Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:10:03 -0400
From: rye encoke <rye_encoke@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mark-and-Rye-20
Okay the usual stuff that nobody reads. This is a gay story with
lots of gay sex. If you aren't supposed to be here, leave. The
work is mine and unless you ask you can't post it anywhere else.
I have no clue if any member of Westlife is gay, so this is all
my fantasy. Email me at rye_encoke@hotmail.com to tell me what
you like or hate.
The author wishes to acknowledge and thank the archivist for
Nifty for allowing this story to be published here.
DEDICATION: This chapter is dedicated with love to the niftywriters
chat room and its creator Justin. Although I did not ever get to
meet this man, his incredible spirit lives on in this room. It is
a place for readers and writers to go to talk and meet. I often
find myself hurrying to get home so I can go and meet my friends
there. I was welcomed immediately and feel like this is a place
where I belong. I felt odd dedicating a chapter to a man I had
never met, but I feel proud to dedicate this chapter to the place
he created and to the people he brought to this place. I don't
know if Justin knew before he passed just what an impact he made
on so many peoples lives, but we lost one of the best when he
passed.
Even the brightest star must fade and die, and the universe seems
a darker place at it's passing. But with a keen eye we can see
the thousands of smaller stars that came from the death of the
brighter star. - The Author
Because most or all of this chapter is going to take place at the
loft during the party I am going to have to show somehow when the
group or person changes. There are a lot of people at the party
and it is going to be hard to keep track of it. I will use an
obvious break **POV** to indicate that the point of view has
changed. Hopefully things wont get too confusing.
- Friends and Family -
The four men in the bed all had a feeling of dread. Maybe Rye
had fucked up like he said and Shane was pissed. Silently they
all vowed to forgive Rye whatever he had done and make it all
like before. As a group they raced downstairs, Mark and Bryan
still in boxers. Mark and Bryan both ran and held onto Rye while
Nicky and Kian went to Shane, Nicky taking Shane's hand.
"What's wrong?" Bryan asked.
"Look at all the work everyone did to get this ready," Shane said.
Everyone breathed again. Shane was not upset. Looking at the
faces of Rye and Shane, everyone realized nobody was upset.
"Fuck Shane you scared us. We thought you were pissed at Rye,"
Kian said as he threw his arms around Shane.
Shane blushed, "Whoops. Didn't realize what I did there. No I
am not pissed. I am stunned beyond speech, but not pissed. I am
not going to tell you what we talked about cuz it's not necessary.
It's another one of those secrets that we don't need to know about
till Rye is ready."
Everyone nodded, trusting Shane and Rye.
"Well we sort of unintentionally found out what Rye's other secret
is," Nicky said.
Rye's eyes opened wide.
"Well not all of it, like not the specifics," Kian said quickly,
"It's just we ended up telling Maria we were all going to move in
and she just sort of said that would mean Rye would be changing
the loft to put in bedrooms. That's when we figured it out. Then
we went and confronted Mark who had just woken up and he confirmed
it without stopping to think."
"We weren't trying to find out or anything angel, it just sort of
happened," Nicky said.
"Fuck me, that never occurred to me," Shane said then turned to
Rye. Everyone watched Shane. Shane was the one person of the
group that really could alter things. He was still sort of the
leader of the group and if he really put up a fuss he could make
Rye change his mind, maybe.
Instead he threw his arms around Rye. "Guess what?" he asked into
Rye's ear.
"What?" Rye smiled back.
"I am with Bryan now, I think you are a real angel," Shane
giggled.
Rye giggled back and suddenly the world was right again. Almost.
Bryan cleared his throat and looked sad. "I messed up," he said
simply.
"No he didn't, he thinks he did but he didn't," Mark said as he
took Bryan's hand and then Rye's and went upstairs. Pushing
Bryan backwards onto the bed in a playful manner then throwing
himself down beside Bryan, Mark waited for Rye.
Rye quickly stripped down to boxers and crawled in. Mark took
control immediately.
"Maria was telling us about tonight and mentioned how you lose so
much money when you close the club. She said that it was nice and
that you didn't care about the money and Bryan said something like
'of course you wouldn't with your millions'," Mark said casually.
Rye picked up immediately on how Mark was handling the situation
and realized Bryan was scared that he had told a secret or
something and was in trouble.
"That's right, so when did Bry boy mess up?" Rye asked.
Bryan's head turned in surprise. "When I told her you had
millions."
Rye looked at Bryan like he was joking, then said, "Is that all.
My sweet silly boy. Maria knew that, or would have if she thought
about it for a minute. I don't hide how much money I have, I just
don't broadcast it. Is that all that was worrying you?"
"Well, yeah," Bryan said feeling much better.
Rye giggled and leaned forward kissing Bryan's nipple then biting
him softly. He then got up and went to the balcony.
"Hey all, let's take a nap until it's time to get ready. We have
a couple of hours. Maria why not just finish up what you
absolutely have to while we rest," Rye called down.
"Sure Rye, do you want me to leave or just work quietly?" Maria
asked as she looked up at Rye.
"Do what you want, you won't disturb us. Oh we have to talk later
tonight, before the evening gets going. Nothing bad, in fact good.
I mean promotion good," Rye said.
Maria's face lit up and she nodded as the rest of the boys and
Jill climbed the stairs.
Rye tossed himself lightly into bed, placing a hand on Bryan's
belly.
"Come on, the bed will hold us all, let's nap together before
tonight," Rye invited.
Everyone smiled and shucked their clothes. Jill climbed in beside
Rye. Bryan smiled and gently pulled her across Rye so she lay in
between him and Rye. She giggled like a little girl. Nicky then
Kian lay down behind Mark, and Shane came in behind Rye. It took
only minutes before all seven fell asleep wrapped in each other's
arms.
Downstairs Maria's mind was in a whirl. Rye had mentioned a
promotion. She wondered if she was going to be offered assistant
manager. Jill had never had one before but maybe she was going to
ask for Maria to fill that role. Maria quickly looked around and
realized everything was ready. She quickly climbed the stairs to
find the group in bed. She smiled to herself at the sight and
quietly went back down. Knowing that there were a few people who
could get into the loft on their own she decided to block the
stairs. Moving several of the chairs she made sure that nobody
would go upstairs to bother the friends. Happy with how the
evening was going so far she skipped, yes skipped, out the door
and down to the club to check on the final preparations.
- Pup and Babe -
Ed pulled up to Jay's house in his jeep. He shut off the ignition
and took a deep breath then grabbed the flowers off the seat next
to him and went to the door. He knocked and waited.
When Jay opened the door both men just stood there in blissful
wonder.
Ed was in a pair of black jeans, not too snug but not baggy either,
and a baby blue v-neck sweater. He held a small bouquet of flowers
in his hand that he had obviously picked from his own garden. His
eyes sparkled as he gazed with naked adoration at Jay.
Jay also wore jeans, a little tighter than Ed's, and an emerald
crewneck sweater. His eyes matched Ed's as he stared in wondering
adoration at this beautiful man.
Silently Ed held out the bouquet to Jay who took them without a
word, his eyes never leaving Ed's. Jay knew that Ed would not
make the first move so he took the two steps to stand in front of
Ed and stood on tiptoe to place a gentle kiss on Ed's lips.
Ed reaction was also gentle. he placed his hand around Jay's
waist and pulled himin close, returning the kiss. Jay lay his
head on Ed's chest after the kiss and would have been content to
stay there for the rest of the night.
"We should go pup," Ed said softly.
Jay just nodded his head on Ed's chest but didn't move. Ed
laughed and gently pushed Jay away. Jay relented and grabbed an
instrument case on the floor before closing and locking the door.
Keeping the flowers with him he followed Ed to the jeep.
