The Project

Pairings: O/C – Doug/Joey
Warnings: None
November 2003

Doug whistled to himself as he stirred the boiling pot of stew he had prepared for dinner. He could barely hear the rain that had been falling all day pelting the windows, chilling him in spite of the comfortable temperature. Hot soup was a perfect way to end the day after nasty weather like that. The shrill ringing of the phone interrupted his taste test and he quickly sipped the hot liquid before laying the spoon down. He made a mental note to add salt before he grabbed the tea towel off the counter and reached for the phone. He picked it up and answered while trying to wipe soup off the counter at the same time.

“Hello?” he said into the phone propped against his shoulder.

“Hi.” The tenseness in Joey’s voice translated across the phone lines.

“Hi, yourself. What’s up?” Doug asked glancing at the clock. The familiar background noise he expected from the cell phone was curiously missing, and Doug realized Joey was still at work. Given the time, he wouldn’t be home by six as he was supposed to be.

“I’m going to be late. I’ve got a ton to do.”

“I figured as much by the time. You should be in the car right now if you were going to make it home by six. What’s the problem?”

“It’s this damn project. I just have a lot to do.”

“Joey, the deadline isn’t for another three weeks. Are you sure you aren’t just stressing unnecessarily?” Doug slung the towel across his shoulder

Joey grunted from his end of the line. “NO! I’ve got things to do, Doug. I won’t be home until at least seven.”

Doug said, “You’ll be home by 6:30. No later.”

“What?! That’s only a half-hour! I could easily work for two and not get everything done.”

“Joey,” Doug said firmly, settling his hips against the counter. “Calm down. You know how you get with too much work. We set a six o’clock curfew for a reason. I expect you at 6:30. Not a minute later. Understand?” Doug listened at the silence beckoning to him from Joey’s end and he waited for an answer. When none was forthcoming other than Joey’s heated breathing, he said, “Do you understand me, Joey?”

“Yes, I understand,” Joey said through clenched teeth. He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw the conversation eating into the little bit of extra time Doug was allowing.

“Good. I’ll see you at 6:30, sweetheart.”

“Fine. I need to go.”

“I love you,” Doug said.

He received a reluctant “Love you” back before Joey disconnected.

Joey had barely returned to his work when he caught the shadow of a figure in his cubical doorway. He looked up to see Brent standing there. “Hi, Brent.”

“Joey. Working late?”

“Barely. I’ve got to get home shortly,” Joey said. “I have so much I wanted to get done…”

“You’ll get it done. You always do. I have the utmost faith in you,” Brent said with an easy smile. “You’re on target with this project. You should be fine.” Brent took a seat in the available chair across from Joey’s desk.

“I just like to be ahead of the game, you know? This is a big one.”

“I know. You have a good work ethic, my friend. That’s why you’re one of my best employees.” In spite of the pressure he was feeling, Joey swelled momentarily with the compliment. “That’s why I’m asking you for a little help. Jack’s wife needs emergency surgery. Gall bladder. He’s going to be out for at least a week. Do you think you could compile the survey results for his project while he’s out? It shouldn’t take more than five hours or so of your time. If it’s too much, I can ask someone else.”

Joey hesitated, not because he didn’t want to help, but because he knew he should talk it over with Doug first. Deciding to strike while the iron was hot, he said, “Sure, Brent. I’ll be glad to help out.”

“Great. I’ll send out a communication to the survey recipients to send their responses to you.” He looked at Joey across the desk. “Don’t worry about your project. You are well on your way and I don’t think this added side project will cause you to miss your goal. I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t think you could handle it.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Joey said. He tried to discreetly look at the clock again. He was down to ten minutes before he had to leave. He knew he shouldn’t be taking on any additional work, but was pleased he had been hand-picked to help out.

“You deserve it. I’ll let you get back to it,” Brent said, standing to his feet. “Don’t work too hard.” He gave Joey a wave as he left the cube. Right, Joey thought. He couldn’t work but so hard if Doug wouldn’t allow it.

*******

Doug glanced at the clock from the kitchen barstool and watched the digital figures switch to 6:30. He sighed and looked toward the kitchen door connecting with the garage as though Joey would miraculously appear. He turned his eyes back to the clock and began to wonder if Joey were planning to defy him. Another minute ticked by, and again, he looked toward the unopened door. He took a sip of his tea and tried not to think the worst. Just as the minutes ticked off to 6:32, he heard the whine of the garage door as Joey arrived home. He got up from the bar and filled a second glass with ice. He was pouring tea for his partner when the kitchen door swung open and Joey walked through.

“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming,” Doug said to his lover.

Joey took in the clock on the stove and frowned at Doug. “It’s 6:32. Don’t tell me you called the police at 6:31.”

His tone coupled with the terse response was all Doug needed, to know his lover was still less than happy with the imposed 6:30 deadline. He strode over to Joey and slipped his arms around his waist, kissing him deeply. “Welcome home,” he said, continuing to hold Joey. He worked his hands up and down Joey’s spine then settled them at the small of his back, interlocking his fingers, anchoring their hips against each other. “Still mad at me, I see,” Doug commented, noting his partner’s expression and the half-hearted returned kiss.

