Readers:

Please note that the rest of this story is up at my website. Chapter 98.3 was just released on 11/5/09

The website is at: http://dwedno.altervista.org/

Thank you. Dwedno.

Trouble All Around.

Chapter 94, Part 2.

He only made it a few feet into the room before someone grabbed him from behind. Chris had quickly grabbed his pants and pulled them up and was hiding under the bed. Billy was covering himself with one hand as he tried to put his pants back on and fell to the floor. Joey had grabbed a blanket off the bed and tried to cover himself with it.

"HOW COULD YOU! I'M GONNA TEAR YOU APART!" screamed Danny trying to get away from Bryan who had a firm grip on him. "Let go of me Bryan I have to kill them."

"Not until you calm down," said Bryan holding tight to Danny.

"But didn't you see what they were doing?" cried Danny.

"I saw, but killing them isn't the answer," said Bryan.

"I think it is!" said Danny struggling to get free so he could pound Billy and Joey. "LET ME GO!"

"No," said Bryan simply.

"But they were hurting Chris," sobbed Danny as he slumped in Bryan's arms.

"It didn't look like they were hurting him to me, but they shouldn't have been doing that with him," said Bryan.

"What's going on?" said Tommy looking over the scene. He saw Billy had fallen on the floor while trying to put his pants on. Chris was poking his head out from under the bed. Joey was hiding in the corner with a blanket wrapped around him.

"I think we might want to talk about this in private, Tommy," said Bryan.

"Yeah, you are probably right, but I have a good idea on what happened," said Tommy. "Chris, get out from under the bed, right now." Once he was out Tommy continued, "Danny, take your brother into your room and talk to him about what happened."

"But Tommy...," started Danny.

"Now, Danny! Go to your room with him. I'll call you after I talk to Bryan. Chris you had better not lie about what happened. Just tell your brother the truth," Tommy said cutting Danny off. When Danny and Chris had left Tommy said sharply to Billy and Joey, "Get dressed you two, and stay in your room until I tell you otherwise."

Tommy then left with Bryan to go talk in his room. When they got there, Jon was waiting for Tommy as Tommy motioned for Bryan to sit down.

"This looks serious, maybe I should leave," said Jon.

"No Jon, I want you to stay," said Tommy.

"Okay TJ," replied Jon taking a seat.

"Bryan, tell me what you saw happen please so I can decide what to do," said Tommy wearily.

"I was looking for Austin and Jose when I passed their door. I heard what I thought was either Billy of Joey jacking off. I mean, we all know what that sounds like and that's pretty much what it sounded like from outside their room. I didn't stay to listen. I just heard it as I went by. Anyway, Austin and Jose weren't in their temporary room so I was going to go downstairs and look again. Danny came up looking for Chris. I was passing him in the hall when I heard two distinct voices coming out of Billy and Joey's room. It surprised me at first as I thought only one of them was in there. The door was slightly ajar, so Danny pushed it open to find Chris. We then saw Joey on the floor between Billy's legs. Chris was trembling with Billy's hand fondling him. Danny went mad so I grabbed him to prevent anyone from getting hurt. Then you came," finished Bryan.

"Okay," said Tommy thinking about what to do now.

"You don't seem surprised about hearing what Billy and Joey were doing," said Bryan.

"I'm not, I have known for a long time that Billy and Joey were messing around with each other," said Tommy. "I guess it's time to tell you, just don't freak out on me."

"Tell me what?" asked Bryan.

"Most of the boys in my house are gay. Well, I'm not really sure if they are gay, bi, or straight but there aren't exactly many girls around here. The only one is your wife and none of the boys around here is about to try for her. The boys aren't stupid, they realize it's either their hand or find someone to play with. We all know it's a lot more enjoyable if you do it with someone else. So, that's what a lot of them have done," said Tommy.

"Yeah, I think everyone in our house knows that Billy and Joey are like a couple," said Jon.

"Ben?" asked Bryan.

"You would have to ask him, I really don't know," said Tommy.

"Since you are telling me this, are you gay?" asked Bryan.

"Yes, I am gay. I hope that doesn't change anything," said Tommy worriedly.

"I'm gay too," said Jon quickly.

"You two are a couple?"

"Yes, Jon is my lover," Tommy said, making Jon beam with pride.

"Well...Congratulations are in order then," said Bryan making Tommy and Jon relax as he reached out and shook their hands. "This won't change anything but you are going to have to give me some time to get used to the idea. I'm afraid I don't adapt to change very well."

"You are taking this a lot better than I thought you would," Tommy said.

"I can imagine what you might have thought but after the comet, worrying about someone's sexual preference seems extremely inconsequential," said Bryan. "Now, what are you going to do with Billy and Joey? I don't have a problem with what they were doing since they can consent to it but I seem to doubt Chris has experienced enough of life to give a truly informed consent."

"Yeah, this is a mess. I have to find a solution that will make Danny happy so he doesn't try to kill them. Chris needs a good talking to from Danny and to be supervised more so this doesn't happen again. At least, until he gets older," Tommy said.

"I don't envy you for figuring out that one," said Bryan. "Oh, there is something I need to talk to you about and I don't think you will like it."

"Shit, this day seems to be shaping up to be another great day," said Tommy sarcastically. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Kate gave Hunter a bath today," said Bryan.

"WHAT?!" shouted Tommy. "What was she thinking? He's not one of your boys. He's mine!"

"Calm down TJ," said Jon putting his hand on Tommy's shoulder.

"Why did she do it," said Tommy a little more composed.

"Before you get all pissed off at Kate, you need to know she did have Kyle's permission first. She's on this kick about showing everyone that she loves them, and she wants to do it in more meaningful ways than just saying it. I think it's because she is pregnant and hormonal truthfully... Hunter was a real mess after breakfast so since she was going to give Joel a bath she invited Hunter to join them. Hunter accepted apparently. Remember, Kate did get Kyle's permission before she washed him though. I talked to her about it but she was raised in a more liberal environment where bathing and nudity is concerned, so while she doesn't agree that it was wrong she does agree she won't do it again unless she talks to you first."

"Thanks for telling me Bryan. I guess she meant well but make sure she knows not to bathe Hunter again without talking to me. The others are old enough to decide on their own. Oh, no bathing Chris without Danny's permission either."

Tommy thought for a second about adding Shawn to the list, but thought it might not be wise after how Bryan reacted to seeing Chris with the other boys.

"I'll make sure she understands and doesn't do it again," said Bryan.

"How did Hunter take his bath?" asked Jon.

"He said he enjoyed it and didn't seem embarrassed or anxious but then Shawn was with him," replied Bryan.

"She didn't give a bath to Shawn did she?" asked Tommy.

"No, but he did say something about letting her next time," Bryan said.

"Wow, that's surprising. Well I had better go get Danny and try to fix this mess. Thanks for telling me all this," said Tommy as he walked Bryan out of his room.

"Good luck Tommy," said Bryan as he left to go downstairs.

"Danny! Chris! Get over here!" Tommy shouted.

Tommy watched Danny leave his room holding a rope. It wasn't until he saw Chris did he figured out that the rope was attached to a ring that was on a little harness that Chris was wearing. There were tears in Chris's eyes as he rubbed his butt and trudged behind Danny down the hall to Tommy's room.

"I don't want to wear this," sobbed Chris.

"I don't care. You want me to get you a dog collar so you can wear that!" snapped Danny.

"No," said Chris despondently.

Danny occasionally tugged on the rope forcing Chris to move faster. Once they were in Tommy's room Danny sat down on the couch and had Chris sit on the floor at his feet. Tommy noticed Chris wince as he sat down.

"Danny what did you do to Chris?" asked Tommy.

"I just put him in a child harness so he won't get too far away from me anymore."

"I think it's on backwards Dan," said Jon looking at a very unhappy Chris.

"No, I wanted it that way so the clips are on the back so it's harder for him to take it off," replied Dan.

"That's not what I meant. Did you spank him?" asked Tommy.

"Yes, I did."

"Come here Chris, let me see what he did," said Tommy gently.

As Chris slowly walked over to Tommy, he wiped his eyes, sniffling as Tommy turned him around and pulled his pants down a little in the back. Tommy then took off the child harness and hugged the boy.

"I'm sorry Chris," said Tommy sadly. "Now go lie on my bed on your stomach."

"Hey, he's my brother I'll decide what he does," said Danny angrily.

"Not right now you don't," said Tommy quietly.

"He's my responsibility, I'll say...," said Danny before Tommy cut him off.

"Shut up! He's going to have bruises you asshole!" said Tommy standing up towering over the boy. "You are never to hit him again when you are angry. If you ever hurt him like this again, I'll beat the shit out of you. Do you understand me!" thundered Tommy.

"Yes Tommy," Danny replied meekly.

"Alright Chris, tell me what happened in Billy's and Danny's room," asked Tommy gently to the hurting boy.

Chris just lied on the bed and shook his head `No'.

"Did you tell Danny what happened?" asked Jon.

Chris then shook his head `Yes'.

"Okay Dan, what did he tell you then," asked Tommy still very upset over the condition of Chris's butt.

"First he tried to give this stupid story but I could see he was lying. Eventually, he told me the truth. He went to them, they didn't force him to do anything," said Danny glaring at Chris.

"Did they hurt him?

"No, but you need to punish them. They shouldn't have been doing stuff with him."

"You just said he went to them," said Jon.

"I don't care! He's too young. They should have sent him away and told me. They shouldn't have done stuff with him and I want them punished."

"What do you think is a fair punishment," said Tommy.

"I want you to beat their asses, and then do what you did to me. I want you to let me beat their asses until they are black and blue," said Danny vindictively.

"And when that's done how should I punish you?" asked Tommy.

"What? I didn't do anything," said Danny surprised.

"You are responsible for Chris. If you had been paying attention to him, like you were supposed to, this wouldn't have happened," said Tommy.

"I can't watch him all the time," complained Danny.

"It doesn't make you any less responsible for what he did," said Tommy.

"Maybe you could just give them a good spanking then," said Danny.

"They are a little old for a spanking Danny," said Tommy.

