Grayson
Andrew has some things to do today, and Max is supposed to come home this evening. I'm feeling a bit impatient, but thankfully Ethan, my other dad, takes us to the family fun center. I kind of feel like the odd one out since Josh, Brian, and Ryder team up and constantly gang up on me.
The moment we step onto the vibrant, whimsically designed putt-putt golf course, a wave of energetic excitement surges through us. It's a miniature wonderland, populated by dazzling, vibrant obstacles -- a grinning clown's mouth gaping wide for our balls to roll through, a miniature windmill with swiftly turning sails to navigate, and gentle hillocks that send our golf balls on unexpected detours.
Josh, Brian, and Ryder swiftly claim their allegiance, a triumvirate of mischief and merriment against my solitary campaign. It doesn't take long for them to establish their cheeky tactics -- a strategically timed distraction, a sudden cough just as I'm about to take my shot.
My ball keeps ending up in the water, and it's so annoying! Everyone laughs when it happens. I've had to save my ball from the water so many times that I just decided to be the chill helper and watch them with a big smile.
Ethan comes up beside me, his voice gentle and teasing, "How does it feel to be the big brother?"
I look up, a playful gleam in my eye, "I guess it's a new chapter for me, isn't it? It's all fun and games, a little wetter than expected but fun nevertheless."
He laughs and messes up my wet hair, and it feels like we're getting closer as we laugh together and playfully joke around with the three troublemakers up front.
The boys remain unfazed in their playful torment, creativity blossoming with every hole. When we get to the 19th hole, things get a bit more serious, but we're still having fun and trying to win a free game. Their eyes show they really want to win!
Ryder scurries atop the chain-link fence that covers the long straight green becoming a spotter, his youthful voice guiding Josh's attempts. His exuberant instructions, mixed with sincere encouragement, fill the air as the rubbery ball awkwardly bounces along the artificial turf. Josh, embodying a fusion of focus and enjoyment, sends his ball down the green, only to have it rebelliously dart aside.
When it's Brian's turn, his pre-shot ritual consists of a ceremonious kiss to the golf ball and a wind-up reminiscent of a seasoned baseball pitcher. Alas, the red ball, perhaps startled by such a fervent approach, flees to the safety of the fountain beyond. Laughter erupts, unbridled and genuine, as Ethan gently guides us away, leaving the ball to its watery sanctuary.
As we walk to the ticket counter to purchase go-kart rides, Ethan continues our little conversation. "How are you holding up?"
"What do you mean?"
"You miss Max, don't you."
"Yeah, but he's back tonight. We've also been talking at night so it's not so bad. I got to spend some time with Daddy Andrew and I feel really good about life right now."
"That's great to hear. Especially coming from my boy who not so long ago had us all worried. We're so glad you snapped out of it and I'm so proud of the progress you've made with everything that has happened. You're an amazing big brother to Josh and Ryder."
I start feeling embarrassed, but Ethans side hug and assurances make me realize I am loved and wanted in this family.
The sun is making cool shadows on the go-kart track, and my heart is super excited as we get closer. Josh, Ryder, and Brian speed ahead and jump into their karts, laughing and talking smack. I'm a bit slower, hanging back, and then I notice him.
There's this guy who works here, about Robert's age, maybe a bit older. He's got a nice tan and is wearing white shorts that make it stand out. The wind messes up his hair, and he fixes it like a pro. I squint and see he's wearing a little earring, and it's got a pride flag on it. It's like a secret sign.
He comes over, and he's got this sly smile. "First time on the go-karts?" he asks in a quiet voice, like we're sharing a secret.
I shake my head, trying to be cool. "Nah, but it's been a while." I can't help but smile back.
He nods and helps me into my kart, our hands brushing. Time slows down for a second, and all the kart sounds and yelling seem far away.
"I'll be keeping an eye on you out there, okay? Show off a little," he says, stepping back, still smiling, like he's up to something.
Then, I'm racing! My heart is racing, too, not just from the speed. The kart engine is loud, but every time I go past him, I see his smile and a little wave. His eyes keep scanning to my crotch. I picked the wrong day to go commando and I'm starting to tent out my shorts and I don't really know why. It's distracting but also motivating. While I try to look good for the attendant, my brothers and Brian keep bumping into me and laughing.
But I don't really mind. Those bumps remind me of how fun this moment is, with family and maybe something more in the air.
