Page 24 of Baran
Can you agree with these rules?”
“Yes, Daddy Darien. Those are excellent rules.”
“If you break a rule, you will be spanked. Do you agree with that?”
“Yes, Daddy Darien.”
“Do you trust me to look out for your best interests?”
Baran’s eyes softened. “I’ve only had someone I could trust like this once before. Being with you makes me feel safe and valued. I want to be that person for you too.”
Darien reached out, taking Baran’s hand in his. “You already are, Baran. Let’s promise to always be there for each other, to face everything together.”
Baran squeezed Darien’s hand, a smile spreading across his face. “I promise. We’ll make this work.”
As they finished their conversation, the living room seemed to cocoon them in its warmth. The fire crackled, the piano stood as a silent witness to their promises, and the bookshelves held the stories of countless lives. In that moment, surrounded by the comforts of home and the promise of a shared future, Darien knew they were building something truly special.
“Are you ready to go upstairs?”
“Yes.”
Darien playfully scooped Baran onto his back, carrying him up the stairs with a laugh. Baran held on tightly, enjoying the lighthearted moment as they ascended to the second floor. Reaching the landing, Darien set Baran down gently and led him to the bedroom.
The bedroom was a serene sanctuary, designed for comfort and relaxation. A king-sized bed with a tufted headboard was the centerpiece, dressed in soft, luxurious gray linens and an array of plush pillows. A large window draped with elegant curtains overlooked the city, offering a view of the nighttime skyline. Tasteful artwork covered one wall and there was a cozy reading nook, complete with an overstuffed armchair near a small bookshelf filled with an array of books.
“I’m so excited, but scared too,” Baran said.
“What are you afraid of?” Darien asked.
“You might change your mind.”
“About what?” Darien was surprised by Baran’s fear, which he could see in his trembling hands and wide, worried eyes.
“About helping me and being my Daddy Darien.”
“Let me ease your mind.” Darien pointed to the bathroom. His father had abandoned him in a foreign country, so it was natural Baran would have to work at trusting him completely. Baran said he trusted Darien, but he didn’t realize how deep the seed of abandonment was rooted. The look of defeat etched into the faces of so many men at the shelter was something he recognized all too well. Baran had the same fear of failure, but Darien planned to build up his confidence and trust in him.
Baran walked to the bathroom, Darien hot on his heels.
“Strip down for your bubble bath,” Darien said.
Baran fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, eager to shed his clothes.
“You’re beautiful, Baran.”
Darien turned on the water until it was warm and filled the tub. He poured some bubble lotion under the running water. The smile on Baran’s face was priceless. He helped Baran into the bathtub then sat on the edge and rolled up his sleeves.
He squeezed a generous dollop of shampoo onto Baran’s hair, the scent of citrus filling the air. Baran closed his eyes, moaning from Darien’s touch.
“That feels so good.”
“I’m going to make sure you’re feeling better. I don’t want you to feel scared with me.”
With the hand shower, Darien thoroughly rinsed all the shampoo out of Baran’s hair. Then he applied the conditioner, gently massaging it into his scalp. He took his time, then rinsed the conditioner and brushed out the tangles.
“Am I clean yet?” Baran laughed and played with the bubbles.
“Not yet, but your hair is gorgeous and squeaky clean.”
