Uninvited

[asuka14.livejournal.com]

Title: Uninvited (Chapter Two, Part One, Episode One)
Author: Clay an' Lyndsey. Or, clayangel and asuka14 ^_^
Pairings: Wayne/Braeden, Wayne/Brad, Chip/Greg, Ryan/Colin & a mention of unrequited Greg/Ryan
Rating: NC-17 (for later parts)
Summary: Braeden Carter, a thirty nine year old bartender, has been going out with Wayne Brady for about a year. And while Braeden and Wayne are very much in love, there is a darker side to Braeden that is beginning to surface more and more often. This inevitably has a negative impact on other, newer relationships that are beginning to form around the two of them. Throw in a little bit of cheese, a handful of sex and quite a bit of flirting and you'll wind up with a situation that is quite uninvited. Set in the summer of 1999.
Categories: AU, angst, romance, drama, humor, action.
Written: January '06-February '06

Author's Notes: Clay: I apologize for the length of this chapter. I didn't want to make it this long but I'm eager to get to the good stuff.
Lyndsey: We've (mostly the girlfriend, though) been working on this since about 11:30 this morning. That is all.




LIVING ROOM


Brad: Why aren't they answering?

Greg: Oh, for the love of-- (stalks over to the door and pounds on it, hard) Yo! Wayne! Sherwood is out here getting his panties into a twist! Everything all right in there?

Brad: I'm not... (frowns, but soon finds himself fighting back a smile) ... wearing panties...

Chip: Uuhh...

Ryan: (shakes his head) Wayne! Can one of you throw Brad some panties?

Brad: Lacy pink ones if you have them.

Chip: (coughs) This may be a wild guess, but maybe Wayne and Braeden are wanting some privacy?

Colin: That doesn't seem right. Wayne's not that rude.

Brad: (the smile fades quickly, and he crosses his arms over his chest, glaring at the bedroom door)

Chip: (catches Brad's glance) And what's that face for, Sherwood? You were not murdered with cheese.

Brad: There's still no one answering. (goes over to bedroom door)

Greg: (frowns, concerned) He might be right. It has been a while.

Ryan: (laughs) Jesus. Greg, Brad, why don't you two just shimmy up the drain pipe?

Greg: (rolls his eyes) I just don't want to go out for beer and come back to find we're all being kicked out.



BEDROOM


Wayne: (jumps at Ryan's sudden voice) I'm sorry, Braeden. Ignore him. I'll tell them to bugger off. I'm so sorry.

Braeden: No. I'm fine. (gives Wayne a very fake smile) You invited guests into our home, and I'm taking you away from them. I'll read. It's my fault.

Wayne: You think I don't know a fake smile when I see one on you, Mr. Carter? Look, I'm sorry. (takes one of Braeden's hands in his) Please don't be like that.

Braeden: (drops the smile immediately, letting his hand sit impassively in Wayne’s) Please, Wayne. Your friends want you. I'll be fine by myself.

Wayne: (frowns at Braeden, but doesn't say anything to him; is still holding his hand, rubbing idly on the back of it with his thumb)

Braeden: Are you just going to stay in here and let them call for you?

Wayne: (calls) We're fine! I'll be out in a minute!



LIVING ROOM


Greg: (perks up at the sound of Wayne’s voice) Great. Ghost boy? (nods towards the front door) Store?

Brad: (sighs and sits back down. slumps in his chair, staring, a little forlornly, at the bedroom door)

Chip: You got it, 'Frisco. (slings an arm around him) Only, I'm driving. Ryan's Lucky Charms comment makes me a bit nervous.

Greg: "Frisco?" And no, you're not driving. I'm still charm free, and I don't trust you behind the wheel. You are a ghost. What incentive do you have to keep us from getting into an accident?

Chip: (grins at Greg) Precious cargo, but of course. (tightens the arm he has around Greg)

Ryan: That means he'll kill you fairly quickly so as to not put you through that much pain.

Greg: (smiles curiously at Chip) You wanna drive? All right. (hands him the keys)

Chip: (raises his arm up and shakes the keys) Behold! The power! Revenge! Revenge for the cheese!

Greg: (grinning, flings off Chips arm) So that's how it is? Give 'em back.

Brad: (finally looks away from the door and over to Greg and Chip. shakes his head, and then comes up behind Chip and snatches keys from his hand) I'll drive.

Chip: What? Why? Stay here. Spy on Wayne and Braeden. (reaches for the keys)

Brad: (keeps keys out of reach) I need some air. You stay here and spy on Wayne.

Greg: Do we all remember that this is my car?

Chip: Yeah, but I'm the dead guy, so shouldn't I get benefits?

Colin: (leans slightly against Ryan, whispering) Do you really not feel like there's something wrong?

Ryan: What? With the two in the bedroom or the three by the door? You have to specify which set of kids, Col, we have so many now.

