Untitled (See A/N inside!)

Landon was going to die. He was absolutely sure of this. One of two things would happen; either Dean would pull back, spout some faggot-bashing bullshit and then proceed to pound his face into jelly, or he would simply melt into a little pile of goo at his brother-in-law’s feet. Either way, a messy, liquefied death was imminent.

Dean’s lips were soft, but the kiss was not gentle. It was all tongue and teeth, and Landon felt his almost healed bottom lip split open under Dean’s assault. The sharp, metallic taste of his own blood somehow made the whole thing snap into sharp, painful detail for Landon; the distinct bite of the door frame biting into his side and shoulder, the slight tingling in the tips of his left hand fingers from the force of Dean’s grip on his wrist; the press of Dean’s body against his, from chest to pelvis, Dean’s belt buckle biting into his stomach, the weight of him sandwiching Landon to wall making it very hard for him to breathe.

Dean’s teeth scraped against his tongue and he moaned loudly into that vicious, wonderful mouth. He free hand had a fistful of Dean’s hair and was pulling hard, and could feel Dean’s own hand digging into the flesh of his hip.

And suddenly Dean was gone, the abrupt absence of anything supporting his weight making Landon’s weak knees buckle. He half slid down the wall, gasping loudly, his eyes still closed. He pressed his palms on the wall behind him, pushing his weight back up on unsteady feet, and let his head fall back against the wall with a thud. He swallowed, tasting blood and Dean’s toothpaste.

“Huh.” Dean grunted, and Landon opened his eyes. Dean was standing a few paces back, his hands on his hips. His mouth was swollen, a tiny smear of Landon’s blood at the center of the bottom one. He reached up with one hand, brushing the smudge away with the ball of his thumb. Then he lifted his eyes to look at Landon. For a moment they just stood there. Then Dean shrugged his shoulders and said casually, “Nope. Not a thing.”

Landon froze. He couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t even think. Dean walked past him, as though nothing had happened, as though he hadn’t just had his brother-in-law pinned to wall, plundering his mouth with enough force to actually hurt. Landon’s eyes closed again, and he heard Dean’s heavy footfall up the stairs.

Landon sank down into a sitting position, his knees up, his elbows on his thighs. He couldn’t catch his breath, and he suddenly had a very bad headache. The shock was beginning to wear off, replaced with a steadily growing mix of complete despair and all-consuming rage. He lowered his head between his knees, absolutely sure that the room had no air in it anymore. He was certain he was about to pass out.

After an indeterminate amount of time passed, he slowly got to his feet and went upstairs. He stopped on the second floor, listening to the muffled hiss of the shower in the master bathroom. He considered just walking in there, ripping the shower curtain open, and choking Dean to death. Instead, he went up to the attic and crawled into his hammock.

He didn’t sleep at all. Instead he just laid there, trying to decide what to do. He supposed, logically, that this put an end to all of the uncomfortable bullshit between Dean and himself. He supposed, logically, that this meant he could go back to the way things were, like Dean wanted. His bruised ego wanted to pack his shit and move out immediately. His heart told him that he couldn’t do that to the girls. He watched the window from his hammock, and as the sun rose, he decided to do what he’d been doing for months; swallow his complaints, his feelings, his opinions, and just keep going. All this considered, this was his home. If not here, where would he go? What would the girls do? So long as Dean let him, he’s stay, despite how much it hurt to do so. In the end, the girls were more important.

He got up at six, made coffee and breakfast for the girls. He got them ready for school, dropped Hannah off, and then took Eleanor to school. He walked her in, and was surprised to see that she had a substitute. He kissed her goodbye and on his way out to the car, he called Bryce.

“Hello?” Bryce sounded wary.

“Hi Bryce. It’s Landon.”

There was a long pause. “Hello, Landon.”

“You called yesterday.”

“I did.”

“You took the day off?”

“I have a therapist appointment.” he said. “Thank you for returning my call.”

“Did you need something?”

Bryce paused again. “I’d like to see you, if you’re willing.” he said finally, and Landon’s heart leapt up into his throat. “Perhaps we could meet after my appointment. Noon?”

“I’d like that.” Landon said, smiling as he got into his car. “Do you have a place in mind?”

“My house.” Bryce said. “Is that okay?”

