Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2005 15:36:51 -0400
From: rye encoke <rye_encoke@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mark and Rye: Homecoming 5

Hi again.  Well here it is finally.  The next installment
of the Mark and Rye series.  The usual disclaimers apply
here.  I don't know Westlife or any other celebrity and
certainly don't know the sexual orientation or their
feelings regarding being gay.  This is all made up in my
wicked little mind.  This continues where Mark and Rye left
off and will be written in the same style, my style, which
is lots of sappy and romantic fluff that hopefully will
have you crying along with me.

The work is mine and unless you have my permission you can't
post it anywhere else.

This is a story about gay relationships and if you shouldn't
be here due to local laws or your age or whatever then leave
now, otherwise continue on and enjoy.

Sorry about missing posting last week.  I was without my
computer.  I had to take it in to get it fixed and was
without it for a whole week...YIKES...it was horrible.
Luckily I had backups of everything I had written up to
that time so I didn't lose anything.  I am just starting
to write chapter 8 now so we are still going with one a
week.  If you sent me an email and got no response then
email again.  I have very high spam filters and some stuff
gets sorted into junk box which deletes itself after 5 days.
So it's quite likely that your email got deleted if you
didn't hear from me.  I ALWAYS respond to emails I get.
However, if you don't put the words RYE AND MARK in the
subject line you also might get deleted.

Another lovely chapter with some fluff in it.  Fluff is
good.  Enjoy.

- Morning Play -

Spooky launched himself onto the bed from the door.

"Ooomph," a now wide awake Kian said causing giggles from
the little boy.

"Unca Keen awe you awake?" Spooky asked.

"Sure am my little cutie.  You hungry?" Kian asked as he
rubbed his side where Spooky's knee had hit him.

"Yes then I want to play games," Spooky said.

"Okay honey let's let auntie Jill rest a bit.  Let's go see
what is in the fridge," Kian got up and put on some sleep
pants.  He smiled as he lifted the little boy into his arms.

"Mommy bwought my Backstweet Boy's pajama's," Spooky pointed
out.

"I see, they are very nice," Kian said.

Spooky lay his head on Kian's chest as they walked to the
kitchen.  Rye had kept the kitchen on the private level
with a very large dumbwaiter to move food and stuff up to
the formal dining area.  The kitchen was big and bright
with a large table in the center as well as a half dozen
stools set around the breakfast island.

"Can I sit thewe?" Spooky pointed at the stools.

"Okay, but be very careful they are very high," Kian said
and Spooky nodded as Kian set him in the chair.

"Morning," Eric yawned as he seated himself beside Spooky
and leaned over to kiss his forehead.

"Hey cutie," Kian said as he moved to wrap his arms around
Eric's bare chest and kiss him sweetly on the neck, "How
did you sleep?"

"Fine," Eric gulped loudly.

"It's okay Unca Ewic, Unca Keen loves you," Spooky said.

"Yeah I know Spooky, it's just all new," Eric said nervously.

"You can kiss him," Spooky said and Kian smiled widely.

Eric blushed but leaned forward and kissed Kian lightly on
the lips.

"Now let's see what we can find for breakfast," Kian said
as he drew his hand gently across Eric's neck then ruffled
his hair.

Kian opened the massive fridge, just now marvelling at it's
size and looked through the masses of food.  Maria had
obviously been here.

"I want pancakes," Spooky said.

Kian looked around and found a couple of containers of maple
butter and berry sauce but no pancakes.

"Check the fweezew," Spooky said.

Kian opened the other door and immediately found several
tupperware containers filled with pancakes.

"Thanks Spooky.  Okay let's throw these in the microwave
to defrost then we can heat this up," Kian said as he set
about preparing the stuff.  Soon everything was ready and
he dished up plates for everyone.

"This is good," Eric said.

"This is awesome possum," Spooky said causing everyone to
giggle.

As the trio sat at the counter Kian made sure to every now
and then reach over and touch Eric or Spooky.  They were
brief touches but they were not accidental.  He would just
stop talking and look at one of them and reach out and
stroke their arm or cheek or hair.  Finally everyone was
finished.

"Can I play games now?" Spooky asked.

"Sure can, hey Bashful you carry Spooky for me," Kian said.

Eric blushed, "Okay Sweets,"

Kian smiled as Eric picked up on the use of the pet name.
Kian looked at the young man as he walked behind him.  He
was fit and slender, wearing obviously well worn pajama
bottoms that were about 4 inches too long for him so he
looked like a little boy.

