Chapter 45 - Please Can We Go Out to Play?
After much gentle--and some none so gentle--persuasion, Mr. Freeman has finally agreed to allowing the staff of the parlour house out to Golden Gate Park for the day.
Back to Chapter 44
Funny days in the park
Every day's the fourth of July
People reaching, people touching
A real celebration
Waiting for us all
If we want it, really want it
Can you dig it (yes, I can)
And I've been waiting such a long time
For the day
'Saturday in the Park' Chicago
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWxA3e9f6rY
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTFD1C4tVIg
Come to the Park, the fifteen hundred acres of Golden Gate, made into a garden by the grace of God, manifested through John McLaren, superintendent, Scotchman and master gardener. In 1870 here were shifting dunes, a waste of sand, wind waved, desolate of herbage. Today are seventeen miles of driveways set with trees from every clime, that open on enchanting glades and vistas of mountain and sea. Here are lakes where wild ducks breed and paddocks where elk and deer and buffalo graze under unconscious guardianship. The conservatory is a rainbow of tropic blooms matched by the living splendor of the aviary. Flowers are everywhere, luxuriant in clustering fragrance. Old folk, families, lovers, babies, all find their charm. The children have their swings and donkey rides in their special playground, their grizzly bears and other strange beasts of the Zoo, and their sand bed games; the young men and maidens use the tennis courts whence national champions have issued. There is baseball for the young, bowls for the old, the largest stadium in America for marathons or minor athletic events, a course for speedy horses, special waters for model yachtsmen, and a great stone stand where music for the million is dispensed. The view from Strawberry Hill, above Stow Lake, takes in the Golden Gate, with Tamalpais beyond, the Berkeley Hills, the loom of Mount Diablo and, closer, the Cross on Lone Mountain. Below, on the bridged and isleted lakelet is the Japanese tea house in its quaint garden, a bit of Chrysanthemum Land inlaid in the great play table of the Park.
http://www.sfgenealogy.com/sf/history/hbcare5.htm
The boys were all excited about the outing and it showed. Craig began to wonder if it was really such a wise idea as he managed to stop Ian from shoving something into Greg's pocket by drawing him back to his own side of the carriage and holding him firmly around the waist. Whatever he'd had he'd obviously managed to secrete somewhere in his voluminous skirts, as Craig couldn't find it, nor could he make Ian produce it. Greg shrugged at him and settled back in next to Orli comfortably, nodding as the newest addition to Freeman's asked him something about a building they were passing.
"I have my eye on you," Craig murmured sweetly into Ian's ear, "Don't you try anything today. I know what you're thinking and it's not happening."
Ian turned in Craig's arms and kissed his cheek softly. "Me?" he offered with the pretty smile that might fool every other man around, but really did nothing to dispel Craig's impression he was up to no good. "I have every intention of behaving like the demure maiden I am."
Craig snorted at that but turned it into a muffled cough so that Greg and Orli wouldn't be too curious. Craig would just have to keep a very strict eye on the prankster, because he could all too easily see who would end up being the butt of any jokes. Greg could get himself into trouble easily enough, but Orli hadn't experienced Boone at his worst yet.... Craig eyed the pretty newcomer and hoped like hell that Warrick would be sticking to him as much as he had already been doing the last few days.
Dom and Billy rooting about under the girl's dresses like they were wasn't exactly something to be putting up with in polite society, and Eric wondered if he'd have to bang their heads together. If they got any worse, he wouldn't be averse to the idea, but Eric was pretty sure they'd behave a bit better once they got to the park. He was convinced Mr. Marton had caught sight of at least one of them before they'd left the house, so they really didn't need to be hiding down there anyway. The proprietor's amused smile indicated he wasn't too put out by the stowaway he'd seen, so Eric didn't foresee too many hassles when the boss joined them later.
"You might as well come out from under Livvie's skirt," Eric rumbled with an amused smile, "You're not fooling any of us. Least of all Liv." He smirked at her slightly flushed face and the way she was scrabbling with her skirts as if Billy had found more than petticoats under there.
"Whatever do you mean?" Liv asked in a sweetly innocent voice. That was, until it hitched at the end when Billy delved a bit higher. She squirmed again, unable to maintain a wide-eyed innocent gaze.
On the other side of the carriage, ensconced between the other two girls, Kate snorted lightly.
"He means you're a slut for that little Scotchman." She was half teasing, but some of her irritation did come across. This was supposed to be a special day to get away from the house and act like normal folk, and already the antics were beginning.
Dom's distinctive giggle flowed up from the carriage floor, somewhere to Kate's right. She huffed again, twitching her skirts the other direction.
Up on the driver's seat next to Mr. Viggo, Warrick could look down into the open carriage carrying the girls. Eric's head of dark curls loomed above the sea of pastel frocks, beribboned straw hats, and other feminine accoutrements. The scene was surreal. It looked so... normal, four young ladies out for an afternoon drive with a male household member as chaperone. Even more surreal were the two young 'couples' in his carriage: Orli and Ian in similar attire to the girls ahead, with Craig and Greg acting as escorts. What would the other patrons at the city's finest park (that Warrick had heard so much about, but never thought he'd ever be able to visit) think, if they knew they all were whores and staff from a parlour house?
Warrick shook his head, shifting over on the seat to give Viggo more room after the racer widened his legs until he bumped against Warrick's thigh as they turned onto another street. His situation felt the most surreal. He still could not fully believe the providence of finding himself in a house where freedom of choice was the norm. To this day, no pressure had been put on him to take clients, or even interact with the clients in the public rooms. A small smile twitched up a corner of his mouth. Granted, he was being encouraged (through broad hints, and devious means like the afternoon with Orli) to interact at will with any or all household members.
He was distracted again from his musings as Viggo's knee brushed his thigh. "Pardon, do you need more room to handle them?" Warrick turned his gaze back from Eric and the girls to nod at the matched pair of horses.
Dominic was in a sea of white frills and sweet smells. He felt as though he were riding a high of arousal and surrealism. Colors seemed more vibrant than usual and the noises from the streets merely heightened his excitement. The area he and Billy sat in was cramped, but that ended up working to their benefit. The dealer knew that by now his best friend and partner in crime was getting ever closer to reaching his goal.
The dealer himself was leaning back between the legs of the pretty blonde, Claire. He stroked the soft flesh, placing kisses and whispering soft words against it. Billy was between his own legs, his backside resting against Dom's cock. A perfect way to start the day, considering.
Kate's words reached his ears, and he couldn't help but laugh. She really could be a prude, for a whore. He considered reaching out for her, but just as he went to, a soft hum reverberated through Billy, and he pressed back harder against Dom's crotch. His mate's hand came down grab his leg tightly, and another giggle passed Dominic's lips.
"William would like me to inform you that he's quite happy where he is, thanks, but he appreciates your concern over his comfort."
Warrick really was a delicious creature. Viggo had heard all about what had happened with Orli, and it had been occupying his mind ever since. The mental images that came along with it were almost too much to bear. Ever since Viggo had first laid eyes on the mulatto, he'd wanted him. The nights spent pressed against him had only made it worse, and now, knowing that he was embracing his sensuality once more...
Usually when Viggo wanted someone that he knew had similar interests, he said so aloud. He found people responded well to honesty. But Warrick... Warrick was like those who wouldn't admit to their needs. Small hints would have to be dropped, enough to get his mind whirring with lustful possibility.
The words made Viggo grin. "No, no, stay there. I'm doing just fine."
Warrick gave Viggo a small answering smile before the long avenue leading into the park snared his attention. Stately trees lined the route, portending the lush landscaping within the great park. Someone--Miss Marg or perhaps Orli's Mr. Sean--had mentioned the entire area was once a broad vista of sand dunes leading to the ocean's edge. As the vehicles entered the park, the view of the rolling hills, cultivation, and wending pathways, roads and bridle trails amongst the greenery was breathtaking. Off to the right, peeking above the treetops, the Conservatory of Flowers gleamed in the midday sunlight. They would head there later in the afternoon before ending their stay at the Casino located just beyond the massive greenhouse.
The carriages headed left; the Children's Quarter with its lodge, domed merry-go-round and maypoles peeking from the trees as they passed. Across from the Deer Glen, the carriages pulled up to wide green lawns decorated with small groupings of other patrons. Cheered on by their paramours, young men were engaged in a baseball game. Picnickers sprawled on colorful blankets; hampers open with the contents spread close to hand. Others strolled, greeting friends and strangers alike, pausing here and there to encourage players in croquet games scattered around the perimeter.
Eric couldn't help the snorted laughter at Dom's words. The two little blokes really did manage to worm their way in so well with the girls, although Eric was pretty sure the two of them were at it like rabbits together whenever possible, too. He shook his head and winked at Kate. She probably preferred someone a little less... obvious about their intentions, he guessed.
"Here's the park now, boys. Best you come out from there before we have to explain why the carriage is still rocking after the rest of us have got out, eh?" he suggested as the vehicle rolled through the entrance to Golden Gate Park. Some distance along the main promenade, the vehicle slowed to a halt.
Breathing in deeply of the fresh air, Eric smiled to himself as he clambered down to hand the ladies out of the carriage. Oh, it was definitely good to be alive and working for Mr. Freeman.
When Mr. Viggo set the brake, Warrick jumped down to hand out the young 'couples' from the carriage. Tasked to help chaperone until Mr. Marton and Vin arrived, he then moved over to assist Eric. Once Miss Livvie stepped down, Warrick's eyebrows lofted in surprise to see Freeman's barman and dealer crawl out next. Before he could ask about their presence, the third carriage rolled up to discharge Mr. Sean and Miss Marg. Orli abandoned young Greg at his side, gathering his skirts to skip across to greet his patron and the Madam with a radiant smile.
"Oh, Sean, it's so beautiful! Can we go to see the animals? I heard they have all kinds for the children and I haven't ever seen a zebra! Oh, and there's flowers! So many flowers!" Orli gazed in wonder as he caught sight of part of the gardens he'd missed from within the carriage. Turning slightly, his childish wonder was easily distracted from both of these things to the young men playing some kind of game with a ball not far across the field from where they'd exited the vehicles. "Oh, what..." he gave a quick look back at Sean, and tried to suppress his natural interest in the healthy and handsome group of young men running around the handful of others, who all seemed rather interested in the widely arcing ball as it flew beyond the farthest one of the group. "What's that game they're playing? It looks... interesting."
