Because of Us (My Best Friends Brother)

TEN | Two's Company

POV | Belle

The warm porcelain of the mug between my hands broke through the chill that surrounded them. It was another early morning departure in the bitter air. Landon's lips pressed to mine, sparking more heat than the steam from the hot coffee below.

The long kisses we shared on the front steps of our home each day became a comfortable little ritual, celebrating the life we had started.

Though the feeling of watching the man I love drive away each day was bitter, he never failed to make his missing presence seem obsolete when he was back.

It had taken some time, but finally all my things had found their place in our home. Along with a few more essential pieces that I think Landon bought just to make this big house seem a little less big. Yet the empty space had started to get to me as the week passed, and Landon's absence became more obvious.

It took not even two days until the laptop he religiously typed away on at home was shut and left to collect dust. The cuddles and laughter that filled the big rooms began to dwindle as some important contracts had to be dealt with. And with school currently being out, keeping myself occupied throughout the hours I was alone was becoming more of a task.

As much as I wanted to bask in the glory of our new home together, I understood how this beautiful structure being ours was even possible. The hard work that Landon was doing, as we speak, got us here. I couldn’t get upset knowing he was doing it for us, for himself, for me.

As his car pulled away again, I turned to head inside. The warmth that filled the hall brought a smile to my lips. Being here alone would never make me hate this house, it really was everything I’d dreamed of.

With a now empty mug in hand, I trotted to the kitchen to carry out one of the mindless tasks I had attempted to use to fill my days. Washing dishes. Although Landon had ensured to buy a house with a fully functioning dishwasher, I found the simple job made me appreciate our home just that little bit more.

Rinsing the soapy mug, I placed it upside down onto the drying rack with a sigh. What to do today? With all my free time, I have tried out many hobbies. Panting, drawing, I'd even finished a few books. My little collection was slowly filling the shelves that adorned the walls of many rooms in our house. As I ran my fingers along the spines, I was startled by a sudden knock at the front door.

Confusion hit knowing that the only person I had seen recently was Zoe, and today, like many others, she was busy. Yet the light rapping at the front door continued. Walking up the hall, I could make out the distinct shadow of a body behind the frosted glass. My confusion was shadowed by the curiosity that hit. I had a visitor.

Pulling open the large wooden door, I felt all my nerves melt away seeing a smiling Ethan standing on the front decking. His wavy locks flowing freely over his eyes, but not covering the evident gleam in them.

"Hey Bluebelle", Ethan's deep voice brought a smile to my lips.

I wasn't sure if it was because I missed Ethan or if my days alone had gotten to me, but I pushed myself out of the house and into his chest. Wrapping my arms around his torso, I squealed in excitement.

"What are you doing here!" He chuckled, returning the hug while resting his nose on my hair.

"Landon said you might need some company, so I happily obliged." My heart warmed. Landon was working long hours yet still managed to find the time to make sure I was happy. I gripped Ethan tighter as if he was him, wanting nothing more than to be holding and thanking the man I would give my life to.

"Thank you" I whispered into Ethan's chest. Loosening his grip around my waist, he ran his hands along my side.

"No need to thank me Bluebelle, any day with you is a good day for me" I pulled away, looking up into his still sparkling eyes. His smile had softened slightly but the playfulness in his face only grew. I squinted my eyes in question, tilting my head as he pulled away.

Gripping my waist, he spun me around, guiding my back inside and towards the stairs. His warm hands steered me as he leant down to my ear. My body began to stiffen, feeling Ethan's warm breath fanning my neck. His words falling from his lips in a whisper "Go get ready, we're going out."

The demand in his tone, yet delivered gently, made a rush of excitement course through me. I rushed up the stairs feeling heat creep across my cheeks knowing Ethan had a full view of my behind as I did. The thought only made the warmth grow more intense. The moment I made it to mine and Landon's room, I shut the door behind me. Letting go of a breath, I didn't realise I was holding.

I'd only been with Ethan for a minute and my body was tingling. The memory of Landon's words the night of the housewarming began flooding my mind. As did the memory of his hands on my skin, holding me in place as he whispered the dirty fantasy in my ear.

Running my hands down the front of my baggy t-shirt, I took a breath. Composing myself from the feeling that night had brought. Time has passed since then, yet I couldn't help but wonder. Nonetheless, I was happy that I got to spend time with someone I cared for.

***

The long days I used to spend alone vanished with a friend by my side. Day after day, Landon would leave for work and Ethan would be at my door within the hour. From planting new plants around the garden, to watching movies inside on rainy days. There was never a dull moment. I couldn’t help but appreciate the efforts these two men were making for me.

Though it felt over the top, they both hushed me with reassuring words.

Bonds between Ethan and I had finally settled back into a familiar place. Despite the distance we had put between ourselves all that time ago, it felt like we were right back in high school. The only difference is that instead of meeting up at the front gates of the school grounds, we were meeting up on the front steps of my home.

