A Beautiful Disaster

by Marguerite Labbe

  Some schmuck sidled up to him, and Brenden turned toward him with a welcoming smile, leaning against the bar. Dakota glared at the interloping jerk. Oh, he was all wrong for Brenden, smooth and overpolished. Fucking faker.

  “Uh-oh, why are you shooting death glares at the bar?” Morris said as he pulled out the chair next to him. “You and Brenden fighting?”

  “Would you look at that?” Dakota asked in disgust, jerking his chin toward the bar. “As his wingman, I can’t let that slide. Brenden can do better than that kind of jackassery.”

  Morris caught his arm as Dakota started to stand. “I thought you’d decided to back off. Getting between Brenden and anybody he flirts with isn’t backing off. It’s staking a claim.”

  “I did, but….” Dakota trailed off, as he couldn’t come up with any real reason to go over there other than jealousy. He didn’t have any right to keep Brenden from living his life just because Dakota wanted Brenden and his freedom too.

  There was a half smile on Morris’s lips that Dakota didn’t understand. He settled back in his chair with a grumble as Brenden continued to make conversation with Mr. Grade A Schmucktastic.

  Morris patted his shoulder. “I’m grabbing a beer. If you see Theo, wave him down, but I’m not expecting him for a bit.”

  “Grab mine while you’re at it. Brenden might forget.” Too busy making conversation. Brenden didn’t flirt. At least Dakota had never seen any evidence of that. He was too straightforward.

  Aden and Julie reached the table, and Aden pulled out a chair for her. “Who decided on this place when it was ’80s night? I don’t know any ’80s songs,” Aden complained.

  “That would be that man right there.” Dakota pointed toward the bar, where Morris had stopped to speak with Brenden. “He plans on making a Journey run.” Dakota had a love of music from all eras and genres. He collected records, on top of having a scary-assed library of songs on his computer. He’d introduced Brenden to Journey at about the same time Brenden had introduced him to comic books, and they’d both found a new love.

  “I have no idea what a Journey run is,” Julie confessed and poked Aden. “Grab me a wine and a glass of water.”

  “Where’s Zach?” Dakota called to Aden’s back as he headed for the bar.

  “Parking the car.”

  “Hey, bring my wayward Brenden back with you. Time to get this party started.” Dakota refused to feel bad. Brenden could pick up somebody after they had their night of group fun.

  “I cannot picture your brother cutting loose and singing,” Julie said as she waved toward the door to capture Zach’s attention. “Brenden is scarily self-contained.”

  Dakota grinned as the group at the bar made their way over. “Watch and prepare to be amazed.”

  “Here you go, Mr. Impatient.” Brenden set the beer down in front of Dakota and then took the seat beside him as a trio of girls launched into Bananarama on the stage. “Oh yeah, this is going to be fun.”

  Aden nudged Julie’s arm as he sat down. “You going to give it a go?”

  She shook her head emphatically. “Hell no, but I’ll have fun listening and dancing.”

  “You are not allowed to sing ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’” Zach tapped the song list Brenden perused. “Everybody does that, and if you have to do a damn ballad, stick to one. I do not want to have the mood in the joint go all emo.”

  Brenden rolled his eyes and made a shooing motion at Zach. “Fine. Wasn’t planning on it anyway. Are you doing Bon Jovi?”

  “Of course,” Zach scoffed, then turned toward Dakota. “And you, no singing, unless you’re in a group. Or something like ‘Brass Monkey.’ You could probably get away with that.”

  “Brenden already made me promise not to get on stage.” Dakota peered over Brenden’s shoulder at the list. “Though I do want one ballad from you.” He was dying to hear Brenden sing. “And let’s make this challenging. No prompter.”

  “Challenge accepted.” Brenden didn’t even bat a damned eye, and he looked toward Zach with a teasing gleam. “If this knucklehead agrees to the same. Can you handle Bon Jovi without a crutch?”

  “Bring it.” Zach dug out his wallet. “Anyone else putting requests in?”

  “I might later,” Morris said. “After Theo gets here and I’ve had several drinks.”

  “You aren’t bad,” Dakota assured him as he clapped for the performance as it ended. “I’m bad.” As Zach and Brenden headed toward the KJ with their requests, he considered what they were likely to pick. He’d rather be surprised than ask.

