A Balance of Harmonies: Belief
Sep. 8th, 2012 07:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
frogs_of_warDoes anyone know characteristics that differentiate a half grown dog from a full grown one? What I’m asking is do they finish growing physically before they are grown? If I have a dog that is the equivalent of a fourteen-fifteen year old person, so ¾ grown, how big will they be in proportion to a full grown dog? And if they are smaller will their ears and paws still be bigger in proportion to their bodies, or do they grow into their features before they are done growing?
All will be explained once I know the answer (and have a bit time to rewrite). Oh and does anyone know how a not-quite-grown dog gives/gets attention from a grown dog? I’ve seen puppies nuzzle against a dog’s chest or sit between its front paws, but a mostly grown dog wouldn’t fit.
Ugh. Maybe I shouldn’t write things I know nothing about.
Title: Belief
Series: A Balance of Harmonies (Three)
Status: Chapter eighty-six of
Genre: m/m romance, drama, city life, businessmen
Rating: R
Content: riding, boys, a drag, princess pose, the future, questions, friendship, special boys, worries, decisions, praise, the new kid, crayons, new shadow, plans, philosophy, patience, payment, meat
Length: about 3,000 words
Summary: Peregrine spends the days with his boys. Kurt takes the first step to less worry. And Emil was plans.
Master list
Peregrine glanced both ways as he came to the intersection then sped across. He had so much to do before he visited his parents again. Going back would be hard. He loved his home, his city, his men, but his family needed him. And being away while workmen filled the spaces he felt should always be private would be harder on him then just coming back to find things changed.
Andre had been happy to see him and happier to hear he was coming back to his regular Tuesday/Friday schedule. Zan and the others were wonderful for the boys, but Andre, rightly, was greedy for his boys. Why be content with one regular artist or several temporary ones if he could have them all?
And Peregrine agreed. If he flew down Tuesday night and back Friday morning, he wouldn’t miss his church or Saturday nights at Keith’s, and he wouldn’t miss his boys.
Peregrine spotted some a block from the shelter as he passed an alley. He slowed his bike and turned around. The boys froze then hid their cigarettes behind their backs. Only Nick attempted to put his out first. None of the boys were old enough to acquire cigarettes legally, and they all wore expression of guilt, but guilt at getting caught, not guilt at breaking the law.
He parked his bike and held out his hand. “Give me a drag.”
Brandon frowned, Thon bounced on the balls of his feet as he looked at his friends, and Daniel pushed up his ill-fitting glasses. But Nick laughed. “Why do you want it?”
Peregrine kept his hand out. “These are the ones from a pack, nothing added?”
Daniel nodded as he stared at the ground and passed his over.
Peregrine took a long drag and then blew it out slowly. He handed it back. Daniel looked at the cigarette like it was a snake. Peregrine put it out against the bottom of his shoe. Brandon dropped his cigarette to the ground, stomped on it, and crossed his arms. “You don’t smoke.”
“Actually I do. The same way I drink: only in the company of others doing the same. But I wouldn’t call myself a smoker or a drinker.”
“Why?”
“Because, my boys, I never do it alone.”
“What difference does that make?” asked Thon.
Peregrine spread his arms. “All the difference in the world.” He smiled at his boys. “Sneaking off to share a few smokes with friends or even a bottle of beer is a social thing. Going off to have one alone is the first step to addiction. And addictions are expensive to live with or cure. I don’t want you there.”
Thon grinned. “Why not just tell us to quit smoking?”
“Would you?” Peregrine put his hands under his chin in a princess pose Tinúviel had showed him. “Would you if I asked ever so nicely?”
The boys laughed like he’d hoped they would. He grinned back. “I didn’t think so. All I ask is that you share. Don’t go sneaking off alone to indulge. I want you all to be successful in life, which will be hard to do if you’re addicted to anything. When I spot you walking down the street in five or ten years I want you to look me in the eye unashamed.”
The boys nodded.
“Now for the bigger question…”
“Yeah?” asked Brandon.
“My phone here says ten thirty. Did the school time change that much while I was away?”
“No,” said Nick, “Kit is teaching us about Egyptian Pharaohs.”
