Odd Man Out


Co-written by: Brad and LJ

Thanks to Carol for writing Jason.

Special thank-you to our betas, Mel & Sean.



Travis splashed cold water over his swollen eyes and patted them dry with the soft towel handed to him. He turned to look at his very red butt in the mirror, assessing the damage. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t earned the sound spanking Callum had just administered. After all, he had thrown a first-class paddy; Callum’s words for a good old-fashioned temper tantrum.

He glanced up and sent the other reflection in the mirror a watery smile. “I really am sorry, Callum. The supper you prepared sure didn’t deserve to be tossed across the kitchen.”

Pulling his Brat into his arms, Callum kissed the tear-streaked face. “It’s taken care of, luv. You cleaned up the mess you made and you’ve been forgiven, so no need to keep apologizing. Although we’re both disappointed with not having found a new housekeeper, I don’t believe it is my cooking that has been upsetting you.”

Travis leaned against the broad chest of his lover and sighed deeply. His backside was throbbing; his eyes still stinging and his nose wouldn’t stop running, but here in his Top’s arms he felt a sense of peace and contentment. “You’re right. Even though I am missing Mrs. Mills, there is nothing here at home that has me getting this worked up.”

He meekly followed where he was taken and soon found himself lying on their comfortable bed, securely ensconced in his partner’s loving embrace once again.

“Can you talk about it, pup?” Callum patiently inquired. He strongly suspected what the problem was, but felt it best for his Brat to unburden himself.

“It’s work,” Travis practically groaned the words. “I enjoy my duties and truly love meeting all the folks here in our new home town. My supervisor, Donna Phillips, is just great.”

“But,” Callum softly prompted.

“Okay then; ‘but’ for an older lady, she’s a lot of fun.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” Callum landed a light swat on Travis’ hip and smiled back at the cheeky grin he got in return.

“Well, I am the new kid on the block so to speak. I applied for and got a position others might feel they were more deserving of.”

“Did they have the level of training and experience you have?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Hmm, there’s that ‘but’ again.” Callum realised his boy needed prodding and provided it.

“Yeah, I know. Like I already told you when I started at the post office, there are two guys working out back. One has been there for over three years and the other for almost a year. I’d like to be friends with them, if for no other reason than to keep a pleasant atmosphere. One that at the moment is kind of stressful.”

“Why is that, luv?”

“Just the cold glares, the whispering behind my back…gets to a person after a while. It’s been over six weeks now.”

“And are you anticipating anything more?” Callum felt the man in his arms shrug. Frowning down at his Brat, he spoke with more firmness than he had been. “Are you?”

Travis slowly shook his head. “I’m really not sure….practical jokes maybe?” He sat up suddenly and looked down at his Top. “And before you even suggest it, there is definitely no way I am going to mention any of this to Donna.”

“I wasn’t going to, pup. But had I suggested it, you would have done so. Right?” Callum raised his eyebrow in belief of his order being complied with.

For several moments, Travis waged an intent staring contest with the older man. But he soon capitulated by breaking eye contact, and slumped down on his partner’s shoulder. “Like I’d have a choice,” he grumbled.

“You wouldn’t,” Callum chuckled at the younger man’s exaggerated pout. “I expect you to keep me up-to-date with what’s going on, pup. Hopefully we can avoid another blow-out.”

“I guess that’s a good idea,” Travis agreed around a yawn. “I’m tired and want to sleep now.” He snuggled closer, feeling safe and well cared-for by this man he loved with all his heart.

Callum spent the next fifteen or twenty minutes lulling his lover to sleep by silently massaging Travis’ back. When he was satisfied his partner was sleeping soundly, he got up and left the room to continue his search on-line for a suitable housekeeper. He was looking for someone to live-in; would even help them relocate if need be, and gender wasn’t an issue. He acknowledged his expectations were high, but he paid well and would only accept the best.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Travis sat back in his chair and smiled as a slight breeze played over his face, providing some relief to the mid-summer heat. He was enjoying his morning break out on the small loading dock behind the mail-sorting room.

His mind wandered over the events of the past few weeks. His new boss, Postmistress Donna Phillips was a real ‘gem’ in Travis’ books. She had wanted to make changes to the way things were done at the post office for some time and had encouraged his suggestions, even putting a couple into practice.

This week’s shift consisted of Travis opening up at six in the morning and working until three in the afternoon. He would also work six to noon on Saturday. Donna would work from eight to five with Saturday off. Next week, they’d switch. It seemed to be going well for both of them.

