Chapter 50 Epilogue

Payton

"I've looked forward to this for a long time," he says as he puts the last dish in the dishwasher and turns around and walks back to where I'm still sitting at the dining room table. We'd had dinner, talked for an hour over dessert until he made me sit while he cleared the dishes.

"What?" I asked, even though I had an idea.

"Making you mine." His reply was simple, and as he stroked a single finger down my forehead, and across my cheek, he gave me a soft smile that reflected in his eyes. "And I'm yours too, Payton. I want you to trust me, to count on me. I know you don't want to be taken care of in all aspects of the words, but as much as you'll let me, I want to take care of you."

"You have been, you do," I reply. "I like the ways you do. You always putting my needs first, thinking about what's best for me. Bringing me my favourite treats when I'm studying," I add, smiling at the thought.

When I was studying in the library for finals, Remy would sometimes pop in with a Chai Latte or a box of Very Berry Mike and Ike's, or whatever little treat he knows I like. He'd never stay long because he didn't want to interrupt me, he'd just pop in, drop off the gift, give me a kiss and take off just as fast. Of course, it would take me a half hour to stop daydreaming about him after these visits, but it was worth it. He always seems so happy too, as if bringing me a treat was the highlight of his day.

"You don't..." I begin, but then stop, not sure how to say it right.

"What Payton?" I grin, because he actually hardly ever calls me by my name, usually using one of the many terms of endearment he seems to have for me.

Then I frown, feeling awkward. "It was nothing," I reply.

Furrowed brows meet my gaze and I know I'd better say something because he doesn't like when I keep things to myself.

"I just was going to say, you don't have to keep doing nice things...um, out of guilt or anything...because what happened before."

His furrowed brows become even sterner...and I can see the family resemblance to Master Matthias. I tell myself not to look down, keep his gaze because outside of the playroom that's what he'd like me to do, he told me. But it's kinda hard when he's looking at me like that.

"Is that what you think?" he finally says. "That I only do nice things for you out of guilt?"

"Well...no," I say softly. Even I can hear the lack of conviction.

"I do things for you because I care deeply about you and I like seeing you smile. It makes me happy when I do something that makes you happy. That's the main reason. And you're mine and I take care of what's mine, and before you say anything, I don't think of you as a possession..."

I like being yours. The thought makes me smile.

"I think of you as someone who is special to me and has given himself to me out of trust and affection."

"You don't have to be so P C," I say. "I mean, I became a submissive, I've gone through the training, being yours is what I wanted since I first met you. It makes me feel special...and all warm and fuzzy," I add chuckling, hoping to ease the tension I created.

"Well good, I like making you warm and fuzzy," he teases, poking me in the stomach.

Mission accomplished.

"I want to make you feel the same way," I tell him, "I care about you too."

"You do mon chou. You do..." Remy leans over and kisses me gently. His warm, soft lips feel amazing and I feel like I could kiss him for the rest of eternity. His kiss turns deeper as he puts a hand behind my neck, cradling my head, keeping it in place and I feel like I'm going to melt. I'm definitely feeling warm and fuzzy, from my toes to my ears.

"Come on cher, I think we've waited long enough."

Remy leans back from the kiss and pulls me out of my chair. I follow him to his bedroom.

"Um, I'm just going to go brush my teeth," I say, trying to cover the nervousness. He smiles and gestures with his head toward his ensuite bathroom.

I'd already showered and...cleaned up, while Remy was making dinner, so I quickly grab my toothbrush out of my Dopp kit, brush my teeth, attempt to comb my hair and then try to psych myself up in the mirror. After a minute or two, I quickly take a pee, wash my hands and head back out to Remy's bedroom.

"Everything okay?" he asks and I nod with a smile that I hope looks confident.

"Okay," he says kissing the top of my head, "I'm going to use the washroom myself. I won't be long, just relax on the bed...but don't get undressed. Let me have that honor," he chuckles before striding into the bathroom.

I wander around the bedroom looking at Remy's stuff. You can learn a lot about someone looking at their stuff. He's got lots of books, some on his nightstand, some piled on the low bureau and some on the tall one. Plus a bookshelf full of them. There's nothing sexier than a man who reads.

