Bayou Boys

Authors: Pet & Foxhunt2blue

Rated: NC-17

Pairing: Liam/William

Disclaimer: That Mutant Monster owns them, not us. *pouts* We’d take much better care of them though!! Lots of hot man sex!! YEAH!!

Feedback: We are Whores of the Clan Feedback. Feed us Seymour! Feed us now!

E-mail: Pet – prettygirlryoko@yahoo.com | Foxhunt2blue – foxhunter2blue@peoplepc.com

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~Part: 1~

Warm, moist air blew through William LaCroix's hair as his car cruised along 161 heading back to a place he had never thought he would ever see.

Junction City, Louisiana.

Not much more than a hole in a wall town, but it was, home or at least it had been until he had been thirteen. Junction City was a place that held few good memories for him with the exception of one simple memory. He sighed and pushed his sunglasses up on his nose and ran one trembling hand through his sun-kissed curls as he pulled into what was the main strip of town.

There wasn't much to see and over the years, the town hadn't changed in the least. Harrison’s Hardware, Junction C Grocery, the bank, the church, and the school. Then there was of course LaCroix's Cajun Cafe.

He remembered sitting in the kitchen there when he was very small watching his mum mix spices and bread okra.

He shook his head and let out another sigh. It was mom not mum, but then almost ten years in London had changed his accent from a little hick to an educated young man. He was so lost in the memories of that little kitchen that William almost missed the turn-off into Spanish Moss Estates.

He chuckled at the name, then snorted as he brought the car to a stop in front of his parent’s elegant upper-class house. He'd never been one for pretensions, but when his parents had sold their little cafe to some wealthy executive, they had.

To hear them tell it that cramped house out on Willow Road had never existed. Frankly, he missed that little clapboard house with the vegetable garden in the backyard, the bougiavillian, and the tire swing in the apple tree.

He missed many things, but it didn't help to miss them. The past was the past.

Turning off the ignition he glanced up at the perfect soulless white facade of the house and swallowed hard. "Well, William it's bloody well time to face the firing squad." Stepping from the car he walked the neat brick path to the wide double doors and rang the brass bell.

A few seconds later the door opened and a tiny Spanish woman answered. "Hola."

Then she seemed to notice the boy and she squealed.

"Oh, Master William…oh 'tis such a surprise, sir. Hold on…hold on."

She disappeared as fast as she had appeared, then a moment later there was a rather loud scream of happiness, followed by the loud clicking of heels on the fine marble floor. The door was wrenched open and there stood William’s mother---Ger- trude---dressed in a Pepto Bismol pink dress and spiky heels. She engulfed William in a hug.

"Oh my baby…my sweet baby boy."

William flinched as his mother cooed and tight- ened her arms around him in a vice grip. A cloud of gardenia and talc surrounded him making his eyes water and his nose itch. "Hey, mum..." he choked out, "...missed you as well."

Gertrude giggled then covered his face in kisses rambling excitedly. "Oh, William…my baby, oh I love you so much. I can't believe you’re here. You've come home to your mommie. Oh…oh wait…wait someone has to see you." Going inside a moment later, she returned with a mini- Chihuahua that looked like a rat with jewels around its neck. Lifting the offending dog to William’s face, she smiled. "Look…Precious it's our William…yes, our William. Say hello sweetheart…say hello Precious." The dog yelped loudly and began licking William’s face excitedly.

As the tiny rat licked his face William tried to avoid what he soon experienced. A tiny wet tongue somehow found it's way between his lips and his face pruned into a knot. He jerked back in disgust bumping into the credenza, knowing a dark bruise would appear on his ass by morning.

Spitting he tried to keep the fake smile intact as he avoided another swipe of Precious' tiny pink tongue. "Nice to meet you Precious." He gritted through his teeth, then mumbled as he ducked around his mother. "...Bloody fucking rat...bet you taste just like chicken if you're fried..."

Gertrude followed behind yelling here and there to the servants she saw. "Get drinks, get some snacks...OH, God how could I forget go get William---GO GET HIM MARY! He'll want to see his son." Mary the servant nodded and scurried off upstairs as Gertrude smiled at William.

"Baby boy what are ya doin' here? Your supposed to be taking some time off since you graduated I thought you were going to travel the world or some such thing. Your father said you had big vacation plans."

Glancing around the parlor William nodded distractedly as his mother continued to ramble on about anything and everything. Precious was yipping around his heels and he glanced over to where his mother was taking a seat on the deep rose satin sofa. Seeing she was occupied with a servant who had entered with a tray of fresh lemonade, he swung his foot out sending Precious sliding across the slick marble floor with a yip.

"I am going to travel mum, but I had a few things to take care of before I did the European thing."

Precious appeared leaping onto his mother's lap and snarled just as an authoritative voice boomed across the room.

"Hello, William this is a surprise to say the least, welcome home son."

A tremble went through William as he stood straightening his shoulders. "Hello, father." William's voice dropped to a soft whisper. "I am sorry to have appeared like this, but as I was telling mum..."

"Yes, why don't you tell me what you told your mother? I hope it includes the reason why you look like a hippie whose outfit came from Goodwill as well. I imagine the checks we send you still do get to you---yes?" William's father stepped around him to stand close, but not too close to his son wearing an unreadable expression.

Swallowing hard William stood perfectly still as his father stepped around him. "I was telling mum that I had a few things to take care of before I head back to Europe." He could feel his father's eyes like two drill bits boring through his spine, but he refused to be intimidated---not this time.

William’s father simply hummed, a short tense sound, then nodded. "Very well but you should have called you do know better. Nevertheless, I need you to know that you picked a foul time William. Me and your Mother are going on a vacation in two days and will be gone a month so I hope your prepared to stay here alone for that long until we return. Frankly, you can't tease your mother like this by arriving home then leaving before she has a chance to see you proper. I'm not changing our plans, I can't get a refund, and I don't plan to try to get one. Are you fine with that son?"

"Of course father..." he glanced from the corner of his eye to where his mother was sitting quietly, "...I would never do that to mum and you bloody well know it." He turned staring into his father's icy blue eyes. There had been a time when his father hadn't been a royal right prick, but wealth did odd things to a person. "I've been alone for some time father there is nothing new there."

William’s father again hummed---a terse sound--- and nodded looking to his wife. "Gerti I have a meeting as you well know to tie some things up before we leave. Why don't you and William spend some time together?"

Gertrude smiled brightly, stood up, and walked to William, kissing him softly. "That sounds peachy William. Now go on…get…can't have the big boss late."

"Lovely Gertrude, that sounds lovely. All right, you two have fun. I don't know when I'll be home so don't wait up."

"Of course dear you know we will."

William nodded, then without a glance at Will or a further word turned leaving the house.

Gertrude watched the door for a few moments then turned to her son. Walking to Will, she lifted her hand gently rubbing his cheek softly. "He's happy you’re here William, he's just busy--- okay? Your Father loves you baby. You know that---right?"

Nodding William's shoulders drooped. "I know you believe that mum, but he hasn't given one bloody pence for me in a long time. I just know what he wants from me, mum." He turned placing a gentle kiss on his mother's cheek. Suddenly the gardenia scent wasn't as annoying as it had been earlier. "I wish you were right..." he whispered softly as he turned away and headed for the stairs. "I'm going to shower and change, okay."

There was a soft sigh followed by a soft reply. "All right my baby…you go on then. I'll get us some fruit cut up, and then we'll sit outside watch the lightening bugs like we did when you were little. You'll see William. He just has to settle… you'll see." Gertrude turned heading for the kitchen.

***

"Oww…you fucker!" A voice yelled indignantly.

"Oh, come on ya pussy! It ain't like I never hit ya before!" Another deeper voice replied.

"Yeah, well I know and since we’re talkin' typical here." The first voice was followed by a loud thump.

"OWW!!! You fucking bitch, come ere'!!"

A tussle started then, a teenage girl screeching. "Daddy they're at it again! They're gonna ruin the tools!"

Marcus Garrigan snorted as he dropped his Pall Mall and crushed it beneath his oil stained work boot. Walking around the corner of the garage, he opened his mouth taking a deep breath, as his youngest son Liam tried to dart past him with his oldest Charles on his tail.

"CHARLES MONTGOMERY!!! LIAM MARCUS!!!" His arm shot out clothes lining Liam and he chuckled as his youngest son hit the dirt on his ass. "How many damn times do I got to tell ya two boys to cut the shit and do what you're all here to do?!"

Liam rubbed his chin and glared at Charles. "It's his fault da’! He's the stupid asshole who closed the hood on me! He's tryin' to kill me I'm fucking tellin' ya!"

Charles snorted crossing his arms over his chest. "You’re just a pussy, but your clearly at fault cause he dropped you on your ass not me."

Rolling his eyes to the heavens Marcus let out a put upon sigh. "Lord...what did I do to offend thee? Honestly I done right by these children, but I guess I'm gonna have to put the fear of you in 'em." Stepping over his youngest, he glared at Charles. "Is that what you're thinkin' boy?" He lifted one huge weathered hand and smacked his oldest in the back of his head. "Now you both listen to me. Ain’t neither of you too damn old for me to turn over my knee. And as for the language...well let's just say I just bought a jumbo bottle of Joy dishwashin' liquid and I ain't afraid to us it---you hear me boys?"

Sauntering into the garage Kathy walked up to her dad, hugging him softly. "I'm good Daddy aren't I?"

Liam snorted climbing off the floor finally. "You’re the devil herself but I heard ya da’. I swear I was just tryin' to work before Neanderthal brain decided two halves of a brother was more fun than one whole brother."

"Pussy." Charles snorted again.

Marcus pulled away from his youngest child and looked down into her wide dark eyes, then chuckled. "Course you are Katherine Louise 'cept when I'm chasing them horny teenage boys from the house with my shotgun."

Kathy's eyes widened a bit, her lip curling out in a pout.

"Now don't go acting like you don't know what I'm talkin' about girl. And you..." his eyes narrowed as they focused on Charles, "...I got one word boy...Joy...lemon fresh. And Liam..." his head whipped around to stare at his other boy. "I'd take it kindly if you show your sister a bit more respect. Why do you think I chase them boys off? No damn respect in 'em."

Charles swallowed then answered obediently. "Sorry, pops."

"Sorry, da’." Liam’s reply followed soon after, and then he looks at Kathy. "Sorry Kittie Kat."

Kathy nodded. "It's a'right Liam." As soon as her father looked at Liam, she stuck her tongue out at him.

"Can I go back to work now?" Liam sighed glancing at his dad.

"Well, that's what I'm paying you for ain't I?" Marcus snorted. "Now you listen good you scoundrals Mr. Lester is going to be in around five and his truck better damn well be fixed. Now Kathy dear get your ass up to the house and start dinner. We should be closing up shop around six thirty and I expect dinner to be ready. Now get your lazy good for nothing asses back to work. I'll be in the office doing the ordering---okay?"

All at one the children answered. "Okay Dad."

Kathy headed back to the house and the boys went back to the garage.

Half way in Charles whispered to Liam. "Daddy's boy."

Liam elbowed Charles in the face and just kept walking, yelling behind him. "Fuck you, Charlie!" Charles groaned holding his mouth, but went back to work when he saw his father looking his way.

***

William Francis LaCroix left his meeting for home. Turning on his fog-lights, he headed up the hill, his Mercedes humming along. He checked his watch turning away from the road for only a moment, but by the time he looked back up it was just in time to swerve away from a deer. His car hits a ditch, then leaps over a small embankment to hit a tree. The hood of the car crunches up, the air bag explodes out saving William from slamming into the windshield.

Groaning William reached over weakly pushing the emergency call button on his cell phone.

***

25 minutes later

At the LaCroix residence the phone rang sending Mary, the maid, running out to the back porch, the phone clutched in her hand. "Madam… Madam it's, sir. Madam he's on his way to the hospital madam he got in a wreck."

Gertrude leapt up her hand covering her mouth. "Oh, my god…is he? Oh, my god…please no."

"No…no madam they say the airbag saved him. Just nicks and cuts, but they have to take him just in case he got a concussion."

Gertrude grabbed the edge of her chair beginning to sway. "Oh, thank god."

"Mum!" William was on his feet in seconds wrapping his arms around her protectively. "It'll be okay, mum. You heard Mary...he's fine." He helped her settle back in the chair, then took the phone from Mary. Speaking to the State Troopers as he squeezed his mother's trembling hand. The officer who had answered the call explained to him the entire situation in a calm smooth voice. With a quick ‘thanks’ he shut off the phone, then handed it back to Mary. "Now Mary, luv...have the chauffeur come round give mum a lift to the hospital. I'll take care of everything else."

Mary curtsied quickly, then vanished into the house.

"Mum..." he knelt at her feet smiling softly, "...father will be okay. I sent Mary to get the driver. They took him to Tri-Ward General in Bernice. I'm going to send Mary with you--- okay? They're towing father's car to Garrigan's Auto Body. I'll take care of that." He helped her to her feet guiding her back through the house to the front door where Mary is waiting. "Take care of her Mary." William smiled.

Nodding Mary took Gertrude's hand, but Gertrude turned away quickly grabbing William’s face gently. "You make sure Marcus takes care of your daddy's car. I know he will…but be sure. And you be safe baby. I'll be home with your father soon." Kissing him, she lets Mary lead her out to the car waiting.

~Part: 2~

Sitting at his desk Marcus finished the final order call to the supply company with a frustrated grunt. He hated this part of the job, but since his wife Margaret had passed three months ago there was no one else to do this.

With a soft sigh he stubbed out his Pall Mall in the overflowing ashtray and took a swig of pop. Slowly he pulled himself from the chair with a grunt of pain his knees popping like fireworks. He had hoped to have the shop closed up by six, but some damn fool had wrecked their Mercedes out on 161 and the tow service would be here in a few moments.

Frankly he was getting to old for this shit, but if he left now he was afraid his two boys would destroy the business. The two of them weren't ready yet to take on the responsibility, but if he had his way their asses would be whupped into shape by October at the latest.

Hobbling out to the front of the garage he lit up another Pall Mall and grimaced at the throb in his knees as the tow truck pulled into the drive. Charlie hopped out of the cab the drivers side with one of the garages employees. With a big grin on his face he looked at his father. "Guess whose pretty car it is, pops."

Marcus snorted taking another drag of his smoke. "Don't right know, but what I do know is any damn fool that wrecks a car over a damn deer don't deserve to drive a Mercedes." He exhaled, then limped over to his son patting him on the back. "I reckon you'll tell me though with way too much glee."

Charlie's grin grew impossibly wider as he stood stiff and straight. Putting his hands on his shirt front he held it as if he were holding jacket lapels. Then he said with a very stiff upper lip. "Well, none other than Mr. William Francis LaCroix that's who."

Rolling his eyes Marcus flipped his butt into the gravel and shook his head. "Stuck up bastard. I should have figured it'd be his sorry ass. I'm telling ya boy since he made his money he acts like his shit don't stink. Funny thing is I recall kicking his sorry ass more than once back when we was kids." He chuckled as he took the clipboard from Charles and read over it. "This'll cost a pretty penny from his tight ass."

Charlie chuckled just as the phone rang, picking it up he answered. "Garrigan's the home of the swamps best auto boys at your service. Oh, it's you...no…no, sir. No disrespect…of course. Ah huh...ah huh…of course, sir, of course. Yes…yes I understand. Moneys no object huh? Well, all right then. Yeah...yeah...okay vacation. Uh huh...send someone to check on it...all right. All right, sir. Of course, sir…you bet…okay yeah...bye."

