Custom-built Family

A short story from the world of Firebend

by Leah Ross

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Copyright 2015 Leah Ross

All Rights Reserved.

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Table of Contents

Copyright Page

Custom Built Family

“What are you doing?” Zander smirked and crossed his arms as he leaned against the door frame. His hazel eyes were warm with amusement, and his dark brown hair looked freshly combed.

Nick sat up abruptly, snapping his book closed, shoving his notepad beneath his pillow, and regarding Zander with a supremely guilty look. “Nothing.”

Zander scoffed. “Sure. You know that you’re an abysmal liar, Massey.”

Nick’s cheeks warmed at the teasing. Lifting his chin, he leveled a belligerent glare at his partner. “I’m reading. About historical stuff in which you have absolutely no interest. So, unless you want me to bore you to death, I suggest you get lost.”

The smile that spread across Zander’s face was smug. It was a satisfied acceptance of the challenge that Nick didn’t know he’d presented. Zander sauntered inside their room and nonchalantly draped himself across the large bed. Nick scowled at him and Zander responded with a radiant grin. “But Nicky, you know I love it when you read me stories.”

“You hate history.”

“But you make it so interesting.”

“This isn’t a storybook.”

“You can turn anything into a good story.”

“Why are you baiting me?” Nick’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Zander grinned again. “Because it’s fun.”

Nick folded his arms over his chest. “Maybe I don’t want to tell you. Maybe it’s a surprise.”

“Maybe I hate surprises.”

“Too bad.”

Zander lifted a dark eyebrow. “Feisty.” He sat up and leaned over, planting a kiss on Nick’s lips. “You’re a lot bolder and more audacious since you came to Firebend, Nick Massey. We may turn you into a Fringer after all.”

The corner of Nick’s lips curled up. “I’ll always be a Domer at heart, Zan. You can’t get rid of the wide-eyed city boy entirely.”

“Maybe I don’t want to.” Zander smiled as he leaned in close again, bumping their noses together. “Your wide-eyed city boy quirks are part of your charm.” He kissed Nick, burying his fingers deep within his shaggy, light brown hair. “Keep your secret, then. But don’t go overboard. I don’t need elaborate shows of affection.” Pulling back, Zander stood and extended his hand. “I came to fetch you for dinner.”

Nick smiled and reached for him, allowing Zander to pull him up. “Thank you. I didn’t even realize it was that late.”

Zander chuckled. “I know. You’d get lost in your books for days if I let you.”

Nick ducked his head with a sheepish smile. Looking over his shoulder, he located Newt, his palm-sized robot companion, who was watching them from the dresser. He crooked his fingers at the android. “Come on, bud. Let’s go be sociable.”

The little propellers atop Newt’s rounded metal head whirred softly as he lifted from the dresser and glided over, alighting on Nick’s shoulder, where he proceeded to nuzzle against Nick’s neck. Chrrrr....

Zander smiled fondly and shook his head at the affectionate interaction. He’d professed, time and again, that he didn’t understand how Nick could be so attached to an amalgamation of parts and circuits, but he seemed to have finally accepted that the bot was an integral part of Nick’s life and wasn’t going anywhere.

Nick and Newt’s relationship was a study in symbiosis—neither of them could get on without the other and Nick knew he could rely upon Newt to watch out for him. He was also glad that the little robot had finally accepted Zander as an ally instead of a threat, as Newt had seen him at their first meeting. Newt had a wicked temper as part of his protectiveness over Nick, and it was good that Zander didn’t have to worry about being on the pinchy end of Newt’s strong grippers anymore.

As they all went downstairs together to join Al and the rest of the team for the evening meal, Nick reflected on all that had changed in the relatively short time since he’d come to Firebend and joined them. He hadn’t expected to find love out in the Fringe, and he definitely hadn’t anticipated falling for a cynical, tough man like Zander, but life was full of surprises. Zander had altered Nick’s life in all the best ways. He and Nick and Newt were a family now. Bonded for life. And Nick couldn’t imagine being any happier.

This was the life he’d always wanted to live—free and independent, with no limits on his creativity. This was why he’d left the dome of Nythn Thalor far behind, with no intent to return. He was so thankful for the chance he’d been given to thrive in his new home. Everyone in Firebend was welcoming and friendly and he cared about all of them. His appreciation never seemed adequate enough to repay them for their kindness, so he hoped he was able to pull off the surprise he’d started to plan. He’d never had a family like the one he’d built here, but he wanted to show them how much they meant to him. He only hoped there was enough time.

