SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017

Instead of making a vacation out of the drive back, Carol and Lars agreed to get the boys home as quickly as possible, even if it meant a grueling day of driving. Getting on the road as quickly as possible was only the first step. Along the way, they made quick pit stops, ate on the road, drank lots of coffee, and made it all the way to Coalinga, California before calling it quits for the day. Lars drove the U-Haul and Simon and Matthew took turns riding with Lars to keep him company. That was good because Lars was able to spend time helping Matthew process the events of the morning. It was also the first chance they had gotten one-on-one time since they filed the custody papers and met with the magistrate. He really enjoyed bonding with his newest, and oldest, son.

Zach and Carol took turns driving the SUV with the remaining members of the crew. Carol and Zach took advantage of this time to get to know each other. If Zach was going to be a part of the family, which Carol hoped it worked out for Lars and Zach, she knew she needed to have a friendship with the younger man. She liked Zach from the beginning -- especially the new energy he brought to Lars' life. The more she got to know Zach, the more she enjoyed his company and found him to be more mature than his age. Their visiting made the time pass faster, especially since the other occupants stayed pretty quiet.

Michael hadn't said a word. He sat glued to Lukas or sleeping with his head on Lukas' shoulder or lap. Lukas, in return, comforted Michael when the boy needed it, and played games and listed to music with his ear buds the rest of the time. That left Simon and Matthew caught in between. Whichever one wasn't riding with Lars sat in the back of the SUV -- too far to participate in the adult conversation in the front and ignored by Lukas and Michael who were in a world of their own. It occurred to Lars that the would use the family's entire month's data allowance on just the drive home.

When they pulled off the highway in Coalinga, everyone was ready to hit the hay. After nearly 13 hours on the road, the Travelodge looked like the Taj Mahal. Not knowing how far they could make it in one day after their late start, they hadn't made reservations. Luckily, they had two double rooms available. The adults took one room and the boys took the other. Lars, Zach and Carol, in need of unwinding and stretching their legs, walked down to Denny's to have a snack and more coffee. They also needed to download the events of the day.

After dropping their bags off in their room, Simon and Matthew crossed the street to Burger King to grab something to eat and talk about what happened that morning. Since they were in opposite vehicles the entire drive, Simon was left in the dark about what was going on and Matthew needed time to talk about how he felt with someone other than one of his new parents. They asked Michael and Lukas if they wanted to go. Michael shook his head no and headed to the bathroom. Lukas said he would stay with Michael.

Silently, Michael went about his business and crawled into bed. It was Lukas' turn to get ready for bed. Phone in hand, he entered the bathroom and quietly closed the door. Waking his phone, he sent a quick text to Scott and Gavin:

Lukas: M n M saw their dad
Lukas: Wnt BAD!! Need help call in the troops

Text sent, Lukas turned his phone off to make sure any replies went unheard. Setting his toiletries on the counter, Lukas thought about the day. Though they had been quiet, it had still been emotional. Lukas had never seen Michael's eyes so dark and gray. He wondered how anyone, even Michael, could come back from everything he'd been through. He also knew that he couldn't wait for school to start to get Michael back into being Michael. Getting all their friends together tomorrow afternoon would help bring Michael out of his funk -- at least he hoped it would. With minty fresh breath, Lukas crawled into bed. He didn't know what happened at the jail, no one would say anything, but he knew it was bad, really bad. After spending the entire drive cuddling and comforting Michael, Lukas snuggling up to his lil' bro, joining him the land of sleep.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017

Back home in Honduras, Bessy had seen this type of sadness -- the loss of a parent, feeling helpless or hopeless, alone against the world. Working at the orphanage while she finished her nursing degree fed her love of children and the joys they can bring into your life. Bessie also learned that holding children as they mourn the loss of what so many take for granted takes an emotional toll. Seeing that look on the face of this beautiful boy with such a lively, loving family, confused Bessy. But she kept her concern to herself and followed his finger to menu.

"Ah yes, French toast. Would you like bacon with that?" She received a shake of the head.

"I bet you'd prefer the turkey sausage links." That received an affirmative.

"Skim milk?" Another affirmative.

"Would you also like orange juice... I thought so." Bessy took the rest of the orders and retreated to the kitchen to turn in the ticket and get the drinks.

Between tables, she watched and wondered. The adults were attentive and engaged with the boys. The youngest and oldest looked like brothers, but the two, the blonde and raven-haired boy didn't look like the other two, but they each looked like one of the adults. Then there was the brunette that looked too old to be one of the kids. But most of all, she couldn't look away from the tragically sad, tragically beautiful, little boy.

When Bessy left the check at the table, she slipped a note to the boy. Michael read the note and slipped it into his pocket. When Bessy returned to the table to give Lars his credit card and receipt, Michael looked up at Bessy and spoke the first words he'd spoken since seeing his father, "Thank you."

"De nada mi amor," Bessy choked out with a tear. She turned and hurried to the kitchen. Passing her manager, she said, "I'm taking my break now." She passed straight through the kitchen and out the back door.

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The closer they got to East Harbor, the more frequently Lukas was texting. Michael continued his silence. He just stared out the window, clutching the note the waitress gave him at breakfast. The note made Lukas even more determined to bring their friends together to welcome Michael home.

About two hours into their trip, Lukas had asked Michael he if could see the note the waitress gave him. Michael slipped the note from his pocket and handed it to Lukas before turning his attention back to the view.

The note simply said she could tell that he had wonderful friends and family that could share the heavy load of his anger and sadness, or anything ever weighing him down. That's what friends and family are for. Alone, no one could never carry a heavy log, but as a group, we can share the load of something too heavy to carry alone. Heavy things becomes light and no longer burdensome when each person takes their share. It was signed, "Mucho amor mi hijo, Bessy". The note provided Lukas the inspiration he needed and he texted Scott, Trajan and the rest of the gang quickly.

Now that they were approaching East Harbor, Lukas was getting more and more excited that his plan was coming together -- the plan of bringing all their friends together to welcome Michael home. Scott and Lukas thought it might seem weird having everyone hanging out in front of their house until they arrived. Instead, the crowd gathered on the Mallway between the middle and high schools by the fountain. Friends, teammates, classmates and caring adults were all aware of what was needed and were excited to be there for their beloved young friend.

When Scott received Lukas' text, he got everyone's attention and led them down to 739 Maple Street. They passed Michael's home where some of his coaches and teachers were finishing up. They had mowed the grass, placed flowers on the steps and lit candles on the porch to commemorate Megan.

"Zach, slow down," said Lukas as they made their way up Maple Street.

Michael had his earbuds in, looking out the driver's side away from his old home. Lukas reached over and tapped his arm. He motioned Michael to come over to his side. Michael unbuckled his seat belt and scooted up against his new brother.

Lukas took Michael hand in his own and with the other rolled down the window and pointed. "Look."

The house looked neat and tidy with flowers and candles as a beautiful tribute. Michael's eyes teared up and he nodded letting Lukas know he saw.

