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Arlo Ch. 01

By: Gweall



I'm currently making a come back to the world of writing, and I'm looking for a new editor (missing you already, Naughty!) and one or two test-readers to give me some feedback before I post things on here. 

If you're interested in either of those things, send me some feedback or an email (you can find it under the biography tab of my profile) and let me know!

~Gweall

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo strolled through the isle, pausing to pick up a box of rice. He considered buying dessert, and was going to forget about it, but the pre made chocolate cake looked so good. He bit his lip and looked around as if someone was watching, before putting it into the cart. After grabbing a few more things for dinner that night, he paid for the items and headed home.

The house was empty when he got back, the other car was nowhere to be seen. He put the groceries away quickly and started dinner. The smell of roasting chicken filled the house, as it turned over the rotisserie. He vacuumed quickly, and set the table for two as usual. He ran his fingers through his hair and stretched. After working all day, having to make dinner was always a hassle. But it made Donovan happy, and that was good enough for him. Seeing the smile on his partners face when he got home to a warm meal made his own heart glow. He loved Donovan with everything that he had, and enjoyed doing the little things for him.

They had talked about adopting kids, but the timing never seemed right. Arlo worked so many hours at the local hospital, and Donovan owned his own hardware store. The only one in the small town they lived in. They were well known among the community, being the only gay couple in the mostly conservative town. But they were surprised when they were met with open arms. Everyone in the town was very friendly and accepting of the two. They even attended church.

The door opened as Donovan stepped in, hanging his coat up in the closet next to the front door. Arlo smiled and went to great his boyfriend. He hugged him warmly and kissed him passionately, and the affection was returned equally.

"How was work?" Arlo asked, as Donovan sat down.

"Good, we were busy today. That storm last night tore up a few fences so there's a lot of people looking for supplies." Donovan said, taking the first bite of rice and moaning appreciatively. "What about you?"

"Good, same thing for me. The storm kicked up a lot of activity. A few broken bones and some bad splinters. Nothing major," Arlo said. He was a surgeon, but in a small town like this there wasn't much need for one. He was mostly working at the E.R. setting bones and diagnosing the sniffles. "Hows dinner?" Arlo asked, as the conversation died down.

"Delicious. Thank you." Donovan smiled and leaned across the table to kiss Arlo again.

"You're welcome." Arlo loved the affection. Donovan could be so sweet. His birthday was coming up in a few weeks and Arlo couldn't help but get giddy. He wanted to know what Donovan was going to do for him. The meal was finished quickly, and they did the dishes together. They headed towards the bedroom immediately. They undressed each other slowly, kissing as they went. Soon they were in nothing but their boxers, and they fell onto the bed. They kissed and stroked each other gently, before Arlo sighed.

"Not happening tonight?" Donovan asked.

"I don't think so, I'm sorry It's just been a long day." He smiled, a little sad.

"It's fine," Donovan turned over. Arlo curled up behind him, wrapping his arms around his chest. "I didn't really want you tonight anyways."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo sighed as his patient left. He kept the smile plastered on his face until the child and his mother walked out the door. He sighed again and collapsed into a nearby chair.

"Have you eaten today, hun?" Ronda asked.

"Define 'eat'," Arlo joked.

"You're as thin as a piece of rope. Take a break, hun. Go down to the cafeteria and get you something," she said. Arlo smiled and sighed.

"What would I do without you, Ronda?" Arlo asked, sleepily getting up from the uncomfortable plastic chair.

"Starve. Come on, honey. You know every hospital needs a heavy set black woman," she winked, returning to her work. Arlo stretched and was heading towards the cafeteria when the doors the paramedics came through swung open violently. A cop lay on the gurney, obviously in pain but trying to hide it.

"What happened?" Arlo asked, walking up to the rushing medics.

"Some guy robbing the liquor store freaked and pulled a knife on him, got him in the arm," the medic said, beginning to relax a small amount now that Arlo was taking over.

"Can you tell me your name?" Arlo asked the cop.

"Jake," he grumbled. "Officer Jake Hudson," he clarified. 

"I'm Dr. Dominguez, you can call me Arlo," he smiled. The cop nodded with respect before wincing as the medic ripped his uniform to reveal the wound. "Let me see that arm." Arlo took Jake's arm tenderly and observed the wound. "It's pretty deep...and you're definitely going to need stitches. I can take it from here guys, thank you." Arlo nodded at the medics, who turned to leave. Jake looked a little pale and Arlo hoped he wouldn't need to give him blood.

"Man, this hurts like a bitch." He bit his lip.

"I'll see what I can give you for the pain, Officer Hudson," Arlo said.

"Call me Jake," he smiled. 

"Alright, Jake. Are you able to squeeze my hand?" Arlo held the officers calloused paw. He grunted with pain, but was able to squeeze Arlo's smaller hand. "Good. Now, lets get that taken care of," Arlo said.

After running him through the standard questions, he was able to get him on some pain medication and into a room.

"I want to keep you here for a few hours, just to make sure you don't have any severe blood loss. We don't want you passing out on us. Do you have someone you can go home to, once you're released?" Arlo asked, checking some things off a clipboard.

"Do dogs count? If not, then no," Jake mumbled.

"Hmm...Alright, then we're going to have to keep you here for a little longer. I don't want to risk leaving you alone," Arlo said. "It isn't as bad as I thought. I cleaned it up for you so it won't get infected, but you're going to have one hell of a scar," Arlo said.

"More stories to tell around the campfire, I guess," Jake laughed.

"I guess," Arlo smiled. "I'm going to leave you to get some rest. The pain meds will really start to kick in in a few, you'll be out like a light. I'll check on you in a few hours," Arlo smiled, hanging the clipboard from the bed.

"Thanks, Doc." Jake tipped his head again, as if he had an invisible cowboy hat.

"No problem," Arlo smiled and left the room. He rolled his head from side to side, working out the kinks. He found himself at the cafeteria. He got a tray of food and ate quickly, knowing he should get back. His phone beeped and he looked down at the text.

Donovan: What's for dinner tonight?

He hadn't thought about it.

Arlo: Pizza? It's been a long day and I don't feel like cooking.

Donovan: Sounds good to me. How about I pick up a few movies on the way home and we can make a night of it?

Arlo: Sounds great. I'll order when I get home. I'll pick up some popcorn for the movie, too.

Donovan: Cool, see you at home 

Arlo shoved the phone back in his pocket, relieved he didn't need to think about cooking. He finished his lunch and stood back up, ready to return to his shift.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Officer Jake Donovan lived alone. Besides his two dogs, Bounder and Rocket, his house was empty. He never felt the need to date, not even in high school. So, when he graduated, he wanted some way to connect with people, without having to have sex with them. The first thing that popped into his head was being cop. He was good at it, too. He loved his job, and he loved the people he helped. Sometimes he even loved the snide comments from the arrestees. 

In his ten years on the force, he had never gotten seriously hurt. Sure he had scrapes and bruises from a short fight when trying to cuff somebody, or the occasional case of sleep deprivation, but nothing so bad he needed to go to the hospital. So when he looked down and saw the knife wedged into his upper arm, it was a bit of a shock. Of course, shock wears off. The pain was bad, but he was a big boy and could take it. Especially when that cute little doctor gave him some pain meds.

The man, Dr. Dominguez, was short. He stood at only about four foot eight, and would need to look up to stare into Jake's eyes if they stood next to each other. His brown hair was cut short and out of his face. He was a bit surprised to see the doctor had blonde tips in his hair. It didn't look cheesy though, he pulled the look off well. His naturally tan skin was almost a shocking contrast to Jake's own pale skin. But his warm green eyes had a permanent smile in them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Not hungry?" Arlo asked, as Donovan put his slice of pizza down with a sigh.

"Not for pizza," Donovan shrugged and turned towards the T.V.

"I'm sorry. I'm just really tired today. What do you want? I'll make it tomorrow."

"I don't want it tomorrow, I want it now!" Donovan slammed his fist down on the coffee table, making Arlo jump.

"I'm sorry...But we already ordered pizza so-" Arlo was silenced with a firm backhanded slap to the face. He held his face and tried to stop the tears.

"Don't ever disrespect me again," Donovan said, a cold threat in his voice.

"I wasn't-" Donovan stood and grabbed Arlo by the back of the neck, pulling him up.

"Shut the fuck up!" he shouted in his face. Arlo winced at the faint smell of alcohol under the smell of mint.

"You've been drinking again," Arlo said, fear gripping his heart.

"You gonna stop me?" Donovan smiled wickedly.

"You're not the same when you're drunk, you promised you would stop!" Arlo pushed his hand away, wiggling out of his grip. Donovan's eyes lit up with rage and he pushed Arlo against the wall, wrapping his large hand around Arlo's thin throat. Arlo tugged at his hand, but it didn't even flinch. He tried to beg, but couldn't get the words out. Finally, as the edge of his eyes began to go black, Donovan released him. He fell to the ground and coughed weakly, holding his bruised throat.

"I'm going out," Donovan slammed the door behind him. Arlo cried quietly on the floor. He pushed himself up using the coffee table. He walked unsteadily to the bathroom and looked at the reflection in the mirror. A bruise was already forming on his cheek, and his neck was turning a dark purple as well. He swallowed roughly, the bruised flesh throbbing. He blew his nose and stopped his tears as best he could, before walking back into the living room and shutting off the movie. He cleaned up the spilled drinks and put away the cold pizza. He folded up the blanket they were sharing, and stripped. He crawled into bed and buried his head in his pillow, before letting the tears come again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo felt like the bruises were the most obvious thing in the world. Like everybody in the hospital knew what had happened. But in reality, they weren't even visible. Under the layers of skin colored make up, the bruises were an ugly purple and black. But Arlo pretended like they weren't there, even though the skin felt tight and painful. He just hoped the swelling wasn't too noticeable. 

"Good morning, Officer Hudson," Arlo smiled at his patient.

"Hey, Doc." The cop looked a lot better today than yesterday. His skin had gotten some color back and he was smiling.

"Let's take a look at that arm," Arlo said, and helped the cop take his shirt off. He had been dressed and waiting to be discharged. Arlo unwrapped his arm and looked at the red wound. "I think you're going to be fine. Just keep it clean and covered and you'll be good to go," Arlo smiled and wrapped the wound in a new bandage. 

"Thanks, Doc," Jake smiled. His teeth were white and straight, and his blue eyes were filled with gratitude. His short black hair was cut neatly and formed waves that would normally be hidden under the issued police cap he was forced to wear. He had a strong build and it was obvious he kept in shape. He was much taller than Arlo, but that only made him seem stronger.

"Of course. I want you to come in for a check up in two weeks, or if there's any problems," Arlo said.

"Alright. Can I ask you something?" Jake smiled.

"Of course," Arlo smiled. "If it's about how you'll perform in bed, I promise it won't affect it," Arlo joked.

"Haha, no, not that," Jake's eyes glowed. "I was wondering if I could take you out to dinner."

"Dinner? Uh..." Arlo bit his lip.

"I'm sorry, Maybe I'm just getting the wrong vibe, but I thought I felt something there..." Jake blushed with embarrassment.

"No, no, no. No need to be embarrassed...you're not wrong about my...uh...interests," Arlo blushed.

"Oh...I see," Jake said, obviously taking it as Arlo wasn't interested in him specifically.

"No! It's not like that either. You're very attractive, and you seem nice. I just..." Arlo stuttered. "You're my patient and it's not right I-"

"I'll get a new doctor. Come on, Doc," Jake almost begged. Arlo bit his lip, how could he even consider this? He loved Donovan...he did...

"I'm sorry but I...", as he was about to refuse, he felt his throat throb from the swollen flesh. He swallowed and before he knew it, the words fell out of his mouth. "Okay. How about tomorrow? Instead of dinner what about lunch? I'm off on Saturdays," Arlo smiled. Saturday was the day he had to himself. Donovan worked, but it was his day off.

"Okay, sure," Jake nodded. 

"Okay. Oh, uh..." Arlo stopped himself from staring long enough to scribble his cell phone number down on a piece of paper.

"I'll call you, Doc," Jake held up the piece of paper as he slipped his jacket on.

"Please, call me Arlo," Arlo blushed.

"Sure thing, Doc," Jake winked, and left the hospital room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo spooned a large helping of baked macaroni onto Donovan's plate. He had showered and the make up had been washed off. Now his bruises were free to remind Donovan of what he had done, though it didn't seem to bother him. 

"This is good," Donovan grunted.

"Thank you," Arlo said quietly. He wasn't really hungry, and only pushed the cheesy mess around on his plate.

"How was work?" Donovan asked.

"Good...that cop I told you about was discharged today..." Arlo mumbled.

"That's good. He going to be okay?" Donovan asked, still not looking up at Arlo.

"Yeah..." Arlo said quietly. Donovan sighed and dropped his fork.

"I'm sorry about last night, you know how I get. It was a long day at work and I just needed to relax with a few beers," Donovan said.

"A few beers or half a bottle of jack daniels?" Arlo snapped, be fore he could stop himself.

"Do not raise your voice to me!" Donovan yelled back. Arlo was silent.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Damn fucking right you are," Donovan snapped. "This is MY house. You are MY Boyfriend. You make MY dinner, and you keep your fucking whore mouth shut!" Donovan shouted, getting louder with each exclamation. Arlo kept his eyes trained on the ground and accepted the abuse. He wanted to curl up into a ball and cry, but he didn't. "I can drink in my own fucking house if I want to!" Donovan continued. "You good for nothing, slut!" he screamed. He pulled his hand back to slap Arlo, who flinched in anticipation. He stopped and Arlo opened his eyes slowly. His hand was still raised, but he only stared at Arlo with insane eyes. Both were breathing heavy. Donovan dropped his hand, before grabbing Arlo's shoulder roughly and dragging him into the bedroom. He threw him on the bed roughly, and tugged his loose pants down.

"Donovan, stop!" Arlo kicked at him, while trying to sit up.