~*~

Two glasses of cider plunked down on the weathered tabletop in front of him and Nick looked up, flashing a wide smile at the handsome server. The empty chair across from him was spun around and the most impressive-looking man dropped into it. He rested his arms across the back, beamed a perfect smile at Nick, and folded his large, mechanical wings against his back. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement and affection and his short black hair tumbled over his brow in a roguish tousle.

“Hey, sweetie.”

“Hi, Wyvern,” Nick said. “Do you have a minute?”

“I have all the time in the world for you.”

“You’re on the clock, mate. I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

Wyvern rolled his eyes. “I won’t get in trouble. What’s up?”

“I’m putting something together to thank the people who’ve helped me so much since I came to Firebend, but I need some help.” Nick bit his lip and gave Wyvern a guilty look.

Wyvern reached across the table and took his hand, his gaze suddenly full of concern. “What’s the matter?”

“I feel bad for asking you.”

“Why?”

“You’re one of the ones that I want to include in my appreciation. It feels tacky to ask you to help on something that’s for you too.”

Wyvern grinned, stood from his chair, and dropped a small kiss on Nick’s forehead. Leaning in close, he pressed his palm to the metal plate embedded in Nick’s chest. “You are the sweetest, most selfless man I’ve ever met, Nick. You have a good heart.” With another radiant smile, he sat back down.

Nick smiled, amusement making his eyes crinkle. “I know. I built it myself.”

Wyvern laughed and nodded, clearly appreciating the humor. “Of course I’ll help. Whatever you need. Just ask.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Not at all! I feel honored to be included. You’re like family to me now, honey.” Wyvern raised his brows, his expression full of interest. “What are you planning?”

“Well...” Nick gave a little sigh, feeling self-conscious and a bit silly about wanting to make such an unnecessarily grand gesture. “I’ve been reading a book that I got from Kit at the antique shop. It’s all about what life was like before the Blast. There are all these holidays that people used to celebrate...”

“Holiday?” Wyvern quipped with a smirk. “What is this ‘holiday’ of which you speak?”

Nick gave him a withering look. “We do still celebrate holidays, Wyvern.”

The winged man rolled his eyes. “Not any worth having, if you ask me. And it’s not like I even get any.”

“Anyway...” Nick just shook his head as Wyvern grinned. “It’s fascinating. There were all these seasonal rituals. Some holidays were celebrated worldwide, while others were more localized. Well, there was one major holiday that used to happen around this time that was very important in this part of the world especially. It was all about gathering family and friends and loved ones together and having a huge dinner. It was in celebration of everything that people were thankful for and was a time to just enjoy being with the ones they cared about.”

Wyvern smiled, a wistful look on his handsome face. “It sounds delightful. And perfect for what you want to do.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

“So, you want to celebrate this holiday.”

“Yes, I do.”

“All right. What do you need?”

“Getting everyone together isn’t a problem. It’s easy to get the team around the table, particularly if there’s a copious amount of food being offered. But I want it to be special. And I want to surprise them.”

Wyvern rubbed his fingers over his smooth chin. “You’ll definitely need to work with Socrates, then, since he’ll need to prepare most of the food. I think I can help get some of the dishes provided for you, though.”

“That would be a big help. Thanks.” Nick’s gaze met Wyvern’s and his face warmed. He was embarrassed about the next part. “There’s something else I need your help with. As well as I know Zander, there are still things that I’m totally clueless about. I don’t know what he likes to eat.”

“Zander?” Wyvern laughed. “Everything.”

“Wyvern, I’m serious.”

“So am I. The man eats anything.”

Nick huffed an irritated sigh. “I know he will eat anything that gets put in front of him. For heaven’s sake, I share almost every meal with him. But what does he enjoy? What does he like most?”

Wyvern nodded his understanding. “He likes Socrates’ chili. But he gets that all the time.” His expression changed into a pensive, pouty frown as he thought for a minute. “You know, I’m not sure.”

Nick was crestfallen. “You can’t think of anything? You’ve known him for years. You dated him!”

“Nick. Honey. Have you ever known Zander Pennington to be forthcoming with personal information?”

Nick pouted. “No.”

