Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2021 22:00:04 +0000 (UTC) From: Albert Collins Subject: You were there - part 37 Disclaimer: This is a romantic love story about love between young adolescent boys. There are some explicit sex scenes in the story but they are not the main focus of the story. So if you are looking for a story with a lot of explicit sex action, you are in the wrong place. If you like to read a sappy romantic tory with occasional kinky sex scenes, then please sit back and enjoy! Thanks again to all those who wrote with comments, encouragement and feedback! Of course, as usual, comments and constructive criticism are welcome! albert.c87@yahoo.com ******************************************* You were there -- Part 37 When Diego and Luke got back to the clubhouse, they saw Manny and Mr Ellis there, setting up several large wooden cubes next to and on top of each other. "Hey, Manny, what are you guys doing?" Luke inquired as he and Diego put down their backpacks in the corner by the bookshelves. "Oh, Luke, my man, there you are!" Manny greeted them. "Yeah, we built something for your new cat. Kind of a cat staircase with a ledge at the top. Y'know, so that she can climb it and sit up high if she wants." "I think most cats, they like that," Mr Ellis remarked, getting up from the floor, "I mean sitting up high." "Oh, my god, Mr Ellis, that's so cool, thanks!" Luke enthused. "I'm sure Roxie will love it!" "Okay, guys, help us lock these blocks together," Mr Ellis requested. Diego and Luke helped Manny and Mr Ellis assemble the cat staircase using the special interlocking latches. The assembled structure had four steps, with the highest column consisting of four cubes. They then covered the wooden steps and the exposed sides with sturdy green velvet fabric, nailing it to the wooden cubes. Soon the cat staircase was completed and ready for use. "Wow!" Diego exhaled, "It looks awesome!" At that moment Devon, Danny, Raphael and Ritchie walked in and Luke started explaining to them what was happening. "So, dudes, where should we put it?" Manny wondered. "Maybe there, in the corner? You've got free space there. And she'll be able to see the entire room ..." "I think it'd be better to put it right here by the window," Diego suggested instead. "Cats, they really like to watch what's going on outside. And Roxie would still be able to see most of the room from here. We'd just need to move this bookcase a bit." "I reckon you might be right, Diego," Mr Ellis remarked pensively. "Our tabby cat, Felix, spends hours looking out of the window. God knows what he sees in our back yard, it's always looks the same to me ..." They decided to follow Diego's suggestion, and Luke and Diego helped Manny and Mr Ellis place the cat staircase by the window and secure it to the wall. "I think it looks grand just there!" Luke declared with satisfaction as they surveyed the finished product. "Mr Ellis, Manny, really, super thank you for doing this for Roxie!" Manny gave Luke a hi-five and Mr Ellis nodded with a smile. As the kids were excitedly discussing the new cat staircase with Manny and Mr Ellis, Diego noticed that Ritchie was being uncharacteristically quiet. He wasn't making any of his usual jokes and barely participated in the conversation. After a while Ritchie just slipped off and headed towards the terrace, alone. Diego elbowed Luke lightly and pointed in Ritchie's direction. Luke, who had been talking to Manny, stopped and frowned. He grabbed Diego's hand and they followed Ritchie outside. Ritchie was sitting in one of the terrace chairs, staring blankly at the table in front of him. Diego and Luke wordlessly took the chairs next to him. "Hey, Ritchie, man, what's going on?" Luke asked quietly. "Why did you leave?" "My birthday is in about a month," Ritchie replied in a flat voice. "I'll be 14 at the end of September." "Oh," Diego commented in surprise. "I didn't know. That's good, isn't it? Do you want us to try to get you something? A present?" "Yeah, maybe a time machine," Ritchie chuckled, still staring at the table, "one that can move the time back." "Whadaya mean?" Diego gently took Ritchie's arm. "Why would you want that?" "Luke understands, don't you, Luke?" Ritchie raised his eyes and looked up at Luke who nodded slightly. "See, Diego, this place, Green Oaks, they are only allowed to keep the boys under 15. After that, it's foster homes again or whatever else the CPS can find. This is gonna be my last year here ... It's not like anyone is gonna adopt my chunky 14-year-old ass ..." Ritchie looked down at the table again. "Come on, Ritchie, don't talk like that!" Diego protested. "You don't know what's gonna happen." "Why not? It's true," Ritchie retorted with a note of bitterness in his voice. "Luke knows." "Look, Ritchie, man," Luke finally broke his silence, "I'm not gonna lie, you're probably right about adoption. Fuck it, it's the same for me and Diego!" Luke scoffed dismissively. "But you shouldn't count out Mr Frank yet," Luke continued. "He looks like a teddy bear but he's really crafty. Trust me, I know! I bet he'll figure something out for you. Maybe not an adoption, but something. I bet he's got something cooking already!" "Really, you think?" Ritchie looked up hopefully. "I'm positive!" Luke reiterated. "The man's got a plan! Mr Frank wouldn't let the CPS shit-heads take you just like that, no fucking way!" "Maybe you should ask him," Diego suggested gently, tapping Ritchie's arm again. "If I ever work up the nerve," Ritchie smirked. "Well, anyway, you still got another year at Green Oaks," Diego continued. "That's a long time! And you've got us. Me and Luke! You've definitely got us! And all the other guys here." "That's right, Ritchie, dude!" Luke confirmed, patting Ritchie's shoulder. "I know I give you a hard time sometimes but we are buds! And we've always got your back!" Luke gave Ritchie a friendly wide grin and Diego joined him with a warm smile. "Thanks, guys!" Ritchie teared up a little. "Thanks! Whadya say we go and take another look at that cat staircase? I think I wanna try climbing it myself!" "Ritchie, man," Luke joked as they reentered the clubhouse, "I swear if you break Roxie's new cat staircase, I'm gonna call the CPS guys on you myself!" During the dinner Roxie's impending arrival was the main topic of conversation. Luke and Diego were glad to see that Ritchie perked up and actively