29 - Palm Springs Family - Welcome To The Family

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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, 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...

Javier and Matteo spent the night. And although it's a little late, they're all getting to know each other better. And the more they get to know, they more the families like them. And they're looking forward to figuring out what's next for all of them.

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There are two families at the heart of this story:

- Alex, Kevin, Michael + Luke, Steve, Daniel and Diego who got back to Palm Springs two weeks 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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Day17 2JUL MON: Welcome To The Family

Monday Morning

Various guys wake up at various times in two bedrooms.

Matteo is lying between and partially on Michael and Corey. Damn, what a night that was. Never, ever has anything even close to it happened before. He just hopes it isn't a huge mistake.

As he's lying here wondering how badly they'd fucked up, no pun intended, Corey stirs a bit and leans over and kisses him. Damn these guys are all hot as hell... and a lot of fun... and incredibly nice guys. Hell, this entire family is incredible.

As he turns to kiss Corey better, he feels Michael put his arm over his waist from behind, and move up and slide into him. Guess he's ok with me kissing his boyfriend... one of his boyfriends... fuck if he knows. He reaches down and gently strokes Corey, while having some very hot thoughts about him and Michael.

They kiss and slowly fuck for a while. It's all good... actually, it's all great! Just a very nice sexy time with two really amazing guys!

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In another bedroom Luke wakes up enjoying feeling something sliding in his ass, and very happy about it. Damn what a night that was. He's lying here between Steve and Javier, thinking about how much their lives have changed. He's sure he already has strong feelings for Javier and Matteo... and certainly the sex.

They've never had so many amazing people in their lives, which totally surprises both him and Steve. They never thought they'd have anybody other than each other... after everything that happened.

He opens his eyes and sees Steve lying looking back at him with a big smile. He leans over and kisses his soulmate passionately.

Steve reaches past Luke and strokes Javier's face, who's currently making love to his soulmate... He's quickly developing feelings for Javier and Matteo too, having really liked Matteo the first time they met. Steve leans forward over Luke enough to kiss Javier.

They started out with Javier between them, but somehow that changed during the night.

Luke reaches down and gently slides his fingers up and down Steve's dick. Gawd he loves Steve so much. They were so afraid they would be separated, and now they're together and so totally accepted as gay and boyfriends... and lovers... and sons. He never thought their life could be like this.

They just continue to make slow love to each other, and they're all feeling a little emotional after last night. They just kiss and continue to make slow gentle love to each other. Eventually it happens, and they just continue to lie together and enjoy.

Javier, a little emotional, says, "Guys, it seems stupid to thank you for last night, but that was the most amazing thing I've ever done... ever. Are you guys sure you're ok with everything. We really like you guys and don't ever want to do anything we shouldn't," looking more than a little worried.

Luke rolls onto his back, reaches up and strokes Javier's face and says, "Javier, we really like you guys too... a lot. It's not just about sex. We really do want you to be a part of our lives. We liked both of you as soon as we met you, even if we didn't know you both were already boyfriends," he chuckles a bit and leans up and kisses him sweetly. Steve leans over and does the same thing. Javier get a little teary and just enjoys lying here with these two guys.

Eventually they have to get out of bed. They consider a quick shower, but they showered after sex last night, so for now just a wash cloth should be fine. Nobody has any idea of what's going on today.

Once they're mostly presentable they decide to go see about breakfast, although they're hoping the boys don't stand and applaud, like last time. Javier is amazed at how comfortable everybody is with being naked... and sex, but it's still new for him, and he's not really comfortable walking out of Luke and Steve's room naked... with everybody knowing they had sex.

Fortunately the boys are all distracted by something they'd rather do... eat.

They go into the kitchen and Aiden, Daniel and Diego are busy cooking. They walk up and are very surprised when Aiden announces in Spanish that they're having huevos rancheros, and some other Mexican breakfast items. They even have little cards with the Spanish names of breakfast items they're having by each dish, which several boys are actually reading out loud as they fill their plates.

