The value of a promise, as Anthony learned of it, was definitely at par with how important his best friends and lover were to him. They were priceless, of course. He knew he had to keep the promises he made and it wasn't really that easy. However, seeing the trouble his friends were in, it wasn't him that needed to make sure that one particular promise should be kept. He was only there to remind both Oli and Gabe of how much they valued that promise, or how much they valued each other. They've been the best of friends for a very long time and he wouldn't allow for both those boys to just throw away those precious memories they've made.

"...what are you thinking?" someone snuggled up to him and asked.

"Hmm," he sounded. "...what makes a promise hard to keep?"

"It depends, I guess," the boy told him. "I mean, some are easy to keep while others are just...damn hard."

"You think so?" he asked. "How `bout the one we made to each other?"

"That one's easy," smiled the boy.

"Really?" he asked. "I mean, how do you know?"

"coz I'm sure you'd never go back on it," the boy said. "...and neither will I."

It wasn't the answer he was looking for, but it did sound sweet coming from the boy. He smiled gently before placing a soft kiss on the boy's dark strands of hair.

"Do I need to remind you of that promise?" the boy asked.

"...you don't need to," he said. "But you can if you want to."

"We promised," the boy began. "...to be there for each other...it doesn't mean we need to be in love with each other or to be...in bed together, but..."

"We just did," he interrupted. "...we kept the promise and found something even more special along the way."

"You sound so sweet, you know that?"

"Not sappy?" he asked as he giggled.

"Nope!" the boy said. "And you know what would be sweeter?"

"What?"

The boy, refusing to answer immediately, pushed himself off the bed and sat beside Anthony. He smiled before removing the sheets that covered both of their naked bodies. Then, he crossed his one leg over to Anthony's other side and sat himself on the other boy's torso. He leaned into Anthony and finally locked their lips together.

"It'd be sweeter when you say my name when I make you cum," the boy said.

"You're just horny, you know that?" Anthony quipped

"Like you're not," the boy giggled. "Now...say my name..."

"I'm not cumming yet..."

"Just say it," the boy seemingly purred.

"Well, if you insist..."

"Brian!"

That wasn't his voice that uttered his lover's name. It didn't sound sweet at all. Instead, it sounded...like...

"Shit!" Brian cursed as he instantly got off him. "...it's my mom."

Both boys hurriedly dressed up and went down to the living room before Brian's mom decided to come up to his room and get a whip of those...boyish scents they had emitted earlier.

"Mom?" Brian asked, seeing his mom's back turned toward him and Anthony.

"Your sister's here," she answered. "...and she told me you wanted to see her friend."

"Brian, we're here!" his sister called out from the dining room.

Once they got there, Brian's eyes lit up while Anthony's just...squinted as he somehow felt doubtful. However, they both know that they could depend on the person they called for. It was just a matter of how his two best friends would react when they found out.

~*~*~*~

"...never, ever, ever," Oli mumbled sleepily.

"Finally awake?" Dash asked, looking curiously at him.

"Was I...mumbling in my sleep?" he asked.

"Kinda," Dash answered. "You kept saying never and ever and ever and...gay."

"Gay?"

"Yep."

"That's weird," he said, shifting on his side to look at Mattie's back turned toward him.

"What?" Dash asked. "...being gay?"

"No," he said. "...I was seven when I first...thought of..."

"...being gay?"

"Uh, yeah," he mumbled. "I think so."

"What made you think that?"

Oli thought for a while, making sure that what happened in the last minute of his dream did, in fact, occur when he was younger. That talk he had with Gabe and Anthony. He had learned of the word gay that day, but he didn't know what it meant. A boy liking another boy, Gabe had said. Indeed, if that was what gay meant back when he was seven years old, then he was... Yeah. He liked Gabe and Anthony way too much back then.

"Nevermind," he finally said. "How's Mattie?"

Dash knew that something was bothering Oli, but didn't push on the topic. Instead, he shifted his gaze and settled it on his brother who looked comfortably asleep. A few curls fell down Mattie's closed eyes and that already made him look angelic.

"Still asleep," Dash answered.

Oli sat on the mattress and looked at Mattie's still, silent and comfortable figure. The little boy wore his pyjamas and that wasn't bad in any way. However, Oli did miss seeing Mattie's...nakedness, like how the little boy insisted on sleeping without their undies just a few days before.

"What time is it?" he asked.

"A little before sunrise, I think," Dash answered.

"Y'know, Dash," Oli began. "You still haven't told me your plan. But...you're not going to follow any of that, are you? I mean...with what happened..."

"...guess not," Dash mumbled while he brushed his hand against Mattie's cheek.

"What was it anyway?"

"Running away," Dash said indifferently.

"You mean it?"

"Yeah...but that was s'posedly after I get my...dad to confess."

"Oh." Oli's sad eyes settled on Dash before he decided to move over to the other boy's side of the mattress.

"We should've just ran away," Dash mumbled, turning his body toward his little brother.

"Don't say that," Oli whispered, hugging Dash even though the other boy had his back toward him. "...none of this is your fault, okay?"

"Mattie wanted to run away. I should've listened to him..."

"No, Dash," Oli argued, forcefully pulling at Dash's shoulder to have the boy look at him. "...that won't solve anything! Where would you go if you ran away, huh?"

Despite Oli's tug at his shoulder, Dash didn't look straight into Oli's eyes. His body shifted on the bed and was now lying flatly. Still, his head was toward Mattie while his eyes carefully studied his brother's face.

"Far away," he finally answered.

"Far away from me!" Oli yelled, releasing Dash from his hold while pushing his upper body up against the mattress. "Dash..."

"No, Oli," he cut in. "I wouldn't have met you if we ran away. You would've known nothing of it."

"That's the problem!"

"What...?"

"...not meeting you," Oli whispered. "...and Mattie."

He turned his gaze to Oli and saw just how sad the other boy looked. Would he really just run away and forget everything about Oli? Would he risk...their friendship for the sake of his escape? Back then, it was only Mattie's safety that mattered. That deal he made with his uncle somehow assured that, but he wasn't expecting...for all this to happen. It was all his fault. He befriended Oli again and that put his brother in so much risk without even him knowing.

"You're not a coward, remember?" Oli told him. "...so you can never, ever, ever..."

"Run away," he said, noticing how Oli paused for so long.

"...never."

"I guess not."

"Mattie's here. You're both here," Oli pointed out. "That's what matters now...and I promise, you won't get hurt ever again."

"That's kinda hard to keep," he said.

"It's a promise."

"Hn," he grunted. "And I promise, Oli...that I won't run away...ever."

Oli's sad look changed once a smile formed around his lips. He lay back down again, but on Dash's chest this time. He placed one hand beside his face and, as he shifted his gaze toward Mattie, his smile faded. He wasn't sure with how much strength they needed to actually be there for their little brother with all the problems they were facing.

