Bayou Boys

Authors: Pet & Foxhunt2blue

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~Part: 11~

Liam walked out on to the porch chewing thoughtfully on a pancake, glancing over at William. Reaching over he pushed William’s feet off the table talking around a mouthful of pancake. "Your mom wouldn't like you scuffing her table, Will. Be respectful."

A soft snort escaped William as his booted feet hit the floor, his gaze never moving from the squirrel that he'd been watching run up and down one of the magnolia trees. "Since when did respect become part of your vocabulary Liam?" He chewed at his lower lip thoughtfully as he reached for the remainder of his mimosa.

"I like your Mom she's nice to me and she doesn't treat me like I'm vile, dirty, poor or a troublemaker. She treats me like a good man so I think I owe it to her to make sure you don't scuff her tables is all." Liam sat down in the chair next to Will shoving the last of the pancake in his mouth.

William glanced over at Liam a soft smile tickling the corner of his mouth. "I suppose that's true..." he leaned over and licked along Liam's chin, then pulled back chuckling. "Do you think my mum would mind much about us?" He raised a brow smacking his lips. "Mary's honey-walnut syrup?"

"I don't much know, but I doubt she would. I think your father is a whole other story though…I think he may shoot me when he finds out."

Groaning Will slumped back in his chair, arms crossed in front of his chest, and his lower lip sticking out in a childish pout. "Dad's a bleedin' wanker..." he mumbled.

"But he's still your Dad the bastard." Liam stood, wip- ing his hands on his jeans. "Listen I need to go home and change. You can come with if you want or stay here. But I need to get out of these clothes I'm a guy, but not that much of a slob---clothes wise that is."

Glancing up through dark lashes William's pout changed to a shit eating grin. "So is that an invite to defile your bed with my nasty, little, naked body?"

"No…that was me saying I need to go home and change. I have a few things I need to do today then I'm taking you out tonight. Don't fancy looking like I'm so poor I only own one outfit, but if you want to roll on my bed and do nasty things with it who am I to discourage." Liam replied with a sultry smirk.

Bouncing from his chair William smacked Liam in the back of the head playfully, then ran through the door. "Wasn't plannin' on bein’ alone you bleedin' ponce!" He yelled over his shoulder.

Taking his keys out of his pocket Liam yelled out as he followed Will out of the house. "I never said you would be either---now did I?"

***

Pulling into his driveway Liam turned off the engine, then headed for the door. Without pause he unlocked it, went inside, slipped off his shoes, then tugged his dirty shirt over his head and tossed it into a corner already piled with dirty laundry. Working on his belt he headed to his bedroom.

William followed Liam through the house into the bedroom and grinned from ear to ear.

"Shit!"

He made a running leap and pounced into the middle of the king sized platform bed like an over exuberant child. "I'm gonna have fun breaking this in!!" He laughed as he bounced on his knees.

"I've heard that before." Liam stepped out of his jeans, then bent over opening the bottom drawer of the dresser, looking for a new pair of jeans.

Shooting Liam a razzberry, fully aware that Liam couldn't see him, William kicked off his boots. His boots were quickly followed by his tee-shirt, and then he began squirming out of his jeans. "Come on Liam! Let's give it the old soddin' college try!"

Liam smiled to himself turning around. "Haven't you had enough? Aren't you ‘sore’ or anything?"

Rolling his eyes William tossed his jeans, hitting Liam in the face. "Sore? Hmmm...should I be?"

"Oh…now see that one hurt. Now I don't think I'm in the mood." Liam mocked with a hurt tone, turning back around to continue his search for a pair of jeans.

With a pout William pulled himself to his knees. "Awww...did I hurt little Liam's feelings?" He licked his lips creeping across the sheets like a giant cat. "Maybe little Liam can show little Willie the error of his ways. What do you think?"

Liam crossed his arms over his chest and pouted, mockingly. "I think you need discipline. You’re a very bad boy."

"How bad?" William waggled his brows, then turned to wiggle his ass at Liam. "Care to demonstrate how to discipline a naughty boy? Hmmm...daddy?"

A crack exploded across William’s ass, then another. "How you think I'm doing so far? Hmm…?"

With a wild yelp William scrambled up the bed, his ass cheeks quivering and glowing red. "Bloody hell! That hurt!" He tried his best to glare at Liam over his shoulder, but burst out laughing, burying his face in the pillows.

Suddenly William’s leg was grabbed and he was being pulled back down the bed. "I never said I was done punishing you yet…boy."

William wailed and flopped against the sheets like a fish gasping for air. "No! No! Don't spank me!" Quickly followed by a series of muffled giggles as he dug his fingers into the mattress. "Please...please don't daddy!"

A soft growl was William's only answer as Liam gripped his hip with one hand, then used the other to smack William’s ass a few times in quick succession.

"That's for being bad...this is for trying to get away." Liam smacked William’s ass a few more times. "And this is because your ass is just too luscious to resist." Suddenly Liam’s mouth was trailing over his ass, licking and sucking the red raised welts.

Falling forward William groaned as he pushed his ass skyward. He'd never let anyone spank him, but damn he was so hot right now you could have fried an egg on his cock. Another moan exploded into the sheets as he wiggled his ass.

Liam pulled William back by his hips, kissing and laving his ass, then sucking on the red welts soothing them. Finally he rubbed his thumbs over the wet skin then back down. Growling William squirmed and fought Liam's grip.

"Jesus on a three legged goat!! Spank me more daddy...please!!!" His plea turned to a wail of need as his cock swelled at the thought of Liam spanking him while fucking him.

Biting William’s ass cheek Liam whispered. "You want me to spank you again baby?"

"Have I been bad enough?" William glanced over his shoulder panting, his erection slapping against his belly. "Cause really I can be far worse, daddy. I swear..." the last was a soft purr as he wriggled in Liam's grip. "Real bad..."

"Oh…I just bet you can." Liam purred as he sat up rubbing his palm down William's ass cheeks. "I bet you can be ‘real’ naughty. My own personal bad boy…I think I like that." Lifting his palm he brought it back, then forward sharply striking William’s ass with a resounding smack.

William let out a yelp at the sharpness of the first blow, but it was followed by a delicious tingle. He'd never thought this could be a turn on, but damn Liam was good at this. "Spanked many arses before, pet?" He growled softly. "Cause thinking daddy's hands have been somewhere else and I want to be the only bad boy you'll ever need."

"Had a girl once liked it rough. I gave her a few taps never like this though. I just think you bring out the demon in me, Will." Liam’s voice deepened with want and desire as he smacked William's ass again and again watching the skin redden. He only seemed to get more turned on by it.

Soft whines escaped Will as he panted and squirmed. He took a deep breath, then whimpered. " Spank...more spanky, but...shit want...you...inside me!" He pushed his ass back against Liam's palm as it made contact again with a resounding 'thwack'.

Liam reached over to the bedside, grabbing the lotion off the stand, and slicked up his fingers. Pressing them against William’s hole he pushed the first finger in stretching slowly, then pushed a second inside him all while swatting his ass with his free hand. The double assault of Liam's fingers inside him and the quick harsh slap to his ass was enough to bring out the banshee in William.

He pushed back against the fingers, bucking wildly as he whimpered and plead. "More daddy...more...Will's been a bad little boy..."

"Ohh…baby god I love you." Liam moaned as he pushed a third finger into Will, stroking them deep inside, getting them deeper and deeper with each pull and thrust. His free hand kept smacking, changing direction every couple swats leaving his hand print painted in several different spots on Will’s ass. By now his cock had hardened to the point of pain.

"Daddy...yes...fuck yes...!" William wailed, writhed, and his ass quivered with each resounding smack. "I was bad...so bloody bad! Teach me whose boy I am!"

Liam shuddered pulling his fingers free, then lined himself up with Will’s stretched opening. Pushing forward slowly he growled softly, full of carnal desire for this man. "You’re mine, you’re my boy."

"Yours...yes yours..." William moaned as Liam pushed forward, impaling him inch by exquisite inch. "...bad... bad boy...fuck me daddy...please..." His hips pushed back to met Liam's.

Gripping William’s hips harder Liam pushed as deep as he could, pulled back sharply, then forward again with just as much force. Groaning loudly then repeating those thrusts over and over his hands slid from Will's hips up his back scratching back down as he rode him hard and fast panting and groaning. Will’s back arched into Liam's hands, the feel of his nails adding an edge to the fading pain of his battered ass. He moaned as Liam thrust in and out with smooth strokes. His internal muscles rippled and tightened as he bit into the mattress. Too much, he thought, yet Liam hadn't even touched his aching cock yet.

"Daddy..." he whined and pushed back, "...harder... harder daddy! Fuck me harder!"

Liam laid himself over Will's back even further reaching under to grip Will's cock pumping even harder and faster into his body his mouth growling seductively into Will's ear. "Like this baby? This what you want?"

"Yes..." William moaned deep and writhed his mind having a hard time functioning on anything but the simplest of answers. He thrust his hips forward, his cock sliding into Liam's tight merciless grip, then thrust back, being stretched and filled by Liam's huge cock. yes, he thought, it was bleedin' huge, but he wasn't about to admit that to Liam.

"Yes...more please..." he gasped through trembling lips, "...make me ride you daddy..."

Liam pulled out flipping him up and around then pulled him into his lap. Pulling Will back down on his cock he stilled a moment hissing in a sharp breath his eyes fully dilated almost black with passion. He tilted his hips and thrust as deep as he could without causing any pain to Will.

"There ride me, Will, ride me baby."

With wide shocked eyes William cried out as he was slammed down on Liam's cock. "Yesss..." he hissed as he braced his hands on Liam's shoulders, then began slowly lifting himself until the tip was all that remained inside his clenching hole. "Daddy wants...me...to... ride?" He lowered his lashes and whimpered as he took Liam back in even deeper. "Feels good daddy. Does it feel good to you?" He glanced up from beneath his lashes as he rose on his knees once more clenching his ass tightly around the retreating cock.

Liam's eyes fluttered as his head dropped back a groan escaping him as his fingers dug into Will's back. "God yesss…it feels good! Fuck you feel so good."

"Am I a good boy now daddy?" William continued bouncing up and down Liam's thick length, whimpering. "Please touch me daddy...please..." he began twisting his hips in tandem with his thrusts up and down. "Touch you boy daddy...please?" he whined softly.

Liam lifted his head opening his eyes and staring intently at Will as he wrapped a hand around his cock. He stroked his fingers up and down in time with Will's thrusts. "Yes, baby…yes…god yes I'll touch you just don't stop. Don't ever stop."

More soft whines escaped William as he writhed in Liam's lap. God he couldn't get enough of this beautiful, wonderful man. All he wanted was to freeze this moment, he thought, and keep it like this forever. Grinding down he sobbed softly tears streaking his face as he felt his balls draw up and tighten.

"...please daddy...please I'll be a good boy...just...just..." he panted.

Moaning deeply Liam whispered. "Come for me baby."

With a scream of want William released a stream of cum between their sweat slicked bodies. One final down stroke and his ass tightened with his orgasm around Liam's cock, milking it hard.

"Fill me daddy...come for me daddy..." he whimpered.

"Ohhh…fuck, Will…" Liam gritted out his hands flying up to tangle in Will's hair his lips connecting hard with Will's. His kiss was hard and deep as he came hard inside him, shuddering and jerking.

William slipped his tongue between Liam's parted lips tangling it with Liam's. His teeth nip at Liam's lower lip and he moaned with release, with complete satisfaction as Liam's warm cum filled him. As the final spasms moved through his body he slumped against Liam whispering in his ear. "That was bloody well kinky, pet. Want to do that more often." He nipped at Liam's throat with a tired chuckle.

"Jesus what are you doing to me? I just can't help myself. I need to take you, devour you, get so far inside you, you can't get me out again. That can't be healthy but god it feels so damn good."

"Why not, luv?" William's voice was muffled as he clung to Liam. "Why isn't it healthy?" He lifted his head smiling sleepily up into Liam's exhausted face. "Why can't we want something so bad it hurts not to be near it." He lifted his trembling lips to Liam's and kissed him soft and slow. Pulling back he smiled wider. "Can't think of a healthier way to spend my time."

Liam slowly smiled lowering them both to their sides but wrapping his legs around Will's. "Neither can I. Just this worries me…us...sometimes."

Snuggling into Liam's warmth William looked up at him with emotionally raw eyes. He could never hide anything from Liam and he wasn't about to now.

"Worried about dad?" He frowned softly, then whispered. "Don't matter, luv. I would never let anyone tear us apart...hurt us...I'd protect you with my last breath, Liam."

Liam shook his head. "Not just your dad cause… honestly Will I could give a fuck less about him and I'm sure he feels the same about me. Hell I'm not even that afraid to tell Charlie or Dad not really a bit but not as much as you think. It's more the two of us. We've always been close so close and now there's more of that and doesn't that scare you? Doesn't ‘this’?" Liam pointed between them. "This intensity every time we touch, kiss, have sex doesn't it scare you at all? Aren't you worried I'll hurt you cause I want you so damn much? Aren't you scared that the passion will get so hot and deep that if I even see you with another man I'll try to kill him? Cause right now if I did see that that's awfully damn close to what I might do and that scares me. I scare me."

"Yes..." his reply was soft, "...I'm terrified beyond reason." He looked up again into Liam's wide dark eyes. "I'm afraid you'll change your mind again...that you'll leave me again. I'm so damn scared it's like a knot of bloody ice in my gut. I can't survive without you, Liam...I just can't. Your touch, your heart...your soul. Liam I've never loved like this...never. It scares me so completely."

Liam sighed lowering his head on top of Will's, kissing his hair. "I'll make a deal with you. You make sure I don't go all caveman to a homicidal degree and I'll never leave you ever again. This way we’re protecting each others worries."

