Cards in the Deck

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Cards in the Deck - Adam and Ben 30A

The Last Christmas at Brevard Part 1

It was Thursday morning but it was 3 am and neither Quinn nor I could sleep. He was curled up beside me overlaying my left arm while I looked up at the ceiling. I thought this was a really good reason to not be single. Having a warm body curled up beside you was always comforting. We had experienced a passionate fuck earlier in the evening and we seemed exhausted but not exhausted enough. A lot of things were about to happen. The dress attire for the family had been shipped and received. We had sorted everyone's clothes into the proper bedrooms. It would not do for Aunt Claire's dress to be found in Margo's closet!

The agreed upon rule for this holiday was that the whole family would stay under one roof. No hotels or airbnb! My parents would be in the front right guest room and James and Claire would be in the front left guest room. Charles and Rebecca would be in the south guest room on the other side of the panic room. Annaleigh and her husband were staying in grandmother's room as it was very comfortable. Ryan would be in my old room, Brandon would be across the hall in Adam's old room and Emma would be on the far end of the wing. We had to clean that room up a bit as it hadn't been used in a long time but it cleaned up nicely. Quinn added roses to the room as she was the only girl. Showers would have to be split into morning and evening as hot water would be an issue. Even with two hot water heaters, this was a lot of people. The house would be tested.

I was picking up Ryan this afternoon while everyone else would be filing in tomorrow morning in rental cars. I couldn't make a bunch of trips back and forth and hauling luggage. We had really hoped to have a Friday night dinner at the house but with so many people, we did not have anywhere to centralize just short of dragging the dining room table and several other tables into the foyer and having dinner there. That was too much trouble coupled with the fact that Cook did not have any capacity for a dinner that size with the Christmas party cooking she was on tap for. So, we would be dining in the private dining room at the country club. I have to hand it to them. The Board thought this was such an auspicious occasion, to have the entire Brevard family in, they offered to provide the dinner at no charge. Obviously, money was not an issue but the grand gesture was thoughtful. I can assure you of this: the main dining room will be at capacity for all those people who want a glimpse of the Brevard's and the hopeful chance to meet or greet. It was much the same way when Phil and Margo came for Christmas's past and the parishioners were ever present to ensure they celebrated Christmas Eve with the local royalty.

Margo had been right about the RSVP's to the Christmas Party invitations. Not a single declined response. This would be the party no one wanted to miss and I could truthfully imagine the squabbling going on in town amongst those who were invited and those who weren't. It was nothing personal but there people/families to whom we would show our respect and those that had kept ongoing communications with Phil and James. And then there were Margo's Christmas Teas. There would be two previous governors, a state senator, executives from Margo's bank. Members of the city council including the mayor. Headmaster Lewis and the previous headmaster from St. Luke's Academy in Mobile. Other business leaders from around the state and several long time friend's of James and Claire. There were many other's on the list but are not consequential to this story. It would be a very fine and regal Christmas Party, to be sure. We would have two bars set up on opposite ends of the house, one in the Billiards Room and one in the west wing entrance. Emma would be giving a 30 minute christmas piano recital in the south parlor to honor her grandparents, which we all thought would be very appropriate. Cook and her team had been preparing for days and the food would be second to none. She did agree to prepare a buffet breakfast on the side board for the family Saturday morning. The family photo on the front portico would take place Friday afternoon at 4. This got to me as it would be a monument to our last gathering at Brevard House.

"Quinn, I want to think out loud. You awake?" I asked in the dark.

"Yeah," he said quietly.

"Your car," I said.

"What about it?" he asked.

"We might want to think what a Dallas style car might be for you."

"What's wrong with the Mazda?" he asked.

"Well, it's a bit old. You have taken good care of it but it will soon be time for a new one. I'm not taking the CT6 to Dallas. It's too big and I won't need to be driven around like Miss Daisy anymore."

"Well, in that case, I will give it thought. How about another Maserati?"

"Ryan's parents got him an Audi A4."

"I know," said Quinn. "He texted me." After a moment of silence, he added, "Speaking of Ryan..."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"He's...I don't know how to say it...he's alluring, don't you think?" Quinn said.

"Yes. I love it when he shows humor and playfulness but when he's serious, he is very serious."

"He says things to me that make me feel very attractive, like he really likes me."

"Yes. He does, too. I think that he doesn't know anyone like you where he goes to school. He actually put his foot down to me that you didn't need to prove yourself to me anymore and, in fact, it was my turn to prove myself to you. That's why I proposed. He made me see that it was high time that I do something."

Quinn leaned up on one arm. "He did that?"

