“Peter and I chose some pieces that worked for us, and we took our old sofa down to the workshop.” Brandon seemed so pleased. “What do you think?”
“It’s an inviting space. I feel very comfortable. I like it a lot. I also like that you’re consulting with Peter that way. I’m sure you’re going to scoff at me, but everyone can see how good he is for you.” Brandon had always been comfortable in his skin, but he hadn’t always been so relaxed.
“He’s the other half of my soul.” And that was that. There was no room for doubt in Brandon’s voice.
He looked Brandon in the eye and gave a sure nod. “I’m happy for you. Both. He’s a lucky boy. Now tell me about that arm. They’ve casted you, hm? Peter says you’re following doctor’s orders?”
“They did, and I’m so friggin’ tired of it I could scream. This is ridiculous.”
“I wish I could say I was shocked, but I expected it. How are you getting work done? Is Peter holding down the fort?” Brandon had to be losing his mind.
“Peter is working like a dog. He’s trying to convince me to go on a vacation. Just go for a few weeks and be free.”
“Do it. Have you ever? Together I mean?” He and Neil hadn’t been on a vacation as such, but they’d been camping, and they’d done weekends at a beach rental a few times. “You really should. Getting out of the city can be so refreshing.”
“I’m thinking about it. Just heading for the coast.” Brandon chuckled and shook his head. “I’m not working, right?”
“Exactly. No time like the present. I’m thinking about taking the boys up to the cabin this weekend before Neil has to go back to work.” Alain in the wild was an intriguing idea.
“Oh, to be a fly on that wall.” Brandon’s smile was purely wicked. “You need anything from the shop?”
“Oh. That’s a thought. I have a pretty good toybox, but you know what might be neat? A little paddle for Alain’s pretty ass that I can give to Neil. He’s been fun to watch; it’s a whole other side of him, you know? I don’t know how he makes that switch in his head.” But he planned to ask.
“No? I have quite a few customers who switch. One couple in particular are both switches and have a great time exploring their needs together.” Brandon began to chuckle, face lighting up. “I swear, their conversations as they shop tickle the shit out of me.”
“I just mean with three of us…how he manages both of these things at the same time. I’ve been trying to be clear with him, but… I’m still learning.” He leaned toward Brandon in his chair. “I took Alain out on my own today on purpose. I want to spend some time with him, get to know him better, figure out what it is about him that is drawing me in.”
“I think that’s a great idea. If you three want to be three—y’all have to enjoy being together. Tell me, does Neil top like a good-guy police officer? All fatherly authority?”
He laughed. “Fatherly isn’t far off. Spankings, admonishments. He’s got a lovely rapport with the boy. I…well, I plan to push Alain just a little harder. But, that’s me, right? I need to see what Alain can handle. I want to know his limits. Frankly, I’m hoping he still has limits.” Cyrus would have worked with the boy on that, physically, psychologically.
“Cyrus wouldn’t have handed him over if he didn’t. He’s picky on that front.” Brandon seemed supremely unconcerned. “He’s picky on a lot of fronts. That’s why he’s the pro.”
“You’re right, of course. But you know how it is; you need to hear them once so you know you can trust them, right?” He wanted to have some fun and dig a little deeper too. He wanted to explore that sensual vibe Alain carried with him everywhere. He wasn’t looking for a rough scene at all, not unless that was what Alain wanted, or needed. He had rough with his Neil, when shit at work brought Neil to his knees, or when he couldn’t do his job the way he needed to.
“If you’re going to be able to keep your own head in the scene, yes. Though I don’t think the kind of work you’ll be doing with the boy will require a word for safety reasons.”
“Mm. No. I suppose we’ll see.” He sat back in his chair. “You should see Neil though. He’s amazing. And happy. He and Alain fit so well, and Neil is finally getting everything he needs. Under my roof. That’s the goal, right?”
“Everyone’s goal is different, but you seem less angry, so I’m all over it.”
What? His eyebrow shot up. “Was I angry?”
Brandon opened his hands, leaving the conversation open, relaxed. “I felt like you were. Perhaps it was frustration, but those are close to the same things, in my mind.”
“Hm.” He gave himself a minute to think about that because this was one of his safe spaces, here with a Dom he trusted. A friend. “I wanted to be enough for him. I didn’t get it.”
“I think it would be tough for me.” Brandon frowned a touch. “Although, to be honest, I have a way harder time understanding Neil’s brain. That seems so hard—to want to submit and dominate at the same time.”
“I couldn’t understand it until I saw him with Alain—until we spent some intimate time together. I thought I just wasn’t wired that way, but now I think I just needed to give myself permission.” He already cared about Alain, it felt natural to take it deeper, especially with Neil leading the way.
“I’m pleased for you both, all three.” Brandon winked at him. “You are going to be a busy man.”
“I am.” But given that his inability to understand Neil had kept them apart for six months, he was looking forward to being busy. He grinned at Brandon. “I feel so greedy.”
“It’s a good look for you.”
They stopped a minute, and then they both cracked up.