Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/525879.Rating:Teen And Up AudiencesArchive Warning:No Archive Warnings ApplyCategory:M/MFandom:Royal PainsRelationship:Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz/Hank LawsonCharacter:Hank Lawson, Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz, Evan LawsonAdditional Tags:Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Community: au_bingo,Developing Relationship, Activism, R&R, Hank dealing with stressSeries:Part 1 of Another RoadStats:Published: 2012-10-01 Words: 6157Another Road Leading to the Same Destinationby Jade_DragonessSummaryWhen Hank had decided to go to the charity function the last thing he expected to see wasa man suffering with heavy metal poisoning.NotesSneaking in one more fic under amnesty. Written for the AU_Bingo Card prompt #21 -Activists.Youre sure youll be alright?Hank looked up from the medical journal in his hands to shoot his brother an exasperated look.Im fine, Evan. I can survive alone for a couple of days without you to hold my hand.Evan shifted on his feet, looking nervously back at his brother. You wouldnt say that if youcould see how you looked like right now. Seriously, youve been here two days and you still looklike crap.Thanks, Hank said dryly. All I need is rest and relaxation. And what to you know with youat that accountants conference, I should be getting tons of peace around here.Its not an accountants-- you know forget it, Evan said exasperated. If youre fine enough tosnark than youre clearly well enough to be on your own.Thats exactly what Ive been telling you, Hank said amused. He got up from the couch andshooed at his brother with both hands. Go! Have fun. Make numbers dance, or whatever youCPAs do to have a good time.Evan rolled his eyes and tugged his rolling green suitcase out the apartment. Hank started to pushthe door closed behind him. Your ban on accounting humor is a lifetime ban, pal. Evan pokedhis head between the doorframe and the door to shoot his brother a concerned look throughlowered brows. Youll call me, if you need anything, right?Ill be fine! Now go! Before I decide I need to spend my vacation in Las Vegas and I mug youfor your plane ticket.Ha! As if youd be able to fool anyone that your face is anywhere close to my attractive--Hank shut the door, smiling. He waited until he heard the faint squeaks of the luggage wheelsheading down the hallway before he rejoined the couch. He opened up the medical journal tobegin reading from where he left off. Half an hour later, having managed to read exactly one page,Hank gave up on the journal, switched on the TV and accessed Evans Netflix account. He got agood laugh out of his brothers viewing queue before he switched on the latest superhero moviehe missed out by being overseas. Halfway through the movie as explosions bloomed red-orangeon the screen, Hank fell asleep.*-*-*-*Two days later, Hank was ready to climb the walls from boredom. He wasnt used to being soinactive. Three years of being with Doctors Without Borders had left him pretty used to alwaysbeen on the move, always looking for ways to fix the innumerable problems which cropped up onsite. And before that hed been an ER doctor in one of the busiest hospitals in New York City.Sitting on his ass for the first couple of days hed gotten back had been bliss, but now it felt likeants were crawling under his skin. He couldnt shake the feeling that something terrible was goingto happen if he didnt get a move on. Maybe, his supervisor --Charlie Casey-- had been rightwhen hed told him to take the summer off.Bored and desperate for human interaction which wasnt digital, he called up Jill Casey, Charliesnearly ex-wife (it was apparently complicated) and a good friend to Hank.Hank! Jill said enthusiastically as soon as she answered her cell phone. I was wondering whenyoud give in and call me.Am I that predictable? Hank groaned with embarrassment as his cheeks heated.Yeah, you kinda are, Jill teased. So what can I do for you? Please dont ask me aboutputting you to work.Well Hank trailed off sheepishly.Hank! Jill scolded. Youre supposed to have the summer off! Charlie said you needed it. Andif hes saying you need a break--then you need a break! Her voice gentled with concern. Hetold me youve been having trouble sleeping, youre underweight and--Jill! Hank cut her off before he got a litany of all the symptoms which got him shipped backstateside. Right now, Im just bored. My brothers out of town on a conference. Most of thepeople I know in New York are from the hospital or friends of Nikki andOh, Jill said with soft sympathy. Well, unless you want to come to the Hamptons and meet mybrothers...Hank winced. Thanks, but Ill skip crashing the family reunion. He liked Jill very much, but healso didnt think their friendship was at the stage were he could horn in on her rare family time.Good choice, Jill agreed, amused. I