January 2, 2009; a restaurant and Shannon Leto's house; PG13


Shannon ripped the tie off and threw it across the room; who was he kidding anyway? He never wore a tie unless it was to a funeral, and a night out with Brendan certainly didn't qualify for that. Things had been kind of vague about where they were meeting and all, but Shan was confident Brendan wouldn't forget they had a... date.



Brendan knocked on Shannon's door, wine in hand and a plan to attack the Cajun Chinese with a vengeance.

Bouncing off the door jamb as he turned, Shannon swore a blue streak as his shoulder connected solidly. "Coming!" Pulling the outside door wide, he grinned. "Brendan! Hi... Uh, come on in."



"Hey," Brendan beamed back.

Reaching for the other man's arm, Shannon guided him into the house. "Hey... you look good." Rising up on his toes, a gentle kiss was placed on Brendan's cheek.



"I just came from work so don't smell too good...a bit too much on the sweet side, but I did manage to grab a bottle of pinot noir," Brendan smiled.

Feeling silly, Shannon pushed his nose into the crook of Brendan's neck and sniffed. "Yep, sweet." A quick swipe of his tongue and the shorter brunette confirmed it. "Yep, you even taste sweet too."



"You're crazy! But a good crazy...you can do that more often!" Brendan laughed.


Delighted with the appreciative words, Shannon grinned. "More huh?" Slipping his hand behind Brendan's head, he pulled the taller man closer and gently kissed him, no tongue, just a soft meeting of lips. "Should I do more?"



"You already taste better than the Cajun Chinese so yeah," Brendan moaned.



Satisfied with the answer, he pulled Brendan closer still, this time, aligning their bodies. "Okay..." Shannon tipped his head slightly and fused their mouths once more; however, this kiss was not chaste in the least. The shorter man's tongue demanded entrance, demanded a taste of the sweet darkness inside Brendan's mouth.


Brendan liked the way Shannon seemed to be almost forcefully pursuing him. He wasn't too sure why, but it was nice to have someone make it really clear they wanted him. He parted his lips, waiting to see what Shannon would do next.


It was a tease, pure and simple... or maybe not so pure. Shannon darted his tongue inside Brendan's mouth the moment his lips parted, lightly touching it to the other man's before he flicked it over the roof of his mouth.


Brendan allowed Shannon to kiss him a while longer before pulling away. "We really should get to the restaurant," he grinned. Then added, "But maybe just a little more..."

Fluttering his lashes, Shannon attempted a demure look but gave up when he couldn't contain his laughter. "Tell you what, take what you want from me..." Arms out, he stood before Brendan, waiting.



"We'll never get to the restaurant the way we're going. Come on you, let's go." Brendan gave Shannon a peck on the cheek.

Taking Brendan's hand in his, Shannon led them out the door. After checking it was locked, he swung their joined hands. "I don't know where to go, so you lead."



Brendan wasn't used to walking hand in hand with a guy in public. You just sort of didn't do that where he came from. But he assumed it was okay around here so set off. "It's not too far."



Shannon studied Brendan's profile, noting how his hand was more lax than holding. "This bother you?"



"No no not me, just wondered if it would anyone else." Brendan shook his head. "You don't do this sort of thing in my hometown that's all. You'd have some red neck calling you a fag and bashing your head in."

"Jerks live everywhere..." Loosening his hand, Shannon allowed Brendan the choice of unclasping them completely or continuing holding on.



"Things seem a bit more open here though." Brendan smiled at Shannon and firmed the connection between them.

Tipping his head slightly, Shannon smiled at the strong touch. "Yeah, it does. So uh... how was work dear?"



Brendan was rather taken aback by being called 'dear'. "It's been busy lately, lots more tourists which is a good thing."



Nodding before he spoke, Shannon agreed. "Makes for great photo ops. I've sold some recently to a tourist magazine. It's doing a feature article about how New Orleans is bouncing back and all."



"That's really cool. We're both sating the needs of the tourism industry in our own ways; you the artistic side mine the greedy food side." Brendan smiled at Shannon, hands waving between them as they walked. "You got over your flu okay? You seemed to be so sick New Years. You sounded awful on the phone. I was worried."



"Still a bit lingering, but I'm much better actually. Spent New Year's in bed... missed it." With a shrug, Shannon didn't dwell on what could have been; right now he was with Brendan and that's where his energy was.



