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Three weeks after the dance

Addi scowled from his seat at the bar. "Hey baby, why the long face?" the bartender asked him with a knowing smirk.

Addison glared at him and growled, "shut the hell up Rondo, you know goddamn well what the problem is"

The man just laughed. Addison was right. He knew exactly what the problem was. The problem had started coming to their club shortly after Halloween. And currently the problem was sitting at a booth across the floor staring glossy eyed at Addison.

The first time Rondo had seen Lyle Prince in Spicy he almost shit himself. It wasn't every day a celebrity like him came to a gay club on the west end of the city. No. But every Thursday he would sit and drink for a while before coming over to harass the local pretty-boy table washer.

The man seriously wanted to take Addison on a date but the stubborn table washer declined vehemently every time. Rondo thought it was pointless playing so hard to get. Addi would cave eventually and go out with the man. He could see the young man's resolve weakening already. Although Rondo had a feeling it had less to do with a change of heart and more to do with how much Lyle Prince interfered with Addison's job.

And Rondo thought it was exceedingly funny that, for how crazy Lyle Prince was about Addison, the man didn't even know his name.

Well, Lyle would have a name by the end of the night because tonight was a special night at Spicy. Tonight was a drag night. Any drag queen or drag king got drinks for a dollar. Of course, the staff had to participate and put on a show. Addison often graced them with his outstanding musical talent, playing violin, piano, steel drum or even singing.

Tonight was a singing night.

The announcer called the first of the staff up to the stage and he began to dance very provocatively. Really got the crowd going. She took a bow after she was done and quickly exited he performance area.

Another queen and then a king went and then Addison was up. As the announcer was introducing his number Addison wiped his palms on his raggy skirt.

Rondo raised an eyebrow at the gesture. "Nervous?" he teased. It was unusual to see any signs of nerves from the boy. He was a natural born performer and relished the time spent under the bright lights.

"And now with a song from Carmen is Spicy's very own Daniella."

Addison slid off the stool he had been sitting on and seductively slunk his way up to the stage. Some touchy customers grabbed at his skirt on the way to the stage area and he gave them a look halfway between seductive temptress and coy disapproval.

Lyle watched in fascination as the beautiful guy from the Halloween party went up on the stage. The announcer had said he was singing a song from Carmen and Lyle couldn't wait to know what he' sing from the Bizet opera.

He was dressed like Carmen, there was no doubt about that, but would Daniella be able to sing any of the soprano numbers and do them justice? Lyle liked the guy, but he seriously doubted it could be done.

Daniella made it o the stage and grabbed a handheld microphone. Then she struck a dramatic pose and waited for the music to begin.

Lyle almost shit himself when the beautiful drag queen began to sing La Habanera. Holy crap, the man was a counter tenor!

It was amazing to hear those beautiful high notes coming from a man. And the way he moved and sang the song was damn near the sexiest thing Lyle had ever seen. As he watched Daniella on the stage he forgot that anything else existed. Their eyes met and suddenly the gypsy was slinking her way over to Lyle.

Many guys shot him glares as she sang part of her song directly to him and even gave him light caress on the cheek. The touch left Lyle's cheek tingling long after the sweet fingers broke contact. He wanted the guy to touch him more. And not just because it was part of a performance. He was definitely going to ask the man out again tonight.

The song ended and Daniella left the stage. She made her way back over to the bar and immediately scowled at the Cheshire smile on Rondo's face.

"I saw that," the man said slyly.

"I don't know what you're talking about,"" Addison pouted taking a seat at the bar.

"Sure you don't," Rondo sighed. "Why don't you just go out with him if you find him so attractive?"

Addison's face turned red. "I don't," he began a little too loud causing several heads to turn in his direction. He lowered his voice and hissed, "I don't find him attractive."

"Uh huh."

"I-I don't," he winced and Rondo gave him a stern look, "Oh, bollocks. Fine you win," Addison threw his hands up in the air in defeat. "I think the guy's amazingly attractive and if it wasn't for the way we met, and my stepmother, I'd go out with him in a heartbeat!" Addison admitted in a rush still flailing his hands around.

He almost jumped out of his seat when his hand was grabbed gently by another. He turned around and his eyes widened in horror when he saw that none other than Lyle Prince had caught his hand. Of course it'd be him. Clearly the universe hated Addison.

