Giving Notice - Chapter Twelve

Hey gang. So, for those of you who aren’t on the Discord server, I’ve got a very exciting announcement… I FINISHED GIVING NOTICE! My second novel is done! And for everyone, whether you’re part of the Discord group or not, I have a big exciting thing to announce.

But first, as is custom, I wanted to talk about what’s been going on in my life a bit. I apologize in advance, because this is going to be rather long. If you just want to skip to the chapter, please scroll down until you see the line like this: ———

You guys who have been following me for a while know how difficult this year has been. Last July, my husband of 16 years asked me for a divorce. On my birthday, September 8th, I said goodbye to just about everything in my life in Florida and began a five day, cross-country solo drive to Seattle, where I basically spent five days listening to Kelly Clarkson’s entire discography on loop and crying my eyes out. I moved in with my oldest friend and began trying to pick up the pieces of my life.

In December, I quit my job as a writer at a marketing agency (something I had been SO proud of… me, making a career out of writing!). In February, our building had a major flood, most of which ended up coming down in my closet, so I spent a while sleeping on the floor in the living room. Then my car’s tire exploded and I had to replace both it and the battery. Then, at the end of February, I slipped on black ice walking from my car to the office, and I broke my right foot in three places, dislocated two toes, and injured myself so severely that I had to have reconstructive surgery in March. Then I was out of work for over two months while I healed from the surgery, and during that time I had to live off my limited savings and my tax refund.

Needless to say, things were really pretty rock bottom.

BUT… I am so fortunate to have some absolutely amazing friends and an outstanding support network. That job I told you about? It’s been life-changing. My coworkers are more than that, they’re real friends. The company’s owner is just an amazing human being, as are all of his employees. I’ve never worked anywhere, in all my 43 years, where I honestly feel so appreciated and cared about. They aren’t just my friends. If I’m being honest, they’re my west coast family. Plus, approximately one third of the staff are folks from the ABDL community. Seriously.

And my roommate. Oh gosh. He has done more for me than probably anyone in my life ever has. He has literally saved my life. And I’ve made real friends here in Seattle, plus my close friends who I talk to online, several of whom are patrons as well. I started going to a therapist I ABSOLUTELY ADORE. And honestly, I’m really happy here. Happier than I’ve been in decades, possibly ever.  This feels like home.

So, even though things have been pretty awful, they’ve also been pretty freaking amazing. And a lot of that has shown up in my writing. Because Max is me, and his story is, strangely, my story… in almost eerie ways. When I set StartAgain’s location to be between Portland OR and Seattle WA, I had NO idea I’d be moving to the Pacific Northwest more than a year later. Max found a new job with people who love and accept him, and so did I. Max has gone through some pretty awful things, and so have I, but we’re both survivors, and we’ve both made it through thanks to the extraordinary people we’ve been privileged to have in our lives.

So, when you read ”The New Job” and “Giving Notice”, please understand that this is the most raw, honest, authentic thing I could ever write. Max is me. I’m him. And our journeys mirror each other in ways I’m still only just discovering. 

IMPORTANT: One last thing. Not only am I posting both chapters tonight, but I’m going to post a full PDF of “Giving Notice” made directly from my working manuscript (including all the proper formatting, because Patreon eats italics for some reason) for all of my $5 and $10 Patrons. AND I’m going to post something later this month asking how you would like your name to read on the Special Thanks page, because I’m going to thank each and every one of my active mid and high tier patrons in the Kindle and print versions of the book, which I will hopefully have ready within a month or two. Lastly, I’m going to suspend my billing for the month of June and possibly beyond, because I’m going to take a break from writing for a bit to begin the long, painful, frustrating task of formatting the manuscript for Amazon. But I’m not going anywhere, and I will still be checking in with you guys and hopefully chatting with you on the StartAgain discord. Now, that’s enough of my rambling. Please enjoy chapter twelve of ”Giving Notice”, with my love and appreciation. <3

———

CHAPTER TWELVE

A hollow, insistent chiming sound echoed in Max’s ears. He groaned and tried to shut out the noise, but after a long moment’s consideration, he forced his eyes open. He was still laying in Stephen’s arms. The sound was coming from Stephen’s phone, which was lying on the bed near Max’s waist.