“He is? Right now?” Peregrine looked around the alley. “This is a funny looking classroom.”
“No!” shouted Nick and Thon. Daniel adjusted his glasses again. “Brandon….”
Brandon sucked in a deep breath. “Andre talked trash about… about my men again. I just couldn’t stand it anymore.”
Nick nodded. “He had to cool down, so we went with him.”
Daniel nodded. “To make sure he’s come back.”
Brandon crossed his arms. “I was always planning on coming back. You just wanted a smoke.”
Peregrine patted Brandon’s shoulder and looked at the other boys. “Either way, I’m glad you guys are with him. Friends are important.”
Once he got back to California, he’d have to get started on Tank’s portrait. The Mathesons’ could wait because they were practically family. “So, Brandon, have you calmed down?”
Brandon turned away. “I did, but then I remembered…”
“How about I take you out to dinner tonight and you can tell me all about it? Your side. And then I can talk to Andre.”
Brandon met his gaze. “You’d do that?”
“Of course.”
“But I’m not… not one of you special boys.”
“You are all special to me.” Peregrine picked his bike up and set it on his shoulder. “Besides I think I have a vacancy. JJ isn’t talking to me anymore.”
“But he will.”
Peregrine turned the group towards the street. “He will, but you hold a special place with me because I also love two men.”
Nick’s eyes widened. “You do?”
Thon nodded. “He does. His dark beauty and the big guy that talked about rules, Hunter says.”
Peregrine smiled. “Them.”
The boys wanted to know everything and Peregrine gave them as much of the condensed version as he could fit in before he dropped them off in Kit’s classroom. He locked up his bike. He still had to talk to Andre about letting him handle Brandon. He had his own worries for the boy and he’d deal with them in good time.
--
Kurt played with his pencil while waiting for his phone consultation with Zawadzki’s uncle Barry. He’d called a few minutes early, but he’d rather wait on the phone than have Mr. Zawadzki wait for him. He’d only gotten an appointment, even though Mr. Zawadzki’s receptionist said he wasn’t taking new clients Zawadzki had called to put in a good word for Kurt right after someone canceled. But Kurt was still nervous.
Zawadzki said he uncle was one of the best, but Kurt’s will had to be so airtight that his parents with all their lawyers would never get their hands on any of his estate. Kurt checked the clock. Only one more minute before he found out if Barry Zawadzki could do just that.
--
Emil picked up his phone and then set it back down. He didn’t mind getting to pick the second room to redo, but his plant room didn’t come in his list of the first five. He would love to have a conservatory with fragrant plants and twisting vines and maybe a hot tub, but what he really wanted was the bedroom done and if workmen had to invade he wanted a bathroom right off the bedroom. But probably in order to do that, the kitchen would have to be finished, which he didn’t mind either.
He picked up his phone again. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.
--
Peregrine walked around the courtyard, making comments and giving encouragement to the boys. He stopped by Brandon’s canvas. “You do know you could do this for a living?”
Brandon looked at his feet. “No.”
“Sure. With a little more practice…”
If Brandon had a source of income outside the men he loved, Peregrine would feel better about the relationship. But they would talk about that tonight.
“Kit and I are looking for scholarships for you. A little college under your belt is practice for real life and building the connection to sell your work. I’d still be a pauper if not for my college buddies.”
Brandon stared at his painting. Peregrine patted his back. With Brandon’s permission, Peregrine would see if Mike would put this one in his gallery. If a kid who hardly picked up a brush could paint this well, what would his work look like after he’s studied the masters?
Saif tugged on the hem of his shirt. “Peregrine, Andre wants to see you.”
Brandon turned around. “If he—”
Peregrine held up his hand. “I’m on your side.”
Saif looked from one to the other then back toward the office. “It’s a new kid. He’s even smaller than me.”
The entire class turned to look. Peregrine snapped his fingers and pointed at the nearest canvas. “Back to work.”
Kit looked up from his canvas. “Would you like me to take over?”
“If you would.” Peregrine stepped into the main building. Andre’s door was open, like normal. A woman and a little boy shared a chair. A kid small enough to still sit on his mother’s lap was too young to be here. Was this the kid Kurt had talked about?