Rondo laughed loudly and went to clean dishes at the other end of the bar. Bastard.

"How much did you hear?" Addison asked quietly not really sure if he even wanted to know the answer.

And to his annoyance the man answered his question with a question, "Were you talking about me?"

"Damn!" Addison cursed.

"You think I'm sexy. You wanna date me," Lyle sang smirking.

Addison felt a smile tugging at his lips. The man's blasted good mood was infectious. What was the point of fighting his attraction to this guy? He remembered the party. His stepmother's want to marry into the man's family through Marissa. Oh yeah, they'd definitely kill him, or worse, if they found out he was dating Lyle Prince. That wiped the tentative smile off of his face.

"No," he spoke not even able to convince himself that the word was truthful.

Lyle stepped closer to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Why won't you go out with me? What are you so afraid of?"

Addison took a deep breath before saying, "My stepmother."

"You're what, Twenty-one years old-"

"Twenty-three actually," Addison interrupted.

"Whatever. You don't need your stepmother's permission to do anything."

Addison chuckled dryly, "It's not her permission. She thinks her daughter's going to marry you."

Eww... the look on Lyle's face showed Addison exactly what Lyle thought of that idea. Also, how likely it was to happen.

"well... does your stepmother know you dress in drag?"

Addison shook his head unsure of where this was going.

Lyle grinned. He had an idea that would probably suit both of them. They'd get to be with each other and Addison's stepmother wouldn't be any the wiser about their relationship.

"Would you go out with me Daniella?" Lyle asked.

Oh, I see, Addison thought Lyle's plan was brilliant. His stepmother didn't know that he dressed like Daniella. It was the perfect way to go out in public with Lyle and not draw any attention to himself at home. Only his friends would know what's really going on.

"I'd love to, with one condition," Addison replied.

"Name it," Lyle was ready to promise anything t date this man.

"When we're alone, call me Addison."

Ahh, so that was his name. It seemed to fit him well.

Addison.

________________________________________

Addison was pacing back and forth in Eva's room. It was two hours before Lyle was supposed to pick him up and he was already sweating bullets. He wiped his hands on his jeans and continued his nervous pacing. Eva came out of her room holding a cute top and some jeans. She took on look at her friend and threw him the clothing.

"For God's sake, Addison, calm down. You're going to the zoo not death row."

Addison sighed raking a hand through his hair, "You're right. I'm just so nervous about everything."

"Everything will be fine. The date will be great. You guys will have fun and no one, aside from your really good friends and some of the customers from Spicy will recognize you," Eva assured. "Now, let's make you pretty."

________________________________________

Lyle was all smiles as he sat on the couch at his friend's house. She rented the place while studying astronomy at the university where he had met Addison.

Speaking of Addison, their first date was coming up in a few hours. "Mel," Lyle called out to his friend who was rummaging in the kitchen for something to eat, "did I ever thank you for suggesting I go to that Halloween Party?"

Mel walked into the room holding a bag of bagels and two glasses of water. Handing one to Lyle, she plopped down on the couch next to him. "No, why?" she asked eyes burning with curiosity.

He looked at her with a big dopey smile and it all fell into place.

"You got laid?" she asked incredulously. "And you didn't tell me?"

Lyle frowned. "I didn't get laid. Why would you even think that?"

"That was your 'I got laid' smile," she explained like it was obvious.

Lyle gaped at her, He so did not have an "I got laid" smile and, "I didn't get laid." When he saw her about to argue he added, "But I did meet someone and we're going on our first date in," he looked at his Rolex, "oh, about two hours."

"WHAT!" Mel screamed. "You met someone?"

"Yup," Lyle confirmed smugly.

"And it took you three weeks to arrange date number one?"

"They were playing hard t get," Lyle explained shrugging it off like it wasn't a big deal.

Mel looked at him in disbelief. Someone played hard to get with Lyle Prince? Usually people threw themselves at him without a second thought. Her interest was peaked. She wanted to meet this guy and make sure there was genuine interest on his end. Lyle looked like he might seriously be interested in this one and she didn't want him getting hurt. "Are you still coming here on Thanksgiving?" she asked her friend.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Lyle promised.

