I didn't see as much of Bastion as I would have liked to the rest that next week because mom and dad said I shouldn't make a nuisance of myself and that it was our turn to host next time. I tried not to nag, but seeing Bastion at school just wasn't enough to satisfy me. 

Danny was there for me when I got home from school each day so I managed to pass the time, but I think he knew where I'd rather be. I guess I must've mentioned Bastion's name about a hundred times a day and it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Bastion meant a lot to me.

"Maybe mom and dad will let Bastion come over here this weekend," Danny said one afternoon as we were playing a video game in my room.

"I don't know," I said sighing, "they may think it's too soon."

He made a little face and seemed to be thinking about that. "Cody....."

"What bro?" I said turning to look at  him and seeing the serious look on his face I almost dreaded what was to come next.

"Ummmm...don't get mad, okay?"

"I won't, why would I? What is it, just tell me." I said as my heart started beating about ninety miles an hour.

"Never mind," he said looking like he'd bit a lemon, "It's silly and none of my business anyway.

Now I was confronted with a real dilemma, should I let it go or encourage him to continue?

"You know there is nothing you can't tell me, right? I won't get mad and if it's something I can fix, I will try to fix it."

"Well...it's just that...well, you sure do talk about Bastion a lot. I mean you've had really good friends before, like Tony and your friend Paul but you never talked about them that much. It's like you two are...really close and since you just met I don't get it."

I tried to remain calm and I took a minute to collect my thoughts and think of just what to say, "Well, I guess it's just that we sort of connected right off the bat. We both like the same things and he's such a nice guy and smart and he promised to teach me some martial arts and even let me train with him once he finds a new instructor.....and there's the pool," I said grinning.

"Yeah, the pool is pretty cool. Yeah, I get what you mean. I liked him right off too," Danny said sounding satisfied at least for the moment.

"Come on let's go throw the ball around till mom gets home. We never got a chance to at Bastion's."

The week was going by so fast and soon the weekend would be here. I was sort of sad the weekend was coming up because I wouldn't see Bastion till Monday but Tony said he might be able to come over so that was something anyway. I dropped my backpack in my room and went looking for Danny but I didn't find him anywhere in the house. He usually beat me home by 15 minutes or more and I thought it was weird that he wasn't there and I started to get a little worried.

I went in to get a snack and some juice and when I got to the fridge there was a note under the banana shaped magnet there.

Cody

Went to Paul's. Mom said it was ok. Might spend the night. Will call later.

Danny

Damn, I thought, not only can I not see Bastion, Danny is gone, maybe for the evening. Then I began to think that maybe that wasn't so bad after all. I mean since Danny and I had made up I scarcely had a minute to myself. Now I'd have the whole evening. I could text Bastion or call him and catch up on my reading and maybe even fap once or twice...lol.

I fixed myself a pbj and took it to my room with my juice and texted Bastion.

Hey

Hello Cody, what are you doing?

Eating a pbj, you?

Eating some crackers and cheese.

Cool, trade ya...lol

LOL, I wish you were here. I'd eat more than cheese...I'd eat you.

Cannibal...lol

Only certain parts that look like sausage

Kielbasa or Vienna? lol

Definitely kielbasa. And I might even sit on it...

Oh gawd don't tease me, I'm hard already.

Well, are you alone?

Yea, Danny is gone to a friend's  house

And I'm alone....

Oh, you wanna?

If you do

Oh it's so naughty...yes...

So that's how we wound up having phone sex. If you've never done it let me tell you it's pretty hot and since we were new to sex anyway I think that made it even more exciting. We talked dirty and told each other everything we were doing with our phones on speaker so our hands were free and there we were beating off and talking dirty in our rooms only a mile apart.

I was definitely getting close and had my eyes closed and was describing my jerk off session blow by blow when suddenly I heard a knock at my door. I panicked. I  hadn't locked my door and if it was my mom she might just come in once she had knocked.

"Just a minute, I'm changing," I yelled, then to Bastion I whispered, "Gotta go, call ya later." and hung up.

I grabbed the nearest piece of clothing I could find, a pair of shorts, and threw them on then went to the door.

Expecting my mom I was totally unprepared to see Danny standing there with a weird look on his face. He looked as if he'd been crying and his hair was all messed up which was unusual for my kid brother.

"Hey, I thought you were at Paul's," I said trying not to sound guilty.

He shrugged, "We had a fight."

"What, why...come in and sit down and tell me what happened." I'd forgotten all about being interrupted two strokes from orgasm and was ready to go pound his new friend if he' hurt my little brother in any way.

He sighed as he sat down on my bed and looked ready to cry again. For someone who had hardly ever cried the whole time we were fighting, he sure was making up for lost time since we'd made up. I sat down beside him and put my arm around his shoulder and he leaned into me. I could smell his sweaty hair and little boy smell. You know, it's not dirty or bad just the way a boy smells after a day of playing or whatever.