Greg had ambled behind Orli a little more slowly, and stopped to listen to his young friend's enthusiastic chattering with a grin of his own. His eyes twinkled merrily as he smiled happily at Marg while Orli chatted on. It was wonderful to be allowed a day out like this. Greg could almost believe they were just like all the other young people in the park right now.
Ian and Craig moved in the opposite direction from the others; Ian leading Craig by the hand as casually as he could manage to look, while also being quite insistent. Drawing his 'date' nearer to whisper into Craig's ear, Boone's sweet but sexy low voice sent a shiver through Craig as he spoke.
"Do you suppose they'd miss us if we took a stroll alone, my love?"
Swallowing to steady himself, Craig drew back enough to look at Ian's face to judge the cheeky whore's mood.
"You are talking about a simple stroll, now aren't you, sweetheart?" Craig questioned with a quirk of his eyebrow as he wound his arm firmly around Ian's slim waist and turned him back towards the others, "Because in that case, we should really stay with the group, or have you forgotten the last time, hmm?"
Sean smiled indulgently at Orli's infectious enthusiasm as he tucked the youth to his side. "Baseball 'tis called, loosely related to Cricket, I think." Grin broadening when Marg shook her head while rolling her eyes, Sean continued, "We can watch from a safe distance; I fear you'd become quite a distraction for the poor lads if we wandered too close, yeah?" He tapped the end of Orli's nose and winked at Greg, before nodding toward the small bevy of girls. "We should have some time while Eric and the drivers set out the rugs and baskets."
"Oh, Sean..." Orli enthused, dragging his patron closer to a pond with wildfowl on it. Some children were feeding the ducks and geese, and he'd spotted an unusual bird he'd never seen before, "What's that? There's just so much to see here, isn't there? It's amazing! This is even bigger than Hyde Park! And the people and the animals..."
Greg, who had followed along behind as the pair strolled--at a bit of a loss without his 'lady' friend to escort--stepped forward as he heard Orli's question. This was one he could answer, to his delight. He didn't often get to show his knowledge, and Nick's sharing of tales about birds he'd seen in the Bay made this a perfect opportunity, especially as Mr Sean seemed to be at a loss as to what the distinctive black and white-headed goose with a brownish body was.
"That's a Canada goose," he smiled brightly, "and over there, that pretty green-headed duck you can see, the one behind that grey goose? That's a Falcated duck. Most of these others are your standard mallards and such, but every now and then..." he raised his eyebrows and grinned, remembering Nick's enthusiasm for the subject, and how well he'd described that particular species one day last week.
Orli furrowed his brows at Greg for a second, then laughed. "You're a bird watcher?" he asked, giving Sean a quick glance without letting go of the man, "or do you just know a lot about animals in general? Have you been to the zoological gardens here then? Have you seen the zebra?" he suddenly remembered, his eagerness to witness the animal taking over all other thoughts. "They were getting some for London Zoo, I heard, but I never got to see them. I... I haven't been there in some... years." His face fell a little as this thought suddenly and powerfully reminded him how far away from 'home' he was and how distant his family was. Outings to the zoo had been common when he was younger, and it was almost painful now to think of such pleasant excursions with his parents when everything had changed so much since then. Swallowing and blinking to ward off the evil thought, he quickly asked, "Does it really look like a horse in pajamas?"
Greg frowned a little too as something strange passed over Orli's expression, but he carefully ignored it and responded to the question so his friend wouldn't feel uncomfortable. They all had things that they wanted to forget; there was no point in calling attention to a momentarily lapse.
"I haven't actually been yet, no, but I'm very much looking forward to it! Perhaps we can decide whether we agree with the description together?" A movement in the corner of his eyes caught Greg's attention and he shifted his attention to where Billy and Dom were waving frantically in the distance. "Uh... perhaps I'd better go see what's going on with the others..." he trailed off, "Our friends seem to be trying to gain my attention, at least."
He couldn't tell what all the weird gesticulating was about, but as Orli and Sean turned to follow his gaze, the two cheeky staffers stopped their movements and tried to pull on innocent expressions. "Perhaps the food's just ready," Greg tried, smiling at his companions, "but I'll go find out while you two keep walking, hmm? I promise not to let them eat it all before you circle round the pond and join us."
Orli looked confused for a moment, but then smiled so prettily at Mr Sean that Greg doubted his patron could resist the idea of being alone with the young whore. Giving them one last amused glance, he struck out across the grass.
What in the devil were that silly pair up to?
Miss Marg began walking toward the Children's playground, and Warrick's brow crinkled as he glanced back to the small clusters of the rest of the household. Surely he should stay close to the Madam, he surmised, following after. Marg's loud inhalation of air alerted him to a smartly dressed couple with a blond girl clutching their hands as she skipped between them, approaching from the other direction. He was close enough to see Marg's face soften with an inexplicable expression when the girl spotted them and broke away with a shout.
"Auntie! How'd you know we'd be here?" She barreled into Marg's arms, and Warrick had to look away from the raw emotion on his employer's face.
"I came for you, sweetie! How could I miss the opportunity to explore this great park with you?"
Warrick hung back, sorry he was intruding on what was obviously a mother greeting her child after a long absence. Before he could slip away, the girl noticed him and regaled him with a bright smile.
"Hello, you have pretty eyes. Are you a friend of Auntie Marg's? Like Mr. Sean and Mr. Marton? I like you; you're a giant."
"And you're a princess," Warrick answered, smiling, and gave Marg an apologetic shrug as her laughter trilled.
"Yes he is a friend. Mr. Sean is over there with the others from the boarding house," Marg pointed across the lawns before tweaking the child's nose, "and yes, Mr. Warrick here has very pretty eyes." Marg winked up at him as if to convey his presence was not an intrusion.
Eric helped the drivers unload the big baskets of food that Cook had prepared for the outing, and once they'd decided on the best 'spot' to enjoy the park's 'delights' while they ate (semi-suggestive comments coming from the gaggle of girls and the two daft British lads), he finally managed to get the blankets spread out. Billy was more hindrance than help with that, but Dom seemed co-coordinated enough as he took the opposite end of each one from Eric to lay them out. Between that, and Livvie and Claire kneeling carefully down to open up the food and begin laying things out, they had their shady spot under a leafy oak looking like any other friendly group in the park in no time flat.
Settling against the base of the tree, Eric had a good view of what most of the others were up to, and could still take in the sights on offer around them. He sighed contentedly as Kate folded herself neatly next to him and handed him a plate of sandwiches.
"Thanks, love," he smiled at her, taking the offering and picking up one of the sandwiches. "Nice to get away from the house properly for a change, isn't it?"
"Yes," she replied, taking a nibble from the sandwich she held, and chewing thoughtfully. Swallowing, she went on, "Hopefully, they can all behave themselves and not draw attention in unnecessary ways. It's not like we need anyone figuring out what kind of place we're from."
Something in her tone, despite her friendly smile, made Eric wonder for a moment what her background had been. He didn't really know a lot about most of the other staff, preferring not to ask in case it led to more questions about his own background. That thought made him shift his eyes to where young Boone was teasing Craig with a bunch of grapes that he kept offering to the other whore, then drawing away.
Eric knew he'd said far too much to the boy-girl a few weeks back when he'd been feeling down about Jenny and Jesse and all that had transpired before he left Australia. His emotions had been in knots that night, and he'd thought a good sucking by the most talented whore in the place would make him forget it all, but it hadn't made any difference. He'd somehow had his defenses lowered even more by the gentleness of Boone's attentions that night, and cuddling together afterwards--something they both obviously enjoyed with someone they felt comfortable with--he'd admitted things he had a feeling were only going to lead to more trouble for him one day, although so far Boone, for all his tricks, had remained remarkably close-mouthed about the whole thing.
"Oh, I don't think we need to worry too much," he replied at last, offering Kate a dazzling smile as he pushed the thought away before it could belie the words he was now saying, "I think everyone feels the same about getting out and forgetting what we do, if just for a short time. Just relax and enjoy the day!"
Kate nodded, her pretty freckles lighting up under her sweet smile. "I'm sure you're right. How could anything go wrong when there are so many sensible 'adults' around to watch over the children?"
"That's better," he told her, biting into another sandwich and watching the twinkle in her eyes.
Ian finally allowed Craig to catch hold of the grapes and bite one off the bunch as he laughed at his friend's attempts. He was quite happy to help Craig relax. That way, when he put his plan into action, his ostensible chaperone might not miss him slipping away, especially if he thought Boone had given up on what Craig suspected was some trick due to his earlier intervention.
No such luck, my love, Ian thought in Craig's direction as he handed the rest of the bunch of grapes over and turned to ask Livvie for something more substantial for his 'protector of the day'. He wasn't eating much himself, as he needed to keep his senses as hungry as possible so that when opportunity presented itself, he'd be ready. Ian could wait; he had patience to spare and besides, he needed his roommate to be closer than he currently was. His grin spread at the thought of what he was going to do with the item tucked into his drawers.
Chuckling at Orli's description, Sean was dazzled by the bright smile. Steps hesitating momentarily as he fought the urge to kiss the little minx breathless, he had to glance away down the path around the pond. He tightened his hold, tucking Orli closer to his side, though careful of the wide-brimmed bonnet.
"You've been so busy lately; nice to have you to meself for a few. I hope this means you are settling in well?" Sean was at mixed emotions about having his lad move upstairs, but with him needing to keep up with his worldwide business dealings, it was best Orli made friends and solidified his place in the household.
Pleased to have Sean alone at last, Orli allowed a warm feeling to spread through him as his patron held him close and they continued walking.
Sean's words made him think that perhaps the man was glad to be rid of him so close, however, and he tried to push down his need. He was awfully afraid he'd already fallen in love... and that just wasn't sensible, especially not in light of what Sean had already exposed him to.
