Love on the Rocks

Love On The Rocks -- 39

This story contains sexual situations between males. If material of this nature offends you then you should not read this story. If you are under 18 years of age you are probably not legally allowed to read this story. This story is purely a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons living or dead, or to events that may have occurred, is purely coincidental. The author claims all copyrights in this story and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed (except by the web sites to which it has been posted) without the consent of the author.

Getting Scruffy to go to bed in the laundry proved much more difficult than I thought. I figured that if Ty had been sleeping on the couch these past weeks, Scruffy had become accustomed to sleeping on the floor near him. With Ty away from home and me suddenly back in the house, he obviously wanted to stay close.

"OK Scruff," I conceded as he lumbered past me into the bedroom. "You can sleep in here tonight but if you tell George, I'll have you neutered."

I undressed and sat on Ty's side of the bed. I picked up the framed photo of the two of us at the farm at Christmas, decked out in our Batman and Robin costumes and adopting our classic Gotham City poses. How happy we were when that photo was taken and how secure I felt then in our loving relationship.

It also raised another question I'd never considered. Ty was already a famous and much-loved Australian icon when I met him, and tonight's major accolades from the music industry only served to increase his hero-like status. Hidden away from the world in our fancy house, I don't think Ty had any real concept of just how much he was now part of the Australian celebrity landscape.

For the first time, I asked myself whether the fact he was Tyson Hill' had anything to do with my falling in love with him? I'd like to think I opened my apartment door that day and just saw a gorgeous guy whose face made me go weak at the knees, but the fact is I knew when I opened the door I was looking at Tyson Hill'. Not only that, I was a big fan. In fact his album was playing on the stereo when he came knocking.

I slipped into bed, settled on Ty's side, and pondered that thought for quite a long time. I came to the honest conclusion that if I'd answered the door that day and Ty had been a serviceman named Joe who'd been sent to check the air conditioner in my apartment, I'd still have seen `my kind of guy' and gone weak in the knees. Would I have still wanted him to kiss me? You bet.

Before I turned off the lamp, I picked up the photo one more time. It made me smile and it cemented two thoughts in my mind; that I loved my curly-headed Robin with my heart and soul and that I wanted us always to be as happy together as we were in that Kodak moment.

I slept well but woke early. Poor old Scruffy obviously needed to answer nature's call but because he'd not learnt how to use an en suite, I had to get up and open the balcony doors for him and wait for him to lumber back inside. It was only 6:10a.m., but I was awake, so the percolator and the television were switched on.

As I sipped my coffee, I watched Sky News and caught their `capsule' report from the ARIAs, which featured a lot of footage of Ty, both on stage and in the audience. He radiated ebullience and I wondered briefly whether his family questioned the change in his disposition?

No time to dwell, though. I showered and dressed, fed Scruffy and Floppy, and gave some thought to what I should do in preparation for the onslaught of the Hills. I jumped in the car and headed for the shopping strip where I picked up scones and cakes, figuring morning tea would be appropriate.

I stopped at a patisserie for a coffee and croissant and above the clank of dishes I managed to hear one of Ty's morning radio interviews. I returned to my car via the newsagent and picked up the local, interstate and national daily papers, knowing they would all carry ARIA news reports. I intended to tear out the relevant pages and present them to Dot. They might be a peace offering should I need one.

At home I put the food on platters, located George's multi-cup electric urns and fired them up, laid out crockery and cutlery, prepared tea pots, put milk in its jug and sugar in its bowl. All the while Scruffy sat in the middle of the floor watching me, his head cocked to one side. "Don't know about you," I said to him, "but I'm a bit nervous." Scruffy just wagged his tail. I wished it was that simple ...

The screech of car brakes in the driveway made my pulse accelerate. I moved to the foyer quickly and hoped I wouldn't be seen as I looked through the blinds. The car in the drive was Scott's and I could see Lachlan trying to find a spot to park his Mazda in the street. Twenty seconds later, when the front door opened, I was back in the kitchen pretending to be busy.

The door opened and I heard the gasp before I saw Scott. "MIKE!" he cried. "Fuck! Oh shit! Jesus!"

I laughed and held out my arms as Scott darted across the room and literally wrapped himself around me.

"Oh man!" he chattered excitedly. "Fuckin' hell!"

I only had time for a quick hug before he disentangled himself and ran from the room shouting, "Lachie! Ellie! Quick! Mike's here! QUICK!"

I walked into the lounge room to be confronted with an awkward-looking Simon, suddenly aware he was alone with me. He walked over and extended his hand. "It's good to see you Mike," he said, not quite looking in my eyes.

I sighed. "I don't want to shake your hand Simon," I said.

His awkwardness accelerated as his arm dropped to his side. "Oh. Um ..."

"A hug might be nice though," I said and after a moment's hesitation, he walked up to me and let me wrap my arms around him. "It's good to see you too, mate," I said.

I heard thumping on the porch steps and suddenly Lachlan was looming large in the room. "Mate!" he thundered. "Is it fuckin' good to see you or what?"

Simon made a quick jump sideways as Lachlan grabbed me and hugged the breath out of me. "Does Ty know you're here?" he asked.

"Yeah, I've been home for a couple of days."

"Man!" he grinned. "This weekend just gets better and better! So you and Ty are back together?"

"Well," I hesitated, as George walked into the lounge carrying bags of baby things. "I'm back here for now. Ty and I have to work things out." I didn't have to look at George to know he rolled his eyes.

Ellie walked in carrying matching babies and handed one to her husband and one to me before leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. "You're doing the right thing," she whispered in my ear. "You've both gotta realise how right you are for each other."

I almost dropped Roddy when I heard Scott yell from the porch, "Steve! Fran! Quick! Mike's come home! Quick, hurry!"

Steve was through the door as quickly as Lachlan had been and was as enthusiastic as his boss. "Mate?" he asked. "I wasn't expecting this?"

I shrugged. "You were right," I grinned. "He fuckin' loves me. And I love him!"

"And we all lived happily ever after," sighed George, who'd suddenly appeared with food. "Anyone for cake?"

All through my family welcome, Scott was running around like a toy bunny with an Eveready battery up its arse, unable to curb his enthusiasm. When he heard another car pull up outside, he was bouncing out the front door again.