"Yes, he is an influencer if you can take his direct approach without getting offended. Listen, Quinn, I need to tell you about something and I don't want you to get upset or take it the wrong way. No `ta-da" moments"

"What?" he asked excitedly. I could tell he was wide awake now.

"He will come back into this room like he did the last time. I know he will." I rolled over to see Quinn's face. "He will want some affection," I said putting emphasis on affection.

"What does that mean?" he asked.

"Ryan and I are kissing cousins, if you will."

"What the fuck, Ben? You just proposed to me and you are kissing on your cousin? Seriously?"

"Don't get upset, Quinn. This does not disrespect our relationship. This isn't cheating on you. He made it clear he doesn't want old men boyfriends. He doesn't want me getting my head out of whack. He likes the affection and I think he's using the experience to help him with his new boyfriend. It's just kissing. We are not going to fuck him. He's virgin. He can't take us. He needs to do that with his peers. He just seems to be a sponge for affection right now. A phase. I think he's unsure of himself and is using me as a roadmap."

"You may be right about that. But I still don't get it. I feel like I should be pissed."

"No, you should be pissed if you caught us rather than me telling you the truth. And, I feel certain he wants you to be part of that affection. You need to keep your head in check, though. You can't fall in love with him. Just watch and see if he tries to join us. It's not something you are getting left out on. But I will tell you, its so rare and erotic."

"You weren't so unsure of yourself back then were you? I thought you were a player."

"I was. I got it when I wanted it but my upbringing is different. I lived here so guys were interested. I had a couple of guys at school and when I came home, there were some here too. He has grown up with all those little rich kids who live in gated neighborhoods where everyone's house looks alike. Then he goes to school with them. It's probably not so easy for him as it was me. I was the `shit'," I said laughing " "So you did something with him when he was here before?"

Well, he asked me to show him level 1, 2, and 3 kissing. He told me my moves helped him get started with his new beau at school. I really don't want to turn him away. It may be something he outgrows as he gains experience. Go with the flow? Will you try?"

"Yes, because I'm curious as hell,l but Ben, I don't want to be the third wheel in this relationship."

"I'm marrying you, Quinn. I hope that says all that it needs to. Our life can be full of adventures and experiences but I am going to be 100 percent on the ground for Ryan. There is no competition. I promise that." I placed my hand on his face and gave him a look of reassurance. I leaned in and kissed him, then put my head on his shoulder. I felt his hardness in the sheets so I knew the thought of things turned him on. Men are so predictable, aren't they?

"He's a hottie isn't he? Is it good?" he asked grinning at me in the dark.

"His lips are divine! And, truthfully, the exotic part is that it's enticing to experience. My theory is this. WE have fucked and have been fucked. We know what it is to go all the way. But in those instances where your brain knows it cannot go all the way, it accepts what is offered and turns that into sexual electricity. Do you know what I'm saying? If you don't, you soon will," I said with excitement.

"OK, well let's see how this goes, like with Brett!" he said finally. "By the way, my mother was thrilled to be invited to this party. She went shopping for a new dress," he said laughing.

"She's family now, Quinn. She is OUR family."

He laid back reflectively tightening his grip around me.

"Gay relationships are the same as straight, are they?" he asked.

"They don't need to be. The code that was designed to promote the family structure does not necessarily apply to us. Straight people who involve a third or play the swingers game are considered freaks and unacceptable in mainstream while our mainstream is quite different. There are those who think our marriages involve someone throwing on a dress and high heels and marching down a church aisle. They don't get it at all. This playtime with Ryan is just outside my comfort zone but I understand him and I know what his objective is. And as long as he's the one bringing it on, well..."

"I get it but, man, but it's different. I'm on edge about it."

"Act naturally Quinn. Don't scare him. If he comes he comes. If he doesn't, that's ok too. He has to initiate. Got it?" He was quiet again and soon we were both asleep. The morning was crap. I woke up with Quinn on my arm and it was dead asleep. I pulled from under him and my arm slapped the headboard sending shockwaves to my brain. My nose was stopped up due to the cool air. My head hurt from staying awake too long in the night. I slumbered out of bed and headed to the bathroom. When I came out, Quinn was still sleeping so I decided to walk around and assess things before the onslaught of people arrived. The guest rooms in the main house were in good order. Towels neatly placed in each room. The east wing rooms were cold because the vents were closed. That pissed me off. The blankets on the bed were from 1950! Newer comforters should have been placed on the beds. It was a thing that people had to sleep in these older rooms but I wanted them to be comfortable. I retrieved newer comforters from the closet in the guest room and checked the rooms in the west wing. They were good. Those rooms looked good. It was a neat feature that Emma would be staying in the room that was her mothers when she was a girl and lived here.

