30- Palm Springs Family - Lower Decks: Let's Talk

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This is a work of fiction, involving sensitive and controversial topics and sex, including M/M, M/m and m/m, as well as a few kinky topics along the way... If it is illegal or disturbing or there is any other reason you shouldn't read such stories, then please don't read this one. It is also a 'Coming of Age' story, and no gay boy can truly 'come of age' until he deals with his sexuality...

The dads use something that happens as a way of just sitting and talking with their sons, and the rest of their families... and looking forward to what comes next.

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There are two families at the heart of this story:

- Alex, Kevin, Michael + Luke, Steve, Daniel and Diego who met 17 days ago, and got back to Palm Springs 14 days ago

- Captain Ken, Jared, Corey + Nick, Sam, Kurt, Aiden who were adopted several months earlier; Captain Ken was the pilot on the chartered plane that brought the boys back to Palm Springs. They're moving to Palm Springs, and will live next door.

- Javier(23) and Matteo(22)

The boys are listed oldest to youngest, but all are currently twelve. Luke, Nick and Steve will be the first three to turn 13... in the upcoming months.

Others will up show occasionally, but not be a major part of the story, like...

- J+J and their boys, who live behind Alex, Kevin and Michael, and

- Jorge(35), Richard(34), Chris(24) + Chad(16), José (12), Trevor(12) and their families, who are moving nearby...

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I would love to hear from you. Several people have asked to be notified of new chapters, which I'm happy to do. -Keith

AS ALWAYS, EVERYTHING BELOW THIS LINE IS FICTION

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Day 17, 2July

Monday After Lunch

Daniel, Diego and Aiden's Room

After lunch and the cleanup is finished, the other boys head for their bedrooms. They all end up in Diego, Daniel and Aiden's bedroom, with the three of them curled up on one end of the bed, along with everybody else on the other end, one chair, or floor.

They've been sitting and actually going over Javier's drawing and practicing their Spanish words for quite a while, with lots of help from Daniel and Diego.

They finally decide they can't remember any more words at the moment, so Nick asks, "Aiden, are you going to tell the dads?" meaning that Aiden is basically sleeping with Daniel and Diego all the time.

Aiden starts to ask Nick if he's going to tell their dads that he's sleeping with Kurt and Sam, but decides that would be mean, and he certainly understands why he's waiting too.

So he just blushes and after a bit says, "I guess, eventually, but I'm afraid they'll kill me," which gets a really big laugh, especially since nobody believes it.

Kurt speaks up and says, "Aiden, we were scared to death to even admit we're boyfriends, but our dads didn't have any problem with it. I don't think they'll care about you three sleeping together either." He thinks about it and after a few seconds just starts laughing out loud.

Sam asks what's so funny, to which Kurt replies, "Are you kidding? I just said our two gay dads and their gay lover won't have a problem because one of their gay sons is in a relationship with two gay twins," and just sits and stares at everybody.

It doesn't take long for all of them to see how odd that statement is, and of course they all burst out in a big laugh... that lasts for a while.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, their dads and others are sitting in the outside seating area, right outside the living room, and hear them laughing. They're so incredibly happy with the change in their boys, and know they have this amazing family to thank. They just want to go see what they're so happy about.

They walk down the hall and turn to start in the door where the laughter was coming from, and suddenly stop in their tracks.

They see Aiden curled up naked between Daniel and Diego... and all three about pee on the bed when the dads walk in. Several of the other boys decide they should leave quickly and say so, to which the dads laugh and say it's not necessary... and ask them to stay.

Ken, Jared and Corey just look at the boys and each other for a few seconds and see the look of almost fear in their eyes... they look at each other and just bust out laughing, which scares the boys more than if they had been mad.

Eventually they find their voices, mostly, and Ken says, "Guys, sorry to barge in, but we heard you laughing and just wanted to see how you're doing. Is there... uhh... anything we should know?" and then chuckles.

Aiden, Daniel and Diego look at each other, and their other brothers, and Aiden looks directly at his dads and says, "Nosotros nos amamos" (we love each other), turns and kisses them pretty good, not entirely chaste, one at a time.

They can see that neither dad knows what that means, so Daniel says nervously, "We love each other," and turns and kisses both quickly.

Diego says, "Yeah, we do, and we really hope you don't hate all of us."

Corey is 99.9% sure Aiden's dads won't have any problem with the three of them at all, but just in case he goes over and wedges himself on the bed close enough to hug and kiss all three... not on the cheeks.

He says, "Guys, some of us have noticed how close you three have gotten, and guys I think it's great. You really do seem to care a lot about each other and I couldn't be happier for you," which gets more hugs.

Ken and Jared have been staring at each other, and finally Ken walks over and offers his two hands to the three of them, since he can't lean over and hug them easily the way they're sitting.

With kinda red eyes he says, "Guys, we will never hate you... we promise. Jared and I have also noticed how close you guys are and we think it's wonderful. In fact, since you're all here, we'd like to sit and talk to you guys some. Alex and Kevin are so much better at talking to all their boys, and we're trying to get a lot better. So can we maybe all sit down and just talk about stuff... anything you want to talk about. Would that be ok?" which gets some surprised looks from their boys.

Aiden and his brothers all say they'd love to, even though they're kinda scared too, wondering what's wrong, so it's decided to go to the living room, where they can all sit, and talk easier, although they don't exactly have enough things to sit on there either.

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Heart To Heart

They get to the living room and everybody is now there, including Alex, Kevin and Michael, who had moved inside.

Ken explains that they want to just sit and talk to their boys about stuff.

Alex says they'll let them have some privacy, which gets a big objection from all the other family, who point out how many times they tried that, which causes everybody to laugh and sit back down.

Aiden speaks up and says, "Some of this involves you guys too."

Javier is feeling a little uncomfortable and says, "Guys, we should leave. This is a family discussion... so maybe..."