"We still need to take care of Gabe," he mumbled. "...once and for all."

"You have a plan?" Dash asked, intentionally slowing his breathing for Oli to feel comfortable enough.

"I dunno," he said. "Tony and Brian wanted to help. You think we should trust them?"

"Not too much," Dash answered. "We'll see and you don't need to protect me from James or anyone else, y'know."

"I know, but I want to."

"It's Saturday, right?" Dash said.

"Yeah, so...?"

"We have all day to think of something...and be here for Mattie."

Oli suddenly remembered the visit to his real parents' graves for this weekend. That would have to wait, he thought. Right now, he had some other things to take care of. And he felt sure that his mom and dad...wherever they were, would understand.

"We're s'posed to go to my parents' graves today," he whispered.

"You mean..."

"I asked my dad if I could go there...with you and Mattie, of course. But..."

"I think we should go," Dash told him.

"How `bout Mattie? He's not okay yet," he said, turning his gaze toward Dash, his messed up hair crumpling the boy's shirt.

"...I know," Dash said. "But we won't see Gabriel or anyone else there. Maybe we can...have some time together..."

"You want me all to yourself," he said as he smiled. "...don't you?"

"As much as possible...," Dash answered, running Oli's hair through his hand.

"I'm all yours, y'know...ever since we were little."

"...except for those three years or so," Dash added.

As both boys settled for the quiet sounds of their breathing, the little bit of sunlight pierced through the window. It's a whole new day, they both thought. But, it seemed that they still can't escape yesterday.

~*~*~*~

"We'll take Mattie to a psychiatrist today," Alex told both Oli and Dash.

Oli looked up from his cereal and toward the little boy who was seated across him. Dash sat beside his little brother and also had his eyes on the boy. Mattie, in light of the cruel things that happened to him, could only care less about breakfast or anything else for that matter.

"...and Oliver," his dad added. "We can go to the cemetery afterwards, if you'd like. It's only an hour away...and your parents' graves...

"...are the ones right beside your grandparents'," his mom said.

"I've been there," Oli said, as if the realization only hit him just now.

"Yes, son," his dad said. "...but you didn't know anything about it that time..."

"You mean..."

"Oliver," his mom started. "I'm your mom's sister, remember? Those stories I've told you about your aunt...well, she's you mom."

Oli couldn't even remember those stories. Was he supposed to anyway? He knew his parents' names from what was told to him. However, he couldn't remember visiting their graves even just once. Had he known the truth that time, he would've asked for those stories to be told over and over again.

"Aunt...Marianne?" he asked.

"Yes...," Dianne said. "Your mom."

"And you remember who it was beside her?" his dad asked.

"Uncle Edward," he mumbled. "I mean...dad."

So for the rest of breakfast, Oli tried his best to remember those stories. His...stepmom recently told him that his real mom was one of the sweetest persons on earth. And that his real dad was a duly respected banker. That was when he found out the truth. Those stories might have told of their...heroic deeds, as he liked to think of them. They must've been the coolest parents ever, but he knew nothing of that sort. Still, his stepparents were, by far, the coolest he had ever known.

When the three boys made their way to Oli's bedroom, an idea had occurred to the boy. It seemed silly, but it could actually work. He sat Mattie on the mattress and turned his attention to Dash.

"I know we're...boyfriends and all," he began. "...but, can I not shower with you today?"

"Hm?" Dash eyed him curiously. "...okay...but, why? I mean...we don't have to shower together always, y'know."

"It's just...," he paused. "...can Mattie come with me instead? Just us?"

Dash thought for a moment. Surely, it wouldn't be the first time that Oli and Mattie shared the bathroom alone. And he felt sure that Oli didn't have anything bad in mind. For the last couple of days, Dash has been giving Mattie a bath and Oli didn't even say anything of it. Now, it seemed, Oli was intent on sharing a bath with his little brother.

"You have something in mind?" he asked.

"I just...miss the little guy," Oli answered. "I don't know if it'll work...but maybe Mattie would also feel comfortable with me...in there...like..."

"Like last time," he continued for Oli. "...I'm sure he won't mind."

So Dash was left alone in the bedroom while Oli led Mattie toward the bathroom. It was a quiet walk down the hallway and Mattie still had that distant look in his eyes. Still, Oli felt sure that this bath would help in some way. He would actually do anything to hear the little boy's giggles again.

"Mattie," Oli began, kneeling on the tiled floor and holding the boy by the shoulders. "...want to take a bath with me?"

Mattie didn't respond, of course. Instead, his eyes were cast downward.

Oli sighed and began taking Mattie's pyjamas off. He started with the shirt and he was instantly reminded of what the boy had been through. The few wounds have healed somehow, now only bluish black. He then took off the boy's trousers. Mattie wasn't wearing anything underneath, but Oli didn't care about that now.

Taking off his own clothes, he then led both of them toward the tub. He made sure to let the bubbles fill the entire tub before lifting Mattie into it. The tiny ripples once Oli got in were in stark contrast to Mattie's unmoving body.

"...a unicorn," Oli whispered, having shampooed Mattie's curls and somehow styled the boy's hair that way.

Mattie's eyes didn't meet Oli's and the older boy couldn't see his expression. Still, even if it was wholly unintentional, a small smile formed around his lips.

"Dash might hate me," Oli began. "...but, you remember asking what it's like to kiss someone?"

"You didn't ask your brother, did you?" Oli continued his monologue. "It'll be our secret, okay?"

Oli leaned in closer to Mattie, pulling the boy toward him at the same time. Mattie was light in his arms and he could feel the little boy's thighs brush against his legs. He kneeled the boy in front of him, in between his parted legs. Just before closing the distance between their faces, he tried to look hopeful for his little brother instead of having that sad look in his eyes.

Oli didn't know what to think once both their lips...almost brushed against each other. He wanted to kiss the little boy somehow, but Mattie turned his head away, looking down at all those bubbles.

"Mattie?" he asked, drawing back a bit.

Mattie still didn't respond. He still felt light in Oli's arms and he didn't even flinch or tried moving away.

Oli felt fearful all of a sudden. Did he just cross over some line? What was he thinking, trying to kiss the little boy who had suffered so much? If he felt hopeful a while ago, he now felt dreadfully unsure.

Instead of letting the little boy go, he pulled Mattie for a tight hug. His breath hitched as he tried to calm his beating heart. Thankfully, Mattie wasn't that reluctant for their naked bodies to be locked in an embrace.

"I'm sorry," Oli mumbled. "...but I promise, I won't hurt you. No one will, ever again..."

~*~*~*~

"Kiss me."

"What?"

