Mi Casa Es Tu Casa

[ELI WESLEY]

Eli couldn’t remember any three weeks of his life that were as surreal as the most recent three. There was a beautiful man interested in him and Eli took every opportunity to see him. Nicholas Bellefontaine had put Eli under his voodoo. He had a tongue of tarnished silver and a wicked need to dominate that Eli had to admit he found incredibly hot. No one had ever confused Eli more, not even his first boyfriend. Nicholas could be cruel, but his cruelty made Eli crave his attention more. He knew he shouldn’t be so easily seduced, that Nicholas probably had many, many tricks up his sleeve, yet he couldn’t refuse the man. Not without fearing his lover’s reaction. So he gave in and began to really enjoy the time he spent with Nicholas. The man was secretive and spared very little detail about his life and his past, but he seemed genuinely interested in Eli’s story. Even with his knack for cruelty, he was capable of being very attentive too. Eli was often flattered by the way Nicholas could make him feel like there was no one else in the world but them. He couldn’t remember the last person who made him flush so much. Not to mention Nicholas liked to shower him with fine things and food. He wasn’t used to being so pampered and he still struggled to accept many of the things Nicholas offered. The man was intense, but in a mostly charming way.

Even at work Eli thought of Nicholas, but often it was because he wanted to figure his Cajun out. What did all of his quirky behaviors mean? He was obsessively neat and he hadn’t yet allowed Eli into his bed, which signified his need for control. Many of his behaviors during sex further amplified that need. But why did he need to be in control so much? Nicholas still hadn’t told him much about his past, so there was no way for him to answer that question. But his constant pampering showed his need for approval—some validation that he was successful and capable of pleasing people. To Eli, it also seemed like a plea for affection, something he might not have a lot of in his life. He did seem pretty isolated even with the history of lovers. Nicholas had a hard time opening up to people, obvious from the way he avoided answering questions about his life. Perhaps he couldn’t trust them. Perhaps he had something to hide. Eli wouldn’t outright ask about these things because he was certain it would upset Nicholas, but he thought about them when Nicholas wasn’t around. It was better to keep his thoughts to himself and continue to enjoy Nicholas’ company.

He checked his phone for any messages from Nicholas as he walked through the halls of his apartment building. Nothing since earlier that day when Nicholas had asked when he would be home. Eli usually got home around 6 PM, except on Mondays, his late day, and Friday, his early day. He figured Nicholas asked so he could propose a time for them to meet out on the town or at his apartment. Instead, he simply didn’t text Eli again. It was bizarre, but he was kind of used to that with Nicholas by now. With a twinge of disappointment, he slipped his phone into the pocket of his black peacoat and pulled out his keys. He rounded the corner, searching his key ring for his house key, but he paused immediately when he saw a figure in front of him. His eyes widened and he lowered his keys, his eyebrows arched. “Nick!” He’d taken to shortening his lover’s name, finding that Nicholas didn’t correct him. A lopsided smile grew on his face while his eyebrows lowered curiously. “How did you know where I live?”

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Things with Eli were getting intense for Nick. The more time he spent with the other man, the more he wanted to be around him. It wasn't uncommon for Nick to fall for others so intensely, but by three weeks he was getting bored of his partners clingy behavior. Eli let Nick control things. There were never any messages asking if he was angry with him for not being in touch, or probing texts attempting to get him to talk. Eli let him breath, and in doing so drew Nick closer to him. He found himself distracted from time to time thinking of the other man, and on occasion it pulled him from his work. It had been a while since someone captivated him so, and he wanted to know more about Eli.

The man was an open book. If Nick asked, Eli spilled. Of course it wasn't the other way around. Nick often dodged questions, using pleasure to distract his lover from his probing questions, not wanting to divulge too much. When he had to, he lied to Eli to get him to move on, offering a small bone from time to time just to appease him, but he could tell Eli was restless. He wanted to know more about Nick, who was unwilling to cooperate, but like every therapist Nick had met, Eli didn't try to force anything from him. He slowly dug at Nick, piecing his life together bit by bit, or so he thought. Nicholas wondered if he thought he was being subtle about it, slowly trying to figure Nicholas out, but for what? His own pleasure? He knew Eli wanted something with him. He enjoyed being Nick's fuck toy, that was obvious in the way he practically begged for dick like a bitch in heat, but Nick wasn't stupid enough to think that Eli didn't want more. Maybe not now, but certainly at some point he would want it. He tried to enjoy what they had while it lasted, though, because the sex was good and the company was something Nick could deal with. Plus he got a sick pleasure from putting a therapist in his place. He always knew they were all teeming with issues of their own, and Eli was simply proof of that.

What he did find interesting, though, was Eli's reluctance to invite him over. Eli never mentioned where he lived, and Nicholas wondered if that was because he feared what Nick might do with that information, but what Eli failed to realize was he didn't need to give Nick his address in order for him to know it. He knew more about Eli than Eli knew only one day after they'd met. He'd been careful not to mention the little things he'd discovered, like the mans parents names, where he was born, where he lived, where he received his degree and of course his place of employment. Those were public records he was skilled at finding. Instead of asking to come over, though, Nicholas decided he would simply show up. Of course it was to unhinge Eli a little more, and also it gave him the opportunity to see how the man really lived. If he wasn't tidying for Nick, what would his home look like? He asked the man earlier that day when he came home, and Eli coughed up the information willingly. Of course he could have called the office and spoke to someone, but decided he would give Eli the courtesy of knowing he would be seeing Nick later.

