The Tea Room Holiday Story Challenge

The Gift

2011-12-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Title: The Gift
By PJ
Author's Note: This story follows Let the Fun Begin

Slowly the presents moved from under the tree to their rightful owners. Most were standard Christmas gifts: Clothes, gift cards, books, games, CD's, DVD's, games or jewelry. But scattered amongst those gifts were the Secret Santa gifts.

Mike patiently sipped his second beer and waited for the gift he'd gotten Ray to be passed to him. He laughed with the others as most of the gifts were opened revealing a strange assortment implements and restraints. He'd never seen a Roses Leather Flogger before. The tops seemed to be enjoying the exchange, even commenting on the usefulness of their brats gift.

Mike was glad that he had chosen a safe present for Ray because every time one of the Secret Santa gifts were open Ray seemed to blush a little brighter and move closer to Gavin. But who could blame him, Mike thought, I'm not a baby brat and some of the gifts scare me.

Santa Sheldon was handing a gift to Miles, commenting it had no givers name either. Mike looked around as Miles pulled the paddle from it's wrappings. All eyes were on Miles, well everyone's except Jared and Atticus. Jared was leaning in to his top not looking at Miles and Atticus had protectively moved his arm around his brat. Mike looked back to a red faced Miles. Simon was whispering something to him. Steve looked nervous. Simon continued and Miles turned the paddle in his hand. Mike saw that the paddle had two distinct side, one soft the other hard. Miles nodded and finally looked around the room. "I want to thank whoever took the time and care to pick this gift out for me. It's perfect." Simon kissed Miles's forehead and Steve visibly relaxed. Mike looked back toward Jared seeing the relief in his face.

The next gift was pulled from under the tree. "Finally," Mike sighed when he recognized the paper. Luke nudged his knee and only then did Mike realize he had actually said it out loud. He stiffened against Tilden's leg.

"This one's for you, Ray." Sheldon said as he handed the present to Ray.

Ray took the package mumbling, "Thank You." He slowly removed the wrapping paper. Never looking up from the task at hand.

Mike held his breath watching for a reaction. Tilden's hand moved to his neck gently squeezing. Mike turned to look at his top seeing the question in his eyes. Mike could only nod and then turn back to watch Ray.

Ray pulled a soft royal blue velvet pillow from the box. He ran his hands over the pillow. Then picked up the card and silently read it with Gavin read along over his shoulder. Mike remembered the words he had written:

"When things go wrong as they always do,
Find comfort knowing you have a soft place
For ass or knee, to rest and reflect."

Gavin rubbed Ray's shoulder. Ray looked up at him then turned back to the room holding up the pillow for all to see. "Thank you, whoever you are."

Mike breathed a sigh of relief. Then blushed when he noticed Gavin was looking at him. Mike shrugged as Gavin winked at him.

Sheldon had moved back to the tree retrieving another present. Walking back toward the group he announced, "Jared, here's one for you"

On to Jared's Gift

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Let the Fun Begin - Jared's Gift

2011-12-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Merry Christmas Everyone!! Thank you to Dizzy for beta'ing and especially to Natasha for letting for letting all of us play with her guys!

This story follows The Gift

Let the fun begin - Jared's Gift

by Lorraine

Jared felt himself blush as he examined the polished switches in his stocking. He pressed back against Atticus' legs. Switches! Ok, he had come to realize he was a brat. More specifically, he was Atticus's brat and they didn't do switches! He was Atticus' good boy! He was held and cherished. And only, when necessary, Jared had his bottom spanked but never by anything more than the firm hand of his Top. He, all of a sudden, started to feel very insecure here. They didn't do this. They should have never decided to spend Christmas at the Lodge. He should be home with his parents not here getting switches for gifts.

Jared continued to stare the switches. Pushing back harder against Atticus's legs, he focused on trying to control the feeling that he was starting to spin. He sucked his lower lip into his teeth and began to chew. Almost immediately, he felt a hand engulf his and tug. Atticus. Atticus always watched for the signs of spinning, often heading them off before he felt out of control. Landing on Atticus's lap, Jared quickly nuzzled in whispering, "Switches. Atticus, they gave me switches"

"You know Sweetheart; you were so engrossed in your stocking that I don't know if you noticed everyone got switches. These could be fun you know, not for here, just for us at home. You could be the naughty schoolboy and I could be the stern professor," Atticus whispered in his ear his fingers tracing along Jared's inner thigh.

Jared gave him a faint smile realizing that Atticus could take a nasty switch and make it into a prop for fun. That was a better idea. Feeling more relaxed and loving the way Atticus could stop the spin from spiraling out of control with just a few words, Jared began to pay more attention to the gifts that were being given out. It seemed to be a tradition that each present was handed out and everyone watched that person open the gift and comment before Santa handed out the next gift.

Before he knew it a grinning Santa Sheldon was pushing a large brightly wrapped gift into his hands. Jared thanked him and shook the package lightly and then slowly began to undo the bow.

"Come on, Jared, just tear it open!!!" Blade called out from his spot at Ryan's feet.

"Stop," Ryan replied effectively silencing Blade at least for the moment. Jared had learned nothing ever silenced Blade for long.

Jared ignored him and continued to slowly unravel the ribbons. He glanced at the card reading it aloud as the others had done. â€œLimitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, the possibilities become endless! Merry Christmas!â€ Jared read pondering what that saying could have to do with the box sitting on his lap.

He slid his long thin fingers along the taped edges carefully undoing the sparkly snowman paper. Lifting the lid off of the box, Jared found inside several individually wrapped gifts nestled in tissue paper. He lifted the first gift surprised at the weight of the circular shaped gift. Undoing the wrap, he held up the jar of chocolate body paint.

Feeling himself blush, Jared wasn't sure if he wanted to open anything else until he heard Atticus' soft whisper in his ear. "I can't wait to finger paint on my boy, and slowly lick you clean."

Jared groaned feeling his cock stiffen at Atticus' words. Next, he picked a soft square package. Slowly unwrapping the gift, he held up the soft wrist and ankle cuffs. Made of black neoprene, the closures were Velcro and the inside soft to the touch. Atticus groaned in his ear, "Ooh Sweetheart, how wonderful. a way to keep my ticklish boy still while I explore every nook and cranny of his body."

The next soft package contained a length of silky rope to secure the cuffs. Atticus whispered, "Even better, my beautiful boy spread eagle on the bed. not being able to move while I tease him with my fingers and tongue."

Jared blushed at Atticus' words. While Atticus was always proper in public, Jared was finding Atticus behind their closed bedroom door was a bit more adventurous.

The last package was slightly heavier but not by much. The gift was nestled inside of another box. He unwrapped and opened the box. He just stopped staring at the contents of the box. He didn't want to hold this one up for anyone to see. It was purple for crying out loud. and ribbed, and it VIBRATED, at multiple setting!! The tag called it a Nexus Range Vibro Prostrate Massager. No! There was no way he was holding that up for the group to see.

Jared felt Atticus staring at the contents of the box from over his shoulder. He knew his top could clearly see what was in the box. Before Jared could voice an opinion Atticus took it out of the box slowly turning it over in his hands for everyone to see. Hitting the button, a low buzz indicated it had come to life. Jared blushed not saying anything just wanting to bury himself in Atticus' chest away from the prying eyes.

"Whew, Baby...OK, whoever had your name has caused quite a problem here. I don't know when this hard on is going to go away so you will just need to sit still while I think about spreadsheets and numbers instead of laying you across my lap and teasing you open with this. making you squirm and rock until you can't take it anymore and are begging me to take you over the edge. I think this one will not wait until we get home. we need to play with this here! Today, as soon as this exchange is done, we can slip away," Atticus slowly whispered.

Jared, still blushing, grinned at the picture in mind that Atticus' words had created. He loved the feeling of Atticus' hardness pushing against him. Looking around the room, he zoned in on Angus and James looking way too happy. He smiled and mouthed thank you as he settled in to watch the rest of the gift exchange.

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Winter Precaution

2011-12-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

Winter Precaution

by Adele

"Are you all ready to go, Adam?"

"Yep"

"Did you put suntan lotion on your face?"

"It's the middle of December, Rod, I don't need suntan lotion in winter!"

"There isn't a cloud in the sky, it's practically noon, we are going to be outside a long time, and the sun is reflecting off all the snow out there. You need suntan lotion today."

"I'll be fine."

"All right, Adam, let me put it this way. Whatever color your face is when we get home tonight, I am going to make your ass match."

"Give me the fucking suntan lotion."

Reality Check: Let the Fun Begin

2011-12-23T22:08:00.000-08:00

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Title: Let the Fun Begin
By PJ
This story follows Reality Check Secret Santa Exchange

The three of them entered the Grand Room hand in hand in hand. Across the room the 15 foot tall Balsam Fir was magnificent with the soft glow of the multicolored lights highlighting the rustic ornaments. Among the branches were personalized ornaments for each member of the Green Mountain Boys. Colorful wrapped presents covered the area under the tree overflowing onto the textured carpet. Groups of soft chairs and couches were positioned in an semi circle facing the tree. A buffet and bar were set up along the back wall.

Mike moved with his partners toward the fire place to join Gordon and Milton. “Ah, I see you didn’t have any trouble getting your partners to join the festivities this evening, Tilden.” Gordon said as he greeted the threesome.

“It’s looks to be a very popular room tonight.” Milton commented slapping his friend on the back. “I was beginning to wonder if you three were going to make it. We aren’t set to officially begin for 30 minutes but most members are already present.”

Mike scanned the room, noting the anticipation on his fellow brats faces. Ray and Gavin weren’t here yet but Ryan was seated near the tree with a red eyed Blade kneeling beside him. Mike nudged Luke, “Only Blade could get in trouble on Christmas Eve.” he whispered.

Before Luke could reply. Mike felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and turned to look into his top’s eyes. “Do you need to join Blade?”

Blushing at being overheard Mike quietly answered, “No, sir.”

Tilden leaned in kissing Mike’s forehead “Good. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on tonight’s fun.“

“Me either, I’m sorry.”

“I know, Misha.” Tilden reassured his brat. “Now why don’t you two get something from the buffet and find a seat for us.”

Quietly munching on his food and sipping the first of the two beers he was allowed by his top, Mike watched as the last of the members enter the room and joined the others in front of the tree. Some of the brats chose to settle on the carpet at their tops feet. Mike chuckled to himself. He knew the reason wasn’t because they were submitting to their respective tops, but to be closer to the presents.

The room quieted as Milton stood in front of the tree signaling the start of the festivities. “We want to thank each and everyone of you for sharing your holiday with us.” As Milton continued his speech, Mike looked around at the other couples and threesomes. Trent and Mace, relaxed and comfortable leaning against each other on one of the over stuffed chairs. Josh and Jer were sharing one of the sofas with Gordon and Landon. Simon, Miles and Steve cuddled together on a love seat. Atticus and Jared, both looked a little nervous. Ryan and Gavin on soft chairs with their boys at their feet. Ray seemed to almost be hiding between Gavin’s legs. Noah, Samuel and Jonah filled another love seat. Jonah flushed when he saw Mike looking his way, but did return Mike’s smile. James perched on a lone foot stool with Angus on the floor leaning against his leg . Mike’s attention turned back to Milton as he announced “Santa Claus will be played by Sheldon.” Milton crossed over to take a seat next to Tilden, much to close to Mike for his comfort. He glanced at Luke and saw the sympathy in his eyes.

Sheldon stepped forward bowing to his audience a red Santa‘s hat covering his head. “Let the fun begin.”

“OK” Santa began. “First let’s get the stockings handed out. Looks like there’s one for each brat. I‘m not sure who they‘re from though.” After he passed them out to each brat including Miles and Landon, Santa waited for the stockings to be examined by each brat along with his own.

There was a few moments of grumbling when the stockings held nothing more than smooth polished switches. Mike glanced around the room trying to figure out who might have given this unpopular gift. All the brats got one, even Miles and Landon.

Soon, the grumbling stopped and Santa pick up the next gift to hand out.

On to The Gift

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Our Favorite Riley Moment

2011-12-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

Our Favorite Riley Moment -- Otherwise known as Fun with Christmas Carols while Trying to Win a Trip to the Ranch Because That Sounds So Much More Fun Than Playing in the Cold Rain When it Rightly Ought to be Snow if we Dropped a Couple of Degrees.

By Rolf, king of long short story titles, & Ranger

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even bear the enor-mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The brats were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Paul's pastries danced in their heads.

And Riley in his t-shirt, and I in my cap,

Were wandering downstairs, can you imagine that?

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

We sprang out the door to see what was the matter.

A hulking big stallion was giving the alarm,

And had just kicked a hole in the side of the barn.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Set everything in sight with a wonderful glow.

When, what to Jasper's eyes should appear,

But a very old Indian with a long golden spear.

The boys were quite busy, calming the stallion,

Forgetting of course he could be such a hellion.

The last thing they wanted was the household awake,

For the tops to come downstairs and determine their fate.

Bandit calmed down and allowed the boys to lead him,

around the barn and away from the Indian.

The boys never saw him, no not a thing,

Not even Jasper, who was doing some investigating.

The boys waited a bit to be sure they weren't caught

Doing something they were sure they really ought not.

A short hike across the pasture and into a building,

They drug out the tree they had cut yesterday morning.

Back across the bright landscape, they argued and fought

Against the biggest tree that they could have sought.

It took twice as long to get back in the yard,

and to get it steady and upright was really quite hard.

A little work was involved in scouring the garage,

they came up with some ornaments, a collection quite large.

Another trip out in the frigid landscape,

The tree was decorated and looked quite great.

Two brats back inside, both of them shivering,

wondering how to get back in bed without any quivering.

They hugged and they kissed, and we fade to black,

And they headed upstairs after their 'nap.'

It wasn't yet dawn when Paul rose from his bed,

going quietly downstairs wanting everyone fed.

Very surprised there was no need for light,

for the shine in the windows was really quite bright.

Opening the door, he looked with wonder

at a decorated tree where once there was none there.

Lit by what seemed like a million bright lights,

It was something to behold in what was just white.

He was sure he knew who the culprits had been,

but the looks on their faces had him questioning.

Complete surprise with their eyes all aglow,

at a tree they'd left dark not three hours ago.

It didn't take long for the whole house to awaken,

Paul wondered and wondered until he had taken,

A long look at Jasper and he saw quite clearly,

The glint in his eye and a smile quite cheery,

That mischief was had, thats the plan for most days,

Christmas had come, the way it did always,

with a bit of mystery, and a love of family

Happy Christmas to all and may it be quite Merry!

Reality Check Secret Santa Exchange

2011-12-21T22:23:00.000-08:00

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Reality Check Secret Santa Exchange
by PJ, Dizzy, Natasha, Raine, Korusialhogi, Kristy

Title: Part 1 the Plan
Characters: Mike/Luke, Sheldon
Author: PJ

"Do you think all the brats would do it?" Luke asked Mike.

"Sure, we're all going to be at the resort for the Christmas party anyway," Mike reassured his fellow brat and partner.

"So who do we need to call?"

Luke thought for a minute then smiled, "Everyone! Ask everyone!"

"What about Jonah? Are Noah, Samuel and Jonah coming up from New Mexico?"

"I don't know. Let's call Landon first and ask him," Luke suggested. "Gordon and Landon have been keeping tabs on those three. Landon was really worried about Jonah."

"I'll call him when we get home this afternoon." Mike laughed. "I hope he's ok with us doing a Secret Santa gift exchange."

"Great, but we better get going so we aren't late for class." warned Luke.

***

Luke stood by the office door listening for signs others had come home while his partner dialed Landon's number.

"Landon, its Mike…no nothing's wrong…I, we, wanted to ask you something…no, we aren't in trouble…yes, I'm sure…Landon, we are not in trouble…well, we wanted to do a Secret Santa at the resort…no, not everyone…only the brats…what do you think? Mike glanced over to Luke giving him the thumbs up sign.

Luke grinned back at his partner, keeping his ear to the door. "This is going to be fun," Luke said, and then a little mischievously, "I hope the tops think it's as fun as we do!"

Mike nodded and continued his conversation with Landon. "Could you make a few calls and let some of the brats know what to do? We can't call them all from here…OK…we can tell Sheldon, Mace and Blade…Yeah, we can tell Ray and Steve too…Steve can fill Miles in…are Noah, Jonah and Samuel coming up for Christmas?… Really?…great…can you tell them?"

"Hey," Luke interrupted, "How are we going to pick names for the exchange?"

"Landon, did you hear that?…ok…yeah, that'll work…wait let me tell Luke." Mike turned to his partner. "Landon's going to get Samuel to hand out the names since he's neutral."

"That's a great idea." Then Luke turned back to the door hearing the front door close. "Someone's home."

"We have to go Landon…OK, let us know what they say…talk to you later." Mike hung up the phone just as the office door opened and Sheldon stepped into the room.

"What kind of trouble are you two up too?" Sheldon asked as he looked suspiciously at Tilden’s brats.

Mike laughed, "Why do you always think we are causing trouble, Sheldon? You and your baby brother cause more trouble than Luke and I could ever think up."

"Yeah, and we aren't doing anything wrong." Luke added. "We are setting up a Secret Santa exchange between the brats for Christmas morning at the resort."

"The key word here is SECRET Sheldon." Mike cautioned. "We aren't telling the tops."

"OH, I can just picture to possibilities." Sheldon eyes lit up. "Count me in."

Title: Jonah
Characters: Noah/Samuel/Jonah
Author: Dizzy

Jonah used his height to tower over Samuel, "Just paint a picture and I'll give that as a gift. You are getting a fortune for your paintings; anyone would be happy to get one."

"Jonah, stop."

Jonah's body instinctively reacted to Noah's voice, becoming relaxed and non-threatening. Turning he saw Noah in the doorway of Samuel's studio. "I'm just asking Sam-"

"No, you're not just asking. You're trying to intimidate him," Noah interrupted. "You are not his top. Who is the top around here?"

"I'm participating in this damn secret Santa thing. We are all going to go to the resort. All I wanted was a gift to give. How's that intimidating?" Jonah knew he was challenging Noah, but damn it, he thought. All those brats knew that he had been a top. Or at least they knew he had topped Samuel. What are they going to think seeing him as a brat?

"I asked you a question."

"YOU ARE! You are the top. We all know that! I wasn't trying to top Samuel!" Jonah knew that he was pushing Noah; however since the secret Santa gift exchange came about he'd been feeling off. This was the first time he would be going to the resort as a self acknowledged brat.

"Tell me, Jonah. You have to ask for it. Tell me if you want me to spank you."

Jonah looked at Noah. Noah had been pushing Jonah to tell him when he wanted a spanking, to understand his own needs. Knowing his own wants was the key, Noah had told him. In Texas, Jonah had buried his own wants so deep inside himself that he was only now learning to read his own desires. Looking at his calm, composed top, Jonah knew he could ask without fear of being humiliated.

Taking a deep breath, Jonah looked Noah in the eye and said, "I want you to spank me."

His reward for asking was the love he saw on Noah's face as he took him from the studio to their bedroom. Soon he knew he would be over Noah's lap and feeling Noah's hand on his ass. This is what he wanted, what he desired, what he craved and Noah was always happy to oblige.

***

Squirming around on the front seat of the car, Jonah couldn't find a comfortable position. The seat aggravated his well thrashed ass, but when he lifted his hips up, the seat belt pressed against the hard on he'd had since Noah had pulled his pants back up.

"I'm leaving this hard for now," Noah had told him after the spanking was done. "I think the loss of blood to your brain may help you decide on the perfect gift. We'll all go to Buckley's Palace of Punishment Emporium, to find that ideal gift for a brat."

He wanted to curse Noah for leaving him in this state, but he did love that power of dominance that Noah seemed to effortlessly hold over him.

"Come on, boy. Let's go find a whip for a brat." Noah's voice brought him back to the present as they parked in front of the gaudy store. "Maybe you'll find one you want as well."

"Or you might decide to branch out and want to try a cane," Samuel piped up from the back seat.

"Or you might find some nipple clamps to try," Jonah suggested only half teasing. He remembered how much pain Samuel had been in when Noah had pierced his nipples. Jonah also remembered the sex afterward, for days the slightest touch to Samuel's nipples had an interesting effect on his dick.

"Oh! Could we look, Noah?" Samuel asked breathlessly.

Jonah couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. How far they'd both come from that long ago day in Texas, Jonah thought as he walked into the store to buy a gift for a brat. Who knew, he may even find himself a new toy.

Title: Blade’s the Man
Characters: Ryan/Blade
Author: Natasha

Title: Secret Santa Gift
Characters: Ryan/Blade
Author: Natasha

Title: Mike and Ray
Characters: Luke/Mike
Author: PJ

"Hey!" Luke yelled, "I'm not done yet. Wait your turn."

Mike stood over his partner. "It is my turn. You've been on the computer all day and I need to check my e-mail."

Both boys turned when they heard a throat clear behind them. "Is there a problem?" an annoyed Milton asked. "If you can't play nice, maybe I can help."

Luke blushed bright red, not wanting Milton to have to help them at all. "No, sir, no problem here. Right Mike?" He looked up at his partner.

Mike's eyes were down but he mumbled, "We're ok. Sorry we bothered you."

Taking in both boys, Milton replied, "I don't think you two will want me to come back in here. Be good." After making sure they understood his warning Milton turned and left the office, leaving the door open.

Mike pulled Luke to him, kissing him gently, "I'm sorry I yelled at you. I'm just excited to learn who I'm getting a gift for."

"It's ok, I'm done." Luke said as he returned the kiss. "I got my E from Samuel a few minutes ago." He felt Mike pull back. "NO! I'm not telling you. It's a secret, remember."

Mike laughed, "OK." He moved to the computer to retrieve his e-mails. "Don't ask me who I got either then."

Luke's laugh could be heard as he left the office.

Opening his e-mail account, Mike saw the message from Samuel. Clicking on it he saw the name. "Shit, I wasn't expecting him." Mike whispered to himself. "I can't get Ray the cane I was thinking about." Mike knew he would be the one on the receiving end of the cane if he was found out. And he didn't want a sore ass on Christmas day.

This was going to take some thought. Ray was new to all of this. Mike didn't want to scare him. Over the next few days Mike search the internet, looking for the perfect gift. Finally he found what he thought would be both fun and safe. And keep his ass out of trouble. When the gift arrived, he carefully wrapped it and added a card next to the red bow. Then he tucked the present in the bottom of his suitcase. Safe from the prying eyes of his top and fellow brat.

Title: Buckley’s
Characters: Noah/Samuel/Jonah
Author: Dizzy

Jonah had long ago learned to school his features to show no emotion, but he couldn't stop his jaw from dropping as he walked into Buckley's Palace of Punishment Emporium. Buckley's wasn't what Jonah would consider a palace. It was like the large warehouse type of store that he'd been to buy groceries but here the signs hanging down were labeled with words he never thought would be in a store. Large generic signs in big black letters showed the way to harnesses, dildos, restraints, and so on.

"Hey watch where you're going!"

Jonah stopped abruptly as he ran into a shopper carrying a box exclaiming it was the new and improved Fantasy Restraint kit. Jonah jumped as a hand grabbed his armed and pulled him out of the way.

"Come on, boy. Pick your jaw up from the floor." The twinkle in Noah's eye brought a blush up Jonah's neck.

"Look! Over there," Samuel said pointing to a sign. "There's clips and clamps. Can we go look?"

"I think that would be wise. Give Jonah a chance to acclimatize to his surroundings while you find a gift for yourself."

Jonah tried to act casual as they walked to the aisle that had drawn Samuel's attention. He knew he wasn't fooling Noah as he kept feeling his hand squeezed in reassurance. Once at the vast array of clamps, Jonah stood back and let Noah and Samuel discuss the merits of each device.

"How're you doing there?" Jonah saw the concern in Noah's eyes.

"I'm ok. Just a shock when I first walked in," he admitted.

"Do you have anything in particular you were thinking about?"

"Hell, Noah, a year ago, I didn't even knew places like this existed. I don't know what to get."

"I don't think there are many places like Buckley's," Noah chuckled. "This is a one of a kind experience. Let's go over to the decorative whips and look."

Walking through aisles of merchandise Jonah hadn't ever dreamed about a loud voice came over the intercom:

"Attention shoppers! Today's red light special is in aisle 17. All pink silicone butt plugs are marked at half price. Hurry to the plug aisle. This special will only last for 20 minutes, so hurry to aisle 17, but no pushing or shoving, save that for your bedroom enjoyment!"

Jonah had to join in as laughter bubbled out of Samuel. Another sight he thought he'd never see was the pure fun and laughter that came from Samuel. The fun loving side of Samuel that had originally drawn Jonah in, and what Jonah had almost beat out of him. As hard as it was to admit he was a brat, Jonah couldn't deny that going to the Green Mountain Boys had made his life better.

"Look Jonah, do you see anything that you might want to give?" Noah directed his attention to the display of unique whips.

Skimming over the display, his eyes went to one that seemed to be the most unusual. "What do you think of this one?" Jonah asked Noah.

"Hmm, the Roses Leather Flogger," Noah read the tag. "The sensation is unlike traditional floggers, and the look is simply stunning. I think it could be use for decoration or for fun. I think it's a good choice."

"Alright, let's get it and get out of here," Jonah said, relieved to have the chore completed.

"No. It's not fair," Samuel exclaimed. "I got these turquoise clamps, you got your Santa gift, but you didn't get anything for yourself!"

"Samuel, I've got all I could ever want. You and Noah have been the best thing that I could've ever hoped for."

The kiss that Jonah received for his remark reawakened his hard on. Feeling Noah's hand squeeze him through his jeans, he heard his top whisper in his ear, "Come on, I want to finish what I started before we left."

Walking between Samuel and Noah, Jonah knew they'd be back and maybe next time, he would buy himself a new toy.

Title: Miles
Characters: Miles/Simon
Author: Korusialhogi

Miles hand tightened on the table edge, his knuckles turning white from the strain. He stared one more time at the screen, re-reading the message. He was being announced that all the brats were participating in Secret Santa project and he was invited to participate as well. Miles barely refrained from putting his fist trough the screen.

"Typical" he growled, pushing himself back from the desk. "Of course, two tops can't possibly be together, so Miles must be a brat, let's box him under that category," he parroted, in a half whisper. "Yeah, well fuck the Green Mountain Boys". He muttered angrily and stood up so abruptly the chair toppled over with the force of his movement.

"Fine then, let's brat" he grunted.

His mind raced through all the possibilities of how to create the required amount of mayhem. It was clear from the massage, that tops were unaware of this little project, at least the brats claimed so, Miles was not sure if that was even in realm of possible. But, if he played it right, he would be able to convince all the brats to wear something outrageous for the Christmas Dinner Party. That should offer Gordon and his pretentious apostles a nice heart attack for the holidays. He contemplated all the ways of making the brats' appearance even more horrific to the tops. After a while he calmed down a bit. Miles let out an exasperated sigh.

"Yes genius, give them more ammunition and prove their narrow-minded point of view - you can't actually be a proper top if in love with a top". After some more debate, he went out to execute his plan.

****

Miles was diligently cleaning and polishing a pile of twigs when Simon came home. The sound of footsteps made Miles turn around and give Simon a quick smile. Simon paused in the doors and raised an eyebrow in a question.

Miles chose to ignore his partner; instead he gave him a wink and turned back to the task at his hand.

"Care to explain the carpentry project?" Simon asked eventually.

"Well, I was invited, by your beloved Green Mountain brats, to participate in brat exclusive Secret Santa. I figured why gift only one person, when I can be generous and gift all the brats with something special. After all they all have been naughty boys all year around so a switch in the stockings is to be expected" finished Miles with a grin.

"Miles, honestly!" Simon shook his head with exasperation. "And you wonder why they see you as a fellow brat?"

"You should be grateful I didn't go with my first idea, it involved rainbow hair colors, torn jeans, tattoos and flashy jewelry as a recommended attire for all the brats taking part in the Christmas Dinner," Miles said, working on the last of the twigs. "Besides, giving a switch is a very top-like thing to do, I'm sure it's somewhere in the Green Mountain Top manual, under recommended gifts section."

Simon walked behind him and dropped a kiss onto top of his head, "Be careful, there will be more than one top willing to try one of those on you".

Miles gave him a dirty look. "Or, maybe they will finally get the hint, I'm a SWITCH, not brat and loving a top doesn't affect my ability or affinity to top!" With these words he leaped a bit to capture Simon's lips in a heated kiss.

Title: Jared’s Story
Characters: Atticus/Jared
Author: Raine

Atticus stood silently at the study door watching an oblivious Jared. He studied the look on his boy’s face, his eyebrows furrowed together as he concentrated on whatever he was studying on the computer screen. He watched as Jared began to nervously chew on his lower lip which from past experience Atticus knew was the sign of his brat beginning to spin.

