All too soon, Benoit answered the phone. "Kieran O'Byrne. How interesting to hear from you."

Benoit's even tone set Kieran on edge. What sort of story had Augustin told this time to ruin the slight progress he'd made with her? "Good evening, Colette. I am hoping that you have a way to reach Augustin." He glanced at Jack and closed his eyes at the expectant glare. "In a timely manner, if possible."

"For what purpose?" There was a smile in her voice that set off every warning bell.

"To…" He didn't want to do this, to effectively shut someone out of his life again, but when forced to make the choice between Jack and Augustin, he had to make a decision.

He'd known Augustin longer, had loved him fully and deeply. His chest still ached at the thought of what they'd lost. They had shared experiences and acquaintances. Everything for a solid relationship that would last years. And it had lasted many years until it didn't.

With Jack, they were fresh and fragile. They were each finding their new place in the relationship and rebuilding what little they had to begin with. Jack was still skittish and uncertain, but he was growing more confident with each day, and Kieran was eager to see where it would lead. But what would happen if and when it ended? He already knew the answer to that.

Jack had the decency to say if he was leaving.

"We need to clear the air," Kieran firmly replied.

"I will escort him presently."

Kieran bristled at the declaration. He was already going to have an audience with Jack present; he certainly did not require Benoit as well. "You really—"

"We will be there within the hour," Benoit said coldly, leaving no room for argument. "If he refuses to tell me the truth, then you will. As you should have done to begin with."

As far as Kieran was concerned, it was a private matter between him and Augustin. No one else needed to know the specifics as to what happened behind closed doors. This was the high cost of keeping Jack. Love only went so far, and everyone had their breaking point. He knew where his lay. He didn't wish to find out where Jack's truly lay. "Very well."

"Good."

The line went dead, and Kieran dropped his hand. Jack was worth the turmoil he felt, and he prayed he was strong enough to go through with the looming meeting and the promise of just how much he could put up with. Jack had pointed out how manipulative Augustin was. Could Kieran also be described as such when he dropped his own hints at how far he was willing to go to please another?

"You earned this," Jack said as he stared at the floor. "I've seen that look in the mirror enough to know."

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"Then you'll understand my dour mood later tonight," Kieran bit out. He grimaced and sighed. Now was not the time to lash out. "I… I may wish to be alone." He would tough it out if need be. If his silence and refusal to engage in speaking or touching would be accepted, then he could pretend he was moping alone.

"If you want, I can stay at my place tonight," Jack quietly offered as he rubbed his elbow. He glanced up at Kieran, the very picture of uncertain insecurity.

Kieran shook his head. Relief blossomed in his chest, and he smiled. "My room is privacy enough."

"Not gonna be playing with lighters or candles or anything?" Jack asked, briefly meeting Kieran's eyes then settling just to the side. One corner of his mouth was tilted upward.

Kieran let out a surprised laugh. "Oh, no. No fireplaces for me to dispose of old letters. No letters left, I'm afraid. I was rather thorough in that regard. Perhaps a photograph if I come across one." It would seem it was finally time to go through his files and properly dispose of all past reminders of his failure.

"Yeah, no. Those are mine now." A blush crept over Jack's cheeks, and he looked away as he reached up, brushed his ear, then dropped his hand in favor of fidgeting with his sleeves. "But if you feel like being a pyro, do it in the tub."

"I'll keep that in mind." Kieran hadn't felt such gratitude in years. Jack might have been comparatively young, but he at least tried to understand. And, sometimes, Jack understood a little too well. Having one's soul on display for another was both comforting and terrifying.

"You can borrow my doorstop for extra privacy."

"Better than a desk, I suppose. But nowhere near as satisfying."

"Okay. But we're good?" Jack asked, gesturing between them. "You're not…mad-mad at me? I get being mad at me, 'cuz I get mad at Sam for making me do things for my own good, but… Yeah. Not mad-mad?"

The question took Kieran by surprise. How could he ever be angry with Jack for something that was his own fault? "I'm not upset with you. I just wish it didn't have to come to this."

"You don't…" Jack sighed and waved at the door. "You don't have to blacklist him from your life, just your goddamned bed. Y'know?" He sighed and rubbed at his neck as he stared at the door. "I mean, I mighta been open to an open relationship at first since I'm not putting out, but him? That's a whole other level of clingy I want nothing to do with. Go find some other boyfriend or girlfriend."

"It was the emotional attachment I enjoyed, not the sex." It was a kind offer that Kieran might have gladly taken under different circumstances. He looked at Jack, and his stomach dropped at the intrigued stare. He thought he'd managed to keep his voice calm and controlled, but it would seem he failed.

"Please tell me he sucks," Jack asked, a gleeful hint to his voice.

Kieran could easily answer as to Augustin's performance. No elaborating on actions would be needed. He smiled luridly and cocked his head to the side. "When it suits him. How much do you wish to know?"

Jack's eyes narrowed as he pressed his lips together in disgust. "Probably not that much. I don't trust that smile."

"I would call him something of a selfish lover. You wouldn't realize it at first, but he's the one who ultimately chooses what to do. And it's a rather slow introduction. Looking back on it, he had a level of patience I wouldn't have expected of him."

A frown crossed Jack's face, and Kieran could only guess as to what was going through his mind. His reluctance to admit to his past endeavors would be all for naught when Benoit arrived with her prey.

But that didn't mean he had to spell it out at that very moment.

image [https://i.imgur.com/eZY0YUq.png]