Mark and Rye

Okay the usual stuff that nobody reads. This is a gay story with lots of gay sex. If you aren't supposed to be here, leave. The work is mine and unless you ask you can't post it anywhere else. I have no clue if any member of Westlife is gay, so this is all my fantasy. Email me at rye_encoke@hotmail.com to tell me what you like or hate.

The author wishes to acknowledge and thank the archivist for Nifty for allowing this story to be published here.

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

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

• The Plans -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• On the Plane -

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

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

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

"Yeah a bit," Andy admitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What?" Andy asked.

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

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

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

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

Andy nodded.

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

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

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

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

• Mamma Maria -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You aren't upset?" Maria asked.

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

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

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

"Yeah for years," Maria answered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You mister get beat tonight," Andy laughed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matt fell asleep shortly after.

• Love Thy Brother -

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Ah," Andy finally said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Cool," Andy smiled.

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

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

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

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

"Move in together?" Tre asked.

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

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

Everyone nodded and climbed into the car.

• Take-Out for Four -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andy looked ready to cry and Tre stepped in.

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

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

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

Andy almost threw himself into Matt's arms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah yeah yeah," Tre said in amusement.

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

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

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

Matt stood with his mouth open.

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

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

DJ finally relaxed, "Yeah."

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

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

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

"Those are their pet names?" DJ asked.

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

Matt tensed and Andy realised what he had said.

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

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

"Lover and kitten," DJ smiled.

"Why kitten?" Tre asked.

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

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

"Damn," Andy said.

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

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

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

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

• Briefly in the Bedroom -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Back in the Studio -

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

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

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

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

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

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

He handed the phone to Andy.

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

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

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

"Okay now?" Matt asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi boys. Yeah I know it's a bit much and kind of

pretentious but what can I say I had more money

than I knew what to do with. I had it cleaned and

you can keep what furniture you want. Make it your

own and enjoy it. Your friend forever, Rye. P.S.

don't forget to take a walk in the garden."

"Shit," DJ said.

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

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

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

"Really?" DJ asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone nodded and headed out to change.

• Briefly Matt and Andy -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Briefly with Tre and DJ -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sure," DJ said.

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

"I..." DJ began.

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

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

• Brotherly Love -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Can I kiss you?" he asked softly.

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

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

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

• Farewells -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Pick Up -

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

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

"Juju?" Alex asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carl's face was shocked and Alex was devastated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah, still love me?" Carl asked.

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

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

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

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

They all headed to the pick up truck.

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

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

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

"125 of them actually," Carl filled in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sick?" Alex asked.

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

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

"Who else is at home?" Carl asked.

"Everyone," Dot said evasively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dot pulled over to the side of the dusty road.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Home On The Range -

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

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

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

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

"Allie!" Carl said in surprise.

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

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

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

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

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

"Mom and dad," Carl said softly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Both actually," Alex answered.

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

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

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

"So Billy is gay?" Carl asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Pool Party -

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

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

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

"Juju?" he asked softly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You looked hot?" Billy suggested.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• After Dinner -

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

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

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

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

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

"Sure buddy," Alex held out his arms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Carl," Leon said softly.

"Yeah dad?"

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

"I know dad," Carl smiled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Early Morning Love -

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

"Morning," a voice said brightly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Billy sighed and turned away a bit.

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

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

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

"So we having sex?" Jesse asked.

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

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

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

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

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

"Jesse!" Billy said in shock.

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

"Yeah," Jesse nodded.

"Not make love to you?" Alex asked.

"What's the diff?" Jesse asked.

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

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

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

Jesse wiped his eyes and shrugged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So we did it wrong?" Billy asked.

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

"How do we fix it?" Jesse asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"How do we do that?" Billy asked.

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

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

"Smart ass," Carl giggled.

"This seems weird," Jesse said.

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

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

"Love you Allie," Carl whispered.

"Love you Juju," Alex responded.

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

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

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

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

"Love you," Billy whispered.

"Love you back," Jesse said softly.

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

"How are things going?" Alice asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Ready to roll guys?" Dot asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Why?" Alex asked.

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

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

"Love you Allie," Carl smiled.

"Love you back Juju," Alex sighed.