Teri looked at the two boys -- she could see by their eyes they had both been crying, and Cory calling her Mom meant only one thing; finally a time she had impatiently waited for had arrived. A fleeting feeling of fear came over her -- would she be able to handle this right without anyone feeling hurt?

Sean broke her out of the trance she was in "Mooooooommmmm ... did you hear us?"

Teri blinked a few times then said "Yes boys -- sorry. Why don't we all go into the living room -- for some reason I get a feeling this might take a while..."

They went into the living room, and Teri sat down in the large overstuffed leather chair. To her surprise, both boys climbed into the chair with her, something they had not done in a few years. "Trying to make sure I can't run away?" she joked. That extracted a couple of small giggles from the boys, breaking their somber mood some.

Cory got right to the point. "Mom -- why do I have to live at that place ... why can't I be at home with you and Sean? Don't you want me anymore since Mikey died?"

Teri wiped a tear from his cheek that had started running down it. "I can't tell you everything now because there are still things which you are not ready to hear, but I will try to tell you what you want and need to hear. I need a promise from both of you though first, OK?

"What's that?" said Sean

"Go ahead." said Cory.

"If EITHER one of you starts feeling even a little bit uncomfortable with anything I'm saying -- I want you to stop me IMMEDIATELY -- and the same goes if it looks like the other one of you is having problems with what they are hearing. Do you agree?"

"Yes Mom." They answered in chorus.

"The reason I asked that of you is I don't want any of us to have to go through what we have in the last year ever again -- we all need to be careful that we don't try to do too much too fast .. " Just then Teri felt a strange comforting chill go thru her, and she could tell that both boys felt the same thing as she felt their shivers.

They all three looked at each other, the silence broken by Cory: "Mikey is here to protect Me.," he stated matter-of-factly.

Teri just nodded -- "I believe you are right -- And I hope he lets me know if I'm going too far too." With that she felt a quick chill, and she knew her youngest charge had a very strong guardian angel who loved him deeply.

"Cory -- could you please fill me in on everything you remember first?" asked Teri.

Cory reached over and grasped Sean's hand for strength. "I remember that I used to live here with you, Sean and Mikey ... Mikey used to download stuff for me and Sean, and would do cool things with us. I remember that Mikey died and then the next thing I knew I was living in the home. I can remember things her and there before he died, but I don't remember how it happened, - in fact you guys never even talk about it around me ... "Cory grew silent for a minute then continued: "I was confused when I first started realizing this -- I thought that maybe since Mikey died you didn't want me around anymore -- that's why you sent me to the home. But then I wondered why you let me hang out here all the time. Sean showed me that he still wants me around -- that he even still loves me -- but I'm so confused as to why I can't live here ..." Cory looked at Teri with tears running down his cheeks: "Why, Mom, Why??"

Teri pulled Cory in tighter to her. "I really do want you back here Cory -- we will see how you feel once we're done here, but I hope I can make the phone call I've been waiting what seems like forever to make, the call that will get you back here at home where you belong. I'm not going to get into how Mike died -- I don't think you are ready for that yet ... "A quick chill confirmed what she just said."But I will try to fill you in on some things before and after it happened. First, do you remember how you came to live here?"

"No..." Cory replied.

"OK, I'll give you the short version. Your birth mother, Cheri, and I were best friends throughout school, and you both used to live down the street. You had been coming over here since you were born, and as soon as you and Sean were old enough to walk, either you were here or he was there. Mike was with you guys a lot -- he felt like he had to protect you from coming to any harm. About the time you were 6 years old your mom found out she had cancer, so she arranged for me to adopt you if anything happened. Since something had happened to your father right after you were born, she knew it was the only way to make sure you ended up with someone who would take care of you right." Teri thought it was best not to tell Cory that both his and Sean's fathers were killed by a drunk driver -- since it was the same way Mike had died. They were in Cory's dad's Pinto, and when they were rear-ended by the drunk the car exploded, killing them both. "Mike took you under his wing after we adopted you, and helped both of you boys thru Cheri's death. There are a few other things that happened during that time that only you two can work out -- I'll just say to you now I understand a little, and if you need to discuss it with me I will help as much as I can -- but I am alright with it." Teri looked at the two boys -- Cory looked confused, while Sean showed a combination of shock, embarrassment and gratitude. "Don't worry Cory -- it's not something bad -- but when the time is right you boys will have to discuss it, but don't push it before you are both ready."

