by: Tyler Peel

© 2007 by the author

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

Chapter 50
Going Home

Gus and Mike arrived armed and ready to assist the police.  They took notice of Ryan because he was wearing a Drexel hockey jacket and went over to speak to him.

“What’s going on?”  Gus asked of Ryan.

“We don’t know!”  Ryan said almost in tears with Ben’s arm around his shoulder.

Gus spotted Officer Brady talking with the Captain and went over to talk with him.  Mike followed Gus to listen in on the conversation.  Gus began filling Brady and the Captain of the S.W.A.T. team in on what had transpired earlier at Boyd House.

They heard two loud, muffled noises.  Everyone froze.  The Captain took hold of the microphone on his chest and turned it up towards his face and listened silently.

<42 seconds of silence> A dog barking down the street made everyone turn and look in one direction.  Flashing lights approached from the end of the street.

“Got it!” Yelled one of the S.W.A.T. team members and the gold tipped iron gates began to open.

When the gates finished opening, everyone stood silently waiting.

“10-41!  Premises safe and secure.  Three down, safe and sound!” The S.W.A.T. member said into his microphone.  He carefully stepped over Dean Thompson trying not to disturb anything.   Removing one glove he placed two fingers against the old man’s throat feeling for a pulse.  His gaze turned towards two boys, one lying on top of the other and neither seemed to be moving.  He walked over to the boys and looked down over them.

“Boys?” He called out.

Ryan and all of the other boys heard the message coming through the Captain’s microphone attached to his vest.  Ryan grabbed hold of Ben and burst into tears.  Austin sat down on the ground against a tree and dropped his head into his hands. 

“Let’s GO!”  The Captain yelled to men.

“C’mon boys.”  The man said who stayed with Derek, Danny, and Cody after receiving the news on his headset.  “Lets get you boys out of here.  You’re going to need to answer some questions.”

“I’m not going anywhere until I see Tyler!” Derek yelled with tears running down his cheeks.

“No Son.”  He said.  “You’re doing exactly as you’re told.  Lets go.” He added nodding towards the door.  When they stepped outside into the unusually warm January air a large black Van was pulling up towards them followed by two ambulances.  All three boys were hurriedly escorted into the back of the black Van and seated side-by-side on a flip down bench on the right side. 

“Whoa!” Danny said.  “Look at all this high tech equipment.”

The flashing lights of the ambulance reflected inside the Van’s tinted rear windows.  Derek stood partially up to see ambulance attendants passing by carrying stretchers. 

“Don’t touch that!”  He said to Danny.  Danny sat back down between Derek and Cody and smiled.  He took each of their hands and held them.  Derek’s hand was shaking and Cody’s hand was clammy and cold.

“I need to make a quick call to my parents.”  Derek said not waiting for any response.

“Derek?” Linda answered before the first ring had finished.

“Hi Mom.”  Derek said.

“How are you?  Any news on Tyler.”  Linda asked.

“It’s over.  Tyler’s been found but shots were fired and we don’t have any news yet.”  Derek said emotionlessly.  Linda burst into tears and dropped the phone.

“Derek?” Larry said grabbing the phone.

“Yes Dad?”  Derek said.

“What did you just tell your mother?”  Larry asked.

“Tyler’s been found and shots were fired but we don’t know if he is alive or dead.  The police are questioning Danny, Cody, and me right now.  I will call you later when I have more news.”  Derek said and closed his phone before Larry could respond. 

Ian, Kathy, Jeff, Chris, Casey, Kyle, and Luke had gathered around the kitchen island.  They stared in silence at Larry when he set the phone down. 

“It’s over!”  Larry began with a sullen facial expression and a collective gasp was followed by everyone holding their breath.

“Shots were fired and Tyler has been taken to the hospital.  We don’t know if he has been hurt and if so, how badly.”  Larry said and the room went silent.  Kyle dropped his head down into his arms on the kitchen island.

One of the S.W.A.T. members and a member of the Philadelphia Police Service began questioning the boys.

Tyler was lying face down on top of Dakota on the floor.  He opened his eyes and tried to focus.  Tyler’s left eye was less than an inch from Dakota’s left eye.

“Dakota?”  Tyler whispered.  No response.

“Dakota?”  Tyler repeated and Dakota blinked his eyes.

“Are you okay?”  Tyler said into his ear. 

Dakota tried to focus and realized there was a hole in the ceiling over the two of them. 

“Dakota?  Are you okay?”  Tyler repeated ever so softly.

“What happened?”  Dakota whispered back in Tyler’s ear.

“I’m not sure.” Tyler said.  “Your grandfather tried to kill you.” 

Dakota blinked a few times and tried to move under Tyler’s weight.

“Don’t move.” Tyler said lifting his head slightly.

“Are you hurt?” Dakota asked.

“I don’t know.  There’s shit all over my back and never having been shot before I am not sure what I’m supposed to feel.”  Tyler said and Dakota looked up to the hole in the ceiling above their heads and back at Tyler.

“There’s a hole in the ceiling above us.” Dakota said as his vision came back into focus.

Tyler stared into Dakota’s eyes in silence. Both remained in thought for few seconds. 

“You’ve got a nasty cut on your forehead.”  Dakota whispered.  Tyler smiled.

“It’ll heal!  I just wanted to know if you’re okay?”  Tyler repeated silently.

Dakota began to replay the events in his mind.  “You saved my life!”  Dakota said giving Tyler a strange look.

Tyler shrugged his shoulders and gave Dakota half a smile.  “I told you I didn’t hate you.” Tyler said and Dakota made a quiet snort followed by a smile.  Tyler gave Dakota a quick peck on the lips.

“Of all people… you!” Dakota asked and shook his head and then smiled.

“I’m sorry I let you down.” Tyler whispered.  Dakota stared up at Tyler and tears began to trickle down both sides of Dakota’s face.

“I’m sorry Ty.” Dakota said and he began to hyperventilate as the reality of all that transpired began to sink in.

“Don’t move.” Tyler whispered again.

“Why?” Dakota asked quietly.

“Do we know for a fact that your grandfather isn’t still standing there?” Tyler asked.

“Good point.” Dakota said.

“You need help Dakota!  Will you trust me to get you help if we get out of this alive?”  Tyler whispered and Dakota nodded through his tears.

“I give you my word I won’t desert you!” Tyler said and Dakota wrapped his arms around him pushing chunks of plaster off of Tyler’s back.  Dakota began crying.

“You’re all I have left…” Dakota whispered and then had a short laugh over the irony of his words, and the tears started again.

They both heard someone say ‘premises secure’. 

“We’ve got company, the good kind.”  Tyler whispered.

“I’m going to jail for a long, long time Ty.” Dakota said.

“No Dakota!  I’m going to help if you let me.  Let me get you help please?” Tyler begged.  Dakota nodded and pulled Tyler down on his chest.

“Would you kiss me once more?” Dakota asked.  Tyler moved his head over and kissed Dakota on the lips.

“Why?” Tyler whispered as he lowered his head back down next to Dakota’s ear.

“I want to remember what it is like to be kissed by someone who loved me in spite of me.”  Dakota said with his eyes held tightly shut as he tried to store the memory forever.

“Don’t say that Dakota.  I have a boyfriend I love but there will always be room in my heart for the people I care about… people like you.”  Tyler said.  “When you finish getting the help you need, I will be there for you.  I promise!”

“I know.” Dakota said smiling as he savoured the moment of holding Tyler in his arms.

“Boys?”  The S.W.A.T. team member called out as he looked down over them.  Dakota opened his eyes to see a man carrying a gun in his hand.  He wore strange goggles and had an earphone wire coming out of his ear. 

Tyler placed his palms flat on the ground on each side of Dakota and slowly lifted himself up.  Chunks of plaster slid off of his back.  Dakota watched from below not moving. 

Dakota could see the smile on the S.W.A.T. member who turned around and walked back to the doorway speaking quietly into his microphone.

Tyler cracked his neck and winked at Dakota.  He looked over to the bed and saw the knife.  He picked it up and Dakota’s eyes shot wide open.  Tyler held the knife out to Dakota and said, “YOU need to give this to them!”  Dakota exhaled.