Joey looked away and tried to hold onto the displeasure that was slipping away in his partner’s embrace, despite how hard he was trying to hang onto it. “I have a lot to do, Doug. You just don’t understand.”

“I understand completely. You have a deadline looming and you’re stressed about meeting it, regardless of how ready you are.” He stole another quick kiss and pushed Joey toward the table that was set and waiting.

Joey slumped into the chair and ladled up a healthy spoonful of soup; he felt his stomach grumble slightly in anticipation of the food. “I just can’t miss my deadline. I really need to work over next week,” he said, spooning soup into Doug’s bowl as well. “Probably two hours a day. Then, I’ll be fine.” He was thinking of the extra work he agreed to take on in addition to what he already needed to do. He couldn’t tell Doug about the extra work. They had long ago established Joey was to work on one project at a time, which was all that was required on his job. Anything additional was to be discussed between them before Joey committed, since over-commitment had caused him many problems in the past. Joey loved what he did and had a hard time saying “no” even if it meant more work than he could do in eight hours a day. Doug worked diligently to keep him from taking on more than he could stand in an effort to keep his stress at a manageable level.

Joey glanced at Doug quickly as he sat the bowl down in front of him, and wasn’t surprised to see his steady gaze reaching out to him in response to his overtime comment. Joey said nothing, waiting for Doug to respond.

Finally, he answered. “That’s not going to happen, Joey,” Doug said simply. “Those hours will wear you down in a matter of days. You won’t sleep, you’ll be irritable and stressed. You’re still on track with your project, right?”

“According to the timeline, yes, but…” he started.

“No buts. You’re on schedule. There’s no reason for you to work yourself into exhaustion to finish early. If I let you do that, you’d be taking on extra work. I know how you are.”

Joey felt a pang of guilt over the extra work had already accepted and he kept his eyes on his soup. He and Doug had obviously been together long enough that they knew each other well. There was no way Joey could work his usual eight hour days and get the extra work done he had agreed to less than an hour earlier. He commenced the negotiations. “How about an hour and a half? Can I do that much at least?”

Doug paused to eat a mouthful of soup before he spoke, but was already shaking his head. “There’s no reason for it.”

How do you negotiate with that? Negotiations were supposed to be give and take, and Doug hadn’t moved an inch. Joey’s mind was busily working out how he could get in the extra time. He was hoping for at least an hour and half each day. That would give him the necessary five hours on the survey work and a half hour a day for his project. “Come on, Doug. I need this time. I’m only going to stress worse if I think I’ll get behind. It’s only for a week. It isn’t like I want to do it forever. Can’t you bend on this, just a little?”

Doug sat back and looked at his determined lover. He was obviously going to work himself up over the project, regardless of whether he worked overtime or not. Doug was torn but thought perhaps letting him get a little ahead would help his stress level if he handled it right. “All right, Joey. I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll let you work ONE hour extra each day next week, but you go to bed an hour early to make up for it.”

He grunted and laid down his spoon, a tad heavier than Doug cared for. “Why?! It’s only an hour! That means I’d have to go to bed at 9:00.”

“Working over will stress you and wear you out. You’ll need your rest. That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.” Doug knew Joey would drive himself hard the whole week and additional rest would be the only way to alleviate his stress from pushing too much.

Joey glared at Doug, not entirely satisfied with the proposal, but knowing it was the only way he could work over. “Fine. I’ll do it. I’ll go to bed with the ten year olds in the neighborhood.”

Doug raised his eyebrows and asked calmly, “Would you rather work eight hours instead?”

Joey suddenly realized his outburst might just lose him the opportunity for the extra time. He softened his voice when he answered. “Sorry. I’ll do it. Thanks.”

“Understand this: if it doesn’t seem to be working, you go back to eight hours,” he said. Joey looked at him steadily, managing to keep his mouth shut. Doug could feel his displeasure emanating off him in waves. “You know I’m not doing this to be mean, Joey. I’m doing it to keep you settled and not stressed out. You get tense enough near the end of a project without working extra hours.”

Joey looked away, knowing Doug was right. “I know. Can I work late tomorrow?” he asked, then slipped in, “Soup’s good, Doug.”

“Thanks,” Doug said, recognizing the diversionary tactic of the compliment. It wasn’t necessary, but he appreciated it nonetheless. He saw no reason not to allow the overtime the next day since Joey would have the weekend to recover. “Same deal for tomorrow. It’s Friday, remember. But, we don’t have to go out tomorrow night if you need to work instead.”

Joey considered the option. As much as he needed the time at work, he’d far rather spend the evening out with Doug for their standard dinner and a movie. Of course… “We could go out Saturday night, instead.”

Doug nodded while he ate. “That’s fine. But, I don’t want to hear it at 9:00 tomorrow night. Or, next week for that matter. Clear?”

“Clear.”

*******

Joey worked the allowed extra hour then went home right on time the next day. He didn’t want to do anything to cause Doug to take the hour away because he desperately needed to the time, especially since he had taken on the extra work. He was feeling a little less stressed about his own project, but a little more at the thought of juggling the survey compilation with what he already had to do. Thus the reason Doug always insisted they discuss it before Joey took on extra responsibilities at work. Added work always led to added stress. To say that Doug would be less than pleased with his decision was putting it mildly. Joey had enough on his plate to handle his own claims technical development projects he managed for the company without helping anyone else on his team with theirs.