"You didn't think I was too old for a spanking and they aren't much older than me," said Danny hotly.

"Danny, I was wrong to do that to you. I let my authority go to my head and because of that, I hurt you. I... was... wrong. I shouldn't have done that to you and I'm very, very sorry," said Tommy sadly.

"Oh," said Danny not sure how to respond to Tommy's apology.

"If I punish them like you want me to, I'll have to punish you also. When I'm done with that, I'll have to punish Chris too. Are you sure that's what you want?" asked Tommy.

"No, but you wouldn't have to punish Chris I already did that."

"Yes, I know. You are to never punish him until you are no longer angry, this is never to happen again," said Tommy seriously.

"It won't," said Danny. Walking over to Chris he said, "I'm sorry Chris, I didn't mean to hit you that hard."

Chris got up, hugged his brother, and said, "I'm sorry too, do I have to keep wearing that stupid thing?"

"Yes, I want to know exactly where you are for awhile," said Danny. "Think of it this way, you and I will be spending a lot more time together. So we can do a bunch of stuff you want to do."

"Okay," said Chris petulantly.

"Now, do I need to go beat Billy and Joey then punish both of you, or will being grounded and a stern lecture do?" asked Tommy.

"I guess grounding them will do then," said Danny unhappily.

"Good, because I'm not sure Hunter could have taken hearing me beat their asses. All right then, I'll ground them for a bit. You can have a nice long talk with Chris about this. No hitting!" said Tommy waving his finger at Danny.

"I will," said Danny.

"Alright, get out of here I have to talk to some of the others now."

"Come on Chris," said Danny after he put the harness back on the sad little boy.

"Wait a sec," called Jon as he ran into the bathroom. When he came out, he tossed a tube of something to Danny. "Put that on your brother's butt. It's a pain cream, supposed to make muscle aches and pains go away faster."

"Thanks," said Danny catching the cream. "Let's go put some of this on your butt," continued Danny tugging his brother out of the room.

Once they were alone again, Jon said, "You gonna go talk to Billy and Joey now?"

"No, I need to talk to Kyle and Hunter about this bath thing. Can you go find Kyle for me please? I want to sit for a moment and calm down some more."

"Sure TJ, I'll go get him," Jon said as he went in search of Kyle.

It took a bit of pounding on the attic door but eventually Kyle answered it. He looked a bit flustered but once he heard that his brother needed to talk to him about something, he shouted up to tell Luke he would be back in awhile. Together they walked back to Tommy's room.

"Hey bro, Jon said you wanted to talk to me about something," said Kyle.

"Yes I did. Where's Hunter by the way?" replied Tommy.

"He's off somewhere playing with Shawn and Austin," responded Kyle.

"I thought I asked Luke, to ask you to watch him? Didn't he ask you?"

"Ummm, yeah he did."

"So why aren't you watching him then!" shouted Tommy angrily as he got out of his chair and towered over his brother.

"Relax TJ," said Jon as he stood behind Tommy and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. Jon then escorted Tommy back to his chair and calmly stood behind it with his hand on his lover's shoulder.

Kyle was stunned, first by his brother's anger but even more so by Jon's ability to calm him down so well. He seriously doubted even he could have calmed his brother as fast as Jon just did.

"Shawn is watching him, he's fine," said Kyle defensively.

"When was the last time you saw him?"

"Awhile ago," Kyle said softly.

"Then how do you know he's fine!" shouted Tommy again. "I wanted you to watch him for a reason. I thought I could depend on you to keep an eye on him and get me if there was a problem. I tried the other day to let Shawn watch him, that didn't work out too well."

"I'm sorry TJ."

"Kyle, would you trust Shawn with a loaded gun?" said Tommy rubbing his forehead.

"No, he doesn't have the education about guns that we do."

"Hunter is like a loaded gun, only A LOT more dangerous. I know I said he wasn't dangerous to the others but I didn't want them to worry. As long as someone responsible is watching him, he is okay. I really don't think he could actually hurt anyone on his own but he is capable of killing every one of us if he wanted to. He wouldn't unless specifically ordered to though, which is why I wanted to leave him with you. I thought you were responsible enough to look after him. He has lived through shit that would have killed or drive the rest of us insane and you have seen a small part of it. I can't have him being watched by just anyone. That's why I have been watching him so much. I asked you to watch him a couple times because I trust you more than I trust anyone," said Tommy. Turning to Jon he said, "Sorry Jon you are my lover but he is my brother."

"I understand," Jon said.

"I'm sorry Tommy, I didn't know about that," said Kyle as tears formed in his eyes.

"Yeah, well now you do and what's this I hear about Kate giving him a bath?" Tommy said starting to get angry again.

"Well, Kate asked him if he wanted a bath and he said yes. He was really messy after breakfast."

"If you were watching him how did he get to be so much of a mess during breakfast?"

"I didn't know you have to do special stuff when he eats. I just let him eat."

"Didn't anyone say something? I mean we have been telling him no one is going to take his food for a few days now. Didn't anyone notice? Doesn't anyone pay attention around here?" said Tommy completely frustrated.

"Ummm, nope, no one said a thing. Not until Shawn came down. He knew and told us but it was too late by then. No one made fun of him though, well except Zach. He tried to be funny once but no one laughed and he got a lot of nasty looks for saying anything."

"Did you honestly think letting Kate give him a bath was a good idea?"

"Not at first, but he didn't seem to care if she gave him a bath."

"Would you like it if Kate gave you a bath? I'm sure I can get her to give you one."

"No," replied Kyle timidly.

"How about if I gave you a bath?" asked Tommy. "I mean, you are my baby brother I could bathe you if you want."

"No, that would be better than Kate giving me a bath but I wouldn't like that either."

"If it's not okay for you, then why is it okay for Hunter?" barked Tommy.

"I don't know," said Kyle lamely. "He asked me if he could, I thought if that's what he wants it was alright."

"Kyle, stop trying to shift the blame. You were responsible for him, which means it's your fault if things go wrong. Hunter has a problem saying `No' to people. How do you know he didn't just agree with Kate because he was afraid to say `No'?"

"I didn't think of that."

"When I leave him with you, it's because I trust you to make good choices. He can't make them on his own yet, so you have to make them for him. If he asks you to do something that you think is alright then let him but if it's questionable, like letting someone bathe him, then say NO."

"I'm sorry TJ. I'll do better next time. I promise."

"Kyle, Hunter is very important to me. I took responsibility for him from Al. The only reason Al is willing to help us is that I said I would watch him and look after him. I wanted you to watch him because I thought you were responsible enough to look after him, so I could catch up on some sleep. I just can't keep spending my nights awake with him and not get any sleep. I need your help, just like I need Jon's help. Jon has helped me a great deal with Hunter but he needs some sleep too. Unfortunately, the two of us aren't enough for him. Can I count on you from now on? If I ask you to watch Hunter, that means I need you to watch him. Not hand him off to someone, at least for awhile, until he learns how to behave better."

"I'm sorry Tommy," sniffled Kyle.

"I know you are," said Tommy as he got up and went to his brother to give him a hug. "I love you Kyle. I might get a little pissed off at you sometimes but that doesn't change the fact that I love you and I'm sorry for yelling at you. You really pissed me off but I'll get over it," Tommy murmured in his ear. "Now you go be with Luke and I'll go find Hunter."

"Okay TJ," said Kyle as he walked out of the room.

After Kyle left, Tommy collapsed into his chair. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.

"You okay TJ?" asked Jon.

"I'm just tired, the day started so nice when you woke me up too. Dealing with all this is just exhausting."

"Maybe you should try to get some more sleep. You only got around five hours, it just showed how tired you are when you barked at Kyle. I have never seen you act that way towards him before and that wasn't much of an apology TJ. You might want to remember he doesn't know all that much about Hunter also."

Tommy thought for a moment, "You know Jon I'm just too damn tired. I didn't mean to make my brother my punching bag, you're right. Thanks for telling me. After I talk to Hunter and Shawn, I might take a nap and then talk to him."

"Okay TJ. Want me to go find them?"

"Yes Jon, if you don't mind. I would really appreciate that."

"I'll be back in a little bit then. You try to relax a little," said Jon as he headed for the door.

"Thanks Jon," said Tommy wearily.

Jon found both boys in the kitchen as they finished their lunch. Kate was busy washing Hunter's face and hands while Shawn was putting away their dishes. Jon talked to them for a moment and then brought them up to Tommy's room.

"Sit down boys. I want to talk to you," said Tommy as Shawn and Hunter sat on his couch, while Jon took up position behind Tommy.

"Sure TJ," said Shawn.

"I understand Kate gave you a bath this morning Hunter. How did that go?" asked Tommy.

"I'm sorry Sir," cried Hunter as he threw himself at Tommy's feet. "I didn't mean to say it."

"That's okay Hunter, you aren't in trouble, relax," Tommy said gently as he pulled the boy to his feet and looked at him. Seeing how distressed Hunter was Tommy said, "Shawn, what is he talking about?"

"Everything was going fine until Kate washed him," said Shawn.

"Why didn't he wash himself and why didn't you stop her from washing him?"

"She let him wash himself to begin with but he did such a terrible job of it that she just took the washcloth and did it herself. I saw when she washed Austin that she wasn't abusing him or anything, she was just really nice and gentle. I figured that it would be okay for her to wash Hunter that way too. I mean, if I washed him it would have looked a little weird. So I didn't say anything and let her wash him up."

"So what happened?" Tommy sighed.

"She was stretching that extra skin he has on the end of his dick to make sure it wasn't too tight or something like that," said Shawn.

"You mean his foreskin?" asked Jon.

"Yeah that. Then he asked her if she would continue to do it until he got that really good feeling like he does when we do it," said Shawn embarrassedly.

Tommy froze for a minute as he took that in. He just sat in his chair holding Hunter in front of him as Hunter softly cried and looked like the world was going to end on him. Hunter was certain that he was about to be beaten for his mistake, he just hoped that his Master wouldn't send him away though. Just then, Jon giggled breaking the silence.

"It's not funny Jon," said Tommy.

"Yes it is," giggled Jon.