“Stephen,” the canine groaned. “Your phone.” Max blindly flailed an arm until he found the offending device. He grabbed it and handed it to his boyfriend.

“Mm,” Stephen uttered, silencing the alarm. “Good thing I set that before I passed out, else we’d have missed your celebratory dinner and the party.” The wolf shifted into a more comfortable position beneath the golden retriever.

“Oh, right,” Max said before yawning. “Is it just me or does it feel like we slept for a million years?”

“It was a rough day,” Stephen admitted. “For both of us, but for you especially, brave pup. I think we were both just worn out by everything.” Stephen snaked a paw down the front of Max’s dress slacks. He gave Max’s diaper a loving squeeze. “You need a change, sport.”

Max nodded and reluctantly slid over on the bed so Stephen could stand. “If I weren’t so hungry, I’d be begging to skip dinner and the party so we could just hole up here for the night. Or for the next few months, whatever.” Max stretched his limbs and arched his back against the bed, yawning again. He flashed Stephen a weak smile.

“I know what you mean, love. I’m so drained,” Stephen replied as he began collecting Max’s changing supplies. “When you started talking on stage… well, for a moment I really thought you were giving notice and quitting StartAgain. I was so scared that I was about to lose you.”

Max grabbed Stephen’s paw and stared up at him. “I could never, Stephen. I could literally never. I kept thinking what my life would be like if you and Corey weren’t in it, and I decided I couldn’t go back to that. You guys are my family, in a way my mom and dad never really have been. You guys, all my friends, you’re too important to me. Plus, Mr. Warren is already down one employee now, how would he ever finish the library if I left?” Max grinned.

Stephen leaned forward and kissed Max on the forehead. “I’m so, so happy you decided to stay. I’m sorry it had to happen the way it did, but you were so fearless and… just… extraordinary, really.”

“It’s okay,” Max said quietly. “I honestly mean what I said before. If my parents can’t love and accept me knowing who I really am, that’s their choice. I love them and always will, no matter how this all shakes out, but my place is here, with you. I finally feel like I belong somewhere, and I’m not going to give that up. I’m especially not going to give up my amazing boyfriend and my awesome best friend. You and Corey both make me feel… I dunno, it’s hard to put into words. But you guys accept me and just want me to be happy, and you’ve both helped me realize that my little side isn’t a curse or some sort of sick perversion. It’s something that brings me a lot of comfort and happiness.”

Stephen smiled warmly and began unbuckling Max’s belt. “From the day we first met, that’s all I wanted for you, pup. You seemed so lonely, so unhappy, and I knew StartAgain could help you find your place. I’m just very grateful that you want me to be a part of that.”

“Forever,” Max said. He hoisted himself up so Stephen could remove his pants. “Besides, now that my parents know my deepest darkest secrets, I’m pretty sure StartAgain is stuck with me. Where else would I go?” He shook his head.

“Nowhere, Max. This is your home,” Stephen said. He untaped Max’s wet diaper and balled it up. “I hope you realize what you’ve done, though. I expect you’ve been the only topic anyone in the manor has been able to talk about today. In fact, they’re probably going to be talking about what you did today for years.” Stephen grinned and slid a fresh diaper under the waiting canine, chuckling when Max’s cheeks began turning red.

“Oh god,” Max said, vaguely mortified. “I didn’t think about that.”

“Oh yeah, I’m certain people are going to stop you in the halls for the next few weeks, at least,” Stephen said. “You’re a certified StartAgain celebrity now, Max.”

“Oh GOD,” Max repeated. He hid his face behind his paws and began giggling.

“Mhmm, I wouldn’t be surprised if people asked for your autograph or for a selfie,” Stephen teased. “And I guarantee half the guys in the house are going to try their hardest to get into your pants now. Heck, someone’s probably started taking up donations to erect a statue in your honor. My money would be on Willy Marsh, you know how fond he is of statues. Imagine that, a Maxwell Covington statue, right there in the grand foyer. A genuine piece of StartAgain history. A permanent memorial to The Day The Microphone Dropped.”