I stop at the tall bureau and look at the framed pictures. Remy with his parents, Remy with his cousins when they were kids...and let me say that Master Matthias was freaking adorable. I quickly pull my phone out of my pocket and take a picture of it, texting it to Tommy.

When I hear the toilet flush I quickly turn my phone off and leave it on top of the bureau.

"Are you laughing at my awkward adolescent years," Remy says as he walks out of the bathroom and I slap my hand over my mouth.

"No, you were really cute. I was laughing because I never pictured Master Matthias as a child. He's one of those people you kind of figure was forged like some mythological hero. Not from the hellfires, but something like that."

Remy lets out a deep laugh. "I'll have to tell him that one."

"No! Please," I shout, running over and putting my hand over his mouth, as if he's going to tell him right now. Remy laughs even harder, grabbing me by my middle and tossing me onto his bed.

"Don't worry my little red fox, I'll protect you from the demon forged Matthias," he says flopping down next to me.

"I kind of meant it as a compliment," I say as I try to stop laughing, "but I guess, maybe it could be misconstrued."

The next few minutes we just lay together, laughing about different things that have happened over the last few weeks. We talk about the run tomorrow and what we should do with the rest of the weekend. The longer we talk, the less nervous I become and the more confident I get. I know it's stupid, I've been with a number of Doms, I'm no longer the inexperienced virgin, but...this is Remy. This is the one man out of any of them, who I don't want to disappoint. Who I...who I...

I think I may love him.

I surprise even myself when I turn to him, mid-sentence, climb up so I'm straddling him and I lean down and kiss him. I kiss him like I've never kissed anyone before and I pour out all the feelings that have been stirring inside me since last Christmas.

The mood in the room definitely changes as Remy returns the kiss just as strongly and runs his hands down my sides, and when he reaches the bottom of my shirt, pulling it up over my head.

Shit's getting serious Pay.

Knowing that Remy didn't want our first time together to be as my Dominant, I take a little lead myself and reach down pulling his shirt up and off as well. I'm rewarded with an approving smile which makes the temperature in the room feel like it just went up a notch or two.

God he's beautiful. I run my hand down his sculpted chest, perfect lickable mocha skin. Straight from the brain to the tongue, I lean down and lick a trail from his belly button up to his chin and he lets out an appreciative grumble from deep inside his chest. Closing my eyes, I tuck my head under his chin and breathe him in. He smells so good.

The sound of a Donzi going by wakes me out of my thoughts. I hate those boats, so loud that they make even thinking impossible. Ruined a perfectly good daydream. Making love with Remy for the first time was amazingly perfect. I couldn't have imagined it being any better and I keep catching myself thinking about it. Not always in the most appropriate place.

It's been amazing since too. Sometimes we make love in a more romantic way, and sometimes, depending on our need at the moment, it's in a more Dominant/submissive way. And believe me, that is just as hot and it helps center me in a way I need. It quiets my overactive thoughts and helps me focus and simplify things. I can't even describe how helpful that's been for me, especially coming from someone I have strong feelings about, who I trust and feel connected with.

I see a boat coming in for either a pump-out or fuel so I head over to the other side of the service dock and grab the lines as they're thrown to me. The man at the helm lets me know they need some diesel so I pull the boat forward and tie it up in front of the diesel pump.

The two boaters hop off the boat once it's secure and while they wander off for a few minutes, I hop on, find the right deckplate and use my universal key to open their fuel cap. Once I finish, I make sure there's no spillage and let them know they're ready to go. I scan their card and, before they return to their boat, I'm rewarded with a nice tip. I smile and thank them, and hold the boat steady as they climb aboard.

"Thanks Payton!"

"You're welcome. Enjoy your sail," I call out as I toss the dock line to the woman standing on the bow of the Bayfield 29. Using my foot I push out on the toe rail to help them clear the fuel dock. Once I make sure they are safely on their way and no other boats are waiting for my help, I check my watch. It's 5 minutes after 6, my shift is over.

"Jordan, I'm heading out," I say to my co-worker who's doing a pumpout further down the dock, a 17 year old kid who lives nearby and has been working here since he was 15.

"Yup."