"Yes, everyone is being... most kind." Orli's smile stayed bright, despite his inner turmoil. He couldn't say anything about how things were with Boone either. Knowing how his roommate felt about having one of his better customers 'stolen', not to mention how things had been going since he'd been sharing with the other whore...
He purposely increased his smile, letting any thoughts of all that disappear as he gazed around him. Live for now he told himself, and let it go. "The party that Miss Marg is organising... you know that's going to be my formal 'introduction' to things, don't you? Mr. Marton has been so understanding about me needing so much time. I think... well, I don't really know what the doctor told him, but... anyway, it's fine. I'm ready for it now. You'll be proud of me, Sean."
"Good, good," Sean replied absently, patting the top of Orli's gloved hand where it lay on his sleeve. "There are good people at the house, and knowing you are well cared for will make me worry less when I'm away." He sighed then, rounding a bend in the path that took them partially behind some shrubbery.
Making a production of looking around for observers, Sean's smile grew teasing and then softened as he peered under the brim of Orli's hat and tapped the tip of his nose. "I will worry. You are me special 'Little One'." He sealed his pronouncement with a sipping kiss to Orli's soft lips.
Keeping the brave smile plastered on, Orli tried not to let Sean see what was in his eyes at the words when I'm away, but he felt a slight leap of his heart as Sean went on to admit that he'd worry even so. It definitely implied that he cared more for Orli than for the rest of the staff at Freeman's, even if it didn't mean it was love exactly.
The kiss melted Orli's heart further though, and he would have believed anything was possible at that tender moment. Knowing how unseemly it was to kiss in public like this, he was grateful for the risk Sean had taken. Taking a risk himself, he allowed the tip of his tongue to touch Sean's lips in the return kiss, then he demurely pulled away, leading Sean away from their hiding spot by the hand.
"Come on, Sean! I'm hungry! The others tell me Cook has outdone herself for the picnic--it'd be a pity to miss the food. The way Eric and Greg alone put it away could mean we're down to scraps already!" He allowed his most tempting smile to spread, lowering his eyes enough to peek up through his lashes coyly.
Humming pleasantly at the teasing little kiss, Sean's eyes lit up at Orli's special combination of sultry innocence. He used their connected hands to halt the progress back to the others.
"Ye are special, love," he emphasized with a squeeze of their fingers. "Don't ever forget that." He cupped a smooth cheek, thumb tracing over soft lips. He even went so far as to open his mouth to remind the beautiful lad that now, finally, he was amongst others who shared or understood his desires, and accepted him for himself. But, the sun was shining and the day was warm. This wasn't the time for deep conversation.
Tongue flirting with his lips, Sean winked and grinned disarmingly. "Let them eat. When it comes time for croquet, they'll be full and lethargic; giving our team the advantage, eh?"
At Sean's words that he was special, Orli just smiled more widely, although his heart contracted and expanded almost painfully. If that was as close to love as he was likely to get, he'd take it. Life had certainly been so much nicer to him since he met Sean, and for that he was grateful. He knew he shouldn't expect too much more.
He allowed a slight laugh out when Sean went on to say how they would have the upper hand in croquet if the others had eaten all the food already, and he let Sean draw his body back towards him. That thing he did with his tongue always sent a tingle through Orli, and he watched, swallowing, wishing they could be somewhere more private right now.
"What do you want to do instead, then?" he asked from what seemed far too close now; his skin heating at their proximity.
"What ah want t'do, and what we can..." Sean's voice lowered in desire; accent thickening. He put a slightly more proper distance between their bodies, and continued along the path that would lead them back to the others.
"You are dangerous to my resolve, you sexy minx, and ah wouldn't have yeh any other way."
Orli couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up; pleased that he had such an effect on Sean. It certainly wasn't as if he was alone in wishing for more, anyway.
"So, we should act like every other respectable couple here and stroll nicely towards the rest of our party, where I can perhaps convince you to feed me grapes, or some other such treat?" Orli suggested, his voice softening enough on the latter part of the sentence to keep the heat just a little turned up.
Even if the idea was a little unseemly and somewhat unlikely in such a public place, if Sean was kept on the edge of need and desire for long enough, perhaps later in the day they could more than make up for lost time together, once they were out of such plain view of so many strangers.
Craig was fairly sure Ian had something up his sleeve... or down his drawers, rather. He hadn't forgotten the hiding away of something small but clearly meant for another one of his pretty friend's pranks. He'd have to keep sharp, although he pretended he was relaxed and went along with the distractions Boone was offering.
Once he had Craig tucking into some more food, an idea that had been slowly coming together in Ian's mind took even better shape, and he smiled as Billy dropped down next to him, offering him an apple.
"Why, thank you, William," he smiled, fluttering his lashes prettily, "and where's your offsider? Still chasing Claire around the bushes? Or..." and he lowered his voice conspiratorially and let his lips touch Billy's ear as he whispered, "...do I mean, is he still chasing about her bush?"
"Mmm, not sure 'bout Dominic, but likely not too far from t'truth. Why, luv? Ye interested? We could track 'im down..." Billy smirked at the pretty young whore, and reached across Ian to grab a small knife that was sitting by Craig and his food. He smirked up at the boy-girl, and after sitting straight once more, the barman took the apple back. Cutting a small slice, he offered it to Ian. "M'sure he'd be obliging to a lady as lovely as yerself."
Ian took a delicate bite from the piece of apple that Billy had offered him, chewing slowly and licking at his lips afterwards as he gave the man another sultry look.
"Doesn't have to be him, but maybe the two of you together..." he suggested, allowing his smile to grow, "I have this lovely idea of surprising Greg somewhere in amongst all these secret places." He gazed around meaningfully at the leafy areas around them, where all manner of things could probably be arranged if they were careful.
"You know," Boone said sexily as he moved closer to Billy, his fingers tickling the inside of the man's wrist where he held the rest of the apple, "Greg so loves surprises, and if you and Dommie were to help me..." he placed a soft kiss quickly on a tender spot on Billy's neck, "...to say, get him... naked out there, somewhere..." Ian shifted back a little to offer his most innocent--yet somehow completely suggestive--look from vivid blue eyes and smiled, "I'm sure I could find a way to repay you both for the help."
Giving a quick sideways glance to be sure Craig wasn't paying them any attention, he allowed his smile to widen as he transferred his gaze back to Billy. He pursed his lips for a moment, then allowed the tip of his tongue to play around the edges of his full red lips, seeing exactly how his proposals were affecting the young barman.
Oh yes, this would be no problem at all.
By the time Warrick returned to the picnickers, Mr. Marton and Vin had arrived. The two men were in an animated conversation with Mr. Sean and Eric, surrounded by the gaggle of girls. As he approached it became apparent the men's athletic prowess was being challenged. With Miss Marg off to the Children's Playground with her 'niece', her girls were insisting on being entertained by a rousing game of croquet by the men.
Warrick mentally shook his head. How those silly girls thought croquet was any indication of prowess was beyond him. The boys across the field playing baseball were a sexier sight. Upper bodies twisting, muscles bunching as they swung the bat; legs displayed nicely as they dashed around the bases or chased around the outfield.
Then Warrick noticed the way Mr. Sean was leaning on a croquet mallet. He licked his lips and flicked an appraising glance to the girls and back. The taut curve of the blond entrepreneur's bottom was molded nicely by his flannel trousers as he rested his weight on the handle. Though he could certainly see the appeal of the four gentlemen wriggling as they adjusted stances to aim their mallet, why the girls were so interested was beyond his ken.
Mr. Sean then caught his eye, and straightening to swing the mallet up onto his shoulder, requested Warrick keep watch over Ian and the boys. Vin and Eric both smirked and bade him be careful. Warrick waved off their warnings as teasing, and strolled over to settle and rummage through a basket near Craig.
"Keep watch," he snorted when the dark haired whore lofted an eyebrow at Warrick's chuckles. "What can the lot of you get up to with the others right over there?"
"You really have no idea?" Craig smirked and cast a sly glance towards where Ian was now innocently chewing pieces of fruit.
Craig wasn't completely sure the pretty young whore hadn't already subverted the barman already, but he'd been a bit sidetracked watching the baseball players for a few minutes earlier when a wild throw had sent a ball spinning away from the game, and the handsome young man dashing after it had almost slid into their picnic trying to retrieve it. Most of the girls had already moved by then, so Craig was pretty sure the youngster's interested smile as he apologized for the intrusion had been aimed at him alone, despite Boone's proximity. It had been such a sweet smile too, and Craig found his heart speeding up at the suggestiveness of it. Perhaps... but no, he needed to think about what he was supposed to be doing here today, aside from enjoying the outing.
Surely Ian couldn't have done anything yet, and Billy was acting perfectly normally too. He'd wandered across to join his friend Dom a while ago, so although anything was possible, Craig doubted there was too much to be concerned with so soon. He'd keep with the plan and stay near Boone; that way things shouldn't get too out of hand. Warrick could perhaps keep an eye on Billy and Dom, and Greg too, who was now chatting to the two smaller men near one of the pathways and nodding his head enthusiastically at whatever it was they were suggesting.
"Last time this lot had an outing... well, let's just say things rarely stay on the straight and narrow with them, unless they have someone responsible watching them." He looked meaningfully at Boone, who simply gave him one of his most innocent smiles before dropping his eyes back to the food in front of him. Turning back to Warrick, Craig tipped his head towards Boone, "I get to chaperone Miss Muffet here today, and if you were wise, you'd keep an eye on those errant midgets and Greg. That pair get up to all sorts, and Greg could very easily get dragged along for the ride."
Making a dismissive noise, Warrick once again waved off what seemed to be excessive dire warnings. As he unwrapped a sandwich, he lowered to one elbow in order to be at a good angle to watch both the baseball game and Freeman's crew. It was obvious Eric and Vin were arguing on the course layout, as much pointing and hand waving preceded the stake being pounded into the grass and placement of each hoop.
Orlando must have gotten tired of the antics. A smile softened Warrick's face as he watched his young friend stroll over to Greg and the other two. Warrick had known the youth would find friends within the household. What little Warrick knew of Greg, he seemed a likeable sort who would be good for helping Orli ease into the inner workings of the parlour house.