"Michael," said Lukas to get his little brother's attention. Just like his father, he waited for Michael to make eye contact before he continued. "You know, the note Bessy wrote to you is right. We are all here to help you carry your burden. All of us. And we are happy to support you because we love you."

The truck ahead of them slowed and parked in front of Carol's house and Zach pulled the SUV into Lars' house to the shouts and welcomes from a crowd of about 80 people. Being a holiday, many people were out of town, but neighbors, teachers, coaches, soccer and lacrosse players, classmates from both the middle and high schools, the gang from the lunch table -- even Derek and Mrs. Gutierrez, the high school Vice Principal. The boys would learn later that a handful of the girls Michael didn't recognize where present to lay eyes on Matthew after seeing the videos on Facebook. They were happy that he was even better looking in person.

Just as they planned, no one coddled Michael, or Matthew for that matter. They welcomed them home with love and excitement, hoping the positive energy would be infectious. They each person gave Michael a hug and told him, "I want to carry my share."

Lars walked up to Lukas as the blonde watched the crowd embrace the Grant boys and a smile creep onto Michael's face. "So," began Lars, "I'm guessing this is your doing."

Lukas looked up at his dad with a crooked smile. "Yeah, well, I guess I should have let you know, huh?"

Lars pull Lukas into a hug. "You are one special boy, Lukas. I think this was just what Michael needed." Lukas squeezed his father back.

Lars, Zach, and Carol herded everyone into the backyard where they learned that Scott (via Lukas) told everyone to bring swimsuits if they wanted to go swimming. When Lars looked to Lukas, his son simply shrugged his shoulders. 'Looks like a nice, quiet evening at home is NOT going to happen tonight,' thought Lars as he entered the house after their five-day trip, collecting mail, opening the windows, and preparing the house for their guests. Zach checked the chemicals in the pool and started the hot tub while Carol and Simon opened up their house for guests and then opened the family room to the pool so they could play music for the surprise party.

"Dad?" yelled Lukas. He'd come in through the front door with his and Simon's bags from the trip but didn't see Lars.

"I'm in here," came a voice from the hall bathroom. He was making sure Michael and Matthew's things were moved and the room was neat for those who needed to use the bathroom or to change clothes.

Lukas put the bags in his room and then joined his father. "Dad, it's New Year's Eve. Can we have a sleep over tonight?"

"Lukas... really?" asked Lars. After the trip, the arduous drive back, and the surprise of having dozens of guests upon arriving home, Lars was exhausted, and his patience was being tested. He saw the hurt look on Lukas' face, not from the disappointment that his father might say no, but the tone in which Lars addressed him.

"I'm sorry Jitterbug." Lars gave Lukas a quick hug. "Driving that truck all the way down from Portland has taken a lot out of me and I'm really tired."

"I'm sorry too, dad. I should have talked to you about this. I was just so worried about Michael and..." Lukas didn't finish his sentence.

"You know, everyone is really tired so your friends may be disappointed when you guys all fall asleep early instead of staying up for the New Year."

"I know, but I just want Michael to feel better and I think having friends around to keep him from thinking about what happened would work."

"So..." began Lars as he perched himself on the edge of the sink and gave his son his full attention, "what did you have in mind?"

Lukas' face lit up. "Well, you know how Michael likes to express himself through music. I thought we could get our instruments out and play some music for everyone and kinda make this a small, early, New Year's party and then everyone would leave about eight and we could have a few of the guys spend the night. You know, watch movies, play video games... that stuff. We'll be quiet. We can all hang in my room if you're worried we'll hear you and Zach having sex!" He burst out laughing and Lars just rolled his eyes.

"I'm not going to speak for Zach, but I don't think I'll be awake for long after your guests leave. Keep the group spending the night small. We just got home and we, and I do mean all of us, need to have some downtime from our trip." Lukas nodded in agreement. "Now help me unpack the rest of the bags and we'll figure out something for refreshments for everyone."

It took a good 40 minutes or so, but the families were unpacked from their trip to the Pacific Northwest, laundry in the wash, and the other adults at the party organized getting some pizzas, breadsticks, salads, and soda delivered from Pappy's Pizza. Zach took on the challenge of herding cats - that is getting the students to appropriate and private spaces to change into their swimwear. Lukas grabbed Simon and they arranged the family room similar to the night of the match making party so they could put on a short show for their friends. Carol, on the other hand, took a walk around the block to invite their neighbors to the impromptu party and to warn them about the coming onslaught of loud music. The neighbors always appreciated the heads up, though few attended. The boys were known for being polite, helpful, and good students so the neighbors were willing to tolerate the music, especially when they were informed ahead of time. Today, some of the neighbors were disappointed. They would have loved to have had more advanced warning so they could have invited friends over for a party to enjoy the great music!

In the backyard, Michael started to come out of his funk. He was joking around with his friends and trying to include Matthew in on some of the fun. Though many of his friends had met Matthew in the days after the shooting, it was in passing. This was the first chance they had to really get to know Matthew and learn that he's going to be a permanent fixture in East Harbor.

"Michael!" came a shout.

Michael turned in the direction he thought he heard is named called and scanned the crowd. He noticed a commotion as people were moving to allow someone through the crowd. The first thing he noticed was a mop of red hair. Then he was scooped up into a bear hug.

"Lewis!" Michael smiled and laughed.

"Hey Michael." Lewis set the boy down and looked him in the eyes. "I'm here to carry my part of the load, just like you carry part of mine since we talked at the hospital."

Michael nodded, "Thanks."

"Hey bro," nudged Matthew, "I think Lukas is looking for you."

"Where?" asked Michael.

Matthew pointed to the back of Simon's house.

"Oh, it looks like they want to play some songs! Lewis, go get changed into your swim trunks and I'll catch up to you after we're done." Michael grabbed his brother's hand. "Com'on, play with us."

When Michael and Matthew reached the "studio", Lukas greeted them. "I thought we could have some fun and play a few songs for everyone," grinned Lukas. He didn't mention that he was hoping this would also help Michael exercise some of his demons.

"No duh!" laughed Michael. "Where's everyone else?"

"Gavin's family is out of town, so Garrett won't be here. Zach said he would join us in a little while, so I thought we could play some of our three-piece songs."

"But I want Matthew to play with us," said Michael, looking to his older brother.

"Whoa!" warned Matthew. "That's not a good idea, I've never played live in front of people and that's not going to happen until after I've practiced with you guys... if ever! Besides, I want to see you guys play. Maybe I'll join in later if you want to play a song I know or something. But I want to see you guys play."

"Okay," said Michael, giving his brother a hug.

Matthew snagged a chair from the patio furniture and prepared to see his brother's band. Everyone told him they were good, but he hadn't checked out their videos.

The boys were warming up -- it had been awhile since they played. It had been two weeks and the doctor encouraged him to use the arm as much as he could without too much pain. The adrenaline of the crowd and putting on a guitar made the shoulder feel great!

