Fundamentals

Written By: LJ


Kaylan stood nervously shuffling in the corner. He had done it again and was in hot water up to his neck; well definitely up to his butt. Why did he always have to be so impulsive? Why couldn’t he be patient and wait like he had been told to? ‘Cause he couldn’t help it, that’s why.

“Stop picking at the wallpaper, Kaylan!” came a voice from on high. Okay, not really from on high; more like somewhere in the room behind him.

He tried to concentrate. ‘Focus’ is how Chancey had put it. Yeah right, but it was so hard when he was unsure of what all this contemplation would lead up to.

Trying to obey, Kaylan let his mind wander back to the first time he had laid eyes on the good doctor. He relaxed against the junction of the walls and sighed in contentment at the surfacing memories. ‘Yeah, a doctor; and he’s my doctor, my lover, my partner, my life.’

***************

Chancey easily picked up on his partner’s change as the young man sank into the corner. He got to his feet, collected a bottle of water from the fridge, grabbed a chair and walked over to Kaylan. Placing the chair directly behind the other man, Chancey gently pushed him down into it and handed him the water. He received a bashful, knowing smile of thanks.

From past experience, the older man knew this was going to take some time, as his Brat always took the scenic route. Whether it was driving to an unwanted appointment or a trip down memory lane, Kaylan’s ability to put off the inevitable was phenomenal.

On this occasion, Chancey decided to emulate his partner by making a reminiscent trip of his own as a way of passing the time.

***************

Chancey was driving back to the clinic after having attended to Mr. Oakes’ broken arm. The late autumn afternoon was fading into dusk, with pouring rain and gusting wind presaging a stormy night. The car gave a sudden lurch followed by the unmistakable sounds of a flat tire. He pulled over to the side of the road, turned on his warning lights and got out of the car, cursing under his breath.

The doctor fumbled around in the trunk for the jack and the tire iron. In a momentary fit of uncharacteristic temper, he threw them to the ground near the now completely flat tire. To add to his misfortune, the tire iron bounced and landed with a splash in a deep and muddy puddle. Wiping the cold, dirty water from his face, he placed the jack under the front bumper and started raising the car. “God, don’t let this slip,” Chancey silently pleaded to the powers that be.

Kaylan was anxious to get back to town. It was nearly the end of his shift and he badly wanted to get home, out of his uniform and into a warm shower; that, plus he was darn near starving. He drove along the traffic-free country road much faster that safety recommended, considering the miserable weather and shoddy road conditions. As he barrelled around a bend, he narrowly missed hitting a stationary vehicle he’d just managed to see at the last moment.

Chancey stood up as a car raced by him. “Where the hell is that idiot trying to get to in such a hurry on a night like this,” he grumbled under his breath.

Kaylan slowed, checked his rear-view mirror and reversed at a slightly more moderate speed.

Chancey stepped back as the car slid to a stop only after managing to drive through a pot hole immediately in front of him. He looked down at his trousers and grimaced. ‘Oh well, I can’t get much wetter now,’ he thought wearily and shrugged his shoulders.

Kaylan turned on the revolving lights on the top of his patrol car, put on his hat, grabbed his long black waterproof coat and climbed out of the cruiser. Slipping his arms into the sleeves, he walked towards the dripping wet man. “Can you use some help, mister? You seem a tad wet.” He grinned apologetically.

Chancey put up his hand to ward off the shine of the flashlight pointing in his direction. “Hello!” he called out over a crash of thunder. He smiled at the thought of help having arrived. “Thank you for stopping. It seems my tire had a slow leak and I didn’t notice until it was too late.”

Kaylan glanced at the wheel in question. “Well, I can change the tire for you if you’ve got a spare.” He picked up the muddy tire iron and grimaced. “Try not to drop it!” he hollered as he crouched down next to the car and placed his flashlight on the ground before removing the hub cap and starting on the wheel nuts.

“What brings you out here to the back roads on a night like this?” the doctor asked upon his return a moment later. He carefully leaned the spare against the side of the car. “Not enough going on in town to keep a young officer busy?”

