Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2015 19:38:41 +0000 From: Max Dowling Subject: Never Give Up- Codes You Awake 2 Codes You Awake 2 The house and beach was filling up. Most of the footy team was here except the guys that were overseas or up country with their families. Unfortunately Tim and Donny weren't here but I expect they will call sometime during the night. Uncle Larry and April, Mike and Debs, Connie, Jamie's family and the whole box and dice were also here. Our present table was nearly overflowing and Conner of course was eyeing it off. He was always the one who found our Christmas presents and of course told me what I was getting. Which pissed me off something shocking. I always thought he had done something dreadful when he did that, you know, something not quite right. Mitch had gone to a lot of trouble dressing. I noticed he had my dad's label on and those hip hugging faded blue jeans looked delicious with his muscle butt on show. He placed two gifts on the table then came over and man hugged Conner and me, wishing us both a happy birthday. "Drink Mitch?" I offered. "No thanks Codes. I will make myself a coffee for now." "Let me mate, how do you like it?" "White with one, thanks Codes," he answered, his full pink lips seemed to shine in the surrounding light and I wondered if he had put some gloss on them. Handing him his drink he thanked me again then walked back to Harper's table and soon was surrounded by friends. Quite the popular boy I think. Now you really don't know my brother Conner. When he's bad, he's bad and, if I know him...which I do, sometime during the night he will pick me up and dump me in the surf. I spent the first hour avoiding him but thought no, it hasn't worked in the past so it won't work tonight. I whispered to dad Cody I was going to change and he thought that was a good idea. I didn't want his beautiful outfit to get ruined by the salty sea. I headed to my bedroom and picked out a nice pair of yellow speedos followed by a groovy eighties patterned tank top. Then I found a pair of boardies to put on, but as I was just about to step into them my bedroom door opened. "Oh sorry Codes I was looking for the bathroom," Mitch blushed. He was looking a little embarrassed and sheepish. "No problem Mitch you can use mine just through there." I smiled as I turned to look at him and I thought I heard him sigh. "Thanks, gotta go pee." I really didn't think much of it at the time and if it had have been Harper I would have offered to hold it for him. Nah I wouldn't, just kidding. I continued to slip my shorts and T-shirt on. "Thanks Cody, what's with the bathers?" "My brother. Whenever there's a party here he feels the need to dump me in the surf. He's always done that and I don't want my dad's stuff to get ruined. Hence the boardies, he can't ruin them." I laughed as I headed for the bathroom to check my hair and put some more aftershave on. I could smell it as I walked in; the top was already off. I must have done that earlier today. "Are you enjoying yourself Mitch?" "Yes Codes. It's been an awesome night, you have a great family." "They are mate and I love them all to death, they are a lot of fun to be around too." "I get it," he answered. "Do your parents go to the games much Mitch?" "No my dad is not interested much in my career and mum is too busy with her real estate business Saturdays. But she has been to a few games. I don't see them that much they are so busy." I could see there was something missing but I didn't push it. "So do you think you will get laid tonight. Belinda looks really nice?" "Nah, we are just good friends. She doesn't put out for just anyone but I like her a lot, her values are different. She's waiting for Mr. Right." He sat on the bed. "Cool, so Harper is the only one that's having some fun then?" "Yes, I guess I will be going home alone again." "Cheer up mate the nights young, we can make our own fun." "He's straight you know," he whispered. That came out of left field. "Who?" "Harper." "Why would you tell me that Mitch, I know he's straight?" I sort of froze, my stomach churned. "Oh just thinking aloud Cody, no biggie." I stopped and stared at him for a full half minute then it dawned on me. "You know don't you, how?" "Yes Codes, I guessed it the first time I met you. But please don't think I'm telling the world. It's none of their business who you like. Harper is a great guy but as I said, he's straight." He looked depressed. I spied his soft down peeping over his body hugging t-shirt and something pulled at my cock again. "Thanks Mitch, I'm not ready to tell the world as yet but how did you guess?" "The way you look at him Codes. You don't look at anyone