Matthew took in the scene. Kids from fifth grade through high school hanging out, playing in the pool and having a great time. It was fun, it was friendly, and the energy and positivity were something that NEVER would have happened back home in Oregon. His parent would never have allowed this many kids over to their house, and Michael was never welcomed at school the way he was adored here. A bit of feedback and a few chords coming across the amps brought his attention back to the stage. It also caught everyone else's attention.

"Thanks everybody, for coming to see me and Matthew today," began Michael, choking up a bit.

The unmistakable voice of Derek came shouting back, "We love you, Michael!"

"Thank you, Derek," laughed Michael, wiping a tear from his face.

"We haven't practiced since... well, you know. Sorry if it's a bit sloppy, but we wanted to play some songs to thank you for coming!"

Michael made eye contact with Simon and Lukas. Their nods told him they were ready and Michael kicked into the first chords of "Welcome to Paradise" by Green Day. They wanted to do they song they were most confident in as a warm up. Lukas was at the top of his game, driving the song forward and building confidence in Michael and Simon and challenging them to meet his precision and intensity. They did. It was their best performance of the song in front of an audience. At the end of the song, Lukas kicked into the drum intro for "Long View". They followed that up with "Get Free" by The Vines, "Fell in Love with a Girl" by The White Stripes, and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.

Matthew was floored by his little brother, well, brothers, and their band. He honestly didn't expect them to be nearly that good. Yes, he'd heard the stories about how Lukas and Simon got started in music with Stephen, Simon's father. He knew that the boys practiced every day, but he completely underestimated how good they would be.

"Where's Zach?" asked Michael over the mic. "Zach, we need you..."

Zach appeared behind the boys, entering the family room from the kitchen. There was a conversation no one could hear, and Zach took the bass from Simon.

Michael turned to Matthew and waved for him to come over to the band. Hesitantly, Matthew got up and joined them in the family room.

Michael whispered something into Matthew's ear.

"WHAT? You want me to play with you guys? I'm not that good. I haven't practiced!" The last thing Matthew wanted to do was embarrass himself in front of his new friends and classmates.

"Don't worry," said Michael, handing Matthew their father's guitar -- the guitar Matthew had learned the song on. "I know you know this song by heart. It is one of your favorites."

Matthew strapped on the guitar and warmed up a bit.

Michael stepped to the mic and addressed everyone.

"I was messing around on the Internet and came across a term I'd never heard before -- 'logical family'. It led me to read a book. It was the memoir of Armistead Maupin. He talks about being estranged from his birth family, but feeling more at home, and more loved, by his logical family."

Michael spots Lars standing off to the side listening. "Dad, can you come here?"

Lars walks over to the boys gave Michael a side hug and kissed him on the head.

"Lukas was right, I needed you all here, I needed you, my logical family," said Michael to the crowd in the backyard. "So everyone, I want you to meet my dad. And this," pointing to Matthew, "is my oldest brother, Matthew. Lars is now our dad, legally. And that Simon and Lukas are now really my brothers too. We aren't just a logical family, we are legally a family." Michael wrapped his arm around Lars and gave him a squeeze.

"You guys also know Scott's brother Zach," said Michael, motioning to Zach. Michael released Lars and turned to Zach. "Zach, I love you, too, and I hope you become my other dad some day soon." Zach smiled and wiped a tear from his eye.

Michael pointed to the chair Matthew had been seated, wanting his dad to watch from there. "But you guys are family too. My soccer and lacrosse teammates, my friends and classmates at school, and even you adults out there. I think if everyone could be part of a logical family like this, the world would be a better place. I'm the luckiest kid in the world."

"We're going to play two more songs before we take a break. This next song is one of Matthew's favorites, so I wanted him to join us for on stage. Not only has he not had a chance to practice with us, but today was the first time he's seen us perform. I wanted him up here today and I hope he decided to join the band now that he's joined the family." Michael flashed a bright smile towards Matthew and returned one to match.

Matthew perched on a stool and amped his guitar. Nervous, he started strumming the beginning of "Cover Me" by Candlebox. He wasn't even aware that Simon was going to be singing. He just lost himself in the music. Simon walked over and put his hand on Matthew's shoulder and started singing.

Michael was right. This was one of Matthew's all-time favorite songs and he knew it by heart. But today the lyrics held a whole new meaning.

Cover me
When I walk alone
Cover me
When my stance it stumbles home
Cover me
We'll trip on through the sands of time
And cover me
Cause I've been branded

When they reached the musical interlude, Matthew realized that Michael would be playing the guitar solo. He glanced over and watched his lil'bro rip though the solo. 'When did Michael learn to play like that?' He realized his little brother had grown up a lot in the last year and there were still things he needed to learn.

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Michael gave everyone a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek as they left, even his male friends. He'd heard Lars tell him to just be himself enough that he decided to take it to heart. He was going to express his love for his friends any way he felt, when he felt.

Lukas tried to round up a sleep over, but many of their friends had plans for the evening, or their parents felt guilty pawning their children off on Lars, Carol and Zach. In the end, Scott, Jordan, Trajan, Derek and his brother Robert spent the night.

To give Zach and Lars the evening off, the boys congregated in Lukas and Simon's bedroom. They grabbed the TV from Matthew's room and watched movies on one TV while they played video games on the other. Despite the close proximity of so many boys, and the number of straight boys, the gay boys still found ways to have some other fun of their own.

Derek and Robert ran home to shower, grab clothes and tooth brushes before returning. The other boys split up between the two bathrooms to shower and get ready for the evening. Scott headed for Lukas' bathroom and then motioned for Lukas to join him.

"Let's shower together to speed things up," offered Scott. But Lukas saw the look in his eyes and knew he was wanting something else. He turned and made eye contact with Simon and Simon gave him a nod. Lukas nodded his head towards the bathroom has Scott disappeared around the corner, inviting Simon to join them. Simon shook his head and went back to looking for something in his dresser.

Lukas shut and locked the bathroom door and turned to face Scott who's shorts were already tented. Lukas dropped to his knees and slowly pulled the front of Scott's basketball shorts out and over the end of the standing boy's erection and slide the shorts down to the floor. Leaning forward to help Scott step out of the shorts, Lukas' face was nearly buried in Scott's crotch. The blond inhaled the Scott's musky scent and reached diamond hardness seconds later. He removed Scott's socks then slid his hands up the back of Scott's legs and buried his face in the pouch of Scott's briefs that held Scott's balls snuggly. Sniffing and lapping at Scott's briefs, Lukas' hands slid through the leg holes and cupped his straight friend's firm ass cheeks.

Realizing they didn't have much time, Lukas glided his hands to the front of Scott's hips, pulled the front of the briefs out so they wouldn't catch on the post sticking out from Scott's groin, and slid them down and off Scott's legs. Starting from the bottom of Scott's scrotum, Lukas licked, over his balls, up the underside of his cock, then guided the erection past his lips. As Lukas pumped his mouth along Scott's rock-hard dick, Scott removed his shirt and stood their naked before his friend.