A soft shudder traveled through William as he tighten- ed his arms around Liam's body. "Okay, pet. No caveman...no leaving." He placed a gentle kiss on Liam's shoulder and smiled at the salty taste of his skin. "Can we take a bit of a nap? Then maybe go have a drink somewhere? Maybe go down to see that bugger Gator?"

Liam smiled into Will's hair. "Remember how I said I was going to take you out later?"

"Uh-huh..." William mumbled against Liam's chest, then yawned.

"Well that's where I was planning on taking you."

William opened one eye and rolled over grinning sleepily at Liam. "Really?"

"Yes I mean we have to start somewhere right? Baby steps I introduce you to my friends you make friends with my friends then we slip in somewhere between all that about us. But not before I tell Charlie and Dad. Which is another thing I wanted to talk to you about."

Blinking and yawning William leaned up placing a gentle kiss on Liam's lips. "You worried about them, pet? I mean accepting us and all?"

Liam rubbed his face with a nod. "Yes...god yes I would be lying if I said I wasn't I'm scared to death Will. But if I've learned one thing if your scared of something confront it head on so I figured we could stop by Charlie's girlfriend first before the bar hang out with him and I can...I can.." His voice trailed off.

"Tell him?" William smiled gently as he lifted one arm up, curling it around Liam's neck and pulling him close. "Don't worry, luv. Charlie's your bro' and he wants you to be happy...I know that for a fact." He snuggled into Liam's throat kissing and nipping the warm skin. "I could tell that from his tone when he and I talked. He worries about you being alone and I think he's willing to even accept me if it makes you happy."

Exhaling a long breath Liam pressed his forehead against William's. "God I hope so."

Pulling Liam over on top of him William wrapped his legs around his waist. He held tight to Liam as tears welled beneath his lashes threatening to fall. He couldn't stand to think for a minute that his presence in Liam's life would cause him any grief.

"If we're lucky, pet...God's listening." He whispered softly into Liam's throat.

Liam chuckled, kissing the tears away. "Baby technically God hates us...technically...you know according to Bush and the Bible."

A soft snort vibrated against Liam's throat. "Fuck Bush...and since when do the bleedin' American politicians speak for God?"

Laughing Liam began tickling William's sides rolling them so that Will was on top of him then he reached up carding his fingers through Will's hair. "Since they think they are Gods but I don't really care either way. Will you do this with me? Will you help me get through it if it goes bad?"

Rolling his eyes William smiled wide, then leaned in so close his breath whispered against Liam's lips. "Ain't gonna go wrong, luv. I swear to you...and even if it does I ain't leavin'. I'd never let you suffer, it's not in my heart to do that...especially not when it comes to you." Closing the distance he kissed Liam putting every bit of his love into it that he could.

Liam cupped William’s face and continued the kiss in kind, matching it to William’s own. He kept kissing him until he had to pull back for a breath. Pressing his forehead back against Will's he patted his back twice.

"Okay, lets do this before I loose my nerve. Think we can get up and dressed without another attack of passion overload?"

One dark brow rose and then the other revealing two serious eyes. Suddenly William waggled both brows comically. "I don't know can we...daddy?" With a deep belly laugh he rolled off Liam and the bed landing on the floor, then scrambled for the bathroom.

Liam groaned pulling the covers over his head. "You are going to kill me. Just get dressed or I'll ‘Daddy’ your ass in a not so good way---please…?"

"Yes, Liam..." William's voice floated back to him from the bathroom. "Oh...and luv? Could you bring me bleedin clothes when you come. Can't be going to see Charlie in me skivvies now can I?"

Throwing the covers back Liam got up and started gathering Will's clothes. With a sigh he opened the door half-way and shoved his hand through. "Here you go."

"Thanks sweets..." William purred as he grabbed Liam's arm yanking him into the bathroom. He smiled up at Liam. "I need a helpin' hand scrubbing me back. I swear I'll behave myself...sides it conserves hot water to share." He stepped behind the shower curtain and began humming to himself.

Liam just stood there with a ‘not convinced’ look on his face. “Why do I feel like this is a trap? A good but still evil trap?"

Head popping around the shower curtain William put on his most serious face, despite the head of soap bubbles. "Now don't be like that, pet. I promised didn't I? No naughty hanky-panky."

"Okay...okay I'm coming in but I'm worried about you. Before I came along who scrubbed your back?" Liam flashed an evil smirk at William as he climbed in the shower, grabbing the soap and wash rag.

"Wouldn't ya like too know?" William waggled his brows in a suggestive manner, leering at Liam. "Course I never shag and tell."

Suddenly Liam's eyes flared with anger and he pulled William back against him. With a low whisper he growled in his ear. "No one else will ever scrub your back again but me." Then as fast as the anger came it vanished. Liam pushed William forward gently and started to wash his back again.

"Possessive much, luv?" William giggled as he caught himself against the shower wall. Turning he got serious and leaned his head back staring Liam in the eye.

"Never again..." he whispered softly.

Liam looked deep into Will's eyes then nodded turning his finger in a circle. "Good now I wasn't done turn back around."

Shivering William turned his back to Liam closing his eyes and letting the warm sluice of water sooth him. He should know better than to tease Liam, but he just couldn't help himself.

Liam resumed washing Will's back gently. "I'm sorry about that...well okay maybe I'm not...okay I am just I don't like that kind of thing I get...kind of...pissy and jealous. I tend to not share well. I mean I'm not stupid I know you had other lov...lovers I'd be stupid to think someone who looks like you do wouldn't god just imagin..." he sighed tapping William's shoulder so he could turn around and rinse. "I can just imagine how many guys wanted you. I want you more than anything and I was straight before you came back." Liam wiped the suds from his hands studying them as he talked, his voice soft. "See this is that thing I was telling you I was worried about."

"Hey now..." William caught Liam's chin with his fingertips and tilted his face up, "...it's all right, pet. I just have the worst timing." He glanced at Liam his cheeks flaming with shame for his annoying habit of humor. "I just...can't believe this is real. Never thought much about me looks...I always muck about when me insecurities get the best of me. I love you...I do. I'd never look at another bloke. Not now...not ever. You're all I'll ever need, luv."

Liam kissed Will's thumb. "I know and it wasn't like you were saying, ‘Hey Liam I'm going to shag another guy tomorrow you were just being cute about your past. I just went all caveman on you and I shouldn't have."

"I like the caveman..." William's laughter was soft as he stood up higher, his lips grazing Liam's. "You Tarzan...me...well Jane?" He wiggled his brows as he pulled Liam close wrapping him in his arms. "I like being Jane...like it more than I ever did before."

"You’re Scarlet…you’re Jane. What's next? Juliet to my Romeo?"

A snicker escaped William as he nipped Liam's chin. "Ain't plannin' on dyin' anytime soon..." He turned Liam around grabbing the washcloth from him, "...now let me scrub your back so we can get this show on the road."

"Sounds good to me."

~Part: 12~

Ringing the doorbell Liam ran his hand through his hair nervously. With a sigh he replaced his cap. Not knowing what to do with his fingers he just kept rearranging his cap. Reaching out William settled one hand at the small of Liam's back smiling.

"Hey, relax, luv. Everything’s gonna be fine...promise. 'Sides if Charlie gives you any shite I'll kick his grease monkey arse for you---okay?"

Liam’s laughter was shaky as he nodded. The door opened suddenly causing him to jump. Fred stood in the doorway smiling sweetly at him, a pie balanced on the top of her rounded tummy.

"Well hiya, Liam. Nice ta see ya my handsome man."

Grinning Liam leaned forward, awkwardly hugging Fred around the pie and her pregnant belly. "Hey, Fred you look pretty today…all pregnant and glowing. Is that one of your famous apple pies?"

"Why yes it is you sweet talker. Thank ya, but don't ya think ya should be introducing your equally handsome friend here?"

"Oh…uhmm…yeah...yeah sorry." A bit embarrassed Liam turned pointing to William. "Fred this is my long time best friend William..." he paused, then glanced at Will turning back to Fred. "Well…he's more than that now and that's kind of why I'm here. I know Charlie’s here and..." slapping his face Liam muttered between his fingers. "Uh…Will this is Fred Charlie’s girl."

Raising one brow William chuckled softly at Liam's shy nervousness, then took Fred's free hand in his. With a slight bow of his head he brushed a kiss over her knuckles, then looked up through his lashes. "It's a pleasure to meet you Fred. I see Charlie's taste in the ladies has definitely improved."

Fred giggled her cheeks blushing. "Thank ya very much. I see your just as much a sweet talker as my handsome Liam here. Well don't just stand out here on my daddy’s porch all day. Come in…Charlie’s out back masterin' over the grill like the man he is."

With a chuckle Liam stepped back looking at Will. "Go ahead women and lovers first."

Rolling his eyes William gave Liam's ass a quick slap, then wandered through the doorway whistling to himself. Liam slapped William’s ass right back and closes the door behind them as they walked through the house. As they reached the back door it was to Charlie’s irritated screaming and the sound of stuff being thrown about.

"Stupid damn girl! Will not stay...LIT! What's a guy gotta do throw gasoline on it?! WOMAN! Help me!"

Smiling Fred sat aside the pie on the table, then wobbled down the stairs to Charles. She reached up to rub his smooth scalp, softly kissing his cheek, and whispering in his ear. He seemed to relax noticeably as Fred turned to Liam and Will.

"Soothe the savage beast. That's what momma always says. Now Charlie just light it and shut the lid. That way the wind won't hit it and it will have time to spread, honey."

A look of embarrassment crossed Charlie’s face as he lit another match, throwing it on the coals. "Oh, yeah… sorry baby." Shutting the lid he turned towards his brother. "Well if it's not my bro’…thought maybe you died. Haven't seen ya in days. What happened find some good tail not worth leaving---finally?"

Liam coughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Could say that..." William whispered just loud enough for Liam's ears. When Liam threw him a glare he smiled sweetly and pulled out a pack of smokes shak- ing one free. "Hey, Charlie boy you almost done killin' the grill there…’cause me and Liam here need to talk to ya."

"Ya I'm done for now. I can spare a few for my bro’ and my friend." Gunn nodded then turned to Fred. “Can you watch that for me for a few minutes, babe?"

"Yes, Charles." Fred rubbed her tummy absentmindedly. "I can do lots of things without you and I'm sure the grill is one of them. Now kiss me and go talk to your brother."

Leaning over Charlie kissed Fred, then bent over kissing her tummy. Turning away he ran through the yard and up the steps catching his brothers head in a head lock. Ripping off Liam’s cap he began ruffling his hair. "Missed you shit head! Don't get lost again. Come on let's go be adults."

"Ow! Ow! Oww! OW! Asshole let me GO!" Liam ranted as his brother drug him into the house.

Chuckling William followed just far enough back that he wouldn't get caught by a stray kick or elbow. He'd forgotten how much these two fought with each other, but he figured this was a good start. Flipping the cigar- ette over the porch rail he stepped into the house. At least they'd both be a little more relaxed before what might be ‘the shit’ started hitting the fan.

When they reached the kitchen Charlie released Liam and pulled out a chair sitting down. "So what's so important? You look like you’re going to be sick."

Liam swatted his brother’s head then leaned against the wall his arms crossed over his chest. "I don't look like I'm going to be sick."

Staring up into his brother’s face Charles took in Liam’s pale coloring and snorted. "Ya…you’re always that white…mister tan boy. Never…not once since you were a baby have you ever looked that white. White as a fence was always Will's thing, but your beating him about now."

"I'm not…PALE!!" Liam gritted out, then hit his leg with his cap turning around and taking a few breaths.

With a frown William stepped up to Liam, arm laying loosely around his shoulder's. "Hey, pet...relax--- okay?" He whispered in Liam's ear. "It's just Charlie. Ain't like you're facing down the entire army with a bleedin' pocket knife."

"I AM CALM!!" Liam yelled, but then let out a soft sigh. Grabbing Will's hand before he had time to pull it away he whispers. "Okay…maybe I'm not but he is the army. He's the army before the brigade, Will. Charlie, dad and Kathy…that's it…that's all I have now. I can't...I can't..."

"Look Liam..." Will chewed his lower lip thoughtfully, "...would it be easier if I did it, pet? 'Cause you know I would...for you."

Liam pulled Will closer and rubbed his hand thought- fully not saying anything for a moment. Shaking his head he sighs softly. 'No baby…if I can't be a man about this with my family then I ain't the man for you. I'm gonna do it you just...sit and watch." He released Will's hand then turned to Charlie and straightened taking a deep breath.

"All ready now? Need another minute? Maybe a beer and a Zoloft?" Charlie arched one brow.

"Shut up." Liam grunted.

Closing his mouth Charles just looked up at Liam.

Liam pulled out a chair sitting it in front of his brother and settling down. "This is important and I need you to be serious."

Lifting his hand Charles mimicked zipping his lips.

"Good…thank you. Now first off I want you to know how much I love you." Charlie snorted causing Liam to slap his leg. "I said be serious." Charlie held up his hands in a show of truce. "I want you to know how much I love you and how much your opinion means to me. You've always been there for me and I never want that to change...." Liam’s words trailed off.

Swallowing he glanced at Will smiling softly then turned back to his brother. "But something’s happened to me and it's good it's so good..."

William smiled back at Liam and reached out patting Liam's knee. Looking to Charlie he saw curiosity and worry, both mixed, on his face. "Yeah...real good, Charlie." He smiled a bit wider his eyes sparkling.

"You were right out there I found somebody…some- body worth keeping." Liam whispered softly glancing at the hand on his knee. He stared at it for a second or two then he reached out cupping his own around it. Looking up into his brothers eyes not taking his own he spoke calmly his voice steady. "It's just not a girl, Charlie."