"Good. Invite your friend."

"It's only a week away," Lyle whined.

"Ask him anyway," she stated. Discussion closed.

Looks like Lyle'd be inviting Addison over for Thanksgiving.

________________________________________

Eva had just sent Addison into the bathroom to put some makeup on (it was only eyeliner and lip gloss so she figured he could handle it) when there was a knock on the door. She answered it and saw Lyle Prince standing there a look of pure confusion on his face. "Sorry, must have the wrong room," he started to walk away.

"No you don't," Eva yelled quickly, "he's in the bathroom." Honestly, did he not remember her from the Halloween party?

Lyle smiled in relief and followed Eva it the room. It was then that he realized she was the other slutty school girl from the party.

"Make yourself at home," Eva instructed. Lyle gave her a grateful smile and sat down on her uncomfortable dorm room furniture.

"I don't think we were ever introduced properly. I'm Eva," the girl introduced herself coming to sit next to Lyle on the couch.

"I'm Lyle," he greeted even though they both knew she already knew his name.

She continued to stare at him for a while before she opened her mouth to speak, a serious expression on her face.

Oh no, he was getting the talk. "Listen Lyle, you seem like a good guy. I don't believe what the TV says about you," at that remark Lyle grinned, "but that being said, if you hurt Addi I will rip your dick off and feed it to my chinchilla. Addi's had a really crappy life and for him to even give you a chance is huge. Don't you dare fuck up his life because, if you leave him, I'll be the one picking up the pieces that you left behind."

Lyle gulped. He'd never been so terrified of someone so tiny in all of his life.

Just then the bathroom door opened and Addison strode into the room wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans. "You look beautiful," Lyle stammered mouth suddenly dry.

Addison walked over to the couch and offered a hand to Lyle. He helped the man to his feet and didn't let go of his hand. "Not so bad yourself," he purred giving his date a once over.

Lyle just about melted on the spot. Never before had he been so affected by a voice. He felt a certain part of his anatomy start to stiffen with... happiness... and cursed himself for wearing such tight pants.

Think nasty thoughts...

Addison rubbed his thumb gently along the man's hand and pulled him out the door. "Bye, Eva," he called back to his friend, "I'll be back later."

They made it a few feet before Lyle broke down and admitted, "She scared the shit out of me!"

Addison gave him a knowing sideways glance, "She threaten to rip your dick off?"

Lyle nodded, "And feed it to her chinchilla."

Addison snorted out a laugh, "Don't worry, I'll protect your dick."

"My hero," Lyle cheered flatly.

They made it to the zoo and each paid for their own ticket. After that, the next couple of hours were amazing. They walked around looking at all the different animals, went to see a bird show, walked through a reptile house, all while holding hands.

In a particularly tight exhibit Addison had even let Lyle pull him into a hug. He had said it was so other people had more room to move around but Lyle doubted that reasoning a little bit.

They were getting hungry and decided to go order some food from the overpriced concession stand. Lyle ordered a hotdog and Addison had a slice of pizza.

And when Lyle had finished the hotdog and Addison had just about eaten all of his slice the paparazzi found them. They were bombarded with cameras and questions. Addison looked absolutely overwhelmed.

Taking charge of the situation, Lyle got up, grabbed Addison and started leading him away quickly, "Come on, Daniella," he urged as they raced through the zoo.

They ducked into an insect house and were safe, for the moment. "Sorry about that," Lyle apologized. God! He couldn't even go on a date without the paparazzi ruining it! He wanted to rip his hair out and scream in frustration.

To his surprise, Addison just laughed. "So that's what it's like for Lyle Prince in public."

Lyle smirked, "Pretty much." Maybe his date hadn't been ruined.

"Exciting."

"That's one word for it," Lyle laughed darkly.

"But you have others," it wasn't a question.

"Invasive, fucking annoying," Lyle listed off, just to name a few.

"Must be hard being such a popular celebrity," Addison purred inching closer to the man.

Lyle gulped. He was pretty sure he knew where this was going when Addison kept moving closer. And then the man leaned up slightly, pecking Lyle on the lips. Lyle groaned. Never before had he felt lips so soft, and the way they were pressed against his... The way they parted when he licked them, granting him access to explore that sweet mouth more. Their tongues danced around as each sought to explore the other as much as possible. Lyle put his hands on Addison's waist and ground into the man to let him know just how excited he was and he was immediately satisfied when the other moaned.