love them but my brothers can be overwhelming all atonce. Wellif youre serious about putting yourself to workI am, Hank said firmly.Theres this charity function in the city I had to skip out on. Theyre full of potential donors.And you want me to go and round some up for you, Hank said.Yup, Jill said cheerfully. Just introduce yourself, make small talk and mention Water forWomen whenever you can. You dont have to extract promises, just get the name out and intodonors minds. Because if they recognize it later when Im handling the charity driveThen theyre more likely to donate, Hank agreed, nodding even though Jill couldnt see him.Thats pretty sneaky.Jill laughed. You know how it works; every cent matters.Yeah.The functions black tie but wont be for three days, Jill said. Ill overnight you the invite andIll make sure your name is in my place.Thank you! Hank said relieved.Youve really been bored, havent you?You have no idea, Hank agreed, as he eyed Evans apartment. Hed actually dusted and wasconsidering vacuuming when hed decided to call Jill.Jill laughed, and distracted him by chatting about her family, how she was looking forward to theannual HarborFest and the family obsession with lobster rolls.*-*-*-*Three days later, Hank was wearing a tux and smiling as he held a champagne flute. To hissurprise, he was having a good time. The food was tasty, the champagne was bubbly and themusic didnt demand he make any fancy moves. Hed never thought himself as a small talk kindof guy but the last few years had left him with a passion for charity work and in this function he fitright in. Once, he wouldnt have thought that smooching people with money was in any way apart of medicine, but all these years hed spent with Doctors Without Borders had forced him toacknowledge the importance of donors who funneled money so doctors like him could helppeople in impoverished countries.Tension he hadnt realized he was carrying smoothed out of his muscles as he danced with severallovely ladies. It took his shoes pinching his toes and getting filled up with champagne to excusehimself to go find a bathroom.On the way out of the mens room, Hank paused and turned his head as his instincts demanded hepay attention. A man, older and taller than him, was walking down the hall to the hotels balcony.He was stumbling badly, and was being helped by a large suited man whose demeanor all butscreamed ex-military bodyguard while another bodyguard scanned the area around them. Asmaller man wearing glasses trailed behind them.Hank frowned and paid closer attention.The man being supported by the bodyguard wasnt drunk. He was walking like his feet hurt.Sweat beaded at his temples and he was blinking rapidly with one hand out before him like hecouldnt see. Hank set off after them at once. He categorized the symptoms he observed,eliminating several possibilities. Abruptly, Hank wished hed thought to bring his medical bag, butit wasnt like he expected to need one at a charity function.Next time, Hank silently promised himself, he wouldnt be so caught off guard.Excuse me, Hank said politely as he walked through the double doors to the balcony. Thebodyguard whod been scanning for threats slid his hand into his dark suit jacket, no doubt goingfor a gun. My name is Hank Lawson, Im a doctor, Hank continued firming his expression withdetermination even as he raised his empty hands. I can see somethings wrong. Let me help him.Theres nothing you can do, Dr. Lawson, The German accent was a surprise, but only amomentary one. Hank shifted his gaze to the man with the symptoms. The first bodyguard hadhim seated on the balcony chairs, his black shoes where on the floor. There is no cure.Hank frowned. What do you have?I dont know, the man said as he looked towards Hank. His blue eyes werent tracking quiteright and they looked too much to Hanks left. Ive talked to experts. No one knows, he said, hisvoice thick with despair.Would you let me examine you, anyway? Hank asked softly. If only to settle my ownconscience? I cant see you like this and not try to help.Ja, fine, the man said after a moment. He nodded and both bodyguards stepped back, allowingHank to get between them. The small man in the glasses looked at Hank with a stiff expressionand surprisingly hard, cold eyes.Hank ignored him as he crouched by his patients side. Youre feet are hurting you, you cant seevery well and youre having difficulty breathing. What other symptoms do you have?Muscle spasms.Hank frowned harder. That eliminated the most likely candidate he had. How bad is your visionloss?Its partial, like black spots floating in front my eyes, the man said bitterly. Doctor, there isnothing you can do. My father died of this, and its merely my turn.Hank sat back on his haunches, stricken by the thought of losing his first patient since he returnedto New York. He dropped his eyes, feeling sick. This is when he saw the white