He loved working on new projects that made the claims process easier for the adjusters. It was cutting edge and exciting. The trade-off was he worked under tight time constraints with milestones for the various phases of roll-out. If he missed one, it threw the whole project off. Doug understood the pressures of timelines, but knew Joey would never miss one. Joey was obsessive about his job, which was another reason for the limited hours and project work. Joey was relentless with anything he took on, never settling for less than perfection. The problem was, he expected too much of himself and typically worked himself into a state, regardless of how good his work was. When he got too wrapped up in whatever had his attention, nothing else seemed to matter. It was an issue he and Doug had worked on quite a bit during their years together.

Doug was already home when he got there, as evidenced by the car in the garage. He looked at his watch on the way to the door and saw that he was actually two minutes early. He smiled at the irony. “I’m two minutes early,” he said to Doug as he came into the kitchen. “Now, we’re even for last night.”

Doug looked at the clock in confirmation and smiled at his lover approaching him from across the room. “Good for you, sweetheart,” Doug said and kissed Joey.

Joey surveyed the kitchen and saw no dinner prepared and asked, “Are we skipping dinner?”

“I have dinner packed,” Doug said, pointing a thumb over his shoulder toward the counter behind him.

Joey looked over Doug’s shoulder and saw the basket for the first time. He flashed a cock-eyed grin at Doug and asked, “What are you up to?”

“Well, since we can’t go out like we planned tonight, I thought a dinner at the park would be nice. We can walk for a while and enjoy the sunset.”

Joey leaned into his lover’s shoulder and laid his head there. “That would be fantastic,” he said, relaxing against Doug. “We haven’t done that in a long time.” He melted against Doug and found the familiar strength of his hands on his back.

“I know. And, it’s such a lovely day for it – especially after the dreary day we had yesterday. Why don’t you go change?”

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” Joey said and quickly headed for the bedroom. He changed clothes in record time, returning to the kitchen where Doug waited.

Together, they went to the park and talked easily around the sandwiches Doug had packed. The ground was still damp from the day before and they had to settle on a park bench instead of on a blanket as they normally did when they ate at the park. Doug put the basket back in the car and returned with a hand held out for his lover. “How about a short walk?”

Joey slipped his hand in Doug’s and they set off through the paved walkways in the park. “Anything exciting happen at work today?” Joey asked Doug as they slowly wound their way through the park on a familiar route.

“Actually, yes. Josh tried his hand at bucking me again,” Doug explained. Doug managed a claims unit for the same company, which was how he and Joey met. It was nice most of the time working at the same place as his partner. Joey and Doug took advantage of attending group meetings together and having lunch virtually every day. On the other hand, it gave Doug a better understanding of what Joey did at work, which meant he could better manage Joey’s propensity for working too hard.

They had had several conversations about Josh’s attitude since he came to work for Doug, and Joey was interested in learning about the latest installment of the saga. Josh was one of Doug’s best claims representatives, but he knew it. As a result, he was quick to disagree with Doug if he didn’t like any particular changes Doug demanded. “What happened?” Joey asked.

“I received a memo requiring a new process that he didn’t appreciate, as usual. He told me in front of his co-workers he wouldn’t be following the workflow if it didn’t make sense.” As angry as the act of defiance had made him earlier, Doug smiled at the memory.

“Ouch. Did you take him to a conference room and spank him?” Joey asked, laughing.

Doug glanced at him and smiled at the joke. “I wish I could have. It would make life much easier where he’s concerned.”

“From what you tell me, he could use it.”

Doug wholeheartedly agreed, knowing the defiant young man would be much better for it if he were taken in hand. “You know, I do have one of those wooden rulers at my desk…”

Joey laughed at the image Doug’s words conjured up. He could just see Josh bent over Doug’s lap getting a bun-warming spanking with a ruler. “Somehow, I think he’d appreciate that far less than the new procedure he has to follow.”

“Probably. But, I’ll bet I wouldn’t get any more lip from him,” Doug assessed.

Joey agreed, understanding all too well how a spanking from Doug could change one’s attitude or opinion. “You wouldn’t get any more lip if he’s as smart as I think he is. What did you say to him?”

“I told him I expected to see 100% compliance or I would have to take action. I reminded him I WOULD be checking.”

Joey grinned knowing without having been there that the message was surely delivered in Doug’s calm, yet firm, no-nonsense tone. “Did he talk back to you when you said that?” he asked, knowing Doug’s tone also communicated there would be no arguments in the matter. He was curious to know if Josh had picked up on that.

“No, he didn’t. He let it go, for the time being.” Joey hadn’t imagined he would have talked back, but wondered just how far the young man was willing to push his immoveable partner. “He’s going to learn the hard way one day that I am not to be pushed,” Doug said, as if reading Joey’s mind. Josh hadn’t worked for Doug long enough to figure him out, regardless of his mental capacity. Doug’s easy manner was misleading to those who didn’t know him. Joey suspected Doug’s young associate WOULD end up having to learn the hard way. While Doug appreciated the results Josh produced, he expected them to be achieved without any unnecessary or unprofessional attitude.