I returned to the master bedroom and snapped at Quinn, "Quinn, it's time to get up! It's an icebox in the east wing so I opened the vents. Also, I changed the comforters on the beds since those blankets were old as shit!'

"Well thank you for contributing," was all he said, as if he had done all the work around the house. Well, he had, in all honesty but that's not what I wanted to hear. I told him I was going down to make some breakfast.

"Let me know how that works out for you," he responded. I didn't know what he meant until I opened the refrigerator door to a completely packed refrigerator with bags of food, shrimp, cheese, cakes, meats, sauces. If there was any legitimate food in there it was buried deep.

"Mother fucker! Where is our food?" I shouted to no one in particular. Quinn came down in sweats and a hoodie and said, "I guess you found breakfast," he said sarcastically.

"Shit, let's go into town and get something to eat. I'm hungry," I snapped. I was headed out the door mumbling about how nothing was going right and this whole venture was going to be a damn nightmare. Quinn snapped at me, "Hold it mister. First of all, you are not driving anywhere in your mood. You'll drive the car into the field and hit a cow the mood you are in. Let me get my shoes!" He ran up the backstairs and came back down with his trainers.

After placing them on he took me by my hand, "Ben, baby, it's all ok. I know you're fretted about this weekend but it's all good. The house is decorated and it's beautiful. The food is all ready to go. Your fridge is packed, Kent's fridge is packed, and there is food in my mother's kitchen as well. Cook has done it up right! Just relax."

I was quiet for a minute then said, "It's like they are invading MY house but it's not my house. Not now, it's not. I just want them to see how I ran this place. I don't know that the bigger display is here, me or Brevard House! It needs to be good," I said quietly, thoughtfully.

"Oh it's going to be good, Ben. Your little village; me, Kent, Cook, and yourself included, have worked like a dog on this for two weeks. It's done. You are going to be a fucking star this weekend and I'm going to be by your side the whole time. Got it?" Quinn said, smiling. Always knowing exactly what to say. He stood up to me very nicely this morning. I laughed to myself.

As we headed out the door, I said, in a most humorous and sarcastic tone, "Hey Quinn, thanks for contributing!" With a hand on hip and eyes rolled up, he responded, "Don't bring none, there won't be none." Then he climbed into the driver's seat and drove us into town to get some breakfast.

For the rest of the day we tidied and perfected, then came the trip to Birmingham to pick up Ryan. He came in a day early and I knew why. He wanted to spend some time with us without parents and family. That was fine by me. His mother, Becky, had called to ask if he could come early. She said he was adamant about coming early and she had really appreciated the attention I had given him. It seemed to have relaxed him a bit. I knew all too well now that he was getting close with another boy at school.

So we waited at the terminal and I spotted him coming in dragging his suitcase. He approached me and gave me a big hug. He looked amazing, of course, in a teal cable knit sweater and tan jeans. Ok, I liked the tan jeans a lot. I don't have those, but will soon!

I took him by the arm and pulled him toward the door saying, "the airport is no place for small talk, don't you agree?" as that was how he greeted us on our first meeting weeks ago. He laughed and clamoured behind me outside to the parking lot.

The ride home was mostly chit chat as there wasn't anything to catch up on. We texted nearly everyday so I knew what was going on. He briefly recounted some things from his 16th birthday party from the week before. He also talked more in depth about his budding relationship with Bradley. Bradley was from a prominent family outside of Washington DC. His family had a horse farm. Bradley was a skilled equestrian but didn't want to take over the family business. He considered himself more urban and wanted the city life. He had grave concerns about his sexuality due to the conservative nature of his family. While Ryan had come out to his parents, he was not out to his schoolmates so that had that in common. The other news he wanted to tell is that he would be paying his grandfather, my Uncle James, back the principal he gave him to start this trading. My concern in this is how would the taxes be settled. I don't think Uncle James knew that underage kid, so to speak, would double him money in the stock market. Well, I will have to let them work that out.

When we got back to Brevard, Quinn had come out to the drive to meet us. Ryan gave him a similar hug as I got, warm and tight. We all went in and took his things up to his/my room. He checked the closet to see his navy blazer and tux were properly placed. Quinn was going to run some errands. Ryan looked at me and said, `the roof?" I agreed and we headed upstairs and out onto the roof. This spot must have greatly impressed him.

We went out and looked over the gray winter sky and the thin backdrop, the trees had lost the leaves and the grass had turned for the winter. He took my hand. "Seems like I shouldn't miss you but I do," he said. "I mean, I text you everyday it's not, it's been forever or anything," he continued.