“I had to drive the two Barlow boys home. They got plastered again and their girlfriends ditched them, taking their car,” the young cop explained. “Serves them right, too!” he grumbled. Looking up, he inquired, “You’re the new doc in town, right? What has you out and about?”

“Yes, I arrived in town a fortnight ago. A patient; Mr. Oakes fell out of the loft and broke his arm. Fortunately, it was a clean break and with his wife assisting me, I was able to set it right there in their kitchen as he refused to leave his home. Had it required a trip to the hospital I would have had to use the old reliable but definitely frowned upon, ‘shanghai’ method. Of course I’d have substituted a sedative for the often preferred burlap bag and club.” Chancey ended his explanation with a smirk.

Kaylan couldn’t help but chuckle at the other man’s sense of humour. “So I guess we were both playing the ‘Good Samaritan’ this evening.”

The doctor wished he could get a better look at the young man. The brief glance afforded by the lightening had only enabled him to see a bit of black hair hanging down over a stunningly beautiful face. “Looks like it,” he answered, hiding a smile. He watched as his rescuer worked, wishing there was something more he could be doing to help. He could feel the dampness seeping into him and knew the other man must also be feeling it.

Kaylan rolled the damaged tire to one side and lifted the other one into its place. Gathering up the wheel nuts, he began tightening them. Moments later he paused to rub his cold hands together and blow on wet, chilled fingers. He cursed when the final one escaped his ice-cold grasp and fell into a mud puddle.

“Got it!” Chancey exclaimed triumphantly and he handed over the muddy nut.

Quickly finishing up, Kaylan straightened with a broad smile of accomplishment lighting up his young face. He deftly removed the jack and helped the doctor return it and the ruined tire to the trunk of the car.

“I’d like to show my appreciation. Ah sorry, Officer, but I don’t even know your name. I know I should even though I’ve only been in town for a short time.”

Kaylan grinned, wiped a damp, cold hand on the front of his uniform and held it out. “That’s okay, Doc. I know you’re busy and time has a way of getting away from all of us. I’m Kaylan Stewart and I’m pleased to finally meet you.”

“My pleasure, Kaylan. I’m Chancey Kendall and I’d like to take you out to dinner as a way of saying thank you.” Chancey was not about to admit he would like to know this young man better….much better.

Kaylan smiled at the thought of having dinner with this man. He had seen the new doctor around town and was drawn to the big man’s dark rugged features. “Do you have a specific place in mind?” he asked, slightly flustered.

Chancey smiled and his mahogany-coloured eyes sparkled; the rain and cold momentarily forgotten in the warmth he felt. “Tell you what,” he suggested. “How about we go home, get into something a little drier and meet at O’Ryans in town; say in half an hour?”

The rain was falling harder now as the two men got into their cars and headed into town. Fifteen minutes later, Chancey pulled into his driveway, got out of his car taking his black bag with him, turned to give Kaylan a brief wave and ran towards his front door.

*************

Chancey let himself into his small clinic, shut the door and turned on the light. Force of habit had him neatly placing his notes on the desk blotter, restocking his medical bag for the morning and checking his messages. He blew out a long sigh of relief upon discovering his expertise was not required and he was free to continue with his plans. He headed upstairs and into the bathroom. He would have liked to take a leisurely shower, but didn’t want to keep a certain young man waiting.

At the appointed time, Chancey stepped through the heavy, oak door of the bar/restaurant he had frequented several times over the last couple of weeks. He looked around the warm, welcoming room as he removed his raincoat and shook it out before hanging it up. He smiled as his eyes came to rest on the handsome face of the man he planned to spend the rest of the evening with. He quickly made his way over to the bar where Kaylan was waiting with a happy grin lighting up his face.

