Mark and Rye

Hi again. Well here it is finally. The next installment of the Mark and Rye series. The usual disclaimers apply here. I don't know Westlife or any other celebrity and certainly don't know the sexual orientation or their feelings regarding being gay. This is all made up in my wicked little mind. This continues where Mark and Rye left off and will be written in the same style, my style, which is lots of sappy and romantic fluff that hopefully will have you crying along with me.

The work is mine and unless you have my permission you can't post it anywhere else.

This is a story about gay relationships and if you shouldn't be here due to local laws or your age or whatever then leave now, otherwise continue on and enjoy.

Sorry about missing posting last week. I was without my computer. I had to take it in to get it fixed and was without it for a whole week...YIKES...it was horrible. Luckily I had backups of everything I had written up to that time so I didn't lose anything. I am just starting to write chapter 8 now so we are still going with one a week. If you sent me an email and got no response then email again. I have very high spam filters and some stuff gets sorted into junk box which deletes itself after 5 days. So it's quite likely that your email got deleted if you didn't hear from me. I ALWAYS respond to emails I get. However, if you don't put the words RYE AND MARK in the subject line you also might get deleted.

Another lovely chapter with some fluff in it. Fluff is good. Enjoy.

• Morning Play -

Spooky launched himself onto the bed from the door.

"Ooomph," a now wide awake Kian said causing giggles from the little boy.

"Unca Keen awe you awake?" Spooky asked.

"Sure am my little cutie. You hungry?" Kian asked as he rubbed his side where Spooky's knee had hit him.

"Yes then I want to play games," Spooky said.

"Okay honey let's let auntie Jill rest a bit. Let's go see what is in the fridge," Kian got up and put on some sleep pants. He smiled as he lifted the little boy into his arms.

"Mommy bwought my Backstweet Boy's pajama's," Spooky pointed out.

"I see, they are very nice," Kian said.

Spooky lay his head on Kian's chest as they walked to the kitchen. Rye had kept the kitchen on the private level with a very large dumbwaiter to move food and stuff up to the formal dining area. The kitchen was big and bright with a large table in the center as well as a half dozen stools set around the breakfast island.

"Can I sit thewe?" Spooky pointed at the stools.

"Okay, but be very careful they are very high," Kian said and Spooky nodded as Kian set him in the chair.

"Morning," Eric yawned as he seated himself beside Spooky and leaned over to kiss his forehead.

"Hey cutie," Kian said as he moved to wrap his arms around Eric's bare chest and kiss him sweetly on the neck, "How did you sleep?"

"Fine," Eric gulped loudly.

"It's okay Unca Ewic, Unca Keen loves you," Spooky said.

"Yeah I know Spooky, it's just all new," Eric said nervously.

"You can kiss him," Spooky said and Kian smiled widely.

Eric blushed but leaned forward and kissed Kian lightly on the lips.

"Now let's see what we can find for breakfast," Kian said as he drew his hand gently across Eric's neck then ruffled his hair.

Kian opened the massive fridge, just now marvelling at it's size and looked through the masses of food. Maria had obviously been here.

"I want pancakes," Spooky said.

Kian looked around and found a couple of containers of maple butter and berry sauce but no pancakes.

"Check the fweezew," Spooky said.

Kian opened the other door and immediately found several tupperware containers filled with pancakes.

"Thanks Spooky. Okay let's throw these in the microwave to defrost then we can heat this up," Kian said as he set about preparing the stuff. Soon everything was ready and he dished up plates for everyone.

"This is good," Eric said.

"This is awesome possum," Spooky said causing everyone to giggle.

As the trio sat at the counter Kian made sure to every now and then reach over and touch Eric or Spooky. They were brief touches but they were not accidental. He would just stop talking and look at one of them and reach out and stroke their arm or cheek or hair. Finally everyone was finished.

"Can I play games now?" Spooky asked.

"Sure can, hey Bashful you carry Spooky for me," Kian said.

Eric blushed, "Okay Sweets,"

Kian smiled as Eric picked up on the use of the pet name. Kian looked at the young man as he walked behind him. He was fit and slender, wearing obviously well worn pajama bottoms that were about 4 inches too long for him so he looked like a little boy.