“Maybe I should talk to him and enlighten him,” Joey suggested. “I’ll bet your palm itches around him.”

Doug snickered at the comment. “Let’s just say he’s lucky he isn’t my partner. I imagine he’d have trouble sitting more often than not.”

“No, I’M lucky he isn’t your partner,” Joey said, leaning into Doug.

“Actually, that makes three of us who are lucky,” Doug said, brushing a kiss by the side of Joey’s head. Cognizant of the time, Doug said, “As lovely as this is, we need to head home.” Their time together had been refreshing in the warm evening air and the promised 9:00 bedtime had not crossed Joey’s mind, although it hadn’t escaped Doug’s attention. They turned around and headed back after walking a much shorter distance than they normally did.

Arriving home, Joey went directly to the sofa in the den, as was his usual evening custom, and picked up the TV Guide. He smiled at Doug, glancing up from the listings as he walked into the room and paused in the doorway. “I wonder if Monk is a new one tonight,” he said, returning his gaze to the guide.

“I think it is, but you’ll need to set the recorder,” Doug pointed out. “It comes on at 10:00 and it’s already quarter ‘til nine. You need to go and get ready for bed, sweetheart.”

Joey exhaled loudly and closed his eyes remembering he was supposed to go to bed early. He rolled his eyes up at Doug who was propped against the doorjamb and said, “I can sleep in tomorrow. Can’t I stay up tonight?”

“That wasn’t the agreement,” Doug said. “This isn’t up for discussion. Go get ready for bed.” Joey recognized the tone as the one he was sure Doug had used on Josh earlier in the day. Unlike Josh, Joey knew he couldn’t push Doug on the issue and win. He’d just end up getting swatted or worse, and still have to go to bed.

Plus, Joey could hardly ruin his chances for working late the following week, so he silently got up to get ready for bed. He meant to walk past Doug without speaking to him but Doug clasped his arm as he strode by. “Kiss me goodnight, my workaholic lover.” Joey stayed where he was at first, not leaning in toward Doug to kiss him. “Joey…”

Joey sighed and kissed Doug goodnight, his resolve crumbling. “Will you come to bed with me?”

“Not right now. I wasn’t the one who worked over, remember?”

“I don’t want to go to bed by myself. We could do something…fun,” Joey flirted. His fingers slipped around Doug’s neck and he began to plant tender kisses to the skin peeking out above the collar of Doug’s polo.

Doug took Joey’s face in his hands and kissed his lips, stopping the sensuous activity on his neck. “Then you wouldn’t be going to sleep, would you?” he asked, pulling back to look at Joey.

“But, Doug…”

“Not another word. Get to bed,” Doug said, invoking the tone again. He reluctantly turned Joey away from him then gently swatted him along in the direction of their bedroom.

“But…” Joey began, turning back toward Doug and away from the waiting bedroom.

“What did I say last night?” Doug asked, cutting him off in mid-argument.

Joey dropped his eyes and said, “Early bed. No arguments.”

“And, that’s what I expect,” he returned. He pointed toward the bedroom in a silent order for Joey to go to bed. It was hardly the way Joey wanted to spend the evening now that he was faced with it. Last night it had seemed a somewhat reasonable solution to his problem. Joey sighed in resignation and went to bed alone.

He lay there listening to the muffled voices emitting from the television and stared into the darkness. His thoughts turned to his work and he tried to shut them out. He couldn’t sleep. It was too early for one thing, and his active brain wouldn’t shut up. He tried to go to sleep but it was unnervingly evasive. After tossing and turning for an hour, he got up to get something to drink.

He padded through the living room and couldn’t help but notice Doug was watching Monk. It was a new episode. “What are you doing up, young man? This is hardly going to sleep early,” Doug pointed out from the sofa.

“I can’t sleep. I wanted to get something to drink.”

“Hurry up. I want you back in bed. Understand?”

“I know. I’m going,” Joey said as he continued through to the kitchen.

He took longer than Doug appreciated and he looked up from the bar when Doug came into the kitchen to push him along. “Is this your idea of hurrying?”

“Come on, Doug. I can’t sleep. Give me a break, okay?” Joey said from his perched position on the barstool.

“I did give you a break. I’m allowing you to work over, aren’t I?”

“I can’t help it if I’m having trouble sleeping, you know. I don’t know how you expect me to go to sleep so early.”

Doug said sternly, “One more word about it and you don’t work over next week. I’m not fighting you every night to get you to bed. Am I understood?” Joey shook his head in frustration and looked away. “I mean it, Joey. I’m not telling you again. Understood?”

“I understand.”

“Besides, it’s hardly early any longer so that shouldn’t be the issue. Why can’t you sleep? Are you thinking about your project?”

Mine and someone else’s, Joey thought. “Yeah. That and I don’t like sleeping without you.”

Doug took a seat beside him and said, “Why are you so worked up over this project? I haven’t seen you this way for a long time.” His hands moved over Joey’s taut back. “I know it’s a big one, but you’re on schedule.”

“Anything could come up, though,” Joey said, thinking again about the extra work.

