tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20217284742183898542024-03-12T16:58:21.968-07:00Callum & Travis Co-written By Brad and JodiePlease Note: The Following Stories are Copyright - 2009-2019LJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209660278651151524noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021728474218389854.post-67377418990141514722010-04-27T11:57:00.000-07:002014-01-04T12:51:24.074-08:00In Sickness and In HealthCo-written by: Brad and LJ <br />
<br />
A very special thank-you to our betas, Mel & Sean.<br />
<br />
<br />
Callum contemplated the young man leaning into the corner of his study. Travis had been standing there a little longer than was normal for this type of situation, because Callum had been held up by a call from his agent. <br />
<br />
Once again, the older man found himself believing in miracles. Just the fact that he had not wrung his partner’s neck at some point in time over this past week, was nothing short of miraculous. He figured the only saving grace was that his Brat had not thrown one single all-out paddy.<br />
<br />
Quietly entering the room and taking a seat on the sofa, Callum shook his head in mild exasperation at the antics his obviously bored Brat had been up to in his absence. He chose for the time being to ignore the multiple small curls of paper at Travis’ feet and patiently summoned his partner. <br />
<br />
Pushing himself away from wall with a long drawn-out sigh of relief, Travis trudged over to the sofa and dropped down where the older man had been patting it. <br />
<br />
“I’m sorry, Callum,” he murmured sincerely as he leaned forward to hold his head in the palms of his hands. “I know I blew it. I was just so pissed off with all that’s gone on in the past couple of weeks. I felt like I was on a runaway train and had to do something, anything to take control.”<br />
<br />
Two weeks ago, Travis had insisted on working through the misery of a bad cold. He had sneezed, sniffled, wheezed and coughed his way through his shifts at the post office, living on antihistamines and cough syrup. He was just starting to feel better, when what they thought was merely a cold sore appeared in one corner of his mouth. Within in a couple of days, it had not only spread rapidly across the top of his entire lip but was also rather unpleasant to look at. <br />
<br />
“Like what the hell was that anyway? I’m twenty-eight years old for shit’s sake; too damn old to be getting monkey pox. That’s a kid’s thing!” Travis complained, irritation clearly written on his face. He ran his hands through his hair and pulled on it in total frustration. “God, it was so embarrassing!”<br />
<br />
“I can sympathize with how you felt, Travis; it is your conduct when it came to taking your meds that I have a problem with. And it is what we are going to deal with now.” Callum was not angry, but the sternness in his voice made it clear he meant business. “And the medical term for what you are just getting over is not ‘monkey pox’. Dr. Dean confirmed you’d somehow been infected with Impetigo and that it was highly contagious. Patrick prescribed a seven-day course of oral antibiotic and an ointment. Both the doctor and Mr. Pierce, the pharmacist, carefully explained how the pills were to be taken. Both told you the body responds better to medication when it is administered at regular intervals. It does not respond as well to your ‘feast and famine’ method.”<br />
<br />
“It’s not my fault; I just kept forgetting to take the pills on time. Why didn’t you take over once you knew I was doing it wrong?” In spite of his aggravation, Travis managed to keep any accusations out of his question.<br />
<br />
“Nellie and I tried to help by reminding you, luv. Although I warned you what would happen if you continued taking the meds in the wrong manner, it was not my place to arbitrarily take control. However, had you asked me to I would have done so. And I think you know that, right?” Callum placed a hand on his Brat’s knee and gave it a slight shake. “Let’s get this over with, Travis.”<br />
<br />
The younger man sighed and getting to his feet, he reluctantly fetched the paddle from its’ hiding place in the desk drawer. He handed it over and accepted his Top’s assistance in settling over the older man’s lap. <br />
<br />
Travis squirmed uncomfortably when a couple of fingers were inserted into the waistband of his sleeping pants and they were pulled down to mid-thigh along with his boxers. He relaxed somewhat when a warm hand slowly rubbed over his bared bottom, then groaned when he heard the inevitable inquiry. <br />
<br />
“Why, Pup?” The soothing hand carried on the gentle caress. <br />
<br />
“I forget to take my meds according to the schedule a couple of times,” Travis eventually answered. “But it can’t be that serious, Callum. I’ve caught up and the scabs are all but gone.” He quickly realized he may have given the wrong response when the warm hand resting on his butt disappeared only to return with a hard swat.<br />
<br />
Callum’s hand came down with a steady barrage of painful slaps to his Brat’s bottom. He slowed the tempo slightly as he spoke. “This isn’t how I wanted to start this weekend, but I feel you’ve left me no choice. Your lack of care where your health is concerned really disturbs me.” As the events of the past week played over in his head, the swats increased in speed and strength until Travis’ bottom was a rosy red and Callum’s hand had a healthy sting in it. “I love you, and it’s unfortunate that this is the way you’re making me show it.” Another heavy swat and the spanking stopped. <br />
<br />
Travis had been rather stoic up to this point, only grunting and moaning a bit as the burn increased. But at his Top’s words, his view of the sofa blurred and he felt tears forming in his eyes as his throat tightened. The first slap of the paddle made him jerk and yelp in response to the pain as well as the unexpectedness of it. <br />
<br />
As Callum continued to reign down a dozen hard smacks on his Brat’s upturned bottom, Travis felt the first tears slide down his flushed cheeks. “Please... I get it. Please stop.” His butt was burning and each new swat only added to the throbbing pain. He almost choked out his relief when the paddle stopped falling. <br />
<br />
With tears rolling down his face and his voice unsteady, Travis said, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not taking better care of myself.” He continued to cry for a several more moments, big shuttering breaths shaking his frame as he remained draped over his chastiser’s thighs.<br />
<br />
Callum gently laid his hand on the scorched bum, softly caressing in small circles to comfort the abused flesh as he murmured words of love and forgiveness. When the sobbing had quieted a little, he lifted his young lover to hold him on his lap. He kissed him on the forehead and smoothed his disheveled hair back from his teary-streaked face.<br />
<br />
“You okay, Pup?” <br />
<br />
“Uh-huh; as okay as can be expected, I guess.” Travis shifted to take some of the weight off his sore butt. “I think you should be responsible for medicating me from now on, if you don’t mind.”<br />
<br />
“You only have one pill left to take.” The older man bit back a grin.<br />
<br />
“I kinda meant for the rest of my life, Callum,” Travis muttered, hiding his face against his Top’s shoulder.<br />
<br />
“I can do that for you, luv. Just one more question, if you don’t mind. What’s with all the scraps of wallpaper on the floor?”<br />
<br />
Travis raised his head and looked towards the corner where he had been standing. “It’s not my fault, Callum. You kept me waiting too long and my ‘bored’ gene went into overdrive. I started picking where it was peeling away at one side and then I couldn’t stop myself. Besides, that pig-shit-green striped Harlequin design is just so gross.”<br />
<br />
“I have to agree; it is atrociously ugly. But the previous owners of this house must have liked it. Still, there’s no accounting for taste. This is really the only room we planned to redecorate and now might be the perfect time to do so, what with the Brickermans away for the weekend. And seeing as you’ve started the job, I am going to let you finish it.”<br />
<br />
“What?” Travis sat up, wincing at the pressure put on the one part of his anatomy that could do without the added discomfort. “You expect me to redo the whole room by myself?” He stared at his partner as if the man had grown a second head.<br />
<br />
“No, just strip off the old wallpaper. There’s not all that much to do, Travis, once you eliminate the one wall with ceiling to floor bookshelves, the one with the large picture window and another with the French doors. Plus the fact that there’s wainscoting half-way up three of the walls, leave relatively little to do.”<br />
<br />
Travis glanced around and admitted that the older man was absolutely correct. It probably wouldn’t take more than an hour. “Okay, I’m game. What are you going to be doing while I’m getting rid of that hideous paper? And what are we going to be replacing it with?”<br />
<br />
“I’ll be masking off the woodwork in preparation for painting. But first, we’ll need to get the lighter pieces of furniture out of the room and the heavier pieces covered. Then you’ll peel while I mask. After lunch, we’ll head down the street to pick out the paint and if we find a colour we can both live with, we’ll purchase what we need. How is that for a plan?”<br />
<br />
Travis had painted with his partner before and had enjoyed the experience very much. He always appreciated any opportunity to spend time with the older man. The addition of a heady sense of accomplishment was icing on the cake as far as Travis was concerned. “Let’s get a move on then,” he enthusiastically suggested as he pushed himself off Callum’s lap and adjusted his clothing. <br />
<br />
It wasn’t long before Travis was merrily humming and enjoying a job that had a feeling of naughtiness to it. He didn’t often get the chance to demolish things in their home. He used a spray bottle to water down the paper, making it easier to remove; then tried to see how large a piece he could pull off the wall before ripping it. <br />
<br />
“Peelings,” he sang. “Nothing more than peelings….” He was gathering up the last of the soggy strips of wallpaper and stuffing them into a large clear plastic garbage bag. <br />
<br />
Callum had been listening to Travis singing throughout the morning as they worked side by side. He chuckled and challenged the younger man. “Aren’t the correct lyrics ‘Feelings, nothing more than feelings’, Pup? <br />
<br />
“Yes, but my version seems to better suit the situation.” Travis straightened up, tied up the bag of trash and slung it over his shoulder. “I’m finished and famished,” he announced. <br />
<br />
“Go get some clothes on, Travis, while I set out some lunch. We’ll do our shopping while waiting for the walls to dry.”<br />
<br />
“I really not up to changing. I’ll just throw on a jacket over what I have on.”<br />
<br />
“You’re wearing sleep pants for heaven’s sake. I think Home Depot has a dress code. I know I certainly do. Now go do as you’re told.” Callum took a swing at his partner’s backside, but Travis managed to skip out of the way and run up stairs.<br />
<br />
