A/N: Mature content is coming :)

CH 22

"The whole thing was rather ridiculous, actually," Bill informed them knowingly, as he raised his pint to have a drink, the striped umbrella shading his face from the late afternoon sun. His strong, imposing character--required of an effective lawyer, even if his specialty was real estate law--made Phillip think Bill was very good at his chosen profession.

When everything was cleared up at the police station, Gareth and Phillip insisted on taking Bill and Abby out for some food and drinks since they came and helped right away. Well, mostly Gareth insisted on the food, but Phillip didn't disagree.

Bill managed to get the charges dropped with little difficulty once Phillip explained how he purchased everything from different garden centres to find his clients the cheapest prices and to ensure he wasn't ever using his employee discount. And he was even able to prove it by logging into his bank account and billing information on Officer Pauling's computer. Gareth also showed the officers a photo of the children on the front steps of their house, the hanging baskets on display, since those were the only purchases for which Phillip had used his discount. Thank goodness for the electronic age and virtual banking accessible everywhere, although Phillip was pretty sure this wasn't what the commercials had in mind when they ran those ads. When it was obvious to the arresting officers that there really was no case, they released Phillip without any reservations. In fact, they were considering bringing Brian up on charges for making a false police report, although really, that was a lot of work.

On the way to the pub, Phillip called Mel to inform her of what transpired, as he was certain she'd be upset. Rightfully so, Mel was furious with Brian, but downplayed it on the phone because she knew Phillip would be hurting and she didn't want to swear a lot in front of the children. It was a rather stilted conversation as Phillip preferred not to talk on the phone, but the upshot was that Vern and Mel offered to have the kids stay overnight and would even drop them at school the next day just so the couple could have a little time for recovery. Mel figured Phillip would need some processing time. The men gladly took them up on the offer.

The pub three of the four people settled on (since Phillip didn't really care one way or the other) was just down the street from the police station and, actually, Officer Lipson had recommended it. The two couples sat on the patio and were sharing a pitcher of beer and large platter of beef and bean nachos. Abby was thrilled to get away from her report cards for a bit and to actually meet the illusive Phillip, even if the circumstances were a little odd, and Bill was just happy to get out of the house on such a nice day.

"I think the real question is if you want to sue Brian for wrongful dismissal, defamation of character, and discrimination. Officer Pauling was kind of suggesting it," Abby said, looking to stand up for her friend's partner. She hated when people got picked on, and loved a good fight even more. Straightening her yellow sundress, she crossed her arms in indignation, tapping her light pink manicured nails on her upper arms.

"I don't think that's necessary, really," Phillip stated quietly, the day's events finally taking their toll on him. He was sure his anxiety was almost palpable, and as much as he was sure Abby was nice, she was very domineering, keeping him on edge. Everything today was keeping him on edge. He kept turning his head trying to examine the planter baskets that lined the patio to determine how the plants in them could be growing more successfully. Plants were calming, Abby was not. Honestly, he was pleased with how well he'd managed to keep it together at the police station.

"He made derogatory comments regarding your sexuality, said you had a cognitive disorder, labelled you a thief, had you arrested, and had you dragged out of a business where you've been employed for over a decade. Not to mention that he fired you without evidence. Abby's right, all of those are grounds for a sound lawsuit," Bill explained, still very much in lawyer mode. Both he and Abby were so strong willed, Phillip would hate to see that couple in a fight with each other. It was bound to be vicious.

"Personally, I think the man's a total cretin, but it's truly Phillip's choice," Gareth commiserated, then turned to Phillip, taking his boyfriend's hand, "He really has been abysmal to you."

"I know, but it's just I've worked there so long, it's like I've lost my home." Phillip slumped further, feeling lost, although he did like the comfort of Gareth's tapered fingers wrapped around his own. "I can't think about it now," he mumbled towards the tabletop. Honestly, it was like a family member had passed away, and Phillip had already lost so much, this was a crushing blow. The planters needed a different mix of fertilizer, Phillip finally decided, or perhaps a few nitrogen fixing plants to help improve the soil quality.

