How Amazing It Feels Just To Live Again, part 2 (of 3, since its too big for one post here)
How Amazing It Feels Just To Live Again
Author: heartsdesire456
Rating:NC-17
POV: 3rd
Pairing: Gustav/Tom Bill/Georg
Summary:The companion/sequel to It Starts Just Where The Light Exists (picks up immediately after Gustav and Tom's wedding)
Newly married, Gustav and Tom Schafer are faced with the joys of finally being married after a rocky start. However, once the first few month's blind happiness start to fade and the inevitable rumors of Tom's past begin to leak out, the couple discover that the consequences of their controversial marriage are no longer vague notions but harsh realities.
Author's Note: FINALLY DONE!
Gustav and Georg sat down at a table at the pub and ordered drinks. “So, only four days until the ball. How is Bill holding up?” Gustav asked and Georg chuckled.
“Losing his mind,” he said, smiling fondly. “He hasn’t sleep in a few days, he’s so worried,” he said. “He’s nearly pulled his hair out he’s so worried,” he said. “I tried to convince him he didn’t have to worry so badly, that everything will be fine, but he’s really a perfectionist,” he said.
Gustav smiled. “They both are,” he confided. “Tom gets annoyed when I leave things lying around. He’s not as bad as Bill, but he’s getting worse all the time! He organized my closet by color of the jackets last night while I was sleeping!” he said.
Georg chuckled. “I wish Bill would organize his closet. He just leaves things lying around,” he said.
“Hey, Listing!” They both turned and saw one of their old school friends coming over with a few guys. “How’s it been. I haven’t seen you in ages,” he said.
Georg smiled. “Hey Boris!” he said, shaking his hand as he came over. “Conrad! I haven’t seen you in ages,” he said, shaking the other men’s hands. “
Boris shook Gustav’s hand. “Schafer! I heard you were off at university,” he said. “Fabien here said you were in lectures with him before Christmas but left abruptly.” He nodded at his friend.
One of the others piped up. “No, I heard you got married,” he said, and Gustav nodded.
“I did, Heinrich. Only a few months now,” he said, smiling.
Boris looked at him. “Wait, you’re not the one that married that Trumper boy a few months ago, are you?!” he asked, looking shocked. “The one that goes by Kaulitz?”
Gustav frowned. “Yes, I am,” he said. “Why?” he asked and Georg put a hand on his tense forearm.
“He’s all the gossip this week,” Heinrich said. “Greta Handel saw him and some boy who is his brother in town not long ago. She said the other one used the family name Trumper and that one used Kaulitz. She didn’t say who they were married to, so I didn’t know,” he said. “Just that the Kaulitz one married a few months ago,” he said.
Conrad leaned over. “Did you know what they say?” he asked.
Gustav frowned. “What are they saying?” he asked, lowering his voice.
Boris smirked. “I hear he was disowned for getting around with married women,” he said. “And daughters.”
Fabian shot Boris a look. “Not just daughters,” he said. “I don’t know the boy’s name, but if he’s the Trumper boy I’m thinking about, I’ve…heard things. I saw his brother shopping with his mother two years ago. Ridiculously nice body,” he said in a low voice. Georg tensed, fighting to keep his mouth shut.
Gustav squared his shoulders. “I know about my husband’s past,” he said without hesitation.
They all gave him shocked looks. “You married a whore?!” Boris hissed, and Gustav save him a stony look.
“Do not call my husband a whore,” he said. “His past is not the present,” he said firmly.
Fabien smirked. “Wonder if it runs in the family. I’d love to hear if his gorgeous brother gives visits on the side,” he said, and the others chuckled.
Georg stood quickly. “Shut your mouth!” he snapped, positively fuming. “I married the other Trumper and I will not stand for you speaking dishonorably about my husband,” he said, glaring.
“Relax, Listing!” Fabien said. “Be glad you’re his husband,” he said, smirking. “I have to wonder though, how do you know he isn’t like his brother? Sneaking around?” he asked, and Georg’s cheeks flamed with anger.
“Nadel, do not make me shut your mouth for you,” he growled.
Gustav put a hand on Georg’s shoulder. “Georg, relax. You know the truth and that’s all that matters,” he reminded him.
Fabien grinned. “Tell me,” he leaned close to Gustav’s ear. “Is Tom the Stable Boy as good at sucking it as he was when he was working at his mother’s home?” he asked so that only Gustav heard.
Georg didn’t have a chance to react before Gustav swung, punching Fabien Nadel so hard he flew over the table behind him.
There were shouts as they began fighting in the middle of the pub. Georg and the others ran to separate them, shouting for them to stop.
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Tom was spending the day with Bill and their dogs, so when one of the Schafer carriages pulled with alongside the one Georg had left in, he was confused. Bill stood up, smiling when Romulus and Remus ran out to meet the carriages. “Was Gustav coming to get you so you didn’t walk home?” Bill asked and Tom shook his head.
“Not that I know of.”
They both started walking, only to gasp as Gustav jumped down and helped Georg out with him. Bill broke into a run as Georg stumbled. “GEORG?!” he cried, rushing to his husband’s side.
Gustav looked sheepish as Bill ran up and gasped as he saw face. He had a cut over his eye and his eye was swelling and bruising. “Hi, Bill,” he said softly.
Bill gasped and reached out to touch his face. “Georg, oh my God,” he breathed, then looked at pushed his hair back as it stuck to the blood trickling out of the cut. “You’re still bleeding,” he said, looking upset. “Oh Georg!” he gasped, pulling him into a hug. “What happened?” he whimpered, and Tom saw tears in his eyes.
He looked at Gustav, who was sporting a suspicious swollen lip and busted knuckles. “Gustav, what did you do?” Tom asked with narrowed eyes. He knew the look on Gustav’s face. It was the same one he had when Tom had found him eating the last of the berries in the kitchens the week before.
“There may have been a fight at the pub,” Gustav said, clearing his throat uneasily.
Georg shot him a look. “And who started it?” he prompted and Gustav coughed.
“I did,” he said, and Bill gasped, turning to glare.
Georg sighed. “Hey, I was gonna do it if he didn’t,” he said, and Bill frowned.
Gustav sighed. “We ran into some old friends from school.” He looked at Tom. “Who were talking about the latest gossip about you two,” he said, and Bill huffed.
“Georg, you got into a fight over us?” he asked, glaring at his husband. “If you have forgotten, we’re hosting a ball in DAYS and now you’re going to be black and blue!” he cried indignantly.
Gustav huffed. “Well… to be honest he had it coming to him,” he said. “I didn’t tell Georg to get involved. I only got hit once and that was a fluke,” he said.
“He suggested Bill was going to end up being an adulterer!” he cried indignantly. “Of course I had to get involved!” He pointed. “Gustav punched him for something nobody even heard!” he said, and Bill crossed his arms and shot Georg a look.
“Don’t try and put it all on Gustav,” he said. “You jumped in it,” he said.
Georg took his hands and looked up into Bill’s eyes. “He was insulting you, my love,” he said, kissing Bill’s hands. “Nothing he could say would be worse than speaking poorly of the most wonderful, beautiful, and gentle people ever born,” he said, and Bill bit his lip.
“Oh, you poor thing,” he cooed suddenly, leaning in to give Georg a gentle kiss, so as not to hurt his face. “Let’s get you cleaned up,” he said, immediately leading Georg towards the house.
Tom rolled his eyes with a laugh, then looked at Gustav. “So, what did he say?” he asked.
Gustav colored some, looking a bit unsettled. “I may have a jealous streak,” he said, biting his lip sheepishly. “Does the name Fabian Nadel ring a bell?” he asked and Tom paled.
“Oh,” he said, and Gustav sighed, looking away. “What… what happened?” he asked, looking guilty. Gustav bit his lip. “Gustav, I’m sorry,” he said in a small voice.
Gustav turned back and shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize for your past,” he said, taking Tom’s hands in his. “I don’t blame you. I just… I hate that he said those things and it was true,” he said, looking up at him. “I don’t care what you did before. I know you never will again. I just didn’t think I’d ever have to face someone that…” he cringed.
Tom gave him a hopeful smile. “If it makes you feel better, he’s really tiny,” he said, and Gustav burst out laughing. “I’m not kidding! He was so small the whole thing fit in my mouth!” he said, and Gustav smiled, shaking his head.
“I swear, you I adore you,” he said, reaching up to stroke Tom’s cheek. “You never fail at making me smile,” he said softly.
Tom smiled. “I like your smile,” he said. He leaned down and kissed Gustav softly. “You know…” he bit his lip and looked into Gustav’s eyes. “You being jealous is really, very attractive,” he said, and Gustav raised an eyebrow.
“Really?” he asked, then smirked when Tom nodded, biting his lip with a look in his eyes Gustav knew well.
“It proves you love me,” he said, and Gustav smiled.
“You know I do.
Tom grabbed his hand and looked around. Bill and Georg were long gone so Tom bit his lip. “Want to go home?” he asked, then leaned close to his ear. “You deserve a reward for your valor,” he said in a voice that made Gustav’s cheeks heat up.
“Take us home, please!” he called to the driver, quickly taking Tom’s hand as he climbed up into the carriage. Tom just laughed at how quickly Gustav came in, shutting the door firmly. Tom giggled as Gustav immediately pulled him into his arms and started kissing his throat.
“Not here! At home,” he said, pushing at Gustav half-heartedly. “Gustav!” he squealed, laughing as Gustav’s hands roamed.
“Hmm, I can’t help myself,” he said, grinning at Tom as he pushed him onto his back, leaning over him.
Tom just chuckled and pulled him into a kiss. “I hope nobody needs us when we get home,” he said, and Gustav hummed his agreement.
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Tom cried out as his back hit the wall. He and Gustav barely made it into their room before they were on each other. Gustav had him pinned to the wall as he worked at stripping him. Tom fought to help, undoing Gustav’s pants quickly. He barely had Gustav’s pants undone when Gustav turned and shoved him to the table.
