by: Tyler Peel

© 2007 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent.

Chapter 36
Danny Comes Out

Tyler was sipping coffee and reading the newspaper from a bar stool when Linda came into the kitchen.

"Morning, Tyler," Linda said.

"Morning, Mom," Tyler said, smiling as he looked down over the paper. "Coffee's fresh. I set the timer before Abbey and I went for our run."

Linda poured herself a coffee and slouched down on the counter across from Tyler. "Oh, my God!" She said looking up at the front page of the newspaper Tyler was reading.

"What?" Tyler said setting the paper down.

"Hold that paper back up!" Linda demanded and Tyler held the paper up knowing exactly what she was reading. "Grinch Mayor makes Christmas for the Needy Un-Bear-able!" she read out loud.

She picked up another newspaper and read the headline seeing a picture of the Mayor fighting with a reporter over the microphone. An inset picture showed Luke curled up holding his knees to his chest and looking terrified. "Mayor Robyn Hood: She tries to steal from the poor to give to her rich kids!" Linda read aloud, as she picked up the newspaper.

Linda picked up another newspaper and read the cover story out loud. "'I don't need your damn money, kid! Mayor McArthur says to eleven-year-old boy!' What is the Mayor throwing at my Lucas in this picture?"

"Ummm..." Tyler said looking at the picture. "Oh! That would be Luke's money he gave to help your poor Mayor so she could buy something for her own needy kids!" Tyler added with a chuckle.

"What? Our needy Mayor?" Linda screamed. "No wonder Larry went into work early today! He certainly has some explaining to do!"

"I thought he and Luke filled you in on it all?" Tyler asked.

"So did I. He never said the Mayor threw money at my boy!" Linda said defensively.

"I can see why...," Tyler grinned. "Mom? I've read all of the newspaper articles. The headlines are to grab attention. When you read it you will find it is all a misunderstanding and payback time by the Press. The Mayor turns out to be a typical politician, Luke looks like a hero, and you can bet the Salvation Army Food Bank is going to get a huge windfall from the press about this. You should be very proud of Luke. For the record, I was standing right there and the Mayor threw his money on the sofa they had been sitting on. It's just the camera angle that makes it look like she is throwing it at Luke," Tyler said.

"Oh God... you've been jogging already?" Derek mumbled as he strolled into the kitchen.

"Early dog gets the telephone pole eh! And the mailbox, and every tree, and every tire...," Tyler said laughing.

"When are we leaving?" Derek asked sipping some coffee.

"Ten minutes ago! I better go kiss the boys goodbye," Tyler said setting the newspaper down.

"I better go shower!" Derek said giving his Mom a kiss.

"When are you boys coming back?" Linda asked.

"I think either tomorrow night or Wednesday morning. Not sure what all we are doing," Derek said leaving the kitchen.

Tyler leaned down and kissed Luke. "I love you, Pookster," he said. Tyler then kissed Casey goodbye as well.

Tyler slipped into Kyle's room. Kyle was lying on his stomach with his back exposed. Tyler began a series of kisses up his back. Kyle moaned.

"I have to get going, not-so-little-dude!" Tyler said and kissed his back three times.

"I love you too; now get out of my room and let me sleep," Kyle groaned.

"I can see you get your genes from your Mom's side of the family," Tyler teased. "See ya in a few days, hawtie."

As Tyler was leaving the room Kyle called him back inside, "Hey Ty? How was last night?"

"You tell me... you watched the whole thing, you little brat," Tyler said laughing.

"Mmmmm... reminds me I better clean my mess off the bathroom door," Kyle said in his sleep.

"Don't worry, your Mom cleaned it up this morning," Tyler said.

"What?" Kyle yelled sitting up.

Tyler smiled and winked.

"You assmite! That's not even funny," Kyle said laughing.

"I love you Kyle," Tyler said leaving the room.

"Prove it!" Kyle said pulling his pillows back over his head and the covers up.

"Is the Jeep loaded?" Derek asked as he came back into the kitchen pulling a sweatshirt over his wet head.

"The only things that aren't loaded are you and me," Tyler said smiling.

"I hope not!" Linda said with a smile. "Have a safe trip, boys!"

"Thanks for everything, Mom. You made this the best Christmas ever!" Tyler said, as he hugged Linda.

"You're most welcome. We love you so very much, Tyler, despite your strange taste in boyfriends!" Linda teased.

"Hey! I resemble that remark," Derek shot back laughing.

"No one's perfect, Mom," Tyler said grinning.

"Hey wanna stop for something to eat?" Derek asked as Tyler drove out of the driveway.

"Chez McDonald's?" Tyler suggested.

"Oui oui Monsieur!" Derek said.

"Drive thru?" Tyler asked.

"I could go for a short squirt," Derek said.

"Me too... and maybe you would like to drive the rest of the way?" Tyler asked with a smile.

"You're buying breakfast then," Derek grinned.

"I just want to spend some time thinking before we go to see the lawyer," Tyler said.

"We?" Derek asked.

"Us!" Tyler said.

"Us?" Derek asked. "I don't need to see the lawyer."

"Yeah you do!" Tyler said.

"Why?" Derek asked.

"Because it is going to be our house," Tyler said. "You need to sign on the bottom line as well."

"Huh?" Derek asked as he took the tray of food while Tyler got napkins.

"The house is going to be in your name as well, but I don't want Danny and Cody to know about that. It isn't their concern and this relieves you of any blame if a decision has to be made that they don't like," Tyler said as he added hot salsa to his breakfast burrito.

"How do you eat four of those things?" Derek asked turning up his nose.

"One by one unless I'm really hungry...," Tyler said.

"What happens with the house if something happens to the two of us?" Derek said.

"Legally you are entitled to half of the profits on the sale of the house," Tyler said stuffing his mouth.

"You just ate a burrito in one long, slow swallow... like watching a python eat a goat! Ugh!" Derek said shaking his head.

"More like watching you eat me," Tyler said as he worked the second burrito down in one long swallow, and Derek laughed.

"That's really stupid, Tyler," Derek said.

"I can handle it and besides, now that you can park a Jeep in my ass, I am sure it will make its way out of me," Tyler teased.

"Not that assmite! I mean the house," Derek said.

"What about the house? Derek, what if something happens to me? Where are you guys going to live? What am I supposed to do with all the money I have? If I willed the house to you then you would go broke paying inheritance taxes. If you own half of it then it's a lot easier to make sure that you guys are all protected," Tyler said.

"I don't wanna have this discussion," Derek said.

"We have to have this discussion! It's about our future and our life together if you decide that is what you want," Tyler said.

"What do you mean by that?" Derek said defensively.

"Settle down, Babe!" Tyler began. "Anytime you want to go then you just say so! Right now I am committed to us and I want you to be protected and safe should anything happen to me. If the lesson I learn down the road is that I lose half of all of my assets, then so be it. It's just money and even though money is important it's not what life is about," Tyler said.

"I don't want to go anywhere without you," Derek said.

"Thanks. Me neither but Derek we're not kids anymore. Look at what happened to my family!" Tyler said and Derek looked away. "Danny and Cody really aren't our responsibility but if we love them like we say we do then you and I need to look out for them. I don't know what Danny's financials are like but Cody and his Dad don't have a lot of money. I know that part of getting Coach Conners to teach here is in exchange for Cody's education. They live in a fucking apartment, Derek!!!" Tyler said banging his fist on table and startling Derek.

"Calm down, Ty," Derek said.

"I am calm... Derek, don't you see that you and I have had a privileged life? I might be lower middle class compared to you but in comparison to Cody's world, I've grown up in a palace," Tyler said.

"I've got your point," Derek said not looking at him. "Do me a favour then?"

"Sure, anything?" Tyler said.

"When you're making up your will, and I know you are going to, leave me a dollar and give the money to our brothers. I don't need it, Ty. Some day I will end up with more money than you've got. Just make sure our brothers are looked after," Derek said. "I want to get out of here and I don't want to discuss this anymore today," he said standing up and taking their tray to the garbage bin.

Tyler smiled and got up and followed him out. Tyler called to Derek and tossed him a set of keys.

"You got new keys for the Jeep?" Derek asked.

"Nope, those are your keys to the Jeep." Tyler said. Derek came to a complete stop. As Tyler passed him he said, "Shut up and drive."

Derek got into the driver's seat and stared at Tyler who was going through his backpack looking for papers with notes he had made about the house. "Drive, Derek. I put you on my insurance as well as Cody and Danny. It's nothing special." Tyler said without looking at him. Derek started the Jeep and they continued towards Drexel.

As they entered the Philadelphia city limits. Tyler asked, "You're not speaking to me?"

"Yup," Derek said and Tyler looked over at him.

"Want to talk about the house?" Tyler asked.

"Sure," Derek said unconvincingly.

"We need to go visit Jonah and Manny. Maybe we should invite them out to dinner tonight?" Tyler asked.

"Sure," Derek said.

"Sure? Derek, please talk to me. This is where things get fucked up between us. We stop talking and one thing leads to another. If you don't want to move into this house then we won't! If you really don't want your name on the house then I can put someone else's name on it. Please just tell me what the problem is?" Tyler asked.

"I want a job," Derek said. Tyler blinked twice and then looked at him.

"Excuse me?" Tyler asked.

"I want a job. I need a job!" Derek said.

"Excuse me?" Tyler asked again.

"What?" Derek said.

"How did we end up here and what does this have to do with buying a house, making a will, or planning a ski trip that's only three days away?" Tyler asked.

"I want to contribute to... to our house," Derek said, not looking at Tyler.

"How about I pay you ten dollars to shut the fuck up right now?" Tyler said.

"Well... you said you wanted to know what is wrong?" Derek said.

"Yes... yes I did. I'm sorry. That was rude of me and I apologize. What kind of job would like to do?" Tyler asked.

"I dunno... what do you suggest?" Derek asked.

"DEREK!!!!!!" Tyler yelled.

"What?" Derek said.

Tyler shook his head. "We are not having this conversation right now! Go be a Wal-Mart greeter...," Tyler said shuffling papers on his lap.

"You would kill me if I even went into a Wal-Mart, much less applied for a job there!" Derek said laughing.

"That was kind of my point...," Tyler said, ignoring him.

"I might be a good Wal-Mart greeter. I could say things like 'hey fucktard, go shop somewhere that treats their employees like humans or do you really think they made five billion dollars profit last year by giving everything away?' And then I would just stand there picking my nose and stop to shake hands with every customer that came in," Derek said.

"Maybe you're a little under qualified to work at Wal-Mart?" Tyler pondered aloud.

"When little teenage girls come in I could just make 'hehe hehe hehehehe' sounds," Derek joked.

"I really don't think you would fit the Wal-Mart greeter persona they are trying to achieve," Tyler said. "Remember, the employees are not evil, just the management!"

"I read somewhere that a greeter got fired for flashing customers!" Derek said.

"Maybe I should rethink my views on never going inside a Wal-Mart," Tyler said.

"He was in his late sixties," Derek said.

"Maybe not," Tyler said continuing to make notes.

"How about if I became a stripper?" Derek teased.

"You can make a lot of money in tips... not too mention a lot of tips too!" Tyler said, winking at him.

"You're my boyfriend! You're supposed to say 'you're not gonna be a stripper!!!!'" Derek said.

"Why? You should do what makes you happy! I think it's a great idea. You just need an all over tan. Maybe we should see if some local strip club has an amateur night for you to try?" Tyler said.

"You're serious aren't you?" Derek asked.

"Are you?" Tyler threw back at him.

"Not sure...," Derek said.

"You are!" Tyler said grinning.

"What makes you think so?" Derek asked.

"You just passed our turn off!" Tyler said shaking his head.

"You have reached Jonah and Manuel's home. We are not in at the moment so please leave a message after the beep!" the answering machine said. <BEEP>

"Hi Jonah and Manny, it's Tyler Peel calling. We just arrived from Baltimore and we were wondering..."

"Hey Tyler!" Jonah said picking up the phone.

"Hullo? Jonah?" Tyler asked.

<BEEP>

"Sorry about that I had to shut off the answering machine," Jonah said.

"No problem. Did you guys have a nice Christmas?" Tyler asked.

"We packed. It was quiet and it was nice. How about you boys?" Jonah asked.

"It was wonderful and crazy and fun and more than I ever could have imagined," Tyler said.

"Wonderful, Tyler! I'm sure it must have been difficult but I am happy to hear you made the most of it and thank you so much for the beautiful floral arrangement. That was so thoughtful of you!" Jonah said.

"It wasn't anything. We felt really bad about interrupting you," Tyler said.

"How is Kyle? I know Manny is going to ask me when he hears that you called. I assume he is still living at home?" Jonah joked.

"He's great, and he'll be here on Wednesday or Thursday when we leave for New York State to go skiing." Tyler said.

"If you get a chance then be sure and bring him by?" Jonah asked.

"I will! I just called to tell you that I am having an unofficial meeting with my lawyer this morning and he's already told me that the monies will be here by Thursday of this week and that we can set a closing date as of Jan 4th or whenever you want after that. We would also like to take the two of you out for dinner tonight?" Tyler asked.

"Why not come here for dinner?" Jonah suggested.

"Because we offered first!" Tyler laughed. "Although I would love to take some measurements and a few pictures so if you were offering coffee after dinner... I brought back some of the two cheesecakes I made for Christmas dinner!" Tyler hinted.

"We have a deal, coffee in exchange for dinner and homemade cheesecake? I obviously settled on too low of a price for this place!" Jonah laughed. "Come by for drinks around five and then we'll go out for dinner!"

"We can't drink... but we'll certainly be there by five. We only have 45 minutes to make it to the lawyer's office so I'd better run! Thanks and take care Jonah," Tyler said.

"You too, Tyler, buh bye for now," Jonah said hanging up the phone.

"Can we take down the remnants of Santa's Christmas in Hell?" Derek asked and Tyler glared at him.

"You can do it later! Get changed so we can go meet the lawyer and help me find that bottle for Angelo and Gina, please?" Tyler asked.

Both boys arrived at the lawyer's office a wearing suit with a tie. The boys stood outside the second floor office of Adam Fletcher, Esq. "Do we knock or just walk in?" Derek asked.

"Both," Tyler said as he tapped lightly and walked in with Derek following him. The room resembled any typical Attorney's office with chrome-padded chairs that were bolted together, textured taupe wallpaper with a commercial grade carpet to match. The receptionist's desk was behind a window with a speaker box and small horizontal slit at the bottom of the window. Tyler figured that was for mail and papers to be passed through.

"Kind of secure, eh?" Tyler asked of Derek.

Before Derek could answer a young man behind the glass pressed a button on the speaker box and said, "May I help you?"

"Yes, Sir, I have an appointment with Mr. Fletcher for eleven this morning," Tyler said.

"And your name would be?" the man asked.

"If he doesn't know who has the 11 o'clock appointment then they can't be very organized around here?" Derek said grinning. The man behind the glass obviously heard what was said by the scowl he gave Derek.

"Tyler Peel, Sir," Tyler responded.

"Just have a seat Mr. Peel and Mr. Fletcher will be right with you," the man said directly to Tyler.

Tyler sat down and Derek stayed standing.

"Aren't you going to sit down?" Tyler asked Derek.

"I don't think I should! He clearly inferred that YOU were to have a seat," Derek joked.

"Grow up and sit down." Tyler said shaking his head. Derek sat down beside Tyler and Tyler took his hand in his.

"I love you Derek," Tyler said giving Derek a quick kiss that didn't go unnoticed by the receptionist.

"I'd love to be out of this suit and tie," Derek mumbled unhappy at having to dress up.

"I'd love you to be out of your suit and tie as well!" Tyler said grinning.

"Wanna do it right here on the floor?" Derek joked. They both looked to see the receptionist who was grinning.

Derek whispered in Tyler's ear, "I don't think we're alone."

"I noticed that." Tyler said in his normal voice. They both saw the receptionist look over as if he realized he had missed some of the conversation. Tyler and Derek grinned at him.

"Why is there a lock on the door?" Derek whispered.

"Probably because lawyers aren't the most beloved group of people in the world," Tyler joked.

"Really?" Derek asked sarcastically.

"Really, really!" Tyler said smiling.

"That plant needs... dusting?" Derek said and Tyler laughed.

The receptionist opened the locked door holding a file and said, "If you'll come this way Mr. Fletcher will see you now?"

Tyler looked at his watch and saw the time was 10:52 a.m. and smiled, "I already like this guy, he isn't running late." As they passed through the security door held open by the receptionist Tyler received a pleasant smile and Derek got a cold stare. They both stepped aside so he could lead them to Adam Fletcher's office.

Opening the door to Adam's office they were told to have a seat in the two leather club chairs. Tyler and Derek sat down and looked around the room.

"This looks like Dad's office with all the wood grain panelling and leather," Derek commented.

"Look at all of his degrees! I'll bet he is in his sixties?" Tyler said.

"Look at the picture of the hawtie on his computer desk." Derek said pointing.

"Damn!" Tyler said. "His son is a cute."

The receptionist returned and Tyler and Derek looked behind them to see who was coming in. He set a file folder down on Adam's desk as Tyler and Derek watched closely. The door opened again and a man about 35 years old entered.

"Mr. Fletcher, this is Tyler Peel," the receptionist said directing to Tyler with his hand extended. Tyler stood up and extended his hand.

"Thank you for seeing us, Mr. Fletcher," Tyler said shaking his hand.

"Call me Adam please, I'm not that old yet," Adam said.

"This is Derek Anderson," Tyler said introducing Derek who stood up and shook hands with Adam.

"Pleasure to meet you, Derek," Adam said.

"Will there be anything else you need Mr. Fletcher?" the receptionist asked.

"No, thank you, Taylor," Adam said. "Did you boys want any coffee or tea or anything?" he asked but Tyler and Derek declined and Adam made a hand gesture waving Taylor off. They all heard the door click shut.

"Now Tyler, I threw something together rather quickly as you requested," Adam said handing him a copy of several pages.

"Why don't I wait outside?" Derek asked.

"No!" Tyler said. "I want you to be aware of everything."

"That's good because that was going to be my next question. I assume I am free to speak candidly then?" Adam asked.

"Yes, Sir." Tyler said.

"You really need to drop the Sir stuff, Tyler. It makes me feel really old," Adam said laughing. "Now I drew up a will for you. It is legal and binding but I really want to spend more time on it with you when you get this house deal finished. In short, it leaves all your assets to be divided equally among Cody Conners, Daniel Armitage, Derek, Kyle, Luke Anderson, and a... Casey Mitchell. No one gets anything before the age of 18 years so for those under age it will be kept in trust. It specifies your burial wishes but I have yet to ever see those be respected," Adam said laughing.

"I also have some papers for you to sign," Adam said, handing Tyler more paperwork and Tyler passed his Will to Derek to read. "This is acknowledging me as your lawyer and gives me permission to talk with a Greg Anderson or David Peel on your behalf. In short, you won't have to have direct dealings with your Uncle if you don't wish too?"

"Sir, ummm Mr. Fletcher, would you make sure that my Uncle David is paid appropriately for any work he does?" Tyler asked.

"That's always nice to hear and very wise of you." Adam said. "Now aside from having you sign some paperwork and having Taylor come in and witness it, this meeting is over."

"But Sir! I need to speak with you about the house?" Tyler said.

