#none of them will let me brush their teeth so they need dry kibble to break up the plaque at least a Little bit. plus Prime does better

[bitchfitch]

I think I've finally figured out how to feed all three cats in the same room without Conflict happening.

Prime and Two know to go to their plates when I'm getting ready for bed, and they've been good about doing so for years. Three has been the Problem.

He knows where his plate is, but he doesn't want His food, he wants Prime's food, or he wants to eat with her as a bonding thing because he loves her despite her being like. I can not stress this enough, Consistently avoidant of him and Mean when he gets her cornered (Three is about 5lbs 5months, Prime is 12lbs and 5years he is not a threat to her, she just fucking hates him)

Two Loves Three, but does he ever want to eat with Her? no. Because he has a rock in his skull. Anyways.

The method is, Pick up 3. get a scoop of food and put it on his plate, put him down so that he is facing the wall.

Get a scoop for 2, put it on her plate, tell her she's pretty and that I love her. She will not eat if I don't do this.

Pick up 3 and put him back at his plate. tell him he's a sweet baby and pet him if he wants it. This is for me, he usually doesn't want pets at dinner time

Get Primes food, put it on her plate. Put 3 back at his plate facing the wall. Pet Prime until she is ready to eat, she will not eat if she doesn't get her dinner petting and it's the main reason I can't go on trips that are longer than 2 days because after day 2 of not getting her dinner pets she just. stops eating until I get back. Put 3 back at his plate.

Go to bed, say goodnight to 2 beside the door because she likes to walk me to my room before she finishes her meal. Go to bed.

also to clarify: There's at least 5feet between all three cats and prime and three are on opposite sides of the apartment. it's not a short distance he's going in his quest to bother her.

I haven't had to break up any hissing in a few days so I Think not drawing Three's attention to Prime after everyone is settled is working.

[knightwingyj]

Little Do You Know Ch 3

               Why, oh why did he think it was a good idea to drink? Conner groaned as his head throbbed. His mouth was dry and stuffed with cotton balls soaked in essence of skunk. Hangovers sucked. He gracelessly flopped on his side and smashed his face into his pillow. His glorious, stupendous, fluffy, wonderful pillow that was always supportive and there for him whenever he needed something to lay on. His bed too. A shrill pierced the air and sent a white-hot ice pick through his brain. Whimpering and trying to ignore the pathetic tears that gathered in the corner of his eyes, Conner threw an arm out, hand groping the nightstand for his phone. Stupid alarm. His fingers finally found it and the shrieking was silenced. Sighing with relief, he rolled onto his back with his arm resting over his eyes. He didn’t think he drank that much last night. He only had his usual scotch. Twice…and some of Markus’…and all those shots from North’s game. Maybe he had more than he thought, and he didn’t even get his reward.

               The alarm went off a second time. Goddamn it, he thought he had turned that shit off. “Alright, shut the fuck up.” Conner growled grabbing the device and stabbing the screen with more force than necessary. He’s been spending too much time with Hank. Blessed silence. He just noticed the full glass of water on his night stand that his drunk self forgot to drink last night, along with a bottle of Advil. God bless his drunk self and he popped a couple pills and chugged the water.

               He laid back against his wonderful pillow, trying to find the will to get up for the day. He was so glad it was the weekend. He could go as slow as he wanted and not worry about being late. He was the CFO, he should be able to arrive when he damn well pleased. He really needs to stop hanging out with Hank so much. His potty mouth was getting worse. It took a lot more strength to shower, shave and dress than it should have, but he felt more rejuvenated. After brushing his teeth, twice, he deemed himself ready to take on the day. He opened his bedroom door and nearly jumped out of his skin at Conan standing in the doorway.

               “Jesus Christ, Conan! You nearly gave me a heart attack.” Conner accused hand clutching at his chest.

               “Where were you last night?” Conan questioned.

               Conner’s brow furrowed at the reproachful tone in his brother’s voice. “Why do you need to know?”

               “Where you out drinking with Anderson?”

               “What I do and who I do it with is none of your concern.” He didn’t have the patience to deal with Conan’s holier-than-thou attitude today. He brushed past him and into the hallway, closing the door as best he could around a six-foot two road block.

               “It is when you chose to fraternize with the hired help. It looks bad on the rest of us.” Conner could practically hear Conan’s nose scrapping the ceiling. He whirled around and leveled Conan with a glare that made him pause in his tracks.

               “Hank is more than an employee, he’s my friend, and what I chose to do in my free time is my business. I’ve not done a single thing that could shame the family in any way. I don’t need you sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. You’re not my keeper Conan.” He hissed before marching off.

               Conan watched, a little shocked at his outburst. Conner was wrong about one thing; he was his brother’s keeper. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and hit speed dial. “Hey, it’s me. I’ve got a job for you.”