Tom cried out softly as his cheek hit a book on the table. Gustav stopped instantly, Tom’s breeches half pulled down. “Are you alright, Tom?” he asked quickly, sounding concerned.
Tom just shook his head, looking over his shoulder. “I’m fine, don’t stop,” he said, panting. Gustav leaned over his back to kiss him. Tom moaned as he felt Gustav hard against his lower back. “Please Gustav!” he whined. He cried out sharply as Gustav slammed into him. He was expecting fingers, not the whole thing. “Oh God!” he groaned. A jolt of pain went through him, only to be replaced with pleasure as Gustav went hard and fast. “Gustav, Gustav, Gustav-“ he groaned Gustav’s name over and over.
Gustav was letting out harsh groans as he went harder. “You’re mine. Mine,” he moaned and Tom panted.
“You’re mine too. All mine,” he panted, letting out a sharp cry as Gustav hit that spot deep inside him so hard he saw stars. “Yes, more!” he cried, arching his back.
“Tom!” he groaned, grabbing onto Tom’s shoulders as he thrust harder.
Tom tried to find a grip on the table, but his sweaty hands were slipping. He moaned, only to let out a completely different cry when his hand slid and his face collided with the table hard.
Gustav immediately stopped. “Tom?” he asked. “Tom, are you okay?”
Tom whined, wanting more. “I can’t stop from sliding,” he panted.
Gustav slid from him and Tom whined. “No, come here,” he pulled Tom around and lifted him up onto the table. “Here, no more face to table collisions,” he said, pushing him onto his back.
Tom hummed, wrapping his legs around Gustav, tugging him back in. Gustav thrust into him, looking down at his face as it contorted in pleasure. He watched curiously as Tom stroked himself, moaning wantonly at the rough thrusts into his body.
Soon enough, the tight coil in Tom’s body unraveled as he came, with Gustav following him close behind. After lying on the table panting, Tom gasped as Gustav scooped him up. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Gustav’s shoulders, smiling at Gustav. Gustav kissed him softly, then smiled at him as he carried him to the bed. They smiled, looking into each other’s eyes as Gustav laid him down on the bed and then crawled on to lay beside him. “That was incredible,” Tom breathed, smiling widely.
Gustav nodded, kissing him softly. “I’ve never felt so possessive,” he said, and Tom laughed.
“I like it,” he said, then kissed him softly as he slid his hand across Gustav’s broad chest. “I am yours and you’re mine,” he said, then kissed his chest. “Forever,” he breathed happily.
“I don’t want you to think I feel like I own you, you don’t belong to me,” Gustav said quickly and apologetically.
Tom smiled. “My heart belongs to you,” he said, and Gustav swore he felt his heart flutter beneath Tom’s hand.
“And mine to you,” he said, pulling Tom into his chest.
Gustav held him close, closing his eyes as he pressed his face into Tom’s hair. “I love you,” he whispered.
Tom smiled against his chest, tightening his hold on Gustav’s side. “I know.”
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Gustav and Tom arrived early to the Listing manor in order to help Georg and Bill with anything last minute they needed. When they walked into the entrance hall, they saw Georg coming to them. Gustav chuckled at the black eye Georg had. “How angry is your husband?” he asked.
Georg cringed. “Bill’s pretty upset. On a scale of one to ten-“ Georg was cut off with a screech that Tom recognized well.
“GEORG MORITZ HAGEN LISTING GET IN HERE NOW!”
Georg sighed. “About a fifty,” he said, then turned and headed towards the ballroom.
Gustav and Tom followed him, both snickering behind their friend’s back. They walked in, and immediately saw Bill stalking over to Georg.
“My dear, please calm down-“
Bill had flushed cheeks, wild eyes, and hair sticking up all over. “There will be guests arriving in one hour, Georg! I just NOW hear that your green jacket isn’t dry?!” he glared. “You told me you had it washed yesterday!” he demanded.
Georg cringed. “Darling, I was going to, but-“
“WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO WEAR NOW?!” Bill screeched, and Tom rolled his eyes.
“Bill, shut up,” he said, and Bill’s eyes snapped to his brother.
“Don’t tell me to shut up!” he cried, and Tom walked over.
Tom grabbed Bill by the hair and started pulling him towards the door, despite Bill’s screams. Georg started to make Tom stop, but Gustav caught his elbow. Gustav saw the confused look and chuckled. “Tom won’t hurt him, he just knows how to calm him down,” he said.
Georg just sighed. “Bill’s really worked up over this. I swear he hasn’t slept in two days,” he said. “Once everything is over, he’ll probably fall asleep where he’s standing,” he said, chuckling.
Gustav sighed. “Tom hasn’t slept well because he’s afraid of what all will be said tonight. It’s the first time he and I will have been out since that fight and I’m pretty sure we’ll be the gossip of the evening,” he said.
Georg smiled. “He’s just worried because he doesn’t want to see you hurt, Gustav,” he said, and Gustav smiled fondly at the doorway his husband had left through.
“I know,” he said with a sigh.
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Tom sighed and rubbed Bill’s back as he leaned over, breathing deeply. Bill was nearly having a panic attack over the ball. “Bill, seriously, it’s not that bad,” he soothed.
“What- what if everything goes wrong!” Bill cried, breathing deeply.
Tom just sighed. “Bill, the ball itself will be fine. The only things that can go wrong is people talking about us,” he said.
Bill shrugged. “It was all worth it,” he said. “You’re the happiest I’ve ever known you to be,” he said and Tom nodded.
“I am,” he said, then patted Bill’s back. “So, please calm down. You’re screaming at people.” He looked at him. “And bossing your husband around,” he added. He cringed. “You’re becoming your mother-in-law,” he said, and Bill looked horrified.
“Oh my God, I am!” he cried, then stood up. “God, I’ve got to go apologize to my husband,” he said, and Tom just laughed at his brother.
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Rather than Georg’s secret hopes that the rumors would keep people away, it seemed that every single person invited showed up. Bill was finally more relaxed now that Tom had reassured him. It amazed Georg how easily Tom calmed Bill down when he couldn’t even get through to him.
Bill and Tom were chatting with some people they knew as Georg spoke to a group of the men he did business with, but Georg’s eyes kept straying. The past few months had darkened Tom’s hair and it surprised Georg how alike they looked when they smiled side by side.
“What did happen to your eye, Mr. Listing?” a man asked, catching Georg’s attention.
“Oh, it was just-“
Georg was cut off by another man. “I heard you and Mr. Schafer got in a fight with some men down there at the pub,” he said.
Georg cringed. “Yes, well… you know how men can be when they’ve had a few drinks,” he said, looking embarrassed. “It was just a misunderstanding,” he said quickly. He spotted his mother gesturing and he cringed. “Excuse me, I must go see what my mother needs,” he said, turning to leave.
“I heard someone challenged his husband’s honor.”
Georg cringed at what he heard as he walked away from the group. He got to his mother, who was glaring. “Georg, do you not think it wise to have Bill and his brother stay away from each other until all these terrible rumors die out?” he hissed, and he turned and saw Bill and Tom laughing together with a girl.
“Mother, it will seem more suspicious for me to upset my husband when everybody knows I was in a fight to defend his honor!” he whispered. “I’m staying away from Gustav, but I will not ask Bill to get away from Tom,” he said. “Mother, you know as well as I do that until Tom got here, Bill was going mad, and Tom calms him,” he said.
She sighed. “Well, it is true,” she admitted. “The talk is just bad. I mean… who would have thought this would ever be on you,” she said, shaking her head. “I know Bill is a good boy, but nobody else believes it,” she whispered.
Georg smiled. “It doesn’t matter too much mother. It’s embarrassing but we’ll make it,” he said.
She sighed but nodded. “I hope so,” she said.
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The night finally ended near dawn when the last guests were gone. Tom and Gustav stayed behind to speak with Bill and Georg a little while and have tea around the fireplace.
“So, that went well, considering,” Gustav said, and Tom bit his lip.
“I don’t know,” he said and Georg just shrugged.
Bill sighed. “It went better than I hoped,” he said, slumping into Georg’s shoulder. “I’m so tired,” he breathed, teacup tilting dangerously. “Georg, I forgot to tell you, but you look so handsome in that jacket,” he said, smiling sleepily from Georg’s shoulder.
The other three all chuckled. Georg bit his lip and caught Bill’s cup, sitting it on the floor. “Come, darling,” he said, sliding his arm around Bill, who leaned into him. “It’s time to get you to bed,” he said.
Tom nodded. “For us too. We’ve got the ride home still,” he said, standing. Gustav took his hand and smiled.
“You will be asleep across my lap before we get out the gate,” he said, and Tom smiled sleepily.
“Yes, probably. And you’ll have to carry me to bed,” he said, snickering as Georg was seeming to have trouble getting Bill to his feet as well.
“I can’t carry this one that far, so he best learn to walk,” Georg grunted, shifting Bill, who was hanging onto his shoulders heavily. “He’s light but there’s just so much of him,” he said.
Tom just smiled. “Good luck with that. Once he’s asleep he doesn’t wake up easily,” he said, and Gustav snickered.
“So you’re just alike in that respect then?” he teased, then kissed Tom’s hand. “Goodnight, Georg,” he said, and Georg just grunted the same as they let themselves out.
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It wasn’t but three months after Gustav and Tom’s marriage that Gustav woke one day to find he had become an uncle during the night. Tom smiled as the maid spoke to them of Franzsiska and Derek’s new baby daughter.
Gustav beamed. “Oh, I cannot wait to meet the little one,” he said, and Tom smiled at his husband’s tone. “How is my sister?” he asked.