else that way, only him and I just wanted to warn you that he's straight, accepting, but straight." "Okay lets go get a drink and after my dunking I'll let you scrape the sand off my ass with the broom." I laughed and I didn't want to get into a deep and meaningful conversation with Mitch. What would a stud like him know about gays anyway? Usually when I want to talk that kind of stuff I go to Uncles Luke or Rory, it feels right to do that, not that my dads wouldn't answer my questions. It's just that I would be embarrassed about it. I danced a bit and generally had a lot of fun. Mitch even took my hand and we did a kind of grinding bump together, I suspected he was a little happier. Uncle Rory and Bobby brought out the cake just as dad popped the champagne corks. The cake was beautiful, no flowery stuff just two heart shaped chocolate moose cakes joined with our names on them. They know we don't go for the full on productions they sometimes make. This one was perfect for us. Dad Dan made a speech while he had his arms over our shoulders. He talked about the blessings he and dad Cody got when we arrived. The joy that filled their hearts the swimming lessons and the countless sandcastles on the beach. He was proud of our academic achievements and our kind and caring natures. He also told a lot of bad stuff to everyone at which I hung my head in shame. I was only acting though; we really never did anything crazy to our parents. If the truth were known it was they who did the crazy stuff. If not them it was Rory or Luke with a bit of Tim thrown in. We thanked everyone for coming along and of course Conner announced he was still on the market. And was interviewing potential girlfriends in his bedroom later on. "Conner Lawrence, stop that right now," I heard Squirt yell. Everyone cracked up and uncle Mike took Con by the shoulder and marched him outside. Maybe to give him one of his uncle talks but I could see them laughing. As I walked by to get a coke Conner leered at me and I cringed, it's nearly that time again. "Come on Con you're slipping, there are presents to unwrap." He was onto them straight away with Uncle Mike forgotten in his rush to get to the table. "Jamie and Lukey bought you a very nice gold anklet chain Codes,"he whispered to me. "They did not Conner, stop lying," I whispered to him, as if they would buy me something like that? "They did Cody, look, a tiny parcel just for you." "Idiot."Here we go again. "It will look good while you have your legs over some guy's shoulders," he joked. "Conner Lawrence. I won't tell you again." It was Squirt again, my dad has got super hearing. "Sorry dad." Conner blushed. Then Cody came over and said in my ear, "Well it's not an anklet chain Codes, it's a cock ring." He laughed all the way over to a very stern looking Dan's side, giving him a nudge and a wink. Dan put his arm around his waist and whispered something in his ear and Codes started heading for their bedroom but Dan stood his ground and pulled him back laughing. We got some very nice presents, mainly jokey stuff but some great gold chains and earrings, personal stuff like that. I opened Mitch's present almost last and it was beautiful. A tiny diamond set cross on a gold chain. This was no ordinary present. It had been hand made by a jeweler who knows his craft. I looked at Mitch who had his arm around Belinda's waist, he was grinning at me as I mouthed a thank you to him. I would thank him properly later because he looks busy at the moment. I helped Conner clean up the wrapping paper and cart it out to the bin and he was on a high. Something was in the air and I knew fucking well what it was. Bobby and Rory's present was left until last. It was sort of treated with great reverence because his paintings usually had a message in them. We wanted the table to be well cleared before we opened it. We both pulled back the cloth covering it and gasped at the brilliant colors that burst out of the canvas. The painting was of the two of us, sitting on a park bench, our arms resting on the back. I was looking up to the sky and the moonlight was shining on our faces. It was a beautiful painting and as I said,as always, with uncle Bobby there was a message but I couldn't figure it out. All it said when we looked closely with the magnifying glass was. 