by: Tyler Peel

© 2007 by the author

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

Author’s Note: At whatever point in time in the future you might be reading this chapter I want everyone to know that this Thanksgiving Day (2006). I don’t usually make dedications but it seems like an appropriate time to thank eight people without whom you wouldn’t be able to read the slop I write! Peter, David, Danny, Bret, Pat, Chris, Treb, and Jeff (JB1) put in many hours in different capacities so that you have a legible chapter to read and two informative websites to access! They get no pay, little thanks, and varying degrees of aggravation brought on solely by me. Simply said, they give up a large part of their free time for you the reader! (If they didn’t have a drinking problem a year ago they probably have one now!) Each and every one of them deserves far more credit than I do for helping provide you with something to escape this world we live in for a few minutes. My heart-felt thanks, love, and respect goes out to these people and I am in awe of their dedication and patience! These people raise the bar to new standards and represent the type of people “Tyler, Derek, Cody, & Danny” would want to emulate. I ask all Roadies who are enjoying the story to post their appreciation of the hard work these people do in the Yahoo message forum!

Thank you,
~Tyler Peel~

Chapter 44
Good Will Hunting

*Lick*
*Lick*
*Lick*

"Ewwww," Tyler said, opening his eyes.

*Thump, thump, thump* went Abbey's tail against the nightstand.

"Morning Abigail!" Tyler said, as he reached out from underneath the comforter and scratched her ear.

Tyler sat up and gently touched the floor. "Oooooo. Carpet? I am home!" Tyler stood up and stretched and Abbey jumped up on the bed and took his place cuddling up against the heat of Kyle's back.

Tyler looked down at her and said, "You bitch! You just wanted my warm spot in the bed!" Abbey yawned and flopped her head down under the pillow as if to say, 'Puhleeze... I'm trying to sleep.'

Tyler threw on his sweat pants, a tee-shirt, and a hoody to go for a jog. He started the coffee machine and pulled everything he could out of the fridge for breakfast. Strapping his MP3 player to his arm he set up the song 'Play' by The Suits XL to listen to while running. As he punched in the code to turn the alarm off he heard a thumping tail behind him.

"Sure... now you want me to take you for a run, eh?" Tyler said and Abbey's tail beat faster.

One hour and ten minutes later Abbey was as tired as Tyler was. "We really have to find a place to run without telephone poles or trees, Abbey!" Tyler said as they came in the door. Tyler unhooked her leash and she ran to her water bowl.

Tyler quickly threw some hash browns in a pan and began whipping up a dozen eggs. He added chopped onion, red and green pepper, sliced and chopped smoked-cured ham, added a little sour cream, and salt and pepper. He put some mini country sausages in one pan and cooked up 2 lbs. of bacon in the microwave.

He poured the contents of the first pot of coffee into a decanter so he could make a second pot of coffee. As he pushed the brew button on the coffee machine Linda came into the kitchen wrapped in her robe. She took one sniff and ran to the main floor bathroom.

Tyler laughed quietly to himself. "Yes!" he said.

Tyler poured one cup of Abbey's food into her bowl and she gobbled it down and wanted outside immediately. When she came back in Tyler gave her a piece of cooked bacon and headed upstairs to shower. Abbey headed to the sofa for a well-deserved nap.

Tyler quietly opened Luke's bedroom door to find the room empty. He then tried Kyle's bedroom door to find Luke and Casey in between Cody and Danny. When Tyler finished his shower he put on a pair of jeans and a striped dress shirt. He returned to the kitchen to find Larry sipping coffee and reading the morning newspaper.

"Morning, Dad," Tyler said sneaking up behind and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Morning, Son...," Larry mumbled. Tyler refreshed Larry's coffee.

"Do the boys need lunches made?" Tyler asked.

"Shit!" Larry said. "Linda usually looks after that and she did remind me about it before we went to bed."

"Tell me what to do?" Tyler said.

"Ummm... Casey will eat anything? He's our good son!" Larry said laughing. "As for little Hitler, he likes bologna, chicken, or tuna!"

"Little Hitler?" Tyler asked laughing.

"Have you seen Lucas on a school morning?" Larry asked.

"No... and I don't think I want to now! No peanut butter sandwich?" Tyler asked.

"Not allowed. No nuts in school except for the students," Larry said.

Tyler made tuna fish sandwiches for both boys with the crusts cut off. He added a drink 'n box apple drink, an orange, some carrot and celery sticks, and he hid a Hershey's chocolate bar at the bottom of each lunch bag.

"All done," Tyler announced, and Larry looked at him in shock.

"I think I could marry you if I wasn't already married," Larry joked. "Did you make me a lunch as well?"

"No, but I can if you want?" Tyler offered.

"Tis okay... do you want to wake the boys please?" Larry asked.

"Sure," Tyler said and Larry snorted.

"Hold up a minute!" Tyler said turning around holding his index finger up in the air. "What are you not telling me about waking Luke up?"

Larry snorted again and smiled without looking at Tyler. Tyler opened Kyle's bedroom door to find that Luke was no longer in there. He lifted Casey up and carried him back to his bedroom to get ready for school. Upon opening the bedroom door he saw Luke lying in bed with an ice pack on his forehead and a thermometer in his mouth.

"Not feeling well, Luke?" Tyler asked.

"No... I've got... Mad Cow disease!" Luke said moaning.

"Where does it hurt?" Tyler asked, grinning.

"Everywhere," Luke moaned.

"Do you think you got it from sleeping next to Danny?" Tyler asked winking at him.

"It's not funny... I think I'm going to die!" Luke said clutching his tummy and then moaning.

"Okay. Well, maybe you should stay home from school for the rest of the week," Tyler suggested.

"Really?" Luke asked sitting up in bed with a big grin.

"Not now... since you seem all better. Get dressed! Breakfast is almost ready and I made your lunches," Tyler said. Luke threw back the covers glaring at Tyler. Casey laughed but turned away when Luke glared at him.

"Hey Luke, what's your shirt say?" Tyler asked and Luke stretched his shirt out for Tyler to read.

"The Second Mouse gets the cheese," Tyler read aloud and laughed.

"How did it go?" Larry asked almost giggling.

"It went fine," Tyler said ignoring the jab.

"Huh? Fine?" Larry asked.

"Yup." Tyler said. "Would you like breakfast now?"

Tyler made a giant western omelette covered in melted cheese and sliced into several pieces. He put the hash browns in one bowl and the bacon and sausages into another bowl. Making three mugs of coffee, he headed upstairs to wake Cody, Danny, Kyle, and Derek.

"You look kind of flush, Ty! Are you feeling okay?" Cody asked as he sat up in bed to take his coffee from Tyler.

"Yeah I'm fine. I was out this morning for over an hour to sniff butts and pee on every telephone pole I could find," Tyler said and Cody snorted his coffee out his nose. "Sorry!" he added, laughing.

"What are we doing today?" Danny asked.

"We are going shopping and we need to get packed up to move!" Tyler said.

"Big screen TV?" Danny asked.

"Bigger screen TV!" Tyler said.

"Sweeeeeet!" Danny said grinning.

"Where's Ty?" Kyle asked as he walked into the kitchen.

"He's cleaning out his Jeep for Dad," Luke said shoveling his breakfast into him.

"Dad, I need lunch money!" Kyle asked holding his hand out.

"Can't you take a lunch like the rest of us?" Larry said pulling out a five-dollar bill.

"Dad, I need to eat more than dried out rice cakes," Kyle said, holding his hand out.

"Take a banana with you!" Larry said swallowing the last of his coffee.

"DAD!!!!! Those are my bananas!" Luke whined.

"I don't eat half as much as Luke does," Kyle said still holding his hand out.

"Take some of Luke's lunch! It can't be too bad considering Tyler made it!" Larry said giving Kyle another five-dollar bill.

"Don't drag me into your quest for more gruel," Luke said making a face at Kyle.

"And I don't charge you protection money to make sure you get home safely without one of your teachers running you down!" Kyle shot back.

"Good point!" Luke said and grinned at Casey. "Give 'em another five Dad!" Luke said.

"No!" Larry said.

"Dad... don't make me make the principal phone you instead of Mom!" Luke warned. Larry slid his reading glasses down and looked up at Luke and then over at a grinning Kyle. Larry took one five-dollar bill back and gave Kyle a ten-dollar bill.

"Shouldn't you boys be outside to get your bus?" Larry grumbled.

"Love you, Dad," Kyle said giving his Dad a kiss and grabbing his backpack and skateboard.

"Kyle? It's January. Why are you taking your board to school?" Larry asked.

"It's part of the look, Dad! Duh..." Kyle said shaking his head as he walked away.

"Love you, Dad!" Casey said giving Larry a hug.

"Love you too, Casey. Have a great day at school!" Larry said.

"You have a great day cutting people open!" Casey said casually as he walked away and Larry stared at him.

"Love you, Dad," Luke said.

"Luke, hang on a minute!" Larry said and Luke groaned.

"Don't even start Luke! Your mom has a doctor's appointment this morning. She isn't feeling well and doesn't need to hear from your principal today... probably not tomorrow either!" Larry warned.

"Got it under control but you owe me one for this!" Luke said walking away.

"Hey, guys, no hugs? No kisses?" Tyler said walking down the hallway from the garage as they were leaving out the door. Kyle handed Luke five dollars and then hugged Tyler goodbye.

"You guys all got your lunch money I gave you?" Tyler asked and all three glared at Tyler.

"BOYS!!!!!!!" Larry yelled and all three ran out the door towards the bus stop laughing.

Derek, Danny, and Cody all stumbled into the kitchen with empty coffee mugs. Tyler began fixing up three plates of breakfast for them.

"Damn! This is going to be so fine living with Tyler. Coffee and breakfast every morning, laundry service, chauffeur, channel changer, masseuse...," Danny began and everyone stared at him.

"Wot?" Danny asked, with his mouth full winking at Cody.

"Morning, Dad," Cody said giving Larry a hug. Derek looked at Cody and then over at Tyler. Tyler winked at Derek to let him know it was okay.

"Speaking of...," Danny said. "Where's my sucker?"

"I'm hugging him!" Larry said and Cody, Tyler, and Derek burst into laughter.

Danny stuck his index finger in his mouth and pulled it out. He drew a number one in the air and said, "Dad 1, Danny 0"

"You could take that two ways Danny? Which way did you take it?" Larry asked and there was more laughter.

"Shouldn't you be at work by now, Dad?" Derek asked.

"I should be but I booked part of the morning off to take your Mother to the doctor," Larry said, and Derek became very quiet.

"Guys, it's almost eight o'clock. We need to get on the road!" Tyler said.

"Here, I'll help with the dishes," Cody said.

"No, you go and get ready. I'll do the dishes," Danny said. Cody looked at Tyler and Derek.

It was 10:30 a.m. when they arrived back at Drexel.

"Okay guys, let's meet in my room in... 30 minutes?" Tyler said looking at his new watch and all four headed to their dorm rooms.

"Christmas lights... They're still here!" Derek said as he walked into their room.

"A lot has happened since we had Christmas dinner here," Tyler said hugging Derek from behind.

"True! I have a boyfriend and several new brothers," Derek said.

"And I have a boyfriend and a family now," Tyler said kissing the back of Derek's head.

"Do you know what I am going to miss about this room?" Derek asked.

"What?" Tyler said.

"Our first date! Remember you came home from work and I had Chinese food for us?" Derek asked smiling.

"Yeah, as far as first dates go it was definitely the best," Tyler said.

"Why do you love me?" Derek asked spinning around in Tyler's arms.

"Huh?" Tyler asked.

"Why do you love me? You could have anyone. I just don't understand why you love me? I love the fact that you do but I can't figure out why?" Derek asked.

"I love you because you are not trying to be me. You are different but in a good way. You don't analyze the world the way everyone else does. You are real and your imperfections make you unique. You're not afraid to fight me whenever you feel you need to and that makes the effort put in to winning your love even more rewarding. You challenge me and bring me into balance when I need to be. All the things that I lack, you excel in! <Derek laughed and rolled his eyes as Tyler held him> I mean that in a good way Babe! We balance each other. We bring different things to make us one. You lack a lot of confidence in yourself and in us but in time you will see not only how great you are but also how great we are together. Does that make any sense to you?" Tyler asked.

"You didn't mention that I was good in bed!" Derek said smirking.

"No... no I didn't...," Tyler said and then winked. "I know you won't understand this but most people in the world fanaticize about someone else but with me I have my ultimate fantasy right here in my arms," Tyler added.

"Well... you did mention that you jerked off thinking about me and that is just weird!" Derek said.

"Do you know how many times I wake up in the middle of the night and just stare at you and thank God that I have you in my life?" Tyler asked.

"Yeah... I've meaning to talk to you about that... you're kind of creeping me out!" Derek said, still holding his smirk. Tyler shook his head.

"Think about us sitting in front of the fireplace alone... Having sex on the kitchen counter! Bubble baths! Going to bed early or sleeping in late. I want to stimulate every square inch of your body and travel everywhere your mind goes. I want to share in everything your soul feels and your heart touches. Derek, you might only be perfect to me but isn't that all that matters?" Tyler asked.

"Pretty much...," Derek said softly.

"I don't want to die until I've told you I love you five million times!" Tyler said. "Just imagine having your ultimate fantasy come to life and being able to hold him in your arms?"

"I have and it did," Derek said, pressing his lips against Tyler's.

*Knock, knock, knock*

"And I want a lock on our bedroom door and a do-not-disturb sign!" Tyler added. "C'mon in..." Tyler yelled adding the word 'fucktards' under his breath.

"Are we interrupting?" Danny asked pushing the door open with Cody behind him.

"Always!" Tyler and Derek said together.

"And you're fifteen minutes early as well!" Tyler said looking at his watch

"Yeah... ummm that would be my fault. I thought if we got started a little early we could stop by Brewed Awakenings...," Danny said grinning.

Tyler grabbed his backpack and a file folder and they were off to the Van.

"Where am I driving us to?" Derek asked.

"I've narrowed it down to three stores for most of the stuff we need but you better swing by Brewed Awakenings first. I could use a coffee as well," Tyler said.

"Oh thank God you are back!" The girl behind the counter joked and everyone looked at a smiling Danny.

"What would you guys like?" Danny asked. Everyone exchanged glances.

"Large coffee please, just black," Tyler said.

"Medium coffee, cream only please!" Derek said.

"Same as him!" Cody said pointing to Derek.

"And... I'll have a large coffee, double triple, and two dozen of your freshest cinnamon buns please?" Danny asked.

Tyler pulled out his wallet and Danny said, "No Ty, it's my treat!"

"Thanks Danny. That's very... kind of you," Tyler said suspiciously.

"We'll need some napkins for all of us as well... please and thank you," Danny said.

"Okay so where are we headed first?" Derek asked sipping on his coffee.

"There are two stores almost across the road from each other, Hampton House Furniture and Raymour & Flannigan's," Tyler said. "Let's try Hampton House first?" Derek parked the Van halfway between the two stores.

"Whoa!" Danny said as the four walked in the front door of Hampton House Furniture. There were five salesmen standing around the counter at the office eyeing them up.

"Let's take a quick walk through first," Tyler said and the rest followed him.

"Looks like the fat one pegged us!" Derek whispered.

"Be more specific?" Danny asked laughing.

"Don't worry, Babe, my first job was doing deliveries in a furniture store. I know how to handle these guys but if something goes wrong have Danny toss a cinnamon bun in the opposite direction of the door and we'll make a run for the door," Tyler said and Derek snorted.

"Gentlemen! You look lost? Did you need some direction?" The fat salesman asked as he chewed on his gum.

"Yes, Sir. We are here to purchase some furniture," Tyler said pulling a file out of his backpack.

"Is this some sort of a school project?" The fat salesman asked as he scratched his armpit and pulled his pants up.

"No white belt... I'm impressed!" Danny whispered to Cody.

"No, Sir... we just purchased a house and we need to furnish it. I have a list of everything we need right here," Tyler said, opening his file folder.

"Isn't this store kind of expensive for someone your age?" The fat salesman asked?

"Jack?" Tyler asked reading his nametag. "We can discuss the final price when we've selected everything we need. I saw on your website that you are a dealer for Serta and Clayton-Marcus."

"Clayton-Marcus huh? That's kind of pricey for someone your age, isn't it?" Jack said laughing.

"Is there a problem here, Jack?" Tyler asked and Danny snorted.

"Why don't you boys run along and go play at the arcade?" Jack suggested.

"Is it possible we could speak with another sales person?" Tyler asked.

"Like I said, why don't you boys run along?" Jack said waving them off in the direction of the door.

"Let's go, guys?" Tyler said and the three boys followed Tyler.

As they walked out the door Danny was the first to say, "I can't believe you took that shit from that asshole!"

"I would have beaten his head in!" Cody said.

"I don't think Tyler's done with him yet...," Derek said and Tyler glanced over at Derek and smiled.

