Love & Stitches at The Asylum: Part Seventy-Seven
****
So help me, nothing will ruin this day.
Especially not me.
Noah gritted his teeth as he fixed the plate of pastries for Jared, so damn frustrated with himself he couldn’t look at his man. At anyone. Fine, he hadn’t actually lost his shit, but he was well aware of how close he got to the edge of the void when he let anger seep past his defenses. He didn’t have the liberty of extreme emotions. He had to stay level.
Reliable.
Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Rethinking the punch Jared had asked for—he seemed to have more of a taste for sweets, between his time with Reed, and now Pike—Noah almost knocked the bowl over, blackness creeping into his peripheral vision. Which happened less and less recently, but it was another reason to remain as calm as possible. When he stressed, it would come back, and he’d start losing colors.
The thing that avoided him getting too worked up about it was they always returned. He just had to find his center again.
A fucking cop. In uniform. At Wren’s party.
Yeah, that wasn’t a helpful thought. Inhaling a slow, deep breath, he shoved at the urge to find something to fight. An enemy to take down.
There are none here. Focus. Punch. Pastries. Some of those strawberries he loves.
Gaze scanning the table, he scowled at the latter. He couldn’t make out the strawberries without being able to see red. Which would be funny, since the idiom fit what he wanted to avoid, but it;d also be nice to be able to fix up a plate of food without his damn brain throwing obstacles at him.
A presence at his side brought his head up, and he sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly when Lawson moved in closer. Had he noticed something was off?
It’s Lawson. Of course he noticed.
But there was no accustation in those dark green eyes. No expectations for Noah to be the kind of leader this place needed, or disappointment when he went about it the wrong way.
There was only some concern. Even understanding.
“I’m still here.” Noah needed to erase any doubt of that. “Still me.”
Lawson inclined his head and gave him a one armed hug. “I know. But you’re stressed and I’d like to help reduce that. I’m not exactly fond of seeing men in that particular uniform myself. It helps that it’s Towne, but I understand you being firm about him not wearing it around Wren. Or several members of the Core.”
“I could have been a bit more diplomatic about it.” Noah gave him a pointed look. “You would have.”
Shaking his head, Lawson lowered his arm, picking up another plate. He began filling it, even though his boy had brought him plenty. Probably so he’d have something to do with his hands. “I learned how to be that way in high pressure situations because it’s important in the business world. But it’s not always the right approach. You weren’t excessive, so don’t beat yourself up about it.” He glanced over at Noah, his brow creasing slightly. “There’s something else.”
There was no point in trying to fool the man. He was one of three people in Noah’s life who always saw right through attempts to hide any issues. Rhodey was obvious, he’d been part of rebuilding Noah when he’d been a young fucking sociopath without any hope for redemption. Then there was Jared, who’d seen Noah’s soul when he was positive he didn’t have one. Who’d helped nurture it until Noah was actually capable of something beyond violence and rage.
Lawson…Lawson had given him a way to let it keep growing. Sure, he’d been tough in training him, once he believed he could take it, but in the beginning? He’d been gentle. Saw a young man who cringed when anyone got too close and knew he needed a different approach with him than he had with Curtis.
He didn’t blame Curtis for resenting that back then. Noah hadn’t even been sure he’d be capable of it, the tenderness that wasn’t optional while he helped Lawson heal.
With all the missteps he’d taken, at least he could say he’d done one thing right.
Given a hand up to a man who’d ended up stronger than he’d ever be.
Sighing as he met that very man’s patient gaze, Noah nudged his chin at the table. “I can’t make out the colors. That happens sometimes when I get stressed. Along with a nice, throbbing headache.” He held up his hand when Lawson’s lips parted. “It’s nothing to worry about. All my scans have shown my brain is in working order. As much as it can be. For all I know, it’s some kind of psychological bullshit. I can get through it, I just don’t want it to be a cause for concern, which is why I haven’t said anything to anyone.” His lips twitched. “And it won’t be if I can find the strawberries I’ve decided Jared has to have. Because…logic.”
Rather than scold him in that mild way he had, which he usually, thankfully, saved for his subs, Lawson huffed out a laugh and nodded. “Fair enough. If the headaches get worse, and you don’t say something to Jared, I will. Otherwise? I’ll take your word that everything is fine.” He pointed to a tray, which held what looked at first glance to be black and gray triangles. “The strawberries are there. What else do you need?”
“The good punch?”
Lawson wrinkled his nose. “All but one tastes like Jolly Ranchers creating a crime against good whiskey. Jared accepts the green ones from Reed sometimes, so I’d go with that.” He gestured to the bowl in the middle. “Now let’s go sit down, have a drink, and prepare for our costume change.” He shook his head as he waited for Noah to fill the round plastic glass that reminded him of a small fish bowl with a short stem. “Something I never thought I’d say, even here. I’m starting to think Jacks’ master plan is to get us all into roleplay to fulfill some kinky fantasy.”
As Noah spoke, a long braid of hair unfurled from the fantasy tower, Jacks calling out. “Sheapunzel, Sheapunzel, let down your hair!”
