18. Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Casey

Rocktoberfest

The look in Chase's eyes said it all and the inaudible Daddy put my legs in motion. Thank God David was beside him. He caught Chase seconds before he hit the ground, and I got to him.

With a strength I didn't know I possessed, I carried my unconscious boy to the awaiting golf cart Sikes manned and he ferried us off to the medical tent. Easton rode along with us, already on his phone ripping someone a new one and chattering on about no more back-to-back outdoor festivals. I only caught part of it. My focus was solely on my boy.

Immediately the medical staff assessed him and administered fluids via IV. Not long after those beautiful eyes I lost myself in more times than I could count slowly opened and found mine.

"Daddy?" They'd filled with tears. "What happened?"

"You got overheated and passed out. Scared the hell out of me." I breathed a sigh of relief and mentally cursed myself for not having prevented this.

"Sorry, Daddy."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Little Songbird, but don't be surprised when Daddy demands you drink more water and rest."

"I won't, Daddy, I promise." Chase glanced around and recognized the body on the stretcher beside him. "Aaron, what happened to you? "

"Same thing." He glanced up at his very angry, mohawk-wearing boyfriend. "Sorry."

Couldn't say I'd want to piss off that man, either. I'm sure his boyfriend, Daddy, whatever he was to him would be making similar demands to mine.

"When you see someone who's white as a sheet you better damn well offer them water. If their set runs over then so be it. These fans pay a lot to be here, and I guarantee they'll have no complaints with the bands playing longer, but they will care if you inadvertently kill one of their idols." Easton's voice echoed through the tent even though he stood outside of it.

"Who's he yelling at?" Chase asked.

"I believe the stage manager who waved you through to the next song when he should've tossed you a bottle of water." I was furious at him for doing that but even angrier with myself for not paying attention to my boy's needs. Had I not become obsessed with setting up his room and getting him moved in my dumbass would've remembered to constantly remind him to drink water during our conversations before I got here.

"Chase," Easton addressed him as he stepped inside. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I got hit by a bus."

"This is too much for any human to endure and with global warming these outside festivals have become increasingly dangerous for fans and talent alike. From now on, Rocktoberfest will be the only outdoor festival the Masterson bands will play in the month of October. I take full responsibility for this. I'm sorry, Chase."

"Not your fault I didn't pay attention to my own body and drink more water. I can promise I'll not make that mistake again."

"And I'll see to it that it doesn't happen." A promise I'd never break.

"I'm scared for the fans as well. I just informed the concessions manager along with Jordan and Ely that water is free for the duration of event across the board. Masterson will pay for it."

Wow.

"Other major changes will happen regarding Rocktoberfest, though I'm not at liberty to share them yet. This tent is filled with overheated talent and that is unacceptable." Easton was pissed and I didn't blame him one bit. "If there is anything any of you need," Easton addressed everyone in the tent. "Please do not hesitate to reach out to Jeremiah or myself. While you aren't all Masterson bands, we will still do our best to assist you."

During Easton's tirade my eyes hadn't left him, and it wasn't until he turned to leave that I saw Diamond, Sikes, and Snipe standing guard at the entrance. I knew Diamond was formidable and protective, but I now saw the same from Easton, and that sealed my part of the decision Chase and I had to make.

"I want to work for Masterson," I whispered to Chase.

"Yay! I want the same thing." Chase tried to wrap his arms around me and nearly ripped his IV out.

"Careful, Little Songbird. Don't hurt Daddy's boy."

"'Kay. Sorry, Daddy."

I took his free hand in mine and pressed my lips to the top of it. Thankful as hell my boy would be okay. That seriously scared me shitless.

Seltzer, David, and Rhone funneled in a few seconds later.

"Dude, what the fuck?" Seltzer in his not-so-subtle way asked Chase. "I didn't know what happened until we finished the shred off. You okay?"

"Yeah, just feel like a dumbass for not drinking enough water."

Rhone's eyes roamed the room. "You're not alone. I feel bad for whoever Easton is yelling at. He really ripped into them. I foresee a lot of changes in the future for Rocktoberfest."

"Rightfully so. This was avoidable and if it happened to you guys, imagine how packed the medical tents are on the fans side." I shook my head. "The Daddy in me wants to go check on all of them."

The nurse came over just then. "Those medical tents are packed but Easton's demand got around fast, and they now have crews handing out water bottles in not only the concert area but going tent to tent to make sure everyone is hydrated and okay." She took Chase's vitals. "This is one of a million reasons why as a nurse I volunteer annually for this festival."

Nurses didn't get near the accolades they deserved.