participated in the discussion. After the meal, when the boys got to their room, Diego sat down at the computer while Luke headed to the bathroom for a quick evening shower. "I stink!" he declared sniffing his armpit disapprovingly. "Like a fucking skunk in heat!" Diego smiled nonchalantly. He didn't really mind Luke's "stink" but decided not to argue the point. Diego was still typing at the computer when Luke came out of the bathroom, shirtless but wearing his favorite pajama sweatpants. The boys exchanged bright smiles. "Whatya doing there?" Luke inquired as he headed to the couch. "Writing an e-mail to Chris and Noah," Diego explained. "I wanna tell them about Roxie. And how Yasha's doing." "Cool," Luke approved. "Tell Noah to give Chris a good hickey." "Luke!" Diego spun around in protest. "Okay, okay, two good hickeys!" Luke giggled. Diego shook his head and turned back to the computer. After he finished the message and pressed 'send', Diego looked back. Luke was laying on the couch on his tummy, with his head a way from Diego, reading a book. Luke's bare feet, crossed behind him, swayed slowly. Diego observed Luke's bare tanned shoulders and his strong back, and his eyes flickered mischievously. Diego quietly peeled off his t-shirt and shorts and crept behind Luke. With a quick silent move he splashed on top of Luke's bare back, hugging him tightly and pressing his chest against Luke's warm smooth skin. "Ah, come on, you sneaky elf-monkey!" Luke laughed and kicked his feet. "I'm trying to read here!" "Sorry," Diego kissed the back of Luke's neck, "need to steal more of your secret demigod energy." Diego speed himself wider on top of Luke and sighed. "It's okay," Luke put the book on the floor and caressed Diego's arm. "This is good too." "What were you reading there?" Diego turned his face, his cheek against the small of Luke's back. "That book we got from the library," Luke explained. "'The Boy of the Painted Cave.' I was sorta leafing through it. Peaking ahead a bit." "And?" Diego bit Luke's back lightly and Luke jumped a little. "Seems pretty good," Luke replied with a soft giggle. "A bit strange though." "Strange, how so?" Diego inquired. He twirled a long lock of brown hair around Luke's ear and stroked Luke's earlobe lightly. "Ah, Diego, babe, I'm still trying to read here," Luke giggled again. "You want me to stop?" Diego's finger paused. "Don't you dare!" Luke commanded. "Okay," Diego's finger continued its gentle circular movement along the edge of Luke's ear and Diego felt Luke's body tremble lightly beneath him. "Anyway, you were saying. The book, it's strange, because?" "Doesn't have a girl in it," Luke commented. "What?" Diego lifted his head. "Well, these books, if it's about a boy, there's always some girl in it too," Luke explained. "Either a girlfriend or a wannabe one. They haven't gotten one here. The boy, Tao, he's got his wolf-dog, Ram, but that's it." "Wow," Diego reflected. "Yeah, that's weird. Does Tao have any friends who are boys? I mean, I know they wouldn't put an actual boyfriend in a book, but still. Maybe just a friend?" "Nah, I don't think so," Luke responded as he stroked Diego's hand. "Not that I saw. But I only leafed through it quickly. Could have missed something. Guess we're gonna have to really read it to make sure." "Yeah," Diego agreed. "I hope that Tao's got a friend. Or maybe even a boyfriend. Even if a wannabe one!" He giggled. A short silent pause followed. "Hey, Luke," Diego tangled his feet with Luke's, "we've gotta do something to help Ritchie ..." "I know babe," Luke caressed Diego's hand again. "But what can we do? It's a shitty fucking situation ..." "Maybe we can talk to Mr Frank," Diego suggested. "You're probably right that he's already got a plan. But what if he hasn't? There's still time for him to do something ..." "Wow, that's good thinking, elf-boy!" Luke lifted his head and reached behind to touch Diego's face. "Yeah, sure, we'll talk to him." "Hey, Luke?" Diego called after another break. "Hmm, babe?" Luke replied from below. "Do you think we're weird?" Diego's voice held a note of worry. "What? Weird how?" Luke queried. "Well," Diego hesitated, "we don't fight." "What?!" Luke turned over on his back to face Diego. "How do you mean?" "Well," Diego repeated shyly, "it's like boyfriends fight with their girlfriends, at least from time to time. Boyfriends fight with their boyfriends too. I think it's supposed to happen. But we don't. We don't fight. Is that ... weird?" "You wanna fight with me, Diego?" Luke laughed and kissed Diego's nose. "No, no I don't!" Diego protested, blushing. "It's just I'm worried, a little. I mean, are we doing it right? The boyfriends thing?" Diego sat back, straddling Luke's hips and looked down on him with, smiling bashfully. "Well, you did make me cry this morning, on the terrace," Luke commented with a wry smile. "I think it sorta counts." "Oh, my god, I'm sorry!" A look of guilt passed over Diego's face and he leaned down to kiss Luke on the lips. "It's all right," Luke chuckled returning the kiss. Diego sat up again. "I donno, Diego, I never had a boyfriend before," Luke reflected. "Or a girlfriend," he quipped slyly. "Hey, hey!" Diego mock pouted. "Yeah, I know, babe, I know, I'm just kidding," Luke backed off. "But see, I figure, the couples that do fight, that's to let the steam off. Sorta let stuff out," he continued more earnestly. "But you and me, Diego, we talk, right? We talk stuff out. I think maybe that does the same thing ... Or maybe we're just weird, I don't care!" "Yeah, maybe you're right," Diego agreed pensively. "That we talk, I mean," he clarified in haste. "Did your folks fight?" Luke inquired gently. "No, not really," Diego replied slowly as he sat back. "At least not in front of us. But they were scared a lot. Mom and dad, they'd close the door to their room and whisper. Still, I could tell when something wasn't right ... Alyssa, I think she knew it too ..." "Wow," Luke pulled Diego closer again. "Still, they did talk things out. Even bad things, that they didn't want you and your sis to worry about. Maybe that's why we don't fight, he-he! 