“I’m a little behind on recent flicks, slugger,” David reminded him.
“Well,” Jimmy said cheerfully, “we have all the time in the world now to get you all caught up!”
“Yeah,” David agreed with a fond smile. “We sure damn do. I love you, kiddo.”
“I love you, too.”
David sipped at his beer, sinking down into the lush cushions with a contented sigh.
“I take it your first day as a free man is going well, David?” Cold asked politely, his fingers absently gliding through Jimmy’s hair.
“You know,” David chuckled, “yeah, it really is.”
Cold raised his glass. “Here’s to you, David. May every day of freedom bring you such joy.”
David lifted his beer in salute, agreeing, “And here’s to you and Jimmy for making that happen. Thank you both.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Cold assured him.
Finally settling on an old western that Jimmy knew was one of David’s favorites, the movie began to play. It had only been running for about ten minutes before David’s attention drifted elsewhere. His expression now somber, he reached over to pat Jimmy’s leg as he said, “Tomorrow, I’d like to go see Mom.”
“Oh!” Jimmy sat up immediately. “We can go see her right now if you want! Jerry would totally drive us!”
“It’s all right, slugger,” David said with a sad smile. “We can go tomorrow. It’s been nineteen years, I can wait one more night. Maybe after we see Maury. He may even want to come with us.”
“Yeah!” Jimmy nodded earnestly. “Whatever you want to do!”
“Mm, well, it’s been a pretty long day,” David sighed, “so I might have to give you guys a rain check on the movie if that’s all right.”
Jimmy frowned, starting to protest, “But Dad—”
Cold’s hand touched the back of his neck, a silent reminder of their previous conversation.
“O-okay,” Jimmy stammered, smiling awkwardly as his father hugged him good night. “I love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, slugger,” David sighed, hanging on tight for a few moments. He shook Cold’s hand, saying, “Thank you, Roderick.”
“Have a good night, David,” Cold replied politely.
Watching his father depart, Jimmy resisted the urge to call out after him. He had to trust Cold. He got settled back on the couch with his head in Cold’s lap and tried to watch the movie.
“Thank you for trusting me,” Cold said, his hand moving to pet Jimmy’s hair. “Things will get easier for your father, but it will take time. Just listen to what I tell you, and all will be well.”
“Are we in a ‘master and slave’ relationship?” Jimmy asked suddenly.
“Pardon?” Cold blinked.
“You tell me what to do all the time.” Jimmy blushed. “So, what we have together... am I your slave?”
Cold was thoughtful, finishing his drink before replying, “Are you my slave, Jimmy?”
“Uhm, w-well,” Jimmy stammered shyly. “I mean, I really like doing what you say...”
“Do you want to be?”
“Yes? No... I don’t know. The more I think about it, I think I already am.”
“Are you sure about that?” The television was forgotten now, Cold’s icy eyes only looking at Jimmy.