"Which one Spooky?" Eric asked.

"That one," Spooky pointed to a pinball machine.

Kian pulled over a stool with a back and arms on it for Spooky to sit in.

"Okay this button starts your game. You know how to play?" Eric asked as he seated the boy and Spooky nodded happily.

Eric turned to see Kian dragging over an overstuffed love seat to where Spooky was playing. Kian dropped the chair and turned to smile at Eric.

"Care to join me?" Kian said as he dropped into the chair.

Eric nodded and moved to Kian. Kian moved Eric so that Eric ended up sitting sideways, his butt in the chair, back against an arm of the chair and legs across Kian's lap. Kian wrapped one arm around Eric's back and let the other one drop onto Eric's tummy.

"We are going to take all the time we need brother, but I love you greatly and want us to be as close as we can. If I move too fast or too far you have to tell me. Just know that no matter what, no matter how much or how little we do, I will never stop loving you or caring for you. Okay?" Kian said.

Eric nodded, "Could I kiss you again?"

Kian leaned forward and kissed Eric softly. Eric opened his mouth a bit and felt Kian's tongue gently brush against his own. Eric shuddered and pulled back.

"That was nice," Eric breathed heavily.

"It was very nice," Kian agreed.

They didn't go any further but continued to sit there watching Spooky play. Kian continued to hold Eric, tracing small circles on Eric's tummy with his fingers. Neither man mentioned their erections and nobody touched the other. Eric had wiggled his one arm behind Kian and his hand rested just below the hollow in Kian's back.

• Boys Will Be Boys -

A knock on their door caused Mark and Rye to sit up a bit.

"Come in," Rye called.

The door opened to a boxer clad pair of teenagers.

"Hey boys, you need anything or come to cuddle?" Mark asked.

"Could we cuddle? We never really got a chance and everyone says how nice it is," Billy asked.

"You sure can. You okay with us bare or you want us in boxers," Mark asked.

For answer Jesse launched himself into the bed removing his boxers mid flight.

"Well that was impressive," Rye laughed as he pulled the teen to him and hugged him close.

"He's wicked fast. At home he can dive from the diving board, take off one swimsuit and put on another one before hitting the water," Billy said as he climbed onto the bed beside Mark.

Mark and Rye both laughed out loud.

"Okay boys, under the covers. How do you want us? You two in the middle or us two in the middle?" Rye asked.

"Me and Jesse in the middle please," Billy said as he slipped under the covers.

"Can we see you guys first though?" Jesse asked.

Rye chuckled and threw the covers off himself as Mark did the same.

"Nice," Jesse commented as he leaned down to inspect both men then pulled the covers on top of them all and snuggled into Rye.

"Did it hurt when you got shot?" Billy asked. When Rye's eyes opened wide Billy continued, "A cousin of mine got shot by accident and I can tell what it is,"

"At the time there was so much emotional pain I was going through that I never had a chance to focus on the physical pain," Rye said and Billy nodded.

"Emotional stuff sucks," Billy said.

"Yeah it does. How you doing with all that?" Mark asked as he pulled the boy closer letting their bodies touch completely. He was surprised that even though Billy was fully erect and Mark halfway there, Billy seemed to take no notice. Carl and Alex had done a really good job of explaining cuddling with them.

"Lot's better. It still hurts that my parents did that, but I have Grams and Gramps and Jesse. And Carl and Alex are the absolute best and they brought all you guys to me too. You're all gonna be gone soon and it will just be me and Jesse and the g-rents but I know that all I would have to do is ask and I could come see Carl and Alex," Billy said.

"We will speak to your, what did you call them? G-rents? Okay we will talk to them and let them know that you and them are free to come here any time at all. I think we will even go so far as to say that you don't even need to call first, although if you do I can arrange for a plane and car to bring you here," Rye said.

"Really? Cool. Maybe some long weekends or something or even some holidays," Jesse said.

"Or just anytime you need to be here," Mark added.

"Thanks guys. I wanted to ask if you could do something with us?" Billy asked.

"Ummmm..." Rye hesitated.

"No, no sex. I mean me and Jesse decided that cuddling is okay, but no sucking or fucking. I was wondering if me and Jesse cuddled really close in between you both, if you could do that thing where you make us feel your love?" Billy asked.