'Cause you're so good at talking stuff out." Luke gazed at Diego with tender playfulness as the boys locked hands. "Mine, they fought all the fucking time," Luke added with a small sigh. "Usually over a bottle!" he chuckled. "I really hated it ..." "Let's not do that," Diego suggested, "let's just be weird." "It's a deal, elf-boy," Luke laughed. "We'll just be weird!" Diego sat back again and gazed down at Luke's grinning face framed by messy locks of soft brown hair. "We really need to get you a haircut," Diego remarked with a smile as his long eyelashes fluttered and his big eyes shone with affection. "Yeah, I know," Luke reached forward with his arms and caressed Diego's creamy smooth chest. Diego sighed and pressed Luke's palms closer to his chest. He then leaned back, arching his spine and folding his knees completely, as his head rested on Luke's feet. "Wow, dude, how did you just do that?!" Luke exclaimed, pulling Diego back up towards him. "I swear, you're like a fish!" "Or maybe a cat," Diego parried with a chuckle. "Or a kitten!" Luke continued. "Hey!" Diego pouted, slapping Luke's chest lightly. "What?" Luke's green eyes twinkled playfully. "Kittens are cool!" Diego shook his head and nestled on Luke's chest, curling and pressing to get more of Luke's glowing warmth. He pressed his cheek to Luke's satin skin and caressed Luke's lean muscular pec with his right hand. "How does this always feel so good?" Diego wondered in a soft whisper. Luke chuckled as his hand slowly stroked the back of Diego's hand and neck. Diego's wet tongue darted out and licked Luke's fresh skin. Luke's body shuddered. "Come on, elf-boy," Luke whispered back, caressing Diego's exposed ears and the sides of his face. "How am I supposed to fight with you when you keep doing this?!" "I guess you aren't," Diego quipped as he licked Luke's pec again. "Oh, what am I gonna do with you?!" Luke wrapped his arms around Diego and rocked him gently, with his face buried in Diego's neck. "Let's go to bed," Diego whispered. "Oh, how very clever of you!" Luke laughed and continued rocking Diego. "Your bed or mine?" "Yours," Diego rubbed Luke his cheek against Luke's. "It smells better." "Come on, babe, you've got to stop being so impossibly sweet!" Luke giggled and planted a tender kiss on Diego's lips. He embraced Diego tightly again. "And maybe we could just cuddle tonight," Diego suggested softly. "I really like when you're holding me like this. Feels so-o-o good! ..." "Aww-w, you really know how to tempt a boy, don't you?" Luke joked. "Okay, okay, cuddle it is!" "You know, Luke," Diego added wistfully after a short pause, "I think you're wrong about something." "Shit, Diego, you're a sneaky one, aren't you?" Luke laughed as he stroked Diego's limber back. "How am I supposed to argue with you now? When you got me exactly when you want me, he-he?" "No, Luke, I'm serious," Diego raised his head. "Okay, okay, what am I wrong about?" Luke tried to switch to a more earnest tone. "Remember, the other day, you said that the kids at school, the ones who have families," Diego started explaining, "that they might have it worse than we do here. And you mentioned this kid, Derek ..." "Yeah? ..." Luke's voice did turn earnest as he continued holding Diego gently. "Like I said, you're gonna meet him. Poor guy, his 'rents are really fucked up, if you ask me ..." "Yes, I know," Diego parried. "That's not what I meant. I mean ... Derek's parents are bad but not all of them are. Mine weren't ..." "What are you saying, Diego, dude?" Luke queried still not comprehending Diego's point. "I mean, having a family, it could be pretty great," Diego added softly giving Luke a shy look. "Having mom and dad who love you, it could be pretty great ... And I think ... being adopted ... might be pretty great too ..." Diego flashed Luke his best sweet smile. "Oh, Diego, my sweet elf-puppy, come here!" Luke took Diego in another warm embrace, locking his arms behind Diego's back. "It was that thing with Ritchie that got you thinking, wasn't it?" Luke felt Diego nod his head silently in agreement. "Of course, I know that having a family could be great, trust me, I do," Luke rocked Diego and stroked the back of his neck gently. "I seen it myself, many fucking times, and I still do. Shit, I'm sure that Jerry is a great dad for Ginny. Mr Frank and Ms Margie were great parents for their kids ..." "But ...?" Diego pressed the question. "But," Luke continued with a sigh, "The thing about being adopted ... into a family like that ... for kids like us ... that's just a shitty fairytale Diego. It's just not gonna happen." "But how do you know?" Diego persisted. "I know," Luke sighed again. "Ritchie, he knows it too. It's just too late for rejects like us. Remember, I told this to you before, when you just got here. Folks who adopt, they all want babies. Nobody wants to adopt an anal moody teenager who's gonna leave home in like 5-6 years anyway." Luke paused for a moment. "Toby and Yasha, they might still have a chance. Maybe even the twins ... But us ... No, sorry, Diego, it's just not in the cards. I made peace with it a long time back. And Diego, babe, I think you should too." "Yeah, maybe ...," Diego mused pensively. "It'd be nice, though ..." "It'd be nice to go to the moon," Luke quipped, "but it's not gonna happen either." "It might," Diego retorted cheekily his long eyelashes fluttered rapidly and he grinned at Luke affectionately. "Oh, what am I gonna do with you!" Luke cupped the sides of Diego's faces with his palms and kissed him again. "What you're doing right now feels good," Diego kissed him back. "Hey, Diego, you know what?" Luke chuckled. "Yeah?" Diego nuzzled Luke's neck. "I think it was a fight," Luke continued with a giggle. "What just happened, right now. I think that's how we fight. Since you were so worried 'bout it before, he-he!" "Wow," Diego reflected. "You sure?" "Oh, come on, Diego, babe," Luke giggled again, "there's just no satisfying you, is there? You asked for a fight and I delivered one. I thought it was pretty good, wasn't it?" Luke gently tweaked Diego's ear. "No, no, you're right," Diego surrendered. "It was a good Luke and Diego fight. Thank you." "You're welcome, elfy!" Luke combed Diego's buzz-cut hair with his palm. "Now let's go to bed." "Let's go to bed," Diego echoed. "I really do wanna cuddle!" The boys quickly turned off the lights and got into Luke's bed. As usual, Diego nestled in front of Luke, with Luke's comforting warmth enveloping him from behind. Both boys were shirtless, with Luke wearing his long flannel pajama pants and Diego just his short white briefs. Luke kissed Diego's creamy bare shoulder in the darkness and Diego sighed