"That's just it, you didn't lose it, he stole it from you." Abby smacked her fist down firmly, making the glasses on the table shake and causing Phillip to jump a bit in his seat. She couldn't let this go, even if Phillip wasn't willing to sue.

"Calm down, there Tiger! Just eat your nachos." Bill smiled warmly at his fiery fiancee. "You know, Phillip, I haven't actually been to court in years and would love to, you know, just for fun. We could work out some sort of trade agreement, where you do some sort of plant wall thing for the office--I've always wanted one of those."

"Ohhh, then you could have a great chance to win that competition through the city, you know, healthy workplaces one?" Abby was once again very excited and Gareth was wondering if all the report card work over the weekend had made her a little punch-drunk.

"I'm just not sure," Phillip mumbled, exhausted and overwhelmed. It was hard to believe his biggest issue this morning was that the Lewis children liked him.

Gareth realized Phillip was completely done, so he and Abby talked about school while their respective partners ate and drank, Bill offering his input and Phillip nodding once in awhile like he was paying attention. After a little bit, the platter was depleted and the beer gone, so the couples made their way back to their vehicles, vowing to socialize again under more pleasant circumstances.

"Please consider my offer, Phillip. The police are hoping for a lawsuit because the onus of responsibility falls on us, but they would be willing to testify. That way Brian gets penalized without too much effort on their part. Besides, you could get him where it would really hurt--his wallet," Bill made one last effort.

Phillip was pretty much non-responsive at this point, so Gareth responded, "I'm sure he'll consider it, Bill. Thanks for everything. See you at school tomorrow, Abby."

.......................................................

When the men returned to their empty house, Gareth pulled Phillip in for an enveloping hug as soon as the door closed behind them. That was all it took. Phillip broke down. He fell apart into a pile of big gasping sobs. He cried like a person with a broken heart, and in many ways, he did have a broken heart. Bentman's had been his constant throughout his late teens when he didn't fit in at school, his stability when his mother's illness was anything but stable, and his salve when he was lonely and without companionship. In the middle of winter he could work the soil when it was too cold in his potting shed, providing him with an outlet. He knew every inch of that greenhouse, every piece of inventory they sold, and how to properly nurture all the plants inside. For all intents and purposes it was his home. As much as he had his own business now, which was doing well, Bentman's had also been his fallback, his security blanket. Now, it seemed he was completely without a parachute and it was terrifying.

Gareth held him as tightly as he could; he wanted Phillip to realize that he wasn't alone anymore, and whatever the problem they could get through it together. The fear that ran through Gareth when Vern arrived at their door made the teacher realize just how much he wanted to protect Phillip as best he could. Just like Phillip had protected him from Leeann a week previous. Gareth had Phillip's head tucked underneath his chin and pulled against his chest, the gardener's tears soaking Gareth's t-shirt.

Phillip fought his urge to run. Every instinct in him was pulling him to his potting shed, to his small bit of normalcy. But every bit of Gareth was focused on keeping the damaged man here and present, rather than allowing him to pull away, to withdraw inside himself.

"It will be okay, Phillip. I promise. You aren't alone." Gareth rubbed slow, easy circles gently on Phillip's back and kissed the top of Phillip's head. "I'm here for you."

Phillip sniffled slightly and tilted his head up, looking at the taller man through his tears. He was met with compassion and affection as Gareth held his gaze, wiping away some errant tears as they marched a salty path down Phillip's cheek. Phillip nuzzled into the touch then pressed his lips to Gareth's, insistent and full of longing. He wanted comfort; the kind he could only get from his lover. The men moved as one towards the couch, Phillip laying back and Gareth being pulled down on top of him, Phillip needing him, needing the closeness, needing the reassurance, needing to belong.