“That’s fine. I’ll see you then.”

Landon hung up the phone and headed down. It was Friday, which meant that Dean was home. Landon didn’t know where in the house he was, and he didn’t particularly care. He worked at scrubbing the inside of the oven, which he’d neglected for a while, until ten thirty. Then he went upstairs, showered, shaved, and dressed. One his way out the door, Dean was sitting on the front porch. Landon didn’t even look at him. He just got in his car and left.

When Bryce answered the front door, he gave Landon a careful, guarded smile and invited him in. “Where’s Winston?” Landon asked, surprised he didn’t get tackled by the bear-like dog.

“In his room.” Bryce said softly. “Come sit down.” they sat on opposite ends of the couch, and for a moment there was a very awkward silence. Then Bryce cleared his throat and offered him something to drink.

“No, I’m fine.” Landon said, and Bryce nodded. “Listen, Bryce, I really need to-”

“Don’t apologize.” Bryce said, holding up his hand. “It’s really not necessary.”

“It isn’t?”

“Of course not.” Bryce half turned, sitting with one leg tucked under him. “Landon, do you know how obvious your affection for Dean is?” Landon flushed and looked away. “It’s all over your face as soon as he gets mentioned. It was my fault, and I should’ve seen it coming.”

“I’m not following.” Landon said, eyeing Bryce.

“I went a little too far.” Bryce admitted. “I got a little too into what was going on, and it isn’t really all that surprised that after such a long time of not being intimate, and spending all that time with a man you’re as attracted to as you are to Dean, you’d slip and say something like that. It was…” Bryce tilted his head, then laughed, “Well, it was awful, honestly. But in retrospect, I should’ve almost expected it.”

Landon sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “You’re taking this way too well.” he said.

Bryce shrugged. “I’ve had some time to calm down. Trust me when I say I was more than upset right after you left.” He shifted a little closer. “But I really don’t think you meant for it to happen, and I can tell you’re not happy about it.”

Landon couldn’t resist snorting. “You really have no idea how not happy about that whole thing I am.”

“What happened?” Bryce asked.

“You don’t want to know.”

“Yes, I do.” Bryce insisted. “I’d like to see you again, Landon. Perhaps try this out one more time. I mean, I’d like it if we could both refrain from saying the wrong name at key moments, but other than that, I thought you and I had a real connection. Was I wrong?”

“No.” Landon shook his head. “You’re not wrong. I do like you, Bryce. A lot. More than I expected to.” he sighed again, then studied the blonde man carefully. “I’d like to try again too.” he said finally.

Bryce smiled. “That’s good.” he nodded. “But what happened, Landon?”

“You really want to know? It’s all fucked up.” Bryce shrugged, then nodded again. “Okay. You asked.” he took a deep breath, thought for a moment how to begin. Then he let the whole story out. The craziness with Dean over the last two or so weeks, the incident the night before. He found himself talking more about how he felt than anything else, and despite the fact that he was talking to a guy he was hoping to make a relationship with about his deep, non-familial feelings towards his brother-in-law, it was good to get it off his chest. Bryce just sat there, listening, nodding from time to time. When he was finished, he just sat there with his hands in his lap, not sure what to do.

Bryce was quiet for a while. Then he sighed softly and said, “Landon, you are too forgiving.”

“Probably.” Landon agreed.

Bryce scooted closer, slipping his hand to the back of Landon’s neck and massaging gently with the tips of his fingers. “It’s done then?” he asked quietly. “This stuff with Dean? It’s over?”

Landon nodded. “It’s over.”

Bryce smiled. “So I have your undivided attention, then?”

Landon smiled at him, even though his stomach knotted. As furious and hurt as he was, you didn’t just snap your fingers and get over someone like that. Dean had fucked him up good, and he knew it. But he also knew that admitting that right now would make the situation worse. He nodded.

“That’s good.” Bryce pulled him closer with the hand on the back of his neck. “That’s really good.” their lips met, and it took everything Landon had to keep his mind focused solely on Bryce. For a moment he succeeded, but when Bryce’s fingers wrapped around his left wrist; the wrist that was slightly bruised and still aching from Dean’s grip, Landon pulled away, feeling sick. “Sorry.” Bryce said, and dropped a kiss on the top of Landon’s lowered head. “We’ll stay away from that too much right now, okay?”