There was some grumbling before Shea stuck his head out of the curved window at the top of the tower. His lips were a darker gray, showing he was probably wearing lipstick to go with the…hair. And the dress that only showed at the top, but strangely…suited him. He looked back into the tower, likely at Danny. “If this doesn’t prove how much I love you, nothing will.”
Approaching the braid, Jacks placed a rubber dagger in his teeth and began climbing—hand over hand in a glorious display of naked back muscles—up the braid. “Ihm cohmih to rehcu yuh.”
“Yo, I don’t even know you.” Shea let out a gruff sound, then seemed to be listening. His tone was tinged with laughter now as he got into his role. “I think I need the dragon to save me from this crazy knight, coming to invade my tower when I’m having a nice night of Netflix and Chill.”
Jared’s brows rose, his head turning so he gazed up the tower, where Jacks had reached the halfway mark and now looked uncertain. “I’m a het dragon. I come over there, you have to give me payment out of your hide.”
“Hey, this princess don’t put out for cheap favors.” Shea huffed, sitting on the edge of the window, which had a very clear yelp coming from Danny within the tower. “I’ll rescue myself. Come show me what you’ve got, Sir Fashion-A-Lot.”
Twisting in Jared’s lap, Pike tugged at his sleeve. “Sir, I think that’s a fake princess. You’re gonna have to go save the real one from the imposter. That knight looks kinda shady.”
One hand on the hemp hair, Jacks swung outward with a push of his feet against the faux rock tower wall, using his free hand to pluck the knife from his teeth. He brandished it upward at Shea. “Watch out, miscreant! I’ll...gut thee!”
“You’re gonna need a bigger sword.” Shea leaned down from the window, puckering his lips. “And that’s not what you’ll want to do with it.”
Shaking his head, Noah joined the rest of the group, smiling at the way both Reed and Matt seemed to be getting a kick out of the action. Pike, not surprisingly, kept shouting suggestions. But someone wasn’t having as much fun. Usually, Noah didn’t have the first clue what to do when it came to Danny’s dramatics, but the boy was Jamie’s best friend. And a Core sub. Which meant, in part, that he was Noah’s responsibility.
Besides that, he’d come to like the little guy. He exchanged a look with Jared. “I’m not dressed for it, but I can play the dragon.”
Not giving Jared a chance to answer, Lawson shook his head, placing his plate beside the ones gathered on the table between the lounge chairs. “No. Your hands are full. I’ll do it.”
Towne chose that moment to come out of the dressing rooms. Astonishingly, he wore an antebellum dress with wide hoop skirts and a long curly wig that was the same shade of gray as his mustache.
“Why am I wearing this again?” Towne adjusted his boobs with both palms. “I thought this was a birthday party...with cake and balloons.”
Both dimples showing as he bit back a laugh, Reed shook his head. “Wren doesn’t like balloons. But we’ve got bubbles. And snow. And pretty maidens to go with all the horror themed costumes.” He grabbed Matt’s hand. “Speaking of which, we gotta go get changed before Wren gets back.”
Matt tore his eyes from Towne’s dress muttering something entirely unexpected. “That was supposed to be my costume.”
On his way to the tower, pushing up the sleeves to his suit—which looked like it’d been dragged through a graveyard—Lawson glanced back at him. “Jacks went all out, as usual, my love. You can pick whichever costume you’d like. I think the emerald green one would look stunning on you. And you might want to grab it before Jamie does.”
Appearing torn, Matt glanced from Lawson to Noah, lips parting, then closing before he spoke. “I— If it pleases you, sir, I wanted to see kitten’s eyes when he wore it. They’re going to be mesmerizing. I never saw a shade of green like that before, and it matches exactly.”
Lawson looked at a loss for words as he gripped the base of the hemp rope wig. This was a situation Noah understood well. The man wanted to give his sub absolutely anything he could possibly want, but when it wasn’t what he’d planned for, he had to adjust quickly.
Saving him from the misstep, Noah waved it off with a light laugh. “That’s a very good idea, pup. Leave the dress for him. And surprise us.”
Relief lightened the gray of Matt’s eyes as he nodded. “Yes, sirs.” He perked up, joining Reed with a lightness in his step, seeming to have completely forgotten his original grumble as he conspired with his co-sub. “I wonder if you could find something to dress me up like one of those creepy dolls...”
“That would be wicked. I betcha Jacks’ got something. And I’m wearing that costume for the guy from Children of the Corn. He woulda had a ton of creepy dolls to keep all the creepy little kids happy.” Reed’s eyes shone with excitement. “I ain’t Broadway level with makeup, but I can do a decent job getting you all freaky pretty. Let’s do this thing.”
Noah grinned, shifting his attention from the subs to Lawson, who mouthed ‘thank you’ before hauling himself up on the rope. Standing back and watching him was difficult. Despite him being medically cleared for more strenuous activity, he still had a long way to go in his reconditioning. It took everything in Noah not to order him down, knowing full well if he tried, he’d get one of those looks.
The man hadn’t followed orders from him in a very long time.
Motion at the far side of the room drew Noah’s attention, Jamie coming through with Wren in tow. From a distance it was possible to tell their hair was still wet...and Jamie’s appeared to be white again.