He's a man of few words, but a great sailor. He and I race our Bluenose sloops whenever we can, which is usually in the evening after our shifts. Although I learned to sail from my grandfather, I got my love of the old Nova Scotia built 23 foot Bluenose sailboats from an old Dutchman named Jack who's kept a boat at this marina as long as my grandfather. He collects old Bluenoses, often getting them for a few hundred dollars, fixes them up over the winter and re-sells them in the Spring. He sold me mine for $1000 two years ago, probably a lot less than he usually sells them for, but he's also a great guy and he loves to see young people sailing. He also sold Jordan his so between the three of us and another couple of Bluenose owners in the marina, we have the largest Bluenose Fleet outside of Canada. Little piece of trivia there for you.

"You need anything before I go?"

"Nope."

I chuckle.

"Okay, see you day after tomorrow."

"Have a good day off," he says, surprising me. That's....five words in a row!

I look around as I walk back to the pavilion to sign out in the office, excitement growing like a little a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach.

Remy's coming. He's driving down from Chicago and we're going to spend tonight and my day off tomorrow together and then he'll drive back early the next morning.

Grampa's off racing; a three-day regatta, and Ellen is visiting her sister in Lansing, so we have the house to ourselves. Grampa and Ellen have been great with Remy too. When he visits they totally welcome him into their house and they seem to really like him. They don't judge us; I think they see how much I like him and how good he is for me. It's so nice being somewhere I don't feel judged for who I'm attracted to. It's like this big weight lifted off my shoulder. I would never feel this way bringing Remy home to my parent's house.

"Hey you."

I'd know that sexy deep voice anywhere. I turn around and there's Remy leaning against his car.

"You're here," I say, changing direction.

"I got going early and there wasn't much traffic. So I thought I'd come straight here and pick you up."

Remy meets me half way and pulls me into a hug. A Remy hug. They're the best. His strong arms encircle me and hold me tight to his chest.

"I missed you," I tell him.

I hadn't seen him in almost three weeks, the longest stretch since we got together.

"I missed you too little fox."

"I've got to go sign out, I'll be right back," I say once he lets me go and I've caught my breath.

"Okay, be quick." He gives me a wink and I run back to the office, check my in-box for next week's schedule and grab my backpack from my locker.

"Bye Janet!" I call out as I run by my boss.

"Bye Payton," she calls back as she walks out the door with some papers, heading for the transient dock, her small Cocker Spaniel on her heels.

I hop in Remy's Land Rover once I'm back. I'll leave Grampa's car here for him when he gets returns tomorrow night. I lean over, meeting Remy halfway, to give him a long kiss. He puts his hand behind my head, holding it in that way that makes me tingle all the way down to my toes. I don't know why I love that gesture so much, I just find it incredibly sexy.

"How was your visit with Tommy," he asks once we're on the road. Tommy had visited last weekend, which is why Remy didn't come. I'd mentioned to Remy a few weeks ago that I really missed having one-on-one time with Tommy since he got together with Casey. Not that I don't love Casey, he's awesome and he and Tommy are a perfect couple, and I didn't want to sound like the typical best friend who's jealous of their best friend's boyfriend, because I'm not at all. I just missed Tommy. I missed goofing around with him, hanging out looking at stupid magazines about celebrities and fashion. I don't watch a lot of TV, but Tommy always keeps me up to date in pop culture. He's like my personal TMZ.

Remy had suggested I tell Tommy how I felt. I did and Tommy said he felt the same way and he came for a few days so we could catch up. It was such a great weekend too. I felt like we reconnected and we promised each other we would make sure we had regular time like that.

"It was great, just like old times. I'm really glad you suggested I talk to him."

"No problems can get solved without good, honest communication."

"Who said that?" I ask, thinking it was some famous quote.

"I did," he says with a smirk.

"You're so smart," I chuckle.

"Yes, yes I am. You should always listen to me," he replies and I can't keep the wide grin off my face. I love spending time with this man.

When we get back to the house, Remy runs his bag upstairs while I feed Ellen's cat.

"I just have to call a client," he calls down. "I won't take long."

"No worries," I reply, checking the fridge to see what we have to make dinner with later. I hear a 'ding' come from my phone, meaning I've gotten a message.