"Let's just concentrate on getting most of this done today!" Tyler said and he held open the door to Raymour & Flannigan for everyone. Derek, Danny, and Cody stood inside the front door and looked around. Tyler pushed his way past them and walked up to the front counter.

"Excuse me, Ma'am?" Tyler asked.

"Yes Sir, how can I help you?" She asked.

"I need some direction?" Tyler asked and three salesmen hanging around the counter dispersed.

"I'll try my best!" She said smiling.

Tyler pulled out his wallet and removed all of his identification. He then pulled out a checkbook that contained his Bank of America passbook.

"Please allow me two minutes to explain, Ma'am?" Tyler began.

"This is who I am!" he said, showing her his identification.

"These are the legal papers showing the house I just purchased." Tyler said showing her the paperwork that Adam Fletcher had given him.

"This is my Bank of America passbook updated yesterday! You will see that the passbook account number matches the check book number," Tyler said, showing her and her eyes popped wide open.

"I have a house to furnish! I also have a credit card. I need someone who is good in concept and design and might even consider working privately for me for a couple of days to add the finishing touches to the house. Can you put me with someone who doesn't think I'm a little boy playing a game?" Tyler asked.

"Male or female?" she asked.

"It doesn't matter! I need someone who is more interested in helping me than adding up their commission," Tyler said.

"You want Dora and if anyone around here asks, you are returning to see Dora!" she said winking at Tyler.

"Gotcha!" Tyler said smiling.

"Go have a look around while I get Dora for you!" she said.

"Thank you very much, Ma'am!" Tyler said, and walked back to the boys with a big smile on his face.

"Let's go shop lifting," Tyler said grinning.

The boys wandered the store but spent most of their time trying out leather sofas and Serta mattresses.

A dark haired lady in her mid thirties with dark, rectangular glasses approached them and asked for Tyler. They all stopped to notice her New York business-casual suit and how well dressed she was.

"I'm Tyler!" he said extending his hand. "And you must be Dora?"

"Yes I am. Pleasure to meet you," Dora said.

"This is my boyfriend Derek and this is Cody and the guy playing with the giant Serta counting sheep is Danny," Tyler said, and Dora laughed.

"Would you like to sit down somewhere and we can discuss your needs?" Dora asked.

"That would be great, Dora. I brought my laptop with pictures of the entire house, a floor plan, and a list of basic necessities we need," Tyler said.

"Let's move over to a dining table so we have room for your computer!" Dora said.

"If you guys want you can tour the store or stay with me and Dora?" Tyler asked.

"Let's tour!" Danny said walking off dragging the giant sheep with him.

"Why don't you guys go see if you can find a bedroom suite you like? Derek, do you want to see if you can find something for our bedroom?" Tyler asked.

"Sure. Any preferences?" Derek asked.

"As long as you like it I am fine with it," Tyler said.

Tyler and Dora sat down at a glass dining table. Tyler opened up his laptop and gave Dora photo copies of the layout of the house, a master list of items grouped by room, and a series of sketches Tyler had done for furniture placement. When his laptop was up and running Dora looked at the desktop picture and started laughing.

"Oh... sorry. That was taken in the Jacuzzi at Derek's parent's house." Tyler said apologetically.

"No, that is a great picture!" She said laughing. "I wouldn't mind if you emailed me a copy of that?"

"I understand that you do private consulting?" Tyler asked.

"Yes I do but I charge $35.00 per hour," Dora said.

"I will pay you five hundred per day for a total of three days work. You are welcome to spread it out over as many days as you need but we are rushed," Tyler said. "School begins on Monday and I would really like to have most of this done by then."

"What were you thinking of that you would like me to look after beyond home furnishings?" Dora asked.

"We need it all! Area rugs, dishes, glasses, a vacuum cleaner, natural gas barbeque, a few TV's, a few pictures, lamps, occasional tables, sheets, comforters, computer desks, towels... whatever you feel we should have," Tyler said.

"Well..., there are only four of you so it won't be too bad," Dora said glancing over the list.

"Actually you should assume that there is more like 20 of us. Derek's family is huge and they will be there quite a bit. For example, we are going to install an outdoor Jacuzzi so we would need to have about 24 large sized bath towels. I've also read about these bed-in-a-bag thingys and wondered if we should have a few of those as well?" Tyler asked.

"How much are you looking to spend?" Dora asked.

"As little as possible but I want to do it right. So we don't need much in extras but we want the basics to be of good quality. I want Clayton-Marcus leather sofas in the basement to go with the brick wall and fireplace. I would like to give it a very warm and cozy lodge look to the basement. The third floor however is going to be for guests and computers. We want to create one massive room for technical equipment. Computers, printers, table space to work at...," Tyler said.

"So you are not using the master bedroom on the third floor?" Dora asked.

"No, the second floor has a massive front bedroom and the back has two smaller bedrooms. I thought we would remove the wall here." Tyler said pointing to a second floor picture of the hallway. "And make it into one long room. The second floor is the quiet floor. No computers, no television, no noise!" Tyler said.

"What about your main floor at the front entrance?" Dora asked.

"That's up to you. I would like to do something contemporary but not wild. It should be open, inviting, and functional. We also plan to put a 43" large screen TV on the wall. I want to have a glass table like this only rectangular in shape with parson's chairs around it in the dining area outside the kitchen. We'll also need bar stools that coordinate with the room around the kitchen counter. I really want this room to be the showplace. It's for guests, friends, and parties...," Tyler said.

"You've done most of my work for me Tyler," Dora said smiling. "It's a beautiful home!"

"That's exactly it. Derek isn't entirely happy about the move so I want him to feel he is at home. I want you to try your best to include everyone's opinion and ideas but when we can't come to an agreement then we will leave it up to you," Tyler said.

"That should be easy. Anyone I need to handle carefully aside from Derek?" Dora asked.

"Nope. Not even Derek. He will likely be the shy one saying everything is fine and you may need to work a little with him. Danny, on the other hand, is likely to want everything and he may need to be tamed a bit. They are all great guys and I love them more than life itself. I hope you will like them as well," Tyler said, handing her a CD.

"What's this?" Dora asked.

"A copy of all of the pictures on my laptop except for the desktop picture." Tyler said grinning.

"Let's find your boys and go shopping!" Dora said getting up.

"Did you guys find anything you like?" Tyler asked as they approached.

"These beds are amazing!" Danny said.

"Dora, we want Serta beds from the Perfect Day collection!" Tyler said.

"Good choice! We have five to choose from in different firmnesses. What size did you guys want?" Dora asked.

"King!" Danny said grinning and Cody shook his head.

"Derek?" Dora asked.

"Any one of them is better than the piece of crap at the dorm." Derek said.

"Derek, I need you to rest test each one and tell me what you think?" Dora asked.

Derek lay down on each bed and narrowed it down to two.

"Which one is firmer, Babe?" Tyler asked.

"I think the 'midnight escape' is a little firmer than the 'constellation gateway'. Why?" Derek asked.

"Suppose that one of us is on top of the other? Wouldn't it be a lot less work on a firmer bed?" Tyler asked and everyone laughed. Derek covered his face with his hands and blushed.

Derek pointed to the midnight escape and Dora smiled and made a note of it.

"Cody? Danny? Did you find a bed you like?" Dora asked.

"Whatever Cody chooses is fine with me but what's really important is knowing whether we get one of these Serta counting sheep?" Danny asked.

"I'll see what I can do...," Dora said shaking her head and smiling at Danny.

"Cody it's up to you then?" Dora said.

"I like something really hard!" Cody said and then realized what he said.

"Don't anyone go there!" Dora said laughing.

"Trust me... no one does!" Cody said winking at Danny.

"I still need a bed, Cody?" Dora asked.

"I think we will go with the 'daydreamer' if you agree Danny?" Cody asked.

"Anything that makes you happy," Danny said smiling.

"Now Tyler, for the rooms upstairs I see you have listed a 39"/54" bunkbed and two queen size beds. What exactly did you want up in the third floor bedroom?" Dora asked.

"Something of this quality. Maybe one that is softer for guests and one of these two firmer beds for the other. Whatever you have in stock? As for the bunkbeds let's go down to something in the Serta Perfect Sleeper line and you can choose that. Just make them good quality," Tyler said.

"All right now... let's move to the bedroom area?" Dora said.

"Hey, Cody, would it be alright to go with a country theme in our bedroom?" Danny asked.

"Sure. Doesn't matter to me," Cody said.

"How about one with the big round ball posts on it! We could have plaid wall paper and plaid drapes!" Danny said grinning.

"What do you think of this 19th century Cannonball bedroom suite?" Dora asked.

"Whoa!" Danny said. "This is like four thousand dollars!" Danny looked at Tyler and Tyler winked at him.

"If you guys like it then get it!" Tyler said. "What about us, Babe?"

"Whatever you want, Ty," Derek said.

"No. What do you like that would make this our room?" Tyler asked.

"I like big balls but not made of wood!" Derek said and Dora burst out laughing.

"We have more in common than you might realize!" Dora whispered in Derek's ear.

"How about something contemporary. Maybe a chesseur?" Tyler asked.

"What the hell is a chesseur?" Derek asked.

"It's a combination of a dresser and chest-of-drawers," Tyler said.

"He is a sharp one, isn't he?" Dora asked.

"He spent three hours online shopping for a coffee machine so what would one expect?" Derek said shaking his head.

"Grind and brew?" Dora asked.

"With gold filter basket and thermal carafe!" Tyler said.

"Cuisinart?" Dora asked.

"Model 600 with stainless steel and black accents," Tyler added.

"Using a Brita water filtration to keep the build up to a minimum," Dora added

Dora and Tyler high-fived each other!

"I hate you both!" Derek said shaking his head.

"We've just started carrying the Atlantic collection from Shermag! It's a Canadian company...," Dora began.

"We'll take it! Tyler's Canadian," Derek said laughing.

"Derek? Let's look at it first and see if you like it?" Tyler asked.

"Crap! This is really nice stuff! It's almost modular but it isn't," Cody said.

"Good eyes, Cody, they have about 50 pieces in their collection and they all mix and match!" Dora said

"So you don't like what we've picked out now?" Danny asked.

"No, I'm cool with it Danny. It will remind me of being with your Mom at the farm!" Cody said.

"Can we change our order?" Danny asked Dora and Tyler and Derek started to laugh.

The boys settled on the Atlantic collection for all the bedrooms on the second and third floor.

"You can choose from these colour combos?" Cody asked.

"Anything you like but we only stock these six colours. The wheat, antique glow, blue & natural, heather green and antique glow, and the tea," Dora said.

"Why don't you guys go with the dark tea colour?" Derek suggested. "Cody's choice of bedroom with the colour Danny liked from the cannonball bed set."

Cody and Danny looked at each other and smiled.

"Done and we can work plaid accents in very easily!" Dora said.

"How are you with decorating a room done in cow print?" Cody asked and Danny elbowed him in the side.

"Now what about you guys?" Dora asked ignoring Cody.

"Derek?" Tyler asked.

"I like the antique glow. It's rich looking and we can decorate the room any way we want," Derek said and Tyler nodded in agreement.

"And the colour for upstairs?" Dora asked.

"I like the heather-green combo. I think we want it to be light and airy. Soft green might even be calming for Luke," Tyler said.

Dora drew out a plan on a piece of paper as to how to set up two bedroom suites in only one bedroom by putting the beds in the centre of the room with the headboards back-to-back.

"That is so cool! Thanks Dora," Tyler said.

"You can add a fake four foot wall or a screen between them for privacy but we still need to pick out your beds and when I say beds I mean headboard and footboard combinations," Dora said.

Tyler and Derek looked at each other and said, "Platform bed!"

"Guys? How do you tie the feet down with no footboard?" Danny asked. Dora glanced at Tyler and Derek while Cody sat down and covered his face.

"Okay, okay... I'm just joking... sort of...," Danny said and then winked at Dora.

"Danny, I really think the four poster cannonball bed is really much better suited for you two!" Dora said.

"Nope. It's what Cody likes and wants is all that is important! Besides... chain link isn't that expensive," he said, walking away towards the living room suites.

"This is not happening and don't believe a word he says!" Cody warned everyone as he was getting up to follow Danny.

Danny walked out the front door of the store and Cody watched to see where he was going.

"Where is Danny going?" Cody asked.

"Probably to the Van. He asked Derek for the keys," Tyler said.

"Okay, should we look at leather sofas now?" Dora asked.

Tyler, Derek, and Cody all pointed to a caramel colour leather sofa with nail heads on the front. Dora looked at the three of them and saw Tyler raise two fingers.

"Right. Two Clayton-Marcus caramel coloured Iowa sofas...," she said, writing it down, and the three boys began laughing.

"What's so funny?" Dora asked as she stopped writing mid sentence.

"Danny's from Iowa!" Cody said.

"No Shit!" Dora said and continued making notes. The boys laughed even louder.

"We'll need a couple of matching chairs and a cocktail ottoman instead of a coffee table please!" Tyler asked.

"How about a cocktail ottoman in a funky fabric with matching accent cushions to throw on the sofas to tie it all in together?" Dora asked.

All three boys gave Dora a thumb's up.

"Damn! If this gets any easier I'm going to have to pay you guys for shopping here?" Dora joked. "Okay. We've got the kitchen table covered. Parson's chairs I can do no problem. What about bar stools?"

"No backs on them! Solid oak if possible to blend with the hardwood floors," Tyler said.

"Okay. Now the furniture for the living room?" Dora asked.

"Guys?" Tyler asked.

"Whatever...," Cody said.

"You're paying for it," Derek said.

"It's our house guys! Please tell Dora what you would like?" Tyler asked.

"Something funky!" Cody suggested.

"I would like to see chrome or silver?" Derek said.

"I've got just the thing for you guys! Our George Jetson set!" Dora said laughing.

Danny returned with his hands and mouth full. He was carrying two trays of coffee and a bag of cinnamon buns in his mouth as he backed in through the front door.

"Wow! Thanks Danny! That is really kind of you. Are we allowed to drink coffee in the store?" Tyler asked Dora.

"No, but with what you guys are purchasing you could probably all have an orgy in the front window without the manager saying anything," Dora joked.

"I got three extras in case some others working here would like coffee," Danny said.

"Thanks, Danny," Derek said, taking one of the coffees

"Thanks," Cody said suspiciously.

"Just black and thank you for the coffee," Dora said smiling.

"Try a cinnamon bun! They're from Brewed Awakenings!" Danny said as Cody watched him closely.

"Why don't we save those until we sit down to write everything up?" Dora suggested.

"Dora, who is the nice lady that recommended you?" Tyler asked.

"That's Jill!" Dora said.

"I'll catch up with you guys in a moment!" Tyler said, walking off with a tray containing three coffees and a bag of cinnamon buns.

"Yes, Sir?" Jill said.

"I just wanted to thank you for your help..." Tyler said realizing that several salesmen were standing around the counter.

"It was my pleasure!" Jill said eyeing the man candy before her.

"We brought you a coffee and maybe you would like a cinnamon bun to go with it?" Tyler offered. "Gentlemen? I have two more coffees for anyone who would like one?"

"Thanks for the buns...," Jill said winking at Tyler. Tyler grinned.

"Guys, would you like to try a cinnamon bun?" Tyler asked holding the bag open. All four salesmen each grabbed a bun along with Jill.

Tyler rejoined the rest of the group to find them laughing.

"Hey, this is kind of funky," Tyler said looking at the beige microfibre sofa with chrome legs used in the TV show 'The Jetsons'.

"Tyler, I was just telling the guys that what I am recommending is this sofa and a loveseat in earthy colour of microfibre. We will add four matching chairs but in this funky design with accent cushions on the sofa and loveseat to match. Then we have glass top occasional tables with brushed steel legs to coordinate and complete the look," Dora said.

"What is microfibre?" Danny asked.

"It's a 100% polyester fibre that is stain and fade resistant. If you get a pen mark on it you simply use some hair spray to remove it. You won't need to buy fabric protection for this," Dora said.

"What about peanut butter?" Danny asked and everyone laughed.

"Peanut butter, chain link, and cow print? I'm getting so turned on by your interests!" Dora teased in a sultry voice. Derek snorted a mouthful of coffee. "Why don't we all go sit down in my office while I write this up?" Dora asked leading them to a glass paneled office in the far corner of the store.

They all sipped their coffees quietly while Tyler pulled out a wad of cash from his backpack. Danny and Cody looked at each other as they watched Tyler bent over counting it. He put $1500.00 in one envelope and sealed it. He then wrote 'Dora' on the outside of it. In a second envelope he counted out $4000.00 dollars and labeled it 'stuff'.

Dora finished writing up the invoice and looked at Tyler when she said. "When are you opening your model home up to the public?"

"Huh?" Tyler asked.

"I said when are you opening up your model home to the public?" Dora repeated and winked.