               The headache was practically gone by the time the taxi dropped him off at Hank’s house. Hank’s old, black Buick was parked haphazardly in the driveway and Conner rolled his eyes. He was still wondering what possessed him to let this man drive him anywhere. The single-story building was unassuming with cream siding, decorative clay bricks, and a plain brown front door. He smiled. He could remember one summer during high school when Hank and he repainted the faded and peeling siding, replaced the rotting front door, and power washed the windows. They spent quite a bit of time during those years cleaning up this old house, so much so that it felt more like home to Conner than the manor.

               Turning the key in the lock, the front door opened smoothly, and Conner was greeted by a mountain of fur and a large, wet tongue. “Alright, Sumo, alright.” Conner laughed pushing the Saint Bernard off him and giving him a good scratch behind the ears. “Good morning to you too.”

               He wrestled himself passed the massive dog into the house and was mildly impress. It was a lot cleaner than the last time he was here, minus a couple of empty beer bottles on the coffee table. “You hungry boy?” Moving into the kitchen, Conner retrieve the kibble from the cabinet and poured some into Sumo’s food bowl and gave him fresh water. Sumo munched happily while Conner busied himself with the dirty dishes in the sink, giving them a good scrub and placing them in the dishwasher. An empty pizza box was tossed in the trash along with the beer bottles and the bag set by the front door to go out. He glanced in the fridge and nodded in satisfaction at the variety of foods on the selves. He wouldn’t need to go for groceries today then. A soft head nudged his leg and Conner glanced down with a chuckle. Sumo sat there with wide, hopeful eyes, leash firmly clamped in his jaws. “Ready for a walk then?” Conner asked as he grabbed the leash and clipped it to Sumo’s blue collar. “Looks like Hank will be sleeping for a little while longer. It’s just you and me then.”

               Grabbing the trash, Conner closed and locked the front door behind them. Sumo did his business quickly and waited patiently for Conner to place the trash in the garbage can. The dog tugged eagerly on the leash, drawing a laugh out of the human. “I’m coming. I’m coming.” They took off at a brisk pace, heading toward Riverside Park. It was their favorite walk destination; Sumo for all the squirrels and Conner for the calming view. Hank had introduced it to him just after they had met, and it held a lot of bitter sweet memories for the both of them. Conner found himself there more times than he could count, just to think or to get away from the pressures of high society. The park wasn’t usually crowded as many preferred the larger parks, but he was a little surprised the see it was packed.

               Since when has Riverside Park hosted festivals? He starred in amazement as rows of portable tents and inflatable bouncy houses lining the trail ways and grass. Children chased each other and dragged amused parents to different attractions. Laughter and music floated on the air accompanied by the delicious aroma of carnival food. Conner glanced down at his companion. “What do you think Sumo, should we check out the festival?”

               The Saint Bernard gave him a simple huff and wagged his tail twice in agreement. Conner nodded, “very well then,” and they started down the trail toward the center of the activity. Venders of every kind surround them on both sides. People selling trinkets. Handmade jewelry and cosmetics attracted many of the older patrons while tents containing games like ring toss and balloon pop beckoned the younger crowd. There was even a little swimming pool filled with yellow rubber ducks for the little ones.

               They were stopped a few times as a couple of people wanted to pet Sumo and the gentle giant basked in the simple affection of the pats. A familiar voice called his name and Conner turned to see his secretary, Kara, with her Husband, Luther, and their nine-year-old daughter, Alice. “Hello Kara, Luther, Alice. It’s a pleasure to see you all.” Conner greeted politely.

               “Hello Conner,” Kara said with a smile as Alice waved with an enthusiastic ‘hi’. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

               Conner shrugged. “I didn’t really expect to be here. This is were we usually come on our walks and we were a little surprised to see a festival.”

               Alice’s eyes lit up as she gazed at Sumo. “Sumo!” She ran forward eagerly and showered him with affection. Sumo preened.

               “Alice wanted to come and try the bouncy houses.” Kara explained watching Alice giggle with a smile.

               “Was it worth it?” Conner asked the girl and she nodded.

               “Oh yes. You should try it, Conner. It’s super fun!”

               The adults laughed softly at her wonder. “I think I might be a bit big for the bouncy houses, but I’ll certainly take your word for it.” Conner replied before turning back to her parents. “How are you, Luther? Zlatko treating you well?”

               Luther’s smile strained. “He’s much better, though he’s still hard to work with. There’s not much more I can do other than what I have been doing.”

               “He’s paid the overtime he owes you, yes?” Conner asked eyebrows pinched.

               Luther nodded as the tension bled out of his shoulders. “Yes, after the last incident, he wouldn’t dare to weasel his way out of paying again, not with the lawyer breathing down his neck. Thank you for that, by the way,” the large man said smile warming his face, “I wasn’t the only one he was skimping out on. That lawyer really helped to figure out there was a lot of more missing paychecks than we thought, so thank you.”