Travis entered the kitchen properly dressed several minutes later and gingerly took his seat at the table. He picked up a sandwich and took a large bite. “Nellie sure left us a lot of food,” he commented after swallowing. “She spent most of this past week cooking and baking. You’d think she and Robert were going away for three weeks instead of three days. I don’t know how she expects us to eat it all.”<br />
<br />
“There will be plenty of leftovers, saving her some work when she gets back. Although I have confidence that if we put our minds to it, we’ll be able to make quite a dent in the amount of goodies she prepared for us. If I keep you busy and out of trouble, I may also be able to keep you hungry.” Callum was well aware of his partner’s healthy appetite. He had often wondered at how the younger man remained so slim while packing away so much food. He laughed to himself when he saw Travis reach for his third sandwich.<br />
<br />
“Nellie is going to be surprised when she sees what we’ve done to the study. But she’d be even happier if we re-did in here where she spends the better part of her day. I happen to know she’s not too fond of this pale green; she’d much rather it be a bright yellow,” Travis informed the man sitting across from him. “Maybe next month when they’re gone for a couple of weeks to visit with family, we can completely redecorate for her. Even with having missed work last week, I still have some time coming to me. Whadaya think, Callum? Can we do it?” <br />
<br />
“It’s a big job, luv, but if you’re willing to give up some of your summer vacation to do this for Nellie, then we’ll do it. But that’s the last room we’re re-modeling this year,” Callum adamantly decreed. <br />
<br />
“Gotcha!” Travis enthusiastically nodded his head. “But right now, we better get on with today’s agenda. We got lots to do before the day is over.” He pushed back and got up to clear the table. <br />
<br />
“Bossy Brat!” Callum good-naturedly grumbled, getting to his feet and pitching in.<br />
<br />
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
<br />
Travis stood naked in front of the bathroom mirror, examining his upper lip. They’d put in a productive day and all that was left to do before replacing the furniture in the study was the application of a second coat of paint. <br />
<br />
“All’s good, Callum,” he mused, smiling at his lover’s reflection. He ran his eyes appreciatively down the older man’s well-toned body. “It felt grand getting outside after a week’s incarceration.”<br />
<br />
“You were free to leave the house at any time, Pup. It was your choice to stay inside and lament,” Callum unsympathetically reminded him.<br />
<br />
“There was no way I was going out in public with that repulsive monkey pox. Just having it was embarrassing enough without letting others see it.” His eyes lit up and he grinned broadly at his own reflection. “But it’s almost all gone now. You have to look real close to see the faint marks it left behind.”<br />
<br />
Callum stepped closer, rubbed the front of his nude body against Travis’ bare back and wrapped his arms around his partner, savouring the feel of the warm body. He grinned over the young man’s shoulder and into the mirror. “Yes, my handsome boy has returned,” he teased as he reached down to pinch his Brat’s bum. <br />
<br />
“Worse thing about this whole thing was my mouth being denied any contact with that gorgeous body of yours, Callum. But now that I am no longer contagious, I’m about to make up for lost time; starting with your lips.” Travis turned and reached up to pull the taller man’s head down in order to kiss him deeply while steadily pushing him across their en suite.<br />
<br />
“Bring it on, my love,” Callum encouraged as he went along with his young lover shoving him into the shower stall. <br />
<br />
With warm water gently cascading over them, Travis nipped at Callum’s neck and pressed the bigger man against the tiled wall, grinding their erections together before kissing him with more passion than Callum would have previously believed possible. The two parted for air and Travis nibbled Callum’s neck once again, making sure to keep their hips firmly gyrating together.<br />
<br />
Travis’ touch was driving Callum wild as that busy mouth of his slowly moved down the older man’s body, licking and sucking on his nipples until they harden and Callum’s arousal was pulsing. Travis dropped to his knees and took Callum’s swollen shaft into his mouth. His tongue teased the slit and his teeth gently raked over the head.<br />
<br />
Callum gasped and tried not to thrust into Travis’ mouth, even though he wanted desperately to find his release. Travis knew exactly what his partner was anticipating and began sucking harder, making Callum moan loudly. The feel of Travis’ tongue and throat torturing him was pushing Callum to the edge. <br />
<br />
“Baby, stop!” he cried out and then shuddered as Travis pulled off him and slithered up his body.<br />
<br />
“What’s wrong?” Travis asked worriedly.<br />
<br />
“I want to cum inside you,” Callum croaked before turning his lover to the wall <br />
<br />
Travis spread his legs to give Callum better access. He closed his eyes and moaned as he thrust his hips onto the lubed fingers working their way inside him one at a time. <br />
<br />
Callum twisted his finger around before adding another, making sure his young lover was stretched and ready. <br />
<br />
“Take me, Callum,” Travis pleaded incoherently. <br />
<br />
The older man didn’t have to be asked twice. He lubed himself and pressed into his partner’s body. Looking down, he searched Travis’ face for any signs of discomfort. Finding none, he began plunging in and out of his lover, grazing over his prostate every other time. <br />
<br />
Travis was moaning and writhing against the wet tiles, all the while thrusting back in an attempt to force Callum into him harder, deeper and faster. He loved the feeling of his strong lover moving inside of him, filling him over and over again. His moans were harsher than moments ago, the sounds coming from him almost guttural.<br />
<br />
“Does that feel good, baby?” <br />
<br />
“Yes!” Travis screamed out as Callum reached around to massage his leaking penis. “Oh, God, I’m so close!” His back was arched, his moans constant.<br />
<br />
“Cum for me, baby!” The sound of Callum’s sexy voice in his ear and the massaging of his prostate together with the rhythmic stroking of his arousal sent Travis hurling over the edge and crying out as his cum splattered on the wall in front of him. His muscles contracted around Callum’s pulsing member and he rode his orgasm while Callum continued thrusting until he too climaxed. <br />
<br />
The larger man groaned his lover’s name as he exploded before falling against the younger man’s back. The two men panted in unison for several moments, waiting for their breathing to return to near normal. Callum kissed the back of Travis’ neck and slowly pulled out. He chuckled when his Brat slid down to the shower stall floor.<br />
<br />
“See what happens when I get my mouth on that body of yours?” Travis eyes were still slightly glazed over and his voice somewhat breathless; and the smirk on his beautiful face definitely had a hint of mischief on it. <br />
<br />
“Let’s get finished up in here, Pup, and if you’re up to it, I’ll give you another opportunity to put your mouth’s talent to work.” <br />
<br />
“No fear there, man. I’m always up for it.” <br />
<br />
Sometime later, the two were snuggled up in bed, pleasantly exhausted after having made love for the second time. They petted and kissed; content in the knowledge that this lazy, easy-going activity was only a prelude for sleep. <br />
<br />
“I’m glad we have this weekend alone, Callum. It’s been great reconnecting like this. But God, I hope I don’t get sick again for a long, long time…..if ever.”<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry, luv. If you do, I’ll be here for you,” was the older man’s solemn promise. <br />
<br />
The EndLJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209660278651151524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021728474218389854.post-79343660638226290812009-11-11T10:43:00.000-08:002010-02-21T16:22:00.019-08:00Odd Man Out<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpb12aJRTh3ZT-br32SweUj9qaKN9vDW4HRUktfd8r02iz8VM8tyke1SDY2kW8K04OccaBnOjoyB3CO3KfkQ16YxszuIb4zVctSSHTAgw0XEQsr1Kkd6MO_UDj6MEI6xuTZ0UBo7WIa8/s1600-h/Post+Office.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402919176558270898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpb12aJRTh3ZT-br32SweUj9qaKN9vDW4HRUktfd8r02iz8VM8tyke1SDY2kW8K04OccaBnOjoyB3CO3KfkQ16YxszuIb4zVctSSHTAgw0XEQsr1Kkd6MO_UDj6MEI6xuTZ0UBo7WIa8/s200/Post+Office.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 160px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 157px;" /></a><br />
<div>Co-written by: Brad and LJ<br />
<br />
Thanks to Carol for writing Jason.<br />
<br />
Special thank-you to our betas, Mel & Sean.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“But,” Callum softly prompted.<br />
<br />
“Okay then; ‘but’ for an older lady, she’s a lot of fun.”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“Did they have the level of training and experience you have?”<br />
<br />
“No, I don’t think so.”<br />
<br />
“Hmm, there’s that ‘but’ again.” Callum realised his boy needed prodding and provided it.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“Why is that, luv?”<br />
<br />
“Just the cold glares, the whispering behind my back…gets to a person after a while. It’s been over six weeks now.”<br />
<br />
“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?”<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“What do you have in mind?” Doug asked as he stood up in preparation of returning to work.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“Of course; it’s all for one and one for all,” Doug assured him as he held out his hand to seal the bargain.<br />
<br />
They quickly got back to their jobs when they saw Travis following them in a few moments later.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
Travis beamed his delight as he stepped forward to shake hands. “It’s a pleasure,” he declared, liking them both immediately.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“Nellie and Robert will be taking up residency on Saturday and commencing work on Monday,” Callum informed the younger man.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Twenty minutes later, the two men waved goodbye to their newly hired help and re-entered their home together.<br />
<br />
“So how did my pup’s day go?” Callum asked as they headed towards the kitchen.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“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?”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
<br />
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’.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“Stay late today,” Jason whispered to Doug as he passed him on his way back to the sorting room.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.’<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
For the most part, Travis succeeded in ignoring them. That is, he succeeded at work. On the home front, things were a little different.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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?”<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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!”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