Brad: (ignores both Greg and Chip and heads toward the front door)

Chip: Damn you, Sherwood, you don't need a car to get air! Air was around long before cars!

Colin: (chuckles, but sobers almost immediately) In the bedroom. (frowns and then shrugs) I'm sure they're just having a spat. I'm being paranoid.

Ryan: Oh. (sighs) I don't know. I don't like Braeden, and this isn't like Wayne to just, you know, up and leave us.

Colin: Exactly. It's strange, right?

Chip: (is still trying to get the keys away from Brad. is now scowling) He's probably mad that we're over here.

Brad: (holds the keys over his head, angry now) Why should he be mad about that?

Chip: (growls) Because you tag along. Now give me the keys!

Ryan: Really. Though I sort of don't blame him with those three over there... I'm tempted to hide, as well.

Colin: (smiles and nods) At least they're leaving us out of it.

Brad: (sticks out his tongue and makes a run for the door)

Greg: (watches, slightly concerned for his car, and then looks back at cheese platter) I guess Brad could get the beer for us.

Chip: Damn you, Sherwood! (sighs) What, Greg? (scowls) Fine. We'll stay here and eat cheese, but as soon as he comes back, it's go time.

Greg: Go time, huh? Does this mean we get to rub you two down with baby oil and throw you in the ring wearing nothing but frilly panties?

Ryan: (laughs) And now that we've heard a little about Greg's weekend job...

Colin: (snickers)

Greg: (smiles as sweetly as one can imagine Greg smiling and flops down in Chip's vacated chair) Where's that cheese, then? And where did the beer go?

Chip: The cheese is still inside of me somewhere, remember? Find the exit site. And I don't know where the beer went. Maybe Brad drank it all and is off to commit suicide.

Colin: Don't even joke about something like that.

Greg: Pff. Relax, Mochrie.

Chip: I know. I'd be sad if Brad committed suicide. I wouldn't be able to kill him, then. (looks to Greg) Hey. (smirks) There may be some beer left inside of me. Find the exit hole and grab a glass.

Greg: (laughs and gives Chip a speculative look) If this is what you're like sober, then I can't wait to see you once we get a few more beers in you.

Chip: (blinks) I'm sober? That's news to me.

Greg: You couldn't have had more than one beer before you "died." How much of a light weight are you, Esten?

Chip: I see. First you kill me and now you mock me.

Greg: (smirks and leans forward a little challengingly) Maybe I am mocking you. What are you going to do about it?

Chip: I don't like being mocked, Proops.

Greg: (crosses his arms over his chest) And?

Chip: (pouts) Be nice to me. I'm dead. Us dead folk are sensitive.

Greg: (smirks and settles back in his chair once more) Backing down? What happened to you being such hot shit?

Chip: I'm low on booze. Once Brad gets back, I'll refill the ol' tank and then prompty kick your ass.


Colin: (smiles fondly, speaking to no one in particular) I have strange friends.

Ryan: (can't help but laugh out loud, nodding) Yeah, you do. (rubs the shoulder his hand is lying against) But they're a good kind of strange. No secret labs... that we know of, anyway.

Colin: (gives Ryan a sidelong glance, smirking) I could have a secret lab.

Ryan: (smirks) You've a secret lab, eh?

Colin: (smiles devilishly) I have a whole secret life you know nothing about.

Ryan: (smiles) Really?

Colin: Oh, yeah. (adjusts his feet still propped up on the table, crossing his legs. scooches a bit closer to Ryan) For instance, remember Captain Hair?

Ryan: (still smirking, arm still around Colin) Yeah...

Colin: (nods solemnly) It's true. I'm a superhero.

Ryan: (smiling) Are you? Captain Hair, eh? (looks at Colin's head and chuckles) And who, may I ask, is your enemy? Dr. Hairdresser?

Colin: This isn't funny. Dr. Hairdresser is a murderer. You don't know fear until you've come up against his giant blow dryer of doom.

Ryan: (laughs) Blow dryer of doom? Okay. So... what's your main weapon, Captain Hair? And what's your kryptonite?

Colin: My weapon? You mean aside from my movie star good looks?

Ryan: Yes, Col. Aside.

Colin: Well, there's the head beam. And many concealable pea shooters. (thinks to himself) And I have no kryptonite. I'm invincible.


Brad: (comes in, looking flushed and much happier, hefting a case of beer) I have returned!

Greg: Speak of the devil. (turns to Brad) Please tell me my car is intact.

Chip: (blinks) What did you do, Sherwood? You look... hot. (frowns) And don't you take that in the dirty way that I know you will.

Brad: (frowns) Yeah, about that.... (disappears into kitchen with beer and then pokes his head out, looking to Chip) Beer is heavy, man.

Greg: (bolts up) What? What did you do to my car?

Chip: (laughing) Brad crashed Greg's car! Oh, how rich. You see? That's what you get for taking the fucking keys, you maniac.