Addison pulled back from the kiss, "we need to stop," he whispered gently.

Lyle whined.

"I don't want to either, but it won't be easy to explain a girl with an errection," And just like that Addison had won that argument.

They left the insect house.

An hour later, they were getting ready to leave the zoo when Addison decided he had to go to the bathroom. So Lyle waited outside the ladies room for him to come out.

And that's when another unfortunate circumstance happened. The latex cat from the Halloween party pranced up to him and squeezed him tight.

"Oh, Lyle, I found you! It must be fate!"

Lyle untangled himself from the girl. Who the hell was she? "Umm... who are you?"

The girl looked utterly hurt that he didn't know who she was. "I thought you'd know. After all, we connected so well at the Halloween party."

"Uh... no."

"Lyle?" the questioning voice of Addison cut in.

"Daniella," Lyle sighed in relief. He rushed over to his boyfriend and promptly forgot about the annoying blonde.

When they exited the zoo Addison turned and looked at Lyle, "That was my stepsister, Marissa," he admitted.

"Who? That blonde?" Addison nodded. "I'm so sorry."

Addison gave Lyle a gentle smile. "Come on, let's go back to Eva's."

They walked to Addison's friend's house hand in hand. When Addison was safely inside they said their goodbyes.

"Oh, Addison, I almost forgot, my best friend Mel invited you to Thanksgiving lunch."

Addison looked to Eva who was scowling deeply, "Usually Eva and I do something together."

"She can come too!" Lyle quickly threw in.

"We'll be there," Eva said before slamming the door shut in Lyle's face. Then turning to Addison she asked, "So, how was it?"

"Amazing!" he sighed dreamily. "I don't know why I didn't want to go out with him. He's a great guy... and an awesome kisser," he smiled devilishly.

Eva laughed. It was wonderful to see her friend so happy. He rarely was.

Addison changed and the smile vanished from his face as he realized he had to return home.

~ARC~

Almost a week later Addison sat up in his room at home. It was a cold day in November and he once again found himself locked in the attic.

Whenever his stepmother was in one of her moods that was usually what happened. She'd wake up early and lock Addison in the attic. Sometimes his door would be locked for days at a time. When he was younger and she first moved his room to the unwanted storage space he learned fairly quickly that when he wasn't locked in the room he needed to get food that didn't spoil easily to store in the space.

That, unfortunately, consisted mainly of chips and other bagged foods.

He had tried soup and canned vegetables for a while, but there wasn't any heat in the attic and the cans would freeze in the winter. Right now he was sleeping with water bottles under his covers to keep them from freezing. That way he'd at least have something to drink.

Long ago, he had learned to escape from his prison without getting caught. It involved rope and his very rickety window. He attached the rope to his bed and climbed down and out the window. Then he'd text Rachel and she'd hid the rope. Later, before he came back, he'd text her again and she'd go throw the rope out for him so he could climb back up.

It was a long process that was hard to coordinate and most of the time Addison found it easier to endure the solitude of the attic until his stepmother let him out. But when they were able to work together and get Addison out of that room for a couple of hours it was wonderful. Sometimes when he returned home him and Rachel would even talk for a while.

Addison was preparing to climb out the window. He needed to meet Eva so they could get ready to go to Lyle's friend's house for Thanksgiving lunch.

He quickly climbed down the three story house and made it to Eva's around 11.00. That was later than he would have liked to get there. They were supposed to be at Mel's at 12.30 and Addison still had to change.

He had to dress like a girl at least until they got to Mel's house in case any photographers happened to be watching. He couldn't take any chances of his stepmother finding out.

Eva answered the door shortly after Addison knocked on it, "She lock you up again?"

"Nice to see you too Eva," Addison feigned cheerfulness. She glared at him causing the fake smile to slowly slide from Addison's face. "Yeah," he admitted softly.

Eva moved aside to let her friend in. "Why this time?"