"Mum! Dad! Mike's here! He's come home! Quick Mum, Dad can carry everything!"

For once, Dot must have heeded her youngest son's urging. She hurried through the front door, stopped in the doorway of the lounge, and clamped her hand over her mouth before walking towards me with her hands outstretched.

"Michael," she said with tears in her eyes. "Oh Michael ..."

I bent and hugged her as she rubbed my back and whispered, "It's so good to have you back. You don't know how much I've worried about you and Tyson. He's a good boy, you know. I don't know what got into him for him to do what he did ..."

I pulled back from the hug and looked Dot in the eyes. "It's OK, Dot," I assured her. "Ty and I have some work to do, but I reckon we're gonna be OK. I'm glad I'm home."

Dot turned as Frank walked in draped in suitcases and carry bags. "Look Frank," she beamed. "Michael's here. He's come back!"

I looked at Frank and immediately sensed the same awkwardness I felt when I first saw Simon. "Hey Frank," I smiled as I extended my hand.

Frank shook it and said, "Hello Mike, nice to see you."

There was no time to dwell on Frank's subdued reaction to seeing me as Ty leapt up the steps and bounded into the lounge room. He walked straight up to me and we hugged.

"Congratulations mate!" I enthused. I wondered about the appropriateness of kissing him, which I desperately wanted to do, but I was spared the decision when George suddenly appeared in the room carrying a tray laden with cups and saucers.

"Tea's ready!" George chirped and suddenly we were doing brunch. I was about to reach for a cup of tea when Lachlan leaned in and extracted Roddy from my arms.

"It's time for their feed," he said, looking at Ellie. She groaned.

"Do you need some help, honey?" Lachlan asked helpfully.

"Help?" Ellie sighed.

"Expressing," Lachlan smirked. "If you're tired, I don't mind ... you know, squeezing your boobs to get the flow happening. If it might help?"

"Lachlan!" Dot gasped.

"Sorry Mum!"

As the day moved on, I got to talk to most of the family and explain in some small way the reason I had been absent from their lives since I left the farm. Ty stayed by my side until his family's initial surprise gave way to Hill family relaxation.

I was in the kitchen opening a bottle of wine when Scott wandered in. He was grinning as he walked up and grabbed me in a bear hug.

"I love you Mikey," he said as he clung tight. "Not as much as Ty does of course ..."

"I love you too mate," I assured him. "And hey, you and Simon? That's all good?"

"It's great!" he bubbled. "Better than it ever was."

Lachlan strolled through the door with two wine glasses that needed refilling. "Hands off," he hissed at his younger brother. "He's already got a Hill boy ..."

By early afternoon, the lateness of the previous evening was taking its toll on the family and it was George who suggested that perhaps everyone would like a "nap" before dinner at 7:00.

Dot disappeared first with Ellie, to help settle her grandsons. Lachlan exited next, followed by Steve and Fran and finally Scott and Simon. I started to clean up but George was quick to intervene. "Shoo!" he said. "There's a multi award-winner who needs you ..."

"To stroke his ego?"

"No sir," George sighed. "Unless it was his ego making that nasty tent in his jeans!"

I gave George a quick hug, told him to wake us at six and headed for the bedroom where I found Ty going through his luggage. "Hey!" I said but he ignored me as he kept rummaging, emerging finally with a pointy- ended trophy. "This one's for you mate," he grinned as he handed me his ARIA award for Best Male Artist.

"Really?" I asked, touched.

"Yeah, really!" he said. "It's yours. The rest of them are mine though!"

We undressed and slipped into bed in our boxers. I reached for Ty and pulled him to me. I kissed the top of his head as I positioned him for sleep, but he resisted. He turned to face me and before I could speak he'd pressed his lips against mine. He was tired, for sure, but I realised he wanted to `celebrate' and that meant we'd be making love. Fine by me!

Ty had said yesterday that he was looking forward to coming home and letting me polish his trophy and as I slipped his boxers over his hips and wrapped my hand around his trophy, I was about to show him the true meaning of a polish ...

We were still asleep when George knocked on the door to let us know it was 6:00p.m. I had just propped myself up on a couple of pillows when Scott glided into the room and scooted under the doona next to me.

Ty, lying on his side facing us, opened his eyes. "What do you want, asshole?" he sleepily asked his brother.

"Just checking that Mike's still here!" Scott smirked.

"He's still here!" Ty grumbled. "Now fuck off!"

The sharp "Tyson!" we heard called from the hallway alerted us to the fact that Dot was up and about.

"Sorry Mum!" Ty called back, as Scott folded his arms in defiance. Before Ty had time to object, a yawning Lachlan wandered into the room in his boxers and singlet, scratched himself and crawled into bed next to Ty.

"Jesus!" Ty groaned. "I wanted to sleep some more ..."

"It's not morning, mate!" Lachlan chuckled. "We've still got dinner to go and George is doing roast lamb! Mum's making gravy!"

Ty reopened his eyes, wider this time. "What's for dessert?"

"Whaddaya reckon?" Lachlan laughed.

The next person through the door of the master bedroom was Ellie, dressed in a short toweling robe and carrying two very wide awake little boys in her arms.

"How did I know you'd be in here Lachie?" she sighed, shaking her head. "I need to have a shower so I'm leaving the boys with you. These are the rules -- no holding them upside down, no throwing them in the air, no playing `catch' with them and no giving them coffee. Do you understand?"

"Yes" we all mumbled.

Ellie undid their rugs and placed the boys on the doona between us and they immediately started kicking their legs and wriggling around, enjoying being unconfined.

When Ellie had disappeared, Lachlan asked, "She didn't say anything about not taking their nappies off, did she?"

"Nope!" said Scotty.

"Then check this out, guys!" he laughed as he leaned forward and unsnapped their nappies. The minute they were bare, their tiny hands reached for their penises and they gurgled as they pulled on their foreskins.

We chuckled as we watched them, fascinated by their instincts. We were still engrossed when Dot appeared in the room.

"You boys aren't getting the babies all worked up are you?" she asked accusingly.

"No Mum!" giggled Scott. "They're getting themselves all worked up!"

Dot leaned over to look at the twins and sighed. "You boys were exactly the same as babies. Couldn't keep your hands off yourselves!"

"Nothing much has changed with Scotty!" Lachlan roared.

