The Christmas Miracle

K.C. and I would like to thank you for being part of the Collars & Cuffs/Secrets family. You’ll never know how much your love of our boys means to both of us, and we hope you’ll enjoy this ‘Christmas Miracle’ short. We wish you all the best for the holidays!

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“Explain this to me again.”

Vic sighed. “You, my boy, are going to be in the club kitchen, making your gingerbread men for the holiday party. They’ve been a big hit, and Eli asked Jarod, who in turn asked me, Sam, Aaron, and Wayne if we would be willing to loan you, Tim, and Ellis out for the express purpose of making more for the party tonight. We, of course, said yes. Does that clear it up for you?”

“No, no. I understood it. I just can’t believe people wanted to see them again.”

That made Vic laugh. Rob was so confident in a lot of ways, but there was still that deep rooted kernel within him that couldn’t believe he was worthy of good things. He cuffed him on the shoulder.

“You’re a popular brat in the club, you know. The men love your cheek and attitude. They think you could give a masterclass in Snark 101. And, same as last time, they’ve offered to pay you for your time.”

Rob scowled. “Not taking their money. Not now, not ever.” He pulled Vic to the sofa and dragged him down until they were seated side by side. “Maggie continues to teach us things about knitting. Eli and Jarod provided us with SubSpace. They’ve had our backs—all of us—since we joined the club.”

“Yes, but you pay a membership fee.”

Rob cocked his head. “Do you want me to take the money?”

“No, that wasn’t my point. You’re doing good things for people, even without needing to. That makes me so damned proud.”

He leaned over and kissed Rob, who wrapped his much more muscular arms around Vic’s neck. He remembered back when they got together, that he said he didn’t want Rob to work out with him, because he liked the lithe body displayed before him, but this Rob? Even with twenty extra pounds of thick muscle from hauling the big sacks of dirt and fertilizer around on projects for work, Rob still chose to submit to him. Sure, he was still a brat, but he was a brat who was absolutely beautiful in his submission.

“Well, you know me. I do it all for you.”

“I think we both know that’s a lie. You do it because you’re a good person, with an incredible heart, and the chance to make gingerbread cocks is right up your alley.”

Rob snickered. “I love that you know me so well.”

“No one knows you better, brat.” He nudged Rob with his shoulder. “I bought a new paddle for Christmas.”

Rob’s eyes widened. “Oh? Do tell.”

“This one is leather, with a wide surface and raised letters that say ‘Vic’s Brat’.”

“When do we get to try it out?” Rob asked, nearly breathless.

Vic couldn’t believe the two of them had renegotiated their contract, after Rob spent time with their friend Olly from The Edge. He’d spoken to Rob in glowing terms about how incredible the spankings were. Rob later confided to Vic that he knew Alex also loved being spanked, and watching him and Leo onstage during Secrets’ opening night had made him question his aversion to it. Now, their contract was written, and Rob removed a lot of things he’d said no way to before, and moved them over to the ‘Willing to Try’ category. Even thought most were things Vic had no experience in, he’d said he was willing to learn them together, and it opened new avenues to their sex play.

“I’d say this weekend, if you’re good, but we both know that means it probably won’t ever happen.”

“Hey!” Rob cried, obviously affronted. “I can be good.”

That gave Vic an idea. He’d had something bouncing around in his head for weeks, but wasn’t sure how to broach the subject with Rob.

“I’ll tell you what. You prove to me that you can be good for the next twelve hours, and I’ll give you a special surprise.”

“Oh? Like what?” Rob asked, his excitement obvious as he shimmied on the cushion.

“Nope, that would ruin the surprise element. But if I win, you have to don an elf costume, and walk around the club in it during the party.”

Rob held out a hand. “Deal!”

Vic glanced at the clock on the mantel. “Okay, starting now, you have to be on your best behavior.”

“This’ll be a piece of cake.”

“You might think that,” Vic teased, his plan unfolding once again in his mind. It would require some special timing, but if it worked out, that would be worth it.

 

 

Rob glazed the cookies Tim had put on a tray. He moved methodically, wanting to be sure the edges of the gingerbread boys were covered completely. When he finished, he looked up and found Tim and Ellis staring at him, their jaws slack.

“What?” he demanded.

“Who are you, and what have you done with Rob?” Ellis grumbled.

“Sod off.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry! Please don’t tell Vic I said that.”

“Are you and Vic having an argument?” Tim asked, pressing the cutter into the dough to start another batch of treats.