Ken interrupts, "Javier and Matteo, these guys consider you a part of their family... and we would be honored if we could do the same. We like you guys a lot too, and unless you object, we're going to treat you just like everybody else. How's that?" which of course causes J+M's eyes to get red... but they just thank him and nod... and stay seated.

He continues, "Everybody other than Javier and Matteo knows how we ended up taking over these guys' house and lives (good laugh), but for you guys (looking at J+M), I met these guys on their flight back to Palm Springs with the boys. It was immediately obvious to me how great they are at talking to each other, and how much they all love and trust each other. I accidentally overheard a little of a conversation between the boys and Kevin, Alex and Michael. We were nowhere near that good... talking to each other, I was just amazed at how well Kevin was able to talk to the boys... and I'd give anything to be able to do that too, so we followed them home... and never left," which gets a big laugh, and somebody starts to object.

Ken just holds up his 'Luke hand' and continues while giving Luke a big smile, "Luke I like that, good idea!" which got a great big laugh, especially from Luke.

Ken continues, "I don't want to embarrass anybody, but does anybody have anything they'd like to say first?"

Aiden looks lovingly at Daniel and Diego and says, "Everybody, we think some of you have figured out that the three of us... have... gotten pretty close. We have. Nosotros nos amamos, which means 'we love each other', which gets big smiles, especially from Javier and Matteo. We haven't quite figured out how this is all going to work, but we've... uh... been sleeping together for about a week. I... uh ...we hope that's ok dads," looking like he really can't continue.

And he doesn't have to because all three get hug mobbed immediately, by all the boys and dads and dads' boyfriends and even J+M, who are just absolutely amazed that these boys can sit here and have this conversation with their dads... all four of their dads... and wishing like hell that their parents had been anywhere close to this amazing... and loving.

Ken says, "Aiden, Daniel and Diego we couldn't be happier for you. If we can ever do anything to help you, let us know... please. We mean that. We're very happy for you. It'll take time to figure things out guys. Don't stress over it... you'll figure it out. We're really proud of you guys too, for being able to admit that to each other. We love you guys... all of you guys.

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Kurt, Nick and Sam

Nick turns to look at Kurt and Sam... who nod.

Nick says nervously, "Uhhh... dads... and brothers... we... uhh... I... I've been sleeping with Sam and Kurt for the last few nights too... I hope that's ok too," looking like he's going to pass out.

Then Sam adds quickly, "And we'd like for Nick to officially move in with us," which gets them hug mobbed too...

After hugs and drier eyes Ken looks over to Kevin and Alex and smiles and continues, "Guys we think that's great... and, we are going to shamelessly steal Kevin, Alex and Michael's promises to their boys. From what we've heard they were... we will never hurt you in any way, we will never lie to you... although I'm still not sure that's a smart thing to promise," which gets a good round of laughs.

Continuing, "And guys, please, you really can talk to us about anything. And, if we ever treat you like kids, please tell us... we don't ever mean to.

"Luke, you said one time we'd never follow any other passengers home after a flight again... maybe not, but guys we are all so grateful that you let us come home with you... and stay... (more laughs). Luke, I think your dads might have more issues with us following you home than we do. Michael probably doesn't object," which gets a few laughs.

Michael laughs and says, "Uhhh... I have absolutely no problem with you coming home with us and staying... for the record!" while leaning over and kissing Corey pretty good, which gets more laughs.

Jared looks at the boys and says, "Guys, all of you, like you've all said to us on several occasions, we'll never be able to thank you enough for everything... but we do thank you. And always will."

Ken continues with, "We are so very lucky to have met you all, and we are so looking forward to living next door... and I'm sure Alex and Kevin are even more looking forward to us living 'NEXT DOOR'," which gets laughs and objections from Kevin, Alex and Michael.

Ken continues, "Like Alex and Kevin told their boys the first day, I'm finally going to say now. We don't have a clue what in the hell we're doing as far as being your dads, so please let us know if we screw up! How's that guys?" which gets him really hug mobbed by all the boys and some of the adults, except Javier and Matteo, who are just sitting and watching, with big smiles.

When all the boys let go, Ken and Jared walk over to them and hold out their hands to get them to stand, "Guys, we all really do love you both, and we all want you to be a part of our lives and family, and really hope that you will," which causes them to kinda lose it. They get hugged for a while.

They sit around and talk and just enjoy being together for a while, and everybody figures this is over, but Kevin says, "Before you all get away, I'd like to give you something. He takes a wrapped thing from the sofa beside him, and hands it to Daniel and asks him to unwrap it.

He does and as soon as he sees it tears start running down his face. He holds it up and it's the framed original of the letter they gave Mr. Frank and JoAnne, the day they left the group home, and had all signed and written notes on, along with a copy of the check. It gets passed around and multiple people comment how wonderful the letter... and check... and the comments are.

Kevin explains, "We asked for a copy of the letter so we could frame it for you guys. They sent the original and said they'd keep a copy."

Kevin continues, "Also, if a couple of you could go into the tv room and bring back the three boxes beside the couch," which they do. Kevin takes the one marked 'ours' and hands it to the boys, who want to know what it is.

Kevin chuckles and says, "Why don't you take out what's in there and tell us what you think," which gets laughs and annoyed looks, but they do.

As soon as they get the lid off they see it's pictures in frames. They start taking some out, laughing and sharing as they look at them. Luke takes out one and just immediately starts tearing up so much that everybody stops what they're doing.

Luke holds up a framed picture of the five of them coming across the field at the Amusement Park with Michael in the middle and turns it around so everybody can see it, and their reactions are about the same.

Luke almost looks like he's studying it for a bit and then hands it to Steve and goes over to dad Kevin and just leans forward with his head on dad Kevin, who takes him and hugs him and just lets him cry for a bit, which pretty much everybody is doing, just seeing the effect it's having on Luke.

