Shaw Island © Matt Caper
Chapter 17
Honesty, Houses & Happiness
Monday morning, Liam sprang out of bed. For about thirty hours Colin had been his boyfriend, and he couldn't wait to see him. It would be their first school day as a couple. He barely even combed his hair, he was in such a hurry to leave the house. By the time he reached the Lopers', he was completely out of breath from running the whole way. And he didn't mind a bit.
He'd arrived early before the other boys were even ready. He let himself in, surprising the other two when he showed up in their newly joint room. "Good morning, my lovely friend," he said to Matthew. Then to Colin, "Good morning, my lovely boyfriend." He kissed Colin on the cheek and grasped his hand, while Colin threw a backpack over his other shoulder.
Suddenly Colin dropped Liam's hand like a hot coal, and his body stiffened. Liam whirled around to see what Colin was looking at.
"Hello, Liam," said Linda from the doorway, giving them an appraising look. "You boys ready? It's time for you to go."
"Yes, ma'am," said Colin and brushed past Liam.
"Bye, Mom," said Matthew, garnering a kiss before leaving.
Liam said nothing until they were outside and on the path to school. Colin's eyes fled before the attack of Liam's. "First you say you love me, then you act like you're embarrassed of me?"
"Don't be dramatic, Liam," Colin muttered, pressing onward with his head down.
That just made Liam even angrier. "I'm not making this up! You would've thought my hand burned you back there in the house!"
Matthew was wise enough to keep his mouth shut for the time being. Colin finally returned Liam's angry expression. "Not everyone can be as perfect as you, okay?" he fired.
Liam growled to let out some frustration. "Stop doing that!" he yelled.
"Doing what?!" Colin yelled back. They were stopped in the middle of the woods now, and Matthew stood awkwardly watching.
"That...thing you do!" Liam sputtered. "When you get mad and say hurtful things, when you're really worried about something else! That! Talk to me, dammit!" Both Colin and Matthew seemed taken aback by Liam's cursing. "Oh, sorry," he resumed his normal volume. "Please?"
Colin hung his head again, and Liam rushed to kiss him. His face reddened. "I just got my new parents," he began breathily. "I don't want them to hate me already because I'm gay."
Predictably, this brought tears to Liam's eyes. He doted hugs and kisses on Colin. "I'm sorry. I didn't think about that. But Mr. Loper didn't hate Trey, and they're best friends!"
"Yeah, but Trey's not his son," Colin whispered.
"Aww, Col," Liam soothed. "It's okay. You can tell them when you're ready. I'll be more understanding."
Colin nodded, and they resumed their journey. Not a minute later, Matthew had more than enough words to fill the new silence.
Liam wanted to hold Colin's hand during the whole school day, but he refrained for Colin's sake. Instead, he wrote little love notes now and then, sappy ones like `I love how sweet you are' and `Just wanted to say I love you' and `L.R + C.L. = Love Forever'. And then there was `I'm dying to kiss you' and `You look so hot in those shorts. You should take them off', the latter of which caused Colin blush from head to toe. Liam started to write an even more explicit note, until Mrs. Cole interrupted their presumed studying.
"Boys, it's nearly lunch time and I'll be leaving in mere minutes. I have an appointment on the mainland this afternoon. But instead of having you join the younger students, my son, Daniel, will be here in my place. Since he has tutored both of you before, I thought he was the best choice to teach you the rest of the day. He may be here tomorrow as well, we'll have to wait and see."
"Are you alright, Mrs. Cole?" Liam asked with concern.
"Yes, Liam, thank you for asking. I know you'll be good for Daniel, won't you?"
"Yes, ma'am," the boys answered.
"Good. Why don't you break for lunch. Go next door if you need anything until Daniel arrives. He should be here any minute. No roughhousing or fighting in here, gentleman. Understand?"
"Yes, ma'am, we'll be good," Liam answered with a grin full of innocence.
But as soon as Mrs. Cole was outside, walking to her car, Liam wrapped his arms around Colin's shoulders, while Colin was unwrapping his lunch, and held on tightly. "Good god, Liam," Colin grunted.