“No. Stuff like that can usually only be obtained by forcibly dragging it from the man. And you have to wade through his reluctance and prickly cynicism to get to it in the first place.”

“This isn’t going to work.” Nick sighed, feeling defeated. “I should just forget it.”

Wyvern dragged his chair over next to Nick’s and wrapped an arm around his shoulders in a hug. “Don’t give up, sweetie. I know that Zander will appreciate the gesture regardless of what gets served to him. Besides, he’s completely and utterly smitten with you, so he’ll love anything that you do. I mean— Oh!”

Nick jumped at Wyvern’s sudden outburst. “What?”

“Hasselback potatoes!”

“Um... What?”

Wyvern grinned. “Zander adores hasselback potatoes.”

“All right. What are they?”

“They’re baked potatoes but sliced not quite all the way through before they go into the oven. You can dress them up just like any other baked potato. They’re scrumptious.”

“You’ve had them?”

Wyvern shrugged. “Zander made one for me once. Being a former potato farmer, he knows a lot about them.”

“Zander cooked for you?”

“Oh, sweetie, you have to get over this jealousy you harbor over me and Zander being a thing. We all have a past. Or are you going to try to tell me that you have no history with anyone?” Nick shook his head and Wyvern continued. “Zander and I aren’t just history, we’re ancient history. He’s so much better off with you. And don’t get too put off by him cooking for me. Honestly, he can’t cook anything besides potatoes. So, it’s really not all that impressive.”

Nick gave Wyvern a sheepish smile. “Sorry.”

Wyvern’s fingers combed through Nick’s unruly hair, brushing it out of his eyes. “No worries. And I mean that. You have nothing to worry about where Zander is concerned.”

Ducking his head, Nick smiled. Then he gazed up into Wyvern’s smiling eyes. “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“What do you like most?”

“I’m looking at him.”

“Wyvern...”

He chuckled. “I like anything sweet.”

“Is that why you like me so much?”

“Yes. Most definitely.”

“So, what’s your favorite?”

“I already answered that question.” Wyvern leaned in close and nuzzled into the warm hollow of Nick’s neck. “Mmm... You smell fantastic.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake...”

Wyvern laughed softly but didn’t pull away. “Flirtation is my life, my work, my every day, dear Nick. And you’re so much fun to flirt with.”

Nick smiled and flattened a palm against Wyvern’s chest, pushing him back gently but firmly. “It’s no wonder why I have to keep reassuring Zander that there’s nothing between us when you do things like that in public.”

The flippant wave of Wyvern’s hand and his unconcerned half-smile indicated that he wasn’t worried about anything. “The Zan man needs to learn how to let things go and just have some fun.”

Nick grinned. “I’ll work on him.”

Wyvern grinned back. “Yes, please!”

“So, you’ll come to dinner?”

“Is that a trick question? Just try to keep me away! When?”

“Thursday.”

“Ooh. That’s not a lot of time. We better get started.” He stared blankly down at the table as he began ticking items off with his fingers. “I need to get to the bakery, and the store, and hit up Margie for those fabulous little bacon tart things, and—”

“Wyvern.” Nick smiled as Wyvern turned to him with his dark brows raised in question. Nick leaned in and pecked a kiss on Wyvern’s cheek. “Thank you.”

Wyvern blushed and smiled. “Anytime, honey.”

~*~

“Nick’s planning something,” Al said, her gaze diverting past Zander’s shoulder as she watched her mechanic slip into the kitchen and try not to be noticed.

Zander gave her an irritated glare from his chair on the other side of her desk. “I know.”

“What is it?”

He shrugged. “No idea.”

“You’re not in on it?”

“Nope.”

She smiled. “That’s so sweet. He’s planning a surprise for you.”

His scowl deepened. “What makes you think it’s for me? Maybe it’s for you.”

“Really, Zan?” She tilted her head, her lips quirking up in amusement. “He’s your boyfriend. Why wouldn’t the surprise be for you?”

“My boyfriend?”

“Well, isn’t he?”

“What am I—twelve years old?”

“You really want me to answer that?”

He shot her a narrow-eyed, withering look.

“What, then? What is Nick to you, Zander?”

“You know what he is to me. You’ve even heard me say it.” He clenched his jaw tightly and continued scowling as his gaze dropped to the floor.

“Why can’t you admit it?” she asked gently. “There’s nothing wrong with loving him.”