Once inside and seated the two men discussed the display they
would put on. Jay was a little nervous but when Ed told him to
trust him Jay melted and just nodded.
- Arrivals -
The group seemed to wake as one. It may have been the noise
downstairs as someone rang the buzzer, or maybe the sounds of the
food being brought in. More than likely it was Maria standing at
the end of the bed softly calling Jill and Rye's name.
"Jill, Rye," Maria said a little louder.
Rye smiled at Maria's obvious embarrassment. As for Maria she was
just a little unsure if she should be up here like this, but
guests were arriving and she knew for certain that Jill would want
to be down there.
"S'okay Maria, thanks for waking us. You did right. We will be
down in a few minutes," Rye said seeing her nervousness, "You did
a wonderful job Maria, in case I forget to mention it later."
Maria beamed, but knew that Rye would never forget something like
that, it just wasn't in him. He would end up thanking her many
times tonight.
"Do the boys need anything from downstairs, I can bring up their
bags if they need?" Maria asked.
"No I don't think so. Everyone has jeans up here and I can pass
out shirts and stuff. Thanks girl, listen I am going to make a
bit of an announcement tonight, but I need to have a chat with
you first. Give me a couple of minutes then meet me in the
kitchen okay?"
"Sure Rye," Maria said.
Everyone got up and pulled on pants as Rye directed people to his
closet to pick out shirts. Jill went to her closet and pulled out
a pair of faded jeans with holes and an N'Sync t-shirt. She
laughed at the looks the guys gave here when they saw it on her.
Everyone started to head downstairs but Rye held Mark and Bryan
back.
Rye pulled Mark into a tight embrace and kissed him deeply. "Love
you my only fella. You are my whole life and I am nothing without
you."
Mark could only nod around the lump in his throat but his eyes
said everything Rye needed to know. Rye released him and Mark
went downstairs. Rye turned to Bryan and pulled him to him. He
rocked Bryan in his arms and stroked his hair.
"My sweet boy. You and the boys mean so much to me. I would die
without Mark, but if I lost any of you my life would be so much
less that it would not be worth living. I want you to know that
you own my heart. Nothing you ever do or say will change that.
Mark and I are part of the same soul but we have joined our soul
with you all and would wither and die without you. I love you Bry
boy," Rye said into Bryan's ear, "Now tell me you love me."
Bryan could not speak for a long time and Rye could sense this.
Finally Bryan murmured into Rye's chest. "I love you so much Rye
it hurts when I am not in the same room as you. I think of going
away and it makes me sick. When you tell me you love me or are
proud of me my heart beats so fast I think it will burst. When I
think I have messed up I hope I will die instead of seeing you
look disappointed in me. You are our world now Rye and we are
happy. Others may not see it, or may think it's wrong but we
don't care. I love you angel, my true angel. I can't see or feel
your wings but I know that God sent you to us."
Rye smiled and blinked away his tears. He gently brought Bryan's
lips to his and kissed him tenderly, putting all his love into
that kiss. When they broke the kiss they simply smiled at each
other and held hands as they walked downstairs, not caring in the
least who saw them or what they thought. They walked to the rest
of the boys by the bar, past others who were already nibbling on
finger foods.
When the rest of the group turned to them they saw that something
had changed and felt it as a physical force when Rye and Bryan
got close enough. Without a word being said they reached out and
took each others hands and formed a circle. They stood like this
for a long time seemingly unaware of the others in the room
staring at the group in awe. The others could see that this was a
group of friends whose love was unbreakable. They saw it and
cherished it, wished it for their own, and were glad to be witness
to this perfection.
Finally the group broke apart and one by one came and gave Rye a
kiss. The moment passed and the room went back to normal. For
those who had been witness that moment in time was forever etched
into their memory.
"I'm going to talk to Maria now. Have fun guys. We have those
three couches there nearest the stairs," Rye pointed as he left
to find Maria.
**POV**
Maria had been witness to the scene and was amazed by it and
touched. She quickly wiped her eyes as Rye headed for her.
"Hey girl. Want me to do it quick or drag it out?" Rye asked
with a laugh.
Maria laughed as well.
"Okay girl, in a nutshell then. I am starting a new project and
Jill is going to be helping me. The club is going to go through
some changes in the next little bit. Nothing you can't handle as
manager though," Rye said.
Maria's eyes goggled, "M m manager?"
"That's right Maria. You have all the skills and I am going to
need someone who I know can do the job and who I trust. Like I
said we are going to be making some changes and I know you are
the one to do it. You will have a few months, maybe 3 or 4, to
get comfortable then we will start the changes. The changes are
going to be part of the other project," Rye said.
"Okay. I can do that," Maria nodded.
"I know you can. Listen, Jill and I are going to be spending the
next few weekends on tour with the guys. So this promotion is
effective tonight. Neither of us is going to be here much, but we
will make sure you can reach us at any time until you get settled.
Now Jill never had an assistant because the two of us ran the place
together and she had you. But now both of us are going to be
focused elsewhere. You are going to need an assistant now and
probably a couple more in the future. Think of that and how you
want to deal with it," Rye said.
"It's not common knowledge but all the profits from the club go
to local children's charities. The club was never meant to be a
money making business. It's going to stay that way. But that
doesn't mean we don't reward our employees. Today everyone got
very large bonuses with their pay cheques. Things are going to
move ahead fast, but nobody gets left behind."
Maria nodded. Things were moving fast and her mind was a jumble.
'Manager' 'Several assistants' 'All profits donated'. This was a
lot to digest. Thankfully Rye seemed to understand this.
"For tonight girl just relax and enjoy it. You will ease into
this and you are more than up for the job," Rye smiled and headed
back to his guests.
Maria stood there trying to piece it all together when Jill came
in. Jill saw Maria's state and pulled her into a hug.
"You are going to be fabulous girl. Just relax. You can do this
in your sleep. By the way you did an incredible job tonight. I
personally want to thank you for everything you have done in the
last week and a half. You have my complete confidence. I could
never move on if I thought for a second that the club would not
be looked after," Jill said.
Finally Maria reacted. She smiled and pulled back to look at
Jill. "I can do it Jill. I don't know everything yet but I can
do it. I am gonna be the best damn manager ever."
Jill laughed and hugged Maria again.
**POV**
The boys were all mingling with the other guests. Nobody was
asking for autographs. By now the boys were being treated just
like everyone else and able to truly relax and enjoy themselves.
Shane saw Rye pouring himself a club soda and went to him.
"I don't know what you said to Bryan but I don't think he will
ever come down," Shane chuckled.
"He feels things so deeply sometimes. I made him finally realize
how much I love him and how much he means to me, how much you all
mean to me. When he did that he had to acknowledge his own
feelings. It was a powerful moment for us both," Rye said.
"Angel, Jill mentioned you wanted to sing to your fella tonight.
I think it would be okay. These are your friends and ours. Let's
allow our friends into our little circle," Shane said.
"You sure boyo, shouldn't you talk to the others?" Rye asked but
his heart was beating fast, he wanted to do this.
"I did already, well except for Mark. They all said yes. So do
it angel. Surprise your fella," Shane said.
**POV**
"I wish we could be together tonight, like couples I mean,"
Nicky said.
"Let's do it then," Byran answered.
"We can't," Nicky stated.
"Yes we can. These people are Rye's friends, and some are our
friends now too. We have to trust they will keep our secret.
Just for tonight. I know it will be safe for us," Bryan said.
Nicky looked at Bryan for a long time. He looked around at the
people in the loft. He looked over at Shane talking to Rye.
"What about Shane? He'll get mad," Nicky said, but he clearly
wanted to do this.
Bryan smiled. He had almost won.
