Story Orgy: Reminiscing About Christmas

This is what I love most about Christmas. Being surrounded by friends...family. In this case, Story Orgy family and friends. Who could ask for more? Heck! I would've never guessed that I would be hosting the final interview party. But, here I am. Grinning like a loon!

*points* See Hank over there? He's piddling with his party favor and smiling. And Lee's over at the snack bar with my muse, Em, trying to figure out the secret herb I put in my dip *winks across the room*. Here comes Havan. Yess! *air pumps* She has some limes. She picks out the best limes. 

Well, now that everybody's here, let's have a...

                                     

  Story Orgy Christmas! 

1. What is your favorite type of Christmas giftwrap design?

Hank: Snowmen! Love snowmen.

Lee: I like the ones with the lines on the back so I can cut it straight. I don't like the ones with cartoons on them. Especially when I've never heard of the cartoon in question. I like solid colors, or simple traditional prints.

Havan: Okay – I asked this question because giftwrap is one of my prompts for the Christmas antho – and it got me to thinking that I am really freaking picky about what type I will use – so picky that I've been known to cut off my nose to spite my face and just use plain brown wrap if I don't like the reindeer and sleighs on the wrapping paper *heads desk giggling*…so my fave type of giftwrap is the non-traditional ones…I don't know how else to explain it lol…if the wrapping paper doesn't make me do a double take then it ain't wrapping around my stuff…and it has to be good and thick—the thin type just feels so darn fragile, like I'll rip it in half or something—and I use lots of that extra sticky tape you can buy just for shits and giggles…never a bad thing watching people yank at Santa while he is stuck to the snowman! hehe

Em: Snowmen…preferably blue…with snowflakes. *grin*

JR: My absolute favorite Christmas giftwrap design is the tissue paper. All kinds of it too! Lots and lots of tissue paper and bunches of tape- Voila!


2. How do you spend Christmas Eve?

Hank: Christmas Eve dinner at my Mom's house and opening gifts with my family, then home to have Christmas with my partner with the Christmas lights on and the cats chasing the gift wrap.

Lee: After baking pies and cookies for the next day, we usually spend Christmas Eve watching old movies and drinking cocoa. We'll turn off the lights and light up the tree and crank up some Harry Connick Jr. and call everyone we aren't going to see the next day.

Havan: Christmas Eve is spent with the extended family at my mama's house. Now, mama evidently stole Christmas Eve from sis – so sis stole Thanksgiving and Halloween (which is by far an important holiday for my kiddos who are the youngest in the family and still dress up! lmao)…and that story is always recited each year with new details and colorful expletives just to get us all in the mood! roflmao

Em: With my family, just hanging out and getting loud. That was one thing hubby had to get used to…the volume on every conversation goes up when my family gets together. LOL. Of course, the one tradition that has formed out of this is that the adults do shots of Lemon Drops (Vodka, Sugar, Lemons…mmmm…) and the kiddies do shots of water. It’s a good time for all.

JR: I spend Christmas Eve at my parents' house, eating lots of tasty homemade goodness, visiting, and exchanging gifts. Yeah, I can be a soft...WAIT! I'm stopping right there.


3. What's your favorite holiday treat? Share the recipe?

Hank: Love the shortbread cookies with powdered sugar icing. Old family recipe, illegal to share. :)

Lee: Okay, this is going to be odd...but I love mincemeat pie. My grandma used to make it every Christmas, and I loved it. No one seems to make it any more. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups diced cooked beef
4 cups chopped apples
1 1/2 cups raisins
1/4 cup sweet pickle juice
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1 large orange, peeled, sectioned, and cut into bite-size
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup sorghum
1 cup beef broth

Directions: Combine the cooked beef, apples, raisins, sweet pickle vinegar, pineapple, orange, salt, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, sorghum and 1 cup beef broth. Store in the refrigerator or freeze until ready to use. (Makes 2 nine inch pies)

Havan: Come October and all through the three holiday months my daughter's insist on chocolate pumpkin muffins. These are the bomb diggity…and with the pumpkin in them there is no way for them to dry out – moist and yummy and the kiddos have been known to claw and gouge to get the last one…lol…oh and simple enough for even me – a kitchen ditz – to make! *winks*

Ingredients:

1 box choc cake mis

1 can pumpkin (15oz and not the pie mix)

1/2 cup water


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*

Mix together all ingredients

Pour 1/2 way up each muffin cup

Bake according to cake mix instructions – make sure toothpick comes out clean

Notes: You can mix in nuts – pepitas are really good – or use a spice cake mix instead.