"Ah... This Saturday so if we could get delivery on Thursday morning of everything that is ready it would really be appreciated!" Tyler asked.

"Right. Now you've spent just over $36000.00 dollars!" Dora began and Cody gasped. "But with your contractor's discount of 20% it comes down to just under $29000.00."

Dora's face slowly formed a grin and Tyler's face followed suit.

"But Tyler you're not a...," Danny began and Tyler shushed him.

"Thank you, Dora," Tyler said handing her two envelopes.

"You DON'T want a sleep guarantee, fabric protection, or an extended warranty do you?" Dora asked.

"No..., no, I don't!" Tyler said smiling.

"What's the second envelope for?" Dora asked.

"Shopping expenses! I'm sure you will get better bargains at the places you know than I will!" Tyler said. "There's four thousand in there and you can let me know if you need more. As for major purchases like the televisions just send them COD or have them call me and I will give them my credit card number."

"I do love a customer that doesn't cost me money. You would be surprised how many times I have paid for things that customers want and had to wait 90 days or more to get paid?" Dora said.

"I didn't think you needed any more paperwork than was necessary?" Tyler asked winking as he handed her a blank check to fill in the amount of the invoice.

"Could I have a couple of photo copies of my receipt as well?" Tyler asked.

"Sure. I'll be back in a moment," Dora said getting up to leave the office.

"Tax write-off?" Derek asked.

"Partially! The house is a company and the four of us will rent from the company," Tyler said. "By the way guys... rent checks are due shortly!" Tyler saw Cody fidget a little when he said that.

"Well... they are due by the end of January so you may want to hit up your parents sooner rather than later," Tyler said as Dora returned.

"I need to get a job!" Derek said.

"Me too!" Cody added.

"What about stripping Derek?" Tyler asked and Derek glared at him. "I am serious!"

"I would pay to see you get naked!" Dora added as she sat back down at her desk.

"Four thousand dollars?" Derek asked winking at her.

"My brother runs a strip club here in Philly. Want me to hook you up with him for an interview?" Dora asked.

"Let me think about it...," Derek said, giving Tyler the evil eye. Tyler laughed.

"Don't give me that look? I think you're the sexiest guy alive," Tyler said.

"Seriously, Derek, I would go watch and stuff dollar bills down your crotch!" Dora said laughing. Cody snorted and Danny's eyes popped wide open.

"Why don't you strip right now Derek?" Danny asked, laughing. "You could get Dora's opinion and maybe a few customers as well?"

"Do we need to compensate Jill?" Tyler asked.

"That isn't necessary. I will take care of her but thank you for offering," Dora said.

"No, I am serious. I want your full attention at making our house a home. Just tell me what you need for Jill. She doesn't need to know it's from us, I just don't want you to be out any money for your time," Tyler said.

"One hundred would be more than enough but it really isn't necessary," Dora said and Tyler handed her a one hundred dollar bill.

"Now if you will just fill in your name, address, phone number and email account I will get the ball rolling... so-to-speak," she said winking at Danny.

Tyler filled it out on the original. He kept the photocopy of the invoice where his name and address would go blank.

The four exited the store all excited. Tyler led them on past where the Van was parked. Derek, Danny, and Cody all looked at each other and followed Tyler.

Tyler walked up to Hampton House Furniture and held the door open for the three boys.

"Wait here and watch!" Tyler said grinning.

"Oh shit... I just know this is going to be good." Danny said, rubbing his hands together.

Tyler walked up to the front counter where one salesman was writing up an order and the receptionist was talking to an older gentleman. Jack the salesman saw Tyler come in and he began to approach the front desk from the far side of the showroom.

"Yes, Sir, can I help you?" she asked.

"Yes, Ma'am. Is the sales manager or owner in?" Tyler asked.

"I'm Morris Manley the owner. How can I help you, Sir?"

"Sir, I was in your store just over two hours ago to try and furnish my new home. A salesman named Jack," Tyler paused to locate him. "That guy over there!" Tyler said pointing and Jack came to a complete stop.

"Your salesman, Jack, was so incredibly rude that before I could even complain he threw me out of your store! He seemed to think that because of my age I wasn't seriously interested in purchasing furniture," Tyler said, and the customers and salesman at the desk all paused to listen in.

"I went across the road and spent almost $29,000.00 dollars! Here are copies of my invoices to prove it! You can speak with Dora there if you wish to confirm it? The age, colour, sex, or style of dress shouldn't be a factor in making a purchase at your store!" Tyler said loudly as the owner flipped through the purchase invoices in his hand.

"Rather than writing a letter to the newspaper or telling one hundred people about how badly I was treated in YOUR store I thought you should be made aware of it? As for your other salespersons working here this morning they all watched and laughed at what was going on," Tyler said looking directly at the salesman behind the counter.

"One really has to wonder if salespersons like Jack reflect your company policy on dealing with customers? What you do with this information is your business. Have a good day, Sir!" Tyler said, and turned towards the door to find three grinning guys standing there.

"That was the most fucking amazing thing I've ever seen!" Danny said jumping up and down as they left the store.

"You rock, Mr. Peel!" Cody said laughing.

"I deal with enough unwarranted shit in the restaurant without having to take it from a salesman when it is unjustified!" Tyler said, still a little shaken by what happened.

"I have to give you credit, Ty? You did that in a very calm manner! That salesman is so fired but more importantly are you okay?" Derek asked.

"I'm fine and he should be fired! You learn in the restaurant business that if you judge a customer by how they are dressed you won't last long. Farmers often have more money in their pockets and tip better than the Wall Street types," Tyler added. "Let's go have lunch?" he said crossing the road to Van.

"Face it, Ty..., you kicked his ass!" Danny said.

"He's damn lucky it was me and not Luke!" Tyler said and everyone agreed and laughed.

After lunch they returned to the dorm via Brewed Awakenings for more cinnamon buns and coffee.

"So what do you guys want to do now?" Danny asked.

"We need to pack, and no offence, Danny, but Derek and I need some quiet time!" Tyler said, and Danny frowned.

Tyler hugged Danny and said, "I love you, Daniel, but Derek and I haven't had any time alone," Danny nodded.

"What about dinner?" Danny asked.

"We're eating in but we are eating out tonight!" Tyler said winking. Danny and Cody grinned.

When Tyler shut the door he asked Derek, "Sorry, but I hope that was okay to say to them?"

"Yeah. Fine. It's not like they're not going to be sharing the same house as us by the weekend," Derek moaned.

"I promise you a door lock!" Tyler said sliding his arms around Derek's waist and kissing his neck.

"I'm sorry Ty..., this is just all so much happening right now when all I want to do is be alone with you," Derek said.

"You have my full and undivided attention right now?" Tyler said as he released Derek and went back to the door to lock it and put the chain on.

"Yeah... right...," Derek said laughing. "You have a million things going on in your head right now!"

"I do not..., I only have about ten things going on up there!" Tyler said and stuck his tongue out at him. Tyler began unbuttoning his dress shirt and removing his jeans. Derek followed and grinned.

"I missed our pillow!" Tyler said climbing up on to the bed wearing only his dress shirt.

"OUR pillow?" Derek asked.

"Well... we always share our pillows or end up sleeping with each other's. When you left for home I slept with your pillow under my arm so I could dream I was still holding you," Tyler said.

"Don't evade the original question!" Derek said trying desperately to get up on their bunkbed. Tyler reached down and pulled him up in one fell swoop.

"Original question?" Tyler asked.

"Ten things on your mind?" Derek said leaning on his right arm on top of his pillow. Tyler leaned on his left arm facing Derek and pulled the comforter up over them.

"Okay, here it goes! I'm thinking about when hockey practice is; How Luke and Casey made out in school today with their stories; we need to order bracelets for Matt and Jesse; picking up your birthday present; how our test results are going; how was Mom's visit to the doctor's today; why is Danny being generous with cinnamon buns; did you remember to return the videos you rented when we were in Baltimore; and how to get some money to Cody without his knowing? Satisfied?" Tyler asked.

"That was only nine!" Derek said grinning.

"I love your smile when you grin!" Tyler said.

"Number ten?" Derek asked.

"The same thing that I am always thinking about... you and how much I love you!" Tyler said.

"I love you too!" Derek said leaning in for kiss.

"SHIT! The videos! Damnit to hell!" Derek said slapping his forehead.

"You left them up in the loft and Mom found them and I got it back from her! I hid them in your suitcase," Tyler said.

"That's good! That's very, very good! I can get Kyle to return them?" Derek said smiling. "I think I'll wait until Kyle is home and then we can talk to Mom and Kyle at the same time."

"Do you really want to talk to Kyle about the movies when your Mom is around?" Tyler asked.

"Good point and if Mom has news she might not want to talk about it in front of our brothers. We better call right now?" Derek said hopping out of bed.

"Umm... Derek?" Tyler called.

"What?" Derek asked.

"Your suitcase with the videos in it?" Tyler said.

"It's no problem I've got it right here... fuck!" Derek said and Tyler laughed.

"We'll call the video store and give them my credit card number and tell them we'll return them on the weekend when we are back in Baltimore!" Tyler said smiling.

"Did I do okay today?" Danny asked of Cody.

"How do you mean?" Cody asked suspiciously.

"I tried my best to be thoughtful and giving!" Danny said sitting down on his desk chair.

"I guess...," Cody said sitting down on the loveseat beside Danny.

"You guess? I bought coffee and gave away free cinnamon buns to everyone!" Danny said.

"Yes you did and it was very nice of you," Cody said patronizing him.

"You're mocking me, aren't you?" Danny asked raising one eyebrow.

"Danny? I don't know how to say this so I just will. Buying coffee and giving away cinnamon buns doesn't make you Santa Claus or even close to understanding the spirit of giving. The fact that you hoard cinnamon buns is at best moderately funny and at minimum strangely sad?" Cody said. "You can buy them 24/7... 364 days of the year so it's really hard to understand why you are so greedy with them?"

Danny leaned on his knees and gave Cody a cold look.

"I let you pick the furniture!" Danny said defensively.

"You're not supposed to let me choose the furniture it was to be our decision. It seems like you only know the extremes of life and no happy medium? I really wonder if you are simply going overboard and being exceedingly generous and then get mad when you're not crowned King of the World for your thoughtful endeavours, and revert back to your old ways with a vengeance?" Cody asked.

Danny glared at him.

"Do you want me to lie to you and tell you that you are the kindest human being to ever walk the planet?" Cody asked seriously.

"You could have said it was a nice thing to do today and I can see you are trying to change?" Danny said.

"That's all true but the rest of us don't live in a world of instant self-gratification Danny. Have you thought about all that Tyler has done for you since Christmas?" Cody asked.

"Do we have to use Ty as the model for the new Ghandi?" Danny said coldly.

"No, we don't. Pick someone then?" Cody asked.

"Fine..., use Ty!" Danny said staring at the floor.

"When you needed him he flew the three of us up to Iowa! He even paid for your flight back. Did you thank him?" Cody asked.

"Yeah... I think so...," Danny mused.

"No Danny, did you really thank him? Did you tell him how much he means to you and how important of a friend he is to you?"

Danny stared at the floor and said, "Sort of..."

"Let me answer it for you Danny? You argued with him about validating your having sex with his boyfriend!" Cody said.

"I don't want to talk about this," Danny said.

"Nor do I, so let's get back on track? There is this incredible feeling in giving! It's so amazing that it is actually better than receiving. Just knowing that you did something to help someone in need or brighten up their day is beyond eating a lifetime supply of cinnamon buns. Even when it comes to sex, giving is better than receiving! If all you want to do is get off then use your hand and clean up after yourself, but to bring your partner to that orgasmic level when his eyes roll back in his head is such a high!" Cody said and Danny stared at him.

"Danny, I'm not trying to be mean. I'm just being honest with you. You're a spoiled only child who's been given almost everything he ever wanted. I don't think you've ever experienced the joy of giving? I already know what it is but watching Tyler has put it into better perspective. He doesn't want to be the centre of attention he only wants those around him to be happy and fulfill their dreams. I don't know how long Tyler will be in my life," Cody said and Danny gave him a strange look, "but I do know that I am going to try to learn everything I can from him!"

"What do you mean by not knowing how long Ty will be in our lives?" Danny said.

"I actually said my life not our lives Danny!" Cody said winking at him. "You haven't lost anyone yet so you don't put the same value on time that Tyler and I do? We've both lost members of our family and we both know that either of us could die in a car accident at any moment so we value every second we have with those we love."

"I love you, Cody," Danny said very seriously.

"I know and I love you too!" Cody said.

"I'm sorry, Cody, and you're right about this all being new to me. Will you help me?" Danny asked.

"Of course! Admitting you need help is a big first step and you just overcame that!" Cody said smiling. Danny leaned in for a kiss and Cody met him halfway.

"Do you want lesson number one?" Cody asked.

"Yeah, I think? Please?" Danny asked.

"Okay. Aside from me who do you love the most in the world?" Cody asked.

"My mom, dad, and grandmother," Danny said.

"So call them and tell them!" Cody said.

"Huh?" Danny asked. "It's not cheap time right now and I did just talk to them on New Year's Eve."

Cody rolled his eyes. "Danny, call them and tell them you love them and how much they mean to you and when you are done I will tell you what you just accomplished."

"I don't want to sound selfish but could you tell me before I call so I don't miss what I should be looking for?" Danny asked holding the phone in his hand.

"Sure. They are going to be a little shocked! They are going to ask if something is wrong! They will be concerned! Then when you tell them that everything is all right and you simply wanted to tell them that you love them, miss them, and that you WERE'NT calling to get anything. At that point you can hear their breathing change and you can actually see the smile form on their lips. The end result is that you made someone's day and it didn't cost you more than a long distance phone call," Cody said. Danny smiled and started dialing.

"Want me to leave you alone?" Cody asked.

"No! I want them to talk to you too!" Danny said and Cody smiled to himself at this little revelation about Danny.

"Hello?" Janet said.

"Hi, Mom!" Danny said.

"Daniel? Is something wrong?" Janet asked.

"No mom everything is fine, even great!" Danny said grinning. He held the earpiece out so Cody could listen in.

"Why are you calling during the middle of the day if nothing is wrong?" Janet asked.

"Umm... <Cody elbowed Danny> I just wanted to tell you that I love you and missed you!" Danny said. They both heard the gasp of breath and pause on the other end of the line.

"Oh..." Janet sniffed. "Well, I love you as well, Danny. I was just worried that something was wrong."

"Nothing is wrong mom! Everyday gets better aside from missing you and dad and grandma!" Danny said and they both heard the sniffing in the background. Cody rubbed his eyes and smiled at Danny imitating Janet crying. Danny punched Cody's arm.

"You know your grandma is just in the other room? Let me put her on!" Janet said setting the phone down and walking away so she could return to a calmer state. Danny was giggling with excitement and kissed Cody.

"Hi Danny?" Grandma said and Danny and Cody parted lips! "I'll bet that kiss I heard wasn't for your poor old grandma?" she asked.

"Sorry grandma. I was kissing, Cody," Danny said laughing. Grandma could hear Cody laughing as well.

"Well how is my favourite Grandson?" Grandma said.

"I'm doing great Grandma. I just called to tell you I love you and am missing you!" Danny said.

"I was talking about, Cody!" Grandma said in a straight voice. Danny paused as his mouth fell open and then Grandma started laughing. Cody burst into laughter.

"Ya spend two minutes on the phone with your mother and your sense of humour is gone till the cows come home!" Grandma said and Danny and Cody started laughing.

"I know, Grandma, and I love you in spite of yourself!" Danny said, and Grandma and Cody both started laughing.

"That's the grandson I remember!" Grandma said. "Say, did you know that this weeks Lotto 6/49 in Canada is worth over 30 million Canadian dollars? It probably only converts to a few thousand American dollars but that would cover a few months of Bingo... not too mention my mineral oil!"

"No I didn't, Grandma. Are you going to get someone to buy you a ticket up in Canada?" Danny asked.

"Better! After our quilting bee on Monday afternoon I said to the girls why don't we get in the pick-up and make a run for the border? Now Verna and Isobel thought I meant Taco Bell <Danny and Cody start laughing> but I told them that crap gives me the green apple quick step! <Tears running down Cody's face as he laughed> Rita didn't think she could go because her thyroid is acting up but I told her I would buy her a new one if we win! <Snorts of laughter> Of course I had to tell Gladys, you remember Gladys don't you Danny? She's the one with castaway eye!" Grandma asked.

"Yes, Grandma." Danny said laughing.

"Well, I told her that we wouldn't have room in the pick-up for her motorized wheel chair so she's all miffed!" Grandma said.

"Why did that upset her Grandma?" Danny asked, holding back his laughter.

"Well you know the strippers in Canada show it all don't ya? <Cody falls back into the loveseat laughing> If we take her along we would have to sit up front because of her bad eye and you know I don't like sitting in pervert's row!" Grandma said. <Cody's gasping for breath from laughing> "I really prefer my own table dancers. If I'm going to stuff money in their crotches I want my own private show!" Grandma added.

