Precious

Sorry for the long wait.

This story is now shifting into into the second phase and will include the introduction of new characters.

I hope you all enjoy the new direction.

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There was a mild throb in his head from the one too many shots of Wild Turkey he’d consumed during the evening and the repeated thump-a-thump of the music in the bar. Too lazy to head back to his place, there was only one other place that would be this accommodating on such short notice.

“Yo! Open up.” He knocked repeatedly on the door, fist pounding hard in annoyance.

Beyond the plain brown door, he could hear the sounds of the person he wanted to see stumbling around and banging about; most likely through the junk of his own making.

“If you ain’t Ed McMahon coming to bring me some money--” The voice inside the apartment crowed sarcastically.

“Yeah. Yeah. You say that every time and I always say I have something a hell of a lot better in my pants.”

The door slid open, revealing the long and lean swimmer’s build of Augustus Reid. The silk Japanese robe that hung from his shoulders only served to make his waist seem more narrowed and his skin more golden.

Augustus leaned on the door frame. “Look what the cat dragged in.” The Virginian’s youthful exterior was betrayed by the appearance of his eyes. His sapphire eyes were red from too much work and partying. “You need a place to crash?”

“You know me all too well.” Logan Kane entered the spacious studio apartment following behind Augustus. The object of his attention was the bed. Sleep.

Lots and lots of sleep.

“Get me a sandwich, would you?”

Logan stripped off his leather jacket and tossed into an already clothes laden chair, and proceeded to flop back onto the most expensive piece of furniture in the entire place. Augustus’ prized down-layered mattress. The pillows were extra plush and soft and the bedding was clean. His friend took much pride in keeping his bed tidy, even if the rest of the apartment belied that notion.

Some minutes later, Augustus returned with a sandwich that could ultimately be considered a heart attack special. It was Logan’s favorite. “I know I might be pretty, but come on…” Augustus passed the food over and sat down on the bed.

“What exactly has a tomcat like you been doing tonight? I know you couldn’t have been catting around all night or working on your bike.” Augustus wasn’t far off the mark. He knew more about Logan than anyone else.

Logan shrugged as he bit into his sandwich. “—Ou know me. I did a few odd and ends jobs tonight and now, I’m square with money for about another two weeks.”

Augustus mock bowed and praised Logan with overly dramatic prostrations. “Aw, the only man to learn how to live permanently from hand to mouth without making aspirations for the future has shared with us that he is satisfied with his life.”

The other man rolled his eyes. “No, servant. I did manage to put a little more away.”

“You’re getting closer to your dream of sailing the seas and spreading your love ‘em and leave ‘em philosophy with the rest of the world.”

The plate was passed back. “I’d leave you. As I recall, my strategy made us the best of friends. Our partnership has been beautiful, especially when it comes to annoying certain uptight, iron-assed military bozos we know.”

Augustus stretched out with feline grace and tucked a hand beneath his head as he watched Logan. “I’m sure Caldwell would love to have you say that to his face.” He replied nonchalantly. Though, the very sight of him laying on a bed with his open robe was suggestive enough, but the addition of Logan would be enough to cause Caldwell to have an aneurism.

“Oh darling, I’m sure Caldwell wants me to do a lot of things to his face. I’m just not into blood or water sports. He’s your fiancé after all.” Logan sarcastically shivered in disgust and made a terrible face that include his mouth shrinking into a withered ‘O’ and his eyes closing as if he’d tasted the worst thing imaginable.

“No wonder he thinks you’re a bad influence.”

“He’s just jealous that you’ll fall head over heels in love with me and want to hop on the back of my Harley blow this popstand.”

“I do have Bonnie and Clyde fantasies. But knowing you, eventually you’d call me clingy and leave me barefoot and alone in some town until you needed a place to crash.”

The statement wasn’t said with any malice behind it. Yet, simple acerbic truth. Logan was much of a loner as Augustus was a free spirit and lover.

TBC/?

Concrete is always appreciated.