"Ease up, 'Mother Goose'." Warrick chased the sandwich with a large swig from a bottle of cider. "They're just young boys out enjoying the fresh air and sunshine." Feeling lethargic and amiable himself in the warm fall day, he didn't bother to glance back at Craig as he spoke. "I've got an eye on them in case their giggling fits annoy any passers-by."
Well, if Warrick was going to believe that no harm could come from allowing the boys free run, who was Craig to keep pushing the subject? He'd done his best to warn him. Warrick might just need to learn how things went by first hand experience. Craig allowed a secret smile to cross his face as he leaned back comfortably on his hands and tipped his head to let the warmth of the sun permeate his body.
"Okay, if you think you've got it under control," Craig allowed mildly, "I'll just sit here and enjoy the sunshine too."
Turning his eyes carefully so he could watch Ian from under his lashes, he wondered what the pretty boy's plan for today was. There was no way he wasn't up to something, despite his apparently nonchalant manner right now.
Boone nibbled on a pear delicately, pretending to pay no attention to the other two whatsoever, but his joy at hearing what Warrick said was making his heart flutter just a little. He tossed his curls and gazed vaguely towards the two bar staff, hoping Craig wouldn't catch on to his interest there. Greg was chatting and laughing with Billy now, while Dom and Orli seemed to be wandering in the direction of the baseball players. Dom swung an arm as if describing how the game was played, and Orli nodded thoughtfully.
That boy was just about as ripe for 'harvesting'--in a manner of speaking--as Greg. Up to this point, Greg had been the main object of Ian's pranks, but truly, Orli deserved to have some embarrassing and perhaps unwelcome attention. No matter what was happening between them in the bedroom, Ian couldn't let anyone think he'd let his guard down over this boy.
Besides, he had to know how Marton and the others in charge would treat his 'rival' if they thought he was misbehaving. While Marton knew enough about Ian's background not to consider physical punishments for his indiscretions, he was intrigued to know how far this kindness would extend. He doubted Orli had been beaten quite so often in his past as Boone himself had.
Gaze drawn back to the men laying out the croquet course, a small leer flirted around Warrick's lips. Now hatless, Marton's dark red curls gleamed with ginger highlights in the sunlight. His fashionable white flannel trousers clung to the taut curves of hip and thigh in the soft breeze. Warrick thought back to the other night and the hours spent in Marton's bed. He squirmed slightly as his body reacted to the memory.
A few minutes later, Warrick squirmed more as a family passed on the near walkway. Darker complexioned than himself and conservatively attired, the father looked down his nose at Warrick. The more vocal mother tsked loudly and muttered sotto voce about 'Uppity Negroes forgetting their place, and lounging so brazenly with their young employers.' Internally, Warrick rolled his eyes, but he knew on some levels the woman spoke the truth. To preserve the illusion that he was only a servant/companion-chaperone to the young 'couple' Craig and Boone, he knew his sharing the same blanket could potentially bring attention the household did not need on this outing.
After the mother herded her children and husband around the next corner as if Warrick's brazen behavior would rub off on them, Warrick moved to a park bench situated where he could still watch Marton and the others, yet still have Greg and Orlando in his sights. He hadn't heard the conversation the pair were having with Billy and Dom, but Warrick smiled at their animation as the youths enjoyed the balmy fall day.
Billy laughed, and nudged Greg towards Dom and Orlando, who were still loitering near the baseball fields. "Go get them, b'fore Dom throws pretty Orli t'the wolves. When ye git back, I've somethin' t'show ye."
"Something to show me?" Greg asked, curiosity furrowing his brows as he stepped away from Billy's mysterious grin and walked up to the other two.
"Dom, Orli? Billy says he has something to show me, but I think he's going to let you two see as well, if you come with me now," he grinned winningly at the pair, who were clearly admiring a particularly handsome baseball player. Greg cast a glance towards the young man in question, but he was nowhere near as good-looking as Nick in Greg's opinion, and he turned to smile back at Billy for a second before repeating, "C'mon? You're wasting your time; he probably doesn't do boys anyway."
Orli quite liked this baseball game. The boys were very handsome and watching them swing the bat or run from base to base was very nice, but Greg did seem quite insistent, and he was probably right. They'd only get in trouble if the players got too near and figured out Orli wasn't a real girl.
"All right, Greg; we're coming now. Dom?" he smiled, waiting for one of the two boys to offer him an arm. Cheekily he grinned down at Dom as the shorter man offered his first. It had felt odd at first to be this much taller than another man, but Orli was getting used to Dom and Billy, who were both great fun, even if they were so small.
"We'll continue our discussion later, back when we're home. Maybe your 'beau' here," Dom motioned to Greg with a jerk of his head, "along with some of the others, will play some baseball for you." The dealer winked up at Orli's pretty face.
"Bet we could convince the ball player back there to come along as well. He seemed to take quite a shine to you." No matter what Greg said, that young baseball player knew what Orli was, Dom was almost sure.
The smile on Orli's face grew as Dom suggested the other boys would play baseball for him back at Freeman's, but his eyes widened at the suggestion that the ball player could possibly be interested in him.
"No, don't even suggest it!" Orli muttered, a flush rising to his cheeks. "As soon as he got too close, I'd be... he'd... well, it wouldn't be pretty."
Greg had caught up with Billy by now, and he grinned easily at the Scotsman as he beckoned Greg towards the bushes, his eyes darting in the direction of the members of their party still over by the picnic blankets, which admittedly wasn't all that many of them by now. Ian and Craig were still eating by the look of it, and Warrick was sitting further off, chatting with Mr. Viggo, who seemed to have taken a real shine to the mulatto.
"So, Billy, what've you found?" Greg asked, forgetting about the others for now. His curiousity was aroused by Billy's manner, and he was dying to know.
"A wee bird's nest." Billy scooted slightly to the side to allow Greg to see. "Ye like birds, Greggo, in't that right?" At least he did ever since he and a certain policeman started seeing one other regularly. "There's some newly hatched 'uns, waitin' fer Mum t'come back."
Dom didn't hold back his sniggers in the slightest. "Oy, Bills, don't! You know I can't..." He chortled, and wiped at his eyes.
"Oooh, really?" Greg couldn't resist, nodding at Billy's question. He wondered what kind of birds they were, and already felt excited at the thought of telling Nick about the discovery.
Looking back over his shoulder at Dom's sniggering, Greg was a little suspicious of the laughter, but he didn't think it meant anything. He frowned to discourage the noise and turned back to Billy, his voice lowering in case the chicks would be frightened by the commotion they were already causing. "Where?"
Billy turned to glare at Dom, "Quiet, ye lecher, yer goin' t'give them a fright." He huffed a little sigh, and pulled Greg closer. "Right down here, Greg m'lad; in deep. Y'just ignore Dom; he's got issues with wee chicks." At another chuckle from his friend, the barman pointed in the opposite direction of where they had come from. "Dom, take Orli an' go down there; look for more nests. Pervert."
Dom snorted, and said, "If you'd seen what that fellow did, Bills, you'd never look at a bird again without thinking 'bout all the wondrous things that you can do with a cock. But fine, throw me out, see if I care. Come along, Orli, we'll continue our discussion about that ball player you fancied."
"Cock?" queried Greg as he and Billy went one way, and Dom and Orli headed in the opposite direction. "What on earth is he talking about?" He suddenly got suspicious, and he stopped, frowning down into Billy's innocent-looking eyes. "It is real, this nest, isn't it?"
Orli offered Billy and Greg's disappearing backs a slight frown, then allowed himself to be led by Dom. "Uh, I don't know, Dom. That man won't be impressed if he realises I'm not a real girl. Let's just see if we can find any more nests, eh?" he offered with a smile.
When Viggo finally appeared, he had a wild look about him. His eyes were wide, glossy, and glittering, and his hair flew about him in every which direction. His body was wound tight, but he moved smoothly with the grace of an animal.
Sean and the others were playing croquet, which was much too slow of a sport for the energy Viggo needed to expend right now. In fact, it looked like the only ones truly unoccupied were Craig, Ian and Warrick.
"Warrick!" He called, "Come explore the gardens with me!" Craig, he knew, would never leave the boys, and the more time spent alone with Warrick the better.
Caught wool-gathering (day dreaming about one young baseball player's strong thighs, actually) when Viggo called out, Warrick jerked his eyes towards his charges before looking up at the racer, Viggo. Orli and Greg were still talking with the other two, so Warrick straightened on the bench.
"I'm keeping an eye on the young ones. We can take them all to look at your flowers, or wait until some of the croquet players drop out," he suggested with a pleasant smile.
Viggo frowned slightly, but it quickly turned into a wide smile as he turned to follow Warrick's gaze. "Don't exactly think that that's watching the young ones, but alright."
Glancing around the park, Viggo's look was calculating but still excited. "Well, it seems that young Orli and Greg have found new chaperones... And Craig is always the person to best take care of Ian... but anyone who wishes is more than welcome to come along."
Shrugging, Viggo once again looked over towards the gardens. "Just a quick stroll is all."
Warrick narrowed his eyes to study the man before him. Mr. Viggo was practically vibrating, quivering like a piano wire. "It appears a fast run wouldn't expend the energy that has a hold of you."
He ignored the comment about where his eyes had been straying. Once again Warrick looked around at the 'couple' on the picnic blanket; and the youngsters giggling further down the path did not seem about to move off.
"A brisk, short walk," he emphasized, "should help, as well as keep my legs from going numb on this bench. What could happen in a few minutes?" As he stood, Warrick gave a very Gallic shrug.
Ian was carefully watching the direction Billy and the others were moving in, while appearing not to be. Craig seemed to have settled into the sunshine, laying back and lapping up the warm autumn afternoon rays, and Ian just sat demurely under a tree, alternately watching the croquet players and gazing at the different people moving around. In reality, he was completely focused on where his target was currently ensconced in the bushes, and he was pleased to note that Dom had been told of the plan enough to lead Orli in a completely different direction for now.
Smiling to himself, he pulled on his gloves and made a fuss of playing with them delicately as he subtly checked Craig's current state of alertness.