"I understand," I responded, feeling his fingers intertwining with mine. "It's the physical presence you miss. You know I am always with you, don't you?"

"Of course," he said. He leaned in a little closer.

"I think that things being good between you and Bradley make you feel warm and fuzzy. A good boyfriend will make you feel that way."

He turned towards me and leaned forward and pecked me on the lips. "I miss that too," he said.

I was feeling very spry so I offered, "show me level 3, baby." He took my face and pulled me into the most beautiful kiss. His wet soft lips grabbed my bottom lip and he sucked it in. Then he did the head turn so that our opposing forces would lock in. My arms were wrapped so tight around him. I felt a little breath escape his throat which blew into mine and I think I had part of him in me, almost like a part of me being thrust into me. It was erotic. His bulge was clearly distinguishable between us and I suppose mine was too.

We pulled away. "So that was amazing," I said. "Looks like you got it down," I laughed.

"Two parts inspiration," he said.

"What's the third part?" I asked.

"Fucking horny!" he shouted and we laughed.

We talked a bit more about the party and my proposal to Quinn, which I was able to inform him was his inspiration. He liked that, the little influencer. We covered off on the party details and agenda and went back inside. We ended up snug on the couch with something on the television. It was so nice just relaxing with him like this. His long strands of brown hair brushed my face and I savored it but I did not press anything further. I did not want to consider myself a horndog after my cousin and I didn't want a relationship based on physical wants with him. It needed to be all natural and primarily initiated by him. He wasn't going to get anything he didn't want.

Quinn returned and we went strolling around the property. The cold air was brisk and we walked fast. By the time we got back, it was leaning on suppertime. We decided to go casual to the pub and let people witness or observe the Brevard 3, as I now referred to Quinn, Ryan, and myself.

After dinner we strolled down Main Street and through the city square. There was activity believe it or not. People were out, stores were open. There were carolers on the square from one of the church choirs. It is my understanding that the football team hung most of the Christmas decorations. Quinn asked Ryan what he thought of his Audi A4. He said he liked it fine. Quinn said he was thinking of doing the same. Ryan said, "Oh you're gonna be a married `gurl'. Ben's gonna get you a Volvo wagon so you can do the shopping and go to the market and all those chores," he was laughing as he said. I was too. Quinn had an open mouth and blank face. But don't put anything past Quinn. He's always ready for a battle of wits.

"Ryan, you know that room Ben promised you in our new house? I'm going to put bunk beds in it, just for you `baby.'" he shouted out.

"You wouldn't dare!" Ryan responded agasp.

"With a little step ladder to the top bunk!" responded Quinn. That was it. Ryan lunged for Quinn and Quinn got him in a headlock maneuver and I thought to myself, "here are my two boys in the middle of the town square. Nice." I was about to break it up when Julia Haig came up behind me.

"Ben, what is going on here?" she asked with a shocked grin.

"Kids," I said.

"They look happy to me," she said. "Looks good on you all."

"Julia, you know Quinn. I don't think you've met my cousin Ryan Brevard," I said pulling him in closer.

"Oh yes, I remember you from the football game," she said. "I had to pause the first time I saw you. You reminded me..." when Ryan interrupted, "of Ben?" Julia corrected saying, "of a time long since passed," and she smiled at him. She looked at me, "he's so handsome Ben."

"I think I met your son at the game. Is he Jack?" asked Ryan.

"Yes he is. He's coming to your Christmas party. He wasn't happy about wearing a sports jacket," she said laughing.

"Is the jacket at least, well, fitted?"

"Yes Ben, Charles took him to Newells to get it tailored. He will be appropriate," she added.

"I don't care about that. I want him to feel and look good. There is going to be a pretty girl at the party. My other cousin Emma and she is beautiful," I told her with a wink.

"OH I see! If she has the Brevard look, I bet she is. Hey listen, what is Margo wearing to the party?'

"Julia!" I exclaimed. "A gold sequence dress with rubies. It's hanging in the closet so I have seen it. They all had their dress clothes shipped," I said laughing.

"Brilliant idea," said Juilia. "So much better than packing them. Well I must head home. No telling what state my kids will be in."

"Pleasure," said Ryan.

"Nice to see you, Mrs. Haig," said Quinn.

We walked through Evelyn Park to show Ryan his Great Grandmother's legacy and back to the car. Quinn commented, "you too made up nicely, I would say." I responded, "yes we did and I'm glad."

Was there a fight?" asked Ryan.

"Oh it was going to be a knockout," responded Quinn.

"I wish I could witness these things," Ryan said. "Was he fierce?" pointing over at me.