               “I’m just happy to help.” Conner eyes grew serious. “You’ll let me know if something like that happens again.”

               Luther nodded. “Of course, people deserve to be paid what their worth.”

               Conner’s smile returned. “Good, well, it was wonderful to see you all and I’ll see you back at the office, Kara. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

               “You too, Conner. Have fun.” Kara said.

               “Bye, Conner!” Alice shouted as they walked away, and Conner waved happily after her, chuckling. He was happy to know that everything had been worked out for Luther and his co-workers. His smile faded as he thought about the Zlatko situation. He would need to keep a closer eye of the man, making sure he paid his employees properly. Honest men like Luther didn’t deserved to be treated so poorly. It maybe time to let Zlatko go, getting a more reliable worker in a leadership position. Perhaps it was time to promote Luther, he had defiantly proved himself worthy with this whole fiasco. Conner could feel the smile spreading. It seemed he had something to do first thing tomorrow morning.

               He glanced around the tents when sharp eyes recognized a familiar face moving around inside a royal purple tent. His smile returned as he approached the man seated in front of a worn, paint splattered easel, face pinched slightly in concentration. “Markus.”

               Said man’s head turned towards him, eyes locking with that beautifully intense gaze. Recognition flooded them quickly and his eyes lit up. “Conner,” the sharpie in his hands was capped and set aside as he stood to greet him.

               “Working hard?” Conner asked fingers playing with Sumo’s leash.

               Markus shrugged. “It’s not really work if you enjoy it.”

               “True,” Conner moved into the tent, trying to see what was resting on Markus’ easel. “What are you working on?”

               “Oh,” Markus stepped aside to reveal a cartoon face. “Caricatures.” The exaggerated eyes and nose made Conner chuckle.

               “Magnificent,” he teased,” your best work by far, I think.”

               “Of course,” Markus smirked. He held up the permanent marker. “Care to have your likeness immortalized in sharpie?”

               Conner smiled warmly and shrugged again. “Why not?”

               Markus gestured to the empty stool directly in front of the easel. As Conner moved to sit, Markus caught sight of the animal walking beside him. “And who is this handsome fella?” He asked as he readied a clean piece of paper.

               “This is Sumo,” Conner replied. “He belongs to Hank Anderson, my bodyguard.”

               Markus raised an eyebrow at that. “Do you normally walk your bodyguard’s dog?”

               “Oh, Hank’s more than a bodyguard. He’s a good friend of mine. He used to be a lieutenant for the Detroit Police Department before switching to close personal security. He had quite the reputation in the DPD, before I managed to steal him away.”

               “Really? He sounds like an interesting person.” Markus commented as the pen in his hand glided over the page. “How did you two meet?”

               “We became acquainted when I had just turned sixteen. In a fit of teenage rebellion, a couple of my peers and I decided to have an…impromptu party at one of the old abandoned freighters at the docks. We were quite inebriated and somehow caused the ship to sink. It caused quite a ruckus.”

               Markus paused and look at him over the top of the easel. “Wait, the Jericho sinking? That was you?”

               Conner was a little perplexed at the question. “Well, it wasn’t technically me but someone I was associated with, yes.”

               “Oh man,” Markus slouched back in his chair. “My friends and I used to hangout there during high school. That’s how we got the nickname Jericrew. We came by one day and the whole area was cordoned off with a majority of the ship submerged. We always assumed the hull had finally ruptured.”

               “I suppose, in a way, it did.” Conner rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Sorry.”

               “It’s alright. It must have been some party.” Markus commented returning to his drawing. “So, what does the sinking of the mighty Jericho have to do with you meeting Mr. Anderson?”

               “He was the arresting officer. I rode in the back of his car to the station. He sat me down at his desk as he called my mother. Once he finished, he asked if I had anything I wanted to say. I told him to lock me up.”

               Markus raised another eyebrow at him. “Why?”

               Conner chuckled. “He asked me the same thing in almost the exact same way. It was simple really. It would tarnish my mother’s reputation. Who would’ve thought the great Amanda Stern would have a deliquiate son? It would’ve caused quite a scandal if it had gotten out. It didn’t, of course. My mother has a way of sweeping dirt under the rug.

               “Hank showed up a week later to be my bodyguard. He said he was getting bored sitting behind a desk all day, doing nothing but paper work. I say it was to keep me out of trouble.”

               “That is interesting, going from a police lieutenant to babysitting a sixteen-year-old.” Markus teased.

               “I suppose that is a bit of a step down,” Conner laughed. “I like to think I keep him on his toes.”

               “It seems to me you’re a bit of a rebel there, Mr. Stern.”

               Conner grinned at Markus’ smirk. “You make me sound cooler than I am. That was a single incident.”

               “Oh, I don’t know about that. You handled your liquor the other night like a seasoned veteran.”