contentedly: "Ah, this is nice!" "Yeah, it is!" Luke kissed Diego's shoulder again. Luke wrapped his long strong arms around Diego's smooth limber torso, soothingly caressing cool silky skin. Diego cooed and pushed harder against Luke's naked chest radiating delicious young heat. Diego felt Luke's sweet breath tickle his neck and smiled happily in the dark. He clutched Luke's hand and pressed it to his chest, trying to feel the heartbeat underneath. The boys' breathing was gradually getting quieter. Luke was already beginning to doze off when he felt Diego's hand slowly slip his hand along Diego's smooth stomach and inside his briefs and wrap it around Diego's hard dick. Luke immediately came awake and his eyes flew wide open. "I thought you just wanted me to hold you," he whispered kissing Diego's lithe spine. "You're holding me," Diego whispered back as he pushed himself into Luke's waiting palm. "You're such a bad liar!" Luke chuckled. "I know," Diego wrapped his hand around Luke's palm, urging him on. "You've got it, elf-pup!" Luke rustled behind him, shacking down his sweatpants while releasing Diego's dick. Diego twisted his body and frantically pulled off his briefs. "Aaa-a, look at Mickey, he likes it!" Luke joked as he got naked and nestled behind Diego again. "Shut up and do it already," Diego chided in response. "I need to feel you. Inside me." Diego reached back behind him and found Luke's boner which was already hard and richly slick with precum. So silky. Diego's fingers cupped Luke's moist balls and Luke audibly sucked in the air. "Ah, babe," Luke's voice whispered huskily. "Careful ... You don't wanna ... start the ignition sequence too early ..." Diego's hand withdrew. Diego raised up his leg and sensed the slick head of Luke's flaming member positioned at his back entrance. A gentle push. A wince. Luke was in. Trying to still his rapidly beating heart, Diego reached behind again and felt the point of entry. Luke was inside him. Luke's most intimate boy part was going inside his body. Linking them together. Diego's fingers gently stroked the base of Luke's shaft and Luke's balls. He felt Luke's body tremble and smiled. With smooth gentle strokes Luke started driving his tool in and out of Diego while pressing his body, radiating powerful heat, tightly to Diego's lithe back. Diego could feel Luke's strength, his need, his gentle raw power, caring and heat flow into him with every new thrust of Luke's hips. It was indescribably wonderful. Waves of pleasure rolled over Diego, from his toes to the tips of his ears. He leaned further into Luke, lying almost on top of him and raising his left leg even further. He felt Luke's arm reach underneath it and gently grab Diego's straining dick again. Ah! Slowly, tenderly, but gradually increasing speed, Luke's palm started moving up and down Diego's stalk, holding it with his long fingers like a young precious chick. Diego's mouth opened. He arched his back and began thrusting his pelvis into Luke's fist just as Luke's silky burning rod was burrowing deeper and deeper inside Diego's forbidden love canal. Diego threw his head back and Luke's urgent flaming lips planted passionate kisses on his neck, face and lips. The boys' young bodies were quickly covered by a sheen of fresh delicious sweat. The room was quiet but for their ragged breathing and the rhythmic sound of moist slapping skin. Diego's mind reeled. Their loving, it felt almost too much. Familiar and yet almost like the first time again. Diego whimpered and his limber body writhed. Luke's loving hand on his dick, holding him, gripping his boyhood, sliding faster and faster. Luke moving inside him. Urgent sleek heat. Luke's inside him! Ah! Sweet surrender. More of him. Please. The feeling of Luke's hand on his dick was so exquisite, so intimate, so sublime. Diego never wanted it to end. But he did feel a fiery volcanic wave slowly building up deep inside him. His skin glowed brighter and brighter and he could sense his glow mixing with the glow coming from Luke. Suddenly Luke's pinky finger delicately brushed Diego's velvety ball-pouch, sending Diego over the edge. Diego's sleek lithe body arched and tensed like a fine bow. His butt muscles clamped around Luke's love member inside him, gripping it like a burning vice. Diego desperately thrust himself into Luke's loving fist. His entire body and being sang like a deafening crescendo of a triumphant symphony. Diego felt the last barriers in his mind coming down. Somehow, he knew that Luke felt it too. Just at that moment Luke's touch got even more tender, more intimate, fluid, bonding. For an instant Diego felt completely exposed, naked, defenseless. Never before had he felt so vulnerable. Luke was inside him. Luke filled him. Luke held him. Luke loved him. Luke kept him safe. It was ... And then a sweet release came. Diego shuddered and his body collapsed, still trembling, in Luke's waiting arms. Just at that moment, Diego felt Luke's dick expand and jerk inside him, spraying its load of precious love-nectar. The world faded and slowly came back. Diego's wildly thumping heartbeat gradually steadied. He was back from heaven. But no, he was still there. Luke was still holding him, cradling his drenched glowing body in his strong arms. Still kissing him. Soft, gentle, loving kisses. Ah! Still caressing him with those long, nimble fingers. Soft, tender touches. Heavenly. Diego's body melted, like pliant warm putty against Luke's hot muscular frame behind him. Diego sighed deeply, with his eyes still closed. He felt Luke's hand creep down his belly and cup his tender sensitive genitals, slick and still throbbing lightly from the explosion. So good. So at home. Just how it should be. Diego made a small meowing noise and turned his face towards Luke. Luke covered it with soft, tender kisses. Diego's forehead, cheeks, nose, lips, chin. Diego's eyes watered. He reached with his hand to touch Luke's face. Yes, it was there. Luke's eyes. His nose. His lips. The damp, soft messy locks of his hair. Luke nibbled on Diego's finger and Diego whimpered softly. "Babe, you're good?" Luke whispered gently. "Great," Diego breathed back. "I'm ... great." He sighed deeply again and twisted slowly in Luke's arms, savoring his caresses and basking in the delicious comforting heat of his strong body. It was so-o-o good. Diego kept his eyes closed as he tried to melt deeper into Luke relishing the