"Which one Spooky?" Eric asked.

"That one," Spooky pointed to a pinball machine.

Kian pulled over a stool with a back and arms on it for
Spooky to sit in.

"Okay this button starts your game.  You know how to play?"
Eric asked as he seated the boy and Spooky nodded happily.

Eric turned to see Kian dragging over an overstuffed love
seat to where Spooky was playing.  Kian dropped the chair
and turned to smile at Eric.

"Care to join me?" Kian said as he dropped into the chair.

Eric nodded and moved to Kian.  Kian moved Eric so that
Eric ended up sitting sideways, his butt in the chair,
back against an arm of the chair and legs across Kian's
lap.  Kian wrapped one arm around Eric's back and let the
other one drop onto Eric's tummy.

"We are going to take all the time we need brother, but I
love you greatly and want us to be as close as we can.  If
I move too fast or too far you have to tell me.  Just know
that no matter what, no matter how much or how little we
do, I will never stop loving you or caring for you.  Okay?"
Kian said.

Eric nodded, "Could I kiss you again?"

Kian leaned forward and kissed Eric softly.  Eric opened
his mouth a bit and felt Kian's tongue gently brush against
his own.  Eric shuddered and pulled back.

"That was nice," Eric breathed heavily.

"It was very nice," Kian agreed.

They didn't go any further but continued to sit there
watching Spooky play.  Kian continued to hold Eric,
tracing small circles on Eric's tummy with his fingers.
Neither man mentioned their erections and nobody touched
the other.  Eric had wiggled his one arm behind Kian and
his hand rested just below the hollow in Kian's back.

- Boys Will Be Boys -

A knock on their door caused Mark and Rye to sit up a bit.

"Come in," Rye called.

The door opened to a boxer clad pair of teenagers.

"Hey boys, you need anything or come to cuddle?" Mark asked.

"Could we cuddle?  We never really got a chance and everyone
says how nice it is," Billy asked.

"You sure can.  You okay with us bare or you want us in
boxers," Mark asked.

For answer Jesse launched himself into the bed removing his
boxers mid flight.

"Well that was impressive," Rye laughed as he pulled the
teen to him and hugged him close.

"He's wicked fast.  At home he can dive from the diving
board, take off one swimsuit and put on another one before
hitting the water," Billy said as he climbed onto the bed
beside Mark.

Mark and Rye both laughed out loud.

"Okay boys, under the covers.  How do you want us?  You
two in the middle or us two in the middle?" Rye asked.

"Me and Jesse in the middle please," Billy said as he
slipped under the covers.

"Can we see you guys first though?" Jesse asked.

Rye chuckled and threw the covers off himself as Mark did
the same.

"Nice," Jesse commented as he leaned down to inspect both
men then pulled the covers on top of them all and snuggled
into Rye.

"Did it hurt when you got shot?" Billy asked.  When Rye's
eyes opened wide Billy continued, "A cousin of mine got
shot by accident and I can tell what it is,"

"At the time there was so much emotional pain I was going
through that I never had a chance to focus on the physical
pain," Rye said and Billy nodded.

"Emotional stuff sucks," Billy said.

"Yeah it does.  How you doing with all that?" Mark asked
as he pulled the boy closer letting their bodies touch
completely.  He was surprised that even though Billy was
fully erect and Mark halfway there, Billy seemed to take
no notice.  Carl and Alex had done a really good job of
explaining cuddling with them.

"Lot's better.  It still hurts that my parents did that,
but I have Grams and Gramps and Jesse.  And Carl and Alex
are the absolute best and they brought all you guys to me
too.  You're all gonna be gone soon and it will just be me
and Jesse and the g-rents but I know that all I would have
to do is ask and I could come see Carl and Alex," Billy said.

"We will speak to your, what did you call them?  G-rents?
Okay we will talk to them and let them know that you and
them are free to come here any time at all.  I think we
will even go so far as to say that you don't even need to
call first, although if you do I can arrange for a plane
and car to bring you here," Rye said.

"Really?  Cool.  Maybe some long weekends or something or
even some holidays," Jesse said.

"Or just anytime you need to be here," Mark added.

"Thanks guys.  I wanted to ask if you could do something
with us?" Billy asked.

"Ummmm..." Rye hesitated.

