Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:23:06 -0800 (PST) From: Jon D Subject: Crystal Lake - 22 (Final Chapter) Disclaimer: This is a work of FICTION. Any similarity between my characters and real people, places, or events is merely a coincidence. This story contains descriptions of imagined sexual activity between teenage boys. If you are not 18 years old or if it is illegal where you live to read material of this kind, please stop here. If this story might offend you please go to another site. You are invited to send comments or story ideas to Playbuddy123@yahoo.com Crystal Lake - 22 (Final Chapter) Josh groaned as Trav beat him once again at Halo 2. They had been playing various video games in Josh's room for most of the morning. "Drew should have been here an hour ago." Josh frowned as he turned off the game console and started to put the disks away. "Nearly eleven thirty," Trav said, glancing at his watch. "Let's go get him," Josh suggested. They both headed for their coats. * * * * After no answer to their first knock on the cabin door, Josh and Trav waited impatiently and then pounded again, this time a little harder. Trav stepped to the side and cupped his hands around his eyes so he could peer through the window. "He's coming," Trav announced a moment before the door opened. Josh giggled. "Oh, I thought you were jerking off," he said as Drew pushed the screen door open wearing only a pair of boxers, "Trav just said you were cumming." Drew laughed. "Shit, I'm sorry," he apologized. "I know I promised to meet you guys at 10:30 but I must have lost track of time." Josh leaned to the side and peered around Drew. "Well, I can see why. Cody stayed the night, huh?" He grinned as Cody struggled to pull his jeans up over his hips and get zipped and buttoned. "Yeah," Drew said with an embarrassed grin. "Why don't we just meet you at the restaurant," Trav suggested. "Come on, let's leave the love birds alone," he grinned tugging at Josh's arm. * * * * Josh and Trav were seated at a window table when Drew and Cody finally arrived. As they sat down, one of the servers came over. "Buffet for everybody?" she asked sweetly, putting four glasses of water on the table. "Yes please," Drew smiled, "and one check, it's on me." They all grinned. "I'm still celebrating," Drew offered as they teased him about being `Mr. Money Bags,' Each of the guys filled their plate at the buffet table and settled back at their places. "So, I see you stayed the night." Josh grinned, giving Cody a playful look. Cody gave the same look back. "Uh huh," he mumbled quickly stuffing his mouth with a fork full of pancakes. There were several smiles between the guys; they all knew what Josh had implied. "All right, quit it," Drew giggled, after a few more silly looks, "we aren't going to go into details." Trav took a swig of orange juice. "Awe," he teased, "that's half the fun!" Cody grinned, "I'm not telling!" he said with a twinkle in his eye, glancing at Drew. "Me either," Drew laughed. Disappointed they weren't going to hear the fun parts of Drew and Cody's evening, Josh and Trav settled down to their meal. About half way through, Drew was busy filling Josh in about his plans for dressing up the cabin. "...then I'm going to..." Drew stopped in mid-sentence. He got a strange look on his face. "I'll be right back," he said quickly, pushed his chair away from the table, and hurried off. "What's with that?" Trav laughed. "Last time I saw that look was on my cousin Tommy's face. He had the stomach flu and suddenly needed the bathroom real bad!" Josh giggled. Cody couldn't hold back a mischievous grin. "What?" Trav teased. "Just before you came over we were kind of busy," Cody giggled. "I think it's my fault he needed to leave." Josh smiled, "you did him up the butt, didn't you?" Cody nodded with a wide grin. "It was only fair, after what he did to me." He laughed. Ten minutes later, Drew returned to the table. "Everything come out all right?" Trav teased. Drew shot him an annoyed look. Josh, Trav and Cody grinned as Drew blushed and got back to his meal. * * * * After that weekend, things seemed to settle into a comfortable routine. School and work kept the guys busy, but they managed to find time to see their boyfriends. Josh's Dad still had trouble with Trav being around the house, so most often, Josh and Trav would get together over at the Cullen's place. His folks had long ago become comfortable with their relationship. The Thanksgiving recess came and went without much happening. Josh and his parents had a quiet meal. They invited Drew to join them, and he was happy to have a place to spend the holiday. They watched a football game and generally had a nice time. Drew said he was planning to see Cody on Saturday, but