Obstructive Karma, unlike Supportive, tends to weaken, interrupt and retard the fruition of the Reproductive Karma. For instance, a person born with a good Reproductive Karma may be subject to various ailments etc., thus preventing him from enjoying the blissful results of his good actions. Chapter 19 Max lay in bed thinking about yesterday’s events. He kept going over the incident, replaying it in his head, wondering if he should have done anything differently. He kept blaming himself, annoyed that he hadn’t thought to check on the boys at all, assuming they were staying out of trouble. He should have known better and been more vigilant. Emmett, and even Brian and Justin, kept reassuring him that none of it was his fault; however, the bottom line was that it had happened on his watch. Max felt Emmett’s breathing shift as he slowly woke up and turned over to see what he was doing. “Honey, you’re not thinking about yesterday again are you?” Emmett asked softly. He placed his hand on Max’s and intertwined their fingers. “I can’t help it, Em, I’m Jewish. We invented guilt,” he said with a small, self-deprecating smile. “On my God,” Emmett groaned. “Max, you’ve just got to stop this. It’s over with. Gus and Austin are fine; enough already with the guilt trip!” “I’ll try Em. I just get the creeps whenever I think about what could have happened.” “Well, it didn’t, thanks to you. Give yourself some credit for heaven’s sake.” Max turned over and looked into Emmett’s blue eyes. He saw nothing but love. It felt so good to know that he had someone to share this all with, someone who was at his side, who would always be there for him, no matter what. “You really are a Mensch, you know that?” Max said softly. “What’s that?” Emmett asked. “It’s a good person, Em, someone who always takes the high road.” “Well, thank you, if that was a compliment, gorgeous,” Emmett replied, rubbing his hand up Max’s face, moving a big curl out of his eyes. “It’s better than a compliment Em, it’s the highest honor one can pay anyone,” Max answered, lifting Emmett’s hand to his mouth and kissing it. Emmett stared at the beautiful man beside him and marveled again at his good fortune. Somewhere in my youth and childhood, I must have done something good. The words of the song popped into his head suddenly and he was so grateful that Karma had placed him and Max in each other’s path. “Well, I think you are a Mensch too, sweetheart, and I love you so much it scares me sometimes,” Emmett said. “Why?” Max asked. “Because, I know how life is. All good things always come to an end, and I don’t know if I could handle it, if anything were to go wrong with our relationship.” “Nothing will go wrong,” Max said. “You’re the person I’ve been looking for, the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I know we’ve only been together for a short time, but I know want I want, Em, what I’ve been searching for, and you’re it.” Emmett heard the words and the shock of hearing them come out of Max’s beautiful mouth, a mouth that he had kissed a million times, brought an immediate rush of tears. “Hey,” Max said gently, “That wasn’t the kind of reaction I was hoping for!” “I’m sorry sweetie; I just didn’t expect such a declaration of love at this hour of the morning.” “Emmett Honeycutt, it’s never too early to say ‘I love you’. I’ve never been happier, Em. Whenever I think of you I smile.” He turned over on his side and faced Emmett. “Look at this stupid grin on my face; you’re the one that’s put it there. I’ve never been with anyone who has made me this happy. Meeting you and getting to know you these past two months has been the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. You have the ability to touch me deep inside, where no one has ever been before. Not to mention the fact that I’ve been in a constant state of arousal since meeting you. You bring me so much satisfaction in every way, and new ways I am only now discovering with you.” Max reached out and cupped Emmett’s face in his hand. “But more than the sex Em, you inspire me with your trust, to do better and be the best person I can be. This is where I belong; with you, always and forever, if you’ll have me?” Max asked earnestly. “Oh my God,” Emmett said, as the tears flowed in earnest. He heard everything that Max said and he had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. This was the kind of dialogue he had fantasized about for years. Granted, they had only been together for a little over two months and everything was still so fresh and new, however, he was aware that what he felt for Max was genuine and had nothing to do with the novelty of the relationship. He had fallen in love with Max the first night they were together and his feelings had only increased with every minute they spent together. He’d been around long enough to know that what they had was special and didn’t come along every day. He wasn’t about to jeopardize it because of a little thing called timing. He removed Max’s hand from his face, turned it over and kissed the palm. He looked into the brown eyes that had only respect and love shinning