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?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, ma’am,” both young men mumbled somewhat shamefully.<br />
<br />
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?”<br />
<br />
“No, ma’am!” was accompanied by shaking heads.<br />
<br />
“Well, I have one. How do I get this stuff off my hand?”<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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?”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
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?<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, right,” Travis laughed. “Like that’s exactly what I was going to do…..not!”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“Thanks, Doug. I just might take you up on that.” Travis was looking forward to no longer being the odd man out.<br />
<br />
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Travis threw his arms around his Top’s neck. “Thanks, Callum. I love you,” he whispered, a little breathlessly.<br />
<br />
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?”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
The End.</div>LJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209660278651151524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021728474218389854.post-38988021195458399592009-09-02T15:50:00.000-07:002013-05-17T08:55:14.373-07:00A New StartCo-written by: Brad and LJ (with input at the beginning from another Friend)<br />
<br />
Special thanks to our betas, Mel & Sean.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Travis stormed through the front door, slamming it behind him. He stomped over to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a stiff drink, then swallowed it in one gulp. It burned all the way down to his stomach and caused his eyes to water. The discomfort didn’t bother him at all; in fact, he rather relished it and filled the glass for the second time.<br />
<br />
“The miserable, fucking, old bastard!” he muttered as he walked over to stare unseeingly out the window. Travis couldn’t remember ever feeling this angry.<br />
<br />
Callum successfully hid his surprise at finding his partner drinking in the middle of the afternoon. Pouring himself a drink and deciding to join Travis, he quietly moved to stand beside him. He put his hand up to massage the other man’s neck. “Something troubling you, Pup?”<br />
<br />
“This came for me today.” Travis pulled a crumpled letter out of his shirt pocket and handed it to Callum. “One of the few old friends I’ve kept in touch with was good enough to send it. He’s offering his condolences on the death of my mother. Apparently she passed away three weeks ago and my son-of-a-bitch of a father didn’t see fit to inform me. He knows I have made it point to keep his attorney aware of my whereabouts over the last few years.” The anger dissipated and in its’ wake the young man’s emotional pain escalated. Travis was unable to prevent his eyes from filling up and overflowing. Tears rolled unchecked down his cheeks.<br />
<br />
Callum glanced over the letter and cringed. “I’m so sorry, luv. I think it would have been easier to bear had your father notified you. I wonder why he did not see fit to do so.” Callum didn’t know a lot about his lover’s past as Travis usually clammed up whenever the subject of his childhood was brought up.<br />
<br />
Travis leaned into the loving embrace which warmed him outside as much as the raw liquor had warmed him inside. He relaxed as the soothing words flowed over him and went along with being directed over to the overstuffed chesterfield. He sat silently for several long minutes as he worked to gain control of his emotions. He stared at the liquid in his glass, becoming somewhat mesmerized by the small whirlpool caused by his slowly stirring finger.<br />
<br />
“Would it help to talk about her, my sweet?”<br />
<br />
“She had a heart of gold, my mom did.” Travis finally spoke so quietly it was hard to hear him. “She was a gentle, kind and loving mother; much too good for the likes of him. For some reason she idolized him in spite of how he treated her. I never noticed how things were between them when I was a kid; only began cluing in when I hit my teens.” He wiped his wet face on his shirt-sleeve and worked at keeping addition tears at bay.<br />
<br />
“She was a consummated actress, always maintaining the persona of a perfect wife and hostess; a model member of the social elite. She did an admirable job of hiding her heartache, but I was eventually able to see through it. The more I learned of their relationship, the more I grew to dislike my father. I’d never tell my mom though because it just would have added to her unhappiness.”<br />
<br />
Callum sadly shook his head. It was obvious his Brat thought the world of his mother. Although Callum refrained from speaking, the older man’s compelling presence was felt and appreciated.<br />
<br />
Travis continued stirring his drink with his finger as he drifted back into the past. “She never once stood up to him, not for herself and not for me or my sister. It really used to piss me off sometimes and it was the only thing we ever argued about. Come to think of it, she never stood up to my sister either. Eunice was very much our father’s advocate; he was her hero. Shit, she even went along with the marriage he arranged for her and ended up with a first-class jerk. Brian is a real suck-up and will do anything my old man wants.” Travis shook his head in disgust.<br />
<br />
Callum maintained his silence; having no desire to stop the flow of words. He wanted Travis to get as much out of his system as possible.<br />
<br />
“I knew early on I was gay but kept that info to myself until I got wind of my father’s plan to coerce me into a ‘socially acceptable’ match in a year’s time when I’d turn twenty-one. That’s when I came out and told them it could never happen as same-sex marriage was illegal in our country.” He shuddered at the memory of that particular confrontation. “I can still remember staring him down; calm and cool on the outside but really scared. Hell, my stomach was so tied up in knots, I thought I was going to throw-up on that expensive oriental carpet in his study.”<br />
<br />
Travis swallowed the final mouthful of scotch, set the empty glass on the coffee table and hung his head. “My mom started crying and he made her leave the room. That was the last time I saw her.” His voice cracked but still he doggedly carried on with his story. “He told me to get out of his sight and out of his house immediately; as far as he was concerned, he’d never had a son. He actually had me escorted off the property and would not even let me say goodbye to her. But then, she never got to say goodbye to me either. I don’t know which hurt more.”<br />
<br />
Emotionally overwhelmed beyond endurance, Travis suddenly felt the urge to run as fast and as far away as he could, or …….. He glanced up at the man beside him, saw the love and concern in his eyes and chose to seek solace in the other man’s arms. Twisting around, Travis crawled unto Callum’s lap and fully submitted himself to the older man’s care.<br />
<br />
“Cry it out, Pup. I’ll always be here for you. I’ll do all within my power to help you get over this,” Callum soothed as he slowly rocked back and forth. It broke his heart to see this beautiful young man he loved with all his might, hurting so badly.<br />
<br />
Sobs wracked Travis’ body as he cried out his sorrow and pain until he was boneless with fatigue. He leaned heavily against Callum’s chest, unable to do more than cling to the older man’s now wet shirt. He was in a bit of a daze in the aftermath of the strong emotional release but feeling decidedly better. He had almost dozed off when a thought began to niggle at his mind.<br />
<br />
Drawing in a deep shuddering breath, Travis turned a tear-stained face up to Callum and murmured, “In the seven years since I left home, I never once made the effort to contact my mother. I just never quite got over my anger at her not standing up for me. I wonder if she died not knowing I still loved her?”<br />
<br />
“I imagine she knew, luv,” Callum assured him. “Mothers have a way of knowing what’s in the heart of their child.” He hummed softly and eventually the younger man fell into a deep slumber.<br />
<br />
********************<br />
<br />
At first Travis had been appeased by his partner’s words. But over time the anger, mixed with regret, simmered just below the surface and threatened to boil over. He had trouble eating or sleeping as he should and was fast losing interest in activities that he normally found pleasure in.<br />
<br />
Worse, he wasn’t talking to the person he should have been talking to; quite the opposite. Unable to take his frustration out on the man responsible for it, Travis was taking it out on the one closest to him. Callum was bearing the brunt of his Brat’s resentment towards his father.<br />
<br />
Travis had on more than one occasion come very close to stepping over the line. Callum had tolerantly accepted his Brat’s need to vent and had uncomplainingly endured the sulks and bad temper. The young man realized his Top was cutting him a lot of slack, much more than he deserved and a great deal more than Callum would have in normal situations, but Travis seemed unable to get a grip on his spiralling emotions. He’d even reached the point where he found himself wanting Callum to just put his foot down and call him on his bad behaviour.<br />
<br />
‘Help me, please,’ Travis silently pleaded as he sat at the dining room table with his chin resting in one hand. Unfortunately, he didn’t voice his wish out loud. Instead, he continued stirring the food on his plate and making an unappetizing mess in the process. He had been sullen throughout the meal and not at all pleasant to be around.<br />
<br />
“What do you say to us spending a quiet evening in front of the TV, my sweet?” Callum patiently suggested. “We can put on a DVD. Something rather mindless would be a perfect end for a mid-week workday.”<br />
<br />
“Okay,” Travis responded quietly. It was usually an activity he found enjoyable and relaxing. The movie chosen was also one of his favourites, and yet Travis wasn’t able to concentrate on it. He tried to nestle against his lover, but was too antsy to settle down and stay put. His mind was going non-stop and his emotions were threatening to over-ride common sense. Why he didn’t just tell Callum what had happened, was beyond him.<br />
<br />
The first of the week, Travis had called his father to ask why he had not seen fit to inform him of his mother’s passing. The man had hung up the moment he realized who was calling. That had hurt Travis more than he cared to admit and also caused his anger to return in force, leaving him at a loss for what to do next.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, upon arriving home late for tea, Travis had let Callum believe he had worked late, when he had actually taken the afternoon off and gone to a picture show in the next town.<br />
<br />
