It seems like, with everything that has been going on, Oli, Dash and Mattie weren't the only ones skipping classes. On this lovely day, while those three were out sunbathing and just enjoying each other's company, another couple has made their way to pay Oli a visit. However, the lively boy was nowhere at home. Still, everything should always go according to plan. It won't take much time to wait for Oli to come home anyway. Oh, how wrong they were. Well, they could just come back later.

Back at the lake, Mattie's tranquil body almost seemed lifeless. He was lying on his back, his eyes closed and his mind was totally somewhere else – off into a world that only he knows about. Dreamland. His gentle breathing hinted that he was very much alive and thank god for that.

"If you could only sleep like him, Dash," Oli said. He was propped on his elbow beside Mattie on the wooden platform. Dash was lying on his side, left of Mattie.

"And why is that?" Dash asked. Despite the mishap they found their selves in earlier, he felt peaceful right now just by listening to his little brother's hushed breathing.

"You snore like a bear!" Oli exclaimed, almost laughing as he did.

"I don't recall doing that," Dash said, eyeing Oli so seriously.

"Duh! You sleep like one, too," Oli said, lying completely still this time with his arms under his head. He sighed contentedly and just looked toward the sky. It was so wonderful just letting the day pass by him with the clouds counting away the seconds faster than his heartbeat. And he knew very well what his heart was telling him.

"And you sleep like a clock, Oli. Always turning `round and `round like counting the hours or something," Dash countered. He noticed how relaxed Oli looked like and he couldn't help himself but feel the same way.

"Yeah? Well at least I don't yell at the turn of every hour," Oli stated. "Listen, Dash. I know it seems weird for me to ask this, but..."

"What?" Dash asked, seeing Oli pause longer than necessary.

"What do we do now?" Oli asked, turning his head to look over at Dash. Mattie's cute face was partly blocking his view, but he didn't mind.

"What do you mean? And how is that weird?" Dash asked, confused, no doubt.

Oli pushed himself up and sat down, thinking deeply on how to properly ask Dash the usually inevitable question between two persons falling for each other. He wasn't so sure how the other boy would react, but he knew without a doubt that he liked...no...loved Dash more than just a friend. He's never fought with his feelings before and he wasn't going to battle with this one, either. He knew what love meant.

"Come swim with me for a while," Oli offered, smiling sweetly at Dash.

"What does it have to do with swimming?" Dash asked and sat up as well.

"Why do you have to question everything I tell you? It's not like I'm going to drown you or anything," Oli said. "And don't worry, you don't have to swim nude."

Oli was right. Dash did seem to doubt almost everything Oli had in mind. Well, it wasn't at all intentional. He had grown this defensive mechanism a long time ago when he learned not to trust anything or anyone that the world sends along his way. Except for Mattie, he was convinced that all other people were nothing but faces on a faded photograph destined to be crumpled, burned and never really think about so much. Those smiling faces were never true as the camera was only able to take a snapshot of time and not the person entirely. That's what he did – glancing at others only once in a while and never bothering to return their smiles.

"You know how to swim, don't you?" Oli asked some more.

"Better than you do," Dash answered as he swiftly got on his feet and removed his jeans. He was wearing boxers like on any other day and he was glad to finally be out of those cursedly hot denims. He didn't take his shirt off since he didn't want anyone to see his wounded body – if anyone else was around anyway. Looking over at Oli, he hesitantly smiled a bit and dove off the platform, right where Mattie went in earlier.

Oli grinned widely at seeing Dash's submerged figure through the ripples he made. He was still only clad in his boxer briefs and it took him no time to cut through the cool water and finally finding his way toward the other boy. A few seconds later, he pierced through the water's surface and was still beaming at Dash who was now at his side.

"Finally got you to swim, huh?" Oli asked.

"It was getting hot, anyway," Dash answered, briefly looking over to where Mattie still lay sleeping.

"So...," Oli trailed off a bit before smiling so innocently. "Is this the same thing as bathing together?"

Dash, for most of his will, held back the warmth that crept over his cheeks. He wasn't going to answer that as he instantly splashed at Oli. He felt the start of a chuckle in his throat and he wasn't going to hold that back, either. Everything he shared with Oli, and all other things that the other boy caused him was never meant to be held back. The feelings should just flow and the memories flood back.

"Hey!" Oli yelled as he squinted his eyes. His right hand shielded his face, but the splashes just kept on coming. He heard Dash laugh and it was truly a wonderful sound. "I'm going to get you!"

Dash quickly swam away from Oli, toward the much deeper part of the lake. The water just felt so good and he just wanted to let himself loose through the little waves and splashes he caused. He even heard his own laughter and decided that it wasn't so bad and phony at all.

Seeing Dash made his way through the water, Oli submerged himself once more and held his breath long enough to catch up with the other boy. He thought of himself as a little submarine, out to sink that beautiful ship not far from him.

Dash finally stopped and turned around only to find Oli nowhere. He was only a little confused, but he knew exactly where the other boy was. Oli was known for the mischief he caused when they were younger and he already knew what to expect. However, the water wasn't at all very clear to let himself see through it. And, despite how he prepared for the coming attack, he still didn't expect how fast Oli got to him and pulled him down into an unknown territory. Luckily, he was fast enough to hold the little air he sucked in.

It was magnificent to just let yourself float underwater and be held captive by its cool embrace. But that wasn't the only thing that felt wonderful on Oli's bare skin. He even held it so close to him that it seemed nothing can ever take it from him. His eyes were closed and his head snug on Dash's shoulder.

Can time actually stop around your submerged body? For Dash, it did. He didn't bother with how the seconds counted away the air he held in. All he cared for was Oli hugging him so tight and making him feel safe all over. Reluctantly, his arms went around Oli and he held onto the boy tightly as well.