Charlie’s gaze moved from his brother to William then down at the entwined hands. He leaned back spreading his legs and arched a brow. Yawning he stretched his arms above his head then answered in a bored tone.

"That it? You mean I sat here all good and stuff for five minutes for you to tell me your knocking the dirty with Will?"

Liam blinked once, twice, three times before he nodded dumbly.

Shaking his head Charlie leaned forward clapping his brothers knee. "You are a twit Liam but god I love you bro’. Good news though you made me fifty bucks." Standing he glanced at Will. "You might want to get your guy a drink. I think he may be comatose for a while. I'm going to check on my girl and when he snaps out of it you two come out---have some pie and dinner with us alright?"

William watched Charlie disappear out the back door, then laughed. "See now, luv...wasn't that bad was it?"

He gave Liam's hand a quick squeeze stood and headed for the refrigerator shaking his head as his laughter grew louder. Opening the door he pulled out two beers, popped the caps, then knelt down in front of Liam offering one.

"Beer okay or should I ask the soddin' arse of a brother of yours for something a bit stronger?"

"No." Liam squeaked out then cleared his throat. "No, this is...good." He took the beer fingering the conden- sation forming on the bottle. "That just happened--- right?"

William chuckled as he sat on his heels sipping the beer. "Yeah it did, pet. I sorta figured Charlie knew or at least suspected how I felt about you. ‘Course I was even a little shocked he was that mellow about you. After all, pet...ladies man, captain of the football team, and all around man-whore..." he snorted.

"Maybe it was all just a cover." Liam muttered scratch- ing at the corner of the beer label. "Maybe everything I ever did was just a cover to what I always was. Maybe I made myself believe it so much I actually believed I was straight. But tell no one I still want everyone to think it was all you…you and your powerful charms."

"'Course it was..." William winked at Liam, then sat the beer aside leaning forward and placed a soft kiss on Liam's lips. "After all I'm sex on a stick. Who could resist that?" Pulling back he stood and retrieved his beer with a smirk. "So shall we go have some of that homemade apple pie, luv?" He held out his free hand to Liam.

Liam grabbed his hand but instead of pulling himself up he pulled William towards him. Snuggling his face under Will’s shirt and along his tummy he kissed the soft skin. With each kiss he whispered. "Sex on a stick, sex on two legs, sex on toast, all mine sex. God I'm so happy he isn't angry, Will."

"Kinda noticed you silly ponce." Will giggled at each kiss. "Now stop that or Charlie's gonna get a full out intro to boy on boy in his kitchen."

Liam licked over Will's belly button. "I don't care. Do you know how many times I had to sleep in a truck or cover my ears on a couch?"

A soft snort escaped Will as he squirmed against Liam's probing tongue. "Bloody hell that tickles!" He tried to pull back, but Liam's grip only tightened. "So..." he gasped out between laughs, "...you tryin' to tell me bein' a man-whore runs in the family?"

Liam bit Will's belly softly, then pulled his head from beneath his shirt looking up at him naughtily. "Before Fred came along? Hell yes Charlie was worse than me if you can believe that. But he'll always say I'm worse. You'll believe me though...won't ya baby?" Liam lowered his head to nibble at the buttons on Will's pants.

Will twitched biting his lip almost hard enough to draw blood. "Liam I'll believe whatever you say if you just stop..." a whimper slipped from his lips as he looked down into Liam's dark sparkling eyes.

"Stopping…stopping." Liam pulled back, licking his lips, then took a long slow sip of beer.

Knees wavering Will stepped back, falling heavily in one of the kitchen chairs. His cock was rock-hard and straining against his jeans as he glanced down with a groan. "Now how am I suppose to go out there with this..." he groaned again tilting his head down at the obvious bulge.

"I can talk about the time I accidentally walked in on your mom when she was changin' one night I stayed over. I saw her boobs."

"Damn!" William hissed as he tried readjusting his crotch. "That ain't even right..." another whimper eased out of William. "Least you could do is not get me mum involved." He rolled his eyes at Liam, then took another sip of his beer. "I think that helped, but you gotta get a bit more wrong to get rid of little Will. He's a bit to excited for that to deflate him completely."

Liam leaned forward whispering. "Did I mention that when Gator stares at my ass he really ‘really’ stares? And that makes me so..." Liam took his cap off and fanned himself dramatically.

Growling William leaned forward his eyes flashing with a spark of jealousy. "So what? Am I gonna have to get all catty and claw that bitch’s eyes out?"

Liam chuckled shaking his head and stood. "No baby you won't. Actually I was joking, but look it took care of that." He pointed to Will's now deflated pants. "Now let’s go eat---I want pie."

Raising one brow William chuckled. "Oh…it took care of it all right, but I got to say one thing. I don't get catty and claw...I just pound anyone that looks at what's mine into ground round." Standing he turned from Liam with a drama queen huff and headed out the door.

"Meow…dually noted Princess." Liam followed Will outside to where Charlie and Fred were setting the table.

"Well, about time ladies. Grab a seat…have a bun, but don't touch the pie Liam until the burgers and dogs are done---got me? No pie until you eat some meat." Charlie growled.

William pursed his lips and tried to swallow the roar of laughter that swelled in his throat at Charlie's last comment. "Sure Charlie...meat, then pie."

Smacking the back of Will's head Liam sat picking up a roll and biting into it.

Charlie pulled out Fred's chair. "Sit babe I'll check on the burgers and do the rest."

Sitting Fred smiled at Will. "Why don't ya sit by me Will? Tell me all about yourself since Liam sees it more fit to stuff his gob."

Taking a seat next to Fred William sipped his beer slowly eyeballing Liam across the table. "Not much to tell, pet. Liam saved my scrawny arse when we was little, we got to be best friends, and...well I spent the past ten years in London. Decided it was time to come back home and rediscover my best bud. That's about it." He grinned at Liam, then took a deep swallow from his beer bottle taking just a bit too much of the long- neck into his mouth and sucked lazily at it.

Liam choked on a bit of roll, pounding his chest while glaring at Will. Seconds later Charles returned with a plate of burgers setting them on the table.

"Here ya go dig in…dogs will only be a few minutes. Liam try not ta die on rolls yeah?"

Liam flipped his brother off, but nodded taking a big gulp of beer.

"Well now I'm sure you were in London for a reason now weren't ya? Are ya super smart?" Fred questioned turning back to William.

Shaking his head William sat aside his now empty beer. "No...not super smart. Dad just sent me to some uppity, snooty, private school. Better education and all..." he sighed. "Got an education like he wanted then high- tailed it back here before I go on some bleedin' tour of Europe that he thinks is a good idea."

Liam stopped munching his burger to look at Will, he swallowed slowly a blank expression in his eyes. "You have to leave? When? Why? Were you going to tell me?"

"Don't wanna talk about it...later maybe." Will stood and glanced around making sure not to look at Liam. "Anyone want a drink while I'm up?'

Glancing up from the from the hot dogs on the grill Charles smiled. "Yeah, man get the tea pitchers out of the fridge will ya there's two."

"Sure no problem..."

William headed up the stairs into the cool shade of the kitchen. When he reached the kitchen he leaned against the wall for a moment his eyes drifting shut. Him and his big mouth, he thought. He'd meant to talk to Liam in private about his father's idea. Taking a deep breath he rubbed at the knot forming between his eyes. Why was nothing ever easy when it came to his sodding father?

Fred glanced at Liam sympathetically. "It's okay Lee I'm sure it's not for long and maybe he was going to ask you to go."

Liam sat the burger on his plate wiping his fingers with a napkin. "Why…why would he start all this then just forget to tell me something like this? I just came and told my brother I'm gay and with ‘him’ and he just ‘forgets’ to tell me this."

Reaching over Fred settled her hand on top of Liam's. "Lee I'm sure he didn…"

Liam pulled his hand away standing. "You know I'm not very hungry. Fred the pie smells wonderful if you can save me a piece that would be great. It was good to see ya sweetie." He bent over the table kissing Fred's cheek, then he looked towards his brother who was staring at him. "I'm heading out think you could give Will a ride to his place? Yeah…thanks." He turned and headed into the house.

Tossing the spatula on the table next to the grill Charlie ran up the steps catching his brother’s arm. "Liam now damn it don't throw one of your fits. We’re here, we’re here to eat and spend time together. You love Will so don't do this."

Liam yanked his arm away. "Let me go, Charlie."

William heard the commotion and opened his eyes to see Liam, apparently pissed as all hell, arguing with Charlie. "Liam, what the hell is going on?!" He snapped, his head beginning to pound like a sledge hammer. "I leave for two seconds and you go all bleedin' nuts on me."

Ignoring William Liam finally pulled his arm free. "You know what? I'm sick of all this! Sick of people feeling like they don't have to tell me nothing! They don't tell me their leaving, they don't tell me they may never come back, they don't tell me they are going to DIE!!" He screamed his face twisted in pain. "No they just smile and tell me everything is going to be alright! No Liam baby Momma is just fine it's just a cough, just a cold! God what a damn liar and now YOU!!" Liam turned pointing to Will. "Your gonna leave again so what is this huh?!"

Liam gestured between them. "What are we? REALLY? Because if you were just going to leave again you shoulda' stayed away from me let me live in my DELUSIONS!!"

Screaming at the top of his lungs Liam turned back around storming to the front door and slamming it behind him. Will went to chase after Liam, but Charlie grabbed his arm shaking his head.

"No, William not this time let him breathe…let him calm down. Besides I know what this is about it's not fair, but I know. Just come sit with me and Fred and I promise I'll take you to him later."

"Fuck you, Charlie!" William yanked his arm from Charlie's grip, his head pounding harder now. "I love your dumb ass brother, but I'm bloody well fucking tired of him and his issues!"

He turned running for the door again. Yanking the door open he ran out into the yard screaming. "Liam! Dammit Liam!!"

Suddenly he grabbed his head and screamed, falling to his knees in the dirt. Bile rose in his throat as the pain flared bright behind his eyes. Jesus fucking Christ what had Ophelia did to him, he wondered, just as he collapsed to the ground. He completely lost control of his body, his limbs convulsing, and his world going black.

~Part: 13~

The door opened half-way Charles pushing it one handed, his knee forcing it the rest of the way open. His voice echoed loudly through the house. "FRED?! BABY, GET SOME ICE AND SOME WATER QUICK!!" He stepped through the door carrying his burden, an armful of shaking, convulsing William. Moving into the living room he gently laid him on the couch, trying to keep him still, and talking quietly to him. "Will…Will buddy…please come on."

Fred scurried in on wobbly legs handing Charles a glass of ice water. Slipping an ice cube from the water between shaking fingers Charles began rubbing it over William's pale, sweating face.

"Come on now."

Glancing down worriedly Fred whispered. "Charles?"

"I know…I know baby. I don't know what's going on."

***

Somewhere inside the darkness William could hear Charlie's voice, but for the life of him he couldn't get his vocal cords to work. As he was wondering what the hell was happening a sudden pain ripped through his head and he screamed. Opening his eyes he looked around in confusion. He was standing in a bedroom, the furniture was art deco, but somehow he knew that this wasn't the here and now, but that it was the past.

A huge console radio stood against the far wall and the sounds of big band music drifted through the room--- something Fred Astaire would have danced too. His attention was caught by the sounds of lovemaking from the huge bed.

"What the bleedin' hell is this?"

William moved closer only to see Liam or at least it looked like Liam. Before anything else could register the door slammed open. A dark-haired woman stood in the door her face flushed with anger.

"I knew it! You bastard!"

Liam or rather the man with Liam's face jumped from the bed grabbing his robe. "Cordy...baby let me explain!"

"There isn't any explaining this time! I can't believe you would do this to us!"

That's when William saw the knife, the wide blade flashing in the dim room.

***

Sitting up William screamed in terror. "LIAM!!"

"WHOA! Whoa, now, Will. Shhh…you just had a nasty fall and I think maybe a seizure. Will do you have these often? And if so why the fuck haven't you told anybody?" Charlie calmly asked as he hovered close, the glass of water held to William’s mouth, then he sighed. "Please drink this. Some of it at least?"

Panting William shook his head as he accepted the glass of water from Charlie. He choked as he tried to drink the water too fast, but he was so fucking thirsty. His mouth felt like someone had sand-papered his tongue.

"M' okay..." he coughed out, "...okay...nothing wrong..." another cough racked his body until his eyes watered.

Charlie’s brow rose in disbelief. "Didn't look okay when you were flipping outside on the ground like a fish out of water buddy. You nearly gave me a heart attack boy."

Eyes dropping to his lap William picked at a loose thread on his thigh. "Charlie...please don't tell, Liam." He whispered softly. "Don't want him to worry...not that he would..." his voice cracked just a bit as he fell back on the cushions, "...not after my bleedin' fuck up." He sighed softly one arm folding up over his eyes as he felt the tears rise in his throat. "Doubt if he cares much if I disappeared off the face of the sodding planet now..."

"Oh, he cares trust me. You’d never get tha' drama queen production if he didn't care---trust me. I love tha' boy but he has to get over momma before he gets consumed by it and kills himself. She got sick and she died. She didn't want to die and it's not like she asked to get cancer she just did and it took her quicker than anyone could of guessed. Liam's taking it harder than dad and that's saying something. So he cares more than you know. He'll take this as some personal attack at him You not telling him about that trip. He hates secrets can't abide them. But momma had a reason to lie to him. She wanted his white smile and his joy. She would have never got that if he knew. Be glad you weren't here when she died Will you wouldn't love Liam now."

Charlie looked down at his hands as Fred wrapped her tiny arms around his shoulders. "We all miss her you know but Liam he just doesn't miss her he resents her...for leaving just like he did you for a while. I guess it just kicked it all back up this trip of yours."