They all fill up their plates and go outside, where they see the other three... and hear the boys trying to speak Spanish at various tables, which are all pushed together. They head over to join the other three.

They sit down and all look at each other and burst out laughing. They don't want to overdo it too much, because they don't want the other boys to ask what's going on, although it's certainly not a secret. Javier and Matteo end up sitting next to each other. They lean over and kiss sweetly and exchange 'good morning' and 'I love you' in Spanish.

They all six sit and have a challenging conversation, J+M using as much Spanish as they can get away with, including as many of the others as they can, meaning trying to work Spanish into the conversation in a way that's obvious what it means. They even get a little Spanish back in response.

Eventually the dads come out. The foursome didn't see if they all came out of a bedroom together, but it's almost impossible for all six to sleep together in one bed. So it's usually just three and three, or just the dads.

The dads sit nearby, exchange a few Spanish simple greetings, questions and answers, and then move on to other topics. The dads are all happy to see nobody yelling or throwing things. They remember a few of their own early episodes of jealousy, and they're never pretty, and they want to avoid them at all costs.

During breakfast it comes up that Matteo has to work. Everybody, including the dads, try to persuade Javier to just stay here for the day and Matteo can come back after he's off work. It takes a little convincing, but eventually he gives in... after some, "Aren't you tired of us?" discussions.

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So eventually Matteo has to go home to get ready for work. Everybody gives them privacy and Javier walks out to the car with him. They're both pretty nervous about spending the night the way they did... both the sex and the sleeping apart.

Matteo starts by saying, "Javier, I love you. I hope you're really ok with everything that happened. I have to tell you, I think I got fucked by Michael... and fucked Corey. Please don't hate me," looking very nervous.

Javier laughs and says, "Matty, I woke up making love to Luke and being kissed by Steve, so it's not a problem. I really like these guys, this whole family, I hope that's ok... I'm a little freaked out by the sex with Luke and Steve, but... I really do like all of them," hoping Matteo isn't pissed at him.

Matteo leans over and kisses him and says, "Good, me too! I Love you and I'll see you later... and, I trust you... and, we're going to be honest about this. If you have a chance and want to have sex while I'm not here... have fun, but I expect a chance to do the same... some time. If Luke and Steve can do this, so can we. Agreed?" Looking like he's going to laugh.

Javier laughs and then says, "Damn, I love you. 'Yep', as Luke would say," and kisses him pretty good. Matteo gets in the car and leaves, saying he'll be back about 1PM, and Javier goes back inside... to his new family? Who knows? But he does know it feels good.

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The moment he walks back in he's treated just like any other member of these families. He's really happy that a lot of the boys are really trying to use Spanish. They'll say what they can and then fill in English where they have to, which is perfect because he or another one of the Spanish speakers can fill in the Spanish word or words.

He noticed at breakfast the guys were all naming all the food and items on the table... plates, fork, salt... they're really being great at practicing everything... even using the articles for gender, which is always important in gendered languages. Who knew?

The dads are still worried about Aiden and his crew spending so much time cooking.

They mention it at breakfast and ask the other boys if they'll start doing more of the cleanup work after Aiden and his crew cooks. They all say they will... don't even grumble about it. The dads also say that any of the boys that had any interest in learning to cook were more than welcome... They all mumble something, but so far no volunteers.

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Gym

Nick mentions working out, and most of the other boys noisely agree. Michael and Corey quickly explain to Javier, who says he'd love to do that too...

But then somebody asks about kicking the soccer ball around, so they all decide to do that before the weights.

So they all put on shoes, meet in the sitting area and head for the side yard with the soccer ball, and Javier goes with them... all naked, which the dads don't mind sitting and watching at all. They spend at least thirty minutes kicking the ball around the yard, and the dads spend at least that much time adjusting themselves.

When they finish, they all come back, grab something to drink and then head to the 'gym'. And it's more obvious than ever that they're not going to all fit very well... but they make it work.