               “That is Hank’s fault. He’s a pretty good drinking buddy and he’s about as fascinated with my talent as you guys were. He likes to buy different kinds of alcohol to try whenever I’m with him.”

               “He sounds like an interesting character. I’d love to meet him someday.”

               “Of course, I feel he and North will get along swimmingly.” Conner added with a mischievous grin.

               Markus groaned. “Oh no, I’m not sure I could handle two Norths.”

               “It would certainly be amusing.”

               Shaking his head with an amused huff, Markus signed his name at the bottom with a flourish and capped the marker, lifting the finished product. Conner let out a surprised laugh. His features were nowhere near proportional with too big eyes and mouth on an obnoxiously large head. The size of his body reminded him of those ‘would you rather’ questions asked at parties with how small it was. Sumo was depicted next to him with similar proportions in regard to his nose.

               “I think Sumo is the best part of that whole picture.” Conner stated scratching the proud pup behind the ears.

               Markus looked at the picture again. “He does kind of steal the show a bit, but I think the other guy is handsome too.”

               Conner blinked at that comment and smiled softly. He was not flirting, stop looking so deeply into things. Markus handed him a green, cardstock folder containing the finished drawing. “Thank you very much. How much do I owe you?”

               Markus shook his head. “Me? Nothing, but if you like, you can donate to the center. Every dollar helps.”

               “Center?” Conner’s held tilted and Markus couldn’t help but compare him to a curious puppy.

               “The Youth Centers of Detroit. That’s what the fair is for. Many local businesses are participating to raise funds for the centers.”

               “Is that what you’re doing?” Conner asked with a gesture to the easel.

               “Yep,” he popped the p. “A lot of these centers are understaffed and in disrepair. Many of the kids in the city don’t have access to the fine arts unless it’s through their school and let’s be honest, what kid wants to spend their free time at school?”

               “What makes you think they would want to go to the youth centers instead?”

               “You mean besides the fact that it’s completely free? More variety. They can learn about anything they wanted. Theatre. Ceramics. Self-defense. Web-design. I even teach a couple classes during the weekdays.”

               Conner gave him an appraising look. “Markus Manfred, teaching art classes?” He teased, and Markus puffed out his chest proudly.

               “Every Tuesday and Thursday at six o’clock.”

               “I’d have come check it out sometime, see if you’re really as good as you claim.”

               “Says the guy who has my pieces ‘adorning his room’.” Markus retorted and took great pleasure in Conner’s blush.

               Embarrassed and trying to hide it, Conner pulled a fifty out of his wallet and stuffed it in the large pickle jar on a side table that was already nearly full. “I expect all new brushes and paints with that generous donation, Mr. Manfred.”

               Markus granted him a smile full of teeth. “Of course, Mr. Stern. Only the best for you.”

               Conner rolled his eyes and grinned, thoroughly enjoying their playful banter. They were only interrupted when someone else entered the tent. “You’re good to go on a break, boss.” The girl wasn’t much younger than Conner, perhaps high school or college freshman. Her brown hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail and she wore paint stained clothes.

               “Thanks, Stacy.” Markus said moving to put his things away. “Stacy, this is Conner and Sumo. Conner, this is Stacy, one of my students.”

               Conner shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

               “Same here. He’s a great teacher.” She nodded towards Markus.

               “I’m sure he is.”

               “You should come by the center sometime and check it out. He can turn even the most hopeless cases into true artists.”

               Conner wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be offended by that comment or not.

               “Alright, Stacy. No need to over sell.” Markus interjected coming to stand next to Conner.

               “Just trying to help you out, boss.”

               “And you’re doing a marvelous job, but I think Sumo wants to get out of this stuffy tent. Right Sumo?” The Saint Bernard merely wagged his tail at the mention of his name. “Right. Hey,” Markus turned to Conner. “You ever tried a cronut?”

               There’s that adorable head tilt. “A cronut?”

               Markus’ eyes widened comically. “Oh my god, you have not lived till you’ve tried one. Come on.” Their arms brushed as they said goodbye to Stacy and exited the tent in search of the legendary pastry.

    ��          Markus lead them straight to the right vender, who Conner suspected was a friend of the painter. Jerry handed them each a cronut and bid them adieu as they enjoyed their treat. Conner immediately fell in love with the buttery, flaky goodness, sharing a little with Sumo. “You were certainly right, warm and delectable.” Conner said throwing his trash in a nearby garbage can. Sumo huffed, tongue swiping along his lips, searching for any remnants of the sugar treat. “Even Sumo agrees.”

               “I would never lie to you, especially about food.” Markus glanced down at his watch. “I still have time if you would care to take a little stroll.”

               “I’d be honored.” Conner said with a smile.

               Markus moved closer as they began a trek through the park, barely glancing at the rest of the attractions. “So, you play the piano, capture emotions onto canvas, run a studio, teach art classes to inspire young artists, and volunteer your free time to your community. Are there any other hobbies I should know about?” Conner asked with a hint of playfulness.

