Buzz Bedazzled Read online

  “You’re coming between your best friend and his lover – it’s not cool, dude.” I said.

  He shrugged, “It’s not my fault if Jake and his boyfriend have got problems.” He replied sulkily.

  I stood up and crossed my arms over my chest, “I think it is your fault,” I said to him, “I think it’s all down to you.”

  He shook his head, “It takes two to tango, dude.” He shot back at me.

  Simon, who had just walked in, cleared his throat, “Would you mind telling me what the hell you’re both on about?”

  River turned to Simon and nodded, “Yeah, I’ll tell you what’s going on. Jodie and I fucked, okay – are we all happy now that Buzz and Seth were right all along and that I’m a total and utter shit-bag?”

  Even as he said the words, I could see him wince and kind of fold in on himself. He didn’t mean a word of it. He’d never thought of Jodie as just a fuck. In that instant, I realised that he’d finally fallen in love and my heart went out to him. What a fuck-up. Why the hell did all of us guys always seem to fall for the wrong ones? I was just as bad with my choices. I usually went for men that were already taken, too. In my case, they were usually married to women... I’d had my heart broken at least twice and had just about given up on ever finding a lasting relationship.

  I could see that River was feeling kind of ashamed of himself – but it didn’t stop him from raging on. I guess he felt that he had to get it all off his chest and that was just fine... I looked at Simon, “You.” I pointed at him and gave him the death glare that had worked on him since he was a baby and amazingly still did – even though he was built like a brick shithouse these days and towered above me, “Keep your mouth shut about everything you’ve heard in here, okay? Or I’ll tear you a new one, understand?”

  He whimpered and nodded before leaving the room pretty quickly, “That wasn’t really necessary,” River said with a sigh, “I know he’s your brother and you can talk to him in any way you like – and he’ll forgive you no matter what – but he’s also my friend and therefore I know that he’d never say anything.”

  I shrugged, “Tough shit.” I said, feeling a little bit bad for being so brutal, “He’ll get over it and I need to protect you from yourself.”

  He smiled up at me, “No,” he said, a little sadly, “You really don’t – and besides, I think I’m beyond help.”

  “So what’s going on with him?” I asked, “He and Jake were arguing outside – does Jake know about you two?”

  He shook his head, “Don’t think so, no.” he sighed, “I’m trying to do the right thing but Jodie’s making it impossible – he got all pissy with me for getting it on with another couple of guys because he’s decided to ‘do the right thing’,” he pulled a face, “he’s decided that he’s staying with Jake – even though he couldn’t get him off properly if his fucking life depended on it.” He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving, as there was a soft knock on the door.

  We both turned in surprise. It was Seth, “Hey guys,” he said brightly, completely oblivious to the shouting match he’d just missed, “A whole new bunch of young guys have turned up – and the bar’s going nuts – could you maybe come and give me a hand?”

  I rolled my eyes, “Well, this is gonna be fucking awesome.” I grumbled. “I fucking hate twinks.”

  That made River crack a smile. He knew I didn’t hate twinks at all – I totally had a soft spot for both him and his boyfriend Jodie – and even Alfie who was sort of dating a cop. Every one of them, including the cop, could be described as twinks – and to be fair I don’t think I’d ever dated anyone who didn’t come within that category either. None of my previous boyfriends had ever been beefy – not one. Having said that, every one of them had been able to boss me around – in the bedroom and anywhere else, truth be told...

  And now...? I looked sideways at the beautiful guy who I was about to allow into my home and maybe even into my heart...

  Oh, God, I was totally falling for another twink, wasn’t I? I was falling for Franz...

  And, I berated myself, it didn’t have to be something to be afraid of – River and Jodie were the happiest couple I’d ever seen. Alfie and Harley had overcome all sorts of issues to be together but they were happy with each other now. And even if I did think Seth was barking up the wrong tree – he seemed to be really happy with Siobhan... Why was I so afraid to let go and be happy?

