If I Could Move Again (MxM)

First Impression (1)

If I Could Move Again

Volume 1

Takano Masamune

Chapter 1: First Impression

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Sitting alone in a park that’s nearby his apartment 21 year old college student Ethan Holland is waiting for a call from his new job. It’s a caretaker’s job that pays very well. The job description was very odd but he wasn’t going to pass up on a good opportunity with flexible hours. It could be a real game changer for his busy college life.

He needed the money more than anything, given the fact that both his parents are divorced and each has families of their own. Ethan needed to take care of himself and grow up faster than others his age.

On the other hand he was a very positive and optimistic person. Knowing that life isn’t always difficult he continued to work hard to get ahead. His first priority being: to pay his rent, daily necessities and tuition. As a very responsible young adult he needed to manage at least that on the financial side of things.

In regards to his education he was an average student, there wasn’t anything too notable there. He studied as much as time allowed him due to constantly working part time jobs.

Now Ethan has the opportunity to earn x3 times the amount he would earn from his other part time jobs. He’s impatiently waiting on the call that he should be receiving today. So excited he couldn’t even stay at home he went out to the park to wait.

It’s already been several hours of him just sitting on a park bench with his phone in hand. He decided to at least go and eat something.

Besides being very responsible he is also very frugal with his money, since he knows how difficult it is to earn he makes it a point to spend it wisely.

Finally hearing the ring of his phone he answers the call instantly just to hear not his future employer, but his best friend instead.

“Hello pal~ How’s it going? Did you get the job?” The cheerful sounding person on the other end of the line was Tomas. Very old friend of Ethan’s; they’ve known each other ever since they were born. Their mothers were best friends as well.

“Not yet, still waiting on the call.” Ethan answered after calming down his fast paced heartbeat. He was excited to finally receive a call and it ended up not being what he wanted to hear.

“Just to tell you, there will be a trip soon. It’s to a place you really want to go too~” Tomas said very happily to inform his friend.

“It can’t be to S city?!” Ethan questioned and his heartbeat rose once again.

“It is! We can go together on the trip!” Tomas said as excited as ever.

“But… how much is it?” Ethan asked remembering that he didn’t have much in excess right now.

“About 300$ Will you be able to make it?” Tomas asked thinking about his friend’s long-lived dream of going to S city.

“Ahh… it’s cheaper with the school and still I think it’s too much…” Ethan said thinking about how many hours he would need to work to cover that amount.

“I can lend you the money if you want to! You don’t even need to pay me back!” Tomas suggested but his enthusiasm was in complete contrast with Ethan who instantly rejected the offer.

“I couldn’t possibly accept that! You also have bills to pay!”

“But…” Tomas tried to retort but it was impossible with this stubborn friend of his.

“I won’t and that’s final. I’ll call you back later okay?” Ethan said as he ended the call without waiting for a reply from the other end of the line.

He was almost losing hope to get a call at all, until finally he heard the phone ringing once again. “Hello.”

“Hello, is this Ethan?” The voice on the other end of the line said.

“Yes it is.” Ethan said calmly as to not sound overly excited.

“We’re very happy to hire you. You are the most qualified person who applied, so our decision is made. All that’s left is to hear from you. Would you still like to work for us?” The woman on the other end of the line asked sweetly.

“Yes, of course! When can I start?” Ethan said not able to hold in his excitement any longer.

“If it’s possible… if you could come today again. So as to meet the man you’ll be taking care of.” She sounded a bit hesitant while saying that but Ethan didn’t notice at all so he simply agreed.

It was a short walk from his neighborhood, about 20 minutes or so. Ethan was pumped up and ready to introduce himself and make a great first impression to the man he will be taking care of.

The only thing he knows about him is that he is unable to walk so he uses a wheel chair and that he is rather wealthy to be able to afford a personal caretaker and pay them so much. But that’s all the information he has.

Ethan doesn’t mind taking care of others. He’s had to take care of his little sisters and brothers before. He’s also worked at kindergartens and babysitting. Thinking that taking care of a grown man would be much easier than taking care of a bunch of children he had decided to give it a shot.

No matter what character the man had, Ethan was ready to be kind and patient and do his best. He arrived in front of the luxury apartment building and on the entrance was met by the woman he spoke with. She looked about 30 years of age, youthful and beautiful with short blond hair and a lovely smile. “Hello, I am so glad you managed to come so fast!” She said happily.

“I live very close by.” Ethan said while shaking the woman’s hand.

“My name is Elizabeth but please call me Lizzy.” She said with a kind voice.

“Yes Lizzy.” Ethan didn’t like to call his elders by nicknames but he thought it would be disrespectful to deny her request.

“So Ethan you’re in college? What major?” Elizabeth asked while they boarded the elevator.

“Business Management.” Ethan answered with a kind smile of his own.

“That’s a very serious one! You want to start your own business in the future?” Elizabeth asked becoming interested in the subject.