The complex that Eli lived in was a semi familiar one. He'd had two victims who lived there in the past, fortunately neither in the apartment that Eli lived in. It would be strange fucking his lover in the home of someone he'd taken the life from. Of course he'd never been in their homes, but that wouldn't make it any less odd to him. He arrived at Eli's door early, twenty to six, in case he came home early. Indeed, at five to six Eli rounded the corner. Nick was dressed in dark navy jeans, his slate gray coat coming down almost to his knees and covering the lilac button down beneath. Eli's eyes widened when he saw Nick standing there, his brows rising in surprise. “Nick!” He was clearly surprised by his presence, and Nick cocked his head slightly at the sound of his name. “How did you know where I live?” His lips curled up slightly at the edges. "How many Eli Wesley's ya'll think live in this city?" He teased. "Decided it was high time I got tuh see where ya'll lived since you haven' been kind enough tuh invite me by." The way he spoke it was bordering on scolding, though it sounded playful. By now Eli would know he was serious, no matter how innocent he may sound. Nick didn't joke. He looked at the door before back to Eli expectantly. "Ya'll gon' invite me in?"

[ELI WESLEY]

“How many Eli Wesley’s ya’ll think live in this city?” Eli gave a soft chuckle, coming closer, but Nick still wasn’t answering his question. “Decided it was high time I got tuh see where ya’ll lived since you haven’ been kind enough tuh ivite me by.” Eli’s cheeks turned a little pink. He hadn’t meant to be rude, but he supposed it could be seen that way. It wasn’t that he was hiding his home from Nick, he just wasn’t sure how interested the man was in seeing his place. With his passion for control, he figured Nick preferred to be at his place. The man’s electric blue eyes trailed to the door before looking back at Eli expectantly. “Ya’ll gon’ tuh invite me in?” Eli nodded, closing the distance between him and the door and consequently him and Nick. “Of course I am.” His response was said with a kind, lopsided smile, his eyes staying on Nick’s in an almost flirtatious manner as he brought his key to the lock. He only turned away to make sure he was unlocking the door properly and when he walked in he held the door for Nick to pass through. “Come on in.”

Eli’s apartment was nothing special. It was lived in with blankets and pillows thrown onto the tan couch with a lax sort of order. His coffee table was laden with Time and Psychology Today magazines, a few coasters stacked neatly in the center. He had a good-sized entertainment center with a flat screen TV and a decent movie collection. Off his kitchen he had a small dining table with four places. The other side of the kitchen opened up next to the entryway and it was neat with all the basics. Utensils and spices displayed on the counters might have suggested that he liked to cook, which he did, but they were more for the occasional spell he cast or potion he made. On a set of shelves next to the balcony, Eli had on display his small “garden,” filled mostly with herbs and a couple flowering plants. He took pride in his natural ability to garden, but he couldn’t express it as much as he wanted to in his small apartment. At least this way nobody would be suspicious about his plants blooming out of season. The door to his bedroom was on the other side of the apartment, open for anyone to see the carelessly made bed and the simple, but stylish furnishings. His desk was a bit of a mess, but mostly with bills and a few research materials. Most of his furnishings had a dark wood base and coordinated throughout the apartment. Overall, it was an inviting space, and in several places around the apartment were strewn pictures of his family. The end table next to his couch held most of the family portraits. There were even a couple of Abby’s paintings that she gifted to him for Christmas a couple years in a row—one a painting of the Tree of Enlightenment that dominated the space over his couch. It was definitely Eli’s home.

He watched Nick as the man walked into the main living area and took it in. After his impeccably clean apartment, Eli was afraid Nick might think it was too messy. He couldn’t read the man’s expression and he resolved to make for the kitchen to show some hospitality. “Would you like a beer?” he asked, looking over at Nick. When his lover confirmed that he did, Eli leaned down and grabbed two out of his refrigerator. He twisted the tops of and left them on the counter as he headed back to Nick, who had wandered further in and was looking at the pictures on his end table. Maybe he was interested in the kind of family Eli came from. It flattered Eli that Nick would be so interested in him…even if it was a little weird he had somehow found out where he lived. He walked over to Nick and handed him his beer before sipping from his own. “What do you think? Is it what you expected?” Eli asked, his tone playful but he was a little anxious with Nick’s scrutiny.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

“Of course I am.” Nick smiled in return as Eli moved to the door, unlocking it and pushing the door open. Their eyes stayed locked until Nick had made his way into the apartment, his eyes moved away from his lovers to the home he lived in. “Come on in.” The place was warm and comfortable, well lived in but not overly messy. Sure, it was a little disorganized, but he obviously kept up with the place. There were magazine's sprawled on the coffee table, and a nice television with plenty of movies to watch. He peaked into the kitchen which looked like the rest of the place; well lived in. Had his visit been announced Nick assumed the place would be a little more put together, but all in all he was pleased with the surroundings, and they were very much what he expected to see. Eli was a predictable man.

What did surprise him was the plants Eli had. He didn't expect Eli to be such a botanophile, which made him wonder if maybe he was more than he seemed. Perhaps they had more in common than he knew. The man moved through and looked at some of Eli's pictures, noting the beautiful women who surrounded him. He knew none were girlfriends, and he recognized Abby. The other, he assumed, must be his sister, especially considering the mild resemblance. He wouldn't have picked her out in a crowd as Ms. Wesley, but when he really considered her she did have similar features. He didn't focus on the photos for long, not wanting to draw attention to himself. “Would you like a beer?” Nick turned his head and gave a nod. "Please." He wore a kind smile before looking back to the paintings, wondering if they were Abby's. They seemed to be her style. Nick moved to the end table and studied some of the other pictures, wondering if they were his family as well. He noticed Eli with a group of people that looked like a family photo, noting the girl he'd though was his sister among the pictures occupants.