  Chapter 4 – Sleep-over...

  Buzz

  The first thing that struck me was that it wasn’t the best idea to get a drunken guy onto the back of my bike...

  The second thing that struck me was that it wasn’t the best idea to take a drunken guy – that I didn’t know from Adam – back to my flat. The chances of my brother, Simon being home, and I use the term ‘home’ loosely since he spent most of his time sofa surfing at his many friends’ houses, were slim. Not that he’d care if I brought a guy home – that wasn’t what was really bothering me. No, I was more concerned that the guy could wake up tomorrow screaming blue murder that I’d raped him or something...

  Then common sense took a hold and I figured he really wasn’t gonna do that – so the only worry I had was him holding onto me long enough for me to get him from the club to my flat...

  I handed him my spare helmet, “Put that on.” I commanded.

  He stared at it with his mouth open for a second, “You ride a motorbike?” he breathed.

  I raised an eyebrow, “Well, yeah.” I shrugged, “Is that a problem?” Brilliant. He had a phobia of motorcycles...

  He grinned and shook his head, “This night just keeps getting better and better.” He muttered, “You’re just too damned sexy for words.”

  I chuckled, feeling relieved that he wasn’t phobic about my pride and joy, “You won’t be saying that tomorrow when you see my terrible bed hair and Zac’s nicked your favourite sock.”

  His grin got wider, his hazel eyes flashing with amusement, “I have to meet Zac.” He chuckled, “And you bed hair just sounds adorable.”

  I rolled my eyes, “Whatever.” I said with a laugh, “Come on. Hold on tight now – I don’t want you falling off.”

  He held onto me for dear life – and I can’t tell you how good it felt...

  *

  I pulled up outside the flat and parked my bike in its usual spot.

  Franz seemed to have sobered up quite a lot and didn’t need any help at all across the car park, “This looks nice.” He commented softly, looking all around at the large complex.

  I nodded, “Yeah, it’s okay isn’t it? The mortgage payments are pretty decent too.”

  He looked at me impressed, “Look at you – having your own place and a mortgage like a grown-up.”

  I shrugged as I stuck my key in the front door, “Well, I was renting my own digs for five years before I was offered the chance to buy this place last year. The guy who owned it was moving to Australia and he gave me first dibs on the place since I’d been a good tenant for around a year I think it was,” I said, “I’ve been relying on myself ever since Dad kicked me out actually – I had nowhere to live to begin with.”

  It still hurt. He had no right to kick me out but he was angry at the time – and I guess I never gave him a chance to apologise once he’d cooled down. Mum said he’d regretted it ever since – but it was particularly painful when my brother, Simon came out the following year and Dad just seemed to suck it up and carried on like nothing had changed. It was then that I told her in no uncertain terms that I never wanted him near me again...

  I swallowed. I didn’t like thinking about Dad. Simon had begged me for the last couple of years to go and see him to make my peace with him, saying his health wasn’t all that great these days and laying on the guilt that I didn’t need and tried my best to ignore.

  Franz’s eyes went round, “Seriously?” he asked, “What did you do?” He followed me inside and I could see him looking around with a curious expression on his face.

  I shrugged,
“Well, in the beginning I lived with some guy that I knew from down at the snooker club for a while – until he got sick of me and asked me to move out – and then Simon, that’s my brother, finally went to uni, and he moved into a flat with Seth instead of going into halls. I rented their spare room for a while and then we all met up with River...”

  His eyes lit up, “Oh, my God.” He breathed, “Is that the sexy pole-dancer?”

  I nodded, “The very one – but you can forget getting it on with him – he’s well and truly loved up with his steady boyfriend.”

  Franz waved his hand in the air, “Pfft,” he said, “I never said I wanted a date with him.” he eyed me flirtatiously, raking his eyes up and down my body, “I prefer my men a little... bigger.”

  My dick was definitely interested now. Holy shit he was a sexy little fucker. I cleared my throat, “Well, I guess it’s time for bed.”