"Relax Hunter, you aren't in trouble. No one is going to hurt you. Eventually, you are going to believe me on that," said Tommy kindly watching as Hunter calmed down in front of him. "How did she take it?"

"She took it really well actually. I've never been so embarrassed in my life but she just told him it wouldn't be right for her to do that. She saw how embarrassed I was and said she knew how boys played and that she knew what happened in this house."

"I guess she is going to tell Bryan about this now," said Tommy wearily.

"No, she said she wouldn't tell anyone,' replied Shawn.

"That's something, I guess," murmured Tommy.

"She didn't think that Bryan would have a problem with it though," said Shawn.

"Yeah, I would have to agree on that now that I had a little talk to him earlier," said Tommy.

"Oh, what happened?" asked Shawn.

"He kinda walked in on Billy, Joey, and Chris earlier today so Tommy had to tell him how the house is really gay or the boys realize that there aren't exactly any other girls to play with, so it's either their hand or one another," said Jon.

"Chris is a bit young don't you think?" replied Shawn.

"There is a bigger age difference between you and me than there is between them. So if we bitched at them about that, it would be like the pot calling the kettle black type of thing," said Tommy.

"I guess, but Chris is only eight."

"And you were only nine when we started."

"But I came to you. You didn't start anything with me. I basically had to jump your bones before you would do stuff with me."

Jon started laughing, "So you seduced the great and almighty TJ that must have taken all of five seconds."

"Maybe ten," laughed Shawn.

"OKAY, that's enough!" Tommy chuckled, "You wiseasses."

"Chris went to them too. They didn't go looking for him it seems," said Jon.

"Oh, I guess that's okay then," said Shawn.

"Back to the bath, Hunter why did you want Kate to bathe you to begin with?" asked Tommy. "Kyle said you asked him for permission."

"I...I...," sniffled Hunter, "I thought that since you said she was a nice lady I should do as she asked. If she were a nice lady, then she wouldn't hurt me when I gave her the chance and she didn't. But, it was mainly to try to face my fear like you told me too. I wanted to make you proud of me by facing it and letting her touch me. Then I went and ruined it by saying that thing," cried Hunter.

"Shh, shh, it's okay Hunter," said Tommy as he gathered the boy into his arms. "You didn't ruin anything. I am very proud of you for facing your fear. I know it must have been extremely difficult for you to let her touch you like that. I'm very happy that you did though," said Tommy smiling at the boy.

"Thank you Sir," said Hunter hugging Tommy.

"Other than your little slip of the tongue, did you enjoy your bath?"

"Oh yes Sir, you were right. She is a nice lady. She didn't hurt me at all."

"Well I'm glad to hear that. I just don't want you to do it again without getting my permission first, okay?" asked Tommy.

"Yes Sir," said Hunter smiling at Tommy.

Seeing Hunter smile just brightened up Tommy's dismal day and seemed to make putting up with all this other crap a lot easier.

"Shawn, what's this Bryan tells me that you might let Kate give you a bath next time?" asked Tommy as he pointed Hunter over to the couch and gave him a gentle pat on the butt to get him moving.

"Well, I saw how Kate washed Austin and Hunter, and it looked very nice. It wasn't sexual at all, even if they both got hard. It just brought back memories of my Mom sitting in the bath with me and I kinda liked it. I thought it might feel nice to feel like that again. It's not like she would actually wash me other than my back. She only washed Hunter because when she let him do it, he did such a shitty job of it."

"Yeah I remember my Mom doing that too," said Jon.

"That must have been quite a few years ago," said Tommy.

"No, not really, I think the last time was when I was almost twelve," said Jon. "She didn't wash me or anything like that. She would sit in the bathroom and talk or play with me. It made me feel really special, but then I got old enough that I asked her not to anymore. I regret that now, I would give almost anything to have just one more special moment with my Mom," said Jon wistfully.

"I think I know what you mean," said Tommy wishing he too could have just one more day with his Mom.

"Oh, Tommy why was Danny spanking Chris?" asked Shawn. "At least I assume it was Chris. I mean, Hunter sorta collapsed outside for a minute and said that the `little sir was being spanked by his brother' and I didn't think you were spanking Kyle."

"Danny walked in on Billy, Joey, and Chris. He went a little berserk and punished his brother. He won't do it again though unless he is calmed down. I'll talk to him about it and tell him not to do it when Hunter is anywhere close to the house."

"Good, because Hunter was certain he was going to be next for some reason," said Shawn. "I convinced him otherwise but still. I don't think it would be good for Hunter to hear that again."

"I'll take care of it Shawn, don't worry about it, and Hunter, no one is going to punish you without my permission first," said Tommy yawning.

"You should probably try to get some more sleep Tommy. You look really tired," said Jon.

"Yeah, I think I'll do that. Can you go tell Billy and Joey they are grounded to their room until further notice please?" asked Tommy.

"Sure TJ, I'll go do that. Then do you want me to keep an eye on Hunter for you?" asked Jon.

"That would be great Jon, thanks."

"Umm, TJ, can Hunter and I use your hot tub? I'm still a little cold from playing outside and thought it might be nice to relax in it with him," asked Shawn.

Tommy took a long look at Shawn before he said, "I guess, but be good in there. I mean it Shawn."

"We will, don't worry," said Shawn giving Tommy his innocent look.

"Hunter, if I'm not up go find Jon afterwards so he can keep an eye on you."

"Yes Sir," said Hunter as he started to take off his clothes.

"Boys, don't spend more than thirty minutes in the hot tub please. Don't make too much noise either, remember I'm trying to catch up on my sleep in here," said Tommy.

"Okay Tommy," said Shawn as he, along with Tommy and Jon, silently watched Hunter strip for them, neatly folds his clothes up, and put them on the dresser.

Once Hunter was done giving them a little show Jon said, "I'll go talk to Billy and Joey now."

"Thanks Jon," said Tommy as he got up and gave Jon a hug and kiss. "It means a lot to me," said Tommy as he pinched Jon's ass playfully.

Jon left giggling as Tommy lay down on his bed. Shawn took Hunter's hand and led him to the hot tub closing the door to the bathroom behind them.

As Shawn started to fill up the hot tub, he began to take off his clothes.

"Hunter, I just wanted to tell you again how sorry I am for last time," Shawn said meekly.

"Thank you Shawn," smiled Hunter. "I did like how you made me feel but I didn't like that you didn't ask me."

"Well, I will definitely ask you from now on."

"That would be nice."

"Ummm, you want to do something in the tub?"

"You don't think Sir would get upset do you?"

"No, if TJ didn't want us to do stuff together he wouldn't have let us go in the hot tub alone. He also probably would have said something."

"Oh, if you are sure, then I would like to do something. I never felt so good until I met you and Sir, and I really like when you both make me feel that way."

"Hunter, are you sure? I don't want to take advantage of you again. I felt terrible once I realized what I had done to you," said Shawn as he sat on the edge of the tub naked swinging his legs a little as he waited for the tub to fill.

"I like to feel good. I never knew it felt so good until I came here. I knew the men and women really liked what they made me do but I never knew it was that good," said Hunter as he walked over to stand between Shawn's spread legs.

"Did they make you do stuff a lot?"

"Only a couple times a day, so not that often," replied Hunter.

"I'm sorry Hunter that must have been terrible," said Shawn as he stood up and hugged Hunter closely to him. `A couple times a day!' thought Shawn and Hunter didn't think that was much almost made Shawn cry.

"I like getting hugs. I never really knew what they were before Sir started to give me them. I really like it when you give me them too," said Hunter. "That feels funny," giggled Hunter as Shawn started to wiggle his butt and rub his penis up against Hunter's penis getting a rise out of each of them.

"Does it feel good?" asked Shawn.

"Yes, it does," replied Hunter as he began wiggling against Shawn in return.

"Let's get in the water and then we can play some more," said Shawn.

"Okay Shawn."

The two boys then carefully got into the water, sat back, and enjoyed the hot water. They played a little and splashed each other some. Then they started trying to talk underwater and see if they could understand what the other said. Hunter could hear and understand what Shawn said but Shawn only occasionally understood what Hunter said. The two boys laughed and just thoroughly enjoyed their fun in the tub together. After getting over a laughing fit from Hunter tickling him, Shawn sidled next to him and put his hand between Hunter's legs.

"You wanna do some more good feeling stuff?" asked Shawn.

"Yes Shawn, I think that would be fun but are you sure we won't get in trouble?"

"Positive, as long as we both want to do it, we won't get in trouble," replied Shawn smiling.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Just do what I do and whatever you feel like doing. If I don't like it I'll stop you, just like you need to stop me if I do something you don't like."

"Okay," replied Hunter as he put his hand between Shawn's legs and started slowly to jerk Shawn off, just as Shawn was doing to him.

The two boys just sat next to each other, each jerking the other off. Shawn would occasionally bend over and kiss Hunter. They would lock lips and explore each other's mouths. Their hand that wasn't busy between the other's legs would occasionally caress the other's chest and tweak their nipples. They were both moaning into each other's mouths when suddenly they both had their dry orgasms and each of their bodies jerked next to each other. They recovered in each other's arms as they smiled at one another.

"I think you will like this, at least the other people seemed to like it," Hunter said as he ducked under the water.

Shawn felt Hunter settle underwater between his legs and felt him fondle his dick and balls a little. Being a young boy it only took a few moments before he was ready to go again. Shawn then felt something he had never felt before. He felt Hunter take his dick into his mouth and suck on it. Shawn had felt this many times before with Tommy but never underwater. This added a completely new feeling to it, a feeling that Shawn was really enjoying. Then Hunter not only had Shawn's dick in his mouth but he took in Shawn's balls too. The head of Shawn's dick was rubbing against the back of Hunter's throat as Hunter's tongue was gently caressing his balls. This was driving Shawn wild, but Hunter didn't stop there. He reached under Shawn and began to move his finger in circles around Shawn's backdoor. The combined feeling of his dick, balls, and hole being stimulated gave Shawn one of the most powerful orgasms he had ever had. As Shawn recovered from his second orgasm, he felt Hunter reposition him. Shawn's butt was hanging off the edge and he could feel Hunter pry his cheeks apart. He felt another thrill as Hunter began to lick his ass. Hunter was working towards his aching hole when he heard a little knock on the door. Shawn immediately reached down to grab Hunter and pull him up. Hunter surfaced with a splash and smiled happily at Shawn, who just reached out and hugged him with all his strength.

