I kissed him to make it all better. I don't know if it worked. Even if his body wasn't responding, those warm-brown eyes made love to me. We faced each other side-by-side on the bed, legs laced together with our clothes still on. 

"I love you," he said. His fingers played with a tattered edge of the old quilt, but his head was elsewhere. As he leaned into me more, the bed dipped, and we rolled together into one of my favorite full-bodied Heath-hugs. He rested his chin on my shoulder, and I kissed his hair. 

"Love you, too." I rubbed his back. Damn, he was as tense as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. "Look, I know you're feeling tired. I'm cool with whatever you want to do-- talk, hang out, hug, fuck-- whatever you want to do--"

Personally, I was rooting for fuck.

"I was thinking about that motel," he said. 

Well, no fuck. Yet.

"When Kate said she blamed herself, I was thinking that it was my fault somehow. Shit. It wasn't either of our faults. We were kids. What parents leave their kids all alone? They should have found us! I tell you Jake, I don't know what I'd say to them if I saw them."

"Sometimes there aren't any words." Not that I wanted him to stop talking: it was my attempt at sage advice.

"Heck, most likely nothing will come from this. Kate and Char will just get broken hearts all over again."

And Heath, I thought. I studied those sensitive eyes. The past few days left Heath worn thin. I suddenly felt like a jerk for wanting to get in his pants when all he wanted to do was share a few words with someone he loved. Drifting into those sad, brown eyes made me want to take him back to his childhood and right all the wrongs-- made me want to be his hero-- someone who could erase his painful past. But I couldn't. I just had today to make it all right, and I was damn well going to make sure I took care of him and let him know how much he meant to me.

"I love you, man," I said, and brushed his cheek with the back of my hand. "And I'm staying right here beside you, to have and to hold from this day forward."

"For better, for worse--" He kissed the tip of my nose.

"For richer, for poorer--" I chased a tear in the corner of his eyes with my finger. 

"In sickness and in health--" He brushed his thumb over my lips.

"To love and to cherish--" 

"From this day forward--" 

"For as long as we both shall live." I smiled. "You'll never be able to kick me out of this bed."

"I'd never want to kick you out." Heath laughed and rubbed up and down against me. "I think it's time to consummate the relationship. I like you this way fine, but I already told you about overdressing-- I like you better with less clothes." 

"I like you better with no clothes," I shot back.

"I like you better with no clothes and a big smile on your face."

"I like you better with no clothes, a big smile on your face and peanut butter lathered all over your ass." I'd brought my supplies up with me-- minus the bread. 

"But jam, too?" I added. "Everyone needs jam."

"What?" He raised his eyebrows at me and frowned.

I reached under the bed and pulled out a crumpled brown grocery bag, then shook it in front of his face.

"What the heck you talkin' about, Gyllenhaal? What's in that bag?"

I made a production out of it. Pulled out the Jif, raspberry jam and--

"What the hell?!" He sat up. "What the fuck do you plan to do with that binder twine?"

I laughed maniacally just like in that fantasy I had, then I went in for a long hot kiss just to butter him up so he'd be easier to spread. 

His hand cupped my dick, and it felt damn good. 

Heath jerked to attention. "You feel that?" he asked. 

"Yeah, I did." I snuggled in closer. I tongued his earlobe, when I felt this sudden chill slip over me like a damp veil. "Tickles, don't it?"

"Not your tongue," he said. "That!"

The music box began to play. 

"Henry?" Heath asked. "Is that you?"

We both sat up, then grudgingly moved apart. Heath threw his legs off the bed.

He sat up on the edge, hands clasped. I scrambled around him, got up and walked over to the music box. I picked it up, turned it over, then the unspeakable happened--

The thing is, I pride myself on being a coordinated person, and I'm certainly not careless. I mean, I don't go around dropping my keys or tripping over my own feet. Shit, I can even multitask-- that's why I stood there, staring down in shock at my feet. 

"I killed it!"

The music box slipped out of my hands and crashed to the floor. In a split second, Heath jumped off the bed and was next to me. 

I felt ill. The music box lay on the floor, lid open and silent. Heath knelt down next to it and tended it like it was a sick child. The bottom of the box was cracked, and he traced the break with his long fingers. As he gently turned it over, part of the broken base fell loose in his hand. The box was divided into two compartments: one held delicate wheels with prongs of gold, the other a tarnished brass container. 