ring blemishes inhis patients fingernails. Hank blinked in disbelief and reached out, grasping the older mans rightwrist.The man flinched at Hanks touch then stilled. What is it?Have you by any chance been to any third world countries recently? Hank asked urgently.Not for a couple of years, the man said. Why?Call the hospital, Hank said looking up at the nearest hovering bodyguard. He needsimmediate treatment for thallium poisoning. Make sure that they have Prussian blue on hand.The bodyguards eyes widened but he reacted without hesitation and pulled out a sleek cellphonefrom his blazer.Thallium poisoning?Hank turned back to his patient. Thallium poisoning presents itself with several symptoms,including: a burning sensation on the soles of the feet, muscles spasms and degenerative cognitivefunction as well as loss of vision and rings of white in the fingernails. I only recognize it becauseIve been to country where they still use it to kill rats. Its odorless and tasteless and I once had apatient who accidentally ingested small amounts over a period of several weeks before he soughttreatment. Your fingernails are just like his, with rings right above the cuticle.The sound of the double doors closing abruptly made Hank jerk his head around as the small manwith the glasses power walked out of sight. Hank frowned after him for a second before turninghis attention back to the person who needed it most.I have been tested for everything. I have a mutation. It was discovered years ago.I dont know what your doctors have been looking for, Hank said quietly, even as he heard theapproach of sirens. But if theyve been looking for a genetic cause then theres no reason anyonewould think to test you for a heavy metal poisoning. Yet from seeing your symptoms, this is mydiagnosis.The clamor of the medics coming through the doors made Hank get to his feet. He rattled offevery symptom, his diagnosis and emphasized the importance of his patient getting Prussian blueat once as well as hemoperfusion and hemodialysis.The medics nodded, bundled Hanks patientinto a stretcher and were out the door in less than three minutes. Both bodyguards kept pace.In the aftermath, the balcony rang with silence for a second before the sounds of New York Citytraffic blared. Hank looked down at the expensive black leather shoes left behind and suddenly --and ridiculously-- he felt like oddball Prince Charming. A normal guy who ended up with bothpairs of shoes from the mysterious wealthy stranger who had to leave before the party was over.On impulse, Hank checked his watch and had to smile in bemusement at how both hands showedit was five minutes past midnight. Then Hank picked up the shoes and went to go find his patientto make sure he survived the night.*-*-*-*To his discomfort, Hank found out the nearest hospital was Brooklyn Heights Mercy Hospital. Itwas the last place on Earth Hank wanted to be, considering his history with the hospital, but hisresponsibility to his patient, however briefly he was a patient, gave Hank the incentive to pushbeyond his own discomfort to make his way in.Fortunately, however much hed pissed off the hospital administration, Hank had left the hospitalin good graces with most of the staff which included the nurses which manned the stations. So hewas able to convince them to give him the name of the man whod come in with thalliumpoisoning.Boris Kuester von Jurges-Ratenicz was a mouthful, but Hank rather thought it fit the man. Hankalso got the name of his doctor, a Doctor Alex Duran. Mr. Jurges-Ratenicz was still in emergencycare so Hank went to wait until his doctor came out with news. Hank found the bodyguards,standing around on their feet as they waited. Theyd multiplied since the last time hed seen thembecause now there were four of them. The small man with the glasses was missing.There were also two police officers in plain clothes with the bodyguards. Hank could tell from thebadges clipped to their belts. From the bodyguards body language, they werent happy at all,whether it was the questions or their boss being treated for poisoning, Hank couldnt tell just fromlooking at them. He went up to one of the bodyguards he recognized who was a man with lightbrown hair who towered over him by nearly a foot and with twice as much muscle mass to boot.Hey, Hank said.The bodyguard jerked over at him, twitching with tension. He stared at Hank with a hardexpression before recognition lit up his pale hazel eyes. Hank Lawson, the bodyguard said. Hisfaint accent pinged a memory and Hank upgraded his estimation of the bodyguards skill from ex-military to ex-Mossad agents. Which meant that Boris Kuester von Jurges-Ratenicz was not only arich man, but a very rich man to be able to afford having four of them on his payroll.Suddenly, Hank felt ridiculous for coming here with Mr. Jurges-Rateniczs shoes which the mancould, no doubt, easily replace. Hank held up