'Look to the skies- insert here.' It baffled both of us and another thing I noticed was Conner's eyes were looking down at me and I could actually see the love in them. He had a tuft of hair poking out of his collar but we are both hairless. Well in that department anyway, I did get a sort of treasure trail going there at one time but it looked sad so I shaved it off. Everyone looked it over and every time I looked at it from different angles I noticed a different scene and the questions were building up in my head. We hung it with the rest of Bobby's beautiful paintings. I noticed dad Codes kissed his hand and placed it on the big family one. I knew it by heart. It was where my nana was sitting. I didn't want any sadness tonight as Cody can get a little melancholic in these situations. My nana wasn't here because she's getting older and prefers not to travel far from home.We missed her tonight more than Tim and Donny but we will catch up with her soon.I saw a tear in my dad's eye when I looked at him so I thought I would pull him out of it. We all felt pretty much the same but tonight isn't about sadness. "Have a dance with me dad?" I swung him around. "Why of course young man, it would be my pleasure." "No, the pleasure is all mine dad." I smirked as I took him in my arms and slow danced with him. "I'm so proud of you honey, you know that don't you?" "Yes dad loud and clear, I get it everyday and I thank you again for taking Conner and me into your wonderful world." "Not an option baby. I had waited for you two for so long I thought God had forgotten Dan and me. The day your daddy turned up was both the saddest and happiest day I've ever had." "Thank you Squirt." I kissed his cheek but detected another small tear running down it. "May I cut in?" Conner's smile appeared out of nowhere. He took Cody's arm and mine and danced with us both and of course, dad Dan joined us. After a few reflective minutes I looked at Conner then took a deep breath and said, "I'm ready when you are." "What for brother?" "My birthday dunking Conner, let's get it out of the way." I grinned at him. "I'm not going to dunk you little brother." His reference to me being born last warmed me only because he called me that all the time. "You're not?" Dan sparked up. "No, they are." With that he pointed to Harper and Mitchell as they ran over and grabbed a very happy me and lifted me up to take me down to the beach to dump me in the rolling surf. I couldn't stop laughing. This was different and I did sort of bone up when Harper kissed my cheek and said, "Happy fucking birthday Cody." "Harper!" Dan wasn't amused. He giggled as Mitch took my feet and they swung me back and forth, one, two, three and I flew through the air, bracing myself and waiting for the cold water to drench me. There were a lot of cheers and clapping, cameras went off and then a towel was produced. As I dragged my sorry ass out I spied Uncle Jamie and Dan and winked as they rushed at Conner who was laughing his head off. But then protesting soon after as they had done the same to him. "Not fair, that's my gig," Con screamed as the cold water hit him. "Not anymore older brother." I grinned. I dried myself off then dropped my wet boardies. The gentle breeze was warm tonight but I didn't want to catch a chill. I couldn't help notice people were staring at me as I rubbed the towel over my body, the party actually had gone slightly quiet and Mitch let out an audible breath...he was behind me grinning forever. Walking to the side of the house I turned on the beach shower, and thank God it had hot water hooked up to it. I rinsed my shorts then stripped off my tank and began to soap up. That sand is a killer and I hate it so much. Turning off the shower I put my leg up on the bench and began drying myself then I placed the towel around my waist and dropped my speedos, which I promptly rinsed also. I heard a noise and Mitch was standing there staring at me, he started laughing. I went along with it and laughed back then walked through the side door into my bedroom. Mitch followed me and went and used my bathroom. Something was pulling at my cock and I actually wanted to play house with him but I stopped short of asking him to towel me down. After slipping another pair of dry hipster shorts on I sang out to Mitch that I would see him outside. But before I left he came out so I thanked him properly for the tiny cross. He said it was his pleasure and lightly kissed my cheek, more stirring. The party was breaking up. It wasn't a late night but guests had to get home and I suppose the tents were waiting for some very dirty action in the dunes. My dads had started cleaning up with the help of many volunteersso everything was almost ship shape before I got there. The dishwasher was cranking away, good, no washing up for me tonight. Before Harper went to bed he thanked me for a great night and a bro hug was in order so he pulled me in and kissed my cheek again. I could smell the beer on his breath as he whispered, "He likes you a lot you know." "Who?" "Mitch," he answered and winked. "Bullshit, your