Eli was soon at his side, offering him a drink “What do you think? Is it what you expected?” Eli asked, his tone bordering on playful, but Nicholas knew Eli was wondering if he approved or not. "Yes." He said very simply, sipping his beer, his eyes turning to focus directly on Eli. He reached out and took the other mans face in his hand, pulling him close for a chaste kiss on the lips. "I've got som'thin' for ya'll." Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a small square box. It was plain and not wrapped, the lid able to slide easily off for access to what was inside. He enjoyed the pleased look on Eli's face. "Call it uh Valentine's gift if yuh like." Eli took the parcel and pulled the lid off. Inside was a clear rubbery ring with a metal rod attached to the end. Nick could clearly see the confusion on Eli's face and he reached out taking the toy into his hands. "It's uh cock rink." He explained. "Vibratin'. This will help ya'll stay hard good'n long so when ya'll do cum for me, it'll be bettuh than any orgasm ya'lls evuh had." He placed the toy back into the box and sipped his beer again, pleased with the way Eli's cheeks turned color for him. He looked around again, moving to the plants. "Haven' seen uh garden like this in uh while. Don't usually see Junipuh in someone's home." There was questioning in his tone, wondering if Eli would explain or if he would have to assume things about him.

[ELI WESLEY]

“Yes.” Nick’s simple answer made Eli smile, relaxing a little. So it wasn’t too messy for him and it was the kind of place he expected Eli to live in. It pleased Eli to know that Nick had tried to picture his home. When his lover’s eyes fixed on his, Eli’s stomach clenched a little in excitement. There was just something about the way Nick looked at him. The other man’s hand reached out and rested against his face and Eli’s heart skipped as Nick drew him into a sweet kiss. His cheeks flushed gently, still flustered by the feel of Nick’s plump lips on his. “I’ve got som’thin’ for ya’ll.” The sound of his lover’s raspy voice drew Eli’s green eyes open again and he looked curiously at Nick with a little smile. Something for him? Really? Nick liked to treat him to things and Eli still wasn’t used to it. He watched as Nick’s hand produced a small box from his pocket. Eli’s lopsided smile grew, taking the box from Nick gratefully. “Call it uh Valentine’s gift if yuh like.” He looked up at Nick with a wider smile before going to open it. How long had it been since he’d gotten a Valentine’s gift from someone other than a friend or family member? Eli pulled the lid off and looked down with furrowed brows at the curious contraption in the box. He was going to pick it up, but Nick reached out and took it instead. “It’s a cock ring.” The words stunned Eli and his eyes widened slightly. He’d heard of them, but he’d never seen a cock ring before now. “Vibratin’. This will help ya’ll stay hard good’n long so when ya’ll do cum for me, it’ll be bettuh than any orgasm ya’ll’s evuh had.” Eli’s cheeks and ears burned bright, watching Nick put the sex toy back into the box. Well, now he had a cock ring. It made him gulp to realize just how intrigued he was to use it. He picked up the toy and inspected it more closely as Nick turned away from him.

“Haven’ seen uh garden like this in uh while.” Nick’s voice brought Eli back to reality and he blushed redder as he finally dropped the cock ring back in its box. With nervous hands he slid the lid back on, forcing a smile at Nick. “Don’t usually see junipuh in someone’s home.” His eyebrows arched slightly as he looked to the little potted tree next to his shelf garden. The lopsided smile came back to his face as he placed the little box down on the end table and made his way over to Nick. “I love the smell of it. Plus it’s a challenge to care for. The soil has to be just dry enough.” He hooked his thumbs into the pockets of his pants as he came to a stop beside Nick, giving him a curious smile. “Sounds like you know a thing or two about plants.” Nick agreed but didn’t elaborate further, waiting for Eli to give his own explanation it seemed. He looked back at his plants and smiled a little more. “I like to cook. It’s sort of a hobby of mine. There’s no better seasoning than fresh herbs and I have something of a green thumb, so I figured I could grow my own.” His eyes flashed to Nick before continuing, a little anxious to give himself away. “Plus they come in handy for herbal supplements and stuff. It’s better than taking a bunch of medication.” He gave a small shrug and a smile, stepping past Nick towards his kitchen. “Speaking of cooking, would you like some dinner? As a sort of Valentine’s gift?” His smile was playful as he mimicked Nick’s earlier words. Of course there was another gift he was sure he’d inevitably give Nick by the end of the evening, but he felt it wasn’t enough. Had he known they were exchanging gifts, he might have gotten Nick a real gift instead of offering favors as a way of thanking him.

Once in his kitchen, he immediately went for the refrigerator, hungry himself and ready to get his chicken cooking. He had been marinating it all day, having prepared it this morning. Even though he hadn’t been expecting company, he had enough for both of them and enough homemade pasta to cook for two. He pulled out both the bowl of marinating chicken and the cut pasta dough he had made the night before to cook tonight. Eli often made enough at one time to make for more than one meal, eating leftovers for lunch the next day. His chicken was resting in a flavorful mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh garlic that he bought at a farmer’s market, and his own homegrown sage, thyme, and rosemary. It made for an excellent broil and he tore off the saran wrap and released the enticing smell before doing the same to the pasta. When he looked over at Nick, the other man seemed intrigued and Eli gave a bashful smile. “There was a time when I thought about culinary school.” He turned to start his oven broiling so it could preheat while he and Nicholas chatted. “How is it that you know about plants and gardening?” he inquired kindly, leaning back against the counter slightly as his eyes came to Nick’s. He certainly didn’t seem like the type to enjoy getting dirt under his nails, but Eli had been wrong before.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

“I love the smell of it. Plus it’s a challenge to care for. The soil has to be just dry enough.” He didn't nod, but he knew that and was moderately impressed that Eli did as well. “Sounds like you know a thing or two about plants.” His eyes flashed calmly to the other man and he gave a simple little nod. "I do." He agreed, not bothering to go into more detail, not unless Eli pushed for it, and even then it was bound to be half truths. “I like to cook. It’s sort of a hobby of mine. There’s no better seasoning than fresh herbs and I have something of a green thumb, so I figured I could grow my own. Plus they come in handy for herbal supplements and stuff. It’s better than taking a bunch of medication.” Nick knew that most herbs did nothing on their own unless you gave them a little help, which meant Eli was a Geomancer or believed in that herbal healing crap. “Speaking of cooking, would you like some dinner? As a sort of Valentine’s gift?” Eli gave a playful sort of smile and he pushed a smile on his own face at the invitation. "That would be lovely." He cooed.