               Markus bashfully rubbed the back of his neck. “You make me sound more interesting than I really am.”

               “Markus, you are interesting.” Conner said sincerely. “I’ve never met someone with as much talent or dedication to their craft as you. You’re the epitome of the phrase, ‘Live life to the fullest’. It’s quite inspiring.”

               Markus’ cheeks darkened. “You keep that up and my head might explode.”

               “I’m serious.”

               “I know, and I’m flattered. I just believe that everyone deserves the right to live their lives the best that they can. Everyone deserves to be to be happy.” Markus sent a side glance to the man beside him. Speaking of… “Conner, could I ask you a personal question?”

               Conner blinked, slightly surprised. “Of course.”

               “Why did you say yes?”

               Conner’s brow furrowed. “I don’t quite understand.”

               “Your marriage. Why did you agree to it?”

               Conner froze in his tracks, Sumo coming to a stop next to him. Markus turned to look at him, eyes apologetic at asking such a forward question but making no move to dismiss it. Conner steeled himself for the conversation. His spine straightened, and eyes locked forward. He started walking again. “It was a business arrangement.”

               Markus kept pace with him. “Care to elaborate?”

               “Cyberlife is the world’s leading producers in robotics and artificial intelligence. Anything smarter than an analog clock, they’ve got their hands in. Smart phones, tablets, super computers, you name it, they’ve done it and that’s just in the last ten years. Only two people truly brought Cyberlife to the forefront of technological advances. Elijah Kamski and Amanda Stern.

               “Elijah is the brains behind Cyberlife’s inventions. His genius is unparalleled when it comes to coding and hard-ware. While he could rule the world with a few wires and some software, he’s not much of a businessman.”

               “I’m assuming that’s where your mother comes in.”

               “Amanda has been the CEO of Cyberlife through all its major accomplishments. Without her, there wouldn’t be a Cyberlife as we know it.

               But while she may be CEO, she doesn’t own any shares in the company. The Stern name has no connection to Cyberlife outside its big, glass doors and Amanda hates anything she can’t have. She feels that Cyberlife is as much hers as it is the Kamski’s.”

               “Seems like she wants to be part of the family.” Markus shook his head in disgust. “What exactly does she gain by marrying you to the Kamski’s?”

               “Power, prestige, about a third of the shares, second only to the Kamski’s.”

               “And what does the Kamskis get out of this arrangement?”

               “Amanda as CEO for the next ten years and then her apprentice for the next twenty.”

               Markus was silent as he contemplated this information. “That’s messed up.”

               “That’s business.”

               “And through all of that, you’re lost in the fine print.”

               Conner shrugged nonchalantly but Markus could see the tension in his shoulders. “You never did answer my question.” Conner looked at him confused. “Why did you agree? You’re an adult. You can say no.”

               Conner didn’t answer but his eyes darkened with so much despair that it caused a physical pain in Markus’ chest. Now he understood Conner’s connection with those paintings of his. The need to reach out and hold this man, to comfort him and protect him, was nearly overwhelming and his hand moved of it own accord. “Conner,” he started but Conner spoke.

               “It’s alright, Markus.” His voice was strong, but his smile wavered.

               No, it wasn’t alright, but Markus didn’t know how to fix it.

               “You never did answer my question either,” Conner stated breaking the tension.

               “And what’s that?”

               “What else can the Marvelous Markus do?”

               Markus chuckled slightly. “I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

               Conner locked eyes with him. “I suppose so.” Those deep brown eyes just seemed to pull Markus in and he was almost afraid he would lose himself in their depths.

               The moment was interrupted when Sumo let out a sudden and loud bark and jerked the leash out of Conner’s hand, leaving behind an angry sting. “Wait, Sumo! Come back!” He shouted taking off after the energized dog. Markus followed close behind and soon they were chasing Sumo through the park. Apologizing to startled bystanders, Sumo lead them out to a vacant field. Conner lunged for the animal but missed as Sumo turned at the last minute. Jumping to his feet quickly, Markus sped past him and nearly fell flat on his face when Sumo barreled into his legs.

               “Sumo, come here!” Conner called but the dog just wagged his tail, let out a ‘boof’, and dropped into a playful crouch, daring Conner to make a move. A mischievous grin was slowly making its way across his face as he stared down the Saint Bernard. “You won’t win, beast.”

               Warmth spread out from the center of his chest as Markus watched Conner play with Sumo. He looked so different from the moment before, unburdened and…happy. He chuckled quietly at Conner’s challenge. The playful atmosphere was thrumming with suspense as man and animal waited for the other to move. A small twitch toward the dog and Sumo took off like a shot. He ran straight past Markus who fingers just brushed his tail. His botched attempt nearly sent him face first into the grass again but a strong grip on his arm kept him from eating dirt.