"Hey!" Scott objected.

Dot started, "Lachlan, you'd better put their nappies back on, before ...", but it was too late. With a look of undisguised relief on his face, little Roddy (or was it Matty?) suddenly started pissing everywhere and we all had to jump back to avoid being sprayed.

"Some more washing for the hired help," tutted George who'd suddenly appeared, followed by a freshly showered Ellie who also tutted.

"Seriously Lachie," she sighed. "You're supposed to be an adult!"

Lachlan pouted. "They love it when their nappies are off, sweetheart," he argued. "Look at them. They're so happy!"

"Men are always happy when they're bare from the waist down, you clown!" she laughed as she scooped them up and whisked them back to the change table in the room she shared with her husband.

"Dinner is less than 30 minutes away and you all need to be dressed," George announced as he reached out and pulled the doona off us.

I was suddenly aware Ty and I were naked in front of Dot and I almost slipped a disc as I sat forward to cover myself.

Dorothy tittered. "It's alright Michael! It's not anything I haven't seen before!"

As George swept from the room he snorted, "You're right Dorothy. It looks like what you've seen before, only smaller ..."

Despite my embarrassment, the old man once again made me laugh. "Hey George!" I called out. "We don't require your services any more!"

"Thank you sir," he called back. "I'll just scrape the roast lamb into the bin and be on my way!"

The Hill brothers deprived of one of George's roasts? It was on for young and old, with the three of them ganging up on me and roughing me up on the bed. Even though I was suffering, I was pleased that when Simon appeared in the doorway, Lachlan urged him to hop in and find a spot that wasn't being tickled or slapped.

It was Dot who called a halt. She'd been standing back, enjoying watching her boys having fun, but she was only too aware of George's strict mealtime regimen. She clapped her hands sharply. "That's enough, boys!" she instructed. "Everybody up and dressed for dinner ... now!"

Everything stopped suddenly and the Hill boys all obediently got up. Lachlan, Scott, and Simon filed out of the room as Ty started pulling on a pair of jeans.

"In the kitchen in ten minutes, you two," she ordered as she turned to leave. "Tyson, make sure you're wearing underpants."

"Yes Mum," Ty grumbled as he dropped his jeans.

Somehow we all managed to be in the kitchen at seven and it was Lachlan who suddenly asked, "where are Steve and Fran?"

"They're still in their room," Scott announced solemnly. "I think Steve's dying."

"What?" I coughed.

"Well, you know," Scott grinned. "We walked past their room and Steve was making all these dying sounds, like this," he added before he went into an exaggerated verbal impersonation of a man in the throes of sexual ecstasy.

"Scott Hill!"

"Sorry Mum."

"That is so my brother!" I laughed.

"And so my sister!" Ellie grinned.

George clapped his hands and immediately had everyone's attention. "Can someone go and pry Romeo and Juliet apart?" he asked. "The rest of you can sit at the table. Dorothy, will you do the gravy?"

Scott scurried off to rouse the rooters and Ellie poured wine for the drinkers as we all took our places. The meal was only just served when Steve and Fran walked sheepishly into the room.

"Sorry, we, um, slept in," Steve offered.

"Yeah sure you did!" Lachlan piped up.

The couple was spared more embarrassment as the Hill brothers suddenly started fighting for the choicest cuts of lamb and the biggest roast potatoes. There was almost a full-scale fist fight over who would get first dibs at Dot's gravy.

The meal was a joy and as conversations and laughter flowed I sat back and allowed myself to appreciate just how fortunate I was to be a part of this beautiful family. Ty, Lachlan, and Scott were relishing their meals, yet every time I caught Lachlan's eye he'd wink at me. Scott kept looking at me and smiling, Steve was watching me with undisguised happiness and every now again Ellie would rub her hand along my arm and squeeze.

Dessert was served and all eyes turned to Ty. He made a goofy speech thanking his Mum for introducing him to the joys of ice cream when he was four and had tonsillitis, thus beginning his lifelong love affair with what he called "survival food".

He quickly looked at the container from which George had served dessert. "God bless Sara Lee!" he said, hands in prayer pose. "And God bless mummy and daddy, and my brothers and their partners, and God bless my Mikey too. He doesn't love ice cream as much as I do, but he's got a great ass, so thanks be to You!"

"Tyson!"

"Sorry Mum!"

I might have been mistaken, but I thought I heard Frank chuckle.

The ice cream all disappeared, the kitchen got cleaned, and we all retired to the lounge for a while. I tried to find a moment to talk to Frank, but I was swamped by Scott and Lachlan who were both intent on showing me how glad they were to have me back in the mix. The conversation turned to everyone's plans for the following day, the start of the new working week.

I was surprised to learn that in my absence, Ty had persuaded everyone to stay on at Point Piper while he toured so that they could catch his Sydney concerts before they headed back to Stanthorpe.

Ty had tour rehearsals starting late Monday morning and he would be gone for the rest of the day. Lachlan and Ellie were taking their boys to the clinic to have them weighed and were then going shopping for more clothes. "They're growing so quickly," Ellie sighed. "Nothing fits any more, except the clothes Dot knitted."

Steve and Fran were also going shopping and had plans to meet up with Lachlan and Ellie for lunch at Circular Quay.

We were left alone for a while with Scott and Simon and another surprise was learning that they had decided to enroll together at Martin College in Darlinghurst, both studying part-time for a Diploma of Graphic Design in advertising and multimedia.

"I thought you were going to enroll at Toowoomba and live in Brisbane?" I asked.

"We checked it out, but the course was fulltime and there was no multimedia component," Simon said.

"That's great guys!" I grinned. "So the food bill's suddenly gonna skyrocket!"

Scott looked quickly at Ty. "Ah, no," he said. "We talked it over with Ty and we thought it would be best if we got part-time jobs and found our own place."

I looked at Ty. "They know they're welcome to live here," he shrugged, "but I get that they want to start being independent. Besides, they'll be here often enough around dinner time I reckon!"

"So where are you going to live?" I asked them both. "Have you started looking for work?"

"We want to be in the city," Simon said. "We've just got to find a place that's small enough so it won't be too expensive."

"We haven't found jobs yet," Scott continued, "but we thought maybe Si would try and find work in a supermarket, because he's done that before. Not sure what I'll do, but I'll find something."