drunk, go to bed." Mitch appeared to say goodnight, he looked red faced and quite upset and looked daggers at Harper, then without saying anything he stormed off. It happened so fast I didn't even have time to talk to him. Harper opened his hands and winked again. I moved myself out to the car park and I heard a car start up so ran over to it. "Hey you didn't say goodnight Mitch." "Sorry Codes. Thank you for a great party and I'm glad you loved your cross. Don't take any notice of Harper he's pissed. Goodnight, I'll see you at training Sunday." He was crying. "Oh Mitch, what's the matter mate, can I help?" My heart sank. "No Cody just got the blues that's all." I noted Belinda wasn't in the car with him, I suppose they had come separately. "Night, night," he said as he put his foot to the pedal and swung around to head out to the freeway, his car rumbling along in the night air I suddenly heard in the distance a great roar and tires screeching. We did what we always do as a family and sat on the porch and had coffee just to relax and unwind...be ourselves. Luke, Jamie, Rory, Bobby, my dads, Tom and Trent, they had all paired off and were quietly talking about the party. Occasionally we heard a yahoo or a scream coming from the many tents dotted in the dunes. Bobby and Rory were looking at each other smiling. They had set up a tent for the night close to the house. It was their thing as they only lived two minutes away down the beach. "What's with the, 'insert here,' in the painting uncle Bob?" I asked. "I don't know Codes, it felt right but it's not finished yet." "What's not finished uncle?" Con asked. "The painting. I couldn't finish it because I didn't know what I had to write in that spot but as soon as I know I will finish it for you boys." He giggled, yes they both giggle, a lot. "Well when are we going to do this Dan, it's getting late?"Luke asked. "Squirt, you can do the honors baby." He kissed dad Cody on the lips, Cody groaned. "No Dan it's your job." "What's going on dads?" Conner asked. "Your presents boys." We suddenly got big grins on our faces. I had forgotten about that. "Oh, before you do that can you boys go over to our place and get our little TV out of the garage for us pleeease?" Rory whined. "Sure come on little brother." Con jumped up. We don't mind doing things for Rory because he does so much for us but the bloody TV, why would he want that? Maybe one of their all night movie things is happening tonight? Conner buzzed the garage door and the lights flickered on, we froze. "What the?" "What the fuck?" Con yelled. "Conner," We heard Jamie say. "Oh fuck," I said rather slowly. "Cody, don't say fuck," Dan yelled. Sitting under the lights were two gleaming BMWs with ribbons on them, they each had a big sign on the bonnets,'Happy Birthday Conner,' and, 'Happy Birthday Cody.' "Wow!" I grabbed dad Cody. "Thank you, thank you, you're so awesome." Then I did Dan. Conner was doing the same but he thanked everyone. Mine was yellow and Cons was red. We found the keys and started looking them over but dad Dan said we couldn't drive them tonight, it was too late, but in the morning we could test our driving skills up the freeway. It was another hour before our family started drifting off to their various homes and the tent. Conner went to bed and dad Cody winked at Dan and moved in to kiss us goodnight. I was sitting on the sofa and Dan crawled in behind me and kissed my neck. I absolutely loved times like this because he calmed me down and got me centered. I slept better after I was held by my dad Dan. "Have a good night baby?" "Yes dad, it was the best. I had a lot of fun." "Something's bothering you isn't it?" He knows everything my dad, he reads me so well. "Not a lot dad. I am a bit worried about Mitch though as he wasn't being himself tonight, something's wrong with him." "Umm maybe he's just going through some stuff, do you want me to talk with him?" "No it's okay, I'll catch up with him Sunday at training. Harper looked good tonight didn't he?" I let out a slight giggle. "He did son but I don't think he's right for you honey, maybe open your eyes a bit wider." "What do you mean?" "Well you were getting a lot of looks tonight and maybe Harper was not the one doing it." "I get vibes off him dad. I can't explain it but I don't get them from anyone else, it's confusing." "Well baby I don't want to upset you but he's where tonight?" I slumped. "Getting some girly action dad." "Well how about we sleep on it and talk some more tomorrow, I'm pretty tired but thank you for some `our time' baby." "Thank you too dad." I kissed him, squeezed him tight then went to bed. After showering then crawling into bed at one am I