Brow furrowing, Noah crouched down at Jared’s side. “Why was Jacks so worried about the dye if it would come out this quickly? He didn’t have time to bleach it again…did he?”
“I love you, tiger, but do you really think I know the first thing about hair dye?” Snacking on a cupcake that he shared with Pike, a little chocolate frosting at the edge of his upper lip, Jared gave him an odd look before he glanced Jamie’s way. “Though I’d assume it washed out or he re-dyed it. Or bleached...or did some magic incantation. Because he thankfully no longer looks like a porcupine.”
Pike snickered, leaning in to lick the icing off Jared’s face. “Aw, come on. It was a good look. Kinda edgy. But yeah, he woulda had time to bleach it. Maybe he had Wren suck his dick while he did so they could keep with the schedule. That’s one damn good use of time. I gotta try it one day.”
“You’d better ask one of the other subs, because I am not going anywhere near you while you’re getting that blue dye on absolutely everything.” Quint reclined against Seth’s chest, his gaze having cleared a bit since he’d returned from the maze. “He pulls off both looks well. Wren’s outfit is different as well. He seems to have embraced the costumes…in his own way.”
That was true. Rather than his usual slacks and dark colored shirts, Wren had chosen one of his more gothic styles. He still looked like himself, but the lacing along the front of his shirt, and the snug black jeans, along with calf high boots, were something he usually only pulled out on either his or Jared’s request, when The Asylum was having a themed night.
It had taken him some time to find clothing he was comfortable in, and it made him look a bit like one of the sexy reapers out of one of Reed’s mangas, but seeing him exploring something outside of the norm for his party was nice.
Jared made an appreciative sound, not unlike a growl, his gaze landing on Wren. “There’s a sight for sore eyes.”
Skirting the pool with his co-sub, Jamie laced his fingers with Wren’s, speaking quietly with him, his expression serious. When he looked up, he searched the room, a small frown pulling his brows, before he returned his attention to Wren, to listen to his answer.
Wren looked around, turning fully, as though he was sure the man Jamie was clearly asking about was behind them.
A finger snap from Rhodey drew both their attention. “Connor’s doing the rounds. Go have fun. I’ll have him come back in a bit.”
It was hard not to chuckle at his uncle’s idea of making sure a party went well. He seemed to think he could order everyone to enjoy it, and if they didn’t…well, Drew being sent off for a nap appeared to be his milder approach.
Noah didn’t want to know what the man would do if anything went sideways. Pity the sub who threw a fit or pulled attitude. Rhodey would probably ruin the party himself trying to keep it all light and happy.
Grabbing a couple plates, Jamie stopped at the food tables, saying something to Wren that looked like, “You go on over. I’ll get some pretzels and food. We burned a lot of calories up there.”
“Not as many as you’d think.” Wren smiled at Jamie, as though latching on to the topic that had become one of his new obsessions. “We’d have to have continued for hours to even burn off the amount in one of those cupcakes. But neither of us needs to worry. Do you remember what I showed you with that heart? The person was struggling with some serious issues, likely some blockages. I’m grateful to them for donating it, it will help me understand what I’m working with in the future. The head obviously didn’t belong to the same person.”
Placing the plates back on the pile, Jamie gave his co-sub a wan smile. “I bet Jared knows their entire medical history... I think I’ll just go...do something in the dressing room...while you ask him.”
“Yes…that’s a good idea.” Wren chewed on his bottom lip. “You’ve been out of the water for a while. Maybe you can go back in now? I’ll ask.”
Clucking his tongue, a small reminder for Wren to release his lip, Noah motioned him over. “Jamie’s right, Jared has every detail you could want. And Jamie? There’s something special waiting for you in the dressing room. Matt’s still in there, he can show you.”
Lifting his head, Jamie smiled in Noah’s direction. “Thank you, sir. I’ll go see.”
The door to the security stairwell opened, Keiran pausing as he caught the last bit of the conversation. His lips thinned, then quickly slid into a smile at a pointed look from Rhodey. He jogged over to the snack table. “Wren, go sit with Jared. I made those vanilla honey pastries you love. And the spicy ones.” He jutted his chin at the tower. “Lawson’s trying to save Danny, who’s also being saved by Jacks, while Shea is…being a very difficult princess. Or a fake princess. Avery gave me a rundown, but I think he couldn’t quite figure out what scenario they’re playing out.”
Over in the tower a scuffle broke out, and the cardboard roof slid sideways. “Take that, foul fowl! I knew you were a shapeshifting bird of prey all along!”
Halfway up the tower, Lawson shook his head and sighed. “This isn’t your living room. Let’s keep it civil, boys.”
“But I must save the enchanted mouse!” Jacks sounded truly miffed.
In the dressing room, the door partly opened, Jamie’s raptures over the dress could be heard. “Are you fureakinreal? This is gorgeous! Thanks, Mattie.” There was a moment of silence, then a moan. “Okay...but I just had a shower.”
“Sirs…I don’t think you should be having a real sword fight up here.” Danny let out a little squeak as the tower swayed. “If we fall in the pool, no one will die. Curtis said so. It’s safe up here. Even though I’d rather be watching a horror movie right now. Why didn’t I stay on solid ground? This was such a bad idea.”
