Finding Heaven

Finding Heaven

Chapter Three

XXXXXX

Destin shifted trying to pull the blanket over his head. He couldn’t figure it out, but his head kept ringing and it was driving him insane. Realizing it was the phone, Destin reached out to grab it. It took him a few seconds to clear his voice enough to speak. “Hello?”

“There are aspirins in the cabinet in the bathroom,” Armand informed him. Destin muttered something as he set the phone down and stumbled out of the bed. Crossing the hotel room he stumbled into the bathroom to find the aspirins. After downing them he moved to turn on the water before stepping into the shower.

After standing under the water for nearly an hour, Destin finally washed up and getting out he wrapped himself into a towel. Heading back into his room he was surprised to see the phone off the hook and picking it up he listened surprised to find Armand still on it.

“How long have you been waiting?” Destin asked; he felt stupid for leaving the man on the phone.

“Since I called you; fifty two minutes ago.” Armand said; his voice didn’t sound upset. “I was calling because I forgot to ask last night if you’d like to go out onto my yacht this weekend.”

“Um… yeah that would be cool.” Destin replied, closing his eyes. “

“I make an ass out of myself last night?”

“No you didn’t.” Armand replied. “You’ll need to get something things for the trip; I’ll have someone come take you around.”

“I can shop on my own,” Destin muttered sitting down.

“All right, you’ll need deck shoes and shorts, and some warm sweaters. If you have to you can ask I’ll make sure that Gates knows where to take you.”

“Gates?” Destin asked as he fettled with the phone cord.

“My driver, he’ll take you around, does tomorrow morning work for you?” Armand asked.

“Yes, that’s fine.” Destin replied; he heard Armand say goodbye and hanging up the phone he went to get dressed. Once dressed he decided that he didn’t feel like eating, so going to the kitchen he started coffee. He realized that the last thing he wanted to do was leave the room.

Grabbing a cup of coffee Destin went into the main room where he cuddled into the sofa and flicked the TV on. He figured it couldn’t hurt to veg for the day. Clicking through channels he wondered what Armand was doing of if the man took time out for lunch.

Flicking the TV off Destin stood and wandered back into the kitchen. The least he could do was make sure the man eat something. Digging through the stuff that he had requested from the kitchen, Destin put together two sandwiches and some fruit. Grabbing his stuff and his impromptu lunch he headed out of the hotel room. He went to the elevator and pushing the button he shifted from foot to foot.

Boarding the elevator he pushed the button for the offices and waited. It didn’t take more then a few minutes and he stepped out his eyes scanning the room to pause on a woman behind a desk. Destin walked over, trying very hard to look like he had an idea of what the hell he was doing.

“May I help you?” The woman asked.

“Has Armand had lunch yet?” Destin asked quietly, he felt his cheeks warm as she watched him. “I’m Destin, I um…”

“No,” She grinned, “Armand hasn’t had lunch yet and if you wait for a minute I’ll let him know you’re here.”

“Thank you.” Destin said moving to sit down in a chair. He let his eyes scan the room, stopping on the other doors in the area. He wasn’t sure what all the other doors were for, but swung back around when one of the doors opened and watched as Armand stepped out with another man.

“I still think this is very unfair,” The man all but hissed at Armand.

“Next time you should think of that, before asking for my help and then defaulting.” Armand shrugged a smirk on his face.

“You’re going to knock down my hotel!” The man said, while his voice was low, Destin could tell the man wanted to yell.

“It’s in my way,” Armand shrugged, as he glanced around the area, his eyes stopping on Destin. “Excuse me.”

“Hey,” Destin said as he stood. He could see Armand raise an eyebrow at him as the man that Armand had been with storm by.

“What are you doing here?” Armand asked looking down at the boy.

“I um…” Destin shrugged slightly, “I figured that since I left you hanging on the phone, that you most likely missed lunch so I came down to have lunch with you.”

“I see,” Armand said with a slight frown. “I don’t really have time to order anything, but I suppose I could have Mrs. Tate run and get something.”

“Oh no,” Destin said, glancing at the woman. “I bought something.”

“Really?” Armand’s eyebrow rose again.

“Yeah, it’s nothing fancy really, just some sandwiches and all.” Destin shrugged again, he dropped his gaze from the man’s brown eyes.

“Well then,” Armand smirked at the boy, his eyes going to Mrs. Tate where the woman was smiling. “Come into my office.”