Slamming the phone down he sighed. "Two guesses who that was and the first one is fuckin' right."

Another snort escaped Marcus as he lowered himself in the rickety office chair. "I'd be betting good money and a pig in a poke that was the less than amusing stiff upper lip."

"The very same one." Charles replied with a bored tone.

Just then Liam appeared in the doorway his face unreadable. "Why did you call him ‘sir’?"

"Cause ya idiot you don't talk down to your payment thats why."

"Charlie…fuck him! If you ask me we should all take a sledge and go in there…finish the job the tree started." Liam snapped bitterly

Kathy sighed rolling the gum from her mouth around her finger. "Here we go the LaCroix hatred of Liam Garrigan…take three million and four."

"Shut up…Kittie Kat!" Liam spit out.

"Make me!" Kathy retorted back.

"Katherine!" Marcus barked. "Get your sassy ass back up to the house this ain't none of your concern."

He pulled himself to his feet and walks up to his youngest. "Now you listen good Liam Marcus Garrigan." His voice lowered and took on a dangerous edge. "I don't care for the prick myself, but you're gonna have to use the common sense the good lord gave ya. That prick and all those others that you hate so much have provided the roof over your head, clothes on your back, and food in your belly. It ain't as if we have a choice about whose money we take and I'll thank you to keep a civil tongue in your mouth."

Liam glared daggers at his father, but nodded tensely then turned to murmur. "I don't hate all rich people. I liked one before that ‘particular’ bastard sent him away."

Charlie sighed in understanding. He'd heard this before over and over in the past ten years. "Well, that ‘particular’ bastard has someone who will check on his precious car while he's away and he don't want no one but us three to touch it. So you good bro’…or no?"

Back twitching Liam nodded stiffly. "I'll fix the fucker’s car…he won't know the difference. After all it isn't like he notices much of anything as it is---children included." With those last two words Liam disappears out the door.

Leaning against the counter Charlie sighed. "Damn he ain't ever gonna let that go."

"Aye..." Marcus nodded deep in thought, "...weren't right for him to send little Will away, but the little one didn't have much choice. Liam loved him something fierce took care of him like a little brother. I recall seeing little Will right afore they sent him over there. Poor little guy was sitting in the town square crying his eyes out…he was. Felt bad I did. Even tried to talk to that prick of a father of his. I was told to keep my grease monkey nose out of their private family matters."

He sighed heavily and patted Charles on the back. "Somethings ya can't change Charlie boy...no matter how much ya wish ya could." He hobbled back to the desk and settled in the chair. "I want ya to keep an eye on your little brother. Make sure he's okay." Then he looked down at the books slipping his reading glasses from his shirt pocket.

Charlie nodded. "Thats what I do best, pops. Big bro’ it's my job." Then he slipped away into the garage.

***

September 1988

School had let out for the day and William was on his way home praying he wouldn't run into any of Buster's boys. He hated them so much that it made it hard to breathe even with his medicine.

He was the laughing stock of Junction Elementary and all his dad could say was ‘buck up trooper’.

Be a man.

Gripping the handle bars of his second hand bike he peddled harder with his scrawny little legs, his bright blue eyes wide and owlish behind the wire rim glasses as he looked left and right.

Just out of his line of vision a rock came whizzing by causing him to lose his balance and tip his bike. As soon as he hit the ground a loud piggish snort of laughter could be heard from the woods, then two fat legs followed by a fat gut and an even fatter face appeared.

Buster Baggins, the main bully of Junction City and where Buster came Herbert or Herbie followed. As if on cue the scrawny, almost alien looking sidekick to fat-assed Buster appeared laughing along in some kind of parody to Buster’s laugh.

"Well, if it isn't wee whittle wheezy Willy."

Herbie snorted, then repeated like a parrot. "Wheezy Willy! Wheezy Willy!"

William crawled on his knees in the gravel biting his lip to swallow back the whimpers as he patted the gravel looking for his glasses. "Leave...leave me alone...Bus...buster..." he wheezed as he began to panic.

His lower lip trembled as he found his glasses and set them back on his nose. One ear piece was bent and he hoped momma could fix it when he got home.

"I...I...never did nuthin' to you." His eyes begin to glisten. "A...all I want ta do is go h...home." He reached for his bike pulling it upright.

Buster puts his fists up to his eyes and mocked crying. "Boo hoo…Wheezy Willy wants to go home. Aww… poor little Willy." He looked over at Herbie. "Herbie we should let him go home."

Herbie nodded. "Oh, yeah what were we thinkin’, we’re so mean."

Buster actually appeared to be repentant as he walked over to William holding out his hand. "Here let me help you. I'm sorry we were jerks."

Blinking William swallowed and reached out for Buster's hand. "I...it's...c...c...cool..." he smiled a watery smile.

Buster then smiled evilly pulling his hand back and started to laugh uproariously. Walking forward Herbie pushed William back to the ground. "Stay down ya freak!"

Reaching down Buster grabbed a handful of shirt pulling back his fist. "Time for a lesson about freaks in our town wheezy. Your daddy really should toughen ya up yer a disgrace…maybe I can teach ya a lesson." He grinned again and swung his fist forward.

Fast as lightening the fist was caught and held tight by a skinny but muscled boy. He held it back from connecting with William's face with a grim smile.

"Buster you fat fucker what ya doin'? Ya momma not give you hot dog money so now your tryin' to eat the populace. Really now that's just unseemly."

Buster snarled trying to pull his fist away, but only succeeds in getting it gripped tighter.

"Now…now Buster no need to get all womanly. I understand ya have a problem with carbs Momma explained it to me. Truly it's okay, but ya might want to cut back on the lard fat ass."

Herbie tried to snake behind the boy currently holding his best friend’s fist, only to be grabbed around the throat by a huge arm.

"Hey, what the fuck!"

The arm tightened and a low voice boomed out. "Don't ya touch Liam…ya hear? I wouldn't want ta break ya face."

Liam smiled at his brother. "Now…now, Charlie. No need to make Herbie piss his pants."

Herbie seemed to agree as he struggled to stay clam.

Charlie snorted, then nodded. "Sorry, Herbie maybe though you might want to get ya momma to invest in those depends your daddy seems ta like so much."

Laughing Liam turned back to Buster. "Now see this is how it is going to work. You’re going to go the hell away and leave the boy alone…I mean…FOREVER! Buster this shit has to stop and I'm stopping it…NOW!"

"Got me?" Liam squeezed his fist as hard as he could manage.

Buster’s eyes started to water as he nodded---fast and hard---his head practically bobbing off his neck. Liam pushed Buster back on his ass standing over him.

"Good now fuck off ya fat bastard before I feed you to the 'gators."

Buster whimpered scrambling to his feet screaming as he ran away. Charles lets go of Herbie right after with a booming 'Boo' making Herbie squeal like a girl and follow along. When they are far enough gone both boys dropped to the ground, laughing hard.

"Did you see lard asses face?" Liam pushes out in between hard gasps.

Charlie laughed harder nodding as he held his stomach.

Off to the side William sat huddled, tears streaking his dirty face and his hand torn up by the fall into the gravel road. He was trying to breathe, but it was hard.

His thin chest heaved as he felt his throat close up. Loud wheezing noises escaped his mouth as he tried to suck air in, but he just couldn't seem to get enough. He desperately crawled across the ground to his backpack trying to find his inhaler as his lips started to turn blue.

Seeing that Liam rushed over to William. "Hey…hey now shh...shh it's over . It's over now I swear we took care of fat bastard and slim stupid I swear. Calm down, breathe…come on now. What’s your name? Come on talk to me…breathe and talk to me."

Whimpering William looked up with wide wet eyes at his hero and tried to talk. "...a...as...ma...hur...hurts... in..inhale..." he wheezed out as his tiny hands flailed at the backpack. "...med...medi...cine..." he gasped hoping his dark eyed guardian angel would understand.

Liam seemed to catch on and he wrenched open the bag looking for what the littler boy needed. He found the inhaler and shook it fast uncapping it to hold it to the boy’s lips. "Here…come on now."

Hands folding over Liam's he sucked hard on the inhaler desperately. As the medicine slowly took effect his breathing eased and he smiled weakly at the boy kneeling next to him.

"W...wi...william..." he whispered his cheeks flaming bright red.

Liam grinned. "William…good strong name. But I'll call you something different. I call everybody something different." He smiled brilliantly patting William’s shoulder. "Will…I'll call you Will." He held out his hand in an offer of a shake. "Hello, Will I'm Liam."

William glanced nervously at Liam's hand then tentatively took it. Liam's hands were so big, he thought, but then he was small---even for six years old.

"Hi, Liam..." he whispered softly scrubbing at his eyes with his other hand. "Momma says when someone helps me...I...I should thank them." He blinked behind the dusty lenses of his glasses and smiled shyly. "Thank you, Liam."

Liam chuckled patting William’s back again. "You’re welcome, Will. But you shouldn't have to thank me much more. I'm going to take care of you from now on. Be your best friend---how does that sound?"

His smile widened just a bit showing a gap toothed smile. "M...my friend? I've ne...never had a friend before..." he looked down at the ground his cheeks growing redder.

Liam chuckled again lifting William’s face to his own - ---his face honest and caring. "Well, ya do now, Will… you do now."

Just then a cough resounded in the background and Liam rolled his eyes. "That’s Charlie my stupid brother he wants you to thank him for being a stupid asshole. Thank him real quick and say hi."

William looked up and blinked with wide eyes.

"Y...your brother?" Then he blushed even worse. "Ch...Charlie...tha...thank you."

He looked into the dark face knowing now a bit why Liam was so tough. His brother was a bit different than Liam---he was black and that surprised William. He knew that the black kids at school took a lot of shit and he was sure that Liam---having a black brother---must have taken a lot, too.

"It...it's nice to meet you." He stuttered out as Liam helped him to his feet.

Charlie grinned walking over to clap William on the back maybe a bit too hard. Which earned him a glare from Liam, when William coughed.

"Way to go fuck stick."

"What? Sorry…damn I didn't know he was so frail."

"What are ya blind he’s as tiny as a mouse idiot. Watch what ya do huh?" Liam bitched as he straightened William.

"Ya…ya damn ya. Just met him, Liam." Charles griped.

Liam shook his head picking up William’s bike smiling at him. "Don't matter soon it will seem like we always knew each other. Now lets get ya home, Will."

Grinning wide William picked up his backpack and trudged after Liam as fast as his tiny legs could carry him.

"Cool..." he whispered, "...wait till I tell momma I have a friend..."

***

Present LaCroix Residence

The door opened and a tiny voice called out loudly.

"William, baby are you there help me with your father."

"I don't need help I'm not broken woman." William griped as he walked through the door cradling his bandaged arm.

"But, your arm."

"GERTI! I'm 'fine'." William stated firmly. "Only thing I'm worrying about is my baby."

"Your car will be fine, William. It's in good hands."

"Sure you say that now, but those boys have it out for me Gerti---as does Marcus. I should have sent the Mercedes to the dealership and not Marcus's damn shop."

Gerti frowned, but then plastered a chipper smile on her face. "Honey…Marcus will fix the car and he needs the work."

Marcus scowled, but nodded. "Fine. But I'm telling you woman I should at least call back and tell them to make sure Liam don't touch it. I can at least try to trust Marcus, even Charles, but that Liam is trouble. He isn't ever going to change."

"Father..." Will came down the stairs with a disapprov- ing frown, "...I really don't bloody well understand you. Marcus Garrigan is a good man and so are his sons."

Will sighed his thoughts drifting back almost a decade to before he was packed up and sent away. Liam had been his best friend and it sort of surprised him that he was still in this poor excuse of a town. In high school he'd been the star quarterback. He'd figured that Liam would be playing in the pros by now.

"And Liam was my sodding friend...the only damn friend I had until you decided to send me to bloody London."

William glanced at his son, then pursed his lips. "Let me tell you about your ‘friend’ William. Liam Garrigan bummed his knee on the second to last game his senior year effectively ruining his chance at any semblance of a life. This of course made him a bitter typical statistic in this town. Instead of earning his way into college like most people should he didn't even bother. Just shacked up with his father who thinks he ‘does’ no wrong and started working in the shop. He hates rich people because ‘he’ can't be one---he always has. And since his mother died of cancer a few years back he's become even more a handful. Drinking, whoring, and pissing on our restaurant steps, spray painting our cars. He's the town's newest pain in the ass. And he will either get his due and get sent to jail or his father will knock some damn sense into him and make something out of him. So don't tell me about ‘your’ friend, William. I know all about Liam Garrigan."

William turned storming off only to return getting very close in Will’s face. "And let me tell you this, William. When we go on this vacation I do not---and I repeat ‘DO NOT’ want you to speak to that boy. Am I under- stood?"

Everything that his father has said shocked him to his core. Not that he believed half of it. Liam was always a good friend and until he’d seen this troublemaker his father was ranting about he'd never believe one bloody fucking word of it.

"Oh, I understand you bloody fucking fine, father..." he spit out in distaste. "I understand that you've been nothing, but a sodding prick to the people who used to be our bloody friends. Power corrupts...that's what they say. In your case it rotted out your fucking soul." He turned away stomping up the stairs. A few seconds later his bedroom door slammed loudly.

William glared up the steps and Gertrude reached out, but William pulled away. "Leave me be Gertie I don't need coddled. But that boy will stay away from Liam Garrigan. My boy has a future. Liam won't corrupt that period." He stormed off heading towards his office.

Gertrude sighed looking up the steps, then climbed them slowly. When she reached her son’s door she knocked softly. "Baby?"

"It's unlocked, mum." Came William's muffled reply. "Come in."

Gertrude came inside closing the door behind her and walked to the bed, sitting by her son. Her hand raised carding through his hair. "I like this hair of yours. Your father really needs to be more opened minded." She smiled and started to hum knowing William would get the inner meaning in her words. "You know at first Liam and your father weren't so confrontational. But after the hundredth letter that Liam brought to have it sent to you he got a bit…" Gertrude sighed stroking her son's face gently. "…pissed off. I tried to send them but he always caught me. Said the boy was trouble, said he was trash."

Gertrude’s eyes watered a bit and she leaned over kissing her son’s cheek. "He just wanted you to know he was still here and he still was your hero, even if he couldn't be behind you. That boy…god…that boy cared about you." Then she started to hum again gripping her son’s hands. "Been your wall and rock for seven years." She looked into her William's eyes. "I don't know how you survived without him baby. But you don't listen to your father. You can't leave here without seeing him just as much as you can't leave without seeing me. Liam deserves to see your face. He deserves it a bit more than your father. So you go to him---you see that boy?"

William looked up at his mother with wide eyes that shimmered. "He really wrote me letters, mum?" His voice cracks as he speaks, then he takes a deep breath. "I missed him something bloody awful...he was my hero...my friend and I promise you I will see him. I promise and father can kiss my bloody arse." He smiled.

Gertrude nodded softly. "Oh, yes baby he wrote ya many, many letters. Your father burnt most of them but I managed to save a few. I'll find them and bring them to ya before we leave tomorrow morning." She kissed her son’s cheek, stood, and walked to the door. Turning back before she opened it she softly spoke. "Oh and baby…make sure you get Liam pointed out for ya. He's well how to say this as a married lady…" she grinned as if trying to keep a big secret, then fanned her face.