"So changing the subject grandma... but only slightly! How is Bingo going? Any big wins?" Danny asked grinning and shaking his head at Cody.

"Well there's only been one Bingo since you left and Isobel got kicked out for drinking so since she's the driver I'm not sure when I'll get back to Bingo," Grandma said.

"Grandma you're not supposed to drink at the church Bingos are you?" Danny asked and Cody was holding his stomach from laughing.

"No more! Please stop before I die from laughing?" Cody whispered.

"Well if they're not going to sell it to us then we just have to bring our own, don't we?" Grandma asked, implying what a stupid question that was!

Danny shook his head.

"It was Isobel's own fault anyway! I told her to carry a flask like the rest of us so it wouldn't be obvious, but she wanted to try this hollow cane she bought down at the buy and sell shop. How stupid is that I ask you? Tilting a cane upside down to drink from as someone yells BINGO! Well of course you're going to get caught!" Grandma said sounding disgusted.

"So they threw her out for drinking?" Danny asked.

"No, clean your ears out, Turnip boy! <Cody laughed so loudly that Danny and Grandma had to pause their conversation> they threw her out because they thought she was also calling Bingo... of course they threw her out for drinking!" Grandma said, slightly disgusted.

"You're too much, Grandma, but I love you anyway!" Danny said.

"I doubt I am too much for those hot Canadian butts and I hear they like Beaver pelt so I was thinking I might wear my fur hat? Once they see me stuffing American dollar bills in their speedos they'll pay me all the attention I can handle!" Grandma said laughing.

"Are you drinking right now, Grandma?" Danny asked and Cody's eyes popped open.

"When am I not drinking is a better question?" Grandma said laughing. "Of course I am not drinking! I live in the house of prude ya know! Your Mother even hid my Jimmy Morrison albums so I can't play them! Besides your Mother doesn't flip my mattress until the middle of the month so I have until then to finish my hooch!"

Danny and Cody both continued laughing.

"I'm getting wiser in my old age and hide it in an empty bottle of mineral oil!" Grandma said and Danny snorted.

"Now can I speak to my favourite grandson?" Grandma asked.

"Sure grandma. I love you!" Danny said.

"Well that's good because someone has to love me since there aren't any strippers in Des Moines!" Grandma said.

"Grandma we do have male strip clubs in Des Moines!" Danny said.

"None that will let me back in!" Grandma said, laughing loudest at her own joke.

"Hi grandma! How are you?" Cody said taking the phone from Danny who was shaking his head.

"I'm wonderful now that I get to talk with my favourite grandson!" Grandma said. "How's my little turnip doing?"

"He's doing great! Much better after a little vacation in Lake Placid." Cody said winking at Danny.

"Good! His mom's been like a new person since you boys were here!" Grandma said.

"Really? That's great," Cody said.

"Well much of the credit goes to you, Cody! Danny's finally changing and it's for the good! He has a permanent smile on now because you are in his life!" Grandma said.

"I have that as well, Grandma, but it's because I have Danny and all of you in my life!" Cody said.

"We think the same way about you, Cody, and if Janet and Roger ever decide to go visit you boys you know I will be along as well!" Grandma said.

"I hope so! It wouldn't be a family reunion without you and by the way, Tyler is trying to talk Derek into getting a part time job stripping!" Cody said and Danny held his hands to his face in embarrassment.

"Don't worry Danny... I'm only talking to your Mom right now!" Cody said, and Grandma started laughting. Danny's mouth dropped open until Cody winked.

"Oh... you are so evil, Cody! I'm beginning to think you come from my own blood?" Grandma teased.

"I already like to think I am!" Cody said.

"Now Cody don't go saying things like that because you'll make your old grandma cry and I just put on my false eyelashes! I work 3rd and Main on Tuesday nights for Bingo money, ya know?" Grandma said teasing and Cody fell backwards laughing.

"What?" Danny asked.

"Shush!" Cody said.

"I'll see what I can do to get you some pics of Derek if he takes the job," Cody said, winking at Danny.

"Well that would be just fine, Cody! You can only read the Bible so many times... drunk or sober for that matter, and I could use some light reading material for a change!" Grandma said, teasing Cody.

"I'll see what I can do from my side. Love you, Grandma. Can I talk to mom for a moment?" Cody asked.

"I love you too Cody and thank you for being there for my Daniel! He does love you unlike anything or anyone he's ever had in his life," Grandma said.

"More than cinnamon buns?" Cody asked and Danny glared at him.

"Let's be realistic now...," Grandma said laughing. "Hold on a second. Janet!!!" Grandma yelled. "Your number two son wants to tell you about his erectile dysfunction problem!"

"WHAT?" Cody yelled into the phone.

"What?" Janet asked coming into bedroom.

"Cody wants to talk to you!" Grandma said handing over the phone.

"Hi, Cody!" Janet said.

"Hey, Mom! I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you," Cody said.

"I miss you too Cody!" Janet said.

"We are at our dorm rooms beginning to get packed up. We spent most of the morning with Derek and Tyler picking out furniture for the house. He let everyone have an equal say in what we chose!" Cody said.

"That is really nice of Tyler. I hope you boys didn't go overboard on things?" Janet asked.

"No mom we didn't... much!" Cody said laughing. "When you come to visit us you'll have a top of the line bed to sleep on and almost every amenity available."

"Well we better all wait until you boys get settled in before we make plans to fly to Philadelphia," Janet said.

"Well we all want you guys to come visit us!" Cody said and Danny held up four fingers and gave him a funny look.

"All four of you want us to visit?" Janet inquired.

"Yes Ma'am! When we where picking out furniture for the guest rooms Tyler asked Danny's opinion on what type of bed you and Dad would like to sleep on!" Cody said smiling. Danny mouthed 'you little liar'! Cody winked.

"Oh well..., if we came we would stay in a hotel. We certainly wouldn't want to put you boys out!" Janet said.

"No way, Mom! You're family and our family stays in our home! I'll even suffer through a night of Bingo with Grandma if she'll come," Cody said and Danny laughed.

"Well that just goes to show that you are a better person than I am, Cody!" Janet said laughing.

"I better get off here," Cody said winking at Danny. "This is long distance but I just wanted to tell you I love you and miss you so much!"

"Oh Cody... don't make me cry again. I love you and miss you more. Please take care of Danny for me?" Janet asked wiping her eyes.

"I will Ma'am. Scout's honour!" Cody said. "Here I will put you back with Danny," Cody said handing the phone to Danny.

"Hi mom," Danny said.

"Yes, Dear...," Janet said and Danny could tell she had teared up. "You look after my son for me?" she warned.

"I will Mom! Next to my family he's number one!" Danny said and Cody winked at him.

"You make him your number one priority do you hear me?" Janet ordered.

"Yes, Mom. Got to go, love you. Send Dad our love as well!" Danny said.

"I will! Love you too, Danny. Bye," Janet said hanging up.

"You fucking little liar!" Danny yelled through his laughter.

"What?" Cody feigned innocence.

"You said Tyler wants them to come to visit? He never asked about what type of bed my parents like," Danny said, grinning at him.

"So what did you learn?" Cody asked.

"That telling someone you love them means a lot more giving someone a box of cinnamon buns," Danny said winking.

"Anything else?" Cody asked.

"You're right as usual and I was wrong," Danny said.

"And?" Cody asked

"I didn't think they would get as excited as they did and I really do feel good inside right now for making that phone call," Danny said moving over to Cody to kiss him.

"So the moral of the story is?" Cody asked.

"Why don't you tell me?" Danny asked.

"Try to do nice things for those you love and those who need to be loved and those who need to be shown how to love," Cody said giving Danny a quick kiss. "So what's next on your good will tour?"

"I don't know? Am I missing something?" Danny asked.

"There is always someone in need of knowing they are loved. You need to thank those who also love you. Give it some thought and see if you can figure out the next thing you need to work on. If you really can't figure it out I will tell you but each guess you make I will tell you yes or no and that will help you learn to prioritize what's important," Cody said.

"You're really starting to confuse me? I don't mean to sound lazy but if you told me who needs it then I could think of what exactly I am to do!" Danny said.

"Fair enough. Mr. Armitage. I will give you a clue and you can take it from there!" Cody said.

"And my clue is?" Danny asked.

"Kiss me and I will tell you!" Cody said and Danny kissed him for about a minute.

"Tell me please?" Danny asked.

"Your clue is... this weekend is Derek's birthday!" Cody said.

"Shit! I have to think of something to get for him or do for him from us?" Danny said with a look of fright in his eyes and Cody smiled at hearing the word us.

"As Grandma would say... Bingo!" Cody said laughing.

"I could get him a thong?" Danny suggested.

"Why don't you try to think of something personal that he needs or would like that would show him that you love him," Cody suggested.

"Oh! Something personal that is just for him!" Danny said.

"Work with it Babe! I have to go pack!" Cody said.

"Are we having dinner together tonight?" Danny asked.

"Come up with a good idea and run it by me and then we'll decide about dinner?" Cody said kissing him and leaving.

"Hello?" Linda said answering the phone.

"Hi," Derek said timidly.

"Derek?" Linda asked.

"Yes, Mom," Derek said.

"Are you all right?" Linda asked.

"That's sort of what I was calling about. I wanted to know if you are all right?" Derek asked.

"I'm... okay," Linda said.

"Mom! What happened with the doctor today?" Derek asked.

"Well... they did some tests and took some blood," Linda said.

"And?" Derek asked.

"Nothing is for sure but it looks like you are going to have a baby brother or sister in the end of September," Linda said and held her breath.

"YES!!!!!!!!!!" Derek screamed and Tyler clapped and then fisted Derek. Linda and Derek both heard Tyler yell, "Woo Hoo!"

"I'm so happy for you Mom! I was so afraid it might be something seriously wrong," Derek said feeling relieved.

"Settle down, Derek. There are many complications involved in having a baby at my age! A large percentage of pregnancies don't even come to term," Linda said, relaxing a little.

"In that case lets hope it twins so at least one makes it!" Derek said and Tyler looked at him in horror. Linda pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it.

"Umm..., sorry, Mom. You know what I mean!" Derek said.

"Yes, Honey, I do and thank you for your support. I really need it right now," Linda said.

"Oh Shit! How is Dad taking the news?" Derek asked.

"I guess I would describe him as being in shock?" Linda mused and Derek laughed.

"Give me the phone!" Tyler demanded.

"Hang on, Mom..., your other son here wants to talk to you," Derek said.

"Congratulations, Mom! I'm so happy for the both of you... for all of us! This is the happiest day yet in the last six months for me!" Tyler said.

"Thank you, Tyler," Linda said beaming with some pride.

"This baby is going to be so loved and spoiled! What are you hoping for?" Tyler asked.

"That this baby is healthy and can count to twenty or twenty-one!" Linda said and Tyler burst into laughter.

"I wish we were there so we could celebrate the good news!" Tyler said.

"Celebrate is not exactly the right word! I'm not sure everyone who knows at the moment is taking it as good news," Linda suggested.

"You just tell Dad that I didn't know he still had it in him!" Tyler said laughing and Linda and Derek laughed as well.

"I don't think your father knew he had it in him either... hence the shock!" Linda said laughing.

"This is going to be so much fun! We can redo Derek's bedroom into the baby's room...," Tyler began and Derek yelled "What?"

"Derek thinks it's a great idea as well!" Tyler said winking at Derek.

"I heard his yelp! Nice try, Tyler," Linda said laughing.

"I can't wait to do midnight feedings and hold her until she falls asleep in my arms and read her stories and teach her how to walk and talk and read...," Tyler mumbled on.

"Down boy! I'll be sure to get you one of those men's nursing bras." Linda said laughing.

"I assure you that I know how to milk a nipple!" Tyler said rubbing Derek's nipple through his sweater. Derek's mouth dropped open in shock.

"I'll bet you do but we are not even going to go there are we?" Linda asked laughing.

"No Ma'am, but if Dad need some advice you tell him I will be happy to help him pro gratis!" Tyler said laughing.

"Nipple talk is for the locker room so I think I will leave that for you to tell him?" Linda said.

"I just wanted you to know how happy I am for you and for all of us! We promise to love this baby and look after her!" Tyler said.

"You're sure it's a girl, huh?" Linda asked.

"Positive! Not sure how Abbey's going to deal with it because I always tell her she's the most important girl in my life!" Tyler said.

"So I guess I rank number two then?" Linda asked teasing Tyler.

"You're my Mom! You're different!" Tyler said laughing. "I'm not really getting myself out of this hole am I?"

"No... no, you're not but it's okay because she's my favourite girl as well," Linda said.

"So what are you secretly hoping for?" Tyler asked. "I mean you've got so many boys you must want a girl right?"

"Honestly, Tyler, it really doesn't matter. I think Larry would probably like to have a girl since we don't have one and not to disregard the fact that the thought of another Luke is a little overwhelming," Linda said laughing.

"Well you pick the room and Derek and I will make it into a room any baby would love!" Tyler said, and Derek furrowed his brow.

"We'll deal with that when the time comes!" Linda said.

"When are you going to tell Kyle and Luke?" Tyler asked, holding the phone open for Derek to listen in.

"We haven't decided yet so not a word until we do and you boys may need to act surprised," Linda asked.

"No problem on our end. Can we talk to Dad?" Tyler asked.

"Sure... if you want but remember he is more than a little stressed at the moment," Linda said. "Larry!!!!!!" she yelled. "Pick up the phone."

"Hullo?" Larry said.

"Hi, Dad!" Tyler said and they both heard Linda hang up her phone.

"Hey Tyler. Sorry, I don't have any results yet. I won't get them until tomorrow morning," Larry said.

"That isn't what we are calling about!" Tyler said.

"Oh?" Larry asked.

"We already know! Congratulations, Dad!" Tyler said.

"Yeah, Dad, great news! I'm so happy for you and Mom and all of us!" Derek said, taking the phone away from Tyler's hand.

"I see..." Larry said.

"Dad? If everything goes smoothly you are going to have this baby right?" Derek asked.

"Well... right... yes. We're not going to interfere with nature if that's what you asking?" Larry said.

"That pretty much covers it so mom really needs your support right now. I think she thinks you don't want the baby?" Derek said as he sat down on the loveseat.

"No, no! That's not true! If it was meant to happen then it is meant to happen. There are so many odds against this baby coming to term that I think we just don't want to get overly optimistic about it," Larry said.

"Dad I understand what you are saying and you obviously understand women more than I do but I don't think you are hearing me? Mom needs to know that you are there for her and that you love her and the new baby. She needs to hear it from you, Dad!" Derek said. Tyler leaned over and kissed Derek's cheek.

"Trust me, Derek, your mom already knows that!" Larry said.

"No, Dad! Trust your son for just once in your life and believe me that mom really needs to hear you say it? Tyler just said to mom a few a minutes ago that this is the greatest day he's had in the past six months and he is right! I'm really so happy for you, Dad. If you're only half as great with her as you were with me she'll be the luckiest girl in the world but right now Mom needs to know you are there for the long haul with her!" Derek said. Tyler's eyes started to water and so did Larry's.

"Okay, Derek. Look, I have work to do here and I'm sure you boys have packing to do? I will call you guys tomorrow when you I get the results back," Larry said.

"Sure Dad... I love you," Derek said with his voice beginning to break.

"I love you too, Derek, and Tyler as well. And Derek?" Larry asked.

"Yes, Dad?" Derek asked.

"Thanks!" Larry said.

"I was just passing on the good advice my Dad taught me," Derek said and then he hung up the phone.

"I'm so proud of you, Derek!" Tyler said kissing him. "Next time you want to ask me why I love you think of that phone call to your Dad as being one of many reasons," Tyler said.

"I couldn't have done it without you by my side," Derek said.

"Now you understand what I keep telling you? We can both accomplish anything on our own but together we can do even better!" Tyler said kissing Derek.

Larry thought he heard the front door open but it was the backpack being tossed across the floor that stirred him from his work. Then he heard the winter boots bang off the wall and decided he better see what was going on.

"What's up Pookey?" Larry said.

"I HATE SCHOOL!" Luke yelled and stormed off into the kitchen.

"Stop the presses!" Larry teased. "Tell me something I don't already know?"

The front door opened again and Kyle and Casey came in.

"Hi, guys!" Larry said smiling.

"Hi dad!" Kyle said and came over and gave him a hug and kiss.

"Kyle, you've tracked dirt and water all across the floor. Take your boots off." Larry said.

"I love you, too," Kyle said walking back to the mat at the front door.

"How's my Casey?" Larry said picking Casey up and giving him a kiss and a hug.

"I'm almost great!" Casey said.

"Almost?" Larry asked.

"Almost! If Luke wasn't in such a bad mood I would be great," Casey said as Larry set him back down.

"Want to tell me what's up with Luke?" Larry asked.