started thinking about Harper screwing his girlfriend. My hand was immediately stroking my cock, my imagination running at full speed as Harps was fucking me instead. My legs cracked as I lifted my ass to meet his imaginary large cock as I rubbed out a load, exhausting myself in the process. I leant over to my nightstand and wiped myself clean. I would flush the evidence in the morning so I pushed the tissues under my bed. Mitch was standing on the bluff looking down, tears were running down his cheeks and he was moaning something awful, it was spine chilling. Then suddenly he opened his arms and floated head first off the edge and I heard a muted thud. I suddenly woke up screaming and sweat was pouring off my body. Conner was the first by my side holding onto me and stroking my head. "It's just a dream Cody, a dream means nothing." My sobbing shocked me as did the dream, Dan and Cody rushed in. "What's the matter son?" "Just a dreadful dream dad but it's fading now. I'm sorry, I didn't know I was yelling." "It's okay baby, we all have them." "I don't," Conner said, we all looked at him. "What?" he asked. "Nothin," Squirt said. Conner used to have nightmares when he was younger and I remember us both sleeping with our dads a lot. They were especially bad when we stayed at Uncle Luke's place. "Jump in Dan," dad Cody said. "Go back to sleep Conner, dad and I have got this." My dads both got in beside me and Conner stroked my face then went off back to bed, they held me and I felt safe. Because my room was on the west side of the house I didn't get the morning sun like my dads' room did so we three had a sleep in. I could feel Dan's arms around us both all night. I was woken when he had to go for a pee then Cody followed him after kissing me and tucking my blankets snugly in. Around eleven I surfaced still feeling like something bad had happened. I strolled out to the kitchen and poured a coffee. "Good morning son, did you sleep well?" Cody asked. "You know I did dad." I smiled and he hugged me. "Toast?" "You know that too." I grinned. "I'll bring it out." I took my coffee out to the porch and sat with Dan. "Sorry dad I didn't mean to upset your night." "It's okay Codes, that's why we are here, we are here for you both anytime of the day or night. What was your dream about?" Just then dad Cody came out with my breakfast. "Oh dad, Mitch, it was about Mitch, he was standing on the bluff sobbing with his arms held out and he slowly dove off it and I heard a thud, he was lying on the rocks." I shuddered as Cody flopped into a chair. "How?" he asked. "How what Squirt?" Dan asked back. "Nuthin Dan, nuthin." Squirt was very quiet and I didn't understand why his whole demeanor had changed, he was playing with his heart absentmindedly and Dan was watching him closely. "What's the matter dad?" "Oh nothing son, we were just a bit worried about you that's all. We all have nightmares and they aren't pleasant at the best of times but it's over, never to return so let's not dwell on it." He was looking at Cody while he was talking to me. Something snapped Cody out of it and he released his little heart and straightened up smiling. "Well where are you driving us today baby boy?" "Has Conner already gone?" "Yes he took Luke and Jamie for a ride an hour ago, he couldn't wait, he's probably hit Brisbane by now." "Okay how about I take you both into town and we will get a coffee and cake, maybe for free at your cafe dad?" "Sounds good to me son," Codes said. After I showered and helped Cody put some things away in the garage from the party we walked over to Rory's place to get my car. It was true I didn't dream it. My awesome new yellow car was waiting for me; the ribbons were easy to lose, I put them in the boot. We piled in and I took a deep breath smelling the newness of the leather seats then turning the key it came to life, I looked over at Dan and smiled. Carefully I drove out and couldn't wait to let it have its head when I hit the freeway although it would only be a four-kilometer drive as the nearest town is not very far. Dan played with everything and was pointing out things he hasn't got in his, in actual fact dad, your's is eight years old so it's time to upgrade I think! I drove my dads to the shopping center and the ride was very smooth. Turning into the car park I headed for the center management garage and found a spot next to a very familiar red car. "They must have ended up here dad, I'll call Conner to meet us." I took my phone out to call and noticed a message that must have come in overnight. 