"Why the long face, mon chou, is something wrong?" Remy asks when he gets back downstairs about 5 minutes later.

"Um...no...well kind of, yeah, I guess, yes."

"Tell me," he says softly as he sits down next to me and I lean into him.

"Well, I used to have this pen pal. The year my parents made me do Boy Scouts we all got pen pals from another troop, mine was from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, his name was Erik...anyway, we both left Boy Scouts the next year, but we kept writing, well emailing after the first few letters and then we would chat too when we both got phones. Two or three years ago he started writing less and less and then disappeared. When I sent him messages they would come back that his phone was no longer connected to the service or something like that. I know he had some things going on so I just figured he had gone off all social media, you know, sometimes people need to do that for a while. Every couple of months I'd send him a message or an email just to let him know I was still around and that I missed him, you know, in case he logged back into any of the apps."

Taking a deep breath I glance down at the phone and the message I received while Remy was taking his phone call.

"I just got a message from his sister and she told me he passed away two months ago...that he was really sick, something with his lungs and something called NMJ. She said that a few weeks before he died he was really upset and crying, telling her how he had pushed all his friends away and been a real asshole and he felt really bad, but didn't deserve us. His sister wanted to explain and ask us to forgive him and remember him for who he was before he got sick."

"Wow Payton, I'm so sorry. How are you feeling about all that?"

"It makes me really sad. I had no clue he was sick, I mean, he talked about other stuff going on, but never mentioned any physical problems. I told her I never thought he was an asshole, there was nothing to forgive. I just wish he had talked to me about it so I could have been there for him, been a support instead of a worry. Why didn't he realize that friends are there for you both when things are good and when things are bad?"

"I guess he didn't realize that. Sometimes people feel like they don't want to burden others with their problems."

"I know...but I wouldn't have cared, I would rather have been there for him, even to just help take his mind off everything once in a while. I would have like to have said goodbye and told him I cared about him, never stopped."

"I'm sure he knows, mon chou."

"I hope so. I don't know what happens to us after we die, but I hope where ever he is, he's happy...and no longer in pain."

Remy wraps his arm around my shoulders and we sit there for a few minutes in silence. There are other online friends that we also chatted with in a group, I'll have to tell them too as they periodically will ask where he is, but first I have to wrap my head around it all.

"I have something to tell you that might cheer you up a little," Remy says after a few minutes.

"Mhm?" I hum.

"I had lunch with Zion the other day, and you probably know, Ashton's birthday is coming up toward the end of August. Zion thinks it would be nice if all of Ashton's friends surprised him in Aspen for his birthday. He's talking to Casey, Matthias and Clark."

"For real?!"

"Yes, do you think you can get a couple of days off from the marina?"

"Yeah! I've covered a bunch of shifts for Jordan so he could go up to his girlfriend's cottage, I'm sure he'll cover for me. What about Ashton, if it's a surprise won't he have to work?"

"Zion called his employer. He explained the situation and they're going to make sure he has a day or two off, as part of the surprise."

"And everyone's going?"

"Mhm, everyone except Ken and Tai, but we can Skype them in."

"What about his friend Sean?"

"I don't know about him, but maybe you can give me his contact information and I'll pass it along to Zion. And anyone else you think he'd want there."

"Sure. I'll talk to Chris about it. So, will we fly out there? I've been getting really good tips this summer, so...."

"Yes," he interrupts, somewhat sternly, "but I'll make the arrangements and I'll be paying for your ticket."

"I can..."

"No Payton. All the Doms are treating Ashton's friends. No further discussion on it."

"Yes Sir," I say. God he's sexy when he goes all Dom on me.

"So now I'm Sir?"

"Mhm, a very sexy Sir," I say quietly, suddenly feeling very warm and I swear his eyes darken.

"Go upstairs Payton, I'll be up in a few minutes," he says in his deep, sexy Dom voice.

"Do I have time to take a shower, Sir? I smell like the marina."

"Meet me in your room in 20 minutes. That should be enough time."

"Yes Sir," I say, trying to suppress the urge to salute....but I just can't. "Sir, yes Sir," I say with a salute then turn and run up the stairs as fast as I can.

"You know I should spank you for that," he calls up.

