Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 20:23:37 -0700 (PDT) From: Snwdemon Subject: Playing The Game Ch 8 Learning the game - Part 3 {M/t, M/b, no sex} WARNING: This story contains descriptions of sexual acts involving MINOR boys. I wish to explain that this story is not true! Further, it is not intended to promote illegal acts against minors, but to demonstrate that young boys can love each other even when adults believe that they are too young. The sexual acts described in the story are the result of my imagination. I have not performed these acts, and I do not encourage others to perform them with minors. If the subject of boy/boy or homosexual love between minors offends you, or this material is illegal to possess in your place of residence, or if you are under the legal age to possess such material, do not read further! By downloading this story: You implicitly declare and affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to material intended for mature, responsible members of society capable of making decisions about the content of documents they wish to read ." The story is copyrighted under my pseudonym, Snwdemon. A copy has been placed in these archives for your enjoyment. The story cannot be used to derive monetary gain. However, if you want to place a copy of this story in your free access archives please email me for my permission. The story cannot be placed in archives that require payment for access, or printed and distributed in any form that requires payment either directly or indirectly. Any similarity to individuals, living, or dead, is partially accidental. Reference is also made in context to locations, businesses, characters, and people to define the story line. No other implication about the true sexuality or actions of the people, or places mentioned is intended. Author's note: Hello again all, I want to thank everyone for their patience with me. Many things have happened that seem to do nothing but prevent me from finishing my stories. First was Simon's relapse and chemotherapy. Then it was the holidays, and finally double pneumonia. During those times, I have written chapters 7 thru 9, then discarded them, and rewrote them only to trash that copy as well. I lost count of the rewrites after the 8th or 9th rewrite, so as Simon says to me, I am working on the gazillionth one. The problem is that I know where to begin, and what should happen during this long time period, and the outcome when I finish, but its filling in the gaps in between that has had me stumped lately. I tried to stay out of the hospital, but when you are already missing half a lung along with a few other vital organs from inside you, and then pneumonia becomes a deadly illness for me. Due to my extensive injuries which are the cause of my disabilities, it has also weakened my immune system to the point where a simple sinus infection will linger until it becomes something more serious such as pneumonia since my body just is not able to fight off the infection like a healthy person would be able to. This is why I am so particular about I do, and how I do it. It is not because I am a health nut, but because when a person survives catastrophic injuries to their body like I have; it forces them to change every single aspect of their life in order to get healthy and to stay healthy. Therefore, after spending the last few weeks feeling like death warmed over, I was finally able to finish the chapters for my stories. The other chapters are still being proofed, but should be finished and posted within the next seven to ten days. However, I've had to break up the chapter titled "Learning the game" in this story (which was chapter 6, but is now chapters 6 through 9), into four separate chapters due to the overall length of it which was almost 90 pages long in MS Word. The good news is that it completes the story aging process, completes tying the original story of Rodie's Love to this one without killing off any of the characters along with adding a few new ones, and reveals how everything relates to the chapter and story titles. I just want to thank everyone for their patience. Thanks again, and enjoy the ride and God Bless. Damion. Playing the game: Rodie's story cont. Chapter 8: Learning the game -- Part 3 August 2000: The next two weeks were a bit hectic for everyone, but it was by far the happiest that Rodie has had since that fateful night. Jim and the others completely moved everything from the other house, and from John's condo, into the new beach house next to Jim's before closing down the vacated house. John had decided to give his condo to his mother Lillian so she could be near them while also renting out her home. While she had her retirement, along with John's father's pension and Social Security, the leasing of her home would provide another source of income for her and allow her to be near Mark, Eric, and now Rodie too. John and Cathy had started their own business with Eddie and Jim as silent partners for their successful string of Gourmet Deli franchises that now included several locations throughout North Carolina and Virginia. John still had his considerable holdings of real estate along with his real estate company that provided them with ample income to support the family. Jim was still the wealthiest of them all because of his diverse portfolio of business and real estate holdings, and sound financial investments while Eddie and Marco were equally well off with Jim's help and investing savvy. Marco had his Dance and Gymnastics school while Eddie had the restaurant to keep him busy. Eddie had moved his belongings out of the beach house in order for Rodie to have his own room, and the guest room was converted into his personal rehabilitation center. All of the exercise equipment that Rodie would need to strengthen his body as well as specialized machines that he required were set up too. However, the nightmares had returned, and the lack of sleep was beginning to show on him. While he seemed to be adjusting to his new surroundings, he was also dealing with the long delayed memories of what his father had done to him. The most notable thing with him was how emotionally vulnerable he was after one of his nightmares. He would always be fearful of everything afterwards, and Jim had to reassure him that nothing would change the aspects of his life and family. However, nobody was expecting the last twist that his father had in store for Rodie. Rodie