"Shut the fuck up!" he swore, and leaned forward on Arlo's back, pinning him face down onto the bed. Arlo struggled underneath him while Donovan pulled his cock out of his pants. He yanked Arlo's hips up, while forcing his head down onto the bed. Before Arlo could say anything more, he shoved the head of his cock into his ass. Arlo screamed in pain as he was forced open by the intrusive member.

"Shit! Donovan stop, it hurts!" Arlo cried, trying to crawl away from his lover.

"I said shut the fuck up!" Donovan tried to shove his cock in farther. Arlo screamed again. Tears fell from his eyes as Donovan tried to fuck him without any lube. He grunted, and eventually gave up. He reached over to the bedside table and pulled out a small bottle of lube. He squirted some quickly into his hand and roughly pushed a finger inside to spread the lube, before pushing his cock in again. It went a little easier this time, but Arlo was still tense and trying to fight Donovan off.

He grunted as he tried to keep Donovan from entering him, but gave up when Donovan started fucking him slowly. He buried his head in the pillow he was thrown on, and didn't fight the unwanted fucking. Soon, Donovan tensed and filled Arlo's ass with warm cum. He rolled off his boyfriend and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Arlo kept his head down as he listened to the sound of Donovan pulling on a pair of pants and leaving the room. Arlo curled in on himself and cried. The bed no longer felt like home. It felt like hell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Arlo woke up, Donovan was already gone. Or he had never come home, he didn't really care either way. He didn't wake up to the sound of birds chirping or children laughing, but to the sound of the phone ringing. With eyes swollen from crying, and neck swollen from beatings, he answered the phone.

"Hello?" he rasped.

"Hello?? Doc?" It was Jake. Arlo sat up and tried to ignore the feeling of dry cum on his ass and between his thighs.

"Officer Hudson," he pulled the sheets around him.

"Hey, are you okay? You don't sound so great. Call me Jake," he said. Arlo could hear his smile over the phone, but also the worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just wasn't awake yet," Arlo said, trying to clear his throat but it was obvious it wasn't sleep keeping him raspy, but the bruised flesh.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll call back later," Jake was about to hang up.

"No no no! It's fine. I'm up now. Besides it's already... noon? What the fuck," Arlo swore. He never slept in.

"Yeah...that's why I was calling. Lunch..." Jake laughed nervously.

"Of course. Uh, I don't have my car..." Arlo said, looking out the window to see that Donovan had taken his poor Altima.

"That's fine, I can pick you up," Jake said. "Give me your address." Arlo told him, and as soon as they hung up, rushed to get ready. After he showered and scrubbed himself as clean as he could, he applied the makeup carefully, hiding the purple bruises. Even after he was scrubbed clean, covered in makeup, and in fresh clothes, he still didn't feel clean. During his shower he had discovered a fair amount of blood mixed in with the dried semen. It didn't make him feel much better.

His worries were forgotten when an old red chevy pulled up. Jake got out of the car and was walking up the path to the house when Arlo met him halfway. 

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah, I'm starving." Arlo smiled. He glanced around once, before climbing into the old chevy 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo Ch. 02



Arlo sighed as he set down the clipboard. He rolled his neck lazily. The bruises from Donovan's last beatings had begun to fade, but he still had to wear make up. In a few days they would be gone and he would be back to normal. But right now, his neck still hurt. He would kill someone for a massage and a glass of wine. Arlo shook his head. He knew he had to keep thoughts like that away.

He had met Donovan when he was in med school. Donovan had been studying to be a doctor too, but ended up dropping out and opened up his own hardware store. The pay wasn't great, but it took care of a bill or two. They had been in love at first sight, and started dating. The first year was great. They were happy and in love. But when Donovan started drinking to cope with the stress of running his own business, Arlo followed. Soon they lost their apartment, Donovan almost lost the store, and Arlo was about to be kicked out of school, all because of their drinking. Arlo finally admitted he needed help, and joined a twelve step program. It was hard, but eventually he was sober. Donovan followed close behind, after Arlo threatened to leave him. It was hard enough to quit drinking, it was even harder when your lover brought home bottle after bottle, reeking of the stuff.

They were both sober for three months, before Donovan began slipping back into his old ways. He became violent when Arlo would get upset. Or even when Arlo was just in the room. That was when the abuse started. Arlo was forced to choose between his health, and his boyfriend. After telling Donovan he had to choose between Arlo and the booze, Donovan caved again. It was an ongoing circle. Donovan would be sober for a few months, and then everything would go back to the way it was. Arlo hated it, but how could he bring himself to leave someone he loved so much? With another sigh, he returned to the front desk of the E.R. to see what else had popped up.

"Ronda, anything new come in?" he asked, looking at a clipboard.

"Something new, alright," the nurse seemed distracted.

"What are you...Officer Hud- erm...Jake," Arlo quickly corrected himself.

"Hey, Doc," the man winked. "Ronda," he nodded at the older woman, who fanned herself and walked away.

"What are you doing here?" Arlo asked, trying to hide the smile that begged to cross his face. Their date had gone wonderfully, whenever Arlo could keep from thinking about what he was doing to Donovan.

"I thought I would bring you some lunch. You're looking a little pale," Jake laughed.

"Am I? Ugh, I didn't get a lot of sleep," Arlo blushed, embarrassed about his disheveled state.

"It's okay, everyone has those days. Can you take a break and come eat?" Jake asked, holding up a generic brown paper bag.

"Uh...well..." Arlo began looking through the clipboard filled with patients that had just come in. "I-"

"Yes, he can," Ronda said, snatching the board from Arlo's hands with a raised eyebrow.

"I think that's a yes," Arlo laughed. Jake smiled, and Arlo walked around the counter to meet him.

"Know anywhere good to sit?" Jake asked.

"There's a beautiful park across the street, let's go over there," Arlo smiled.

"Sounds good," Jake said. They picked a nice clean picnic table and sat down in the bright sun.

"So, what's on the menu?" Arlo tried to peek inside the bag, but Jake moved it out of his view.

"For the main course, we have tuna sandwiches, with a side of doritos. For dessert, a chocolate ghirardelli square. And for your beverage tonight, a nice cold Budweiser," Jake said, in a bad french accent. Arlo smiled as Jake pulled out each item, until he got to the last. He bit his lip, and silently grabbed his own share of food. He began eating silently, trying to keep his eyes off of the glistening beer.

"This is good," he nodded. He didn't usually like tuna, but Jake made them taste different.

"Something the matter, Doc?" Jake raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it," Arlo shook his head, not wanting to make Jake feel like he did something wrong.

"Come on, tell me Doc," Jake pouted.

"...Uh...well...it's just that I'm a recovering alcoholic," Arlo admitted, blushing. He had never gotten used to saying the words.

"Oh, shit. I'm so sorry, I didn't know," Jake said, looking like a puppy who had peed in the corner.

"No, no. It's fine," Arlo shook his head.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything. I just didn't think about it," Jake said, apologizing.

"I said it's fine. It was just a simple mistake, no harm done," Arlo smiled, putting his hand on Jakes.

"Okay... sorry... again," Jake blushed. It was strange seeing the big man so awkward. Arlo smiled, and they went back to eating in silence. The silence wasn't as awkward as Arlo thought it would be. It was kind of peaceful. "If you don't mind my asking... how long have you been sober?" Jake asked. Arlo swallowed his bite and smiled.

"I don't mind. It will be five years in a few weeks," Arlo said, proud of how long he had gone without a drink.

"Wow. That's impressive," Jake smiled.

"Yeah... I started drinking when I first started med school, with... a boyfriend." Arlo said, thinking of Donovan made him feel guilty. "It was just so hard to stop and, before I knew it, I really had a problem. I guess the thing that really made me pull my head out of my ass was when I was almost kicked out of med school. I didn't want to end up one of those losers you see on "Cops", passed out in some abandoned building with no clothes on," Arlo laughed.

"Yeah, I don't want to be the asshole cop who has to arrest you and find you some pants," Jake laughed. They shared the laugh together, and Arlo couldn't help but smile when the big man smiled. He was so much bigger than Arlo, but so sweet. Arlo felt a twinge of something in his heart. Something he hadn't felt from Donovan in a long time. 

"Lunch was fun yesterday, by the way. I don't think I ever thanked you," Arlo smiled, smoothing his pants out nervously.

"Yeah, I had a good time. Just like I am right now. Maybe... maybe we can make this a regular thing..." Jake hinted.

"Way to slide that in there," Arlo rolled his eyes. Jake blushed and took a small bite out of his chocolate square. "I..." Arlo was about to accept, when he thought of Donovan again. Could he really do this? Cheat on his boyfriend? When he accepted the first date, that was different. It could have been just a lunch date between friends, a way for a patient to say thank you to the Doctor. It was only a test, to see what it felt like to be cared for. To be treated sweetly. But now... accepting Jake's offer for a long term boyfriend... that was different. Arlo would be going into this knowing he was lying to both of them. He would be a cheater.

As all of this crossed his mind, he stared into the deep eyes of Jake. The man looked at him so sweetly, and with a soft smile. He was a nice man, and a cop at that. All he wanted to do was help people, just like Arlo. He had treated him to lunch, and came to check in at him at work with another lunch date. Donovan never took him out, or made him lunch. When Jake touched him, it was gently, with light strokes and small squeezes. When Jake laughed, it was with him and not at him.

"I would love that," Arlo said. His mouth spoke the words while his brain still thought it through. He hated himself, and loved himself all at the same time. How could he do this to Donovan? Cheat on him. But how could he not do this? He deserved someone who treated him well, and he knew it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo got home late. His phone had died at work, and he had tried the house phone but received no answer. He stepped inside the door nervously, and was relieved when he saw Donovan was asleep. He stripped down, and crawled into bed. Donovan stirred.

"Work keep you?" He mumbled through the deep sleep he had awoken from.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. Did you eat?" Arlo asked.

"Yeah, I ordered in," Donovan said. He rolled over, and pulled Arlo close to him. Arlo smiled and buried his head in his chest. Donovan was sweet when he wanted to be. It felt good to be cuddled by the bigger man. Arlo kissed Donovan's chin gently and shut his eyes, falling asleep in minutes.

The next morning Arlo made breakfast. Donovan woke up about half an hour after Arlo. He sat down at the table, and Arlo set a big plate of pancakes before him.

"Thank you, baby." Donovan grabbed his chin and pulled him down for a kiss. Arlo smiled and moved to grab him a cup of juice. 

"What are your plans today?" Donovan asked.

"I think I'm just going to stay at home, clean up a little bit," Arlo said. He swallowed a bite of pancakes and was pleased when his throat didn't throb with pain.

"Alright, maybe we can go see a movie or something when I get off work," Donovan said.

"That would be nice," Arlo smiled. A date with Donovan sounded perfect. After breakfast, Donovan left for work. Arlo had just finished the dishes when the phone rang. He rushed to find the cordless phone, and picked it up on the fourth ring.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Hey, Doc." Jake greeted him on the other end.

"Hi!" Arlo cleared his throat, trying to hide his excitement. Jake chuckled.

"I was wondering if you wanted to do lunch today?" Jake asked.

"Yeah! I would love to!" Arlo smiled, he thought for a moment. "What about if you come over here. I could make something," he offered.

"Sounds great." He could practically hear his smile over the phone. "I'll be there in a few hours," Jake said.