“Hello.” Peregrine nodded to the little family.
Andre’s introduced Peregrine to little Addison and his mother. She teared up as Andre explained that she had lost her husband and her job and her house and her car in the last year and now that Addison was ten she couldn’t keep him with her and her daughters in the homeless shelter.
Peregrine got down on one knee and looked Addison in the eye. Addison looked him over and then got off his mother lap. He reached out and touched the back of Peregrine’s wrist. Peregrine pulled up his sleeve. “That’s a dragon’s snout.”
His shirt was too tight to show off more than the dragon’s head and neck. He pulled his sleeve down.
“You have rings in your face.”
“I do. Have you seen anyone else like this?”
Addison shook his head. His mother said. “Not a teacher.”
“Probably.” Peregrine stood up. “We are painting pictures in the courtyard. Do you like to paint?”
Addison looked at his mother. His mother frowned. “His clothes?”
“We have smocks.”
“As long as his clothes stay nice. I can’t afford more.”
Andre assured her that clothing was provided by the shelter. Many kids came only with the clothes on their backs. But maybe Addison had never used paints before. “I also have paper and crayons if you rather start with that.”
Addison nodded and held out his hand. Peregrine took it. Tears dripped down Addison’s mother’s face. Peregrine didn’t want to be anywhere near a crying woman. “We will be outside.”
Addison looked even smaller compared to the boys. He hid behind Peregrine. He’d need to get used to the boys, but a little reassurance would go along way right now. “Kit, could you bring out the crayons?”
“Crayons?” Thon skipped over. “I love crayons. Can I draw too?”
He asked Addison, not Peregrine. Addison nodded. Kit brought out several large sheets of paper with the crayons. Several boys joined the two on the ground.
So much for painting, but some things were worth more that the medium.
Tyler pointed his brush at that the kids on the ground. “Hey, Peregrine, it looks like you got a new shadow.”
Peregrine turned just in time to see Brandon turn away. Someone’s feelings were hurt. “Brandon and Addison. I wonder if Addison has any talent.”
Of course that wouldn’t matter. JJ and Hunter had only had enthusiasm and need of attention.
Evan frowned. “What about Hunter?”
“Hunter?” Peregrine smiled Hunter’s way. “Hunter is my newest little brother. Even as special as he is, he doesn’t need two positions.”
“Peregrine.” Hunter gestured him close. “Olivia wants me to go to school with her.”
“And do you want to go to school with her?”
Hunter looked at his feet.
Peregrine grinned. “Is that a yes?”
“Kit… Kit said he’ll help me after school to read at my grade level. He says that’s the most important thing.”
Peregrine nodded. Hunter’s math would need work as well, but reading was used in every single class.
“And Willow said she and Liam could help me with homework too. She said Liam was very smart and then she looked at him and he blushed. Do you think she will?”
Peregrine put his hand on Hunter’s shoulder. “Willow knows what being behind everyone else feels like, and how hard it is to catch up. I’m sure she’ll help you all she can.”
“Are you coming tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
Nick frowned. “Where are you going?”
“I spend Saturday night at Hunter’s new house.”
“That’s not fair!”
Peregrine shrugged. “If you want to be adopted…”
Nick shook his head. “My father probably wouldn’t like that.”
Daniel scuffed his shoe on the ground. “I don’t care what my father thinks.”
Andre really needed to get Daniel back to the eye doctor, if just to get his glasses adjusted. The other Daniel, the one colored like Emil, looked down. The poor kid would probably give anything to have parents to be angry with. Peregrine shrugged. “Sorry, kids, Keith only take LGBT kids.”
Evan looked up.
“And he adopted most of them after they turned eighteen, so you have time to give it some thought.”
“But he has Hunter,” Tyler asked, “why would he need anyone else?”
Hunter blushed. Peregrine shrugged and kept everyone attention on him. “He still has three empty bedrooms.”
Four if JJ never joined them. That might be for the best anyway, what with what JJ expected of Hunter.