Her friend would never admit it but being treated so harshly by the only family he had left crushed him deeply. Eva supposed it was because deep down inside he still hoped that one day they'd wake up and treat him like a member of the family. Rachel did, but he missed the love of a parent. The hateful looks his stepmother and Marissa shot him daily, the snide comments, hurtful names and, on occasions, physical violence left Addison feeling small and insignificant.

Then something remarkable happened. Eva could hardly believe her eyes. Addison smiled. He smiled at her after being locked in the attic. "She was angry because Marissa went to the zoo yesterday," Addison's smile only grew wider and Eva found a matching one starting to form on her face. She had a pretty good idea of where this was going. "And, she happened to run into Lyle with his girlfriend."

"Awesome dude!" Eva laughed.

"Yeah," Addison agreed.

"Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but we need to get ready to go to the friend's house," Eva then got Addison some clothing and shoved him into the bathroom to change while she got ready in her bathroom.

~ARC~

Mel was sulking as she pulled the stuffing out of the oven. Everything was ready to be eaten. All they needed were the other two people to show up. Turning to Lyle, who was sitting at the table, she griped, "I still don't see why the friend had to come along."

"It's the only way you'd get to meet Addison," Lyle stated simply. There was a knock on the door and Lyle jumped up to answer it. He almost had his hand on the doorknob when Mel hip checked him out of the way.

She opened the door and was really surprised by what she saw on the other side. There were two girls standing there. That couldn't be right. She scrutinized them.

One was a short pixie of a girl with brown hair, hazel eyes and the biggest boobs Mel had ever seen. Mel didn't envy her one bit. She probably got horrible backaches. The other honestly looked like a model. She had a very thin build, beautiful shining blue eyes and dark brown hair. She looked like she was only a few inches shorter than Lyle's six foot five height.

"Can we come in?" the little pixie growled pushing her way into the house. The tall girl followed with an apologetic half smile directed at Mel.

Mel slammed the door shut and turned to the two women. "Alright, which one of you is going out with that bozo over there?" she asked jerking her head in the direction of Lyle. The man was picking himself up off the floor from the earlier abuse suffered at the hands of his best friend. That had been a pretty solid check.

Addison was just about to tell Mel that he was said person when Lyle cam e and kissed him in greeting. "That answer your question?" Lyle asked smugly. Speechless, Mel nodded. "Okay what's wrong? I thought you were gonna get to know each other."

Mell swallowed. There really was no delicate way to put it. How exactly did she phrase this without sounding like an ass? She thought about it for a little bit before deciding she didn't care how she sounded. Turning to the tall girl she said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you're about 100% more girl than I expected Lyle to date."

And to her surprise Lyle and the pixie laughed at her.

The other one cried out, "I'm not a girl!"

"Sure do look like one," Mel crossed her arms.

"Oh, yeah," the girl leaned over and whispered something in Lyle's ear.

"I'll show you," Lyle answered and grabbed her hand gently pulling her away. Mel noticed she was carrying a backpack... and hoped the girl wasn't planning on stealing anything.

"You know Addison's not a girl," the pixie stated.

"Sure looks like one," Mel said again.

"That's a disguise," Lyle chimed in rejoining the group. "Trust me, he's all male."

"And where is he currently?"

"Taking off his girl parts," Lyle answered. He looked from Eva to Mel and realized he hadn't introduced them yet. "Eva, Mel. Mel, Eva," he motioned to each in turn.

"And what's your boy's name again?" Mel asked curiously.

"Addison," said a fourth voice. All three of them looked over to the boy joining the conversation.

Mel had to admit he was a very pretty thing, and definitely male. As far as looks went he was, without a doubt, fit to stand next to an elite like Lyle Prince. But good looks alone were a dime a dozen. She needed to know that this guy wasn't after Lyle for his money.

They sat down after the introductions and enjoyed the meal. It was wonderfully cooked and the atmosphere was comfortable despite its rocky start.

After the meal Eva announced that she had to leave. She ate supper with her mom and dad on Thanksgiving and had a two hour drive ahead of her. Saying goodbye to Addison, Lyle and Mel, she left.

Mel had to think of a way to get Addison alone. It was about time to find out why this guy was dating Lyle. "Uh, Lyle... could you go get some ice cream? I want to make sundaes."

"Mel, get your own goddamn ice cream," Lyle shot back.