A sad desperate sigh escaped William as he wiped his eyes with his arm and sat up. "I'm...I'm sorry about your mum, Charlie...she was a nice gal. Always made the best fudge brownies for me when I was a little bit." He chewed on his lip thoughtfully for a moment. "He took me to see Ophelia...couple a days ago. Since then I keep...well I keep having these weird dreams. But this is the first time it happened like this, Charlie."

"Oh, god…" Charlie groaned as he stood, smacking his leg. "He took you to the booga-boo lady? Damn it all to hell she ain't nothin' but trouble! I keep tellin' dad to tell Liam to jus' leave her be, but no he keeps goin' there some ‘loyalty to momma’ bullshit. Jesus she probably spiked your drink or had some voodoo dust on her clothes and now you’re all high off it and shit. I hate that woman!"

"Now Charles she is perfectly nice and..." Fred started.

"Bullshit and the bull, too. She's poison that's all she ever is. Gets under your skin and makes you think shit, feel shit. Every time Liam goes to her he comes back more messed up. How is that nice?"

"Maybe she tells him what he needs to hear, Charles and maybe it's not always what he wants to hear."

William glanced from Charlie to Fred then back to Charlie. "Look Charlie...didn't drink nuthin'...and what the hell is voodoo dust?" He shook his head. "I need to find him Charlie...I need to find him and explain. Wasn't goin' anywhere...I swear." His voice hitched for a moment. "I can't lose him...and this shite with Ophelia just made me realize I could. Look, pet, I love that bastard and I can't fuckin’ lose him. I was goin' to tell my pops to kiss off..."

With a sigh Charlie sat down across from Will studying him. "I'm going to say two words to you and you'll know where he is. Here's the keys to my truck please don't wreck it. I'll have Fred drop me off at home later."

Charlie pulled out his truck keys holding them out to William. "Shady Oaks."

Eyes glittering William grabbed Charlie's hand. "Promise you...I'll take care of him, Charlie." He squeezed Charlie's hand then pulled the keys out of his grip. "You won't regret this." Standing on shaking legs he took a deep breath and headed out of the house to the truck.

"Won't lose you, luv. I can't..." he whispered as he climbed into the truck, slamming the door shut, and turning the key in the ignition. With a roar the truck spun out of the drive and down the road in a cloud of dust.

***

Liam traced his mother’s name once more whispering to the wind because no one else would hear him here.

"Meredith Garrigan, Beloved Wife, Loved Mother, and Great Friend." Snorting he raised the whiskey bottle taking another long swallow, then rested his head against the cold marble. "Sometimes I hate you still--- you know? Hate you with your lies and your deceit. Why didn't you just tell me so I knew how much time I had? So I could have done more with it." Liam choked back a sob rubbing his forehead along the shiny marble of the headstone. "Why do people lie to me, mom?"

***

William had no idea where Liam's mother was buried and he cursed himself for not asking Charlie before he'd took off. He had just moved up and over a slight incline when he heard Liam's voice, words slurred with alcohol. Tears welled in his eyes as he stepped closer to where Liam sat slumped against the headstone.

"They don't lie, luv. They try to protect you 'cause you're worth protecting."

Liam laughter was low and dangerous as he whispered to the cold marble. "Wow…liars have group meetings? Who knew."

Dropping to his knees William wrapped his arms around Liam's waist, his head laying between his shoulder blades. "Yeah, well...we got to stick together against ponces like you." He paused listening to the steady rhythm of Liam's heart.

"Why do you tear yourself up like this? She loved you more than anything in the bleedin' world, pet. She wouldn't want you doing this."

Liam pushed away untangling himself from William's arms and stumbled to his feet, waving the whiskey bottle, the alcohol spilling out every once in a while.

"What? What…huh? What am I doing…oh great and smart one? What? Tell me."

Staring up from his seat on ground William sighed, then his eyes dropped back to the headstone. "This..." his voice was low and edged with barely suppressed anger, "...do you think you're the only one who lost her?" He pulled himself to his feet, his eyes flashing. "What about Charlie? She was the only mum he ever knew. And Kathy? I bet she barely remembers her. And your dad? He lost his lover, the mother of his children, and frankly you...Liam Garrigan...are being a right bloody selfish bastard."

Stomping dangerously close Liam spit out the slurred words through gritted teeth. "You don't ‘know’ any- thing you spoiled little ‘Mama's boy’. You got yours still and she hugs you and swaddles you and gets to tell you how much she ‘loves’ you. So don't sit here and tell me what the fuck ‘I’ am allowed to feel because you can fuck off if you think you have any right to get pissy with me ‘WILLIAM’!"

Getting up in Liam's face William growled. "Is that what you think you self-righteous prick?! Ten years Liam! Ten fucking years in London and not one fucking letter! An occasional Christmas card or birthday card---that’s all! My bastard of a father saw to that! Make him into a man! Give him strength of character... never mind that I was alone! Didn't know a soul! Try being without anyone for ten sodding years, then tell me whose being molly-coddled you bleedin' prick!"

He reached out grabbing the bottle from Liam taking a swig, then slamming it into the headstone behind him.

Heaving a huge sigh Liam grunted. "Great there went forty bucks down the drain, but I came prepared there’s another bottle in the car." Turning away Liam started to stumble to his car. He growled over his shoulder. "Go home spoiled rich boy! You don't belong here with the filth---you never did!"

With a roar William leapt on Liam's back, his arms wrapping around Liam's neck. "No bleedin' way are you goin' to that car!"

Liam roared indignantly, bucking, shaking, and bringing his hands up to pry William's fingers from around his neck. "OFFA ME YA STUPID BRAT!!"

"No!" William screamed as he held on for dear life. "You want me off you great greasy poof, then make me get off!"

"FINE!!" Liam screamed throwing William over his shoulder as hard as he could. William landed on his ass in front of Liam. "Scrawny bastard eat something!" Liam snarked as he walked around William and continued to his car.

Standing with a snarl, rubbing his bruised ass with one hand, William glanced around. To his left was a small tree limb, apparently left over from the storm a few nights ago. Picking it up he stalked after Liam knowing that he more than likely would get his ass pounded.

"I'll show you 'scrawny' you friggin' Neanderthal fore- headed bastard!" Swinging it back with as much strength as he could muster he brought it down across Liam's back with a loud crack.

Liam fell to the ground his breath leaving his body with a hiss. He sucked in another breath gasping loud into the gathering night. Reaching back he rubbed his back that was now throbbing and stood his nostrils flaring. As he turned back to William, his eyes flared with angry fire.

"You little ‘fuck’ get the hell away from---ME! Go back ‘home’, go back to daddy, go back to England!! Do ‘something’ with your life! Get yourself a real nice boy-toy that can stomach your SHIT!!"

Without a clear thought in his head, seeing only red, William leapt on Liam again. "Ain't leavin'!" He punched Liam in the kidneys. "So get over your 'over- gelled' nancy-boy bullshite!"

Liam whipped around backing up until he pinned William, slamming him into Charlie’s truck hard enough to knock the air from him. He turned his head glaring at him over his shoulder.

"I hate you."

He slammed back against the truck again, letting Will drop to his knees breathless. Grabbing his arm Liam dragged him to the driver’s side of Charlie’s truck, then opened the door, throwing Will in. Slamming the door shut he glared at him and repeated softer.

"Go home."

Turning away Liam sprinted back to his car, jumping in, and pulled out onto the main road. Swerving this way and that, almost getting hit more than once, Liam drove until he missed a turn and headed straight into the marsh, his car nosing into a ditch. Liam cursed as he climbed out of the car, picking up his last whiskey bottle, and headed into the boggy marsh that lead back into the woods.

***

Gripping his ribs William cursed as he revved up Charlie's truck and prayed that nothing happened to it or his ass was dead. As he turned a corner he saw Liam stumbling off into the marsh, his car left behind in a water logged ditch.

"Son of a bloody whore!" He growled as he brought the truck to a halt. Leaping out he ran after Liam panting at the pain in his ribs. "Ain't that easy you magnificent poof! Don't know where you think you're goin' but I'm right behind you! Made Charlie a promise and I tend on keepin' it!"

"Oh, please, Will! I am a big boy…been doin’ just fine without you for ten years! Don't rightly need ya to baby-sit me now."

A loud snort echoed through the trees as William followed him, close at his heels. "Oh, yeah! I see just how bloody fine you've been doing!" He yelled. "Drinkin', whorin', and if I'm to believe my stuck up dad---pissin' on every stoop and stairwell in Junction City!" Another snort drifted through the humid air. "I'd say you were doin' just bloody fucking fantastic!"

A right cross caught William's jaw, the only answer to his comments. Looking up he saw Liam looming above him from his perch on his bruised ass.

"You don't know me, you think you do but you don't. Ten years is a long time to loss touch with someone Will and you lost touch with me. Went away like everyone I love does…thing is you came back. Well goodie you want a history lesson let me enlighten you."

Liam squatted down his arms draped over his knees, the whiskey bottle dangling from his fingers. "Your dad says those things about me because---they are ‘true’.” He whispered the last part so softly it was almost not audible. "I am a evil…evil boy. I am not your hero any longer. I’ve beat people up, I stole, I destroyed, and I spent time in that little rinky dink jail cell. I did it more than once til’ Charlie or dad came and picked me up. I've used and yes…I've whored. But you want to know the real kicker?"

"What?" William growled as he glared up at Liam. His hand lifted wiping away the trickle of blood from his quickly bruising mouth. "Did you find out pussy wasn't enough? That you wanted a tight arse wrapped around that teeny sausage you call a cock?" He hissed.

Liam reached down grabbing the back of Will's head, fingers tightening in his hair, and pulling his face up to his murmuring. "I liked every minute of everything I did…I ‘enjoyed’ myself. I felt free and I felt alive and I felt powerful. I didn't have to worry about respect or love." Liam looked into William's eyes bringing his lips down grazing them over his cheek to his lips, then whispered against the softness. "I didn't have to love."

Fingers loosening in Will's hair they slowly carded through the soft locks. "I hate you---so much."

"That so..." William leaned into Liam's hand, "...'cause I'll take it. Hate me all you want...just don't leave me, Liam."

"I wouldn't have left you, but you’re leaving me--- remember? Back to England, back to your home, away from me." Liam stood looking down at William.

"Always leaving me. You love me, you lie, and then you leave. So I kind of don't feel much up to talkin' to you anymore Will---ever." Liam held up the whiskey bottle and tilted it in Will's direction. "I love ya but I won't let ya hurt me---not again." Taking a long slow pull off the whiskey he headed back into the woods.

Sitting silently a moment William stared at Liam's back, then drug himself to his feet. "I wasn't leaving you stupid git!" He screamed as he followed after Liam's retreating form. "You never give a bloke a chance to explain! You just assume and assume, but that's okay!" His voice cracked. "I assumed, too! Assumed you were worth staying for, worth telling me dad to go to bloody hell for..." his words trailed off as he tried to force back the bile rising in his throat, "...wasn't goin' to leave. Was goin' to stay."

He wrapped his arms around his aching ribs glancing up only to realize he'd lost sight of Liam in the shadows. "Liam I'd do anything to keep you---you bastard! You don't want me to leave you---right?! Well who the bloody hell is walkin' away? It ain't me!!"

"I'm right here." A soft voice drifted from William's right. William turned his gaze settling on Liam who was leaning against a tree. "So what took you so long?"

"So long?" William glanced at Liam in confusion. "I thought you were tired of me...I thought...I thought..." he sucked in a deep breath stepping closer to Liam looking up into his dark eyes. "I don't know what I bloody well thought." He whispered softly.

Liam caressed William’s cheek. "I'm a asshole I know, but you told me everything I needed to hear just then. Plus I knew if I kept walking away I would get you to go here---look."

He pointed to an overgrown path that led into the woods to a worn down cabin. A few of the windows were smashed out, shingles hanging off, steps crooked, and the whole place seemed as if it would fall down at any moment.

Standing in the quickly fading daylight William was floored. Not just by Liam's soft words, but by the entire scene.

Along one side of the cabin honeysuckle vines had grown wild and wiggled their way between cracks in the wall, the pale blossoms filling the twilight air with a faint sweet scent. He took a deep breath walking a few steps closer as a stray ray of sunlight caught on a shattered bit of glass buried in the wild vines, sparking then dying away into the gathering shadows. He turned back to Liam his eyes filled with a mix of confusion and child like wonderment.

"What is this place, pet? It's..." he glanced back to the cabin, "...it's beautiful."

"It's my place---always has been for a while. Don't know who use to live here, don't rightly care, but when I get overboard or when life gets too much to bear I come here. When I don't really want to be found I come here."

William turned back to Liam stepping close and grabbing his hand. Bouncing like a four year old on a sugar high he started dragging Liam towards the cabin. "Come on, luv. Show me what's inside!" He let out a whoop, his eyes sparkling in the faint light. "Can't believe no one knows where this is at..."

"A boy has to have some secrets don't he?" Liam asked as he was dragged along.

A chuckle escaped William as they reached what had once been a porch, the boards sagging, the roof half gone, the other half devoured by the wild honeysuckle.

"Secrets are always good." He paused, then turned back to smile at Liam. "Why did you want to show me this?" A tiny frown drew his dark brows together as he studied Liam's face. "I don't get it, mate. One minute we're fighting like a couple of roosters at a cock fight and now..." he waved his hand at the cabin, then patted himself down looking for his smokes.

"You never hide things from your lo...you never hide things from your lover---that's why. Now come on." Liam opened the door, heading inside, as he pushed away cobwebs. "Besides…people fight it's what they do when they’re in love. You...fight."

