18 - The Palm Springs Family

18 - The Palm Springs Family - Departure

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This is a work of fiction, involving sensitive and controversial topics and sex, including M/M, M/m and m/m, as well as a few kinky topics along the way... If there is any reason you shouldn't read such stories, then please don't read this one.

It is also a 'Coming of Age' story, and no gay boy can truly 'come of age' until he deals with his sexuality... These boys are all very lucky, because they know that their dads and brothers will support them in that journey. This chapter continues the sometimes emotional path to young adulthood... for all of them.

I would love to hear from you. Several people have asked to be notified of new chapters, which I'm happy to do. -Keith

AS ALWAYS, EVERYTHING BELOW THIS LINE IS FICTION

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2nd Monday Morning After Meeting Their Dads

Steve and Luke wake up early, both excited and afraid... and a little depressed about leaving each other, to be honest.

One thing they both decided... their dads will NOT see them cry today. It's too important.

They know that the dads are going to reach a point where seeing them cry is more 'bad', than letting them continue is 'good'. They do NOT want that. Especially since this is the first of hopefully many little getaways that they might not always take together.

They don't know why, but they know it's really important for both of them to be ok with all this... for each other's sake, if not their own. Although, truth be told, neither of them can put into words why this is so important. They both try again this morning. They both fail. But they honestly know that it is.

But the moment they look into each other's eyes, they both know something is wrong. And neither wants to be the first one to say it.

But Steve starts anyway, "So... It looks like we both have something that's bothering us. Who wants to start?" which gets a panicked look from Luke for a second...

But then Luke smiles and says, "I will... But, Steve, I don't know how to say this without it sounding bad... so, please don't hate me. Uhhh... I'm afraid that the first time either of us feels guilty or misses the other, we're going to call each other and spend the rest of the time talking to each other instead of enjoying this as much as possible.

"I want you to enjoy everything Steve. I want to enjoy everything. I don't want you to feel guilty about anything.... Not about how you feel about Corey. Not about what you want to do with him... If you want to tell each other how much you love each other, tell him... please. Don't feel guilty Steve. But, please don't hate me."

Steve chuckles a little and says, "I won't ever hate you Luke... But, yeah. I was kinda thinking about the same thing. You're right. The first time I miss you, which will be in ten minutes, I'll call you. And you'll do the same. I want us both to enjoy the time too... So... please, don't hate me... but, what about not talking until we see each other again? Is that too much?"

Luke thinks for a minute, "Nope. It's going to be really hard not to call you about a hundred times, but nope. We really should enjoy this Steve, no matter how hard it is at first. We shouldn't give up the first minute we have second thoughts. If we can't get thru this first time apart, we may not get another chance, either of us."

Steve leans in smiling and kisses Luke saying, "I love you too."

They pack some clothes and underwear and stuff like a toothbrush. They don't know exactly how many nights he'll be gone. He ends up packing enough for at least 3 nights, and can wing it if they stay longer, but doubt that they will. Mostly because he'll feel guilty about it.

- - - - - - - -

Breakfast

First things first. Breakfast is at 8AM. They head for the kitchen about 7:30.

They're surprised to find Aiden, Daniel and Diego getting breakfast ready, both wondering where Michael and Corey are.

Daniel and Diego are getting stuff ready and it looks like they've already cleaned the outside tables and chairs. They set up everything as a buffet.

Aiden's 'manning' the stove and griddle. He has a pretty good stack of pancakes ready, along with eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns. Damn.

Enough of the boys must have smelled it to get their attention, and Kurt, Nick and Sam are already there. Aiden tells them with a huge smile to go ahead and he's making more pancakes until everybody has enough, and Daniel and Diego are mixing the batter as needed. The boys are all very happy.

The other boys dig in, fill their plates, and go outside to sit. Pretty soon the outside tables are filled with boys interested in only stuffing their faces at the moment.

Steve and Luke walk over and kiss Aiden, Diego and Daniel, and ask if they can help, but Aiden, with a smile bigger than anybody has ever seen on him, says, "Thanks... but it's almost all done... Just grab a plate," still with a big smile.

They're both really glad they could kinda help Aiden feel better about things. It also looks like he's getting a lot closer with Daniel and Diego too... good.

All four of the dads come dragging out of Alex and Kevin's bedroom, looking like none of them slept very well. It could be the bed's too small, or it could be... they found other things to do.

They all walk into the kitchen at the same time, but none of the boys saw them come out of the same bedroom. So their secret is safe... for the moment.

The dads watch carefully to see if Steve and Luke are having problems, but it doesn't look like it. They're sitting with their other brothers this morning and chatting away with all of them. But the dads still are still worried that this is a really bad idea. They all decide that being a dad is hard as hell.

