Author's note: This chapter introduces us to the main character of my next story. You'll probably figure out who it is, but his name is revealed in the footnotes... Just don't skip ahead or you'll spoil it ;-)
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Loving Conor - Chapter 15
On any other night I wouldn't have noticed, but with every tiny sound in The House I checked my phone, thinking it was vibrating. After laying awake for hours I heard the front door open and close. Given the late night habits of the guests someone coming or going wasn't concerning. What was concerning, however, were the argumentative whispers. An argument alone wouldn't have been a big deal, they happen, but the few words I could make out; "What the hell are you doing here?", those words meant trouble.
I quietly but quickly slipped out of bed to the stair rail. Two dark silhouettes followed the light of a cell phone toward the back hallway. Whatever the duo were talking about was probably none of my business, but safety in The House was.
By the time I reached the hallway entrance, I heard hushed voices coming from the kitchen. Instead of interrupting, I decided to listen for a moment. If it was no big deal I would just turn around and go back to bed. As usual, the double doors were open, so I stood to the side of the entrance and listened... what I heard shook me to the core.
"He doesn't fucking love you, Conor, you're just his boy toy. He's been using you and now he's leaving and you'll never hear from him again. I'm the only one who's ever stayed. No one loves you more than I do, and no one ever will."
The truth had now been revealed. I tried to stop myself, but the rage that took over was complete. The last remaining thread of mercy I had fell away as I wrapped my hands around Sam's throat and lifted her from the chair. Conor yelled and tried to pull my hands away, but it was no use. I tightened the grip around my so called friend's neck, ensuring she could never betray anyone...
"No!"
My heart beat so hard I could hear it. The clock on my phone showed that it was just past midnight... I had only been asleep for twenty minutes. Is this what it had come to, evil dreams of anger and violence? Was I even capable of doing such a horrible thing? I knew better, but it didn't make me feel any better.
I heard it again... whispers, coming from below. Had I actually woken up or was I locked in some twisted nightmare? The stinging sweat in my eyes gave me my answer. I put my shorts and shirt on, then washed my face and went downstairs.
Instead of the kitchen, the whispers were coming from two beanbags in the Common room. I brought the lights up, just enough to see where I was going, and saw Sam talking to a young man... who thankfully wasn't Conor.
"Oh, shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's fine, Sam. I wasn't really sleeping anyway. Who's your friend?"
The blond boy smiled and I shook his outstretched hand.
"I'm Luke, Sam's brother."
"I was just telling Luke he needed to go back home."
"Yeah, sorry. I didn't know about the rules here. I'll just..."
"Wait, where is home?"
"Miami, but..."
"... but that's a two hour drive and you look tired. I think it would be safer if you stayed."
Sam raised a disapproving eyebrow at me. "All the beds are taken... but, shit, I guess he can sleep on the floor in my room."
"You're kidding, right? In the same room with you and Tom? I'll just go."
"Well, if you don't mind sharing, the bed I'm in is huge and I promise not to snore. I would feel terrible if..."
"Yes! I mean... I don't mind sharing. Thank you."
Sam rolled her eyes. "Okay, fine then. You two have fun spooning. I'm going to bed, and you're leaving first thing in the morning, Luke."
I didn't have any brothers or sisters, but I understood the dynamics of siblings. I winked at Luke as Sam turned away. "Big spoon or little?"
Luke smiled. "Little."
Sam shook her head but didn't look back.
I had thought of Conor's room, but it wasn't mine to offer, and to be quite honest, I didn't relish the idea of being alone with my demons. Luke grabbed his backpack and followed me to the loft. I stripped down to my briefs and climbed into bed while Luke brushed his teeth. Though I could see a slight resemblance, Luke looked more like Conor's little brother than Sam's. His short cropped hair was similar in color to Conor's, his full lips, athletic body, shining eyes, and skin tone... I realized I was staring and quickly looked away when Luke glanced back at me in the mirror.
Much like Sam, her little brother was not shy. As soon as he got to the bed, Luke pulled his shirt off, then without a second thought, peeled away his tight jeans. Although I wasn't looking directly at him, it was obvious he was completely nude.
"Oh, shit. I, um, always go commando, but if it makes you uncomfortable..."
"No worries, it's a big bed. Just watch where you point that thing."
Luke chuckled and climbed under the blanket.
"So, what brought you out here at this hour, Luke?"
"Yeah... that... well..."
"It's okay, you don't have to tell me."
"It's kind of personal, but if you don't mind..."
"I don't mind. I could use the conversation to be honest."