had another rough night because the memories of his father's assault had invaded his dreams again. Jim had soothed him afterwards before carrying him to his bed where Rodie managed to go back to sleep. When he finally woke up at 9am, he was grumpy and in pain. Jim gave him his medication, and mixed his pain medication with some blueberry syrup before suggesting that he should relax in the Jacuzzi instead of taking a hot shower. Jim carried him downstairs and got him situated when Cathy called him from upstairs. Jim went up to see what she wanted while leaving Rodie by himself to relax in the hot tub. Jim could see that something important had come up when he saw Cathy's face as he came up the stairs. "Good morning Cathy, I just put Rodie into the hot tub and set it on a low boil. So what's up, and would you like some coffee?" He asked her as he came up the stairs into the kitchen. "No thanks Jim, I just need to talk to you is all. A lawyer showed up at our door about an hour ago. What he had to say was quite surprising, which is why I am here now to get your advice." She explained as they both seated themselves at the dinging room table. "I take it that this involves Rodie somehow," he asked her as he got up and made himself a fresh cup of coffee. After getting his coffee, Jim motioned for her to sit down at the table. "Now, tell me what is going on." "Like I said, an estate attorney for Paul showed up looking specifically for Rodie. I explained that Rodie was still recovering from his injuries caused by Paul, and that he was currently at his therapy session. Well he explained the reason for his visit, and that he needed Rodie's signature on some documents in order to transfer Paul's assets into Rodie's name. As you know, before Paul left, we were quite well off financially. After the divorce, Paul still had most of his assets invested in stocks. It seems they have done remarkably well, and now they are Rodie's. Jim, Paul's assets are well over five million dollars, and he left a personal letter to Rodie. After I explained what Paul had done to him, the lawyer read the letter to me. In it, Paul basically tells Rodie how proud he is of him, and how much he loves him, and hopes that Rodie will eventually forgive him. I am worried that this letter will just cause more confusion and pain for him Jim. While I have a close connection with Rodie, he has given you a much stronger bond with him. Therefore I need to know if this will hurt him or not because if it will, then I will have the attorney wait." Cathy explained to him, and Jim sat back and sipped his coffee while he thought about what she just said. "I do not believe this will hurt him Cathy. You are right about how Rodie has connected me with him. I know what he is thinking and feeling at anytime. Therefore, I can say this with complete accuracy that this news will not hurt him. I know that he has nightmares about what his father did to him, but for the most part, he still loves his father and misses him. I know that it is hard to believe considering everything Paul did to him, but it is true that Rodie still loves Paul and still hopes that somehow Paul will return that love. Now with this matter, it will help him to move on past that night because this is the vindication that Rodie has been searching for. This is the proof that shows him that his father did indeed love him." Jim said to her while she nodded in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing Jim. I just wanted to be sure before I broke the news to him is all. All of his life, the only thing that Rodie has ever wanted was for Paul to return the love that Rodie has for him. Paul was not able to do that when he was alive, and I still think that something caused him to change and to become the monster he was. That is because Paul was never violent in any way. However, he changed after Rodie was born, and he turned into the monster that took two innocent lives and almost took Rodie's too. I just wish we knew why so Rodie can see that he was not responsible for what Paul did." Cathy said as she sat at the table. Jim reached over, took her hand, and held it while his face told her that he understood. The moment was broken up when Rodie told them that if he remained in the tub any longer that they would have Rodie stew to eat. Jim hurried downstairs, lifted Rodie out of the hot tub, and wrapped him in one of his old terrycloth robes. "You forgot about me, and left me to boil in the tub," Rodie said with a frown. He thrust out his bottom lip in an adorable pout as he held his hair out of the way so Jim could dry him. "I'm sorry my love, but your mom is here with some important news and I completely forgot about you cooking down here. So do you forgive me?" Jim asked him as he gently dried Rodie before helping him to get dressed in his bikini briefs and cotton pj's. "I'll think about it. Maybe if you keep your promise about having that lengthy discussion with me, then I might forgive you." Rodie said in his soft voice while he had a mischievous grin on his face. This caused Jim to laugh as he remembered that conversation he had with Rodie right before he left to have surgery, but then his face became serious again. "I haven't forgotten my promise, but right now you mom and I have something very important to discuss with you." Jim said carefully to him as he closed the front of the oversized robe and tying the belt into a bow. Rodie looked intently at him while his brows furrowed as he read Jim's thoughts. Jim had carefully shielded his discussion with Cathy so Rodie could not discover it unless he pushed past Jim's shields. They both knew that he would never try to do that because it would hurt both of them emotionally. Therefore, he just went along with Jim and trusted that Jim would be there to protect and comfort him no matter what happened. "Ok Jim, I love you," was all Rodie said as Jim scooped him up into his arms and carried him upstairs. Jim entered the kitchen, and handed Rodie over to his mother. Cathy gave him a tight hug and kissed him before rubbing her nose against Rodie's making him smile. "Hi mom, I love you," Rodie said as she carried him over to the table and sat him in a chair. "Oh my baby, I love you too," Cathy said to him while he blushed prettily. Jim made Rodie a cup of coffee and another for himself before sitting across from Cathy at the table. Rodie took a careful sip out of his coffee before looking around at them. "So