Chapter Seven #2
As Leary stepped out, he looked in every direction, hoping no one he knew was around. Every time Leary came here, he worried someone would recognize him and this pastime might hurt his career. That was why only July and JJ knew his real name.
JJ held his hand, and they strolled in together as a group. As soon as they cleared security, July was off like a rocket when he obviously spotted someone he knew.
JJ looked his way and shook his head, but he smiled like a proud father. “I guess we’re not cool enough to hang out with anymore.”
Leary sighed. “At least we raised him right.”
They roared with laughter as they parted ways. While July always dressed like a teenage girl, Leary didn’t feel comfortable leaving his house in pajamas. He had to keep this side of his life behind doors. Leary headed into the bathroom to change while JJ made a spot for Leary to play.
As the pajamas covered him, stress fell from him. He just wanted to be someone different for a few hours. Leary spent his days helping other people. While he loved his job, Leary needed to have times where he had no responsibilities.
With his clothes changed, Leary headed back out.
He spotted July in the area made for playing dress-up.
There were two other boys, and they fought to pick clothes for each other.
JJ sat with the books. He had spread out coloring books for Leary, along with art supplies.
Leary immediately skipped to him and went down on his stomach to color.
He actually enjoyed drawing and coloring a lot.
It was one of the few Little experiences he also did at home.
The way he could focus on making the page pretty gave his mind the rest it needed.
Unfortunately, tonight, Leary couldn’t seem to clear his head.
Thoughts ran through his mind, unsettling him.
Was JJ really okay with this? Maybe he just tolerated nights like tonight since they happened so rarely lately.
He had the overwhelming urge to ask JJ if he would still love him if he was a worm.
But JJ hadn’t even said he loved Leary as a human, so that killed that.
Another thought steamrolled the last one.
Leary hadn’t told JJ he loved him either.
Maybe JJ didn’t think Leary would still love him if he was a worm.
Something about slipping into his Little persona gave him courage. It was like he became a child who openly said his every thought with no knowledge of possible repercussions.
Leary grabbed a picture book and crawled JJ’s way. He rolled onto his back and put his head in JJ’s lap. Leary fiddled with the book, keeping his gaze locked on the shapes inside.
“I love you.”
If JJ reacted in any such way, Leary would never know. He still couldn’t bring himself to look at JJ.
JJ pushed Leary’s hood down enough to run his fingers through Leary’s hair. “I love you too.”
The happiness that exploded inside him almost made Leary want to jump to his feet and click his heels. Instead, he stayed put and savored the sensation of JJ stroking his hair. Leary spent a couple of minutes flipping through the book. No matter how he fought it, Leary couldn’t stop there.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, baby.”
Holy shit. JJ slipped right into the role of daddy with zero hesitation. “Do you think we’ll be together forever and ever?” This time, he looked at JJ as he waited for his answer.
“That’s what I want.”
Leary nodded. “Me too.”
JJ’s expression turned sad, and Leary’s mood reflected every emotion JJ showed.
“The problem is, I don’t know how to get there.
Beau will never let me leave, and that’s my fault.
He saved me, but I knew the price. I can’t say I wish I’d made a different choice because I never would’ve met you.
” JJ shrugged. “It’s just hard knowing I found my person, but I—” JJ shrugged again, like he didn’t know how to finish his thoughts.
Leary rolled to his knees. He made eye contact with the owner of The PlayPen, Banks, over JJ’s shoulder. It took Leary slightly aback to see Banks sitting so closely behind JJ when he hadn’t been there before. Banks’ Little said something, and the moment was over.
Leary sat sideways on JJ’s lap. He wrapped his arms around JJ’s neck and held his stare. “I love you.”
JJ smiled. “I love you too.”
Leary didn’t look away. “Good. That means everything will be okay. I’m not going anywhere.
Hopefully, you don’t plan on going anywhere either.
I know this is the second time we’ve had this conversation today, but I realize now I should’ve been telling you every day, several times a day that I love you.
You own my heart. We’ll always find a way no matter who you’re working for. ”
JJ swiped his lips across Leary’s. “I love you too and I should’ve been saying it too. If I had any choice in the matter, I’d be on your doorstep tomorrow with everything I own. We’d never sleep apart again.”
“I love this dream.”
A sexy grin split JJ’s face. He pulled Leary’s hood back up. “You don’t come here often. You should go play.”
Leary nodded and popped to his feet. He ran for the indoor swing set. A weight was gone from his chest Leary hadn’t realized he had been carrying. They loved each other. Love always conquered all. Their life would be perfect somehow. JJ would see. Leary would keep him happy.