bliss of Luke's hands tenderly roaming around his body. He felt Luke stating to shift behind him. "No, Luke, wait," Diego stopped him urgently. "Please, wait." He reached behind and felt Luke's face again. "What is it, Diego?" Luke stopped moving. "Could you ... stay inside me, please?" Diego whispered shyly, with his eyes closed. "I wanna feel you ... in me when I go to sleep ... and maybe even when I wake up." "Okay," Luke's voice answered. Diego felt Luke's lips on his eyelids. He stretched and relaxed, sinking deeper in Luke's soothing embrace as Luke enveloped his closer around Diego's limber frame. Both boys were drenched in sweet young sweat, still basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Diego cooed softly. So much happiness. So much bliss. Were they too young for it? Was it ... a sin? No. This was heaven. Being here, in Luke's loving arms, like this. That's what heaven must be like. He was sure of it. -- When Diego woke up in the morning, Luke was still tightly snuggled behind him. He was still asleep and snoring softly but the comforting warmth of his strong body enveloped Diego like a cocoon. There was something else there too. Luke's deflated dick was still safely lodged in Diego's innards. Such a strange feeling of fullness. It was wonderful! Luke's long arm was wrapped around Diego's torso, still gently cupping his privates. It was wonderful too! What a way to wake up! A happy smile slowly grew on Diego's face. He caressed Luke's hand lightly. Luke stirred behind him, waking up with a yawn. "Morning," Diego whispered, slowly turning back his head. "Mmmm, mornin'," Luke kissed Diego's cheek and chewed on his ear gently. "What time is it?" "Not sure," Diego replied after a soft giggle. "I think pretty early still. Lemme check ..." He carefully reached for his phone and checked the time. "Just after six. We could still sleep for almost an hour ..." "Sorry, babe, I gotta pee," Luke admitted guiltily. "Need to get up." "Ah, you're no fun!" Diego pouted with a chuckle. "Hey! You ungrateful elf-monkey!" Luke fired back. "No, seriously, Luke," Diego lifted Luke's palm, kissed it and pressed it to his face. "Thank you for last night. It was ... Thank you." "You're welcome, babe," Luke kissed Diego's back between the shoulder blades. "Hey, I think we're stuck!" he added with a giggle, wiggling his hips. "Serves us right, he-he!" Before Diego could respond, Luke separated from him and his dick finally slipped out from Diego's anus with a soft plop. Diego immediately missed it and he missed Luke. His body suddenly felt empty, alone, cold. In a few minutes Diego heard the sound of the shower turning on in the bathroom. He quickly got out of bed and trotted into the bathroom after Luke. Luke was already standing in the bathtub under the showered, with his head turn up and his eyes closed, enjoying the hot water washing over his body. Diego jumped into the tub with him. "Hi!" Diego smiled shyly. "Hi!" Luke greeted him back with a happy grin. Luke took Diego in his arms and Diego buried his face in Luke's muscular chest, pressing their bodies close together. The boys stood silently as the water continued to wash away the sweat and the grime remaining from their night of lovemaking. "I can't believe I could ever have lived without this," Diego remarked quietly. He wiggled his toes as they touched Luke's toes. "I know, babe, I know," Luke kissed the top of Diego's head. "I figure we were just waiting ..." -- When Luke and Diego arrived at the clubhouse about half an hour before breakfast, they were surprised to find Frank already there. "Well, Luke, today is the day," Frank greeted them somewhat mysteriously. "Umm, good morning, Mr Frank," Diego replied politely. "What do you mean about today?" "Come on, you didn't forget, did ya?" Frank chuckled. "After breakfast I'm taking Roxie to Dr Richard for one more check-up and to get her stitches off. And after that she's coming here." He gestured towards the room. "She'll be yours, remember?" "Oh, yeah!" Luke exclaimed enthusiastically. "Of course we do! We are coming with you and Roxie to Dr Richard, right, Mr Frank?" "If you like," Frank allowed. "But now you've got to help me set up Roxie's stuff here." The boys saw that by the entrance to the clubhouse Frank had piled up a bunch of things he brought for Roxie. "Wow, Mr Frank," Luke quipped. "You've got all sorts of goodies here. It's a real cat-house, he-he!" "That's right," Frank confirmed. "Having a cat's no joke. Now come on, boys, we haven't got a lot of time before breakfast. Help me out with this!" Frank, Luke and Diego set out preparing the place for Roxie's arrival. They put the litter box in the hallway leading to the pantry. After some discussion, Roxie's main bed was placed in the common room in one of the corners. The pantry got stocked with an ample supply of cat litter and several types of cat food. Frank also gave the boys several string and light pointer toys that Roxie like to play with, and a few extra blankets for her, just in case. Roxie's feeding station ended up being by one of the support columns next to the kitchen. "Also, here's a brush you can use for her hair," Frank handed Diego a brush. "With her short coat she doesn't really need brushing but she seemed to like it when Margie was brushing her." "Cool!" Luke took the brush from Diego and probed the bristles with his fingers. "I bet Roxie will like that!" "You know, Luke," Diego grinned impishly. "This brush, it might come in handy for you too. Now that you're getting to look a bit like Simba, he-he!" "Oh yeah?" Luke swiped the brush in Diego's direction. "So you think you won't need it, do you, Mr Avatar, The Last Airbender? Well, we'll see about that!" "All right, all right, guys, settle down," Frank admonished them. "The brush is for Roxie." Frank, Luke and Diego finished setting up the room and moved the scratch post to the other side of the window from the cat staircase. Luke poured some milk in a saucer by Roxie's feeding station and declared: "I think we're ready!" "Yeah, yeah, I reckon we're," Frank agreed as he surveyed the room. During breakfast the impending arrival of Roxie was the main topic of conversation. Luke proudly informed the kids that he had been appointed Roxie's keeper-in-chief. "All right, Luke, just don't let all that kitty litter smell get to your head," Ritchie ribbed him, although it was clear that he was a little