“That could happen on any project,” Doug said, slipping the glass of tea out of Joey’s reach. He looked questioningly at Doug. “Tea is the last thing you need if you can’t sleep. Why didn’t you just make a cup of coffee if you wanted to stay awake?” Doug slipped from his seat and poured Joey a glass of milk instead.

Joey took it without argument, enjoying the company. Having noticed the tight muscles in Joey’s back, Doug said, “I’m going to run you a hot bath. Let’s see if that helps.” He exited the kitchen and Joey could hear the water running in the other room. He quickly downed the milk and joined Doug in the bathroom.

While waiting for the bathtub to fill, Doug took the time to divest Joey of his clothes. He slipped the t-shirt off Joey’s body and over his head, laying it neatly on the hamper lid. Joey felt Doug’s fingers find the waistband of his boxers then felt them slide past his hips. “Step out,” Doug said, then removed them from around his ankles. “Sit down.” Doug pushed his naked lover toward the closed toilet seat and positioned him facing away from him. He worked his strong hands over Joey’s shoulders massaging the tightness until the muscles started to respond. Joey closed his eyes and enjoyed the attention from his lover, and was slightly distressed when the massage stopped. He glanced back to see Doug shut off the taps then hold a hand out to him.

Joey noticed Doug had put plenty of bubbles in the water as he was led to the waiting bath. Doug kept hold of his hand as he guided him into the relaxing warmth. He lay back and let Doug wash him and he relaxed considerably. Far too soon, the bath was over and Doug snapped the stopper handle down, releasing the water. Joey looked up at him and sighed, disappointed that the process was over. Doug went to the linen closet and retrieved a fresh towel, then returned to the tub holding it outstretched, beckoning Joey from the tub. Joey stepped out and allowed Doug to rub him down, removing every trace of the water from his body before re-dressing him in his night clothes.

Taking Joey’s hand, Doug led him back to the waiting bed. The tousled bedclothes were evidence of Joey’s struggle finding sleep and Doug released his hand long enough to straighten the sheets. He held them back and looked expectantly at his partner, waiting for him to get back in bed. Joey slipped between the sheets and lay on his back so he could see Doug’s face.

Doug took a seat on the edge of the bed and brushed Joey’s hair back with his fingers. “No more getting up, and no more thinking about work. That’s an order, young man,” he said gently.

“I’ll try,” Joey promised. “When are you coming to bed?”

Doug leaned down and kissed Joey’s lips firmly. “Later. Now go to sleep.” He snapped off the bedside lamp and slipped through the bedroom door, pulling it almost closed behind him.

“Doug?” Joey called before he got out of earshot.

Doug leaned into the bedroom, still holding the doorknob, “What?”

“Are you taping Monk for me?”

“Yes, I’m taping Monk for you. Go. To. Sleep.”

Joey sighed and rolled over on his side. “Thanks,” he said, and slipped off into dreamland.

*******

Monday afternoon, Doug sat at his desk going through the multiple emails that hit his inbox. He quickly clicked through about half of them before glaring dumbstruck at the next one.

He read:
Thank you for agreeing to participate in this project. Your input is invaluable as a claims partner in helping us decide what you would like to have as a tool for searching claims-related information. Attached is a preparatory survey we told you to expect. Please complete the survey by end of business tomorrow and return it to Joey Reynolds at Reynolj@CCU.com. He will be assisting with the survey portion of the project. Click the link below to access the survey. We appreciate your assistance!

Return it to Joey Reynolds, Doug read again. Joey Reynolds. He was suddenly aware of why the added work hours were needed. He was also more than aware of Joey’s failure to discuss the little side project with him. No wonder Joey couldn’t sleep Friday night. He would be stressing enough over his own project with the deadline looming near and now with the added work… Doug moved the mouse over the “actions” command button and selected “print” from the dropdown menu. His printer purred to life and the email printed obediently. He pulled it from the printer and laid it on his desk to take home with him.

*******

Doug had dinner prepared again as he was home first, with Joey working the additional hour each day. He heard Joey pulling into the garage exactly an hour later than normal. Doug met him at the door and pulled him into a hug and kiss.

“Mmmm. Hi,” Joey said after their lips parted.

“Hi. Ready to eat?” Doug asked. He planned on having their discussion after dinner, not wanting to upset Joey before he ate. If he mentioned it before, he could foresee his lover exercising the food around his plate more than lifting it to his lips.

They commenced dinner as usual and then washed up together. After putting the last of the dishes away, Doug turned to Joey and took his arm. “Have a seat at the table for a minute,” Doug said, pulling Joey in the direction of the eating area of the kitchen.

“What’s going on?” Joey said, slightly alarmed at the look on Doug’s face. He recognized it well. They were about to have a talk about something.

“Sit down, please. I’ll be right back.” Joey slipped into a chair and waited for Doug to return. He heard him approaching the kitchen and saw he held a piece of paper in his hand. His heart sank and his stomach began to twist as he viewed the email Doug laid on the table for him to read. Pilot participants were randomly selected and it never crossed his mind Doug might have been one of the chosen ones.

“Want to tell me about that?” Doug asked, taking a seat beside him at the table. Doug leaned an elbow on the table and turned toward his lover.