This morning, Travis had put on his uniform and left for the post office as usual, only to turn the corner and head down the alley to the small garage behind the house where he was restoring an old car. He then spent the entire day tinkering with it while his feelings of anger and guilt increased. It was the growling of an empty stomach that had him arriving home in time for their evening meal. By now, he was almost sick with self-reproach and apprehension.<br />
<br />
“I guess I am a bit restless tonight, Callum. I’m having trouble concentrating,” Travis softly explained once he’d tried for the umpteenth time to stop squirming. “I think I’ll just head up to bed if it is all right with you.”<br />
<br />
“Of course, pet. Off you go.” Although Callum was disturbed by his Brat’s mood swings, he put it down to Travis dealing with the loss of his mother. Aside from assuring the younger man that he was available to lend a listening ear, Callum had not wanted to push him. So he clamped his mouth shut and sighed loudly as he turned off the movie, resigned to spending another evening on his own.<br />
<br />
That was not the response Travis had unconsciously been looking for. He got to his feet and stood glaring down at the older man. After opening and closing his mouth a couple of time, he abruptly turned and stomped out of the room. Upstairs he slammed the bedroom door shut, almost causing the pictures to vibrate off the walls. Throwing himself down on the bed, he began thumping his pillow with tightly clenched fists.<br />
<br />
He didn’t hear the door quietly opening, nor did he hear the soft footsteps. He only became aware of Callum’s presence when the older man lay down beside him.<br />
<br />
“What the hell do you want?” Travis belligerently demanded. “Didn’t it cross you mind that maybe I wanted to be alone?” What he got in return for his uncalled for insolence was a mild warning swat on the seat of his pants.<br />
<br />
“Actually quite the opposite crossed my mind. There is no need to be discourteous, Pup. I know you’re hurting and I’ve only come up to comfort you.” Callum pulled Travis into his arms and ran his large hands up and down his Brat’s back while his deep voice slowly calmed Travis’ petulant disposition. “Please take note, my sweet, I will not put up with this unpleasantness much longer. I think it would be better for both of us if you talked out your feelings rather than acting them out. What do you think?”<br />
<br />
Uncertainly of how to put his thoughts into words, Travis chose to keep them to himself. “It will pass, Callum. I’ll deal with it. I’m sorry for swearing at you and snapping like that.”<br />
<br />
“Hmmm, well it best be for the last time then. Right now, let’s get you ready for bed.” Callum spent the next fifteen minutes good-naturedly badgering his Brat through his night time routine.<br />
<br />
********************<br />
<br />
It was the next night when a change in the ambience slowly dawned on Travis. Once again, he had struggled to keep his negative emotions at bay after having skipped a second full day of work, but it was becoming more difficult as the evening meal slowly dragged out. Callum sitting across from him, seemingly enjoying his meal while steadily eyeing his young partner, had certainly not eased Travis’ discomfort.<br />
<br />
“Ah, it’s been a long day, Callum, so I’m going to have another early night,” Travis ventured into the heavily laden atmosphere.<br />
<br />
“I don’t think so, as I believe there are a few things we have to discuss.” Callum wiped his mouth with his linen napkin. Although nearing the end of his patience, his voice was calm. He had spent more than enough lonely evenings the past week seeking solace in the music room and had no intention of doing so again this evening.<br />
<br />
Besides, a disturbing bit of information had come his way earlier today and he fully planned to pin his Brat down and demand they get everything out in the open and clear the air once and for all. Only then would they be able to move on accordingly.<br />
<br />
Travis glanced over at his partner. The expression on Callum’s face did not bode well for the upcoming conversation being a pleasant one.<br />
<br />
“I’m disturbed by some of your recent behaviour. While I understand and sympathize with all you’ve had to contend with since learning of your mother’s passing and your father’s thoughtlessness in not informing you, I’m afraid the time has come for you to accept what has happened and for both of us to press on.” Callum pushed back from the table and got to his feet. Holding out his hand, he softly ordered, “Come with me, Pup.”<br />
<br />
Travis knew better than to refuse, so he somewhat reluctantly stood and put his hand in the much larger one. He had mixed feelings as he followed his partner up the stairs to their bedroom. On one hand, he didn’t want to face what he suspected was about to take place but on the other, he knew he’d feel so much better once the slate was cleared.<br />
<br />
They sat down, side by side, on the foot of the queen-size bed; arms around each other and Travis’ head resting on Callum’s shoulder.<br />
<br />
“Talk to me, Travis. You’ve let this fester long enough.”<br />
<br />
“You’re right, Callum,” Travis whispered with a small sigh of relief. “I’ve kind of got something to get off my chest.” Plunging headlong before his nerve failed him; Travis shifted uncomfortably and blurted out his confession. “I-I called my old man three days ago. The bastard hung up on me. It not only hurt but it also pissed me off; so much so that I guess I kinda lost it. I know you think I’ve been going to work as usual but I haven’t been since noon the day before yesterday.” He glanced up with tearing eyes. “I’m sorry, Callum, for not telling you about the call and for deceiving you.”<br />
<br />
Callum closed his eyes, tightened his embrace and placed a kiss on his Brat’s head. “I am grateful for you finally confessing before I had to demand an explanation, my sweet. I’ve put up with days of pouting and one to many outbursts involving bad language in order to give you time to deal with your emotions, but I draw the line at lying, my lad.” Even though his voice remained calm, there was a ring of steel to it. “I learned of your absenteeism when I went to the Post Office this afternoon. To say I was displeased would be an understatement.”<br />
<br />
Travis shuddered at the slight condemnation in his lover’s voice, acknowledging at least to himself that it was justified. His bad choices had deeply hurt this man whom he loved with all his heart and soul. Throwing his arms around Callum’s neck, Travis wailed out his regret. “I am so sorry, Callum. I never meant to hurt you. I should have talked to you as soon as I got off the phone. You would have stopped me from spinning out and damaging our relationship.”<br />
<br />
His mind rolled back to that moment in time when he stood staring at the phone in his hand and listening to the dial tone. He had literally shook with anger as his heart pounded in his chest and blood rushed to his head until he felt it was going to explode. It was the security of Callum’s arms that helped him refocus on the here and now. He sat up and wiped his eyes on his shirt sleeve. Making a supreme effort, he managed to get himself under control.<br />
<br />
“Rest assured, luv; you have not irrevocably damage our relationship. There is nothing you could do to cause that to happen. Nonetheless, that delightful backside of yours will be dearly paying the price for this latest transgression. Go fetch the hairbrush off my dresser, please.”<br />
<br />
Half an hour later, Travis was once again nestled in his lover’s arms. He was still sniffling and his bottom was still throbbing, but he was free of the guilt that had tormented him for days. Callum had unequivocally made known that all was right between them.<br />
<br />
“Was there anything important in the post, Callum?” Travis grasped at a topic of conversation. He just wanted to stay right here in his lover’s arms and listen to the older man’s warm British accented voice.<br />
<br />
“Yes, there were two letters: one from a legal firm in your home town and one from my business manager. I do believe we may well be at a turning point in our lives. We quite possibly have a bit of traveling in our immediate future. I wouldn’t be at all surprised should your letter be a request to attend the reading of your mother’s will. That and the fact I’ve been offered a teaching position in Canada, could involve an extensive stay across the pond. What do you have to say about all that?”<br />
<br />
Travis gave it some thought. “Do you think my old man will be there?” He rather hoped so. It would give him a chance to let his father know just what he thought of him.<br />
<br />
“I can’t see why he wouldn’t be present, Pup.”<br />
<br />
Turning to face his partner, Travis half lay across the bigger man’s chest while resting his head on his folded arms. “Would you really consider leaving this little town here in England and moving to another country?”<br />
<br />
Callum gazed into his Brat’s beautiful questioning eyes and smiled. “Yes; much as I’ve enjoyed our three-year stay here, it is time to move on. Mind you, I have no desire to return to city life. I’m a really more than comfortable with small town living. Besides, I’m looking forward to doing something new with my talents; something less in the public eye. And I think we both could do with a major change; a new start so to speak.”<br />
<br />
********************<br />
<br />
Travis settled back in his seat and for the umpteenth time watch the DVD playing in the portable device he carried everywhere with him. He couldn’t believe how quickly the last several weeks had flown passed since that night when he and Callum had come to a mutual agreement to move on.<br />
<br />
One event in particular over that period of time, stood out more than others. It was the trip they had made back to his hometown of Las Vegas in the good old USA. He’d never forget sitting in that lawyer’s office and surreptitiously studying the three members of his family. He had been shocked at the change in them over the past seven years. It suddenly hit him that although he had desperately missed his mother, he had been better off not having had to associate with these people.<br />
<br />
His father, John Sanford, had gained a lot of weight. Although his age was showing and he was now using a cane to support himself during his latest flair-up of gout, he still appeared intimidating. His sister, Eunice, who had never been overly attractive to begin with, now looked particularly repulsive with her thickly applied make-up and a hair-do that added years to her appearance. She and her husband, the cowardly sod, were still childless, much to his father’s disappointment. Neither their money nor their social standing had brought them lasting happiness; assuming it had brought them any to begin with.<br />
<br />
Travis was disturbed from his musings when his mother’s lawyer cleared his throat and began speaking.<br />
<br />
“I’ll read Catherine Sanford’s will after you have heard the messages she left for each of you.” The attorney clicked the remote control in his hand and the TV to the right of him came on.<br />
<br />
Travis blinked and tried to swallow the lump in his throat when his Mother appeared on the screen. She looked as beautiful as he remembered and he felt his eyes filling with tears. He was barely able to prevent them falling when she spoke directly to him first, her voice soft and loving the way he remembered.<br />
