Bringing Home Danny (33 page)

Ricky took a quick peek around the corner, and noticed his favorite spot was available. He gestured to a snug little booth under an old faded painting of a dove.

“
This is a very charming place, and the menu looks great,” Mitch told him, as they were seated.
 

Ricky breathed a sigh of relief. “I want you to know, I really...I really appreciate everything you and Antonio have done for me.”

“
Antonio and I are well aware of that. You don't need to keep thanking us.”
 

“
I wish there was something I could do to repay you.”
 

“
I have everything I need in life. Enjoy this meal with me, and we'll call it even.”
 

“
Still...”
 

“
I have an idea. Why don't you recommend something off the menu for me?”
 

Ricky sucked in air. He knew it was ridiculous, but he felt a lot of pressure to make the right choice.

“
What are you in the mood for?” he asked, hedging for an idea.
 

Mitch gently took the menu from Ricky's hand and placed it on the table. He then lifted the boy's chin and said, “I trust you to make the right decision.”

Ricky blushed, and when the waitress came by he ordered for the both of them.

*****

Later that evening, Antonio and Mitch found some private time to discuss the events of the day. As much as they enjoyed the three younger men, they also cherished being alone together. It was an opportunity for them to put down their guard, gather their thoughts, and replenish their strength.

“
We need to nip his poor attitude in the bud before it escalates,” Mitch lectured, after hearing of Danny’s reaction to the caseworker.
 

“
We need to be understanding. He's going through a difficult time.”
 

“
He needs to understand that there is no excuse for bad behavior. He might very well be going through a difficult time. Nevertheless, things are only going to get worse if we don't reign him in.”
 

“
I'm sure you're right. I just hate to see him struggle with everything.”
 

“
Antonio, we have seen him make a lot of strides since moving in. He responds very well to limits and structure. Don't go soft now.”
 

“
You have my word. So, how was Ricky's first counseling session?”
 

“
It seemed to go well. I would have liked him to speak up more, give an opinion from time to time. It's hard to know what he's truly thinking, he's way too docile.”
 

“
Remember, he's not like the other two. Ricky requires a softer touch. You can't push him if he's not ready.”
 

“
You have my word. I'll make sure not to – what did your mother call it?  To be a 'shack bully'?”
 

Antonio chuckled at the memory of his mother's last visit. “Wait 'til she meets Ricky. She is sure to adore him.”

Mitch began to rub his lover's shoulders. “Your mother is like you, she adores everybody.”

“
Not everybody. I can think of a few people I'd like to rid this world of.”
 

“
Don't go wasting your energy on the likes of Brendan.”
 

“
It's not only Brendan. I hate to imagine the sort of things that people have done to Danny to cause him to be holding so much anger.”
 

Antonio arched his back and exhaled a long “ahhh.”
 

Mitch lifted Antonio's shirt off, and dug his fingers deep into a large knot he was developing between his shoulder blades. He
worked his way down to loosen more of Antonio’s tight muscles. “You know he's got a temper.
Anyhow, I n
ever thought much of that caseworker in the first place.”
 

“
A little to the left, oh, yeah...that’s it….
Yes, he has a temper, but he's like a tornado. Once it runs its course, he's calm again. He's not one to hold grudges. It makes me think that something unforgivable must have happened.”
 

“
Antonio, we've been down that route many times. You know it is not going to do any of us any good to wallow in things we can't change. Don't forget, he's safe now, from everyone but himself.”
 

“
You must think I’m turning into my mama.”
 

“
I don’t think that at all. I think it’s rather sexy the way you go out of your way to protect vulnerable young men."
 

“
Do you now?”
 

“
Are you doubting me?”
 

“
Would I ever? You have all my faith and trust.”
 

“
All of it?”
 

“
You've stolen my heart and soul, as well.”
 

“
Rrrr…” Mitch pushed Antonio to his back and bent over him. “What about giving me your body, then?”
 

“
Keep massaging me like you’ve been, and I’ll be putty in your hands.”
 

“
Hmm, I was hoping for something a little harder.”
 

Both men rapidly undressed. Once the clothes were flung to the floor, Antonio grabbed ahold of Mitch, rolling them both on their sides. He wrapped one long leg over Mitch’s hip and clenched his calf against his lover’s muscular ass. Antonio was all leg, long and lean like a racehorse, with a high supple backside.
 

Mitch, in contrast, was built more like an ox. He was all torso.
A wide chest and broad shoulders accentuated his ripped abdominal muscles.
He nibbled Antonio’s ear, breathing heavy against his neck, which caused spasms of quivers to ripple through his body.
Antonio grunted with lustful desire. The smell of musky testosterone filled the air. Each man’s own sexual drive dueling the other for dominance. Neither of them natural in the submissive role, they swapped hard biting kisses, vying for control.
 

Between grabbing and thrusting, the sweaty lovers began to give in, not exactly submitting, but yielding, just enough to share in the conquest. They began rubbing their throbbing member against the other's, each cock impressive in its own right. Antonio’s slightly longer. Mitch’s slightly thicker. In a pre-orgasmic state, their hands gripped savagely to the other's buttocks, thrusting harder. They were on the verge of completion when the door swung open.
 

“
Can I go out?”
 

The men stopped abruptly, hastily trying to cover themselves. “NO!” they shouted simultaneously.
 