They remained kissing until their lips were swollen, breaking apart to catch their breath. Both had clothes that were disheveled and an aching need to be even closer.

Phillip's cheeks were red--redder than from kissing alone, but he couldn't think of any other way to say it, even though he was completely embarrassed, "Gareth, I need you. I need you inside me. Please."

Gareth couldn't deny Phillip anything. He'd been so worried that something terrible had happened to Phillip he would do anything to comfort the man today, and honestly, if that meant being the top in bed, he was happy to oblige. Since the men's relationship started being physical, they often switched it up, and tonight Gareth was going to take him fully and passionately. He was going to pleasure Phillip as best he could and show him, physically and emotionally, just how cared for he was.

They made their way to the bedroom, where Gareth laid Phillip down and slowly removed the gardener's clothing, piece by piece and kissing the flesh as it was bared. Gareth relished in the salty taste and quivering but firm flesh of his boyfriend, while Phillip squirmed underneath him. He teased at Phillip's nipples, nibbling and suckling with fervor, causing them to poke almost painfully from his chest. Then he nipped and licked along his pecs, even going as far to lick to Phillip's slightly fragrant, musky armpits, the downy hairs tickling Gareth's nose. He couldn't help but inhale deeply, never able to get his fill of the maleness that was Phillip's natural smell.

Phillip moaned as his head spun with need and want and lust from the overwhelming attentions. Giving himself fully to Gareth's control was completely amazing and he didn't have to think. He didn't need to consider what he'd lost or what to do, all he needed to do was feel and take the attentions of the completely beautiful man above him. He didn't want to be anywhere other than right here, right now. Gareth was biting and sucking, leaving small marks down his body before reaching to the nightstand for the condoms and lube.

Gareth kept Phillip on his back while he prepared him, rubbing the lube onto his fingers first, then pushing in gently against the rosebud with his first finger as he sucked the head of Phillip's thick erection. The pain of entry, while a bit uncomfortable was almost completely soothed by Gareth's delicious attentions to his dick. Phillip moaned louder and spread his legs wider, pulling at the backs of his knees with his hands, beckoning Gareth to get closer, as close as he could possibly be.

Swallowing him back farther in his mouth, Gareth added a second finger, and also went deeper, massaging Phillip on the inside and out, making him beg and moan for more. "Please, Gare, please. I need you," Phillip huskily called out.

Not one to disobey, Gareth released Phillip's slick erection and quickly rolled the condom on his longer but slightly thinner shaft, then put Phillip's legs on his shoulders as he gently entered his lover's slightly loosened pucker with his painfully erect member. "Look at me, Phillip, watch me take you," Gareth panted in reply. His need was overwhelming. He wanted to impale the normally placid man because he was so overcome with the lustful sight below him, but he also wanted to make love to Phillip. With their eyes locked, he started slowly. Gareth increased his depth and speed at Phillip's urging, rolling his hips, slamming forward, trying to fully reach everywhere inside his man.

"Oh...god, fuck me, Gare. Fuck me harder."

Watching his partner writhe with his thrusts, Gareth was blown away by just how much he was making Phillip come apart beneath him. He had to get closer still. Gareth leaned in, bending Phillip in half, pulling on his hair to bring him closer, sucking in Phillip's tongue when their lips met, wanting to be as joined as fully as they possibly could be. As deeply into each other as they could. Drips of sweat fell from Gareth's forehead onto Phillip, while Phillip's hips rose to meet Gareth's thrusts, rutting his hard cock between them. Gareth's legs burned with the effort, but not as much as the heat building inside him. Taking all his efforts to control himself as his orgasm drew nearer, Gareth moved his lips to Phillip's neck and his hand to Phillip's leaking erection. Gareth sucked as hard as he could on the tender damp flesh while he grasped him firmly and made sure he stroked Phillip to completion, before releasing deep inside his man.