"I'm counting on it," I reply.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ashton

"Are you sure?" Blake asks with a frown and I nod.

"Yeah, I'm not a big fan of alcohol anyways." I shrug it off so he sighs.

"Well okay, if you're sure?" He raises a brow making me chuckle.

I look at him with a smile, "I'm sure. Besides, turning twenty-one is no big deal. I'm just going to go home and relax."

"Alright man, see you tomorrow." He says as I grab my stuff and head out.

"See you," I reply before leaving out the back exit.

Pulling the keys from my pocket, I walk towards my car and unlock it while shaking my head at Blake's efforts to convince me to go out and get hammered tonight as if we don't have to be at the clinic at eight in the morning tomorrow. Today is August 23rd, my twenty-first birthday and I'm over seventeen hours, over one thousand one hundred miles, from home. I climb into the car and start driving to my apartment on autopilot. It's been almost three months since I came to Aspen, Colorado for my internship at a very popular veterinary clinic. I love the work, everyone here is very welcoming and easy to get along with. Working with the animals and getting hands on experience has been a blessing.

This time away from Chicago and everything that happened with Gideon, getting a change of scenery and a focus shift, has helped me process it all better. I'm not going to waste my time thinking of what I could have done wrong. I didn't do anything wrong and after ignoring all my friends who told me the same, I've come to terms that some relationships just don't work out. It's nobody's fault. I'm still young and I have my whole life ahead of me. Thinking back to the way I acted when Gideon broke up with me, I can't help the wince that occurs. I acted like a high school freshman that got dumped the day before a dance. I know there will always be a part of me that loves Gideon to death. He showed me so much and helped me overcome some things that I wanted to ignore from my past and I'll always be grateful for that.

I wish I just knew why. Why did he break up with me? Was it really because of work or was it something else? Guess I'll never know and although it bothers me, I'll get over it. I can't believe it's been almost six months since we broke up. I shake my head and push the thought of him away. Not today, I won't let those thoughts ruin my birthday. I'm going to have a good, relaxed day. I'll go back home and hang out with my television and couch. Yup, that's the perfect day and that's all I need...though I wouldn't mind having the guys here for the day. I do miss Chicago, the atmosphere, my family, and all my friends. I'm sure if I was in Chicago for my birthday everyone would have made this huge deal about it against my will. And I'd secretly enjoy every second of it simply because I was with them. I sigh, my hand tightening around the wheel as I continue the drive home.

Once I arrive at the community of townhouses and to my temporary home, I park the car and climb out. I grab my bag from the backseat and lock the car before I head up the walkway that leads to the front door. My brows furrow at the box that's in front of the door. Crouching down, I pick it up and read the shipping information. It's addressed to me, but I don't remember ordering anything. It doesn't say who sent it though. Weird, I think while trying to figure out what the hell it could be. I unlock the front door and hold the box under my arm as I push the door open with my foot. I kick the door closed behind me and put the keys on the hook before going to the kitchen to open the package.

I flip the light switch on and flinch as a loud round of "SURPRISE!" is shouted.

My eyes widen as the box hits the ground and I stare at all my friends who come rushing at me with bright smiles. Payton reaches me first and tackles me into a hug, his face burying into my neck. My arms automatically lock around him and I blink in shock as the others all circle us and start rambling off about different things. My fingers twitch, my eyes shooting around in shock before they begin to water. My fingers clutch at the back of Payton's shirt as my chin begins to tremble and I rest my cheek on his head. His hand rubs up and down my back as I sniffle.

"Happy birthday, Ashton," he whispers before pulling back and I quickly wipe my hands over my face.

"Thanks, Pay." I smile at him and pull him into another hug.

"Well Aspen sure has made you more touchy," he laughs while patting my back.

"I missed you so much," I whisper to him.

"I missed you too," he replies and someone clears their throat.

"Um, hello. We're here too," Chris scoffs while waving his hand in my face, "hi, remember me? Your best friend?"

"Shut up," I roll my eyes and pull him into a tight hug, "how've you been?"

"I've been pretty damn good, if I do say so myself! What about you, Ashypoo?" He asks with a bright smile and a happy glint in his eyes.

"Better now," I admit with a smile.