  “I’m not sure if ‘not bad’ can compete.” Morris eyed the guy belting out Eurythmics. “Though I can probably match him with enough liquid courage.”

  There was a decent run of singers who picked fun tunes. By the time Brenden went up for his first song, they were on their next round of drinks and Theo had joined them, egging on Morris to do a duet with him. “Okay, hush.” Dakota flapped a hand at them. “I want to hear.”

  “Bets on him flubbing the lyrics?” Julie asked as the opening strains of “Separate Ways” began. Dakota should’ve put money down on that being one of the songs.

  Zach and Dakota exchanged glances. “You would lose,” Dakota said, tapping his fingers along to the music. “But if you want me to take your money, I’m game.”

  Brenden’s voice rolled out in the opening lines. His voice had a rasp to it, a deep tone that lent a darker edge to the song. Dakota leaned back on two legs of his chair and let the sound of Brenden’s voice wash over him in a comforting haze. Emotions flickered over his face as he sang, and Dakota couldn’t help thinking of all the different things Brenden gave him.

  Brenden didn’t just challenge him, give him companionship, get his hormones jumping, and everything else that went with being with someone. The times when life was it its worst, Brenden gave him security, an ear to listen, a kick in the ass when needed, and an unspoken promise that no matter what, they’d tackle the problems together. The restlessness that always had Dakota searching for the next guy, the next conquest was absent with him. But because it was quiet, because he was still trying to grasp what they meant to each other, he hadn’t recognized what it could mean. It made him nervous to contemplate it now.

  “Flynn lives!” Dakota raised his fists into the air as the song ended. Brenden grinned and pointed the microphone at him, and Dakota’s heart flipped. It looked so good to see him relaxed and enjoying himself. He would do whatever it took to have that expression on Brenden’s face more often.

  “Who’s Flynn?” Theo asked, and Morris dropped his head in his hand with an exasperated groan. “What?”

  “Come on.” Dakota shoved Theo’s shoulder. “You had to have seen Tron. Everybody’s seen that movie.”

  “Nope,” Theo admitted cheerfully as Brenden returned and plopped down in his chair with a smile that warmed Dakota right up. This had been a good plan.

  “Morris, you need to do your duty and see to it your man gets caught up on the important things in life.” Dakota squeezed Brenden’s shoulder. “That was awesome.”

  “I’m trying, man.” Morris gave Dakota a long-suffering sigh. “I have to prioritize. TV shows first, then movies.”

  “It’s okay.” Julie gave Theo a friendly smile. “I haven’t seen Tron either.”

  “You will. Hang around with him long enough.” Aden pointed to Brenden. “He’ll subject you to it.”

  “Normally, I’d be offended, but I recall I made you watch it twice when you came over last.” Brenden took a sip of his martini with an apologetic smile. “So you’re forgiven this time.”

  “Oooh, I’m up.” Zach downed the rest of his beer and headed toward the stage.

  “Does he sing as well as you?” Julie asked, and Dakota and Aden snickered.

  “No, but he’s energetic and definitely into the whole rocker thing,” Aden said as Zach launched into “One Wild Night” by Bon Jovi.

  “Hey, foul!” Dakota shook his fist at the stage. “That’s
not ’80s.”

  “He bribed the KJ with a twenty, and he let it slide since it was Bon Jovi.” Brenden clapped along as Zach got the dancers going in a frenzy.

  Aden grabbed Julie’s hand. “Come on, if I can’t get you on the stage, I can get you on the floor.”

  Theo leaned over and whispered something to Morris, who shook his head. “Nope. You’re getting me to dance at our wedding. That’s enough for a lifetime. Believe me, you do not want to inflict my oversized feet onto everyone else on that tiny floor. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

  “You cheated,” Dakota accused as Zach returned to their table.

  “Nope, I sang Bon Jovi, no prompter.” Zach smirked. “You didn’t specify ’80s, so that’s on you.”

  “That is true.” Morris stood up and stretched. “I’m getting some food before we get another round. Anyone in?”

  “Yeah, but don’t take his side.” Dakota nudged his chin toward Zach as he pulled out his wallet. “He knew the unwritten rule. Order some wings, extra hot, and those pretzels with cheese.”