"Well, I came to talk to Tom. I know Sam is my sister, but talking to her is like talking to my mother."
It was my turn to chuckle.
"I see you know how she is. Anyway, I've been sharing a dorm with this guy, Ray, since I started college. We're good friends and we do everything together, but..."
Luke hesitated, though I could see the truth plain enough. "You want more than friendship."
"Yeah, but I'm afraid to tell him."
"Has Ray ever given you any indication that he feels the same way?"
"I think so. The way he smiles and looks into my eyes, and "accidentally" touches my hand, and the way he says some things so sweetly... but he goes out with girls sometimes, so... I don't know, it could all just be my imagination."
"Luke, believe it or not, I just went through something very similar. I'm going to give you the same advice I was given and didn't listen to, and it cost me the man I love. I'm trying to get him back, but it may be too late."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
I nodded my thanks and continued. "Let's say you tell Ray and he doesn't feel the same. The worst that will happen is you'll lose a friend, but if you give in to fear, you will always be haunted by what could have been. Ten years from now which would you regret more, losing a friend, or losing a chance at love?"
Luke's eyes glassed up and he swallowed hard. "I don't want to lose either one... but you're right. Never knowing would be worse than losing his friendship. I guess I just need to find the right time to tell him."
"No. That time will never come. Just do it, okay?"
"Okay, Brandon. Thanks for talking to me."
"I'm glad I had the chance, Luke. Good night."
I clicked the table lamp off and sunk my head into Conor's pillow. Though I had just met Sam's little brother, his presence was calming. I listened to Luke's breathing until it settled into a deep, steady, rhythm. It had only taken the boy a few minutes to fall asleep, and my decision for him to stay was confirmed. My eyelids grew heavy listening to the lullaby, and I was finally able to rest my mind and find peaceful, blissful, sleep.
The sound of my phone buzzing pulled me from the only real sleep I had in days. I felt the warm body pressed against mine and the soft flesh under my hand and smiled... for a few moments, I was laying next to Conor. My phone buzzed again, bursting the time bubble, then I opened my eyes. Sometime during the night, Luke had come to my side of the bed. The blanket had been kicked away, and the young man was pressed into me. I lifted my hand from his hip, then slid away from Luke. I grabbed my phone and ran downstairs, hoping the call was from Nancy... it wasn't.
"Hello."
"Five minutes? No, it's not too early. I'll meet you out front."
The email said to expect delivery between seven and nine. It had just turned six, but my Sweets was worth the early call. I ran back up the stairs to get dressed, and realized I had to piss badly.
Given the open arrangement of the room, I did my best to be quiet, but the harder I tried, the more noise I seemed to make. Before I could finish, Luke came up and started pissing next to me, holding his morning wood.
"Morning, Sunshine."
"Oh, hey, Luke. I'm sorry to wake you."
"No worries, I like to get an early start."
"In that case, I'm glad you're up." Luke chuckled and glanced at his dick, and I regretted my choice of words. Once we were done, we washed our hands and brushed our teeth, then I put my clothes on.
"If you have time, meet me out front, there's something I want to show you."
"Okay, I'll be right behind you."
I took three steps down, then stopped. Luke was literally right behind me.
"Um, Luke?"
"Yeah?"
"At least put your pants on."
Luke laughed. "Gotcha! I'll be right out."
I didn't mind his antics, in fact I enjoyed his fun and free spirited outlook, but once again was reminded of Conor.
The company I hired to deliver Sweets cost twice what standard companies charged, but when I saw the door opening on the enclosed truck, I knew it was worth it. Luke walked out and stood behind me as the morning light hit the shining chrome bumper.
"A car?"
"Not just any car."
The truck driver, Gerry, turned at Luke's voice, then back to Sweets, then quickly back to Luke. I turned around half expecting the boy to still be naked. Luke had indeed put some clothes on... a tight white t-shirt and black running shorts, with a perfect outline of his hard dick. The flustered driver caught himself and turned away again.
Sweets was eased down the automatic ramp in all her perfect glory. I had chosen to keep most of the car original, but the deep burgundy paint was far from a stock option. With his mouth hanging open, Luke walked in for a closer look. As I signed the paperwork, Gerry did his best to pretend he wasn't watching Luke, who was looking over his shoulder at the reflection of his ass in the door. I grinned and shook my head.
"Your son?"
At 19, Luke could very well have been my son, but I wasn't letting the curious driver off with a simple no. "Nah, just my spooning partner."
"Oh, I see. You're a lucky guy then."
I handed the disappointed man his tip and watched him drive away, then turned to Luke and held up the keys.