Stepping forward, Noah held his breath as he eyed Lawson, dangling off the side of the tilting tower. If he fell, it might not be in the pool. He tried to keep his voice calm. “Climb down, my man.”
“It’s fine, Noah.” Lawson hauled himself up another foot, clearly testing the extent of his strength. “Curtis made it. It’s solid.”
Coming out of the dressing room, Matt in a headlock, Jamie under his other arm in nothing but his boxer briefs, Curtis stopped short when he saw the tower. “Shit. That wasn’t made to handle more than two and a half people. Get the fuck down, Lawson!”
Lawson stopped, glancing back at him, then gave a sharp nod. He didn’t move right away, though, calling up to Jacks and Shea. “Get out. Now. And bring your boy. The party continues down here.” Clearly expecting them to obey, he slid down the rope, looking like it took everything in him not to continue up and drag both younger Doms out by their ears. “If I have to repeat myself, you’ll both be put under evaluation.”
Hauling Matt and Jamie with him, Curtis reached Lawson, then let Matt go before he shoved Jamie at Noah and looked Lawson over. “I never expected anyone but them to be interested... I can see I’m going to need to take Prop Construction 101.”
“No, you did fine. I should have drawn out some rules. And asked for more details.” Lawson slid an arm around Matt’s shoulders. “It was an…experience. I’m not sure I’m made out for this kind of roleplay.”
Jumping down from the ladder that was hidden at the back of the tower, Jacks held up his arms for Danny. “I’ll catch you, little mouse.”
Before the sub could say a thing, Shea’s familiar, grumpy tone followed the suggestion. “I’ll lower him to you. And then, if he wants to scamper off somewhere and hide? We’re going to let him.”
“No, you won’t. Or should I say, I won’t.” Rhodey strode up to the tower, his height and arm reach removing any kind of objections as he took Danny from Shea. He looked from one man to the other. “I don’t give a fuck how the two of you play together. Involve my sub and it better be something soft and sweet and fucking safe.”
As Jacks straightened his cuffs, Jamie slipped away, back to the dressing room. When the Dom spoke it was with a level tone. “He’s our sub, all of us, Rhodey. Don’t get territorial. He’s a human being, and I don’t want him feeling like we’re fighting over him.”
The only reason Shea appeared to keep his mouth shut was because of Noah’s warning look. Which he granted the man because both he and Jacks were also part of the Core. His to protect. Or put in line as needed. He didn’t fully understand his uncle’s arrangement with them, but he did know one thing.
Him stepping in, standing either against Rhodey, or with him, wouldn’t improve the situation.
So he turned his attention to Jared. “I don’t give a fuck what I need to do, none of them is fucking up Wren’s party. I’ll only make things worse. Can you…?”
“It will be fine, love.” Jared ran his hand down Noah’s arm, his touch reassuring. He settled Pike on Quint’s lap, then turned to Danny and held out his hand. “Let’s go show Wren where I hid the last present he didn’t discover.”
Ducking away from all of his Doms, Danny darted to Jared’s side, more than a little relief in his tone. “I’d love that, sir. And I think I can deal with most of the scary party stuff.” He wrinkled his nose, the tip painted black, with little whiskers on his cheeks, showing Jacks had seen what his sub would be more comfortable wearing, the fluffy, light gray hoodie with big mouse ears—which might actually be gray—paired with matching mittens and soft pants. “Pretend is better than real. And I’d rather Jacks and Shea break coffee tables than towers. While we’re in them.”
By the snack tables, Towne was rapturizing to Keiran about his pastry skills, while Reed mingled with them. Curtis stuck close to Lawson, clearly watching over him and Matt. The sub had apparently changed his mind about the doll costume, settling on a pirate blouse with a laced up vest and black knee breeches. White stockings and buckled shoes completed his ensemble.
Avery slipped in the door from the tunnel, the glint of a dart in his hand, his tongue between his teeth as he narrowed his gaze on Jacks.
“Do it and I swear to fucking God, I’ll beat your ass myself. And we’ll see how much I’ve learned around here.” Shea shifted so he was shielding his co-Dom. “Rhodey said I could collar you. I accept. Put it the fuck down.”
Shaking his head, Rhodey looked from Jacks to Shea. “I’m taking back the offer. I tried to control the results of the game and I failed. You’re not collaring my subs.” He motioned to Avery. “Stand down, my sweet little viper. I’ve got this.”
Immediately secreting the dart away, Avery left the way he’d come. The same direction Jared, Wren, and Danny had gone, toward the maze at the building’s exterior.
Rolling his shoulders, Jacks watched them go. “He’s our sub, Rhodey, and we’d never hurt him.”
“Yes. He’s ours. And you fucked up.” Rhodey stepped closer to the other man, like that would fucking solve anything.
Noah couldn’t stand back any longer. Not if he wanted to keep Wren’s party what it was meant to be. He cut across the side of the pool, stepping between the two men. “Your boy is with Jared. He’s fine. You’re all fine. Move the fuck on.” He looked at his uncle. “You’ll feel better taking over watch yourself. Send Connor down.”