“It’s nothing,” Joey said, trying to lessen the fact that he had taken on the extra work.

“Nothing? Unless I’m mistaken, this survey has nothing to do with the project you’re currently working on. Am I right?”

Of course he was right. Joey knew it and so did Doug. “Yes.”

“I don’t remember us discussing this added project. Did I miss something?”

As usual, Doug showed no anger at Joey’s misstep. “No,” he answered simply.

“Did you forget we agreed to discuss any additional work presented to you before you took it on?”

“Come on, Doug. It’s not much, I swear,” Joey said, trying to avoid the inevitable. “It wasn’t even worth mentioning.”

“It’s more work; work that isn’t yours. Am I right?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“But? But what, Joey? We agreed to discuss any extra work, did we not?”

“We did, but…”

“There are no buts on this, Joey. We discuss it first. Period.”

“Would you let me finish?!” Joey blurted.

Doug leaned toward Joey and said, “Of course. Finish. I’m anxious to hear why you thought it was all right to lie to me.”

“LIE to you? I never lied to you about anything!” Joey said defensively.

“No? You don’t think you lied when you led me to believe the overtime was related to your current project?”

“NO! It WAS related to my current project. This came up after…after I wanted to work over on my own project. It’s just that I especially needed the overtime when I agreed to help on this one.”

“You never mentioned it, Joey.”

“I know! I couldn’t!”

Doug looked hard into Joey’s eyes. “Why couldn’t you?”

“Because…,” he started, then grunted in frustration. “You KNOW why!” Joey exclaimed, not wanting to admit Doug was right.

“Why, Joey?” Doug persisted.

He watched Joey’s shoulders slump and his eyes drop away. Doug wasn’t about to let it go. “Because I didn’t talk to you about it first.”

“Exactly. Not discussing it with me as we agreed was bad enough. Keeping it from me only compounds the matter.”

“But, I couldn’t tell you without you getting upset with me.”

“I never get upset with you, you know that.”

“You’re upset with me now!” Joey snapped looking back at Doug.

“You broke a rule. While I acknowledge that fact, it does not mean I’m angry with you. We’ll still deal with it, but I’m not angry.” Joey knew that was the truth but couldn’t help feeling he had disappointed his lover. He looked down at his lap and kept his eyes off Doug. “As I was saying, keeping it from me has only made this worse.” Doug lifted Joey’s face to him and said, “I consider it lying.”

Joey’s eyes widened again at the accusation he had lied. “I did NOT lie to you,” he pleaded.

“Lying by omission is still lying. Plain and simple.” Joey thought through what Doug was saying and realized his point. Doug continued, “You intentionally kept this from me. You’ve admitted that much, even had I not recognized it myself.”

“I wasn’t trying to lie to you,” Joey said miserably. “I just knew you’d say ‘no’ if we talked about it.”

“You’re right about that. Why do we discuss extra work before you accept it?”

It was a familiar conversation and Joey didn’t have to think about it to know the answer. “Because I don’t know when to quit.”

“And, that’s a problem for you. We both know that. With your own deadline merely weeks away, the last thing you needed was extra work. You know it and I know it.” Joey turned his head away from Doug and felt the flush in his cheeks. “Look at me,” Doug said. Joey couldn’t seem to comply, so Doug cupped his hand against Joey’s cheek and turned his face toward him again. Keeping his hand aside Joey’s cheek, Doug said, “You chose not to discuss this with me so you could do what you wanted.”

“But, Brent asked me to help. He could have asked anyone else in the department, but he asked ME.”

“That’s quite a compliment. I’m proud of the work you do, but I’m more concerned with how it affects you. You didn’t need to do this right now. Did you?”

“I know it’s extra but how could I say ‘no’?”

Doug’s hand moved from Joey’s face and rested against his thigh. “Did Brent ask you to do it, or tell you to do it?”

Joey looked at Doug before answering, seeing where he was going with the line of questioning. “He asked.”

“I know Brent well enough to know had you told him you were concerned about your own project, he wouldn’t have pushed. You should have told him ‘no’ or asked to think about it first.”

“I didn’t WANT to say ‘no’. I couldn’t say it.”

“It’s a simple word, Joey. I have the utmost faith that you could say it. But, since you didn’t, and failed to discuss it with me, what does that mean?”

Joey’s stomach tightened and he felt his heartbeat increase, thumping against his chest. He knew what it meant. “Doug, please…”

“What does it mean, Joey?”

Without saying what it meant, Joey confirmed he knew with his next statement. “I don’t want you to spank me. Please, Doug?” he implored.

Doug stood and lifted Joey to his feet. “Go wait for me in the bedroom.”

Joey felt the desperation creeping in and he tried one more time. “I won’t do it again. After this time, I swear I’ll discuss it with you first. Just please let it go this time. Please?!”

“I don’t think so,” Doug said calmly. “Go to the bedroom, Joey. I’ll join you in a minute.” There was the tone again. Joey knew the consequences for his actions and he silently walked the long trail to their room, knowing Doug wouldn’t relent. He knew he needed the strength of his partner and the simple fact that he was immovable was comforting most of the time. He knew he could depend on Doug in more ways than one. It was just that this particular way was not pleasant in the least.

