My New Personal Assistant

## THOMAS

I got two texts just as I was about to go to sleep.

> I will be drinking a bit :)

> Well, I already have a little

Did he just send me a smiley face? Great... I chuckled, realizing I'd never seen him drunk. I replied:

> Enjoy the night, Matt, but don't you dare come wasted

Matt replied immediately:

> I won't, Master ;)

That wink just about killed it for me, but I still had to chuckle.

.

## MATT

.

"Bastard! I need you to drive me home!" I yelled as Brandon was taking his jacket. I held my head in my palm, trying to think clearer than I was able to. I hadn't had that many drinks, had I?

"Matty, you must be really drunk. You're home. Your house is a rubble in the middle of reconstruction, remember?" Brandon laughed.

I looked at him. "Stay."

Brandon shook his head and came to me. "Nate, will you take John? I think Matt will need some help here."

"Yeah, sure. Come on, buddy."

"No way, I can drive!"

"No way you can. You're leaving the car here. Just come. Daniel, care to help me?"

Dan growled, but took John's arm around his shoulders.

"Don't worry, Danny boy. You can shower after."

Dan rolled his eyes. "Just stop it, man."

"No, I mean it. If I puke, you're definitely getting it."

Dan looked with distaste at Nate, who was smirking. "Can we just leave him here?"

"No. Are you sure you're taking the taxi? I can take you too."

"Did you just hear him? No fricking way!" Dan pointed at laughing John.

Johny laughed so hard, and I had to as well. Dan's face was just priceless.

"This is the last time I'll stay the only one sober." Nate shook his head with a grin.

"Hello! Another responsible driver here!" Brandon raised his hand with a grin.

"Yeah, you're a big help, buddy. Don't forget to take Matt home then."

Everyone started laughing, thinking I meant this place.

.

"Let's just go. Will you be all right, John?" Nate asked with a grin at Johny.

"No!"

Dan looked pissed. "I'm not going with you."

"Daniel, just come. You can sit in the front with me."

"Sure you can, Danny, don't worry. I'm resourceful." Johny winked at him, and Dan looked desperately at Nate.

"Can we just send him home by the taxi?"

I was on my knees, laughing when just then John pretended to gag, and Dan jumped as if he were sober. He let Johny stumble.

Brandon and I were crying.

"I hate him!"

"I hate you too, Danny boy, but I'll tell you a huge secret. Come here!"

"I'm not getting near you!"

I wiped away a tear, and Bran sat beside me, chuckling.

"Come ooon!"

"No."

"I'll pinky swear I won't puke on you, now or on the way." Johny raised his hand.

"Pinkie?" Dan frowned as if he didn't find it funny one bit.

John managed a slow, drunken, nearly solemn nod. I had to lean against the couch, shaking from fits of laughter.

Dan tentatively came closer, and John leaned to his ear and spoke in a drunken man's whisper, a bit louder than a few drills.

"I hate you so much that I love you!"

Dan jerked back to protect his ears from the decibels attacking him, and grinned when John hugged him tightly.

"Oooow, does anyone have a phone?"

"Me!" Brandon took a picture. I looked at it. "Sweet! You both are even smiling!"

"What a special moment!"

.

"Okay, go, you bastards. I need to get ready as well."

"Sure you are, Matty. Don't worry, I'll drive you around the block a few times."

The guys laughed, and I let them.

"Okay, bye!"

"Bye!"

"Merry Christmas!" Johny roared.

"Didn't you mean happy birthday?" Nate laughed, holding him.

"What did I say?"

"Just go!" Brandon laughed as he stood up and closed the door after them.

.

I stood up too and wobbled into the kitchen to drink more water.

"I need to get sober. Fast!"

"Sure you do, buddy."

"Damn! Help me shower."

"What?"

"I mean it!"

"Matty..." Brandon shook his head, but followed me to the bathroom.

"Help!" I waved him inside.