I had a light bulb moment. "I've got a thought," I said, looking at Ty. "The place I was renting is a one- bedroom apartment in Castlereagh Street. It's fully furnished and there's still a month to go on my lease. The rent's been paid, so you could move in there and then take over the lease next month?"

"That'd be ace!" Scott chirped. "But you might have to wait until we've got jobs before we can pay you back the rent ..."

"Nah, don't worry about it," I dismissed. "Consider it a housewarming present from Ty and me. Speaking of jobs, there's a supermarket at street level under the apartments and I noticed they had a sign in the window advertising for casual staff."

"Hey, that would be cool!" Simon grinned. "I'd only have to go downstairs to work!"

"There's also a gym downstairs Scott," I added. "They're looking for part-time staff as well, I think. I got to know the manager when I was going there. I could have a word with him if you like?"

"Hey! You're the best Mike!" Scott smirked.

"What do you reckon, mate?" I asked Ty, keen to make sure he was included in the process.

"Great idea Mike!" he nodded. "It gives them somewhere to live and maybe jobs as well, and like I say, the boys can come here whenever they want."

When the others joined us in the lounge room again, an excited Scott filled them in on this latest development and while Dot made it clear she was still of the opinion that Scott and Simon would be better off closer to the farm where she could keep an eye on them, she agreed that taking over my lease was not necessarily a bad idea.

One by one, the family started drifting off to bed. The lovebirds were the first to fly -- Lachlan and Ellie, and Steve and Fran. Scott and Simon soon followed and Frank made a quick exit, leaving George in the kitchen making preparations for breakfast and Dot on the couch furiously knitting larger size jump suits for her cherished grandsons.

When Ty and I finished our wines, Ty moved and sat down next to Dot, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Goodnight Mama," he said.

"Goodnight, dear," she replied, trying not to forget the next stitch. As Ty started walking to the bedroom, she added, "Congratulations on your awards, Tyson. Your Father and I are very proud of you."

That reminded me! I jumped up and rummaged around on the computer desk. Sitting next down to Dot, I handed her a big bundle of newspaper and magazine articles. "I bought all the papers for you!" I smiled.

Dot put her knitting in her lap and leafed through the clippings. "Thank you Michael," she beamed. "I'm going to have to buy a new scrapbook. I've filled three of them now!"

She reached up and touched my cheek. "You're a very thoughtful boy."

She continued flicking through the articles. "My, don't the boys look handsome?" she said. "There's Tyson with all his awards. And look! There's Frank and me. Crikey! Frank told me I don't look big in that purple dress, but I do!"

"You look beautiful, Dot," I assured her. "There's another shot in there somewhere of Ty giving you a kiss."

Dot continued to ooh and ahh at the images before resuming her knitting.

"I'm off to bed now Dot," I said, stifling a yawn. "Speaking of Frank though, is everything alright?"

"What do you mean dear?" Dot asked as her knitting needles clicked at a furious pace.

"He just seems, well, quiet?"

"You know Frank, dear," Dot sighed. "It takes him a while to get used to things. He certainly wasn't expecting to see you here!"

"Oh," I replied, surprised. I wasn't quite sure how to respond, so I said goodnight and headed for the bedroom. Dot's words echoed in my ears as Ty and I made love that night and as I drifted off to sleep ...

Frank was still on my mind when I woke in the morning, stroking Ty's hair as he slept with his head on my chest. It bothered me greatly that Frank might not be happy that Ty and I were trying to get our relationship back on track. I needed to find out why.

Our morning started much the same as every morning when the Hills were in residence, with a bed full of brothers and a lot of mucking around.

Breakfast was buffet style and we all ate as we were ready. Lachlan and Ellie were leaving first to keep the twins' weigh-in appointment at the clinic. While Lachlan packed the car with all the accessories necessary for leaving the house with small babies, Ellie walked into the kitchen carrying two bassinets. Roddy and Matty were both wide awake and before the bassinets even reached the table they'd been scooped up by Uncle Scott and Uncle Ty.

"Now don't get them all excited!" Ellie warned as her sons giggled and gurgled.

"They always seem to be smiling and laughing," I remarked as I watched Scott and Ty fuss over them.

"Yeah, they're pretty cruisy," Ellie agreed. "They only ever grizzle when they need changing or they're hungry."

"They're like their Daddy," Lachlan chuckled as he walked back into the room. "They get narky if they can't get to their Mummy's boobies when they want them!"

"Lachlan Hill!"

"Oops, sorry Mum! Didn't see you there!"

"Bye bye, Dot!" Ellie smiled as she kissed her mother-in-law's cheek. "I'm taking my three children out for the day!"

They'd no sooner left than Steve and Fran appeared to wish everyone a good day before they too headed off to the city. Scott and Simon were dressed for job interviews when they turned up in the kitchen. Scott worked his way around the breakfast platters making sure no leftovers remained, while I wrote down the address of the apartment and handed it to Simon, along with the keys.

"I'll call Dean, the manager at the gym, as soon as it opens," I told Scott. "Then I'll call and let you know what time you can see him," I said.

"Thanks Mike!" Scott enthused as he punched me on the arm. "And thanks for the apartment. We'll have our own place! Woo hoo!" He gave his Mother a hug before he and Simon left the house. I was pouring a cup of coffee when Ty burst into the kitchen looking flustered.

"I can never find anything in this house!" he groaned.

Close behind him was George who patiently asked, "What have you lost this time?"

"I need my book of chords, for a start, and all my plectrums have disappeared. I wanted to wear my dark blue anorak but someone's taken it ..."

George made an exaggerated sigh and disappeared, returning a few moments later with all the items Ty was stressing over.

"Where did you find them?" Ty asked, scratching his head.

"The chord book was on your desk in the music room, where it's always been," George replied. "The plectrums were in the box in the top drawer of your desk, where they've been as long as you've lived here and, surprisingly, the jacket was in your wardrobe where it's been since the last time you wore it."

"Thanks George," Ty said sheepishly. "How do you always know where everything is?"

"I'll give you a tip, sir," George deadpanned. "I open my eyes!"

Ty grabbed his keys, kissed me and then kissed his Mother before walking through the lounge room to the front door. Before it closed, I heard him call "See ya Dad!"

