Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 23:29:40 -0400
From: rye encoke <rye_encoke@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mark-and-Rye-36a

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.

Authors Notes: Okay this chapter will encompass the entire
weekend and will split it up into couples. It's a long one
but I hope you enjoy it, it was fun to write.  Some peoples
weekends were more interesting than others so I pulled the
names out of a hat to see the order I would present the
plans.  I indicate the beginning of each groups weekend
with === marks so if you don't like the order they are in
you can pick and choose yourself which order to read them
in.  The order is:
Part A - Matt/Andy, Carl/Alex
Part B - Ed/Jay, Rye/Mark
Part C - Bryan/Shane/Nicky and ending with Jill and Kian.

DEDICATION: To my Davey and to Glenn.  Love ya both, always.

- The Plans -

The rest of the week and final concert for that week went well.
Prince Hassan was actually talking to Nicky on the phone when
the news broke about his "death".  Both men had become emotional
but were soon laughing together again.  Nobody had heard from
Jamie, Scottie or Donna and were all a little concerned until
they had finally received a call from Digger letting them know
that things were unusual but calm.

Apparently Donna had laid down the law with the boys informing
them that she was not going to be Scottie's girlfriend any more.
Instead she planned on being the boy's best girl friend and
wanted them to start spending some time together.  She wasn't
forcing them to date but she wanted them to get to know each
other and experience each other.  That was all Digger knew but
he was there at the meeting and had said that Jamie and Scottie
had kissed each other timidly but definitely as more than just
friends at the end of the meeting.

Everyone had sat around and discussed their plans for the weekend
and Rye had called in some extra jets to make sure everyone could
get to where they were going and would be back to the next city
for the concert on Tuesday night.

Mark and Rye were of course going back for the interview with
Corey and then there was the surprise date that Mark had planned.
Corey had asked if it would be alright if Nick was there as well
as they had quickly become friends and enjoyed hanging out with
each other.  Mark and Rye had agreed and made plans to go out
Saturday and see some homes that Corey was interested in buying
that Liam had sent him the info on.

The boys were heading to Alex and Hassan's castle for the weekend
to hang out so that Nicky could see his friend and introduce him
to his lovers.  Shane and Bryan were eager to visit the castle
and to meet a real Arab Prince.  Nicky reminded them gently that
technically his friend was no longer a prince and that it might
be a little touchy for him.

Jill and Kian were off to see Jill's family.  This was quite the
shocker for Kian who was pleased but very nervous about meeting
"the family".  Rye spent any free time he had telling the worst
stories of her family that he could think of, trying to scare
Kian until Jill asked him politely to stop.  There had been no
obvious threat but Rye had recognized the tone.  He then spent
the time filling Kian in on the whole family with friendly and
loving anecdotes about the soon-to-be in'laws.

Ed and Jay were heading back to the farm so Ed could finally
show Jay off to his sister and brother-in-law.  Then the two
were going to spend a couple of days at the cabin.  Ed also
wanted to take a look at the loft and insure the security system
was installed properly and was working, although it would not
yet be set into active mode.  Ed had received a call from Maria
letting him know that the security system had arrived and that
the loft was better than half finished.  Maria had been worried
at the speed since it was her gift to Rye, Jill and the boys to
make sure the place was completely finished, including the
decorating, before they returned home.

Matt and Andy were heading back to visit with Maria and see the
loft.  Andy had a case of homesickness that he was unwilling to
admit to but that everyone, especially Matt, was aware of.  Maria
was of course thrilled they were coming home and had wanted to
introduce her two "sons", since she now insisted on calling Matt
her son to her two "new sons" Tre and DJ.

Cleo and Simon were going to stay with the busses and had been
given permission to occupy the big bus on the promise they
washed the sheets before everyone else got home.  This got varied
responses of snickers from Simon, outright laughs from Jill and
'eews' from the boys.

Alex and Carl's plans were the most shocking.  Carl was going to
visit his parents and was taking Alex with him.  Carl had had
an epiphany and was ready to admit his sexuality and wanted to
tell his parents and introduce them to Alex.  Carl had already
told Alex he wanted to explore something long term with Alex and
even though they had not progressed beyond mutual masturbation
together Carl seemed to be willing to admit that Alex was 'the
one' for him.  Alex had been overcome with emotion at this
revelation but eventually had asked Carl to 'be mine forever'.
The only thing missing had been rings but everyone had
congratulated them any way.

So with plans made, everyone said their goodbyes in the private
lounge before heading to individual waiting jets to whisk them
away to their appropriate destinations.  Everyone briefly had
wondered how many jets Rye had at his disposal but nobody had
asked or really cared beyond a mild curiosity.  There had been
some complaints at the early hour they had had to get up that
Friday morning but the breakfast served in the lounge had
woken everyone up and before 9 a.m. everyone was on their jet
and heading off into the skies.

=== MATT AND ANDY'S WEEKEND ===

- On the Plane -

Matt and Andy were sharing the jet with Ed and Jay since they
were all heading back home to the same city.

"I am so happy to be going home to see mom," Andy said with
excitement.

"You've been homesick haven't you kitten?" Matt asked as he
slipped his hand around Andy's neck and massaged him lovingly.

"Yeah a bit," Andy admitted.

"Nothing wrong with that.  It shows how much you love her," Jay
said.

"Yeah.  Thing is, I already miss everyone else too," Andy said
with a chuckle.

"I know Shane will miss you too.  But soon they will be living
in the loft and we can visit them any time you want," Matt said.

"It's nice you and Shane are so close.  It's good to develop
strong friendships outside of your relationship," Ed said.

"I was scared Matt would be mad.  I'm glad he wasn't" Andy
said.

"No way I could be after we have all been together and shared
what we have," Matt said.

"Isn't it great how we can all be together the way we are and
share our love like this.  I am so in love with Blue but it is
wonderful that we can be intimate with the others and you two,"
Jay said.

"It was wonderful being with you guys.  But we could never explain
to anyone else how this works.  They would just see the sex and
the sex really is a pretty small part of it all," Matt said.

"It's all about the love," Jay said softly.

"What?" Andy asked.

"It's all about the love.  Jill said it once and I have heard
the boys say it every now and then.  It's never really about sex
at all it's about the sharing of yourself, with someone you love
and trust, in the most intimate of ways.  If it was about sex we
could go to a bar and pick up a couple of strangers and bring
them back to the farm to have sex with them.  But that's not it.
I can kiss you and touch you because I care about you and want to
share my love with you.  The fact that we give each other pleasure
while doing it is almost incidental," Jay said.

Everyone nodded and sat quietly for awhile thinking about what
Jay had said.

"Is it wrong to feel stronger about one of them than the others?"
Andy asked.

"No.  But I think it's just different, not stronger.  You are
thinking about Shane right?" Ed asked.

Andy nodded.

"I think it is just that some people fill a need or we can relate
to them a little closer.  Shane is a big brother to you.  It
doesn't necessarily mean you love Bryan or Nicky less.  And
honestly even if it did I think the degree of love is so slight
that it isn't really worth talking about," Ed answered.

"Yeah don't worry about it.  I have a real connection to Nicky
and Bryan for some reason.  It's not that I love Shane less I
just relate more to the others," Matt said.

"Yeah.  I really enjoy hanging out with Cleo and Jill.  Andy
don't try to analyze how you feel about them.  Honestly I think
it is just best if you let things go and accept the love everyone
is offering," Jay said.

Andy smiled and curled up next to Matt and fell asleep.

- Mamma Maria -

The plane pulled into the private hangar and the guys left
carrying their single bags.  Ed and Jay had arranged for a
vehicle to be at the hangar to meet them and were surprised when
Ed's sister showed up instead.  They had waved their goodbyes and
drove off.  Matt and Andy were of course met by Maria and were
both covered in kisses and hugged over and over.

"Okay so let's take you home so you can freshen up then we can
decide what you want to do," Maria said happily as she drove to
her home.

"Could you make us lunch?" Andy asked from beside his mom and
turned his face to her giving him a sad puppy look, even batting
his eyes at her a couple of times for good measure.

Maria took her hand off the steering wheel to gently cuff her
son's head then ruffle his hair.

"The fixing's are all ready for flatbread pizza.  I thought maybe
after lunch you would like to go see the loft and then maybe go
and visit Tre and DJ for supper?" Maria suggested.

Maria was a little nervous.  When Matt and Andy had so quickly
flown off to be with the boys from Westlife and Rye and Jill she
had felt suddenly so alone.  The soon addition of Tre and DJ to
her life had been a godsend.  Now she was worried about Andy's
reaction to her two adopted sons.

"That would be cool.  I should meet the two guys who stole my mom
from me," Andy joked.

Maria slammed on the brakes and it was lucky nobody had been right
behind them or it would have been an accident for sure.

"Drive Maria.  Talk and drive," Matt said from the back.  Maria
started moving once again.

"Nobody stole me from you," Maria said with a confusion of
emotions.

"I was just kidding mom.  Look I learned a lot about the two of
them from the boys and I know I will like them.  They are so lucky
to have you as their mom, and I really truly want you to think of
yourself as their mom.  They need one and you're the best.  If I
ever get jealous I expect you or Matt to smack me back into place,"
Andy said.

"You aren't upset?" Maria asked.

"Mom we have learned something in the past little bit.  Love,
when you share it out, multiplies and comes back to you many
times over.  So if we asked you to stop sharing your love we
would be hurting you and us.  That's just not something we are
capable of doing," Matt said.