The maid smiled. “She’s perfectly fine. There were no complications, thank goodness,” she said. “Just a week ago one of the Fortner’s cook’s had his wife die during childbirth,” she said, shaking her head. “The baby survived, but now the poor man is left with four small children and no mother,” she said.
Gustav sighed. “When will they understand these poor women need doctors,” he said, and she gave him a look.
“How many employers are kind like your sister and even order doctors for servants who have accidents?” she asked pointedly, and Tom frowned.
“There are people who don’t have doctors tend to their servants when they are injured?” he asked, and Gustav looked at him. “What? My father always took care of his servants, and so did the Listings. It wasn’t just me that they called doctors for in the time I was there,” he pointed out.
Gustav smiled. “My dear, you’ve known many kind people in your time. Not very many people of status are as kind to people beneath them,” he said, taking his hand. “And honestly, Mrs. Listing was very upset the doctor saw you in your brother’s room the night you got lost. She wanted you put in the cottage, regardless of who you were,” he said. “I’m going to go send a letter of announcement around to our relatives and family friends,” he said, kissing Tom’s forehead as he stood and left the parlor.
Tom just shook his head once he was gone. “Well, that just proves how much of a hag that old witch really is,” he said, huffing as he looked at the girl.
The maid smiled. “I hear wonderful thinks about her son, though,” she said.
The Schafer family had always been very friendly with their staff, a tradition Franzsiska carried on, so of course the maids had known of Tom’s true situation long before the rumors began. Tom smiled. “He is. He’s a very nice person. Most husbands would have been very upset with finding out their husband had relatives like me,” he said.
She chuckled. “I would be shocked he wasn’t, but then again, you don’t behave like one would expect of a former scoundrel,” she said, going about her business cleaning as they spoke.
Tom shrugged. “You’ve only known me since I’ve been married to Gustav,” he said, picking back up his book. “I won’t bother denying my former ways, since they seem so public a topic these last weeks,” he said.
“I would at least expect wandering eyes from someone who used to bed whomever he wanted,” she said boldly. “Yet, I’ve never seen you look at a single person who came to visit,” she said.
Tom smiled without looking up from his book. “Despite what rumors you hear or ideas you may have of me, I did not marry Gustav for money or for position.” He smiled as he turned a page. “I keep my eyes from straying because there is nothing more interesting for them to stray to when my husband is near,” he said.
She just hummed. “Well, Mr. Schafer is a handsome one,” she said. “I’ve seen the man working on experiments without a shirt on, I can see why your eyes wouldn’t be very tempted to wander,” she said, and Tom gaped, laughing in shock.
“Good Lord, would you like to be alone whilst you lust over my husband?” he asked, laughing incredulously.
She blushed. “Oi, you are the ones who let us maids speak openly, and open opinions is what you get,” she said, and Tom just laughed, closing his book as he stood.
“You girls just better remember to let your words be all that is open and not your affections, for I don’t deny I can get quite jealous over him,” he teased as he walked out, still laughing at the maid.
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“Gustav! What are we- ow!” Tom stepped into a hole and nearly fell. “Why can’t I look?” Tom demanded, glaring into the hands over his eyes.
“Not yet, Tom!” he teased, then smiled as he walked Tom right up to the door. “Okay, I’m going to let go but do not look,” he said and Tom nodded. “No, promise me,” he said, pressing a kiss to Tom’s back. “Say ‘Gustav, I promise’.”
“Gustav, I promise not to look. Now what?” Tom demanded. Gustav quickly darted into the barn and walked the horse out to the yard. “Are we in the stable?” Tom asked, hearing the horse’s hooves.
“Close,” Gustav said, then positioned the horse. “You can open your eyes,” he said, and Tom’s eyes flew open, only to widen when he saw the horse. It was a tall, dark brown horse with strong legs and a silky mane. “I think I promised you a horse,” Gustav said, and Tom beamed.
“Mine?” he asked, rushing forward to coo as he stroked the horse’s nose. “Oh she’s beautiful!” he cried, smiling.
Gustav walked around and put his hands on Tom’s hips, smiling. “Her name is Rita,” he said and Tom beamed. “Do you like her?” he asked.
Tom turned and kissed him right in front of anybody working in the garden or in the barn. “I love her!” he cried, turning to hug the horse’s neck. “Hello Rita. I’m Tom,” he said, smiling as he stroked her soft side. “Oh Gustav, thank you so much,” he said, beaming.
Gustav just shook his head. “I’m months late here, aren’t I?” he reminded Tom, who just shrugged. “I’m glad you like her, my love,” he said kissing Tom’s hand sweetly.
Tom smiled brightly, catching Gustav off guard. Even after several months, it still made his heart flutter to see such a sight. “Can we go riding?” Tom asked and Gustav nodded.
“Of course,” he said. “Where would you like to go?” he asked, going to get his own horse’s saddle.
Tom shrugged. “We haven’t explored the grounds much. I’m very curious,” he admitted.
Gustav bit his lip. “If you like we can go riding through the fields, just so we can give our horses exercise,” he said. “It’s not nighttime yet, but I can bring the telescope and there is a hill from which you can see all the way to town. We can look at it through the telescope,” he said.
Tom smiled. “I like it,” he said and Gustav nodded, going to get the telescope for them.
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After a few days, almost a week, Gustav was called in to see his sister and the baby. He smiled as he walked into the nursery they had built in the place of what, long ago, was supposed to have been Derek’s chambers. “How are you?” he asked, smiling as he saw his sister standing at the window with her baby in her arms.
Franzsiska smiled back at him, beaming. “Wonderful. My daughter is perfect,” she said, turning to show her to Gustav better. He smiled as he walked close and saw the small, sleeping baby in his sister’s arms.
“Oh she’s so beautiful,” he said, smiling. “So tiny,” he cooed, catching the baby’s tiny hand. “It is amazing how small we start out, isn’t it?” he asked and Franzsiska just smiled.
“She looks like Derek,” she said, smiling widely. “Oh, how I love her, Gustav!” she said, positively glowing. “My little flower,” she said softly.
“What’s her name?” he asked and Franzsiska smirked.
“Rose.”
Gustav just laughed. “Well that makes sense,” he said softly. “I’m so happy for you, Franzsiska,” he said and she smiled.
She walked over and sat in the chair by the window, gesturing to the one across from her. “So, I hear you got Tom a horse,” she said, and he nodded, smiling. “You spoil that boy,” she teased and Gustav just smiled.
“I want him to have everything to make him happy,” he said, smiling.
“Just you is enough.” They both turned at the voice from the doorway. Tom smiled shyly. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know where Gustav had gone,” he said, then turned to leave.
“Come see the baby, Tom,” Franzsiska called and Tom turned back, looking curious.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
Franzsiska rolled her eyes. “You’re her uncle too, Tom,” she said, and Tom smiled shyly as he walked in. He bit his lip, looking for somewhere to sit, only to blush as Gustav stood and offered his seat.
“No, it’s alright,” Tom said, gesturing for Gustav to sit, only to grin and plop down in his lap. “All better,” he teased and Gustav just chuckled, curling his hand around Tom’s thigh to hold onto him.
“Her name is Rose,” Gustav said. Tom smiled at the baby’s sleeping face.
“She’s so small,” Tom cooed. “I’ve never seen a baby this close,” he said softly, reaching out tentatively to touch the tiny wisps of blonde hair on the baby’s head. “Wow,” he said softly.
Gustav smiled. “Just think, Tom. When you were that small, Franzsiska and Derek were already courting,” he teased.
Tom just huffed. “I’m nearly a man,” he said, and Gustav just smiled.
“I know, my love,” he said, earning a playful smile from his sister. “Hey, wipe that look off your face,” he said pointedly. “You’re holding a baby, for goodness sake!”
She just chuckled. “I’m a mother, I’m allowed to act like one now,” she said, and Gustav just smiled widely. He could see how happy his sister finally was.
“You’re a wonderful mother,” he said softly, earning a bright smile from his sister as she cradled her baby closer.
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“Gustav, where are we going?” Tom asked once again, confused by his husband’s refusal to tell him where they were going. They were riding along a trail Tom hadn’t been down yet. Gustav just refused to say where they were heading.
Tom looked up through the trees at one clear spot of sky and saw smoke. “What out here would be smoking?” he asked, looking at Gustav, who looked up.
“You’ll see,” he said and Tom just huffed. They rode farther, only for Tom to see a pattern to the trees suddenly.
“Is this a path?” he asked and Gustav smiled, turning his horse onto the path lined with trees in a row. “Gustav, where are we?” he asked.
Gustav just smiled. “You’ll see very soon, my love,” he said and Tom didn’t even argue, too curious to bother.
As the path curved, Tom gasped as he saw a cabin ahead of them. “What is this?” he asked and Gustav smiled.
“I told you there was an old hunting cabin back here,” he said and Tom smiled. The cabin was made of log and stone. He saw the smoke coming from a chimney along the back. As they got closer a woman came out, smiling.
Tom recognized her as one of the maids from the house and smiled. “Oh, Gustav,” he said, realizing what Gustav had done.
Gustav just smiled as he dismounted. “Will you lead Tom inside while I put the horses in back?” he asked the main, who nodded.
Tom just bit his lip, fighting a blush as he walked after the maid into the house. It was a cabin, but it was far from a small hut as he had expected when Gustav had mentioned it long ago. There were separate rooms, it appeared. It wasn’t large like their manor, but they emerged into a small foyer with a chandelier made of antlers. There was a door leading to the right into what appeared to be a kitchen, straight ahead into what seemed to be a dining room, and to the left there was a room with a large window overlooking a stream. He smiled as he walked into the room. There was a rich, red rug on the floor that was worn in some places, but had been cleaned. There was a magnificent fireplace along one wall, but the grate was empty, as it was summertime.
There were chairs all sitting in the center, around the fireplace. He looked to the back wall and saw stairs heading up. “Is there a room upstairs?” he asked the maid, who nodded.
