Date: Sun, 15 May 2005 07:12:24 -0400 From: rye encoke Subject: Mark and Rye: Homecoming 7 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. I know nothing about the members of the boys families and how they would truly react to the boy's being gay, if they were. Again, remember, in my world almost everyone is gay-friendly and willing to experience being gay. - Dear Old Dad - The trip to Mark's family home was...strained. Mark had immediately gotten in the front of the van and Shane got in to drive. That left Rye to get in back. Mark had not said two words since they had landed. When Rye had tried to take Mark's hand Mark had quickly pulled away. Finally after 20 minutes they pulled up to a large house. There were cars in the driveway and a wreath on the door. Almost before they had fully stopped Mark had gotten out of the van. "You all go on to your homes. I will contact you with details," Mark said. "Mark I..." Rye began but was cut off. "I think it best that you go with the boys. Don't call here I will call you later," Mark said and shut the door. Rye was devastated and just nodded. Bryan put his arm around Rye. "He's just not himself right now. He still loves you," Bryan said somehow knowing what was going on in Rye's head. Rye nodded again but couldn't keep the tears back. Nobody said anything as they pulled out of the drive and headed to Bryan's large home. Mark didn't turn around as he heard the car pull out. Instead he was focused on his front door. Before he could reach for the handle the door was opened from inside and his younger brother Barry was there staring at him then suddenly he was holding his little brother in his arms. "She died Mark, she died," Barry cried into his arms. "I know love," Mark said as he rocked his little brother in his arms. "Get off of him Barry and be a man. You didn't bring that faggot with you did you?" Mark's father, Oliver, spat. "Barry is 14 dad, give him a break. And yes Rye is here, but he is staying with Bryan," Mark said and didn't let go of Barry. "Well come in then," Oliver said. Mark entered and saw more of the family there. His aunts and uncles. A moment later he had his arms filled again with a sobbing Colin, his youngest brother. Mark let himself go then as he held his brother. After a few minutes he felt hands gently take Colin from him. He looked up to see his mum's sister, Josephine, take Colin and give him to Barry who gently led the youngster upstairs. Josephine pulled Mark into her arms. "How?" Mark asked. He knew the basics but not the whole story. "Her heart stopped. It was a clot. It was instantaneous and she felt no pain," Josephine relayed simply. Mark nodded. "Your father isn't allowing you to stay here. Shane's parents have a place for you. Just so you know, nobody else cares, and your mum was looking forward to meeting your boyfriend," Josephine said. "I can't leave the boys here alone with him now," Mark said numbly. "We will figure something out. Did you want to go see her? She is at the funeral home," Josephine asked. Mark nodded again. Soon he was in the car with his uncle Jeremy and Shane's mum and oldest sister. "We have a place for you and Angel. We are all looking forward to meeting him," Mae, Shane's mom, said. "He is staying at Bryan's," Mark said although he wasn't sure if that was true or not. "Oh well that's fine then. If you want to stay at Bryan's," Mae answered. "I will stay with you. I think it best if we are apart," Mark said. He missed the looks passed between those in the car. Finally they arrived at the funeral home and Mark followed behind the others woodenly. "We'll give you some time alone. We will be just outside if you need us," Yvonne, Shane's oldest sister, said. Mark nodded although nobody was really sure if he had heard. He was staring at the wooden casket where his mother lay. She didn't look right to him. She had never worn her hair that way and she never wore makeup. In the back of his mind he knew this was done to make her appear more life-like but his conscious mind refused to listen. "Hi mum," Mark got out then broke down and sobbed without restraint. After several minutes of this he actually passed out. His uncle Jeremy had been keeping an eye on him and went in to carry him back to the car. - No Place Like Home - As the van pulled up outside of the large home of Bryan's family the door opened and two people who were obviously Bryan's parents came out. They were smiling at the van. As soon as the van stopped Bryan was out the door and in the arms of both of his parents. He led them back to the car where everyone was now standing. "Mum, dad, I would like to introduce you to my husbands Shane and Nicky," Bryan said with a large smile. "Welcome back to all of you," Mairead, Bryan's mom, said as she pulled Shane into an embrace. "Thanks Mai," Shane said as he