Breakfast goes on for a while, and when it's over everybody makes sure to thank the cooks... several times. All the boys help clean up by taking stuff to the dishwasher.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Departure

All the other boys say goodby to Corey and Steve inside... they're eager to get in the pool... or something.

Neither Luke nor Steve know it, but most of the boys decided they would spend way too much time kissing and crying when they leave. They kinda don't want to be there for that.

So, Steve goes and grabs his small case and backpack. He packed bottles of cold water, and even a snack for along the way.

For anybody who hasn't driven from Palm Springs to Los Angeles... it's long, annoying and boring. Traffic sucks. The time is usually a little over two hours, but can be 4 or longer, depending on how bad traffic is. Been there, done that!

Steve, Luke, and all the adults head out to the car.

Everybody is a little apprehensive about how this will go. Even though Luke and Steve promised each other that they will NOT cry in front of the dads, they're both dealing with a lot of emotions... guilt... expectations... anticipation of 'new things'... horniness... guilt. I know, that's listed twice, but they have a lot of guilt.

Steve puts his small suitcase in the back, and the backpack with water and stuff in the front on the floor. Corey decided it was stupid to take clothes to LA and then bring them and more back, so he'll just use what's in LA, and bring more back to Palm Springs.

The dads stand around making small talk, hoping that there are no problems with Luke and Steve 'splitting up.'

They had all almost not even suggested this trip, since it would be hard to let all four go, mostly because of feeding the boys while they are gone, although Aiden and his 'crew' have a lot of potential. They HAD thought about both Steve and Luke going, but figured Luke wouldn't want to... because of Michael... and it would have reduced the space in the back for bringing stuff back, especially clothes.

The first thing that comes up is how long they're staying. Corey and Steve are both reluctant to act like they're really, really looking forward to being alone together... but they really, really are. They'd like to spend enough time together to get comfortable with each other. They both know it's going to be a little awkward at first.

Ken says, "Guys, feel free to stay as long as you want, although Luke might have an opinion about that (small laugh). I think we can get by here, especially since Michael says he's glad to help with our boys too."

Michael speaks up, "Ken and Jared, we're all one big family. As far as I'm concerned, they're all 'our boys'. So no problem. I'm sure Luke will help out when needed."

Luke pipes up, "Yep. Not like I'm going to be doing anything fun while he's cooking or shopping."

Which at least gets a laugh.

Their obvious guilt about how long to stay makes Luke think about it and he says, "Steve and Corey, you should stay as long as you want... I'm guilty about saying that... I know you think I just want the time with Michael... and I do... but, Steve, I want you to enjoy this too, and you too Corey.

"If you find enough to do, stay... hell, even if it's in the bedroom fucking the whole time. So, please, both of you... stay as long as you want. It's not a problem, I promise. Well, at least not with me. Michael?"

Michael, with a chuckle at Luke's comment and a big smile, says, "Nope. It's not a problem. Really guys, go and enjoy. Just be careful! I agree with Luke. I don't trust LA," which gets a nervous laugh.

Dad Kevin speaks up, "Besides, these guys will probably run their cellphone batteries down talking anyway."

To which Luke cheerily replies, "Nope, not talking until they get back," which gets concerned looks from... well, everybody except Steve, who already knows.

Corey, with a very worried look, asks, "Steve, Luke, is anything wrong... If this is a problem..."

To which Luke interrupts, which none of the boys ever really do, "Nope, no problem Corey, we just decided that we really want to enjoy this time... both of us... we know that if we start talking or texting the first time we miss each other, we won't stop until you're back... and we both want all of us to enjoy our time together and not be distracted," which the others take a little time to think about.

Alex finally adds skeptically, "Are you both sure? (which gets nods and 'yeps') Then guys, again I'm really impressed that you've thought about all this... So, Corey and Steve, how about when you decide when you're coming back, one of you give Michael or one of the 'dads' a call and we'll let everybody know. How's that?"

Everybody agrees, then it occurs to Michael that maybe he and Corey shouldn't talk all the time either... although he's not sure how to bring that up without sounding... something.

But he eventually does, "Corey, I know how this is going to sound too, but it won't be fair for us to talk if these two aren't, so... we can hold off on talking too much also... if you want. But it's up to you. And I'm going to miss you both!"

Corey, looking worried, says, "Michael, honestly I hadn't even thought about that, but yeah, maybe we shouldn't spend all our spare time talking either. I want all of us to get used to being together like this... or some other combination, and get to know each other a lot better. I do think it'll work better if it's just us two and you two... I'm going to miss both of you too... I already do! But, I agree."

