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