On the last lap, I stop by where the attendant is. He leans down and whispers, "You did awesome out there. By the way, nice package." I carry those words with me as we leave the track, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't do anything with him, but somehow I feel like I'm cheating on Max. Max wouldn't mind, would he? It's just flirting.
Now, it's the water bugs' turn, and I can hardly wait. These aren't just any water bugs; they're colorful, motorized rafts that skim across the water, each equipped with a built-in water cannon. As we each climb into our respective bugs, I can see the cheeky grins on Josh, Ryder, and Brian's faces. They've formed an impromptu alliance and immediately start to circle me. I can tell they are planning their attack.
I felt like a master strategist as I hatched my own plan. I knew I had a size advantage, being a bit bigger than them. So, I stood up in my wobbly water bug, making sure not to fall over. My fingers held tight to the water cannon trigger, and I aimed it right at Ryder. I fired, and a stream of water hit him right in the chest. He burst into laughter, sounding so happy and free.
Josh is so caught up in pointing and laughing at Ryder's drenched state that he doesn't see me rotate the cannon toward him until it's too late. A stream of water splashes right into his face, causing him to sputter and wipe his eyes, a mock glare cast in my direction through his dripping hair.
Brian, sensing he might be the next target, tries to retreat, steering his water bug backward with a hasty paddle of his hands. Our playful war zone is now a chaotic splash-fest, our laughter echoing across the water, mingling with the sounds of splashes and the mechanical humming of our water bugs.
The sun casts shimmering reflections on the surface of the water as we chase each other, the world beyond our playful game blurs into insignificance. I pursue the trio around the small western-themed village that encircles our water battleground, a mock sheriff's office and saloon providing a backdrop to our escapades.
We dart between the miniature buildings, our water bugs creating gentle waves in their wakes. Every so often, we manage to corner one of the others, unleashing a torrent of water upon them while triumphant laughter rises into the air. Despite their earlier alliance, it doesn't take long for playful treachery to take hold, and soon, everyone is fending for themselves in our watery arena.
Eventually, our water bug escapade ends, and with light hearts, we disembark, our clothes sticking to us, smiles wide on our gleaming, water-speckled faces. As I exit the ride, the attendant from the go-karts is standing there. He is fixated on my crotch which is still tenting my now wet, sticky and nearly transparent shorts. I'm glad I didn't grab the white ones, but these tan shorts aren't hiding much. His eyes look up and catch mine. He winks and nods toward the shade as if he's inviting me off to play. I smile and nod at my family and politely shrug my shoulders and shake my head "no". I see him mouth the words, "If you can get away, I'll be waiting."
Butterflies fill my stomach. I've never had someone flirt at me like this. But Max, I can't cheat on Max. I can't feel guilty because he's the one flirting, not me, right?
I catch up to my brothers quickly and we walk toward the castle where we are going to get lunch. It's so cold being wet and inside, so we opt for the picnic tables outside in the sun. This kind of happiness is super special, you know? It's the kind you can only get when you're goofing around with the people you love the most.
After we finish eating our pizza and soda, It's time to head home. I hope Max is back; I really miss him.

Andrew
On the ride home from the airstrip, the boys chat about their adventures. Max fills us in on the scavenger hunt in Indiana and something about an fallen tree adorned with underwear.
As we unload, it's clear that Josh, Ryder, and Brian seem to have become the three musketeers at the family fun center. Grayson makes a bee line toward Max and hugs him tight. He kisses him and runs his hands up and down his back. I have no doubts about these boys and I think this trip has done them both a lot of good. When he's done reuniting with his lover, Grayson can't stop jabbering about how those three keep ganging up on him at putt-putt golf and the go-karts. It isn't until the water bugs that he is able to get his revenge. I hope Ethan snapped some good pictures of them.
I have no idea if anyone has eaten or not, so I'm going to let dinner just be a free-for-all. I think Brian is staying the night. Robert and Eric decide to head home. I think they want some alone time anyway.
We all, including Ethan and I, change to meet the dress code of Grizzly Valley Ranch as we enter the door. The clothes pile up on the bench by the front door. Ethan reminds me that he has to go into work tonight, so we get to cuddle on the couch in the great room, where just this morning Grayson and I had our bonding time.
As it becomes later, Ethan reluctantly has to go, so he changes into his uniform. When he comes out, everyone gives him playful catcalls and whistles. He stops, spins around and, when he leaves, even chirps the sirens.