“Hi there!” Chancey returned the grin. Catching Simon’s slight nod, the doctor followed the bartender’s eyes and noticed the empty booth in the corner. Reaching for Kaylan’s elbow, he gently steered him towards their table. “Feel free to order what you like, Kaylan,” he kindly suggested when menus and two glasses of cold beer were placed in front of them. Chancey already knew he would be ordering his favourite, the rib eye steak. He took advantage of the time Kaylan spent perusing the menu to covertly feast his eyes on his guest’s beautiful features.

Once their orders were taken, Chancey sat back to relax and enjoy his drink. “Tell me a little bit about yourself, Kaylan?”

Kaylan took a large swallow of his beer and smiled. “Well, I was born here. I was an only child of middle-aged parents. My Dad managed a hardware store and Mom cleaned other folk’s houses. My Dad passed away suddenly when I was eighteen and soon after, my Mom became very ill. I took care of her towards the end and shorlty before my twenty-first birthday, she died in my arms. That was three years ago,” he murmured and cleared away the lump in his throat before continuing. “I sold our house and got the necessary training to become a policeman and eventually manage to get a job right here in my own home town. A job I really like!” he finished on a happier note.

What the young man didn’t share was that he had never been in a relationship; hadn’t even had a one night stand. Whenever fears of spending the rest of his life alone surface; he pushes them out of his mind. He would love to meet someone, fall in love and live a life of happiness like his parents had, but does not know how to go about it. He does not advertise his sexual orientation and nobody asks.

Kaylan glanced over at the man sitting across the table from him and blinked when a sudden thought came to mind. ‘Can he be the one?’ Looking down, he blushed and shyly played with his napkin. “So, do you plan on telling me anything about yourself? All I know is that you’re not from around here; if nothing else, the accent is a dead give-away.”

“I had a practice in England, but when the opportunity to come here to Canada presented itself, I grabbed it up. I had been born and raised in a large city but it had lost its’ appeal a long time ago.” Chancey reached over and stilled his companion’s ever-active fingers. He briefly wondered if Kaylan was the nervous sort or just slightly hyper. “Like you, I am fortunate to have found a vocation I enjoy.” He spoke quietly while rhythmically circling his thumb on the back of Kaylan’s hand. His eyes sparkled and crinkled at the corners, his smile widening when his advances were not rejection. His actions had the desired affect of settling the young man, but further conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their meal.

Kaylan calmed significantly under Chancey’s gentle touch. He relaxed and soon found himself enjoying the delicious food and the attention paid him by his dining companion. Their conversation flowed freely.

It was after eleven o’clock when Chancey realized Simon wanted to close for the night. He quickly picked up on the owner’s signals when Kaylan offered to drive him home. Simon had glanced at the doctor and shaken his head.

They had each consumed three fair-size glasses of beer with their meal and Chancey knew there was a good possibility of the young man being over the limit. “Being as I live within walking distance, why don’t you come to my place for the night?” he suggested. Picking up the signs of hesitation in Kaylan’s body-language, the doctor offered assurances. “It’s late, Kaylan. Your car will be safe here for the night and you will be just as safe in my guest room.”

Not waiting for an argument to ensue, Chancey exchanged goodnights with Simon, grabbed his dry overcoat off the hook, wrapped it around Kaylan’s shoulders and firmly guided the slightly tipsy man out the door and down the street. The darkness masked the grin spreading across his face at the half-hearted attempt to hinder their progress. He understood the young man’s need to assert himself rather than appear eager to do the older man’s bidding.

It took Chancey longer than usual to fall asleep. He lay awake, thinking of his houseguest sleeping in the small bedroom across the hall. He was almost light-headed with an exhilarating sensation similar to what he had experienced as a youth in the throes of his first love affair. He could not get Kaylan’s animated face and entertaining story-telling out of his mind. He felt his body responding to the thought of having the gorgeous young man in his arms. He realized in order to get some sleep it would be necessary to either take a cold shower or manually satisfy himself. He opted for the latter.

************

More than a week passed before fate presented an opportunity for these two men to meet up again. Due to a skirmish that resulted in a number of injuries, Chancey’s presence was requested at the police station.