“’Kay,” Destin said, following the man into the office. He made his way over to the low table that sat between a set of chairs and a sofa. Kneeling down he started to pull things out. “It’s not much, but it’s lunch.”

Armand made a noncommittal noise as he watched the boy. “Wine?”

“No,” Destin said a little fast, and grinned as he blushed. “no thank you, I brought water.”

“Alright,” Armand said, as he took one of the chairs. He kept his eyes on Destin as the boy handed him a sandwich, watching as the boy fidget slightly. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Destin said staying where he was kneeling. He pulled his ham and cheese apart, knowing that Armand was slowly eating his. “I feel like I should apologize.”

“For?” Armand asked.

“Last night, I don’t really remember what happened,” Destin shrugged slightly as he moved to grab a couple grapes.

“Nothing to apologize for, Destin,” Armand said softly, he saw the boy glance up at him. Destin nodded slightly before going back to his sandwich.

For several long minutes they ate in silence.

“So,” Armand started; his eyes on the boy across from him. He saw Destin glance up at him before the boy dropped his eyes again. “what are your plans for the rest of today?”

“I was thinking of heading back to lie down,” Destin shrugged slightly, “my head still hurts some.”

“Ah I see,” Armand replied, sitting back as he watched the boy clean up the slight mess. Armand showed him out and Destin headed back to the room.

XXXXX

Destin stepped out of the hotel, his eyes scanning the street in front of him. His eyes stopped on the limo seeing the man standing by the back door watching him. He smiled slightly as he moved towards the man, seeing the driver raise an eyebrow at him.

“Hey,” Destin said, but stopped when the man didn’t answer. “You are Gates right?”

“Yes sir, please get into the car,” Gates said as relief washed across the boy’s face. It was hard to keep from smiling, but his lips twitched as Destin climbed into the back. Settling in, Destin glanced around, a smile coming to his face. His smile fades slightly as thoughts of the night before came to him.

He still felt as if something happened that was just on the surface of his memory. But he couldn’t remember and Armand had said there was nothing to apologize for. He just wished he could remember what they talked about after Armand had told him about himself.

“We’re here,” Gates said as he opened the door. Nodding Destin pulled his bag closer to himself before getting out. He glanced around before looking at the driver again.

“I need to go into there?” Destin asked softly, he glanced over to see the man nod. Destin looked back at the huge store front and with a small sigh headed towards it. He paused by the door to look back towards the limo and the man standing beside it.

Destin took another deep breath before entering the store. His eyes wide as he looked around the huge store and suddenly felt very overwhelmed by it all. “Can I help you?”

“I um…” Destin turned to the woman, his cheeks turning pink. “I’m going out on a yacht this weekend and have nothing to um… wear.”

“Are you Destin?” She asked, a smile coming to her face as Destin’s blush darkened and he nodded. “Mr. Riesel called, he wanted to make sure you got everything you needed, I’m Nat, and I’ll be helping you.”

“Okay,” Destin said following after her.

“Well start with the shoes,” she said glancing at him. “what size are you?”

“Um a six,” Destin said softly. He paused in the shoe isle and his eyes widened as he looked over the shoes. He glanced over as the woman came back carrying a pair of tan and white canvas deck shoes.

“Here try these on,” she said as she handed them to him. Destin sat down to pull his boots off and pull on the shoes; he was surprised to see that they fit perfectly and smiled up at her. “Okay next is clothing, during the day it might get pretty warm on the yacht.”

“Alright,” Destin said, as he slipped his boots back on. Following her he watched as she showed him several things he needed, only to have his eyes widen at the prices. “This stuff is really expensive.” Destin whispered.

“Not really,” Nat said; her eyes surprised before she went back to picking out things she figured that would suit the boy. Destin just stood watching wondering if he could get the stuff cheaper at one of the discount stores. There was no reason to pay nearly a hundred dollars for a pair of shoes.

“I don’t really need all that stuff, he said it was only two days,” Destin said softly as the woman continued to put things over her arm.

“There will be stops, you’ll need different outfits to wear,” she said moving towards a different section and Destin paused when he saw where she was going. “you need something nice and formal to wear for dinners out.”

“True,” Destin said shaking his head, “but I don’t think Armand would like to see me in a dress.”

“Oh um…” Nat trailed off looking embarrassed.

“Unless, Armand has that type of fetish?” Destin asked, seeing the woman shake her head no.

