Chuck rubbed his palms together then wiped the sweat onto his jeans. He straightened, reaching behind himself to massage the tight muscles in his lower back. It had been a bitch of a weekend, but he was damn pleased. He glanced around his empty apartment and grinned. I’m all Jordan’s now. He sighed, contented beyond words. My Master.

The drip, drip, drip of the bathroom faucet caught his attention. Chuck frowned. That won’t do. It was also probably wise to do a final verification that nothing else was amiss or had been left behind. He’d already been through the apartment twice, but he’d obviously missed the leak. The previous two times he’d checked that everything had been taken care of, there had been a few empty plastic grocery bags under the kitchen sink and an old pair of gloves on the top shelf of the entryway closet.

Once he’d fiddled with the spigot for a while, he determined that the faucet likely needed the services of a professional. He’d been at Jordan’s almost continuously for two weeks, so the problem must have begun then. I’ll have to contact the management company.

Since he was already in the bathroom, he took a moment to appreciate the authentic art deco tile lining the bottom half of the walls and in the shower. The porcelain sink with exposed steel pipework underneath added to the feel of a bygone era of Hollywood. Sure, there were chips in both the tile and the sink, along with some shoddy patching jobs, but he’d always loved his little place. The day he’d signed the lease had been one of the best of his life. It was the first home that had been all his, and he’d been there for six glorious, family-free years.

For the most part.

His mother’s tentative voice echoed from the empty living room as if he’d conjured her from the ether. “Charles? Are you here?”

He groaned, the noise mostly to himself. Maybe if I’m really quiet, she’ll go away. The telltale click of her heels on the tiled floor as she approached signaled that he’d have no such luck.

“Oh.” Her startled voice squeaked out the moment she rounded the corner and spotted him. “There you are. Why didn’t you answer me?” Surprisingly, her tone didn’t have the typical edge of reproach he was accustomed to when she questioned him. The query wasn’t out of character for his mother, but it came off as merely inquisitive as opposed to combative.

Chuck internally chastised himself for immediately falling back into a defensive mode in response to her. That part of his life had been left behind the moment he’d outed himself to his bigoted and racist family, the moment when he’d not only told them he was gay, but that he was in love with a black man who also happened to be his Dom. A whole new world had opened up to him—one that he was eager to embrace—and he didn’t need his mother to start in on him the way she always had.

“Charles?” She pressed her lips together then averted her eyes. The chain of her Chanel bag jangled as she fiddled with it. A flush rose to her cheeks.

I didn’t invite her here. If she has something to say, it’s up to her to speak.

For so many years, he had been the one to try and make everything better, to smooth things over with his mother or the rest of the family, to defer to them in order to avoid any conflict. To hide. To lie. To condemn myself to being alone.

“I don’t know why you’re here.” He wouldn’t ask why, but he wanted to make it clear that he expected her to explain herself.

She nodded shakily but still wouldn’t meet his gaze. “I understand. I should’ve come sooner, but…”

His mother broke into sobs, slapping a hand to her mouth, her shoulders quaking from her obvious attempt to maintain control. The pull at his gut whenever she dissolved into tears, the sympathy that washed over him the way it always had from her crying, only served to irritate him. Yet, this time, the emotional display had more of a ring of truth to it. And no matter how horrid she’d been, she was his mother. Chuck wasn’t willing to sacrifice the quality of his life any longer, but he didn’t necessarily need to cut her out completely. Unless she chooses to do it to me. He wouldn’t apologize for who he was or the way he lived his life. Never again.

Chuck crossed his arms. His mother had never shown him much in the way of affection, but the urge to reach out to her was compelling. However, he was far from ready to go there. “Mom, come on. Calm down.” He scrubbed his face with one hand, dropping the other to his side as he glanced around the room. He caught sight of them both in the mirror, a picture he hadn’t seen in a while. The image certainly didn’t mimic the stiff, formal family portrait hanging over the mantel of his parents’ fireplace. “Let’s at least go out to the living room. Jordan’s going to be back any minute.”

She jerked her head up, her eyes going wide.

That got her attention.

“Oh.” She lifted the flap to her purse then dug around inside before retrieving a handkerchief. After she’d dabbed at her nose and eyes, she squared her shoulders. “Is that…Jordan? Is that a man you’re expecting?”

Chuck tempered his words the best he could. He was marginally successful. “Yes, mother. I haven’t miraculously begun dating women.”

His mother huffed before smirking at him. The expression was oddly comforting in an old-shoe sort of way. It made her seem more familiar.

“Yes, Charles, I assumed. But Jordan could be both a woman’s or a man’s name.”

“And you’d held out hope anyway.”

Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. “I suppose I did. But… Please try to understand, Charles. It was such a shock.”

Chuck arched his eyebrows. “Was it really? All those years? You even said to me that you and Dad were beginning to wonder why I’d never brought anyone home to meet you.”

“Well, we…I…” She threw her hands in the air. “I didn’t know what to think.”

Chuck’s patience had begun to wear thin. He still didn’t understand why she’d picked right then to reappear. “I’m going to the living room. You can follow if you want.”

As he breezed past her she let out another aggravated sound. I bet she wants to tell me that she’s never been so insulted in all her life. But perhaps she’s just as tired of saying it as I am of hearing it.

Once he’d reached the front area of the apartment, he silently willed Jordan to materialize. With nothing left in his former home to provide distraction, his mother’s presence became even more awkward than it already was. No tea to make or excuse that he was getting ready to leave for work or a run. Just the bare room and the two of them.

When she finally appeared, she stopped just within the threshold. Gone was the command of the space that she’d perfected over the years. Instead of holding her chin high and gazing around with a resolute glare as if she owned the place, she stood alternately wringing her hands and fumbling with her purse.

Chuck had reached his tolerance level for waiting her out. “Well?”

She regarded him with a pained expression. “Charles, I-I don’t want to lose you forever. You’re my only son, my only child, and I was hoping…” She winced. “Can you forgive me? I’ve been so upset these past couple of weeks.” She held her purse to her body with an iron grip, as if it might shield her. “Your grandfather won’t speak to me and your father…” She sniffed. “Well, he’s not speaking much either. As a matter of fact…” Her bottom lip trembled. “He’s been staying at his friend Steve’s house.”

Chuck furrowed his brow. “I don’t understand. Why are they punishing you because I’m gay?”

She shrugged, her nervous titter similar to the way she’d responded when Chuck had announced he had something to say at the dinner table, the night of his grand reveal.

“Oh, I don’t know. I should’ve realized all along since I’m the mother, I babied you too much, I allowed you to be friends with Anson when you were little—so many observations were made.”

In his family, no one yelled. That was much too unseemly for anyone of their breeding. They merely pointed out, brought to the wrong-doers’ attention, or observed what it was that he or she had done wrong.

Chuck grunted. “Oh really? You allowed me to be friends with Anson?” He’d only been in kindergarten at the time, at least a few years prior to when he would discover for the first time what his family might think about him being friends with someone black. He let out a resigned sigh. “Look, I’m not sure what you want from me right now, what you’re expecting to happen by coming here. You can’t just magically erase your beliefs and prejudices overnight. I’m not changing. I’m gay. I was born gay. Jordan didn’t suddenly turn white. He’s still my Master. And Grandfather was right about one thing. Grandma didn’t make me a sissy, but she certainly taught me wrong from right. I was lucky to have her as a role model.”

His mother dabbed at her eyes again. “I understand. And I can’t promise that I’ll be perfect. But I want to try. I want to at least have a chance to prove to you that I’m not the evil, hateful person you think I am.” She bit her bottom lip. “You’re my son and I love you, Charles. That will never change.”

Chuck’s eyes burned and he fought back tears. He didn’t think she’d told him she loved him since he was a little boy. “Okay, well…” He cleared his throat. “I love you too, Mom. But I also love Jordan. We’re in a committed relationship and I’m going to be living with him now. I won’t listen to anything derogatory regarding him, our relationship, or the type of relationship we have. That’s a deal-breaker.”

She nodded shakily and waved her hand around. “Yes, of course. I’ll behave.” She tentatively took a step forward then stopped herself. “And thank you, Charles.”

“Chuck. I prefer Chuck.”

“Oh. Certainly… Chuck.” She laughed nervously again. “See? I can change.”

He tried not to snort. Yeah. That was a hardcore change right there. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Am I interrupting?”

Chuck whirled around to see Jordan standing in the doorway. His heart picked up a quicker pace, but not from worry. Rather, it was from his joy at knowing it was time to begin their new life together. His mother’s presence couldn’t sully that.

Chuck smiled wide and extended his arm. “No, not at all. Master, I’d like you to meet my mom.”

As Jordan walked into his embrace, Chuck shot her a look. Her cheeks flushed, but at least she’d managed to hide whatever disapproval she might have. It undoubtedly had to be massive.

“Jordan, this is my mom, Elaine. Mom, this is Jordan, my Master.”

Jordan held out his hand and Chuck held his breath. After a brief pause, she accepted his offer, but her body remained tense, the handshake awkward and quick.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Pintel. Chuck is a wonderful man, you must be really proud.”