So, with nothing else to do to delay this any longer... Luke steps up to Corey first and says, "Corey, have fun. There's no problem with us about this, we promise. NO GUILT! About anything. Enjoy being with each other. And... please be careful! I want both of you back safe," and then leans forward to him give a very hot kiss, which is just as hotly returned.

Then he goes to Steve and says, "Steve, I love you more than anything. We'll be together for our entire life. I want you to enjoy this time too. NO GUILT! About anything, Ok? Just be safe," and gives him just as hot a kiss and Steve nods a bit.

Corey and Steve move on to kiss the others there, with a really hot kiss between Corey and Michael... They move back to the car. Steve turns just a moment, smiles and nods to Luke and gets in the car, which slowly drives away.

Luke, determined not to cry, turns quickly to Michael and says, "What happened with breakfast? Did Aiden lock you in your room?"

Michael laughs and says, "Nope, the three asked last night if they could do breakfast. I thought it was a great idea. (big smile) They did a great job... I better go see if they need help with cleanup," to which Luke says he'll help, and off they go.

The four dads are just standing, staring after them... especially Luke.

This is NOT how they expected this trial separation to go... and they're more than a little worried. Are they really wrong about how much Luke and Steve love each other? Is this 'thing' with Michael and Corey going to break them up? They sure as hell hope not.

They slowly walk back into the house, looking more depressed than either Luke or Steve are... apparently.

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Michael and Luke Go Shopping

Michael and Luke get to the kitchen and discover that pretty much everything is cleaned and put away... the dishwasher is running... which makes Michael very happy.

He goes over to hug and thank his 'morning staff'... and tells all of them how impressed and thankful he is. They all blush and say it was fun.

Turns out Daniel and Diego both helped their mom cook and clean a lot. They offer to cook more... saying they really like it. So does Michael.

Michael is concerned, however. He doesn't know how his alone time with Luke is going to go. Or what they're going to do other than sex.

He decides that a long shopping trip might help. He announces to the dads and Luke that he's going to go to Costco... With this many people in the house, keeping things stocked isn't easy... especially food for fourteen people... well, 12 for a while.

Luke of course immediately volunteers to go. No surprise there.

Michael asks Luke if he'd like to bring his toothbrush and clothes and stuff and leave it in his room, which he happily does.

He had cleared out a drawer for Luke to use. He assumes Luke will pretty much stay with him the entire time, and honestly he's really looking forward to it.

They brush their teeth side-by-side, naked, bumping hips a lot and almost giggling and then get dressed. They go to ask the boys about a couple of things on their grocery list, which are now on the iPhones instead of a whiteboard, and off they go.

The dads take care of getting the boys' frozen drink started. Today is some slushy kinda fruit thing without alcohol... and of course the margaritas.

The boys pretty much haven't stopped using the water polo net over the pool... they're all playing and laughing already.

As soon as they're in the car Michael asks Luke if he's okay with Steve leaving. Not surprisingly, Luke says, "Yep," which causes Michael to chuckle a little, but he doesn't give up that easy.

He adds, "Luke, are you really ok with Steve going with Corey?"

This time Luke actually thinks for a few moments and says, "Michael, I love Steve more than I ever thought I could love anybody. I never ever thought I would stand still and watch while he drives off with somebody who's going to fuck him for three days," which gets a somewhat worried chuckles out of Michael.

He thinks about it a bit and says, "Michael... this has all been really hard... on both of us. But, yeah I'm not just ok with Steve going, I think it's important for both of us to do this. We don't know why... we talked about it a lot... but we do. And, Michael, I'm really looking forward to spending time with you... but, if it's too much, please tell me," which hits a conflicted spot with Michael.

After thinking, Michael says, "Luke, it's definitely NOT too much, I promise. I'm looking forward to this too... a lot more than I should be, honestly. Corey and I haven't been together nearly as long as you and Steve, but I love Corey.

"I was really worried this was a big mistake for you guys, but both of you convinced me this morning you're ok with this... so I am too. In fact, Luke, I'm really, really looking forward to spending a LOT of time with you. I hope that's ok," to which Luke replies with a huge smile, "Great! Me too!"

After that the conversation moves on... even to what they need to buy.

One thing having iPhones has done, the list of things the boys and adults want is now on the "Reminder List" on the iPhones, and it probably works just as well on Android, but we only have iPhones... so I don't know for sure. All the boys have access to the list and can update it and the calendar whenever they want.

A couple of the things they wanted to ask the boys about were cooking items Aiden put on the list. Michael is very happy that Aiden's getting comfortable enough to do that.

