Day Four - December 4th

Leatherman’s Ball

“Do you remember Lloyd and Rob?” Dan asked as he set the bowl of chips down on the coffee table and collapsed on their rattletrap sofa. It might have been fashionable twenty years ago, but golly it was comfortable.

Sam moved closer, snuggling into his partner, his eyes still glued to the television. Some movie that alternated between loud explosions and dramatic high speed car chases was assaulting Dan’s ears.

“Not really,” Sam replied. “Why?”

“They’re Christmas and Easter church members. They remembered you, especially Rob. I ran into them at the florist’s today when I was picking up poinsettias for the church.”

“”Yeah,” Sam said, not sounding interested. 

“They invited us to a party.”

“Trying to make up for their poor church attendance,” Sam snarked.

“Brat.” Dan dropped a light swat on Sam’s thigh. “Considering how they explained the party, I don’t think they were looking for religious brownie points.” Dan reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a thin, flexible leather lead and collar. “They suggested if we come that you wear this.”

Sam reached out and stroked the soft leather. “They always carry around spare leashes and collars when they’re running errands in town?” he asked, incredulous.

Dan smiled. “I agree; it’s strange. Both Lloyd and Rob were an interesting shade of red when they handed it to me. I couldn’t tell who was more embarrassed, but they also looked like kids in front of a pile of Christmas packages. I think they’d really like us to come, and it might be fun. You could wear that Santa tie. It seems just the party for that sort of thing.”

“You’re not wearing your ecclesiastical collar.”

“No, but even you my brat aren’t getting me in leather. I thought my black jeans with a black cashmere turtleneck and my gray twill jacket.”

“You’ll be hot.”

“And sufficiently Dom-like to protect my leashed Christmas brat.”

“This is going to be fun. When is it?” Sam asked, starting to bounce on the sofa.

“Tonight. I stopped at the drugstore for a few additional supplies--some glitter for your cheeks and red and green hair dye. You’ll be the perfect Christmas brat.”

“You’re the best,” Sam said and threw his arms around Dan.

“I aim to please.” Dam dropped a quick kiss on Sam’s forehead. He would have liked to kiss more inviting parts, but he knew once they started they’d never make the party.