“No, but you really don’t seem the suit type,” Nat paused with a frown. “I do have a couple things, um in the young woman’s section, because um well it will fit you better.”

Destin looked at the woman, seeing she was terrible embarrassed by it. With a small sigh he nodded and followed her towards where she was heading. While he wasn’t exactly thrilled about wearing girls clothing, he also knew that half the time the stuff fit his frame better.

“This should work,” she replied holding out an outfit. Destin nodded, his eyes scanning the area only to pause on the woman’s undergarments. A blush covered his face, as he glanced back at the sales woman was watching him. Muttering something he followed after her.

XXXXX

Armand stood outside the doorway to the penthouse suite with his head cocked to the side as he listened. In his hands he held a pink moth orchid that he had seen and thought that Destin would like. Now though he wasn’t sure he wanted to enter the room. With another frown he muttered to himself about the noise.

“Its Pink sir,” one of the bellboys said and Armand looked over him with a raise eyebrow.

“What? Of course the flowers are pink,” Armand replied his frown deepening into displeasure.

“No sir, the music is Pink,” the bellboy said, “I believe the song is, Lets get this party started.”

“Oh,” Armand nodded; he took a deep breath before moving to enter the room. The noise was even more deafening inside the room then it had been in the hallway and for a minute Armand imagined partying teenagers trashing his hotel room.

What he found was Destin in a pair of shorts and a tee shirt bopping along with the music as the boy sorted a box of something. He wasn’t exactly sure how long he had stood there before the song ended and he cleared his throat seeing the boy jump.

“Sorry, oh god, was the music to loud?” Destin asked feeling his ears burn. He flicked the music off as the next song started his eyes on Armand. He could see the man looked angry and for a second through he was going to get tossed out.

“The music is fine I guess,” Armand said shaking his head. “but you shouldn’t have it quite that loud, but since you’re the only one up here.”

“Okay,” Destin grinned slightly, “what’s with the moth orchid?”

“Oh, um I thought you might like it,” Armand said holding it out to him. Destin crossed the room to slowly take the plant from Armand.

“Thanks,” Destin said; his voice soft as he glanced around the room to find a place to put it.

“Everything go okay with the shopping?” Armand inquired as he trailed behind the boy. He saw Destin glance at him over his shoulder.

“Yeah, it went great.” Destin grinned. He placed the orchid on the table that lead out to the patio before he turned back to Armand. “Thank you for the orchid, it’s very beautiful.”

“You’re welcome,” Armand replied softly; his eyes moving back towards the box that Destin had been digging in. “what’s with the box?”

“Oh, um, stuff,” Destin said moving towards the box, “a friend of mine had kept it for me, and I swung by to get it today. Nothing much, just CDs, couple of books, just things.”

“Ah,” Armand said, his eyes moving down the boy’s body, he was unable to pull his eyes away from the pale smooth skin of the boy’s legs. He watched as those legs shifted, and glancing up he saw the boy was staring at the floor his face red. “sorry.”

“It’s okay…” Destin shrugged one shoulder; he wasn’t sure what to say. He wasn’t sure if the butterflies in his stomach were because Armand made him nervous or if it was something else. He looked up to meet Armand’s eyes seeing that the man’s had drifted back down to his legs.

“I should go, I just wanted to drop of the orchid,” Armand said; his eyes moving back up the boy’s body.

“Oh okay,” Destin said watching him. “thank you again, for the orchid.”

“You’re welcome, I’ll see you later in the week,” Armand said moving towards the doorway. He knew if he stayed he wouldn’t get his eyes away from the naked expanse of the boy’s legs. He had always had a thing for legs, and Destin had a very nice set of them.

“Okay,” Destin said as he followed the man to the door. He smiled up at Armand as the man stopped at the door to turn back to him.

“Are you set for the yacht?” Armand asked quietly.

“Yes, everything I need, Mr. Gates was very helpful, thanks,” Destin said with another smile.

“Good,” Armand nodded once before heading out the door. Destin watched him go before he turned back to the area where he had been sorting his stuff. It was stuff from the orphanage, at least what he was able to get out after being kicked out.

He walked back over figuring he could toss most of it out, but was sad to think of throwing the stuff away. Moving to put the stuff back into the box, he carried it into the room he was staying. He placed it onto the credenza, before glancing around the room. The books from the library sat on the bedside table seemingly mocking him. He had only looked at them for a second since getting them.