He settled on the bed wishing he had put Brent off until he could talk to Doug. He spent the time waiting thinking about how he ended up there and knew that he would soon be in a vulnerable position across Doug’s lap. He became more nervous as the minutes slipped by until he heard Doug’s footsteps in the hallway. He pushed through the partially open door and looked at his miserable lover situated on the edge of the bed. Not wishing to prolong it, Doug moved immediately to the chair against the wall and pulled it out into the middle of the floor. Joey tensed, watching Doug’s progress. He hated that chair and what it represented to him, never being just a place to sit. The only time he was ever near it was to be punished.

Doug took a seat in the offending chair facing him and held out a hand. Joey remained on the bed and shook his head, his throat tightening. “Come here, Joseph,” Doug said from his seat.

“Doug, please. I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t do it again.”

Doug snapped his fingers and held his hand out steadily, not wavering. His heart tore at seeing the distress in his partner’s eyes, but he remained focused, knowing this was for his own good. Joey took a shaky breath and stood to his feet, crossing the distance to where Doug sat waiting. Doug took Joey’s hand and looked into his eyes that were starting to shine with wetness. “I want you to know I don’t like doing this any more than you like having it done,” Doug said gently, rubbing his thumb across Joey’s hand.

“If we both don’t want to do it, then let’s NOT do it,” Joey recommended.

“I’m sorry, but it needs to be done, sweetheart. I don’t think we need to discuss why you’re being punished any more, do we?”

Joey shook his head hard, just wanting to get it over with since Doug was obviously not going to be deterred. Doug let go of his hand and began to release Joey’s belt and fly. His pants needed little encouragement to fall as the heavy fabric assisted Doug in moving his pants to his ankles. Doug pulled Joey’s boxers down to his knees before patting his own. “Bend over,” he instructed.

Joey was nearing tears, but obediently laid himself across Doug’s lap, glaring at the carpet fibers until the tears gathered enough to blur them. He was taking shallow breaths as he waited for Doug to begin, and closed his eyes tightly, squeezing the silent tears from his lids. He barely had time to register the fact that Doug’s hand had left its resting place against his buttocks before it came crashing down. By the force of the first swat, Joey understood that Doug meant business. He continued to spank him in a slow, steady pattern, striking the same place multiple times before moving on to give equal attention to another location.

By the time Doug’s hand stopped falling, Joey’s bottom was covered in red, and stinging smartly. It had been a long, hard spanking as Doug had been determined to get his point across. Doug allowed him to remain across his lap and catch his breath from crying so hard. He massaged Joey’s back in a reassuring gesture that let him know he was there for him and fully supportive. Joey slowly began to calm, and Doug pulled his arm until he slipped from his lap to a standing position. Doug immediately joined him, hugging him tightly.

Joey was still crying but managed to speak, although somewhat incoherently. Doug listened intently and was able to make out his words. “I…I’m…so…sooorrryy,” he hiccupped against Doug’s shoulder. “I…should have…talked to you…”

“Shhh. I know you know that. I love you, Joey. I don’t want to see you overworked and stressed.” He raised Joey’s tear-streaked face and a pained look crossed his own when he took in his partner’s troubled, tear-filled eyes. “I know you will think twice about breaking this rule again anytime soon. You don’t have to apologize.”

He showered tender kisses to Joey’s face, tasting the saltiness of the tears that were transferred to his lips. He gently wiped them away from Joey’s cheeks with the tips of his thumbs, but his efforts were futile as tears continued to fall. He pulled Joey back to him and held him tightly while he gently swayed from side to side, rocking him in his arms. Joey couldn’t stop reaching back to lay his hands against his fiery behind, and he tried to rub away the remaining sting. He knew the throbbing would continue even if he was successful in alleviating the fresh sting. Doug’s embrace was helping to dissolve the pain he felt in his heart, but it did nothing to reduce the pain in his backside. But, with the encouragement of the embrace, he knew he could endure the physical pain.

Doug’s grip was strong and he didn’t let go until Joey calmed significantly. Once he was sure the tears had subsided, he silently bent down to retrieve Joey’s underwear, which had slipped to his ankles from Joey’s kicking during the spanking. He pulled them up carefully then tried to untangle his dress slacks from the crumpled mess around his feet, trapped in the snare of Joey’s shoes. Joey rested his hands on Doug’s back for balance as he worked to free his feet from his pants. After successfully releasing Joey’s pants, Doug took his hand and led him to the dresser. He pulled a drawer free and retrieved a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, laying them both on the top of the dresser. He let go of Joey’s hand long enough to remove his polo shirt and replace it with the t-shirt. Doug picked up the sweatpants and held them open for his lover to step into then he slid them carefully up and over Joey’s tender behind.

He took Joey’s hand again and led him to the bed. “Stretch out here for a sec.” Knowing Joey would not want him to leave, he quickly added, “I’ll be right back. I won’t be long.” Joey wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand and lay on his side on top of the covers facing Doug. Doug returned quickly as promised from the bathroom holding a couple of tissues. He handed them to Joey and laid a hand on his shoulder while Joey cleaned his face. Joey looked up at Doug with a subdued expression and Doug reached for the knotted tissues, laying them on the bedside table.