"No, no sex.  I mean me and Jesse decided that cuddling is
okay, but no sucking or fucking.  I was wondering if me and
Jesse cuddled really close in between you both, if you could
do that thing where you make us feel your love?" Billy asked.

"We could try," Mark said.

The two boys turned and held each other close, wrapping arms
and legs around each other so they were as close as possible.
Then Mark and Rye moved in behind the boys and cuddled up as
close as they could get.

"Ummm, Mark could you readjust please.  You are pretty close
to being inside me," Billy said suddenly as Mark felt him
clench his cheeks tight.

"Sorry," Mark blushed.

"No problem.  I know you weren't trying anything, just
wanted to warn you before anything happened," Billy said.

Soon the four bodies were as close as possible.  Rye lay
his head so his cheek was pressing against Jesse's and
Mark followed suit.

"My fella, my love," Rye breathed.

"My angel, my life," Mark whispered.

Suddenly it was only the two of them as the world faded
away.  Hearts began to beat in sync.  And then in an
instant, it was four hearts beating together as one.  The
endless, timeless love that was Mark and Rye was joined by
the fragile and devoted new love of Billy and Jesse.  It
went on for several minutes till finally they all withdrew.

"Amazing," Billy whispered.

"I'll never forget it," Jesse whispered.

"That was really special," Mark breathed.

"Oh shit.  I came," Billy blushed brightly.

"Me too," Jesse said.

"Whoops," Mark also blushed, "Sorry Billy,"

"I guess we all need a shower," Rye also looked a little
pink.

"Hey don't worry about it, it's not like we had sex, it
was just, like, spiritual," Jesse struggled.

"Okay guys let's all go shower up then come back and snuggle
a bit more then get a late breakfast," Rye said.

The four headed to the bathroom and continued snuggling
and cuddling as everyone helped everyone to wash up.  Mark
tentatively giving Billy a kiss on the neck and smiled when
it was returned.  Soon they were all back in bed, Billy and
Jesse back in the middle, and snuggling close as they fell
back into a restful slumber.

After about a half hour of sleep there was a knock on the
door.  None of the guys in bed actually woke up but Billy
mumbled 'come in' loud enough that Leon and Alice walked in.

They took in the sight and glanced at each other then back
at the four in bed.  The boys must have realized there was
someone in the room as all four roused a bit and turned to
look at the door.

"Hi Grams, hi Gramps.  If we all got up would you make us
your special breakfast?" Jesse asked.

"Are you all naked under there?" Alice asked.

"Yep.  Cuddling with Mark and Angel is just as nice as Juju
and Allie.  They even did that thing where you feel their
love.  This was the best morning ever," Jesse said.

Leon and Alice's face relaxed.  Deep inside they knew
nothing had happened, or even if it had that it was
probably okay, but gut reaction had temporarily made
them see red.

"Nothing..." Mark began nervously then Alice raised her
hand.

"My fault, knee jerk reaction.  I know Carl and Alex would
never harm the boys, and I trust them completely.  I know
Billy and Jesse are very mature and have seen them to be
everything I could hope for.  I have seen the love you all
share.  I should have known better, like I said, knee jerk
reaction.  Won't happen again," Alice said then smiled and
shrugged.

"Thanks Alice.  Let's meet in the kitchen for breakfast in
about 15 minutes.  We are gonna cuddle a bit more with the
boys before we head out," Rye smiled.

"Sure.  Actually if you don't mind I was thinking of making
a big breakfast for everyone and you can probably have about
three quarters of an hour," Alice said as she and Leon left
the room.  Just before closing the door she turned and added,
"I trust you all.  Billy, Jesse, you are two very mature
responsible young men.  I will not be disappointed or upset
if you take things further.  As long as everyone consents
and feels safe."

As the door closed, and then they all heard the outer
door closed, all four looked at each other then burst
into giggles.

"I feel like I was caught jerking off," Billy giggled.

"Me too," Mark said.

"Yep," Rye added.

"Well are we going to do anything?  I mean I don't want to
like suck or fuck, but the kisses were nice," Jesse asked.

"You guys wanna?" Billy asked.

Mark looked at Rye and nodded just slightly.

"Okay you two face each other," Rye said and the boys
eagerly complied, "A little further apart,"

The boys moved so there was about 4 inches between them.
Rye moved himself close behind Jesse pressing into him
then gently raised his leg and let his hardness slip
between his thighs.

"This okay?" Rye asked and Jesse nodded wide-eyed.  Mark
followed suit.