“I’m not touching that thing!”  Dakota said and Tyler grinned dropping it back on the bed.  Tyler stood up and put his hand down to pull Dakota up.  Tyler’s right hand began pulling Dakota up and when he was standing he looked beyond Tyler and down to the floor to see his grandfather lying face down in a pool of blood.  Dakota brought his hand up his mouth and he immediately began throwing up.  The S.W.A.T. member turned around upon hearing a noise to see Tyler helping Dakota.  Dakota pushed his way past Tyler to the other door inside the room.  Tyler put his hand up to stop the man and signal that he would be with Dakota. 

Dakota continued to gag over the toilet as Tyler placed his palm down on Dakota’s back and massaged it slowly.  Tyler turned on the tap in the sink and helped Dakota up.  He filled an empty glass with water for Dakota.

Dakota leaned down on the vanity over the sink and continued to spit water out to rinse his mouth clean.  Tyler turned the hot water on to rinse out a dirty face cloth.  Dakota stood back up and stared at himself in the mirror.  Tyler took the warm wet cloth and wiped Dakota’s face clean and then his own body, which had been coated in the spray.

“Who are you?” Dakota said to his image in the mirror. 

Tyler turned Dakota to look at him and said, “Someone who has been savagely abused for many years.  Someone who will come through this and move forward.”

Dakota gave Tyler a half smile.

“I want you to remember one thing!” Tyler said.  “You’re not alone.  You have me!  Don’t ever forget that.” Dakota put his arms around Tyler and hugged him.  Tyler opened his eyes to see the S.W.A.T. member standing there holding some clothes. 

“Thanks!” Tyler said taking the clothes.  Dakota turned around to see who was there.  Tyler took his Sweatshirt and held it open for Dakota to put on.

“That’s your shirt!”  Dakota said.

“It’s your shirt now.”  Tyler said. “You shouldn’t be wearing anything from here ever again that will remind you of your time in this prison!”  Dakota gave another half smile and extended his arms out to put the sweatshirt on.

“You’re really going to be here for me?”  Dakota asked softly with his eyes welling up with water.  Tyler nodded silently.

“Everyone has abused your trust Dakota and that includes me unfortunately.   If I don’t keep my word then how will you ever learn to trust anyone again?”  Tyler said as he put on Dakota’s shirt.

“That thing hasn’t been washed in awhile…” Dakota said grinning and then sniffed the sweatshirt he was wearing.  “It smells like you… good…  and much cleaner now.”

“Your lawyer’s name is Adam Fletcher!  When you call him tell him that I sent you.”  Tyler said and repeated the name Adam Fletcher.

“Adam Fletcher.”  Dakota said and smiled.

“Boys?” The man called.

“Yes Sir, we are ready to go.”  Tyler said taking Dakota’s hand and leading him out of the washroom.

Tyler spotted his SIM chip from his broken cell phone and picked it up when no one was watching.  Dean Thompson’s body had been covered up when they came back into the room.  Three more officers were in there.

“Dakota Thompson?”  One of the new men in the room called out.

“That would be me!”  Dakota said raising his left hand up in the air.

“Would you please extend your hands forward?  We’re going to read your rights…” He began and Tyler stopped him.

“NO!  He has a lawyer and his name is Adam Fletcher.  We’re walking out of here together and going down to your station but not in handcuffs!  <The first S.W.A.T. member nodded his approval. > The only relative he’s got is lying right there… have some fucking compassion!”  Tyler yelled pointing to the floor.  “At least get a fucking life.” Tyler said shaking his head and pulled on Dakota’s hand.  Tyler picked up his coat and the knife dropped on the bed.  He picked the knife up by the handle and then turned it around and handed to one of the officers. Both boys carefully stepped over and around Dean Thompson’s lifeless body.  Two of the men followed them out and down the hallway.  Tyler squeezed Dakota’s hand three times and Dakota responded back with three squeezes.

As they climbed the steps they saw another officer standing there with some sort of high tech weapon in his hand wearing the same dark shades.  Tyler stopped inside the barn and pulled out his keys.

“Give me the short version boys?”  The Captain asked of the other men in the room.

“I was watching his trigger finger when he turned suddenly and lifted his arm up higher in the air.  I was trying to wound him but he moved his arm too fast.  From the looks of things I would say the bullet went through his side and pierced his lung and maybe even his heart!”  The shooter said.

They all looked up at the ceiling.  “So his shot hit the ceiling?”  The Captain asked.

“Looks like it…” One of the officers said as he checked Dean Thompson’s rifle out.  “Only one round has been fired!”

“I want this room locked down!  The press are going to be all over this and we’ll have to deal with an internal investigation as well!  Make sure we have someone posted at the gate until we have finished our investigation and no one talks to the press but me.”  The Captain said and left.

“Here!” Tyler said handing the keys over to one of the men.  “Make sure my Jeep gets home please!  I don’t ever want to be on this property again.”

“That makes two of us!”  Dakota added and Tyler smiled at him.

“WHY WON’T YOU TELL US HOW TY IS?”  Derek yelled and punched a piece of electronic equipment attached to the inside of the Van.

“Mr. Anderson, I seriously doubt that you can afford to replace that so please try to remain calm.  As soon as I am told anything I will pass the information on to you boys.” The S.W.A.T. team member said.

Derek leaned his face into his hands and tried to clear his mind to help him get through the waiting.  All that kept running through his head was the last words he spoke to Tyler, ‘fine then, just get the fuck out of here!’  These words kept repeating themselves inside his head.

Cody’s mind kept returning back to the look on Tyler’s face when they met in the hallway.  He knew his anger with Tyler was entirely self-centred and wrong.  “Why do I keep fucking up?”  Cody said quietly.  Danny squeezed his hand.

“He’s going to be fine guys!  I just know it.  The Tyler effect will reign supreme!” Danny said smiling and Derek and Cody both glared at him.

“Why don’t you just fuck off and die!”  Derek said shaking his head.  An embarrassed Danny lowered his head.

“I’m sorry Danny. I didn’t mean that.” Derek said as he grabbed his hand and squeezed it three times.

Tyler and Dakota walked to a waiting ambulance and got inside.  They were each made to lie on a stretcher and subsequently belted in.  This time Dakota reached across the aisle and took Tyler’s hand.  Tyler could feel Dakota tremble with fear.  Tyler again squeezed his hand three times and Dakota looked over at him.

“It means ‘I love you’…  the one, two, three!”  Tyler said and Dakota faked a smile.

“I guess I fucked up.” Tyler mused and smiled.

“Huh?” Dakota asked turning back to look at Tyler.

“Got my fingerprints all over that knife so it’s kind of useless now!”  Tyler said grinning as he stared at the ceiling above him.  Dakota squeezed Tyler’s hand three times.

“If I hadn’t sneezed when you were holding that knife this wouldn’t have happened!” Tyler said with a grin as he pointed to his neck.  Dakota grinned and shook his head.

“I’m not lying about what happened Tyler.  I’m not going to lie about anything ever again.”  Dakota said with a stray tear running down his cheek to the pillow on the stretcher.

“I wouldn’t ask you to lie Dakota.  Just do as Adam tells you and say nothing until you’ve met with him.”  Tyler said.

Derek looked out the window as one of the ambulances drove away with its lights still flashing and a police cruiser following it.  A member of the S.W.A.T. team who was inside the Van with the boys, held his earpiece tight to his ear and began talking.

“Okay, thanks… yeah, we’re are pretty much done here now.  No, we won’t need to dust it.”  He said and then looked over at the boys.  “Your Tyler is alive but he does need some medical attention and is off to the hospital to be checked out.  Afterwards he will then go down to the station so we can fill out a report.”  He added with his left hand covering the mouthpiece.  All three boys grinned but the happiness of Derek and Cody was quickly washed away as their last memories with Tyler returned.

“What does medical attention mean?” Danny asked.

“I don’t know exactly and it would be improper of me to speculate but if they are planning on questioning him down at the station it likely means he isn’t seriously wounded!”  The S.W.A.T. team member said.

“Seriously wounded?” Derek asked.

“He’s telling us that Tyler wasn’t shot but he is hurt without actually telling us anything that could get him in trouble.”  Danny said and the S.W.A.T. member smiled at Danny.