"It was stupid," he said at last, "we got into an argument about.....about..this kid at school that everyone picks on. I guess Paul picks on  him too, but I don't think that's fair."

"Why do they pick on him?"

"Cause he acts kind of girlish and everyone says he's gay. I don't believe them but a lot of kids make fun of him and Paul said some of his friends depantsed him in the bathroom today and made him cry."

"What? That's terrible and those kids could get into big trouble if he told," I said then a light went on in my head. "This kid, his name isn't Tommy by any chance is it?"

"Yeah, how did you know. Paul says the kid was asking for it hanging around the bathroom."

"Maybe he had to pee." I suggested, "Did they think of that? Anyway I met this kid's older brother. He goes to my school, but we don't have any classes. He just...well..."

Suddenly Cody found himself telling Danny everything that had happened at school. It was awkward at first but when he saw the look of acceptance on Danny's face he relaxed.

"So..that's what happened and now these kids, these misfits think I'm some kind of damn hero."

"You are," Danny said softly turning his tear stained baby blues toward me. I could see the love in his eyes and something else, something I couldn't quite name.

"Naw...anyway," I said dismissing it, "this kid Tommy. What do you think you should do about him?"

"Huh, me?"

"Well, if not you then who? I can't go to your school and beat up those kids who are picking on him."

He sighed, "Oh, you mean...it's up to me."

I shrugged, "No, not really....not unless that's how you feel and you care enough to get involved. See with Bastion it was different because we were already friends and I liked him enough to want to help. This Tommy kid is a stranger to you. I know it's tough watching him get picked on, but it's not your fight....unless you want it to be."

Danny laughed, "You should be a lawyer.....or a politician."

"Gross, nasty...that would suck, but I know what's right and what's wrong and picking on someone because they're different is just not right. Maybe the kid is gay, or maybe he's just immature....doesn't matter. He has a right to be who he is and not have someone messing with him all the time."

"Yeah, I know. Maybe tomorrow I'll try to talk to him."

I smiled, "No harm in that. Maybe he's a complete jerk and you won't feel so bad for him, but if you find out he's a nice kid...be careful."

Danny looked at me curiously, "Why?"

"Cause it's like Dad told me, if you like someone who has problems, there can be repercussions."

"Huh?"

"If you dabble in shit you're gonna get some on ya." I laughed and Danny shook his head and giggled.

"Okay, I understand. Thanks Cody, thanks a lot. Hey, since I'm home wanna play some Wii?"

"Sure baby brother, prepare to get an ass whipping."

"No, you prepare," he giggled, "I'm the master."

"Master...bater," I joked causing him to giggle harder.

"If I'm the master, how come you're the one always doing it?"

"Huh, you been peeking again you little pervert?"

"No, but you were really loud when I got home," he said then his expression changed to one of fear and he covered his mouth with his hand.

I blushed bright red and looked away. I didn't know what to say. How much had he heard, did he know I was on the phone to Bastion? I decided to play it off.

"You perv, listening outside my door. That's low. Anyway I didn't get to finish because of you, so I should be mad."

"Yeah, sorry about that. If you want to finish...I'll go watch TV or something."

"Yeah, right. Like I'm in the mood now that my baby bro knows I was flogging the dolphin."

"Well, then let's play some video games and you'll forget all about it," he said laughing.

"Yeah, I already have," I said relieved that this conversation was over, "now for some pay back."

I told Bastion the next day about what had happened and he thought it was hilarious. 

"Yuk it up pretty boy," I said pouting, "my little brother heard me....you know. And the worst part is I don't know how much he knows for sure. Did he know I was talking to you at the same time? That could be a problem if he decided to mention that to anyone else."

"Oh Cody, relax. Who would he tell? Besides you said he dropped the whole thing so obviously he wasn't too worried about it. He may have only guessed what you were doing. He may have not heard anything incriminating at all." 

We were sitting in the lunch room as far away from the other kids as we could get, but we still had to talk quietly, "I don't know. Having my little brother sneaking around and spying on me is starting to be a drag. I think I was happier before we made up."

"Oh Cody, don't say that. I've seen a change in you since you two have become closer and I'm proud of the way you stood up and took responsibility. Surely you don't want to go back to the way it was."

"No, I guess not, but there has to be some rules. I'm gonna have a long talk with him after school."

"Or....you could come by my house. If your parents would agree to it. Mine had given me permission to have a friend over after school, but only a friend they approve of. And guess what?, that friend is you."

I smiled, "Wow, I'm in huh? Well, I'll have to ask my mom, but she and dad said it was our time to host you so.....I was wondering if your folks would let you sleep over this Saturday."

"Really? Oh Cody, I"m sure they will...I am so excited. But does that mean you can't come by after school today?"

"Be patient, one thing at a time. First you sleep over then...I'm gonna work on them and see if I can come by your house a couple times a week. How does that sound?"