Steve passes on the picture and goes and hugs dad Kevin as Luke moves to dad Alex. After Alex, Luke goes to Michael, and it's hard to see who's crying more. Corey has about as many tears, because he's heard several times how they all fell in love with Michael that day. They just stand and hug for a while.

Somebody explains to Javier and Matteo why that picture is so emotional for all of them, but especially Luke, and repeats what Luke has said about all of them falling in love with Michael that day.

After everybody is mostly recovered, they go back to going thru the first box. They find different pictures and show everybody and laugh. The one from the 'farewell' party at the Group Home gets a few red eyes too.

Another emotional picture for the boys is the picture of them sitting in the private jet on the sofas, before they all started back to Palm Springs, but this one gets a big laugh. The looks on their faces were an absolutely priceless mixture of terror and excitement.

At one point as Steve pulls out a picture he gets a big smile and holds it up. It's the picture of him and Corey with Chris and Chad at Santa Monica Pier. He holds it up so that first Luke and then the others can see it.

The other boys are still pulling out pictures and holding them up, and a lot of them include Ken, Jared, Corey and their boys... mostly with the other boys, and often in the pool. Lots of laughs are heard and a few tears are shared.

Kevin takes the second box and hands it to Ken and Jared and said, "Guys, here are some pictures for you guys. We didn't want you to be left out, and you'll soon have lots of walls with nothing on them," which causes more hugs.

Ken thanks them and hands it to Aiden, who opens it. He starts passing the pictures to the others. There's one in particular that makes him laugh, of him standing in the kitchen with Daniel and Diego, getting ready to put a pan of biscuits in the oven. He goes over and hugs the crap out of all the adults, starting with dad Kevin, and thanks him several times for taking the picture.

They go thru and share all the pictures, most getting laughs instead of tears.

Kevin says, "The biggest problem with taking pictures of you guys is that you're always naked," which gets a lot of laughs.

He continues, "We have a photo printer, so we printed all these ourselves and put the date they were made in the lower corner. If any of you have something you want to print, let Steve or Corey or one of us know and we'll either print it or show you how. And Guys, you get to decide where you want these to go.

"We're also asking all of you (motioning to include all the boys and the other family), please... help us all come up with more pictures that everybody will enjoy as we all get older. And guys (motioning to the other family), we're hoping we can continue to share calendars and photos and things like that so we can continue to have memories like this," which got a happy agreement.

Finally, Kevin reaches down and picks up another box and hands it to Javier and Matteo, who are surprised, but thank him and start taking out the pictures, look at them and they immediately have red eyes.

It's pictures of them and the others, mostly the boys, that had been taken at the house. Fortunately they're cropped such that nobody is obviously naked.

Kevin says to them, "You can decide which walls they go on," which doesn't help the red eyes.

Nick uses that to tell Javier and Matteo, "Guys, we'll clean our room a bit and change the sheets, but then... our old room is free," which gets a shocked look on Javier and Matteo's face...

Dad Alex says that's a great idea, and to let them know when they want help moving stuff.

Javier and Matteo decide they should use this as an excuse to hug everybody, so they do.

Alex gets up and goes into the kitchen and comes back with a tray and a couple champagne bottles and a few glasses. He says, "Can somebody help bring in the other glasses please, I couldn't carry them all," to which Steve gets up, as does Matteo, who still has very red eyes. They go in with arms around each other and bring out the other glasses.

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When they get back Alex opens the first bottle of Champagne and starts almost FILLING glasses, which surprises the boys. They ARE tall, skinny glasses, but the boys are still surprised. When everybody has a glass he holds his up and says, "Guys, we had planned to do this part anyway, as a way of telling all of you how much we love you and how glad we are that you're ALL part of our lives and family.

"But now, with Aiden, Daniel and Diego's news, as well as Kurt, Nick and Sam, we have even more to celebrate. And for the record, Javier and Matteo, that absolutely includes both of you. So everybody, a toast to... well... us," which gets even more damn tears.

Some of the adults get a refill. The boys do not.

After that everybody is pretty worn out. They sit and talk for a while, after a long hug fest, and eventually move on to other topics.

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As people start to leave, Alex and Kevin catch Javier and Matteo and ask, "Guys, can we talk to you some time about something important. It's really none of our business, but we'd like to mention something to you that a friend of ours found out the hard way. We assume you'll want to do it in private. It's nothing bad, just something that you two should be careful about... if you don't mind."

Javier and Matteo look at each other Javier says, "Guys, after what you've done for us, we're not worried about privacy. Please, go ahead... We talked about it a bit, and we're giving up trying to pretend we don't want to be here... we hope that's really ok," he said kinda hesitantly.

Kevin hugs them both and says, "Thank you guys, we really do consider you a part of this crazy family... we hope you're OK with that," which gets a few chuckles.

So Alex says, "Guys, we're not trying to invade your privacy, but I don't know if you guys are married or RDPs, Registered Domestic Partners," to which both say they are neither.

Alex continues, "Do either of you know what would happen if, gawd forbid, one of you were injured and unable to make your own medical decisions?"

They both look at each other and shrug their shoulders, and say they assume the other one would make any decisions necessary.

Alex continues, "I'm afraid that's not the case. Guys, legally you're not related to each other... legally you're just friends and roommates. If either of you were hospitalized, the other would NOT be allowed to make any decisions for you.

"I'm afraid your parents would be contacted, and they would be legally responsible for making all decisions. If they refuse, either the hospital or a judge would... but not the other one of you, I'm afraid," which gets looks of complete terror on their faces.

Matteo says, almost panicked, "Really? OMG... that can never happen... OMG... no, we have to do something. Alex, what can we do?"

Alex says, "Guys, I'll call tomorrow and make an appointment with our lawyer. He can draw up documents, a Legal Power of Attorney or a Healthcare Directive, and you can name each other. You should also have wills done, if you don't have one.