"Sorry!" Liam let go and planted a wet kiss on Colin's cheek. "I've wanted to touch you all day! Will you kiss me? Pleeaase?" he offered his best sad-puppy-eyes look.
Colin sighed with exasperation, but he didn't deny Liam. Their lips met, and Liam whimpered a gasp, as if it had been ages since their last kiss, and his pubescent body heated like a steam engine, being stoked by Colin's sincere and loving caresses down his back.
Colin broke away suddenly, sucking in air, and turned back to his lunch. "We shouldn't touch in school."
Liam frowned. "But there's no one else around."
Brought to a full blush again, Colin growled a sigh. "Yeah, but look." He pushed his chair away from the table and turned toward Liam There was an obvious bulge in his pants. "It's been hard ever since you wrote that last note to me. Didn't you notice me covering myself when we moved to the lunch table? What if we have to go to the computer room or next door for some reason with all the other kids? I'd be screwed."
Liam covered his mouth, trying not to giggle. He was hard, too, but he hadn't even remotely considered anyone noticing. "I have an idea," he began sultrily. "Pretend it's our first day of school together, on the day we met. Mrs. Cole leaves the room, and you're being mean to me. So I decide to give you a blowjob to show you I wanna be friends."
Colin looked like he was about to laugh, while gaping in amazement at his boyfriend. "Here. At school. You wanna blow me right here," his tone was even, but pregnant with absurdity. "When Daniel will be here any minute."
Liam jerked his head toward the back of the room. "Let's go to the encyclopedias and place the portable chalkboard where we can't be seen. If anyone comes in, I'll just get up and walk away, while you zip up." He flashed a beaming smile he hoped would win Colin over. "I think it would be romantic, since this is where we met."
"I think it sounds hot," Colin rasped.
Liam squealed with delight, jumping up and tugging Colin to the bookshelves. Colin placed the chalkboard strategically so they couldn't be spotted, and Liam retrieved an encyclopedia, pretending to be researching something. "Now let's act out what our first day could've been like," he murmured with a restrained smile.
"Fine." Colin grabbed a book and thumbed through it, reverting to his old, sour nature. "You're in my space, Reilly. Go away."
"You might be mean to me, but I know you really like me," Liam replied.
Colin did his best to look hateful. "No, I don't."
"Yes, you do. I could be a good friend to you."
"I don't need any friends," said Colin.
"Everyone needs friends," said Liam. "I think you're really cool, and I want to be your friend."
Colin glared at Liam for a moment, then returned his gaze to his book. "Why would I want to be friends with you?"
Liam shrugged. "So we could watch each other's back. Help each other out. You seem really smart, and you could help me in school. And I could do things for you, too."
"Like what?"
"Lots of things," Liam answered, moving closer. "For instance, I could tie your shoes for you whenever they come loose." He slowly sank to his knees, fiddling with Colin's shoestring. "Heck, while I'm down here, I could just take care of this problem I see you're having." In one swift hand movement, he had Colin's jeans button undone and zipper down. "I mean, I get hard-ons all the time, so I know how great it would be to have someone play with it every now and then. You don't even have to do anything, just keep reading." He slipped all coverings over Colin's thighs and began handling the prize presented to him.
"Reilly, what the hell?" said Colin, though his breathing became more labored.
"Relax, Col, and let me prove my sincerity to you." Wasting no more time, he took Colin's cock, leaking with excitement, and guided it between his lips. Colin nearly doubled over, gasping.
"Oh, shit."
As Colin began moaning, Liam gave it all he had. His practice allowed him to get the whole thing in his mouth, driving Colin wild. He guided Colin's hands to his head, and Colin responded eagerly by grabbing fistfuls of hair. Then he ferociously sucked for all he was worth, thrilled to finally be giving Colin the pleasure he'd desperately been wanting to.
Colin was making noises like he was trying to speak, but grunts, whimpers and moans were all Liam heard. And he continued making those noises right up to the second they heard Daniel's voice calling out for them; then he gasped and pulled up his pants in a panic, not quite getting his underwear back on as they remained bunched up around his thighs. "Oh god," Colin squeaked.