"Okay!" They said goodbye, and hung up. Arlo cursed himself for sounding so excited. He felt like a little schoolgirl who had a crush. He quickly jumped in the shower, coming out smelling fresh and clean. He threw on a pair of nice black jeans, and a blue top. He left his hair disheveled from the towel drying. He looked at his watch, and realized it had only been half an hour. He needed to think of what to do for lunch. He smiled, and grabbed the keys to his car.

~~~~~~~~~~~

He decided not to make lunch, but to wait for Jake. He had bought everything they would need to make pizza, and had spread it out on the counter. The dough was made and was resting, just waiting for someone to stretch and roll it into the flat piece that would be used for their pizzas. He had just finished admiring the fixings, when there was a knock on the door. He brushed the flour off his hands, and couldn't help but jog to go answer it.

"Hey, Doc," Jake winked.

"Hey, hope you're hungry," Arlo smiled.

"Starved." Jake followed him into the kitchen.

"Thought we would do homemade pizzas," Arlo laughed and walked over to the counter.

"Man, I just made a tuna sandwich..." Jake laughed nervously.

"It was good. I'm no five star chef, I just like to cook," Arlo shrugged.

"This looks awesome," Jake said. "Can we get started?" He asked, eagerly. Arlo nodded, and pulled out the dough. In a few minutes, they had two perfect pepperoni pizzas ready to bake. Jake had added sausage and peppers, while Arlo added mushrooms and canadian bacon. They put them in the oven, and sat down.

"You know, these are great. But, there is one thing they need," Jake said.

"And what's that?" Arlo asked, thinking he had bought everything in the store already. Jake smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~

After the pizzas had baked, Jake had Arlo carry them in the car, until they got to their destination.

"You still haven't told me where we're going. We just passed the store," Arlo frowned.

"No, no, no. For this special ingredient, you can't just buy it at a store, it's not the same." Jake shook his head.

"Okay... where are we going then?" Arlo asked.

"You'll see." Jake kept his eyes on the road. Arlo rolled his eyes and looked out the window for the rest of the short drive. "We're here," Jake said, and stopped the car.

"Seriously?" Arlo frowned. They were parked in front of a small gas station.

"Seriously," Jake confirmed, and stepped out of the car. "Stay here, I'll be right back," Jake said, after Arlo climbed out of the truck. Arlo sat on the curb, pizzas close by. Jake disappeared into the gas station for a minute, before coming back out with a small plastic bag. He sat down on the curb next to Arlo, and opened the bag. 

"On your pizza? You're disgusting!" Arlo laughed at the two bags of gummy worms.

"It's good! Don't knock it 'til you try it." He sprinkled a heavy handful of worms onto his pizza. He put the one empty bag down, and picked up a slice of the pizza they had cut at home. He groaned with satisfaction and took another bite. He raised an eyebrow at Arlo with a smile. Arlo rolled his eyes and grabbed the other bag of gummy worms on the other side of Jake. He opened it and hesitated, before emptying the bag on his pizza. "Now we're talkin, Doc!" Jake cheered. Arlo grabbed a slice, and took a bite. He chewed for a moment, before nodding and swallowing.

"Alright. It's probably going to give me heart problems, but it's delicious," Arlo laughed, trying to keep a gummy worm from falling out of his mouth.

"See! Come on, Doc. It's fun," Jake chuckled. "Not everything has to be so... boring," Jake laughed. Arlo laughed with him, and after a few moments, they finally began to settle down.

"So tell me about your job, Jake. Do you like being a cop?" Arlo asked, picking up his second piece of pizza.

"I love it. I love helping people. Honestly though, this is the first time I've gotten hurt," Jake waved his arm.

"Really? We get cops in the hospital all the time," Arlo said.

"Yeah, I guess I've just got a guardian angel looking out for me." Jake smiled. Arlo couldn't help but laugh a little. "What? You don't believe in angels, Doc?"

"No, I don't," Arlo said. They both teased, not really caring about the conversation, just talking for the sake of getting to know each other.

"Why not?" Jake asked.

"I don't know. I've got no reason to," Arlo shrugged.

"You've got no reason not to," Jake pointed out. Arlo thought for a second.

"People use God and religion and angels and the like to give them a reason to be a good person, and to have something to believe in. They use it for comfort," Arlo began, thoughtfully. "I don't need a group of people and an all powerful being to make me a good person. It's like saying you didn't steal a car because a cop was watching. You're still a bad person for wanting to steal it," Arlo said. "I'm capable of being a good person on my own, and I don't need some fairy tale to make me feel better at night," Arlo said.

"I suppose you're right... but how do you know for sure there isn't a God?" Jake asked.

"I don't. But if I'm wrong, he'll still love me anyways right? If god is really all loving and all powerful, then why do people have to worship him? Last time I checked, you don't worship somebody who's all loving, and if he is all powerful than why is there so much suffering in the world?" Arlo asked.

"Haven't you ever heard that god works in mysterious ways?" Jake asked.

"Have you ever dealt with a murderer? Couldn't he just say he works in mysterious ways?" Arlo raised an eyebrow. Jake stared at him thoughtfully for a moment.

"I guess you've got a point there," he laughed. Arlo chuckled and looked down at the pizza that sat in his lap. "Hey, what happened?" Jake frowned, and moved Arlo's collar down. In his rush to get ready, Arlo had forgotten to put on make up.

"Oh, it's nothing..." Arlo blushed, and pulled his collar back up. "Uh... just a patient got a little out of hand the other day," he said, when Jake gave him a look.

"Really? Wow, I didn't realize being a doctor was so dangerous. Are you okay?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, just a little sore," Arlo dismissed it and stood. "Come on, it's getting cold out here." Arlo smiled as they headed back to the truck. Jake wrapped his arm around his shoulders during the short walk, before being forced to separate by the truck's hood. Once they got back in, he let his hand rest on Arlo's leg.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo waved out the window as Jake drove off. Once the man left, he hugged his arms to his chest and began giggling. The date had been more fun than anything in his entire life. Jake was so nice, and warm. They joked and laughed, even about serious subjects. They were always having fun. Jake had looked like he wanted to kiss him so bad, and Arlo was going to let him, but then he thought about Donovan. At the thought of Donovan, he dug into his pocket for his phone.

Donovan: Hey what u up to? 

Donovan: Too busy to answer me?

Donovan: Babe, want to go out for lunch?

Donovan: Helloooo?

Donovan: I'll take that as a no...

Donovan: Wtf Arlo

Donovan: Well fuck you too.

Arlo sighed and put the phone back in his pocket. He had muted the damn thing during his lunch date with Jake. He didn't want to be interrupted. Now that he had thought about it, that probably wasn't the greatest idea...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo was lying silently in bed, listening to the quiet sound of rain and thunder. His head was turned towards their bedroom window. The rain was hitting the glass softly, and he found the sound oddly comforting. The comfort was shattered when he heard the front door open. He hadn't heard Donovan's car pull up through the rain. The heavy footsteps were a dead giveaway that he had been drinking. Arlo sighed, and turned his head to the doorway. He watched the distorted shadow of Donovan in the kitchen. It wasn't until he saw the bottle in his hand that he finally moved. Arlo swung his legs over the bed, and grabbed his jeans, slipping them on quickly.

"Where da fuck you goin'?" Donovan slurred.

"Somewhere not here. You know I won't be around alcohol," Arlo said.

"Come on. Just fucking sit down and have a drink," Donovan slurred again, as Arlo pulled on a hoodie.

"No, Donovan. I can't stand the fact that you're drinking again, and I won't let you pull me back into that." Arlo shook his head.

"Fuck you, Arlo. Like you're better than me?" Donovan stood up, pointed and waving with the hand that held the bottle.

"Well, right now I am. Maybe if you would come home sober that would be different," Arlo spat, and stood, forgetting about shoes. He grabbed his keys and headed for the door.

"Fuck you! You're not going anywhere," Donovan said, pushing Arlo back.

"Let me go, Donovan," Arlo snapped.

"Fuck you!" Donovan said, as if those two were the only words in his dictionary. He snatched the keys from Arlo's hand. "Have a drink." He held forward the bottle. Arlo eyed the mystery bottle, before pushing it away.

"Just stop," he said, and left Donovan with the keys. He headed out the door, and began walking down the street.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jake drove around the slick streets slowly. He hated working nights, he loved sleep too much. But someone had to do it, right? The downtown area was usually busy at this time of night, but because of the rain it was mostly clear. A few clubs seemed busy, but there was nobody outside waiting in line. Instead, they were either crammed inside or they just gave up and went home, not wanting to stand in the rain. A few restaurants were still open, but mostly just small diners and dives. The most lights he saw were from bars. They were filled up, with rows of people sitting in booths and at the counters, eagerly awaiting their drink to wash away their troubles.

A few liquor stores were open, and a gas station here and there, but for the most part everything was dark. It was too cold and too late to be out on the streets. 

'So why the fuck am I out here?' Jake thought to himself. He knew there wouldn't really be anything going on out here. It was too small of a town for any serious crimes. Suddenly, the radio crackled to life.

"55, we got a 415 at 1679 Blake," the dispatcher came over the radio.

"Check, dispatch. On my way," Jake responded. 415 was a simple disturbance complaint, probably made by a citizen. He turned the corner and began cruising down Blake street. The street was as empty as all of the others, and for a while Jake thought about calling dispatch back to double check the address. But then he saw the man standing in the middle of the sidewalk. He wasn't really doing anything, but sitting in the rain. He was staring at the one open bar on the street. He was wearing soaked jeans and a maroon sweatshirt. His hair had been matted to his forehead and he didn't have any shoes on. Jake cruised up to the man and stopped.




Arlo Ch. 02



"Hey! Are you alright?" he called out. The man looked a little off, just staring at a bar. The man turned his head a bit to look at Jake, before seeming to sigh.

"Sorry, officer," he said, his voice almost covered by the rain. He turned and began walking down the sidewalk with his bare feet. Something clicked in Jake's head and he pushed the cruiser forward, catching up with the man. 

"Doc?" Jake called out. The man stopped and looked up, finally facing Jake. It was in fact Arlo. Jake swore and double parked the cruiser. He hopped out into the rain and jogged to meet the man on the sidewalk. "What the hell you doin' out here, Doc?" Jake asked, quieter now that they were closer and he didn't have to yell over the rain.

"Jake?" Arlo looked as confused as he did, and a bit worried. 

"Yeah, it's me. What the-. Come on lets get out of the rain." Jake pushed Arlo towards the cruiser, and opened the passenger door for him. Arlo sat down, while Jake moved to the drivers side. He started the car, and drove off. "What the hell are you doing out there? It's freezing and pouring out there," Jake said, concerned.

"I couldn't sleep, I wanted to go for a walk," Arlo said, sounding distracted. Jake hesitated.

"You know, we haven't really known each other for long... but if you need to talk...... uh... I just mean that... well you were standing outside a bar... I just want you to know that I'm here... uh... for you," Jake stammered, looking awkward under Arlo's gaze.

"Thanks, Jake," Arlo said.

"No problem, Doc...." Jake said, and hesitated again. "So you just decided to go for a walk without any shoes on?" Jake asked. Arlo looked down at his feet, as if he just realized he wasn't wearing shoes.

"Uh... yeah." It was a bold faced lie. Jake didn't know what Arlo was hiding, but now wasn't the time for questioning him.

"Well, I'll take you home," Jake said.

"No," Arlo said, a little too quickly. Jake eyed him. "I mean... just drop me off at a hotel or something. I don't feel like being at home tonight," Arlo said.

"A hotel? Don't you live alone? Why don't you want to be at home?" Jake asked.

"Uh... I just need a change of scenery for a night or two. Motel 6 is fine," Arlo said. Jake frowned and stared at him.

"Nah, Doc. I can't just drop you off at a hotel. You can stay at my place. I get off now, actually," Jake said, looking at the clock.

"Really, Jake. You don't have to do that." Arlo shook his head.

"I'm not just going to drop you off at some scummy place, Doc. If you don't want to go home that's fine, but you're not staying there," Jake said, as they passed a motel 6. Arlo seemed to sigh.

"Okay... thank you," he said. Jake pulled into the police station. 

"I just have to check the cruiser back in, go ahead and sit in the truck," Jake said, and handed him the keys to the old beaten up truck. Arlo took them and waited with the heater on. Jake came in a few minutes later, out of uniform.

"I have to say, you do look pretty hot in the uniform." Arlo smiled a little bit.

"Why thank you. That doctors coat makes you look pretty official, too." Jake winked. Arlo laughed, and they joked as they drove to Jake's home. "I hope you like dogs," Jake said, as they climbed out of the truck and began walking up to his house.

"I love them," Arlo smiled. As soon as Jake opened the door, a large black and white dog pounced on Arlo. He giggled as the dog peppered his face with kisses, before running off back into the house. Behind the door, waiting patiently for Jake was an older dog. The dog squinted lazily, wagging his tail slowly. Jake bent and kissed the dog, patting him on the head.

"Good boy, Bounder," He said.

"That one is Bounder?" Arlo rolled his eyes, as the other dog ran in circles around the house, slipping and sliding on the hardwood floors.

"Yeah... the black one is Rocket," Jake laughed. The dog, at the mention of his name, took off down a hallway. Somewhere in the distance, there was a loud crash as the poor pup ran into something. "She does that a lot," Jake said. 

"This is nice," Arlo said. The house was spacious and clean, it smelled like bacon and dogs. Arlo found himself liking the smell. It smelled homey.

"Thanks... here, let me see if I can find you something." Jake walked down the hall. Arlo followed him, looking around the house as he went. Jake walked into a small walk in closet and looked around for a second before pulling out some clothes. He handed Arlo the stack of clothing, a pair of sweats, a long sleeve T shirt, some socks, and a pair of boxers.

"Thank you," Arlo said and smiled. They stood there awkwardly before Jake blushed.

"I'll, uh... let you change." He disappeared, closing the door to the room. Arlo laughed and began changing out of his wet clothes.

After he was in the warm, but much too large, clothing he ventured out to find jake. He found him in the living room, sipping some coffee.

"Hey, want a cup?" he asked.

"I'm not a big coffee fan," Arlo declined. Jake laughed.

"Uh... this is a bit embarrassing, but it's not coffee. I'm a hot chocolate kind of guy, myself," he smiled. Arlo laughed.

"Then I'll gladly accept," Arlo smiled. They sat there and chatted about nothing over their steaming cups of hot chocolate, until Arlo yawned and stretched. "I'd love to stay up with you, longer. But I have to be at work at six tomorrow," Arlo said.

"Oh, right. It's my day off I forgot you still have to work," Jake laughed. "I can give you a ride in the morning," he said.

"Thanks. So, I'll just crash on the couch?" Arlo asked, after not seeing a guest bedroom.

"Well, yeah you could. I mean... if you wanted to. My bedroom is always open," he blushed.