Crossing over he crawled up onto the bed as he reached over to grab the book on the top. He grabbed the gay Kama sutra, his fingers running over the book cover. Flipping the book open he was slow to look through the pictures, his eyes widening and he could feel his face heat.

He wasn’t sure some of those positions were actually possible, well maybe, if Armand was strong enough. Not that he weighed all that much, and Armand did look strong. Closing his eyes he tried to imagine him and Armand doing some of the things in the book, and found that his face heated up even more. There was no doubt in his mind that he found Armand unbelievably attractive.

Closing the book Destin moved to place it back onto the bedside table. He moved towards the bathroom, his body still felt funny, but he also knew that there was nothing he could do about it, he had tried. But found that nothing worked and figured it was because he really didn’t understand arousal or sex.

XXXXX

Armand leaned back into his seat, his mind on the boy he had just left. He glanced up at Gates as the man concentrated on driving the limo. The man hadn’t said anything since they had left the hotel. He knew that the man would have said something if something didn’t seem right. “Gates?”

“Yes sir?” Gates answered, the man glancing back at him.

“Other then shopping, where did you take Destin today?” Armand asked his voice quiet.

“A small diner on the outskirts of town,” Gates replied; his glanced at Armand again. “He was in there only five minutes, there is no way he could have done something wrong.”

“I see,” Armand muttered turning his attention to the passing scenery. He knew he was still in the whole getting to know faze, but it was hard to get the boy and his legs out of his head.

“Sir, are you having second thoughts?” Gates inquired softly.

“No,” Armand said, “no, not at all.”

“I like him,” Gate said causing Armand to look at him.

“What?” Armand asked leaning forward slightly to peer closer at his driver.

“The boy, Destin, I like him, he seems down to earth.” Gates said turning his attention back to the road. Armand stared at the man, but didn’t comment. It was the first time that Gates had said anything about any of his lovers or potential lovers. And since he held the man’s opinion in high regards a smile crossed his face.

“I do too, Gates, I do too,” Armand grinned as the car came to a stop outside of his mansion. Getting out he nodded to his driver before heading in. entering his office, Armand dropped down behind his desk, moving to check his messages.

“Armand?” Margaret said softly as she stuck her head into the room. “I brought tea.”

“Thanks,” Armand said as she crossed the room to set the tea on the desk. She looked at him for several minutes before turning and leaving the room. Armand glanced up as she left the room before he glanced at the tea that she always brought him.

XXXXX

Destin was crossing the hotel room, a slight frown on his face as he thought about the past few days. Apparently Armand had gotten extremely busy and he was no longer sure that the man was still going to take him sailing. Armand had already canceled two of their dinner plans. He jumped slightly as there was a bang at the door, moving to press himself against the wall beside his door, Destin watched the main door.

His eyes widened as the door opened and Armand entered looking like he hadn’t slept in several days. He must have made some noise because the man’s bloodshot brown eyes snapped to him. Destin kept his back to the wall as Armand drew nearer, preying that the man couldn’t hear his racing heart. After several seconds of silence, Destin chanced to look up. Armand was towering over him, the man’s eyes locked onto his face. He swallowed as he watched the intensity in those eyes.

“You’re up awful late,” Armand said his voice low and scratchy.

“I was…” Destin swallowed again as he dropped his eyes. “I was heading into the bathroom.”

“I see,” Armand replied, he watched as the boy fidgeted in the darken hotel room. He had planned to do nothing more then to slip into the room for a couple hour of sleep. But he had seen Destin pressed against the wall looking quite submissive. Leaning he took a deep breath inhaling the boy’s scent. A grin curved his mouth as the smell of sandalwood and roses filled him, reminding him of sunshine.

“Armand?” Destin said softly, as his eyes feel shut. A shutter running up his back as Armand’s hot wet tongue ran up the tendon in his neck. “I have to use the bathroom.”

Armand pulled back, allowing Destin the room to slip by him. He watched as the boy bolted into the bathroom. A frown found his face, Destin’s smell intrigued it, it was fresh and clean and not something he associated with most of the males he dated. Shaking his head he turned and headed into the master suite.

XXXXX

Armand looked up as a tousled sleepy Destin exited the bedroom, he watched as the boy paused to look at him, Destin’s cheeked pinking before he moved towards the bathroom. Armand waited until the water started before he went back to his coffee with a satisfied smirk on his face. Several minutes later Destin came out of the bathroom with a robe tightly around himself. Sitting down at the table, he grabbed coffee before glancing up at Armand.