Only two at a time can really work on the weight bench. The others do sit ups or work with barbells. Javier has lots of volunteers to hold his feet while he does naked sit ups... Aiden gets the honors today, and he's really hard sitting and holding Javier's feet... and staring directly at his sweaty dick and balls.

It takes over and hour and a half today, and true to form as soon as they get back inside all the boys grab Michael, Corey and Javier and drag them toward Michael's shower... Michael and Corey are trying really hard not to laugh at Javier's reaction. Nobody explained the shower part... must have been an oversight.

After they all get their shoes off, they get in, turn on the water and boys start soaping up the three... Javier lets out a pretty good 'yelp' when somebody grabs him and the soap, but he pretty quickly figures out what's going on... and just follows Michael and Corey and raises his arms and spreads his legs and gets the best soaping up of his life, most everybody giggling and laughing the entire time... literally so hard that he hurts.

They're all intrigued by Javier and Matteo's uncut dicks, but since Matteo isn't here at the moment... Javier gets even more attention.

They've gotten to play with Michael's foreskin a little bit because of the showering together, but it's still a sexy novelty for them.

Poor Javier looks like he's going to cry as several boys take turns slowly sliding his foreskin back and forth and back and forth... He's almost at the point to grabbing his dick and jerking off when they move on to play with his balls a while. Damn.

They move on... to ass cracks, really seeming to enjoy running their fingers, one after the other, down their cracks. Every one gently rubbing their buttholes. Javier is standing and looking at Corey and Michael, who are torn between laughing their asses off or jerking their dicks off.

The boys all must have decided to try something new today... they all kiss each of their big brothers on the lips... chaste... mostly... after they get them soaped, washed and dried... and then go running off.

Michael, Corey and Javier are just standing and staring after them... and shaking their heads... and wanting to take care of their hard ons... but they don't.

They're all already hard, so they all do reach down and play just a bit, knowing it's gonna be a long hard day. They all kiss, which doesn't help with the hard ons.

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Living Arrangements

After they get seated Alex asks, "Javier, we don't even know where you guys live... Hopefully not too far away," thinking that they don't want them driving all over town to get here.

Javier kinda chuckles and says kinda dejectedly, "Well, for right now we're in an apartment down near Smoke Tree, so about four miles away... not bad. But they told us a couple months ago that they're going to be converting them to condos, so we're going to have to find some place to move. We haven't had a chance to start looking yet. We have about two months before our lease is up and we have to be out... so we've got to get started."

Alex asks, "Is it a big apartment? Do you know what you're going to be looking for yet?" trying to get a little more information. He has a plan, but he's not sure what they're looking for.

Javier laughs a bit and says, "No, not big at all... just one bedroom. We took it after... well, after our parents kicked us out. We had to get something quickly, so we basically took the first thing we found. It's pretty crummy actually," looking kinda embarrassed about it.

"We both got our degrees at UC Riverside, which is about an hour away. We debated moving after we got kicked out... a lot. But we really like this area and didn't want to move. We were able to arrange our classes so we only had to go two or three days each week," which leaves the other adults shaking their heads.

Alex and the others are sitting having some pretty pissed off thoughts about their asswipe parents and brothers for kicking these guys out... but they don't tell them that.

Alex looks at Kevin and Michael and raises an eyebrow, and they both nod, so he says, "Guys, you may not be interested, but these guys (pointing at Ken, Jared and Corey) are going to be moving into the house next door (pointing to the house)... some time in the next two months or so. Our guesthouse will be empty, and you can have it... rent free... if you're interested.

"It has a small, probably illegal, kitchen, but we're hoping you'll eat with us all or at least most of the time. It's one bedroom, but not terrible, with a small living room," looking at Javier who looks like he isn't believing any of it.

Jared concurs, "Javier, it's quite nice actually. If you want, you can go look it over now or when Matteo gets back... but trust us, it's very nice and comfortable, although the maid service can be a little lacking," looking over at Alex and Kevin and all laughing.