"It won't be expensive, but we'll pay for it. It's really, really important that you deal with this quickly... unless you want your parents to have total decision making authority over you. And guys, your parents could prevent the other one from even seeing you in the hospital. It's very serious guys... please, let us help you take care of this... quickly," which almost scares J+M to death.

Javier says, "We'll gladly pay, but OMG... yes, please... help us fix this. We had no idea... Thank you... so much," which gets more hugs.

Luke, being Luke, says, "You could always just get married!" which causes quite a nervous laugh.

Javier and Matteo look at each other and Matteo says, "We've talked about it and want to, but we thought it would be better to wait until we were a little better off financially... but there's no way in hell we want our parents making any decision for us. Please help us Alex."

Alex says, "I'll call first thing in the morning. We agree. Guys, we're really not trying to pry, or to scare you, but this could be a disaster... as a good friend of ours found out.

"His partner's parents took their house, that was just in his partner's name, got a court order prohibiting him from even going into the house to get his personal items, including any pictures of them, and never let him see his partner again, who eventually died. It's very scary guys.

"I'll let you know as soon as I know when the appointment is, and I'll tell him we need to get this done as quickly as possible," which leaves J+M with tears running down their faces.

They both go over and hug and cheek kiss everybody, starting with Alex.

Javier says, "Damn guys, you are all so amazing... I'm going to have to learn German just to have another language to say 'thank you' in. We'll never be able to repay you guys for all that you've already done for us. I just don't know what to even say, but thank you so much," which gets laughs and even more hugs.

Kevin with a smile says, "Guys, it's not necessary for you to ever thank us... but the simplest is 'Danke'," which gets a laugh and two 'Dankes' (thank you), and two 'Bittes' (you're welcome) in return.

After that some kinda wanders away on their own, some going to pee, then the adults go to get water or something in the kitchen.

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Pictures At An Exibition

The boys all think that the pictures should go in the living room. There's a long wall with basically nothing on it. They ask the dads about making it their 'picture wall' or something, and the dads think it's an excellent idea.

They take the pictures and are standing around trying to figure out how to arrange things, when Sam suggests, "I've seen pictures arranged so they kinda look random... not all in a straight line and it looks really good.

"Let's see... Everybody grab two pictures and come with me to the wall... Let's hold them up. Yeah, everybody move a little closer together... that's it. See, we can do one at this height, then one at this height... Yeah, like that... and since all the frames are the same it really looks good on this wall color," which got a pretty unanimous agreement.

Sam adds, "When you want to put new pictures up you can just come out from what's there. This way you don't have to worry about everything being completely lined up."

Michael and Corey are watching, but not saying much, just enjoying watching the boys work it out. But they really like how it looks with them just holding the pictures up.

Michael volunteers, "Hang on and I'll go get a hammer and some small nails. We can put them up."

Sam says, "Don't you need to ask your dads first?" being very surprised they'd consider it without asking first.

Just then Kevin and Alex and the other adults walk in to see what the boys are doing. They walk up behind the boys unnoticed and Alex says, "Ask us what?" which made Sam squeal and bit and jump and almost drop a picture... which gets lots of laughs.

They walk up behind Sam, and Kevin puts his hands and arms kinda around his shoulders from the back. Sam looks like he's going to pass out, but manages to say, "Uhhh, we were talking about how to arrange the pictures. I've seen them done so they look almost random... that's easier because they don't have to be lined up so perfect. Uhh, what do you think?" hoping they didn't hate it.

Kevin says, "Guys, I like it. It looks really good, but we'll leave it up to you... whatever you think looks good. It's your house too, so you decide," which makes everybody laugh.

Javier and Matteo just look at each other and smile and shake their heads, again amazed that they'd let the boys take a hammer to walls to put up pictures.

Michael goes out somewhere and comes back with a hammer and some small nails. He asks the boys if they want him to do it or if they want to. They decide they can do it, and want to surprise the others. They ask the others to leave and tell them they'll call them when they finish... everybody laughs... and goes outside.

It's a very nice mild evening and everybody not hanging pictures is sitting outside, some non-boys with margaritas. About an hour later the picture hanging boys come outside where everybody is sitting and Aiden says in Spanish, 'Está listo' (it's ready)... which gets some stares from the adults and Javier says, "It's ready... whatever 'it' is," which gets a laugh, although he knows he means the pictures.

They all get up and go back to the living room and are all really impressed at how good it looks. They all walk up to the wall and start looking at the pictures.

They're arranged pretty much in the center of the wall, in what looks like a random pattern... not really lined up at all. They're arranged with the picture of the boys and Michael at the Amusement Park in the prominent center position. There are a few red eyes in the bunch.

Kevin walks over to the boys who hung the pictures and kinda wraps his arms around Sam's shoulders from behind again and tells him, "Sam, that's a great idea... and it looks amazing. Do like doing things like this?" which makes Sam stutter and look down at the ground.

Eventually he says quietly, "Yeah, I kinda like decorating and stuff," but then he panics and says, "I'm sorry dads... I know that's not a very... good... thing to want to do," and looks like he's going to cry.

Ken goes over and kneels down in front of him and says, "Sam, it looks great. If you like doing things like this, please don't ever apologize for it. In fact, how about helping us with the new house. Decorating is NOT something I have any talent for, trust me," Jared, Corey and several of their boys laugh and agree, which gets a good laugh.

Sam looks like he can't decide between saying 'yes' or passing out, but eventually says, "Really?"

Ken laughs a bit and says, "Of course. Son, this looks great. We have a bunch of old pictures in boxes that we've never figured out what to do with... and there's going to be a lot of changes we want to make to the house... it looks good but it's kinda not our style... it looks a little bit outdated. How about next time we can go into the house, you guys should come too and pick out your rooms and start getting ideas of what you want to do," which gets a big loud agreement from the boys.

Ken continues, "Might want to bring your phones and take lots of pictures... we have some photos already that we'll give you too," which causes Sam to tear up a bit and he just hugs 'dad Ken' and says, "Thank you dad."