Nick sighed. “I wish I was gay.” He turned to Hunter. “Does that mean you are?”
Hunter shrugged. “I’ve only been with men.”
“That’s because men are fiends,” Tyler said. Daniel and Nick nodded.
Evan frowned. “Not all men.”
Nick looked his way. “Men that buy boys.”
“I’m not going to be that kind.”
“We know that.” Nick turned to Hunter. “Have you ever wanted to be with a woman?”
Hunter cocked his head one way then the other. “No. I can’t even imagine it.”
“But you’re young yet,” said Tyler. “We’ll ask you again when you’re seventeen.”
Evan frowned. “Do you think he might change?”
“No.” Tyler added a dollop of yellow to his canvas. “I just think he might not know himself yet. We’re kids. Were just learning.”
“You’re just a kid,” said Nick.
“Well I’ve never been with a guy, so how do I know I don’t like it? I’ve been with girls and I liked that, but I might be straight and I might be bi, but I kind of want to be the kind that falls for looks, say dark hair, pale skin, and blue eyes and gender or lack thereof doesn’t matter.” Tyler glanced at Dakota then back at his canvas.
“Is that what they looked like? Both of them?” Nick was obviously looking for a fight, but Tyler didn’t rise to the bait. He shrugged.
“You don’t remember?”
“It was dark.”
This was sounded more and more like a nonconsensual experience if just because of Tyler’s age. He was only fifteen now. Peregrine looked over Nick’s canvas. “Good job. Who’s done?”
Half the boys were. The rest finished while those who finished early cleaned up. All except Brandon. To Peregrine his painting looked fine, but he knew as much as anyone that only the artist knew when he was done. “Why don’t you stopped for now and finish it after dinner?”
“But I’m almost done.”
Peregrine took his brush. “I’m normally almost done with a painting for a week or more, sometimes several months, before I know what a painting needs. What this one needs right now is patience.”
Brandon sighed. “See, I’m no good.”
Peregrine put the brush down and put a hand on each of Brandon’s shoulders. “You. You are wonderful. Untrained you are good enough that people who know nothing can spot it. I will believe in you until you are able to believe in yourself.”
And he would. Maybe he could invite Brandon over and show off his studio and his men. Then Brandon would know for sure that Peregrine’s worries weren’t a kneejerk reaction to his unusual relationship. He just needed to call his men.
--
Kurt stepped up to the elevator. Zawadzki slapped his back. “Was Uncle Barry any help?”
Kurt grinned. “Lots. He has never done estate planning for a ménage a trios before and he’s eager to try his hand. And he knows a lawyer who has taken on homeowners associations. He might cost a bit, but he sounds like he’ll be worth it.”
Zawadzki grinned. “And how much will Uncle Barry cost?”
Kurt laughed. “He doesn’t want money, at least not a first.”
Zawadzki’s eyes widened. “No money? Uncle Barry loves money.”
“But he loves Peregrine’s art as well. He wants that painting he saw at Mike’s gallery.” Kurt needed to ask Peregrine how he felt about painted a picture a year to pay for Kurt’s lawyer. Of course Mr. Zawadzki offered to represent them all for extra paintings or more choice.
“He must really like Peregrine’s work.”
Kurt nodded. He must.
--
Emil bustled around the kitchen. Peregrine was having dinner with one of his boys and then bringing him over for a while. Until then Emil and Kurt had the house, so Emil had bought a steak. A big one. He was going to turn the fan on full blast and they would eat on the balcony off the same plate. Maybe in the nude.
That was a great idea.
When the door opened, Emil adjusted his apron, waited until the door was closed, and then rushed over. He wrapped his arms around Kurt’s neck. “Welcome home.”
Kurt grinned and ran his hands up Emil’s naked back and then down, settling his big hand on Emil’s bare ass. “I feel welcome.”
“We are having steak.”
“Steak?”
“Peregrine won’t be home for dinner and we have two hours to kill. I was thinking…”
Kurt grin widened. “You were thinking…?”
“The balcony is lonely. It wants to be used.”
Kurt growled.
Emil batted his hands away. “I need to cook the steak.”
Kurt frowned. “Just one?”