“Daddy, stooooooop,” Max whined through his giggles. He uncovered his face just long enough to grab his bear from the bed next to him, then he resumed hiding behind his paws.

Stephen finished diapering Max and nodded, satisfied with his work. “Dinner with the Master is informal and everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite kink gear to the party, so I’ll have your suit sent down for drycleaning. What would you like to wear tonight, champ?”

Max considered. “Can I do my Power Pup onesie, Daddy? The one with the cape, I’m pretty sure I packed it last night.”

Stephen nodded approvingly. “Do you remember when you were terrified of leaving your room in baby clothes? You’ve come a long way, Max.” He found Max’s overnight bag near the foot of the bed and began rummaging through it.

“Hard to believe that was just a month ago,” Max mused. “I’m definitely getting more comfortable being seen as a kid. It’s crazy to think of how terrified I’ve always been that someone might find out about my interest in diapers and baby stuff. I’m finally starting to figure out that it really isn’t that strange, all things considered.”

“Strange is underappreciated,” Stephen said, holding Max’s onesie out. “Arms up!” He slipped Max’s arms up through the garment and into the sleeves. “Being exactly like everyone else sounds like a special kind of hell to me.”

Stephen pulled Max’s onesie down over his body and began fastening the snaps at the crotch. Once Max was snug in his favorite onesie, Stephen began stripping off his own suit, while Max retrieved a cute pair of socks from his overnight bag and slid his feet into them one at a time.

“Stephen, you like Corey, right?” Max asked hesitantly as he began putting on his brightly colored shoes.

“Of course, pup, you know I do. Why?” Stephen wriggled into a tight-fitting, chocolate brown tee with pale yellow block letters across the front that read ‘Daddy AF’, and then turned to Max, bemused.

“Well, it’s just that… hmm. He’s my baby brother, right? And you’re my Daddy?”

Stephen nodded, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth. “These are true facts, but I’m not sure what you’re getting at, love.” He stepped into a pair of loose-fitting jeans and zipped the fly.

Max hesitated for a moment, looking for the right words. “Well, it’s just that you guys are my family here. And you both seem to get along really well, and I know Corey really likes you as a friend. And I was thinking about it, and I don’t know how you guys would feel about it, but….” His voice trailed off.

Stephen sat on the bed next to the retriever. “Feel about what, Max?”

Max cast his gaze to his feet shyly. “Well, I was just thinking about how Corey has never really had a Daddy before, and you’re such a good one, and he’s already my brother so it kinda makes sense if you think about it, and being a Daddy and little boy doesn’t have to be a romantic thing, does it?” The words tumbled out awkwardly.

“Are you asking me if I would want to be Corey’s Daddy too?” Stephen guessed, placing a paw on Max’s knee.

The younger man nodded quietly. “I don’t know if that’s even an appropriate question to ask,” Max admitted. “But you guys seem to have fun when we all hang out together, and Corey deserves to be as happy as I am. And, well, that one time you went down on him while I watched was really really hot. But is that weird, that I would want you to be Corey’s Daddy too? I guess I don’t know what the rules are for that kind of thing, or if it’s even allowed. Or if you’d want that, or if Corey would want that. Guh, I’ve put my foot in my mouth again.” Max could feel his face burning even hotter.

Stephen chuckled and wrapped an arm across Max’s shoulders. “Max, sweetheart, just breathe. First of all, queer people get to make our own rules for this stuff. Just like we get to choose our families, we get to define our own relationships. Second, I want you to be able to talk to me about things like this, without feeling embarrassed. I want our relationship to be very honest and trusting, and if there are things you like–or don’t like–I want us to talk about them. Okay?” He looked at Max expectantly.

Max slowly nodded his head. “So… me enjoying watching you do sexy stuff with Corey is… okay? You don’t think I’m weird?”