jealous. After the meal Luke and Diego hurried to the front entrance of Green Oaks where Frank and Margie were already waiting for them by Frank's van. Margie was carrying a padded wicker basket with Roxie nicely curled in it. "I wish I was coming with you, honey," Margie gave Frank a kiss and handed him the basket. "But I'm afraid I'd just start crying and make a scene." She leaned down and gave Roxie a kiss as well. "That's okay, dear, I'm sure me and the boys will manage," Frank reassured her. "And remember, we are brining her back!" Margie shook her head and went back to the house. "Okay, boys, hop in," Frank directed as he opened the doors of the van. He placed Roxie's basket on the front seat next to the driver's seat. "Wait, Mr Frank, isn't she riding with us, in the back?" Luke wondered. "No," Frank parried. "Until Dr Richard clears her, she is still mine and Margie's. You'll get her on the way back." "Oh, come on, Mr Frank," Luke whined, "that's not fair!" "Patience is a virtue, Luke," Frank chuckled in response. "Roxie might teach you something about that ..." Luke pouted during most of the drive to Dr Richard's while Diego tried to silently soothe him. Luke was still grumbling when they got to the clinic but Diego gave him a quick kiss as they were getting out of the van, and Luke finally quieted down. They went inside and were met by the receptionist Phoebe. "Oh, my god, look who decided to drop by for another visit!" Phoebe leaned down to pet Roxie's head. "Roxie, sweetie, you're looking wonderful!" She stood up and smiled at Frank and the boys: "You can put her basket here on the counter. The doctor will be with you in a moment." Phoebe disappeared behind the interior door. Frank placed Roxie's basket on the counter as Phoebe suggested, and Luke and Diego stood next to him. "Mr Frank, do you think Roxie really is okay?" Luke inquired with a sudden worry in his voice. "I'm sure Roxie's fine, Luke," Frank patted Luke's shoulder. "The doc just needs to take another look to make certain." Doctor Richard appeared from behind the inner door and greeted the group with a wry smile. "I hear we have a return patient," he adjusted his glasses and scratched both of his chins. "How has Roxie been doing, Frank?" "Good, doc, real good," Frank responded. "Her temperature's been normal from day one. She's eating well and seems to be healing up well too." "Good, good," Richard commented as he observed Roxie curled up in the basket. She lifted her head and was looking around the room attentively. "All right, gang, I'll take Ms Roxie to the exam room and you guys wait here," Richard directed. "Shouldn't take long." He picked up Roxie's basket and disappeared behind the inner clinic door. Frank sat down in one of the waiting room chairs and Luke and Diego sat next to him. Luke's foot was tapping on the floor rapidly. Diego took Luke's hand in his and interlocked their fingers. Luke sighed and rested his head on Diego's shoulder. The foot tapping ceased. In a few minutes Richard emerged from behind the interior clinic door carrying Roxie. "Well, doc, how is it looking?" Frank stood up from his seat and approached the counter. Luke and Diego followed him anxiously. "Looking good!" Richard replied in a joking tone as he put Roxie's basket back on the counter. "Really, she's healing up real well. Faster than I expected. That's one tough kitty ..." "I knew she would be," Luke stroked Roxie's head and leaned down to look her level in the eyes. Doctor Richard observed them with bemusement. "Hey kid," he called out to Luke, "did you know that you and her have the same color eyes? Yours are just deeper but it's the same shade of green. It's uncanny!" "Oh, yeah!" Diego agreed with a soft giggle. "Luke, maybe you two are related! Maybe Roxie is your long lost aunt!" "Auntie Roxie?" Luke quipped. "Sure, why not? That'd be cool." He petted Roxie's back and she blinked at him slowly. "I put some notes with additional care instructions in her basket," Richard addressed Frank. "You should still keep her on antibiotics for another week, just in case, but that's it in terms of medication." "Great, Doc, thanks a bunch!" Frank responded. "Roxie will be in the boys' care now. My Margie isn't too well pleased 'bout that. Turns out she really would have liked to keep Roxie in our house full time ..." "No, Mr Frank, you promised!" Luke protested. "We've got the dibs on Roxie, right?!" "Yes, Luke, I know," Frank chuckled, "you've got the dibs on Roxie. If you can take good care of her." "Of course we will!" Luke declared with confidence. "We'll take great care of you, Roxie, girl, don't you worry!" He scratched Roxie below the chin and she purred appreciatively. "Umm, Dr Richard," Diego spoke up. "Is it okay to let her go outside? I think you said the other day that Roxie was probably an outdoor cat ..." "Yeah, I figure she probably was," Richard mused pensively. "With that poor sod Billy as the master she had to be ... But no, you shouldn't let her go outside for another 3-4 weeks, at least not by herself." "Why not?" Luke demanded. "What if she wants to stretch he legs?" As if on cue, Roxie stretched out in the basket and slowly wagged her tail. "Might still be a bit dangerous for her outside," Richard explained. "There's cars. And coyotes. And dogs. And other cats. Could be trouble for a three-legged cat." "Not at Green Oaks," Luke parried. "She'd be safe there." "Yeah, but she might decide to take a stroll outside of Green Oaks," Richard pressed his point. "Later, when she is stronger and gets used to things, I think it'll be all right. But for now you'll have to keep an eye on her if she's out. Or else I can give you a harness and you can walk her on a leash." "No, thank you!" Luke's voice sounded almost angry. "We don't want no leashes for Roxie!" "We'll keep an eye on her if she goes outside," Diego assured in his best peacemaking fashion as he wrapped his arm around Luke's shoulder. "We do have a dog at Green Oaks, Amber. She likes everybody. I am sure she and Roxie will get along, right, Luke?" "Sure thing," Luke seconded Diego's thought. "Amber is super sweet. Damn, if she gets along with Winston, she can get along with anybody! Certainly with the chill girl Roxie here!" Roxie blinked again and purred nonchalantly. "Well, if you say so," Richard replied and smiled wryly. "But in a month it's be okay to let her go out, right?" Diego followed up. "I