  He grinned, “Cool,” he said, eyeing me with such overwhelming interest that it was playing havoc with my rules, “– where are we sleeping?”

  I shook my head and cleared my throat, willing my boner to keep a low profile, “I believe I said you were sleeping in my spare room.”

  His face fell, “Well, sure,” he said, sounding a little like he was whining, “– but I didn’t think you really meant it...”

  It was my turn to smile, “Call me frigid if you will,” I said with a shrug, “but I don’t sleep with guys the same day I meet them – I’m a little more choosy than that.”

  He nodded, “I get it – I wasn’t suggesting we did anything other than actually sleep – but don’t go to any trouble making up your spare room – I’ll be perfectly fine on the sofa – thanks so much for putting me up.”

  I shrugged, feeling a little deflated that I’d assumed he was after sex. Now I wouldn’t be able to snuggle up against him in the night, “It’s fine – it’s already made up – now, brace yourself for Zac,” I said, putting my hand on the kitchen door. I knew that he’d be sniffing the bottom of the door frantically now, desperate to meet my new friend, “– he’s a little excitable – particularly with new faces.”

  Franz grinned, “Well, with any luck I won’t be a new face for long.”

  No, hopefully not...

  Chapter 5 – Best night ever...

  Franz

  It was a little difficult to brace myself with any real conviction when I’d drunk as much as I had to pluck up the courage to talk to Buzz, but I steeled myself to be made a complete and utter fool of.

  Buzz opened the door and immediately started telling the hugely excited cocker spaniel to calm down as he ignored his master completely and made a beeline for me.

  Like I’ve already said, I might be massively attracted to bigger guys but I’m kind of small and skinny and therefore very easy to knock down – which Zac did – with gusto!

  I fell onto my back, laughing, as Zac set about licking every spare inch of flesh that he could find and leaving me laughing hysterically on the floor.

  Buzz hauled him off me again, “Zac!” he said sternly, “Stop being rude to our guest!”

  I grinned up at Buzz, “Oh, don’t tell him off,” I laughed, “he’s adorable – just like his owner.”

  Buzz shook his head and rolled his eyes, but he was smiling, “Time for bed for you, I think.” He said, “Come on Zac – you’re sleeping with me tonight.”

  I fluttered my eyelashes at him, “I’d be happy to sleep in your bed with you – I don’t want to ruin your routine with your dog.”

  He raised an eyebrow, “You ruined my routine when you lay in the middle of the floor like a starfish, dude.” He said with a grin. “And I told you before I brought you here – I don’t sleep with guys I’m not dating on a regular basis – so you can forget all about getting into my bed.”

  I nodded, letting out a huge affected sigh. “Fine.” I said, rolling my eyes, “I completely respect your principles – can’t blame a guy for trying though.” He chuckled and the deep melodious sound that came from him sent shivers down my spine, which had little to do with my damp clothing. “Can I maybe borrow a pair of sweats to sleep in, though?”

  He nodded, “Sure – I’ll grab you something as soon as I’ve shut this little guy away.” He dragged the dog into the room next to the lounge, which I guessed was his bedroom. So the other door had to be his spare bedroom.

  He reappeared a couple of minutes later, “The bathroom is that door.” He pointed to the closed door off the kitchen, “Feel free to have a shower in the morning or whatever.” He thrust a tee shirt and a pair of sweatpants and a big, fluffy, navy blue towel at me.

  I nodded, “Thanks.” I said, suddenly feeling a little shy and awkward. I’d never blagged a sleepover with a guy before – sure I’d had sex with a guy before – but nothing intimate and romantic. I’d hooked up, done the deed and got the hell out of there on more occasions than I’d like to remember – not all of them had been particularly memorable – well, not for being really good hook-ups anyway... Mostly it was quick, messy and not exactly satisfying – save for the fact that we both came, which I guess was the only think I was after at the time...