"Oh..." Arlo couldn't deny that it did sound appealing. "I'd love to, Jake. But like I said, I have work tomorrow and-"

"I meant just as a place to sleep. We don't have to do anything else." Jake blushed harder. Arlo smiled.

"Okay," he nodded. Jake led him back to his room, and stripped off his shirt before crawling into bed. Arlo decided to keep his on, but crawled in next to Jake. Without any hesitation, the big cop wrapped his arms around Arlo, and pulled him close to his chest. Arlo snuggled in, and wrapped his own arms around Jake. It was something that he and Donovan never did anymore. They didn't fall asleep right away, they sat there and held each other. Jake didn't know what was going on with Arlo, and Arlo didn't know that Jake knew there was something wrong. But both of them put that aside and just enjoyed the company of another human being.



Arlo Ch. 03



Arlo rushed through the front doors of the Emergency Room. He was half an hour late, and he felt bad about it. He was almost always early though, so he knew no one would give him shit.

"Hey, Arlo. What are you doing in here so late?" Ronda greeted him as he went to check which patients were in.

"Sorry, Ronda. I had to stop by my house this morning to get a change of clothes," Arlo said. He had spent the night at Jake's, and it was some of the best sleep he'd had in a long time. 

"Stop by? Where did you sleep last night? I hope it was with that tall dark and handsome beauty of a man who brought you lunch." Ronda raised an eyebrow.

"Well... actually. I did spend the night with him... but all we did was sleep," Arlo added sternly, when Ronda gasped and sat up, as if ready to gossip about boys.

"Uh huh, sure honey. We all know what goes on behind closed doors," she winked.

"Ronda!" Arlo couldn't help but blush. The older woman giggled, and walked away with a clipboard in hand. Arlo smiled, and got to work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been a long day. Arlo had had a patient who had somehow managed to hammer a nail through his hand. Completely through the middle of his hand. He wasn't really sure how he managed to do that without help, but he just rolled his eyes and accepted it. It had been a long day, but it was almost over. Arlo changed out of his hospital clothes, and back into his street clothes. He was tying the shoes he had gotten that morning, when his cell phone rang. He picked it up and saw it was only a text.

Donovan: What's for dinner?

Arlo rolled his eyes.

Arlo: Idk. I'm not sure if Im coming home tonight or not. 

The thought was a happy one. If he could stay with Jake another night. If he could be held by him again... his thoughts were interrupted by another chirp of his phone.

Donovan: U better be.

The words were cold and hollow, and Arlo couldn't help but feel a little terror when he read them the first time, and the second and the third. He decided he would go home that night. Whatever made Donovan happy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luckily the walk home wasn't long. Jake had offered to give him a ride home, but of course Arlo declined. He was terrified of what Donovan would do if he saw Arlo with another man. Even if it was just a ride home. 

He stepped through the door into the living room and looked around. Donovans car was there, but Arlo couldn't find him. He sighed and went into the kitchen to see what they had. After finding the stuff to make spaghetti, he got to work. The water had just started boiling, when Donovan walked in.

"Hey, where've you been?" Arlo asked, not looking for his shoulder.

"I could be asking you the same thing." Donovan set a beer down on the table as he sat. Arlo sighed.

"Come on, Donovan. Is it so much to ask that you just not drink around me? It's hard enough being sober as it is, but having you flaunting everything around me makes it worse. It only makes us fight, too," Arlo sighed and rubbed the top of his nose.

"Then make it easier on both of us and just take a drink. Maybe it will loosen you up a little," Donovan spat. Arlo stared at him wordlessly for a minute.

"You know I'm not going to do that." Arlo turned back to the dinner, before he started crying. He couldn't help the small sobs that spilled forward. He covered his mouth, trying to muffle the sounds of pain.

"I'm sorry, Arlo." Donovan left the beer and moved to hug Arlo to his chest. Arlo sighed and turned around, loving the embrace of his lover. Donovan kissed the top of his head and rubbed his back. "You're right, I shouldn't bring this shit around you," he nodded towards the beer.

"Thank you." Arlo wiped away his tears.

"Forgive me?" Donovan poked out his lip. Arlo nodded and stood on his tiptoes to kiss him. Donovan smiled and returned the kiss. "Mmmm, smells good," he smiled as he leaned over Arlo to look at the food.

"No peaking. It will be ready in a few minutes, why don't you set the table?" Arlo asked. Donovan nodded and moved to get the silverware.

"How was work?" Donovan asked.

"Busy. I don't know what it is with people these days but they do some of the stupidest things I've ever seen," Arlo chuckled.

"Well, it's a good thing they have you around to take care of them. Just like you take care of me." Donovan finished putting down the plates and silverware and moved back to hug Arlo. Arlo practically purred at the touches from Donovan.

"Well, not exactly how I take care of you." Arlo smiled and turned to face Donovan, dinner forgotten. He wrapped his arms around Donovan and kissed him roughly. They headed towards the bedroom, and Arlo stopped quickly to turn off the warming sauce. They fell into bed, tearing each others clothes off as they went. Soon, Arlo was naked and Donovan was kicking off his last sock. Donovan reached for the lube and positioned himself between Arlo's legs. He slathered his cock with lube, and put a heavy glob on Arlo's hole. He pushed two of his thick fingers in, making Arlo grunt, and then sigh with pleasure. Donovan worked his fingers in and out for a moment, before pulling his fingers out, and lining up his cock. He thrust into Arlo in one quick motion, making Arlo cry out in pleasure. Arlo held his knees to his chest as Donovan pounded in and out of him. He was lost in the pleasure as Donovan bent to take a tender nipple into his mouth.He grunted and let one of his knees free, to allow his hand to thread through Donovan's hair. 

Donovan thrust into him one last time, before pulling out and flipping him over. He pulled Arlo up so he was on his hands and knees, and pushed into him again. Arlo gripped the sheets as Donovan got closer and closer to his release. Donovan slipped a hand under them and began jacking Arlo off. Arlo moaned and whimpered as he began cumming. He bit his lip and sighed as his release covered the bed. His toes curled as the intense orgasm sent his body into shivers. As he was coming down from his high, Donovan came. He pulled Arlo back hard onto his cock, and pulled him up so he was standing on his knees, with his back arched back so that his ass was a close to his cock as it could get. Donovan grunted as he began filling Arlo with hot cum.

Without warning, Donovan bit down on Arlo's shoulder. Arlo sighed at the pain and pleasure mixed, and then cried out when there was only pain. Donovan's hands dug into his hips, and his teeth clenched down on the tender flesh of Arlo's shoulder. 

"Ah! Donovan stop!" Arlo struggled to pull away, but Donovan was lost in his orgasm. He bit down even harder. Arlo sobbed and tried to pull away, but only made the bite worse. Finally, after what seemed like ages, Donovan let go. Arlo struggled to get away from him. He fell onto his stomach on the bed, and crawled away. He shivered at the feeling of Donovan's cock slipping out of him. Cum leaked down his leg as he fell out of the bed and scrambled into the bathroom, wrapped up in the sheet from the bed. He heard Donovan stand up and walk out of the bedroom. He could hear water running in the kitchen. Arlo turned his attention away from Donovan, and to the bite on his shoulder. It was worse than he thought.

Arlo gasped at the bite. It looked like something from a horror movie. The flesh was red and oozing blood slowly. The individual teeth marks were clear on his pale skin. The bite was deep, and he thought he would need stitches. It was definitely going to get infected. He touched the wound carefully, and had to bite his tongue to keep from sobbing. He let the sheet fall to the floor, as he reached for the first aid kit they kept under the sink. He cleaned the wound, with many tears and sobs in the process, and then put a thick bandage over it. In a few minutes, the blood was already seeping through. He took a few mild painkillers, and walked back to the bedroom to get dressed. After slipping on some sweats and a loose sweatshirt, he walked out into the kitchen. Donovan sat at the table, eating a bowl of spaghetti, with a side of garlic bread Arlo had made.

"This is good, babe," Donovan said, not even looking up. Arlo stared at him for a moment, before walking over to the counter and attempting to look busy while dishing himself up a bowl. He was finally forced to sit down across from Donovan. He wasn't hungry, and only stared at his boyfriend who suddenly seemed ravenous. Arlo narrowed his eyes as he saw a smudge of sauce on Donovan's chin. It took him a moment to realize that it wasn't spaghetti sauce, it was blood. Donovan had Arlo's blood on his chin. Arlo stared at his boyfriend until he was done eating, and went to bed. He sat at the kitchen table in the dark for a long time, before getting up, and crawling into bed with Donovan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jake sat at his desk, bored. He was put on desk duty for a few days since they needed someone to take over while someone was out sick. Plus, with his arm, he was already being eyed at to be put on the desk until he healed. He hated it, there was nothing to do. He chewed on a pen cap lazily and looked up at the ceiling. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to his computer and he sat up, still chewing on the pen cap. He typed in a few words quickly into the database, and bit his pen cap hard when he saw a few results come up.

He had been curious about Arlo since the day he met him. He had a bad habit of looking people up in the police database once he met them. He couldn't help it, he was just naturally curious. He looked at the results for Arlo on the screen. The screen glowed a dim blue in the darkness of his office. He wanted to click on them so badly, but was it an invasion of privacy? Of course it was. But he did it anyway. He clicked on the first report that came up. He scanned them quickly, just trying to find out more about the mysterious lying man he had grown so fond of over the last few days.

The first report was a complaint filed by a neighbor when Arlo was nineteen. It was obvious from the description that Arlo had been drunk. The one after that was the same, and after that. And after that. Jake was surprised with how many results came up on the database for the young doctor who seemed so quiet and peaceful.

"He must be one hell of a mean drunk," Jake mumbled to himself, after seeing Arlo was taken into custody after he had gotten into a bar fight with another man. A picture of Arlo came up. He looked like hell. He was obviously a lot younger, but you wouldn't know it just by looking at him. His hair was dirty and matted, and his skin was splotched with dirt. He had an extremely pissed off look in his eyes, almost like a feral cat. Dark circles weighed his eyes down, a sure sign of an insomniac. Jake continued searching through the reports, up until the year Arlo said he had quit drinking. There were a few outbursts, Arlo had gotten into a fight with somebody at an AA meeting, and then there was another outburst a few weeks later, but then after that the record was spotless. Jake sighed and sat back in his seat. This all told him nothing he didn't already know.

He knew Arlo was an alcoholic, and that he had had a rough couple of years. He knew that he had probably gotten into some fights and done some stupid shit. But this didn't explain why he was lying to him, or what he was lying to him about. Jake picked up the pen cap from where it had fallen on his desk, and stuck it back into his mouth. He looked over at his cellphone, and picked it up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo finished vacuuming just as his phone rang. He answered it, without looking at who was calling.

"Hello?" he mumbled. He didn't sleep well and was in a lot of pain from the bite that was already turning purple and was swelling.

"Hey. Are you allergic to phones or something? It seems like everytime I call you're in a bad mood," Jake laughed on the other line. Arlo laughed.

"I'm sorry. I just don't get a lot of sleep. Work and all," Arlo lied. Most doctors had problems with their hours, but he liked his.

"I understand, it gets like that around here, too." Arlo loved the way Jake sounded like he was smiling all the time.

"So what's up?" Arlo asked, moving to the bathroom to take another look at the bite. It had almost oozed through another bandage.

"Nothing. I just wondered if you wanted to do lunch," Jake asked. "My lunch break is coming up, we can meet at a park. I'll pick something up," Jake said.

"That sounds like a lot of fun," Arlo said honestly. He wondered if he would be able to hide the bite under a shirt. 

"Cool, I'll meet you at the bench we ate at that day. Across from the hospital?" Jake asked.

"Sure. I'll see you in a few," Arlo said.

"See you," Jake said, and hung up. Arlo changed the bandage on his shoulder, and moved to get dressed. After struggling to find a shirt that would hide the wound, he decided on a short sleeve that barely hid it, and then a sweat shirt over that. He pulled on his shoes, and grabbed his keys.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo laughed, finishing his box of fried rice. He reached for the beef with broccoli that they were sharing. They had sat at the same bench, and were both sitting cross legged on the top of the table.

"How did you know I love Chinese food so much?" Arlo asked.

"Everyone loves chinese food, otherwise you have no soul. You know that," Jake said casually. Arlo laughed and took another bite with his chopsticks. "I'll never know how you can use those damn things." Jake scowled at the two sticks like they were Satan. He kissed his plastic fork. "This is the only way to go," he laughed. Arlo rolled his eyes and took another bite of beef.

"You're a dork," Arlo laughed. Jake chuckled and then looked up, a funny look in his eyes.

"Hey, can I tell you something?" Jake asked. Arlo swallowed his bite of food.

"Sure," he said, listening closely.

"I did a stupid thing and looked you up in the police database." Jake blushed. Arlo blushed and looked down at the table.

"Oh..." he mumbled. Jake put his hand on top of Arlo's.

"I wasn't prying, I was just curious. I want you to know that I don't care about anything that you did in the past. You made some wrong choices, and you're aware of that. On top of that, you set it right and got sober. It's something to be proud of, not to be ashamed of," Jake said. Arlo smiled.

"Thanks." 

"No problem. I do have to say one thing though." Jake smiled. "You really did all those things? You just seem so quiet and sweet. The friendly neighborhood doctor got into a bar brawl with a biker? I saw a picture of that guy, he was like four times your size!" Jake laughed. Arlo couldn't help but laugh, too.

"Yeah...I'm not a nice drunk. One of the reasons I stopped." Arlo brushed his hair out of his eyes.

"I guess you really can't judge a book by it's cover, huh?" Jake smiled.

"Well, if we were doing that, you would look like some big dumb redneck of a cop," Arlo poked fun.

"Ouch!" Jake put a hand over his heart as if Arlo had stabbed him.

"It's okay, though. I've always had a thing for big dumb cops," Arlo smiled and got closer. He claimed Jake's lips in a kiss. Jake moaned under the pressure of Arlo's lips. He wrapped one arm around Arlo's waist, and the other was threaded through his hair. He kissed back and the two made out for a short time, getting more passionate as they went. Arlo screamed as Jake suddenly fell back.

"Whoa!" he cried, before tumbling off the table and hitting the sidewalk hard. He grunted in pain as Arlo giggled and laughed with the ridiculousness of the situation.

"Oh my god. Are you okay?" He tried to muffle his laugh with a hand as Jake rubbed the back of his head.

"Ah... I think so," Jake laughed. He pulled his hand back and frowned when it was smeared with a little blood.