Brad: (comes back with an armful of beers, which he proceeds to toss to anyone paying attention to him. pauses when he gets to Greg) There was this old lady pushing a shopping cart....

Chip: (wide eyed) Oh dear God he killed someone's grandma...

Greg: (stares in disbelief)

Brad: (nods, frowning) Cans went flying everywhere.... It was almost pretty.

Chip: Oh my fucking God! Jesus H. Christ, Brad, please, please tell me you're kidding...

Greg: If you--

Brad: (laughs) Yes, I'm kidding! (fishes Greg's keys out of his back pocket and tosses them to Greg) You guys need to relax.

Chip: (shudders) Oh God. (hits Brad)

Brad: (cringes a little at being hit, but the simply smirks and drinks his beer)

Greg: (scowls) Tell me you got vodka at least.

Chip: (looks over at Colin) What in the Hell are you two talking about?

Colin: (looks up innocently) Nothing. (stage whisper to Ryan) Don't let them in on my secret identity.

Brad: (gives Greg a sheepish grin) Oops? Forgot the vodka. But you've got a nice little old lady hood ornament.

Greg: (shakes his head and opens his beer, reclaiming his seat)

Ryan: Nothing, Chip. Colin was just telling me a good brownie recipe. (grins mischievously)

Brad: (looks over to the bedroom door) They're still not out? (goes over to bedroom door and lays his hand against it, frowning speculatively)

Chip: (watches. raises an eyebrow and smirks a little) I saw this in a movie once. Typically, the black guy dies first, but since Wayne's in there, the guy who steals car keys and forgets vodka is next to go.

Greg: (shakes his head) I think Colin might be right. We're hanging out with children.

Chip: (snorts) Stuff it, Proop-o. You're just as much a child as either of us. You go around offing your friends with dairy products.

Greg: (winks at Chip suggestively) You know you like it.

Chip: What? Being dead? (snorts) Oh it's bloody brilliant. Know what I'm looking forward to the most? Haunting you for the rest of your life.

Colin: (scrunches up his face) I can't imagine haunting Greg to be particularly enjoyable.

Greg: (ignores Colin and smirks at Chip) Have enough beer in you yet? Is it go time?

Chip: That's it. I am seriously going to start dropkicking people in their foreheads. (narrows his eyes at Greg) Starting with you. Come here.

Greg: (slides down a bit, getting comfortable in his chair) No. You want to fight? You come here.

Brad: (looks between Chip and Greg) I think I might just have to put my money on Greg. Ryan? Colin?

Chip: I know what this is. I come there and you whip out more cheese. Well, nu-uh-uh. I'm already dead, you stupid-- (looks over at the bedroom door) What the Hell was that sound?

Ryan: Greg, definitely.

Colin: Gre-- What sound?

Brad: (whips head around to look at door)

Greg: (is in middle of reaching for the cheese tray but pauses)

Chip: God damn it. I'm the ghost around here. Y'all holding out on me? (turns to Greg and mock-glares) Who the Hell did you kill before me?

Ryan: (clears his throat) I think, uh, Braeden and Wayne are sharing a moment...



BEDROOM


Wayne: (looks at Braeden) Don't be mad at me. I shouldn't have invited them over, you're right.

Braeden: (looks Wayne over slowly. speaks very quietly) You should have let me know they were going to be here.

Wayne: I didn't even know they were going to be here. It was a... last minute sort of thing. (looks oddly at Braeden. is frowning) Besides, I didn't think you'd mind.

Braeden: I don't mind. I'd just like to know these kinds of things. I feel like you're excluding me from this part of your life.

Wayne: How am I excluding you? I said hang out with us and you... come back here and read a book. I mean, how's that excluding?

Braeden: (gestures toward the door) I barely know those people. If you bring them over all at once it makes me uncomfortable.

Wayne: (winces and sighs) Oh. But... I mean, how will you get to know them if you don't, you know... talk to them? They're nice guys. They'd like you. (leans against Braeden) I like you.

Braeden: (shrugs, looking away) It's just... all at once they're a little overwhelming, don't you think? (listens to arguing over keys)

Wayne: (shrugs) Depends. Alone they're even more so. (slips his hand into Braeden's, still leaning against him) I love you.

Braeden: (smiles. looks back to Wayne) I love you. (kisses him quickly on the mouth) Go have fun with your friends. I'm just not in an entertaining mood right now.

Wayne: (snuggles up to Braeden) I'd rather stay with you. Let them finish fighting over their keys.

Braeden: Really? You'd rather be with me? (lifts Wayne's hand to kiss his palm)

Wayne: Why do you sound so surprised? C'mon. Lay down with me for a while.

Braeden: (shrugs, lays down) You invited them over, though. Aren't you worried what they'll think of you being gone so long?

Wayne: They're too busy fighting over keys and... killing Chip, I think. (shifts a bit closer, still, to Braeden) I just want to be near you right now.