"Nope!" Casey said.

"No?" Larry asked.

"I have to share a room with him! You're married you should know better than to ask a question like that?" Casey said digging his empty lunch bag out of his backpack. Kyle laughed.

"You're right Casey... I should know better after all these years but I keep repeating the same stupid mistakes time and time again," Larry said sighing.

Larry, Casey, and Kyle walked into the kitchen together.

"What's wrong, Lucas?" Larry asked.

"Everything in the world is wrong!" Luke yelled as he smeared peanut butter over six slices of white bread. Linda looked at Luke and then over at Larry.

"Want to talk about it?" Linda asked.

"NO!" Luke said.

"I gather you had a bad day? I didn't get a call from the school today, what about you, Linda?" Larry asked but both knew that the school hadn't called.

"Might feel better to talk about it, Luke?" Linda asked but Luke didn't respond.

Kyle poured three glasses of chocolate milk and set one in front of Luke. Luke picked up the glass and drank it all down in one long gulp and then slammed the glass on the island counter.

"Ya want another there, pardner?" Kyle teased and Luke wiped his mouth on his sleeve.

"There isn't enough chocolate milk in the world to fix my problem!" Luke said as he folded up three sandwiches and passed one of them over to Casey.

"Thanks, Luke," Casey said and Luke stormed off out of the kitchen.

"One of us had better talk to him?" Larry said.

"Why don't we both talk to him?" Linda said.

Linda and Larry headed upstairs and knocked on Luke's bedroom door.

"Come in," Luke said calmly.

"We brought your backpack up," Larry said as he opened the door and they both walked in.

"Thanks," Luke said flipping through a comic book but not really reading it.

Linda sat down beside Luke on his bed and Larry pulled out Luke's desk chair and sat down in front of both of them.

"Come here, Luke," Linda said pulling him over beside her and hugging him. "Would you please tell us what is wrong?"

"We had to hand in our stories today and Mrs. Hartley marked them over lunch and handed them back to us," Luke said.

"You wrote a story?" Larry asked.

"Yes dear... he had to write a short story for school over the Christmas vacation. If you paid a little more attention to your boys you would know this!" Linda said and Larry gave Linda a cold stare.

"What was your story about Luke?" Larry asked.

"An ice cream vendor," Luke said, flipping through his comic book.

"Can I read it?" Larry asked.

"NO! It's garbage," Luke yelled.

"Please don't raise your voice honey," Linda asked.

"So Mrs. Hartley failed you on your story?" Larry asked.

"No. It's much, much worse than that!" Luke whined.

"What could be worse?" Larry asked. "Did she make you read it to the entire class?"

"No. She gave me an A, Dad, and said it was one of the best stories she's ever read!" Luke said and then began crying in his mother's arms. Linda snorted.

"Oh I'm sorry, Luke," Linda said and Larry glared at Linda. Linda winked at Larry.

"I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day!" Linda said kissing the top of Luke's head.

"It can't be any worse... we don't have Spanish lessons tomorrow. Now I'm going to have to rethink my strategy for dealing with her," Luke moaned.

"I think we should do something special tonight to celebrate Luke's perfect mark in creative writing?" Larry said.

"I think you're missing the point dad? If you want to celebrate why don't Mom and you go out for dinner but I'm staying home," Luke moaned.

"Hmmm... okay? Good idea!" Larry said and a puzzled Luke looked up at him.

"You guys can order pizza or have drive-thru! Anything you like? I'm taking your Mom out to a romantic restaurant for dinner." Larry said standing up. He then bent down and kissed the top of Luke's head. "For what it is worth I am really proud of you for getting the A on your creative writing," Larry added.

Linda motioned for Larry to leave the room and he did.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Linda asked.

"Yeah, Mom, I'm fine. I'm just pissed because things didn't go as planned," Luke said.

"I love you Luke!" Linda said, giving him a kiss on the top of his head.

"I know, Mom, and I love you too," Luke said, giving her a hug.

"Will you behave tonight so I can have a relaxed dinner with your father?" Linda asked.

"No problem. I'll be good, I promise, but don't tell Kyle I said that. It's more fun to keep him on edge!" Luke said.

"Okay, you've got a deal!" Linda said giving him another kiss, and then getting up to leave.

"And don't eat too much cause you don't want to get too fat!" Luke said as he read his comic book.

Linda turned at the door and said, "What?"

"Nothing, Mom!" Luke said and Linda closed the door behind her.

"Since you might be eating for two now...," Luke mumbled, but no one heard him.

"Kyle?" Larry asked tapping on his bedroom door.

Kyle leaned around his monitor and pulled up his zipper. "Yeah, Dad?"

"First, and please don't answer this? If you have that cam on and you are getting naked the only person watching you had better be Chris!" Larry said and Kyle swallowed hard and said nothing.

"Second, I need you to baby sit your two brothers tonight so your Mom and I can go out to dinner. Before you say "but Dad..." here is my offer! I will pay you thirty dollars for approximately two hours and I will pay Luke and Casey ten dollars each if they behave but if they don't I am telling them that you get the money! Also you guys can have whatever you want for dinner but if it's drive thru we need to go before five?" Larry said.

"Okay, Dad. Everything will be fine," Kyle said trying to slowly move his hands away from his zipper without being obvious.

"Sometime this week you and I are going to have a quiet and private talk about your webcam!" Larry said and turned and walked out of Kyle's room.

"I was just chatting up Chris on MSN!" Kyle said.

When Larry walked into his bedroom Linda was already getting changed.

"Can you tell me what is going on with Luke's story since I don't pay any attention to our sons?" Larry asked. Linda stopped midway putting her earring on and gave Larry a cold stare.

"Luke wrote a horribly violent story with the intention of getting to spend more time with the school psychologist who just happens to come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays during his Spanish lessons," Linda said.

"Am I missing a piece of the puzzle here?" Larry asked.

"Luke hates his Spanish class more than anything on this planet so I phoned his teacher this morning and warned her about what was going to happen and why. We decided the best medicine for Luke was to give him a perfect score!" Linda said smiling.

"That is brilliant! Now I remember why I married you?" Larry teased.

"Actually I married you and yes I am brilliant! And if you spent a little more time with your boys you would be aware of these situations. God knows I am going to need a bit more help in the coming year Larry," Linda said.

"I see... so then you already knew about Kyle getting naked on his webcam?" Larry asked grinning.

"What????" Linda yelled.

"Ah... maybe you're not quite as perfect as you say? You've been leading me on all these years haven't you?" Larry asked still grinning.

"Cut the bullshit Larry! Kyle is getting naked on cam to the rest of the world?" Linda demanded to know.

"It's taken care of and you know nothing about it. I just wanted to remind you that I am not an entirely empty father figure like you implied," Larry said.

"You're right and I apologize! I was rude and what I said was wrong," Linda said. <Silence> "Aren't you going to say anything Larry?" Linda asked.

"No, I was enjoying your groveling. It's such a nice change from me having to do it!" Larry said smiling as he leaned against the wall.

"I apologized, Larry. I would suggest today isn't a good day to poke a stick at the dog you've already backed into a corner," Linda said.

"And for that I apologize and that is why I want to take you for dinner. I really am excited at the thought of us having another baby and I don't think she could ask for a better mother!" Larry said giving Linda a hug.

"Don't mess my hair or makeup!" Linda said and Larry backed off and stared at her.

"She? You think it's going to be a girl as well?" Linda asked.

"Who else thinks it's going to be a girl?" Larry asked.

"Tyler and Derek and you didn't answer my question!" Linda said.

"I don't know? I just have this feeling it is going to be a girl. I'm not a mind reader," Larry said.

"So you'll be disappointed if we have a boy?" Linda asked.

"No I won't be disappointed and don't start trying to corner me. Geez..., I didn't realize the hormones were kicking in all ready," Larry said sighing and rubbing his forehead.

Linda came out of their ensuite bathroom wearing a bright green party dress and asked, "Does this make me look fat?"

Larry stared at her wide-eyed and wondered what kind of trap she was setting up for him?

"No honey, you look beautiful in it. You look beautiful in everything you wear," Larry said, smiling and Linda returned to the bathroom.

"It's the dill pickles and peanut butter that makes you look fat!" Larry said quietly to himself.

"What was that, Larry?" Linda said sticking her head out of the bathroom.

"I said I was thinking we would go to the Pickle Barrel for dinner but you are dressed for a much better place than that!" Larry said wiping his brow.

"Let's invite Kathy and Ian to join us for dinner?" Linda suggested from within the bathroom.

"I thought we were going to have a quiet dinner just between the two of us," Larry said.

"We could eat Cheetos in bed if I wanted a quiet dinner alone? Let's go out and have some fun while I can still fit into a dress!" Linda said.

"Yes, dear..., I'll go call Kathy at work and ask her," Larry said leaving the bedroom.

"Kyle?" Larry called standing at Kyle's closed bedroom door.

"Yes, Dad?" Kyle asked.

"I'm going to call Kathy at work and see if she and Ian want to join us for dinner so, if you want, you can invite Chris and Jeff over for dinner here," Larry offered.

Kyle opened the door and hugged his dad. "Oh thank you, Dad!!!! Thank you so much!"

"Thanks for the hug!" Larry said holding Kyle in silence for a few seconds. "I'm not sure if I've told you already but your mother and I are very happy that you have Chris in your life?"

"Thanks, Dad. He's my best friend." Kyle said.

"I think we both know he is more than that and we are very happy you have someone special in your life to love! I really want you guys to be cautious and safe if you understand what I am saying?" Larry asked.

"I understand, Dad," Kyle said, looking away.

"Okay, but if you're not clear then we can talk about it another time just you and me? All that matters right now is that you remember your mother and I love you so very much. I feel like I've been neglecting you because of Derek and Tyler's relationship and the never-ending struggle to keep Luke alive and out of jail," Larry said.

"You haven't let me down, Dad... ever! That day in your office when you got the call from Tyler's Uncle and trusted me with what you knew told me how important I was to you," Kyle said, hugging his dad tighter.

"I know everyone thinks of you as Tyler number two but I just think of you as Kyle, my Kyle, my son and someone who honours me everyday with allowing me to be his Dad!" Larry said and Kyle closed his eyes and hugged his Dad again.

"Thanks, Dad. Some dad's never say anything while other dads say it just when it is needed. You say the right thing when it isn't even necessary.

"You better call Chris while I call Kathy before your mother starts yelling!" Larry said.

"Larry!!!!" Linda yelled. "Are they coming with us?" Larry rolled his eyes and Kyle laughed.

"I'm sorry, Kyle, that I haven't given you as much attention as of late but sometimes life gets in the way," Larry said.

"Dad you've never stopped being here when you're called," Kyle said sniffling.

"Tell your Mom that some day, okay?" Larry asked, winking and turned and left.

Tyler stood up from sitting on the loveseat and began to remove his dress shirt when Derek stopped him.

"Leave it on! You look so sexy wearing only that shirt," Derek said grinning.

Tyler wrapped his arms around Derek's neck while Derek slid his arms around Tyler's waist under his open shirt and they began to kiss.

"How is this for quiet time?" Tyler asked, through shared kisses.

"Mmmmm hmmmm!" Derek moaned.

Tyler worked Derek down into the middle of the loveseat never missing a kiss. Tyler crawled on top of Derek's lap and sat down with his knees on each side of Derek's thighs. As their erections pressed against each other, Tyler's right hand took hold of both of them and began to jerk them together. Derek's right hand wrapped around Tyler's hand and together they found a rhythm. Tyler's left hand took hold Derek's right nipple. Derek's free left hand found Tyler's butt and he started applying gentle pressure on his ring.

"Shit, I've waited so long for this," Derek said through their deep-throated kisses. Tyler started to laugh.

"What?" Derek asked breaking their kiss.

"I'm wondering who is going to knock on the door?" Tyler joked and Derek laughed as well.

"No one that wants to live is going to knock on the door!" Derek said and both stopped everything and froze. They listened in silence for a few seconds and then resumed their kissing and dual masturbation with a fury of built up tension behind it.

"I love you so much, Derek," Tyler said as he shoved his tongue down inside Derek's mouth.

"I'm gonna cum soon," Derek said and Tyler forcibly slowed down their dual jack off to long, tardy strokes. Tyler applied more pressure by squeezing tighter.

"The time is... Oh God!!!" Derek moaned and his first eruption moved its way out of his body. Tyler could feel the first shot move up Derek's cock to the surface.

Derek's first shot sprayed off of Tyler's foreskin and landed on his own chest and each side of Tyler's shirt. Tyler began bouncing up and down a little so their balls kept colliding as they each pulled in tight.

Tyler threw his head back as his first volley of cum coincided with Derek's second shot. Derek looked down to see the dual fountains of cum shoot straight up in the air and land back down on both of their cocks and hands. Derek looked at Tyler and realized he just missed a once in a lifetime memory. Derek's third and Tyler's second shot went up Derek's chest and landed as high as the nape of Derek's neck. Derek closed his eyes as his orgasm was subsiding. He felt Tyler's next two shots of burning hot cum land on his chest. Derek could feel the heat of both of their orgasms slowly running down his chest.

Derek opened his eyes to the surprise of feeling Tyler's lips touch his own.

"I so want to lick you clean right now?" Tyler said grinning.

"Not till we get the results back. We should have videotaped this? You missed seeing each of us shoot cum up in the air together and then land on our hands," Derek said smiling.

"I didn't see it but I felt it," Tyler said, placing each palm on a side of Derek's face and kissing him.

"We should probably go shower, huh?" Derek asked.

"Nope. I'm going to carry you to the washroom and give you a sponge bath in the sink!" Tyler said winking at him. "I'm really sorry about not making enough 'us' time this past two weeks. I still haven't even had the chance to apologize for not telling you about my family?" Tyler began.

"Shush!" Derek said putting one finger to Tyler's lips. "I never gave you reason to trust me enough to tell me. So I should be the one apologizing to you and then you will say you have to apologize for something else and then we get into a fight about who is sorrier! So just shut up. We both love each other and that is all that matters," Derek said. Tyler closed his eyes and hugged Derek tight.

"I think we're stuck together?" Derek asked.

"I like to think that is a good thing," Tyler said.

"No, Ty, seriously here, I mean I think we're really stuck together," Derek said.

Tyler laughed and tried to pull away but Derek came with him.

"We must have an air-cum lock?" Tyler joked. "Hang on a sec, Babe." Derek could feel Tyler's cock expanding again up between them, which made Derek's cock begin to grow. As Tyler's girth increased up between the two of them they began to separate and peel apart. Tyler backed up out of the loveseat and stood up grinning.

*Knock, knock, knock*

Tyler rolled his eyes and Derek laughed.

"Are placing any bets on this one?" Tyler asked and the both said "Danny," in unison and laughed.

*Bang, bang, bang*

"Go answer it!" Derek said winking and Tyler grinned.

Tyler removed the chain, unlocked the door and pulled it open.

Danny and Cody stared at him in shock. Danny's mouth dropped open as he watched Tyler's cum soaked erection slowly drop down.

"Did you guys want to 'cum' in?" Tyler said winking and Cody grinned.

"Did we get you up?" Cody shot back and started laughing at his own joke.

"Out of cinnamon buns already, Danny?" Tyler asked.

Danny just stared with his mouth still open.

*Snap snap* went Tyler's fingers. "Mr. Armitage, time to wake up!" Tyler said.

"Huh?" Danny asked finally looking at Tyler's face instead of the rest of his cum covered body. A naked Derek came up from behind and wrapped his arms around Tyler and kissed Tyler's neck. Derek ran his fingers through Tyler's cum covered chest and Danny watched Derek's fingers intently.

"Why don't you take a picture Danny? It will last longer," Tyler teased and Danny pulled out his camera cell phone but Cody clamped the phone shut in Danny's hand. Derek snorted as he rested his head on Tyler's shoulder.

"C'mon in guys... we're almost done!" Tyler said holding the door wide open.

"Almost?" Danny asked.

"Now that you are here we are sort of done now," Derek said.

"We'll be right back guys, just going to grab a quick shower," Tyler said handing Derek a towel.

When Derek and Tyler returned less than 10 minutes later Danny was sitting on the loveseat and Cody was in Derek's desk chair watching TV.

"Danny you might not want to be sitting on that loveseat right now. We kind of made a mess this afternoon?" Tyler said smiling. Danny began sniffing the loveseat and everyone groaned in disgust.

"I don't smell anything?" Danny asked. "Besides I can't imagine that you produced more than what I saw!"

"Did you guys want something?" Derek asked.

"I called your land line but no one answered," Danny said.

"I turned the ringer off," Derek said.

"I called Tyler's cell phone but no one answered that either," Danny said.

"I turned it off," Tyler said.

"I tried your cell phone Derek but it didn't even ring?" Danny complained.

"It's on the charger so the only thing turned on in this room was me and Tyler," Derek said smiling. Cody grinned.

