Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 09:26:29 MST
From: DJs Tale <djs_tale@hotmail.com>
Subject: Forever 47-49

Author's Notes
--------------
	Not much to say this time.  Life's been busy this last week.  But
that's ok, since the Archivist took some time off himself anyway.

	Hope you're all still enjoying the story.  By the number of e-mails
I've been getting, I'd have to say at least a few people are ;-)

Disclaimer
----------
	The story contained here is entirely in the (possibly unbalanced)
mind of its author.  As much as I might like to bear Kevin's children (which
would be nothing short of a miracle), I have no idea if he or any of the
other BSB is actually gay.  Now that Kevin's engaged, I have a good idea
that he's not.  If any of the BSB read this story and are offended, they
should certainly exercise their right to free speech and e-mail me to
complain all about it.  Readers should enjoy the fantasy, but remember
that reality may be (and probably is) dramatically different.

	Don't read this little tale of love if you're too young where you
live.  Don't read this little tale of love if it's illegal where you live.
If either of those two things applies to where you live, I recommend that
you MOVE!!!

And now...'Forever'...


Chapter 47

	My alarm clock shattered the peace of my night's sleep.  Another
Monday, another exciting day of work.  As my brain pulled itself away
from my dreams of Kevin, I started to realize that there were too many
bodies in my bed.  And that there was something poking me in the back.

	I cracked open an eye, hoping that I would see Nick in front of
me and not Kevin.  Unfortunately, luck was NOT with me that morning.
Kev's sleeping face was right in mine.  He'd turned over to face me
during the night, and we were tangled pretty close together.

	This, of course, meant that I was being treated to a nice feel of
Nick's mornin' wood.  I also remembered Kev's joke a while ago about
how calling Nick by `little Nicky' was not really correct.  Judging by
what was sticking into my back, the joke was true.  `Little Nicky'
didn't really apply to him.  Oh my.

	Now, normally, waking up with a hot young stud wrapped around my
back would be a good thing.  But, considering that the hot young stud's
very good friend was not only my boyfriend but also naked as the day he
was born and lying in front of me, I didn't really consider this an
ideal time to enjoy it.

	Kev's eyes opened.  He looked up at me.  I smiled, trying to hide
the fact that I was incredibly embarrassed at that moment.  I seemed to
get away with it, cause he just smiled back.

	He slipped out from under the covers and walked over to shut off
my alarm.  Then he turned around and treated me to a sight I normally
would kill for.  His body, naked and hot before me.  He walked back
towards the bed.

	Nick dropped his arm over me and squeezed me tighter.  Judging by
the motion in his hips, he was having a very nice dream.
Unfortunately, my utterly gorgeous and naked boyfriend slid into bed
next to me at that point.  So, I had one guy havin' a good time against
my back, and another guy whose entire body was just screamin' to let me
have a good time with IT.   Damn, this really was the stuff fantasies
were made of.  Or torture sessions, anyway.

	"Mornin', D," Kev said in his usual sleep-softened voice.  God,
hearin' that did amazing things to my body.

	"Hey, Kevy," I answered.  My voice was a little choked off.

	"You ok?" Kev asked me.

	"Uh...well...," I started.  I leaned in close to whisper to him.
"Nick's just a little...excited this mornin'."  Kev just grinned at me.
Bastard.

	"Well, you were the one who offered to let him sleep with us," he
graciously pointed out.

	"Yeah, Kev, but I kinda didn't figure he'd actually accept my
offer."

	"He needed it, D," Kev said, his voice more serious.  "He usually
sleeps with one of us when he gets really upset.  Comfort zone, I
guess."

	"Would you two stop talkin' `bout me?" Nick interrupted us.

	"Sure, just as soon as you stop tryin' to get a piece of ass from
me," I said, cracking a joke.  Nick suddenly stopped his movements.  I
turned my head a little to glance over my shoulder and was treated to
the sight of Nick blushing.

	"Sorry, Dylan," was all he said.

	"Nick, it's ok.  It happens to all of us," I said, giving him a
reassuring smile.  "Besides, it's not often I get to wake up between
two hot studs like you boys."

	"Hey, now," Kev broke in.  "I do NOT share my boyfriends with
ANYONE.  Not even one of the other guys."  His voice was very serious,
but his eyes gave him away.  He was enjoying this, too.

	"Awe, gee, Kevy," I said, calling on my best little pout, "can't
I play with both of you?"

	"Well, alright.  Ya know I can't resist that face," he said,
leaning in for a kiss.  After that, neither of us could hold it any
more.  We both broke into laughter.

	Nick gave me another thrust to the back.  I jumped, not expecting
it at all.  This got Nick to laughing, too.

	"Ok, this is gettin' too weird for me.  I've gotta get up for
work.  And, since I'm NOT leavin' the two of you in bed alone together,
brothers or not, at least one of you is gettin' up with me," I said
sternly.

	Kev just chuckled, but he slid out of bed and padded over to the
bathroom.  I guess he was joining me.  So, I got up and walked after
him, stopping at my dresser to grab some boxers.  Kev might be ok
wanderin' around naked, but I preferred to have some shorts on.

	Kev and I showered together.  Amazingly enough, we actually
managed to get it done in less than 20 minutes.  We didn't have sex or
anything, but I can say that I've never been so thoroughly washed
before in my life.

	Once we'd dried off, Kev wandered back out of the bathroom.  I
stayed in, doin' my hair and brushing my teeth.  Basically, all the fun
stuff that makes it such a thrill to get up for work.

	I walked out of the bathroom after I finished everything.  Kev
wasn't anywhere in sight, but Nick was still in bed, curled up under
the covers.  I guess he was wanting to sleep some more.  I put on my
shirt and some pants, then sat on the bed to pull on my socks.  I felt
Nick's hand on my shoulder.

	"Thanks, Dylan," he said.

	"Hey, man, it's no problem.  After everythin' you've done for me,
this is just a small bit of what I owe ya," I said, looking him in the
eye.