"Come in," shouted Shawn.

Tommy entered the bath looking at the two happy boys. He had been listening and watching them for a while as the bathroom door wasn't fully closed. Tommy had to fight down another stab of jealousy seeing them together as they were. He had no doubt about what Hunter was probably doing under the water so long, especially from watching Shawn's reaction to it. As Tommy had watched them, he remembered something Trevor had said in his dream. Trevor had said that he needed to keep Shawn close to him or he would lose him. He wondered if this is how he was going to lose him, to Hunter. Tommy didn't want to lose Shawn and wanted to run in on the boys to stop what was going on. He didn't though. He knew if he wanted to, he could just order Hunter not to do that type of thing with anyone other than him and Hunter would do it. Even if he didn't want to, Hunter would obey Tommy. Tommy knew he wouldn't do that either though. It hurt him terribly to see Shawn drift away from him and to watch Shawn and Hunter grow closer to each other. He felt as if his heart would break from the loss of Shawn. Even with that terrible pain, he didn't do anything about it. Tommy knew that what was happening between Shawn and Hunter was special. He knew that he needed to do the right thing for both of the boys, no matter how painful it was to him. Tommy thought that the right thing to do wouldn't be just to leave them alone. The right thing would be to support their relationship in any way he could, which was going to be extremely difficult for Tommy to do because he loved Shawn so much. Tommy understood that he would soon be regulated to a side position with Shawn and that Hunter was taking his place within Shawn's heart. He also knew that while his place as Hunter's Master was untouchable, his position within the boy's heart wasn't. Strangely, he wasn't that upset over not being Hunter's lover. He realized that he did love the boy with all his heart but it was very different from how he loved Shawn or Jon. He wasn't averse to having some fun with Hunter as long as Hunter agreed, but he wanted to protect and nurture Hunter more than anyone he had ever met. He wanted to protect Shawn too, but not in the same way. Shawn was far more independent than Hunter was, so he was better able to look after himself. Hunter might be a little killing machine but he was so afraid of everyone, Tommy wasn't certain that would ever go away totally. Tommy understood that Shawn's main attraction to him was probably the feeling of safety he provided, even if Shawn didn't understand it himself, Tommy knew though. Tommy knew that a relationship based on safety would never survive unless it grew beyond that. He knew he would probably lose Shawn eventually anyway but it didn't make it any easier to accept. Especially when eventually looked like it was starting now. It took Tommy quite awhile standing at the door watching the two boys play in the hot tub before he could knock on the door to announce his presence.

"Hi guys," said Tommy, "it's time to get out now."

"Okay TJ," said Shawn as he broke the hug with Hunter as they both got out of the tub. "Hunter that was a lot of fun, what were you doing at the end though?" whispered Shawn.

"Maybe next time we will have enough time to try it Shawn, that way you will find out. The others seemed to enjoy it a lot when they made me do it to them," said Hunter as he held Shawn's hand and smiled at Tommy.

Tommy then grabbed a towel and helped dry off Shawn, tickling him a little. Shawn laughed and enjoyed the attention Tommy was giving him, and then gave Tommy a hug. Tommy hugged the naked boy back joyfully. Then gave him a little slap on the butt to indicate he was done drying him off. Shawn then took the other towel from Tommy and began to dry Hunter. Soon Hunter was sporting another erection from Shawn's attention to drying him so carefully. Tommy smiled as he watched his Cutie have his fun with Hunter who happily allowed him to dry and touch him how he wanted to. He saw Hunter give a big yawn as Shawn finally finished drying his backside. Hunter's yawn was infectious as Shawn began yawning too.

"Hunter, I can see you are very tired so I want you to take a nap," said Tommy.

"Yes Sir," replied Hunter as he began to tremble in fear over what his dreams might do to him.

"You will be okay Hunter, don't worry," yawned Shawn as he tried to comfort the terrified boy.

"Shawn, you can take one with him," said Tommy.

"What! I'm not a baby that needs to be sent to bed for a nap! I'm not that tired," said Shawn angrily.

"Shawn, watch the tone! I didn't say you were a baby and neither is Hunter. Both of you are yawning so it's obvious both of you are tired and a little nap won't hurt you. If Hunter is young enough to be sent for a nap then so are you."

"But I don't wanna take a nap!" whined Shawn.

"Too bad, I want you to take a nap with Hunter to see if he will sleep with you, so stop acting like a baby, and act your age."

"Oh, why didn't you say that to begin with then," snapped Shawn.

"Because I didn't think you were going to act like a baby about it," Tommy said.

Tommy then went with the two naked boys into his room and watched them get dressed. He had to help Hunter a little, as Shawn was putting on his own clothes. Once they were dressed, he walked them over to Shawn's room and watched them climb onto the bed.

"Shawn, it helps him if you are touching him," said Tommy watching as Shawn reached out and pulled himself towards Hunter. "Hunter, I know you are afraid but please try to nap for an hour, okay?"

"Yes Sir," said Hunter trying not to cry.

"Have a nice nap boys, I'll be back to check on you in about an hour."

When Tommy left the room, the two boys were spooning together as Shawn held Hunter and Hunter desperately held onto Shawn's arm and Lion. Tommy hoped that Hunter would be able to get some sleep but it didn't look too promising.

Tommy went back to his room alone and shut then locked his door. He looked at his clock and saw that it is only 3 PM. He went to his closet and pulled out the box of video tapes and put one in that was titled 30. After a few minutes, he put it on fast forward so that he wouldn't see every little detail of the gruesome video. Those first few minutes at normal speed were almost too much for Tommy to take. He hoped that the more he knew what Hunter went through the better he will be able to help him. So, he forced himself to watch the videos. Tommy finished watching the tape he and the others saw part of before he put another one in. He was dumbfounded by the evil he saw in the tapes. It is one atrocity after another, just when he thought it can't get any worse, it does. Just when he thought no one could be more evil than the people could in the last scene, the next scene made them look like amateurs. When he thought no one could ever stoop any lower or be more disgusting, they did. He watched scene after scene of gruesome beatings and the worst were when they made Hunter do things to himself. It wasn't bad enough that they did these atrocities to him, but they made him help them to commit them on him. By the end of the second tape, Tommy was shaken to the very core of his being. He couldn't conceive of the evil he just saw actually happening, but he knew it did. Tommy's face was drenched with tears of rage, hate, and sorrow. His body was trembling with pent-up emotions. After Tommy composed himself and beat the crap out of a pillow, he put the tapes away and went to check on his two boys. On his way out of his room, he notices it is almost 4 PM.

Shawn was sleeping peacefully as he held onto Hunter. Hunter on the other hand, wasn't sleeping so peacefully. The look on Hunter's face clearly told Tommy that while he might be able to sleep with Shawn, it isn't a very restful sleep. It was obvious he was still having a nightmare and his sleep was anything but peaceful. Hunter was still holding onto Shawn's arm and desperately holding Lion. Tommy glanced over at Patches and Champ. They both had nosed open the door and climbed into bed with the boys. Patches was curled up by Hunter's head as Champ was curled next to Hunter's belly. Tommy walked over to Hunter and sat next to the boy and the dogs. He reached out his hand gently caressing Hunter's face. As soon as he touched Hunter, the boy's whole body relaxed and he stopped trembling. For some reason, it made Tommy happy to see that while Shawn was able to calm Hunter enough to sleep quietly, he couldn't keep the nightmares away like the simple touch of Tommy's hand. Tommy then knew that he was going to have to figure out a way not to move around in his sleep so much, if he wanted a full night's sleep without Hunter falling apart at night. Suddenly, Hunter's eyes pop open as Tommy gazes lovingly down at his Angel.

"Hi Angel," said Tommy gently.

"Hello Sir, it's been an hour," said Hunter tiredly.

"Hunter, I didn't mean for you to sleep only an hour. I just didn't want you too frightened."

"I'm sorry Sir, I misunderstood you," sobbed Hunter as he began to tremble once again in fear.

"Hush Angel, it's okay. You aren't in trouble, calm down," Tommy said quickly. Tommy reached out and gently took hold of Hunter and pulled him into his lap. He sat there rocking the boy and softly caressing him calming him down.

"Hey TJ," yawned Shawn as he stretched. Tommy had awoken his Cutie when he pulled Hunter to him.

Shawn noticed the worry on Hunter's face so he quickly crawled over on the bed to give both Tommy and Hunter a hug. After awhile, Hunter was giggling as Tommy and Shawn were tickling him.

"What are the dogs doing here?" asked Shawn as the dogs joined in the fun with Hunter by licking his face.

"I don't know. I think they like Hunter. They have been hanging around him for awhile now," said Tommy. Eventually, once Tommy was alone with Hunter, he was going to have to ask his Angel why the dogs seemed to follow him around so much.

Once the dogs were done giving Hunter a tongue bath and had given Shawn a number of licks also, Tommy got up and told the boys to go have some fun. He left them as Shawn was trying to explain how to play make believe with the stuffed animals to Hunter. Tommy wished him luck as it didn't seem like Hunter really understood why anyone would play make believe. He felt secure enough now seeing the bond grow between them, that he could leave them alone together for short periods of unobserved time.

Tommy was feeling rather hungry now since he hadn't had anything to eat all day, so he went to the kitchen. He gave and received greetings with a number of boys on his way. Once in the kitchen, he made himself a quick peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Ben and Chance were busy in there getting ready to make dinner. As Tommy ate his sandwich, Ben gave him a fresh roll along with some honey and butter.

"Damn Ben, you are getting real good with the bread makers. This roll is delicious."

"Thanks Tommy," said Ben smiling at the compliment.

"Don't eat too much. Dinner will be ready in about an hour," Chance told him.

"I won't," chuckled Tommy.