Nick followed Eli into his kitchen and looked around, seeing more herbs. When the other man took the prepared chicken from the oven, along with what seemed to be fresh pasta, he raised an impressed brow. Nick himself wasn't much of a cook and often brought food in, though on occasion, usually when he was feeling down, he would prepare boxed macaroni and cheese or mix spaghetti with ketchup. Comfort food from his childhood, things from a time when his life was supposed to make sense but simply didn't. The smell of the marinade that Eli had obviously whipped up himself brought him back down to earth and he peaked over into the bowl, oddly getting turned on by Eli's talent. “There was a time when I thought about culinary school.” Nick nodded. "Perhaps ya'll've missed your callin'." He teased with a smirk, watching how Eli moved with ease around the kitchen.

“How is it that you know about plants and gardening?” By now Nick was used to the way Eli probed. It was in the other mans nature to do so, which was probably why he was so successful at what he did for a living. "My mother had quite the green thumb." Nick folded his arms and leaned against the counter, watching the other man put the chicken on the broiling pan. He didn't talk about his parents much, not wanting to catch himself in any of the lies he'd built. For the most part he had his story straight, but there were times when things wouldn't fit together just right and he didn't want Eli knowing about his past. Not yet, if ever. "She'd putter in th'garden all day if yuh let her." He zoned a little, his eyes staring into space as he thought of his mom. There were days when she had gardened all day. She'd been in charge of the compounds vegetable garden and there had been days when he'd plucked weeds with her or tended to vegetables. Those, Nick recalled, were his good days. Training days were never fun. His eyes moved back to Eli, seeing he was looking at him and he offered a suave smile. "We grew all sorts uh stuff. I'm no stranguh tuh gardenin'. Can I help ya'll with anything?" He didn't want to talk more about his old life, but he could see the unspoken questions burning in Eli's eyes. "Start uh pot boilin' or somethin'?"

[ELI WESLEY]

“My mother had quite the green thumb.” Eli smiled at Nick, intrigued by this mention of his mother. What was she like? Nick didn’t talk about his family much and they were mostly a mystery to Eli. “She’d putter in th’ garden all day if yuh let her.” Eli smiled more. So his mother liked to garden…he wondered if Nick was ever involved in the gardening. His own mother had forced him to help tend to her garden, a chore that soon became a time for him to hone his skills. Then he began to enjoy gardening. Eli was going to ask, but when he looked up from his place laying out the chicken on the broiler pan, Nick had a far off look in his eye. For the first time it actually looked a little sad and it struck a chord with Eli. It softened the often cruel Cajun and Eli was very drawn to his attempt at hiding his emotion. “We grew all sorts uh stuff. I’m no stranguh to gardenin’.” The thought of Nick working hard in a garden was actually a turn on for Eli. He would tuck that image in the back of his mind for a rainy day.

“Can I help ya’ll with anything? Start uh pot boilin’ or somethin’?” It was obvious to Eli that Nick was trying to cut off the conversation about his past, so he didn’t press any of the questions buzzing around in his brain. “Actually, you can fill that big pot on the back burner up and get it boiling if you want.” He smiled before turning away to pull out the ingredients for the pasta sauce. Canned tomato sauce, an unopened bottle of red wine, salt and pepper—the only things left to grab were the fresh herbs he would pick from his garden. Eli pulled out his can opener, but noticed Nick had finished the task of setting the full pot over a blazing burner. “Mind opening this tomato sauce too? I’m going to pick some herbs to put in it.” Nick agreed and Eli smiled before grabbing a bowl from the cabinet and leaving the kitchen. He walked over to his shelf garden and picked a little basil and rosemary. Just breaking the leaves and sprigs off filled the little area around the shelf with a pleasant scent. He stripped the little rosemary sprigs of their tiny leaves before going back to the kitchen.

Nick was pouring the last of the two cans of tomato sauce into a pot and Eli smiled. As Nick set the can down, Eli came up beside him and grabbed the pot handle. It brought him close enough to Nick that he was able to lean in and plant a surprise kiss on his lover’s cheek. When he pulled away he smiled at Nick a little bashfully and uttered a borderline flirtatious, “Thank you.” He took the pot of sauce over to the stove and lit the gas burner beneath it, lowering the heat once more until it was just right. He moved to a drawer and pulled out a wooden spoon to stir ingredients into the sauce, grabbing his wine key while he was at it. He placed both on the counter while he turned to grab the chicken and slide it in the oven easily. “So what were you up to today? Besides stalking me.” Eli gave Nick a playful grin, showing he wasn’t really accusing Nick of stalking…even if that’s what it was.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

“Actually, you can fill that big pot on the back burner up and get it boiling if you want.” Nick nodded and did as he was asked, occasionally glancing at Eli. There was something nice about pretending to be domestic with someone. In another life he might have enjoyed something like this, and though he liked it now, he knew he would grow weary of the routine before long. Sure, he could see dating the man and doing this every night, but how long would he have those feelings? When would Eli become too clingy? When would he start to feel suffocated? His affection would never be returned in the way Eli needed. “Mind opening this tomato sauce too? I’m going to pick some herbs to put in it.” He'd just clicked the burner on when the next order came his way. He was a little surprised, but agreed, taking the can opener. When was the last time someone had delegated to him? Normally Nick didn't put himself in those sorts of positions, and if someone took the liberty of throwing commands he put them in their places. But he'd offered to help, and he felt inclined to do so. Again he felt the strange domestic itch which was neither a good or bad feeling.