"Excellent. Oh, and I might be able to get permission from my parents to come to your house after school sometime as well. Maria could drive me and pick me up."

"Or, you could ride the bus home with me. All you need is a note from your parents saying it's okay."

"That would be wonderful. I'll ask them about Saturday first then work on them slowly. I am so happy now, I can't wait."

When I got home Danny was sitting on the front door step looking like he's lost his best friend. It was warm out for September and he was wearing shorts and a tee that was too small for him. He looked more like a little kid than my 10 year old brother at the moment.

I sat down beside him and put my arm around him but we didn't speak for a while. I stared out at our lawn, our street, the houses across the street and it was as if I was seeing them for the first time. It's funny how you can be around things all your life and not really notice them till you suddenly slow down and take a good look.

"Soooooo....what's up little bro?"

"Nothing," he said holding his head in his hands and looking at this small feet.

"Yeah, right. Save it for the rents. You look like someone pooped in your corn flakes."

He smiled a little then looked at me with warm wet eyes, "I tried Cody, I really did, but all I got was more trouble than it's worth."

"Well...tell me all about it, okay?"

He sighed and began, "I told Paul that I couldn't be his friend any more if he didn't stop messing with that kid Tommy and he laughed at me. He called me a fag lover and said I was probably one too." He paused for effect and my blood began to boil. I hadn't even met this Paul person but I was ready to wipe up the floor with him.

"Go on."

"So I told him he was an asshole and I left him with this stupid friends. I didn't see him again till lunch then (sigh) he started in on me. He kept throwing pieces of bread at me and we had hot dogs for lunch and he grabbed it out of the bun and wiggled it at me and said, "Hey fag, wanna suck my weenie." Everyone laughed and I was so embarrassed....I just left and went to the bathroom to wash my hands and then....."

"Oh shit..please don't tell me they followed you there....." I prayed out loud. I would surely go to prison if they had, because I was going to beat holy crap out of all of them.

"No, no...it wasn't them. It was....it was Tommy, the kid they were picking on. He saw what happened in the cafeteria and he came in to say he was sorry."

"Wait, he was sorry for what?"

"For causing all the trouble."

"So, what did you say?"

"I don't know, I said it was okay, that those guys were jerks and he shouldn't worry about it. But he said he'd had this kind of trouble before and it didn't go away, it just got worse."

"That sucks, what did you do?"

"What could I do? I peed and washed my hands and face and the two of us went out to the common area and talked. He's actually a pretty cool kid. He likes the same stuff I do but I sort of got the feeling his parents didn't have a lot of money."

"Yeah, I sort of got that feeling too, from his brother. So...you made friends I get that, that's cool, but what else happened?"

"Why do you think something else happened?"

"Come on, I don't have to be psychic to see that something is wrong."

He sighed and dropped his head and when he spoke his voice was shaky and I could tell he was ready to cry at any minute. I was terrified but I had to know what had happened to make him this way. I pulled him against me and I could feel him tremble.

"They...they beat him up...after school....three of em. They beat him so bad they had to call an ambulance and.....and.....I didn't try to do anything," He said finally starting to wail.

"Bro...calm down. It wasn't your fault. You might have gotten hurt too. But....you told someone right? You went for help or something, right?" I had to know that he had at least done something to help the kid. I mean he was my brother, he had to have some some of my guts. I mean I would have jumped in the middle of those bullies and made it a fair fight even if we lost.

"I didn't have to, some of the other kids did and the Principal came, but it was too late. They kicked him and stomped him, it was.....awwwwful," he wailed.

"Shhhhh...it's okay. What happened to the boys, the ones who did this? Was that Paul kid one of them?"

He nodded, "They got away but the other kids told who did it and they called the police."

Well, at least I wouldn't have to go kick their asses, hopefully they were in juvie or whatever by now.  "What about Tommy, is he okay?"

Danny shrugged, "I don't know Cody, I don't know. There was sooo much blood," he sobbed, " and his face...his poor face....."

I felt sick to my stomach. I couldn't imagine this happening in Junior High let alone in grade school. What was wrong with kids who hated anyone different from them?"

I was saved any further discussion as mom drove up and once she saw the looks on our faces she knew something was wrong. 

We went inside and between the two of us we got the story out. Danny seemed calmer now that mom was there and after a while he excused himself to go to the bathroom leaving me and mom to talk.

"Oh Cody, this can't really be happening can it? I mean first the thing at your school, now this. What is happening to our schools? It was nothing like this when your dad and I were growing up."

"Maybe there weren't as many gay kids then," I suggested then blushed. I was afraid I had said too much and wished I could take that last remark back.

"Well, they may be more outspoken now and there is certainly a lot of stuff in the news, but there were gay kids back then."

"Really?" I asked, I had never really talked to my mom or any adult about things like this before and I was curious about how she felt about things.