It certainly wouldn't do for him to follow Ian once he made his move.
Word Count: ~8260
On to Chapter 46
Back to Chapter 44
Funny days in the park
Every day's the fourth of July
People reaching, people touching
A real celebration
Waiting for us all
If we want it, really want it
Can you dig it (yes, I can)
And I've been waiting such a long time
For the day
'Saturday in the Park' Chicago
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWxA3e9f6rY
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTFD1C4tVIg
Come to the Park, the fifteen hundred acres of Golden Gate, made into a garden by the grace of God, manifested through John McLaren, superintendent, Scotchman and master gardener. In 1870 here were shifting dunes, a waste of sand, wind waved, desolate of herbage. Today are seventeen miles of driveways set with trees from every clime, that open on enchanting glades and vistas of mountain and sea. Here are lakes where wild ducks breed and paddocks where elk and deer and buffalo graze under unconscious guardianship. The conservatory is a rainbow of tropic blooms matched by the living splendor of the aviary. Flowers are everywhere, luxuriant in clustering fragrance. Old folk, families, lovers, babies, all find their charm. The children have their swings and donkey rides in their special playground, their grizzly bears and other strange beasts of the Zoo, and their sand bed games; the young men and maidens use the tennis courts whence national champions have issued. There is baseball for the young, bowls for the old, the largest stadium in America for marathons or minor athletic events, a course for speedy horses, special waters for model yachtsmen, and a great stone stand where music for the million is dispensed. The view from Strawberry Hill, above Stow Lake, takes in the Golden Gate, with Tamalpais beyond, the Berkeley Hills, the loom of Mount Diablo and, closer, the Cross on Lone Mountain. Below, on the bridged and isleted lakelet is the Japanese tea house in its quaint garden, a bit of Chrysanthemum Land inlaid in the great play table of the Park.
http://www.sfgenealogy.com/sf/history/hbcare5.htm
The boys were all excited about the outing and it showed. Craig began to wonder if it was really such a wise idea as he managed to stop Ian from shoving something into Greg's pocket by drawing him back to his own side of the carriage and holding him firmly around the waist. Whatever he'd had he'd obviously managed to secrete somewhere in his voluminous skirts, as Craig couldn't find it, nor could he make Ian produce it. Greg shrugged at him and settled back in next to Orli comfortably, nodding as the newest addition to Freeman's asked him something about a building they were passing.
"I have my eye on you," Craig murmured sweetly into Ian's ear, "Don't you try anything today. I know what you're thinking and it's not happening."
Ian turned in Craig's arms and kissed his cheek softly. "Me?" he offered with the pretty smile that might fool every other man around, but really did nothing to dispel Craig's impression he was up to no good. "I have every intention of behaving like the demure maiden I am."
Craig snorted at that but turned it into a muffled cough so that Greg and Orli wouldn't be too curious. Craig would just have to keep a very strict eye on the prankster, because he could all too easily see who would end up being the butt of any jokes. Greg could get himself into trouble easily enough, but Orli hadn't experienced Boone at his worst yet.... Craig eyed the pretty newcomer and hoped like hell that Warrick would be sticking to him as much as he had already been doing the last few days.
Dom and Billy rooting about under the girl's dresses like they were wasn't exactly something to be putting up with in polite society, and Eric wondered if he'd have to bang their heads together. If they got any worse, he wouldn't be averse to the idea, but Eric was pretty sure they'd behave a bit better once they got to the park. He was convinced Mr. Marton had caught sight of at least one of them before they'd left the house, so they really didn't need to be hiding down there anyway. The proprietor's amused smile indicated he wasn't too put out by the stowaway he'd seen, so Eric didn't foresee too many hassles when the boss joined them later.
"You might as well come out from under Livvie's skirt," Eric rumbled with an amused smile, "You're not fooling any of us. Least of all Liv." He smirked at her slightly flushed face and the way she was scrabbling with her skirts as if Billy had found more than petticoats under there.
"Whatever do you mean?" Liv asked in a sweetly innocent voice. That was, until it hitched at the end when Billy delved a bit higher. She squirmed again, unable to maintain a wide-eyed innocent gaze.
On the other side of the carriage, ensconced between the other two girls, Kate snorted lightly.
"He means you're a slut for that little Scotchman." She was half teasing, but some of her irritation did come across. This was supposed to be a special day to get away from the house and act like normal folk, and already the antics were beginning.
Dom's distinctive giggle flowed up from the carriage floor, somewhere to Kate's right. She huffed again, twitching her skirts the other direction.
Up on the driver's seat next to Mr. Viggo, Warrick could look down into the open carriage carrying the girls. Eric's head of dark curls loomed above the sea of pastel frocks, beribboned straw hats, and other feminine accoutrements. The scene was surreal. It looked so... normal, four young ladies out for an afternoon drive with a male household member as chaperone. Even more surreal were the two young 'couples' in his carriage: Orli and Ian in similar attire to the girls ahead, with Craig and Greg acting as escorts. What would the other patrons at the city's finest park (that Warrick had heard so much about, but never thought he'd ever be able to visit) think, if they knew they all were whores and staff from a parlour house?
Warrick shook his head, shifting over on the seat to give Viggo more room after the racer widened his legs until he bumped against Warrick's thigh as they turned onto another street. His situation felt the most surreal. He still could not fully believe the providence of finding himself in a house where freedom of choice was the norm. To this day, no pressure had been put on him to take clients, or even interact with the clients in the public rooms. A small smile twitched up a corner of his mouth. Granted, he was being encouraged (through broad hints, and devious means like the afternoon with Orli) to interact at will with any or all household members.
He was distracted again from his musings as Viggo's knee brushed his thigh. "Pardon, do you need more room to handle them?" Warrick turned his gaze back from Eric and the girls to nod at the matched pair of horses.
Dominic was in a sea of white frills and sweet smells. He felt as though he were riding a high of arousal and surrealism. Colors seemed more vibrant than usual and the noises from the streets merely heightened his excitement. The area he and Billy sat in was cramped, but that ended up working to their benefit. The dealer knew that by now his best friend and partner in crime was getting ever closer to reaching his goal.
The dealer himself was leaning back between the legs of the pretty blonde, Claire. He stroked the soft flesh, placing kisses and whispering soft words against it. Billy was between his own legs, his backside resting against Dom's cock. A perfect way to start the day, considering.
Kate's words reached his ears, and he couldn't help but laugh. She really could be a prude, for a whore. He considered reaching out for her, but just as he went to, a soft hum reverberated through Billy, and he pressed back harder against Dom's crotch. His mate's hand came down grab his leg tightly, and another giggle passed Dominic's lips.
"William would like me to inform you that he's quite happy where he is, thanks, but he appreciates your concern over his comfort."
Warrick really was a delicious creature. Viggo had heard all about what had happened with Orli, and it had been occupying his mind ever since. The mental images that came along with it were almost too much to bear. Ever since Viggo had first laid eyes on the mulatto, he'd wanted him. The nights spent pressed against him had only made it worse, and now, knowing that he was embracing his sensuality once more...
Usually when Viggo wanted someone that he knew had similar interests, he said so aloud. He found people responded well to honesty. But Warrick... Warrick was like those who wouldn't admit to their needs. Small hints would have to be dropped, enough to get his mind whirring with lustful possibility.
The words made Viggo grin. "No, no, stay there. I'm doing just fine."
Warrick gave Viggo a small answering smile before the long avenue leading into the park snared his attention. Stately trees lined the route, portending the lush landscaping within the great park. Someone--Miss Marg or perhaps Orli's Mr. Sean--had mentioned the entire area was once a broad vista of sand dunes leading to the ocean's edge. As the vehicles entered the park, the view of the rolling hills, cultivation, and wending pathways, roads and bridle trails amongst the greenery was breathtaking. Off to the right, peeking above the treetops, the Conservatory of Flowers gleamed in the midday sunlight. They would head there later in the afternoon before ending their stay at the Casino located just beyond the massive greenhouse.
The carriages headed left; the Children's Quarter with its lodge, domed merry-go-round and maypoles peeking from the trees as they passed. Across from the Deer Glen, the carriages pulled up to wide green lawns decorated with small groupings of other patrons. Cheered on by their paramours, young men were engaged in a baseball game. Picnickers sprawled on colorful blankets; hampers open with the contents spread close to hand. Others strolled, greeting friends and strangers alike, pausing here and there to encourage players in croquet games scattered around the perimeter.
Eric couldn't help the snorted laughter at Dom's words. The two little blokes really did manage to worm their way in so well with the girls, although Eric was pretty sure the two of them were at it like rabbits together whenever possible, too. He shook his head and winked at Kate. She probably preferred someone a little less... obvious about their intentions, he guessed.
"Here's the park now, boys. Best you come out from there before we have to explain why the carriage is still rocking after the rest of us have got out, eh?" he suggested as the vehicle rolled through the entrance to Golden Gate Park. Some distance along the main promenade, the vehicle slowed to a halt.
Breathing in deeply of the fresh air, Eric smiled to himself as he clambered down to hand the ladies out of the carriage. Oh, it was definitely good to be alive and working for Mr. Freeman.
When Mr. Viggo set the brake, Warrick jumped down to hand out the young 'couples' from the carriage. Tasked to help chaperone until Mr. Marton and Vin arrived, he then moved over to assist Eric. Once Miss Livvie stepped down, Warrick's eyebrows lofted in surprise to see Freeman's barman and dealer crawl out next. Before he could ask about their presence, the third carriage rolled up to discharge Mr. Sean and Miss Marg. Orli abandoned young Greg at his side, gathering his skirts to skip across to greet his patron and the Madam with a radiant smile.
"Oh, Sean, it's so beautiful! Can we go to see the animals? I heard they have all kinds for the children and I haven't ever seen a zebra! Oh, and there's flowers! So many flowers!" Orli gazed in wonder as he caught sight of part of the gardens he'd missed from within the carriage. Turning slightly, his childish wonder was easily distracted from both of these things to the young men playing some kind of game with a ball not far across the field from where they'd exited the vehicles. "Oh, what..." he gave a quick look back at Sean, and tried to suppress his natural interest in the healthy and handsome group of young men running around the handful of others, who all seemed rather interested in the widely arcing ball as it flew beyond the farthest one of the group. "What's that game they're playing? It looks... interesting."