The ARIA Awards had upset George's cleaning routine and with the weekend out of the question, today was the day bed linen was being changed. Under instruction, I went to our room and stripped the bed, returning to hand over sheets and pillowcases for washing.

George and Dot teamed up in the laundry while I returned to the kitchen to hopefully pour a coffee and actually finish it. It was then I noticed Frank had settled at the balcony table to enjoy his tea and read the morning newspaper. This was the opportunity I needed.

I picked up my coffee and walked on to the balcony, sitting down opposite Frank. He looked up over his glasses and said "Morning Michael."

"G'day Frank," I replied. "Looks like another nice day."

"It should be fine until mid-afternoon, but there's a chance of rain later."

There was an awkward silence before I spoke. "Frank, is everything OK?"

"Yes of course, son. Why do you ask?"

"Not sure really," I shrugged. "You've just been a bit, reserved since I've been back here."

Frank sighed as he closed and folded his newspaper before taking off his glasses and looking out to sea.

"Dot said she thought you were surprised to find me here?" I pressed on.

"I was," he replied.

"Can I ask why?"

Frank looked at me intently before he spoke. "Because I didn't expect you to be so forgiving again," he said.

I was surprised. "What do you mean?"

"You haven't been treated very well by this family," he said thoughtfully. "I was very judgmental of you when I found about you and Tyson, but you forgave me for the unkind things I said. I was very disappointed when I found out what Tyson had done to you, because he certainly wasn't brought up to behave that way ..."

I sighed with relief. "I thought you were sorry to see me back!"

It was Frank's turn to be surprised. "Why on earth would you think that?"

"I'm not really sure Frank. I suppose I just want your approval."

Frank smiled. "You've shown me the kind of man you are Michael," he said. "I've just been shocked to find out that Tyson isn't really the man I thought he was."

"Frank," I replied. "Ty did the wrong thing and he knows he did. It takes a big man to admit he was wrong and do something to ensure it doesn't happen again. I hope you'll see the positives and not the negatives."

"It takes a bigger man to forgive, as you have Michael," he said knowingly. "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."

I grinned. "You want me to impress you, don't you?" I asked.

"I'm waiting!"

"Matthew 6!"

"Matthew 6:14 to be precise," he smirked.

"So we're good?"

"We're good," Frank nodded kindly. "It's great you've come back."

The week went quickly. Ty spent three full days rehearsing with his band, from morning until quite late, and he arrived home hungry and tired. Each night I waited to eat my meal with him and listening patiently as he talked through the changes he was making to his set list for the concerts. I made one or two suggestions which seemed to solve problems for him and finally he seemed settled on the way the two halves of his show would run.

Scott and Simon had both struck pay dirt. Simon landed the supermarket job, starting immediately and with enough hours for him to comfortably cover most of the rent when the lease transferred to their joint names. Scott had obviously impressed Dean and he had been offered a part-time job at the gym, only with less hours and more of a juggle ahead when the boys started their Uni course.

I spent a morning helping them move their belongings from Point Piper to Castlereagh Street and treated them to a "buy whatever you need" trip to the supermarket. Given they were two young men who'd never really had to fend for themselves, it was amusing to see what they considered "necessities"!

Once they were settled I called Max and arranged to meet him for a late lunch near the office. I let him know I would be back at work the following Monday -- the first date of Ty's tour -- and he came to lunch carrying an armload of folders crammed with case notes for me to brush up on.

I spent much of my spare time in Ty's music room getting my head around the needs of the firm's clients in readiness for jumping back in at the deep end after the weekend. By Wednesday I felt up to speed and in need of a spell outside the house.

I invited Dot and Frank to lunch and this time I chose The Star in Pyrmont, knowing they would see value in the famous all-you-can-eat buffet. They had a choice of 130 hot and cold dishes, and Frank's eyes lit up when he realised he could return again and again to the fresh seafood section.

Dot and I stuck with sensible salads and fresh fruit but Frank, like his three sons, couldn't resist trying a bit of everything. He was clearly full to the gills after cheesecake and lemon tart, but he couldn't pass up a profiterole.

"Your eyes are bigger than your belly, Frank!" Dot chastised as Frank held his stomach. "You'll probably get indigestion and keep me awake all night."

"I'm fine Dorothy," Frank retorted. "I'll just have a light tea."

"You won't have any tea at all," Dot replied. "You've had more than enough food for one day."

"I said I'm fine, Dorothy," Frank said tersely. "When I say I'm fine, it means I'm fine. End of story."

Dot sighed and when I caught her eye, I winked. I settled the bill and once we were back in the car, I surprised them by detouring through the city and pulling up outside the apartment block Scott and Simon were now calling home.

"Why are we stopping here, Michael?" Dot asked. "Do you have to pick something up?"

"I thought you both might like to see Scott and Simon's place!" I smiled, to surprise and gratitude all round. I'd sent the boys a text from the restaurant so they were expecting us. As we made our way into the building, I casually pointed out all the security features like the closed circuit TV cameras and lift codes.

I knocked on the door of Apartment 1512 and an excited Scott answered straight away. "Come in guys!" he beamed, holding the door open and kissing his Mother as she walked inside.

Simon appeared to greet us and both boys looked at me expectantly, wondering if I'd noticed how much effort they'd put into organising the apartment since I'd helped deliver boxes earlier in the week. I gave them the thumbs up -- they'd done a great job.

In the lounge, I noticed one of them -- Simon presumably -- had gone to the trouble of making crackers with cheese and tomato toppings, which were sitting on the coffee table with plates of chocolate biscuits and slices of fruit cake. As we sat, Simon disappeared to the kitchen to pour cups of tea while Scott filled us in on his first day's work at the gym, which was basically an orientation course.

When Simon returned, he talked about his new job at the supermarket where his past experience had seen him walk into a position as a supervisor.

Despite some disapproving glances from Dot, Frank helped himself to the snacks on offer. I distracted Dot by encouraging the boys to give her a tour of the apartment. When they returned to the lounge, I could tell Dot was satisfied it was clean and safe, but that didn't stop her discourse on safety in the big city, the need to pay bills on time, her wish that the boys would drive sensibly; no smoking, no drinking and no partying. It was when she got to the bit about not eating foods that would constipate them that I wound things up.