"Thanks baby.  You are gonna love them any way.  They are so cute
together.  I was hoping you would all really get along together.
Jill told me that as the leases expire in her building to let the
tenants go so that the building can be used for housing for
employees.  They plan on eventually making a housing complex
on the compound of the studio but for now the apartment will have
to do.  Anyway, the big apartment on the top floor, you know the
4 bedroom one, well it's been empty since last month.  I was
hoping if you all get along with Tre and DJ that you could all
share it.  They really need some friends and brothers," Maria
said.

"Whoah wait a sec.  That was so much information.  The apartment
building Jill lives in, she owns that?" Matt asked.

"Yeah for years," Maria answered.

"And there is going to be a compound for the studio big enough
for a housing complex?" Matt asked further.

"Oh you should see the plans.  Construction has already begun.  I
think Rye has shipped in contractors from every state.  Work is
pretty much going on 24/7.  I can show you the model of the studio
and compound when we go to the club," Maria said.

"You want us to move in with Tre and DJ?" Andy asked this time.

"Well I want to see if you get along first.  Look they need
some friends and they couldn't do any better than you two.
The apartment would be rent-free since you guys would help out
keeping it running.  It wouldn't interfere with your schooling
or work.  Tre and DJ will be going to school come the fall but
receive a very healthy allowance as part of scholarships they
received.  By the way Andy it turns out you also have received
a scholarship with similar provisions.  I can tell you about that
later.  I didn't know you wanted to be a designer," Maria said.

Andy blushed deeply and vowed to do serious damage to Shane.

"Whoah there kitten. I know what you are thinking and it wasn't
Shane it was me who told her," Matt said.

"You mister get beat tonight," Andy laughed.

"What's this about a scholarship?" Matt asked ignoring Andy's
threat but suddenly feeling very aroused.

The rest of the drive was spent detailing the scholarship,
exactly the same as Tre and DJ's, that had been given to Andy
as well as to Matt if he wanted it.  They were all expected to
work part-time at either the club or the studio while they were
studying, although work was never to interfere with their studies.
Soon they were home.

"Mom do you mind if we head up to my room for a quick nap.  Just
to wind down from the trip and to sort of take in everything you
have told us," Andy asked.

"Course sweetie.  I am sorry it all came out like it did.  I had
planned on sitting down tonight or tomorrow and taking some real
time to fill you in on it.  No decisions need to be made right
away and you can take your time to talk to each other or anyone
else you need to before you do decide.  Want me to get you up at
any particular time?" Maria asked.

"Well it's 11 now, don't let us sleep later than 1 okay," Matt
said as he looked at his watch.

"Actually honey it's only 10.  You changed time zones remember,"
Maria reminded gently.

"Oh yeah.  Okay well get us up around noon then please mom?" Matt
asked.

Maria smiled and kissed both of her boys sweetly and sent them
to bed.  The two men quickly undressed and slid into the twin
bed which was almost too small for the two of them.

"That was a lot of information too quick," Andy said as he
snuggled into the arms of his lover.

"We have plenty of time to think about it.  Rye seems to do
things pretty quickly once he decides something but I also know
he will give us as much time as we need," Matt said as he wrapped
his arms around his sweet latin boy.

"Yeah.  It all sounds about right though.  A place close to the
club and the boys.  Money to live on while I go to school.  You
can go to school if you want.  The only thing still a question
mark is if we will like Tre and DJ and I bet we will.  It was
Shane who set this all up," Andy said sleepily.

"I love you Andy," Matt said, his voice thick with emotion.

"I love all the boys and Rye and Jill, Ed and Jay.  But I am in
love with you Matt, I am in love with you," Andy said then fell
into slumber.

Matt fell asleep shortly after.

- Love Thy Brother -

"Wow this is amazing," Matt whistled as he looked at the mock up
of the new studio complex.

It sat on a table in Maria's office at the club.  It was quite
impressive set in a large park that Rye had purchased.  The land
was basically going to retain it's park like setting.  Their
were 4 buildings all total, although Maria pointed out that it
would expand in a few years as the company began to work beyond
the music industry.  The main building housed the corporate
offices and many of Rye's current business interests would take
up residence here.  The main building was 12 stories high and
looked very impressive in the miniature.  The second building
was a low single story building that sprawled behind the main
building.  This would house the actual studios and was built in
such a way that it could be expanded outward or upward with
little difficulty.  The third building was a large storage space
that would hold everything from instruments to busses.  The final
building was basically a luxury condominium complex that would
eventually house some of the permanent staff as well as act as
accomdations for talent.

"It's so big.  Where is it?" Andy asked.

Maria giggled and said with a smirk, "Right across the street
baby,"

"What?  I thought you said they were already working on it?" Matt
said.

"They are.  The park is huge and you are looking at it from the
wrong side.  The club is over on that side away from the main
offices.  From the club you still see the park and river.  The
other side of the river will be that wall of the complex," Maria
pointed it all out and watched as her sons situated things in
their mind.

"Ah," Andy finally said.

"Hey Mom you in there?  We brought a present," a voice called
out teasingly.

Almost immediately afterwards two men strode in, one carrying
a large painting and went to Maria.

"Hiya mom, look what DJ did it's fucking gorgeous," the man said
as he kissed Maria on the cheek.

"Oh hello," the other man said as he noticed Andy and Matt then
his eyes went wide as he suddenly figured out who was here.

"Oh shit," the two of them said at the same time and Andy and
Matt saw the emotions of fear and sadness fill the eyes of the
two men.  Andy understood at once.  These men were scared that
now he was home they had lost their new mom.

Andy moved forward and to the man who had kissed his mom.  He
smiled and threw his arms around the man, "Hiya bro.  I always
wanted a couple of older brothers."

Tre was stunned for a second and didn't know what to do then it
hit him and he flung his arms around Andy and wept.  Unknown to
Maria the last few days had been very stressful on Tre and DJ.
When Maria had happily announced the return of her son they had
let their fears get the better of them.  They had truly feared
that they would lose her.

Andy moved from the one man and to the second as Matt moved to
engulf Tre.  Once the hugs were over Andy went back to Tre and
held his hand.

"Better now?  Understand we are one family now?" Andy asked.

Tre nodded since there was no way he could speak yet.

"My boys," Maria said proudly and beamed at them all, then
pointing she announced names, "Tre, DJ, Andy and Matt."

The boys all smiled at each other.  Any shyness or awkwardness
was gone and there was actually a feeling of family amongst them.

"What's the painting?" Matt finally asked.

"Oh I brought this for mom," DJ said as he turned the painting
around to show a picture of Maria serving breakfast to two
partially dressed men.

"It's you guys," Andy said immediately and marvelled at the
incredible  talent of the artist.  All three people were easily
recognized.

"It's the first morning I cooked you all breakfast," Maria
smiled as she took the painting in her hands.

"I painted it for you to remind you of us in case...." DJ
stopped and looked at Andy then blushed a bit and looked at Tre.

"In case you were suddenly out a family," Andy finished and both
Tre and DJ nodded.

"It'll never happen.  You guys actually have more family than
you know you just don't really realize it yet.  There's the boys
of course who you already know.  Then there's Rye and Jill, Ed
and Jay, Cleo and Simon, Alex and Carl and who knows how many
more before next week ends," Matt smiled.

"Thanks boys I am gonna hang this in here.  Both for the reminder
of that morning and for the reminder of this afternoon.  Why don't
you all go out and get to know each other a bit.  Show the boys
the loft.  Here's the keys to the big apartment.  You guys can
take a look at it and talk about things.  It's fully furnished
why don't you all use it tonight," Maria said as she handed some
keys to Matt.

It was obvious Tre and DJ didn't understand about the "big
apartment" but they led their two new brothers out into the
club to the side of the building and up to the loft.

"You're an amazing artist DJ," Andy said as they climbed the
stairs to the loft.

"You have no idea.  We can go to our apartment later and you can
see some of his other work.  It's brilliant," Tre gushed.  Andy
and Matt smiled at the obvious pride and love in Tre's voice.

"Oh my God!" Matt said as they hit the top of the stairs and took
in the progress of the work being done on the loft.

They spent the next hour or so wandering through the construction.
Tre and DJ had been up here several times already but were still
in awe of the palatial loft.  Matt and Andy, who were familiar
with the loft before the work, were stunned.

"The boys are gonna shit when they see this," Matt said.

"You can't say anything," Tre and DJ said together as they
turned to look at Matt.

"No we know but I sure as hell want to be here the first time
they see it," Andy said.

"We are organizing a welcome back party.  There will be a friends
and family in the club, but it will be in the afternoon.  Then a
few of us will come back up here to a private party and to show
off the loft to its new owners," Tre said.

"Cool," Andy smiled.

"You guys wanta go get an early dinner and then head back to our
place and do a movie or something?" DJ asked.

"Sounds good but I think mom wants us to check out the big
apartment on the top floor," Andy said.

"Yeah what was that about?" Tre asked as they descended out to
the street.

"The top floor of your apartment building is one massive apartment.
Basically mom wants us to look at it and see if the four of us get
along if we would like to move in there together.  Once we are
back from the tour that apartment building is gonna become part
of the temporary housing for employees and guests.  They want some
people they can trust to be looking after it.  That's where we
four come in," Matt explained.

"Move in together?" Tre asked.

Matt and Andy heard something in his voice but whether it was
fear or excitement was hard to say.

"It's a suggestion only guys.  Let's go get some take out and
check the place out and talk okay," Matt said.

Everyone nodded and climbed into the car.

- Take-Out for Four -

The group headed to a local pizza shop and ordered 4 large
pizzas.  Soon they were back in Tre and DJ's apartment.

"Let's eat this now, then we can see DJ's work then head upstairs
to look at the place.  We can spend the night up their watching
some movies or stuff," Matt suggested.