"Oh yes, there was a boy in my math class named Ethan and he was...well, very gay. Oh sure there were a few jokes made about him but no one beat him up. I even heard that he had a boyfriend on the football team but I don't know if that was true or not," she laughed softly then her face went serious, "I'm going to call the school. I need to know that Danny is safe there. I need to know that the boys who did this to that...poor boy have been dealt with."

"I'm gonna go see about Danny," I said getting up from the couch.

She nodded and was digging her phone out of her purse as I walked down the hall. I found Danny in his room. As usual the door was open and he was laying face down on his bed. I know I shouldn't think about things like that, especially at a time  like this, but I couldn't help but notice how cute his butt was.

I knocked gently on the door frame and he mumbled for me to come in. I sat down on his bed and touched his shoulder, "You okay bro?"

"Yeah," he mumbled.

"Mom is calling the school. She's all spazzed out about this thing and wants to make sure they caught the kids who did this."

"It's all my fault." His words were muffled by the pillow but I understood him clearly enough.

"No, it's not your fault. You tried to help the kid, to be his friend. They're just a bunch of haters and you couldn't do anything to stop this. But...it's over now, those kids will probably be expelled and the next bunch will think twice about trying any shit like that." 

"What if....what if he dies?" Danny said raising up and looking me in the eyes. He was terrified and I so was I, but not for the same reason.

What if it had been Danny beat to holy heck and laying in a puddle of blood? When I suggested he do something about Tommy getting bullied  hadI put him in a bad situation and now I felt like shit.

"He won't die. It probably looked worse than it was. Look how much you bled when I broke your nose. He's probably fine, just bruised up and sore. Mom will find out for sure and then you can stop worrying about it."

"I think I'll take a nap now Cody," he said and I got the hint and gave him a hug and left him alone.

I peed then went to my room and closed the door and fell across the bed. After a few minutes I grabbed my phone and texted Bastion. He replied immediately as if he had been waiting for my text. I told him what had happened and he asked if he could call me. I said yes and a second later my phone rang (well, actually my ring tone was Rhianna's Shine Bright Like a Diamond) and I answered immediately.

"Hi."

"Cody, I am so sorry about what happened with Danny. Are you sure he's all right?"

"As much as possible. He took it pretty hard. It must've been pretty tough to watch something like that."

"I can imagine. Poor, poor Danny. I wish I was there, I would give him a big hug."

"Hey, what about me? Don't I get a hug?"

"Of course and more...." he said giggling.

"I feel so evil thinking about that, but damn (whispered) I'm horny."

Bastion giggled, "Me too, but right now Danny is more important and you need to be there for him."

I sighed, "I know, I know. You know I feel sort of responsible for all this."

"How? You certainly didn't cause this."

"No, but I got Danny involved and that worries me. What if he had gotten hurt? I couldn't forgive myself."

"But he didn't and it's all over with so stop blaming yourself."

"I know. So...what are you doing right now?"

"Talking to my boyfriend," he teased.

"Oh, is he there with you?" I teased back.

"Only in spirit, but it's as if I can feel him here with me."

"I got something I'd like you to feel," I growled.

"Mmmm....I'm touching something right now," he said lustily.

"I wish I could, but ....you know...my mom is right out there and well, Danny...."

"I know. This might be a bad time to ask about my staying over but I have permission from my parents if your parents agree."

Well that was something good anyway. "I'll ask my folks tonight. I bet they'll be glad to have something normal to discuss after this crap."

"I hope they say yes, I am so looking forward to sleeping over." he said the sleeping part sort of sexy and I felt my dick jump a little.

"Well, I better go. My mom was calling the school but she should be through by now. I'll see you tomorrow at school, okay? And hey, don't wear it out." I giggled.

"Umm, I won't but there is more than enough to go around."

"You're telling me," I said suggestively, "Well, goodnight. I (whisper) love you."

"I love you too, Cody and tell Danny I am thinking of him."

"I will. Bye."

I hung up and went to find mom. I found her in the kitchen baking cookies of all things.

"Mom, what are you doing?"

"Baking cookies silly, what does it look like I'm doing?"

"But, what about...about what happened? Didn't you call the school?"

"Yes, but the principal was already gone for the day, however I did find out a bit more from Mrs. Arnold, Danny's teacher. She said the boy is going to be fine. The blood was from a nose bleed. Apparently he gets them a lot. He was treated at the scene and his mother picked him up."

"What about the  as....uh, boys who did that to him?"

"The police questioned them, but I don't know what happened. Mrs. Arnold said that that Mr. Parker, the principal would be meeting with the boys and their parents tomorrow morning."

"What? This is so unfair. They should be in jail or at least in, in...juvie or something," I said fuming.

"Calm down Cody, I don't want you upsetting your brother anymore than he already is. Your father will be home soon and I want us to sit down and have a nice family dinner. By the way, where is your brother?"

"He's taking a nap, at least that's what he said. I think he just wanted to be alone for a while. To think or whatever."