"Wanna go for a ride?"
"Hell yeah, but can we take the car for a spin after?"
I smiled, almost sure Luke was kidding around. "I think someone needs to get laid."
Luke blushed, but grinned. "You noticed? It's just... something about this place makes me horny as hell."
"It seems to have that effect on everyone. Maybe some fresh air will help; let's hit the road."
"Can I drive?"
"You're a funny guy, Luke. Get in."
The truth was that no one besides me had driven Sweets since I bought the car, not even Julie. I had offered, but she declined, saying she couldn't drive a stick shift. Teaching Julie to drive the car was one of many things the cancer took from me. I closed my eyes as I turned the key. Sweets wasn't obnoxiously loud like some muscle cars... her smooth, throaty, rumble was more like a sleeping dragon than a roaring lion. I pressed hard on the throttle as we took off, pinning Luke's head to the seat, and prompting a "Woohoo!""
Luke seemed to enjoy the ride, but it was a bit underwhelming for me. Stop and go traffic held nothing to the long stretches of open Arizona road I had grown accustomed to. We drove the coastline for a while, then stopped at a small cafe with a retro feel and a nice view from the patio.
I checked my phone again, then took a sip of coffee and shook my head at Luke, who was adjusting his dick under the table.
"I can't help it."
"I didn't say anything."
"You talk in your sleep, you know."
"So I've been told. You spoon I'm your sleep."
"Well... you fondle in your sleep."
"What? No..."
"Gotcha!"
"Just for that, you're buying the coffee."
"Nope, you are or I won't tell you what you said."
"I don't care."
"Suit yourself."
"Fine, I'm buying... did I talk about Conor?"
"Conor? Like the dude Sam used to date, Conor?"
"Yes, that Conor."
Luke laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"I had the biggest crush on him. I mean, Tom is... um... hot, but Conor... I would sit and fantasize for hours that he was my boyfriend."
"Yeah, tell me about it."
"Shit, I'm sorry. My mouth gets ahead of my brain sometimes."
"It's okay, Luke. I may get to talk with him today."
"I hope it works out for you, but what will you do if... I'm sorry, I shouldn't go there."
"We both have to go there, Luke. As far as Conor knows, I'm leaving in three days. If he doesn't come around by then, I suppose it's really over, and I'll move on. It's the same with you and Ray. If things go south, you need to move on and not let your past rule your future."
"Sweetheart."
"Yes, dear?"
"No, it's the only word I could make out, the rest was gibberish. I guess you were dreaming of Conor."
"Nope." I pointed to the license plate on my car."
"Sweets? You were dreaming about your car?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I guess so. I don't remember. What was that look about?"
"What look?"
"When you mentioned Tom... that look."
"I didn't..."
"There it is again."
"No way."
"Yes way. I've learned a lot about reading people lately. So, what's the deal with Tom?"
"Nothing... there is no deal with Tom."
"Okay, whatever you say."
"Shit. Quit with the mind reading, and don't judge me."
"I'm not judging you. Let's change the subject, it's none of my business."
Luke looked into his coffee. "I may as well get it out. We were on a family trip. Tom and I shared a room, and... Tom saw that I was looking at gay porn on my computer... it was mutual, he didn't force me or anything, and you know him and Sam have an open relationship."
"Yes, and I know Tom can't keep it in his pants. I'm not sure I would pick Tom for my first, though."
"He was not my... shit, yeah, he was."
"You should probably talk to Tom about telling Sam, or you'll keep feeling guilty."
"How did you? Never mind."
"Sorry, it's really none of my business."
"No, it's good to have someone to talk to. Would it be okay if we swapped numbers? If things go bad with Ray..."
"It's more than okay. Call me anytime day or night, and not just with bad news, either."
"I will, thank you. I should get back, though. I just sent Ray a message saying I have something important to talk about."
"Good for you. I need to find out about Conor too. Let's go."
When we got back to The House, most everyone was still sleeping. Luke grabbed his pack, gave me a hug, and then headed back to Miami and Ray. After seeing Luke off, I went back inside and saw Zombie Sam headed to the loft with coffee in hand.
"Morning, Sam."
"Morning. I was just going to check on my brother."
"Luke just left. He said he would call you later."
Sam leaned against the stair rail. "So, how was the spooning?"
"I thought you were joking about that."
"Nope. Luke's always been a cuddler."
"I suppose you knew he sleeps nude, too."
Zombie Sam cracked a smile. "That's new... but don't blame me, you're the one that invited him."
"Well, he's a good kid. I like him, and I think I made a new friend."
