Dillon's eyes shifted between Rin and Rory expectantly. When neither was forthcoming, he shook his head and returned to the computer in front of him. As the electrical charge coursing through the room continued to permeate his thoughts sporadically, he finally tossed his laptop to the side and bit out in irritation. "Enough already." He blew out a long sigh, running his hand through his messy hair as he trained his gaze on Rory's guilt-ridden face. "At this point, you guys don't even have to tell me what happened... just how far it went... and why the fuck shit has gotten so goddamn awkward now."
Rin chuckled as he unfolded his body from the chair he'd been curled up in. He set the tablet to the side and leaned toward Rory, resting his elbow on his knee and his chin in his palm. "Would you like to explain, Buttercup? Or would you like me to?"
Rory shook his head as he bit his lip.
A wide, devilish grin spread across Rin's lips as he leaned back. "Even after an amazing night, where I did a painfully great job of holding myself back, I might add, and the promise of my unwavering protection, our little Rory here has refused me." Rin shrugged. "Probably a good thing... Dad seems a bit suspicious. He has been personally calling Rory lately, instead of having Beth or one of the others do it." Rin tossed the tablet at Dillon.
Dillon caught the tablet and scanned the page. His brow lifted in confusion. "What am I looking at exactly?"
"Dad scheduled me as a speaker at this year's Young Writers event." Rin nodded toward the tablet. "He wants Rory and me both to deliver this to his office by Friday for his personal review."
Dillon's eyes hardened as they moved slowly from Rin to Rory. "What did you say to Rodric, Rory?"
Rory swallowed hard, feeling panicked tears build in his voice. Why do I feel like his gaze alone right now is enough to make me cry... let alone the tone of his voice... "I... I..." His voice trembled as he tried again to swallow past the hard lump building in his throat.
Rin stood and walked over to Rory. He sat down beside him and began rubbing his back. "Calm down, he's not mad at you. There's no reason to be upset."
"Fuck..." Dillon set the tablet on the coffee table before raking both hands through his hair. He stood and walked over in front of Rory. He sat on the coffee table and leaned forward. He gripped the sides of Rory's lower thighs just above the knees. "Rin's right. I'm not mad. I'm sorry if it seemed that way. It's just that Rodric is a difficult man to deal with. Rin and I have both agreed we want to keep you around. You want that too, right?"
Rory nodded, silent tears spilling down his cheeks.
Dillon wiped one of the trails of tears away with the pad of his thumb. "Good, but we'll need your help doing that. What did you say to him exactly?"
Rin frowned. "He overpraised me... let it slip we left the event dinner early together... and I'm sure dear old dad has seen some of the footage that was recorded of Rory and me by now. There isn't a lot, but what there is has a shit ton of views already." Rin leaned forward and retrieved the tablet. With a few clicks, he had the videos pulled up and held between Rory and Dillon. "They are all tagged as 'Writer/Cosplayer Rin Perish acting out secret scenes for upcoming book with new assistant...' or 'sneak peek into BL's favorite writer/cosplayer's new work'. There are only two that were filmed and tagged differently." He flipped to a longer video. "This is a compilation video reviewing all the footage taken from the event."
Dillon read the title out loud, annoyance echoing in his voice. "Sneak peek or love affair... Rin Perish and sexy assistant number 6..." Dillon's eyes moved up to Rory's as the video played. "Fuck... Someone was following you through most of the event."
Rin nodded. "Fortunately for us, there is more footage of the two of you together than there is of the two of us." He waited, then nodded to the river walk scene as it played. "This is the only part that is really going to hurt us. They followed us from the hotel to the bar, then back... luckily it looks like we lost them in the lobby... but they got plenty of damnedable footage beforehand."
Dillon watched as Rin caught a swaying Rory in his arms. "I've read over the new chapters. Most of this is in there... among other new changes..." His eyes lifted to Rin. "So, I guess the question is, how many of those changes were brought on by actual events of that night... and how obvious is that going to be to your dad if you present the new chapters to your dad now versus waiting until the release?" He blew out a disparaging sigh as he handed the tablet back to Rin. "As of right now, you could simply say half the footage was Rory helping you act through some of the new chapter ideas, while this was him being a bit tipsy after the dinner... However, if you say that Rodric will reprimand him."
With a sigh, Rory nodded. "It's true, though. I did indulge too much at the dinner... out of nervousness..."