"I for one would like to thank you for your services. I more than appreciate how well you've taken care of my partner."

"You're both welcome." She glanced down at Chase. "And given how much your partner loves you, I don't expect to see you back in here. Stay hydrated and listen to him."

"I will, I promise." She removed Chase's IV and placed a bandage over the area, then gave him the all-clear.

"Maiden and Social don't play until late tonight. I think I'd like to take a nap." My sleepy boy was still a bit loopy, and a nap was just what he needed, along with an endless supply of electrolytes.

"I think that's a great idea. David, will you come get us when it's time for that?" I'd like to see them play myself having finally met both bands, but my boy's health came first and if he wasn't up to it we'd stay put in the bus.

"Will do. I'm off to check in with Jordan and see if he needs any help. "

"Good call, I'll join you." Rhone followed David off toward the catering tents.

"I'm gonna stalk Jeremiah and see what I can find out. I'm sure Easton is up to something spectacular. One day I foresee that man taking over the world!" Seltzer did the most ridiculous evil cackle.

"Need a ride?" Sikes and Snipe stood near a golf cart.

"Yes, please, to the bus," I said as I helped my shaky boy into the cart seat.

I'd never been so happy to see the inside of a bus in my life. I helped Chase strip down to his boxers which would help him cool down and did the same before I curled around him in a protective bubble and let exhaustion pull us under.

I woke to giggles, the feel of familiar hands on my chest and the sounds of others in the common area of the bus.

"Songbird, we're not alone." I drew him in close and held on.

"I know but, Daddy," he poked my leg with his erection. "It's been too long."

"Agreed, but we can wait a couple more hours when the others are tucked away in their own buses." I kissed him. "Let's get dressed and find some food."

Chase puffed out his bottom lip. "Okay, but you promise later?"

"I promise, Songbird. "

We emerged to a near full bus, and I thanked whatever entity pushed me to decline my sweet boy's advances when I saw who was there.

"We brought you dinner so you wouldn't have to deal with the dining tent." Jeremiah pointed to the oven. "It's in there."

My smart boy grabbed us each a bottle of water while I carried our plates to the table. Two unfamiliar men scooted over for us while another was curled up on Diamond's lap.

Odd.

Against the divider sat a padded folded table.

"Sorry, I'm Mickey, bassist for Social Sinners, and these are my partners, River and Benny." Benny was the one perched on Diamond. Easton sat beside them typing away on his phone as though nothing was awry.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Casey."

"Sorry to spring this meeting on you," Easton sat his phone down, "but a couple of things have come to light, and this is the team to best assist us with them."

That piqued my curiosity.

"River manages our social media and Chase's announcement during the interview with Octane this morning has sent the internet into a frenzy. Before we issue cease and desists, I wanted to see how you felt about your picture being out there. Needless to say, the fans have put two and two together and your name has now been linked to the photos." Easton's statement came as no surprise.

"Well, as long as nothing goes against Masterson's policy's or what you allow, I'm fine with it. Fizzbo had the cameras installed and the guards posted before I left so I trust they've ensured our safety."

"Huh?" Chase said. "Did I miss something?"

Easton and I glanced at each other. I'd nearly given away the surprise, but I'd chalk the near faux pas up to a long day.

"Just a surprise I have for you when we get home and Fizzbo helped with it." Not a lie, but not an overshare that risked the gifts I had for my boy.

"I like surprises." Chase returned to his food, not wanting to spoil it for himself.

"I know, Songbird."

"Well, you might want to take a look at this particular headline before you decide," Easton said and Benny turned his computer screen toward Chase and me.

Chase Prescott has a Daddy!

I glanced at Chase, he shrugged and returned to eating, completely unphased by this.

"I've never been one to blast my lifestyle out there but if Chase is good with it then so am I."

"Noted. River will handle all findings accordingly and if anything comes up, he will reach out to you. On that note, may I share your information with trusted members of the Masterson family?"

"Absolutely. I'd also like to request a meeting with you after the insanity of this weekend is behind us." The corner of Easton's mouth lifted in a near smirk. Almost a smile, but not quite. Now I had a goal to bring it completely out sometime.

"Now for the final bit of information before we leave you two to dine in peace. Benny is the Masterson masseuse, and we thought after what you went through today that you could use a massage."

Just the thought of a massage had my muscles relaxing and I swear I moaned.

"Yes," Benny chimed in. "Daddy earned a massage today."

Diamond shook his head, and Easton nearly shot the drink of water he'd just taken out his nostrils.

"Benny, my love," Mickey said. "We need to engage your filter."

"Filter schmilter," the little twink waved his hand around. "Everyone knows he's Chase's Daddy."