The wolf gave Max a tight hug. “Never. Maybe it means you’re into voyeurism. Or maybe it means you’re into cuckolding. Or maybe you just enjoy seeing the people you love enjoying each other’s bodies, yeah? It’s not anything to be ashamed of, regardless. I may not have romantic feelings toward Corey, but I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t adorable. I’ve had a bit of a soft spot for him since he joined StartAgain. He’s a really sweet guy. Heck, I’ve changed his diapers a few times, even back before you started working here. It was a nice way to scratch my caregiver itch from time to time. But… and this is important, Max: we need to involve Corey in this discussion if it’s to go any further. We don’t even know if he wants a Daddy in the first place. So, let’s feel things out with Corey and see if that’s something he’d be interested in. And even if he says no, it doesn’t mean we can’t all be friends. And it doesn’t change anything about what you and I have together, nor your friendship with Corey. Okay?” The gray wolf squeezed Max’s shoulder.

“Okay,” Max said. “It’s silly, but I guess with everything that has happened over the past few days, I just really want to hold onto both of you and never let you go.” Max stood up from the bed.

“That’s not silly. It’s sweet. And it’s one of the many things I love about you, pup,” Stephen said, rising. “We can pick that discussion up again later, though, because we should start heading toward the Master’s suite. Luckily, it’s just two doors down.”

Max swallowed nervously. He was finally going to get to meet the Master of StartAgain Manor, the mysterious, secretive benefactor who made this incredible life possible, for Max and for all the other residents of the mansion. He quickly sent Corey a text to let him know they were going to the Master’s suite and would meet him there. “Are you sure we shouldn’t dress in something nicer?” he asked, suddenly apprehensive.

“Heck no,” Stephen smiled, taking Max’s paw into his own. “Tradition says we’re to wear whatever makes us comfortable, what reflects who we are on the inside. The Master isn’t one to stand on ceremony anyway, and if I know him it’ll be a wonder if he’s even wearing pants. He’s a bit of a nudist.” The wolf chuckled and escorted Max out of the bedroom and down the hall toward the living room. Max broke away long enough to step into the bathroom and check his reflection, just to make sure his fur wasn’t standing up in a weird way and that neither of his ears had turned embarrassingly inside out. He smoothed down his headfur as best he could, then joined Stephen in the living room.

The duo stepped through the door and into the hall. Stephen took a moment to lock the door behind them, then they went farther down the marble-floored corridor than Max had been before. They passed another set of suites and turned a corner, almost immediately coming to a massive door made of some dark wood. Unlike the other residences in the manor, this door didn’t bear a gold plaque indicating its owner. Stephen smiled reassuringly and pressed a buzzer next to the door’s wooden frame. Max unconsciously smoothed the front of his onesie while they waited.

In a moment, the large door swung open. Mr. Davies, the Chief Butler, bid them enter. He was wearing a pair of black slacks and his usual gold-linked chest harness. “Ahh, welcome lads,” he said as he ushered them into an apartment as large and well-appointed as Stephen’s. “Yer the first of th’ guests to arrive. Welcome to th’ Master’s apartment. Can I get you a cocktail?” The stallion gestured to a large, well-stocked wet bar at the back of the living room.

“Ah, thank you Corbin,” Stephen said. “I’ll have a gin and tonic. Max?”

“Just a soda for me, Mr. Davies, thank you. Are you butler-ing our dinner tonight?” Max asked as he looked around.

Mr. Davies nodded and went to the bar to prepare their drinks. “Buttling, that’s th’ word yer looking for, and I am indeed. Plus, we’ve brought up one of th’ servers from the dining hall to help out, as well, bless ‘im.”

While the Master’s suite precisely matched the floor plan of Stephen’s apartment, the decor was very different. The walls were covered in old, expensive-looking paintings in giant gilt frames, and one wall was covered entirely by some sort of tapestry. No television was visible, though Max figured it was probably sunk into a hidden recess in the floor or one of the walls. Though the room was well-lit in warm spotlights and tall electric candelabras, the lack of overhead lighting gave the room a dark, somber air. The effect was amplified by the floors, which were made of a nearly black polished marble and covered in beautiful woven rugs. This is exactly what I would expect the home of the ultra-wealthy to look like, Max thought. I’m half surprised there aren’t a pair of magical solid-gold peacocks strolling through the room. He suppressed a giggle. The main difference between Stephen’s apartment and the Master’s suite was that, instead of a kitchen, the Master’s apartment had a spacious dining room lit by an elegant crystal chandelier that overhung an equally elegant oak table. I expect the Master never has to cook for himself.