	"D, you don't owe me a thing," he said.  I was a little surprised
that he'd called me `D'.  As strange as it sounded, Kev was the only
one who'd ever called me that.  I guess it just felt...odd.

	"Nick, if it weren't for you, Kev and I wouldn't be together.
He's the best thing that ever happened to me.  I owe you more than you
could possibly imagine," I said softly.

	"I've told ya before, man, it's what friends do.  I helped you
and Kev when you needed me.  Last night, you two helped me out when I
needed you," he said.

	"Dylan, I know you weren't exactly comfortable havin' me with you
guys last night."  I blushed a little and turned away.  "But you let me
anyway, and, I...," he paused, "as much as I hate to admit it, I needed
it."

	"Why do you hate to admit it?  We all need people, Nick.  It's
just a fact of life.  Last night, you needed us, so we were there," I
said.  "And, for the record, yeah, I was a little uncomfortable, but
not necessarily for why you think."

	"What d'ya mean?"  I had to stop and think about what I wanted to
say.

	"Nick, you're a very attractive guy.  Straight or not, famous or
not, that's still a fact.  I wasn't uncomfortable with havin' you in my
bed.  I as uncomfortable because I was nervous that I'd be TOO
comfortable havin' you in my bed.  Understand?"  I hoped he did.  I had
no idea how to explain it otherwise.

	"Yeah, I think so.  You were afraid you might say or do something
that would get Kev upset.  Or me, too," he said.  I just nodded.

	"Now, havin' said that, Nick, I want you to know that, strange as
the offer may sound, you're always welcome here, whether it's in my bed
or just in the house.  If you need me, I'll always be around for ya," I
told him.

	"And that goes for me, too," Kev's voice came from the door.  I
hadn't even realized he'd come in.  I was a little nervous that he'd
heard my whole conversation with Nick.

	"Thanks, guys.  I `preciate it," Nick replied.

	"But," Kevin started, "I would appreciate it if you'd avoid
sleepin' with my boyfriend when I'm not around to chaperone."  I
blushed.  Nick just chuckled.  Kev was smiling, so I knew he was ok.

	This had to be the strangest morning conversation that I'd ever
had in my entire life.  I was sitting on my bed with a nearly naked
boyband member, while my boyfriend, also a nearly naked boyband member
was standing next to me.  To top it off, I'd just invited boyband
member number one to sleep with me any time he needed it, and boyband
member number two had said it was fine as long as he was there to
watch.  Talk about bizarre.

	"Oh shit, I'm gonna be late!" I said, jumping up when I saw the
clock.  I turned to Nick.  "Nick, it'd be nice if you could join us for
dinner tonight.  If you wanna head home, I'll understand, but I thought
I'd make the offer."

	"Thanks, D.  I'll think `bout it," he replied.

	I turned and gave Kevin a kiss.  Nothing too deep since Nick was
there, but enough to tide me over for the day.

	"It'd be cool if you could be here for dinner, too," I whispered
to him with a smile.

	"I'll think `bout it, too," he whispered back.

	"You damn well better," I said, giving him another kiss before
running downstairs and heading off to work.



	"System Development, this is Dylan," I snapped out into the
phone.

	"Hey, cutie," came Lindsay's voice.

	"Hey, you're back!  How was the trip?"

	"Oh, man, Dylan it was wonderful.  I had a great time," I could
hear the joy in her voice.  For a moment, anyway.  "But, how are you?
Are you ok?"

	"Yeah, actually, I'm ok.  It's a long story, but Kevin and the
guys helped a lot," I said.

	"Kevin was there?  I thought he was out of town.  In New York or
something."

	"He was.  But, when he heard about what happened, he and Nick
flew out and met me.  The other guys showed up the next day.  I had
plenty of good people to help me through it all," I filled her in.

	"I'm glad.  I felt bad that I couldn't be there for you," she
said.  I could hear the sorrow in her voice.

	"Linds, it's ok.  I don't blame you at all for bein' off havin'
fun.  Frankly, I would rather have been with you," I said with a smile.

	"Liar.  You might not've wanted to be in North Dakota, but I damn
well know you'd rather have been with Kevin than with me," she laughed.
She did know me awfully well, didn't she?

	"Ok, ya got me there," I said.

	"Speakin' of that hot piece of man of yours, how's he doin'?"

	"He's doin' good.  He's at my place with Nick," I told her.

	"Nick?  What's Nick doing at your house?" she wondered.

	"He stayed there last night.  He was feelin' down in the dumps a
bit," I said.  I wasn't too sure Nick'd want me to say much more than
that.

	"Understood.  So he hung out with you two boys, huh?"

	"Yeah," I said.  "Hey, you wanna join us for dinner tonight?"

	"Sure.  It'd be kinda fun to actually get to know your friends in
person instead of always on the phone," she agreed.

	"Exactly.  So, 7:00 sound ok?"

	"Yeah, I'll be there.  I'll have to take off around 9:30.  Work
tonight, ya know."

	"Ok.  See ya then, sweetie," I said before hanging up.



	I trudged up the stairs, basically draggin' ass all the way.  You
would think that sitting on your butt and writing software really
wouldn't wear you down.  It's surprising how tiring it can be to sit in
meetings arguing for four straight hours.

	I made it to the door of my apartment and tried the knob.  It was
unlocked, which was nice since I didn't want to dig through my bag for
my keys.  I opened it and walked into the cool shadows of my apartment.

	A rather...questionable sight greeted me on the living room
floor.  Kevin was laid out on his stomach.  Nick was on top of him,
pushing his head into the carpet.  Nick's legs were wrapped around Kev
in this bizarre fashion that basically made it look like they were
practicing some weird mating ritual.

	"Ya know, if you were gonna get into these kinky sex games, you
could've at least waited until I got home," I said in a tired voice.
Nick flew off of Kev and racked his head against the couch.  Guess I
scared him.

	Kev rolled over, his hair a disaster and his skin flushed.  He
seemed to be out of breath.  I just raised my eyebrow and turned to
walk upstairs.

	"Dylan, wait," Kev called.  I just kept walking, cause I was
tired and frustrated and desperately in need of a very hot shower.

