Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 10

still is. Rarely ever fusses. But Austin couldn't do it. Said he couldn't stand the crying, how being a father wasn't for him. Some such bullshit. Here I am swearing again." Zach laughed.
    "Yeah, I hear it's a no no with kids."
    "They pick up words so quickly. A friend of mine liked to say c-o-c-k-s-u-c-k-e-r a lot. It was her thing you know. So of course, that was the word her daughter first learned. She didn't say mom, or dad, she said c-o-c-k." Zach spelled the words.
    Noah laughed, making Archer giggle with him as he played with Noah's green painted fingernails.
    "So Austin left and here we are. He's mine. Not that it's hard to tell now, but at the time I was so angry and scared that Austin would change his mind, take him away from me. I did a test. So he's my son. Only mine." Zach leaned over and kissed Archer's black hair.
    "That is a sad story. But then again it isn't. You're happy with your son. You deserve better than that j-a-c-k-a-s-s anyway."
    Zach smirked at Noah's spelling, but the words warmed him up.
    "So what gossip did you hear about me? Tell me only nice things." Noah stretched out on the blanket, propping his head on his hand only to have Archer slap him since it was convenient.
    "Archer!" Zach raised his voice, and the little guy turned, looking at him with vulnerable eyes.
    "Hitting is bad. No hitting, Archer." Noah said calmly but more serious than was his usual tone and took the little hand kissing the palm.
    "I watched videos of your concerts. You're amazing. I can understand why all those girls keep on screaming."
    "I figured you would eventually. I'm pretty wild on stage."
    "You saying that's not your usual style?" Zach lifted his eyebrow.
    Noah chuckled, "On occasion."
    "Thought so." Zach continued, "I also watched a couple of interviews. Mostly you talking about your family, relationships. I liked what you had to say. Everyone talks nicely about you. That can't be an easy thing to accomplish when you're so famous and every money hungry individual is gunning for your blood."
    "Yeah, they are. Not a lot of people see that. I've had my moments with the paparazzi and obsessed fans. But that stuff got buried away I think. I have a lot of fan support and they don't like to spread the negative stuff around. But it's hard at times. Like today. I would like to stay with you much longer, but people will notice me eventually, and once they do it's only a matter of time before cameras are in our faces." Noah looked around, as if expecting someone to jump at him before turning back to Zach. "That interview was true by the way. I am faithful and I don't do one night stands. It's not even about publicity. I just don't like taking off my clothes for strangers and sharing intimacy with someone whose name I barely know. It's just not me."
    "Me either. Not that I have a lot to brag about. It's been a while." Zach dropped his head, "It's so easy to talk to you. Stuff just slips out."
    "Don't worry about it. It's not just something you have trouble with."
    "Seriously?"
    "Oh, yeah. You untie my tongue, but I'm thinking that's the way it's supposed to be. I like you, and I'm desperately attracted to you. If I have the slightest chance I'm going for it. It feels too right to let it slip by me."
    Zach blushed, "Do you always say such things? You make my blood rush to my face, it will stay that way."
    Noah chuckled again, "May I kiss you?"
    "Not helping," Zach murmured before saying "Yes."
    They both lifted themselves up a little and leaned over Archer, pressing their lips together. There were no explosions, or snapping erections, but the feeling of safety, comfort and contentment as Noah's tongue touched Zach's was more than he could have asked for.
    It was Archer pulling at their shirts and lifting himself up that startled them in the end. The little guy needed attention and while they left their foreheads connected, they focused on Archer.
    Eventually the fans started trickling over, asking for autographs and pictures, and when they started inquiring about Zach and Archer, both of them knew it was time to go.
    They said their goodbyes, deciding not to kiss again in public and when Zach finally got back home he knew that was the best day he'd had in quite a while.
    ****
    Phone calls and text messages followed. Long conversations and casual moments worth mentioning, and soon Zach knew he was in love again. He thought about Noah almost as much as he did about Archer and although it took him close to a year, Zach