"Kiss me," the girl repeated.

Anthony turned to Brian, looking so unsure. They had both agreed to take some...private lessons from Brian's older sister and her friend. And their first agenda for today, according to their tutors, was learning how to kiss.

"How is this s'posed to help?" Brian asked.

"You said Gabriel was learning how to kiss, right?" his sister asked her friend.

"That's what he told Oliver before we left...or that's what I heard," the teen said.

"Then let's see if you boys do know how to kiss."

"Why me?" Anthony blurted.

"You want me to kiss my brother?" the girl asked.

"Eeeww!" Brian remarked.

"...or you want me to kiss you?" the other teen offered.

"Darren!" both Anthony and Brian objected.

"Go on, Kat," Darren said. "...teach `em"

And before Anthony could object further, Katrina pulled him toward her and smacked their lips together. It was fierce and...uncomfortable for Anthony. However, as Katrina pushed her tongue into his mouth, it became clear enough that he didn't know what to do with his tongue or his lips.

"Takes a girl to know how to kiss," Darren said, looking at both Anthony and Katrina.

"...needs a lot of work," Katrina said after breaking their kiss.

"I wasn't even prepared!" Anthony said.

"You can't always be ready for everything," Katrina told him.

"Yeah," Darren said. "I didn't expect Gabe had went so far as to..."

"Can we just skip kissing and think of something else?" Brian interrupted.

"Yeah. Who knows what Gabe has in mind..." Anthony said. "...and...Oli..."

"You know how many times I've helped you guys already?" Darren asked.

"Nope," Brian answered. "...too many to count, I guess."

"Thanks to your beautiful sister here, I met you both."

"And I actually don't mind him teaching you how to kiss," Katrina added.

"...I was friends with Gabe long ago," Anthony remarked.

"But you didn't come over to our house," Darren said. "...unlike Oliver."

"Can we think of something already?" Brian suggested.

"Okay, how `bout this..."

And, for the rest of Saturday morning, Anthony and Brian listened to what Darren had in mind. It seemed like an interesting plan and it could actually work. Now, they only needed to find someone who was willing enough to go up to Gabe and confront him once and for all. However, they didn't know how to deal with James and his group. Maybe they should just leave him to Oli and Dash.

~*~*~*~

"Hey, mom," Oli started, kneeling in front of his mom's headstone, before turning to the one beside it. "...hey, dad."

He wasn't sure with what he was s'posed to say. He didn't even know anything about them except for what was told to him.

"I'm okay over here. My...mom and dad, I mean, my aunt...your sister, right?" he mumbled incoherently. "They're really cool and I love them both. I love you guys, too...

"Oh, and," he paused for a bit. "You remember Dash, right? He's here with me and our little brother...Mattie, well..."

Dash, who was standing beside him, gently put a hand on his shoulder.

"We'll be okay," Oli smiled as he said that. "I promise you both!"

He stood up and faced Dash with that same smile on his face. There wasn't any doubt in what he said. Everything would soon be okay. They had left Mattie at the psychiatrist with his dad, as the doctor requested, and now they were heading back, eager enough to see any progress at all.

While seated in the backseat, Oli moved closer to Dash's side, but not close enough to actually snuggle up with the boy.

"What's Mattie's favourite food?" he asked.

"Huh?" Dash looked at him questioningly. "Why do you wanna know?"

"Mom, can we get something for Mattie?" he told his mom before turning back to Dash. "We'd do everything for him, right?"

"Sure, sweetheart," came his mom's reply.

"He doesn't like anything too sweet," Dash said. "...but he loves chocolates way too much, I think..."

"That's easy! We can just get him a chocolate truffle or something."

"That's it!" Dash exclaimed. "He loves those."

He smiled at Dash before finally snuggling up to the boy.

"You like chocolates, too?" he asked.

"Too sweet," Dash told him.

Turning his gaze toward the rear-view mirror, Oli made sure that his mom wasn't looking back at them. Then, he stole a quick kiss from Dash. Not too sweet, he thought.

~*~*~*~

"There's been a witness."

Kenneth, who was seated across from his lawyer, looked disbelievingly at the man. He knew that he wasn't guilty. However, he could not remember anything from that night except for his gun going off.

"I don't see how this will help," he said. "I'm already in here."

"No, Mr Briz," the man corrected. "He said that you didn't kill your wife."

"How...I mean, who?"

"Some kid showed up a while ago saying that he saw everything that night. It took him this long to offer a statement because he was...well, he was only 12 that time and didn't know what to do. We already have him under protection."

"Who?" he demanded.

"Your brother."

That was one cold hard statement. He didn't know what to think of it. His brother? He couldn't believe it. Dan wasn't supposed to be there that night. As far as he could remember, his brother took Dash and Mattie for a camping trip and was supposed to return the following morning.

"We'll have you on parole for now," the man told him. "I suggest...you visit your kids. Your brother had been..."

"They're with Dan, right?"

"Not right now, Mr Briz. Your brother's already wanted for murder, kidnapping and child abuse. I'm sure you know what I mean."

"Where are they?" he demanded again.

If he somehow didn't care anymore for Dash, there was something that told him that what Dan had been saying about the boy were all lies. Maybe the boy was becoming the man he wanted him to be. As for Matthew, he felt sure enough that the kid was his own despite what his wife blatantly told him.

"They're with my colleague right now," the man said. "I believe your kids and his son were friends when they were younger..."

"That kid Oliver?"

"Yes. I believe so, Mr Briz."

And that brought back all his anger somehow. Dash needed to learn a few more lessons, he thought.

~*~*~*~

"Oli?"

That was the most wonderful sound Oli has heard in a few days. It wasn't coming from Dash's lips. Instead, it came from Mattie and the little kid's eyes didn't look as distant as earlier.

"Mattie!" He rushed to the little boy and held him in a tight embrace.

"Where were you?" Mattie asked. "...and Dashu?"

"We're here," he said. "...you're okay..."

Before he could say anything else, he caught a glimpse of his dad giving him an urgent look. He loosened his hug on the little boy before turning to Dash who seemed to have his eyes in wide disbelief.

"Mattie, son," Alex began. "Is it okay if I talk to Oli for a while?"

"It's okay, Mattie," Oli said. "Dash and I have something for you."

It was then that Dash snapped out of his thoughts and knelt beside his little brother.

"We have chocolate truffles," Dash said as he handed some to Mattie.

"Cool!" Mattie exclaimed.

Oli and his dad both went out of the office, leaving Dianne with the two boys inside along with the psychiatrist. After walking down the hallway for a bit, Alex stooped down to look his son in the eyes.

"Mattie's okay, right?" Oli asked.

"It's not like that, buddy." Alex's voice sounded disturbingly...gentle.

