Levie

Levie's unconscious body lay on the hospital bed. He'd come through the surgery with no complications. The doctors got him moved into a room, and they were waiting for him to wake up from the anesthesia. A soft, soothing voice gently drifted in the young man's ears. It was a pleasant feminine voice. One that Levie hadn't heard in ten years. He recognized the song "The Last Unicorn," his favorite growing up. Then it changed to "Return To Pooh Corner," Levie's second favorite childhood song. The redhead's eyes fluttered, and when they opened, he beheld an ethereal beauty of a woman, bathed in a brilliant golden light with white trim.

"There's my precious leprechaun. I've missed you so much, my sweet baby." The being said, with a gentle, motherly tone.

"Wha..." Levie coughed out. He had to blink his eyes a few times to make sure he saw whom he was seeing. "M...Mom?" Levie paused and sharply inhaled. "I...Is that really you?" He asked with a disbelieving stutter.

The angelic lady softly chuckled and lightly ran her glowing fingers through the young man's red locks. "Yes, my sweet, sweet Lev. It's Mom."

"How much of that fuckin' drug did they give me? I can't be seeing my Goddamn DEAD Mom, I…"

"LEVIE MICHAEL STILLMAN! If you say one more fucking curse word, I'm gonna knock your twenty-year-old ass across this room. And, just because I'm dead, don't think for one damned minute that I can't."

Levie gasped and yelped when he felt something hit the back of his head. A second later, the room filled with his boyish giggling. "Yep, you're definitely my Mom. I wuv you, Mommy. Is that a new brilliant glow? It looks great on you." Levie gave his late mother a big smile and his cutest puppy eyes.

"Nice try, kiddo. That trick didn't work for Jayce and won't work for you either. Remind me to smack the hell outta him for teaching you his tricks." Stacy's expression softened, and she started laughing. Levie felt a warmth grow inside of him. He always loved hearing his Mom laugh. Stacy leaned over and kissed her son, then sat beside him holding his hand. "Your dad and I are so proud of our three boys. Troy and Jayce have been amazing dads for you. Levie started crying when he saw golden, shimmering tears trail down his mother's cheeks.

"I've missed you and Dad. Where is he?" The emotional redhead reached out and hugged Stacy. He smiled because he could feel an airy presence against his skin.

"Oh, your father wanted to be here, but he's working his magic on a football game, or is it basketball. I can't remember it's one of those damn male sports that have no real purpose."

Her statement made Levie bust out laughing. He remembered his Mom never could get into sports. That was something they had in common. "Wait, he's dead. Why is he trying to fix a game?"

"Mark's got a bet going with one of his poker buddies."

His mother's statement made Levie giggle then he looked at the spirit with a confused expression. "Umm, poker buddy? What the hell do they bet with?”

Stacy chuckled. "I'll tell you when you're older."

Levie looked at her and shook his head. "I can't believe you used that line on me...again. When are you gonna tell me?"

"I think you'll be old enough when you're fifty." The being smiled mischievously and kissed the redhead.  

"Great, I gotta wait another thirty years for the answer and, then you'll probably say you'll tell me when I'm older." 

"Levie, you need to be more careful. What you did this evening was completely reckless and wasn't necessary. You weren't armed, and that man was much bigger than you. How would your dads, boyfriend, or Brandon feel if you'd gotten hurt worse than you did? Levie, that sweet blonde boy, is in the waiting room, beating himself up because he feels responsible for not being able to protect you."

Stacy's words brought heavy sobs out of Levie's body. His tears streamed down like water from a mountain top. "I didn't know. Mom, how can you say you're proud of me? I could've gotten myself, Brandon or, both of us killed." Levie's emotions were on overload. His body shook hard as he clung to the transparent being that was his mother.

"Shh, it's okay, sweetie. Calm down, baby boy. You're still young and not fully matured yet. You've always made the family proud. Just be a little more thoughtful and cautious in the future." Stacy paused and dried her son's tears. "Your heart was in the right place but, you need to think before you act. Lev, you have to forgive Linda and work on letting her be your Mom in my place. Forgiveness isn't for her sake. It's for yours. Holding grudges is not our family's thing." Stacy paused and smoothed Levie's hair. "I have to go, Son. It's time for you to wake up."