The two sorters would also arrive at six each morning, Monday to Friday, and work until noon. They would assist with hauling in the bags of mail waiting on the dock; then begin distributing the various letters and packages to each of the eight rural-route carriers’ table. Each carrier would be responsible for putting their own mail in order according to their delivery routes.

Next, the mail for the individual postal boxes had to be sorted. There was no delivery within town limits, so someone from every business and home in Jade Heights came to the post office to pick up their mail. It afforded Travis the opportunity to meet the folks and was his favourite part of the job.

His least favourite at the moment, involved the two young men seated several feet from him and quietly talking at a small table. He understood their resentment even as he found it unpleasant having to deal with their treatment of him.

Doug Heany, at twenty-five was two years younger than Travis and the senior sorter. He was single but had a girlfriend and together they had a baby daughter. It was Travis’ understanding that Doug had hoped to acquire the position of assistant postmaster in order for him and the love of his life to get married.

Jason Copeland was three years Travis’ junior and only a few months past his probationary time at the post office. Travis had been told that like him, Jason was gay and had a partner.

Doug and Jason sat across from each other one, furtively glaring at the older man sitting at the other end of the dock but not really concerned if he noticed.

“I still don’t think it’s fair that they hire an outsider and someone from another country at that, instead of seeing if you or I were qualified for the position,” Doug quietly complained as he munched on a cracker.

“Yeah,” Jason agreed, glancing over at the new assistance postmaster. “He’s been a pain since he arrived, changing the layout to suit his taste.” He snapped the lid shut on the container of crackers. “You know, I bet we can get him to quit if we try hard enough.” He grinned slyly at his co-worker.

“What do you have in mind?” Doug asked as he stood up in preparation of returning to work.

“Not sure yet; give me a few days to see what I can find out about him,” Jason told his friend as he closed up his snack bag. “Just look and then laugh,” he said when he saw Travis glance their way.

Doug’s eyes shot over toward where Travis sat. A smile crossed his face and he broke into a hearty laugh. Jay laughed along with him and he gave Doug a slap on the back as they made their way to the back door.

Once inside the building, Jason turned to Doug. He was having second thought about his little plan. “No matter what happens, we’re into this together; right?” If this went wrong, he did not want to be the only one in trouble.

“Of course; it’s all for one and one for all,” Doug assured him as he held out his hand to seal the bargain.

They quickly got back to their jobs when they saw Travis following them in a few moments later.

Travis smiled when Superintendent Chad Cavanaugh dropped in to pick up the daily mail for the mine. He had learned that Chad or Kipper would usually be the ones to do so, but now and again the chore would fall to Kipper’s young nephew, Kyler. It had been a challenge, but Travis was steadily getting acquainted with everyone and matching faces to names.

Concentrating on his own duties, Travis soon became absorb in what he was doing and for the time being, forgot about the two men working out back.

It was a little past twelve when Jason headed into the small room used as an office by the admin staff, to retrieve his skateboard from behind the door. Out of habit he scanned the room, his eyes stopping on Donna’s desk when he saw a file with Travis’ name written on the flap. Glancing behind to make sure no one was watching him; he stepped closer to look at the personnel information sheet. He read it quickly, flipping over the page in hopes of finding something interesting that he could put to good use.

There was nothing much. Travis is not allergic to anything; he’s gay and his partner, Callum Powell, is a teacher and they last resided in England.

Grabbing what he had come for, Jason hurriedly left the building. Dropping the board to the pavement, he did a quick kick to start himself off as a smile crossed his face. ‘Travis is going to be so much fun to play pranks on,’ he thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Travis arrived home to discover a silver and black ‘Smart’ car sitting in the driveway. “Neat!” he exclaimed, “Visitors!” He sprinted up the sidewalk and into the house.

There, comfortably seated in the front parlour with Callum, was an older couple. They appeared to be in their mid-to-late fifties. Both had graying hair and pleasant smiles. The female was motherly-looking and just pleasingly plump. The male was somewhat wiry and looked like he had been ill recently.

“Come in, my luv, and meet the Brickermans. Nellie, Robert, I’d like to introduce my partner, Travis Sanford.” Callum got to his feet and casually wrapped an arm round Travis’ shoulders. “Nellie is our new housekeeper and Robert would like to help with the grounds keeping.”

Travis beamed his delight as he stepped forward to shake hands. “It’s a pleasure,” he declared, liking them both immediately.