<br />
“Travis, my darling son; I’ve missed you so very much. You were the biggest joy of my life. I want you to know I’ve always loved you and I have always been aware of your love for me. I wish I’d had the strength to stand up for you and to follow my heart. Maybe I can now make it up to you in some small way. I have kept in touch with a couple of your friends and they kept me informed of what was going on in your life. I am contented in the knowledge that you have found a mate who loves and respects you; someone who makes you happy.”<br />
<br />
The rest was lost on Travis as he replayed in his mind, the words his mother had spoken to him. Soon the tape ended and the screen went blank. Catherine had finally said her piece. All that remained was the reading of her will.<br />
<br />
By the time all was said and done, Travis had inherited his mother’s personal wealth. An inheritance consisting of valuable stocks and bonds left to her by her father, along with a few antiques that had been in the family for generations. There was also a second DVD that his mother had done for him alone.<br />
<br />
Travis rose to his feet and moved off to one side of the room, trying to come to gripes with everything he’d seen and heard. His father was arguing loudly with the lawyer and his sister was glaring daggers at him. He was beginning to feel out of his depth, especially when his father unexpectedly turned towards him with naked hatred burning in his eyes.<br />
<br />
Travis didn’t shrink back like he’d done as a youth. Instead, he kept his face expressionless and stood unwavering in the face of the nasty insults and filthy accusations his father hurled at him. He didn’t even make a move to defend himself when his father raised his cane as if to strike him with it.<br />
<br />
“Do it!” he harshly demanded. “Give me a reason to repay you for all the pain you caused my mother and me.”<br />
<br />
It was only when the cane was lowered and his family had angrily left the room, that it suddenly hit Travis just what a coward his bully of a father had always been. He also came to the realization that he no longer had any feelings towards these people; neither good nor bad. He was free.<br />
<br />
His mind returning to the present, Travis grinned as a thrill of satisfaction went through his body. He glanced up when Callum lowered himself into the seat next to him and buckled up.<br />
<br />
“Better put that away before you wear it out,” the older man teased. “Besides, we’ll be landing shortly.”<br />
<br />
“Thank goodness. Three trans-Atlantic flights in as many weeks is a lot when you’re not used to it. Plus all the other things we had to get done in order to make this move. I can hardly wait to see our house. I mean it looked great online, but I’m anxious to see it for real.”<br />
<br />
“And I trust you’re looking forward to starting your new job, right?” Callum place an arm around Travis’ shoulder and pulled his Brat closer. “I know I’m looking forward to teaching; although that won’t be happening for a couple of months. We got a long summer to get through before school opens.”<br />
<br />
“Good! Cause you can handle all the work involved in setting up our new home and unpacking when everything gets here. I’m a bit uneasy about the job though. It sure was a break for me to find such a great opening in the post office. I just hope my coming in from the outside so to speak and filling the position of assistant Post Master, doesn’t interfere with me making friends.”<br />
<br />
“I have confidence all will work out fine, Pup. No need to fret over what hasn’t happened yet. Keep a positive outlook; that’s the key.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, I got it. All and all, I’m really excited about the challenges we face with our ‘new start’, as you call it.” Travis smiled up at his lover; his eyes sparkling with happiness and anticipation.<br />
<br />
Callum leaned forward in order to see out the small window as the airplane’s descent neared the runway in Kelowna. “I’m pleased to hear that, luv, because an hour’s drive to Jade Heights and we’ll be home.”<br />
<br />
The EndLJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209660278651151524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021728474218389854.post-4116205563049495442009-05-07T19:09:00.000-07:002013-05-17T08:54:32.779-07:00ColoursCo-written by: A Friend and LJ<br />
<br />
<br />
Callum had decided a few days back to repaint the spare bedroom. His nephew was making visiting noises and it had been a few years since the room had been redone. He could easily hire it but enjoyed the feel of doing things for himself more than standing around, tea in hand, watching. He had recruited Travis to help but as yet the young man had to make his appearance.<br />
<br />
Callum had left him to sleep whilst he had come down to breakfast and a coffee to start his day. Mrs. Mills had long since insisted that he eat a good breakfast and she would try to get him to eat a decent lunch if possible. He strode into the dining room and headed to the buffet table to see what was on offer today. No fry ups here. She had prepared quiche, this one looked to be sausage and cheese, one of his favourites, and bread was out for toast, cereal with milk and berries to go in the yoghurt.<br />
<br />
He poured a cup of coffee from the carafe and spooned berries into a bowl and topped them with a dollop of yoghurt, then took it to the table and ate.<br />
<br />
The new colour was going to be a very light lemon with brilliant white for trim. He had purchased new bedding to go with it and had taken the furniture to the local shop for stripping, sanding and staining in a lighter colour. This room was always done in light, airy colours to suit his mother. The master bedroom was the one done to suit his tastes in darker woods and bedding.<br />
<br />
He finished his starter and moved on to the cereal and finally to the toast and quiche and was having his second cup of coffee when he began to think that Travis was going to sleep the day away. Smiling, he thought of that man with his unruly hair, those big gorgeous eyes and the smooth as a baby’s bum skin and felt a stirring in his pants. “Down boy,” he said and sipped his drink instead.<br />
<br />
Travis yawned, stretched and scratched. `Saturday morning, no work,' he smiled as he rolled out of bed. `Well, none at the post office this is…..Callum wants to paint. This should be fun.’ He grinned merrily as he used the loo, washed up and headed downstairs. He would dress and shave later….sleeping pants and a t-shirt would do for now….because at this moment his stomach was growling for food and he was on the prowl for a hug from Callum.<br />
<br />
He ran down the stairs and as was his habit, slid across the highly-polished floor and skidded to a stop next to Callum’s chair. He enthusiastically straddled the bigger man’s lap, wrapped arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lover’s slightly parted lips.<br />
<br />
“Hmmm, coffee,” he purred.<br />
<br />
Callum swallowed and smiled, kissing Travis back. “A good morning to you also, pet,” he said as he cupped both of his lover’s bum cheeks in his hands. “Ready to eat? Mrs. Mills has left us a nice breakfast this morning, although I have already eaten,” he eyed the buffet table again and grinned, “but I think I still have some room left. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can head for ice cream after and that game shop if you want.”<br />
<br />
‘When didn’t he?’ Callum wondered.<br />
<br />
Maybe they could find another two-player-one and he would let Travis coerce him into another match. Callum liked the co-op games much more than the competitive ones. They had spent a few nights playing them, with Travis getting the better of them but he had age on his side.<br />
<br />
“Don’t you ever change,” he said and planted another kiss on Travis’ lips.<br />
<br />
Travis eyed the buffet then nuzzled into Callum’s neck to inhale another satisfying breath of the older man’s after shave. Next he looked Callum in the eye, his own sparkling mischievously. “Don’t change, huh? That means I get to paint in my night clothes……works for me.” He laughed, kissed Callum again and pushed up off his lap.<br />
<br />
Helping himself to a large serving of the quiche and a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice, he chatted non-stop. “You realize had I won the bid on that comic book, I’d be doing some mega over-time to pay for it and you’d be stuck doing the bedroom yourself.” He turned and smiled lovingly at his partner. “But I’m glad ‘cause I’d rather be spending time with you,” he softly admitted.<br />
<br />
Placing his plate on the table, he went back to the buffet to fetch some toast and fruit before sitting down and hungrily digging in.<br />
<br />
Callum raised an eyebrow but said nothing. It didn’t really matter to him what Travis painted in as long as he was happy. “If you’d won that comic book, I daresay you’d be doing overtime of another sort as I paid the bill,” he laughed. “You could have had it you know, I wouldn’t have minded...much. Nicholas rang the other night and said he might be stopping in for a few days. He’s on his way back to university and somehow we are on the way. If you two decide to gallivanting, do not follow suit with those other two and ride the cows. Jonathan is still trying to coax them back to that pasture.”<br />
<br />
He watched Travis eat and marvelled at just how much he could tuck away. Where? There was not an ounce of wanted fat on him anywhere. As a matter of fact, he was quite beautiful. When naked, fine blonde hair covered his arms and legs and ...yes other regions of his body and Callum stopped there.<br />
<br />
“About ready?”<br />
<br />
Travis’ eyes lit up. “Nick is coming? Great!” He smirked at the recalled memory of the impromptu cow rodeo. He had found just hearing about the adventure hilarious. “I’m sure we can find plenty of other things to do,” he unsuccessfully attempted to set Callum’s mind at ease.<br />
<br />
Washing down the last forkful of food with the last of his milk, he wiped his mouth on a napkin, pushed back his chair and stood up. “Ready!” he announced.<br />
<br />
“So he says, now whether his parents agree will be another thing.” Callum followed Travis up the stairs and into the room. He had laid out the tarps and brought the paint and brushes up earlier in the week along with sticks to stir if needed.<br />
<br />
“So woodwork first, then the walls. I’ll take high; you take low because it’s so much easier for you to get down there. Old bones, you know.” Callum smirked and pulled the ladder out.<br />
<br />
He poured paint into his pan and grabbed two brushes and climbed up. It would be a whole morning project but he enjoyed doing domestic things especially when he could do them with his partner.<br />
<br />
“Have you met those new boys that moved into the big house down the road from us? Hear they are game programmers; you may want to get to know them. Think of testing out games before they hit the market.”<br />
<br />
He wiped a bit of the white off the wall. “Strange pair though. I think they only come out at night.” He looked down at Travis and winked.<br />
<br />