"You mean it?"

"Yeah." I took off my socks and turtleneck, hearing Brandon sit down.

"Do I need to ask where we're going, Mister Hangman?"

I smirked.

"Damn... What did he do to your back and butt? Are those lashes?"

I tilted my head back with the most satisfied smile. "Yes."

.

I turned on the cold water and stepped under it. "FUUUCK!"

"What, cold showers aren't your kink?"

"Never tried it before, but thanks for the tip." I winked at him and cussed as I tried to get under it again.

"Well, Matty, I don't know what to say."

I looked at him with a grin. "Perfect. Never change that."

Brandon shook his head.

"So I'm driving you to Thomas's?"

I nodded. I kept stepping back under the stream, swearing the whole time.

.

"Tell me, why should I do it?"

"'Cause you love me, and you want to see him more than you've wanted to see anyone before! The question of what he's like is eating you alive!"

"True, but didn't you forget everything you told me? Do you seriously think I want my friend brainwashed like that?"

"Right. Let me tell you Thomas's side of the story."

"Sure, I suppose he can be very persuasive."

I don't know if it was the alcohol and the cold water running down my head, but something in me shook as I realized something important I'd never connected to any of this.

.

"Brandon, I don't know Thomas that well. I've known him since September, so how long is that? Five months... But you know what I've never noticed? Him being deceitful. He told me outright when he didn't want to discuss something, and I've never seen him lie, not even about the smallest thing. He could've had me tied up and locked in that cage since New Year's, who knows, with barely any deception, even sooner. Man, I was hungry for him like I haven't been, not even for Michelle or Sabina. I'd seriously spend a fortune to make him happy. I can tell you that. I know it. He saw it, and it only made him push me away."

"Dude..."

"No, Brandon, really. When I saw that cage, I felt like a child, totally trusting, able to do anything for him. I can honestly tell you I'd be there waiting for him every day, begging for his cum if he let me."

"First, TMI, Matt. Second, are you serious? Why?"

I looked at him, and he knew I was.

"Damn... I don't think this is healthy, Matt."

"Neither does he."

"Then why do you do it? I mean, do you want to be like that?"

I didn't even realize I was washing myself with cold water until I started shivering.

"Would you still love me if I told you I feel the freest like that?"

"Sure, buddy..." He didn't even mock me this time.

.

"But there's one more thing I realized."

"What?"

"Who's the worst poker player to be stuck against?"

"Dan?"

"Seriously, who's worse?"

Brandon had to think. "Owen!"

I nodded. "Remember what you called him?"

Brandon laughed. "King of deceit."

"Exactly."

.

I stepped out. "Now, I love Owen to bits. I genuinely believe he loved Thomas, and I know he'll always love Sam. And I don't think everything he says is a lie. Not at all. I really believe he's a genuinely good person, and I'd vouch for him. I trust him more than anyone in my company. I know how hard he fights for it. But I've never seen anyone lie as elaborately as him. Not even Nate or Dan."

"What are you trying to suggest?"

"That maybe he was ashamed, or spiteful, or both. And based on how I know both of them, I want to believe Thomas. Or at least try to."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"In that case, I'll always have your back."

"Thank you, buddy."

Brandon smiled. He stood behind me, watching me brush my teeth. "But damn..." He grinned, looking at my back.

"Dude, you had no idea how amazing that was!"

"Really?"

"Yeah."

.

I went to my closet and grabbed my bag.

"You had a bag ready?"

"Yeah, I'm going there for a while."

"How long?"

"No idea, but feel free to visit if you're worried about me."

"Don't worry about that, Matty. I definitely will!"

I smiled and hugged him tightly.

"Matty, you're naked."

"Deal with it, prude!"

Brandon just laughed and hugged me back.

.

"Now tell me what happened there!"

"Do you want the short version or the detailed one, Branny?"

"You're so drunk!"