Finally having located his crumple pack of smokes William shook one free, lighting it thoughtfully, as he absorbed Liam's words. He was scared shitless less than a half hour ago, afraid that he'd lost Liam for good. Now though he was getting ready to take in a secret Liam had kept for god only knew how bloody long. He stepped up on the sagging porch and followed Liam into the shadowy interior feeling the ghostly caress of the cobwebs Liam had swept aside, his eyes adjusting to the darkness.

"Just don't lie to me again, Will." Looking back at Will in the darkness, Liam spoke softly. "Ever you hear? If you’re going to leave me, then tell me. So I promise I'll do this with you, for as long as you’re going to be here, but don't lie to me. I couldn't stand it."

Taking a drag, his face lit with the faint glow of the cherry, William nodded. "Promise, Liam...never meant to hurt you. Just didn't have the chance to tell you, but I swear no more secrets...no more lies." Even as he said those words, his mind drifted back to the incident at the house. He had to tell Liam, he knew that without a doubt, but now wasn't the time or the place.

“Alright then let me light the place up a bit.” Liam moved to the back of the cabin, retrieving a lantern that appeared not to belong with the rust and the rot of the cabin. "Hand me your lighter. I didn't expect to come here forgot to bring one."

Reaching in his pocket William tossed Liam his silver Zippo with a grin. "Sure thing, luv."

Liam lit the lantern, then sat it on a rickety table in the middle of the room. "There now we have light. Now to lay a blanket down." He went to the other side of the room where a small trunk sat. That also didn't seem to belong. Opening it he pulled out what looked to be an army surplus blanket, shook it out, then lay it on the floor. "There have a seat."

Glancing at Liam with a raised brow William walked to the blanket and lowered himself down. "So this is it, luv? A secret only you know about?" He glanced around the cabin in the flickering lamp light taking everything in, then smiled. "I like this secret, Liam." He whispered softly as he flicked the ash from the tip of his smoke.

"You know lots of my secrets, Will." Liam murmured as he walked back to the door. Shutting it firmly he raised one hand to lock the door. Again the lock appeared new, shiny and sleek, amongst all the dustiness in the cabin.

He slid it home, then turned leaning against the door. "I like the lock, even though no one knows, you can never be too careful---yeah? Plus I don't want just anybody stumbling in." Grabbing the hem of his tee shirt Liam slid it up over his chest and past his head, tossing it to the table. "I think you gave me a few bruises at the cemetery." He reached for his belt unbuckling it slowly.

William's eyes widened as they lowered to Liam's hands, their long slender fingers working at the belt buckle. Grinding the cigarette out on the sole of his boot, he tossed it into the shadows. "Yep...suppose I did, pet." He pulled his own shirt over his head tossing it the way of the butt, his pale chest glowing in the lamp light. "Imagine I got a few myself from you." He leaned back on his hands stretching his legs out with a seductive smirk.

"It's what you get you little brat. Should have done what I told you."

Liam finished loosening his belt, letting the ends fall to each side of his zipper, then lowered the zipper half- way. Toeing off his shoes he kicked them to the side as he lowered to his knees crawling to Will. Grabbing William’s feet he tugged off his boots, tossing them away into the flickering shadows.

Grinning William wiggled his bare toes at Liam. "Might be a brat, mate, but I ain't a bossy redneck..." he reached for his own buckle, slowly unhooking it.

Swatting William’s hands away from his own belt Liam chuckled. "I'll show you bossy redneck."

Suddenly his lips were on William's, hard and fast, sucking and biting the tender flesh. Just hard enough to bruise, but with enough passion to let the man beneath him know it wasn’t meant to hurt. His fingers threaded through William's hair as Liam reached beneath himself to grip William's belt. Tugging it open one handed he shoved his hand under the waistband, gripping the semi-hard cock waiting for him.

He groaned into William's mouth, then growled softly. "I'm gonna make you lick every bruise, every cut then I'm going to fuck you so hard you'll howl into the night. All the town folk will think you’re a rabid wolf."

William moaned into Liam's mouth, his hips surging up at the warm hand that encircled his cock. "Yeah...you and whose army, luv?" He gasped as Liam's gripped tighter.

Chuckling Liam licked a wet, sloppy path to Will's ear his hot breath caressing Will's ear. "I'm all the army you'll ever need baby...I'm a one man army and soon you’re going to be begging---please sir, god please sir. You just watch."

Another a moan escaped William at the feel of Liam's tongue and his warm breath. "That what you want, mate? Want me begging for that..." his hand wiggled between them to stroke Liam through his jeans, "...cause not thinking that's enough."

"I want everything---isn't that the whole point? Yeah, I think it is. I want you to beg, plead, squirm, want and need. Love me---what else is there? I want all your passion and I want it just for me." Liam sat up straddling Will's hips and grasping his head. Pulling his head forward to his chest over the blackened begin- nings of a bruise he growled. "Kiss that."

Tongue darting out William licked teasingly at the furious bruise. "Like that?" His voice was low, husky with need. "Or maybe like this?"

He lowered his lips to Liam's abused chest, caressing the skin down to where Liam's nipple sat dark against his tanned skin. Nipping the tiny nub he began to suck gently, then scraped his teeth across it, feeling it swell and harden. Liam moaned, but tightened his grip in Will's hair, leading him to another bruise. This one nearer to his rib cage.

"Kiss that."

"Yes...sir..." William giggled as his lips pressed against the bruise, his tongue flicking out leaving a trail of dampness. Glancing up through thick dark lashes he purred. "Like that, luv?"

"Yes." Liam hissed forcing Will's lips higher, near his shoulder. "And that---kiss that."

Nibbling across the broad shoulder William chuckled softly. "All better yet?"

His lips trailed along Liam's collarbone to the soft dip beneath his Adam's apple. He nipped and licked as his arms slid around Liam's torso, his hands stroking the wide muscled back.

"Almost…now show me yours."

Groaning William trailed his hands up Liam's back to cup the back of his head, fingers knotting in the dark strands of his hair. Guiding Liam's head down to his sternum he whispered softly. "Here..." he drew Liam's mouth down to the bruise that was spread out in darkening shades of purple, "...hurts something awful, luv."

"I bet. Here let me make it better." Kissing and licking the bruise Liam alternated back and forth, carding his fingers through Will's soft curls.

A noise somewhere between a groan and a growl vibrated through William's chest at Liam's gentle kiss, the warmth of his tongue caressing and soothing. Be- tween them William's cock began to swell and strain against his jeans.

"God...yes...oh, bloody hell...."

Liam blew over the wet skin then murmured. "Where else?"

"Ummm..." William sighed softly glancing down at Liam with a glazed expression. "Here..." he tugged Liam up so his lips were over his bicep. "Right big bruise..." he pouted.

"Aww poor baby let me get it." Liam cooed, placing a small gentle kiss over the bruise. "Anymore?"

William's dark brow rose his eyes sparkling like polished gems. "Ummm...here..." he whispered as he grabbed Liam's hand guiding it to the flat plane of his stomach. "Just a little one...next to me naval..."

"Better get it to then---huh?" Liam moved down Will's body kissing the bruise, then nipping at the skin.

A groan rolled through William's chest as he pushed up into the gentle nips. "Liam...luv..." his voice was just a soft brush of need in the silent room. "Remember something about howling...me and howling..."

Liam crawled over Will's body raising his arms above his head. Pulling his belt from his pants he wrapped it around Will's wrists, then looped it around a lose floor board. Finally he pulled it back up tightening it.

"Thought you would never ask."

Suddenly his teeth and lips were all over Will's face and neck. His hands tugged at his jeans, unbuttoning, unzipping, then tugging them down his legs pushing himself between Will's outspread thighs. Dragging down his own pants with one hand he tugged them as far as they could go. Lowering his mouth he bit Will's lower lip and growled in need.

"Want you so much…"

Lifting his legs William wrapped them around Liam's hips, his heels settling in the dip above his ass. A soft whimper slipped from between his barely parted lips as their cocks brushed sending electric jolts through his body.

"God...sweet mother of god..." he moaned his hips jerking as he tugged at the leather binding his wrists to the floor.

"Louder." Liam grunted as his fingers dug into Will's scalp, his lips searing a path down his throat, scraping teeth over a bobbing Adam’s apple. Then slowly he moved back up to his ear, tugging harshly at the lobe as he rubbed harder and faster against Will.

"OH FUCK! Jesus Liam...bloody well do it!"

Another moan louder this time vibrated through William's writhing body. His cock ached with the need to be taken in a tight fist, his ass---well it just ached to be filled. Filled by the hard, slick, thickness that stroked his answering hardness.

"Need you..." he gasped, "...need you inside me...touching me..."

"How bad baby? Tell me how bad you want me, how bad you need me. Say it loud…scream it and I'll give you anything you want. Everything you want." Liam whispered low in his ear hot breath drifting against the shell of flesh.

Just the soft brush of Liam's breath against his ear drove William crazy, he writhed and whimpered beneath Liam. "Please! God please...do anything, luv! Anything! Just fuck me hard!" His back bowed up, his cock sliding between their bodies, the pressure intense. "Do any bloody thing to have you buried inside me!"

"I know you would." Liam crawled down Will's body pushing his legs apart, then back up to his chest. Slowly he licked and sucked at the tiny indentation, wetting it, and teasing it with the tip of his tongue---pushing and stroking.

Hissing William pushed back wanting more of that soft, teasing tongue. He couldn't believe that Liam was there, kneeling between his spread legs, tasting his most intimate flesh. He writhed and whimpered tugging desperately at the leather bondage that kept his hands from where they wanted to be---tangled in Liam's hair.

"Liam...Liam...Liam..." he chanted that name as if it were his salvation as the tongue, warm and slick with saliva, continued to tease. His breathing became rougher as his cock bounced against his belly leaving a slick glistening patch of pre-cum against his pale belly.

"Hmm?" Liam murmured.

Dipping his tongue in and out he worked at slicking, softening, and enticing the place he coveted. His hand lifted up the tip of his finger pushing into the hole. As he watched it was sucked bit by bit into that luscious body.

A soft growl rolled from between William's lips as Liam breached his hole. Just one finger, but it wasn't enough, he needed more, but his brain seemed on hold. He couldn't seem to communicate that need with words so he did the only thing he could---he howled. The tight low noise rose from the pit of his stomach as he thrust his ass back onto Liam's finger.

Liam pushed the finger deeper, stretching and preparing as best he could. "Told you…you’d howl." He whispered as another finger joined the first.

The howl rose as he was stretched further, opened up in preparation for so much more. He choked out just one word. "Moreee..." his ass thrust back harder, encourag- ing Liam's intimate exploration.

A third finger pushed inside him, then curled as it thrust deep. Liam watched with lustful eyes as his fingers were swallowed, released, then swallowed again. God he loved watching this, he thought, never imagined watching this would make him so hard. There was a fire in his belly that seemed to grow and spread outward, consuming him to the point that all he could think was to make him cry out louder. Make him cry out more.

"Liam! More pleaseee!" William howled as yet another finger opened him wider, as the tips stroked against that tiny spot deep inside that caused his gut to clench. His cock was so hard he imagined it could out do a dia- mond for cutting glass. His own fluids spilled slowly trailing down his hard length, collected in the dark curls that nestled around the base as he felt his orgasm building.

"PLEASE!!!" He screamed louder, his body stretching and writhing in time with the slow intimate impale- ment. "PLEASE, LUV!!!"

In a repeat performance Liam only responded with a grin. "Thought you would never ask." He pulled his fingers out lining himself up, then pushed inside with a long drawn out groan. Wrapping his hands around Will's bound wrists he held on tightly as he slid inch by glorious inch inside him.

"God…!"

Finally William threw his head back a howl ripping from him as Liam slid deep into him. He tightened his legs around Liam's waist panting as he urged the hardness inside him deeper.

"God feels so good...so hard..." he whimpered and squirmed, then released Liam's waist. Letting his heels drop to the blanket he spread his legs wider. "Hold me open, luv...hold me open and make me bloody well howl..." he begged between panting breaths.

Liam grabbed Will's thighs roughly pushing them apart wider, his nails digging into the skin, scratching as he pulled back, then forward with long hard thrusts. Repeatedly thrusting, reveling in the sights and sounds below him.

"Like this baby?"

"...yes...yes..." William whimpered as he was filled and emptied. "...please Liam...harder...deeper..." he gasped as the head of Liam's cock stroked his prostate. "Deeper Liam!" His scream was wanton and demanding as he writhed his cock bouncing and dripping against his heaving belly.

Lifting up over William he pushed his legs back further, almost doubling him in half then Liam pushed. Harder and deeper just as he was begged to do ramm- ing constantly against the tiny nub inside Will. His own cock was being nearly strangled, but it was oh so delicious to be surrounded by the tightness.

"Anything.." Liam moaned his lips descending to Will's in a passionate kiss. "Anything for you…god, I would do anything for you."

"Then come for me, pet." William grunted softly, his body quivering. "Come for me and make me come."

Gripping Will's cock Liam began stripping it hard and fast. As he sped up his hips rotated out of sync with his thrusts his orgasm growing closer and closer. He used his free hand to grab hold of Will's hair, bringing his face closer to his own, where he yelled just before he came, taking Will's mouth in a brutal kiss.

"I LOVE YOU!!"

His body jerked wildly but he didn't give up either of his holds.

Gasping and whining William's ass clamped down on Liam's cock as he exploded, filling him with thick warm seed. As he felt that first spurt and Liam claimed his mouth he felt his balls draw up tight. He screamed into the kiss as Liam's hand tightened and suddenly hot cum exploded from his throbbing flesh, coating Liam's fist and his belly. William could do nothing but sob as his tongue sought out Liam's to curl and dance inside the hot moist cavern of his mouth.