	I started to peel off my clothes as I made it through the bedroom
door.  I was down to my boxers by the time that Kev came in the door.

	"Dylan, we were just playin', sweetie.  We didn't mean," he
started before I interrupted.

	"Kev, it's ok," I said, my voice giving away how tired I felt.
"I'm not mad.  I know you guys were just goofin' off.  I'm glad that
Nick's feelin' better."  I stripped my boxers down.  "I just had a
really long afternoon, and I need a shower before I deal with
anything."

	I gave him a little smile to let him know I was ok.  I'll admit
that it was a little weird to come home and see them like that, but I
knew it didn't mean anything.  I was just being too sensitive.

	I turned and walked into the bathroom.  I hit the water in the
shower so it could get plenty warm.  I stepped inside and pulled the
curtain shut.

	I leaned in under the spray, letting the hot water soak into my
body.  It felt wonderful on my tense shoulders, but not as wonderful as
the pair of strong hands that started to massage the knots out of my
shoulders a few seconds later.

	I opened my eyes and turned my head to see Kev there.  I didn't
say anything, just closed my eyes again and let him continue to work on
my back and neck.  His hands were doing amazing things to me.

	I let him continue for a little bit.  I was nearly asleep on my
feet.  I leaned back into him, letting him know that he'd done enough
for me.  He just slid his arms down around me, pulling me tight against
him.

	"Thanks, Kev," I whispered.  "I needed that so much."

	"Any time I can help, D.  It's what I'm here for," he spoke as
softly as I had.

	"I'm sorry I was such a grouch when I came in," I apologized to
him.

	"Don't worry `bout it, sweetie.  You had a tough day.  It
happens," he said.

	"It was just long and frustrating.  I hate days when I just sit
in meetings and argue.  Especially when I'm arguing with people who
have no idea why they're arguing with me.  And no clue how to
effectively state their case anyway."

	"Believe me," he said, "I understand the frustrations of endless
meetings.  Been there, done that."

	We just stood together for a bit, enjoying each other's touch.
He felt so nice, so solid.  I stroked the skin of his arms lightly
where they went around me.

	Eventually, the water started to get a little chilly.  So, I
leaned over and shut it off as Kev slid the curtain open.  I reached
for my towel, but Kevin grabbed it first.

	He started drying me off, gently wiping down my entire body.  It
was wonderful to just give myself up to his care.  I could definitely
get used to coming home to this.  Too bad I wouldn't be able to do it
every day.

	When he was done with me, I took the other towel to dry him.  I
touched every part of him, from his head to his toes.  As usual, his
beauty took my breath away.  But, it was the beauty inside that I
really loved.

	We moved into the bedroom and got dressed.  As was my usual, I
put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.  Kev went with some light
sweats.  I couldn't figure out how he could stand to wear pants of any
kind, but I guess he wasn't as insensitive to cold as I was.

	"Is Nick staying for dinner?" I wondered.

	"Yeah.  He might stay over tonight again if that's ok," he said.

	"I don't mind if he does," I replied.  "He's welcome as long as
he needs to be here."

	I walked out of the room and started downstairs, Kev trailing
behind me.  When we got to the bottom, I turned and looked into the
living room.  Nick wasn't anywhere around.  I made my way to the back
of my apartment and out on the deck.

	"Where'd Nick go?" I asked Kev, who was standing in the doorway.

	"He might've run to the store.  I thought we could grill up
chicken tonight, but I needed some stuff for the marinade," he told me.

	"Whoa, beautiful and he can cook!" I said with a little smile.
Kev just gave me a sarcastic bow.  "Well, thanks for taking care of it.
I appreciate it."

	"No problem, D," he said.

	I looked over at him, realizing something.  I wandered over to
him, pushing him back inside the house.  I slid my arms around his
waist and stared into his eyes.

	"I love you, Kev," I said.

	"I love you, too, Dylan," was his reply.  "What brought that on?"

	"Well, for one thing, I can never tell you that enough, so expect
it at odd times," I said with a smile.  "And, for another thing, I just
now realized that I hadn't said it to you all day.  And I needed to
tell you.  I need you to know how I feel about you.  All the time."

	"D, I know how you feel about me.  But thanks for sayin' it
anyway," he said, leaning in to softly touch my lips.

	I took his hand and led him to the living room.  I walked over to
the couch and turned, laying down on my back.  I reached out to him,
pulling him down on top of me.

	His weight came down on me, heavy and strong and very hot.  He
put his mouth over mine immediately, letting me take my first good
taste of him for the day.

	I wasted no time in opening my mouth to his, giving his tongue
access.  I opened my legs, wrapping them around his and pulling him
tighter against me.  I tightened my arms around him, squeezing the hard
muscles in his back.

	He tasted so good.  I felt like I'd been in the desert for a
month with no water.  He was what quenched my thirst.

	The sound of a clearing throat interrupted my enjoyment of Kev's
body.  I felt him start to move off of me, but I just held him tighter,
sliding one hand to the back of his neck while I lifted the other to
wave whoever it was away.  I heard a chuckle as whoever it was,
probably Nick, walked off.

	Kev and I continued our little makeout session.  I moved my hands
down to his waist, then up under his t-shirt.  I stroked the skin of
his back and sides.  I could feel a shudder go through him.  He
obviously liked it.

	I shifted my mouth away from his, kissing along his jawline until
I reached his ear.

	"We never managed to get to what we were planning last night," I
whispered.  He chuckled in my ear.

	"No, we didn't.  You think we can get Nick to sleep in the spare
room tonight?" he asked.  I shifted back to look in his eyes.

	"Well, if he doesn't, he's gonna get a show, cause I don't think
I can wait any more," I said before moving in to kiss him again.

	We kept it up for a while, kissing, tasting, touching, the
occasional grinding.  It was definitely a great way to end a tough day
at work.  I'd really have to talk to him about a career change.  I'd be
happy to support him if he'd just become my houseboy for life.

	There was a knock on the door then.  I clutched Kev tight again,
not wanting him to move.  He just chuckled and stayed pressed tight
against me.