Cory noticed the pause, and commented, "So that's why we have the same last name -- that's been bugging me for a while now ..."

Teri looked up at the clock on the mantle and noticed it was 4:30 already, then as if on cue she heard both boys' stomachs growl. "Sean, could you hand me the phone from the table? I just realized we all missed lunch, so if it's OK with y'all I'll order us a pizza real quick." She called Papa Johns and ordered 2 large double pepperoni with extra cheese pizzas, a double order of breadsticks, and two 2 liters of soda for delivery. "OK -- that should hold you guys for a couple of hours anyways" she grinned.

Once both boys were settled back into place, Teri looked at Cory and noticed that the break while she was calling in the order did some good -- the tension she had seen building up in his face was all but gone again. "Are you ready for me to continue?" she asked Cory.

"Yeah -- I think so." he replied.

"Well... when Mike died, you took it really hard -- later that night you ...just ... blacked ...out ..." Teri's voice broke as she was saying this, and it took a couple of minutes before she could continue. "When you came out of it a week later in the hospital, the only person you recognized was Sean -- and even though you were able to place a name to his face, you still asked him if he was your friend." Teri looked to see how Sean was taking this -- she knew it would be hard, when that had happened she had been worried that he was about to join Cory in the hospital room. She saw the troubled look in his eyes: "Sean, are you OK, honey?"

Sean looked up at her "Yeah Mom -- I have Cory back now so I'm OK hearing it."

"OK. Shortly after that the doctor took me aside and told me what they thought had happened. It seemed that Mike's death had been too much for you to handle, and in effect your brain overloaded and tried to shut down. From what we later found out, anything even remotely associated with Mike was blocked in your memory, and since you two had known each other since you were born that meant pretty much everything. Sean stayed with you every day, and a month later when school started the doctors arranged for his school work to be brought to the hospital so he wouldn't have to leave you. Due to him not giving up, after a couple months you were able to do enough on your own that you were ready to leave the hospital, but the psychologist decided that you would relapse if you were brought here. He ordered that you would be put into the home until you recovered more of your memory. The first psychologist you had there decided it was best if you had no contact with us at all, but when after a month we found out you were losing more of your memories instead of recovering them we had to get a court order to change your doctors and require visits there, with you being allowed to come here if you wanted to to visit."

Just then the doorbell rang, and as she looked at the boys she was glad it did, both of them looked to need time to absorb what she had said. "Well guys -- looks like the chow is here -- go get some glasses and plates on the table and we'll finish after we eat." In a split second her lap was empty as the urge for food overrode any wish to hear more.

She paid the delivery boy, and then carried the boxes to the kitchen. By the time she had poured the drinks for all of them, one pizza box and one breadstick box were empty. She picked up one of the empty boxes and started inspecting the edges of it carefully.

"Whatcha doin' mom?" Cory asked.

"Looking to make sure nobody got cardboard instead of pizza! Looks OK tho, I don't see any tooth marks." Teri replied.

That elicited loud groans from both boys, followed by giggles when they saw the grin on Teri's face.

As Teri snatched the last breadstick, more to prevent a war over it than her wanting it, she looked at her boys. Then she realized -- this was the first time she had been able to see them as "her" boys in a long time -- she had had to see Cory as just Sean's friend to keep up the show till his memory came back. "Cory, thinking about it I think that's enough talking tonight, I don't want to push you. I know it probably brings up more questions, but has that answered some of the ones you had?"

Cory looked up from licking the pizza sauce off of his plate: "Yeah mom -- a lot of them ... and I think more is coming back now that I'm thinking about it." He then gave her a big smile, accentuated by a pizza moustache "Thanks a lot for sticking with me -- I'm really glad you didn't give up on me!" He then leaned over to Sean "...And thank YOU for helping me even when I didn't know it -- I will owe you forever!" At that he gave Sean a big kiss on the cheek, leaving a line of sauce most of the way across it.

Teri laughed and went over to the sink. She wetted a rag and came back to the table, then proceeded to clean both boys' faces. "I don't know what to do with you two -- but I love both of you anyway" she chuckled.