"Yeah, but I'm as decent as I can be, considering you had me drinking."

"You're an adult, man, and it was your birthday!"

I got dressed and drank a few glasses of water.

.

"So?"

I looked at him, feeling fantastic and free. "Buckle up, buddy. You're in for a ride!"

With that, I started talking about EVERYTHING.

...

We were driving when I told him what I'd said to Thomas about Michelle and Dad.

"You told him about your mom?!" He looked at me, absolutely stunned.

With each part, he got more focused. At one point, he had to pull over on the side road and just look at me.

"What?"

"You never even told me that..."

I lowered my head. "I guess I haven't."

"That's where you learned to play the guitar?"

I nodded. Brandon was crying. He unbuckled and hugged me. "She was an extraordinary woman."

"She had her gifts and her flaws. But I loved her."

"I know..."

I continued, and Brand just sat there quietly, listening to me.

...

"That's where you got this from?" He pointed at my neck. I nodded and smiled. He didn't even seem phased by it now. He just told me to keep going.

...

"You what?!" A huge grin shot across his face, and his eyes were wide.

"I sang..." I felt myself blushing.

"Mattyyyy... What song?"

"Ring of Fire... It was kind of thematic."

"Of course it was... Wow... How did he react?"

"He went back into his shell."

"What...? Oh... He must be terrified you'll break his heart."

"What?"

"Matty, if we're playing with the idea that he's genuine about his feelings, imagine how hard it must be for him..."

"He said something like that."

Brandon nodded slowly, understanding in his eyes. "Please, go on."

.

I told him about the music room and gave him a short version of Thomas's friends and family. I wasn't sure what was okay to discuss, but he didn't really tell me about any drama or anything.

...

I told him how I sang to Thomas before I went to sleep, and Brandon smiled at me dreamily.

"Matty..." Brandon leaned his head against the seat as he looked at me. "Will you sing for him every night?"

"Not sure... I just felt like it." I smiled.

"I've never seen you this smitten with anyone... I'm really giving him a chance. I hope he's worth it."

"Me too."

"But what about the long run?"

"No idea..."

"Man... don't break his heart..."

I lowered my head again.

"Why can't you be gay just for him?"

"I can't be gay, Bran."

"Matty."

I started shaking, and images flooded my brain. "NO!"

.

Brandon leaned back in shock. "Damn... Matty... I hope one day you'll be able to tell him, if you can't even say it to me."

"No, I won't."

"Did someone hurt you?"

"No, just stop it, Bran."

He just looked at me with love and support. My best-best friend!

.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, I call dibs on being the best man."

I looked at him, confused.

"I don't think I'll ever marry."

"Never?"

"No. Why?" I looked at Bran.

"Didn't you want to have kids one day?"

I shrugged. "No point in that now. And I think I'm getting too old for it."

"Don't tell that to Nate."

"Nate has Ashley."

.

"What about Thomas?"

"What about him?"

"He doesn't want kids?"

"No. He said he'd lost hope of having them with his partner, but he'd still like someone to grow old with..." He didn't have to rub this in my face, though.

"Isn't Dora his best friend?"

"Yeah."

"And isn't Dora gay?"

"Yeah, and?"

Brandon looked at me weirdly. "You're a clueless bastard, aren't you...?"

"What?"

"Nothing. I might be wrong. Just an idea popped into my head."

"What?"

"Nothing. If it's true, it's not my place to say while you're being dumb."

"What?!"

"Matty, look, it's one o'clock. Let's go to Thomas's."

"What?!"

Brandon looked at me resolutely. I knew that look. It said: If you don't know, I'm not telling you... Damn it!

.

.

## BRANDON

.

We arrived in front of Thomas's house. Matt picked up the phone and dialed his number.

"Hi, we're here."

"Yeah, Brandon drove me."

"Thanks..." Matt looked at me sheepishly. "Master."

I raised my brow and tried not to burst out. Jesus Christ, this is GOLD! I should start recording things like Ross does!