Emil set the big steak in the hot pan. “You don’t want to feed me?”
“Oh, I’ll feed you.”
Emil glanced over his shoulder with his sexist look. Kurt’s mouth watered and Emil was sure that wasn’t just for the steak.
All will be explained once I know the answer (and have a bit time to rewrite). Oh and does anyone know how a not-quite-grown dog gives/gets attention from a grown dog? I’ve seen puppies nuzzle against a dog’s chest or sit between its front paws, but a mostly grown dog wouldn’t fit.
Ugh. Maybe I shouldn’t write things I know nothing about.
Title: Belief
Series: A Balance of Harmonies (Three)
Status: Chapter eighty-six of
Genre: m/m romance, drama, city life, businessmen
Rating: R
Content: riding, boys, a drag, princess pose, the future, questions, friendship, special boys, worries, decisions, praise, the new kid, crayons, new shadow, plans, philosophy, patience, payment, meat
Length: about 3,000 words
Summary: Peregrine spends the days with his boys. Kurt takes the first step to less worry. And Emil was plans.
Master list
Peregrine glanced both ways as he came to the intersection then sped across. He had so much to do before he visited his parents again. Going back would be hard. He loved his home, his city, his men, but his family needed him. And being away while workmen filled the spaces he felt should always be private would be harder on him then just coming back to find things changed.
Andre had been happy to see him and happier to hear he was coming back to his regular Tuesday/Friday schedule. Zan and the others were wonderful for the boys, but Andre, rightly, was greedy for his boys. Why be content with one regular artist or several temporary ones if he could have them all?
And Peregrine agreed. If he flew down Tuesday night and back Friday morning, he wouldn’t miss his church or Saturday nights at Keith’s, and he wouldn’t miss his boys.
Peregrine spotted some a block from the shelter as he passed an alley. He slowed his bike and turned around. The boys froze then hid their cigarettes behind their backs. Only Nick attempted to put his out first. None of the boys were old enough to acquire cigarettes legally, and they all wore expression of guilt, but guilt at getting caught, not guilt at breaking the law.
He parked his bike and held out his hand. “Give me a drag.”
Brandon frowned, Thon bounced on the balls of his feet as he looked at his friends, and Daniel pushed up his ill-fitting glasses. But Nick laughed. “Why do you want it?”
Peregrine kept his hand out. “These are the ones from a pack, nothing added?”
Daniel nodded as he stared at the ground and passed his over.
Peregrine took a long drag and then blew it out slowly. He handed it back. Daniel looked at the cigarette like it was a snake. Peregrine put it out against the bottom of his shoe. Brandon dropped his cigarette to the ground, stomped on it, and crossed his arms. “You don’t smoke.”
“Actually I do. The same way I drink: only in the company of others doing the same. But I wouldn’t call myself a smoker or a drinker.”
“Why?”
“Because, my boys, I never do it alone.”
“What difference does that make?” asked Thon.
Peregrine spread his arms. “All the difference in the world.” He smiled at his boys. “Sneaking off to share a few smokes with friends or even a bottle of beer is a social thing. Going off to have one alone is the first step to addiction. And addictions are expensive to live with or cure. I don’t want you there.”
Thon grinned. “Why not just tell us to quit smoking?”
“Would you?” Peregrine put his hands under his chin in a princess pose Tinúviel had showed him. “Would you if I asked ever so nicely?”
The boys laughed like he’d hoped they would. He grinned back. “I didn’t think so. All I ask is that you share. Don’t go sneaking off alone to indulge. I want you all to be successful in life, which will be hard to do if you’re addicted to anything. When I spot you walking down the street in five or ten years I want you to look me in the eye unashamed.”
The boys nodded.
“Now for the bigger question…”
“Yeah?” asked Brandon.
“My phone here says ten thirty. Did the school time change that much while I was away?”
“No,” said Nick, “Kit is teaching us about Egyptian Pharaohs.”
“He is? Right now?” Peregrine looked around the alley. “This is a funny looking classroom.”
“No!” shouted Nick and Thon. Daniel adjusted his glasses again. “Brandon….”