The door to the Van opened and a police officer handed the S.W.A.T. member a set of keys.  “It’s clean!”  He said and closed the door.

“Since you boys live with Tyler can one of you drive his vehicle home?”  He asked.

“Yeah, no problem!”  Danny said as he accepted the keys.  “When can we pick Tyler up?”

“I have no idea.  They might want to keep him overnight in the hospital for observation so what I will do is get word to him to phone you guys at home when he is ready to leave.”  The S.W.A.T. team man said.

Danny whispered in Cody’s ear.  “Give it to him!” Cody glared at Danny.

“Give me what boys?”  The police officer asked.

Cody reached in and pulled out an orange CD case and handed it over to the police officer. 

“It belonged to Dakota but he gave it to Tyler for safekeeping.” Cody said.

“Do you know what’s on this?” He asked shaking it at them.

“No exactly Sir but I can guess.”  Cody said.

“Be available for further questioning boys.”  He said.

The door was opened and Derek led the way out.  “Thank you very much Sir for everything you did to save Tyler’s life!”  Danny said offering his hand.

“It’s our job!  I’m as relieved as you are that both boys weren’t seriously hurt!”  He said.

Derek turned back and shook his hand, as did Cody.

“You guys want a ride back down the driveway?”  Danny asked.

“I think I’ll walk.  Thanks anyway… I need to phone Mom and Dad.” Derek said through the fog that wouldn’t clear from his mind.

“I think I’ll drive Derek’s Jeep home for him.  He probably shouldn’t be driving right now.”  Cody said quietly to Danny and he nodded his agreement.

Danny passed Derek and Cody with the Jeep to the screams and hoots of about 40 people who had gathered out around iron gates.  Danny rolled down the window and everyone saw that it wasn’t Tyler.  Most moaned and turned away.

Ryan approached and asked of any news. 

“He’s okay and so is Dakota!”  Danny said.

“Too bad!  I was hoping that fucker was dead!” Ryan said kicking Tyler’s Jeep.  “What now?” 

“I don’t know.  Obviously the party isn’t happening but why don’t you quietly gather all of our close friends and invite them back.  It is a cause for celebration and I’m not sure I can handle Derek and Cody alone.”  Danny said.

“Something else going on?”  Ryan asked.

“Yeah, but it’s just a lot of family arguing.” Danny said.

“When will Tyler be home?” Ryan asked.

“Not for awhile.  They’re both going to the hospital right now to be checked out and then Tyler has to go and fill out a police report and file charges.” Danny said.

“I hope they lock him up and throw away the key!”  Ryan said.  “I want to see him rot in jail for what he did to Tyler, Cody, and me!”

The Andersons phone rang and everyone turned to look at the wall.  Luke ran after the phone despite Larry’s objection.

“DEREK?”  Luke yelled.

“Hey Pookey.”  Derek said and Luke grinned.

“How’s Tyler?”  Luke asked.

“He’s going to be fine.  He was hurt and I don’t know what exactly but he’s going to be alright.”  Derek said.  Luke grinned spread to everyone in the room.

“Did you see any blood?” Luke asked and Larry grabbed the phone from his hand. 

Luke threw his hands up in the air and yelled, “Ty’s going to be okay!”  There would have been a unanimous group cheer if it weren’t for Kyle bursting into tears.  Chris grabbed him and held him tight.  Luke butted in and hugged Kyle. 

“I love you Kyle.”  Luke whispered and Kyle squeezed him tight but wasn’t capable of saying anything.

Linda then got on the phone with Derek and after a short conversation she hung up.

“Are we heading up there?”  Larry asked.

“Derek asked us not too!  He said they all have to be available for questioning tomorrow and they don’t know if Tyler is being kept in the hospital overnight.”  Linda said as she wiped her tears away.

Both boys refused stretcher rides into the emergency room from the ambulance.  At the hospital they were checked into a private secure area of the emergency room dedicated for injured criminals and such. 

One of the officers kindly explained that they would now be separated and that a guard would have to remain with Dakota.  Tyler put his arm around Dakota’s neck and pulled him into his chest.  Tyler gently kissed his forehead a couple of times as Dakota closed his eyes.

“Dakota?”  Tyler began as they separated.  “Love can conquer all!  Let love be your guiding force when times get tough.”  Dakota nodded and lowered his head.  “Adam Fletcher, remember that name as he will be our way of communicating!” Tyler said.

“Dakota Thompson?”  The nurse called out.

“Just thirty more seconds Ma’am!”  Tyler said holding one finger up.  “I’ll make you one promise in exchange for one promise from you!”  Dakota nodded.  “I promise to be here waiting for you if you will promise not to let anything conquer the real Dakota inside!”  Tyler said pointing to his heart.   Dakota grinned.

“I promise Ty.  Thank you for helping give me my life back.  I’m sorry for all I have done to you.  I really am sorry for hurting you.” Dakota said and they embraced.  Tyler tapped Dakota three times and Dakota did the same.

Tyler received a bad haircut, four stitches above the hairline, and a nice big bandage.  Tyler refused stitches on his neck and was given a small patch to cover his wound.  He was told not to consume any drugs or alcohol for 72 hours nor was he permitted any medications without authorization from a doctor.  The doctor on call that night gave him a card with a pager number and the phone number for the emergency ward.

“Your file has been given a number.  I wrote it on this card.  If you have any concerns then give this number to whoever answers the phone.  That person will be able to pull your file up on a screen immediately.  I can’t release you unless you have someone to stay with?”  The doctor asked.

“I have three room mates.” Tyler said and then thanked the doctor.

“Where’s Dakota?”  Tyler asked when the police officer returned to his room in the emergency ward.

“They’re keeping him overnight to do several tests based on the abuse he’s received.”  The officer said.

“Yeah, I’ve seen some of the scars on his body.  Thank God his Grandfather can’t hurt him anymore!” Tyler said as he put Dakota’s shirt back on.

Tyler met Adam Fletcher at the police station and spent almost two hours talking with him before answering questions with the police about the events that had transpired and the DVD.  Adam promised to do everything he could to get Dakota in for treatment and avoid jail time.  While Tyler had refused to press charges against Dakota, the videotape from Gus left the police with no choice but to charge him with kidnapping and weapons dangerous.  Adam also said that Ryan and Cody’s cooperation would be necessary as well.  The police assured Tyler and Adam that they would do everything to work with the District Attorney’s office to get Dakota the help he needs. 

Tyler was advised to stay out of school for at least a week so the press wouldn’t be bothering him. 

“Can I be told that I am not allowed to comment on the case?”  Tyler asked with a grin.

“Consider yourself told!”  Adam said and all of the officers in the room started laughing.

“Captain?” Tyler asked.

“Yes Tyler?”  The Captain said.

“How exactly did you guys find me?”  Tyler asked.

“Your three friends would make great detectives.  It was Daniel Armitage who pieced it together.  They got to the Thompson estate before anyone else.” The Captain said.

“Would you please arrange a time for me to thank all of the officers who helped save my life?”  The Captain nodded and Tyler shook hands with each member of the force in the room. 

It was just after 3:00 a.m. when Tyler was allowed to go home.  Tyler insisted on walking and the police insisted on driving him home!  Adam intervened and drove Tyler home.

Adam parked his car at corner, a few doors down from Tyler’s home.  “You know Tyler when you were in my office I said we needed to discuss this Dakota situation at some point in time but I didn’t mean down at the police station!”  Adam joked.

“Thank you Sir!  I am sorry for ruining your night.” Tyler said.

“No apologies Ty, that’s what I am here for.  I had planned to go to this party last night.  Taylor’s been going on about this penis cake…” Adam said breaking into laughter.

“Sir, I made a promise to do anything and everything to help Dakota.  Sending him to jail isn’t going to help him!”  Tyler said.

“I know Tyler and I think we have a strong case based on the victim’s insistence that he get real help.  The courts don’t want to put any one in jail if they don’t have too but they definitely don’t want to put anyone back on the street who is still considered to be danger to themselves or anyone else!”  Adam said.

“When he gets out he is going to live with us!”  Tyler said.

