Book Review: Bleach, Vol 22 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, Vol 22     

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 5, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Ichigo’s dad’s secret is out in the open—he’s a former Soul Reaper! Whodathunkit? And he’s more than passing acquainted with sneaky old Kiskue. Apparently they are both aware of the existence of the Visoreds. Not only that, but Isshin predicted they would contact Ichigo, which they have. As Isshin describes them, the Visoreds are “a lawless gang of ex-Soul Reapers who tried to acquire hollow powers through forbidden methods.” He goes on to note the change in the Arrancars, which can probably be laid directly at the renegade Aizen’s feet, with the use of the stolen Hogyoku. That could become a distinct problem for all of them, especially the Soul Society. Prior to this, there was a limit to the Arrancars’ power, but now that Aizen plans to complete them, there could be hell to pay.

Dutch Boy has given Ichigo a lot to think about. Namely, that he is like the Visoreds in that he has a Hollow inside of him. One who is now making himself heard to Ichigo, which is a chilling thought. At the same time, Uryu is wrestling with his father’s offer—have his Quincy powers restored, but at the price of never involving himself with Soul Reapers again. What will he choose?

Dutch Boy is making no progress in his efforts to get Ichigo to join them. He is now attending Ichigo’s school, which Ichigo certainly doesn’t appreciate. Hiyori shows up after school to find out what the hold-up is, only to find that Dutch Boy has been followed by Orihime and Chad, who want to know what’s up and what do they want with Ichigo.

Two new Arrancars arrive on the scene—Ulquiorra and Yammy, sent by Aizen to find the person with the strongest spiritual pressure and kill him. The rest are nothing but ants, according to him, not worth their time. But when they attack Tatsuki, Orihime refuses to stay quiet and responds. With Orihime’s life in danger, can Ichigo be far behind?

Back in school doesn’t necessarily mean back to normal, as Ichigo discovers when some familiar figures appear unexpectedly in his classroom. What the heck is going on, and why are they there? And now why are they at his house?

Certainly an interesting volume of Bleach as the plot thickens. The appearance of Ulquiorra and Yammy can only mean that Aizen has begun hatching his dastardly plot, whatever that might be. And the appearance of the Soul Reapers can’t be a coincidence.  With Renji and Ikkaku around, you know there will be hijinx, and whatever they are, poor Captain Hitsugaya probably won’t like it.  The part with Keigo and Chizuru and their protectiveness of Orihime was hilarious, as was Keigo’s recipe—two parts ginger ale and one part calpico, which he says tastes just like hair tonic. Seriously, dude?

Ichigo has to come to terms with the fact that he has a Hollow inside of him. The question is can he control it or will it overwhelm him and make him into something horrible? I loved the scenes with Isshin and Kiskue. I don’t remember knowing this early in the anime about Isshin, so I like that. Karin realizes Ichigo is a Soul Reaper, although he has admitted nothing. At some point, he has to learn that playing the lone wolf, the brave knight who takes everything upon himself and requires no one else, is a stupid attitude to take, and he can and must rely on the help of others, especially his friends. He puts them in more danger by leaving them out of the loop than by including them.

I liked seeing Kiskue and Yoruichi. We don’t see them often enough, especially her. I already know Dutch Boy will grow on me, so will Alquiorra. Right now the latter is just an emo Goth Arrancar, and Yammy is a big strong dummy.

According to the preview, another team of Arrancars is on its way!  Can’t wait to see them too!

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #34 (8.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Evan and Chan were at Partners, hanging out with Roy and Dustin, when Chan received a call from the hospital, informing him of the death of his parents. Can it be true?Evan has to hold it together for himself and Chan as they head to the hospital to learn the truth. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #34 (8.1)

Evan stared at his lover in disbelief. He couldn’t believe what he thought he’d heard. Surely he’d misinterpreted what Chan had said. Something about an accident. His parents… dead?