"He's very...handsome and rugged. Very…very..." she fanned harder, chuckling as her eyes sparkled. "Well, what would you want to hear of that now---huh?" She blew a kiss and opened the door stepping through, then closed it softly behind her.

~Part: 3~

Blinking in shock William stared at the door in awe--- he'd never told his mother how he felt about Liam. Actually, he'd been terrified at the thoughts and urges that had gripped him. He'd felt so alone and confused about the impulses he had. Now being older, wiser, and a bloody well more experienced he understood that he'd loved Liam. Being gay in a small southern town though had never been an option. Hell, it had never crossed his mind that it was normal to love another man like he loved Liam.

At least his father had given him that much by sending him away. That had led to him realizing that there was a far bigger world out there, bigger than he had ever dreamed of as he sat in the tire swing on a hot summer day watching Liam set with his sketch pad drawing whatever caught his fancy at the moment. Standing he smiled and headed for the bathroom.

Maybe this was why he'd returned to Junction City.

Maybe he'd come back to find out if the dreams he'd had as a scrawny teenager had any possibility of coming true.

*** Garrigan's Auto Body

Charles came through the back, behind the office where the garage connected heading to where Liam was finishing up one of the cars. He leaned against the tool rack watching as his brother tightened the last bolts.

"So what ya doin' after work?"

"Nothing I'm going to continue to work."

Charles raised an eyebrow. "Ya ain't jokin' are ya?"

Lifting his head Liam turned to Charles. "Why?"

"Because social life and ya bro it's been lackin'. Why don't ya see Susie?"

"Kicked me out three days ago when she found out I slept with someone else. Then she told the other chick I slept with about her."

Charles hissed. "Well, then how about Tammy?"

"She was the someone else." Liam smiled.

"Oh, bro’…oh bro’ you’re sad."

Liam chuckled, lifting up, then dropping the hood. "No, I'm just hot and they all want me. Who I am to deny them?"

Shaking his head Charles picked a rag and started wiping oil and dirt off the tools. "Bro’ if Momma could hear ya now."

"Don't!" Liam snapped.

Charles sighed, then reached out patting Liam's shoulder. "Sorry man…sorry. If she could see you she wouldn't love ya any less I swear."

"It's fine just don't talk about her alright."

"A'right so work...what on?" Charles asked.

"That." Liam turned pointing to the Mercedes.

"You bitched and moaned and instead of goin’ home gettin' a shower, watchin' a game, beatin' off yer goin ta work on ya arch enemies car?"

"Why not I can vent to it call it names hit it with a hammer then smooth out the dent later. I call this therapy."

"And I call ya deranged but I love ya never the less." Charles laughed.

"Well, I love you too you enormous bucket of love."

"Hey, now no reason ta get insultin'." Charles replied indignantly.

Liam held up his hands. "Never meant anything by it I swear."

Making an ‘uh huh’ sound he sat down the clean tools. "A'right then I'm out. Promise you ain't goin’ ta be here 'til the wee fuckin' hours in the mornin'. Go home, sleep."

"Alright I will." Liam yawned in mock boredom.

"I'm ‘SERIOUS’ Liam. I ain't goin ta dig ya out of no dive or find ya here sleepin' on ta hood of no car again. Ya got a place. Damn ya the only one to move out of Dad’s house and ya never go to ya house."

Liam snapped his hand together mimicking too much talking. "Ya, ya, ya okay I promise bayou boys honor."

Nodding with satisfaction Charles headed for the door. "Good, cause if I have ta I'll beat ya ass."

"As if you could." Liam grinned.

"I could ya fucker."

"Uh huh…now get, work to do." Liam flicked his brother’s ear.

Charles snorted as he stopped to use the phone. "It's me...don't be a bitch Kittie. Just watch the garage for me. Yeah, usual thang. Maybe bring him some dinner. Okay...okay love ya tell Dad I'll see him tomorrow, bye." Hanging up the phone, he glanced back at Liam who was looking over the Mercedes. "No ghosts or demons tonight bro’." Then he left the shop.

***

Silk sheets and musk.

It surrounded him and filled him with so much joy. It made him feel as if he belonged. It was as if he'd finally come home after far too many years lost and drifting. Those strong arms held him cradled him as if he were the frailest of flowers. Looking up he met a gaze filled with the deepest passion he'd ever witnessed. Dark pools of shadow that threatened to swallow him whole and he wanted to be swallowed, he wanted to be consumed by that dark fire.

"Please..." he whispered.

***

Buzzzzzzzzz....

William groaned rolling over and cursing the alarm as it pulled him from the most wonderful dream he'd had in years. Flopping onto his back he glanced down and groaned again the ache between his thighs screaming for attention.

"Bloody hell..." moaning his hand slid beneath the tented sheet, curling around his erection. As he stared at the ceiling, he began to stroke himself with a firm hand. His eyes drifted shut as he tried to recapture that dream.

A whimper rose in his throat as he fisted his cock harder. Images of the Liam he had known burning brightly in his mind---the firm, muscled, youthful body. The whimper grew as he pictured Liam strolling across the football field his hair and face dappled with beads of perspiration.

"Bloody fucking Christ..." he groaned his hips jerking as he came, warm fluid exploding over his fist.

Just then, a knock vibrated the door quickly followed by Gertrude's voice. "Baby? Are ya all right? Are ya comin' down for breakfast, spend time with momma before she has ta go?"

Groaning William buried his face in the pillow with a chuckle.

"Yes, mum...just woke up gotta get a shower. Then I'll be down. Twenty minutes tops!" He yelled as he tossed the sheets off him and sat up reaching for his smokes. It was just like his mum to have brilliant timing. Lighting up he inhaled. "Twenty minutes..." he mumbled as he stood and sauntered to the bathroom naked as the day he'd been born.

"Okay." Gertrude replied cheerfully heading back downstairs.

***

William came sliding down the banister with a whoop. Yeah it was childish, but frankly, he didn't sodding care. Besides it would piss off his dad and he lived to get every little punch in he could.

Cigarette in hand he walked into the dining room and poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the sideboard. Grabbing a plate, he helped himself to hot cakes, fresh strawberries, eggs, and maple sausage. He turned and grinned at his mother and flopped into a chair, one leg slung over the arm and balanced his cigarette on the edge of the table as he grabbed the syrup pitcher.

"Mornin' mum. I'm starving Mary always did make the best hot cakes and bangers."

Gertrude reached over rubbing his cheek lovingly then went back to feeding bits of sausage to Precious.

William though was less than impressed. Coughing he glanced at the cigarette, then the leg dangling over the chair arm. "You are a gentlemen, William. I expect you to act like one at least in my home."

Raising a brow William smirked at his father. "And a good morning to you to, pet." He slid his leg slowly off the chair arm and ground the cigarette out on his boot heel. Swigging his coffee he dropped the butt in the empty cup then popped a whole sausage in his mouth chewing as he grinned at his father.

William coughed, but let it go. He didn't have time for a lecture so instead he pushed a checkbook, credit card and ATM card over to where his son sat. "This is everything you should need. The checkbook is for paying Marcus for his work. There is one signed check in there. Just fill out the amount and give it to him. The credit card is for you if you need a big purchase, but nothing over a thousand, William. I'm not made out of money---at least none I feel at ease to just throw around. The ATM is for anything you might need in town---same deal as the credit card. I trust I can depend on you to not be irresponsible---yes?"

"Irresponsible?" William raised his brow, again. "Don't know the meaning of the word father. Have I ever disappointed you yet? Graduated with honors. Got the degree in business you wanted, left my best friend without to much whining..." he popped another sausage in his mouth chewing as he talked, "...everything you ever wanted."

"Fantastic and then there’s this." William pushed a folder forward. "There are two pictures you may give Marcus of the Mercedes so the boys have something to work with. No mistakes---after all I'm paying to get it as it was." William’s fingers pressed down on the folder as Will went to open it. "And I do mean give it to Marcus William. You have no need to go farther than that office of his. If you see Charles you may say hello to him, but he may not be there. He's been with his girlfriend a lot lately since she got pregnant…right scandal if you ask me. Katherine you may speak to as well, but she may not remember you. But no other." Then he lifted his fingers off the folder.

Gertrude frowned at her husband. "I don't think it a scandal, William. Winifred is a nice girl and her family is very tranquil---open-minded. She's perfect for Charlie."

"Bunch of hippies if you ask me. A flower shop owner and his family of woman. Four daughters and a wife taller than he is. I don't know how he manages." William shakes his head as if it's just unseemly.

"They are sweet people and Wini just adores Charlie."

William sighed yanking the folder across the table. "Yeah...yeah I get it..." he snorted. "Don't spend all my money, don't talk to Liam..." the last word is a soft growl. "I'm not a bleedin' child and I do have that lovely business degree. I think I can handle it." He stood pushing the chair back. "I'll be on the back porch if you sodding care." He headed out of the dining room folder in one hand and plate in the other.

"William." Gertrude chided her husband.

"No…Gerti that boy will do as he is told. He was never supposed to come home to begin with. And now that he is here he will stay away from those that will harm his life."

"But, William…Liam has never and ‘will’ never harm our son’s life. He's done nothing but protect him since he met him."

William stood abruptly slamming his hands down on the table. "NO! And that’s that! Liam Garrigan's name will never be accepted in my house for ‘any’ reason no matter what he does. That’s ‘FINAL’, Gerti! Now I'm going to get our things. Tell your son goodbye."

Gerti sighed pushing back her chair, then stood carrying Precious to the back porch. Looking at her son’s back she decided not to breech the subject of the conversation in the house going for something on the list of things to take care of before she left.

"Baby it will be more than just Mary and you here. I thought I should prepare you."

William turned looking at his mother with hard cold eyes, but the gentle smile on her face caused him to melt. "Sorry mum..." he whispered. "Who else will be in the house? I didn't know you had any guests."

Gertrude held Precious up. "Precious she doesn't like airplane rides. She gets sick so she is going to stay with you, keep ya company---isn't that wonderful?"

Precious barked, growled and panted her little legs kicking to get down.

Sighing William rolled his eyes, then chuckled. "So this little rat is going to keep me company? I love you mum, but what the bloody hell were you thinking when you got her?" He takes the tiny squirming dog in his arms reluctantly and scratches behind her perky ears. "So pup---what do you think? Can we get along for mum's sake?"

Precious yelped licking William’s face.

Giggling Gertrude spoke softly. "She says yeah and I bought her because she was small, lovable, and she gave me something to cuddle. It was because I didn't have my baby here to do it with anymore. This house is so lonely without you baby. SO…she was my blanket to get me by." Standing on her tips toes she kissed William’s cheek, then hugged him gently. "You’re the best thing god and your father ever gave to me. I can do anything as long as I know you’re here in this world. I've never done anything as special as you and I won't again. No matter who you are and what you do. No matter what you look like and what your job is. You’re always going to be my baby and you’ll always make me proud. I love you William."

She kissed his cheek again, then steps back. "Now I have a plane ta catch god forbid your father is late. Come see us out."

Kissing his mother's brow William followed her back into the house grabbing a sausage off his plate as he went. He offered the sausage to the tiny dog in his arms and she cocked her head yipping softly before biting at it delicately. "I guess she's not all that sodding bad...are you Precious?" He chuckled as the pup looked up at him with wide dark eyes. "I'll take good care of her mum. Swear it."

Once they reach the front hall he glanced up at his father his smile fading. "I'll take care of the car father. “ Mum..." he turned back to Gertrude and his smile returned, "...I'll miss you." He leaned forward kissing her brow. "Enjoy your vacation you deserve one."

Gertrude smiled kissing her son, then Precious. "I will baby you just try to relax and have fun." Then she opened the door grabbing her purse and heading to the car.

William glanced at his son for a full minute with no words then shoved out his hand. "Be good."

"Yeah..." Will shifted Precious so he could take his father's hand in a firm grip. "Am I ever anything else?"

"So far so good we'll see if I feel the same when I return." William then lets his hand go, leaving, and shutting the door behind him.

***

Garrigan's garage came into view as William turned the corner in his PT Cruiser with the top down. Next to him, Precious stood on her hind legs head hanging out of the car panting happily as the stereo screamed out White Town. Tapping on the steering wheel in time with the music, he sang loudly ignoring the looks he got from passing cars.

"Just tell me what you've got to say to me, I've been waiting for so long to hear the truth, It comes as no surprise at all you see, So cut the crap and tell me that we're through. Now I know your heart, I know your mind, You don't even know you're being unkind..."

Yanking the wheel, he turned into the garage still singing the car coming to a screeching halt in a cloud of dust. Precious raised her head and yowled happily as the dust settled. "Like that do you, Precious?" William chuckled as he sat listening to the song finish up.

***

Marcus Garrigan shook his head as he made his way out of the office to the front of the garage as the loud music faded out. These kids now days just confaggled him with what passed for music.

"Give me Frankie Avalon any day..." he grumbled softly as he peered at the shiny, black convertible PT Cruiser that had just pulled in the driveway. Rather reminded him of the old Keystone Cops car from the movies when he was a kid.

With a shake of his head he whipped out his hand- kerchief from his back pocket and swiped the perspir- ation from his brow. His dark eyes narrowed as he approached the car in question studying the young man who had been singing at the top of his lungs. He couldn't be much younger than his boy Liam and he was pretty sure he'd never seen him before.

Coughing to catch the boy’s attention he spoke up as he shook a Pall Mall from a crumpled pack. "Can I be helping you, son?"

William glanced up with a wide grin. "Marcus Garrigan! Damn it's been too bloody long."

Raising a snowy brow Marcus squinted as he lit his smoke. "I don't right recall having ever met you. Think I'd remember a loud one like you."

Sliding from the car William walked around the front and smiled wider. "It's me, sir. Will...William LaCroix's son...you know..." then in a nasally high pitched wheezing voice spoke again. "Wheezy wittle Willie."

Marcus' eyes widen and he laughed. "Well I'll be damned!" He reached out and grabbed William by the arms squeezing. "Will? Liam's little Will?"

"Yes, sir." William chuckled.

"Now ain't that the biggest bite in the ass. You've all grown up...grown up into a strapping young man." He pulled William into his arms hugging him tight, then pulled back. "I can't quite believe it's you, boy..." he shook his head in awe and disbelief. "And what's with the accent son? Ain't sounding much like a good ol' southern boy anymore." He chuckled.

"Well ten years in London does mess about with the bloody accent." William patted Marcus on the back.

Inhaling Marcus blew out a cloud of smoke and nodded. "I'm supposing your here to check up on your old man's car. Damn fool did a number on it. Lucky he walked away with but a scratch or two."

"Yeah…well depends on how you look at it." William mumbled beneath his breath as they headed back to the office.

Marcus paused narrowing his eyes in disapproval. "Now son I know how he is...good Lord I know, but he's still your father."

With a faint sigh, William shrugged. "Sorry, sir. I just..." he fumbled for words to describe his feelings for his father.

"Son it's alright. No need to explain to me just keep in mind he's your father. He thinks he's doing right by you even if he's not. Now enough of this sour talk. Let's get that paperwork on the Mercedes and you can look it over...okay?"

William nodded and reached into his shirt pocket for his reading glasses as Marcus shuffled through the work orders on his desk. Unfolding the slim metal glasses, he slipped them on self-consciously as he took a seat.

"Aye...there we go." Marcus turned with a smile. "Here it is, son. Take your time goin' over it. Got any questions just ask me."