“I kind of figured that one out already Tyler!”  Adam said winking.  “Do you take stray puppies as well?”  Adam joked.

“We’ll take anyone in need Sir!  Spare no expense at saving Dakota’s life.”  Tyler said.

“I think you already have!”  Adam said.  “Get to bed and try to get some sleep.  I will call you on Monday!” 

“Good night Sir and thanks!”  Tyler said as he closed the door.  Adam drove off and Tyler stared at the darkened house with only an outside light on.  Tyler realized that he didn’t have any keys on him and then remembered that he had hidden a house key in his wallet. 

Unlocking the front door quietly he heard Echo and Chaos come scampering to the edge of the steps.  He removed his coat and kicked off his running shoes.  Bending down to hug and kiss each puppy, they took more interest in the strange smell of his shirt than they did of Tyler’s arrival home.  Tyler gave each of them a couple of treats and then turned off the outside light and locked the front door.

At the top of stairs to the second floor he saw that both bedroom doors where open.  He turned the light on in the bathroom and looked into his own bedroom and saw it was empty.  Walking over to Cody and Danny’s room he looked in and waited for his eyes to adjust to the lack of light in the room.  Derek was sound asleep with Cody’s arms around him.   Cody was under the covers and Derek was still dressed.  Tyler figured he must have been waiting for a phone call because his cell phone was lying next to him.

“Where’s Danny?”  Tyler whispered to Echo and Chaos.  They both headed downstairs and Tyler decided to follow.  He walked through the darkness and looked out the back window.  He could just barely see the roof of his Jeep so he knew that both vehicles where there.  Tyler turned on the light on the back panel of the stove and left the kitchen.  He almost screamed when he saw the figure of a person lying on the sofa. 

Tyler leaned down and kissed Danny’s forehead.  Danny stirred slightly and moaned.  Tyler climbed the stairs to the third floor with puppies in tow and began stripping himself naked.  Echo began whimpering and Tyler lifted both of them on to one of the beds in the room. 

Tyler sat naked on the side of the bed and rubbed his face.  ‘Hmmm… probably skip my run in the morning…’ He said to himself as he looked at the alarm clock. 

‘Damn!  I forgot to remove the cookie dough for my ten a.m. appointment!’ Tyler moaned to himself.  He looked up and saw his reflection in a mirror on the wall.   He stood up and slowly approached the mirror.  He paused to gently touch the bandage on his forehead as if to see if it was real.  Dropping to the floor and began crying.  ‘Mom!  David!  Where are you when I need you?’ He said to himself. 

Tyler looked at the back of his hand and then turned it over.  He rested the open palm in his lap and stared at his bracelet.  He began crying again and Echo appeared and began licking his palm.  He picked up Echo and held her.

“Looks like we’re a pair girl!”  Tyler said and Echo wagged her tail.  “You and I were both abandoned!  At least you have your brother!”  Tyler said and Chaos appeared as if called and began sniffing Echo’s exposed butt. 

“Do you ever just want to go back and be held by your Mom?”  Tyler asked Echo.  Echo wagged her tail at the attention.  “I hear ya!”  Tyler said as tears rolled down his cheeks. 

“We need to get some ruby slippers and click our heals together and make this nightmare end!”  Tyler said and then he kissed Echo.  Tyler stood up and carried Echo and Chaos back to the bed.  He crawled in and covered himself up.  Echo surveyed the entire bed while Chaos huddled near Tyler’s tummy.  Echo did three revolutions and plopped herself down, spooning in between Tyler and Chaos.  The movement of Echo dropping down stirred Chaos and he immediately appeared to lay claim to his part of Tyler and Echo.  Tyler reached over and turned out the light.

Staring at the full moon’s light reflecting the shape of the window on the wall in a way that only an abstract painter could capture, Tyler looked at the four shadowed windowpanes.  As he closed his eyes he peered through those windowpanes and asked, ‘why am I here?  What is here for me?’ 

A vision appeared in his head of Christmas Eve and the entire family gathered around him as they presented a wrapped, framed gift.  Tyler smiled and wrapped his left arm around both dogs. 

“Thanks Mom and David.” Tyler said aloud.

Echo and Chaos woke Derek up by whining from the floor below the bed.  “HUH!” Derek yelled sitting up in bed.  He looked over to see Cody fast asleep and Echo and Chaos sitting on the floor below him.  Derek flipped his legs over the edge of the bed and the puppies backed up.

“Yeah, yeah, I know guys… time to eat.” Derek said picking up Danny’s alarm clock and seeing it was nearing 7 a.m.  Derek walked out of the room and paused to look at his empty bedroom.  He went down to the kitchen trying to be careful not to wake Danny.  Echo and Chaos began barking to come back inside and that woke Danny up.

“Huh?” Danny said from the sofa as he stretched and Derek looked over at him.  “Any news?”  Danny asked sitting up and Derek shook his head no and clicked the ‘on’ button on the coffee machine.

“I’m gonna go shower!”  Danny said getting up.

“Want some breakfast?”  Derek asked.

“No. You?”  Danny asked.

“No.”  Derek said and Danny headed up the stairs.  Derek let the puppies out of the crate and began cleaning up all of the glasses and mugs from everyone that was over last night.  Chaos began sniffing at the garbage can.

“NO!”  Derek said and decided he would take the small bag of garbage down to the garage and put dump it into the large green garbage bag they kept out there.

Derek opened the garbage can and saw the present that Tyler had given him still wrapped and stuffed deep into the garbage bag.  Derek pulled the slightly bent package out and brought it back into the family room in the basement.  He set it down on the sofa and headed back upstairs to pour himself a coffee. 

Cody was sitting on a bar stool leaning on his palm when Derek returned to the kitchen.

“Morning.” Derek said glumly.

“Yeah…” Cody said still half asleep.

“Want some coffee?”  Derek asked.

“No thanks.  I’m thinking of going back to bed… didn’t sleep much last night.” Cody said.

“Me too!” Derek said as he filled his mug full.

“Danny said there’s been no word?”  Cody mentioned.

“Nope.  I was thinking of giving the hospital a call but thought I would wait a bit.”  Derek said.

“You look like shit Derek!”  Cody said and then grinned.

“Go to bed Cody!”  Derek said glaring at him followed by a grin.  Derek walked off and headed back downstairs.

“CHAOS!!!!!!” Derek yelled upon find him chewing on the Mr. Potato Head box.  Chaos paused to look at Derek and went back to chewing on the box.

“HEY!” Derek yelled and Chaos jumped down from the sofa knowing he was now in trouble.  Derek sat down and picked up the half chewed box and set it on his lap.  Chaos lay on the floor with his nose between his front paws.

“You know you’re only allowed to chew on Danny’s stuff!”  Derek said and winked at Chaos.  Chaos wagged his tail and panted.

“Get up here!”  Derek said patting the seat of the sofa beside him. “You’re not really in trouble!”  Chaos wagged his tail faster and jumped up on the sofa all by himself.

“You’re getting good at that aren’t you?”  Derek said and Chaos continued wagging his tail and flopped down next to Derek demanding his full and immediate attention.

“Let’s see if you like Mr. Potato Head?”  Derek said as he opened the half eaten lid.  A cardboard topper had a hole in the centre that allowed the top of Mr. Potato Head’s head to appear.  Derek removed the topper and set it on an end table out of Chaos’ reach.  He lifted Mr. Potato Head out and he fell apart into multiple pieces.

“What the hell piece of crap is this?” Derek started to say but stopped when he felt the navy blue velvet box drop on his lap.  He looked inside the box to find a tiny envelope with ‘happy birthday sweetheart’ written on it.

Derek opened the box to find two gold rings.  He sucked in his breath and held the open box up to his face to look at.  He didn’t remove the pair of bands but he quickly recognized that the inscription read, ‘brother’s forever’.  He quickly closed the box and reached for the envelope.

Carefully unsealing the back of the envelope he removed a small hand written piece of paper.

“Happy 20th Birthday my love, I know that nothing is forever in this world but there is one exception to that rule and it is my love for you.  We might not be able to marry and we might not even be together at some point in the future but I hope you will accept this as a sign of my never-ending love for you.  No matter what the future holds for us I want us to be brothers forever and for you to know that my love for you will never fade, flicker, or diminish!  I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes upon you and that love has only grown since.  All that matters is that you know that you are my one and only, my hopes and dreams for the future, and most importantly my one true love!  Your Tyler.”