	I heard footsteps heading for the door.  I could hear Nick and
Lindsay's voices then, but I had no clue what they were saying.  It
would've taken more focus than I had at that point.

	"Alright, you two, break it up," Lindsay's voice came to us from
somewhere near the entry for the living room.  I immediately lifted a
hand and gave her the finger, clutching Kev to me with the other.
Judging by the shift I felt in his arm, I guessed that he was giving
Lindsay a pretty similar greeting.

	The next thing I knew, Kev was yanked off of me and dropped over
to the floor.  I looked up to see Nick's smiling face over me, and
Lindsay's staring at me from near the foot of the couch.

	Judging by the laughter coming from Nick's mouth, I figured he
was probably the one who'd pulled Kev from me.  And, judging by the
look on Kev's face, I knew Nick had better practice his long distance
running soon.

	Kev sprang at Nick from where he was laying on the floor.  Nick's
shocked look gave away the fact that he wasn't ready for that.  Kev
tackled him to the floor, landing on top of him and tickling him
furiously.  I gathered from Nick's reaction that he really didn't care
for this, although Kev was obviously enjoying himself.

	"Ok, Ok!  I give, man!" Nick managed to gasp out between laughs.
Kev decided to take some pity on him and rolled off of him.  Nick lay
gasping for a few minutes before he managed to catch his breath.

	"That'll teach ya to interrupt me when I'm with D," Kev said to
him.  Nick just nodded, a huge grin on his face.  Maybe the `tickle
torture' hadn't been entirely unexpected after all.

	Lindsay smacked my leg then, taking my attention from the two
hotties on my living room floor and reminding me that she was there.  I
turned to look at her with a smile.

	"Why, hello, Lindsay.  When did you get here?" I said, obviously
playin' with her.

	"Oh, damn funny, aren't ya?  If you hadn't been playin' `lip
wars' with wonder stud over there, you'd know I've been here for a
while now."  I smiled at her before turning to Kevin.

	"Hear that, Kev?  Linds thinks you're a stud," I told him.  He
just smiled back at me.

	I stood up then, giving Lindsay a hug.  Out of the corner of my
eye, I saw Nick and Kev stand, too.  Kev came over and gave Lindsay a
hug.

	"Hey, Lindsay.  Good to see ya, again," he said.

	"Good to see you, too, stud," she said with a chuckle.

	"What brings ya by tonight?" Kev asked her.  Lindsay just looked
at me.

	"Um...ooops," I said.  "Guess I forgot to mention that I'd
invited Lindsay for dinner, huh?" I said, givin' Kev my best little
innocent look.

	"'s okay, D, I had Nicky get enough for extra," he said.

	"Good," Lindsay said, "then let's get cookin' cause I'm
starving."  We all chuckled at that as we headed for the kitchen.



Chapter 48

	The night was still and quiet.  Or as quiet as it ever got in the
city, anyway.  The four of us were on the patio, enjoying the peace of
the evening after dinner.  Lindsay was due to leave in a few minutes.
She still had to work her shift tonight.

	Kev and Nick were sitting in the patio chairs.  Lindsay and I
were standing against the deck rail, facing them.  I was in front of
Kev, of course, and Lindsay was across from Nick.

	"Very good, Kev," I said.  "You really CAN cook."

	"You know it, baby.  I'm a man of many talents," he replied.  By
the look in his eyes, certain of those talents were bein' saved for
later.  I shivered, and it wasn't cause of the temperature.

	"You sure are," Lindsay said with a little glint in her eye.
She'd picked up on what he REALLY meant, too.

	"He sure is," I sighed.  My obviously lust-filled voice drew a
chuckle from Lindsay and Nick.  Kev just continued to stare at me.  And
I stared back at him.

	Lindsay slapped my arm, snapping me out of my trance.  I shook my
head and looked away from Kevin.  Lindsay just chuckled at me.

	"Damn, you two have GOT to get it on one of these days," she
said.  "It's gettin' about impossible to have a conversation with you
when you're together."

	"Lindsay!" I yelled at her.  Nick just busted a gut.  I thought
for a minute he might fall out of his chair.  I figured maybe Kev would
be embarrassed by her bluntness.  But, when I looked over at him, he
was just staring back at me.

	I took a second to stare at him again.  There was something in
his eyes.  It wasn't the urge to rip off all my clothes that had been
there before.  It was...thoughtful, pensive.  If I didn't know better,
I'd say he was trying to make some decision.

	"Marry me, Dylan," he said suddenly.

	Fortunately, the glass in my hand was both empty and plastic.  It
was fortunate cause it hit the floor of the deck about half a second
after Kevin said that.  Nick and Lindsay's laughter died a pretty
sudden death, too.

	"What?" I said.  Or at least I was trying to say it.  My voice
had suddenly disappeared.

	Kevin stood up and stepped over to me.  For a second, I was
afraid he was gonna drop to one knee.  I don't think I could've handled
that.  But, he just took my hands in his.

	"Dylan," he said softly, "I know it's sudden.  And I know it's
pretty early in our relationship to be considerin' it.  I didn't say it
expecting us to run for the nearest altar.  I don't mean we should do
it like today or next week or even next year," he paused.

	"But, things between us are gonna be tough.  I'll be gone a lot
with the group.  And, when we can be together, we'll have to always be
watchin' out.  I want you to understand what you mean to me.  What `us'
means to me.  I want you to know that I love you, baby, and I can't
imagine being with anyone else.  I wanna be with you.  Forever."

	I just stared down at our hands.  I was...well, stunned to say
the least.  We'd only been together a few weeks.  Granted, they'd been
some intense weeks, but still.  Marry him?!?!

	"Kev, I love you.  Please understand that.  And, I can't imagine
ever feeling for anyone else what I feel for you.  But," his face fell,
"marriage?  It...I...I don't know."

	He looked like his heart was breaking.  I knew he'd gone out on a
limb a lot to say all that.  But I needed him to understand.  I turned
around to face the city.