Teri then looked at Cory: "Cory, you need to trust me here, I'm going to call Dr. Richardson now, he will probably want to come over and talk to you. Wait..." she said when she saw the panic appearing in both boys' eyes "We had planned for this a while back ... if you will talk to him tonight Cory its possible that the only reason we will be going to the home tomorrow is to pick up your things -- I'm hoping that tonight you made enough progress that he will release you -- he said it would be soon, that's why he told me to call any time."

She heard the sigh of relief from both boys, and saw a spark of hope light up in their eyes. "OK Cory, does that mean you will talk to him? He will probably want to talk to you too Sean."

Both boys answered in unison "Yeah Mom -- I'll do it" which had them almost in tears with laughter once they realized what they had done.

Teri went into the study and punched up Dr. Richardson on the speed-dial.

On the third ring the phone was answered. "Richardson residence." a female voice answered.

"Mrs. Richardson? This is Teri Short. Is Dr. Richardson there?"

"Yes Teri -- just a minute. Is Cory OK?"

"He's better than ever -- thanks for asking"

"Great -- glad to hear that -- here's Dan"

Dr. Richardson picked up the phone "I can tell from my wife's smile you don't have bad news -- what's up Teri?"

"We just had a major breakthrough today -- I would like you to come over if you can tonight to talk to both the boys." Teri replied, "I think its time for Cory to come home for good."

"Are you positive?" he asked.

"Absolutely certain." she replied.

"OK -- give me 20 minutes and I'll be there."

"Thanks Dan, we will all be waiting. Bye"

"Bye" he replied, and then Teri heard the click of him hanging up.

"OK guys -- he'll be here in twenty minutes -- hurry up and get cleaned up" she said to the study door. The sounds of scurrying feet told her that her little snoopers had heard and were on their way to cleaning up.

Fifteen minutes later Dr. Richardson arrived, and after spending forty-five minutes with Cory and a half hour with Sean he called Teri into the study.

"Teri, after talking to both the boys, I agree with you. The break we were waiting for has finally come, and in my professional opinion it would be better for Cory to return home with all you instead of going back. If you don't mind me using your phone for a few minutes, I need to make a couple of calls to get him released, then you can pick up his belongings tomorrow."

"Go ahead" Teri replied, "Would you prefer I step out, or would it be OK if I stay here in case I'm needed?"

"Actually, you are right -- it would be best to stay in case anyone has any questions for you." He replied.

His first call was to the judge that had assigned him to Cory's case after the damage done by the first doctor. Teri was shocked to hear what appeared to be an arrangement for an emergency court order in case the home put up a fight. Dr. Richardson saw the look of surprise on Teri's face, and after hanging up he explained.

"Teri -- I'm not exactly on the best terms out there at the home -- in fact it took a court order to even allow me to take Cory's case. Chances are that they are going to demand a review by their 'staff' -- which they will stretch out as long as they can. The major problem is during the review I would not be able to have any contact with Cory, and honestly I believe that by the time they were done he would be in worse shape than when we started. Judge Lewis is a good friend of my father, and I have been keeping him posted on Cory's progress -- something we wrote into the original order to protect Cory. He actually already had the paperwork drawn up -- all he has to do is date it and sign it, which he just did."

Teri looked at him with gratitude -- he really was looking out for her son "Thank you -- I'll owe you forever for this," she stated.

"What I saw tonight was payment enough for the extra work" he replied. "Just take care of those boys; your love does more than any of us doctors could ever do."

He then proceeded to call the home, and as he expected they refused to release Cory, in fact they demanded to have him returned immediately. Dr. Richardson just smiled, and told them he would see them personally shortly. They replied to him, and then he laughed and hung up the phone. "Teri, there will be some guests here in just a second, I need to make one more call in private, do you mind?"

After she went out, he dialed the sheriffs department. "May I speak to John please?" he said to the dispatcher. When John answered he said "Hello John -- Dan. The home is gonna try to kick me out again -- I got a court order on its way to release a kid, one of your guys should have it now." "I know about the order Dan, and we just got the request for help from the home, nobody is there yet though." John replied. "Don't worry about it -- you will have all the protection you need -- as soon as I hang up I'm gonna speak to the officers on the scrambled channel -- but you better grab the kid's stuff tonight, this ones gonna cause some fireworks until I talk to them downstate -- don't be surprised to see some new faces next time you visit there, between you and me you just managed to help close a major corruption investigation."