Kevin is very, very happy to see the change in Ken and Jared.

Corey looks like he's going to cry. He so wanted his 'dads' and 'brothers' to get along as well as the other dads and boys... He knew this family was the answer to that, and it looks like it might actually work out that way.

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After the 'public viewing' of the boys efforts, they all sit down in the living room and just chat for a while.

Alex decides to mention, "Guys, or at least our four, today is two weeks since we got back to Palm Springs, and met these guys. We know it's been really busy and hectic, but like I asked last time, are there any regrets we should know about... all of you, not just ours? And, don't worry... I'm not going to ask you this every week," which gets some laughs and Luke says, "I hope not!" which gets more laughs.

Luke, being Luke, says, "Nope, dads it's all great... I can't even imagine my life... our lives... anywhere else," which gets a huge agreement, and laughs after all the drama surrounding Luke.

Daniel says, "Dads, I agree with Luke... it is all great! We'll never be able to thank you enough. We are so, so glad we're here. Thank you... all three," which gets a nice hug from Michael, who's sitting next to him.

Steve just gets up and goes over and hugs both dads, then Michael, Corey and then the other dads, and says, "Dads and Michael... and Corey and other dads... you know, it takes a lot of time to do that... so, from now own... everybody... (which gets laughs) I love you all so much, and I love it here. Thank you all for giving us... this," motioning around at... well... everything, which gets a lot of agreement.

Diego adds, "Yeah, me too, dads and Michael. We never thought we'd have a family again after... everything that happened. And I love all of you, and I love it here. Thank you..." which gets a loud agreement from the others.

That picture of the goodbye party at the Group Home causes Diego to ask, "Dads... and brothers... (a little laugh), I'd kinda like to send Mr. Frank and JoAnne a letter and tell them how happy we are, and maybe a couple pictures... but I don't want to make the other boys there feel bad," which makes the other boys think about it.

Steve thinks about it and thinks it's a great idea, and says, "Maybe we can send it to them... and maybe Mr. Kleindienst, and ask them to not show the other boys... or leave it up to them?" to which the other guys agree.

Diego asks, "Dads, what do you think?"

Kevin says, "Guys, I think that's a great idea. You can email it or send a real letter... and include as many pictures as you want. I think they'd appreciate it a lot. And just so everybody (motioning to include the other family) knows, we have a photo printer... so it's no problem to print them, so if you have things you want to print... not a problem," to which the other boys agree and are excited to find out they can print their own pictures.

Luke suggests they can all sit down and decide, to which the dads and Michael chuckle a bit. Luke says, "If we'd asked, you would've told us the same thing," which gets a couple more laughs. Dad Alex says, "To quote Luke, 'Yep'," which gets a few more laughs.

But dad Kevin adds, "Guys, we're really proud of you for thinking about that, and if you need any help, like taking pictures of all of you... not naked... or anything else, we'll gladly help... always," which gets a laugh from pretty much everybody... at least the 'not naked' part.

Kevin continues, "That goes for all you other guys too... How about... Steve and whoever else wants to know, when you have something you want to print, let us know and we'll show you how... although I'm sure all you 'yunguns' can figure it out anyway," which gets a chuckle.

Alex wants to use this as a chance to bring up a few other ideas, so he says, "All of you guys, not just ours, we suspect that the novelty of the pool will wear off eventually... hopefully before you all dissolve. We were thinking if you get tired of hanging around here, there are some fun and interesting things to do in the area...

"We have windmills that generate electricity, which Steve and Corey saw some of on their way to LA, we have a tram that goes to the top of Mt. San Jacinto, we have botanical gardens, we have the 'Living Desert' with a lot of wildlife from Africa and other continents.

"There's also a nice little town in the mountains nearby called Idyllwild, and it's kinda fun to go up for a day. And before anybody panics, we're not going to keep you out of the pool... promise.

You can almost see the relief on the boys faces, although they aren't displaying much enthusiasm for getting out of the pool. In fact they don't say much of anything. Oh well, so much for that idea, apparently.

Nick speaks up and said, "Some of the guys went downtown and really liked it... and met Javier (smiling at him). I'd like to do that... and the tram sounds like fun," which a couple kinda agreed with.

Steve looks sweetly at Corey and says, "I'd really like to do a tour of the windmills. I read about them years ago and Corey said we can take a tour. That sounds really interesting, and I'd like to go up on the tram... we saw the road up to the tram when we were going to LA, and the mountain is really high... Corey also says it's a lot cooler at the top," which does get some interest. Oh boys, just wait till summer really gets here... and it's not going to be long.

Michael says, "We've done that. It's a lot of fun. There's a restaurant at the top and it's nice to go up and hike thru the woods if anybody's interested... and they have real trees, not just palm trees," which causes Kurt to say he'd like to do that.

Several boys express 'some' interest in that.

Alex finally just says, "OK, all you guys... get together and decide what you want to do other than stay in the pool... and in this case, you can certainly decide separately. If somebody wants to do something and somebody else doesn't, that's ok too. How about that? You can talk to any of us and we'll figure out who, what, when, where and how. How's that?" which gets some agreement.

Kevin says, "And also guys, we would have given anything if you'd all been part of our lives forever, but it unfortunately it didn't happen that way. And that means there are lots of things we don't know about each other... yet. But we'll gradually learn more about all of us, and that's great."

Kevin continues with, "And guys, all of you, if you have things you like to do, hobbies like playing piano, painting, ballet (laughs), even drums, heaven help us (laughs)... whatever it is guys, please tell us.

"We want you guys to have a full, fun life sons. Please don't hesitate because... well, for any reason (he almost said 'because of money' because he knows that's an issue with the boys). Please tell us if there's something you'd like to do. We all promise we'll try to work it out, ok?" which gets some thank-you's. And again J+M are just sitting, listening and amazed.