returned the hug before Nicky was taken into a warm embrace. "Hello Kian, are you going to introduce your lady?" Mai asked. "This is Jill, the woman I love," Kian said and Jill was greeted with a warm embrace. "And this is our Angel. He is going to be staying with us here," Bryan said. "Of course. You are always welcome in our home dear," Mai said and pulled Rye to her. Rye felt the warm and welcoming arms of a mom and clung to her. She seemed to sense his need and held him much longer than the others. As Mai led everyone inside, Shane and Nicky stayed back to speak with Bryan's dad Brendan. "What's wrong with the lad?" Brendan asked. "Mark seems to be purposely pushing him away. He won't even let Rye touch him," Shane answered. "That would be Oliver's doing. You know he won't let Mark stay at his home, afraid he will rape his brother's. Stupid bigoted fool." Brendan said angrily. "Ummm, Brendan?" Nicky asked and the trio stopped just outside the door. Brendan looked at Nicky then Shane and smiled widely, "Welcome to the family lads. I couldn't be prouder to have two new sons. I guess everyone will be staying here then. I have you three boys in Bryan's room. We put in a bigger bed so you should all be comfortable. Kian and his lady can have the spare room upstairs. Not sure what we should do with Mark's fella." "Actually Brendan, I think it would be best if we spread out some mattresses in the den. Rye is going to need us all, and he has a special attachment to Bry boy," Shane said. "Aye, that would be fine. I hope Mark gets himself together or he may harm his relationship beyond repair," Brendan said and the trio entered the house. - Phone Calls - Mae looked at the physically and emotionally drained Mark as Jeremy lay him in Shane's bed. They shut the door behind them. "I am going to call Mai and find out what's going on," Mae said. Jeremy nodded, "I need to head back." Mae called Bryan's mom. --Hello-- "Mai. We have Mark at our place now. He passed out from his grief. How is his fella doing?" --He's like a zombie. He's lost without Mark. They are all going to stay here today. Why don't you get the other parent's and we will have a potluck. That way we at least get the two in the same room.-- "Sounds fine. I will call the others. I'll see if Josephine can get the boys out as well. I don't like them there with Oliver," Mae replied. --Alright then. Oh Mae you should see them together. They really are in love-- Mai chuckled softly and disconnected before dialing again. "Patricia? It's Mai." --Mai. Are they here? Have you met her? What's she like?" Mai smiled at the excitement in Kian's mother's voice. "They are here. They are all going to be staying at Bryan's place. Apparently Oliver's attitude is affecting Mark and he won't even speak to his fella. So they are all staying at Bryan's to support Angel," Mai said. --Oh the poor boy. If Oliver isn't careful he is going to lose the rest of his family as well.-- "I don't doubt it at all. Get together some food and head to Bryan's we are going to all go and get together, offer support and meet the new family," Mai said. --Alright dear. We will see you shortly.-- Mai disconnected again and dialed Nicky's parents. --Hello-- "Yvonne it's Mai. Listen everyone is going to be staying at Bryan's place. We are all getting together for a potluck. Throw together some food and meet us there," Mai said. --Oh that's fine. Did you see the boys? How are they acting?-- "Not yet no. But right now they are supporting Angel. Apparently Mark is ignoring him because of Oliver's attitudes," Mia said. --Oh dear. That's just not right. That man is setting out to destroy the entire family-- "Now dear, remember not too long ago you were just as bad," Mai gently reminded. --Oh yes but that was just shock. You know I love them all and as long as they really love each other, well, really who am I to say no. It will take some getting used to seeing it but after talking to you and Mae well I feel much better about it now-- "I know dear I know, just remember tonight that their Angel is very very fragile. I will be bringing Mark but I am not sure how things will work out. Now let me call Josephine and have her bring the boys," Mai said quickly to end the call so she could start getting things ready. --Alright then. See you soon-- Finally she dialed Mark's house. --Hello-- "Josephine, good, listen we are all getting together at Bryan's house. Get the boys ready and meet us there as soon as you can arrange it," Mai said. --Very good. I just have a horrible feeling Mai, I really do. We all need to be on the lookout and help wherever we can-- "I agree. Have you proceeded with that matter we were speaking of?" --Yes. We will wait til after the funeral but it will go ahead and our lawyer's say there should be little problem-- "Thank the heavens. See you there