Rin shrugged. "And I did trick him into drinking more with the hope of seducing him... but was still overall unsuccessful."
Rory blushed as he shot Rin a telling glance.
Rin's grin widened as he slipped an arm around Rory's shoulders. "Well, maybe not altogether unsuccessful... but..."
Rory ducked out from under his arm. His eyes darted down to Dillon's hands, which were back to resting on either side of his thighs. "Ha... I..." He wiggled into a crouch on the sofa and climbed over Dillon's arm and away from Rin. "This is too much... I... Can't be this close to both of you while... while knowing I have to face Mr. Perish in less than three days."
Dillon's brows scrunched as his arm darted out to snag Rory before he could escape. "Wait... this, this is the answer!"
Rin cocked his brow in confused curiosity. "You're going to have to be a bit more explicit. I'm afraid I'm at a complete loss at the moment."
"This!" Dillon tugged Rory down onto his lap, but Rory frantically began to struggle against him, his entire upper body turning red from embarrassment.
Rin's brow lifted farther. "I'm not sure I follow unless you're saying assault him in front of my dad..."
"Yes! Well... no... but yes!"
"Wait, what!" Rory yelped as he struggled against the vice-grip-like arms that had him pinned against Dillon's hard, lanky frame.
Dillon rolled his eyes. "Make your usual advances and let Rory continue with his usual rejections in front of the office staff and your dad. Let him see that what was caught on camera was nothing more than typical Rin interactions mixed with some novel work. This will give Rory a chance to prove that, though he now respects your work, he still does not see you romantically or sexually." Dillon's arm happened to brush against the front of Rory's pants as Rory struggled against him, and his brow lifted along with the corner of his lips. "Well, at least his mind doesn't accept us romantically... though his body may want us sexually..."
Rory could feel his entire body turn another four shades redder as he realized Dillon had felt his traitor body's reaction to the conversation... and Dillon's body... The tight grip around his waist finally relented, and he shot into the armchair. He pulled his legs up against his chest and curled into a ball. His breaths came out in shallow pants as he struggled to regain control. His wide, wild gaze darted between Dillon and Rin. "Pl-please don't... don't do that..." Tears burned his eyes as he locked his gaze onto Rin. "You... you promised to stop teasing me..."
Dillon frowned as he ran his hand through his hair. "Ah shit, man... I didn't mean..." But before he could finish, Rin had already shot up from the sofa and was settling down on the edge of the oversized armchair.
Rin brushed the long golden strands of fine hair away from Rory's face as he leaned closer. "I did... didn't I?" His violet eyes moved back and forth between the turbulent pools of cerulean. Rin cupped Rory's cheeks and gently ran his thumbs over his eyes, enjoying the soft brush of the silky golden lashes as they feathered past his pads. "We don't have to do it if you don't want to, but Dillon makes a fair point. His plan would work well. We could dial it down as much as you need, of course... and I could flirt with others in the office as well if it would make you feel more comfortable... but if we're going to protect you and keep you here, it may be in the best interest to do this..."
Rory clasped his hands around Rin's wrist and nodded.
"Then we're good? You agree?"
Rory nodded, moving his gaze between Dillon and Rin.
Dillon moved over to the arm of the chair and stroked the side of Rory's head. "Sorry... I didn't mean to upset you so much..." His gaze moved down to Rin's, and they exchanged knowing looks. "I... We... are both just so used to dealing with Sabastian and others like him..." He bent and placed a gentle, affectionate kiss on the top of Rory's head. "We like you. You're a genuine, hard worker. I'm sorry if my teasing upset you... I should have explained it with words and not actions... I'll do better..."
Rory nodded as he pulled away from Dillon's hold on his head. He glanced up at Dillon, then over at Rin. "If... if that's all, would it be ok if I go to my room now? It... It's late..." He fumbled with the cuticles of his thumbs as he waited for their answers.
Rin caught his hands and brought his bleeding thumbs to his lips. With a light kiss to Rory's bleeding cuticles, he nodded. "Go rest, Buttercup."
Rory frowned at the endearment but didn't say anything as he wiggled past the pair and scampered down the hallway to his room.
Rin waited until he was out of earshot before moving his gaze back to Dillon. "You really think that plan will work?"
Dillon shrugged. "Depends on how well you sell it... Right now, you couldn't sell shit to a dung beetle. What happened, man? In less than a weekend, you've become completely head over heels."