"We could try," Mark said.

The two boys turned and held each other close, wrapping arms and legs around each other so they were as close as possible. Then Mark and Rye moved in behind the boys and cuddled up as close as they could get.

"Ummm, Mark could you readjust please. You are pretty close to being inside me," Billy said suddenly as Mark felt him clench his cheeks tight.

"Sorry," Mark blushed.

"No problem. I know you weren't trying anything, just wanted to warn you before anything happened," Billy said.

Soon the four bodies were as close as possible. Rye lay his head so his cheek was pressing against Jesse's and Mark followed suit.

"My fella, my love," Rye breathed.

"My angel, my life," Mark whispered.

Suddenly it was only the two of them as the world faded away. Hearts began to beat in sync. And then in an instant, it was four hearts beating together as one. The endless, timeless love that was Mark and Rye was joined by the fragile and devoted new love of Billy and Jesse. It went on for several minutes till finally they all withdrew.

"Amazing," Billy whispered.

"I'll never forget it," Jesse whispered.

"That was really special," Mark breathed.

"Oh shit. I came," Billy blushed brightly.

"Me too," Jesse said.

"Whoops," Mark also blushed, "Sorry Billy,"

"I guess we all need a shower," Rye also looked a little pink.

"Hey don't worry about it, it's not like we had sex, it was just, like, spiritual," Jesse struggled.

"Okay guys let's all go shower up then come back and snuggle a bit more then get a late breakfast," Rye said.

The four headed to the bathroom and continued snuggling and cuddling as everyone helped everyone to wash up. Mark tentatively giving Billy a kiss on the neck and smiled when it was returned. Soon they were all back in bed, Billy and Jesse back in the middle, and snuggling close as they fell back into a restful slumber.

After about a half hour of sleep there was a knock on the door. None of the guys in bed actually woke up but Billy mumbled 'come in' loud enough that Leon and Alice walked in.

They took in the sight and glanced at each other then back at the four in bed. The boys must have realized there was someone in the room as all four roused a bit and turned to look at the door.

"Hi Grams, hi Gramps. If we all got up would you make us your special breakfast?" Jesse asked.

"Are you all naked under there?" Alice asked.

"Yep. Cuddling with Mark and Angel is just as nice as Juju and Allie. They even did that thing where you feel their love. This was the best morning ever," Jesse said.

Leon and Alice's face relaxed. Deep inside they knew nothing had happened, or even if it had that it was probably okay, but gut reaction had temporarily made them see red.

"Nothing..." Mark began nervously then Alice raised her hand.

"My fault, knee jerk reaction. I know Carl and Alex would never harm the boys, and I trust them completely. I know Billy and Jesse are very mature and have seen them to be everything I could hope for. I have seen the love you all share. I should have known better, like I said, knee jerk reaction. Won't happen again," Alice said then smiled and shrugged.

"Thanks Alice. Let's meet in the kitchen for breakfast in about 15 minutes. We are gonna cuddle a bit more with the boys before we head out," Rye smiled.

"Sure. Actually if you don't mind I was thinking of making a big breakfast for everyone and you can probably have about three quarters of an hour," Alice said as she and Leon left the room. Just before closing the door she turned and added, "I trust you all. Billy, Jesse, you are two very mature responsible young men. I will not be disappointed or upset if you take things further. As long as everyone consents and feels safe."

As the door closed, and then they all heard the outer door closed, all four looked at each other then burst into giggles.

"I feel like I was caught jerking off," Billy giggled.

"Me too," Mark said.

"Yep," Rye added.

"Well are we going to do anything? I mean I don't want to like suck or fuck, but the kisses were nice," Jesse asked.

"You guys wanna?" Billy asked.

Mark looked at Rye and nodded just slightly.

"Okay you two face each other," Rye said and the boys eagerly complied, "A little further apart,"

The boys moved so there was about 4 inches between them. Rye moved himself close behind Jesse pressing into him then gently raised his leg and let his hardness slip between his thighs.

"This okay?" Rye asked and Jesse nodded wide-eyed. Mark followed suit.