How was no one, notably Easton, bothered by this man perched upon his husband's lap? I was sure there was a story there and perhaps my boy would enlighten me with it later.

Besides, if I was anything I was no kink shamer so to each their own and all that.

I think…

"Well, we'll be out of your way. Will we see you both tonight for the Maiden and Social sets?" Easton asked.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. I have to say you are by far the most down-to-earth people I've ever met. Not sure what I expected but to immediately be welcomed into the family and accepted as an equal and treated as such, well, let's just say it means a lot. Thank you, for everything."

"You are family now, Daddy," Easton winked. Guess he did have a snarky side. "And we take care of our own."

Benny groused when Diamond stood and left with the others then he plopped down in the booth.

"I do have to say, you are one sexy Daddy." Had I just taken a bite I would've choked when he said that. I hoped he wasn't fishing to sit in my lap. That was for one boy and one boy only.

"Um, thank you?" How did one even respond to that?

Benny wandered the bus, checking everything out while Chase and I ate.

"Don't worry about him, Benny is good peeps. He adopted Diamond as his but it's like a total BFF situation with them. Nothing sexual. Kinda."

"Kinda?"

"Yes, we're kinky, too, but in a we like to be watched way," Benny chimed in. "Mickey, River, and I play in their dungeon sometimes. No swapping, just watching."

Were all these bands this open about their private lives?

"Dare I ask whose dungeon?"

"Diamond and Easton's," Benny replied as though everyone knew. Maybe they did but still.

What wormhole had I just slithered down?

"You're welcome to join us sometime if you'd like." I must've looked like a deer in headlights. Benny laughed and proceeded to set his table up.

"I'm not kinky, Daddy, and I don't want to be spanked or tied up." My poor Songbird was scared half to death.

"Same, my love. A light pop on the tush to get your attention will be the most you'll ever get from me."

"All right, Daddy, time to strip down to your skivvies."

Chase rolled his eyes. "Benny, don't scare my Daddy off. He's not used to you yet."

"No time like the present to break him in." Benny blew on his nails as though they were drying.

Wow, Mickey had his hands full with that one.

Chase got a second helping while I cleaned up my dishes then disrobed per Benny's orders and lay face down on the table in my boxers, and he immediately went to work .

"Your hands are like magic." The little guy had quite the inner strength and really got into the knots in my shoulders.

"So I've been told. Glad you're enjoying it."

Enjoying it didn't even cover the pile of goo he'd worked me into.

I'd nearly dozed off when he smacked my ass and jolted me awake. "You're all done, Daddy."

Guess I was now Daddy to Benny. Not in the taking care of him way but in the he likely couldn't remember my name way.

"Thank you, so much," I said as Benny handed me a bottle of water.

"Drink up and we'll see you both for the show tonight." He folded up the table and carried it like it weighed next to nothing, even though it was nearly the same size he was. He hopped onto the waiting golf cart and off he went like one of Santa's prized elves.

"Is he always like that?" I asked Chase once I'd dressed.

"Like that, no. Usually he's worse. You got the tame version of Benny."

That's tame?

"Some of the shit these bands have been through is insane. Given the fact Benny was kidnapped from a show by a religious zealot and yet is still this happy-go-lucky person, it's amazing. Joey almost died in a bus crash that really fucked up Easton. Ryder nearly died in a skiing accident. Everyone has their demons and survivor stories yet every one of us would throw down and protect each other, and now you're a part of that."

Found family. Those who love no matter your lineage or sexual identity.

"Tell you what, if you think I'm letting you hit the road without me again, knowing all of that now, you're sorely mistaken, Songbird. You're stuck with me glued to your side from here on out."

"Good. I do better with Daddy by my side."

So does Daddy.

We stood in the side wing and watched as Social Sinners took the stage. I swear everybody in the state of Nevada packed the floor in front of them. Metal had never been my music of choice before Chase, but I now understood the allure of it. Metal was about facing your demons head on, releasing that which held you down and freeing yourself from the confines.

Freeing.

That was the best way to explain it. Whether singing along or headbanging, which I didn't fully engage but thoroughly enjoyed watching Chase and the boys let the music take them away as they did. So enlightening and I loved watching them so freely enjoy themselves.

Once Social was done the crowd didn't dare move and lose their place for the final act of the night—Maiden Voyage. I learned these down-to-earth guys were literal billionaires, yet they didn't act like it. Some of the billionaires I'd encountered I quickly wished I hadn't.

This alternate universe that was now my life was nothing short of amazing. And the fact I got to live it with the fantastic boy by my side was equally as amazing.