She nodded, "Well, let him sleep till dinner is ready. Why don't you help me with the cookies. It's been a while since we baked together."

"Okay," I said giving her a quick hug, "I'm sorry mom." 

"What for honey?"

"For...telling Danny to get involved it this boy's business. I feel like it's my fault."

"Why would you think that? Haven't your father and I always taught you boys to stand up for what is right and help your friends out? Danny did what he should have. He made friends with the boy, he showed him that someone cares. What happened was not his fault, or yours for that matter."

There wasn't much I could say to that so I just dropped it and started dropping cookie dough on a cookie sheet. After a little while I actually felt better and only partly because of all the cookie dough I ate...lol. Just as we were taking out the last batch Danny stumbled in rubbing his eyes and looking like he might have actually slept a little.

Mom pulled him into her and kissed the top of his head and then she opened her arms and motioned me over and we had a three way hug. Danny noticed the cookies and broke off the hug and sniffed the still warm cookies and grinned at mom and she nodded. He grabbed a couple and mom poured him a glass of milk and he sat down at the table and ate them slowly. 

A little while later dad got home and when he saw the cookies he smiled, "Well, you guys have been busy. What's the occasion?"  He said as he kissed mom on the cheek, then he tousled Danny's hair and then gave me a fist bump.

"Oh, nothing really. Can't I bake a few cookies for my guys without causing suspicion?" she teased.

"Well, what's for dinner....cookies?"

"Oh, well.....I sort of forgot about dinner, but I can whip something up in no time......"

"I have a better idea," Dad said hugging mom," let's go out to eat."

"Yeah!" I said happily and Danny seemed to perk up too.

"Well, we haven't eaten out as a family in a while....why not?" Mom said taking off here apron and throwing it on the counter," You boys go get dressed, jeans will be fine, but no tee shirts. I'll just go slip on a dress."

"Uh oh, here we go.....try to get ready in less than an hour please," dad teased.

"You could use a clean shirt too," mom said as she headed to their room and we all laughed.

We wound up at our favorite restaurant, The Country Buffet and once we had found a booth and parked our drinks there we split up and went off to fill our plates. Danny and I headed to the pizza bar and and then to the make your own taco bar and then we took our plates to the table and chowed down. My mom had a big plate of salad but my dad had gone with meatloaf, a steak and mashed potatoes and gravy. He was pretty much a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but he liked other stuff too.

When Danny and I were through with our first plate we went off to see what else we could find that looked tasty. I got a chicken leg  and some barbecue beef and some fish and hush puppies. We met back at the booth and Danny had a big slice of turkey and one of ham and some yams and broccoli. I'd forgotten that he loved broccoli and I smiled. I could take it or leave it, but that kid loved it.

I guess between our trips mom filled dad in on the thing at school because when we got back with our desserts (three each plus ice cream on our pie) dad wanted to talk about it. It didn't seem quite as raw and distressful as before and we filled him in and he nodded and looked thoughtful.

"So, this new boy, Tommy, is he your friend Danny?"

"I guess....I mean I didn't really know him till today, but he's pretty cool," Danny said licking the cheesecake off his spoon. His little pink tongue made me think of when Bastion and I were French kissing.

"Well, it's important that he have friends. If friends stick together the bullies aren't as likely to attack."

Danny shrugged, "It didn't stop them this time."

"Well, hopefully the boys who hurt Tommy today won't be back to school for a while and when they do I'm sure they won't try anything like that again." Dad said, "It's a bad situation but hopefully the teachers will be more aware of what's going on from now on."

"It's crazy dad," I said at last, "It's just like what happened to Bastion only those idiots were probably afraid to actually try anything physical with Bastion. He's built like a brick...uh outhouse," I said grinning.

Dad gave me a strange look and I sort of cringed beneath it. I was really going to have to be more careful what I said about Bastion from now on. My dad was a lot more worldly than my mom, he was a man and he knew lots more about sex and stuff than my mom and well....if I didn't cool it he might figure me out before I even had a chance to figure myself out.

"Yes, but you said he was taught not to use force," dad said looking thoughtful, "but I suppose you're right, those boys probably didn't know that at the time."

"I just want it to be over with," Danny sighed. He seemed to have lost his appetite and was just picking at what was left of his desserts. 

We left right after that and it was kind of quiet on the way home. What had started out to be a fun evening didn't seem so much fun anymore. I think everyone, including me was glad to get home and we sort of scattered once we got there. I beat Danny to the bathroom and took a long hot shower and brushed my teeth and went off to my room.

I texted Bastion and told him goodnight and he returned the sentiment, but I really didn't feel like saying much more. About a half hour later Danny knocked on my door and I told him to come in.

"Hey, get enough to eat?" I joked.

"Ugh, I'm sooooo full," he sighed, "I wanted to say...thanks for being there for me...it means a lot to me."

I patted the bed beside me, "Take a load off."