Liam darted out from the bookshelves, flushed and disheveled, smiling awkwardly. "Hi." His voice cracked considerably. "We're over here reading encyclopedias."
Daniel's right eyebrow went upward, and he looked Liam up and down. When Colin hurried into view, a slow grin spread across Daniel's face. "Encyclopedias, huh?"
No one moved for what seemed hours, until Daniel finally forced out an awkward laugh. "Guys, trust me, I know what it's like. One time a boy gave me head right out there on the playground. During school hours! You have about.." he looked at the clock on the wall above the teacher's desk. "Well, I'll give you half an hour to get naked and romp around, eat, and whatever else you want to do. Then we have to work in the computer room. Hell, you can get it on in there, too, for all I care." He smiled and shrugged. "I mean, no one even comes in here, right? I wouldn't mind watching, though."
Liam snorted. "You're just horny `cause you won't get any for a few days. Patrick told me."
Daniel grinned bashfully. "Are you guys, like, an item now?" his index finger waved between the two boys.
"Yes, we are," said Liam proudly. "I really love Colin."
"That's totally awesome."
"This is so embarrassing," a blushing Colin mumbled.
"Don't worry about it," Daniel reassured them. "Why don't you finish your lunch, and we'll go to the computer room. You'll have more privacy in there."
The boys returned to their seats, both of them squirming a little, their erections stifled and constrained, but no less raging. Liam giggled as he ate, giving Colin flirty eyes. As he had hoped, it eased Colin's embarrassment, as evidenced by his return smiles, though he still cast bashful glances toward Daniel.
They finished eating early and followed Daniel to the computer room, where they took their usual seats. "Colin doesn't like to be watched," Liam declared as he sat down.
After an exaggerated sigh, Daniel winked. "No problem. I'll show you what you're doing today and leave. Just have your work done by the time I come get you. Whether you're naked or not is up to you." He did a quick explanation of the work and offered another wink before he left the building.
"Thanks," said Colin, sighing with relief. "I couldn't do anything with him in here."
"I know," Liam grinned. "Now stand up, so I can make you happy again. And this time, if you want to... I mean, you don't have to just stand there, if you feel like..." He blanched. "I'm trying to say that you can do what makes you comfortable, but if you want, I wouldn't mind if you, like, thrust back and forth. Know what I mean?"
"Like, while you're sucking me?" Colin asked with a blush of his own.
"Yeah. I mean, I can take it pretty rough. I sort of like it sometimes. You're pretty much the most gentle person I know, but I've seen the aggressive side of you, too." He grinned wickedly and went to his knees. "So if you grab my hair and, like, fuck my mouth, that would be okay."
Colin emitted a light gasp. "I'm not used to explicit sex talk like that, especially from you. You should watch your language, young man!"
Liam giggled as he brought Colin's garments all the way to his ankles. "I think you're real sexy, no matter if you're aggressive or not. I just want to make you happy, so you'll think I'm sexy, too."
"Shit, Li. I think you're sexy as hell. Pardon my French. I'm just worried I won't measure up. In more ways than one." Colin averted his gaze for a moment.
Liam understood Colin was referring to Patrick, both his dick size and his experience. He gazed up at Colin adoringly. "You're perfect, Col. I mean that. I love you so much, even more than I did yesterday." Licking his lips, he began sucking gently on the head of Colin's cock.
"I really love blowjobs," Colin grunted, losing his breath momentarily. He grabbed Liam's hair again, only this time he held on tight and forced himself – all of himself – into Liam's mouth. Though as soon as he did, he pulled out again in a panic. "Oh man, I'm sorry!"
Liam, however, looked at him with wide and amazed eyes. "That's what I'm talking about! And did you see? I can swallow every bit of it! I didn't even gag!"
"I'm really close to cumming," Colin confessed. "And that felt so awesome."
"Let it out, baby!" Liam urged.