Mr. Davies returned with their drinks. “Please make yerselves at home. I’ll just ring the kitchen and let ‘em know t’ start sending the food up by way of the dumbwaiter.” The stallion ducked into the kitchen.

“Where’s the Master?” Max asked Stephen as the pair made their way to an elegant cream-colored sofa and sat down.

“Oh, I expect he’ll make his entrance once the other guests get here,” Stephen said, eyes twinkling merrily. “He loves to draw this part out. He’s a bit theatrical,” the wolf chuckled. He sipped his gin and tonic.

Just as Mr. Davies reappeared, the door buzzer sounded. The piebald horse opened the door and ushered the new arrival in. It was the handsome middle-aged ermine, Oliver, and his companion, a very fluffy, honey-furred rabbit of around the same age. Oliver was wearing a pair of black leather chaps with nothing under them, and the ermine’s surprisingly large manhood was on full display. The rabbit was completely nude, but for a steel chastity cage and the black leather collar around his neck, and Oliver was leading him on a leash. “Max, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Davies, please meet my boy, Christian. Christian works over in the finance department.”

“Hello, sirs,” the rabbit said. “I know Mr. Andrews already though, Master Ollie, he’s the one who hired me.” Max could hear the deference Christian paid to the ermine. “And I think everyone in the whole house knows Max by now,” the rabbit added, making Max blush.

“Can I get ye lads a cocktail?” Mr. Davies asked.

“That’s very kind,” Oliver said. “I’ll have a martini, and Christian will have water.”

Okay, they’re kind of adorable together, Max thought, watching Oliver and Christian as the rabbit seated himself at Oliver’s feet. Not really the kind of dynamic I’d want to have with Stephen, but it’s obviously working for them. They keep glancing at each other, and I know that look. It’s the same one Stephen and I always give each other. They must be more than dom and sub.

Max and Stephen both stood and joined the other pair. “Congratulations on your big day, Oliver,” Stephen said.

“Yeah. Sorry about all the drama I caused,” Max added.

“Don’t be sorry, Max,” Oliver said. “Honestly, it was kind of nice seeing a bully get his comeuppance like that. Besides, like Damon said, it made for a day to remember.” The ermine smiled.

“That was so cool, Max,” Christian added, beaming up at Max. “I wouldn’t have had the balls to do what you did!”

Once again, the buzzer sounded through the apartment. Mr. Davies strode through the room, stopping long enough to deliver Oliver and Christian’s drinks. He stepped into the foyer and returned with Corey in tow. Corey was dressed in a red-and-yellow version of the caped onesie Max was wearing, though instead of the letters in the paw logo at the center of the chest saying ‘PP’ for Power Pup, Corey’s version read ‘WP’ for Power Pup’s twin brother, Wonder Pup.

Max wagged excitedly and beckoned Corey to stand next to him. “I was wondering how late you were going to be,” Max chided playfully.

“Dude, I’m a cheetah. We’re never late,” Corey smirked. “And how’d I know you were going to wear your Power Pup onesie? I figured we should match, since I’m officially your date for the evening.” Corey wrapped his fuzzy arms around Max, holding the other boy tightly. “Hi Mr. Andrews, hi Mr. Davies, hi… other people I don’t know yet.” He grinned.

Stephen introduced Corey to Oliver and Christian. “We’re just missing Damon and his guest now,” Stephen said.

“I get the feeling that Damon is probably stopping to tell every single person he passes in the halls that he’s having dinner with the Master,” Max giggled. “He strikes me as someone who gets super excited easily.”

The buzzer rang again. “Speak of th’ devil, I expect,” Mr. Davies said. Sure enough, in a moment the short, stout Jack Russell and his guest, a portly bull with impressive horns, made their entrance. Damon was wearing a snug black jockstrap and a set of football shoulder pads. His bull friend was dressed in a form-fitting black latex bodysuit that hugged his every curve and muscle, over which he’d added a pair of kneehigh black leather combat boots. The effect was striking.

