Just Perfect

Rig finished putting the spices in the chili, threw the cornbread in the oven, and went hunting his men.

"Rock! Dick! Boys! Supper!" Christ, he sounded like Daddy.

Rock showed up a moment later giving him a kiss and sitting at the table. "That cornbread I smell?"

"It is." He took another, longer kiss, just enjoying the warmth between them. "Where's the kid?"

"In the front room. Muttering and complaining over his books. I like your cornbread."

"I know, Blue. That's why I make it." He kissed the corner of Rock's mouth. "I'm going to fetch him. Pull the cornbread out in a couple minutes if I'm not back?"

Rock nodded, helping himself to a bowl of chili. "Out in two. Got it."

"Thanks." One more kiss, and he wandered in to get his Pretty. "Dick? Supper's on. You want to come eat?"

Dick glanced up as he came in, his Pretty looking as young as he had when Rock had first brought him home.

"I've got to get this finished before tomorrow, Rig."

"What is it?" He moved to sit beside Dick, hands rubbing hard on those tense shoulders.

"Psych 101. I feel like a fucking moron, trying to sort this stuff out."

"You can do it, Pretty. I'll help." His thumbs pushed harder, working out knots. "First, take a break, relax, eat. It'll make it easier."

Dick shook his head. "I'll come eat, but I don't think that's gonna make it easier. I never was any good at this kind of thing. At least it's just the two courses -- not too big a waste of money when I wash out."

"Wash out? Bullshit." Rig turned Dick around to face him. "You listen to me. You're tired, you're frustrated and you need a break, but you're not a wash out. You need a blowjob and a massage and maybe a swim, then we'll study together."

He cupped Dick's cheek. "Don't give up on you, Dick."

Dick sighed, eyes closing, nuzzling into his touch. His Pretty looked tired, worn out. "I'll try, Rig. I'll do my best, I just don't know if it's enough. Fuck, they're all so fucking young." Those riverstone eyes opened again and Dick laughed, the smile genuine enough. "And don't I sound like our old man now?"

"There's worse to sound like."