Feeling the tingling in his balls, Scott said, "Not yet. Stand up." Lukas opened his eyes and looked up to see Scott staring back at him. He let the cock slip from his lips and stood to face his friend. Scott leaned in and kissed Lukas, realizing that he was tasting his own cock and precum on his friend's lips and tongue. Scott broke the kiss and pulled back so he could pull Lukas' shirt over the boy's head.

"Can I fuck you?" asked Scott. He didn't mean it to sound so crude, but it was exactly what had been on his mind all day. Lukas nodded and turned to the vanity. Rummaging through the drawer, he pulled out a small bottle of lube as he felt Scott step up behind him and pulled him into a hug. Lukas bare skin was hot against his own. He tilted his head and began kissed Lukas' neck has he ran his hands up and down Lukas' chest and stomach. When Lukas moaned, Scott slipped his thumbs in the waistband of Lukas' and worked them down the blonde's hips.

Scott knelled behind Lukas, pulling his underwear and shorts down together, then helped Lukas step out of his pants and socks. It was a bit awkward when Lukas' foot got caught. Falling forward, Lukas caught himself on the vanity, but Scott face planted onto Lukas' left butt cheek. Free from his clothing, Lukas dropped to his elbows on the vanity and spread his feet. Arching his back, he gave Scott a direct view of his pink pucker.

From the various stories he'd read on Nifty, gay, straight and bi, Scott was aware of anilingus, but considered it rather gross. But here he was, staring at the hole he was about to fuck, and something he couldn't explain came over him. He slid his hands up Lukas' legs and gripped the front of his hips to hold the smaller boy in place. He planted a kiss on the inside of Lukas' left butt cheek, the part where it descends into the crevasse and directly to his boy hole. The lightly musky scent wasn't disgusting. As a matter of fact, it was almost pleasant. He took another whiff and then licked the spot where he'd just kissed.

Lukas about jumped out of his skin. He never expected Scott to do anything like that. Between the surprise of Scott's action and the thrill of doing it all just on the other side of the door from his friends and Simon, Lukas was dripping with excitement. The bottom boy moaned when he felt Simon's tongue start at his taint and slide right up his crack and over his boy pussy.

"Uuuuggggggghhhhhh," came from Lukas' mouth, much louder than he'd meant to.

Scott contemplated the coppery taste of the wrinkled skin and how it differed from the salty, sweaty skin surrounding it. Though he wouldn't say it tasted good, it didn't taste bad either. 'Maybe that's what adults mean when they same something is an acquired taste,' thought Scott. Aside from the taste, he realized how much Lukas enjoyed his tongue. If he was going to take pleasure from fucking Lukas, the least he could do was give some pleasure to Lukas. Using his thumbs to pry Lukas' cheeks a bit farther apart, he flicked his tongue across Lukas' hole as quickly as he could. The blond trembled causing Scott to fear the blond might fall over. Then, without a thought to what he was doing, Scott opened his mouth, planted his lips around Lukas hole and started excavating with his tongue. Lukas moaned again and his knees shook. Lowering his head, he pushed his ass back onto Scott's face, trying to force that tongue deeper into his being.

Scott couldn't wait any longer, with one hand he reached up and grabbed the lube. Keeping his face planted in Lukas' ass, he opened the lube and applied an ample amount to his hard cock. In one quick motion, Scott stood and slid his dick into Lukas' spit soaked ass.

"Ohhhh, fuck yeah," hissed Lukas, under his breath.

Bottoming out, Scott adjusted his feet so he would have a stable base and the right angle, then started plowing Lukas' ass. The slapping of Scott's hips on Lukas' ass, and the moaning from both boys was audible in the bedroom. Simon was the first to recognize those sounds. He turned on the music and cranked up the volume to cover up the telltale sounds of fucking.

Lukas reached between his legs and frantically jerked off when Scott's rhythm faltered, indicating that he was close to blowing his load. White-knuckled, Scott pulled Lukas back against him as he panted his way through the most intense orgasm of his life. Scott's stillness allowed Lukas to feel Scott's cock jump with each injection of babymakers into his gut. The thought of Scott's load coating his insides put Lukas over the top, shooting his load against the front of the bathroom vanity and onto the rug below.

Both boys struggled to catch their breath. Cleaning the vanity, Lukas rolled the hand towel inside the messy rug and hid them under the sink to hide the evidence from the other guests.

"We'd better shower before it looks too suspicious," insisted Lukas, though he would rather lay down and take a nap instead of taking a shower. It was business only in the shower and they emerged from the bathroom soon after in boxers, ready for some snacks, video games, and good old horsing around -- the kind only middle school boys can truly achieve.

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Michael didn't last far into the evening. Drowsy, he headed to Matthew's bed to sleep while everyone else hung out in the other bedroom. He awoke feeling someone, no, two people, getting into bed with him. Opening his eyes, he came face-to-face with Derek and the little blonde's shit-eating grin. Before he could ask Derek what he was doing, Derek started kissing Michael and slipped his hand into the front of the older boy's boxer briefs. Michael felt another body slide up behind him. A kiss on the shoulder was followed by a nibbling on his neck and tonguing of his ear. Michael moaned into Derek's mouth has a hand started sliding his underwear down his legs and off his feet. The attention was a surprise, but his fat little cock was hard as a rock telling everyone that it wasn't unwelcome.

Michael would learn later that this was a planned attack. Derek wanted to mess around with Michael again and Trajan was jealous that Derek had had sex with Michael while Derek was still Trajan's only sex partner. Derek's solution was they have fun with Michael together, so they would be even. It was perfectly logical to Derek and to Trajan too since he was thinking with his little head.

The little spike poking Michael's thigh and the much larger one wedged between his ass cheeks made him aware that his two attackers were just as naked as himself.

Derek came up for air and flipped around so he could slurp on Michael's cock and offer his up for any willing mouth. Michael took the offer, grabbing Derek's ass and pulling the younger boy's cock and balls to his mouth. In one motion, his nose was buried in the Derek's scrotum, offering him the intoxicating scent of young boy and a tasty treat to go right along with it. Michael and Derek worked over each other at a frantic pace while Trajan took his time, lovingly kissing and cuddling his hot little school friend while the friend 69'd with his boyfriend.

Michael paid no attention as Derek bent Michael's top leg and wedged it under his arm. He didn't realize what Derek did until he felt a lubed finger rubbing his exposed hole. The friction on his hole, and knowing how vulnerable and exposed he was, sent a thrill through Michael's body. He felt a heat flood his body and every sensation intensified.

One finger, then two, slipped in and out of Michael's boy hole as Trajan's lips and tongue worked his neck and ear and Derek's worked his cock and balls. When Trajan heard Michael's moaning around Derek's cock, he knew it was time. With a small adjustment to his position, he wedged the head of his cock in Michael's hole and gave a shove.

Michael groaned at the invasion. Trajan's arms tightened their grip on Michael's torso as he moaned feeling his cock buried in Michael's furnace. The position wasn't ideal, but it would work. Trajan thrusted his cock in and out of Michael's ass.

Derek enjoyed the blob of precum Trajan's cock forced out of Michael. When Michael began to falter, spending more energy whimpering in anticipation of his pending orgasm instead of paying attention to Derek's needs, Derek took it upon himself to drive his spike in and out of Michael's mouth.