I leave the boys out in the great room. They're playing on the game consoles and talking. I tell them to turn things off when they go to bed. They're good boys, so I don't need to even tell them what time to go to bed. I head to my room and decide a nice hot steam shower is in order. I close the door and turn on some Sinatra while the steam bellows out of the walls in the shower. I get in and close the door, letting the jets massage me.

Ryder
It's been a tiring day out in the sun. I hope my brothers enjoyed being with me as much as I did being with them. I want this to be my forever family and I hope that I get to stay. It worries me every night, but I usually get to snuggle with Josh who makes me feel so welcome. I'm not gay like all the other boys, but it is nice to be naked and cuddling with them. I think boys cuddle better than girls anyway. I miss Josh tonight, but I realize he and Brian are going to mess around and I wouldn't be a part of it, so I come into the guest room to sleep.
My fingers play with the hem of the cozy blue quilt, eyes flitting around my room that's dimly lit by the soft glow of a nightlight. I feel safe and warm here in this house, but there's a bubble of emotions welling up inside me, ready to spill. The door creaks open gently, and I see Andrew's kind face peer in, his smile a comforting presence.
"Hey buddy, not asleep yet?" he whispers, easing himself down onto the edge of my bed.
I shake my head, tugging the quilt up to my chin. A tangle of words knot in my throat, but tonight, I want to unravel them.
"You know, Dad," I begin hesitantly, "I really like it here."
His eyes, soft and warm, regard me gently, "I'm glad to hear that, sweetheart. We like having you here too."
I squirm a bit, drawing in a deep breath, "I like playing with Josh, Max, and Grayson. Josh and I built that fort by the creek and it's been so much fun."
Andrew's eyes light up with gentle joy, "It sounds like a lot of fun. The creek and woods are quite a magical place to explore, aren't they?"
I nod eagerly, memories of those adventures rushing through my mind, "Yeah, and Josh and Grayson were a lot of fun today at the fun center. They're really nice and so is Brian. I'm glad Max is home."
He reaches over, softly ruffling my hair, "They think you're pretty great too, you know."
A faint shadow of worry passes through my eyes and I pull the quilt tighter, "Andrew?"
"Yes, dear?" His voice is like a soothing melody, patient and calm.
"Do you think I can stay here? With you, and Ethan, and the boys?" My voice is but a whisper, the vulnerability of my words hanging in the gentle silence that follows.
Andrew's eyes soften further, and he draws nearer, his hand finding mine beneath the quilt, "We want you to stay too. You've become a part of our family, and this is your home as long as you want it to be."
A sigh of relief escapes me, but I seek further assurance, "Promise?"
He squeezes my hand gently, "Promise. Ethan and I, we're here for you, always. This is your home, and you, Josh, Max, and Grayson - you're all our boys."
My eyes find his, seeking sincerity, and all I see is genuine kindness and love reflected back at me. I snuggle down into my bed, comfort seeping into me. "I love you, Andrew," I whisper, the words tentative but utterly sincere.
He leans down, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead, "And we love you, so very much. Goodnight, sweetheart."
As he leaves, softly closing the door behind him, a warm tranquility wraps around me. I'm home, truly home, among brothers, and two dads who care. And with that comforting thought, I let myself drift into a peaceful sleep.
I wake up a few minutes later and a panic strikes me as I realize the room is empty. It's just me. Usually I am with Josh, but he's with Brian tonight. I know Andrew said this is my home, but now I worry. I grab the teddy bear that Josh gave me when I first arrived and walked down the hallway to Andrew's room. I know Ethan is gone tonight and maybe he's as lonely as I am.
I carefully open the door and peek in. I don't want to walk in on him like I did that first night. He's in bed, but reading a book and has a lamp on very low on the bedside table. I walk up to the bed and give a gentle tug to the cover. Andrew looks up and our eyes meet. I don't need to say anything as he just lifts the cover up to let me slide in next to him.
He puts his bookmark in the book and closes it, setting it on the bedside table. He touches the lamp and it turns off as his arms engulf me and make me feel safe and warm, all cuddled up to my dad in hopes that he really will be my forever dad.
I think it's pretty cool that I am going to have two dads that are real life heroes.

You can find all my works (some not fit for Nifty) and latest chapters at https://archiveofourown.org/users/AndrewThomas/pseuds/AndrewThomas