"Can he come over?"

I looked at Matty. He had this cute-boy look on his face and chuckled when he hung up.

"Want to meet him?" Matt looked at me excitedly.

"Damn right, I do!"

"Promise you'll be nice?"

Matthew Johnathan Sanders is asking me to be nice in front of the person he is sleeping with. Seriously? Since when has he ever put another person's opinion before mine? Should I be jealous? I couldn't even bring myself to be. Who the hell is this guy?

"Sure, Matty. I'll behave." I smiled and stepped out.

.

The door opened, and inside stood a tall, lean man with broad shoulders. His hair looked like he'd been tossing and turning all night, and his eyes were sleepy, but I had to admit he was handsome.

"Come!"

Matt ran like he was twelve and rammed into that man like I'd never seen him greet anyone. He hugged him around the waist and shoulders, brought his head closer by the nape, and kissed him nearly tenderly.

"Good morning," he smiled at him.

"Hi, Matty."

*Dude! Did that man just survive calling him Matty?!*

Thomas brushed his hair back with a soft smile. "Come in, you two. It's cold." He looked at me and showed me in.

I was dumbfounded. I locked my car and went in. What a night...

.

We stepped into a spacious hall, and I looked around. Damn... These two have more in common than I thought. No wonder Matt feels good here. A spacious, minimalistic look with wooden details and practical furniture. I liked it here too, even if it was a bit plain for my taste.

Matt took off his shoes. I raised my brow but followed suit. It was fascinating to see how natural that one thing was for him, even while being drunk...

.

I looked at Thomas. He was observing me. A neutral smile played on his lips, and he outstretched his hand to me. "Thomas Birns, good to finally meet you in person, Brandon."

I smiled too. "Likewise."

Matt hugged Thomas from behind like a puppy... I'd never seen him like this... I didn't know whether to find it special or be concerned about Thomas.

I still held Thomas's hand, perplexed, watching Matt. "Sorry. Brandon Watts. I'm a bit stunned by Matty here. Forgive me."

Thomas raised an eyebrow. He looked charming. "I'm glad I'm not the only one being shocked by his behavior all the time."

"Well, I don't know about all the time, but this is definitely unorthodox."

"Really? I'm trying to get used to it somehow."

"You're not used to this kind of behavior from your... pets?"

Thomas raised his brow and looked at Matt. "No. Not at all."

Matt smirked and smiled at me.

"Would you like to sit?"

"I don't know if you're okay with a visit at one o'clock," I grinned, and Thomas did too.

"Honestly, I have no idea what I'm okay with or not right now."

"I see. Well, I'm a bit tired, and Matt seems a bit touchy, so I'll probably leave you to it. But I'd definitely like to come over sometime during the day."

"Sure." Thomas smiled. "Thank you for driving him."

"Of course. Even though we were making quite a bit of fun of him when he demanded I drive him home, since we were at his place." I smirked, bending to take my shoes.

Thomas turned to Matt. "Home?" Matt grinned and nodded.

Thomas raised his hand and put his forehead in his palm. "How much did he drink?"

"A lot, but he took a fricking cold shower to get here."

"Did you?"

Matt grinned and shrugged. "You told me not to come wasted."

"Right..."

"Right... Then it was a pleasure. Enjoy the rest of the night, you two." I opened the door.

"Thanks."

I walked out. Thomas let me out with a smile and a goodbye. Matty was still behind him, grinning like a twisted little boy... I'm definitely coming when he's sober. I need to see whether this is "normal".

.

I drove away, seeing Matt jump Thomas as he was closing the door. I left absolutely speechless, thinking the whole way: what do I even think of this?

At home I took out my phone and texted Ross, then Ben and Peter, about whether I could come over. I need to know more about this man from another perspective than Matt's.

Do I have Dora's number?

.

.

>> Chapter 34 - From the Flame