He was to learn that the couple had recently sold the home they had lived in for over thirty years; the home they had raised their five children in. Nellie was a born homemaker; loved doing all the special things involved in making a house a home. Much to Travis’ delight, she was also an excellent cook. Robert had not too long ago gone into remission after several months of treatment for Lymphoma. Although not quite sixty, he had opted for not returning to his job as plant manager for a large textile company in Kelowna. Both were looking forward to moving into the lovely in-law’s suite that made up part of the salary Callum offered for their services. They were also excited about being semi-retired in such a beautiful location.

“Nellie and Robert will be taking up residency on Saturday and commencing work on Monday,” Callum informed the younger man.

Travis held up his hand, one finger at a time and pretended to count. “Hmm, only four days of putting up with your cooking, my love,” he teased, laughing along with the others. The smile on Callum’s handsome face indicated the older man hadn’t taken offence.

Twenty minutes later, the two men waved goodbye to their newly hired help and re-entered their home together.

“So how did my pup’s day go?” Callum asked as they headed towards the kitchen.

“Ya know,” Travis shrugged. “Same old, same old; but I’m trying to follow your suggestion and pretend I don’t notice them ignoring me. Not that they give a damn, mind you.”

“Could be they just need time to get over whatever has their noses out of joint, luv. After all, it’s only been a few weeks. Meanwhile, I trust you’re hungry. I tried my hand at making a shepherd’s pie.”

“Hope it tastes as good as it smells. I’ll set the table while you get it out of the oven.” Travis enthusiastically set about his self-appointed chore. “By the way, how did you ever find Nellie and Robert?”

“A placement agency in Kelowna sent them to us, and I have a very good feeling that the arrangement is going to work out nicely for all concerned. They both thought the apartment downstairs would be ideal.”

“Thank goodness the whole house is solid and completely sound-proof,” Travis smirked as he moved over to his lover and rubbed up against him. “You know how much I enjoy our after dinner activities? Course we’ll have to wait until Nellie finishes up each evening before we have our way with each other.”

“Yes, I do believe we’ve been spoiled the last month or so. But we managed in the past and we will do so again in the future.” Callum placed a gentle kiss on the younger man’s lips and pinched his bum before pulling out a chair and making him sit down. “Eat up and we’ll see what we can scrounge up for dessert.” He laughed when his Brat’s eyes lit up; knowing perfectly well the randy thoughts his lover was entertaining.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

On his way to work a couple of days later, Jason stopped off and bought his morning Mountain Dew. As he past the dairy section, he remembered Travis drank milk at his break and probably at lunch too. Grabbing a small thing of buttermilk, an evil smile crossed his face at the thought of ‘this was going to be so funny’.

Just before lunch, Jason slipped off. Making sure not to get caught, he poured out half of Travis’ contain of milk down the drain and replaced it with buttermilk, then put it back in the small fridge.

“Stay late today,” Jason whispered to Doug as he passed him on his way back to the sorting room.

At noon, Doug waited in his car and checked through his CD’s. Meanwhile, Jason hung out at the side of the building, pretending to adjust the wheel on his skateboard.

Travis had seen his fellow employees leave and went out on the dock to relax while eating his lunch. He removed the plastic wrap from his chicken salad sandwich and took a healthy bite out of it. Unscrewing the top from his milk, he tipped it and allowed a large amount to flow into his mouth. He immediately spewed it across the table in front of him.

“What the hell!” he exclaimed, trying to wipe the foul taste from his tongue and lips on a napkin. “Damn stuff has turned sour!” He got up to throw it in the trash when he heard someone snickering and turned to see Jason and Doug taking off in different directions. ‘So,’ he thought, ‘it has started. Thank God it’s Friday.’

He slowly polished off the rest of his meal while reading the latest mystery he was absorbed in. Then he tidied up and returned to work in time to relieve Donna for her half-hour lunch break.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next week continued much like the last one had ended. Doug and Jason seemed to find a great deal of amusement in pulling one practical joke after another, with Travis always at the brunt of it.

For the most part, Travis succeeded in ignoring them. That is, he succeeded at work. On the home front, things were a little different.

Twice Travis had been sent to bed early and he’d done lines at least as many times. He still had a writing assignment due on the weekend. He realized Callum had been cutting him some slack in regards to his abysmal moods, but that wasn’t going to last much longer. It was only the presence of Nellie in the house that enabled Travis to exercise the little self-control that he did.