Braeden: (smiles and trails a hand down Wayne's side) Near enough that you need to finish getting undressed?

Wayne: (smiles lightly) Maybe.

Braeden: (moves to undo Wayne's slacks)

Wayne: (reaches down a hand to stop Braeden's) Can we just lay here together? For a minute?

Braeden: (tenses very slightly for just a moment and then relaxes) All right.

Wayne: (smiles and places a soft, quick kiss on Braeden's lips before tucking his head under his chin and snuggling close to him, relishing in the warmth)

Braeden: (wraps his arms around Wayne, rubbing his back)

Wayne: (sort of shifts a bit more, leaning a bit to his right, sort of hinting that he wants Braeden to climb over top of him)

Braeden: (takes the hint and eagerly climbs overtop of Wayne, grinning)

Wayne: (smiles up at Braeden) How's this?

Braeden: (purrs) Very nice. (places a kiss on the side of Wayne's neck)

Wayne: Mmm. Thought you'd approve. (smiles up at Braeden once more, trailing his hands underneath of his shirt and up his sides) I do believe, however, that you are not partaking in the removal of the clothes. Why's that?

Braeden: (lifts himself up on hands and knees) Maybe I want to see you first. (slides his hand down Wayne's chest until his palm rests just below Wayne's navel)

Wayne: (frowns a little, growing a tad bit uneasy) Why?

Braeden: (hand drifts an inch or so lower) I want to see you spread out beneath me...

Wayne: (frowns) "Spread out"?

Braeden: Mm. (nods and starts to undo Wayne's pants again) I just want to see you.

Wayne: But you've... seen me before...

Braeden: I want to see you now. (undoes the button)

Wayne: (watches Braeden undo his button, blinking a little. remains silent)

Braeden: (starts to work Wayne's pants down his legs... and then remembers that he's still wearing shoes and goes to remove those)

Wayne: (a bit uneasily, still, almost as if he's nervous) Happy? Now c'mon. Lose the layers. 'Mlonely.

Braeden: (licks his lips as he finishes undressing Wayne and then gets up from the bed to look down at him) In a minute.

Wayne: (begins feeling really uneasy, now, and shifts a bit, frowning) Braeden?

Braeden: (running his eyes over Wayne's body, doesn't seem to hear him)

Wayne: (fights the urge to cover himself and calls a bit louder) Braeden? Are... are you all right?

Braeden: Hm?

Wayne: Why're you looking at me like that?

Braeden: (smiles and meets Wayne's eyes) I love you. (bends down to crawl back up the length of the bed, over Wayne)

Wayne: (offers a shaky smile) I love you too. Why don't you lose these now? (tugs at a sleeve)

Braeden: Soon. (smiles and leans down to kiss Wayne)

Wayne: Why soon?

Braeden: I just want to appreciate you.

Wayne: (falls silent, watching Braeden carefully)

Braeden: (kisses Wayne's neck) Is something wrong?

Wayne: (manages a small smile) I'm okay.

Braeden: You're a little tense. (works one hand under Wayne's neck and massages the muscles there)

Wayne: (sort of cringes away from the touch) I'm okay, really.

Braeden: (frowns and pulls back a little) You wouldn't lie to me, would you? You would never lie to me.

Wayne: (hesitates at that but then smiles, nodding) I'm okay. A bit chilly, maybe, but okay.

Braeden: (smiles) I can warm you up. (pulls off his shirt)



LIVING ROOM


Brad: (looks ill) I think I'm going to get more beer. Does anyone else want one?

Greg: (snatches another cheese cube) Feeling lucky, punk?

Chip: Oh, Greg. Suck the cheese, baby.

Ryan: (shakes his head)

Greg: (bursts out laughing)

Colin: (quietly, to Ryan) Should we go?

Ryan: I'm sort of afraid to. Who's gonna bail them out of jail?

Colin: (blinks) Jail?

Ryan: Col, Brad's pretending to hit old ladies. Yes, jail.

Colin: (smiles) Oh. (turns to watch Greg and Chip) They do appear to need a babysitter.

Chip: Suck the cheese just like that, baby, mmm. (bursts out laughing) I'm so funny.

Greg: (smiles, tilts his head and watches Chip) Brad, bring this man another beer!

Chip: What? Why? (scowls at Greg) You just like watching the beer drain out of my exit wound.

Greg: (shifts in his chair, still watching Chip curiously) You talk a lot for a dead guy.

Chip: Grr. That's it. Prepare for my wrath, you 'Frisco loving sissy boy.

Brad: (comes out of the kitchen only to pass Chip a beer and then disappears back inside)

Ryan: (watches Brad and frowns) Is he all right?

Colin: I'm not sure. (looks to the bedroom) He probably just doesn't want to hear that. (swings head around to look at kitchen) Should someone talk to him?

Greg: (stands up and smirks) Bring it.