Again, Colin thrust into that hot, desperate mouth and didn't stop this time. Liam struggled a little to breathe, but he managed to find the flow of things and gave his best to please his boyfriend. He'd never been so turned on; the aggression Colin had once directed toward him by beating him up was now changed to something immensely pleasurable for both of them. Liam was compelled to free his hands – which did nothing to slow Colin down – and undo his own pants and take his dick out. But as soon as he did, Colin forced words out.
"Gonna cum."
Liam's hands abandoned pleasuring himself and attached to Colin's smooth ass, pulling him in deeper, if possible. Seconds later, preempted by Colin's near growls, Liam got his first real taste of his boyfriend's seed. He took it all like a pro, as he considered himself just that. When the flow had stopped, Colin almost immediately pulled out, shivering, and Liam fell onto his back, grinning.
"That was the best ever," Liam panted. "Seriously."
Colin plopped his naked butt on a chair and drew deep breaths. "You're telling me. I think I'm hooked." He glanced nervously toward the door. "Don't think I wanna do it at school again, though. It kinda makes me nervous."
Liam jumped up and shrugged as he stuffed his erection back into his underwear. "That's okay. That just means I'll want you all the more if I have to wait for it."
"Don't you wanna get off, too?" asked Colin. "Since we're already practically naked? I could try sucking yours now?"
Liam licked his lips, eyes brightening. "That's awful tempting, but I think you should do it later, when you're comfortable and we can take our time. Or maybe if you wanna make love to me soon, that would definitely get me off."
Colin looked down shyly and began redressing himself. He was quiet for a long moment before speaking again. "You really think I'm perfect?"
"Just like Mary Poppins," Liam quipped. "I mean, everyone has their faults, I know that. But I believe you're showing me what true love is supposed to be like. Dad thinks I might be too young to know about things like this. All I know is I can't imagine loving anyone else but you for the rest of my life."
"Geez, you say such sweet things," Colin smiled softly. "I love it when you do, but I'll never be as romantic as you, or as sweet as you. Sometimes I just think you're wasting it on me."
Liam frowned and crawled between Colin's legs, looking up at him with a piteous gaze. "That makes me sad that you think that. You deserve love just as much as I do. You should just enjoy being loved by me. Unless you don't love me. Then I guess it is a waste."
"Shut up!" Colin sat up rigidly. "I love you more than anyone in the world!"
Liam offered a beaming grin and stretched to kiss Colin. "Then quit worrying about it. My Dad also says not to give up on each other and work through the hard stuff, and I'll do anything it takes to make us happy together."
"Don't start singing now."
Liam's voice cracked harshly as he burst into laughter. "You know me too well already."
♂
"I think I'll rewrite history in my head," Liam mused. Matthew and Colin looked at him questioningly as they left school on Friday for their much loved weekend. His eyes twinkled as they approached the spot where Colin had first laid him flat on the ground by tripping him. "On my first day of school here, you hid behind that tree. But when I came to it, you jumped out and kissed me," he poked Colin's arm playfully.
"Oh, you're so funny," came Colin's monotone reply.
"And we all lived happily ever after," Liam declared.
"I'm actually kind of glad you remember it that way."
"Yeah, it's a better story," Matthew added.
"Exactly," said Liam.
Colin glanced behind them for a moment before grabbing Liam and kissing him hard on the mouth. "Like that, you mean?"
Liam pretended to be near swooning, fanning himself dramatically. "At last, my Prince Charming," he breathed.
"I like seeing you guys kiss," Matthew stated. "It's cute."
Colin furrowed his brow, acting as if Matthew was uttering crazy talk, but his embarrassment shone through. Liam dared to take Colin's hand and hold on to it. "We are cute," he agreed.
"Are we gonna work on the clubhouse when we get home?" Matthew looked to Colin for the answer.
"Yes," Colin made the executive decision. "I've been talking to Dad about it, and he thinks we should make a concrete foundation, instead of building it over dirt. He said he'll pay for the concrete, but we have to do the work and pour it."
"Do you know how to do that?" Liam asked.
"I mean, I've never done it before, but I bet it's not hard. Dad said he'd show us how, as long as we did the work. That way it would really be our project."
"My strong muscle man," Liam cooed, squeezing Colin's bicep. "I bet you look sexy pouring concrete."