'I love you,' was all it said and the caller id was withheld. "Who are you?" I sent back. A strange thing to say and not tell me who you are. I pushed Conner's number, a couple of rings and he answered. "Hi bro, where are you?" I asked. "We are at the cafe, are you near?" "Just walking in the door now, see you in a minute." I hung up. "They are in the cafe dad." We walked into my dads' shopping center and it was quite busy, over the years they had added a hundred or more shops. When it started it had just a few and a gym but its grown and taken over most of the old shops that were in the original shopping strip. I could see my uncles and brother sitting outside the cafe and Conner was devouring some strange chocolate cake with gusto. "Hi uncles, enjoy your ride?" "Yes Codes, very nice cars indeed," Jamie said. "You can buy one if you want Jamie, your's is getting old now," Luke smiled. "Not going to happen Lukey, I love that ute, it's got a lot of history." Jamie had bought Luke's Holden Ute from him years ago, it's in pristine condition and has a beautiful rumbling sound to it but it's got to be almost an antique by now. Dad Cody was behind the counter making us coffees and he was chatting with one of the waitresses and laughing. He never seems to age my dad. I guess it's because he really looks after himself. He has always got some miracle face cream he talks about and he is still very good looking but not a patch on my dad Dan who's a tall hunk of muscle with the most beautiful grey eyes in the world, he's smiling at me again. "What's up dad?" "Nuthin Cody, just thinking about the swimming lessons you boys had when you were babies." "I remember we would come here and have milk and bikkies after but that's about all, only that I loved swimming." "Yeah you both did." Dad got a dreamy look on his face. My phone went. "Just someone who loves you, no one special." "What the fuck?" "Cody!" Squirt said. "Sorry dad but look at these messages." I passed the phone over to him and he scrolled through them. "And you don't know who this is?" "No dad not a clue there's no number or caller id." "Well be careful, it maybe a troll trying to scare you." "Why would they do that?" "There are some weird people around nowaday's son." We spent a pleasant hour talking about last night and footy and felt a bit overwhelmed by all the chatter so I whispered to dad I was going to run home and could he take my car. "Everything okay Codes, do you want to find a quiet corner to talk?" "No dad all's good. I just feel like going for a run that's all." "Okay, don't overdo it." I said my goodbyes to my family and walked through the shopping center and out the back across the car park to the beach, where I started slowly running up to our house. I heard my phone go off and stopping by the big rocks I opened the message. "Harper is not for you, please Cody, I love you." What the fuck? I sat on the rocks and looked at those messages again and thought it's probably Harper's girlfriend having a laugh. "Do I know you?" "Yes." "I know Harps isn't for me but who is?" "Me, I absolutely adore you." I waited for a few minutes to take it all in but decided if the caller couldn't tell me who he is then I won't encourage him or her so I turned my phone off. I brushed the sand off my butt, God I hated it and began running again. I was no more than half a mile from Trent and Tom's place and could see the cream house sitting high in the dunes. It looks like no one's home so I moved along at a steady pace and by the time I got home I was exhausted. I flopped onto the porch couch. My dads were home because I saw movement inside then the door swung open and it was Cody with a big glass of orange juice in his hand followed by Dan with two more. "Good run baby?" "Yes dad, I had a rest at the rocks and got another text." "Same as the others?" "Yes same." I took my phone out and turned it on, it indicated by it's beeping there were six more messages. "F... far out." I read them and they were all the same, 'I love you.' "My God, someone's got it bad and you have no idea who this is?" "No dad not a clue but maybe I can ask Trent to source the number?" "It's blocked unfortunately but you either have a secret admirer or a stalker on your hands,"Dan said as he looked at my phone. "Codes can I ask you something that's a bit out there?" dad Cody asked. "Sure dad, what is it?" "Are you absolutely sure Mitch is straight?" "Of course he is dad. Why would you ask me that?" "Because he never took his eyes off you last night, while you were watching Harper, Mitch was watching you." "Eh? Nah, he's a friend, he knows I'm gay but he hasn't said anything about him being gay, he goes out with Belinda and has been for awhile now, he's straight." "Okay baby, don't get upset about it, these things do happen though." He looked at my dad Dan and smiled.