what did you want to talk to me about mom?" Rodie asked as he took another sip of coffee. "In a moment Rodie, I want you to have your coffee and breakfast first because I know how irritable you become if you miss them. How you are able to sleep through the night without waking up for a snack every hour still amazes me." Cathy told him with a smile while he managed to look hurt by her words before giggling. "Well, it has been a long time since Jim last fed me, so I'm willing to wait if it means food now." Rodie said with a grin before looking at Jim with a raised eyebrow expression on his face. "Good Lord, how can you still be hungry after dinner and dessert last night? Also, don't forget that I made you a protein shake before bedtime too." Jim told him. "That was over eight hours ago though. I'm starving now...especially since you left me to boil downstairs too." Rodie said with mock exasperation. Cathy and Jim both laughed as Jim got up and got the cereal and milk out for him. He also got him a glass of orange juice and asked him if he wanted some toast, but Rodie declined. It didn't take long for Rodie to wolf down a bowl of cereal, and to drink his juice. Cathy changed her mind, and got him and her more coffee while Jim cleaned up. Both him and Cathy knew that Rodie's increase in appetite was only temporary because he was much more active now and also because of how much weight he had lost. After the injury to his neck, Rodie had lost almost half of his total body weight over the time before he met Dr. Goodman. His depression, pain, and inability to move is what caused the weight loss, and to see him eating now was just another sign that he was recovering. However, even at his present rate of eating, it would still take months before Rodie regained most of the weight he had lost. Therefore, Jim had started giving Rodie protein shakes every day in order to help increase his weight gain, but also to make sure that the weight was muscle and not fat. "Do you need any meds right now?" Jim asked him while also using their bond to verify. "No, I am ok for right now Jim. It makes me sleepy anyway, so even if I did need it I would wait until mom is finished with me before taking them." He told him as Jim picked him up and moved him into the living room and depositing him on the couch. Cathy followed them in and sat down next to him while Jim sat on the other side of him. Rodie looked at each of them with a small frown as he realized that whatever his mother wanted was important. "Wait! I know that this is important, but you don't have to smother me either. I promise to behave." He told them with a slightly irritated look on his face. "We know honey, but we are just worried because this involves your father." Cathy told him carefully while watching to see how he reacted. She saw how his face clouded over when she mentioned his father, but then his face changed to one of unimaginable loss while his eyes watered a bit. He was quiet for a few moments before he spoke in a soft whisper. "If this is about daddy, then I really don't want either of you this close to me ok?" He said quietly before wiping his eyes. Both Jim and Cathy understood, and Jim moved over to the recliner while Cathy scooted further away from him on the couch. She waited while Rodie steeled himself for whatever she had to tell him before she spoke. Then she reached into her purse, and withdrew an envelope and held it before speaking. "Honey, you remember our house back in Richmond right? What I mean is where we lived, and how big it was ok?" She asked him carefully. "Yeah mom, I remember. It was almost as big as the new house, and everyone said it was a good neighborhood to live in too...I just didn't like it there is all." He said in response before looking away from her. While he missed his room and school there, he did not miss the house or neighborhood because of his painful memories that he had. That was where everyone had rejected him including his best friends, and where his father began abusing him too. When his mother had told him that they were never returning there after he met Jim, it was one of the happiest days of his life. "I know you didn't honey, and I am so glad that you never have to go back there again. Anyway, the house we lived in was a big house, an expensive house. Your father and I bought it right after you were born, and the value increased a lot since then. Also, your father had a lot of investments, and a good job like me, so we didn't have any problems with money remember?" She explained to him and he whispered his agreement. He remembered how the other kids used to tease him at school by calling him a spoiled rich brat all of the time. Also, of how they used to rip or stain his clothes and then taunt him by saying that he could afford to buy new ones. "Well, after your father died, the house, and all of his money and investments were put into a trust until everything was divided up and distributed according to his will. Honey, he left everything to you," she told him. She watched as Rodie flinched before staring out the window when she said this. After a few moments of silence, his bottom lip trembled as his tears began to slip down his face. They both watched as he struggled to keep his composure, and after a few minutes, he was able to speak. "What else?" Was all he was able to say with a sniffle as he continued to look out the window at nothing in particular. "Are you sure honey? I can wait if it is too much for you?" She asked him, and he turned to her with a fierce expression on his face. The C-collar brace only made his facial expression stand out, and Jim could see the anger building in Rodie's eyes. "Just tell me!" He said angrily through clenched teeth. Cathy looked at him for a long moment before nodding and continuing. Jim got up, walked over, and stood between the window and him. "Well, a lawyer came by this morning about your father's estate. He told me that your father had just over seven million in assets, and that after the taxes and probate costs that you will receive almost 5.5 million. He also said that your father left a letter for you, and you can read it if you want to, or one of us can read it to you. You don't have to read it right now, or never read it...it's your choice." She told him before waiting for his answer. "I will read it now mom," he said to her, and she handed him the envelope. He just held it for a moment before saying, "can I be