Travis willing followed along behind Callum. He was anticipating a fun day…painting and a trip to town for ice cream and new games. He readied his supplies and got down on his hands and knees to start the baseboard in one of the corners.<br />
<br />
“What? Strange? They aren’t strange, Callum!” He looked up at the bigger man. “Okay, a bit different I grant you but kind of neat too and I’d really like to meet them. The game thing is an extra plus.”<br />
<br />
Sitting back on his heels, he contemplated Callum’s last statement for a moment and chuckled. “Only at night, huh…..whoa, what fun.” He laughed and went back to his work.<br />
<br />
Callum concentrated on what he was doing so as to not fall off the ladder and reached as far as gravity would permit him. He smiled to himself at the last comment, thinking he would have trouble if that proved correct because then Travis may think he had ammunition for going out later too. As if.<br />
<br />
He peeked down to watch his Brat paint a bit and had to adjust his trousers before going back to work himself.<br />
<br />
“Just remember, I would like to meet them before you go off cross country with them,” he said and came down to move the ladder again. In place again, he climbed back up and did another section.<br />
<br />
Travis crawled along the floor, neatly applying paint in a smooth thick coat. His teeth toyed with his bottom lip as he concentrated on what he was doing. He softly chucked to himself as he thought of how it reminded him of trying to colour between the lines.<br />
<br />
He glanced up when he heard the ladder being moved. He watched appreciatively as Callum climbed back up; his taunt pants drawn over one gorgeous butt. Travis sighed; now might not be the best time to entice his lover back to bed. They had work to do….so he contented himself with making plans for the very near future…..then he’d pounce.<br />
<br />
Callum made it once around the room and was testing the start for tackiness and decided it would have to wait at least an hour before the second coat went on. He climbed down the ladder and wrapped the brush in cling film before setting it on the top of the paint pan.<br />
<br />
“So, laddie, care for a bit of a break now?” He looked at what Travis had gotten done and nodded approvingly at the precise work. “You could very nearly have been a painter,” he said and grinned.<br />
<br />
Callum went over to the opposite wall where they had installed a small fridge and opened it. Good Mrs. Mills had stocked it; when he would ever know that woman was a phantom. Going into the bathroom, he washed his hands with soap and water and then dried and applied hand lotion. Rough hands were a definite not-to-have thing in his book, especially when penetrating soft flesh and he grinned at himself wickedly in the mirror. When he got back to the room, he set out the cold meats and bread and condiments along with flipping the kettle on.<br />
<br />
“Come eat, Travis. One more coat up top and then the walls. We should be done by three.”<br />
<br />
“Just a couple more brush strokes and I’m done,” Travis informed Callum. He finished up, wrapped his brush in the same manner as Callum had his, and went to clean up. “We’re making good time,” he called from the bathroom. “Three o’clock’s good….gives us plenty of time to play,” he commented, walking back into the room and sitting down next to his partner.<br />
<br />
“Hmm, looks good and I’m starving. Who’d of thought crawling around with a paint brush could make a guy so hungry?” He quickly put together a sandwich and took a big bite. He glanced around at the work they had done, nodding as he chewed. “Mmm, good job…..good job….” he mumbled, pleased with what they had accomplished.<br />
<br />
The afternoon went by quickly and before they knew it, the room was done and Callum had Travis help him wash out rollers, brushes and put them away before they headed to the bathroom.<br />
<br />
After taking turns in the shower to rid themselves of the paint they had acquired, Callum grabbed his boots and tossed Travis his and they headed out for ice cream. As all villages, theirs had no parlour like the larger cities sometimes did but they did have a man who sold ice creams down by the shops during the daytime. After purchasing what they wanted, Callum put one arm around Travis’ shoulders as they walked leisurely to the game shop in the village.<br />
<br />
As they all go, it seemed each village had their special shop and the game shop was the one here. You could buy just about anything you wanted and if not, the clerks were more than happy to give you a ring if it came in.<br />
<br />
Callum had been amazed at the friendliness of the girl who worked there most days and today was no exception. So he let Travis go and hunt while he made small talk with her on the various games, good and bad, and he was especially curious to know which a real gamer would buy, the new PS3 or WII.<br />
<br />
He spent the time learning about this and keeping an eye on what his partner was doing too. It looked as though Travis was determined this time to buy out the store and he chuckled. “Come on, pet, I’m running out of intelligent questions to ask this young lady.”<br />
<br />
Travis took his time looking over the games and making his choices. All was right with his world; this day off was turning out to be one of the best. He and Callum may have worked hard but they had done it together. Walking side by side in the sunshine, talking about nothing in particular, had been a made for a perfect afternoon in Travis’ mind.<br />
<br />
“This is it,” he exclaimed as he dropped half a dozen games on the counter. “You’re going to like playing this one, Callum.” He handed a rectangular box to his partner and winked at the girl behind the counter.<br />
<br />
“Have you got any plans for this evening, love?” Travis asked once they were on their way home. He leaned heavily against the bigger man and suggestively whispered, “Because I sure do. Only I don’t think I want to wait for later.” He grinned in invitation and began tugging on Callum’s arm to hurry him along.<br />
<br />
Callum had paid for the games and looked at the one Travis handed him and grinned. He had been eyeing Star Wars Lego for a while now and at this price who could beat it? He was about to suggest they break it in but quickly changed thoughts as Travis drew closer and began to hurry him along. ‘Well, well, what a pleasant surprise,’ he thought to himself and gave his young lover a wicked grin as he picked up the pace. Anyone would think that they were on a first date he mused to himself once again and grinned.<br />
<br />
Once at home, he tossed the bag with the games on the sofa and turned to Travis. “So you think you can just decide these things all by yourself, do you then? We shall see about that.” He reached out and undid the clasp on Travis’ jeans and lowered them inch by inch, his teeth biting into his bottom lip as he watched the slow and almost sensual baring of flesh. A body he knew so well and yet didn’t, and he pulled Travis roughly to him and ran an appreciative hand over his back, his thigh strong and straight and rested it lightly on his lover’s brief covered bum. He kissed him slowly, almost shyly but soon there was near hunger in that once-innocent kiss and Callum lifted Travis off his feet and took the stairs as briskly as possible before depositing him on the bed. “Let me look at you,” he growled.<br />
<br />
Travis had smiled and watched his lover’s face as the jeans inched slowly over his hips and down his thighs. He had fervently returned the kiss and had felt deprived when it ended. Laughing as he was swept into strong arms, he had clung on tight while being carried upstairs, only letting go when he was placed on their big bed.<br />
<br />
He squirmed seductively as Callum stared down at him through loving brown eyes. Travis reached up and ran his fingertips delicately across the older man’s short beard, tantalized by the feel of it. His own blue eyes gleaming with exhilaration as his heart raced and the need to be in his partner’s arms intensified. Wrapping his hand around Callum’s neck, Travis drew his gorgeous lover closer.<br />
<br />
“I love you, Callum,” he tenderly murmured against Callum’s lips.<br />
<br />
Callum had slowly lowered himself on top of Travis and was resting his weight on elbows and knees. He returned kiss for kiss and rocked his hips, giving just enough friction for them to feel tiny jolts of pleasure course through their growing erections.<br />
<br />
He lowered his head and nipped at Travis’ neck and sucked at it but not enough to leave marks, finally going back to those lush lips that were becoming red and engorged from not only kisses but also the passion that was growing in them both.<br />
<br />
Travis moaned as he lifted his hips for better contact. He ran his hands lightly down the back of Callum’s shirt, pulled it out from under the belt and slid underneath the silky material. His hands travelled up and down Callum’s back, relishing the feel of the smooth bare flesh beneath them. He slipped his fingertips under the waistband of Callum’s trousers and smiled inwardly when he felt his lover shudder.<br />
<br />
It took every bit of will power he had, but Callum pulled himself from Travis long enough to get up and go to the cupboard for oil and a few other things. He padded back to the bed and set them down as he reached for Travis’ cock and began to work the shaft, rubbing a thumb over the head of it slowly. Soon liquid began to seep from it and he smiled.<br />
<br />
“Turn over,” he told his young lover and waited for Travis to comply.<br />
<br />
“Noooo,” Travis had complained when Callum moved away. Keeping his eyes on his lover’s movements, he hastily removed his clothes and pushed them over the side of the bed and unto the floor.<br />
<br />
“Aaaah, yeah,” he breathed out and arched into lover’s hand before flopping over on to his stomach when ordered to do so and looking back over his shoulder, a wide grin of anticipation on his face.<br />
<br />
Callum knew that look and smiled. “Not just yet, my frisky friend,” he said and picked up one of the oil bottles and spilled some into the palm of his hand. He worked it over his fingers and then without a word, entered Travis’ opening with one of them, soon to be followed by another. With the two inside, he worked them in and out as he reached down and began to once again stroke Travis’ cock.<br />
<br />
Travis wiggled and raised his hips to allow Callum easier access to both his bottom and his erection. “More…faster….” he pleaded as fingers continued to massage his prostrate and a large hand stroked him closer and closer to a climax.<br />
<br />
His excitement rose and so did the sounds he was making. Soft moans became louder and longer as he quivered with anticipation.<br />
<br />
Callum allowed the tip of his finger to just graze the nub nestled inside of Travis and as Travis became more and more vocal, raked his digit over it a few times before withdrawing and plunging back in. His other hand pumped his lover’s shaft, at first slowly and then faster as he felt the head begin to expand. Callum knew Travis was close, very close and with a last thrust in with the two fingers withdrew them and stopped masturbating him, bringing his hand up and over the head and giving it a gently squeeze as he let it bounce from his hand.<br />
<br />
