Nothing special v, p.29
Nothing Special V, page 29
part #5 of Nothing Special Series
“Chill out, Hart. I was only talking with him,” Vasquez replied with more than a little irritation.
“Didn’t look that way to me. Leave, now. He said he’s not interested, I’m going to take that to mean permanently. You better hope I never see what I just saw, again.”
“This is none of your business. I forgot. You love doing God’s dirty work, don’t you, Hart? Just like all the rest of them. Riding his goddamn coattail.” Vasquez’s tone was full of venom. Free couldn’t see him – Hart’s massive body standing between them – but he could hear him.
“Do you think you’re insulting me?” Hart’s arms were crossed over his even bigger chest. “You’re drunk. You need to go sleep it off. Last warning. Stay away from him.”
“Or what?” Vasquez threw his arms out.
“Or I’ll level you, idiot.” Hart took a step closer, towering over the shorter officer. “Get him outta here, Joe.”
“I’m not ready to go.”
“Yes you are, and there’s two ways you can leave. Over that railing or out the front with Joe. I suggest you do it before I let everyone know what the fuck is going on. I’m going to chalk it up to you being drunk. But trust me, you don’t wanna push me on this.”
Vasquez turned and left, Hart watching him the entire time. No one had been paying attention to the minor altercation outside and Free was somewhat happy about that, he didn’t want to bring down the party, but he wasn’t looking forward to telling Tech tomorrow that he didn’t think he’d be staying. He’d really wanted to be close to his friend again and try to return the favor he owed, but this might not be the best thing for him. He’d come a long way in healing from what had happened to him but he hadn’t come far enough to deal with situations like that.
“I’m really sorry that happened.”
Hart’s deep voice made his head snap up from his depressing thoughts. The man stood at a polite distance, giving him some breathing room, and Free was thankful. Surprisingly, he wasn’t nervous with Hart. His eyes were too kind, too clear as if Free could see his intentions and there was no malice there. Free stared up at him, neither of them saying anything, maybe Hart was trying to get a read on him, as well.
The door opened again, breaking the intense staring. “Hey, Free. You okay?” Tech asked, his eyes glassy and dancing with excitement. The music drifted out the door and Free could see the party was still in full swing, although the crowd had thinned a bit.
Free looked up at Hart, who was still watching him. “Yeah, I’m good. Go on and enjoy. I’m going to head back to your place.”
“Oh. You wanna leave already?” Tech asked, looking slightly disappointed. “Why don’t you come back inside, it’s cold out here.”
“You don’t have to leave. I’ll call a cab. I know my way back.”
“I’ll take you back if you want. I didn’t drink anything, I don’t mind. I was just getting ready to tell the guys bye and I was looking for you,” Hart admitted to him.
Free liked him. Hart’s look was everything he’d go for if he actually weren’t afraid to go after what he wanted. His shiny bald head clashing with the scruffiness of his long beard. His inviting, muscular body was blocking most of the frigid wind whipping between the buildings. He looked amazing and full of power in his SWAT gear, but dressed in dark denim jeans and a short-sleeved shirt, he looked easy-going and handsome. He took his thick coat off and wrapped it around Free’s shoulders, careful where he touched him. He hadn’t even realized he was trembling from the temperature drop, but Hart had. Free thanked him, his body inching closer to get more of the warmth that emanated from Hart. He was a big man with a gentle touch. Perfect. But Free had no clue if he was gay. He could just be an exceptionally sweet and chivalrous guy like Tech had told him earlier.
“Are you okay with that, Free? Riding with Hart?” Tech asked more seriously.
Free kept his eyes trained on Hart when he answered softly, “Yeah. I think I am.”
God
God’s Special Day
“God relax. Everything is fine. Gen hit a lot of traffic driving in but he’ll be here well before the ceremony.” Syn tried to calm God down while he got dressed in his suit.
“He should’ve been here a week ago,” God snapped, yanking his tie off and tying it again. He’d almost choked himself on the last try. Syn moved his hands and took over.