"What do you mean?"

"While we were working on him, he suddenly blurted out your name and his brother's," Alex said. "...we thought we were making some progress, but when we asked him some questions about what happened, he just doesn't tell us anything..."

"Huh?"

"The doctor said it's like he's trying to forget what happened...or he's just being quiet about it."

"He's repressing his memories," Oli mumbled, remembering what his parents told him several days ago.

"It seems like that," Alex said. "The doctor's still working on an explanation, but at least he's talking now."

Oli wasn't sure if he should be happy or not. Mattie was indeed talking again and had even hugged him back. However, losing those memories might have changed him to some extent. Still, it wasn't so bad to forget those bad things. Unlike him who forgot all those things in his childhood, Mattie seemed careful enough to only forget what happened during the last few days.

"Oli!" Mattie's voice echoed as the boy rushed down the hallway and toward them.

"Be careful with him," Alex said, standing up and once again assuming his professional demeanour.

"Dashu said you bought this for me!" Mattie smiled and the corners of his lips even had that little smudge of chocolate.

"We both did," Oli said, smiling as he did so, but his eyes looked at Mattie differently.

"I love it! Thanks!"

It seemed normal for Mattie to be affectionate and hug him tightly, but Oli thought differently of it. While he welcomed the embrace, it felt like the little boy just held...too tightly.

"There's some chocolate there," he said after Mattie let go of him, wiping the little bit of sweetness from the boy's lips.

"C'mon, we'll have lunch before going home," Alex said as he walked past the boys, briefly glancing toward his son.

As he walked past Dash, he once again tried to gain the boy's trust by gently placing his hand on his shoulder, leading the boy away from Oli's questioning eyes.

"Your dad's out on parole," he said, his voice loud enough for only the two of them to hear. "I'm here to help you, son. Anything you want to talk about?"

"No, sir," Dash whispered. "Thank you."

Alex smiled sadly at Dash before walking toward his wife and leading all of them out of the building.

~*~*~*~

"How many cranes did we make?" Mattie, who was now seated on the mattress in Oli's bedroom, gleefully asked.

"U-uhm," Oli stuttered, looking at Dash for some answer.

"Five?" Dash said.

"Only five?" Mattie wondered, but just shrugged.

"You want to make some more?" Oli asked the boy, sitting right next to him.

"Can we?"

"Yep!" Oli grinned at Mattie before reaching out for some paper nearby. The paper cranes they once did, including the crumpled one that Dash found outside a few days ago, were neatly settled on Oli's bedside table.

"I know what I'll wish for," Mattie mumbled as he started folding their sixth crane.

Neither Oli nor Dash asked what it was. Instead, they both looked at each other with too many unspoken questions. However, Dash felt the need to ask his little brother just what he wanted...or just say...

"You can wish for anything."

"How do you fold it again?" Oli asked, struggling with his piece of paper.

Dash once again showed him how it was done and this time, Oli learned it all. He decided not to depend on Dash too much especially now that Mattie seemed intent on getting that wish of his...whatever it was. He knew that he had so many more chances to be holding Dash's hands. Right now, the fleeting warmth seemed too insignificant compared to the promise of one wish.

"Is it okay..." Mattie began, turning both boys' attention toward him. "...if...if we get to a thousand, can I ask for my wish?"

One wish. It was only one wish and Mattie wanted that same wish to be his. How could Oli and Dash deny something as special as that to their little brother?

"We won't mind," said Dash.

Oli remained silent. He hasn't told Dash what his dad told him yet. He didn't know anything about what Mattie would wish for, but he did have an idea. Maybe the little boy remembered what happened to him. Maybe...he would wish to forget those things.

Dash, on the other hand, was worried for something else. Their dad was on parole. There was the possibility of them seeing him again. What would he tell Mattie if that happened? How would his dad even treat him after knowing so many unpleasant things about him? He wasn't sure if his uncle was indeed telling him the truth about his dad, but it actually felt like it when they were growing up and the man was still around. And it wasn't only him that his father distanced himself from. He was also aware of how Mattie yearned for their dad's attention.

"Dash! Hey Dash!"

"Huh? What?"

"I finished two already," Oli said, pointing toward his origami. "...you haven't done a single one."

That one wish. Maybe they could make another thousand cranes and have two wishes. He still had his own wish after all. That would have to wait, Dash thought.

~*~*~*~

"Okay, so you look out for Gabe at your school and I'll try talking to him at home," Darren mumbled while stuffing his mouth with a sandwich.

"Why do I even have to kiss him?" Anthony asked, still reluctant of following their plan.

"I taught you how to kiss, right?" Katrina asked back.

"So?"

"You should teach him, too," she said. "That way, he'll know something is always missing even with how many kisses he gives anyone."

"It doesn't make sense, y'know," Brian pointed out. "That'll only make him more mad...and put Tony in trouble."

"That's why you have to do it in the locker room," Darren said. "...make sure no one's looking, so Brian has to be the lookout."

"Looks like you just wanna get us in more trouble," Anthony said, still feeling very unsure.

"There's no other way we can show him how to actually kiss someone. He doesn't know a thing `bout it, I bet," Darren answered.

"Why can't we just tell our teachers `bout him and James?"

"I'm sure Oliver doesn't want that," Darren said. "...and my bro's really stubborn. He won't learn `til he gets some..."

"And James?" Anthony asked, sighing irritated.

"No one else knows `bout the two of you, right?" asked Katrina, referring to both Anthony and Brian.

"We don't think so," said Brian.

"You just have to continue being in his group," said Darren. "...find out what he's up to."

"What if Gabe and James have already thought of something?"

"James is a bully," said Katrina. "...that makes him predictable. Either he will do something to humiliate someone or use some sort of violence..."

"...and my bro's not that smart to actually think of something," Darren added.

"We should tell Oli `bout this," Anthony told Brian.

"You can go to his house tomorrow, but don't bring Ian with you," Katrina suggested.

"Why?"

"Idiot," Darren remarked. "You don't want my bro seeing both of you together and suspecting something, that's why."

"If this doesn't work..."

"I know it will," Darren said confidently. "Even if my bro's really stubborn, he should still know how to listen to his friends. Only the three of you can solve all this, y'know. And from what I see, you all are avoiding each other. Why not just kiss and make up, huh?"

"Why does Oli even hate you, Darren?" Anthony asked, annoyed at how Darren sounded so sure with what he was saying.

"Well," Darren paused, thinking for a while. "I taught my bro and him some rules when they were younger. It was all stupid. I was just having fun with them..."

"What rules?"

"I won't tell you, but there is one rule they don't know yet..."

"And that is?"

"Count your kisses," Darren said, smiling broadly at the two boys.