Javier takes a moment and says, "Guys, we appreciate this more than we'll ever be able to tell you... everything, but we can't intrude on you like this. You've already been way nicer to us than our own families were, but we can't just move in here... you're going to end up hating us... quickly," looking like he's going to cry.

Luke and Steve move over to either side of him and hug him. Steve says, "Javier, we like you both... a lot. We didn't know our dads were going to ask you that, but we'd love for you to live here, if you both will. And not just because of... well... last night," which actually causes Luke to blush and a few to laugh.

Luke adds, "Javier, I agree. We all really like you guys. We promise we won't pester you all the time you're here, and I think I heard dad say he's not just doing it to get free tutoring. We'll let you guys have your privacy. Please?"

Daniel, Diego and Aiden say basically the same thing. Daniel says, "Javier, we really like both of you too, and we love having you around, and it'll be great if you live here and are part of the family," which is all it takes for Javier to tear up a bit.

With red eyes he looks at Luke, wipes his eyes and says, "Luke... like you said in your dad's story... you're right. What happened to me? I never used to cry until we met you guys either," which causes everybody to laugh pretty good. It also gets Javier some nice hugs.

Alex decides this is a good point to change the subject and says, "Javier, the boys are right. We do NOT want this to be a way to get free tutoring, but we'd love for you both to live here... if you want. If you decide it's not for you, then no hard feelings... we promise. But, it'll be a way for you to save some money, and we'll sit down soon and work out how we're going to pay you both for helping the boys. And, I agree, we want you guys to have your own privacy too.

"How about talking to Matteo about it when he gets back, go over and look at the guesthouse, if that's ok with you guys (looking at Ken, Jared and Corey, who say 'of course'). What do you think?"

About all he can do at the moment is nod and say, "Thank you."

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The Beginnings of an Idea

After that the topics of conversation move on. One of those topics is how to go about organizing how they're going to try to get the boys to learn and use their Spanish.

At one point Javier goes inside to get a small case he brought, and comes back outside with it. He takes a handful of papers out and hands them to the four dads and the others sitting around, including Luke and Steve, as well as Aiden, Daniel and Diego, who various people have noticed are almost always together these days.

He asks the guys to look at them, and he starts explaining that they're simple drawings of different situations people might run across when traveling, shopping, cooking, or eating... everyday things like that. These are all different and just things that Javier has been working on.

He starts by asking everybody, adults included, using as much simple Spanish as he can, saying things as simply as possible, first in English and then in Spanish, "What is this/Que es esto?"

Everybody starts trying to answer mostly in English except for a very few things the dads remember in Spanish, talking mostly at the same time.

After a few sentences, things get straightened out they sit and describe all the things in the picture, naming it in Spanish if someone knows the word... which is mostly just the Spanish speakers, and occasionally Alex or Kevin will remember it from their two months of Spanish.

Daniel and Diego and Aiden all participate. They all find some non-obvious things in the pictures to describe. When they name something particular in English, like "clock", Javier defers to one of the Spanish speakers to give the Spanish (el reloj) if nobody else knows it, although Daniel, Diego and Jose defer to the others if possible, not wanting to be know-it-alls. There are spaces beside each item to write in the Spanish.

Alex is looking at the drawing and something occurs to him, "¿Javier, tú dibujaste estos?" which impresses and surprises Javier and all the others, and causes Javier to blush. "Sí," is all he says.

Alex continues, "My Spanish isn't nearly good enough to explain this, but guys (looking at the other guys), Javier drew these," and he points to the 'JR' in the bottom right corner. All the boys are impressed. They're very good, and one of them is of a few boys in a pool... but with bathing suits, so he obviously drew that before getting to this house.

Javier says, "Yeah, we were thinking we could use these as a lesson. We can do a different one for different situations. I'll take them and get copies made and give the boys... and you guys... a copy each day... or time."