Brandon sucked in a deep breath. “Andre talked trash about… about my men again. I just couldn’t stand it anymore.”
Nick nodded. “He had to cool down, so we went with him.”
Daniel nodded. “To make sure he’s come back.”
Brandon crossed his arms. “I was always planning on coming back. You just wanted a smoke.”
Peregrine patted Brandon’s shoulder and looked at the other boys. “Either way, I’m glad you guys are with him. Friends are important.”
Once he got back to California, he’d have to get started on Tank’s portrait. The Mathesons’ could wait because they were practically family. “So, Brandon, have you calmed down?”
Brandon turned away. “I did, but then I remembered…”
“How about I take you out to dinner tonight and you can tell me all about it? Your side. And then I can talk to Andre.”
Brandon met his gaze. “You’d do that?”
“Of course.”
“But I’m not… not one of you special boys.”
“You are all special to me.” Peregrine picked his bike up and set it on his shoulder. “Besides I think I have a vacancy. JJ isn’t talking to me anymore.”
“But he will.”
Peregrine turned the group towards the street. “He will, but you hold a special place with me because I also love two men.”
Nick’s eyes widened. “You do?”
Thon nodded. “He does. His dark beauty and the big guy that talked about rules, Hunter says.”
Peregrine smiled. “Them.”
The boys wanted to know everything and Peregrine gave them as much of the condensed version as he could fit in before he dropped them off in Kit’s classroom. He locked up his bike. He still had to talk to Andre about letting him handle Brandon. He had his own worries for the boy and he’d deal with them in good time.
--
Kurt played with his pencil while waiting for his phone consultation with Zawadzki’s uncle Barry. He’d called a few minutes early, but he’d rather wait on the phone than have Mr. Zawadzki wait for him. He’d only gotten an appointment, even though Mr. Zawadzki’s receptionist said he wasn’t taking new clients Zawadzki had called to put in a good word for Kurt right after someone canceled. But Kurt was still nervous.
Zawadzki said he uncle was one of the best, but Kurt’s will had to be so airtight that his parents with all their lawyers would never get their hands on any of his estate. Kurt checked the clock. Only one more minute before he found out if Barry Zawadzki could do just that.
--
Emil picked up his phone and then set it back down. He didn’t mind getting to pick the second room to redo, but his plant room didn’t come in his list of the first five. He would love to have a conservatory with fragrant plants and twisting vines and maybe a hot tub, but what he really wanted was the bedroom done and if workmen had to invade he wanted a bathroom right off the bedroom. But probably in order to do that, the kitchen would have to be finished, which he didn’t mind either.
He picked up his phone again. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.
--
Peregrine walked around the courtyard, making comments and giving encouragement to the boys. He stopped by Brandon’s canvas. “You do know you could do this for a living?”
Brandon looked at his feet. “No.”
“Sure. With a little more practice…”
If Brandon had a source of income outside the men he loved, Peregrine would feel better about the relationship. But they would talk about that tonight.
“Kit and I are looking for scholarships for you. A little college under your belt is practice for real life and building the connection to sell your work. I’d still be a pauper if not for my college buddies.”
Brandon stared at his painting. Peregrine patted his back. With Brandon’s permission, Peregrine would see if Mike would put this one in his gallery. If a kid who hardly picked up a brush could paint this well, what would his work look like after he’s studied the masters?
Saif tugged on the hem of his shirt. “Peregrine, Andre wants to see you.”
Brandon turned around. “If he—”
Peregrine held up his hand. “I’m on your side.”
Saif looked from one to the other then back toward the office. “It’s a new kid. He’s even smaller than me.”
The entire class turned to look. Peregrine snapped his fingers and pointed at the nearest canvas. “Back to work.”
Kit looked up from his canvas. “Would you like me to take over?”
“If you would.” Peregrine stepped into the main building. Andre’s door was open, like normal. A woman and a little boy shared a chair. A kid small enough to still sit on his mother’s lap was too young to be here. Was this the kid Kurt had talked about?
“Hello.” Peregrine nodded to the little family.