It didn't make any sense, both Anthony and Brian thought. However, seeing Darren's confident smile, they chose not to ask some more and just...try following through their plan.

~*~*~*~

"Wanna take a bath with me?" Oli asked Mattie, his eyes looking hopeful yet unsure.

"No, thanks," Mattie said, smiling innocently "You and Dashu go ahead."

"Are you sure?" Dash asked.

"Yep! I'm a big boy now. I can wash myself later."

There was something behind Mattie's smile that Dash didn't seem to notice, but Oli did. However, seeing no way of convincing Mattie to share a bath with him, he didn't think so much of it.

So, before they all went to bed, it was only Oli and Dash who shared the bathroom. Mattie, on the other hand, still folded some paper cranes on his own.

"There's something wrong with him," Dash said, the warm water washing over him.

"He's repressing his memories," Oli whispered. "...that's what my dad said."

"You mean...?"

"He's not okay," Oli mumbled, his worried eyes piercing Dash's.

"But...he..." Dash stuttered, not knowing what to say anymore.

"We should be careful `round him," Oli told him. "...what do you think we should do?"

"I...I don't know..." Dash murmured. "...and..."

"...and?"

"Our dad's out on parole."

"He's not in prison anymore?"

"Yes, Oli," Dash answered, his eyes still not mirroring Oli's. "...I...I don't even know how..."

"Who told you that?"

"Your dad."

Oli, thinking of nothing more that he could do, moved closer to Dash and held him in a tight embrace. His...dick wasn't hard, or anything of that sort. This was far too intimate and serious for both of them to be fooling around.

"We should do something," he whispered.

"'Bout what?"

"Mattie," he said. "...he's not himself anymore."

"Y-yeah," Dash uttered. "...but I...I don't know what to do."

"Let's talk to him," Oli suggested. "...see if he remembers some things...and..."

"I don't want to remind him of that," Dash countered. "...he looks so...happy right now..."

"But that's not him!" Oli argued. "...he's not Mattie anymore."

"I know..."

"Your uncle's gonna pay for all this," Oli hissed.

Dash didn't say anything. Instead, his arms went round Oli's waist and pulled the other boy into him. It seemed selfish, but he recently learned that he could escape some awful things if Oli was right beside him. It was an easy escape, but it seemed reasonable enough for him.

"D-Dash," Oli mumbled, feeling Dash's lips on his neck.

He didn't respond. He was far too occupied with Oli's incredible taste. The warm water that washed over both of them only intensified his feeling.

He nibbled his way down Oli's neck and chest, stopping long enough to suck on the boy's nipples. There wasn't any reluctance in his what he did. His eyes were closed, tirelessly forgetting all their problems.

"Dash..." Oli mumbled. "...stop."

He didn't stop. His kisses were raw and hungry. He wasn't even aware of how those same kisses felt...dry and lustful for Oli. He only wanted some sort of release.

"D-dash!"

"I...I promise, Oli," he mumbled.

"Ah...haaah!"

Dash's kisses found their way down Oli's torso as his arms went further down the other boy's waist. He desperately cupped Oli's bum as his tongue travelled down Oli's groin and...stiffening dick.

Oli was at lost for words right now. His mind was somewhere else, but his body didn't object to all the wonderful sensation it was receiving. He wanted it all to stop, but he couldn't say or do anything at all.

"I'm not running away..."

Oli's dick twitched in anticipation, but he didn't feel comfortable at all. It all seemed practiced and...emotionless. Dash's kisses were cold on his skin. If something was indeed wrong with him, it was only because he thought of how Mattie would react if he saw both of them doing nasty stuff together. The little boy filled his mind, worried him all the more. Both Dash and he were doing something Mattie would surely find...traumatic.

"S-stop..." he whispered once again. "...please, Dash..."

It was then that someone knocked on the door. Dash's mind was still preoccupied, but when he heard the voice that called from outside, he stopped in his trail.

"Oli? Dashu?" Mattie called. "I hafta pee."

"Dash..." Oli breathed out.

"S-sorry."

Dash released Oli from his embrace and let the other boy walk out from under the shower and toward the bathroom door. He still needed the warm water to wash over his body, even though it did nothing to calm his troubled mind.

"Hey," Oli said, opening the door for Mattie to enter. He didn't have a towel around his waist and he didn't even care about that.

Mattie hurriedly walked past Oli and toward the toilet and he didn't even glance toward his two his big brothers. As much as he could, he avoided looking toward both of them.

Oli didn't know why, but he closed the bathroom door and locked it. He walked toward the toilet and stood behind Mattie.

"Mattie," he began, kneeling behind the little boy and he reluctantly wrapped his arms around him.

"...I'm still peeing," Mattie whispered.

"Come here, Mattie," Dash called out, his head sticking out from the shower curtain.

"..." Mattie just stared at his big brother. He finished peeing, but still had his little dick out of his shorts.

"Are you okay?" Oli asked.

"Yep!" Mattie gleefully answered, turning his body toward the older boy. "...I gotta go."

Oli, despite feeling unsure with what he was doing, held Mattie in his arms, refusing to let go of the little boy.

"...Oli?"

"We won't hurt you, Mattie," Oli said, brushing the few curls that fell down Mattie's forehead.

"I...I know..."

The shower stopped hissing as Dash went out from under the steam. He walked toward both boys and looked at his brother affectionately.

"This isn't you," he said, turning Mattie's eyes toward him.

"B-but..." Mattie stuttered.

"We're here for you, remember?"

Mattie, despite how Oli held him so close, pushed himself away from the older boy. He rushed outside the bathroom and even slammed the door behind him. Both Oli and Dash were left dumbfounded and...scared.

"We have to do something," Dash said, pulling a towel off the rack to dry himself with.

Oli's eyes were glued to the closed door, but he heard what Dash said. He just didn't expect Mattie to actually push himself away from both of them. It seemed their little brother didn't have his memories repressed, but was trying very hard to do just that. And that was more worrying than actually forgetting what happened to him.

When Oli and Dash got back to the bedroom and already dressed, they both heard Mattie's muffled cry. The little boy was whimpering so much and had his back toward the door. He was seated on Oli's bed as his body shook with how his breaths hitched.

"Mattie," Dash whispered, sitting beside his brother while Oli knelt in front of the little boy.

"We're sorry," Oli said, gently brushing his hand on Mattie's knees.

"No..." Mattie mumbled. "It's just...it's...what if..."

Despite how Mattie's face was buried in his hands, Dash tried his best to gently have his little brother look at him. He pulled Mattie toward his side, hugging the little boy as he did so. Mattie, however, didn't want to look at both Oli and Dash so he cried on Dash's shirt.

"You can tell us anything," Oli said, brushing the boy's curls. "...anything..."