He quickly positioned himself behind the young man and with one quick thrust was buried deep inside the warmth of him. Callum sucked his teeth and began to thrust his hips slowly at first and then at a much brisker pace. Settling back on his calves, he brought Travis back with him and reached out for the pillows to place them under his lover’s jutting member so Travis could use these to pump into.<br />
<br />
Callum grasped both hips firmly then and began to thrust in long powerful movements, making sure to hit the sweet spot every other time. He threw back his head, sweat beading his forehead as the clenching of Travis’ ass brought him closer and closer to cumming.<br />
<br />
“Nooo..” Travis had whimpered when Callum’s hands had stopped their tantalizing movements. “Aaaah…” he moaned loudly as his lover swiftly entered his body. “God, that feels sooo good. Love you inside me….sooo hot, sooo good. Don’t stop…that’s it…hit the spot, man…sweet….” he panted. His body was covered in a light sheen of sweat. The closer to the pinnacle, the more vocal he became; his body moving in perfect time to his lover’s.<br />
<br />
“Yeoooww…..” he howled as his body convulsed with the force of his climax.<br />
<br />
Callum was less vocal but he could hear his own panting as he came nearer and nearer to the cliff and he nearly lost his grip when the spasms took over and he thrust deeply and with more jerking motions as the semen spurted out and into the body of his lover. His movements became slower as the sensitivity of climaxing took its toll on him; almost a pleasure/pain feeling deep in his groin and finally, with one last thrust he withdrew and collapsed onto the bed still holding Travis tightly.<br />
<br />
“I love you,” he said as he caught his breath. He kissed Travis once rather gently on the lips and pulled the covers up over them. Even though they were still in the warmth of the afterglow, he knew it wouldn’t be long before the chill of the air hitting their sweaty bodies made goose-bumps and he didn’t want to be groping for things half asleep.<br />
<br />
Travis breathed deeply, willingly his heart-rate to return to normal. He reached up to take Callum’s face in his hands. “Love you…love you….love you…..” he repeatedly murmured as he planted feather-like kisses on his lover’s jaw and neck. With one more drawn-out sigh, he snuggled into Callum’s arms and they drifted off to sleep.<br />
<br />
The EndLJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209660278651151524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021728474218389854.post-34478481611430030942009-05-07T19:08:00.000-07:002013-05-17T08:54:10.199-07:00Sticky KeysCo-written by: A Friend and LJ<br />
<br />
<br />
Travis stared open-mouthed at the screen. “What the hell happened this time?” he muttered in disgust. He tried repeatedly to correct the mistake, getting more worked up by the minute. Unable to figure it out, he went into panic mode. Then he did what he always does when in a panic…..he went looking for his man.<br />
<br />
Travis knew where Callum was. He’d been hearing the cello for the better part of an hour. Tearing down the stairs, he ran across the wide lower hall and skidded through the entryway of the music room in his sock feet, coming to a stop next to Callum’s chair.<br />
<br />
“Callum, our computer is acting up. I need you to fix it!” he breathlessly informed his partner.<br />
<br />
Callum let the last note trail off and set the cello aside along with the bow. He quirked a brow at Travis and then smiled. “What is it doing?” he asked as he stood and stretched. God that felt good. He’d been sitting in one position far too long apparently. “Lead on.”<br />
<br />
All but dragging Callum up the stairs and into the office, Travis halted and point at the computer. “See? I think it’s been attacked by a virus or something.” Seeing Callum’s blank look, Travis glanced at the screen and saw the screen-saver on. He jiggled the mouse and the page he had been working on came up. From the expression of Callum’s face, he figured further information was required. The Reader’s Digest version would work.<br />
<br />
“I saw a comic I needed and made a bid of 10 pounds, but the computer changed it to 1000.” Travis collected comics. Each one was a prized possession kept protectively encased in its’ own plastic envelop.<br />
<br />
Callum was in danger of losing the eyebrow forever in his hair when he heard the amount but knew that it would be rectified in short order. He sat down and began to type, fingers flying over the keys as the frown on his face became deeper. A few of them seemed sluggish but that shouldn’t have anything to do with why it wouldn’t go where he wanted it too. He grabbed the mouse and went to start and brought up the protection plan. It hadn’t lapsed. So he set it to looking for viruses and stood back up.<br />
<br />
“There isn’t anything we can do until the virus program runs through. It won’t take long I hope, because that is a lot of money to pay for a comic and it will take you a long time to pay it back into the account.” Callum was already thinking of worst case scenario and transferring money from one account to PayPal to pay for it. There had to be a lesson in here somewhere. He just wasn’t seeing it yet.<br />
<br />
Travis had watched, amazed at the speed with which Callum worked his magic on the keyboard.<br />
<br />
“You think there is anyway to reverse my bid?” he asked hopefully. “I mean even with my promotion and raise, I don’t want to pay that kind of money out.”<br />
<br />
“We can’t reverse it yet, but I’m hoping it’s just a little bug that can be found quickly and gotten rid of with this. If not, then I think you’re screwed.” Callum looked at the screen and found the check was done and all was fine, as far as the computer was concerned. “It’s not a bug.” He frowned at the machine for not behaving and sat back down and tried a few more tricks...nothing.<br />
<br />
Pushing back from the desk, he laced his fingers together and put them behind his head to think. Not a bug, nothing amiss, damn machine should work then.<br />
<br />
“Travis, walk me through what you did; each step,” he said, not opening his eyes. He was thinking of this as an acting scene and wanted to ‘see’ as well as hear.<br />
<br />
Taking the request seriously, Travis started a tedious, long drawn out description.<br />
<br />
“...then when I saw the comic I needed to complete my set, I posted a bid of 10...but two more zeros added themselves. It wasn’t my fault...I didn’t do anything...just hit the one and the zero and clicked on ‘continue to cart’.”<br />
<br />
Callum sat back up and brought up word and then hit the naught key. There it went, right across the page! Now why on earth would it stick like that? He touched it again and it felt fine. Then he tried a few more keys and some stuck a little bit and others not at all.<br />
<br />
“Travis, are you leaving something rather important out?” Callum turned the chair and looked up at his Brat.<br />
<br />
Travis blinked and reviewed in his mind what he had just told Callum. “Nooo....” he said slowly, shaking his head. “I told you everything.”<br />
<br />
“Well then, I’m afraid you are going to have to try and email the seller. Let’s see if we can get back to the site.” Callum turned around and began to type some more and as he did, it seemed the problem was getting worse and worse. He frowned. Almost like glue. “Did you spill something in here?” he asked distractedly as he waited for the computer to go to eBay. When the shut down message came up, he sighed and hit ‘send error report’ and was taken too Microsoft. Fat lot of good that did; it told him nothing. “Okay, can’t change it, can’t email, can’t even bloody get in.”<br />
<br />
By now Callum was muttering to himself and threats were being made to the computer gods. All to no avail though as the machine happily thumbed its’ chips at him.<br />
<br />
“I haven’t spilt anything since the ice cream episode.” Travis made a face. That hadn’t ended too well as his rear-end could attest to. He closely examined the keyboard. “Hmm, maybe I didn’t clean up as good as I should have,” he mumbled.<br />
<br />
“I’ll just go get the alcohol and Q-tips to do a better job,” he suggested and turned to leave the room.<br />
<br />
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Callum said and flipped the keyboard over to see what kind of screwdriver it took. If this was from that time, then they would have to clean the inside too.<br />
<br />
He got up and went to get a Philips head and by the time Travis was back, had it part and the pieces carefully placed for maximum safety. He had had to shut the machine down and unplug everything first and now he was wondering just how long before he would have to set it all back up again. He had done this once before and ended up having to start from scratch.<br />
<br />
“This is what happens when we eat near it, Travis. This is what I was trying to get across to you. What’s happened here,” he took the alcohol and cotton bud, “is it stuck in there, gumming things up and now look at what a job it’s become? Now do you understand?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, Callum, and I’m sorry. I haven’t eaten in here since....” he sighed and stared remorsefully at the disassembled keyboard. “It’s going to be a lot of work, isn’t it?”<br />
<br />
Callum hummed as he worked and still wondered why people paid someone to do this for them. It was the same with VCR's when they came out; pay someone to run a cotton bud over a few things and charge you thirty quid.<br />
<br />
He was not a tight man. On the contrary, Callum was generous to a fault but he did not believe in throwing money away on stupid things and to him that was bloody stupid.<br />
<br />
The machine now void of ice cream, was soon re-assembled and turned back on and that answered that question. Apparently it did not mind being on hiatus for short periods. He quickly logged in and went to eBay again and there was Travis’ bid, nice as you please. He nearly snorted a laugh but held it in.<br />
<br />
“Well, boyo, it looks like you won’t be outbid on this one, that’s for sure. I think you scared any others off with that amount of money, although they may be wondering if the comic is printed in gold.”<br />
<br />
“Let me see that.” Travis was more that a little ticked. Sitting down at the desk, he glanced at the screen and did a double-take.<br />
<br />
“Whoa! Look at this, Callum. You guessed wrong. Someone did out bid me!” He bounced excitedly in his chair. “Hey, that must mean the comic has more valuable than I thought. Maybe I should up my bid too. What do you think would be a good one?” He grinned and turned to face his Top with a sparkle of delight in his eye.<br />
<br />
Callum’s first thought was no. That was far too much to spend on a comic book. What he considered the lowest in reading material but he knew how much this sort of thing meant to Travis and he put it on a par with his art.<br />
<br />
He looked at that gleam in Travis’ eye, the smile on his face, the absolute pure joy of it all and grinned back. “Go for it.”<br />
<br />
Travis rubbed his hands together, bent over the keyboard and taking his time, typed in £1010 and clicked the necessary keys to complete his bid.<br />
<br />
He jumped up and threw his arms around Callum. “Thanks, love.”<br />