“So sorry!” Damon gasped. “I was going to just wear the same suit I wore to the ceremony earlier, but then when I went to Tony’s to pick him up, he was like ‘Damon, you’re supposed to wear fun kinky gear to the Master’s banquet and the afterparty’, and I was like ‘ack! Let’s go back to my room so I can change really fast.’ So we went back to my room and I tried to hurry, but I couldn’t decide on what color jock to wear, you know? But then Tony was like ‘classic black is the way to go’. And here we are! Oh, sorry everybody. This is Tony, he’s my best friend and we work together over in the pharmacy.”

The gathered companions made another round of introductions one at a time, while Mr. Davies took Damon and Tony’s drink orders.

“That should be everyone then,” Stephen said. “Unless any of the other members of senior management are coming? Corbin?” He turned to the stallion.

“Ah, James said ‘e might swing by at some point, just to say hello, but th’ other managers are opting to dine with their staff tonight,” Mr. Davies said. “If ye’d all like to make yer way to the table, I’ll go and let the Master know we’re about t’ dine.”

Max, Damon and Oliver shot each other a quick, nervous glance. The rest of the gathered companions noticed, and Corey chuckled knowingly. “Don’t worry guys, the Master don’t bite. Well, unless you ask nicely and shake your ass right.”

The group entered the dining room two at a time. The table was surrounded by eight high-backed dining chairs with gray linen napkins neatly folded into pyramids sitting atop each seat. Before each chair was a full-service place setting with silverware made of actual silver, and bone-colored china dishes decorated in tiny painted bluebells. In the center of the smallest, topmost plate in each stack was a small gold cardholder with a white card printed with the guests’ names, indicating where each should sit. The guests circled the table until they found their seat. Max was relieved to discover that he was sitting between Stephen and Corey.

Mr. Davies reappeared, along with a server in a formal waiter’s uniform. Max smiled when he realized the waiter was the same chipmunk who had served him his evil omelet in the dining hall that morning. “This is Scott,” Mr. Davies said, “who’ll be assisting us tonight.” Mr. Davies uncorked a bottle of chilled red wine and passed it to the chipmunk.

Scott made his way around the table with the bottle of red wine nestled in the crook of his arm. As he approached each diner, he flashed a smile and poured some of the red liquid into their crystal wine glasses. “I’ll be back with the first course in a few minutes,” Scott said before ducking out of the room.

“A toast then,” Mr. Davies said from the door, gesturing for everyone to raise their glasses.

“Shouldn’t we wait for the Master?” Stephen asked. Max could see the corners of his eyes wrinkle from withheld laughter.

“Stephen, it’s one of me life’s simple pleasures,” Mr. Davies said cryptically. “I only get t’ do this once every few months. Let me have this moment.”

Corey, Stephen and several of the others laughed. The new hires glanced at each other, confused.

“Am I meant to be following all of this? Because I’m a bit of an airhead sometimes and I don’t really get what’s happening,” Damon said with a confused smile. Max internally echoed Damon’s confusion but said nothing.

“Ohhh, I get it,” Oliver said, bringing his palm to his forehead. “I guess it’s kind of obvious if you think about it.”

“What is?” Damon chirped.

“I know who the Master is,” Oliver grinned.

Max thought for a moment, then the realization struck like lightning. “Oh my gosh, it’s Mr. Davies. Are you the Master, sir?” Max asked incredulously, jaw falling slack.

“Indeed lad, indeed,” Mr. Davies said through wheezing laughter. He took his seat at the head of the table, smiling broadly at his guests. “Me grandfather, Caradog Davies, came to th’ United States from Wales with ‘is penniless family when ‘e was but a boy. But old Caradog, ‘e was a sharp one who found ‘is calling tinkering with steam engines. ‘E landed a job as a steam engine mechanic in Boston, and ‘e proved ‘e had a knack for the work. ‘E made junior partner in ‘is company by the time ‘e was thirty, and ‘e bought out the other partners before ‘e turned forty. By the time th’ old man passed, ‘e was a disgustingly wealthy railroad baron. Needless to say, I was born with a silver spoon in me mouth.”