One glance at Chan’s stricken face, and Evan knew he was in a state of shock. He took a deep breath. He had to remain calm, not let his emotions get the better of him. Chan needed him now, in a way he never had before. Evan could not, would not fail him. He’d had to deliver messages such as Chan had just received during the course of his career as a state trooper, but he’d never been the recipient of such news. His heart ached for Chan.

For a brief moment, he wondered if maybe the hospital was wrong. Maybe Chan’s parents were severely injured, in critical condition, but alive. That would be the first place to begin. Most importantly, Evan knew he had to take the lead in this, judging by the way Chan was shaking.

He pulled Chan into his arms and for a long moment simply held him, willing him to calm down through the warmth of his body, the strength of his love. If the news were true, Chan was at the beginning of a terrible ordeal. No matter what, though, Evan would stay with him.

Chan raised his head and regarded Evan with glistening eyes. His lower lip trembled helplessly.

“We’ll go to the hospital,” Evan said. Tucker Falls only had one, and he knew exactly where it was, having been there far too many times in the course of his job. Chan nodded.

Evan rose and reached for Chan. Chan latched on to Evan’s arm, slowly standing. Evan didn’t rush him.

“You ready?” Evan asked. Chan seemed a little unsteady, not surprisingly.

Chan nodded again, clinging tightly to Evan. Just as they turned toward the exit, Roy and Dustin came back from the dance floor, laughing and cutting up. Evan had forgotten about them, his focus entirely on Chan.

Roy’s grin disappeared when he caught sight of them. He glanced between them before addressing Evan. “Something wrong?”

“I’m afraid we have to go. There’s been an accident. We have to get to the hospital.”

He felt the shudder that coursed through Chan, wished there was some way he could ease the pain of what was about to happen.

“I’m so sorry,” Roy said. “Go on, do what you need to do. Let us know if you need anything, okay?”

“Yeah, definitely,” Evan said, touched by the concern in Roy’s voice. He considered Roy a friend, one of the few he had. His words only confirmed that. “I’ll call you later, not sure when.”

“Any time, day or night, doesn’t matter,” Roy said, and Dustin echoed his sentiments.

Dustin reached out and gently patted Chan’s arm, his brows furrowed in concern.

“Thanks,” Evan said, before he ushered Chan out of Partners.

The night felt ominously silent after the continuous background noise and music inside the bar. Evan took a moment to pull Chan to him and just hold him. “It’ll be all right,” he whispered into his ear, over and over. Truth be told, he was far from sure of that, but it felt like the thing to say. At least until they were forced to face whatever the truth of the matter was.

“How can it be? H-how can it be?” Chan murmured in obvious disbelief.

Evan understood just how he felt. An air of unreality surrounded them, as if they were caught in the middle of a nightmare. And just maybe they were.  Whatever it was, Evan knew he could handle it. Death was no stranger in his line of work, and he’d had to face it more than once. But he also realized that, other than the death of his father which had happened when Chan was very young, Chan had never had to deal with such loss.

“Don’t worry, I’m here.” He hoped he sounded reassuring. Kissing Chan softly, he ushered him toward his patrol car, opened the passenger door and waited for him to buckle up before he rounded the car and claimed his own seat.

The drive to the hospital was a silent one. Evan focused on the Friday night traffic which surged about them. The last thing they needed was to get into an accident themselves. Luckily, most people, on seeing his cruiser, avoided driving too closely.

Arriving at the hospital, Evan parked around back, near the emergency room entrance. He managed to get a spot not too far from the door, before turning to Chan, who’d never uttered a sound for the duration of the drive. Evan wasn’t sure just what Chan was feeling. His expression gave nothing away. At least he’d stopped trembling. Evan had been afraid he’d go into shock.

As Evan helped Chan out of the car, he murmured to him, “Remember, I’m right here. I’ll always be right here, no matter what. We’re in this together.” Whatever this was.