"Now begin to kiss each other," Rye said as he began to move very slightly and then took Jesse's erection into his hand and began to gently stroke him. Mark smiled and copied Rye's movements.

"This is so cool," Billy said as he briefly stopped kissing his lover then went back to devouring Jesse's mouth.

After several minutes all four boys came. Jesse and Billy first with Rye and Mark a couple minutes after.

"That was fucking amazing," Billy said as he let his head fall back to rest on Mark's chest.

"Everybody okay?" Rye asked.

"Oh yeah," Jesse breathed out, still coming down from his high.

"No I meant..." Rye began but was interrupted by Jesse.

"I know what you meant Angel, and we are fine. This wasn't sex, well it was, but I was completely focused on Billy and the love and tenderness you were showing me. I will never make love to anyone but Billy, but this sharing, that's what you call it right, this was amazing," Jesse said.

Rye smiled and rubbed his hand across Jesse's tummy then pulled it back as he realized he was now, once again, covered in cum.

"I have never had so many showers in so short a time," Billy said as he sat up turned brightly to Mark and kissed him lightly on the lips then leaned over and did the same to Rye then took Jesse's hand and went to the shower. Mark and Rye were right behind.

• Southern Style Breakfast -

Alice had outdone herself, with the help of Maria. Everyone wandered in as they awoke and were surprised at the breakfast laid out. A huge plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onions and peppers with a side plate of grated cheese. Fresh cornbread. Thick slices of ham along with bacon. Tea biscuits were plentiful with dishes of jam, honey and the spreads that had earlier been used for pancakes.

As people got their breakfast they would join whoever was at the table and slowly wake up. Carl, Alex, Ed and Jay were the last to arrive and sat at the table with Susan and Alan and Eleanor and Jason.

"Hey brother," Jay said and hugged Alan and gave his neck a kiss.

"Hey guys, how'd it go last night?" Alan asked.

"Alan!" Susan scolded to the laughs of everyone.

"It went great. We couldn't have asked for better friends and mentors. I can't wait to move in together," Alex said.

"Where's Spooky?" Ed asked.

"I was playing pinball Unca Blue," Spooky said as he came into the kitchen.

"Are you any good? Maybe you and me can play together later or I can teach you pool," Ed said.

"Okay. Can I sit on youw lap?" Spooky asked.

"Sure buddy, hop up," Ed said as he sat down and adjusted his boxers a bit so they didn't ride up.

"You want me to add anything to Blue's plate for you Spooky?" Jay asked as he was making Ed's plate.

"Yes please, bacon please," Spooky said as he leaned back against Ed's massive chest.

Jay soon came out and put a large plate in front of Ed then sat down. Spooky looked at Ed for permission and after a nod he took a piece of bacon and munched it happily.

"So how are things going for you brother, with your toy?" Jay asked.

"Great. I love it. Thanks for your help with that," Alan said.

"I have lots of toys but none hewe. Unca Bwyan wants to take me shopping latew to buy toys for hewe when I visit. You could play with my toys latew," Spooky said to Alan.

Everyone blushed, knowing what kind of toy Alan had meant, "Thanks Spooky, we can do that once you have some toys."

Spooky looked at Alan then shrugged, "I don't have those kinds of toys though. I am too little yet. But when I am oldew Unca Bwyan will get me some big boy toys too."

Everyone sat there stunned and Spooky suddenly realized everyone was looking at him and were feeling a little scared.

"I'm sowwy," Spooky began to cry.

"Hey my Spooky boy, why the tears," Bryan suddenly said as he entered the room and swept the boy into his arms.

"I I I scawed evewybody," Spooky wailed.

"Shhhh. It's okay my sweet baby. Everyone here loves you. Loves you to bits and pieces and me most of all. Remember how we talked about how sometimes you might scare people but that doesn't mean you are bad and it doesn't mean they don't love you?" Bryan said as he sat down on the floor and just rocked the little boy in his arms. Spooky nodded.

"So you know that Ed and Jay love you huh?" Bryan asked and Spooky nodded and got a kiss on the neck from Bryan.

"And you know Carl and Alex love you?" Bryan asked and Spooky got another kiss as he responded.

"And mommy and daddy?" this time when Bryan asked Spooky looked up and kissed Bryan's chin.