Josh noticed he didn't mention where he might see him. "Bet Cody's staying over again," Josh thought to himself as he gave Drew a mischievous smile. Trav and his Mom and Dad traveled to the city to spend the weekend with his sister. Josh managed to call him at bedtime on a couple of occasions. Trav seemed to be enjoying being back in Chicago for a while. * * * * It was about two weeks before Christmas vacation when it happened. Josh had been thinking for several weeks about how much he had missed Trav during the Thanksgiving holiday, and he was determined to ask his Mom and Dad if he could have Trav over for this one. "Uh, could Travis come over and stay here Christmas night?" he finally asked as they sat at the dinner table. "Of course we'd do all our family Christmas stuff before, you know, like church and all that!" he hurried to add. Josh's Mom gave her husband an uncertain look. Josh turned to his Dad and saw he had just made a big mistake. "Turning red in the face, Mr. Danielson was apparently trying hard to control himself. He finally said firmly, but evenly, "We will not be having anyone staying over during Christmas." Josh's heart sank, "But Dad," he whined, "Travis is my boyfriend; we have to be together on Christmas!" As soon as he said it, Josh regretted his words. His Dad slowly rose from the table. Josh sat back in his chair and tensed up waiting for the explosion that he now felt was sure to come. A quick look to his Mom and Josh could see the trouble he was in. Amazingly, his Dad didn't reach for him and haul his ass to the wood shed. Worse than that, his Dad stared him in the eyes, disappointment and hurt written all over his face. "Joshua," his dad said softly, "You know I don't approve of what the two of you are up to. I won't have that boy in my house, not on Christmas." The look on his Dad's face hurt Josh worse than any spanking ever could. The disappointment in his Dad's eyes was penetrating. A moment later his Dad was gone, having quickly walked out the door. Josh sat at the dining room table, tears coming to his eyes and then running down his cheeks. "I'm sorry, honey," his Mom said softly rising from the table. "But your Dad's right." Josh sat for several long minutes sobbing quietly. "It's not fair," he thought as he cried. The hurt and bitterness combined with feelings of betrayal. "How can they say they love me and not love Trav?" he thought. He had to get out. Get out and find Trav. Josh left the table and grabbed his coat off the hook. As he put it on, he pulled open the drawer by the sink that held stuff for the cabins, and snatched up the key to the four wheeler. Then he headed out the door. Minutes later, Josh was well on his way down the lane. The small headlight lit the immediate path in front of the wheels but not much else. In the dark forest it wasn't enough. Josh was going fast, too fast. When the curve in the road came into view he knew he was in trouble. Josh slammed on the breaks, felt everything swerve to the side, and then there was nothing. * * * * The pounding ache in Josh's head wouldn't go away. He heard conversation in the room, but couldn't make sense of what was being said. He tried to open his eyes, but the light seemed too bright and it hurt. "Josh, honey?" His mom's voice called to him from a place that seemed far, far away. "Are you awake?" She asked, her hand tenderly rubbing Josh's forehead. Josh decided to keep his eyes closed because of the headache and the light. He barely moved, but nodded, "yes," when his Mom asked again if he was awake. "Thank God," Josh heard his Dad say softly off to the other side. Josh didn't know what was going on, but he was tired, very tired, and drifted back asleep. The next time Josh opened his eyes, the room was dark. "That's better," he thought as his vision adjusted. He stared at the ceiling for a moment and realized he wasn't in his own room, the ceiling had tile like in school. "Where am I?" he thought he said to himself, but apparently the words had come out of his mouth. "Oh, honey," his Mom said and hurried to his side. She was a mess. She looked like she hadn't slept in days and she appeared very worried. For a moment all he could do was stare into her eyes. "What?" Josh whispered, trying to figure out what was going on. "You had an accident," his Mom said softly, gently running her fingers through his hair. "The four wheeler went off the road. You hit your head. Thank God you had your helmet on." Josh tried to move, but every part of his body seemed to hurt. He finally managed to turn his head slightly in her direction. "Don't move, okay?" his Mom cautioned. "You've been asleep for three days." "Am I gonna be all right?" Josh whispered, tears starting to stream down his cheeks. "Yes, baby, you're