- - - - - - - - - -

"The Ten"

Corey glances at Steve several times. He doesn't have tears, but his eyes are a little red. He squeezes his hand gently and just says, "It's hard... isn't it? I feel the same about Michael."

Which gets a small nod out of Steve, who just says, "Yep. It is. But it's also important," which impresses Corey even more than he already is with both of them. He just squeezes his hand a bit.

Corey is also very impressed with the new Volvo, although he's a little nervous driving a new car for the first time, especially in LA traffic... Steve answers a couple of his questions about Cruise Control and stuff, and points out something Corey couldn't find on the console display.

Corey just sits and smiles, very impressed with this young man... in a lot of ways. Steve also uses his phone to bring up a navigation map with traffic conditions and displays it on the screen in the car.... Corey is truly impressed.

Chuckling he asks, "Steve, I'm really impressed with how much you know about this car already. Did you read the manual or something?" expecting him to say 'no'... nobody ever reads car manuals.

Steve says rather matter of factly, "Of course. I always want to know how everything works. I always read manuals on things, and I have a copy of the manual on my iPad... just in case," which kinda blows Corey away.

They go out of town on Palm Canyon Drive, also called Highway 111, and at one point Corey tells Steve to look up the road that they're coming to, toward the mountain.

He explains that at the top of that road is the Palm Springs Tramway, which takes people up much higher to the top of Mt. San Jacinto.... and says they should all do that one day... especially when it's really hot. Mt. San Jacinto is quite tall, at 8,516 ft (2,596 m) above sea level, so the air can be as much as 40 °F (18 °C) cooler at the top than on the desert floor. Steve thinks that's a great idea.

Anyone who's driven from Palm Springs to LA knows that as you leave Palm Springs you pass some of the windmills right before you get on the interstate. Steve sees them and is amazed.

Corey says, "Yeah, last time I checked there were over 2000 of these windmills. When we get on 'the ten' we'll come to an area called the pass... a gap between the mountains on both sides. It's usually very windy thru there... a lot of the time... and these windmills use the wind to generate electricity. You can actually take a tour thru the windmill farm... let's do that some time, maybe the four of us and anybody else who wants to go. I've never done that either and have always wanted to."

Steve, who is amazed at both the number and size of them, says, "Yeah, I'd love to do that... they use the wind to spin turbines to generate electricity. Wow, that's amazing. They're huge. I've read about windmills, but never thought I'd get to see any... Please, let's do that."

Corey thinks about it for a minute and says, "Steve, you're really very, very good with technical things, like cars and computers and phones and iPads... and windmills apparently. (chuckling) Do you have any interest in maybe doing something like that for a job someday?"

He thinks for a while and says sadly, "Yeah, I did. But after... my parents and... little sister were killed, I figured I'd never be able to do anything like college... Our dads have promised us that we can go to any college we want... if our grades will get us in (chuckles), but I don't feel good about them having to pay for me, so I don't know," which causes Corey to look... shocked.

"Steve, your dads love you guys so much... you know they'll do anything they can for all of you... Your dads will be heartbroken if you don't feel comfortable with them paying for your college. You know that, I hope."

Steve hesitates for a bit and says sadly, "Yeah, I know. I know they love us, and we all love them so much, and we're all so lucky they adopted us... but, it just doesn't seem fair that they have to pay for somebody else's kid's college."

Corey fights back tears and, not sure he wants to open this topic, certainly not while driving on I-10 in annoying traffic, but feels like he has to say something.

He hesitantly says, "Steve. Please don't feel that way. You're not "somebody else's kid" Steve... None of you are. The way I look at it, we were all adopted by people who love us, and want to help us have a good life."

"Steve, all of our birth parents got us with no choice... and we got them with no choice. But your dads, Ken and Jared... and my parents had a choice Steve... they chose to adopt us... all, they love us... all, they want what's best for us... all.

"Steve... please consider how your dads will feel if you don't think they love you enough to pay for your college. Please Steve," and he reaches over to take Steve's hand lying on the middle console.

Steve looks at Corey with wide, red eyes... "Corey? What do you mean 'we were all adopted'?"

Corey, now with tears in his eyes says, "Steve, I was adopted too... when I was eleven, by a straight couple, who adopted me even knowing that I was gay. They love me with all their hearts Steve, way more than my birth parents ever did... and I love them way more.

"Steve, they paid for my college, and I am very, very grateful to them... for everything. For loving me when my parents didn't. For giving me a wonderful loving home after my parents kicked me out. For making sure I had a good life... a better life than they had when they were young."

"Steve, please don't ever doubt your dads love you... I can see how much they love you... all of you. Steve... please don't throw away your amazing future... please think about college," which now has Steve almost crying.