Derek didn’t think he could cry anymore after last night.  “I love you just as much Tyler!  I just wonder if you will forgive me?”  Derek said aloud looking at the rings.  He wiped his eyes and then gathered up the pieces of Mr. Potato Head to put back in the box.  Looking in the box he realized that all of the screws for him had been removed and placed in the bottom of the box.  Derek shoved the navy blue ring box and letter in his front jeans pocket and took Mr. Potato Head upstairs to the kitchen so he could put him back together.

Danny came downstairs to find Cody sleeping on the sofa and Derek putting a Mr. Potato Head together.  Derek paused and looked up at Danny staring at him.

“It’s a Mr. Potato Head!”  Derek said still frozen in the same position.

“Uh… huh!” Danny said and scrunched his nose.

“Fuck off Danny!”  Derek said and then winked.

Danny sat on the bar stool opposite Derek and watched.  He then reached down and picked up a rubber bone and tossed it into the living room.  Echo ran after it as Chaos stared up at Danny.

“Right… sorry, I forgot there’s two of you isn’t there?”  Danny said to Chaos.  Derek grabbed a rubber ball off of the floor in the kitchen and set it on the counter in front of Danny.  Danny looked up at him and opened his mouth.

“Don’t even go there!”  Derek said.  Danny grinned, picked up the ball and threw it into the living room.  Chaos returned with the ball and dropped it at Danny’s feet.

“Good boy!”  Danny said patting Chaos on the head.  “You know how to fetch!  If we could only teach Cody now!”  Danny said as he tossed the rubber ball towards the front door.

“Fuck you Puckhead.” Cody said from the sofa without opening his eyes.  Chaos began whimpering as he flopped down on the edge of the stairs to the door.

“Danny, would you go fetch the ball…” Derek began with a grin.  Cody snorted.  “Chaos is afraid of going down those three steps to the front door.” 

Danny grinned and walked over with his coffee in hand.  Derek looked over to see Cody with an ear-to-ear grin.

“Derek!!!!!” Danny yelled staring down at the floor.

“What?”  Derek asked.

“Derek!!!!!”  Danny yelled louder and Cody sat up and looked over at Danny staring down at the floor.  Derek walked over and looked down at the floor.

“It’s right there Danny!  It landed inside of Tyler’s shoe!”  Derek said and Danny looked over at a confused Derek.

“Three… two… one…” Danny counted down.

“HE’S HOME!” Derek yelled and grabbed Danny and swung him around sending coffee everywhere.  Derek ran up the stairs three steps at a time with the dogs following.  Cody jumped up and Danny grabbed the back of shirt and stopped him.

“Not now!” Danny said.

Derek raced to the top of the stairs and saw the lumps in the bed.  Derek grinned.  He crept over silently and looked down over top of Tyler.  He could see where Tyler’s head had been shaved and was replaced with a three-inch square bandage.  Derek bent down and kissed Tyler’s forehead lightly.  Tyler stirred but didn’t open his eyes.  Derek smiled and turned around and crept out as quietly as he came in. 

Derek made enough noise coming down the stairs to wake Tyler up but he continued to sleep.

“YES!!!!” Derek said with a big grin.  “He’s sleeping.  I have to call Mom and Dad.” 

“Can we go up and see him?”  Danny asked.

“Sure.  Just try not to wake him.” Derek said as he frantically tried to dial the right number for home.

“You should go.” Cody said to Danny.  Danny gave Cody a strange look and Cody went back and sat on the sofa.

Danny climbed the stairs and peeked into the spare bedroom on the third floor.  He walked over and sat down on the bed next to Tyler.  The motion of Danny sitting down made Tyler open his eyes.

“Hey!” Danny said with a big grin.  “Welcome home.” 

Tyler tried to smile and quickly touched his bandage.

“Try not to smile.  I gather that pulls on the skin.”  Danny said.

“Thanks for saving my life Dan.”  Tyler mumbled.

“I’d do it for any of my brothers.  Wait until you get me bill!”  Danny teased.

“I guess my ass is yours now…” Tyler mumbled.

“It always was Puckhead!” Danny said laughing quietly and Tyler gave a slight grin.

“We were worried about you.  You should have told us that you were home!”  Danny said.

“I kissed you last night when I got home.  You were asleep on the sofa.”  Tyler said.

“Really?  It couldn’t have been that good then.  I usually have an orgasm.”  Danny joked.

“Too much info Dan.”  Tyler said.

“Why are you calling me Dan?”  Danny asked.

“You’re not a little boy anymore.  You risked your life to save mine.” Tyler mumbled without opening his eyes.

“You’d have done the same for me.”  Danny said smiling.

“Prove it!”  Tyler joked.

“I’m going to let you sleep.  Derek was up here earlier and I know Cody wants to see you for a moment.”  Danny said standing up.

“Tell them I’m asleep.  I don’t want to see either of them.” Tyler said and Danny froze.

“Ty?” Danny called.

“What?” Tyler said opening his eyes.

“Don’t say that or even think that.  They both love you and Derek and Cody are both a wreck over what happened.”  Danny said.

“Dan…” Tyler began.

“Danny!  Call me Dan or Daniel when you’re mad.”  Danny said.

“Sit down.”  Tyler said patting the bed beside him.

“No Ty.  They said some stupid things they didn’t mean and they are hurting so badly for it.  Don’t make the same mistake they made and say something just as dumb.”  Danny said.

“Hmmmm…” Tyler moaned.

“I want you to think of one thing Tyler.  I want you to concentrate on the fact that your family needs you as much as you need them.”  Danny said and bent down and kissed Tyler gently on the lips.

“Can you take the cookie dough out of the freezer… I have an appointment with Dr. Reynolds at ten!”  Tyler said.

“I already cancelled your appointment.”  Danny lied.

“Huh?” Tyler asked opening his eyes again.

“You need your rest.  Now get some sleep.  I’m leaving my cell phone open and set to dial the home phone.  Just click send and I will come up.” Danny said giving Tyler another kiss.

“Danny?”  Tyler mumbled.

“Uh huh?”  Danny asked leaning in close.

“Thank you.  I was already indebt for being lucky enough to have you as a best friend but I want you to know that…” Tyler started.

“STOP IT!”  Danny said.  “Brothers are there for their brothers… forever.”  Danny walked out of the room before Tyler could say another word.

Cody came up to see Tyler immediately after Danny went back downstairs.  He tapped on the door and Tyler moaned.

“Danny said you wanted to see me?”  Cody asked.

Tyler wanted to say, ‘Danny’s a fucking liar’ but decided it wasn’t worth the trouble it would cause.  “Yeah, I just wanted to thank you for helping save my life.” 

Cody came inside the room and sat down on the bed beside Tyler.

“I didn’t do much of anything Tyler and I’m guessing you don’t really want to talk to me after the way I’ve been acting.  I don’t know why I keep fucking things up when all you do is love me unconditionally.  I was mad because I thought that if you and Derek split up I would never see Casey again.  The truth is that I wouldn’t have even had the experience of meeting Casey if it weren’t for you.  I’ve spent so much time correcting Danny on what I think he should or shouldn’t do when I really should just worry about making sure I am being a good person and doing the right thing.  Maybe I am more of a Republican than I thought?  <Tyler smiled with his eyes still shut> I’m not worthy of asking your forgiveness but I want you to know how ashamed I am.  Not insomuch as what I did to you but for being a terrible role model to Casey.”  Cody said and got up to leave without waiting for a response.

“Cody?”  Tyler called and Cody turned around and came back into the room.

“Casey is a wonderful boy and a lot of his recovery from living with Paul is because of you.  He’s never had anyone outside of his Mom take the interest in him that you have.  Your love for him is as pure as love gets.  Now get lost and let me sleep…” Tyler said rolling over on to his right side.

“Okay…” Cody said with a little laugh at being dismissed. “I love you Ty.” 

“I love you too Cody.” Tyler said muffled by his pillow.