Taking a deep breath, Jacks let it out slowly, and caught Shea’s fingers with his own. He stared down at their joined hands, seeming at a loss for words and a tad deflated. Like Rhodey had taken the wind out of his sails and he didn’t know how to re-tack to catch it again.
The step Shea took forward, while still holding Jacks’ hand, didn’t spell anything good. He glared at Rhodey, showing none of the fear he should have for simple self-preservation alone. “Listen to your nephew. You don’t want to share your subs? That’s fine. I like not getting stabbed in my sleep. But you got close to Danny because I let it happen. I could be an asshole and take that back. Don’t test me.”
Jesus fucking Christ, the man will not live to his thirties.
“Shea...” Jacks tugged him back. “Danny makes his own decisions about who he loves. Rhodey gave him something we couldn’t. I won’t play tug-o’-war with his affections. And neither will you.” He gave Rhodey a long look. “Or you.” Edging away, he brought Shea with him. “Let’s get drunk. This is a party.”
As much as Noah had questioned the man’s abilities as a Dom for the hands off way he’d introduced Jamie to the lifestyle, Noah couldn’t help respect how much he’d grown with his own sub. He gave the man a nod of approval, breathing a little easier when Rhodey gave a noncommittal grunt and took off, disappearing through the security exit.
Sometimes, sharing, no matter how well intentioned, had its pitfalls. Noah could only hope his latest attempt in his own relationship didn’t face the same challenges. He checked on Curtis and Lawson with their boys, all who seemed to have managed better than the entire Core put together, then headed out after his own men.
Most of the maze was gone now—hauling it off before the next open night the club had been one of Lawson’s conditions when they’d finalized the planning. Closing for another night took a lot of adjustments, and he was grateful that the man hadn’t had any objections. Only solutions to avoid any long lasting impact. Either on The Asylum or their boys.
In the parking lot, men in dresses and horror themed outfits gathered, splitting into different vehicles for the ‘medical adventure’ part of the day. Taking Danny hadn’t been part of the plans, but Noah couldn’t fault the boy for wanting to stick close to Jared with all the tension and uncertainty.
He’d been there himself.
Climbing into the SUV, where Connor was behind the wheel and Jamie was riding shotgun, he let out a soft laugh. “What’s an Asylum party without some drama? Just for future notice? There are no take-backs for collaring in this quad.”
Jamie twisted in his seat, his left hand curving over the back as he peered at Noah. His green dress was a shiny material that made the light in his eyes glint like L.D.’s as he gave him a welcoming smile. “Hello, sir. Would you like to sit up front?”
The fact that color had returned, along with his ability to see what was at either side of him, had Noah closing his eyes and whispering thanks to the higher power Curtis always insisted was there—even though he didn’t seem to like them very much. He managed a smile, even as his vision blurred a little. In a normal way.
Nothing scared him more than needing to paint the world in black and white forever.
“You can stay there, my little cat. It’s nice and cozy back here.” Noah pressed a bit closer to Jared, squishing Wren a bit between them, which he didn’t seem to mind. Danny wasn’t in a seat, instead snuggled up on the floor between Jared’s legs. A calculated risk that seemed appropriate. “I will tell you now, if you don’t want to see anything…unpleasant? Connor will watch over you and Danny.”
Jamie faced front again, nodding. “Thank you, sir. That would be a good idea, I think.”
One arm around Wren, Jared lifted his hand to brush it through Noah’s hair, playing with his curls in the way he often did. The touches were gentle, deliberate in a way that said Jared saw him even when he didn’t look directly at him. His free hand, he used to stroke Danny’s cheeks that were still round and soft in a way Jamie’s no longer were.
That Jared saw him, that he always understood Noah on a level he didn’t need to question, had him wanting to come clean with all the men he loved. He didn’t want to wait for Lawson to feel he had to step in. Seeing the way it caused a rift between Jacks’ quad, and Rhodey’s, when things were left unsaid?
Not in my home. We can do better.
“I…when I got upset…” Noah inhaled slowly, making sure he didn’t tense up and bring himself back to that place. “I lost colors again. It doesn’t happen as often, but… In case I’m acting strange? I try to ignore it, but as an artist…” He wasn’t sure he’d ever called himself that before. Ever really considered it an important part of who he was. But losing any of it? Proved otherwise. “I can paint everything in black and white. But I have three men who…I love looking into your eyes. The color, what’s beneath it…it’s hard to lose that. And I haven’t, but…in any case, I needed you to know.”
Strangely enough, it was Connor who spoke up first. “I know you saying this, while I’m here? Means you trust me. I knew that when you let me have that time with Jamie, but this is different. It makes me feel…more on a level ground with you. And to give our boy all he needs from us? I couldn’t settle for any less. So thank you for giving me this, my man. And I hope you know, even with this challenge? Of any man I’d want at my back, you’re at the top of the list.”
Reaching across the gap in their seats, Jamie covered Connor’s right hand with his left, the wedding band on his third finger winking in the light. He drew down the visor, angling it so he could see Noah in the mirror, their gazes meeting. “That sounds really hard. I’m so sorry you’ve been going through that. Did...is there anything specific we can do to help it not to happen? Or happen less?”
