Under The Mistletoe (John & Luke - Pt 2)

Chapter 16 (revised)

"Is your dad all right?" Luke leaned close to John as they trailed Mitch and Bob out through the main entrance of the mall and into the parking lot. "He's been really quiet since you guys came back."

John's lips pursed in a tight, amused smile. "He'll...be okay. He just received some...unexpected news."

"About what? His contract deal?" Luke looked at him, puzzled. "Why are you smiling?"

"I'm not." A short laugh escaped him.

His eyes narrowing, Luke nudged him with his shoulder. "Come on, spill it. No fair keeping secrets about daddy."

"I'll..." John cleared his throat and chuckled. "...tell you later."

"Uh." Luke groaned. "I hate waiting."

"Yeah," John snorted. "I got that memo when you made me take that detour out to Cooper pond."

"Made you?" Luke chuffed. "I don't' recall you putting up a fight."

John smirked. "You were blowing me."

"So?" Luke grinned. "You can't resist a blow job?"

"Fuck no," John laughed.

Luke nodded. "Good. I'll remember that."

Sighing, John smiled. "Use it against me all you want, baby." He laughed as Luke grabbed him and pinned him from behind, ravaging his neck. Mitch and Bob glanced back at them, and Luke quickly released him and cleared his throat.

"We're behaving," Luke smiled innocently.

"That'll be the day," Mitch chortled and Bob laughed.

John took Luke's hand again. "You know," he said low. "I didn't realize how funny my dad was until Bob came along. Bob laughs at everything he says."

"I've noticed," Luke mused.

John added nothing more, certain that if Luke hadn't noticed other things as well, he would very soon.

The four of them paused at the edge of the expansive parking lot. "We're over here." Mitch motioned to his right. "We'll see you boys back at the house."

"Okay," John nodded, then added with a veiled tease, "Have a pleasant drive home."

Mitch scowled. "Be gone, smart alec," he muttered with a twitch of his lips, and cast Bob a quick—pleased?—glance.

Oh shit, John observed with amusement. You're totally flattered that he finds you attractive. But he supposed it made sense, in a way. His dad deeply admired Bob for his principles and just the all-around man that he was. Was it so hard to believe that a secure straight man could feel honored by the attention of such an amazing man like Bob? It seemed logical to John. It wasn't as if Bob would make a move on his dad. Bob was much too respectful for that.

"We're going," John smirked.

When they reached John's car, Luke looked at him quizzically. "What did you mean by that—have a pleasant drive home? And what were you talking about, your dad receiving some unexpected news?"

"Get in the car." John climbed in behind the wheel as Luke slid into the passenger seat and closed the door.

"What?" Luke pressed. "Tell me."

John cleared his throat and hooked his fingers on the lower rung of the steering wheel. "My dad and Bob are getting along pretty good, don't you think?" John cast him a slow, sidelong glance.