“No. He made a bet with me, and said that if I could be good for twelve hours, he’d give me a special surprise.”

“So that explains the intense concentration while you’re decorating these young men,” Ellis teased. “But where’s the cock and balls?”

Rob frowned. “Did you not hear the part about me being good?”

Tim closed the oven door, then came back to the table. “I have to say this. Compared to the last time we did this, those poor cookies will never know they’re Gingerbread boys.” He smiled down at Rob. “When Vic told you about us doing this, what did he say?”

“He said he wanted us to make more of the same ones we did a few years ago. He told me Eli and Jarod had gotten requests for them.”

“Exactly. So grab your tube of icing, and give those boys some dick!” Ellis shouted.

“But how do I know Vic isn’t setting me up to fail here?”

The two men shook their heads. Ellis put his hands on his hips. “Rob, does Vic lie to you?”

“No, never.”

“Then trust that he wants what he said, and give those cookies some genitalia.”

Rob drew in a breath. Vic wouldn’t lie. Vic wouldn’t do something to make Rob look bad. He loved Rob, and Rob loved him.

“Fine,” Rob huffed. Truthfully, he was relieved, because seeing those genderless biscuits made him sad. He grabbed the icing and squeezed it on the crotch of the one in front of him, giving it a fat cock. “How’s that?”

“Now that is the Rob we know and love.”

“Less talk, more work,” Tim grumbled. “We’ve got dozens of these things to get through. And before you ask, Ellis, yes, I made extra so you could munch a few, but you know Wayne is going to punish you.”

“Oh, I know.” He snapped the leg off one and popped it into his mouth. “I’m counting on it.”

Rob snickered. He loved these guys. The best mates he’d ever had. That made him think of Jamie again. He’d realized, with everyone’s help, that he couldn’t have done anything to stop Jamie from dying, but that didn’t mean he liked that fact. Still, he’d forgiven himself for his thoughts.

“Where are the dicks?” came a voice from outside. The door swung open, and Maggie stood there, looking absolutely radiant in her ugly as sin Christmas sweater. Two ornaments dangled from the chest, right where her boobs were, and a giant reindeer head completed the ensemble.

“Rob’s taking care of those now,” Ellis said around a mouthful of gingerbread.

Maggie walked over, with Maxwell at her heel, and stared at what Rob was doing. She grinned and reached down to pick one of them up. “I think I might have dated this one at some point. He had the strangest looking cock, but the things that boy could do with it!”

Everyone at the table laughed. “Are you coming to the party?”

“For a time, but I have to go to the shelter tonight. It’s my turn on the phones, and we’re taking down some sweaters we knitted to give to the kids.”

“Sounds nice.”

“Justin and Cory are going to be there too. They decided they wanted to give back, and asked to be counselors. They both finished their training last month, and tonight will be the first time they get to show what they’ve learned.”

After meeting them at the strip club, Rob and the others had gone out with them a few times. They were amazing people, and Rob was humbled to meet them. Listening to them talk, he understood that at their worst, his parents had always been far better than either of theirs had been. Rob even called his mum to talk with her. He wasn’t sure, but he thought she might be thawing a little toward him and Alex. Only time would tell, but Rob still hoped.

They chatted while the boys decorated the biscuits. Maggie never put the one back she’d taken. She said she was keeping it for her memory scrapbook. When Rob looked over a bit later, she was licking the frosting dick off in a rather sensual way. “Maggie, that is just… wrong.”

She snorted. “You eat yours your way, and let me eat mine.”

“Are you guys done?” Wayne asked from the doorway.

“Yes, Sir,” Ellis answered. “I ate seven biscuits.”

“I’ll have to figure out a new way to punish you. You’re way too eager.” He leaned in and kissed Ellis. “Mmm, gingerbread boy. My favorite.” He stood. “Let’s go. Everyone is waiting on you.”

“For what? Rob asked.

“I believe you have a surprise coming. Or that’s what Vic said.”

Rob glanced up at the clock. It was nearing midnight! His ordeal was nearly at an end. Who knew being good was so stressful?

They cleaned up the kitchen, then made their way to the club floor. Everyone was dressed up in suits, which made no sense. When Vic stepped out, Rob’s breath stuck in his lungs. He was wearing a black suit that hugged his form. Beneath the club lights, he looked like a goddamn runway model. He tugged at the cuff of one sleeve, then winked at Rob.

“So,” he called. “Were you a good boy?”