shortly then," Mai hung up and sighed. - Part of the Family - "Well go on and show us a kiss," Mai said which got nervous laughter from Shane and Nicky. "Ah mum," Bryan said embarrassedly but moved to Shane. "Bry boy, what.." Shane tried to protest but soon gave up as he melted into the arms and mouth of his lover. Mai and Brendan watched, fascinated as hands caressed and mouths devoured the other. Then Bryan stopped and Nicky stepped forward to take his turn kissing him. Again the love and devotion was evident. Finally Bryan pulled away and allowed Nicky and Shane to tenderly kiss. When they had finished they dazedly and with bright red faces looked over at Bryan's parents. "That was lovely boys, just lovely," Brendan said and Mai just nodded. A sudden wail of pure sorrow sent everyone running for the den. Bryan was of course first to reach Rye and pull him into a hug. "Nightmare...Mark...dead...." Rye managed to get out. "Shhhh. My beautiful angel it's okay. He loves you more than his own life, he hasn't left you. This is just a bad time and place for you two," Bryan cooed softly. Rye held onto Bryan like he was a life preserver in a storm. Bryan lay down and pulled Rye close, rolling a bit to lay on top of him and cover him. "I will stay here with you and protect you from the dreams. Just sleep our Angel, just sleep," Bryan said. After a few moments Rye had calmed and was staring blankly at the ceiling. Shane and Nicky looked to Jill and Kian and nodded slightly before joining Bryan in comforting Rye. Jill and Kian turned and followed Mai and Brendan back upstairs. Soon the four were sitting around the kitchen table sipping coffee. "The poor boy," Mai said and everyone nodded. "His whole life is Mark. The rest of us are important to him and he would mourn if he lost one of us, but Mark is truly a part of him. If Mark were to leave him it would kill him," Jill said. "Mark is just being an ass and handling his father with kid gloves. I suppose I can understand that but to be ignoring Rye and keeping him out is just stupid. What does he expect to gain from it? He must be feeling as bad as Rye," Kian said. "I think his own grief is confusing him. And there is probably some sort of guilt associated with it," Brendan said. "Guilt?" Jill asked. "He comes out as gay and has a lover and several days later his mother passes away? He is feeling guilty and probably thinking it's some sort of punishment," Brendan said. "Oh," Jill said and looked at Kian. "What about Spooky?" Kian asked thinking that Spooky could help here. Jill thought about it, "I don't think so. If Spooky could have helped he would have made sure to be here. I think this is something that Mark needs to deal with on his own." "Excuse me. Spooky?" Mai asked. "Oh you should meet him. I love him forever. He is the sweetest, cutest little 6 year old boy named Daniel. I am his Unca Keen," Kian said and giggled "He is my nephew and he has adopted all the boys as his Unca's," Jill smiled. "And he is so psychic that he can scare the shit out of you if you aren't prepared. Even for those of us who know it can be a little scared every now and then. He named himself Spooky. By the way, when Bryan and the boys have a child, Bryan is going to be the best dad there ever was. Truly. Bryan is amazing and sometimes we just stand back and stare at him in awe," Kian said and Jill nodded emphatically. Brendan and Mai smiled proudly and listened to every story there was about the young boy that was nephew to their son, Unca Bwyan. Neither Jill or Kian mentioned that Spooky had told them about the little boy that would be adopted by the boys. They also filled Bryan's parents in on just how incredible a dad Bryan was. The proud smiles on Bryan's parents could have lit a stadium. "Angel is awake. I thought I would get him something to nibble on," Bryan said as he came into the kitchen and was nearly toppled when both of his parents engulfed him in hugs. "You make us so proud son. You are going to be an incredible father," Mai said. "You told them?" Bryan looked at Kian and Jill. "We told them all about how incredible you are with Spooky yes," Kian said, clueing in Bryan to the fact that the prediction of Spooky was still just between them. "Oh mum, da, you should see him. I am hoping that in the next couple of months we can come back and visit for a week or two and bring him. And his mum and dad are incredible as well. They let me love him and they aren't jealous or try to keep us away or anything," Bryan gushed. "Jason and Eleanor are great people and they can see how much Bryan means to Spooky and vice versa. I was thinking that a grand time with everyone's family at Christmas would be great. The logistics would be a nightmare and trying to figure out where to hold it would be interesting but it's something I think we would