“Morning, Destin,” Armand said.

“Morning,” Destin replied, his voice barely above a whisper. Armand watched as the boy drank his coffee and avoided looking at him.

“Are you packed to go?” Armand asked; he saw Destin glance up at him, the redhead eyes wide. “We can be to the marina around ten and then have dinner at Martha’s Vineyard.”

“I wasn’t sure we were still going,” Destin shrugged slightly, his eyes going to the door when someone knocked. Getting up Armand opened the door to room service; he noted that Destin was staring at the table top; the boy’s cheeks were pink.

“Are you all right?” Armand asked as soon as the waiter left the room.

“Fine,” Destin replied as he pulled the robe closer around himself. He picked at his meal before excusing himself to go get dressed and finish packing. Once finished Destin carried his two small begs into the living area.

“Ready?” Armand asked; he nodded to the bellboy, his eyes still on Destin.

“Yes,” Destin replied as they followed the bellboy out, Armand closed the hotel room door, his eyes wondering down to the boy’s backside as Destin waited for the elevator. Destin was wearing a pair of tight faded blue jeans and a light blue shirt.

Entering the elevator, Destin glanced at Armand very aware of how the man was watching him. He dropped his eyes to the floor. Sometimes the intensity of how Armand looked at him scared him. They crossed the lobby and walked out onto the street. Destin kept only half an eye on Armand, knowing the man was behind him.

The trip to the marina was quiet; Destin glanced up as the yachts came into view. His eyes widening as he looked at all the different styles. He could hardly wait as the limo came to a stop, once the vehicle stopped, Destin didn’t wait for Gates to open the door but got out, bouncing on his feet.

Destin glanced back to see Armand was still watching him, on his face was a half formed smile. Not sure which yacht was Armand’s; the boy looked out over the marina. He only half listened as their bags were unloaded and taking his Destin smiled at Gates before following after Armand.

“Oh wow,” Destin whispered as Armand moved towards one of the yachts. “It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Armand said with a small grin. He loved to sail, but he hadn’t had a whole lot of luck with his lovers and his boat. Most of his lovers weren’t into being out on the open sea as much as wanting to tan and lay around. “I bought it just after I opened my first hotel.”

“Oh,” Destin grinned as they boarded the yacht. “Are you going to teach me to sail?”

“No, the Autumn Wind has a crew of five,” Armand said surprised that Destin had asked. He paused on deck letting his eyes scan his boat. “I’ll introduce you to the captain though.”

“All right,” Destin laughed as he bounced in pleasure, happy to be out and experiencing something new. He saw a tall man coming towards them, a grin split his face.

“Captain,” Armand started as he shook the man’s hand.

“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Riesel,” the captain answered with a smile.

“I’d like to introduce Destin Rarry,” Armand watched as the captain’s eyes went to the boy; he also saw the slight raising of the man’s eyebrow.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rarry,” the man said.

“Destin,” Destin said smiling, “and its good to meet you too.”

“Destin,” the captain said glancing at Armand before he looked back at the bouncing redhead. “Would you like to see the bridge?”

“Would I?” Destin looked at Armand to see a rare smile on the man’s face. He couldn’t help but beam at the man, he found Armand’s smile breathtaking.

“I’ll take the bags to our room, and then meet you on the bridge,” Armand said taking the bags from Destin.

“Are you sure?” Destin asked, not sure if he should be letting Armand carry his bag.

“I am, go,” Armand replied as he moved away, he heard the captain speaking with Destin before he heard them start moving. He found that part of the weight in his chest has loosened some. It was nice to see the boy so enthusiastic about being on the yacht. Setting the bags down on the bed in the master suite, Armand let his eyes scan the area. He and Destin would be sharing a bed, even through the boy didn’t know that yet.

He wanted to keep Destin close, incase anything happened. Besides he wanted a chance to see the boy sleep, knowing that a sleepy warm Destin would be hard to resist. Stretching slightly he let all the worries from the past couple weeks drain from his mind and body. Turning he headed up to the bridge, pausing in the doorway as he watched Destin listen intensely to what the captain was saying.

“Quite the bundle of energy you’ve got there,” Armand turned to the woman that had spoken.

“Yes he is,” Armand said softly so not to interrupt the boy.