"Sounds good," Tre smiled at DJ.  Matt and Andy shared a smile
as well.

"You two are so in love," Andy said.

"Yep just like you two, sickening aren't we," DJ laughed followed
by everyone else.

"So tell us about yourselves, your past, how you got here and so
on," Matt said.

Tre and DJ looked at each other and there was a hint of sadness.

"Didn't the boys tell you about us?" Tre asked.

"Some but not all.  If you don't want to talk about it it's okay,"
Andy said.

"Can we not then?  It's just that things were so bad before we met
the boys and now things are so good, well we decided that we were
really going to just forget about the past as much as possible,"
Tre said.

"I can understand that.  My own life of abuse and life on the
streets is something I don't like to think of.  It's a deal then.
For all of us our lives started when we met the boys of Westlife
and Rye.  That's all that matters to us now," Matt said.

Andy raised his pop can along with the others in toast but his
mind was numb.  Matt had been abused?  Life on the street?  Why
did he not know about this.

"Hey Matt?" DJ said as he looked at Andy.

"Yeah?" Matt answered then followed DJ's eyes to Andy.

"Abused?  On the street?" Andy asked sadly.

Andy looked ready to cry and Tre stepped in.

"Listen Andy, some of us have had a really bad shitty life up
till now.  Abuse at home or at school, being kicked out and
having to live on the street.  It all sucks big time.  But some
of us were saved and now we have wonderful people who love us,
lovers, moms, brothers, friends.  Don't let the past get in the
way of all that.  It doesn't really matter any more.  Matt is
still the man you love and his past which he wants to forget
about isn't really important in the big scheme of things is it?"
Tre asked.

Andy took it all in then smiled tentatively at Matt who looked
like he was ready to dissolve into tears.

"My life started again when Rye found me and led me to the club.
My life got meaning when I met you Andy.  If you need to know I
will tell you but it's bad and it will be hard for me," Matt said.

Andy almost threw himself into Matt's arms.

"No.  It's gone and forgotten and I don't need to know.  You are
my life and that's all that matters," Andy said.

Everyone sat silently for some time, nibbling on the pizza and
just being quiet.  Finally Andy broke the silence.

"I like what you guys did with Jill's place.  It's really you.
Is all this art yours bro?" Andy asked.

DJ blushed, whether at attention being drawn to his art or at the
endearment from Andy was hard to say.

"Yeah it's all his.  He's brilliant.  Come on into the studio and
we will show you what he is giving as housewarming gifts," Tre
jumped up.

"What WE are giving as gifts," DJ said for possibly the thousandth
time.

"Yeah yeah yeah," Tre said in amusement.

Tre had finally reconciled himself to the fact the paintings
would be from them both and that his contribution to them was of
equal importance as DJ's.  Although DJ had had to resort to tears
to finally convince him.  Tre's "forgetting" was now a game the
two played.

The four men walked into the studio and Matt and Andy were the
first to see the completed paintings for the boys and Rye and Jill.

"Oh my God!" Andy nearly shouted as he looked at them.

Matt stood with his mouth open.

After a few minutes DJ, who was getting nervous at the lack of
speech, asked, "Well what do you think?"

"I have never seen anything so beautiful.  You captured their
love.  This is from the t.v. show where Rye sang to Mark and
announced their love right?" Andy asked.

DJ finally relaxed, "Yeah."

"And this one of Shane, Bryan and Nicky?" Matt asked.

"From the cd the day before they went on tour.  They went to a
playground," Tre said.

"They are going to love it.  It captures everything about them.
Bry boy's sweetness and innocence, Boyo's protective and nurturing
nature, and Nicky Love's joy and caring," Andy said and felt
Matt's arms come around him.

"Those are their pet names?" DJ asked.

Andy nodded, "Since we started sharing with them we use them and
they use ours."

Matt tensed and Andy realised what he had said.

"Tre and DJ are actually our pet names for each other but mom has
taken to using them and now everyone does," Tre said seeming to
have missed what Andy had said.

"Ours are Amante and Gatito," Andy said hoping his slip had been
missed.

"Lover and kitten," DJ smiled.

"Why kitten?" Tre asked.

"Because he purrs in his sleep," Matt answered as Andy blushed
deeply.

"That's cute.  What did you mean by sharing?" DJ asked.

"Damn," Andy said.

"Listen guys.  We have to call and talk to the boys before we can
explain.  Can we leave it for later please?" Matt asked.

"Sure.  Come on in the bedroom and see DJ's masterpiece," Tre
enthused as DJ went bright red once again.

"Can you give us a minute please," Andy asked.

"Sure," Tre and DJ left the two alone in the studio.

- Briefly in the Bedroom -

Tre tossed himself onto the bed to look at the wall that was taken
up by the painting DJ had done of the two of them.  He loved the
painting so much.  Every time he looked at it his heart sped up,
his eyes misted and his need to be holding DJ became intense to
the point of pain.

"Wonder what's going on," DJ asked as he slid in beside his lover.

"I think they have sex together with the boys," Tre said lightly.

DJ looked at him in shock but then nodded as he thought about what
had been said.

"I didn't think the boys were like that.  They seem to love each
other so much," DJ said.

"I think there is more to it than that though.  Let's wait to let
them tell us and not think badly of any of them," Tre said.

"What makes you think there's more?" DJ asked.

"They share their pet names.  Those are names of love and caring.
You don't share those with someone you fuck, only with someone
you love.  And it was caring on Andy's part when he said the
names, you could hear the love in his voice.  Those were not the
names of fuck buddies, those were the names of loved ones," Tre
answered.

DJ thought about this briefly then smiled, "You're right.
Remember the love we saw between them on the bus.  I bet that's
it.  It's about friends sharing love.  It would be cool to have
that much love huh?"

Tre turned DJ's face to his and kissed him, "I think we will.  I
think the reason we don't have it with them already is cuz they
are a million miles away."

DJ looked thoughtful for a moment or two then he snuggled into
Tre and waited for Matt and Andy to come in.

- Back in the Studio -

"Oh Matt I fucked up so bad," Andy sobbed.

"Well yeah, sorry kitten but you did.  It will be fine though.
Chances are pretty good that Tre and DJ would have figured it out
eventually and probably will end up sharing with us all any way.
It's just that without them seeing it for themselves it's gonna
be damn hard to explain," Matt said.

Andy was quickly becoming a basket case.  Matt quickly took out
his cell phone and dialed.

"Shane?  Listen sorry to disturb you but we have a problem.  We
are with Tre and DJ and we sorta messed up and let out about us
all sharing.  Well just the word but not what it means, but we
are scared they will figure it out and, well, we just don't know
what to do," Matt came to a halt.

He listened on the phone for a long time then smiled.

"Okay boyo thanks.  Can you tell Andy you love him.  He is about
to kill himself," Matt said lightly although inside he knew Andy
was devastated.

He handed the phone to Andy.

"Hello Shane?" Andy asked, the tears evident in his voice.

"Okay Boyo," Andy quickly said.  Matt smiled knowing Shane had
told or asked Andy to use the pet name.  He watched as Andy
nodded a few times and saw the smile come back to his face.

"Thanks Boyo.  I love you to.  I can't wait to see you again,"
Andy hung up the phone.

"Okay now?" Matt asked.

"Yeah.  He said we should just try and explain as best we could
and that we may even be able to show them a bit ourselves.  Like
cuddling and stuff.  He said not to worry that once we are all
back here it will be clear to them," Andy said.

"See.  Not a big deal.  And I think we can definitely work in
some cuddle time with our new brothers tonight.  Let's go see the
masterpiece," Matt said and took Andy's hand.

Together they walked into the bedroom and saw Tre and DJ lying
together on the bed snuggled up looking at the wall.  Matt and
Andy smiled and turned and their mouths dropped.

"Oh DJ, it's so beautiful," Andy whispered in awe.

"Can, can you paint us like that?" Matt asked as he stared at the
beauty before him.

"I would love to.  It can be my gift to my two new brothers," DJ
said.

"See I told you he was brilliant," Tre gushed.

"Brother you didn't say the half of it," Matt said then turned to
the men on the bed, "We called the boys and they said we can talk
about what was said earlier.  Let's grab the rest of the pizza and
head upstairs take a look around then we can go grab some movies
or something and just hang out."

Everyone nodded and grabbed pop, chips and the two pizza's which
had not been touched yet.  They trooped to the elevator and went
to the top floor.  This floor was different in that other floors
had 4 2-bedroom apartments on each.  The top floor however had a
single massive  apartment with a beautiful rooftop garden.  It was
actually Rye's first loft although he and Jill had spent less than
2 months there.  He had soon found the club and the new loft and
Jill had decided not to move with him and instead took a smaller
apartment a few floors down.  None of this was known to the boys
however as they opened the doors.

They all stood there in amazement.  Whereas Rye's new loft was
homey, or at least that was what Rye was going for, this loft
was luxury almost to the point of decadence.  Rich dark woods,
leather furniture, crystal chandeliers and glassware it was like
out of a magazine.

"This can't be right.  They can't want us to live here," Tre said.

"Um yeah I think they do," Andy said as he picked up a note and
read out loud:

		Hi boys.  Yeah I know it's a bit much and kind of
		pretentious but what can I say I had more money
		than I knew what to do with.  I had it cleaned and
		you can keep what furniture you want.  Make it your
		own and enjoy it.  Your friend forever, Rye.  P.S.
		don't forget to take a walk in the garden."

"Shit," DJ said.

"Yeah I agree.  Are we even allowed to bring pizza in here?" Tre
asked.