Heath carefully reached inside and pulled out the canister. 

"The soil that is not mine--" Heath whispered. "Henry was buried. It was Johann who was cremated."

It was my turn to feel confused. 

"That poem," Heath explained. "It wasn't referring to Henry-- don't you see? It was about Johann. Henry wanted them to rest together, but they couldn't. These must be Johann's ashes!"

I recalled my conversation with Linden when he'd asked me if we'd found any canister or--  "The music box! All along Henry had tried to tell us. Johann was right here all the time. But if Henry had the ashes, why didn't he bury them with him?" I asked.

"He must not have known they were inside the box. Remember Linden told you Johann's wife, Emily, gave Henry the ashes? Well, she did, but for some reason he never knew." 

"How could he not know?"

"Only one reason," Heath said. "She must have died before she could tell him."

Heath set Johann's ashes on the nightstand, then gave me a long, hungry kiss. Later, I finished him off right in our bed-- showed him 101 uses for PB and J. 

But I only found one use for the binder twine.

-----------------------

Heath rolled over and yawned. "I need a bath," he said. "I'm sticky as hell."

"You didn't complain last night." I scooted in closer to him.. 

"Ah, think your tongue missed a few spots."

"Want me to lick you clean?" I purred.

Heath chuckled as he sat up in bed and swatted my ass. "I don't mind going to bed with PB and Jake," he said, "but I rather wake up with just you on me."

I rolled on top of him and smiled down into his surprised face. "Life is like that-- spanks you, ties you up with binder twine, then smears peanut butter all over your ass," I said. " Next thing you know, some bastard sneaks up behind you and calls himself Armando the *Cumquat King."

"Hey!' Heath said. "I'm the Cumquat King!"

I kissed him, then licked the tip of his nose. "We better get washed up and ready for breakfast-- after all, we've got guests coming today."

----------------

Breakfast: Omelettes. With buttered toast. 

I beat Heath downstairs. Linden and Jorge came in a moment later, followed directly by Heath who pulled his chair closer to mine to join us. Kate and Char were busy, getting breakfast for our other guests. Char took off with a tray filled to the brim.

"Mmm," Jorge said, "I smell peanut butter." 

Must be Heath didn't wash well enough behind the ears.

"You want peanut butter?" Kate asked. "I'll get some for your toast if you'd like." She began rummaging through the cupboards before Jorge could answer. "Now... where'd I put it?"

"Thank you, but it's no problem." 

"No, no, no," Kate said. "I'll get a jar out of the pantry."

"You should not go to such trouble," Jorge said.

Kate waved him off and disappeared to find some.

"No peanut butter for me," I whispered to Heath. "A half a jar of Jif is my limit."

Heath kicked me under the table.

Kate came out of the pantry waving the jar over her head. 

"We've got something to tell everyone," Heath said. I almost spat out the mouthful of orange juice. "We found Johann's ashes."

That was a relief-- I thought he was going to tell them why we were making so much noise last night.

"No kidding? Where?" asked Kate.

"Right there in my room all along-- in the bottom of the music box." Heath went on to explain how it happened. 

"I wouldn't have believed it if you had not recited that poem by Byron," Jorge said, rubbing his chin. He always had this great stubble even after shaving.  

"What?" Heath asked.

"Henry's hopes were realized. You've remembered him," Jorge said. "You've fulfilled Emily Liebowitz's promise to Henry."

"I guess so. 'My hopes being remembered in my line.' Now all that we need to do is reunite them," Heath said, stuffing a bit of omelette in his mouth. "We'll have to wait for the ground to thaw."

I nodded. Kate smiled. Jorge winked at Linden, and I gave Heath one of my hammy grins. 

I picked the jar of peanut butter off the table, read the label. Two tablespoons 190 calories-- that's... 

"Shit! Almost 2,000 calories!"

Just then, Char burst through the kitchen door, an empty tray in her hands.

"Did I miss anything?" 

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Author's note

*In case you've never heard of CumquatNation, here's the link. It's been the source of humor at high schools and was brought to my attention by my own children. There's a King of Cumquats, Prime Minister and even a god. Members are gay and straight: http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=7921301390 


From: [identity profile] anony-mouse19.livejournal.com


d'aww the first part was so sooo sweet.god they're perfect and adorable together.and hot. :]
and yay i'm glad they found the ashes(even though i'm sorry the music box is broken :( maybe Heath can fix it.)