He grinned and fell down beside me on the bed and looked over at me. This was the first time he had ever been in my bed and I know that sounds weird but it was sort of nice. I thought back to when I was about six and he was four and we had company for Christmas dinner or was it Thanksgiving? Anyway, there was our aunt and uncle and a bunch of kids and I remember Danny and me had to share a pallet on the floor. He cried at first then mom came in and sang him to sleep. I was so jealous and hated him even more because he was the one she cared most about back then. I shook those thoughts from my head and tried to forget the past, but I knew it would come back when I least expected it and there was nothing I could do about it.

"So, you gonna hang around with this new kid, Tommy now?"

"I might, he's pretty cool."

"That's cool. Maybe he can come over some time and you guys can have a play date," I teased.

He shoved me gently, "I'm too old for play dates, but he could come over I guess, maybe even sleep over. I haven't had a friend sleep over in a long time."

I tried to remember when that was and I vaguely remembered some blond kid bouncing around our house one night. I stayed in my room most of that night, but I did eat some of the pizza mom bought for them. But then I hadn't really had a lot of friends over either. I preferred to sleep over at their houses to get away from Danny.

"That would be cool. If you want the three of us could hang out, or I could get lost and let you guys have the place to yourself."

"No, you could stay and maybe we could toss the ball around, Tommy likes baseball."

"Cool, wonder if he wants to play ball this spring?"

"Maybe, he said he played for a while back in Arkansas or wherever he was from."

"Sounds like a plan. Well, nice as this is.....I'm really tired and I bet you are too....."

"Oh, yeah...sure, well....goodnight Cody," he said as he raised up. Then he threw himself into my arms and hugged me tightly before bouncing off the bed and out the door.

I shook my head and smiled as he closed the door behind him. We'd come a long way in such a short time. We'd gone from enemies to brothers and now we were sharing some common things even if Danny wasn't exactly involved the same way I was. I sighed, life was weird....but I had to admit, it was pretty good too. 

I thought about Bastion and I smiled. Then I remembered I'd forgotten to ask my folks about Bastion staying over on Saturday. But I decided tonight probably wasn't the best time anyway. There was always tomorrow and maybe this thing with Tommy would be old news by then.

I reached into my undies and found little Cody...lol, and stroked him and he perked up right away. Soon I was going after it like mad and I didn't even bother to grab a sock this time. I just let it fly and the first squirt hit me in my left eye. I opened my mouth in surprise and the next one went right inside and hit my tongue. I laughed as I tasted myself and I liked it. I'd have rather eaten Bastion's tasty jizz, but mine wasn't bad either. 

The third one hit me in the chest and the next two wound up in my pubes making a sticky mess. I sighed and wiped as much off as I could and stuck my fingers in my mouth and cleaned them off. I grabbed a sock and cleaned up my pubes as best I could and wiped my dick and then threw the sock on the floor and a little while later I fell asleep.

The next day when I got home from school Danny was there waiting for me.

"Hey, what's up bro?"

"Tommy is gonna be okay, they really didn't hurt him that much. He just got a nose bleed cause he was so nervous and he has a few bruises and a black eye...like I had. He's my friend now and I'm gonna invite him over some time."

"That's great," I said as he followed me into my room. I threw my backpack down and grabbed a pair of sweats and changed as he stood watching me with interest.

"Hey, why don't you take a picture," I teased, "it'll last longer."

He giggled, "Wanna get a snack?"

"Yeah, I'm starved," I said and we went out to the kitchen. There were plenty of cookies left and Danny had milk and I had SunnyD. We sat at the table discussing our day and he seemed to have gotten over yesterday's trauma completely. I guess he was more resilient that I thought. I mean he would have to be after the way I jerked him around for the last six years.

"So what happened with the boys who beat that kid up?"

"I don't know exactly, but they weren't at school today so I guess they got kicked out."

"Probably suspended for a week or something, lousy haters. I hope some one bigger than them picks on them someday so they can see how it feels."

"Anyway, a bunch of the other kids said they were glad Paul and those guys were gone and Tommy said a few of them had actually told him they were sorry about what happened."

"Well, that's good. Hey, wanna go throw the ball around when we're done?"

"Sure, I could use the exercise," he joked, "after last night and these cookies."

"Yeah, like you ever gain an ounce," I chuckled.

When mom got home I asked her about Bastion sleeping over and she said she didn't have a problem with it, but we needed to ask dad. I knew if mom okayed it that dad was a pushover so I texted Bastion and gave him the good news.  He was as excited as I was and we texted till my dad got home around six. I told him bye and went in to greet dad as he came through the door leading to the garage.

I hugged him and told him the good news about Tommy then I dropped the question on him. He barely looked up as he said, "It's fine with me."

I wanted to dance and turn cartwheels but I kept myself under control and thanked him and went off to text Bastion and tell him that this time it was for sure. He was as excited as I was and we texted for about fifteen minutes till Danny came in to tell me dinner was ready.