"Come on guys.  I don't know exactly why he's doing it but I know
that Rye, Jill and the boys love me and Andy and they will soon
love you.  They want us to all be a family and this is just
typically Rye," Matt said.

"Yep that's what it is.  They love us and want us to be happy,"
Andy said and since both Matt and Tre had their arms full he
pulled DJ into a hug, "Love you DJ."

"Really?" DJ asked.

"Yep really.  Come on let's go see if the garden has someplace to
sit and we can tell you about Rye and the boys and the others we
share our love with.  I really hope that you can understand and
will want to share with us as well," Andy said as he took DJ's
hand and headed for the glass doors to the patio.

They opened the door and stepped out onto a narrow patio, only
about 5 feet wide.

"This can't be it, it's supposed to be a garden," Matt said.

"It disappears around that corner," Tre gestured with his head.

Everyone trooped down the pathway and turned the corner.  There
was a wooden gate with a light switch next to it and a note.

"Hit the lights then enter," It was in Maria's hand writing.

Andy who was in the lead hit the switch and opened the gate...to
paradise.  It was stunning.  Trees, full grown trees, were
scattered around the rooftop.  There was a rock face with a
waterfall that fell into a stream that wound across the roof.
A small bridge crossed the stream.  The rest of the roof was
grass and flowers.  A table and chairs were set to one side, a
little higher than the rest of the lawn and afforded a beautiful
view of the park.  Hidden lighting illuminated the garden.

"How....." DJ asked and gestured without being able to finish his
question.

"Reinforced roof, stream feeds the waterfall, rock face hides a
pump, trees I'm not sure of.  Another of Rye's little dreams,"
Matt said.

"Let's sit," Tre said as he went to the table.

The four men sat and ate in silent awe, just looking around at
the roof top and the beauty of the park below.  Finally they
finished and all just looked at each other.

"Let's go inside and look around a bit," Matt suggested.

They all trooped back into the house and spent about an hour
looking at it all.  Matt and Andy found that much of their
personal stuff, including clothing and toiletries had already
been moved into the apartment.  Tre and DJ discovered that the
fridge had been filled and that in the pantry there was a full
stock of dried and canned goods along with a freezer packed with
food, most of which was pre-prepared food made by Maria.  One of
the bedrooms had been turned into an art studio and had several
dozen different size canvasses as well as more paint than DJ
could ever use.  The fourth bedroom was empty but for a large
designer's desk (the kind with the light built into it) and a
single designer's dummy.

They all met again in the media room and sat down.

"I don't think we really have a lot of choice here.  Our stuff
has already been moved in and we saw the art room.  Really I
can't see any reason for this not to happen.  How do you guys
feel?" Matt asked.

"It's beautiful up here.  As for living with you guys, I never
realized it until it was offered, but I want someone else in my
life to love me.  For so long it was just me and Tre, and he is
my love, but I also now have a mom who loves me.  Now I have two
brothers who love me and who, it sounds like, are willing to be
more than brothers to both me and my love.  Let's get everything
else out in the open and then decide," DJ said.

Andy and Matt nodded, "Let's go get changed.  You guys go get
into shorts or pajama's and come back up.  Me and Andy will do
the same.  We can sit together on the couch, snuggle up and share
our love while we talk.  For now it's just cuddling and snuggling,
but we will explain it all."

Everyone nodded and headed out to change.

- Briefly Matt and Andy -

"I like the way the two main bedrooms face the garden and the
other two face the park," Andy said as he shucked his clothes
and slipped on a pair of boxer briefs then sat down.

"It's beautiful up here Andy.  I have no idea why Rye is doing
this for us but there is no way I am gonna turn it down unless
Tre and DJ really don't want to live with us," Matt said.

"Actually Amante, I was thinking about it and I think it's Jill
that's doing this for us.  I mean originally this was Rye's and I
guess the furniture and stuff still is, but mom said it was Jill's
building.  I think Jill is doing this for us," Andy said.

Matt stopped undressing, one leg still in his pants, and thought
about it.  It looked funny but Andy managed not to laugh.

"I think you may be right.  God Andy can you imagine living here,
you and the others going to school, being with our brothers, being
so close to the boys," Matt said.

Andy smiled.  It was funny how quickly both he and Matt had truly
begun to think of DJ and Tre as brothers.

"Put on those black silk pants Amante," Andy said.

Matt nodded and looked over at Andy, "You just wearing boxers?"

"Yeah."

Matt came and took Andy into his arms once he was dressed, "I
like them a lot Andy.  I can see us being as close to them as
to the boys, maybe closer."

"Yeah me too.  You know what else.  I can see the boys loving
them just as much.  I think we all have a huge family that just
got two new members who maybe need love more than any of us,"
Andy said.

"Shall we let them decide who to cuddle with or take the lead
ourselves," Matt asked.

"I will cuddle with Tre tonight.  I think DJ needs my big strong
Amante to hold him," Andy said.

"Andy, just like with the others.  No jealousies or worries okay.
You and I are forever, there are rules for it all and we can make
this work," Matt said.

"I know that my love.  Let's prepare the bed for tonight.  We
will all sleep in here tonight afterwards," Andy got up and began
to get extra pillows from the closet.

"You're pretty sure about things," Matt said.

"Yeah I am.  It just feels right, like it was supposed to be
this way.  Nobody is gonna be pressured but it's all gonna flow
smoothly and naturally.  Tonight we are gonna hold and kiss our
new brothers and then take them to bed with us.  There won't be
any sharing tonight but once we get back it's just gonna be
something natural," Andy said.

Matt smiled at Andy's confidence but nodded his head.  He felt
as confident as Andy did.

- Briefly with Tre and DJ -

"Are you as excited as I am about this whole thing?" DJ asked.

"Which thing, the apartment, moving in with Matt and Andy or
being alone with them tonight?" Tre asked.

DJ stopped and his face fell, "All of it.  Why do you have to
make it sound dirty?  It's just cuddling with them."

Tre could have put a knife through his chest and hurt less than
he did at that moment.

"I'm sorry my love.  I didn't mean it to sound bad.  I meant it
all but especially tonight.  I want to hug them too," Tre said as
he actually fell in front of DJ to beg forgiveness.

DJ smiled a bit then he smiled brightly again as he took Tre up
and hugged him.

"You were right, it's all about love, I just know it," DJ said.

"Why don't you wear those really nice green silk boxers.  They
look so nice on you," Tre said.

"Okay.  But only if you wear the dark red silk pants," DJ said
back.

"We will have to wear robes to go up but okay," Tre said.

"Really?  Oh Tre you are so beautiful when you wear those.  I
wonder if it's gonna be alright if we get, you know, hard?" DJ
asked.

"I hope so cuz it's gonna happen to me.  Let's just let the night
progress naturally and see how things go.  Can I ask you something
and you not take it the wrong way?" Tre asked.

"Sure," DJ said.

"How do you feel about Matt and Andy?  Do you love them?  Do you
think they are sexy?" Tre asked.

"I..." DJ began.

"Wait.  I want you to know how I feel so you can feel okay about
whatever you want to say.  I think I do love them.  As friends
and as brothers.  It's so weird.  I have never felt loved before
I met you.  And your love means everything to me.  I could have a
thousand other people love me but without you it would mean
nothing.  But then mom came along and it just opened me up.  It
didn't take away from your love but it just added to it.  And now,
there is Matt and Andy and I really feel something for them.  They
are both so sexy and I am already getting hard thinking about
cuddling with them.  But there is something else too.  It's like
they are family somehow," Tre came to a stop and looked at DJ.

DJ watched Tre during his speech.  By the time he was finished
Tre was breathing heavily with emotion and DJ was amazed at the
depth of feeling Tre had expressed.  DJ held onto his love for a
long time before they finished getting ready and headed up to the
big apartment.

- Brotherly Love -

"We're back," Tre shouted into the apartment as he and DJ headed
to the media room.

"Wow you guys look hot," DJ said as he took in the sight of Andy
and Matt.

"Okay we found a couple of movies to watch later but first let's
cuddle up and talk about some stuff.  DJ you come snuggle with me,"
Matt said as he opened his arms to DJ.

DJ looked at Tre then at Matt and moved slowly to sit next to the
big beautiful man.  Matt gently folded his arms around DJ and let
the younger man get comfortable.

"That means you and I Andy," Tre said as he slipped onto the couch
next to Andy and let Andy slide close.

"You look really nice in those silk pants Tre,"  Andy said.

"You look really sexy in those briefs.  Can we talk about this
stuff now so I know if I am allowed to be this hard," Tre laughed.

It took almost two hours of talking to discuss and explain the
relationship that was held by all the people in Andy and Matt's
life but Tre and DJ seemed to understand very easily, adding
comments every now and then that showed they truly did understand
about the love and sharing.

During the conversation all four men had been gently cuddling and
caressing their partner.  Andy had softly been rubbing his hand on
Tre's arms, while on the other sofa Matt had been gently nuzzling
DJ's neck.

"Wow that's all so wonderful.  I hope we can be a part of that
someday," DJ said.

"You are a part of it already.  Look at us.  Look at Andy rubbing
Tre's arm so lovingly while Tre gently caresses Andy's chest.
Look at me nuzzling your neck and caressing your legs while your
hands are touching me softly on my inner thigh.  We four are
already there and soon you will share our love with the others,"
Matt said.

DJ watched Andy and Tre as they looked back at him with love in
their eyes.  Slowly he turned to look at Matt.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked softly.

For answer Matt leaned forward a bit and softly kissed DJ on the
lips, not like a lover but more than a friend.

"Let's go to our bedroom.  We have it ready for us all.  No
lovin' yet just some more cuddling and touching and kissing
until we fall asleep," Andy suggested.  Slowly all four got
up and went to the bedroom.