Oli hesitantly withdrew from the embrace and stared at Dash's eyes. The water was clear enough past its surface to let him see those beautiful orbs staring back at him. He smiled as he let go of the other boy. Gently as ever, he placed his hand on Dash's chest, just above where the heart was tucked inside. Dash's shirt was all wrinkled underwater but that didn't stop him from drawing the outline of a heart over it. He finished off with a soft push of a finger that almost brushed against Dash's nipples.

Dash knew what Oli was trying to say. And all he could do was smile at the other boy. Somehow, all his emotions just surged outside and he managed to forget all his troubles. He missed Oli so much and he now has every reason not to let the other boy slip away again. This time, he would never let go so easily. Letting the last bit of air bubble up through the corners of his mouth, he pulled Oli up with himself and finally broke through the water's surface.

"Hah..." Oli breathed out, beaming at Dash. "...so, what do we do now?"

"Don't expect me to just kiss you right here," Dash answered. "And...I really don't know, either."

"Well, how `bout we go back on shore and see if Mattie's awake," Oli suggested. The two of them swam back to the platform and soon found themselves beside Mattie's sleeping figure. Yep, the little kid was still worn out from almost letting himself drown earlier.

"Is it true," Oli started. "...that I told you I was gay back when we were kids?"

Dash giggled and said, "Not really."

"What?" Oli exclaimed. "But you said..."

"It was more of a suspicion, actually. You never told me, but I know just by looking at you," Dash said, looking into those confused blue eyes.

"What? `Coz I shoot rainbows out my ass?" Oli asked jokingly.

"You do?" Dash teased which made Oli poke a tongue at him. "No, Oli. But I've been stalking you, remember? And I've seen how you drooled over those other boys from your school and on your two friends."

"Who? Gabe and Anthony?" Oli asked and Dash just nodded. "I don't drool and you know that!"

"Okay. So let's just say you shoot rainbows out your ass," Dash said which made Oli tackle him. "Get off!"

"Not `til you answer my question," Oli declared. "What do we do now, Dash?"

"Huh? I don't get it," Dash said, but he knew exactly what Oli meant.

"I kissed you, you kissed me and even went far down and sent Mattie crying. You're gay, aren't you?" Oli asked, but his voice wasn't at all hateful and disgusted.

"So?" Dash countered. "What is it to you?"

"It means..." Oli thoughtfully trailed off and gently rested his head on Dash's chest, glad to be able to hear that perfect heartbeat. `One...two...three,' Oli counted in his mind.

"What?" Dash asked, unmindful to how Oli's hair brushed against his chin.

"I like you, Dash," Oli whispered, still counting heartbeats.

"You're joking..." Dash whispered back which made Oli look at him incredulously.

"Do I sound like I'm fooling with you?" Oli asked. He only made it as far as 12 heartbeats.

"And here I thought that you told Mattie that liking is so much differ..." Dash was cut off by Oli's soft and warm lips on his. He even smiled a little before Oli finally drew back.

"...want me to say it?" Oli mumbled innocently.

"...say what?" Dash asked, staring back at Oli.

Oli sighed before finally saying, "I love you, Dash..."

"Hmm," Dash sounded while his hand found its way through damp blonde hair.

"Oli?" It was Mattie's sleepy voice that interrupted the two boys. "Why is Dashu under you? You're not..."

"No!" Oli yelled defensively. "We were just...uhm...wrestling! Yeah!"

"Get off..." Dash whispered.

"Huh?" Oli asked as he looked back at Dash's eyes.

"Oli? Did you kiss Dashu?" Mattie butt in which made Oli blush and look at him.

"...off," Dash whispered again which brought Oli's...hmm...divided attention back to him.

And soon, the chorus of Dash's and Mattie's voices echoed inside poor Oli's ear. Mattie was repeatedly asking if he kissed Dash while the other boy underneath him was absentmindedly grinding his hips into Oli to somehow push him off. And Oli could only stand this for so long.

"Wait!" Oli shouted and that shut both Dash and Mattie. He turned first to the little boy and said, "Yes. I kissed Dashu...or Dash or whatever, but you understand, right?"

He smiled for a bit before turning to Dash and said, "...and you! You still haven't answered me... This whole thing isn't going to be one-sided. No, not on my watch..."

"What's one-sided?" Mattie asked.

"It's when only one person loves the other so much that he doesn't even care being hurt so badly by the other person who doesn't even love him back..." Oli answered. He didn't even think of what he said. As far as he was concerned, Dash's soft brown eyes were beautiful to look at.

"Which person are you, Oli?" Dash quietly asked.

"You tell me," Oli answered and the gap between them slowly closed in to just a few inches before Mattie had to say something again.

"You love Dashu, right Oli?" The little kid was now sitting beside the two boys.

"A whole lot," Oli answered, smiling as he did.

"And you love Oli, right Dashu?"

"What are you saying?" Dash asked his little brother, eyeing him conspicuously.

"Just say it, Dashu!" Mattie urged, leaning forward a bit with that spark in his eyes.

"Yes, Dash," Oli said. "It's not that hard to say."

"Says who?" Dash argued.

"Dashu," Mattie interrupted. "Just tell Oli the truth."

Dash looked at his little brother for a while and he could see that gleam in Mattie's eyes. The little boy looked really happy and hopeful. There wasn't even any sadness or jealousy reflected off those spheres. And that blush on Mattie's cheeks were not of anger, but of...innocence? ...fascination? However, he felt guilty of taking Oli away from his little brother. If there was anything one-sided here, it was Mattie's love for Oli. The boy may not be able to understand it yet, but that kind of pure and innocent love can be very painful when it ends up in millions of pieces. Yes, a child's love was wonderful to behold as long as it stayed intact and the trust, unbroken. `...sorry, Mattie,' Dash thought to himself before finally returning Oli's expectant smile.

"Yes..." Dash said. "I...love him."

"See?" Mattie quipped. "It's not one-sided! Like in my dream!"