Atticus swiftly made his way across the room to see what could be causing Jared to stress and spin. Hearing the soft but firm footsteps cross the room, Jared looked up and in an instant quickly closed the window on his computer as Atticus came up behind him.

“Hey Sweetheart, what were you looking at?” Atticus gently asked.

Jared stuttered and mumbled under his breath “Nothing. Something. I don’t know… I am not supposed to tell you… “

“Interesting… I thought we had an agreement that in our relationship there was nothing we couldn’t or shouldn’t share” Atticus said as he pulled Jared wrist guiding him away from the desk chair.

Jared slowly followed Atticus across the room to the oversize recliner that Jared liked to think of as their cuddle chair. Atticus sat and down and tugged Jared on to his lap. Jared quickly nuzzled in burying his head in Atticus neck. He was in the place he loved best… safe and secure in Atticus’s arms.

“Ok, Sweetheart, now that we are settled in … let’s try this again…What were you looking at on the computer that you didn’t want me to see?” Atticus said softly.

Jared didn’t say anything instead he just shrugged his shoulders

Atticus sighed moving his hand to tap Jared’s hip “Jared, you need to decide, Baby, either we talk this through cuddled up like this or we can do this bottoms up if a smarting backside is what you need to talk to me – your decision let me know…but we are going to talk about this. I can tell you I am not happy about you feeling you need to hide something from me”

Jared winced a smarting backside was not something he really wanted. No doubt it helped at times but he preferred the safe cuddles of his top. He also knew from Atticus’s tone that he was not going to give up until they talked it out. Atticus would not hesitate to put him face down across his knees for the discussion.

Playing with the buttons on Atticus shirt, Jared quickly began to ponder out loud. “The brats are all having a secret Santa exchange at the lodge and I got Miles as a name. I don’t understand Miles or how he even works… He is Steve’s top but he is a brat too. So I was trying to find a gift that he could have fun with no matter what side he was feeling that day and that’s what I was looking at when you came in…I didn’t ask for help because I think we are supposed to keep the whole exchange a secret from the Tops”

“Hmm I see… and what did you find that you thought you had to hide from me?” Atticus asked

“Can I show you?” Jared said finally looking into Atticus’s eyes

“Of course… “Atticus replied gently nudging Jared off his lap and tugging him towards the computer.

Jared quickly unlocked the screen and went to the browser history and pulled the page up showing Atticus the paddle. “See it leather on one side and fur on the other - two different sides… two different experiences like Miles”

“Nice choice, Love…soft and hard two very different sensations to play with… Let’s get this ordered and don’t worry I won’t let on to the other tops that I know about the exchange. “Atticus replied as he made a mental note of the website to make sure he took the time to order a surprise for his brat’s stocking.

Title: Trent’s Gift
Characters: Trent/Mace
Author: Kristy

Mace decided to look on the internet for the perfect gift to give his partner Trent and found Jacques comfort Jock Harness. But the price was too high to buy it. So he thought about it awhile and decided to make one just like it. That would make it extra special. It would be great pleasure for his top, Trent, when he opened it on Christmas morning.

When the time came on Christmas morning, Trent's eyes widened at the gift. Trent was surprised at Mace's craftsmanship. He was really surprised that it was made by Mace. It was unexpected that Mace made it. So they had their first go at it. They couldn't wait until night to try it, so they slipped upstairs. And word of truth it brought great pleasure for them both.

Title: Shopping with James and Angus
Characters: James/Angus
Author: Raine

Angus crashed through the front door tossing his backpack by the hall staircase and excitedly calling out, “James? I’m home! Finals are over and another semester is history!”

James came out of the kitchen wiping his hands on the tea towel and replying, “Way to go Baby! I am so proud of you! How did your last final go? Were you focused?”

Angus smiled and answered rubbing his backside and wincing,” Oh yeah, your methods for helping me focus worked as usual.”

Gathering Angus in his arms and kissing his forehead, James quipped back, “Throw a temper tantrum fitting of a two year old and threaten our Keurig coffee maker. I do get the hint loud and clear that you are spinning wildly out of control.”

Tilting his head up, Angus smiled and replied, “Yeah, I agree threatening the coffee maker was a bit over the line although I don’t think it warranted the wooden spoon…”

James replied in a serious tone, “That isn’t your decision now is it, little boy?”

Angus blushed lowering his eyes, “Nooo … but…”

James interrupted, “Babe, stop while you are ahead … Now what would you like to do this evening since you are free from studying for finals?”

Angus smiled and replied, “Dinner out and a trip to Buckley’s” He grabbed his Top’s hand from where it rested on his hip and made his way into the living room. He flopped on the couch pulling James down next to him.

James laughed as he snuggled up to his brat, “Buckley’s? Is there a new toy you have in mind because you know me, I am always up for expanding the toy selection especially since we have time to play while you are on break.”

Angus replied, “Maybe... but in all honesty I need to browse. I have to pick up a gift for the brat Secret Santa which by the way you know nothing about.”

James raised an eyebrow and questioned, “What Secret Santa exchange am I supposed to know nothing about and who is the poor unsuspecting brat that you are picking for?”

Angus explained, “All of the brats have been assigned Secret Santa names for a gift exchange at the lodge and I got someone who needs to learn to let go and play…”

“Who?” James asked again.

“Ok. I’ll tell you but you have to promise to keep an open mind and I mean wide open, please?” Angus replied.

James replied in a little firmer tone, “I always keep an open mind–and you are testing my patience…Who?”

“Jared.” Angus replied, “I know what you are thinking. He and Atticus are more private than most and toys may not be up their alley but hear me out.”

“I’m listening,” James replied, thinking to himself this should be good, Angus could if he set his mind to it, justify anything.

“Jared has come a long way since Atticus came along. He doesn’t look like he is about to collapse from exhaustion and he doesn’t stress when I care for his parents or even when some of the other medical students rotate through to help out. He has really learned to trust that Atticus knows what is best for him, Angus started to explain.

“Ok and that equates to toys from Buckley’s how?” James questioned. “I am not sure I am following your line of thinking.”

“I just think they still need to let loose and I thought if I provided the toy…They could take it from there and stretch some boundaries. I know from the skinny dipping stories that at least Atticus can be spontaneous and daring if nudged,” Angus explained.

“True…but nothing over the top. I actually think this part of Christmas shopping will be fun. Much more exciting than shopping for Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe,” James replied smiling. “Give me twenty minutes and I will be ready to go.”

“OK. I wanted to change anyway. Should we stop for dinner before or after?”Angus asked.

“After if it is OK with you- Buckley’s shouldn’t be as crowded this early in the afternoon,” James replied as he walked away.

Forty five minutes later they strolled in to Buckley’s hand in hand. “What did you have in mind?” James asked.

Angus replied, “Not sure. I thought if we browsed the aisles–together we would figure it out”.

“OK... let’s make a start here… hmmm… Chocolate body paint… that could be fun and yummy although I usually avoid giving either of us a sugar high,” James laughed.

“It is a thought,” Angus replied. “Hmmm… this is a really nice dildo…it is curved for prostrate massage or this one is glass with bumps and ridges…nice.”

“True,” James said. “But if you are looking for a fun toy for them to play with here is a remote controlled wireless vibrating butt plug like the one we have. I love that toy… remind me to make sure it is in our bag for the trip to the lodge.”

“Yeah, I know you love it,” Angus replied making a face. “You aren’t the one who almost showered Gordon with salad when it buzzed.”

James laughed. “Your face throughout dinner was priceless, Love. I think Atticus could have lots of fun with that toy. Ooohh… Anal beads…that silicone set that is very nice… Look at how nicely the beads graduate up in size. Pull them at the right moment and I bet that would make you really pop!”

“Absolutely,” Angus replied. “We need to take our beads to the lodge too.”

Angus wandered down the next aisle. “Nipple clamps in every variety… if it was Blade, sure, but no probably not Jared. Ooh! Floggers!! Feel how soft this deer hide one is. That one is definitely in the running. And, so is this paddle nice quality leather.”

“Turn and bend forward boy,” James instructed as he picked up the leather paddle and the clear Lexan paddle that was out of his brat’s line of vision.

“Yes Sir,” Angus replied as he bent forward bracing his hands on the shelf. He knew the drill. James always liked to try paddles and floggers out in the store before buying.

SWAT! The leather paddle rang through the air connecting with the jean clad backside.

“Thoughts?” James asked.

“Nice sting but not too much… This one could be fun for play or discipline if used a little harder,” Angus replied as he began to straighten out.

“Stay, little boy… I didn’t tell you to break position,” James instructed.

“Yes, Sir… but why we tested the paddle?” Angus inquired.

“Yes, but since I have not had much success in reigning in temper tantrums lately, I thought it may be time for a new incentive to help you remember I don’t like being yelled at or having coffee machine abused in the morning,” James explained.

Angus heard a hiss as something moved through the air and then he jumped at what felt like a swarm of bees attacking his jean clad backside. “OWWWWW,” he whined loudly. “Not that one…whatever it is…it is wicked bad and can stay here.”

“Oh little boy,” James chuckled. “I think we have found a new incentive for polite respectful morning behavior. I heard these Lexan paddles really drive home the message. Ok, up. Let’s move on.”

Angus straightened up and feverishly rubbed his backside as he followed James glaring at the clear new paddle in his Top’s hand.

James stopped in front of the restraints. “The Pleasure Package here is nice too… Cuffs, blindfold, rope.”

“True, especially if we picked up some soy candles to go with the set. Wax play is one of the first sensations we played with and it still one of my favorites,” Angus noted.

“Well, we certainly have thrown out a lot of choices,” James commented. “Anything in particular catch your eye as the perfect gift?”

“Yeah actually… let’s head back this way… over here… I think this is perfect,” Angus replied, pointing to the display.

“I couldn’t agree more,” James replied picking up the toy. “It is a done deal- let’s pay and go get dinner.”

Let the Fun Begin
By PJ
Characters: Tilden, Mike, Luke, Milton, Sheldon and Gordon

The Gift
By PJ
Characters: Mike, Sheldon, Miles, Simon, Steve, Gavin, Ray

Let the Fun Begin - Jared's Gift
by Loraine
Characters: Atticus and Jared

Surprise
by Natasha
Characters: Ryan, Blade, Sheldon and Milton

Reality Check by Natasha is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

The Twelve Gays of Christmas

2011-12-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

Title: The Twelve Gays of Christmas

Author: Tarabeth

~*~

On the First Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me a Paddle across my Booty.

~*~

On the Second Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Two Nipple Clamps

and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Third Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Three Greek Gods,

two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Four Buzzing Cocks,

three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Five Butthole Plugs,

four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Six Gays a-Laying,

five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Seven Hunks a-Humping,

six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four bussing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Eighth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Eight Jacks a-Jerking,

seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Nine Laddies Submitting,

eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Tenth Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Ten Lords a-Licking,

nine laddies submitting, eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods,two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Eleven Peters Pumping,

ten lords a-licking, nine laddies submitting, eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

On the Twelfth day of Christmas my Sexy Top gave to me Twelve Doms a Domming,

eleven Peters pumping, ten lords a- licking, nine laddies submitting, eight Jacks a-jerking, seven hunks a-humping, six gays a-laying, five butthole plugs, four buzzing cocks, three Greek gods, two nipple clamps, and a paddle across my booty.

~*~

Caribbean Capers

2011-12-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

Caribbean Capers

A Jude and Dominic Story for Christmas

by Jay

“How about we go away for Christmas thisyear?” Jude made the suggestion in latesummer, knowing that his partner always needed time to come to terms with newideas. But Dominic was learning not topanic when faced with the unexpected, especially when it was presented by theman whose judgement he’d learnt to trust. He paused over his evening meal, putting down his knife and fork andtaking a sip of wine in order to give the suggestion his full consideration. Eventually he voiced his prime concern.

“What about my mother... and yourfather? I’d hate to think of them ontheir own throughout the holiday season.”

“So would I, love. We’d have to plan the holiday so we could seethem just before Christmas or at New Year. We’ve both got a good bit of leave due and I think Semdar can do withoutour services for two or three weeks over the Christmas period. What do you think?”

“Where were you thinking of going?”

“I hadn’t got as far as planning anything,”responded Jude with a laugh. “I was just wondering what you thought about theidea in principle.”

“I haven’t taken many holidays,” admittedDominic with some embarrassment. “Notsince Mum and I stopped going away together... not since I went to universityreally. I didn’t have anyone to go awaywith and I didn’t fancy travelling abroad on my own.” As Dominic never spoke of places he’dvisited, Jude had already guessed that his partner had little experience offoreign travel. As was so often the casewhen he delved into Dominic’s past, Jude was saddened by evidence of the lonelylifestyle the young man had once led. But he showed no sign of sympathy which he knew would be unwelcome,choosing instead to make light of Dominic’s lack of familiarity with holidaydestinations.

“I haven’t been anywhere special for awhile either,” he said with a smile. “But I find it’s the company, not the place which makes a holidaymemorable. I’m happy to do whatever youlike over Christmas, so long as we spend it together.”

Dominic was unable to conceal his pleasureat Jude’s remark. It was through suchaffirmation, through such loving words and thoughtful gestures, that Dominic’sconfidence had grown. Knowing that hewas loved unconditionally, that he was admired and desired by a man as self-assuredand successful as Jude Merrow, had given Dominic a newfound sense of his ownworth. “It might be nice to go somewhere warm,” hemused, coming round to the idea of a winter holiday.

“Is there anywhere special you’d like togo?” asked Jude.

“No..... no... It’s just....”

“What? Tell me if there’s something you’re not sure about.”

“Well…. I was just thinking it would benice to go somewhere where we can be together without worrying what people arethinking. A destination where no onewill comment about two men holidaying together; where we could, perhaps, walkhand in hand.”

“I never knew you were such a romantic,”Jude teased but Dominic was not to be dissuaded from voicing his concern.

“I didn’t enjoy bucket and spade holidayswhen I was a kid so I’ve got no desire to spend time with young families now,”he responded gravely.

“I take your point, love,” Judeconceded. “We’ll need to do a bit ofresearch. I know there are singlesholidays and rambling holidays and even holidays for bridge players. There must be specialist companies cateringfor our needs.”

“I’ll have a look on the internet later,”Dominic said although he didn’t get around to the task until the followingmorning in the office. Then he wasamazed to find that searching for Gay Holidays UK brought up pages of results.He’d begun following the most promising links when Sarah Powell passed his deskon her way to the coffee machine. Out ofhabit, she glanced over his shoulder to see if he might be ready to take a break. She’d got used to Dominic’s tendency tobecome so immersed in his work that he was reluctant to leave his desk and sheoften brought him a cup of coffee around midmorning. But one glance was all it took to convinceher that her friend was not in the middle of constructing a complicatedspreadsheet.

“Ogling cuties on company time?” she enquired.“I wonder what the boss would make of that?”

Dominic’s hand flew to minimise the browserbut not before Sarah had got a good view of scantily clad but well muscledyoung men cavorting on a beach. “I wasjust looking up some holiday destinations,” Dominic said guiltily. “I told Jude I’d do a bit of research.”

“I’m only teasing,” said Sarah. “After all,we’re allowed to access the internet for personal use in our break times, solong as we don’t view pornography or send offensive emails.”

“I know,” said Dominic. “I wrote the company policy on internetuse. I’m just a bit embarrassed to becaught on a gay site during office hours.”

“Why?” asked Sarah reasonably.

“I don’t know,” Dominic conceded. “Force of habit, I suppose. It’s not as though you don’t know about Judeand me.”

“I do know you two haven’t taken anythinglike your full holiday entitlement this year. I hope you’re planning a good long break.”

“Jude thought we might go away for a coupleof weeks at Christmas time and I said I’d try and come up with some holiday destinations.”

“Have you discovered where to go for wintersun?”

“Well, yes... possibly. Actually, I’d be glad of your opinion,Sarah.”

“You know me. Always happy to help you spend money. Your very own personal shopper, that’s me.How about I get coffee and biscuits and we can look at the possibilitiestogether?”

While Sarah was over at the coffee machineDominic went back on the computer and saved some of the more promising sites. When she returned with two steaming mugs, hepulled up a second chair beside his desk and the two of them sat down, as theyoften did, to enjoy a convivial break together. Dominic was at ease in Sarah’s company and had got into the habit ofasking her advice when he was perplexed. For such a formidably intelligent young man, he could sometimes provewoefully ignorant of worldly matters but Sarah was always willing to explainsome of the complexities of social interaction. She had watched with pleasure as his confidence grew, putting histransformation down to the stabilising effect of his relationship with JudeMerrow. But her own contribution was notinconsiderable and Jude himself rejoiced that his partner had such a firmfriend at work.

“I haven’t much experience of foreign holidays....or of holidays in this country, for that matter,” he admitted. “Actually, Idon’t mind too much where we go. I justwant to feel comfortable while I’m away with Jude.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t want to feel people are looking atus and wondering. You know..... We’realways so careful at work and while we’re on holiday I’d like... I’d just likeus to be able to show a bit of affection towards one another in public, that’sall.”

“Of course; I understand, Dominic. I presume that’s why you were looking atcompanies which specialise in gay holidays.”

“Yes; I’ve found a number of gay cruises,”said Dominic with sudden animation. “Ididn’t know that such things existed. Agay cruise could be just the thing for us. What do you think?”

“I don’t know, Dominic. Honestly, I’m a bit out of my depth here.It’s just, well, gay cruising has connotations which, to my mind, have nothingto do with holidays.”

Dominic looked baffled for a moment andthen understanding dawned. “Oh,” hesaid, looking embarrassed. “Am I beingnaive here? Do you think a gay cruise isjust about... about hooking up for sex? Iwouldn’t want Jude to think I’m looking for anyone else.”

“There’s no chance of him thinking that,”said Sarah firmly. “And I really think he’s the one to talk to if the idea of acruise appeals to you.”

“I suppose I was rather taken with the ideaof all the different ports of call. As I haven’t been abroad much, I thought Icould see a lot of places on one holiday.”

“That’s certainly one of the big advantagesof a cruise,” agreed Sarah. “I knowcruises have become very popular lately, especially with the youngercrowd. Let’s have a look at the onesyou’ve found online.”

Dominic and Sarah turned their attention tothe computer screen and tried to stifle their giggles as they both eyed up thetalent. “My God, I’m going to have toput in some work at the gym if I’m going to swim on this holiday,” saidJude. “Do you think you’re obliged towear those skimpy trunks?”

“Now you know how women feel aboutappearing in their bikinis on holiday,” Sarah laughed. “But don’t worry. I think the tour companies choose thebeautiful people for their advertising. It stands to reason that all shapes and sizes must go on cruises. Anyway, you and Jude have nothing to worryabout when it comes to parading your assets!”

“Sshh!” hissed Dominic, glancing round theopen plan office but no one seemed to be paying them any attention.

Sarah continued to search through the sitesDominic had found and finally she said, “There are gay friendly cruises listedhere as well. Have you consideredthose? They seem to offer a wider choiceof destinations and the entertainment seems a little more... what shall Isay?.. restrained. Would that suit youand Jude better? There’d be a widercross section of people but I think you’d find the freedom and acceptance you’relooking for.”

“The best of both worlds, eh? You’re right, Sarah. I don’t think Jude wouldwant to dress up for a Judy Garland appreciation night.” Dominic indicated a page illustrating eveningentertainments on one of the cruise ships. “Look at those men dressed as Dorothy!” he exclaimed in amazement. “I can’t see Jude in a blue gingham frock andsparkly red shoes, can you?”

“I can’t imagine either of you in drag,”Sarah replied with a shudder. Dominicshared her sentiments and resolved to suggest to Jude a gay friendly cruisewith its more mainstream entertainment programme.

That evening Jude proved more receptive tothe idea than Dominic had expected. Hewas particularly taken with the idea of a cruise to the Caribbean where warmweather was practically guaranteed throughout the Christmas season. The variedprogramme of lectures on board ship also appealed to him and Dominic wasgrateful for Sarah’s wise advice to avoid the cruises with more riotous amusements. The decision having been taken, it onlyremained for them to complete the booking and then count the days untildeparture. Strictly speaking it was justDominic who counted the days, torn between excitement at his first luxuryholiday and worry that he didn’t have the right clothes for a cruise to warmerclimes.

It didn’t take long for Jude to pick up onhis young partner’s anxiety and one or two pointed questions had Dominic quicklyconfessing the cause of his concern. He’d long since accepted that Jude wouldn’t permit him to bottle up hisworries and he’d learnt that the sooner he got them out in the open, the soonerhe felt better. To say nothing of the aftereffects of Jude’s displeasure if he found Dominic had worked himself into astate without asking for help. On thisoccasion Jude was able to make light of Dominic’s worries, announcing that hetoo would need to purchase a new wardrobe for the holiday. He made the resultant shopping trips, whichwere always a source of trepidation for Dominic, an entertainingexperience. By the time the two of themhad tried on Hawaiian shirts and Bermuda shorts, and laughed at themselves inthe changing room mirrors, Dominic had forgotten his fear of haughty shopassistants. Not only that, he now knew that Jude enjoyed helping him to choose wellfitting and flattering clothes. He’dcome to trust Jude’s sartorial judgement and his confidence had grown so much thathe strutted and posed in the changing room, knowing that Jude was enjoying theshow despite issuing light hearted warnings that if he didn’t stop messingabout he wouldn’t sit comfortably for a week.

By the time the two men arrived in theircabin aboard the cruise ship, Dominic felt confident that he was well equippedfor everything from formal dinners to beach volleyball games. When he saw the limited amount of storagespace in their cabin, he was grateful that Jude had helped him keep his packingto manageable proportions. There weretwo single beds, each with a small chest of drawers at the foot, a limitedamount of hanging space in a built-in wardrobe and one small bedside cabinetfor each to share. Their cases had to go under the beds and the ensuitebathroom afforded just enough space for one person to stand in front of thebasin or squeeze into the tiny shower cubicle. What with the flight to Barbados and two weeks on board ship, theholiday was expensive and they’d decided to economise on the cabin, rightlyassuming that they wouldn’t be spending long in it. Nonetheless, they both began to wonder ifthey’d have done better to upgrade until they managed to find a home for alltheir clothes, books and toiletries. Then the cabin began to appear cosy rather than cramped.

“Let’s go and explore,” said Dominic as hefinally kicked his empty suitcase under the bed.

“Wouldn’t you like a lie down first?”enquired Jude. “We had a long wait atthe airport and it was a tiring flight.”

“We’ll have plenty of time to catch up onour sleep tonight. Come on; let’s findthe swimming pool and the gym. Where’sthe plan of the ship?”

Jude couldn’t help responding to Dominic’s childlikeexcitement, especially as he ran up and down the staircases exclaiming inamazement as they found bars, restaurants, a fitness centre, a theatre and manyplaces just to sit and relax. Seasonaldecorations abounded throughout, the Christmas trees and coloured lightsappearing incongruous on board ship in the tropics. When they finally got outon deck they leaned on the rail in the unaccustomed warmth and looked down atthe quayside way below where passengers were still boarding the ship. It wasn’t until they strolled right to thestern of the vessel that they found the open air swimming pool in which acouple of lithe and handsome young men were already disporting themselves.

Jude couldn’t help but notice that their capersbecame even more athletic as soon as they realised they had an audience. Theybegan pushing one another under the water, shouting and splashing, so that Judeand Dominic had to step back to avoid getting their trousers soaked. Dominic watched them with curiosity and whenhe was sure their attention was directed elsewhere he whispered rathertentatively, “Do you think they are? Gay, I mean.”

“Oh, I think so, don’t you?” responded Judewith a laugh, as they walked to safe distance from the pool.

“I don’t know. I’m always hopeless at spotting these things.How can you tell?”

“I’m not sure I can put it into words,love, but I usually know, especially with young men like that. I don’t think they’re a couple though.”

“No?”

“Well, I wouldn’t swear to it but I reckonthey’re two friends on the lookout for some fun. Well, maybe they’re a bit more than just goodfriends but I don’t think they’re in a committed relationship. In fact, I’d say they have trouble writtenall over them.”

Dominic stopped and turned back to watch witha rather wistful expression on his face as the two young men resumed swimmingacross the pool. Jude, on the otherhand, turned his attention to his partner in whom he sensed a longing to joinin the fun, a desire to overcome inhibitions and make new friends. That insight persuaded him to modify hisjudgement. “I don’t mean they havemalicious intent,” he said, “but I suspect they’d be game for any stunt. We’ll probably find that they’re great fun.”

“Do you think they’ll come and talk to us?”asked Dominic hopefully.

“Oh, I think they’ve already clocked us asa couple to make contact with,” Jude assured him, resolving not to stand in theway of Dominic getting to know new people. He just hoped that his reservations were unfounded and the two young menwould show better judgement and decorum than their behaviour in the pool hadled him to expect.

In the event, their paths didn’t cross again until the first full day at seawhen Jude and Dominic decided it was time to go for a swim. They’d completed no more than a few decorouslengths when the two young men introduced themselves by jumping in so close by thatboth Dominic and Jude were hit by the resultant tsunami. That provided the opening for insincereapologies and an invitation to play ball which soon developed into a riotousgame of water polo as others joined in. EventuallyJude got out of the pool, spread his towel on a sun lounger and settled down toread his book. However, his attentionwas periodically drawn to the laughing, cavorting young men in the pool andparticularly to Dominic who appeared to be having the time of his life. Jude knew that his partner had been one ofthe geeks at school who had taken every opportunity to avoid the embarrassmentof organised team games. Looking now atDominic’s toned body, glistening with water as he leapt to catch the ball, Judereflected that it wasn’t lack of sporting ability which had held him back. In an environment where he felt comfortablehe’d forgotten about his fear of doing or saying the wrong thing and wasparticipating with enthusiasm and carefree enjoyment. Jude was glad that they’d chosen the cruiseholiday and he hoped there’d be more opportunities for Dominic to socialisewith the young crowd while they were away.

When the game ended, arrangements werebeing made to meet for drinks before dinner and Jude quietly joined the groupas they climbed out of the pool. ToDominic’s surprise, his partner acquiesced to plans for them all to rendezvousin the Riviera bar that evening where free cocktails were to be served beforethe first formal dinner of the cruise.

As they were dressing after their showersback in the cabin Dominic tentatively questioned Jude about their newacquaintances. “What do you think of Bill and Harry?” he asked.

“Your two noisy playmates?”

“Yeah! They’re Americans.”

“That’s no reason for them to shout quiteso loudly. Half the ship must have heardthem.”

“They were enjoying themselves,” saidDominic rather defensively.

“It’s possible to have a good time withoutdrawing attention to yourself quite so insistently,” said Jude. Then reminding himself that he was not goingto be disapproving, he added, “But I suppose we’re on holiday and everyone istolerant of high spirits.”

“Bill met someone last night,” Dominicconfided. “He was telling us that theymade out in the bathroom. I wasn’t quitesure what he meant at first but judging from what the others said I think theymay have had sex in the toilets…. the public ones behind the dance floor.”

“What!” exclaimed Jude, shocked not onlythat Bill had had sex in a public toilet but that he’d been bragging about itto casual acquaintances. “I take it they were in a locked cubicle but even so,that could cause offence to other users of the facilities. Nothing ever justifies sexual activity in apublic lavatory, even if you’re on holiday.”

Dominic was rather taken aback by Jude’sadamant condemnation of his new friend. “Don’t say anything,” he begged. “I wouldn’t want to get him into trouble.”

“Don’t worry,” Jude reassured him. “It’s not my job to act as arbiter of publicmorals. I’m just shocked, that’s all. Iwon’t deny that.”

“So was I…. to start with,” Dominicadmitted, “but the thought of having sex in a public place is a bit of a turnon, don’t you think?”

“I never knew you entertained fantasies ofbeing an exhibitionist!” Jude laughed.

“I don’t; well, not really.”

“I’m glad of it. The other passengers have been so welcomingand friendly. It’s behaviour like thatwhich runs the risk of confirming people’s worst fears and prejudices. This may be a gay friendly cruise but itbehoves us to behave in public with an element of decorum.”

“I suppose so. But Bill and Harry are a lot of fun.”

The two young men were certainly on goodform when Jude and Dominic joined the party in the Riviera lounge. The supply of free cocktails having dried up,they were buying drinks at the bar and they insisted on getting the cocktail ofthe day for their new English friends. Bythe time dinner was announced Bill and Harry were getting very merry and Judewas rather relieved to find they were not seated with the Americans in therestaurant.

Jude was soon chatting comfortably to thetwo married couples who were their dining companions for the evening and evenDominic was sufficiently fascinated by their tales of foreign travel to abandonhis reserve in the company of strangers and quiz them enthusiastically aboutthe places they’d visited. Suddenly, inmid conversation, he reared back as he was struck on the head by somethingquite soft which landed beside his plate. Momentarily puzzled he picked up a bread roll and then looked in thedirection from which it must have come, only to catch the eye of Bill who was grinning,laughing and pointing at him.