The rest of the weekend for Andy and Matt involved them getting
to know their new friends and brothers Tre and DJ.  They did not
go past the cuddling and hugging and kissing but they were all
very passionate when they were together and after the first night
together they would all cum together, although still with nobody
touching anyone else other than their own lover.

- Farewells -

The van held Maria and her four boys.  She was pleased to find
out that they had agreed to move into the big apartment although
after moving all of Matt and Andy's stuff into the place she was
pretty sure they would.  What pleased her was that they were all
getting along so well.  She drove into the hangar and they all
got out to say their goodbyes.

"Hey Ed, Hey Jay, come meet our brothers," Matt called out to the
pair as they stepped off the plane to help with the bags.

=== CARL AND ALEX'S WEEKEND ===

The two men had been very pleased when Rye had offered them a jet
to fly them to Carl's home.

"This is great.  Everyone is so nice to us," Alex said as he
snuggled into Carl's chest.

Since Carl's breakdown the night Nick Carter had called he had
been very affectionate, finally telling Alex outright that he
was sure he was gay and he wanted to build a life with him.
Alex had cried.  They still had not gone beyond jerking each
other off but they both knew they were in love.  When Carl had
approached Alex about going to see his parents Alex was beside
himself.

"I can't believe we are doing this," Carl said.

"We can back out at any time babe.  We can tell the pilot to take
us anywhere.  Rye already said we could go anywhere," Alex said.

"No I want to do this.  I need you in my life Allie and I want
to show you off to my parents and family.  They will love you,"
Carl said.

"Are you sure?  I mean sure you are an adult now but it's gonna
be a huge surprise for them, God it was a surprise to you.  What
if they hate you or hate me?" Alex asked.

"They won't, I know it.  Have you thought any more about what Ed
and Jay said?  About you know, teaching us and showing us stuff,"
Carl asked.

"Yeah I have.  It would be kinda cool.  I can't believe they would
do that for us, include us like that," Alex said.

"I think they all want to but they want to give us time to ease
into it.  I know they want to cuddle with us.  Bryan already said
he can't wait for next movie night so he can cuddle me.  And
Shane said once they get moved into their new place and we get
moved into the apartment that they want us to come over for
regular movie nights and we can go from there," Carl said.

"It's almost too wonderful.  I love you Carl," Alex whispered.

"I love you too Allie," Carl returned then kissed Alex sweetly.

- Pick Up -

The jet touched down at the little airfield.  Carl was a farm boy
and the closest place that could take Rye's jet was about an hour
from home.  The two men descended and looked around for the ride
they were expecting.  A horn honking and a woman's voice grabbed
their attention.

"Hey Juju over here," the woman stood up in the door of the
pickup and waved her hands.

"Juju?" Alex asked.

"A nickname from when I was a kid," Carl laughed as he waved.

"Okay Juju, so much better than Carl or babe.  You will have to
tell me the story," Alex chuckled.

"Okay Allie but then you have to tell me your childhood nickname,"
Carl said as the two men began to walk to the woman.

"I will, but can you still call me Allie?  I like that," Alex said.

Carl smiled and nodded and leaned over to kiss Alex on the cheek.
Alex was shocked and stopped walking.

"I told you Allie, we aren't hiding anything here.  And besides
that is my big sister Dot and she is gonna be fine with this,"
Carl said.

Alex nodded and then his eyes opened wide as he saw the woman
coming toward them.  She was not fat, but she was big.  Big must
run in the family.  And she looked pissed.  Alex took a step
backward then another.

"What the fuck is this, you gone faggot on us," Dot screamed.

Carl's face was shocked and Alex was devastated.

"Sis, I, this..." Carl tried to get out.

"Well damn boy, at least you picked yourself a looker and a real
man.  Shit this boy is almost as big as you.  Which one of you
puts his bottom up for the other," Dot smiled and grabbed Carl
into her arms.

Carl however was now royally pissed, he threw Dot off of him.

"Jesus Christ Dot what the hell was that about.  Do you have any
idea what this is like for me and what you just did to me and
Allie?  Goddamit I just thought I lost my sister and destroyed
the man I loved and it was a joke?" Carl roared.

Dot, obviously not having thought through her actions, looked
devastated herself.  Alex stepped forward and touched Carl's arm.

"Baby.  It was a joke, a bad joke, but it wasn't meant to hurt.
Look at me," Alex said softly but also in a way that demanded
attention.

Carl pulled his eyes, full of rage, from Dot and looked at Alex.

"Love me?" Alex asked and smiled as Carl's eyes softened and he
began to breathe regularly.

"Yeah, still love me?" Carl asked.

"Always," Alex smiled and kissed Carl lightly on the lips.

"Even after meeting my asshole sister?" Carl asked but there was
humor there this time.

"Even after meeting your asshole sister.  As punishment you get
to tell me all the most embarrassing stories about her and she is
not allowed to tell any about you.  Okay Dot?" Alex said finally
turning to look at the woman.

Dot finally smiled again, although cautiously, and held her hand
out to Alex, "That's a deal."

They all headed to the pick up truck.

"So first things first.  Tell my about the nickname Juju and how
he got it," Alex asked.

Both Dot and Carl laughed.  Alex was seated in the middle between
the two and Carl had his hand on Alex's leg.  Dot looked over at
them and smiled when she saw it.  Yep Dot was not gonna be a
problem, Alex thought.

"When he was about 9 and I was 13 he loved those little black
jujube's and went into town and spent his entire allowance on
them.  He came back with a bag full of them, had to be about
100 or so," Dot began.

"125 of them actually," Carl filled in.

"He ate em all that night.  He was sick the entire night, never
touched em again.  But we all called him Juju after that," Dot
finished.

"Still can't stand em.  Even the smell of them can turn my
stomach," Carl added.

"Well boys we got about an hour so fill me in on things.  This
is quite the surprise," Dot said.

"First I want to ask you something Dot.  Honestly do you think
everyone is gonna be okay with this.  I know Carl says it will
be fine, but I keep expecting a real reaction like your little
joke," Alex asked.

"Sorry about that again.  No that won't happen for real.  Let's
see.  Dad won't say much but he will be fine.  He is very quiet
Alex so don't mistake his quiet for dislike or anything.  Dad is
a farmer but he is a true romantic.  He reads poetry and writes
it too.  I have seen him read a poem and cry while doing it,"
Dot said.

"God I should have done this for you Allie.  Talked about everyone
like this and told you about them. I'm so stupid," Carl slapped
his forehead.

"Don't say that Carl," Dot said with some anger, "You aren't
stupid.  If you didn't think of this it's just cuz you're more
nervous than you care to admit."

Alex found this an interesting little exchange and put it aside
to talk to Dot about later.

"Okay, then there's mom.  Carl has always been her favourite.
Mainly because he is the youngest but also cuz he was sick for
so long," Dot said.

"Sick?" Alex asked.

"Leukemia when I was a child," Carl answered.  Alex's eyes opened
wide but he just nodded.

"Mom you can win over in a lot of ways.  But as long as she can
see you two are in love that's all that will really matter, and
boys you ain't gonna be able to hide that at all," Dot chuckled.

"Who else is at home?" Carl asked.

"Everyone," Dot said evasively.

"Who's everyone?" Carl asked sitting forward now and for the first
time actually looking a little nervous.

Dot sighed, "When you called and said you were coming home and
bringing a friend well mom just went all mom...you know.  Everyone
is here.  Derek and Abby and the kids.  Sam and Joel and the kids.
Everyone Carl.  The entire family is here."

"Oh Christ," Carl said and sat back with a groan.

"Umm, how many people is that and who are they all?" Alex asked.

"Our brother and sister and their families.  Two uncles and their
families.  Three aunts and their families.  Two old family friends
and their families," Dot said then thought for a bit, "All together
there will be about 60 of us."

Dot looked over at Carl with a sympathetic look on her face.

"Wait, stop the truck." Alex said and when Dot looked at him he
said it again, "I mean it stop the damned truck."

Dot pulled over to the side of the dusty road.

"Get out of the truck Carl and walk with me," Alex ordered.

Carl complied and they walked to a fence just off the road and
away from the truck.

"This isn't what you wanted baby," Alex said, a statement not a
question but Carl shook his head no any way.

"Let's go back then Carl.  Dot can explain how you were ambushed
and this has hurt you," Alex said.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this.  It was just supposed to be
my sister and mom and dad.  To ease into it," Carl mumbled.

"I know my beautiful lover.  So let's jump back on the plane and
go find Ed and Jay.  They said we could join them at the farm.
They have horses," Alex said enticingly.

Carl laughed then straightened up and looked at the truck where
Dot was sitting watching them.  She smiled hesitantly at him.
He turned to look at Alex.

"Allie I love you," Carl said for probably the hundredth time
since they had gotten on the jet.

"I love you too Juju," Alex said with a smile as he used the new
pet name.

"I wanted to see mom and dad so much and show you off to them.
You are so beautiful and I wanted them to meet you," Carl said as
he let a tear escape.

"My love.  I will do whatever you ask of me.  If this is too much
too soon for you, and it is a lot to expect from anyone, then we
can leave for now and come back and do it gradually.  Like you
wanted.  This many people around it's just too much to ask you to
do.  Your family should have known better.  But if you want to go
on, I will be there with you each step.  There is no wrong answer
here Juju.  You aren't gonna be smaller to me if we leave, you
aren't gonna be braver if we go on, I am not gonna be upset or
disappointed in whatever you choose to do," Alex said.

"You would stay with me and face all those people?" Carl asked.