"Why do you have to go? Can't you stay and see the dads and meet Brandon and Greg?" Levie sat up and wrapped his arms around his mother's waist. As he did, a warm feeling of love flowed through his body.

"Lev, I've already met Greg and Brandon, and Jayce doesn't need to see me. He'll be happy to know I came to see you when you needed me the most."

"How will he know? I'll sound like I'm crazy or still feeling the effects of the anesthesia if I tell him you were here." Tears ran down Levie's cheeks.

"He'll know I was here if you sing my harmony part to "Hush-A-Bye." Stacy leaned down and kissed Levie's forehead. "I love you, Levie. You'll always be my sweet little leprechaun."

"I love you too, Mom. Thank you for coming to see me." Levie laid back down and drifted in and out of the peaceful rest.

Jaycen Greg & Brandon

 Jaycen made good on his earlier statement to Greg and gave Brandon a strong hug and kiss. That's when he noticed Brandon wasn't wearing a shirt. "Brandon, where's your shirt?"

"My shirt was covered in Lev's blood, so I tossed it after I made sure the police didn't need it for evidence." Brandon's body shivered from just mentioning the piece of clothing.

Jaycen removed his jacket, pulled his tee-shirt off, and handed it to Brandon. "Here, baby bro, take this one. I've got plenty at home." Jaycen pulled his jacket back on and sat down.

"Thanks, bropop, but I don't need it." Brandon tried to give the shirt back. Before he could blink, Jaycen was on his feet, and in one swift move, had the younger blonde flung over his shoulder. "Hey! Put me down." 

"Listen, and listen good, kiddo. When Troypop or I offer you something or suggest something, you take it or do it. Do I make myself clear, little man?" Greg chuckled as he watched his brother getting put in his place by their new bropop.

"You can't make me do anything." Not a second after his statement, Brandon was squirming and giggling like crazy because Jaycen started tickling his side.

Jaycen smirked and chuckled. "Really? I can't?" A couple of seconds later, his blonde captive voiced his surrender between his giggles and agreed to the terms. Jaycen put Brandon back on his feet, wrapped him in a bear hug, and kissed his forehead. “I love you, baby bro. Thank you for saving Levie."

Brandon melted into the older man's embrace as his tears dampened Jaycen's tank top. "I love you too, Bropop." He paused, lifted his head, and with a big smile, looked into the redhead's eyes. "How'd you know I'm ticklish?"

Jaycen giggled. "I didn't, but it's a good thing you are."

"Why's that?" Greg and Brandon asked in unison.

"If you weren't, I'd have to resort to my patented "Jayce noogie."

"Jayce noogie?" Again, the brothers managed to ask the question in unison.

"I'm the one giving it. Duh." Jaycen responded before chuckling.

    A doctor finally walked through the waiting room doors and approached the three young men sitting together. "I’m Dr. Michaels. Are you three here for Levie?"

Jaycen Brandon and Greg stood up, holding hands. "Yes, Doctor, is he okay?" Brandon asked as he wiped his tears.

"The surgery was uneventful, which is how we like surgeries to go. Levie is in room three-fifty-seven. There was no internal damage from the bullet, and he should make a full recovery. He needs rest and time to recuperate." The doctor's last statement made Jaycen chuckle in amusement. "I'm sorry, but did I say something funny?"

Jaycen looked at the three men staring at him like he'd grown a second head. "In a way, yes, you did, Dr. Michaels. You said Lev needs rest. You obviously don't know my kid."

Hearing the redhead refer to Levie as "his kid" confused the doctor. "I'm sorry, your kid? Forgive me, but you don't look old enough to be Levie's father."

"I'm not physically old enough to be Levie's birth father. However, my husband and I are ten years older than my younger brother, and the two of us have, for the most part, raised that boy from the day he was born. When our parents died ten years ago, they gave custody of Levie to me and my husband, Troy. So, yes, Levie's my, well, our kid."

Dr. Michaels smiled and nodded. "Levie just woke up and might be a bit out of it. I want to keep him here for observation, and, provided there are no complications, he can go home in the morning."

"Is it okay if someone stay's with Lev tonight?" Jaycen asked after thanking the Goddess for watching over Levie.

"I don't see a problem with one of you guys staying. Please, excuse me. I've got other patients to look after."

"Thanks Doctor." Greg turned and hugged his brothers.