all want," Jill said. "Would we be just immediate family or extended family?" Kian asked wondering if Ed, Matt and the others would be included. "I was thinking extended," Jill said and Kian nodded. "That's a lot of people," Kian said. "We'll figure it out. If worse comes to worse we will move everyone to Rye's estate here in Ireland," Jill said then clapped a hand over her mouth. "Hey no biggie. We probably would have been more surprised if he didn't own something here. So where is it?" Bryan asked as he put together something from the fridge. "Have you heard of Dromoland Castle?" Jill asked. Silence filled the room as eyes widened and stared at Jill. "I'll take that as a yes. It's Rye's. We just tell him now and he makes sure it's empty for Christmas," Jill shrugged. "You know I have sort of gotten used to Rye's money, but that just threw me," Kian said and shook his head. "That would be fine. I can make the call later today to Earl. I doubt there are any bookings for Christmas yet. If there are we can switch them to Waterford," Rye said softly as he entered the kitchen followed closely by Shane and Nicky. "That will be great Angel. Here I made you a sandwich. Come sit down love," Bryan said and gently moved Rye to a chair. "Thank you for letting me stay here. Thank you all for being with me. I just don't know..." Rye couldn't finish as tears fell. Bryan was holding him and rocking him almost instantly. "Shhh. It will be alright Angel, I promise. It's just his dad is so fucked up that Mark has reverted back to his old self. He just isn't thinking right but he will come back soon," Bryan said. Mai looked at Shane and Nicky to see their reaction to their lover so obviously caring for this other man. She was surprised when she saw the love in their eyes. Love for both their own lover and for this broken man. She knew that there was something between them all and had been a little upset at the notion of group sex and all that but now she realized it was so much more than that. She startled a bit when she felt a hand on hers and she turned to look at Jill. "It's beautiful to see isn't it?" Jill asked very softly and Mai nodded. - Kian's Family - "Well come on then," Kevin, Kian's dad, called into the house. Soon the entire clan was in two vehicles and on their way to Byran's home. "Now remember please all, although we are happy to have the boys back, and thrilled to be meeting Jill, remember that Mark's mum has just died so we want to keep this get together calm," Patricia, Kian's mom, said. The various siblings and inlaws nodded. "What if that bloke of Mark's feels me up?" Tom asked. "Tom Matthew Egan if we weren't in such a hurry I would drive you home and whip you good," Kevin said angrily. "Calmly dad," Gavin, the oldest brother, said then turned to Tom. "Tom lad, don't give in to that hype. Gay men are no different than you or I except they have fallen in love with another man. Some gay men are promiscuous and would maybe make a pass at you. But many women are the same, and no offense Tommy lad but I have seen you be very forward to some of your female schoolmates." "I haven't," Tom protested. "You have. But that is neither here nor there. The point is that Angel and Mark are deeply in love. You saw that interview. Nobody is going to be touching anybody. So take your head out of your ass and move into this century or I WILL take you out back and beat you," Gavin said then laughed but Tom saw that his older brother was quite serious. "Sorry. But I mean you said that Kian has been, you know..." Tom had to say. "Yes that's true. But it's a deep friendship is my understanding and he is committed to Jill. The fact that he is...intimate...with the others is something that is special to them all and they are comfortable with it and it is mutual. And it is also none of our concern." Patricia added. "Okay," Tom said and sat back then after a few minutes asked, "What do you think it would be like?" Nobody answered right away. "It can be very nice," Gavin answered softly. "Gavin?" Tom asked in surprise. Gavin sighed, "Martha knows about this so I can tell you," beside him Martha took his hand. "Before me and Martha were married, before we even knew each other, I had a great friend. You remember him, Allan Thomas. Well he was gay and when we roomed together we got very close. Then he was gay bashed one night coming home from the pub. He was hurt pretty bad and needed lots of help but more than anything he needed a friend. Things just grew between us. We got comfortable holding each other, mostly from nighttime when he would have nightmares and would need to be held. Over time we just touched a lot. One night he kissed me and then panicked. I didn't react right away because I was shocked at how wonderful it felt. I finally kissed him back," Gavin paused. "Did you do anything