	"Kev, before I met you, I'd never considered marriage.  For one
thing, the words `gay marriage' are about enough to spark a riot in
some circles.  And, frankly, following along in the shoes of the
straights has never really been a priority for me."

	"Besides that, I'd never met anyone that I felt that strongly
about.  Marriage is a lifetime thing, ya know?  I've never been with
anyone that I could imagine a lifetime with."

	I turned around again.  Kev was still there, but his eyes were
facing the floor.  I put a hand on his cheek and tilted his face to
look at mine.  I could see some tears shining in his green eyes,
although he hadn't let them fall, yet.  Always the strong one, I guess.
I stared at him a while, making a decision of my own.

	"Until you, Kev.  I wake up next to you in the morning, and all I
can think about is being able to do that for the rest of my life.  Even
when we've been apart, I still feel like we're connected...together.
And I can't imagine not having you here with me, not being there with
you.  Wherever `there' happens to be."

	"I guess what I'm tryin' to say is...yes.  I'll marry you," I
said, noticing the huge smile lighting up his face.  I put a finger to
his lips to stop him from talking.  "But, it comes with a condition."
He nodded.

	"No matter how strongly I feel about you, or you about me, it's
still early in our relationship.  There's so much we gotta figure out
about each other, so much...livin' we've gotta do together.  And,
there's your career to consider, too.  So, can we just, like, agree on
an indefinite engagement or something?"

	He moved in against me and pulled me to him, putting his lips to
mine.  He wrapped me in his arms, squeezing me so tight I thought I'd
pass out.  It felt great.  He pulled away a minute or so later.

	"D, the engagement can be as long as you want.  I don't care if
we never actually go through the marriage ceremony.  I just wanted you
to know how committed I am to you.  To us," he said.

	"Well, you probably could've come up with a little less dramatic
way, baby," I said, smiling to take the edge off my words.  "But, now I
know, Kev.  And, for the record, we WILL go through with it someday.
Now that you asked, you won't get out of it," I said, givin' him a
quick kiss.

	Kev and I finally came back from whatever planet we'd been
visiting the last few minutes, and I remembered the fact that we
weren't alone on the patio.  I looked over to see Nick and Lindsay in
pretty much the same positions they'd been in before.  About the only
difference between now and then was the look on their faces.

	Nick was obviously amazed.  He resembled a guppy, mouth opening
and closing constantly.  I just smiled at his reaction.  I don't think
he was any more surprised than I'd been.

	Lindsay seemed a little taken aback, too.  But, I could see that
she was happy for me.  For us.  I knew that, no matter what, she'd
support us.

	I breathed a sigh when I saw that.  It was important to me that
she, of all people, understood.  In the time since I'd moved to Tampa,
she'd essentially become closer than family.  If, or when, Kev and I
actually went through with this, she'd be one of the few people in the
world who'd be able to know about it.

	I turned back to Nick.  He'd managed to get that `guppy reflex'
under some control, but he still had a pretty dazed look on his face.
Since he was fast approaching `family' status for me, too, I figured
I'd better make sure he was alright with me joining his.

	"Nick, you ok?" I asked.  He looked up at me.

	"Yeah, Dylan, I'm ok.  Just surprised, I guess," he said.

	"No more than me, man," I said, squeezing one of Kev's hands.
"He took me by total surprise, too."

	"Well, I like to keep ya guessin', sweetie," was Kev's reply just
before giving me another kiss.  I slid my glance back to Nick when we'd
finished.

	"I guess I should ask if you're cool with us doin' this," I
paused, still having trouble saying the words, "with us
getting...engaged."

	"Dylan, man, of course I am.  Hell, I'm half the reason that the
two of you got together, remember?" he said with a chuckle.  "There is
one problem, though."

	"What's that, Nick?" Kev asked.

	"Well," he started, a very serious look on his face, "since I'm
pretty much responsible for you two actually makin' it past your first
meeting, and I'm obviously the most important guy in EITHER of your
lives," he paused, "the question becomes how can I be best man for BOTH
of you?"  We all chuckled at that.

	"Gee, Nick, since we're not makin' any plans for a while, you can
probably take this extra time to figure that out," I said with a smile
before turning to Kevin.  I whispered to him, making sure it was loud
enough for Nick to hear, "And we can take the time to find REAL men to
replace him."

	"Hey, now!" Nick said as we all cracked up again.  Nick smiled,
too, so I knew he understood I was just joking.  Trust him to break up
a far-too-serious mood with a few good smartass comments.



	Kev and I lay in bed together, spooned, as usual, with him in
behind me.  I was staring at my hand, twisting a silver ring around on
my thumb.

	Kev had felt a little guilty that he hadn't had a ring to give
me.  I'd told him that was ok.  For one thing, I wouldn't be able to
wear it without a lot of uncomfortable questions, anyway.  And, for
another, I understood that his decision to propose was pretty
spontaneous.

	But, of course, Kev didn't accept my ok as a final answer.  As
we'd been undressing to hit the sack, he'd pushed me into a seat on the
edge of the bed.  He'd also gotten down on one knee in front of me.  My
`cheesy meter' had finally pegged off the scale then, but I'd mentally
taken a sledgehammer to it.

	He'd slipped one of his rings off of his right thumb and put it
on to mine.

	"I don't have a separate ring to give you," he'd said, "but I
hope this'll do until we can pick one out."

	I'd cried a little, then.  I guess I'd been kinda overwhelmed
with everything that'd happened tonight.  Kev had just sat next to me
on the bed and held me.

	And now, I lay there in his arms, admiring my `engagement ring',
although I had to wonder how many people wore thumb rings to symbolize
an engagement.

	"Kev," I whispered.

	"Yeah, D?" he replied.

	"If it's cool with you, I'd rather just keep this as my
engagement ring," I said.

	"Why?" he wondered.

	"Well, if I wear a `traditional' engagement ring, someone's bound
to catch it.  Up `til now, I've never really worn jewelry, besides my
earrings, anyway.  If I start sportin' an engagement ring, someone'll
notice eventually.  And, they're likely to be askin' questions that I'm
not comfortable answering.  I understand about keepin' you and me on
the quiet side, but I'd rather not lie about it if I can help it."  I
felt him nod against the back of my neck.