Greg had ambled behind Orli a little more slowly, and stopped to listen to his young friend's enthusiastic chattering with a grin of his own. His eyes twinkled merrily as he smiled happily at Marg while Orli chatted on. It was wonderful to be allowed a day out like this. Greg could almost believe they were just like all the other young people in the park right now.
Ian and Craig moved in the opposite direction from the others; Ian leading Craig by the hand as casually as he could manage to look, while also being quite insistent. Drawing his 'date' nearer to whisper into Craig's ear, Boone's sweet but sexy low voice sent a shiver through Craig as he spoke.
"Do you suppose they'd miss us if we took a stroll alone, my love?"
Swallowing to steady himself, Craig drew back enough to look at Ian's face to judge the cheeky whore's mood.
"You are talking about a simple stroll, now aren't you, sweetheart?" Craig questioned with a quirk of his eyebrow as he wound his arm firmly around Ian's slim waist and turned him back towards the others, "Because in that case, we should really stay with the group, or have you forgotten the last time, hmm?"
Sean smiled indulgently at Orli's infectious enthusiasm as he tucked the youth to his side. "Baseball 'tis called, loosely related to Cricket, I think." Grin broadening when Marg shook her head while rolling her eyes, Sean continued, "We can watch from a safe distance; I fear you'd become quite a distraction for the poor lads if we wandered too close, yeah?" He tapped the end of Orli's nose and winked at Greg, before nodding toward the small bevy of girls. "We should have some time while Eric and the drivers set out the rugs and baskets."
"Oh, Sean..." Orli enthused, dragging his patron closer to a pond with wildfowl on it. Some children were feeding the ducks and geese, and he'd spotted an unusual bird he'd never seen before, "What's that? There's just so much to see here, isn't there? It's amazing! This is even bigger than Hyde Park! And the people and the animals..."
Greg, who had followed along behind as the pair strolled--at a bit of a loss without his 'lady' friend to escort--stepped forward as he heard Orli's question. This was one he could answer, to his delight. He didn't often get to show his knowledge, and Nick's sharing of tales about birds he'd seen in the Bay made this a perfect opportunity, especially as Mr Sean seemed to be at a loss as to what the distinctive black and white-headed goose with a brownish body was.
"That's a Canada goose," he smiled brightly, "and over there, that pretty green-headed duck you can see, the one behind that grey goose? That's a Falcated duck. Most of these others are your standard mallards and such, but every now and then..." he raised his eyebrows and grinned, remembering Nick's enthusiasm for the subject, and how well he'd described that particular species one day last week.
Orli furrowed his brows at Greg for a second, then laughed. "You're a bird watcher?" he asked, giving Sean a quick glance without letting go of the man, "or do you just know a lot about animals in general? Have you been to the zoological gardens here then? Have you seen the zebra?" he suddenly remembered, his eagerness to witness the animal taking over all other thoughts. "They were getting some for London Zoo, I heard, but I never got to see them. I... I haven't been there in some... years." His face fell a little as this thought suddenly and powerfully reminded him how far away from 'home' he was and how distant his family was. Outings to the zoo had been common when he was younger, and it was almost painful now to think of such pleasant excursions with his parents when everything had changed so much since then. Swallowing and blinking to ward off the evil thought, he quickly asked, "Does it really look like a horse in pajamas?"
Greg frowned a little too as something strange passed over Orli's expression, but he carefully ignored it and responded to the question so his friend wouldn't feel uncomfortable. They all had things that they wanted to forget; there was no point in calling attention to a momentarily lapse.
"I haven't actually been yet, no, but I'm very much looking forward to it! Perhaps we can decide whether we agree with the description together?" A movement in the corner of his eyes caught Greg's attention and he shifted his attention to where Billy and Dom were waving frantically in the distance. "Uh... perhaps I'd better go see what's going on with the others..." he trailed off, "Our friends seem to be trying to gain my attention, at least."
He couldn't tell what all the weird gesticulating was about, but as Orli and Sean turned to follow his gaze, the two cheeky staffers stopped their movements and tried to pull on innocent expressions. "Perhaps the food's just ready," Greg tried, smiling at his companions, "but I'll go find out while you two keep walking, hmm? I promise not to let them eat it all before you circle round the pond and join us."
Orli looked confused for a moment, but then smiled so prettily at Mr Sean that Greg doubted his patron could resist the idea of being alone with the young whore. Giving them one last amused glance, he struck out across the grass.
What in the devil were that silly pair up to?
Miss Marg began walking toward the Children's playground, and Warrick's brow crinkled as he glanced back to the small clusters of the rest of the household. Surely he should stay close to the Madam, he surmised, following after. Marg's loud inhalation of air alerted him to a smartly dressed couple with a blond girl clutching their hands as she skipped between them, approaching from the other direction. He was close enough to see Marg's face soften with an inexplicable expression when the girl spotted them and broke away with a shout.
"Auntie! How'd you know we'd be here?" She barreled into Marg's arms, and Warrick had to look away from the raw emotion on his employer's face.
"I came for you, sweetie! How could I miss the opportunity to explore this great park with you?"
Warrick hung back, sorry he was intruding on what was obviously a mother greeting her child after a long absence. Before he could slip away, the girl noticed him and regaled him with a bright smile.
"Hello, you have pretty eyes. Are you a friend of Auntie Marg's? Like Mr. Sean and Mr. Marton? I like you; you're a giant."
"And you're a princess," Warrick answered, smiling, and gave Marg an apologetic shrug as her laughter trilled.
"Yes he is a friend. Mr. Sean is over there with the others from the boarding house," Marg pointed across the lawns before tweaking the child's nose, "and yes, Mr. Warrick here has very pretty eyes." Marg winked up at him as if to convey his presence was not an intrusion.
Eric helped the drivers unload the big baskets of food that Cook had prepared for the outing, and once they'd decided on the best 'spot' to enjoy the park's 'delights' while they ate (semi-suggestive comments coming from the gaggle of girls and the two daft British lads), he finally managed to get the blankets spread out. Billy was more hindrance than help with that, but Dom seemed co-coordinated enough as he took the opposite end of each one from Eric to lay them out. Between that, and Livvie and Claire kneeling carefully down to open up the food and begin laying things out, they had their shady spot under a leafy oak looking like any other friendly group in the park in no time flat.
Settling against the base of the tree, Eric had a good view of what most of the others were up to, and could still take in the sights on offer around them. He sighed contentedly as Kate folded herself neatly next to him and handed him a plate of sandwiches.
"Thanks, love," he smiled at her, taking the offering and picking up one of the sandwiches. "Nice to get away from the house properly for a change, isn't it?"
"Yes," she replied, taking a nibble from the sandwich she held, and chewing thoughtfully. Swallowing, she went on, "Hopefully, they can all behave themselves and not draw attention in unnecessary ways. It's not like we need anyone figuring out what kind of place we're from."
Something in her tone, despite her friendly smile, made Eric wonder for a moment what her background had been. He didn't really know a lot about most of the other staff, preferring not to ask in case it led to more questions about his own background. That thought made him shift his eyes to where young Boone was teasing Craig with a bunch of grapes that he kept offering to the other whore, then drawing away.
Eric knew he'd said far too much to the boy-girl a few weeks back when he'd been feeling down about Jenny and Jesse and all that had transpired before he left Australia. His emotions had been in knots that night, and he'd thought a good sucking by the most talented whore in the place would make him forget it all, but it hadn't made any difference. He'd somehow had his defenses lowered even more by the gentleness of Boone's attentions that night, and cuddling together afterwards--something they both obviously enjoyed with someone they felt comfortable with--he'd admitted things he had a feeling were only going to lead to more trouble for him one day, although so far Boone, for all his tricks, had remained remarkably close-mouthed about the whole thing.
"Oh, I don't think we need to worry too much," he replied at last, offering Kate a dazzling smile as he pushed the thought away before it could belie the words he was now saying, "I think everyone feels the same about getting out and forgetting what we do, if just for a short time. Just relax and enjoy the day!"
Kate nodded, her pretty freckles lighting up under her sweet smile. "I'm sure you're right. How could anything go wrong when there are so many sensible 'adults' around to watch over the children?"
"That's better," he told her, biting into another sandwich and watching the twinkle in her eyes.
Ian finally allowed Craig to catch hold of the grapes and bite one off the bunch as he laughed at his friend's attempts. He was quite happy to help Craig relax. That way, when he put his plan into action, his ostensible chaperone might not miss him slipping away, especially if he thought Boone had given up on what Craig suspected was some trick due to his earlier intervention.
No such luck, my love, Ian thought in Craig's direction as he handed the rest of the bunch of grapes over and turned to ask Livvie for something more substantial for his 'protector of the day'. He wasn't eating much himself, as he needed to keep his senses as hungry as possible so that when opportunity presented itself, he'd be ready. Ian could wait; he had patience to spare and besides, he needed his roommate to be closer than he currently was. His grin spread at the thought of what he was going to do with the item tucked into his drawers.
Chuckling at Orli's description, Sean was dazzled by the bright smile. Steps hesitating momentarily as he fought the urge to kiss the little minx breathless, he had to glance away down the path around the pond. He tightened his hold, tucking Orli closer to his side, though careful of the wide-brimmed bonnet.
"You've been so busy lately; nice to have you to meself for a few. I hope this means you are settling in well?" Sean was at mixed emotions about having his lad move upstairs, but with him needing to keep up with his worldwide business dealings, it was best Orli made friends and solidified his place in the household.
Pleased to have Sean alone at last, Orli allowed a warm feeling to spread through him as his patron held him close and they continued walking.
Sean's words made him think that perhaps the man was glad to be rid of him so close, however, and he tried to push down his need. He was awfully afraid he'd already fallen in love... and that just wasn't sensible, especially not in light of what Sean had already exposed him to.
"Yes, everyone is being... most kind." Orli's smile stayed bright, despite his inner turmoil. He couldn't say anything about how things were with Boone either. Knowing how his roommate felt about having one of his better customers 'stolen', not to mention how things had been going since he'd been sharing with the other whore...