"Yeah, he's growing up... he used to be such a little shit. On that note, any word about Conor?"
"I'm supposed to be waiting for Nancy to call, but so far waiting has gotten me nowhere fast. I'm just going upstairs to call her."
"Okay, I need another cup. You want one?"
"No, thanks. Luke and I had our fill already."
I went up the loft stairs and sat down, then realized Luke had made the bed. I hadn't met Ray, but I had a suspicion he was going to be one lucky guy.
I wiped the sweat from my nervous hands, then brought Nancy's contact up... and my phone vibrated... it was Conor's number.
"Conor?"
"No, it's Sean, sorry. Thomas still has my phone in evidence."
"Are you okay, Sean?"
"I'm fine, thanks. I'm calling about Conor, have you seen him?"
"No, should I have?"
"I don't know. He never came home last night. I'm trying not to panic, but if his mom finds out, she'll freak. She's still sleeping, but..."
"Hold on, I'll go check his room."
I grabbed the master key, quickly made my way to Conor's room, and then knocked on the door... no answer. I gave it a few seconds, then knocked again, but still got no reply, so I slipped the key in and opened the door.
"Sean?"
"I'm here."
"He's not in his room and it looks untouched. Did he say anything before he left?"
"Well, we were talking about you, and... he feels really bad for the way he handled things. He said he needed to go walk and think, then mumbled something about a pint."
"Okay, I know who to check with. Give me a few minutes. If I don't get any information, we'll call Thomas and get his help."
"Ummm... okay. Bye."
"Wait, Sean?"
"Yeah?"
"Get back in bed. I don't need to be out looking for two strays."
"But..."
"But, nothing. Get your ass back in bed or I'll call your mother."
"Shite, how did you even know?"
"Because it's what I would have done. Now just hang on and I'll call you back."
"Okay."
I knew Cillian's was open for breakfast, and had no doubt he would be in. Even if the man had worked all night, he would be there to open... Cillian was just that kind of guy. I looked up the number to the pub and made the call.
"Cillian's. How can I help you?" A female voice answered.
"Is Cillian in? It's kind of an emergency."
I had to pull the phone from my ear as whoever it was yelled out.
"He'll be right with you."
"Thank you."
I waited for the longest minute of my life before he answered. "`Lo, this is Cillian. What's about?"
"Hi, it's Brandon, Conor's friend. I'm not sure if you remember me..."
"O'course I remember ya, now what's about an emergency?"
"Conor went out last night and didn't come home. Was he there?"
"Eye, the lad come in and listened to the band until dark-o-thirty. Out of sorts, he was. Put down a few pints too, but not near what you did."
"Did he say anything that may help me find him?"
"Said he was goin' home to fix somethin' he broke is all. I been around enough to know he wasn't talkin' `bout no clock neither. The boy done broke someone's heart, or my name ain't Cillian."
"Okay, thanks for yer... your help, Cillian. I'll be in touch."
"Eye, but don't worry yer noodle. The lad has Irish blood. He'll be fine."
"I hope you're right."
Irish blood or not, I was worried. I walked back down the stairs, trying to piece the puzzle together... then wished I hadn't.
"Brandon? You look like you're gonna pass out. What's wrong?"
The coffee I drank started working its way back up as I tried to speak. "Conor, um, went for a walk and never made it back to Sean's last night. I found out he went to the pub, then left late to come here and talk... with me. I, I must have been sleeping when..."
"Holy fucking shit... Luke!"
"Yes, Luke."
"I can talk to Conor. He'll under..."
"Understand what? He saw me snuggled with Luke, and what am I going to say, "It's not what it looked like?" I woke up with my hand on your naked brother's ass! No, Sam, there's no coming back from this, and you know it. Whatever slim chance I had is gone. The best I can hope for is to find Conor safe, then I'm leaving for Miami."
Sam wiped a tear from her face, then wrapped her arms around me. "I'm sorry, Brandon."
"It's going to hurt like hell for a while, but it's better knowing I have your friendship, and Tom's."
"And my little shit brother."
"Yes, and Luke's. That's more than I could ask for, and more than I came with."
I kissed Sam on the head, then picked up my phone to call Sean, Thomas, and whoever else I could think of to help. Nothing mattered more than finding Conor safe... nothing.
To be continued...
Author's note: I'm sure you guessed that Sam's brother, Luke, will be the star of my next story. We'll also get to find out all of the juicy details of Luke and Tom's previous encounter, but that's just a small part of Luke's story. Will Luke end up with Ray, or maybe find himself with someone... more mature?