               “Crafty, isn’t he?” Conner said with a sly smile and Markus snickered. “Go around and cut him off.”

               Markus gave him a mock salute. “Aye, aye, Captain.” He ran around the tree just as Conner corralled Sumo in that direction and Markus dove for him. His hand closed around the leash, “Gocha,” and Sumo slowed to a stop. Both men were breathing hard as they tried to calm their racing hearts. Markus handed the leash off to Conner.

               “Thanks.”

               “You’re welcome.” Markus replied their fingers brushing. It was then that he remembered, “Your hand.” He grabbed Conner’s right hand and turned it over, searching for the irritated rash on his palm.

               “Oh, it’s nothing, really.” Conner protested but it died quickly as his hand was cradled gently in warm, calloused hands. Tan fingers brushed over smooth skin, sending a tingle through his palm. He looked up to see mismatched eyes starting at him with a look he couldn’t quite describe but sent the butterflies in him shrieking. He just knew he had to be blushing.

               “I think you’ll be alright.” Markus spoke softly, and goosebumps formed on Conner’s arms.

               The moment broke as Sumo barked and ran a circle around them, effectively wrapping the leash around their legs. “Sumo, No!” Conner cried as he was thrown off balance. His hands immediately latched onto Markus’ shoulders as leverage as Markus’ hands instinctively landed on his hips. It was futile as they both toppled over with Conner landing on top of Markus, pressing flush against him. Mortified, Conner tried to scramble off him, effectively digging an elbow into Markus’ chest and ridding him of all the air in his lungs. “I’m so sorry! I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Conner apologized, still wiggling. Arms wrapped around him and he froze.

               Markus let out a deep belly laugh that Conner could feel reverberating through his core and he stared, mesmerized, at the unbridled joy on Markus’ face. The grin revealed pearly white teeth and crinkled the edges of his eyes and Conner longed to run a finger over the tiny ridges. He could almost count the freckles on his nose. A black speck in the green of his left eye twinkled at him. His belly burned as he fought the desire to lean down and kiss him. He was so close.

               “It’s alright,” Markus said breaking him out of his very inappropriate musings and his face burned hotter. “Here,” Markus leaned up and Conner panicked, throwing an arm around him without thinking. The artist quickly detangled the leash from their legs and Conner slid off his lap onto the grass gratefully…and secretly disappointed.

               “Well, that was interesting.” Conner giggled a little self-conscious. Markus just grinned, eyes sparkling. The phone in Conner’s pocket buzzed and he pulled it out.

               ‘Stop stealing my dog, you plastic asshole.’

               “Well, Hank’s awake. I better get Sumo back.” He stood, holding his hand out to Markus. Fingers circled around his wrist immediately and he pulled him up, blatantly ignoring the tingling left behind as those fingers caressed the inside of his wrist and palm as they let go.

               “You seriously stole his dog?” Markus asked with a laugh.

               Conner grinned. “Only on my days off.”

               They stood there, just smiling at each other, when Conner finally backed away. “I’ll see you later, Markus.”

               “See you,” Markus replied raising his hand in a goodbye.

               Conner returned the wave and reluctantly turned his back, still grinning like a fool. He was really glad he decided to go to the festival today.

[laketaj24]

Songbook: Erik: Take Me Away

A/N: Heyyy here’s the next installment of The Songbook Series!!! Taglist is open!! Also, I’m trying to get used to my nail length or whatever, so typos are probably strung through out. My Bad. Kind of some domestic fluff, mixed with what the fuck, then smut. 

Catch up Here!

Song: Daniel Ceasar: Take Me Away

Erik always spoiled her. Mentally reminding her she was the only person that had ever made him settle down. He knew he’d fucked up even if she didn’t do whatever she wanted she got. “Yo, what’s the move?” Erik says moving around their bedroom. He places his shoes at the feet of the bed and awaits Asa to answer.

Asa stands facing the mirror blasting SWV singing into her brush as if she’s a t a concert. “That explains why your love....” Erik grabs the brush playfully. “Hey!”

“Look your imaginary audience can wait for just a minute.” Erik smiles. “You said we were out today. Where we going?”

“Since it’s my weekend to chose, shopping. I want that damn outfit you said was out of our budget but then you went and bought four hundred dollar shoes.”

“I said that it wasn’t in your budget.” Erik said walking out of their room.

Kojack hops on the bed dragging his shoe in his teeth. Asa says nothing laughing as he starts to bite the tongue. “We share a bank account babe, how is it not in my budget?”

“It’s ugly man damn. That outfit ain’t cute!” He yelled from the kitchen.

“You said I could get it when I got back! I’m back and I’m getting it nigga!” She squints her eyes at Kojack. “Your dad is gonna get you.” She reaches for the shoe and he moves further up the bed. “Kojack!” She whispers. “Stop!”