Nick poured the tomato sauce into the pot Eli had set out just as he was coming back into the kitchen with his herbs. The other man moved in close, taking the handle of the pot and placing a surprise peck on his cheeks while uttering a flirty little “Thank you.” Nick felt his lips tense and twitch a little at the show of affection, one he wasn't used to and not often appreciative of. Nick liked being touched but only when invited. It was on his terms only, and though he wanted to put Eli back in his place, he stopped himself. He liked what they were doing. He was in a pleasant enough mood. Eli didn't know better, he didn't know the strange borders Nick had placed around himself. He knew it was a good thing that Eli would feel comfortable enough to kiss him. It meant he was letting his guard down a little, which made it easy for Nick to mold him how he felt fit, and Eli wouldn't likely run at the first sign of real trouble which was bound to come eventually. If Nick's treatment towards him so far had kept him close, he wouldn't run until Nick gave him a good, solid reason to.

“So what were you up to today? Besides stalking me.” Eli gave a playful grin, a show he wasn't being serious, but the truth was Nick had stalked him and he didn't smile in return, nor did he deny the claim. Why should he? "I worked out, showered, shopped for your present, did uh bit uh business." His phone buzzed in his pocket, as if on cue, and he pulled it out just enough to see the caller. He knew he should take the call.. it was work, and he was waiting for it, but with Eli there it seemed risky so he silenced it and shoved it back in his pocket. "Jerked off thinkin' 'bout all the ways I could fuck ya'll silly." He smirked at the way Eli blushed, his phone ringing again. His facial features twisted into an annoyed grimace and he pulled his phone out again. Work. He looked at Eli coolly. "This'll be but uh minute." He said before turning away and answering the phone.

"I'm at dinner with a client." He growled softly into the phone, his accent mostly missing as he made his way down Eli's hallway towards the bathroom. "Yes, I got it. Tomorrow? Little last minute, don't you think? Send me the details, I'll call tonight after I've finished here. Yes." Nick hated being rushed on a job. It was enjoyable to get to know the person, figure out what they'd done, follow them a bit, feel comfortable with them when he did what he needed to. He'd only got the details of the woman that afternoon, his next hit. It paid well, too. He'd do what he needed to get it done, but it meant cutting things short with Eli. He'd have liked to spend the night, but he'd do that another night when cordially invited, he decided. He slipped his phone back in his pocket and made his way back into the kitchen just as Eli was sliding the chopped herbs into the pot. He came up behind him, slipping his hands on the other mans hips, pulling his body back against his and pressing his pelvis into Eli's ass. "Somethin' sexy 'bout watchin' a man cook." He nipped his earlobe playfully, his hand sliding around Eli's waist and down his crotch. "Tell me 'bout your siblin's. I don' think I know much about 'em."

[ELI WESLEY]

Eli swallowed nervously at the serious look Nick returned, not smiling at Eli’s joke that he was being stalked. Was…was Nick stalking him? No way…he wasn’t that crazy…was he? “I worked out, showered, shopped for your present, did uh bit uh business.” Business that Eli didn’t wasn’t sure of. At this point he was fairly certain it wasn’t legal business. Even now Nick was ignoring his phone as it buzzed, a sign to Eli by now that it was a business call. Eli was surprisingly ambivalent about Nick’s business, however. He just wanted to continue enjoying Nick’s company. “Jerked off thinkin’ ‘bout all the ways I could fuck ya’ll silly.” Eli flushed from his neck, to his cheeks, all the way to his ears, an embarrassed smile sloping his mouth. The way Nick smirked at him made Eli’s stomach twist. He hoped that’s how his night would end. There was a buzzing from Nick’s pocket again and that sexy look on Nick’s face faded into an annoyed grimace that made Eli frown a little. “This’ll be but uh minute.” A small, reassuring smile lit up Eli’s face before Nick turned away to answer his phone. “I’m at dinner with a client.” The way Nick growled the words with no trace of his thick Cajun accent shocked Eli. He sounded so dangerous…and so very different. Eli couldn’t tell if he was frightened or excited by this new side of Nick, turning back to his cooking.

The rest of Nick’s conversation was quiet enough that Eli could tune it out, not wanting to invade his lover’s privacy. He grabbed one of his high-end knives and laid out his herbs on the cutting board. With quick, smooth movements, he cut up the herbs and then crushed them a little to enhance their flavor. He scraped them from the cutting board and into the sauce, glancing up and smiling as Nick walked back into the room. He stirred the sauce with a wooden spoon he plucked from a ceramic pot near the stove. A wide smile spread across his pouty lips as Nick’s hands came to his hips and pulled Eli’s body back against him. Heat flushed his cheeks as Nick’s pelvis rose to meet his ass, an action that Eli leaned gently into. "Somethin' sexy 'bout watchin' a man cook." Eli smiled breathlessly, his hand pausing in stirring the sauce when Nick nipped his earlobe. One of Nick’s arms slipped around his waist, the other hand sliding down to Eli’s crotch, making Eli’s breath catch in his throat. Blood rushed through his groin, threatening to get him hard if Nick continued touching him. "Tell me 'bout your siblin's. I don' think I know much about 'em." The question shocked Eli out of his blissful distraction and he opened his eyes just after they had slid closed. “My siblings?” he asked, his surprise obvious in the way he asked the question. Nick hummed a soft affirmative near his ear and Eli gulped quietly. How was he supposed to talk about his family with his lover’s hand teasing his package? He cleared his throat, focusing his attention on the sauce again and stirring it slowly as he tried not to get too riled by the hand taunting him. It just felt so wrong to be turned on when talking about his family.

“Uhh, well…I’m the middle of five.” It was a way to start, trying to keep his voice even as he reached for the salt and pepper to sprinkle into the sauce. “I have two older brothers, Kyle and Luke, a younger brother, Adam, and a little sister, Mary. Out of all of my siblings, I’m closest to Mary. Luke is a close second, though. Not that I have a bad relationship with Kyle and Adam—I’m still close with them. It’s just they’re very different from me.” He set the salt and pepper aside, stirring the sauce with his spoon again as his free hand rested on top of the arm wrapped around him. It felt nice being held like this. Of course, the hand at his crotch was still distracting him and he swallowed hard once more. “Kyle and Adam are very outgoing and energetic. I was always more bookish and introverted than they were. So was Mary, which is why we’re so close. She’s in medical school right now studying to be a doctor.” He’d always been very proud of his sister’s accomplishments and didn’t mind showing that pride in his voice as he talked about Mary. “Kyle is a senior salesman at a pharmaceutical company, Luke is a program developer for Apple, and Adam is a realtor in Seattle.” They were a pretty successful family all in all. His parents had done well in raising them. He looked over his shoulder a little with a kind smile. “What about you? Do you have any siblings?”