Travis didn’t know how much longer he was going to hold out before taking a swing at one or both of his co-workers. Most of the stunts were merely annoying and therefore easy to ignore, like the disappearing and re-appearing of various articles that struck Travis as just plain childish. But a couple really raised his ire. Like the wrapping of the desk drawer with plastic wrap and putting the drawer back in upside down so that when it was pulled out, all the contents fell on the floor. Then there was the one where they switched all the postal products which result in providing slower service to the customers until everything was returned to its’ rightful place. And of course, there was the one that involved stealing all the pens and replacing them with pens that had the caps glued on.

All and all, Travis figured Doug and Jason were having a grand time at his expense and he worried over when, or even whether, it would come to an end.

It was the middle of the following week when Jason slipped into the public side of the building once the coast was clear. It was half an hour until the main door would be opened and he thought Travis was in the washroom. He pulled out a tub of clear gear grease, and squeezing some onto his gloved hand, he rubbed it over the handle of the drawer that held the postage stamps. He did the same to one of the other drawers that he’d seen Travis opening on a daily bases.

He smiled, thinking of the reaction he’d get from Travis once the new boss-man realized he was unable to wash it off without using a special solvent. Another thing that Jason knew would be amusing, was that the grease absorbs into the skin and can leave a bad smell that can last for a few days.

Snickering under his breath, he slyly left the area and hurried over to tell Doug what he had done. It never hit him just how poor his timing was, until ten minutes later when a very irate Postmistress stormed into the sorting room. Having arrived a few minutes late, Jason was unaware of Donna and Travis trading shifts for the day due to Donna’s afternoon appointment.

“All right; which one of you is responsible for this latest prank? Don’t think for a moment that I haven’t been aware of the goings on around here.” She paused and stood glaring at Doug and Jason for a full minute while they shuffled uncomfortably under her cold gaze. “Never mind; I couldn’t care less who did it this time, as I am holding you both equally to blame. What ever is your problem?”

The two men glanced at each other. Jason rolled his eyes and remained silent. Doug shrugged and decided to speak up; his frustration giving him the nerve to finally voice his complaint.

“That job as your assistant should have been mine!” he belligerently blurted out. Raising his voice, he dug himself in deeper. “Bad enough you didn’t give it to one of us, but you hired someone who’d never even work in a Canadian post office before. Some fucking mean trick that was!”

“Are you quite through?” Donna demanded quietly. Getting a sheepish nod in reply, she went on to explain a few facts to the miscreants standing in front of her. “First off, the decision was not mine. Although had it been, nothing would be any different than it is. Both of you were considered, but neither of you deserved the position. As your actions over the past couple of months, and in particular the last two weeks, have been ample proof of your immaturity and therefore your inability to handle the responsibility this position entails.”

She waited for her words to sink in before continuing. “My predecessor posted the position and received numerous applications. Travis not only came highly recommended; he also has several years experience and advance training in postal services. If he hadn’t been chosen, someone else would have. That’s not saying that neither of you can’t work yourselves up the ladder. However, it will require better work ethics then you’ve shown to date. It will mean you applying yourselves more and putting more effort into your present jobs. It will also mean this tomfoolery is to come to an immediate halt. Am I understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” both young men mumbled somewhat shamefully.

Loudly sighing out her frustrations, Donna sternly announced the consequences of her employees’ outlandish behaviour. “It’s Wednesday; you’ll be suspended for the next two days without pay. If this issue should ever need addressing again, you’ll be suspended for a full week.” She knew her decision would cause a hardship for her assistant and herself, but she felt a lesson had to be taught here. “I also expect you to apologize to Travis before you leave today. Do you have any questions?”

“No, ma’am!” was accompanied by shaking heads.

“Well, I have one. How do I get this stuff off my hand?”

Jason scrambled to get her the cleanser needed to remove the grease. He then set about removing the slimy substance from the knobs of the drawers.

“Now we just gotta wait for Travis to get here,” Doug commented as he and Jason began emptying the mail bags for sorting. “Wonder what he’s gonna say?”

“We’re lucky he didn’t punch one of us. But it’s not him I’m worried about,” Jason muttered this last part without thinking as he spotted a periodical about jewellery with his Top’s name on it. “I think really you should also apologize to the boss-lady for swearing at her. That was so not cool, dude,” he told his workmate as he tossed the magazine on the small stack of mail he would be taking home.

“Yeah, you got a point there. Besides it might help me get back in her good graces. God only knows I need all the points I can get.”