alone for a few minutes please?" "Alright honey, we will wait in the kitchen until you call us." Cathy said, and then she and Jim left the room. Rodie sat quietly for a few minutes before opening the envelope and reading the letter. He read it completely, and then read it a second time before reacting. His reaction was not one of sorrow after learning that his father did love him and was proud of him; instead, it was one of anger and pain. Both Cathy and Jim were alarmed when they heard him from the dining room table. "Damn you! You no good, sorry bastard! You fucking pig...I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" Rodie swore in anger in the loudest voice he was able to manage as he tore up the letter while trying to stand up, but only succeeded in falling forward. Jim came rushing into the room when he heard Rodie's outburst, and he was able to embrace Rodie just as he pitched forward. Rodie struggled for a few moments in his anger. "He never loved me...never! All he ever did was to hurt me over and over when all I wanted was for him to love me! Now he wants to buy my forgiveness and love, but it won't work because I will still hate him Jim...I will always hate him forever!" Rodie said as his struggling ceased, and he embraced Jim tightly. His tears came hot and fast as his sudden anger disappeared and his long held anguish came out. "Why Jim? Why couldn't I make him love me? Tell me what I did wrong to make him hate me so much. What did I do that was so wrong to make him hate me so much when he was alive, and to say he loves me now? Just tell me what I did that was so wrong...please?" Rodie spluttered in between his sobs as he clung to Jim. However, Jim did not have an answer for him, so he just sat there holding him as he cried while Cathy hovered close to both of them. Both of them were surprised by Rodie's reaction and outburst because they had both believed that he would be relieved once he knew that Paul did love him. Rodie finally cried himself to sleep after twenty minutes had past, and Jim carried him back to his room and put him into his bed with Cathy's help. Once they finished, they both left the room, and Jim partially closed the door to Rodie's room before going into the kitchen with Cathy. "Now that was unexpected," he told her as he sat down again. He told Cathy, "I have never heard him swear before." "Neither have I. I didn't think it was possible for him because of the way he is. Look, I think we need to have a family meeting because this was much worse than anything we expected from him. So let me call John while you get hold of Eddie and Marco. We will meet at my house in an hour alright?" She asked him and Jim readily agreed. Cathy said goodbye as Jim picked up the phone to call Eddie and Marco. Mikki had returned home to Georgia a week ago, and Jim was thinking about calling her, but decided to call later after they all had their meeting first before calling. "Hey Bro, what are you and Marco doing right now?" Jim asked Eddie over the phone. "Well good morning to you too bro. We are having coffee in bed at the moment, why?" Eddie asked him. Jim quickly explained everything to him, and both Eddie and Marco were half dressed when the call ended. Cathy received the same reaction from John when she called him at work, and he was almost to his car when their call ended. Jim went and got dressed, and was in the back when Cathy returned with Eric and Mark. "Hello you two," Jim said to them as he came back into the kitchen. Eric quickly came over to Jim who scooped him up and hugged him before kissing him on his nose as Eric giggled. "How have you been Spritemite?" Jim asked him after putting him down. "Busy cause now I've got my own room. I never knew that I had so much stuff before. I had to get Dad to put in some extra shelves so I could finish putting everything away." Eric explained innocently with a giggle. Jim pointed him towards the table, and gave him a swat on his bubble butt as he scampered away. "Hey Babe, how are you holding up?" Jim asked Mark after embracing him. Mark reached up and kissed Jim on the lips before answering. "I'm doing ok Jim. I finished unpacking my stuff the day after we moved in because most of the stuff in our room was his." Mark said while pointing at Eric who stuck his tongue out at him. Mark smiled for a moment before his face became serious again. "Mom told us what happened with Rodie...is he going to be ok Jim?" "Yes, I think he will be fine with our help. Eddie and Marco are on their way, so let's go on over and wait for them. Eric, could you stay here with Rodie, and call us if he wakes up?" Jim asked him. Eric's face fell when Jim did this. "He's my brother too you know, and I worry about him as much as the rest of you all do." Eric said in a pouty voice. "I know you do, and that is why I asked you to take care of him. You know that I will not hide anything we say from you, or make a decision without talking to you to see what you think first; but I need someone to stay here just in case he wakes up in pain. You are much better at helping him than Mark is because he and Rodie are so much alike. Also, Rodie respects you, and will listen to what you tell him to do, unlike Mark who usually ends up in an argument with him." Jim told him, and Eric laughed at the last part even though he knew that it was true. "Ok Jim, I will stay here with him and you can talk to me afterwards. Can I play on the puter?" Eric asked with a smile on his cherubic face. Jim told him yes, but to not get on the internet though as he gave him another hug and kiss before standing up and leaving with Mark and Cathy while Eric went back to Rodie's room. They arrived just as Eddie and Marco pulled into the drive, followed by John. They went over to greet them before going inside and sitting down in the living room of the new beach house. Cathy explained the events of what happened and of Rodie's reaction to the letter too. Then they were all quiet as Mark, John, Eddie, and Marco absorbed and contemplated this news. After five minutes of silent contemplation, Eddie was the first to speak. "I don't understand Cathy, from all that I know about Rodie, this is all that he has ever wanted from his father. Even after the night Paul tried to kill him, Rodie told me that he forgave him. He also told me that he would never know if Paul had ever loved him or not. So I don't understand why he reacted this way." Eddie explained to them all