Em: Kaleidoscope Cookies… (recipe found at: http://www.cakespy.com/blog/2010/7/12/taste-the-rainbow-kaleidoscope-cookies-recipe.html)

Makes Lots!!

Ingredients:

1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 pound 6 ounces (about 4-½ cups) all-purpose flour

Various colors of food coloring paste or gel

1 cup or so sprinkles or colored decorating sugar

Directions:

1. In an electric stand mixer, beat the butter with a paddle attachment until it is creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and salt and beat for several minutes, until all of the ingredients are well incorporated and no lumps of powdered sugar remain. Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the flour and beat until a soft dough forms.

2. Divide the dough into 3 parts. Incorporate the food coloring or gel of your choosing into each color--be sure to make the colors quite vibrant, as they will slightly fade in the oven (not much, but a little), and knead until the color is evenly distributed. I left one part white, used a little red food coloring for a pink section, then more red for a red section for mine.

3. Roll each tinted segment into a log about a foot long. Then squish the three logs into one long log and roll until they form one roll (I got a nice wavy design when I did this).

4. Gently roll and squish the finished log until it’s about a foot long. Then cut it in half to form two logs and roll each one of those until you have a number of logs that are 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter--it will be quite a few. If desired, place the sprinkles or decorating sugar on a large, shallow plate and roll each log to coat. Wrap the logs in wax or parchment paper and chill overnight or freeze up to a month.

5. Remove the dough from chilling--if it was in the freezer, let it warm up just until you can handle it, but not until it is soft Preheat oven to 375 F.

6. Unwrap the logs and, with a sharp knife, slice them into coins about 1/3-inch thick. Place on ungreased cookie sheets (the cookies will not spread much as they bake).

7. Bake two sheets at a time for about 7-9 minutes, rotating halfway through baking, until the cookies have firmed up but are not browned. Remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

JR: My favorite holiday treat? Yeah, no. Uh-uh. Can't do it. I don't have a favorite. There are so many! I love all my momma's cookin'...and bakin'...annnnd no. I don't share Momma's recipes, but I'll share all the goodies with you though.

4. What's your favorite Christmas decoration and why?

Hank: A big light up wreath we hang on the wall behind our TV. We use it has our Christmas tree because we have two cats and a tree wouldn't last in our house. LOL!

Lee: Um... mistletoe. Mistletoe played a significant part in forging a relationship with the love of my love. J.

Havan: Every year while in grade school (or still in for my youngest kiddo) – my girls made a special ornament with their school picture in the center…these are my fave ornaments for the tree – and even the 16yo still loves them *huge smiles* Now, if you are talking decoration other than tree ornaments—well, I have these three snowmen, and they do the hear/see/speak no evil gestures, and darn if they aren't cute…and truthful! roflmao Oh and on a side note—pine tree scented candles and pumpkin scented candles are all over the place…love those scents—makes me feel at home! <3

Em: I have one that is a wreath with a picture of my hubby and I at our wedding. It gets top priority on the tree and goes high enough the kids can’t snag it.

JR: My favorite Christmas decorations would be any of them. They all have a special place in my heart. *Holds up finger, raises brow* But! Don't mess with my frogs *grin*.


5. Is there anything you absolutely have to do every Christmas?

Hank: Hang the wreath, listen to Johnny Mathis and Barbra Streisand Christmas albums as well as Gary Hoey's three Christmas albums, make shortbread cookies with powdered sugar icing. Mmmmm.

Lee: Yes. I have to watch It's a Wonderful Life. Sometimes, more than once. J

Havan: I assume you mean besides stressing over Christmas in general? *heads desk giggling* Nope – I'm a home body, so my body normally stays at home…now home is where the heart is—so where my kiddos are you will find me. Oh…and at least once a year I brave the—gulp—malls to get me a large Santa's White Christmas coffee from Barneys…don't know why but it has to be during Christmas and it has to be in the mall…I think I started that 'tradition' with myself way back when and don't even realize I do it. lol

Em: Be completely lazy. I do nothing for like three days. *cracks up laughing* Okay, that’s a lie. Anyone who knows me, knows that’s just not possible. Seriously? I don’t have anything that I have to do. I pretty much go with the flow as long as everything gets done.

JR: W00t! Wow! This is another easy Christmas question. I go back to Momma and Daddy's house for Christmas ham and to see what Santa Claus brought dropped off overnight. I'm so excited...I almost peed my pants just typing it!

***

Alrighty then! That was a hoot and a holler, huh?! Five weeks of pure Story Orgy goodness. I don't know about you, but I've learned a lot of interesting things about my SO family *chuckles*. 