Nodding William took the grease stained folder and opened it. Head bowed he began to read carefully over the work order.

Kathy skipped inside a lollipop in her mouth. "Daddy can I go to Helll..." She trailed off as her eyes settled on William. "Ohh...ohh." She started to fan her face as she stared at the gorgeous boy.

He was dressed in a pair of impossibly tight black leather pants with a loose blue mesh type shirt over a black wife-beater. On his feet were heavy black boots. His hair was loose and a little on the long side with its golden curls making his looks even more appealing.

When she came around to his face she gasped and grabbed the edge of the desk. "Oh my god am I dreaming?"

William looked up from the work order his sharp blue eyes peering over his glasses. He grinned at the young girl and chuckled. "Depends on what you think your dreamin' about, luv."

Kathy all but swooned as Marcus grabbed her arm to keep her from dropping cold. "Ohhh..."

"Katherine Louise!" Marcus snapped. "What in the good Lord's name is wrong with you?" He pulled her upright with a worried frown. His hand shot out lying on her brow. "You sick or something?"

"No…daddy." Kathy whispered in awe as she stared at William. "I…I…just need some water." She moved backwards towards the lounge, walking almost like a zombie. "I'll...I'll just get some water." Turning tail, she ran off.

Just as she disappeared, a deeper voice sounded out from the doorway of the garage. "What the hell got into her dad? She eat something nasty---or what?" Charles glanced towards the desk making an affirmative noise. "Oh, I see...new meat."

William raised a brow and chuckled. Standing he walked over to Charles with a smirk. "Not bloody well likely, Charlie. Don't tell me you've already forgotten me?"

Looking closer at the boy, he frowned, then looked harder, glancing over at his father. "Did I get real drunk one night and don't remember going to a country club or what? I'm not getting it."

Laughing Marcus slapped his son on the back. "Charles, son...this is little Will. LaCroix's boy."

Charles eyes widened, and then he turned his head slowly back to William. He looked at him even harder now, and then he pushed up William’s glasses staring deep into his eyes. Smiling finally he let out a whoop picking William up and shaking him.

"Well, I'll be GOD DAMNED BOY!! Oh, it's damn fine to see ya William." He dropped him to the floor play punching his arm. "Damn glad your home...damn look at you...rich and so not wheezy no fuckin' more."

Snarling William punched Charles in the arm back, then laughed. "Yeah, it's me you big oaf!" He hugged Charles, slapping him on the back. "Just got back from London yesterday. My sodding dad wants me to check up on his baby." He rolled his eyes thumbing in the direction of the garage. "Damn, Charlie, it's good to see you. Of course, your ugly mug ain't changed a bit. You just got bigger and badder. You still the big bad in this town?" He laughed softly as he nodded to where Kathy vanished. "Seems lil' bit there don't remember me any better. Of course ten years and she’s grown up into a pretty young lady."

Charles shook his head pointing to the garage. "Yeah, Kittie is something alright, but naughty. She's the reason dad here has gray. Nah…little man I'm not the big bad…owner of that title is now little bro’. He's the big bad in this town now."

Eyes widening William glanced around suddenly more nervous than he'd ever been in his life. "Liam?" His voice cracked just a bit before he cleared his throat. "Is he here? God…Charlie I need to see him."

Charles’ eyes widened a bit more as he slapped his leg. "Well, fuck! What the hell was I thinkin? Of course, ya would want ta see him. God…I'm fucking stupid. Yeah, he's here William…right back here. Come on I'll take you to him."

Suddenly his stomach lurched and he smiled trying to cover up his pained expression. "Yeah...Charlie take me to him. Bloody hell, but I missed him."

Charles nodded turning he looked over his shoulder to make sure William was following then he headed into the garage. He walked halfway through then turned to the Mercedes. Charles pointed to the car where a body - ---toned and built---was bent over the car under the hood working away.

"There he is."

Liam was swearing and pumping his arms as he worked on the car. A white wife-beater clung to his chest covered in sweat, dirt, and oil so damp it was almost see through. Blue ‘Dickies’ coveralls covered him from the waist down the arms pulled off and down tied around his waist. On his head was a black Von Dutch hat that was turned to the side, obscuring his face from view. On his feet were dark brown work boots stained with oil and on his wrist---seeming to add to the strong persona of a working man---was a thick leather cuff watch.

For just a moment William's heart felt like it had stopped beating. His chest tightened as he let out a wheezing breath. Bloody hell, he thought, this was Liam. Liam Garrigan the smart-mouthed guardian angel, football jock, with a body that never seemed too quit. He swallowed hard, then took a deep breath as his gaze moved down the broad back glistening with sweat, to the soft dip at the small of that back, and the firm curve of muscled ass.

"Jesus H. Christ..." he whispered, "...Liam?"

"Yeah?" Liam grunted. "Bit busy if I fucked something up tell my da he'll reimburse." Then he was silent for a second, then yelled. "You know if you wanted me to know I fucked up you just could have waited till after the damn customer left!"

Charles laughed walking up to Liam and smacked his back. "Ya stupid fuckwit it ain't no pissed off customer."

"Then ‘WHO’ is it...I'm knee deep in a fucked up radiator…god damn it!"

"Why don't you just look...hmm?"

"I don't got time for this shit!"

Charles sighed, patting Liam's back again. "Just look come on."

"FINE!! Pissed off at this worthless car anyway!" Liam grunted, then stood up from over the car turning around.

William stepped closer smiling shyly as he took in the man who had, once upon a time, been his best friend--- his only friend---and his guardian.

Liam's face was much like it had been at fifteen and yet so different. He had been a handsome boy, but frankly, he was a gorgeous man. Square jawed, broad forehead, an aquiline nose, and that mouth. God, help him---that mouth seemed to beg to be kissed. Dark eyes studied him from beneath a heavy brow smudged with oil and a couple days worth of shadowy beard that added a dangerous quality to an otherwise angelic face.

"Liam." He whispered softly and with but a hint of the ache in his heart. "It's bloody wonderful to see you again."

"Uh huh…and you are?" Liam asked in confusion as he studied William. "I mean I don't remember knowing a pretty rich boy…at least not the last time I looked back on my life."

Charles chuckled, but other wise says nothing.

"Liam it's me..." William almost choked, "...it's Will..."

His last word faded as his vision blurred for a moment. I can't bloody well cry, he thought, not now. Not when I am so fucking happy I could choke.

The world seemed to stop, then ebbed forward in a tidal wave. Liam could do nothing but rewind 'it's Will' repeatedly. His hands shook as he glanced at Charles with an angry glare. "This isn't funny asshole. I don't find this funny."

Charles raised his hands in defense. "Nuh...uh bro' I didn't do anythin’."

Liam pointed angrily at William. "Then what’s this?"

"Uhmm...I thought he made it clear? That’s William."

"IT CAN'T BE HE LEFT! HE LEFT AND HE ISN'T COMING BACK!!" Liam screamed.

Charles shook his head sadly at his brother then pointed to William. "Liam look at him! ‘Look’ at him brother."

Liam's face contorted in rage as he stomped up to William grabbing his arms. Looking down into his face ---nice and close---he stared into his eyes, then at his hair, then at his body, then back into his eyes. His fingers dug, loosened, and dug, then finally loosened again.. He seemed to look forever and the more he did the less pressure there was on William’s arms.

After a minute or two of silence, Liam whispered softly. "Will?"

Silently William nodded basking in the feel of those strong, rough hands gripping his arms. His voice was deeper than it had been at fifteen, but it was unmistak- ably Liam's.

He licked his lips, his mouth suddenly dust dry. "Yes," he whispered, "...it's me...it's Will." Despite his best efforts the tears slowly come---trailing down his face.

"Shh…shh…don't cry I got you. I'll make it all better." Liam softly answered---falling back into his old pattern of protecting, serving, and caring. He looked over at Charles a smile forming on his face.

Charles breathed a sigh of relief, the sound of a man that has just been given a key to paradise. "God, damn a genuine happy smile."

Liam laughed heartily turning back to William, gripping his face in his hands. "William LaCroix how you have changed." He shook his head gently. “Damn look at you…nothing to tell you from except those glasses and those eyes. Damn, Will, but it's so fucking good to see you again." He pulled William into a bear hug. "So good."

"I have to call the woman.” Charles coughed. “I'll leave you two to it." Then he strolled out whistling.

William melted into Liam and suddenly for the first time in years, it was hard to breathe. Not from asthma, but from the overwhelming need to never let this man go. He'd never thought that he would ever see Liam again when he had waved from that plane almost ten years ago. Of course, he was beginning to realize that maybe his bastard of a father had understood more than he admitted, too.

Pulling back he smiled up at Liam then shook his head in disbelief. "Is this real?" He asked his voice thick with tears. "Is this real or am I dreaming? Bloody hell...God I...I missed you so much, Liam." His arms trembled as he tightened them around Liam's broad torso laying his head on the other man's chest. "I missed you..." he repeated again closing his eyes tightly just taking in the scent and feel of the only man he has ever loved.

Liam set his head on top of William’s head, his arms tightening as well. "This is as real as it gets, but if you want you can slap me to see." Laughter rumbled through Liam’s chest, and then he pulled back lifting Will's chin. "It's me little one. If this was a dream I would hope you’d make me cleaner and smelling better." Then he looked at Will's face groaning as he lifted his fingers to wipe oil off his cheek.

"Damn I got you dirty."

A short burst of laughter escaped William as he grabbed Liam's hand and squeezed. "Dirt washes off, pet. As you bloody well should know." He chuckled softly. "Remember how much was on me the day we met? After---what was his damn name---you know that fat little sodding bastard of a bully."

"Fucking Buster Baggins…he's the town sheriff now… fat fucker." Liam spit out with laughter. "God, he's still scared of me and Charlie."

Bursting out laughing William laughed until tears streaked his already damp face. "The sheriff? Jesus Christ on a three-legged goat! You've got to be bloody well shitting me!" He shook his head moving back from Liam. "Next you'll be telling me that his stick friend Herbie is the sodding deputy."

"He is." Liam bent over cracking up until tears welled in his dark eyes. "Oh…he so is!"

William choked up and looked at Liam with wide disbelieving eyes. Then he laughed harder until he was gasping for breath. Falling to his knees, he gasped for breaths between spurts of laughter. "Shit...oh fuck...bet his damn skinny arse looks just like...like Barney sodding Fife!"

Liam dropped as well head bobbing hard. He couldn't even speak he was cracking up and snorting so hard.

Running back into the garage Charles looked at the two and shook his head with a smile. "Some things never change. Hey, fuckers breathe! Can't have a proper reunion if ya fuckin' die idiots!"

Liam laughed even harder but managed to rise on his hands and started to calm down---a hiccup here and there.

Charles chuckled leaning back against the wall. "Get ya shit together. Dad says you can have the night off … tomorrow too…if ya want. Spend time with your friend. He said you didn't earn it but you could have it. Told ya you’re spoiled…ya brat."

Leaning back on his knees and sobering Liam took off his hat and wiped his hand over his sweaty brow. His shirt tightened across his chest at the simple movement. "Well who says, Will wants to hang with me so soon… huh?"

Gulping a deep breath William's eyes widened as he took in the tight damp shirt and the wild mass of dark spiky hair. He could feel his cock twitch and he tried to focus on Liam's question rather than on his body. "Why in the bloody hell do you think I came back?" He snorted. "It sure wasn't to see my old man and it sure wasn't cause I wanted to baby sit, Precious."

"Oh, damn your Momma gave you ‘Precious’ duty? Oh poor boy…poor, poor boy." Liam intones half in pity.

"Oh, fuck!" William leapt to his feet. "Precious! I left the little fucking rat in the car!" Without another word he sped out of the garage asking whatever idiot God there was out there that the bloody friggin' dog had stayed in the sodding car.

Liam was outside before William. He was sitting in Will’s car, Precious in his lap, petting her. He raised an eyebrow chuckling. "You know there is a garage door. Isn't there Precious…huh? Huh?"

The dog yelped rubbing her face on Liam’s hand.

"That’s right you dumb dog…love me…love me." Liam smirked.

Shaking his head, William wiped at his eyes. "You asshole..." he chuckled, "...I swear that little rat will let anyone pet her. Slut pup..." he snarled playfully. "Can't lose that damn dog…promised me mum I'd take care of her. Always loved me mum. Guess I was always a bit of a momma's boy."

Liam lifted Precious to his face and Precious started to lick it. "You hear that huh? Huh? He called you a slut. Tell him you’re not a slut. Say you know me just fine…yes, you do…yes you do. Tell, Will that when momma gets find-Liam duty on Sundays she always knows where he is and brings you…huh? Yes, she does …uh huh. Brings you and your diamond collar."

"Find-Liam duty?" William raised a brow crossing his arms over his chest and cocking his hip. "Exactly what is find-Liam duty?"

Liam sat Precious back down in the seat, then looked up at Will. "Fridays da usually picks me up from the garage floor or off a car. Makes me go to his place… sleep on the couch. Saturdays Charlie drags me out of a bar and Sundays…well Sundays after a fluke your momma discovered me at the cemetery. I was talking to my mom and she’s visited with me ever since. She makes excuses to your dickhead father and she just comes and sits with me. She says it's better than whiskey or beer...company that is. I call it find-Liam duty because I feel like I got a armed guard."

William's smile faded a bit. "I'm sorry Liam..." he whispered, "...I...well I heard about your mum. Makes my heart glad that my mum's been there for you." He looked down at the ground kicking at the dirt. "She always loved you Liam...loved you for watching out for me, pet."

"I know. She tells me…she tells me about everything, but I always feel like she leaves something out. Something important that she just won't give a name, too." Liam stood with a shrug. "Well, don't matter must not be real important. So…Will what you want to do then? Or you want me to pick?"

Looking up William removed his reading glasses and tucked them back into his pocket with a smile. He ran his fingers through his hair stretching until his back popped. "Why don't you choose? Been a long time since I've bloody well roamed this town. I trust your judgment."

Liam whistled. "Girls must have gone wild in London once you hit your spurt." He smirked, leaning against the car. "Wheezy Willy has turned into Wowza Will. You’re going to make every girl in this town wish they never looked down their nose at ya and you’re going to piss every guy off for taking their girl. I so pity them." Laughing he patted the car. "I like this car it's nice. So, where to go...how does the old watering hole sound? We can drive out drink, hang, swim like we did when we were little---only no bikes or walking."

"Sounds like a plan, luv." William moved around the car and into the driver's seat. "So are we stopping for food and beer?" He glanced over at Liam with a smirk. "Or shall we have fried rat?"

"My place got food and enough beer there to take with- --okay with you?"

"Sure thing." He started the car and turned back to Liam. "So where's your place and how the sodding hell do we get there?"

Liam held up a finger then pushed off the car heading inside, then came out a little later shaking a set of keys. He walked around the corner and the sounds of a revving engine could be heard. A few seconds later Liam pulled around in a 1957 Jet-Black Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible. "Yep…I like your car, but mines better." Liam smirked revving the car harder. "Just follow me." Then he pulled out of the driveway in a cloud of dust.

***

Ten minutes passed and Liam pulled into a driveway on Willow Road next to a house that was familiar to William. William swallowed hard as he parked the car and leaned over scratching Precious' ears.