We thanked the boys for afternoon tea, said our goodbyes, and headed back to Point Piper. They told us there were still more things to be picked up from the house and that they'd be back later to collect them.

"How much later?" I asked.

"I dunno," Scott smiled. "Around dinner time, maybe?

"As if I didn't know!" I laughed. "You may as well stay the night, eh? Ty's leaving early for rehearsals in the city so he can drop you back at the apartment in time for you to get to work."

"Done deal!" Scott beamed.

As we walked to the lifts, I said to Dot, "I've got a feeling we'll be seeing those two quite a lot at the house!"

"Well I'm glad to hear it," Dot said. "At least they'll get fed properly. Otherwise they'll just eat cereal, sandwiches and ice cream." That led to Dot and Frank bickering all the way back to Point Piper about whether Scott and Simon should be allowed to eat what they want.

At home we found Lachlan stretched out on a couch with his arms around his two sleeping sons, who were lying along his torso. We didn't speak as Ellie stood up from her armchair, gently picked the boys up, and tiptoed down the hallway to their waiting cot.

"Who's a proud Daddy?" I grinned at Lachlan.

"Mate, they're just the best little guys, fair dinkum!" he grinned back as he stood and kissed his Mother. "I could just watch them all day. They make me laugh. Matty's a comedian and Roddy's gonna be the studious one!"

Frank chuckled. "Your Mother and I thought Tyson would be a painter, you'd be a salesman, and Scott would be a comedian," he said, "and look how wrong we were!"

"Well, you weren't far off!" Lachlan responded. "Ty went with the Arts, I turned my extraordinary good looks into being a poster boy for the Australian Army, and Scotty still makes you laugh!"

George appeared from the kitchen and announced that dinner would be ready at seven.

"Nothing for Frank," Dot instructed.

"What were you planning George?" Frank asked, ignoring his wife.

"Nothing much, sir," George sighed. "Just seafood crepes with cheese sauce, sides of Caesar salad and scalloped potatoes, followed by chocolate mousse."

"I'll just have a small serve," Frank relied, to a backdrop of Dot's tut-tutting.

Steve and Fran arrived home from another day out and shortly after Scott and Simon arrived, timing their entrance just as dinner was served. I was waiting to eat when Ty got home but, as always, it was fun to watch the way food just evaporated when the Hills were gathered.

Ty arrived home tired but enthusiastic about the way his rehearsals were going and as the two of us ate in the kitchen, he excitedly filled me in on the finer details of the show. It sounded great. I ate a reheated version of what George had prepared for dinner, but Ty stuck with his massive plate of steamed greens, followed by fresh fruit. I knew he was already starting to protect his voice.

We briefly joined the family for a catch up but Ty was tired and we excused ourselves early. As we climbed under the covers we both knew that sex wasn't on the radar.

As Ty turned to me I said, "You need your sleep, but I'm thinking if I give you a really big kiss it might activate your salivary glands and that would help your voice?"

He smirked. "Can't hurt to try!"

We kissed and it was a good one. Ty rolled me on to my back, settled himself on my chest, and in less than two minutes, he was out for the count.

Even though it wasn't usual, Ty was awake when I woke and for a change, he was watching me sleep. "Hey mate!" he grinned as my eyes opened and suddenly marshmallow-soft lips were pressed against mine.

I fought the temptation to close my eyes and go back to sleep. "What time is it?" I asked groggily.

"Ten to six."

"You never wake at ten to six."

"I know, but I can't sleep. The tour's on my mind and there's a three-hour break in rehearsals today because a couple of the band members have a previously committed recording session."

"You can have a nap."

"I was thinking ..."

"That's not good ..."

"We could have our first session with the counsellor, if she's not booked out."

"Shouldn't you be focussed on the tour?" I yawned.

"I'd like to make a start on this before the tour gets underway," Ty explained. "But if you don't want to ..."

I rolled over and opened my eyes. "Mate, I'm really looking forward to us working with Janet, but you've got a lot on your plate at the moment."

"This is more important than anything else Mike ..."

"Well I'm up for it if you are," I said. Fuck I loved this guy.

Ty ran his hand down my chest, over my stomach and grabbed my dick. "I can see you're up for it," he grinned.

I laughed. "That just means I have to piss!"

"Really?" he asked, as he squeezed.

I groaned. "No, that's a lie."

"You wanna fool around?"

"I think I need to be kissed first ..."

Ty pulled me close and planted a long, dreamy kiss on my lips. Then another and then another. It was only when he slid his hand down my body and once again gripped my manhood that I had to confess, "I actually do need to piss!" I slid out of Ty's grip and padded to the bathroom after instructing him not to go anywhere!

I was just heading back to bed when the door opened and Lachlan stuck his head in. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" he asked with a grin, taking in the not-so flaccid state of my penis.

"Yes, as a matter of fact you are," grumbled Ty.

"Too bad!" Lachlan shot back as he sauntered into the room.

"Can't you go wake Ellie up or something?" Ty asked testily.

"Nah," Lachlan laughed. "Just like when we're at the farm, she was woken by a cock at daybreak this morning and now she's in a blissful sleep! She'd clobber me if I woke her again!"

I slipped under the covers, moved closer to Ty, and lifted the doona for Lachlan. "Don't mind if I do!" he grinned, as he slid in next to me.

Ty sighed, propped himself up against his pillow and folded his arms. Lachlan turned on his side, leaned across me and kissed his brother on the cheek. "Sorry mate!" he smirked. "I was wide awake and I just wanted some company!"

"You and Scotty are no good for my sex life!" Ty chuckled. "Reckon I'm gonna have to put a lock on our door!"

"Scotty'll just pick it!" Lachlan cackled.

"You guys talking about me?" Scott asked as he walked into the room, stretching his arms and yawning.

"Oh great, here's the other one!" sighed Ty. "What are you doing up at this hour?"

"I was woken by the mattress squeaking from Lachie's room!" he giggled. "Seriously Lach, you need to be on medication!"

"I read that sex is the equivalent of running 75 kilometres!" Lachlan announced. "No wonder I'm so damn fit!"

George suddenly appeared in the doorway. "I believe that sex three times a week for a year is the equivalent of running 75ks, Lachlan," he corrected. "Let's not tamper with the facts!"

"Hey, George!" Scott piped up. "Can we have breakfast now?"