"Now begin to kiss each other," Rye said as he began to
move very slightly and then took Jesse's erection into
his hand and began to gently stroke him.  Mark smiled and
copied Rye's movements.

"This is so cool," Billy said as he briefly stopped kissing
his lover then went back to devouring Jesse's mouth.

After several minutes all four boys came.  Jesse and Billy
first with Rye and Mark a couple minutes after.

"That was fucking amazing," Billy said as he let his head
fall back to rest on Mark's chest.

"Everybody okay?" Rye asked.

"Oh yeah," Jesse breathed out, still coming down from his
high.

"No I meant..." Rye began but was interrupted by Jesse.

"I know what you meant Angel, and we are fine.  This wasn't
sex, well it was, but I was completely focused on Billy and
the love and tenderness you were showing me.  I will never
make love to anyone but Billy, but this sharing, that's what
you call it right, this was amazing," Jesse said.

Rye smiled and rubbed his hand across Jesse's tummy then
pulled it back as he realized he was now, once again,
covered in cum.

"I have never had so many showers in so short a time,"
Billy said as he sat up turned brightly to Mark and
kissed him lightly on the lips then leaned over and did
the same to Rye then took Jesse's hand and went to the
shower.  Mark and Rye were right behind.

- Southern Style Breakfast -

Alice had outdone herself, with the help of Maria.
Everyone wandered in as they awoke and were surprised
at the breakfast laid out.  A huge plate of scrambled
eggs with tomatoes, onions and peppers with a side plate
of grated cheese.  Fresh cornbread. Thick slices of ham
along with bacon.  Tea biscuits were plentiful with dishes
of jam, honey and the spreads that had earlier been used
for pancakes.

As people got their breakfast they would join whoever was
at the table and slowly wake up.  Carl, Alex, Ed and Jay
were the last to arrive and sat at the table with Susan and
Alan and Eleanor and Jason.

"Hey brother," Jay said and hugged Alan and gave his neck a
kiss.

"Hey guys, how'd it go last night?" Alan asked.

"Alan!" Susan scolded to the laughs of everyone.

"It went great.  We couldn't have asked for better friends
and mentors.  I can't wait to move in together," Alex said.

"Where's Spooky?" Ed asked.

"I was playing pinball Unca Blue," Spooky said as he came
into the kitchen.

"Are you any good?  Maybe you and me can play together
later or I can teach you pool," Ed said.

"Okay.  Can I sit on youw lap?" Spooky asked.

"Sure buddy, hop up,"  Ed said as he sat down and adjusted
his boxers a bit so they didn't ride up.

"You want me to add anything to Blue's plate for you Spooky?"
Jay asked as he was making Ed's plate.

"Yes please, bacon please," Spooky said as he leaned back
against Ed's massive chest.

Jay soon came out and put a large plate in front of Ed then
sat down.  Spooky looked at Ed for permission and after a
nod he took a piece of bacon and munched it happily.

"So how are things going for you brother, with your toy?"
Jay asked.

"Great.  I love it.  Thanks for your help with that," Alan
said.

"I have lots of toys but none hewe.  Unca Bwyan wants to
take me shopping latew to buy toys for hewe when I visit.
You could play with my toys latew," Spooky said to Alan.

Everyone blushed, knowing what kind of toy Alan had meant,
"Thanks Spooky, we can do that once you have some toys."

Spooky looked at Alan then shrugged, "I don't have those
kinds of toys though.  I am too little yet.  But when I am
oldew Unca Bwyan will get me some big boy toys too."

Everyone sat there stunned and Spooky suddenly realized
everyone was looking at him and were feeling a little
scared.

"I'm sowwy," Spooky began to cry.

"Hey my Spooky boy, why the tears," Bryan suddenly said as
he entered the room and swept the boy into his arms.

"I I I scawed evewybody," Spooky wailed.

"Shhhh.  It's okay my sweet baby.  Everyone here loves you.
Loves you to bits and pieces and me most of all.  Remember
how we talked about how sometimes you might scare people but
that doesn't mean you are bad and it doesn't mean they don't
love you?" Bryan said as he sat down on the floor and just
rocked the  little boy in his arms.  Spooky nodded.

"So you know that Ed and Jay love you huh?" Bryan asked and
Spooky nodded and got a kiss on the neck from Bryan.

"And you know Carl and Alex love you?" Bryan asked and
Spooky got another kiss as he responded.