With a final thrust, Derek buried his cock balls deep in Michael's mouth and shuddered through his dry orgasm. The twitching of the delicious spike in his mouth ignited Michael's own orgasm and he squirted a small serving of clear boy's cream across Derek's tongue. Derek made sure he didn't miss a drop before flipping back around and kissing Michael again.

Derek kneaded Michael's balls in one hand and masturbated himself with the other as they held a battle of tongues. Michael's arms wrapped around Derek to hold him in place, intent on winning the battle. Derek soon achieved a second orgasm and then a third dry one for the pre-teen. Trajan continued his slow, steady pace in Michael's ass while his hands worked the boy's nipples and felt his stomach and chest.

Just as Trajan reached his orgasm, Michael began his second of the night. Michael's body couldn't decide if it wanted more cock in its ass or Derek's hands on its spasming cock. As a result the boy's body to thrust itself back and forth, enjoying both sensations. The sudden loss of control amped up Trajan's sensory load and sent signals to his balls to send the troops. Holding still so he wouldn't dislodge from the destination of his baby makers, Trajan shot load after load into Michael's spasming boy hole.

Derek continued to kiss Michael. He rubbed his cummy hands on Michael's chest before hugging the hunky soccer star. Trajan rested with his cock buried as deeply into Michael's ass as he could. Michael, whose top leg was now pulled back across Trajan's hip and held there by his friend's hand, clutched to Derek. It was in this position the three boys drifted off to sleep.

----------------------     

Scott and Jordan sat on the floor at the end of the bed, battling the First Order in Star Wars Battlefront II. Sitting on either side of them, Robert and Matthew split their time between watching the video game and Deadpool on the other TV. Simon and Lukas were under the covers on the bed propped up on the pillows they'd moved to the foot of the bed.

Since no one paid attention to the couple on the bed, Simon slipped under the covers and made a bit of a show sniffing Lukas' ass. Lukas giggled when Simon emerged from under the covers. Simon had been horny as hell after hearing Scott fucking his boyfriend's ass and he could no longer wait until everyone was asleep. He wanted that ass now.

Adjusting the blankets so he and Lukas remained covered from the neck down, Simon wedged his knees between Lukas' and laid his chest on top of his lover's back. Simon put his mouth as close to Lukas' ear as possible. The hot breath sent tingles throughout Lukas' body and the blonde started to bone up. Gently, to not draw the attention of the other boys, Simon lowered his hips and sliding his knees to the side, spreading Lukas' legs farther apart. Still propped up by his chest on Lukas' body, Simon reached down with both hands to Lukas' ass. He grabbed the crotch of Lukas' baggy boxers and pulled them to the side, exposing his ass to Simon. Lukas' eyes widened as he looked to his friends on the floor, wondering if they knew what Simon was doing.

In a whisper so soft only Lukas would hear what he was saying, Simon said, "So, did you like getting your ass pounded by Scott?"

Even in the blue light from the TVs, Simon could tell Lukas blushed. The smaller boy reached down and tried to loosen the boxers that bunched up in the front when Simon pulled the crotch to the side. Now his hardening cock was caught in the folds.

"I could smell his cum leaking from your ass," whispered Simon. "Did Scott blowing is load into your ass make you cum?"

Lukas didn't know what to do, it was thrilling to get fucked in the bathroom with his friends in his bedroom. At this moment, however, he could not only see his friends, he could reach out and tap any of the four right on top of their head.

Lukas turned his head to look at Simon when he felt Simon's weight shift. He'd taken his right hand and released his cock through the fly of his own boxers. Staring Lukas right in the eyes, he used his cock head to wipe up the cum leaking out of Lukas' ass.

Lukas looked back to his friends on the floor to see if they were looking. Lukas shuddered with Simon's hot breath in his ear as his boyfriend whispered, "You may have liked his cock in your pussy but that pussy begs for a man-sized cock like mine." Simon rubbed Scott's cum around his cock to finish lubing it up. Then he slowly guided it to Lukas' hole.

"You want it?" asked Simon.

Lukas nodded.

With more intensity, Simon whispered again, "Do you want it?"

Lukas nodded frantically, watching his friend to make he wasn't drawing their attention.

Simon slowly and steadily flexed his hips forward, sliding his cock into the hot, slick tunnel of Lukas' ass. Lukas' eyes rolled back into his head before he buried his face in the pillow to muffle his moans as Simon worked himself balls deep. Once in, Simon spoke up. "Lukas, do you want dibs on the next round of Battlefront II?"

Jordan turned and looked up at Lukas. "You can have my controller if you want to play next?" offered Jordan. Simon's comments drew the attention of Robert and Matthew too.

"Uh, I, uh," said Lukas, trying to maintain his composure while he felt Simon's cock flexed his his ass. "No... ohhhhh... no, no I'm good. You play."

Jordan gave Lukas a strange look and turned back to the controller. But Matthew and Scott both had an idea of what was distracting Lukas and neither said a word.

Simon wrapped his arms around Lukas, right under his arm pits, to hold him tightly in place while he fucked the prone boy. With is knees spread so wide, Lukas had absolutely no leverage. He was completely at the mercy of Simon and the cock shoved up his ass.

Slowly, working hard to not rock the bed or make the springs creak, Simon went to work. Long, steady motions driving hard against Lukas' prostate made the smaller boy tremble and moan into his pillow. Once in a while, playing it off like he was changing position, Simon would surprise Lukas with a couple hard thrusts that were like bolts of lightning through Lukas' body giving him goosebumps from head to toe.

After nearly 30 minutes of torture, Lukas needed to shoot his load, but had no ability to take care of himself. The control Simon had over his body was a luxurious torture. When Simon raised up on his elbows to make a couple forceful thrusts into Lukas' ass, the blanket slid down his back.

Jordan stopped playing for a moment. "What's that smell?"

Lukas was horrified. Simon jumped in and quickly answer. "Lukas farted!"

"Ahhhh... man..." whined Jordan.

Matthew, aware of what was going on, tried to save his new brothers. "You guys go to the kitchen and grab some food. I'll air the room out and light a candle." Lukas had his face buried in the pillow. The boys started to leave the room and Simon asked Scott to come back. If anyone looked, they could see Scott's hard cock being held to the left by his briefs, but you could only tell if he was standing still.

Window open, candle lit, Matthew stopped at the door, "I'll keep them in the kitchen as long as I can." Then he turned and shut the door.

"Scott, I think Lukas wants to see your cock again. Take your pants off," ordered Simon as he began fuck Lukas' ass.

Scott looked a bit apprehensive at first, but when he saw the lust on Lukas' face, he dropped his red briefs. The light from the TV glistened off the drop of precum on Scott's cock. Simon picked up speed and Lukas stared at the cock in front of his face.

"Feed it to him," said Simon.