Tyler awoke around one in the afternoon.  He opened his eyes to find the room in darkness and wondered what time it was.  He checked his watch on his wrist only to find it wasn’t there.  Rolling over he saw the only light on in the room was next to the chair Derek was sitting in. 

Derek sat his psychology textbook down and looked over at the movement.  Tyler blinked a few times and sat up. 

“What time is it?” Tyler asked.

“Just about one-thirty.”  Derek said.

“A.M. or P.M.?”  Tyler asked.

“P.M.” Derek said.

“Where’s my watch?”  Tyler asked.

“I took it off you and set it on the nightstand beside you.” Derek said.

“SHIT!” Tyler said as he lay back down now turned to face the nightstand. “I missed my appointment with Dr. Reynolds.”

“I phoned him early this morning and told him that you would be sleeping in.” Derek said as he got up and came over and sat on the bed beside Tyler.

“I thought Danny… never mind.”  Tyler said.

“How are you feeling?”  Derek asked.

“Hmmmpt.” Tyler mumbled.

“Any headache?”  Derek asked.

“No.” Tyler said as he stared off in the distance.

“Can I get you anything?”  Derek asked.

“No.” Tyler repeated.

“We were all really worried about you.”  Derek said.  He reached out and touched Tyler’s thigh and Tyler flinched so Derek pulled his hand back.

“I’m sorry I ruined your birthday party.” Tyler said without looking over at Derek.

“Your being alive is the best present I’ve ever been given.” Derek said and he watched Tyler roll his eyes and blink.

<Two minutes pass>

“Don’t you have homework or something to do?”  Tyler asked.

“I’ve been working on it.”  Derek said.

“Maybe you should go back to ‘your’ room and work on it.  I want to sleep some more.”  Tyler said coldly.

“I see…  are you sure there isn’t anything I can get you?”  Derek asked and touched Tyler’s thigh only to have him flinch again and move his leg away.

“Danny said he would look after anything I need.” Tyler said.

“Okay, I will get out of your way then.” Derek said.  “I love you.” He added and saw Tyler roll his eyes again.  Tyler didn’t respond so Derek stood up, picked up his textbook, and left the room.  Tyler listened as Derek’s footsteps went down the stairs followed by the sound of Derek’s bedroom door closing.

An hour later Danny came into the room carrying a glass of juice to find Tyler lying in the same position with his eyes wide open.

“Hey Puckhead.”  Danny said with a grin.

“Hmmmm…” Tyler mumbled.

“How are you feeling?”  Danny asked.

“Like punching out the next person who asks me that.” Tyler said and Danny laughed.

“Is there anything I can get you?”  Danny asked as he set a glass of orange juice down on the nightstand.

“Do we have any Granny Smith apples?”  Tyler asked.

“Probably… you’re the only one in this house that eats those things.  Come to think of it you’re the only person I know who will only eat bananas when they are green.  What’s up with that?”  Danny asked.

“Could you cut it into pieces for me please?  I’m not sure I can open my jaw wide enough to bite into an apple.”  Tyler asked.

“No problem… I will be right back.”  Danny said getting up.

“Danny?  What’s with all the noise downstairs.”  Tyler asked.

“Visitors and deliveries for you.”  Danny said.

“Huh?”  Tyler asked rolling on to his back.

“People are either phoning or dropping by to see how you are!  You think you’d have died with all the flowers and gift baskets that have arrived!” Danny said laughing.

“Flowers from who?”  Tyler asked.

“The Andersons for starters, all the guards at Drexel, the staff at Ciccone’s, your hockey team, Ryan and Ben sent a gift basket with a latest Playgirl magazine in it!” Danny said grinning.  “I’m hoping you open that one up first!”

“Austin and Justin came by with a card and a really cool floral basket!  Instead of flowers it is filled with Thyme, Rosemary, Basil and some other crap.”  Danny said.  “And Mr. & Mrs. Ciccone sent all this food!  Man we’re going to eat like kings for the next week!  I was telling Mr. Ciccone about your spinach and cheese lasagne and he wants the recipe!”  Tyler smiled.

Danny left to get an apple for Tyler.  Tyler heard a whimpering noise from somewhere and looked down on the floor to see if it was one of the dogs wanting up on the bed but there was no one in the room.

Danny returned with an apple cored and sliced up on a plate for Tyler.  He was happy to see the orange juice was finished.  Danny sat in silence while Tyler ate his apple slices.

“Did you want to have a shower before we change your bandage?”  Danny asked.  Tyler gave him a strange look.

“A nurse dropped by this morning and I said we didn’t want to wake you so she left everything need to change your bandage.” Danny said.

“I think I need to pee.” Tyler said as he sat up in bed and put his feet out on the floor.

“Sweet!”  Danny grinned.

“I suppose you want to help me eh?”  Tyler asked with a smile.

“You know it!” Danny said as he sat down on the bed and put his arm around Tyler’s waist to help him stand up.

“Thanks Danny but I’m not an invalid.  I have a bump on the head.”  Tyler said.

“Shut up and do as you’re told.”  Danny said as he walked Tyler around the bed to the ensuite bathroom.  Tyler stood in front of the toilet and began to bend down to lift the lid.  “Now just hold still!”  Danny ordered.  Tyler smiled and looked at him.

“I want you to place your hand on the vanity!”  Danny ordered.  Tyler grinned watching him take control.

“Yes Nurse Armitage!”  Tyler said.  Danny slid Tyler’s boxers down and stood behind him.  He put his left arm around and placed his hand firmly against Tyler’s tummy.  “Ooooooh.”  Danny moaned.

Danny right hand reached around and grabbed hold of Tyler’s cock.  He held it out and down, sliding back the foreskin while his left hand gently rubbed Tyler’s tummy.   Tyler felt the left side of Danny’s face press against his back.  Tyler’s erection started to form.  The harder he got, the more pressure Danny used to force Tyler’s cock downward towards the bowl. 

“Danny!” Tyler said laughing.

“Wot?”  Danny asked.

“You’re getting me too excited!  Let me do it!”  Tyler said removing Danny’s right hand.

“You make it sound like it’s a bad thing?”  Danny joked in a serious, deadpan voice.

“I just want to pee and maybe have a shower!”  Tyler said.

“YES!!!!” Danny said.

“A shower… alone!”  Tyler said.

“You’re no fun!”  Danny teased as he flushed the toilet.

Derek heard the toilet flush from upstairs and ran out of his room and up to Tyler.  He walked in to find Tyler naked leaning on Danny.  Danny was bent over the tub turning the water on and Tyler was standing there naked with one hand leaning on Danny’s back.  Tyler turned and saw Derek standing there.

“I heard the toilet flush and just wanted to make sure you were okay.” Derek said and turned and left before Tyler or Danny could say anything.

Danny left Tyler standing there and went to close the bedroom door.  He then shut the bathroom door.  Tyler was just stepping into the tub.

“Hold up!” Danny yelled.

“What?  You’re not getting in here with me.”  Tyler said.

“Fine!” Danny growled. “I just want to be nearby you in case you have a spell.”

“I can take a shower Danny!”  Tyler said as he turned slowly underneath the water spray.

“Who’s going to wash your hair?”  Danny asked grinning at the closed shower door before him.  Tyler froze and thought about it.

“You can wash the hair on the top of my head but that is all!”  Tyler said.

“Geez… you don’t even trust your best friend?”  Danny joked.  “You have a boy friend … I wouldn’t do anything to interfere with that.

“Had a boyfriend!”  Tyler said he soaped up his crotch.  

Danny slid the front glass shower door back and said, “HAVE a boyfriend!”

“Close the fucking door Danny, you’re letting all the cold air in.”  Tyler whined.

“Wimp!” Danny teased.

“I heard that!”  Tyler said and laughed. “Okay, I’m ready for my shampoo… please.”

“Did you clean the crack of your ass Ty?  I have a free hand.” Danny joked.

“Danny!”  Tyler said.

Danny sighed.

Danny made Tyler hold on to him as he lowered himself down into the tub.  Tyler kneeled holding the sprayer in his hand while Danny applied the shampoo.

Danny saw something move and looked over at the door.  He could see the shadow of two feet in front of the door.  ‘That fucktard’ Danny said to himself.

