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Cooking With Fire

Nine o' Clock Suppertime

copyright 2022 comidacomida

There was no comforting Robert that night, and he spent little-to-no time sleeping; not even Don could help calm him down. He'd been awake for over twenty four hours by the time the police stopped by the house to get a statement from him-- a situation that complicated matters significantly due to the condition he was in when they arrived. He had to work hard to convince him that he was not under duress and that none of his room mates were responsible for his disheveled appearance or mental distraction. Craig, who was nearby went to great lengths to blame that solely on Robert's dad, but his interjection didn't help a lot.

Once Don ushered Craig and Phil out of the room and the police could speak to him one-on-one he was able to clarify the situation. The fact that everyone was comfortable enough to leave him alone with the police men helped reassure them that he was not a member of a cult and he was also not under duress. They concluded the conversation with providing him a card each and informing him that they won't follow up with him unless he reaches out first. He did have one final question though. "What now then?"

The two cops looked at one another and the one who had spoken least was the one who answered. "Well, seeing as you're here on your own volition and there are no obvious signs of wrongdoing, we'll be filing a report noting that we did not witness any apparent crimes and that you are neither being held against your will nor under any apparent signs of coercion. Since this is no longer a legal matter, there's not really much more to be said."

And, like that, the cops were gone. With the legal issues out of the way, Robert was hopeful that things would fizzle out and that it would be one horrible experience behind him. The police, good to their word, did not stop by again and, as far as the young man knew, there was nothing more he had to worry about... until he discovered that his family sold their version of the story to the tabloids. Shortly thereafter he began getting contacted by media outlets... most of them, according to Craig and Don, were the 'less than upstanding' kind and they encouraged him to have nothing to do with them. Unfortunately that only gave them more incentive to try and reach him. The chaos had truly begun.

The week that followed was a game of cat and mouse in Robert avoiding phone calls (including texts), knocks at the door and, on more than one occasion, being tailed on his way to classes. By the end of the week he was also being spoken of in chat rooms, on vlogs, in podcasts and, as feared, in all of the tabloids he'd refused for interviews; apparently people could make up their own stories, and had no trouble doing so with or without his input. He started receiving calls from organizations who referred to him alternatively as a hero or a villain. Those who applauded his ability to overcome what they referred to as "a hateful and backward family" said he was a symbol of hope for the world, while those who referred to Humans and Dogs 'being together' as an abomination, sin, or unnatural said he was morally bankrupt.

Pro and Anti Leasher groups each rallied around the message the media was saying about him, both creating their own version of the narrative and painting him in an entirely different light. The greatest problem for Robert was that neither of them presented him CORRECTLY-- he was just a guy trying to finish college who happened to love his Great Dane room mate. The Anti-Leashers were telling him he should go home and stop embarrassing himself and his family while the Pro-Leashers were eager to provide him support and guidance, but both groups were completely oblivious to him-- they each spent far too much time presupposing his motives and who he was as a person.

Robert had Dogs as friends-- or, "friends with benefits". He had a Great Dane as a fiance! Even so, at the end of the day he wasn't trying to make a statement; he wasn't trying to be a role model; he wasn't trying to change the world or affect society or the way peopole should think. More than a full week after the story played on the news, Robert was still hounded by the blow-back from the report and, while he was safe from any police interference, the media in its different forms hadn't lightened up and, in fact, it got worse when several reporters were found waiting for him on campus mid-week. It didn't go well.

As he approached the main hall he was set upon by a small mob-- it almost reminded him of a Hollywood style surprise press conferences in front of a court house in one of the crime movies Craig liked to watch. It was, in every sense of the word, surreal. Ambushed by a collection of microphones and cameras, Robert probably would have been completely lost if not for the timely intervention of one of the University's deans. Robert didn't know the man personally but, fortunately for Robert, the dean knew him, and quickly pulled him into the staff area, followed by a trip directly to his office.

Dean Carter, who, in that moment, had been his hero, turned out to be anything but. Once Robert was seated with a small paper cup of water in his hands, Dean Carter took a seat behind his desk and tented his fingers on the desk in front of himself. "Robert.... McMillan, correct?"

