Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 12:13:06 -0500
From: mem@eurekanet.com
Subject: Unconditional Love, chapter 3

Hello everyone, just a quick reminder that the only ones in this story that
are actually gay is Trevor and myself. If you are under 18 you can only
read this if you have a really good fake i.d.

Thanks to everyone that has emailed me. It may be awhile before chapter 4
comes out, as the move to Chicago is actually happening. A special shout
out to JC, thanks for everything dude. I have the ending formulated in my
head (it is still a long ways off) but the middle is open to suggestions. I
want to add a drunken slut to the story, so I am leaving it up to you the
readers to decide who it will be. Just email me with any celebrities name;
any votes coming from Florida will be recounted, just to make sure you got
it right.

Stories I think are worth your time to check out:

Search and Rescue            Lottery Winner
Lance in Shining Armour      Model Romance
Jason and JC                 Nick and the Altos
Retreat                      Beneath it All
The Fragile                  My surprise Romance
Route 66                     Just Together
My New Life                  Anypath
Studio in the Country        Interludes
Hold the Pickle              Anything by Billy Burrew
Jamies Romance               Anything by Kenitra

Just remember I made this all up, well most of it. Anyone reading this who
thinks they know me drop me a note. Email me at mem@eurekanet.com or icq
37279278. Now on with the story....

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Unconditional Love, Chapter 3

Sunday October 15, 2000

"GOOD MORNING MARKYPOO" James was yelling as he woke me up.

"Don't talk so loud, I have a headache" I replied.

"That will teach you to drink" James said.

With that our day started. James showered first, followed by me. Holly had
a great breakfast prepared for everyone. It looked like an army was
eating. All told she cooked for nine people, impressive considering she
hated to cook. James and I soon departed we had about a three hour drive
ahead of us. We were going to "GOD'S" country as James put it. We were
going to see my moms family and spend the night with my Aunt Sis. I let
James drive and quickly regretted it. We pulled up to my aunt's house in
little over two hours, he had trimmed nearly 45 minutes off the trip. My
aunt came running out of the house as soon as we came to a stop.

"Mark so good to see you again, I see you brought a friend"

"Aunt Sis, this is James Bass, James this is my infamous Aunt Sis"

"Hello James, why don't you boys come on in"

James was in awe as we entered the house. My aunt and uncle had renovated a
burned out hunting cabin into a palace. Every where you looked in the house
something caught your eye. Sis was busy preparing dinner and Uncle Jack was
reading his paper. I showed James around the house. From the front porch
you over looked a valley and the view was breath taking. I always go there
this time of the year to see the leaves. We walked all over the hill. I
showed James the outhouse built for two and told him that it was still used
as needed. As we returned to the house I noticed everyone else had
arrived. We were going to have dinner with Sis's three kids (and their
kids) and two other uncles. I warned James about that the younger kids
would proably know him. We entered the house quietly and heard them talking
about us.

"So who is this guy Mark brought with him?" my cousin Kathy asked.

"All Holly would say is that he is a good friends of Mark's, and that we
might know him."

"What is his name?" Barb (the oldest of my cousins) asked.

"James Trout, no thats not it, James... James Bass, yeah thats it"

"That sounds really familiar, are they dating?" Jackie asked.

"Not that Holly knows of" Sis replied.

"Your right, his name does sound familiar, James Bass, just can not put a
face with it" Barb said.

By now James and I were just rolling with laughter. Once again people
assumed we were an item. I mouthed the words 'lets have some fun with them'
to James. We crept up the stairs to plot a game.  We decided that James
would call the house, posing as a dj, and tell them that if they could name
all the members of Nsync (first and last names) they would win a thousand
dollars. James went into the bathroom to place his call and I went to the
kitchen to be a distraction.

"Mark, where is James at, the girls are dying to meet him?" Sis inquired.

"In the bathroom, he should be coming any seco.. ring ...ring...

"Hello" Sis said answering the phone.

"Hi, this is Bouncing Bob McCallister, from D100 radio, if you can give me
the first and last name of all five mombers of Nsync you will win $1000,
you have one full minute and anyone can help you" James said.

"Girls quick name the members of the group Nstink" Sis demanded.

Jackie started, "Joey, JC, Justin....

