It was the end of another sunny summer day in the West and while the heat should have relaxed Austin, it did nothing to stifle his excitement about the upcoming evening activities. There was still no rain in the forecast, and the vegetation was practically screaming for moisture of any kind. Austin hardly noticed the brown grass or the heat as he strode quickly to his truck. For the first time in a long time, he had plans after work. Dalton stayed extraordinarily busy with work and Austin often found himself alone in the early evenings; that is, until he made a new friend.
Hunter had called him that day from work, "Hi, Austin. Hows it going?"
He smiled at the call from her and replied, "Good, hows your day? Anything exciting going on?"
"Not a thing. Thats why I called. Is Dalton working late again tonight?" she asked.
Austin scowled and said, "Yes, as usual. Ill be so glad when hes finished with this case. Im sick of waiting for him every night. Well, almost every night."
"Well, I just wanted to make sure we were still on for tonight, and if you were in the mood for pizza."
Austin smiled and said, "Of course; Ill even try to get home early." Just as the words left his mouth, he thought about the project he was working on. He had planned on knocking out a good bit of it later that evening while he waited for Dalton, but decided the time spent with Hunter wouldnt be a problem. He added, "I do have a project to work on tonight so I cant stay too long."
"Thats okay. You have to eat anyway, right?"
Austin smiled and said, "I sure do. I wouldnt want to waste away from malnutrition."
"Great," Hunter answered. "Ill see you tonight."
Austins thoughts turned to the task of driving as he flipped on the air-conditioning before pulling his truck out into the usual heavy rush-hour traffic. He wasnt the least bit surprised that the short fifteen-mile drive home took over an hour. Not even that could darken his mood. He sat uncharacteristically patient among the sea of cars, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel to the beat of a song filtering from the radio. When his complex finally came into view, he pulled into the garage, singing quietly along with the radio; still whistling the tune, he hurried inside to change clothes. Knowing Dalton wouldnt appreciate coming home to an empty house, he paused briefly to leave a note for his partner as he would be expecting to find him home working. Finished with the quickly scribbled note, he headed out the front door, glad for the fact that his friend lived nearby and he could quickly walk the short distance without facing traffic again.
Upon arriving at the door, he knocked softly – still managing to disturb the dog next door. He had a sheepish grin on his face as the door opened, and apologies tumbled out of his mouth before he could even manage a proper greeting. "Sorry, Hunter," he said, glancing toward the apartment restraining the yapping dog.
Laughing, Hunter pulled the door open wider and ushered him in. "No problem. Come on in. Your timing is excellent. The pizza guy just left." The once-sheepish grin was replaced with a full, easy smile that lit his face, coaxing his dimples to make an appearance. Hunter smiled back, always struck by his good looks and charm.
As they walked down the hallway, the playful banter that Austin had so quickly come to enjoy, began anew. Hunter said, "I hope you like pepperoni."
"Love it!" Austin responded, taking a seat on the sofa. Hunter had put the pizza on the coffee table, which would serve as a makeshift kitchen table for the next twenty minutes or so.
"Sorry, but I have to have beer with pizza," Hunter began as she rose to go in the kitchen. "You want one?"
Austin briefly contemplated the work that he had waiting for him at home. He glanced at the clock and realised that it was actually earlier than he had anticipated. His partner knew not to expect him for dinner, so he saw no harm in accepting a beer and unwinding for just a little while before returning home. He HAD left a note, after all. "Id love one," promising himself it would be ONLY one and he wouldnt let the time slip up on him.
Hunter quickly returned with two bottles to supplement their dinner, delivering one to Austin as she took a seat. The evening progressed rapidly, with the two friends lounging around, drinking, and just.... talking. Austin had not had many friends in his life, and found it a novelty to relax in someone elses company and just talk about anything and everything that came to mind. Of course, he curled up with his partner to chat often enough, but there was something nice about getting out of the house and hearing a fresh, colourful perspective on life.
Caught up in the camaraderie, several hours and multiple beers passed by Austin unnoticed. He hadnt made even a cursory glance at the clock since his first notice of the time when he arrived. The conversation had just turned to the philosophy behind cow-tipping when the sleigh bells sounded downstairs, signalling the opening of the door. A familiar voice called his name from the hallway below. "Austin? Do you have ANY idea what time it is, young man?"