“Roll over,” Doug said and softly urged his lover into position facing the other direction. Joey winced when his bottom landed against the bed in his effort to turn in the other direction. Doug used his toe to push his shoes off beside the bed, and then he slid in behind Joey. He wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him in close, and slid the other arm under his lover. Joey whimpered slightly when his bottom pressed against Doug and Doug instinctively shifted to take the pressure off. Doug pressed his lips to Joey’s head and he whispered tender words to him, making sure he knew he wasn’t angry. “I love you so much,” he said, repeating the mantra he always said after having to punish Joey. The hand at Joey’s waist changed positions and began to work its way through his hair. “Do you have any idea how important you are to me?”

Joey took a shaky breath and Doug could feel the body hitching against him with the effort. “Do you?” he repeated. Joey nodded, but said nothing. “You’re more important than work or money. I’ll never let a job get in the way of what’s best for you because you mean much more than that to me.”

Joey listened but said nothing. He closed his puffy eyes and began to relax as Doug’s fingers worked their magic. Doug went silent and let his hands speak for him as he continued to stroke his lover. Joey listened to the sounds in the house he normally only noticed in the quiet darkness while trying to sleep. He heard the sound of ice tumbling from the ice maker just before the air conditioning clicked on. The familiar sounds added their touch to what Doug was currently doing to soothe Joey; the combination was successful.

Doug patiently waited while Joey came to terms with his punishment. Sometimes, Joey was quick to recover, but other times, he had to work into it. This was one of those times. They had been lying together quietly about an hour before Joey said, “I wish I hadn’t done it.”

“I know you do.”

“I just couldn’t say ‘no’. And, it didn’t seem like a big deal because it wasn’t going to require a lot of extra work.”

“You told me the additional work came after you asked me about working overtime. That would have indicated to me that you didn’t need any other assignments right now. I would have asked you to say ‘no’ if you didn’t come to that conclusion yourself, had we discussed it. That’s why we need to talk these things through.” Doug’s tone was gentle, no longer lecturing, but simply making a statement.

“Are you disappointed in me for not coming to that conclusion myself?” Joey asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.

“Hey,” Doug said firmly. “You have never once disappointed me. Do you hear me?” Joey didn’t answer. “You have always made me proud to be your partner. Do you understand that?”

“I guess. I just didn’t make a good decision. You must be disappointed.”

“What did I say?” Doug said softly. He waited for an answer. “Joey?”

“You said you weren’t.”

“Do I generally mean what I say, in your opinion?” Joey hesitated then nodded. “Then you should believe me when I say you didn’t disappoint me. We’ve dealt with this. We’re okay, so we aren’t going to talk about it anymore. We’re closing the book on this chapter. We’re just going to be close for a little while and enjoy each other.”

Joey felt Doug slip his massaging hand under his arm and wrap it around his chest. Joey asked, “How can you be so forgiving?”

“We’re partners. Together for life. You said you were sorry and I accepted that. You’ve been punished for what you did, and I want to move on. I have no reason not to forgive you.” Confident that his answer was satisfactory, Doug rolled back and looked at the clock, seeing it was already well past 9:00. “It’s time for bed.” Doug’s fingers found Joey’s waistband again and began to tug at the sweat pants. “Lean up for me, sweetheart.” Joey shifted his weight so Doug could slip his pants off before tossing them to the foot of the bed. “Why don’t you brush your teeth and we’ll get ready for bed?”

Joey looked back over his shoulder at his lover. “You’re coming, too?”

“I’m coming, too,” Doug said as he got up from the bed. He stood to his feet and held his hand out to Joey. Joey carefully inched his way off the bed, protecting his backside from contact with the mattress, and he took Doug’s outstretched hand as he stood. Joey glanced at the chair still sitting away from any obstructions and felt a flush rise to his cheeks as he remembered Doug sitting there, waiting for him. It was the same response he had to seeing the paddle or any other reminder of a spanking. Doug saw the reaction and gripped Joey’s hand, turning him toward the bathroom and away from the chair.

Doug walked with him into the bathroom and both men brushed their teeth together. Joey kept his gaze down while they worked, not wanting to meet Doug’s eyes or see his own, red-rimmed, in the mirror. They took turns using the toilet, and once they were done, Doug put his arm around Joey and led him back to bed. He gently pushed against the small of Joey’s back urging him into bed and settling him between the sheets. Rather than taking the time to put his clothes away, Doug quickly stripped and draped them over the end of the bed, never leaving Joey’s vicinity. He crawled into bed beside Joey, who was resting on his stomach. Doug clicked off the lamp and pulled Joey over until he was cuddled close with his head against Doug’s chest.

Joey asked hopefully, “We’re okay?”

“Absolutely,” came the sure reply. “Never doubt it.”

Joey sighed, relieved that the episode was over and they could move on, just as Doug said. Joey was exhausted from the spanking and the rush of emotions it always brought with the process. That coupled with the rhythm of Doug’s breathing and the steady sound of his heart, wooed Joey to sleep quickly in spite of the early hour. Doug relaxed and joined him as soon as he recognized Joey’s sleep-induced shallow breathing.

The end