As more mornings passed, Ethan started to make it before Landon had left with coffee in hand. The routine we had become so accustomed to, began to make wiggle room for one more.

I often watched as they conversed, sipping my latte with a smile. Each conversation they had became more fluid and natural as the days passed. It wasn’t long before I realised it wasn’t just me who was creating a bond. Landon and Ethan’s friendship blossomed, a deeper connection forming between the two men as their five-minute late night chats turned into hour-long conversations.

But as much as this routine was working, I could see the energy draining from Landon. Work had become so demanding that the time he would get home slowly ticked by one hour later a week until it finally reached its peak.

Ethan and I sat on the couch, the third movie of the night was rolling through the starting credits as I struggled to keep my eyes open. As tired as I was, I refused to fall asleep before Landon got home.

Pulling the blanket tighter around me, I felt my eyes flutter shut ever so slightly. The bright screen faded in and out of view.

“Belle…” a soft whisper filled my ears.

I groaned. Ethan’s soft words turned into a chuckle as he gently tucked a pillow behind my head.

“Maybe it’s time to go to bed” he suggested, to which I shook my head in protest.

“Not until Landon's home”, my words barely audible through my yawn.

This time Ethan sighed at my stubbornness. He knew he was fighting a losing battle. I’d rather fall asleep upright on the couch than head to bed without Landon by my side.

Through watery eyes, I refocused my gaze on the screen. Though, in truth, I was so tired I had no idea what movie was playing. But I was determined to wait. What seemed like forever passed before I finally heard the familiar click.

As if recharged, I jumped off the couch, ignoring the blanket I just threw over Ethan’s head as I ran to Landon. All the tiredness I felt a moment ago washed away the second my eyes met his. A frown soon followed, seeing the weak smile he offered.

“You didn’t have to wait for me, Princess. You must be tired” his voice was hoarse as he spoke.

“I couldn’t sleep without you” I admitted.

Though I couldn’t hide the concern in my voice as Landon sauntered closer. Discarding his jacket and bag, he began unbuttoning the top of his button-down shirt.

The moment he was close enough, his hand snaked around my waist, resting on the small of my back as he placed a gentle kiss on my lips. My fingers immediately found their way to his jaw, brushing over the stubble that had begun to grow.

Despite the softness in his touch, I couldn’t help but notice the tightness he held in him. I tried, but failed miserably to ignore it as my frown deepened.

“What’s wrong, princess?”

“You’re so tense Landon… you have been for days and I’m worried”. I looked into his eyes waiting for a response, to which I got none. Instead, he let out a breath of defeat.

With furrowed brows, I glanced back at Ethan, who seemed to share the same concern as me. He rubbed the back of his neck for a moment before his eyes lit up with an idea.

“When I worked in the shop for long hours I would get knots in my neck and back. Maybe a massage will help you relax a little?” I couldn’t help but light up at the idea.

A much needed and well deserved massage. I smiled up at Landon, hoping the idea was one he liked. With a soft smile and a nod, I felt relieved. Though I had never given a good massage in my life, I was willing to try. Slipping my hand around Landon’s fingers, I pulled him to the couch, propping myself behind him as Ethan sat at our side.

With my knees either side of Landon, I pressed my hands onto the natural dip of his shoulders, only to realise one thing. Landon was far too solid for my hands to massage anything.

Annoyed, I reached around, unbuttoning further down his top until I could push his shoulders free from the fabric. The two men chuckled as I frustratingly tried to knead into his muscles again. The lack of fabric made no difference to Landon's physique. His solid muscles stayed solid despite his now bare torso.

As Ethan continued to chuckle, I huffed and turned to him. “You do it then.”

He raised his brows as if it were a challenge and happily jumped behind Landon. With a pout, I knelt on the floor in front of the two men, crossing my arms as Ethan began to knead his hands effortlessly into Landon’s shoulders.

Sitting back on my heels, I watched as Ethan worked his hands against Landon’s skin. Working his way up and down the curve of his neck until a trail of pink began to form.

Landon's eyes that were on me a moment ago fluttered shut, him rolling his neck against the feel of Ethan’s hands. I couldn’t help but squirm, feeling the same feeling from the night of the housewarming. The memory of their arms wrapped around one another for that brief moment had me biting my lip as I continued to watch on.

It wasn’t until a low growl sounded from Landon that I realised I was grinding my core back onto my heels. I froze in place, looking up into his eyes, an intense dark gaze looking back as if to let me know I’d been caught.

I wanted to break contact to look at Ethan, unsure if they were both watching me rock my hips. But I couldn’t manage to disobey the domineering look I was receiving. Parting my lips, I steadied my breathing as Landon looked at his feet, then back to me.

“Off” he demands in a single word.