The "young man" reference wasnt lost on Hunter as she summoned Dalton upstairs; he soon rounded the corner scowling. Austin quickly set his half-empty beer bottle on the coffee table but not in time to keep Dalton from seeing, and rose to greet his lover. "Hi, Dalton. We were just finishing up," he said, silently pleading with his partner to calm down. Daltons demeanour and his veiled displeasure communicated trouble to Austin. The dynamics of his relationship with Dalton were complicated, and while Hunter was well aware of the fact that he was involved with another man, Austin had no wish for *full* disclosure in the middle of her apartment.
Dalton glanced around, taking in the pizza box and the small collection of empty bottles already on the counter, and his frown deepened. "I was under the impression that you had a lot of work to do this evening on your latest project for work. Was I mistaken?" he asked, raising an eyebrow to Austin.
Austin blushed slightly and looked at the floor. "Well, I decided that it really didnt need to be done tonight. Another day wont make much difference. We were just---"
"Yes," interrupted Dalton, "I can SEE what you were just doing. And I think you know very well how I feel about drinking on weeknights. I think it is time for you to head on home, dont you?"
Austin sighed, knowing that he wasnt really expected to answer that question. He still couldnt resist picking up his beer and downing the rest of the bottle in a few quick gulps, flaunting defiance in the face of his lover. If he was going to be in trouble, he might as well make it worth the effort. Ignoring the glare from his partner, he quickly said goodbye to Hunter and proceeded toward the stairs, hesitating a moment to glance back at Dalton. "Now, please. Ill be right there," came the response to Austins unasked question. Sighing again, Austin trudged down the stairs and out the door. What had seemed such a short distance earlier, had somehow expanded into a long journey.
Hunter tried to sink into the sofa cushions under Daltons glare. She was silently trying to resolve the questions popping intrusively in her mind as she began to wonder about Austins relationship with Dalton. She was no stranger to discipline relationships as she had once had another friend who was in a similar arrangement. All the signs were evident and she quickly surmised Austin might be in trouble – and she regretted the extra time he had spent with her that evening. She wanted nothing whatsoever to do with getting him into trouble in spite of her desire to spend time with him.
"Do you not realise the dangers of having your door unlocked after dark?" Dalton pointedly asked, once Austin had exited the apartment.
Hunter bristled at the question, not at all desiring to be the object of Daltons displeasure. She tried to push away the resistance she felt at being scolded in her own home and said, "I wasnt afraid. I had a former football player with me for protection."
"That former football player is my partner. I dont want him in danger any more than I want to see you in harms way."
Hunter struggled to hold her tongue. How dare he lecture her! She held her peace not wanting to ruffle Daltons feathers since he would soon be going to join her friend. She didnt want to do or say anything that might make it worse if she were right about their relationship. "Sorry, Dalton," she managed. "Ill keep it locked."
"Youd be wise to do that. I could have been anyone."
The giggles almost overtook her anger at the stern lecture and she struggled to bite back a smile. Daltons presence was commanding and she thought how he looked like a cross between Kurt Russell and Sylvester Stallone: Kurt from the neck up and Sly from the neck down. Austin wasnt the only one who played football in college, and both he and Dalton maintained their tank-like builds.
"Ill be more careful," she conceded, hoping to end the mini-lecture. Dalton continued to glare at her for a moment making sure she understood his point. Hunter stubbornly held eye contact with him, refusing to look away.
Dalton finally spoke again, "I need to go. Austin and I have some things to discuss." That sounded ominous, and Hunter watched as he turned toward the stairs to follow his partner.
Reaching his own door, Austin found it locked, and stifled a groan. He had not locked the door earlier when he had left, and his keys were still inside on the dresser where he had tossed them before changing clothes. Dalton was certainly not going to be any happier arriving back there to find him sitting outside on the steps. They had had several discussions during the past year regarding the locking of doors and the custody of keys.... "Great," Austin mumbled to himself and perched on the steps to wait for Dalton.