"Oh yes he was. You see, Ben is always referring to us as `cards in the deck.' What he doesn't tell you is that he's the one always holding the cards!" Quinn exclaimed.

"I see. That's how I would prefer it as well," said Ryan looking over at me with a knowing glance.

The drive back to the country was filled with chit chat. We were all very relaxed. That was a nice evening. After watching a couple of episodes on TV, we turned in. Ryan to his room, Quinn and I to ours.

Quinn and I were nestled in close, the cool night air had enveloped the house. I had decided to not crank up the heat until we tomorrow. It had been about an hour when we had stopped talking when I heard the knock at the door. Ryan slipped in wearing boxers and a t-shirt.

"Hey," he said approaching the bed. "Move over," and he started slipping into the bed.

I laughed to myself. Very predictable. Quinn nudged me indicating I had been right.

"It's cold in that room," Ryan said. "Don't you have heat up here?" he asked.

"Why don't you have pajamas? Boxers aren't much in the winter, Ryan."

"Uh, I quit wearing pajamas when I was 12. Is Quinn still wearing his? Are they Batman or Wonder Woman?" he asked. Quinn reached over me and punched him in the arm. I reached under Ryan and pulled him over me so that he was between me and Quinn.

"We can keep you warm," I said. He agreed that it was "snuggier" this way. He rolled to face me. "I love being here, Ben. Tonight was really cool," he said looking at me with those reflective eyes. Quinn rolled onto his side behind Ryan and put an arm over him. Ryan pushed back and hummed.

I leaned in, "are you ok? Is this ok?" I asked.

"It's perfect. This might be the safest place on earth," he said. I leaned forward and kissed him, gently, just between level 1 and 2 as Ryan would classify it. We nibbled like that several times when I tapped Quinn on the arm. He had Ryan's ear right at his mouth and started flicking it with his tongue. I heard him whisper, "we love you Ryan." Ryan whispered it back, "I love you both too. Oh my God, that is amazing Quinn. Don't stop," and Quinn kept kissing his ear and biting on his ear lobe. Ryan and I continued our kissing ritual and I got an arm him mingled with Quinn's. As the eroticism heated up and our body temperatures did the same, I could sense that Ryan was about to explode. His rigid cock was pressed against me. I turned him over to face Quinn. I figured Quinn wanted a taste of this lovin'. As they began kissing, I could see Quinn's thick lips sucking Ryan's in. I could tell they both really liked this. I pressed behind Ryan and nibbled on his neck. It was only a minute or two when Ryan gasped and threw one leg back over mine.

I grabbed his boxers waistband from the front and pulled them down and freed his cock. I then took his balls in my hand and lightly pulled on them. He came in a wave, with trembles, and gasps. While his cum splashed onto Quinn, I had the luxury of feeling the pulsing surges emanating from his cock. He held onto Quinn tightly through the event.

Quinn gasped, "I have never felt anything so electric Ryan. That was amazing," he said then pushed Ryan onto his back and I moved out of the way. Quinn got on top of him and lifted Ryan's legs gently and kissed him deeply. Ryan started moaning again. This feel so good Quinn." His arms were wrapped around Quinn's back as they play fucked. It rather made me mad that I had not gotten to do this first. He was MY cousin after all.

Before I could make a stink, Quinn rasped, "Oh my God, I'm going to bust," and he rolled to the side with his hard cock in his hand. I lurched forward and took his cock in my mouth and took his load. Quinn was moaning and quivering as I sucked that bulk of his orgasm out.

"Oh fuck!" exclaimed Ryan. "That's the hottest thing I've ever seen," and I took my place on top of him. I kissed him and I knew he could taste Quinn's cum. I sucked in deep and he responded. I put my arms under him and embraced him. Quinn started feeling my ass and inserted a finger gently into me. As this passion grew, I could feel it starting to boil up. Ryan was still hard from his first orgasm and I pushed us both over the edge. I came and he came. We came together. Quinn had his arms wrapped around us and were like a ball.

"Damn," said Quinn.

Ryan lay there panting. I got up to get him a towel. Quinn followed me into the bathroom. He couldn't speak, only shook his head at me. "That one," he said pointing. "You were right, Ben. That was the sexiest thing I have ever done since New Year's Eve."

We went back in and I cleaned Ryan's torso.

"God Ben, all my senses went crazy. Wow!" was all Ryan could say. Then Ryan's phone beeped. He reached over and looked at it. "Bradley," he said. "I will talk to him tomorrow," he said, placing the phone back on the nightstand.

Quinn and I took our places in the bed on each side of Ryan and quietly regathered our warmth under the covers and in each other's arms. It was very quiet after that. And we slept.