mean, she'll be able to climb trees and stuff, in case those coyotes do bother her?" "Well," Richard considered, "yeah, I think so. It might take her more than a month to really get used to having three legs but eventually she'll get it." "And yeah, she'll be able to climb trees. And other stuff," Richard chuckled. "Cats are pretty resilient. For a three-legged cat, once it fully recovers, the quality of life is something like 90%. For Roxie here, I figure it'll be like she lost one of her nine lives." "But there are still eight left, right, Dr Richard?" Luke suggested hopefully. "Right you are, kid," Richard agreed as his eyes twinkled from his thick glasses, "right you are." "Okey dokey, Frank, she's all yours," he pushed Roxie's basked towards Frank. "Just remember to take it easy with her for a while. But later she will need plenty of play and exercise." "Oh, I'm sure the boys will see to that," Frank remarked with a chuckle. "Doc, again, thanks a lot, really! Luke, Diego, get Roxie and let's get moving!" Luke picked up Roxie's basket. They said their goodbyes to Doctor Richard and left the clinic. On the drive to Green Oaks Luke and Diego sat in their usual spot in the back of Frank's van, this time with Roxie tucked between them. Luke was beaming and Diego was also smiling wide, especially glad to see Luke so happy. "Now, boys, remember, having a new pet is a responsibility, it's not all about fun," Frank remarked with a smile observing the boys in the visor. "Luke, seeing as this entire project had been your idea, I am going to put you in charge of taking care of Roxie. Are you good with that?" "Yes, of course, Mr Frank," Luke looked up as he petted Roxie's back. "Sure thing!" "That means making sure that her litter is changed, that she's got enough water to drink, fed on time, takes her medicine and so on," Frank continued. "I don't care if you make a schedule for all the kids or just do it yourself. Just make sure that this stuff gets done, okay?" "No problem, Mr Frank," Luke confirmed. "I think we'll just take care of this ourselves, right Diego? I mean I don't really wanna be a cop and make Ritchie and Toby and Yasha change her litter ..." "Luke, kid, organizing division of household labor isn't the same as being a cop," Frank chuckled. "But it's up to you. Like I said, you're the boss of the Roxie project." "Luke's right, we really can take care of all this stuff ourselves. The litter, the food, everything." Diego chimed in. "And if the others want to join in, we'll sorta work them in as we go." "Now, that's a plan!" Luke reached out and slapped Diego's shoulder approvingly. "Whadaya say, Roxie, girl?" Roxie meowed enigmatically. When Luke, Diego and Frank entered the clubhouse, Luke carrying Roxie in her basket, they found all the kids eagerly waiting for them there. Gregg and Margie were also in attendance. "Roxie!" Danny run towards Luke excitedly. "Yeah, dude, Roxie's here," Luke put the basket down on the floor and gently got Roxie out. "Okay, okay, guys, give her some space. You can pet her later but she needs to scout the place out first." "That's right, Luke," Gregg remarked approvingly. "Cats are territorial and she needs to figure out that this place is her home." Roxie slowly surveyed the clubhouse and with a slightly awkward hop slowly moved forward, keeping her tail up. She first approached Ritchie and rubbed the side of her body and her head against his foot. "She likes me!" Ritchie giggled gleefully. "I think she's marking you," Danny commented. "Yeah, Ritchie, you're now a part of Roxie's territory! You've been adopted!" Ritchie's expression suddenly turned serious. He leaned down and briefly petted Roxie's head. Roxie proceeded hopping towards the corridor leading to the pantry and stopped by the litter box, sniffing it carefully. "Does she want to pee already?" Toby wondered. "I don't think so, buddy," Gregg replied. "I think she just recognized her scent. It's the same litter box she used at Frank's house." Confirming Gregg's conclusion, Roxie left the litter box and proceeded into the common room. The boys watched with bated breath as Roxie hopped between the tables and the chairs, rubbing along them, and made her way into the corner to her bed. Roxie emitted a satisfied meow and lay in the bed for a few moments. "Guess she recognized her smell there too?" Toby suggested. "That's right, Toby, she sure did," Luke agreed giving Toby a hug. Meanwhile Roxie got up from her bed and continued slowly exploring the room. In a few more hops she approached the scratch post by the window. Luke grabbed Diego's hand and squeezed it tight excitedly. Roxie sniffed the post and rubbed the back of her neck against it. She then stood up on her back paws and stretched her body up along the post using her left front paw, scratching it vigorously. "Oh my god!!" Luke couldn't contain himself. "Look, Diego, look! She's really using it!" Luke grabbed Diego in a huge hug and kissed him on the cheek, eliciting several giggles from the other boys. "Yeah, Luke, it's great," Diego blushed deep red as Luke mercifully let him go. Roxie continued scratching the post for a few more moments and then finally came down. She looked around the room again and proceeded to the other side of the window, to the bottom of the cat staircase. "Think she's gonna use it now?" Rafael asked Ritchie. "I donno, man," Ritchie sounded dubious. "Those steps still look pretty high ..." "I'm sure she's gonna use it," Luke chimed in confidently. "You saw how high she stretched up the post, right?" They looked at Roxie again. She hesitated briefly and then nimbly hopped up the first step. "Wow, that was neat!" Devon clapped. "See, told you!" Luke declared with glee. Roxie continued hopping up the steps and quickly reached the top one. She stopped there, surveying the room and looking out of the window. She then looked straight down as if contemplating a leap to the floor. "You don't think she's gonna ...?" Diego clutched Luke's hand. "I donno, I hope not," Luke offered. "Seems too high. Probably will be hard to land, with just one front paw." Roxie seems to have arrived at the same conclusion. She turned around and slowly descended the staircase step by step. "Wow, Roxie, that was impressive climbing!" Frank commented approvingly. Margie, standing next to him, had tears in her eyes but remained silent. Roxie proceeded to jump up on one of the couches in the common