"Addison," Mel decided using him was a good way to get Lyle to comply, "you want ice cream, don't you?" she asked giving him a look that said he'd better play along or bad things would happen.

Addison saw the look Mel was giving him and reluctantly agreed that he'd enjoy some ice cream. Lyle sighed and got up. He gave Addison a quick peck on the cheek before he left the house to go buy Mel her fucking ice cream. He just hoped he'd be back before she scared Addison into leaving.

~ARC~

He looked at the girl sitting near him warily. There was the distinct feeling in the air that he was about to get one of those talks. And sure enough, Mel fixed him with an iron hard gaze. "So... Addison, was it?" she asked sweetly. He just nodded his head and waited for her to continue. "Why are you going out with Lyle?"

Addison sighed. He knew a question like that was bound to come up. Honestly, he expected her to beat around the bush a little longer before asking it, but he definitely appreciated her frankness.

"Uhh," he began articulately. Honestly, he didn't know what to say. He found the guy attractive. He liked his personality, how Lyle could be a total ass and unbearably sweet. His kisses. His gentle touch. "I like him," he finally decided. It came out a lot lamer than it had sounded in his head.

"But what do you like about him?" Mel pressed.

Everything. Addison knew that couldn't be true. There were bound to be things he didn't like about the man. He hadn't liked how they met but, that aside, the novelty of the relationship hadn't exactly worn off yet. Secretly, he hoped that it never would. He decided it was probably best to list the things about Lyle that he like the best. "His... his personality, how he can be a total ass one minute and so sweet the next. His kisses, touch. Even his flaws. Really, everything about him."

"Then surly the money also interests you," Mel stated.

Addison adopted a bashful smile and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. Ahh... Mel smirked sardonically, he was going to confess. That was the face of a guilty person.

"To tell you the truth," Mel leaned forward listening intently. She wanted to remember every word this man was saying while his boyfriend wasn't around. It was better to stop the relationship before it got too deep rather than wait and tell Lyle that this beautiful man had been playing him the whole time. "I don't have a clue how much money he has."

Mel almost fell out of her chair. How could this guy not know how much money Lyle Prince made? "Are you for real? Because I find this whole clueless act kind of annoying."

Addison held up a placating hand, "I swear on my parents' graves, I have no clue how much money Lyle makes. Don't really care either. I also didn't even know that he was Lyle Prince until after I smacked him at that Halloween party," he chuckled fondly at the memory. He had been royally pissed at the time, but looking back on it now, with how things worked out, it really was quite funny.

"You're joking?" Mel said flatly.

Addison shook his head. Sure he knew the man was supposed to take over his father's company but he knew no specifics when it came to their monetary status.

"Do you live under a rock?" she asked incredulously.

"Nope, usually I'm locked in an attic," Addison deadpanned.

And Mel was staring at him again. She couldn't figure out if this guy was telling the truth or not and it frustrated her. There were way too many things she had learned about this boy that seemed so far fetched but yet too strange to have been made up. One, he had no clue what Lyle Prince looked like before being introduced. Now, Mel had to admit, Lyle had always been good about keeping his face out of the tabloids, but he didn't seem to care how many news shows recorded interviews and what not with him. Two, both of his parents were dead. Not totally unheard of, but he was so young. Three, he was locked in an attic. Apparently a lot.

She decided to drill him with questions to see if his story changed. Slightly cruel, but totally effective. If he was telling lies, he was bound to slip up somewhere. After all, it worked in Legally Blonde.

"What's your full name?"

"Addison Montgomery," Addison answered.

"Do you go to school?"

"Yes."

"What do you study?"

"Music education."

"What instruments do you play?" Mel was genuinely interested in this answer. She liked music a lot and played the trumpet all throughout school. Still had the instrument somewhere. Maybe she'd get it out to play sometime.

"I got in for violin and voice. I also play the steel drum and piano," Addison knew exactly what was going on here. He knew Mel didn't believe that he was telling the truth about his earlier admission that he had no clue how much money Lyle had. If this was her idea of a test, he'd pass it with flying colors. He saw absolutely no reason to lie to her. He'd answer all of her questions, even though he thought a majority of them were just stupid.

"How do you pay for school?"