Alex's heart nearly broke.  His big strong man seemed so small.
Carl was the more dominant in their relationship but in the last
few days, the emotions that he had been experiencing had forced
him to rely heavily on Alex.  Alex was perfectly fine with this
but was looking forward to when Carl was back in control.  For
now though, Alex would give Carl the love and support he needed
in whatever way he needed.

"I will stay with you to face a thousand relatives, now let's go
meet the clan," Alex said as he stood and offered his hand to Carl.

The two men got into the truck and told a worried Dot to drive on.

- Home On The Range -

"Well there it is," Dot said and Alex looked out the window.

"Shit it's huge," Alex said loudly.

"Yeah yeah now none of your sex talk.  Besides I've seen Carl and
I know he ain't that big," Dot laughed loudly.

Before Carl could respond Alex said, "Yeah well you need your
eyes checked sis cuz this boy is packing big time."

"Allie!" Carl said in surprise.

"Juju!" Alex laughed loudly and cupped Carl brazenly.

Dot was in near hysterics, she loved this guy her brother had
found.  They pulled up to the gates of the ranch and Dot stopped.

"Last chance little brother.  Gonna face the clan or take your
man and go make love in the sunset," Dot said with only a hint
of a smile.  It was meant to be a joke but she was also seriously
giving Carl one last chance to back out of this mess not of his
own making.

"Let's go," Alex said and kissed Carl then did his best John
Wayne, "Wagons ho"

Everyone laughed and Dot drove on.  There were cars and kids
everywhere.  But everything seemed to stop as the truck rolled
up to the front door.  A crowd gathered and Alex looked out at
the huge house, if it wasn't a ranch he would have called it a
mansion, as the doors opened and a man and woman descended.

"Mom and dad," Carl said softly.

Carl took a deep breath and opened the door and got out.  He
turned back to the truck and held out his hand.  Alex smiled
and took Carl's hand in his and stepped out.  Carl didn't
release his hand as they walked up the steps to meet the parents.

Alex heard the whispers around him but kept his eyes up as he
looked at Carl's parents.  He could see the surprise in both
their eyes but nothing more.

"Mom, dad.  I'm really happy to be home.  I missed you all.  I
want you to meet Alex.  He is very special to me and I love him,"
Carl said.

"Sir, ma'am," Alex said softly.  Behind him was silence, he was
sure that he heard a cricket fart somewhere.

"Welcome to our home.  You have to call me mom.  Now come on in
and I'll show you two to your room.  This is so much more
convenient.  We can shift some of the kids to the room we had
set aside now that you two can share a room," Alice, Carl's mom,
said.

"Welcome to the family boy," Leon, Carl's dad, said as they passed
into the house.

Outside the yard erupted into kids squealing as their games began
again, and adults talking as the spectacle moved indoors.  If
Alice had not kept them both moving they would have stood there
in shock.

"Billy you grab your cousin Danny and move your stuff into the
room we had for Carl's friend," Alice said to a young man about
sixteen.

"How come we got a room now?" Billy asked as he fell in behind
the group.

"Cuz me and Alex can share a bed," Carl said.

"Oh cool, you good friends or you gay?" Billy asked.

"Both actually," Alex answered.

"Cool.  Wish I coulda brought Jesse but he couldn't get out of
some family thing," Billy said with deep emotion, obviously
missing Jesse.

"You can bring Jesse round before school starts.  Now go grab
your stuff or I'm giving your room away," Alice said lightly.

Billy went to grab Danny and get their stuff together to put in
the now free room.

"So Billy is gay?" Carl asked.

"Yep came out about a month ago.  He's got a real pretty one.
Little bit girlish but nice as can be," Alice said as she
trudged up the stairs.  Alex briefly wondered if they were
going to end up in the attic.

"You are pretty cool about all this mom," Carl said.

"You had me figured for one of them spiteful parents who would
kick you out and quote scripture while doing it?" Alice asked.
She hadn't said it in a mean or accusing way, simply a question.

"Not really.  But you read so often about how a parent who
seemingly loved their child turned on them.  I prayed you would
be understanding but honestly no, I wasn't a hundred percent sure,"
Carl answered.

"You sure shocked me.  Honestly after being with Juju I had
pretty much figured you would be accepting but you surpassed my
expectations by so much I don't know whether to laugh or cry,"
Alex said.

Alice stopped in front of a door and turned to the two men
standing in front of her.

"Yep well just a couple of months ago I wouldn't have.  Things
changed.  I'll let Billy tell you about it.  By the way he lives
here now.  Let me just tell you both straight out.  I used to be
one of them bible thumping hypocrites and I woulda turned you
away at the gate.  Lot's happened since then.  I can say right
now with my hand to God I love you both and I know God loves you.
You ain't doing nothing wrong and you are free to be yourselves
here in our house.  That means you can hold hands and kiss just
like any other couple.  Anything beyond that I expect you to be
discreet and keep it to your room, just like I would of anyone
else, even the married ones," Alice announced.

"And maybe you could hang out with Billy and talk to him.  I know
he acted very calm about you two being gay but I bet his mind and
heart are bursting with questions," Leon added quietly.

"Well we can talk but honestly since all Juju and I have done is
kiss and some, erm, manual stimulation....I don't know how we can
help," Alex said and missed the deep blush from Carl.

"I doubt Billy needs instruction on how to jerk off or how to blow
his boyfriend.  I think he does need some instruction on the
difference between sex and love, and the way you two are so
obviously in love, I am giving you the job," Alice informed the
two men.

Both Alex and Carl were near speechless at Alice's language.  She
laughed at the looks on their faces.

"Learned it from a book.  No use talking to a kid about sex if
you aren't gonna use their language and no sense not being a
hundred percent open and honest.  Things just get left out that
way.  Leave your embarrassment at the door is my new motto,"
Alice declared.

For no reason he could think of Alex stepped forward and hugged
Alice tightly.

"Thanks mom.  It's so good to be home for the first time," Alex
said.

"There there son.  You go freshen up a bit and come down and relax.
Nobody will pester you amongst the adults but the kids are gonna
be all over ya," Alice said as she released Alex and Carl saw in
her eyes that Alex had won her heart when he had called this
his home.

Carl stepped forward into his mothers arms while Alex surprised
Leon by hugging him tightly.

"You got yourself a real keeper there Carl.  He would walk through
the fires for you," Alice whispered to her son.

"I know mom.  I love him so much," Carl said.

"And he's sure easy on the eyes," Alice chuckled.

"You have no idea mom.  I am gonna get him into the pool later
today and you will see what God really meant man to look like,"
Carl boasted.

Alice chuckled again and with her husband behind her left the
two men at the door to their room.  They opened the door to
their room for the weekend and entered.  It was actually quite
nice.  It was a third floor room that looked out onto the back
yard.

"You have a pool!" Alex exclaimed excitedly.  Carl smiled
realizing he would have no trouble getting Alex into swim
trunks to show off his body.

"Yep, it's olympic size and there are two diving boards.  Derek
was in swim all through high school and college and they put that
in during his second year in high school," Carl said as he began
to unpack both of their bags.

"People are already swimming," Alex said and you could hear the
desire in his voice.

"You want to go swim baby?" Carl asked.

"Can we?  It looks like just kids right now," Alex asked, clearly
wanting to be in the pool but not wanting to make some sort of
social faux pas.

"Did you pack a suit?" Carl asked knowing full well he hadn't
since he had just unpacked Alex's bag.

"No," Alex said and the dejection in his voice was easily heard
and Carl thought there was a little tremor.

"Look baby," Carl said as he held up a baby blue pair of swim
trunks.

"Woohoo," Alex yelled and picked Carl up and swung him around.

"Let's get changed and go for a dip," Carl said.

- Pool Party -

It was like a scene from a movie but Alex didn't notice.  Carl
did.  He couldn't have planned it better if there had been a
script.  He had bought a pair of baby blue swim trunks for Alex,
not speedos but not baggy either.  They rode low on his hips and
were almost like a second skin.  And the way they hugged Alex's
bubble butt was almost too much for Carl.  Alex was incredible.
Carl had a pair of emerald ones to match and though he didn't
know it he was just as incredible as Alex.  As they walked through
the house in their suits with towels draped over their shoulders
people paused and watched them and the house went silent.  Some
unwittingly followed the pair outside, drawn like a moth to a
flame.

The two men were exquisite.  Beautiful to look at.  Men and women
drew their breath in as they looked on them.  It was not a
delicate beauty like Jamie, nor was it a sexual beauty like Mark
or Bryan, and it was not an otherworldly beauty like Rye.  This
was a rugged male beauty.  It was exactly as Carl had described.
This was what God meant man to look like.

As the two moved to the pool they finally started to notice the
silence that surrounded them and how everyone stopped to look at
them.  Alex turned and saw the people that had followed behind
them.  He became uneasy and moved closer to Carl.

"Juju?" he asked softly.

"Don't worry my love, they are drawn by your beauty.  Come on
let's play," Carl said and pulled Alex the final few feet to
the pool then gently pushed him in.

When they surfaced the world was back to normal.  Those who
had followed had seated themselves around the pool and begun
conversations but continued to steal glances at the two Gods
come to walk amongst them.  The kids were all over the two men.
They wanted to squeeze muscles and asked to be picked up and
thrown and begged for the men to watch them as they did dives
into the pool.  Both men watched and played with each child who
approached them, always with smiles and laughter.  They didn't
know it but they had become every kid's hero and got many
appraising looks from parents who left their child in the care
of the young men.

"Hey guys, you two look hot," Billy said as he swam over.

"No the water is nice Billy," one of their much younger cousins,
also named Alex, said.