All too soon, Austin could see the outline of his partner in the dark, headed his direction, and he felt the familiar twist in his stomach from the prospect of facing the disappointment of his lover. He began to kick himself mentally for draining the last of his beer, recognising only a little too late it didnt help matters in the least. Dalton brushed past him wordlessly to unlock the door and hold it open for him, looking at Austin expectantly. Austin did his best to slide by him without receiving the anticipated swat to his behind but he still felt the sting of Daltons hand against his rump as his efforts to pass unscathed were unsuccessful.
Dalton was the first to break the awkward silence when they entered the apartment. "Study. Now, please," he directed Austin. "Find the corner, and Ill be in soon."
Austin knew that the otherwise stellar evening was not going to end on a happy note. He made his way into the study, and over to the only open corner to await the lecture he knew was forthcoming. He spent the first few minutes trying to formulate a plausible defence. Dalton was an attorney, so arguing his case rarely resulted in dropped charges. The prosecution was very adept at proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Plea-bargaining was out of the question, as well, since he had been caught red-handed. Austin resigned himself to the fact that the verdict was already in and that he was merely awaiting sentencing; a sentence he knew without a doubt would include a sore backside before the evening was over.
He had just leaned his forehead forward to rest against the wall, when the voice of the "judge" snapped him out of his reverie, "Stand up straight, please." Rolling his eyes, Austin complied, and continued to stand there contemplating his fate. After an eternity of fifteen minutes, he heard the words that served to both release him from the corner, and commence the lecture portion of the evening. "Come over here and sit down, please," instructed Dalton, as he pointed at the couch.
The beer that had been so relaxing earlier was beginning to have the opposite effect on Austin as he walked across the room and took his seat. Dalton took his usual place on the edge of the desk facing the couch and spoke quietly to Austin. "I know that you enjoy spending time with Hunter, but you need to learn to show more responsibility when it comes to our rules and your work." He paused to get Austins full attention, "Eyes up here, please." Once Austins bleary green eyes met his own, he continued, "I know you said that one day wouldnt make a difference, but dont you think it would have been wiser to finish your project tonight and visit with your friend tomorrow night?"
Austin looked away briefly as he thought about the question as Dalton sat quietly awaiting a response. Meeting Daltons unwavering gaze, he responded, "It really didnt make that much difference. Or I wouldnt have gone. I DO care about my work!"
Dalton waited a moment before answering, "I know that you do. But did you consider what will happen if you run into a problem? You will find yourself staying up all night tomorrow to finish the project, and then you will be exhausted. I dont want that for you. Is that your idea of good time management?"
Austin couldnt help a dramatic roll of his eyes. Dalton always managed to see the "what if" in a situation, making Austins actions seem much worse than they really were simply because of what COULD have happened. His nerves coupled with the thought of certain punishment made Austins temper flare slightly. "But that isnt going to happen! And for that matter, I could be working on it now!" Austin blurted out.
"You do NOT work on projects after drinking beer. I dont care if it was one or ten. Your work comes first. So, no, you would not be working right now, regardless of this discussion," countered Dalton. "And the beer is another issue we need to cover. What had we decided about drinking during the week?"
Austin exhaled slowly, knowing that they were about to get to the heart of his partners irritation. "We agreed that going out during the week is not a good thing to do. But I didnt really go out! It isnt that late, and---"
"IS that the point, Austin?" Dalton cut him off before he got too worked up over his answer. "The where doesnt really matter. I think you know why we are really having this discussion. Dont you?"
"Because YOU dont want me to have any fun," Austin replied, beginning to let his emotions take over for his common sense.
"Austin, there is a difference between having fun, and doing something we both agreed we wouldnt do – especially when either of us has work to do," Dalton said calmly. "Why dont you try that answer again?"
Daltons lecture was doing nothing to reduce the anger Austin was feeling and he answered the question with no more finesse than he did the first time. "Fine. Because I cut loose a little bit when you werent around to baby-sit me, and you dont like it."