while looking at Cathy. All of them agreed with Eddie with the lone exception being Mark. He didn't say anything, but shook his head no in disagreement. Jim saw this and spoke up. "I see that you disagree Mark. Could you tell us why?" He asked Mark. However, Mark blushed shamefully when everyone looked at him. Just like Rodie would do, Mark always tried to never attract attention to himself, and he always withdrew inward when confronted. Jim watched as Mark fidgeted nervously, and knew that he would bolt to his room in a moment, so he just moved over and pulled him into his embrace. "It's ok Mark, I wasn't trying to embarrass you. It's just that we are worried about Rodie, and none of us know what to do to help him. I know that you don't like attention, but you of all people should know more about how Rodie feels than any of us here. You two are so much alike in so many ways that you could be twins, and that is why you know more about this than we do. It's because you two are alike, so you know how he thinks and feels because you think and feel the same way. So help him by helping us, please Babe, for me?" Jim said gently after he lifted Mark's chin until their eyes met. "Ok Jim. He's angry because the letter doesn't change anything because it's not meant to change anything. The only reason Paul did this was so he could hurt him once more after he died. Anybody can say the words `I love you,' but the words don't count if that person doesn't prove it by showing his love in everything he does. All Paul did when he was alive was to hurt Rodie, and to find more and more ways to hurt him more. Now that he's dead, he leaves a letter saying how much he loves him, and it just twists the knife inside Rodie hurting him all over again because he knows that its all lies. The letter is just the last way he chose to hurt Rodie one more time after he died, that's all. I would do the same thing that Rodie did, and probably worse, because it's just another lie that will cause a lot of pain to him, and that is exactly what Paul wants. Mom, ask that lawyer tomorrow if Paul left any instructions if Rodie was not alive, I bet that there will be something that blames you for everything." Mark explained in a quiet voice that the others could barely hear. They all were quiet for a few minutes, and then Cathy started to cry as the truth of what Mark told them sank in. "Damn him, and I fell for it too. How could we have been so stupid...how could I have been so stupid again? He has hated Rodie all of his life, and has done everything he could to hurt, injure, and kill him. Yet I am still hoping that some how, some way he would change, and that he will show Rodie the love that he deserves. I just hope that Rodie will forgive us for letting Paul do this to him again." Cathy said in anger through her tears as John tried to comfort her. "It's not your fault Cathy, I fell for it too. However, I think I may know a way to turn the tables here, and it will allow Rodie to fight back by doing something that would hurt Paul. Paul left Rodie everything because he knows that Rodie will never accept it, but he cannot get rid of it either unless he accepts it first. Now that we know what Paul intended, I can fix things. Tell me, what is the one thing that Paul disliked the most besides Rodie?" Jim asked her. Cathy thought about his question, and now with her new perspective about what Paul was, she could clearly see all of the little things that she ignored that told her exactly what kind of monster he was. "You know Jim; it isn't just Rodie, but all kids in general. Paul never liked kids, and the thing he hated the most was those TV shows that showed poor, or sick kids and asking for donations. If I watched one of those shows, he would become a complete ass for days afterwards. I used to donate to them, but after I married Paul, every time I donated, it would mean a fight about how I was wasting money by throwing it away on people that didn't deserve it. It got so bad that I just stopped watching them, and stopped donating too. He was even worse after Rodie was born, but once Rodie entered school, he stopped harassing me, and started picking on Rodie. When I enrolled Rodie into swimming lessons, and the teacher told me what a naturally gifted swimmer he was, I told Paul, and he started to push Rodie to the extreme until Rodie just couldn't take it anymore. He quit finally, and I had to shield him from Paul's wrath about him quitting. It was the same for soccer, and baseball too. The only thing Paul could not take away from Rodie or force him to give it up has been his abilities, and that used to enrage Paul. I can now see how long Rodie has been using his talents to protect himself from Paul, and yet this only enraged him even more. It's like I've spent my entire life wearing blinders, and it is a miracle that Rodie doesn't hate me too." Cathy said before she buried her face into her hands. The others knew that they could not console her right now, so Jim asked Eddie to talk to her once she settled down. After he said this, he stopped moving for a moment, and looked as if he were listening for something before speaking to just Eddie and Marco. "Rodie just woke up, I'm going over there with Mark, but do what you can to calm Cathy down. I don't want her falling all to pieces and blaming herself around Rodie because it will only make him feel even worse." Jim told them in a quiet whisper, and they both agreed with him. Next, Jim went over to Mark and put his arm around his shoulders. "Come on Babe, I need your help." Mark just nodded although he had a confused expression on his face. He just got up, and quietly followed Jim out the back sliding door and down the steps before speaking. "What's up Jim?" He asked him as he came alongside of Jim. Jim draped his arm around Mark's shoulders and stopped before pulling him close and giving him a long kiss that made Mark's knees weak. However, it also filled Mark with a wonderful longing to be naked in Jim's arms again, and he could see that Jim felt the same way. He was breathless when Jim finally broke the kiss, and he just leaned against him in his welcomed embrace. "Oh God...you don't know how much I've missed you Jim." "And I have missed you too Babe. No matter what happens between us, you and Rodie will always have me whenever you need me. However, Rodie needs the three of us right now though." Jim told him as he gently caressed his face and cheek with his