The statement came out as if the Dean had to consider him from memory but, based on the fact that Robert saw his student file on the desk, he realized that ht wasn't exactly a genuine pause. "Yes, sir. I... um... thank you for--"

The Dean held up a hand to forestall any statement. "Mr. McMillan, I understand that you are enrolled here in the culinary program. Based on your grades you seem to be excelling at class and are, by all accounts, on pace to graduate-- possibly even early."

The young man wasn't really sure where the discussion was going at that point, but at least it sounded good. "Yes, sir. I've really been enjo--"

The man continued. "Although I have not been following the news as closely as some, I understand that you've recently become something of a local celebrity."

Robert felt his face flush. "It was just a misunderstanding, I think. My fath--"

The Dean spoke right over him, leaning forward to level his gaze at the young man. "This university has an open door policy to all students from all backgrounds, walks of life, sexual orientation, religion, creeds, ethnicity, race and countries of origin, so whatever the topic for discussion in the media has no bearing on your status here as a student-- please let me make that clear."

Unsure of what the Dean was getting at, Robert shrugged. "Uh... okay?"

Dean Carter leaned forward slightly, his face softening just a little. "That being said, it is important that we also do our due diligence and make certain that you are not in any danger or under coercion... please be honest with me, Mr. McMillan... are you... safe?"

Fighting back a pang of indignation for being the constant target for 'concern', the young man choose to be much more conservative with his answer. "Yes, sir. I'm fine. Honest."

The Dean slid Robert's file off to the side and placed his hands back on the desk, interlacing his fingers as he spoke. "Good. I am glad to hear that. So... the only other topic for discussion then is what to make of this media circus on campus..."

Letting out a steady breath since he had apparently managed to get past the most uncomfortable part of the discussion, Robert nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry about that... I don't know why they're following me, and I told them I don't have anything to say about--"

Dean Carter raised a hand again, silencing Robert. Clearing his throat, the older man let out a sigh. "This campus is a place for learning. We are focused on educational excellence and, while I realize that the media is not here at your request, they ARE here because of you, and that creates problems for the students and faculty."

"I--"

The Dean spoke right over him. "As we've already discussed, your grades are exceptional and your instructors only have positive things to say about you..."

"Yes, Sir, I really--"

Once again, the administrator didn't give him an opportunity to speak. "...which is why, after careful deliberation, we have elected to provide you an extension on class attendance, doing away with the in-person requirements for lectures and scheduled in-seat hours."

Although the Dean had finally fallen silent to let the words sink in, Robert needed that time to process what he'd just heard. His certificate required that he have a certain number of in-class hours... which were being waived? And the lectures were how he learned-- he didn't have to attend those either? Even with that realization settling into his mind, he realized another thing was not addressed. "What about lab time? Applied learning and kitchen hours? What will--?"

Dean Carter went right back into interrupting him. "Your instructors have already set up online courses for you to take, along with at-home activities you can use to practice techniques the rest of the students will be learning in class. The AV department has checked out a camera for you so you can do your applied learning in asynchronous format. Your instructors will be expecting weekly videos showing your applications of techniques you will be learning via video instruction, and--"

Robert, stress level increasing, raised his voice for the fist time in the meeting. "WHAT ABOUT LAB TIME?!?!"

He immediately sank back into his chair, feeling his entire body tingle with embarrassment and silently berating himself for losing his focus and nerve. Looking away from the Dean, he nevertheless paid attention when Dean Carter cleared his throat and spoke slowly, enunciating each word clearly. "We will revisit this in two weeks and, all things being equal, if your presence on campus does not generate further disruptions, Chef Devereaux has volunteered to provide you kitchen time after hours."

Feeling even worse for very nearly blowing-up in the Dean's office, Robert spent the rest of the meeting simply nodding his head. On one hand, he hated that he was being singled out by the administration because of things out of his control but, at the same time he understood why they had to take such steps. Class would be a lot different, and he'd have to make up a lot of lab time in the university's study kitchens once everything blew over, but it wouldn't be THAT bad... and, he reminded himself, he'd have more time at the house with Don. That thought kept him from losing his mind on the way home.

Despite how much he was looking forward to having Don with him at home, Robert's very short day at the university meant that he would have a two hour wait until his fiance got back from the massage parlor. Instead, the Human got the unconventional comfort of Craig, whose classes didn't start until early afternoon on that day. Robert's twenty minute description of the situation at hand was summarized by the Boxer in four simple words "Well then: fuck em."