Daltons eyes narrowed and he folded his muscular arms across his chest. "If that is what you really think, young man, then we have a lot more than your behaviour this evening to talk about. IS that what you really think?" Dalton asked, knowing full well that wasnt the case. He knew Austin and he knew him well. He was simply reacting to what he knew was about to happen. He gazed at Austin and saw him shift miserably on the sofa before answering.
"No.... I just...."
"You just what, Austin?" Dalton interrupted.
"I was having fun. I just wanted to stay...."
"I know, sweetheart, but drinking doesnt need to be part of your fun during the week, now, does it?" Dalton tried to guide the conversation where he wanted it to go.
"But I didnt even drink much!" Austin protested, trying to mitigate the damage.
"I saw the empty bottles. Are you saying Hunter did most of the drinking without any help from you?"
"Well, I only had a couple. It wasnt much!"
Dalton wasnt the least bit moved, not that Austin expected him to be. "Did we agree that a couple was okay?" It actually was getting late, and Dalton desperately wanted to finish up and get his partner settled in for the night. Mornings came awfully early around their house the day after a discussion.
Austins eyes dropped to the floor again. "No." He knew exactly where they were headed, and that there would be no reprieve.
"No," agreed Dalton. He stood up straight, "You have been pushing a little bit lately, sweetheart. Just like leaving the door unlocked tonight. How many times have we discussed the dangers of not properly securing our home when you leave?"
Austins eyes dropped before he answered. He wondered when Dalton would get to this part. Between being caught with the beer, blowing off his project and the repeated offence of not locking the door, he knew he would be getting spanked. And, he knew Dalton thought his actions were a result of intentional pushing. "Im sorry. I wasnt going very far, and I didnt see the need...."
"You didnt see the need to protect our home?"
"Dalton, I wasnt going to be gone long," he pleaded.
"How long do you think it takes for someone to help themselves to our home?"
Austin sighed, knowing there was no right answer. "Im sorry. I wont do it again."
Cognisant once again of the time, Dalton moved to wrap things up. "You know why we have these rules, and what happens when you break them." He took a step forward and held out his hand to help Austin to his feet, then took his place on the couch. Austin reluctantly allowed himself to be manoeuvred around to the left side of his partner.
"It wont happen again," he offered, not even daring to hope that it would make a difference. "Please dont...."
"I am glad to hear that," Dalton said, gazing up at his partner. "Then you wont find yourself in this position again. Now, pants down, please," instructed Dalton.
"But it isnt fair!" began Austin. He fumbled with his zip, wishing - not for the first time in his life - that he didnt enjoy going commando so much. Not that it would matter. Dalton would be sure any under-covering was removed anyway since he always spanked on the bare. Austin paused hopefully before pushing his jeans down, casting pitiful eyes toward his partner.
Dalton refused to be swayed by the glassy eyes of his lover. "What isnt fair, young man? The rule, or the fact that I am punishing you for breaking the rule?" queried Dalton as he reached over to help speed up the process, tugging Austins unfastened pants down to his knees.
"Both," Austin answered, as he was inelegantly hauled into position across his partners lap. His stomachs antics increased now that he found himself bottom-up over Daltons knees and he involuntarily tensed the muscles in his rear end.
Dalton shifted them both to raise Austins firm posterior into a more easily accessible position. Resting his left hand across Austins sit-spot, and his right hand along the small of his back, he spoke firmly to his partner, "Do we need to go over the reasoning behind this particular rule again and why youre being spanked?"
Austin absolutely hated having to carry on a conversation while in that position. His common sense made a brief reappearance – just long enough to answer the question. "No, sir," was all he could manage to say as he felt the arm tighten around his waist, and he tensed up waiting for the first swat. He grabbed at the pillow from the corner of the couch and pulled it to his chest tightly, wishing – also not for the first time – that his partner were more of the desk-bound attorney-type than the ex-football player attorney-type. While Austin knew he, himself, was a well-built man in his own right, Dalton still had at least an inch and a few pounds on him. And Dalton could channel every bit of it into his left arm when it came time to administer a spanking. Austin had no doubt that one of Daltons spankings could deter anyone from doing anything. He was asking himself how he managed to forget that fact when Daltons hand connected with his bare bottom.
