my cheek.
“Thank you for being you, for loving me imperfections and all.” I squeezed his hand. “I love you.”
“I want to spend the rest of my life being your perfect imperfection and loving you.” Rhys put his arm around me and pulled me close.
“I think that can be arranged.” We spent the rest of the evening visiting with friends and celebrating the beauty of same but different, different but the same.
16
Rhys
Benji spent an entire week pestering both Kyson and Bay.
“So, are you just physically attracted to him?” Benji asked Kyson while we played video games in their apartment.
Kyson groaned. “Do you ever stop?” He elbowed his cousin. “No, it’s not just physical. I mean, he’s hot as hell. You know I’ve always had a thing for older guys. But I like spending time with him, we get along, we have a connection. He’s exactly the type of guy I’d want to date.”
“He’s not the type to go out partying.” Benji took a drink of his soda.
“Am I the type who spends most of my time partying?” Kyson frowned as he continued to control his on-screen character. “I’m a business owner. I spend most of my time with you knuckleheads, working, learning new holistic medicine practices, staying up to date on my massage skills, and helping with the Lizard. If I get to watch Arlo and chat with Bay, I consider myself lucky.”
“Have you guys had any actual conversations about the possibility of dating? Even a few dates, just the two of you, see if there’s something there?” Benji, like a dog with a bone, just wouldn’t give up.
I was honestly wondering when Kyson would have his fill and punch his cousin.
“We’ve beat around the bush a little, but he always insinuates that he’s busy with work and Arlo, and has to be responsible and consider Arlo above everything. Which I get, I really do. But, if we were to date, it’s not like I’d be trying to take Bay away from his son.” Kyson shrugged and spoke so softly I could barely hear him. “I’d just kinda like to be a part of them.”
Benji’s brows shot up and he gave me a look that said Do you hear that? It’s so sweet, we’ve got to do something to get Bay and Kyson together.
Well, that’s exactly what I thought Benji’s look said and I was pretty sure I was right. But, even if it wasn’t, I felt my heart going Awww over Kyson’s words and decided then and there to help Benji get Kyson and Bay set up to at least try a few dates.
“You and Kyson should take Arlo to the park one day. Just hang out and let him play.” Benji attempted to sound casual as the three of us stood and watched Arlo paint at his studio lesson. He failed miserably. Not Arlo, he did great. Benji failed at coming across casual.
“I want to go to the park with Kyson, Daddy.” Arlo piped up from his easel, never taking his eyes from his open paint time.
The five-year-old twins who were originally scheduled to attend the lesson had come down with pink eye and had to reschedule, so Arlo was enjoying a private lesson.
Bay crossed his arms over his chest and gave Benji a menacing look, but spoke gently to Arlo. “I’m sure we can see if Kyson would like to go to the park. But we have to remember that he’s busy.”
“He told me he likes to play with me. He wants to go to the park.” The little boy nodded his head as if he was completely sure Kyson would jump at the chance to go to the park with him.
Honestly, even as much as Kyson was interested in Bay, I was pretty sure he’d still jump at the chance to go to the park with Arlo. Kyson was crazy about the little boy.
Arlo dutifully removed his colorful, wet paper and placed it on the drying rack before attaching a new piece of paper with a little help from Benji.
“So maybe the park? Then try some coffee?” Benji continued in his matchmaking, seemingly undeterred by Bay’s eye roll. “Sage and Bode, or Rhys and I, or even all four of us could babysit.”
“I’m not a baby,” Arlo crowed.
“Kid-sit, how’s that?” Benji asked.
“He’s got ears like a dog, hears everything.” Bay smirked.
“Dog ears! Woof-woof!” Arlo giggled while he painted.
“You have anything against a coffee date? We’d watch Arlo, you guys could go out and enjoy some adult conversation.” Benji raised his brows.
“Daddy likes coffee. You should drink coffee with Kyson and take me to the park.” Arlo made broad sweeps of yellow paint. “That’s the sun.”
“Come on, even Arlo says you should give it a chance.” Benji, my little matchmaker, waited with a hopeful smile.
Bay watched Arlo paint for several moments as if he was deep in thought. Finally, he broke from his trance. “I don’t know that I’m ready for anything serious.”
“Wouldn’t have to be serious,” Benji offered.
Bay scoffed. “Based on the connection we have, I can’t imagine it being anything but.”
My heart had another one of those Awww moments.
“But I’m doing this on my own terms. I won’t compromise my responsibilities to my son. And I’ll ask Kyson about the park and coffee. Don’t need you passing him a note for me or anything.” Bay gave a little grin.
He looked a combination of excited and nervous.