Rin snorted out a laugh as he leaned back in the chair and stared up at Dillon. "Don't try to say you haven't fallen for him, too. Hell, I'd guessed you have been since the first morning I walked in on the two of you making breakfast together."
Dillon frowned. "Fuck off..."
Rin laughed. "I'd say fuck me off... but I think we're both in agreement, we're both bored of just each other..."
Dillon shrugged. "I'm not bored... You've just made it clear you need... want more... and I'm not willing to be that..."
A wicked grin spread across Rin's lips. "Too bad too... You have such an inviting hole... I'd love to try it out..."
Dillon arched a brow. "You nor anyone else ever will..."
Rin shrugged. "Never know, you might like it."
"Exit only..."
"Party pooper..." Rin's lips widened devilishly. "You know, some of the best BL's are when a top switches to bottoming in the name of love."
Dillon arched a brow as he bit out sarcastically. "Well then, I guess I just don't love you that much."
Rin blew out a moan. "Ah, but you do still love me..."
Dillon bent, pinning Rin against the chair as he lowered his lips to Rin's. "Always... My first and last love..."
***
Rory fumbled nervously with the buttons of his suit as he stood in front of the towering building. A hand slid over his, stilling its movements.
"Relax. No need to be nervous. The speech is done perfectly, we have the notes and several new chapters ready to present, and you look amazing." Rin whispered as he walked up beside Rory. I would hold your hand as we walk in, but I'm sure you wouldn't allow it."
Rory could feel a blush creep up his neck and hurriedly scampered forward.
Rin chuckled as he glanced up at the window. He knew his father was most likely standing in front of, looking down on the world no doubt... watching them... His eyes moved to Rory. He could only hope the performance he was about to put on wouldn't be too much for his little prince to handle.
Inside the office, Rory's eyes moved around the now familiar, elegant reception area. Unlike last time, however, the workers didn't ignore him. They were all gathered around, eager to please... well, not him, but eager nonetheless. His eyes moved to the charming figure beside him. Rin had a charming smile plastered to his handsome, well-chiseled face. His hair was styled back to show off the well-edged lines of his fade and the decorative lines the barber had cut into the sides. He wore a three-piece suit but no tie. The top buttons of the crisp black dress shirt were undone, giving it a sloppy, sexy vibe. The deep burgundy of the suit only made his violet eyes look that much more vibrant and otherworldly. His current relaxed posture did nothing to hide the years of modeling and social etiquette training he'd endured. He was a work of art in... and out of cosplay... Rory flinched involuntarily, his nose slightly snarling as one of the girls of the office slapped Rin's chest, letting her hand linger there way too long as she laughed along to a joke he'd just told. Rory frowned and forced his attention back to the tablet. This is all part of the plan, Rory. Stop reacting to everything that's happening, or you're going to not only give yourself away to Mr. Perish but to... Rory's troubled eyes moved back up to Rin from over the edge of the lifted tablet as Rin spun another girl, causing her flowing skirt to swirl around her and everyone to giggle merrily.
"Me next, me next! Spin me!"
Rory's frown deepened as he recalled what it was like to be held in those arms... carried by that person... He squeezed his eyes tightly shut, trying once again to force his thoughts to a safer place.
When the doors to Rodric's private office opened, Rory wasn't sure if he should be relieved or more nervous. On one hand, no more swooning secretaries... on the other... alone with Rin, Rodric... and these thoughts... these memories... Rory winced as Beth called for him.
"Did you fall asleep? Rin, you really must do something about your assistants. They all leave something to be desired... I swear..."
Rin frowned as he turned and held his hand out for the computer bag. "I'm sure he's just overwhelmed with everything that's been piled on. Right, Rory?"
Rory nodded as he first began to extend his own hand, then thought better of it. He quickly handed over the bag and stood pressing the tablet to his chest. "So-sorry..."
"No problems. Let's go and get this over with. I have a few stops I want to make on the way back." Rin said nonchalantly as he glared over at Beth. He watched as Beth snarled her nose at them and spun on her much too high heels. With a pleased smile, Rin bent and whispered. "Don't worry, and just stick to the plan. I'll take the lead. Only worry about speaking if Dad asks you something directly." Rin blew out a sigh. "Even if it seems like he's insulting me... got it?"
Rory frowned but nodded anyway.
Rin smiled down at him and patted his back. "Good. Then let's go."