Oh, if only Dash and Oli knew how many sides there were to Mattie's dream. But Mattie didn't mind at all. He knew that he loved Oli; maybe a little more than just brotherly love. However, he also loved Dash that way. He's an affectionate boy, you see. And he knew only so much as loving until there's nothing left to love. He even wished his little turtle was here right now so he could hug it and for it to witness his brother's happiness.

`He doesn't cry,' Mattie's own voice played in his mind. `Please...don't let him cry, Oli.'

Several hours later, and after a lot more swimming, running around and, well, kissing between Oli and Dash at Mattie's suggestion, the trio decided to head home. But that wasn't before Mattie asked Oli something...in private.

"Oli," Mattie called to the other boy. He was now dressing himself up and Oli was doing the same. Dash had finished putting on his clothes and had started walking back toward the trail, stopping only to wait for Oli and Mattie.

"Yeah?" Oli answered as he pulled his shorts up.

"What does it feel like..," Mattie started. "...to kiss someone?"

Oli blushed at that instant and awkwardly chuckled. "Well, it's really awesome."

"How?" Mattie asked some more. He really wanted to know.

"It's like chocolate, but sweeter. Like honey, but stickier. Or like..," Oli trailed off as he looked over to Dash. The other boy had his back turned toward them and was wielding a stick on his right hand, swinging it like some sword.

"...like?" Mattie anxiously urged for an answer.

"...like sugar, 'coz when it rushes through you, you don't even know how fast it's going...just makes you feel good inside," Oli finished, smiling to himself.

"I want to kiss someone one day," Mattie thoughtfully mused. "...like how you kiss Dashu."

Oli adoringly looked at the little boy and ruffled his hair, saying, "You're still too young for that!"

Mattie just giggled and let Oli finish dressing him up. He lifted his arms up and giggled some more when Oli's fingers brushed by his side. The older boy even went as far as tickling him and that made him laugh instantly. He felt as light as a feather and he loved how Oli made him feel good inside...even without kissing him.

"C'mon, you two!" Dash yelled to them. "It's already lunchtime!"

"Coming, Dashu!" Mattie hollered as he ran from Oli's unforgiving hands. A few feet from his brother's side, he turned around and almost stumbled over if it wasn't for Oli's arms pulling him.

"That's enough, Oli," Dash said. "You'll have him pee his shorts soon."

"Are you this ticklish too, Dash?" Oli asked in between giggles. He finally let go of Mattie's delicate sides and just held onto the little boy's hand.

"No," Dash answered. "And don't even think about it."

That just made Oli curious, but he didn't want to hurt Dash. Being reminded of those bruises again made his heart hurt a lot. He'd find a way to stop all this before that...monster could even lay another finger on the boy he loves.

"It's funny," Oli said.

"What is?" Dash asked and Mattie just looked up at Oli.

"I remember something..." Oli stated which got the other two boys' attention all on him.

"What is it, Oli?" Dash questioned. If Oli did remember something, he was desperate to know what it was.

"Dash," Oli mumbled. His eyebrows furrowed and he tried real hard to let the word off the tip of his tongue. "Dash...Dash...Dashi...Dashi!"

And that made Dash's face, not his eyes, change colour. He pouted his lips and he felt himself hot all over. Oli, on the other hand, was grinning widely at him. Oh, that beautiful smile. And those indigo eyes that flickered with delight. Was that a tiny blush on Oli's cheeks as well?

"Dashi?" Mattie asked and he even giggled a little.

"Nobody calls me that! You hear me?" Dash demanded. Oli just shrugged off his warning and winked at him.

"I don't know," Oli said amusingly. "Dashi sounds soooo cute! Right, Mattie?"

The little boy nodded in earnest and even hummed Dash's new pet name. "I like it better than Dashu!" he exclaimed.

Not long after, the three boys found themselves by the road again and started their way back to their neighbourhood. A mile and a half later, Dash and Mattie said goodbye to Oli.

"Thank you, Oli!" Mattie exclaimed, hugging the older boy. "I had so much fun with my two big brothers!"

"Yeah," Oli said, smiling. "Dashi and I had fun, too."

"Quit it or else," Dash warned which made Oli and Mattie giggle.

"I'll see you at school Dash," Oli quietly stated. He didn't want to say goodbye yet, but they had no choice. Dash's uncle would be awake soon and it would do them good that they were already at home before that happens.

Despite Oli's protests and insistence on coming along and telling the truth to authorities or even just his dad, Dash was more determined to keep things the way they are for now. He promised to show Oli his plan the following day and that finally shut the blonde boy up. And they did make one more promise to each other, including Mattie.

"Don't forget it, `kay?" Mattie reminded both of them.

"Why would we?" Oli answered. "...besides, I'm already looking forward to it."

"Me too," Dash whispered. "As long as we keep it a secret for now, there should be no problem."

Oli and Mattie nodded gently before finally going their separate ways. The sun was pretty high up and the trees provided little to no shade at all. But Oli didn't mind. He had an amazing time with the two boys he loved most in the world. And he even had Dash return his feelings. They weren't boyfriends per se, but he knew that words and labels weren't necessary to define the relationship he shared with Dash. It was so much more intimate, special and indescribable to even be referred to as simply being `boyfriends'. He didn't want that label. He only wanted...needed what he shared with Dash, no matter what anyone might call it.

After several more minutes of just walking under the glaring sun, Oli finally arrived at their house. He decided not to climb through his window this time. His mom should already know that he's safe and that he had enough of his `alone' time.

"Mom?" Oli called out as he opened the front door. He wasn't sure if his mom would be here considering it was a school day and his mom had to teach at a high school nearby. However, her car was parked in the driveway. As for his dad, the man would be at his office working through piles and piles of unsolved cases. But why was their door unlocked?

"Oli?" his mom's soft voice finally reached his ears. "Sweetheart, is that you?"

"Yeah, mom. I just went out for a bit. I'm sorry I skipped school," he said, making his way toward their living room.