"No, I need first and last names"

"Ok, lets see there is Joey Fatone... Barb stated

...And Joshua Chasez... added Kathy

...JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE... shouted Jackie

I need to add someones name "Christopher Kirkpatrick"

"Only one more to go and you have the $1000" stated James.

"Oh, I know it, it's on the tip of my tongue, ...Lance Bass" exclaimed
Jackie.

"Sorry, Lance is his middle name, if you hold the line we can get your
address so we can send you a consolation prize" James said.

At that moment I heard James coming out of the bathroom. "James what is the
first name of Lance Bass of Nsync?"

As he started into the kitchen, he replied "If I remember right, his name
is James Lansten Bass."

"That would be you wouldn't it" Jackie squeaked out.

"Yeah that would be me" James said as he picked up Jackie's hand and kissed
it.

"Mark, you know Lance Bass, when did you start rubbing elbows with world
famous singers?" Kathy inquired.

"No, I know James Bass, I know no more about Lance Bass than you do." I
stated.

"Would you care to translate that to english so we can understand what you
said?" Barb asked.

"Ok, I met James before there was a Nsync, Lance is the performer side of
James, the part of him that deals with the public side of his
business. James is the personal side, the private side. James is the side
you will get to see today."

"Are you?" Jackie asked pointing between us.

"Nope" we both said in unison.

"Just had to know"

We sat down to a wonderful meal. James seemed really relaxed with my
family. They just treated him like they would anyone else's friend. We
finished dinner off with homemade pumpkin pie. That afternoon we decided to
walk up the hill to the family cemetary. I showed James the grave of my
grandparents. We walked along the road for a few miles just talking
enjoying the open air.

"Mark, this place is wonderful, I have to come back sometime."

"Nothin stopping you, I am sure my aunt would enjoy your company."

"I know the rest of the guys would love a little r&r up here."

"Well I am starting to get cold, we should head back soon."

"Here take my coat, I have a sweater on."

"Thanks, now this is all the ammo they will need, by the time we leave in
the morning, we will be married with 2.1 kids."

"Your not joking, your whole family is trying to get us together"

"Well they will get their wish tonight, cause if I counted right we will
have to share a bed again."

"Thats fine by me."

We returned to the house to find everyone chatting in the living
room. James and I sat close by the fire to warm up. We flipped coins to see
you got the guest house that night. James and I won the the toss, but I do
not call it winning, the little kids had bunkbeds in the guest house. After
about 30 minutes of horsing around we got the kids into bed. James and I
crawled in to the bed and instantly started to chat.

"Mark, where is the restroom at?"

"Well, you have one of two options, either you can walk around the house to
the out house, or just open the door and piss (that is what I do when I
stay here)"

"You have a really great family, the treated me like James, I really
appreciated that."

"I am surprised that they acted so well behaved, especially Jackie, did I
tell you she met Justin and JC once"

"Nope, when?"

"It was before we first met, she auditioned for MMC, she was called back,
but the show was canceled"

I slowly drifted off to sleep. A few hours later I woke up freezing. James
was crawing back into bed.

"Why is it so cold in here?" I asked.

"Power went out, I carried the kids to the main house, your aunt sent us an
extra blanket and said something about snuggling to keep warm." James said.

"Ok then, scoot your ass over here Mr. Bass." With that we both fell into a
deep sleep. I woke up early the next morning with James still in my arms. I
layed their a few minutes, thinking how nice this was. Then it hit me like
a brick, I had fallen for him. Then I heard giggeling from the doorway. I
could sense that James was wake and whispered to him "Just go along with
me".

"Oh James you are so fucking tight!" I said as I started to hump him.

"Oh Mark, harder fuck me harder" James shouted.

"I wish we hadn't waited this long, this is so great I am fucking an
international pop star and my cousin Jackie is watching" I said as I
bursted into laughter. "That my dear cousin will teach you to spy on us."

"Just wanted to see if our plan had worked" she said.

"What plan?" I asked.

"Oh the plan where we turn off the electric to see if you guys would
cuddle."

"We did, And I would like to thank you, it felt nice to wake up in such
nice strong arms." James stated as he leaned forward and gave me a kiss on
the lips. "Well I am off to shower". I along with Jackie sat there stunned.