After attending to half a dozen injured men, including a couple of out-of-town officers, the doctor entered the Chief’s office. There he found two more patrolmen in need of medical attention, one of whom was Kaylan. He managed to maintain a professional manner as he tended to the young officers, even though he was inwardly dismayed at his friend’s split lip and bleeding nose. He remained tight-lipped while suturing the gash over Kaylan’s left eye and keep a listening ear on the heated conversation taking place between the Chief of Police and the head of a supposed covert investigation team from a nearby city.

Kaylan sat hunched in his chair. He tried to look anywhere but at the man loudly complaining to the Chief about what Kaylan and Walter had done. ‘This is so embarrassing,’ he thought, feeling his ears burning. ‘So much for any advancement, I'll be lucky to keep my job.’

The young officers had officially been introduced to an irate man, who as fate would have it was an undercover officer. He had also been informed in no uncertain terms that while the drug bust proved successful; it was in no way due to Kaylan and his fellow officer’s interference.

Apparently, they had failed to notice the white van in the pub’s parking lot. However, the three policemen in said van saw them pull up and realised immediate action had to be taken. Kaylan, with his usual enthusiastic habit of jumping in where angels fear to tread, had innocently forced their hands. It was only because of the veteran officers’ speedy action that the scheme was carried out and a success made out of the chaos.

A pause in the one-sided conversation had Kaylan furtively glancing up to find the handsome doctor staring down at him. He blushed as he felt himself drawn once again to the big man’s dark, handsome features. He was confused by the light of understanding he saw shining in the older man’s eyes.

For over ten minutes, Chief Robertson had silently tolerated the detective’s tirade; now it was his turn to speak. He slowly stood and drew himself up to his full six-foot-four, well over two hundred-twenty pound frame and glared in his most intimidating manner at the man in front of him.

“My men are in no way at fault here, mister. Had you had the common decency to inform the local authority, mainly me,” he unsympathetically growled, his eyes blazing with indignation, “this fiasco could have been prevented. But as the thought apparently never crossed your mind, you have no one to blame but yourself.”

Kaylan had difficulty believing what he was hearing. The chief was speaking in their defence; voicing his opinion that his officers had merely been trying to do their job and unfortunately found themselves in over their heads. The young constable shyly smiled his thanks and released a deep sigh of relief. He wasn’t going to lose his job after all.

The two rookie-officers exchanged glances and cringed when the door slammed behind the departing undercover agent. So caught up were they at mentally reviewing the events of the evening, they almost missed being excused by their commanding officer. They were told to go home, get a good night’s sleep and report for duty first thing in the morning.

Several minutes later, a completely untroubled Kaylan patiently submitted to being firmly led from the building by a rather disconcerted doctor.

“If fate seems determined to bring us together, Kaylan, I do hope from now on we get to meet in a somewhat less inauspicious setting.” Taking note of the adrenaline-fed gleam of excitement still lurking in the young man’s eyes, Chancey muttered, “Incidents of this nature may be just up your alley, but it certainly isn’t something I’d care to have you repeat any too often.”

Kaylan stopped walking and turned to face his friend. Seeing the concern in the older man’s eyes, he put a hand behind Chancey’s head, pulled him closer and gently kissed his lips. “Maybe you can take me home where we can continue this conversation in private,” he invitingly whispered.

************

By freeing up their schedules as much as possible, Chancey and Kaylan were able to get together fairly often over the next few weeks. Aside from enjoying each other’s company, they also discovered mutual likes and dislikes as well as some totally opposite interests. Much to their delight they soon found out they both enjoyed sci-fi and thriller films while both loathed chat, quiz, and reality shows; soap operas were definitely a no-go. Their taste in music varied, Chancey was so not into heavy metal; as did their taste in reading due to Kaylan preferring to avoid the activity in favour of computer games.

To give credit where credit was due, Chancey was genuinely impressed with Kaylan’s dedication to his career choice. The young man wanted badly to serve and care for his fellow citizens. Chancey had long felt that the best job a man could have was one doing that he loved and Kaylan certainly loved his, as did the good doctor.