"Great, thanks John!" Just then the doorbell rang. "Looks like our escort is here -- I better run"

"OK -- I'll see you at the club tomorrow -- you be careful. Bye"

"Bye John -- Thanks again"

Dan had Teri get the boys ready to go, and as she was doing that he filled the officers in on what was happening and his discussion with the Chief. Just before they left, he took the three of them aside. "OK, all of you -- no matter WHAT you hear, let the officers and I handle this. You will definitely hear things you don't want to hear, in fact it will probably sound like everything is going wrong. Do not worry, we have this all under control, and I'll bet if you read the paper tomorrow or Monday you will understand."

"Teri -- before we go, can you make copies of something on the computer here?"

Teri looked at him "I think so -- do you know how to Sean?"

"Yeah mom ... It'll take just a minute"

"OK Sean, make two copies of this, leave one here and give me one," said Dan.

Once they had the copies they headed over to the home. As they were pulling into the lot, they were greeted by the sight of eight sheriffs' cars and two state cruisers sitting in the lot. "Shit" thought Dan: "John even called out the big dogs -- or at least I hope it was him!"

Dan walked up to the counter and handed the copy Sean had made to the desk clerk. "I have a court order here to release Cory Short to his mother Teri Short." He stated.

Without even looking at it the clerk tore it into pieces and turned to the State Trooper at the end of the counter. "I want him, her and that kid arrested for trespassing," she said. "And the other kid is to be escorted to solitary confinement NOW!"

Before the Trooper had a chance to reply, one of the Sheriff Deputies that had brought them walked up to him. "Captain, we anticipated this response, here is the ORIGINAL order from the court granting immediate release."

The Captain took a minute to look the order over, and then nodded to his partner. "You stated before they arrived that you were the Director here, right?" he said, looking at the woman.

"Yes -- why should that matter?" she replied.

"Because you just saved me a lot of work," he replied. "You are under arrest for obstruction of justice, failure to heed a court order, attempted destruction of same, causing officers to be falsely dispatched, and whatever else the prosecutor can come up with. Sergeant, read her her rights and cuff her -- this place is officially being shut down." He looked at Cory: "Son, go get your stuff, if you would like one of the officers can help you, you are free to go home."

Cory ran over to him and gave him a big hug with tears running from his eyes: "Thank you -- I will NEVER forget this -- I hope I grow up to be just as good as you!" The Captain returned Cory's hug then lightly swatted his butt.

"Go on Cory -- your family is waiting"

As Cory went down the hall with the Deputy that brought them, the Captain walked over to Dan, Teri, and Sean. "Would you mind joining me in the waiting room? We have a report to fill out."

A half hour later, everything was loaded, the report was finished, and they headed home. Teri invited the Deputies and Dan in for coffee, which after a quick check with Dispatch they accepted. Between the joking about the look on the directors face and the explanations of what happened and why, Teri finally saw that her boys had calmed down and were going to be OK.

After all the men left, Teri got into the safe in the study and retrieved an envelope. "Hey guys, come with me for a minute." She said.

As they walked down the hall, she saw the realization slowly creep into Sean's eyes, but she could tell that Cory was still confused. But when she tore open the envelope and he saw what was inside, Cory suddenly realized what was happening.

"You WERE expecting me to come back!" He exclaimed. "Those are MY keys!"

Teri handed him the key ring, then handed one of the two remaining keys to Sean. The other she put on her own ring for emergencies only. Even though they trusted each other fully, the boys had asked to have real locks put on the bedrooms so that if there was company (Like usually happened during the holidays) they would not have to worry about their rooms being invaded. Each boy had keys to the other's room -- a privilege which had never been abused.

"Do you remember which key it is?" Sean asked.

"I think so... "Cory replied. He then broke into a huge grin when the first key he tried opened the door in front of him. "Holy Shi ... OOPS, sorry Mom!" he exclaimed. "You left it exactly how it was!"

They all looked into the room -- bed a mess, dirty boxers hanging from the bedpost, one wall covered with Dale Earnhardt posters, a half-completed model car on the desk, and the expected clothes hanging out of drawers. Teri thought at that moment it was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen -- namely because it meant her son was home. She then said something that almost sent the boys into shock "Don't worry about cleaning it up right now -- lets get all of Cory's new stuff in here and we will start sorting it all out in a few days."

It took forty-five minutes to get everything into the room where Cory wanted it, and then they all went down to the kitchen for a bedtime snack. Teri smiled as she watched the boys -- both sucking down a quarter of pumpkin pie each -- and she could swear each of them had a full container of Cool Whip on their slice.