"Cody?" Tyler called. "What do you guys want?"

"We were talking about the bracelets and thought maybe we should get that done?" Cody asked.

"Good idea. Have you talked to your Dad today?" Tyler asked.

"Yeah I chased him down. He's actually at his office on campus today. Did you need him?" Cody asked.

"I was just wondering about games and practices. I might give him a call or even stop by and wish him a Happy New Year?" Tyler said as he quietly slipped some money into Cody's hand without anyone else noticing. "Derek? Would you mind driving Danny and Cody over to get the bracelets?"

"Sure," Derek said from the bathroom.

"I need to get away from Derek to get his birthday present arranged," Tyler whispered in Cody's ear.

"Thanks, Derek," Cody said smiling at Tyler.

"I'm going to go pay your Dad a visit." Tyler said, winking at Cody.

Derek came out of the bathroom all dressed. "When do you guys want to go?" Derek asked.

"Right now if you want to get there before they close," Cody suggested.

"Get some extras while you're at it in case we need them!" Tyler suggested.

"You're not coming with us?" Derek asked.

"Actually I need to see the Coach about practices and games. We have to work your surprise birthday party around hockey unless you don't want the three of us to be there?" Tyler joked.

"I would just as soon forget that I am even having a birthday! This is not a happy number," Derek moaned.

"Just think Derek you are one year closer to that regular monthly check?" Danny teased, and Derek pulled Danny into a headlock.

"Guys? Get going before the place closes!" Tyler said shaking his head.

As the three were leaving, Tyler said to Derek loud enough for the others to hear, "You don't have to bring them back, eh?" Cody turned and laughed while Danny was offended.

Derek whispered in Tyler's ear, "I'll find out what time they are going to have sex tonight from Cody and then we will knock on their door!"

"Hey Derek, one more thing I want you to pick up something for us while you are out...," Tyler whispered.

"When do you want it for?" Derek asked and Danny and Cody wondered what was being whispered.

"We'll need it for this weekend if they can do it," Tyler said, giving Derek a quick kiss and sending him off.

Tyler headed to the Athlete's Complex to find Coach Conners.

*Tap, tap, tap* Tyler knocked.

"Come in!" Coach Conner's yelled.

"Is this a bad time Coach?" Tyler asked sticking only his head inside the door.

"Tyler! Hell no, not for you! Did you bring my M.I.A. son with you?" Coach Conners asked.

"No Sir. I sent them on a mission so I could speak with you alone," Tyler said and the Coach closed the folder he was writing in.

"This sounds serious?" Coach Conners asked.

"It is but it isn't, Sir," Tyler began. "The conversation we are going to have is nothing bad at all but it is completely off the record!"

"If that is what you want then I will respect that," Coach Conners said getting up and walking around his desk to close the door.

"First I need to cover my excuse for being here since Cody knows I am dropping by but not the real reason for it," Tyler said.

"You're not quitting the team are you?" Coach Conners asked.

"No, Sir. I do need to know when we have hockey practices or games this week," Tyler asked.

"At college level you can't play games or at least force players to be at games during breaks. So we don't have a game until a week from this Thursday but I was thinking we would have practice on Thursday and Saturday," Coach Conners said.

"Would it be all right to skip Saturday's practice?" Tyler asked.

"I think we can survive one practice without our star player," Coach Conners joked.

"Would it be all right if Cody and Danny skipped it as well? It's Derek's birthday and I think we're going to be in Baltimore this weekend. Derek's mother just found out she is pregnant and it is going to be announced to the family, which includes Danny and Cody," Tyler said.

"I see... what about if I moved it to Sunday night?" Coach Conners asked.

"That would work but I think everyone is going to be getting ready for the new semester that night? I'm sure we can make it if you want, but if you weren't having a practice Sunday night would you consider coming over for dinner to the new house?" Tyler asked flashing a grin.

"Are you trying to bribe your Coach, Mr. Peel?" Coach Conners joked.

"Funny you should mention that Sir? On to our next topic of discussion," Tyler said handing a sealed envelope to his Coach. "Before you open that, Sir, please allow me to explain?"

"Okay, Tyler," Coach Conners said taking the envelope from Tyler.

"There is a check in that envelope, Sir, and please allow me to explain before you say anything! As you know or have figured out that I do have some money put aside. A considerable amount in fact. I know that things are tough for you and Cody and I know that you're not the type to accept charity. I also know that you have given up everything for Cody to go to school and would give anything to him that he needs. His rent is going to be $350.00 per month all year long and very likely until he finishes school. I don't want to embarrass him or have our friendship change by offering him money. He is a very proud man who gives much more than he takes, Sir! My idea is that you fund him from that check and he's to never know where the money came from," Tyler said.

"Well, Tyler, I'm really not sure what to say?" Coach Conners said.

"Sir, please, I'm not done. You are free to refuse my silent offer but if you do I have no choice but to approach Cody directly and I really don't want to change our relationship and have him feel that he is indebted to me. I don't have to charge any of them a cent of rent but I think they need to learn how to budget their money and I want them to feel this is their home so everyone has an equal say in what we do? It is entirely up to you what you do with the money and how you choose to give it to him. He does need to contribute a bit to food but otherwise I am paying for phone, satellite, and most of the necessities of our home. Understand, Sir, that this isn't because I feel sorry for Cody but it is because I love him and believe in him. I think we both want him to have every opportunity available to him in life. Even if it is living on a farm in Iowa at least let it be of his choosing," Tyler said and Coach Conners rotated the sealed envelope in his hands.

"Anything else?" Coach Conners said.

"No, Sir. I just need to know if we can skip Saturday night's practice and if you would consider coming to dinner on Sunday night? I guess I should tell you that the check is signed so I would recommend you don't lose it?" Tyler said grinning.

"Thank you, Tyler, for your help here," Coach Connors said waving the envelope.

"I would prefer to think of it as our investment. I'm not sure if you've noticed the change in Cody but he is becoming everything you already are. I hope you are as proud of him as I am?" Tyler asked.

"I am, Tyler. I never thought I could be as proud as I am of him right now and every day it grows!" Coach Conners said.

"So dinner at six?" Tyler asked grinning.

"Are we having, dessert?" Coach Conners, asked grinning at Tyler.

"If I can keep it hidden from Danny! How would home made apple pie sound?" Tyler asked.

"Sounds great! Can I bring anything?" Coach asked.

"We might need plates and silverware but let me get back you on that!" Tyler said laughing as he stood up.

Tyler extended his hand to Coach Conners but the Coach pulled Tyler into a hug.

"Thank you Tyler. You truly are the gift that keeps giving and we are all ever so lucky to have you in our lives," Coach Conners said.

"Thank you, Sir. You're a big part of our family too!" Tyler said, and he left the office.

As Tyler walked along the hallway looking through the windows out into the ice rink he heard, "PEELER!!!!!!!!!!!" coming from the Coach's office. Tyler laughed and ran as fast as he could until he was out the door of the Athletic Complex.

Tyler's cell phone rang as the elevator door in Boyd Hall closed.

"Hey!!! I'm in an elevator! Call you right back!" Tyler said but the connection cut out and he wasn't sure what they heard. Tyler checked his received calls list and dialed back the first number on the list.

"Hi, this is Tyler Peel we got cut off because my phone rang as the elevator door was closing. Please accept my apologies," Tyler said.

"No problem, Mr. Peel. This is Katie and I just wanted to tell you that there are only six of the original nine left so you may want to get out here and make your choice before they are all gone?" she asked.

"Right! Umm..., I have no vehicle right at the moment. How late are you open?" Tyler asked.

"We run 24 hours a day around here, Mr. Peel, but the front office closes at six." Katie said laughing.

"Please, just call me, Tyler, and obviously that was a stupid question? I will have a vehicle between five and six p.m. tonight. Would anyone be at the office to process my application?" Tyler asked.

"I can wait around a little after six if you like? Please just give me a call by six if you're on your way over," Katie asked.

"Thank you, Katie, I will and if I don't have a vehicle by five-thirty I will grab a cab. Either way I will phone you at five-thirty to let you know what I am doing," Tyler said.

"That's great. Tthank you, Tyler. See you soon," Katie said, hanging up the phone.

"YES!" Tyler yelled inside his room. "God! I hope Derek is going to love his birthday present!"

Tyler had just stepped off the elevator with his third load of empty cartons from Gus and spotted Cody, Derek, and Danny going into his dorm room.

"Thanks guys for helping carry in the two stacks of boxes still sitting outside!" Tyler said as he entered the room. Danny immediately got up and started bringing in the rest of the boxes.

"Derek, I need to borrow the Van if that is okay?" Tyler asked.

"Sure where are you going?" Derek asked.

"Out!" Tyler said with a big grin. Derek just stared at him.

"I'm going to get your birthday present alright?" Tyler asked.

"Won't you need someone to drive the Van back?" Derek asked and Cody began laughing.

"Nope those Mattel cars fit right in your pocket!" Tyler said taking Derek's keys off of the dresser.

"Speaking of birthdays, Derek?" Danny asked. "What would you like for your birthday?"

"Nothing guys! I have Tyler and the two of you. That is all I need, besides this is sort of a depressing birthday being that I am no longer going to be a teenager," Derek said.

"I sort of had an idea that I was discussing with Cody...," Danny said and Cody looked at him wondering what in the hell he was talking about.

"We were thinking of either a romantic night out for you and Tyler with dinner and maybe a movie or a romantic night at home just for the two of you," Danny suggested.

"That's sweet, guys, but I really don't want anything and if you insist on doing something then I would like it to be something involving the four of us," Derek said and Danny sported a huge grin and started laughing. "Not a four-way, Danny!" Derek added laughing.

Tyler opened the front door to see a woman in her late sixties sitting at the front desk. He looked at his watch and saw it was 5:50 p.m.

"You must be Tyler," she said.

"Yes, Ma'am, and you are Katie?" Tyler asked.

"Yes, I am," she said, smiling as she shook his hand. "Please come with me." Katie said as she directed Tyler through a rear door. "I'm so glad you were able to make it because we are now down to five choices."

"I traded my vehicle with my roommate's father because we are moving into the new house on Thursday and needed his Van but I can only get it when my roommate isn't using it," Tyler said.

"Here are your five to choose from." Katie said.

"That's the one!" Tyler said pointing to what he wanted.

"Wonderful. I will put a tag on it for you." Katie said.

"Thank you. Can you hold on until the weekend?" Tyler asked.

"Maybe, but I'm not sure. If we get more in then I may need you to come sooner? It's feast or famine around here..., well it's never famine, unfortunately," Katie said.

"I understand. If you have a problem just call my cell phone but make sure it is only me that you talk to?" Tyler said.

"Absolutely! All the paperwork has been done and you were approved this afternoon. We do require that you come back for periodic check ups in the first six months!" Katie said.

"That won't be a problem. I would like to make a donation while I am here," Tyler said.

"Oh that would be wonderful! Please come back to the front desk with me," Katie said.

Tyler thanked Katie for all of her help and headed back to Boyd Hall.

"Hello?" Tyler said into his cell phone.

"Hi, Tyler, it's Dora!" she said.

"Hi Dora, how is it going?" Tyler asked.

"Good! I dropped over and Manny and Jonah gave me a tour of the house. I've got a couple of do-it-all type of guys that work for me. I know you wanted to have things more or less finished by Monday so would it be okay if they were working in the house on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, if needed?" Dora asked.

"Go crazy!" Tyler said laughing. "We won't even be around this weekend because of Derek's birthday. We'll all be in Baltimore but we are going to be home Sunday in the early afternoon because we have Cody's father for dinner. So we will need to have them cleared out of there by then!" Tyler said.

"I'll make sure of it! What are we having for dinner?" Dora teased.

"I'm thinking stuffed pork tenderloin for starters...," Tyler said.

"Oooooo... so you're serving Derek for dinner?" Dora asked laughing.

"He's the dessert!" Tyler said. "Would you like to join us for dinner?"

"Oh no, thanks. I was just teasing you!" Dora said.

"No, I'm serious! We're having our hockey coach over for dinner and you are definitely most welcome! Bring your significant other if you like!" Tyler added.

"There is no significant other, Tyler. Mr. Tomach went back to Hungary when he found out that American women are not as subservient as he liked," Dora said not withholding her hostility. Tyler laughed.

"How do you pronounce that name again?" Tyler asked.

"Tomach! As in toe-mash! The Americanization of that would be Thomas!" Dora said. "Or dickhead as I called him," she added laughing.

"Well Ms. Toe-mash would you do the four of us the honour of joining us for dinner on Sunday night? Not to mention it's a nice way of saying thank you for all you're doing to help us!" Tyler asked.

"I would be honoured Tyler and thank you for the invite!" Dora said. "Is there anything I can bring?"

"Actually... since none of us are twenty-one in your country, we could do with a bottle of wine! None of us will be drinking but I am sure you and Coach Conners might enjoy a glass of wine!" Tyler said.

"Tell me more about this Coach Conners?" Dora teased.

"He's the sexier, older version of his son Cody! Less hair and a little more weight but a great guy! He even hugged me today!" Tyler said laughing. "He's also very, very single. Cody's Mom and sister died in a car accident about 15 years ago."

"I really wanted to run my fingers through Cody's hair! He's so damn sexy... Hell, you all are!" Dora said laughing.

"I think you will really like Coach Conners! He's very down to earth and loves his son more than anything in this world," Tyler said. "Just be sure and arrive fashionably late and I will quietly tell him that his date will be here shortly!" Dora laughed.

"What time is fashionably late?" Dora asked.

"How about 5:30 p.m.? We all have the first day of a new semester the next morning so we don't want a late night," Tyler said.

"That's fine with me! I'll do my best to make sure that I have as much done as possible before Sunday at noon. One more thing before I go... your televisions will be arriving Thursday at three and you'll need to write them a check! The satellite receiver won't be installed until Friday but I'm sure you will all get by with good conversation," Dora said.

"I'm sure we will Dora. I'm making sure we seat you next to the Coach!" Tyler said laughing.

"Don't worry Tyler I grew up with two brothers! I know hockey!" Dora said.

"Have a great night and thanks, Dora!" Tyler said.

"Thanks, Tyler, see you on Sunday if not before!" Dora said hanging up the phone.

Tyler's cell phone rang almost as soon as he closed it and set it down.

"Hello?" Tyler said.

"Is Derek there?" The voice said.

"No he isn't. Can I take a message? This is Tyler and I'm actually driving back home and Derek is there," Tyler said.

"Could you have him call Dave Dettmen at The Cave please?" Dave asked.

"The Cave?" Tyler asked.

"Yeah... my sister Dora told me to give him a call," Dave said.

"DAVE!!!!!!! Right... the male strip club guy?" Tyler asked.

"Ummm... I guess?" Dave said and Tyler felt embarrassed.

"Sorry I didn't mean it that way. Did you want Derek to come in for an interview?" Tyler asked.

"Exactly! Wednesday night is our dark night and we usually bring in the new guys to interview them! We then get them to do a private show for us while we check out all of their goodies and see if they are Cave material?" Dave said laughing.

"Would it be all right if I accompanied him? I am the one pushing him to do this. He casually mentioned it one day and I want him to at least try it," Tyler said.

"From what Dora said you are the hottest of the four guys so maybe we can get you to strip as well?" Dave asked.

"Or not!" Tyler joked.

"I don't think you want gay couples on stage?" Tyler asked.

"No, the ladies don't tip as well when gay guys get it on. The dancers are their fantasies come to life! More than half the dancers take Viagra so they can get it up for the old ladies in the audience!" Dave said laughing.

"I will give you my email address Dave and you can email me back and I will send you some pictures in advance!" Tyler said and Dave thanked him.

As Tyler closed his cell phone he pulled the Van into Boyd Hall.

"Hey Gus?" Tyler said walking up to the security desk in the front entrance.

"How's my favourite student?" Gus said looking to see if Tyler was carrying anything for him.

"Oh sorry, Gus! I'm headed back out shortly with Derek and will make sure to pick up something special for your break!" Tyler said, and Gus smiled.

"Can I ask a favour of you?" Tyler said.

"Anything for you!" Gus said.

"Well maybe not this time. We are having a lot of work done on the house and would it possible to store a few things here until early next week? We have to be out of our dorm room by Thursday at noon but with all the painting and plastering going on there are a few things I would rather not have around there. Not to mention for simple security reasons," Tyler said.

"No problem Ty... we've got lots of secret areas to lock stuff up!" Gus said and Tyler headed back up to his room.

Tyler unlocked and opened the door to his room to see Derek's ass sticking out of the closet. Tyler closed the door quietly. He decided to sneak up on Derek and grab his butt. As he slowly crept into the heart of the bedroom he saw Danny sitting on Derek's desk chair and Cody in the loveseat.

"Christ! Don't you guys have a home?" Tyler asked.

"Oh, hi, Tyler..., thanks for asking... I am fine and it's nice to see you as well!" Danny said faking a big grin.