"What if," Mattie started again, still whimpering. "Dashu and me...what if we're not...brothers?"

"Who told you that?" Dash demanded, hugging the boy more tightly.

"What if...I'm..."

"We're brothers, okay?" Dash said.

"...the three of us, remember?" Oli added.

"Did...did our uncle tell you this?"

"He...he said...he's my...he's my dad..."

"What?!" Dash yelled, unintentionally forcing Mattie to stare miserably at him. "He's lying!"

"...and...and..."

"What else did he say?" Oli asked.

"...you lied, Dashu..."

"What are you saying? I'd never lie to you, y'know that..."

"...you said mom and dad...died in an accident," Mattie said, his whimpers slowly going away. "...but...dad's alive, right?"

It wasn't the question that rendered Dash speechless. Instead, it was Mattie's eyes locked with his that did just that. Sure enough, his little brother's eyes were puffy and red, but it easily accused him of betrayal.

"You lied, Dashu! Dad killed mom!"

"Mattie," Oli interrupted as he gently took hold of Mattie's shoulder. "Dash...he didn't..."

"I'm sorry," Dash mumbled weakly. "I...didn't want you getting hurt..."

"But you lied! And...and we're not brothers, are we? You're lying `bout..."

"No, stop it!" Oli yelled, turning Mattie's gaze toward him. "You're brothers, okay? He's not lying `bout that...and he just..."

"Sshhh," Dash whispered, resting his chin on Mattie's curls. "You're my `lil brother...and I'm sorry...I didn't mean to...to lie to you `bout dad...it's just..."

"He hates me, right?" Mattie said. "...he killed mom `coz he hates me..."

"He doesn't hate you," Dash argued. "He's just...sick..."

"He hates me...," Mattie repeated.

"No one hates you!" Oli blurted out. "...why would anyone hate you?"

"'coz...coz I'm..."

"What?"

"'coz he's not my dad," Mattie whispered. "...he doesn't love me."

"He's sick, Mattie," Dash repeated. "He loves you, but...he's just not himself when he...killed our mom. I promise you, he'll pay for that, okay? But please..."

Mattie was listening intently to what his big brother was telling him. His cries turned into sniffles, but he still had his face messing up Dash's shirt.

"...don't ever think that you're not my brother," Dash continued. "We have the same eyes, right? And this mess of a hair we have? We're brothers, for sure!"

It took a while for Mattie to finally calm down, but his hushed breathing told Oli and Dash that he fell asleep already. During those last few minutes before his eyes closed, he could only hear his brother's heart beating against the boy's chest. He had made a wet mess of his brother's shirt, but Dash didn't mind. His brother even held him so tightly and that seemed enough for him to feel safe for now.

"He remembers everything," Oli whispered, gently brushing Mattie's tearstained cheek.

"He's scared, Oli," Dash said. "I'm scared..."

"...of what?"

"Dad...he's coming for us, isn't he? What if my uncle was right `bout him?"

"'Bout what? I don't understand...," Oli said.

"My dad knows everything we did when we were kids," Dash mumbled "I mean, kissing and stuff...uncle said that's why he changed so much...he said our dad didn't love us anymore `coz we were...we were being sissies...and gay."

"What if your uncle was lying? What if he just wanted you to hate your dad?"

"I don't think so," Dash answered. "He became so cold suddenly...we went on fewer trips together and he...he didn't let us have a sleepover again. Even our uncle didn't get to see us much..."

"But...but that's just crazy!"

"I know. He was really uptight, but I thought that was cool. He looked really strong that way..."

"Is that what you wanted to ask him...if all that is true?"

"Y-yeah," Dash stuttered.

"I'll be there..." Oli's voice pulled him out from his thoughts.

"...huh?"

"If your dad comes for you, I'll be there. I won't let him hurt you or Mattie."

Dash nodded before turning his gaze back to his little brother. There were a few hiccups every now and then, but Mattie was clearly asleep. Even though his face was far from serene, at least he didn't have any trouble falling asleep. The little boy needed lots and lots of rest.

"Why do you think he didn't talk to us the last couple days?" Oli asked.

"...he's really scared," Dash whispered.

And that was true. It wasn't only the trauma that kept Mattie from speaking. From how the little boy held so desperately on his shirt, Dash knew that his brother was very much afraid. It was like those times when they were younger and Mattie had a nightmare. Their parents weren't around anymore, so it was him that held Mattie all night long, soothing the boy's cries. However, Mattie's grip right now was so much tighter.

"We should go to sleep," Dash offered.

"Yeah," Oli said. "I'll sleep on the mattress. You can stay on my bed with Mattie."

"It's okay..."

"No," Oli cut in before standing up and finally ruffling Mattie's curls. "...you're his brother and he needs you right now."

"Thanks," Dash sighed, shifting on the bed and carefully laying Mattie down.

"We'll figure something out tomorrow," Oli added before making his way toward the mattress.

And so, that night, the mattress that the three boys had been sharing felt overwhelmingly huge and cold for Oli. He didn't mind, though. It was a small sacrifice for Mattie's sake.

As for Dash and Mattie, it already seemed so long ago since they've held each other the way they did right now. Mattie's head was snuggled up to Dash's chest, while he had his arm `round his brother. Before finally drifting off to sleep, he placed a soft kiss on Mattie's cheek, and that only made Mattie shift closer to him.

~*~*~*~

The next morning, while Oli left Dash in his bedroom to wait for Mattie to wake up, he already made his way down to open their door for one of his best friends.

"Tony?" he asked, surprised somehow.

"G'morning, Oli," Anthony greeted with a small smile on his face.

"Come in, dear," Dianne said, urging Anthony inside. "We're just having breakfast."

"It's still so early," Oli said once they were in the dining room. "What do you want?"

"We thought of something."

"Huh?"

"You want some cereal, sweety?" Dianne interrupted to which Anthony politely refused.

"Can we talk `bout this in your room?"

Oli was hesitant. Anthony was still oblivious to all that has happened with him, Dash and Mattie after all. And bringing his friend up to his room could mean...

"Dash?" Anthony said, looking toward the doorway to the dining room. He turned his gaze back to Oli and narrowed his eyes at the boy.

"Well, uh..." Oli stuttered.

"Oli?" came Mattie's little voice as he moved past his big brother.

"...is this another sleepover?" Anthony asked.

"Yeah," Dash answered as both he and Mattie made their way to the table. Oli, on the other hand, was silent.

"This is good, I guess," Anthony remarked. "...but can we just talk `bout this in your room? And...who's the little kid?"

"I'm Mattie and I'm not little anymore!"

"Cool," Anthony said, smiling at the little boy which caused Mattie to blush and pout a bit.

"Looks like you have something serious going on," Dianne said, seeing how the boys ignored her. "...but no one leaves this table without breakfast, understood?"