“Okay.” Landon nodded.

Bryce sat there for a moment, just looking for him. Then he burst into a dazzling smile and said, “Do you like Italian food? We should go have lunch.”

They spent the afternoon together and quite a bit of the evening. They kept most of their talk light, and Bryce got Landon laughing quite a few times. After eating lunch at this cute little Italian deli, they wandered around downtown, going into shops and just looking at things. Bryce slipped his hand into Landon’s, who thought that was just fine. Landon went home around eight, promising to call Bryce tomorrow.

When he got home, Eleanor was in the bath, Hannah was working on her homework, and Abby had Josie over, her bedroom door closed, so Landon fixed himself a quick snack in the kitchen. As he was wiping off the small mess he’d made on the counter Dean came into the room, half smiling.

“You’re home.” he said, and Landon looked up at him quickly. “Did you have a good day?”

“Yes.” Landon said stiffly.

“You spend it with Bryce?” he asked. Landon nodded. “That’s great.”

Landon frowned. “What?”

“I said that’s great.” Dean said again, getting a bottle of beer from the fridge. “You two figuring things out, I mean. It’s great.”

“Uh, yea.” Landon picked up his plate and his bottle of cherry soda. “Well, good night.”

“Night, Lan.”

Landon went upstairs, annoyed and a little flustered. Dean’s ability to act like nothing had ever happened was driving him absolutely insane. He sat cross legged by the window, eating his sandwich and trying not to brood. Instead of Dean, he thought about Bryce. It made it a little better.

When he finished, he read for a little while. Just as he was getting into the story, Abby came in. he shut his book and set it aside, smiling a little. “Hey, sweetness.” he greeted. “Josie go home?”

Abby nodded, coming over and sitting down on the floor beside Landon. “So you’re dating Eleanor’s teacher now? Like, serious?” he shrugged, then nodded. “Wow. I’ve seen him, he’s a cutie.” Landon smiled. “My birthday’s soon.”

“I know.” Landon nodded. “Any idea what you want?”

She bit her lip. “Actually, yea. I was hoping you could talk Daddy into letting me go camping for my birthday weekend. Uh, alone.”

He raised an eyebrow. “With who?” he asked.

“Josie and her brother. A few of his friends.”

“Any adults?”

She shot him a shy smile. “Her brother’s twenty four.”

“That’s not old enough-”

“It’s three years younger than you.” she pointed out, and he sighed. “Could you think about it?” she asked. “Please?” He nodded, knowing full well that even if he thought it was a good idea, Dean would never allow it. But it made her happy to hear. She smiled and leaned over to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Lannie.”

“Any time, sweetness.” she got up and left him alone, and after reading a few more pages he went to bed. He was almost asleep when Eleanor padded in, crawled up into the hammock, and curled against him. He hugged her, closed his eyes, and drifted off.
**********************************************************************

Landon stood at the sink, watching out the window as Hannah and Abby tried to teach Eleanor how to ride her bike without training wheels. Eleanor, ever the trooper, had oozing scraped on both knees and on her left elbow, but he hadn’t seen her cry yet, and every time she felt she bounced to her feet like a spring. He was half smiling, his arms over his chest, when Dean wandered up and stood beside him.

“She having any luck?” he asked.

Landon chuckled. “Not really.” he said. “Quite a few battle wounds.”

“I see.” Dean nodded. “She’ll get it. What’s for dinner tonight?” he asked.

“It’s really nice out, so I was going to barbecue.” Landon said, and glanced at his brother-in-law. “I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“You want to invite Bryce.” Landon nodded. “Sure, why not? I’d like to meet him as your boyfriend, instead of as Ellie’s teacher. Should be interesting.”

“Really?”

“Yea, why not? I’ve got run out and get a few things, do you have everything you need for dinner?”

“I’ve got a list.” Landon gestured at the pad of paper on the counter. Dean picked it up, skimmed over it nodding, then tore the sheet off and stuffed it into his pocket. He stood there a moment longer, then turned and left. Landon heard his truck a moment later and sighed heavily. Then he shook his head to clear it, then went over to the phone and called Bryce.

Bryce answered after the second ring and said, “There you are.”