the large brown paper bag which held the shoes. Ihave his shoes. Id figured hed want them back, Hank said quietly.The bodyguard nodded and took the bag.Has Dr. Duran come back with any news yet? Hank asked.Excuse me, who are you? One of the police officers asked with a frown. He and his partnerboth looked at Hank with evaluation in their eyes.Hank automatically held out his hand for a handshake. Dr. Hank Lawson.The cops eyes flickered up and down as he took in Hanks tuxedo but he shook the offered hand.Detective Jack Vega and this is my partner: Detective Julie Cuvias. Do you work with thehospital, Dr. Lawson?Oh no, I was at the hotel, Hank said. I diagnosed Mr. Jurges-Ratenicz with thalliumpoisoning. His answer earned Hank the complete attention of all the bodyguards. I stopped byto follow through on the diagnosis. I wanted to make sure he got the antidote in time.It seems he did, a female voice broke in.Everyone turned to see Dr. Alexandra Duran, standing before them.Hey, Alex.I never thought Id see you here again, Hank, Alex said, staring up Hank.Hows Mr. Jurges-Ratenicz? he asked.Lucky, thats what he is. Damned lucky, Alex said somberly. Hes reacting well to thePrussian blue and the hemodialysis. Every bodyguard reacted with soft sighs of relief. But wewont know for 12 hours if his organs have been damaged, she added.When can we talk to him? Detective Cuvias asked. When you called us, you said that thepoisoning couldnt be accidental. So the sooner we question him, the sooner we can find outwhos trying to kill him.Hank saw how the bodyguards exchanged looks, so subtly that the detectives didnt notice.Not for another couple of hours, Alex said frowning. He needs to be closely monitored andstress is the last thing he needs right now. Nearest we can tell Mr. Jurges-Ratenicz had beensystematically poisoned over a period of several months.Can you tell us how?No, Alex flatly.Thallium is both tasteless and odorless so he couldve been exposed to it in quite a lot of ways,Hank cut in.Thank you, doctors, said Detective Vega, nodding to them both before he turned back to theone of the bodyguards. Well be needing access to Mr. Jurges-Rateniczs home to find thatsource of thallium.The expressions on the bodyguards faces were stiff before one nodded. One of us will need tobe with you at all times. Our employer values his privacy, he explained at the surprised looks onthe detectives faces.Hank turned away from the following discussion and tapped Dr. Durans shoulder before shecould leave. Alex, I know I dont have a right to ask, but I was hoping you could update me onhis condition.Alex frowned. I cant give you details, you know that.I just want to know whether or not he makes it through the thallium treatment with or withoutorgan damage, Hank said, he raised his hands. Just a text will be enough.Give me your phone number, Alex sighed as she fished out her phone from her lab coat pocket.Ill see what I can do.Hank grinned and rattled off the number, thanking her again before he turned and walked away.He was so relieved that Mr. Jurges-Ratenicz was reacting well to the antidote and thehemodialysis. He wasnt going to lose his first patient since coming back to the U.S.The next day, Hank got a text from Dr. Duran, with a simple: No permanent damage. He spent allday smiling.*-*-*-*So whatd I miss while I was gone? Evan asked as he popped out of his bedroom after droppingoff his luggage.Nothing, Hank answered as he looked up. He couldnt help but grin at Evans sun-burnt face. Itake it you forgot the sunblock?Evan rolled his eyes before shooting his brother an exasperated look. Dont tell me you spent theentire time being a couch potato? Evan asked, as he plopped himself next to Hank on the couch.Hey, I went on walks and I even dusted! Hank protested.Incredulous, Evan looked around, and the scattered empty plates, beer bottles and clothes.Right, he said skeptically.Now, you look like youve got plenty of stories to tell, Hank said before his brother beganragging on him for being a slob.Evans eyes lit up and he began excitedly recounting his travels and stay at the Las Vegasconference. Hank grinned, nodded and drank down another beer.