“I don’t know, little cat. It seems to show up when I’m tense, which is…actually kind of good. It’s a very clear indication I need to take a step back and calm down.” Noah hoped all his men would see he could manage this. It wasn’t anything else for them to deal with. “When it happens, it’s just…if you’re wearing a pretty red dress? It’s gray to me. So…I’m looking at the fit. Which still works. Red always looks good on you and you’re still sexy.”
Jamie shared a soft smile with him in the mirror while Jared spoke up. “Have you mentioned this to your neurologist? It’s not my field, but I thought he shared all of your notes with me. Or...did you ask him not to?”
Quickly shaking his head, Noah pulled out the pills Jared had given him for headaches, finally popping a couple and swallowing them dry. “I didn’t. Stephan and Quint promised he’d be free of all this after he treated me, but they sent him the latest scans. There’s nothing wrong with me. He said it’s my brain adjusting so…it’s nothing medical. There was no reason for him to alert you. This is all me. I was just…dealing. But I don’t like keeping anything from any of you. Even if it feels unimportant to me.”
Frowning, Wren sat forward a little. “The brain is very complicated, sir. How it rewires is fascinating. Mine loses some short term memories and I’ve had to adapt. There’s no reason for you to feel this is any more or less than any of us face. We can either help or support you. Or simply know it’s there. Stephan says sometimes talking is just that. Those you love…getting a chance to fully see where you are. And we all want that.”
“We also might want to pinch you for keeping things from us for so long.” Jared grumbled but didn’t look too upset. A little worried perhaps, as his light blue gaze ran over Noah like he assessed him for everything from chicken pox scars to invisible broken limbs. “I shall take great delight in making you suffer under my excruciatingly nuanced care in future.”
Connor snorted, looking over his shoulder as they stopped at a red light. “From what I know of the two of you? He won’t mind. But it’s kinda cool. Not to brush it off, but seeing the world like a black and white movie? It’s like your brain is giving you a whole new way to see it.”
This was one of the reasons Noah knew the man was a good fit for Jamie. In any other situation, it might irritate him, but Connor had a different vision. And he could keep Jamie from sinking into the darker places. Feeling like he had to sink into them with Noah when he wanted something so much lighter, warmer for him.
“But would that mean you saw black and white movies in color?” Screwing up his face, Jamie frowned out the window. “I don’t think Top Hat looks as good in the colorized version. People who color old movies are idiots. I would put on the color ones though so you could see them the way they were supposed to be seen.”
Closing his eyes, Noah shook his head. How could he explain this to his boy without ruining the place where he was okay with it?
Thankfully, Wren saved him from trying. “No, it wouldn’t…be like that. But gray has so many shades. It’s why those old movies still have the impact they do and why you prefer them that way. You also have a unique way of seeing what Noah does when his vision is impacted. We all do.”
“Thanks, Wren. That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for explaining.” Jamie smiled at his co-sub. “You’re going to make a great nurse and you’ve got all the right manners in bed.”
“Bedside manner, Jamie.” Sighing, Jared adjusted his shoulders against the seat back. “I’m still going to look you over myself. No arguments. I’m allowed to fuss.”
Noah put a hand on Jared’s thigh and nodded without hesitation. Once, he’d have felt like being fussed over, or cared for at all, made him weak, but he’d grown from that mindset. Allowed himself to be vulnerable sometimes—if only around the men he was closest to. “I won’t argue with you, my love. I will insist on it being some other day, though. Today is all about Wren.” He kissed Wren’s temple. “I’m proud of you for leaving the club with no objections. Who knew we only had to tempt you with a corpse?”
A quiet laugh escaped Wren as he adjusted the lacing on his sleeves, close to his wrists. There was a flap under them, keeping the leather laces from rubbing against his skin, a detail Jacks had added that made it clear how much attention he paid to comfort…when he wasn’t making something completely outrageous.
Like Jamie’s feather outfit. Interesting to look at, but his boy hadn’t come home with it. Which meant he’d most likely left it at Connor’s.
Peering past him, out the darkened windows, Wren spoke softly. “Is the Coroner's office at your old hospital, sir?”
“No, it’s at the county morgue.” Jared pressed a kiss to the top of Wren’s head, cupping his cheek to bring him close. He continued to stroke Danny’s hair in a soothing motion that held a great deal of tender affection. “The M.E., Giles Markham is an old friend. We called in a favor, but he would’ve done this for me, regardless. His wife has done makeup for the actors in a number of our favorite horror movies, and she’ll be there as well to answer questions about that.” He glanced Connor’s way. “I’m afraid you might be quite bored, having to wait in the car now, Connor. Thank you for playing chauffeur for us. ”
Connor shook his head, glancing back again at the next red light. “I can’t take credit for that, but it’s my pleasure. Rhodey thought Wren might be more comfortable leaving the building if both you and Noah were close to him.” He cocked his head to one side. “As for being bored? I might not be. If enough of our decently trained men aren’t going in, I’ll bring Jamie and Danny to the park. It’s a little chilly, but I brought some good outerwear. A football to toss around, and a frisbee. The fresh air will be good for them.”
That was a good point, and would be a lot more fun for the subs who didn’t have any kind of morbid fascination. Still, Noah struggled not to immediately shut down the idea. Without the walls of The Asylum around them, he was all too aware of the potential risks.