"Excuse me?"

The Dog took Robert's surprise in stride. "Hey, Rob-- I know you're not the kinda guy who likes the spotlight and you do whatever you have to do in order to not make waves in the hopes that they'll just pass you by, but that isn't the way you're gonna get ahead of this. Whenever those reporter types catch the scent of a juicy story they won't stop at anything to get it... and the more you try to avoid em, the more they think you have something to hide."

Robert couldn't completely argue against Craig's reasoning, but the media wasn't his only problem. "Okay... but this is just as much about the dean as it is about the media. I mean... I'm not the one causing problems on campus... am I?"

The Boxer leaned back on the couch and offered up a shit-eating grin. "And, on that front, I call your attention back to my general solution: Fuck em."

The Human was not convinced. "It's university administration. I can't just--"

Craig put a paw over Robert's mouth. "I don't mean LITERALLY... and it's not like I'm telling you to slash his tires or anything. What I mean is, you can't dwell on it, Rob. You're not going into class and they gave you a way you can keep up with classes. Accept it and move on... and focus on what you CAN control-- like the damn reporters."

For as often as Craig had really bad advice, Robert was surprised at just how reasonable the Boxer actually was. Sure, the Human didn't particularly WANT to hear what Craig was saying, but it wasn't entirely an unsound recommendation. Still, he couldn't help but at least put up a token objection. "But I won't be able to get any kitchen time at the university until this whole thing blows over."

Craig shrugged. "Can you do anything about it?"

Robert lowered his gaze, considering the question. "Well... maybe I could submit some kind of written objection..."

The Boxer let out a very unflattering raspberry sound. "Yeah... so, that's just another way to say you can't do anything about it. You mentioned that one of your instructors will help you make it up, so just move on. Sure, it's not fair, and if THAT'S your problem then focus on that, but if it's something you can't fix there's no sense beating your head against a wall, am I right?"

Robert realized hew as in a losing argument, but not exactly how he went from venting about his morning to getting into an argument of fairness versus fighting the system. Just as he was about to point that out, however, Don's voice called from the entryway. "Who's beating their head against the wall? And why's Robert home?"

The Human's secont retelling of his morning resulted in a much better reaction the second time: encouragement, comfort, and support-- much more of what he hadn't realized he'd been seeking. Robert hung out on the sofa between the Boxer and Great Dane, further exploring his own thoughts aloud and Don smacked Craig every time the Boxer tried to butt in. By the time Craig said his farewells before heading out to class Robert felt better-- or at least better enough to not feel like he had to obsess about it.

Once they were alone Don licked his forehead and pulled him in for a close hug. "You okay, babe?"

Robert let out a long sigh, snuggling into his boyfriend's embrace. "A little better now, yeah... I just really needed to vent, I guess."

Don chuckled, snuffling the top of the Human's head. "Lemme guess: Craig kept wanting to solve your problems with advice?"

The young man chuckled. "Yeah-- except his advice was just 'fuck em'. Over and over. I swear, sometimes he simplifies things SOOOO much and thinks everyone else is making things diffuclt because of it."

The Great Dane slowly disengaged, unloading his pockets on the coffee table before sinking even deeper into the sofa. He offered a wide grin. "Well, Craig comes from a long line of hammers... and, when every problem looks like a nail...."

Robert finished the thought, albeit, not with the usual trite answer. "You tell your friends to fuck em?"

His comment got a genuine laugh out of his boyfriend, who responded by pulling him into a full bodied hug. The two snuggled on the sofa for several moments before Don went back to snuffling the back of his head. "At least you're sounding better than you did when I first got home... I was worried for ya, Robert."

The Human gave his fiance's paw a squeeze. "I was kinda worried for myself, to be honest... but-- yeah; I'm better now that you're here."

Don responded by first giving the back of Robert's head a firm lick. "I'm a good distraction, eh?"

Robert let out an inadvertent giggle when his fiance rubbed his stomach with a free paw. Smiling, he snuggled back against the Great Dane's chest. "Definitely."

The Dog gave him a firm hug. "Good... and, with any luck. maybe tonight will help distract you even more."