Scott surveyed the situation, trying to figure out how to get his cock to Lukas' mouth. He decides to place his right knee on the bed and scoots up to Lukas. Lukas tilts his head and opens his mouth for Scott. Tasting his friend precum, Lukas freed his left hand and grabbed Scott's balls. Scott grabbed Lukas' head and fucked his friend's mouth in sync with Simon's work on the boy's ass.

"Let me see," ordered Scott.

Simon paused for a moment to remove the blankets so Scott could see their naked bodies as he fucked Lukas. Lukas just enjoyed the erotic nature of the situation, licking, slurping, and sucking on Scott's cock.

"Oh shit..." said Scott, his eyes glued to where Simon and Lukas were connected. Simon was taking long enough strokes that Scott could see the long, fat cock before it slid back into Lukas' ass.

"Let's fill him up before everyone comes back," said Simon as he picked up speed.

A minute later, Lukas's body began to tremble and then his ass clamped down on Simon's cock and the boy vibrated through a hands-free orgasm.

"Mmmmm... mmmmm... mmmm..." was all Lukas could say around Scott's dick as it plunged in and out of his mouth. He huffed through his nose trying to capture enough breath to feed oxygen to his body.

Moments later, Simon adjusted his position, raising up on one knee for better leverage, giving Scott a clear view as he hammered Lukas' hole.

"Ugh!" grunted Simon, shoving his cock so far up Lukas' ass that he forced Lukas balls deep onto Scott's cock. After this long fuck session, Simon had built up a huge load for Lukas.

Seeing Simon unload into Lukas' ass, Scott picked up speed then exclaimed "Fuck!" with each shot he gifted to Lukas who gobbled it all down.

"Oh fuck, that was hot," said Scott. "I'm so straight but watching you two fuck... wow."

"Well, those guys could be back any minute. We better make this place presentable." Simon extracted his softening cock from Lukas ass and looked at the gaping hole. He walked over to the dress and gabbed Lukas a pair of boxer briefs. "I'll put these in the bathroom for you." He started the exhaust fan and lit a candle in the bathroom too.

Scott scurried into the bathroom to join Simon. Both boys cleaned their cocks and made themselves presentable. Simon grabbed the Fabreeze and sprayed the bedroom. He sat on the bed beside Lukas, "Are you all right?"

"Oh yeah," said Lukas, "that was fantastic." He smiled up at Simon.

"Well, you're going to have to run to the bathroom or you're going to leak all over the place."

Lukas stayed on his stomach and scooted to the edge of the bed. Finding his footing, he raised up and sprinted to the bathroom with his hand cramming his soiled boxers into his crack to catch any leaking cum.

Simon followed and shut the bathroom door and opened the bedroom door.

"Perfect timing," said Jordan, carrying plates of warmed up pizza. The other two followed behind with salad and sodas.

"Where's Lukas?" asked Robert. "Is he alright?"

"I think all of our travel and excitement have gotten to him. His stomach's bothering him," explained Simon. Scott turned his back to keep the others from seeing his smile.

Eventually, they turned off the TVs and headed to bed. Robert and Jordan headed to the family room and grabbed blankets and pillows Zach and Lars left out for them. The stack of pillows and blankets on the floor in Lukas' bedroom appeared to where Scott would crash for the night. Instead, he joined Simon and Lukas naked in bed. Scott spooned Lukas from behind while Lukas nuzzled into Simon's chest.

Matthew entered his bedroom and immediately turned to grab the air freshener from the bathroom. 'Damn, these boys fuck like rabbits.' Matthew laughed at the thought. Airing out his own bedroom, he surveyed the bed, trying to decide which side had the most room. He decided that Derek was the smallest and easiest to move so he crawled in behind Derek and slid the boy up against the other two boys to make room for himself.

----------------------     

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2018

"Wake up sailor!" called the Rear Admiral down the hallway.

Lewis rolled over and looked at the clock. Nine o'clock. Not bad, he felt refreshed, but he wanted to be a in a bad mood. Lukas, of all people, asked him if he wanted to spend the night last night but his father wouldn't allow him. He pleaded with his father -- Lewis hadn't been invited to spend the night at a friend's house since he and Christian used to spend the night at each other's house. However, his father told him the same thing he'd been saying since Christmas. They are having guests over on New Year's Day so he couldn't do spend the night on New Year's Eve. When Lewis asked who their company was, his father would only tell him, "You'll see."

In the past, Lewis would have been pissy about the whole thing. But he and his father had been mending their relationship and he knew his father didn't deserve any shit for not allowing him to spend the night, or for not telling him who to expect today. He threw the covers off and sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. Looking down, he was greeted by his boner poking through the fly of his boxer briefs.

"Well hello to you too," laughed Lewis, stuffing his cock back into his underwear before he crossed the hallway to the bathroom.

Teeth first, then shower. He took his time and tried to predict who the day's company would be. If it were family, there aren't many people who he imagined it could be. His father doesn't have any family he's close to. The Rear Admiral had been a foster child raised by an older couple. During George's childhood, his foster parents' adult children would come and visit on holidays, but they never really considered him part of the family. His guardians died when he was on special maneuvers and didn't find out until a month after they'd been buried.

Maybe it was his mom's side of the family? He has an uncle and cousins that lived in New Jersey. Since his mother died, his uncle and father hadn't gotten along, mostly because of how much of a dick his dad had become. Maybe they had made up and were coming to visit?

It also occurred to Lewis that he didn't spend the night at Lukas' because that was who was coming over for New Year's Day. Inviting Michael and the others over made sense after how close they all became during the boys' stay in the hospital. Lewis hurried to finish his shower, dressed, and found his father in the kitchen making pancakes.

"Morning, dad," said Lewis, a bit excited about the possibility of his friends showing up. "Something smells good, and it's not just the pancakes. What are you cooking?"

"Well, I'm making a pork roast with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes for a New Year's dinner," said his father. "It's a tradition that is supposed to bring you good fortune in the new year."

"Well, it smells almost as good as those pancakes," confessed Lewis with a smile for his dad. "So, when is everyone getting here?"

"They are coming in about an hour so we can make a day of it." George set a plate of cinnamon pancakes and bacon in front of his son before grabbing his own plate and sitting across from his boy. They chatted about the party the day before and how Michael and his brothers (Lewis thought that sounded kind of strange when he heard it) were becoming his good friends.

"Dad, Lukas even invited me to sit with him and his posse at lunch."

George wasn't sure what made him happier -- the fact that his son had friends, that the friends were some of the most upstanding students at school, or that Lewis was excited about having friends. It was like having the old Lewis back. He hoped he had judged the situation correctly. If he did, today would put another piece of their family back together.

After breakfast, Lewis helped his father clean the kitchen. "Thank you for your help, Lewis. I appreciate it," said George, sincerely thankful for Lewis and his help. "You better go get ready, our guests will be here shortly."

Lewis surprised his father with a huge hug. "Thanks for breakfast dad, it was great. I love you." The Lewis turned and run up the stairs to his bedroom to get ready for the day.