"I'm in here, sweety. I'm just making some snacks for your friends," his mom said.

`Friends?' Oli thought to himself. He can't remember inviting someone over. Did Dash and Mattie follow him home? His mouth slowly curved to a smile as he quickly made his way to their kitchen. Just by the counter, he immediately stopped in his tracks.

"Hello, Oliver," a deep, teenage voice greeted him.

~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, back at Dash's and Mattie's house, the two boys were once again turning on their stealth modes. This was going to be harder than usual, seeing that it was only the middle of the day. Their uncle would either be out doing his...job or whatever or he would still be drunk and stoned on their living room couch. Either way, they had to keep quiet just to be sure.

Carefully unlocking the door, Dash let Mattie squeeze in through the gap first. Both their steps were light and cautiously placed on those annoying floorboards. Closing the door behind him, Dash could hear the faint sound of the TV from their living room. And he could also make out the sound of his uncle's deep snores. He looked at Mattie and smiled triumphantly. This was totally a piece of cake! Still, they kept their pace slow `til they finally ended up inside their room and lying on their bed.

"Cool," Mattie said. "He's really out cold, Dashu."

"Yeah," Dash mumbled. "Lucky for us, huh?"

"Yep!" Mattie almost shouted which made Dash hush him with a quick hand to his mouth. Well, his silent giggles still filled their room.

"Why don't we take a quick nap?" Dash suggested.

"But I'm not sleepy," Mattie whined.

"I could make both of us something to eat, if you want," Dash said.

"No," Mattie quickly countered. "I just...want to stay right here..." He shifted toward Dash's side and embraced his big brother.

"Okay," Dash said as he sighed contentedly. He wasn't hungry anyway and Mattie's warm body cuddled up next to his felt really comforting.

"Dashu," Mattie whispered. "Oli told me what it's like to kiss someone..."

"He did?" Dash hastily responded. "What did he say? He didn't..."

"No," Mattie murmured, squeezing Dash's shirt in his hand.

Mattie wanted so much to ask his big brother about this, but was doubtful that he'd get an answer. Still, Oli did tell him that he should talk to Dash about these...things. `You're his big brother and he has no one else to ask questions and look up to.' He remembered what Oli told Dash. So he should just ask, right? He knew his big brother loved him, but is it really okay to...

"Can you...can you show me, Dashu?" Mattie pleaded with those puppy eyes staring at Dash's confused ones.

"Mattie..." Dash mumbled and he didn't know how to react. He wasn't even conscious of his little brother's soft tug at his shirt's collar and the distance between their faces slowly closing in to just...

~*~*~*~

"Gabe," Oli whispered. His eyes narrowed at his friend and only glanced briefly at the teen beside him. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to walk with you to school," Gabe told him in his seemingly sugar-coated voice. "And my brother wanted to see you, too."

"How are you, Oliver? You've been keeping in shape, haven't you?" the teen asked before taking a bite off his sandwich. "Thanks, Dianne."

"You boys just eat," Oli's mom said. She then went to her son and hugged him tight. "Are you okay? You didn't have breakfast."

"I'm fine...mom," Oli answered. After his mom withdrew from the hug, he made his way to their table and still kept his eyes on Gabe. Somehow, he felt something wasn't right here.

"I'm going back to school, `kay hun? I just went home to check if you came back already and found your friends waiting for you outside," his mom said. She went over to Oli and kissed him on his forehead.

"They said they saw you heading this way so I just made you boys some lunch. I'll be back later and your father will be home after lunch," she added before finally saying, "I love you."

"I love you, too, mom...and I'm sorry," Oli said and he meant every word. He knew that his adoptive parents loved him so much. Well, his stepmom was his real mom's sister after all. "I have something to tell you later," he added.

"What is it?" his mom asked.

"I want dad here, too," Oli whispered. He mostly wanted to keep this conversation between him and his mom only, but the two other boys facing him were clearly interested as well.

"Okay. How `bout we go out for dinner tonight?" she offered and Oli just nodded, smiling at her. She caressed Oli's cheeks and felt so happy that he was still their son. Soon after, she made her way out their front door and drove off to work.

"What do you want, Gabe?" Oli asked sternly. He wasn't this uptight with his friends usually, but seeing Gabe's older brother in the same room just bothered him so much.

"Did you have a fight with your mom?" Gabe asked, unmindful to Oli's question.

"None of your business," Oli answered.

"What's this, Oliver? I thought you and my little bro were best friends," Gabe's brother butt in. "Why being a bitch all of a sudden?"

"Who told you to come here, Darren?" Oli demanded. "What is it you really want?"

"I'm just here to talk, Oli," Gabe answered. "My brother insisted on coming along."

"Talk? `bout what?" Oli questioned. He wasn't even aware that his fingers gripped tight on the table's edge.

"Relax, Oliver," Darren said. "We're not here to cause trouble. My brother just told me that you've, uhm, found someone interesting."

"Huh? And what does this have to do with you?" Oli eyes darted from Gabe to Darren furiously.

"Have you forgotten what I taught you?" Darren asked back. His black eyes pierced through Oli's blue ones.

"Darren," Gabe interrupted. He looked at his brother warningly and continued, "I wanna talk to Oli in private."

"Hn," Darren scoffed. He forcefully got up and went to the living room after saying, "You fags always have lots to talk about."

The silence was awkward between Oli and Gabe. The two best friends weren't looking at each other. Despite how Oli's eyes fell on Gabe, the other boy just refused to look back at Oli. Instead, his dark eyes settled on the OJ in front of him.

"Why bring him here, Gabe?" Oli asked, barely above a whisper.

"He wanted to come, Oli," Gabe answered. This time, his eyes pierced through Oli's as well. "What are you doing with that Dash kid?"

"I told you already! I want to be his friend," Oli responded.

"It doesn't look like that, sport!" Darren shouted from the opposite room.