“Where ever did you find him?” the woman asked bringing Armand’s eyes back to her.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Armand grinned, seeing surprise come to the woman’s face. He turned back to the captain and Destin to see them watching him. “Destin, would you like to watch them launch?”

“Heck yeah,” Destin said as he followed Armand out, he only glanced at the woman as she smiled at him. Once they were standing by the railing Destin couldn’t help it as his eyes widened, he glanced over to where Armand was standing next to him. The man looked more relaxed then Destin had ever seen him.

Armand couldn’t hide the smile on his face as he watched Destin. He wanted to reach out and touch the hair that was moving with the sea breeze. He loved the look on the boys face, seeing awe in the slivery green eyes. As they cleared the marina to the open sea Armand watched as the breeze picked up, and he saw Destin shiver slightly. Shifting so he stood behind the boy he wrapped his arms around the boy reaching down to link hands.

“This is amazing,” Destin said wrapping the arms tighter around him and relaxed against the warm chest. He glanced up at the man standing behind him. “Thank you for bringing me.”

XXXXX

Destin looked out over the open water; he knew they would be back into Boston harbor in another couple hours. While he was sad that the weekend was almost over, he would be glad to get back. He looked over to where Armand was sitting across from him, a blush coming to his cheeks. While he shared a bed with the man, nothing had happen other then him being held.

“Are you okay?” Armand asked seeing the boy nod. “I really enjoyed this weekend Destin.”

“So did I,” Destin smiled, as he picked at his fruit.

“I was thinking, if you would like, I want you to move in with me,” Armand said; he watched the boy’s reaction.

“Um,” Destin dropped his eyes; he wasn’t sure what to say. He very much wanted to move out of the hotel, but wasn’t sure if he was ready to live with Armand.

“It a big house,” Armand said seeing eyes come back to him. “You’d have your own space, and if it doesn’t work we can find you an apartment.”

“Okay,” Destin said grinning.

“Good,” Armand grinned, “we can move your stuff when we get back.”

“Sure,” Destin said turning back to his breakfast.

“Destin?” Armand started; he watched as the boy looked at him. He could see the question in the boy’s eyes, and knew that his next question could prove to be hard on the boy. “I was hoping that you’d consider finishing your education.”

“You mean getting my GED?” Destin inquired.

“I was thinking of you going back to high-school, you’re young enough and only need to finish the last half of the year,” Armand shrugged slightly even though he was watching the boy closely.

“You’d be dating a high school-er,” Destin grinned a laugh escaping him.

“Destin,” Armand said but couldn’t stop the smile. “you could either go back or I could get you a tutor.”

“I’d like to go back,” Destin said with a nod.

“Then you can go to college or something,” Armand replied, he saw the boy look at him with surprise. It only to a handful of seconds before the boy dropped his eyes. “Destin?”

“I never thought I’d go, so I hadn’t give it much thought,” Destin shrugged, he wasn’t sure what else to tell the man. He knew that if things should go forward he would have to tell Armand several things that he would rather not. But he had always promised himself if he ever found someone, that relationship would be honest.

“Well now you can,” Armand said with a grin.

“Yeah,” Destin smiled as he finished up his meal. He let his mind turn to the idea of living with Armand, and found that he liked the idea. At least the man would have a yard that he could be out in and he wouldn’t be forced to try and avoid the cleaning crew.

He turned when land came into site, a smile coming to his face. He had a lot of fun spending the time on the yacht but found that he would be happy to have solid ground under his feet again. He glanced over to see Armand was watching him, it seemed that was one thing the man did most of the time.

“Why do you stare at me?” Destin asked, trying hard not to blush.

“Because your reactions are so innocent, it makes me want to see all that I can do to make you make them,” Armand said shrugging as Destin blushed dark red. A small laugh escaping him bringing the boy’s eyes back to him, he saw a smile on the boy’s face.

“I won’t always blush like this,” Destin mumbled.

“Oh, but I certainly hope you do,” Armand said turning as the cook appeared on deck. He nodded to the woman as she started to clean up their dishes.

“We’ll be home in about forty-five minutes,” she said with a nod before she started away. Armand watched her go before he turned back to Destin.

“I suppose we should pack everything back up,” he said as he stood. Destin nodded moving to follow after the man, he had most of his stuff still packed, but he could help with the other stuff. He let his mind drift over all that was changing in his life, and hoped that things worked out.