"Oh! Jeez. I'm so sorry. Come on, I can put a bandaid on it and kiss it better." Arlo pulled him up. Jake laughed and swayed a little once he was on his feet. "Are you okay?" Arlo asked again.

"Yeah, just a little bump on the head is all," Jake chuckled. Arlo led him into the ER and into an empty exam room, passing Ronda as he went. He sat Jake down and slipped on a pair of gloves, snapping them into place. "That would be a lot more sexy if I wasn't seeing four of you," Jake laughed. Arlo shook his head and giggled.

"Let me see, you big klutz," he laughed, and searched through Jake's short hair. "You have a small gash, your head just bleeds a lot. I guess with no brain and all, you have a lot of room for blood in there," Arlo joked. Jake punched him playfully in the ribs, making him giggle. "I'll clean it up for you. I'll probably give you a few stitches, too," Arlo said. He swabbed out the cut, making sure it was clean, before giving Jake two stitches.

"Thanks, Doc," Jake said, once Arlo was finished.

"Hey, hey, hey," Arlo said, when Jake stood up. He looked confused. "I didn't say I was done with you yet, sit your butt down." He pointed back down. Jake did as he was told and sat. Arlo stepped up close to him and draped his arms over his shoulders.

"Whad' are ya doin', Doc?" Jake smiled a little.

"I told you I would kiss it and make it better," Arlo whispered, and kissed Jake again. He fell back, this time onto the bed as Arlo climbed on top of him.

"I wouldn't peg you as the kind of guy who chases down his men, Doc." Jake laughed, as Arlo kissed down his chin.

"I'm not usually, I guess you're just a special case," he winked. "Besides, I owe you for lunch." Arlo moved all the way down, and unzipped Jake's pants.

"Uh...Whad' are ya doin', Doc?" Jake repeated.

"You treated me to lunch, now this is my treat." Arlo smiled. He fished Jake's cock out of his pants and stroked it until it began getting hard. Jake looked down at him, mouth open as he gasped for air. His eyes rolled back in his head as he moaned at the warm sensation of Arlo covering his cock with his mouth. Arlo began sucking him off slowly. Jake grunted as he came, filling Arlo's mouth with cum. Arlo closed his eyes as he swallowed, savoring the salty taste of Jake's release. He licked Jake clean, and put his cock back into his underwear, before zipping up his pants.

"Damn, Doc. You know how to treat a man," Jake said, still trying to catch his breath.

"That was probably stupid of me. You shouldn't exert yourself too much." Arlo put his hand on Jake's head. "Let me know if you have any bad headaches or anything, okay?" Arlo said.

"Sure thing, Doc." He stood, and adjusted himself in his pants.

"You should probably get back to work," Arlo blushed. Jake looked up at the clock.

"Damn, I'm half an hour late," he shrugged. Arlo laughed.

"I'm sorry," he apologized.

"It's fine, Doc," Jake said, and picked up his jacket, heading for the door. "Oh, and Doc?" Jake turned around, as they were about to go their separate ways.

"Yeah?" Arlo turned his head.

"Thank you." He tilted Arlo's chin up, and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Arlo smiled and watched Jake leave. He had never swallowed for Donovan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jake smiled as he got home after the long day at work. The lunch break with Arlo had been nice, but it ended too quickly, though the ending was very, very, very nice.

Jake sat down on the couch and frowned as he sat down on a bump. He stood up, and lifted up the cushion, looking for whatever had caused the couch to become lumpy. A plastic bag had fallen between the cushions. Jake opened it and realized they were Arlo's wet clothes from the other night. He looked at the clock and realized it was still early. He threw them in the washer, before making himself something to eat before he went to drop off Arlo's clothes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo wasn't really hungry. He had eaten some leftovers from his lunch with Jake not too long ago, but he knew that Donovan was. He was making plain ol' boxed mac n' cheese and was letting the sauce thicken. Donovan had gotten home awhile ago, and was downing beer after beer after beer. Arlo didn't want to say anything. It had finally reached the point where he was actually scared of Donovan. His lover was once so nice and peaceful, but when he drank everything changed.




Arlo Ch. 03



"Come here, Baby," Donovan beckoned him over. Arlo walked over to the table, which was littered with a few empty beer cans. Donovan yanked him down onto his lap by the wrist.

"Ouch, Donovan. Would you stop being so rough with me?" Arlo was getting annoyed.

"You know you like it." He moved to kiss Arlo, who pulled away.

"Ugh, you smell like beer." He tried to stand.

"You like that, too. Come on, I miss the old Arlo." He yanked Arlo's chin to the side, and kissed him. He forced his tongue inside Arlo's mouth, who grunted and tried to pull away. Donovan's grip was strong, and Arlo only stood once he was released.

"Fuck, Donovan!" He wiped his mouth. The taste of beer was clear and it lingered on his tongue. The flavor brought back old memories, and he was dying for a sip. Even if it was just one sip, he wanted anything.

"Come on, Arlo. Just relax, have a drink with me." Donovan cracked open another beer and pushed it towards Arlo.

"Fuck you, Donovan. Why the fuck am I even here? What the fuck kind of person does this?" Arlo was pissed now. He pointed at the bite on his shoulder.

"I know you like it rough, Arlo," Donovan began getting that cold predator look in his eyes.

"No I don't! No matter how many times YOU say it, that's not what I feel!" Arlo snapped. "Stop bringing this shit into my house!" Arlo threw the open beer can. It hit the wall and beer splattered, dripping down the wall and onto the floor.

"Hey!" Donovan stood up, he was about to say more, when there was a knock on the door. The two stared at each other, in a stand off, until Arlo spoke.

"I'll get it," he whispered coldly, and headed towards the door. He was done with Donovan, and his shit. His time with Jake had taught him better. Donovan was mean, and abusive and he needed to get away from him. He needed to tell Jake the truth.

"Jake..." he gasped, when he opened the door. Jake stood there in the dim light of the sunset.

"Hey," he smiled. "I come baring gifts." He held up the washed clothes, with a red rose on top, and a single gummy worm. Arlo couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. But the smile was quickly wiped off when he saw Jake frown.

"Can I help you?" Donovan's voice echoed from behind him. Arlo froze as it felt like the world was falling down around him. Jake looked so hurt. Donovan sounded so cold. Why did this all happen now?

"Uh... no I was just dropping off some stuff for the Doc," Jake said. Arlo heard Donovan's deep chuckle.

"Doc, huh? Maybe I should start calling you that." Donovan wrapped an arm around Arlo's waist, and kissed the spot right below his ear. Arlo shrugged him off roughly, as Jake's look of curiosity turned into a look of pain.

"Jake... please, just let me-"

"No, it's fine. Sorry to interrupt." He pushed the clothes into Arlo's hands and turned to walk towards his beaten up truck.

"Jake! Please..." Arlo shouted. He saw Jake raise a hand to wipe away a tear and sucked in a deep breath, trying to keep the sobs back as he climbed into his car. "Jake, I'm sorry!" Arlo cried out. Jake started the truck, and drove off. Arlo let his head fall as the sounds of the truck disappeared. The door shut suddenly, closing him off from Jake and the outside world. Tears began falling from Arlo's face, but he didn't know what they were for, if they were for the beating that was to come, or for the love he had just lost.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo had to call in sick to work the next day. His lip was swollen, and both his eyes were black. His throat was sore from where Donovan had pulled him back away from the door by his neck. It was also sore from the sobs of pain and regret he had after seeing Jake turn to leave.

"Who the fuck was that? Are you fucking cheating on me you piece of shit? I knew you were nothing but a fucking whore!" Donovan had shouted, before laying into Arlo. Arlo had cringed and tried to protect himself from the heavy onslaught of blows to his face and sides. But it had done no good. After the beating, Donovan had stormed out and Arlo hadn't seen him since.

Arlo forced himself to stand up. His mouth was dry and he was dying for a cup of water. He took a look at himself in the mirror in the hallway and was surprised that he didn't look as bad as he felt. His swollen eyes had started to fade and the bruises around his throat weren't that bad. He stepped into the kitchen and opened the fridge, looking for a cool bottle of water. The first thing that caught his eye was the six pack of beer sitting on the top shelf. He turned away from the temptation, and reached for a cup to get some water. As if it had been strategically placed there, his hand landed on a full bottle of whiskey. He stared at the bottle in his hands for a moment, before reaching into the cupboard and grabbing a shot glass. He filled it to the brim, and tossed back the burning liquid. He coughed once, before setting the glass and the bottle on the table. He reached inside the fridge and pulled out the beer. He searched the rest of the fridge and found nothing. He moved up to the freezer and pulled out a bottle of Vodka, and another bottle of Gin. 

He moved back to the table, setting his treasures down. Without hesitation, he cracked one of the beers, and chugged it in a few gulps. He opened another beer and was drinking that while he poured himself another shot of whiskey. He finished the beer in time to drink the heavy shot. By the time the six pack was gone, he was beginning to feel sick. He looked over at the bottle and realized he had already downed a fifth of whiskey. The Gin and Vodka still lay there untouched. He reached for the vodka, but his hand fell lethargically to the table as he blacked out. 

Arlo opened his eyes and grunted at the kitchen light. Donovan held a bottle of captain morgans in his hand, staring down at Arlo. Arlo blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision as he looked around. Beer cans littered the floor, and the bottle of whiskey was still open. He was covered in vomit and so was the floor. His mouth tasted like the vile liquid. Donovan bent and pulled Arlo up with one arm. Arlo swayed as he stood, and sat down on the kitchen chair before he could pass out again. Donovan stared at him for a moment longer and Arlo stared back, before reaching a hand out and taking the bottle from his hand, opening it, and taking a long swig. He handed it back, and Donovan sat down and gladly accepted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Arlo Ch. 04



Arlo scowled as he stepped into the house he once called home. The two words were almost always used interchangeably, but they were as different as night and day to Arlo. Jake stood behind him, in uniform. Arlo walked quickly to his room, and grabbed a suitcase. He quickly packed some clothes, and some personal items, before zipping up the red rolling suitcase, and returning to Jake in the living room. It was obvious Donovan hadn't returned here since he beat Arlo for the last time. That was the promise Arlo had made himself when he had been checked out of the hospital. That was the last time.

"Are you ready?" Jake asked, his deep southern accent coming through. Arlo nodded quietly, and Jake led him gently out the door. Jake had kindly offered his couch to Arlo if he wanted it. Arlo wanted anything but to go back to that house. Jake had also promised to help him stay sober. Arlo still craved a drink like no other. But he knew from experience that it got better with time. Jake's only rule was that if Arlo was going to stay with him, he had to see a therapist and go to an AA support group. He saw too many people give up in life because they could never get over the abuse they had suffered. He didn't want to see that happen to Arlo. Arlo watched the buildings roll by as they drove in silence to Jake's small house. He felt so much safer with Jake. More safe than he had ever felt with Donovan.

"I cleared out some drawers and closet space in my room. You can put your things in there. Just make yourself comfortable," Jake said, shutting the door behind him. He watched as Arlo pulled the suitcase behind him with his one good arm. Donovan had broken the other one. Arlo's eyes were rimmed with dark shadows from sleep deprivation, and the hangover that still lingered.

"Thank you," Arlo replied, his voice rough and scratchy. Jake ordered pizza, and then helped Arlo unpack while they waited for the meal to be delivered. They had just finished when there was a knock on the door. Jake returned to the kitchen with two pizzas in hand. He gave them each a few pieces, before walking across the kitchen and pulling a bag of gummy worms out of the pantry. Arlo stared as he poured half the bag onto his pieces of pizza, and then offered him the bag. He gave a small smile and accepted the bag, sprinkling his own pizza with the other half. 

Before he knew it, Arlo was laughing so hard tears fell down his face in large drops. Jake was pulled into the giggle fit with him, and soon they were both red from laughing. Jake held his sides, as the cramps from laughing too long began. Arlo stood up and tried to walk away, as if whatever was making him laugh so hard was hanging around that spot in a thick cloud. Finally, after several minutes, their laughing died down. Arlo stared at Jake, still smiling from their laughing fit, when suddenly the smile was wiped off his face and a worried look replaced it.

"Jake, I can't have a relationship with you," he said suddenly. Jake's own smile faded away as he stared at Arlo.

"I wasn't planning on it," Jake said.

"Oh..." Arlo mumbled. He looked down at the plate with the pizza and gummy worms. 

"I didn't mean it like that," Jake said quickly. "I think you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of a boyfriend," he said, honestly. "You can't afford to be hurt again, you need to protect yourself," Jake said. Arlo looked up at him and nodded.

"But that's not a never... right?" he asked.

Jake nodded. "It's not a never."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo sat quietly in Jake's room on the bed. Jake often let him lie on the bed since it was more comfortable than the couch in the living room. Arlo had been given a few weeks off from work, and was taking the time to relax and settle back into a routine. He had made an appointment with a shrink, only a few days away. He had even gone to one AA meeting already. Jake had gone with him, to keep him company and support him. It was scary at first, going back to something he had hated so much only a few weeks ago. But once they got started, he felt himself relaxing and returning to normal. Jake had stood by him the whole time. Arlo felt the dull throb of love in his chest whenever he saw Jake, or thought about him too hard, but he knew that Jake was right. He needed to take care of himself.

So here he sat. Taking some 'me time' for himself and enjoying a book in the brightly lit room. The sun poured in from the large windows, making the room seem bright and cheery. Arlo didn't just sit in here because the bed was comfortable. It smelled like Jake. The natural scent of the bigger man relaxed him and kept bad thoughts from his mind.

"Arlo?" Jake called out.

"In here," he returned, dog earing the page for later. He smiled.

"Hey, did you get some rest?" Jake asked, already taking off his uniform.

"Yeah, a little. I feel better," Arlo said. He knew Jake worried about him. He also knew that the southerner would wake up in the middle of the night just to check on him. He was always awake, but he pretended to be asleep so that he would relax. Jake's eyes were starting to take on the dark rings that Arlo had. Jake kicked off his shoes and looked awkward as he took off his tie. Arlo scooted over, taking half the bed. Jake hesitated, before crawling into bed next to him. He sighed as his head hit the pillow, and Arlo could tell he was already drifting off. Before he could say anything, Jake was snoring. Arlo looked at the clock, it was only six. Jake would wake up in an hour or two and be hungry. Jake didn't make him pay any rent, and he bought all the groceries. The least he could do was cook him dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo smiled as Jake stumbled out of his bedroom, sniffing the air like a hungry dog. His eyes were barely open, but he grunted when he saw Arlo placing the pan of baked Macaroni on the table.