"Well bloody hell..." he smiled, "...what do you know Precious." A lump formed in his throat as he got out of his car walking up to Liam's. His vision blurred for a moment. "You bought my family's old house. God Liam...I...he turns away for a moment unsure how to voice the emotions that are swirling in his gut. "I always missed this old place. Only place I was ever happy..." a shiver traveled down his spine.

Liam got out of the car his hand settling on William’s shoulder. "I know reason one of the many reasons I bought the thing. It was someone buy it or it gets torn down well momma was still alive, I threw a fit, and she just said. 'Buy it Liam baby…buy it and make it your own.' just like that and well I’m not done paying on it but it's mine in every way it can be. We played here, you swung on that damn tire swing, and I drew here. I couldn’t let someone tear my memories up. Not when I couldn't make new ones with you. It's my house…so grab the rat and come on."

Shocked to his core William whistled and Precious leapt out of the car yipping at his heels. Slowly he walked up that familiar stone walkway that his mum had laid with her own two hands to the front door with the little half moon window.

Suddenly he could hear the ghosts of the past whispering at the edges of his mind. So many good memories, most of them with Liam and even the occasional flicker of Charlie. Those memories had sustained him through the long lonely nights in his bunk at Summers Academy in London.

***

Overhead a full moon shone as soft trails of clouds crossed over its face. In the distance the soft sounds of cicadas and the call of a lonely dog drifted on the late summer air. William sat on the tire swing bare-chested in tattered cut offs scratching absentmindedly at a mosquito bite on his shoulder.

"Liam?" His soft voice broke the silence as he glanced over to where Liam sat beneath the apple tree; "...what is it about girls that seems to make all the boys act weird?"

Liam sat his pad down looking at William. "Weird?"

"Yeah..." William sighed. "I saw Teddy Jenkins trying to look under Sissy Ryan's skirt. Why would he want to do that?" He scratched harder at his shoulder, then leaned back in the swing until he was looking at Liam upside down. "I mean that's just weird. Why would he want to see her underwear?"

Liam chuckled. "Will, you’re ten…please tell me your momma has told ya the birds and bees story hasn't she?"

"Birds and bees?" He kicked off making the swing sway. "You mean about how men and women make babies?" He pruned his face up in distaste. "Yeah...she did, but I don't get it...that's just down right icky."

Liam chuckled again crawling closer to William. "Well, yeah that part is but see my mom says its like puberty and hormone changes. She said no reason to be light about it. She said I was just going to do it no matter what she said so truth was best. She said there’s this change where girls start to like boys in a ‘different’..." Liam did air-quotes, "…way and so do boys. That both girls and boys start to get ‘attracted’ to one another." Liam shrugged. “I just know Susie Hallons has nice tits---told Mom that, too. Then I got some special time with Mr. Joy."

William chewed thoughtfully on his lips. "Not real sure what they’re for, but I suppose she does." He giggled. "’Course I like boys better...girls are so...so...well girlie. Boys know how to have fun better." He kicked off again harder, the air stirring his wild damp curls. "Girls spend all their time playing with dolls and dressing up. They never do fun stuff like I do with you. I mean can you see a girl fishing or poling for frogs...or how about climbing trees?"

Liam smiled, lifting his hand, and brushed it through William’s hair as he swung back. "Yeah, we have lots of fun don't we? You and me?" When William swung back around Liam stopped the swing with his foot and dragged William out of it. "Come on quit swinging like a pansy…wrestle with me." With a small flip Liam was on top of William and lifted his hands. "Tricked ya now I get to tickle ya." His hands descended then began to tickle William.

Squirming William began laughing and slapping at Liam's hands. "Stop it Liam...stop..." he let out a hysterical spurt of laughter gasping for air. "You always get to be on top! You cheat you asshole!" Kicking at Liam, he tried to flip him over, his little skinny arms pushing as hard as they can, as he continues laughing. "You’re too damn big you oaf!"

Liam pinned William’s arms above his head and tilted his head. His eyes twinkling in the starlight and the smile that graced his lips mischievous and adorable.

His voice when he spoke rang quietly on the air. "The bigger bear is always on top. And since I'm your hero don't that mean I get special privileges?"

A loud snort escaped William. "I suppose you'll always be my hero..." he giggled, "...so I guess when we grow up you'll still get to be on top?"

"Don't know but it's comfy up here." Liam laughed. "I guess it all depends on if you want to be on the bottom when we grow up."

Cocking an eyebrow he giggled and relaxed beneath Liam. "You know it's nicer being on the bottom. Not as much work." Then he leaned up staring into Liam's dark eyes. "Course I could always just kick you in the nuts."

"Now that would just be mean. And haven't I been your protector for years and years?"

"Yeah well..." William looked contrite; "...I'd never really do that. I mean that's kinda important isn't it? I mean when you decide you like girls and all. Mom says you'll need your balls cause they help make babies."

Liam started laughing his arms releasing William so that he fell back to the ground on his back looking up at the sky. "Oh, god...oh, god...oh..." Liam’s eyes started to water. "I love you Will..."

With a wild Tarzan yelp, William pounced on top of Liam. "Now I got you!" His hands descended to tickle Liam's ribcage. "This is fun!"

Laughing Liam lifted up and tried to grab William’s fast hands. He couldn't so he just wrapped his arms around him and pulled him tight against him locking his hands between his chest. "Ah ha…now what you going to do ya little weasel?"

Squirming wildly, he tickled at Liam's belly with his fingers. "You are a big bully Liam Garrigan!" He squealed.

"Am not!!" Liam cried out as he tried to suck his stomach in and away from William’s fingers. "You’re the one with the tickle assault. Okay…okay…okay on three I let go you stop tickling."

"Okay..." William got all serious, "...you promise? ‘Cause if you keep this up mom won't let use camp out here. You know she thinks I'm breakable." He rolled his eyes. "Course she does like you so maybe if you’re real nice to me she'll let us build a campfire and roast marshmallows."

"Yes…YES! I freaking promise now...one…two… three." Liam let go at the same time William did and they both rolled to a crouch staring at each other. Liam smiled. "Ass! I promised so why crouch?"

"’Cause you like to yank my chain snotwad!" Then William was up and running for the house laughing as hard as he could. "Maybe we can roast hot-dogs, too." He yelled over his shoulder.

Suddenly an acorn hit the back of William’s head and Liam laughed and ran after him. "Maybe."

***

William stood there on the stoop still hearing the echoes of laughter. For the first time he realized that he had even loved Liam then, but he was just a little boy and he hadn't realized that was what the feelings were.

He sighed and looked up at the slowly darkening sky.

Liam opened the door groaning when he looks in. He turned his head glancing at Will. "Okay…house is a mess so just don't step on the pictures and all the rest you can just kick out of the way." With that he pushed open the door and disappeared inside.

Shaking himself from memories of his childhood William bent down picking up Precious and followed Liam into the house. "I still can't believe you live here." He smiled softly and wandered through the living room remembering hours spent in front of the television watching horror movies or car races. It was different, but not that much. It seemed he wasn't the only one who had clung to the past. Some how that just gave him more hope that maybe, just maybe Liam might love him, too.

Throwing some clothes off a chair Liam waved at it as he turned to close the door. "Have a seat I'll put a frozen pizza in the oven and take a quick shower. You know your way around if you want to look around." He toed off his boots kicked them over by the door and lifted his shirt over his head. Heading down the hall to the bathroom, he began to whistle.

William tried not to stare, but it was hard not to admire that broad hairless chest in all its naked glory. He swallowed hard and when Liam disappeared down the hall, he peered around the corner watching Liam's retreating form.

"So Precious..." he looked down at the pup in his arms, "...is that a fine arse or what?" He whispered.

Precious' ears perked up and she yipped softly as if in agreement.

A few seconds later Liam ran back out---just in his boxer briefs---smiling wide. "Forgot something damn it."

Then he popped into the kitchen; there was rattling, then the opening of a box. A couple more seconds the sound of the oven opening, closing, and then a dial turning reaches William’s ears. Liam ran back out and past William stopping to scratch Precious’ ears and head back into the bathroom.

"Shit..." William's eyes went wide and his cock happily began to tango in its tight leather confines. "Precious I have to tell you..." he reached down shifting his crotch, "...he's going to bloody well kill me."

***

Twenty minutes later Liam came out of the bathroom a towel wrapped around his waist. If William had been paying attention, he would have known to get to the bedroom you had to go to the other end of the house, back through the living room.

Liam struts through beads of water dripping down his body. With a smirk and a wave he opened his bedroom door went inside, then closed it behind him. "Just have to change."

That was it, William thought, he couldn't take anymore.

Dumping Precious unceremoniously on the sofa, he headed for the bathroom. Once inside he locked the door and groaned as he released his aching erection. He couldn't exactly spend time with Liam if he was sporting wood like a frigging lumber mill. Curling his fingers around his erection he stood over the toilet bracing against the wall with his free hand.

Slowly he ran his fingers over the leaking head using his own pre-cum as lubricant and stroking down. He bit the inside of his lip to silence the moan that rose in his throat as he closed his eyes. In his mind, it was Liam's hand encircling his cock. Liam's hand stroking slowly, then more quickly. He could almost here Liam's voice growling in his ear.

//Come on baby.//

"Yes..." William whimpered softly.

//Can you feel my hand?//

"Shit...yes..."

//Feels good don't it baby boy?//

His hips began to pump in time with his strokes, as his breathing became erratic. "So close...shit...oh, Liam...fuck..."

Biting down hard on the inside of his lip William swallowed the scream caught in his throat as he came hard his hot fluid spurting over his fist as he slumped against the wall.

"Damn..." he moaned, panting as he drifted down from his orgasmic high.

~Part: 4~

Liam yelled down the hall. "Come on then before the pizza gets cold. What are you doing in there setting up shop?"

He wandered through the kitchen, retrieving plates from the cabinet---two big, one small. Cutting the pizza, he slid a piece into each plate, cutting up the one on the small plate into small bites, then setting it on the floor.

"There you go, Precious." Liam whispered softly. "But don't you dare tell anyone I'm soft for you. Got me rat?"

Precious barked happily then began nibbling on the pizza. Pleased, Liam nodded, then stood up wiping his hands off on a hand towel. He glanced down at himself.

Not to shitty, he thought, a green tee-shirt that was just a bit clingy, but he didn't look like a model or anything, faded blue jeans with a black leather belt, a big belt buckle with a truck on it. Damn cliché, he thought when he bought it, but---hey he liked it. Heavy black boots that matched his Von Dutch hat and belt completed the outfit. Not a bad look for two old friends just hanging out at their old watering hole.

In the bathroom William was cleaning up the best he could, taking shallow deep breaths to try and calm his nerves. He'd wanted this man for so bloody long---his best friend, his protector, and if he had anything to say about it, his lover. Opening the bathroom door, he peered out then headed down the hall to the kitchen.

The smell of warm pizza drifted from the door and suddenly William realized just how hungry he was.

Leaning in the door, he quietly watched Liam who was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

"I don't bloody well think mum would approve of cardboard pizza being fed to Precious." Chuckling he moved into the kitchen. "Well, your mom isn't here and I bet that’s the best damn meal that poor dog has had in a while. She looks anorexic let her eat. You too skinny man. I swear I could break you just by looking at you hard enough." Liam moved behind William wrapping his arms around him. "See my arms could wrap around you twice." Then he pulled back, pushing William softly towards the table. "Eat, humor me---okay?"

As William stumbled forward, he shivered trying to focus on the pizza in question. Not on the feel of those strong muscled arms encircling him. If he thought of those arms for too long, he'd be making another detour to the bathroom again. He pulled out a chair, flipped it around, and straddled it as he reached for a slice of pizza.

"You know how to sweet talk a boy now don't you, pet." He glanced back at Liam taking a big bite of the pizza, the sauce staining his lips as he smirked.

"Well…yeah they either listen or meet my fist. Usually they pick the latter. So thats good for them." Liam sat down across from William, propping his feet up on the table, and interlacing his fingers on his stomach.

William swallowed and took another bite. His eyes moved over Liam finally settling on those huge hands folded over that flat muscled stomach that the clingy green tee did nothing to hide. He chewed slowly as he noted the way Liam's pinkies seemed to point straight to the swell beneath the jeans and he started to choke.

Liam sat up reaching a hand halfway across the table. "You alright?"

With a choked cough William shook his head and whispered. "...water...luv." He motioned to the sink and swallowed a few times, tears springing to his eyes as another round of coughs ripped through him.

Springing up from his chair Liam opened a cabinet grabbing a glass. Hurriedly filling it with water, he handed it to William with a pat to his back. "Here, Will."

Gratefully William accepted the glass sipping the water carefully. He shook his head and took a deep breath. "'S okay...went down the wrong side..." he let out a long breath with a sigh. "Bloody well teach me to chew before I swallow."

Liam chuckled softly moving back around the table to sit. "Don't scare me like that damn, Will." Shaking his head he reached over and picked up a---very---full looking Precious. "I'm going to take her out to do her thing. I don't recommend taking her with. So, she can stay here while we’re out at the lake. Sound all right? I promise she can't get out of here. And she can even play and sleep in my room."

"Sounds okay, luv." He smiled as he finished his pizza.

Watching as Liam walked to the back door---Precious in hand---he felt a familiar ache between his legs.

Damn but that man had a lovely arse on him, William thought. "So the lake---is it? We going for a moonlit swim, pet?"

"Just like old times." Liam called from the back porch. "Remember?"

"Yeah..."

William stood wandering out to the back porch where Liam was standing and fished out a smoke. Lighting it up he inhaled looking up at the sky where a silver sliver of moon glowed softly.

"Me and you out at the lake...skinny dipping if I recall. Water out there so cold it could bloody well freeze your arse off." He chuckled as he exhaled.

"Yeah, but it was fun and it made me feel alive. Also littler parts then, more embarrassment, not so embarrassed anymore." Liam glanced at William winking. "Or at least the ladies say I have nothing to be embarrassed about anyway."

"Really?" William raised a brow snorting. "As I bloody well recall I was embarrassed the first time 'cause your manly bits were impressive even after a cold dip. Me and my skinny sad self I was sure I had me a bloody wanker the size of one of them weenies from the beanie weenies me mum was so found of cooking for you."

Liam laughed long and hard then cupped the back of William’s neck bringing him into a hug. "Did I mention I missed you yet?"

"About a sodding million times so far..." came William's muffled reply as he was crushed in a bear hug. "And I missed you, too." He pulled back looking up into Liam's dark eyes dropping his smoke and grinding it out beneath his boot. "So how about a six pack and swim, luv?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm the bigger one and you’re the one who gets squiggy with hugs. We’re going…we’re going." Liam whistled. "Come on girl."

Precious came skipping out of the dark looking for all the world out of place in this back yard. Liam opened the door.

"Enter your Majesty."

Precious barked then pranced inside, Liam following with a shake of his head and headed into the kitchen retrieving beer. Setting it on the table he walked to his bedroom door and opened the door.

"Okay…here you go sweetness just go lay in my big ol’ bed when you’re done ruling all right?" Precious barked in reply and Liam nodded. "Only woman I'll let treat me that way." Precious yelped bouncing by him. "Yep… only one."

William laughed as he grabbed the beer heading for the front door. "Okay, now Liam last one to the lake gets to buy the beer next time!" He yelped running out the door. Pausing at the end of the driveway, he yelled over his shoulder. "And your buying, luv!!"

Seemingly in no obvious hurry, Liam strolled out his keys jangling as he twirled them around his finger. "I don't mind buying makes me feel manly." He opened his car door and slid into the driver’s seat casually. "But you can lead if you want. If you can remember."

