It was finally the weekend again. The time where Red could spend time with his boyfriend alone without any restrictions. Barney was still asleep but Red was wide awake and very excited. Last weekend was a date to remember and now it was Red's time to return the favor. He had a plan.

But for now Red was just waiting for the lucky man to wake up. Since Red often spent most of his time alone in the house, Red was now a master at passing time. He could watch TV or make bracelets or just read. Reading was his favorite because Red furthered his education while also disappearing into a world full of magic or ancient mystery or the wonders of modern technology that made space travel possible. Right now Red was reading a book about history. A good subject in his opinion. It was often violent, but was filled with the clever ways that civilization had come up with to solve their problems. From the early days of Mesopotamia all the way to the modern day, Red loved history.

"Red?" He heard his boyfriend calling. Overjoyed that his loved one had finally woken up, Red quickly marked the page he was on and threw it on the coffee table. Before Barney had even descended the last step on the stairs, Red already had his arms around Barney's neck.

"How's my man feeling?" Red whispered, all low and sultry. Barney shivered at Red's voice and smiled.

"Pretty good." He replied. "So, what's the plan for today, Red?"

Red grinned mischievously. "I'm going to romance your ASS off." He said.

Barney laughed. "Nice. I can't wait."

With a kiss on the cheek, Red smiled at him. "You won't have to much longer."

In the kitchen, Barney helped Red make pancakes. Barney had learned very quickly that all the colors loved cooking. But all of them like to make different things. As different as their different personalities. Yellow loved baking and sweets while Green liked making salads and pesto. Orange make pies like nobody else and Red can only make breakfast food. Purple is the MASTER of pasta. It was an interesting everyday experience. Barney was glad to have people like the Vacktors in his life.

Every time Red brushed elbows with Barney or touched his hand while reaching for an ingredient, he got a shock of adrenaline. It was ridiculous. How just being with Barney could make him so happy.

Soon breakfast was made, eaten, and the dishes had been washed. Barney hooked his arms around Red's waist, smiling and kissing his neck gently. "So, what's first?" He asked quietly. Red grinned at the thought of his days plans.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise!" Red giggled.

Barney smiled at the cute little noise. "Touché."

"Alright. Now come on!" Red wrestled his way out of Barney's arms, turning briefly and flashing him that toothy grin of his. "I'm going to keep my promise to romance your ass off!"

                –•❤️💛💚💙💜•–

It was a bright day out. According to their sources, the target was going on a date with his alleged partner for the day. He would stop by this location for intimate doings, and that's when his men would ambush the couple and capture the Vacktor child. He had great faith in his men. He had hand picked them for this job, and he knew their capabilities. Despite any temper or supposed powers, there was no possible way the boy could escape them. Now it was all about the wait.

                –•❤️💛💚💙💜•–

As Red and Barney walked down the streets of Washington, Red realized just how beautiful Washington was. Before he was blinded by fear and confusion. Now he saw the love in the air, the children on the sidewalks, the bright and pleasant displays in shop windows, and most of all, he felt the feeling of his lover's hand intertwined with his own.

"Come on! I have an amazing surprise for you!" Red said excitedly, pulling on Barney's hand as he ran forward.

Barney laughed, just letting his hyperactive boyfriend steer him down the busy streets. "Alright! Alright, don't worry. With the grip you have on my hand, I couldn't go anywhere if I wanted to."

Red pouted and Barney laughed. "Hush, you. Or I may just change my mind."

Barney did as he was told and shut his mouth. Red led him around twist and bends and in a direction Barney didn't recognize. Out of curiousity, Barney was tempted to ask where they were going, but was afraid Red would keep his promise and change his mind. Barney just kept quiet and let him do the work.

Finally, Red came to a halt. Without the sound of their feet thundering beneath them as they ran, Barney realized how heavily he was breathing. Either Red was really fast, or he needed to work out more. Probably both. After he finally caught his breath, Barney looked up, only to have his breath be taken away again.

It looked like the Adirondacks. Lush, green, and in full bloom. A clearing of wildflowers surrounded by spruce. The hum of cicadas harmonized with the song of the birds and everything smelled like springtime. Red was a startling contrast to the deep greens of the grass and trees. He looked so out of place, but with the endless smile on his face, he was beautiful anyway.

"Damn, Red. You really do know how to romance my ass off." Barney finally managed to say. Red's laughter echoed across the clearing. A few startled birds took flight. It was probably the first sound that had disturbed the environment in years.

"Red, where did you find this place?" Barney asked curiously. "Places like this aren't common in a city."

"Green is apt for finding places in nature, especially when they're undisturbed. He helped me find this place! Pretty cool, huh?"

Barney nodded. "Yeah! I love trees and nature."

Red snorted. "Then you and Green have more in common than he thinks. Now shut up. You think this is good?" Red said, clearly trying to build up some suspense. "Well this isn't it! Hold onto your ass because I am about to romance it OFF!"

Now it was Barney laughing and pissing off the birds. Today was going to be a rewarding day.

                –•❤️💛💚💙💜•–

Today was going to be a rewarding day.

They were ready. While they were waiting for the Vacktor boy to arrive, they got even more men on the jobs. Some friends of their organization. Very talented friends in their field. At thispoint, he wasn't even worried at all. If the Vacktor was lucky he could break one of his men's bones. But then he would be overwhelmed by their forces. The extra men was worth the %15 cut they asked for. If the Vacktor's fortune was even a fraction of what the newspapers said it was, %15 wasn't even going to dent into their profits from this job. With the money from this job, he could finally accomplish what he wanted to originally wanted to do when he joined the life. He would have this boy. He would have his money.

No matter what.

===========================

This story is going to get very dark for the next few chapters. If you do not want to read unhappy things, I ask you not to read them. Hop in on say... Chapter 16. Things will get better in chapter 16. Stay safe. Maybe this sounds corny or insincere, but I do care about you guys. Because life isn't too great sometimes and your comments and support are something give me something to look forward to in life.

-💕 Bubblegum 💕