The Last Laugh

Hello. It has been a long time since I've posted anything on the site. I have been working on editing a story I wrote a few years ago called The Last Laugh. I have totally reworked the story line and have added and subtracted a lot from the original story. I hope you like this version as much as the last one.
Thanks for reading RedFox

Chapter 1

Johna Stephenson pulled into his driveway at 5:30 pm with one thought on his mind; obtaining the one pivotal and essential component to a healthy life style which had been eluding him for nearly forty-eight hours. Sleep. The young doctor of psychology had been working on a series of cases for the local branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as, his usual lecturing schedule at Wellington University. He could be found lecturing at the university several times during the week and on a variety of different often unrelated topics. The non-stop chaotic lifestyle he procured has absconded most of his time and has placed a strain on his relationship.

Johna started working for the FBI nearly a year and a half ago as an expert witness and providing psychological evaluations for a few novel cases and loved it. He loved the excitement each case provided, the raw rush of adrenaline when the verdict came in and the pure effects of increased endorphin levels. After his last murder trial, Johna decided he wanted more. He needed more. Field work called his name, it had everything he needed, wanted. The next thing he knew, Johna had enrolled himself in classes and earned a degree in criminal psychology in less than a year. The classes were easy for him and made even easier when he applied his photographic memory and clairvoyant tendencies. With his new degree, he could now go on scene and experience the crime first hand. He could inventory each and every detail of the crime scene in his mind and store minute clues which most investigators would not notice. Johna could also get a better reading on articles left at the scene and develop faint images of the criminal. When combining both talents, his profiles were seldom wrong and the FBI used him on just about every serial murder case they had in the area. Unfortunately, his expertise in criminal psychology and profiling took up the majority of his limited time. Recently, his amplified role in the investigations had caused a strain in his relationship with Christian Donavan and increased his overall stress level. The pressure situations that once drew him in were now destroying his life. How cliché?

Johna leaned his head back against the head rest in his BMW and closed his eyes. Contemplating sleeping right then and there; he thought about his older partner. Johna considered how many occasions in the last two days he had been pulled away from spending time with Christian. Johna and Christian lived together in a modest size Victorian house, set deep in a cul-de-sac. They picked the house nearly two years ago after dating only six months. Christian insisted on the house and even designed and decorated each of the rooms. The two seemed inseparable until a few months ago. Now, it seemed like every time they were in a room together they were either making love or arguing.

Johna ran his hand over the stubble of his recently shaved head in frustration. He wondered how he could fix his relationship with Christian, how he could make it right. Every time an answer reached the tip of his consciousness, he would recall each and every disappointed look Christian tried hiding when he would leave unexpectedly. He sighed heavily and moisten his lips and tried concentrating on other seemingly less foreboding issues.

His mind focused on the different case files he mulled over during the week. The profile for the first case had been text book. The murders, though heinous, created an easy trail for Johna and he quickly dished out a description of what the murderer's family life had been like. He explained how the man carried out his crimes and why. He gave a physical description, including build, stature and even the potential age of the killer. Johna also determined who the next victim would be based on the clues left at the scene and the use of his clairvoyance. The second profile Johna developed before making his way home seemed unorthodox. Though all the victims were female and sexually assaulted, Johna profiled a female as the potential killer. He identified several detectives who didn't believe a single word he uttered. Not surprising. However, Johna pointed out several pieces of evidence indicating a smaller person, one with very little strength. Only a female would need the type of restraints used while perpetrating the crimes. The last case he barely even looked at but skimmed through the file just before he left. The case only included one murder and therefore not a serial case. He potentially would not be needed for the third if there were no other murders having the same gruesome characteristics.

Johna slowly arched an eyebrow at the sound of the raindrops tapping on the windshield breaking his mental deliberation. He chuckled incoherently. If one thing had remained constant throughout the last forty-eight hours, it would be the rain. Johna's eyes fluttered completely open upon hearing another noise; a soft rapping on the driver's side window. He lolled his head in the direction of the sound and startled awake as his mind slowly registered who stood outside.

"Christian," he mumbled.

"Hey," the older man's voice sounded muffled behind the glass. "Are you going to stay out here all night?"

Johna peered down at his Rolex, 7:00 pm. Damn it, he whispered. He opened the window and small droplets of water pelted his shoulder and face.

"I could say the same to you." Christian announced leaning forward, cocking his head and raising an eyebrow. Johna gave him a quizzical look. "I can read lips, remember."