Landon smiled. “Yep, here I am. How’s your day?”

“Boring.” Bryce said. “Doing some schoolwork.”

“You have dinner plans?” he asked.

“No, did you have something in mind?”

“I thought maybe you’d like to come over tonight and eat with the family.”

There was a long pause. “Landon, are you sure that’s a very good idea?” he asked. “I mean, Dean-”

“-has no issues, and neither do I. Do you?”

“No, of course not.” there was another pause. “I’d love to then. What’s for dinner?”

“I’m barbecuing.” Landon said. “Ribs, burgers. Hannah will make potato salad, she’s good at it. Ellie and me will mostly like make ice cream.”

“You make ice cream? Really?” Bryce sounded impressed.

Landon laughed. ‘Honey, I’m one fuck of a cook.” he said.

“Oh, I’m honey now.” Bryce quipped. “Nice.”

Landon smiled. “Dinner’s at six thirty. Do me a favor and bring Winston, okay?” he knew Dean was allergic, but honestly he didn’t really care. He knew Eleanor would love to meet the dog.

“Sure thing. I’ll be there a little early, if that’s okay? I’d like to see these awesome cooking skills of yours at work.”

“Come by around three or so and you can help us make the ice cream.”

“It’s a date.” Bryce said. “I’ll see you then.”

Landon hung up the phone and then went outside through the back door. “Girls, come over here please!” he called, shielding his eyes from the sun. Eleanor bailed off of her bike and the three of them came over. “Ellie, your teacher is going to be our guest tonight for dinner.”

Her face hardened. “Am I in trouble?” she asked, and Hannah and Abby burst into giggles.

“No, dearest.” Landon chuckled. “He’s just coming for a visit. He’s going to get here early, and I thought the three of us would make ice cream for dessert. How does that sound?”

“Okay.” she said warily.

Landon looked at Hannah. “Kiddo, could you make potato salad?” Hannah nodded. “That’s great. I’ve got some stuff to do, but don’t forget to water the plants before you come in, Hannah, and Ellie put your bike in the garage.” both girls nodded. “Abby, make sure those scrapes of hers get cleaned, okay?” Abby agreed. “Oh, and Bryce is bringing his dog to visit too.”

This was met with a chime of squeals and excitement. Landon left them smiling, and went into the den to get some cleaning done. When he was finished with that, he went upstairs and took care of both second floor bathrooms, including the one in Dean’s bedroom. As he was washing his hands in the sink, Dean suddenly appeared out of nowhere and grumbled, “What are you doing?”

Landon jumped, startled, and turned to face Dean in the doorway. “I cleaned the bathroom.” Landon told him.

“You don’t have to do that.” Dean said. “I wish you wouldn’t.”

“That’s my job, Dean.” he said. “You work, I stay home and clean. It’s not a big deal.”

“Just stay out of my bathroom, okay?” Dean said with a glower, and Landon sighed and nodded. “Okay. When’s the boyfriend getting here?”

“Around three. He’s bringing his dog.”

Dean snorted. I’m allergic.”

“I know. But the kids will like it. We’ll be outside, you can deal for a few hours, can’t you?” Dean rolled his eyes. “You get everything on the list?”

“Yes.“ Dean nodded. “I’d like to shower now, could you maybe get out?”

Landon grabbed his cleaning supplies and got out of Dean’s way. When he went back downstairs, Hannah was working on the potato salad and Abby had Eleanor sitting on the counter, the first aid kit open beside her, disinfecting the cut on her elbow. Eleanor took it pretty well.

At three sharp Bryce showed up, Winston in tow. Eleanor crowed hysterically over the huge white dog, and Winston seemed to enjoy her attention. Bryce had brought a tie-out for Winston, and he set it up in the middle of the backyard.

“Dearest?” Landon tried to get Eleanor’s attention, but the little girl was too enchanted by the dog. He sighed. “Well, there goes making ice cream.”

“Make it yourselves.” Eleanor said.

“Ellie!” Abby scolded. “That was rude.”

Bryce chuckled. “She’s just straightforward.” he told the teenager. “I’m used to it.” he looked at Landon. “Should we?”

“I’ll help.” Abby said, and the three of them went inside. Hannah was sitting at the counter, and declined the invitation to help, though she stayed to watch. About halfway through the process Dean wandered in.