Caught off-guard, Austin would have easily propelled himself right onto the floor, had he not been secured by the muscular arm around his middle. The sharp sting was still quite strong when the second swat landed. Slowly and powerfully, Dalton kept raining down swats on the upturned globes across his lap. The bright pink handprints from the first few swats stood out noticeably on the pale cheeks. As he found his rhythm, the prints slowly evened out into a solid blaze of red, and the body he had pinned tightly to him started to writhe increasingly harder.
Austin had sworn to
himself he wasnt going to cry out or struggle. Just as he had sworn
the last time he had received a spanking. And, just like that last
time, after enough swats had landed in the same places to even out
the colouring, the intense stinging began to turn into a raging fire
in his rear end. His eyes began to tear up against his will, and he
couldnt seem to keep his legs still any longer. He
ground himself into the legs beneath him, trying to lessen the force
of the swats. The hand kept falling. Dalton knew that he was getting
his point across because of the pain in his own hand. It, too, was
red and burning, and he knew that his arm would be stiff the next
morning. He tightened his right arm when the form beneath him started
kicking furiously. He felt Austins breathing quicken considerably,
and then felt the shuddering begin. Steeling himself against the urge
to stop and console his partner, he gritted his teeth and continued.
He often wondered if Austin had any idea how hard it was on him to
inflict pain on the man he loved with a passion. The process of spanking
Austin hurt both of them considerably, but Dalton knew what Austin
needed and loved him enough to overlook his own emotional pain to
guide him properly. Austin needed the boundaries they had established
and Dalton was more than determined to keep him within those parameters
even if it meant making Austin uncomfortable for a while. Finally,
he heard what he knew from experience was his partners acceptance
and remorse, his earlier defiance melting away. Picking his spots
carefully, he delivered the final swats along the bottom curves of
the dark red cheeks. As Daltons hand connected for the final three
swats, he felt as much as heard the sobs from Austin. Shifting his
weight a bit, he began the daunting task of reassuring his younger
lover. "Its okay, sweetheart," he murmured softly. "Everythings okay."
Dalton curled the fingers on his right hand and began gently running
them up and down Austins back. Austin felt the cool, light strokes
and arched his back into the soothing touch. He concentrated on regulating
his breathing, gulping back the remaining sobs that were still threatening
to escape his chest. Gradually, his short gasps for air turned into
longer erratic breaths. Still shaking slightly, he fought for control
of his emotions, and released the pillow he had long since crushed
the life out of. He slowly eased himself down onto his knees on the
floor, wrapping his arms around Daltons waist, his head and chest
coming to rest in his partners lap. Unmindful of the mess of tears
and snot forming on his untucked shirt-tail, Dalton continued speaking
words of comfort in a low, tender tone while delicately caressing
Austins head and neck. He knew the position could not be comfortable
for the younger man, but he hesitated to break the much-needed connection.
Finally, he stopped his petting and softly grasped Austins arms, lifting
him up from his lap. "Noooo...." cried Austin. He gradually got to
his feet, lifting Austin up alongside him. "Come on, sweetheart.
Lets get you ready for bed, okay?" Dalton instructed softly, raising
one hand to brush the sweat-soaked bangs out of his partners eyes.
After placing a chaste kiss on Austins forehead, Dalton reached down
to help him remove his shoes and his tangled denims, uncharacteristically
tossing them off to the side. Wrapping a strong arm around Austins
shoulders, he slowly guided his charge down the hallway and into their
bedroom. Austin found himself being nudged towards the bathroom,
and he went however unwillingly, leaving his partners side. He heard
Daltons voice through the fog in his brain, telling him to get cleaned
up. He was a jumble of emotions. His butt was aching, his head was
stuffed up from crying, and his heart was still heavy. He barely noticed
when Dalton brought in a sleep-shirt for him to change into before
leaving Austin to clean up. Unable to resist, he turned slightly
to look at his bottom in the mirror. He was thankful he didnt get
the paddle but he wasnt sure his butt was any less reddened from the
hard hand spanking he just endured. He knew he would be feeling the
ache for at least another day or so. Austin turned back to face the
mirror and dazedly dampened a washcloth. He ran it over his face while
trying to sort out the multitude of feelings racing through him. He
was still standing numbly in front of the mirror, one hand braced
against the countertop, when his partner rejoined him several minutes
later. Dalton shut off the faucet and slowly turned his partner
around to face him, sensing the lingering despair and guilt Austin
was feeling. Placing a finger under Austins chin, he tilted the forlorn
face up toward his. "Its all over, babe. Were okay," he stated firmly,
before leaning in and placing a soft kiss on Austins lips. Austin
slowly responded to the kiss, closing his eyes and relishing the contact.