going to be fine." "Where's dad?" Josh finally asked. "He's back at home, he had a few things to take care of, he'll be here in the morning. We're at University Hospital. They flew you here on the helicopter." "I was on a helicopter?" "Uh huh, our little hospital couldn't take care of you. They called for help right away when they saw you had hit your head." Josh stared at the ceiling. He lay for a time trying to put the pieces together in his mind. He was glad his Mom was there, fussing over him. Sometimes a boy just needs his Mom and this was one of those times. Sleep overpowered him again, but this time it was peaceful and welcome. * * * * The next time Josh awoke it was to the sound of voices. He was pretty sure one was his mom's. Moments later a nurse was busy checking on this and that. "Dr. Foley will be in right after surgery," she announced as she gave Josh a soft smile. "We're so glad you finally woke up. Anything you need?" Josh blinked and finally seemed to focus. "I think I'm a little hungry," he whispered, though he wasn't entirely sure of that. The nurse smiled, "let's see what Dr. Foley has to say." By noon, Josh was propped up in bed, and finally aware of all that had gone on. Apparently the four wheeler had missed the curve and he had been thrown into the woods, rolling several times before slamming into a tree. The impact had been hard, most of the energy being absorbed by his shoulder and chest. In fact, his chest was so sore he could barely breathe. He had also sustained a concussion. The end result was a dislocated shoulder, bruised ribs, a pounding headache, and no idea of what had happened for the last four days. "What was I doing on the four wheeler?" Josh asked his Dad later that afternoon. "I don't know, son," his Dad said softly. "You might have been heading over to see Travis." "Why would I do that?" Josh asked, more confused. "You were pretty upset." "I was?" "Yeah, we had an argument." "What was it about?" Josh asked innocently, totally unable to remember. Josh's Dad sighed. "It was about you and Travis." "Oh," Josh whispered, thinking he could guess at least some of what might have been said. "You asked about him staying with us Christmas night." Josh closed his eyes, he remembered planning to ask his Dad, but didn't actually remember the event. Josh reached out his hand and his dad held it. Mr. Danielson started to cry. "When your Mom and I found you that night we were so scared we'd lost you. I promised that if God brought you back I'd do whatever I could to fix things between us." Now Josh was in tears. They both cried. Josh's Dad leaned down and hugged him. "Travis can come over any time you want. Okay?" He whispered in Josh's ear. Josh nodded. They held each other for a long time. "Can I call him?" Josh asked, giving his Dad a hopeful look. "You better!" his Dad laughed wiping away a tear. Ever since your mom called and told him you had an accident he's been phoning three times a day. He's wanted to come see you, but we told him no, not until you were a little better. When he found out you woke up he said he was on his way." Mr. Danielson took out his cell phone. "His number is on speed dial." he laughed wiping away another tear. Trav answered on the second ring. "Wow, that was fast!" Josh said softly, surprised that Trav answered so quickly. "Josh, is that you?" "Yeah." "Oh God," Travis sobbed and started to cry, "Tell me you're okay?" "Yeah, kind of banged up, but I'm all here." Trav told Josh that his Mom and Dad had agreed to drive him the hundred and fifty miles to the University Hospital. They were now within an hour of arriving. "Be careful," Josh said softly, tears in his eyes. "We don't want another accident." He glanced at his Dad, and then whispered, "Love you, Babe." He closed the phone. They looked at one another for a long moment, saying nothing. Josh felt his Dad's struggle but also his love. "Do you think you can find me a cheeseburger?" Josh said with a forced grin, handing the phone back and wiping his eyes. Mr. Danielson sniffed, and smiled at him with happiness. "I'll see what I can do." * * * * "How's Josh?" Travis blurted out as he rushed into the Neuroscience waiting room and saw Mr. Danielson. "He's going to be okay," Mr. Danielson said with a tired look. "He just asked for a cheeseburger!" he chuckled. Travis was relieved to hear Mr. Danielson confirm what Josh had said on the phone. "Can I see him?" Mr. Danielson stood as Mr. and Mrs. Cullen arrived. Travis had hurried on ahead. Mr. Danielson stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Travis in a tender hug. "Of course you can see him." Mr. Danielson choked back a sob, "He was coming to see you when it happened." That started Travis crying. They held each other for a