“Hello again, Mr. Masters.” Bryce greeted.

“Just Dean, please.” he shook the teacher’s hand. “You’re dating our little Landon here, might as well be on first name basis.” Landon grit his teeth together at the comment but said nothing. Dean leaned against the counter beside Hannah, who was smiling knowingly, and said, “What the hell flavor is that, Abby?”

“Cherry chocolate.” she said. “I think.”

Dean chuckled. “Where’s Ellie?”

“Backyard.” Landon replied. “Playing with the dog.”

“What kind of dog do you have, Bryce?” Dean asked, all smiles.

“A Great Pyrenees.” Bryce replied. “Mostly. Might be some malamute somewhere in there.” he glanced at Landon. “Is this right?” he asked, and Landon leaned over to inspect his work.

“That’s just fine. You done yet, sweetness?”

“Almost. You go ahead with the machine, I’ll wait with mine.”

“Can you put a wrap on the top of my bowl, and we’ll run Bryce’s through first?” Abby took the offered bowl and went to the cupboard they kept the cellophane in. “Bring your bowl, and I’ll show you how the machine works.”

“This is so complicated.” Bryce said with a little smile. “Why not just buy ice cream?”

“Landon doesn’t usually do things the fast and easy way.” Dean commented, and Landon shot him a glare. “But he’s known to make exceptions.”

“What the fuck does that-”

“Uncle Lannie!” Abby snapped. “Language.”

“Sorry.” he muttered, and somehow Bryce and Dean gave him the exact same ‘haha-you-got-yelled-at’ look at the exact same time. On Bryce is was amusing, on Dean it just made him want to smack him. He watched Dean get a beer out of the fridge, then ask Hannah if she wanted to watch television with him until dinner. She agreed and followed her father out of the kitchen.

“I’ve got to call Josie really quick.” Abby said. “Can you do mine, too?” Landon nodded, and she hurried out of the room.

“Asshole.” Landon muttered under his breath as soon as Abby was out of earshot. He stabbed the ‘ON’ button of the machine with one finger. “Goddamn, I’m sorry about that. He’s a… well, he’s an asshole.”

“It’s fine.” Bryce said, shrugging lightly. “No big deal. Show me how this works.”

They finished the ice cream, stored it in Tupperware containers, and stashed it in the fridge. Then Landon agreed to let Bryce help with the rest of dinner too. He explained to Bryce the dry rub he used on his ribs, which Bryce seemed interested in. Bryce admitted to having a weak spot for really good ribs. Landon assured him that his were pretty good.

“Oh, I’m sure.” Bryce said, digging the tips of his fingers into Landon’s side playfully.

“Oh God.” Landon rolled his eyes. “Don’t be weird.” but he was laughing when he said it. Landon gathered everything that needed to go outside, and Bryce helped him carry it out. Then the teacher sat down on the low wall that ran the length of the patio, a beer in one hand, and watched Landon start the barbecue. They talked while he cooked, and when dinner was almost ready Landon sent Eleanor inside to get everyone.

They sat around the octagonal glass patio table, eating and talking, and for a while everything seemed to be going just fine. Dean seemed pleasant enough, not talking much but laughing at jokes made and offering a comment once in a while. When it came time for dessert, the adults decided to opt out for the moment, so Landon suggested the girls have their ice cream in the kitchen. They went inside, taking the dirty plates with them. Dean was staring thoughtfully at Bryce the entire time, half smirking. When the back door shut behind the girls, Dean leaned forward a little, scrutinizing Bryce carefully.

“Yes, Dean?” Bryce lifted his beer to his mouth.

Dean shook his head and said, “Gotta say Lan, if you were trying to find a physical opposite of me, you did a good job. How’s that working out for you?”

Bryce made a coughing, choking sound and set his bottle down with a thud. Landon glared daggers at his brother-in-law, who simply smiled across the table at him. “Dean, please.” Landon muttered through gritted teeth.

“What?” Dean shrugged his shoulders. “Good relationships are built on honesty, Landon.”

“Yes, you’re precisely the person to pass down that little nugget of wisdom.” Bryce said snidely, and Landon looked at him, shocked. Dean cast the teacher a glare.

