Published: January 21st 2022, 8:41:28 am
Ch. 1 Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch. 4 Ch. 5 Ch. 6 Ch. 7 Ch. 8 Ch. 9 Ch. 10 Ch. 11 Ch. 12 Ch. 13
Robbie's brother Roy had been doing pretty well for himself as a doctor, and was able to afford what he called a 'comfortable' place for his wife and kids, the youngest of which was already in the first grade. But comfortable really didn't describe the grand home where they had been dropped off. It was a classic colonial style house, all brick with a portico over the door and plenty of glazing on either side on both floors. It was enough house to be comfortable for two families, and then some. It was the obvious choice for family gatherings, and none of Roy's other brothers could forget it.
Comfortable indeed. If Robbie had been the jealous type, he might have sneered, but the truth was such things didn't matter to him that much. He was just happy to have someone to love standing next to him, someone who he found heartstoppingly attractive no matter how many days they spent together. Still, it was a nice place.
The large driveway where Colt and Robbie stood already had several cars in it, along with all their luggage, meaning that the rest of the seasonal visitors were probably already inside.
Colt whistled. "Nice place. Is that the beginnings of ivy I see on the east wing?"
"Yeah," mumbled Robbie, standing in the driveway and rubbing his arm as he looked down. "Imported from the UK..."
"Hey, buddy," said Colt, noticing Robbie's subdued demeanor. "What's wrong, buddy? You still nervous about seeing your family?"
Robbie nodded. "Uh huh.. I'm more worried about them seeing me actually..." Colt paused and set the bags down.
"Hey, buddy," said Colt, putting a hand on Robbie's shoulder and looking him in the eyes. "It's okay. We'll get through this..."
"But do I really have to be a baby in front of them?" Robbie said, lowering his voice to a whisper as he said 'baby', as if someone in the house might be at one of the many, many windows listening in.
Colt smiled and shook his head. "No, of course not. Who said anything about you being a baby in front of them, Robbie? That can be something you and I enjoy behind closed doors if that's what would make you happier."
Robbie looked confused. "But then why am I carrying Mr. Cuddles and wearing a... " Robbie looked around before whispering, "diaper."
"Robbie, you don't have to act like a baby. What you absolutely cannot do is hide the essential parts of you that are, because holding Mr. Cuddles and wearing your diapers are what?"
Robbie recited along with Colt, "They're the healthy things I do to cope with stress."
"That's right my smart boy," said Colt, ruffling Robbie's hair and smiling with pride. "And your family is going to have to accept that. As a matter of fact, I believe they already have."
Robbie had been staring off as if deep in thought, but looked up when Colt mentioned that last cryptic tidbit of information.
"What? What do you mean by that?"
"You'll see," said Colt, handing Robbie a bag and giving him a little nudge toward the front door, followed by a crinkly butt pat to get him moving quicker.
The two of them looked at each other one last time as they stood in front of the front door, and Colt gave Robbie one last bit of reassurance. "They'll be cool. And if anyone has a problem with who you are, Daddy's here."
Robbie gulped and nodded, squeezing his teddy tight. "Thanks, Daddy." he whispered.
"You're welcome, sweetie," said Colt, placing his hand on Robbie's pampered butt and giving it a squeeze. "Do you need a change when we get inside?"
"Daddyyy... Knock it off... I don't want them to see..."
"That's why I wanted to check now before we-"
"Shhh, no, just hit the doorbell..."
"Are you sure you want to shush me like that, buddy boy? Because you know what happens when you shush Daddy..." Colt's stern tone was mitigated by the playful smirk he wore, and Robbie had to fight not to giggle himself, even though he was also deathly afraid of being embarrassed in front of his family.
"It's not funny..." said Robbie, fighting off giggles.
"I know it isn't," said Colt, grinning wider too. "Disrespecting your pops is a serious offense."
"J-just hit the bell already."
"Alright, baby boy. Whatever you say."
The door opened before Colt's finger reached the doorbell.