"Give me a minute," Bryan then headed to Shane.
**POV**
"Okay I am gonna find my fella and hold him. Thank you my boyo.
Here comes your boy," Rye smiled and indicated Bryan as he went
in search of Mark.
"Shane?" Bryan asked.
"Yeah my boy?"
"I want to be able to hold you and Nicky tonight. I mean hold
your hand and put my arm around you. Not like a brother, like
your lover," Bryan stated.
Shane looked at Bryan then broke into a smile. For answer he
kissed Bryan on the lips and took his hand in his own.
"Let's go get Nicky and get that stunned look off his face,"
Shane said.
Bryan turned and looked at Nicky, who did indeed have the silliest
look on his face, and laughed loudly. The two men walked to Nicky
and Shane took him by the hand as Bryan kissed him. A few people
noticed but seemed unconcerned.
"Are you sure about this?" Nicky asked.
"Yes. Look we have to start thinking beyond Westlife. Rye has
already started. I can't tell you what, but I finally feel secure
and safe. We aren't going to be suddenly holding hands on tour or
on stage or holding press conferences to announce we are together.
But baby steps. This is our first baby step," Shane said.
Nicky nodded then smiled, "Besides I bet we will fade into the
background. Nobody is going to pay us any mind with those two
around."
The boys turned and gazed lovingly at Mark and Rye. Then Rye
laughed at something Mark had whispered and it was all they could
do to stop from running and hugging the lovers. Instead they
laughed, and they noticed that many in the room also laughed.
**POV**
Rye came back into the main area with his arm around Mark's waist.
Mark's own arm was around Rye's waist, his hand stuck in Rye's
back pocket. They were talking low and close and their absolute
adoration of each other was almost blinding.
The conversation in the room rippled a bit as people took in the
sight of the couple. Nobody was shocked or surprised, everyone
by now had guessed they were together. What stopped the
conversation was the sudden almost overpowering feeling that
touched people. This was love, true love, and it was almost too
beautiful to see. When you watched the two lovers your heart was
filled with wonder and soared, when you turned away the sudden
loss made you catch your breath. Couples in the room suddenly
reached for each other, or searched the crowd for each other's
eyes. Those who had nobody in their life felt a deep hunger
within them, a need that left them aching. Those who had lost
a love felt a sadness that was mellowed by memory of happiness.
Mark whispered something and Rye laughed. His laugh filled every
corner of the loft and others laughed automatically, in response
to some unknown joy. Rye pointed over to the boys and smiled to
see them holding hands.
"Looks like tonight we are all being naughty. What would
management say?" Rye giggled.
"Who cares," Mark answered.
Rye snuck his hand into Mark's back pocket.
"I love your hand on my ass. I thought I would return the
feeling," Rye smiled brightly.
Mark's heart leapt at the smile. He was almost drunk on the love
he felt. He was in public with his lover. Everyone knew.
Everyone knew that this beautiful, strong, wonderful man was his
lover. He was so happy he just felt like giggling, and he did
frequently.
Rye led him over to Kian and Jill who were also holding each other.
**POV**
Jill and Kian were arm in arm and talking to Matt who had indeed
brought his dummy. Suddenly Matt looked up and his face took on
an expression of joy. Jill and Kian turned and saw Mark and Rye
just as Rye laughed out loud over something Mark had whispered to
him.
Kian smiled and pulled Jill closer. Rye seemed to notice them and
steered his way over.
"Looks like we are breaking all the rules tonight," Kian smiled.
"Yep, all of us," Rye said as he nodded toward the boys who held
hands as they walked around talking to various people.
Kian smiled and nodded. "Fuck management," he said as if hearing
Rye's earlier comment.
"Hey there's Ed. That must be Jay. He's cute. They look
adorable," Jill said.
The two couples walked over to the new arrivals.
**POV**
The door was open and the sounds of conversation could be heard
clearly on the stairway. From inside a sudden laugh filled the
air. Jay turned to Ed and smiled widely while Ed joined the
laughter.
"Sounds fun," Jay said.
"Yeah. Thanks for coming with me pup," Ed suddenly said.
"You are never going to get rid of me now blue," Jay said saucily.
"Don't want to," Ed replied just as saucily.
They walked into the room and Jay's mouth dropped as he took in
the loft. His gaze wandered around the room. He saw three of the
boys from Westlife holding hands and gazing lovingly at each other,
obviously together. He smiled at their display and hugged himself
closer to his blue. "His blue" he ran the words through his mind
savouring them.
"Ed you're here finally. We missed you," Mark said as he reached
out and gently brushed Ed's cheek in a very intimate manner.
Ed blushed and mumbled, "Thanks Mark, this is pup."
"Jay actually, only Ed can call me pup," Jay smiled up at Ed who
blushed.
"Oh cute nicknames. Okay what do you call Ed when nobody else is
around?" Jill laughed.
"He calls me blue," Ed replied with pride.
"Blue?" Kian asked.
"Well when he called to invite me I sort of slipped and called him
babe. But that doesn't really suit him. Then I thought of Babe
the blue ox. Well babe is too soft, and ox is not romantic so
that left blue," Jay explained.
"It's nice. And Ed obviously likes it. I'm Rye, welcome to our
home."
"Ours?" Jay asked meaning who Rye was with.
"Yes. Myself, Jill and the boys all live here. It's ours,"
Rye answered.
"Ah," Jay said, not the answer he was hoping for.
Mark smiled, knowing what Jay wanted to hear and Mark wanted to
be the one to say it. "Rye and I are together, Kian and Jill are
together and those three," Mark indicated Nicky, Shane and Bryan,
"are also together."
Jay smiled widely and for no reason he could think of threw his
arms around Ed and stood on tiptoe to kiss Ed again. Ed's face
lit up like the fourth of july and he smiled at his friends.
"We are going to perform too. I have a thing I can do with
martial arts, and then I can read a poem, and it turns out pup
here plays a mean sax," Ed said.
"That's great Ed. I am looking forward to that," Kian said,
"Let's get you guys something to drink and nibble on, other than
each other. You guys are sitting with us tonight."
Jill and Kian walked the couple over to the snacks and bar.
Neither took anything alcoholic and filled only one plate to share
between them. It was sweet to see the much smaller Jay feeding
bits of food to Ed who took them daintily, every now and then
catching and holding Jay's hand for a moment.
**POV**
"There's Ed. That must be his boyfriend. He's cute and they look
good together," Nicky pointed.
"Yeah, I'm glad they are here. Tonight is going to be wonderful.
I can't believe we are being so open. I don't know whether to
laugh or cry I am so happy," Bryan said.
Shane then Nicky hugged Bryan and kissed him, only pulling away
slightly and continuuing to hold him.
"You're right my sweet boy. This is all so wonderful," Shane said.
"Let's go say hi to Ed and meet the boyfriend," Nicky said.
The trio walked over and greeted the couple. Bryan once again
hugged Ed tightly and gave him a quick kiss. Jay's moment of
jealousy disappeared quickly as Bryan did the same to him.
"Sorry I'm a hugger, and tonight I am also a kisser," Bryan
giggled with delight then sat on the floor in front of Ed and Jay.
"Hi Bryan. That's okay. It's so nice to be here with my
boyfriend and be able to be so free," Jay said.
"Yeah we were just saying the same thing. I'm Nicky. This is the
first time we three have been able to show to anyone outside our
group that we are together," Nicky said.
"It's sort of like a high to be so free," Shane smiled.
"So what are you guys gonna do tonight. Sing a couple of your
songs?" Ed asked.
"Nope. But it's a secret. It's gonna be funny though," Nicky
said as Bryan rolled onto his side on the floor and went into
another fit of giggles. Shane giggled as well and joined Bryan
on the floor, taking him into an easy embrace. Nicky just gazed
with love at his two lovers.