Barely able to talk thru the tears, Steve manages to say, "Corey, why didn't you tell me you were adopted?"

Looking over at Steve and feeling nothing but love for him, he says, "It would have sounded like I was... I don't know... complaining or making excuses or something. Steve, thanks to my adoptive parents, I've had a great life so far. You and Luke and Diego and Daniel will too... as will Ken and Jared's boys. I really believe that Steve."

Steve trying to stop his tears asks, "Your parents kicked you out? Was it because you're gay?"

Corey looks sad and says, "Yeah, they said they would not have a 'sodomite' in their loving Christian home (laughing sadly at the sick irony of that statement). And they kicked me out.

"They put me and my clothes in their car and drove me to some group home and left me... told them I was their problem now. Of course, they made sure to tell everybody there I was 'a faggot' first... just to make it harder for me. It made my life a living hell... for a while.

"But the people who adopted me knew me and my parents from church. As soon as they heard what my parents had done, they came and found me... and asked me if I'd be their son. I was very lucky Steve. Even after my parents made very sure they knew I was gay. They said it didn't matter.

"My loving biological parents even told everybody at church that my new parents had adopted a faggot, and they ended up quitting the church they and my parents attended because of how anti-gay the church turned out to be."

Steve can't find any words at the moment... He leans over as far as he can with the seatbelt, and puts his head on Corey's shoulder... and just sits there with tears running down his face for a long time."

Corey feels bad about causing Steve so much pain... he says, "I'm sorry Steve. I knew I should have waited to bring that up. I was going to tell you... while we're together. I thought you should know."

Steve asks, "Do all the others know? I've never heard anybody say anything."

Corey says sadly, "Only Ken and Jared. I haven't told any of the other boys or your dads... or even Michael yet. I know I'll tell at least Michael, but haven't yet."

He started to say that they hadn't had enough time to talk about things like that, but he's afraid Steve would blame himself for taking up his and Michael's time.

Steve is trying to think of something positive to say, but can't...

He sighs and finally says, "Luke and I have talked about what would have happened if our parents had found out that we're gay. Luke's parents were both terrible... but, I'm not sure my parents would have been much better. My father used to make horrible hateful comments about gay people and... uhhh... others. My mom wasn't like that, but she wouldn't go against my father. So, I don't think it would have gone much better for me either."

Corey goes back to what they were talking about before, "Steve... please don't feel like you're somebody else's kid. You're not Steve... none of you boys are. Your dads love all of you so much, and it would really hurt them for any of you to feel like that... please."

Steve wipes his eyes and thinks for a bit, "On the flight back with us when our dads mentioned phones and iPads and computers... Luke... uh... kinda had a really bad time. He went over and sat beside dad Kevin... (chuckles) we still don't what to call both of them... but, he was crying and he told dad Kevin that... that his parents were drunks... they lived in a mobile home... that our dads are rich, and fly around in private jets... and wouldn't want him as their son...

"Corey, it was so, so sad to hear Luke say that... I think it hurt our dads a lot for him to think that it would make a difference. I guess what I said is kinda the same thing, isn't it?"

Corey, still having to drive, reaches up and strokes Steve's face that's lying on his shoulder. He quickly looks at him and sees he's still crying some, and wishes he'd waited on all this.

Finally he can say, "Steve, It would really hurt any of the dads to hear that. They love you boys... so much. I've never seen Ken and Jared as happy as they've been since the boys arrived.

"They were really worried because their boys were so unhappy. Hell, we're even moving to Palm Springs so the boys can be happier... no, actually... that's not true... we're moving to Palm Springs honestly so the boys can be near you guys.

"You're all pretty amazing, Steve, I love all you guys... but uh... maybe one or two... or three a little differently than the others," which at least gets a little smile from Steve, who wipes his eyes, stretches up to quickly kiss Corey on the cheek.

He leans back to his seat, turns to Corey and says, "Thank you for telling me... I'm so, so sorry your parents did that to you... I don't understand how parents can ever do that to their children. I love you Corey."

Corey glances at him and says, "I love you guys too Steve, especially you and Luke and Michael. I'm not going to ask you any more during this trip... but, are you sure us going away together is really ok? It would really kill Michael and I if we cause you and Luke any problems."

Steve doesn't want to just give a shallow answer, so after thinking for a while says,

"Yeah, it is Corey. Luke and I have really talked a lot about all this... and cried a little bit too. It's been hard for us... as I'm sure you know.