“I’m still not comfortable with it.”

“Why not?”

He glared at her. “Why do you think?”

“You’re scared,” she answered right away.

“I am not.”

“You are. You’re afraid that he’ll somehow come to the realization that you’re not good enough for him. You’re still afraid that he’ll reject you.”

“Ridiculous nonsense,” he grumbled stubbornly.

“Fine. Deny it. But I think that you’re ridiculous for harboring these doubts. Especially when anyone with eyes can see how much Nick truly cares for you.”

Slumping in his chair, Zander crossed his arms and pouted. “I hate surprises.”

“Oh, get over yourself, Pennington. Learn to be a little gracious, will you?”

“He seems to be going to a lot of trouble.”

She smiled. “Indeed. So show some appreciation.”

Zander sighed. “He doesn’t need to prove anything to me.”

“Maybe he’s not trying to prove anything, Zan. Sometimes people just do nice things for each other.”

He thought for a minute. “I wish he wouldn’t.”

“Why?”

“I don’t deserve it.”

She shook her head. “Nick is so, so good for you, and you don’t even see it. I hope, for your sake, that some of his optimism rubs off on you. You need it.” She snatched up her pencil and dragged her log book in front of her. “We need to discuss the quarterly mine production data. Think you can handle that?”

He nodded, still frowning at the floor. His mind wasn’t on production data or melihtelite or anything related to business at all. It was firmly fixated on Nick. More importantly, his brain rolled around and around the single most terrifying possibility that he could contemplate, forming a hard lump of uncertainty deep within his core. If he messed this up, if he hurt Nick, then he might decide that Zander wasn’t worth his time and trouble. Despite all assurances and claims to the contrary, Nick might decide to leave. That was what Zander was ultimately afraid of. He was horrified by the thought of having to learn how to live without Nick. He didn’t honestly think that he could.

~*~

It was Thursday. Finally. He’d been sneaking around all week, avoiding anything more than casual conversation with his partner so he didn’t accidentally say something about his big holiday dinner. Socrates had been cooking up a storm for days, lying through his white teeth anytime someone asked why he was making so much food. And Nick and Wyvern had spent so much time together running errands that it was a wonder why no one had asked when Nick and Zander broke up.

But everything was in place. The table was set, Socrates was putting the finishing touches on the food, and Nick had gathered and arranged every single candle he could find around the ranch on every surface of the dining room. If that whole corner of the house didn’t burn down, it would be a miracle. It looked so pretty, though. And Nick was ecstatic. He couldn’t have dreamed up a better implementation of his surprise if he tried. And he certainly couldn’t have done it without the help of his friends.

“Why, Nicodemus Massey...” The seductive purr preceded the proprietary embrace which wrapped around Nick’s abdomen from behind. “You look positively delectable this evening. I knew that color would look amazing on you.” Wyvern hummed his appreciation into Nick’s skin as he lifted up on his toes and nuzzled into Nick’s nape.

Huffing an embarrassed breath, Nick stepped away from his friend as his cheeks heated. He smoothed the front of his blue plaid shirt to give himself something to concentrate on other than Wyvern’s flirtation. “Thanks,” he mumbled. “I appreciate you helping me find something nice to wear.” Still flustered, he glanced up at Wyvern, his jaw dropping when he saw the man’s outfit. “Wow... You look...” He shook his head, speechless in wonder. “Wow.”

Pink dusted across Wyvern’s cheeks in an alluring blush and he bit his lip as he averted his gaze. Nick was used to seeing his friend in his tavern ‘uniform’ of black slacks and a crisp white shirt, with a necktie and vest. But tonight, he was wearing a pair of dark jeans that fit him like a glove, shiny black boots, an ivory shirt in fine linen, a deep blue silk waistcoat, and a bolo tie in black leather and silver, which matched his belt. “Thank you, honey.” He played with the long ends of his bolo. “I figured this was a special occasion so I better look the part.”

Nick smiled fondly at him. “You’re so beautiful.”

“Hey.” Wyvern narrowed his eyes in a smirking glare. “I’m supposed to be the town flirt.”

“So, I’m not allowed to admire an attractive man?”

Huffing a laugh, Wyvern grinned. “Admire away, handsome.” He stepped close and pressed his hand to Nick’s heart, lowering his voice to a barely audible murmur. “But you’re not making this very easy for a lonely boy with a hopeless crush.”