He purposely increased his smile, letting any thoughts of all that disappear as he gazed around him. Live for now he told himself, and let it go. "The party that Miss Marg is organising... you know that's going to be my formal 'introduction' to things, don't you? Mr. Marton has been so understanding about me needing so much time. I think... well, I don't really know what the doctor told him, but... anyway, it's fine. I'm ready for it now. You'll be proud of me, Sean."
"Good, good," Sean replied absently, patting the top of Orli's gloved hand where it lay on his sleeve. "There are good people at the house, and knowing you are well cared for will make me worry less when I'm away." He sighed then, rounding a bend in the path that took them partially behind some shrubbery.
Making a production of looking around for observers, Sean's smile grew teasing and then softened as he peered under the brim of Orli's hat and tapped the tip of his nose. "I will worry. You are me special 'Little One'." He sealed his pronouncement with a sipping kiss to Orli's soft lips.
Keeping the brave smile plastered on, Orli tried not to let Sean see what was in his eyes at the words when I'm away, but he felt a slight leap of his heart as Sean went on to admit that he'd worry even so. It definitely implied that he cared more for Orli than for the rest of the staff at Freeman's, even if it didn't mean it was love exactly.
The kiss melted Orli's heart further though, and he would have believed anything was possible at that tender moment. Knowing how unseemly it was to kiss in public like this, he was grateful for the risk Sean had taken. Taking a risk himself, he allowed the tip of his tongue to touch Sean's lips in the return kiss, then he demurely pulled away, leading Sean away from their hiding spot by the hand.
"Come on, Sean! I'm hungry! The others tell me Cook has outdone herself for the picnic--it'd be a pity to miss the food. The way Eric and Greg alone put it away could mean we're down to scraps already!" He allowed his most tempting smile to spread, lowering his eyes enough to peek up through his lashes coyly.
Humming pleasantly at the teasing little kiss, Sean's eyes lit up at Orli's special combination of sultry innocence. He used their connected hands to halt the progress back to the others.
"Ye are special, love," he emphasized with a squeeze of their fingers. "Don't ever forget that." He cupped a smooth cheek, thumb tracing over soft lips. He even went so far as to open his mouth to remind the beautiful lad that now, finally, he was amongst others who shared or understood his desires, and accepted him for himself. But, the sun was shining and the day was warm. This wasn't the time for deep conversation.
Tongue flirting with his lips, Sean winked and grinned disarmingly. "Let them eat. When it comes time for croquet, they'll be full and lethargic; giving our team the advantage, eh?"
At Sean's words that he was special, Orli just smiled more widely, although his heart contracted and expanded almost painfully. If that was as close to love as he was likely to get, he'd take it. Life had certainly been so much nicer to him since he met Sean, and for that he was grateful. He knew he shouldn't expect too much more.
He allowed a slight laugh out when Sean went on to say how they would have the upper hand in croquet if the others had eaten all the food already, and he let Sean draw his body back towards him. That thing he did with his tongue always sent a tingle through Orli, and he watched, swallowing, wishing they could be somewhere more private right now.
"What do you want to do instead, then?" he asked from what seemed far too close now; his skin heating at their proximity.
"What ah want t'do, and what we can..." Sean's voice lowered in desire; accent thickening. He put a slightly more proper distance between their bodies, and continued along the path that would lead them back to the others.
"You are dangerous to my resolve, you sexy minx, and ah wouldn't have yeh any other way."
Orli couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up; pleased that he had such an effect on Sean. It certainly wasn't as if he was alone in wishing for more, anyway.
"So, we should act like every other respectable couple here and stroll nicely towards the rest of our party, where I can perhaps convince you to feed me grapes, or some other such treat?" Orli suggested, his voice softening enough on the latter part of the sentence to keep the heat just a little turned up.
Even if the idea was a little unseemly and somewhat unlikely in such a public place, if Sean was kept on the edge of need and desire for long enough, perhaps later in the day they could more than make up for lost time together, once they were out of such plain view of so many strangers.
Craig was fairly sure Ian had something up his sleeve... or down his drawers, rather. He hadn't forgotten the hiding away of something small but clearly meant for another one of his pretty friend's pranks. He'd have to keep sharp, although he pretended he was relaxed and went along with the distractions Boone was offering.
Once he had Craig tucking into some more food, an idea that had been slowly coming together in Ian's mind took even better shape, and he smiled as Billy dropped down next to him, offering him an apple.
"Why, thank you, William," he smiled, fluttering his lashes prettily, "and where's your offsider? Still chasing Claire around the bushes? Or..." and he lowered his voice conspiratorially and let his lips touch Billy's ear as he whispered, "...do I mean, is he still chasing about her bush?"
"Mmm, not sure 'bout Dominic, but likely not too far from t'truth. Why, luv? Ye interested? We could track 'im down..." Billy smirked at the pretty young whore, and reached across Ian to grab a small knife that was sitting by Craig and his food. He smirked up at the boy-girl, and after sitting straight once more, the barman took the apple back. Cutting a small slice, he offered it to Ian. "M'sure he'd be obliging to a lady as lovely as yerself."
Ian took a delicate bite from the piece of apple that Billy had offered him, chewing slowly and licking at his lips afterwards as he gave the man another sultry look.
"Doesn't have to be him, but maybe the two of you together..." he suggested, allowing his smile to grow, "I have this lovely idea of surprising Greg somewhere in amongst all these secret places." He gazed around meaningfully at the leafy areas around them, where all manner of things could probably be arranged if they were careful.
"You know," Boone said sexily as he moved closer to Billy, his fingers tickling the inside of the man's wrist where he held the rest of the apple, "Greg so loves surprises, and if you and Dommie were to help me..." he placed a soft kiss quickly on a tender spot on Billy's neck, "...to say, get him... naked out there, somewhere..." Ian shifted back a little to offer his most innocent--yet somehow completely suggestive--look from vivid blue eyes and smiled, "I'm sure I could find a way to repay you both for the help."
Giving a quick sideways glance to be sure Craig wasn't paying them any attention, he allowed his smile to widen as he transferred his gaze back to Billy. He pursed his lips for a moment, then allowed the tip of his tongue to play around the edges of his full red lips, seeing exactly how his proposals were affecting the young barman.
Oh yes, this would be no problem at all.
By the time Warrick returned to the picnickers, Mr. Marton and Vin had arrived. The two men were in an animated conversation with Mr. Sean and Eric, surrounded by the gaggle of girls. As he approached it became apparent the men's athletic prowess was being challenged. With Miss Marg off to the Children's Playground with her 'niece', her girls were insisting on being entertained by a rousing game of croquet by the men.
Warrick mentally shook his head. How those silly girls thought croquet was any indication of prowess was beyond him. The boys across the field playing baseball were a sexier sight. Upper bodies twisting, muscles bunching as they swung the bat; legs displayed nicely as they dashed around the bases or chased around the outfield.
Then Warrick noticed the way Mr. Sean was leaning on a croquet mallet. He licked his lips and flicked an appraising glance to the girls and back. The taut curve of the blond entrepreneur's bottom was molded nicely by his flannel trousers as he rested his weight on the handle. Though he could certainly see the appeal of the four gentlemen wriggling as they adjusted stances to aim their mallet, why the girls were so interested was beyond his ken.
Mr. Sean then caught his eye, and straightening to swing the mallet up onto his shoulder, requested Warrick keep watch over Ian and the boys. Vin and Eric both smirked and bade him be careful. Warrick waved off their warnings as teasing, and strolled over to settle and rummage through a basket near Craig.
"Keep watch," he snorted when the dark haired whore lofted an eyebrow at Warrick's chuckles. "What can the lot of you get up to with the others right over there?"
"You really have no idea?" Craig smirked and cast a sly glance towards where Ian was now innocently chewing pieces of fruit.
Craig wasn't completely sure the pretty young whore hadn't already subverted the barman already, but he'd been a bit sidetracked watching the baseball players for a few minutes earlier when a wild throw had sent a ball spinning away from the game, and the handsome young man dashing after it had almost slid into their picnic trying to retrieve it. Most of the girls had already moved by then, so Craig was pretty sure the youngster's interested smile as he apologized for the intrusion had been aimed at him alone, despite Boone's proximity. It had been such a sweet smile too, and Craig found his heart speeding up at the suggestiveness of it. Perhaps... but no, he needed to think about what he was supposed to be doing here today, aside from enjoying the outing.
Surely Ian couldn't have done anything yet, and Billy was acting perfectly normally too. He'd wandered across to join his friend Dom a while ago, so although anything was possible, Craig doubted there was too much to be concerned with so soon. He'd keep with the plan and stay near Boone; that way things shouldn't get too out of hand. Warrick could perhaps keep an eye on Billy and Dom, and Greg too, who was now chatting to the two smaller men near one of the pathways and nodding his head enthusiastically at whatever it was they were suggesting.
"Last time this lot had an outing... well, let's just say things rarely stay on the straight and narrow with them, unless they have someone responsible watching them." He looked meaningfully at Boone, who simply gave him one of his most innocent smiles before dropping his eyes back to the food in front of him. Turning back to Warrick, Craig tipped his head towards Boone, "I get to chaperone Miss Muffet here today, and if you were wise, you'd keep an eye on those errant midgets and Greg. That pair get up to all sorts, and Greg could very easily get dragged along for the ride."
Making a dismissive noise, Warrick once again waved off what seemed to be excessive dire warnings. As he unwrapped a sandwich, he lowered to one elbow in order to be at a good angle to watch both the baseball game and Freeman's crew. It was obvious Eric and Vin were arguing on the course layout, as much pointing and hand waving preceded the stake being pounded into the grass and placement of each hoop.
Orlando must have gotten tired of the antics. A smile softened Warrick's face as he watched his young friend stroll over to Greg and the other two. Warrick had known the youth would find friends within the household. What little Warrick knew of Greg, he seemed a likeable sort who would be good for helping Orli ease into the inner workings of the parlour house.