Colin rolled his eyes. "Anyway, Dad said he'd try to have some when he gets home tonight. I hope he remembers."
"What about wood?" asked Matthew. "Do we have to buy some?"
Colin shrugged. "It's not like we can go cutting down trees. Oh!" A wicked gleam suddenly lit up his eyes, and the other two stopped short, watching him in alarm. "There's a tool shed beside my old house! It's not like anyone's using it. If we could take it down without destroying the wood, that would be perfect! I mean, the house and lot technically belongs to me, right? As long as Diane stays gone. So we wouldn't really be stealing."
"Great idea!" said Liam.
"But we should ask Dad, just to make sure," Matthew seemed unsure. "I don't wanna build it and have to tear it down and give the wood back."
"Yeah, okay," Colin agreed.
They reached the Lopers' knowing Charles wouldn't be home yet, but still disappointed that he wasn't. Begrudgingly they completed their homework, happily raided the kitchen for snacks, then decided to trek to the Aerhart place to view the prized lumber.
"You sure you wanna do this?" Liam asked. His question didn't require an explanation for Colin.
"Don't worry about it," said Colin tightly, and Liam said no more.
But the air was thick with tension as they approached the Aerharts' house, which emitted ominous waves like a haunted house would. Liam was certain he and Colin were dwelling on the same event, when Mr. Aerhart beat up his son unknowingly before Liam's eyes. And he couldn't even imagine how many other violent events Colin might recall.
No one spoke as they walked to the tool shed. The lock had been cut off and left forgotten in the dirt, presumably when the authorities had searched for Colin after he went missing. The door's creak echoed around the clearing as Colin pulled it open, and dust clouded the air like a magician's smoke. Colin stepped in, and the others followed.
"What would we do with all these tools?" Matthew whispered, as if they were in a sacred place.
"Why are you whispering?" Colin frowned, and Matthew shrugged. "We'll put it where the truck is."
Liam glanced toward the direction of the wooden structure like the tool shed, but without a door. A decades old truck sat inside, rusting. "Wanna do it now? Then your dad would have one less reason to say no to tearing it down."
"Yeah, whatever," said Colin, and heaved a heavy toolbox off a shelf. "Just put what you can in the bed of the truck. It's not like it'll ever be driven again, probably."
They went to work in silence, transferring a few tools and materials, but mostly junk, to the carport shed. It wasn't until they were making their last trips that Liam stopped to ponder an idea. He stood watching the house, oblivious to the amount of dirt caked on his good clothes, which he'd forgotten to change out of. "Colin?"
"What?" Colin replied curtly.
Instead of speaking his thought, Liam scowled in Colin's direction. "We're not the Aerharts, you know. Remember us? We're your friends. So stop treating us like crap."
Colin recoiled, blanching as he looked at his feet kicking in the dirt. "Sorry," he mumbled.
Liam moved closer and softened his voice. "Be sad or be angry, if you want to. You have every right to be. Just remember we're sad and angry along with you." He started to kiss Colin on the cheek, but changed his mind and found a relatively clean spot on his neck instead. His supple lips and wet tongue camped there for a few moments, until Colin blushed darkly and pushed Liam away.
"Stop," he said, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. And Liam noticed a bulge in his pants as well, which certainly accounted for the heavy blushing.
"My evil plan worked," Liam snickered.
"You're gonna be in trouble," Colin warned.
"I'm counting on it," Liam giggled.
"You guys are so weird," Matthew shook his head and sighed.
"Weren't you going to say something?" Colin changed the subject.
Liam nodded. "I was just thinking. Since this is your property now, why couldn't we just use your house as our clubhouse?"
Matthew gasped, face lighting up with excitement, and he and Liam watched Colin expectantly. "What if my dad already bought us cement?"
Liam shrugged. "We could find a use for it. And we could even pay him back from our allowances. Wouldn't it be cool if the three of us lived here by ourselves?"
"Oh my gosh!" Matthew squeaked. "So cool!"
Colin still looked unconvinced. "Well..." He paused. "We'd have to change the inside, so it doesn't remind me of...the past."