"You're silly Alex," Billy laughed and tickled his cousin then
picked him up and tossed him into the water.

"Why'd you do that for?" little Alex asked pretending to be mad.

"You looked hot?" Billy suggested.

"I think Billy looks hot don't you Allie?" Carl asked.

"No. Get away from me.  Help two big guys are trying to drown
me," Billy yelled and tried to make it to the edge of the pool.

He wasn't quick enough of course and soon he was being held by
Alex and Carl.

"What do you think we should do to him Alex," Alex asked little
Alex.

"I think we should make him jump from the high diving board,"
Little Alex said.

"No no anything but that," Billy hammed it up.

Carl played the role and marched Billy up the ladder to the
diving board.

"Should I throw him off or make him dive Alex?" Carl shouted
down.

"Pick him up and jump off," Little Alex shouted up and clapped
his hands.  He was sitting on Alex's shoulders at this point.

"You ready?" Carl asked Billy as he lifted him into his arms.

"Yep let's go stud," Billy said as he wrapped his arms around his
cousin's neck.

Carl stepped off the board and fell the 12 feet into the pool
making a stupendous splash.  They both came up to the gleeful
laughs and applause from the two Alex's.

The group played the rest of the afternoon away and soon became
inseparable.

- After Dinner -

Dinner had been an experience.  Everyone had eaten in shifts and
it had lasted several hours as people mingled, laughed, joked and
ate.  Finally people had started to slow down and relax for the
evening.  Little Alex and Billy ended up in an upstairs lounge
watching cartoons with Carl and Alex, well little Alex was
watching cartoons the rest were just lounging.

"Can you hold me?" little Alex asked to Carl.

"Sure come on up," the boy curled up on Carl's lap and snuggled
in.  Carl placed a kiss on the boy's head and rocked him softly.

"Can you hold me?" Billy asked of Alex.

Alex was going to laugh but he saw the look in Billy's eyes and
realized the teen needed to be held.

"Sure buddy," Alex held out his arms.

"I'm too big for your lap but maybe you can just put your arm
around me," Billy said as he moved to Alex.

"I'm pretty strong, I think you can sit in my lap Billy," Alex
said.  He had heard the desire in Billy's voice, the need, to be
held like a child.

Billy carefully sat in Alex's lap and let himself be held.
Without warning the tears started to fall and his body was
soon wracked with great sobs.

"Shhh.  It's okay little one," Alex softly cooed to the hysterical
teen.

"Alex.  Billy needs to be with us for a bit okay?  Why don't you
run to bed and we can play more tomorrow," Carl said as he set
the little boy down.

The little boy looked at Billy sobbing on Alex's lap and went
over and kissed him.

"I think you will be better soon.  Next time we won't play so
hard.  Mommy says when you eat lots and play in the pool you
get sick.  Next time we will wait an hour like mommy says," Alex
then left, convinced that Billy was just sick from playing in the
pool too soon after eating.

Alex continued to hold Billy and Carl had moved so that Billy's
legs were now draped across his lap.  Carl rubbed Billy's legs
and feet as he listened to Alex talk softly to him, words of
comfort and love.

A soft knock on the door and it opened to reveal Alice.  She
looked in and saw the scene then just smiled softly and nodded
to Carl and Alex as she closed the door and left the three men
together.

"Why c c couldn't they l l love me?" Billy finally got out.

"Your parents?" Alex asked which brought a nod of the head and
more wails from Billy.

"I don't know Billy.  It's not right that's what I do know.
You're a great guy.  You're sweet and smart and honest and a
good person.  I know all those things from just one day with
you and there must be so much more to you.  I don't know how
someone can turn you out like that," Alex said.

Billy's story had been related to the men by Dot.  Billy had
been caught with Jesse in a private moment and they had kicked
him out of the house that instant.  There had been no violence,
no swearing or yelling.  The parents had simply gone cold and
told him to leave.  He was not allowed to get anything that
belonged to him.  Thankfully, Jesse had taken him to his house.
Jesse's parents were told and far from being surprised at their
son's admitting to be gay they seemed quite unperturbed.  What
had upset them was Billy's situation.  Billy had not known what
he was going to do when the phone rang.  It was Alice.  Apparently
Billy's parents had started phoning relatives telling them that
he was not their son.  Alice and Leon had made sure that anything
that was Billy's he got from his house and had since then taken
legal custody of Billy and had disinherited his parent's.  Still,
the emotional trauma was almost too much.

After almost an hour had passed Billy was drained emotionally and
physically as well.  Alex lifted the listless boy and had went to
his and Carl's bedroom and lay him down.

"You get to stay with us tonight," Carl said as he gently
undressed the boy.

"I'm really tired.  I don't think I am up to fucking tonight.
But tomorrow will be okay if you can wait," Billy said.

Alex and Carl froze at his words.  Carl would later tell Alex how
much he loved and admired Alex for what he did next.

"Billy honey.  We are not going to have sex with you, now or
ever.  There are so many things wrong with what you just said.
First, neither Carl or I are ready for sex.  And when we are it
will be just the two of us.  You are too young for us, you are
also related to us.  You are in a shaky emotional state.  Billy
tonight you can just sleep with us and let us hold you, as
brothers, okay?" Alex had said calmly.

"Yeah okay.  Sorry.  I thought that this meant we were going to
fuck.  Isn't that what gay guys do together?" Billy asked sleepily.

"Some do I suppose.  But not us.  Let's wait till the morning
to talk more okay?" Carl said.

They got Billy down to his boxers then Alex left for the bathroom
while Carl went to find his mother.

"Yes honey?" Alice said as he opened their bedroom door.

"Billy is a mess.  He is going to be spending the night with us.
I just wanted you to know where he was," Carl said.

"Okay Carl.  Be careful with the boy," Alice said.

"Mom we aren't going to molest him.  He's a kid for Christ's
sake," Carl said heatedly.

"Did you hear me say anything about you molesting him?  Get your
head out of your ass child.  I know the difference between being
gay and being a pedophile.  What I meant was be careful with him,
he is right on the edge of a complete breakdown and I think that
only you and Alex can pull him back," Alice responded, remarkably
calm despite what Carl had suggested of her and her own words.

Carl hung his head.  He felt like an idiot.  "Sorry mom.  Alex is
so much better at this than I am.  You should have seen him when
Billy asked if we could wait until tomorrow to fuck him.  I was
so shocked you could have knocked me over with a feather.  But
Alex just calmly explained we won't be having sex with him ever
and that we would talk about it tomorrow."

"Alex is a wonderful man.  You both have your own strengths.  I
called Jesse's family and Jesse is flying back tonight.  He
should be here tomorrow early morning.  Maybe all four of you
can sit and talk," Alice said.

"Thanks mom.  Guess I will head back now.  I have a little
brother needs my love," Carl said.

"Carl," Leon said softly.

"Yeah dad?"

"You got yourself a good man in Alex," Leon said.

"I know dad," Carl smiled.

"But Alex got himself a good man too.  You are a fine young man
son and we are both very proud of you," Leon said.

Carl was suddenly choked up.  He moved further into the room and
took his father in an embrace.

"Thanks dad.  I had a great role model," Carl said thickly.

"Okay off to bed with ya.  We will see you sometime tomorrow.
But you spend as much time as you need with Billy," Alice said
as she accepted her son's embrace.

Carl went back to his room and entered to see Alex already in
bed and Billy snuggled up closely to him.

"The little sneak took his underwear off while we were gone.
Says he can't sleep with clothes on.  So we are all naked tonight.
Come on in, he is asleep already," Alex said softly.

Carl smiled and shucked his clothes.  He climbed in and pulled
himself in close to his cousin.

"This is going to be embarrassing in the morning," Carl said.

"For us maybe, not for him.  When I climbed in he had a hard on
already, said his little speech and helped me off with my boxers
before pressing himself into me.  It will be fine," Alex said as
he felt Carl's arms come around Billy and rest on his stomach.

The men fell asleep like this, so close you couldn't tell where
one body ended and another began.  None of the men woke up when
the door opened and Alice looked in on them.

"Bless em.  Please God be with my boys, all three of em, and help
heal Billy," Alice prayed softly as she shut the door.

- Early Morning Love -

Carl, Alex and Billy were woken up quite early by a body throwing
itself onto the bed.

"Morning," a voice said brightly.

"Jesse?" Billy said, coming quickly out of his sleep.

"Hey beautiful," Jesse said as he kissed Billy sweetly.

"What are you doing here?" Billy asked excitedly as he hugged
the young man.

"Gramma called and said you needed me here so here I am.  And
what do I find but you in bed with two gorgeous hunks and naked
I bet too," Jesse smiled.

"Yeah pretty cool huh, come on and get naked in here with us,"
Billy invited happily.

"Now wait just a minute," Carl said but Jesse was quickly
standing on the bed undressing and then under the covers with
Billy on one side and Carl on the other.

"So what's this all about?" Jesse asked.

Billy sighed and turned away a bit.

"Billy has been feeling pretty bad about his parents and stuff.
It just all got to him when he was hanging out with us.  By the
way I am Alex.  Carl there is my partner," Alex said but missed
the blush of excitement and happiness in Carl's face.

"That's Carl my cousin and this is Alex my new cousin.  But they
are better than that.  They are my friends and brothers and they
love me," Billy stated.

Alex pulled himself close to Billy and kissed him on the shoulder.

"So we having sex?" Jesse asked.

"Okay let's have a talk guys.  First let's just clear it up right
now.  Carl and I will never have sex with you guys.  We can cuddle
and snuggle and maybe be a little more intimate but that is as
far as it will ever go.  Now we all have erections at the moment
but we aren't gonna be doing anything about it, not even jerking
off together," Alex said.