Ed and Jay saw the looks and smiled themselves.
"Do you think we look at each other like that?" Jay asked.
"Oh you do. It's sickening isn't it. But we wouldn't want it
any other way," Nicky laughed and sat back on the couch pulling
Jay back with him, his arm around him in a friendly manner. "So
what are you two doing, or are you going to perform at all?"
Ed sat back and put his arm around Jay as well, laying it across
Nicky's and gently playing with the back of Nicky's hair. "I am
going to do a martial arts thing with pup helping and then read a
poem and pup is gonna play the sax."
"Pup?" Shane asked, he and Bryan having recovered from their
giggle fit.
"His pet name for me. I don't think I am going to be able to
break him of the habit even in public am I blue?" Jay asked using
the pet name he had picked out hoping a little payback might
discourage Ed. Instead he saw Ed's eyes light up and realized
that from now on in public the two of them were 'pup' and 'blue'.
He didn't even care anymore.
"That's sweet. We all have names for each other too," Bryan said.
"Care to share so we won't be the only ones feeling like high
school kids with crushes," Jay asked.
"Sure. Bry boy, Nicky is love, I am boyo, Kian is sweets, Mark
is fella, Jill is beauty and Rye is angel," Shane went through
them quickly.
"Hehehe," Ed laughed, "you went through the names like you were
reciting a grocery list. Let's hear it again the way you really
want to say it."
Shane blushed and smiled. Ed was right he had rushed through them
on purpose. He leaned toward Bryan, "There's Bry boy," he placed
a tender kiss on Bryan's lips as the endearment flowed breathily
from his lips.
Bryan moved to Nicky, "And love" Bryan placed a kiss on Nicky's
lips, saying the name like a benediction.
Nicky then leaned forward to Shane, he cupped his hand under
Shane's chin and breathed, "our boyo" and kissed Shane sweetly.
"Wow," Jay said as he heard the love in the simple words.
"Then there's sweets and beauty," Nicky said and you could hear
the love and friendship. Different than with Shane and Bryan but
just as strong.
"And fella," Shane added. The love here was again different.
An intense love, a friend and something else as well.
"And then there's Angel," The love in Bryan's voice made both Ed
and Jay's hearts skip. This was the love that was strongest.
This was a love that could break worlds and stop time, a love that
others could rail against till the end of eternity and never
weaken or diminish it.
Jay smiled. "That's better. Let's go talk to Jill and Kian for
a bit."
Ed and Jay got up and moved into the ever growing crowd.
**POV**
Kian smiled as he saw Ed and Jay approaching.
"Hi guys, enjoying yourselves?" Jill asked.
"Oh yeah, we just had a great talk with Shane, Nicky and Bry boy,"
Ed said.
Kian looked up suddenly when Ed used the pet name. Jay noticed.
"Sorry, we were talking about our little names for each other and
we asked them to share their names," Jay apologized
"It's okay, just not used to anyone else using them," Kian said
as he relaxed.
"Yeah. I don't care if others know we call each other pup and
blue, but I don't want others using them," Jay said.
"We were wondering if you could let us know of a motel nearby to
crash at after the party?" Ed asked.
"Sure there's a nice one just a couple of blocks away, but I think
Rye would rather you stay here. Just about all these couches pull
out. I think tonight the seven of us will sleep upstairs on the
two beds. You two could share a sofa bed down here," Jill said.
Ed looked at Jay who nodded happily.
"Thanks Jill that would be great," Ed smiled.
**POV**
"Have you ever listened before to the way we say each others name?"
Shane asked.
"Not really. But it was nice tonight. You can tell how much we
love and feel for each other." Nicky said as Shane joined him on
the sofa, Bryan staying on the floor but pulling the feet of his
lovers to his lap.
"You should hear how you say angel Bry boy. You say it like it's
a prayer. It's like you are able to put everything you feel into
the word. It took my breath away," Shane said.
"I thought I was gonna cry when you said my name Shane but I got
hard too," Bryan grinned.
Nicky laughed, "I thought my heart was gonna explode when you
said my name Bry boy. I think my love for you multiplied like a
hundred times.
"When you called me 'our boyo', my heart fluttered and the room
got fuzzy for a second. I am so glad I belong to you both," Shane
whispered softly.
"Can you believe all this. In a little over a week we have all
found our true loves and are so happy we don't even care about
what will happen in the future as long as we are all together.
We so completely trust angel that we would do anything he asked
without even questioning it. And even though it sounds like it
is too fast and there is something wrong with us all, it's just
so right," Nicky said.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I mean this sort of defies logic,
goes against what we all would consider safe. But it feels right.
I mean in here in my heart I know this is meant to be," Shane said.
"My boyo?" Bryan asked. Shane smiled at Bryan who smiled back
and continued, "You said that now you felt safe and secure. I
don't want you to tell us Rye's surprise but, are we really safe
now? I mean if everything else fell apart tomorrow would we still
be safe?"
Shane reached down and moved Bryan's head to lay on his lap,
stroking his hair.
"My boys, we are so safe that briefly it crossed my mind to end it
all now and just tell everyone we were all together. But I still
want my music as long as I can keep it so I pushed that thought
away. But I seriously thought about it. Just telling everyone
about all of us. So that should tell you just how safe we are,"
Shane confessed.
Nicky and Bryan smiled and pulled closer to Shane. "I'm glad.
I am not going to worry about anything any more. I have
everything I need with me now," Nicky whispered.
**POV**
"They look so peaceful and at ease," Mark said as he gazed at the
boyfriends on the couch together.
"I think Shane told them something he said in our meeting," Rye
whispered into Mark's ear.
"Can you tell me?" Mark asked. "Not everything, I want you to be
able to surprise us, but just what Shane said though." Mark was
not upset in the least about Rye keeping this surprise to himself.
"After I told him everything, he said that he felt so safe at the
moment that he was considering calling a press conference and just
announcing to everyone that would listen that you and I were
together and that those three were together," Rye said.
Mark laughed then saw that Rye was serious. "And he meant it?"
"Oh yeah."
Mark kissed Rye deeply, once again causing those nearby to feel
their love, then he drew back.
"What was that for?"
"I'm not sure yet. But it's early payment for your surprise.
Obviously it is something huge if it had that effect on boyo,"
Mark giggled.
**POV**
"Wow Shane actually meant it?" Kian asked.
"Yeah, but then he quickly said that he still wants to get in as
much time with his music," Jill said.
"Guess what?" Kian quizzed.
"What?"
"I don't even want to know what the surprise is. I want to be
able to hear it from Rye. I trust him and you and Shane so much
that it doesn't bother me not knowing. Normally I hate surprises
but I love the excitement of waiting for this one," Kian smiled
happily.
"It's a good one. I'm getting a little hungry, lets go see if
there are any breaded artichoke hearts," Jill said.
"That sounds disgusting," Kian wrinkled his nose.
"Yeah but they are awesome. Come on," Jill pulled Kian to a table
where she began to feed him various treats.
**POV**
Maria walked up to Mark and Rye and smiled at the so obviously in
love couple.
"Wanta get things going officially Rye?" Maria asked.
Rye smiled and nodded then bent and gave Maria a quick kiss on the
cheek. "You did so well Maria. You deserve everything you get
tonight."
Maria blushed and followed Rye and Mark with her eyes to the MC
stand.
"Good evening everyone and welcome to friends and family night,"
Rye began as his eyes caught movement by the door. There stood
a man he had not seen in ages. The man who had saved his music
for him. There stood the Maestro himself. He quickly swallowed
around a lump in his throat.