"Who's staying with Lev?" Jaycen and Greg looked at Brandon, then at each other, and gave their answer by pointing at him. He looked at the two men and shook his head. "Jayce, you're his bropop, and Greg, you're his boyfriend. It should be one of you."    

Jaycen smiled and shook his head then, wrapped his newly acquired brother in his arms and kissed his cheek. "Bran, it should be you. What you've said is true. However, you've experienced a life and death situation with Levie. You need to be with him."

Greg joined in the hug and kissed Brandon. "Listen to our big brother. Bran, you need to stay with our Levie tonight. You'll have the Sonata it's in the parking lot. I can ride with Jayce back to..." Greg paused. "Wait! Where's the Eagle?"

Brandon gasped and smacked his forehead. "It's still at the gas station. And, completely exposed, Lev doesn't have the doors on it."

"I'll take Greg over, and he can drive it back to the townhouse." Jaycen looked at the two younger men and smiled. "Thank you both for loving Levie as much as you do. I couldn't ask for better companions for him." He paused and kissed Brandon and Greg on their forehead.

Brandon looked at Jaycen and Greg. "Guys, I told Levie how Greg feels about him, and Greg, he feels the same way you do. He also said that if Mom asks for forgiveness and wants to talk, that he can forgive her." His statement made both Jaycen and Greg look at each other, then at him.

"What's all this about your Mom?" Jaycen asked.

"That's why we were at the gas station this evening." Brandon paused to compose himself. "When he came out of Greg's room and saw our Mom, Levie freaked out then ran out of the door. His crossbow and arrows were in the closet. So were the gun and ammo. They were in the lockbox, which he placed in the closet. That's why he was unarmed tonight."

"What about his knife? That's usually strapped to his leg." Jaycen asked.

"It's in the lockbox with the gun and ammo," Greg answered.

"I'm still confused. How could your Mom be the cause of Lev's reaction?"

"Bropop, do you remember Linda Wilmont?" Brandon asked. He and Greg nervously shifted their weight from leg to leg.

Jaycen closed his eyes and thought. The name had some familiarity, but he couldn't quite remember why. "I know that name, but not sure why or from where."

Greg sighed. "Mama Linda was the social worker who recommended Levie be removed from your and Troy's care and placed in a home with straight parents."

Realization dawned on the older redhead and, he snapped his fingers. "Okay, now I'm getting the picture. But, Troy and I never blamed Linda or held a grudge against her. Sure, we didn't like or agree with her personal views. However, we acknowledged that your Mom was professional with her investigation. She never treated us with anything but respect. I'm surprised Levie even remembers her."

"Mom's actions and statements apparently, had a lasting effect on my angel boy."

"Guys, we need to get up to Lev's room. He's probably wondering where we are." Brandon's comment earned him head nods and a hug from Greg and Jaycen.

Levie’s Room

 Levie sat in the hospital bed and stared at the door. Ever since he woke up, his mind was working to process his late mother's visit. When she floated away, a feeling of unspeakable peace and joy touched with a bit of sadness remained. He was sad that he'd probably never lay eyes on his Mom again. At least, not in this lifetime. Then Levie's thoughts switched to wonderment about where his family was. He attempted to distract himself by singing "Hush-A-Bye." 

Jaycen Brandon & Greg

 Jaycen Brandon and Greg were outside the door to Levie's room. Jaycen pushed down on the handle and slowly opened the door. He gasped and, tears welled in his eyes when he heard the song and, more specifically, the alto part his Mom created for the tune. Greg and Brandon were mesmerized by Levie's singing and were concerned for Jaycen.

"Jayce, is that Lev? I had no idea he could sing that well." Greg whispered as he gently rubbed the redhead's back.

"What the hell can't this guy do? He sings, is an instructor, a real estate agent, works on, and owns a ranch. Then, he gives riding lessons, is a reserve firefighter, and is this incredible person." Brandon shook his head.

Jaycen smirked. "Levie can't dance, he sucks at math, and he can't draw." The statement had Greg and Brandon chuckling alongside him. The redhead giggled, kissed the two younger men's foreheads, and playfully ruffled their hair.

"Fuck, not the hair. ya, big oaf." Greg's complaint earned an endorsement from Brandon in the form of a blown raspberry and the nodding of his head.