"We've got something to tell everyone," Heath said. I almost spat out the mouthful of orange juice.
lolol.i was like OMG! too.teehee :D
don't worry about those calories Jakey Poo i'm sure you'll burn them in no time...

thank you.

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


The music box was the link to them from the beginning-- it's what drew Jake in by playing and now it drops to the floor? Maybe it had a little push from a spirit ;)

Thanks so my. Glad you liked my orange juice joke.

el

From: [identity profile] lovelysmidge.livejournal.com


Ah, I love this story.

"Shit! Almost 2,000 calories!"

Jake is hilarious.

Thanks!
Jules

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Thanks, Jules, so much. Yes, that's a heck of a lot of calories, but I think he can "work" them off!

el

From: [identity profile] ramona4jake.livejournal.com


Have I told you before how much I like their love making ? It's not only hot, but also funny and always new ! They are so good together, and saying those words to each other... makes me so warm inside !
Thank you so much !

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Well, I have a thing for good sex and food. I think that why I love Sienata's A Little Something Extra so, so much (and I hope she continues with it).

So happy you enjoyed this.

el

From: [identity profile] mrs-spamlad.livejournal.com


Wow- I actually gasped when the music box broke! It was a good thing, though- all part of the grand plan to bring both couples closer together.
I am on the edge of my seat for the mystery surrounding their parents!
Love this story- thank you :)
jill

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


So sad about the music box, but I always intended for them to find the answer inside! Next chapter will post next Thursday, then you'll find out about the parents. Thanks Jill for reading and taking time to comment.

el

From: [identity profile] trekfan.livejournal.com


sweet! so they finally got around to eating some PB and J

I am glad they found the ashes now they'll be able to let Henry and Johann rest in peace.

I'm also glad Mr Happy is happy :D

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Eat PB&J with a little meat on the side (I'm bad).

Mr. Happy is satisfied-- for now.

Thanks for reading.

el

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From: [identity profile] grlewis.livejournal.com


hmmm...best use for pb&j prize goes to you.

i'm sorry that the music box is broken, but johann's ashes really needed to be found. it will be good to see them both buried together come the thaw.

very glad to read the boy's committing themselves to each other, though the use of the well known wedding vow was a surprise to me. i would have thought that the boys may have been a bit more inventive. but i guess using the wedding vow made it very clear and subject to no misinterpretation.

a fine chapter, for sure.

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Thanks for the prize!

On the commitment to each other-- I thought about how I wanted that to go (and when, too). You're right on why I chose those words. Since there's no real exchange in Jewish weddings, I went with my protestant side and did the traditional. If they decide to do it in front of witnesses one day, they can write their own since they're both writers-- it would most likely be "funny"!

Thanks again.

el

From: [identity profile] ifyoucantfixit2.livejournal.com


Sounds like the music box, basically jumped out of Jacks hands. It was more of a contrived coincidence. I hope there is going to be a happy ending for them. That pbanj was quite a sex toy. LOL.. a bit rich though. He better be careful, he might have a diabetic spike. Much fun dear. janice

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Ah, good, you noticed that the music box had a will of its own. I didn't want to come out and state that, but leave it up to readers' imaginations. On the happy ending-- of course! It's a romantic comedy. Unless there's "death by peanut butter."

Thanks, Janice.

love ya,
el

From: [identity profile] bowl-of-glow.livejournal.com

Everyone needs jam... ;)


Ahaha. your Jake kills me!! =)

I picked the jar of peanut butter off the table, read the label. Two tablespoons 190 calories-- that's...

"Shit! Almost 2,000 calories!"


Lol!!
And sorry but I had to laugh at this...

"I killed it!"

*gasps... and starts laughing*

Johann's ashes, uh? So they've been in the box all this time!!

"I love you, man," I said, and brushed his cheek with the back of my hand. "And I'm staying right here beside you, to have and to hold from this day forward."

Aww... this was just too sweet. =)
Thanks for another chapter... I'd like to comment more often but I don't alwats have the time... *sighs*
Waiting for the next chapter!
*hugs*
B.




From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com

Re: Everyone needs jam... ;)


Thanks for reading. It's always cool to read what people thought was funny and sweet or compelling. It's interesting-- sometimes a writer knows when they have a really good joke like the 2,000 calories was one of those moments that I thought-- "Hey, that's pretty darn funny." I'd planned on the ashes part since the beginning of the ficbut other parts are spontaneous like the jokes.