Alex has a thought and asks, "Javier, these are really good. I honestly think you could sell these. Have you ever thought about turning these into a book... or an eBook maybe, which would keep your costs down. And as far as making copies, we can save you the trouble... Steve and Corey, what do you think about scanning Javier's drawings. That way you can print copies for everybody. Javier, do you use Macs or Windows?"

Javier says, "Macs always cost a lot more, so we use Windows."

Alex nods and says, "Javier, the Mac comes with software that makes it pretty easy to create eBooks, maybe Windows does too... I don't know. I created a small eBook once for a project I had to do. It looks like you could pretty easily arrange all of your drawing and other text into an eBook format, even give some vocabulary for each drawing... that would make it really simple to put on the boys iPads too," looking at Steve and Corey for support or opinions.

Steve says excitedly, "Javier, we have a scanner and I'll be glad to scan your drawings, it doesn't take but a couple of minutes. And I agree about the eBook, it's really easy to do on a Mac. I've played with that just a bit, but would love to have an actual project to work on," which causes Javier to maybe think about it.

Steve continues, "Also, have you ever tried to draw on an iPad? It's pretty easy, and way easier to correct if you want to change something," looking at Javier, who is looking uncomfortable.

Javier just says, "Sorry, but I've never had an iPad... so, I don't know about that."

Alex is pretty sure he knows what's going on, and says he has to get something in the office. He goes and comes back with a larger model iPad, twelve inches (~30 cm). He sits and opens it and does something and hands it to Javier.

Alex says, "Here is an iPad I got to do a project with. I've opened it to a drawing program, Pixelmator. It's a good drawing program, and there are lots of others too. Tell you what, please take the iPad and use it. See if it's something that can use. If I ever want it back, I'll let you know, but until then... it's yours. How's that?"

Javier starts to protest saying, "Alex I can't take this. It's way too expensive..."

To which Alex just smiles and says, "Sure you can, it's just sitting here collecting dust. It's no problem Javier, I promise I haven't used that in a while, and I'd much rather you use it... if it's something that you can use. Is that OK?" knowing that Javier is a little taken aback... or maybe even embarrassed... but he has no reason to be, at all.

Alex continues, "Steve and Corey can both help you scan your drawings, and they're both our experts on things like computers and phones. All the boys go to them for help... us too occasionally," which gets a chuckle and causes both of them to assure him they'll be very happy to help.

Javier knows he's not going to win this debate, so he just thanks Alex and Kevin and the other adults too... and asks if they can scan the picture and print it for today's lesson... he's eager to see how the boys react.

Steve says, "Javier, if I can borrow all your drawings, I'll get those scanned too. I'll also put them on your iPad, and can show you how that works. This iPad uses this pencil to draw on the screen. Come with us and we'll go scan the ones you want to use for today... how's that?"

They all think it's a great idea, and they go off to scan and print.

Javier on the other hand is feeling more than a little out of place, and it's obvious to Steve and Corey, which causes Steve to say, "Javier, you look worried. If it's about dad offering to help, please don't be. We can tell that our dads really like you both, and they want to help you too."

Finally Javier says, "Guys, we can't expect your dads to make up for our own family. We really like you guys too... a lot, but your dads already have enough mouths to feed... they don't need any more," and even manages a small chuckle.

Steve decides to try a different strategy, "Javier, our dads really did intend to do this... for Daniel and Diego at least. Please help them, for Daniel and Diego's sake if no other reason," which causes Javier to leak more.

Steve hugs Javier, then sits down and scans the first picture that Javier wants to use today. It scans in just a few seconds, even after increasing the quality to 'best'.

Steve does something on the computer and a few seconds later a printer starts making a sound. Steve gets up and goes over and gets the paper off the printer and hands it to Javier, who is just amazed.

He realizes how unprepared he is to accomplish some of the things he and Matteo want to accomplish in their lives, and he knows they're going to need help... even if he hates the thought of having to ask for it.