“Curtis’ boss was being a jackass again and wouldn’t give him the time he’d requested months ago, so they had to come this morning, but as long as he gets here, that’s what matters. Sit still, I’m trying to tie this and I can’t do it with you seething.”
“I’m seething because I want to kick Curtis’ boss’ ass. He keeps giving him shit, and for what? It’s a volunteer job, who does that?” God fumed.
“Let’s not worry about that, right now. Stay calm.”
“What’s Day doing?” God asked for the fifth time in an hour.
Syn sighed, still working on tying the off-white tie to God’s black suit. “He’s getting dressed, just like you are. He’s with his brother in Steele’s room, Furi’s in there, too.”
“What are the guys doing?” God asked, his hands wringing nervously behind his back while he held his head up to give Syn better access.
“You don’t have to keep track of everyone, God.”
God glared at Syn.
Syn closed his eyes and blew his own calming breath. “Again. Ruxs and the guys are finished positioning the arch, now they’re just standing around waiting. Green’s in the kitchen with Blair and Pres—”
“Prescott should be with Day,” God cut him off.
“He’ll have plenty of time to get changed and ready to stand with Day. You know he’s going to make sure the staff is doing what they’re supposed to in the kitchen, first.”
“I can’t believe he’s doing this,” God mumbled. Pres had insisted on providing the food and catering the service with his own staff from some of his restaurants. It already smelled delicious, the scent of baking and of searing meat permeating the entire loft. God agreed to let Pres do the catering, as long as he kept it simple. Nothing fancy or over the top and Pres quickly agreed. Blair did an elegant but modest cake, as well. God was looking forward to just saying “I do” and going to the gorgeous hotel where they were staying, right next to the airport so they didn’t have a long drive to catch their flight at five in the morning. He was ready for days of stretching out under the Aruba sun while Day rubbed oil on his chest, and long nights of hot sex.
“Better.” Syn looked up at him, smiling slyly like he knew where God’s thoughts had gone.
“I’m nervous, man,” God admitted to his good friend. “I don’t want anyone here that wasn’t invited. Make sure Ruxs and Michaels know that. Judge knows to watch the door, right?”
“They know. Everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing, God. You need to stop. It’s only us for the ceremony, and then a few others will come for the reception later this afternoon,” Syn reminded him. He was glad Syn wasn’t getting tired of repeating the same thing, but as usual, Syn was his voice of composure and reason.
“I’m so fuckin’ nervous. Shit,” God gritted out.
“I know. Hey, hey, look at me.” Syn finished the tie and clamped his hands on God’s shoulders, making sure he was looking at him. “Remember. This is just Day. When you meet him at the bottom of those stairs, keep your eyes on him and nothing or no one else. He’s your other half; he’ll take you all the way through this.”
God breathed deeply, nodding his head. Syn let him go just as he heard the front door open and Curtis’ voice yell out to his dads.
“Gen is here. And there’re still two-and-a-half hours before it’s time to start.” Syn sat down on Ruxs and Green’s bed and began using the lint roller on God’s suit jacket. He was doing everything Vikki told him to do. When God and Day’s former assistant got over the fact she was no longer planning an extravagant wedding for them, she became a pleasant help, organizing the seating and rearranging Ruxs and Green’s loft to fit the guests and make the most of the minimal decorations.
Gen busted through the door with his garment bag slung over his shoulder and his luggage in the other hand. God looked at his baby brother – which was hard to say now because Genesis was almost as tall as him and still well built from his years as a college ball player. His brother collided with him, wrapping his arms around him. “I’m sorry I’m late, bro. I really am.”
“You’re not late,” God replied, happy to see his brother again. It’d been a few months since Gen had been able to make the drive from Richmond. He worked long hours at Apple and his partner, Curtis, had a demanding school schedule. Now that he was here, God didn’t care that he hadn’t been here for the bachelor party or here a week ago, he was here now.