Dinner was baked chicken and dressing and cranberry sauce, it was just like Thanksgiving only chicken instead of turkey and for dessert we had pudding. We had a really good time talking and laughing and Danny seemed really happy. I wondered if he'd still be as happy when he found out Bastion was coming over to spend the night Saturday but I was too pumped to really worry about it much. Anyway we could include him in our daytime fun as long as we had the night to ourselves.

After dinner Danny and I cleared and Danny rinsed and I loaded the dishwasher. I thought this might be the best time to bring the subject up.

"Mom and dad said Bastion could spend the night Saturday, isn't that cool?"

"Yeah, really cool," Danny said sounding excited, "we can maybe hang out, the three of us....right?"

"Sure, I thought we could play some ball if the weather is good, then some video games and pizza, mom said we could order pizza."

"And I won't bug you guys after you go to your room," he said grinning. 

"Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm sure we'll be tired and want to get some sleep."

"So...is Bastion sleeping on the floor or what?"

"I shrugged, not sure yet. We'll figure it out then I guess." Except I already had it figured out...Bastion was sleeping with me...in my bed, but I didn't think there'd be much sleeping going on...he he."

He nodded, "You have a big bed....I guess the two of  you would fit in it. When Robby slept over we both fit in my bed.  We had fun."

He sounded almost like he was telling me they'd messed around. Or was I just reading more into it than there was?

"We told ghost stories and we had a flashlight under the covers," he giggled, "and we made shadow puppets on the wall and one looked like a wiener and we laughed so hard mom came in and told us to quiet down and go to sleep."

I sort of remembered hearing them giggle that night, but of course it was annoying and not funny to me at the time.

"Well, Bastion and I will try to keep it down," I said grinning. 

Danny was quiet for a minute and the only sound was the water running and me rattling the dishes as I put them in the dishwasher. Then he looked at me and frowned, "I don't have to hang out with you guys. I mean he's your friend and if you want to be alone...."

"I thought you liked him...that you guys were friends too."

"Oh sure, I like him a lot. He's really cool. But...you know, you guys like each other more and all."

What was Danny trying to say? Were we that obvious?

"Well, we go to school together and we're the same age so I guess we have a lot in common. But no reason why you two  can't be friends too. In fact I really want the two of you to get along and I don't mind sharing him with you," I said trying to lighten things up, "Really, it's fine. Besides, I like spending time with you too, so this is great," I said putting my arm around his neck and pulling his head down and giving him a wet noogie.

"Stop it Cody," he said giggling, "okay, okay I give, I'll hang with you guys...but just until bed time. I'm not sleeping with you," he said laughing so hard he could barely stand.

I let him go and we finished cleaning up and went in to find the rents. Mom was practically sitting in dad's laugh on the couch and Danny looked at me and grinned. We had never found our parents display of affection embarrassing or offensive, in fact we were glad they loved each other so much. I guess it was sort of like a safely net, as long as they loved each other we didn't  have to worry about them getting a divorce like many of our friends' parents had.

"Ewwww...get a room," I said just because 12 year old boys are supposed to say things like that.

Danny giggled and plopped down beside mom and dad, and mom put her arm around him and pulled him into a hug.

"We were just snuggling, we'll get a room later," she laughed, "Thanks boys for cleaning up."

"You're welcome," I said falling down in dad's recliner, "I'm beat though. I think I'm gonna go take a bubble bath and go to bed."

"Don't use all my bubble bath," mom said and I laughed,  she always said that, like I was a little kid and didn't know how much to use.

"Just a cup or two," I teased making a stupid face.

"Well, don't make a mess," dad said as he smooched on mom's neck.

"Gross, I'm out of here," I said grinning.

Mom and dad laughed and Danny gave me a smile. I winked at him and went off to take my bath.

I was neck deep in bubbles when Danny knocked on the door. This all seemed familiar.

"Who is it?"

"The big bad wolf," Danny giggled.

"Well, huff and puff and come on in," I said then giggled because that sounded dirty.

He came in and peed and washed his hands and then put the toilet lid down and sat down on it. 

"Comfortable?" I asked grinning.

"Yep, just wanna talk."

"Ooookay." What now? I wondered.

"Think mom and dad still do it?"

"Do what?" I asked pretending I didn't understand.

"You know, have sex..."

"Oh, that. Yeah, I hear them at night when you're asleep. Dad is an animal," I teased.

"Shut up Cody," he said grinning, "be serious."

"Well, sure...I mean probably not as much as they did when they were young, but they're not dead yet...so, yeah, I think they do. Why so curious all of a sudden?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. I just can't picture them doing that stuff."

"Well, here's a news flash baby brother, they did it at least twice, that's how we got here."

"I know that, I'm not stupid. But they wanted to make us, now....they don't want more babies so....how do they keep that from happening?"

"Boy, hasn't dad given you the talk yet?"