"We have lots of special guests to welcome tonight, some old and
some new. And we have some announcements as well. Let's get the
business stuff out of the way first since I know how you all hate
to be reminded of your slave driving boss and the equally
repugnant manager you are forced to work with."
Laughter all around.
"So let me say that none of you will have to work with either of
us again. I am beginning a special new project which will keep me
out of the club and often away from home. And poor old Jill has
been fired."
The room was quiet, nobody was sure what to do.
"Jill will be joining me in this new project as my vice president.
But don't think we are never going to be around. This is still
my home, and I expect the new manager to always have our table
free for us when we decide to go clubbing."
A smattering of chuckles and light applause. People were still
unsure what to do or what was going on.
"The club is going to go through some changes in the next year or
so. All for the better. This club is going to become a proving
ground for fresh new talent in the music industry and is going to
be known across the country if not around the world. It is going
to become one of the hottest clubs around under the management of
Maria Santiago."
The crowd erupted and many people jumped up to embrace Maria. Rye
smiled and let Maria enjoy herself. His eyes caught the eyes of
the boys and he saw that Kian and Nicky had now a good idea of
what his surprise was. He didn't care, they didn't know it all,
not yet. After everyone had quieted a bit he continued.
"Okay now I want everyone to know that nobody here gets left
behind. We are a family and we all move forward together, finding
a place for everyone. The fact that you are my family is evident
tonight as I appear for the first time in public with my friend,
my lover and my soulmate Mark."
Mark who had been standing behind Rye moved forward now and fell
into an easy embrace, putting his head on Rye's shoulder.
"And also appearing tonight as lovers are Jill and Kian, and the
other group there is Bryan, Nicky and Shane." The group of lovers
were not really surprised, just a little shy suddenly. Bryan
blushed and hid his face in Nicky's shoulder. "I trust you all
with our secret until it becomes public. We are all taking a huge
risk here and I pray and hope we can trust you all. Now since you
have obviously been aware of them for the last little bit, I would
like to thank you also for the way you have treated my friends.
They have never once been treated as Westlife but instead as my
friends and yours. I know they appreciate that and so do I. They
will sign autographs and stuff for you later if you ask. To
express my own gratitude, you may have already noticed that your
paycheques today had very large bonuses attached. It may seem
tacky to thank you with money, but I know it will help out some of
you. I hope that my words of thanks mean more to you than the
money though."
Again applause.
"Now a new set of friends have joined us tonight and I would like
to introduce them to you all and hope you welcome them warmly to
our family. Ed and Jay are a new couple and here for the first
time. Ed is a good friend who raises and breeds horses. Jay is
the new boyfriend and a cuter couple I have never seen"
"Yeah that's only because you haven't seen you and Mark in a
mirror yet," someone called out getting laughter from those
assembled.
"Now I would definitely like to welcome an old friend. A man who
taught me that music was more than notes on a page, it was about
emotion and heart. A man who saved my music for me when I thought
I had lost everything else. My Maestro, Laszlo Helsinki," Rye
gesture to where the old man stood with Maria who had greeted him
and stood by him. She had his coat and hat in her hands while he
held his violin case.
"I think we are in for a very very memorable night tonight. I see
the Maestro has brought his violin and if he is going to play for
us tonight you will find out what true beauty is in music. I see
Matt has brought along whiskey jack."
Many people laughed at the mention of the ventriliquists dummy,
knowing they were in for some laughs.
"Maria has prepared another beautiful song for us from Madame
Butterfly I believe. Jill has been too secretive to fill me in
on her performance, but hopefully her N'Sync t-shirt is not a
clue. We have to remain loyal after all," Rye pulled Mark close
again and Mark chuckled and sent a fake glare at Jill.
"Four of the boys have a surprise act which judging from Bryan's
frequent giggling fits promises to be amusing. My fella here is
going to sing a song to me."
Mark's eyes widened and he turned to see Shane nod and give a
wiggle of his eyebrows. Shane had told Rye that Mark was going
to sing to him. Now the room would know. Mark was so happy he
thought he would burst into song right there.
"And though I have never performed before, tonight I will be
performing several pieces."
Nobody in the room, except for the boys, Jill and the Maestro knew
about Rye's talent or his past, so everyone else just politely
clapped.
"And our new friends Ed and Jay are also going to put on a display
of martial artistry. So let's all get ourselves some dinner and
we can start the show in a couple of hours. Please remember that
nobody who drinks tonight will be leaving this house with car keys.
You *will* be escorted to a taxi when you leave, and only those
who have not drank at all will be allowed to drive away. I don't
want to break the mood, but any deviation from this could result
in legal action against myself and I would hope you all respect me
enough to obey my rules."
Everyone nodded and clapped and a few said "you know it Rye" or
"you can count on us".
Mark stepped forward and spoke, "I just wanted to add our thanks
to you all. We have had the most wonderful time here and you
can't know how much it means to us all to be able to be free here.
Welcome to our home and let's get this party started."
Mark of course did not see it but the rest of the room did. Rye's
face lit up like a star when Mark said the words 'our home'. By
now of course pretty much everyone knew that Westlife was now
moving in with Rye. It was just one more reason to celebrate.
Rye snaked his arm around Mark's waist and went to the Maestro
pulling him tightly to him. Neither man said anything for a long
time. Finally, pulling apart, both men were in tears.
"Welcome back to the world my friend," the Maestro said.
"Thank you, for everything Maestro," Rye said thickly.
"So you will play for us tonight?" Mark asked.
"Only if Rye will play beside me," the Maestro grinned.
"You play the violin?" Mark asked in surprise.
"He plays everything," the Maestro said.
"What do you mean he plays everything?" Mark questioned.
Before Rye could say anything the proud music teacher exclaimed,
"He can play anything. I know of no instrument he cannot play.
Did you not know?"
Rye feared Mark would be angry, instead Mark was proud. Mark
pulled Rye to him and whispered, "My beautiful angel, you are
just full of surprises aren't you."
"Ah Jill there you are. I think if I wait for these two to
remember to feed an old man I will die of starvation. Come and
feed me and tell me how to get a hold of 16 autographed CD's of
these youngsters for my grand daughters," the Maestro trotted
off to Jill and Kian who burst into laughter.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Mark asked. He was not accusing or
upset, just curious.
"I was embarrassed."
"Because you are brilliant?"
"Well yes. Everyone makes such a fuss. Jill knows of course.
It's just that when people know that about me, that's all they
see. The same with my money, they look at the dollar signs and
don't see the man in the ripped jeans," Rye tried to explain.
"I understand my love. I will tell no one. Are you going to
sing to me tonight?" Mark asked suddenly.
"Yes. I wrote you a song. I wasn't going to but then Shane
decided to throw all caution to the wind tonight so I get to
sing to you in front of all these people and let them see and
feel how I love you," Rye sighed.
Just then Mark's stomach growled and Rye burst into laughter as
Mark's face went crimson. Heads turned and people laughed. Rye's
voice was magic tonight and years later those who had attended
would speak of the party and talk about the laughter that filled
the night.
"I think I should eat," Mark said as he dragged a laughing Rye to
the buffet table.
The next couple of hours were spent with everyone laughing and
talking and eating. People would walk around and sit down with
whoever was nearest and just enjoy each other's company. The
group of seven was now ten as Ed, Jay and the Maestro sat
together on the couches with the others.
Maria sat talking with a small group and her mind was filled
with excitement. At a laugh from Rye her head turned and a smile
broke out. She looked around the room and saw others had the
same reaction. She briefly wondered what the group had gotten
themselves into announcing their relationships, but none of them
were worried it would seem. If Maria had only known the absolute
unfaltering loyalty to Rye that everyone in the room had, she
would not have even had that moment of uncertainty. Years later
when the world knew about the group, those who had attended the
party would smile to themselves, happy that they had known and
kept this secret to themselves as a cherished memory.