"No, I wasn't...," he paused and gathered his thoughts, "What are you doing outside in the rain?"

Christian stood up straight, hair tousled and placed his hands on his slender hips, "Are you serious?" he asked in a stern toned voice. He waved a hand toward Johna, "How do you work for the FBI on major cases, solve them, yet can't possible figure out why I am standing in the rain?" He huffed, turned around and headed for the door, "And your suppose to be the smart one," he added throwing his hands above his head in a wild gesture.

"Wait just a minute," Johna said, but Christian had already made it through the doorway and back inside. "Damn it. It just like him to leave before I can explain." The young doctor reached behind the seat and grabbed his Croco embossed Italian leather briefcase and stepped out of the car. He hustled up the path and through the opened door. His nostrils flared when a waft of garlic and tomato assailed his sense of smell. Forgetting their brief argument, he asked "What's for dinner?"

Christian replied, "Food."

"What kind of food?"

"The kind you eat. Now, shut the door before you let in all that is evil in this world."

Johna considered the flippant statement his partner made and shuddered. He looked outside and thought about the evil he had seen the past couple of days, and realized how truthful Christian's comment could actually be.

******

The two men sat quietly at the antique oak table while eating the spaghetti dinner Christian had prepared. Johna inattentively twisted the long spaghetti noodles around his fork and absently shoved the food into his mouth. Christian stared at him, watching each and every move his younger lover made in wonderment. He knew their relationship was on the rocks but he was determined they wouldn't break up; his entire world revolved around the doctor. It would shatter him if Johna left. He turned his head away and tear filled emerald eyes focused on the small random patterns on the dining room curtains. Christian bit his lip and squeezed his eyes shut hoping the uncomfortable felling in the room would disappear, it didn't. The older man casually flipped his head back and a brunette lock of hair fell into his eyes. He gave a short puff of air in an attempt at forcing the strand back, it failed. When Christian looked back at Johna, he had cleaned his plate and per usual started on Christian's. He smiled softly. The awkward silence in the room, however, was overbearing and caused an painful attempt at small talk by Christian. "So, how was work today?"

"For the love of God, Christian," Johna dropped his fork onto his plate, "Why do you always ask that question. You know damn well I can't answer it."

Taken aback by the abrasive response, Christian pushed his plate away. "I know, I'm sorry..."

"It's not like it's some same ole same ole 9 to 5 job where we can discuss the details at the dinner table like two queens or something."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. My job is unworthy, only you have stress at work and your job is so much more important than my mundane 9 to 5 job." He threw his napkin onto his plate and sighed in frustration.

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"Maybe," he leaned forward again, "but don't take your stress out on me. I didn't tell you to hook up with the FBI. We both went to career day during high school, I chose my job, just like you chose yours. You need to except the fact you have to make sacrifices in order to be successful at it. " Christian emerald eyes swirled, and he leaned forward, "Just as long as we are clear that I am not one of your sacrifices," he added.

"No." Johna looked shocked. "Never."

"Good." He gave a single nod. He took a deep breath, "I guess my main issue is," Christian paused, "I don't understand how the man I've shared the most intimate moments of my life with can't carry on a simple conversation with me." He threw himself against the back of the chair for emphasis. "I don't know what I've done to cause this uncomfortable feeling between us, or how to even fix it." Christian folded his arms across his chest, "Frankly, I would have less of an issue having a conversation with my dad and we have absolutely nothing in common."

"Don't."

"Don't what?" Christian challenged.

Johna leaned forward toward the older man, "Don't you fucking dare compare me with that son of a bitch."

Christian looked away and waved his hand, "Whatever."

Johna grabbed Christian's hand and pulled the lighter man forward with just a slight jerk. Stark blue eyes met green, "Don't compare me to that low life piece of shit and don't you ever dismiss me." Johna released his partner's hand and fell back into his chair. He closed his eyes, "Look, sorr..."

"No."

"No?"

"No," Christian peered toward him under thick eye lashes. "I purposely pushed your buttons. You don't need to apologize."

"No you didn't, you just simply asked a question and I went off the deep end about it."

"True," Christian squeezed his eyes shut, "But are we seriously going to argue about whose fault it was? I mean..."

"No, I guess not."

"You don't need to be the martyr every time you know. I am not an angel."

"Look, I'm tired. I haven't slept in two days. Can't we just clean up in here and then go upstairs." Johna stood up and picked up their plates and walked into the kitchen.

"Why don't I clean up and you just get some sleep?" he said following Johna into the kitchen. "I'll be up when I am done."