“You gone look a hot ass mess. Get what you want. I ain’t gone stop you.”

“You never told me what happen last week when I left, you out there fucking hoes?”

“Yeah all the hoes.” He says sarcastically. “You ready to go?”

“Almost.” Asa slides into her denim shirt and pants then grabs her boots.

Asa turned to the side admiring her figure, she used to have ass for days. Now it was there but not there but it was aight. Erik didn’t seem to mind the change in her curves. She tossed hr hair into a messy ponytail and dabbed on her lip gloss.

“Aw hell naw!! Asa why you letting him eat my shoes!”

“You bet not whoop him either. I swear to god we gone fight!” Asa ran out the room scooping him up in her arms. “What I tell you about leaving stuff around the house?” She cackled. “Mama won’t let him get you.” The dog growled at Erik as he walked closer and then he stepped back.

“You know what, remember that shit when you want some Kibbles and Bits and yo moms off denying people at the bank.”

The mall isn’t busy and Erik is elated because he was starting to notice too many people pissed him off. He follows behind Asa making fun of her outfits and singing the store music loud. “Ma, do not buy that damn romper. Baby a romper aint for everybody.” Erik strolls through his phone. “but a dress.”

Unknown: Missing me? Like the way that you and your girl matching and shit.

He slides over hitting the red delete button and then slides his phone in his pocket. “How long we gone be in here anyway. Got all these nosey ass people watching us.” He glares at the clerk whose been following them for a few minutes. “Ey, you got a motherfucking problem ma’am?”

The woman ducks back down behind the clothes and Asa pushes him. “They can look all they want to baby. Who am I to judge them for judging me? Plus now it’s gone be hella awkward when we check out.”

His phone vibrates again and he ignores it tossing her some panties in the cart. “You need step it up here lately. I wanna see more ass and less cotton.”

“If you get to buy my underwear then I get to buy yours, I want you to wear some tight white cotton...” She looks up and Erik has walked away from her holding up a peace sign as he waves in and out of the rows. “Where you going?”

“To sit my ass down. Come get me when you done.”

The salon was slow today. Asa dipped her feet in the warm water allowing the jets to spray over her feet. The oils were slick at the bottom of the tub but they were much needed. Erik had left her alone for a while, likely buying shoes and returning the outfit, he hated.

The woman takes the seat next to her, dipping her feet in her water and adjusting the massager. “Oooh girl, that polish is dope!” She pointed to Asa’s fresh set of nails. “I mean beautiful.”

Asa smiles glancing down at her polish. “Thank you honey. My man loves this color.” She paused thinking of the last time she’d got the color. It didn’t take much to turn Weik on and The bubble bath nail color against her skin was a trigger. He’d thrown her around the room pegging her hands behind her back making her beg. She blushed and placed her hand back on the chair. “He’s spoiled somewhat I guess.”

“Lucky him.” She glances at her hand again. “How long have you been with him?”

“Almost four years in a few months.” Asa added up. “Four years, Five months and three days. He said the anniversary is gonna be amazing. I’ll believe it when I see it. His thoughts on amazing contains sports and making me cook.”

“Girl.” The woman laughs with her. “He sounds like a character.”

“Yes, where are you from?” Asa asks watching the little Asian man reach down for her foot.

“Oakland. What about you?”

“Compton.” Asa exhales. “I moved up here and then me and Erik got a house in San Jose to get away.”

“Erik,” she pauses. “Oh shit! Erik Stevens?”

“Yes.” Asa knew everyone knew him. He was always out. Always. “That’s my baby.”

“Small world. I seen him at this party last week!”

“Yes, he told me he went out. One weekend to kick it with Dame and act out.”

“Yes, He was like a celebrity or some shit.”

Asa laughs crossing her arms. “Don’t fill his head up now.”

“Yeah he don’t need that.”

“What’s your name?”

“Malaysia..” Malaysia extends her hand. “I think I’m gonna get that color and see if I have some luck on my man.”

“Hey, baby if the sex gods bless you with what I had you winning.”

Erik sits on the bench with all of her bags waiting. “T, if you let me know what dates I’ll get with my girl and you can stay with us.”

“I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.”

“Man, did I fucking say you were inconveniencing me nigga. I’m opening my doors to you and your girl. Say the date so we can plan?”

“Next month, there is a conference I have to attend in the Americas. Will that be okay?”

“Perfect. We can plan for that.” Erik watches as Malaysia comes out with Asa and they are talking, laughing and acting like old friends. “Fuck.” He hangs up abruptly. He gathers her bags walking towards her. “Baby girl, you ready?”

“Almost, I’m taking Lay number down. Can you believe I just made a damn best friend in the nail salon.”

“Man don’t be conversing with strangers babe.” He whispered watching Malaysia enter her phone number in the phone.

“Erik! You don’t remember me?”