Chan nodded his understanding and held tightly to Evan’s hand as they made their way to the emergency room.

to be continued

now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Virtual Book Blast: Everything Changes by Melanie Hansen

Good morning! Please welcome author Melanie Hansen to Full Moon Dreaming. She is here to tell us about her new release, Everything Changes. Melanie will be awarding a $25   Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

EVERYTHING CHANGES

by Melanie Hansen

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GENRE:  M/M Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Two battle buddies. One fateful deployment. Two vastly different sets of wounds. One friendship changed forever.

A childhood in foster care taught Carey Everett to hold tight to what he has. Enlisting in the Marines gave him purpose, but a life-threatening injury ended his career—and took his leg. Now fully recovered, Carey’s happier than he’s ever been. He has a fulfilling job, a chosen family and, best of all, a cherished friendship with Jase DeSantis, the platoon medic who saved his life.

Despite Jase’s heroism in combat, he’s haunted by his actions overseas. Playing music with his band keeps the demons at bay, but it’s a battle he’s starting to lose.

After a week of sun and fun in San Diego, Jase and Carey’s connection takes an unexpected turn. With change comes a new set of challenges. For Jase, it means letting someone else into his deepest pain. For Carey, it’s realizing love doesn’t always equal loss. In order to make their relationship work, they’ll have to come to terms with their pasts…

…or risk walking away from each other for good.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

“Mmm.” Jase wrapped his arms around Carey’s waist, his chin resting on his shoulder. “That was pretty darn good. No. Better than good. Beautiful. Sexy.”

“Ha. I think you have beer goggles on, my friend.”

“You…are…so…” Jase punctuated each word with a brush of his lips to Carey’s cheek, “…beautiful it hurts.” Then he took Carey’s earlobe between his teeth, worrying it lightly. “And you’ve got me twisted in all kinds of knots.”

“You’re not the only one,” Carey rasped. “Knot city, here.”

“Mmm, I can tell.” Jase splayed his palm over Carey’s chest. “Your heart’s beating like a drum.”

Carey couldn’t help the tiny sound of protest that escaped when Jase let go of him, but all he did was grab the audio remote and change the song to a slow, poignant country ballad. Then he held out his hand. “Dance with me?”

Time slowed down as Carey gazed at him, the sands of change shifting precariously beneath his feet. Fear and uncertainty welled up in his throat, but the patient understanding in Jase’s eyes and the steadiness of his hand made Carey reach out and place his fingers in his.

His lips trembling, Carey took a tiny step closer. “I don’t want to lose you,” he whispered.

“Never.”

“I’m a little scared.” He took another step. “A lot scared, actually.”

“I know.”

One more step, until Jase’s chest was just inches from his. Carey sucked in a breath. “Jase, I—”

“Hey. It’s only a dance, okay? Nothing more. Just dance with me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Melanie Hansen doesn’t get nearly enough sleep. She loves all things coffee-related, including collecting mugs from every place she’s visited. After spending eighteen years as a military spouse, Melanie definitely considers herself a moving expert. She has lived and worked all over the country, and hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to the love stories she gets up in the wee hours to write. On her off-time, you can find Melanie watching baseball, reading or spending time with her husband and two teenage sons.

Everything Changes Buy Link:

https://amzn.to/2Y7nf07

Website:

https://melaniehansenbooks.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009084006829

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MelJoyAZ

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13505006.Melanie_Hansen

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blurb Blitz Tour: Maraschino Marriage Pact by Tamela Miles

Good morning! Please welcome author Tamela Miles to Full Moon Dreaming. She is here to tell us about her new release, Maraschino Marriage Pact.  Tamela will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on Tamela's tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

Maraschino Marriage Pact

by Tamela Miles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Paranormal Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Mikayla DiAngelis has spent the past two years traveling the world and avoiding the demands of her overbearing warlock father. A confusing kiss from her former bodyguard is yet another reason for her to stay two steps ahead on the run.