*-*-*-*A week after Evan came back from his conference, Hank decided on impulse to take a walkthrough Central Park to enjoy the cool shadows of the trees. He ended up sitting on a park benchwith his eyes closed as he tilted his head back so the light breeze could run over his neck. Hankwallowed in a rare feeling of contentment. This was the first time hed set foot in the park sincehed been back. He hadnt realized how much hed missed it until hed sat down to enjoy a bit ofnature which wasnt full of mosquitoes or people who wore assault rifles like some people woretrendy scarves. Now, he was the most relaxed he could remember being in well, he didnt knowhow long.He was so limp with bliss that he didnt even tense up when he felt someone settle down on thepark bench next to him.Dr. Lawson, you are a surprisingly difficult man to find.Hanks eyes opened open at the German accent and he raised his head up to see Boris Kuestervon Jurges-Ratenicz sitting next to him. Hank straightened up all the way as he evaluated him.The other man looked a lot better than the last time Hank had seen him. There was color in hischeeks, a bright alertness in his blue eyes, and he looked cool and collected. He didnt look at alllike a man whod nearly died over a week ago. In his expensively cut suit, he looked like abusiness man taking a mid-afternoon break to enjoy the park. Although, the six bodyguardssurrounding the park bench destroyed that harmless image.Im glad to see youre looking better, Hank said with a wide smile. Then he blinked as the othermans words filtered through and his smile weakened. You were looking for me?That earned him a small smile. You saved my life. Is it really a surprise I wanted to thank you inperson?Well, when you put it that way Hank said as his smile widened again.I owe you more than words of gratitude.You dont, you know. Im a doctor. Hank tilted his head to the side. Helping is kinda in the jobdescription, Mr. Jurges-- Hank cut himself off. You know, Ive been meaning to ask, is it Mr.Kuester, Mr. Kuster von Jurges-Ratenicz or Mr. Jurges-Ratenicz?Call me Boris, Boris answered, amusement crinkled fine lines around the corners of his eyes.Then you have to call me Hank, Hank replied. Boris nodded and made gesture with his lefthand. One of the bodyguards stepped close and held out to Hank a black leather briefcase.Confused, Hank took it. He clicked it open, stared at the stacks and stacks of hundred dollar billsbefore he abruptly closed it. Hank jerked around to stare at Boris with huge shocked eyes. I canttake this!It isnt enough? Boris asked lightly. His blue eyes damned near twinkled as he watched Hank.No, seriously, I cant take this. I wont take it. Not for doing my job, Hank said. He held out thebriefcase by the handle in mute plea for him to take it back. Boris, I dont need your money.Boris settled his right hand on top of Hanks hand. His thumb swept back and forth on thesensitive underside of Hanks wrist in an intimate caress which made Hank blink twice in surprise.Hank looked down at the broad fingers and manicured fingernails with lingering rings of white.The sight choked back his explanation of how he didnt date patients before he looked back upagain. He didnt jerk away. It didnt even occur to him.I spent decades living under, what I thought, was a genetic disease which would claim my lifebefore I turned fifty, Boris said somberly. When the symptoms began I was certain my deathwould be approaching soon. I settled my affairs. I even thought to make my death easier by--Boris took a deep breath and looked down at where he was now tightly gripping Hanks hand. Heforced his hand to relax and loosen the hold. --it doesnt matter now.Hank could fill in the blanks. Some terminal patients sought a death which wouldnt leave them inlingering agony. He blinked in surprise as he realized. Who else died of thallium poisoning?My father, my grandfather, my great-grandfather, Boris answered quietly. Tests confirmed it.Apparently, thallium lingers in the bodies of the deceased.I--I--I dont know what to say to that, Hank said stunned and horrified at the deaths. Thatshorrible. Actually, horrible doesnt even seem to cover it. No wonder you thought it wasgenetic Hank looked up at Boris and settled the briefcase between them so he could return thegrip. Im sorry. And all over again he was horrified by the depths of malice and patience impliedin the murders of Boris family. The poisonings spanned generations.It was nightmarish.Boris inclined his head in acceptance of Hanks sympathy. Ive spent more money than what isin the briefcase looking for a cure, for a reason as to why death followed my family. In one night,you found the cause, solving a mystery which dozen of medical experts missed and saved my life.So accept the briefcase, Hank. Keep it or donate it to Doctors Without Borders. Either way, it isyours to do with as you will.Hank read the depth of determination in Boris eyes and nodded. When you but it that wayhe trailed off. Okay.Good, Boris replied and again his thumb stroked the underside of Hanks wrist.Boris um, youve heard of the Florence Nightingale Syndrome? Hank asked, as he lookedback down at Boris hand. He really had to say something. I think youre feeling the reverse of it.Give it a couple of weeks and I doubt youll feel the same. Hank looked up again. Youwouldnt be the first patient who thought they had feelings for their doctor.Boriss expression stilled into a stoic mask and Hanks chest gave a painful thump at the idea ofcausing him pain.I just dont want to realize that you dont actually feel anything for me, after all, Hank offered.And if I still