"Tyler! This meeting is now over!" Adam said and winked.

Tyler and Derek looked at each other and then back at Adam. Adam got up from his desk and guided them over to the leather sofa and chair in the corner by the wall of books.

"Cool! Mr. Potato Head!" Derek said looking at the box of toys. Tyler grinned and shook his head.

"We do get children in here with their parents so it gives them something to do while we work. Feel free to play with Mr. Potato Head, Derek?" Adam said grinning. Tyler laughed and Derek wasn't about to be outplayed by any lawyer so he picked up Mr. Potato Head and began making a new face.

"So this is your choice in a boyfriend, Tyler?" Adam asked laughing.

"I'm beginning to rethink things now since you're the second person to challenge my taste this morning, the other being his Mom!" Tyler joked.

"Our Mom!" Derek said, grinning at Tyler while changing the ears on Mr. Potato Head.

"Yeah, our Mom!" Tyler said rolling his eyes at Adam.

"The reason our meeting is over is because we are not having this talk right now. I've spoken with Jonah's lawyer and we've agreed that nothing will be recorded, mentioned, or written before January 2nd because of the real estate contract they currently have. I've received verbal confirmation about the monies coming straight to my office and I've had a phone conversation with their lawyer to calm any concerns about your ability to purchase the house so all is fine. Do you have any questions?" Adam asked.

"Not really, Sir, I mean Mr. Fletcher. I just want to make sure the house is in both of our names so that if anything happens to me then Derek, Cody, and Danny are protected," Tyler said. Derek looked at him and shook his head.

Adam observed Derek's reaction and asked if there was a problem here.

"No Sir," Derek said coldly.

"He doesn't like talking about something happening to me and I keep trying to get through his thick football skull that preparing for the future is important," Tyler said.

"Derek, what Tyler is doing is important. With no Will, the government could end up with everything and you boys would have no place to live. I'm not sure if you are aware of Tyler's assets but it is a sizable amount and it really shows his commitment to you and your family and friends," Adam said.

"Yes Sir... someone on his hockey team tried to stab him once already. I really just don't want to think about it," Derek said.

"Tyler?" Adam asked quite distressed.

"It's a non issue now. It's over with and the guy is long gone from Drexel," Tyler said. Adam exchanged glances with both boys and waited for a comment but nothing was said.

"Fine, let me call Taylor in to witness your signature," Adam said getting up and going over to his phone.

Taylor came in and saw Derek playing with Mr. Potato Head and rolled his eyes.

Derek held up Mr. Potato Head and said to Tyler loud enough for Taylor to hear, "I made a Taylor Potato Head." Tyler shook his head in embarrassment.

The boys were out of the office before 11:30 a.m.

"I don't like Taylor!" Derek said as they walked down the hall.

"Does it really matter?" Tyler asked.

"No... I guess not. Where to now?" Derek asked as they got in the elevator.

Tyler pushed Derek up against the wall and kissed him as the elevator door opened.

"I wish Adam was on a higher floor," Derek said, smiling as they exited the elevator.

"We're going to drop by work so I can give them the bottle from Gino Mazerelli. I also need to tell them that I am going away," Tyler said.

"That's already done," Derek said grinning.

"What?" Tyler asked.

"I talked to Angelo that morning I went to McDonald's and arranged it with him. He was very happy to see you taking a break," Derek said. "I hope you aren't mad? I didn't want them to be caught short-handed and I knew you would be worried about it."

Tyler smiled and they got into the Jeep and left the parking garage.

Tyler walked into the restaurant carrying a wrapped bottle and a manila envelope for Angelo and Gina.

"Tyler! Derek!" Gina yelled holding her arms up in the air and giving them both a hug and a kiss. "How was your Christmas? How is my grandson?" she belted out faster than either could answer.

"Kyle is great and sends his love. He's going to be here on Thursday before we leave to go skiing!" Derek said. Gina smiled and her eyes teared up at the thought of seeing her Grandson again so soon.

Angelo took a break from the kitchen and the four of them sat down at a table to talk about the Anderson family Christmas. Tyler handed Gina an envelope filled with pictures that Derek had printed off of the entire week in Baltimore. Angelo put his arm around Gina as she flipped through each picture and asked several questions. She asked if she could keep the picture of the five boys all dressed up for the Christmas Eve party. Derek looked at Tyler and they both smiled seeing the love between them. Derek slid his hand under the table and took Tyler's hand. Tyler squeezed Derek's hand three times.

"C'mon Son, let's go get some breakfast," he said to Danny.

"Okay, Pops," Danny said pulling off his work gloves.

"I think Bessie is going to calve in the next 48 hours," Mr. Armitage said.

"Yes, Sir," Danny said in a sullen voice.

"Is everything all right Danny? You haven't been yourself since you came home. I was almost wondering if you regret coming home?" Mr. Armitage asked.

"No, Sir. I just miss my friends," Danny sighed.

"I know it's been lonely growing up on a farm with most of your friends being 15 years older than you've been. I guess that's why you like hockey so much?" Mr. Armitage pondered.

"Yes, Sir," Danny said.

"Sit a spell Daniel! I know my boy well enough to know you gots sumptin stuck in yer spurs," Mr. Armitage said, sitting down on a bale of hay near stove in barn.

"Pops!" Danny laughed. "Stop talking like a hick."

"I'm glad to see I still know how to get a smile out of you? Your Mother and I sure have missed you, Danny," Mr. Armitage said.

"I've missed you both, too," Danny said.

Mr. Armitage laughed and said, "Try that again but say it as if you mean it!"

"Pops!!!" Danny said. "You know what I mean. I love being here. Especially when I am just with you in the barn doing chores and we're away from Mom."

"Now what's that supposed to mean?" Mr. Armitage joked knowing full well what his son was saying.

"It's when my Dad can be himself," Danny said looking over and his Dad put his arm around him.

"So want to tell me what's eating away at you? I know something is wrong, Son, and you and I have always had our best talks right here!" Mr. Armitage said.

Danny didn't respond.

"Are you in trouble?" he asked Danny.

"Depends on what side of the fence your horse is on!" Danny said with his hands clasped together and staring at the barn floor.

"Oh! So it's that kind of problem..." Mr. Armitage said. "I don't think it is as bad as you think!"

"It is," Danny said.

"Skyler Hanson was asking about you a couple of weeks ago!" Mr. Armitage said.

"Really?" Danny said sitting up with his eyes wide open.

"No he wasn't, Danny, I'm sorry. I just wanted to know the truth for myself," Mr. Armitage said.

"Huh? I don't understand, Pops?" Danny asked.

"Danny, I always knew you had a crush on Skyler. Now I had just figured it was in the way any boy wants to grow up to be like his Dad!" Mr. Armitage said, smiling as he pinched Danny's arm.

"Ow!" Danny said.

"Wimp!" his father, said smiling.

"I'll take you down right now old man!" Danny teased.

"I'll bet you could too, Danny!" Mr. Armitage, said grinning.

<Silence>

"So I take it that you are closer to one of these three friends of yours than the others?" he asked Danny.

"Yes, Sir," Danny said dropping his head down low.

"And he loves you as much as you love him?" Mr. Armitage said.

"Yes, Sir," Danny mumbled.

"I think we better leave this conversation for you to have with your Mama present," his father said, and Danny groaned.

"Now don't you worry, your Mama will get over it," he said to Danny.

"Pops, you're supposed to tell me that Mama will be fine with it!" Danny groaned.

"Hell Danny, you're not stupid enough to believe that, are you?" he asked laughing.

"No Sir," Danny said feeling nauseous.

"Danny, listen up here for a second." Mr. Armitage began. "You may be my son but I want you to know it isn't a right but a privilege to be your dad! It's not a biological thing, Danny, it's an earned thing." Danny's face was soaked with tears when he got up and fell into his Dad's open arms.

"I'm sorry, Dad," Danny said, as he cried on his father's shoulder.

"Sorry? Sorry for what Danny?" Mr. Armitage asked.

"For letting you down, and for not being honest with you," Danny said sobbing.

"You've never let me down Danny. You're being honest right now and that is all that counts. If news like this were to break a father and son up then obviously a dad's love would never have been true in the first place," his father said. "Now let's go get some breakfast and then we'll have a family talk."

They parted and Danny wiped his eyes. He looked at his Dad and said, "I love you, Pops!"

"Thank you Danny! You should be damn proud of yourself. You're becoming a fine young man," Mr. Armitage said.

"What? Why?" Danny asked.

"Cause when you said you loved me you looked me straight in the eye. That means you're speaking the truth that's inside yer heart," Mr. Armitage said putting his arm around Danny as they walked out of the barn.

"I think Cody is going to love you as much as I do!" Danny said.

"Cody? Oh, the blond one that needs a haircut?" Mr. Armitage asked.

"Pops!!!!!" Danny said laughing.

"Maybe we could get your three friends out here to work for the summer?" Mr. Armitage joked.

"Three city boys on the farm for an entire summer?" Danny asked laughing.

"I'm thinking about how much fun you and I would have showing them a full day's work," his father laughed and Danny gave his Dad a light punch in the stomach.

"Breakfast is going to be ruined if you two don't get your butts to the table this moment!" Mrs. Armitage said.

"Yes Ma'am," Danny and his Dad said in unison. Danny went upstairs to the bathroom to get cleaned up.

"How is Bessie doing?" she asked her husband.

"Any day now, I just hope that Danny stays long enough to help me," Mr. Armitage said.

"What about George?" she asked.

"George won't be back until Saturday from his sister's place," he said.

"Morning, Grandma!" Danny said giving her a hug.

"What's a matter, Daniel?" Grandma asked.

"Nothing, Grandma," Danny said.

Grandma gave him that 'I know you're lying to me look' but didn't pursue it.

"Mom is screaming for us to eat breakfast. Want to take my arm down the stairs?" Danny asked.

"Well I've never refused a man so far, so there's no point in starting now," Grandma teased.

"You're still the prettiest lady I know!" Danny said smiling.

As Danny walked into the kitchen with his grandmother on his arm, Mr. Armitage couldn't help but tease Danny by saying "I see you finally got yerself a woman, Danny?"

Danny glared and Mr. Armitage chuckled.

"I would think after four months in university you would have had a girlfriend by now?" Mrs. Armitage said.

"Now, Janet, leave my grandson alone. He's got me and doesn't need anyone else," Grandma said teasing Danny.

"You said it, Grandma," Danny laughed as he pulled out the kitchen chair for his Grandma to sit down.

"In three and half years he'll be out of school and he needs to think about settling down and starting a family!" Janet said.

"Janet, don't start on the boy! He's got three and half years to have fun before he sells his soul to the Devil," Mr. Armitage said.

"Roger, don't you start on me." Janet began and Danny told his mother that the toast was starting to burn. That ended the conversation.

When breakfast was over Roger Armitage said, "Grandma, would you please excuse the three of us for a moment because Danny wants to talk with us about something."

Danny's stomach dropped and he looked at his Dad.

"Umm... we don't have to talk about that right now, Dad," Danny said.

"It's not a problem Daniel." Grandma said. "I've got things to do," she said slowly getting up.

"No, wait Grandma! You're family too! You should be here," Danny said looking at his father. Roger didn't argue Danny's point. Danny went upstairs and pulled out some photographs.

"These are my three best friends," Danny began.

"I knew it. You're leaving early aren't you?" Janet asked her son.

"No Mom. In fact I can't get out of here before Thursday." Danny said.

"I knew it! You hate being at home!" Janet began putting her dishtowel up to wipe her eyes. Danny looked at his dad who simply rolled his eyes. Grandma put her hand on Janet's arm and said, "Let the boy finish what he has to say."

"Thanks, Grandma." Danny said and Grandma winked at him. "Sorry mom, I phrased it the wrong way. As I told you, I've been invited to go skiing in New York State. What I wanted to say, and please let me finish mom, it is about my friends and our friendship," Danny said.

"I don't even know how to begin this...," Danny said looking at his father for help.

"Just say it!" Roger said to his son.

"Tyler, this guy here," Danny said pointing to the picture with the four of them in it, "lost his entire family last July in a car accident." <Gasps came from Danny's mother and grandmother>

"Cody, the blond one with the curly hair, his mother and sister were killed in a car accident," Danny said.

"He's such a cute boy." Janet said holding up the picture.

"He does look like your Grandfather when he was young," Grandma said to Danny.

"See this bracelet!" Danny said holding it out, "It's Latin and it means Brothers Forever."

"Can I see it?" Grandma asked and Danny removed it and handed it to her.

"Outside of all of you, these three friends are the most important people in my life. The three greatest people I've ever met aside from my dad!" Danny said and Janet looked at Roger expressionless.

"Derek's family have adopted Tyler as a son. Derek and Tyler are a couple," Danny said not looking at anyone.

"Oh isn't that nice!" Grandma said interrupting. "It says 'Love always, your Cody' on the back of the bracelet!" The room went silent except for the gasp that Janet made.

Grandma smiled and handed the bracelet back to Danny. "He looks like a fine young man Daniel! I hope you love him as well and treat him the way a fine young man would," Grandma said.

"Yes Grandma! He's most wonderful person I've ever met," Danny said.

"I've got dishes to do!" Janet said getting up and going to the sink.

"Janet? We're not done here. Please come back to the table," Roger asked.

Janet spun around and glared at Roger as she yelled, "I said I've got dishes to do!"

"Are we going to get to meet this Cody man of yours?" Grandma asked winking at Danny.

"I hope so Grandma. I think you will see why I love him so much," Danny said and Janet dropped a pot in the sink and ran out of the kitchen.

The three sat silent at the table for a moment.

"I thought that went rather well," Grandma said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I think so," Roger chimed in.

Danny's mouth dropped open and he glared at the two of them.

"It was a joke, son!" Mr. Armitage said.

"I think he has your wife's sense of humour!" Grandma said to Roger and winked at Danny.

"I'd better go talk to her," Roger said.

"No dad, I had better go talk to her!" Danny said getting up. He went over and kissed his Grandmother and then his Dad. "Thank you both for always supporting me! It's the greatest thing you guys have ever given me."

"Yeah... well... we've sort of grown to love you," Roger said sipping his coffee and winking at his Mom.

"At least we don't have to rub raw meat on your face to get the dog to play with you anymore!" Grandma added!

"Grandma!!!!! I expect that from Dad, not from you," Danny said laughing.

"Oh hush Daniel! I love you like my arthritis loves a cold, rainy day!" Grandma said winking at Roger. Roger was about to smirk until he saw Danny watching him.

"You can be so evil sometimes, Grandma!" Danny said.

"So your mother tells me... Next thing you know he'll be saying that I cheat when playing thirty-one!" Grandma said to her son Roger.

"You do cheat!!!" Danny said.

"See!" Grandma said sipping her tea.

"Grrrrrrrrrrrr," Danny said and left the room. Roger and Grandma burst into laughter.

"He looks like your father at that age!" Grandma said to Roger holding up Cody's picture.

"He does a bit... I just hope he is as good as dad was," Roger said.

"I think you've raised my grandson very well Roger. He's not a stupid boy," she said.

"I'm just not ready to lose my son yet," Roger said.

"Don't worry Roger, just do I what I did and move in with them," Grandma teased placing her hand on Roger's arm.

"Mom! Can I come in?" Danny asked. <No answer> Danny opened his parent's bedroom door and saw his mother lying on the bed facing the window, away from him. He could see her one hand was clutching several scrunched up tissues.

"Can we talk?" Danny asked.

"Not now, Daniel, please, I have a headache," Janet said to her son.

"Okay mom, I just wanted to say I am sorry if I let you down but I wanted to be honest with you. I felt like I've been lying to you for a long time," Danny said.

<No response>

"I'll leave you alone. I just wanted you to know how much I love you even if you don't feel the same way," Danny said walking towards the door.

"What did you say?" Janet said rolling over with her red eyes staring at Danny.

"I said I would leave you alone," Danny said.

"No, you said you wanted me to know how much you loved me. I just heard you tell your father that you love him the most!" Janet said.

"No mom, you weren't listening! I love you both equally. I just happen to be closer to Dad than you," Danny said.

"How can you say that after all I've done for you?" Janet said starting to cry.

"Mom, it's not a competition. You just don't know Dad the way that I know dad. When he is in the barn, he is a completely different person," Danny said realizing he had just said too much.

"So you love your Dad more...," Janet surmised and began bawling her eyes out.

"Again, Mom, you don't listen! You only hear what you want to hear. I wouldn't trade you for any other mom in this world. I love you and I know all that you sacrificed for me. I haven't forgotten the times you drove me to hockey, made cup cakes for me to take to school, bought me stuff without Dad knowing, the extra treats and notes in my lunch bag for school, making my costume for that play in grade five. The little tarts you would make just for me with the raspberry filling. Even if we all know it's your house, you let me make my room into whatever I wanted it to be. If you think I don't remember or don't appreciate all that you done then you are wrong," Danny said.

"But, Mom, this has always been your house and we all know to respect that but it doesn't make life any fun. You don't know Dad the way that I know Dad. He is a completely relaxed and fun person when he's in the barn. When he is here inside the house he is just quiet, almost submissive. It's your house and we all know to live by that, but it doesn't make it a home. You're missing out on the greatest guy in the world... your husband and my father!" Danny said standing up and walking out of her bedroom.

Danny threw on his coat and winter boots and slammed the door shut as he left for the barn.

"C'mon Boomer!" Danny called his dog. "Good boy," he said bending down to rub Boomer's ears. "Let's go see Bessie!"

"Hello?" Tyler spoke into his cell phone.

"Hey, Ty," Danny said.

"Danny? No Puckhead? No Merry Christmas?" Tyler asked as he got up from the table with Gina, Angelo, and Derek and walked over to the front door to get better reception.

"Merry Christmas, Ty. Did you have a nice Christmas?" Danny asked.

"Yeah... what's wrong?" Tyler asked and Danny sighed.

"I called Cody but no one was home so I thought I would call you," Danny sighed again.

"Is that a cow I hear?" Tyler said laughing.

"That's Bessie! She's about to calve any day now!" Danny said.

"Bessie? Shit, I thought that name was only used in Hollywood for cows?" Tyler said laughing but Danny didn't respond.

"Sorry, Danny, I was just trying to make you laugh. What's wrong? Talk to me Puckhead," Tyler said.

"I told 'em!" Danny said.

"Told them?" Tyler asked.

"Actually my Grandmother beat me to it!" Danny said.

"What?" Tyler asked half laughing.

"That I'm gay!" Danny said.

"Oh," Tyler said a little in shock.

"Doesn't matter, Dad and Grandma are really cool and always have been but Mom is a different story. I guess I let her have it for how she reacted...," Danny said.

"I'm sorry, Danny, but I can't imagine it will last too long. You are her only son. It's probably just the shock...," Tyler said and then started laughing upon hearing Bessie moo.

"It's just a cow Ty, it's not that funny!" Danny said starting to laugh.

"It is to a city boy, Danny. I've never been around a real live cow. Too many tits for me!" Tyler said laughing. "Look I've got to run here because I'm at the restaurant. I will call you tonight! I have to get some things happening with the house."

"No problem," Danny sighed. "I love you guys and miss you a whole lot!"

"When are you coming back?" Tyler said.

"Yesterday if I could. Looks like I can't get a flight out before Thursday so it's going to be a very long week," Danny said.