Mr. Davies shifted in his seat and resumed his story. “By the time me dad inherited, W. C. & E. Industries was a global juggernaut with its fingers in all sorts o’ pies. But me old man was a drunk and a bigot. ‘E decided I weren’t manly enough, so ‘e sent me off to live with relatives in Wales and work on their farm to ‘toughen me up’. Little did me father know, that’s where I eventually met the first love of me life, a farmhand named Gavin. We had two amazin’ years together, and Gavin was the man who taught me how to use ropes in bed. Unfortunately, we were found out, and in those days two men weren’t allowed to love each other. When me father heard, ‘e insisted I come back to the U.S. and work at the family business… mostly just to split me an’ Gavin up. I said me goodbyes and came back, and I went to work at W. C. & E. as the dutiful son. But I never did forgive me dad, and when ‘e passed and it was my turn to inherit the family fortune, I decided t’ create a safe place where lads like me could live as themselves, unashamed. That’s how StartAgain began, and how it got its name: it was a way for me to start me own life over again and live it the way I deserved to live it.”

Max thought how hard it must have been in those days, and how courageous Mr. Davies was for turning the family’s ancestral home into StartAgain Manor, in an era where being openly gay didn’t just get you ostracised, it often got you charged with crimes and sent to prison. He flashed Mr. Davies his brightest grin, and the stallion winked back.

“That’s ultimately why we work th’ way we do,” Mr. Davies said. “I created th’ idea of th’ Master so that I could just be one of th’ lads, as it were. That’s also why every member of this house, meself included, is expected to wear some sort of symbolic bondage at all times. Because there is no Master. We’re all equals here, and th’ bondage is a reminder of that fact. It’s a symbol that connects us all. It tells us that StartAgain can only be th’ incredible thing it is because of the hard work we all put in to keep it going. And that’s why people like that Marcus chap aren’t welcome in this home. StartAgain is about respecting our uniqueness while honoring th’ things that connect us. And you three,” he gestured to Max, Oliver and Damon, “have been brought into this family as permanent members today because each of you has proven that you understand what StartAgain is.”

Max shook his head, mindblown. “That’s… that’s amazing, sir,” he stammered. “You created all of this, just to give lost boys like me a home. Wow. Thank you, Mr. Davies, from the bottom of my heart.”

Oliver nodded enthusiastically. “I’ve never felt like I fit in before. I spent most of my childhood thinking there was something wrong with me. I had a few dom/sub relationships over the years, but I only really started to accept myself after I came here. Thank you, Mr. Davies, for giving me this gift.”

“For once, I’m not going to talk everyone’s ear off,” Damon said, laughing, “but Oliver is right, sir. It feels really good to be able to just be myself. Thank you!”

Mr. Davies chuckled. “That’s as good a toast as any. To StartAgain!” he said, raising his glass. The rest of the party joined him in the toast.

The dinner they shared was every bit as sumptuous as the one Max and Stephen had enjoyed at the Garden Grille. Scott wheeled a serving cart into the room, filled with course after course of delicious food, and the meal was complemented by the warm companionship found at the table. Max and Oliver’s sub, Christian, particularly bonded over their shared love of science fiction novels. By the end of the meal, Max had promised to lend Christian his battered copy of Anne McCaffrey’s The White Dragon, and in return Christian insisted Max borrow an interesting-sounding book the rabbit had been reading, about an intergalactic telepathic assassin.

At last, the dessert course of delicate canapes and fresh-baked raspberry tarts brought the feast to a close. “Oh my gosh, I’m going to be expected to dance and party after this?” Max asked, patting his full belly.

“Heck yes you are,” Corey said. “We are going to tear up that dance floor! We’re going to remind everyone in the manor that, not only is Maxwell Covington a total badass with balls of steel, he’s also an incredible world-class dancer!”

“I am?” Max asked, laughing. “That’s news to me!”

“Well, even if you’re not, we’re going to have fun tonight,” Corey said, rising from his seat.