hand. "Three?" Mark asked in confusion. "Yeah three; you, me, and Eric. I don't like to admit it, but something has come between Cathy and Rodie, and I don't know what it is yet. I just hope it isn't permanent either, but for now, Rodie only trusts us, which is why I asked you to come along. He just woke up, and I think we should be with him right now. Especially you since you were able to figure out what Paul had planned. I think I can fix it so that his plan backfires, and maybe fix some others things for Rodie too. Now come on before he manages to corrupt your brother too much." Jim told him. "I think you got it backwards because if someone is being corrupted, then I know that Eric is behind it. You think he is so innocent, but that is only because he wants you to think that way." Mark said with a light laugh as they walked across the short distance to Jim's stairs before going up and inside the house. Jim knew that Mark was right, but he didn't care because all three of them loved him exclusively. After they had come into his life, Jim had a dream where Byron came and spoke to him. In it, Byron was just as beautiful, caring, and sexy as Jim remembered him to be. He told him that this was his second chance to share his love with not just one, but three boys who were lost and searching since he could not share it with him. The last thing that Byron said to him was that it was ok for him to love them, and that he would wait for the time when they would be together forever. While Jim kept telling himself it had just been a dream, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was much more than a dream. What he did know in his heart was that Byron approved, and that he did not blame him for what happened. He thought about these things along with Mark, Eric, and Rodie and how each of them had their own unique gifts that made each of them so special. Rodie's gift was love, while Mark's was compassion, and Eric's was innocence. When the three of them were together, their gifts made him whole. That is where he fit in because his gift was strength, which completed them making all of them whole with the only exception being Rodie. He was lost in his thoughts as they climbed the steps and went inside. However, if Mark had not stopped him, Jim would have slipped and fell down the stairs because he so was so wrapped up in his thoughts. "Jim, watch out!" Mark exclaimed just in time for Jim to wake up from his thoughts and catch himself before he tumbled over the small table that the phone sat on in the living room. After he straightened up, and put the phone back in its place, he thanked Mark. "Sorry, I guess I was too wrapped up in thought, and not paying attention. Thanks Babe, you probably just saved me from breaking my new hip again." Jim said with a sheepish smile before he kissed Mark on the forehead. "It's ok; just remember that the next time you call me dizzy though." He said with another laugh. They both went down the hall and into Rodie's room where they found Eric in bed, and embracing Rodie protectively who was still sniffling. Both Jim and Mark went over and sat down on the bed with them. "He had a nightmare, but I think he is ok now." Eric explained to them before kissing Rodie and sitting up. He started to move out of the way so that Jim could take his place, but Jim stopped him so he kept his arm around Rodie's slim shoulders. "How are you feeling Bright Eyes?" Jim asked Rodie after he finished wiping his face with a towel that Eric had gotten him. "Ok I guess; I'm just a little scared still from the nightmare is all." Rodie said with a sniffle and Mark quickly scooted over next to him on the opposite side and hugged him. Now with Eric and Mark beside him, and Jim close to, he was able to relax and draw the things he needed from each of them. It only took a few minutes before he was able to shake off the last effects of the nightmare and smile again. The first thing he did was to turn his body towards Mark and kiss him. "I've missed you," was all he said before maneuvering around and kissing Eric too. "And I've missed you too little brother." He said with a smile as he and Eric touched their foreheads together and giggled. "We've missed you too big brother, our biggest brother over there really missed you the most because all he has done since we came home was mope." Eric responded with a grin as he continued to keep his forehead pressed against Rodie's. Jim understood that the two of them were sharing much more than just what was said, and he just smiled as he watched them together. After about a minute, they broke their connection with another round of giggles before Rodie turned some and leaned back against the pillows. However, he used the wireless control pad to raise the head of the bed until he was sitting up. Once he was comfortable, he looked at Jim while his small brows furrowed for a moment, and then his face became serious again. Jim already knew that he did want to talk about the will and letter even though he was still angry about it. "It's ok Rodie. Mark explained everything to us so we all understand now. You have every right to feel like you do because all your father intended was to hurt you again one last time. If I had realized that this was his intent, I would have never allowed you to even see the letter, but I didn't know, and I am sorry that you had to go through this again." Jim told him but Rodie was quick to forgive him as he embraced and kissed him making everything all right between them. Once he sat back against the pillows again, he took Eric's and Mark's hand while Jim took the others forming a circle. Rodie was quiet for a moment before he knew that this was most of his family. Yes, he had John, Mom, Marco, and Eddie and the others who were all part of his family, but Jim, Mark, and Eric were the most trusted of his family and their bonds were much stronger. Rodie now linked them together permanently and strengthened their bonds with each other, yet after he did this, they all knew that their circle was not yet complete because someone was still missing. "Who is missing? If it is one of the others, I can go get them if you like." Eric told him. "I don't know yet, I just know that it isn't one of the others is all. So I have to keep looking until I find him is all." Rodie said in his soft voice. "Well don't worry so much because now we know what to look for too so we will find him." Mark told him while Jim and Eric