With a whoop, William was in his car and revving the engine in five seconds. "Oh, I remember, luv!" He yelled as the car peeled out of the drive. The PT Cruiser left behind a cloud of dust as it turned out onto Willow Road heading further back into the woods.

Liam shook his head with a snicker and pulled out jetting down the dirt road in pursuit. He kept up with William, but didn't pass him or do any kind of stunt a southern boy would usually do. Mainly because this car was like his child and he wouldn't play with it to save his life. Now if he would’ve stolen Charlie’s truck that would have been another matter.

***

Around three miles down the road William took the Crystal Lake turn off. Above him, the silvered moon hung and the distant sound of birds singing out across the bayou.

Another mile and he crested a hill, then down around a curve and he pulled up on the edge of the beach. He hopped out, six pack in hand, and leaned against the car as he waited for Liam to park his car. The gentle lapping of water on the shoreline soothed the nervous jitters he'd had from the moment he laid eyes on Liam. Shaking out a smoke he lit up and closed his eyes listening to the sounds of the Louisiana night. God how he'd bloody well missed this.

Liam shut off the engine, slipping out of the car, and walking to the front hopping up on the hood. "Just like you remembered?"

"Ummm..." William sighed as his eyes drifted open and he turned to Liam with a soft smile. Slowly he moved across the small space that separated them and handed Liam a beer. "Missed all this something bloody awful... missed this place and I missed you."

Liam popped open the beer lightly tapping William’s chin with his fist then leaned back against the windshield of his car, tilting forward his hat a bit. "I missed you to kid. Come hop up here with me."

Hopping onto the hood of the car, William slithered up next to Liam and leaned back sipping his beer. "Ain't changed a bit..." he sighed letting his eyes drift shut.

There was so much to relish in that moment. There was the scent of rich earth, the soft cries of the birds, and the scent of Liam---musky and fresh.

"So...luv...you found you some lovely swamp bint to shag? Maybe settle down with?"

Liam chuckled taking a long swallow of beer, and then he tipped his hat a bit lower. "Had me a few actually, but then two found out about each other, and spread the info. Let’s just say I'm currently grounded and I don't buy flowers. So me and my hand are best buds lately."

"Know the feeling..." William smiled to himself, "...last lover I had...well lets just say it didn't work out. Too much baggage." He took another pull off his beer and rolled to his side propping himself up on one elbow. "So...anyone catch your fancy? I mean...you ever really loved anyone?"

Peering at William, he took another swallow of beer. "Love, here?" He seemed to think on it, but not long. "No, Will not love…at least not in this town. The girls are too clingy or too shallow. Or they're worse at commitment than you are. Plus I've never been the type; well at least I never met me someone worth all that yet. Not saying it isn't possible just saying...not yet. I don't like connecting to something then losing it. I'm finding that harder to take each time it happens so I guess that explains the patterns I keep." With a shrug, Liam turned back to the lake. "Other than family love, friends love, I never had me any kind of life altering sensation."

"Really?" William took a drag off his cigarette and flipped the butt into the shadows. "I have...met me a right fine one..." he whispered. "Friends and all, but lost 'em. Didn't realize how much they meant to me sorry arse until they was gone." He tossed off the rest of the beer sliding off the hood. "So you up for some skinny dipping?" William sheds his over shirt while he toed off his boots.

Liam tossed his hat in the car and leaned over untying his boots. "Hell yes! It's going to shrivel my balls ten to one, but it's going to feel damn good once I'm used to it." He tossed his boots in the floorboard, and then he reached for the hem of his shirt peeling it over his head.

As Liam peeled off that shirt William found himself staring at that smooth expanse of tanned flesh. He shook his head and yanked his tank over his head with a flourish. "See you got some sun on that pasty white body of yours. Me I wasn't so bloody lucky. I'll fry like a breaded piece of okra in the sun." Reaching for his waistband he raises a brow and snickered. “Shall we compare manly bits before or after the cold shrivel?"

Liam slid off the hood unbuckled his belt and snapped two buttons easily. "Now is as good a time as any. Not like we'll tell if we find each other amusing in any way. I promise on my Mom's spirit I won't make fun of you as long as you don't me." With that Liam tucked his fingers under the waistband of his jeans peeling them down and off with his boxer briefs. With a toss, the jeans and underwear are in the car and Liam was walking across the dock. "Come on then…into the freezing abyss we go."

William swallowed a desperate groan as he caught a glimpse of that magnificent cock nestled in a mass of dark curls. Yanking his own pants down in one swift motion he tossed them to the side uncaring where they landed. With a whoop he ran past Liam and cannon balled off the end of the dock, sending a wave of icy water into the air.

Hopping out of the way of the water shower easily Liam reached the end of the dock. Looking down into the water he took one deep breathe, then smoothly dived off into the water like a graceful ballerina. When he surfaced, he flicked water out of his eyes and hair screaming. "HOLY MOTHER OF FUCK ME RUNNING COLD ASS BITCH DAMN!!"

Beneath the surface of the water William grabbed Liam's ankle and yanked him back beneath the surface, then he darted through the dark water back to the surface. When he surfaced, he laughed hysterically.

"Miss any colorful words, pet? It’s bloody well cold though ain't it?" Turning he began to glide through the water with smooth strokes.

Liam's teeth chattered as he flipped William off. "That's all I have to say." Then he started to do small laps letting his body adjust to the water.

Flipping over on his back William spit out a fountain of water as he backstroked. "Now that ain't bloody well nice---is it luv?" He let his legs drift back down into the chilly water and smirked. "And I'd tell you not to offer unless you’re ready to put out." He burst out laughing at Liam's expression, then turned swimming further out.

Liam just floated in the water trying to analyze or compute how to take that comment. He settled for taking it as a joke and shook his head with a laugh.

"You’re an odd one Will, but hey aren't we all." Taking a deep breath, he dove under water.

Stopping William glanced around the smooth glassy surface of the lake and waited a few moments. "Liam?!" He yelled out as he turned bobbing in the water.

Suddenly he started having images of gators escaping from the near by swamplands and eating his friend dancing in his head and he panicked.

"Liam!! This ain't bloody funny!!" His voice echoed across the water as he continued treading water.

Liam popped out of the water with a loud splash behind Will and yelled.

"BOO!!"

Losing any grip on his senses William let out a scream and went from treading water to freaking out complete- ly. He lost his concentration sinking like a rock taking in a mouth full of water in the process. A few seconds later he surfaced in a mass of flailing arms spitting water.

"That wasn't...bloody funny, Liam!" He coughed as he blinked the water from his eyes. "You trying to give me a sodding heart attack?" He pushed Liam with all the strength he could muster.

"Hey…hey joke, Will…joke. I'm sorry didn't mean to freak you out so bad." Liam held up his hands in self- defense.

Pouting William glanced up at Liam through water beaded lashes. "'S okay...been awhile since I spent anytime in this much water." His cheeks flushed pink. "Guess I overreacted a bit, pet." He smiled, bobbing up, and pushing down on Liam's shoulders. "Pay-backs are bloody bint though ain't it?"

Pushing up Liam spluttered water out of his mouth and nose. "Fucker!" He wrapped his arm around William's neck and flipped him around, holding him tight to his chest. "Now what you going to do hum?"

"Scream for help like a bloody bint! HELP!!!" William bellowed loudly as he squirms against Liam's hard body. "Help!! The swamp monster is kidnapping me!!"

Liam laughed pulling William tighter back against him yawning as if bored. "No one can hear you and if they can they'll just think someone’s having kinky sex in the lake---ten to one. No ones smart enough in this town to murder somebody."

Pausing in his screaming William snickered. "Kinky sex? And someone is smart enough in this town to actually have a sex-life?" Then he started screaming again. "HELP!!! A horny swamp monster is molesting me!!"

Liam laughed again letting William go, then swimming around to his front. "I was smart enough or at least I thought so. I blame my inability to be more clean."

"Clean?" William bobbed around. "I don't know about that, luv. Thought all these southern bints loved a greasy grease monkey?" He chuckled and began swimming away.

"They do but that doesn't have anything to do with cleaning up my floor. Where a pair of underwear that weren't male were just laying to be found when number two came over to visit." Liam acted as if he was just discussing the weather. "She was more than a little pissed." Smiling he started to backstroke. "Who knew she didn't wear thongs."

"Apparently you, pet." William laughed softly. "You know Liam I've found that being mates sometimes is better before you get into the sex. Not to say you weren't friends with the ladies in question, but..." he paused as if thinking, then cleared his throat, "...the bints can be just that. A lady likes to make more of a relationship than most blokes do. To them sex equals love right off the bat. Ain't like us, luv. We bloody well know there can be just sex for the sake of sex."

"Hallelujah! Hallelujah my friend!" Liam crowed. "Women who needs them!"

"Amen Brother Liam!" Bursting out laughing William swam back towards Liam with a grin. "Bloke can have a right bloody good time just with his hand and a little lube. At least Rosie palm and her five sis' won't expect dinner, a movie or a sodding proposal the next morning."

Liam chuckled as he returned to the dock. "Time for a drink best bud want one?"

"Drink sounds bloody well fine." William paddled after Liam as he wondered if he'd just saw what he wanted or if maybe---just maybe---there was hope for what he wanted.

"Alright then…now we’re talking."

Liam pulled himself up, the water cascading down his body, and he jumped onto the dock shaking the water off. He ran a hand through his hair once, letting it mesh in every direction, then walked casually back to his car. Once there he shook out his pants and slipped them on over his damp skin.

Bobbing in the water for a moment William just took in what he saw. God he doesn't bloody remember Liam looking that good, but he does, and he tries to calm himself a bit before he pulls himself out of the water.

Pulling up onto the dock he shakes the water from his head and tries to appear casual as he moves back to the car. "Liam, pet---you got a towel? Pulling on leather pants over wet skin is bloody well near impossible."

"Here just use this it's all I got I can stay shirtless air is nice out tonight." Liam tossed him his shirt as he buttoned his jeans leaving the last one undone as well as his belt. Taking the remaining beers he walked down a bit onto the sand and plopped down, opening one.

Catching Liam's shirt, William used it to dry himself as much as possible then proceeded to pull on his pants. However, they didn't go on as smoothly as Liam's jeans had he did give Liam a show with the string of curses that explode out of him as he struggled to pull them up.

"Bloody hell but these leather pants are a bastard to deal with. The things I do to look good..." he grumbled.

Liam tossed him a beer. "You shouldn't have worried about it. I think you look fine no matter what you wear. Then and now you’re Will and thats just fine with me. Now come sit lets listen and watch like when we did when we were kids."

Wandering over to where Liam was sitting William dropped down and opened his beer taking a swig.

"Yeah, this is the good stuff...swim, beer, and good company." He pulled his knees up resting his chin on them and stared out across the moonlit water. "I missed this something bloody awful."

Liam glanced at him. "So did I…so did I." Then he turned back to the water listening to the crickets, the birds, and other night creatures---watching the bugs skim over the water and the ripples from fish. "More than you probably would think I would anyway. I don't make friends anymore. Only real friend I have is Gator and he pisses me off more than anything does with his pearls of wisdom. He also rats me out to Charlie constantly the bastard."

"Gator?" William raised a brow glancing over at Liam. "What kind of bloody name is Gator?" He chuckled as he retrieves his smokes from his shirt pocket lighting one up. Lying back on the soft sand, he inhaled staring up at the twinkling stars.

"His name is Wesley, but he doesn't like to be called it so it's Wes or Gator. He owns the bar I frequent---he bartends. He's younger than me but tries to act wiser. As I said he's my friend, but he's a bastard."

William hummed to himself thoughtfully as he took another drag. "Gator...well now where did he get a name like that, pet? Don't suppose he hunts gators does he?" He chuckled softly.

"I guess he doe…never really asked him. It’s Louisiana who knows here. Everybody has a nickname, a secret it's like a Soap opera down here." Liam lay back as well looking up at the stars. "Everybody has something to hide, everybody has a dirty little naughty thing, or hidden lover. I love it here all the mystery it never gets boring."

Turning over William propped himself on his elbow and studied Liam's profile. God he was a gorgeous man, he thought. "So...what's your dirty little secret, luv?" He whispered softly.

"Don't have one yet, but give me time." Liam tipped his beer back with a whisper. Turning his head, he glanced at William. "What's yours?"

A flush of pink glowed along his cheekbones as he lay back down. "Got a couple, pet. Not sure if I'm ready to share them though. Wouldn't want to muck things up...at least not yet." He took a swig of beer as he shuddered.

"Fair enough."

Then the silence enveloped them as they both listened to their dark surroundings. He drank down the first beer quick and was half way through his second before he turned on his side towards William to prop himself on his elbow looking down over William his eyes sparkling.

"So you kept asking me about my sex life, but you didn’t tell me about yours. Don't you think it's fair to share?"

"There are things that..." William closed his eyes with a soft sigh, "...I learned about myself. Things I haven't shared with mum or dad, but mum seems to know anyway. You know this is bloody hard, Liam." He turned his head looking up at Liam with wide blue eyes edged with fear. "I don't know how to tell you. Not sure I should."

"Why? I mean unless you’re a pedophile or have a penchant for the dead how bad could it be?" Liam questioned.

A weak laugh escaped William as he took in Liam's expression. Inside his gut was twisting into a pretzel. It was now or never a little voice whispered in the back of his mind.

"Nothing like that, pet." He whispered softly. "I...I'm ...well I'm...gay..." the last word was almost to soft to be heard, but he knew Liam must have heard it.

"Gay?" Liam repeated. "As in happy or as in ‘I like boy parts’ gay?"

William blinked at Liam in confusion for a moment.

"Ummm...the second one, luv. I like the..." he giggled nervously, "...boy parts."

Liam nodded slowly sitting up. He tipped back his beer chugging down the rest and quickly popping another.

"Look Liam...I...I..." tears began welling in William's eyes as he sat up. "I didn't want to tell you like this. Bloody hell...I..." William started to pull himself to his feet, "...maybe I should go." He whispered. His head was pounding and his body was trembling so badly. I've ruined our friendship, he thought, just like I ruin everything.

Grabbing William’s leg Liam pulled him back down on his ass and placed a finger---solid and stiff---to William’s lips as he spoke. "Shh…shh, Will just let me...just let me..." He trailed off looking straight ahead, then he repeated. "Just let me process---okay."

Swallowing hard William dropped his gaze to the sand; one finger idly tracing patterns in the sand. "Yeah... process..." he suppressed the urge to stand and run as the beer settled like a hard iron lump in his stomach. "'S okay...give you a bit. What's the worst you can decide? Pound me bloody arse into Spam?"

Liam gripped William’s chin forcing him look at up at him. "Is that what you think of me? Is it really? I've done nothing but protect from the minute I saw you. You’re my best friend in the whole wide world and you think telling me you’re gay is going to---what? Turn me against you?" Liam shook his head and let William’s face go, staring down into his beer. "Yeah, probably would big southern boy with no brains all brawn. Finds out his bud is gay and wallop…wallop! Tie him to a tree and cover him in honey." Liam snorted a small bark of laughter. "Man I didn't think London would make you forget who I was."