“Aye boys! As th’ saying goes, eat, drink and be merry. We’ve already checked th’ first and second boxes, so let’s go be merry!” Mr. Davies bellowed. He and the rest of the dinner party returned to the living room, while Scott began clearing the dishes.

“Oh, the big party is what I’ve been waiting on,” Damon said, wagging excitedly. “Care to cut a rug with me, Tony?”

“Sure,” the bull of few words said, smiling down at his much shorter companion.

“Gentlemen,” Mr. Davies said warmly, “thank ye for joining me for dinner tonight, and congratulations again. Th’ whole household is lucky to have you three with us. And remember, not a word about th’ Master’s real identity with th’ probationary employees, yeah? I do so love the looks on their faces when we give ‘em the big reveal.” His eyes sparkled merrily, and he winked again.

“So you guys knew about that this whole time and never said a word to me,” Max mused, turning to Stephen and Corey. “I’m mortally offended.” He pointed a finger accusingly and tried his hardest not to laugh.

“Dude, do not even go there,” Corey chided playfully. “You know I don’t spill secrets, that’s the whole reason I was so instrumental to your master plan for getting rid of Marcus.”

Max burst into laughter. “Well, things may not have gone according to plan, but it all worked out in the end.”

“It was much harder for me,” Stephen admitted. “I wanted so badly to reassure you that the Master was on your side and wouldn’t let Marcus run you out of the mansion, but I couldn’t. Keeping Corbin’s identity a secret isn’t just about letting him have his dramatic reveal, it’s also an important part of what keeps the house functioning. If someone like Marcus knew that Corbin is the Master, they could make things a lot more difficult for all of us once they’re terminated and sent home. I just hate that we kept giving Marcus a pass instead of sacking him. We kept hoping that he’d start to click with what StartAgain is all about, but instead his behavior got worse over time.”

Max shook his head. “He’s gone now, and that’s what matters.”

“James’s team found the phone, by the way,” Stephen said. “He’d hidden it inside his mattress. James messaged me before you woke up earlier, Max. It wasn’t just pictures of you he had in the cloud, either. Apparently he’d been sneaking around filming people’s scenes without permission. Needless to say, James completely wiped his cloud after verifying that Marcus hadn’t been sending those clips out into the world.”

“Doesn’t matter anymore, really,” Max said. “My family knows everything now. Which, weirdly, kind of feels like a weight off my shoulders. But now I’m safe with my real family,” Max said. He took Stephen’s paw into his right and Corey’s paw into his left. “I love you guys, both of you. And I’m really freaking happy I get to stay here with you.” Max stared into the eyes of the two men who had completely changed his life, and he was surprised when tears began to roll down his face.

“Awww, Max, dude. I’m so damn happy I met you,” Corey said. “StartAgain was cool and everything, but now that I got a baby bro to share it with everything is a million times cooler. You’re my best friend, and I love you too, buddy.”

“Okay boys, let’s make our way down to the ballroom so we don’t end up having yet another of our patented Big Emotional Scenes in Corbin’s living room, right Max?” Stephen grinned and wiped the tears from Max’s face.

Max giggled. He released Stephen and Corey’s paws and turned to Mr. Davies, who had just seen Oliver and Christian off. “Mr. Davies?”

The stallion turned to Max. “Yes, lad?”

Max leaned in and wrapped his arms around the equine’s waist, pulling the much taller stallion in for a hug. “Thank you, sir. What you created has changed my life. That’s all I wanted to say.”

Mr. Davies seemed genuinely touched, and he returned Max’s hug. When they separated, he clasped Max by the shoulders. “That was always th’ point, boyo. And thank you, Max, fer reminding me what real courage looks like. I never could’ve said the things to me old dad that you said to yers today, I was always too afraid and ashamed. But look at you, lad, speaking yer truth for all th’ world to hear. You are exactly what StartAgain was meant to be.” Mr. Davies gave the back of Max’s diaper a playful pat. “Now scoot, lad, ye’ve got a party to attend, and I’m sure all yer friends will want to hear from th’ man of th’ hour.”