Without further thought he twisted in hischair and flung the bread roll straight back but unfortunately his aim was notas true as Bill’s. The roll landed withconsiderable force in the plate of a woman sitting to Bill’s left and foodsplashed all over her dress. Her shriekand her husband’s rapid move to her side drew the attention of diners onneighbouring tables and silence fell as all eyes turned to the stricken womanand then to the person whose demeanour clearly marked him out as the cause ofher distress.

The colour had drained from Dominic’s faceand his hands had flown to his mouth in shock. Jude took in the situation at once and gotcalmly to his feet, placing a firm and reassuring hand on his partner’sshoulder. He walked across to the woman, whose husband had mopped the worst ofthe mess off her dress with a linen napkin, and offered a fluent apology alongwith a request to pay for cleaning or replacing the dress. He left his name and cabin number with thecouple before returning to the table where he continued with his meal.

The crisis over, the level of noise rose aspeople returned to their conversations. Jude threw out a conversational gambitwhich was rapidly taken up by the others on their table. Everyone was anxiousto end the awkward silence but Dominic didn’t join in. Embarrassment made him feelas though he remained the focus of accusatory glances and guilt took away hisappetite and robbed him of all pleasure in the meal and the company. He pushed his food around his plate and eventhe pressure of Jude’s knee against his own under the table failed to provideany comfort.

Jude’s initial annoyance at Dominic’sthoughtless action had long given way to sympathy for the young man’s plight.He knew how much his partner hated to feel himself in the wrong and his heart achedin the certain knowledge that Dominic would be suffering agonies after such a publichumiliation. All Jude’s anger wasdirected towards Bill who appeared quite unabashed despite having provokedDominic into his disastrous act of retaliation. As soon as he’d eaten dessert, and before coffee was served, Judeexcused them both, pleading the desire for an early night. Dominic got to his feet with relief to followJude out of the restaurant and return to the privacy of their cabin.

Having sat silently throughout theremainder of the meal, Dominic was the first to speak as soon as the door wasclosed. “What are you going to do then?”he asked in a challenging tone.

Jude sighed. Dominic’s guilt and distress were manifestingthemselves as aggression and he set himself to calm his agitated partner. “Do?” he enquired calmly. “I’m going to get out of this suit and thenI’m going to stretch out on my bed and watch the film on television.”

“And you’re just going to ignore theexhibition I made of myself in the restaurant?”

“What do you want me to do, love? I apologised on your behalf. We’ll pay for the lady’s dress to becleaned. If you like, we can arrange fora gift to be sent to her cabin tomorrow.”

“And that’s it, is it? You’ve got nothing else to say?”

“I’m not going to lecture you, if that’swhat you mean. What could I possibly saythat you don’t already know? I’m sureyou didn’t throw that bread roll with the intention of causing damage. I could see it was just a reflex action toreturn it after it hit you on the head. I wish you’d given a moment’s thought to the possible consequences but Idon’t blame you for what happened. Iblame Bill and, if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll let him know what Ithink of such boorish behaviour at a formal dinner.”

“So we just forget about it, then? I ruin the evening for others and you’regoing to do nothing about it!” Dominic’svoice had risen in volume.

“Don’t shout at me, Dominic. I know you’re feeling upset and ashamed buttaking it out on me won’t help.”

“Well, I’m not just going to sit here andpretend that we’ve had a fine evening. It’s been fucking awful and..”

Dominic got no further with his foulmouthed complaint. Without a word Judeplaced firm hands on his shoulders and steered him down the narrow passage betweenthe wardrobe and the bathroom until his nose was up against the cabindoor. “You can stand there until youcalm down and are ready to speak quietly and politely,” he instructed, beforewalking back to the bed where he began calmly to remove his suit and tie.

The whole manoeuvre had been effected soswiftly and efficiently that it took Dominic a moment to realise what hadhappened. When the reality of hissituation permeated his agitated mind he was shocked to find himself standing withhis back to the cabin. It was as darkthere as in any corner at home, although he had the added distraction of a brightlycoloured plan of the ship attached to the cabin door. He began to study it intently and read repeatedlythrough the fire instructions as a means of distancing himself from the eventsof the evening.

However, the enforced immobility and thesilence had a calming effect, as Jude knew it would. Gradually Dominic’s stress level fell and hisanger melted leaving him feeling ashamed and distinctly apprehensive. He heard Jude moving about the cabin andopening drawers as he searched for comfortable clothing to take the place ofhis formal dress. When he heard the bedcreak as Jude stretched out and turned on the television, he knew he was in forthe long haul.

Eventually his mind was drawn back to hisbehaviour in the restaurant. He squirmedwith embarrassment as he relived the moment when all eyes had turned to him inaccusation. And he remembered howswiftly Jude had intervened to defuse the situation. He felt so sorry for the woman whose eveninghe had spoiled and he wished he’d stepped up and made his apologies in personalthough, at the time, he knew he’d been rooted to the spot, overcome withshame and confusion. He remembered thatJude had offered to pay for cleaning or replacing her dress and had just suggestedsending a gift to her cabin. Suddenly hethought of something he could do by way of restitution.

Totally forgetting that he hadn’t beengiven permission to move, he turned impulsively to Jude and said, “We’ll be inport tomorrow. I could find a florist’sshop, couldn’t I? I’m sure there’ll be exotic blooms on a Caribbeanisland. I could buy her a big bouquet offlowers.”

Familiar with Dominic’s rapid thoughtprocesses, Jude responded at once. Heclicked off the television and sat up to smile at his partner. “That’s a great idea,” he said. “I’m sure if we asked the purser he’d be ableto direct us to a florist’s near the quayside, or even arrange to have flowerssent direct to her cabin.”

“No,” said Dominic decisively. “I want to take them myself. It would give me an opportunity to apologisein person.” He paused and then added rather sadly, “You had to apologise for mein the restaurant.”

“I knew you wouldn’t be up to it at thatpoint. I wanted to smooth things overfor you as quickly as possible.”

“I know that and I am grateful; I just wishit hadn’t been necessary,” said Dominic miserably.

“Come here, love,” said Jude in a comfortingtone. Dominic, who’d been standing indecisivelybeside the door, conscious now that he’d broken the rule that forbade him tomove from his place of confinement without permission, responded at once to theinvitation in that tone. In a few hastystrides he covered the distance from the door to the bed and flung himself intoJude’s arms. “Hey, hey,” said Jude whowas in danger of strangulation from the strength of Dominic’s grip, “there’s noneed to upset yourself.”

Dominic, who hated succumbing to tears, wascontrolling himself with an effort but his bodily tremor and ragged breathing betrayedthe extent of his distress. “I’m sorry, so sorry,” he murmured passionatelyinto Jude’s shoulder.

“I know, love. It’s all right.”

“It’s not all right. I behaved disgracefully in the restaurant andthen shouted at you. The truth is I’mangry with myself, not with you.”

“And you just needed a bit of time to seethat for yourself,” Jude gently pointed out. “I didn’t take it personally and I’m quite happy to help you come toterms with what happened. But trying to provoke me into punishing you won’t dothe trick. Look at me.” Jude gentlypushed Dominic away from him and the young man reluctantly lifted swimming eyesto do as he’d been asked. “You were tryingto push me into spanking you, weren’t you?”

“No.. no… I wouldn’t..”

“Weren’t you?”

“Mmn. I might have been,” Dominic conceded, ducking his head.

“Who makes the decisions about punishment?”

“You do. But I wasn’t…..”

“Correct,” Jude interrupted him. “Ido. And I’m not going to punish you foran error of judgement. You had nointention of causing harm and the consequences of your action wereunforeseeable if unfortunate. This isnot a major problem, love, even if it feels awful to you at the moment. My apology, on your behalf, was accepted. The couple were very nice about it. No one else is going to remember thistomorrow; you won’t hear it mentioned again. And your idea about giving the lady flowers is perfect.” Jude paused; then, in a lighter tone, headded, “Anyway, I couldn’t spank you even if I wanted to. There isn’t room to swing a cat in this cabin,let alone administer discipline. Thelack of space would cramp my style.”

That observation drew a reluctant smilefrom Dominic and Jude followed it up with a very welcome invitation. “Now go and get out of that suit and come andjoin me here on the bed. There’s roomfor two if we snuggle up.” Dominic didn’tneed to be asked twice. Jude’scomforting embrace did much to dispel his misery and soon he was engrossed inthe film on television. By the time hefelt ready for bed he was beginning to think that things would look better inthe morning.

When he woke, the familiar motion of theship was stilled and, when he got up to look out of the window, he saw thatthey were already tied up alongside the dock. Then he was anxious to getdressed and go enquire about the nearest place to buy flowers. Jude permitted himself to be hastened throughbreakfast so they could be the first passengers to disembark but he had toadmit the effort had been worth it as they returned to the ship with Dominictriumphantly carrying an enormous arrangement of exotic blooms. Wanting to spare his partner disappointment,he had a call put through at once to the couple’s cabin to check they werewilling to receive visitors. Then he escorted an increasingly nervous Dominicto their door.

But there was no need for anxiety. When Dominic’s victim opened the door she wasconfronted with an enormous flower arrangement which nearly filled the narrowcorridor. Her delighted expressions ofappreciation attracted one of the stewards who immediately offered to arrangethe flowers in a large vase. That leftDominic free to make his apologies and he did so blushingly but with stammeringsincerity. Jude could see at once thatthe lady was captivated by his charm although he knew with absolute certaintythat Dominic had no concept of the favourable impression he was making. Finally he rescued Dominic from herprotestations of thanks with a firm repetition of his request to send thecleaning bill to their cabin and he escorted a relieved and restored Dominic tothe bar for a drink.

For the next few days Dominic was moresubdued than he had been at the beginning of the voyage. He didn’t stray from Jude’s side, quietlyreading on a sun lounger when they were on board ship, or accompanying himwithout question on expeditions ashore. To start with Jude thought it was just coincidence that there was nosign of Bill and Harry but eventually he decided that they were deliberatelykeeping out of his way. Dominic had madeno effort to seek them out and eventually Jude began to regret that his youngpartner was missing out on some of the fun which he’d enjoyed during the earlypart of the holiday.

When the bill for dry cleaning eventuallyarrived Dominic was cast down yet again. The charge wasn’t exorbitant but, on board ship, it was considerablymore than they would have paid at home. Although Jude pointed out that the cost could be added to their accountto be settled at the end of the cruise, Dominic insisted on going to pay atonce with his own credit card. It was asthough all his guilt had been reawakened, along with a desperate desire to paythe price for his one thoughtless act. Judebegan to suspect that he hadn’t been able to put the incident behind him asreadily as might have been hoped.

Thus, when Dominic raised the question ofan organised trip to one of the Caribbean beaches, Jude was immediatelyencouraging. The brochure promised beachvolleyball, the opportunity to try snorkelling or wind surfing and a barbecueto finish the day.

“It looks fun, love,” he said approvingly. “Are any of your new friends going?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen them lately.”

“Why don’t you ask? Judging from these pictures it looks asthough it’s a trip designed to appeal to the young.”

“Don’t you want to come?” enquired Dominicin surprise.

In fact, Jude would quite like to havetried snorkelling, although beach volleyball wasn’t his idea of a legitimatesport. However, he wanted to encourage Dominicto strike out on his own socially and this seemed like an ideal time for theyoung man to participate in an event safely, without having his partner at hisside. “I’d never live it down at therugby club if they found out I’d played beach volleyball,” he said with alaugh. “Actually, I was looking at atour of historic buildings with an expert on the colonial history of theislands. I didn’t think it would be your cup of tea so perhaps we could each doour own thing that day.”

When the day dawned Dominic seemed to haverecovered some of his joie de vivre. Hecould hardly contain his excitement as he packed a rucksack with his towel andswimming trunks and Jude had to intervene to ensure that he’d also got sunscreen, a bottle of water and a light jacket for the evening.

“Have a great day,” Jude urged. “Text me and let me know what you’re up to.”

“You, too.”

“And, Dominic,” Jude hesitated, unwillingto sound like a killjoy, “Don’t behave in an unseemly manner.”

“Unseemly!” Dominic mimicked. “Who uses words like that?”

“I do, young man,” replied Jude in a tonewhich rapidly focussed Dominic’s attention. “The West Indies is still a deeply conservative society. We tend to forget that when we think of whatgoes on at The Notting Hill Carnival. Don’t do anything which would offend the local population. And don’t,” he added with greater emphasis,“let anyone else persuade you to act in a way I would be unhappy with. Do I make myself clear?”

When Jude spoke like that, Dominic had atendency to respond very politely. “Yes, sir,” he said promptly.

“Oh, I know you’ll be good,” said Jude,sure that his message had been clearly understood. He tousled Dominic’s hair and picked up hisown rucksack. The historic tour of theisland was departing early so they could visit some of the colonial propertiesbefore the day became really hot. “I mustbe going,” said Jude, as he gave Dominic a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you this evening, love.”

The historic tour was fascinating and the restof the party proved sociable and interesting. Jude had little time to worry about how Dominic was getting on at thebeach although he checked his phone a couple of times in the hope of finding anew text. When no message had beendelivered after a couple of hours, he decided that Dominic was probably in thewater or playing on the beach with his phone lying forgotten in hisrucksack. It wasn’t until after lunchthat he heard the alert which signalled the arrival of a picture message. He clicked it open and read one brief sentencefrom Dominic:

Havin a gr8 time wiv Santa’s littlehelpers!

Then he scrolled down the page to view theattached picture. There was no mistakingthe identity of the elves. Bill andHarry, wearing Santa hats and very little else, were immediately recognisable.For one brief moment Jude entertained the hope that the third young man, withhis back turned to the camera, might not be Dominic. But the set of the shoulders, the curve ofthe exposed backside, even the shape of the hairline at the nape of the neckwere all unmistakable. Jude would have recognisedthose beloved features anywhere. Butthis time they aroused feelings of anger and not the usual affectionateadmiration for his partner’s lean and toned form. He pressed reply and rapidly composed his response:

I suggest you cover your arse before youget sunburn. But don’t get toocomfortable. That arse’ll be glowing asred as an elf’s hat before the day is out.

Quick as a flash a reply popped up onJude’s mobile: You said u can’t swing acat in our cabin! So no fear of a sorebottom, eh?

This time Jude took a minute or two toconsider what to say next. He wasbeginning to appreciate Dominic’s motives, recognising deliberate provocationwhen he saw it. Judging from the isolatedspot where the photo had been taken, Dominic had obeyed Jude’s instruction toavoid offending the local population. However, the young man was in no doubt about Jude’s views on the subjectof public nudity, to say nothing of allowing others to handle himintimately. The sight of the Americanswith their hands casually placed inside Dominic’s swimming trunks wassufficient to make Jude growl. Dominicwas angling for a spanking all right but Jude suspected it had nothing to dowith making him jealous and everything to do with a lingering sense of guilt. Ever since the incident in the restaurant Dominic’ssubdued manner had suggested that he still felt himself to be in disgrace. Nothing Jude could say or do to convince himthat the matter was closed brought about a return of his high spirits.

More than once Jude had contemplated withregret his decision to make light of Dominic’s misjudgement in therestaurant. He’d come to suspect that aspanking, even a very mild spanking, might have been sufficient to convinceDominic that he’d paid for his mistake. Now,his initial assumption that Dominic’s apology and gift to the unfortunate womanhad drawn a line under the incident gave way to certainty that Dominic wasstill labouring under a heavy burden of shame. That being the case, Jude knew he’d have no problem addressing the issuein the way Dominic was clearly demanding. He punched his reply into his phone andpressed send:

We’ll be discussing this tonight. Lack ofspace in the cabin won’t save you from a well deserved spanking.

This time there was a lengthy delay beforeDominic sent a response and Jude correctly guessed that the young man washaving second thoughts about the outrageous picture and the inevitableconsequences of sending it to his partner. Eventually a short message popped up on Jude’s phone and it clearlysignalled Dominic’s state of mind when writing. The smiley conveyed not misplaced optimism but a touching desire toplacate.

You’re not angry are you? :-)

Jude decided that only an honest answerwould do: I was angry, love, but I’mnot angry now. Enjoy the rest of yourday. We’ll sort everything out thisevening. Don’t worry.

Dominic’s reply was swift and it went along way towards putting Jude’s mind at rest, enabling him to enjoy the rest ofhis island tour with only the occasional thought as to how he would handle hiserrant partner when they regained the privacy of their cabin. The reply was just three words long but Judeknew they were words which Dominic never used casually or thoughtlessly:

I love you.

Hours later, after both men had returned tothe ship, showered, changed and eaten dinner in the restaurant they finallyturned their attention to the events of the day. Dominic had been subdued throughout theevening meal but not seriously anxious or agitated. Jude’s calm and reassuring manner hadcontributed in part to Dominic’s composure but Jude also suspected that theyoung man felt a certain sense of relief that his sins were about to bepunished and pardoned. However, Jude hadno intention of allowing Dominic to skirt around his feelings and avoid facingup to the manipulation inherent in his outrageous conduct on the beach. Jude’s opening question, addressed to thepenitent young man sitting opposite him on the bed brought Dominic’s head up insurprise.

“If you still felt you needed a spanking,why didn’t you say something instead of staging that stunt this afternoon?

“I…I didn’t. It wasn’t staged. I don’t understand..”

“You understand perfectly well,”interjected Jude. “I made my expectationsperfectly clear before you left for the beach. You couldn’t have more blatantly disregarded my views on seemlybehaviour if you’d tried.”

Dominic flinched at Jude’s straighttalking. His partner was sitting soclose to him on the adjoining bed that their feet were almost touching. He struggled to maintain eye contact as hetried to explain. “I didn’t behave in anunseemly way. There was no onearound. I remembered what you said aboutnot offending the local population.”

“And how do you think I felt when I sawBill and Harry with their hands in your swimming trunks?”

Dominic gasped. “They weren’t… They were only…. I didn’t think…” After a pause to collect his scattered witshe ended lamely, “I’m sorry, Jude, I really am. I wouldn’t have let them do anything inappropriate.”

“I know that, love. I never for one moment thought you wereengaging in any sort of sexual activity with those young men. But that didn’t prevent me feeling jealouswhen I saw their hands on your bottom.”

Jude’s admission gave Dominic a surpriseand also a guilty jolt of pleasure. “Oh,” he breathed and his blush made Jude laugh with readyunderstanding.

“It’s good to know you can make me jealousjust by allowing someone else to touch you, eh?” Before Dominic could make his denials, Judewent on. “Don’t worry. I know that wasn’t your intention. But you were angling for a spanking, weren’tyou? And you fixed on the quickest wayof getting my attention.”

“It wasn’t my idea to pose for that photo,”Dominic tried to point out. “It wasBill’s suggestion and well, it seemed like a fun thing to do so….” Jude was looking at him so pointedly that hisvoice trailed away. “Okay…. I knew youwouldn’t approve. But no one saw.”

“Apart from the person who took the pictureand, presumably, the rest of the group who went to the beach.”

There was no answer to that and Dominic’ssilence could only be interpreted as acquiescence. Jude let the silence drag on until Dominiclifted pleading eyes to his. Then he appearedto relent. “All right then. I’ll acceptthere was no harm done. None of thelocals witnessed your high spirited Christmas caper and I know your behaviourwasn’t sexually motivated.” Dominicbreathed a sigh of relief but, as Jude’s voice hardened, he realised he’drelaxed too soon. “So that just leavesme to deal with the fact that you’ve continued to labour under a sense of guiltand shame. Rather than voicing yourworries you’ve struggled with them alone. Finally, you decided that you could clear the slate by forcing me intospanking you. Is that a fair summary?”

Dominic could hardly deny it. “It wasn’t deliberate,” he saidfalteringly. “I didn’t plan it thatway.”

“But that’s what happened, isn’t it? You were still feeling guilty and you knew perfectlywell how I’d react to that photo. You’vegot yourself exactly where you wanted to be.”

“I didn’t think it would be like this,”said Dominic miserably.

“I bet you didn’t, my lad. But I’m not having you try to manipulate mein this way. I make the decisions aboutpunishment and I say that you have no need to feel guilty about the incident inthe restaurant. It’s over and donewith. You’ve paid for your mistake andmade amends in a very acceptable manner. But you’re not off the hook now. I won’t have you deliberately disobey me and I’m not pleased that youwent along with Bill and Harry when they pulled your pants down. There’s only one person you pull your pantsdown for and that’s me.” Jude paused andDominic’s stomach muscles contracted in alarm at the realisation of what wascoming next. “So stand up and drop them,”Jude ordered.

Dominic got reluctantly to his feet. It was true that he’d had some vague notionthat provoking Jude in a light hearted way would result in a semi playful spankingwhich would serve to alleviate his feelings of guilt. The problem was that Jude didn’t seem to be takingthe matter lightly and Dominic could see precisely why. He couldn’t now understand what had possessedhim to pose so shamelessly with his American friends. He could see that doing so was not only indirect contravention of Jude’s precise instructions; it was also entirelyinappropriate behaviour. What had seemedlike a bit of harmless fun on the beach now seemed to Dominic himselfaltogether more serious with its potential to damage their relationship.

“Do I have to undress you myself?” Judeasked with some asperity and Dominic hastily pulled himself out of hisreverie. His hands went to the fasteningof the grey twill trousers which he’d worn to dinner in the restaurant and hefumbled with the hooks and zipper. Standing in such close proximity to his partner in the tiny cabin madeit a trifle embarrassing to get ready for a spanking. Jude’s immobility andcalm, relentless gaze made him feel even more exposed. His fingers shook slightly as he slipped themunder the waistband of his underpants and resolutely pushed all the fabric downto his knees. Jude shifted back slightlyon his narrow bed and Dominic laid himself gingerly across Jude spread knees,sparing a thought for the lack of sound proofing in the ship’s cabins.

It seemed, however, that Jude was not yetready to embark on the punishment. Instead he spoke quietly but firmly to Dominic. “You’re here for one reason and one reasononly. Can you tell me what it is?”

“It’s got nothing to do with the lady Isplashed, has it?” replied Dominic, knowing he was correct and playing fortime.

“You know I don’t hold you responsible forthat,” said Jude firmly. “What have youdone to earn this spanking?”

“I behaved inappropriately on the beach,”admitted Dominic, “…..after you’d told me not to.”

“Yes. And why did you do it?”

“I was trying to provoke you… trying to getyou to deal with an issue which was worrying me.”

“What should you have done?”

“I should have told you I was still upset. I should have explained that I wanted someway of easing the guilt.”

“So why are you over my lap now?”

“Because I didn’t tell you how I wasfeeling,” said Dominic with sudden understanding. “Because I tried to deal with thingsmyself. Because…. because I didn’t trustyou to make things right for me.”

Jude didn’t need to express his approval ofDominic’s insight in words. He just ran a firm hand down the curve of hispartner’s back, into the dip at his waist and up the gentle slope of his buttocks,coming to rest at the top of his thighs. Dominic sighed audibly, shifted slightly to secure his position and thenrelaxed. It was the signal Jude had beenwaiting for and he began to administer a series of smacks which imprinted clearfinger marks on Dominic’s backside, soon to be obliterated by a uniform redness.

Jude reflected that his reservations aboutthe use of an implement in the cramped cabin were probably correct. There really wasn’t room for an effectiveswing. However, such considerations didnot apply to a hand spanking and he felt no constraint about laying on with awill. It was Dominic who was labouringunder a sense of constraint, attempting to remain silent out of considerationfor their neighbours who, he estimated, could be no more than six feet fromwhere he lay, gasping and squirming over Jude’s lap.

Matters had progressed well beyond thepoint at which Dominic still felt able to control his reactions before Judestayed his hand. He’d been reduced tosotto voce begging and apologising long before the onslaught finally ceased.Then he lay, exhausted, emotionally drained yet perversely satisfied as hisbody thrummed with cleansing pain. Eventually,Jude made the first move by easing himself out from under Dominic’s body andallowing the young man to shift to the centre of the bed. A long day of activity in the sun and seawould, of itself, have been enough to cause Dominic’s eyes to droop withtiredness but the added turmoil of the evening’s inquisition and punishmentmeant that he hadn’t even got the energy to get himself ready for bed.

Jude left him alone for a little whileuntil he was certain the sting must have diminished to manageable proportionsand then he gently pulled off Dominic’s nether garments which had got tangledround his ankles during the spanking. Itwas then the work of moments to strip him completely, roll him under thebedclothes, kiss him and tuck him in. Dominicmumbled his thanks and to judge from the warmth of his response to that onekiss, he’d been left in no doubt that he was forgiven. Jude smiled to himself with both satisfactionand affection when he heard Dominic’s breathing become slower and more audible withthe onset of sleep.

In the morning Dominic was a little moresheepish, uncertain how to approach Jude and ask the one question which stilltroubled him. Jude was immediately onthe alert, challenging his reticence. “How are you feeling this morning? Fancy a dip before breakfast?”

“I’m feeling fine,” he insisted, “but I’mnot sure if I’m fit to appear in public in bathing trunks. What’s the state of my bottom?”

“Look for yourself in the mirror inside thewardrobe door. I think you’ll find there’s nothing worse to be seen than theeffects of a little sunburn.”

Dominic padded naked through the cabin andtwisted and turned in front of the mirror to confirm the truth of Jude’sclaim. “Okay, I’ll go up to the poolwith you.” Dominic paused and Jude lookedat him expectantly. There was no denyinghe had something else on his mind. “Isuppose…. I expect you want me to stay with you today.”

“I don’t remember asking you to do that.”

“No… but you won’t want me mixing with theothers. Not with Harry and Bill…. notafter yesterday.”

“I thought we agreed that I decide onpunishments. It’s not up to you todictate penalties.”

“I know,” Dominic agreed hastily. “It’sjust that I thought… I thought…”

“You thought I was going to ban you fromsocialising with the young crowd. Ofcourse I’m not. I may not approve ofeverything they get up to but I’m not responsible for their behaviour, thankGod. I do, however, expect you to makewise decisions if they propose conduct which you know I’d disapprove of.”

“Oh,” said Dominic, with some surprise, “thankyou. I did enjoy myself yesterday and in future I won’t do anything against mybetter judgement when I’m with them.”

“I should hope not,” concurred Jude withmock gravity which didn’t deceive Dominic.

“I hope you’ve deleted the offending text,”he said with twinkle in his eye.

“No, I don’t think so,” said Judeblandly. “You’d better check my phone.”

Dominic unplugged it from the socket whereJude had left it overnight to charge and the screen immediately lit up. There was the picture which until that pointDominic had done no more than glance at in bright sunlight. He couldn’t help thinking it was a rathergood photo which showed off the tan he didn’t know he’d acquired. He must have admired it a moment too longbecause Jude laughed and said, “Yes, I thought it was rather festive too. I’vedecided to use it on my home screen… well, at least until we’re back atwork. It might cause consternation inthe office but, for the moment, I think we can fling propriety to the winds.”

Dominic didn’t realise how literally Judewas to take that seemingly frivolous observation until the final night of thecruise. By then the two of them had hada wonderful time, forgotten all the pressures and problems of work, acquired adeep winter tan, made new friends and seen places they had only ever dreamedof.

“It’s our last night on board,” saidDominic rather wistfully.

“I know. It’s going to be hard to settle down to real life after this adventure.”

“I wish we weren’t going home tomorrow.It’ll be cold back in Britain and we’ll have to get up in the dark to go towork.”

“So let’s go out on deck now,” suggestedJude unexpectedly. “It’s late but it’ll still be warm. Just grab a jacket.”

The stairways were deserted as they climbedupwards. Even the bars were nearly emptyas passengers returned to their cabins to pack and get an early night. On deck the stars shone brightly in the clearsky and the gentle slap of waves against the bows of the ship was justaudible. Dominic and Jude spent a longtime leaning on the rail, enjoying the balmy breeze and talking quietly abouttheir favourite ports of call on the cruise.

“Shall I tell you what I liked best of allon this holiday?” enquired Dominic rather shyly.

“Go on,” encouraged Jude.

“That day when we visited the island andwalked hand in hand along the beach. We’ve never done that before… at least not where anyone could seeus. It felt so good to show people thatwe belong together.”

“We belong to one another,” Jude affirmed,bending to kiss Dominic on the lips. It was clear that he too appreciated thefreedom, afforded by the gay friendly cruise, to show affection in public. Dominic’s arms snaked round Jude’s waist andthe two men exchanged a hug of pleasure and satisfaction at the end of aperfect holiday.

On their way back to the cabin Jude haltedabruptly outside the gents and, after a quick glance down the corridor, pulledDominic inside.