Andre’s introduced Peregrine to little Addison and his mother. She teared up as Andre explained that she had lost her husband and her job and her house and her car in the last year and now that Addison was ten she couldn’t keep him with her and her daughters in the homeless shelter.
Peregrine got down on one knee and looked Addison in the eye. Addison looked him over and then got off his mother lap. He reached out and touched the back of Peregrine’s wrist. Peregrine pulled up his sleeve. “That’s a dragon’s snout.”
His shirt was too tight to show off more than the dragon’s head and neck. He pulled his sleeve down.
“You have rings in your face.”
“I do. Have you seen anyone else like this?”
Addison shook his head. His mother said. “Not a teacher.”
“Probably.” Peregrine stood up. “We are painting pictures in the courtyard. Do you like to paint?”
Addison looked at his mother. His mother frowned. “His clothes?”
“We have smocks.”
“As long as his clothes stay nice. I can’t afford more.”
Andre assured her that clothing was provided by the shelter. Many kids came only with the clothes on their backs. But maybe Addison had never used paints before. “I also have paper and crayons if you rather start with that.”
Addison nodded and held out his hand. Peregrine took it. Tears dripped down Addison’s mother’s face. Peregrine didn’t want to be anywhere near a crying woman. “We will be outside.”
Addison looked even smaller compared to the boys. He hid behind Peregrine. He’d need to get used to the boys, but a little reassurance would go along way right now. “Kit, could you bring out the crayons?”
“Crayons?” Thon skipped over. “I love crayons. Can I draw too?”
He asked Addison, not Peregrine. Addison nodded. Kit brought out several large sheets of paper with the crayons. Several boys joined the two on the ground.
So much for painting, but some things were worth more that the medium.
Tyler pointed his brush at that the kids on the ground. “Hey, Peregrine, it looks like you got a new shadow.”
Peregrine turned just in time to see Brandon turn away. Someone’s feelings were hurt. “Brandon and Addison. I wonder if Addison has any talent.”
Of course that wouldn’t matter. JJ and Hunter had only had enthusiasm and need of attention.
Evan frowned. “What about Hunter?”
“Hunter?” Peregrine smiled Hunter’s way. “Hunter is my newest little brother. Even as special as he is, he doesn’t need two positions.”
“Peregrine.” Hunter gestured him close. “Olivia wants me to go to school with her.”
“And do you want to go to school with her?”
Hunter looked at his feet.
Peregrine grinned. “Is that a yes?”
“Kit… Kit said he’ll help me after school to read at my grade level. He says that’s the most important thing.”
Peregrine nodded. Hunter’s math would need work as well, but reading was used in every single class.
“And Willow said she and Liam could help me with homework too. She said Liam was very smart and then she looked at him and he blushed. Do you think she will?”
Peregrine put his hand on Hunter’s shoulder. “Willow knows what being behind everyone else feels like, and how hard it is to catch up. I’m sure she’ll help you all she can.”
“Are you coming tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
Nick frowned. “Where are you going?”
“I spend Saturday night at Hunter’s new house.”
“That’s not fair!”
Peregrine shrugged. “If you want to be adopted…”
Nick shook his head. “My father probably wouldn’t like that.”
Daniel scuffed his shoe on the ground. “I don’t care what my father thinks.”
Andre really needed to get Daniel back to the eye doctor, if just to get his glasses adjusted. The other Daniel, the one colored like Emil, looked down. The poor kid would probably give anything to have parents to be angry with. Peregrine shrugged. “Sorry, kids, Keith only take LGBT kids.”
Evan looked up.
“And he adopted most of them after they turned eighteen, so you have time to give it some thought.”
“But he has Hunter,” Tyler asked, “why would he need anyone else?”
Hunter blushed. Peregrine shrugged and kept everyone attention on him. “He still has three empty bedrooms.”
Four if JJ never joined them. That might be for the best anyway, what with what JJ expected of Hunter.
Nick sighed. “I wish I was gay.” He turned to Hunter. “Does that mean you are?”
Hunter shrugged. “I’ve only been with men.”
“That’s because men are fiends,” Tyler said. Daniel and Nick nodded.
Evan frowned. “Not all men.”