He brushed his teeth and cleaned up the bathroom in case the company used it. Lewis headed to his bedroom and pulled out some nice clothes he got for Christmas tried to decide what to wear. Looking in the mirror, Lewis took a moment to admire himself. He'd shed his baby fat and his body was physically maturing. He flexed a bit to checkout his muscle definition. The boys had asked Lewis to join them at the gym for morning workouts once school started and for the first time, Lewis thought that it might actually be a good idea, even if it meant getting up earlier.

At ten minutes til ten, George received a text message that their company would be pulling into the driveway and they would have their hands full of food they brought for dinner. George met them at the door.

"Here, let me take that. Hang your coat there. Lewis is getting ready -- it's the first room on the left."

The 13-year-old boy handed George a pot of lentil soup, draped his coat on the coat hook and quietly snuck up the stairs. He noticed Lewis bedroom door was open. Lewis didn't see him coming around the corner and he paused at the door to admire the hot red head in skin tight boxer briefs standing in front of the mirror. Lewis noticed movement in the mirror and moved so he could see the reflection of the door more clearly.

Lewis froze at the sight. He turned slowly to confirm that the reflection in the mirror wasn't a mirage. The mop of messy blonde hair, the blue eyes, the mischievous grin...

"Christian!" shouted Lewis. He dropped everything and tackled his long-lost friend with a flying bear hug.

"Lewis," grunted Christian, under the weight of his attacker.

Lewis let go of Christian and raised himself to his hands and looked straight down into Christian's face. Tears filled his eyes, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Christian reached up and wiped a tear from Lewis' cheek, then he wiped tears from his own. "I've missed you every day," Christian said, before breaking down and sobbing.

Lewis stood and helped Christian to his feet and led him into the bedroom. The boys sat on the bed and hugged each other, neither saying a word because nothing needed to be spoken. The pain and lose they'd each suffered was over.

Downstairs their parents stood at the foot of the stairs listening. Kristoffer held his wife, Anna, tight as she cried for her son. Both boys needed to reconnect.

After George and Lewis moved to East Harbor, they lost contact -- mainly because George didn't want to associate with anyone that would remind him of Doris or their previous lives. Where Lewis became angry and a bully, Christian turn within himself. He didn't make friends and spent every opportunity to be by himself. Anna would often find invitations to birthday parties or other events hosted by classmates in Christian's bookbag, days after the event or thrown in the trash.

Polite and studious, everyone like Christian, but he wouldn't let himself get close to anyone for fear of losing them the way he lost Lewis. The boy was heartbroken and nothing anyone tried helped ease the boy's pain. Upstairs, Christian held onto Lewis for dear life and cried his pain away.

"Let's get these things set up in the kitchen and get comfortable," suggested George. He'd never been much of a host, Doris always took care of everything, but he didn't have much of a choice today.

"We brought some lentil soup and salt bread for lunch," announced Anna as the three adults carried the food to the kitchen. "For dinner we brought suldalsskinka wrapped asparagus like Lewis used to like and a kransekake for desert." George's stomach rumbled a bit. Even after breakfast, the memories of Anna's cooking made him ready for more.

George kept a pot of coffee warm and offered his friends a cup as they sat around the table catching up.

"I'm sorry. I've missed you both so much," said George. Speaking about his feelings is something new and still uncomfortable, but he knew he would feel better after he said the things he needed say. "I avoided you because you reminded me of the times we spent together as couples and parents -- you reminded me of how much I miss Doris."

Anna reached over and placed her hand on George's. "How are you now?"

George related the story of how Lewis had become angry and a bully while he had just withdrawn from life and parenting. Then he related how Lewis got involved online and the drama it set in motion. For the first time, he went into detail about how almost losing Lewis opened his eyes and changed everything for him.

Kristoffer and Anna were mesmerized by the story -- it sounded like it was straight off the best sellers list. The awkward silence was broken when the two boys walked into the kitchen. Lewis hugged his father and Christian his parents as the two boys thanked their parents profusely for bringing them back together.

"Sit down, boys," said Anna. The boys pulled two chairs together on the same side of the table. "We have a surprise for you and the Rear Admiral."

"Christian, I've been transferred to Boeing San Diego. I start my new job down there in March," said Kristoffer. Christian's dad was an aerospace engineer and his promotion to the San Diego office was a big career move.

"Christian, honey," added Anna. "That means we are going to be moving."

The boy looked crushed. He'd just reconnected with the best friend he'd ever had and now his family was moving away.

"Oh no, Christian, no," said Kristoffer, he grabbed his son's hand. "As soon as we find a home, we're moving here to East Harbor."

----------------------     

Gavin, Brian and Abby arrived for dinner about five and found Lars and Carol in the kitchen cooking. Even though they were instructed not to bring any food, Abby felt guilty. To bring something for the dinner, she threw together a lemon bundt cake. Abby "throwing together" anything still meant the item looked good enough to be photographed for a magazine.

Gavin sat at the kitchen table as he feigned listening to the adults, nervous to face Simon and Michael. He knew that he couldn't avoid them forever but clutched to each minute he could get. The problem was, each minute of avoidance he tried to steal caused the prolonged anticipation to become more agonizing.

Brian watched Gavin's nerves distract his son keeping the boy preoccupied and fidgety. "Gavin," said Brian, watching his youngest closely, "Garrett is next door. I think they are practicing today. Why don't you go watch or make a video or something?"

Gavin knew that his dad's comment wasn't really a suggestion. He opened his mouth to argue. Instead, "okay" was all that came out. Maybe, with Garrett and Zach there, things would be okay. He slipped out the back door and headed to the Novak residence.

Once the back door shut and Brian was certain Gavin left, he took a deep breath and sighed.

"I think there is trouble in paradise," said Brian.

Abby asked, "Lars, do you know what is going on with the boys?"

Lifting the lid back on skillet, Lars stirred the sautéing Italian sausage, red and green peppers and onions. Lars admitted, "I have an idea."

One of the topics Lars had been discussing with Michael over the last few weeks was "hero worship". He had suspected, from the beginning of the relationship between Michael and Gavin, on some level from Michael's side, his attraction to Gavin was hero worship and admiration and he was substituting Gavin for his brother Matthew. Matthew's arrival in East Harbor wasn't simply a distraction for Michael as he reconnected with the remaining member of his birth family. Matthew's arrival also displaced Gavin in Michael's life.

Lars continued by explaining his suspicions on things from Gavin's side. Being Gavin's first relationship, he had gotten himself into an emotional rollercoaster. Of no fault of either boy, being part of Michael's life and the drama around it has to take an emotional toll on everyone. In Lar's opinion, it would make perfect sense that Gavin was just emotionally burned out. But knowing Gavin and how much he cared for Michael, me may not know how to establish emotional boundaries or extract himself from the relationship.

The four adults looked at each other wondered what to do and how this would impact each of the boys. Lars grabbed his phone and sent a text message to Lukas asking him to come back to the house for a second. Brian and Abby helped Lars and Carol prepare food until Lukas' arrival.

The back door slammed shut and a sweaty Lukas headed right to the refrigerator for something to drink. "Perfect timing," commented Lukas. "We needed to take a break." He grabbed a Gatorade and plopped down on a stool at the counter and chugged half the bottle.