long time. "I'm sorry," Mr. Danielson finally whispered, "I just didn't understand." Travis continued to sob. "Go on," Mr. Danielson finally managed to say softly, easing Travis back and aiming him toward the ICU door. "Your boyfriend is waiting." * * * * Josh was discharged from the hospital four days later. Everyone agreed he should stay home from school the last few days before the holiday. That was where Trav found him about ten o'clock the next morning. "What are you doing here?" Josh laughed as Trav came through the door. "I convinced my Dad I wouldn't be worth shit at school if I was worrying about you being all alone. I figured your folks would be working." "Your Dad let you skip school?" Trav exaggerated a cough. "He's not feeling well, I think he told them!" Both guys laughed. Trav sat down on the sofa where Josh was sitting wrapped in a blanket. He had a little table with a glass of water, a pill bottle, some magazines, and the TV had been set up for video games. "Nice little place you've got here," Trav grinned. "Come snuggle with me," Josh smiled and opened the blanket. Trav unzipped his coat and tossed it on the floor, kicked off his shoes, and scooted under. "That's better," Josh whispered as he crawled into Trav's arms. "But don't hug me too tight, I still hurt a little," he said softly as he got comfortable. The boys lay like that for a few minutes, content. Josh looked up and Trav leaned down for a kiss. Their lips touched and they held the embrace for a long moment. Josh snuggled closer. "Just hold me," he said softly as Trav rocked him in his arms. "I was so scared, Josh," Trav finally whispered, "They said you were hurt bad." "I'm sorry," Josh felt like a little kid that just spilled his milk. "It's not your fault," Trav said hurriedly, "It's just that when they told me, I realized how much I love you." His voice trembled. It was quiet for a bit. "Your Dad was really nice to me that first day at the hospital." "He was?" Josh turned to look at Trav. "Yeah, he gave me a hug and everything," Trav laughed. Josh smiled, "You never told me that!" "Well, we had other stuff to talk about that day." Josh snuggled back against Trav. "Besides, when he hugged me I got a boner!" Trav laughed. "What?" Josh giggled. "You know how I like his muscles!" "Eeeeewwww!" Trav kissed the top of Josh's head. "But you're still way cuter!" * * * * Mrs. Cullen was determined to help out after Josh's accident and insisted she be allowed to host the Danielson's for Christmas dinner. "You cook all year long for everyone else," She laughed as they all sat around the Danielson's kitchen table. "It's time you sat down and let someone else do the work for a change." Josh saw that his mom liked the idea. He glanced over at his dad. He was worried he might say "no." He was relieved to see his dad smile. "We'd love to," Mr. Danielson said getting out of his seat, approaching his wife and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "It's time you took a day off," he smiled again and gave her a little kiss on the cheek. * * * * Travis couldn't have been happier. The meal was excellent. He and Josh had both had Christmas with their folks before getting together that afternoon. "My Dad will probably be in here in a while," Josh said with an apologetic look as he and Travis sat on the floor in Travis's room, "he'll want to see what we're up to." Travis smiled, "That's okay." The boys leaned close and kissed. "Merry Christmas!" Travis whispered as he ran his fingers softly through Josh's hair. "Merry Christmas!" Josh returned the kiss. The guys kissed tenderly for a couple of minutes, touching each other here and there, but not in a lustful way. It was clear to Travis that showing love didn't always have to be about sex. He was sure Josh felt the same way. "I couldn't get out and shop," Josh apologized as he handed Travis an envelope. "It doesn't matter." "Open it," Josh said with a smile. Travis broke the seal and pulled out a hand made card. There were Christmas decorations on the front, and inside was a message from Josh. "This entitles the bearer to two nights at Crystal Lake Resort with Joshua Danielson." Travis laughed. "How did you manage this?" Josh smiled. "My Dad and I had a long talk. It's okay now." The boys hugged. "For you," Travis said, handing Josh a small box. Josh opened it and took out a silver St. Christopher medal on a chain. "I have one too," Travis said, pulling at the chain around his neck, "He's the patron Saint of safe travel. The way you drive a four wheeler, I think you may need it," he laughed. Josh turned the medal over in his hand and saw that it was engraved. "To my Love" and it was signed, "Travis". Tears came to Josh's eyes. "I love you so much," he whispered as he hugged