"But Luke and I both love you and Michael enough to know that we have to work this out. Corey, it was a big shock to both of us that we feel the way we do about you and Michael. I won't ever leave Luke... or love him any less, but it was really important to us that we didn't try to lie about how we feel about the two of you... not to each other, or to you and Michael, or our dads... or ourselves.

"We're eventually going to have to tell all our brothers something... and by 'brothers', we always mean yours too of course," which makes Corey chuckle a little, and love these guys even more.

"Steve, how in the hell did we all get lucky enough to meet... and live next door to each other? My life is so much better knowing you guys. I knew after my first night with Michael that my life had just changed... a lot... and was really worried about what it meant, especially for me and Ken and Jared... and for Michael and your dads too.

"We both knew that it was going to be hard to explain to you guys and the dads. But I really do love them too Steve, just as much as Michael loves your dads. We both feel really bad that our kiss... (chuckles)... all of our kisses, at breakfast and at the pool, caused the two of you so many tears."

Steve, smiling for the first time since this came up, says, "Corey, I'm not sorry. Luke isn't sorry. If you hadn't, we never would have had to admit... to ourselves and then to each other... and you guys... how much we love the two of you... and we both think that would have caused us big problems... later... if we hadn't.

"So Corey please don't be sorry. And Corey, please don't hate me, but... Luke said several times that he was attracted to Michael as soon as he saw him... and fell in love with him at the Amusement Park that day. Corey, I couldn't stop staring at you when I first saw you... sorry..."

Corey, a little emotional, says, "Steve, I'll never hate you... ever. And, I shouldn't say this. Please don't repeat it... well, I know you'll tell Luke (chuckling) and that's fine, and I've already told Michael, but I noticed you immediately that day too.

"Please don't be offended, but you sort of look a little like me... tall, dark hair and eyes... I thought you were very handsome... and sexy... but let's not forget TWELVE years old... which totally freaked me out, that I was thinking those things about you," he says with a very nervous laugh.

Steve thinks about what Luke would say then says, "But I'll get older!" which gets a great laugh from both.

Steve adds, "And... I'd never be offended for you saying that... I love the way you look... you're gorgeous. Thank you for saying that Corey," which makes Corey laugh pretty good.

Looking pretty embarrassed Steve adds, "And on a happier topic, Luke fucked me good with the dildo last night, and I want us to do the same... a lot," which gets a big laugh from Corey, who also thanks Steve for saying what he did about things being ok.

Maybe channeling Luke a bit, Steve just can't resist moving his left hand over and gently rubbing Corey's leg up near his crotch for a few seconds... and everything responds very nicely.

Thinking the first time couldn't have gone well, Corey says, "Don't get frustrated with the dildo. It takes a while to get used to something like that... it's a decent size. Were you able to get it in at all?" which causes Steve to laugh out loud.

Steve says, "Oh Yeah, we got the whole thing in (which causes Corey to look really surprised). In fact Luke pushed the entire thing up my butt, end and all. I had to push it out. But, we knew from our shampoo bottle that we can push it back out... so we didn't have to come find one of you to help get it out," which causes Corey to laugh loudly.

Steve considers for a bit and says... "Corey, can I ask you an honest question?"

"Of course. You can ask me anything."

Steve asks nervously, "Are Luke and I bothering you and Michael?"

Corey wants to be clear here, but isn't entirely what the best answer is.

He starts with, "God no Steve, you aren't bothering us at all... We really do love you guys. We both love the time we spend with you guys. We both...(sighs loudly) we're having as much trouble figuring out what all this means as you and Luke. We've both admitted that we love both of you. A lot more than we should. The age difference is... a problem.

"Steve, I've never ever thought about doing anything with somebody as young as you guys are... well, at least not since I was twelve years old. I wish we could go out in public and, where safe, act like boyfriends some... but, with you being a lot younger, that could be a big problem. I think we'll have to act more like brothers than boyfriends. I wish we didn't, and I'm sorry."

Steve has thought about this too and says, "I know, me too. Luke said the same thing... but he also said it was really nice going out with Michael and just being his little brother. Some lady even told them it was great seeing a big brother love his little brother that much," which gets a big laugh from both of them... He adds, "If she only knew," which gets another laugh.

Corey asks Steve to find some music on the radio, and he does... Since Corey drives this route a fair amount when Ken has to fly in or out of Palm Springs, he knows a good radio station for almost the entire trip... well, one that plays kinda classic rock music. He's not sure Steve will like it, but KOLA 99.9 is the station he listens to when making this drive, so they try it. Steve seems ok with it.

About 45 minutes later they are coming up on San Bernardino, so traffic will start to get worse. And it does. No surprises there.

They discuss less emotional things for the rest of the trip.