The comment definitely caught the Human's attention. "Why? What do you have planned for tonight, exactly?"

Slowly disengaging, Don sat Robert in his lap so that they were facing each other. "Remember how Phil was hoping to get a date with Lee?"

It took Robert a moment to remember Lee: Liam, the Human Phil was interested in dating. "Yeah... but what does that have to do with--?"

Don smiled. "I thought it might be fun to go out, so when Phil suggested a double date..."

The Human groaned. "Really?"

The Dog's smile disappeared, ears falling slightly as he reached forward to take hold of Robert's hands. "When I said 'yes' I didn't know what you'd be going through today, babe. Listen... if you're not up for it, I'll just let Phil know."

One part of Robert liked the idea of shutting himself up in his room and not leaving the house until everything was over and done with but, looking into his fiance's eyes and seeing the concern and worry there, the young man realized that he needed to be strong for more than just himself. "I guess... it'll be okay."

Don's smile returned, and was accentuated by the rhythmic thumping of his long, thick tail on the back of the sofa. "I'm excited, and I know Phil is too... but, you know, if you just want quiet time we can always do a rain check, Robert. Your mental health is important to me, and I don't want you to--"

Robert, smiling, leaned forward and silenced the Great Dane with a kiss. "It's fine. Honest. I love you, Don. Thank you for worrying, but I think this just might help me focus on something besides myself and my problems, so it's win-win..." The Human smirked, "...just tell me that we'll be going somewhere that doesn't let press in and all my fears will be pushed aside."

Don's tail picked up speed and enthusiasm. "Lee's house, actually... so, yeah-- private property, so he call tell the press to get lost."

A dozen thoughts went through Robert's mind when he heard that they wouldn't be going out for a date. He wondered if Liam were as big a shut-in as Phil; he worried that he would make a fool of himself in Phil's love-interest's personal space; he pondered if they weren't going anywhere because Lee was a starving college student like the rest of them; most of all, he wondered if Lee's place would be large enough for two Humans and two Dogs when one of them was a Great Dane.

Out of all his concerns, none of them turned out to be well-founded, especially the last one... but he didn't realize that until he was standing outside what looked to Robert like an honest-to-goodness mansion. He summed up that thought with a single word. "Wow."

The building itself was easily twice the size of Don's aunt's house, and that included their garage, which was a separate-but-attached structure at Liam's. Although it wasn't a gated property, the land itself was at least an acre, and included a looping driveway. As Don pulled up, Robert saw that Phil's old economy coupe was already parked out front. Already feeling out of place, the Human waited until Don had exited the car before following. "We aren't in town still, are we? It's so quiet!"

It was, in fact, very quiet. Back at home, Robert and his room mates dealt with some kind of noise at all hours. Whether it was due to being so close to two campuses or just because it was in the middle of a residential area, there were sounds of life all around them. He was pretty sure they were still within city limits but the area was completely different; the Human was sure it was quiet enough that he would be able to hear a car drive by two blocks over. Don's response was enough to almost make him jump at the disruption to the silence. "Yeah... the north side of town has always been pretty quiet-- mostly retirees and vacation homes."

As the two of them approached the double front door, Robert was taken aback by the intricate shaping of the wood including what looked like crystals (or at least etched glass) windows embedded into them. He didn't miss the shifting of figures which he could just make out through them and, a moment later the door opened up and Robert got his first full view of Liam. He figured they were roughly the same age-- Liam didn't have more than a year on him, at least... but the differences were many.

Where Robert normally kept things proper and only instigated eye contact when speaking, Liam was immediately attentive. Liam kept his shoulders back, exhibiting casual confidence and his easy smile was something that left Robert simultaneously welcomed and incompetent. How could someone be so relaxed? His thoughts were disrupted when the man spoke up, his voice a smooth, almost melodious baritone-- not too deep, but far from high pitched. "Oh! Hey! Phil said you'd be along. Glad you guys could make it! "

Robert wasn't always good at reading people, but the strongest impression he got of Liam was that their host was probably the kind of guy who would always go one step further than necessary and he was prove right when, upon offering his hand for a shake, he was surprised that Liam instead went in for a big, hearty hug. The young man was usually put off and queasy about physical interaction, yet Liam managed to disengage a split second before that reaction took place, leaving Robert a little off-balance as he was welcomed in. Don took it in stride, accepting the embrace around his ribs by offering their host a hearty slap on the back. "Thanks for the invitation. Phil's said a lot about you!"