Daniel stutters for a minute and timidly says, "I've always wanted to learn to play piano, but with our parents running from immigration all the time, there was no way. But dads, we don't have a piano," kinda immediately regretting saying it.

Kevin just smiles and says, "We'll see what we can do. Javier and Matteo, neither of you happen to play piano do you?" which gets some laughs.

Matteo hesitantly says, "Uhh... I do. I took almost 10 years of piano, but I've never tried to teach it... could be interesting. I'd uhhh... like to try... if that's something you ever decide to do," which gets a sad look from Javier.

Javier says sadly, already with red eyes, "Matty... are you sure?" which seems a bit odd.

Matteo looks at Javier for a while, leans over and kisses him lovingly and says, "Yeah. I'm sure... I need to get past that," which is also a bit odd... nobody knows what that means, but nobody wants to ask.

Kevin says, "I'll call tomorrow. The biggest problem is where to put it. We can probably take enough stuff out of the sunroom. That could be fine, and it has sliding doors to close it off, but will it bother you guys if you're using the computer... since it's right outside the door?" to which everybody around says no.

Alex adds, "If it ends up being a problem, we'll find some other place to put the computer," which everybody agrees to.

Daniel is feeling guilty and says, "Dads, no... I don't want you to buy a piano just for me. That's way too much."

Sam decides to speak up, "Uhhh... I took three years of piano before... well... before. Dads I'd like to continue if we get a piano, and especially if Matteo can help," which gets a lot of smiles and a couple laughs.

Kevin isn't giving up, "Guys, that's amazing... great. I'll call tomorrow and see what the options are!"

Alex continues with, "Guys that really is great. I'm looking forward to it. Javier and Matteo, we'd like to include you guys in anything you want to be included in... but please don't feel like you 'HAVE TO' do things like that.

"We know you have jobs and your own lives. And we really do need to sit down and figure out how to pay you for your time. Like we said, we don't expect you to take your time to do things for nothing. If you're interested, some of these things might lend themselves to practicing Spanish a bit."

Javier speaks up, "Alex, we'd love to do things with you and the guys... and we don't want you to worry about paying us for every minute. We really enjoy spending time with all of you," looking at the boys. "In fact, we're both feeling guilty about you paying us for something that we really like so much."

Kevin recognized the conflict they're having, "Javier and Matteo, I think I understand what you're saying... and we know the guys love spending time with you too. But, we also know that you have jobs and need to earn some money... we'd like to help with that.

"You two can decide if you want to sit with just the adults or all of us to talk about payment, and we really want to be fair to you. You guys are both amazing, and not just at getting everybody interested in Spanish, and that's worth a lot to us and the boys," which leave the two of them sitting with red eyes.

Matteo, a little emotional, says, "Guys, we love spending time here with you all, and we really are guilty about you having to pay us... you're going to let us live here, how about just taking that as our payment? That's worth a lot to us... and then everything we do is is covered?"

Alex chuckles and says, "Guys, we figured you'd propose that, but that's not nearly enough for your time and efforts. And to you younger guys, I don't know if you know or not, but both of these guys have their teaching credentials... or almost, for Javier... And by the way, Javier, we want to talk to you about any help you need about finishing your certification. We'll help any way we can, if you'll let us," which shocks the hell out of Javier.

Javier blurts out, "Alex, you guys are doing way too much for us. We can't let you do that."

To which Alex just smiles big and says, "Sure you can. We'll talk about it a little later if that's ok," to which he just nods.

Alex continues, "Guys, Matteo's certification is in math and science, and Javier's is in Spanish, English and History. We mentioned them possibly helping you with your school work... do any of you need or want help in any of your classes... and please, please guys, don't be embarrassed to say 'yes'?" which causes a lot of worried silence.

Kurt speaks up, "Dads... all... we don't know what to call you... all... but, I do ok in school, but could use some help in History and English especially," which gets agreement from several others.

Nick, feeling panicky, says, "Dads, I do ok in school too, but math and science are not my favorites... Steve has already said he would help... and thank you Steve... but yeah, I need some help... please," which gets one or two mumbling they also need help.

Diego agrees, "Yeah, math and science are hard for me, and Steve said he could help me too, but that would be great."

Matteo says, "Guys, I'd love to help any way I can. I eventually want to be a full-time teacher, and it'll be great practice for me," to which Javier agrees.

Javier then adds, "Me too guys, I'm really, really enjoying the Spanish exercises... it's already showing me it's a lot different trying to teach Spanish than I was expecting... but guys, all of you, you're really amazing at how fast you're picking it up... we're both really impressed.

"Thank you for putting in so much effort. We really do want to try to make it fun, and I think doing some 'field trip' kinda things would be a great way to practice a bit... as long as we're careful not to get yelled at for speaking Spanish," he adds a little sadly at the end.

To which there is sad agreement.

Which reminds Luke, "Yeah, dads... we don't know what to call you all... When are you going to tell us?" with several agreeing.

Kevin with a big smile and chuckle answers, "Thank you for finally asking, and we're not going to tell you what to call us."

To which Luke objects, "So, how do we know what to call you? That's not fair dads, Why not?" with some agreement from the others.

Kevin smiles really big at Luke and says, "Luke, for the record, we haven't told you because you've never asked," which gets an immediate protest from Luke.

Luke asks, "Dad... I've asked several times what to call you both... all four."

Kevin responds, "Luke, sorry but you haven't asked us... at least not that I've heard. If you did and I missed it, I apologize. You've SAID several times you don't know what to call us... all, but you've never asked. I'm pretty sure you know what our answer will be, don't you?" which got a look of terror on Luke's face.

Luke, "Dads, NO! You're not going to tell us to decide... please?" which got some snickering from the others.

Kevin, "Sorry kiddo... you all decide!"

Luke, being Luke, just says, "Crap! Ok, fine... we'll decide!" which gets a big laugh, mostly from the adults and stares of amazement from Javier and Matteo.