Warlock bodyguard Austin Luca will stop at nothing to bring Mikayla home. His loyalty belongs to her family, but his heart belongs to her, even though he has ties that bind him to his own family responsibilities.

Their encounter was inevitable, and Mikayla is soon caught up in Austin's passion and the world she vowed to leave behind. Will surrendering to her former protector cost her the freedom she needs?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPTS:

“You know better than to use your magick in public, Mikayla. What if I was some ordinary human passerby?”

Mikayla froze midmotion. That deep, amused drawl had been with her since she was a child. She slowly turned around, scowling. “I knew I shouldn’t have come back here for the summer. Am I that obvious, Austin?”

The tall, leanly muscled man with straight dark hair and piercing chocolate-brown eyes shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “I lost track of you last year in Rome. Kudos for managing to give me the slip, considering I taught you every trick you know. I bet on your sentimentality about this place bringing you back.” He gestured at the skimpy black sundress she wore. “You’re looking well.”

She nodded. “Thank you. You haven’t changed. You never do. Why can’t every warlock age as gracefully as you do?” Sighing heavily, she placed her hands on her hips. “If you tell me again to come home, I’m hopping off this pier.”

His face shuttered. “I have news about your family, Mikayla. This time, it’s serious.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Tamela Miles is a school psychologist with Ed.S and PPS credential and a graduate of California State University San Bernardino and California State University Dominguez Hills. She is also a former flight attendant. She grew up in Altadena, California in that tumultuous time known as the 1980s. She now resides with her family in the Inland Empire, CA. She's a horror/paranormal romance writer mainly because it feels so good having her characters do bad things and, later, pondering what makes them so bad and why they can never seem to change their wicked ways.

She enjoys emails from people who like her work. In fact, she loves emails. She can be contacted at tamelamiles@yahoo.com or her Facebook page, Tamela Miles Books. She also welcomes reader reviews and enjoys the feedback from people who love to read as much as she does.

Social Media Links:

On Twitter: @jackiebrown20

On Instagram: Tamela Miles Books

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/sassysleepingbeauties/

All Author Page:  https://allauthor.com/author/tamelamiles/

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #33 (7.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Evan and Chan are having a night out at Partners, along with Roy and Dustin. Life is good, and they are very happy. Chan suggests they invite the other couple for dinner, and Evan thinks that's a great idea. See what's going on with them in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

Super Trooper #33 (7.3)

Evan enjoyed the other couple’s company, but he also appreciated having Chan to himself when they went out. One of the nice things about Partners, other than the fact that gay men and women were more than welcome, was that nobody paid attention to PDAs. While Evan wasn’t one to unnecessarily give the other customers a show, he was becoming more open and relaxed about showing his feelings for Chan, and didn’t feel self-conscious about kissing him in public.

He leaned toward Chan and softly kissed his neck, nuzzling him as he inhaled the citrusy scent that lingered from the soap they’d both used in the shower. There was something about the smell of lemon that drove Evan wild, especially when Chan was wearing it. “You having a good time?”

Chan was stroking Evan’s hair as he nuzzled him. He felt completely comfortable and had no wish to move from this position any time soon.

“Very good time,” Chan affirmed. “They are very nice. I like hanging out with them. We should invite them over for dinner sometime. If you would like that, of course.”

Evan was delighted that Chan liked his friends and got along with them so well. He knew they liked Chan as well, and so did Lee and Marshall. Having them to dinner would never have occurred to him, used to being less than social for the most part. He was pleased that Chan had come up with the idea.

“I would like that very much indeed,” he said. For a moment, he considered repeating the invitation with regard to Chan’s family, but then he realized that would entail having the children there as well. That thought was sobering. He liked them well enough, for as little he knew them and as little interaction as he’d had with them. He’d seen them at Chan’s parents’ house, but they tended to scatter when he was there, having obviously more important things to do. Evan wasn’t sure how he would feel about them coming to his and Chan’s home.