Chip: (eyes Greg and raises a hand) I will. I'll kick your ass later, Proops, so don't go skippin' the border. I'm a ghost. I've radar. (flicks him in the ear and goes into the kitchen)

Ryan: (smirks at Greg)

Greg: (growls, smiling, then shakes head and retakes his seat, going back to drinking)

Ryan: Let me just say you and Chip are, ehh... amusing together, Proops.

Greg: (grins) He's fun. (looks toward the kitchen, still smiling)

Ryan: (smirks at Greg once more)

Greg: (smirks right back) Got something to say?

Ryan: Yes. But I'm not dumb so I'll just sit here and think it.

Colin: The beer is all the way in the kitchen. (looks toward kitchen forelornly)

Ryan: (pats Colin's arm) There, there. We'll get it eventually. They have to pee sooner or later.

Colin: (grins and leans against Ryan) Okay.

Greg: He's cute, right?

Ryan: (wraps an arm around Colin) Who? Chip? (shrugs his shoulders)

Greg: (smirks) Yeah.

Ryan: He's okay. (grins) Why? You think he's cute?

Greg: (snorts) Said I did.



KITCHEN


Chip: Sherwood! (slings an arm around him) Tell grandpa Chip your woes. I have cookies as an incentive.

Brad: (starts, looks up from where he was people watching out the window) What? Woes?

Chip: (nods) Aye, my dear fellow. Woes. (smiles sadly at him) You've a thing for Wayne. I'm sure listening to this isn't good for the ol' heart.

Brad: (shrugs Chip off, looking decidedly uncomfortable) What? I don't have a "thing" for Wayne.

Chip: Okay. So maybe it's not a "thing"...but it's a "something." Why else would you be in here all alone? You're always right beside me in the Greg bashing.

Brad: (scowls, turning back to the window) Well, I'm not just going to sit there while Wayne fucks his boyfriend in the next room! He invited us here! It's just rude.

Chip: Brad... did it ever occur to you that that may be forced fucking? Think about it, man. You've known Wayne for two years. He's never pulled anything like this before.

Brad: (turns back to Chip, staring at him for a moment) What? No.... I... (looks toward kitchen door, frowning) It's probably just make up sex, right? They had a fight and then...

Chip: (shrugs his shoulders and waves his hands) Maybe it is. I'm just saying. I've never known Wayne to be that type of person.

Brad: (continues to stare at door) Do you really think...? Should we check?

Chip: Uuhh... I don't really want to see that, no, but we can ask him later. They sound like they're done, anyway.

Brad: I think I'm just going to stay in here for a bit if that's okay. (sips his beer and looks back toward the window) You'll let me know if anything seems... off? Won't you?

Chip: (nods) You know it. (narrows his eyes worriedly at Brad and sighs, laying a hand on his back) It's okay for you to care about him, Brad.

Brad: (frowns) Of course I care about him. I care about all you guys. I just... (sighs and runs a hand through his hair) He's with someone.

Chip: (smiles sadly and wraps an arm around Brad) I know, Sherwood. I know.

Greg: (stands and goes over to the kitchen door. peeks inside) Everything okay in here? Colin is crying for more beer.

Chip: (pats Brad's back gently and turns, nodding) Yeah, we're good, Greg. (grins) Now it's time to kill you.

Greg: (grins back at Chip and makes a show of patting down his pockets) Shit, I'm cheeseless.

Brad: (raises an eyebrow) I'm beginning to think it was a bad move on my part to want to stay in here. I think I'll just go deliver that beer to Colin....

Chip: (is watching Greg. smirks a little and then looks back to Brad. rolls his eyes and waves a hand in the air) Don't bother. He and Ryan have the ga-ga eyes going on.

Brad: (frowns, muttering) Well that'll still be better than you two.



LIVING ROOM


Brad: (snatches a few beers and leaves the kitchen in a bit of a huff) Here's your beer, Colin.

Ryan: And how're we feeling? Better?

Colin: (looks up, startled) Thank you?

Brad: (shrugs moodily) Greg and Chip are flirting in Wayne's kitchen. Wayne has abandoned us to fuck that bitch of a boyfriend of his. Everything is peachy-fucking-keen. (sits and downs half his beer)



KITCHEN


Greg: (looks around the kitchen for another weapon, but gives up after a moment. sighs and leans back against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest and watching Brad leave)

Chip: (gives a little yawn and stretches, raising his arms up above his head. blinks at Greg, smirking and links his fingers together, resting his hands a top his head) Brad's a pouty bitch. And there's milk in the fridge.

Greg: (raises an eyebrow) Milk? What am I supposed to do, curdle my own cheese?

Chip: Quite possibly. (blinks a little and then laughs quietly. lowers his arms back down to his sides and hooks his thumbs in his belt loops. is smirking at Greg) That would be an amusing image.