"Each day will get better. Just give your Mom a little time to adjust!" Tyler said.

"I wish you were here... You could bring her around! I'll let you go. Love you and tell my brothers I love them too," Danny said and Bessie 'mooed'.

Tyler laughed and said, "Bye, Danny, love you." Tyler stood at the front door tapping his cell phone against his thigh. Derek excused himself from the table and came over to talk with Tyler.

"What's up with Danny?" Derek asked.

"His Grandma outed him!" Tyler said laughing.

"Really? How bad is that!" Derek laughed.

"His dad and grandmother are cool, but his Mom isn't!" Tyler said and returned to the table. Derek followed and sat down.

"I'm sorry but we have to get going. Are you sure you'll be okay without me this weekend?" Tyler asked.

"No, but we'll get by. You need a break! If you wanted to work the next couple of nights we could use you," Angelo said.

"I can't because tonight we are meeting Jonah and Manny for dinner about the house and in the morning we're flying to Iowa," Tyler said.

"I knew it! I knew you were going to do this!" Derek said bursting out in laughter.

"You did not!" Tyler said.

"I did too!" Derek said staring him down.

"Okay... maybe you did...," Tyler grinned at Angelo and Gina. Angelo and Gina looked at each other.

"Maybe you could buy us some Black Angus beef while you are there?" Angelo joked.

"Maybe?" Tyler said. "But we're going to help Bessie the cow give birth."

"What?" Derek asked laughing.

"Didn't know that, did ya?" Tyler flaunted in Derek's face.

"No... no I didn't...," Derek groaned.

"We need a travel agent! Can you suggest someone?" Tyler asked Angelo and Gina. Gina got up and wrote out the phone number and address of their agent and told Tyler to tell the agency where he worked!

"Ask for Carlos," Gina insisted.

"Got it!" Tyler said getting up and giving Gina a hug and a kiss.

"We better not show up without cinnamon buns, Ty!" Derek said as they walked out the door.

"One more reason why I love you Derek," Tyler said smiling.

Tyler and Derek stopped at the travel agency and booked three round trip flights out of Baltimore to leave at 7:30 a.m. and one return flight for Thursday morning for Danny along with two hotel rooms for two nights. Derek drove the Jeep towards Brewed Awakenings while Tyler tried to reach Cody's cell phone and home phone with no luck.

"We need two dozen cinnamon buns!" Derek said.

"Make it three dozen, Derek." Tyler said.

"Four to be safe?" Derek asked.

"Word!" Tyler said.

"Indeed! Could you make that four dozen and we need two dozen packaged to take to Iowa in the morning, please!" Derek said.

"Oh, God! For the little bun scarfing hockey player?" the girl asked laughing.

"That's the one!" Derek said laughing.

"How does he eat so much and never get fat?" the girl asked as she wrapped two-dozen buns up in double plastic bags.

"No one knows but I am sure the common cold will be cured before we know the answer to your question," Tyler said.

Tyler and Derek left for Boyd House and Tyler tried again to reach Cody with no luck. He did however leave a message telling Cody to call him a.s.a.p. and NOT to return Danny's phone call before speaking with him.

"Danny doesn't know we are coming does he?" Derek asked.

"Ummm... maybe I forgot to mention that," Tyler said, laughing as he tapped his chin.

"Mr. Peel... what are we going to do with you?" Derek asked.

"I suggest you remember to pack the Boy Butter," Tyler said, and Derek almost lost control driving after that.

"Does Iowa really have an airport?" Derek asked.

"Shut up, tard boy," Tyler said shaking his head as they got out of the Jeep.

"GUS!!!!!!!" Tyler and Derek yelled when they entered Boyd House from the back entrance.

"Oh dear Lord... you guys are back already?" Gus sighed winking at Derek.

"Fine, I didn't bring you any Chocolate or Egg Nog cheesecake then!" Tyler said grinning.

"Did I tell you boys how much I've missed you?" Gus said laughing out loud!

"Want a cinnamon bun?" Derek said holding the bag open.

"Hell no, with cheesecake coming? On second thought maybe I'll take four! Then I can tell everyone you brought cinnamon buns and keep the cheesecake for the Mrs. and me! Might even get me some tonight after the shift is over?" Gus grinned.

"Right... Like there'll be any cheesecake left to take home," Tyler said.

"Shut up, boy, and bring me the damn cheesecake!" Gus laughed.

"Yes, Sir!" Tyler said as they headed the elevator and pressed the button.

"Did you make a praline sauce for the cheesecake?" Gus yelled.

"Yes, Sir!" Tyler said grinning.

"Good boy...," Gus said returning to his feet to the desk and his pencil to his crossword puzzle.

Derek's phone was ringing when they entered the room. "Philadelphia City Morgue!" Derek said answering the phone. Tyler shook his head as he pulled the cheesecakes out of their mini-fridge and cut each cheesecake in half.

"Hey Babe, Merry Christmas! Yeah, he's right here and he's in a strange mood. No, nothing is wrong. I'll let you talk to Superman." Derek said handing the phone over to Tyler.

"Would you take this down to Gus, please?" Tyler asked exchanging the phone for a plate holding two sections of cheesecake on it and a small container of praline sauce.

"No problem," Derek said.

"Hey Cody, you know why he answered the phone with City Morgue? He's been looking for a stiff one all day!" Tyler said laughing and Derek stuck his tongue out at him and left the room.

"What's happening with Danny? I've got four messages from him," Cody asked.

"Here's the short version so listen closely. Danny came out to his parents today. It was fine with his Dad and Grandmother but didn't go so well with his mom. I think there are some previous issues that came out," Tyler said.

"FUCK!" Cody yelled.

"Cody! Your language please!" Coach Conners yelled from the living room.

"Sorry Dad, but Danny came out to his parents today and it didn't go well," Cody said to his father.

"Fuck!" Coach Conners said. Tyler laughed hearing the Coach yell.

"Okay, chill for a moment, Puckhead. Get your bags packed! We're leaving for Baltimore tonight and then flying to Iowa at 7:30 a.m. from there. We're going to surprise Danny!" Tyler said.

"SHIT!" Cody yelled all excited.

"Cody! Your language please!" Coach Conners said.

"Dad! Tyler just bought tickets for him, Derek, and me to fly to Iowa tomorrow morning to support Danny!" Cody yelled from his bedroom.

"Shit!" Coach Conners yelled. "That's our boy, Tyler! Tell 'em to bring back some Black Angus steaks?"

Tyler started laughing... "Calm down, Cody, and listen. When you talk to Danny, tell him you will call him around eleven o'clock tomorrow morning... literally! We want this to be a surprise and yes, we picked up cinnamon buns for Danny," Tyler said and Cody burst into laughter.

"Now the next thing and this is important, are you and your dad free for dinner tonight?" Tyler asked.

"Dad!!!!!" Cody yelled.

"What?" Coach Conners asked.

"Hang on Cody, I want to take Jonah and Manny out for dinner and I want your dad to see the place. Remember, you promised him he could see it before we make a decision?" Tyler asked.

"Dad, Tyler wants to take us out to dinner tonight and to see the townhouse condominium," Cody yelled from his bedroom

"Fine! What time?" Coach Conners yelled back.

"What time??" Cody yelled into the phone.

"Cody? Don't yell at me," Tyler said holding the phone away from his ear.

"Sorry! Hehehe," Cody said.

"4:45 p.m. we need to be out your door. We'll pick you up! Get packed as well because we're only dropping your Dad off at the door when we get back! Got it?" Tyler asked.

"Got it!" Cody said.

"Cody?" Tyler asked.

"Ty?" Cody responded.

"Bring your cowboy hat and some plaid shirts," Tyler said laughing and hung up the phone as Derek came back in the room.

"Don't forget to pack your cowboy hat, Derek," Tyler said beginning to unpack his things from Baltimore.

"We're really doing this, huh?" Derek asked.

"Did you miss where we went to the travel agent and booked three tickets to Des Moines, Iowa?" Tyler asked.

"No... never mind," Derek said shaking his head.

"Would you call your mom and tell her that the three of us are going to be back tonight but leaving very, very early in the morning?" Tyler asked.

"You call her, she's your Mom too!" Derek said.

"Derek! Don't pull that shit on me anymore! I have stuff to do before we go to look at the townhouse! You have to pack some clothes, a cowboy hat, cinnamon buns, and my clean boxers! Got another word to say about it and the Boy Butter goes in the garbage!" Tyler said seriously.

Derek picked up the phone and dialled home as quickly as he could.

"You've reached the Suicide Help Hotline we have more than 50 ways to kill yourself properly the first time...," Luke began.

"Call mom or I'll kill ya Luke!" Derek yelled into the phone.

"Mom!!!!!!!!!" Luke yelled into the phone!

"Lucas? Stop yelling into the phone!" Derek said, and Tyler laughed.

"So how's yer day, fugly?" Luke asked.

"Fine toad boy! How's yours?" Derek asked.

"It's cool... I slept in... Tyler woke me to say goodbye... which is more than my other brother did," Luke said.

"Remind me to get you a 15 minute therapy session for you next birthday!" Derek said.

"They have a pretty good family rate down at the clinic Dad says," Luke told him.

"Where is Mom?" Derek yelled.

"She's not here right now!" Luke said.

"Why didn't you say so, Lucas?" Derek yelled as he spun around in circles getting frustrated.

"You told me to 'call Mom' so I called for her!" Luke said snickering.

"I'm bleeding here Luke... I haven't got much time left!" Derek said into the phone.

"Liar! You never could lie!" Luke said.

"Instead of a 15 minute therapy session I'm going to get you a 2 hour physical therapy session for when I get through with you!!!!" Derek yelled.

"Kyle's here! Hang on!" Luke said. "Kyle!!!!!!!!" Luke screamed into the phone.

"Shit!" Derek said holding the phone away.

"You think you would learn to hold the phone away by now?" Tyler asked.

"Is that Tyler's voice I hear?" Luke asked.

"Shut up, Luke!" Derek said.

"Let me talk to him!" Luke whined. "Pweeeeese!" Luke added.

"Here, he wants to talk to you," Derek said handing the phone to Tyler.

"Hey Pookster! I Love you!" Tyler said.

"I love you too, Ty!" Luke said

"Luke can you do me a really important favour?" Tyler asked.

"For you... anything!" Luke smiled.

"I need you to relay a message to your mom! We're coming back tonight along with Cody and we're flying out of Baltimore airport at 7:30 a.m. to go to Des Moines, Iowa!" Tyler said.

"What's in Iowa?" Luke asked.

"Danny, and more importantly, Bessie the cow! She needs our help because she's about to give birth," Tyler said grinning at Derek.

"You're shitt'n me right?" Luke asked laughing.

"Nope! Not at all! I'll even bring back a picture of me with Bessie for ya! By the way, Derek bought you some peanut butter cookies from Brewed Awakenings!" Tyler said.

"Tell 'em he's no longer fugly," Luke said.

"I will but I've got to go, Pookster. Give Casey a hug for me and tell Kyle to rotate using his arms! Love you Luke!" Tyler said and Derek started laughing.

"Rotate using his arms?" Luke asked.

"He'll know what I mean, Luke," Tyler said, hanging up the phone.

"I didn't buy those cookies! It was your idea and you paid for them!" Derek said.

"Does it really matter?" Tyler asked.

Luke ran upstairs to find Casey but he saw that the door to the apartment was open and figured Casey was upstairs with his Mom. He looked down to the end of the hall and saw Kyle sitting at his computer. Luke took two steps and stopped. He put up his hands up in the air as if they were claws and growled. He took two more steps and repeated it again. Kyle noticed the movement and stuck his out from the side of the screen to watch Luke. Luke continued repeating this all the way down towards Kyle's room. Kyle giggled and held the webcam out to catch what he was doing.

When Luke arrived at Kyle's room, Kyle asked, "What the fuck are you doing?"

"I'm practicing to be the ring bearer!" Luke proudly announced.

Kyle snorted! "Good one, Pukey! Just don't tell anyone and let it be a surprise that you know what to do!" Kyle said getting up and walking out of his room.

"Why does everyone keep saying that to me?" Luke said to an empty room. Luke ran after Kyle who was headed to the fridge to get an R.C. Cola.

"Ty just called and had a message for you!" Luke said.

"What is it?" Kyle asked.

"He said to tell you to rotate your arms! What does that mean?" Luke asked and Kyle glared at him.

"Luke! Here's a buck!" Kyle said pulling a dollar bill out of his jeans and giving it to Luke. "When you next see Tyler I want you to whisper in his ear, 'Kyle says he does it much butter than he does!' Okay?"

"You mean much better right?" Luke asked.

"No Luke! Much BUTTER than he does!" Kyle said patting the top of Luke's head.

"Where are you going?" Luke asked.

"To tell Chris what a great job you're doing practicing to be the ring bearer for Mom and Dad's wedding!" Kyle said running back upstairs.

Tyler phoned Jonah to tell them about the slight change in plans.

The answering machine came on and Tyler said, "Hey Jonah, it's Tyler. If you're there would you pick up?" Tyler asked.

"You're on to us!" Manny said laughing.

"Hey Manny! Merry Christmas!" Tyler said.

"Thank you and you as well!" Manny said.

"Did your Mom have a good Christmas?" Tyler asked.

"Except for missing her boys but she knows we are going to be there in the first couple of weeks of January so she's quite excited!" Manny said.

"I just called to tell you of a slight change in plans. Cody promised his dad that he could look at any place before we buy so we have to go through the motions. That means we need you and Jonah to not say anything about it being a done deal! So would it be possible to bring Cody's Dad along tonight because the three of us have to fly to Iowa tomorrow morning," Tyler said.

"Iowa? That's so Martha Stewart steps in Green Acres!" Manny said shaking his head.

Tyler laughed.

"Is there a talking pig named Arnold too?" Manny asked.

"I don't know? I'm not even sure what Green Acres is but I'll bet that Des Moines is a beautiful mid-western city!" Tyler said.

"So young! So naive!" Manny said laughing.

"So you would be okay with all of these changes?" Tyler asked.

"Any ting for a free meal Senor Peel!" Manny said, laughing.

"See you at five, Manny," Tyler said hanging up.

Tyler went around to Derek's side of the bed and spun him around to kiss him.

"Mmmmmm... what's this for?" Derek asked between kisses.

"Just a reminder that you are my world, Derek. My every reason for living and all of my happiness in life right now filters through you!" Tyler said.

"Would you do me right now?" Derek asked as they parted.

"We have to pack!" Tyler said smiling.

"Damn! What else do I need to pack?" Derek asked.

"Toothbrush, toothpaste, and a lot of mouth wash," Tyler said laughing. "Plaid shirt, jeans, casual dress clothes, Ipod, camera, and your cell phone!"

Tyler and Derek hurried out with their packed bags to go pick up Cody and his Dad. They all met with Jonah and Manny and got a full tour of the house. Tyler took about 40 pictures of the place while Derek and Cody took detailed measurements of every room so they could make furniture shopping easier, and Jonah took Coach Conners on a detailed inspection of the house receiving his full approval.

After dinner, they returned for coffee and Tyler's cheesecake.

"So what do you think, Dad?" Cody asked.

"I think Tyler should quit school and open a bakery!" Coach said winking at Jonah.

"Agreed!" Manny added. "I would pay him big money... for his cheesecake!" Everyone laughed at Manny's double meaning.

"Dad?" Cody asked again.

"I like it very much! I think it really will be a place to call home for all five of us!" Coach Conners said winking at Manny and Jonah.

"You're a frick'n comedian, Dad!" Cody said shaking his head and everyone laughed.

"We really need to get going! We've still got a two hour drive ahead of us and we have to be at the airport by 5:30 a.m.," Tyler said.

"Huh?" Derek asked.

"What do we have to be there so early for?" Cody asked.

"Gotta check your shoes for bombs," Tyler joked.

Thirty minutes later they had dropped off Coach Conners back at his apartment, collected Cody's bags and were on the road to Baltimore.

"What the hell is there to do in Des Moines, Iowa?" Derek moaned.

"Well for one thing we're going to help Bessie the cow give birth!" Tyler teased.

"You going to sing to her?" Cody asked and Derek burst out into laughter.

"Cody, we can't tease him about that anymore... I heard him sing while playing the guitar and it turns out he's been playing us for fools! One more wonderful point about our Ty," Derek said.

"Is there anything he doesn't do perfectly?" Cody said.

"Not as of yet but I'm sure there is some tiny imperfection hidden somewhere... it's only a matter of time, Cody!" Derek laughed.

"Umm..., guys, you really don't need to talk about me in the third person when I am in the car and more importantly the driver!!" Tyler said.

"Did you hear something, Derek?" Cody asked poking him in the shoulder from behind.

"Sorry, I think I just passed some gas," Derek said laughing.

"Did you guys know that metropolitan Des Moines has a population close to 400,000?"

"Are you including the cows?" Cody asked and Derek laughed.

"Guys it's a really modern city! Lots of golf courses, a super sized Mall, and they have these 7-11 type stores called 'kum and go'." Tyler said and Derek and Cody started laughing. "It is also becoming one of the largest cities in your United States for insurance companies."

"Is that supposed to make us happy?" Derek asked.

"I think I should leave the two of you with Luke!" Tyler said shaking his head.

"Guys, Iowa is really interesting! Didn't you guys study it in school?" Tyler asked.

"I was in the principal's office that afternoon!" Derek joked.

"I slept in... I think," Cody joked.

"Guys! I'm serious! Do you even know what time zone they are in?" Tyler asked.

"Not California!" Cody said.

"Mountain! Cause Danny will mount anyone!" Derek joked and Cody punched his shoulder from the back seat.

"Nice attempt guys but not really! They are in the Central time zone, which makes them one hour behind us. Do you even know who the President was at the time Iowa was admitted as a state?" Tyler asked.

"The duly elected leader of the United States!" Derek said grinning as Cody fisted him.

"James K. Polk was the eleventh President of your United States of America! He was in office when Iowa became the 29th state! President Polk also acquired New Mexico and California from Mexico for 15 million dollars and he settled the disputed argument with Britain creating the 49th parallel as the border between the United States and Canada!" Tyler proudly recited.

"Zzzzzzzz," Cody snored, and then giggled.

"Iowa is known as what state?" Tyler asked ignoring Cody's snide remark.

"State of confusion?" Derek said smiling only to see Tyler's displeased look.

"God's country? The point of no return! The end of the earth!" Cody suggested and Tyler glanced back to glare at him.

"No sense of humour tonight...," Cody mumbled loud enough for all to hear.

"It's sometimes called the 'corn state' but it is really known as America's breadbasket! They're going to be a powerhouse in the future for fuel additives! About 90% of the land is for growing crops," Tyler said.

"Who cares... it's farm country!" Derek teased.

"Derek, they feed America. They feed the world! I hope you guys get left on a bus and they beat the crap out of the two of you for being so ignorant," Tyler said disgusted with both of them.

Derek opened his cell phone and dialled home. "Hey Dad? Just wanted to tell you that we are about 20 minutes away!"

"Thanks for the warning; I'll make sure the gate is locked," Larry said grinning.

"Love you too, Dad." Derek said hanging up the phone.

"Don't you mean horse and buggy, Ty? Not rapid transit!" Cody teased and Tyler gave him the evil eye.

"Take it easy, Ty, we're just teasing you. I mean we're funn'n you as they say in Iowa," Cody added.