Time to show off some of my new compromising skills.
“If Rhodey thinks the area can be made secure enough, I won’t object.” Noah held Connor’s gaze in the rearview mirror as the light changed and the man faced forward. “No offense to your abilities in your field, but a park is a bit more out in the open than I want to chance without several layers of protection.”
“Next right.” Jared pointed in the direction of a long row of Victorian industrial looking buildings with smoke stacks that might’ve once been factories. Only one of them belched a grayish black smoke. “Oh, good. They have the crematorium going. I’d been hoping he might let you slide one of the bodies in, little raven.”
Jamie looked a little green, but didn’t say anything as Connor pulled them into the row of mostly empty parking spaces. At the opposite side of the street was the nicer city park where the wealthier families played. No broken down swing sets and smashed liquor bottles here. He faced Wren, undoing his seatbelt. “Have a great time. I brought me and Danny our Beats for on the way home, so you don’t have to feel weird about chatting as much as you want with Jared and Noah about your fun.”
Confusion filled Wren’s eyes for a second, then he nodded slowly, remaining in his seat at a hand gesture from Noah. “I thought you might enjoy hearing about some of it even if it doesn’t appeal to you to see it firsthand, but I’ll wait until you’re not around to talk about anything. I’ll get to discuss it with them plenty while we’re inside. But if you want to listen to music on the way back, that’s all right. Are you listening to some new music?”
“That’s a discussion that’s safe to have on the way back. Or later.” Noah stepped out of the SUV, blocking the open door with his body as he motioned Rhodey over. When his uncle joined them, he nodded toward Connor. “He’s planning to bring Jamie and Danny into the park. Do we have the manpower?”
Rhodey inclined his head. “I’ll see to it. Let’s get everyone together and figure out who wants to go in and who’s staying out here.”
By one of the other vehicles, Quint had gotten out, surveilling the area. After exchanging a look with Seth, he backed up a step and let Pike get out.
Another one of the reasons this trip was safe was the costumes. There were enough children and young adults roaming the streets all dressed up for them not to stand out. Pike’s costume, based on the killer crew of chicks from Purge: Election Year, included a mask, white with blood red Xs where the eyes would be. Ballet slippers instead of stilettos meant he was close enough to the ground to avoid damaging himself too much when he inevitably fell. The bright green tutu, thigh high white stockings, and turquoise crop top were an interesting mix, strategic fake blood spatters—Jacks must have managed to talk Quint out of his concerns that it might hide the real thing.
The disguise was good, but if anyone knew the boy, how loud he was wouldn’t make him hard to find. Even with the mask, Pike’s voice traveled as he slipped his hand into Seth’s. “Can we go in and see the bodies? You and Quint can educate me on what’s what. But then I wanna go to the park and get on the swings. Do you think there’ll be time for everything?”
Someone let the boy have more sugar.
“Not sure what everyone else is doing, but I’m heading to the swings now.” Tipping the edge of the wide brimmed, black felt hat he wore to go along with the preacher outfit from his chosen horror movie, Reed shot Matt a grin. “Race ya.”
Clearly having overheard Rhodey’s plans, Connor took out his earpiece, most likely contacting Shea, because the other Dom immediately jogged over to stop Reed and Matt from running off.
Shea patted their shoulders, redirecting them. “Huddle in first, my boys.” He smiled as he looked over at Jacks. Out of his Rapunzil costume, Shea had gone back to his standard dark blue jeans, boots, and T-shirt, with a dark blue sports jacket left open. “I’m not really feeling looking at dead bodies, but I’ll push you on the swings if you want.”
Stepping up to Noah, Jamie tipped up his face, squinting against the setting sun. He searched his gaze, then smiled a small smile. “See you later, Top Cat.” Giving Noah’s fingers a quick squeeze, he turned away, then trotted up to Connor on the other side of the SUV.
In his bat costume, Avery handed around a few full trick-or-treat plastic pumpkins, giving Pike the biggest. Jamie waved his treats off with a quiet, “No, thank you,” and went back to asking Connor something, his back turned to Noah.
Dressed in all black, his leathers hugging his hips, Dallas prepared to take up position on the building’s opposite side, guarding the area closest to the woods. His boots crunched across the pavement, then fell silent as he disappeared around the corner of the building.
Already ushering Wren inside, Jared motioned Noah, Pike, and Quint with him. “Quickly, please, my loves.” He gave Noah a wink.“I want you snug and safe.”
This whole thing was already turning out like herding cats. Noah opened his mouth, wincing as Rhodey let out a sharp whistle, drawing everyone’s attention to him.
“In case I was unclear? Unless I’ve assigned you a position—which means your name is Dallas—get the fuck over here.” Rhodey folded his arms over his chest, his expression hard. Out here, in the open, he wouldn’t tolerate any kind of behavior that didn’t fit within his carefully laid plans. “Seth, Quint, go with your boy and stick to Wren and his detail. The building is secure, so you should be plenty. Everyone else, if you don’t want to play Frankenstein, let’s go to the park. Swings and football. Decide which you’re doing and I’ll split the watch. Any questions? No? Good.”