“Yes, there are two. One with many bunks and one with a larger bed,” she said.
Tom walked over to the steep stairs and headed up. There were two doors at the small landing. One lead straight and one lead to the right. He opened the one to the right and saw a room with several small beds lining the walls. He opened the other and found a smaller room with a table and a bed. He smiled as he saw a set of his clothes laid out on the table. “Oh Gustav,” he said, feeling giddy.
He turned and headed back downstairs, eager to thank Gustav. He walked into the kitchen and saw Gustav coming in the door leading out back, discussing something with some of the workers. “Make sure you’re feeding them the right stuff,” he said and the man nodded.
“Gustav,” Tom called, and Gustav smiled, walking over. Gustav ignored the maids who were cooking and pulled Tom into his arms, smiling.
“Did you look around?” Gustav asked and Tom nodded, smiling widely.
“You planned this for us,” he said, and Gustav smiled, eyes twinkling mischievously. “You are so romantic,” Tom said, leaning down to kiss Gustav.
Gustav just hummed against his lips, rubbing his back. “Because I like to see you smile. It’s fun to work out ways to surprise you,” he said. Tom just smiled as his heart fluttered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom smiled as Gustav showed him more on his charts. “One day soon, I’m taking you here,” Gustav said, pointing to the Mediterranean. “The arts and music there are amazing. I went with Franzsiska and Derek when I was fourteen and the cities are so beautiful all along the coast. The sea is a beautiful blue and the weather is warmer,” he said, smiling at Tom, who looked interested. “How did I ever find someone who actually cares about what I enjoy in life?” Gustav asked, sighing as he cupped Tom’s cheek.
Tom just smiled and leaned over to kiss him. “How did I meet the man I never knew I would want?” he countered, then kissed Gustav again. Gustav hummed against is lips, sliding his hand into Tom’s hair.
“Your hair is growing nearly as dark as Bill’s,” Gustav mumbled and Tom whined.
“Don’t bring my brother up now,” Tom huffed and Gustav laughed softly.
Gustav smiled as he stood. He held out his hand to Tom, who looked up, only to bite his lip. Tom took his hand and let him pull him to his feet. Gustav wordlessly kissed Tom, who moaned softly against his lips. “Let’s go upstairs,” Gustav said, and Tom nodded, kissing Gustav again.
They held hands as they ran up the stairs. Gustav pushed open the door, then tugged Tom into his arms, making him gasp. “Gustav!”
“I love you,” Gustav said, pulled Tom into a kiss. Tom moaned, feeling a tingling down his spine as Gustav’s hands roamed his body.
Tom pulled away and bit his lip, looking at Gustav through his eyelashes. He smirked as he undid his shirt, teasingly pulling it up his body. Gustav just smiled and grabbed Tom’s shirt, pulling it off his body. “Aww, I was having fun teasing,” Tom said, faking a pout.
“You always tease,” he said, pulling Tom close by his breeches. He undid them as he kissed Tom slowly. “You tease with your beautiful eyes every day,” he said, kissing Tom’s jaw.
Tom whimpered. “Now who’s teasing? You know what that does- oh!” Gustav bit lightly at the tender skin below his jaw bone. He whimpered and tugged at Gustav’s shirt.
Gustav turned him and lay him down on the bed, crawling up after him. “You love it,” he said, kissing across Tom’s chest. He hummed and kissed his sternum. “You’re beautiful,” he said and Tom moaned. Gustav tugged Tom’s pants off, looking up at him as he kissed his way down Tom’s legs.
“Gustav!” Tom gasped, watching his length disappearing between Gustav’s lips. Tom moaned, biting his lip as Gustav worked his tongue over Tom’s sensitive flesh. “Oh, so good,” he moaned, stroking Gustav’s hair.
Gustav pulled off with a pop, earning a whine. “Eager,” he said, amused as he crawled up to kiss Tom. Tom kissed him hard then rolled them over. He looked hungrily down at Gustav as he went for Gustav’s breeches.
Once he had stripped Gustav, he bit his lip and looked at him. “Can I, maybe… um-“ he blushed and Gustav bit his lip.
“You want to make love to me?” he asked and Tom nodded. Gustav took a breath, but nodded.
Tom smiled and kissed him. “I promise, I’ll try to make it good,” he said, stroke his side as he bit his lip shyly.
Gustav smiled and pulled him down. “You can’t be bad, my love,” he said, and Tom smiled. Gustav smirked. “Why else would all those people have slept with you?” he asked and Tom glared.
“Don’t bring that up when I’m trying to make love to you, my husband!” he said, then swatted at Gustav’s hip. “Turn,” he said rolling his eyes. Gustav just smirked and rolled over, curling his arms beneath his head. Tom smirked. “Have I told you that you have a magnificent backside?” he asked, and Gustav chuckled.
“You may have mentioned it,” he said, sarcasm evident in his voice.
Tom just smirked and lay along his back, pressing kisses to Gustav’s shoulder. “Hmm, I love you,” he said and Gustav turned his head, catching his lips in a kiss.
“Love you,” he said, smiling when he saw the gleam in Tom’s eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gustav woke up, only to find Tom sprawled out on his chest, nearly covering his whole body. He smiled, only to cringe as he shifted. He knew Tom had been more careful with him than he had been with Tom, so he felt even guiltier for how sore Tom must have been after the first time Gustav made love to him. “So beautiful,” he breathed, smiling at Tom’s peaceful face. He stroked a finger down from Tom’s high hairline all the way down between his eyes and over his nose, stopping on his bottom lip.
Tom wiggled his nose and then shifted in his sleep. “‘Stav?” he mumbled and Gustav froze, then smiled when two sets of long lashes fluttered, revealing big, brown eyes.
Gustav shushed him gently. “Sleep, my love,” he said, rubbing a soothing hand down his back.
Tom wiggled around and closed his eyes, hand curling over Gustav’s shoulder as he carefully slipped back into his slumber. Gustav just smiled and bit his lip. It was hard for him to believe that he had known Tom less than a year. In under a year of knowing him, Tom knew him better than anybody else alive and he knew Tom better than probably even his brother.
Gustav had no trouble, however, loving Tom more and more with each day that passed. Even on bad days, of which there were few, Gustav loved him more when the day ended than he had the moment his eyes first landed on Tom’s face that morning.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill and Tom were riding into town, talking as they rode side by side, when Tom spotted Gustav speaking to an older lady outside a shop. “Oh, he must be trying to find work,” Tom said, smiling.
Bill chuckled. “I guess with you as his husband, it’s harder for him to find a job as some boys’ teacher,” he said.
Tom rolled his eyes. “They wouldn’t refuse to hire him over me,” he said, then bit his lip. “Would they?” he asked and Bill shrugged.
“No way to tell,” he said, then smiled. “Oh look, he’s coming over,” he said, waving as Gustav walked over to where they were stopped behind a carriage as a lady climbed in.
Gustav jogged over and smiled as he stroked Rita’s neck. “Hello, darling,” he said, smiling up at Tom. “What are you two doing?” he asked.
Tom smiled. “Going shopping for Bill’s wardrobe.” He looked at his brother. “He’s grown again,” he said.
Gustav chuckled. “Poor Georg. He’ll need to stare straight up soon,” he said, and Bill smiled.
“What are you doing?” Tom asked and Gustav smiled.
“Looking for work. Mrs. Abend has two sons and a daughter she is looking for a tutor for,” he said. “She can’t find many teachers who want to teach a girl,” he said.
Tom smiled. “Of course you’re the modernist who doesn’t care,” he said.
Gustav nodded. “Mrs. Abend isn’t as wealthy as my parents were, so the chance of her daughter getting a decent education are lower than Frazsiska’s were. The boys are ten and twelve but the daughter is nearly fourteen already. Her mother doesn’t want her to just marry off. She wants her to learn but couldn’t find a teacher until her sons were old enough,” he said.
Tom smiled. “You have such a big heart,” he said with love in his eyes.
Gustav smiled and reached up to take his hand. “I must if I have room for anything other than you,” he said, pressing a kiss to the back of Tom’s hand.
Tom just blushed and smiled. “Love you,” he said softly.
Gustav sighed. “I better go before I do something indecent like pull you out of the saddle and kiss you right here,” he said, winking.
Tom just laughed. “I’ll see you back home, Gustav,” he said, smiling.
Gustav smiled. “See you at home,” he sighed. “Love you,” he said, waving as he walked away.
Bill just smiled. “Aww, you two are still so cute,” he said, smiling. He sighed. “I’ve been in love for a year now,” he said, smiling. “I’m so happy I’m still adored by my husband,” he said.
Tom smiled. “I’ll never get used to waking up with mine watching me sleep,” he said. “He says I’m too beautiful to pass up a chance to stare at me,” he said, blushing.
“Hmm, look at Mrs. Abend,” Bill said, and Tom glanced, only to see her talking to someone who was whispering and pointing at them. “Yeah, keep pointing, your son got drunk off wine and touched my backside last time you had a dinner, hag,” he said under his breath, waving exaggeratedly at the women, only to stop when Mrs. Abend shot them a look that made Tom nervous.
“I hope she didn’t say anything to Mrs. Abend that makes her not give Gustav the show,” Tom said softly.
Bill shook his head. “I hope not.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom was sitting with Franzsiska and Rose, smiling at the baby and making faces, when Gustav came in. Tom looked up and smiled. “Gustav!” he said, standing. He walked over only to slow as he approached his husband. “Are you alright?” he asked.
Gustav smiled tiredly. “Yes, it just seems that work is harder to find than I had thought,” he said, shaking his head. “Good thing we don’t have to depend on it for income, I guess.”
Tom frowned. “Still nothing? I was sure Mr. Lutz was going to work out,” he said with a frown.
Gustav shrugged. “No worries,” he said, pulling Tom’s head down so he could kiss between his eyes. “It will be okay in the end, my love,” he said and Tom smiled.