Greg: (smirks back at Chip and saunters over to him, keeping his arms crossed over his chest and his brow raised) Mm. You find me amusing, ghost boy?

Chip: With a face like that, my dear friend, how could I not? (his smirk widens, if possible, and he leans back against the counter)

Greg: (stops and lets out a startled laugh. shakes his head) Oh, you're going to get it. Just wait... (looks around the kitchen, scowling when he still doesn't find a weapon) Fuck it. I'll just hit you with the gallon of milk. (starts for the refrigerator)

Chip: (watches Greg. shakes his head and raises a hand up to rub at his forehead a little) Yeah. And Carter'll beat your ass. Besides. (shrugs his shoulders and rests his hands back against the counter. gives Greg a sexy, little smile) I'm too cute to hit. (blows him a kiss)

Greg: (pauses and then gives Chip and odd, slightly uncomfortable smile) Cute. Yeah. (shakes his head and turns away, running a hand through his hair)

Chip: (raises an eyebrow at Greg) I'm sorry. I didn't know you are horribly offended by the word "cute."

Greg: (rolls his eyes, still not looking at Chip. goes over to the refrigerator and yanks it open, fishing out another beer his voice is soft) I'm not. I just don't feel like playing anymore.

Chip: (genuinely frowns at Greg and moves to cross over to him. thinks better of it, however, and stays put) Hey... you okay? You look more bitter than usual, here.

Greg: (gives a small, sarcastic laugh and shakes his head again, pushing past Chip and heading for the door) Oh yeah, thanks.

Chip: (watches Greg, frowning. rolls his eyes and moves to keep up with him) I'm going to see if Wayne's done fucking yet.

Greg: Fine. Whatever.


LIVING ROOM


Greg: (goes back into the living room and flops down in an armchair. pops open his beer and takes a large swig)

Chip: (rolls his eyes at Greg once more and crosses over to Wayne and Braeden's bedroom door. knocks at it) Guys?

Braeden: (glares at door) Yes?

Chip: Is Wayne asleep?

Braeden: What do you want?

Chip: To know if Wayne is asleep or not.

Braeden: Yes. He is.

Chip: (grins evilly) Sound?

Braeden: (is starting to get concerned that Wayne's friends are insane) What?

Chip: Damn it, Braeden, is the boy out cold or not?

Braeden: (tries to get out of bed without disturbing Wayne, throws on a pair of shorts and opens the door) (stares at Chip and glances past him into the room) What the Hell are you doing?

Chip: (scowls) Nothing, now. I was going to surprise you and mop the kitchen floor.

Braeden: (stares at him, slams the door in his face)

Chip: (blinks) What in the Hell is your problem?

Greg: (comes up behind Chip and tries to steer him away from the door) I think it's time to leave the bad man alone...

Chip: Okay. Fuck this. (pauses) And him. I'm trashing the kitchen. Or... his stuff, anyway, I'll work around Wayne's. (walks back into the kitchen)

Greg: Well shit. (stares after Chip, shrugging) I'm not going to stop him.

Colin: (sighs) I am. Chip? What are you doing? (gets up and goes to the kitchen)

Greg: (smirks at Ryan and takes Colin's seat) Hi.

Ryan: (frowns) Can I help you? (smirks) Your boyfriend's in the other room, 'Frisco.

Greg: (gives Ryan a big, smarmy smirk) So's yours.


KITCHEN


Chip: (snorts a little) Making pancakes. What the fuck do you think I'm doing? I'm showing that son of a bitch a piece of my mind.

Colin: (takes one of Chip's wrists and tries to gently keep him from touching anything) Are you sure that's what you want to do?

Chip: No. But murder is illegal, and you and Ryan seem damn keen on keeping me away from illegal action.

Colin: (as though talking to a five year old) If you come back into the living room and ask very nicely, I'm sure Greg will have sex with you. Doesn't that sound more fun than destroying other people's property?

Chip: (scowls) No. But okay. I will. But only because I'm horny.



LIVING ROOM


Chip:(walks into the living room) Greg? Will you please have sex with me?

Greg: (laughs, startled) What? Um... now?

Chip: Pretty please with sugar on top?

Colin: (stands in kitchen doorway, watching)

Greg: (watches him a moment and then smiles slowly) I’ve always wanted to fuck on a kitchen table...

Chip: (nods at Greg) Right. The table.

Colin: (still standing in the kitchen doorway, moves to block it)

Chip: (notices this and scowls once more) Fine. I'll just fuck him in the middle of the floor, then, Col.

Brad: (turns, interested, and gives Chip a curious smile) You don't have the balls.

Greg: (raises an eyebrow) I don’t know...

Chip: (smiles at Greg) C'mon, baby, it'll feel real good....

Colin: (frowns deeply) No. Ryan? Stop them.

Ryan: Can't. I'm too busy undoing my shoelaces so that I can kill myself.

Chip: (grins) Excellent.