Over the next several months, little tidbits came to light which caused Chancey to wonder if this young man he was falling in love with, had a time management problem. Kaylan had complained on several occasions of his chief giving him an earful for being a few minutes late to work.

‘Nay, can’t be a management thing. His running a little behind now and again is probably due to him not getting to bed at a reasonable hour,’ the doctor second-guessed himself. ‘After all, the man has never been a minute late for our dates.’

One major concern Chancey did have, was when a shortage of sleep resulted in Kaylan seeing things a little out of perspective. In the young officer’s line of work, such a tendency could prove dangerous.

Chancey decided to offer a helping hand. He was more than ready to move their relationship along and he hoped Kaylan felt the same. With this in mind, he planned a special dinner; one he would prepare himself thus ensuring the setting would be conducive to the conversation he intended to have.

************

As was his custom, Kaylan arrived at the appointed time; exactly five-fifteen. He had a bottle of wine in one hand and a couple of beautiful deep pink flowers in the other which he graciously presented to the doctor’s receptionist.

Chancey was beyond pleased that these two pivotal people in his life were able to get along despite their dissimilarities. He needed Gloria. She knew all his patients; most, better than he did as she had work in this very office since the death of her husband over thirty years ago. But he also knew he needed and wanted Kaylan even more.

Closing the door on his departing receptionist, he turned a feigned glare of displeasure on his guest. “I do hope my neighbour fails to notice the flowers missing from her peony bush.” His sardonic remark met with a cheeky grin.

“Ah, there’s a lot more where those came from, Doc,” Kaylan grinned, stretching up for a kiss.

Chancey shook his head and returned the kiss. “Hope you’re not too hungry. Office hours ran a little over and I’ve yet to finish preparations.” He happily accepted his guest’s offer to help and two pair of hands soon had the meal on the table.

“I’ve a specific reason for having you here this evening, Kaylan,” Chancey hinted as he poured second glasses of wine. Seeing the inquiring expression of the other man’s face, he reached over and set Kaylan’s glass on the table. Taking the other man’s hand in his, he allowed himself to be drawn in by striking pale blue eyes. “I’m hoping you’ll consider moving in with me.” There, he’d said it; now to await the response. He held his breath.

“Hell, it isn’t gonna take a lot of consideration on my part, Chancey,” Kaylan enthusiastically replied, his eyes sparkling. “I’m ready anytime you are.”

“Well, actually, you might want to give it a little thought.”

Kaylan’s wrinkled brow attested to his confusion. “Why? I don’t get it? If you are uncertain, why bother asking?”

“I love you, Kaylan. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But you know my working hours can sometimes… well, suck for want of a better word.” Chancey paused, wondering how best to explain his need for a certain type of home life. “I have expectations and I am sure you must too. There is also my unease regarding a few of your behaviours.”

“I would consider loving each other a giant leap in the right direction,” Kaylan smirked and took a sip of wine. “Wait a minute….what do you mean by my behaviours?”

“Your propensity to drive a little too fast when running late, comes to mind; your sometimes erratic sleeping habits; and I also have a feeling you could use a little assistance as far as time management is concerned.”

“It’s not like my being late is that big a deal, Chancey.” Kaylan frowned, starting to get suspicious. “Just what kind of assistance are we talking about here?”

“I know you’ve never been late meeting me, and I appreciate it,” Chancey grinned. “I might be able to help you get started on the mornings you’re having trouble. During the week, I’m usually up at crow's piss.”

“Oh God, don’t tell me you’d expect me to be in bed before midnight.” The younger man grimaced at the thought. “Man, talk about attempting the impossible,” he muttered.

“You'll probably find it does work better though.”

“Yeah, in theory maybe,” Kaylan groused, sitting back and crossing his arms.