"And mommy and daddy?" this time when Bryan asked Spooky
looked up and kissed Bryan's chin.

"And Susan and Alan are the brother and sister of Ed and
Jay and they don't know you very well yet but I just know
they are gonna love my Spooky boy to bits and pieces," Bryan
said and Spooky giggled a bit as Bryan rubbed his face in
Spooky's hair and got a vigorous nod from Spooky.

"And then there's me who loves you forever and ever, to the
moon and back," Bryan whispered and Spooky smiled happily
and took hold of Bryan's face in his little hands and kissed
Bryan.

"Now what did you say that scared everyone?" Bryan asked.

"Unca Blue's bwother was talking about toys and I said he
could play with mine when we get back fwom shopping cuz I
knew you wewe gonna take me shopping fow toys but he meant
big boy toys," Spooky explained.

Bryan looked a bit confused then got a look of sudden
understanding, "Oh he meant something that he uses when
he and Susan are being mommy's and daddy's."

Spooky nodded and whispered, "It goes in your bum."

Bryan nodded and looked over at a very wide eyed Eleanor
and Jason who immediately nodded vigorously for him to
continue as they had no clue what to do at this point.

"Well you are right those are special toys that big boys
use.  Remember how good it felt when you learned about
masturbation?" Bryan asked and when Spooky nodded he
continued, "Well there are lots of ways to make yourself
and your boyfriend feel good.  Those toys are just one
more way."

Spooky nodded, "You will show me when I am biggew?"

"I sure will honey.  You okay now?" Bryan asked.

"Yeah.  I am gonna go wake up Unca Sane and Unca Nicky so
we can go shopping," Spooky said and hopped up.

"Okay baby.  They are still naked, wanta leave your pj's
here and snuggle with them for a bit?" Bryan asked and
Spooky giggled gleefully as he threw his pajama bottoms
onto Bryan's head.

By the time Bryan had them off his head the little boy was
gone although they could hear his laughter down the hall as
he went to snuggle with his uncles.  Bryan turned to the
group.

"Sorry bout that.  Guess you guys weren't ready for him,"
Bryan said.

"Holy shit!" Jason said and everyone looked at him, "Holy
shit."

Everyone just watched him as he fought for control.

"He just, like read your mind or something.  I mean he had
to right.  He knew exactly what you were talking about and
even how it was used.  Holy shit," Jason said.

"You'll be okay Jason, just gotta always think of him first
and his little heart which was almost broken," Bryan said
calmly.

Everyone sat around as Bryan got himself some breakfast
then sat down with them.

"Okay okay.  Whew.  Thank god we are here for a couple of
weeks, or longer, I am gonna need some help getting used
to this.  Thank you Bryan for all of that.  Thank you just
doesn't say it all but I don't know any better words," Jason
said.

"So he knows about sex?" Eleanor asked.

Bryan shrugged, "Sorta yeah.  I think he picks up on stuff
but doesn't really understand it.  I mean he obviously
knows now that some men use a dildo up their butt.  So it
was best that it was explained why in simple terms and just
let him know that when he was older he would be told about
it."

"When did you decide to take him shopping for toys?"
Eleanor asked.

"About an hour ago when I woke up," Bryan shrugged and
smiled at Eleanor.

"You are gonna have to help us here Bryan, seriously, we
need to be able to interact with our son in a whole new
way that just seems to come naturally to you," Jason said.

Bryan nodded, "No problem I guess, but I am winging it
mostly."

"So how did you know to explain to him about dildo's.
I mean why not just say that was private and leave it
at that?" Jason asked.

"Because to Spooky you can't keep private stuff out.  He
knew what it was and how it was used.  If you refuse to
explain it to him he thinks it's bad or dirty and he also
then thinks his gift is bad or scary.  We can't let him
think any of that.  So I accept that he knows, explain to
him in terms he can understand, let him know when the time
is right he will learn about those things, and let him
know I love him," Bryan said.

Everyone sat quietly for a bit then Alex said, "Sorry for
my reaction.  I have been around him and should have known
better."

"Nah it's okay.  We had a talk and I explained how sometimes
he is gonna scare people, even people who love him, even me.
I told him not to be upset but just to talk about it and it
would be okay.  Problem this time was it was such a shock
that there was nobody to talk to," Bryan said and everyone
nodded.

Jason suddenly smiled, "Hey Bryan?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you know that cum looks like vanilla milkshake but
doesn't taste like it?" Jason asked and everyone burst
into laughter as Bryan spurt out his milk as he laughed.