Shadows flickered along the cracked, split walls as loud panting filled the room. Sweat trickled down mixing with cum falling to the floor in droplets as Liam's fingers loosened and tightened in Will's hair. His body still twitched every so often from the intense orgasm. He opened his mouth and coughs trying to clear his throat enough to speak through scratchy muscles.

"You’re gonna kill me yet." His free hand slid up to release the belt, freeing Will from his imprisonment.

William smiled up at Liam, blinking beads of sweat from his shining eyes. "In a good way I hope, pet?" He questioned as he wrapped his bruised wrists around Liam's neck, his fingers interlacing in Liam damp hair. "Come here you horny grease-monkey...give us another kiss."

Liam chuckled kissing William softly, then turned his head kissing first one, then the other bruised wrist wrapped around his neck. "Did I hurt you?"

"Naw...like it a bit rough, peaches." His smile widened. "And I like it even more when I hear you say those words. So how about I share too?"

A light blush crept into William's already flushed face as he looked deep into Liam's eyes. Leaning up he kissed Liam softly, then drew back. "I love you, too."

"Sap." Liam smiled, rolling them over so Will's head rested on his chest. Listening to the world outside he realized he was completely content with his world. Within his heart warmed at Will's spoken affection.

"Such a sap."

~Part: 14~

Liam leaned forward carefully attaching the chain to the bumper of his car, then signaled Will. "Okay…now just pull out ‘slow’. Please god…do it slow." Liam glanced nervously at his car one more time. "Maybe I should do it."

Rolling his eyes Will groaned. "Like I'd hurt your bleedin' baby, Liam. I swear---slow and easy." Shifting Charlie’s truck into reverse he began to slowly back up, the chain going taunt as the truck pulled.

"Yeah, slow and easy, luv. Though to tell you the truth I was kinda surprised those two words were in your vocabulary after last night." He waggled his eyebrows at Liam trying to get him to smile. The man could be a mother hen when it came to his baby, he thought.

Liam flipped Will off then followed along side, his hands outstretched, as the car was slowly and carefully pulled out of the marsh.

Yes, he was protective of the car.

Yes, it was his baby.

You didn't get a car like his everyday. When you did though you took great care of it just like he’d done since he’d gotten it.

"Alright...alright good…good just a little more." There's nothing wrong with protec…, he thought. "JESUS DON'T SPEED UP."

Okay---maybe he was a bit overboard, he thought.

A snort drifted from the truck as Will slowed down. "That's not what you were saying last night, pet!"

Flipping Liam the official salute of the British Empire, he grinned from ear to ear as he slowed the truck to a stop. "How's she look, Liam? Any damage beyond the coat of sludge?"

Liam bent down wiping at the sludge, then inspected the car from one side to the other. Finally he breathed a large relieved sigh.

"No." Laying his head against the hood he started to coo softly. "Daddy's so sorry. I was a very bad man."

Stretching out the window Will sat on the edge one arm folded over the roof of the truck as he lit up a smoke.

"Daddy's boy toy can attest to that." He took a drag watching as the smoke drifted into the morning sky. "A very...VERY...bad man in deed."

"Shh…don't listen to him he's a sex addicted pervert who doesn't know how to hold a decent conversation. I'm going to take you home and wash you by hand and wax you, too. How does that sound? That sound nice? Yeah…that sounds nice." Liam purred.

Groaning Will flung his arm over his face dramatically. "If only he'd talk dirty to me like that!"

"I told you." Liam whispered, then patted the hood.

Standing up he walked around the truck to where Will sat, then removed his arm from his face. Leaning in he took his mouth in a crushing passionate kiss. When he pulled away, several moments later to catch his breath, he grinned.

"She gets the dirty talk, but you get the kisses---and the dirty talk." He pressed his lips to Will's ear whispering. "I can use you as the buffer when I'm done waxing. You know…you naked…me fucking you on top of the car. You can smooth out the wax." He nipped Will's ear, then stepped back taking his keys out of his pocket. "Come on we have to drop off Charlie’s truck…he's probably having a cow."

William chuckled. "He'd have a bigger cow if he saw me arse buffing your car." He slid down into the driver's seat, starting the engine, then leaned back out the window watching as Liam bent over to detach the chain. "Course your arse is big enough to buff better." Laughing he backed out onto the road yelling out the window. "Race you to your pop's house!" Then in a cloud of dust the truck headed out to Marcus Garrigan's house.

Liam snorted, muttering to himself. "My ass is not fat."

Jumping into his car he revved the engine and pulled out, racing after Will. In no time flat he’d caught up to Will. His car was after all way faster and in better condition than Charlie’s truck. Passing the truck, a huge grin plastered on his face, he left Will in a cloud of ‘his’ dust.

It only took a few minutes to reach the house and Liam pulled into the drive, waiting with a smug expression plastered on his face.

"What was that about a huge ass?" He yelled as Will pulled in.

Hopping from the truck, still coughing on Liam's dust Will rolled his eyes. "Never said your arse was huge. Just said it was...better...for buffing you bleedin' git." He leaned in giving Liam a quick peck on the cheek, then headed up the drive whistling as he tossed Charlie's keys in his hand.

"Bout time! Wha' ya two do---drive ta Vegas?" Charlie yelled sarcastically as he came out the front door..

"No ass! We tried to sell the heap all night, but alas no one wanted your stupid heap of a truck! Not even for scrap." Liam yelled back.

Charles snorted, pointing a finger at his brother. "Don't dis’ Bessy! She's a good truck. She's never let me down. Just because she isn't a shiny dick metaphor for your clearly shattered ego doesn't mean you need to dis’ her."

"HEY! I don't have a shattered EGO!" Liam indignantly pushed off his car to meet Charlie half-way up the driveway.

"Oh, no…course not and last night was just your version of a cleansing experience. Oops…my bad." Charlie snarked as he checked out his truck.

Liam growled, but kept his mouth shut, watching his brother check for damage. When he was done Charlie straightened up, looking at his brother.

"Come here."

"I don't want to."

"I said come here! You brain damaged momma's boy!"

Growling louder, Liam charged at his brother, but was caught in a hug. His hair ruffled and his back stroked as his brother’s soothing deep voice whispered in his ear.

"Don't do this shit no more you hear? I didn't sleep good and I lied to dad. You've let the guy you love see it and he's still here. So let it go---yeah? She loved you, she lied for you, and she can't ever say she's sorry. We’re here now, all of us, so be thankful, just be thankful."

Liam started to push away he'd heard this before, but looking over Charlie’s shoulder he caught sight of Will and stopped struggling. He just relaxed in his brother's arms. "Maybe I like my over-dramatic bullshit. If I give it up I'll be bored."

Laughing Charlie slapped his back his lips ghosting over his hair. "I keep telling dad we should have killed you at birth---you pain in my ass." He pulled back and looked into his brother’s eyes shaking his head. "Love ya---ya understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now get---you two smell like swamp."

Will took everything in with a silence that wasn't usually his way, but Liam had needed to hear what Charlie had to say. "Yeah well..." he stepped forward patting Charlie on the back, "...pulling a car out of a ditch can do that to you."

He smiled at Charlie a look passing between them that couldn’t have been clearer if Charlie had spoke. He knew he'd have to talk to Liam sooner than later, but after last night he was scared. Scared that whatever it was would tip Liam back over the edge.

"Shower sounds good. 'Sides Liam owes me breakfast or rather lunch being as he ditched me a few days ago." He grinned at Liam. "Can't be goin' out to lunch smellin' like swamp rat---now can we, pet?"

"No, guess not. Let's go." Liam gave his brother another quick hug, then hopped in his car, waiting for Will. When Will was in the car Liam pulled out beeping at his brother, then headed for home.

***

When they arrived back at Liam’s he unlocked the door heading inside and started shedding clothes. "So there's Mabel's, The Corner Stop…Gator serves food at the bar, but since you want nice and we’re going there later maybe that's not the best choice. Where do you want to go?"

"Gator's is fine, pet. Don't need anything fancy, but if you have a washer me clothes could do with a cleanin'." He smiled at Liam as he shucked off his boots, then tugged his tee shirt over his head. "I mean bein' as these are the only clothes I got that fit."

"I can wash those, but we can stop by your parents house to get you something else---if you want. I'm not afraid of the richies district."

"Naw...that's okay. Maybe after lunch. Just point me in the direction of the washer." He waggled his brows at Liam as he shimmied out of his jeans and collected them along with his tee shirt. "Surprisingly enough the rich boy knows how to do laundry."

"Well, here, humbled rich boy, do mine, too. The laundry room is next to the kitchen. Used to be your old toy room---remember that little room?" Liam handed over his clothes, pointing in the direction of the kitchen even though he knew Will was aware of where it was.

With a brisk click of his heels Will saluted Liam with a shit eating grin, then sauntered out of the bedroom completely naked. "Toy room---huh?" He called over his shoulder provocatively. "Any toys in there now?" He chuckled softly.

"No, sicko---just detergent and bleach. Now I'm going to get a shower." Liam walked back to the bathroom.

Starting up the shower he stepped inside, immersing himself in the steaming water. Back in the laundry room, Will tossed the wash in the machine and started the load, then headed back. With a childish smile he peered around the corner of the bathroom door, then crept across the room his eyes on the target. Sliding into the shower behind Liam he molded his body to Liam's back, placing a kiss over the tattoo.

" 'Nuff hot water for two?" He whispered as he began kissing his way down Liam's spine.

"We've done this before and survived the great hot water drought of two thousand and five. So I think--- yeah." Liam chuckled sarcastically. Leaning his forehead against the shower wall he allowed his body to relax against Will’s soft kisses.

"Good---cause I was thinkin', pet. I owe you for last night." He stood suddenly turning Liam around so they were face to face and he kissed him deeply. Pulling back he looked into Liam's dark eyes and smiled. "Owe ya big time."

Falling to his knees he nuzzled into Liam's crotch taking in the fading scent of sex from last night, his fingers trailing lightly over his cock. "I know you like to watch so take in a show, pet."

Lifting Liam's cock in his palm he began licking along the semi-erect length. Liam's breath hitched in his throat as he watched that moist pink tongue flick across his skin.

"Whoever said...I…liked to…watchhh..."

Peering up from beneath thick, damp lashes Will smiled a wicked smile. "Didn't need anyone to say, ducks. I got two eyes of my own."

Opening his mouth he began suckling the tip of Liam's cock working the shaft with his hand gently. Liam's eyes drifted shut, but he forced them back open, not daring to miss any of the show.

"Yes…because I'm ever so apparent I guess. God…yeah, love that tongue."

Curling said tongue around the head of Liam's cock William sucked a bit harder. One hand drifting up to cup Liam's balls gently, and began squeezing and rolling them. When a groan reached his ears over the sound of the shower he smiled around the warm cock and slid his mouth lower.

"Shittt…!" Liam hissed, his teeth gritting already. His fingers scrabbled across the wall behind him for any kind of grip. If he were to grab Will's hair now it wouldn't last long at all and he would end up hurting him with his need.

Slowly bobbing his head Will sucked his cheeks in tightening the suction on the warm flesh that was filling his mouth. He could taste pre-cum along his tongue as Liam's cock twitched and swelled. Grinning he began to hum and swallowed Liam all the way to the back of his throat while fondling his balls.

A loud screech echoed through the bathroom as Liam scraped his fingernails along the slick tile. He struggled to keep his head upright, to keep his eyes on William, as his knees started to shake. To steady himself he stretched his legs further apart, bracing himself. God the things Will could do to him, he thought.

Pulling back Will let the tip of Liam's cock brush his lips, then flicked his tongue out teasing the slit. "Like that do you, luv? Wanna come in my mouth?"

"Oh…you’re going to…so freaking kill me." Liam groaned, then finally moved his fingers from the wall to thread them in Will's wet curls. "Yes…yes I want, too. I want to watch you swallow me down."

All it took was the look in Liam's eyes and the need in his voice. Suddenly Will was pulling his length deep into his mouth, his tongue drawing wicked patterns along the throbbing vein beneath as his hand released Liam's balls. Grabbing the bar of soap he lathered his hand, one handed, then dropped the soap to the shower floor. All the while he continued bobbing his head until the taste of Liam's flesh and pre-cum coated his tongue.

Taking a deep breath, he slid his soapy hand up between Liam's trembling thighs, sliding his fingertips along the smoothness of his perineum.

"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, oh…Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...god, god, god…" Liam chanted repeatedly, his balls drawing up as his every muscle awaited the impending orgasm that was fast approaching.

Finally William found what he had sought and he pressed the tip of his finger against Liam's hole. At the same time he opened his throat, taking Liam all the way in, his nose buried in the damp dark curls surrounding his lover's cock. He swallowed once hard as his finger breached the twitching ring of muscle and slid home.

"Ohhh…Christ!!" Liam cried out as he exploded down Will's throat, his body spasming and shaking uncontrollably.

Will just...he just...., he thought, as his body shook harder and erupts again at the thought. He had to push his arms out catching himself against the wall to keep himself from falling on top of Will.

He just...oh my god, he thought again.

William pulled back licking his lips as he finished swallowing Liam's spend. His finger slid from the tight heat of Liam's ass as he leaned forward on his knees. He continued licking his cock, cleaning every drop of cum from his twitching flesh with a soft purr. His head rested against Liam's quivering hip, one arm curling around the back of his knees while the other lifted, his hand petting along the opposite hip. Gentle strokes down and through the damp curls until he sighed softly.

"Love you, Liam...always have."

Liam swallowed hard, nodding. "I love you, too."

He patted Will's hair, then used all his strength to stand straight grabbing the shampoo bottle and pouring some into his palm. "So we'll shower, change, take the car to a car wash. I'll baby her another time. Then we'll go to Gator's. That sound okay to you?"