"Hey, Cody, did you know that the Dallas Stars have their farm team in Iowa?" Tyler said.

"Ha ha ha ha...," Cody laughed. "Farm! Team! Get it? Ha ha ha ha..."

"I am sooooo telling Danny about all the things you've said!" Tyler told Cody.

"Noooooo... I will never get sex again! I was just teasing I swear!" Cody pleaded.

"Hmmmm... speaking of sex... it might be kind of fun in the barn!" Derek said, squeezing Tyler's thigh.

"Not in front of Bessie," Tyler shouted back.

"This is going to be a long trip...," Derek sighed.

Tyler drove up the driveway and Luke and Casey came running out to the open garage door wearing only their pyjamas.

"Guys! Get back in the house. It's freezing outside," Derek said as he got out. Tyler ran over and hugged the two of them inside the garage.

"I love you guys and I missed you all day!" Tyler said.

"Missed you too!" Luke said with his eyes closed and his arms wrapped around Tyler's neck.

"Derek? Could you bring my backpack and my black suitcase in? My arms are full," Tyler said carrying Casey and Luke inside the house.

"Welcome home!" Linda said giving Tyler a kiss.

"Hi Mom. Nice to be home even if it is only for a few hours," Tyler said laughing.

"What time do you need to be at the airport?" Linda asked.

"We need to be there at 5:30 a.m." Tyler said as Derek and Cody came into the kitchen carrying a several bags

"Hi, Mom," Derek said, giving his Mother a kiss.

"Welcome home, sweetie," Linda said giving him a kiss. Linda then took Cody into a hug. Cody held on to Linda tight savouring the hug. When Cody opened his eyes he saw Tyler smiling at him.

"Cody!" Kyle yelled running into the kitchen over to give him a hug.

"Good to be home, eh, Cody?" Tyler asked.

"It is so good, Ty!" Cody said, as he held on to Kyle.

"Do you boys want something to eat?" Linda asked.

"I do!!!!!" Luke said and everyone laughed.

"I need to get to bed but first I want to upload the pictures of the house I took for you to see," Tyler said.

Everyone heard the scratching at the door and Casey ran over to let Abbey back inside. She headed straight to Derek, then Tyler, and then she checked out Cody as she quickly remembered who he was.

"Where's Dad?" Derek asked.

"He's in his office," Linda said.

"Actually I'm standing right here." Larry said standing right behind Derek.

"Got the pics up!" Tyler said and everyone gathered around the computer. Tyler got off of his bar stool to allow everyone to crowd around. Kyle took Tyler's place and ran the mouse. Tyler picked up Luke and held him in his arms so he could see.

Cody picked up Casey and held him up high so he could see the screen better. He tapped Casey three times and Casey, with his arms around Cody's shoulders, squeezed his back three times. Cody whispered in Casey's ear 'I love you' and Casey kissed Cody's neck and rested his head down on Cody's shoulder as he yawned.

Cody caught Tyler's eye and nodded to the right hinting that he was taking Casey up to bed. Cody lay Casey down in his bed and pulled the covers up over him.

"I love you, Casey! I'm so happy you are my brother," Cody said kissing Casey's forehead.

"Will you sleep with me tonight?" Casey asked as he yawned.

"I don't think there will be enough room but I will lie down with you for a while, okay?" Cody offered and Casey smiled. Cody lay down on top of the bed and slid his right arm under Casey's pillow and his left around Casey. Cody was asleep before Casey.

Tyler came into the room with Luke still in his arms. "Looks like you've got a full bed already?" Tyler said.

"Can I sleep with you?" Luke asked.

"Might be kind of crowded. How about you sleep with Kyle?" Tyler suggested

"Derek can sleep with Kyle," Luke said as he lay his head down on Tyler's shoulder. Tyler carried him to Derek's room and pulled back the comforter to lay Luke down in bed.

Tyler stripped down naked and opened one of the drawers to pull out a pair of night shorts. He turned to see Luke watching him.

"You know that if you watch guys change people are going to think you are gay?" Tyler teased.

"Not gonna happen, Ty! Too many girls want me," Luke proudly declared and Tyler laughed.

"Glad to hear it, Luke," Tyler said, laughing, as he set the alarm clock for 4:15 a.m.

"Why is that?" Luke asked.

"Because I want you to get married and have lots of kids so I can be their Uncle and spoil them rotten... like you!" Tyler said crawling into bed beside Luke.

"Kids? Yuck! No kids! Could you imagine five little Luke's running around?" Luke said laughing. "I can barely stand myself, much less five of me!" he added and Tyler laughed.

"Don't worry Luke... I'm already putting some of my tips aside to help pay for peanut butter," Tyler said as he put his arm around Luke and kissed the back of his head.

"I really don't deserve to have someone as great as you...," Luke pondered out loud.

"I think it's the other way around, Luke," Tyler said.

"I think you're right, Ty," Luke said giggling.

"Go to sleep, Lucas," Tyler said.

"I love you, Tyler," Luke said.

"Of course you do, Luke... you're the smart one in this family," Tyler teased.

"Oww! That hurt, Luke," Tyler said and Luke giggled. Tyler squeezed Luke's hand three times.

"Looks like you're stuck with me tonight, Kyle," Derek said.

"Yeah, right... you can have the floor," Kyle teased as he stripped naked and crawled into bed.

Derek also got naked but put on a pair of flannel pyjama bottoms.

"What are you wearing those for?" Kyle asked.

"Because I'm cold," Derek said, as he tied up the drawstring at the front.

"No one is ever cold who sleeps with me," Kyle said laughing.

"Chill out, not-so-little-dude! I need a few hours sleep before we leave for Iowa," Derek said.

Kyle pulled open the comforter and patted the open side of the bed saying, "C'mere, sweet cheeks!" he laughed.

"I'll kill you if you ever say that again!" Derek said as he got into bed under the comforter.

"I missed you today," Kyle said.

"I missed you too," Derek said wrapping his arm around Kyle. "Damn! You are hot?" Derek said.

"Told ya." Kyle grinned. "Why are exactly are you going to Iowa? It can't be over a cow."

"Danny came out to his parents and grandmother today. His mom didn't take it that well. She didn't take it all that bad either... but she isn't talking to him at the moment," Derek said.

"Is Danny going to be okay?" Kyle asked.

"What do you think? Once the family has spent 24 hours with Tyler I'm sure everything will be okay," Derek said.

"Ahhh, the Tyler effect," Kyle teased.

"Don't you know it," Derek laughed.

"I wish I could go with you guys to Iowa," Kyle grumbled.

"Sorry, Kyle, but this is really about Danny and Cody. I'm just there to keep Tyler company. If the truth be told I would rather stay here with you," Derek said and Kyle turned over and gave Derek a quick kiss.

"Thanks. Sometimes I'm jealous of Tyler having you," Kyle said not looking up at him.

"You need never be jealous Kyle. You are and always will be my best friend above all others. When no one else believed in me, you always did and I will never forget that. Now please go to sleep?" Derek asked.

Tyler tried to reach over Luke to shut the alarm off but woke up to discover someone was holding on to him. As he untangled himself from Derek, he finally found the snooze button. Neither Luke nor Derek was phased by the sound of the alarm going off. Tyler took a quick pee and jumped into the shower. After shaving he threw on a clean pair of boxers and went into Luke's bedroom to wake Cody up. He saw that Cody was still wearing his clothes from the night before and was safely protecting Casey in his arms from any harm.

Tyler shook his wet head over Cody and the spray of tiny droplets of water woke Cody up. "Morning, Cody," Tyler whispered as he kissed Cody's cheek.

"Time to get up. The shower in Derek's room is all set up and ready. I left a towel out on the vanity," Tyler said.

"I hate you at this time of the morning," Cody said, rubbing his eyes with his free arm.

"You can hate me on the plane! Get up!" Tyler said as he left the room to go make some coffee.

Tyler walked into the kitchen wearing only his boxers and found Larry sitting on a bar stool, sipping on a mug of coffee and reading the newspaper.

"Morning, Dad," Tyler said, and put his arms Larry giving him a hug and not letting go. Larry finally dropped the paper and put both arms around Tyler.

"Morning Tyler. Is everything okay?" Larry asked.

"Yeah, I just needed a hug from my Dad," Tyler said, as he laid his head down on Larry's shoulder.

"I have days like that too, Tyler," Larry said.

"I need you so much, Dad!" Tyler said.

"I need you more but it's too early to argue about it!" Larry said smiling. Tyler poured three mugs of coffee.

As Tyler climbed the staircase a half-asleep Luke was stumbling down the stairs dragging Mango in his right hand. They stopped and looked at each other.

"Nice cock!" Luke said looking at the mass of flesh tucked within Tyler's night shorts.

"Nice bed head!" Tyler responded. Luke glared trying to hold back the grin that was forming.

"Bite me!" Luke said passing Tyler on the stairs.

"Not without my shots...," Tyler said continuing up the stairs with three mugs of coffee.

By five o'clock in the morning all three boys came bouncing down the stairs and into the kitchen. Each was wearing jeans and a plaid shirt.

Luke looked up from his toasted peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwich and asked, "You guys going to a gay rodeo?" Larry snorted his coffee through his nose.

Derek put his hands on hips and twitched his nose saying in an effeminate voice, "Bitch!"

"Derek, watch your language!" Tyler said smiling. "Just thought I would save you the trouble of saying it, Dad." Tyler grinned. Larry smiled but never looked up from his newspaper.

"Are you boys ready for me to take you to the airport?" Larry asked.

"Yes, Sir," Tyler said. "Derek make sure you grab the cinnamon buns out of the freezer for Danny."

"Dad?" Luke asked reading a section of the paper.

"Yes, Son?" Larry said.

"Can we go to Du Bois, Pennsylvania?" Luke asked.

"What? That's like 5 hours north of here!" Larry said.

"Isn't that the quiet little town that a bunch of white pride racists tried to set up shop?" Derek said.

"Nope, that was Potter County I think... and the town folk made them unwelcome, thankfully. Du Bois is in Clearfield County," Larry said. "What's in Du Bois, Pennsylvania, Luke?"

"Peanut Butter Hot Dogs!" Luke declared. "They make them at Palumbo's Meat Market in Du Bois!"

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Derek said.

"I think I already was," Cody added.

"They sound kind of cool!" Tyler said and Larry, Derek, and Cody glared at him.

"SEE! I knew Tyler would support me!" Luke said smiling and pointing at Tyler.

"Actually I was thinking of getting some to feed to snotty little brats at the restaurant!" Tyler said and everyone but Luke laughed.

"Your death shall be as painful as those of the rest of these Heathens!" Luke announced leaving the kitchen.

"Let's go before he does something...," Derek said.

Donning their cowboy hats all three boys pulled or carried their bags into the airport security check-in at the American Airlines desk. They showed their tickets and identification papers and then headed over to security. Cody led the way to the security check. He emptied his pockets, removed his watch and shoes, and walked through the metal detector.

"Why do we have to remove our shoes?" Derek asked.

"Remember the shoe bomber? You elected President Bush... so deal with it!" Tyler grinned.

One of the three security guards on duty looked at the identification and burst into laughter upon seeing Cody's cowboy hat," Cody lowered his cowboy hat.

"Are you heading to Texas?" the security guard asked pointing to the cowboy hat.

"Des Moines, Iowa, actually," Cody said smiling.

The guards all laughed out loud. "You've never been to Iowa before have you?" he asked.

"No, Sir," Cody said.

"Well there will be at least three cowboys in Iowa this afternoon." The guard said laughing to the point of tears running down his face.

The plane had only four seats to a row. Cody sat by the window for his first flight ever and Derek was beside him. Tyler was across the aisle with an empty seat beside him at the window. They were located about two-thirds of the way down the airplane with no one sitting behind them.

"How long till we reach Chicago?" Cody asked.

"About two hours, depending on the wind," Tyler said.

"Do they serve us breakfast?" Cody asked.

"They give you a snack," Derek said. "Peanuts and warm soda to be exact!"

Tyler held up a second bag of cinnamon buns!

"Sweet! One more reason why I love you so much." Derek said as he leaned across the aisle and kissed Tyler.

Once they were in the air a Steward came along to offer 'breakfast' to them.

"Are you serious?" Cody asked.

"Yes Sir!" she said placing a napkin and bag of salted peanuts on the tray in front of him.

"Excuse me Ma'am?" Tyler began. "Could we get three coffees and maybe have you leave a full decanter of coffee with us for the flight?"

"That's against regulations to leave a decanter unattended," she said smiling politely.

"It should be against the law to serve peanuts and warm soda too!" Tyler began, "But we have freshly made cinnamon buns in this bag." Tyler added opening the brown paper bag for her to see. "I think we could work a deal?" Tyler grinned.

"I'll be right back with your coffee, gentlemen," she said smiling politely.

Tyler pulled out a cinnamon bun and bit into it. "Excuse me Ma'am," Tyler called. "Cody needs double-double please!" she stared for a second at the cinnamon bun before heading back to the galley.

"You're such a slut!" Derek said laughing.

"For coffee? Damn right!" Tyler said.

They exited the Des Moines International Airport at 10:15 a.m. and caught a cab to the Radisson Hotel on the airport strip.

"You got us two rooms?" Cody asked beaming.

"Two connecting rooms with king-sized beds!" Tyler said.

"We could have taken the free shuttle, Ty," Derek said.

"True, but Josh here is trying to make a living! Right Josh?" Tyler asked.

"Yes Sir. We appreciate your using our taxi!" Josh said as he pulled into the Radisson Hotel.

"Josh, are you working Thursday morning?" Tyler asked.

"Yes Sir, I work every morning except Sunday!" Josh said.

"Do you have a cell phone or a way we can ask for you specifically?" Tyler asked.

Josh handed Tyler his card and wrote his personal cell phone number on it. "Call me anytime, day or night!" Josh said as he opened the trunk of his taxi and began to remove their luggage.

"Thanks Josh. I'm Tyler, and this is Derek and that is Cody!" Tyler said pointing and introducing each of them. "We are leaving for a farm on Vandalia Road in a couple of hours. Can we call you?"

"I would be my pleasure, Tyler," Josh said smiling. "Nice cowboy hats by the way, guys," Josh said holding back his laughter. Tyler shook hands slipping a twenty-dollar bill into his hand.

"Do you have family here?" Tyler asked.

"My wife and my beautiful daughter, Zana!" Josh said opening his wallet and showing Tyler and the boys her picture.

"She's beautiful Josh! Congratulations! Consider yourself hired for 48 hours and if you have a private vehicle when not on duty that will do fine and we will amply compensate your for your time and gasoline used!" Tyler said smiling.

"Good morning, Gentlemen!" the man behind the counter said.

"Good Morning... Steven!" Tyler said reading his nameplate. "We are here to check in. Here is our confirmation number and we have two connecting rooms with king-sized beds!"

Steven, a young man in his early twenties with spiky brown hair was dressed in a white shirt with a red Radisson embroidered tie and black pants. Tyler winked at Derek and Cody, signalling them to peek over the counter and notice the nicely packed bulge inside his black dress pants. As Stephen typed away on his computer he looked up briefly to see Derek and Cody staring down at his crotch. He stopped typing and stared at them. They both looked up at his face and blushed. Steven smiled and looked over at Tyler who simply rolled his eyes.

"Now there will be a total of three of you staying in the two rooms?" Steven asked.

"Actually, Derek and I will be in one room and Cody will be in the other, but Cody's boyfriend is expected to join us," Tyler said.

"Oh...," Steven groaned.

"Is that a problem?" Tyler asked.

"Only for me... I was going to sneak into Cody's room tonight," Steven joked.

Derek and Tyler burst out laughing and Cody blushed even redder! Steven grinned at Cody.

"Cody, if I can do anything to make your stay more pleasant just call the front desk!" Steven teased.

"Anything?" Derek asked.

"Anything!" Steven replied, "Anything... for Cody!"

Derek made a pouty face and Steven laughed.

"I will need the two of you to fill out these cards, and, Mr. Peel, I'll need to see your credit card and have you sign this form!" Steven said distributing pens and forms to each of them.

"We also need to fill these out?" Derek asked.

"Not really, but I wanted Cody's address and phone number," Steven said with a very straight face and then started to laugh. "Seriously, if anything was to happen like a fire, or terrorist attack on Radisson Airport Des Moines, we want to be able to let your next of kin know that I was in Cody's bed... <ahem> I mean that you guys were staying here!" Steven said and Tyler laughed.

Steven collected all of the cards back from them and ran Tyler's VISA card through the reader to make an imprint.

"Anything else I can do for you gentlemen? Personalized sponge bath, make the stars outside tonight a little brighter, warm your bed for you?" Steven joked.

Tyler and Derek looked over at Cody and laughed.

"Perhaps you would like a personal massage, or I could light candles and read from the Kabbalah?" Steven said leaning towards Cody.

"Cody's a Mormon!" Derek said laughing and walking away with his access card.

"I'm not a moron!" Cody said defensively.

"Yes, you are!" Tyler said laughing. "Thanks, Steven."

"Fourth floor? Sweet!" Cody said.

"How did you enjoy your first plane ride, Cody?" Tyler asked as they got out of the elevator.

"Frick'n awesome, Ty! The only thing that would have made it better was if Danny was on the flight with me!" Cody said.

"Open our rooms, guys!" Tyler said.

"WHOA!" Derek and Cody said as they walked into their rooms. Derek opened the door to Cody's room and knocked. Cody opened his door and smiled.

Derek and Tyler's room was not unlike their dorm room with a bathroom in beige marble tile on the right. Beyond the bathroom the room opened up to the right with a kitchenette on the bathroom wall, a king-size bed, two recliners, an eight-foot desk and bureau with a D.L.P. television on top of it. The comforter was a deep burgundy colour with a beige vine of roses running through it. The drapes covering the window were in the same fabric but reversed in colour. Amenities included an ironing board and iron, coffee machine, bar fridge, mini-stove, microwave oven, and small round glass dining table with two chairs in front of the kitchenette. Cody's room was the exactly the same but in reverse.

Tyler unpacked his laptop computer and hooked it up to the direct line in the room. He then plugged in his USB webcam and turned on his computer. Moments later he was talking with Kyle on MSN.

"Holy fuck!" Kyle typed. "That room is amazing!"

"Let your parents know that we arrived safely here and I have my cell phone on for emergencies," Tyler typed. "Derek said to tell you we are having a four-way tonight on cam!" Tyler laughed as he typed.

"I'll be online with Chris!" Kyle typed grinning into his own cam.

"Love you Kyle! Got to go!" Tyler typed and then waved bye to the cam.

"1232, Ty." Kyle typed.

Derek and Tyler heard the roar of laughter coming from Cody's room and ran in to find out what was so funny.

"You getting naked in front of the mirror again?" Derek teased.

"Look at the card Steven gave me!" Cody said holding it out for Derek to read.

"What? It's got his phone number and his email address!" Derek said.

Tyler took the card from Derek's hand and burst into laughter.

"What?" Derek asked.

"Read the email address!" Cody said laughing.

Derek pulled the card out of Tyler's hand and read out loud. "tonguepunchmydirtstar@hotmail.com! Oh my God...that is so rude, and yet so funny!"

"That's actually worse than Kyle's email address!" Tyler said.

"What's Kyle's email address?" Cody asked.