So he just says, "Wow, guys thank you. It seems I have a lot to learn about how to do things like this. Thank you... all... for everything," and the other two move in to see how tight they can hug their hunky friend and teacher.

Steve asks Javier again to get him copies of everything that he's drawn, so he can start scanning them.

What Steve doesn't say is that's he's going to start organizing all of Javier's drawing into an eBook anyway. With a Mac it's so easy to do, and it'll show Javier and Matteo how easy it is to organize, and how good it'll look. Steve has played with it a bit, but he didn't have anything he really wanted to do with it... and now he does.

When they get back to the iced tea drinking area, at the moment, Aiden and crew decide to go get lunch started. Michael, Corey, Luke and Steve all offer to help, but they say they've already done part of it... and thank them, including a big hug and kisses, not on the cheeks, which surprises... well, everybody. Nobody has seen the three of them be quite that bold before, but nobody complains, and never would.

Javier takes out the iPad he was given, and is looking at it a bit. Steve sees that Pixelmator is on the screen but that Javier isn't sure what to do. He asks dad Alex if he knows how to use it. He says he does, at least a little. He had learned to use it enough to do a presentation he had to do.

Alex says, "I learned a bit about that program. I can show you what I know if you want," which Javier really appreciates, since he's sitting here not having a clue what to do with it.

Alex moves over and sits beside Javier, on the other side from Steve, who today seems to be sticking pretty close.

Alex shows Javier what the various 'tools' on the tool palette are, and asks Javier to draw something, but something that has a mistake, which Javier does.

Alex then shows him the 'eraser' tool and the 'undo' tool, so he can erase a bit of what he just drew, or the last thing(s) he drew. He shows him some of the color tools, as well as a few of the 'filters' that can be used on whatever is drawn, although that's a little advanced for just starting, so he basically just mentions them.

They spend at least 20 minutes with Alex sitting beside the hunky teacher, getting more hot and bothered by the minute.

Eventually he says he thinks Javier is getting the gist of it and can learn more by exploring, but offers to sit just as close and help again any time... just kidding about the 'just as close', although we all know he would if he has to. He also tells him he can find tutorial videos on YouTube. That's what he used to learn a little about the program.

The adults all chat for a while and Javier picks up the iPad, trying not to look as uncomfortable about it as he's feeling.

He goes back to the drawing program and just starts doodling. He looks over to all the boys in the pool and just starts sketching... the pool, the volleyball net, and he just keeps doodling, without really thinking about it. He immediately decides he loves being able to 'undo' a screw up. When putting real marks on real paper, you can't be quite so cavalier about what you're doing.

He's just sitting and sketching and suddenly notices that his drink is empty. He looks down and has a pretty good drawing started. Wow, maybe iPads aren't bad to draw on.

About that time Luke comes by and looks down and says, "Javier that's great. Wow, guys look at this," which of course makes Javier want to die of embarrassment, but doesn't stop everybody from coming to look. They do and they all comment about how great it looks. It's really pretty impressive, with good shading and detail.

Steve asks if he can borrow the iPad for a moment, does something on it, and hands it back, saying, 'thanks'. He then goes back into the house, leaving Javier with a puzzled look. A couple minutes later Steve comes out and hands Javier a piece of paper. When he looks at it he gets a big smile and stands up and hugs Steve and kisses him on the cheek and thanks him.

Holding it up he shows everybody that Steve printed the picture he just drew on the iPad, which gets lots of compliments.

Something occurs to Alex who says, "Javier, I forgot to tell you but we have a color printer too, so feel free to use color if you'd like. It's no problem," which causes Javier to just smile and thank him, because he's having problems finding his voice right now.

Javier finally makes it over to refill his iced tea glass. And I should say here, nobody sits here and drinks margaritas excessively, especially with all the boys around. And they don't usually start anything alcoholic until later in the day. And most don't fill their glass at all since it'll just melt anyway. Since Betsy, the margarita making goddess, keeps making them all day, why hurry? Also, the adults drink iced tea or juice or other things a lot of the time... They haven't even started Betsy yet today.