Travis close. "Merry Christmas, Josh," Travis whispered, closing his eyes to say a little prayer of thanks. * * * * Travis couldn't think of a better time to use his coupon for two nights at the resort with Josh than New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The resort restaurant and tavern would be busy, but Travis knew Josh wasn't really up to working all that much, so it wasn't a problem. Drew and Cody planned to get together after the restaurant closed at ten. "I'd love to have you all to myself," Travis grinned as he and Josh cuddled on the couch at Travis's house, "But it might be fun to get together with Drew and Cody." "How about New Years Eve at Drew's place and then New Year's Day at mine?" Travis laughed, "I like that!" * * * * So it was that Josh found himself together with his boyfriend as well as Cody and Drew in front of a crackling fire just before midnight on New Year's Eve. Glasses clinked as Josh poured sparkling wine again and again. "Where did you get this?" Cody laughed as he took a big sip. "Well, let's just say I hope Dad doesn't do an inventory of the resort store." Josh grinned. "He'll be missing a couple of bottles." Cody and Drew snuggled on the couch, Josh and Trav were on the floor right next to them. "Almost midnight," Trav announced, glancing at his watch. "Count it down," Josh giggled, taking a drink of wine. "Five, four, three, two, one!" Trav shouted, "Happy New Year!" The guys all cheered, then Drew and Cody hugged and kissed. Trav and Josh did the same. "Happy New Year," Josh whispered as he opened his mouth wider and kissed Trav deeply. Trav moaned. Breathless, Josh looked over and saw Drew and Cody were also kissing passionately. After several long minutes of making out, both couples paused. Josh looked toward Cody, who laughed softly. "You guys having fun?" Cody giggled. Josh and Trav both nodded with wide grins. "Are you okay with this?" Cody asked Drew. Drew nodded. "Yup." Cody sighed, "Good, because I'm so horny I don't care who might see us." The guys all looked at one another and smiled. Josh and Trav lay down on the floor, Josh on his back, Trav on his side next to him. Trav leaned over and they kissed again. Trav's hand almost immediately went to Josh's crotch. He groped him, causing Josh to moan. Josh wrapped his arms around Trav's neck and pulled him lower. "I love your hand on my dick," he whispered in Trav's ear, "feel me up," he urged. Then he went back to sticking his tongue deep into Trav's mouth. Trav responded by rubbing Josh's cock and balls as they kissed. Drew and Cody squirmed on the couch just inches away, no doubt preoccupied with their own urges. Both boys had managed to get a hand in the other's pants as they kissed. The wood fire and the rush of hormones combined, and all of the guys were soon hot and sweaty. Josh sat up. Trav helped him pull his T-Shirt over his head, tossing it on the floor. Trav was next, making a game of throwing his shirt on top of Josh's. Trav reached for Josh's jeans and popped the top button, before unzipping him. Josh lay back down and raised his ass off the floor so Trav could wiggle his pants and underwear down. "I missed this," Trav said softly as he took Josh's dick in his hand and gave it a stroke. Josh looked up at his boyfriend. "You can have whatever you want," he blushed, "I'm all yours." The boys kissed again. This time it was love that shone through. Josh turned his head and looked up as Drew pulled Cody's jeans and underwear over his ass and then off. Drew then unbuttoned and removed his own pants. Both boys, now naked, went back to their kissing and touching. Trav, seemingly not wanting to be the only one wearing pants, unzipped. His dick was raging hard. He stood and kicked off his jeans. He wet his hand with his tongue and gave his dick a stroke. He made a face. "I need some lube," he said quietly in Drew's direction. Drew nodded toward the bedside table. Finding what he needed, Trav settled back down on the floor with Josh. "I want you so bad," he whispered, stroking Josh. Josh smiled up at him, "me too," he said softly. Trav gave Josh a little kiss, raised his eyebrow and smiled mischievously. "Want to see if I can make you see stars?" Josh giggled, and then nodded. "Yes please!" he whispered. Trav gave him a tender look and another tiny kiss. He slowly lubed his dick and then Josh's hole, fingering his rear end for a couple of minutes to make sure he was relaxed and totally ready. Josh, still lying on his back, pulled his legs apart, happily opening himself to his lover. Trav crawled forward between Josh's legs and centered his cock between his butt cheeks. With a look of love, he eased forward. Josh closed his eyes as his boyfriend slowly entered him, wanting to savor the