else?" Tom asked. "Yes. We were lovers for the rest of the year. When it came time to head home for the summer well we both knew it wouldn't go further. I wasn't really gay, just very close to him. He knew it. We still talk and he has a great boyfriend," Gavin finished. "So you and he..you know...up there?" Tom asked. Patricia went to scold Tom but Gavin answered first, "Yes we took turns. It's not that different being on top, but being on bottom is very different. Not at all unpleasant like you would imagine once you get used to it." "Would you ever do it again? I mean if Martha weren't here?" Tom asked then blushed as he realized the situation he had put his brother in. "Actually Gavin has permission to be with Allan when Allan and Jason visit. Just Allan, not Jason. And Jason has agreed to it as well," Martha answered. Everyone in the car looked at Martha and Gavin. Gavin shrugged and kissed his wife. "I told you, Allan means a lot to me. I'm not gay, never considered myself to be. But Allan is very dear to me and to be able to be with someone you love that much is just too special to cast aside," Gavin said. The car was silent for a bit. "I wish I had a friend like that," Tom said then blushed. Gavin smiled and nodded. - Shane's Family - "So dad do we let Shane know that we know?" Liam, one of Shane's brother's asked as they waited for the womenfolk to finish packing the food. "I think not. It is a shameful thing to him, or at least he feels shamed by it. Put yourself in his position, being forced like that. I think we should treat him no differently. What do you think Mae?" Peter asked. "I disagree love. I think everything you said about how he feels is true, but he is also nervous about showing us his new loves. I think we should take him aside immediately, let him know we all know and that we all still love him and we are proud of him for everything in his life he has done," Mae answered. "I think I agree with mom. It would be awful to slip up later. I think we should not hide it da. Let's do it as mom said," Finbarr said. Peter thought about it and slowly nodded, "Alright then mother we will do it that way. Just be prepared, this is going to be hard for him and he will break down." "It's okay da, we will hold him till he is better," Yvonne answered. "Okay then we are ready. Let's go," Mae said. "I hope we get to see them kiss," Yvonne giggled. "Not me," Finbarr made a face then giggled, "Although walking in on them in the middle might be good for years of blackmail." Peter laughed, "As much as I love the boys I don't think even years of blackmail would be worth seeing that." "You guys aren't gonna be trouble are you?" Yvonne asked with a warning tone in her voice. "Nah. Bryan and Nicky are great guys and if they are all good with it, even though it's a little odd there is three of them, well hey who am I to say no to love," Finbarr shrugged. "I wonder when they will get married?" Yvonne mused. "They can do that in America?" Liam asked. "Not legally no. But they have commitment ceremonies that are just like weddings. Just because the law doesn't recognize it, it's really something for the families, like a formal ceremony to show their love," Yvonne said. "How do you throw a gay bachelor party?" Finbarr asked then burst out laughing and pointed at Liam. Liam blushed. He knew what was going through everyone's mind as they all had joinedin on the laughter. Liam had worked twice as a stripper for a couple of friends bachelorette parties. "Not even for a million dollars," Liam said causing everyone to burst into loud laughter. - Nicky's Family - "Why didn't you tell me sooner they were gay?" Adam, Nicky's young brother asked angrily. "Well you see, it just took me by surprise and I reacted badly and I was scared," Yvonne, Nicky's mom answered while wringing her hands. "Well geeze ma, just because you were born in the dark ages doesn't mean I was. I could have been talking to someone about being gay. I've had nobody to tell or ask questions to," Adam sulked. "You're gay?" Nikki, the dad, asked. "Yeah. Well at least now I have like 5 people I can talk to," Adam brightened up. "Adam I'm sorry okay. I was just, so confused and my attitude through the years must have made it harder for you. You can talk to any of the boys and even though I know you would rather die than talk to your mom and dad about stuff, please know that we do love you and respect you. We want you to be happy," Yvonne said. Adam smiled and hugged his mom from behind, "Cool. You don't mind if I don't ask you guys about sex right? I will ask Nicky or Shane and they can let you know I am okay, okay?" "That will be fine son. But don't hide from us either. When you get a boyfriend...do you already have one?" Nikki asked and then continued as Adam shook his head, "When you get a boyfriend you are