“Sorry, Wyvern,” Nick whispered, his heart aching over his friend’s wistful longing. “I love Zander.”

“I know.” Wyvern took a large step backward, forcing space between them. “And I’m not sorry about that at all. You two are so good for each other. I just... can’t seem to...” He frowned deeply.

Nodding his understanding, Nick changed the subject to spare Wyvern the difficult emotion. “Do we have everything now?”

Wyvern’s smile was relieved and his dark eyes glittered with fond appreciation of Nick’s tactful diversion. “Yeah. I just brought the final treats from the bakery in to Socrates. That was the last of it.”

“Thank you, Wyvern. Seriously. This wouldn’t have happened without you.” Nick started to step forward for a hug but stopped himself, not wanting to make things awkward.

“Oh, cripes, Nick...” Wyvern rolled his eyes and breached the distance himself, taking Nick into a tight embrace. “We’re friends and friends are allowed to hug.”

Nick laughed softly, his breath ruffling Wyvern’s black hair. “You’re my best friend. And you always will be. All right?”

Wyvern nodded against Nick’s chest and sniffled.

“If we’re ready, then it’s time to let everyone in on the secret feast. Have you seen Zander?”

Pulling back with a sigh, Wyvern shook his head. “Not since I saw him heading into town early this afternoon. I think he was going to the bank.”

“Oh, great.” Nick rolled his eyes. Trips to the bank always left his partner in the worst mood.

“Hey.” Wyvern shrugged. “This could be good for him. You could charm the rage right out of him.”

Nick rubbed at his temple. Why did today have to be a bank day? “I sure hope so.”

“Stay positive, sweetie.” Wyvern combed Nick’s wayward fringe out of his eyes. “You made sure everything’s perfect. I’m sure he’ll love it.”

“Thanks, Wyvern.” Nick’s apprehensive gaze drifted toward the door. As his nerves churned restlessly in his gut, he wandered back toward the kitchen. “I’m going to just ... check things. One more time.” He heard Wyvern chuckle as he stepped through the door but chose to ignore it. Everything had to be perfect today. Nothing was too good for his Zander.

~*~

Snarling under his breath, Zander stormed into the house, stomped loudly across the hardwood floor, and didn’t even close Al’s office door before he flung her log book at her across the desktop, ripped the wide-brimmed hat off his head, and slammed it to the floor in his fury. Then he paced back and forth across the office, seething and muttering to himself.

Al quietly slid the log book out of her way, folded her hands in front of her, and pulled out her most soothing tone. “I take it the trip into town was less than satisfactory?”

He whipped around, stalked to the desk, and jabbed a finger at her book as if it had personally offended him. “Those greedy vultures at the bank! They’re raising our mortgage rates!”

She frowned. “What? Why?”

“Mine production is up because of the improvements we’ve made, as you know. So they want a bigger cut, of course!”

“We’re being penalized for higher production?”

“They say that the value of the property has increased, so we have to pay higher rates to maintain that value. It’s ridiculous!” He slammed his palm against the desktop, rattling everything on it.

She rolled her eyes. “And what happens when production goes back down, as it will inevitably do? Will they lower our rates again?”

“I sure wouldn’t count on it.”

She sighed and rubbed her fingers over her brow. “Well, it is what it is, and there’s nothing we can do about it. We can absorb the additional overhead with little to no impact on anything else. I’m sorry that you had to deal with that, Zan.” She considered him for a minute. “Is that all that has you so upset?”

He opened his mouth to say something when someone else came into the office.

“Hey Al, have you seen... Oh. There you are.”

Zander whirled around, nostrils flaring, jaw clenched, his gaze icy and hard. Wyvern retreated into the hallway, his dark eyes wide with apprehension. “You!” Zander backed Wyvern against the wall.

Wyvern held up his hands to ward off Zander’s ire. “Calm down, man. Whatever it is that has you so angry, it can’t be—”

“You dare show your face around here?!”

“Listen, Zan, I don’t know what I did, but—”

“You don’t know?! Of course you don’t! You never think about what you’re doing! What other people see! All you ever care about is you!”

Wyvern blinked at him, looking completely bewildered. “Zander, I’m sure it’s not what you think.”