He felt Dalton tugging at the hem of his shirt, and they broke apart
long enough for Dalton to divest him of his shirt, and replace it
with the clean one. Austin flinched as Daltons arms wrapped around
him and steered him out the door. He relaxed slightly at the sight
of the bed, already turned down, offering its own kind of comfort. Gingerly,
he slid face-first onto his pillow, feeling the spasms of his sore
muscles as he shifted positions. He had just started to raise his
head when he felt the sheet being lightly draped over his smouldering
bottom. He tensed up again momentarily, until he felt the dip in the
other side of the bed as Dalton stretched out next to him. Austin
held his breath for a moment, waiting.... Hardly a minute had passed
when he felt the muscular arm slide under his chest. He exhaled slowly
as he was pulled carefully into Daltons arms, his head coming to rest
on his lovers shoulder. He calmed down further as Daltons other arm
wrapped around him and slid up and down his back reassuringly. Wriggling
slightly, Austin let out one last sigh and tried to settle down in
his lovers embrace. Sleep did not come easily that night, for either
man. The sun was on the horizon before physical and mental exhaustion
finally overtook Austin, allowing him to drift off to sleep. Dalton
followed suit shortly thereafter once Austins breathing told him his
lover was settled and asleep. The sound of the alarm later that
morning was a very unwelcome one to Austin. One extra tap on the snooze
button was the only sign from Dalton that anything out of the ordinary
had transpired the previous night, though. Austin found himself shaken
briskly, as usual, and greeted with a good morning peck on his lips.
The groan that escaped those same lips as he rolled over and put weight
on his still-tender rear, was met with a sympathetic smile from his
partner along with the warning, "Breakfast is in twenty minutes. Dont
keep me waiting." "I wont," Austin responded through a sleepy voice.
He watched as Dalton left him to prepare breakfast. Stretching stiffly,
Austin managed to get to his feet and make it through his normal morning
routine. He stopped long enough to examine his bottom again in the
mirror, and was surprised to note that it was merely a light shade
of pink rather than the beet red he had expected from the remaining
ache he felt there. He slowly entered the kitchen, his gaze lingering
uneasily on the wooden chairs at the kitchen table. Dalton had just
placed the last of the food on the table, and had taken his seat,
looking expectantly at Austin. "Hurry up. Your eggs are getting cold,"
he stated firmly. Austin took a deep breath, walked over to the table,
and pulled out his chair. He stopped short when he saw the small pillow
resting on the hard wood, and glanced warily at Dalton before easing
himself onto the seat. Dalton appeared to take no notice as he sipped
his coffee quietly and reached for a piece of toast. Breakfast was
a fairly quiet affair as Austin was still feeling guilty for the night
before. Austin focused on the plate before him and struggled to meet
his partners eyes occasionally in an attempt to judge his mood. Dalton
understood the emotional turmoil his lover felt and respected his
choice to remain silent so he allowed him to eat in peace. After they
had finished eating, Dalton stood up and started gathering the dishes.
As Austin stood to help, Dalton nodded toward the cabinet, "You should
grab a couple Tylenol and get going. Ill take care of these." At Austins
questioning look, Dalton continued, "I believe you have some work
to catch up on, dont you?" Austin nodded guiltily and moved hastily
to comply. Two Tylenol and one brief goodbye kiss later, Austin
retrieved his keys from their dresser where they remained from the
night before and headed off to work. The day passed uncomfortably,
but quickly. With the exception of a short break for lunch, Austin
had worked hard all day at completing his latest project. Although
he could have taken it easy and finished up later on at home, he stayed
focused because he had no desire to do anything that evening except
spend quality time with his partner and make up for the day before.