"What's up?" Derek asked backing out of his closet with his arms full of clothes to pack in a box.

"I was going to sneak up and grab your ass but we have company!" Tyler said, glaring at Cody and Danny.

"I do believe we've been reduced to 'company' now, Mr. Armitage?" Cody asked.

"I do believe you are correct, Mr. Conners!" Danny said grinning.

"I guess we know when we're not wanted!" Cody said.

"Since when?" Tyler asked giving them both a cheesy grin.

"Let's get out of here!" Danny said feigning that he was offended.

"Don't leave on my account Daniel..., Derek and I are about to leave anyway," Tyler said.

"Where are we going?" Danny asked and Tyler glared at him. Cody laughed until he caught Tyler staring at him.

"Where are we going?" Derek said.

"We're going shopping to get you a thong!" Tyler said.

"Early birthday present I presume?" Cody asked.

"See Cody! I told you a thong was a great birthday gift and you said no!" Danny whined and Cody shook his head.

"Wrong!" Tyler said.

"Wrong?" Derek asked.

"Wrong!" Tyler repeated. "Tomorrow night you are auditioning at The Cave! It's Philadelphia's hottest male strip club!" Tyler said grinning.

"Really?" Danny asked jumping up.

"Really?" Cody asked.

"Really really, and really really!" Tyler said to the both of them.

"Not really!" Derek said glaring at Tyler.

"Shut up thong boy!" Danny said to Derek. "Tell us more?" he asked.

"Dora's brother Dave called my cell phone looking for Derek. Derek and I get to go to the audition and watch some of the show with some other wanna be strippers!" Tyler said.

"Sweet!" Danny said fisting Cody. "We're going to a male strip club!"

"We?" Tyler said.

"We is right! You guys can go because I am not!" Derek said.

"We can talk about it on our way to Sweetwater Swim Wear to pick out a thong for you!" Tyler said handing Derek his coat. Derek put on his coat and glared at Tyler.

"If you didn't want to go then you wouldn't have put your coat on!" Tyler said grinning. Derek curled his upper lip as he continued to glare at Tyler.

"Nice Elvis look! Maybe if you grew some sideburns you could do an Elvis strip tease?" Tyler asked as he led them all out of the room.

"You ain't nothing but a horn dog... crying all the time...," Danny sang impersonating Elvis Presley in the hallway.

Derek spun around and put his index finger in Danny's face. Danny stopped singing. Derek turned and continued walking towards the elevator behind Tyler.

Danny then began singing Joe Cocker's 'You can leave your hat on!' "Baby take off you shoes... real slow.... Baby take off your top for me...," Derek turned and ran after Danny down the hall. Danny might have gotten away if hadn't been laughing so hard.

Derek tackled Danny to the ground in the hallway and began tickling him. Danny screamed with laughter. Tyler pulled Derek up and said, "C'mon we have to get there before the store closes!"

"You know I love you right?" Danny said looking up at Derek.

"I do!" Derek replied winking at Danny and then extending his hand to pull Danny up off of the floor.

Tyler pushed the speaker button outside of the mirrored doors at Sweetwater Swim Wear.

"Why do they have a buzzer? I thought those were only at jewelery stores," Danny asked.

"Probably a precaution against theft," Tyler said.

A pretty young black lady opened the door and greeted the four boys.

"Hi gentlemen! I am Roberta. How can I help you?" She asked.

"I am Tyler and this is Derek, Cody, and Danny. Derek has an audition tomorrow night at The Cave and needs a thong!" Tyler said and Derek glared at him.

"Come in, gentlemen!" Roberta said opening the door fully to let them in and then closing it behind them once they were inside.

"Whoa!" Cody said looking around.

"Word!" Derek added.

The boys looked around to see a mix of male and female customers walking around, most of them naked or wearing only a thong.

"I see why you can't have just anyone wandering in here!" Tyler said.

"Exactly! This would become a bigger hang out than the park across the road," Roberta said.

"Do you have any cow print thongs?" Danny asked and everyone groaned in embarrassment.

"We certainly do along with cow print boxers, boxer-briefs, robes, and socks!" Roberta said.

"Socks?" Derek asked.

"That's what I said when I first started working here...," Roberta said.

"Follow me gentlemen!" Roberta said walking over to the right side of the store. Everyone gazed at all of the different people walking around naked or in thongs or swimwear.

"Now, Derek, here is a key to change room eight. Do you want to go in and strip naked for me so we can find an appropriate accessory for you?" Roberta asked. Derek looked Tyler wondering what to do.

"We are both going to the audition so I can share the change room as well. We'll be right back," Tyler said taking the key from Roberta. As Tyler and Derek walked to the back of the store they both checked out all of the naked men and women walking around.

"This has to be the most surreal experience I've ever had," Derek whispered into Tyler's ear from behind him.

"Wait until tomorrow night!" Tyler said.

They both came back from the change room naked. Derek wore the key around his neck and followed Tyler towards Roberta with his hands covering his crotch.

"Oh baby!" Roberta said with a big smile. "You're not going to cut it at The Cave if you're covering your crotch in this store?"

"Ummm... I'm afraid of getting erect." Derek whispered.

"Don't be afraid we need you erect to make sure we fit you with the proper size thong. We don't want any of the goods hanging out until you decide you want them to!" Roberta said. She looked over at Tyler and ran her tongue across her top lip. "Oh my my my!" she said smiling.

"What do you recommend?" Tyler asked grinning at her.

"Dinner and a show at my place! I'll look after dinner and you can be the show!" Roberta teased smiling.

"Can my boyfriend come along as well?" Tyler asked pointing at Derek.

*Sigh* "Isn't it always this way! The breeders never want to breed!" Roberta said, and Tyler and Derek began laughing.

"What do you suggest?" Derek asked still covering his crotch.

"A night with me should do the trick!" Roberta said grinning at Derek and he relaxed. "You have a great body Derek with all of the assets, so be proud of yourself and show it off!"

Derek removed his hands and relaxed even more.

"Nice! Very, very nice! It's guys like you that make up for those over weight European old men who think tiny is better!" Roberta said rolling her eyes and Tyler and Derek laughed. "Okay, Derek, I am thinking black with silver stars all over it so it shows well in the bright lights! Do you hang to the left or right?"

Derek's mouth dropped open.

"To the left!" Tyler said, answering for Derek.

"Okay we want to make sure you have one with a shooting star of sequins embroidered on it so it grows with you. I just want to make sure we have a large size with the star going the same way!" Roberta said as she looked through the rack of black thongs.

"I need your key!" Danny said running over to the three of them with a cow print thong in his hand. Derek removed the key from around his neck and handed it to Danny.

"Suddenly I feel naked...," Derek mused.

Roberta handed Derek a black thong with stars on it.

"This is it?" Derek said holding up a tiny piece of material with a couple of straps attached to it.

"It stretches, trust me!" Roberta said. "As for you... it's got to be yellow! Oh God yes... yellow, and extra large!" She said smiling at Tyler. Tyler twitched his member and it protruded forward. Tyler winked at Roberta.

As Roberta handed Tyler a yellow thong to try on a very large gentleman approached the three of them wearing a navy blue thong and asked Roberta, "How does this look on me?"

Roberta held back half of a snort and then looked at Tyler. "Turn around slowly and model it for me, Sir?" she asked. As his back was turned Robert stuck her finger down her throat while looking at the Tyler and Cody. When the man completed his full circle Roberta smiled and said, "Oh yeah... you da bomb, Sir!" The man walked away with a huge grin on his face. Tyler and Derek began laughing.

"I couldn't find a cock underneath that flab if I had a search light and a vacuum hose!" Robert said rolling her eyes.

"What do you guys think?" Danny asked beaming. He did a full turn to model his cow print thong for the three of them.

"Drop down a size, honey, so it looks larger!" Roberta said. Danny's mouth fell open.

"It's big Sir, but you need to have a size smaller than you are so it looks tight on you!" Roberta said smiling. Danny grinned and ran over to where Cody was to get a smaller size.

"You spend your Sundays in confession don't you?" Tyler asked laughing.

"I should be paid a hell of a lot more for the amount of lying I have to do for the sake of making a sale!" she said smiling.

"What do you think?" Derek asked.

"Good... very good! Now don't get flustered. I am going to adjust you some if that is okay?" Roberta asked.

"It's fine, Roberta!" Tyler said and Derek looked at him. Tyler grinned.

Roberta went behind Derek and adjusted the strap on the back. She then came around front of Derek and said, "Just relax what I am going to do is adjust your pee-pee and bring your balls up and forward." Roberta slid her hand inside Derek's thong and pulled his member over to the right side. Derek went to full mast. She then raised his testicles up inside the pouch so that they showed better.

"Pee-pee?" Derek asked laughing.

"Oh yeah..., you're a natural, Derek!" Roberta said.

"I guess there are a few fringe benefits to the job?" Tyler asked.

"Nine out of ten guys I have to do this to look like the guy that was just here!" Roberta said frowning.

"Oh geez...," Tyler said.

"You can leave your hand in there!" Derek said grinning and Tyler looked at Derek.

"I assure you I would like to but one still needs to be professional at the office!" Roberta said and winked. "Now go take a look in the mirror and tell me what you think?"

While Derek walked over to the mirror Roberta inserted her hand inside Tyler's thong. Danny and Cody arrived to watch what was going on.

"Oh geez..., those nails are so nice!" Tyler said, as his erection filled out.

"Are you sure you guys are gay?" Roberta asked, teasing them.

"I'm having second thoughts...," Tyler teased.

"I'm thinking I'm going to need a tissue!" Danny said as he watched.

"Bust a nut and you've bought it!" Roberta said very straight faced! Cody and Tyler burst into laughter.

"Cody, aren't you going to pick out a thong?" Tyler asked.

"Naw... not my kind of thing," Cody said.

"But Cody you would look great in a thong!" Roberta said. "I'm thinking a cherry red one with your blond curls unless you also have a farm animal fetish?"

Cody and Tyler started laughing.

"Do you have plaid thongs?" Danny asked.

"Honey, are you for real?" Roberta asked. <More laughter as Derek returned>

"Give Cody the key!" Tyler said to Danny.

"It's okay, Ty! I'm fine," Cody said.

"I want to see you in a red thong. Roberta's right, just the thought of it is making me hard!" Tyler said holding his erection underneath his yellow thong. Cody looked at Tyler and everyone could see Cody's erection forming in his jeans. Cody didn't say a word as he grabbed the key and headed off to the change room.

"Okay, Derek, do you know what to do for your audition?" Roberta asked.

"Umm..., dance and get naked?" Derek suggested.

"Come over here to one of our brass poles!" Roberta said.

As the three boys followed Roberta, Danny said to Tyler, "Did you know these things are almost $200.00?"

Tyler smiled and said, "I think they're worth it. You look hot Danny but with your tanned body I think you should get a fluorescent green thong."

"Really?" Danny asked.

"Danny, the cow print is funny, but you are really sexy. The cow print is a bit childish while the lime green thong is very, very sexy!" Tyler said in a deep low voice.

"Very?" Danny asked.

"Very, very! But what do I know? Lime green is my favourite colour?" Tyler said and Danny ran over to a rack with green thongs on it.

Roberta did a short stint of dancing around and with the pole. Tyler and Derek both became erect from watching her.

"Your turn, Derek!" Roberta said and Derek shook his head. "C'mon, Derek. How many guys get a chance to practice before doing a first time audition?"

Derek shook his head and Tyler said, "I'll try!"

Tyler grabbed the pole and slowly walked around it. He stopped and leaned against the pole staring at Derek. Tyler slid his back down the pole and rubbed his palm over his crotch. After he stood up he grabbed as high up the pole as he could with both hands and began to climb it. People in the store began to stop and watch. When he was about four feet up in the air he humped the pole and then slowly moved his erection back and forth against the pole making his member stand out. Climbing another four feet up the pole he hooked his right leg around it and let himself go. He was now upside down on the pole with his legs holding him. He let his legs release and he did a back flip landing on both feet. Most of the people in the store began to clap and Tyler grinned.

Roberta reached into her pocket and pulled out a dollar bill and stuffed it inside of Tyler's thong. The boys all laughed. Tyler grabbed a chair and set it down behind Roberta. He offered her a seat and she took it. Tyler sat down on her lap facing her and nuzzled his nose in between her breasts. Tyler stood up over her and rubbed his erection between her breasts. He then looked both ways and pulled his thong open right under her chin for her look down into. As she looked down Tyler put his hand in and slid his foreskin back and then quickly released the thong to snap shut tight.

Tyler turned around and bending forward slightly to stick his ass in her face, he grabbed her hands and placed them on each buttock. A crowd began to circle them all. He then took her right hand and slid it under his legs. Her left hand was brought around front to hold his erection from outside the material of his thong. Tyler moved her hands away and stuck his nipple up to her mouth. Roberta looked up and Tyler nodded his approval. She licked his nipple and Tyler groaned and made a face with his eyes closed. Everyone gathered around to watch moaned at the faux show being put on.

Tyler sat down on her lap facing her. He took her one hand and slid both of their hands inside his crotch where he moved the one-dollar bill into her hand and then pulled her hand out. Tyler held Roberta's hand up in the air with the dollar bill in between her fingers. He took her arm and began making small kisses as he moved up towards her palm. When he reached her palm he stuck the tip of his tongue out and touched it followed by a kiss. He then retrieved his dollar bill with his mouth from her fingers. The audience began clapping.

Tyler took both of her hands and put the dollar bill in them. He then took her hands with the dollar bill between them and inserted it into his thong. Sliding his hands in he began rolling the dollar bill up using her fingers. She caught on and finished rolling the bill into one long tube. Tyler pulled her hands out with the now rolled up dollar bill and inserted it in his mouth enough that he could bite down on the dollar bill.

Tyler stuck his face down in between her breasts and inserted the dollar bill into her cleavage with his lips. He then smiled at her and gave her a kiss. Roberta smiled and Tyler stood up and took a bow! Everyone clapped.

"It's not so hard, Derek!" Tyler said.

"Yes, it is!" Derek said and then looked down at his crotch.

"I just bought the cow plaid thong now!" Danny said covering his crotch and the boys and Roberta laughed.

"You are going to make a lot of money, Tyler!" Roberta said. "And thank you for the demonstration though if you continue to pay the customer you won't make much money?" she teased.

"How on earth did you do that?" Danny asked.

"It's easy if you want to please the customer, or in this case Derek and Roberta," Tyler said.

Cody came up behind Danny and whispered, "See what I've been telling you!"

Danny pulled the tag off the side of his green thong and handed it to Roberta. "I have to go change and I do mean change!" Danny said grabbing the key from Cody and running back to the change room.

"Holy shit!" Roberta said and Tyler and Derek turned to see what she was referring to.

"Fuck, Cody, I could do you right now!" Tyler said smiling.

"Over my dead body!" Roberta said, "Because you would have to fight me for who goes first!" Cody blushed.

"What do you think Derek?" Tyler asked.

"I'm harder now than I was with Roberta!" Derek said staring at Cody.

"I think Cody should join us tomorrow night?" Tyler said and Derek nodded his agreement in silence.

The boy's left with five pairs of thongs, four of them were clean!

On the way to Brewed Awakenings Tyler told Derek one other important point that Roberta mentioned but he wasn't listening.

"What's that?" Derek asked.

"She said to make sure you blow a load about 4 to 6 hours before hand so you don't have any accidents at the audition," Tyler said and everyone laughed.

"Hi Bella..." Tyler said as the four boys gathered around the counter.

"How can I help you gentlemen this afternoon?" Bella said.

"She must be new if she doesn't know me!" Danny said giggling.

"We need something for a chocoholic?" Tyler asked.

"Something new huh..." Bella said bending down to look in the display case. "How about chocolate-cheesecake tarts in an Oreo cookie crust?"

"Great... I'll take six! Make it an even dozen." Tyler said. "Usual Danny?"

"No, I'm fine." Danny said looking through the display case. Tyler looked at Cody and Derek. Cody shrugged his shoulders.

"I'd like one large chocolate bourbon pecan tart please!" Danny said and Tyler looked at Derek and Cody and smiled.

"That would be enough for the four of us to share?" Danny asked pulling out his wallet.

"Umm... yeah," Tyler said suspiciously. "Is Danny trying philanthropy through buying us dessert?" he whispered to Cody and Derek.

"I think he's trying to improve himself and you should shut up," Derek said, staring at Tyler. Tyler moved one step away from Derek.

Tyler handed Gus the chocolate-cheesecake tart on their way in.

"Oh guys..., you shouldn't have!" Gus said laughing. The four boys all exchanged smiles and glances with each other.

"We brought you three more mini tarts to share with Mike and the others," Derek said handing him a second package.

"What's you got there, Daniel?" Gus asked, staring at the package in Danny's hand.

"It's a chocolate bourbon pecan tart. I got it for the four of us for dessert. Would you like to cut a slice out to try?" Danny offered as he opened the package.