Day
Day stood at the bottom of the stairs next to his brother, Jackson. There was jazz playing quietly on Ruxs’ sound system and it only took him a second to realize it was one of Day’s favorites… one from his collection. God must’ve given it to Vikki to play today. He looked around the loft at the few people who were there to witness the ceremony, most of them already seated and waiting. Their team and their significant others were chatting quietly with each other and God’s mom was sitting in the front between Curtis and the captain. Small and intimate. This is what made God comfortable, and him, as well. In Green’s kitchen, the wait staff was silently filling champagne flutes, smiling professionally. He saw Vikki standing off to the side in a long, silky silver dress, talking quietly with the chaplain. Day winked at her and she gave him a sweet smile.
“He is still here, isn’t he? You’re sure he didn’t sneak out the back.” Day leaned over and whispered to his older brother. He smiled to show he was kidding, but his stomach was still fluttering like crazy.
“Of course, he’s here. He’ll be down in a second. We’re a little early,” Jackson whispered.
Day cleared his throat and smoothed his hands down his suit jacket. They’d opted out of tuxedos and had chosen nice suits from a shop Blair recommended. They were classy, but not too much. He was sure God would look wonderful in his. Day stared at the wedding arch his team had made for them. He shook his head and smiled at the handcuffs and badges intertwined in the green garland and white Cherokee roses. He had to admit it was eclectic and perfect for them. Day fought the urge to check his watch. He was pretty sure God would come down on time. He felt his brother tap him on his shoulder.
“Yeah?” Day turned. Jackson pointed to the top of the stairs.
Day looked up and had to clutch the banister to keep from falling over. He saw him. Saw his soon-to-be husband. Standing there, larger than life. In a suit that hung from his broad shoulders the way every suit should fit a man. God looked down at him, his hair falling to the front. Day hadn’t seen it like that before. Luxurious and soft. Like he’d just come from a salon. It was tucked behind his ears, but thick, soft strands still fell forward as God smiled down at him. A smile most people didn’t get to see. He looked like he was just as relieved to see Day standing there. Genesis stood behind him with his hand on his shoulder the exact same way Jackson was supporting him. Day finally breathed when God began to descend the stairs. When he reached the bottom, Day saw God’s chest deflate like he’d been holding his breath. They stepped in to each other, needing the closeness, the reality of what they were about to do flooding their bodies with anticipation and nerves. God never looked into the room, didn’t glance around to see who was there. His vibrant green eyes stayed on him when he lifted Day’s hands and gently kissed his palm, pressing Day’s hand to his face. There were a few soft sighs from the room, but Day couldn’t look away. He ran his hand through God’s hair, feeling the silky strands ease through his fingers, not a tangle to be found. He looked amazing.
“You’re beautiful,” God whispered just for him.
Day’s feelings rode him. He wasn’t going to cry, he’d sworn it, but he felt the moisture in the corners of his eyes. He held it back by feeding off God’s strength, letting his presence soothe him, knowing it would work, as it always had. God intertwined one of their hands and turned them to walk down the makeshift aisle. When they got to the archway, Vikki turned the music down low just as God looked around the arch, noticing the decorations, and turned back to look at his guys with a “really” expression and laughter burst from most of them. Just that fast, the situation lightened to a relaxed vibe, and the precinct chaplain started to speak. It was only fitting he presided over their nuptials. Neither he nor God was very religious or even had a church home. Chappy had counseled them from the very beginning when they first became partners. He watched them grow and become who they were today; he’d seen them at their best and at their worst.
After Chappy told a few stories about them, and how he hadn’t seen a couple more suited for each other, he segued right into the traditional vows. They didn’t want to write their own or have any long drawn out speeches, that’s why they asked Chappy to say whatever he felt was right. And he covered their life and growth together even better than they could have. When it came time for the ring exchanges, God’s hand shook a little when he placed Day’s ring back on his finger. But when God looked him in his eyes and adoringly whispered, “I do,” Day couldn’t stop the single tear that ran down his cheek. God wiped it away with his thumb, keeping his large hand on his cheek while Day agreed to honor and obey, love and cherish him for all the days of their life.
The part he’d been waiting for was finally spoken and God tilted Day’s head and gently kissed him, lingering with their mouths pressed together until Day felt God’s arm slide around his back and the tip of his warm tongue at the crease of his lips. Day submitted and opened for him, letting his husband… Oh, Jesus… his husband deepen the kiss.