Jaycen chuckled even harder at the younger guys. "Very mature boys." He smiled and hugged Brandon and Greg. "Alright, you guys ready to go in?" Jaycen asked with just a bit of hesitance. He knew Levie was gonna ask why Troypop wasn't with them.

Levie’s Room

Levie's eyes sparkled with sheer happiness, and his smile brightened the slightly dim room when the door opened, and he saw his family. "JAYCEPOP BRAN GREG." The excited redhead hollered. The greeting caused the three men to chuckle. "I was wondering if you guys loved me enough to come and see me." Tears filled his eyes as Levie received a triple dose of loving embraces kisses on his forehead and a passionate kiss on the lips from Greg.

"How are you baby boy?" Jaycen asked with the hope of keeping Levie from noticing Troy's absence too soon. He wiped his tears and smoothed the younger man's hair.

"I'm fine. Umm, where's Troypop?" Levie asked as he kept his eyes glued to the door. He was sure his other dad was going to open that door and come rushing in any minute.

"Lev, Troypop wanted to come, but he had an accident today." Jaycen Brandon and Greg's hearts broke when they saw the fear and distress on Levie's face and in his eyes.

"D...Dad's hurt?" Levie's voice trembled, and he stuttered as tears streamed down his cheeks. The sudden change made the machines monitoring his levels start slightly going off. In a matter of seconds, Jaycen Greg and Brandon had him wrapped up in a protective and loving cocoon crafted by six arms. The comforting gesture immediately brought Levie's emotions back to normal and, the machines were again satisfied.

"Calm down, my sweet prince." Greg laid his head on Levie's shoulder and gently rubbed his mate's neck. "Jaycepop told me on the phone Troypop was thrown while working to calm one of the mares." Greg smiled when he felt Jaycen's hand on his back.

Levie looked at his boyfriend and smiled. "Adding pop to Jayce and Troy's names, huh. Are you calling them bropop too?" the redhead's stern tone and facial expression melted into giggles when he felt a fingertip lightly tickle his bare feet. Levie squirmed and rubbed his soles against the sheet covered mattress. He looked up and saw Brandon's grin. "Oh, you're so gonna get it when I'm all better, Bro."

Brandon giggled when Levie pulled his legs closer to him after his fingers got closer to the redhead’s feet. "It's not a good idea to threaten me, Bro. I'll sic Jaycepop and Greg on you." Jaycen and Greg chuckled with Brandon as Levie shook his head at them.

"It's risky to rely on Jaycepop. He's as ticklish as I am. Levie yelped and tried pulling Brandon in front of him when he saw his boyfriend's and Jaycen's expression.

"Hell no, Lev. I'm not your human shield." Brandon giggled and hugged Levie.

"Thank you for the laughs, guys. I needed it. I love y'all so much." Levie wiped his tears and, a solemn expression replaced the bright smile he wore as he locked eyes with Jaycen.

After looking into his brother/son's eyes, the older man's expression changed to match Levie's.

"What's up, Levie?" Jaycen made sure to use his brother's given name to show that he'd take whatever Levie said seriously.

Brandon and Greg instantly picked up on the heavy moods. "Do we need to step outside for this? We'd be glad to give you some privacy." Greg offered.

"No, please don't leave. I need all of you here when I tell you who visited me."

The words Levie used got Jaycen's full attention. He also had a strong suspicion what his boy wanted to tell them had something to do with the song he was singing when they got to the room. The group's elder swallowed hard and looked at the other three young men.

Levie looked around and took a deep breath. "I know how this is gonna sound to y'all. I swear, I'm not hallucinating, and it wasn't the anesthesia. Although, when I saw who visited, I thought it was."

Jaycen knew his kid was stalling. "Lev, this too painful to watch so, I'm gonna make it easier for you. Was it Mom?"

Maddox

The doctor who saw him discharged Maddox a few hours after the nurse called his name. He got in his truck and squealed tires out of the parking lot. Seeing Jaycen as worked up as he was over his so-called kid made Maddox want more reactions from the two men he despised. The man was determined and had dark thoughts as he raced down the highway. Maddox spun the steering wheel and made the pickup fishtail as the truck turned onto the ranch's long dirt road. A smile came across his face when he fingered the keys he'd taken from Troy's unconscious body. "Time to have a little bit of fun," Maddox said to himself after parking in the field where the vehicle wouldn't be noticed.    

To be continued...

Posted: 09/23/2022