“I’ll meet you. I see you here on Find My. Be there in ten. Maybe fifteen.” A car door closed, and the traffic noise grew distant.
“I’m here. Do you want me to go grab you something? Coffee? Cookies?”
“Yes, please. A nice hot oat-milk latte. Something with cinnamon in it. And a brownie.” Isaac snuck in the second part sounding guilty.
“Sounds good. I’ll grab it and meet you at a table.”
It felt a little naughty, a little wicked, to be meeting Isaac like this, having a treat. They’d have to bring Chou something special all his own.
He got a refill on his drink, M’sieur’s latte, a brownie, plus a little cherry turnover deal that had been calling his name, then he went to sit in the late afternoon sun and wait.
Isaac came through the door just a few minutes later looking a little tired despite his smile. “Hey there.” He got a kiss on the cheek before Isaac shrugged out of his coat. “This is nice. A little breather at the end of the week.”
“Yes, Sir! One brownie and one latte for you.” He smiled for his M’sieur. “I reckon I’ll bring something to sweeten Chou’s mood too.”
“Chocolate chunk. The big ones are his favorite from this place. But I think his mood will improve when we walk in together. We’ll just give him no choice.” Isaac sat and took a long sip of his coffee. “Oh, that hits the spot.”
“He fell and bumped hisself. Lord, that makes him mad.” Like teasing a bull.
Isaac nodded, smiling indulgently. “I know. He’s got a temper, he doesn’t have a lot of patience, he gets anxious…it’s been the same as long as I’ve known him. But he’s doing well, don’t you think?”
“Yes, Sir. He’s lost a lot—work, friends, feeling good—it sucks.” And soon they would be running a restaurant, having a place to make new neighborhood friends.
“But he’s gained me and you, and freedom from that job, safety…in all the ways that really matter, so he’s better off than he was. He’ll see it soon; I know he will.” Isaac shrugged. “And he’s happier than he’s ever been with just me. You make him happy. You’re what he was missing.”
“And you too? I helped with your missing spots too, M’sieur?”
“Oh, Alain.” M’sieur reached across the table and tangled their fingers. “You helped with missing spots I didn’t even know I had. You are the best surprise I’ve ever been given.”
Oh, didn’t that feel so good? He held onto Isaac’s hand. “You make me proud, eh? To be y’all’s?”
“I’m glad to hear that. I think we smooth out each other’s rough edges pretty well, hm?” Isaac kissed his fingers and let them go to pick up his brownie. “So do you think we’ll get him to go out tonight? Just casual. I was thinking tacos.”
“I was hoping so. I didn’t cook because he loves his Friday tacos a lot, our Chou.”
“Good. I hope so too. How’s your…is that pie?”
“Yes, Sir. A cherry hand pie. Want a bite?” He hadn’t even tried it yet.
“I’ll trade for a bite of brownie.” Isaac pushed the chocolaty thing over.
“That’s fair.” He handed his treat over, taking his little bite of brownie. Oh, rich. Dark. He approved.
“I got a call from Master Cyrus today. He has a new boy of his own. Someone he met through a friend I think.”
“Oh? That’s cool.” Master Cyrus had friends? Really? Impressive.
“I thought so. He’s always working with subs. I had to wonder why he hadn’t found one of his own. But I guess he’s pretty intimidating, so it probably takes a special boy. You did well there, but I’m glad Cyrus asked me to look after you.”
“I needed two Doms to take care of and love, M’sieur. One wasn’t enough.”
“Apparently I needed two boys. Who knew?” Isaac grinned and sipped his tea. “Why don’t you get that cookie for Neil, and we’ll head home.”
“I will. He ought to be done with his therapies for the week. Yay!” He bounced his way up to the counter for the cookie.
When he got back, M’sieur had wrapped up their goodies too, and gave him a sheepish grin. “I might be a little eager to see him.”
“We can share the yummies in bed tonight.” He loved that part of them best—where they cuddled together and watched movies and talked about everything and nothing at all.