Corey asks if Steve has any ideas of things he wants to do, and he doesn't. No surprise there either, since he's never been to LA. They discuss a few things, but nothing stands out as being really interesting. Maybe a tour of Universal Studios or something, but that might be unfair to the other boys. Damn this is hard.

They make pretty good time... a little less than 2.5 hours. Fortunately they had both peed, not on each other, before leaving Palm Springs, so their bladders last the whole trip. Aaahhh to be young again.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In a House East of LA

About Noon

Arrival

They arrive at their house about noon and Corey opens the garage. He had taken the remote from their car. They grab Steve's clothes and other stuff, and Corey goes in and turns off the security system, and they go to the bedroom so Steve can leave his stuff.

Normally, Corey would probably have asked at least ten times if Steve is really ok sleeping with him, but at this point that doesn't seem like an issue, so he doesn't ask.

Steve thinks the house is really nice, but he prefers the one he lives in, plus they don't have a pool.

Corey sends a quick text to Jared, to tell him they arrived safely.

They both lie down on the bed, and Corey reaches over and pulls Steve to him and kisses him. Not a hot and bothered kiss, more of a 'I love you' kiss... and Steve's very happy.

He does have a brief bout of guilt about Luke, but he knows that they've been honest with each other about everything, and that both really do want to enjoy this... as much as they possibly can. And, he knows that Luke will have the same guilt about Michael.

They just lie together and cuddle for a while. Steve discovers he loves looking into Corey's eyes as much as Luke's. Maybe he won't tell Luke that... just yet.

Steve just lies beside Corey enjoying his touch and feel and sexy smell, just enjoying this time together.

At one point he's lying running his nose up and down a bit, against Corey's neck and 12 o'clock shadow, just inhaling and really amazed at the warm masculine scent. He decides he can't wait for him and Luke to get old enough be this mature... and sexy.

He has no idea how his and Luke's life has worked out so amazingly... but he knows the people he loves because of it. And he knows they all love him and his brothers just as much.

While looking into those dark warm pools Steve says, "Corey, thank you for telling me you were adopted. I know it's not always easy to admit that. I don't like telling people... it's like they never treat me the same once they know."

Trying not to get emotional again, Corey strokes his face gently and says, "Yeah, I think that too... but, I'm glad I told you... I intended to tell you while we're here... well, maybe not while we were in LA traffic in a new car that I'd never driven... (chuckles) but I want you to know Steve.

"But please Steve, your dads will be heartbroken if they think you feel like anything other than totally their son... you are, you know... completely. All those guys love you to death Steve, and all your brothers."

Steve, trying not to cry, says, "Yeah. I do know, and I do feel totally like their son, we all do... and we love them so much, but I still feel guilty making them pay for... that. Before I knew... you were adopted, I wouldn't have been able to explain how it makes me feel... to lose my home, my parents, everything...

"Since that happened, I've just never felt the same Corey... none of us have. It's getting better. I love Luke, our dads, and you and Michael and all of our brothers... so much. I really do.

"That always includes dad Ken and dad Jared too, and your brothers... we both think of all of you as our unofficial brothers... and even dads. We're all so happy we met you and your family. We both said while you guys were gone that it's way too quiet at home without you," which gets a good laugh from both of them.

Looking a little pensive, Steve continues, "I've just got to get to the point that my life... mine and Luke's life... feels normal again... It's one of the reasons I wanted to come here with you... but NOT the only reason. (chuckles)

"It's really very hard on Daniel and Diego too. We've talked to them some about all this too... they're having a lot of trouble getting over to what happened to their parents... not even knowing what happened is so hard for them.

"And it's the same thing Luke said about going shopping with Michael. For the first time in a long, long time Corey... it beginning to feel... normal again. Just like coming here with you. Thank you for letting me come with you."

Corey says, "Steve, I love that you and Luke are ok with you coming with me. I was a little surprised that Luke would want to stay behind... at first... but... well... not really. He's just as close to Michael... as I feel to you."

Corey debates for a while but knows he has to say, "Steve... I know what you mean about nothing feeling normal after losing your parents and sister. I... it was very hard for me to... feel normal after all that too.

"For a long time I was worried that if I said something I shouldn't... or did anything I shouldn't... I was scared to death that my new parents would do the same thing. I was scared to death that they'd kick me out too," lying looking into Steve's eyes, with his own face wet from tears.

"But steve, that was so unfair to my new parents. They loved me. They adopted me knowing I was gay... it was completely unfair to ever think that they'd do that... but I did. I... (big sigh)

"We saw my biological parents once after they kicked me out... we were all in a shopping center... they saw me and my new parents... and came over and told them they were going to hell for loving me.