do? Boris asked softly.Hank swallowed. He wasnt a zero on the Kinsey scale, but he usually preferred women to men.It was rare for Hank to feel that flush attraction for another man. And with his question he couldnthelp but be abruptly aware of how attractive Boris was, with his strong jaw, and strikingintelligent eyes.Contact me again in fourteen days, Hank offered as his cheeks heated under Boriss gaze. Andfind out.Boris stroked another caress against Hanks skin before he released him, standing up. Ill see youin two weeks.Um, Hank said. He held up the briefcase. Could you donate this for me to Doctors WithoutBorders and Water for Women? I dont exactly think its a good idea for me to ride the subwaywith it. Hank smiled a crooked grin. It doesnt really match my outfit.Boris stood up and gave Hank a long lingering look, taking in worn denim jeans and blue poloshirt. He nodded at the bodyguard whod handed Hank the briefcase in the first place, whopromptly stepped forward again and took the briefcase back from Hank.Thanks, Hank said.14 days, Hank, Boris repeated. He walked away, surrounded at once by his bodyguards.Hank watched them leave until Boris straight back was out of sight before closed his eyes andleaned his head back again. A couple of minutes later, as birds chirped in the trees his eyes poppedopen as he considered how Evan would react to learning Hank had given away what had to beover a million dollars. Hank groaned and promised himself to never mention it to his brother. Afterall, Hank could claim it fell under doctor-patient confidentiality. Okay, so that was stretch.Hank was never telling his brother about the money.*-*-*-*Hank pretty much forgot about Boris over the next two weeks. His nightmares had resurfaced sohe was sleeping about 2-3 hours every other night or so, not enough to affect his health butenough the dark circles returned and took up permanent residence under his eyes.So when the fourteenth day came and went without a sign of Boris, Hank wasnt surprised. Afterall, it wouldnt be the first time hed had a patient think they felt something more for him.Although this time, he was more than a little disappointed. Hed been attracted to Boris, a flush afeeling he hadnt felt in too long. War-torn and poverty stricken countries where he usually endedup werent exactly conducive for romance. Boris had been the first person to hit on him in far toolong. But he wasnt the first patient either which Hank had had whod then realized that theywerent actually attracted to him. Hank put him out of his mind and got on with his life.So he could honestly say he was taken completely by surprise, when sitting on the corner caffrom Evans apartment, Boris showed up again with his multiple bodyguards.Hank lowered his half-full cup of dark roast coffee and looked up as Boris sat across from him.Boris! Um, Hank said in surprise. Hi, I wasnt actually expecting to see you again.Hank, my apologies for being two days late from our agreed scheduled meeting, Boris saidquietly. But Im afraid an unavoidable situation arose which required my attention.Oh, Hank said relieved. His interest piqued. Can you talk about it?The man responsible for the thallium was apprehended, Boris explained.Hank straightened. No wonder Boris hadnt met with him two days ago. Was it the small manwith the eye-glasses? Hank asked.Boris looked at him with surprise. Dieter, yes. How did you know?He was with you at the hotel. And when I first made my diagnosis of thallium poisoning, he ranoff, Hank explained. It seemed strange that hed do that.Your instincts were right, Boris said somberly, his eyes growing distant. He was responsible.Hank looked at him carefully, staring at the tight lines around Boris eyes and mouth. He reachedout and settled his hand on the back of the other mans hand. Boris looked at him and the cornersof his mouth turned up slightly. Boris rotated his wrist until he returned the grasp on Hanks hand.I take it; I am forgiven for being late? Boris asked as he leaned forward slightly towards Hank.Yeah, Hank said, smiling back. I think I can find some forgiveness in my heart, he teased.The smile which widened across Boriss face, cheered Hank up to no end.Good, Boris said quietly but with deep sincerity.The relief which Hank could read in his expression told him how much Boris wanted Hanksforgiveness. It was an expression which dissipated the last of the hurt Hank had been feeling.Boris continued, Because I was hoping that you would consider spending the rest of the summerwith me at my house in the Hamptons. Hank blinked twice as he was taken aback by the suddeninvitation.I normally spend the summer there, Boris explained. And I would like you to spend it withme. Boris read the surprise on Hanks face and assured him. If you feel uncomfortable sleepingin a guest room, I have a guest house which you could have.Hank looked off to the side, idly watching the