Benji smiled victoriously. “I think you’re making a great decision. You guys deserve a chance.”
As it turned out, Kyson most definitely did want to spend time with Arlo at the park. Bay had texted Kyson and asked if he’d want to go to the park with him and Arlo on Sunday.
I wasn’t sure who was more smiley, Benji or Kyson.
The guys had started including me in their Sunday brunch and grocery shopping and both Kyson and Benji were floating high on the day Kyson was scheduled for his park playdate.
“It’s just taking a kid to the park, I’m trying
not to get too excited.” Kyson seemed unable to wipe the excited smile from his face.
“Take it slow, but don’t be afraid to let him know you’re interested in more.” Bode glanced at Kyson over his cup of coffee as we ate our brunch. “I know Bay adores Arlo, but I think the responsibilities that came with his insta-parent status are pretty heavy for him and he doesn’t want to weigh you or anyone down with the same expectations. I think he may be worried that dating will lead to you feeling tied down because of the fact that he’s tied down.”
Kyson nodded. “I get that and I think you’re right. I wish I could let him know that I don’t consider Arlo a burden. I accept Bay and Arlo as a package deal. Hell, I’ve never known Bay without his son. If we work out and take things further, get serious, I’d expect to be in a relationship with Bay and Arlo.” He took a deep breath and shook his head. “And now I’m babbling like an idiot and getting way too far ahead of myself.”
Benji squeezed my hand under the table. I knew he was so excited about Kyson and Bay’s potential happiness, but I worried he’d be as crushed as Kyson if they didn’t work out.
“So? How’d it go?” Benji nearly attacked Kyson when he returned to their apartment Sunday evening.
I’d had no real reason to stay as late as I did, but I couldn’t help but want to be there when Kyson shared about his park date with Bay and Arlo.
Kyson was flushed and all smiles. “It was great. Arlo is such a great kid. Plays by himself, plays well with others. Loves his dad, follows directions while still being curious and adventurous and a little stinker at times. He wants a dog and fell in love with every single dog we saw at the park. We played and got ice cream. I’m sure he’ll sleep like the dead tonight.”
“And?” Benji prodded.
Kyson blushed and bit his lip. “And we were wondering if you guys would mind watching Arlo so we could go out for coffee sometime.”
“Yes!” Benji pumped his fist. “I knew it, I knew he was going to ask you.”
Sage pulled a knee under him on the couch and sighed. “How did he ask?”
Kyson’s cheeks colored to an even darker shade of pink. “Told me that someone had been pestering him about us giving things between us a chance and wanted to know if I wanted to grab coffee sometime. It’s not like he got down on one knee, just a simple request to go get coffee.”
“But if you guys allow yourselves to spend more time together and give yourselves permission for more to develop, maybe you can take the next step into making your friendship something a little more.” Benji’s face was filled with delight and hope.
“Slow down there, bro.” Kyson held up a hand. “It’s coffee. We’ll see what happens from there. May figure out we’re better as just friends.”
“I gotta tell you, I’ve seen the way you two look at each other. If that fire and desire lead you guys to bed, I think you’ll be burning up the sheets and realizing that you’ve got a lot more than friendship.” Bode pulled Sage to his side.
Kyson huffed. “Good sex doesn’t equal a good relationship.”
“You’re right,” I said. “But a lot of good relationships are built on friendships. You and Bay already know you’ve got a strong foundation. If the sex and romance add to what you already have, even better. Only you guys will know if more is right, but I’m really glad you’re giving it a chance.”
“I am too.” Kyson waved and headed to his room.
Bode, Sage, Benji and I compared our schedules to see if the four of us could come up with multiple dates for babysitting duties. We decided to offer Kyson and Bay an assortment of options so they couldn’t use that as an excuse.
I told Bode and Sage goodbye as they scurried off to Bode’s room with sultry smiles. Then I gathered Benji in my arms.
“Well, matchmaker, looks like you’re getting your wish,” I murmured against his mouth before teasing at his lips with my tongue and moaning slightly when he opened for me.
When he pulled away panting, Benji smiled. “I know there’s no guarantees. For anyone. Sage and Bode, you and me, none of us know we’ll work out or stay together. But I’m so glad they are at least taking a chance and giving it a shot.”
“Yeah, I think it will be good. Give themselves the chance to test it out. Then they’ll know for sure instead of wondering what might have been.” I ran my hand up and down Benji’s back.
We made out for several moments like sappy teens saying goodbye before I gave him a final kiss. “I love you. I’ll see you at the studio tomorrow.”