"Oh sure, but....that was different. I know how babies are made and stuff, but why do people have sex if they don't want to have kids?"

I sighed and leaned back in the tub, "Well, you know how good it feels when you fap, right?"

He blushed but nodded, "Well, having sex is like ten, no a hundred times better than that feeling."

"How do you know?" he asked making me blush.

"Trust me, I just know."

He nodded, "Okay, I guess that makes sense. And if you love someone I guess it's even better, right?"

"Yeah," I said thinking of how much I loved Bastion and how great sex with him was.

"Okay, thanks." he said then he jumped up and left me to wonder what had brought all that on.

I shrugged and enjoyed the rest of my bubble bath and then dried off and brushed my teeth. I slipped on a pair of red boxer briefs and checked my self in the mirror and damn I was hot...lol. I went to my room and closed the door and took some selfies in the mirror and texted Bastion and sent him the best one.

He texted back immediately.

Hot! Boy am I gonna have fun tonight when I get in bed.

No, save it. I want it all for myself when you stay over. Will you promise me...please.

Yes, Cody. I will do that for you and it will be wonderful when we finally get to make love.

Yeah, that's why I said that

So, are you excited?

Yes, very....see

I snapped a pic of my erection and sent in with the next text.

See....all for you.

Mmmmm....I can't wait to feel that inside me

Damn it's gonna be hard to wait now.. lol

But we can do it.

Yeah. 

Well, goodnight. I'll dream of you.

But no wet dreams....lol

I guess those are okay, but no touching

I can do it if you can

Okay, goodnight

Goodnight my love

Bye, love ya

I threw the phone down and fell across the bed. I was rock hard but I'd just made it impossible to do anything about it. I sighed and pulled out a magazine and started reading it while listening to a Linkin Park CD on my small bookshelf stereo. I was pretty happy and very excited about Bastion staying over, but Danny's questions got me to wondering if he suspected me and Bastion were fooling around. We'd have to be extra careful around Danny that was for sure. But he'd said he wouldn't bother us once we went to bed. Now what did he mean by that? The more I thought about it the move worried I was, but nothing could keep me from loving Bastion and being with him so I just had to make things work.

I threw the magazine down and closed my eyes but as tired as I was I couldn't sleep. Mom knocked on my door then poked her head in.

"You asleep sweetie?"

"Yes, mom and I'm dreaming my mother is at my door. Oh, she is," I giggled.

"Smart ass," she said then smiled, "Can I come in?"

"Mi casa es tu casa," I said then giggled again.

"Well, I'm glad you've absorbed a little Spanish. I just wanted to say thank you for being there for Danny and for helping him through this. Sometimes I don't know how we made it when...well, you two weren't speaking."

"You're welcome. What are brothers for?" I said grinning.

"You know what I mean," she said coming over and cuffing me playfully, "I'm glad we are finally going to meet this new friend of yours, it's obvious he's a good influence on you."

"He's really cool mom. I just know you'll like him," I said then realizing how excited I was getting I toned it down a bit, "I mean as far as friends go."

I saw a look in my mom's eyes that scared me. Was she reading my mind or was I so obvious anyone could figure me out?

"Well," she said patting my cheek and then planting a kiss on my forehead, "If you like him, I know we will."

"Thanks mom....for letting him come over. We're gonna include Danny too," I said then thinking how that might sound I added, "I mean we're gonna play some catch, both of them need some practice if they're gonna play ball this spring."

She nodded, "Well, I'm glad you're letting Danny play too, but if you guys want to be alone, just let him know. I've already talked to him and he's walking on clouds about all this, but he told me that when you guys got tired of him to let him know."

"You did, I mean you talked to him about it already?"

"Yes, I just left him. He's so excited he'll probably never go to sleep," she chuckled.

"Naw, he will. I know I'm gonna sleep like a baby," I said batting my eyelashes.

"You are my baby," she said patting me, "Well....goodnight...baby boy," she said smiling, "I love you Codster."

She hadn't called me Codster since I was little and I smiled, "Goodnight mom. Love ya," I said pulling her into a hug.

She patted me and when I broke the hug she kissed the end of my nose, "I'm so glad you're not too old for a hug," she said smiling.

"I will never be too old for a hug," I said seriously, "even when I'm as old as you and dad."

"Thanks, I guess," she laughed, "We're not that old you know?"

"Just kidding mom, you're not old, just mature," I said giving her my best smile.

"And you're a little charmer. Well, goodnight sweetie. See you in the morning."

"Night mom," I said yawning, suddenly feeling tired but happy.

She left then and I turned out my lamp and got under the covers. I thought about how happy my mom was because I was being nice to Danny now and I felt sort of bad. How miserable had she been before? Sometimes I didn't think I was a very good person, but she was right about Bastion being a good influence and with his help maybe I could be proud of myself some day. I felt drowsy suddenly and I went with it and before too long I was asleep.