- More Bathtime -

Nicky and Shane were woken as a tiny warm little body
wriggled in between their chests.

"Mmmm, morning Spooky," Nicky said as he kissed Spooky's
cheek.

"Hey our Spooky boy," Shane said as he kissed the other
cheek.

"Unca Bwyan said to come snuggle then we will all go
shopping for toys," Spooky said.

"Okay honey, you want to snuggle or have a bath in the big
bathtub with me and Nicky?" Shane asked.

"Bath!" Spooky said happily.  He loved bath time.

Shane got out of bed and swung Spooky in the air before
settling him into his arms.

"Unca Blue's bwothew has a big boy toy and Unca Bywan says
when I am oldew he will buy me one.  It goes in his bum,"
Spooky announced.

Nicky didn't even bat an eye, "They can be fun Spooky but
having a boyfriend is better.  It's nicer to have someone
to be mummy's and daddy's with instead of pretending with
a toy."

"Oh.  Wewe you mummy's and daddy's last night?" Spooky
asked.

"Yep and this morning too.  Now let's fill up the tub and
turn on the bubbles," Shane said.

"Bubbles?" Spooky asked then giggled with glee as the
jacuzzi kicked in.

Soon all three were in the tub.  Spooky washed hair while
the boys cleaned each other.  Then Spooky sat on Shane's
lap while Nicky washed him then Shane washed his hair.

Finally they were all out and in towels and Nicky was
vigorously drying Spooky's hair.

"Hey did I miss bath time?" Bryan said as he kissed Nicky
then Shane and then took a squeaky clean Spooky into his
arms.

"Yeah this time.  Next time you can wash me okay?" Spooky
said.

"Yep next time.  Gotta spread the Spooky love around so
everyone gets a turn," Bryan said.

"Unca Bwyan?" Spooky asked.

"Yeah honey?" Bryan looked at the little boy and missed
the grins from Shane and Nicky who were pretty sure they
knew what was coming next.

"I decided I don't want a big boy toy.  I will just be
mommy's and daddy's with my boyfwiend cuz Unca Sane and
Unca Nicky say it is bestest that way," Spooky said
seriously.

"Okay honey.  You don't have to decide now but if that's
how you want it that's okay," Bryan said never missing a
beat.

Soon the three men were dressed and Spooky was hopping up
and down excitedly as they went to tell everyone they were
heading out.

"Hey all we are going shopping for Spooky," Bryan announced
to the room.  Everyone was lounging around in the media room,
"Billy, Jesse, you wanta come with?  We will buy you all
kinds of stuff?" Bryan enticed and waggled his eyebrows.

"We'll go just to hang out, no buying us nothing though,"
Billy said.

Jesse looked at Billy with a horrified expression, "Are you
sure you're gay?"

Everyone broke up til finally Eleanor spoke up, "I guess it
would be pointless to say not to spend too much?"

"Yeah pretty much," Bryan grinned, "I'll save the car till
he hits 16 though."

"Thanks," Eleanor said straight faced.

Soon the van was packed with the 6 shoppers and they were
following Rye's directions to the nearest mall.

"Hey Spooky boy, here's the deal.  You can pick out 8 toys
that will stay here okay," Bryan said.

"How did you come up with 8?" Billy asked.

"One from us, one from Angel and Mark, one from Kian and
Jill, Ed and Jay and Carl and Alex is one, Matt and Andy
and Dj and Tre and Maria is another, you two and your
grandparents is one, and one from his mom dad and eric,"
Bryan listed off

Jesse spoke up, "That's only 7."

"And one just cuz he is our Spooky," Bryan said.

The mall had a Toy's R Us and Spooky was ecstatic.
Apparently they didn't have a store devoted to toys back
home.  Everyone followed behind Spooky and Bryan as the
two played with and tried all the toys.  Spooky still
hadn't picked out anything and they were almost all the
way through the store.  When they had reached the last
aisle Spooky turned and smiled.

"Ready baby?" Bryan asked and they all followed Spooky.

Spooky went and picked out the toys he liked, saying who
each was from.

"I have Lego's at home, I like em.  This is from Unca's
Bwyan and Sane and Nicky," Spooky smiled happily as he
picked not the smallest but not the biggest box and Billy
picked it up to put in the cart.

"Whoa there buckaroo, grab the big box," Shane said and
Billy seemed relieved and grabbed the bigger box to put
in the cart.