"You didn't have to do this," he grunted.

"You fell asleep, and I'm sure it's been awhile since you had a homecooked meal. Besides, I always liked to cook," Arlo smiled, and set down two plates with forks and glasses of water.

"Well... thank you," he grunted again, sleep finally starting to clear from his face.

"Sure," Arlo smiled. They sat down, and began eating. "So, how was work? I didn't get to ask you before you fell asleep," Arlo chuckled.

"It was okay, busy. Sorry I fell asleep," Jake said, returning to normal now that he was awake and eating.

"That's alright, you haven't been sleeping well," Arlo said.

"Neither have you," Jake raised an eyebrow. Arlo laughed dryly.

"You shouldn't worry about me so much. You need your sleep, you work so much..." Arlo said. It felt weird, almost like he was back with Donovan. Except that Jake could never be like Donovan...

"I have every right to worry about you. You don't sleep and when you do, you have nightmares," Jake said, brow furrowed with worry.

"They'll go away..." Arlo whispered. He had dealt with a few patients that had suffered from abuse. He never imagined himself like that. He wondered if he looked as lifeless as they always did.

"But until then, just let me worry. Since I can't seem to do much else," he mumbled the last part.

"You've done more than enough. You've given me a place to stay. Somewhere I can feel safe," Arlo said. Jake slammed his fist on the table suddenly.

"I should have known!" he shouted out of nowhere. Arlo flinched. Jake dropped his head and sighed. He placed a large hand on Arlo's small delicate ones. "I'm sorry...." he said, as Arlo relaxed. "I just feel so guilty. I'm a cop for Christ's sake. I should have seen the signs! I see people like you every day and I know how to tell. I was just blind and stupid. I just didn't want to believe that you could... that he would... that......" Jake finally gave up and sighed, putting his head in his hands. Arlo could tell he was fighting back tears. He put his other hand on top of Jakes.

"You did more than enough, Jake. This was happening long before you came along and there were a million opportunities where I could have gotten help. But I chose not to. I chose to believe that he could change when he couldn't," Arlo said. Jake inhaled deeply before sighing. He nodded. "Please don't feel guilty," Arlo said. Jake looked up and smiled at him, before returning to his food. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"I invited my mother to stay with us for a week or so. I worry about leaving you alone during the day," Jake said. 

"Your mother?" Arlo bit his lip. He had never met anyone's mother before. At least not anyone he had dated.

"Yeah, she's really sweet. You'll love her," Jake said. "It will be nice to have her around." Jake smiled a little.

"Okay... thank you," Arlo smiled. Jake grunted a 'you're welcome' before shoving another bite of food into his mouth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh, aren't you just the cutest thing!" The woman reminded Arlo of Paula Deen. Her gray hair fell in curls and waves around her face, making her seem larger than she was. She smelled of perfume and dish soap. Her wide smile was filled with perfect white teeth, and her resemblance of Jake was almost scary. She pulled Arlo into a big hug, shoving his cheek into her breast. The woman was easily half a foot taller than Arlo. He felt like a midget. 

"It's nice to meet you, Ma'am," he said. Her southern accent was even thicker than Jake's when she said.

"Nice to meet you? Nice to meet you? Darlin' the pleasure is mine! Jacob has told me so much about you! You're just the sweetest little puddin' cup I ever done seen!" she said, pulling him into the kitchen by his waist. "My goodness, Jacob. If you don't hold on to this one, I'm going to take him home myself!" She smiled as she opened the fridge. Her smile was suddenly lost when she stood there for a moment. "Jacob Ivory Hudson, you call yourself a homegrown southern boy and you don't have a drop of fresh squeezed lemonade in this house? Shame on you!" she wagged her finger. Jake blushed and tried to hide his head in his broad shoulders.

"Sorry, Mama," he apologized. Arlo looked at him.

"Jacob Ivory?" he giggled a little.

"Shut up, Doc," Jake poked out his bottom lip in a pout.

"You be nice to this sweet young boy," the older woman frowned at her son.

"Yes, Mama," Jake replied, his southern accent coming out.

"I swear boy..." she mumbled, shaking her head at her son before turning her attention to Arlo. "Jacob here told me you like to cook. I think we're going to have fun together," she smiled and winked.

"Yes, Ma'am," Arlo nodded.

"Now drop that 'Ma'am' nonsense. You can call me Mama." She smiled and kissed Arlo's forehead, making him blush harder than he had ever blushed before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Arlo woke up early in the morning to the sound of Mama singing. Her voice was slightly off key, and she missed some of the words, but it still made Arlo smile. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, which Jake had moved him into when he left for work, and stumbled out into the living room wearing only some sleeping pants. He rubbed his brown and blonde streaked hair as he stepped into the kitchen where Mama had put a plate of pancakes down for him. He smiled and sat down.

"Eat up, Hon. We got stuff to do today!" she said, in her loud southern drawl. Arlo did as he was told, and devoured the heavy stack of pancakes in a few minutes. "Well goodness, Puddin' Cup. You don't waste any time do ya'?" she chuckled, and wiped her wet hands on her apron. Arlo shook his head with a mouthful of pancake and a smile. "Well, good. We got lots to do and little time to do it," she said, and took the apron off, hanging it from a chair. Arlo swallowed.

"Like what, Ma'am?" Arlo asked, and ducked his head with a blush when she glared. "Mama." he mumbled. She nodded with a smile when he corrected himself.

"You're in for a real treat today," she winked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo cried as he stepped through the door, Mama not far behind him. He wiped the tears away as his laughing finally stopped. It had been so long since he had laughed this much. He loved staying here. They had spent half the day jumping from store to store loading up on God knows how many baking goods, and now they were ready for the real fun part. Mama sent him to go wash his hands as she slipped her apron back on. He returned shortly, ready to start the mayhem.

"Here you go, Honey Bunny. You can wear Jacobs old apron, from when he used to help me bake as a little boy," she smiled.

"Jake used to bake?" Arlo couldn't help the laugh that spewed forward.

"Oh, he sure did," she smiled and handed him the plain apron covered in dinosaurs. It hardly covered anything but the first half of his chest, but he didn't mind.

They began with a cake. It was just a simple yellow cake with chocolate frosting, homemade, but as soon as he began mixing the bowl of batter with a large wooden spoon, he felt his muscles relax and his mind empty of all the thoughts that had been constantly fighting through. He couldn't help but sigh a little.

"Feeling better?" Mama asked, Arlo looked up, raising an eyebrow.

"Hm?" He turned back to the bowl at hand.

"Jacob hasn't told me any details about why you're staying here, but I do know that you went through something pretty rough, didn't you Puddin' Cup?" She asked, in her peaceful southern drawl. Without looking up, Arlo nodded. "Mmhmmm." She nodded with him. "This world can be a cruel place, honey. But nothing can make it seem alright like baking can," she winked, and handed him another bowl with the thick frosting in it. He continued to mix it while she poured in some more chocolate.

"Jake has been so nice, letting me stay here. I just feel like I'm a burden to him," Arlo whispered.

"Believe me, honey, you're anything but a burden. You're not the only one who's been through some rough times. Jacob is a sweetheart deep down, but the trick is getting deep enough to see it. He's been hurt a few too many times," she said, sadly.

"Hurt how?" Arlo asked.

"That's not my story to tell, honey." She looked over with a smile, before returning to the work at hand. "So what about your mother? Where's she hidin'?" Mama drawled. 

"She's not really in the picture," Arlo said sadly.

"What? Now who in the world would leave an adorable little snowflake like yourself all alone?" She put her flour covered hands on her hips.

"I don't know. My dad always told me she left and never came back. No warning... no goodbye. I was six when she left," Arlo said.

"Oh, Puddin' Cup, I'm so sorry." Mama patted his back, leaving a flour shaped hand print.

"It's alright. I don't really remember her all that well," Arlo shrugged.

"What about your father?" Mama asked.

"He died a few years ago of cancer," Arlo said. Mama frowned.

"You poor dear, well now you've got me. You hear that, Honey Bun?" she said.

"Yes, Mama." Arlo smiled and tried to stop tears from falling when she hugged him to her chest again. He didn't succeed. He tried to wipe away the tear before she saw it.

"Oh honey, you really have been hurt, haven't ya?" she frowned. Arlo couldn't stop it now, and let the tears fall. He sobbed and nodded as she held him. After a few minutes of crying and shushing, she pulled his head away from her tear stained dress. "You know what will ease the hurt? If only for a little while?" she asked. Arlo shook his head as he wiped away the tears. She smiled warmly, "cupcakes."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jake loved having his Mama around. The house was warm and felt alive and was filled with music when she was here. He tried to make it just as exciting when it was just him and Arlo but it never worked. It had been a long day at work and he was glad to return home. He could hear the music from halfway down the walkway. He rolled his eyes as he opened the door. The music doubled in volume as it flowed directly into his ears, the door no longer a barrier.

"What the-" Jake nearly swore in front of his mother when he stepped into the kitchen. Almost every surface was covered with some sort of mix, or flour, or batter, or frosting. Arlo stood in the middle of the kitchen with his mother, wearing his childhood apron. His hair was matted with some sort of dough, and there were smudges of frosting on his nose and cheek. The tiny apron he wore was covered with flour and he was holding a pastry bag in his hands, decorating cupcakes with Mama. 

"Jake!" Arlo smiled and greeted him. "Hi, how was work?" He laughed, as a glob of frosting fell off the poor cupcake who had the unfortunate experience of crossing paths with 'Arlo the baker'. 

"It was good... do I want to know what you guys have done with my kitchen?" he laughed.

"We made lemonade." Arlo took a sip of the bright liquid in the glass.

"And cookies!" Mama smiled as she pulled out a tray of sugar cookies in the shape of little men.

"I see," Jake laughed.

"We already made the first batch, I kind of dedicated them to you." Arlo moved so Jake could see the little sugar cookie men, decorated in blue frosting, with a yellow star on their chest, and a smudge of black here and there.

"What is it?" Jake laughed, Arlo pouted.

"They're little policemen," he looked down at his franken-cookie.

"I see..." Jake laughed. Arlo scowled and playfully squirted frosting at him. "Hey now!" Jake said, laughing as he dodged the sugar substance. He managed to avoid the rest of the sweets that Arlo threw, but didn't see his mother coming with the bowl of apple pie filling. She poured the goo onto his head. He couldn't help but laugh as the sweet mush dripped down his face. He stuck his tongue out and swallowed a glob of the sugary substance. "Is there anything you guys haven't made?" Jake asked.

"Nope, just about everything," Arlo confessed, looking around at the kitchen filled with three cakes, four sheets of cookies, two plates of crepes, four pies, two pitchers of lemonade, and God knows how many cupcakes. 

"Oh... alright then," Jake couldn't help but look a little disappointed.

"Nonsense! There's always more to bake!" his mother shouted, and cranked the oven up to 375 as Jake practically skipped into the kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Arlo was startled awake suddenly. He searched the dark living room frantically, and sighed when he saw that Donovan wasn't here. He had been having these terrible nightmares ever since he had left the home he shared with Donovan. He only got a few hours of sleep a night, and the few he managed to grab were filled with terrible dreams. He heard a small sound and jumped, sitting up on the couch. Inside he knew it was nothing. That he was just being childish. He knew it was probably a branch scraping the window outside, or the house creaking like houses do. But outside, he was terrified. 

Before he realized it, he was standing in Jake's doorway. The bigger cop was sleeping on the floor, Mama taking the bed, and hadn't even stirred when Arlo had awoken. He stared at him a moment longer, and glanced over his shoulder. He seriously considered asking to crawl in with him, but cursed at himself. What was he, four? He turned to go hide under the covers back on his couch, when Jake stirred.

"Huh? Whazzit? Arlo? Is everything alright?" he sat up suddenly, looking around.

"Oh... sorry. Yeah I'm okay. I'm sorry I woke you up," Arlo apologized.

"No no, it's fine. Are you okay? What's wrong?" he asked, groggily.

"Nothing... I just got a little scared... I'm okay," Arlo tried to crawl back to the couch, with his tail between his legs.

"Do you want to crawl in with me?" Jake asked, without hesitation. Arlo paused, his back to Jake. He bit his lip before turning around and nodding. Jake tossed back the blankets, and Arlo crawled in.

"Thank you..." he whispered.

"It's fine. Maybe you'll sleep better with somebody here," he whispered. Arlo listened to Jake's steady breathing as he began to fall back to sleep. He let his head rest against Jake's back, listening to the loud throb of his heart. In no time, he was sound asleep. For the first time in weeks, he didn't have a nightmare.



Arlo Ch. 05



It was time for Arlo to go back to work and he couldn't say he was happy about it. Since he was now spending most of his day at the hospital, and not at home, Mama returned to her own house. He couldn't say he was glad to see her go. Mama had made him feel warm and loved, in a different way than Jake did. Jake loved him like a boyfriend. Mama loved him like family. It was something Arlo hadn't felt in a long time. The staff welcomed him back with open arms, and no one asked any questions. Arlo felt like his life was finally being pulled back together, there was only one thing left that he felt guilty about.

He had been so proud of his AA chips. He had never really liked the AA meetings, and had only gone to a few. The meetings, the sponsors, the threat of losing his job and his education, none of it really broke through. What really got through to him, were the chips. They were something hard and physical. Something he could hold on to. But now that he had relapsed, he felt like he didn't deserve them.

"What are you doin'?" Jake asked, as he walked into the house. Arlo sat on the couch, looking at his box of chips. The many colors were still clean and bright, like the day he had gotten them.

"Nothing, just moping," Arlo mumbled.

"Over what?" Jake sat down on the couch with him, still in uniform. He leaned over and looked inside the old wooden box that Arlo had kept his chips in. "Poker chips?" Jake picked on up and bit it, frowning at the piece of plastic.

"Hey!" Arlo scowled and took the chip back. "They're my sobriety chips," he sighed.

"Ah, I see. That's a lot of chips," he said.

"You get one on your first day, your three week, and then three, six, and nine months," Arlo explained, "Your one year is the big one, and then after that it's every year," Arlo said. Jake did a quick count of the chips.

"You were doing good," he said.

"Yeah," Arlo murmured. The truth was he hated being sober. Almost any alcoholic did. At least for a little while. He was miserable. He had to face reality and think about his problems, not just drink them away. He knew he would get over it. Jake had been sure to keep all alcohol from his reach and Arlo quickly fell back into his normal, non-alcoholic routine.