“Listen, you little-”

“Dean, stop!” Landon got to his feet so fast he whacked his knee on the underside of the table. “You can’t just-”

“Sit down, Landon.” Bryce barked, startling Landon into doing as he was told. The blonde man gave Landon a careful stare before turning to Dean. “Speak your piece, Dean. Get it out of your system. I was expecting this.” he folded his hands neatly on the table in front of him.

Dean shrugged his shoulders and folded his arms across his chest. “I’ve got very little to say on the subject. I just think that Landon should be upfront with his potential relationships.”

“He has been.” Bryce replied coolly. “It’s also none of your concern, now is it?”

“Well,” Dean mused, tapping his bottom lip thoughtfully with the tip of one finger. “I was the one who had him pinned against the den wall while you two were on hiatus, wasn’t I?”

Landon flushed and opened his mouth to let fly the millions of awful, insulting things he wanted to say at that moment. Bryce looked at him, pointed one finger in his direction, and said, “Landon, don’t you dare say a word.”

Dean scoffed. “Wow, Lan. For all the fuss you put up about me getting involved in your choices, you do a pretty good job of heeling for you new boyfriend.”

“I’m not-”

“Landon, shut up!” Bryce roared at him. Dean stood up and was around the table so fast Landon barely registered it. He grabbed Bryce by the front of the shirt.

“The next time you order him to do something, I’m going to make you eat your teeth.” he said in a low, snarling voice. He let go of him and straightened, glaring at Landon. “This is what you’re settling for? Are you fucking serious?” he turned and stormed into the house, slamming the door so hard the glass rattled in its pane.

Bryce straightened his shirt. “Landon-”

“No.” Landon got to his feet. “No shit on the control issues, Bryce.” he snapped. Bryce had the decency to look ashamed. “I think maybe you should go.” he turned and went inside before anything else could be said.

“Uncle Lannie-” Eleanor looked upset. The girls were sitting at the counter, but none of them were eating.

“Everything’s fine, dearest.” he assured her. “Finish up your ice cream, okay?” he headed upstairs, feeling sick and exhausted. On the second floor landing, Dean scared the hell out of him by grabbing him by the arm and pulling him into his bedroom. “Goddamnit, I’m really tired of-”

“Stop yelling.” Dean said softly. He shut the bedroom door and looked at Landon, his eyes dark. “Please tell me you’re half as upset with him as I am.”

“I’m furious with him.” Landon replied. “And with you. Why the hell did you act like that?”

Dean sighed. “Because I wanted to see what his problem was.” he said.

“What?”

Dean shrugged. “You’ve got that torturous streak. I’ve got my temper. I wanted to see what his was.”

“Control issues.” Landon said automatically, making Dean snort. “You’re claming you did this for my benefit?”

“Sort of.” Dean shrugged.

“And the slut comment earlier?” Landon asked, earning a confused look from Dean. “The fast and easy remark.”

“Oh, that.” Dean flushed. “I don’t know. It just sort of… came out. I’m sorry.”

Landon sighed. “Dean, I can’t do this anymore.”

“I know. I’m trying, Lan, but-”

“No.” Landon shook his head. “I’m sorry, but that’s not good enough. I’m done.”

Dean opened his mouth, then closed it again. Landon watched him for a moment, and finally Dean whispered, “You’re leaving?”

Landon nodded. “I have to.” he touched Dean’s arm, not surprised that he flinched away from it. “I’m sorry.”

“You have to tell the girls.” Dean said. “I won’t. I can’t.”

“I know.” Landon nodded. “I’ll figure something out.”

“When?”

Landon shrugged. “I’ll start looking for a place tomorrow. For a job. I’ll try to be out by the end of next week.”

“Where will the girls go after school?” Dean asked. His face was composed, his voice calm, but his eyes… Landon couldn’t meet them. It was just too much. Guilt and fear and pain, and a hundred other awful things that made Landon feel like he was committing some unforgivable sin.

“I don’t know. I’ll help you figure something out before I go.” he tried to think of something else to say, but when nothing came to mind, he just turned and walked away.
***************************************************************

*gasp!* What the hell am I DOING?!?!?!

Next chapter should be up pretty soon… and I’m almost done with the next chapter of Possessor. It’s longer, and I actually proof-read it! Yay me.