They followed the boy around the store getting a very large
honey colored bear almost as big as Spooky as his gift from
Jill and Kian.

>From Rye and Mark he picked a little cd player from Mattel
that had a microphone attached to it so he could sing along.

>From Ed, Jay, Carl and Alex, Susan and Alan, the little boy
got a little farm set that had farmhouse, barn, tractor,
little people, and all kinds of little animals including
'hosees'.

>From Matt, Andy, Dj, Tre and Maria, the little boy had seen
a ventriliquist's dummy.

"I will call him Whisky Jack Two," the little boy said as
he gazed at the dummy.  Everyone smiled.

Billy, Jesse and Alice and Leon's present was a big dump
truck that you could ride in.

"I can put all the toys in the back and move them awound,"
Spooky explained.  Shane couldn't help thinking how much
thought the little boy had put into the toys.

Finally from his mummy, daddy and uncle eric Spooky picked
up a big box of crayons.

"You picked lots of good stuff my little boy.  I think this
last one needs to be a bit more though cuz it's from mummy
and daddy and uncle Eric," Bryan said and gave a little nod
to the rest of the group.  Everyone picked up more stuff.
Crayons, markers, stickers, sparkles, glue, construction
paper, paints, scissors and anything else that was nearby
and was creative.

And for the last toy Spooky went and picked himself out a
little toy boat.

"Fow bathtime in the bubbles," he explained and everyone
laughed.

It was a smiling little boy that led his uncles and his big
brothers, as Billy and Jesse had insisted they were, to the
checkout.

"Can we put them in papew and have pwesents?" Spooky asked
and Bryan nodded.  After everything had been paid for they
moved to the counter to have it all gift wrapped.  While it
was being wrapped Nicky and Shane left briefly but were back
in just a few minutes.

It was a happy group with an ecstatic little boy that showed
up back at the loft.

"You wrapped them all?" Jill asked in surprise.

"Spooky wanted it," Bryan shrugged.

"When do you want to open them?" Shane asked Spooky.

"Latew.  I want to take a nap please," Spooky said and went
and took Kian then Eric's hand in his.

"Did you already eat lunch my little boy?" Kian asked as
the boy snuggled into Eric's arm.

"We had Taco Bell," Spooky said and Kian nodded.

The three went to Kian's room and they undressed Spooky
down to the skin then shyly undressed themselves.  Eric
didn't look at Kian the whole time and slipped into bed
beside Spooky without raising his eyes.

Back in the room with everyone else the boys threw
themselves onto the floor or a nearby sofa.

"That was so much fun," Shane laughed.

"You went way overboard," Eleanor said looking at the
mountain of wrapped toys.

"Nope, only 8 toys.  Each group of people gets to give him
his gift.  And he was a very good little boy and didn't
whine about wanting stuff.  He knew how many he was allowed
to get and a few times got very small stuff that we upgraded,"
Bryan said.

"It's true.  He was a great little kid," Jesse nodded.

"Hey guys, these are for you," Nicky said as he tossed a
bag to Billy and Jesse.

"You weren't supposed to get us anything, we don't want
you to buy us stuff," Billy said.

"We know, but we can and we wanted to.  It's from us with
love okay guys," Bryan said.

Billy and Jesse opened the bag and each pulled out a
small box with their names on them.  Their eyes opened
wide and Jesse teared up when the boxes revealed two
white gold bands with a beautiful celtic design all the
way around the outside.

"The store will size them or exchange them for you if you
need.  But those are friendship rings.  They represent the
friendship we all have for you and they also represent the
special friendship you two have for each other," Shane said.

Both boys nodded happily and Jesse handed his to Billy,
"Put it on me please?"

Billy smiled and got down on his knees in front of Jesse
and looked into his eyes then kissed him deeply before
putting the ring on the ring finger of his right hand.

"I love you Jesse.  You're my best friend, my saviour and
hope.  But most of all you are my love who I want to spend
forever with.  One day, in the future when we get married,
we will use these same rings but put them on our left hand."
Billy said.

Jesse just smiled happily as the tears streamed down his
face then grabbed the other box and with heavily shaking
hands and some help from Billy, put the ring on Billy's
finger.

Everyone sat quietly as the two boys held onto each other
until finally Bryan with Shane and Nicky right behind him,
led the boys to their bedroom where they stayed in bed for
most of the afternoon just snuggling.

...to be continued