Liam laughed it off, a huge smile on his face as he spoke jokingly. "Depending on what he's said, either it's all true, or they're all lies!"

Entering in through the door, Robert saw that Phil was hanging just within the doorway with a pair of drinks-- one in each paw. "Hey guys! Lee put together some mixed drinks for everyone."

Robert accepted his hesitantly. "Drinking age is still 21 here... right?"

The question earned him a slap on the back from Liam. "Hey-- it's non-alcoholic. I may be pretty wild but I follow the laws...." at which point he lowered his voice into a theatrical whisper, impish grin plastered on his face, "...but, if you DID want something with a little kick..."

Phil elbowed Liam. "I don't think I've ever seen Robert drink... he makes some AMAZING food with cooking wine though."

Liam's face lit up with animated glee. "Oh? You cook, Rob? That's fucking awesome! I've always wanted to learn my way around the kitchen!"

Robert froze at the comment; he always had trouble when someone referred to him by a shorter version of his name because of the social awkwardness of having to correct them. Thankfully, Don stepped in. "It's 'Robert', actually... right, Love?"

The young man offerd an apologetic smile to their host, thankful for the back up. "Yeah... I don't really like going by 'Rob'."

Liam, again, showed his social grace by acknowledging his misstep and moving on without it slowing down his pace in the least. "Oh, my bad, Robert. Sorry... anyway, dinner's almost ready, so how about we hang out for a bit... you know-- get to know each other?"

Something about the statement didn't fully compute, and, as he followed after Don he asked Liam "Didn't you say you don't cook? What are we having tonight?"

Their host laughed easily. "Yeah... oh my god, you wouldn't want to see me in the kitchen. Ms. Loughlin is one of my family's personal chefs. When I enrolled in university this year they told me to bring her along so I wouldn't do the usual college student thing and go unhealthy. Dad promised me I'd be on some gym regimen if I gained weight and who even has time for that? Ugh!"

Robert hadn't had much experience dealing with people who had large sums of money; back home, anyone who would be considered 'wealthy' went to great lengths to let people know it. The last thing he expected was someone who had any degree of wealth would be so casual about it in a way that wasn't implicitly showing off. As they all took a seat in what Liam had referred to as 'the lounge' reminded him of his grandmother's 'sitting room'. At that point, the conversation slowly drifted to details about Liam, and the introduction to his life left Robert rather intimidated.

Liam, as it turned out, was a year older than the rest of them; he'd taken a year off after high school to travel the world. He had, in fact, graduated a year early from a prestigious academy (or, more specifically, got thrown out of three until one just gave him the final exam to get him out of their hair) so he'd had two years of life experience jet setting around the globe. Although Robert came from money (thanks to his grandmother's careful saving habits and some good business deals his grandfather had made in the 80s), Liam was from old money and, unlike Robert's family, particularly high brow... even if he came across as casually indifferent and almost flippantly irreverent.

Liam, as he described himself, was something of a wild child... or, more specifically, had been... in his youth. According to himself, he had calmed a lot after doing his forray into globe trotting (though Robert certainly didn't see it), which had helped open his eyes to the world. At that point he took a break in his story to reach up and scratch Phil behind an ear, then leaned in to kiss the Basenji's furry cheek. "That was about the time I also came to realize that I was a Leasher."

Robert really didn't know how to process that. He had a snide remark or two he could have shot out in order to make himself feel better but, he realized, it would probably have made him feel petty instead. Rather than saying something confrontational, he instead asked plainly "You learned you were a Leasher when you were traveling the world?"

Don, wonderful, precious, loving Dog he was, did not have Robert's reservation and spoke what had been on the Human's mind. "Pretty expensive self-discovery-- my fiance here learned he was a Leasher without having to leave home."

The young man found himself blushing profusely, and it only got worse when Don gave his hand a squeeze. Liam, on the other hand, burst out laughing, slapping his leg to accentuate the humor as he pointed his glass to Don in a toasting motion before taking a sip. "You'd think so, huh? But, nah... I knew I was a Leasher pretty early on... I just didn't realize that I wasn't just looking for ANY Dog-- I bet Robert knows what I'm taking about, right? It's not about being with 'A' Dog-- it's about THE Dog."

