Page 4 of The Defense Rests
Walking through the dim club, it's impressive how Jasper turned a kink club into something so classy. I've been to some that were nothing but sectioned-off areas for demonstrations; the smell of lube and leather filling the space. Here, the central area is clean and masculine. The rooms for playing and demos are located down one hallway, with the middle space set up for gaming. At the far end of the hallway is a massive nursery–every little’s dream space.
Stepping into the nursery, Jasper wasn't lying. The event is in full swing, and I take a seat along the wall with a few other mommies and daddies. After making introductions, I glance around at the activities that are going on. And of course there’s glitter. My chest pangs at the sight of sparkles, reminding me of my time with Kai. That boy loved anything that sparkled.
"What's the special occasion?" I ask Amber, sitting next to me. Her little is currently frosting cookies. I think. There is more frosting on her than on the cookie, but Amber is just smiling away at her.
"Tonight is a fundraiser that I spearheaded for the LGBTQ+ center here in town. We’re raising money for homeless youth who have been kicked out of their homes. All funds are going to be donated to the shelter to help them with essentials." Her eyes look a little glassy when she looks back at me. Emotional.
"I grew up in a home that was full of toxic masculinity. I didn't come out until I was in college, in fear of the same outcome. These kids are so brave to take a stand for who they are at such a young age. Can I make a donation?" Trying to swallow the lump in my throat.
"That would be great. And generous. Thank you."
She gave me the information, and I pulled out my phone to send a few hundred dollars through Venmo. "Sent. Let me know if there is anything else you need."
"Your donation will help a lot." She places her hand on my thigh and gives a gentle squeeze. "Hey, Jasper. Taking a break?" She looks up to see Jasper hovering over the two of us.
"Yep. Just checking on the doc here." Jasper says, grabbing the seat next to me before pushing a cold water bottle into my hand.
"Y'all know each other?" Amber asks.
"We've been friends for a few years," I tell her with a genuine smile.
"Wait. Did you call him doc? As in...doctor?" Amber lifts an eyebrow in question.
"That's right. One with the best bedside manner I've ever met." Jasper brags a little. I take the time to ensure my patients are comfortable. Not very many people actually enjoy going to the doctor.
I nudge Jasper in the side with my elbow. "She's not looking for a business reference." I tease.
"But I might." Amber chimes in.
"What's that now?" My wide-eyed expression just stares at her.
"Look. I know you said you're only here for a few days, but would it be possible to set up a meeting with you this week? I have an idea on how you can help at the shelter. If you were serious about wanting to help out."
"Of course. Let me know what I can do." And I might be spending a lot more time here in Bedford City, depending how the meeting goes Monday morning.
I reach into my wallet and pull out a business card. When Amber glances down, her eyes pinch in the middle. "You're a gynecologist?"
"That is what I specialize in, yes," I tell her proudly.
"Wait." She shakes her head. "Jasper, how would you know what Shaun's bedside manner is like? Or were you just being a supportive friend?"
"Nope. Shaun is my doctor, and he's nothing but professional and the best." Jasper says proudly, leaving so much unsaid. I just smirk and nod when Amber looks at me.
"Sorry. Patient confidentiality and all." I tell her just as my eye catches a cute blonde across the room, struggling with the glue. He's wearing a light blue wrist band signaling that he identifies as a male little, and a green wristband meaning that he's open to play. My matching dark blue wristband signals that I'm a daddy. My yellow wristband indicates that I'm observing, and if you'd like to play, please ask first. "Excuse me," I tell Jasper and Amber.
I get up and walk over to the table with several littles and squat next to the boy. "Hi there. I'm Shaun, and it appears you might be having a bit of trouble. Would you like some help?"
"I Ben. Dat wud be nice. It hard to glue sum stuff," he tells me in the cutest little voice ever. "We make pape dolls."
I look at the supplies on the table, along with the cardboard cutouts of the dolls. "I love making dolls, Ben. These have several parts and can get a bit tricky. How about I place the glue for you, and you can put the pieces together?"
"Deal." His grin spreading across his face.
And that's what Ben and I do. I line up the pieces that he needs, and slowly, we start gluing the pieces together. Before long, we have a cute girl doll. During the building process, I found out that Ben loves arts and crafts, storytime, and dinosaurs. The dinos that fly are his favorite. When I asked if he's seen the Jurassic Park movies, he curled in on himself and said they were too scary. Or in his words,'scawy.'
"I like dat dress." He points at the selections in the middle of the table.
"I think that is a great choice." My heart pangs again with the loss of a certain little from years ago who loved dolls. I add a few dots of glue to the doll, and Ben places the dress on it.