- MC Rye -
Rye leaned over and kissed Mark sweetly, but Mark was having none
of that and pulled Rye in for a long deep kiss. Those in the room
tried not to watch but it was hard not to. When the lovers
separated Rye was breathless and panting.
"Wow," Rye breathed and Mark laughed. Mark was becoming much more
aggressive in both his normal day to day manner and in his love
making.
"Now think of that all night up there at the mic and try not to
let everyone see your hard cock," Mark whispered as his hand
slipped inside to Rye's thighs making Rye moan softly, "This is
payback for that night you danced in the leather pants and had
me horny all night."
Rye chuckled and smiled. He liked this side of Mark and hoped he
would take the lead a little more often in bed. Not that he
didn't like leading but this was new and sexy. He got up and went
to the mic stand and looked at the list of performers. He noticed
the boys were going to go last. He penned in his own name in
three spots, then tapped the mic a couple of times.
"Hey all, hope everyone enjoyed the meal and is enjoying the night
so far. I am so glad to hear that nobody brought their cars
tonight and is being responsible with their drinking. Before we
start the entertainment for the evening let's give a big hand to
the kitchen staff and Maria for the food and the setup. Great job
guys." Rye was joined by everyone in the room in the applause.
"Okay so let's start the evening. Is everybody pumped?" Rye
yelled out. The crowd cheered wildly.
"Alright so straight from behind the bar and oh so pretty let's
hear it for our favourite ex-manager...here's Jill" Rye announced
and pointed to the curtain.
The curtain opened to reveal Jill in a tophat and long black coat.
The music started up and Jill began her lip-sync act to Shania
Twain's 'Man I Feel Like A Woman'. Four of the bouncers were
arrayed behind her doing their best mindless boy toy imitation.
The crowd went wild. Jill had obviously studied the video because
it was perfection. When she threw off the coat to reveal the
miniskirt, bustier and thigh high boots underneath Rye looked to
Kian and chuckled at the sight. This boy was so in love and he
looked like he was gonna pass out.
When the song ended the room erupted into cheers and whistles.
But the real thing to watch was Kian as he catapulted from his
couch and swept Jill into an earth shaking embrace. He literally
carried her back to the couch. Jill leaned over and whispered
into his ear and Kian went scarlet while Jill laughed a deep sexy
laugh. Rye swore that half the men in the room adjusted themselves.
"Well that was quite a show starter. How can we possibly ask
anyone to follow that. What we need is some comedy. Now who
could provide us some comedic relief?" Rye asked the room.
The first person to shout it out was quickly followed by others
till the room was all chanting, "Jack, Jack, Jack".
"Alright, just remember once he gets up here you asked for him.
Ladies and gentlemen, Matt and Whiskey Jack," Rye clapped on Matt
and his dummy.
The room roared their approval. Matt had figured out how to
actually use the dummy without moving his lips, but part of the
humour was that you could see Matt talking for the dummy.
Whisky Jack was an acerbic hillbilly who said the rudest and
crudest things you would ever hear. And everyone loved him. The
boys were laughing like everyone else and Bryan was in tears as
he tried to catch his breath. Rye was no better, he had to sit
down about 2 minutes into the routine. Finally Matt was done and
was cheered off the stage.
"Oh God, that was hilarious. Thank you Matt and Whiskey Jack,"
Rye wiped tears from his eyes as he continued to giggle. He then
went on to introduce a couple of more acts. Two of the bartenders
did a duet together, one of the waitresses did a skit pretending to
be an operator for a psychic phone line.
"Now let's bring up our new manager to wow us with her beautiful
voice who will be singing us a selection from Madame Butterfly,"
Rye clapped Maria onto the stage.
Everyone was intent on Maria as she began. The boys were amazed.
How could such a voice come from such a little body. When Maria
finished everyone stood and applauded. It seemed right somehow.
This woman had talent.
"Thank you Maria that was beautiful. Now before we take our first
little intermission to refill drinks and snacks, I will give you a
little taste of flamenco," Rye smiled and brought a stool to the
stage and sat with his guitar. When he began everyone's eyes
widened, it just did not seem natural that someone could pluck the
guitar strings that fast. Soon the looks turned to amazement, the
masterful hands began to play as if there were two guitars. You
could hear the two different rhythms, the second a counterpoint
to the first. It was astounding. The song lasted for only a few
minutes but when Rye finished you could see the sheen of sweat on
his brow.
Again the audience erupted and stood in appreciation. Rye blushed
deeply and hid his head. He was saved by Mark who had gone to the
mic, "You all think that was amazing, wait until my angel sings for
you. But for now let's take 15 minutes and stretch our legs a bit."
The crowd moved to stretch, refill drinks or plates, use the
washroom. Mark moved to Rye and took him into an embrace and
placed a tender kiss on his lips.
"I love you so much my angel," Mark whispered.
"What's wrong my fella?" Rye asked as he noticed a slight catch
in Mark's voice.
"Nothing, really, I just do love you and sometimes I am so full
of love I can't get it all out," Mark sighed.
Rye smiled and leaned forward to let their foreheads touch.
Without thinking he moved his hand over Mark's heart as Mark did
the same. Their eyes closed and their hearts began to beat
together. The world around them stopped as their souls touched.
People in the room stopped, realizing that something was odd.
Heads turned to see the two men in an embrace. They did not know
what was going on but they were touched by it, it was almost
overwhelming, a sensation of love that was almost physical. The
two men were lost in each other and so did not notice the silence
that descended on the room. After a minute or so, Mark's hand
moved away from Rye's chest and the feelings were gone, everyone
breathed again. The chatter started back up.
"Fuck me, did you feel that?" Nicky asked to the group on the
couch.
The group of friends just nodded but said nothing, watching the
lovers as they went to get some snacks.
"Can Rye sing?" Jay finally asked breaking the silence of the group.
"Honey you have no idea. Tonight you are gonna hear magic,"
Jill boasted.
"Can he play like blues guitar?" Jay asked.
"Yes, I mean I think so," Jill furrowed her brows a bit
"I'll be back in a bit," Jay got up and went over to Rye and Mark.
The group watched and as Rye nodded both Jay and Mark's face broke
into smiles. Rye pointed to the stage and the group's eyes
followed to look at an electric guitar that one of the other
guests had brought. Rye then nodded and left to talk to the
bartender that had brought the electric guitar. Jay returned to
the couch.
"What was that about?" Bryan asked.
"A surprise. I am gonna do a number with Rye and a couple others
instead. Allows him to show off his guitar and voice and me my
sax," Jay beamed.
Mark returned to the couch as Rye went around and talked to a few
other people.
"I didn't know that Rye played electric guitar," Shane said to
Mark.
Mark looked at his friends and brothers. He wanted so much to
tell them but he didn't want to upset Rye. He settled on
compromise.
"The Maestro said Rye is very talented, so it's not really
surprising he can play other intstruments," Mark said.
"He is very talented," Jill nodded and caught Mark's eye. Mark
smiled. Jill knew the secret as well. Mark nodded and she smiled
back. They shared this secret together.
Rye stepped up to the mic, "Okay let's all get seated again."
Everyone quickly went back to their seats.
"So let's welcome our next performers. They call themselves Old
Time Rock & Roll. Here is Mike on drums, Chantal on lead guitar
and vocals, Robert on bass and David on keyboards."
The curtain opened on the group. They sang older music from the
50's and 60's, and they sang it well. Their first song was 'Words
of Love' by the Mama's and the Papa's. Their second song was
'Jailhouse Rock' by Elvis. They were a hit and everyone cheered
them off the stage.