*****************



Meal done they piled out of the restaurant; full bellies and quite a few drinks under their belts. "Well that was an interesting culinary experience!" Brendan laughed. "Not sure I could replicate some of those dishes but might try sometime."


"Hell, I'm not even sure some of what I put in my mouth was really food!" Laughing along, Shannon felt relaxed. "So, what... do you have plans for the rest of the evening?"



"No, not at all. Although I had wondered if I might spend some more of it with a crazy photographer guy I came across."

"Oh? Someone I know?" Batting his lashes, Shannon attempted coy. "Should I be jealous?"



"What do you do when you're jealous?" Brendan smiled.

Hopping along on bowed legs, Shannon did a horrible imitation of a monkey - or as he liked to call it, gorilla. "Then I'd drag you off to my tree... well, house anyway and keep you there..."



"Promises promises," Brendan grinned. "So, where to now? I don't have to work tomorrow so the night's ours."

"Would you trust me not to tie you up if you come home willingly with me?" The look was pure innocence, and Shannon added a tiny smile that lit his eyes.



"You are crazy!" Brendan laughed. "Seriously, I'd love to come home with you."

"Hey, crazy has its advantages you know... keeps some people away, and makes you interesting to others." Stepping closer to Brendan, Shannon placed his hand on the small of his back. "I promise to not take advantage of you - your virtue is safe with me."


"Damn!" Brendan smirked.

Spinning on his foot so he now faced the taller man, Shannon put a hand to his chest. "On the other hand..." Sliding his palm slightly right, he cupped a nipple through the shirt.



Shannon's forwardness excited Brendan, but they were still in the street. He simply smiled and then started walking again.

Chuckling to himself, Shannon followed behind for a few moments, enjoying the view.



When they arrived at Shannon's place another bottle of wine was opened.

"Come with me." Grabbing Brendan's hand, Shannon led him through the house and to his bedroom door. "I want to share something with you."



"Now that's a line!" Brendan laughed.

"Nut, come on in." Opening the door to a surprisingly simple room, Shannon closed the it once he'd pulled Brendan inside. Then, crossing the carpet, he opened double French doors onto an atrium, the windows open wide to allow the cooling night breeze through the screens. "We can sit out here."



"Man, this is nice!" Brendan grinned looking around."I could spend days here!"

Shannon's grin told it all, how Brendan's reaction pleased him. "Come on, grab a seat and let's watch the night play before us." Sitting on the slider, he deliberately left the single chair or the seat next to him available, leaving the decision to Brendan.



Brendan eased himself onto the slider, long legs splayed in front of him. "So do you sit here often? Man, if I lived here I'd sleep out here."


"Actually, I do sometimes... and since it faces the woods, it's a good thing. I sleep in the nude..." Smiling impishly at Brendan, he toed the hard wood deck and started the slider to motion, a gentle sway back and forth.


"Naked? Here? Can anyone see you?" Brendan settled back into the calming motion.


"Just Jared usually. But he does the same on his too, so..." Shrugging with one shoulder Shannon let the gentle sounds of the night serenade them a few moments. The rocking of the slider caused a natural rocking in Shannon's body, his head rolling and dipping, moments later, he rested it on Brendan's shoulder.


"Yeah I'm tired too. Not really looking forward to traipsing home after this." Brendan smiled and took the liberty of running a thumb over Shannon's cheek.


Rolling his head to chase the contact, Shannon smiled softly, more a show of pleasure than anything else. "There's plenty of beds here - and you won't get molested unless you want... On second thought, you might be safer in mine."


"If it's not too much trouble..." Brendan started. "I don't want to impose." If his parents had done anything it was to bring him up right.


Shannon placed a chaste kiss on the other man's neck before he answered, "One thing you'll learn about me Brendan, is if I don't mean it, I don't say it."


"Okay, I'd appreciate that," Brendan smiled. "I don't mind sleeping in my clothes, would be better than trying to make it all the way home."


"Boxers are fine - might get a bit warm other wise, and at least they'll be somewhat fresh for the morning." Shannon took a sip, enjoying the smooth flavor as it slipped down his throat.


Brendan let out a long yawn. "Oh man sorry. I shouldn't try going out on a work night."


Nodding toward the bedroom, Shannon lifted his head slightly. "Do you want to go to bed? We can talk until one of us falls asleep?"


"Like, in the same bed?" Brendan somehow hoped Shannon would say 'yes'.