“I…” He sighed. “As good as can be expected?” he offered.

“That’s all I ever ask of you. Come, have a seat here.”

Rob walked to where Vic stood, then sat in the chair he was pointing at. “What’s going on?” he whispered.

“Your surprise, doof.” He held up a hand. “Okay, boys! Hit it!”

From the back of the club came a stream of men Rob knew.

“Alex? Leo?”

They smiled at him, but didn’t speak. They were all dressed in the most garish Christmas sweaters ever. Maggie followed the procession, and stopped in front of Vic and Rob.

“Rob Daniels,” she intoned, and everyone hushed. “Tonight we’re here to celebrate a Christmas miracle. No, not that one‒you being good for twelve hours.”

Everyone laughed. Rob’s head was swimming. These were the men from Collars & Cuffs. He recognized them from the last time he and Vic had gone to Manchester. Then he saw Olly, waving slyly.

“What’s going on?”

“We’re here to serenade you,” Alex said. He glanced at Vic. “Okay, we’re the backup group. Hit it, Maggie.”

Maggie waved a hand, and the music started. Then Vic stepped out in front of Rob, and opened his mouth. In all the time they’d been together, Rob had never heard Vic sing. His voice was strong, steady, and one of the sweetest sounds Rob had ever heard when he broke out into Marry You by Bruno Mars. Rob was struck dumb, watching as Vic sang, and the boys from Secrets and Collars & Cuffs swayed behind him. When Vic finished, and the last note died away, he dropped to his knee and opened a ring box. The band inside was gold, with a blue gemstone in the center.

“Rob Daniels? Will you marry me?”

Rob gaped like a fish. It was so hard to breathe, and he feared he was going to pass out. He tried to stand, but stumbled and fell back into the chair.

“Rob? Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

His mouth moved, but Rob couldn’t make any sound come out. Alex hurtled forward and grabbed Rob. “Breathe, Rob. With me, okay?” He touched their foreheads together and counted softly. “In one, out two, in one, out two. Relax, calm down.”

Rob could see the fear on Vic’s face. “Do you need to go to the hospital?” Vic demanded.

He gave a quick shake of his head. His mind was flying in a billion different directions, and he wanted to go upstairs and get in the sensory deprivation tank to calm them. The next thing he knew, he was sitting, and Vic was kneeling beside him.

“I’m sorry,” Vic said, his voice cracking. “I shouldn’t have asked you like this.”

“N-No, it’s not that,” Rob insisted. He held out a hand. “Gimme my damn ring.”

Vic gave a shaky laugh. “It’s okay if you’re not ready,” he insisted.

“No, I’m ready.” He waggled his hand. “Gimme.”

Vic slid the band onto Rob’s finger, and everything fell into place. It wasn’t a dream. He wasn’t going to wake up, his heart hurting. Vic had really asked him.

“You mean it?” Rob asked softly.

“I never say anything I don’t mean. I love you so damn much, and with everything I am, I want to marry you. If you want that too.”

The light glinted off the ring, making everything shimmery. Or maybe that was the tears Rob had streaming down his cheeks. If anyone asked, he was blaming it on the lights.

“I’ve dreamed about this,” he said quietly. “And every time I woke up, it made me sad when I realized it wasn’t real.”

“Then why didn’t you ask me? I mean, you had no problems stepping up for your collar.”

“You don’t understand,” Rob said, not certain he did either. “You chose me. In front of all these people, you said you wanted me. You can’t take that back!”

Vic caught Rob’s chin between two fingers. “I would never,” he vowed. “You’re always going to be mine, Rob.” He leaned in and kissed Rob, who melted like he always did. “Will you be mine?”

Rob glanced up and noticed everyone watching them. That made it all the more real for him.

“With everything I am, Sir.”

That earned him another kiss. The first of millions more to come, he told himself.

“Let’s go,” Rob said, grabbing Vic’s hand. “We have a party to take part in, and then we’re going home, and you’re going to fuck my brains out.”

“Oh, so a quickie? It’s not as if that’ll take long.” Vic teased, his eyes dancing.

Before Rob could reply, well-wishers swarmed around them. Alex hugged Rob, saying how proud he was of him. Olly whispered to him he had the best wedding gift ever in mind for him and Vic. Leo hugged him, and Rob might have clung a little tighter to him, because without the help of Leo and Alex, Rob never would have found Vic.

Never would have had this moment.

Never would have known a love like this one.