Zander crossed his arms over his chest and scowled. “Really? Then tell me. Tell me why I had to walk into the tavern for a drink and hear several people ask me what I did to Nick! Tell me why they think I’m a louse for ‘doing wrong by that sweet boy’ and sending Nick into the arms of another man! Tell me why the whole tavern saw the two of you cuddling up all cozy together at a table! And then I find you here! Where Nick is! You promised me, Wyvern! You promised that you wouldn’t go after him!”

Pushing hard off the wall, his wings flicking open with a metallic click, Wyvern glared at Zander and fought back. “I didn’t! It’s harmless flirtation! That’s all, Zander! That’s all it ever is! I’m a flirt! You know that! Nick’s my friend! And I’m attracted to him! But that’s all!”

“He’s been sneaking around here for days, and you’re obviously part of it! What’s going on?!”

Wyvern planted a palm square in the middle of Zander’s chest and shoved him backward. “It’s for you, you big, dumb jerk! It’s a surprise for you! And you’re ruining it!”

“Surprise?!” Zander gaped. “My whole day has been nothing but unpleasant surprises! The last thing I need right now is another stupid surprise!”

A stuttered hitch of breath carried from down the hall. Nick stood there, looking at Zander with hurt filling his eyes. He sighed, his shoulders slumping, and he hung his head. Then he turned and walked off without a word.

Wyvern gave Zander a heated glare. “You idiot!” Pushing past him, Wyvern took off after Nick. “Nick, wait!”

Zander stood there in the hall with his hands fisted at his sides, glaring at the floor and wishing that he didn’t feel like a complete waste of flesh. The disappointment in Nick’s eyes utterly gutted him and his heart ached terribly. He was a horrible person. Nick deserved so much better.

“Don’t just stand there and feel sorry for yourself, Pennington.” Al glared at him from the doorway of her office. She tossed her head in the direction in which Nick had gone. “Go fix this.”

“How?” Zander’s voice was small and he sounded defeated, even to his own ears.

“You could start by apologizing.”

Zander nodded slowly, struck dumb by how appalled he was at his own behavior. He walked down the hall, not looking at anything, terrified to admit that he was seeing his worst fear coming to life right before his eyes. “No,” he whispered, refusing to let his utter failure drag him down. He couldn’t let his irrational jealousy end it all like this. “No!” He ran. “Nick!” He nearly ran Wyvern over as he barreled around the corner. Catching his friend by the arms, Zander shook Wyvern slightly. “Where did he go?”

“I can’t find it in my heart to want to tell you.”

Zander lowered his head, ashamed. “Wyvern, please. I need to fix this.”

Wyvern sighed and gave Zander a glare. “I saw him heading for the outcropping. Now let me go. I have stuff to do.” He shook off Zander’s grip, turned on his heel, and stalked off into the dining room.

Zander bolted out of the house and sprinted across the empty fields to the rocky outcropping at the edge of the ranch. Racing around the corner of the alcove that he typically used as his own thinking spot, he found Nick huddled there with his long arms wrapped around his knees. Zander hunched over, bracing his hands on his thighs, and took great gulping lungfuls of air, trying to catch his breath. “Nick...”

Nick looked up at him and then averted his gaze again, curling himself in an even tighter ball. “I’m sorry.”

Zander’s jaw dropped in a wide gape as he continued to pant. He shook his head, but Nick didn’t see the motion.

“I’m sorry, Zander,” Nick said again, a bit louder. “I snuck around behind your back, spent time arranging something needlessly extravagant, and I didn’t even ask if you wanted it in the first place. I shouldn’t have done it. You even told me. You warned me that you hate surprises. And I did it anyway. I’m sorry.”

“Nick...” Zander wished so much that he could get more than one word out of his mouth before he needed to breathe again. He needed to tell Nick that it was all his fault. “Please...”

“I should have known,” Nick said with a shake of his head. “Me and my stupid Domer ideas.”

Zander dropped to his knees beside Nick and rested his hand on his shoulder. “Nicky... No. It’s me. I’m the one... who’s sorry.”

A frenetic staccato of beeps was all the warning Zander got before Newt descended upon him in a cacophony of righteous robotic indignation. The android zipped about Zander’s head, buzzing past his ears and face like an enraged wasp. Beepbeep! Chrrr dingding! Thrrt! Newt’s shiny aluminum brows were lowered in a scowl and he knocked his gripper against Zander’s skull.

“Ow! Newt! Cripes, that hurt!”

Peep! Chrrr...