"Jackmeoffalot@hotmail.com" Tyler and Derek said in unison and then began laughing.

"Okay guys, we need to discuss Danny! We're going to show up and surprise him, right?" Tyler asked.

"Word!" Derek said.

"Indeed!" Cody added.

"Now let's work this out? We've got Mom and she isn't happy," Tyler said.

"Flowers!" Cody said.

"Good idea!" Tyler said. "Then there is Grandma also!"

"Flowers!" Derek said grinning.

"Nice Babe..., and completely original I might add," Tyler said.

"What about his Dad?" Derek asked.

"From what Danny has said his Dad is really cool and apparently used to party hard before the Mom came along. We could take them out for dinner?" Tyler suggested.

"Should we bring a change of clothing?" Cody asked.

"Maybe but we're likely to be in the barn today and if Bessie gives birth it might be messy," Tyler said.

"Ewwwwww!" Cody and Derek said together.

"I'm taking my camera and laptop in my backpack so we can show them the pictures of the new house and I promised Luke a picture of me with Bessie the cow," Tyler said. "Why don't one of you empty your backpack and we can all put a change of clothing in it?" Tyler asked.

Cody picked up his backpack and dumped it on his bed. "Empty! Go get some clothes, guys," he said.

Tyler and Derek went back into their room and Tyler whispered in Derek's ear, "I need a couple minutes alone with Cody. I will explain later!" Tyler said.

"You don't ever have to explain anything to me, Babe!" Derek whispered back in Tyler's ear.

"I love you!" Tyler said kissing Derek's cheek and pulling out his credit card from his wallet.

"Take four minutes and do it twice?" Derek suggested and Tyler glared at him.

"Cody?" Tyler said quietly dragging him over to the window. "Here is my credit card. Don't lose it! When we go to dinner tonight you are going to insist on taking everyone out and paying for it. Just forge my signature... nobody really checks it anyway."

"Are you serious?" Cody asked.

"Yeah. Serious about what?" Tyler grinned.

"I can't afford to pay to take them all out to dinner. I appreciate it Tyler but it would take me a year to pay you back," Cody said putting the card back in Tyler's hand.

"Fine!" Tyler said pulling out a wad of bills. He counted out four hundred dollars in twenty-dollar denomination and stuck it in Cody's hand. "You don't owe me anything Cody and we are doing this for you and Danny. It's important that Danny's mom see how important he is to you."

"Even if I get the job this summer, I can't afford...," Cody began until Tyler interrupted him.

"Cody! Listen to me please? What I have is ours! All of it! Do you not understand that money doesn't mean a damn thing without you guys in my life? None of this trip is an expense! It's an investment in our family for the future!" Tyler said and Cody put his arms around Tyler's neck and they held on to each without saying anything.

"My life is nothing without you, and Danny, and Derek!" Tyler said. "Family isn't about whether you are a blood relative; it's about the closest relationship any group of people can form! I am the wealthiest man in the world with you three beside me and I have nothing of value without you guys."

"But Ty... this is a lot of money! I want to pay you back," Cody said separating from Tyler's embrace.

"We don't keep score Cody and there is no running tab. Anything you need that I can give to you is and will always be yours and hopefully you feel the same way," Tyler said.

"I do but I can't give what you can give," Cody said.

Tyler shook his head. "I wasn't talking about money Cody. My three best friends in the world give me more than I will ever be able to give back to them."

Tyler phoned Josh's cell phone and told him that they were ready to be picked up. "Let's go boys! We've got flowers to buy, a brother to help, and a cow to assist giving birth," Tyler said and Derek and Cody laughed.

Josh drove them out to Vandalia Road after a brief stop at a flower shop and when they found the mailbox that read "The Armitages" he stopped. Tyler asked Josh to let them out there and they would walk the quarter mile up the driveway to the house and barn. Cody and Derek looked at each other and moaned.

"Guys? Don't you want this to be a surprise?" Tyler asked as he paid Josh thirty-dollars for a twelve-dollar fair.

"Sure..." Derek moaned. "It's not like it's 20 degrees outside... oh Wait? It is 20 degrees outside!" The three boys walked up the tree-lined dirt driveway sliding on patches of ice that had built up in random potholes.

"Look at the size of that farm house!" Cody said pointing. "Aside from Derek's house I've never been a house that big."

"Look at the covered porch that goes all the way around the house. This would be so cool on a hot summer's night," Tyler said as they climbed the slope nearing the house.

The three of them stood at the bottom of the steps and looked up at the red brick farmhouse.

"I want my boy! Let's do it!" Cody said, as he started up the steps first. Tyler and Derek looked at each other and grinned and then followed. All three stood at the front door. Cody was in the centre flanked by Tyler and Derek on each side. Tyler pulled his cowboy hat off and the others followed suit.

Cody put his hand up to knock on the door and stopped. Tyler pushed the doorbell. Cody looked to his left and glared at Tyler.

"Hello?" Janet said answering the door.

"Mrs. Armitage?" Cody asked.

"Yes." She said pausing and then bringing her hand to her mouth. Her eyes widened with shock.

"These are for you!" Cody said smiling and handing her a dozen yellow sweetheart roses.

"Thank you," she said in a cautious way. "You're Cody?" she asked.

"Yes Ma'am!" Cody said smiling. "Is Daniel around?"

"He's at the barn with his father," she said as she looked back and forth between Tyler and Derek as well.

"Daniel didn't tell me we were expecting company?" Janet said.

"Company?" Cody said and Derek snorted. Tyler leaned back and frowned at Derek from behind Cody.

"No Ma'am. We thought we would surprise him. We have a hotel room near the airport so we won't be in your way," Cody said smiling politely.

"We're here to help with Bessie the cow!" Tyler added. Derek snorted again and began to laugh.

"Tyler's never even seen a real cow before," Derek said to Janet.

Janet's attempt at a smile failed miserably.

"Is Danny's Grandmother home?" Tyler asked.

"Yes, she's resting upstairs," Janet said, not budging an inch or welcoming them in.

"Derek?" Tyler said.

"Oh right...," Derek said and he pulled out another dozen roses and handed them to Janet.

"Those are for Danny's grandmother," Tyler said. "We apologize for interrupting you. We'll just go over to the barn and see Danny and get out of your way." Tyler said walking away before Mrs. Armitage could say anything. He walked along the porch around the side of the house and Cody and Derek followed.

All three stopped in front of the barn door.

"Ready, guys?" Tyler asked grinning.

"Ready!" Derek and Cody said in unison.

"Got Buns?" Tyler asked and Cody held up the bag grinning.

"How's my hat?" Derek asked.

"You look great Derek... can't wait to do you on a bale of hay!" Tyler teased.

"I wonder if Danny had to chose between me and a bag of cinnamon buns which he would pick?" Cody asked.

"Now that is a stupid question!" Derek said.

"Don't even go there, Derek!" Tyler said winking at Derek so Cody could see.

They opened the barn door and walked inside closing the door behind them. The first third of the barn was an open area with a tractor parked on the right side and multiple farm implements hung on the wall. On the left side of the barn were an oil furnace burning away and a large workbench with numerous tools. Roger was holding a plank of wood still while Danny was using a skill saw to cut a pattern out of it. Tyler knew right away that they were building a support for a set of stairs.

As Tyler, Cody, and Derek approached Danny from behind, Roger looked up and Tyler put his finger to his mouth to shush him. Roger smiled immediately recognizing all three of them from the picture. Roger began laughing. He couldn't stop. Danny looked up at his Dad through his safety goggles and stopped the handsaw.

"What?" Danny asked.

"Nothing...," Roger said almost in tears from laughing. He was trying his best not to look at the boys and give them away.

"What's so funny?" Danny asked.

"Nothing Danny... I guess you just look so cute in those goggles. Don't you wish Cody could see you right now? I should take a picture!" Roger said still laughing.

"Don't even bring that up, Dad. I miss him so much right now," Danny said.

"I know you do son. Why don't you take a break?" Roger asked.

"I'm okay, Dad. I want to help you get as much stuff done as I can before I leave," Danny said.

"Look. Go up to the house and get some fresh coffee for us. Maybe find out when lunch is?" Roger asked rolling his eyes.

Tyler, Cody, and Derek had approached within a few feet behind Danny. Boomer came out from the back of the barn and began barking at the strangers.

Danny pulled off his goggles and turned around to see what Boomer was barking at.

"Oooooh oooooh oooooh!" Danny screamed with his mouth wide open. He began jumping up and down. He ran and jumped up into Cody's arms wrapping his legs around him. Derek put his hand on Cody's back protecting him from falling backwards. Tyler looked at Danny's closed eyes and saw the tears running out. Derek could hear Cody whispering 'I love you' in Danny's left ear as they spun around in circles.

A grinning Tyler turned to look Mr. Armitage and saw him quickly wipe his eyes. Tyler went over an introduced himself to the proud father.

"Pleasure to meet Danny's father. I'm Tyler," he said extending his hand to shake.

"I knew that from the pictures!" Roger said. "I'm Danny's Dad, Roger!"

"You have a great son Sir! We may all be brothers but he is still my best friend!" Tyler said quietly as they watched Danny switch over to hugging Derek. "I do have to tell you that I pick on him mercilessly!" Tyler said to Roger.

"I would expect no less from his best friend!" Roger joked.

Danny turned around from hugging Derek and looked at Tyler grinning at him. "What the fuck are you doing here, Puckhead?" Danny asked, and Tyler and Roger started to laugh.

"We came to help Bessie." Tyler said grinning as he kneeled down to pet Boomer.

"Get over here so I can hug you!" Danny said with tears running down his eyes.

Danny threw himself around Tyler and began sobbing.

"I thought you would be happy to see me?" Tyler said and Roger, Cody, and Derek laughed.

Boomer started barking because he wanted attention as well.

"Hush, Boomer!" Danny said.

"Boomer?" Cody and Derek said looking at each other.

"If I didn't know before, I now know what it means to have brothers!" Danny said into Tyler's ear.

"If you ever doubted how much we love you Danny I will strip you naked and lock you outside!" Tyler said looking into Danny's eyes with a big grin and a little wink.

"I can't believe you guys are here?" Danny said wiping his eyes and sniffling.

"We're always here for our brother," Derek said.

"Speak for yourself! I came for the cow," Cody joked and Roger slapped one hand off of his knee as he laughed.

"Pops! This is the love of my life, Cody Conners!" Danny said with his arm around Cody's waist.

"Nice to meet you, Sir!" Cody said extending his hand.

Roger pulled Cody into a hug and said, "Nice to meet the guy who's going to make an honest woman out of my little girl!" Tyler and Derek burst into laughter as they high-fived each other.

"I'm just checking out the dowry, Sir!" Cody joked and Roger began laughing.

"I can see it's going to be great having you around the house, Cody. You can have Danny's room and we'll build him a bunk up in the loft here!" Roger teased.

"I see where all of this is going now.... Uh huh!" Danny grinned with his arms crossed.

"Shut up, farm boy! We're here aren't we?" Cody said, as he let go of Roger.

"Moooooooooooooooooo" Bessie said announcing her presence.

"Is that Bessie?" Cody asked.

"The one and only!" Danny said grinning.

"You know boys... Danny's come home twice now since going away to school and he first visits with Boomer and then with Bessie... and then his family!" Roger said teasing.

"Have you got chickens?" Derek asked getting into the spirit of the farm.

"Not this time of year unless you count what's in the freezer?" Roger said smiling.

They all walked over to the closest stall on the right to see Bessie.

"Why is she wearing a harness?" Cody asked.

"Because she's going to calve any day now and she might not be able to stand up so we harness her and lower that wench up on the ceiling to pick her up. We also use it to keep the cows and horses still if they need to hosed out!" Danny said.

"Hosed out?" Tyler asked.

"Cleaned out if you prefer... want me to draw you a picture or can you figured it out all by yourself?" Danny asked winking at Tyler.

"I thought cows usually calved in the spring?" Tyler asked.

"Normally yes, but Bessie wouldn't have anything to do with the Bull no matter how hard he tried. We figured by fall it wasn't going to happen but I guess it did," Danny laughed as he petted Bessie.

"Don't cows usually lie down to give birth?" Cody asked.

"They always lie down but if there is a problem and we have to help pull the calf out, it is a lot easier to have her standing and standing still!" Danny said. "That's why she's going to have her calf indoors. If it happened out in a field we might not even find the calf before it freezes to death."

Bessie was not happy with the strangers surrounding her pen but when Tyler fed her a hand full of hay she licked his hand.

"Bessie, I want you to know that I don't even eat red meat!" Bessie chewed on her hay and then licked Tyler's hand again.

"She likes me!" Tyler proudly announced.

"Actually she's checking out your salt content!" Danny said laughing. Danny broke off a chunk of a salt lick and put it Tyler's hand. "Hold it really tight!" he said and Bessie began licking at the chunk of salt in Tyler's hand.

"That tongue could wrap around my entire arm!" Tyler said.

"Among other things, Ty!" Derek joked.

"Word! Derek you've just been replaced by a cow!" Tyler joked and Roger started laughing.

"Hey, guys, let me take you up to the house and you can meet Mom and Grandma!" Danny said.

"Actually, Danny, we were already at the house and met your Mom," Tyler said very seriously.

"Oh okay... oh! I understand," Danny said looking down at the floor.

"Besides, we are here for Bessie not to see you. We wanted to help her calve," Tyler said.

"I thought one look at Tyler's face and it would have already happened!" Derek said grinning at Tyler. Roger just shook his head as he laughed at the banter going on between them.

"Maybe she needs glasses," Derek added.

"Do you give her anything to knock her out for the pain because we could always have Derek breathe on her," Tyler shot back. Derek gave Tyler the evil eye with a grin to match.

"Can I go inside the pen and get a picture taken of us together?" Tyler asked.

"You going to run the picture in the wedding announcements section of the paper?" Roger asked and everyone laughed.

"Derek, make sure the flash is turned off," Danny said.

Danny led Tyler inside the pen and Tyler was able to put his arm around her neck and rub her. <Snap>

"Got it!" Derek said laughing.

Tyler took his hat off and put it on top of Bessie's head for the second picture. He then bent down on one knee and Bessie licked the side of his face. <Snap>

"That's the best of the three pics! Can you say desktop quality?" Derek joked.

"Speaking of desktop quality...," Roger began. "I could probably recognize all of you if you dropped your pants and bent over!" he teased.

"Oh Yeah! That pic of you guys in the Jacuzzi is on my desktop at the house!" Danny said laughing.

"You didn't?" Cody asked.

"Grandma thought it was funny!" Danny said laughing.

"Okay how about a shot of the four of you with Bessie?" Roger suggested and Derek handed him the camera. Roger snapped a picture of all of them and then Bessie let one go and Roger snapped a second picture of all of their faces from the smell.

"That's a desktop picture if I've ever seen one!" Roger said handing the camera back to Derek.

"Damn!" Derek said. "Cow farts are the worst!"

"About time you realized what it's like sleeping with Danny!" Cody said and Danny punched him in the arm.

"How long are you guys staying?" Danny asked.

"We're leaving Thursday morning with you!" Tyler said smiling.

"Really? We are headed back on the same flight?" Danny asked.

"Really, really!" Cody, Derek, and Tyler responded and laughed.

"We've got a hotel room at the Radisson by the airport. So we won't be in anyone's way," Tyler said smiling but Danny just looked embarrassed.

"I'm sure you boys must be hungry so I'm going go see what mother and I can wrestle up for lunch!" Roger said.

"Sir, we don't want to be in Mrs. Armitage's way," Tyler said. Tyler looked at Cody and moved his head slightly to signal him it was time.

"Mr. Armitage?" Cody asked.

"It's Roger." He said putting his arm around Cody's shoulder. "Or if you prefer you can call me Dad, or the retarded kid's father... whatever makes you comfortable?"

Tyler and Derek almost fell over laughing. Danny glared at his Dad with a smirk.

"Sir, we would really like to take all of you, including Grandma, out for dinner tonight," Cody said.

"We won't be late, Dad. Cody's idea of dinner is drive-thru!" Danny teased.

"Danny's idea of dinner is a donut shop!" Cody shot back. "Maybe we can leave Danny here and take Boomer instead?" Cody asked Roger.

"Don't even get me started on having to rub steak all over Danny as a kid to get the dog to play with him...," Roger said and everyone laughed. "I'll be back in a bit when lunch is ready!" Roger said putting on his winter coat to leave the barn.

"C'mon, guys, I'll give you a tour," Danny said.

"You go ahead, Danny. Derek and I are going to stay here and play with Boomer and Bessie," Tyler said.

Derek looked at him with furrowed brows. Tyler looked at him and shook his head slightly. Derek clued in and smiled.

"Yeah, you guys go ahead. We can see it later," Derek said.

Danny ran over to Tyler who was down on his knees rubbing Boomer's tummy and kissed him. "Thanks, Ty," Danny whispered and ran off grabbing Cody's hand and dragging him up the stairs to the loft overhead.

"Sorry about that," Derek said.

"Sorry about what?" Tyler asked.

"I should have known what you were thinking. More so, I should have thought of it myself. I just think this place is so cool. It's so peaceful! I think I could live here." Derek said grinning as he sat down beside Tyler and scratched Boomer's ears.

"What do you think about Mrs. Armitage?" Tyler asked.

"She seems like a mean old witch! Do you notice how Danny always talks about the fun in the barn, his dad, and his grandmother but never says much about his mom?" Derek asked.

"She seems like the female version of my father actually, bitter, controlling, and cold!" Tyler said.

"And those are her good points!" Derek joked. "Did you see the look in her eyes? She knew who we were. She really gave Cody a cool stare," Derek added.

"Yeah, I caught that. I think I better stay away from her or I am going to have it out with her." Tyler mused.

"Yeah I understand but it's still Danny's Mom," Derek said.

Roger walked in the mudroom door outside the kitchen. Grandma was peeling carrots and celery while Janet was mixing potato salad.

"Somebody hitting on my two favourite women?" Roger teased seeing the two vases filled with roses.

"My grandson's boyfriend brought one of them for me!" Grandma boasted. "Aren't they lovely? What a thoughtful boy! I can't wait to meet him," she said.

"He's a wonderful boy, Mom," Roger said.

"Hmmmpft!" Janet sighed.

"What's that supposed to mean, Janet?" Roger asked.

"What is what supposed to mean?" Janet shot back with a glare.

"I've learned to stay out of your kitchen and as a matter of fact... stay out of what you do in this house, but I'm going to tell you right now that you had better be on your best behaviour today!" Roger warned.

"Excuse me?" Janet said, turning to face him.

"You heard me! You do anything to make our son not want to come back home and you will lose more than just your son!" Roger said.

"Roger! That is no way to talk to your wife!" Grandma interjected.

"Mom, stay out of this!" Roger said.

"Yes, Mom, please...," Janet said.

"That Cody is one fine boy and so are Tyler and Derek! I don't know what happened up here at the house but I don't think they even want to step inside of this place," Roger said.

"Roger? I had no warning that we we're having guests for lunch... or even dinner I gather! If they had any manners they would have let Daniel know they were coming," Janet shot back.

"Janet! They are staying at a hotel, not here! They came to surprise Danny because he needed their support! Thank God for them since his own mother isn't there for him!" Roger said and Janet slammed the bowl of potato salad down on the counter, pulled her apron off throwing it on the counter, and stormed out of the kitchen in tears.