We may have just completed an interview; but, there are so many more things brewing in the SO world that you will not want to miss. 

Happy holidays! 

Story Orgy Monday - Southern Heat _ Part Three - Three's Company

Next week is Thanksgiving. Yum! Happy Story Orgy Monday, everybody. You're in for a treat. Today, you find out who was so kind as to interrupt Kemp and Brent last week. But, before open that door, I would like to take a brief moment to keep you abreast of some tidbits of information.

Tidbit #1- Remember Story Orgy's first anthology? Story Orgy is very proud to announce that a donation of $250.00 has been made to The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. This donation represents the profits from the first three months of sales of our very first anthology And the Prompt Is..., so thanks to you, our faithful readers, for making this donation possible!

Oh! That reminds me. Story Orgy's next anthology will be at Breathless Press in two weeks. So, be looking for Word Play in the near future. Meanwhile, you can visit Breathless Press and check out Lee Brazil's Loving Jacob. 

Tidbit #2- Story Orgy's 5-part Interview is in full swing. Last week Lee Brazil hosted and we all discussed smex (love that subject!). Well, this week we are all meeting at Hank Edwards's place to talk about Favorites. Don't miss out! The party is on Friday. Meet us there by going HERE. Pssst...I always have a hankering for some Hank. 

Now, are you ready to find out who is on the other side of that door? We can only hope they are as delicious as the guy in this week's picture. I've gotta give props to Jade Basier. She sure knows how to pick 'em, don't she? Mercy!

This week's prompt words that inspired me are: acupuncturist, a police station, and an African violet potted plant.

Southern Heat

Part Three – Three's Company

With a tinge of disappointment, Kemp stood to answer the door. "Don't you move a muscle." 

"You don't have to get that, you know." Brent's valid attempt to keep Kemp at his side was implicit.

"Nah. It could be an emergency." Kemp whispered, rounding the coffee table.

Kemp squinted, peering through the peephole. Blinking several times to wipe away the blur caused by the porch light, his view came into focus. A police officer stood on the porch. Thick, black hair curled around olive-toned skin and deep brown eyes shifted around briefly before locking onto the peephole as if he knew Kemp was watching.

Tamping down the excitement with a hard swallow, Kemp looked over his shoulder at Brent and asked in his lowest voice possible. "It's Xavier. What do you want me to do?"   

Brent didn't hesitate to answer and a huge smile complimented his widened eyes. "Let that hunk of man meat in, of course." 

Kemp's stiff cock pulsed harder with anticipation. With a fixed grip, Kemp turned the knob, and looked sideways through the crack in the door. "Xavier. It's been a while." 

"Yes, it has. Can I come in?" 

"Of course you can. Nuestra casa es su casa." Kemp opened the door just enough to let Xavier pass through. 

  

Rocco was none too happy, his bark sharp and quick. His objection to uniforms wasn't anything new. 

 

"Rocco, go to your room." Kemp pointed down the hall and delivered a stern command. Turning back to the handsome visitor, Kemp eased the door shut. 

"Are you sure I'm not interrupting something?" 

 

Xavier's masculine voice made Kemp's ball sac contract and he could only imagine what was going through his lover's head. What with Brent being the horn dog that he was and all. 

Brent was still sprawled out on the floor. And his erection, in all its glory, gave the impression it was thumping its way to sweet release all on its own. "Xavier, you're always welcome here. Take off that hat and make yourself at home." 

It was obvious Xavier had just come from the station. He was still in full uniform. Nightstick, handcuffs, flashlight, the works. 

"Um." Kemp quirked his brows and pointed at the small potted plant in Xavier's hand.

"Oh. This is for you." Xavier offered up the African violet with a bashful smile. "It was a gift from a grateful mom, but you know me. I couldn't have a green thumb even if I dipped it in paint." 

"We'll just see about that." Brent reached for the plant. Grinning, he motioned toward the table next to them that held the body paints and waggled his brows.   

"Y'all are too much. It's no wonder I like coming over here." Xavier hung his hat and jacket on the rack by the door and kicked off his shoes. 

"Don't stop there." Brent's request was followed up with a firm nod from Kemp. Getting the cop naked was priority number one. 

"Yeah. Take it all off." Kemp walked around the couch, sat the plant on the bar, and resumed his position on Brent's cock, letting it nuzzle in the warmth of his crack. "Is this where we were, babe?" 