“It is something we can work on it together, love, and while we are at it we can also work on your habit of acting impulsively, before something life-threatening happens,” Chancey strongly suggested. “Then there is also your inclination to avoid recognizing a situation as it is whenever it suits you.” Chancey’s eyes twinkled at Kaylan’s momentary huffiness. He felt the need to lay all his cards on the table. At least the man across from him had the decency to blush a little at the last comment.

“Oh, I am sure there are always good reasons,” Chancey chuckled. “And I am just as sure I’ll love hearing most of them. I’m trying to be up front with you, Kaylan, as I feel honesty is a key element for a successful relationship.”

“Yeah, I know you’re right and I’d never bend the truth on issues that are important to us as a couple, Chancey.”

“That’s good. I think coming up with some expectations, rules if you like, and consequences for breaking them would work out best for both of us, sweetheart.” Chancey earnestly gazed at the younger man, gauging his reaction.

“Ah, what kind of consequences do you have in mind?” Kaylan asked hesitantly.

“Hmmm, maybe if I share a little about one of my past experiences it might help. A number of years ago, I had a partner who required support in meeting a number of objectives. He was a highly intelligent man and very talented, and although he clearly saw the big picture, he simply lacked the ability to visualize many of the day to day steps leading up to the goals he wanted to attain. Between us, we set up rules and guidelines. We chose to live what is referred to as a discipline partnership. We’d probably still be together and living in London had Peter not been killed in a car accident. For different reasons, I really believe it would prove beneficial for both of us to seriously think about doing the same. And, Kaylan, the consequences vary according to the infraction.” Chancey’s voice was firm but kind. The decision was Kaylan’s and the doctor had no intentions of forcing the issue.

Kaylan sat staring at the man he had fallen in love with. He blinked several times as he absorbed the explanation and all its’ implications. Rules, guidelines, laws, whatever…these were part of his everyday life in the police force along with penalties or, as Chancey called them, consequences. They served an important purpose and were necessary for maintaining order. They kept people safe…they kept him safe. Suddenly, Kaylan felt good about the whole idea.

“Okay,” he nodded slowly. “But what exactly do you mean by discipline? I need clarification.”

“Fair enough. Say we agree to you exercising more care in your driving habits. You get caught for speeding, you get a ticket. That is society’s consequence. Here at home there would be our personal consequence.....you could count on being soundly spanked.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

Chancey has seen the young man’s face blanch. “Yeap, totally earnest!” He sat back and watched the parade of expressions cross Kaylan’s handsome face as he tried to grasp what was being proposed. “It is because I love you, Kaylan. I want you to live a long, healthy life. And believe me, my love, spanking is a deterrent for unacceptable behaviour; it does work.”

“I bet it does,” Kaylan reluctantly agreed. Hard as it was to wrap his mind around the lifestyle Chancey was suggesting, the young man also realized the doctor had high standards and that maybe, just maybe, he had one or two habits Chancey would view unfavourably. His thoughts were interrupted when Chancey’s next word confirmed them.

“Being late for work shows a lack of manners. I expect better of you and I believe if you give it some sombre thought, you’d also expect better of yourself.”

Kaylan once again nodded his agreement and nervously toyed with his cutlery. He wanted to give this a try, trusting the older man to care for him and put him before all others.

“And,” Chancey continued. “We both know not being truthful with each other at all times will undermine our relationship.” He paused and gazed affectionately at his companion. “Kaylan, sweetheart, I am far from perfect and certainly don’t expect you to be. However, having said that, I feel each of us should be striving to do the best we can.”

As Chancey studied the good-looking man in front of him, his heart swelled with love and pride. He was perfectly aware of all that was involved in living the lifestyle he was talking about, but never before had a feat seemed more worthwhile. He leaned over and tenderly stoked the five o'clock shadow on Kaylan’s cheek. “Do you have any idea of just how grand you are in my eyes,” he adoringly murmured.

Kaylan smiled softly and blinked back tears. “It’s my decision, isn’t it?”

“It most certainly is.”

“Well, I know what my answer is then,” Kaylan smirked and released a long sigh.

“And....”