Robert shot Don a glance; the Great Dane smiled at him and they leaned in for a kiss. The young man found it strange that the public display of affection which normally made him feel squeamish doing with others around didn't generate that reaction when they were in front of Liam. Their interaction resulted in Liam and Phil sitting just a little closer to one another and, as their host and the Basenji interlaced fingers, Phil gave Liam a little elbow. "Oh! Lee! Tell them about your trip to Nigeria!"

Their host spent the next twenty minutes regaling them a story about his trip to Nigeria and the time he spent out and away from civilization with the Ekuke Tribe, an entire tribe of Dogs who lived a very humble nomadic life in the Savannah. Robert found himself enraptured with the storytelling prowess Liam exhibited so easily, complete with engaging side-stories and occasional humorous anecdotes and, before he knew it, they were interrupted with a dinner announcement.

Robert had almost expected something stuffy and uncomfortable with upper-class EVERYTHING, but he was pleasantly surprised to see a very modest kitchen table with beautifully mundane place settings; apparently Liam didn't feel the need to intimidate guests with five different kinds of forks-- another positive difference between him and the rich families back home. They sat down to a lovely dinner with a recipe Robert spent some time dissecting with an intent to replicate it in the future; it was the greatest praise he could offer of any dish.

Phil and Liam, Robert had to admit, were a very cute couple. He could tell how into one another they each were and yet, Liam still managed to include Robert and Don in the conversations and pleasantries despite how much he doted on the Basenji. Regardless, the two of them got along seamlessly and it was so enjoyable to watch that Robert didn't mind being excluded from some of the conversations, which went way over his head. A lot of them, he realized, were pop culture references.

It went well enough until Liam politely tried to include Robert in the discussion. "Which is why I liked the third one more than the second-- better humor... plus, the director is AMAZEBALLS. What do YOU think, Robert?"

Having just figured out that the sauce included white peppercorn, the young man looked up from his dish. "Oh... I guess they're all okay... if I have a super hero movie on it's usually just playing for background noise."

If he thought that would get him a free pass from Liam he was sorely mistaken; apparently their host wanted to actively include him. "Well, yeah... I guess maybe you're more a thinking-man movie-goer or something? So... what DO you like to watch?"

Looking up from his attempt to dissect a collection of noodles, Robert set down his fork. "Oh... well... I grew up mostly with John Wayne and Roy Rogers... my dad really likes older Westerns... he said most Hollywood stuff these days is 'heathen garbage'."

Only after the words were out of his mouth did Robert realize just what he'd said, and he immediately felt embarrassed. Moreover, the thoughts of his family created a deep, cold pit in his stomach. Liam didn't help the matter when he realized something was wrong. "Oh, shit man. Sorry-- I know you're goin' through a lot with your folks and the media and all... I didn't mean to bring up--"

Phil's touch on Liam's arm was enough to get their host to go silent. Robert was thankful for it but, at the same time he felt the silence even more acutely. He knew he had to do something to salvage the night. "It's alright... just stuff I have to deal with."

Liam nodded. "Yeah... Phil told me that you still have folks bugging you."

Don reached out to take hold of one of Robert's hands in a physical show of support. Letting out a sigh, Robert just shook his head. "We... kinda came out here tonight to get away from all of that. If it's all the same could we just--" He paused when his phone rang. Glancing to it, his follow up sigh was even wearier. "Speaking of, it sounds like they are trying to get me by phone again..."

Liam sat up a little straighter. "Well... THAT I can help with! Just gotta tackle em head on. What you need is a little PR help!"

Robert looked quizzically at his host. "PR? What do you--?"

He was cut short as Liam reached across the table and grabbed Robert's cell. Pressing the talk button, he held it up to his ear. "Hello. Robert McMillan's phone. Liam Walsh speaking."

Robert almost fell out of his chair, stumbling as he went to try and recollect his phone. Liam, however, didn't really pay him any attention, continuing to speak with whomever had called. "I'm sorry, unfortunately Mr McMillan's schedule has been booked solid lately. May I please inquire as to the purpose of your call?"