“How does that feel?” Danny said Tyler but his real intent was to lay it on thick since Derek was listening in at the door.

“Let me try this position!”  Danny said laughing to himself.  He gently put pressure on the bandage and Tyler yelped.

“Sorry! I was pressing too hard!”  Danny said, as he was barely able to contain his laughter. Danny made Tyler bend over and he began giving him a light neck massage.

“Does this feel better?  Nice and slow…” Danny asked.

“Oh yeah!” Tyler moaned.  Danny watched the bottom of the door and he could see the shadow of Derek’s feet pacing back and forth.

“Okay Tyler, I’m going to put very light pressure on your bandage with the palm of my hand so the jets from the sprayer don’t hurt you.  Try to relax!” Danny whispered and began washing Tyler’s hair.

“All done!” Danny said, “But before you get up I am going to remove your bandage while your skin is wet so it won’t hurt so much and when you are finished your shower and all dry we can put the new one on.”  Danny said.

“Okay.” Tyler said as he braced himself for some pain.  Danny let the warm water flow over the top of Tyler’s head as he slowly peeled the bandage back.  The warm water loosened the glue used to hold the bandage on and it came off easily.

“Whoa!” Danny said.

“What?  Am I bleeding?” Tyler asked looking up.

“No, not at all.  This scar is really small and very cool looking.  The only problem I can see with it is that it is going to attract a lot of chicks!  They go for that kind of shit!” Danny said and Tyler laughed.

Danny reached down and turned the water off.  He looked over to see Derek’s feet were still at the door.

“Don’t move for a moment Tyler.  I want to get you a towel so that you don’t get my clothes all wet!”  Danny said.

“You don’t have to yell Danny, I can hear you.” Tyler said.

Danny was standing next to the door and reaching for a towel from the shelf when he said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.  I want to have a talk with you about Derek before we leave here.” 

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Tyler said.

“You don’t have a choice!” Danny said walking back with the two towels.  Standing next to Tyler again, at the shower, Danny could see Derek’s feet reappear at the door.

“C’mon, I want you to lean against the vanity.  I don’t want you falling.” Danny said putting his arm around Tyler.  Tyler stood at the mirror and looked at his scar.

“It is kind of cool isn’t it?”  Tyler pondered.

“Turn around former pretty-boy and lean against the vanity!”  Danny ordered and Tyler wrapped a towel around him and then crossed his arms.

“You were more than a little rude to Derek this morning!”  Danny said and Tyler refused to meet his eyes.

“Derek loves you more than anything in this world!  He might not realize right now that he will never do any better than you but one day he will see the light!”  Danny said.

“Suck it up and tell him how much you love him.”  Danny ordered and Tyler didn’t respond.

“Do you love Derek?”  Danny asked.

“Yes.” Tyler said.

“Do you love him any less today than you did five days ago?”  Danny asked.

“No.” Tyler said with his voice breaking a little.

“Do you still want to spend the rest of your life with Derek?”  Danny asked.

“Yes.” Tyler said and wiped his left eye and then sniffled.

“Then grow up and be the man and tell him how you feel.” Danny ordered.

“It’s not that simple Danny.”  Tyler said.

“Yes, it is that simple Ty.  You said so yourself.”  Danny replied.

“It’s half my fault Danny.”  Tyler yelled and Danny showed a stunned look on his face.

“Huh?” Danny asked.

“Danny, I put pressure on Derek to love me as much as I love him.  I know he loves me and he knows inside he loves me as well, but I am the one looking for a commitment.  I am the one putting pressure on him.  He’s not saying he loves me because he feels that way, he is saying it because he thinks I want to hear him say it.” Tyler said.

“That is so Jerry Springer fucked-up.  You talk about long-term commitment and you talk about living each day as it comes?  Make up your fucking mind.  You’re an indecisive fucktard and Derek is an immature idiot.”  Danny yelled at Tyler.

“The truth of it all is that you guys deserve each other.  Why ruin two other people’s lives?”  Danny asked and the smiled at Tyler.

“Try taking your own advice Ty.  Live and enjoy every fucking moment that you can with Derek.  Plan for the long-term but don’t ask anyone to commit to something you yourself don’t even believe in.  You’re both so in love with each other it makes me nauseous.”  Danny said and Tyler started laughing.  “Do the world a favour and make up with Derek because the rest of us don’t need to listen to each of you guys whine about missing the other.”  Danny added.  “For fuck’s sake you almost died last night and if you think that everyone of your brothers wasn’t hurting every moment with you then you don’t deserve to be in this family because you know less about love than the rest of us!” Danny yelled to the point of screaming.

“I’m going to get you some clean boxers and a new bandage.” Danny said and he saw shadow of Derek’s feet disappear.  “Don’t make a move from that vanity until I get back.” Danny yelled shaking his finger at Tyler.

“Danny?” Tyler said. “I just admitted that I was at fault so why are you yelling at me?” 

Danny grinned and left the bathroom closing the door shut.  He grinned to himself and said, ‘one down, one to go’.  Danny passed by Derek’s room on his way downstairs to get the bag that the nurse left.  When he came back up to the second floor he tapped on Derek’s bedroom door and came in without waiting for permission. 

Danny closed the door behind him and stuck his finger out at Derek.  “Don’t say a fucking word!  Not one fucking word!  If you ever do again what you just did I will tear you apart.  Tyler means far too much to me to put up with you spying and listening in on a private conversation.”  Danny said in a deep, low voice.  Derek looked away.

“If you are too fucking stupid to realize what you have then I can assure that there will be two blocks worth of guys lining up to take your place!  For some stupid reason Tyler loves you and you alone.  You now have the inside edge on what is going through his mind so haul your fucking ass up there <Danny threw the medical bag at Derek. > Along with a clean pair of boxers and fix this mess once and for all.”  Danny said glaring at him.

“He won’t want me to do this.” Derek said softly.

“He doesn’t have a choice.  You have the best medical training of all of us and besides you’re the one who is going to be a doctor so you might as well start learning now!” Danny said coldly.

Derek wouldn’t look Danny in the face.

“Next time I find you spying in on a conversation that I am involved in I am going to embarrass you beyond your worst nightmare!  Remember, I’m the guy with the great hearing and if you’re going to spy try not standing between the light of a window and the space below a door.  Every movement you made I could see.  Now get the fuck up there and fix this.”  Danny yelled and stormed out of the room slamming the door shut behind him.

Danny grinned and pumped his right fist up in the air a few times. “The rest is up to you God.”  Danny said looking up at the ceiling.

Derek wiped his eyes and grabbed Tyler’s Canadian flag boxers.  He picked up the medical bag and ran up the stairs only to pause at the closed door in front of him. 

“What’s with all the door slamming?”  Cody asked as he sat at the dining room table doing homework.

“They’re making up.”  Danny said as he opened the fridge to find something to eat.

“If that’s making up then I would hate to hear them having a fight.” Cody said without turning around.

Danny snooped through several containers of Italian pasta.

“The Caesar salad is in the blue Tupperware bowl!” Cody said.  Danny glared at the back of Cody’s head and gave him the finger.

“I saw that!” Cody said without turning his head.

“Saw what?” Danny lied.

“Your extra sensory perception is rubbing off on me!”  Cody said as he continued writing in his notebook.

Danny glared at him from behind.  Danny waited a few seconds and stuck his tongue out at Cody.  Cody shook his head and Danny’s mouth dropped open. 

“Why do I feel like I’ve been married 30 plus years?”  Danny asked of himself.

“If you find the answer then let me know as well.”  Cody said without turning around.

Danny came over to the table and sat at one end.  He stuck his fork in the bowl and began eating.  Cody paused and looked up.

“We do have plates!” Cody said.

“More plates mean more dishes to be washed.” Danny said with a mouthful of salad.  Cody shook his head again and continued writing.

Derek held the doorknob loosely.  He felt his right leg begin to shake uncontrollably.  Taking a deep breath he pushed the door open and walked in with an air of confidence only to find the room empty.  Derek walked over to the closed bathroom door.  He could hear water running and so he tapped on the door.

“Come in.” Tyler said with a mouth full of toothpaste.

Derek opened the bathroom door and when Tyler’s eyes found his in the reflection of the mirror he looked away as did Tyler.