"Almost." Brent's hands smacked either side of Kemp's ass before snagging a bottle of lube peeking out from under the couch. More than likely left from a previous session of lovemaking. Brent handed it to his cowboy sitting high in the saddle. Blindly, he dipped his fingers into the paint on the floor beside him then smeared them down Kemp's chest.

"That's hot." Xavier's words tangled with the melodic tunes in the room. Completely naked and towering over his hosts, Xavier's feet straddled either side of Brent's head, his dark, uncut cock swaying like a Spanish enchantment in front of Kemp's watering mouth. 

Kemp's head swam from the sensations bombarding him. But that didn't keep him from lifting up and lubing his hole. Choosing not to probe as he often did, he slicked his lover's prick with his lubed hand and gripped the thick base. "You ready, handsome?"    

Both, Brent and Xavier sounded off at the same time. If Kemp had any inhibitions, they were definitely set free at that very moment. He bore down on Brent's fleshy shaft, letting only the fat mushroomed head penetrate, stretching his hole. Kemp's hips undulated, working Brent's cock deeper and deeper. Looking up at Xavier's powerful figure, Kemp let his eyes say it all. He wanted more.

Leaning forward, Kemp delighted in the first burst of tangy pre-cum across his tongue from Xavier’s prick. Finally, he sensed the searing heat Brent's balls imposed on the globes of his ass and he moaned at the feeling of completeness. 

Only a matter of moments passed before the three men writhed against each other, pumping and flexing as Kemp worked his lovers. The electric blue lighting and soft music seemed distant to Kemp as their moans filled the room. 

"Suck that dick, baby."

"Work that ass, cowboy." 

Being egged on by his lovers sent jolts of pleasure through his groin. As the tightening of his balls launched his load, Kemp moaned. Brent’s muscles locked underneath him and heat seared his insides as Brent gasped with his release. 

“Fuck yeah.” Xavier’s hands fisted in his hair as he swallowed Xavier's tangy seed. Kemp gripped Xavier's ass to hold him deep in his throat, bearing down on his lover's cock to milk every last drop from him.  

The musky scent of sex wafted through the room as Xavier braced himself on Kemp’s shoulders. He chuckled briefly. "Thanks for this. I think you just saved me another visit to the acupuncturist."  

~TBC~

Um...I could use a visitor or two right about now. How 'bout you? Ready to see how the rest of Story Orgy was inspired this week? C'mon, follow me...

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/

Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/blog/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

  Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

Jade Basier (SO Photographer) - http://jadebaiser.blogspot.com/

Southern Heat_Part Two - Brush Strokes

Oh wow. What a freaking busy week this has been. My head is spinning *takes a deep breath and smiles*.

Hello everybody. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. I'm just going to drop a few tidbits of information and we'll just move right on along to my resurrected story from weeks gone by. 

Tidbit #1 – Lee Brazil has a new release over at Breathless Press. Hell, I know it! I was thinking the same thing. He's pounding them stories out faster than I can rub out a load. Ooops. Maybe that was too much information *blushes*. Anyway, hurry by and snatch up a copy of your own. Click Here

Tidbit #2 – Goodreads has released Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Two from Hot Summer Days. You don't want to miss out on these free reads. In fact, you'll find several of your favorite authors have shared some goodies there *ahem*. Click Here

Tidbit #3 – Remember that interview thingamuhjiggy? Ummm...the 5-part Interview Questions Story Orgy is doing? Well, this is the third week! This week's topic is SMEX and Lee is hosting. So, don't forget to drop by his place on Friday and check out the tasty goodness we all have to dish out. Click Here

 

Now, on with the show. Several months ago, I shared a short story titled Southern Heat. Well, Brent and Kemp are making a new appearance thanks to the delicious inspiration provided by Jade Basier *eyes glaze over at the picture below*. C'mon, don't be shy. Follow me and well find out what Brent and Kemp are up to. 

Southern Heat

Part Two – Brush Strokes

Rocco, a boisterous Golden Retriever, paced excitedly in front of the door. Even when the car alarm hadn’t sounded yet, he was always the first one to know when one of the daddies arrived home.

"That's right, boy. You get your lovin' now. Because when you're done, he's mine. I have plans for your daddy tonight." Kemp stood buck naked at the kitchen sink, overlooking the bar and making sure everything was just right. The wine was breathing, body paints warmed, and fresh fruits washed and ready for play.

With the press of a button, Kemp set the evening in motion. Electric blue LED lights lit the perimeter of the living room, enhancing the colors of the aquarium clock tower in the corner and giving life to the soft music floating on the air.  