Javier keeps drawing and chatting with the dads and whichever boys are nearby, throwing in as much Spanish as he can... which at this point, isn't very much.

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Matteo's Home

Late Lunch

They planned a slightly later lunch today, so Matteo can be there.

Sometime around 1PM the driveway sensor sounds, and the stampede of naked boys headed for the driveway is not to be missed.

Javier's still sitting and drawing, so he decides to let the boys surprise Matteo and let them be his welcome committee... he figures he'll get a 'rise' out of it. And he's probably right, especially since all of them are naked. He chuckles to himself, thinking, "These boys are NOT going to be happy when school starts."

A minute or so later the adults start hearing the sounds of the impending invasion. Sure enough, they all come bursting out of the house. The only surprising thing is that Matteo hasn't been stripped naked yet, but they're starting to 'help' get those pesky, clingy clothes off. Matteo just gives up and raises his arms out to his side and laughs. Doesn't take long to get him naked.

After naked hugs all around they're all ready to have lunch, especially the boys. They're patient to a point, but they're ready to eat.

Sitting down to eat, all the dads all notice some Spanish mixed into the conversations coming from around the table. The adults all assure Javier and Matteo that they're working on their vocabulary too, and speaking with each other as much as they can in Spanish. Alex and Kevin regularly spend time reviewing some of the vocabulary they've long since forgotten, along with the other dads and Michael and Corey.

Dad Kevin tells everybody that Steve and Corey will be installing a good Spanish Dictionary on every phone and device. And also that they've been signed up for a Spanish Word of the Day website that Alex and Kevin had used when they were trying to learn Spanish earlier... and they ask them to always study each new word... and to try to use them in as many ways as they can with each other... a lot, explaining it'll be slow and frustrating until they learn enough words to actually use.

Lunch is a pretty quick affair. After they all finish eating and clean up, it's time for their very first official Spanish lesson...

All the boys and adults huddle around and Javier passes out his drawing to work on some of the vocabulary.

- - -

They're all amazed at how good it looks. They immediately start reading some of the things he's written on the drawing like "Cuàntos chicos _____" (how many boys ____), which Javier and Matteo explain without using English, like the "esto es una caja" method, and lots of repetition. But the boys get it and still act like it's a fun game.

Javier and Matteo also ask each other simple questions, and the other answers, to make it obvious what things mean, like the night before.

Javier emphasizes 'el chico' and points to Aiden, and then points to Daniel and says it again. He emphasizes 'LOS ChicoS' and points to Aiden and Daniel. He emphasizes Chicos again and pointed to three boys, and Diego repeats what he said to give the other boys the hint that they should repeat what was said, which they do. They do multiple iterations of 'uno chico', 'doS chicoS', etc.

They all discuss the drawing and Spanish words for everything... for close to an hour, as much in Spanish as possible, and the boys all participate happily. Steve even rounds up enough writing implements to write in the words where indicated.

These boys are turning into great Spanish students... Javier hopes.

After they're finished they hug their Spanish teachers and all run toward somebody's bedroom.

----------

After the boy kerfuffle is over, Matteo sits beside Javier and looks at what he's been drawing. Like all the others he's really impressed, although it's a little sad because Javier has talked about buying an iPad multiple times, but they can't afford it. He reaches up and gently rubs Javier's back.

Alex looks over and sees redness in Matteo's eyes. He doesn't want to announce this for everybody to hear, so he goes over and takes a seat on the other side of Matteo. He puts his arm around his shoulder and asks quietly, "Matteo, is everything ok?" which causes Matteo to wipe his eyes.

He just turns to Alex and hugs him saying, "Thank you. He's always wanted to try one of those, but we couldn't quite afford it. (Looking at Javier) Looks like we're going to have to hurry up and get you one. And Luke you're right... what's happened to both of us?" which lightens the mood a little because everybody laughs a little.