17
Benji
I woke wrapped in warm arms and a cock nudging my ass. Rhys had spent the night so we could prepare for our day of babysitting Arlo. But we had a couple hours before Sage would be bringing the boy to our place.
Rhys trailed his hand down my chest and palmed my already hard dick. “Good morning,” he whispered in my ear. “You excited about today?”
I rocked into his touch. “I’m excited to babysit so Bay and Kyson can have a coffee date, but I’m a little preoccupied with something else right now.”
“Anything I can help you with?” Rhys pressed his hand against me with more pressure.
“Well, I’ve got to piss before I do anything else.” I gave him an apologetic kiss and rolled from the bed before rushing to the bathroom.
Once I’d relieved myself and managed not to piss all over the wall, I made short work of a quick prep and hurried back to Rhys. I stood in the middle of the room and shucked off my boxers while never taking my eyes from Rhys. When his nostrils flared and he gripped his dick, I took my own shaft in hand and stroked slowly.
“Get over here,” Rhys growled.
“What’ll I get if I do?” I took a step toward the bed.
“Eventually, I’ll give you my cock. But I’ve got plans to suck you off first.” He licked his lips and I couldn’t help but shiver.
I moved to the side of the bed and crawled toward him. “Prop yourself on pillows at the headboard.”
When Rhys was positioned, I straddled his ankles and slowly shuffled on my knees up his body. I slowed considerably as my balls brushed over his cock, but continued my way up until I reached his chest. I moved Rhys’s arms to hold behind my thighs. “Keep your hands there.”
Rhys nodded.
I painted my leaking head against his lips. When Rhys’s tongue snaked out to taste me, I pressed forward and moaned as his hot mouth took me in. I began a slow rocking rhythm at first, but soon I gripped the headboard and began to fuck Rhys’s face with hard, fast thrusts. Never breaking eye contact with him, my heart clenched even as my balls drew up tight. With Rhys’s hands encouraging my hips, I pumped into his mouth a couple more times before shooting deep in his throat.
My sensitive cock slid from between Rhys’s lips as I shifted from his chest to his hips. I grabbed the small bottle of lube from the bedside table, slicked my hole and his shaft, and directed his rock-hard dick to my waiting ass. “Fuck my ass like I fucked your mouth,” I demanded as my body opened and took him fully into my greedy hole.
Rhys grabbed my hips, his fingers gripping tight enough I knew I’d have marks, and I loved it. He pumped his hips hard and fast, his dick sliding in and out as I leaned forward and braced my hands on his chest. There was no way I’d be able to come again so soon, but I reveled in every single second of Rhys invading my body, fucking me, owning me. He gave a final hard thrust and stilled with a groan as his cock pulsed his release deep in my ass.
I whimpered when he pulled from my body, but sighed contentedly when he rolled and pulled me to cuddle against his chest.
“I love you so damn much,” he whispered before kissing me softly.
“Mmm, love you too. Also love a thorough morning fucking before getting our day started. May have to look into making wakeups like this happen more often.” I snuggled into his chest.
“I could totally get on board with that.”
We held each other for several moments as we came down from our sex high.<
br />
“Shower?” I asked.
“Yeah, but I’m not sure I can get it up again, so it may just be a regular shower.” Rhys chuckled.
“Same. You wore me out.” I kissed his chin.
We climbed from the bed. I gathered the dirty sheets and tossed them in a pile on the floor before heading to the bathroom. Damn relationship was going to require me to purchase more sheets because I definitely wasn’t going to be able to keep up with washing them if our sex remained as frequent as it had been lately.
Sage walked in the door with Arlo by his side. “We’re home!” Sage sing-songed.
Arlo rushed to Bode and let my brother swing him up into a bear hug. Arlo was comfortable with all of us, but he’d always seemed to gravitate toward Bode, even when Bode was pretty much being an ass to Bay in the beginning.
“Hey, big guy. You gonna hang with us today?” Bode jostled the kid.
“Daddy says I get to play with Kyson and you guys.” Arlo giggled as Bode tickled his tummy.
“Yep, you sure do.” Kyson walked into the room. “What do you want to do first?”
Bode put down Arlo and the little boy scampered to Sage who was carrying three bags.
“This one is clothes, pjs, toothpaste and toothbrush, a sippy cup, and nighttime underwear.” Sage held up a large tote bag.
“Nighttime?” Bode mouthed.
“Bay says the sure way to make sure you need something is to not pack it, so he packed things we likely won’t need. Better safe than sorry.” Sage rummaged in the bag. “Also sent some kid soap and shampoo for bath time.”
“I brought toys.” Arlo tugged on another bag.
“He brought toys,” Sage agreed and placed the second bag on the floor.