Glancing up with a contented smile, Will licked his lips still tasting Liam's lingering essence, then stood on wobbly legs. "Gator's is fine, pet. Do you mind washing me back? I'm a bit wobbly and well..." he looked pointedly down at his own aching cock, "...I kinda have to take care of this before we go out."

Liam scrubbed his hair down, then grabbed a rag soaped it up. Scrubbing himself down he then turned his attentions to Will. With quick efficient moves he scrubbed him from top to bottom.

"There you go. I'm just going to rinse and put the clothes in the dryer or we’re going to be wearing wet clothes. You just enjoy the rest of your shower."

With a quick kiss Liam rinsed himself off, then stepped out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around his waist he headed out of the bathroom as quick as he could shutting the door behind him. Raising an eyebrow at Liam's retreating back Will sighed, then looked down at his bobbing cock.

"Well now, pet...guess it'll just be me, you, Rosie Palm, and her five sisters."

With another sigh he lathered his hands and tried to focus on the ache between his thighs. His mind kept drifting to Liam though and his quick departure from the shower. For the life of him he couldn't quite figure out what he'd done this time. After all he'd thought that was one brilliant blow job.

***

Just don't think about it. Just don't think about it, Liam repeated to himself as he threw the clothes in the dryer.

Will's gay of course he wants to touch that part of a body. It was just a slip that's all. Hadn’t he made it clear, he wondered.

Liam pushed the start button, then froze.

He hadn't, he thought, he hadn't made it clear that he didn't want---that? He didn't think he could. Oh, my god Will thought he wanted to be f…

No…no this is stupid.

He was clearly gay, Liam thought, so why was this bugging him. He slumped into one of the kitchen chairs and his brain flashed back to the shower, the finger penetrating his body, and he felt a shiver down his spine. But from what he didn't know. He just didn't know how he felt about it. He just never thought about it.

***

Wandering into the kitchen scrubbing his hair dry, towel swathed around his hips Will looks up to see Liam. He was sitting at the table, obviously deep in thought, a frown lowering his brow even further. Will wandered over to the fridge his gaze never leaving Liam's bowed head.

"Hey, luv---you okay?" He pulled open the door and grabbed a can of coke from the shelf.

Liam jumped, pulling the towel further over his lap as if to cover a modesty he didn't need anymore. "I'm… I'm fine."

"Ooo...kay." Will wandered back to the table, sitting down and popping the can open. He studied Liam with worried eyes as he sipped the soda. "You know we don't have to go to Gator's. We could just order some hot wings and pizza...kick back and watch some telly."

"NO! No…I need…I want to get out of here. I want you to meet Gator."

"No, problem, luv. Just thought I might have wore you out in the shower." He took another long drag off his coke, peering over the can at Liam. "Maybe a nap would do you good, pet. I mean that cabin floor isn't exactly conducive to a good night's rest."

Liam started to throw that idea out the window, but he was tired, and they had loads of time. Nodding slowly he stood, keeping a death grip on the towel. "Good idea a small nap never hurt anyone. I'm feeling a bit exhausted all of a sudden."

Scurrying to his room he slipped the towel off fast, and grabbed a pair of sleeping pants. Slipping them on and getting into bed he pulled the silk sheet over his body and buried his face in his pillow.

Finishing off his coke Will followed Liam into the bedroom only to find a huge lump in the center of the bed. Chuckling to himself he stripped off his towel and slid beneath the silk sheet.

"Hey, luv, if the light bothers you why not pull the shades." He whispered against the back of Liam's neck.

Another small jump and Liam was looking into William's eyes trying to act as if he had a cold shiver, quivering for show. "I like to sleep like this. God---are you cold? I'm cold." Liam pulled more blankets over himself, tossing and turning. Losing the silk sheet and rolling atop it he tucked a few of the thick blankets around himself.

"God I'm tired." He closed his eyes, burrowing his face back into the pillow muttering. "Have a good nap, Will."

Rolling onto his back, William gives Liam's back one final glance, then folded his arms beneath his head. As his eyes drifted shut he wondered to himself what was up with Liam’s mummy impersonation. He figured as he drifted off to sleep that Liam just might not be a cuddlier.

That was okay, he wasn't either.

***

A few hours later Liam woke to soft snoring and turned his head looking at William. God he felt like such an ass, but he just couldn't deal with it---any of it. It was all good a few hours ago. They were together, they’d had the best damn sex Liam could ever imagine, and he loved Will more than breathing.

That much was still true, but now---now Will wanted something from him he wasn't sure he even wanted.

Sighing Liam disentangled himself from the sheet and looked at the time---seven. They’d slept for a few hours. Rubbing his face he thought that maybe he was just being dramatic again. Maybe Will was just doing a trick he knew. After all it wasn’t like Liam had that much experience.

He knew slot A into slot B, thrust, thrust, pleasure, pleasure. There was so much more he was sure the two of them could do together. So just maybe he was being stupid. He stood, stretching, and yawning, then scratch- ed his belly. Padding out to the laundry room he took the clothes out of the dryer and walked back to the bedroom.

"Will? Baby? Might want to think about getting up now."

Grumbling softly Will rolled over rubbing his face in the pillows. "Don't wanna..." came the muffled reply, "...wanna stay...warm..."

"Do you want to eat or do you want me to leave ya here to starve?" Liam asked, sitting the warm clothes on the bed.

Will lifted his head looking up with sleepy eyes.

"Food?" Then he rolled over and sat up as his stomach growled softly. "Food is good..." yawning loudly he scrubbed at his face.

Reaching out he grabbed his clothes and grinned. "That was the damn best sleep...you're like a human electric blanket, luv. All toast and shite."

"I know…been told I give off heat like nobody’s business. Let's get dressed and get ya some food before you wither." Liam started dressing as well. Pulling on his jeans and tee-shirt he sat down on the bed, then slipped on his boots, letting his hair stick out however it wanted.

Tugging the tee shirt over his head Will stood and scratched his naked belly with abandon, then shook out his jeans. With another loud yawn he stepped into them and padded barefoot to where Liam sat. Leaning down he kissed Liam gently. "You look better, pet. All rested and fresh. Wouldn't happen to know where I left me bloody boots---would you?"

"By the door that's where I saw ya take them off."

"Thanks, luv." He grinned over his shoulder as he headed for the living room, socks in hand, in search of his elusive boots.

Liam grabbed his keys and his belt, then followed threading his belt through the loops. "Now just remember no matter how Gator may appear he's just a kitten. Really all talk and swagger. Plus he's British… came over to America a few years back when he left his wife. Whom I'm told was a total bitch her name was...what was it...oh yeah Lilah. He left her after she tried to sell his entire rare book collection on e-bay apparently. He really loves those books.”

~Part: 15~

Gator was exhausted and furious all in the same breath. It had been one of those days that he had reconsidered his life wondering if giving up one harpy, Lilah, for another, Cook, had been an intelligent move. Dear Lord, but that man could be a bigger harpy than any woman, even Lilah, not to mention the fact that the man just down right made his skin crawl off his bones.

Rolling up his sleeves he began washing beer mugs in the small sink behind the bar, the citrus scented soap reminding him that he'd yet to eat today. Perhaps he would just take the night off and leave Harris in charge. After all that was what he'd hired the young man for, well that and the eye patch. He found that the eye patch gave the otherwise handsome young man an air of danger and mystery. He grinned to himself as he glanc- ed up at the sound of the door opening.

"I'm talking primal here..." William stepped through the door with a snarl.

"But cavemen are stupid for the twentieth time and astronauts are clearly smarter. They would outwit them for Christ sakes Will." Liam gruffly spit out as he followed right behind.

A soft snort erupted from Will as he raised a brow at Liam. "So if the bleedin' cavemen are so stupid...how'd they get fire, mate?"

Gator chuckled softly as he grabbed a towel and dried his hands. "Is there a problem boys?"

"No." Liam quickly grunted taking a seat, his gaze never leaving William. "Years...*YEARS* of trial and error, Will, does not a smart caveman make." Then he turned to Gator. "I need a beer and fast."

Rolling his eyes Will flopped on one of the barstools, his lower lip pushed out in a pout. "Yeah...problems. Ol' Captain forehead here thinks that astronauts would beat cavemen in a fight. So what do you think?"

Gator grabbed a two mugs from the freezer and began pouring a beer for Liam. "Well...I suppose..." he frowned thoughtfully, "...do the astronauts have weapons?"

"Yes." They both snapped at once.

His other brow rising above his wire-rimmed glasses Gator topped of Liam's beer and started pouring one for Will. "I suppose astro..."

Will growled at Gator, his eyes narrowing.

"Then again on the other hand cavem..."

Liam growled. "Hey."

With a sigh of frustration Gator turned dropping the two beers in front of the arguing men. "There is no need to be so..." he waved his hands about in a wild flutter. "And may I ask how long have you two gits been arguing about this?"

Liam glared as he picked up the beer in front of him, mumbling into the mug. "Since we left my house."

"Dear Lord!" Gator tossed his towel in the air, rolling his eyes. "And here I thought Cook was the scariest person I knew. The fact that you've been arguing about this for what...twenty minutes?" He moved back to the sink with a snort not even bothering to finish the thought.

"Who the bloody hell is…Cook?" William glanced at Liam as he lifted his beer to his lips.

"Cook is Gator's bitch replacement as he likes to call him, but I think he's cool. Which reminds me…" Liam called towards the back. "Cook baby, two specials, please."

A loud amused voice called back. “Anything for you sugar.”

Liam smiled a smugly in Gator's direction. "You just got ta know how ta treat poor Cook he's so abused."

William broke out in raucous laughter, almost choking on his beer as Gator aimed a well placed glare at the kitchen door.

"It would do you well to remember who signs your paycheck!" Gator snarled.

The same voice drifted out the door, but this time it was anything except nice. "And it would do you good to stand and recognize that you got the best damn cook this side of New Orleans you stuffy British tart!"

Liam began laughing so hard his face flushed red and he started choking, pounding on his chest with one fist.

"No respect..." Gator mumbled then turned his glare towards Liam. "It would do you quite right if you were to choke on that beer Liam Marcus Garrigan!"

"Marcus is your middle name?" William snorted. "Named after the old man---now is it!"

Liam shot an evil look in Gator's direction. "Oh you cranky spiteful British bastard I'll remember this." Then he turned his attention to Will poking him hard in the side. "Shut up ‘Mister I'm named after *my* stuffy anal retentive pop’."

A snarl escaped around the beer mug as William took a deep pull. "Yeah, well..." he eyeballed the man across the counter, "...my pop may be anal retentive, but at least I don't want to bugger my car!"

"I WORKED HARD AND SAVED FOR YEARS FOR HER!!" Liam roared in fury. "She's a damn good car a freaking classic and she's good to me! Leave her alone god damn it!"

Now Gator was laughing so hard he could barely breath. "I do believe your right, Will---was it?"

"See even he agrees with me, pet!" William crowed in delight. "If you could do her you would! 'Oh, baby...oh, baby...' yeah I can hear it now!!"

"Jealous, that's all you’re just jealous of her." Liam spit out as he fingered his mug, glaring at Gator. "Yes, it’s Will, but William is more like it Gator. You should remember that name. Just take a trip back to memory lane. You know…when Liam was drunk and bitching about how life was unfair, cruel and you'll remember. I brought him ‘cause you’re supposed to be my best friend you bastard and I wanted you to meet my first real best friend. So Gator meet Will…you bastards."

The two men both looked at Liam, then turned to one another with smirks.

"Testy isn't he, mate?" Will chuckled.

"Indeed he is...has been for quite sometime I believe." Gator replied.

"Yeah…yeah…take the piss. I'm going to remember all this. You both seem to forget I'm a bad ass and I can make your lives miserable. Plus Gator…oh wise ass…I slip Cook a few twenties, a smile, and I can have him making bad orders for days just to get your goat."

"You wouldn't dare?!" Gator growled.

Will reached in his pocket shaking out a smoke and lit up. "If you’re such good friends, then you'd know he would you soddin' git." He snorted.

Cook’s voice interrupted the stand-off. “Order up!” Two special’s on a tray came sliding across the counter from the kitchen. Grinning at Liam he disappeared back into the kitchen.

Liam patted Gator's stubbled chin. "Let's not find out buddy o' mine. How about you get those specials? I bet they taste nummy."

Snorting Gator turned on heel and stormed to the window. Picking up to the two platters he turned to head back, then paused. A thoughtful look crossed his blue eyes, then he grinned. "Oh...by the way cook...I think I saw your sister down at the Rough and Tumble Roadhouse the other night. You might want to ask her why she was dancing on a table with all those ones in her hot pants."

"Son of a bitch! Gator that ain't funny!" Cook roared from the kitchen as a ladle whizzed by Gator's ear.

Laughing Gator walked to the bar and sat the platters on the bar. "So...what have you two been up, too?" He asked innocently as the sound of banging pots and curses drifted in from the kitchen.

"Gator!" Liam hissed. "You know Bea is a saint. She goes to church more than I have sex."

"She must be bloody Mother Theresa if she goes that often, luv." William chuckled as he blew smoke rings across the bar.

"That isn't what Billy Randall told me the other night." Gator snorted. "Seems Bea has been sneaking out into the woods to meet him for the last month. Of course she has to sneak if she wants to date. Cook would tear any man's cock off and feed it to them if they touched her."

"Oh, snap, Gator! That just ain't right! You sure it was Lilah who was the harpy bitch in the relationship?!"

Cook laughed loudly from the back then answered.

“’Cook the napkins aren't folded right, Cook I look fat, Cook why aren't the rolls round enough.' 'Oh, yeah I wonder, too.'” An uproarious chuckle followed his words.