So it wasn't until breakfast was over that the boys went up to Oli's room. They all stayed quiet once they got there, only carefully studying each other's expression.

"What do you want, Tony?" Oli asked, not able to stand the silence for so long.

"Brian and I want to help you out, remember?"

"Since when did you become friends with him?" Oli asked.

"That's not important right now," he said. "...we think we know how to deal with Gabe."

"Oh? How? And who was it that you said was going to help us?"

"His brother," Anthony said. "...you know, Darren."

"Darren? What does he want? Last time I checked, he wanted to beat the hell out of me and Dash."

"You didn't tell me `bout him," Dash said.

"I just forgot, sorry..."

"Anyway," Anthony interrupted. "He knows what to do with Gabe. I bet he's talked to him already."

"You're up to something, aren't you?" Oli accused.

"No...Gabe has went too far. I think he forgot that promise we made when we were seven. Y'know, to never, ever, ever..."

"...be a meanie to each other," Oli finished.

"And now he's turning into a bully. I don't even know why he hates Dash so much. I mean, you two are boyfriends, right?"

Both Oli and Dash just looked at each other, not knowing how to answer that.

"Don't worry guys," Anthony said. "I won't tell on you and I'm cool with it."

"Y-you are?" Oli asked.

"Yeah, but I don't know why Gabe is suddenly so jealous. It looks like...were the two of you...dating?"

Oli couldn't keep the warmth that rushed to his face. He was blushing deep red and was profusely shaking his head.

"It's true, isn't it?" Dash asked.

"No!" Oli blurted out. "We were not dating! We...uh..."

"You what?" both Dash and Anthony demanded.

"Promise you won't get mad?" Oli asked Dash.

"I promise," Dash hurriedly said.

"We used to...fool around together...I mean, y'know..."

"That's it?" Anthony remarked. "Wow, Gabe has some serious issues..."

"I'm not even mad," Dash said.

"But I stopped doing that when I became friends with Dash again."

"So you two knew each other back then?" Anthony asked.

"Sort of," Dash answered. "...what's your plan anyway?"

"Just leave Gabe to us, okay? We don't know what to do with James, but Brian is already spying on him. I'm guessing he would do something to you," Anthony said, pointing toward Dash.

"That's too obvious," Oli said. "...but why are you helping us anyway?"

"We're best friends, right? And I'm just keeping our promise..."

"You sure there's nothing else for you in this?"

"Yeah...and I'm sure you'd help me, too if I was...ever in the mess you're in right now."

"And Darren?"

"He's really cool, y'know," Anthony said. "...been teaching me lots of useful stuff."

"How'd you meet him anyway? I don't remember you going over to Gabe's house."

"I just did and...what's he talking `bout all these rules he taught you and Gabe?"

"Oh...uh...well..." Oli stuttered.

Anthony just giggled before saying, "Nevermind. I'm sure it has something to do with fooling around, right? But he said something `bout one rule he left out."

"What rule?"

"Count your kisses," Anthony said matter-of-factly.

"Huh?" both Oli and Dash questioned.

"You'll figure it out, he said."

"I don't even get it," Oli uttered.

"I do," Mattie, who has been awfully quiet during the whole talk, suddenly had three pairs of eyes on him.

"What does it mean?" Dash asked.

"It's like making 1000 cranes, I think," Mattie said.

"1000 cranes?" Anthony asked.

"How?" Oli questioned.

"1000 cranes, right?" Mattie said. "...and only one wish."

"...so?"

"1000 kisses...can still be one..."

"Okaaaaaay?" the three boys curiously uttered.

"I mean, even if you do 1000 kisses, it can be still be one...or not," Mattie explained.

"You lost me right after kisses," Oli said.

"If you kiss someone a thousand times and you don't even know how, you can't really say you kissed someone," the little boy continued.

"I still don't get it," Oli told him.

"I think he has a point," Anthony said, suddenly remembering what Brian's sister told him.

"Can someone please explain it to me?" Oli demanded. He was a smart boy, mind you, but he just didn't get the logic between 1000 cranes and one kiss.

"Try it, both of you," Anthony said, eyeing both Oli and Dash.

"No way!" Oli objected. "Not in front of you, I mean."

"I said I'm cool with you being boyfriends, right? That means I'm cool with you being...gay, y'know," Anthony told him.

"But...but it's so embarrassing!"

"Let's see if what Mattie's saying is true."

"Go on, Oli," Mattie urged.

"We can close our eyes, if you want," Anthony added.

"But...but..."

And before Oli could object further, Dash quickly pulled him in for a kiss. How many times have they kissed each other? Even both of them don't know the exact number. 1000, maybe? But right now, it was only one kiss.

Even if Oli was taken by surprise and had his lips sealed tight, it didn't take long for him to open his mouth. Dash's tongue on his lips didn't even beg for entry. It was on instinct, how he met Dash halfway. They nibbled on each other's lips, sucked ever so gently and rolled their tongues together. Were they doing it right? They didn't know for sure. However, it wasn't just the kiss that made the difference. They felt their whole body rushing with...enormous feelings as they made some sloppy sounds. So this was one kiss, huh? It could easily compare or even be more than a thousand.

"See?" Mattie gleefully said after both boys withdrew from their heated lip-lock.

"So...how was it?" Anthony asked, as he tried to hide his own blush from seeing...well, something so hot and passionate.

"It's...different," Oli began. "...I mean, from how Gabe did it...and he didn't even really kiss me."

"So you and Gabriel haven't been kissing?" Dash asked.

"That was one rule Darren taught us," Oli said. "...not to kiss and cuddle."

"I see now why you hate him," Anthony said. "That's just...wrong. Kissing can mean a lot more than just fooling around."

"Yeah...but..." Oli paused.

"But what?" Anthony asked.

"You sure you'll take care of Gabe?" Oli asked, looking seriously at Anthony.

"Just leave him to me for now. Why?"

"I've to tell him something."

"...and that is?"

"What Mattie told us," Oli answered, before turning his gaze back to Dash and added, "...do you mind if I kiss him one last time?"

"Just once," Dash said.

"Promise..."

And that was it for their kissing lessons.

"I want to kiss someone someday," Mattie smiled as he said that.

Well, except for that one last remark about kissing.

~*~*~*~

Just an hour away, Dan had been busy with his own things to take care of. Finally, he has everything prepared and all that needed could even fit in his one suitcase. Well, there wasn't much that he needed to bring. Just a few...essential things for that matter. Still, it had taken him two days to have everything organised. Glancing one last time toward the mirror, the new person that he was now didn't shock him even the slightest bit. He changed so much. It took a lot of guts for him to actually change. Or was he just afraid of spending the rest of his life behind bars?