expected to bring him home. Just like your brothers and sisters you will have rules about proper conduct when you are not in private. Kissing and holding hands and such is fine, anything beyond that is for your room. We will discuss other rules later but just know you are allowed to bring a boy home and be safe and comfortable there." "You know I often thought Nicky was gay," Gillian, Nicky's sister, said. "Really? Anything specific?" Yvonne asked. "Not really no. Just little things. I mean I can't even think of an example really," Gillian paused then glanced at her younger brother, "Adam on the other hand might as well be wrapped in a rainbow flag and wearing a dog collar. Adam gasped, "That is so not me. I am very discrete." "Yet your dresser next to your bed has a little heart with the initials AB + GM. Now correct me if I am wrong but wasn't that cute little exchange student at your school last year named Greg Mindl?" Yvonne gazed at Adam with innocent eyes. "Stay out of my room," Adam demanded angrily. "Oh come on shortie, it's cute, you had a little hard on for Gregor," Gillian teased. "That's enough Gillian," Nikki said firmly, "And Adam there is nothing wrong with being attracted to a cute boy. Nothing wrong with getting hard ons or masturbating when you think of a cute boy either. And from now on nobody will go into your room without your permission. But if we give you this you will be responsible for ensuring your laundry is in the hamper at the washer each week and you will keep your room clean to your mom's standards. If you can do that then you get your privacy." "I can do that," Adam said then mumbled, "And he WAS cute." "I'm sorry Adam," Gillian said and Adam nodded. There was silence for a bit. "How old do I have to be to fool around?" Adam asked. "Let's talk about it tonight boy. But I will tell you right now I am not going to put a restriction on you and say when you are 16 or 18 or something. Instead I will give you guidelines and talk about respect and let you decide on your own. I want you to talk tonight to the boys about the difference between sex and love. There is nothing wrong with sex but with sex there is responsibility. With love there is even more. If you were straight I could give you information, but I think you would prefer to hear from the boys. Am I right?" Nikki asked. "Yeah. No offense dad but if I want to find out about ...stuff....I want to hear about it from someone who has done it. I want to be able to hear about how it feels, if it hurts, how it tastes and stuff. And I want to know how to do it right so my boyfriend likes it and nobody gets hurt," Adam said blushing brightly. "I'm very proud of you Adam," Yvonne said. - Mark's family - "Okay we will stop and get Mark then head to Bryan's," Josephine said. "I don't want to go back to dad," Colin said. "Me either," Barry agreed. "You will stay with Nicky's parents for the next little bit. You get along with Adam and they are happy to have you. Just so you know, after the funeral we are going to court to have you removed from your father and come live with us," Jeremy said. "We want to live with Mark in America," Barry argued. Josephine looked back at the boys then at Jeremy who shrugged gently. "We aren't sure if that will be possible. Even America doesn't look well on gay men taking children," Josephine said. "We have to though. If dad finds out about me he will kill me," Barry wailed. "Oh Jesus Barry, are you gay?" Jeremy asked and the fresh wails from the boy answered his question. "We will see what we can do. If it comes down to it we will threaten him. We are taking you regardless. If we push for you to go to America and he refuses we will simply take you ourselves then move to America or something," Josephine said. Colin had his arms around his brother and they were both crying. "Mum knew and said not to tell cuz dad would beat me," Barry sobbed. "Does he beat you now?" Jeremy asked. "No mum never let him. But she's gone now and we're scared," Colin said softly. "There there lads, you won't be left alone with him and we will get you away from him we swear," Jeremy said and looked at Josephine. "Mark's fella is very rich, I am sure he can help," Josephine said softly and Jeremy nodded. They were the last of the cars to pull up but some of the families were just getting out of their cars. Things had been timed quite well so they all arrived together. ...to be continued Disclaimers: If you don't know what stuff is fake by now well that's just scary...hehehehe. I think probably the only disclaimers to make here are the castles. Obviously the two castle's mentioned don't belong to my made up character. But God they are beautiful. Seriously, look on the web for the two castles. I found them by typing in Ireland Castles into a search engine and I picked the two I like the best.