"Ease up, 'Mother Goose'." Warrick chased the sandwich with a large swig from a bottle of cider. "They're just young boys out enjoying the fresh air and sunshine." Feeling lethargic and amiable himself in the warm fall day, he didn't bother to glance back at Craig as he spoke. "I've got an eye on them in case their giggling fits annoy any passers-by."
Well, if Warrick was going to believe that no harm could come from allowing the boys free run, who was Craig to keep pushing the subject? He'd done his best to warn him. Warrick might just need to learn how things went by first hand experience. Craig allowed a secret smile to cross his face as he leaned back comfortably on his hands and tipped his head to let the warmth of the sun permeate his body.
"Okay, if you think you've got it under control," Craig allowed mildly, "I'll just sit here and enjoy the sunshine too."
Turning his eyes carefully so he could watch Ian from under his lashes, he wondered what the pretty boy's plan for today was. There was no way he wasn't up to something, despite his apparently nonchalant manner right now.
Boone nibbled on a pear delicately, pretending to pay no attention to the other two whatsoever, but his joy at hearing what Warrick said was making his heart flutter just a little. He tossed his curls and gazed vaguely towards the two bar staff, hoping Craig wouldn't catch on to his interest there. Greg was chatting and laughing with Billy now, while Dom and Orli seemed to be wandering in the direction of the baseball players. Dom swung an arm as if describing how the game was played, and Orli nodded thoughtfully.
That boy was just about as ripe for 'harvesting'--in a manner of speaking--as Greg. Up to this point, Greg had been the main object of Ian's pranks, but truly, Orli deserved to have some embarrassing and perhaps unwelcome attention. No matter what was happening between them in the bedroom, Ian couldn't let anyone think he'd let his guard down over this boy.
Besides, he had to know how Marton and the others in charge would treat his 'rival' if they thought he was misbehaving. While Marton knew enough about Ian's background not to consider physical punishments for his indiscretions, he was intrigued to know how far this kindness would extend. He doubted Orli had been beaten quite so often in his past as Boone himself had.
Gaze drawn back to the men laying out the croquet course, a small leer flirted around Warrick's lips. Now hatless, Marton's dark red curls gleamed with ginger highlights in the sunlight. His fashionable white flannel trousers clung to the taut curves of hip and thigh in the soft breeze. Warrick thought back to the other night and the hours spent in Marton's bed. He squirmed slightly as his body reacted to the memory.
A few minutes later, Warrick squirmed more as a family passed on the near walkway. Darker complexioned than himself and conservatively attired, the father looked down his nose at Warrick. The more vocal mother tsked loudly and muttered sotto voce about 'Uppity Negroes forgetting their place, and lounging so brazenly with their young employers.' Internally, Warrick rolled his eyes, but he knew on some levels the woman spoke the truth. To preserve the illusion that he was only a servant/companion-chaperone to the young 'couple' Craig and Boone, he knew his sharing the same blanket could potentially bring attention the household did not need on this outing.
After the mother herded her children and husband around the next corner as if Warrick's brazen behavior would rub off on them, Warrick moved to a park bench situated where he could still watch Marton and the others, yet still have Greg and Orlando in his sights. He hadn't heard the conversation the pair were having with Billy and Dom, but Warrick smiled at their animation as the youths enjoyed the balmy fall day.
Billy laughed, and nudged Greg towards Dom and Orlando, who were still loitering near the baseball fields. "Go get them, b'fore Dom throws pretty Orli t'the wolves. When ye git back, I've somethin' t'show ye."
"Something to show me?" Greg asked, curiosity furrowing his brows as he stepped away from Billy's mysterious grin and walked up to the other two.
"Dom, Orli? Billy says he has something to show me, but I think he's going to let you two see as well, if you come with me now," he grinned winningly at the pair, who were clearly admiring a particularly handsome baseball player. Greg cast a glance towards the young man in question, but he was nowhere near as good-looking as Nick in Greg's opinion, and he turned to smile back at Billy for a second before repeating, "C'mon? You're wasting your time; he probably doesn't do boys anyway."
Orli quite liked this baseball game. The boys were very handsome and watching them swing the bat or run from base to base was very nice, but Greg did seem quite insistent, and he was probably right. They'd only get in trouble if the players got too near and figured out Orli wasn't a real girl.
"All right, Greg; we're coming now. Dom?" he smiled, waiting for one of the two boys to offer him an arm. Cheekily he grinned down at Dom as the shorter man offered his first. It had felt odd at first to be this much taller than another man, but Orli was getting used to Dom and Billy, who were both great fun, even if they were so small.
"We'll continue our discussion later, back when we're home. Maybe your 'beau' here," Dom motioned to Greg with a jerk of his head, "along with some of the others, will play some baseball for you." The dealer winked up at Orli's pretty face.
"Bet we could convince the ball player back there to come along as well. He seemed to take quite a shine to you." No matter what Greg said, that young baseball player knew what Orli was, Dom was almost sure.
The smile on Orli's face grew as Dom suggested the other boys would play baseball for him back at Freeman's, but his eyes widened at the suggestion that the ball player could possibly be interested in him.
"No, don't even suggest it!" Orli muttered, a flush rising to his cheeks. "As soon as he got too close, I'd be... he'd... well, it wouldn't be pretty."
Greg had caught up with Billy by now, and he grinned easily at the Scotsman as he beckoned Greg towards the bushes, his eyes darting in the direction of the members of their party still over by the picnic blankets, which admittedly wasn't all that many of them by now. Ian and Craig were still eating by the look of it, and Warrick was sitting further off, chatting with Mr. Viggo, who seemed to have taken a real shine to the mulatto.
"So, Billy, what've you found?" Greg asked, forgetting about the others for now. His curiousity was aroused by Billy's manner, and he was dying to know.
"A wee bird's nest." Billy scooted slightly to the side to allow Greg to see. "Ye like birds, Greggo, in't that right?" At least he did ever since he and a certain policeman started seeing one other regularly. "There's some newly hatched 'uns, waitin' fer Mum t'come back."
Dom didn't hold back his sniggers in the slightest. "Oy, Bills, don't! You know I can't..." He chortled, and wiped at his eyes.
"Oooh, really?" Greg couldn't resist, nodding at Billy's question. He wondered what kind of birds they were, and already felt excited at the thought of telling Nick about the discovery.
Looking back over his shoulder at Dom's sniggering, Greg was a little suspicious of the laughter, but he didn't think it meant anything. He frowned to discourage the noise and turned back to Billy, his voice lowering in case the chicks would be frightened by the commotion they were already causing. "Where?"
Billy turned to glare at Dom, "Quiet, ye lecher, yer goin' t'give them a fright." He huffed a little sigh, and pulled Greg closer. "Right down here, Greg m'lad; in deep. Y'just ignore Dom; he's got issues with wee chicks." At another chuckle from his friend, the barman pointed in the opposite direction of where they had come from. "Dom, take Orli an' go down there; look for more nests. Pervert."
Dom snorted, and said, "If you'd seen what that fellow did, Bills, you'd never look at a bird again without thinking 'bout all the wondrous things that you can do with a cock. But fine, throw me out, see if I care. Come along, Orli, we'll continue our discussion about that ball player you fancied."
"Cock?" queried Greg as he and Billy went one way, and Dom and Orli headed in the opposite direction. "What on earth is he talking about?" He suddenly got suspicious, and he stopped, frowning down into Billy's innocent-looking eyes. "It is real, this nest, isn't it?"
Orli offered Billy and Greg's disappearing backs a slight frown, then allowed himself to be led by Dom. "Uh, I don't know, Dom. That man won't be impressed if he realises I'm not a real girl. Let's just see if we can find any more nests, eh?" he offered with a smile.
When Viggo finally appeared, he had a wild look about him. His eyes were wide, glossy, and glittering, and his hair flew about him in every which direction. His body was wound tight, but he moved smoothly with the grace of an animal.
Sean and the others were playing croquet, which was much too slow of a sport for the energy Viggo needed to expend right now. In fact, it looked like the only ones truly unoccupied were Craig, Ian and Warrick.
"Warrick!" He called, "Come explore the gardens with me!" Craig, he knew, would never leave the boys, and the more time spent alone with Warrick the better.
Caught wool-gathering (day dreaming about one young baseball player's strong thighs, actually) when Viggo called out, Warrick jerked his eyes towards his charges before looking up at the racer, Viggo. Orli and Greg were still talking with the other two, so Warrick straightened on the bench.
"I'm keeping an eye on the young ones. We can take them all to look at your flowers, or wait until some of the croquet players drop out," he suggested with a pleasant smile.
Viggo frowned slightly, but it quickly turned into a wide smile as he turned to follow Warrick's gaze. "Don't exactly think that that's watching the young ones, but alright."
Glancing around the park, Viggo's look was calculating but still excited. "Well, it seems that young Orli and Greg have found new chaperones... And Craig is always the person to best take care of Ian... but anyone who wishes is more than welcome to come along."
Shrugging, Viggo once again looked over towards the gardens. "Just a quick stroll is all."
Warrick narrowed his eyes to study the man before him. Mr. Viggo was practically vibrating, quivering like a piano wire. "It appears a fast run wouldn't expend the energy that has a hold of you."
He ignored the comment about where his eyes had been straying. Once again Warrick looked around at the 'couple' on the picnic blanket; and the youngsters giggling further down the path did not seem about to move off.
"A brisk, short walk," he emphasized, "should help, as well as keep my legs from going numb on this bench. What could happen in a few minutes?" As he stood, Warrick gave a very Gallic shrug.
Ian was carefully watching the direction Billy and the others were moving in, while appearing not to be. Craig seemed to have settled into the sunshine, laying back and lapping up the warm autumn afternoon rays, and Ian just sat demurely under a tree, alternately watching the croquet players and gazing at the different people moving around. In reality, he was completely focused on where his target was currently ensconced in the bushes, and he was pleased to note that Dom had been told of the plan enough to lead Orli in a completely different direction for now.
Smiling to himself, he pulled on his gloves and made a fuss of playing with them delicately as he subtly checked Craig's current state of alertness.
It certainly wouldn't do for him to follow Ian once he made his move.
Word Count: ~8260
On to Chapter 46