Alex can't resist and laughing a bit says, "Well, now that that's settled, back to Javier and Matteo. If you want, just the six of us can sit down and figure out how much to pay you?"

Matteo and Javier look at each other uncomfortably for a while and Javier finally says, "Guys, how about... you just pay us what you think it's worth. We'll be fine with it... we promise."

Alex, Kevin and Michael look at each other a bit, and Alex says he'll be right back.

He goes to the office and comes back with a pad of paper and some pens. He writes something on a piece of paper and hands it to Javier and says, "We do NOT expect you to do this for nothing... How about this for a starting monthly amount... each... and guys, please be honest. If it's not enough, please say so. And we expect to pay you more as you take on more things like tutoring."

Javier and Matteo look at the paper and then at each other with big eyes. Javier says, "Alex, this can't be right... can it?" which causes the boys to panic, thinking it's not enough.

Alex says, "We'll increase it, gladly," which gets immediate objection from both.

Javier says looking a bit rattled, "NO! Alex... guys, this is way too much. You can't pay us this much and let us live here... and offer to feed us. This is way too much."

Kevin sees the shock in their faces, "Guys, it's not too much. We're so glad the boys met you both. And the chances that they'd meet both of you... separately... it's pretty amazing, don't you think? We really do want you to help the boys... but... we promise, and we want to help the two of you also. And, we insist on paying you enough to be worth your time. Guys, believe it or not we were once your ages too, and we know it's not easy earning enough money to get by. Please?" which causes them both to start leaking.

Javier says emotionally, "I wish we could do it for nothing. Like the boys keep saying, we're so happy being here with all of you... Matty, I don't know what you think, but I'd gladly do it for a third of this much," to which Matteo agrees.

Alex isn't going to give in, "Guys, please. We'll do anything to help all of these guys (pointing to all eight) and YOU... and it's NOT too much. So, can we please try this for a while. If it turns out not to be enough, please let us know. OK?"

Javier and Matteo just sit and look at each other and nod and thank them.

The boys are all sitting there not really believing their dads are willing to pay to help them like this. They don't know how much, but they're kinda blown away that the dads will do that. And they're not sure they're happy about it... but they really want Javier and Matteo to stay, so nobody objects, despite lots of worried looks between themselves.

Michael thinks he should say something, "Javier and Matteo, I get it and I suspect Corey does too. Alex and Kevin pay me too... not for sex... just to be clear... I gladly do that for nothing! Hell, if I had the money I'd pay them! (which gets a good laugh)

"But guys, they realized that if they didn't, I'd have to be out working most of the time, which I used to do as a flight attendant, and couldn't be here to help out... or to just be here. So, guys... I feel guilty about that too. I'm here because I love them, but I can't do it without some money to live on... so guys, don't worry about it. Please."

Corey adds, "Me too. I'd love to have enough of my own money to not need Ken and Jared to pay me at all... I wish I could be part of this family without being paid, but like Michael said, I'd have to go out and get a job again. I get it too, guys. But I know how much all these dads love you guys, and I know they'll be very happy paying you to help out... and having you around," which just causes Javier and Matteo to start tearing up.

Alex wants to add, "Guys, all of you... this isn't just about paying any of you. This is about us all being a family. If you weren't here, (his voice cracking a bit) our lives would be so much worse off. We've all worked hard for our money, and we want to spend it on what makes us happy... and guys, you ALL make us very happy... to have you in our lives," to which nobody knows what to say.

One of the boys gets up to go to hug them and they all follow. The dads just sit and watch as each of the boys goes over and hugs the crap out of J+M and tells them things like they love them and really want them to be part of their family... which doesn't do much to stop the tears.

After a few minutes, Javier says, "Ok guys... but really, this is too much. We would have been very happy with a third this much. I promise. But guys, we need to come up with better ways to say how much we appreciate... and, hell... love you guys. So, ok... but we wish you'd pay half this much."

Alex and Kevin smile and Alex says, "As Luke would say, 'Nope'. (which gets a good laugh, even from Luke) And, welcome to the family... officially! And guys, we do all love you both... and I'm not kidding. You're both amazing great guys and we're so glad the boys found you. So, great... all decided, but if at any time you decide it's not enough, please let us know, Ok?"

J+M couldn't say any more... they just say, "Ok... and thank you... so, so much... for everything," and that's how the day ends... mostly.

All the boys stay where they are. They had communicated somehow thru looks or something that they needed to say something about how much this is going to cost. They're uncomfortable discussing this in front of Javier and Matteo, but do anyway.

Daniel starts by saying, "Dads... all of you... we don't want you spending that much money on us. We don't want to do that dads. You've all given us all too much already... computers, iPads, clothes... dads, it's too much."

Several other boys agree, saying they don't want the dads to have to spend that much money. The dads just sit and listen to the objections until the boys are finished.

Kevin the asks, "Guys, thank you for saying that. You guys are all amazing. Most guys your age would gladly take anything they could get, but not you. It is a bit of money, but I promise, it's really not that much. We're all lucky guys, both families. We've worked hard, we've saved our money, and now we want to enjoy it a bit.

"Guys, when we were younger, we weren't sure we'd ever have enough money to do what we wanted, so we were afraid to spend any money on anything. But, we all have enough money... now... to have a pretty good life, and spend it on things that are important to us. And guys, the most important thing in the world to all of us... is all of you (pointing to all the boys). Please don't worry about it guys. We promise you, we're not just spending money to show off. We're spending it on who and what we love... and the who part is you guys... and those guys," which gets a few red eyes.