“Don’t growl at me! I know I was a jerk, all right?” Zander rubbed at the top of his head where Newt had clocked him.

Beepbeepbeep!

“I already said I was sorry!”

Thrrt peep ding!

“Yeah, I know I don’t deserve him. You take much better care of Nick than I do.”

Dingding!

Zander rolled his eyes. “Rub it in, why don’t you?”

Nick suddenly snorted softly and Zander looked to see he had his hand over his mouth. The corners of his eyes were crinkled in mirth. Finally, he couldn’t seem to hold back his laughter any longer and it burst from him.

Zander glared at him. “What?”

“You just had a conversation with Newt.”

Zander frowned and then dropped his face into his hand, thoroughly embarrassed. “Oh, heavens. I did, didn’t I?”

Nick nodded, still grinning. “I thought that you didn’t understand that ‘noise’ he makes.”

“I must be hanging around you too much.” Zander smiled back at his partner. Then his face fell. “Look, Nicky, I really am sorry. I ruined your surprise.”

“Do you even know what it is?”

“Well... no.”

“Then you haven’t ruined anything.”

“But I did hurt your feelings. And my behavior was completely out of line.”

Nick shrugged. “You had a bad day. I get it.”

“I didn’t have to take it out on Wyvern, though. And I definitely never would have wished for you to hear it.”

“No one’s perfect, Zan.”

“I don’t even come close.” Zander sighed. “I haven’t lost you, then?”

Nick chuckled and turned his head to look at Newt, who had finally settled on Nick’s shoulder and calmed down. “Will you listen to this melodrama?” Newt made a low grumbling sound and gestured in a motion that amounted to the bot rolling his eyes. Nick looked back at Zander. “If relationships fell apart because someone was a jerk, then this world would be full of nothing but lonely single people. You think I’m writing you off just because you had a fit of temper? Come on, Zan. I know that you know me better than that.”

Zander hung his head and gave a small smile, feeling adequately chastened. “Sorry.”

Nick rose up on his knees, took Zander’s face in his hands, and kissed him. “Stop being sorry. It’s fine.” He stood and extended his hand, helping Zander up. “Come on. I want to show you before everyone else arrives.”

They went back to the house and Nick brought Zander straight into the dining room. The long, well-worn table and economical bench seats were the same as always, but the settings and decorations were much finer than Zander had ever seen before. There was actual china and silverware, linens and crystal goblets, and the embroidered runner lining the center was covered down the entire length with dishes heaped full of mouth-watering food. Candles flickered all over the room, lending a warm, intimate atmosphere.

“You did all of this?” Zander asked in a soft, awed voice.

Nick’s cheeks flushed. “I had lots of help.”

“Don’t let the modesty fool you, Zander,” the deep, rich voice of Socrates, the ranch’s long-time chef, rumbled behind them as he brought something in from the kitchen. “None of this would have happened without Nick.”

Zander turned around and caught sight of what Socrates had set down on the sideboard. His jaw dropped. “Is that a turkey?!”

Socrates’ wide grin gleamed brightly, a sharp contrast with his dark skin. “Sure is! Don’t know how the boy managed to get one, but...”

“It’s huge!”

“Gotta feed a whole gaggle of hungry men, Zan,” Socrates said. “And Al.”

Zander reached up to squeeze Socrates’ massively-muscled shoulder. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

Socrates shook his head and then tossed it in Nick’s direction. “Thank him. I just cooked what he told me to.” With another smile, Socrates retreated to the kitchen and left Nick and Zander alone.

Zander turned his look of awe on his partner. “You...” He shook his head. “I have no words.”

Nick was looking at the floor, his cheeks red. He bit his lip, looking uncertain. “There used to be a holiday. Before the Blast. Family and friends all got together and had a huge feast with all the trimmings. They celebrated what they were most thankful for in their lives.” With his head still bowed, Nick glanced up at Zander. “I’m thankful for you. And Al and Wyvern and Newt and Socrates and Kit and everyone else. I never had a family until I came here to Firebend. So I want to celebrate this holiday with all of you and say thank you for everything.”

The breath left Zander’s lungs in a loud rush. He looked at Nick with regret in his eyes. “I am such a complete idiot for making you feel bad about this. By all rights, you should kick me out for my stupidity.”

Nick smiled. “Not when I had Socrates go to the trouble of making your favorite dish.”