out of them. “You are the most beautiful man, inside and out. Of course, I will have you. With no second thoughts, no fears, no misgivings. I love you, Max Steiner, with all my heart and I will always be here for you.” Max wiped away Emmett’s tears and pulled him close towards him. They held on to each other, aware that everything had shifted and they were embarking on a new voyage, one they would take together. “Then marry me Em, let’s make this official. I want you to be my partner on paper, as well as in my heart.” Again, Emmett heard the words and could not believe what he was hearing. This was the first marriage proposal he had ever had. And the fact that it was coming from this incredibly beautiful and generous man who was holding him only made it that much more special. Emmett pulled back from Max’s arms and looked into his amazingly attractive face. Even bed head could do nothing to diminish his beauty. The chocolate eyes framed by their generous fringe looked at him with such love and tenderness, Emmett was touched. “Yes, I will marry you gorgeous. Whenever, wherever; just name the day and time and I’ll be there.” “Good,” Max said, overjoyed. “I want to do this as soon as possible. I need to call my mother and then tell Brian and Justin I’m quitting.” “Hold on there, lover boy,” Emmett said, hanging on to Max to prevent him from reaching for the phone. “Do you know what time it is? It’s too early in the morning to be stirring up such trouble.” What do you mean, Em? It’s eight in the morning; my mother’s already been up for hours. She’s an insomniac and barely gets four hours of sleep at night. Trust me, she’ll be awake and full of coffee by now,” Max said as he picked up the phone and punched in the numbers. “Mama? Hey, it’s Max.” “No, nothing is wrong, Ma. I’m just calling to let you be the first to know. I’m getting married!” Max held the phone away from his ear as his mother shrieked on the other end. “I’m not sure when, as soon as we can get all the paper work together, Ma, and you and everyone can come out here.” “No, he’s not Jewish, he’s a Buddhist. Stop screaming mother, he’s not Chinese.” Max put the phone away from his ear and looked at Emmett with a huge smile on his face. Emmett stared at him and just shook his head. He mouthed the words, you are crazy! “No mother, he’s not converting! Ma, stop crying, for heaven’s sake. There’s no point in him converting. We can’t be married by a Rabbi; you know that’s not going to happen.” “Okay, stop already. Put Pops on the phone, Ma, I need to tell him.” Max waited a few minutes and then he heard his father’s booming voice on the other line. “Maxie, what’s this I hear? You’re marrying someone from China?” “No Papa, he’s actually from Hazelhurst, Mississippi, but he’s been living in Pittsburgh for years now.” “Your mother said he was Chinese, a Buddhist! Have you gone mishuggeneh, Max?” “Buddhism is his religion, Pop. He’s American, just like you and me. And Pa, I love him.” “What does he do?” “He owns his own business; he’s a party planner.” “But he’s a goy, Max, how could you do this?” “Pop, it wouldn’t matter if he were Jewish. Our rabbi would never marry us, you know that. Besides, it’s not like we’re going to have any kids.” “Well, where are you getting married then? You need to come home, Maxie, so we can discuss this. I want Uncle Dennis to look over any paper work involved. We have to protect you, son.” “Pop, stop this! And tell Ma to stop crying! I’ll come home and bring Emmett with me, so you can meet him. Then you’ll see why I want to marry him.” “What kind of name is Emmett?” Max’s mother asked, now on the phone. She had grabbed another phone and they were now having a three-way conversation. “Mom, you need to calm down,” Max said. “Emmett is a beautiful name, just like the man who owns it.” He put the phone away from his ear and moved over to give Emmett a long and meaningful kiss. Meanwhile, his mother kept on talking in the background. “So, Maxie, when you come out here, we’ll have to go visit Uncle Saul at the Jewelry Mart to buy the rings from him, so you can get a good price. Don’t go to the big stores, okay honey, you know how they can gauge you.” “Ma, I haven’t even thought about that yet. I just asked him to marry me ten minutes ago!” “Well, rings are important Maxie. You have to be very careful when you pick them out. Andie and I will go with you to see Uncle Saul.” “That fine, mother, we’ll all go together,” Max said patiently. “When do you think you’ll be out here, son, so I can tell Uncle Dennis?” Max’s father asked, taking his turn. “We need to make sure you have a pre-nup. An iron clad contract. We don’t want any problems with money.” “Pop, come on, everything will be okay. There will be no problems, he has his own money, his own business, his own house; he doesn’t need any of mine.” “Well, that’s all well and good, son, still, I want you to be protected. Everything should be ironed out before the ketuvah, that’s the smart thing to do.” “Okay, now can we just drop this whole line of questioning and why doesn’t anyone ask me if he loves me and if I’m happy?” Max