"Tuition grant, and I have two jobs."

"Ooh, where do you work?"

"A grocery store and a drag bar called Spicy.

"Do you dress in drag there?"

Addison just gave her a duh look.

"Right," Mel couldn't think of any more questions. Oh wait, "How'd you meet Lyle?"

"At a Halloween party. He touched my butt. I slapped his face."

Mel snorted at that. She'd have to tease Lyle about that later.

"When was the last time you were locked in the attic?" She asked thinking back to something he said earlier and hoping to catch him off guard.

Addison's features grew dark and he looked away ashamed. "Today, he admitted through the lump forming in his throat.

"What! Why?" Mel hadn't been expecting him to be able to answer that one. She thought he was joking when he said that.

"My stepmother was angry," He answered vaguely.

"You live with her?"

Addison nodded, "Her and my two stepsisters."

"Why?" why would he live with someone that treated him so horribly?

"I don't have anywhere else to go," he admitted.

"Move out."

Addison wished it was that easy. "I don't have enough money."

"So you do need money?" Mel smirked enjoying the flustered red that crept onto Addison's face at that statement.

"No!" Addison hissed. "I have money. My father left it for me when he died but she's keeping it from me."

Hmmm, interesting. She fixed a gentle gaze upon his panicked face. "How'd your father die?"

"He had a heart attack while umpiring my baseball game," it had been the worst day of Addison's life.

"How old were you?"

"Eight," he managed to squeak out.

"And your mother? What about her?"

"She died when I was a baby," Addison spoke softly.

Mel reached a hand forward and placed it gently on top of Addison's. She gave his hand a comforting squeeze.

Addison flashed her a tentative smile. Apparently whatever test she had conducted, he had passed. And right on time. Lyle came barging in the door. "Got your ice cream you butthead."

They ate sundaes and talked and laughed. All too soon it was time to leave. Addison went and changed back into his girl outfit and walked to Eva's.

After changing back into his everyday clothes at Eva's, Addison texted Rachel and started home. When he arrived at the house he crawled up the rope that Rachel had thrown down for him. There in his room stood Rachel waiting for him.

"Hey, Addison!" Looked like tonight was gonna be a talk night.

~ARC~

Lyle sat with Mel in her living room, "So, does he pass the Mel seal of approval??" he asked looking at his friend for answers. She never had anything good to say about anyone he dated and, more often than not, she tended to be spot on when judging them.

It was fucking annoying.

So when Mel looked at him seriously and grabbed his hands, gazing straight into his eyes, he expected the worst. Instead he got, "Lyle, I hate to say this, but if you hurt this one I might have to rip your dick off."

Jesus, why was everyone always threatening his manhood? It had never done anything to anyone... unless they asked really nicely.

"He's a good guy," Mel added. "Can you believe he doesn't know how rich you are?"

Lyle barked out an incredulous laugh. Yes, he could very much believe that. "He didn't even know who I was until I introduced myself at the Halloween party."

"I know," Mel smirked.

"Yeah, I bet you do," Lyle bet she got Addison's whole freaking life story.

~ARC~

Addison went and sat down on his bed, motioning for Rachel to join him. "It's been a long time since we've talked like this."

"'Cause you're always working," Rachel accused pouting.

"So, how was your Thanksgiving?"

"Better than yours," Addison answered smugly.

"Duh! Those two are insufferable!" she griped.

"So, the question I have for you then is," Rachel scooted close like a starved housewife looking for her latest gossip fix. "What's it like dating the Lyle Prince?"

Shit! Addison was so screwed. "Rachel, please don't tell anyone," he practically begged.

"So it is you. Why are you dressed like a girl?"

"So they don't find out it's me."

"Well," Rachel began looking at her stepbrother, "they don't know yet and I'm sure as hell not gonna tell 'em. It's funny hearing them cry over this Daniella girl that just seemed to pop out of nowhere."

Addison laughed.

"Just one more question: why the name Daniella?"

"That was my mother's name," Addison admitted.

Oh yeah, Rachel had forgotten that was her name. It all made sense now.

She hugged Addison and said goodnight before leaving the attic. "Oh, by the way," she called over her shoulder when she reached the door," she unlocked your door about two hours ago."

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

Image of Lyle.

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