When Rocco released a sharp yap and sat directly in front of the door, Kemp knew Brent was just on the other side. Kemp couldn't help but chuckle when he realized how much he had in common with Rocco. If I was a dog, I would be doing the same thing. And, in a way he was. With mounting anticipation of his own, Kemp pressed his aching cock against the cabinet door and sank his teeth into an apple.

Brent opened the door and immediately stooped down to give Rocco some loving, rubbing behind his ears and smooching on his face. "Hey there, Rocco boy. Are you taking good care of your Daddy today?" Like most dogs of his breed, Rocco was a very loyal and caring member of the family. He didn't know he was really a dog. 

Brent straightened back up, running his fingers through his hair, combing the long blond tresses from his eyes. After closing the door behind him with his foot, Brent's shoulder dropped, letting the strap of his duffle bag slide down his arm to the floor at the end of the sofa. 

"Hello there, handsome. Welcome home." Kemp walked around the counter with two glasses of wine.

"Whoa. Hey there, cowboy. Is that for me?" Brent's smile was illuminated by the glow of the running lights. 

"Sure is. I thought you might want a little something special after a long night at work." Kemp offered up the glass of wine. 

Brent accepted the glass and took a quick sip as he bent to place it on the coffee table. "I wasn't talking about the wine. You know me. Dancing all night at the club makes me horny as hell." 

Kemp admired Brent's talents. Every single one of them. And when Brent didn't stand back up, Kemp was certain his plans were on the brink of being changed. "Wait. I have a treat for you." 

"Damn right you do. We're not in your office anymore. I think it's time my cowboy goes for a ride." Brent slithered up Kemp's body, rippling his body in rhythm with the music filtering from the speakers, flicking his tongue across Kemp's most delicate areas.

"But–"

"Not this time, cowboy. You had your go at the office. I taste your plan." Brent's tongue worked its way back down and lapped the paint on Kemp's belly where he used it for testing on himself earlier in the evening.

Brent's hand landed heavy across Kemp's ass cheek. "Now, go get that paint." 

Kemp turned to the kitchen, the heat of Brent's slap teased his senses. "You be careful what you ask for. I'm still bigger than you, my horny little stud muffin." 

Brent chuckled. "Are you challenging me?" 

Kemp returned with a bowl of fruit and the paints. After setting the items on the coffee table, he selected a peeled grape and rubbed it on Brent's lips. "No challenges, love. But, just remember. Whatever you do, I always get my turn too." 

Brent sucked in the grape and pulled Kemp to the floor. Leaning against the base of the couch, Brent unbuttoned his pants and lifted his hips. "Give 'em a tug, would ya?" 

Kemp slipped Brent's jeans and boxers off and then his shirt. With a strawberry in his lips, he rocked up to his knees and leaned forward, meeting Brent's parted lips. Biting into the strawberry, Kemp left half for Brent's delight as sweet nectar trickled down the finely sculpted muscles of Brent’s chest. 

Placing one palm at the small of Brent's back and one cradling his head, Kemp guided his lover farther from the sofa and eased him to his back. Kemp licked at the juice trailing down Brent's neck and chest, stopping at his nipple to flick in time with the music, taking great pleasure in feeling the bump stiffen under his tongue. 

Kemp gave up his prize only to turn and straddled Brent's cock, letting the firm flesh rest between the globes of his ass cheeks. Slowly writhing to the music, he flexed his ass muscles around Brent's dick while dipping the paintbrush into the warm paint. 

But one stroke of the brush on Brent's chest was all he got before the chime of the doorbell jarred the air.

Rocco's bark reinforced the obvious as he stared at the door.

Knock knock knock.

Kemp sighed heavily and flicked the paintbrush onto the table. "Who the fuck could that be at the door? At this hour of the night?"  

~TBC~

Well damn. That beats all I ever seen. Somebody has very poor timing. I'm with Kemp on this one. "Who the fuck could that be at the door? At this hour of the night?" Somebody has some splainin' to do. 

Okay. My curiosity is soaring now. I have got to know what the others are up to. You just never know with Story Orgy. Pssst...c'mon and follow me. We'll find out together. 

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/

Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/blog/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

  Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

Jade Basier (SO Photographer) - http://jadebaiser.blogspot.com/

Story Orgy Monday - A Tabled Affair part 8

Happy Spooky Story Orgy Monday to all my friends...and Happy Halloween!! I hope all the goodies and ghastly declarations treat you well today.

In case you missed it, you can click on over to Dr. Dick's Sex Therapy site to listen to Hank's two-part podcast interview with Dr. Dick. He answers questions and reads excerpts from his novels Plus Ones and Bounty. Follow the link to check it out and listen to one of Story Orgy's best writing gurus.