"Yeah guys.  I mean all Allie and I have ever done together is
kiss and rub against each other.  We are taking things slow
between us so aside from the obvious age and relation thing, it
just ain't gonna happen," Carl added.

"You guys haven't had sex?" Billy asked in surprise.

"Not yet.  What have you guys done?" Alex asked.

"Well we have sucked each other and I let Billy fuck me," Jesse
announced.

"Jesse!" Billy said in shock.

"Okay guys.  Let's talk about some stuff.  I want to tell you how
me and Juju feel about stuff.  It's not right or wrong or the only
way but it's how we feel," Alex began, "Jess you said you let
Billy fuck you,"

"Yeah," Jesse nodded.

"Not make love to you?" Alex asked.

"What's the diff?" Jesse asked.

"Were there any emotions or feelings with it or was it just
getting off?  Are you fuck buddies or boyfriends?" Carl asked.

The boys were silent for a long time till finally Carl asked.

"How come the tears Jesse?" Billy turned to look in surprise at
Jesse.

Jesse wiped his eyes and shrugged.

"Come on Jess you can tell us.  I think it's important that you
do," Alex encouraged.

"I didn't want to lose him so I let him do me," Jesse said very
softly.

"What?" Billy asked sitting up to look at Jesse, surprise very
evident in his voice.

"So how do you feel about Billy?" Alex ignored Billy for a moment.

"I love him so much," Jesse said immediately.

"So you moved faster than you should have, or you wanted to, so
you could keep him," Carl stated.

Jesse nodded and Carl pulled himself close to the boy and held
him gently.

"That wasn't really fair to you or to Billy.  But I can understand
why you did it so don't feel bad.  A lot of people have made the
same mistake," Alex said.

"Me and Allie decided to move slowly.  We love each other, but
have only really admitted to it recently.  A relationship based
on the physical is pretty much doomed to fail.  Someone cuter or
bigger or younger will come along.  A relationship based on love
and friendship will last forever," Carl said and blushed as Alex
smiled at him.

"So we did it wrong?" Billy asked.

"Not wrong no.  But I think you missed a few steps," Alex answered.

"How do we fix it?" Jesse asked.

"Again don't think of it as fixing it.  I think I gave you the
wrong impression.  It's not a bad thing you are having sex, you
just have to move from having sex to making love.  It's a mental
shift," Alex answered.

"Billy how do you feel about Jesse?" Carl asked.

"I love him too.  I don't know why we haven't said it before,"
Billy said then lay down with his head on Jesse's chest, "I love
you Jesse, I really do,"

"I know you do, I love you too.  How come we never said it before?"
Jesse asked.

"I think maybe your sex drive was overpowering everything else,"
Carl suggested.

"What am I gonna do," Billy asked in a very small voice that
quavered with emotion.  Everyone knew what he was talking about.

"You and Jesse continue to love each other and let it grow and
mature.  You realize that there are people who love you.  Gramma
and Grampa, me and Juju, Jesse's parents and of course Jesse.
You don't stop being together you just bring the rest of your
relationship up to par. You talk to each other and share
yourselves entirely with the other," Alex answered.

"You can always always talk to me or Allie guys.  While it's true
that we can't help you out with like the physical stuff, we can
always be there to just talk," Carl said.

"Now let's do something together.  We are all hard but let's show
our lover how much we love them.  Let's just bask in our love,"
Alex said.

"How do we do that?" Billy asked.

"Here we will show you," Carl said as he crawled over the two boys
to lay next to Alex.

"Wow that was fun.  That's a nice dick cuz," Billy giggled.

"Smart ass," Carl giggled.

"This seems weird," Jesse said.

"You will love it, trust me.  Now just watch us," Alex said.

Alex pulled Carl to him and Carl shuffled around a bit until he
was comfortable.  His head rested on Alex's chest tucked under
Alex's chin.  Alex's arm held him close while his other arm
rested on Carl's hip.  Carl had moved his one leg to rest between
Alex's legs.  Underneath the covers their feet rubbed together.

"Love you Allie," Carl whispered.

"Love you Juju," Alex responded.

They continued to hold each other, softly touching the other
person's body but never sexually.  They would every now and
then place a kiss on the other's body and murmur something
softly to the other.

"That's amazing," Jesse whispered in awe.

"Yeah.  We've been doing it wrong all this time," Billy said
then looked at Jesse and his eyes softened, "Let's find our own
place."

The two young men shifted around a bit, placing themselves
together until they were both comfortable.  Jesse was laying
partially on top of Billy, his head nuzzled into Billy's neck
his arm lay across Billy's chest so that his hand could gently
stroke Billy's hair.  Billy had one leg thrown over Jesse's leg
and both his arms held Jesse protectively, one near Jesse's
shoulder the other in the small of Jesse's back.

"Love you," Billy whispered.

"Love you back," Jesse said softly.

The four men lay there in bed, together but separate in their
love.  Nobody moved much when there was a knock on the door and
it opened to reveal Alice.

"How are things going?" Alice asked.

"We're good.  I know that I have people who love me and even
though I might forget sometimes and I feel sad cuz of my mom
and dad I have you and grampa and I have Jesse and I have my
two cousins and best friends," Billy said.

"And we are learning how to love.  We have been having sex but it
turns out we have been missing out on so much cuz we forgot about
love," Jesse said.

"That's good babies.  Now you all can stay in bed for a little
bit more, but I think once Alex and the other kids are up maybe
you should get dressed and get up.  You could lock the door but
they will just keep knocking until you get up," Alice suggested.

"Is it okay we are all here like this?  I mean naked and all?"
Billy asked.

"I know you boys aren't doing anything wrong.  And you and Jesse
need some role models of a loving gay couple.  And if you become
....more intimate...well as long as nobody gets hurt and everyone
consents then I don't have a problem with it," Alice said and
blushed a bit.  Carl wanted to say something since that was the
first time he had ever seen his mom blush but decided now wasn't
the time.

The rest of the weekend flew by.  The days were spent laughing
and playing.  Carl and Alex became a true couple that weekend,
being seen and accepted by their family holding hands and kissing.
The kids loved Alex and Carl and could be seen following them
around or hanging off of them any time of the day.  The evenings
and nights were spent with Billy and Jesse in the upper floor
lounge.  Together Alex and Carl helped Billy and Jesse change
from a purely sexual thing to a loving caring relationship.  They
cuddled and snuggled and even did a little kissing but never went
farther than that.  Jesse and Billy ended up sharing the bed with
Alex and Carl the weekend although for the rest of the nights each
couple held each other.  Billy had another breakdown one night
after a bad dream but was soothed back to sleep by the gentle
caresses and soft words of love from both Jesse and Alex.

When it was time for Alex and Carl to leave there were hugs and
tears all around.

"You boys come back and visit again soon when there aren't so many
people around.  Just to relax and be together," Alice said as she
hugged her boys.

"You did a good thing with Billy and Jesse.  I'm so proud of both
of you," Leon said simply as he took his turn hugging the men.

"This is for you," Little Alex said as he handed a picture he had
drawn to Alex.

"Wow thanks," Alex smiled as he looked at it.  Carl looked over
his shoulder at the picture and wondered what it was.

"You know what it is?" Little Alex asked, obviously aware that
grownups didn't have his artistic understanding.

Alex kneeled down and pointed out the things on the picture.

"This is Juju holding Billy just before they jumped into the pool.
This is you on my shoulders in the pool.  And I think this must
be Jesse flying overhead on his way back to see Billy," Alex
explained.  He didn't look up so he missed the dumbfounded looks
on the faces of the rest of the adults.  But Little Alex was
beaming.  He threw his arms around Alex and hugged him.

"You got it right, you are just like me," Alex said.  You could
hear the absolute adoration and awe in the young boys voice.

"Yep.  You know Juju calls me Allie cuz me and him are special
friends.  I think from now on you can call me Allie and I will
call you Lexie.  How about that?  It means you and me are special
friends too," Alex said.

"Yay!  Is it okay if Carl and Billy and Jesse call me Lexie too?
But just them cuz I love them," Lexie asked.

"I think that would be fine.  We will see you later okay Lexie?"
Alex said and hugged the little boy.

"Okay.  Mama says I can email you cuz she has your addy and she
will show me how.  She says I can mail you once a week on Fridays
and tell you all about my week," Lexie gushed feeling very special.

"Okay buddy just remember to give us a couple days to respond in
case we are working and can't answer you right away," Carl said.

"Okay, bye Juju, bye Allie," Lexie hugged both men again.

"Ready to roll guys?" Dot asked.

"Yep let's head out," Carl smiled as he once again took Alex's
hand in his.

They rode to the waiting jet and boarded.  Once they were airborne
Alex turned to Carl.

"That was the best weekend I have ever had.  I am so glad we went,"
Alex said.

"Yeah it was great.  Wait till everyone see's our surprise," Carl
giggled as he settled back and closed his eyes for the flight.

"Juju, I talked to Dot about something.  Don't ever let me make
you feel stupid or ever think that I think you are stupid.  A
learning disability is hard to overcome and I am so proud of all
the work you did and of the man you have become," Alex said.

"I wish she hadn't told you," Carl sighed.

"Why?" Alex asked.

Carl shrugged, "I just don't want to be less to you,"

"You weren't listening to me my beautiful strong man.  You are
not less to me, you are actually more to me.  To miss a year of
school because you were sick, and to have a learning disability
and still manage to graduate on time and with honors, God Juju
you amaze me," Alex said as he brought Carl's hand to his lips
and kissed it softly.

"Love you Allie," Carl smiled.

"Love you back Juju," Alex sighed.