Avery looked a little strange with about twelve treat pumpkins in his arms and draped off of them. He glanced from the building to the park, then back to the SUV, clearly unwilling to ask a question. Giving Keiran a look that pleaded for help, he shuffled sideways with the pumpkins, back toward the SUV.
Catching his co-sub by the back of his shirt, Keiran tugged him to his side, relieving him of half of the buckets. “Let’s get the rest of these around to everyone, then go enjoy the park. I bet I can push you higher than Shea can push Jacks.”
“Well, yeah, because Jacks weighs a lot more than me.” Avery handed Noah a pumpkin, speaking to Keiran.
“Hey! I do not weigh a lot!” Holding up his hands, Jacks backed away from the pumpkin Avery tried to foist on him.
Shea grunted, hefting Jacks over his shoulder. “Nope, you’re light as a fucking feather.” He took his, Jacks’, and Danny’s pumpkins from Avery. “I’m going to feed you this so you don’t get so light you lose all those sweet muscles that you need to get in the ring.”
“Flirt.” Laughing, Jacks grabbed Shea’s ass as his co-Dom walked.
“You’ll find the embalming process fascinating—” The metal door to the building shut, Jared’s voice cutting off as he hustled Wren inside.
“Go on.” Lawson came to Noah’s side, swooping Danny from where he was trying to creep back into the SUV, seeming to have liked Avery’s idea of returning to them. He held the small sub, glancing over to where Connor had done the same with Jamie. “Enjoy your boy’s party with him. This is going to go well. If Rhodey can’t make it happen? I’ll handle it myself.” His lips twitched. “I might let Curtis help.”
“I always help.” One arm looped around Reed’s shoulders, Curtis dangled a gummy worm just out of his boy’s reach and tsked when he didn’t catch it between his lips. “How are you going to grow into a big, strong, sub if you don’t eat your treats?” He dangled and swiped away again, laughing. “Too slow. Let’s try again.”
Reed snorted, giving him a little shove before snatching his and Matt’s buckets. “Come on, Matt, let’s get there before the Doms hog all the swings. Then we can throw the football and get our Doms all tired out so they sleep like babies tonight. You know Lawson will try to fit in more work when we get home and Curtis is gonna try to rebuild that tower to withstand an earthquake.”
Running after them, Curtis shouted, “Am not! I’m making it into a tower slide!”
“Yes, I think I’m going to enjoy the quiet of the corpses.” Noah chuckled as Danny curled up into an even smaller mouse against Lawson’s shoulder. “Good luck, my man.”
A smile curved Lawson’s lips as he inclined his head. “I won’t need it, but thank you. I’d never admit it to them, but I’ve come to love the noise. It makes everything feel more alive.” He adjusted Danny, then followed his men at a jog.
Matt headed straight for the football, snatching it out of Rhodey’s hands on his way past. He threw back his head and laughed in delight, clearly as surprised as Noah’s uncle that he’d managed the maneuver.
“Law! I was on the football team. Did I ever tell you?” He threw the ball in a graceful arc toward Rhodey, then ran, looking over his shoulder as he waited for Rhodey to throw it back.
Handing Danny over to Curtis, Lawson watched his boy with a wide grin on his face. “You did, my boy. I’m glad you haven’t lost those skills. Though you’ll have to teach me. My only sport was fighting.”
“Okay, I guess Matt’s not swinging. You’ll come with me though, right, sir?” Reed ran back to Curtis, tugging on his arm and dragging him and Danny toward the swings. “Show off how good you can push us both.”
Curtis trotted after Reed, swooping Danny up onto his shoulders. The swings were about halfway across the park, near a set of jungle gyms and parkour equipment. Settled on the ground under a tree, Jamie reclined back against Connor’s chest, his mirrored sunglasses on his face as he presumably observed all the goings on.
Happy to see all those he loved getting into the spirit of the outing, Noah turned and headed inside, closing the door quietly behind him. He walked down the long hall, the bright lights somehow not seeming to reach all the corners. As though what this place was meant for impacted the very atmosphere.
Just ahead of him, bright laughter contrasted with the creepy vibe.
“If I’m not too close to the body, I can still snack, right, sir?” Pike sounded like he already was. “Mmm, here, taste this. Keiran’s salted caramel brownies are to die for.”
“Somehow, I believe this John Doe would agree.” Jared’s tone was amused. “We’ll be watching the Coroner process the body to help identify him, little raven. Though his face is half gone, his dental work might allow for a hit. The impressions will need to be made first.”
Reaching the room, Noah had to bite back a laugh as he took in the scene. Both Jared and Wren looked like they’d come to collect the man’s soul, while Quint was trying to keep Pike from getting crumbs everywhere, and Seth seemed to be looking at the body like it was a job and he was personally making sure there was no chance of the target coming back to life.
Usually, dead bodies meant he was on a job. That he’d tapped into a part of himself he never willingly let out to play unless fuckers more evil then him, who didn’t care about hurting the innocent, who would do anything for money and power, needed to die.
Being somewhere that death was just a regular part of existing? Where he had no part in serving it?
Was…a nice change.
Not that he wouldn’t go back to the job if he was needed, but for today?
I’m going to take full advantage of having a day off.
****
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