moment. "Give me all of it," Josh whispered as Trav paused for a second. Trav slid the rest of the way in, completely filling Josh with his hard shaft. He held himself balls deep and then eased back. Pulling out, Trav teased Josh's hole with the head of his dick. Josh whimpered, wanting it back inside again. Trav pushed forward and started a slow motion fuck. Josh couldn't have been happier. He made little moaning sounds as Trav's cock made gentle love to his rear end. * * * * Drew reached to the spot on the floor where Trav had dropped the lube and retrieved it. Getting to his knees, he lubed his cock until it was glistening in the firelight. Cody rolled onto his stomach and looked over the edge of the sofa at Josh and Travis. He was mesmerized by the scene. Watching Travis lovingly fuck Josh only inches away was extremely hot. "Stick it in," Cody said softly, growing impatient. "I need you in my ass," he whimpered, raising his butt up, eager to get fucked. Drew lay down on Cody's back, and, using his knees, pushed Cody's legs apart. He stuck a finger in his hole, twisted it around getting it well greased, and then guided his dick to its target. "Here it comes," he whispered in Cody's ear as he pushed the head of his cock through the tight ring of his ass, and into his rectum. Cody moaned as Drew entered. "Oh," he grunted when he finally felt Drew's crotch hair against his ass. "I love your dick." He raised his butt up and wiggled as Drew thrust in a second and third time. "Oh yeah, fuck meeeee," he whined softly as Drew started to ream his hole. Cody pushed his ass up against Drew again and again, wanting all the cock he could get. The sounds of teens having sex filled the room. The grunts, groans, and occasional whimpers seemed to blend together. * * * * Josh felt Trav picking up speed. He was now pounding into him harder and with more purpose. Josh wrapped his legs around Trav's back, pulling his crotch tighter against his ass. He reached for his dick and started to stroke. He stared up at Trav as Trav looked down. Their eyes met, Josh smiled when Trav bit his lip and got more into the fuck. The squishing sound of Drew's big cock slamming in and out of Cody's small hole added to Josh's enjoyment of the moment. He loved the fact that Cody was getting fucked at the same time he was. "I hope he likes it!" Josh thought to himself as Cody made a grunting sound. The moans and groans grew louder, Josh knew Trav was close. "Cum in my ass," he whimpered as Trav pounded him again and again. Trav's dick in his ass felt wonderful and Josh sensed every inch of his rear end was stretching to accommodate it. "He's so fucking hard!" Josh thought with a smile, loving the feeling of being taken in this way by his boyfriend. An instant later, Trav groaned. He grabbed Josh by the ankles, spread his legs further, and drove his cock in to the hilt. "Cumming," Trav grunted, screwing his dick left and right in Josh's butt. Josh pulled on his own dick with a few quick strokes and managed to shoot his load at the same time that Trav deposited his. Sticky ropes of white cum shot over Josh's chest and splattered his face. "Oh God," Trav moaned, thrusting one last time, and then holding himself deep in Josh's ass. * * * * * The sound of fucking continued from the couch with Cody's voice rising in volume and pitch. "Fuck my ass," he whined for, like, the tenth time, reaching back to part his butt cheeks. Cody's long hair had fallen over his eyes as he laid face down and ass up begging for it. Drew hammered him fast and hard until finally he couldn't keep going any longer. "Ugh, Ugh," Drew grunted, burying himself deep in Cody's butt. He shuddered, pulled back once and slammed in again. After a long moment, he collapsed onto Cody's back. The sound of heavy breathing slowly ebbed as the guys settled down. * * * * Eventually, both Travis and Drew pulled their dicks out of their boyfriends and lay back. After a couple of minutes of silence, Josh giggled. "So, did everybody get off?" he laughed. They all looked at one another and grinned. "How's your butt?" Josh asked Cody as he sat up. "Feels great!" Cody laughed. The two guys looked at one another. Cody leaned closer and gave Josh a tender kiss. "Thanks for helping me to meet this guy," he smiled. Josh blushed. "Well, you both seemed to need a friend." * * * * That's how the New Year started. Who knows what will happen as time goes on. For now it's enough to know that even in a place as far away as Crystal Lake, four boys found love. ****************************************************************** Thanks for reading my story. Send comments or ideas for future stories to Playbuddy123@yahoo.com My thanks to Andrew, Jon B., Dan, and James for suggestions and encouragement. Jon