Taking the practically full beer from Brendan's hand, Shannon smiled as he spoke. "Well, the choice is yours. There's out here, my bed or the spare... I'd like you to choose mine, but... not going to push."


"Well, here is a bit cold, and the spare might be a little uncomfortable so..." Brendan allowed Shannon to take his drink and he waited hopefully to see where they would go.


Slowly sliding his free hand to the side of Brendan's face, Shannon gently kissed his lips, a soft touch of skin. "Then come to mine."


Brendan took Shannon's hand and followed him. Shannon closed the door after them.


Placing the beers on the table near the hall doorway, Shannon turned to face Brendan. The room was quiet, still with their thoughts. Padding across the thick rug, his footfall not disturbing the sort of cocoon of peace around them, Shannon reached up and undid the first button on Brendan's shirt. Stepping back, he slowly pulled his own clothing from his body, not a play or tease, but a simple undressing. Once nude, he put them in a neat pile on the chair, then Shannon slipped under the covers, pulling them open on the empty side. The invitation was clear; the choice was still Brendan's.


Brendan slipped into the bed, lying on his back rather than his usual side. His shirt lay open, exposing his belly button and a little flesh.


Keeping his voice low, Shannon lightly touched Brendan's shoulder. "Do you want the lights off?"


"Yeah please if that's okay by you."


Reaching up, Shannon pressed a toggle switch above his bed. "I used to hate to have to get up to shut the light off when I was so damned close to sleep..." He kept his voice low, barely above a whisper as he spoke to Brendan. Studying the other man's profile, Shannon placed a soft kiss to his cheek. "You're so beautiful."


"I'm a bit warm. Is it okay if I take more off?" Truth be known that was due to Shannon's words.


"Do what pleases you." Leaning up, his head on hand, Shannon smiled at Brendan again. "I won't pressure you. If you want to strip down, go as far as you'd like." Winking slowly, Shannon whispered, "I'll even close my eyes and not peek if you'd prefer."


Brendan shuffled out of his jeans and boxers and pulled his shirt off. "That's better, it's like really warm in here...or is that me?" He laughed and shrugged his shoulders, not believing he was lying on Shannon's bed butt naked as the day he was born.


"It does get a bit warm, usually when I wake in the morning, I've kicked most of the covers to the floor. It's also another reason I like the door open to outside." Shannon had done as promised, kept his eyes glued to Brendan's face as he shimmied out of his clothing, but that's not to say he wasn't tempted... sorely tempted. But under the sheets as they were, nothing was visible.


"I love having a breeze on my face when I sleep," Brendan said making small talk.


"I can open the windows if you'd like, that gives a great cross breeze." Shannon lay back down on his side facing Brendan... well, Brendan's shoulder at the moment. "Would you like that?"

"It's okay really," Brendan smiled. "I'm comfortable thanks."


"Well, let me know if it gets too hot..." Lifting his hand, Shannon hesitated. "Can I touch you?"


"I think it would get too hot if you did," Brendan laughed. "But please...go ahead."


Placing his fingers lightly on Brendan's shoulder, Shannon smoothed them over the golden flesh. "So... nice." Letting his hand fall heavier, Shan caressed more firmly. "Strong. Firm... warm."


Brendan hadn't met someone who seemed to genuinely like and want him as much as Shannon. "Can I touch you back?"


"Please." It was a cross between a plea, permission and an entreaty.


Brendan traced the same path across Shannon's skin, altering it to skim over his chin. "I like your stubble," he smiled.


"I'm glad... will," A hitched breath and he continued, "will remember it." Closing his eyes, Shannon rubbed his chin into Brendan's touch, wanting... seeking more. When his lips bumped against the other man's thumb, he was lo to resist; parting his lips, Shannon sucked at the tip of Brendan's finger.


"I could stay here forever," Brendan sighed.


"Don't see me pushing you away." Shannon tipped his head, his mouth now in contact with Brendan's palm. Licking a wide path across it, he sucked at the webbing between thumb and pointer.


"I love this stage, just getting to know each other," Brendan smiled.


Shifting Brendan's hand higher, Shannon sucked gently at the pulse point on his wrist. "Sometimes this is the most erotic stage... discovering every little nuance of your lov... partner's pleasure points." Whispering his words, the breath moist and hot, it ghosted over Brendan's skin.


"Well that's pretty erotic right there!" Brendan gasped.


Feeling devilish, Shannon widened his eyes and stared, blinking at Brendan. "Oh... did you want me to stop?"