“Oh… well…” Before Ethan could answer they already arrived on their floor and the topic was already.

“This is the apartment, here are your keys, please feel free to enter on your own, no need to ask for permission.” Elizabeth explained looking in a hurry. “This is the kitchen, you may use whatever you want to and prepare the food, through the hallway to the left is the bathroom, use it as you see fit. Also you don’t need to use it if you don’t want to but we also have prepared a room for whenever you want to spend the night here.”

Elizabeth not only spoke fast but also walked fast. As big as the apartment was, she was walking swiftly through the entirety of the space with only the sound of her heels clicking onto the floor.

“Are there any questions?” She asked looking back at Ethan who was barely keeping up with her.

“Who will I be taking care of?” Ethan asked the most important question. Since he still hadn’t met the man himself he was interested.

“Oh yes… He should be here somewhere…  Hm… I think he’s working in the office at the moment. We probably shouldn’t disturb him.” Elizabeth said thinking through the possibilities.

“Then, can I wait to introduce myself to him?” Ethan asked, he wanted to at least get to know the person he will be helping.

“Yes of course! However I have some urgent business to attend to. Will you be alright alone?” Elizabeth asked while taking out her small notebook and writing something down.

“I don’t think it will be a problem.” Ethan said smiling to the woman that looked in a hurry.

“Great to hear, here is my number, call me if anything happens. Also… don’t walk in his office space no matter what. Understood?” Elizabeth handed him the note she wrote with her number and gave him a warning before she left.

“Yes.” Ethan answered, as he did Elizabeth left as quickly as she could not bothering to say anything else besides a quick ‘bye’ when she was already at the door.

‘What a weird place…’ Ethan thought to himself. He found it very odd that he couldn’t enter the office space. He also thought it has odd to have such a big pay check for a seemingly easy task of taking care of a man for several hours a day.

While waiting he looked around the kitchen to see if he could cook something for the man he’s going to meet. There was no better way to make a great first impression than showing off his cooking skills!

Ethan found various products in the refrigerator but stopped himself at a simple dish for he didn’t want it to take too long.

He got to work at preparing a nice hot meal for his new employer.

30 minutes later…

Coincidently enough the man himself walked out right after the food was ready. The table was set and Ethan spoke: “Hello, I’m Ethan the new caretaker. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

The man that had just came out of his room in a wheel chair and a sore expression on his face looked to be sleep deprived. Age wise he looked to be around his late twenties.  He had pale white skin and blond hair. Looking like a modern day aristocrat and despite being in a wheelchair his body looked exercised and muscular. Quite an intimidating man.“What’s all this?” he asked while approaching the kitchen table.

“Its food sir, I thought you might be hungry after working so hard. I hope I didn’t make anything you dislike.” Ethan said realizing that maybe some of the dishes weren’t to his liking.

“Hm…” The man kept silent for a little bit. Looking at Ethan from top to bottom he spoke again. “Its fine, thanks for the effort.” The man said in appreciation to the time that was taken to prepare everything.

“You’re welcome!~I’m so glad to work here. Also if I may ask how should I call you sir?” Ethan was excited but didn’t forget his manners, he wanted to make sure he can speak casually to his new employer.

“My name is Ashton Barrik.” Ashton said indifferently as he began eating the food that was prepared for him.

“Then Mr. Barrik, are there things I should know about and regular things I should do?” Ethan asked even though it might have not been the most appropriate time since his employer was eating.

“Hm… Didn’t Elizabeth tell you anything?” Ashton asked looking a bit displeased.

“She was in a hurry to leave, though she showed me around and gave me the keys.” Ethan explained as to not get the woman in trouble.

“Fine then… As for regular activities, I simply need company. I can do most things on my own so there isn’t much for you to do for me. You can clean around the house if you’d like but I already have a housekeeper for that so it isn’t necessary.” Ashton seemed to be annoyed from explaining this to the young man.

“I see.” Ethan was a bit confused by that statement. So he just needed to keep the man company… “May I ask, what does keeping ‘company’ entail exactly?”

“Tsk.” Ashton clicked his tongue in annoyance. He didn’t want to continue giving explanations anymore.

“I’m sorry if my question was inappropriate sir.” Ethan apologized to his new employer after observing his reaction. He didn’t want to cause him trouble on the very first day of work.

“Come here…” Ashton commanded. Hearing that, the college student simply did as he was told and moved closer to the man in the wheelchair.

“Now sit on my lap.” Ashton continued giving orders.

“Sir?” Ethan asked confused. He didn’t want to risk hurting the man somehow.

“Don’t pity me, my thighs are fine, it’s my kneecaps that are broken. Now sit on my lap.” Ashton didn’t seem to be the patient type, he looked like he would get annoyed if his orders weren’t followed.

“Alright.” Ethan being left with no choice simply did as he was told and sat down on his employer’s lap.