"Schooch back," said Chance to Tommy.

Tommy pushed himself away from the table for a little bit, as Chance surprised him by happily climbing onto his lap. Chance reached around Tommy, gave him a big hug, and then kissed his cheek as Ben watched smiling.

"Thanks but what was that for?"

"For watching my brother and me, I know how important it is to Cam to have some alone time with DJ. I just wanted you to know that Chase and I really appreciate it and that we are having a great time here."

"You are very welcome. I just wish I had more time to spend with the two of you," said Tommy as he hugged the boy in his lap.

"That's okay, I talked to Chase about it and we see how much time that Hunter kid takes up. So we understand," said Chance smiling at Tommy as he got out of Tommy's lap.

Ben was busy getting out some pots as Chance got out about ten boxes of Mac and Cheese.

"I thought the boys had Mac and Cheese for lunch?" asked Tommy.

"They did, but since I'm making dinner, with Chance's help, I'm going to make what I want to eat. I felt like Polish sausages, Mac and Cheese, sauerkraut, rolls, and green beans tonight," said Ben. "And if they don't want it, they know where the PBJ is."

"Sounds good," said Tommy. "I would have thought Kate would be helping you though."

"She was earlier. She made a special dessert for Cody and his boys, but her stomach started bothering her so she had to lie down for a bit," replied Chance.

"Sorry to hear that. I hope she is okay."

"Me too, last time she said she was almost hospitalized for being pregnant with Joel because of how awful it made her feel," Ben told Tommy.

"Well between Hunter and Al, I'm sure we can find something that will make her feel better," said Tommy.

"I hope so, I asked her if she knew if there were any medicines to help her and she said there were before but she wouldn't want to take them just in case they interfered with the baby," Ben replied with worry.

"Yeah that is an important concern," said Tommy.

"Oh we are almost out of butter Tommy, also we don't have anymore hamburger," Ben said after a moment.

"We should still have a ton of meat in the freezers in one of the other storage houses. Take a couple of the boys and grab what you need. There should still be plenty of everything. We didn't spend all that time grabbing as much food as we could for nothing."

"Yeah, I remember and vacuum sealing it all probably was a really good idea," said Ben.

"I think it was one of my better ones personally," joked Tommy.

"Now if you would just get me the key to the houses I can get it," said Ben.

"Oh yeah, I forgot they were locked. The keys are on my dresser, whenever you are ready just say, and I'll go get them for you. I'm pretty sure we have a bunch of butter too somewhere in those houses. Though with Cam and their cows, we can make our own butter if necessary," said Tommy.

"We don't have the machine for that on the farm but do have one of those old-time butter churns. We could use that once we run out if we don't find some machines to do it for us. Also I just have to tell Cam and he can easily save the cream for other things too," Chance said.

"That's a good idea Chance, we will have to look once things calm down here some," said Tommy.

"I can do a lot of things with real cream Chance, that would be great," Ben said.

Over to Mike and Austin...

Mike was busy cleaning the bathroom downstairs when Austin walked in.

"Hi Mike," said Austin.

"Hey Austin," Mike replied.

"I'm really sorry about what happened to you yesterday."

"Thanks," Mike said simply.

"That must have really hurt. Bryan never hit any of us that hard before."

"Yeah it hurt a lot, not as much as my old man used to hit though."

"Did he hit you a lot, your old man I mean," asked Austin curiously as he had never really heard much of Mike's life before he met him at the mall.

"Every fucking chance he got," Mike said bitterly. "Is that all you wanted to talk to me about cause I need to finish cleaning the bathrooms."

"No, I've been thinking a lot about the trip over here."

"Oh, about what exactly?" asked Mike.

"You know, about how I saw you doing that."

"Oh that. What about it?"

"Well I was thinking since I saw you, I should let you see me," said Austin as he opened up his pants. Austin dropped his pants and underwear so that they were pooled around his feet. Mike took a good long look at Austin's small package. Mike got up, walked over to Austin, and reached out. He gave Austin a gentle feel as he fondled his little dick and balls. When Austin's dick started to respond, he backed up from Mike and pulled up his pants.

"I think that's enough," said Austin.

"Thanks for doing that. I know I have been kinda weird around you because you saw me and wouldn't let me see you. If you ever want to play some fun stuff come find me and I can teach you some stuff if you want," said Mike.

"I'll think about it," replied Austin as he left the bathroom.

Mike finished cleaning that bathroom then moved onto the next. He thought a lot about what just happened with Austin as he cleaned. He realized he didn't have that burning desire to molest Austin anymore now that Austin not only showed him what he looked like but also let him feel him up. He wouldn't turn the boy down if he came to him but he wasn't about to stalk the boy anymore.

Austin went searching for Shawn and Hunter to play with them again. He found Hunter sitting in Shawn's room holding onto Lion.

"Hello Austin-sir," greeted Hunter.

"Hi Hunter, is Shawn around?"

"He will be back in a few minutes sir," replied Hunter. "Austin-sir, can I ask you a few questions?"

"Sure Hunter what is it?"

"Why did you let the Mike-sir do that to you in the bathroom?" asked Hunter earnestly.

"Do what?" asked Austin uncertainly.

"You let him feel between your legs," Hunter replied simply.

"How did you know?" whispered a very embarrassed Austin.

"I heard you in the bathroom talking to him, then you dropping your pants, and then I heard what sounded like him touching you. At least it sounded like when others touched me there before. In addition, his scent is on you and it's strongest between your legs. Your pants cover it a little but still it's clear he was touching you there."

"Please don't tell anyone," begged Austin.

"I can't lie to my Master, but I won't tell the others if that's what you want," Hunter replied.

"Master?" asked a perplexed Austin.

"Yes sir, the Sir."

"You mean Tommy?" said a confused Austin.

"Yes the Sir," said Hunter smiling at Austin. "You should be careful of the Mike-sir, he could be dangerous."

"Why do you have a master, and what do you mean dangerous?"

"I have always had a Master so I'm not sure what you mean by why," said Hunter a little afraid he wasn't answering correctly. "The Mike-sir looks at us sometimes in a very unfriendly manner. It's as if he wants to own us and do whatever he wants to us even if it hurts us. I have seen that look many times before. I'm sure I could survive it but I don't know if you could Austin-sir."

"Oh," Austin said thinking about what Hunter had told him. Austin just sat on the bed and thought that maybe he should stay away from Mike for a while, just in case Hunter was right.

It was a few minutes later that Shawn came back into the room to see Hunter sitting silently on the floor holding Lion and Austin sitting on his bed deep in thought. Once Shawn returned all three of them started to play.

Back to Tommy in the kitchen...

"Hi Tommy," said Cody as he sat across the table from Tommy.

"Hey Cody," Tommy said smiling.

"I was wondering if you had time to show us some of the houses up here we might be able to move into," Cody said.

"Not today please. I'm trying to take it easy. I haven't gotten much sleep lately. How about tomorrow?" replied Tommy.

"Okay Tommy. I don't want to rush you so whenever you are ready."

"Thanks Cody. There are a number of houses on the hill that are still open. It depends on how close you want to live to the rest of us."

"I think the closer the better. We would probably be safer that way, just incase something happens."

"Okay, I'll show you the closer ones first then and you can decide which one you like best."

Cody then left as Tommy put away his dishes. Tommy then walked around the house a bit to see what everyone was doing. A number of boys were playing in the pool laughing together. Some were still outside playing that he could see out the pool windows. A few others were playing video games in the game room reminding Tommy that he needed to start some sort of learning schedule for the boys soon to keep Al happy. When he went upstairs to check on Hunter, he heard Shawn, Austin, Chris, Danny, and Hunter playing something or other with the stuffed animals. Tommy smiled when he saw Bryan along with the twins, Ryan and Todd, sitting in bed together as Bryan read them a story. They seemed to enjoy it as Bryan did different voices for the different characters to try to make it more interesting for them. Tommy then went to his own room, took out his book, and began to write in his diary for a while. He had begun doing this with the start of the New Year. Tommy's door was open so he noticed Jordan and Jeremy creep down the hall to Ben's room where Jeremy was staying for the moment. Tommy smiled seeing the two of them going off to play. Tommy almost laughed when he saw Caleb come upstairs and start to knock on everyone's door to tell them that dinner would be ready in a few minutes and that they needed to wash up and head downstairs. He watched a very sad Jordan and frustrated Jeremy head downstairs together. Tommy washed up himself as he heard the other boys head to the upstairs washroom to clean up.

As Tommy left his room, he saw Hunter waiting in line outside the bathroom for his turn to wash up. Tommy knew Hunter well enough by now, to see clearly the fear in the boy. He knew only a few of the others might see it, but to him it was plain as day. Tommy called him over to him so that he could take him to his bathroom to get cleaned up for dinner. He told Shawn he needed to speak to Hunter for a few minutes and to tell the others he would be down as soon as he could. Hunter obediently followed Tommy into his bathroom. Tommy then supervised Hunter as he washed his hands and face. Tommy needed to give Hunter some instructions but eventually Hunter was able to do it himself. Tommy then sat down and pulled Hunter to him.

"How was your day Hunter?" asked Tommy gently.

"It was terrifying Sir," replied Hunter truthfully.

"Terrifying?" asked Tommy.

"Yes Sir, I was around so many people today that it was very hard not to run and hide or find you. I missed feeling safe with you for most of the day. It was very nice when it was just Shawn and I, or when Austin-sir was with us. Shawn helped me feel safe, but when all the other sirs started to play with us it frightened me a lot. All I could think of was that one of them was going to hit me at any second. My memories were screaming at me to run and hide so no one would hurt me but I didn't. I stayed with them. It made it hard to learn how to play. I still don't understand why they do most of the things they do to play. I'm not in trouble am I Sir for not understanding or for being so afraid?" asked a suddenly very worried Hunter.

"No Hunter, you aren't in trouble at all. Why didn't you come get me then?"

"I thought I should face my fear and believe you that they were nice people who lived here with you. I thought that I shouldn't bother you. I know you needed to sleep because of me. I'm sorry Sir, I don't mean to keep you awake at night," said Hunter trying hard not to cry.