<br />
The EndLJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209660278651151524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021728474218389854.post-56916619868270388202009-05-07T19:04:00.000-07:002013-05-17T08:53:12.406-07:00What Did I Do?Co-written by: A Friend and LJ<br />
<br />
<br />
Travis threw down the damp, dirty cloth on the step beside him. “Enough is enough,” he grumbled under his breath as he leaned his head against the wall. “There must be fifty bloody miles of baseboard in this house and I am damn well not cleaning all of them.”<br />
<br />
He turned slightly and stretched out on the stairs with his bent arms supporting his upper body and staring up at the ceiling. “Okay, so I was a little late last night…..well I guess I better make that this morning. And maybe I had one too many, but hey that happens when you’re celebrating. Besides I apologized for not calling.” He was rationalizing and knew it.<br />
<br />
Callum had let him sleep in. Even fed him a good breakfast while not once mentioning the events that led to where Travis now found himself.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, right!” he snorted. “Lulling me into a false state of security is what he was about.” Pushing himself up off the stairs, Travis went in search of his man.<br />
<br />
Callum was in the music room practicing the cello again. He would get the piee right if it killed him and it very nearly was. Why the directors had decided on chamber music was beyond him. No, it really wasn’t. They were inducting another actor into the Hall and it was all so very posh; just the thing he hated most about this whole gala.<br />
<br />
He had been going to tell Travis about it and wanted him to come along this time even though it would mean an overnight in London, when his Brat had decided to stay out late when there was a clear and defined rule about this sort of thing. Now Callum had no recourse but to punish him and if it kept up the way it was shaping up, there would be tears before bedtime.<br />
<br />
He could hear the clomping of slippers as Travis stomped through the house and again he raised his eyes heaven ward thinking that perhaps hardwood had been a mistake in judgement. They should of gotten carpet, deep and very expensive, loose your feet in carpet; much better for stomping noises.<br />
<br />
Sighing, he set the bow aside and called, “In here, Travis! Chained to the cello again.”<br />
<br />
“I just wanted to let you know I’ve done with the woodwork,” Travis said, crossing his finger behind his back. ‘Or all I can possible stand to do today,’ he added silently to himself.<br />
<br />
He slid in behind his partner and slowly massaged the tired shoulders. “I really am sorry for last night, love. I promise not to let it happen again.” Although sincere in his apology, he was rather hoping it might earn him a reprieve.<br />
<br />
Depending on Callum’s response, Travis thought he might even tell him what he and his mates had been celebrating. Travis was nothing if not stubbornly closed-mouth if life wasn’t treating him fair.<br />
<br />
“All of it? And so quickly! My, my, aren’t we just speedy the wonder Brat today? Shall we go and check a bit of it then?” Callum stood up and stretched. “I need to walk around anyway. I was getting cramped and then perhaps you will enlighten me on the whole sad story of why you thought it prudent to not inform me you would be late or even where you were for that matter. Rules are put in place for those who cannot remember the right thing to do, Travis. Not to keep check on you. You’re grown. I expect you to give me the common courtesies of being an equal partner and a phone call or even a text would have been appreciated.”<br />
<br />
Callum walked to the nearest baseboard and ran a finger over it, pulling said finger away and looking at it. He turned the digit to Travis and quirked an eyebrow. "Done are you?”<br />
<br />
“Ah, I guess I might have missed a spot or two, Callum. There’s an awful lot of it you know.” Travis glared at the tell-tale finger and turned a soulful look at his partner. “And it was a last minute thing, Callum. We were excited is all and I…..well, I didn’t mean to be thoughtless or rude.”<br />
<br />
“Well, then I have to suggest that you start at one end and work your way around the house. The whole of the ground floor is open so there really isn’t a very good excuse for missing bits.” Callum swatted Travis’ bum for emphasis. “Now, young man, do it properly or there will be more; so very, very much more added to it and you will not be going for drinks for a long, long, long time. Now scoot!”<br />
<br />
Callum gave Travis another lighter swat sending him on his way as he went back to the cello and glared at it. “Damn thing anyway.” The intercom beeped then and he picked up the in-house phone. After listening for a few moments, he set aside the bow again and went to find his Brat. “Lunch is in exactly twelve minutes according to Mrs. Mills. We mustn’t be late or she will dump it.” He grinned and put an arm around his partner. “I do love you, you know.”<br />
<br />
“Lunch…and then what? Ah-ha, amnesty, maybe.” Travis’ eyes lit up at the thought and he did a little dance. Then he grabbed his head and wished he hadn’t. “Ohhh,” he moaned and sat down on the nearest chair. “Have a heart and let the rest go….please, Callum. I said it wouldn’t happen again.”<br />
<br />
“Hate to say it but I will anyway, told you so. Drinking to excess is never a good thing the next day.” Callum laughed and reached down to help Travis back up. “Let’s go eat and then you can get back to work. After the baseboards there is a bathroom and a wet room with a big T stamped on them, just waiting for you.”<br />
<br />
Callum knew he was being rather harsh but then he was not only a bit angry that Travis would worry him like that, but hurt too. This might serve as a reminder that he was only a button away and make sure to use it.<br />
<br />
“I think I’ll change my name to Sam,” Travis grouched. He stole a furtive glance at his lover’s handsome face. “Are you going to stay mad for very long, Callum? I’ve got to know.” Travis never did fare too well when feeling shame or remorse.<br />
<br />
Callum snorted out a laugh and hugged his lover close. “Imp,” he said and planted a kiss on Travis’ cheek. He stopped their forward motion when Travis asked his question and gripped both of the younger man’s shoulders in his hands. “Travis, I am not mad ‘at’ you. I am angry that you showed such little regard. It’s the action, never you. You, my love, are perfect.” Callum drew him in close. “Now if you need further assistance, we can forego lunch here and settle this matter and go for a burger in Bristol and maybe do a little browsing.”<br />
<br />
Travis gazed into his lover’s beautiful eyes. He wrapped his arms around Callum and nestled into his shoulder. “I love you too,” he murmured. After a few moments of thinking over the offer, he settled for the trip to Bristol. “I trust Mrs. Mills isn’t going to mind us running out on her lunch.”<br />
<br />
Callum looked deeply into Travis’ eyes and then smiled. “Alright then,” he said as he led them up the stairs and into their bedroom. He sat on the bed and pulled Travis down next to him. “Why am I spanking you, Travis?”<br />
<br />
Callum refused to punish in this way unless they were both certain as to the why of it. Many times he remembered being spanked as a child and each time his father would ask him the same question. It became ingrained and now in this relationship he did the same with his partner.<br />
<br />
Travis had solemnly allowed the older man to lead him upstairs. He understood. They had rules and the broken ones had to be paid for. Much as he hated being spanked, he knew he’d feel better inside once it was over. He trusted Callum to fix things for him.<br />
<br />
He leaned against Callum’s warmth and softly answered the question. “I did not let you know where I was last night or what I was doing.” He took a deep breath. “And I worried you when I came home so late.” There it was out and although he didn’t understand why, Travis felt better already.<br />
<br />
“Okay then, up you get.” Callum helped Travis to his feet and then went to the dresser and got the hairbrush they used just for this purpose. He padded back to the bed and sat down, guiding Travis over his lap. He took a firm hold of the slender waist and as Tops everywhere do, he sucked in the deep first breath.<br />
<br />
There was no need for further talking and Callum set about his business in a brisk manner. He laid the brush gently over every inch of Travis’ upturned bottom and then reached down to undo the button and zip, watching as he slowly unclothed his lover’s arse to him. He then gave a little shove and jeans and boxers fell to the floor. As they fell, he gripped Travis’ waist again and raised the hairbrush to land it right at the sit spot. They had danced around this for all of the morning and Callum was going to make his point clearly before he was done. Several smacks later he moved the brush to include both white cheeks which were turning an English rose red and then he moved to the upper thighs.<br />
<br />
Travis would not be sitting comfortably for a day or so and he would remember each time what this was for.<br />
<br />
As he spanked Travis began to wriggle a bit and he stopped long enough to grip him firmly again, bringing his Brat’s body closer to his own. He did understand the need to escape the punishing blows but that was paid no mind at all as he raised and lowered the hairbrush several more times. When the first involuntary jerks began, he paid more attention to how Travis was behaving, taking his cues from him instead of what his eyes were showing him. Once the sobs became louder, he spanked only a few more times landing the last one to each cheek, two to the sit spot and two to each upper thigh. Then he tossed the hairbrush aside and gathered his snotty, sobbing Brat into his arms and rocked him gently as he kissed the wet tear-stained face over and over.<br />
<br />
“Shh Luv, it’s over now; wiped clean and pristine again. Shh, Baby Boy,” Callum crooned over and over knowing little of it was being heard and not caring. He so loved this young man.<br />
<br />
Travis had compressed his lips when he saw the hairbrush being picked up. He was going to be stoic. Yes sir; that was the plan. It was the same one every time, the one that would go awry before it was over.<br />
<br />
Settled securely across the bigger man’s lap, Travis silently berated himself for once again getting himself in this position. He groaned when his backside was bared. He didn’t stay thinking for long, nor did he stay quiet or still. He squirmed and whimpered; all to no avail as the spanks rained down.<br />
<br />
It was only when he was crying loudly that the punishment ended and he was lifted and held tightly against a broad chest. He clutched onto Callum’s shirt and sobbed, only vaguely aware of the soothing words being spoken.<br />
<br />
Gradually the heart-rending sobs faded. “S-sorry. Love you. I want to s-sleep now?" he hitched and was grateful for the strong arms lifting him to his side of the bed and holding him close until sleep overtook him. Lunch would wait.<br />
<br />
The EndLJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09209660278651151524noreply@blogger.com0