Don helped Robert get back up even as the young man was focused on Liam, who continued speaking with a wily glint in his eye. "Oh, yes... I would be happy to schedule a meeting with him, but he is backlogged quite a ways out. Right now my management fees cover first come first serve, but I'm sure I can squeeze you in. What Channel did you say you're with? I'll need an expense account card number for billing..." he paused, as if listening to a question. "Oh... Twelve hundred dollars." He paused again, winking at Robert.

Robert looked to Don then Phil then back to Don. "I don't want to get paid for an interview-- I don't want to talk to anyone at all."

Liam wasn't done. Addressing whatever the person on the phone was saying, he continued. "Oh, no... I'm sorry-- you must be mistaken. That isn't a booking fee... that is a scheduling fee. That will be debited within the next two business days. Once I can confirm an opening in Mr. McMillan's schedule we'll be able to put you down. Now... did you want fifteen minutes for $2500, or would you prefer a half hour for $4,000?" He paused. "Hello? ...Hello?"

Smiling, Liam tossed the cell back to Robert. "There. One less call you'll have to worry about now."

Even though Robert had his doubts, by the time dinner came to an end with no further interruptions, he had to admit that Liam, eccentric as he was, seemed to have at least a basic understanding of how THAT part of the world worked-- far more than he himself did, at any length. Once they had all eaten, their host led them into the living room, insisting that they take a look at a foreign film he wanted to show them.

The movie, as it turned out, was not only difficult to follow (the subtitles didn't help much), but was so far out of Robert's usual experience with media that it lost him within fifteen minutes. The young man's only consolation was that Don seemed to be just as disinterested, and the two of them spent most of their time snuggling into one another, occasionally playing noiselessly as Don kept pinning Robert's fingers and he kept trying to avoid it, all the while holding hand-in-paw.

Liam and Phil, as it turned out, were not as idle either. During a mushy scene Robert thought might have been a flashback, he glanced to the love seat where the two were seated and noticed that Liam was in the Basenji's lap, fingers twirling at an errant piece of chest fur which was sticking out between two buttons in Phil's button-up shirt. He blushed, and looked back to Don who, he realized, had also taken notice. Unlike Robert,however, he had no trouble speaking up. "You two want us to step out or something? Looks like your interest is in something other than the movie."

Liam just chuckled, inclining his head so he could kiss Phil on the nose; the Basenji's tail picked up speed. Turning to regard Robert and Don, he stuck his hand fully into Phil's shirt between the buttons. "No need to go anywhere-- I realize that the movie isn't the most amazing in the world... I figured it when I helped fund it but, since I practically financed the damn thing I figured I could try to get my money's worth out of it, so I show it off when I get a chance in the hopes I'll eventually find a target audience."

Robert's 'public display of affection' sensor was going off, making him even more ill-at-ease right up until Don's big paw landed on his thigh and gently stroked it. The Human felt a dirty little thrill run up his spine at that, and calmed just enough to keep him in place. The big Great Dane addressed their host. "You better be nice to Phil."

Liam winked. "I'm always nice... besides, I'm sure I'm not going anywhere Robert hasn't already been."

The young man tensed. "I--"

Their host full on laughed. "Relax, Robert... just saying that I'm impressed that you have a whole harem of Dogs-- kinda jealous, to be honest."

The statement didn't do much to help. "I-- that's not-- I mean.... you-- when I--"

Liam's laughter didn't stop. "Robert! RELAX! I'm just yanking yer chain, guy!"

Robert let out a hesitant little laugh, but what really calmed him was the soft, gently brush of a nose against the back of his head, followed by a calm, firm kneading of his thigh by Don. The young man let out a shaky breath. "Oh... heh... right..."

The other Human had his hand down Phil's pants, and the Basenji's toes curled so hard that Robert could hear their joints pop from across the room. Smirking, Liam winked at Paul. "Yeah... after all, I'd rather be yanking Phil's 'chain'."

Robert didn't have a chance to feel embarrassed, especially since Don had turned to nibbling, and was already unbuckling his belt. Even though he wasn't exactly how comfortable he was in sharing intimate moments with a relative stranger, he wasn't going to say no to Don. He didn't know what he was getting into, but he knew what was going to get into him.