The Dom and The Daddy

Chapter 20: The Smile

Earth had just counted down his register and was cleaning off the bar when Mew walked up and sat down. "Hey there cutie, how did you do tonight, as if I even need to ask?" He said with a smile. Earth responded with his typical sarcastic flare "You know me man, I work a tip like a stripper works a pole." Shaking his head and chuckling at the visual that had just popped into his head thanks to Earths colorful example, Mew said "I swear I think you and Gulf practice this shit on each other. The things that come out of his mouth sometimes throw me for a loop. Speaking of Gulf, he tells me your seeing one of his bosses, Mr. Moneybags." "I'm pretty sure he told you his name is Perth, not Mr. Moneybags, although he does come from a well-off family. And yeah I guess you can say we're seeing each other. Why the sudden interest in my sex life Mew, is Gulf not keeping you busy enough?" Earth said cocking his head to one side and raising an eyebrow. Raising his hands Mew quickly clarified,

"Not at all! I more than have my hands full with his crazy beautiful ass. Its just that you seem to have a smile permanently painted on that pretty face and I wanna check in with you, that's all." Seeing the concern in Mews kind eyes Earth smiled and said "Thank you for your concern but I'm fine really, we're just getting to know each other and it's nice, he's nice." Mew nodded, "Ok Kiddo, but you know we got your back no matter what." "I know and I appreciate it. But you don't have to worry about me, I'm stronger and more in control of my life than ever before and Perth is really sweet. I'm not gonna let what happened before stop me from being happy any longer. If I want to completely take back my life I need to be able to trust people again, specifically a lover. I want to try with him, I want to give him the opportunity to earn and keep my trust just like you and Zee did, just with the added benefits." Earth said smiling and coming around the bar to sit next to his friend. Earth knew the concern came from a good place and didn't give Mew a hard time about questioning his budding relationship. "You really like this guy huh?" Mew asked leaning his elbow on the bar and turning to face Earth. "He makes me laugh, he's cheesy and silly but he really seems to care about what I want and need. Other than you guys, I've never had anybody really give a damn about what I wanted. My parents were so wrapped up in their own disfunction they didn't have the energy to worry about mine. And Nine.." Earth paused, it had been almost a year since he'd said his ex's name outloud. "Nine just used all my insecurities and desire to be wanted as a leash to hold me in place so he could feel more like a man, instead of the insignificant looser that he really was. I'm tired of thinking everyone is going to hurt me, it's exhausting and lonely. I just want what you and Gulf have, I want silly, sappy, sexy fun and I want to be able to fall knowing someone will catch me." Earth said looking down at his hands. Mew reached out and took Earth's hand in his, squeezing just enough to get Earth to look him in the eye before he started to speak "You have come so far this past year and I for one am very proud of all you have overcome. If this guy can give you what you need then I say go for it, jump in with both feet and don't hold anything back. You deserve all the love and respect in this world." "I'm finally in a place where I can hear that and believe it, thanks in part to you and Zee." Said Earth with a look of gratitude. "Ok then, I'll get out of your hair so you can finish up and go see Mr. Wonderful." Mew said releasing Earths hand and rising to leave the bar. "Night Boss." Earth called just as Mew walked out the door. As he turned around to finish his work he caught his reflection in the mirror behind the bar, he was smiling. He couldn't rememer the last time thinking about a man made him smile. Picking up his phone without even planning what he was gonna say he dialed the number and waited.