"No, Scott," George smiled. "Breakfast is at 8:00."

"I'll starve to death if I have to wait that long," Scott whined, making puppy dog eyes at George.

"Here," said George as he tossed Scott a dog biscuit. "It was for Scruffy, but I'm sure he'll understand."

As George turned to leave the room, Scott looked at me and whispered loudly, "He hates me!"

"He doesn't hate you, mate," I assured him. "He gave you a biscuit."

"Can I get into bed too?"

"Sorry, no room on this side mate," I replied. "Marathon Man beat you to it."

"Ty?"

Ty groaned. "All right!" he sighed. "But no farting."

"You should value every precious moment you have with me now Ty," Scott grumped as he jumped in next to Ty. "I have my own place now you know."

"Yeah," Ty smirked. "You've moved out, but today you're ... where?"

George walked back in to announce that as the rest of the household seemed to be waking early, breakfast would now be served at 7:45a.m. sharp."

"Yay!" said Scott, punching the air.

Ty put his arms around his youngest brother and pulled him in for a cuddle. "You know what? I will miss you when you not here, asshole! We all will."

"Not me," quipped George as he swept from the room. "I hate him!"

After breakfast Ty returned from his music room to tell me that he'd called Janet and that today was her day off, but because she knew Ty was about to go off on tour, she offered to see us at 1:00p.m.

"You want me pick you up?" I asked.

"Nah, it's out of your way," Ty frowned. "I'll meet you there."

Ty called a five minute warning to Scott and Simon to be ready to leave, before stuffing the things he needed for the day into his backpack. Ready to go, he turned and put his hands on both sides of my face. "I love you, mate," he said. "You've gotta know that?"

"I know," I pouted between squashed cheeks.

"I wish I didn't have rehearsals. I'd much rather stay home and get really dirty with you ..."

I smiled across his shoulder and when he turned, he saw Scott and Simon behind him looking bemused.

"That's sounds really disgusting coming from someone as old as you, Ty," Scott said.

"You two wanna walk to the city?" Ty asked.

Scott shook his head. "We love you Ty," he said quickly. "You're the greatest."

He and Simon scampered to the car as Ty left the room to say goodbye to the rest of the household. He caught me on the rebound and this time I kissed him.

"I'll see you later," I said as he stepped outside to face his day.

Steve and Fran left not long after, taking Dot and Frank with them for a visit to the city. Steve and Fran had more shopping to do and Dot and Frank were looking forward to a day of walking around the fancy stores, complaining about the absurd cost of things.

Lachlan and Ellie disappeared to their room, official excuse being that Ellie wasn't feeling great. Attending to the needs of two babies was tiring and she wanted to snooze while the boys were sleeping. Lachlan, I gather, was with her for moral support although I wondered why, before he closed their door, he'd stripped down to his underwear.

The house was suddenly quiet and George stuck his head around the door. "I've made us some coffee, sir," he said. "I've used the good beans!"

I took Scruffy for a walk on the beach and with time to kill before meeting Ty after lunch, I checked my emails. I answered separate messages from Mum and Dad; Mum was wondering whether my `famous boyfriend' might consider singing at a fundraising luncheon she was organising in Melbourne later in the year, while Dad just wanted to check how I was doing.

There were several mails from Max, updating me on client issues and what was happening at the office. One of them alerted me to a pro bono case the firm was taking on that he thought might be of interest to me. It was representing a struggling music school for unemployed kids in Palm Beach. Four young musicians with social consciences had started the school, scraping together the monthly rental of a seriously run down property that neighbours were now complaining about. The local residents had found out that some of the kids had been in trouble with the law and they wanted the council to "get rid of the riff raff" and shut down the "drug den".

Max certainly knew what pushed my buttons! I was incensed straight away that enterprise was being thwarted by high earners in a posh suburb, the types of people who donate generously and publicly to help the less fortunate, yet baulk when the less fortunate move into their neighbourhoods. The case notes Max forwarded convinced me that the motive of the musicians was pure and that they had gone to great lengths to ensure their `space' was a drug-free environment where kids with problems would be welcomed to come and enjoy the simple pleasure of making music ... or to "shoot the shit" with someone who gave a shit.

I was looking forward to getting back to work just to be able to get my teeth into something so worthwhile. These people needed a voice, someone to walk in and say to them `OK, this is how we can make it work'. I felt proud to be part of a firm that was prepared to provide free legal assistance for those who had the will but not the means to make a difference. No doubt it was Max who'd enabled it.

I stewed on it for much of the morning, until George tempted me out to the balcony for a `submarine', a toasted baguette with olive oil, grilled eggplant, roasted capsicum, avocado and melted cheese. Served with lemonade!

I had just blurted out the whole social injustice case I'd been handballed when George gave me a 12:45 time check. I had enough time to kiss him on the top of his head, grab my keys and head to Kensington for our appointment with Janet.

We pulled up at the same time and the happiness in Ty's face buoyed me. I knew how much we wanted this to work: so did I. I knew, too, that it was going to work. I felt it every morning when I woke with Ty's head on my chest.

Janet greeted us at the door and gave us both a hug. Five minutes later we were sitting with her in her living room, drinking tea.

"I'm happy to be able to sit here and see you both together," she smiled.

"Yeah, we wanna get back to where we were, real quick," Ty grinned. "Thanks for seeing us on your day off."

"You've both got a lot on your plates at the moment," Janet said. "You're about to tour the country Tyson, and Mike's about to go back to work. Do you feel you can focus on your relationship?"

"I can't go off on tour until I know that things are gonna be alright with him and me," Ty replied. "Mike I mean!"

"Mike?"

"Well I don't want Ty going off on tour worried about us, so it's good that we can start the process together now and build on it when he gets back."

"Good!" Janet said. "Today we're going to talk about transformation learning, which will help you both by changing some of your frames of reference."

Ty and I looked at each other. "What did she say?" Ty asked.

I shrugged and Janet laughed. "OK!" she said. "We're just gonna talk! I must say you both seem relaxed and connected with each other. How are you both feeling?"

So began an hour's conversation in which Janet touched on whether we understood each other's points of view, whether we ever tried to walk in each other's shoes', what being apart had taught us and how we were feeling about being a couple'.