"I'm so proud of you Hunter," said Tommy smiling.

"For what Sir?" asked Hunter uncertainly.

"For facing your fears, I know it couldn't have been easy for you to let Kate give you a bath. Being around all the other boys couldn't have been easy either, not with your memories of how other people treated you."

Hunter just beamed at Tommy and hugged him as he cried tears of happiness. Tommy felt good himself for making Hunter so happy. He just hoped that these would be the only type of tears Hunter would shed from now on but he doubted it. Tommy then took the wet washcloth and wiped Hunter's face clear of the tears. He then picked up Hunter and carried the boy downstairs. Hunter happily held onto his Master feeling truly safe in his arms.

When Tommy and Hunter arrived at the dinner tables, he saw that they were the last ones and everyone was waiting on them. He had to tell Hunter to let go of him to put him down on the ground. Hunter carefully stayed behind Tommy as he walked to the table and Tommy apologized to everyone for holding up dinner.

Kate asked if she could say grace. Since no one objected, she began a very nice prayer. It was a bit long, but she added something nice about each and every one of them in it. It was clear that she had put a great deal of effort and thought into her prayer and it touched most everyone at the table. It wasn't that the boys were very religious, except for Tommy lately, but they felt good because she bothered to say something nice about each of them.

It wasn't a spectacular meal but it was a good meal. Tommy talked to Hunter and realized that he hadn't had any of his special food that day. Hunter worriedly told Tommy that he wanted to tell the others about it but was too afraid and he just couldn't do it. Tommy reassured him that it was okay and he wasn't in trouble as he got up to get Hunter his special food. Tommy came back with a large bowl that must have had over five cups of the dry food pellets in it. He made an announcement to everyone that if they ate with Hunter, to make sure he ate a cup of his special food. He also told them how to prevent Hunter from making a total mess of himself, like he did that morning for breakfast. Hunter wasn't too pleased with having to eat his special food as it was nowhere near as tasty as the food Tommy and the others had been giving him since he came to them. He obediently ate every pellet as that is what Tommy told him to do. Even with all the special food, Hunter still managed to eat at least twice as much as anyone else. He even managed to do it without making too big of a mess.

All the other boys were enjoying there last group meal together, as Bryan had announced that the generators would be set up and ready to go tomorrow morning. Bryan and his group would be busy tomorrow, moving back into their house. Some of the boys began to talk about which bedrooms Cody and his boys could move into when Tommy announced that he was taking Cody's group to look at some of the open houses tomorrow morning. So, it was very possible that Cody's boys would be gone too. There were mixed feelings about this as many were happy to see the house not as crowded but they would miss the others. It looked like it was going to be a busy morning tomorrow as Bryan's group moved out, Tommy's boys moved back into their own rooms, and Cody's boys went house hunting.

For dessert, Kate and Ben brought out a large dish of cherry cobbler. Chance brought out the ice cream. There was enough for everyone to have a small portion to finish their dinner.

As dinner broke up, Tommy walked over to Kyle.

"Can I talk to you alone for a second?" said Tommy.

"Sure," Kyle replied.

They walked out into the foyer away from everybody. Tommy stood in front of his brother, put his hands out on his shoulders, and said, "Look, I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for biting off your head earlier today. I was really tired, frustrated, angry, and so on. I was counting on you more than I should have considering how little you really knew about Hunter. I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry for going off like that. You are still the most important person to me in this house and no matter what, I still love you and respect you very much. I know if I were to have taken the time to explain the rules of Hunter to you none of this would have happened and I'm sorry." He then took a step towards his brother and gave him a big hug.

"I'm sorry I let you down. I didn't know how important it was," said Kyle as a tear ran down his face.

Tommy reached out, brushed away the tear, and placed a kiss on his forehead.

"Kyle, do you think you can watch Hunter for me?"

"Sure TJ, I'll really watch him this time."

"Thanks Kyle, come get me immediately if there is a problem."

"I will," replied Kyle.

"Don't screw this up again Kyle. I'm trusting you," Tommy whispered.

"Don't worry, I won't," whispered Kyle back.

Tommy then went over to Jon and the two of them headed upstairs to his room. Kyle took Hunter in tow and went to spend some more time with Luke.

Over at the farm.

Things have been going pretty close to normal once DJ and Cam arrived back at the farm. Their snowmobile ride was fun. For the most part, it was just a journey over snow-laden roads with a little off road excitement added in, but not too much in unfamiliar territory. There was a small risk of winding up some place where they could accidentally topple their craft and neither boy wanted to risk injury. It took around forty minutes to get to the farm. With it being dark out they didn't want to risk getting in trouble so they didn't go too fast. After they got to the farm, they were busy for quite a while starting up all the wood burning furnaces to heat the barns for the animals. After the furnaces were going, they took care of the animals other needs and then headed to the house to rest. They settled in around 10:30 PM from the ride home and taking care of the animals, although Cam wanted to stay awake and have some real fun, DJ strongly suggested he get some sleep so he could be up for 5 AM.

Day one consisted of Cameron getting up at 5 AM to do his chores, which mainly focused on feeding the animals and milking the cows. Then after the sunrise, he would do his morning patrol of his property and use the backhoe to clear the drive to the main road if it needed it. The semi-automated system that his father installed last year did most of the work processing the milk he got, but he still had to take care of bottling and storing it so he and the others could use it soon. Cam was going to have to call Tommy sometime later today or tomorrow at the latest, to arrange a pick up of the milk. As he thought about it while he did his chores, he figured he would just have DJ call and mention the milk when he was ready and then hand the phone back to him because he would be checking on his brothers. Cameron then finished his check of the farmland as some light snow was falling and it was close to 8 AM. He decided to let DJ sleep in, as they got to bed later then usual, by his standards. The rest of the day, they spent snuggling in bed, jerking each other off, and doing minor sexual stuff after a good bacon and fresh egg breakfast that they made together. The day went faster then expected for Cameron as he all but forgot about Chase and Chance while he focused on his best friend and lover DJ. After an early dinner, they cleaned up around the house. Which mainly was washing the dishes, and before long, it was bedtime for Cameron. DJ went in and sat with him for a while since he was hardly tired so after rubbing and massaging his boy, Cameron fell asleep with a smile on his face. DJ stayed up for a little longer but boredom quickly set in and before 10 PM, he joined Cameron in bed. He woke Cam briefly as he got into bed but after some caressing and attention, Cam quickly dozed off back to sleep. DJ lay there for almost an hour listening to Cam breathe, thinking about every little thing that came to mind from his kidnapping to his family, as he let his mind wander freely. He too then finally fell asleep.

As the second day started out normal for the boys, morning came for them as Cameron's alarm went off at 5 AM sharp and woke DJ too, who was more then willing to get up today and join Cam in his chores. They had a very brief discussion about DJ staying in bed while Cam went outside to take care of the farm but DJ did that yesterday, so today he wanted to help out. DJ tagged along after dressing warmly for the bitter cold morning. It was still flurrying at the farm as they left the house and headed to the barn.

"Wow, it's really cold this morning," scoffed DJ immediately.

"You wanted to come along so now you have to suffer," he laughed. "You could have stayed in that warm bed and slept."

"So you are telling me you would rather have me in bed and not with you Cam?" DJ replied in a teasing jab.

Cameron quickly turned towards DJ, about to sneer at his comment when he saw the look on his face in the dim light from the porch and realized he was just busting him.

"Smart ass!" he said to DJ.

"Yes I am," he snickered back.

They walked the short distance into the barn and DJ watched as Cameron started his morning ritual with the animals.

"If I can do something let me know."

"I will, I promise, but for now just watch. There isn't a lot for two people to do in the beginning," said Cam.

DJ stood by idly watching Cameron do his somewhat tedious chores for a bit before Cameron finally gave him something to do. They worked together for the next 90 minutes finishing quicker then the normal two plus hours it would have taken Cameron alone.

"Wow," Cam said looking at his watch. "With you helping I got done almost 45 minutes sooner then normal. Even with my brothers help it usually takes me twice as long. We can get inside now and come out after sunrise to check the property."

"Sounds good to me," DJ replied.

The two boys headed inside to find something to do until sun up, which was a good hour away.

"Do you want to eat now or after we go back out?" asked Cameron.

"I can wait, I'm not really hungry for food," DJ hinted aloud.

"I hear you DJ but we can't start something we won't be able to finish now."

"You mean if we screw around now we can't finish or go out after we finish checking the property?" asked DJ.

"I try to keep my schedule every day and since your help put me ahead of schedule today, I just figured I would do my best to get back outside and keep on schedule as soon as I can."

"Come on Cam, are you telling me that if you don't check the property until 8 AM something bad will happen?"

"No, of course not, but I really don't want to go outside all sweaty from sex."

"Oh..., I didn't think about that," said DJ. "Its cold enough dry I suppose if we went out all sweated up it would really add to the chill."

"Especially today DJ, its one of the coldest mornings I remember in a long time. I checked the thermometer hanging outside the barn and it said twenty below. I really don't want to sweat in that anymore then I already have."

"Okay, point taken, but since I have to wait I want more when we get back in bed."

"More?" Cameron said curiously.

"Yeah, I am feeling really good and horny this morning so I think we should do something extra special today."

"Like what?" asked Cameron with some confusion and a hint of fear on his face.

"I was thinking... fooling around back there?" DJ said with a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

"If you want, I can fool around with your butt," said Cameron smiling.

"That's not quite what I meant," DJ replied.

"You want to fool with my butt, don't you?" said Cameron in a strong tone.

"Well, kinda... will you give in and let me go back there?"

"I don't know DJ. You know how I feel about that. I want to but I am scared."

"Okay Cam, I care a lot about you so I won't push it."

"We can do anything, just not back there yet."

"What about if I touch your butt or run my finger between your butt cheeks?"

Cameron paused as if he were trying to make an earth shattering decision.

"I guess its okay, I trust you not to hurt me DJ."

"I would never do that, I love you Cam."

"Thanks, I love you too DJ."

They came together, embraced after that, and just held each other for a while.