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

“My siblings?” Eli asked with obvious surprise, pulling a grin across Nicholas' face. Nick wouldn't have minded talking about his siblings during sex if he ever actually talked about them, but he knew for someone like Eli it would be taboo. "Mhmm.." He purred into Eli's ear as his palm pressed into the other man's crotch, rubbing in a circular motion as his other hand caressed his chest over his shirt. Eli cleared his throat, still stirring the sauce. “Uhh, well…I’m the middle of five.” That he knew already, but he listened quietly, his nose nuzzling into the crevice behind Eli's right ear. “I have two older brothers, Kyle and Luke, a younger brother, Adam, and a little sister, Mary. Out of all of my siblings, I’m closest to Mary." He swallowed every morsel of information as if they were part of his last meal. Three brothers and the sister, who he was closest to. Mary Wesley.. She intrigued him already. "Luke is a close second, though. Not that I have a bad relationship with Kyle and Adam—I’m still close with them. It’s just they’re very different from me.” He wondered how different. Was Luke gay? Was that how they got along? Not likely, Nick thought. He'd research them all and silently repeated the four siblings names in his mind to remember them.

Eli's hand rested over his as he ran it over his chest, the hand at the man's crotch continuing it's circular tease. “Kyle and Adam are very outgoing and energetic. I was always more bookish and introverted than they were. So was Mary, which is why we’re so close. She’s in medical school right now studying to be a doctor.” Medical school.. He wanted to ask which but didn't want to make his interest in her obvious. Would it be difficult to track her down? He knew people who could do it easily enough. There couldn't be an overwhelming amount of Mary Wesley's. “Kyle is a senior salesman at a pharmaceutical company, Luke is a program developer for Apple, and Adam is a realtor in Seattle.” Nick was a little surprised how well off all of Eli's siblings were, his hand pressing harder into his genitals as he processed the information. Eli's face turned and Nick pulled back to let their eyes meet. “What about you? Do you have any siblings?” Did he have siblings?

Nick had no idea how many siblings he had. He knew he was his mothers only child, but his father had been idolized by his worshipers. How many of his whores spread their legs for his seed? How many Nick's were floating around this world? He didn't know for sure. four he was certain of, but he wasn't naive enough to believe it was only them. He hadn't thought of them in a long time and it made strange feelings bubble in his gut. He'd been closest to Anthony, the second in line after him, but the things he'd done to the boy.. Nick swallowed and shook his head. "My mothuh only had me." It wasn't a lie and the closest truth Eli would receive from him. He forced a smile and moved his hand up, slipping his lovers pants open with ease before letting his hand fall back down, this time inside his pants.

---

---

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Eli hesitated before climbing to his feet, and though it was subtle, Nick picked up on it immediately. He knew the other man wasn't entirely comfortable with what had just happened, despite the sweet, lopsided smile on his kind face. “Thanks.” He said in a soft, unsure voice and Nick's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he studied the other man. He wouldn't let Eli go so easily if he was thinking of getting out now, not that the other man knew that yet. He was enjoying his time with Eli and knew he could come to actually care for him if he tried. Eli wiped his face dry and then took his stained shirt off, something that made Nick smirk, especially when he noticed the color in the other mans cheeks. “It might just be better to take this off now.” He gave a nod of agreement before Eli leaned in and pecked his lips; a strange gesture considering his shyness moments ago and it left Nick wondering. Was Eli trying to warm himself up to the idea of sticking around or warming Nick up to the idea of getting out? It was hard to tell.

Eli turned back to their supper, quickly trying to fix what too much heat had done to it. Nick didn't care if the food was any good or not, but he couldn't help but turn his head and stare at Eli's ass as he bent over to grab the strainer from the cabinet. It was hard not to admire the man's body. It was well taken care of and Eli was an attractive man. He didn't bother hiding the fact he was watching either, not that Eli was paying attention with the task of cooking at hand. “Wine glasses are in there if you want to pour a couple glasses for us.” He told him, pointing to a cabinet. Nick did as he was told, fetching two glasses. "Where's the wine?" He drawled and Eli pointed out a few bottles for him to choose from. He made his way over and chose a Riesling. He busied himself with pulling the cork out and pouring them each a large glass while Eli finished up what he was doing over the stove. He placed the wine on the table and moved back towards Eli, seeing what else he could do to help.

Once the food was prepared and plates were assembled, the pair moved to sit at the table, but before Eli could take his seat, Nick came up from behind him and grabbed his hips. He gently pulled the other man into him, slipping his arms around him in a sort of seductive embrace, his lips finding their way into the crook of his neck. "Don' ya'll think uh leavin' me yet." He purred into his ear, nipping it gently as he finished his pleading threat. "We've barely b'gun learnin' 'bout each othuh.. Ya'll are very intoxicatin', Mistuh Wesley." He pulled his body tighter against his own, staking silent claim of it. He let Eli muster up an answer before letting go and pulling the other man's chair out for him. He pushed it under his bottom as he sat down and Nick made his way to his own place setting. "Let us toast." He raised his glass towards Eli, nodding for him to make the toast, wondering what he would come up with.

[ELI WESLEY]

“Where’s the wine?” Of course Nick didn’t know where the wine was. This was his first time here! Eli had let the sex haze go to his head. “There’s a few bottles in that cabinet there.” He pointed to one of the taller cabinets, knowing Nick would be able to peruse the shelf on his own for what he wanted. Eli liked wine, but he didn’t drink it that often, which is how he had accumulated the small collection he had. People gifted him wine that he never drank on his own unless he’d had a particularly hard day. While Nick chose their poison and poured, Eli worked to salvage their meal. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it certainly wasn’t his best. He would just blame it on Nick for distracting him, although that didn’t upset him at all. It had been a nice distraction, even if it had gotten a little intense at the end. After a few minutes, Eli had everything ready to serve and he and Nick prepared their plates before moving to the table. It smelled good and it looked good, and that was enough for Eli.