Nick looked his way. “Men that buy boys.”
“I’m not going to be that kind.”
“We know that.” Nick turned to Hunter. “Have you ever wanted to be with a woman?”
Hunter cocked his head one way then the other. “No. I can’t even imagine it.”
“But you’re young yet,” said Tyler. “We’ll ask you again when you’re seventeen.”
Evan frowned. “Do you think he might change?”
“No.” Tyler added a dollop of yellow to his canvas. “I just think he might not know himself yet. We’re kids. Were just learning.”
“You’re just a kid,” said Nick.
“Well I’ve never been with a guy, so how do I know I don’t like it? I’ve been with girls and I liked that, but I might be straight and I might be bi, but I kind of want to be the kind that falls for looks, say dark hair, pale skin, and blue eyes and gender or lack thereof doesn’t matter.” Tyler glanced at Dakota then back at his canvas.
“Is that what they looked like? Both of them?” Nick was obviously looking for a fight, but Tyler didn’t rise to the bait. He shrugged.
“You don’t remember?”
“It was dark.”
This was sounded more and more like a nonconsensual experience if just because of Tyler’s age. He was only fifteen now. Peregrine looked over Nick’s canvas. “Good job. Who’s done?”
Half the boys were. The rest finished while those who finished early cleaned up. All except Brandon. To Peregrine his painting looked fine, but he knew as much as anyone that only the artist knew when he was done. “Why don’t you stopped for now and finish it after dinner?”
“But I’m almost done.”
Peregrine took his brush. “I’m normally almost done with a painting for a week or more, sometimes several months, before I know what a painting needs. What this one needs right now is patience.”
Brandon sighed. “See, I’m no good.”
Peregrine put the brush down and put a hand on each of Brandon’s shoulders. “You. You are wonderful. Untrained you are good enough that people who know nothing can spot it. I will believe in you until you are able to believe in yourself.”
And he would. Maybe he could invite Brandon over and show off his studio and his men. Then Brandon would know for sure that Peregrine’s worries weren’t a kneejerk reaction to his unusual relationship. He just needed to call his men.
--
Kurt stepped up to the elevator. Zawadzki slapped his back. “Was Uncle Barry any help?”
Kurt grinned. “Lots. He has never done estate planning for a ménage a trios before and he’s eager to try his hand. And he knows a lawyer who has taken on homeowners associations. He might cost a bit, but he sounds like he’ll be worth it.”
Zawadzki grinned. “And how much will Uncle Barry cost?”
Kurt laughed. “He doesn’t want money, at least not a first.”
Zawadzki’s eyes widened. “No money? Uncle Barry loves money.”
“But he loves Peregrine’s art as well. He wants that painting he saw at Mike’s gallery.” Kurt needed to ask Peregrine how he felt about painted a picture a year to pay for Kurt’s lawyer. Of course Mr. Zawadzki offered to represent them all for extra paintings or more choice.
“He must really like Peregrine’s work.”
Kurt nodded. He must.
--
Emil bustled around the kitchen. Peregrine was having dinner with one of his boys and then bringing him over for a while. Until then Emil and Kurt had the house, so Emil had bought a steak. A big one. He was going to turn the fan on full blast and they would eat on the balcony off the same plate. Maybe in the nude.
That was a great idea.
When the door opened, Emil adjusted his apron, waited until the door was closed, and then rushed over. He wrapped his arms around Kurt’s neck. “Welcome home.”
Kurt grinned and ran his hands up Emil’s naked back and then down, settling his big hand on Emil’s bare ass. “I feel welcome.”
“We are having steak.”
“Steak?”
“Peregrine won’t be home for dinner and we have two hours to kill. I was thinking…”
Kurt grin widened. “You were thinking…?”
“The balcony is lonely. It wants to be used.”
Kurt growled.
Emil batted his hands away. “I need to cook the steak.”
Kurt frowned. “Just one?”
Emil set the big steak in the hot pan. “You don’t want to feed me?”
“Oh, I’ll feed you.”
Emil glanced over his shoulder with his sexist look. Kurt’s mouth watered and Emil was sure that wasn’t just for the steak.