room and stretched out on it, with a slight yawn. Luke took that to mean that her exploration of the room was over for now. He plopped on the same couch, put Roxie in his lap and started petting her sleek grey-blue coat. The kids crowded around Luke and joined him in petting Roxie. "All right, all right!" Luke shouted out. "Come on guys, give her some room." He carefully placed Roxie on the carpet in front of the couch. The boys settled on the floor around Roxie and the commotion subsided slightly. Roxie took the attention in stride. Her tail continued to wag slowly and she was purring gently. Frank and Margie, seeing that everything was in order, quietly slipped out of the room. Ritchie was one of the kids sitting on the floor and happily petting Roxie. Diego was glad to see that Ritchie's spirits seemed to be up. Ritchie's customary smirk was gone and a goofy kind smile replaced it. Diego crouched next to Ritchie and put his hand on his shoulder. Ritchie was stroking Roxie's blue-grey coat while she stretched on the carpet and her long tail made slow rhythmic shifts. Diego also gave Roxie a couple of quick pets while letting Ritchie continue to take the lead. "Cool, right?" Richie turned his head to Diego. "Man, cats are so cool!" Diego smiled silently, indicating approval, and looked up at Luke, who was sitting on the chair in front of them, grinning widely. Out of the corner of his eye, Diego noticed that Yasha was hanging back. It looked like he didn't touch Roxie even once and his usually expressionless face appeared glum and uncomfortable. "Yasha, would you like to pet her?" Diego suggested gently, getting up, stepping close to Yasha and lightly tugging on his sleeve. "Umm, I ...," Yasha stammered, looking down. "Come on, Yasha, little dude, don't you like cats?" Luke joined them. "Go ahead, pet her!" Roxie followed Luke and hopped next to Yasha rubbing her side against his leg. "I ...," Yasha paled and awkwardly jumped back. Without looking up, he grabbed his crutches and quickly hobbled out of the clubhouse. "Yasha, buddy, wait!" Luke called after him. "Just let him be," Gregg stopped him. "He just needs a bit more time." Luke and Diego exchanged worried looks. Luke sat back on the couch and Roxie immediately jumped into his lap. She meowed and Luke started stroking her back. Roxie looked up at the cat staircase and the window next to it. Luke followed her gaze. "The staircase is pretty cool but maybe we should build something else for Roxie," Luke suggested. "You know, so that she can jump over." "Something else?" Devon pondered as he sat down on the floor in front of Luke and started scratching Roxie's chin. "Oh, I donno," Lukę mused. "Like one of these cat-tree thingies. With several ledges. What do you think, Mr Gregg?" "A cat-tree, eh?" Greg chuckled. "Well, she's a cat and they do like trees ... But that would be quite a project. A lot more work than this cat staircase. You'd have to discuss it with Mr Ellis." "Super!" Luke enthused. "Sure, I'll talk to Mr Ellis. We'll build you the bestest cat-tree there is, Roxie, girl!" Roxie purred noncommittally. "Yeah, Luke, a cat-tree, that's a great idea!" Diego approved. "But can she really jump that far? Over the window?" "Sure she can," Luke asserted emphatically. "Anyway, I'm gonna train her!" Roxie got down from Luke's lap and gracefully walked to her feeding plate in the corner. She looked back at Luke and meowed loudly. "What, Roxie, you hungry?" Luke jumped up from his seat. "Don't you worry, I'm gonna get you some yummy cat food." He proceeded to the kitchen to open a fresh can of cat food for Roxie. She meowed again. "Coming!" Luke called from the kitchen counter. "Hey, Luke," Ritchie commented wryly, "looks like she's already trained you pretty good!" "That's okay, I don't care," Luke retorted good-naturedly as he returned to the common room and leaned down to give Roxie a can of freshly opened cat food. Roxie sniffed it and started eating it slowly. The kids gathered around her and observed the action. "Come on, guys, give her some room," Gregg chided them. "This isn't a cat show!" The boys reluctantly went back to their seats. In a few minutes Roxie, with her tail up and slowly swaying from side to side, walked by Diego's chair and rubbed her chin against it. "Can I play with her now, Mr Gregg?" Toby pleaded. "Can I, please?!" "Sure, buddy," Gregg agreed. "It doesn't look like she's wants a nap. So go ahead." Toby tried to grab Roxie's tail with his hand. "No, not like that!" Luke laughed. He picked up a string toy from a shelf and showed Toby how to get Roxie to chase it. Toby took over the task with enthusiasm. "I can't believe how well she moves already," Diego commented, as he stood next to Luke. "Yeah, Doctor Richard was probably right," Luke mused. "90% quality of life." "Maybe we can raise it higher," Diego suggested. "It's worth trying, right?" "Right you are, elf-boy, right you are," Luke approved. "Definitely worth trying!" The kids spent most of the remainder of the day playing with Roxie and making her feel welcome. Luke even found that there were plenty of volunteers for the litter box change duty. The cat staircase proved particularly useful and Roxie escaped there quite a few times to avoid the commotion and chaos below. The only thing that still worried Luke and Diego was that Yasha continued to act glum and aloof and hardly said a word since the morning. -- During the night Luke woke up with a start to a loud knocking on the door of their room. He turned on the night light and checked the phone. 2:03am. What the hell? Luke started slowly getting out of Diego's bed, where the boys were cuddled together. "Mmm, Luke, what is it?" Diego stirred from his sleep and caught Luke's hand. "Not sure, babe," Luke replied. "Somebody's at the door. Gotta check it out." The urgent knocking on their door continued and grew a bit frantic. Diego rubbed his eyes and got out of bed too. "Who is it?" Luke called out loudly as they got to the door. "Luke? Diego? You awake?" a small voice answered. "Open up, please!" Luke flung open the door and they saw Toby standing in his PJs and slippers on the doorstep, shivering and shifting from one foot to the other nervously. "Toby?" Luke exclaimed in shock. "Toby, buddy, what are you doing here?!" "It's Yasha," Toby replied in a panicked voice. "He's run away. I can't find him anywhere." *************************************