"My new parents yelled at them and told them that they were the ones going to hell. I... honestly really hated my original parents after that... for a very long time. It took me a long time to realize I was just hurting myself to even bother to hate them... they're not that important to me... anymore. They're not worth hating.

"But I do know what you mean about things not feeling normal Steve. Things... will slowly get back to normal... but it took me a really long time," and Steve leans over and kisses him and thanks him for saying that.

Corey, still threatening a few tears, says, "I love you Steve. It would be a lot easier if you and Luke were a little older (which gets a little laugh from both), but I do love you Steve. Please... let's do this. Let's make this work, for all of us. I don't want to lose you or Luke or Michael... you're both very important to me and Michael."

They just hold each other and kiss for a long time... both being very glad that they're all where they are in their lives.

Steve's lying there rubbing his face against Corey and running his hand down his torso, and suddenly breaks out laughing.

Corey asks why he laughing and Steve says, "You know... it's really sexy doing this with you wearing clothes," which Corey thinks about and starts laughing.

And he agrees. Seeing each other naked all the time makes them forget how sexy it is lying here running their hands down each other... clothed. Well, damn.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

True Confessions

Steve asks, "Corey, can I ask you a question?"

He chuckles and says, "Of course... anything you want... always."

Steve hesitates and then says, "Is it... weird that we've both fallen in love with you and Michael... Did you ever feel like that about anybody older... when you were younger?"

This time Corey breaks out laughing, and laughs for a while, which surprises Steve, and then blushes... but he finally says, "Yes, Steve. I did. And I still love him," which gets Steve's attention.

Corey continues a little shakily, "I was about eleven and a half when my biological parents kicked me out. A friend from school spent the night, and they caught us messing around... my 'mother' (exaggerating that word) walked in, without knocking, just as we kissed each other.

"My ex-parents kicked him out our their house immediately, called his parents and demanded that they come get him... They made him wait on the porch with his things until they got there to get him.

"I saw him in school a few times after that, but he totally avoided me... he would never even speak to me after that. I don't know how bad his parents made it for him... I suspect not good.

"Steve, my real parents, my adoptive parents, had adopted a son about seven years earlier. He was about 6 years older than me. I was eleven when they adopted me. He was about to turn seventeen when they adopted me.

"My parents weren't rich by any means, but things were simpler back then, especially in a really small town... They didn't have to have a separate bedroom for each kid, so my brother Nathan and I shared a room... and a bed."

"Nathan is gay, and he had come out to them, several years before all that happened with me. It's a big part of why they didn't have a problem with me being gay. But... Nathan and I were always very close... if you know what I mean.

"Nathan had started having trouble dealing with being gay in a very small town dominated by religious bigots... We hit it off immediately. We were inseparable any time we could be. I fell so in love with him Steve.

"I'm sure our parents knew, but they never acted like it bothered them at all. I know that they were very happy to see Nathan get over some of his own anger and depression having to deal with being gay and hiding all the time... although we both tried to hide, but thanks to my asshole ex-parents, everybody at school knew about me. Nathan kicked several bully's asses for harassing me.

"It broke my heart... all over again, the day he left to go to college. It was really hard on him too. We both wanted to promise that we'd wait for each other, but we knew that would be almost impossible to do... and really unfair to him. He was going to be in college, he would meet other guys... it just didn't seem fair to expect him to wait six years on me.

"He met several guys during college that he dated, and even had a boyfriend for a while. When he was home, in the summer and other times, we'd fall back into our old relationship... kinda. It wasn't ever quite the same, but we really did love each other.

"After he finished college, my junior year of high school, he got a job and moved to San Francisco. I didn't see him very often after that. He was working, and he met somebody and fell in love... and got married... when that became possible. My parents and I all went to his wedding. I was very sad, but happy for him too.

"He and his husband still live in San Francisco... but he's thinking about moving. He's beginning to hate all the stress of living in a big city. I'm trying to convince them to move to Palm Springs. They've been down there a few times for vacation and they both love it.

"My brother works with computers and can do his job from home. His husband is a doctor, and he can easily find a job there," all of which just leaves Steve wide-eyed with his mouth open.

When he gets his thoughts in order, Steve asks, "Is that why you got started working with computers?"

Corey laughs and says, "Yep. I followed my big brother's example. And I'm very glad I did. It turned out to be something I really liked too."

Steve smiles big and leans over and kisses Corey, who asks, "What's that for?"

Steve just smiles and says, "Just a thank you... for being you."

After that they move on to trying to find things to do in LA other than sex.

- - - - -

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Next: 18 - The Palm Springs Family - Apart Day1 Luke