"You sure."

"No arguments, remember?"

"Yeah, I remember." Johna leaned over and kissed Christian on the cheek. "I'm sorry."

"I know."

Johna climbed the staircase and ambled his way into the bedroom. The fireplace roared into view and the young doctor smiled. "Figures he would have everything ready for me." he glanced toward the bed and noticed his navy blue silk pajamas were already laid out and the covers turned down. Johna undressed, pulled on the pajamas and climbed into bed.

********

Brrrrrriiiinnnnnggggg.

The load annoying noise blasted into the silence. Johna blinked his unfocused azure eyes peacefully unsure of the sound interrupting his hard fought slumber.

Brrrrriiiinnnnnggggg.

Christian stirred against him, cuddling his smaller frame firmly alongside his. The older man whispered, "Is that the phone?"

“Shhh.” Johna rested his large hand on Christian’s thigh pulling his body closer. Johna reached toward the nightstand and attempted to grab the phone but was stopped.

“Wha…what do…do you think you’re doing.”

Brrrrriiiinnnnggggg.

“I’ve gotta answer it, Christian. What if another murder has taken place or something and they need me?”

“Johna?"

“Let me just see who it is and then…”

“Jesus…let the fucking answering machine get it.” Christian tried moving his body even closer. He wrapped his slender arms around Johna's body. "Please, just let the answering machine pick it up."

Brrrrriiiinnnnggggg.

“We’ll let the answering machine pick it up.” Johna rolled the two over resting comfortably on top of Christian. Maybe we could get a little reacquainted in the mean time."

Christian's eyes brightened, "Maybe, but shouldn't you be sleeping," he teased.

Brrrrriiiinnnnggggg.

Click. - You have reached the Stephenson Donavan residents. We’re unable to come to the phone right now, but if you would leave your name, number, and a brief message will get back to you. Thanks. Bye.-

“Johna, if you’re there pick up,” a soft famine voice said. “It’s an emergency.” The woman on the phone paused waiting patiently for Johna to pick up the receiver. “Look, I know you just left here like a few hours ago, but we’ve just got a call. Please, pick up.”

Christian barely heard what was being said until Johna rolled back onto his side of the bed. He could hear the lady's voice thick with concern and desperation. He knew then Johna would answer the call. His blonde haired lover was a sucker for damsels in distress.

Johna reached across the bed, turning his body from Christian’s and grabbed the phone, whispering his apologizes to his lover. “Hello, Becky. What's the so called emergency?”

“Thank god. Where were you?”

“What do you mean where was I? I was sleeping soundly until you rudely woke us up. So you better make it quick,” the blond man said as he felt Christian move away.

“Detective Tyron called. He’s looking for you. Evidently, there was a body found in the Templeton State Park. He’s waiting for you there. Max says it shouldn’t be that hard of a profile, but he said he wanted the best so I called you.”

"So Max is the one to blame for interrupting our beauty sleep."

"Yep," Becky replied.

"I'll be sure to thank him the next time I see him."

"Which hopefully will be like in a few minutes right?" Becky's voice sounded encouraged.

"Yeah, Becky, just give me the locale and I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He heard Christian sigh, which caused his heart to clench. Johna knew his lover would be very upset, again. He would be leaving once more in the middle of the night.

“Okay, let’s see here… yeah, that’s right I’ve already told you where the body was found,” she laughed. “What are you doing anyway that’s got you so distracted?"

“Nothing,” Johna sighed. “Becky, tell Max I’ll be there in a bit.”

“Yeah, I’ll tell him. Johna?”

“Yeah?”

“Sorry for waking you two up, but from what Max described at the scene; he really needs you there.”

“Yeah,” Johna hung up the phone "I gotta go," he leaned over placing a kiss on Christian's forehead.

"I gathered that from your phone conversation" he paused and then added," in the middle of the night."

"Christian?" Johna started in a exasperated breath.

“No. It’s okay. You can leave now." Christian rolled over onto his side, putting his back between himself and Johna.

“It seems like we go through the same motions every time I get called in."

"We do?" the brunette pulled the covers over his bare shoulder.

“Christian, you're not listening to me."

"You're right. I'd hate to fall into the same argument and all."

"Look baby."

“No,” Christian crawled out of the bed and as quickly as his weary legs would take him went into the bathroom, slamming the door.