"Of course!" Liam agreed. "We'll change anything you want."
Colin allowed himself a small grin. "I think I'd like that."
Suddenly, all three started talking at once about how great it would be and what changes they'd make to the place. And automatically they drew nearer to the house, until they were at the front door. The younger boys let Colin go in first, but followed closely. Then they scattered and checked out every inch of the place, making grand plans before they even had permission to live there. They continued to talk non-stop all the way back to the Lopers' when it was dinner time. Only when they met Linda's disapproving gaze did they cease their words.
"For Heaven's sake, boys. None of you changed your clothes this afternoon? You're filthy!"
"Oops," Matthew murmured, as all three looked down at themselves.
"Clothes in the laundry ASAP. You have extra clothes here, right, Liam?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Linda clicked her tongue. "Boys," she sighed, rolling her eyes.
They convened in Colin and Matthew's room and began peeling off clothes. "You boys shower before dinner!" Linda called from the kitchen, prompting them to lay out fresh clothes before traipsing to the bathroom together in their underwear.
As Colin turned on the spray and they all got naked, Liam was wishing he could have this time alone with Colin. But Matthew seemed oblivious to his intentions and stepped into the tub with them. Nevertheless, having not been intimate with Colin since the prior Monday, he couldn't think of anything that would abate his erection at that moment. And when Colin saw Liam get hard, he obviously couldn't help doing the same.
Matthew, being directly under the spray, began singing to himself, while the other two lightly caressed each other and paid no attention to Matthew. Soon their bodies were pressed against each other, and they shared furtive kisses while feeling each other up.
"You sure I can't give you a quick blow right now?" Liam whispered in Colin's ear.
"No," Colin whispered back strongly. "Not until we're alone."
"What are you guys...? Oh," said Matthew, peeking around from behind Colin. "I'll hurry and get out." He poured a healthy glob of shampoo in his hand and quickly worked it into his hair.
"You don't have to," said Colin, only just beginning to soap himself up.
"I don't mind," Matthew replied, spitting out water and bubbles, eyes shut tightly.
"Thanks, Matty," Colin said softly.
"No prob." Matthew rinsed his hair in record time and popped out of the tub, closing the curtain behind him.
The other two rinsed off the poorly applied soap from their bodies, did the same quick number to their hair, then practically jumped back into each other's arms. Colin kissed Liam forcefully, with the passion he'd had in the computer room a few days earlier. And Liam soaked it up, using all his might not to moan aloud. Colin made that even more difficult when he whispered in Liam's ear, "Let me try sucking you first. Just be gentle with me."
Liam grinned from ear to ear as Colin sank down and took Liam's small cock between his fingers. Then he was grabbing the wall, as if he'd otherwise collapse, when Colin's lips closed over his shaft. "Oh, baby," he moaned, losing sight of where they were and being transported to a higher place of ecstasy. "That's perfect, Col." The steam that surrounded them Liam thought must surely be coming from that scorching mouth on his cock, for it had the same effect on his insides.
"Dad!" Matthew exclaimed, and the boys in the shower froze in place.
"Hey, kiddo!" Charles' distinct voice pierced through the steam. "Hey, guys, I have bad news. I completely blanked on getting the cement today, and I'm really sorry. We'll all go get it tomorrow. Is that okay, Colin?"
Terror struck Colin's face as he shot to his feet, which he did so quickly he slipped and nearly fell on his ass. Liam caught him, grateful they both didn't tumble down – or worse, out of the tub. "That's okay, Dad," Colin's voice broke. "We have another idea to ask you about anyway."
"Dinner's pretty much ready, so hurry on out and we'll talk," said Charles.
"Yes, sir," Colin replied. He waited for the sound of the door closing to shut off the water. He and Liam were both still aroused when they stepped out, but they dried off in a hurry, and their embarrassment cooled them down quickly. "I think I would've died if Dad had looked in on us," Colin mumbled.
"This is why we need a clubhouse. Or our own house," Liam added. "I mean, one of the reasons. We'll never get any privacy otherwise."
"You could tell me to go away, and I will," said Matthew while combing his hair. "Anytime."