stated. “Well of course he loves you,” Max’s mother said. “What’s not to love? You are a wonderful boy, Maxie, and a good son. Does he make you happy?” she asked, as a side note. “Incredibly, mother, Max replied. “Then that’s all the matters. If you are happy, we are happy for you, right David?” she asked Max’s father. “Let me talk, Enid” Max heard his father say in the background. “Max,” he boomed into the phone. “Pop?” “He’s good to you?” “He loves me, Pa. I’ve never been this happy or this well cared for.” “Then mazeltov son,” he said lovingly. “You deserve only the best.” “Thanks,” Max replied quietly. “I’ve got to go; I’ll call you when I know our plans. It’ll be in the next week or so.” “Okay, Max, bye for now.” “Bye, Maxie!” his mother said in the background. “Well, that went well,” Max said to Emmett. “Much better than I expected,” he muttered under his breath. “Yes, well, the worst is yet to come,” Emmett said looking at his fiancé. “Meaning?” “Brian.” “Oh God,” Max said. “That’s going to be tough.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian sat at his desk in his home office. He had just finished meting out his punishment to the two boys seated across from him, too shocked to argue. He had told them in no uncertain terms that they were to stay far away from the video games and that they were going to spend the rest of their summer vacation taking on Raoul’s garden chores, due to the fact that he was still recuperating from his near drowning. They would have to mow the lawn, vacuum the pool, and sweep around the patio and pool area to keep things nice and tidy. Also, once a week, they were going to detail all five cars while Brian supervised. And lastly, they were going to continue with their driving lessons as well as the body building and tennis. Brian told them that he expected them to do all this, with a smile on their face and if there were any more problems he would personally put them on the next plane to Toronto without any misgivings. “Is that clear, boys?” “Yeah, Dad,” Gus replied, completely surprised by his father’s attitude. He had never been the recipient of Brian’s discipline, and even though he knew he deserved this, it was still shocking to him. “Are we still going to go to Las Vegas, like we had planned?” Gus asked. “I think you lost that trip as soon as you got into the Corvette and turned on the ignition, Gus,” Brian said quietly. “Crap,” Gus said underneath his breath. Brian just stared at him. He knew he was being especially hard on the boy, but he wanted him to remember this and learn. Melanie and Lindsay wanted him sent home immediately but Brian thought that some manual labor would be a more fitting punishment. “Okay, that’s it for now. You guys can go,” Brian said. They walked out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind them. “I’d forgotten how scary you are when you’re angry,” Justin said from the corner of the room. He had been sitting on the sofa the whole time that Brian had met with the boys. “Yeah, well, hopefully I was scary enough to make an impression on those two, so we never have to deal with any more crap like this.” “Oh, I’m sure this will go down as one of their more unforgettable vacations,” Justin said as he got up off the sofa and crossed over to where Brian was. He sat on Brian’s lap and put his arms around him. “I love it when you get all bossy and shit,” he whispered. “It makes me hard, watching you.” “You are a horny little fuck and anything makes you hard,” Brian said. “No…that’s not true. You’re the only one that gives me instant woodies, at the oddest times,” Justin said, rubbing his hand on Brian’s groin and nuzzling his neck. He was rewarded with corresponding stiffness. Brian proceeded to destroy him with his mouth, kissing him long and hard till they were both dizzy with desire. Justin’s moans were inevitable. The kissing always succeeded in doing this. He got up off Brian’s lap, crossed over to the door and locked it, then he moved back to where Brian sat and pulled him off the chair and over to the sofa area. He sat on the sofa and slowly undid his belt buckle, unbuttoning his pants and sliding the zipper down as he watched Brian, never taking his eyes off him. He wet his lips and pulled Brian’s face towards him, now licking Brian’s mouth, running the tip of his tongue around Brian’s lips, outlining them before pushing through, feeling Brian’s teeth, tasting his tongue, sucking on it, pushing against it, moaning into each other as he felt his erection pressing hard against Brian’s body. Finally he pulled away and gently pushed Brian’s head down. “Get me off, please,” Justin begged, his breathing changing as he felt Brian’s hot mouth taking him in all at once, deep into his throat, almost devouring him. Sure and fast and hard, Brian moved his mouth up and down Justin’s shaft, sucking and licking while his right hand played with Justin’s balls, massaging them, moving downward so that his fingers outlined his beautiful lover’s crack. Justin felt Brian slip a finger into his ass, then two, even as his mouth continued to suck and lick and nip at