Everyone takes turns, hugging me and wishing me a happy birthday. I'm happy as fuck that they came all the way here just for my birthday. I definitely have the best group of friends in the world. I look over after Master Matthias gives me a surprisingly long hug that reminds me of one of my dad's hugs, he's definitely the dad of the group, and see Zion patiently waiting his turn. The smile that creeps up my lips is unstoppable as he gives me the biggest smile I've ever seen on him. I bite the inside of my lip as I walk over to him. He opens his arms and I rest my forehead against his chest before gripping the back of his shirt. His hands rest on my hips and I move my head until my face in buried in the crook of his neck. He still smells the same and feels the same; strong muscle, but a soft welcoming embrace.

"Happy birthday, mój drogi." He kisses my forehead after I pull back.

"Thank you." I smile up at him as his thumb brushes over my cheek.

"I like the stubble," he says with a sexy smirk.

"I just forgot to shave," I admit with a chuckle.

"You should keep it," he insists so I nod slowly.

"Yeah, okay," I agree without a second's thought.

"Alright, so are you ready to fucking party?!" Lane shouts making me turn to him with a frown.

"Um, no." I shake my head. "I really can't, I have work in the morning so I can't stay out late."

"Actually, you don't have work in the morning, or for the rest of the weekend," Zion states so I look back to him. "I called your boss, asked her to give you the weekend off for your birthday. It took a bit of convincing, but she agreed."

"Really?" I ask, surprised because my boss is really strict on being late or not getting to work.

"Really," he confirms so I smile.

"Cool! I guess I wouldn't mind going out then," I tell them and Lane whoops.

To my horror, they bought me gifts and after I tell them that I don't need gifts, them being here is enough, I'm still forced to open the presents. All of them were amazing. I got some medical supplies like a Veterinary Stethoscope and thermometer, some other tools I can use at work and keep them until I open my own clinic. I thank everyone for the gifts and frown, remembering the box. I walk over and pick it up before taking the knife Lane got from the kitchen to open the others. I cut the box open and pull out something that's wrapped in gift wrap. Pulling it all off, my eyes widen as I stare at the leather medical bag that is embroiled with Dr. Ashton Lovell Raines, DVM. Looking in the box, I don't see any information on who sent it, no card or anything.

"Wow, that's nice!" Tommy says as I turn it around, looking at it inside and out.

"It's beautiful," I agree and look at Zion.

"Did you get this for me?" I ask him with narrowed eyes, but he shakes his head.

"No, I swear it wasn't from me," he says and I believe him.

"Odd," I mumble then it hits me, which makes me laugh. "It's probably from my parents. The card is probably still sitting on the kitchen counter right next to the package tape."

"Sounds like something your mother would do," Chris laughs in agreement and I smile down at the bag.

They might not be here, and my friends may have to go back to Chicago in a few days, but I know this is going to be one of the best birthday's I've had in a long time. I mean, how can it not be when I'm surrounded by The Sub Club?

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Dedication

PrinceKenzie, Tondada and I would like to dedicate The Sub Club to our friend Erik who passed away recently.

I hope if any of you have learned anything from this story, it's the value of friendship. Both what you give to your friends and what you can count on them for.

Good friends can be counted on in good times and bad times. Talk to them when you're feeling bad. Let them know how you feel and give them the chance to do the same. Listen to them without judgment and be supportive.

Sometimes our families aren't the support network we need. Sometimes our friends are the family that we really need.

Be a good friend. Don't worry about what the popular kids are doing, worry about who you are at the end of the day and what your friends are, or could be going through. Be there for them.

**********************************************************

The Sub Club has reached the end of their journey, for now. This project has been fun and challenging and would not be half of what it is without the group effort it became. Princekenzie and I under the guidance of our "idea-master" Tondada started this project not having any idea where it would really go. We each started with a character based on ourselves, we added a few more based on other friends, we, of course, had to have Lane and Master Matthias and the rest of the Red Door in the mix and boom, the Sub Club was born.

Thank you Chris and Destiny for letting us pull you in. Thanks Tai, for sending me a message that resulted in the creation of Tai and Master Ken, and thank you to everyone else who has helped, read and voted, and just appreciated this project.