"Roger!" Grandma said.

"I don't want to hear it, Mom!" Roger said leaving the kitchen.

Roger pushed the bedroom door open so hard it bounced back against the wall and almost hit him. Janet was sitting on her side of the bed holding tissues up to her face. She jumped at the sound of the door.

"You've got one son and one son only! I don't give a rat's ass if you don't like that our son is gay or what your Bible says about it? You will do your very best to be polite for the sake of our son and if you don't, I assure you that your son won't be the only one leaving on Thursday!" Roger yelled.

Janet looked up at Roger's face from behind her tissues.

"Those boys want to take us all out for dinner tonight and you can either have a headache and stay at home or you can give your only son's friends a chance? I still don't know what the hell happened up here this morning but I sure would like to know why they don't even want to come up to the house for lunch?" Roger asked.

"Don't you dare tell me how I should feel or act," Janet said through her tears.

"I think you should worry a little less about what the neighbours might think and a little more about how your son is going to feel about you," Roger said. "It took us six years to have a child that survived and you are about to turn him away? I don't think you're the woman I married. Hell, I don't think I even know who you are anymore!" Roger said slamming the door shut as he left.

Roger walked into the kitchen and stopped. His mother looked up at him and then looked back at the celery sticks she was cutting up.

"What do you need help with for making lunch, Mom?" Roger asked.

"Nothing really but you could set the table? Janet's got fried chicken warming up in the oven along with two apples pies from the freezer. She's been busy making lunch for everyone since they arrived but you didn't take the time to notice, did you?" Grandma asked.

"No, Mom," Roger said as he pulled plates out of the cupboard.

"Roger, would you take the biscuits off the wood stove please so they don't burn!" Grandma asked.

"I've got them, Mom," Janet said as she came into the kitchen and put her apron back on.

"Janet! I want to apologize for being rude and yelling here earlier," Roger began.

"Roger. This isn't the time or place!" Janet said not looking at him.

"Don't tell me when the time or place is, Janet! I was rude here and I will apologize here! I am sorry and I do appreciate all the work you and Mom have put into making lunch. Especially when I know it is done without any notice and I hope you'll forgive me," Roger asked and grandma winked at him.

Janet didn't say a word but she seemed to relax a little. "Oh... the gravy is starting to burn!" she said grabbing the pot off of the stove and stirring it. "Roger! There are no glasses on the table for the iced tea and lemonade! Unless you are putting a handful of straws in the pitcher I suggest you put some glasses out?" Janet said sternly, though her voice seemed to calm down with every word.

"Yes, Ma'am!" Roger said winking as his mother.

"Why don't you go call the boys for lunch?" Janet said.

"Why don't you?" Roger said.

"You want me to go out in the cold to your barn to get them? Isn't making lunch without only an hour's notice enough?" Janet asked glaring at Roger.

"I think your son needs to hear you inviting his boyfriend and friends in for lunch? If you really don't want to do it then I will go but I seriously doubt they are going to come up to the house," Roger said as he placed the silverware at each place setting.

Janet took her coat from the hook on the wall in the mudroom and put it on. She then made a small production out of putting her winter boots on, gloves, and scarf.

"Perhaps you should go upstairs and wash up and be having a little nap before lunch, Roger...," Janet said without looking at him.

"Gotta love a woman that knows when to lie for the right reasons!" Roger said to his Mom but loud enough for Janet to hear. The next sound heard was the door slamming shut.

Cody and Danny returned downstairs red faced and as Tyler was about to make a comment the barn door opened.

"Mom?" Danny asked in such a way to make the others question if it really was his mother.

"Your father was laying down for a nap before lunch but everything is ready so I thought I would come and get you boys for lunch," Janet said smiling.

"You could have just used the intercom!" Danny said.

"I wanted to see how Bessie was doing," Janet lied.

"She's doing great Mrs. Armitage! I even got to feed her some hay!" Tyler boasted and the boys all laughed at him.

"What? I've never been to a farm before! I want to move here!" Tyler said grinning.

Derek was sure he heard Janet mumble 'oh God' but didn't comment on it.

"Mom, this is Cody, and that's Derek, and this is Farmer Tyler!" Danny said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all!" Janet smiled. "Now you must be hungry from your flight and lunch is ready so let's go?"

"Don't you want to see Bessie?" Danny asked. Tyler and Derek grinned knowing quite well that she had no interest in Bessie.

"Well Tyler just said she is doing great! Should I not believe Farmer Tyler?" Janet asked.

The boys all laughed at Danny.

"Shut up... the lot of you or no lunch!" Danny said.

"Is there a place here to wash up?" Tyler asked.

"It's nice to see someone knows to clean up before entering a kitchen!" Janet said grinning at Danny. "There's a washroom at the top of the stairs in the house and you can all get cleaned up before lunch!" Janet said.

As all five walked out of the barn together Danny said, "She checks to make sure your nails are clean too!" Everyone laughed.

"I guess there will be more pie for you three since Danny isn't getting any...," Janet said and Cody, Derek, and Tyler said "Oooooooo!"

The four boys headed up stairs to wash up.

"I have to pee!" Tyler said.

"Me too!" Derek added.

"Will you move, Cody?" Danny asked.

"I'd move if I could get around your fat ass!" Cody said.

"My ass isn't fat! Do these jeans make me look fat?" Danny asked.

"No, the cinnamon buns make you look fat!" Derek said laughing and Danny five-starred his back (means an open, hard hand slap)

"Ow!" Derek screamed like a little girl.

"Let me in I need to pee too!" Cody said.

"Can you let me finish first?" Tyler asked.

"Not done yet? Need a hand?" Cody asked.

"NO!" Derek said and Tyler laughed.

"Will you girls finish up in there? A real man needs to pee!" Roger said from outside the door.

Danny opened the door and said. "This is the ladies washroom! Find your own!" Roger and the boys burst into laughter.

Tyler finished washing his hands and said, "I'm outta here... this bathroom is too gay!"

"Word!" Derek said following.

Tyler and Derek were the first to arrive in the kitchen.

"Hi, Mrs. Armitage, I'm Tyler and this is Derek!" Tyler said to Grandma.

"Nice to meet you boys and thank you for the lovely flowers," Grandma said. "Please feel free to call me Frances or Grandma?" she said.

"Sweet! It's a pleasure to meet you, Grandma!" Derek said, holding his hand out to shake hers.

"Did you need any help with lunch, Mrs. Armitage?" Tyler asked.

"If you could carry the plate of fried chicken over please. It's just too heavy for me to lift!" Janet said.

"Should I set in front of Danny's chair?" Tyler joked.

"Yes, I imagine you know what a good eater he is?" she said.

"Yes Ma'am. I've never seen such a small person each so much." Tyler said. "When we have pizza we get one for the three of us and one for Danny."

Everyone gathered in the kitchen to have lunch. Danny was almost drooling looking at the fried chicken. Roger was at one end and Janet at the other end of the table. Derek stood to Roger's right with Grandma beside him and Tyler on her right. Cody and Danny stood together opposite them.

"Roger would you like to say grace?" Janet asked.

"How about one of our boys?" Roger suggested. Janet narrowed her eyes briefly at him. Danny caught the look.

"Could I say grace, Ma'am?" Cody asked.

"Why certainly, Cody," Janet said staring at Roger. Cody and Danny joined hands immediately and Danny held out his hand to take his mother's and Cody took Roger's. Cody, Tyler, and Derek sensed immediately that it wasn't a tradition in the Armitage household.

"Dear Lord, we thank you for this wonderful meal the Armitage's have provided us and the love and kindness they have shown. We are blessed to have Danny as our friend and we thank his parents and Grandmother for giving us the gift of Danny. We thank you, Lord, for all that you have given to us and we ask your forgiveness for where we have done wrong. May your love and guidance be with us everyday forward as we celebrate the New Year coming... and we ask for the safe arrival of Bessie's calf! Amen!" Cody said.

"AMEN!" everyone else said together.

"That was lovely Cody, thank you," Janet said smiling.

"Thanks, Ma'am. We are happy and honoured to be sharing food at your table," Cody said smiling.

Danny reached for chicken off the plate and Janet slapped his hand. "Danny! You offer our guests first!" Janet said.

"Mom, they're not guests, they're family," Danny said staring coldly at his mother. He took his three pieces of chicken and passed the plate to Cody.

Tyler tried to break the awkward silence by saying, "Cool! Potato salad. I love this stuff! My Mom used to make it! I haven't had it since last spring." Tyler picked up the bowl and held it for Grandma to put some on her plate. He then held it for Janet who smiled but said nothing as she put some on her own plate. Tyler gave Cody a quick look showing how uneasy he was there.

When the plates were all filled Tyler asked, "So when is Bessie due?"

"Any moment now," Roger said. "I think in the next 48 hours. She's seems uncomfortable so that is a good sign that she is due to calve."

"You're from Canada?" Grandma asked.

"Yes Ma'am. From Toronto but I think I'm about to become a semi-permanent resident of Philadelphia. I just bought a townhouse for all four of us to live in during the next semester." Tyler said.

"That sounds wonderful!" Grandma said.

"It's really nice. We just took a bunch of pictures and I have them on the computer if you would like to see them after lunch?" Tyler asked.

"I would love to see where my grandson is going to be living," Grandma said patting Tyler's arm.

"It's a big place with five bedrooms. Maybe the three of you would come out and visit us sometime?"

"Well... I don't know Tyler,. I don't think any of us have been out of state except for Janet visiting her sister in Arizona. It does sound like something to consider," Roger said looking at Janet.

"My grandparents are from Arizona...," Cody said trying to get into the conversation.

Everyone was staring at Danny except Cody.

"What?" Danny said with a mouthful of food.

"Don't talk with your mouth full!" Derek said before Janet could get the same words out.

"Sorry, Ma'am!" Derek said grinning.

"No, not at all! I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who ever noticed?" Janet asked smiling at Derek. "As soon as my son finishes we'll have apple pie for dessert unless it goes bad waiting...," Janet teased.

"Do you just bring in a cow and cook it on the wood stove for Danny?" Cody asked.

"We didn't go into farming to make a living, it was just to feed Danny!" Roger joked.

"Now, Roger, don't be picking on my grandson! Danny, did you want a shovel to help you get it down faster?" Grandma asked and the table erupted in laughter.

"Fine! I'm done! Can I have a doggie bag to take back to the barn with me?" Danny asked his mother.

Janet shook her head in disgust. "I suggest you put a lock on the refrigerator and freezer in your new place, Tyler," Janet said getting up from the table. Derek and Tyler immediately got up and began removing dishes. Janet returned carrying one of the two pies with oven mitts on. She set it down in front of Danny. The second pie she set down in front of herself and began to cut slices out.

Everyone waited until each piece of pie was delivered. "You're not going to do what I think you're going to do?" Tyler asked staring at Danny across the table from him.

"Yes, he eats one full pie per sitting," Janet said.

"In that case he's actually been on a diet at school!" Derek joked.

"See? I told you I was wasting away at school!" Danny said to his mother. Cody, Derek, and Tyler all began coughing and then laughing. When Danny had finally finished the entire pie he undid the button on his jeans and patted his tummy.

"All full?" Tyler asked.

"All full!" Danny said grinning. "Couldn't eat another bite... till dinner!"

"Too bad because we brought cinnamon buns for you but I am sure your family can eat them...," Tyler teased.

"You what?" Danny yelled sitting up with eyes popping open wide.

"Ah ah! Too late! They're for your family now!" Tyler said getting up to clear the table.

"I'll look after the dishes!" Janet said to Tyler.

"No way, Ma'am! You were kind enough to make a wonderful lunch and it's the least we can do." Tyler said. Cody and Derek immediately began collecting plates and dishes while Danny leaned back in his chair smiling.

"I have them well trained!" Danny teased.

"They're better trained than you are," Grandma said looking at him.

"Don't worry, Grandma, his messy ways will change in two weeks living with the three of us. I guarantee it!" Tyler said.

"I'll take that bet?" Danny teased with a big grin.

"You've got a bet, Danny! Remember who your landlord is going to be! You know the rules!" Tyler said.

"What rules?" Janet asked.

"No drugs or alcohol, shared household duties, no noise after 11 p.m., and everyone has to maintain a B average or their rent goes up $100.00 per month for the entire following semester," Tyler said.

"My that seems a bit harsh," Roger said.

"I thought it seemed a bit light!" Janet said.

Derek, would you go grab my laptop please?" Tyler asked. "I will show you pictures of the place. The rent is going to around $350.00 per month for a five-bedroom townhouse condominium. That includes all utilities, insurance, taxes, satellite TV, hot tub, alarm system, and it will be fully furnished! If anyone knows of a better place six blocks from school then tell me now," Tyler asked and Roger looked at Janet and Grandma.

"Seems Danny has some wise friends!" Grandma, said sipping from her cup of tea.

"Grandma, I am the luckiest guy alive to have these three as my brothers!" Danny said.

"Speaking of brothers... where is your bracelet?" Cody asked.

"In my pocket! I can't wear any jewellery when running power tools!" Danny said.

Derek set up the laptop and gave them a guided tour of the new house while Tyler and Cody did the dishes. Even though Derek knew they had plans to convert the two bedrooms in the basement he was careful to point out that everyone would have their own room plus there would be room for company to come and stay. "You have to bring Boomer too when you come!" Derek added.

When the dishes were done, Tyler whispered 'dinner' into Cody's ear. Cody carefully insisted that they were all coming out to dinner that night, "Our treat!" Roger told Danny that they needed to get some work done in the barn and Derek and Cody happily jumped at the chance to get out of the Armitage house. Tyler continued wiping down the counter tops and drying the sink. Janet didn't even realize that Tyler was still there until she heard the water running in the sink. Tyler filled the kettle with water.

"Oh my! You really do know how to clean up after a meal?" Janet said.

"Yes, Ma'am. Between my mother and working in a restaurant on weekends, I've learned that you really should be able to eat off of a counter top or a floor! I hope it is okay if I make myself a coffee?" Tyler asked.

"Most certainly. There's some Folger's instant in the cupboard to the left of the sink!" Janet said.

"Thank you Mrs. Armitage but I travel with my own coffee. I drink Folger's singles. Would you like to try one?" Tyler asked.

"Well... if you have a spare? I've seen them in the store but never tried them before," Janet said.

"I think this is the best instant coffee around. It's great late at night when you just want a quiet moment to yourself and you need a fresh coffee!" Tyler said.

"Dear Lord, Janet... I think you've met you match?" Grandma said laughing. Janet leered at Grandma.

"Why is that?" Tyler asked.

"Janet is a late night tea and coffee drinker as well and you don't want to go near her in the morning until she's had her first three or four cups!" Grandma teased.

Tyler laughed and said, "It does sound like we have something in common!"

Tyler set down the two cups of coffee and freshened Grandma's tea. "In the morning I can't even talk until I've had at least a half of cup and it is probably wiser to not bother me until my third! Of course I am up at five most mornings to go jogging so I don't have to deal with other people," Tyler said.

"Did you want to see some other pictures I have on the computer?" Tyler asked.

"Are you naked?" Grandma teased.

"Mother!!!!!!" Janet said and Tyler laughed.

"No grandma... we're only naked when we make movies!" Tyler joked and Grandma laughed.

Tyler showed them pictures of his family and Derek's family along with new pictures from Christmas. Janet and Grandma remained quiet while Tyler gave them a brief history of his life and the accident that killed his family. Grandma held Tyler's hand and squeezed it while he talked. Tyler finally decided to go join the boys and he collected all the mugs, Grandma's teacup, and the teapot and placed them all in the sink. Janet told him not worry about those things as she would clean them and put them away. Tyler came up behind Janet and gave her a kiss on the cheek saying, "Thank you for a wonderful meal and I would really love you to teach me how to make the biscuits so I could make them for my brothers at school?"

Tyler then gave Grandma a kiss who then in turn gave him a hug. "Thanks for great meal, Grandma!"

When Tyler left the mudroom on his way to the barn Grandma said to Janet, "They really are wonderful boys and they sure love their Danny!"

"Their Danny?" Janet asked.

"Can't you tell how much they love him and protect him? Just coming out here to surprise him is a sure sign of their love for him. I think it's wonderful. Danny's very lucky to have friends like these boys! You should go out to the barn and spend some time with them," Grandma said getting up to go back to her room and have a nap.

Tyler opened the barn door to find everyone sitting on hay bales near the furnace talking and laughing. Boomer came over to greet him and Tyler then went to visit Bessie. He slowly entered her pen holding a hand full of hay but she didn't want any. Tyler gave her a hug around the neck and a kiss on the top of the head.

"It's okay Bessie we're gonna make it through this fine!" Tyler said and Bessie's tail flapped back and forth like she understood.

"C'mon Danny, we need to muck out the stalls!" Roger said.

"What is mucking out the stalls?" Derek asked.

"He means cleaning out all of the cow and horse shit!" Danny said laughing.

"I'll watch the fire and make sure it doesn't go out!" Derek said laughing.

"I want to help! I want to experience everything I can," Tyler said.

"Here's a shovel!" Roger said handing him a shovel.

"Cody, would you grab the wheel barrow?" Danny asked.

"Any music here?" Tyler asked.

"You mean good music or your music?" Roger said and all four boys said 'ooooooooo!' and laughed.

"Your barn! Your music!" Tyler said grinning as headed off with his shovel.

Roger turned up the speakers so it was really loud and put on a CD that Danny had burned for him. The first song was 'People Got To Be Free' by the Young Rascals.

Danny would go inside each stall because the animals knew him and push all of the shit over to the entrance by Tyler who would shovel it into the wheelbarrow that Cody was holding. They all began singing together.

"All the world over so easy to see... People everywhere just wanna be free. I can't understand it's so simple to me, people everywhere just wanna be free...." The three sang as they cleaned the stalls while Derek and Roger laughed at them. 'Love Train' by the O'Jays came on.

Tyler and Danny took the lead singing. "People all over the world, join in, on a love train... love train... People all over the world, join in, on a love train, on a love train..."

As they finished the last stall Danny tossed his pitchfork into the wheelbarrow and Tyler followed with his shovel. 'It's Your Thing' by the Isley Brother's came on next and Tyler lead a line dance back to the front of the barn followed by Danny and Derek with Cody taking up the rear pushing the wheelbarrow.

"It's your thing... do what you wanna do! It's your thing... I can't tell you who to sock it too...," Tyler sang and Danny and Derek did the background vocals. Roger stood by the furnace laughing to the point of tears. All four boys were dancing in the middle of the barn with Boomer jumping around barking and even Bessie had her head stuck out watching. No one noticed Janet come into the barn. She made her way over towards Roger and he looked at her and smiled. She took off her coat and stood beside Roger feeling a little uneasy as she watched her son dance with Cody.

The song ended and 'Do You Believe In Magic' by The Lovin' Spoonful came on. Tyler spotted Janet and pulled her into an impromptu dance and began singing to her.

"Do you believe in magic in a young girls heart? How the music can free her whenever it starts? And it's magic if the music is groovy It makes you feel happy like and old-time movie...," Tyler twirled Janet around showing her that he definitely knew how to dance. Tyler put his right arm around her waist and taking her left hand in his he spun her around and out. He signalled Roger to take over and he did. Tyler took Derek's hand.