"And Susan and Alan are the brother and sister of Ed and Jay and they don't know you very well yet but I just know they are gonna love my Spooky boy to bits and pieces," Bryan said and Spooky giggled a bit as Bryan rubbed his face in Spooky's hair and got a vigorous nod from Spooky.

"And then there's me who loves you forever and ever, to the moon and back," Bryan whispered and Spooky smiled happily and took hold of Bryan's face in his little hands and kissed Bryan.

"Now what did you say that scared everyone?" Bryan asked.

"Unca Blue's bwother was talking about toys and I said he could play with mine when we get back fwom shopping cuz I knew you wewe gonna take me shopping fow toys but he meant big boy toys," Spooky explained.

Bryan looked a bit confused then got a look of sudden understanding, "Oh he meant something that he uses when he and Susan are being mommy's and daddy's."

Spooky nodded and whispered, "It goes in your bum."

Bryan nodded and looked over at a very wide eyed Eleanor and Jason who immediately nodded vigorously for him to continue as they had no clue what to do at this point.

"Well you are right those are special toys that big boys use. Remember how good it felt when you learned about masturbation?" Bryan asked and when Spooky nodded he continued, "Well there are lots of ways to make yourself and your boyfriend feel good. Those toys are just one more way."

Spooky nodded, "You will show me when I am biggew?"

"I sure will honey. You okay now?" Bryan asked.

"Yeah. I am gonna go wake up Unca Sane and Unca Nicky so we can go shopping," Spooky said and hopped up.

"Okay baby. They are still naked, wanta leave your pj's here and snuggle with them for a bit?" Bryan asked and Spooky giggled gleefully as he threw his pajama bottoms onto Bryan's head.

By the time Bryan had them off his head the little boy was gone although they could hear his laughter down the hall as he went to snuggle with his uncles. Bryan turned to the group.

"Sorry bout that. Guess you guys weren't ready for him," Bryan said.

"Holy shit!" Jason said and everyone looked at him, "Holy shit."

Everyone just watched him as he fought for control.

"He just, like read your mind or something. I mean he had to right. He knew exactly what you were talking about and even how it was used. Holy shit," Jason said.

"You'll be okay Jason, just gotta always think of him first and his little heart which was almost broken," Bryan said calmly.

Everyone sat around as Bryan got himself some breakfast then sat down with them.

"Okay okay. Whew. Thank god we are here for a couple of weeks, or longer, I am gonna need some help getting used to this. Thank you Bryan for all of that. Thank you just doesn't say it all but I don't know any better words," Jason said.

"So he knows about sex?" Eleanor asked.

Bryan shrugged, "Sorta yeah. I think he picks up on stuff but doesn't really understand it. I mean he obviously knows now that some men use a dildo up their butt. So it was best that it was explained why in simple terms and just let him know that when he was older he would be told about it."

"When did you decide to take him shopping for toys?" Eleanor asked.

"About an hour ago when I woke up," Bryan shrugged and smiled at Eleanor.

"You are gonna have to help us here Bryan, seriously, we need to be able to interact with our son in a whole new way that just seems to come naturally to you," Jason said.

Bryan nodded, "No problem I guess, but I am winging it mostly."

"So how did you know to explain to him about dildo's. I mean why not just say that was private and leave it at that?" Jason asked.

"Because to Spooky you can't keep private stuff out. He knew what it was and how it was used. If you refuse to explain it to him he thinks it's bad or dirty and he also then thinks his gift is bad or scary. We can't let him think any of that. So I accept that he knows, explain to him in terms he can understand, let him know when the time is right he will learn about those things, and let him know I love him," Bryan said.

Everyone sat quietly for a bit then Alex said, "Sorry for my reaction. I have been around him and should have known better."

"Nah it's okay. We had a talk and I explained how sometimes he is gonna scare people, even people who love him, even me. I told him not to be upset but just to talk about it and it would be okay. Problem this time was it was such a shock that there was nobody to talk to," Bryan said and everyone nodded.

Jason suddenly smiled, "Hey Bryan?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you know that cum looks like vanilla milkshake but doesn't taste like it?" Jason asked and everyone burst into laughter as Bryan spurt out his milk as he laughed.