Standing with his back to the door heissued a brief instruction, “Go into that cubicle, drop your pants, place yourhands on the cistern and bend over.”

“What?” gasped Dominic, hardly able tocredit what he was hearing.

“I don’t intend to repeat myself,” came thefirm response.

“B..b...but someone might walk in.”

Jude discreetly leant even more firmlyagainst the door. “So,” he asked, “isthat any reason for refusing to obey me?”

Dominic’s breath caught in his throat andhis pulse quickened. Fear of publicexposure gave way to arousal at Jude’s masterful display. The prospect of indulging in sexual activityin a public place tapped into one of Dominic’s long held fantasises, althoughhe seemed to remember Jude stating that sex in public lavatories could never becondoned. However, as Jude’s eyesdarkened with a combination of lust and impatience Dominic began to think hemust have misremembered the conversation. Obediently, he walked into the cubicle and unfastened his trousers. Then, taking a deep breath, he slipped hisfingers into the waistband of his underpants and pulled his clothing down belowhis knees. Hobbled by the bunched fabric, he spread his legs as widely aspossible and leaned over as instructed. Only then did Jude remove his shoulders from the outer door and walksilently into the cubicle to stand close behind Dominic, locking the door as hedid so.

Dominic shivered with anticipation asJude’s hands touched his flanks and moved slowly up his torso, pushing his thinshirt up his back. Naked from armpits toknees, his body was totally open to Jude’s questing fingers and he gasped asthose fingers fluttered over his belly and encountered the rising evidence ofhis excitement. He could feel the fabricof Jude’s clothing rubbing against his naked buttocks and thighs and he couldhear Jude’s ragged breathing against his ear. He pushed back against his partner, silently signalling his consent andurging Jude to make free with his body. Jude needed no further assurance of Dominic’s willing submission.

The whiteness of Dominic’s taut buttockscontrasted attractively with the golden tan he’d acquired from the hipsupwards. Jude spread the pale cheekswith firm fingers and ran his thumb over Dominic’s puckered orifice whichcontracted temptingly at his touch. “Remember what I said about behaving withdecorum in a public place?” he enquired and Dominic could hear the laughter inhis voice. “Don’t make a noise.” Andwith that terse instruction he plunged one spit slicked finger deep inside hispartner.

Dominic gasped at the sudden intrusion butotherwise managed to remain silent. Onreflection, he was sure he hadn’t misunderstood Jude’s absolute prohibition on sexualactivity in a public place so he was forced to conclude that Jude wasintentionally disregarding his own ruling. The knowledge that any noise wouldalert a passing visitor not only to their presence but also to the nature of theiractivity just added to his excitement. Hegripped the edge of the cistern more tightly as he heard the unmistakable soundof a zipper being lowered and then felt the familiar nudge of blunt, questingmanhood. Fleetingly, he registered thefact that Jude must be setting aside a deeply held principle in order to enact hislover’s fantasy as a final gift on the last night of their voyage. Then he wasrendered incapable of rational thought as he abandoned himself totally to theeroticism of the moment.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The Gift Of The Monkey

2011-12-04T19:47:00.001-08:00

The Gift Of The Monkey

by Chris Dangerfield

I had been around our localmall, like a race track, four times already. All I needed was a pit crew toreplace my Nikes, and tank me up with a Jamba Juice, and I’d be off again. Mybuddy Rob hadn’t even arrived yet to help.

Already the mall’s Muzakloop and I were old enemies. It was going to be a mother-fucking long day. If Ihad to hear Britney Spears singing her own special sexy rendition of “Rudolphthe Red-Nosed Reindeer” one more time, I was going to either bleed out my earsor kill myself by jumping off the second level and impaling myself on the60-foot blue plastic tree in the middle of the mall. It was wearing everyornament ever created that was blue... I mean blue? Really? What the hell?Blue, plus enough glitter to kill anything that wasn’t made of plastic. Winterfucking wonderland.

Starting with that kind of spirit of the season, howcould I go wrong? I mean, we’re two days out from Christmas D-day, so I shouldhave been happy that I was so far ahead of the game. I usually didn’t shop atall and, if I did for some reason, I’d just go out and grab something on theday of Christmas Eve. So I was way ahead, but I felt like crap about it allanyway. Yes, was I in a mood.

What was it about Christmas?I hated it. Everyone was so fucking happy and jolly and they clearly expectedyou to be overjoyed about it too and they made it quite clear they didn’tunderstand why you weren't, when you clearly just weren’t. And let’s face it,unless you had a ton of dough, then the holidays seriously sucked. I definitelyonly had a small amount of money, and this was the first year I’d ever had tobuy a present for anyone that mattered. So guess what? Yep, exactly, walking ina winter wonder-suck.

I’d been doing my best to behappy for Jessie on the ramp-up since Thanksgiving. Hell, the last thing heneeded was to find out that he’s living with Scrooge McFucking Duck who hatedChristmas. Let’s face it, not having money at this time of year sucked morethan I do and that’s saying something. Damn, even the jokes in my head wereeffed up.

Anyway, like I said, I wason my fourth pass around our local mall. Why is it that there are stores younever ever saw anywhere else in the world... in a mall? I mean how did anyonemake enough money selling Orange Julius or only candles? I went into the CandleEmporium, sort of in desperation, and then spent twenty minutes spaced-outwhile counting over 367 different scented candles. I mean, really? Really?Since when were there enough people in our crappy little neighborhood all out,like busy-bees, buying potpourri-scented candles to keep these stores in rentmoney? Fuck me. It’s hard to imagine. Of course, I couldn’t buy Jessie acandle. I hated Christmas andcandles. Okay, (lie) candles were at least useful when the power goes out. I’dnever seen a real use for Christmas.

I was extra anxious aboutthe lack of time. Christmas Eve was tomorrow and I had sweet fuck all of anidea for Jessie’s gift, let alone anything purchased or wrapped. So, I hadstarted pretty early this morning and Rob couldn’t meet me here before 11:00 amanyway since he had to work an early shift at his sporting goods store.

At 9:00 am I had stopped atHot Dog On A Stick to get breakfast. What? It’s meat, dipped in bread batter,on a stick – a totally efficient breakfast that I could eat and still keep onshopping. That way I wouldn’t be lying. NO LYING. God. I had to keep shopping. I was getting desperate. I had to get Jessiesomething great. Something worthy. I owed him. I owed him a lot.

~ ~ ~

Jessie and I had beenworking on a lot of stuff. Some things were just about how to have a healthierrelationship and some things had to do with the fact that we had a special relationship. Jessie was a Top and I...definitely got that. At first I thought it was nuts, but I’d grown tounderstand it’s sorta right for the two of us. Apparently, there were Rules forTops and their Monkeys – that’s what Jessie said anyway.

One of the rules was about never lying. Jessie said a Top alwaysneeded to know the truth in order to be a good Top. I know it sounds easy,doesn’t it? Well, it’s so fucking not.I never mean to lie. I love Jessie and I wanted to tell him the truth, butsometimes it got confusing. He said there was no difference between a big lieand a small lie. I didn’t know that I agreed. We had a big talk about it, butanyway, he said I had to eatbreakfast and that Tops got to decide this stuff because it's their job to takecare of their family. (What?) Okay, I liked being considered family. Butbreakfast? So he’d gotten very specific about it lately and he checked. Godhelp me, he actually checked. Well, it’s sorta a good thing because some days Iwouldn’t eat breakfast at all, and I have to admit, I got these headaches causemy blood sugar went down. But that wasn't the fucking point. I’m 21 years old.Breakfast! Shiiit.

He said that if I could eatproper meals and didn’t forget them and then not bite his head off, then he’d agree that I could make up my ownmind. But as long as I was going to skip meals and then bite his head off he was going to pay attention to what I put intothe mouthy end of me and also pay closer attention to the necessary color onthe other end of me. Fucker thinks he’s so funny.

Anyway, breakfast was justgeneral trouble easily avoided by a race to the kitchen for a banana and abagel. He’s not a maniac. Oh boy, but lying was Rule Number Fucking Two. Onthat he was a maniac.

I’d learned that it wasn'tgood to lie to my Top, but shit, it’s just breakfast. He shouldn’t care somuch, but he did. Like, seriously care. I hated it. (Lie) Okay, I didn’t hateit but I didn’t understand really. No one had ever given two craps if I atebefore and sometimes it's just not convenient. One day, I told Jessie I was toobusy for breakfast and he just gave me one of his Looks as he clarified things.

“Don’t be.”

I was like, “What?”

“Don’t. Be. Too. Busy.” Hesaid that as he looked at me over the top of the sports page. Like it was justthat easy. WTF? Just like him saying that made it so.

I know it’s hard to believebut sometimes I’m a tad sassy (let’s just say sometimes I didn’t think veryfast) and so I rolled my eyes at him and said, “Puhleeze, it’s just breakfast,not the end of the world.” Jessie just looked at me real kindly with those eyesof his and then dropped the paper on the table and lightening quick snagged meand spun me around real fast and swatted my butt with those damn titanium handsof his right on my boxers. Just four times, but really damn hard. You couldhear the cracks echo in our apartment. Fuckers stung like hell, just thosefour. I let out a really loud yelp and he leaned in close and said, “Yourhealth is more important to me than anything and therefore – it is the end of the world – got it?”Fucker raised his eyebrow at me, which always gave me a shiver.

Well, what did you say tosomething like that except, “yes sir.” So I ate breakfast. It seemed safest.

I’m not a wuss, really, butI must admit I kinda liked it when he said stuff like that. I know it’s wimpyof me, but no one ever said anything like that to me before Jessie came along.I never knew what to say back to him when he talked like that... except ‘yessir.’ I know it sounds weird, but I swear it doesn’t feel weird when it’s happening. He said it’s cause he’s my Top andit’s the way we were made for each other. (WTF?) As long as it made sense tohim. I love him, even if he’s crazy. I like that he said that stuff. So, Iguess maybe I’m a crazy one too.

So, I started eating breakfast.He didn’t give me too much grief about what, as long as it was mostly healthy.I like bananas and cereal. I like Cheerios. He drew the line at Sugar Smacks ordoughnuts. He made good oatmeal and he’d make enough for two. I like that. Ihate to admit he’s right, the fucker. I feel better at work, but I’m nottelling him that. He already thinkshe knows everything. I won't admit it, but sometimes I think he knows a lot. Ifnot everything, at least a lot.

The Top thing though, Ithink he’s got something going with that. The first morning I skipped breakfast– the very first – I was making macaroni and cheese for dinner, that nightafter work, and he came in and dropped his bag and his work stuff in the hall,and while he was getting a beer, he asked me what I had for breakfast. I swearI didn’t even hesitate, I just said oatmeal. I wasn’t even looking at him whenI said it and he went completely quiet and suddenly he was like right behind me, almost touching. Iremember thinking, What? How? I turned around and he had those damn black eyesof his on me. There was a long long pause. I can’t help it I got super nervous.

“Are you sure you want tostick with that answer?” I remember thinking that there was no way he couldknow. “Rule Number Two?” he rumbled quietly into my ear. “You’re sure? Lastchance.”

I swear I was having heartpalpitations, but I wasn’t going to just wuss out because he gave me a hardlook. I’m not a pussy, just stupid. So, I nodded. I know... stupid. But I wasn’t going to let him spookme over a fucking breakfast that supposedly took place eight hours ago. He justlooked at me and then pulled out a chair and sat down.

“What?” He started tounbuckle my belt and unbutton my Levi's. “What?” I tried to hold onto my pants,but he just batted my hands aside and slid my pants and underpants down. I wastrying to wiggle away at that point telling him to stop and trying to push hishands away and was moving absolutely nowhere. He captured my flailing hands infront of me and reached around behind me and placed his large hand on my barebehind and gently drew me in toward him. I was scared and wriggling prettyfiercely and swear I screamed at him to, “LET ME GO!”

And he did. He let me gojust like that. I stumbled back with my pants around my ankles and looked athim. He just looked at me, a little sadly and very kindly, and right on fuckingcue my fucking traitor eyes started to run. He just looked at me calmly andheld out his arms. I’m such a wimp I just kept crying and walked right into themand he wrapped me tightly in his arms and I just cried. He didn’t say anything.He pulled me onto his lap and rubbed my back until I started to calm down.Honestly, I don’t know why. I don’t know why I cried and more importantly, Ifucking had no idea why I told him the truth.

“I didn’t have anybreakfast.”

“Okay.” he said quietly.

That’s when I learned that Icouldn’t really lie to him and, more importantly, that I didn’t really want to.

~ ~ ~

“Would you like to look atour Wildflower gift pack?” I snapped out of my breakfast memory and onto thecute semi-goth girl at the counter who had her hand on a nice lookingwooden-stamped box full of scented candles. I guess I’d been staring at themand didn’t realize it. I must have looked confused. “Are you trying to findyour girlfriend a gift? I know, I hate it too when it comes down to theeleventh hour and I still don’t know what to buy my girlfriend. I wish sheliked candles cause I get a 30% discount, but most of our inventory smellsflowery and she’s not a flowers type of girl. You know?”

“No... erm... uhh...” Theshop girl was really pretty in a gothy way and didn’t really look like anylesbian I’d ever met so I was a little surprised by how open she was, but Iguess I shouldn’t have been. No one would have ever thought Jessie was gayeither. He’s more dude-ish than most dudes. Rob always said I didn’t seem gay,but I always felt like it’s tattoo’d on my forehead. I tried to pull ittogether.

“Umm... my boyfriend (thatfelt good) isn’t flowery either. I’m just stuck for any good ideas.” It feltgood to say it out-loud like that, but ‘boyfriend’ seemed like kind of awatered down word for what Jessie was to me. ‘Partner’ made it sound like wewere in business together, ‘Significant-Other’ made it sound like we had justfilled out a form at the Department of Motor Vehicles. None of them soundedlike the love of my life, a guy who paddled my bare ass, and was my Top and myhusband. Shit, we’d only been together a year and I didn’t always know what tocall him in public. I just didn’t want to freak him out.

So for now, I just calledhim my man or my boyfriend. Being totally his would be cool. I could only hopethat with time... Hey, right now I’d settle for a good gift. Sorta goth-girlwas cool for someone who worked in a candle shop. She definitely made the placebetter. “Cool.” she said. “You’re gay too. How long have you been together?What does he like? Maybe I can help.”

Huh? What did he like otherthan bossing me around, spanking the crap out of me when I break the Rules,making me eat breakfast when I’m not hungry and being completely fuckingimpossible to find a Christmas gift for. (Lies) I blushed. No, he’s neverunfair to me. I was just mad about this whole gift thing. She was nice and justtrying to help. Shit, maybe she had some secret lesbian gift buying super-powerthat would help. I was getting nowhere by myself so I told her some of thebasics.

“He’s the best... Um, he’sold... twenty-nine.” She just nodded, but she didn’t seem to judge me for beingwith an older guy, so I thought maybe her girlfriend was older too. I had justturned twenty-one, I think she was my age or younger. “He’s a total guy. He’svery practical and sorta traditional and he’s awesomely good looking and...” Iglanced back at her and realized that I had started to ramble. She just smiledat me with that look women get when they realize you’re in love.

“Erm... uh... anyway, he’s areally good person and I’m lucky he’s even with me.” She gave me a little smilewhen she replied.

“I know how you feel. Mygirlfriend is older too. She’s the best. I didn’t have much money this year soI made her photo album. I hope that the fact that I made it myself will make upfor the fact that I didn’t have any money for something nicer.”

I just stood there like agoon with my jaw hanging open. Why didn’t I think of that? I wanted to cry, butof course I wasn't gonna. Not in front of this nice lesbian in a candle store.What a good idea. I’m so stupid. I swear. It’s times like these that I reallywondered what Jessie was doing with me. Candle girl was way smarter than I am.She must have seen something in my face.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. You’llfind something good for him. He must be special.” I nodded. “Look, the holidaysare always stressful so don’t worry. I’ll bet that candles aren’t the answerfor him” She smiled a really nice smile that didn’t seem very gothy at all. Itold her thanks about six times and left. Crap, she’s right. I should have madesomething. I wasn't very artsy. I mean I didn’t paint or anything. I only had$139. I had saved up everything I could. I know it seems like a fuckingboatload of money, but when you want to buy something really good for someonewho is the best person you’ve ever met... Well, it wasn't that much at all.

~ ~ ~

Well, after my melt-downlie-face moment about breakfast on mac-cheese night, he refused to talk aboutit any more. Not in a mad way, he just let it go. He calmed me down and cleanedup my face with his handkerchief, stood me up, and pulled up my pants. Iapologized like seven times and he just pushed me toward the mac and cheese.

“Monkey, why don’t you putdinner in the oven so we can eat.”

I was completely confused.First, I didn’t eat breakfast and then I flat out lied. I didn’t know how heknew that I lied, but he knew evenbefore I had said anything and now he was acting like it was over and we weredone. I went and put dinner into the oven and then kind of edged myself out ofthe kitchen like he was some sort of unexploded bomb. He just sat there readingthe sports page again and that was that.

After dinner we watchedtelevision on the couch and he still didn’t say anything. About 10:00 pm hecollected his stuff and started to head off. I was floored.

“Where are you going?”

“To bed.” he said, over hisshoulder.

“Are you mad at me?” Ididn’t mean to say that, but it just popped out.

“Nope.”

“Do you want me to cometoo.” I hollered at his retreating back.

“Always. Whenever you’reready.” He went into the bedroom and I sat there on the couch in shock. Wealways went to bed together. He never gave me a choice. Fuck. He didn’t soundmad, but something was wrong. Probably fifteen minutes later, I went in andjoined him in bed. He didn’t say anything, but he pulled me in close like normal.

“Sorry.” I said again.

“Don’t worry. We all haveoff days.” We went to sleep. Well, fuck. As usual, he fell right asleep and Ilay there awake for a long time feeling his breath on the back of my neck. I’mnot a genius, but something was wrong.

I woke up the next morningin a foul mood. He was already up and eating oatmeal. He didn’t wake me up likehe usually did. I grumbled my way out to the kitchen. The oatmeal pan hadalready been cleaned and was in the drainer. I made a dicky point of saying thatI wanted Cheerios anyway. He just said ‘good’ from behind his paper. Later, hekissed me and let himself out as if all was well.

I was a horror all day atwork until my boss sent me home an hour early. Apparently, I was a fullyefficient professional and a total little misery and, according to him, Ishould go home an hour early and feel better, which I did and yet didn’t. Then,I listened to the voice-mail to find that Jessie had to work late and wouldn’tbe home for a few hours. Okay, first things first. I cooked dinner and I waited– Caesar salad and chicken breasts. He still wasn’t home. And then he calledagain and told me they had a project that was working overnight and that Ishould eat and he’d be home as soon as he could. So I ate alone. I hated it.

Let’s face it, I’m a messalone. I forgot to turn on lights or heat or anything and I stayed up watchingtelevision until about 11:00pm, in the darkened living room, and he stillwasn’t home and I’d be fucked if I was going to call him. I’m not a baby. He said he had to work. Finally, I went tobed. Our bed is big and it’s really cold without him. I swear, I’m not a wussbut I hated being alone. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was mad at me for thebreakfast thing. It’s just not like him to fuck around with my head, though. Healways meant what he said. Of course, I was still wide awake when he got home,about an hour later, and crawled in with me. Fuck me I was not going to cry when he wrapped himself around me. He’s so warmand I was so tired after not sleeping much the night before that I fell asleepin about five minutes.

He didn’t wake me again thenext morning. I woke up late enough that he had cleaned the kitchen and therewas just a note on the old table saying, “I love you Monkey. Busy day. Gottarun. Love, J”

I got home that night tofind that Jessie had bought my favorite pepperoni pizza for us. He gave me oneof his big hugs and a serious kiss when I walked in and told me to get my comfyclothes on and we’d eat pizza and watch some TV. That was unusual. Usually, weate first. I was a total wreck at this point and yes, I totally fucking helladmit it. I burst into tears. Jessie just picked me up and carried me into theliving room and sat us both on the giant leather couch.

“Shhh shhh... What’s wrongMonkey?” I was a total wreck and a fucking wuss and I couldn’t answer for aminute.

“I don’t know....” I wailed.

“Come on. Come on.” He wastotally rubbing my back. “Did you get fired?”

“What? Nooooooo....” Fired?WTF?

“Well, what’s wrong, love? Ican’t help if you won’t tell me. Are you in trouble?”

“I don’t know!”

“Ahh.” he said.

What? What the fuck is ‘ahh’supposed to mean? He pulled me onto his lap and kissed my head. Why the fuckwas he kissing my head? I was totally confused and then he confused me evenmore as he whispered into my hair.

“Well, what would you likeme to do?”

I had no idea. What did Iwant him to do. I was on his lap and he smelled good and he rubbed my back andI was totally fucking incoherent and the last couple of days had been a totalmisery...

All of a sudden it was likea light snapped on in my head and I knew what to do. Fuck. Fuck Fuck. I alsoknew I didn’t want to do it. Jessie must have felt me tense up, but he justkept rubbing my back. As usual, everything was fucking my fault. I had lied –Rule Number Two. I had fucked everything up and he had been amazingly decent. Ididn’t deserve him. Why was he still here?

~ ~ ~

Before I left, the gothcandle girl wished me good luck and suggested some store called Coach. I leftand wandered and then I spent a good amount of time chatting up the awesomelycute boy paid to stand in front of the Abercrombie & Fitch store. Everyholiday they hired some model who stood out in front of the store wearingshorts and no shirt or just jeans hanging low off his hips or something, whichis both hot and silly considering it’s 40 degrees outside, but he was cute so Ifelt it was my duty to say hello and rescue him from the giggling high-schoolgirls. Girls have no gaydar. Please, he was clearlygay – way too cute to be straight. I did not tell him I have a better six-pack.I’m not that mean and if I took a job like that Jessie would do a rainbowcoalition number on my butt. I did not tell him that either. No way.

I know that there’s nothingin A&F that Jessie would wear. He wasn't the overpriced fake-wrinkledclothes type. He wore simple basic man clothes and everything he wore lookedseriously hot on him. Buying clothes was not one of my gay super powers. I’mnot a genius with color or fit or any of that. The birthday shirt a store-guytalked me into buying Jess last year was still in his closet. Yep, eightmonths. Not worn once. Okay, I didn’t need a piano to fall on me to get theidea that it was not a winner. So, just say no to buying clothes. I took theold watch-face out of my Levi's pocket – 10:15am. Rob should be here soon.Thank God.

I went to Macy’s. They hadlots of clothes, but I’d already decided a big nadda about that. I thoughtabout buying him a leather jacket, but there was nothing nice for $139. All thegood stuff was way way more expensive. Jessie had simple taste, but also reallygood taste. None of his clothes were crappy. Let’s face it, you didn’t get thatgood soft leather for $139. I finally found a jacket that seemed sortaJessie-level to me and it was $423. Erp... nope.

Listen, I don’t want you tothink I’m cheap. I just only had $139. Okay, it’s like this. When Jessie and Imoved in together we could have got a better apartment, cause Jessie made a lotmore money than I did. He’s a Project Supervisor for anarchitectural/contracting firm. He’s really good. Super anal and superorganized.

I’m just a combinationbar-back, inventory manager and part-time bartender at our local dive. Theowners liked me because I was good with their computer and I kept the back roomin good shape... well, and all the waitresses and a lot of the customers likedme. Still, Jessie made a lot more money by a long shot. It figured – he didn’tcare at all.

Anyway, I was crazy aboutJessie and when he brought up moving in together I thought I’d croak. However,I didn’t want him to think I was a loser or a leech so I insisted on payinghalf of everything. So we had gotten kind of a crappy old apartment causethat’s all I could afford, but he didn’t complain. So we split mostlyeverything. I know he buys more groceries, but he doesn’t say anything and Ican’t really fight it, so we both just pretend I pull my own weight. Someday, Ireally would. He said it didn’t matter. Like I’ve said before, he doesn’t sweatthe small stuff.

Our first big Top/Monkeyargument was when he discovered I owed a bunch of money on my credit card.Whoooeeee, he was not having that. When he found out how much I owed I thoughthe’d leave me for sure, but instead he insisted on paying it off. He said hewouldn’t have me paying those interest payments for nothing and that as acouple it was ‘our’ money now. I refused. That took three days of arguing. Hejust kept asking me if I trusted him and I kept saying he was going to leave mebecause I was a loser and he finally just spanked me – thoroughly – until Icalmed down and shut up with that crap. Anyhow, our 50/50 deal had stuck, buthe knew it was tight for me. He said I was just being proud. Well fuck, may be,but that’s why I had $139 dollars and no credit cards. He didn’t care, but Idid.

I stopped at Wetzel’sPretzels and had a large soft pretzel, no salt. Hey, I don’t like those bigsalt chunks, okay? I wondered if this counted as lunch... erm... probably not.Shit. I was going to have to eat a proper lunch. I so wasn’t going to lie to him again. I wanted him to trust me andI’m a super sucky liar, as you’ve heard. I also had to think about what I wasgoing to do. $139 or not, it had to be something ‘great’. He deserved the bestand I’d be in luck if I could get to something even ‘good’ for that amount.

~ ~ ~

So two freakishly miserabledays after my sucky stupid breakfast lie, there I was on his lap, on the couch,and I had that light bulb moment. I realized what the problem was. Fuckityfuckeroo. I remember being scared to death, but I couldn’t go on like that andI knew it. I untangled myself from his lap while he look puzzled. I went to thebedroom. Oh god, I was so fucked. Iwent and rummaged in the bottom drawer of his nightstand and got the little oakpaddle and went back out to the living room. I held it out to him. He looked meright in the eye and I could see he knew.

“I lied to you aboutbreakfast.” I watched as he nodded at me and took the paddle out of my hand.

“I know.” he said softly andthen he was just quiet. He was not going to make this easy. Fucker. (Lie) Nohe’s not.

“How come you’re not mad?”

“Monkey, the Big Rules arethere for both of us. To make us a stronger couple. To make me a better Top andyou a better... Monkey.” I wasn't sure why he paused, but he kept going. “I’mnot the police. It’s up to you if you want me to be your Top. I can’t help theway I’m built. I love you and I want to help and I’m always going to be yourTop. I just sort of can’t not be. It’s really hard for me not to want to takecare of you, but I can’t make you do anything you really don’t want to do.”

I just stood there in frontof him sitting on the couch. Him holding that paddle and me sorta fidgeting andthen I did what I should have done two days ago. I skinned off my clothes. Andif you don’t think that’s super-ginormous mother-fucking hard well then you arejust bat-shit crazy.

I laid myself across hislap... nothing happened. I craned backward to look at him.

“Umm... are you... ?” Hewasn’t making anything easy.

“Monkey, you have to ask.” What? “Two days ago you yelled at me to‘let you go’. I love you and I’m never going to force you. I’m your Top and youare my Monkey because it’s right for us, but it has to be right for both of us. So you have to tell me whatyou want.” Such a fucker (lie) making me ask out loud. Okay, I deserved this,but shiiiiit. That was worse than a spanking.

“Jessie. I’m sorry, pleasegive me... um... whatever... erm... I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just gotscared.” Well, fuck me with a stick. Even that pathetic little speech was hardto say with my naked ass in the air.

And then he brought thatlittle paddle down hard across my right cheek and I thought, Hell! I was wrong. That hurt a lot more than saying it. He proceeded with myleft and then he just wailed away with lots of wrist action and lots of sting on both sides for whatfelt like at least two hours (lie). Okay, it just felt like a long time and Iwas definitely crying and burning by the time he was done.

I started to push up and hejust effortlessly held me down with his left hand and rested the paddle on thecenter of my bottom.

“What?” Oh, hell yeah, Isounded nervous.

“Okay, do you plan on eatinga decent breakfast?” And with that, he brought that fucker down with a solidsmack right down the center of my already nuclear butt.

“Yes! With bacon and OJ andbroccoli and healthy stuff like that. I promise.” I wailed all that in AcademyAward worthy fashion. He apparently, felt my sincerity.

“Good babe and, moreimportantly, do you plan on always answering truthfully when I ask youquestions?” And another monster crack with that sucker on the same spot. Ipractically levitated off his lap, well I would have except for his big hand.

“Oh, yes yes yes? The truthand... only... for sure.” Somewhat garbled, but delivered loudly and withfervent passion.

“And this would be about...”Delivered, with a final crack on, you got it, that same spot. Fuuuuuck!

“RULE NUMBER TWO!!!!” Idetonated.

He wedged the paddle betweenthe seat cushion and the armrest of the old red couch and I rubbed mytear-stained face and runny nose on his Levi's. He deserved that.

“Hey!” He swept me up tosuspend my butt carefully between his legs while I wrapped my arms tightlyaround his neck and we sat there for a good while, with him rocking me, while Icalmed down. He nuzzled my head and whispered into my ear.