"I do not tell you I look fat!" Gator snorted. "As far as the rolls are concerned if they are 'rolls' they need to be thicker than a saltine cracker!" He poured himself a beer, grinning at Liam and Will. "I think ol' Cook just hates admitting he can't make a roll worth a damn."

"I'll make you a roll you moody bitch." Cook called back, but says no more.

Chuckling Liam was about to reply when a thick strong arm wrapped around his neck. "Liam, boy, well here ya are. I was startin' ta wonder about ya. Ya been so good lately my jail cell looks lonely without your backwater ass to keep it company. Are ya startin trouble now boy?"

A pig like snort exploded behind Liam quickly followed by a high pitched laugh. Another skinnier man moved to stand on the Liam’s other side. He reached up yanking off Liam's cap. "Yeah ya better not be startin trouble pretty boy."

"Would never dream of it Buster and Buster's pig boy. How many times have I asked you nicely to not to call me boy, Buster?"

The hand tightened around Liam's neck sending him into a coughing fit, but he didn't move. Buster lowered his mouth to Liam's ear, whispering low. "I'm the law ‘boy’. So I'll call you my little grease monkey if I want too." Buster glanced up at Gator. "He giving you issues?"

"Buster dammit you need to get your pig arse out of here and go hunt up a real criminal. Liam is behaving himself quiet fine..." Gator reached beneath the bar, his hand wrapping around the grip of his .45 and he raised a brow. "Besides Buster you know I can protect myself just fine." He left it at that, letting the threat hang in the air between them. "Oh and Buster...I believe Liam needs to breathe." There was the soft sound of a gun cocking from beneath the bar as Gator's eyes narrowed.

William just sat frozen staring at the little scene playing out. There was no doubt in his mind that Buster was about a few ants short of a bloody picnic and even though Liam had prepared him he still found it hard to believe anyone had given the fat bastard a badge. Dropping his cigarette to the bar floor he slid from the bar stool and stepped into Buster's space his voice ice cold.

"I suggest you let me mate go or I might just take that shiny star and shove it sideways up your arse you fat fucker."

Buster whistled low. "Well, look what we have here Herb. A fine little British pansy all set to save Liam--- how sweet."

Herbie nodded tucking his hands under his belt. "Oh, yeah Buster he's a real scary hero. We better leave Liam go."

"Yeah, we better." Buster snorted his arm tightening again.

Liam’s voice pushed out through air constricted lungs. "Leave…him alone...Buster…just…leave off. I'm...I'm going to…be a…good boy."

"That right, boy?" Buster snorted.

"Yes."

Buster shifted his gaze towards William. "So who are you? And why do you give a shit about Liam?"

"He's nobody." Liam gritted out despite his throat being gripped tighter.

William glanced at Liam from the corner of his eye and a smirk curled his lips as he lit another smoke. "First of all...Buster...I ain't British." He inhaled his eyes drifting to where magically Gator's .45 had appeared on the counter. "Second you should both be careful who you call wheezy..." he exhaled a cloud of smoke into Buster's face.

Herb gasped moving to Buster’s side elbowing him. "You don't think?"

Buster let go of Liam's throat stepping around him so he faced William, eyeing him warily. "Nah, can't be. No way that skinny little nerd freak could turn out like this."

Liam stood rubbing his throat with a nod. "That's right he ain't nobody just some loud mouth." Liam looked pointedly towards Will giving him the most pleading expression he could. "Just some punk friend of Gator's. Now back off fellas and I'll buy you a round."

Buster tapped the butt of the gun in his holster, still studying William. "Wait a minute now Liam…you got me thinking. You ain't never protecting nobody like this nobody new. You seem a bit edgy why would that be?"

"I bet I know Buster." Herbie replied.

"Me too Herb. Long time no see…Willy."

"Name's Spike now..." William stepped around Liam, one hand brushing his shoulder, "...ain't been Willy in a long time. Now I suggest you sod off before I have to show you just how I got the new name." His eyes narrowed as he blew another cloud of smoke into Buster's face. "Ain't pretty I can guarantee you that."

Behind the bar Gator's spine stiffened, his fingers curling around the butt of his gun. Liam had told him a lot about William LaCroix, but this was something he hadn't ever hinted at. The man facing down Buster Baggins was not a man to be trifled with and Gator had known some men in his life.

Buster glared at William, his hand tightening around the butt of his gun. "Willy's gotten himself some balls. Isn't that cute Herbie?"

"Yeah…cute."

Liam held up his hands trying to calmly defuse the situation. "Buster now come on…he's just mad cause you roughed me up a bit. But I'm not mad…see. We can just back off, go our separate ways…the round still stands."

Keeping his hand firmly on his gun, he sniffed raising his chin. "Two."

"Fine…two rounds. Just give it a rest---okay?" Liam admonished.

Buster’s stare hardened for a moment, then he let his hand slide from the gun. Nodding he pointed to a corner booth towards the back. "Send it back there, Gator. And make it fast." Buster turned and headed for the booth, Herbie following like a puppy.

"What happened to you, pet?" William's eyes hardened as he studied Liam's face. "The Liam I knew would have never stood for that shite." His voice lowered and softened. "You deserve to be treated better than that..." he lowered his gaze to the floor. "That fat fuck sudden- ly has a badge and you can't defend yourself...that just ain't right, luv. Ain't bloody right at all."

Liam couldn't hold William like he wanted, too. Couldn't hold him, kiss him, and tell him it would be all right. Not now at least, so he settled for stepping close his mouth close to Will's ear. "Baby I did a lot of shit. I keep telling you that. They will throw me in that jail cell for nothing bigger than a nose bleed that I may or may not have caused. I don't want that now or else I would have punched in his fat face, then snapped his skinny parakeet along with him. I just want to be with you….here…and I want to have a good time. Don't matter how you think I should be treated. I don't care about me tonight. I care about you. Buster likes his gun way too much to piss with him. Do you understand me, Will?"

Lifting his gaze from the floor William smiled sadly. "I know...I just hate the idea of those fuckers using your grief over your mum to harass you. But for you...I'll let it go." He reached out his hand pressing against Liam's chest and pushed playfully. "Now quit pouting, pet, and let's eat before that great food gets cold."

Nodding at William, Liam led the way back to the bar were they sat, picking up their forks. "You can let go of the gun now Wes. I doubt they'll start anything. Their attention spans are slim to none. As soon as the beer comes their way they'll forget all about me."

Warily Gator slipped his gun back under the counter, flipping on the safety. He cleared his throat and aimed a well placed glare at Liam. "What did I tell you about calling me that in public you great greasy lug?"

Bursting out laughing William began to choke on the bite of dirty rice he'd just taken.

Fork digging into his plate of food, Liam raised a brow and smirked. "Well it's your name isn't it? Wesley Wyndam-Pryce...Wesley Wyndam- Pryce... Wesss… …leyyyyy."

Cook started howling in the kitchen as Liam chuckled, lifting his fork to take a bite of his food.

With a final cough William wiped his mouth on a napkin and rolled his eyes. "Wesley? Wesley? No wonder you bloody well prefer Gator. I'd rather be known as a reptile than a namby-pamby Nancy boy."

Gator's eyes narrowed as he turned to William. "Unlike William James which is such a 'macho' he man name." He snorted.

Now it was Liam's turn to choke on his food turning away from William.

"Exactly...how does Mr. 'I'm a nancy-boy' Gator know my 'full' name?" William's eyes narrowed as he whipp- ed his head around to glare at Liam. "Care to explain that one...luv?"

Liam shrugged, shoving his mouth full of rice.

"Liam....?" William drawled out slowly.

Pointing to his full mouth Liam stuffed a few more bites in, an innocent expression on his face.

A soft snort escaped William as his eyebrow shot into his hairline. "Full mouth never stopped you before, pet?"

Gator snickered softly as he began washing glasses again behind the bar. "Indeed, Liam? Do tell how I happen to know that tidbit."

Liam glared at Gator finally giving up. He swallowed the food in his mouth as he mumbled. "May have mentioned it one night on a drunken rant."

"A drunken rant?" William snorted taking a swallow of his beer. "And what else did you happen to let slip during your 'drunken' rant? Anything bloody important?" His eyes twinkled as he took another swallow. : "No…no I swear nothing important."

There was a snort from the kitchen followed by Cook's deep voice booming out. "Nothing like where that one mole on the back of his neck that's cute is or how he has a scar on his elbow from that time he thought he was Superman and tried to fly. Or like how he stuttered when he was afraid to talk to your mom the first time he saw her because he thought she was beautiful. Nothing like that then?"

"COOK DAMN IT!!" Liam yelled chugging down his beer as he tugged his hat down over his eyes.

"Oh...My...God!" William growled. "I can not believe you!" His face flushed bright red. "Why by all that is sodding holy would you..." suddenly he paused, "...you think the mole on me neck is---cute?"

"Oh Jesus Christ I'm in hell." Liam muttered.

An arm wrapped around Liam's neck, but this time gently. Another arm came up and around to snag his hat the hand ruffling his hair. "Nah not in hell bro’, but now ya might be. What's wrong little brother all ya friends ganging up on ya for their amusement?"

"Let go Charlie. I've had enough of being strangled today."

"You were strangled by who?"

"That dimwitted fat fucker Buster..." William growled softly as he returned to his food. "Thinks he's got the bleedin' right to harass Liam even when he ain't done a thing, Charlie."

"I have to agree with William here, Liam." Gator spoke up softly. "Just because the prick has a badge does not give him the right to treat you as if you are a common criminal."

"I'm his biggest local criminal next to my reformed brother here. So I’m guessing that makes him think he has a right to harass me. Listen I'm good, I'm over it. They leave me mostly alone as long as I don't make waves. Buster just wanted to make a scene today. You heard him. He didn't see me for a while and well Will's here. He has to ruffle his feathers, show he's the cock of the walk, and all."

"Oh, that's bullshit brother and you know it."

"What is?" Liam asked turning to glance at Charlie.

Charlie grinned his voice rising loud enough for every- one in the bar to hear. "You know you’re the cock of the walk here baby bro’. Big ol’ swinging monster of a thing. We all bow before it....really we do."

The bar occupants laughed as Liam punched his brother’s arm playfully. "Shut up your gonna make him mad."

"So? I can take him I can ‘always’ take him."

"Frankly I can attest to that, Charlie." William whispered leaning closer to Liam. "Now can't I, pet?"

Liam coughed, elbowing Will, but winked at him quickly. Chuckling Charlie sat on the bar stool next to his brother, tapping the bar.

"How about a beer Gator my man?"

"One beer coming up, Charles." Gator grinned taking in the quick wink that Liam aimed William's way. He'd never have thought it before, but there was almost a glow in Liam's eyes he'd never seen before. If he didn't know better he'd have thought something more than friendship bound those two together.

"Keep telling ya English. It's Charlie...Charlie." Charlie pointed a finger in Gator's direction, then accepted his beer, swigging down a drink.

"Maybe if you stopped calling him English he would call you Charlie." Liam growled sarcastically.

"No, he'll always call me Charles because he's English bro’. So therefore he's always English."

A loud "Damn right!" echoed back from the kitchen causing Charlie to grin.

"See us black folk got ta stick together against you terrible, oppressing, whities. Isn't that right, Cook?"

"Damn right!" Cook's replied sending Charlie into paroxy of laughter, clutching his chest as he stared at the outraged faces of his brother and friends.

"What?"

Liam just shook his head. That only made Charlie laugh harder as he pushed his, now empty, plate towards Gator.

Throughout the conversation William had continued eating and watching the easy camaraderie between the brothers, Cook, and Gator. He'd missed so much over the past ten years and he'd feared that he would lose Liam because of it. A soft sigh escaped him as he finally realized that in all the years they'd been separated Liam hadn't been alone. He was grateful for that, but he was still jealous in a way.

Liam turned to Will, when Charlie started a conversation with Gator and pointed to his nearly empty plate. "You about done? I want to play pool. You remember the game English the Second?"

One dark brow rose and a smirk curled William's lips. "English the Second?" He snarked. "Yeah, baby I remember pool...after all they do have it in England."

"Well then sugar let's play a game." Liam snarked right back.

Sliding off the bar stool he headed over to the pool table and started popping in quarters. He collected the balls as they rolled out and yelled over his shoulder with an evil grin. "You get the sticks. Make sure one of them is heavy I hate light pool sticks."

Slipping off his bar stool William followed Liam over to the pool tables and studied the cues hanging on the wall rack. "Hmmm...sticks. Big wooden sticks. Now what is it..." he paused selecting a cue and picking up a cube of chalk, "...that I'm suppose to do with it?" A tiny smirk curled the corner of his mouth as he slowly began chalking the tip, his tongue darting out to lick his lower lip.

Liam hissed low. "Stop it you brat. You know what to do with it." But he smiled, shaking his head as he stood up grabbing the triangle. Sorting the balls he began placing them inside it.

"Brat?" William huffed. "I was just wondering, but actually I have a pretty damned good idea what to do with that 'big' stick." His gaze lowered pointedly to Liam's crotch.

"Stop." Liam mumbled, picking up the triangle and grabbing his cue from Will. Rubbing his fingers along its length he grabbed the chalk, chalking the tip. "So do you want to break?"

"Yeah...sure...whatever." William moved around the table and leaned over sliding the cue into place seductively. "Always wanted to break some balls, mate."

Liam groaned as he heard Charlie chuckle from the direction of the bar. He shot a glare at his brother and Charlie held up his hands in surrender. "Well break away."

Pulling back the cue William eyeballed the set up and then let fly smoothly. The cue ball hit and sent balls spinning in every direction with a wild clacking. Two striped balls dropped in the right and the left corner pockets. Standing he turned to Liam and blew on his nails, polishing them along the front of his tee-shirt. "Yeah..." he grinned.

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