We showered and ate breakfast. James asked my aunt if he could bring the
group here for a weekend. She said it was ok, as long as they behaved as we
had (perfect gentlemen). He assured her they would. We said our goodbyes to
everyone. No one ever bothered Lance, who greatly appreciated it. When we
got to the truck he grabbed some cd's and signed them and took them back to
pass out. Then we were off. We were going to see my Aunt Juby and to go to
my mom's grave. I decided to drive, so that James could enjoy the beautiful
scenery that West Virginia has to offer. We arrived at my aunts
house. Since my aunt was 80 I knew James would be safe. We were treated to
a nice lunch, afterwards we retired to the livingroom to talk. As like all
the rest of my visits as soon as I sat down I turned on MuchMusic (I had
always told my aunt that the loud music would blow the dust out of the
speakers).

"Mark, would you and James mind taking me to the store?"

"Aunt Juby, I do not mind, but I think James would be better off staying
home."

"Why's that?"

"Well, he is sort of famous."

"I am a member of a really popular pop group."

"Which one? He looks to be to young for them Beatles."

"I perform with the group called Nsync"

"Never heard of them, you can't be to famous then."

"James, just put on your disguise and come with us."

"Ok, but if I get spotted it is every man, woman, and child for themself."

James donned his disguise and off to the store we went. James went off by
himself searching for some of his favorite snacks. My aunt and I strolled
around the store, stocking her up on the basics. We rounded one aisle to
see a giagantic Nabisco display staring back at us. Right on top of the
display was an oversized picture of Nsync. I nudged her in the side and
pointed to the picture.

"That does not mean he is famous."

"Ok I will prove it to you."

I went in search of Lance. I found him trying to decide on blueberry or
chocolate poptarts. I got him to follow me to the display. Almost as if I
set it up there was a woman there with her kids.

"OH MY GOD YOUR LANCE BASS." I shouted. I stood back and watched, it seemed
to be in slow motion. First James looked at me with the 'I can not believe
you did that look'. Then the kids looked at him and then to the picture on
the display. Then the request started. After about 15 minutes he had signed
about a hundred autographs.

"I take back everything I said, you do seem to quite well known."

"Told you so." I said.

"So what are you doing hanging around low life like my nephew then?"

"People like him help to keep me grounded?" James said with a giggle.

We finished shopping and took my aunt back home. We spent the evening
visiting some relatives that lived close by. That night as we were getting
ready for bed I could sense that James was a little uncomfortable with the
arrangements.

"James, is there something wrong?"

"Yeah, what will your aunt think with us sleeping together?"

"That we are two guys who are sharing the only available bed, plus I do not
think she comprehends homosexualality."

"Why would you say that?"

"Well, a couple years ago I told her I was gay and she thought I meant I
was REALLY HAPPY."

"You're kidding, right"

"Nope, and at her age I could not explain what I meant." I said as I turned
off the light "and be prepared to get up early"

It did not seem as if the light went out before it came back on.

"Boys time to get up, breakfast will be ready in five minutes."

"What time is?" James asked.

"6:30 I think."

"God, it's to early to be up."

"Well if I know her, she will have some chores lined up for us after
breakfast, I get to shower first this morning"

And was I ever so right. We busted our butts all day long. We cleaned out
gutters, painted porches and stored away lawn furniture. It was a really
mild day so by noon we were down to just our shorts. God what an amazing
body he has. He was not the buffest guy I had ever saw but he was quite
alright. His perfectly smooth skin glistened with sweat. We finished up our
work list and showered in time for our supper. We went to bed early that
night.

"James, you asleep yet?"

"Yes."

"Haha smartass. I wanted to apologize for you having to work today"

"Mark it was no big deal, I really enjoyed it, and it wasn't that hard of
work anyway."

"Well then let me thank you for your help. We better get to sleep 6:30
comes early."

Boy did it ever, and I felt sore. We ate breakfast and showered. We said
our goodbyes to my aunt and left. We were going to stop at the cemetary on
our way back to Holly's house. When we got there I asked James to stay in
the truck for awhile. I made the trip out on to the hill like I had many
times before, shaking from the inside out. I sat down next to her stone and
cleaned the grass off of it.