Jared speaks up too, "Guys, all of you... not just 'ours', Kevin's right. What we want to do with our money at this point is enjoy our lives... all of us. Someday when you're older and working and earning your own money, you'll have to make these same choices. You know, we can pay for a piano and piano lessons for all of you for probably 20 years for what one big vacation will cost. (which gets looks of shock)

"That doesn't mean we won't go on vacations either. It's a trade-off guys. It always is. But the Spanish lessons, if you're interested and really work on them, is something that we promise will help you your entire life. It's a great investment in all of our futures, but it's not just about the money.

"Do you enjoy it? (which gets lots of yeses). Good, we do too. Do you like having Javier and Matteo around? (which gets even more vocal yeses). Guys, please don't worry about the money. Like these guys, we have enough for all of us to have a good life, and we want all of us to enjoy it... so, please guys, don't worry about the money... it's really not that much. Ok?" which more or less gets some agreement.

The boys eventually decide they're not going to win this 'argument', so they hug, thank and kiss the dads+4 and go down the hall somewhere, except for Luke and Steve.

After the boys leave, Ken channeling Steve, looks at Jared and asks, "What happened to you? You never used to be that smart?" which gets a huge laugh for everybody, although Jared can't quite decide whether it was a compliment or insult... but he laughs anyway.

The new foursome head to Michael's room, as he'd already told them they're spending the night with the dads.

Kevin says, "I'm having wine, anybody else... or anything else?" which gets a pretty unanimous "HELL YES. Maybe two."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Michael's Room

The four go back to the room and just lie down together, with Javier and Matteo in the middle. Luke and Steve thought they might want to be next to each other after all that.

Matteo leans over and kisses both of them lovingly and says, "I am so amazed at you guys and your families. We'll never be able to thank you for how nice you're being to us. And OMG... what Alex said about our parents scares the shit out of us... we had no idea. Luke and Steve, we are so damn glad we met you guys," which gets them sweet kisses from Luke and Steve.

Luke says, "Guys, we are too. After ending up in the group home, we never thought we'd ever have a family again. We've told you how worried we were when we found out two gay men wanted to adopt us. But we're so lucky, all of us.

"We never could have even imagined one dad, or two dads, or 2 parents like our dads. They're amazing. Trust us, we get it. And I'm not kidding... I never, ever cried before... I wouldn't have given my worthless sperm donor the satisfaction," which gets a small sad laugh... and nobody doubts him either.

Steve says, "Guys, our dads really do love you... a lot... just like all of us. I think they really want to help you guys succeed in whatever you want to do too. Please let them."

Javier says, "We both said we really liked you guys when we each met you... separately. Matteo came home that night and said... no, wait. Matteo, you should tell them what you told me that night, please."

Matteo laughs and says, "I came home that night... oh god, this is so embarrassing... I came home that night and told Javier about this amazing... hot... sorry... dad who came in to buy a SUV. I told him how he let you, Steve, ask all the questions about the car and let you pick all the options on the car, and just completely let you decide things.

"I have never in my life seen any parent do that. I also... sorry... told him I thought you two were the cutest guys I'd ever seen and was pretty sure you were boyfriends. I also said I really wished there was some way we could get to know both of you and your dad. I didn't know you had two dads... at first... not until Kevin and Michael came to swap cars. I'm not kidding guys... in fact, we want to make you the same promise your dads did... we will never hurt you or lie to you, and you can honestly talk to us about anything.

"Your dad kept apologizing for 'invading our privacy', but guys, it would be a disaster if our parents could ever make any decisions for us. They would never let us be together if they could stop it. We can never let them make any of our decisions. We owe your dads our lives guys. We're just blown away," with tears running down both their faces.

Steve reaches up and wipes some tears away from Matteo's face and says, "We get it. We owe them our lives too... literally. And for the record, Luke and I said almost the same thing about you Matteo, and really wanted to hug and kiss you to death... and we were pretty bummed out thinking we'd never even see you again," which gets laughs.

Luke chimes in with, "And Javier, I was so hard at the restaurant every time I saw you. I really was trying to figure out how to... well... kiss you, or at least figure out how to get to know you... a lot better," which of course gets a laugh.

Steve continues, "That picture of us at the Amusement Park really was the moment we all fell in love with Michael and both dads, and I love our dads so much for taking and framing that picture, and everything else too. The day they asked us if we'd let them be our dads we were..."

Javier interrupts, "Wait... sorry to interrupt, but what do you mean they asked you if you'd LET them be your dads?"

Steve and Luke chuckle and then explain, along with everything the dads promised them that day. Javier and Matteo can't believe that two adults would ever do that. And it amazes them as much as everything else about these families.

They're both still in shock that they're being invited to live here. Javier finally says, "Guys, are you really sure you want us here? We don't ever want to do anything that'll make you hate us."

Luke being Luke says, "Yep, absolutely. It's great having you both here. Còmo se dice? (which gets startled looks)... fantastico? bueno?" which of course gets him big eyes and three kisses.

Steve says shocked, "Have YOU been studying Spanish?"

Luke says, "Yep. I'm going to learn Spanish for Daniel and Diego and José... and you guys too. And also because I think it'll be great for meeting lots of cute Latino guys!" while wiggling his eyebrows, which gets him laughs and even more hugs.

Steve says, "Guys, it's been a pretty emotional day. We can go back to our room so you guys can be alone... We hope you're going to live here, and like you said we don't want to make you hate US.

"We know you OLD guys don't like sex as much as us young guys!" which gets two people trying to tickle him until he pees. They were all tickling and laughing so hard they fail to notice a few drops of pee do show up. It's a good thing they stopped when they did.

After Steve recovers Matteo says, "Guys, please sleep here with us tonight. I would love to do something simple... maybe just make love or something... even just sleep together and talk... like this... but guys, we're really so happy to be here. We love you guys," which gets red-eyed kisses and assurance that they love them too.

So they had a tender hot love making session, and a quick shower. But truth be told it has been a very long emotional day. They crawl into bed and just enjoy being together.

And rumor has it several more loving, tender making-loves might have happened during the night too.

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Next: 31 - Palm Springs Family - Settling In