“You okay, Monkey? I’mseriously proud of you for handling things this way. It takes a big man toadmit they’ve done the wrong thing and make things right.”

Another quiet time elapsedwhile, in spite of the burn in my backside, I felt good. I leaned back to lookat him.

“So we’re okay? You stilllove me?” God, my voice sounded really small to my own ears. “Did I clean theslate okay?” Oh god, let him say yes.

“Monkey love, we were always‘okay’ and I’ll always ‘love you’. He squeezed me tighter which felt good afterthe last two days. “Hey, I know we Tops are a bossy bunch, but it’s because wewant the best for you now and forever. It won't always be easy but, like rightnow, if we’re both willing to try to do the right thing then we have a chanceat being the best we can be. Right? Honesty with each other. Rule Number Two.That’s a big. I’ll do it for you, if you will do it for me and we’ll both tryour best as we go.” I must have been feeling better because, as god is mywitness, my mouth can be like uncontrollable clockwork.

“So if you lie to me, then I get to spank you?” I teased. He just leaned in andeyeballed me real closely with one of those black eyes of his and suddenly Iwasn’t sure I wanted to tease him so much.

“Is that what you’d reallylike to do?” He said it very directly in all seriousness and I realized thatmaybe I wasn’t sure at all. Maybe that didn’t sound nearly as fun as I hadthought it might and I might not be built for it at all. He’s all muscle onmuscle and a lot bigger than me and I think my brow must have furrowed as Itried to imagine how I’d get him over my lap. My confusion must have shown,because he let out a big laugh.

“Don’t worry Monkey, wedon’t have to do that. I’m just saying that we’ll both work at keeping theRules and keeping things working their best.” Then he squeezed me again. “We’llfigure it out together.”

In that moment, I felt soloved that I thought there wasn’t much I wouldn’t do for this man. And that wasthe truth.

~ ~ ~

So, that’s what I wassitting thinking as I was finishing my (not a proper lunch) Wetzel’s Pretzeland remembering Jessie forgiving me for being a crappy liar and how much Iloved him. Of course I was also thinking that I was an idiot for not havingchecked to see if we had run out of oatmeal beforeI’d lied (he told me that later when I accused him of reading my mind). I wasalso thinking that Macy’s sucked for only having pleather jackets for under$200 and wishing that Jessie liked to cook more because Williams-Sonoma had abunch of pans for under $139, but that’s like buying your wife a bowling ballbecause you like to bowl and I wasbasically starting to get really hacked off about Christmas all over again whenRob walked in, spotted me, and sat down.

“How’s it hangin’?” Robconsidered himself a wit, but he was my best friend and just a couple yearsolder than me. He liked to tease me about most things, but there wasn’t a meanbone in his body.

“Low and mean, bro, low andmean.” You could see that we were both genius wits of the male sort and ourgreetings tended to run to the intellectual side. However, now with that out ofthe way – there would be arm hitting later, guaranteed – we could get on withthe real business.

“So, why are you are youmoping in the pretzel section? You planning on buying the big man apretzel-of-the-month subscription?”

~ ~ ~

Rob liked to call Jessie the‘big man’ and he skirted around the whole Jessie telling me what to do thing. Iknew it was going to come out one day. Rob spent way too much time over at ourplace, but he hadn’t asked any tough questions yet. Though he’d given us a coupleof good hard looks when Jessie told me to do something and I scampered off todo it. I definitely didn’t want a confrontation with Jessie in front of Rob.Jessie wouldn’t humiliate me, but his idea of what counted as humiliation andmine were two different things.

Sometimes, Jess thought ifyou didn’t want ‘attention’, as he called it, then don’t do whatever you’regoing to do. So I’m careful. Jessie was mellow about it all and just said tolet Rob ask what he wanted, when he’s ready. He said that he’s a good friendand he’d understand. I told him, yeah! Easy for you to say, you weren't the onebeing bossed around and beaten half to death for breathing wrong. Jess had justlaughed his deep laugh and scooped me up and into his arms like a kid.

“You are absolutely rightyou poor, poor guy and how much ‘beating’ do you think a lie like that one justnow deserves? Hmm? Something extremely painful I’m sure. Do we own a cane? Or astrap or something?” I 'Eeeeped' loudly and tried to scramble out of his arms.Although, he was joking – I’m pretty sure – I got nowhere.

“I think I have some extracorrection tools we haven’t used in my case?” I gasped again in outragedhorror.

“We don't own a cane or a strap... do we?” Even joking I think Iglanced around nervously like some torture device might suddenly be hanging onthe coat rack.

He gave me a mock hardstare. “... I doooon’t know... do we?”Okay, getting unfunny here. Jessie had one hand under me though, thoroughlyfeeling up my butt during this whole exchange of questionable humor, and myLevi's were getting tight in front, but it was clearly time to change thesubject anyway. So, I had squeezed my arms tighter and buried my face deeperinto his neck.

“I just don’t want Robthinking I’m a freak.”

“Hey, hey...” he rumbled.“There’s no chance of that. Rob loves you. I love you more. First off, I don’tthink he would. Second, I think Rob is curious about us, but doesn’t know howto ask, so try to be nice when he does. Sometimes when people are nervous theydon’t ask in the best ways. Just remember he’s your friend.”

“I know... it’s just thatI’m...” I trailed off kinda pathetically.

“Monkey, listen, I know thatour relationship isn’t like everyone’s, but there are more people who havedomestic discipline relationships like ours than you might think. You are not a freak. You are just a person whois strong enough to know what’s best for them.” Okay, that made me feel good.He put me down. “Also, just think on this. Rob sees you and me happy togetherall the time. I think Rob is lonely and would like a relationship of his own.Maybe not like ours, but who knows what is right for him. So some of this mayjust be natural envy.”

Well that was a lot to thinkabout and I remember we went off to the grocery store and, for a change, Ididn’t talk most of the way there.

~ ~ ~

So anyway, Rob was beingfunny as usual.

“Noooo, Jessie hatespretzels. Says they’re all empty carbs.”

“How much do you have tospend?”

“$139...” I replied rathersadly.

“Hey that’s not that bad. Weshould be able to get some good stuff for that... right?” I know he was tryingto get my energy up. Like I said, he’s a good friend.

“Not so far. I can’t justbuy him crap. I’ve been to the ‘Luv Sac’, trust me it’s not what you think.Lady’s handbags, little ones with sequins, which apparently my wife absolutely must have.” He obligingly laughed. “ThenI went to Burberry. They have some good things if you like to dress like anEnglishman.” Rob shook his head no as I said that.

“Nope. You’re right, that isnot Jessie.”

“Exactly, so I walked by aplace called Lane Bryant...” We both simultaneously snorted and shook our headsno. Rob laughed.

“Also no on Victoria’sSecret next door.” The laughing was cheering me up a little. I told Rob aboutthe pleather jackets I could afford at Macy’s and the nice ones I couldn’t. Hedid agree that a leather jacket of the right type would be very Jessie, but nota cheap one. We walked down the aisle and looked at the very odd mix of shops.I mean who thought those shops up?

“Jessie is very goodlooking.” Rob was looking forward when he came out of left field with that.“You’re a lucky bastard to be with a guy who is sex on a stick.” We walked insilence for a minute. “Of course, he’s bossier than two wives.” It’s true, butI slugged him hard on the arm on general principles.

“HEY! I didn’t mean anythingbad. Sorry. I like Jessie, but you’ve got to admit he’s pretty... um... incharge... if you know what I mean.” I pulled back to slug him on the arm again,but he dodged away. “Stop that. I just mean... I was only...” He gave me asideways look. “Todd, can I ask you something?” My heart skipped a beat.

“Sure, what?” I replied

“Is Jessie good to you...err... I mean is a he... are you... safe?” He must have seen the horrified lookon my face cause he kept going. “I don’t mean anything bad, I like Jessie and Iknow you’re crazy about him, but sometimes he seems kind of stern and he’sbig...” I waited out a big pause as we walked. “He’s not abusing you... that’sall... right? You’re okay?” I breathed a sigh of relief. That was just myfriend watching out for me.

“Yes, I’m totally fine Rob.He’s the best thing that ever happened to me and he would never lay a finger onme that we hadn’t agreed to.” As I said it, I realized that was the absolutetruth, but just for fun I leered at Rob and wiggled my eyebrows in my bestlecherous way. Then he hit me really hard on the arm. I looked at him inoutrage.

“Oh, nothing... justturn-a-bout and fair play. Be glad you’re only getting one.” He just lookedforward and frowned. I had to laugh. We continued on past a store that soldfive million rubber Crocs in every color under the sun. No way was Jessie intoCrocs. Also, have you ever seen how many baby stores there were in a mall? It’slike every third store was a baby supply store. Definitely not something we’dbe needing. I wonder if we’d ever adopt? Whoa. That was a weird thought. Wepassed a bunch of trendy clothing stores that I didn’t trust myself to buyanything Jessie would wear in. Finally, I pulled out my watch to check thetime. 1:00pm, lunch time for sure. I looked at Rob.

“What do you want to eat?”

“What did you have forbreakfast?”

“Hot Dog On A Stick.” Robmade a gross face.

“You sick fuck, you’ll eatanything. Do you know what’s in those things? I punched him again, but not veryhard so it didn’t really count.

“Yes I do and it’s thebreakfast of champions, but you don’t have to tell Jessie.”

“Trust me I’m not getting inthe middle of you two and your healthy food issues, Dr. Atkins.” He was readyand dodged the arm punch this time.

We agreed on Panda Express.I got the Orange Chicken and rice and he got Beef & Broccoli. We sat at theformica counter and planned our attack. I had reached the point of despair.

“Rob, I’ve been around thismall seven times now. Four before you got here and three with you. I don’t wantto give him a gift certificate, he’ll just think I’m a lazy shit. I don’t knowwhat to do?”

“Dude, finish your heavilysugared and fried chicken nuggets and we’ll cross down and check out the shopsover that way. I’m sure we’ll find something.” That was one of the many thingsI liked most about Rob, he’s just super positive and he’d often kept me goingwhen I was ready to jump. I pulled out the old watch again from my pocket. Itwas too old and I couldn’t get a watch band for it anymore so I just kept it inmy pocket. It was almost 2:30pm.

“Rob, eat up we gotta go.I’ve got to get this done and get home.” I got up to empty my tray in thetrash. Rob followed. We wandered down the other hallway. Fudge, mall security,kids play area, JCPenney and at the corner my goth lesbian’s Coach.

Coach. Lots and lots ofleather stuff. Nice stuff. I went in. Rob backed up and followed. At first Ithought it was just super nice wallets and ladies handbags, but then on theback wall there were leather briefcases. I mean really super nice leatherbriefcases. In black and light and dark brown. All kinds of bumpy and classyones with buckles and straps on the front. I think I was just sort of staringat the black one.

“Would you like to see it?”She was a very pretty Latin girl dressed in high style and those stiletto shoesyou wondered how girls walked in. I nodded. “Here.” she said, pulling it down.“Go ahead, you can open it.”

It smelled super good. Likeleather car seats or something and the leather was exactly the kind of leatherthat the $800 coats in Macy’s were made of. Super soft and nubbly. I opened itand it was big and had smaller pockets on the front and then the middle had twobig compartments and smelled even better. Then I saw the price tag and wentcold. $548. Well, forget that. I smiled and handed it back to fashion girl whoput it back on display.

“Thanks. That’s a beautifulbag. We’re going to look around some more, but maybe we’ll be back.” I lied. Igrabbed Rob and eased him out of the store.

“What?” he said, bewildered.“It was perfect. I’ve seen Jessie’s old bag. It’s the same size and it’s rattyand he’s had it as long as I’ve known you two.

“Rob... did you see thatprice?” I glared at him for want of something better to fucking seriously glareat. “$548. That’s so far out of my price range it might as well be leatherharvested by sacred virgins from Tibetan yaks... or something.”

We both sat down on one ofthose cement benches they scatter about the mall and I put my head in my hands.Oh, you can trust me, I was not goingto cry in front of Rob... but I wanted to. I was just tired.

“Listen, Todd... I know youdon’t like to, but let me loan you...”

“No!”

“Just listen, asshole. Thisis a special situation. How many times have you been around this mall. That bagis perfect for him. I know it and you know it. I know you’ll pay me back. Youhave to get it. It’s just...”

“Rob, just stop... please...I can’t. Jessie knows I don’t have that kind of money and he sure knows I don’thave a credit card. He’ll ask. Oh, ho trust me he’ll ask. I can’t buy him apresent with your money, it’s just not right.” I held up my hand to stop himfrom interrupting. “... and I’m not going to lie about it. Case closed.” Heglared at me.

“You are such a stubbornlittle shit.” He hit me on the arm, but it wasn’t hard. His heart wasn’t in it.

We sat quietly for quite awhile watching all the holiday shoppers go by. It was the day before ChristmasEve so it was mostly harried looking men and the occasional mother hoping for abargain. Like us, the desperate.

“Todd, can I ask yousomething?”

“Sure.”

“That old watch you alwayshave. Where did you get it?”

“What? Oh, that. It’s just sentimental old crap.You know I don’t know who my real folks are?” Rob just nodded. Old news. Thekind you got out of the way on a good drunk when you first got to know a goodfriend. “Well apparently, it had supposedly been my dad’s. My bio-dad’s. It’sold enough. Well that’s what they told me. It’s crap, I just sorta keep it justto remind me that I was someone’s kid once... whatever happened. You know?”Trust me, Rob knew all the dirty details, so this conversation wasn’t asemotional as it sounded. He looked at me kinda keenly.

“Do you think it’s worthsomething?” He had a plotting gleam in his eye, the one that he got sometimes.It could mean the solution to all your problems or just the beginning of them.I just looked at him blankly.

“I don’t know. I’ve alwayshad it. I can’t buy a band that looks right with it, way too expensive. It’sold, so I don’t know, really?” I pulled it out and we both looked at the face.It said Universal Genéve on it. It was all silver and old-fashioned looking butin sort of a cool way. There were three small faces – one on each side and oneon the bottom. I think one was seconds, but I wasn’t sure what the other twowere for. Rob looked at me for a moment, kinda carefully, and I thought, hereit comes, he thinks I’m gonna punch him again...

“Have you ever had itappraised?” He just stared at me and I stared blankly back. He clearly couldsee I needed help. Rob’s folks have money so he knows money stuff.

“Umm... no?”

“It might be worthsomething. Do you think you might be willing to sell it if it was?” I could seeby his face he was serious.

“Umm... I don’t know?”

That was the truth. I neverthought about it. On one hand it was the only thing I had from my real bio-dadever to prove that I wasn’t a pod child left on Earth from some failedinvasion, but on the other hand it’s not like I ever knew him or that he meantanything to me. He and my bio-mother couldn’t be bothered and gave me up atbirth. I got adopted by nice people, which was why I referred to the mysteriouslymissing originals as ‘bio’ mom and dad.

My adopto-folks were mostlysweet and cool, well until I turned gay and then they were uncomfortable, butthey still tried to be cool. So I didn't hate them or anything. I just wasn’twhat they had signed up for, but they also didn’t throw me out and they weremostly nice, so that’s something. So this old watch was the only thing from wayback then. Still, this was Jessie wewere talking about. Jessie who paid off debts for me. Who loved me even when Iwas an asshole and did supremely stupid things. Jessie the sexiest fucker I hadever been around and he seemed to think I was decent looking too. I mean,between the two, there was no comparison.

Rob was still looking at melike he’d just gone Good Will Hunting and solved the ultimate math problem. Istood up.

“Okay Einstein, but I don’tknow how to have your left testicle appraised let alone this old watch. What ifit’s worth shit? It’s old. It might not be worth anything.” Rob shook his head.

“No it’s ‘vintage’. That’spossibly valuable. Let's go ask a watch shop. They can at least tell us ifwe’re wasting our time. Listen if it’s worth shit, then we’ll buy Jessie somepurple Crocs.” He wasn’t fast enough this time when I hit him, but he stillsmiled as he dragged me off to find out if I was a new billionaire.

Five minutes later, I wasgoing to go into Zales, but Rob said no. Then there was Kevin’s Jewelers, butstill apparently that wasn’t the right one either. Finally, he decided that theanswer was Romano’s Jewelers.

“Why here?” I gestured toall the display cases fronting the exterior.

“See all the watches.” Therewere some real beauties. “Look at this Baum and Mercier... see...” I leaned in.It was really expensive and rich looking. “It’s old. They buy and sell vintagejewelry here. They should be able to tell us what kind your watch is and ifit’s worth anything.” He must have seen my face. “Todd, you don’t have to sellit. We’ll just ask.” I will say this, Rob does have testicles and when he wantssomething he goes for it.

We went in and all of asudden I felt young and grubby. Jewels everywhere and watches with jewels andjewels with watches and jewels on jewels. Shit. I so didn’t belong here with my ratty old piece of a watch and ameasly $139 to buy Jessie a Christmas present. I think Rob knew I was feelingall emo and bolty because he had his hand firmly gripping my arm. He drew meover to an older man sitting behind a glass counter filled with sparklingwatches.

“Excuse me, sir. Would youhave time to take a quick look at an older watch for us and tell us if it’sanything you recognize?” Rob was super good at dealing with rich people typethings. He worked managing one of his father’s sporting goods stores, mostlybecause he liked to make his own pocket money. So he knew how to talk ‘rich’when he had to.

The old man brought out ablack velvet board and set it on top of the glass and then opened a drawer toget out a little black eye glass thing, which he put to his eye. Rob nudged meand whispered, “Put your watch on the black thing.” So I did.

The old guy brought it up tothe black eye thing and studied it every which way before setting it downagain. He proceeded to talk to Rob as if I wasn’t there which was actually okaywith me since the whole thing kind of freaked me out. Old watch-guy just sortawent into robo-jeweler mode.

“It is a 1940’s classicUniversal Genéve Compax. It is one of the most affordable and underratedcollectible watches out there. Stainless Steel. The movement is consideredquality and it’s 45mm lug to lug. A very high quality watch with features thatare uncommon. The quality is reflected in the beauty of this watch after allthese years. This one is not in perfect condition but quite close. It is asignificantly affordable collectable and it will wow most watch connoisseurs.”I was totally lost, but Rob looked both pleased and unfazed as he talked withhim.

“Does it normally appraisefor anything and if you were to purchase a watch such as this to prep for resale, whatwould you consider it worth?” I think my jaw dropped. This was my friend who Iregularly punched in the arm and called a butt-head. The old man looked back atthe watch laying against the black velvet.

“Well, I’ll be honest withyou since you seem like such a nice young man. If you were to clean this,properly band it and put it on full auction there is a chance that you mightget somewhere between $2,795 and $2,995.”

Sister Mary Greenbacks...did he say what I just thought he did?

“Now, if we were to purchaseit to prep for resale here at Romano’s... Well, I’d have to confer with theowner, but after cleaning and restoration and providing the correct wristband... I’d expect to be able to get you something around $1,800. Rob tried notto look too pleased.

“Thank you, sir. Let mediscuss this with my friend.” He scooped the watch off the counter and grabbedmy arm, towing me out into the corridor where the evil Muzak loop had justrotated around to “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”. I was completelyconfused. Rob, however, was very excited.

“Dude. $1800 bucks. Hello?Hello?” He gave me a shake. “Duuude, do you understand they will buy this verywatch for $1800 bucks here and now. Todd, that’s the Coach bag, plus tax, andat least $1,300+ left over for you. You're good to go.”

I was still in a bit of astate, but for Jessie I was good, and I nodded yes.

Two hours later, we walkedout of Coach with a beautiful perfectly wrapped box the just screamed ‘rich’.It also had the toughest coolest most awesome black-leather briefcase I’d everseen swathed in tons of snow white sparkly tissue paper inside.

Rob had to drive home. Ididn’t know what was wrong with me, but I couldn’t stop the tears running downmy face. Fucking traitor face.

Rob didn’t say a word.

~ ~ ~

I nestled the present underthe Christmas tree. I didn’t talk much that night. I think Jessie was worried,but I told him the holidays made me wuss-up and apologized for ruining his day.He just looked at me super kindly and asked me if there was anything I neededto tell him. I assured him that I was okay. No Rules broken. I promised. Hestill looked worried and pulled me onto his lap. He got up once to answer thephone, but other than that we watched TV and ate popcorn until bed time and thenwe snuggled up and I tried to mellow out. I promised myself I’d be normal bymorning.

Well, that was a lie, butonly to myself. I took forever to fall asleep and I woke up just as weird asthe night before. I swore I would notruin Christmas Eve for Jessie so I plastered a big smile on my face and got upto start cleaning. He was getting out of the shower with just a towel wrappedaround him and using another one to dry his hair. I got a good look at him inthe hallway. Hot fucker. He was worth a hundred watches.

“Monkey!” he hollered overthe vacuum. I turned it off. “I have to go out for a couple of hours and checkan emergency job. I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll be back just after lunch. I’llhelp you finish cooking and we’ll have Christmas Eve dinner together and openpresents.” I ran over and hugged him – wet towels and all. “Hey babe,everything is going to be okay. Don’t stress. Okay?” I nodded and smiled. Henodded and smiled back.

As I was walking back to thevacuum, he snapped me on the ass with his wet towel. “Oww! Butt-head!” I yelledat his retreating back. He just laughed and went to finish getting ready. Yes,I love him.

I cleaned. I cooked. I defyanyone to make that crap apartment as Christmassy as I did. Okay, I’m not theking of cooks, but I could do ham and potatoes and a basic salad. Jessie washome by 2:00pm just as promised and with a really good pie for dessert. Such aTop. I kinda liked that. Anyway, he helped set the table and finished puttingthe food out. I just kept looking at him thinking he was the best thing thatever happened to me and worth all the watches in the world. And he was.

Dinner was good. Simple, youknow, but good. Jessie helped me clean up as usual and we had the dessert hebrought in the living room by our little tree. We put a Christmas music DVD onthe stereo and sat for while cuddled up looking at the tree. I crawled onto hislap and curled into a ball.

“Monkey, I’ve never beenhappier than I am with you.” Ilooked up at him. God, that was sowhat I needed to hear right now. For some reason I think the whole watchbusiness just made me think about people giving me away and it kinda stuck tome. So fucking stupid I know. That happened so long ago with people I neverknew. There was no reason that it should matter now.

“Jessie, there's no one inthe world better... than you. No one.” I was starting to wuss up. Well, Isuppose it was inevitable for me when the sappy talk started happening. I hatebeing the family cryer, but sometimes it just is what it is.

Jess eased me off him andgot up.

“Here. Monkey, I wanted youto have this in hopes that it can bring you all the good things you deserve allyear long.” He handed me a present nicely wrapped in glittery green paper in aweird shaped long tube. I shook it, but I could not figure out what it was.Jessie just looked at me expectantly.

I opened it and pulled out along thin rattan cane. My face when I looked up at Jessie must have beenpriceless, because he started laughing so hard he started snorting. I droppedthe damn thing and jumped on him, everything else forgotten, and startedpounding on him as hard as I could.

“You butt! You totally evilTop butt-head. You bought me a cane? You shit!” I continued to try to pummelhim, while he continued to fend me off rather effortlessly, laughing his assoff as he explained.

“I got it to help you...”

“Help me? Me? You dick.” Iwas sort of on top of his head by now pounding on his back. He could not stoplaughing and snorting. The humor part was trying to allude me.

“Yes. You said you wereworried about being able to explain all your heinous beatings to Rob once theday came that you had to make clear how I abuse you. So I thought you’d need acane to help him understand how you suffer.” He was laughing so hard at thatpoint that he could barely get that speech out. The fucker. He was so dead and this was so not funny (Lie). Okay, it was funnyand I was sort of laughing too.

“Fine, I’m getting thatfireplace we talked about and this is the first thing I’m burning.” I climbedoff him panting, both of us still chuckling. “I still think you’re an evilMonkey abuser.” He grabbed me in a big hug that lifted me off the ground.

“Well that’s true. Here,this one is better. Or at least I think you might like it better.” He handed mea big blue box with a giant thick white ribbon on it. It looked rich. Iunwrapped it slowly. You know sometimes you just didn’t want to tear the paper.I took the lid off to see the last thing I ever expected. I slowly drew a brandnew Sony PlayStation 4 out of the box.

There was a minute of trueChristmas reverential silence... until I screamed and started jumping aroundthe living room like a demented... erm... well... monkey. It was just true.Jessie just sat there with this giant shit-eating grin on his face watching mewhile I bounced and babbled.

“You giant sneaky Top-fink.You said we couldn’t have one. You said you hated these games. You said thedevil created these to destroy families. You LIED...” He put his hand up tostop my bouncy speechifying.

“Well, we are going to haverules about when it gets used. I definitely want to see you once in a while,but I don’t want you to have to go to Rob’s every time you two want to play.And I had to make up some of thosethings because a certain highly snoopy Pink Panther type Monkey might have tornthis apartment apart searching for his gift if I hadn’t diverted him.” His grinwas still deservedly big. It was the best gift ever created and made me evenmore sure I had done a good thing with mine.

“Oh. My. God! You got allthe new games too! You are the most awesome person in the universe. Let’s hookit up and play RIGHT NOW!” That got me a dry look. “Psyche. Kidding.” I launched myself back intohis arms while holding a handful of the latest games, two of which promptlyfell behind the couch during the confusion of hard-core kissing that lasted fora minute or two. Hey, it was a gift deserving of serious kissing.

Finally, it was time. I wentover and got the Coach box out and handed it to him. He looked satisfyinglymystified as he opened it and then, when he finally got the miles of tissuepaper out of the way, he pulled out the black leather case. The whole roomsmelled like Christmas tree and new leather. It was amazing. Better yet, I hadnever seen him with his face that completely stunned.

He was speechless for awhole minute. He’d run his hand across the leather and then look at me and thensmell the bag and look at me again, kind of like he’d never seen me before.Then he dropped the bag on the couch and grabbed me and kissed me one of thosebruising kisses that leaves me breathless and makes my pants too tight. Thekind that seem to go on forever. It was a perfect Christmas kiss for sure. Ihad done good. He just kept opening the bag, closing it and then stroking it. Iwas totally stoked.

Needless to say, moreChristmas kissing ensued, but I’m gonna say it anyway. It was the freakingbest. Then he gave me one more kiss and went over and pulled out a little boxfrom way under the tree.

“Monkey, this is just asmall something I know you’ve been looking for. I found it on-line.” I wastotally mystified. I had no idea, really. I unwrapped it and burst into tears.Fucking wuss tears... again. Yes, it was a watch band. The watch band. An antique.Clearly made for the watch I kept in my pocket. Jessie knew what it was. I wasincoherent.

“I can’t... Can you returnit? Was it expensive?” All this pouring out of me in between tear filledbreaths.

He reached behind him, dugbetween the couch cushions, and pulled out another box and handed it to me witha look of concern. I was still crying and I was definitely a little goofed upat this point between hyper-happy and super-sad and just confused and... ohwell, I didn’t know what exactly.

I opened the little box.Maybe you guessed. I couldn’t breath for a second. Jessie reached over andrubbed my back and watched me kind of cautiously. It was my watch. The watch.Sparkling clean. A watch I now had a band for. I might have just stared at itforever if it weren’t for Jessie.

“I hope you don’t mindMonkey, but your friend Rob called me last night.” I remembered the call he hadto take last night that I thought was for work. “He told me about you sellingyour watch to get my present.” Jessie pulled me onto his lap for about the607th time in the last two days and talked into my hair. I think I was a bitdelirious. “Monkey that bag is the nicest thing anyone has ever given me... ever!However, the fact that you’d give up your dad’s watch to get it is beyond myimagination. You are without a doubt the most generous person I have ever met.”

Well you can imagine, here Iwas already tearing all over and then he gave me back my watch – something Ididn’t even know I cared about – but apparently, I did and then he tells me that? Well that started the seriouswaterworks up again. He held me tight and rubbed my back and made little noisesin my hair.

“I didn’t think I caredabout it. You know I never knew them and it’s just a watch, right? It shouldn’tmatter.” I looked up at him with some sort of confusion. His eyes were verykind.

“I know buddy. It should bethat way, but it never is. Even parents you don’t know are still parents. It’skind of fucked up, but that’s the way it is. You’ve seen how effed up my parentsare. They’re kind of miserable and I don’t even like them very much, but Ican’t forget them no matter how hard I’ve tried. Don’t worry buddy, you and Iare just alike.” He shifted me a little so he could look at me.

“It’s okay to have thiswatch to remember your bio-dad by and maybe think something good about him. Itdoesn’t matter if it’s true or not. You know? I know it’s rotten they had togive you up, but you don’t know why. Right? Maybe they had to, but maybe they didn’t wantto. When you look at that watch, try and think of that if you can.”