Gareth collapsed on top of Phillip, both panting and sweaty from the exertion, and now a lovely sticky mess between them. Gareth's bangs flopped in front of his eyes, and he blew out a puff of air to move them, ineffectually. Phillip chuckled and brought his hand up to Gareth's face, pushing the hair aside and looking deep into the other man's eyes. His smile turned serious and he bit his lip before speaking, "I..I..I..." He took a deep breath and tried again. "Thank you for everything, Gareth."

"The pleasure was all mine," he softly grinned and rubbed his head into Phillip's hand, until they were kissing again and cuddling together.

..........................................

Sometime later when the early evening hours passed, the men had showered and eaten, then Gareth went back to his report cards and Phillip lazed about on the couch next to him, drinking his tea and perusing a gardening magazine. Both were in t-shirts and pyjama pants and sharing a plate of cookies.

"I suppose I should take Bill up on his offer and sue Brian." Gareth responded with a non-committal hum, knowing that Phillip needed the freedom to talk without judgement. "A living wall is an interesting proposition, plus Brian has taken something from me."

"I'll support you no matter what. Are you sure this is what you want?" Gareth distractedly nibbled on the end of his pen in a way that Phillip found incredibly endearing.

"Yes," Phillip stated firmly. "I don't want money, that's immaterial to me now, since my business is doing well enough. But he needs to apologize. I just want him to realize he can't treat his staff so poorly. I know I am socially awkward--" Gareth went to protest, but Phillip raised his hand to stop him. "I am, but it's okay and it's never been a hinderance at work previously. Neither has my sexuality. But to destroy my dignity, publicly shame me, question my integrity; that's just not right."

Gareth nodded in agreement and chuckled as an inappropriate thought struck him.

"What?" Phillip's brows furrowed in confusion.

"Did I," his chuckles were full blown guffaws now, "did I fuck some sense into you?"

Phillip stiffened for a fraction, before he loosened into a smile. He supposed Gareth did. Gareth gave him what he needed; the sense of loss wasn't as great anymore since he knew he had a place he belonged. And someone he belonged with. And if that wasn't proof enough, he had the marks all down his chest as evidence. "Perhaps," he replied with a grin.

"Maybe as a courtesy you should call Mr. and Mrs. Bentman tomorrow to let them know what happened?" Gareth suggested, pleased that Phillip wasn't going to let Brian get away with being an intolerant bully and that he got the joke.

"Of course," Phillip nodded, realizing that was the proper course of action.

...................................................

The next morning was odd. It was a school day, but yet the bustle of the household was missing. There were no happy voices coming from the kitchen, no chairs dragging across the floor to the counter, and no rush. The house wasn't as quiet as before the Lewises' arrival, Gareth was definitely getting ready to leave for work, but there just wasn't the urgency of the past few months, and the quiet was actually bothering Phillip. He examined the presents from the previous morning still on his night table with a pleased look on his face. Bryan was wrong. Very wrong. Phillip wasn't some useless mess of a person, he mattered, and people cared. At least four very important people.

After a lingering kiss at the door, Gareth said goodbye and drove Phillip's car to work. Vern's car was in their driveway, and Phillip would trade it for their van later in the day. First he had a phone call to make.

....................................................

"I am thoroughly disgusted by my nephew's behaviour, Phillip." Mrs. Bentman put her delicate teacup down with a clink on the flowered saucer sitting on the table and shook her head in disbelief. "I know he had big plans for the nursery, but I would have thought he'd have enough common sense to see the value in employing educated, knowledgeable workers."

Mrs. Bentman hadn't hesitated to invite Phillip over when he'd called earlier in the day. He explained the nasty business at the shop the day before, and Mrs. Bentman was appalled.

"Honestly, I encourage you to prosecute or sue or whatever. Brian has behaved deplorably, especially as seeing that I was the one who encouraged you to start your business. He shouldn't be making the kind of comments he did, regardless of his personal beliefs, but that's not the way he was raised. I can't imagine my sister would be proud of how her son is acting." She shook her head derisively, her grey curls emphasizing her distain.