"We don't wanna be rude," Colin answered.
"I really don't mind. I know you don't like doing things in front of me. Me and Jeremiah can do our own thing for a while, when he comes back from his cousin's."
"You're sweet," said Liam. "I'm dying for some time alone with Colin, to tell you the truth."
Matthew shrugged. "I'll play by myself for a while tonight, if you want. Hey, maybe we can go to Colin's old house tonight, and you can have all the privacy you need."
"Let's just call it our clubhouse," Colin suggested. "At least for now, until we have to build another one."
Dressed and clean, they soon appeared in the dining room to help set the table. "Well, that's better," said Linda, looking them over. "If you go out again tonight, just don't get dirty. You'll have to bathe again. Liam, you're staying the night here? I can't keep up anymore."
"Yes, ma'am," said Liam, then quickly added, "I mean, if that's okay."
"Psh. Of course it is," Linda dismissed him with a wave of the hand. "Let's get the food on the table."
Everyone was seated and well into their meals before Matthew transitioned from small talk to something more serious and unexpected. "Mom and Dad? Would you still love me if I was gay?"
Liam nearly choked on his potato. Colin dropped his fork, the clang drawing attention to his horrified expression.
"Gracious, Liam, are you all right?" asked Linda. Liam nodded quickly, downing a glass of water, and Linda turned her attention to her son. "Yes, Matthew, we would. Do you think we wouldn't?"
"Nah, I knew you would," Matthew said nonchalantly. "Just thought I'd ask."
"Are you saying you're gay?" asked Charles.
"Nope," Matthew said with a mouth full of potatoes, earning a disapproving look from Linda. "I'm probably not gay. It was just a question."
Charles and Linda exchanged silent glances, until their attention was pulled to their other son. "What about me?" Colin asked in a voice so low he was barely heard.
"For Heaven's sake," Linda said for the second time that evening. "We wouldn't love Matthew and not love you."
"Dad?" Colin asked fearfully, when Charles didn't say anything.
Charles furrowed his brow, and Liam thought he could see understanding dawning in Mr. Loper's eyes. "We love you no matter what, son." He grinned for a fleeting moment, glancing at Matthew. "Matthew brought this up for your sake, didn't he?"
Colin nodded and hung his head. "Oh, honey," said Linda affectionately. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. We mean it, we love you just as much as Matthew."
Being the parent seated closest to Colin, Charles reached out and gripped Colin's shoulder. "In case we haven't said it enough, we're very proud of you."
Colin raised his head and smiled, even if a little teary-eyed. "Really?"
"Gosh, yes," Charles spoke emphatically. "You've overcome so much, and you're still a kind, decent boy."
"Not to mention incredibly smart," Linda continued. "And I see how Matthew adores you, too. You're a great brother."
"He sure is!" Matthew interjected.
Charles smiled. "Both of our sons are more than we could've ever hoped for. But we can't take credit for even the slightest good in you. You're a good person despite a lot of odds against you. I realize not everyone is accepting of homosexuals, but just remember we love you just the way you are. Always."
Colin and Matthew looked each other, both beaming from head to toe. And Liam couldn't have been happier for them. "We're all lucky to have great parents," Liam added, eliciting grateful smiles from his "second set of parents".
"Me, especially," said Colin. "I love you guys. Now that I know it's okay, I wanna tell you I have a boyfriend."
The Lopers' surprise was plain, though neither seemed upset at the news. Linda cooed, showing some excitement, but it was Charles who spoke first. "For such a small island, there seems to be a high ratio of gay guys."
"Is it a high school boy?" asked Linda. Her gaze was fixed on Colin. "I can't think of any obvious candidates. He's not older than high school, is he? That Daniel Cole, I'm quite sure he's gay. And he's a nice guy, but way too old. Oh, please say it's not him."
"Mom," Colin laughed. "It's not Daniel. It's..." he turned and grinned at Liam, who grinned at the Lopers and waved.
"Hi."
Linda's squeal bounced around the room, causing the others to laugh. "Don't laugh at me! That is so sweet! Do your parents know, Liam?"