"It wasn't a bad relapse you know," Jake said.

"Like there's a good kind?" Arlo frowned.

"Well, no. I just mean, you knew you were being stupid and it just took a kick to the head to get you to snap out of it," Jake said. "You shouldn't beat yourself up over it. You've been doing good," Jake said.

"I just feel like I don't deserve them. I messed up," Arlo said.

"Everyone messes up, Doc. I'm not going to lie and say that it wasn't your fault, because it was-"

"Gee, thanks," Arlo rolled his eyes and shut the box.

"BUT," Jake continued, "I will say that you've made an honest effort to not slip up again. I know you think about it. But all you've done is think about it," Jake repeated. When Arlo was still silent he added, "would it make you feel better to go to another AA meeting?," Jake said.

"No. They never really made me want to get sober anyways. All those religious Nazis do is make me want to drink more," Arlo laughed.

"You know, they have non-religion based AA groups," Jake chuckled.

"They always get in. They're everywhere!" Arlo said, in an ominous voice. Jake rolled his eyes. When Arlo went back to being quiet and thoughtful, Jake stood up. "Where are you going?" Arlo asked.

"Just hold on," Jake said over his shoulder. He dug around in a drawer for a minute, before pulling something out and keeping it hidden from Arlo. Arlo tried to peek, but Jake made sure to keep it close against his chest, covered by his hand. He rummaged through a few more drawers before sighing, obviously not finding what he needed.

"What--?" Arlo asked.

"I said hold your horses, cowboy," Jake said, his southern accent really coming out. Arlo smiled and watched as he headed towards the fridge. He pulled something out from the door, and then reached for a tooth pick. He worked over the counter for a minute, before blowing on whatever he had been working on for a minute or two. When he came back, Arlo raised his eyebrow at a poker chip covered in mustard.

"What the hell is this?" he asked, taking it from Jake.

"It's your relapse chip," Jake explained. Arlo noticed that he had copied the symbol that was engraved on his sobriety chips in gold. Of course this chip had it done in mustard. "I'll take these," Jake grabbed the box from Arlo's lap. Arlo pouted and reached for them, but Jake pulled them away. "You can have them back as you reach the milestones. Okay? And when you have them all back, you can throw away the relapse chip," Jake said. Arlo looked down at the mustard covered poker chip. 

"Okay," Arlo nodded. Jake dug through the box for a minute, and pulled out a white chip.

"I saw on a movie once that white was the first day chip?" he asked. Arlo nodded and took the chip. He held the two pieces of plastic next to each other, one a pearly white with gold engraved into it, and the other a sickly green with dried mustard scribbled into a clumsy symbol. Somehow, the relapse chip meant more to him than the others.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo sighed as he got off work. It had been a long day. He had spent most of it treating a child who had fallen into a bed of cacti. The poor boy was covered from head to toe in spines from the plants, and it took several nurses and himself to remove them all. His feet hurt, and he couldn't help but admit that the only thing he wanted right now was to sit in a nice dark bar with a drink in his hand. He dug the chip out of his pocket quickly, and glanced at the mustard covered item. He smiled and shoved it back into his pocket. Jake was getting off work around the same time as Arlo, and they had decided that they would treat themselves and go out to dinner together.

Jake had let Arlo pick the place, and he chose his favorite Italian restaurant. It was a bit expensive, but they agreed to split the cost so it wouldn't hurt them too bad. Soft music played in the background, and the place was nearly empty. They ordered and their food was brought out to them quickly. Conversation was slow, but finally Arlo brought up the subject that he had been thinking about for awhile now.

"Jake, you've been so nice to me. There's... there aren't words to say how thankful I am for everything you've done. You've given me a place to stay, and helped me stay sober, and your mom just welcomed me into the family like it was nothing." Arlo took a deep breath. "And I appreciate it, all of it. It means more to me than you could ever guess," Arlo said. "But I think it's time I moved out and found my own place again. Donovan can keep the house, I don't want it anymore." Arlo shook his head. "But I'm sure you want your own place back. It's not exactly big enough for all of us," Arlo said, counting the dogs Jake lived with. When he finally stopped rambling, Jake only stared at him.

"Doc..." Jake's skin took on a bright red blush. "Do you really think that I want you to move out?"

"You mean you don't?" Arlo asked, stopping his fork just a few inches from his mouth.

"No, I want you to stay with me," Jake said. "I know I said I didn't think you were ready to be in a relationship, but I also said that that didn't mean I didn't want one with you." Jake reached a hand across the table and placed it on Arlo's. "I love having you in my house. Before, that's all it was. A house. With you there, it feels like so much more. It's a home with you there, Arlo. I understand if you want to leave, I just want you to know that I want you there because..." Jake's skin turned an ever brighter red. "I love you, Arlo," he admitted. Arlo nearly swooned at his thick country drawal. He smiled, and opened his mouth, but no words came out. "You don't have to say it back, not yet. You still have a long ways to go before I think you're better," he said. "But you're well on your way, Doc." Arlo giggled. "What?" Jake frowned.

"You said my name," Arlo smiled.

"Whad're ya talkin' about, Doc?" Jake asked.

"You called me Arlo. You never call me Arlo," he smiled. Without warning, he leaned over the table and kissed Jake passionately. When Arlo pulled away, Jake whistled.

"If that's what I get everytime I call you Arlo, you can expect it more often," Jake winked.

"Sounds good to me." Arlo smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo was smiling to himself all day at work. The dinner last night had been followed by lots and lots of snuggling. Arlo was pretty sure that was his favorite thing about Jake, he loved to cuddle even more than Arlo did. Since that night when Arlo had slept with him on the floor, he hadn't slept alone. Jake always made sure he invited Arlo to sleep with him, so he wouldn't ever feel awkward about having to ask.

"Arlo, we have a car accident coming in," Ronda said, as she listened to the radio that the medics always called in on.

"I'll get room 1 prepped," Arlo stated, and got to work. He was getting a small group of people ready to treat the incoming patients when his cell phone chirped. He usually didn't carry it with him, but because of the recent Donovan situation, he decided it was for the best. He picked it up and, expecting to see a text, realized it was actually ringing. He answered it.

"Hello?" He frowned, realizing he forgot to check the number.

"Doc? Look, don't treat the patient coming in right now," Jake said.

"The car crash guy? Why not?" Arlo frowned.

"Because he's-"

"Here!" Ronda called out. Arlo turned and shoved the phone in his pocket, saying a quick goodbye to Jake. He jogged to meet the paramedics at the door, as they wheeled in the unlucky guy. Arlo began working on him quickly. He attempted to talk to him, but soon realized he wasn't responding. 

"Who is this guy? Do we have any records on him?" Arlo asked the nurses around him. Someone tugged the wallet out of his pants, and read through the information quickly.

"Donovan Cohen, I'll go check," she said, and ran off. Arlo stared down at the bloodied man. Through the matted hair, wounded face, and bloody clothing, he knew it was true. This man was Donovan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Doc?" Jake called out, as he ran into the hospital. "Doc!" he called out again. The young doctor was sitting in the hallway on a bench, with his head between his legs.

"Jake?" Arlo looked up and when he saw it was who he thought it was, he stood up and fell into Jake's arms.

"I'm sorry, Doc. I tried to warn you I just- I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Jake asked, pulling Arlo away so he could look at him.

"Yeah... I didn't know it was him until one of the nurses...." Arlo trailed off and looked lost. Jake pulled him back into a hug. He wasn't crying, but he was obviously stressed by the whole situation.

"What happened?" Jake asked.

"I was going to work on him, cuz I didn't know what you were talking about on the phone." Arlo sat down on the bench, and Jake followed. "We were just getting started when I found out. When I heard his name I had a panic attack. I've never freaked out around a patient before," Arlo whined. "They pulled me from him and sat me here. It's kind of a rule that you don't work on people you know," Arlo said.

"I know. Here," Jake said, and handed Arlo a bottle of semi cold water. He accepted it thankfully and took a long sip, before screwing the cap back on. "Are you sure you're alright? You're really pale," Jake said, and felt his head for a temperature.

"Yeah. I'm okay," Arlo said, and took a deep breath. He stood up and Jake saw he was visibly shaking.

"No you're not, come on. You're taking the day off," Jake said.

"Jake, I'll be fine. Really," Arlo said. "I don't want to just sit at home. I want to keep busy... and be near him," Arlo admitted. Jake paused.

"Do you still have feelings for him, Doc? After all he's done to you?" Jake was beginning to get angry.

"It's not like that. I mean, I'll always have feelings for him, but not in that way. We were together for a long time and even if he was a jerk, you can't do anything to get rid of all that time," Arlo tried to explain. Jake sighed.

"I don't understand," he admitted.

"I know. But I'm not asking you to understand, I'm asking you to deal with it. Okay? For me?" Arlo asked. Jake nodded.

"Okay. Do you need me to stay here with you?" Jake asked. 

"No, I'm already feeling better. I think I was just in shock," Arlo said.

"Okay... I'll see you at home. Call me if you need anything," Jake said. Arlo nodded. He turned and left, leaving Arlo in the hallway alone. 

Arlo spent the rest of his day milling about, trying to keep busy. He did little tasks and worked in the clinic for most of the day, dealing with colds and broken bones. But every time he had a free moment, he went and checked on Donovan. The man was obviously hurt badly, and they had struggled to keep him stable, but now that they had Arlo was beginning to calm down. He looked so much smaller and weaker in the hospital bed than when he had towered over Arlo with his fists raised. Arlo didn't know what he felt for Donovan anymore, but it wasn't love. He was beginning to think that it was never love. If it was, it was never returned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo dreamed of Donovan. Sometimes they were good dreams. Other times they were bad. He woke up three times in the night, and each time Jake had been there to comfort him. After the third time, Arlo got up and went to sit at the bar in the kitchen. Jake followed him quickly and sat with him.

"Want a drink?" Jake asked. Arlo looked at him like he was crazy, and Jake held up the little container he had grabbed before sitting down. "Hot chocolate. Mama used to make it for me when I had nightmares. That and..." he stretched and reached into the light fixture above the table, pulling out a package of Oreos.

"Why are you stashing Oreos?" Arlo rolled his eyes.

"Because, if you have them all the time, it ruins the magic." Jake smiled and set the bag down on the counter. He made them a cup of hot chocolate and sat down with Arlo. He took one, twisted it in half, and then let both halves float in the large coffee cup.

"You're such a weirdo." Arlo laughed, and just bit his cookie.

"What are you doing? You can't eat an Oreo like that! You're mad. I'm going to have to leave you for this. Get out of my house," Jake said, shaking his head sadly.

"It's just a cookie," Arlo laughed. Jake scoffed.

"It is not just a cookie! These," he held up the bag, "are Oreos. Milk's FAVORITE cookie. On top of their fluffy, creamy insides, they have the chocolate on the outside. Which means they go perfect with hot chocolate." Jake dipped a full cookie inside his hot chocolate and let it sit there for a moment, letting it get mushy.

"Then what's with that?" Arlo pointed at the gooey mess that had become of the cookie Jake had tossed in the hot chocolate.

"Simple," Jake finished a third cookie, and then drank the majority of his hot chocolate in a very precise manner, so that at the end he had a tiny bit of hot chocolate, with swirls of chocolate powder and warm cookie to drink.

"You make things way too complicated." Arlo laughed and downed his hot chocolate, before eating another cookie.

"An abomination is what you are!" Jake pretended to tear up and run away, arms flailing. Arlo laughed and followed him, leaving the cups and cookies behind. He found Jake in bed, pretend crying.

"I'm sorry, Jake," Arlo said, with fake sincerity. "I promise next time I'll eat Oreos your way." He smiled. Jake looked up, forcing his lip to quiver.

"Promise?" he asked, like a small child.

"Promise." Arlo burst into laughter. Jake smiled and pulled Arlo into a big hug

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"Yeah," Arlo smiled, not letting go of Jake. "Thank you."

"No problem," Jake shrugged, and smiled down at Arlo with care.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Donovan woke up the next day. Arlo was already at the hospital, working, and so he only had to walk down the hall to see him. All he had to do was walk, but that wasn't what he did. His shoes squeaked on the floor as he slid around a corner and took off again to reach Donovan's room. As soon as he arrived at the doorway, he stopped. His heart pounded in his chest and he was out of breath. But that wasn't what made him freeze in place, it was Donovan's eyes that met with his. Arlo hadn't seen him since the day he put him in the hospital. 

"Hi," Donovan said.

"Hi." Arlo couldn't help it when his voice cracked. He didn't know if it was from relief, fear, freedom, or any of the other 300 emotions he was feeling. "Are you okay?" he asked, without even thinking about what he was saying.

"Yeah. I guess I am," Donovan said.

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Arlo mumbled.

"Maybe it is," Donovan replied, voice filled with sorrow.

"Don't say things like that, Donovan," Arlo said. Donovan stared at him for a long moment.

"I'm sorry, Arlo. It's just... since you left... I don't know." Donovan shook his head.

"Since I left? Like you gave me a choice?" Arlo felt his anger flare.

"I didn't make you leave," Donovan frowned.

"You didn't? Really?" Arlo crossed his arms, and Donovan sighed.

"You're right. I did," Donovan nodded. "I've missed you." Arlo remained silent. "Did you miss me?" Donovan asked.

"Honestly?" Arlo asked, Donovan nodded. "No, I didn't. It's been nice being able to get a full nights sleep and not waking up sore, or with bruises everywhere," Arlo said seriously.

"Look, I said I'm sorry, okay?" Donovan asked.

"No you didn't. You've never said you're sorry, and meant it." Arlo added the last part to be clear.

"Well I mean it this time. I'm sorry I hurt you, Arlo. Forgive me?" Donovan asked. Arlo stared at him for a long time before nodding.

"Yeah, I forgive you." Donovan beamed. His eyes lit up and his smile was wider than Arlo had ever seen it.

"Thank you so much, Arlo! You won't regret this, I've changed I promise! I'll get sober again, I'll go to AA meetings! Everything! We can get a new house, leave all those bad vibes behind. We can-"

"Donovan," Arlo interrupted him. "I said I forgave you, not that I would go back to you," Arlo clarified. Donovan frowned.

"But... Arlo..."

"No, Donovan. I have to do what's best for me now. I can't let you ruin my life anymore," Arlo said. When he had come in, he had told himself that he wouldn't cry, but that obviously wasn't happening. He felt hot tears stream down his face as he continued. "I'm happy, Donovan. I'm happy, and I'm in love, for the first time in a long time." Donovan stared at him blankly. "I'm sorry. I really am. But I can't hurt myself again by going back to you."