It was ten minutes to eight when Travis arrived for his shift. He glanced at his tormentors and frowned. They seemed different somehow and he wondered what was up with them. Just what tricks did they have up their sleeves for him today?

He smiled when Donna waved him over and happily followed her into the office. Travis stared at her in disbelief as she brought him up-to-date on this morning’s events.

“I expect we’ve seen the last of those jokers’ pranks. But really, Travis, you should have said something to me. It shouldn’t have gone on for as long as it did.”

“Yeah, right,” Travis laughed. “Like that’s exactly what I was going to do…..not!”

“Well, you were a lot more patient about it than I would have been. I guess my response to them this morning is proof of that.”

Travis blushed at her praise. He certainly didn’t feel worthy of it; not with the way he had been behaving at home most evenings. “Ah, it’s eight o’clock. I’ll go unlock the doors,” he offered in an attempt to hide his discomfort.

“No, let me do that. I think a couple of our employees have something to say to you.” With that, Donna patted his cheek and walked out of the room, heading for the costumer department at the front of the building.

When Jason saw Travis enter the sorting room for the second time, he swallowed hard. This was one thing he always found hard to do. “Travis,” he called out. When Jason saw him stop and turned around to face him, he went over to where Travis stood. “Hey look; I’m sorry for all the shit, I mean stuff I’ve put you through the last few weeks. It just got out of hand.” Jason did his best to look the guy in the eyes, but it was kind of hard with him glaring at him.

Travis gave the apology some thought, mentally debating if the person in front of him could be trusted. Deciding to give Jason the benefit of the doubt, he held out his hand. “Okay, let’s start fresh. No hard feelings.” He smiled when he saw the relief in the younger man’s eyes.

“Well, I got to get back to work,” Jason murmured after accepting the extended hand. He hated it whenever Jack glared at him without saying anything; but God, this guy made him want to hide. He quietly returned to what he had been doing, giving Doug a slight nod of encouragement as he passed by.

“Ah, Travis, could I speak to you for a minute, please?” Once he had his supervisor’s attention Doug sincerely offered his admission of guilt along with a promise not to continue, followed by a request for forgiveness. He too was relieved when it was given after only a slight hesitation.

“Look, guys, we’ll put these last two months behind us and forget about them. Clean slate and all that. I just want us all to enjoy our jobs, okay?” Travis nodded his approval when his suggestions were met with enthusiasm. “Great! Now we’ve all got work to do before you can leave on your two-day furlong.” He chuckled at the twin looks of embarrassment.

“Just one more thing, Travis,” Doug summoned in order to forestall the postmistress’ assistant. “I heard you’re into restoring old cars for a hobby.” He didn’t mention that it was info Jason had seen on Travis’ personnel file. “My girl’s old man has one he’d like to get off his hands. If you wanna stop by and look at it, you’re welcome to do so. I don’t know what he’s asking for it, but I bet it’ll go cheap.”

“Thanks, Doug. I just might take you up on that.” Travis was looking forward to no longer being the odd man out.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You’re sure you want to work on this old clunker, luv? You truly believe it can be made road-worthy again?” Callum asked dubiously as he slowly circled the dilapidated vehicle his partner had brought him to see.

“You gotta admit the price is right,” Travis laughed. “The only way I could have got it any cheaper was if the man paid me to take it off his hands.”

“Where are you even going to get parts for an antique like this? And I use the word ‘antique’ as a polite substitute for ‘junk’.” Callum grinned at the piqued expression on his Brat’s face.

“It’s a ’52 Buick, Callum. It’s a classic! I’ll just hunt around as many junk yards as I can locate in the Yellow Pages. You’ll see; it is going to be so worthwhile when I get it all finished.” Travis gazed at the pile of metal, visualizing the car when it was new.

Seeing the excitement in the other man’s face and knowing Travis was seeing what he himself was unable to, Callum didn’t have the heart to refuse him. “Give me a minute, pup.” He walked a short distance away and made a couple of phone calls. Returning to his partner’s side, he informed him of the arrangements he had just made to have the car picked up and taken to the barn at the back of their property where Travis had already set up a work shop of sorts.

Travis threw his arms around his Top’s neck. “Thanks, Callum. I love you,” he whispered, a little breathlessly.

Callum chuckled and kissed his Brat’s lips before ruffling his hair. “Now that you finally have a toy to tinker with, what odds do you give for us enjoying a paddy-free week or two?”

“Probably not as much as you’d hope for,” Travis returned the teasing and ran off to avoid the hand taking a swat at his backside.

The End.

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