William moaned softly. "I'm sorry Liam...I am...I just don't know anymore who I trust. I trusted my dad once and he tore me away from the only friend I ever had..." tears began falling down his cheeks, "...I didn't know what to expect. I love you so much, Liam. I knew I had to do this...I had to reconnect, but I was afraid...dammit all to bloody hell." He scrubbed at his face his body visibly shaking now. "My dad he didn't want me to talk to you...he threatened me and he said you...you had changed...and..." he stuttered now, the first time in almost five years. His chest was tightening and he was finding it hard to breathe.

Setting his beer down Liam pulled William tight against his chest. 'Shh…shh…it's okay---come on now. Don't matter what your father said. Doesn't matter if I have changed I'm still your Liam---your best friend. I'm never going to hurt you, Will---NEVER. God, Will you’re my best friend I love you, too." He tipped Will’s face up. "Shh…Will I got you. I'm always going to be here for you. I don't care what you want to fuck or love- --all right? Shh…come on Will." Liam wiped the tears from William’s face and looked into his eyes his voice softening "No reason to be afraid of me little one. I'm still your Liam still going to protect you, love you, take care of you."

"Are you?" William whispered looking into Liam's eyes. "I was afraid...that you would leave me, too. Just like everything else I love...it changes and..." he swallowed hard, "...and my dreams...everything disappears or dies."

Liam shook his head placing a finger over William’s lips and whispered---slowly and carefully. "I'm not going anywhere, Will. You’re stuck with me." Then he smiled wiping more of William’s tears away. "God look at you now…you’re all red and puffy. Still pretty though." He quieted swallowing as he studied Will’s face.

His fingers traced over his cheekbones seemingly of their own violation as he repeated softer still. "Pretty."

His face came closer his breathing getting slower.

"Small…tiny…you would have to be the...Will…" His voice trailed off as his fingers rubbed over William’s lower lip. "Oh…fuck, Will." Then his lips just lightly grazed over William’s.

A soft gasp escaped William as Liam's lips brushed his in a gentle kiss. It's what he's dreamed about, what he's wanted for so long, and yet he is terrified like he's never been before. His hands slid up Liam's naked back and tangled in his hair as he deepened the kiss.

Pulling back, just a bit he whispered against Liam's mouth. "Waited so long...”

Liam's eyes opened then and he pulled back as if burnt standing up. "Yeah…uhmmm…well it's getting late and you know we should really get back. Get some sleep---you know? And Precious, she must be getting really restless right now." Liam turned buttoning his last button, fighting with his belt, as he climbed the sandy hill, letting the beer just lay where it was.

Sitting there in the sand, William was overcome with a pain in his gut. He kissed me---he bloody well kissed me and now...

"Liam what is it? What did I do wrong?" He clambered to his feet and followed Liam like a lost puppy. "I'm sorry...I…fuck it!" He snapped yanking Liam around. "Talk to me Liam...just talk to me. Don't you walk away!"

Liam yanked his arm out of William’s grip. "WHAT? I'm fine I'm just tired---all right? Is that okay? Now come on get you back to the house so you can get Precious." He turned then paused, glancing back. "I'm…I'm alright Will…just come on." Liam wrenched the car door open and climbed in pulling on his hat. Starting it up he pulled out to head down the road.

Staring at Liam's car roaring down the road, William cursed himself for a fool. Heading for his car, he noticed Liam's discarded shirt and picked it up as he got in the car. Starting it up he headed out following Liam's trail of dust with Liam's shirt next to him.

***

Liam nearly wrecked the car twenty times from the lake back to the house, but he made it in one piece. When he arrived back at the house he jumped out of the car, opened the front door, and ran in to grab Precious--- who’d been sleeping quietly on his bed. Seconds later he was outside waiting for William to pull in.

He petted Precious softly, acting as if everything was normal. He just wanted to hand over the dog, go to bed, and act like this night had never happened. Start the next day anew.

Pulling into the drive, William saw Liam standing on the front porch in the bright light of the headlights. He sighed softly when he saw Precious cradled in Liam's arms. He knew that the night was over and maybe it was for the best. With a deep breath he stepped out of the car and walked round to the porch looking up at Liam.

"Guess you’re right. Been a long day." He took Precious from Liam smiling weakly. "Maybe tomorrow we could hook up...have a beer or maybe lunch?"

"You bet." Liam happily replied his voice steady. "Now go on get home…sleep…call tomorrow. We'll set up something."

"Night..." William turned and got back in the car. He glanced up to see Liam lingering in the doorway as he shifted into drive. "Ain't that easy, luv. I've waited too bloody long for you---for us."

Pulling out of the driveway he headed home his hands so tight on the wheel his knuckles were white.

"Ain't that easy at all..." he whispered.

~Part: 5~

Liam walked back inside the house, leaning his head back against the door.

God what had happened? And what the hell had he been thinking? He wasn't sure, but he wasn't planning on examining it any further. With a turn of the lock, Liam stumbled into his bedroom. Stripping off his clothes, he plopped into bed, falling into a fitful sleep.

***

Waking at dawn, William groaned as he rolled over away from the windows.

He didn't even want to think about last night. Hell that was all he had thought about in his dreams last night. Yanking the covers over his head he groaned and tried to fall back to sleep, but he was woken completely by Precious who's incessant yapping ended with a flying leap onto William's stomach.

"Bloody hell!" William yelped as the tiny rat burrowed beneath the blanket only to place an ice-cold nose on his neck. "Yeah...yeah I know!"

Tossing the blanket aside William stood grabbing a pair of sweats and yanked them on with an annoyed expression

"Sodding rat-arsed dog...can't let a man get any sleep."

Heading downstairs Precious yapping at his heels he walked through the kitchen and opened the back door. Precious darted past his legs into the yard yapping happily as she chased after the squirrels in the yard. Running a hand through his mussed hair William walked to the phone and stared at it contemplating what he was going to say if he called Liam.

With a faint sigh he lifted the cordless from its cradle and dialed information. "Yeah…can I have a number for Liam Garrigan?" He waited patiently as the operator connected him and the phone rang.

"Hello?" Liam’s groggy voice came over the phone.

"Liam?" William softly whispered. "It's, Will." He flinched inwardly as he waited for the explosion.

"Oh…hey…what time is it?" Liam tiredly glanced at the alarm clock beside the bed. "Damn! Wow never even knew there was an eight o’ clock in morning. So, what can I do ya for? I mean---what do you want? I mean---what’s up? FUCK!! Just talk."

A million things cross William's mind, but he doubted Liam would appreciate most of them. Not after last night.

"I was...well I was thinking we could have lunch. Sorry it's so early, but apparently Precious knew there was an eight o'clock in the morning." He laughed softly.

Liam chuckled. "Yeah, sure. There’s a diner it's called Mildred's…it's like only a year old. It's by Bucky's gas station used to be Girard's gas station---you remember?"

"Yeah...I remember..." he smiled remembering he and Liam stopping there to get soda pops on a hot summer day. "How's noon for you, pet?"

"Noon works fine. See you then." Liam hung up.

Leaning against the porch pillar William sighed as the phone went dead in his ear. "God, I hope I ain't bloody well ruined this." Letting out a sharp whistle, he grinned as Precious pranced around the corner and up the steps. "Well now, luv...you gonna give me some fashion advice. Can't come off as a complete queer now can I?"

Precious let out a soft yap prancing into the house.

"Yeah, my sentiments exactly, luv." William chuckled as he followed her tiny wagging tail into the house.

***

Around eleven thirty Liam crawled out of bed finally.

Throwing on a loose blue tee shirt, a pair of dark blue jeans as well as sliding his feet into his boots, he ran a hand through his hair sighing. He could do this---he could. This was his best friend, he could do this, he just had to forget the last few minutes of the previous night, and everything would be fine.

Just then, those minutes came to him in distinct clarity. He found himself covering his mouth as if to stop the urge to scream or possibly puke. He still couldn't figure out what had come over him. All he knew was that in that moment it felt as if it were the most natural thing to do. That---more than anything---scared him.

Making a decision that was by far the best Liam stormed out of the house, grabbing the car keys on the way. Jumping in the car, he pulled out leaving a cloud of dust behind him. He headed in the opposite direction than the one he’d planned to go. He had to make these thoughts stop somehow and he only knew one way to do that.

****

After hours of rooting in the closet and dressing and undressing William stood in front of the mirror looking at his reflection with a critical eye. He decided on a faded pair of Levi’s loose enough they didn't scream 'Look at my arse!’ but looked good anyway. His black boots and a dark blue tee shirt that made his eyes stand out completed the outfit. His hair was still damp from the shower falling in soft russet tinged blonde curls.

"So Precious what do you think you annoying little bint? Not to sexed up?" He turned from the mirror grinning at the tiny ball of fur sitting in a pile of discarded clothes on the bed.

Precious cocked her head, eyes twinkling, and yapped twice as if in approval.

"Yeah…I thought so, too." He walked to the bed and scratched Precious behind her ears. "Shall we leave you with Mary, pet?"

Picking up Precious he grabbed his denim jacket with the Union Jack on the back and headed downstairs.

After finding Mary cleaning the parlor, he left Precious in her care. Putting on his glasses he whistled softly as he headed for the car and his lunch date at Mildred's Diner.

***

Liam pushed open the door walking into Gator’s.

Moving to the far end of the bar, he flopped onto a stool tapping the bar. "Hey! Come on isn't to damn early for a patron! I want a beer and I know you’re here Gator!"

Wesley ‘Gator’ Pryce knew that voice all to well and this early in the day something must be eating Liam Garrigan's gut up. With a grunt of disbelief he pushed up the sleeves of his faded denim shirt and scrubbed one callused hand over his unshaven face. Pushing aside the box of crawdads he’d been unpacking he pushed open the swinging door into the bar.

"Noon? Liam Garrigan it is noon and I believe your sorry behind should be at work. Not in my bar wanting a drink." He peered over his wire-rimmed glasses with sharp blue eyes and shook his head. "Now who is it this time? Susie? Tammy? Or is it another one of your many sweet lays?"

He was tempted to turn Liam away, but if he did, he was quite sure Liam would find another watering hole. Turning to the tap, he poured Liam a beer and himself one, then turned back dropping the beer in front of Liam.

"So…broody boy…talk to Gator."

Liam snorted taking a big gulp of beer. He raised his hand and began ticking off fingers. "One I have a couple days off courtesy of da’. Two, I wish I had girl troubles. Three, you’re not my mom. Four keep the beers coming. Five tell Charlie I said hey when you call to rat me out you bastard."

Gator threw his hands up in mock horror. "I do believe if I were to leave you to your own devices you'd drop off the face of the earth. Either that or end up being bait for the gators I hunt." He chuckled, taking a swig of his beer and raised a brow in curiosity. "Look Liam the beers will be coming, but if it ain't the ladies, then what pray tell brings you to my fine establishment?"

Silence greeted him for a few minutes, and then Liam gulped down the rest of his beer and pushed forward the mug to be refilled. "History, friendship, revelations- --of the not everyday variety---and lets leave it there alright. I don't feel much like sharing this story. Actually I came to drown this story right out of print."

Shaking his head Gator upturned his beer with a sigh. He'd seen this Liam before and it wasn’t a pretty sight-- -never was.

Turning to the tap he poured another beer and dropped it in front of Liam. "Well, there's the second and if you need another I'll be in the back. Got to get the ship- ments checked in before Chef brings his ever-loving lard ass in here. I ain't looking to piss his ass off today."

Pushing through the door into the kitchen he headed for his tiny office in the back and settled down at his desk. Sure as the sun rose Liam would be pissed, but he needed to call Charlie eventually. So, better now than later. He picked up the phone and dialed Garrigan's garage.

"Howdy…you reached Garrigan’s Auto Body. You crash it we make it better than it was before you messed it up. Speak." Charlie answered chipper.

"Charlie…it's Gator..." Gator leaned back propping his feet on his desk. "Guess whose here?"

The line was silent for a second, and then Charlie’s confused voice came over the line. "Ain't possible. If there was ever a time my bro’ wouldn't be there, surely it would be today man. He just had the happiest thing happen to him in a good long while. Took place the last night. There is no damn way my bro’ is siting there in that bar unless he is there with a friend playing pool to show his haunts, Gator."

"Well, I am here to tell you Charlie that your brother is sitting here. Sitting like he just got his ass kicked by another of his conquests. He ain't got a soul with him and for once he ain't talkin' Charlie."

"Not talkin’?" Charlie repeated his voice near hysteria or total disbelief. If there was, one thing his brother did well was vent. Vent his feelings, his troubles, anything as long as he got to scream to out. Granted he needed to be drunk usually, but with Gator, he talked sober or drunk.

"Yep..." Gator sighed. "He ain't talkin' and that my friend worries me. What happened yesterday, Charlie? What would get him to clam up like that and spend his time soaking up beer this early in the morning?" Gator dropped his feet to the floor. Rummaging in the top drawer of his desk, he pulled out a Cuban and lights up.

"God he hasn't done the ‘no talkin’ in the bar at noon thing’ since mom. Man and that night sucked beyond belief. Dad had to drag him out---you remember? Damn I don't know Gator. Will came home and you know who that is even if you never seen his face."

"Will? That the friend of his---LaCroix's boy that was sent to some high fluting school in London? Well, damn Charlie he should be celebrating not soaking his sorrows in cheap beer." Gator blew out a cloud of smoke chewing on the cigar thoughtfully. "I'm telling you Charlie that boy is in quite a bit of pain."

"FUCK!! Damn it all to hell! I can't leave now not with taking on Liam’s load. Dad don't need this right now. Just watch him Gator and don't let him go to another bar. I'll try to get a hold of William. I don't know what's going on but it's messed up. Something deep had to happen. I just don't know what."

"Sure thing, Charlie. That boy ain't leaving this bar even if I got to chain his ass to a pool table. I'll be here so give me a call...okay?"

"Okay."

***

William was sitting in Mildred's staring out the window with a lost expression on his face. He knew that Liam had said noon was fine---he knew it. He also knew that his gut was screaming something bloody awful was going on.

He twirled his straw in his coke and sighed. Last night had been a nightmare. After years of friendship, he was sure Liam had decided to walk away. Tears welled in his eyes as he thought of that sweet kiss. It should have never happened, he thought, but he would bloody well be damned if he was going to let Liam short change him.

Reaching in his jacket pocket he dialed Garrigan's garage and waited as the phone rang.

"Hey, Garrigan’s Auto Body how can we help?" Charlie sounded stressed.

"Charlie boy...it's...it's Will, luv. Is Liam there?"

"OH, THANK GOD! Boy…Mary said you wasn’t home and then she went all spacey. Said she had to go and she didn't fucking tell me where you went, William. Man you have to tell me what’s fucking going on. Cause Liam isn't here and where he is he shouldn't be---not at noon. Noon and Liam isn't a good time to be where he fucking is."

"Dammit Charlie! He was suppose to meet me for lunch at Mildred's and he bloody well didn't show. God, Charlie where is he...just tell me..." William's voice cracked as he spoke. "I need to talk to him, pet."

"Gator’s bar on the other end of town. He's currently trying to repeat history by drinking himself probably to a near death." Charlie was pissed off at Liam---no doubt. Then he lowered his voice. "William whatever happened you have to make it right. I'm not blaming you but this makes no sense. He missed you something bad and now that you’re here it just isn't making sense. Gator says he's acting like a wounded dog when one of his lays dumps him on his ass. So if you’re going out there then be prepared. I imagine your father told you about Liam's exploits. Your going to see that boy your father speaks about."

William swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "Charlie I swear to you that I'll make it right...I will...no matter what it takes. And my father doesn't know Liam...he just doesn't. So, fuck his sodding arse. I'm going out there now, Charlie. I'm going to talk some bloody sense into him even if it kills me."

"It may, it may, or it may make you lose that love you got for him, William." The sound of the phone moving drifted to Will’s ears, then Charlie says softly into the phone. "But then maybe not…maybe you'll survive it better than any of us can. You always loved him something fierce and different---didn't you? Go to him...get him out of that bar. I got to go to work now." Then the line went dead.

William stared at the phone for a moment, then tucked it in his jacket pocket, throwing a twenty on the table, and ran out of the diner. Charlie was right he did love Liam and from Charlie's tone, he was pretty sure Charlie knew it wasn’t just the brotherly type love.

Sliding into the car he started it up and headed out to find Liam and this Gator's Swamp Hole.

***

Slamming the mug a little too hard onto the bar Liam growled. He was on beer number six and Gator seemed to be getting slower on purpose. "Gator I swear to CHRIST! You come out here and fill this up or I tell everyone your whole damn name---got me?"

The swinging door slammed open revealing Gator who glared at Liam. "Boy…I swear I don't know why I put up with your sorry ass!" He snapped. "Don't you think you perhaps have had enough? And you go flapping your gums all you want. I told you Chef would have my ass if these shipments weren't taken care of and he is doing just that right now."

From the kitchen, a deep booming voice similar to Barry White's drifted out. "Gator boy ain't you got no sense! I told you not to be buying crawdads from that shyster Elroy! This is the most pathetic excuse for a crawdad that I've had the honor of knowing!"

Gator rolled his eyes as he poured another beer and slammed it on the counter. "Hear that!" He growled. "I swear if Chef were any further up my ass I'd think I was gay!" Turning on heel Gator stormed back into the kitchen. "Chef god dammit I done told you I ain't got much choice!"

Liam swallowed hard fingering the mug muttering quietly. "Yeah, well join the club Gator."

He tipped back the mug and started to swallow gulp after gulp just as a girl walked by in a tiny skirt. Liam reached out and pinched her ass. Yelping she turned glaring at him as he wiggled his brows.

The front door chose that moment to swing open and William---eyes ablaze with fury like a jilted lover--- stormed into the bar. Eyes scanning the dark, noisy bar his gaze settled on Liam.

"Son of a bloody bitch..." William grumbled as he stalked towards the bar. He took a seat on the stool behind Liam and leaned in close. "Thought we were meeting for lunch you arsehole..."

Liam casually downed the rest of the beer in his mug and smiled at the girl sweetly. "Sorry baby we'll have to play later." Turning on his stool, he looked at Will as if he were just some stranger in a bar. "Sorry must have slipped my mind." Then he looked towards the door leading to the back room screaming as loud as he could. "Didn't even fucking make it more than ten minutes--- did ya you rat fucker?!"

"Bite my gator hunting ass you drunken prick!" Gator yelled out the door, then ducked back into the kitchen.

William raised a dark brow and snorted. "Seems he knows you pretty sodding well." His voice was tight with anger. "I don't think...hell I bloody well know it didn't slip your mind!" He growled.

"And what? You want me to apologize? Buy you flowers? Sorry sweetheart I told you it's not my style." Liam hissed with a bored expression, then stood leaning over the bar to grab a bottle of whiskey. Reaching into his pant’s pocket, he threw a twenty down. "Keep the change you backstabber!" He screamed towards the back as he strolled around the bar into the back room where the pool table and jukebox sat.

"You bloody son of a bitch!" William stormed after him. "You want to hide in the fucking closet! Fine by me! But don't you treat me like some weak arsed nancy boy that's panting at your heels!" He grabbed Liam's shoulder yanking him around. "I ain't the one who decided to play tonsil hockey on the beach last night!"

Liam pulled William against him covering his mouth with his hand, then gritted between his teeth. "You little son of a bitch. I'm not in any damn closet and I do not want my fucking mistakes aired like laundry---do you understand, Will?" Pulling his hand back, he released Will from his grip, then turned shoving a quarter into the jukebox punching in numbers in angrily. A second later a loud rock ballad started, drowning out the sound of the room and the rest of the bar. He moved closer to Will then tilted his head. "You've been gone a really long time Will and maybe you should just go home. Leave me be. We'll sort this later."

"Bull shit! We will not sort this later! Later is now you sodding prick!" William grabbed the front of Liam's shirt yanking him down to eye level. "And frankly I don't care if your 'dirty' laundry is aired on fucking 60 Minutes!" William snarled, his eyes flashing.

"Well…well wheezy wittle Willy has got him some balls. Must be that whole wounded gay boy thing." Liam snapped sarcastically.

A tall, leggy blonde walked in distracting Liam and causing him to sigh. "Susie what are you doing here?"

"I heard you were here…wanted to talk." Susie softly whispered.

"What about?"

"You know." Demurely Susie batted her lashes.

Liam rolled his eyes. "Susie you know what? Let me guess Rom kicked you out?"

A mixture of mock shock and guilt flushed over Susie’s face.

"Well…I'm sorry, but I don’t have time for the pity fuck. I can only deal with one person who wants my cock at a time. And Will here...already signed up for today’s slot. So maybe another time."

Susie gasped in shock, then scuttled out.

"You bloody mother fucker!" William roared slamming his fist into Liam's still jabbering jaw.

Totally shocked Liam froze then his arm rose, his hand rubbing his jaw. "Well then…wasn't that new?" He shifted his jaw, opening, and closing his mouth, as he walked around William slowly. "What? Hit a nerve did I?"

"Nerve? I don't right think so mate!" William's lip curled twisting his face into an animalistic snarl. "You say you're me bloody friend! You say you missed me! Well if you care about me so sodding much, then why in the bloody hell are you doing everything in your power to hurt me? What the fuck? I wasn't the one that made the first move! You did! YOU!!" William clench- ed his fists so hard his nails drew blood. "It was just a bloody kiss you arse! You're acting like you fucked me up the arse!"

Liam snarled, flinching as a surge of pain flared in his jaw. Getting in William’s face, he begins to say some- thing, then he growled, turning and going out the back door. The door slammed shut behind him with a resounding thud.

Storming after Liam his face flushed with anger William grabbed his shoulder. "No bloody way in hell you're getting off that easy Liam Garrigan! Don't you fucking walk away from me, luv!"

Liam wrenched his arm away screaming. "ARE ALL YOU GAY BOYS WOMEN?! I can do what I want, when I want, how I want---got me?"

"Bastard! You bloody bastard! What happened to 'it doesn't matter that you’re gay Will' or the 'you’re my best friend Will I still love you'?! If I hear you do one more swamp rat, redneck, gay bashing line I swear to God you will be picking your sorry drunken arse up off this parking lot with a few broken bones!" William roared.

Liam smiled darkly stepping into William’s space.

"Come on then…hit me."

Clenching his fist William swung hard slamming his knuckles into Liam's chin. "FUCK YOU!"

Liam's head snapped back his body turning to the side. He leaned over, spit out a mouthful of blood from his bitten tongue, then straightened turning back to William.

"Come on again."

With a snarl, William swung again. This time his fist hit Liam's jaw. "You want it you got it, peaches!"

Liam’s head snapped back again, this time he stayed upright and facing William. Rubbing his jaw, he shook his head. "Come on Willy…you’re not even tryin’ baby. Put your ‘heart’ into it. Don't be such a pussy."

"Mother fucker!" Will's fist hit Liam in the stomach. "I ain't your baby! And I sure and the bloody hell am not a pussy! Much less yours!"

Grabbing William's upper arms Liam backed them up slowly to the wall. When he finally spoke his voice was steady and true. "But you want to be---don't you baby? You want to be mine. It's why I'm getting to you, hurting you---isn't it?" Liam stopped when William hit the wall. "Isn't it, Will?" He whispered softly.

"No! I don't!" Will screamed as he twisted in Liam's grip. "Why would I...I want you…you hateful bastard?!" His eyes narrowed. "Now let me go or I swear to bloody hell I will kick you in the sodding balls!"

Liam pressed his body against William’s, but not hard, just enough for them both to feel the others heat and presence. "Then do it. You want away from me so bad kick me in the balls and prove me wrong, Will."

Eyes wide and filled with icy fury William drew his knee back. "Fucking prick!" His knee slammed up.

Tilting his head Liam grinned. "Knee cap isn't my balls, Will."

"No…it ain't!" William spit out. "Unlike you I ain't a heartless bastard..." his voice dropped, his lower lip quivering, as his vision began to blur. "I'd never hurt me best mate like he's hurt me..."

"Shhh…please don't get upset, Will." Liam whispered, his hands moving up the younger man’s arms. "Please I didn't mean it…you know I didn't mean it."

"Do I?" William choked out, turning his face away, his eyes closing. "I tell you the hardest thing I've ever had to tell you...and you turn into a homophobic arsehole. Even after you told me it didn't matter...even when you said you still..." the tears began to fall down his face. He couldn't help it. Suddenly he was that skinny little boy again with not a friend in the world.

Liam felt like the ass he was suddenly. He settled his hands on either side of his friend’s face turning his own to lay a scruffy cheek along William’s smooth one. He spoke so softly it was hard to hear. "I do still…I do. I wasn't lying to you, Will."

"Do you, Liam?" Will whimpered softly his eyes opening as his gut tightened. "I don't know anymore what to bloody believe..."

Liam nodded his hand lifting, his fingers tucking a strand of hair behind William’s ear, then moving over to trace the frame of William's glasses. "Yes, I do…I love you. I'm just…" he paused his fingers drifting over William's cheek, down to his lips again the same path they had went the previous night. "I just don't understand what's happening to me."

"Neither do I..." William whispered as he kissed Liam's fingers. "I need you Liam...bloody hell I need you so bad. I always have."

Liam's breath hitched at the sight of William kissing his fingers as he pressed them a bit firmer against his lips. "God what are you doing?"

Looking up into Liam's eyes, William sucked one of his fingers between his lips, then whispered softly. "Bloody well showing you how much, pet."

Liam pushed his finger further between William’s lips parting them further. "Let me return the favor then--- huh?" His finger withdrew as his lips pressed to William’s, his fingers grabbing a handful of hair, tangling in it as his body pressed tighter to the slighter man in front of him.

Trembling beneath Liam's hard body William moaned into the kiss. Slowly he began grinding his hips against Liam's. He wanted him so bloody bad it hurt, he thought, as his arms encircled Liam's torso. His fingers traced patterns along the cotton covered spine, finally drifting down to that sweet dip just above what he knew was the hottest arse he'd ever seen. Gently his hands cupped the curve of Liam's muscled ass massaging and squeezing as his tongue darted out to dance with Liam's.

Suddenly Liam's eyes shot wide and he pulled back.

Blinking behind his glasses, William licked his lips, tasting Liam on them, and sighed. "What's wrong, luv?"

"I...I." Liam attempted to find the right words. He started to pace slowly running his hands through his hair.

Straightening up William ran his fingers through his own tangled hair stepping in front of Liam. "Talk to me Liam...for god's sake...your bloody well scaring me..." he whispered softly.

Looking into William’s eyes, he spoke softly. "I do love you." Turning he walked to the door opening it, then paused. "But I'm not gay, Will."

He disappeared inside grabbing the whiskey bottle on his way to his car.

A soft whimper rose in William's throat as he slammed his fist into the wall his knuckles splitting. Without a second thought, he followed Liam through the door, into the bar, and out to his car.

"Liam Garrigan exactly how far up your bloody arse is that fat head of yours?"

Liam slid into his car starting the engine never looking at William. "Must be pretty damn far because first time kissing you a boo-boo that can be fixed. Second time bad on me…my own damn fault. Now I'm going home and you should do the same." With a squeal of tires, Liam pulled out heading toward his house.

William stomped his foot like a spoiled child and growled deep in his chest. "Stupid bloody git!"

He headed for his car following Liam as close as he could. He was not letting the bastard walk away. Once might have been an accident---though he doubted it--- twice though wasn't.

***

Liam glanced up to see William following him in his rear view mirror and sighed. He didn't want to deal with this now or ever, but he knew there wasn’t a thing he could do to stop him. William knew where he lived and everywhere he would go.

When he finally pulled into the driveway Liam headed straight for the front door, unlocked it, and went in leaving the door wide open. Leaning against the wall, he started to untie his boots as he waited for William.

***

Pulling into the drive next to Liam's car William got out ready to fight Liam to get inside. To his utter surprise, the door was wide open. Walking in he eyeballed Liam's ass then dropped on the sofa fishing out a smoke and lighting up.

"So..." he paused as he smiled.

"Sooo..." Liam drawled as he tossed the boots to the side locking the door. When he was done with the door, he pointed to the coffee table. "Remote is there, food is in the fridge, phone is on the wall in the kitchen. Have fun." He picked up the whiskey bottle walking to his bedroom.

"Good night, Will."

That was the last thing Liam said as he slammed the door shut behind him. The sound of the lock clicking echoed through the house.

Raising a brow William exhaled and stood. "I'll be here in the morning broody boy!" He yelled as he meandered into the kitchen in search of a beer.

He'd call Mary and let her know where he was at, he thought. After a quick look in the fridge, he put together a sandwich, then placed the call to Mary. Retrieving the sandwich and a beer, he headed back to the living room.

With a loud sigh, he cleared the sofa off and made himself comfortable, then turned on the television. As he flipped the channels, he grinned. At least Liam had cable, he thought, as he settled on Showtime and an episode of 'Queer as Folk'.

***

Liam shucked off his tee shirt, unbuttoned, and dropped his pants flopping onto the bed. He twisted the cap off the whiskey taking a few big swallows of it. He’d heard William’s announcement about how he'd be there in the morning and snorted.

"Like I didn't know that."

Rolling onto his back he stared up at the ceiling and muttered. "But who says I'm leaving this room ever ya little shithead."

***

Out in the living room William finished his sandwich and beer, then lit up another smoke. Snuggling into the sofa, he watched Ben and Michael kissing. His mind flashed back to the bar and he sighed as his jeans began to tighten.

"Oh, what the bloody hell..." he mumbled as his gaze focused on the two lovers on the television.

Ben was running his hands up and down Michael's back as he kissed him. And by God, it was a bloody fucking hot kiss, William thought. Moaning softly, he began stroking himself through his jeans as Ben slowly stripped Michael. Well, if Liam wasn't going to cooperate at least Ben and Michael were putting on a show.

Liam groaned as the sound of William’s moan drifted through the door. "No fucking shit on my couch, Will! God damn it!" He screamed.

He knew it was a lost cause, so he just pulled a pillow over his face and screamed into it.

"Ain't shitting, luv!" William screamed back an evil grin twitching at the corner of his lips. "Of course you could always 'come' see what I am doing."

"No, thanks I'm good!" Liam tipped the bottle back drinking nearly half of the contents.

"Well, you know where I am if you change your mind, pet! Just might open your eyes!"

Slowly William slid his zipper down releasing the erection he'd had since the bar. A sigh of relief escaped him as he took his cock in hand and began to stroke to the wonderful sounds of Ben and Michael going at it like wild animals.

Liam groaned again tossing back the rest of the whiskey then fell back covering his face with the pillow, chanting to himself. "Have drunk will pass out…have drunk will pass out…have drunk will pass out."

Finally, he drifted off in a drunken haze of mixed emotions and feelings. All of those emotions and feelings centered on the boy just outside his door.

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