Horrified to see what he was interrupting, Danny turned a deep shade of red, and ran out of the room.

*****

Danny slammed his bedroom door shut, threw himself to his bed, and buried himself under his blanket. It angered him to be told no without even an explanation.
When will they stop treating like a little kid?
To make matters worse, he felt like a stupid
toddler walking in on Mitch and Antonio.
Why didn't I think to knock?
 

All the more frustrating was his body’s involuntary reaction to witnessing his caregivers having sex. Danny moaned quietly while he unzipped his pants and slipped his hand down his underpants. It wasn't the first time he had fantasized about the men of the house. Needing release fast, he quickly wiggled out his clothes. Finally free of constraints, he engaged in his own one-handed personal gratification.
 

*****

The following afternoon, Danny was wandering through the house with restless energy. It was the kind of day where he wanted to do something, yet nothing seemed appealing. He walked by TJ and Ricky having what appeared to be a serious conversation. Since Ricky moved in, he and TJ had become rather close. Danny was often seeing them paired off together.

Fighting the inclination to eavesdrop, he drummed up the courage to ask, “What are you guys doing?”

“
We were just talking.”
 

Danny stopped himself from giving the tiresome adolescent phrase, 'duh' to TJ. “About what?” he asked instead.

“
Nothing much,” TJ said casually.
 

Then why did you stop talking as soon as I walked by,
Danny thought resentfully. He lifted his eyebrows and tilted his head to indicate that he expected more of a response.

“
We're thinking about going out. It’s been a while since Ricky's been out at night, and I thought I'd go with him for company.”
 

“
Can I go?”
 

Danny immediately regretted how eager he sounded after seeing their patronizing frowns.

“
Not this time, sport. Ricky and I are thinking about going clubbing.”
 

What? So, now I'm a sport?
Danny wished he never asked
.
 

“
We could catch a movie sometime. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the theater,” Ricky offered.
 

“
Sure, whatever,” Danny grumbled.
 

“
We could all go out to eat first," TJ proposed. "I'll ask Antonio and Mitch if they're free for dinner."
 

“
I don't like going out to eat with them. They make me order off the kid's menu.”
 

“
Oh, they do not. Come on, anything is better than eating Antonio's leftover tuna casserole.”
 

“
No thanks, I'm not hungry.”
 

TJ shrugged knowing it was useless to push Danny once he was in one of his moods.

“
I liked Antonio's casserole. I don't mind eating it again.”
 

Danny rolled his eyes at Ricky, ignoring his attempt to be nice. “You would,” he said under his breath.
Ricky thinks everything Antonio does is great
, Danny thought spitefully.
“Help yourself. I didn't like it the first time around. If I get hungry I'll eat the leftover pizza that's in the fridge.” Danny walked away without waiting to hear their response.

It figures,
he said to himself on the way to his room.
Ricky was my friend first
. Now everyone else was spending more time with him, and Danny felt pushed aside.

"Dammit!" Danny slammed his bedroom door and threw himself on his bed embarrassed by his childish thoughts.
These men belonged to me first!
 

*****

TJ was thrilled to be going out with Ricky. Antonio and Mitch were no longer into the club scene, and he couldn't wait to get dressed for a night on the town. He helped Ricky pick out clothes for the occasion.

“
Don't you own anything that's not dress casual?” TJ tossed the khakis and lightweight sweater Ricky was planning to wear on the bed.
 

“
Sorry, I guess my wardrobe is boring.”
 

“
No problem, I'll help you put something to together." TJ picked out a faded pair of jeans, and loaned Ricky a fitted shirt and a thick black belt. By the time they were done primping they were both stylish and incredibly hot.
 

“
Where are you two sexy boys heading?” Antonio asked from the dinner table.
 

“
Out,” TJ said, pleased at the reaction.
 

“
What'd you do to his hair? It looks stupid.” Danny groused. He was slouched at the table with his arms crossed, sitting behind a plate of Antonio's reheated tuna casserole.
 

“
You think so?” Ricky asked. He self-consciously ran a hand through his hair that TJ gelled and teased, making it even sexier.
 

“
Don't listen to him, sweetheart, you look very handsome,” Antonio reassured.
 

Danny made a face.
Apparently he calls everybody sweetheart now.
 

“
Don't be out too late. Ricky is still recuperating. And make sure you leave your phones on,” Mitch warned.
 

*****

Ricky and TJ got a lot of stares, if not a lot of offers. They seemed too much like a couple, and out of most people's leagues.

“
What are you seeking in a man?” TJ asked, after ordering their drinks.
 

“
I haven't really thought about it. Someone who doesn't take pleasure in causing me pain would be a good start, I guess.”
 

“
Don't let that asshole ruin it for you. There are plenty of nice guys out there who'd kill to have a chance at you.”
 

“
You think so?”
 

“
I know so. You got it all going on, baby. You're hot, smart, talented, and a hell of a swell guy.”
 

Ricky smiled at TJ's goofy, outdated expression. “Thanks, TJ. Coming from you that means a lot.”

“
It should. I don't throw out compliments just to be nice. I say what I mean.”
 

“
Too bad
you're
not available,” Ricky said, half jokingly.
 

“
It's a good thing for you I'm not, or I'd be all over you,” TJ said, with a flirtatious wink.
 

“
You're really lucky to have Antonio and Mitch. They're great guys, and have
helped me out immensely. I'll always be indebted to them.”