"Would I?" Gus asked grinning. Gus cut out a one-eight piece of the tart and began eating it right from his hand. "Oh lordy lordy! Damn they do fine work down at Brewed Awakenings. I wish they needed a night watchman!" Gus said, laughing, as he licked his fingers clean.

As they exited the elevator on their floor Danny asked Cody, "Are you coming back to my room?"

"In a little bit Danny. I really need to get a few more boxes packed up for morning. Probably about 30 minutes," Cody said giving Danny a quick kiss.

"No problem... you know where to reach me," Danny said. "Do you want to take this?" Danny asked Derek handing him the tart.

"What do you want me to do with it?" Derek asked.

"Just hold on to it until we can all get together to eat it or go ahead and eat it yourselves," Danny said and walked down his own hallway to his dorm room.

Derek stared at Tyler for a moment and then the three walked down their hallway to their respective rooms.

Tyler tossed the bag with the two thongs in it up on Derek's bed and asked, "Did I do something to piss you off?"

Derek didn't respond.

"We are supposed to talk things out when we have a problem so I will leave you alone and you let me know when you are ready to talk?" Tyler said grabbing a couple of empty boxes from the washroom.

<Twenty minutes pass>

"Do you not like Danny anymore?" Derek asked and Tyler stood up from the floor of his closet.

"Sorry?" Tyler asked.

"I said do you not like Danny anymore?" Derek repeated and sighed.

"I'm sorry Derek, I had my head stuck in the closet and didn't hear you the first time. There's no need to sigh," Tyler said. Derek curved his upper lip and went back to packing stuff in his own closet.

"I love Danny very much. I simply don't know what he is up to. Every time he gets into his sharing and caring mode we all pay for it ten times over when it passes," Tyler said.

"Maybe this change is for good?" Derek said to his closet but loud enough for Tyler to hear.

"A leopard usually can't change its spots either but I hope for Danny's sake this isn't just a phase he is going through," Tyler said pulling shirts, suits, and anything else on hangers out and putting them into suit packs.

"He doesn't have much of a chance of changing with your attitude," Derek said to the floor of his closet.

"EXCUSE ME?" Tyler yelled turning around and bending down to look at Derek under their bunkbeds.

"You heard me!" Derek said.

"Do you want to tell me what is really bugging you?" Tyler asked.

"Nothing is bothering me... I just think you could work a little harder to support Danny in his efforts to become a more generous human being," Derek said.

"I really don't know what you are talking about but I will bet this has nothing to do with... wait a minute, you're mad about the Cave thingy aren't you?" Tyler asked. "You don't have to go Derek. Just say so and it's done. I will email Dave and tell him you've decided not to."

Derek froze and Tyler noticed.

"I apologize if you thought I was trying to force you to do it? It was your idea and I was just trying to help you make it happen! You're the one who said I need a job and thought that you might like to be a male stripper! I'm sorry...," Tyler said with his voice trailing off.

<Ten minutes pass>

"I think you should apologize to Danny!" Derek said as he left the bedroom and went into the washroom.

"What the fuck are you talking about? What did I do to Danny that requires me to apologize?" Tyler yelled.

"You've been saying bad things about him and you've been rude to him today!" Derek said.

"Look Mother Theresa... I asked both of them to leave us alone tonight. I explained that we needed time alone together, and time to pack and if you want to hear me say something bad then here it is! My honest feeling is that Danny is being generous tonight because he doesn't want to be left alone in his room! His own selfishness explains his acts of generosity and if you want to know the truth I really don't care if Danny is generous or not. I like and love him the way he is! He could certainly use some improvement but then again we all could! I have no problem planting the seed by suggesting to Danny that he will be much happier in life if he gives more than he takes but that is it. I'm not going to harass him or try to change him," Tyler said.

Derek snorted.

"Look assmite, I did this for us! So we could have some time together alone. Shit... why am I wasting my breath on this?" Tyler asked aloud.

Tyler stood still and stared at Derek. Derek ignored him and wouldn't look him in the eye.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Tyler asked.

"I already said I think you should apologize to Danny," Derek said staring at him for as long as it took to say ten words.

"Fine! I will go apologize to him for something I need not apologize for! Will that make you happy?" Tyler asked.

"NO!" Derek yelled.

"Well then there is no point in doing that then...," Tyler said as he sat down on the floor and opened a box in his closet.

"There's no point in apologizing if you don't feel you should or you don't realize what you've done wrong!" Derek said.

"Well... there... you... go... At least we agree on one thing!" Tyler said laughing as he pulled out a hard drive and a disk from a box. "SHIT!" Tyler yelled.

"What's wrong?" Derek asked coming over to Tyler's closet door.

"This is the DVD of Dakota that I am keeping to protect Cody and this is the hard drive I was supposed to deliver to Kelly at Christmas." Tyler said.

"Kelly?" Derek asked.

"My brother's boyfriend. There's a lot of pictures and private stuff on there of the two of them and I promised to return it to him as I found it. FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! I am such an asshole!" Tyler said.

"No arguments from this side on that one...," Derek said smiling to himself as he walked away.

"FINE!" Tyler yelled and got up. "I will go apologize to Danny right now but you're coming with me!" Derek's head spun around and looked at Tyler.

"If I have to apologize for something I don't feel I need to then you are going to sit through and witness it all! And another thing, I'm only doing this so that you will stop being angry with me because I love you!" Tyler yelled and Derek smiled.

"What?" Tyler yelled getting angry.

"I'm sorry." Derek said. "Well... partially sorry. I guess I am scared about going to The Cave and I am taking it out on you. While you were gone this afternoon Danny came up with an idea of a birthday gift for me all on his own. I confirmed it with Cody in private that it really was his idea. He wanted to pay for you and I to have a night out alone or he and Cody would make a private dinner just for the two of us and rent us a video so we could have a romantic evening."

"I see...," Tyler said.

"I see?" Derek asked with a hint of a smile.

"I'm in shit for making a private comment about Danny's true motives behind buying a tart to share and now I'm in shit for trying to get us a quiet night alone after ruining your Christmas vacation by wanting to be with not just you but our entire family?" Tyler asked.

"Yeah..., something like that...," Derek said grinning. "I'm okay with you hating me now!" Derek added with a big grin.

Tyler glared at him with a smile beginning to form on his lips.

"I'm sorry," Derek said.

"I love you," Tyler said.

"I love you too!" Derek said, putting his arms around Tyler's neck and kissing him.

"So...," Tyler began pulling his lips away from Derek. "Should we see if our brothers want to go to Leo's for pizza?" Derek smiled and nodded.

"You realize this is our last night alone together in this room? The room where it all began!" Tyler asked.

"Yup... but we will still have the room to ourselves after dessert and it's just one of a lifetime of nights we'll have together, Babe!" Derek said.

"You called me, Babe?" Tyler asked.

"Is something wrong with that?" Derek asked.

"That's my name for you!" Tyler whined.

"Babe is also the name of a pig!" Derek shot back laughing.

"You can be a pig in bed sometimes...," Tyler said giving Derek a quick kiss.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Derek said.

"It was," Tyler said looking at his watch. "It's already 9:30. Do you want to see if Gus wants to join us?"

"Yeah, that would be nice to take him out for beer and pizza!" Derek said.

"And some of Danny's tart as well," Tyler added as he dialed Danny's cell phone.

"Hey!" Danny answered.

"Want to do Leo's for a late dinner?" Tyler asked.

"Sure!!!!!!!!" Danny said. "I'll call Cody right now!"

"Okay, we're going to invite Gus to join us as well." Tyler said.

"Great! We'll be there in less than five minutes," Danny said hanging up.

"I think somebody is very, very happy!" Tyler said as he dialed Gus.

"Master Peel, those tarts where delicious!" Gus said laughing.

"Tarts as in plural?" Tyler asked.

"Hahahaha...," Gus laughed.

"The reason I am calling is because Derek, Danny, Cody, and myself are going to kidnap you at ten o'clock when your shift is over to take you out for beer and pizza and I thought you might want to phone your wife and let her know you'll be home late?" Tyler said.

"Da Misses is asleep by now so there is no need to be wakin' her!" Gus said.

Gus, along with Mike, joined the boys for pizza and R.C. Cola. They made it back to the dorm just before midnight.

"Well thank ya boys! That was a mighty fine break in the week," Gus said.

"We just wanted to thank you guys for all you done for us before we moved out," Tyler said.

"What are we going to do for cinnamon buns now?" Mike teased.

"Don't worry, guys, we're still coming here for school so we won't forget you!" Derek said.

"Guys, you made this the nicest semester ever!" Gus said giving each one of them a hug.

"Hey Mike, you are going to drive Gus home right?" Tyler teased.

"I already figured that out after his third beer!" Mike said winking at him.

"You guys coming over for dessert?" Tyler asked of Cody and Danny after Mike and Gus left.

"What do you want to do?" Danny asked Cody.

"Huh?" Cody said in shock.

"Do you want to just head to bed or go over to Ty and Derek's?" Danny repeated.

"Whatever you want...," Cody said.

Derek immediately put his arm around Danny and said, "I want you to come over," Derek briefly looked at Tyler and turned away. Tyler gave Derek a look that went unnoticed.

"Sumptin goin' on?" Cody asked Tyler as they walked behind Derek with his arm around Danny's shoulder.

"Something's about to go on...," Tyler mumbled as he held the door open at Boyd House for Cody.

All four boys entered Derek and Tyler's room. Derek dug out four forks and Tyler got three cans of R.C. Cola out of their fridge.

"Are you out of cola?" Danny asked.

"Yup but I didn't want to drink any more of that tonight because I had some at Leo's," Tyler said pouring himself a glass of water from the Brita jug.

"You can have mine if you like?" Danny asked.

"Thanks Danny but I am fine. That was sweet of you to offer," Tyler said kissing the top of his head as he walked by Danny to pull out his desk chair.

"Did you get to see Dad today?" Cody asked.

"Yeah I did and I even got a hug! He thinks his son is M.I.A. though!" Tyler said laughing.

"M.I.A.?" Danny asked.

"Missing in action!" Derek said.

"Oh...," Danny said rolling his eyes at his stupidity.

"I invited your Dad for dinner on Sunday night." Tyler said.

"Really? Did he accept?" Cody asked.

"Yeah... that's sort of how I got us out of hockey practice for Saturday night though we do have an optional practice set for Thursday night. Most of the team won't be back until the weekend." Tyler said.

"Damn, this is good!" Derek said, forking a mouthful of chocolate bourbon pecan tart into his mouth.

"Aren't you going to drink your Cola, Danny?" Derek asked.

"Nah... I'm not really thirsty. I'm more nervous about tomorrow." Danny said as he ran his finger in circles around the top of the still sealed can of cola.

"We're all going to be fine," Tyler said.

"You already know?" Danny asked.

"Nope. The only real danger to us was Cody's past with Dakota and Ryan but they checked that out pretty good at the hospital," Tyler said.

"I still have to be checked out every two months for the next year just in case but the odds of anything being wrong are minimal," Cody said.

"Hold up a second! You mean we've been having unprotected sex all this time while you knew something could be wrong?" Danny asked sitting up and staring at Cody.

"I don't really think we need to discuss this right now Danny," Cody said.

"I think we do! I could be infected with something because you never told me?" Danny said.

"I think Cody's right, this isn't the time, Danny," Tyler said.

"It damn well is the time. Speak up, Mr. Conners!" Danny demanded.

"Yes, Danny, there is a risk. It's small but there is a risk. The truth is Danny that I have never had an orgasm inside of you since I found out there might be a problem. Before the Dakota thing ended I simply didn't know any better or was just too arrogant to think it could happen to me. I really wasn't trying to hurt you or anyone else. After they did the check up on me and I came out clean there was no point in saying anything to anyone but they did warn me that things could show up six months to a year later. The morning after we had our Christmas in this room you might remember that I was the only one to not have an orgasm but I just got into the heat of the moment and when Tyler jerked me off I thought it was okay but then you licked everything off of my chest and it was too late to do anything about it by the time I realized what had happened," Cody said. "I'm sorry," He added lowering his head.

"You damn well have shot your load in my ass!" Danny yelled.

"No Danny... I faked it so you wouldn't know anything was wrong until it was absolutely necessary and Derek; sorry to bring this up Tyler, but back in Iowa I never did anything to you either. I wouldn't risk hurting any of you guys even though I hurt the guy I love the most. I love you all so much...," Cody said and started crying. Tyler threw his arms around Cody immediately. Derek rested his face down in his palms and Danny sat there staring at Cody with his mouth hanging open.

Tyler released Cody and gave him some paper towels to wipe his eyes dry.

"Danny?" Tyler said and Danny looked over at him. "What Cody did was stupid and wrong but it wasn't intentional. The moment he found out he stopped doing anything that would further endanger any of us. Are you okay?" Tyler asked.

"No Tyler! He and I could have any number of STD's not to mention AIDS! I think I need to go to bed now," Danny said, and got up and left the room. Cody burst into tears again.

"Danny's right!" Derek said.

"Yes, he is," Tyler added, as he held Cody in his arms.

"I'm so sorry, guys," Cody said, through his tears. "I'm sorry I ever entered your lives. You would all be better if I was never around."

"Don't say that Cody! You are our brother by choice and we will make it through this together regardless of what the results are tomorrow," Tyler said and Derek stared at Tyler. Derek put his palm on Cody's back and rubbed him lightly.

"Let's get ready for bed. Cody you're staying the night with us," Tyler said.

"Thanks, guys, but I don't deserve friends like you guys, much less to be considered a brother. I just want to go back to my room," Cody said standing up.

"Not happening Cody! You're staying here and we are staying together until we get the results back. Whatever it may be I give you my word as your brother that I will stand beside you," Tyler said, looking at Derek.

"That goes for me as well, Cody. You're our brother above anything else and we love you. Thank you for being honest with us," Derek said giving Cody a hug.

The three had just turned off the light and crawled into bed when someone tapped on the door.

Derek crawled out of bed and answered knowing full well whom it was.

"Is Cody here?" Danny yelled. "I've been knocking on his door and phoning him but there is no answer," Derek nodded and flicked on the hallway light.

"Cody?" Danny called peering up into the darkness towards the bunkbed.

"What," Cody said through his tears.

"I'm sorry. I hope you will forgive me, not that I am worthy of being forgiven again," Danny said.

"Oh fuck not again...," Tyler moaned quietly.

Cody didn't respond so Danny crawled up into the bed beside him.

"How the fuck does everyone in this dorm get into that bed so easily and I can't!" Derek whined.

"Hockey players are more coordinated!" Tyler said and began laughing.

"Well football players know how to handle the balls!" Derek shot back.

"True, but hockey players know how to handle their sticks and that's what really counts. That and the fact that we can all climb into this bunkbed and you can't!" Tyler said giggling. Danny and Cody started to laugh.

"Shut up, Ty!" Danny said. "Cody, please listen? You are the love of my life, my one and only, and whatever the news is we will get through it together. If the news is bad then we will deal with it day by day. I'm sorry I walked out on you. What I just did was worse than anything Dakota could have ever done to you. Please forgive me and know that I will love you until the end of time and even afterwards," Danny said, with tears rolling down his cheeks and his voice breaking.

"I'm sorry, Danny." Cody said putting his arms around Danny. As they began kissing passionately Tyler jumped down from the bed taking his comforter and one pillow with him.

"Kill the lights, Derek..., looks like we've got the loveseat again," Tyler said. Derek smiled, and turned the lights off.

Together they cuddled on the loveseat with Tyler's pillow behind their heads. They could faintly hear Danny and Cody saying a few words between kisses.

<Twenty minutes later>

"You asleep?" Derek asked.

"Not now..." Tyler moaned. "Do you have some horrid little tale from your past that I simply must know about tonight?" Tyler said sarcastically.

"Sorry. It can keep till morning," Derek said.

"No, I'm sorry... I was being a Danny. I apologize," Tyler said.

"I HEARD THAT!" Danny yelled and everyone laughed.

"That's why I said it, Puckhead, now go to sleep since you have our bed!" Tyler told them. "What's up?" he asked.

"I'm going to the audition tomorrow!" Derek said.

"You'll be late for it then! It's already tomorrow," Tyler said.

"Shut the fuck up, assmite, you know what I mean," Derek said laughing.

"Why the change of heart?" Tyler asked.

"It's time to start living our lives together and to the fullest as you always say! I don't want to waste another minute or go to my grave regretting that I didn't do everything I wanted to do," Derek said.

"Do you guys have any condoms?" Danny asked peering down at them.

"GO TO SLEEP!" Tyler and Derek said in unison.

"Maybe we should be on a different floor than them in the new house?" Tyler suggested.

"I heard that!" Danny said.

"I'm thinking a different house!" Derek said laughing.

To be continued...

 

tylerpeel@tickiestories.us

Posted: 01/24/09