Someday that would happen, naturally, but for right now that was an idea whose time hadn’t yet come.

“You can introduce them to Indian food,” Evan said. “You’re an incredible cook, you know.”

“Not incredible,” Chan demurred. “My mother’s cooking, now that is incredible. No one cooks as well as maa.”

“She is an excellent cook,” Evan conceded. “But you are very close to her level.”

“Thank you,” Chan said.  “You flatter me, but I’ll accept it.”

Evan chuckled against Chan’s neck. “You better accept it, it’s the truth. Want to join the guys on the dance floor?” Was it selfish of him to hope Chan didn’t want to?

“I’d rather sit here with you, if you don’t mind,” Chan said.

Perfect.

“I don’t mind at all, baby,” Evan murmured. His head rested on Chan’s shoulder, his arm about Chan’s waist. No one would have cared if he held Chan in his lap, but even that was more than Evan cared to move at the moment. The music was just loud enough to listen to or dance to, but not so loud as to ruin the mood between them.

How had he ever truly lived before he met Chan? Evan had no idea.

Just as he thought that, he felt a sudden vibration.

Damn. He hoped they weren’t calling him in for some reason. Although he wouldn’t refuse to work, of course, should that be the case. He just wouldn’t be particularly happy about it.

But the next moment he realized that wasn’t his phone, it was Chan’s, as his lover pulled it out and glanced at the ID. He gave Evan a confused look.

“I don’t know who this is.”

“Maybe let it go to voice mail?” Evan suggested.

Chan nodded and replaced the phone in his pocket. He took the opportunity to scoot closer to Evan. Evan caught his breath. Maybe Chan would sit in his lap after all. Should he suggest it? Should he wait and see what happened?

Maybe they should cut the night short and return to their apartment…

Damn, Chan’s phone was vibrating again. Chan drew it from his pocket and frowned. “Same number.” He turned concerned eyes toward Evan. “Maybe I should…” He held the phone up to his ear. “Hello?  Yes, this is Chandrahas Basu. I’m sorry, what did you say?” Chan listened intently. Evan couldn’t hear what was being said. He hoped nothing was wrong.

Chan hung up abruptly and turned toward Evan, his expressive mocha eyes wide, filled with confusion and disbelief.

A sudden chill washed through Evan. What was that saying? Like someone had walked over his grave.

“Chan, what is it? Who was that?” He reached for Chan’s free hand and clasped it tightly.

Chan began to mumble something but he couldn’t hear.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Evan leaned in toward Chan. He could barely hear him, but the words came out far too clear.

“T-the hospital. Maa and Pita…..” He took a long shuddering breath. “They are dead.”

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

J Ray Lamb

Book Review: The Shadowed Sun (Dreamblood, Book 2) by N.K.Jemisin

The Shadowed Sun (Dreamblood, Book 2)     

Author: N.K. Jemisin

Publisher: Orbit Books

American release date: June 12, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy /517 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Hanani is a Sharer Apprentice. Sharers are similar to but different from Gatherers, in that they are healers who also go into the realm of dreams to help sufferers where the Gatherers ease the sleeper into a peaceful death. What makes Hanani unique among the Sharers is that she is a woman, and such a thing has not happened before. Which also means she is subjected to the scorn of some people for going against the perceived behavior of her sex, even among her fellow Sharers. Luckily for her, she has the support of her mentor, Mni-inh, to help guide her.

Wanahomen, son of Eninket, has been gone for some ten years, ever since his father’s overthrow and death at the hand of a Gatherer. Biding his time, he is gathering support so he can claim his birthright, and refuses to listen to those who claim his late father had gone mad and had to be killed. His eye on the prize, Wanahomen is willing to do whatever it takes to regain what was lost, no matter who gets hurt in the process.