Brad: (frowns) I think this will be the most action I've gotten this year... and I'm not even involved.

Greg: (smirks at Chip, narrowing his eyes) Are you serious?

Chip: (laughs at Brad) Want in? (looks at Greg) Yes I'm serious.

Greg: You actually want to have sex on the floor in front of our friends?

Chip: No, I wanted to have sex on the kitchen table away from our friends. But Col won't move, so... (shrugs innocently and grins at Greg)

Greg: (smiles and shrugs back) All right.

Chip: (gestures to the carpet) After you.

Greg: (looks at the floor, raises and eyebrow again, and then looks back up at Chip) Wait, I'm not bottoming if we're doing this in front of people.

Chip: (scowls) Chicken.

Greg: Chicken? I'll show you chicken. (Strides over to him, takes a fistful of Chip's shirt and drops to the floor, taking Chip with him)

Chip: (is caught off guard) Oomph! (lands beside Greg. Pouts a little) Ouch.

Greg: (straddles Chip and grin wickedly)

Chip: Wait a minute! I said ouch!

Greg: (leans down until he's just inches from Chip's face) Don't worry. I'll be gentle.



BEDROOM


Wayne: (the slamming wakes him up, and he shifts, frowning when he doesn't feel Braeden) Baby?

Braeden: Right here. (crawls back into bed and curls around Wayne)

Wayne: (snuggles up to him) Are you okay?

Braeden: I'm fine. Everything is fine. Go back to sleep. (rubs Wayne's back and neck)

Wayne: Mm. I should probably go acknowledge the guys.

Braeden: Do you have to? Can't you stay here?

Wayne: I should. I'll be back, baby.

Braeden: Don't go. (tightens arms around Wayne very slightly)

Wayne: I have to. Gimme an hour or so, okay? I'll be back.

Braeden: (hesitates, searching Wayne’s eyes) All right. I love you.

Wayne: I love you too. (kisses him. gets out of bed and gets dressed and then starts for the door)

Braeden: You won't be gone long, will you?

Wayne: (stops with his hand on the knob) Maybe an hour or so.

Braeden: Are you going to get rid of them?

Wayne: (turns back around) Get rid of them? Braeden, they're my friends.

Braeden: (smiles, going for sexy, and crawls to the edge of the bed) But they're taking up our alone time.

Wayne: Baby, we've been in here for a while now...

Braeden: You said you didn't want to leave before.

Wayne: (sighs) Braeden I just can't ignore them.

Braeden: (shrugs, winking) I could get rid of them. You don't have to leave bed. (pats the space beside him)

Wayne: (snorts and shakes his head) Braeden, I can handle it. I'll be back. (seems mildly miffed)

Braeden: (angrily) Fine. (lies down and rolls so he's facing away from Wayne)

Wayne: (sighs and rolls his eyes) What, Braeden? What could possibly be your problem now? (moves away from the door a little)

Braeden: (ignores him)

Wayne: You can't even talk to me? (sighs) How can you sit there and tell me that you love me when you can't even accept me? (throws up his hands in frustration) Be an asshole, I don't care. I'm used to you. (turns back around to leave)

Braeden: (starts and snaps his head around to glare at Wayne) What did you call me? (gets up and out of bed, crossing toward Wayne)

Wayne: (turns back to him) I called you an asshole. And you are one.

Braeden: (grabs Wayne's wrist, hard. his voice is very soft) I just want to be close to you. I want to be with you. How does that make me an asshole?

Wayne: (winces, slightly, but doesn't try to pull away) No, that doesn't make you an asshole. Acting like I don't want to be around you and then... getting huffy when I have to leave for all of five seconds and telling me to get rid of my friends... that's what makes you an asshole, Braeden, now let me go!

Braeden: (holds onto Wayne's wrist for a few more seconds, voice still soft) Fine. (lets go. starts to turn away, but stops, not looking directly at Wayne) I'm so sorry, baby. I didn't mean to say those things. I just love you so much, and sometimes I feel like that doesn't matter to you. And after everything I've done for you... well, it's not fair. I just wanted to spend time with you.

Wayne: (sighs quietly) No, Braeden... God. (rubs the back of his neck) I'm sorry. I'm just... I'm cranky, you know? It was a long day and I'm just tired. I'm sorry, baby. I'm so sorry. (hugs Braeden tightly) I won't go out there if you don't want me to. I promise.

Braeden: (hugs him back) No. You're right. You can go out there. Spend some time with your friends. I'll still be here.

Wayne: I don't need to go out there. I'd rather be with you. I love you.

Braeden: (smiles and runs his fingers over Wayne's cheek) Should we ask them to leave?

Wayne: (sighs and looks away from Braeden) I will, I guess.

Braeden: (squeezes Wayne briefly and kisses his cheek) Come back soon.

Wayne: Yeah. (shakes his head and wanders out into the living room. Starts at Greg and Chip and blinks for a second or two) What in the Hell are you two doing?!