"How would you know?" Oli shouted back at him.

"Darren! Leave us alone, will you!" Gabe yelled at his brother. He turned to Oli and said, "Oli, I've seen how you act around him. And I don't like it one bit."

"Oh yeah? And why should I care what you think?" Oli retorted.

"coz I'm your best friend!" Gabe argued. "And we've done everything together since we were kids. Now you just set me aside for that jerk?"

"He's not a jerk!" Oli was glaring at Gabe. He almost went over the table, wanting so much to yank the other boy's collar and maybe even punch him. "...and you're lying! I had a best friend way before we met..."

"You call my bro a liar?" Darren yanked Oli's shirt and lifted the boy up from his chair. The teen was fast to go back into the kitchen. "Listen, Oliver..."

Oli didn't want to listen. And he could even smell the little hint of cigarette from Darren's breath. The teen was undoubtedly strong, having pulled him up with only one arm. He was an athlete after all. And for most of Oli's strength, he struggled, but couldn't escape.

"I don't want you to turn your back on my brother. And if I ever see you near that other kid again, it's not only you that gets a beating." Darren let go of Oli's shirt and just let the younger boy fall back on his chair. He looked at his brother and gestured for them to leave.

Gabe stood up and reluctantly approached Oli with his head hanging low and his ebony strands covering most of his eyes. Then, he whispered something to Oli.

"Oli, I'm really sorry about Darren. But please, trust me. I'm doing this for your own good. That Dash is just trouble and I don't want losing my best friend to someone like him." Gabe's hand intentionally found its way up Oli's thigh and stopped just inches from the other boy's groin.

"You're not my best friend anymore," Oli hissed. His body stiffened, not from Gabe's hand on his thigh, but from anger and disgust. "...just leave me alone!"

Before Gabe left Oli on his own, he placed a light and quick kiss on the corner of Oli's lips. He closed his eyes in doing so and his finger slightly pinched Oli's thigh.

"I'm learning how to kiss," Gabe whispered. "...for you, Oli."

~*~*~*~

"...how was that?" Mattie whispered. His eyes were a bit clouded and he felt quite hot.

"...what," Dash mumbled. He was breathing almost erratically and his own eyes were filled with confusion.

"...sorry." Mattie looked painfully at Dash's crumpled shirt. He even gripped on it tighter. "I'm not as good as Oli, right?"

"Mattie," Dash started. His voice was stern, but he wasn't mad. "Don't do that again. You know I love you, but...just don't do it again, `kay?"

"Why?" Mattie asked, looking at his brother's eyes once more. "...it's just a kiss."

Just a kiss. It wasn't just a kiss for Dash. He knew quite well that Mattie was beginning to get curious with lots of stuff. Kissing was only one of the many things that he didn't want to expose his little brother to just yet. Sure, a peck on the cheeks was okay, but an innocent kiss on the lips could easily turn into a more desperate passion. And knowing that Mattie saw what he did to Oli back at the lake, he could only guess that his little brother was soon to ask the question of...touching himself. How would he react then if Mattie pleaded for him to touch the kid's...dick? He shook the thoughts off his head and looked at his brother more intently.

"You're my brother. We're not s'posed to do that," Dash said.

"Okay," Mattie mumbled, looking down once more. He wanted to ask why, but he was afraid of upsetting his big brother. Maybe he'd ask Oli instead. "I still love you, Dashu..."

"Me, too," Dash whispered back. "...but you know what Oli and I have, right?"

"Yep!" Mattie smiled sweetly at his brother. "You're like boyfriend and girlfriend on TV!"

Dash giggled a little before saying, "Are we? I guess so. Is that okay with you?"

"Mm-hmm," Mattie nodded. "He makes you smile and he's so cool!"

"Sshhh," Dash sounded. "It's still a secret, remember?"

Mattie nodded some more and just giggled. He moved closer to Dash and snuggled on into the older boy's chest. He breathed in deep, inhaling the mild scent of the sun on his brother's shirt. He wasn't sleepy, but he felt his eyes closing to the sound of Dash's heartbeat and the warmth of his brother's embrace.

~*~*~*~

Back at Oli's, the boy was thinking a lot about things while slumped on their living room couch. His mind were running through what Gabe told him. Kissing? Since when did Gabe start learning how to kiss. As far as he knew, Gabe didn't even like cuddles and warm hugs after they had sex together. Now the boy was learning how to kiss? And Gabe was doing it for him! But that wasn't the bulk of his problem. He was more concerned with Darren's involvement.

As far as Oli can remember, the teen was always someone they looked up to when they were growing up. Darren was 14 when they were nine years old. Moreover, he was the perfect boy in Oli's and Gabe's eyes. He played the Little League and had that contagious smile and could always charm the ladies. They wanted to be like Darren. And the teen was even so cool as to let them have fun with the bigger boys. However, that's when Oli knew who Darren really was.

Oli was 10 years old that time. Somehow, he found himself sneaking toward Gabe's house to see if they could go on some adventure. However, when Oli got to Gabe's room, he heard a much different sound. It was Gabe's hushed, whimpering and pleading voice. Oli's curiosity got the best of him and he peeked in through the gap in between Gabe's bedroom door. And that was when his life changed. He saw Darren smiling at him that time, thrusting into Gabe's body on the bed.

That was a long time ago, but Oli could still remember exactly what Darren told them after their first `big boy lessons', as they used to refer to them.

"Never stay long enough for cuddles," Darren's voice echoed inside Oli's head. "After you have sex, leave at once and just tell the other person that you'll do it again next time. You don't wanna listen to their complaints. You don't even wanna hear how much they...just don't stay for too long."

That was Rule No. 1. There were lots of other rules, but the one rule that Oli cannot forget was Rule No. 5.

"Don't ever fall in love. It's a weakness, a soft spot, unhealthy. We don't fall in love. We only have fun."