Johna watched as Christian made his way into his safety zone. When the door slammed shut he jerked. “Great, just fucking great,” he huffed. "Of course you'd throw a fit and storm into the bathroom. Why not? Isn't that your role? The hurt and scorned one."

"What," Christian yelled. "You so did not go there."

"Yeah, I did. Now be a man and get out here."

Christian barged through the door and stalked toward the bed. "Are you serious," he spat.

"We are not a typical couple so we don't have to act like it. You don't need to be the hurt and scorned one. We are men and we are going to figure this out like men."

"What, we gonna throw down or something. Isn't that the manly way to do it." Christian eyes burned through Johna's.

"No we're not gonna throw down." Johna sighed, "but there you go putting stereotypical roles on our relationship again."

"I am far from stereotypical."

"No Christian, I am far from stereotypical, you fit the mold."

"What? Whoa, aren't we suppose to arguing about you leaving and not whether my flame is brighter than yours." The phone rang. Christian looked at Johna expectantly, "Well aren't you gonna get it."

Johna glared at Christian and picked up the receiver, “Now, what.”

“Hey, is that anyway to talk to a friend?”

“It is at the moment.”

“Ohhhh, did I interrupt you and Christian going at it.”

“You could say that.”

“Man, dude, I’m sorry. There really is nothing worse than having to stop in the middle of awesome sex.”

“Max, stop," he paused placing his hand on his forehead, "we weren't having sex."

“Oh...then you must have been arguing about you leaving again, huh."

"Yeah, how did you know."

"I work in the same field as you. I used to get the same thing every time the phone rang in the middle of the night. That is until I answered and it was some guy looking for my wife."

"No kidding. Well," he looked in the direction of Christian, "I hope that doesn't happen to me."

"Anyway,” Max continued avoiding Johna’s remark. “We need you down here, asap. It’s starting to rain and we don’t want anything that may be of some value to you get washed away. So hurry up with Christian and get your ass down here.”

“I’ll be there in like ten minutes.”

"I doubt it takes ten minutes...more like..."

Johna hung up the phone before Max could say anything else. "That was Max," he informed Christian. "Evidently, they found a body and the evidence is washing away." He peered up at his boyfriend. "I'm sure it won't take me too long."

“Why should it, right?” the brunette spoke softly, slowly approaching.

When he was close enough, Johna grabbed the older man by his gracefully curved hips and pulled him tight against his body. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to….”

“Johna, stop. It’s my fault.” He felt the rough scalp against his flat lean stomach shake. The brunette placed one hand on top Johna's head and his other hand gripped hard onto his lover’s shoulder.

“No, it’s me. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”

Christian whined. “It’s not your fault but you will make it up to me that’s for sure.”
Johna’s head slowly tipped up allowing him to look straight into Christian’s face. The blond noticed the slight curve in Christian’s lips, indicating a smirk. Johna instantly moved one of his hands to the soft supple lips and caressed his thumb across them.

“I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“K, just make sure you come back to me in one piece. I hate seeing your body marred.”

Johna stood up. His semi-hard cock pushed against Christian’s hip. “I’ll always come back to you.” Johna leaned forward and placed his lips onto Christian’s kissing him passionately and thoroughly.

When they broke apart Christian moved his hand down toward the young man's crotch. “Do…do you want me to take care of that for you, sugah?”

Johna shook his head. “No." He shrugged, "It would take to long."

"Right, gottcha," Christian snidely remarked.

“I love you.” The blond pulled the older man into another kiss and grudgingly drew away. “I’ve gotta go.”

“Be careful.”

“Always.” Johna turned around and hunted for his work clothes. Christian helped him get ready and then walked his lover out to his BMW. Christian opened the door of the vehicle for the younger man and carefully closed it.

“I love you too, Johna.”

Johna pressed a button and slowly his window moved down, "What?"

Christian smiled as he leaned into the opened window and placed a kiss on his lover’s cheek. “I’ll be waiting for you when you get back.”

“I’ll hurry.” The blond turned the ignition on. As Christian began moving away, Johna desperately grabbed the back of his neck maneuvering him in for another heated kiss. Once the kiss was completed and Johna was almost satisfied, Christian backed away from the car and watched it navigate the narrow drive.

Johna looked into the rear view mirror trying to steal one more glance at his lover. He watched as his lover lowered his head into his hands and noticed the defeated slump in Christian’s shoulders. A wave of guilt spread throughout Johna’s body. He knew how hard it was for Christian and thought about everything he must go through every time he leaves to profile for a case. As he turned the corner, he was no longer able to see his beloved.