“Yeah,” he said, then bit his lip as he turned away.
Author: heartsdesire456
Rating:NC-17
POV: 3rd
Pairing: Gustav/Tom Bill/Georg
Summary:The companion/sequel to It Starts Just Where The Light Exists (picks up immediately after Gustav and Tom's wedding)
Newly married, Gustav and Tom Schafer are faced with the joys of finally being married after a rocky start. However, once the first few month's blind happiness start to fade and the inevitable rumors of Tom's past begin to leak out, the couple discover that the consequences of their controversial marriage are no longer vague notions but harsh realities.
Author's Note: FINALLY DONE!
Gustav and Georg sat down at a table at the pub and ordered drinks. “So, only four days until the ball. How is Bill holding up?” Gustav asked and Georg chuckled.
“Losing his mind,” he said, smiling fondly. “He hasn’t sleep in a few days, he’s so worried,” he said. “He’s nearly pulled his hair out he’s so worried,” he said. “I tried to convince him he didn’t have to worry so badly, that everything will be fine, but he’s really a perfectionist,” he said.
Gustav smiled. “They both are,” he confided. “Tom gets annoyed when I leave things lying around. He’s not as bad as Bill, but he’s getting worse all the time! He organized my closet by color of the jackets last night while I was sleeping!” he said.
Georg chuckled. “I wish Bill would organize his closet. He just leaves things lying around,” he said.
“Hey, Listing!” They both turned and saw one of their old school friends coming over with a few guys. “How’s it been. I haven’t seen you in ages,” he said.
Georg smiled. “Hey Boris!” he said, shaking his hand as he came over. “Conrad! I haven’t seen you in ages,” he said, shaking the other men’s hands. “
Boris shook Gustav’s hand. “Schafer! I heard you were off at university,” he said. “Fabien here said you were in lectures with him before Christmas but left abruptly.” He nodded at his friend.
One of the others piped up. “No, I heard you got married,” he said, and Gustav nodded.
“I did, Heinrich. Only a few months now,” he said, smiling.
Boris looked at him. “Wait, you’re not the one that married that Trumper boy a few months ago, are you?!” he asked, looking shocked. “The one that goes by Kaulitz?”
Gustav frowned. “Yes, I am,” he said. “Why?” he asked and Georg put a hand on his tense forearm.
“He’s all the gossip this week,” Heinrich said. “Greta Handel saw him and some boy who is his brother in town not long ago. She said the other one used the family name Trumper and that one used Kaulitz. She didn’t say who they were married to, so I didn’t know,” he said. “Just that the Kaulitz one married a few months ago,” he said.
Conrad leaned over. “Did you know what they say?” he asked.
Gustav frowned. “What are they saying?” he asked, lowering his voice.
Boris smirked. “I hear he was disowned for getting around with married women,” he said. “And daughters.”
Fabian shot Boris a look. “Not just daughters,” he said. “I don’t know the boy’s name, but if he’s the Trumper boy I’m thinking about, I’ve…heard things. I saw his brother shopping with his mother two years ago. Ridiculously nice body,” he said in a low voice. Georg tensed, fighting to keep his mouth shut.
Gustav squared his shoulders. “I know about my husband’s past,” he said without hesitation.
They all gave him shocked looks. “You married a whore?!” Boris hissed, and Gustav save him a stony look.
“Do not call my husband a whore,” he said. “His past is not the present,” he said firmly.
Fabien smirked. “Wonder if it runs in the family. I’d love to hear if his gorgeous brother gives visits on the side,” he said, and the others chuckled.
Georg stood quickly. “Shut your mouth!” he snapped, positively fuming. “I married the other Trumper and I will not stand for you speaking dishonorably about my husband,” he said, glaring.
“Relax, Listing!” Fabien said. “Be glad you’re his husband,” he said, smirking. “I have to wonder though, how do you know he isn’t like his brother? Sneaking around?” he asked, and Georg’s cheeks flamed with anger.
“Nadel, do not make me shut your mouth for you,” he growled.
Gustav put a hand on Georg’s shoulder. “Georg, relax. You know the truth and that’s all that matters,” he reminded him.
Fabien grinned. “Tell me,” he leaned close to Gustav’s ear. “Is Tom the Stable Boy as good at sucking it as he was when he was working at his mother’s home?” he asked so that only Gustav heard.
Georg didn’t have a chance to react before Gustav swung, punching Fabien Nadel so hard he flew over the table behind him.
There were shouts as they began fighting in the middle of the pub. Georg and the others ran to separate them, shouting for them to stop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom was spending the day with Bill and their dogs, so when one of the Schafer carriages pulled with alongside the one Georg had left in, he was confused. Bill stood up, smiling when Romulus and Remus ran out to meet the carriages. “Was Gustav coming to get you so you didn’t walk home?” Bill asked and Tom shook his head.
“Not that I know of.”
They both started walking, only to gasp as Gustav jumped down and helped Georg out with him. Bill broke into a run as Georg stumbled. “GEORG?!” he cried, rushing to his husband’s side.
Gustav looked sheepish as Bill ran up and gasped as he saw face. He had a cut over his eye and his eye was swelling and bruising. “Hi, Bill,” he said softly.
Bill gasped and reached out to touch his face. “Georg, oh my God,” he breathed, then looked at pushed his hair back as it stuck to the blood trickling out of the cut. “You’re still bleeding,” he said, looking upset. “Oh Georg!” he gasped, pulling him into a hug. “What happened?” he whimpered, and Tom saw tears in his eyes.
He looked at Gustav, who was sporting a suspicious swollen lip and busted knuckles. “Gustav, what did you do?” Tom asked with narrowed eyes. He knew the look on Gustav’s face. It was the same one he had when Tom had found him eating the last of the berries in the kitchens the week before.
“There may have been a fight at the pub,” Gustav said, clearing his throat uneasily.
Georg shot him a look. “And who started it?” he prompted and Gustav coughed.
“I did,” he said, and Bill gasped, turning to glare.
Georg sighed. “Hey, I was gonna do it if he didn’t,” he said, and Bill frowned.
Gustav sighed. “We ran into some old friends from school.” He looked at Tom. “Who were talking about the latest gossip about you two,” he said, and Bill huffed.
“Georg, you got into a fight over us?” he asked, glaring at his husband. “If you have forgotten, we’re hosting a ball in DAYS and now you’re going to be black and blue!” he cried indignantly.
Gustav huffed. “Well… to be honest he had it coming to him,” he said. “I didn’t tell Georg to get involved. I only got hit once and that was a fluke,” he said.
“He suggested Bill was going to end up being an adulterer!” he cried indignantly. “Of course I had to get involved!” He pointed. “Gustav punched him for something nobody even heard!” he said, and Bill crossed his arms and shot Georg a look.
“Don’t try and put it all on Gustav,” he said. “You jumped in it,” he said.
Georg took his hands and looked up into Bill’s eyes. “He was insulting you, my love,” he said, kissing Bill’s hands. “Nothing he could say would be worse than speaking poorly of the most wonderful, beautiful, and gentle people ever born,” he said, and Bill bit his lip.
“Oh, you poor thing,” he cooed suddenly, leaning in to give Georg a gentle kiss, so as not to hurt his face. “Let’s get you cleaned up,” he said, immediately leading Georg towards the house.
Tom rolled his eyes with a laugh, then looked at Gustav. “So, what did he say?” he asked.
Gustav colored some, looking a bit unsettled. “I may have a jealous streak,” he said, biting his lip sheepishly. “Does the name Fabian Nadel ring a bell?” he asked and Tom paled.
“Oh,” he said, and Gustav sighed, looking away. “What… what happened?” he asked, looking guilty. Gustav bit his lip. “Gustav, I’m sorry,” he said in a small voice.
Gustav turned back and shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize for your past,” he said, taking Tom’s hands in his. “I don’t blame you. I just… I hate that he said those things and it was true,” he said, looking up at him. “I don’t care what you did before. I know you never will again. I just didn’t think I’d ever have to face someone that…” he cringed.
Tom gave him a hopeful smile. “If it makes you feel better, he’s really tiny,” he said, and Gustav burst out laughing. “I’m not kidding! He was so small the whole thing fit in my mouth!” he said, and Gustav smiled, shaking his head.
“I swear, you I adore you,” he said, reaching up to stroke Tom’s cheek. “You never fail at making me smile,” he said softly.
Tom smiled. “I like your smile,” he said. He leaned down and kissed Gustav softly. “You know…” he bit his lip and looked into Gustav’s eyes. “You being jealous is really, very attractive,” he said, and Gustav raised an eyebrow.
“Really?” he asked, then smirked when Tom nodded, biting his lip with a look in his eyes Gustav knew well.
“It proves you love me,” he said, and Gustav smiled.
“You know I do.
Tom grabbed his hand and looked around. Bill and Georg were long gone so Tom bit his lip. “Want to go home?” he asked, then leaned close to his ear. “You deserve a reward for your valor,” he said in a voice that made Gustav’s cheeks heat up.
“Take us home, please!” he called to the driver, quickly taking Tom’s hand as he climbed up into the carriage. Tom just laughed at how quickly Gustav came in, shutting the door firmly. Tom giggled as Gustav immediately pulled him into his arms and started kissing his throat.
“Not here! At home,” he said, pushing at Gustav half-heartedly. “Gustav!” he squealed, laughing as Gustav’s hands roamed.
“Hmm, I can’t help myself,” he said, grinning at Tom as he pushed him onto his back, leaning over him.
Tom just chuckled and pulled him into a kiss. “I hope nobody needs us when we get home,” he said, and Gustav hummed his agreement.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom cried out as his back hit the wall. He and Gustav barely made it into their room before they were on each other. Gustav had him pinned to the wall as he worked at stripping him. Tom fought to help, undoing Gustav’s pants quickly. He barely had Gustav’s pants undone when Gustav turned and shoved him to the table.