However, before finally leaving everything behind, he needed to see his son for one last time. Maybe say sorry to him? Or convince him once again of going far away with him. After all, he bought two tickets just to make sure.

"The taxi's waiting, sir," someone said from the opposite side of the door.

"Thank you," he answered, before taking his suitcase with him down to the lobby and finally out of the cheap hotel he spent two nights in.

This was the last taxi ride he would take for a very long time.

~*~*~*~

It's been quite a busy week for Alex. He still had some arraignments to take care off, but he did cancel his other appointments. His family needed him right now. Well, it wasn't really his family that needed him at the moment. It was, in fact, his car.

Wiping off the sweat from his forehead, he turned around at the sound of a ball bouncing nearby.

"Are you okay, son?" he asked.

"Can I...I mean, can you..."

"It's okay, Mattie," he said, smiling at the boy. "...come."

Mattie felt a bit reluctant and his steps were short and slow. Oli and Dash were fooling around in the bathroom again from what he heard on the other side of the bathroom door. He already made some more paper cranes so he didn't know what else to do.

"Where's Oli and your brother?" Alex asked. "...they just left you?"

"Taking a bath, I guess," came Mattie's shy reply.

When the little boy finally stood close to him, Alex bent down and cautiously lifted Mattie and settled the boy on the hood of his SUV.

"Something I should know?" Alex asked, his firm hand on Mattie's shoulder.

"Why...why did you call me your son?" Mattie asked, his questioning eyes on Alex.

"Did Oliver tell you that he was adopted?"

Mattie nodded, but wasn't really sure why that mattered right now.

"You see, any father would love to have his own son," Alex said. "Even if Oli's not ours to start with, he's still our son. You and your brother aren't that different..."

"How?" Mattie interrupted.

"I don't know anyone who wouldn't want you as their own."

"But...what if...what if I don't know who's my dad anymore?" the boy asked, looking down at his lap.

"That won't happen," Alex answered. "You'd know for sure who your dad is. You can feel it, don't you?"

"I...I think so."

Alex smiled at the boy as he patted Mattie's shoulder. He could see the confusion in Mattie's eyes, but he didn't want to puzzle the boy more with his own problems. Mattie would figure it out on his own. And he would be there to answer the kid's questions. He won't pry too much. He'd listen instead.

"I have a feeling that's not the only thing you came here for," Alex thoughtfully said.

Sure enough, that tiny blush on Mattie's cheeks told him why the boy came to him. It had something to do with what he did a couple of days ago when Mattie was still in the hospital. However, he wasn't really expecting to get any reaction out of Mattie so quickly. He only wanted to try what he did and somehow, it actually worked.

"You three boys are the best sons any father could ask for," he said as he pulled Mattie into a fatherly hug.

"T-thank you...sir," Mattie stuttered, feeling safe and secure.

"We'll be here for you, okay? For all of you." Alex didn't say anything about Mattie calling him his dad. He knew that the kid's real father was still around and he didn't want to jump into such things.

"I just...miss my dad."

And that was all it took for Alex's smile to grow gentler as he rubbed Mattie's back. He was a father. Maybe not biologically, but Mattie easily stole his heart. Curiously enough, it reminded him of a much, much younger Oliver.

~*~*~*~

After some heated fun in bathroom and the talk Mattie had with Oli's dad, the three boys once again found themselves sharing the mattress, without any one of them actually being so far away.

"You really wanna know what it's like to kiss someone?" Oli asked Mattie whose curious eyes showed innocence and anticipation.

"Mm-hmm," Mattie nodded eagerly. "...but..."

"It's okay," Dash said. "...Oli and I talked `bout this."

"You mean?"

"I'll show you, but only if you really want to," Oli said, moving closer to Mattie.

Mattie turned to Dash one last time, receiving only a gentle nod from his brother. He smiled bravely, feeling sure enough with what they were about to do.

"I'm ready," Mattie whispered, turning back toward Oli.

It was soft, maybe even a bit reluctant, but it was definitely a kiss. Although it lasted for only a few seconds, Mattie still closed his eyes as he tried stopping his lips from trembling too much. When Oli finally drew back, a small smile graced his pink lips.

"How was that?" the little boy asked.

"Not bad," Oli said. "...actually, you're so much better than Dash."

"We're brothers, silly!" Mattie giggled. "We're both great kissers!"

"Yeah," Dash said. "...you really are my `lil brother...so don't you ever believe anyone who says we're not brothers, okay?"

"Not brothers?" Mattie asked, glancing toward his brother. "Who said that? We even look the same!"

Dash immediately shot Oli a questioning look, but Oli only looked more confused than him.

"You don't...remember?" Dash asked.

"What...?"

"Nothing," Oli quickly said. "Let's go to sleep, okay?"

"Okay!" Mattie happily answered. "Thanks, Oli! You're still my second best big brother!"

"See? I'm still the best," Dash said, although his voice still sounded disturbed.

"Yeah, yeah..." Oli said as he rolled his eyes.

"Can I still sleep without my undies?" Mattie asked.

"Sure...but..."

"Don't worry. I'll be careful, but I really can't remember falling off the bed and getting hurt..."

"...off the bed?" Oli questioned.

"Yep!" Mattie answered as he began to take off his shorts. "My butt hurt a little so I fell off the bed, silly!"

"...and...those..."

"Face first, I think," Mattie mumbled, lifting his shirt off his head before pointing to the little bluish black patch on his body.

"Y-yeah," Oli stammered. "...be careful next time and don't move too much."

"Okay! Uhm, it's not fair if I you sleep with undies, y'know...Dashu, too."

Oli giggled despite the lingering confusion in his mind. He didn't even wait for Dash to tell him yes or no before taking off his own clothes.

"See? No undies!"

And that made Mattie cuddle close to him, unmindful to how his own little pecker came to life or how...Oli tried hard to keep his dick from poking the little boy's thighs.

"You too, Dash," Oli whispered.

"No thanks," Dash said, turning his back toward both boys.

"Don't mind him," Oli told Mattie. "...he's just shy."

"Not with kissing!" Mattie remarked as he finally closed his eyes and rested his head under Oli's arm.

"I can hear both of you," Dash said, but that only made Oli and Mattie giggle some more.

"Counting kisses, huh?" Oli thoughtfully said.

"...like making paper cranes," said Mattie, yawning as he did so.

During those first few minutes after Mattie finally slept, both Oli and Dash thought of why their little brother acted so...strangely. Was Mattie repressing his memories or only remembered some of it every now and then? They would have to find out soon. Maybe they could listen to what the psychiatrist has to say during Mattie's next appointment. That would be tomorrow, the same day that they would see Gabe and James again. Or, perhaps, the day Dash and Mattie would once again see their dad.