	"And besides," I continued, "I always kinda liked the silver
rings you wear.  Most of the pix I've seen of you have you wearin' at
least one.  Now I can look at this one and remember the fact that you
used to wear it.  Makes it a bit more special."

	"Well, then," he started to say, "I guess you'll just have to
consider that your engagement ring.  We'll worry `bout the other ring
when the time comes."

	I snuggled into him, feeling his warm body tighten against me.
He felt so good, so safe and comfortable.  Not to mention hot.

	He moved so he was touching my body from head to toe, and
everywhere in between.  It became pretty obvious that he remembered our
plans for tonight when I felt his hard shaft press in against my back.
He wrapped his arm around me and started stroking my chest with his
hand.  Unfortunately, I had some bad news.

	"Kev," I whispered softly.  He just nodded, kissing the back of
my neck and thrusting his hips into me.

	"Mmmmmmm, God, Kev," I groaned.  "Oh, Kev, baby, I gotta tell you
somethin'," I said, my voice barely registering.

	"What"...kiss..."is"...nibble..."it"...tongue..."baby?"  God, he
was gonna kill me soon.

	"Well, mmmmmmm, it's been a while, ooooooooh, since I've been
with, aaaaaaaahh, anyone, and I, oh baby yes, I don't, ummmm, I don't
have any...," I trailed off into a long low moan.

	"You don't have any protection?" he stopped kissing me only long
enough to ask before he continued.  It took me a minute to actually
understand what he'd said.  Most of the blood in my body had pooled
somewhere below my waist, so my brain was starving for oxygen or
something.

	"Yeah, that's it," I said, giving myself up to the feel of his
mouth on my skin, of his hands on my chest and stomach, of his hard
shaft throbbing into my back.

	"Well, then," he said, leaning up to my ear to whisper into it
between nibbles on the lobe, "it's probably a good thing I went out and
picked some up today, huh?"

	I didn't even bother to answer.  Not with words, anyway.  I
turned my head to the side, moving my mouth to his, opening myself to
him.

	He put his hand to my face, holding mine tight against his.  We
were still spooned, his front to my back.  He held our mouths together,
his tongue dueling with mine, back and forth between us.  I separated
us for a moment to stare into his eyes.

	"Kev, make love to me.  Please.  It feels like I've been waiting
forever to be with you," I said.  He nodded before again taking my
mouth in a deep kiss.

	He pushed into me, moving me over onto my stomach.  My hard shaft
was pressed into the mattress.  His was pressed into me.  And oh did it
feel so right there.

	He began to move over me, rubbing his hot hard body up and down
along mine.  The heat and the sweat were beginning to build between us.
I was already feeling like I could explode from the tension he was
generating in my body.

	His mouth came down on my neck, kissing and licking the sensitive
skin there.  He moved up behind my ear, causing a shudder to shoot
through me.  It felt so good, I couldn't hold back the moans.

	I pushed against him, letting him know I wanted to turn over.  I
wanted...no, I needed to touch him, to feel his skin under my
fingertips, to stroke along the lines formed by the muscles in his
body.

	He held me on my stomach for a moment longer, grinding his hips
into me, sliding his hard meat along the crack of my ass.  Hopefully,
that was a preview of what would come later.

	Kev lifted off of me, then, allowing me to turn over underneath
him.  He immediately brought his mouth down to mine, sliding his tongue
back into it's second home in my mouth.

	We locked our hands together, spreading our arms out on the bed
as he collapsed down on top of me.  I wrapped my legs up in his,
holding him against me as much as I possibly could.

	I lifted us, rolling over on top of him, keeping our bodies
pressed together as much as I could.  I began to thrust into him,
rubbing our hard shafts against each other as I moved my mouth along
his strong jaw.

	My lips reached his ear.  I gently took the lobe in my mouth,
licking around his stud with my tongue before moving it along the edge
to the top.  I licked and sucked all around his ear, taking it in my
mouth before slipping back down to lick in behind it.

	I let myself go, then, exploring every hot inch of his body.  I
couldn't get enough of him.  My heart felt like it was gonna burst with
the strength of my feelings for him.  There were no words to describe
how strongly I felt about him, so I tried to show him with my actions.

	My mouth was everywhere on him.  Kissing his mouth, his face,
across his neck and shoulders, down his chest and abs, and from his
feet, up his legs, to the solid shaft of his hard cock.

	My hands moved over him, too, touching him everywhere, feeling
the heat of him, the strength wrapped inside his skin.  Anywhere I
could reach, I touched, stroked, savored.

	His breathing got heavier, if that was possible.  The moans
coming from both of us were getting louder.  If there were any blood
flow to my brain, I would probably be embarrassed about the fact that
Nicky was in the spare room.  But, there wasn't, so I just gave myself
up to Kevin.

	We shifted and moved together.  Me on top for a while, then him.
We switched a few times, working ourselves to the point we could barely
contain it anymore, then pushing just a bit further.  Finally, I knew
it was time.

	Kevin was on top of me, now.  I put my hands to the sides of his
face and lifted his eyes to mine.  I didn't say anything, just stared
into those stunning green eyes as I slid my legs up around his waist.

	He shifted his body down, bringing his hard dick down between my
legs before moving back up to plant his mouth on mine.  He moved above
me, pumping his hips into me.  I moaned into his mouth, nearly biting
down on our tongues in my excitement.

	I felt his weight lift off of me.  I almost screamed when I
realized he was leaving me, but I quickly figured out what he was
doing.  He knelt up between my legs before reaching over to the
nightstand next to the bed.  He slid open the drawer and pulled out a
condom.

	He worked fast, tearing open the wrapper and working the condom
down over his shaft.  A tiny part of me had the disturbing thought that
he seemed very practiced.  I pulled my mind from that thought, not
wanting to disrupt what was about to happen.

	He moved in over me, again, his mouth capturing mine.  He nudged
my legs further up and began working my hole, getting me ready for him.
He continued to slide his tongue in and out of my mouth, mirroring the
actions of his fingers below.