his cock. Justin’s hands were pulling on Brian’s hair as he felt himself getting closer and closer, succumbing to the swirling pull of the incredibly gifted lover at his groin, the man who was loving him, working to bring him to sexual heights only he could make Justin achieve. Within a matter of minutes, the hot rush of liquid flowed out of Justin as he came, pulsing into Brian’s mouth. He whimpered as Brian swallowed every last drop, never stopping, continuing his movements until he felt Justin’s body go slack with release. Brian moved up and kissed Justin, sharing some of the taste that still coated his tongue. He grabbed Justin’s hand and placed it firmly on his groin. “My turn Sunshine,” he said, huskily, kissing up and down Justin’s neck, inhaling his special scent, pushing his fingers through the silky blond hair and then resting his hand on Justin’s cheek. Justin was in an orgasmic trance, unable to talk, only able to respond to the touch and feel of the man who never failed to send him over the moon and back. Justin got up and removed his shirt. He did it all in slow motion, as Brian sat back on the sofa and watched with hungry eyes. Justin’s face was flushed, his lips red and swollen. He peeled his pants off, and kicked his underwear away from his ankles as he watched Brian’s eyes widen with lust, staring at Justin’s cock which was still semi-erect and wet with Brian’s saliva. The hazel eyes locked on Justin, anticipating the moment when he would feel the cherry lips clamping around him. Brian removed his own shirt and undid his pants. He lifted his hips and pulled them off, never taking his eyes off Justin as he watched him climb back on the sofa, gently moving Brian so that he was now lying down. Justin straddled his stomach, facing the opposite way so that when he bent down to take Brian in his mouth, his beautiful ass was almost in Brian’s face. There was no way Brian could resist putting his mouth to the beautiful pucker that was so ready to be rimmed, begging for it as Justin moved back, closer and closer until he was rewarded by the feel of Brian’s tongue, circling, pushing in and out, lapping at him. Justin sighed with pleasure; he felt Brian’s hands clutch his hips, moving him back and forth, in sync with his head bobbing up and down on Brian’s dick, sucking and pulling, licking at all the wonderful ridges that felt so different from this angle. The sounds that were coming out of Brian’s throat as he hummed against his hole made him crazy with desire, his cock pressed rigidly against Brian’s stomach as he rutted on the hot flesh in time with Brian’s tongue, circling and pushing in and out, performing every trick he knew to drive his lover to the brink. Brian was lost in the sensations that were coming at him from two directions. The warm wet mouth moving up and down his shaft while he tongue fucked Justin, hearing the whimpering, feeling Justin’s hands clenching around his balls, squeezing, kneading, stroking him, making him forget where he was. His world had narrowed to this special place, the place that only Justin could take him to, a wonderful place where nothing but pleasure was important; where every move and every sound was designed to bring him closer to fulfillment. He was enveloped by sensations, coming at him from every angle. He heard the usual noises Justin made as he fucked him with his tongue, begging, sobbing with pleasure as Brian’s relentless mouth never let up. He felt Justin shudder with each thrust, squirming, as Brian’s tongue moved in and out, twirling around in little circles, then thrusting again, jabbing at him. He knew this would send them both over the edge sooner than they would like, but he couldn’t stop and pull back. Self- control had flown out the window and all they were looking for was release. All too quickly he felt himself spurting into Justin’s mouth even as Justin’s muscles clenched around Brian’s tongue as he came for a second time, all over Brian’s stomach. Justin collapsed on Brian, panting like a dog on a hot summer day, their bodies slick with a combination of sweat and Justin’s cum smeared between them. They lay on the sofa, satiated, and completely drained. Brian’s heart continued to thump too loudly, almost moving his body with its violent beating. “That was so fucking hot,” Brian said, moving both his hands up and down Justin’s legs. “It was intense,” Justin replied, completely relaxed, reveling in his post-coital heaven. His head was resting on Brian’s thigh. “Have you noticed,” Brian asked, still trying to catch his breath, “That our sex is getting better with time, rather than diminishing?” “Practice makes perfect, Brian,” Justin answered dreamily, “And I would say that last round was just about perfect!” “Just about?” Brian asked indignantly. “What do you mean, just about?” He moved his right hand up and around Justin’s hips, reaching underneath till he cupped Justin’s balls and gently started to squeeze. “Did I hear you say, just about, Sunshine?” “Stop it Brian, you’re hurting me.” “Just about?” Brian answered, squeezing a little tighter. “Quit it,” Justin said, writhing, trying to get out of his grasp. Finally he started laughing and huffed out, “It was perfect, alright, absolutely fucking perfect!” “That’s better,” Brian said, easing up on the tight hold. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later on that day they sat around the pool watching Gus and Austin doing their laps. The boys had just finished their first chore which was mowing the vast lawns that surrounded Britin. Once Brian had finished explaining to them exactly how he wanted things done and how he wanted the cut lines to be at a certain angle, Gus had really gotten in to it. He was doing a great job and his lines were spaced perfectly. He was just as anal as his father, making sure each swipe of the power mower was near perfect. When it was Austin’s turn to take over the wheel, Gus freaked as soon as he realized that Austin was not quite as careful with his pattern, crisscrossing where he shouldn’t. Finally, Gus just grabbed the wheel of the mower and told Austin that he could do the sweeping and the vacuuming of the pool, Gus would be in charge of the cutting. Brian found the whole thing very entertaining, proud of the fact that Gus did such a good job on his first try. Justin sat beside him with his perennial sketch pad in hand, doodling. They were both surprised when they heard voices and they saw Max and Emmett strolling towards them unexpectedly. “Here we go,” Brian muttered to himself. “What?” Justin asked, looking up from his drawing to see them coming down the little hill that lead to the pool. “Hey guys,” Justin said. “What brings you way out here on a weekend?” “Hi, Brian, Justin,” Max nodded at them, slipping into calling them by their first names. Brian noticed the change immediately. “So Max, when will this all go down?” “How did you know?” he asked Brian. “Know what?” Justin asked them. “He’s quitting, Justin. That’s what he’s here to tell us, isn’t that right Max?” “Yes,” he said hesitantly. Emmett stood beside Max, holding his hand, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “But why?” Justin asked. “Surely it can’t still be over the incident with the car.” “No,” Max replied. “It’s got nothing to do with my decision.” “Then what does?” Brian asked. “The truth is, it’s time for me to move on Brian. I’m a Cordon Bleu trained chef. I need to get back into that world or I’ll lose my skills. Working here for the last two years has been wonderful, it was exactly what I needed at the time, however, I need to get back into the culinary world.” “Are you going to work for Fabulous?” Brian asked, giving Emmett a dirty look. “Actually,” Emmett interjected, “Max just asked me to marry him, so yes, he will be taking over that part of Fabulous, as soon as he is able to.” “Fuck,” Brian said. “Married?” Justin asked, his voice rising in surprise. “Isn’t this rather sudden? I mean, I’m happy for you guys, but you’ve only known each other for, what, two months?” “Nine weeks and three days,” Emmett said, “But who’s counting?” “I know it’s been a whirlwind romance,” Max said, looking at Emmett while he talked, “But he’s everything I’ve ever wanted, Justin. I’ve looked long and hard for a relationship like this and I’m not passing it up because it’s too soon. We both know it’s the right thing for us.” “Oh God, stop it you two. This is way too lesbionic,” Brian said scowling at everyone. Justin smiled and reached over to hug Emmett, then he did the same to Max. “If it’s what you guys want, then I am happy for you. You two are both wonderful and make a really good team; it’s a perfect fit, I can see that,” Justin said. Everyone had big smiles on their faces, everyone except for Brian. Justin elbowed him and said, “Oh, come on Brian, you should be happy for them too.” “I knew this was going to happen. As soon as you told me they were seeing each other,” he said looking at Justin petulantly. “It was inevitable Brian,” Max interjected. “I was starting to get brain dead, getting much too complacent just cooking for the two of you. I need to get back into the cut-throat world of back-stabbing food critics and irate, picky customers. I need the stimulation, to keep my juices and gravies flowing,” Max said, trying to make a joke. “Well, you’ve spoiled us Max. I’ve gotten used to having a personal chef, I don’t think I can go back to the world of take-out and Mrs. Kinney-Taylor here is not about to take on the kitchen chores, right dear?” Brian said, turning to Justin. “Oh fuck off, Brian. Stop being such a spoiled brat. I’m sure Max can help us interview people before he leaves.” “Absolutely,” Max said. “In fact, I’ve already put out feelers. There are a couple guys I know from culinary school who might be interested. I’ll try and set up some interviews.” “Well, make sure they’re ugly and married. I don’t want to go through this every two years,” Brian said, tongue-in-cheek. “Okay, quit it Brian, and put on your happy face,” Justin said, looking at his partner disapprovingly. “Shit,” Brian said, finally breaking into a small smile. He pulled Max towards him and gave him a big hug, and then he turned to Emmett and did the same. TBC