Did you see the first of five round-robin question and answers on Havan's blog site Friday? No one gropes a group better than Story Orgy's very own Havan Fellows. That's fer sure!

Additionally, Story Orgy's Em Woods is a guest on Michael Mandrake's blog today! Butterflies anyone?

Oh yeah, don't forget to click on over to Em Woods's blog to read a different round-robin set of questions from the Story Orgy group. This week, Story Orgy answers questions about writing; so, feel free to check it out and see what we all think about writing.

Ooh! Did you hear about Lee Brazil's newest book? Loving Jacob is soon to be available from Breathless Press. Breathless Press will have it available on their website Friday. Be sure to stop by and grab your copy on November 4th!

Yee Haw! Now, with all that said, it's time for Story Orgy's Halloween posting! The picture accompanying today's story was selected by my muse, Story Orgy's very own Goddess, Em Woods.

A Tabled Affair part 8

Mauricio gently stroked Sugar's soft white fur and listened to Damian's vivid narration of recent events. The shadows of passing buildings and trees only deepened the mysterious ambiance in Damian's car. Maybe it was Mauricio's affection or obvious commitment to following Damian where he led; but, unlike most cats, Sugar seemed content with the travel. Despite the rumbling road beneath, and the passing streetlights overhead; the fluffy ball of fur nestled cozily in Mauricio's lap.

"Yes, such a sweetie you are." Mauricio smoothed a finger over Sugar's brow and lightly scratched the tender spot under his ear.

Purr.

Damian's voice trailed off as he turned onto a narrow side road. Mauricio rested his free hand on Damian's thigh and gave an earnest squeeze. "I'm with you, babe."

Meow.

Mauricio couldn't help but smile. "See? Sugar is too."

Damian pulled off to the side of the road. "Here we are."

"I thought you wanted me to meet somebody, sweetie. This is a...ohh." Mauricio felt as though he was the Incredible Shrinking Man, with his foot buried in his mouth heel deep.

The back of Damian's hand softly brushed Mauricio's cheek and he smiled without any resistance. "It's okay, handsome. So, you ready?"

Mauricio scooped Sugar up with his left arm and put his hand on the door handle. "I'm ready if you are." He climbed out, walked around the car and met his lover on the other side, and stopped to drop a slow kiss fully on Damian's lips.

Meow.

Mauricio released a low chuckle and raised Sugar to his lips and kissed him on the top of his head. "I know, I know."

Mauricio wrapped an arm around Damian and drew him closer. "Let's do this. If you have someone you want me to meet, then it's my pleasure to meet them."

Damian smiled a modest smile and crooked his finger into the darkness of nightfall. "C'mon. She's just a little ways over this way."

As Damian led Mauricio into the first steps of their short hike, the wind kicked up and swirled around them.

Meow.

Damian's head rested on Mauricio's shoulder. "Sugar sure is a talkative kitty."

Mauricio followed Damian's lead as he meandered through the gravesites and headstones. "He is quite the loquacious one tonight, huh?"  

"I wonder if he can hear the voice inside my head." Damian sounded disturbed and hopeful all wrapped up in one. His question was carried away by the wind as quickly as it was delivered.

Not sure what to say, Mauricio kissed the top of Damian's head and remained silent.

Damian stopped and turned to Mauricio.

Unable to make out the inscription on the tombstone, Mauricio turned to meet Damian's troubled gaze. Deeply, soulfully searching for the right words.

Damian waved his hand between Mauricio and the grave in a formal introduction. "Mauricio, meet my mother. Mother, this is Mauricio."

Meow. Sugar rose to a crouching position and resituated himself in the cradle of Mauricio's elbow. If Sugar still had claws, they would have been digging into his skin.

Mauricio loosened his grip as Damian freed himself from his protected hold. He silently watched as Damian stood over the grave, staring at the tombstone.

Once again, Mauricio found himself at a complete loss of words. But he did manage to muster up a strong, "It's very nice to meet you, ma'am."

No sooner than Mauricio's words left his lips the wind wooshed around them, carrying one of the most loving voices Mauricio had ever heard.

It's very nice to meet you too, Mauricio.

The love in the voice was no respite to Mauricio's unexpected onset of fright. And Sugar wasn't too 

keen on it either. Sugar's back arched and he hissed into the night air.

An apparition slowly materialized next to Damian, causing the hair on Mauricio's neck to stand on end. It was his neighbor. Sugar calmed, settling back into Mauricio's side.  