He pulled me back in and Icried myself out for a while.

Then we made a largeceremony of taking all his work stuff out of his old ratty brown bag andtransferring it to the new black bag and ooo’d and aww’d over it appropriately.After that, we got out his little fiddly tools and attached the new watch bandto my old/new watch and fussed over that also.

It was very late when thedishes were washed and put away. Used wrapping paper was trashed and we finallyturned the Christmas tree lights off. Jessie went to brush his teeth and getready for bed. I told him I was going to go and get those two PS4 games outfrom behind the couch before I forgot.

I ran back out to thedarkened living room. Joke or no joke, I was not going to leave a cane lying on the living room floor. That evilstick was being marked for permanent disposal... except it wasn’t where Idropped it. I hurriedly searched the immediate area, underneath the coffeetable and the couch, by the tree... everywhere. The room wasn’t that big. Itwas gone.

No doubt, a certain sneakydamn Santa-Top had taken it. Tricky fucker. When had he done that? Tomorrow, Iwas going to go all Pink Panther on his ass and find that nasty thing. I had tolaugh. If he thought my butt was living in the same apartment with a cane hehad another thing coming.

I brushed my teeth andheaded to bed, only to find the bedroom empty. I figured Jess forgot to turn alight off or something and started to crawl into bed until I heard a throatclearing sound from the doorway.

“Ahem...” I glanced up tosee my man wearing his new leather case off one shoulder and not anotherstitch, sublimely nude in the bedroom doorway in his best sultry come hitherpose. Okay, the pose was a little goofy but the body was to die for. SOLD. Wraphim up, I’ll take two.

I snorted and lept out ofbed also totally starkers, except for my new/old watch which I couldn’t takeoff my wrist. Actually, I really couldn’t. The new clasp had some trick to itthat I needed Jessie to help me figure out, but right now it was perfect. So Istruck a better pose modeling both my ‘vintage’ watch and my naked self. Jessielaughed out loud as he set his bag down by the door and then with a predatorylook he growled and lightening fast, darted across the room, grabbed me up anddumped me on the bed. Just like that he was on top of me, covering mecompletely, and kissing me like there was nothing else in the world but me.

We spent many, many hourshaving what seriously qualified as the best holiday sex I’d ever had. Jessieseemed to think it was also worthy of a high holy day. It was definitely thewee hours of the morning before we both passed out in a tangle of blankets.

~ ~ ~

I did’t know too much aboutthe three wise men or about gold, frankincense and myrrh, but I will say thatblack briefcase got used every day and, even though Jessie denied it, I swear Ihad seen him fondle the leather when he thought no one was looking.

The watch? Well, that watchwas in a category all it’s own. How did you rank a gift you didn’t even knowyou wanted? Jessie ended up being right about something else too, sometimes Ido look at the watch now and think maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have a choicewhen he gave me away. I don’t know what’s true, but like Jessie says, then whynot? I can think anything I want. Oh and I didn’t even punch Rob in the arm fortelling Jessie. I know, I’m getting soft, but it was Christmas.

However, the best Christmasgift I had ever, without a shadow ofa doubt, received was that night’s love making marathon with a man who meanteverything to me. It totally consumed me, as the clock passed from ChristmasEve to Christmas Day.

Now that was a gift I’m notsure even the Magi could give.

The End.

Secret Santa

2011-11-30T20:49:00.001-08:00

Secret Santa

by Jay

“Settle down, Thomas, and go tosleep.”

George’s murmured complaint stilled myrestless limbs. I tucked the duvet roundmy shoulders to exclude draughts and curled up yet again in an effort to getcomfortable. I should’ve been out like alight after the frantic few days we’d just had in the office. Normally I only have to snuggle up besideGeorge in the comforting warmth of our bed and I’m drifting off in no time. But a guilty conscience is the enemy ofsleep. By the time the clock showed midnight I was tossing and turning oncemore and trying not to disturb my partner who was fast asleep. Cautiously Iswung my legs to the floor and climbed out of bed.

The chill hit me at once. The central heating had long since gone offand the bedroom radiator was stone cold. In the darkness it took me a moment or two to locate my slippers andthen I reached for the dressing gown which hung behind the bedroom door. With such meagre protection from the cold Iwent down to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and to try and get my thoughts inorder.

While I waited for the kettle to boil Iretrieved my briefcase from the corner where I’d slung it the night before andhunted through the detritus at the bottom to retrieve the crumpled piece of paperwhich was the source of my anxiety. WhenI was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of hot tea in my hand I gazed atthe familiar, spidery writing with renewed loathing. Of course it was all his fault. If he hadn’t behaved like a total arsehole Iwouldn’t have been tempted to get my own back. And I’d been handed the perfect opportunity on a plate. It would have been a criminal waste tosquander a chance which would never present itself again. I’d been delighted when the plan first sprangto mind. It was so entirely appropriate,so utterly deserved. I’d laughed outloud with glee, sorry only that I could never share my stroke of genius withanyone else. It would have to remain mylittle secret.

And that was what I’d been worryingabout. How could I be sure it wouldremain a secret? I’d bargained on himbeing too embarrassed to say anything but knowing him he’d start a hue and cryto track down the culprit. The wholebeastly Secret Santa thing had been organised by Tracey, the officebusybody. I bet she’d taken a perversepleasure in matching donors and recipients, and it wouldn’t take much to gether talking if he put pressure on her. Icouldn’t take the risk of my boss opening the present I’d smuggled into his intray the night before. If he everdiscovered the identity of his Secret Santa I’d be out of a job. There was nothing for it but to go back tothe office, let myself in with my pass key and retrieve the offending articlebefore it ended my career.

“Are you feeling all right, Tom?” George’s soft voiced enquiry made mejump. I hadn’t heard him come into thekitchen and the concern in his tone made me feel guilty.

“Sorry,” I said at once. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I just came down to make a cup of tea. Would you like one?”

“Yes, please. Then we can sit and talk about what’sworrying you.”

“Nothing’s worrying me,” I assured him,getting up to refill the kettle and pushing the Secret Santa questionnaireunder a table mat with deft sleight of hand. “I’ve just got a bit of a problem at work but I’ve decided to fix ittonight and put my mind at rest.”

“It’s always better to address difficultieshead on,” he agreed solemnly, taking the seat I’d vacated at the kitchen table. “It’s when you try to pretend they don’texist that they haunt your waking hours and intrude into your sleep time.”

“Thank you for those words of wisdom, doctor,”I responded with just that hint of sarcasm I reserve for the times when my psychiatristpartner lets his professional judgement spill over into our private life. But either my barb fell wide of the mark orhe was deliberately ignoring my provocation for he reverted topracticalities.

“It’s far too late to be doing office worknow,” he objected. “You’re not at yourbest and the house is too cold to be sitting at the computer.”

“I won’t be sitting at the computer,” Iresponded briskly. “I’m just going to pop briefly into the office to sortsomething out before morning. I’ll sleepbetter for knowing that I’ve resolved a little local difficulty.”

“Absolutely not,” George said withfinality. “It’s the middle of thenight. The office will be lockedup. Whatever it is you need to do, itcan wait until morning.”

I didn’t want to get into an argument withmy lover. It’s very difficult tooutmanoeuvre him verbally. I’ve foundfrom experience it’s better just to ignore what he says and continue with myown line of reasoning. “I have a passkey to the office,” I said. “I should beable to get in and out without alerting the night watchman. The whole trip won’t take me much above anhour. I’ll try not to disturb you when I get back.”

I had my head in the fridge at that point,trying to locate the skimmed milk which George insists on having in histea. As a result I didn’t immediatelygrasp the significance of the protracted silence from the kitchen table. “Does the little local difficulty haveanything to do with the office Secret Santa?” he asked eventually.

I was glad my head was still in the fridgeand he couldn’t see me wince. I locatedthe milk, took a deep breath and turned round. “It might have. Why do you ask?”

“It looks to me as though you’re the luckyperson who has to buy a present for the boss.” As I suspected, George had unearthed the crumpled questionnaire and wasscanning Alan Shillito’s answers to the printed list of questions. I walked back to the table, poured milk intoGeorge’s tea and sat down beside him.

“Okay,” I admitted. “I have got myself into a bit of a fix overMr Shillito’s present. It’s not that easy to buy something appropriate for theboss when he has such refined tastes and there’s an upper price limit of eightpounds. I’ve made a bit of amisjudgement and… well… I’m going to retrieve my present before he has a chanceto open it.”

“Care to tell me what you bought him?”George asked in his neutral, non judgemental, consulting room tone.

I gave the question some thought. “No,” I answered finally.

Much to my surprise, George let that go andreturned to something I’d said earlier. “What makes you think Mr Shillito has such refined tastes?”

I snorted with disdain. “You only have to look at his answers to thequestionnaire! Favourite brand:Armani. Favourite drink: Champagne. Favourite store: Harrods. Thatdoesn’t offer much scope for a purchase within the price limit.”

“Of course not. I think he’s saying that he’s not expectingto receive a consumer item. He givesaway more about himself in some of the other answers. Look at his hobbies and interests. He reads history and biography. He likes music and plays the piano. And that last question is veryrevealing: What would you like thatmoney can’t buy? He’s put: the respectof my colleagues and recognition for my achievements. I find that rather sad. It suggests to me that he feels undervaluedat work.”

“No wonder,” I said ratherbelligerently. “He’s a first classbastard at work.”

“Really? You’ve never complained about him before. I take it you’ve bought him something unpleasantand are now having second thoughts. What’s he done to cause you such offence?”

Sometimes I wish my lover wasn’t so damnperceptive. “Mr Shitface Shillito gaveme a formal reprimand the week before last,” I admitted angrily, “made me feellike I was back at school in front of the headmaster and then went and put anote on my personnel file. I just wantedhim to get a little taste of his own medicine, to know what it feels like to betold you’re a naughty boy.”

“Were you a naughty boy?”

I glared at my lover. “I’m not a boy and it wasn’t my fault that Iwas late every day that week. Lots ofthings went wrong in the mornings which were beyond my control.”

“Including the fact that I was away at aconference,” remarked my lover dryly. “You’re never good in the mornings if I’m not there to chivvy youalong.”

“Don’t you start. Drink your tea and I’llgo up and put on some warm clothes. Thesooner I get going the sooner I’ll be back and in bed.”

I made to stand up but George put a handover mine. “Sit down,” he said in a tone I rarely heard from him. I pulled away slightly but mainly for form’ssake. I really didn’t feel it was a goodidea to defy him and with bad grace I sunk back onto the chair. “If Iunderstand the situation correctly,” he said, “you’ve purchased an entirelyunsuitable gift for Mr Shillito in a fit of pique. You’re now having second thoughts, possiblybecause you fear being found out, and have resolved to recover your presentbefore it’s found in the morning. Am Iright?”

I wish I didn’t blush so readily. I hung my head, nodded and uttered someindeterminate sound indicating assent. Mercifully, George didn’t press me any further. “Right,” he said. “If you’re set on going back to the office,I’m coming with you. I’m not having youdriving around on your own at this time of night, to say nothing of the risk ofyou being mistaken for a burglar at your place of work.”

I looked at him in astonishment. The last thing I’d expected was suchunqualified support. No further argument,no reproof, no grousing; just wholehearted assistance and understanding. I should have known he wouldn’t let medown. In fact, I should have told himearlier what I’d been worrying about and then we wouldn’t have been trying toresolve the problem in the middle of the night. I twisted my hand under his and gripped his fingers. “Thank you,” I whispered.

“What are you going to give Alan Shillitoinstead?” he asked.

“Oh… I hadn’t thought… I wasn’t going to…”

“I rather think you should find a replacementgift,” he suggested. “Presumably youagreed to take part in the office Secret Santa. If you let the side down by not providing a gift for Mr Shillito itmight become known. Giving nothing mightcause almost as much offence as giving something inappropriate, don’t youthink?”

“I suppose so,” I admittedreluctantly. “It is meant to be a SecretSanta though. The identity of the giveris not revealed unless he wishes to make himself known.”

“So why are you worried about the giftyou’ve chosen then?” enquired George with uncanny perception.

“Well, the whole thing’s been organised byMiss Tracey Blabbermouth. I wouldn’ttrust her as far as I could throw her. If the boss asks for the name of his Secret Santa she’d be delighted todrop me in it.”

“Why did you agree to take part if you’vegot no time for the organiser?”

“Oh, I suppose Tracey can be a good laugh,”I conceded. “And I didn’t want to belabelled the office Scrooge.”

“In which case let’s think of anappropriate present for your boss and you can wrap it up before we leave.”

“I’ll get that box of Turkish Delight Ibought for my mother. That’ll do.”

“No, it won’t do. I’ve got a far better idea. Wait there.”

I washed up our mugs while George wentupstairs. I felt like a weight had beenlifted from my shoulders now he’d taken charge and appeared fully committed tosolving my immediate problem. There wasjust one nagging doubt at the back of my mind. It had something to do with the fact that he hadn’t challenged myevasions or commented on my mistakes. Not that he’s ever one to nag or criticise. But he does have a habit of calling myattention to faults and failings with just the gentlest of suggestions foravoiding such errors in the future. Iknow his methodology is very client based but I’m not his patient and I don’talways take kindly to direction, however lovingly offered. I spared a moment to hope that I hadn’tfinally exhausted his patience and then turned as I heard his steps on thestairs.

“I think I’ve got the perfect gift for yourboss, Thomas. What do you think?”

He handed me a book of piano music and I glancedat the title: Every Good Boy DeservesFavour. I recognised the words as thewell known mnemonic for the lines of the treble clef. “It was the title that first drew myattention,” George said, “and it seems just perfect for a man who feelsundervalued at work. We know he likesmusic and plays the piano.”

I flipped the book open. “There are some great pieces in here,” I saidenthusiastically. “I’d love to have a goat playing them.”

“That’s just what I thought.”

I drew the obvious conclusion and respondedpredictably. “I can’t believe you’resuggesting I give away a present you’d intended for me!”

“Can’t you?” my lover responded withequally predictable equanimity. “Itseems eminently appropriate to me. Doyou have any better suggestions?”

Well, obviously there was no alternative tobe had at that time of night. The costof the book was a little over the price limit for our Secret Santa but notexcessively so. The pieces were playableand tuneful and the title…. well… the title could only gladden the heart of aboss who wanted to be assured of the undying loyalty of his workforce. I made no further comment but went in searchof scissors, sellotape, paper and ribbon. By the time I’d worked my magic withthe gift wrapping George was dressed and ready to go. I left him to get the car out of the garagewhile I went upstairs and pulled on my warmest clothes.

When we got to my place of work, Georgeparked down a side street and we approached the entrance on foot, alreadyfeeling like partners in crime. Therewas no sign of the night watchman in the lobby as I opened the door with mypass key. We entered warily and I felt adistinct sense of unease. If challenged I would be hard pressed to explain mypresence in the building in the early hours of the morning and accounting formy partner’s presence would be even more of a problem.

By mutual agreement we ignored the lift whichmight give away our location and began climbing the stairs. Mr Shillito’soffice was on the top floor but mercifully the building is only five storeystall. Nonetheless, we were a littlebreathless when we emerged from the stairwell and stopped for a moment torecover. It was just as well because atthat moment the unmistakable sound of footsteps coming along the corridor madeus both draw back onto the stairs and glance at one another in fear that thenight watchman might come upon us.

After a nervous few minutes, the sound ofreceding footsteps had us both sighing with relief and we ventured yet againonto the corridor, tiptoeing in our urge to remain silent. It felt like we wereon a search and destroy mission and I started to pretend I was a member of theSAS. In the event, it was lucky thatGeorge was the one to come equipped for an SAS mission. Mr Shillito’s office was in darkness and Iwas blundering into furniture when my partner turned on a small but powerfultorch. I walked over to the boss’s deskand there in the in tray, cunningly concealed under the buff coloured filewhich I’d used as camouflage, was the distinctively shaped parcel which I’dsmuggled into his office after he’d left for home that evening. I retrieved it rapidly and placed on the deskthe gift chosen by George, the gift that was intended for me, the gift whichwould have brought me a lot of pleasure on Christmas morning and for weeksafterwards. I stifled my resentment,straightened the bow tied in red ribbon which had become crushed on thejourney, and lined up my gift right beside Mr Shillito’s keyboard where hecouldn’t help but see it the moment he walked into the office.

Then we got out of the building as quicklyand as quietly as we could, grateful to have no further close encounters withthe night watchman. “An interestingshaped present,” George remarked casually as we drove home with me clutchingthe offensive gift I’d purchased for my boss. I wasn’t deceived by the tone. George wasn’t going to let me get away without disclosing the contentsof the package. But that was no reasonto give him any encouragement.

“Yes,” I replied equally casually. “I try to ensure that my packaging doesn’tgive too much away about the nature of a gift.” In all honesty I’d been quite defeated by the challenge of disguisingthe purpose of this particular gift but it was, nonetheless, a slightly unusualshape, longer and thinner than the standard model and intended more for showthan for practical use.

“As I’ve had to sacrifice one of thepresents I’d so carefully chosen for you I think we’d better put this one underthe tree when we get home and it can be yours to open on Christmas morning.”

I was beginning to suspect that George hadguessed what I’d bought for Mr Shillito and that he was deliberately provokingme. I tried to convey an air of calmunconcern. “That’s a nice thought,George, but I was thinking of dropping it off at the charity shoptomorrow. They’re appealing for wrappedChristmas gifts to give to the homeless.”

“Really? And you think your gift will ease the plight of a homeless person? I suppose he or she could use it to light afire and generate a bit of warmth.”

Had George guessed that the article wasmade of wood? Or was there a deepermeaning to be read into his comment? Ishifted in my seat at the thought of the fire that could be lit with such animplement and the warmth that would thus be generated. There was something arousing but alsoprofoundly embarrassing at the thought. I didn’t reply immediately and George appeared to be concentrating onhis driving and allowing the matter to drop. I was immensely grateful. Themore I thought about it the less keen I was to unwrap this parcel and show mypartner what I’d thought fit to purchase for my boss. I leant forward surreptitiously and placed itin the foot well of the car where it could be out of sight and out of mind.

Before long I was beginning to doze, thelateness of the hour and the stress over Secret Santa taking their toll. I was hardly aware of the car coming to ahalt and I was still blinking and stretching when George opened the passengerdoor. He helped me to my feet before bending to retrieve the gift I’d nearly forgottenbut in which he seemed to be showing an altogether unwelcome interest. Once he had the brightly wrapped package inhis hand it was the work of moments to locate the handle, heft the item in hishand and tap it experimentally against his thigh. If he hadn’t identified it earlier, he’dcertainly worked out what it was by this point.

“Be careful,” I warned. “It’s ornamental; you might break it.” Strictly speaking that was correct. It was a novelty item, designed to be hung onthe wall. I hoped my objection wouldconfuse George and lead him to reject his initial assumption. All it did was get him to tear the wrappingpaper so he could see with his own eyes the object I’d spotted in a gift shopwhere I’d laughed at the inscription. Thenit seemed like a perfect means of making a pointed criticism of my boss’sattitude to tardy employees and I purchased it without thought for theconsequences.

Icringed as George pulled the long thin paddle from its gift wrapping and readthe hackneyed words which didn’t seem so funny as I stood on our drive in thecold night air.

“Attitude adjuster, eh?” remarkedGeorge. “It’s certainly nicely paintedand might look good hanging in grandma’s kitchen but I wouldn’t say this was anornamental object. It seems eminently sturdyand serviceable to me.” Matching hisaction to his words, George slapped the paddle much more firmly against his leg. It emitted a distinctly sinister thud andgave not the slightest indication that it might break under the strain. I thought it was time to draw theexperimentation to a halt.

“Come on. It’s freezing cold out here. Weneed to get to bed and get some sleep. We’ve both got work in the morning.”

George followed me without further commentup to the front door and into the kitchen where I put on the kettle. Despite my earlier tiredness I was now wideawake. George too appeared energised andexcited. I put it down to the after effects of a successful mission. This musthave been how members of the SAS felt after the successful storming of theLibyan Embassy.

I made hot chocolate to celebrate ourvictory and we took the steaming mugs upstairs with us. George took the paddle upstairs as well. “I reckon we could get some use out of this,”he remarked conversationally as we undressed in the bedroom.

“What?” I squeaked.

“Well, you paid good money for it and yousacrificed one of your Christmas presents in order to keep it.”

“Not willingly,” I objected. “I’m still regretting the loss of that bookof piano music. I hope you’ll get mesomething else instead.”

“I’ve got lots of things for you. You won’t be going short on Christmas morning,I promise you. And now you’ve got this,”he twisted the paddle thoughtfully in his hands. “I’ve a mind to try it out.”

“Oh, no,” I said in some alarm, my stomachcontracting with apprehension and my heart starting to race with a sensation mymind was unwilling to acknowledge.

“I’d say that if anyone is in need of anattitude adjustment it’s you,” George observed without any sign of rancour.

“What do you mean?” I replied with apretence of incomprehension and no serious desire to hear my lover’s reasoning.

“Well, you’re late for work five days in arow despite all I’ve tried to do to help you get organised in themornings. You take against your bosswhen he’s forced to issue a well deserved reprimand. You purchase an unsuitable present with theintention of embarrassing and humiliating him during the Christmasfestivities. You keep all of this fromme and then try to make a secret trip to the office in the middle of the nightto rectify your mistake before it’s too late. I’d say you could benefit from a little attitude adjustment. Besides, I fancy getting you over my lap andwarming your backside!”

I’d been trying to marshal my witssufficiently to present a case for the defence but my lover’s final admissionleft me spluttering and lost for words. I’d been hanging my head in shame as he made a recitation of my faultsbut I risked a glance upwards when he stopped speaking and I saw he was smilingat me, although there was a predatory glitter in his eye. “I won’t touch you without your consent,Tom,” he said with surprising gentleness, “but I think maybe you’ve got a fascinationwith the whole notion of punishment. You’re curious about it, right?”

Does my partner have a window into mysoul? “Curious maybe,” I conceded, “butthat doesn’t mean I want to be hurt.”

“Don’t you? A little hurt can provide catharsis, to say nothing of its deterrenteffect. And there’s good medicalevidence to show that excitation of the nerve endings in the gluteus maximus hasa tendency to transfer to the genitalia.”

“I might have known you’d finish up quotingmedical research at me. The next thingyou’ll be saying is that a spanking will be good for me!”

“Don’t you want to give it a try? It will hurt but I promise I’ll warm you upin more ways than one. This could be funfor us both and maybe, just maybe, I won’t have to resort to such elaboratestratagems in future to get you out of bed for work.”

It was the early hours of the morning. We’d just got back from a clandestine trip tothe office. A sense of unreality hungover the whole situation. It wasn’t the time for lengthy negotiation or evenfor too much introspection. Georgeseemed to believe I was willing to go along with his proposal as he’d taken aseat on the bed and shifted back to make room for me over his lap. I trusted him and the clear invitation he wasoffering wasn’t precisely unwelcome. Irealised that my heart was pounding with excitement as well as fear. I trusted George implicitly and even theshame of having to submit to his discipline was perversely arousing. Withoutdoubt he knew the effect he was having on me as he deliberately placed thepaddle beside him on the bed and held out a hand. “Come on, my lad, let’s be having you,” hesaid in a tone which gave me the shivers yet took away my uncertainty.

I stepped forward obediently, took George’shand and allowed him to pull me gently down across his lap. My upper body extended along the bed, mybottom was firmly planted on George’s lap and my feet just touched the floorbeside his. I felt his arm extend acrossmy back to pull my body closer to his own and then his fingers dipped insidethe waistband of the underpants I was still wearing along with my socks andshirt. I made a faint sound of protestbut George seemed undeterred. His onlyresponse was to ask me to lift up so he could pull my underwear down to mythighs. I must have been fully complicit in the whole procedure by that pointbecause I obediently exerted pressure on my toes to lift my body sufficientlyto release the trapped fabric which had snagged on my anatomicalprotuberances. After my bottom was baredI felt the shirt being pushed up my back and the chill of the unheated bedroomsank into my trembling flesh.

I felt a slight dip in the bed as Georgereached to retrieve the paddle and the next thing I knew he’d snapped it downon my buttocks with a crisp and businesslike smack.

“Ow,” I protested, “not so hard!”

“Don’t be a wimp,” George teased. “I’mtaking it easy but really you deserve everything you’ve got coming. In fact, you’ve been asking for this for a longtime.”

I opened my mouth to contradict him butfound I needed all my breath to cope with the hail of blows which thendescended on my vulnerable backside. Iwriggled and kicked, so much so that George stopped at one point and instructedme to keep still, but I never seriously tried to evade the punishment. In fact,I found myself adjusting to the pain, absorbing the impact and marvelling at myability to endure. There was atremendous sense of connection to my lover who was clearly enjoying himself andalso a feeling of release as I suffered for my faults.

This was the stuff of my fantasies, ofguilt inducing day dreams which I’d never shared with another. There was always the fear of encounteringshock or rejection as well as the suspicion that a spanking might prove farless erotic in reality than in fantasy. But it seemed that my partner had, by some process, divined my mostsecret desires. Not only that, heappeared to share my fascination with discipline, albeit from a very differentperspective. By the time he stayed his hand and put down the paddle I’d entereda state of euphoria which, nonetheless, did nothing to diminish the intensityof the sting. George ran his handlightly over my burning buttocks and I flinched at his touch. He seemed quite unabashed.

“I wish you could see yourself from thisangle, Tom. You have the most beautifulbottom and the glowing red cheeks just add to your appeal. Hurry up and get the rest of your clothesoff. I can’t wait to get you into bed.”

I groaned for form’s sake and stifflylevered myself off George’s lap but the truth was I couldn’t wait to get intobed either. I wanted to be overwhelmed,possessed and mastered. I believe thetechnical term is fucked senseless. Afterwards I fell at once into such a deep sleep that even the insistentringing of the alarm clock a shockingly short time later barely registered inmy befuddled brain. The next thing Iknew George was shaking my shoulder. “Come on, sleepyhead. It’s timeto get up.”

I started to shake him off and turn overbut the slight rasp of cotton sheet against my naked bottom acted as a powerfulreminder and I hastily transformed the action into a graceful roll out ofbed. I tried to behave as though Ialways got up so promptly but I couldn’t quite carry it off. I cast a selfconscious glance at George as I dressed with uncharacteristic haste andefficiency and he rewarded me with a delighted grin and a ready comment. “I think we’ve finally hit upon the magicformula, don’t you?”

I pretended I hadn’t understood but Georgewasn’t deceived. He picked up the paddlefrom where he’d left it on his bedside table. “This paddle has a loop on the handle for hanging it up. How about we put a hook over the bed and haveit on the wall here in the bedroom. I’msure it will continue to have a remedial effect and we’ll be able to enjoy manymore stress free mornings.”

My mumbled response was not meant to beaudible as it cast aspersions on George’s birth and parentage. Mercifully he didn’t ask me to repeatit. He put down the paddle and begantransferring his small change and keys from the bedside table to his trouserpocket. “I’m making a cooked breakfast,”he informed me. “You’ve got ten minutesto get downstairs and be seated at the table.”

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eatena cooked breakfast. To be honest Icouldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten breakfast sitting at the table but Iwas downstairs in less than five minutes, ready to offer my services in layingthe table. It was pleasant to have timeto chat over the meal, to share our plans for the day and not to be watchingthe clock in desperation.

I arrived at work relaxed and unstressedand was surprised to find a small and beautifully wrapped gift on my desk. Inall the panic of the midnight expedition to swap my boss’s present, I’d quiteforgotten that I too would be the recipient of a gift from Secret Santa. I sat down and carefully undid the ribbon andwrapping. Inside there was a tiny butstylish alarm clock which instantly appealed to my taste. I know that the priceof such things has fallen dramatically but I found it difficult to believeanyone could have found such a classy present for under eight pounds.

I was musing on that question when itoccurred to me that none of my answers to the Secret Santa questionnaire couldhave been interpreted, even by the wildest stretch of the imagination, as arequest for an alarm clock. On the otherhand, my woeful record in the timekeeping department must have been well known inthe office. And I hadn’t exactly kept myresentment to myself when I was reprimanded for persistent lateness. Anyone could have thought to buy me an alarmclock and I wasn’t about to take offence.

As more and more people arrived for workthere were squeals of excitement, pleasure and amusement as presents wereopened. Employees wearing feather boas,fake antlers and musical earrings began to circulate round the office trying todiscover the identity of their Secret Santa. I was able to deny responsibility for all the tasteless and tacky giftsbut when Alan Shillito came out of his office to join in the fun I was moved bythe spirit of the season to make a gesture of reconciliation.