"Please no," Brendan begged. "You have a damn good tongue on you there!"


The words slipped out before he could stop them and Shannon winced once they were spoken. "I could have a pretty good tongue on you if you wanted." Ducking his head, Shannon began to kiss the pulse point again, then moved down to the crook of Brendan's elbow.


"One day I'll hold you to that," Brendan grinned. "But I'm too tired to appreciate it tonight." He let out another big yawn.


Feeling tender toward the other man, Shannon scooted closer, his arm wrapped around Brendan's chest. "Come're..." With his head on Brendan's shoulder, Shannon could hear his heartbeat. "You make me feel... small - safe..."


Brendan wrapped his arm around Shannon as well. "This feels so good."


Snuggling closer, Shannon closed his eyes, inhaling the unique scent that was completely Brendan. "You feel good." To prove his point, he nuzzled into the side of Brendan's neck.


Despite his enjoyment of the exchange Brendan was by now so tired. His eyes closed and he let out a contented sigh.


With the gentlest of movements, Shannon rearranged the light coverings over them, then snuggled closer, enjoying the way Brendan's breath floated over his skin.


Sound asleep, unbeknownst to him, Brendan's leg wrapped itself around Shannon. All his unconscious self knew was that he was comfortable.


Smiling to himself, Shannon shifted his own leg, shivering as they rubbed. The coarse leg hairs scraped over his skin, sending a delightful flush through his body; he knew if he didn't stop he'd be in agony all night long. A small kiss to Brendan's shoulder and Shannon ceased his movement, sighing in disappointment. Eyes drifted closed and he settled next to the larger man.


~*~*~*~*~


There was the perfunctory single-tap on the door that Shannon or Jared used before entering the other's room, so when the door swung open, Jared hit the light switch and blinked. "Well fuck me... didn't know you had company Shan... Hey... you're the candy man right?"



Brendan had been sound asleep and hadn't heard the knock. The first thing he was aware of was Jared in the doorway grinning at him. Gratuitously he quickly shifted his leg off Shannon. "I just slept over...it was too late to go home," he blurted.

Hopping over to the bed, Jared sat next to Brendan, "Slept over huh? Isn't he cute?... does your mommy know you're here?" Reaching out to stroke his finger over the exposed shoulder, Jared's wrist was caught in a firm grip.

"Uh-uh... hands off Jay..." Shannon leveled a look at the interloper, the gaze steady and firm.

"That way huh?" Jared removed his hand and placed it in his lap. "So, tell me Shan... you naked under there as usual?"


"Jared." Drawing the name out, Shannon shook his head. "Bastard."


"You too." Cracking a smile, he shifted his gaze to Brendan once more. "You naked under there?" Waggling his eyebrows, Jared acted as if he could see through the sheets.



Brendan felt uncomfortable, not only because he was naked under the sheet,but because he didn't know what to do, or how to react to Jared. So he simply repeated, "It was too late to go home."

"Fuck off Jared..." Shannon shifted closer to Brendan as if to protect him from the other man. "We had dinner, had a few drinks, and got tired. It's that simple. Nothing happened." Looking at his bed partner, Shannon smiled gently before looking back at Jared. "What do you want?"


"You can't tell me nothing happened... fuck Shan, you've got a hot piece of as..." Shannon reached out and punched Jared's arm, hard. The sheet falling to his lap before he could grab it.


"Don't fucking finish that sentence; Brendan isn't some 'piece of ass'. Now, Jared, what did you want?"

Studying the two men, his blue eyes going between them, Jared reassessed the situation. "Fine. I wanted to know if you were lonely, if you wanted company... but obviously you don't." Cocking his head to the side, Jared asked, "Why didn't you use the spare room?"



Now Brendan felt really uncomfortable. Keeping himself covered with the sheet he said apologetically, "Look I'm sorry. I'll leave right away."

"No, Jared was just leaving. Weren't you?" The tone was light, but the message was clear; get out. Hand light on Brendan's warm shoulder, Shannon stroked across the broad width of both, stopping when he was hugging the larger man. "Don't go... I'd like... I like sleeping next to you." This time the tone was soft, half pleading, and his large brown eyes stared intently into Brendan's.

"I'll see you in the morning guys, keep the noise down, okay?" Laughing at his own 'joke', Jared left the room, closing the door, but leaving the light on.

"Fucker!" Shannon shouted it at the closed door, only to hear Jared's laughing reply. "Not tonight!"