Oli didn't understand what `falling in love' meant at that time. But he could easily compare it with the butterflies in his stomach whenever Gabe trailed down his chest, kissing his nipples and nibbling on his inny while a warm hand wrapped around his dick and a finger or two poked at his butthole. Yes, it was all physical, but he tried so hard to picture Gabe as someone so caring, gentle and sweet whenever they did those things.

Oli wanted to see and feel the same kind of shyness and hesitation that Dash showed whenever they kissed. Or when Dash would pause for a second before trailing kisses down toward his chest and tummy. Or when Dash would shiver slightly when his eyes lovingly fell on Oli's dick. Or simply when Dash would let him snuggle close while they mirrored each other's smile and shared the warmth. That's how Oli finally pictured himself falling in love. It wasn't only the sexual touch, but also the subtle things that were, most of the time, unspoken and made every moment special.

Thinking back to what Darren told him, he should probably warn Dash and Mattie. They might have to find a way to avoid those leering eyes of Gabe and Darren and, maybe Anthony and others as well. He decided to be careful with how he acted around Dash, especially at school.

Just then, Oli's father walked in through their back door. He didn't even hear his dad's car arriving earlier. When he turned his head, he finally came face to face with the man that treated him as his own son and never even missed out on playing catch with him.

"Oli, buddy, are you okay?" his dad asked, approaching the couch.

"I'm really sorry, dad," Oli blurted out. He even moved from one side of the sofa to the other just to reach out and hug the man.

"You didn't do anything, son." His dad ruffled his hair before gently rubbing his back.

"...but...," Oli mumbled.

"It's alright. We understand and we love you." His dad kneeled in front of him. Steel grey eyes were soft on blue ones. "...we're really sorry, Oliver. For not telling you sooner."

"S'okay, dad!" Oli smiled. "I know how much you love me and I love you and mom so much, too! But, can I ask one thing?"

"Anything," his dad said.

"Can I...," Oli whispered. "...can I visit my real parents? I mean, their...graves. I want to tell them that I love them, too."

Oli's dad looked at his son understandingly, squeezing the boy's shoulder. "We can go there this weekend."

"Can Dash and Mattie come, too?" Oli asked.

"Those boys who were here last Saturday?" the man asked and Oli nodded. "If it's okay with their folks, then I don't see any problem."

"I already told them dad and it's all okay!" Oli cheerfully replied.

"You told them already?" his dad asked. "...when did you tell them?"

"Uhm, earlier...when I went out," Oli admitted. His voice sounded a little unsure.

"You sure it wasn't last night?" his dad asked, sporting a knowing smile and glint in his eyes. Oli inadvertently shook his head and his dad just chuckled at him.

"Is it okay if they sleepover here tonight?" Oli hastily asked.

"Those two boys?" His dad raised an eyebrow at Oli. Just who are these two boys anyway that's got his son...interested in them. Well, he'd find out later. And since it was a holiday tomorrow, he just said, "Sure. Do we need to pick them up?"

"S'okay, dad." Oli smiled widely once more. "They'll be here before dinner."

"Your mom told me we'll be going out for dinner," his dad said.

"Oh, right!" Oli suddenly remembered. "Can they come, too?"

"No problem, buddy," his dad answered. He got up and started for the kitchen, saying, "You sure like them a lot, huh?"

"Yeah!" Oli exclaimed. "Thanks, dad! You're the best!"

Oli finally stormed off into his room while his dad did his own thing. He still had some preparations to do before Dash and Mattie got here. He hurried to the side of his bed and pulled his sheets off. He ran back downstairs and asked his dad for some spare mattresses. Minutes later, he was dragging a queen-sized mattress into his room. He spread the sheets onto it, threw some pillows over to its side and lay down on it. He sighed happily and waited for the hours to just count down.

~*~*~*~

"You think this'll work?" Dash whispered to his brother while he crushed some sleep aid pills before dissolving it in water.

Mattie nodded surely and said, "Hurry, hurry!"

And they better hurry. It was almost time for school to let out and Dash and Mattie to supposedly arrive home. Their uncle would be awake soon and waiting for Dash to be up in their room and for Mattie to wait in the living room. But it seemed right now that their uncle was too drunk and stoned or just lazy to even get off his ass. It was days like this that saved Dash from his beatings.

Dash finished and gave Mattie the glass. Mattie went down the chair he was kneeling on and his little feet rushed across the kitchen floor and toward their living room, where their uncle was starting to wake up.

Dash followed Mattie silently and just hid behind the corner, only able to see his little brother's back. He heard their uncle grumble and his hoarse voice sent shivers down his spine.

"Hey, buddy," the man greeted Mattie, smiling wearily. "Where's your brother?"

"He's not home yet," Mattie answered. He offered the glass of water and said, "I brought you something to drink, uncle."

The man looked suspiciously at the little boy. His eyes darted between Mattie and the glass of water before him. His vision was kind of blurry so he couldn't exactly make out if the water was cloudy or not. His head still ached quite a lot and his throat felt really hot and dry. Breathing out, he took the glass from Mattie and drowned its contents in one shot. Tasteless. Water.

He smiled at the little boy and said, "Tell me when he gets here, okay?"

Mattie nodded and took the glass, running back to the kitchen afterwards. He found Dash waiting for him around the corner and he almost squealed in delight. Fortunately, Dash was fast enough to put his hand over Mattie's mouth and catch the glass that almost fell.

"Now, we wait," Dash whispered, his eyes smiling down at his little brother. Mattie beamed back at him.

The two brothers then went up to their room, quietly as possible, and sat patiently on their bed. Their backpacks lay hidden under some sheets and pillows just in case their uncle would come inside without the drug taking effect. They waited and waited `til finally, they looked at each other's mirroring eyes. Mattie was smiling and Dash just ruffled his hair.

~*~*~*~

"Oli!" his mom called out. "Your friends are here."