"Yes, ma'am. I told them last weekend. Mom's dying to talk to you about it, but she said she'd wait until Colin decided to tell you first."
"Oh, I have to call her right now!" She flew from the table to find the cordless phone, and the others laughed some more. Then Charles cleared his throat.
"I...want you to know, I understand how couples, and boys in general, experiment sexually with each other..."
"Dad," Colin interrupted, groaning.
"Now just listen. I'm here if you want to talk about that sort of stuff, but basically I want you to be mindful of the sacred nature of relationships. If you're going to have sex with each other, don't have it with anyone else. Your commitment to each other, until it's mutually ended, is a serious thing."
"Yes, sir," Liam responded. "I can't imagine being with anyone but Colin. I love him so much." Colin ducked his head, blushing, but grinned furtively at Liam.
"Wow, already using the L word," Charles noted. "I think you two will be good for each other. You're still young, and maybe it won't last. But if you respect each other, your friendship can still last forever."
Linda floated back in the room, humming gaily. "We're very pleased you two are a couple," she sang. "We're already planning to have pictures made of all of you boys, and we want some of just you two, as well."
"If you two elope, I'll totally understand why," Charles laughed and made a kissing gesture at his wife, who huffed at him.
Liam leaned over and whispered in Colin's ear, urging him to ask about the house. "Ohhh, um," Colin began. "There's something else we wanted to talk to you about. It's about the clubhouse."
Charles nodded. "You said you had a different idea? So shoot."
"What if...umm, instead of building a clubhouse, we wondered if we could just maybe stay at my, umm, old house, maybe sometimes?"
"There's electricity there and everything," Matthew added.
"Which we could pay for with our allowance," Liam suggested. "I mean, if Mrs. Aerhart stays gone, couldn't we change things inside and make it our own?"
Charles and Linda were quiet, allegedly pondering the idea. The boys held their breaths as they waited for a reply.
"I don't know," said Linda. "Are you saying you want to live there?"
"No, `cause we still wanna eat," said Matthew, and everyone laughed, easing the tension.
"Maybe they could stay there on the weekends?" Charles directed the question at his wife.
"And maybe most of the time during the Summer?" Liam added boldly.
There was another long pause, until Linda drew a long sigh, finally turning her gaze from her husband to the kids. "You'd have to check in every day with us, by phone if not in person. No exceptions."
"We will!" Colin assured them.
"I still have to ask my parents, too," said Liam. "But since it's practically next door to our house, I don't think they'll mind too much."
Charles and Linda shrugged at each other, exchanged silent agreements, and nodded. "You have to keep the place up, too," Charles added. "Treat it like you would this house. Keep it clean and uncluttered, and avoid tearing anything up. You'll lose the privilege if you don't respect it."
"Yes, sir, we will," said Colin happily. "We thought we'd go over there tonight to clean up and change some stuff."
"Because, frankly, Mrs. Aerhart's interior design skills suck," said Liam bluntly.
Linda started to laugh, then abruptly ceased, gathering herself. "You'll come back tonight, won't you? Say, before midnight?"
"Yes, ma'am," Colin answered.
"Then it's all yours. I'm glad I didn't buy that cement," Charles sat back in his chair, sipping on iced tea.
The boys hooted and hollered for joy, and as soon as they'd helped clear the table after dinner, they were running toward their new "clubhouse". Upon reaching it, Colin immediately began pulling down curtains and decorations all over the house, not violently, but with a mad determination. The others followed suit, depositing everything centrally in the livingroom.
"Can't wait for Jeremiah to see this," Matthew mused. "He's gonna die that we got a whole house to ourselves." He and Liam followed Colin into the only room they hadn't bothered.
"This was my room," Colin murmured softly. "I felt the safest in here. Sometimes I had to go to my fort, though."
Liam pressed against Colin, securing his arms around the strong body. "Now you're safe anywhere. I think we should make some new memories in here. Memories only you and I can make," his voice was husky with desire.
Matthew immediately turned away and headed for the door. "I'll go clean something. Maybe I'll text Jeremiah. See you two when you're done." He closed the door behind him.