Tom cried out softly as his cheek hit a book on the table. Gustav stopped instantly, Tom’s breeches half pulled down. “Are you alright, Tom?” he asked quickly, sounding concerned.
Tom just shook his head, looking over his shoulder. “I’m fine, don’t stop,” he said, panting. Gustav leaned over his back to kiss him. Tom moaned as he felt Gustav hard against his lower back. “Please Gustav!” he whined. He cried out sharply as Gustav slammed into him. He was expecting fingers, not the whole thing. “Oh God!” he groaned. A jolt of pain went through him, only to be replaced with pleasure as Gustav went hard and fast. “Gustav, Gustav, Gustav-“ he groaned Gustav’s name over and over.
Gustav was letting out harsh groans as he went harder. “You’re mine. Mine,” he moaned and Tom panted.
“You’re mine too. All mine,” he panted, letting out a sharp cry as Gustav hit that spot deep inside him so hard he saw stars. “Yes, more!” he cried, arching his back.
“Tom!” he groaned, grabbing onto Tom’s shoulders as he thrust harder.
Tom tried to find a grip on the table, but his sweaty hands were slipping. He moaned, only to let out a completely different cry when his hand slid and his face collided with the table hard.
Gustav immediately stopped. “Tom?” he asked. “Tom, are you okay?”
Tom whined, wanting more. “I can’t stop from sliding,” he panted.
Gustav slid from him and Tom whined. “No, come here,” he pulled Tom around and lifted him up onto the table. “Here, no more face to table collisions,” he said, pushing him onto his back.
Tom hummed, wrapping his legs around Gustav, tugging him back in. Gustav thrust into him, looking down at his face as it contorted in pleasure. He watched curiously as Tom stroked himself, moaning wantonly at the rough thrusts into his body.
Soon enough, the tight coil in Tom’s body unraveled as he came, with Gustav following him close behind. After lying on the table panting, Tom gasped as Gustav scooped him up. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Gustav’s shoulders, smiling at Gustav. Gustav kissed him softly, then smiled at him as he carried him to the bed. They smiled, looking into each other’s eyes as Gustav laid him down on the bed and then crawled on to lay beside him. “That was incredible,” Tom breathed, smiling widely.
Gustav nodded, kissing him softly. “I’ve never felt so possessive,” he said, and Tom laughed.
“I like it,” he said, then kissed him softly as he slid his hand across Gustav’s broad chest. “I am yours and you’re mine,” he said, then kissed his chest. “Forever,” he breathed happily.
“I don’t want you to think I feel like I own you, you don’t belong to me,” Gustav said quickly and apologetically.
Tom smiled. “My heart belongs to you,” he said, and Gustav swore he felt his heart flutter beneath Tom’s hand.
“And mine to you,” he said, pulling Tom into his chest.
Gustav held him close, closing his eyes as he pressed his face into Tom’s hair. “I love you,” he whispered.
Tom smiled against his chest, tightening his hold on Gustav’s side. “I know.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gustav and Tom arrived early to the Listing manor in order to help Georg and Bill with anything last minute they needed. When they walked into the entrance hall, they saw Georg coming to them. Gustav chuckled at the black eye Georg had. “How angry is your husband?” he asked.
Georg cringed. “Bill’s pretty upset. On a scale of one to ten-“ Georg was cut off with a screech that Tom recognized well.
“GEORG MORITZ HAGEN LISTING GET IN HERE NOW!”
Georg sighed. “About a fifty,” he said, then turned and headed towards the ballroom.
Gustav and Tom followed him, both snickering behind their friend’s back. They walked in, and immediately saw Bill stalking over to Georg.
“My dear, please calm down-“
Bill had flushed cheeks, wild eyes, and hair sticking up all over. “There will be guests arriving in one hour, Georg! I just NOW hear that your green jacket isn’t dry?!” he glared. “You told me you had it washed yesterday!” he demanded.
Georg cringed. “Darling, I was going to, but-“
“WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO WEAR NOW?!” Bill screeched, and Tom rolled his eyes.
“Bill, shut up,” he said, and Bill’s eyes snapped to his brother.
“Don’t tell me to shut up!” he cried, and Tom walked over.
Tom grabbed Bill by the hair and started pulling him towards the door, despite Bill’s screams. Georg started to make Tom stop, but Gustav caught his elbow. Gustav saw the confused look and chuckled. “Tom won’t hurt him, he just knows how to calm him down,” he said.
Georg just sighed. “Bill’s really worked up over this. I swear he hasn’t slept in two days,” he said. “Once everything is over, he’ll probably fall asleep where he’s standing,” he said, chuckling.
Gustav sighed. “Tom hasn’t slept well because he’s afraid of what all will be said tonight. It’s the first time he and I will have been out since that fight and I’m pretty sure we’ll be the gossip of the evening,” he said.
Georg smiled. “He’s just worried because he doesn’t want to see you hurt, Gustav,” he said, and Gustav smiled fondly at the doorway his husband had left through.
“I know,” he said with a sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom sighed and rubbed Bill’s back as he leaned over, breathing deeply. Bill was nearly having a panic attack over the ball. “Bill, seriously, it’s not that bad,” he soothed.
“What- what if everything goes wrong!” Bill cried, breathing deeply.
Tom just sighed. “Bill, the ball itself will be fine. The only things that can go wrong is people talking about us,” he said.
Bill shrugged. “It was all worth it,” he said. “You’re the happiest I’ve ever known you to be,” he said and Tom nodded.
“I am,” he said, then patted Bill’s back. “So, please calm down. You’re screaming at people.” He looked at him. “And bossing your husband around,” he added. He cringed. “You’re becoming your mother-in-law,” he said, and Bill looked horrified.
“Oh my God, I am!” he cried, then stood up. “God, I’ve got to go apologize to my husband,” he said, and Tom just laughed at his brother.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rather than Georg’s secret hopes that the rumors would keep people away, it seemed that every single person invited showed up. Bill was finally more relaxed now that Tom had reassured him. It amazed Georg how easily Tom calmed Bill down when he couldn’t even get through to him.
Bill and Tom were chatting with some people they knew as Georg spoke to a group of the men he did business with, but Georg’s eyes kept straying. The past few months had darkened Tom’s hair and it surprised Georg how alike they looked when they smiled side by side.
“What did happen to your eye, Mr. Listing?” a man asked, catching Georg’s attention.
“Oh, it was just-“
Georg was cut off by another man. “I heard you and Mr. Schafer got in a fight with some men down there at the pub,” he said.
Georg cringed. “Yes, well… you know how men can be when they’ve had a few drinks,” he said, looking embarrassed. “It was just a misunderstanding,” he said quickly. He spotted his mother gesturing and he cringed. “Excuse me, I must go see what my mother needs,” he said, turning to leave.
“I heard someone challenged his husband’s honor.”
Georg cringed at what he heard as he walked away from the group. He got to his mother, who was glaring. “Georg, do you not think it wise to have Bill and his brother stay away from each other until all these terrible rumors die out?” he hissed, and he turned and saw Bill and Tom laughing together with a girl.
“Mother, it will seem more suspicious for me to upset my husband when everybody knows I was in a fight to defend his honor!” he whispered. “I’m staying away from Gustav, but I will not ask Bill to get away from Tom,” he said. “Mother, you know as well as I do that until Tom got here, Bill was going mad, and Tom calms him,” he said.
She sighed. “Well, it is true,” she admitted. “The talk is just bad. I mean… who would have thought this would ever be on you,” she said, shaking her head. “I know Bill is a good boy, but nobody else believes it,” she whispered.
Georg smiled. “It doesn’t matter too much mother. It’s embarrassing but we’ll make it,” he said.
She sighed but nodded. “I hope so,” she said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The night finally ended near dawn when the last guests were gone. Tom and Gustav stayed behind to speak with Bill and Georg a little while and have tea around the fireplace.
“So, that went well, considering,” Gustav said, and Tom bit his lip.
“I don’t know,” he said and Georg just shrugged.
Bill sighed. “It went better than I hoped,” he said, slumping into Georg’s shoulder. “I’m so tired,” he breathed, teacup tilting dangerously. “Georg, I forgot to tell you, but you look so handsome in that jacket,” he said, smiling sleepily from Georg’s shoulder.
The other three all chuckled. Georg bit his lip and caught Bill’s cup, sitting it on the floor. “Come, darling,” he said, sliding his arm around Bill, who leaned into him. “It’s time to get you to bed,” he said.
Tom nodded. “For us too. We’ve got the ride home still,” he said, standing. Gustav took his hand and smiled.
“You will be asleep across my lap before we get out the gate,” he said, and Tom smiled sleepily.
“Yes, probably. And you’ll have to carry me to bed,” he said, snickering as Georg was seeming to have trouble getting Bill to his feet as well.
“I can’t carry this one that far, so he best learn to walk,” Georg grunted, shifting Bill, who was hanging onto his shoulders heavily. “He’s light but there’s just so much of him,” he said.
Tom just smiled. “Good luck with that. Once he’s asleep he doesn’t wake up easily,” he said, and Gustav snickered.
“So you’re just alike in that respect then?” he teased, then kissed Tom’s hand. “Goodnight, Georg,” he said, and Georg just grunted the same as they let themselves out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It wasn’t but three months after Gustav and Tom’s marriage that Gustav woke one day to find he had become an uncle during the night. Tom smiled as the maid spoke to them of Franzsiska and Derek’s new baby daughter.
Gustav beamed. “Oh, I cannot wait to meet the little one,” he said, and Tom smiled at his husband’s tone. “How is my sister?” he asked.
The maid smiled. “She’s perfectly fine. There were no complications, thank goodness,” she said. “Just a week ago one of the Fortner’s cook’s had his wife die during childbirth,” she said, shaking her head. “The baby survived, but now the poor man is left with four small children and no mother,” she said.