Relief was visible on Phillip's face. "You mean you aren't upset that I'm in a relationship with Gareth?" Really, she was the closest person to a relative Phillip had, so her support was gratifying, comforting.

"Oh honey, of course not, and I know your own mother wouldn't be, either, God rest her soul. She'd be thrilled you've found someone to make you happy, just as I am. You deserve a life, a partner who can see just how special you are, a family. You are a nurturer. Plants, people, whatever. Don't let idiots like Brian get in the way of who you are. Honestly, if you wanted to sue him for the entire business, you'd have the full support of my husband and I."

Phillip was surprised by Mrs. Bentman's praise. He wasn't sure how she could determine what he deserved. "I don't want to take away his livelihood, I just want an apology."

"Don't sell yourself short, dear," Mrs. Bentman tut-tutted softly, then suggested that maybe Phillip would like to take a look at a shrub that was troubling her.

...................................

A little while later, Mel was basically giving Phillip the same advice Mrs. Bentman had, but perhaps a little more forcefully.

"You should bleed the bastard dry. Tell Bill I'll testify, I was there for the whole thing. I heard him say derogatory and defamatory statements, hell, I've heard him abuse you for months! The guy's an ass and I'd love to quit my job in protest if I could afford it." While she might be exaggerating a little, her support was great.

"My business is doing well enough that if it keeps up, I could hire you as an assistant," Phillip joked.

"Really? Because I'd work for you in an instant. Maybe you should sue him for everything! You could take over the greenhouse and we could rule!" Mel gave a comical, nefarious laugh, all evil-like, and rubbed her hands together.

"All I know is I'm not sure how I'll ever pay Bill back."

"I guess you and Gareth better get him and Abby a great wedding present, that and make him a kick ass living wall. Those things are so cool."

Phillip gave Mel back the keys for Vern's car in exchange for the keys to the van and the kids' overnight bags, all the while assuring him that the Lewis children behaved perfectly. "At least tell me with all the babysitting you got lucky," she teased.

Phillip's face coloured immediately, giving her the answer. "Mel...really?" he coughed uneasily.

"Ha! You two had conjugal visit sex!"

If it was possible, now he was flushed all the way to his toes. "I wasn't even detained in a cell. The officers merely kept me at a desk in the main office."

"H.O.T. Hot." Mel fanned herself with her hand and whistled. "Now, when you win riches from your lawsuit, don't forget the little people."

Phillip went from embarrassed to nervous. "Mel...Uh, I know I'm not the best, um, friend, but will you still be mine now that we don't work together?"

Mel could see just how pained the man was with everything that had happened. For someone who thrived on stability and routine, the changes to his life would have crippled him in the past. She remembered how broken he was after the death of his mother, how withdrawn. The Bentmans had him working long hours in the greenhouse with the bedding trays simply to make sure he got out of the house and had some human interaction. She'd spent shift after shift asking how to care for certain plants, even if she knew the answer, just to make sure he talked. Overcome with compassion, Mel flitted over and took Phillip into a hug, even though he stiffened some in her arms.

"Oh Phillip, of course! You are one of my best friends. And I meant the comment about working with you. If you ever need me, please just ask." He relaxed slightly as she spoke. How had he gotten so lucky? The list of people who cared was even longer than he thought.

A/N: So Brian might be in a little bit of trouble, and Phillip is, as we all knew, completely off the hook. I hope this chapter shows a little why Phillip stayed at his job, even when it wasn't going great and how he's growing as a person. I promised some switched up action, which also happened, and I hope you all liked it. I think this might be the longest chapter so far.

Thanks for all the reads, comments, and votes, you have no idea how wonderful it is for me. :)

Next update is on Wednesday.

<3 JJ