• More Bathtime -

Nicky and Shane were woken as a tiny warm little body wriggled in between their chests.

"Mmmm, morning Spooky," Nicky said as he kissed Spooky's cheek.

"Hey our Spooky boy," Shane said as he kissed the other cheek.

"Unca Bwyan said to come snuggle then we will all go shopping for toys," Spooky said.

"Okay honey, you want to snuggle or have a bath in the big bathtub with me and Nicky?" Shane asked.

"Bath!" Spooky said happily. He loved bath time.

Shane got out of bed and swung Spooky in the air before settling him into his arms.

"Unca Blue's bwothew has a big boy toy and Unca Bywan says when I am oldew he will buy me one. It goes in his bum," Spooky announced.

Nicky didn't even bat an eye, "They can be fun Spooky but having a boyfriend is better. It's nicer to have someone to be mummy's and daddy's with instead of pretending with a toy."

"Oh. Wewe you mummy's and daddy's last night?" Spooky asked.

"Yep and this morning too. Now let's fill up the tub and turn on the bubbles," Shane said.

"Bubbles?" Spooky asked then giggled with glee as the jacuzzi kicked in.

Soon all three were in the tub. Spooky washed hair while the boys cleaned each other. Then Spooky sat on Shane's lap while Nicky washed him then Shane washed his hair.

Finally they were all out and in towels and Nicky was vigorously drying Spooky's hair.

"Hey did I miss bath time?" Bryan said as he kissed Nicky then Shane and then took a squeaky clean Spooky into his arms.

"Yeah this time. Next time you can wash me okay?" Spooky said.

"Yep next time. Gotta spread the Spooky love around so everyone gets a turn," Bryan said.

"Unca Bwyan?" Spooky asked.

"Yeah honey?" Bryan looked at the little boy and missed the grins from Shane and Nicky who were pretty sure they knew what was coming next.

"I decided I don't want a big boy toy. I will just be mommy's and daddy's with my boyfwiend cuz Unca Sane and Unca Nicky say it is bestest that way," Spooky said seriously.

"Okay honey. You don't have to decide now but if that's how you want it that's okay," Bryan said never missing a beat.

Soon the three men were dressed and Spooky was hopping up and down excitedly as they went to tell everyone they were heading out.

"Hey all we are going shopping for Spooky," Bryan announced to the room. Everyone was lounging around in the media room, "Billy, Jesse, you wanta come with? We will buy you all kinds of stuff?" Bryan enticed and waggled his eyebrows.

"We'll go just to hang out, no buying us nothing though," Billy said.

Jesse looked at Billy with a horrified expression, "Are you sure you're gay?"

Everyone broke up til finally Eleanor spoke up, "I guess it would be pointless to say not to spend too much?"

"Yeah pretty much," Bryan grinned, "I'll save the car till he hits 16 though."

"Thanks," Eleanor said straight faced.

Soon the van was packed with the 6 shoppers and they were following Rye's directions to the nearest mall.

"Hey Spooky boy, here's the deal. You can pick out 8 toys that will stay here okay," Bryan said.

"How did you come up with 8?" Billy asked.

"One from us, one from Angel and Mark, one from Kian and Jill, Ed and Jay and Carl and Alex is one, Matt and Andy and Dj and Tre and Maria is another, you two and your grandparents is one, and one from his mom dad and eric," Bryan listed off

Jesse spoke up, "That's only 7."

"And one just cuz he is our Spooky," Bryan said.

The mall had a Toy's R Us and Spooky was ecstatic. Apparently they didn't have a store devoted to toys back home. Everyone followed behind Spooky and Bryan as the two played with and tried all the toys. Spooky still hadn't picked out anything and they were almost all the way through the store. When they had reached the last aisle Spooky turned and smiled.

"Ready baby?" Bryan asked and they all followed Spooky.

Spooky went and picked out the toys he liked, saying who each was from.

"I have Lego's at home, I like em. This is from Unca's Bwyan and Sane and Nicky," Spooky smiled happily as he picked not the smallest but not the biggest box and Billy picked it up to put in the cart.

"Whoa there buckaroo, grab the big box," Shane said and Billy seemed relieved and grabbed the bigger box to put in the cart.