quickly agreed. "Now back to business my love. I know how you feel now, but I think I know a way to change the rules and screw up you father's plan so much that the sorry S.O.B. will turn over in his grave. However, it means that you will have to accept the money he left you even though you don't want to. Do you think you can do that?" Jim asked him seriously. Rodie was quiet for a few moments as he though about it, and then said yes. "Alright, then here is the plan, the one thing that your father hated most of all is what, but not including yourself?" Jim asked him. Rodie was silent for another few minutes before he answered. "Anything to do with kids Jim. He hates kids, and that's why he hated me so much. But, he blamed mom because she wanted kids and got pregnant and had me. Daddy tried at first to love me, but when he found out that I was like mom, he hated me ever since, and did everything he could to hurt me." Rodie said quietly as a fresh tear trickled down his face, but Mark and Eric were there quickly to wipe it away and then kissed his tears away. "I know my love, and I do not regret doing what I did to save you. Now here is my plan, your father hated kids, so what is the best way to get him back...it is by helping other kids. Not just any kid though, but kids who have talents that are unique like the three of you have. Most of the kids like you all are outcasts, and have been hurt like you were. Therefore, why don't we take Paul's money and open a private group home or something just for kids like you. Do you think that would be fitting justice for your father while making something bad into something good?" Jim asked him after explained his plan. Rodie's face brightened as his body relaxed when he heard Jim's plan and quickly agreed with him. "Good, now for the hard part. I know that you can't go back to the house because of what happened, but what if I gave it to you and had it demolished and built the group home there?" Jim asked him. Rodie thought carefully about it before answering. "I think that is a good idea Jim, but I don't think you have to tear it down though. I just couldn't go back because it was basically the same except you added the second floor so everything looked the same. That means my room is still there and still the same as it was that night. If you tear out the walls and bathroom and change it so that nothing is the same, and so that it don't look like a house anymore, then I can go back there I think." He said quietly as he looked down at his hands. "You are right because nothing was changed on the ground floor. I never even though that the layout and appearance would trigger all of those memories Mikki had blocked out. Speaking of that, how are you doing with those memories of that night?" Jim asked him with genuine concern. "It's ok now. They cause me to have nightmares sometimes, but now I know that daddy is gone, and that he can't hurt me anymore, then I am fine after a little while. I think that once we do what you said, then they will go away too. For now though, if I have a nightmare, I know I can count on one of you to be here once I wake up." He said seriously and Mark and Eric agreed before hugging him in a sandwich. "Good, then that will be the plan, and if you need one of us for any reason, just tell us, and we will be here. Now let's forget about all of this for now ok. Therefore, are you hungry, and would you like to get out of bed?" Jim asked him to which Rodie answered yes to both questions. Jim could see how Rodie's t-shirt clung to him from the sweat during his nightmare, so he had Mark and Eric help him change into some clean clothes. Jim instructed both of them on how to properly put on Rodie's leg braces and the C-collar brace, and to adjust them so that they fit comfortably. He stressed the importance of holding Rodie's head still when they took off the C-collar brace for the next few months because his neck hadn't completely healed yet. Then he showed them how to help balance him once he stood up, and reminded them both that Rodie was still very weak so they would have to always watch him so he wouldn't fall. Once that was done, they all went out to the living room again, and Eric saw all of the little pieces of paper from the ripped up letter. Jim just told him to pick them up and throw them away which he did while Jim got Rodie comfortable in the recliner. "So who's hungry?" Jim asked them and all three of them chimed "ME!" Jim just laughed. Then he asked Rodie what he wanted to eat. "You know, it's been months since I had pizza. The last time was right before I went to see Dr. Goodman." He said, and both Mark and Eric were quick to agree with him. However, there was a difference of opinions when Jim asked what toppings they wanted. "Meatlovers with extra cheese," Mark and Eric said together. "Veggie supreme with extra cheese, and make it a pan pizza." Rodie said with a giggle. Therefore, Jim ordered both, and then doubled the order so the others could eat too. However, this confused Rodie when he did this. Since he came home, he has only been around John, his mom, and Jim because the rest had all been busy moving. This was the first time where he has been able to be alone with Mark and Eric, and he still hasn't seen Eddie for more than 15 minutes. After placing his order, Jim called over to the other house and told them to come over because Rodie was awake and starving while all three of them were huddled close to each other catching up on everything. Once he got off the phone, he interrupted their little powwow session as he handed Rodie his medication while remembering to mix the pain medication in with syrup. Rodie no longer needed the ice because he said that he could just barely taste the medicine's bitterness when it was mixed with blueberry syrup. "Hey guys, lets set the table because your mom and dad are on their way over with Eddie and Marco." He said, so Mark and Eric got up, and Rodie started to, but Jim stopped him and carried him instead. "You are still not strong enough yet, and I don't want you pushing yourself so hard right now. You had one hell of a shock this morning already, so just relax and let us help you until you can recover your strength." Jim told him and Rodie reluctantly agreed. Jim carried him into the dining room, sat him down at the table, and told him he could supervise. The others quickly set out plates, napkins, and silverware. They were almost finished when Cathy, John, and