Aided by the early start that morning, his efforts paid off, as he
found his task fully completed at the end of the workday. As he
walked slowly out to his truck, his mind wandered.... Had it really
been only twenty-four hours earlier that he had practically bounded
out to his truck, so eager to get on with his ill-fated evening? While
the ache in his bottom had lessened considerably during the day, thanks
to a few more Tylenol and the passage of time, the distress of the
previous night was deeply ingrained in his memory. Austin pulled out
into traffic and began the slow commute home, intent on only one thing:
making up for the disappointment he had caused his lover the night
before. Apparently, he was not alone in his thoughts, for when he
activated the garage door opener, he could already see the shadow
of Daltons car in its customary place. He parked his truck and headed
inside, already feeling a sense of relief and anticipation for the
evening ahead. The first thing he noticed when he got to the top of
the stairs was the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen. Before
he could investigate further, he heard his partner calling to him
from the study. Walking over to the doorway, Austin paused. That
was not his favourite room at the moment. His partner came to the
doorway to greet him, sensing the reason behind his hesitation. Dalton
let his kiss communicate his "hello" as his lips pressed into those
of his lover. Breaking the connection, Dalton asked, "How was work
today, sweetheart? Did you get a lot done on your project?" inquired
Dalton. He ran a gentle hand through Austins wavy locks and looked
into his eyes. "Actually, I finished it," Austin replied. Standing
in the doorway of the study, though, he couldnt help but add, "I told
you I wouldnt run into any problems." Dalton shook his head in warning
at his recalcitrant partner. "Austin...." he began in the best warning
tone he could muster, then turned him around and gently swatted him
toward the bedroom. "Im glad to hear you didnt run into problems."
Austins hand went automatically to his bottom to pamper the location
of the slight swat. "Now, go get changed so we can eat. The lasagne
will be ready soon, and I am sure you didnt have much for lunch."
Dalton couldnt help but wonder what went through his lovers mind at
times. Austin smiled to himself as he changed clothes. Things were
definitely looking up. Dalton knew that lasagne was one of his favourite
dishes, and he had gone out of his way to make it that evening. Daltons
actions, more than his words, were helping Austin to recover from
the guilt that plagued him from his behaviour. Feeling considerably
better, Austin thought it was almost too bad that they would be rushing
through dinner. At least he hoped they would be.... He hurried to
change then met his lover at the kitchen table. Sitting was considerably
easier at dinner than it had been the last time he faced the hard
wooden chairs. "Austin, chew your food, please. I dont want you
choking to death at our table – or anywhere else, for that matter."
Dalton had been totally unprepared for the fast pace Austin had set
for their dinner that evening. "I thought you told me you finished
your project earlier today.... What is the rush?" "I DID finish
it. I just had something in mind for later, and I dont want to spend
all night in the kitchen," replied Austin, with the beginnings of
a grin forming on his face. Dalton knew that look all too well.
He brought his napkin up to his mouth, partly to blot his lips, and
partly to hide the grin that was forming on his own face. "Well then,
I suppose we can start clearing this away," he offered, "and move
on to dessert." Austin was just about to start campaigning loudly
against the calories found in desserts, when he noticed the twinkle
in his lovers eyes. He clamped his mouth closed against the complaints
when he realised Dalton was joking, and he smiled at his partner.
Dalton smiled back as he slid his chair away from the table to begin
cleaning. Austin made short work of putting away the leftovers, and
was relieved to see that Dalton was just putting the last of the dishes
in the dishwasher. Austin walked over to his lover, pinned him firmly
to the counter and said huskily, "Now, about that dessert...." That
was as far as he got before his lips were captured in a passionate
kiss. "Hmmmm. Garlic. Perhaps we could use a little freshening up
first...." Austin rolled his eyes at hearing those words from his
lover; Dalton had always been a stickler for hygiene. But Austin also
knew better than to argue - about that, anyway - so he headed straight
for the master bath. Moments later, when he walked back out into the
bedroom, there were lit candles on one nightstand, and all of the
lights were turned off. Dalton brushed past him with a whispered,
"My turn," and Austin hurriedly went to the bed and fluffed the pillows
before peeling off his sweats and climbing under the covers. Dalton
exited the bathroom in short order, as well. He was wearing only his
boxers, and he carried the rest of his clothes, folded neatly, in
his hands. He placed them in the closet, then went back to collect
Austins recently-discarded wardrobe, as well. Laughing, he finished
his clean-up, headed over to the bed, and pounced on his anxious lover. As
much as he had been anticipating the moment, Austin was quite startled
and dismayed at the twinge of pain that shot through his posterior
at having their combined weight pressing it into the bed. Even in
the dim candlelight, Dalton caught the grimace and realised his mistake.