"I don't dance!" Derek said.

"You do now!" Tyler said giving him a quick kiss. When the song ended everyone clapped and Boomer barked.

"I know a song I want to play for Cody!" Danny said running over and changing the CD. Roger, Janet, Tyler, and Derek sat down on the hay beside each other.

As the piano opening began Cody stood out in the middle of barn and Danny danced around him. Everyone laughed.

Danny took Cody hand as Natalie Cole began singing 'This Will Be,' and Danny sang, "This will be... an everlasting love. This will be... the one I've waited for. This will be the first time anyone has loved me... oh oh oh." Cody stood there giggling and Danny pulled him into his arms and turned them around together.

Derek and Tyler began spinning their fists around in circles and then flipping the left hand out to the left and then the right hand to the right as they sang along.

Janet and Roger joined in as they all began singing, "This will be, you and me, yes siree, eternally! Huggin' and squeezin' and kissin' and pleasin' together forever through rain or whatever. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you and me. So long as I'm livin' true love I'll be givin', to you I'll be servin' cause you're so deservin'!" Then they all laughed at each other.

Tyler pulled Derek up and out near Danny and Cody. Danny dragged Cody over to his parents and left him on a bale of hay. He grabbed his mother's hand and pulled her up to dance just in time for him to sing, "You've brought a lot of sunshine into my life! You've filled me with happiness I never knew! You gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of and no one, no one can take the place of you!" Danny sang to his mom as they danced. The song ended with Danny giving his mom a hug and a kiss.

Everyone walked back over to the furnace smiling and chatting amongst themselves. "Tyler can really dance!" Janet said smiling at him.

"My mom taught me. Dad never liked to dance so I became her dance partner," Tyler said laughing.

"How gay is that?" Cody asked and Tyler pretended to take a swing at him.

"Ty also plays guitar and sings!" Derek added. Tyler glared at him.

"Daniel used to play piano until he quit," Janet said and Danny stared down at the floor.

"I was made to play piano as well," Tyler begrudgingly admitted and Danny grinned.

"Grade six!" Danny sighed.

"Worse! Grade eight for me," Tyler said and they laughed. They both began playing chopsticks on their air pianos and laughing.

"I hated practice... finger exercises over and over again," Danny moaned.

"That was about the time I started to rebuild this barn. It was really hard to hear him practice over his complaining about having to do it," Roger teased.

"If he'd put the effort into practicing that he put into complaining about it he could be in a band now or playing for some orchestra!" Janet said directing her frustration at him.

"Boys, it is time to get back to work. I need everyone's help to finish that stairway!" Roger said. Janet headed back up to the house and all four boys took part in helping to build the new staircase going up to the loft. Tyler and Derek hammered the twenty-six steps on to the finished right side while Cody held the left facer board so Danny could cut out the indentations to then be attached. Roger cut out the centre support board and removed the old railing from the original staircase to be used on the new one.

Tyler and Danny, having no fear of heights, climbed to the top of the stairs and threw a rope up and over a beam. They tied one end of the rope to the top step and threw the rest of the rope down to Cody. Tyler and Danny pulled out all of the nails while Roger hammered a board into the floor of the barn about a foot back from the bottom step.

"What's that for?" Derek asked.

"It's for when we go to lower the old ladder down it doesn't go flying back and crash to the floor. Not that it would hurt anything but it would scare the shit out of the animals; mostly the horses!" Roger said.

"All done up here!" Danny yelled down.

Roger and Derek worked the rope and Cody guided the ladder as they lowered the old staircase down to the barn floor.

"It's gonna be a while. Might as well relax!" Danny said sitting down on a bale of hay. Tyler joined Danny and they both leaned back on the square bales of hay.

"I can't believe you're here?" Danny said glowing with excitement.

"I gave you my word that if you ever need me I will be there for you," Tyler said taking Danny's hand and squeezing it three times. Danny smiled and stared into Tyler's eyes until Tyler looked over at him. Danny leaned in towards Tyler and Tyler moved his head closer until their lips met. Both closed their eyes for the duration of their three second kiss. When Danny opened his eyes he saw that Tyler's eyes were still closed. Tyler looked at Danny and they both looked away from each other.

"We shouldn't do things like that," Tyler said as he pulled out pieces of hay from the bale he was sitting on.

"I needed that, Ty. It wasn't a sexual thing. I just needed my best friend in the world for a moment," Danny said and Tyler seemed to relax.

"Am I not always there?" Tyler asked.

"Don't pull away Tyler!" Danny said taking his hand. "You were right. I want you as my best friend more than anything else. I don't want to fuck that up."

Tyler smiled and squeezed Danny's hand three times.

"I know if I really wanted something from you that you would give it me," Danny said looking away.

"What?" Tyler asked in shock.

"I said..." Danny began.

"I know what you said but what makes you think that I would give it to you or allow you to?" Tyler asked.

"I wasn't sure until that kiss," Danny said and Tyler looked away.

"Ty, I know you love me enough to do anything for me and that includes anything I ask. I know that if I really wanted something you would do it... but don't worry because I would never ask! Ever! Just knowing that you would give yourself to me, even if you didn't want to shows how much you love me. There is nothing in this world that anyone could trade with me for what I have with you."

Tyler didn't look at him but he did smile.

"In some ways I feel sorry for Derek," Danny said and Tyler looked over at him.

"There is something between us that no one else in this world has but it feels so good I wish everyone could have what you and I have," Danny said and leaned over to kiss Tyler's cheek.

"You're not saying much of anything?" Danny asked.

"I told you before you left for the airport that I am working on trying to be a better listener. You have lots to teach me, Daniel, which is good because I have lots to learn," Tyler said.

"Can I ask you a question?" Danny said.

"You just did!" Tyler grinned.

"Seriously. You don't have to answer it but I would like to know the truth?" Danny asked.

"Uh huh?" Tyler said looking at him.

"When you stripped me naked in the hallway did that make you hard?" Danny asked smiling.

Tyler's mouth dropped open. "What?"

"Okay, never mind. It's just something I've sort of wondered about," Danny said feeling embarrassed.

Tyler leaned over and whispered in his ear. "You don't have to be naked to make me hard, Danny." Tyler kissed Danny's cheek and Danny quietly pumped his fist in the air and then jumped up and went over to the railing looking down. He saw Roger with a hand saw and Cody and Derek holding the staircase steps still.

"If you guys don't hurry up we're going to do it again up here!" Danny teased. All three looked up and two of them flipped Danny the bird.

Tyler joined Danny at the railing and asked. "How are things with The Mom?"

"She's not really saying much of anything. She's not really speaking to me to be exact," Danny sighed.

"I kind of got the hint that she isn't too impressed with the three of us," Tyler said.

"She needs to be in control, Ty. She doesn't like surprises unless it's finding out the dishes have been done or the grass was cut without her asking," Danny said.

"Family comes first, Danny; don't ever forget that. Your dad is amazing! He's almost as evil at Derek's Dad," Tyler joked.

"Yeah, he and Grandma are the reason I come home, otherwise I would be gone," Danny said.

"Do you want me to talk with your mom?" Tyler asked.

"If you want but it won't do any good. She doesn't see that you guys love me, she sees you guys interfering on her turf," Danny sighed again.

"Are you going to stay at the hotel with us or here?" Tyler asked.

"I'm staying wherever Cody is staying. I don't care what Mom thinks. I would like him to stay here though!" Danny said.

"Why don't you and Cody stay here tonight and stay tomorrow night at the hotel so we can go directly to the airport?" Tyler suggested.

"Yeah!" Danny said with a smile. "If Mom doesn't like it then we will stay at the hotel if you have room for me?" Danny asked.

"We got two rooms!" Tyler grinned.

"Sweet!" Danny said fisting Tyler.

"I love you, Danny," Tyler said.

"Don't I know it?" Danny said wrapping his arm around Tyler's arm and leaning into him.

Twenty minutes later Danny and Tyler were nailing in the top of the staircase to the loft. Everyone lined up and took a section of the railing and walked it up the staircase. Tyler and Danny took the top two-fifths of the railing and hammered it in to steady it until Roger could get up on a ladder and bolt the railing in.

"I think we just saved a day and half's work guys! I don't know how to thank you boys for your help," Roger said.

"It was our pleasure, Sir!" Cody said smiling. "This is such a great place!"

"Where's Tyler?" Derek asked.

"He's with his girlfriend. Where else would he be?" Danny said laughing. Derek went over to Bessie's pen to find Tyler sitting on some straw with Bessie's head beside him as he scratched her neck. Derek quietly grabbed the camera and snapped a picture.

"Are you ready to go?" Tyler asked Derek.

"Ummm... sure?" Derek said.

"I need to shower and shave before dinner tonight... and change into a different plaid shirt, eh!" Tyler joked.

"Yeah, no problem... we could shower too, eh!" Derek said winking.

"Give me a few minutes to go grab my computer. I want to have a little talk with Mrs. A.," Tyler said.

"Come and get me. We're going to go and walk the horses on the track," Derek said running off to catch up with the others.

Tyler knocked on the mudroom door and Janet answered. "You don't need to knock," she said opening the door.

"I thought I should," Tyler said. "I just wanted to grab my backpack and computer. I'm heading back to the hotel to get showered and changed for dinner."

"Your computer is right here where you left it but I'm not sure where your backpack is?" Janet said.

"Right behind you Ma'am!" Tyler said.

Janet returned to the kitchen table where she was folding laundry and watching her soap opera on small TV that sat on the corner of the kitchen counter. Tyler packed up slowly waiting for a commercial to come on.

When it did, Tyler said, "Mrs. Armitage, I just wanted to apologize for barging in on you like we did today. We really just wanted to surprise Danny. I'm sorry for the inconvenience," he said.

"It wasn't a problem Tyler. We adjusted accordingly," Janet said.

"And I'm sorry we made you have to adjust your world," Tyler said. "I realize that all of this is quite a shock to you. I can't even begin understand what goes through a mother's head when her only son tells her that there isn't going to be any grandchildren but you should realize that you have an amazing son, Ma'am, and I can see that many of his great qualities come from you. I think if you give Cody a chance you will see he is not only very much like Danny but also very good for him."

"I can certainly see where the four of you protect each other and it is some comfort to know that Danny is being cared for. We have some of the finest agricultural schools in the nation right here but he wanted to get away from here... from me," Janet said wiping her eyes.

"I guess if you feel he wants to get away from here then you probably want to figure out what's making him leave?" Tyler asked walking to the door. "I hope you will come to dinner but more importantly know that Danny's three brothers watch out for him very closely and there isn't one of us who wouldn't give their own lives to protect your son, Mrs. Armitage," Tyler closed the door behind him.

He pulled out his cell phone and called Josh to come pick him up. Tyler stopped to visit with Bessie for a moment before he went to collect Derek. Outside at the back of the barn was a small track intended for walking their horses. Cody and Derek were each on horses being led by Danny and Roger. Tyler stood there unnoticed and snapped some pictures.

Derek spotted Tyler and waved. All he could do was giggle and Roger laughed at him. Tyler tapped his watch and Derek told Roger that he needed to get going because their taxi would be there shortly.

"You don't need a taxi! I can drive you guys back to the hotel," Danny said.

"It's okay Danny. We can't all fit in a pickup truck anyway," Tyler said.

"Mom and Dad do own a car! Just because we have horses it doesn't mean we aren't in the 21st century, Ty!" Danny said, slightly disgusted with Tyler's implication.

"I should probably head back with them to get changed and showered Danny," Cody said.

"No! You're staying here and I can drive you back over there in a bit," Danny said.

After Tyler and Derek had left Danny and Cody went back to the house. When they walked into the mudroom Janet was finishing the laundry in the kitchen. She didn't cover the look on her face very well when they came in.

"Cody, go on up to my room. Left at the top of the stairs and first door on your left," Danny politely ordered. Cody knew Danny didn't want him in the room at that moment, much less in the house by Janet.

"Is this all mine?" Danny asked.

"Yes, I've got almost all of your winter clothes ready to take back," she said smiling.

"Okay, thanks for doing all that, Mom." Danny said. He gathered up all of the things that were his and as he was leaving the kitchen he said, "I'm going to take Cody over to the Hotel and I'm going to pack some things. I will be staying with the guys tonight."

"What?" Janet asked.

"I said I am staying at the hotel tonight. I know you don't want them in your home," Danny said continuing out the door.

"Daniel!" his mother yelled. "Get back here. Don't you dare say something like that and just walk out on me! You make me sound like a bad mother!"

"Sorry mom. I didn't mean it that way. I am just respecting the fact that this is YOUR home, not mine. If I had known they were coming I would have warned them not to come near the house," Danny said glaring at her.

"Don't you dare talk to me that way young man? This is your home as well!" Janet said.

"No Mom, this has never been a home, only a house. I understand why Dad spends all of his time at the barn. At least it's fun being in there. I don't expect you to like my friends but I would think you could treat them a little nicer," Danny suggested.

"I will have you know that I worked hard to make that meal for your friends!" Janet said.

"Yes you did and it was great! They all raved about your cooking but none of them want to be here so we could hardly call this place a home, right?" Danny said.

"I can fix up the spare room and Cody can stay the night if you want him too," Janet offered.

"If I want him too?" Danny repeated and shook his head. "Mom, if Cody was staying the night he would be sleeping in my bed not the spare bedroom, but this is your house and I respect that so I will stay at the hotel with my brothers and don't think I didn't notice the way you said 'if I want him too'. You've made it pretty clear that you don't want them in your house and all four us respect that," Danny said walking away.

"Danny!" Janet called out and Danny returned to the entrance of the kitchen with his arms full of clothing.

"Mom, don't worry, we'll all be out of your life shortly and you can go back to having your house the way you like it," Danny said, turning and running up the stairs. When he walked into his room Cody wasn't there. He looked over to the bathroom to see the door was open so he knew Cody wasn't in there. He heard voices down at the other end of the hall and he approached quietly. He could hear Cody talking in his Grandmother's room.

"... and this is Danny in his cowboy suit going to his grade four Halloween party at school," Grandma said.

"He's so cute! Look at those chubby cheeks," Cody said, laughing.

"This is his grade eight graduation picture," Grandma said, holding the picture out for Cody to see.

"A plaid suit? We tease him a lot about wearing plaid and being a farmer but he looks so cute in plaid!" Cody said laughing and grandma laughed as well.

"You know he loves plaid so much that all of his pj's had to be flannel just because they are mostly made in plaid!" Grandma told Cody and Cody giggled.

Danny tapped on Grandma's bedroom door. "Telling stories on me, huh, Grandma?" Danny asked laughing.

"No dear... I wouldn't tell Cody about the time you brought the skunk home as a pet, or the time you covered yourself from head to toe in that diaper rash ointment, or when you rolled the tractor into pond...," Grandma went on, and Cody fell backwards on grandma's bed from laughing.

"Grandma!!!!!!!!! You be good or I will tell him how you play cards!" Danny teased.

"I am a perfect lady when I play cards, young man," Grandma said, feigning that she was offended by the accusation.

"What? You're the biggest card cheater and hustler in the mid-west! She's not even allowed in Vegas!" Danny said.

"You know full well that I have never been to Las Vegas... yet!" Grandma said smiling.

"That's only cause they've been warned about you, Grams!" Danny said laughing. "C'mon Cody. We need to get me packed up. I'm not staying here tonight either," Danny said.

"Oh?" Cody said. "Look, Danny, you've only got one more day here. You really should be with your family!"

"Go!" Danny said pointing to his room and Cody gave Grandma a hug and a kiss and thanked for their time together.

"Sorry Grandma, I was going to have Cody stay here tonight but he isn't welcome here so I am going to stay with him tonight at the hotel," Danny said.

"I understand Danny. He's a wonderful boy! Don't let go of him!" Grandma warned.

"Thanks Grandma. I needed to know what you thought because I know I can trust you to be honest with me," Danny said giving her a hug.

"Tyler and Derek are very nice too! I really like Tyler, he makes this place feel warmer," Grandma said.

"He does, Grandma, and I love him very much as well!" Danny said.

"Danny? Please give your mother some time to adjust?" Grandma asked.

"Grandma she isn't about to change. I now know why Dad spends all of his free time in the barn. It's not that mom is a bad person or doesn't love us but living here is like being in a museum. Don't touch! Don't make a sound! Don't move anything! When was the last time the living room was used?" Danny asked.

"Listen to me again Danny! Give your mom some time to adjust. You are her world! Don't give up on her," Grandma said, holding Danny's face in her palms. "I love you more than anyone in this world, Danny, and I hope you trust me enough to hear what I am saying!"

"I do grandma, and I believe you, but I don't. If you understand what I am saying," Danny said and left the room to go pack.

Danny walked into his bedroom and Cody said from his bed, "You've got plaid wall paper!"

"Shut up, Puckhead!" Danny said laughing. "Where are we going for dinner? I need to tell my folks."

"I was thinking of the Iowa Beef Steakhouse unless you have a better suggestion?" Cody said.

"No, that place is great," Danny said packing his bags.

Cody led the run down the stairs followed by Danny. Cody opened the front door and as Danny turned to pull the door shut he saw his Mom staring at him.

"Pops? Is it okay to take the pickup?" Danny asked.

"Sure son, drive safely. What time are we meeting for dinner?" Roger asked.

"We thought early... about five? So grandma isn't up too late," Danny said.

"Where are we going?" Roger asked.

"The Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Sir!" Cody said smiling.

"That's pretty expensive Cody!" Roger said pulling out his wallet.

"No Sir! Thank you but no! It really is my honour to take all of you out and I think they might carry enough food to fill Danny," Cody said grinning and Roger laughed.

Tyler flopped down on the bed exhausted.

"You look tired!" Derek said.

"I haven't had a day off since I left campus last week!" Tyler said.

"Why don't we take a nap?" Derek said sitting on the bed and rubbing Tyler's chest.

"I need to load the pictures on to the computer and send some to Luke," Tyler said.

"He can wait!" Derek said.

"Are we talking about the same, Luke?" Tyler asked sitting up.

"You're right. Want me to do it while you shower?" Derek asked.

"Thanks, Babe, but it's okay. I will load and email and you should probably check in at home and let our family know we are okay. Then we can shower!" Tyler said raising his eyebrows up and down.

"Get to work, you lazy ass," Derek said, grabbing his cell phone.

Tyler loaded, resized, cropped, and emailed all of the pictures to Kyle with clear instructions to make sure Luke got to see them. Derek came over and massaged Tyler's shoulders while he worked away on the computer.

"C'mon. Nuff time spent there. You need a nap!" Derek said.

"I thought we were going to shower?" Tyler asked with a smile looking up at Derek.

"You need a nap!" Derek said and pulled Tyler away from the computer without any opposition. Both stripped naked and Tyler pulled the drapes shut. They crawled into bed and Derek held Tyler tight.

"Tell me what's going on in that weird, tiny brain of yours, Mr. Peel," Derek asked.

"I can't fix this one," Tyler said.

"You mean the Danny situation?" Derek asked.

Tyler nodded.

"So the Tyler effect isn't working, eh?" Derek teased.

"That's not even funny, Derek," Tyler said.

"Ty, you can't solve all the world's problems. I'm sure you planted the seed and now you must give it time to grow," Derek said.

"It's my fault though! If we hadn't gone out here she wouldn't be this angry," Tyler said.