  Now, though, I craved something more... I wanted to have a proper boyfriend. Someone I could be myself with – someone who would look forward to spending time with me just because I was me. I’d never had that... I had no idea what I was doing. No idea what it meant to date... I was too damned competitive. Always thinking that everyone I met was somehow in competition with me for being the most intelligent... God, I really was, quite pathetic.

  And it really didn’t help that my two other brother’s were straight – and pretty damned disparaging about my gay status too. Along with Dad, who was the worst of the lot of them about me being gay – well, no, that wasn’t true. Mum was the worst, by far but I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about it, “Are you really sure about this son? I mean, you know – how can you be gay when you’re so good at rugby?” was his first response when I came out – no seriously, it was... I wasn’t quick enough to come back with a witty response, like “Why don’t you ask Gareth Thomas...?” because I was too shocked at his ignorance and besides, my brothers were falling all over the place laughing at me and all I wanted to do was punch them both – something I’d grown up being pretty good at – my eldest brother was, for want of a better word, a total bully and if I hadn’t been able to fight I might as well have just rolled over and died. He’d known for two years before I came out that I was gay. He’d found me kissing a mate of mine, with my hands down the front of his jeans and vice versa. It was in the shed when I was twelve... As far as I knew, he’d never told my other brother or Mum and Dad but he’d used that knowledge against me on plenty of occasions before I plucked up the courage to just come on out and announce it. They were all out of the same mould – firm believers that to be a real man, you had to be straight and be a ‘man’s man’. Well I’d be happy to be my man’s man – once I found him...

  I think they all held out hope that I was just going through a phase and that I’d turn out straight in the end and that we’d all be able to get back to normal. But that was never gonna happen and it broke up the family. Mum really couldn’t handle it and she ended up leaving us.

  I think it was the fact that I played rugby that reinforced their belief that I was really straight underneath it all. I wasn’t bad at rugby but it wasn’t my passion or anything and besides – being good at rugby didn’t have anything to do with my sexuality. It was like living with a bunch of guys from the dark ages... Maybe things would have been better if Mum had stuck around, but then I shuddered as I remembered her rather extreme reaction to the whole thing. Actually no. It really wouldn’t have...

  I looked up, wondering if I’d said any of this out loud. Buzz really didn’t need to know about my family’s homophobia.... He was looking at me questioningly and I realised I’d been so lost in my thoughts I’d missed something, “Sorry,” I muttered, blinking up at him, “What was that?”
/>
  He grinned, “I, uh, said goodnight.”

  I felt myself blushing bright red, “Oh, right.” I nodded and huffed an embarrassed laugh, “Goodnight, Buzz.” I dived for the other door...

  Chapter 6 – Longest night ever...

  Buzz

  I lay there, looking up at the ceiling and wondering what it was about me that was so afraid to spend the night with a guy that I wasn’t actually dating. Was it rejection? Awkwardness? I really didn’t know what it was but for the first time ever I was really regretting my self-imposed rule...

  Franz had said that he was happy to simply sleep... Only I hadn’t believed that for one minute and I knew that if his hot, slender body had been in such close proximity to mine that I would want to worship him and make love to him all night long.

  Something that would no doubt totally weird him out and finish up with him running a mile and leaving me feeling like a total and utter dork.

  I sighed and turned over, punching my pillow into some sort of comfortable shape – well, I attempted to at least but something told me that it was gonna be a pretty sleepless and uncomfortable night...

  Zac whimpered in his sleep and flopped his big heavy head down on my feet.

  I groaned. Holy hell, it was gonna be a long enough night as it was, knowing he was lying in the bed in the next room – never mind having to sleep with the fucking dog...

  *

  I woke up the next morning early – again, something I rarely did since my working hours started at ten and I worked into the wee hours of the morning on a more or less daily basis. There wasn’t really ever any need for me to take a night off – it wasn’t like my social life was much to write home about... and I wouldn’t do that anyway.