"Come on lets go lay in bed for a bit. When the sun comes up we can go out and finish up outside and then we'll see how things go from there."

DJ smiled at him. "You got it," he said continuing his smile.

They lay together holding hands and touching one another as they watched the sky slowly brighten outside Cameron's bedroom window.

It was close to 7:30 AM when Cam sat up.

"Ready to go back out now?" asked Cameron.

"Is it bright enough?" DJ asked.

"Yup, we should be able to see everything soon, we can head out now."

"Kewl," said DJ.

Both boys got out of bed and dressed as warm as they could for the property check. They were going to be on their snowmobiles and with the cold outside, they were going to be extra chilly. They fired up their snowmobiles and headed out. The ride covered the 60 closest acres of the farm. Cam figured that was enough to patrol. They followed the paths in the snow that Cam had made before so it wasn't too difficult. Everything looked normal so they headed back to the house. Both boys were very cold from their ride and hurried into the house to warm up and have some breakfast. Breakfast didn't take that long as they worked together on it. When they were done eating, they both headed off to the shower to clean up. After a very warm and quick shower, which included each boy only washing the others back and nothing more, both boys finished washing themselves, got out, dried off, and then headed to Cameron's bedroom in only their towel. DJ dropped his towel and looked at Cameron.

"I want you to suck me off," said DJ.

"And I really want to suck you off too. Lay down."

DJ got on his back and spread his legs, which were hanging over the bed. Cam got on his knees and started running his hand over DJ who quickly got hard. He closed his eyes as Cam got in closer and started to lick his cock. As DJ moaned and made occasional cooing noises, Cam sped up his sucking until he tasting precum from DJ's big cock. He then slowed down to help make their fun last longer.

"I hate when you do that Cam! I get so close and you all but stop. Damn I hate that," DJ giggled.

"Yes I know, but you love what happens when I finally go all the way don't you?" Cam asked.

"Yeah I do."

He said nothing more as Cameron continued to cock tease his lover two more times before finally bringing him to a great orgasm. Cameron, who wasn't a very big cum lover, backed off after the first jet of cum hit his tongue. Sometimes Cam would take it all but today he didn't feel like it, much to DJ's disappointment. DJ enjoyed what Cam did but was always a mess whenever Cam didn't take it all. He was getting tired of the clean up afterwards though. So far, he kept this to himself but it was getting old. After DJ returned from his big "O", he opened his eyes, smiled at Cam and sat up.

"Great as usual Cam, thanks."

"Welcome, my turn now?"

"Yup," said a somewhat dissatisfied DJ as he got up and toweled his belly and chest off.

He loved the feeling and all of the pleasures Cam gave him but he wanted more and since Cam wouldn't offer up his ass or swallow his cum all the time, each session was good, but not excellent. For now, DJ would put up with this because he cared a lot for Cameron but he hoped with each passing time they had sex, Cam would break down and soon do more then just get him off. DJ then let Cameron lie down and did the same to his lover. He got him close several times and then when it appeared Cam had enough he got him off. Only difference was DJ took every bit that Cam fired into his mouth without question. Soon both boys were done and Cam got up with a huge smile on his face.

"Damn that never gets old DJ," he said as the big boy got up.

"Thanks Cam," he said to him as he turned his back to head out of his room. "I'll be back in a few minutes, I am all sticky and need to clean up," DJ said in a sullen voice.

Cam thought something might be wrong but he didn't say anything for now. Soon DJ was back in the bedroom with him.

"Is everything okay?" Cameron asked.

"Yes, why?" asked DJ.

"Just your tone as you walked out," Cam said.

"Its fine," DJ said as he sat on the other side of Cameron's bed and put his socks on.

Cam just let it go at that for now, even though he was concerned something was wrong. Eventually that thought passed, both boys were smiling and enjoying the rest of the day as they cuddled and hung out together, in and out of the bedroom. They had a second round after the evening feeding of the animals, some dinner, and clean up.

"Oh I gotta call Tommy and talk to my brothers too," said Cam, "he needs to come get the milk tomorrow."

"Yeah you should before you forget again," DJ said.

"Oh by the way, I have a few movies for us to watch tomorrow if you want. I don't want things to get too boring while you are here."

"Sounds great Cam, you can surprise me with them after chores tomorrow," DJ added.

After a quick call to Tommy that went to voicemail, Cameron called the house and chatted with Ben, who answered. After asking how everyone was and finding out Tommy was busy with Jon, Ben called Chase and Chance to the phone. He talked with his brothers who both told him they were having a great time. He asked them if they wanted to stay longer and both said yes, so he told them he loved them as he chatted with each one individually and then they said their good nights and he hung up. Then both boys headed for bed around 9:30 PM. After setting his alarm for 5 AM, both boys got in bed, got close, and ended their long and active day two of their little adventure together.

Over to Tommy and Jon...

Once Tommy and Jon were situated in his room, Tommy began slowly telling him about his day. Tommy realized that just talking to Jon about what happened that day made it easier for him to deal with the stress. Even if it was talking about things when Jon was there, it made Tommy feel better to talk it over with Jon. Tommy was able to tell Jon his thoughts and emotions that he was feeling at the time and that made Tommy to get a better grip on his day. Since there wasn't much that Jon wasn't there for today, Jon wasn't surprised by much. He was surprised when Tommy started to talk to him about his seeing Hunter and Shawn together and his feelings and worries about that. Jon was a little happy that Tommy was able to feel some of what he made Jon feel a lot of the time but he still felt bad for his lover. Tommy was practically heartbroken over what he thought of as his eventual loss of Shawn and it hurt Jon to see Tommy so sad. Jon did his best to comfort Tommy for his possible loss of Shawn as a lover but it made Jon happy that he finally wouldn't have to compete as much for Tommy's affections. Tommy had a long talk about the Billy and Joey problem. They mainly talked about what to do about it. They eventually decided to ground them for the day and to give them extra chores for the week. Tommy continued to talk to Jon about his day, he told Jon about how he watched some more movies with Hunter in them. Tommy flatly refused to go into the details of what he saw but it was clear it had affected him a lot more than he thought. Jon had to hold Tommy as he sobbed over the things that he saw Hunter had to live through. Jon didn't press for details as the ones he saw before were horrific enough. Based on how these new videos affected Tommy, Jon knew they must have been a lot worse. Once Tommy had settled down, he commented about how proud he was of Hunter for trying to face his fears. Especially after he told Tommy how afraid he was throughout the day without him. Tommy added that Hunter seemed to be more and more able to call Shawn by his name only so he was hopeful that it wouldn't be too much longer until he could say everyone's name. Jon was kind of proud of Hunter too and hopeful that it wouldn't be too much longer that Tommy would have to devote most of his day to the cute kid. After all that, Tommy and Jon shared a tender moment as Tommy told Jon how much it meant to him that he had Jon to share all his problems with. They finished their talk as Caleb knocked on their door and told them Kate and Bryan was inviting everyone to watch another movie together.

Tommy and Jon first went to Billy and Joey's room before heading downstairs for the movie.

"Guys, I want you both to listen up. I have decided that you will be both grounded for the day so tomorrow you can get out of your room. You also will be given extra chores for the week."

"What! Why do we get chores to do?" demanded Billy.

"If you don't want to do the chores you can stay in your room and be grounded for the week. Just be glad it's not a lot worse. If it weren't for Chris admitting he went to you, it would be a lot worse. Luckily for both of you, if I punished you worse than this Hunter would probably lose it. I don't want him to be hurt anymore than he already has been so in a way he just saved your asses. I seriously doubt you would have gotten off as easily with either Cody or Bryan."

"But...," started Billy.

"Shut up Billy! It's your fault we got caught. If you weren't holding my head so tightly I would have warned you guys you were making too much noise. So, just keep your mouth shut. Tommy's right it could have been a lot worse," Joey said angrily.

Tommy and Jon left the boys and went to the game room. They saw it was pretty full of kids. Kyle had saved his chair for him thankfully as every other seat was full.

"Thanks Kyle," said Tommy.

"No problem TJ, I watched him the whole time and no problems," Kyle said smiling.

"I really appreciate it bro, it means a lot to me."

"Tag, you are it," Kyle said slapping Tommy's hand. "He's your responsibility now," making Tommy laugh.

Tommy sat down in his chair as Jon sat on the floor with a bunch of the other kids. It wasn't long before Shawn climbed in his lap. Shortly after that, Shawn waved Hunter to climb up from his position next to the chair. By the time the movie started, Tommy had both boys in his chair lying on him and a big bowl of popcorn for them.

Kate put on Star Wars Episode II: The Clone Wars as Bryan turned down the lights. Everyone who came to the movie had a good time. The boys seemed to all really like it. Hunter seemed to have a bit of a problem with the fight scenes, as he would hold Tommy tightly each time. Tommy had to rub Hunter's back and talk softly to him each time. Shawn would hold Hunter's hand also. Between the two of them, Hunter managed to make it through the movie without too much trouble. By the end of the movie, many of the little ones were asleep. Shawn was sleeping on top of Tommy as he was holding Hunter's hand. Chris was curled up next to Danny. Austin was asleep in Kate's lap. Chase had fallen asleep leaning next to Matt. Tommy had Hunter carefully get up so as not to wake Shawn. Tommy then carried the tired boy up to his room, stripped him down to his boxers, and pulled the covers up around his Cutie. Kate carried Austin up and took all of his clothes off, leaving him naked on his bed as she got out his pajamas. Once she had them out, she put them on him as he woke up a little. She tucked him into bed and gave him a little kiss on the forehead wishing him sweet dreams. Bryan helped carry up Chris for Danny. Bryan got him out of his clothes and harness, while Danny got out his pajamas. Once Chris was dressed for bed, Danny covered him with the blanket and kissed his little brother good night, while briefly thinking about the day's events. Danny kissed his brother again feeling bad for how he acted. Matt carried Chase up while Chance helped clean up the game room. Matt gently took off all of Chase's clothes and took a moment to look the boy over, as he lied naked on his bed. Matt got some pajamas and carefully put them on the boy. Matt couldn't help himself as he gave Chase's dick and balls a little caress and kiss, before pulling the bottoms all the way up.