"Mom alot has happened since we last talked. I really do not where to
start. I have decided to move to Chicago. It is a great opportunity, I
really liked the area up there, and it will get me away from here. Mom, I
really wish you were here so we could discuss this. When they called to
tell me about my interview I almost picked the phone up and called
you. God, everyone said it would get easier with time, but I miss you more
today then the day you died. Pixie still misses you, she spends hours
looking out the window, I just know she is waiting on you to come
home. Mom, there is something else, do you remember James? Well I ran into
him again and we have become great friends. You will never believe this,
but he is gay. The last thing you asked of me was for me to be happy, well
he makes me happy, very happy." I had said all that while sobbing. "And
guess what mom, I think I have fallen for him."

"And I know I have fallen for you." James said as he sat down beside me.

"How long have you been there?"

"Long enough, don't get mad at me. Holly warned me about how you get when
you come here and I care too much about you to let you stay out here all by
yourself."

"See what I mean mom? He really is great."

"And she most have been great, she did raise you to be a truly caring,
loving, and sincere son."

"James, she was not only great but she was the best. I only wish you two
could have met."

"This is really wierd, your mom got you to out yourself to your family and
now she got us to admit we love each other."

It felt nice when I heard James say he was falling for me but when I heard
the word LOVE cross his lips I know my heart skipped a beat. I grabbed
ahold of his hands.

"So does this make us boyfriends?" I asked.

"Yes, but we can not make this public, only our friends and family can
know."

We walked back to my truck, hand in hand. I felt as if I was the king of
the world. I had my first real boyfriend. As we were driving to Holly's we
discussed the other bandmates. I had pretty much pegged most of the
personalities.

"Get out of here, there is no way JC is gay."

"He said that himself until he met Jason"

"And Joey and Christina, I pictured them to have totally opposite
personalities"

"They do, but that is what makes them click. We call them the Bickersons"

"And by what I have seen of Chris in interviews, I had decided Dani was his
imaginary friend"

"Nope, she is as real as you and me. I consider her a very close
friend. You will come to like her."

As we pulled into Holly's driveway, I noticed several familiar cars
there. I wondered what was going on.

"James, please tell me they are not having a going away party for me."

"Ok they aren't, I think it is for me."

"That's it, you are officially the smart ass of the group."

"Just act excited, Holly went out of her way to make this a special night
for you."

"She has tried to spoil me ever since mom died, I just do not want to cry
in front of all these people."

I came to a stop and hesitated to get out. James gave me those sad puppy
eyes that no one could resist. As I started to open the door to her house I
felt James take my hand into his. I opened the door and entered.

"SURPRISE" everyone shouted.

I put my happy face on and mingled with my guest. Holly invited everyone I
knew and a few I didn't (I would need to ask her about that). I told her if
she really wanted to surprise me she shouldn't of had everyone parking
along her street (she does have an occassional brain fart). I saw Trevor
there, but no sign of Justin. Come to think about it, where the hell had
James went off to. Why did it seem as though everyone was trying to avoid
me. Something was up, but I could not put my finger on it.

"Holly, who are those two people over there on the love seat?"

"Some people Justin met."

"Holly, you know you can not lie to me, who are they?

"All Justin said was that they were some friends of his."

"Ok then where is Justin?"

"With Trevor"

"No there is Trevor, and guess what Justin isn't with him."

"Well if you really want to know who they are just go and ask? And what is
going on between you and James?"

"He is my boyfriend."

"Oh Mark I am so happy, I am glad you told me that away I will not be as
shocked to see you kissing as I was with Trevor and Justin."

"Now your changing the subject, and as far as Justin and Trevor (that was
upto them to tell). And please do not tell everyone about James and I. Now
I am going to find out who our mystery guest are." I said in an upset
tone. I walked across the room to see who crashed my party.

"Hi, I am Mark and you would be?" I asked sarcasticly. They both looked at
each other before the female answered.

"I am Dani and this is Jason"

"So that means that JC and Chris are here. And if four of the guys are
here, I would say it is safe to assume Joey is here as well."

"Yes he is here, and I guess you should also know that he brought Christina
here." Jason said as we shook hands.

"Why are they all here?"

"Justin wanted to do something to thank you and your family for thier
hospitality." Dani said.

"I take it I am not suppose to know am I?"