"Wow that was great. Thanks guys. Okay now next up is my Maestro
who is going to play a classical violin piece by Mr. Beethoven.
You will enjoy this."
The Maestro took his spot and began the opening strains of the
violin concerto. The room was silent as the violin seemed to take
on a voice of its own, weaving its magic through the room. As the
final shimmering notes subsided the room remained silent for a few
moments in hushed awe then erupted into applause.
The Maestro smiled and bowed his head to his audience. Then
turning a bit he produced another violin and held it out to Rye.
Rye smiled and took it. He was going to enjoy this. If the
gathered guests were expecting more classical they were in for
a big surprise.
The Maestro began the words to "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"
and the crowd began to whistle and stomp. The Maestro played the
devil's part while Rye played Johnny's part. Everyone cheered
and stomped on the floor as 'Johnny' beat the devil.
Rye went back to the mic and clapped the Maestro off the stage.
"Well now for something completely different. A demonstration of
martial artistry by my friends Ed and Jay."
Ed and Jay got up. When the two men took the stage Ed removed his
shirt and Jay quickly followed his lead. When Ed had explained to
Jay what he had wanted to do Jay was nervous, he was not that
comfortable in public like this, or atleast not half dressed. But
Ed had given him that look and he had relented. The two men had
been doing this together for months now.
They bowed to each other then Jay stepped forward so he was a
little in front and to the right of Ed. Together they began the
intricate steps of Tai-chi. The sight of the two men, such
seeming contrasts, moving in perfect synchronization, it was
beautiful to behold. When the men had finished they bowed to
each other and then smiled and hugged each other, Ed lifting Jay
off the floor and kissing him sweetly.
Everyone clapped and hooted. Jay collected his shirt and went
back to the couch while Ed put his shirt back on. Ed replaced
the stool onto the center of the stage and sat down.
"This is my favourite poem, it is called 'The Invitation' and was
written by Oriah Mountain Dreamer an Indian Elder. I keep this
poem with me always. It was given to me by a very special person
when I lost my hand," Ed said.
Ed recited the poem into the silent room. His voice was quiet,
barely a whisper but his words were heard and felt by everyone.
When he finished he silently rose and returned to his seat.
Nobody applauded, it wouldn't have fit. Silence was the best
response to this performance. Jay silently took Ed's hand in his
and lay his head on Ed's chest.
"I think now would be a good time for another break. Let's all
stretch and get ready for the last part of the evening. I would
like to thank Ed and Jay for their parts tonight. Your being
here meant a lot to me," Rye said.
Mark came to Rye and slipped his arm around Rye's waist as they
walked to get a drink.
"You gave him that poem didn't you?" Mark asked.
Rye nodded.
"You are always and forever my own angel," Mark said.
"My only fella for eternity," Rye responded.
The room was quiet and subdued for a bit but soon became livelier.
The boyfriends were now laid out on one of the couches so that
they were all touching each other in some way and feeding each
other snacks.
"You guys look so beautiful together," Jay commented.
"We'd look even better with you two hunks here with us," Bryan
quipped.
Shane and Nicky smiled and separated a bit on the couch leaving
room for Ed and Jay. Neither of the men moved right away until
Shane patted the couch and Jay smiled and sat between Shane and
Bryan. He leaned back onto Bryan's chest and let Bryan feed him a
piece of fruit. Ed chuckled softly and slipped in between Nicky
and Shane who both quickly lay their heads on his chest. Nicky
bringing a piece of fruit up to Ed's mouth.
"This is just friendly right, nothing more?" Ed asked softly to
Shane.
"Just friendly. Nothing more," Shane assured Ed then passed a
piece of fruit to Nicky.
"Can anyone get in on this love fest?" Jill asked then sat down
with her head resting on Ed's lap and allowed Nicky to feed her a
strawberry. Holding the berry in her mouth she moved her head a
bit on Ed's lap so that Kian could share it with her.
"God this is beginning to look like a roman orgy," Mark said as
he surveyed the scene in front of him.
"Gonna join in?" Bryan asked.
Mark laughed and lay down with his head in Jill's lap while Rye
lay down in Kian's lap. They all laughed and giggled as they fed
each other fruit. When the fruit was gone they spent a lot of
time cleaning off each other's fingers. For the group of seven
it was not unusual but for Ed and Jay it was strange. Not
unpleasant but a little odd.
Finally Rye got up and approached the mic.
"Okay well we are in the home stretch. We have 5 performances left.
So to start off this set I am going to sing for you all. This is
one of my favourite songs about friendship and so I would like to
sing this to my very best friends; Jill, Kian, Shane, Bryan, Nicky
and Mark. I love you all." Rye began to play and sing.
When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
When Rye finished the song nobody was even breathing. The magic
of Rye's voice had woven it's spell so tightly that everyone was
scared to break it. This might have gone on forever if it had not
been for Bryan's sob. Suddenly the room erupted into applause.
Rye looked at his friends and saw smiles and tears. He smiled
back at them knowing they had felt his love for them in his song.
As for the boys they were all feeling the same. The absolute
unconditional love that Rye had for them all had been put into
his voice as he sang for them. They had felt it enter them and
touch them. It had affected them all and they had all became
teary eyed. Bryan had of course begun to sob almost immediately,
quickly followed by Jill. The others lasted a little longer but
they too succumbed to emotion as their beautiful angel sang to
them.
Rye had finally been able to shake everyone's hand who had come to
the stage and was now back at the microphone.
"Thank you all. Now to sing a song for you all, but really for
me, is my fella. Please welcome Mark to the stage."
Mark got up and instead of going to the stage he went first to Rye
and kissed him. The audience of course 'aaawed' and both men
blushed. Mark then went to the stool and sat down. Looking
directly at Rye he began;
Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling.
From glen to glen and down the mountain side.
The summer's gone, and all the roses falling.
'Tis you, 'tis you must go, and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow.
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow.
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so.
And if you come, and all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be.
You'll come and find the place where I am lying.
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.
And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And on my grave will warmer sweeter be.
And ye shall bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me
Rye smiled and placed his hand on his heart as Mark finished.
"Thank you my love."
Mark smiled and took his seat.
"Well we have three more acts. Two promise to be lively and
upbeat, the other is another one of these emotional love songs.
So I am going to change the order a bit. I am going to sing the
next song, the sappy, sentimental love song. Then we will finish
with Jay and I doing a little something and end the night with my
boy's little amusement."
Rye took the seat again and said, "I remember the night I fell in
love with you Mark. I remember how you felt so sad when you
thought you had lost everything. That night I thought I had found
everything and I vowed to myself that now that I had found you I
would never let you go. I wrote this song over the next two days.
It's called Now and Forever.
Whenever I'm weary from the battles that rage in my head
You make sense of madness when my sanity hangs by a thread
I lose my way but still you seem to understand
Now and forever I will be your man.
Sometimes I just hold you too caught up in me to see
I'm holding a fortune that heaven has given to me
I'll try to show you each and every way I can
Now and forever I will be your man
Now I can rest my worries and always be sure
That I won't be alone anymore
If I'd only known you were there all the time
All this time
Until the day the ocean doesn't touch the sand
Now and forever I will be your man
Now and forever I will be your man
When the song ended there was not a dry eye in the house. The
entire room watched as Mark slowly got up and hugged Rye like he
would never let him go. Then Rye, as he often did, chuckled
deeply. The room shivered as the sensation passed through them,
and the spell was broken. Everyone stood and applauded and
applauded. Nobody wanted it to end. The moment was too perfect.
But finally Rye separated from Mark and led him to the couch. He
placed a kiss on his hand then went back to the mic.
"Well that was just too wonderful for words. So next I am gonna
invite Jay up for his help on the sax, David on keyboards and Mike
on drums to sing in the Garden of Eden with me."