Gustav sighed. “When will they understand these poor women need doctors,” he said, and she gave him a look.
“How many employers are kind like your sister and even order doctors for servants who have accidents?” she asked pointedly, and Tom frowned.
“There are people who don’t have doctors tend to their servants when they are injured?” he asked, and Gustav looked at him. “What? My father always took care of his servants, and so did the Listings. It wasn’t just me that they called doctors for in the time I was there,” he pointed out.
Gustav smiled. “My dear, you’ve known many kind people in your time. Not very many people of status are as kind to people beneath them,” he said, taking his hand. “And honestly, Mrs. Listing was very upset the doctor saw you in your brother’s room the night you got lost. She wanted you put in the cottage, regardless of who you were,” he said. “I’m going to go send a letter of announcement around to our relatives and family friends,” he said, kissing Tom’s forehead as he stood and left the parlor.
Tom just shook his head once he was gone. “Well, that just proves how much of a hag that old witch really is,” he said, huffing as he looked at the girl.
The maid smiled. “I hear wonderful thinks about her son, though,” she said.
The Schafer family had always been very friendly with their staff, a tradition Franzsiska carried on, so of course the maids had known of Tom’s true situation long before the rumors began. Tom smiled. “He is. He’s a very nice person. Most husbands would have been very upset with finding out their husband had relatives like me,” he said.
She chuckled. “I would be shocked he wasn’t, but then again, you don’t behave like one would expect of a former scoundrel,” she said, going about her business cleaning as they spoke.
Tom shrugged. “You’ve only known me since I’ve been married to Gustav,” he said, picking back up his book. “I won’t bother denying my former ways, since they seem so public a topic these last weeks,” he said.
“I would at least expect wandering eyes from someone who used to bed whomever he wanted,” she said boldly. “Yet, I’ve never seen you look at a single person who came to visit,” she said.
Tom smiled without looking up from his book. “Despite what rumors you hear or ideas you may have of me, I did not marry Gustav for money or for position.” He smiled as he turned a page. “I keep my eyes from straying because there is nothing more interesting for them to stray to when my husband is near,” he said.
She just hummed. “Well, Mr. Schafer is a handsome one,” she said. “I’ve seen the man working on experiments without a shirt on, I can see why your eyes wouldn’t be very tempted to wander,” she said, and Tom gaped, laughing in shock.
“Good Lord, would you like to be alone whilst you lust over my husband?” he asked, laughing incredulously.
She blushed. “Oi, you are the ones who let us maids speak openly, and open opinions is what you get,” she said, and Tom just laughed, closing his book as he stood.
“You girls just better remember to let your words be all that is open and not your affections, for I don’t deny I can get quite jealous over him,” he teased as he walked out, still laughing at the maid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Gustav! What are we- ow!” Tom stepped into a hole and nearly fell. “Why can’t I look?” Tom demanded, glaring into the hands over his eyes.
“Not yet, Tom!” he teased, then smiled as he walked Tom right up to the door. “Okay, I’m going to let go but do not look,” he said and Tom nodded. “No, promise me,” he said, pressing a kiss to Tom’s back. “Say ‘Gustav, I promise’.”
“Gustav, I promise not to look. Now what?” Tom demanded. Gustav quickly darted into the barn and walked the horse out to the yard. “Are we in the stable?” Tom asked, hearing the horse’s hooves.
“Close,” Gustav said, then positioned the horse. “You can open your eyes,” he said, and Tom’s eyes flew open, only to widen when he saw the horse. It was a tall, dark brown horse with strong legs and a silky mane. “I think I promised you a horse,” Gustav said, and Tom beamed.
“Mine?” he asked, rushing forward to coo as he stroked the horse’s nose. “Oh she’s beautiful!” he cried, smiling.
Gustav walked around and put his hands on Tom’s hips, smiling. “Her name is Rita,” he said and Tom beamed. “Do you like her?” he asked.
Tom turned and kissed him right in front of anybody working in the garden or in the barn. “I love her!” he cried, turning to hug the horse’s neck. “Hello Rita. I’m Tom,” he said, smiling as he stroked her soft side. “Oh Gustav, thank you so much,” he said, beaming.
Gustav just shook his head. “I’m months late here, aren’t I?” he reminded Tom, who just shrugged. “I’m glad you like her, my love,” he said kissing Tom’s hand sweetly.
Tom smiled brightly, catching Gustav off guard. Even after several months, it still made his heart flutter to see such a sight. “Can we go riding?” Tom asked and Gustav nodded.
“Of course,” he said. “Where would you like to go?” he asked, going to get his own horse’s saddle.
Tom shrugged. “We haven’t explored the grounds much. I’m very curious,” he admitted.
Gustav bit his lip. “If you like we can go riding through the fields, just so we can give our horses exercise,” he said. “It’s not nighttime yet, but I can bring the telescope and there is a hill from which you can see all the way to town. We can look at it through the telescope,” he said.
Tom smiled. “I like it,” he said and Gustav nodded, going to get the telescope for them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a few days, almost a week, Gustav was called in to see his sister and the baby. He smiled as he walked into the nursery they had built in the place of what, long ago, was supposed to have been Derek’s chambers. “How are you?” he asked, smiling as he saw his sister standing at the window with her baby in her arms.
Franzsiska smiled back at him, beaming. “Wonderful. My daughter is perfect,” she said, turning to show her to Gustav better. He smiled as he walked close and saw the small, sleeping baby in his sister’s arms.
“Oh she’s so beautiful,” he said, smiling. “So tiny,” he cooed, catching the baby’s tiny hand. “It is amazing how small we start out, isn’t it?” he asked and Franzsiska just smiled.
“She looks like Derek,” she said, smiling widely. “Oh, how I love her, Gustav!” she said, positively glowing. “My little flower,” she said softly.
“What’s her name?” he asked and Franzsiska smirked.
“Rose.”
Gustav just laughed. “Well that makes sense,” he said softly. “I’m so happy for you, Franzsiska,” he said and she smiled.
She walked over and sat in the chair by the window, gesturing to the one across from her. “So, I hear you got Tom a horse,” she said, and he nodded, smiling. “You spoil that boy,” she teased and Gustav just smiled.
“I want him to have everything to make him happy,” he said, smiling.
“Just you is enough.” They both turned at the voice from the doorway. Tom smiled shyly. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know where Gustav had gone,” he said, then turned to leave.
“Come see the baby, Tom,” Franzsiska called and Tom turned back, looking curious.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
Franzsiska rolled her eyes. “You’re her uncle too, Tom,” she said, and Tom smiled shyly as he walked in. He bit his lip, looking for somewhere to sit, only to blush as Gustav stood and offered his seat.
“No, it’s alright,” Tom said, gesturing for Gustav to sit, only to grin and plop down in his lap. “All better,” he teased and Gustav just chuckled, curling his hand around Tom’s thigh to hold onto him.
“Her name is Rose,” Gustav said. Tom smiled at the baby’s sleeping face.
“She’s so small,” Tom cooed. “I’ve never seen a baby this close,” he said softly, reaching out tentatively to touch the tiny wisps of blonde hair on the baby’s head. “Wow,” he said softly.
Gustav smiled. “Just think, Tom. When you were that small, Franzsiska and Derek were already courting,” he teased.
Tom just huffed. “I’m nearly a man,” he said, and Gustav just smiled.
“I know, my love,” he said, earning a playful smile from his sister. “Hey, wipe that look off your face,” he said pointedly. “You’re holding a baby, for goodness sake!”
She just chuckled. “I’m a mother, I’m allowed to act like one now,” she said, and Gustav just smiled widely. He could see how happy his sister finally was.
“You’re a wonderful mother,” he said softly, earning a bright smile from his sister as she cradled her baby closer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Gustav, where are we going?” Tom asked once again, confused by his husband’s refusal to tell him where they were going. They were riding along a trail Tom hadn’t been down yet. Gustav just refused to say where they were heading.
Tom looked up through the trees at one clear spot of sky and saw smoke. “What out here would be smoking?” he asked, looking at Gustav, who looked up.
“You’ll see,” he said and Tom just huffed. They rode farther, only for Tom to see a pattern to the trees suddenly.
“Is this a path?” he asked and Gustav smiled, turning his horse onto the path lined with trees in a row. “Gustav, where are we?” he asked.
Gustav just smiled. “You’ll see very soon, my love,” he said and Tom didn’t even argue, too curious to bother.
As the path curved, Tom gasped as he saw a cabin ahead of them. “What is this?” he asked and Gustav smiled.
“I told you there was an old hunting cabin back here,” he said and Tom smiled. The cabin was made of log and stone. He saw the smoke coming from a chimney along the back. As they got closer a woman came out, smiling.
Tom recognized her as one of the maids from the house and smiled. “Oh, Gustav,” he said, realizing what Gustav had done.
Gustav just smiled as he dismounted. “Will you lead Tom inside while I put the horses in back?” he asked the main, who nodded.
Tom just bit his lip, fighting a blush as he walked after the maid into the house. It was a cabin, but it was far from a small hut as he had expected when Gustav had mentioned it long ago. There were separate rooms, it appeared. It wasn’t large like their manor, but they emerged into a small foyer with a chandelier made of antlers. There was a door leading to the right into what appeared to be a kitchen, straight ahead into what seemed to be a dining room, and to the left there was a room with a large window overlooking a stream. He smiled as he walked into the room. There was a rich, red rug on the floor that was worn in some places, but had been cleaned. There was a magnificent fireplace along one wall, but the grate was empty, as it was summertime.
There were chairs all sitting in the center, around the fireplace. He looked to the back wall and saw stairs heading up. “Is there a room upstairs?” he asked the maid, who nodded.
“Yes, there are two. One with many bunks and one with a larger bed,” she said.