Tiaanet’s mother, Insurret, is of the shunha caste, her father Sanfi a merchant. Tiaanet is extremely beautiful, and many men lust after her. But her father has his own ideas regarding her future, as well as his own ideas regarding their relationship. No wonder Insurret is waspish and surly, keeping to herself and away from Tiaanet as well as her  daughter Tantufi, who has… issues. But Tiaanet is a dutiful daughter, even when that duty is very distasteful to her, and she is also clever and knows how to handle people… except her father. As a supporter of the returning Prince, Sanfi sees nothing wrong in bedding his beautiful daughter with the handsome prince, as long as he’s in control of the situation Then again, he sees nothing wrong in sleeping with her himself.

Sunandi Jeh Kalawe now governs Gujaareh on behalf of the Protectors of Kisua. She is happily married to Anzi, a general who commands the forces of Gujaareh. But Sunandi has neither forgotten the events that led up to the death of the mad Prince Eninket, or the young Gatherer Nijiri, whose mentor/lover Ehiru was the one who killed Eninket.  When Nijiri comes to see her in the middle of the night, Sunandi knows something is up… and it’s not likely to be good.

Something is wrong in Gujaareh. People are dying mysteriously in their sleep, but the Gatherers don’t know why or how it happens. Turmoil is in the air, as forces align themselves. War feels imminent as Wanahomen works toward the overthrow of the current regime, that he may take his rightful place as ruler. But he needs the support of others to accomplish that.

Something big is just on the horizon… will it be the start of something new or the end of the life they now know?

As much as I loved the first book, I think I might love this one more, although I wish Ehiru had been able to come along for the ride. In the intervening ten years, Najiri has greatly matured, although undoubtedly carrying the scars of what happened and the loss of Ehiru. I was tickled to see Sunandi again. She’s such a strong character, and someone I would love to really know. Plus we get to meet interesting new characters, such as Hanani and Mni-Inh. Hanani is struggling to exist as a woman in a man’s world, and she does it wonderfully.  And then there is Wanahomen , who is older than when we last saw him. It remains to be seen if he has gained any wisdom or maturity.

N.K. Jemisin weaves an incredibly intricate tale, like a beautiful tapestry composed of the lives of her characters. The religion she has created feels so real, it’s hard not to believe that these things can’t happen in dreams, that such people as the Sharers and Gatherers don’t really exist. Her world-building skills are beyond belief. Her characters take on a life of their own, certainly not one-dimensional by any means. There is no cookie-cutter black-and-white dichotomy, good versus evil. For no one is entirely good, and no one is entirely evil. And bad things do happen to good people, and sometimes evil thrives.

For now, this is the last book in the series, but the author admits she would like to visit this world again. We can only hope she does, and that she’ll be willing to take us along on her next visit.

I highly recommend this book, and I intend to seek out her other stories.

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #32 (7.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Evan and Chan have a night out at Partners, along with Roy and Dustin. See what's going on with them in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #32 (7.2)

“You two already look like an old married couple,” Dustin teased Chan. The four men had devoured several baskets of spicy chicken wings and onion rings, washing everything down with ice cold draft beer. Evan and Roy had become embroiled in a debate—something about firearms—which neither Dustin nor Chan could follow, so Dustin had scooted his chair next to Chan so they could talk without yelling.

Chan felt his cheeks warm, but in a pleased way, at Dustin’s words. He and Dustin were close in age, and he suspected there was an even larger age gap between Dustin and Roy than the one that existed between Evan and himself. Even so, they got on very well together, much as he and Evan did.

“You and Roy do too,” Chan returned the compliment.

Dustin grinned widely. “He’s an ornery old cuss sometimes,” he admitted with a wink. “But I think I’ll keep him.”

Chan couldn’t help but laugh. “How long have you been living together?”

“Almost a year, I think. Hey Roy,” he hollered at his partner. When that didn’t get his attention, he said, “Hey old man!”

Roy finished whatever he’d been saying to Evan before turning his focus to Dustin, eyebrows raised. “You need something, little boy?” he asked, clearly tongue-in-cheek, his eyes glinting with merriment despite his tone. “You want I should change your diapers or get you a bottle? You seem to have reverted to being a baby and forgotten your manners.”

