Bonded

Chapter Two

Harry's nerves twisted and turned inside his stomach. Not a single word had been spoken and yet Daniel was already frowning at him in disappointment. He was taller then Isaac by a few inches but his dark and gloomy personality made him seem much larger and more intimidating.

"Don't look like that, Harry has some good news to share with you," Isaac said as he walked up to Daniel and rubbed his arm. They were all standing on the sidewalk infront of the restaurant that Daniel and Isaac had made a late reservation for. It was a pretty fancy, four star place that was frequently used by various local business men.

"What news is so great that it couldn't wait till after work," Daniel shook his head at both of them, his frown never leaving his face. Any respite from the self hatred Harry had was gone now, his self loathing back in full force.

"Come on now," Isaac coaxed his partner. "You haven't let him tell you what it is yet." Isaac spoke so gently it almost seemed disingenuous. The two males shared a look between themselves before both turning to Harry.

"Okay Harry, let's hear this news," Daniel finally swapped his disappointed frown with a stone cold neutrality. The funny thing is, though, that it did make it easier for Harry to speak to him.

"They offered me a promotion at work," Harry whispered, while starring at the grey brick ledge that framed the restaurants patio.

"What do you mean offered." Unlike Isaac, Daniel didn't feign ignorance at Harry's choice of words.

"He wasn't sure you'd want him to work more hours," Isaac gave Harry a small frown as he bluntly filled Daniel in. So much for Isaac helping him out.

Daniel sighed and put his forehead down onto his fingers, closing his eyes while he collected his thoughts. Harry started rocking, subconsciously, as he stood there waiting for Daniel to tell him off. He wished so bad for the days when the men would hug him and tell him how much they loved him and needed him. But throughout the years those times seemed to slip right through his fingers until they were gone. Now they were always disappointed, telling him off for this or for that. What he was doing was never enough and he was always encouraged, no pushed, to do more. And for some reason his heart desperately clung on to the hope of winning their approval and praise. No matter how much he tried to stop it that need was always there. Many nights he would be up crying, not because they were mean but because he had failed them. Their lack of approval and disappoint always came from his inability to be who they wanted and needed him to be.

"Harry I don't know how many times we have to go over this. You are a B personality, a B, not an O not a B-O just a B. I didn't make you that and neither did Isaac. You were born that way. We don't expect you to do what we do as clearly we are capable of more, but you need to carry your share of the weight. Even poor Ollie goes to work without complaining, and you know how hard that job is on him. As his bonded partner you should be thinking about him more instead of just yourself. If you accepted that promotion then Ollie would be able to quit his stressful job at the daycare and take care of the house and us full time. He's a genuine B-O, and your jealousy towards him is immature and beyond pitiable. You need to grow up, step up, and be a proper partner in our relationship." Daniel glared at him as he spoke in a hushed sharp tone.

Harry stood still, absorbing everything his partner was saying. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, he repeated to himself over and over again. He wanted to cry everytime they threw Ollie in his face. It had been just the three of them for a long time and Harry had naturally taken a submissive role. But as Isaac and Daniel started climbing the corporate ladder they needed to give themselves an edge over others just like them. They wanted to dress and act the part, meaning they needed to live closer to the office building in order to work later and they needed to buy more expensive high end suits. When they talk to Harry about him accepting an open position at Isaac's office he was more than happy to do his best. Anything they wanted he would do for them. With him working they were able to buy the better clothes and move into a closer apartment. Life was good like that for a while.