Her eyes widened a bit before she recovered her composure. “Yes, he’s…he is a wonderful man. But please call me Elaine.”

Chuck hadn’t expected an acknowledgment of Jordan’s words, but at least she’d felt comfortable enough to say them out loud.

“All right, Elaine. I will.” Jordan squeezed Chuck’s waist as he regarded him. “Are you done? Or would you like me to come back later?”

Jordan’s expression was clear. He wouldn’t have a problem giving Chuck some space if that was what he needed.

Chuck smiled up at him. “No, I’m ready. Everything’s been taken care of.”

Jordan turned to his mother. “Would you like to join us for dinner? We were gonna grab a bite to eat before heading home.”

Chuck watched his mother in amusement as she shifted on her feet, the color in her cheeks deepening.

“Oh, uh, thank you. That’s very kind. However, I do need to run along.” She clutched her purse to her body, still seemingly using it as a shield. 

“Another time then?” Jordan’s smile remained as warm and friendly as his tone.

He’s got skills. If he were in Jordan’s shoes, he wasn’t sure how much cordiality he’d possess.

Chuck watched in fascination as his mother struggled to offer a genuine smile in return. At last she managed one that only appeared marginally strained.

“Another time. Of course.” She returned her gaze to Chuck. “Well, dear. I’ll speak with you soon?” She darted her eyes between them, the action so quick he barely registered it.

He nodded. “Sure.” She was trying, he’d give her that.

“And your number will be the same?”

He held in a sigh. “Yes, Mother. I’m moving to Altadena, not the moon.”

Jordan cleared his throat loudly as he gripped Chuck’s waist tighter. Chuck turned to him. Jordan’s stern expression came as a surprise.

“Some respect, boy?”

“Oh. Sorry.” He swallowed reflexively as heat filled his face. Actively participating in the childish and hostile dynamic he always shared with his mother in front of Jordan was embarrassing.

He regarded his mother. “I apologize, Mom. Yes, it’ll be the same, so you can reach me anytime you need to.”

Her jaw had gone slack. After blinking a few times she seemed to regain her composure. “Yes, well… That’s good to hear.” She offered another tight smile. “Then I must be off. It was nice to meet you, uh, Jordan.”

“Same here.” Jordan’s amiable tone hadn’t changed a bit.

“Charles?” She shifted on her feet, glanced around the room again. “I do need to get going.”

Another sarcastic remark danced on the tip of his tongue, but he bit it back. Then it struck him what the hesitation was on her part. Chuck stroked the hand Jordan had wrapped around his waist right as he stepped out of his hold. He opened his arms and his mother tentatively moved forward before performing her pat, pat, pat, hug-not-quite-a-hug ritual that they typically engaged in at the end of her visits.

“Goodbye, Mom.”

She nodded jerkily then scurried away, likely in an attempt to avoid any further interaction with Jordan.

Chuck sighed as he turned to Jordan. “Well, now. Wasn’t that fun?”

Jordan laughed, extending his arms out to Chuck. He gladly walked into them, hugging his Master tightly.

“Whaddya say we go home, boy?”

Chuck smiled against Jordan’s broad chest.

Home.

* * * *

After they’d stopped for a quick dinner, Jordan continued up Lake Avenue until he reached the street at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains which led to his large Victorian home. Chuck’s home now, too. As far as he was concerned, they were for real and forever, but he’d give them a chance to settle in as a couple before taking the next steps. In his mind, there were plenty he hoped to take. Adding Chuck to the title of the house was a beginning. He wasn’t hand-over-fist rich, but he was well-off enough that he could provide for his boy should anything ever happen to him.

The way Liam’s Master did.

Thinking of Liam brought to mind Chuck’s kind offer to accompany Liam on a visit to Kiss of Leather. As much as he’d miss having Liam as an active member at Consequence, he understood why being there had become too painful for him since Mark’s death. In truth, he’d barely set foot in the club for over six months anyway. The knowledge that should Liam decide to join Kiss of Leather, that he’d be under the watchful eye of his good friends, the owners of the club, helped ease his worry over the anxiety-ridden young man.

Jordan kept his eyes forward. Driving a moving truck wasn’t his usual ride and it didn’t handle anywhere near as nice as his vintage Mustang. Crashing before they ever made it home was not on his to-do list.

“Any idea when you and Liam might get together?”

“Yeah. I spoke with him yesterday, and we were thinking Wednesday. In his mind, it’s far enough away from the weekend on either side that it should be the least crowded.”

Jordan smiled to himself. Poor kid. “I appreciate you helping him out, babe. I can’t remember if we ever talked about some of his quirks before, or if you ever noticed any, but you should probably be aware of them so they don’t freak you out.”