“I’ve been given this beautiful littlealarm clock,” I announced to no one in particular. Heads turned and Tracey held out her hand tolook at it more closely. “I don’t knowwho it’s from but it couldn’t be a better present for someone with as bad arecord for lateness as me.” I noticedone or two people glancing rather nervously at the boss and clearly wonderingwhether I was aware of his presence. Iturned deliberately to face Mr Shillito and continued, “Thank you to whoeverwas my Secret Santa. I’ve now got a realincentive to start my New Year’s resolution a few week’s early and I’ll bereporting for work on time from now on.”

Mr Shillito had no way of knowing what hadreally caused me to change my attitude but I saw the pleasure with which hereceived, not the promise to improve my timekeeping, but the acknowledgement ofmy fault. I’d been giving him the coldshoulder ever since he’d reprimanded me and the man had only been doing hisjob. Normally we had a good workingrelationship and it took only a rather wry smile from me and an answering grinfrom him for an apology to be offered and accepted.

“Someone’s given me a book of piano music,”Mr Shillito said. There were one ormurmurs of approval but it was clear that most people considered that adisappointing gift. “I’ll get a lot ofpleasure playing the pieces,” he continued.

“Fancy you playing the piano,” I said with whatI hoped was a fair approximation of surprise. “So do I.”

“Let me show you the pieces then,” said MrShillito inviting me back into his office.

As he handed me the book I glanced at thetitle. “Nice to know that your Secret Santa thinks you’re a good boy,” Iremarked.

Mr Shillito laughed but couldn’t disguise hisdelight which showed itself in a faint blush. Nonetheless, his reply wasinstantaneous. “Nice to know your Secret Santa thinks your timekeeping willimprove.”

Considering how little information had beenexchanged, I think we understood one another very well. “Happy Christmas, Alan,” I said and beganhumming the first tune in the book. Myboss looked over my shoulder and joined in, singing loudly.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Mistletoe

2011-04-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

MISTLETOE

by Autumn

He was leaning against the archway with his arms crossed as I walked in from putting the last of the Christmas decorations up outside. ‘Is something wrong?’ I asked nervously, shaking the snow from my hair.

“Yes Sweetie, something is seriously wrong. I want you to come here right now.” He said, pointing to the floor beside him.

My mind went into overdrive as to what I could’ve done wrong. ‘What did I do?’

‘I’ll do the talking, you do what your told or things could get worse for you.’

“Yes sir.” I said and slowly walked over to my pending doom.

He looked down at me with his stern brown eyes. “I’m really disappointed in you love.”

“What did I do wrong?” I asked, almost in tears.

He slowly pointed a finger above our heads with a smirky grin and pulled me in a tight hug. “You’ve hung up the mistletoe and haven’t even kissed me yet.”

A huge smile crept across my face as I tiptoed and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Well…I better take care of that right away.” I said, as I reached up and passionately kissed my man.

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Back Cheeks

2011-04-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Back Cheeks

by Autumn

Everybody stops and stares at me

These two cheeks are red as you can see

I won’t say just who to blame for this catastrophe!

But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as it can be

All I want for Christmas is my two back cheeks

My two back cheeks

Gee, if I could only have my two back cheeeeeeks

Then I could sit for Christmas dinner

It seems so long since I could say

‘Sitting on my cheeks is easy ’

Gosh oh gee, how happy I’d be

If the seats were only cushy

All I want for Christmas

Is my two back cheeks,

My two back cheeks

Gee, if I could only have my two back cheeeeeeks

Then I could sit for Christmas dinner

The Perfect Gift

2010-05-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

I know it's early but I imagine other people are out shopping for 'that perfect gift'. LOL
Title: The Perfect Gift
Pairing: Jason/David
Author: Jenny
Implement: Paddle

"So," she ventured tentatively. "Have you bought Mom and Dad's Christmas present yet?"

I sensed a whiff of desperation in her question and pounced on it. "Oh, a long time ago," I assured her. "They're going to love it."

It was a yearly tradition, as familiar to me as Christmas carols and eggnog, this competition between my sister and me. Who could buy the best present for our parents? Oh we never came right out and said that, not since we were kids anyway. We were much more subtle than that now.

"What did you buy?" she asked, feigning indifference but I wasn't fooled.

"Oh," I matched her blasé tone. "I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise."

"Jason," she wheedled. "You know I won't tell."

I knew no such thing. She'd stolen my thunder before, granted she was five at the time and the concept of secrets was sketchy for her, but still. "You'll just have to wait until Christmas," I said firmly.

She hung up shortly after; her mission of finding out what I'd bought, foiled. I knew if I divulged what the present was she'd have a better chance at outdoing me. Secrecy was key, especially in the early days. I could hardly keep myself from chortling in glee as I imagined the pressure Susan would be feeling.

"Well, you look pleased with yourself."

David's voice made me jump; I hadn't anticipated him coming home this early. I recovered fast though and returned his kiss.

"Well?" he smiled. "How come you're in such a good mood?"

I shrugged, "It'll be Christmas soon. That's a good reason."

"It is," he agreed cheerfully. He lifted the full shopping bags in his arms, "And I'm done Christmas shopping. And that's a reason to celebrate." He had gaggles of nieces and nephews to buy for and it was a monumental job.

David's list was long while, besides him, I only really had my parents and Susan that I exchanged presents with on the holidays. We both had budgets though. Carefully drawn up after I'd spent last January and February, maxed out on my credit cards and sweating bullets about making payments. Outdoing Susan last Christmas had cost me. My conscience nudged me uncomfortably. I'd blown my budget on Mom and Dad's present this year, big time blown it and I knew the dim view my partner would make of that. Which I totally got, I did but this year I had the perfect present and I knew David wasn't about to budge on what he'd consider excessive spending. While I love my job it doesn't pay that well, learning to live within my means was a difficult and ongoing struggle.

I spent the next week, alternately excited about the cruise that I'd booked for my parents and guilty about deceiving David. He was looking at me with more suspicion each day too, knowing something was up. I could only use the `Christmas is coming' excuse for my jumpiness for so long.

"What's wrong, Jason?" he finally asked as he rearranged all the groceries I'd previously unpacked, putting them in more reasonable places. He frowned as he found a tub of melting ice cream in the cupboard.

"Nothing's wrong," I answered irritably. "What could be wrong?"

"I don't know," David looked at me thoughtfully. "But you're not yourself."

"Well, who the hell am I then?" I growled. My list of rude possibilities was interrupted by a sound swat on my bottom.

"That's enough of that," David said. "Maybe you're just tired. You can go get ready for bed."

I didn't put up an argument, it was almost eleven anyway and I was glad to escape any further probing about what was bothering me. And even that single swat was enough to remind me of what I deserved for lying. I picked up the radio to set the alarm for the morning and it burst into life, `You'd better watch out, you'd better not pout. You'd better not cry….'. I quickly shut it off, my heart jumping unpleasantly; I'd hated that song as a little kid when I still believed. As a boy I'd been a ….handful, was how the more polite teachers put it. I'd been terrified that Santa would surely know how naughty I'd been and no matter how hard I tried I would never be able to tip that scale onto the `nice' side. My fears were always unfounded; my stocking was always full on Christmas morning, the tree crowded with a glut of presents with my name on a fair share of them. My parents had understood the trials of being an excitable and impulsive little boy.

They'd been less understanding of the tension between Susan and me as we got older though. I remember one Christmas asking my mother what she wanted for Christmas and her rather desperate reply, "I just want you and your sister to get along."

"No, Mom," I said impatiently. "A real present."

"That would be a real present, Jason," she said seriously but I brushed it aside. Maybe it had hurt her, I considered now, seeing two people she loved fight like that. My conscience gave another kick to my guts. This wasn't right; I was going to tell David. Tomorrow. Maybe.

Maybe I would have, I like to think I would have anyway, but it became a moot point. Coincidentally we both came home at the same time from work and as I started supper he turned on the answering machine to listen for messages.

"Hi Jason," the machine burbled. "This is Shelly at the travel agency. Just calling to tell you that the tickets for the cruise are ready to be picked up. I'm sure your parents will have a great time."

I dropped the onion I'd been about to slice on the countertop.

"Jason?"

Dizzy, I gripped onto the counter, unable to turn around. I felt his hand on my shoulder, turning me to face him.

"Have you got something to tell me?" he asked quietly.

I nodded but nothing came out of my mouth. He took my hand and led towards the living room. Sitting down on the couch he kept a tight hold on my hand.

"Is this what you've been worrying about?" he questioned.

Another nod but my voice seemed to have deserted me.

"How much did you spend?"

Double what I'd budgeted I wanted to say but somehow the words didn't come out. I felt myself being drawn across his knee and then his palm came down hard on my backside, loosening the words. "Three thousand," I gasped.

He sat me back up so he could look at me. I would have rather been across his knee when I saw his expression.

"It's a perfect present though," I said desperately trying to make him understand. "They've been wanting to go to the Caribbean."

They could actually afford the tickets a lot easier than I could. Which was probably some of my motivation in buying them. I was self-conscious about my low-paying job and I wanted them to be impressed.

"Jason," he shook his head. "Your parents don't expect gifts like this. Don't you remember what they said last year?"

I did. They had almost begged me not to buy them such extravagant presents.

"But Susan will buy them something great, I know it."

David looked a little grimmer, "So it's not about what your parents want at all, Jason? It's about competing with your sister?"

Some Christmas spirit. I wanted to deny it but I'd told enough lies to David already. I just looked down at the floor, bitterly ashamed of myself.

"I'm taking your deliberate breaking of your budget as disobedience, Jason," he informed me. "You asked me to help you set it and you intentionally broke it."

"Yes, sir," I agreed, not the least bit surprised.

"How many times have you lied to me this week?"

I winced at the blunt way he put that, "A lot," I admitted, feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. Every time I denied something was bothering me, I'd lied to him, every day I didn't tell him I'd hidden the fact I'd disobeyed him, I'd lied.

"Do you want supper before or after I spank you?"

I couldn't possibility eat now, "After," I answered tearfully.

"All right then," he said, getting to his feet. "We'll deal with the disobedience first and then we're going to discuss lying."

My heart banged against my ribs, knowing I was going to get two separate spankings. I was already crying softly when we reached the spare room. Wiping at my wet eyes with one hand I tried to undo my jeans with the other. David's large hands nudged my fumbling ones aside to unzip my pants and skim them down my legs. I wanted him to know how badly I felt and when I felt his hands on the waistband of my briefs, I gripped them. "I'm sorry," I said urgently.

He squeezed my hands. "This has to stop Jason," he said, his eyes soft and sad. "You're hurting your parents and your sister. And you're hurting yourself, baby."

"I know." I took a deep breath when he released one of my hands to lean over and remove the paddle from the nightstand's drawer but I didn't protest. Which was a first for me.

His hands tugged my shorts down and off, joining my jeans already lying on the floor. When he looked at me expectantly I slowly lowered myself over his lap. The minute I felt him move to pick up the paddle though my hand moved instinctively to cover my vulnerable backside.

"Jason," he asked firmly. "Do you deserve this paddling?"

"Yes, sir," I acknowledged unhappily.

"Then you move that hand."

I reluctantly shifted my protective hand from my bottom to grip onto the comforter. The first few swats were bearable, landing on virgin territory so to speak but the heat and the sting soon built up and I struggled to keep my hands in place. He was paddling slowly, each measured swat stoking the blaze he was lighting on my backside. The cadence didn't change but the state of my bottom sure did. I tried to count how many fell but it was difficult to concentrate so I just buried my face in the blanket until he was done and cried. Hard.

He put me on my feet when he was through and I clutched at my sweltering bottom, squeezing and kneading to try and relieve the intense sting. He led me to the corner and stayed with me until I'd calmed down a bit. I knew we wouldn't be discussing anything until I'd stopped crying fully. It was awful to be standing there, my backside throbbing, knowing I had another one coming. Which was part of the rationale behind corner time between two spankings. I could be done right now if I hadn't lied and that made me regret the lies all the more. I gradually stopped, my loud sobs fading away to quiet hiccups. The tears welled up again when I felt his hand on my shoulder though.

I let him guide me over his lap once more, feeling regret with every pore of my being. I wished I hadn't spent that money and more than ever I wished I hadn't lied to him. I noted with relief, it was his hand I felt on my tender backside now. Still, a hand spanking on top of a paddling, quite simply, hurt. I was promising I'd never lie to him again before he even started.

He lay me on the bed when we were done, lying down beside me to comfort me. When I'd finally quit crying he asked, "Can you return the tickets?"

"I have another idea," I said.

I hung up the phone, feeling like the Grinch when his heart grew three sizes. Susan had been so excited when I offered her the chance to share in giving Mom and Dad the cruise. Suspicious at first but when I convinced her I was sincere, she'd sounded so happy and relieved.

I smiled, thinking of how pleased Mom would be at the idea of a joint gift from Susan and me. I went to find David, lowering myself gingerly onto the couch to lie with my head pillowed in his lap.

"I'm so proud of you," he said, bending down to kiss my cheek.

I thought I was all cried out but my eyes stung with tears again at his words. "Me too." I turned my head so his lips could find my mouth.

The End

The Xmas Gift

2010-04-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Title: The Xmas Gift
Author: Dice
Pairing: OCs Kate/Jill
Notes: I’ve written about these two before in The Lamp, and this little story is for our dear Sam, who came up with the idea. Hope you’re getting your toasts buttered and your butt toasted this Christmas ;)

**********’

The Xmas Gift

Jill turned the computer off, it was past midnight, but she couldn’t help it, she was mad about that computer game. She had just moved in Kate’s favourite Sim hunk with her own cute girl couple and was trying to have a threesome... only now three of them hated each other. Ah well, Kate would fix that when she played next.

She flung her shirt on the floor and lifted the covers, creeping in next to her real life girlfriend and deliberately placing cold toes on her calf. Kate stirred and one of her hands connected sharply with Jill’s bare bottom. The orange lamp on the desk lit.

Rubbing the sting out she giggled and then clapped her hands once and when darkness fell again she snuggled up against the warm welcoming body, feeling Kate’s full breasts press against her own.

“Love you,” she whispered.

“Mm... you too...” Kate mumbled.

Kate was unpacking Christmas decorations and singing along to the CD while it blasted out her favourite cheerful Christmas song: “You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry...” she danced around the box counting all the little Santas and the children on slays and reindeer in snow. Then she realised the old snow globe with the little house was missing.

“Jill?”

“Hm?” Jill was busy as usual trying to sort out the dilemma of the moved in hunk. Kate was a bit peeved, it’d been a week since she’d done that and she’d still not managed to untangle her mess, and Kate had been so set on moving that guy in with the sexy artist type in number 6.

“Jill, have you seen the snow globe?”

“Yeah it’s on the shelf,” Kate looked around with a muddled expression.

“Where?”

“There,” Jill pointed to the display case in the game where the Sims put their Vacation Souvenirs.

“Get your mind off the darn Sims for two seconds will ya? Our snow globe? The one with the house? The one grandpa got in Switzerland?” she walked over to the desk and moved Jill’s hand to save and close.

“Bitch,” Jill stated friendly like and turned to kiss her.

“Go get the mail, ok?”

“Sure!”

Jill picked up the package. She loved Christmas time, so many interesting things in the mail. This package had a little note about the US postal service and she quickly turned it over so she wouldn’t read the declarations of what was in it. Kate would kill her if she did.

She quickly snatched away the piece of carton the notes were glued onto and ripped it apart and then she put the package on the top shelf in the hall cabinet, where they kept all packages from their online friends.

She then brought Kate the mail and forgot all about packages and such because Kate was dancing sensually to ‘Oh Holy Night’ wearing a red cap and a Santa’s beard together it looked so funny she fell down laughing in the couch and couldn’t get up for half an hour.

Everything was finished except for the tree, they always waited with the tree until Christmas Eve and decorated it together. Kate was done with most of her chores and Jill had actually helped out with most things without being told twice.

Her button nosed girlfriend was happy and content this year; there were many reasons for that Kate knew, but for one she wasn’t broke like usual since Kate had monitored her Christmas shopping closely and that meant they hadn’t been fighting.

Kate sat down by the computer, which for once were abandoned, mostly due to the fact that after the hunk had mysteriously drowned in the pool Kate wouldn’t let Jill play The Sims anymore. There was a mail from “thespankstar” in her inbox. She smiled to herself wondering what Philip had to say.

Hey K/J!

Merry Xmas sweeties! What r u up to? I’m sneaking on the computer while Ted is watching TV, he’s all over me about early bedtimes lately! Anyhoo did you get my package? Should’ve got there by now? Oops gotta go someone’s tapping his foot behind me.

Mwah! Hugs

Philip

That was odd, she hadn’t seen any package from Philip. Maybe Jill had put it away. “Jill? Honey? Did we get a package from Philip?”

“Huh? Hang on, I’ve got dough on my hands...” Jill came out, and with a smile Kate noted that there was dough on her face as well. She got up and kissed it away, it tasted sweet, always a lot of sugar when Jill baked. “I’ll check the cabinet, ok?”

“Yeah do that.”

Jill pulled out a chair and started lifting out the gifts and packages. A large brown box suddenly jumped out at her and she nearly fell from the chair. She put the others back and stared at the brown box. It had several layers of tape with red text that read: “By opening this Package you hereby commit to... ...federal law and...” she swallowed hard. What the fuck was this? It looked really official and scary.

“Did you find it?” Kate called from the living room.

She freaked. God! What if this was some really crucial FBI stuff or something! What if they were under surveillance right now?! She shook her head, ok now she was being stupid. Kate had probably put this up there...but what if she hadn’t? Maybe Jill had done it herself and forgotten about it? Shit Kate would be pissed if she hadn’t shown her an official looking package like this... damn what if it was a bomb?

Kate’s steps came towards her and she quickly stuffed the package to the farthest back of the cabinet smiling weakly down at her.

“Nothing from Phil?”

“”No, nothing,” she assured her and climbed down. “probably stuck in customs or something.”

“Yeah probably, or it’s in Singapore, you know what Philip’s handwriting’s like,” they both laughed, but Jill couldn’t help thinking about that official looking package.

It was funny how just a few days before Kate had been thinking how relaxed Jill seemed, well apparently the reaction to the Christmas rush had been delayed somewhat but not avoided completely.

She was tense and argumentative, she couldn’t bear being teased, which she always could if she was calm and peaceful. Everything Kate suggested was met with a contrary reply.

It was also annoyingly often that she found her below the cabinet in the hallway, looking at it with an anxious expression – like a child wishing she dared check what was in them. After telling her off three times Kate was astounded at coming home after some last minute shopping on Christmas Eve and finding Jill on a chair reaching for the packages on the top shelf.

“Jill!” Jill stumbled and came crashing down. Luckily Kate caught her before she landed and they stood embracing in the middle of the hallway the chair toppled over and the grocery bags dropped on the floor. Kate kissed the terrified face in front of her and then frowned. “So what’s with the curious kid act?”

“Nothing!” Jill shook her head quickly.

“I told you to keep your nose out of those packages!”

“Damn it! I’m a grown up! If I want to open all my packages today I will!!” Jill snapped and pushed her away. “You’re such a bitch! You never let me do anything! Fuck off!!” she rushed into the bedroom and slammed the door hard.

Kate stared after her and then picked up the grocery bags and the box of chocolates that had fallen out. Raising the chair she sighed and wondered why this had to happen on Christmas Eve. It wasn’t fun having to spank the person you loved the most, the day before Christmas. But they had long ago established that none of them disrespected the other like that.

So after putting the groceries away she took the hairbrush out of the drawer and went over to the bedroom. She knocked lightly on the door before entering.

Jill flinched hard at the knock and swallowed hard. Why had she blown up in her face like that? She knew she could always talk to Kate, but not after treating her like that. The door opened and she closed her eyes.

“I don’t understand why you get like this every Christmas,” Kate’s voice reached her from the door. “Stand up, Jill!” Jill obeyed standing up and trying to keep her knees from folding beneath her.

“I don’t know if you think Christmas time means you get away from behaving like a reasonable adult, but as far as I’m concerned it doesn’t!” Kate continued harshly. “Take off those jeans and then come out in the living room!”

After the lamp had found it’s way into their lives they had moved all spanking sessions into the living room, which was probably very wise seeing as the bed so often invited them to do something other than dealing with Jill’s transgressions.

“Jill!” Kate called after a few minutes. “JILL!!” She had to call three more times before Jill came tiptoeing out of the bedroom wearing only her blouse and panties. “If you think stalling will help your case, you’re very wrong!” she grabbed her arm forcefully and pulled her down over her lap.

Folding the blouse up over her back she hesitated. She closed her eyes trying desperately to stifle the smile that made her lips twitch. Right across the upturned buttocks was written with red letters: Do not open until Xmas! So that’s what she’d been doing while Kate called for her.

When she finally felt sure that her voice would remain stern she spoke: “Right. Well keep them on then, sweetheart, but you’ll get four extra for being cheeky.”

“Aaw... Katy!” she whined, but Kate simply raised the brush and cracked it down hard right across Xmas making Jill howl.

She spanked hard, she needed to let Jill release all the tension she had built up lately, and soon Jill was sobbing and speaking disjointedly. Kate couldn’t quite understand her so she stopped spanking and gently caressed the warm seat of her panties, running her fingers tenderly just underneath the lining.

Jill squirmed as the pain converted into pleasure at the soft, enticing touch. She calmed down quickly and reached a hand back to move Kate’s hand further down. But Kate simply captured it and pinned it to her back, smacking the brush down again on her left cheek.

“Now tell me what’s got you so tense lately? Did you buy something you shouldn’t have? Did you eat all the candy? What?” Kate asked menacingly patting her bottom with the hairbrush.

“Oh,” Jill gulped down a sob and twisted a little under the threat of more spanks. “I... I’m sorry, Katy! I should’ve shown you, we’ve got a package from the FBI!!” she wailed tears suddenly brimming again. “Or at least someone scary! I didn’t know if you’d put it there or if I had, but it looks really official and I knew you’d be angry with me!”

She cried hard and Kate picked her up and hugged her close.

“Oh, sweetie, let’s go have a look, all right?” she pulled her out in the hallway and moved the chair up to the cabinet, “Up you get, and hand it to me.”

“But what, what if it’s a bomb?” Jill whispered.

“Yes, I’m sure the FBI has sent us a bomb sweetheart,” Kate said sarcastically shaking her head in disbelief. “Are you on something?” Jill climbed up and pouting with great conviction she handed the brown box to Kate, who went out in the kitchen to fetch a pair of scissors.

Jill skulked into the living room as Kate cut the official looking tape from the box and took out two neatly wrapped gifts with nice bows.

“Merry Christmas Jill, much love Philip. Merry Christmas Kate, much love... Philip,” Kate read out loud, glancing at her from the corner of her eye. “Did you forget Philip gets lots of office supplies from Ted’s firm, sweetheart?”

“Well Philip should’ve bloody well written his name on the box!”

“Oh, I have a feeling he did and you removed it...” Kate grinned. “Merry Christmas my paranoid little brat!” Jill saw fit to only put out her tongue in response.

The End

(Note: The Sims (TM) computer game I must have back soon!!)

~*~ Meriikurisumasu dano gashou! ~*~

The Haunted Christmas

2009-12-19T20:31:00.000-08:00

Title: The Haunted Christmas

Authors: Natasha and Harmony

Holiday Challenge Prompt: Sleigh

Characters: Jake/Seth, Tilden/Luke/Mike

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I strung the lights across the mantle. We were back in the Ryder house, and even though I'd more or less made peace with the place, it still looked a little spooky, even without the coffins, gravestones, and assorted skeletons.

Who’s idea had it been to decorate the house for Christmas? I couldn’t remember. And more to the point, why had I agreed to help? It was probably a mental lapse after the Halloween incident, plus Jake had wanted me to help. Right now I wanted to stay on the Jake’s good side. At least my butt had stopped hurting. Jake had been none too happy with my failed attempt at getting back at Pauley. No, sir, he hadn’t. Of course, it hadn't helped that I'd skipped class to do it.

This room was the Victorian Christmas room. Heavy velvet ribbon hung elegantly draped over the fir’s branches, and shimmering glass bulbs hung from every limb. I still needed to string the popcorn for the tree, and Jake had made popcorn balls. A few of those had made it to the tree; the ones we didn’t eat.

“Boo!”

I spun around and came face to face with Pauley and his friend Drake. “Shit, Pauley! I thought you and Drake weren’t coming later. And it’s the wrong holiday for that anyway. I’ve had enough frights to last until next year.”

“Oh, Seth, my man, still all pouty over our little Halloween fun. I still can’t believe you fell through the floor.” Pauley broke into peals of laughter.

“Oh, shut up.” I turned back towards the tree. This was one of those stories that was going to live in infamy. Whatever had possessed me to tell Pauley all about my misadventure? No doubt another mental lapse.

“Baby Seth can’t take a little teasing,” Drake said.

Pauley had known Drake for ages; they’d gone to kindergarden together or something. I didn’t think they were great friends, but they lived on the same floor in the dorm, and Drake had broken up with his long term girlfriend in October. Pauley, in his usual generous way, had included Drake in his activities to cheer him up. I hadn't gotten to know him very well during the haunted house project, but ever since Pauley had told him about our prank war and my falling into the secret passage, he hadn't let up making stupid jokes at my expense. I didn't blame his girlfriend for dumping him. How Pauley could tolerate him was beyond me. “For old times’ sake,” Pauley had said when I’d come close to throttling Drake after one too many cracks about creaking coffin lids and moaning ghosts.

“Boys, I thought Christmas was the holiday of peace and good will to all men.”

I peered into the gloom. Even in the middle of the day with all the lights turned on, people could hide in the shadows of this house. Behind Pauley in a murky corner stood three men that I didn’t recognize.

“Uh, sorry,” Pauley said, “I forgot to introduce our new help. “This is Tilden Blake and his two partners, Mike Stoller and Luke Griffith. Tilden’s a relative of Aunt Aetna and comes out to visit every five years or so. I’ve never quite figured out the genealogy.”

“I’m her cousin.” Tilden stepped forward into the brighter light of the Christmas tree bulbs. “You must be Seth. Pauley was telling me all about you, and I’m looking forward to catching up with Jake. We haven’t seen each other for almost ten years.”

I did a double take when Tilden smiled and his eyes turned a near violet shade. That was the guy on Meet Your Mate. Why hadn’t Pauley warned me, and what about Jake? He had to know he had a distant relative on TV, no matter how distant. Jake had never told me that he had another relative who was a top, and how could he not know? The guy advertised it on TV. Of course Jake never watched reality TV; he said it was exploitation, and he didn’t know that I was watching it. He thought I was studying.

“Hi, you’re the guys on Meet Your Mate.” I stumbled over the words. "That threesome from Boston."

“Yeah, that’s us,” Mike said with a wide grin. “Hey, don’t worry. We’re not as exciting or wild as the TV show portrays us. Just normal folk, and we’ve only got one top here.”

Yeah, I thought, I’d seen that top in action, and I hoped Jake didn’t get any ideas. Oh, God, what if Jake tells them? No one knew I was a brat, and I preferred it that way. Never mind the secret passage adventure; if Pauley found out Jake spanked me, I'd never live it down.

“So what do you want us to do?” Tilden asked.

“I thought you could turn the undecorated room into Russian Christmas, the one next to the Elvis room,” Pauley said.

“That’s a great combination -- Elvis and Grandfather Frost,” Mike said with a snort. "I can’t wait to seen this. The Snow Maiden dances to ‘Blue Suede Shoes.’”

“Behave.” Tilden ruffled Mike’s hair. “It’ll be fun. It’s better than admiring Aunt Aetna’s snow globes.”

“Please, if I ever see another snow globe...”

“I know, Misha.” Tilden said with an easy laugh. “It was Luke who wanted to see the ones from California.”

“I was trying to be nice,” Luke whined. “How was I to know that her attic was chock full of them?”

“I was only teasing.” Tilden pulled Luke close and kissed his forehead. “She’s eccentric, but I only thought it was fair my family meet my two partners, and she’s lonely. No young people to brighten her day.”

“Sorry," Luke said, scuffing the floor with the toe of his boot.

Tilden said something in a language I didn’t understand, and both young men smiled. “I also wanted to scream after the third commemorative Rose Bowl snow globe. But she’s a relative, and it’s Christmas -- a small sacrifice for family good will.”

I, like all the rest of my adopted family, avoided Aunt Aetna; not only did she have snow globes, but she also had cats, a vicious black tabby with a tattered ear who bit and a tiger striped monster who wailed all the time.

“So where do we find the supplies?” Tilden asked.

“What do you need?” I said, happy for the change of subject. I’d never been around another top besides Jake, and I was nervous when Tilden chided his brat. How was I supposed to behave around him?

“The usual Christmas stuff: lights, ornaments, tinsel, paper, and paints if you have them. I was hoping to have Luke paint a Russian winter scene to hang on the wall.”