Austin grinned ruefully at his lover as Dalton rolled off of him,
turned onto his side, and pulled Austin close for a long, sensual
kiss. Dalton sucked gently on Austins tongue, his kiss turning to
a smile when he heard his lover moan. Austin raised a hand to his
lovers hair, tangling his fingers in the top then raking them through
the back. He ran loving fingers across the chiselled jaw, down the
long column of his lovers neck, and back across the broad shoulders.
Daltons hand moved down along Austins spine and stopped to gently
grasp a firm cheek and pull them closer together. Austin felt the
familiar warmth shoot straight to his groin, and he slipped his fingers
into the waistband of Daltons boxers and tugged sharply. Dalton
pulled his head back to gaze at his younger lover, "Are you sure you
feel up to this?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. Austin
responded by placing Daltons free hand over his swollen _c_o_c_k_.
"What do you think? Do I feel up to this?" Dalton chuckled softly
and rolled onto his back, sliding his boxers down over his hips and
kicking them deep beneath the covers. As he reached back to the nightstand
for the lube, Austin tossed the covers back and rolled over onto his
stomach, resting his head on folded arms and spreading his legs wide.
Dalton turned back to Austin and slid one slick finger along the crease
between his balls and into the opening behind them. He pressed a second
slick finger gently into Austins body, scissoring and massaging the
tight ring of muscles while rubbing gentle circles on his back with
his free hand. Austin rose to his knees, his head still cradled on
his arms, offering himself completely. "I need you," he sighed. Dalton
leaned forward to kiss him on the shoulder, "I need you, too, sweetheart."
Coating his own _c_o_c_k_, Dalton positioned himself and slid forward
slowly but steadily, stopping only after he was buried deep inside
his lover. He stilled for a moment, enjoying the feel of the tight
channel surrounding him so intimately. Austin shifted beneath him,
adjusting to the brief discomfort and sudden fullness. Dalton began
to glide smoothly in and out while Austin gasped and pushed back against
him. Leaning forward once more, Dalton covered Austins body with his
own and began brushing his lips against the taut neck below him. He
slid one hand around Austin's chest, delighting in the feel of the
rippling muscles, and rubbed softly over his nipples, raising them
into hard peaks; his other hand slipped over Austin's hip to grasp
his rigid _c_o_c_k_. Dalton began stroking and caressing the shaft,
nibbling gently on his lover's neck all the while. He continued to
push into his lover, pulling back out to the tip, and thrusting back
in, burying himself deeper. Austins cry was ripped from him as Dalton
changed the angle of his thrusts. Austin pushed back frantically,
impaling himself on his lover, losing himself in their passion. Soon,
they were both gasping for breath. A few strokes later and Dalton
surged forward, pumping deeply into his lovers body. One more touch
of his hand on Austins pulsing _c_o_c_k_, and he, too, tumbled into
bliss. They collapsed in an exhausted heap, bodies spent and shaking,
tangled tightly around each other. Dalton recovered first, reaching
down to collect his discarded boxers to clean them both up as much
as possible. He tossed the shorts quickly to the floor, and sat up
just long enough to blow out the candles. He slid his pillow over
to the middle of the bed and snuggled up close behind Austin, wrapping
an arm tightly around him. They could still feel each others heartbeat
pounding out security and love. Austin arched back into his lover
and sighed, "My butt still hurts...." Dalton smiled into the night
and said, "Then behave yourself from now on." He softened his words
with a kiss to the back of Austins head before they both drifted off.
More stories by Nelson