"Umm...D...D...Damian." Mauricio wanted to point, but couldn't move. "Why are your voices speaking to me? And why is my neighbor standing n...n...next to you?"

Damian's bewilderment reflected in his eyes. "Ms. Feagley? Why are you–"

Damian, my son. It's me. Your mother.

"But you're..." Damian's pause was not soothing to Mauricio in the least. Damian studied the spirit, shifting his eyes from the spirit to Mauricio and back again.

I only borrowed Ms. Feagley's body, Dami Baby. I had to see you. 

"Why? After all these years, Momma?" Tears welled up in Damian's eyes, glimmering in the glow of his mother's spirit.

Mauricio's stomach knotted at the mother/son reunion. The overwhelming emotion caused him to clutch Sugar tightly against his chest.

Meow.

Mauricio blinked then blinked again. Trying to figure out what was going on. Another image came into view several feet away. It was his receptionist. "Danny? What the hell are you doing here? And why are you wearing that getup?"

Damian's bewilderment took on an upbeat tone. His realization rang in his voice. "That was you? I saw you wearing that in a dream."

At first, Danny didn't say a word. He only stared at Damian's mother, his arms crossed and nearly nude. He wore nothing but a bronze Krieger-style helmet, bracers, and a stylized loin cloth. He looked like a futuristic Celtic warrior or something.

Damian, Danny is an angel. He's here to take me back to the afterlife. All I wanted was for you to be happy. I saw the path you were taking with your life and didn't want you to mess it up. You are meant to be with Mauricio. Both of your happiness depends on it, my son.

Danny stepped forward, giving Mauricio and Damian each a nod. He turned to Damian's mother. "Why are you still here? The agreement was that you had one week on Earth. I'm sure Ms. Feagley would like her body back."

"Will you always be there to watch over me, Momma?" Damian reached out for his mother, only to touch air.

She smiled at him, a bit of sweetness and a lot of sadness. I'll always be here. She motioned to Damian's heart. But I have to go back now. You have Mauricio to help you through the hard times now.

Damian nodded. "I- I understand. I love you."

I love you, Dami. She turned to look at Mauricio, and he took a half-step back before catching himself. You take care of my son. He's your now.

Mauricio cleared his throat, "Yes, ma'am."

Danny sighed. "Time's up." And with that, both Danny and Damian's mother disappeared like they never were.

A hard sob wracked Damian's body and he curled over to land on his knees. Mauricio rushed forward to catch him. "Damian!"

"Again. She's gone again."

Mauricio wiped the tears from Damian's cheeks. "But I'm here. And I love you too." Pulling Damian close, Mauricio felt hot tears burn against his skin as Damian cried it out. Mauricio rocked him, cuddling Sugar between them, the steady purr a soothing hum.

As the wind died down and the full moon lit the world around them, Damian pulled away to stare into Mauricio's eyes. "Let's go home."  

~ The End~

I have been working on this story for weeks. I must admit that I have lots of tweaking to do in order for it to be just right. However, the process is where the fun comes in, right? Right! *grin* Now, I truly hope you enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the story. It's not exactly my forte, but my muse coached me through. Much thanks to Em Woods! And, if you have any feedback, I would love to hear it. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

With that said, let's move on and see what the other orgiasts have for the paranormal play Story Orgy has going on. I'm stoked! C'mon, follow me. I'll show you the way. Don't worry. I won't take you down any of those long hallways where hands reach out and grab you. *Pffftt* Nooooo! I won't lead you down any haunted streets either *ahem*.

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/

Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/blog/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

  Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

Jade Basier (SO Photographer) - http://jadebaiser.blogspot.com/

Story Orgy Monday - A Tabled Affair part 7

Happy Story Orgy Monday! Are you ready for Halloween? It's just one week away *muahahahha* {ß spooky laugh}. *Ducks, avoiding flying objects*. Okay...okay! I get the point. I'm not very funny. You can't blame a guy for trying though.

Two more announcements and you're free to read *grin*. Ready?

Announcement #1: Hank's second podcast is on the loose today. I loved the one from last week. If you missed the first one, be sure to catch up! You'll be glad you did. Now, here's the link you'll want to click on – Hank with Dr. Dick. W00t!  

Announcement #2: Story Orgy's very own Havan Fellows is going to post a Group Interview on Friday, October 28. Don't look at me like that. You know darn good and well how to get to Havan's place. If not, just hang with me for a bit. I'll take you over there after part seven of A Tabled Affair.  