When they reached the table, Eli set his things down at his usual spot, gesturing for Nick to sit wherever he wanted. Before he could sit down, however, Nick’s arms wrapped around Eli’s middle and pulled the taller man back against him. Eli couldn’t help but smile as Nick kissed his neck, his hands covering Nick’s arms holding onto him tightly. It was sweet and almost made him forget the aggression his lover had shown just half an hour before. “Don’ ya’ll think uh leavin’ me yet.” It was a plea and a threat, one that made Eli’s stomach twist uncertainly. He hadn’t really been considering it, but just hearing the warning in Nick’s voice made sure he wouldn’t. His brow furrowed slightly, his head turning just enough that Nick would know he was listening. The man’s teeth caught hold of his earlobe and Eli shivered. “We’ve barely b’gun learnin’ ‘bout each othuh…Ya’ll are very intoxicatin’, Mistuh Wesley.” Nick pulled Eli tighter into him and Eli gulped loudly. Him? Intoxicating? No one had ever used a word like that to describe him and as far as he knew, only Daniel had ever seen him remotely that way. It was flattering and even a little embarrassing and he blushed deep red to the tips of his ears. “I’m not going anywhere.” It was a soft reassurance that must have been enough for Nick, since he let him go moments later. The Southern gentleman pulled Eli’s chair out for him like he was some kind of debutant and the taller man smiled bashfully, letting his lover push the chair in beneath him as he sat. He was used to doing that for women, but not having it done for him. It made him feel even sillier when he remembered he wasn’t even wearing a shirt. Nick took his seat next to Eli and he waited for the Cajun to dig in.

To his surprise, Nick lifted his glass and looked at Eli expectantly to do the same. “Let us toast.” The way he nodded at Eli told the bumbling man that he had to come up with the toast and Eli quickly picked up his glass with a mumbling, “Uh…oh…” When he raised his glass, he looked at Nick with a bashful smile, not sure what to say. “Um…to learning more about each other. The good, the bad, and maybe even the ugly.” With a widened smile, he clicked his glass against Nick’s, but it was hard to read the man’s expression. He was such a mystery, even now, that Eli had to wonder if he would ever know all of that about Nick. It just made him want it even more. Taking a sip of his wine, he enjoyed the tartness on his tongue before he picked up his fork to dig in. “Do you ever miss the South?” he asked, genuinely curious. Nick was always reluctant to talk about himself and his home, but Eli had to wonder if maybe it was because he missed it so much. Or maybe he just didn’t miss it at all. It was so hard to read his lover and he was hoping the man would reveal just a little more about himself as they ate dinner together.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Eli seemed a little thrown off by his suggestion of a toast, but picked up his glass and offered a bashful sort of smile, clearly unsure what to say being thrown into the spotlight so suddenly. “Um…to learning more about each other. The good, the bad, and maybe even the ugly.” He gave a wide smile and clinked his glass into Nick's. He knew Eli would want to know about him, it was obvious given the amount of time they were spending with each other. Plus Eli was becoming more bold, so it made sense that he would try to get to know Nick. Nick gave a deep nod, neither agreeing or disagreeing, and sipped his wine. Did Eli really want to know the ugly? He couldn't imagine the man actually did. Or maybe he did considering his profession. Of course he had no idea how ugly the ugly was.

Nick took his knife and began to cut into his chicken, which looked and smelled delicious. “Do you ever miss the South?” His eyes came up to Eli as he processed the question, his head still bowed over his food. He gave a little snort, his lip quirking up slightly at the end before shaking his head and looking back into his supper. "No." Most people would have some good memories from their childhood, but Nicholas could think of nothing. He couldn't even reminisce about the good food, or the fun atmosphere, because anything worth seeing or doing were never part of his life. Of course that contradicted the basic lie of a life story he'd told Eli, but Eli didn't need to know that. "Nothin' tuh miss. I didn' have the happiest childhood, an' there's no family." He took a bite of his chicken and chewed slowly, looking up into Eli's curious eyes. He knew the man wanted more. He was starving for details about Nick, wanting to know about the man who had claimed him for his own.

Nick ran his tongue over his mouth, deciding he would indulge Eli's curiosity, and they could only talk about the taller man so much before he would be forced to talk about himself. Sure, he would need to lie, and he would need to keep track of his lies, but there was plenty of truth he could offer that was harmless. "I once had uh dog." He started, wrapping pasta around his fork. "Li'l thing, uh mutt, dumbuh than uh box uh rocks. Anyway, Dingo, an' no I did not name that mongr'l, was tied up ou'side. I was told tuh go on an' fetch'm and yuh wanna know wha' I found when I got out there? Uh broken chain an' uh puddle uh blood. Don' evuh leave uh dog chained up where alligatuh's roam." There was a wicked look in his eyes as he smirked, biting his pasta. It was soft, but probably still some of the tastiest pasta he'd ever had. "This is delicious, by the way." Nick swallowed it all down with a gulp of wine. "Bayou ain't for th'faint uh heart. I don' recommend visitin'." Of course he didn't want Eli interested in the place for other reasons, either. He was sure his family's story wasn't popular everywhere, and chances were he was too young to have heard about it anyway, but just the thought of Eli wandering near the place that had been so cruel left him feeling unsettled. "Any othuh questions?" He asked, raising a brow wondering if Eli would back off or not.