barista at the counter take another order as heconsidered the idea. Evan had been great this last month, he hadnt made any noises about Hankfinding a place to stay other than with him but it would be a good idea not to outstay hiswelcome. And as much as Hank loved getting to spend time with his brother, Evan had his ownlife to live and Hank really liked the idea of the spending the rest of his days off on the beach,maybe he could actually start up his exercise regime again and go for runs on the sand. And Jillwas there. So wasnt like he had no friends at the Hamptons.He looked back to Boris and smiled. You know, Id like that.Boris entire expression lit up with warmth and his eyes nearly glowed as he looked back at Hank.I leave on Friday, would you come with me?Okay, yeah, Hank agreed, nodding.Good, Boris said. Boris released Hanks hand with obvious reluctance. Very well, I will send acar to pick you up at 8 in the morning.I take it you dont need the address? Hank asked, although certain of that answer.No, Boris answered at once. He hesitated for a second. Does that bother you?Boris, considering someone was poisoning you when we first met, Id be very surprised if youhadnt had me checked out, Hank said with understanding. It doesnt bother me. He shrugged.So now you know the worse things in my past and youre still here, so Im taking it as a goodsign. Hank tilted his head as he looked at Boris. It just means that Ill be the one questioning yousince I havent run a background check. Googling his name hadnt yielded a lot of results.Of course, Boris agreed, amused. Then in a move which thoroughly took Hank by surprise,Boris raised their joined hands and kissed the back of Hanks hand in such a natural and gracefulgesture that it took a long second before Hank reacted.He blushed scarlet.Until Friday then, Hank, Boris said, releasing Hanks hand before he stood up and strode away.His bodyguards collected around him like iron filing around a magnet before he was out the door.Hank touched the skin on the back of his tingling hand with his fingertips. The sudden thought ofexactly how good Boris lips would feel against his mouth made heat pool in his cheeks and lowin his belly. It was like his body had woken up from a long nap with those thoughts. Abruptlyaware that he was a in a public place, Hank forced to think of innocuous non-sexy things andquickly drank his coffee around a grin which refused to fade away.*-*-*-*By the time Evan came back from work, Hank thought he had himself under control. Thisassumption was blown away the minute Evan took at look at his face.Youre happy! Evan said in surprise. Why are you practically glowing?Hank hid behind another of his medical journals. Im not glowing, he said firmly.A split second later, Evan pulled down the journal to look at him suspiciously. Hank blinked athim. Evans eyes widened. You are glowing! Did you get laid?Hank fervently wished he could control the blush which crawled up his cheeks.Oh god, you did get laid! Evan shouted.Hank winced. No, I didnt and will you keep your voice down. I dont want the entire floor tohear you saying that.Evans eyes narrowed. If you didnt get laid, then why are you so happy? Youre not leaving thecountry again, are you? he asked in dismay. He gestured wildly at Hank. You cant! You stilllook terrible! Youre not sleeping and youre still underweight and--Evan, stop! Hank said cutting him off. Im not going back to work. Im just leaving you.Evan paused mid-gesture and blinked several times at his brother. Youre leaving me? he askedin bewilderment.Hank laughed. Yeah. He blushed. Um, I didnt tell you this before, because I wasnt sure itwas going anywhere, but Ive met someone.Evan plopped himself next to Hank, his eyes bright with interest. Really? Tell me everything.Hank gave him a sideways look. There isnt much to tell yet. But hed invited me to spend timewith him so Im packing and leaving on Friday.Evan only briefly startled at the mention of the gender. He knew Hank too well to be reallysurprised.A romantic weekend getaway? Good for you, Evan said happily.Um its more like the rest of the summer, Hank explained. If it all goes well. He added.Because if it didnt and he had a falling out with Boris, hed be back on Evans couch.All summer? Evan frowned. Exactly where are you going?Hank raised his medical journal nonchalantly, Oh, were just going to be at his house in theHamptons.The silence which met his response nearly made Hank drop the journal to check out Evansexpression but Evan tore it away before he could made the decision to peek at his brother. Hanklooked into Evans huge pleading eyes as he stared at him from barely a foot away.I love the Hamptons, Evan breathed. His eyes seemed to get even bigger as he pleaded, Takeme with you.No, not gonna happen, Hank said at once.But Hank! I love the Hamptons!No!EndPlease drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!