Oli stirred awake and immediately went downstairs. He wasn't even aware that he took a nap. He rushed down the stairs and got a peek of auburn hair by their front door. His smile got wider as he squeezed in beside his mom.

"Dash!" Oli exclaimed. "And my best bud Mattie!" He lifted the little boy up into a bear hug that got Mattie giggling a lot.

"You want me to get you some snacks, sweety?" his mom asked.

"Yes, mom! We'll be up in my room." Oli set Mattie down and sent him a challenging look. He bent down a little and ran up to his room with Mattie right behind him and Dash...well...he was left to answer Oli's mom's questions.

"Dash, was it?" Oli's mom asked and Dash just nodded, awkwardly shifting his backpack. "I'm Dianne. Oli's father is in the garage, but you can just call him Alex."

"Okay, uhm, Dianne," Dash mumbled as he was urged inside.

"Don't be shy, dear. I think Oli likes you a lot." Dianne straightened Dash's shirt collar and gently patted his shoulders. "I can see why. You're cute."

Dash blushed deep crimson and Dianne just laughed sweetly at the boy. "Now go upstairs and tell those two boys to be careful and just be ready in two hours."

"Okay," Dash nodded. He didn't know what to be ready for, but he didn't want to just stand there for much longer with his face flushed.

When he got to Oli's bedroom door later, he can already hear wild laughter from inside and he felt himself giggle at how childish Oli and his little brother were sometimes. Well, the two boys were jumping up and down on Oli's...mattress?

"Dash!" Oli hollered as he landed in front of the boy. He took Dash's hand after removing his backpack and pushed him to sit on the mattress. Then, he kneeled in front of Dash and lifted the boy's leg, removing Dash's shoes in the process.

"I can do it myself, Oli," Dash protested, but he let Oli do it anyway.

"This is so cool, Dashu!" Mattie yelled as his cute little bubble butt landed beside his big brother.

"Just be careful," Dash reminded.

Oli finished removing Dash's shoes and pushed himself up to stare into the other boy's curious eyes. He held the sweetest smile and his heart was beating fast. Dash's eyes were dancing, somehow searching for something in his. And those parted lips that looked so cute and hearty. Even that innocent shade of pink on Dash's fair skin seemed immaculate. His face inched closer, his eyes slowly shut and he could no longer feel anything except for Dash's soft lips that refused to move and trembled against his. There was that hesitation again.

However, Dash knew that he wanted to kiss Oli more deeply than this. But, Mattie was right beside him and he couldn't easily forget what the little boy asked him earlier. No. He even shared that chaste kiss with his brother. Oli's grip on his shirt reminded him of Mattie's gentle tug and those pleading lips on his hinted of the little boy's curiosity earlier. Somehow, Oli wasn't the only one kissing him. He could also see Mattie before his closed eyes.

Oli gently drew back, wondering why Dash didn't even bother to nibble or lick on his lips. He had his quizzical eyes on the other boy and asked, "Are you okay, Dash?"

"Y-yeah," Dash stuttered, his eyes finally able to focus on Oli's confused expression. "It's just...what if your mom or dad catches us?"

"You didn't lock the door?" Oli's eyes widened as he looked back to see his bedroom door ajar. "I'll get it."

Dash stayed still as he observed Oli. His heart was still beating fast, thinking about that...kiss...or attempt at kissing just now. Oli looked different, like totally different from the usual smiling boy. The expression on his face were more...handsome and sweet? Dash didn't know how to describe it exactly, but it sure did make his lips tremble in anticipation. Oli even rested his hand on Dash's thigh and anyone could guess which part of him grew in anticipation as well.

"So...what do you wanna do before we go out later?" Oli asked.

"We're going out later?" Dash questioned back.

"...swimming again?" Mattie's gleeful voice joined in.

"Not swimming," Oli answered, sitting beside Dash. "Just dinner with my mom and dad."

"You mean like at a restaurant?" Dash looked at Oli.

"Yes, Dash." Oli smiled at him before turning to Mattie and saying, "...how `bout a pillow fight?"

And Mattie jumped up again, grabbing the pillow near him and aimed for Oli. But the older boy was quick to hide behind Dash. So Mattie hit his big brother...quite hard, actually. That's when Dash's eyebrow twitched and his lips curved in annoyance as he felt Oli's giggles rock his body and Mattie's little feet bouncing on the mattress. A pillow fight, huh?

From outside the room, Oli's mother was smiling sweetly, listening to the three boy's laughter. `You found your best friends again, sweety,' she thought to herself. Well, better get ready for dinner later.

~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, at another house just a few blocks away, Gabe read a text on his phone. It was from Anthony.

"Dashawn & a lil kid went to Oli's...looks lyk a sleepover," it read. Gabe set his phone aside and went back to what he was doing...or who was doing him.

"You shouldn't have let Oliver go, Gabe," Darren said, his voice husky and his breaths short. "You know I only make up those rules and you shouldn't follow `em."

"Shut up," Gabe hissed. He was sweating heavily as his hips rocked to his brother's thrust. "We aren't even dating."

"You're loss," Darren said. He quickened his strokes on his brother's dick and so did his thrusts. He needed to cum so badly. "And don't drag me with you next time and make me play the bad guy..."

"Just...hah..." Gabe breathed out. "Shiiit!"

~*~*~*~

"So you're Dash..." Alex, Oli's dad, thoughtfully said. "I'm glad Oli finally met you again. And Mattie, too, of course."

Oli's family plus Dash and Mattie were having a delicious dinner at Outback. Oli told his mom and dad how he knew Dash and Mattie back then and Alex finally realized why the two boys looked familiar. Still, there was something more to it. Like, he felt so sure that he knew the two boys not only from when they were young, but also fairly recently. He just couldn't place it, however. That revelation would have to wait.

After dinner, Oli, Dash and Mattie found themselves back in Oli's room. They didn't know what else to do than just lay down side by side as they stared at the ceiling. Mattie was in between the two boys, as usual.

