AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"These past four weeks have been the happiest of my life." I wriggle the ring onto Arlo's finger. "I was a broken man when I met you. I focused on my business and I'd given up on love. I contented myself with visits to the Little Bunny Club where I played with boys without committing. I never thought I'd have another relationship, angel. But that's when I heard the adorable voice cried outOuchie!in the club. You'd stumbled on a racecar some careless Little left lying on the floor. My entire world turned upside down when I rushed to your side. I took you to the bar, and told my brother to pour you a glass of milk, because I needed to get to know you better. I invited you to my home in Chelsea, and the rest was history. You're the apple of my eye, and I love you with my whole heart. When you bought me that spaceman stuffy from Little Land, I swear I died and went to heaven. You have a great heart and you care about helping others in need. I've loved every second of helping you become healthy again and watching you be your true self. I want to be your Daddy for a very long time. Will you marry me?"
Arlo stares at the ring in my hand. I wonder if I popped the question too early. After all, people who might not understand our relationship surround us. Perhaps Arlo doesn't want to admit I'm his Daddy in front of everyone.
But Arlo surprises me in the best way.
"Yes, Daddy," he cries out, thrusting his arms around my neck. "I love you so much. I was a lonely boy when I met you. Men didn't give me the time of day because of my illness. You accepted me for who I was and didn't care that I had chronic health issues. You've held my hand through my struggles, and never ceased to show your love for me. You adore my kinky side, and you don't simply tolerate it, like many men would in your position. When we build pillow forts, I feel like I'm with a man who adores me. When you touch me with Mr. Green, I know you truly want to be my Daddy. You don't just talk the talk. You brought me to the doctor's office for a checkup so they could make sure I was safe. You help me take my medication so I don't forget. And you even changed my diet, too. Other men rejected me, but you researched the proper foods to eat for my condition and cooked them every night. You didn't act like some kind of savior who fixes my problems with a kiss. I have a chronic medical condition that will be with me for the rest of my life, but you help me manage it. Thank you, Daddy. Yes, I want to marry you. I want to be your boy forever."
I adjust the ring on Arlo's finger. "The ring's in the shape of a spaceship. I hope you don't mind."
Arlo bursts into laughter. "I love it." He brings the glistening ring to his eyes. "I wouldn't ask for anything else."
I stare into Arlo's eyes, then slam my lips on his. Time stops as I kiss him passionately, swirling my tongue around his mouth, claiming him as my own. This is my boy. My angel. Nothing can break us apart, nothing can stop our fucking love. We'll be together until the end of time.
The room bursts into applause when we finish kissing. Arlo and I glance at the sea of smiling faces and we chuckle as they cheer and whistle for us.
"That's what I'm talking about." One young girl flashes Arlo a thumbs-up.
Another young man lets out a wolf whistle. "I'll have whathe'shaving."
Arlo blushes as he turns to me. "They're cheering for us, Daddy. We put on a great show."
I squeeze Arlo's hand and press it to my heart. As the guests cheer, as the director congratulates Arlo, I can't help but think that the stars, way up in the sky, so fucking out of reach, even though they're nothing more than the reflections of now nonexistent balls of space energy, aligned for us tonight. I've found my love. My boy. My life. My heart and soul belong to this angel, and nothing, not even the Diavolos, with their fake pills and shady dealings, can tear him away from me. Gianluca will help me take care of the Diavolos when he breaks into the warehouse with Rusty next month.
Arlo will be mine until the end of time.
Rusty blushes as he pats Arlo on the back. "You'resooolucky."
Arlo winks at Rusty. "Hey." He shrugs his shoulders. "Maybe you should talk to Constantine's brother. Dr. Gianluca would make a great Daddy for you."
Rusty's jaw drops. "You think so? I always see him around in his scrubs, but I don't think he ever notices me. He'sexactlymy type. But it's like I'm invisible."
Something niggles in my chest. I recall my conversation with my brother from two weeks ago and furrow my brow.
Didn't Gianluca say there was a…sweet boyat the homeless shelter that could help with the operation? I specifically remember him calling Rustysweet.
Gianluca won't admit it, but he may not be as straight as he thinks.
I pass a tray of brownies to Rusty. "Shoot your shot, Rusty. I think Dr. Gianluca is still working a few things out about his own sexuality. You might be the push he needs."
Rusty picks up a brownie. "I will. Thank you so much."
Gianluca enters a moment later. He glances around the room and nods at me.
"Did Arlo speak to Rusty about the operation?" Gianluca's voice is low and gritty when he approaches me.
"I'll leave that to you." I hand my brother a brownie. "Rusty would be more than happy to speak to you, Gianluca. You can tell him yourself."
Gianluca grits his teeth. "I knew it was a mistake to invite you here."
Arlo lets out a laugh as he wraps his arms around me. "Don't be afraid." He blows my brother a kiss. "Straight guys always have their one exception."
Gianluca turns around and retreats to his small medical office on the far side of the shelter.
Rusty lets out a morose sigh. "See? That happens every time I see him. I appreciate your help, but he doesn't want to talk to me."
I can't help but smirk. Gianluca is fierce and brash with everyone else, but he gets tongue-tied around this kid. Call me crazy, but he must find Rusty attractive.
I palm Rusty's shoulders. "Stick with it, kid. I promise Gianluca isn't as unapproachable as he seems."