Without saying anything Ashton simply grabbed Ethan’s head and leaned it towards himself sealing his lips in a kiss.

“Hmp-!” Ethan was shocked by the sudden kiss he received but didn’t fight against it. Somehow he felt a bit dizzy, smelling the man’s cologne that had a soft but dominating scent.

After releasing the man from such a passionate kiss he spoke: “This, is the kind of ‘company’ I meant.” Ashton said while looking at the young man’s confused eyes.

“Ah… S-sir, I don’t know what to say. Is, is it okay?” Ethan was very confused by the sudden turn of events. He didn’t mind being with another man but he wasn’t sure if this was going to affect their employer and employee relationship. No he wasn’t certain about anything, he was just confused. So much so he didn’t have any words to explain any of it.

“Of course it is, since I say it is. All I really need you to do is help me fall asleep and spend several hours of the day with me.” Ashton explained. “Kissing isn’t necessary.”

That statement made Ethan even more confused than before. ‘If it wasn’t necessary than why did you kiss me?’ he thought to himself but didn’t dare say it out loud.

“You still there? You can get up now.” Ashton said looking at the young man who was lost in thought.

Getting back to his senses quickly Ethan stood up saying “Y-yes.”

“The food was good, you should make some more for dinner.” Ashton said and moved away from the kitchen table.

Ethan nodded his head in understanding but he was still rendered speechless by the events that just went down.

“There is someone knocking on the door, could you go open it?” Ashton said to the confused man.

Going to the door and opening it he saw Elizabeth had returned. “Is everything alright? Did he scare you already with his pickiness?” she asked while looking at the man’s expression.

“Um… not at all.” Ethan didn’t think of his employer as picky, if anything he thought he was far too accepting! Kissing a man you’ve just employed seemed like something an average person wouldn’t do.

“Ash?! What did you do to the poor boy?!” Elizabeth seemed angry as she approached Ashton.

“I didn’t do anything, ask him yourself.” Ashton answered with an indifferent tone.

“Look at him! He looks scared stiff!” Elizabeth said while pointing to the man several feet away from her.

“He’s fine. Just a natural airhead that’s all.” Ashton said while looking at the man in question.

“How could you say that? You just employed him and he’s already this confused!” Elizabeth didn’t seem to be ready to let go of the topic.

“I’m alright really.” Ethan said finally picking himself together.

“Dear, if he did anything to you just tell me okay?” Elizabeth said like a caring mother.

“I just zoned out for a bit! I’m great~ I really like the job and seems easy enough!” Ethan said with his usual cheery tone. He was shocked at first by the kiss but he didn’t have to go any further than that so he was content with working there.

“I’m so glad to hear it dear!” Elizabeth said almost tears falling down her eyes in relief. She gave the young man a hug out of happiness that she wouldn’t have to deal with Ashton’s bad temper on her own anymore.

 “You two seem to be very buddy-buddy with each other.” Ashton said looking a bit displeased.

“Oh shut it! I want you to behave! He’s the 15th caretaker this month! If he doesn’t last, no one will!” Elizabeth said while releasing Ethan from her hug.

“He’ll be fine.” Ashton said confidently then looking up at the man continued: “Right?”

“Yes!” Ethan answered instantly. He knew he was good enough to do the job, even though he wasn’t sure what the job really was about he was still ready to give it his all. (Hell Yeah! Do it for the cash!)

“See, he’s perfect!” Elizabeth said and pinched Ethan’s cheeks as an old granny would do to her grand children.

“Ouch.” Ethan simply exclaimed at the woman that was pinching his cheeks.

“Alright then, I will be leaving you to get to know each other better.” Elizabeth said and headed to the door in a hurry yet again not leaving room for any response from others.

“Does she always leave like that?” Ethan asked thinking it was odd for a person to just come and go so suddenly.

“She’s always been a busy person. Ever since we’ve known each other she has been working diligently towards her goals. Lizzy actually runs a small café, you might know of it. It’s called ‘Kiss of Truth’ it’s pretty close by.” Ashton explained.

“Kiss of truth…” The name sounded familiar to Ethan’s ears but he wasn’t completely sure where he heard it. Then he realized it was one of the most expensive and well established coffee shops in town. ‘How is that a small café?’ He thought to himself.

“Are you just going to stand around there aimlessly?” Ashton asked looking at the motionless caretaker in the hallway.

“What should I do sir?” Ethan asked since he still didn’t know what his job exactly entailed.

“I have some work to do, so I would like you to keep me company while I do.” Ashton said and pointed to his office room. The single room that Ethan was told to specifically not enter under any circumstances.

‘What crazy work did I get myself into?’ Ethan thought to himself…

 ***

Hello! It's your favorite sleep deprived author Takano Masamune!~ 

I was wondering about this so I decided to ask. How many of you readers are here because of my story Beyond The Night? And how many of you are here and this is the first story of mine you've read? 

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