In response, Dustin stuck out his tongue.

“Ah, but do you know how to use that?” Roy quipped, never missing a step.

“Hell yeah, I know how to use that, old timer. Wanna go into the back room so I can show you?”

Chan had been told about Partners’ infamous back rooms where men (or women) could spend some intimate time together in privacy. And yes, that was another way of saying they could have sex. Evan had explained about the back rooms one night when Chan noticed a steady stream of traffic heading in and out, and he’d wondered aloud what was going on. Evan had also let him know that he was not inclined to use those rooms himself, no offense to those who did, but he preferred to have hook-ups somewhere a little more sanitary. Chan had seconded the idea. He’d rather be in Evan’s large bed than anything that might be in those rooms.

“No, can’t say as I do,” Roy responded. “So, what exactly did you want? I assume there was a point in your interrupting our conversation?”

Chan glanced at Evan, who was also smiling. They both found the relationship between Roy and Dustin to be amusing but also very affectionate and tight-knit. Evan mouthed I love you. Chan felt his heart expand at the sight.

“How long we been knocking boots now?” Dustin asked. “Pert near a year, isn’t it?”

“You mean how long ago did I first decide to put up with your punk ass?” Roy said. “Let me think. I guess that sounds about right. A whole year? Wow.  I deserve a medal for that, you know. Also hazard pay.”

“Don’t forget training pay,” Evan added helpfully. Chan had to stifle a laugh.

“And I deserve a larger salary,” Dustin said, completely unfazed. “I’m the best deputy you’ve ever had and you know it.”

Roy shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Dude, you’re the only deputy I’ve ever had. Which also makes you the worst, if you look at it like that.”

“And the cutest,” Dustin added. “And the sexiest.”

That did it. Chan couldn’t hold back his laughter, and neither could Evan, much less Roy.

 When everyone finally, calmed down, Roy said, “April 10^th. Like I would forget our anniversary? I think you know me better than that.”

While Dustin continued to protest that he knew no such thing, Chan could tell he was more than pleased with how quickly Roy had come up with the date. Chan had no doubt Dustin remembered it himself and had just been testing his lover.

The two lawmen returned to their shop talk, as a grinning Dustin turned back to Chan. “Best year of my life,” he confided. “Roy’s the best thing that ever happened to me, to be honest.”

Chan could understand that. He felt the same way about Evan. He couldn’t help but think about the other couple who made up their group—Lee and Marshall. They hadn’t been able to join them that evening, but he enjoyed hanging out with them as well.

“Lee and Marshall are married, are they not?” he asked.

Dustin nodded. “Yep. Me and Roy went to the wedding. Course we weren’t together then.”

“You weren’t?” Chan asked curiously.

“Nope. In fact, I met Lee and Marshall the same night I met Roy, but Roy and me didn’t exactly hit it off.” He glanced down at the table, maybe a little embarrassed for some reason Chan couldn’t fathom.

Dustin glanced back up again. “Long story short, I had a thing for Marshall and I was a brat about it, even when he made it clear he wasn’t interested. I ended up going on a gay cruise with my cousin. You know, Denver, you met him.”

Chan remembered. “Yes, he’s a very nice person.”

“Very nice,” Dustin agreed. He picked up his beer and took a sip, as if to busy his hands. “I almost ruined the cruise. Right after we got back is when they got hitched, and I went with Denver. After that I met someone who was pure poison and almost ruined my life. Roy straightened me out, and we kinda meshed, you know? Been with him ever since.”

Such a romantic story, with a great ending.

He glanced up to find Roy standing behind Dustin, arms wrapped around his neck. “C’mon, let’s do a little dancing.”

Once they’d headed to the dance floor, Evan scooted his chair closer. “Alone at last,” he whispered.

to be continued

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