"Nope you are not to know, Lance only found out when you arrived. Speaking
of Lance, is there a story between you two?" Jason asked.

"No, not that I no of, but James is my boyfriend?"

"What do you mean by that?" Dani inquired.

"That I fell in love with James Bass, not Lance Bass of Nsync."

"Well then congratulations. I take it then that you know I am with JC and
that Dani is with Chris" Jason stated.

"Yeah, James filled me in on everything. I just always fiqured that
Brittany would be with one of the guys."

"She is, she is Justin's beard. She is here somewhere. Her and Christina
came along because they are also on the Oprah special"

"Everyone can I have your attention please, will the real slim shady please
stand up, just kidding . If everyone could come out side I have arranged a
special thank you for Mark and Holly for being so kind and curtious to
James and myself these last few weeks." Justin announced.

We went out to the deck, at one end Justin had set up a make shift stage
(ok it was some cinder blocks and a sheet of plywood). The guys proceeded
to sing accapella versions of 'Sailing' to which Holly informed me that
Christopher Cross had sang it better and 'This I Promise You'. Justin then
did a solo of 'I Drive Myself Crazy'. I looked over to Trevor who had the
biggest grin ever. I had never saw him that happy. After Justin sat down
next to Trevor, James began to speak.

"I recently heard that someone here is a closeted Madonna fan, and that his
favorite pop song is 'Crazy for You'. Having got the words only a few
minutes ago I will probably butcher this song, just be easy on me."

Swaying room as the music starts Strangers making the most of the dark Two
by two their bodies become one

I see you through the smokey air Can't you feel the weight of my stare
You're so close but still a world away What I'm dying to say, is that

I'm crazy for you Touch me once and you'll know it's true I never wanted
anyone like this It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss I'm crazy
for you, crazy for you

Trying hard to control my heart I walk over to where you are Eye to eye we
meet, no word at all

Slowly now we begin to move Every breath I'm deeper into you Soon we two
are standing still in time If you read my mind, you'll see

I'm crazy for you Touch me once and you'll know it's true I never wanted
anyone like this It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss I'm crazy
for you, crazy for you

It's all brand new, I'm crazy for you And you know it's true I'm crazy,
crazy for you

'I love you' I mouthed to him. Anyone with a half a brain would have been
able to tell that he was singing to me. Pretty soon the party wrapped
up. Christina and Brittany helped Holly clean up. James introduced me to
the rest of the group. JC whispered a threat into my ear about hurting
him. The group had been there most of the day so Trevor and the kids
already met them.

"Looks like we have two new spouses in the group." Christina said as she
and Brittany joined us.

"Spouse, I like the sound of that" I heard Trevor whisper to Justin.

"So how did you guys meet each other?" Brittany asked.

"Well James we should go first. About five years ago I was running in the
airport in Fort Wayne, and I ran into this really good looking kid. The kid
ended up being yours truly Lance Bass. Ended up that we were on the same
flight and seated next to each other. We chatted about our future plans and
seperated at the airport." I said.

"Then two weeks ago I was in the airport at Indianapolis, and ran into
Mark. Fate, it seemed had put us both on the same flight and seated next to
each other again. We chatted about the last five years and agreed to have
dinner. I then convinced Mark to let me come home with him and to help him
pack his stuff up so he could move to Chicago." James told.

"It took an intervention on behalf of my mother to get us together."

"Mark, I hate to be rude, but your mom is dead" Justin stated.

"I know she is Justin, she was always playing matchmaker. You see, James
and I stopped at my mom's grave and I told her I had fallen for
James. Unknown to me was that James was standing behind me and heard every
word I had said."

"That's mom for you, she even got Mark to out himself to the whole family."
Holly said.

"Trevor and I started chatting about a year ago in a boyband chat room. I
never thought he would believe that I was the real Justin so I told him
everything that was happening to us. hopeing he would think I was just
anyone else with an over active imagination." Justin said.

"Then last Sunday, when I saw Justin, everything just clicked. I knew that
it was him that I had been chatting with for the past year. I was already
in love with him and had never met him."

"Oh ain't that special." Joey said.

"Guys we should really head to bed, James and I have to leave early, I plan
to visit some friends tomorrow on our way to Chicago." I said.

"What is everyones transportation plans to get to Chicago?" James asked.