A Tabled Affair part 7

Damian sat Indian-style on Mauricio's two-tone brown shearling sheepskin rug. He chewed on a bite of Ms. Feagley's homemade cookie as he got lost in his own thoughts from gazing into the rug's burnt gold stitching for too long. I have so much to say. He might think I'm crazy.Who knows, maybe I am.

 

"Damian? Are you alright? You haven't said a word since...well..." Mauricio's concern yanked Damian back from his own thoughts.

"No, I'm not alright." The cookie he held crumbled, crushing under his grip. He closed his eyes and prayed that wrong would turn right.

Mauricio slid down from the couch where he sat, and crawled on all fours around the coffee table. Damian watched his every move and remembered the reason why he loved him so freaking much. Mauricio pressed his lips to Damian's bare shoulder and said, "Talk to me, babe. You can tell me–"

"Maury, I'm losing my fucking mind. That's what's happening." Damian picked at a few crumbs that had fallen to the rug. 

I have already told you. You're not losing your mind. Damian winced at the assertive voice inside his head that served up a hearty helping of resolution rolled in sprinkles of determination.

Damian rocketed to his feet, sending Mauricio scrambling up in the process."I have a great idea! Come with me." Damian pointed toward the door as he reached behind his back, blindly grasping air, searching for the feel of Mauricio's hand.

"Wait." Mauricio's baritone tugged at Damian's balls. 

Mauricio clamped a hand on Damian's shoulder and spun him on his heels. At the same time a voice rang through his head with an immense amount of passion.

Listen to your heart.

At that instant, Damian saw the strangest thing. A flash, like a memory, careened through his mind of a striking man, almost nude with the exception of a few eccentric yet revealing pieces.

Damian's eyes refocused, zoning in on the voice at the other end of the light pats gently rousing his cheeks. "Damian. My love, can you hear me?"

Damian shook his head in an attempt to snap back. "Mauricio, listen to me. There is something crazy going on. You have got to believe me."

Mauricio's brow scrunched, forming tight lines between his eyes. "Babe, have you been getting any sleep at all?"   

Taking Mauricio's hands into his, Damian let the entire story spill out in the quiet between them.  Within just a few minutes, Damian had managed to spit out all the major details, streamlining the recent goings-on. A cramp in Damian's leg alerted him that his feet were still in the same position as they were moments before, his legs still flexed.

"Damian. Calm down, sweetie. Everything's alright." Mauricio brushed his lips against Damian's earlobe. His breath wisped across ever-so-lightly, sweeping across the sensitive skin, raising goose bumps along Damian's neck.

"Mauricio, you don't understand." Damian cupped his lover's jaw in the palms of his hands, peering deeply into his eyes. "I hear a voice, Mauricio. A voice! It sounds like my probation officer...who lives across the street from you. Ms. Feagley is her name."

Follow the sound of my voice. You will understand soon enough.

Damian grabbed Mauricio by the hand and obeyed the request without thought.

"Oh, hell no. You do not lead me around like a pet." 

A cat's meow followed Mauricio's snide comment. He tilted his head, his eyes darting toward the white fluffy ball of fur only a few feet away. "Not you, my darling Princess."

The interaction ticked in slow motion through Damian's head. One glance over at Mauricio then another back to the...

"Damian. Promise me you'll go to the Halloween party at my friend's place next week." Mauricio's hand braced the door frame to the side of Damian, halting just inside the house.

Not knowing if the flash in Mauricio's eyes was real or just a figment of his imagination, Damian gently kissed Mauricio's cheek, turned the knob behind him and backed out the door. "Come on. I have someone I want you to meet."

"No." Mauricio snatched Damian's forearm and held it tightly. "You have to promise me you'll go to the Halloween party next week."

"What Halloween party?" Damian threw his hands out to his side and stared at Mauricio. He could sense the shadows of dusk settling in around him as the streetlights casted a glow throughout the neighborhood. "Oh hell, all right." Damian threw his hands out to his side again, frustration gnawing at his gut. "I mean, really? Why wouldn't I go?"  

Damian drew a deep breath and released a sigh of relief as Mauricio wrapped his arms around him. Time seemed to stand still as Damian peered over Mauricio's shoulder, his stomach sensing something just wasn't right. 

Meow.

~TBC~  

Dang, Damian. You have some major issues. Maybe a Halloween party is just what you need. Eeek! I can't wait until next week. Gives me a reason to go to the candy shop *ahem*. C'mon, follow me. We'll go check out the other orgiasts. I wonder what they're up to...

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/

Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/blog/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

  Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

Jade Basier (SO Photographer) - http://jadebaiser.blogspot.com/