Tom walked over to the steep stairs and headed up. There were two doors at the small landing. One lead straight and one lead to the right. He opened the one to the right and saw a room with several small beds lining the walls. He opened the other and found a smaller room with a table and a bed. He smiled as he saw a set of his clothes laid out on the table. “Oh Gustav,” he said, feeling giddy.
He turned and headed back downstairs, eager to thank Gustav. He walked into the kitchen and saw Gustav coming in the door leading out back, discussing something with some of the workers. “Make sure you’re feeding them the right stuff,” he said and the man nodded.
“Gustav,” Tom called, and Gustav smiled, walking over. Gustav ignored the maids who were cooking and pulled Tom into his arms, smiling.
“Did you look around?” Gustav asked and Tom nodded, smiling widely.
“You planned this for us,” he said, and Gustav smiled, eyes twinkling mischievously. “You are so romantic,” Tom said, leaning down to kiss Gustav.
Gustav just hummed against his lips, rubbing his back. “Because I like to see you smile. It’s fun to work out ways to surprise you,” he said. Tom just smiled as his heart fluttered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom smiled as Gustav showed him more on his charts. “One day soon, I’m taking you here,” Gustav said, pointing to the Mediterranean. “The arts and music there are amazing. I went with Franzsiska and Derek when I was fourteen and the cities are so beautiful all along the coast. The sea is a beautiful blue and the weather is warmer,” he said, smiling at Tom, who looked interested. “How did I ever find someone who actually cares about what I enjoy in life?” Gustav asked, sighing as he cupped Tom’s cheek.
Tom just smiled and leaned over to kiss him. “How did I meet the man I never knew I would want?” he countered, then kissed Gustav again. Gustav hummed against is lips, sliding his hand into Tom’s hair.
“Your hair is growing nearly as dark as Bill’s,” Gustav mumbled and Tom whined.
“Don’t bring my brother up now,” Tom huffed and Gustav laughed softly.
Gustav smiled as he stood. He held out his hand to Tom, who looked up, only to bite his lip. Tom took his hand and let him pull him to his feet. Gustav wordlessly kissed Tom, who moaned softly against his lips. “Let’s go upstairs,” Gustav said, and Tom nodded, kissing Gustav again.
They held hands as they ran up the stairs. Gustav pushed open the door, then tugged Tom into his arms, making him gasp. “Gustav!”
“I love you,” Gustav said, pulled Tom into a kiss. Tom moaned, feeling a tingling down his spine as Gustav’s hands roamed his body.
Tom pulled away and bit his lip, looking at Gustav through his eyelashes. He smirked as he undid his shirt, teasingly pulling it up his body. Gustav just smiled and grabbed Tom’s shirt, pulling it off his body. “Aww, I was having fun teasing,” Tom said, faking a pout.
“You always tease,” he said, pulling Tom close by his breeches. He undid them as he kissed Tom slowly. “You tease with your beautiful eyes every day,” he said, kissing Tom’s jaw.
Tom whimpered. “Now who’s teasing? You know what that does- oh!” Gustav bit lightly at the tender skin below his jaw bone. He whimpered and tugged at Gustav’s shirt.
Gustav turned him and lay him down on the bed, crawling up after him. “You love it,” he said, kissing across Tom’s chest. He hummed and kissed his sternum. “You’re beautiful,” he said and Tom moaned. Gustav tugged Tom’s pants off, looking up at him as he kissed his way down Tom’s legs.
“Gustav!” Tom gasped, watching his length disappearing between Gustav’s lips. Tom moaned, biting his lip as Gustav worked his tongue over Tom’s sensitive flesh. “Oh, so good,” he moaned, stroking Gustav’s hair.
Gustav pulled off with a pop, earning a whine. “Eager,” he said, amused as he crawled up to kiss Tom. Tom kissed him hard then rolled them over. He looked hungrily down at Gustav as he went for Gustav’s breeches.
Once he had stripped Gustav, he bit his lip and looked at him. “Can I, maybe… um-“ he blushed and Gustav bit his lip.
“You want to make love to me?” he asked and Tom nodded. Gustav took a breath, but nodded.
Tom smiled and kissed him. “I promise, I’ll try to make it good,” he said, stroke his side as he bit his lip shyly.
Gustav smiled and pulled him down. “You can’t be bad, my love,” he said, and Tom smiled. Gustav smirked. “Why else would all those people have slept with you?” he asked and Tom glared.
“Don’t bring that up when I’m trying to make love to you, my husband!” he said, then swatted at Gustav’s hip. “Turn,” he said rolling his eyes. Gustav just smirked and rolled over, curling his arms beneath his head. Tom smirked. “Have I told you that you have a magnificent backside?” he asked, and Gustav chuckled.
“You may have mentioned it,” he said, sarcasm evident in his voice.
Tom just smirked and lay along his back, pressing kisses to Gustav’s shoulder. “Hmm, I love you,” he said and Gustav turned his head, catching his lips in a kiss.
“Love you,” he said, smiling when he saw the gleam in Tom’s eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gustav woke up, only to find Tom sprawled out on his chest, nearly covering his whole body. He smiled, only to cringe as he shifted. He knew Tom had been more careful with him than he had been with Tom, so he felt even guiltier for how sore Tom must have been after the first time Gustav made love to him. “So beautiful,” he breathed, smiling at Tom’s peaceful face. He stroked a finger down from Tom’s high hairline all the way down between his eyes and over his nose, stopping on his bottom lip.
Tom wiggled his nose and then shifted in his sleep. “‘Stav?” he mumbled and Gustav froze, then smiled when two sets of long lashes fluttered, revealing big, brown eyes.
Gustav shushed him gently. “Sleep, my love,” he said, rubbing a soothing hand down his back.
Tom wiggled around and closed his eyes, hand curling over Gustav’s shoulder as he carefully slipped back into his slumber. Gustav just smiled and bit his lip. It was hard for him to believe that he had known Tom less than a year. In under a year of knowing him, Tom knew him better than anybody else alive and he knew Tom better than probably even his brother.
Gustav had no trouble, however, loving Tom more and more with each day that passed. Even on bad days, of which there were few, Gustav loved him more when the day ended than he had the moment his eyes first landed on Tom’s face that morning.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill and Tom were riding into town, talking as they rode side by side, when Tom spotted Gustav speaking to an older lady outside a shop. “Oh, he must be trying to find work,” Tom said, smiling.
Bill chuckled. “I guess with you as his husband, it’s harder for him to find a job as some boys’ teacher,” he said.
Tom rolled his eyes. “They wouldn’t refuse to hire him over me,” he said, then bit his lip. “Would they?” he asked and Bill shrugged.
“No way to tell,” he said, then smiled. “Oh look, he’s coming over,” he said, waving as Gustav walked over to where they were stopped behind a carriage as a lady climbed in.
Gustav jogged over and smiled as he stroked Rita’s neck. “Hello, darling,” he said, smiling up at Tom. “What are you two doing?” he asked.
Tom smiled. “Going shopping for Bill’s wardrobe.” He looked at his brother. “He’s grown again,” he said.
Gustav chuckled. “Poor Georg. He’ll need to stare straight up soon,” he said, and Bill smiled.
“What are you doing?” Tom asked and Gustav smiled.
“Looking for work. Mrs. Abend has two sons and a daughter she is looking for a tutor for,” he said. “She can’t find many teachers who want to teach a girl,” he said.
Tom smiled. “Of course you’re the modernist who doesn’t care,” he said.
Gustav nodded. “Mrs. Abend isn’t as wealthy as my parents were, so the chance of her daughter getting a decent education are lower than Frazsiska’s were. The boys are ten and twelve but the daughter is nearly fourteen already. Her mother doesn’t want her to just marry off. She wants her to learn but couldn’t find a teacher until her sons were old enough,” he said.
Tom smiled. “You have such a big heart,” he said with love in his eyes.
Gustav smiled and reached up to take his hand. “I must if I have room for anything other than you,” he said, pressing a kiss to the back of Tom’s hand.
Tom just blushed and smiled. “Love you,” he said softly.
Gustav sighed. “I better go before I do something indecent like pull you out of the saddle and kiss you right here,” he said, winking.
Tom just laughed. “I’ll see you back home, Gustav,” he said, smiling.
Gustav smiled. “See you at home,” he sighed. “Love you,” he said, waving as he walked away.
Bill just smiled. “Aww, you two are still so cute,” he said, smiling. He sighed. “I’ve been in love for a year now,” he said, smiling. “I’m so happy I’m still adored by my husband,” he said.
Tom smiled. “I’ll never get used to waking up with mine watching me sleep,” he said. “He says I’m too beautiful to pass up a chance to stare at me,” he said, blushing.
“Hmm, look at Mrs. Abend,” Bill said, and Tom glanced, only to see her talking to someone who was whispering and pointing at them. “Yeah, keep pointing, your son got drunk off wine and touched my backside last time you had a dinner, hag,” he said under his breath, waving exaggeratedly at the women, only to stop when Mrs. Abend shot them a look that made Tom nervous.
“I hope she didn’t say anything to Mrs. Abend that makes her not give Gustav the show,” Tom said softly.
Bill shook his head. “I hope not.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom was sitting with Franzsiska and Rose, smiling at the baby and making faces, when Gustav came in. Tom looked up and smiled. “Gustav!” he said, standing. He walked over only to slow as he approached his husband. “Are you alright?” he asked.
Gustav smiled tiredly. “Yes, it just seems that work is harder to find than I had thought,” he said, shaking his head. “Good thing we don’t have to depend on it for income, I guess.”
Tom frowned. “Still nothing? I was sure Mr. Lutz was going to work out,” he said with a frown.
Gustav shrugged. “No worries,” he said, pulling Tom’s head down so he could kiss between his eyes. “It will be okay in the end, my love,” he said and Tom smiled.
“Yeah,” he said, then bit his lip as he turned away.