Zander frowned and his gaze swept the length of the table. Then his eyes widened and a little squeak of shock fell from his lips. “Hasselback potatoes? How did you—? Who told you?”

“Wyvern.”

Zander sighed. “I need to apologize to him too.”

“Yes, you do.” Wyvern strolled into the room, giving Zander a pointed look. “But let’s save it. I’ve got a hoard of salivating beasts out in the hall, about ready to break down the door. Let’s eat now and grovel over dessert.”

“Wyvern...” Zander tried apologizing anyway.

Wyvern shook his head. “Later. Nick and Socrates worked too hard on this to let it get cold and go to waste.”

Zander rushed over and pulled Wyvern into a hug. “Thank you.”

Wyvern hugged him back and then stepped away, ruffling Zander’s hair and giving him a radiant smile. “We care about you and want to make you happy. Now, go thank your sweet boy over there. This was all his doing.”

Zander smiled, turned, and went back to Nick, wrapping his arms around his waist and rising on his toes to give him a kiss. “Thank you, Nicky. I don’t know what else to say.”

Nick grinned and rested their foreheads together. “I don’t need anything else. Just enjoy it. That’s all I want.”

The room erupted in boisterous din as Wyvern ushered in Al, Kit, and all the ranch staff. There were gasps of approval and hearty thanks tossed across the room to Socrates, where he leaned by the kitchen door with his arms crossed over his broad chest. Socrates just grinned and deflected them all to Nick.

Kit, the elderly proprietor of the town’s antique shop, and the only person in the room old enough to have actually celebrated the holiday that Nick had resurrected, went to his young friend and wrapped him in an embrace. “Well done, my boy! I haven’t seen a Thanksgiving spread like this since I was younger than you are! And there’s even apple pie! That’s my favorite! I’m very impressed.”

“I tried to include everyone’s favorite dishes,” Nick said, his cheeks coloring with his friend’s praise. “I’m glad that you like it.”

“All right, pipe down!” Al called, standing at the head of the table. She waited for everyone to take a seat. “Before you stuff your faces, I want to thank Nick for arranging this.” She lifted her glass of wine in Nick’s direction. “Nick, we really aren’t worth this much effort, but we’ll appreciate it nonetheless. Thank you for sharing this with us.”

Everyone around the table lifted their glasses and cheered.

Nick smiled, his face reddening all the way to his hairline. “I wanted to do something to thank all of you for your hospitality, your guidance, and your friendship. When I read about this holiday and the reasons behind it, I knew it was what I wanted to share with you to show my appreciation for taking me into your family.”

“And a fine holiday feast it is!” Kit exclaimed.

The others agreed with hearty applause and emphatic nods.

Zander added his concurrence and then tilted his head, looking over Nick’s shoulder with an amused half-smile curling his lips. “What the—? Newt does realize that he’s a robot and doesn’t eat, right?”

Everyone looked at the android. He was hovering near the sideboard with a fork clutched in one gripper and a knife in the other one. Laughter shook the room. Nick held out his hand to Newt and the bot landed in his palm. He brought Newt up close to his face. “What are you doing, bud?”

Squeetsqueet!

Nick raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never heard you make that sound before.”

A roar of laughter came from across the table, where Kit was clutching at his stomach. “I haven’t heard that expression in decades!”

“What are you talking about, Kit?” Zander asked.

“My mother would call us to dinner with that,” Kit explained. “It’s short for ‘let’s go eat’. ‘Squeet.’” He laughed again. “I wholeheartedly agree, Newt! Let’s eat!”

Everyone laughed again.

Nick sat back with a smile, just watching everyone dig in, looking content and happy.

“You should join us, love.” Zander pecked a kiss to his partner’s cheek as he slid a potato onto his plate for him.

Nick smiled his thanks, his cheeks pink in a beautiful blush. “It’s everything I wanted,” he murmured. “Everyone I care about is here, celebrating together. It’s... perfect.”

Zander wrapped his arm around him and nuzzled into his soft hair. “You really got all of this out of a book?”

“From a few books...”

“Are there any other holidays worth resurrecting where I get to stuff myself with more food than I’ve seen in a year?”

Nick laughed and nodded. “Several.”

“Can I have hasselback potatoes for them too?”

“You can have them whenever you want.”

Zander pressed close once more and kissed Nick again. “Happy whatever this holiday is called.”

Nick laughed. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Zan.”