Matt came down to the game room with a little smile on his face when Bryan said, "Okay boy's, it's time for you to head up to your rooms now."

"What! You can't send us to bed," said Phil loudly.

"I'm sorry Phil, you misunderstand. I only meant for the boys who live with Kate and I to head up to their rooms," Bryan explained. "It's just something Kate and I came up with so that we could always have a little together time."

"Oh, sorry Bryan, I didn't know," Phil said.

Matt, Mike, the twins, and Jose all got up and headed upstairs. It was clear they weren't happy about it but they were used to it.

"Yeah, it's almost 11 PM so I want all my boys to head off to your rooms too. Except you Ben," said Tommy. "Jon would you please take Hunter to my room and wait with him until I get up there," he added quickly forestalling any problems with his sending his lover to bed.

"Alright TJ," Jon replied giving Tommy a look.

There was a lot of grumbling from Tommy's boys as they slowly headed upstairs to their rooms but eventually they all did go.

"Guys can you please head to the basement, I want to talk to the others privately. Phil can you keep an eye on them and Calvin you look like you are about to fall down so off to bed with you," Cody said.

"Okay Cody," Phil replied.

"I don't want to go to bed yet. I'm not going," said Denny.

"If I'm going, you are going. So get your butt moving," Phil said pushing Denny along.

Cody's boys headed off to the basement with as much grumbling as Tommy's boys did.

Kate finished tucking Austin in as Jose entered. She then waited for Jose to get dressed for bed so she could tuck him in too. She then went to the other rooms that had her boys in and wished them all a good night. She even gave a couple of them good night kisses before heading downstairs.

"Looks like everyone has been sent off to bed," Kate said.

"Yeah this was a good idea you guys had. It's nice to be able to sit and relax in a quiet house," Tommy said.

"It would be nice if we could do this every night," Ben said.

"Yeah it would, but I don't think it will go over very well once Kate and Bryan leave," Tommy added.

"You are probably right. I think they only agreed since the other boys went. I guess we had better enjoy this while we can, but I do think we might want to do this occasionally. That way you, DJ, and I could have a little time on our own. One of the others always seems to be underfoot no matter where I go," said Ben.

"I know what you mean Ben. It does seem a bit crowded here but with Kate and Bryan leaving tomorrow, there will be more room. I'll be taking Cody and his boys out to look for a house for them so it will get back to normal pretty soon."

"Oh, I almost forgot. Cameron called and he said he needed you to come to the farm tomorrow to pick up some more milk and eggs. He has a bunch piled up for us," Ben said.

"Thanks Ben, I'll try to get there sometime tomorrow then," Tommy replied.

"Thanks for having us Tommy. I hope you we didn't cause too much of a problem," said Kate.

"It was no problem Kate. We were happy to be able to help you guys out," Tommy said.

"That's kind of you but I'm going to be very happy to be back in my own home. Not that it wasn't good being here, but it was a tad crowded," replied Kate.

"Yeah, just a tad crowded," laughed Tommy.

"Cody do you mind if I go talk to your boys for a bit," asked Kate.

"Sure Kate, go ahead," Cody said smiling at Kate.

Kate then left as the men had a little chat about what they all thought needed to be done. Cody was rather quiet in the beginning, as he was feeling pretty good that Kate had talked to him. She hadn't said much to him really and any conversation with her at all made Cody feel good. Eventually they finished talking and broke up for the night. Cody really liked Tommy and Ben and had a real good time. He was still a little angry with Bryan for stealing Kate away from him. At least that's how he saw it. He didn't blame Kate really for leaving them, he blamed Bryan for everything bad that had happened since he had arrived at the mall and destroyed any hope Cody had to get together with Kate. When he entered the basement, he saw Kate holding Phil's hand as she bent over to give the boy a kiss on the head. Cody saw tears clearly in Phil's eyes and could see the others were looking very emotional too. Kate walked over to Cody and took his hand as she led the confused boy to sit down next to her.

"Cody, I just finished apologizing to each of the others and wanted to apologize to you too. I am so sorry for abandoning you. It was very wrong of me and I regret it. It was the worst decision of my life. I just hope and pray that I never make such a terrible decision again. Knowing that two boys died because of my mistake only adds to my nightmares. Bryan and I have been worrying ourselves sick over you boys. We realize how much we screwed up and can only hope that you can eventually find it within yourselves to forgive us. What we did to you was reprehensible. There is no excuse for our leaving you behind. I know Bryan would like to tell you these things himself but it's so hard for him to show his feelings to another and he thinks he will break down before he finishes. He was very worried about you boys and he actually cried when he heard about the loss of Keith and Steve. He blames himself for their deaths. Please don't ever blame yourself for their loss. It was Bryan's and my fault. We should have taken everyone with us but we didn't. It's our fault not yours. I'm so sorry Cody we failed you. Please forgive us," sobbed Kate.

"I forgive you Kate," replied Cody with tears in his eyes.

"Thank you Cody. Bryan and I are going to attempt to atone for what we did. We know there is no way to make it better but if you ever need something don't hesitate to call. We will do whatever we can to help you out."

"Thanks Kate," said Cody as his eyes began to leak.

"You are very welcome Cody," said Kate gently as she hugged the boy tightly. She didn't realize the conflicting emotions she was engendering in Cody. Cody tightly held her back, enjoying the hug immensely as he got himself back under control.

Kate then went back upstairs and headed off to bed with Bryan. Cody stayed in the basement trying to sort out his feelings as he and the others lied down for bed. Ben and Tommy talked for a little bit more and then they headed off also.

Tommy went and turned on the house alarm though he wasn't really sure he should bother with it. With Hunter in the house, Tommy thought he would be a far better alarm but it was habit now, so he did it. Tommy then went around the house checking every room to make sure the blackout curtains were in place and no light was shining out. He said goodnight to a few of the boys who were still awake when he checked their curtains before heading off to his room.

When he got to his room, he saw Hunter in some Spiderman pajamas doing some exercises and a very pissed off Jon sitting in his chair.

"I don't believe you sent me to bed again! I'll see you tomorrow. I'm going to my bed tonight," said a pissed off Jon. "Enjoy your night with Hunter."

"Jon, don't be like that. I'm sorry. I couldn't send the others if I didn't send Hunter too. I needed you to watch him for me. Besides if you didn't go then Luke and Kyle wouldn't go. Then the twins and Jeremy wouldn't go, which means no one else would have gone either. If I didn't send you up too, no one would have gone. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, which is why I asked you to look after Hunter and not go to your bed. I really did need you to watch him. Besides this is probably going to be the last time everyone is sent to bed for a while."

"Even so, you were wrong to send me to bed like that. You are supposed to be my lover. Lover's shouldn't send the other to bed while they stay up and shoot the shit with the others."

"I didn't send you to bed. I asked you to look after Hunter for me. I'm sorry if it upset you. You know I love you and how much you mean to me," said Tommy as he held Jon in his arms.

"I guess, but it still pisses me off," pouted Jon.

"I really didn't mean to piss you off Jon," said Tommy.

"I know you didn't mean it. Well, I better head off to my bed or Mike will wonder why I'm spending every night in yours."

"If you think that's best. You know you are always welcome in my bed."

"I know, but I still should spend at least one night alone in my bed with them over here."

"Okay Jon, I love you," said Tommy giving Jon a hug and kiss.

"I love you too," said Jon as he left the room.

Hunter had apparently ignored them as he continued to do his exercises with his little bars strapped to various parts of his body. Tommy got himself ready for bed as he watched his Angel do his strange movements. As Hunter finished, Tommy walked over to the boy.

"What are those bars Hunter?"

"These are my gravity bars Sir."

"Gravity bars?" asked Tommy.

"Yes Sir. They adjust the gravity on these bars so that they can become exponentially heavier than they normally would."

"How heavy can they get?"

"Thousands of pounds each, but I can't really use them too much as your floor isn't strong enough to hold the weight."

"Oh, well let's try to get some sleep then," said Tommy not sure what else to say.

"Yes Sir," sighed Hunter.

"We'll get through this Hunter don't worry."

"Yes Sir," said Hunter trying to smile.

They both climbed into bed then as Tommy pulled his Angel close to him and tried to go to sleep. It worked for a while but when Tommy moved in his sleep, Hunter's nightmares would hit him full force and his thrashing would awaken Tommy. It seemed a little better when he had Hunter hold his hand. That worked for a whole hour until Hunter woke Tommy up because someone was knocking on his door.

"Who is it?" asked Tommy tiredly.

"Me," piped Shawn, "can I sleep with you? I had a bad nightmare."

Tommy looked at Shawn standing in his doorway holding onto one of his stuffed animals. He could clearly see Shawn must have had a really bad dream, so he waved Shawn over and held up the covers for him. Shawn scampered over to the bed and climbed in.

"Thanks TJ," whimpered Shawn.

"It's alright Shawn," said Tommy as he held both his boys.

It was shaping up to be another fitful night for Tommy between Hunter's nightmares and Shawn's nightmare. It turned out a little better than Tommy thought, as with Shawn holding tight to him on one side and Hunter doing the same on the other it didn't give him any room to move around. This let Hunter sleep somewhat peacefully through the night. He didn't sleep at all as he was too afraid to sleep more than four hours and even that long he felt like he was really pushing his luck. He felt that he missed his opportunity to sleep more when he couldn't control his nightmares the previous night. The rest of the night, he just enjoyed holding onto Tommy and hugging his kind Master. By hugging Tommy, Hunter was able to hold off his memories of the terrible things he had lived through that seemed always to be so much stronger after he healed someone. Shawn did okay sleeping with Tommy but he still did an occasional start, which awoke the other two. Tommy would comfort Shawn until he fell back asleep. Tommy would then try to fall back asleep himself. It wasn't easy but he did manage to get a decent amount of sleep that night even if it was in short intervals.

To be continued...

Please note the rest of the published chapters are available at my website

http://dwedno.altervista.org/

Chapter 98.3 was just released on 11/5/09 Thank you. Dwedno.