As they were finishing up, Cory looked at Teri: "Mom -- would it be OK if me and Sean slept in my room tonight?"

"Yes dear -- as long as you two promise to sleep sometime during the night." She replied with a grin." And don't forget to shower either!"

Everyone headed to their rooms, and Cory grabbed a towel then headed through the bathroom he shared with Sean into Sean's room to get him. "Sean --umm -- can we shower together like we used to ... "he said, looking at Sean expectantly.

"REALLY!!! I was afraid to ask you 'cuz I was afraid if you didn't remember ... "Sean drifted off then smiled "Yes, let's do it!"

Sean started digging through his dresser. "What you looking for?" asked Cory.

"Something to put on after the shower." Sean replied.

"Why?" Cory said, a hurt look crossing his face.

Sean saw the look and immediately took Cory in his arms. "I'm sorry bud, I just don't know what you remember, and I'm afraid of doing anything to freak you out. If I'm doing something that seems weird, please just tell me. We both still have lots of adjusting to do -- I really do not want to hurt you so I might do some things that seem different from what I used to do. Just tell me, and real soon I think we will be back to how we used to be."

Cory sniffled then gave Sean a big squeeze. "Shit -- I'm sorry. Here you are trying to watch out for me and I was feeling hurt because you were doing it. I'll try to let you know now when that happens again -- I don't want to lose you again."

Sean grabbed his towel and they both went into the shower. They used the excuse of washing each other to reacquaint themselves with the others body, both commenting on changes as they noticed them. Cory insisted on using both shampoo and conditioner on the small patch of pubic hair that Sean had grown -- then Sean inspected Cory closely until he found a couple tiny hairs so he had the excuse to do the same to him. By the time they were done with the top halve of each others bodies, both boys were at full erection.

Cory knelt down and started washing Sean's legs, and the next thing Sean knew his 4 inch penis was enveloped in something soft, warm, and wet. He looked down, and saw Sean sucking him while washing him. The sight was too much for Sean, he felt his nuts draw up then a burning sensation coursing down his cock. He didn't even have time to warn Cory before he exploded in his mouth, shooting like he had never shot before. Cory swallowed every drop, and stayed on Sean until he was sure he had totally drained him. Cory stood up after he was finished and looked at Sean with a smile.

"Sorry Cory -- when I saw you doing that I couldn't hold it. That had to be the best BJ you have ever gave me!"

"It's OK Sean --I understand. It's been so long..."

"Would it be ... can I ... would you like... is it OK for me to do that to you?" Sean said.

"Please? I remembered us doing this when Mom was talking after the pizza ... I was worried that you wouldn't want to do it anymore, but after you agreed to take a shower together I figured I would take a chance." Cory replied.

Sean was on his knees so fast he forgot to grab the soap and had to ask Cory to hand it to him. Cory giggled as he was handing it down -- then gave out a long moan when he felt his 4 inches slide into Sean's mouth. It was amazing how it felt, he had only vaguely remembered that it felt good, but this exceeded everything he could have guessed. Suddenly a feeling he knew for sure he had never felt before started to build up in him. His nuts started feeling tight, and he felt like he was going to pee real bad. All he had ever had to this point were dry orgasms -- so he tried to warn Sean that he was going to pee. All he managed was a few grunts, and then it felt like his entire groin was exploding. He latched onto the shower rails with a death grip then started pumping cum into Sean's mouth. Once he recovered enough to think straight, Cory looked at Sean with an amazed look: "Oh Man -- jeez -- that was the FIRST time I've ever done that!"

Sean looked up with surprise: "That was your first cum!"

Cory reached down and pulled Sean up then enveloped him in a hug. "Yes -- and I am sooooo happy that I gave it to you -- After all you have went through for me you are the only person who deserves it."

The boys stood there in the shower just holding each other until they noticed that the hot water had ran out a while ago. They hurried up and got out, then dried each other off. They brushed their teeth with an arm over each others shoulder, and then headed into Cory's room to hit the sack.

They laid down, and Cory snuggled up to Sean. "I love you"

"I love you too bro" Sean replied.

Cory reached up and turned Sean's head so he could look him straight in the eyes. Looking deep into Sean's eyes, Cory said; "Not that way -- I LOVE YOU!"