Alex says, "Matteo, I told Javier earlier you guys can have this one. It's just sitting here collecting dust. If I ever want it back, I'll give you plenty of notice, but honestly, I like it just fine where it is... so it's yours," which gets him another hug.

Matteo hugs him for a few moments and then says, "Alex, you guys have already been so nice to us, we can't keep taking advantage of you. You're going to get so tired of us if we keep hanging around," which would have been a nice statement except it makes everybody sitting there laugh out loud. Matteo is having no luck figuring out what he said that is so funny.

Javier looks at him and chuckles a bit and says, "You haven't heard yet, but they asked us to move in," which would have caused Matteo to choke on his margarita, except he doesn't have one yet.

But fortunately, Betsy is now hard at work, "I ...uhhh think I need a drink, be right back," and gets up to get a drink, and everybody laughs again. He has no idea what's going on, but he gets his drink and sits beside Javier again.

Alex decides he better say something and laughs a bit, "Matteo, it's not as weird as it probably sounds... I hope. (chuckles) These guys (pointing to Ken, Jared and Corey) are going to be moving into that house next door in probably a little less than two months from now. When they do, our guesthouse will be empty.

"We'd like to offer the guesthouse to you guys to use... if you want. These guys have said you can go look at it anytime. The biggest problem is going to be how to keep the boys from driving you crazy all the time, isn't it?" looking directly at all the boys that are around, who just blush, but when the adults all laugh, the boys kinda do too.

Matteo is now sitting there as stunned as Javier had been all day. They just look at each other a bit and finally Matteo says perfectly calmly, "Alex, if you're thinking of selling us into human slavery, young white boys bring a lot more money," which causes everybody to sit and stare and say absolutely nothing, especially Javier. Until Matteo breaks out in the biggest laugh anybody had ever heard from him.

Finally everybody joins him, although a few still looked worried... especially the 'young white boys'.

Alex can't resist, "Well, all right then... looks like Luke isn't the only smart ass in the family!" which gets a big laugh, especially from Steve, and more than one picks up on 'in the family' part. Luke, however, is objecting to being called a 'smart ass'... so Alex grabs him and tickle/hugs him a bit.

They still have a while until dinner, so Corey asks if they'd like to go look at their new home, which gets a nervous laugh from J+M, but they say they 'guess so', although they're having a lot of conflicted thoughts at the moment.

The guest house isn't that large, so none of the boys try to go with them. They're gone for about 20 minutes or so. When they get back they still have that "deer watching a speeding train getting ready to squash it" look.

Everybody's afraid to ask, so they just all sit and stare. Finally Luke can't take it anymore, "Did you hate it?" which at least gets a little laugh.

Javier answers, "Guys, we love it... really... but we really don't want you guys to end up hating us. Sorry, but we don't know what to do here," and from the look on his face it's obvious he's telling the truth.

Kevin hasn't said much on this topic yet, so he speaks up, "Guys, you're worrying too much. If it's something you think you can live with... try it for a while. If you don't like it and want to go somewhere else, we won't hate you. We promise.

"We'll help you move everything when the time comes. And we'll beat all these guys with a stick until they leave you alone. How's that?" which gets immediate protests from all the boys who might get beaten by sticks, but at least it gets everybody laughing.

Alex decides to add, "Guys, we're completely serious. We'd really like for you to take it, if you think you'd like living here. The kitchen is a joke, but we honestly hope you'll eat with us... hopefully all, or at least most, of the time... unless you get tired of us. You certainly don't have to give us an answer now. Talk about it. We won't give it to anybody else, we promise," which gets a round of thanks, and everybody moves on to new topics.

- - -

About that time they all hear a big laugh coming from one of the boys' rooms.

They're not sure what's going on, and the dads don't really go to the boys rooms that much.

It's not that the dads avoid it, it's just that they're all down a hall that they don't wander down often... so Ken and Jared decide to surprise the boys and go see how they're all doing.

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Next: 30 - Palm Springs Family - Lower decks -- Let's Talk