	Then, it was time.  I felt him move his cock to my hole.  I
pushed his face up, wanting to watch his expression as he began to move
inside me.

	There was pain at first.  It had been a long time since I'd been
with anyone in this way.  And Kev was pretty well endowed.  I tried to
keep my eyes on his, focusing on the depths of love I saw there rather
than the moments of pain.

	Eventually, I had taken all that he had to give.  He settled down
on me, letting me grow accustomed to his size.  I took that time to
lightly kiss him, alternating between kissing and staring into his
soul.

	I had never felt so connected to anyone before.  Ever.  It was as
though somehow we'd actually become one being.  One soul sharing two
bodies.  And now the two halves had been reunited.

	I flexed my arms against him, letting him know I was ready.  He
continued to stare at me as he began to move.  Slowly at first, sliding
nearly the way out before gently working his way back in.

	He gradually increased the speed, and the strength.  I was losing
my mind.  I'd never felt anything so good.  It was beyond belief.  What
little mind I had left was wondering why I had waited so long.

	He brought his tongue back to my lips, letting me open up to take
him again.  Between the movement of his hips and the touch of his lips,
I was nearly over the edge.  I knew I wouldn't last much longer.

	"Oh, God, Kev," I moaned against his lips.

	"I can't take much more, baby," he sighed as he dropped his head
down to my shoulder.  "I can't wait much longer."

	"Then don't," I said, giving totally into the sensations he was
creating in my body.

	My release followed quickly then.  The assault of his body on my
senses was too much.  I shot my load between our bodies, coating our
chests and stomachs.  I shouted his name as I went off.

	Kevin was right with me.  He thrust one last time, deep and hard,
before shooting.  I could feel his cock throbbing as he released his
load into the condom.  I squeezed his shaft as much as I could, trying
to add to the pleasure he was feeling.

	He collapsed full on me as his climax tapered off.  I kept my
legs around him as tightly as possible, clutching him to me.  I moved
my arms around him, holding his chest to mine as he dropped his head
next to mine above my shoulder.

	We lay there for a moment, our breathing slowly tapering off.
Occasionally, I would feel him thrust into me again.  It was the
closest thing to heaven that I'd ever felt.  The love I felt from him
was incredible.

	I passed out for a moment, my mind going black as I lay under
him.  I saw the stars that I loved painted against the back of my
eyelids.  It was beautiful.

	I came back when Kev slid out of me.  I suddenly felt empty.  I
was still connected to him, in ways I'd never been before tonight.  But
the physical connection wasn't as strong.

	His chest and abs were sticky with my juice.  He smoothly slid
the condom off, tying it off before tossing it in the garbage to the
side of the bed.  He dropped back down on top of me.

	"God, Dylan, that was...I mean...I've never felt anything like
that before," he whispered into my ear.

	I just grunted in reply.  He chuckled as he lifted his face to
look into mine.

	"You ok, baby?" he asked.

	"I'm not sure.  I'll let ya know as soon as my mind reconnects
with my body," I joked quietly.

	We lay there like that, just kind of basking in the glow.  I
could feel him breathing against my neck.  I turned my head a little,
moving it so our cheeks were touching.

	"Know what I'm thinking?" he wondered.

	"Hmmmmmmm, if you're thinkin' what I'm thinkin', then you're
thinkin' `steaming hot shower'!" I said.

	"Exactly, sweetie," he laughed.  He lifted off of me, taking my
hand and pulling me behind him as he stumbled to the bathroom.



Chapter 49

	I woke up the next morning to the funny sensation of wetness on
my neck.  That combined with the weight on my back had me briefly
wondering if I'd actually woken up at all.  But, my morning-dull brain
eventually clued in to what was happening.

	I was lying on my stomach.  The weight on my back was Kevin, of
course.  Sometime last night, he'd rolled over so he was basically
lying across my back, with his body along one side, and his head
resting on my opposite shoulder.  Frankly, it seemed like it'd be damn
uncomfortable, but I guess he could deal with it.

	Unfortunately for me, Kev apparently drooled when he slept.  I
don't know how I'd missed that little fact up `til now, but the wetness
on my neck was definitely coming from him.

	I giggled a little to myself when I realized that.  I wondered
how much the millions of loyal fans out there would enjoy knowing that
one of the hottest members of their favorite group drooled like a baby.
It was a funny thought.

	I opened my eyes finally and shifted a glance over to the window.
>From the lack of light behind the blinds, I guessed that the sun hadn't
quite made its morning appearance, yet.  I took a look at the clock.

	"Oh hell," I mumbled.  I had forgotten to set my alarm the night
before.  I was a little late.  "Kev," I said his name, shifting my
weight a little to get him to wake up.

	He moved above me, pushing down into me and wrapping himself even
tighter around me if that was possible.  He obviously wasn't in a big
hurry to get outta bed.  Can't say I blamed him too much.

	"Kev, I'm late, baby," I said, nudging him again.  He didn't say
anything, just kinda slid off of me to the side.

	I turned my head to face him.  His eyes were still closed.  I
guessed he was still sleeping.  What a romantic.  Couldn't even be
bothered to wake up for a good morning kiss.  I must've worn him out
last night.

	I slid from the covers and stretched.  I had to admit, I was a
little sore from last night.  I was pretty tempted to just call in and
take the day off.  But my time off was still limited, and Anna had
already been pretty generous when I left for Dad's funeral.

	I moved into the bathroom and immediately turned on the shower.
Normally, I'd shave first since it's easier to use my electric before
my skin gets wet, but I needed the hot shower worse than I needed a
shave.  The people at work could suffer with my stubble.

	I hopped in the shower and pulled the curtain closed behind me.
I stood under the spray, not moving.  I nearly moaned, the warmth felt
so good.  I decided to just stand there and enjoy it for a minute.

	I almost jumped out of my skin when I felt a pair of hands on my
shoulders.  I immediately relaxed, realizing that Kevin had drug
himself out of bed to join me.  What a sweetheart.