  “Facts are facts.” Morris took Dakota’s money and shrugged at Dakota’s accusing scowl. “Hey, my dad’s an attorney. It wasn’t in the verbal contract.”

  “Fine.” Dakota turned to Zach. “Next one has to be ’80s.”

  “Too late.” Zach leaned back and turned his attention to the stage and the Bangles song. “I already paid for my selections.”

  “I can’t believe you let him get away with this.” Dakota laid his arm across Brenden’s shoulders and leaned in. He smelled good. Dakota had the urge to nuzzle him under his ear and hear Brenden’s breath catch.

  Brenden started to relax against him, then stiffened and pulled away. “I wasn’t paying attention. Besides, he did nail it. You’ve got to give him kudos.”

  Dakota was in too good of a mood to put up an argument. “Fine, you win, punk-ass.”

  Zach grinned, completely unrepentant. By the time their food arrived, Aden and Julie had returned from the dance floor, breathless and thirsty, calling for another round of drinks. Dakota noticed how Aden had his arm around her and she snuggled in closer, her eyes sparkling. How Morris and Theo held hands and leaned in close together to talk and exchange intimate glances. Zach had even gone off to flirt with some girl at the bar.

  Dakota eyed Brenden, who sang along to the music, his entire attention focused on the stage. Dakota had always given in to the urge to touch, to hug, to declare his affection, and Brenden had allowed it to a point and then pulled back to where it was safe. Except for one night when he’d returned it wholeheartedly and then some. He wanted that back.

  “Hey, Bren.” Dakota leaned in, resting his chin on Brenden’s shoulder. “Do you think—”

  “Hold that thought.” Brenden stood up and tugged down his shirt. “They’re calling my name again.”

  “Remember, you promised me a ballad,” Dakota called after him as Brenden headed toward the stage. Brenden lifted his hand in acknowledgment.

  Satisfied, Dakota sat back on the two legs of his chair, his attention riveted on the stage. Brenden closed his eyes as the piano started and his voice drifted across the crowd. The conversation of the others completely faded into the background in meaningless noise and movement as Dakota sat mesmerized. He’d listened to Brenden sing a hundred times, but something about him tonight…. He didn’t know if it was what they had shared or if it was the lyrics that hit home so hard, but he couldn’t turn his back on a chance they would beat the odds together. This was him and Brenden. If he were to bet on anyone accomplishing something together, it would be the two of them.

  Then Brenden opened his eyes and looked right at Dakota, and he forgot to breathe. The rest of the club fell away into a void. All Dakota registered was Brenden on the stage, the words he sang to him that summed up the two of them in short lyrics.

  No way was he letting Brenden slip away from him.

  But Brenden wouldn’t come easily. Dakota knew that. Brenden wouldn’t believe in Dakota’s promises. He had his head set that it couldn’t happen. Brenden would see every obstacle, mistrust every seduction. He would have to be wooed, romanced.

  This was a new situation for Dakota. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever romanced anyone before. And he was used to being chased, not doing the chasing. Where did he even start?

  The song ended, and Dakota drew in a deep breath and glanced away to see Aden studying him with his eyes narrowed. Dakota lifted an eyebrow in return and turned toward Morris. Maybe he’d have some romancing ideas. Morris grinned at him and mouthed “Good luck.”

  Dakota hadn’t realized his feelings for Brenden were so obvious, even if he wasn’t entirely sure what all those emotions entailed. Didn’t matter. He didn’t care if everyone knew. He smiled at Brenden as he returned and pulled out his chair and leaned toward his ear as he sat. “I’m never going to be able to hear ‘Open Arms’ the same way again.”

  Brenden searched his face. “Me too,” he said, then turned back toward the stage.

  “So are you going to run off with that guy you were talking to at the bar?” Dakota stopped himself before he could give his opinion and held his breath for Brenden’s answer.

  Brenden shrugged, not looking at him. “I decided I wasn’t really interested in a hookup.” There was a long, pregnant pause as Brenden held himself still. “You?” he asked in a deceptively casual voice.