"If we hadn't gone out here she wouldn't know what we are really like? All you can do is show her the facts and let her make up her own mind," Derek said. "You might be my Superman but you're not the world's Superman. I'm really proud of you for what you did and all that really matters is that Danny knows how much you love him. How much we all love him!"

"Danny shouldn't be forced to choose," Tyler said.

"That's part of life and we both know he is going to choose Cody first and eventually his family will follow along. Besides, his Dad and Grandmother love Cody!" Derek said.

"I don't deserve someone like you," Tyler said.

"I keep saying that but no one ever believes me and when you finally agree there aren't any witnesses around," Derek said laughing.

"Dear God I am stuffed!" Roger said pushing his chair back from the table at the Iowa Beef Steak house.

"I'll second that!" Danny said.

Cody, Derek, and Tyler all looked at him with their mouths hanging open. "You're full?" they asked in unison.

"What?" Danny said.

"You ate a 28 ounce steak, part of my ribs, one of your Mom's chicken breasts, two trips to the salad bar, most of the garlic bread," Tyler said counting off on his fingers. "How bad is the mortgage on the farm to feed this boy?" Tyler asked and everyone laughed. Danny grinned and made a face at Tyler.

"Mrs. Armitage, you really didn't cook extra for lunch today did you? Danny just had to share?" Tyler asked. Janet laughed, and Danny punched Tyler in the arm.

"Let's go walk some of this off!" Cody said getting up. As they left the restaurant Roger pulled Grandma's wheelchair out of the trunk of their car.

"Grandma, when did you get a chair?" Danny asked.

"Oh Danny, I've had it for years! I rarely use it, but it does get me through the line-ups faster at the Vegas buffets," Grandma said winking at Cody.

They walked about three blocks and everyone decided it was too cold to go any further away.

"Look at that!" Tyler said pointing.

"What?" Derek asked.

"That!" Tyler said pointing at the sign on the place across the road.

"Trophy's Sports Bar and Grill?" Derek said.

"Read below." Tyler said.

"Karaoke every night. Tonight: Sixties, Seventies, and Eighties night!" Derek read aloud.

"Let's go in and see what it is like?" Tyler suggested and Janet gave Roger a look of horror.

"It sounds like fun!" Grandma added and Roger snorted. "What is Karaoke?" Grandma asked.

"People who can't sing stand up and try," Danny said.

"Like that American Idol crap?" Grandma asked.

"Exactly!" Janet said.

"Then Karaoke it is!" Roger said and Janet gave him a cold look.

They all sat down in the lounge area. A small stage was ahead of them and half the place was empty. Most people there were drinking at the bar, shooting a game of snooker, or throwing darts.

"C'mon folks... we need some new American Idols tonight? This is your chance!" the announcer said.

Tyler got up and walked over to the Host and asked to flip through his playbook. Everyone at the table watched as Tyler pointed over to the table and then at one song in the book. The announcer handed Tyler two pieces of paper.

Everyone then watched as Tyler started singing to the announcer and then he broke out in laughter at whatever Tyler sang.

"What's he doing?" Cody asked.

"I have no idea but it somehow involves making fun of one of us!" Derek guessed.

"Hmmmm..." Danny said. "And you can bet that would be me!"

"Danny!!!!!" Tyler yelled and called him up. As Danny approached the stage Tyler rolled up the papers in his hand.

"Sorry about the wait, folks! What can I get you all to drink?" the bartender asked.

"I'll have a Michelob!" Roger said.

"Janet? White wine?" Roger asked and Janet nodded.

"Mom, what would you like?" Roger asked.

The bartender came around to Grandma and kneeled down so he could hear her over the noise in the bar.

"I'd like a Vodka martini with a lime twist. Stirred! Not shaken! That James Bond doesn't realize that shaking chips the ice and waters the martini down!" Grandma said.

"Yes, Ma'am!" the bartender said with a huge grin.

"Better give me a shot of Crown Royal as well to wash the burn down!" Grandma added.

"You're my kind of lady, Ma'am!" he said grinning.

"Do you know that you can afford me?" Grandma teased.

"MOM!" Janet said.

"Better make it a double of C.R.!" Grandma said rolling her eyes at the bartender. Cody and Derek could barely keep a straight face.

"Anything the lady wishes!" the bartender said laughing.

"Have you got any Tom Jones?" Grandma asked.

"The book, the drink, or the singer?" the bartender asked laughing.

"I was thinking of the singer," Grandma said.

"You would have to ask the Karl the Karaoke guy!" the bartender said rolling his eyes.

"You don't like Karaoke?" Grandma asked.

"If I hear one more person butcher the great Frank Sinatra then I quit!" the bartender joked. "What would you gentlemen like to drink?" he asked as Tyler and Danny returned to the table.

"Do you have R.C. Cola?" Tyler asked.

"No!" the bartender said.

"Coffee please, black, and fresh perked! I will happily pay for the entire pot!" Tyler said as the bartender wrote it down rolling his eyes.

"...and for you guys?" The bartender asked.

"We're not of age to drink," Derek said.

"What?" he asked laughing. "No one ever says that! You lie and I don't question it because you're here with adults! What planet are you guys from?"

"Canada!" Tyler said staring him down.

"That explains a lot....," the bartender said shaking his head. "What would you like to drink?" He said very slowly. Everyone laughed.

"Cokes all around please?" Cody said and the bartender shook his head again and left.

Tyler moved over to the next empty table to write. Danny, Cody, and Derek began looking over the lyrics of the song he and Tyler chose.

"What song are you guys going to sing?" Roger asked.

"Not tellin', cause it's a surprise," Danny said grinning.

Two girls went up on stage and began singing 'New York, New York', by Frank Sinatra. The entire bar heard the glass drop and break behind the bar. Everyone at the table began laughing except Danny who missed the bartender's comments.

The same two girls then tried their luck at 'Summer Time Blues', by Eddie Cochrane. It was so bad that everyone thought about leaving before their drinks arrived. The bartender stopped at Tyler's table first with his coffee.

"Thanks, appreciate it. I've got the tab for tonight!" Tyler said slipping $60.00 on his tray. "One more round for those who need it and the change is yours!"

"Thank you, Sir! That is very generous of you!" the bartender said reading what Tyler was writing.

"I'm a server in a restaurant so I can relate and you're not paid enough to listen to those girls sing!" Tyler joked and the bartender nodded.

"Is that what I think it is?" he asked Tyler.

"What do you think so far?" Tyler asked.

"Even if you can't sing, it will be the funniest thing to have ever happened here in the last year!" the bartender said leaving Tyler to finish his rewrite of a song.

As the bartender was giving everyone at the table their drinks the two girls on stage were holding and killing the final notes of 'Summer Time Blues'. He turned and yelled "You SUCK!" but they couldn't hear him over their high-pitched squeals. Everyone at the table burst into laughter.

"What's Tyler doing?" Derek asked.

"I don't know he won't let me look," Danny said and the bartender snorted. Derek got up and went over to see Tyler at the next table. They all heard Derek burst out into laughter and looked over.

"That's fucking brilliant, Ty!" Derek said and looked over to see everyone watching him. "Sorry, excuse my language." he said and only Grandma laughed.

"Cody? C'mere and see this." Derek said. "Don't even think about getting up, Danny!"

Tyler returned to the table and they had to wait for three more American Idol wannabes to finish.

Karl the Karaoke announced, "Could I have the boys of Philly come up!"

All four got up and went on stage. Tyler whispered in Danny's ear.

"Take it all off for me boys!" some girl yelled out and then everyone in the bar started to laugh.

"We would like to dedicate this song to OUR family here tonight." Danny said and the bar became a little quieter.

"'More Than Words Can Say' by Extreme, Karl announced and began the music.

"Saying I love you, are not the words I want to hear from you. Its not that I want you, not to say but if you only knew how easy it would be to show me how you feel. More than words is all you have to do to make it real. Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me, cause I'd already know," Tyler sang and the room became dead silent listening only to Tyler's voice and the acoustic background.

Danny sang the second verse looking directly at his parents. "Now that I've tried to talk to you and make you understand. All you have to do is close your eyes and just reach out your hand, and touch me, hold me close don't ever let me go. More than words is all I ever needed you to show. Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me, cause I'd already know."

All four sang the last verse harmonizing as best as they could. Danny and Tyler covered well for all four. When they finished the room erupted in applause and Danny could see his Mom wiping her eyes. All four took a bow and then pushed Danny off the stage.

"We would like to dedicate this next song to our brother, Danny! We changed the lyrics a little...," Tyler began.

"Changed them a lot!" Derek added stepping up to the microphone.

"We hope that everyone will join in with us on the chorus?" Cody asked.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Would you please once again welcome the boys from Philly singing their own version of 'Devil with the Blue Dress on', with apologies to Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels." Karl said.
 

(Tyler sings)

Hey, Hey, alright, jump up, get it
 

(Cody and Derek and some of the patrons)
Danny with plaid shirt, plaid shirt, plaid shirt

Danny with the plaid shirt on

(Tyler sings)

Oooo yeah

(Cody and Derek and some of the patrons)

Danny with plaid shirt, plaid shirt, plaid shirt

Danny with the plaid shirt on

(Tyler sings)

Fe, Fe, fi, fi, FO, FO, fum

Look at Danny now, here he comes

Wearin’ a cowboy hat with shades to match

He’s got real leather boots; and you know he’s Cody’s catch

Tearin’ the ice up, you know he’s fun

Look closely at his mouth and you’ll see some cinnamon bun

(Tyler, Cody, Derek and the entire bar sing)

Danny with plaid shirt, plaid shirt, plaid shirt

Danny with the plaid shirt on

(Cody sings with arms waving in the air)

Lord have Mercy

(Tyler, Cody, Derek and the entire bar sing)

Danny with plaid shirt, plaid shirt on,

Danny with the plaid shirt on

(Cody sings)

Hey, wearin’ cologne, must be Tommy Sport

He’s really strong, even though he’s short

He walks real cool, makin’ everybody sigh

I gotta be nervous, cause I can’t say Hi.

He’s not too skinny; he’s not too fat

But he’s got a big cock and I like it like that.

<Room erupts in laughter and Danny covers his face>

<Grandma takes her shot of C.R. in one swig>

(Tyler, Cody, Derek and the entire bar sing)

Danny with plaid shirt, plaid shirt, plaid shirt

Danny with the plaid shirt on

Danny with plaid shirt, plaid shirt, plaid shirt

Danny with the plaid shirt on.

(Tyler sings)

Good golly, Mr. Danny, you sure like to ball

Good golly, Mr. Danny, you sure like to ball

When it’s late in the evening

Everyone hears Cody’s call

(Tyler, Cody, and Derek sing)

From the early, early morning to the early, early night

You hear Mr. Danny rocking down to Cody’s delight

(Tyler, Cody, and Derek)

Good golly Mr. Danny, we’re so glad you phoned.

If it wasn’t for you, Dan,

We’d have no fun at all!

The room went crazy with applause. Roger and Janet had tears running down their faces from laughing, Grandma had a nice glow from her second double Crown Royal, and Danny just leaned on the table shaking his head and smiling. Tyler, Cody, and Danny took a bow.

As Cody, Tyler, and Derek began to leave the stage the room began chanting 'Encore! Encore!' And Derek hit the microphone. "Thank you everyone. That's all for now! Don't make us make Danny come up here and sing 'Achy Breaky Heart'!" Half the room laughed and the other half booed Derek. When they arrived back at the table Danny got up to hug each of them and the room applauded.

"You just told an entire bar that I have a big cock!" Danny said to Cody and punched him in the arm.

"So I lied.... I'll go to confession before church on Sunday!" Cody said and they hugged. Roger roared at that comment.

When they all went to sit down Janet got up and moved in between Cody and Danny. She put her arms around each boy's shoulder and thanked them for the beautiful song. She gave each of them a kiss on the cheek.

Cody gave her a hug and whispered in her ear. "Thanks, Mom."

The bartender dropped by and thanked everyone for best night he's ever had working at this bar. "Everyone really wants to hear you do one more song! Please?" he begged and the boys went back up to the stage. Cody whispered in Tyler's ear and they both laughed.

"Ladies and Gentlemen... one more time, by request and dedicating this song to their grandmother... The Boys of Philadelphia!" Karl announced shaking his head and he began the song 'She's a Lady', by Tom Jones.

(Cody, Danny, Derek, and Tyler singing) "Well, she's all you'd ever want, she's the kind I like to flaunt and take to dinner!

But she always knows her place, she's got style, she's got grace--she's a winner!

She's a lady... oh, whoa, whoa, she's a lady. Talkin' about that little lady and the lady is mine...," The entire crowd of listeners joined in and sang along.

When the boys returned to the table they all gave Grandma a hug and kiss. She beamed with pride.

"I was going to throw my underwear up on stage but it was too damn difficult to get off!" Grandma slurred a little.

"No more drinks for you, Grandma!" Danny teased.

"Hush, ya little turnip!" Grandma said and then winked. Cody snorted and Tyler and Derek laughed.

"I think it's time we got home," Roger said, nodding towardsGgrandma "... and checked on Bessie!"

"Good idea, Sir!" Tyler said.

"Are you boys going to come back to the farm?" Janet asked. They all looked at each other.

"That would be great Mrs. Armitage but it's been a long day and I wouldn't mind just crawling into bed," Tyler said looking at Derek. Derek smiled.

"I can teach you boys how to play a little 31!" Grandma said laughing.

"Not tonight Grandma but maybe tomorrow," Danny said pushing her wheelchair for her.

"Yes, Mom, you'll have lots of time to visit with our boys tomorrow. I just have to change Danny's sheets so he and Cody have a clean bed to sleep in," Janet said, and Cody and Danny looked at each other and then secretly fisted so that only Tyler and Derek could see.

"Why? Is Danny still wetting the bed?" Grandma asked and Tyler, Derek, and Cody started laughing again.

"I'm getting grandma a bottle of Crown Royal for next Christmas!" Tyler said giggling. Danny glared at all three of them and then they really started to laugh.

"How do we do this? I've got the pickup," Danny said.

"No problem, Danny. Tyler and I can walk from here," Derek said.

"We have to drop by the hotel though to get some stuff." Danny said winking at Derek.

"Your mother and grandmother can ride with me in the truck and you can take the car, Danny. It's not rocket science!" Roger said messing Danny's hair.

"Thanks, Pops," Danny said.

Everyone said goodnight and Janet invited Derek and Tyler to come for breakfast.

It was after one in the morning when Janet walked into the kitchen without turning on the light and reheated her tea in the microwave oven. She walked out of the kitchen and into her living room and sat in her wing chair in the darkness. When the light in the kitchen turned on she almost jumped. She saw a naked Danny walk into the kitchen and plug in the kettle and then lean on the counter half asleep.

Janet reminisced to herself how Danny never liked to wear clothes from the day he was born. The whistle on the kettle began to blow and Danny unplugged it.

"Hey?" Cody said walking into the kitchen wearing only boxers. Janet had a clear view from the darkened living room and could see that he was wearing Danny's boxers.

"Mmmmm," Danny moaned.

"What's wrong? I rolled over and you were gone?" Cody asked.

"Nothing, I couldn't really sleep and my boyfriend is being a prude tonight!" Danny sighed.

"Danny, we're in your parent's house! They are nice enough to let me stay over. I'm not going to do anything to mess this up," Cody said.

"What does it matter?" Danny sighed.

"Danny, listen to me! It hasn't been 48 hours since you came out of the closet to your family. Don't expect everyone to just accept it all at once," Cody asked.

"I knew that Dad would be cool about it and I guess I knew Mom wouldn't be. I just didn't think she would treat you guys like she did," Danny said leaning on his hands.

"You're screwed in the head Danny! Your Mom has been better than most Moms! She didn't yell at us or throw any of us out! What's the first thing Tyler would tell you about family?" Cody asked.

"Family comes first...," Danny moaned.

"And he's right! You got one of the coolest Mom's in the world. I don't have a Mom, Danny, and I would give up just about anything except you to have a Mom like her. She worships you and does everything for you... Sorry, but you're acting like a selfish, spoiled little brat!" Cody said.

"Why don't you go back to bed?" Danny said pouring the hot water into the teapot and placing the tea cozy on top.

"Christ, Danny! Grow up. You've got everything here any guy could ever want. I would love to live here after school," Cody said.

"Really?" Danny asked waking up a bit upon hearing Cody's words.

"Really, really! Imagine you and me living here on the farm with your parents... Tending to the animals, planting a garden, sneaking away to the hay loft!" Cody said giggling.

"You would really want to live here?" Danny asked.

"I just want to live where ever you are! I don't care if it's the middle of a desert or Mormon Utah!" Cody said grinning. "I think your parents rock and if you would meet your Mom halfway and try to understand what she is going through then you would be acting a little more like an adult and not a bed-wetting turnip," Cody said and Janet almost laughed out loud.

"You taking my mom's side is just too weird, Cody!" Danny said.

"I'm not taking your Mom's side. Yes, she was a little rude but it was understandable. If anything I know exactly what she is feeling. I was jealous of sharing you with anyone so I can see where she would be too. A lot of people love you Danny! I see the way you are around Tyler and I know that there is a bond of friendship there that no one can get near but I am okay with that because I know Tyler and I love and trust you. When your mom gets to know me she will see that I really love you and that she isn't loosing you but gaining a second son and she will be happy we are together!" Cody said rubbing Danny's back and kissing his cheek.

"You really think so?" Danny asked.

"I know so! You don't give your Mom enough credit," Cody said. "Feeling any better now?"

"Sort of... I really wanted us to have sex in my bedroom!" Danny said snickering.

"I don't care about sex, Danny. I just never want to roll over in bed without your arms around me!" Cody said.

"Yeah, I feel the same way." Danny said sharing a kiss with Cody.

"Do love your Mom?" Cody asked.

"Yeah!" Danny said.

"Do you love your Dad and Grandmother?" Cody asked.

"Yeah." Danny said narrowing his eyebrows.

"Do you love me?" Cody asked.

"You have to ask?" Danny said smiling.

"And you love Tyler, and Derek, and Kyle, and a bunch of others right?" Cody said.

"Yeah... what's your point?" Danny asked.

"You can love more than one person and it's okay to be loved by more than one person," Cody said. "Your mom already knows that but it takes time to adjust when you've spent your life giving it all to one spoiled little brat. If you did something to hurt your mom you would be endangering our relationship because I don't think I could spend the rest of my life with someone who's capable of something like that," Cody said and kissed Danny's cheek.

"What if Mom doesn't like you?" Danny asked.

"She will because we already have one thing in common!" Cody said.

"What?" Danny asked.

"We both love the same guy. Actually I think that makes your Mom and me kind of smart!" Cody said grinning.

Danny smiled

"Let's go to bed now... like we will every night until the day we die," Cody said taking Danny's hand and leading him out of the kitchen.

Janet waited until she heard Danny's bedroom door shut and got up and turned the kitchen light out. She went back up to her room and crawled into bed and rolled over and put her arm around Roger's waist.

Many thanks to Erin Donahue, Chip Dodds, and Danny with the plaid shirt on from Minnesota for their help, time, and patience in researching information for this chapter.

Yes, Peanut Butter hotdogs do exist!!! http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06162/697385-85.stm

To be continued...
 

tylerpeel@tickiestories.us

Posted: 01/02/09