LIVING ROOM


Chip: (sees Wayne and scowls) Hump me, quick! Quick! (starts to hump Greg)

Brad: (looks to Wayne) Are you all right?

Greg: (laughs and climbs off Chip) Waiting for you.

Chip: ("cries") Oh, you malicious, cold-hearted son of a billy block, I loved you, damn it!

Wayne: (raises an eyebrow at Chip and nods at Brad) I'm okay.

Greg: (blinks at Chip, startled) You loved me? (smirks) So if I climb on top of you, you'll love me again?

Chip: Maybe. But I was humping you.

Greg: (sighs and runs a hand through his hair, shaking his head) It's definitely time to take you home.

Chip: (scowls) What? I don't hump good enough, is that it?

Greg: You hump fine, Esten. You'll probably do it better when there's no alcohol in your system. (frowns and watches him a moment. shakes his head again) I think I need another beer.

Brad: (gets up and goes over to Wayne) Really? Is... did... How's Braeden?

Wayne: (shrugs his shoulders) He's... okay, I guess.

Brad: (very quietly) Do you want to talk about it?

Wayne: I... (shakes his head) No. (smiles shakily) I'm... we're good. He, umm... he'd like for you guys to leave now. (speaking very quietly, as well)

Chip: (snorts) I hump fine but you won't hump ba-- (looks at Wayne in disbelief) You're kicking us out?

Brad: (frowns) He would?

Colin: (gets brushed aside as Greg goes into the kitchen) You're not going to join us?

Wayne: Join you?

Colin: (gives a small smile) Not... not what Chip and Greg were doing. We did come here to spend time with you, though.

Brad: (scowls at the bedroom door)

Wayne: (blinks a little and then looks down at the floor) I know, and I'm sorry. But he's... you know...

Chip: Evil? (Wayne sighs once more and falls silent. glares at Chip a little)

Brad: (too quiet for anyone but Wayne to hear, but he's not looking at Wayne) Why are you with him?

Greg: (returns drinking yet another beer and plops down on the couch next to Ryan)

Colin: Why don't you come out with us? We could go to Ryan's. He has that great pool.

Wayne: I... (shakes his head) I can't. I'm... just tired, that's all, and Braeden's had a bad day and... I'm really sorry, you guys.

Brad: (looks to Wayne. lifts one hand, thinking about reaching out for him, but then drops it)

Colin: You're sure?

Wayne: (nods, forcing a smile) I'm sure. You guys go and have fun. (is trying very, very hard to look anywhere but at Brad)

Greg: (shrugs) Well, you heard the man. Time to skidaddle.

Colin: (nods, but doesn't look happy about it)

Chip: You know what? I'm humping something in this house before I go.

Brad: (continues to stare at door, still standing next to Wayne, voice low) What is he doing right now?

Colin: (sighs) Wayne, do you think you could enforce a non-humping law in your home? Nothing any of us says seems to be making a dent.

Wayne: (quietly) Waiting. (turns to Colin) Yeah, sure. Chip, hump and die. (Chip scowls and humps Wayne's leg and gets a small laugh out of him, even, before Wayne makes him stop) Quit it! Go hump Greg.

Chip: (scowls)

Greg: (gets up and reaches out a hand to help Ryan up)

Ryan: (gladly takes the hand and smiles at Colin) Thanks. Ooh. My legs fallen asleep.

Greg: (looks at Chip, frowning) No humping. Not until you're sober.

Chip: (frowns slightly) Why not?

Greg: Because it's the law, didn't you hear?

Wayne: I'll see you guys tomorrow. (is ushering them to the door) We'll do lunch or something.

Brad: (speaking loud enough for the others to hear, now) Come out with us. Come on. (tries to smile nonchalantly) The night is young.

Chip: To not hump when drunk? (snorts) My dear boy, that's how half the children are here. (throws an arm around Greg) C'mon. I'll hump your leg at no charge.

Greg: (snorts) And what do I get out of that?

Chip: A good laugh?

Greg: (laughs and wraps an arm around Chip) Maybe later.

Wayne: Bye guys! Have... have fun!

Colin: (smiles) Bye. Have a good night.

Brad: (hangs at the back of the group, consistently shooting Wayne imploring looks)

Wayne: (smiles reassuringly at Brad)

Chip: C'mon, Sherwood, or I'll hump you!

Brad: (gives a very deep sigh) Tomorrow?

Wayne: (nods his head at Brad) Tomorrow, yes.

Chip: C'mon, don't look so down! What's Braeden gonna do? Beat Wayne? (laughs and tugs on Brad's sleeve)

Brad: (scowls, but lets Chip tug him away. looks to Wayne one last time) I'll see you tomorrow, then.

Wayne: (nods his head and manages another small smile) Yeah. You will. (watches them go, frown deeping a little. shakes his head and closes the front door)