Rainbow Lyrics and Mellow Mushrooms: Fireworks Fridays: That moment when passion or tempers explode!

Passion, fury and joy, three emotions that often elicit similar responses. On Fireworks Fridays we celebrate the times when characters get a little out of control. From revealing secrets to expressing frustration, from dancing with glee to that scorching, toe-curling kiss, the fireworks crackle like lightning and sizzle with all the explosiveness of a supernova. Today we have a special treat in the form of three such moments, each from a brand-new holiday release.

Our first entry is from TL Travis' A Daddy for Christmas: Brighton, which was released just a few hours ago. A Daddy for Christmas: Brighton can be found here: A Daddy For Christmas: Brighton

Together we had the kitchen cleaned in no time. “Brighton, I've got a surprise for you.” I led him into the living room where the tree sat in the corner. It stood just like any other home decor you’d see only in the place of a fake Ficus stood a real tree. I purposely placed it in a spot near the front window for passersby to admire it. “I thought we'd decorate the Christmas tree together.” Brighton’s face lit up as bright as the lights we were about to put on it.

“Really?” His hopeful gaze bore into mine. Did he think I’d tease him about this?

“Really, sweetheart, and these tubs are filled with the decorations I've used over the years. I thought this year we'd get a real tree for our first Christmas and come spring we could plant it in the garden outside. Sustainability at its finest.” I was rather proud of myself for that decision.

“We?” It wasn’t a sarcastic question, more one filled with…hope.

“That’s the plan, we.” Brighton nearly bowled me over when he tried to hug me. As I’d guessed, this boy wasn't one who wanted what I could buy him as opposed to some that I had in the past. Brighton was all about the memories we could make, and time spent together. Sure, I paid for the tree, but I already had the decorations. For him it was about not only having a Christmas tree but engaging in the decorating of it as a team. Never having had a real Christmas as he’d mentioned to me had my mind filled with a million things I wanted to do and get for him. It was to the point where I had to slap my own hand last week while shopping online. He had plenty he'd get to open on Christmas morning from his Daddy and I'd enjoy every moment I got to watch him.

“Okay,” his excitement radiated to the point he couldn’t stand still. “What do we start with?”

Our second entry is from my newest release A Daddy for Christmas: Ryu, which was released just a few days ago. A Daddy for Christmas: Ryu can be found here: A Daddy For Christmas: Ryu

A quick peek into the living room showed Ryu seated on the couch, legs crossed with a blanket haphazardly draped over his shoulders. His tongue poked out between his lips as he scowled at the metal puzzle he held in his hands, one of several items that had been in the basket with him. Hank watched as Ryu shook it then slammed two of the pieces together several times, muttering fit, fit, fit, beneath his breath before tossing it on the floor, crossing his arms, and glaring at it.

Oh boy.

“Ryu, I think it’s time you put that toy up, don’t you?” Hank said.

“No!”

His boy was pouting now, still glaring at the toy, and it was easy to see that somewhere during the day he’d slipped into his little headspace and without Hank to engage with, had moved from activity to activity with little regard for the chaos he’d left behind.

“Daddy’s sorry he left you all alone today, especially after your wonderful surprise this morning,” Hank said, unprepared for the glaring look of fury his boy shot him.

Ryu’s eyes narrowed and his face scrunched up, then he stuck his tongue out at Hank.
“Daddy mean!”

“And Ryu is being very rude to Daddy right now, which isn’t nice either,” Hank said. “I believe you know that, but in case you need a reminder you’re going to go to the corner, sit in your chair, and think about it for a little while.”

“No!”

“Yes. Right now, Ryu. Move!” Hank said sternly. He kept his voice low, but firm, as he moved away from Ryu to turn off the television and go the kitchen to drag out a chair, which he set in the emptiest corner he could find. “And when you are done sitting, you will pick everything up and put it back where it belongs, is that understood.”

“Daddy meanest daddy ever!” Ryu said but he got off the couch, stomped to the chair, and sat his butt in it like he’d been told.

Our third entry is from Brina Brady's new release A Daddy for Christmas: Ryu, which was released just a few days ago. A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel can be found here: A Daddy For Christmas: Daniel

“I use this room for auditions. It’s away from the Glitter Box and doesn’t interfere with the club’s operation. Have you been to my club?”

“Is that a real question?” Daniel thought the question was so stupid. And what did it matter anyway? If you can dance, you can dance anywhere.

“If I ask you a question, it’s real, do you understand?” Mr. Baranov made a quick return to Mr. Grumpy.

“Yes, sir.”

“Answer my fucking question.”

“Going to the Glitter Box was a weekend thing for me when I lived on campus at NYU, and I always got lucky there.”

Daniel’s positive comments about his club brought a smile to Mr. Baranov’s perfect face. He was going to be a challenge to please.

“In three words, describe your positive character traits.”

“Self-disciplined, honest, and ambitious are my top traits on the work scene.”

“And three words to describe your negative ones?”

“Rebellious, vain, and selfish have been mentioned about me.”

“Do you think helping others is important?”

“I don’t know.” Daniel had prepared for the interview, but this question stumped him.

“Have you ever donated money to those less fortunate than you?”

“I don’t think so. It’s right up there with me being selfish, I guess.”

“I believe that helping those who are in need is a vital part of my life. I measure a man’s worth by how much he contributes to the well-being of others, not by how much he benefits himself.”

“Wow! I never thought about life on those terms.” Daniel worried Mr. Baranov hated him as a person who never helped anyone unless there was something in it for him. His parents often mentioned he was selfish and only cared about things concerning his rise to fame and fortune. Unfortunately, that was who he was and how he’d gotten to where he was.