“No clue,” Erik said.

“Come on.” She pushes him playfully.

“Man ma, I don’t know who the fuck you are.” He gave her a smug smile. “But I gotta get my baby out of here. You ready?”

“Yes.” Asa grabbed his arm. “Lay, it was good to meet you! Sorry he’s rude! See you in two weeks babe!”

Erik doesn’t want to argue over her. He doesn’t want to draw extra attention to the fucking not so new mystery bestie so he says nothing as they walk to the car. Asa notices strolling through her phone admiring her nails that for the first time he never complimented. “What’s up with you? Are you mad?”

“Nah, why?” He throws her bags in the backseat opening her door for her and then walks around to the driver’s side of the car.

“Because ever since I left the nail salon you’ve been short with me.”

“Man why did you give her your number? You can’t be going around giving strange ass women your number.”

“Actually, yes the fuck I can. It’s how people become friends truthfully. It won’t hurt talking to her. Fuck the only people I talk to are you, Kojack and my mama. So if I wanna make a fucking friend in the nail salon nigga I will.”

“Whatever.” His mind wondered on the ride home not responding to her. “So, you wanna fuck this girl or something?”

Her mouth dropped in shock. “What! It ain’t even like that Erik! I don’t want her. She just seemed nice.”

“Yeah nice.”

She bit her lip watching him stare ahead. “I can’t believe your ass is jealous of the chick from the fucking nail salon. You think I would cheat on you?”

“You got a fucking number in a nail salon! Shit. Did I come home with numbers? Hell naw, just bags of shit I done bought for a woman trying to holla at lil bitches at the mall.”

“I’ll delete her.”

“Thank you. Shit.”

“But you still ain’t right. And you fucking owe me because I still ain’t got no friends.”

“Owe you?? Aight bet.”

********

“Erik!” Asa’s fingers grip onto his head as he sucks at her clit causing her to shatter for the third time in five minutes. “No more.” She says pushing him with her tiny feet on his shoulders.

Erik nips at the side of her thighs. “Nah ma, you said I owe you. I’m not gone stop until my debt is paid.” He laps at her clit once more dipping his tongue down at her entrance tasting the small drops of her cum running down her. “How many more you got in you.”

“None nigga.” She playfully pushes him from her and climbs up her body peppering kisses on ever inch of her until he meets her breast. He swirls tongue around her brown nipple feeling it grow harder beneath him and then he sucks hard making her arch off the bed and barely bites to add the perfect amount of pressure. His length is pressed up against her straining against his boxers. Erik moves over to beast tugging on her nipple with his thumb and index finger and then twisting sending a sharp pain to her. Asa’s mouth is open and dry as he slaps at them and then worships them once more sucking and biting at them until her body all but explodes into another orgasm.

He snatches her hands from his back and pins them over her head. “I want four more from you. You gone give it to me?”

“No.”

“Uh yeah the fuck you are,” Erik slides off his boxers and he pushes her legs flat against the mattress. “How many?”

“None nigga. This pussy is-“ He slams into her winding his hips and dragging back out. Her legs are immediately weak shaking and wild. Asa meets him with each thrust.

“What about this pussy huh?” Erik says lifting her hips and pushing back into her in a relentless speed. The loud claps of their skin echo throughout the silent house followed by the melodic mewls of pleasure from Asa. Erik grunts biting down on his lip. “This pussy gone give me another one huh? Look at how your body already shaking! Give it to me!”

Asa’s body is on the brink of another one as she feels the ribbons of euphoria breaking through her body. Erik pushes into her once more hitting that perfect spot and she gushes for him. Her cum rushes out and her legs fight to move her from under him so she can breathe. “Oh fuck ma, you missed daddy that bad you crying for him? Huh?” He pins her legs fucking her harder. “Huh!”

“Yes.” She screams hoping he will let up, and he doesn’t rolling her over on him she falls on his chest weak. “Erik please, I’m fucking spent.”

He allows her to lay on his chest before he lines himself back up and slides back in her. He cradles her wrapping his arms around her using his legs to perch her up. “Three more.” He says grinding into her causing the sweetest friction on her clit. That paired with the angle has her floating down from another one in seconds. “Ahhh Yeah, mama gripping that dick huh?” Erik is close dragging his teeth across his bottom lip, slapping her ass. “Two more... give daddy two fucking more.”

Asa sits up on him resting her palms in his chest. She lifts herself up and down allowing him to watch the intrusion. He fucks up into her matching her rhythm until she squirts over him raining down trickles over he arousal with a small scream. Erik grips her waist fucking her relentlessly. Every stroke seems deeper than before and his hips are erratic. “Oh fuck!” He says feeling that zing of pleasure at his stomach and then pulsing through the rest of his body as his hips slam into her and he cums. “Asa, god damn.”

“You got everything you asked for damn it, jealous ass.”

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