They followed the boy around the store getting a very large honey colored bear almost as big as Spooky as his gift from Jill and Kian.

From Rye and Mark he picked a little cd player from Mattel that had a microphone attached to it so he could sing along.

From Ed, Jay, Carl and Alex, Susan and Alan, the little boy got a little farm set that had farmhouse, barn, tractor, little people, and all kinds of little animals including 'hosees'.

From Matt, Andy, Dj, Tre and Maria, the little boy had seen a ventriliquist's dummy.

"I will call him Whisky Jack Two," the little boy said as he gazed at the dummy. Everyone smiled.

Billy, Jesse and Alice and Leon's present was a big dump truck that you could ride in.

"I can put all the toys in the back and move them awound," Spooky explained. Shane couldn't help thinking how much thought the little boy had put into the toys.

Finally from his mummy, daddy and uncle eric Spooky picked up a big box of crayons.

"You picked lots of good stuff my little boy. I think this last one needs to be a bit more though cuz it's from mummy and daddy and uncle Eric," Bryan said and gave a little nod to the rest of the group. Everyone picked up more stuff. Crayons, markers, stickers, sparkles, glue, construction paper, paints, scissors and anything else that was nearby and was creative.

And for the last toy Spooky went and picked himself out a little toy boat.

"Fow bathtime in the bubbles," he explained and everyone laughed.

It was a smiling little boy that led his uncles and his big brothers, as Billy and Jesse had insisted they were, to the checkout.

"Can we put them in papew and have pwesents?" Spooky asked and Bryan nodded. After everything had been paid for they moved to the counter to have it all gift wrapped. While it was being wrapped Nicky and Shane left briefly but were back in just a few minutes.

It was a happy group with an ecstatic little boy that showed up back at the loft.

"You wrapped them all?" Jill asked in surprise.

"Spooky wanted it," Bryan shrugged.

"When do you want to open them?" Shane asked Spooky.

"Latew. I want to take a nap please," Spooky said and went and took Kian then Eric's hand in his.

"Did you already eat lunch my little boy?" Kian asked as the boy snuggled into Eric's arm.

"We had Taco Bell," Spooky said and Kian nodded.

The three went to Kian's room and they undressed Spooky down to the skin then shyly undressed themselves. Eric didn't look at Kian the whole time and slipped into bed beside Spooky without raising his eyes.

Back in the room with everyone else the boys threw themselves onto the floor or a nearby sofa.

"That was so much fun," Shane laughed.

"You went way overboard," Eleanor said looking at the mountain of wrapped toys.

"Nope, only 8 toys. Each group of people gets to give him his gift. And he was a very good little boy and didn't whine about wanting stuff. He knew how many he was allowed to get and a few times got very small stuff that we upgraded," Bryan said.

"It's true. He was a great little kid," Jesse nodded.

"Hey guys, these are for you," Nicky said as he tossed a bag to Billy and Jesse.

"You weren't supposed to get us anything, we don't want you to buy us stuff," Billy said.

"We know, but we can and we wanted to. It's from us with love okay guys," Bryan said.

Billy and Jesse opened the bag and each pulled out a small box with their names on them. Their eyes opened wide and Jesse teared up when the boxes revealed two white gold bands with a beautiful celtic design all the way around the outside.

"The store will size them or exchange them for you if you need. But those are friendship rings. They represent the friendship we all have for you and they also represent the special friendship you two have for each other," Shane said.

Both boys nodded happily and Jesse handed his to Billy, "Put it on me please?"

Billy smiled and got down on his knees in front of Jesse and looked into his eyes then kissed him deeply before putting the ring on the ring finger of his right hand.

"I love you Jesse. You're my best friend, my saviour and hope. But most of all you are my love who I want to spend forever with. One day, in the future when we get married, we will use these same rings but put them on our left hand." Billy said.

Jesse just smiled happily as the tears streamed down his face then grabbed the other box and with heavily shaking hands and some help from Billy, put the ring on Billy's finger.

Everyone sat quietly as the two boys held onto each other until finally Bryan with Shane and Nicky right behind him, led the boys to their bedroom where they stayed in bed for most of the afternoon just snuggling.

...to be continued