Rory's eyes moved around the inside of the moody private office. To his surprise, Rodric was waiting for them behind his desk. His attention seemed to be on other work at the moment, however. Rory had to stifle a gasp when Rin plucked the tablet from him and walked over and flung it right in front of his father's face.
"You wanted us here in person to review this. Well, here we are, here it is, and at the appointed time. Let's review this shit so we can get out of here. I have shit to do as I'm sure you do as well." His sneering gaze moved to Bethany. "And I'm sure Beth over here has another hair or nail appointment she just can't miss." Rin gave her a once-over. "Maybe some more Lipo."
Beth's hand flew to her chest in offense as her mouth dropped open. "Well, I never!"
Rin's head bopped back in sarcastic shock. "Oh, I'm sure you have."
Beth's mouth dropped further. "You little brat! If either of us were getting surgeries, it would be-"
"Enough!" Rodric bit out. "Both of you." His eyes locked on Rin. "Whether you like it or not, Bethany and I will be married next spring." Just as Bethany was puffing up her chest and about to say something snarky, his gaze snapped to her. "And you, what example would you be setting for our future children by treating their older sibling as you are?"
Bethany glared at Rin as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Well, with any luck, the first child I give you can be a proper son, and this whole farce can be put to an end." A cruel smile curved her lips. "And if we're lucky, out of the whole family."
Rodric frowned. "I said that's enough, Bethany." He shook his head as she huffed out her irritation and stomped from the room, heels clanking as she went. "I apologize..." His apology was not directed to Rin, however; his gaze was on Rory. "You shouldn't have to see our family drama played out."
Rory shot Rin a quick glance before shaking his head. "No... no, Sir. It's fine. All families have... issues." His troubled gaze moved back to Rin, but it seemed like Rin was wearing a well-placed mask of disinterest and indifference.
Rodric brushed Rory off without further comment as he moved his focus to the tablet. He was quiet as he scanned the document for a long while. Finally, he sat back and slid the tablet across the table. "And you believe this will garner the attention of the attendees?"
Rin nodded. "Why else would I have drafted it?"
Rodric shifted his gaze to Rory, unaffected by Rin's cutting words. "And you?"
Rory nodded. "I do. It is the perfect balance, sir. It should maintain the interest of investors, publishers, and other businessmen while pulling in and captivating the attention of future writers and media influencers."
Rodric arched a brow. "Media influencers?"
Rory nodded. "Well, yes... sir..." He shot a nervous glance toward Rin, but Rin nodded for him to continue. "R-Rin and Dillon have been experimenting with social media promotions." His eyes darted to Rin again quickly before he continued. "They have been using their own platforms along with curating content for other influencers to spread, sir. F-Free publicity."
"Free publicity?" Rodric shifted his questioning gaze between the two.
Rin clicked on a tab on the tablet and slid it back in front of his father. "This was from one of the planned skits. We did it during the event last weekend. It is why we left the dinner party early. If you take the time to watch the video all the way through, you'll find content from that night as well. You'll also find that exact scene in the new novel once it releases. We plan to continue doing these scripted scenes, just like we have been for the private accounts, in different locations. The hope is to generate enough attention, rumors, and coverage that the books sell out before they even release."
Rodric furrowed his brows as he rubbed his chin. "So, your hope with all this is to generate enough attention and excitement that you sell out pre-orders? How exactly?"
"The goal is to max pre-order sales by leaving the fans wondering whether the rumors of a love scandal are true or if it really is all for the book." Rin stood with his hands lifted. "Ta da!"
Rodric lifted a doubtful brow as he shifted his gaze to Rory. "And you are going along with this knowing your very job could be at stake if it backfires?"
Rory blew out a heavy sigh as he stood as well. He bowed his head slightly. "I understand what is at stake, but I'm confident this plan will work. I saw how the fans reacted to Rin. There were even some who tried stalking him during the event. The rumors will generate attention... and good or bad... attention is attention." His eyes shifted to Rin. "Besides, your son and I have somewhat of a bet on this anyway. If I can't make this novel sell better than his previous works, then... I leave on my own accord..."
"You and my son... huh..." Rodric clamped his jaw as he repeated. "Alright... I'll allow it... For now, but I will be watching, and I will stop this if I think for a second anything else is happening." He shot Rin a heated glare. "Understand?"
Rin rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah..."