“Oh? I don’t know about quirks, but I’m aware that he has panic attacks and is very shy.” Chuck snorted. “Even more than me.”

“Man, shy doesn’t cover it with him. And just so you know? You don’t get the prize for being shy anyway. Kyle has you beat.” Jordan grinned. Nothing did it for him like a shy boy. Those other Doms could keep their brats.

“Oh yeah? Huh. I don’t really know Kyle all that well. He seems like a nice guy, but I’ve only been around him when he’s with Gavin.” Chuck cleared his throat. “But I think I’m getting better. I mean, I wore that outfit to Consequence the other night that you picked out for me.”

Jordan kept his laughter to himself. Chuck was damn cute, but he didn’t want to tease him out of being comfortable enough to explore his exhibitionist side. Long way to go on that. They had a fun road together ahead of them.

“Gear, babe. You looked super fine in that gear. Had to keep an eye on my boy, though, keep those vultures away.”

In his peripheral vision, he caught Chuck squirming in his seat. Chuck didn’t have the slightest clue how hot Jordan found him. Let alone those other Doms who are always sniffing around. His boy needed a collar real soon.

“So, Liam’s quirks?”

Jordan chuckled. “Nice diversionary tactic, there. We’ll get back to how sexy you are later.” Although he couldn’t see Chuck’s expression, he imagined his boy was fighting extra hard not to blurt out something negative about himself that would earn him a punishment. Even if Jordan’s punishments were laughable to many Doms, he had a few tricks he could whip out if need be. He grinned at his own pun.

“Yeah, you’re right about the anxiety attacks, but there’s more to it than that. I’m not gonna tell you all his personal business, and truthfully, I don’t know the full story anyway, but his communication skills aren’t the best. Sometimes people get tripped out by what he says or does.”

“Really?” Chuck’s voice held an edge of concern. “How do you mean?”

“It’s hard to explain. I’d say he’s in his own head a lot, has trouble focusing. He’s told me about that before, didn’t want me to think he wasn’t paying attention to me, you know, shit like that. Anyway, you should also be aware that his panic attacks can be so bad, that he’ll just walk away in the middle of a sentence if he senses one coming on. He’s so terrified of being in public when one hits because they’re so intense, that he’ll simply take off. Or, if he drifts in his mind, he might hang up the phone because he doesn’t realize the conversation is still going.”

“Wow. Okay, thank you for telling me that. I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable by any reaction I might have. That would negate the whole reason for offering to go with him.”

Jordan reached over to squeeze Chuck’s knee before returning his hand to the wheel. “Thanks for that, babe. For real, I doubt he ever would’ve gone without someone with him, and he doesn’t trust easily. There’s barely anyone out there he’d get into a car with.”

“That’s really sad.” Chuck’s voice had lowered. “Something horrible must’ve happened to him.”

“Like I said, I don’t know the details. Master Mark did, but he respected Liam’s privacy and made sure that no one upset him. It was good in some ways, the guy was protective as fuck, but in others, it didn’t encourage Liam’s independence.” Jordan sighed. “As long as Mark was there, it was all good. But when he unexpectedly died…” Jordan shook his head. “It was a bad scene, man. Real bad scene.”

“Okay, I’m glad I know all that. It’ll give me some perspective while we’re out together.”

“Cool.” Satisfaction filled Jordan at the knowledge he was leaving Liam in more than capable hands. He hadn’t doubted Chuck’s compassion, but he was also glad they’d discussed Liam’s situation ahead of time. He’d developed a strong sense of protection over him ever since he’d lost his Master. He deserved to find happiness again.

“Have you thought about what we discussed last night?” Jordan glanced briefly at Chuck before gazing back at the road. He also held in another grin.

“Uh, yes.” Chuck mumbled something unintelligible. “Yes, I did.”

“Oh really?” Jordan was having a blast. “And what thoughts were you having, exactly?”

“Well, I love that we have it on the list, no worries there, but maybe we should wait until I’m all moved in.”

“I see. That sounds as if there might be a fascinating theory in there somewhere. Why is that we should be waiting?”

“So I… Because… It…” Chuck sighed. “I’ve got nothing.”

Jordan laughed. “Don’t worry, boy. An anal hook sounds a lot more evil than it truly is. But it’s loads of fun. For both of us.”

Chuck groaned, holding his hand to his face. “Uh, using the word ‘evil’ while describing it isn’t helpful.”

Jordan squeezed Chuck’s thigh. “How about instead of describing it, I simply use it?”

Chuck’s face flushed into the prettiest shade of red. Jordan chuckled to himself.

I’ll take that as a yes.