Janet went on to explain that the process of transformation includes action, reflection, application, and integration. Our challenge was to apply new ways of living together to make us stronger together than separately and to integrate that transformation into our daily lives with harmony.

She cited, as an example, my decision to stay home from the ARIAs and encouraged Ty to share his feelings about that decision.

Ty looked at me before answering. "At first I was disappointed," he said hesitantly. "I wanted Mike by my side. After I thought about it, I understood his reluctance to create a media circus. His being there would have taken the attention away from the awards, so once again he was being thoughtful and considerate."

Janet looked at me. "There was that," I nodded, "and I also needed some time alone to prepare myself for being back at home and working with Ty on `us'."

"How do you feel about the fact that you've just started this renewal process, just as Ty is about to go away for three weeks without you?"

"I've always understood Ty's career and what it involves," I replied confidently. "I miss him when he's away, but this is how he makes his living. I know how much he wants to share his music with people and how much his fans want to see him and be part of that sharing."

Janet smiled. "You boys have made good progress in a very short time. I'd like to conclude today's get together by encouraging you to think of something you can work on together, to balance your shared interests with your separate interests."

"You mean like a project?" Ty asked.

"Yes, something that you can do together that will pool your individual interests and talents."

"We could write a song together!" Ty grinned.

I laughed. "Mate, I'm a lawyer!" I said. "I have no musical ability at all!"

"That's true!" Ty giggled.

"Mike?" Janet asked. "Is there anything you can think of that could involve you both in a creative way and make use of your particular skills?"

I thought for a few moments. "Well," I ventured. "There is something I was going to mention to Ty ..."

I went on to tell Ty about the pro bono case I'd been assigned. He was initially incensed by the unfairness of it all, but then he started to think about how he could help me. Janet sat back in her armchair while Ty and I tossed around ideas and possible courses of action for almost an hour. I was reminded of how prepared Ty always was to use his talent to help people in need.

We only stopped our lively discussion when Janet reminded Ty that it was time for him to get back to his rehearsals. Somehow, three hours had managed to slip by. We thanked Janet for what she has helping us achieve, and for giving up part of her day off to see us.

She gave us each a hug, and encouraged us to keep focussed on our life as a couple. She wished Ty well for his tour and reminded me that if I had any questions, or just wanted to talk, she was just a phone call away.

"She's ace, eh?" Ty asked as we walked down the garden path.

"I really like her," I smiled. "She's good for us."

Ty and I had parked opposite one another but he walked me to my car. As I opened the door and went to climb in he kissed me, in broad daylight. No quick peck, either. It was a pash. When he pulled back, he took in the surprised look on my face.

"Don't have to worry about that anymore!" he grinned. "I've told the world I like kissing guys and all I'm doing is kissing the guy I love."

Sitting behind the wheel, I laughed. "Did you think about paparazzi?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "If they're around, I hope they were shooting the kiss from my right side. It's my best angle!"

"I think I'll tell George I'll cook for you tonight," I pondered. "Anything you fancy?"

"You," he smirked, "and I want you served hot!"

"I was thinking Beef Wellington?"

"Sounds yum, but I'm trying to stick to `voice' food ..."

"Got it! Leave it with me."

I started my car and headed off in the direction of Point Piper while Ty turned and drove back to the studio to continue rehearsing with his band.

Dot and Frank were in a happy place when I got home. In a city street, they'd found a store that was acting as a temporary clearance house and Dot had bought bales of wool at ridiculously low prices, so the twins were guaranteed of jumpsuits, beanies and booties until at least their first birthday. Frank had picked up some tools "dirt cheap" and had also dragged Dot into a book clearance store where I suspect he'd done a lot of advance birthday shopping.

Lachlan and Ellie were home too and according to Dot, Ellie was still very "tired" and Lachlan was keeping an eye on the boys while his wife slept.

George and I talked about the evening meal and agreed that he would cook steaks, potatoes, and salad for the family and I would make `voice food' for Ty and me later in the night.

Once again I grazed on antipasto while the Hills inhaled the meal George had prepared. Steve and Fran had still not arrived home, so it was Frank's "stomach clock" that had determined when the food would be served.

Ty was home around 9:00p.m. and I happily served him a wok-fried green vegetable medley followed by a stewed fruit compote and a glass of freshly squeezed grape juice. As we ate, he talked incessantly about the Palm Beach music school and the brick wall the organisers were facing.

"What are we gonna do about it?" he asked eagerly.

"Well, I was thinking of calling a public meeting," I replied. "That shows willingness on the part of the organisers to listen to the concerns of residents and it might throw off the detractors a bit. It also gives me a chance to catalogue the attitudes so I know what I might have to deal with."

"Can you organise it for about a month from now, when the tour's over?"

"Why?"

"So I can speak at the meeting."

"As you?"

"Well, it's harder to turn up to things these days and not be `me'" Ty grinned.

"You'd do that?"

"Of course! I'd do it for the principle. Four people are trying to do something amazing here and they're being hindered at every turn. I want to encourage them."

"Mate, that would carry a lot of weight," I enthused. "Leave it with me. I'll do some investigating while you're away."

"Maybe don't mention my name yet," Ty cautioned. "It might be best to keep me up your sleeve, if you know what I mean?"

"I agree. You can be my secret weapon!"

"I've got a secret weapon I'd like you to detonate tonight ..." Ty began, as his face broke into a grin, but we were interrupted when George appeared in the kitchen to make a quick meal for Steve and Fran, who'd just returned home.

We headed for the lounge where the family was spread out on couches in front of the TV.

"You guys are late!" I said to my brother and his girl.

"Yeah, we did the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb!" Steve smirked.

"Yeah?" Scott asked. "You've gotta be careful. That's a well known thing that guys do when they want to propose!"

There was a moment where Steve and Fran just looked at one another and smiled before Fran held her left hand up and showed off an impressive solitaire diamond.

Ellie squealed, Lachlan leapt to his feet and I stayed rooted to the spot as Steve and I locked eyes.

"You're getting married mate?" I asked, stunned.

He nodded. "You bet I am!" he grinned. "I found the perfect girl!"

There was much whooping and hollering as George busied himself organising champagne and glasses so we could all toast the happy couple.

It was hard to take in; my little brother, the confirmed bachelor, was getting married!

It was the first of two surprises ...

Always happy to have your feedback. marcusis32@live.com.au