Their friends and family stood and clapped for them while they embraced and quietly spoke promises in each other’s ears. Promises of love and fidelity. Trust and honesty. Day believed every word God said. Knew he was safe with this man, always had been, and always would be.
As soon as their family members finished hugging and congratulating them, they were quickly seated for dinner at the beautifully decorated table placed in front of the tall windows at the back of the loft. The servers brought out the meal that Prescott had carefully constructed. The roast was succulent and tender, a favorite of both of theirs. Three sides of homemade macaroni and cheese, old-style mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans that melted in your mouth. Classic and simple, like them.
The champagne toast immediately followed, both his and God’s brothers saying a few words to their family. Jackson’s was more humorous, telling everyone about the trouble Day’s and his stunts used to get them into with their parents. Jackson told Day that if their parents were still here they would be proud of him and welcomed God to the family. Thankfully, he didn’t make Day weep too badly. But Genesis’ speech brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
“… My brother and I were separated for a long time. He was everything to me when I was young and I lost him for a while. I’m blessed to have him back in my life, fortunate to have such a wonderful man looking out for me. No one deserves happiness more than him and I know my new brother, Leo, will continue to give him that. Cashel is an inspiration to me… to all of us. I strive every day to be half the man he is. To my big brother and his husband.”
While the family clinked their glasses, God stood and hugged Genesis, Day following right behind him. No one else knew what Gen and God had been through when they were younger. No one but Day, and God’s mother. Their team didn’t have the details, but they knew it was something really bad.
When they were finished, the table was broken apart and the loft was set up for the guests arriving later for the reception as the wait staff piled hors d’oeuvres and finger foods onto black and chrome serving trays.
Steele
The reception wasn’t as rowdy as the bachelor party, everyone mingling with the newlyweds while Day’s jazz collection played quietly in the background. The crowd, however, looked similar, with a few women sprinkled in. Steele was full from the amazing dinner Prescott’s staff had prepared but he couldn’t help sampling some of the intricate foods that the reception attendees were indulging in. He was beginning to understand why Pres and his restaurants were so famous. The guy was a wizard in the kitchen. He wasn’t even cooking, only tasting and giving an instruction or two here and there.
Steele looked at his watch. It was going on five. He figured if he disappeared for a little while and popped back up before the cake cutting, no one would know. He had to do something to loosen the tightening in his slacks. Tech had the audacity to show up in a dark royal blue suit with velvet lapels – which appeared black in dim lighting – and matching blue suede loafers. And he’d be damned, Tech had on a goddamn bow tie made from the same material as the lapels. The pants stopped an inch above his ankles and Steele could see he wasn’t wearing socks. He took another swig of his drink and placed the glass back on the counter, one of the kitchen staff snatching it right up.
He walked over to Tech, not interrupting whatever he was talking about with Free and Furi. When they finished, Steele leaned into Tech’s back. “Come with me.”
Tech turned and looked behind him, giving Steele a skeptical look. Tech knew Steele’s voice. Knew when it was full of want. He took Steele’s hand and let him lead him up the stairs while most of the guests weren’t paying attention to the front of the loft. He really didn’t care if they were seen or not. Steele opened his bedroom door and hurried Tech inside. He closed and locked the door, then stepped back so he could look at his boyfriend. Steele had long ago shed his borrowed suit jacket and was rolling up his sleeves like he was about to do something serious to Tech.
Neither of them said anything while the sexual tension built around them and saturated the air. Tech leaned against the door, his hand drifting down to the front of his pants, rubbing himself there, like just looking at Steele made him hard. Steele stalked forward and brushed his hand over the bow tie, his eyes hooded, his dick rock hard. He wrapped one arm around Tech’s back, still caressing the fabric of his suit. “You look breathtaking, dressed up like this. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you,” Steele whispered. He methodically removed Tech’s suit jacket but didn’t touch his black dress shirt or that tie. He walked Tech to his bed, watching his eyes behind those frames cloud with lust.