“All the extra supplies are in the basement,” Pauley said. “I know Seth would love to show you the way.”

“Thanks, Pauley,” I spat. It was more than a month since Halloween, and Pauley was still needling me.

“Gentlemen, is there something I need to know about?” Tilden said, giving Pauley and me a hard stare.

“Nothing,” I mumbled, “follow me.” Damn, did I have a sign on my back saying I was a brat? The only good thing about going down the rickety stairs into the basement was the increased darkness made it impossible for Tilden to see my face. I was sure it was bright red.

As I carried the paints and supplies up the stairs, I tried to keep one eye on the secret passage and the other on any other potential hiding space, expecting Pauley or Drake to drop on us at any second. Well maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing, I thought, huffing up the stairs with a armfuls of painting supplies. Tilden didn’t seem shy about the whole topping thing. He’d probably let Pauley and Drake have it. I chuckled to myself; that would be justice.

Tilden and his partners were off creating some elaborate Russian Christmas scene, or at least I imagined it was elaborate with all the supplies they needed. Somehow I’d ended up trying to finish the Victorian Christmas tree. Thank God it wasn’t the Victorian era, not only did they have a hang up about sex, but they strung cranberries on the tree -- hard, little red berries impenetrable to all needles. I stuck myself with a needle for the fifth time in ten minutes. I cursed as my blood dripped on the popcorn.

“I think blood is the wrong holiday,” Drake leered behind me.

“Why don’t you try stringing these cranberries? I’m surprised the Victorians didn’t all die of lockjaw.” I stuck my finger in my mouth and sucked on the wound.

“The ghosts got them first.” Drake had grabbed the sheet we were using for a tree skirt and threw it over his head. “Whooo, I am the ghost of Christmas tetanus victims.”

“Funny. Will you knock it off?”

“Don’t be such a baby.”

“Shut up, Drake.”

“Is there a problem here?” Tilden was leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed.

“No, no problem.” I recognized that body language and didn’t need a full display of toppishness in front of Drake.

“Cranberries giving you trouble?”

“A little.” I shrugged.

“Drake and I will do them.” Tilden gave Drake a sweet smile and turned back to me. “I understand you’re quite the artist. Luke’s sketched out a mural worthy of the Louvre. I’m sure he’d love the help.”

I fled. Anything to get out from under this top’s gaze. Even when he was smiling, he was intimidating. I wished Jake were here.

Tilden hadn’t been kidding when when he said Luke was making an elaborate mural. The onion domes of a Russian orthodox church rose out of a snow covered steppe. A troika with only the faintest outline of the horses sketched out raced along the road. Away from the village and the church was a woodland scene with wildlife decorating a tree and Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden entertaining guests. Almost nothing had been colored. Both the Russian and English names had been penciled in under the figures and scenes, and Mike was busy cutting out letters.

“With Tilden, it has to be educational even during the Christmas holiday,” Mike muttered.

“Wow, this is cool,” I said, enthralled by the intricate detail. “What can I do?”

“You could start painting the village. Bright colors would be best, especially the church domes,” Luke replied, not looking up from his drawing.

I painted the church roofs first, solid gold, red and gold, and red and green. “We’re going to need more paint," I said when I was about three-fourths done and my supplies were running low. "I can’t make any more gold.”

“Maybe we could go on a shopping trip?” Mike stood and stretched. “If I cut out one more Russian letter, I’m going to go crazy.”

“We could run down to the mall,” I said.

“McDonald’s,” Mike said with enthusiasm. “Tilden’s great, but he’s the food police.”

I laughed. At least Jake didn’t monitor my food intake. I had something to be thankful for. I’d seen Tilden trying to cook on the Thanksgiving program. “What do you have, burnt toast every day?”

“No, Trent cooks,” Luke said as he cleaned his brush.

“Who’s Trent?”

“The third top in the household.” Luke replied.

“Not the big, dark-haired guy?”

“No that’s Milton,” Mike said.

“Three tops. Are you guys nuts?”

“Don’t tell the tops, but it’s kind of cool. There’s always someone there if you want it,” Mike said.

I shook my head. Those two had to be insane, plus Tilden seemed strict. He’d given me one hell of a look each time he’d interrupted my mild spatting, and Tilden didn’t even know I was a brat, at least I hoped he didn’t. “Pauley will loan me his car. I’ll go ask him. You two go talk to Tilden.”

“He’s not an ogre.” Mike laughed.

“No, that would be Milton,” Luke added.

“No, that would be Joshua.”

“Who’s Joshua?” I asked, confused and slightly jealous. I could hardly talk about discipline with Jake, and these two bantered it around with no more care than if they were talking about football scores.” I thought Trent and Milton were the other two tops.”

“They are,” Mike answered. “Joshua’s a family friend.”

“And he -- uh -- tops you?” I asked, wanting to know but not wanting to give away my own brat status.

“Only in an emergency, but he’s like Milton; he can’t breathe without being a top.” Mike shrugged. “You get used to it. What about you?”

“No, nothing like that.” I counted the paint tins, trying to hide my nervousness. “I’m just curious.” Both Luke and Mike were giving me long looks, as if they weren’t believing a word I said. Why not tell them? It’d be fun to compare notes. No, I thought, it’s private. I could see telling Luke. He seemed sweet, or at least the little bit of him I’d seen. Mike was too outgoing, pushy. He’d tell Pauley for sure, and then it would be all over.

The mall was teeming with people. I dropped some spare change in a bell ringer’s red bucket as we entered. I didn’t think a few quarters would go very far, but I felt guilty walking buy those earnest guys and gals with bells without making a small offering. “The art supply store is on the second floor.”

“I need to get some more lights,” Drake said. He'd come along ostensibly to buy more strands of white lights, but I thought the real purpose was to get away from stringing cranberries and to bug Mike and Luke. Their status as brats had become his new target. In the car, he'd kept making oblique references to spanking, and I’d thought Mike was going to throttle him.

“Meet us back here in forty-five minutes, Mike said, pointing at the life size cardboard cutout of a reindeer.

“Will the big bad top swat your butt if you’re late?”

“Oh, shut up. That joke’s getting old,” Mike said. “It seemed you were working hard on those cranberries under his eye.”

Drake gave him the middle finger salute and walked off.

“Is he always such a jerk?” Luke asked when Drake was out of earshot.

“Yeah,” I said, “sometimes worse.”

Forty-five minutes later we were back at the reindeer, finishing the last of the McDonald’s. “So where’s the charming Drake?” Mike said, stuffing a fistful of fries in his mouth.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” Luke elbowed Mike.

“He’s always late," I said. "Give him another five minutes, and if he doesn’t show, he’s probably at the Apple store."

We talked about school, comparing our classes and professors, and other safe neutral topics until Luke pointed out the time. “It’s been ten minutes. We promised Tilden we’d be back by one thirty.”

The two visiting brats followed me to the Apple store. If they’d thought the mall was crowded, the Apple store was impossible. People stood five deep in front of the computers; others were dragging black shirted employees around and talking earnestly about the merits of various iPods. We found Drake fiddling with a silver laptop, shooting the breeze with a fellow computer enthusiast.

“Come on, Drake," I said. "We need to go.”

“Give me a minute, Seth.” Drake turned back to the screen and pointed out something to his new friend.

“Drake, please, we need to get back,” Luke said.

“Baby going to piss in his pants if Daddy gets mad?”

Luke turned crimson, and Mike reached out and put his arm around his partner’s shoulders. “Fuck off, you bastard. You either come right now, or you can find your own ride home.”

“You don’t have the guts.”

“Just watch me.” Mike turned and marched out of the store with Luke and me trailing after him.

“Are we really going to leave him?” I said, unlocking the car doors with the key fob.

“I don’t see why not,” Mike muttered. “I gave him plenty of warning.”

I nodded and climbed in the car. Drake was a jerk, but I’d never have the nerve to strand him at the mall. Instead I’d stay and wait for him and then be in trouble for getting back late. Mike didn’t lack nerve.

“Hey, you’re back. I was beginning to think you were purchasing paint by way of Kamchatka,” Tilden said.”Did you find what you needed?”

Luke nodded.

“Where’s Drake?”

Mike and Luke shot quick glances at each other before I chimed in, “He met a friend at the mall. He said he’d find his own way home.” If Jake found out about the lie, I’d be dead meat. Stop worrying, I told myself. Drake will never say anything. Jake had warned Drake several times about his behavior, and they didn’t shoot the breeze together. I’d overheard Jake telling to leave me alone the other day, or he’d make sure we weren’t together.

Tilden nodded, but he gave all three of us a sharp look. I had a sinking feeling that Tilden was suspicious. Lying to a top was never a good idea even if he wasn’t mine.

“I need to take Aetna to the beauty parlor, and Pauley said he had to get to band practice. You might want to take the keys up to him, Seth. I’ll be back in an hour or so.” Tilden kissed each of his brats on the cheek as he headed out the door.

Pauley must have heard us because he came trotting down the stairs as soon as Tilden left. “Jake called and said he’d stop by after work. You can get a ride home with him. I’ll see you.” He was gone in a flurry of jackets and cold air.

The work went fast with three people and no one draping themselves in sheets or jumping out of coffins. I enjoyed working with Luke and Mike. Luke was a good artist, and Mike freely admitted he had no talent but was willing to fetch and carry, clean brushes, mix colors, and paint any large solid colored area. The scene soon took shape. The sleigh blazed down the road; I could imagine the horses’ bells tinkling in the crisp air and the wind ruffling their manes.

“Boys.” A quiet voice with a distinct chill broke the silence. Tilden was standing behind us, his expression stern. “Put your paints away and come talk to me in the other room.”

I saw both Mike and Luke’s heads drop in a hurry and heard a whispered, “Yes, sir.” Tilden didn’t move; he stood behind us like a frozen ice statue. As we put the last brush into the water, he herded us into the other room and pointed at the pink velvet sofa. I hated this sofa. Pauley had found it abandoned on the side of the road, and we'd nearly broke our backs getting it loaded in the truck.

“Sit. Do you want to tell me who I ran into on the side of the road?”

I glanced at Mike and Luke. This was their top. They could answer. I didn’t think I was in the direct line of fire, but his glare was making me wish I could vanish up the chimney like St Nick.

“Luke.”

“I don’t know, sir.” His eyes were huge, and I could tell they were swimming with tears.

“Do you three want to lie to me again?”

His glare was more frightening in person than it had been on TV. I tried to school my face into my most innocent expression.

“Should we start again? Why did Drake not come back with you from the mall?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mike try to catch Luke’s eye. Luke was playing with the strings of his Banner College sweatshirt, his cheeks red. Tilden said something in Russian that I didn’t understand but made Luke and Mike look like they wanted to crawl under the sofa.

“He was being a fucking asshole,” Mike muttered.

Tilden grabbed Mike and jerked him off the sofa. I shrank back against the arm. I didn’t want to be in this top’s path. I drew my knees against my chest, curling into a small ball; I wanted Jake. He’d be disappointed; I probably get spanked for my part in this misadventure, but I don’t know... Tilden frightened me. He’d sat down in the arm chair and tipped Mike over his knee. At least he hadn’t pulled the poor guy’s pants down.

“Do we need to finish this conversation with you looking at the floor?” Tilden punctuated each word with a swat. I know I was wincing at the sound of each swat, and Luke looked close to tears.

“It was just as much my fault as Mike’s. Stop! This isn’t fair.” Luke stood up and grabbed at Tilden’s arm.

“Luka, do you need to stand in the corner?”

“No, but it’s not fair.”

“Why?” Tilden’s voice was calm. He had stopped spanking Mike but hadn’t let him up.

“I was just as much involved as Mike.”

“Luka, I know you were both involved. All three of you participated in this folly." Tilden’s gaze fell on me, and I quickly went back to studying my lap. "That’s now why I spanked Misha. Mishenka, can you tell Luke what this is about?"

Mike’s voice sounded thick with tears, but he was far more together than I would’ve been over Jake’s lap. “I’m supposed to talk with you when I’m in trouble, not snap and get ugly.”

“Thank you,” Tilden rocked Mike to his feet and hugged him close. He kissed both his brats’ foreheads. “Are you two OK now?” He said something else in Russian that brought a small smile to Luke’s face. He guided both his brats back to the sofa. “Luka, you know you’re not to interfere when I need to discuss somethings with Misha.”

Luke nodded, his face red.

“I’d like you to write an essay on why you don’t interfere.” Tilden ruffled his hair. “Trust me. I know what you need, and if I mess up, Milton will have my head.”

Both Tilden’s brats smiled at that.

Shit. Tilden was now looking at me. He squatted in front of me and set his hand on my knee. If I could’ve faded into the horsehair stuffing of the sofa, I would’ve.

“You’ve not met another top, have you?”

“No.” My voice was tiny, and I felt disconnected from it.

“I have enough of my own trouble; I’m not looking for more.” Tilden gave me a half smile. “I just want to know what happened. It’s up to Jake to sort you out.” He gave me another half smile and stood up. “So what did happen, boys?”

“We bought the art supplies like we said, and Drake went to buy lights,” Luke said in a quiet but clear voice. “We arranged to meet, so we could get back in time.”

“I assume he didn’t show up,” Tilden said. “Did you make an effort to find him?”

“Yes, he was in the Apple store,” Luke said slowly.

Tilden waited, wanting us to fill in the rest of the details. “And you just left him in the Apple store?” he finally asked.

“No, we tried to get him to come with us.” Mike swung his foot against the sofa.

“And I imagine he refused to come. What did he say?”

We all looked at each other. None of us wanted to talk about the conversation.

“Seth, you haven’t contributed. What did Drake say?”

I swallowed hard and cleared my throat. “He called Luke daddy’s baby said he’d piss in his pants if you were mad.” I sniffled and blinked back tears.

Tilden gently traced a finger down Luke’s face. “I understand why you left him. All three of you are brats. You're not children; you don't play at being daddy’s little boy. I never see a brat that way, nor does any top who understands his role. Drake was being intentionally hurtful. He was the child here, but you still can’t leave someone to walk home in freezing weather.”

“I offered him a ride,” Mike complained. “He wouldn’t come. I figured he’d catch the bus or call a friend.”

“What should you have done?”

“Called you.”

“Right. He didn’t have his wallet or cell phone, and was wearing only a light jacket. I picked him up on the side of the road. I don’t think the punishment for obnoxious and childish behavior should be frostbite,” Tilden said.

We all nodded. I think we were too ashamed to say anything else.

Tilden reached into his pocket and flipped me his cell phone. “Call Jake. Tell him I’ll keep an eye on you until he gets here.”

I think that was meant to be reassuring, but I found it more than slightly frightening. I fumbled with the keys and punched in a number I knew by heart, followed by an extension. “Jake,” I said as soon as I heard the phone picked up.

“Seth, little one, what’s the matter?”

“I need you.” I couldn’t make myself say any more. I hoped he’d just come; I didn’t feel able to explain over the phone.

“Where are you?”

“At the Ryder house.”

“Why don’t you go home?” Jake knew how I felt about this house.

“Um -- I can’t.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” I could hear Jake’s effort at patience. He didn’t like to play twenty questions.

I swallowed hard. How did I explain this? I glanced at Tilden who must have seen my look of panic because he made a motion for the phone. Both relieved and concerned about what he might reveal, I handed the phone to Tilden.

“Jake, this is Tilden.”

I couldn’t tell what Jake was saying, but it must have been something about not knowing his distant cousin was in town because Tilden explained he’d only arrived yesterday and that he was looking forward to catching up with everyone.

“I’ve got your brat here, and he and my brats, shall we say, ended up in a spot of trouble. He’s fine, but he’d be happier if you were here.” There was a pause as Tilden listened. He made a noncommittal noise of agreement and broke the connection. “He’ll be here as soon as he can. Let’s go into the kitchen.”

The kitchen was the one somewhat modern room in the house, probably having been redone in the fifties or early sixties. We weren't going to use it as part of the tour, and the counter and table were cluttered with junk. Tilden pointed to the table and shifted the spare light bulbs, extra boxes of tinsel, and a stray witch from Halloween to give us room to sit. He gave the grime encrusted coffee maker a disgusted look before hauling it to the sink and scraping out the molded coffee grounds. We all sat at the table, too stunned to even offer our assistance. Mike had reached across the table and taken Luke’s hand. I suddenly felt very alone. Tilden must have noticed because after he spooned out the last of the grounds he walked behind me and squeezed my shoulder.

“I’m not very happy that you three all lied to me, but it’s not the end of the world. I’m sure Jake will be good about it; he seemed reasonable on the phone.”

Good about it was a quaint way to put it. I was going to get spanked, and two strange brats and a top knew all about it.

Tilden passed us a package of paper and a couple of pens that he’d scrounged from a drawer. “Write a paragraph on exactly what happened today, and how it could have been prevented.” He held his hand out to Luke. “Come with me.”

Luke grasped the hand, his eyes down. I saw Mike run his hand down Luke’s back as his fellow brat walked by. I watched, both horrified and fascinated. Luke must have felt my eyes on his back because he turned around and and gave me a half grin, even though his eyes were wet with unshed tears. “I’ll be OK,” he mouthed to me and gave me the thumbs up sign with his free hand.

“I won’t kill him. I promise,” Tilden said as he closed the kitchen door. I heard the thud of the hall door, and then the house reverberated with the sounds of a John Denver Christmas. Tilden must have found the portable CD player. The stairs creaked. I could imagine Tilden guiding his blond-haired partner up stairs and out of earshot.

Unfortunately he wasn’t out of earshot. I jerked as the sound of a hand against bare flesh penetrated the ceiling followed by a stifled yelp.

“It’ll be over quick. Tilden’s good at this,” Mike said. His voice sounded confident, but when I looked up from my paper, where I’d only managed a few lines, he was scrunched up in the chair and gripping his pen in a crushing grip. A louder yell escaped from upstairs, and we both flinched.

“Shit. How do you do this?”

“The other tops,” Mike grunted. I wasn’t sure what he meant, but we were both concentrating on pretending that we couldn’t hear what was going on upstairs. That took precedence over civilized conversation.

It seemed like ages, but according to my watch, less than fifteen minutes had passed when Tilden walked back in the kitchen, his arm draped over Luke’s shoulders. Luke leaned against his partner. His cheeks were red, and his eyes looked bloodshot, but he gave me a small smile when he caught me looking at him as if he thought he needed to cheer me up. He was the one who’d been spanked in public, and he was trying to raise my spirits.

Luke sat down with a badly hidden wince. Mike stood and wrapped his arms around Luke, kissing his cheek. To my surprise, Tilden ruffled my hair and whispered, “Hang in there. Jake will be here shortly.”

I felt my cheeks coloring, and then against my will a few tears spilled over my lashes. I buried my head in my hands.

“Do you want me to sit with you until Jake comes?” Tilden asked.

“No,” I said with false bravado, shaking my head fiercely. I wasn’t going to make Mike wait any longer. Tilden had one arm around Mike, who looked surprisingly calm and collected for a brat who knew he was going to be spanked. Even Luke, who’d just been spanked, was calmer than I was. Luke scooted his chair towards me, and I felt him put his hand on my knee.

“You’re safe with us,” Luke said, sounding far older and wiser than his twenty years accounted for. “Our tops have seen everything. You don’t need to hide.”

“I hope not everything. I can think of a few things I’d rather not see,” Tilden bantered back with him. Tilden rubbed my neck; his hand was hot. “Talk to Luke. He understands this.” He bent down and kissed the top of my head. I probably should have flinched. Here was a strange man kissing me, but it felt safe. Somehow they were all trying to tell me I was in their protected circle, or at least that’s what I thought they meant.

Tilden must have been satisfied that I'd managed to rein in my fragile emotions because he disappeared upstairs with Mike. The same horrid noises wafted down the stairs and swirled around the house like lost ghosts. Luke jumped when he heard Mike cry, but he was doing a remarkable job of looking nonchalant for my benefit. After the third or fourth wail, I gave up, hid my face in my hands, and let the tears flow unchecked. I felt Luke’s hands on my shoulder as he rubbed, trying to calm me, the useless and hysterical brat.

I was crying so hard that I didn’t hear the car pull up or the door open. The next thing I felt were strong arms around my waist, and I was pulled onto Jake’s lap. He smelled faintly of cologne and office copy paper, and I unashamedly buried myself in his broad chest. He didn’t try to make sense of my crying, he just stroked my hair and murmured reassurances in my ear.

A few minutes later, Mike came back in the kitchen, wrapped in Tilden’s arms, his face partially hidden in his top’s sweater. I’d been crying so hard I hadn’t heard the spanking stop. Luke flew into Tilden’s arms, and they all three stood tangled together like a six legged mythological beast.

Tilden unwound himself from his partners to get a hand free. He shook Jake’s hand. “It’s been a long time.”

“Too long,” Jake said, keeping me tucked against his body. “I’m sorry it had to be like this.”

“It happens,” Tilden said with a easy smile. “We all learn from it, and it’s over. Did Seth tell you what happened?”

“No.”

“I lied to Tilden,” I blurted out, ashamed.

“You didn’t do it alone, Seth.” Tilden’s voice was warm with a touch of humor. “You had two accomplices.”

“What happen, little one? You’re usually truthful,” Jake said as he kissed my forehead.

“Drake was being a jerk, and we left him at the mall.”

“Where did the lying come in?”

“I told Tilden he found a ride home with friends.”

“Wait,” Tilden interrupted. “My two little urchins did nothing to enlighten me about the truth either.”

“So how did Tilden find out about this debacle?” Jake asked.

“I picked Drake up on the side of the road.”

“I see,” Jake said dryly, “one frozen jerk and a world class lie to a top. I think I have the picture.”

I buried myself back in Jake’s arms. I could feel the tears threatening again.

“We’re going to run down to the bakery.” Tilden hustled his two brats into their jackets, and they were gone in seconds.

“That was nice of them,” Jake said as we listened to the the sound of tires on the snow covered drive.

“He spanked them while I was here.”

“I think they’re used to it.” Jake stroked my hair. “Did that bother you, little one?”

“You--you'd never do that would you? You’d never tell anyone?”

“Not unless you wanted me to.”

“I don’t want Pauley or your mom and dad to know.”

“They won’t,” Jake reassured me.

“But Tilden knew right away.”

“He’s an experienced top. He did nothing in front of Pauley or Drake that gave you away, did he?”

“No, but they’re so out about it.”

“They’re on national television,” Jake said with a snort. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to call a new conference.” Jake laughed and kissed me. “Let’s get this done. I don’t think they can spend hours at the bakery.”

“You’re going to spank me?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Because I lied to Tilden and abandoned Drake.”

“I’m more concerned about the lie. I know Drake.”

“I think Tilden was more upset about the lie too,” I said, playing with the buttons on Jake's shirt. “He separated Drake out from us this morning. They spent an hour stringing cranberries together.”

“Tilden deserves a medal,” Jake muttered. “He’s a good top. He was trying to keep you out of trouble. Were you two fighting?”

“Not really.”

Jake raised an eyebrow at me. “I’m going to let that slide because Tilden didn’t feel it was worth mentioning, but I’ve told you many times to stay away from him if he’s bothering you.”

“Why does Pauley hang out with him?”

“My brother doesn’t have the heart to tell him to go away. Stand up, Seth. Let’s get this done.”

I let Jake push me off his lap and before I knew it I was facing the floor, my pants around my ankles. A cold breeze blew across my exposed butt, and then his hand fell. Jake spanked hard and fast, and I was sobbing long before he stopped.

“OK, little one, no more lying to distant relatives.” Jake drew me to my feet and enfolded me in his strong arms. He guided me into the Victorian Christmas room and drew me down with him on the sofa. I laid my head in his lap while he stroked my hair.

I must have dozed off because I woke with a jolt at the sound of laughter from the kitchen. They were singing something with words I didn’t recognize, probably a Russian folk tune from the sound of it. Luke and Mike came charging through the room and thankfully ignored me as they disappeared into the Russian Christmas room. Tilden trailed behind them, carrying a box of pastries.

“Are you doing OK, little one?” His eyes were kind with a warmth that I couldn’t describe.

I nodded, struggling to sit up.

“Have a pastry. It’s a tradition in our family.” Tilden held the open box in front of my nose.

I took a small lime tart. I didn’t feel hungry, but I didn’t want to be rude. “I’m sorry,” I choked out, keeping my eyes down on my lap.

“Seth, look at me.” When I didn’t raise my head, I felt Tilden’s hand on my knee. He squeezed lightly. “Look at me,” he repeated.

I looked up.

“Do I look angry or upset?”

I searched his face for anger or disgust. “No.”

“It’s over and done with. Now, let’s get on with decorating this house. Luke would really like your help.”

I let Tilden pull me off the sofa and into a hug. I wanted to thank him for his kindness, but I couldn’t find the words. He must have known because he hugged me tighter before letting me go.

“Go on now, brat.” Tilden gave me a friendly swat on the butt. “Go help my disasters.”

Luke and Mike were sprawled across the floor, painting the mural and chatting in a combination of Russian and English. They both looked up when they heard the door.

“Finally escaped the eyes of the tops,” Luke said with a friendly grin.

“Yeah.” I nodded.

“You didn’t get the box of pastries. What kind of brat are you? Sheldon would have had the box for sure,” Mike said.

I started to shuffle my feet, embarrassed that I hadn’t fulfilled some kind of brat code when Mike burst out laughing.

“I’m only teasing, you goof. I think I’ve had my quota of junk food. Come help.” He waved a brush at me. “You’re the artist. I’m only a poor substitute.”

I knelt on the floor, and soon we were all painting. Mike and Luke were telling tall tales, or at least I hoped tall tales, about their lives with three tops. We were all laughing hysterically over the Mike’s description of Tilden thwarting Fiona when Jake and Tilden came in the room.

“Boys, we’d liked to get this done before next Christmas,” Jake teased.

“Oh, yes, sir. Very good, sir,” Mike shot back as we dissolved in another hopeless fit of laughter.

“Leave them. It’s a coffee and sugar overdose,” Tilden said with mock seriousness. “I’ve seen it before. The prescription is three to four hours without being hassled by tops, and they’ll be as right as rain. Have fun, boys. We’ll be stringing cranberries.” He made the cranberries sound like a brutal form of punishment, and we laughed again.

Somehow we finished the mural with only one or two minor accidents from giddiness. I found myself feeling more and more comfortable as the day went on. I was looking forward to spending more time with them on their visit. Maybe Jake and I could even go out East and visit them sometime.

That prospect was a little daunting, though. It would be hard for Jake and I to keep our relationship private in such an open household, and I wasn't sure I wanted several more strange tops and brats knowing about us. But it felt good having Tilden, Luke, and Mike know. Even if we never talked about it again, it had been freeing, for once, to share the secret.

The Best Gift

2009-12-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

Author: Carol

Characters: Dillon and Gary

We were watching ‘A Christmas Story’; it’s one of Dillon’s favorites. He was laying out on the floor eating the home made rum balls my sister had sent us along with an assorted amount of cookies, candies, and my favorite honey nuts. I was sitting on the sofa in my night pants with my feet resting on Dillon’s butt. Every now and then I would jiggle his butt with my feet making him laugh like a five year old.

“Why do you like this so much?” I asked him when he erupted into a fit of giggles watching Santa used his foot to push a kid down the slide. I thought the whole show was nonsense, but who am I to spoil Dillon’s seasonal fun.

Dillon turned his head to look at me and scrambled up to his hands and knees and crawled over to me. He then sat up between my legs looking at me. He was so handsome with his bangs in his eyes, a light glow on his face--probably because of the rum balls and the brandy he’d been consuming, “Because I was the one who almost shot his eye out.” He said pointing to a small scare on the outside of his left eye.

Cupping my hands around his face I pulled him toward me and bent forward to kiss the small scar, “All better now?” I asked. He gave me a pout and shook his head no. I then kissed his eye, “How about now?” He again gave me the pouty lips and a headshake. I kissed his nose, “There?” He shook his head no. We did this until I took his mouth to mine. We kissed; I pulled him back with me until Dillon was straddling my hips. We kissed hard for a while, and it was Dillon who finally broke the kiss. He licked his lips and laid his head on my shoulder. He let out a loud yawn, and I pulled the pink throw blanket around him. He yawned again and snuggled deeper into my neck. I gently rubbed his back up and down thinking about all the silly little things he does that make me laugh.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked as I pulled the blanket up around his naked shoulders.

“The best gift I ever got,” I told him with a smile. The blanked slipped back down his shoulder, so I pulled back up to keep him warm.

“What was that?” He asked with a small hint of hurt in his voice.

“You” I said kissing his nose.

“Yeah, you’re my best gift too.” He got up and headed toward the bedroom. “Well you and that MP3 player I got last year,” he said with a wag of his ass.

“Brat!” I yelled as I chased after him.