Chapter Two

Gray

"It's great to be able to sit down and relax." My day had been long and involved, traveling over three hundred miles. As a contractor who provided specialty products to railroads, it wasn't unusual for me to have to visit several facilities in a day, but usually they were closer together. "What is everyone drinking?"

The conversation area at Chained was a popular hangout for daddies and their littles, somewhere we could visit, even if we didn't come to play in the little room. Comfortable sofas and chairs made for a relaxing atmosphere far enough from the main floor for the noise to be muffled but close enough to watch the goings-on if you wanted to.

People who were not in the lifestyle often thought that the kink clubs were a hotbed of frenzied activity, and there were probably nights like that, but for many members, this was a place where like-minded folks could be together without having to explain anything. And the staff at Chained was efficient and friendly, a mix I had not always found in my travels.

"I am having a soft drink because Archer and I are going to the little room to play in a bit." Soren's little, Archer, was seated on the floor, leaning against his leg. "He has been a very good boy all week and wants to do something with…glitter."

All the other daddies seated nearby groaned at the word. It was the bane of the caregivers because it managed to get in all the parts of a little and was nearly impossible to get rid of. There had been consideration of banning it from the club, but the boys and girls loved it so much, we were never able to make the move. It had been reserved for special events, however.

"Glitter tonight? What's going on?" I smiled down at Archer, who was known to be a huge fan of the annoying stuff.

"A birthday party," his daddy told me. "Glitter and sugar."

I couldn't hide my smirk. Usually I felt a little left out, not having a special little in my life, but when I thought of what Soren and the others would be going through when they got home with their sugar-crashing, glitter-coated littles… I waved a server over and ordered a mojito and a round of what the other daddies and mommies sitting close might want. Bridger and his little Hudson arrived, and Hudson plopped on the floor next to Archer, a wrapped package in his hands. He leaned in and whispered, showing his friend the box, presumably describing the contents, and they both burst into a flood of giggles.

The drinks arrived along with Ms. Lily. "The party is about to start for anyone who is going," she announced. "I've seen the cake and it's huge. Plenty for everyone."

The two littles jumped up and turned pleading eyes on their daddies, who both chuckled and set their drinks down.

"We don't want them to miss the cake," Bridger said, taking Hudson's hand. His little wore an adorable onesie printed with tiny ducks and bright-yellow short shorts. His knee socks had little duck charms dangling from the cuffs, and his sandals matched everything. Bridger was a crochet pattern designer who specialized in ducks, or at least those were his biggest sellers, he'd told us. And Hudson loved the little birds. Kind of a match made in quacker heaven. Archer and Soren were right behind them, the little clutching a stuffed cat he often had with him. They disappeared into the main area on their way to the birthday party, and I turned back to the remaining group with a sigh.

Ms. Lily patted me on the shoulder. "They are cute, aren't they?"

"Yeah." And it wasn't just the daddy/little relationships they had that I appreciated. Both couples were just that, couples. They shared all aspects of their life together, something that was not always the case but that was very important to me.

"There's someone out there for you," Ms. Lily murmured. "And a lucky boy he will be."

"That's very sweet of you, but I don't think I'm that great a prize." Or at least my ex had informed me. He'd wanted just the daddy portion of the relationship and had no idea why I sought more. Our scening was great, but I always ended up feeling empty when he went home and back to all the rest of his life that didn't include me.

I didn't even know much about it, nor, in our agreement, did I have a right to ask. Somehow, I'd thought he was going to change. Maybe once we'd spent time together, he might want more, but that was a true mistake only on my part because he did not change. Not that I should have expected him to. But I finally recognized that while I tried to do my job as a caregiver, my needs were not being met, and therefore I wasn't actually meeting his as well as I could.

"Hey, Gray, are you signing up?" Elio's voice cut into my thoughts.

"Hi, I didn't see you arrive. Where is Lane?" The little was almost always right at his daddy's side.

"Restroom. As soon as he gets back, we're going to the party."

"Oh yeah. I hear there's a huge cake." I grinned at him. "And lots of glitter."

"Is there time to run?"

"Ready, Daddy." Lane came up and slipped his hand into Elio's.

"Wait," I asked as they made to leave. "Sign up for what?"

"Ask Ms. Lily. It's a very special event coming up soon." His little was tugging on his hand, and he shrugged. "Cake and glitter wait for no daddy."

Ms. Lily was still nearby, talking to the mommy, and I waited for her to finish. The conversation area was still busy, but most of the daddies and littles had left for the party, so those who remained were largely those with other predilections.

When Ms. Lily stepped away from her conversation, I stepped quickly to her side, curious about what this event was. "Elio said there's something fun coming up?" I probably wouldn't go, but why not find out at least.

"Oh yes! I hope you'll sign up. It's a really special event." Same wording Elio used… "And for a good cause."

"What is it?"

"As you probably know, trains are a popular theme with some of the littles."

I nodded. There was quite a collection of train toys and puzzles and stories in the little room. "I've noticed."

"Well, we managed to arrange a trip on a legit historical train. Doesn't that sound amazing?"

"Sure."

"We are raising money for an organization that helps queer kids coming out of foster care to get on their feet." She fixed her gaze on me and shook her head. "It's going to be a beautiful day, all out in the country, and everyone will be able to be themselves. I know a bunch of unattached littles are signing up and I was counting on you to help make up the number of daddies."

Counting on me? "I might be busy."

"I didn't tell you when it is." She patted my shoulder again. "Gray, you haven't been scening much since your breakup, and what could it hurt to just come along and hang out with everyone? You might meet someone, or you might just have a relaxing day away from work."

"You know I see trains every day of the week?"

"But how often do you ride one?"

"Basically never." I shifted uncomfortably under her regard. Ms. Lily worked tirelessly and never said a harsh word to anyone, even when the littles made huge messes in the room that the staff had to clean up. "All right. I'll go."

"Come with me and sign up right now. I'm not letting you get away."