"Looks like you guys are working hard today," said Carol. Lukas looked more like he'd been playing lacrosse for a couple hours rather than playing drums.

"Yeah," said Lukas after another swig, "we're playing a lot of harder rock songs today."

"Well, dinner will be ready soon. I'll send you a text when it is almost ready so all you boys can get cleaned up before we eat," instructed Carol as she put a batch of freshly cut dough in the oven so they would have homemade dinner rolls with their meal.

"Lukas," said Lars as he directed the conversation to its true intention, "we asked you to come over because we have a question for you."

"Okay," quipped Lukas before finishing off his Gatorade.

"Is something going on between Michael and Gavin?" Lars thought it best to just ask a direct question.

Lukas was startled by the question. Frozen like a deer caught in headlights, Lukas looked from adult to adult as he tried to figure out how to answer this question without revealing what Simon told him in confidence. All four adults knew exactly what that look meant.

"We're not asking you to betray anyone, Lukas," consoled Lars. "We're going to have a talk with the two of them and we need to know if there are sensitive topics that could cause someone to be hurt before we start asking questions."

Lukas felt put on the spot and wasn't sure how to answer the question. His face flushed, and hands became clammy. Looking down at his hands as he thought through his answer.

"So..." began Lukas, drawing out the word to buy himself more time. "So, if I tell you something, you won't tell them you know, it's just for you to know what's going on and how to help Michael, right?" He looked at his dad with pleading eyes. The last think Lukas would ever want to do is betray Simon.

"It's okay Lukas, you know we are only trying to protect Michael and Gavin from being hurt."

"Well," said Lukas, then pausing to take a deep breath to unsuccessfully calm his nerves, "when Simon spent the night with Gavin, Gavin told Simon he was in love with him." Lukas intentionally left out that profession of love came moments after Gavin had given up his virgin ass to Simon.

"Oh!" said Abby, not meaning to verbalize her surprise.

"Thank you, Lukas," said Lars, giving his son a much-needed hug. "We don't need to say anything to them about that information, but it does confirm our suspicions. Now get back to practicing. I'll send you a text in about 20 minutes to let everyone know to clean up for dinner."

"Okay," said Lukas, hopping up and practically running out of the room. He still felt guilty for telling everyone what Simon had told him.

Brian was the first to speak after Lukas stepped out of the house. "Well I guess the news we have will go down a bit easier."

"What's that?" asked Lars.

"I've been offered a job with the FBI."

"That's fantastic!" congratulated Carol. "You're taking it, right?"

"Yes, but I haven't told the boys yet," said Brian, giving Abby a look to make sure she was on the same page.

Then Lars asked, "Why have you waited?"

"Because the job is in New York."

----------------------     

Dinner conversation made the evening less awkward for Gavin, but once dessert was over, Carol took Garrett into the family room and Lars and Brian took Gavin into Lars' office to inform the boys about the pending move.

Garrett was torn. He was doing okay in Los Angeles but wasn't committed to anything there. After the conversation with his mother, he asked if it would be okay if he moved with them in case he decided to do that.

"Yes dear," smiled Abby, "I think we would all appreciate you being close by, especially Gavin since he'll be leaving all his friends here."

The conversation with Gavin went equally well.

"Gavin, your father has something he wanted to discuss with you," began Lars.

"Okay," said Gavin suspiciously, looking between his father and Lars. "So, why are we doing it here?"

"Well Gavin," began Brian, "it's a pretty big deal."

"Okay..."

"Gavin, before you say anything, let me tell you everything, okay?" asked his father.

"Yeah."

"I've been offered a job with the FBI and I've accepted." Gavin's eyes lit up and he straightened in his chair. He was always so proud of his father and this was exciting news.

"The job is in New York City, so we are going to have to move." Dread replaced the look of pride on Gavin's face. "I'm heading there over Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend to begin work and you and your mother will be following at the end of January." Gavin nodded his understanding but looked bewildered by the news.

"I know this is a shock, but we aren't doing this without taking you into consideration. I'm going to be commuting to work from Darien, Connecticut. It's not only one of the best high schools in the state, it has one of the best lacrosse programs in the country. You'll get more visibility and competition there making it easier for you to land an athletic scholarship to one of your dream schools."

Gavin's head spun. He knew about Darien High School and its lacrosse program, but he never dreamed about actually going to school there. He'd miss his friends and the only home he'd ever known, but the opportunity was new and exciting. He also struggled with the conflict between his relief and guilt -- relief that he had a reason for breaking up with Michael that wouldn't be either person's fault and the guilt over feeling relief that he would be breaking up with the boy. But being 15 years old, Gavin choose to take the easy way out on this one, and Lars was relieved. It was going to be hard enough for Michael to accept one more change, one more loss, in his life, but Lars hoped the loss being due to Brian's new job and the Parker's move to Connecticut would be better than suffering from a breakup.

After a text to Lukas, Michael made his way to Lar's office and knocked on the closed door.

"Come on in, Michael," said Lars.

Michael peaked in and saw Gavin and Brian were also in the home office. "Are we in trouble?" asked the boy, wondering why they would all be called into the room together. It had been lost on Michael -- how much he and Gavin had drifted apart over the last couple weeks. Between the hospital, Matthew's return, and the trip to the Pacific Northwest, there hadn't been much communication between he and Gavin and Michael hadn't really noticed. The question on the minds of the adults: was this because Michael was just distracted or was it the result of their relationship cooling off as other factors came into play.

Michael sat on the chair next to Gavin's. The boys exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. Gavin feared Michael's reaction to the news and Michael was trying to think about what he may have done to displease Lars and Brian, the two men in his life he was closest to.

"Hi Michael," said Brian, "we wanted to tell you a bit of news."

Michael looked back and forth between Brian and Lars to figure out if this was good or bad news.

"Because of my work on the investigation into your case," said Brian, trying to be diplomatic and not stir up other emotions, "I've been offered a job with the FBI."

"Really!" said Michael enthusiastically. "That's great! Congratulations."

"Thank you, Michael," said Brian. "I'm excited too. But there is a part that makes me sad too. We have to move to Connecticut for me to take the job."

"You can't work here at the San Diego office with Agent Kowalczyk?" asked Michael.

Brian explained the situation and Michael slumped back in his chair with tears in his eye. Gavin rehearsed in his head exactly what he wanted to say to Michael and felt this was a good time to say it. "It's okay Michael, I will always be your big bro forever. I love you lil' bro." Gavin reached over and hugged Michael and Michael returned the hug. Then Michael got up and ran out of the room. Gavin remained seated feeling guilty that he didn't feel worse about breaking up with Michael and moving away. The excitement about moving to Darien tempered his negative emotions of all he'd miss about East Harbor.

Michael's reaction to the news and Gavin's comment didn't set well with the Brian or Lars. The men slowly rose from their seats and followed the young boy out the door. They heard crying and feared the worse. Following their ears, they found Michael in Abby's lap, crying on her shoulder and telling her how much he was going to miss her.