“I’m still sitting here, aren’t I?”

“That’s a good sign.” Chancey chuckled. “Now I think you could at least tell me what day you want to move in.”

“How does this Saturday work for you?” Kaylan merrily inquired.

“Perfect!” Chancey joyfully announced and pulled Kaylan into his arms to seal their agreement with a breath-taking kiss.

That life-altering weekend had taken place three years ago.

************

As Kaylan snapped back to the present, he restlessly shuffled back and forth on his chair. The corner was fast losing what little interest it had held in the first place, which in thinking about it; had been none.

Another long drawn-out sigh was heard as the young man softly banged his head against the wall. He wanted his partner fully aware of his frustration.

“Okay, I get it, Chancey. I shouldn’t have driven out of the driveway at that speed. Next time I find myself hung-up on getting to the gym early, I promise to make more of an effort to stick to the rules.” Mean as it was, Kaylan couldn’t fight back the grin spreading across his face at the tale his partner had to share with him upon his arrival home a short time ago. ‘Wish I had of been a fly on the wall,’ he thought, barely managing to stifle a giggle. As funny as he found the telling of the story, Kaylan would never had done something so horrible on purpose and certainly not to Gloria whom he cared a great deal for.

According to his rather irate Top, the incident in question had taken place earlier that morning about the time Kaylan left the house, shortly followed by Chancey hearing the front door of his clinic slam shut.

Walking in from the examining room, the doctor stopped in his tracks and just stared at the woman in front of him. “What the hell, ah sorry, I mean heck happened to you, Gloria?”

His receptionist stood with hands on hips, glaring at him and silently daring him to find anything remotely amusing in her predicament. Some of her hair had escaped from the bun on the back of her head, wet strands sticking to her angry face. The front of her coat was dripping and her shoes sloshed slightly when she walked.

When not so much as a twitch graced the doctor’s face, she huffed and stomped off towards the washroom, grumbling every step of the way and leaving a trail of muddy footprints in her wake.

“Police officer or not, bloody young hoodlum; tearing out of the drive like no one else would be around, racing through mud puddles and scaring the life out of people, dang near running them down. Would have served that Kaylan Stewart right, it would; had he swiped that post and scratched up his pretty motor bike. Poetic justice I’d call it.” The door shut, drowning out the rest of her complaints.

Chancey had heard all he needed to hear. He shouldered into his suit jacket, grabbed up his medical bag and quietly left the surgery to do his morning rounds with plans to discuss the matter with his young partner first thing that evening.

That discussion had started almost fifteen minutes ago and was about to conclude.

Noticing the corner had finally had the desired effect, Chancey calmly summoned a somewhat contrite Kaylan. “Come here, Brat!” he ordered and held out his arms. He hugged his partner, reassuring him of his love for him.

“I’m sorry for what happened to Gloria, but it really was an accident, Chancey. Honest!” Kaylan offered his admission of guilt as the two men walked hand and hand into their living room and sat down on the sofa. “And, yes, I know I had nothing making me rush out like that except my own impatience.” He glanced up, his expression clearly showing his remorse.

“I love your enthusiasm and zeal for life, my love, but there is a time and place for it. Unfortunately, this was not it. Your bike will stay in the garage for the next two weeks. You will pay to have Gloria’s coat dry-cleaned and her shoes replaced, as well as apologizing to her. The results of your rash actions were not overly serious but easily could have been. And it is for that you’ve earned yourself a sound paddling.”

Kaylan reluctantly nodded his agreement and left the room to fetch the dreaded implement before Chancey even requested him to do so. He was unaware of the look of pride in the eyes lovingly watching him.

The rules were there to provide security and guidance; missing fundamentals in his life that Kaylan had unconsciously sought for a very long time. Chancey would see to it that the young man never went without them again, by following through with the consequences for breaking the rules.

This is the lifestyle that works best for both of them. It enables each man to hold fast to the commitments they make each and every time they declare their love for one another, be it by a glance, a touch, a word or a deed.

The End