"Thanks," Dash whispered. "For not telling your dad."

"I just hope this plan of yours works," Oli said, looking over to Dash. "What is it anyway?"

"I'll show you tomorrow," Dash sighed. He didn't hear anything more from Oli, but he didn't look at the other boy, too.

"Oli," Mattie mumbled. "Can I sleep without my undies tonight?"

Dash instantly had his eyes on his younger brother. Mattie, however, was staring at Oli so innocently and expectantly. Damn. The little kid just knew how to pull off those puppy eyes.

"Uhm..." Oli looked at Dash and saw him shake his head no. Still, Mattie did ask him, right? So, he should be the one to say so. He shrugged at Dash and finally said, "Sure, but on one condition."

"What?" Mattie questioned.

"We all have to sleep without undies," Oli answered, with that devious smile making its way to his lips and that glint in his eyes while he glanced toward Dash.

"Dashu!" Mattie exclaimed, looking at his big brother with those same puppy eyes.

`Damn it, Oli,' Dash thought to himself. He sighed exasperatedly and said, "I'm not sleeping naked."

"You can be an exception, Dash," Oli said. "You can leave your shirt on, but not your undies."

"No way!" Dash argued. "What is it with you and just getting naked?"

"Hey! It's not fair. You..." Oli lowered his voice before continuing. "You saw me naked and I can't even remember your six year old dick!"

"I'm not sleeping without my underwear," Dash repeated.

"Mattie," Oli whispered and he sent the little boy a knowing look which made Mattie nod and giggle and Dash slowly shifting away from the two boys.

And, as always been with Dash, Oli just got the best of him – again. With Mattie's help this time. The two boys were sitting across him, naked from head to toe, grinning widely at him. He was blushing furiously as he held onto the blanket that covered his body from the waist down. He still had his shirt on, but he felt really cold...down there.

"You look so cute, Dashi!" Oli exclaimed, giggling together with Mattie.

"Shut up!" Dash shouted.

Despite how Oli liked seeing Dash naked from the waist down, he wondered why there were no bruises or scars on the other boy's smooth legs. Why were those blues and blacks only on his chest and back? Just what kind of beating did Dash receive? Still, he was glad that Dash looked really beautiful with that `ginormous' member and hanging balls. Now, if he could just pull that blanket off.

"Look at this, Oli!" Mattie yelled. He stood up on the mattress and began bouncing up and down, fascinated with his own little pecker doing the same.

So Oli just joined in, jumping along with Mattie while Dash sat out, still annoyed at those two boys. He wasn't mad. He just felt shy being naked with Oli around. If it was only his little brother, there would've been no problem. But, Oli? That same kid who he called his best friend when they were still so young and who...who... No. He didn't want to remind Oli of that time.

Half an hour passed and Dash still sat near the edge, holding his blanket so tight. Mattie's laughter has long since faded and his eyes slowly closing. Oli was right beside the little boy, running his hand through the little cherub's curls.

"A story?" Oli asked softly. He pulled the sheets up to go over Mattie's chest.

"Mm-hmm," Mattie nodded. "Dashu tells me a story every night."

"Want me to get him for you?" Oli asked, glancing briefly at Dash.

Mattie just giggled and shook his head no. He said, "I want my other big brother to tell me one."

And so it was Oli's story that lulled Mattie to sleep. The little boy even brought his little turtle with him. Well, they brought lots of things, at Dash's suggestion.

Oli went over Mattie and moved to sit beside Dash. He didn't even mind how cold he felt without someone hugging him. "Dash, you don't have to be so shy around me," he said.

"I know," Dash mumbled, but didn't even look at Oli.

Oli sighed and moved even closer, placed his hand on the blanket that went to cover Dash's knees and gently pulled at them. Dash didn't even stop Oli. Instead of pulling the sheet off completely, Oli just let himself snuggle under it and beside the other boy. Then, he placed his hand on Dash's chest and guided the boy to lay next to him on the mattress. Finally, he wrapped his arms around Dash's waist and breathed in the sweet scent of the boy.

"I'm sorry," Oli whispered. "You can...put your underwear back on, if you want."

"Hn." Dash turned to look at Oli's flushed face and saw guilt in his eyes. Shit. He couldn't hold it much longer. Oli just looked so...beautiful.

The next thing Oli knew was warmth wrapped around his semi-hard dick. And looking at Dash's eyes, he saw eagerness clouded with playfulness. His own eyes were smiling, too, and he showed his own fervent grin.

And so, Oli's room was quickly heated up with lots of kissing, hugging, touching and...hushed moans. Dash's shirt ran up his chest when Oli's hand went to play with his nipples. His arms wrapped around Oli's waist, both their bodies still under the thin sheet and their hard members grinding into each other.

Oli moved down and under the blanket to leave trails of sloppy kissed over Dash's exposed chest. He made sure to be careful and not to nibble too hard around Dash's nipples and belly button. He could feel Dash's body stiffen under his touch. Yes. His own hands were cupping Dash's tightening balls and `ginormous' dick. He didn't bother to measure it just yet. He wanted to get a taste of it first. Moving down, his hot breath finally made contact with Dash's glans as he pulled the little bit of skin around the member. He smiled lovingly and fragments of memory flashed before his eyes. Hesitantly, he kissed the throbbing dick and the memories became more vivid. Who knew that kisses, no matter where he placed it on Dash, can help him remember those precious memories.

Though the moans and whimpers were hushed, Mattie still stirred a bit in his sleep. Somehow the kid was dreaming of something...hot and confusing. He wasn't even aware of his little hand reaching down to touch his own hard pecker.

`21, 22, 23...,' Oli counted in his head. It was finally time to see if he could actually measure love with the trail of kisses he left. `24,' another soft kiss on Dash's dick.

Well, kisses aside, the clock was ticking and how long could a sleep aid pill dissolved in water really put someone to sleep?