"Just give me one more chance, Arlo, please," Donovan begged.

"I've given you too many chances already. You blew it, Donovan. I'm sorry." Arlo turned and walked out of the room. He only made it around the corner before he began sobbing. He held onto the wall for support, and cried. When he felt large hands wrap around his shoulders and slowly massage them, he looked up. Jake stood behind him, his gentle face smiling softly.

"Jake? What are you doing here?" Arlo asked.

"I told the nurses to call me when he woke up, I wanted to be here for you," Jake said.

"How long have you 'been here for me'?" Arlo asked.

"I may have eavesdropped a little..."Jake admitted. Arlo scowled.

"That was a private conversation," Arlo said.

"I know, but I worry. I'm sorry," Jake apologized, and hugged Arlo.

"It's okay," Arlo said. "Can we go? I really just want to be with you right now," Arlo said, hugging Jake possessively.

"Yeah, I can get the rest of the day off. How about we make a thing of it and go to the movies or something? Maybe go hang out at the park?" Jake asked, as they left the hospital. It was still pretty early in the morning, and they had time. Lots of time.




Arlo Ch. 05



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlo smiled quietly to himself as they walked home. He loved to walk. It was just enough exercise to take things off his mind, but also allow him to think. Walking with Jake was even better. He was silent, but made it obvious he was there. The cool night air played through Arlo's hair, making the hair on his arms stand on end. It was cold out, but he liked it. He never was one for the heat. Jake had taken off his jacket and was enjoying the crisp air as well.

"Jake?" Arlo finally picked up the conversation they had dropped. 

"Yeah?" Jake wrapped his fingers around Arlo's, in a tight hold.

"I want to have sex," Arlo said, looking up at his boyfriend. The word felt foreign, even in his mind. Jake seemed like so much more.

"Are you sure? A lot has happened the past few days, Doc," Jake said.

"I know. But I think I'm ready. I feel like this is the last step. I'm finally free of Donovan. It's time to move on, and this is the last thing I need, and want, to do," Arlo said, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to kiss Jake.

"If you're sure about this, you know I'm all for it. But I want you to be sure," Jake said. Arlo could tell he was obviously trying hard to be the good guy in all of this. 

"I'm sure," Arlo smiled.

"Then fuck this walking shit," Jake smiled, and grabbed Arlo's hand as he took off in a run. Arlo laughed as he caught up to Jake, sprinting towards home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They hit the bed hard, and Arlo's clothes were already half way off. Jake was trying to be slow and tender, but was failing miserably. 

"Jake, I'm not made of glass," Arlo smiled. Jake blushed. "I like it rough," Arlo whispered. Jake let out a low growl, before diving down and biting the tender skin around Arlo's neck and shoulders. Arlo groaned as Jake played with his nipples, tweaking and pulling the cinnamon colored peaks. He slid his hands under the waistband of Arlo's briefs, jerking him off slowly. Arlo whimpered with pleasure as Jake pulled down the briefs, and threw them to the side.

"I want to see you, too," Arlo said, after Jake took a moment to drink in the sight of Arlo's hardening cock. He smiled and pulled back just far enough so that Arlo could slowly unbutton his shirt. Once his top half was stripped, Arlo took the chance to thread his fingers through the ample amount of chest hair that covered Jake's upper torso. 

"Does it bother you?" Jake asked.

"I like it." Arlo smiled, and continued to curl his fingers around the sprinkling of hair. "But there's more I want to see," Arlo tugged at his belt. Jake helped him strip off the jeans he wore, and soon his cock bobbed free of the confining clothing. Arlo wrapped his thin delicate hand around Jake's thick cock, and began stroking it lovingly. Jake returned the favor by gently stroking Arlo. They kissed and stroked each other to the brink of release, before Arlo stopped. "I want you inside me," he whispered. Jake nodded silently, and reached for his fallen jeans, pulling out a condom and a small tube of lube. He poured a large glob onto his fingers and, without looking away from Arlo's gaze, slowly began opening up his lover. He pushed in a few fingers and slowed down when Arlo hissed. "I'm okay. It's just cold," he giggled a little. Jake nibbled his bottom lip, before pushing in a third finger. He pumped the digits in and out, until he was sure Arlo was prepared. He grabbed the small package and tore it open with his teeth, and was about to roll it on when Arlo took it from his hands.

"Let me?" he asked, and took the rubber from Jake. He rolled it on gently, stroking his cock as he went, until it was on. He leaned back and raised his knees a little, until Jake grabbed them and pushed them back against his chest. He wrapped Arlo's knees around his elbows, and lined up his cock. He freed one leg, just long enough to push the large head of his dick into Arlo's tight hole. Arlo moaned as Jake pushed in another inch.

"Are you okay?" Jake asked. 

"I'm more than okay. This is what I want, what I've wanted for so long," Arlo whimpered. He leaned up and kissed Jake again, before letting him build the steady fucking motion. He let his hands snake upwards into Jake's hair, and he held onto handfuls of the smooth hair that was normally hidden by his hat. Jake grunted as he fucked Arlo harder, making him moan each time he withdrew his cock from the tight heat that was Arlo's ass. Soon Arlo couldn't take it anymore. "Jake... I can't... oh God. I'm going to cum," he gasped, as Jake continued to pound into him.

"Cum for me, Doc," Jake whispered, and bit down on a peaked nipple. Arlo arched his back and cried out as he came. Jake held onto him tightly, as the waves of pleasure passed through his thin, but toned body. As he watched the feeling of ecstasy on Arlo's face, he lost control and filled the condom with his seed. Now a heap of exhausted bodies, Jake pulled out, and tied the condom off before throwing it away. He lazily crawled out of bed and walked into the bathroom, retrieving a warm wet washcloth. Jake wiped Arlo down quickly, removing all traces of his cum, and all of the sticky sweat he had been covered with during their lovemaking. After wiping himself down, he crawled back into bed and spooned his lover gently.

"I love you, Jake," Arlo whispered.

"I love you too, Doc." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Epilogue

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ready?" Ronda asked, as Arlo straightened his tie, and looked at the beautiful white rose on his coat. 

"Definitely," he smiled in the mirror, before heading towards his destiny. The standard music played as he walked down the aisle. He hated that he was the one to walk, and that Jake had begged him into letting the classic song play. He didn't want such a 'straight' wedding. But if it was what Jake wanted, Jake would get it. Mama cried in the front row, tears of joy luckily. She wiped at them as Arlo walked by and winked at her. She smiled and burst into tears again. The rows were filled with friends and family. Some of which Arlo had never even met. Doctors and nurses from the hospital filled other rows, Rhonda was his 'best man' and he was glad for that. Donovan sat in one of the aisles, smiling at the couple happily. 

After that day in the hospital, five years ago, Arlo had agreed with Donovan that they would remain friends. No matter what Donovan had done, they couldn't erase the time they had together, and Jake respected that. But, by no means did he like the other man. They didn't talk much, but Arlo had insisted that he wanted Donovan at the wedding. Donovan had been eager to accept, but only if it was okay with Jake. The threat of a month without sex was enough to make it okay.

Jake waited for him up ahead. Another thing he had insisted on was having the wedding in a church. Arlo had agreed to all of these things for one reason and one reason only, the wedding was for Jake. He loved the other man dearly, but didn't feel the need for a wedding. He had seen the hurt in Jake's eyes when he denied his proposal at first. When he spoke about how he didn't need a wedding to show the world they were in love, he knew that Jake didn't want it for that reason either but for himself. So Arlo had agreed, and he realized it was very much worth it to see the absolute joy on Jake's face. Arlo smiled as he reached the end of the aisle.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," Jake smiled. "You're gorgeous," Jake said. The one thing Arlo had put his foot down on was not wearing a white tux. But Jake had talked him into the white rose after a week or two. The matching tuxedos they wore were perfect, and Arlo had to admit that it made him want Jake more than usual. The man did look good in a tux. 

"Dearly beloved..." the priest began. Arlo couldn't focus on the words he was saying, and it felt like Jake couldn't either. Both of them simply stared at each other, having a silent conversation just to themselves. Neither of them could believe this was it. That they were getting married. They had known that they were committed to each other and no one else, for years now. But this seemed so final. To them and to everyone else.

"Do you, Jacob Ivory Hudson, take A-" The priest cleared his throat. "'Doc' to be your husband, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish his friendship and love him today, tomorrow, and forever?" the priest asked.

"And yesterday, too," Jake smiled. Arlo couldn't help but laugh, when his southern accent came out.

'Will you trust and honor him, laugh and cry with him? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?" 

"I will," Jake said, his eyes glossing over with unshed tears.

"Do you Ar-" Jake gave him a look. " 'Doc' take-"

"I will," Arlo interrupted. Jake smiled and laughed.

"Well, my job is easy, isn't it," he mumbled and threw his hands up. "Do we have the rings?" he asked. A cute little girl who Arlo knew to be Jake's niece came running up, two boxes in hand. Arlo frowned and took the one handed to him, while Jake took his. "Go on! You don't need me for this part," the priest said said. Jake smiled and opened his box.

"Five years ago today, you were sitting on my couch, sad and lost because you had made a mistake. Five years ago today, I made you a promise that I intend to keep." Jake pulled out the gold five year sobriety chip from the box. "I hope you remembered to keep yours," Jake said. He handed Arlo the chip. Arlo smiled down at the shining metal in his palm, and with a little confusion, opened his own box. In the box was the ugly, mustard stained poker chip that Jake had drawn the logo that all sobriety chips had onto. He smiled, and handed Jake the chip back, who took it willingly. "Now you have all of your pieces back," Jake said. "And can start getting new ones," he added. 

"I intend too," Arlo smiled, his eyes welling up.

"You may now kiss," the priest smiled. Jake dropped the box to the floor of the church, and pulled Arlo into a rough hug. Arlo giggled and smiled as Jake hugged him, before pulling him into a passionate kiss. His heart raced as the crowd before them cheered and clapped. After a long moment, Jake finally pulled away and smiled out at everyone. 

"I love you, Doc," he said, just quiet enough so that Arlo would be the only one who could hear it.

"I love you, too, Jake. More than anything." He couldn't help the tears that fell from his face. Jake wiped them away, and kissed him once more, just a peck on the lips. 

"Now lets party!" he cheered, and so did the crowd. 

Arlo was almost dizzy from the music and the food and the cake that they fed each other. He had never been big on parties, but this was one he would remember for awhile. Of course there was no alcohol, and he felt a little bad that everyone was sober. They didn't have to ruin the party on his account. He was about to say so to Jake when the loud sound of someone clearing their throat on the microphone cut through the crowd.

"Excuse me," Donovan said. "Uh, hi. First of all," he spoke when the crowd died down and everyone was looking at him. "I want to thank Ronda, for allowing me to steal her 'best man' speech," he said. Arlo looked at Jake, who shrugged. Ronda waved from where she sat, a drink of water in her hands. "For those of you who don't know me, which is almost everyone here," he laughed nervously, "my name's Donovan, and I'm the ex of the groom." When he looked towards the happy couple, Arlo waved, still wondering what was going on. "One of them anyways, I'm not that kinky," Donovan said, stirring forth a laugh from the crowd. "Arlo is my ex, and a few people who know that here have asked me, 'well, doesn't this make you mad? Don't you miss him?' and I just want to say..." he looked at Arlo. "I do miss him, every day. He's a wonderful person and way more than I deserve. But the only thing I want is for him to be happy. And that man standing right there is what makes him happy." He pointed at Jake who smiled, thankfully, and kissed Arlo's temple. "I'll always love Arlo, and he'll probably always love me in some way. But this is what was meant to be. I'm sure I'll find someone someday and he can be the one standing up here like an idiot being jealous," Donovan joked, making the crowd laugh again.

"I just wanted to come up here and say that I wish the groom and... groom-two all the luck in the world. Even though I don't think they're going to need it, they have love on their side after all. I love you guys," Donovan said, and shut off the mic. The crowd cheered and clapped as Donovan made his way through the crowd to hug the two men.

"Thank you, Donovan," Jake said, as the crowd went back to the partying.

"It's nothing man, you guys deserved every word. I owe you a hell of a lot more than some dumb speech," Donovan laughed.

"It wasn't dumb. It meant a lot to me, Donovan. Thank you." Arlo pulled away from Jake just long enough to hug Donovan and give him a kiss on the cheek.

"You're welcome," Donovan nodded. Since he had nearly died in that car accident five years before, he had given up drinking for good. Seeing Arlo happy had finally made Donovan realize that maybe he could be too. With the help of Jake and Arlo, he recovered. He got anger management help, and had been going to every AA meeting he could find. After five years, he didn't feel guilty every time he looked at Arlo's face. "I'd love to hang out and chat, but you guys have a dance to do." He pushed the couple out onto the floor, as they began swaying to the slow music together. 

Not long after, everyone sat down at the tables to eat dinner. Arlo sat next to Jake, constantly touching him for comfort. He loved the feel of Jake's hot skin under his hand. Even through the tuxedo he could feel the natural heat that poured off his body. Jake dug into his pocket suddenly, and pulled out a box. He opened it, and two rings sat inside.

"I knew you would like the poker chip thing. But I always wanted wedding rings," Jake said, and slipped one of the rings over Arlo's finger. Arlo stared down at the glistening band and smiled.

"Thank you," Arlo said, and kissed Jake's lips passionately.

"That's what husbands are for." He smiled.

"Husband... I don't think I'm ever going to get used to that."

"Oh you will, I'll make you moan it a whole bunch on the honeymoon," Jake smiled. Arlo groaned.

"My ass is already sore," he laughed.

"Oh, I almost forgot. There's an engraving in it", he said. Arlo pulled off the ring, and look on the inside of the gorgeous band. He frowned.

"Mine just says 'Gummy'..." he said, confused. Jake showed him his. "'Worms'... out of all the things you could have had engraved on our wedding rings, you picked Gummy Worms." Arlo couldn't help but burst out laughing at the stupidity of it all.

"I love you, Doc. I don't think any words could ever describe it. But I love Gummy Worms almost as much," Jake nodded.

"Oh shut up, you big dumb cop," Arlo shoved him playfully.

"Okay, my sexy doctor," Jake winked. Arlo stared into his eyes and couldn't help the satisfied look that crossed his face. "What?" Jake asked.

"I finally got my happy ending," Arlo smiled.

"I got mine, too," Jake said, and wrapped his fingers into Arlo's hand.

"I wouldn't trade it for the world," Arlo whispered.

"I love you," Arlo said, kissing Jake's ear.

"I love you, too, Arlo." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~