[ELI WESLEY]

Nick snorted with a sardonic smile, shaking his head. “No.” The answer surprised Eli. Who wouldn’t miss home? Someone who didn’t think of home as home anymore…It made Eli wondered what had happened to his lover in the Deep South that would make him content to never go back. Nick must have made his life growing up there seem much happier than it actually had been. He came from money…maybe that just wasn’t everything. "Nothin' tuh miss. I didn' have the happiest childhood, an' there's no family." A thoughtful frown dragged Eli’s mouth downward, his big eyes sadder than usual. Family had always been such a huge part of his life, he couldn’t imagine being without it. That must have been hard for Nick, even if his childhood wasn’t happy. Now the question was, how unhappy was it? That was a question Eli didn’t feel he could ask. The last thing he wanted was for Nick to pull away from him.

Apparently, he didn’t have to ask for more details about Nick’s childhood—the Cajun was going to indulge him from the way he licked his lips. "I once had uh dog. Li'l thing, uh mutt, dumbuh than uh box uh rocks. Anyway, Dingo, an' no I did not name that mongr'l, was tied up ou'side. Eli grinned at the way Nick denied all claim to Dingo’s name, picturing a scruffy, dopey dog with his tongue lolling out of his mouth lying out in the sun. “I was told tuh go on an' fetch'm and yuh wanna know wha' I found when I got out there? Uh broken chain an' uh puddle uh blood. Don' evuh leave uh dog chained up where alligatuh's roam." Just like that, Eli’s smile faded and his eyes widened. Poor Dingo! He couldn’t help but be a little disturbed by the amused twinkle in Nick’s eye and the smirk on his lips. What kind of harsh environment had he grown up in when he could find the death of his dog amusing? Eli finally gave a small half-smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.” What else could he say? Nick was scooping more pasta into his mouth and Eli took a hesitant bite of his chicken. What a strange story to tell over dinner… "This is delicious, by the way." Eli nodded, smiling a little more and trying to force himself past his city-boy shock. “Thank you…” "Bayou ain't for th' faint uh heart. I don' recommend visitin'." That sounded like a true enough statement and Eli would definitely take the advice. Dog-eating alligators that climbed up into your backyard sounded pretty terrifying and Eli wasn’t the bravest of men. Growing up there must have been what made Nick so tough and crass in his own charming way.

"Any othuh questions?" The way Nick asked the question made Eli look over his wine glass as he sipped the sweet liquid. It sounded like a challenge and not necessarily one that Eli wanted to accept. He just didn’t know what would make Nick shut down or even angry with him. He was a volatile man and Eli didn’t really want to risk putting him off. Giving a smile, he lowered his wine glass as he swallowed. “A million, but I’m not sure which to ask first.” Picking up his fork once more, he stared thoughtfully at his lover, who was now twirling pasta between the tines of the silverware. “What did you like to do as a kid? It must have been dangerous going out and exploring in the bayou, but I know that wouldn’t stop most kids.” He smiled wider, trying to picture Nick as a child. He was probably a cute kid, but he imagined a reticent little boy. Even through his charming façade, Eli could tell that Nick was incredibly reserved, assuring him that Nick had learned how to put up a good front to cover the quiet man he really was. He couldn’t help but wonder how close he was to the truth.

[NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE]

Eli looked unsure as he considered Nick's question, which suited him fine. He liked making the other man uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable he was, the less he would poke around. “A million, but I’m not sure which to ask first.” So he hadn't deterred him from asking yet. It was only a matter of time. Then again, the man made a living by asking personal questions. There was a very good chance he would continue to prod, welcomed or not. Nick had told him he could ask more, even if he hadn't exactly meant it. Part of him enjoyed it a little. The actual truth would never come out, but that didn't mean he couldn't skirt around it to build a false sense of intimacy between them. The more Eli thought he was getting through to Nick the more vulnerable he would become and the more likely he was to tolerate whatever Nick threw at him. There would come a point where Eli would feel like he'd invested too much to try and run. Nick could create feelings of security. He could make Eli feel like he needed him simply to continue on. The more Nick thought about it, the more he liked the idea of opening up to Eli just enough to bait him into feeling like he could fix Nick somehow. Allow him to feel like he might be in control of the situation, when he was anything but. Just another mind game.

“What did you like to do as a kid? It must have been dangerous going out and exploring in the bayou, but I know that wouldn’t stop most kids.” Eli's smile was sweet and curious and he couldn't help but feel like he was a kid back in therapy. What sorts of things did you enjoy doing, Nicholas? No one wanted to hear the things he'd enjoyed doing. Nick wasn't exposed to many positive things as a child, which meant most of his recreational time was spent doing horrific acts to other children or having them done to him. He found himself flustered by the question, unable to think of something quick enough, but he knew he had to in order to keep up his front. What were some of the things he'd said as a boy? "I told ya'll b'fore. I gardened." His eyes pierced Eli's as if they were in the middle of a Mexican standoff. He reminded himself he wanted to build up the other man, keep him wanting to come back for more, feeding into his natural curiosity of Nick. Even though he told himself to do it, it didn't make him any less annoyed by it.

"I sometimes played with th'horses." It was a true statement. There had been horses and he'd enjoyed them to some degree, until he'd had to remove the genitals of one during a ritual. The thought made him physically flinch though his facial expression never changed. He averted his eyes, grabbing his glass of wine and taking a deep sip from it, not having thought of the horse rituals in some time. Worse was what they did with the horse parts once they were removed. Nick gulped and forced himself to look back at Eli. "I don' care much for horses these days. Or any animal f'that mattuh. Ya'll don' have any, now do yuh?" Eli confirmed he didn't and Nick gave a nod, satisfied with the answer. "Good." He lifted his napkin to his mouth and wiped at it. "I didn' explore th'bayou all tha' much. My time was always accounted for, doin' chores or basic schoolin'. Learnin' my daddy's trade.." It wasn't a lie. He'd been by his fathers side more than he'd cared to be, only Eli thought he was an oil man, not a psychotic cult leader. "But I'm sure I'm borin' ya'll.. you musta had a fine childhood, what with three brothuh's an' uh baby sistuh?"