	"Mornin', love," he said as he moved in to kiss the back of my
neck.

	"Mornin, Kevy," I replied, pushing my body back into his.  "Sleep
well?"

	"Sure did, D," he answered.  "Not long enough, though.  What're
you doin' up?"  I nudged him with me elbow.

	"Well, Kev, some of us work, ya know.  We can't all take vacation
as often as you do," I joked, knowing he worked a lot harder at his job
than I did at mine.

	"Oh yeah.  I forgot it was a work day today," he said, then
paused a moment.  "How're you feelin'?"

	"A little sore, I'll admit.  You're a bit more man than I'm used
to," I said, smiling.  He chuckled a little.  "But, other than that,
I'm doing excellent."

	"Me, too.  Last night was...," he stopped, at a loss.  I just
nodded.  I knew what he was trying to say.

	"I love you, Kev."

	"I love you, too, Dylan."



	Nick was nowhere to be seen when I wandered downstairs.  In a
way, I was glad.  I didn't want to deal with his smartass comments this
early in the morning.  I knew he'd have a dose to give me after last
night.  Kev and I weren't exactly quiet the first time...much less the
second and third times.

	I made my way to the kitchen and started rummaging around for
some breakfast.  The cupboards were looking a little barren.  I guess
it was time for a trip to the grocery store.

	I managed to dig up some yogurt.  Nothing too exciting, but
breakfast had never been a big meal for me, anyway.  I decided to
wander out to the patio to enjoy my morning feast.

	I stared out over the patio rail.  The sun had come out while we
were showering and I was getting ready.  It cast a beautiful glow
across the early morning sky.  As much as I hated mornings on
principle, I did really love the peacefulness of the dawn.

	I let my mind wander back over everything that had happened the
night before.  Kev's proposal and it's implications, not to mention our
first time making love.  In the light of day, it almost seemed like a
dream.

	I had to admit, if only to myself, that I was still pretty
surprised that Kevin had proposed.  He'd always seemed a lot
more...down to earth than that.  It didn't seem like him to take such a
big step like that.  In some ways, it did prove a lot to me about how
he really felt.

	But, I was still more than a little apprehensive.  Deep down
inside, in a tiny little place that I'd never allowed anyone into, I
had given up on love, given up on ever finding someone like Kevin.  I
had accepted that I would make my way through life on my own.  Now that
I'd found Kev, I was terrified of losing him.

	And now he'd asked me to marry him.  Part of me was so ecstatic I
felt like I could walk on air.  It was literally a dream come true.
But, that hidden little core inside was afraid that the decision so
early in our relationship was just asking for trouble.  It was a huge
step, even if we'd agreed to wait a while.

	"Penny for `em, D," Kev's voice interrupted my musings.

	"What?" I asked, looking back to see him standing in the doorway.
I hadn't even heard him come down.

	"Penny for your thoughts," he said again.  "You look pretty
serious."  I debated whether I should say anything.

	"Just thinkin'," was all I said.  He seemed to pick up pretty
quickly what exactly I was thinking about.

	"Second thoughts?" he asked.

	I waited.  I wasn't sure how to answer him.

	"Not exactly, no," I said, taking a deep breath.  I was suddenly
having a hard time looking at him.  "I guess I'm just concerned that
we're putting a lot of weight on `us'."

	"I understand, sweetie," he paused, seeming to gather himself.
"I'll be ok if you wanna change your mind, put this off for a while."

	I thought about it for a minute.  My eyes drifted to my hand, to
the ring that I now wore there.  I debated doing what he said,
listening to that scared little voice inside me.  But, I knew that I
wanted it, in spite of my fears.  I wanted this to happen, and I was
willing to risk the hurt it could bring later if it didn't work out.

	"No, Kev, I don't want that," I said as I shook my head.  He
seemed to sigh in relief.  I reached over and took his hand.

	"I'm just bein' a little silly.  Nothin' like this has ever
happened to me before.  I guess it's just hitting me funny today," I
smiled at him a little.  He nodded in understanding.

	We stood together for a bit, just watching the sky, listening to
the city begin to move around us.  Eventually, a car honking brought me
out of my reverie.  I remembered that I needed to get to work.

	I moved back into the house, taking my stuff from breakfast back
to the kitchen.  I wasted a bit more time there, putting stuff away and
getting the kitchen back in order from my earlier rummaging around.

	Kevin stood in the doorway from the patio, watching me as I moved
back and forth.  For some reason, I suddenly felt...shy around him.  I
had a hard time looking his way.

	I started to walk out of the kitchen, but he grabbed my arm and
pulled me to him.  I kept my eyes down, but he put a hand to my cheek
and nudged my face upward until my eyes met his.

	"D, I love you," he said, smiling.

	"I love you, too, Kev," I whispered back.

	"If my poppin' the question like that is gonna make you nervous
or uncomfortable, please tell me.  I didn't do it to put distance
between us, I did it to bring us closer together."  I leaned in and put
my head on his shoulder while I slid my arms around him.

	"I know, Kev.  I don't have a damn clue why I'm so twitchy this
morning.  I do love you, and I do want this.  Just gimme a little time
to adjust," I said.  I leaned back again to look into his eyes,
"Please?"

	He studied me intently for a moment.  I tried to tell him how
much I wanted this without actually saying anything.  He seemed to get
my message, as he leaned in and gave me a deep kiss.

	"What're you gonna do today?" I asked as I slid back from him.  I
held his hand and pulled him after me towards the front door.

	"I dunno.  Maybe Nick and I'll go do some shopping.  I'm not sure
if he's gonna head back to his place or not," he replied.

	"Make sure he knows that he's welcome to stay as long as he
wants," I said, stopping to throw my shoes on.  We stopped in front of
the door.

	"I will, but I think he knows already.  If he decides to go,
it'll be cause he wants to be in his own place again," he told me.  I
nodded.

	We gave each other one last kiss then.  I turned to the door and
walked out for work.  When I glanced back, he was there watching me.
He blew me a kiss.  I smiled and blew one back at him.  It was sweet,
totally sappy, and totally made my day.