Rye went over and strapped on the electric guitar and the quickly
put together band began to play. Rye's voice which had sounded
like the voice of an angel all evening now became rough and sultry
sending little jolts of electricity through his audience. Mark
and Bryan got hard instantly and the other boys were soon to
follow.
It was the garden of Eden
The beginning of time
Adam said to Eve
Little girl I wanna make you mine
She said wait a minute big boy,
Not so fast
I wanna think this over
I want a love that's gonna last
Eve said to Adam
Catch me if you can
It's been the same old story
Ever since the world began
Honey, I'll give you anything
In this great big world
She said forget those rotten apples
I'll take some diamonds and some pearls
He said I don't know exactly
What it is you mean
Ever since she could remember
She's had this pretty dream
Eve said to Adam
Catch me if you can
It's been the same old story
Ever since the world began
Jay stepped forward and ignited the night with his sax solo.
Well I got this hungry feelin'
My blood is runnin' hot
I'm not sure what it is I want
It's something that you got
She said come here little boy
Come and sit beside my fire
Wrap yourself around my finger
I'll do your desire
She said, Wait a minute Adam, honey
Got a reputation to protect
You want my love and kisses
It's gonna take a little respect
He fell down on his knees
Looked up in the sky
Said, I think I get the picture, Lord
There's more to this than meets the eye
Eve said to Adam
Catch me if you can
It's been the same old story
Ever since the world began
The place exploded. Jay's eyes sought out Ed and lit up when he
saw Ed jumping up and down and whooping. The band took their bows.
Mark and Bryan rushed Rye, but Bryan reached him first, lifting
him off the ground and spinning him around.
"Bry boy, that better not be a banana in your pants," Rye giggled
into Bryan's ear. Bryan laughed and pushed his hard cock into Rye.
"Nope it's my dick. I wish we were gonna get another chance
before we leave but it will just make next weekend that much
better," Bryan whispered into Rye's ear then dropped him and
spun him around to throw him into Mark's arms.
"Baby that was fucking amazing," Mark growled.
"And unfortunately, as Bryan pointed out, we aren't gonna be able
to be together before you leave," Rye said.
"That's okay babe, tonight and tomorrow we are all just gonna
hold each other."
"So you know what the boys are gonna do?" Rye asked.
Mark giggled and nodded and dragged Rye to the couch, as Jill's
voice said there would be a short 10 minute break while the boys
got into costume.
After a short break Jill tapped the mic to get eveyone's attention,
the lights dimmed and spotlights came on behind the curtains.
Jill's voice came over the sound system, "Ladies and Gentlemen
welcome to the Moulin Rouge."
The silhouettes on the curtain were unmistakeable and the crowd
went nuts as the curtain opened to Westlife in drag. Shane was
taking Mya's part, Bryan was Pink, Kian was L'il Kim and Nicky
was Christina.
Where's all my souls sisters
Let me hear ya flow sisters
Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister (oh)
Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister
He met Marmalade down in old Moulin Rouge
Struttin' her stuff on the street (street)
She said, "Hello, hey Joe, you wanna give it a go?" (woah)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
(Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister)
He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up
(Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister)
Boy drank all that Magnolia wine
Upon her black satin sheets
I swear he started to freak yeah
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
We come through with the money and the garter belt
Let 'em know we got that cake
Straight up the gate
We independent women, some mistakes us for whores
I'm sayin` why spend mine when I can spend yours
Disagree? Well that's you and I'm sorry
I'm a keep playing these cats out like Atari
High heeled shoes getting love from the dudes
Four bad ass chicks from the Moulin Rouge
Hey sisters, soul sisters
Better get that dough sisters
We drink wine with diamonds in the glass
By the case the meaning of expensive taste
You wanna gitchie, gitchie, ya ya (come on)
Mocha Chocolata what?
Creole Lady Marmalade
(One more time c'mon)
Marmalade (ooh)
Lady Marmalade (ooh yeah)
Marmalade (ooh, hey hey hey)
Touch of her skin feeling silky smooth, hey
Colour of café au lait (all right)
Made the savage beast inside roar until he cried
More (more) more (more) more (more)
Now he's back home doin' 9 to 5 (9 to 5)
Livin' the grey flannel life (oh pity)
But when he turns off to sleep memories creep
More (more) more (more) more (more)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
Christina (oh yeah ooh)
Pink (Lady Marmalade)
Lil' Kim (hey hey uh uh uh uh uh uh uh)
Mya (oh oh ooooh)
Rot wilder baby (baby)
Moulin Rouge
Misdemeanour here
Creole Lady Marmalade ooh yes
The crowd lost it. The hooting and cat calls and shouts could
probably have been heard a block away. The boys had studied the
video and every move, every step had been perfect. It was
incredible.
- The Party's Over -
The cleaning up and thanking the guests lasted for an hour and it
was 3 in the morning before the loft was empty of all but those
staying the night.
"Well let's all get to bed. Ed and Jay, these sofas all pull out.
I'll grab you some bedding. The rest of us are gonna all sleep
upstairs. Don't worry about getting up at any particular time,"
Rye said. He hugged both men and went upstairs to find Jill and
Kian already dragging the mattress into the bedroom. Rye tossed
bedding over the balcony to the men below and bid them a good
night
"Listen guys lets take the mattress off this bed and make one big
one so we all sleep together. We only have tonight and tomorrow
and I just want us all to be together," Mark said.
Everyone quickly agreed and set up the mattresses on the floor.
"Shirts or skins tonight?" Jill asked.
Everyone looked at Jill, the boys not seeming to understand the
question. Rye laughed and said skins. The boys figured out what
was meant as Rye quickly, very quickly, stripped down to nothing
and threw himself onto the mattress. Mark joined him quickly and
the others followed. Bryan snuggled into Rye with Nicky behind
Bryan. On the other side Shane threw his legs around Mark. Kian
then Jill filled in next to Shane.
"Everybody comfy?" Rye giggled.
"Yes," came a chorus of voices.
"Night John boy," came Ed's voice from downstairs.
Rye laughed out loud and yelled into the loft, "Night Sue Ellen."
That set off everybody and the laughter lasted quite some time.
Soon though sleep overtook them all and the soft breathing was
all that was heard as the morning sky began to lighten.
...to be continued
Notes on songs: Okay I used a lot of songs here and though they
are all familiar I don't want to cheat any of the authors or
performers by not mentioning them.
First was Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel. It's
an oldie but a goodie. I really love this song and hold it as one
of my favourites. It speaks to me of friendship and love.
Danny Boy has been sung by so many different people that its hard
to single one out. I have no idea who wrote it, but the best
performance of it I have ever heard is by the Irish Rovers.
Now And Forever was written by Richard Marx as near as I can tell.
That is also the only version I have been able to find although
I was told that Westlife actually sang this song as well. If
anyone has a copy or knows if it is true, please let me know as
I would really love to hear them sing it. The first time I heard
this song I cried, it was just so perfect for my story.
Garden Of Eden. Again no idea who wrote it but John Cafferty I
believe is the singer. I saw this song performed on the movie
Eddie and the Cruisers and loved it, it was so sexy and sultry.
Moulin Rouge I think we all know. Mya, Pink, L'il Kim and
Christina sing the hell out of this song. But for just a second
picture the boys of Westlife singing and dancing to it. Not
sure to laugh or bone up are ya. hahahahha
Finally the poem, The Invitation, by Oriah Mountain Dreamer.
This poem is in my opinion one of the most beautiful things
ever written. I keep a copy of this poem in my wallet all the
time. It speaks of so many things to me, friendship, love,
understanding, faithfulness....it is truly beautiful.