Thanks for reading and taking time to comment.

hugs back

el

From: [identity profile] smittenkitten45.livejournal.com


PB and Jake sounds delicious! Interesting how the ashes were right there the entire time. I'm loving this story and how cute Heath and Jake are together. Can't wait for the next update!

Kelley

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Thanks, so much. That does sound delicious (even if you're not a fan of peanut butter). Next up-date will be on a Thursday.

Thanks,

el

From: [identity profile] samtyr.livejournal.com


This was great!! I feel bad about the music box though (even though part of the mystery/riddle is solved) and I really hope that Heath is able to repair it.

2,000 calories? Somehow I have the feeling that they already managed to burn those calories off. ;)

I can hardly wait for your next update! :)

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


I felt bad about the music box too, but it died for a good cause. Who knows, maybe Heath can resurrect it.

You're right about burning those calories off-- and there's lots of positions to choose from in the bed!

From: [identity profile] katieleo.livejournal.com


These two guys crack me up! I'm excited to see what happens next?

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Yipee! You won't have long to wait either. Posting the end of next week again.

el

From: [identity profile] lawgoddess.livejournal.com


I'm loving the binder twine.

This story just makes me happy.

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


I thought you'd like that ;)

Thanks for reading!

love,
el

From: [identity profile] bentgyro.livejournal.com


Glad they found the ashes - now they have to unite Johann with Henry. Maybe Jack should get "lite" peanut butter!
Thank you!
HT

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Lite peanut butter?! Now, that's an idea. Would they have to have lite sex to go along with that?

Thanks for reading and commenting.

el

From: [identity profile] fridayblues.livejournal.com


awwww
I'm loving this story so much! The first part is so sweet and I can totally feel their love.
*happy sighs*
Now next chapter, please~
:D

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Thanks. Glad you liked it. Next chapter coming up...

And, hey, it's Spring Break week for me and I plan on getting to that "project" we've been talking about.


From: [identity profile] eandj.livejournal.com


I'm very curious about the parents- poor Ennis
but now with Jack he's sure found the life he's happy with
LOL and i have to check out the cumquat king- never heard of this
Paula

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Their story is in the next chapter-- a bit bittersweet too.

Check out the website, Paula. It's pretty funny.

thanks, for reading.

el

From: [identity profile] indigoeyes-450.livejournal.com


This chemistry between them, God you're so good at showing it. They fit so perfectly well together. I enjoy this story very much. Thank you! ~Dominique

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Thanks so much. I do my best to show what they mean to each other ;)

From: [identity profile] lovewithstands.livejournal.com


Oh thats just sad but I'm glad that Heath and Jake will reunite them together )

From: [identity profile] fl1789.livejournal.com


My heart stopped when the music box got broken,
but I guess it was meant to be, right?

I like their sex nights so much :P
they are so comfortable and attracted to each other, they couldn't be hotter :)))

I loved this chapter,
oh but,the end is so close.. :´(






fl.


From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Yes, it was meant to be. It hurt me too to have it break, but all that food and sex made it worth while.

It is sad to have it end.

Thanks for reading,

el

From: [identity profile] argentine65.livejournal.com

The big bang Theory


Each time I find you post a new chapter I am joyful. This is such an extraordinary story, with their love, the house, the family, the music box,Henry and Johann, the private eyes, the humor. Thank you so much. Martha

From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com

Re: The big bang Theory


Thanks, Martha. Glad you've enjoyed the story and my sweet lovers.

el

From: [identity profile] lorna59.livejournal.com


What a great chapter.

Jake had some classic words and thoughts and my favourite were:
"Sometimes there aren't any words." Not that I wanted him to stop talking: it was my attempt at sage advice."

"I laughed maniacally just like in that fantasy I had, then I went in for a long hot kiss just to butter him up so he'd be easier to spread."

The discovery of Johann's ashes was so exciting - you do write a terrific mystery.

Jake working out how many calories he had consumed with peanut butter was hilarious.

This has been and continues to be a really amazing story.

Thank you
Lorna


From: [identity profile] el-wing.livejournal.com


Gosh, thanks so much, Lorna. Sorry I missed these comments! I just ran into them when a comment popped up on my e-mail

Thanks again for reading.

love ya,
el
.