"Brittany is going with Trevor and Justin; Chris, Dani, Joey, Christina are
flying out on Friday; and Jason and myself were hoping to catch a ride with
you two." JC stated.

"That's fine with me, we have plenty of room in my truck. You two should
stay here tonight so we can leave early in the morning." I informed them.

"That's ok with us if Holly will let us." Jason said.

"Fine with me as long as you make your bed before you leave." Holly said
with a slight chuckle.

"We are going to go to Cincinnatti tomorrow then onto Chicago on Friday. I
have been promising the kids at the 'Home' that I would stop by. It will be
nice to see Brian and Kevin again." Justin told us.

Holly and me showed everyone out. She walked me over to her porch swing and
forced me to sit.

"Mark, you need to tell the kids about you and James, and while you are at
it tell them about JC and Jason." she said.

"What do you mean tell them about JC and Jason?"

"I may have been born at night, but not last night. They are mature kids,
they can handle it. Plus you guys will feel more comfortable when you
visit."

"Ok, but I will need to discuss it with the guys first."

"Mark, I will miss you. Just remember I am only a phone call away."

"Sis, am I doing the right thing. I really did like it there. Plus it will
be easier for James to visit me there."

"It is the right thing for you at this time, it may not be in a year, but
you can always cross that bridge when you get there."

"I am getting cold, let's go in and have some hot cider."

We went in and fixed hot cider for everyone that was left. We went to the
livingroom to find JC and Jason sitting across from each other. From what
James had told me I picked up that being GAY was new to them. They were
still nervous with any PDA. I knew my nephews and Kristen would have no
problem with it. It had to be obvious that James and Justin had serenaded
me and Justin and they had said nothing. I decided to be brave, I sat down
next to James (you could not fit a piece of paper between us) and held his
hand.

"Two down three to go" Kristen said.

"What do you mean?" Brian asked.

"Mark and James are holding hands, so that means they must be together. I
hope that after what I saw Justin and Trevor doing, they are together. So I
was wondering if any more of them are gay." Kristen replied.

I looked at James who looked at me and then we both looked at JC.

"Just one more" he mumbled.

"I knew it, pay up Jason. I pegged you two as soon as you arrived." Kristen
said as Jason handed her a $10 bill.

"But how?" was all Jason could muster.

"My gaydar is pretty good for a str8 13 year old female." she said leaving
us all rolling.

"Well I think I am ready for bed." I said as I got up.

"I think I am to." James said, just a little over excited.

We raced up the stairs. I went to the bathroom and James headed to the
bedroom. I quickly showered and slipped into my pjs. When I returned to the
room James had already turned the bed down. I am patted him on the ass as
he was leaving the room. I went over to Jason's cd collection and put on
his Marshall Mathers cd.

"You like Madonna and Eminem, you do have a sick and twisted mind." James
jokingly said.

"Yeah I like most music, except for that over played buble gum pop that
seems to dominate todays radio."

"Hey I resememble that comment"

"I like your music to, I just have a wide range of taste."

"Holly won't have a problem we us sleeping together, now that we are
boyfriends?"

"No, as long as sleeping is all we do. To be truthful that is all I prefer
to do for awhile."

"Mark that is all I want to do. There is something you should know."

"What?"

"Well you are my first boyfriend."

"You are also my first. I mean I have dated but never a relationship."

"Mark, there is something else."

"What?"

"I am a vir..."

"No way, get out, I am to."

"You are. What about that girl in Fort Wayne?"

"I was saving myself, hopefully for you."

"We do need to get to bed."

"Ok"

We crawled into bed. We were lying face to face. I reached up and stroked
James' face.

"You are truly the most beatiful person I have laid my eyes on." I told
him.

He then leaned forward and kissed me. Our first real passionate kiss. I
felt light headed when we broke. He then rolled over and snuggled back into
my arms. Damn did this feel so right. I looked up towards the sky and said.

"See mom, I told I would be happy one day"

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That's it for chapter 3. Chapter 4 should be out in a few weeks. Chapter 4
will take place over the two day road trip to Chicago. It will focus on
building a friendship between James, Mark, JC, and Jason. Any suggestions
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to Madonna for letting me use your
song(hehehe). JC your gift is in the mail.