  “Nope.” Dakota sat back with relief as Brenden relaxed. Now that one worry was out of the way, he could go back to figuring out how he was going to woo Brenden out of his emotional armor.

  Chapter Eighteen

  BRENDEN LAYERED the thinly sliced potatoes into a casserole dish, added the onions, bacon, seasoning, and gruyere, before pouring in the milk and cream. He didn’t even want to think about how this was going to go straight to his ass when they ate it. He only made it for Easter because it had become a traditional dish, and he wasn’t about to leave all the work to Evelyn like all those other damned Nye boys.

  He slid the dish into the oven and eyed the glorious ham already roasting. His mouth watered. He loved Evelyn’s ham.

  As he straightened, Evelyn was putting the finishing touches on a tray of deviled eggs. “Here,” she said, handing the tray to Julie. “Why don’t you bring this out to those bottomless pits in the living room? Then sit down and put your feet up. We’re all done with the prep here.”

  “Trying to keep them from raiding the fridge again?” Julie asked, taking the tray and snagging a six-pack of beer.

  “Yes, and grabbing a few minutes of peace and quiet.” Evelyn set the bowl she’d been using into the sink as Brenden turned to clean up his prep area. “So, what’s going on with Dakota?”

  Brenden’s guilty heart leaped into his throat. His hands kept moving, collecting dishes as his mind raced, trying to both think of an excuse while figuring out what she was getting at, which pretty much meant it stopped functioning. “What do you mean?”

  “Is he seeing anyone new? Someone he’s particularly keen on?” Evelyn pressed.

  Brenden thought longingly of the dubious safety of the living room where the Nye men were raging at whatever sport of choice they had on. “If he’s seeing someone, he hasn’t told me.” Brenden was sure Dakota wasn’t, because he’d been even more underfoot lately and acting odd too. Dakota kept eyeing him like he was contemplating a serious move. At least the teasing and smart-assed comments hadn’t changed. It was a cornerstone of their relationship.

  He contemplated starting a minor argument so things would return to their normal. They hadn’t had an argument in over a month. That had to be a record. Debating with Dakota was a stress relief for Brenden. They both thrived on it. Brenden was so close to asking him what the fuck was going on, but fear of the answer held his tongue.

  “You’re not holding back on me, are you, Bren? He tells you everything.” There was a suspicious note in Evelyn’s voice that made Brenden glad he wasn’t facing her.

  “He to
ld me he called you,” Brenden said in a desperate attempt to deflect as he grabbed the washcloth and paid meticulous attention to wiping down the counter. He had to make sure there were no dirty spots, not in Evelyn’s kitchen. “Is that what’s got you wound up?”

  Evelyn sighed, and Brenden heard the clink as she pulled a bottle of wine out of the rack. He could use a glass. “Dakota’s a tough one to crack. He’s not one to pour out his worries unless it’s really bothering him. Usually, he’ll give you a grin and a joke or get irritated with you if you try to find out what’s wrong with him.”

  “Or you catch him in the middle of the night.” That’s when Brenden received most of Dakota’s confidences. He rubbed the washcloth in circles, feeling a desperate need to confide in Evelyn himself. He wasn’t a teenager anymore. Evelyn and Trev’s reasons for wanting Dakota and Brenden to stay just friends were pretty moot. They were no longer heartbroken boys in need of unconditional love and a home.

  Not that he expected Dakota to want a relationship beyond what they had, but the guilt of breaking his promise was eating at him. He tried telling himself he had no reason to feel fucking guilty, but it didn’t help one bit. He had given his solemn word, and Brenden never backed out on a promise.

  “You always were a good brother to him.” Brenden cringed at those words as she laid an affectionate hand on his shoulder. “How about you? What’s going on with you?”

  “Me?” Brenden forced himself to meet her eyes. “Stressing myself out as usual.”

  She huffed and rubbed a hand over his scalp. “You and Aden worry yourselves into shadows, and more often than not Dakota and Zach don’t worry enough.”

  Brenden cracked a smile. “You’ve always had our number.” He slid an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. “Dakota and I will be okay. At the end of the day, we always have each other’s backs, even when we’re annoyed with each other. I’m not going to let him fall apart any more than he’d let me. He even nursed me when I got so sick, and we all know how Dakota feels about that.”