Marco came up the stairs to the deck and went inside. Marco went directly over to Rodie and knelt down beside him before hugging him tenderly. Rodie embraced him tightly as his eyes watered. "How are you feeling young Master Rodie? I've missed you so much, and I should have come over sooner but we have been so busy." Marco told him before kissing his forehead and rubbing noses with him. Of course, this made Rodie smile as Marco dried his eyes for him. "I've missed you too Marco, and now I need your help to get better. I'm so weak right now, and Dr. Goodman said that I have to exercise to get strong again. So will you help me...please?" Rodie asked him in his soft voice. "You don't need to ask because you know that I will do anything that you need me to do. I am just so happy that our Bright Eyes has come home is all." He said tenderly and Rodie hugged him again. Then Rodie looked around at the others before frowning and turning back towards Marco. "Where's Eddie?" He asked. "Oh, he had to go see a friend, but he will be here shortly," Marco told him as he stood up and moved over to where Jim and Cathy stood talking with John. Eric and Mark were quick to resume their catching up with Rodie until the pizza arrived. After ten minutes or so had past, the phone rang and Jim answered it. He spoke for a moment before hanging up and moving over to Rodie. Without saying a word, he gently picked him up and carried him to the living room sofa where he sat him down again. Rodie was confused by this, but Jim just held his finger to his lips letting him know that he needed to be quiet. Then Rodie heard the garage door open and a car pull into the empty bay in the garage. It was quiet for a few moments before someone opened the door going to the garage. Next, he heard a happy "woof" and the clicking of toenails on the floor as Brutis scampered up the steps. Rodie let out a soft cry when he heard Brutis's woof, and his tears spilled down his face again. As soon as Brutis reached the top of the steps, he paused for just a second until he located Rodie, and then charged over and jumped up on the couch beside him. The others watched with tears in their eyes as Rodie cried with happiness as he hugged and petted Brutis, who was busy trying to lick every bit of exposed skin that he could find and emitting a happy woof now and then while wiggling his stub of a tail excitedly. Eddie came up the stairs, and stood beside Jim and watched this happy reunion. "You know, I completely forgot about the beast, and the fact that Rodie loves him as much as he loves me." Jim said in a whisper to Eddie. "Well, I really had no choice because he smelled Rodie's scent on me when I came home, so he got into the car and refused to get out. So I had to bring him." Eddie said with a laugh as he watched as Brutis jumped down and raced around the table a few times excitedly before tackling Rodie again on the couch. Mark and Eric were standing close by to make sure that Brutis didn't hurt Rodie, but there wasn't a need to worry because somehow Brutis understood that Rodie was hurt, and always stopped and moved carefully around him. Rodie was laughing and crying happily; as he hugged, kissed, and petted Brutis who was doing his best to cover Rodie in slobber when Jim heard the doorbell and he went down to get the pizzas. Once he brought them up, the aroma of hot pizzas quickly got everybody's attention including Rodie and Brutis. However, Rodie had one more thing to do before he could eat, and he shooed Brutis off the couch. "Eddie?" Rodie said softly, Eddie came over and sat down next to him, and then Rodie threw his arms around his neck as his tears of joy started again. Eddie just sat there hugging and kissing him until Rodie regained his composure. "I know it's a little late, but welcome home Bright Eyes." Eddie said to him as he smiled. Rodie did not trust himself enough to speak so he just hugged Eddie tightly. "I heard about what happened this morning, and if you want to talk about it, you can call me at any time and I will come." Eddie told him in a warm and affectionate voice that conveyed his caring and love to Rodie. He kissed him on his forehead, then on his eyes, and kissed his nose last before rubbing his pointed nose against his making Rodie smile. No matter what kind of mood Rodie was in, if someone he cared about kisses him, and then rubs noses with him, it would automatically cause him to smile. Rodie sat up and wiped his eyes before answering Eddie. "It's ok now Eddie, Jim, Mark, and Eric fixed everything, so I don't have to worry about it anymore. I want to forget what happened, but that is going to be hard and take awhile I think. We can talk about it later though ok." Rodie said while his voice filling with sadness for the last part. Eddie just nodded before giving him another hug and kiss making everything all right again for him. "Now, who is hungry besides me?" Eddie asked everyone, and Mark, Eric, and Rodie all chimed in unison "Me too!" Eddie handed Rodie his arm crutches before helping him to stand up. Once he had his balance, he made his way into the dining room, although his small arms were trembling from the strain as he sat down at the table. Jim noted this, and spoke to him quietly as he leaned the crutches against the wall, and out of Rodie's reach. "I think you've done enough walking for today surf boy. Just take it easy for the rest of today and you can walk some more tomorrow." Jim said in a soft whisper to him, and Rodie mouthed "ok" to him before kissing him on the nose. Jim just smiled as he got up and went over to help Cathy with the pizzas. He had put them into the oven on low heat to keep them hot. The pizza was quickly served along with soft drinks, and Rodie ate more than he had eaten in months. They all could see the difference in him now that he was home, and not in the hospital. Here he could just be himself without worrying about someone discovering his talents. He also knew that they all loved him as much as he loved them, and he wanted to make them proud of him so he tried harder with everything he did. Most of all, he now had everyone that he loved to share his fears and worries, and he knew that they would help make everything better for him. Inside, he now knew that he had found his home, and while his search was not complete yet, he had a feeling that his search was almost over. End of Chapter 8. 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