“I brought you some boxers.”  Derek said and placed them on the vanity next to the sink.

“Thanks.” Tyler said.

Derek turned and walked out of the bathroom. 

Tyler removed his towel and put his boxers on.  When he left the bathroom he was surprised to see Derek sitting on the bed holding a white plastic bag in his hands.  Derek stood up and they both stared at each other for less than a second.

“I’ve got clean dressings to put on your forehead.”  Derek said holding the bag up.  Tyler nodded and sat down on the bed.

Derek placed his palms gently on each side of Tyler’s face.  Tyler closed his eyes for a moment and enjoyed the touch.  Derek almost thought he saw a smile forming on Tyler’s face.

“Can you look over at the lamp please?”  Derek asked and Tyler turned his eyes only as Derek held his head still.

“Good…” Derek said.

“What are you looking for?” Tyler asked.

“Just wanted to make sure your pupils were dilating properly.  Any headaches?”  Derek asked.

“None.  It’s just sore to touch and the skin under my throat is tight from the knife puncture.”  Tyler said calmly.  Derek winced.

“I have some ointment that I am going to spread on and then I will bandage your forehead.”  Derek said as he put a rubber glove on his left hand.  “You didn’t have to fight Brendan to get me a cake!” Derek said as he peeled the outer packaging off of the bandage.  Tyler smiled slightly.

When Derek finished he said, “There you go.  All done and almost as good as new!”

“Thank you.” Tyler said and Derek held open the covers for Tyler to get back into bed.

“I brought you some deodorant.”  Derek said holding it up in the air.

“Thanks.”  Tyler said.

“Hold your arms up for a second and I will put some on you.”  Derek said and Tyler held up one arm at a time.  Derek put the cover back on the deodorant and set it on the nightstand.  Tyler rolled over to his right facing away from Derek with his arm outside of the covers.

Derek turned the light off and leaned down on the bed and kissed the back of Tyler’s head.  “I love you.” He said softly.  Tyler grabbed hold of Derek’s hand and squeezed it three times.  As Derek stood back up Tyler held his hand and pulled it back down.  Tyler slid over to the centre of the bed and Derek knew that he was invited.

He lifted the covers and crawled into bed still dressed.  Tyler took Derek’s arm and pulled it tightly against his chest.  Derek slipped his right arm under the pillow and around Tyler until his two hands met.  Derek could feel Tyler exhale and relax.  Derek smiled.

“I’m sorry.” Derek whispered.

“Me too!”  Tyler said.

“Do you want to talk about this right now?”  Derek asked and Tyler shrugged his shoulders.

“I know you love me Ty and I know I love you whether you believe me or not.  Sometimes I feel like you love my family more than you love me. <Tyler tried to interrupt and Derek touched Tyler’s lips with his finger. > Let me finish please.  I am trying really hard to look at it from your side and you know this is something new for me!  <Tyler snorted. > I know that you’ve lost all that really mattered to you and that having a family is as important to your healing, as is our love for each other.  You’re not doing anything wrong Ty but I would be lying to you if I denied feeling a little jealous, maybe even a little left out.  There isn’t anyone I love more than you and I have absolutely no desire to be with anyone else.  I’m just afraid of making some sort of commitment that I don’t know that I can keep.”  Derek said and Tyler squeezed Derek’s hand three times.

“Do you want to come over to this side?”  Tyler asked.  “I can’t lay on that side with this bandage.  Maybe take your clothes off because your belt buckle is jabbing into my back.” 

Derek crawled out of bed and stripped down to his boxers.  He walked around to the other side of the bed and lifted the comforter.  Tyler looked up to see the rings hanging on his chain.  Derek slid into bed and snuggled up against Tyler.  Derek turned his head and gave Tyler a slow kiss.

“I’m glad to see someone emptied the garbage!”  Tyler said with a grin.

“Huh?”  Derek asked giving a strange look.  Tyler pulled on the ring.  Derek grinned.  “The ring is nice but the words you wrote mean a million times more to me.”

“Really?”  Tyler asked with a smile.  “That’s how I feel about the poem you wrote for me at New Years!”  They kissed again.

“Derek?” Tyler asked and Derek smiled.

“I’m sorry for putting you in a position that made you feel you had to choose.  I couldn’t even make that decision if I were you.  I was wrong and I wanted you to know how sorry I am.”  Tyler said closing his eyes and looking down.

“One day at a time then?”  Derek asked.

“One day at a time…” Tyler said and smiled.

“Are you hungry?”  Derek asked.

“Yeah… sort of…  I need to have a talk with Ryan and Cody about Dakota.”  Tyler said.

“I don’t want to be nosey but what exactly do you mean?”  Derek asked.

“The DVD was full of hidden videos of Dean Thompson raping Dakota.” Tyler said and his eyes began watering.

“Shit!  Really?  Poor Dakota…” Derek said rolling on to his back. “I never would have thought…” Derek added as his voice trailed off.

“I’m made a promise to Dakota…” Tyler began and Derek’s head turned back to Tyler quickly.

“I made a promise to Dakota to help him get the help he needs rather than be sent to jail.”  Tyler said watching Derek for his reaction.

Derek’s look of shock turned slowly into a smile.  Tyler bit down on his lip. “That’s the Tyler effect!”  Derek said laughing and leaned in and kissed him.

“You’re not mad at me for refusing to press charges and wanting to help him?”  Tyler asked.

Derek lay back and stared at the ceiling.  “I would only be surprised if you didn’t help him.  I’m glad we got a couple extra bracelets!”  Derek said smiling.

“Once again I am reminded why I am the luckiest guy in the world!”  Tyler said as he leaned forward and kissed Derek’s cheek.

“Cody won’t be a problem but how are we going to convince Ryan?  He wants him to rot in jail!”  Derek asked.

“We?” Tyler asked and grinned.

“We’re in this together for the long haul aren’t we?”  Derek asked.

“God, I can’t wait until we are done with the condoms…” Tyler said and sighed.  Derek burst into laughter.

“Lets just try to make it through the weekend!  I think we need a vacation without family, even if it is just a short one!”  Derek mused.

“You guys really came through for me.  You saved my life!”  Tyler said as he worked his way under Derek’s arm.

“Honestly Ty, it was all Danny.  He started the quest, did all of the leg work, and he was the one that found you!  You really owe that boy a few nights of fulfilled fantasies and you would hear no objections from me.”  Derek said and Tyler lifted his head and stared at him.

“Just think about it Ty!  You know that Danny would never think that you owed him anything but the truth is you wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for Danny and Danny alone!”  Derek said and Tyler rested his head down on Derek’s chest.

“I’ve got to figure out how to fix up my mess with Kyle as well…” Tyler wondered aloud.

“I wouldn’t do anything just yet Ty!” Derek said grinning.  “Dad phoned and told me that Kyle is overrun with guilt about something but he wouldn’t tell Dad and I just pretended that I didn’t know.” 

“I can’t do that Derek!  You know how much Kyle means to me.” Tyler said.

“I know but I think Kyle is now realizing that after last night and your fall at the cottage that none of us are here forever and he better choose his words carefully because you don’t always get the chance to say you’re sorry!”  Derek said.

“Those are my words Derek…” Tyler teased.

“And they’re so good that I have taken them for my own!”  Derek joked.

“I need to get a haircut today.”  Tyler said.

“Good!  Let’s get you dressed, fed, and I will take you to get one!” Derek said rolling over on to Tyler and kissing him.

When they parted from kissing Derek stared inches from Tyler’s eyes and said, “I can’t believe that 12 hours ago you might have been dead.” 

“C’mon Cody, help me make lunch for Tyler and Derek!”  Danny said as he got up from the table with a half empty bowl of Caesar salad.

“What makes you think Tyler is hungry or that both of them will sit at the same table?”  Cody asked packing his textbooks and notebooks into his backpack.

“I’m just psycho about these things!”  Danny said as he set four dinner plates down on the table.

“Hahaha….” Cody laughed. “I think you mean psychic?”

“That too!”  Danny said as he gave Cody a quick kiss. 

Derek came down the stairs with Tyler following.  Tyler was wearing red track pants and a Drexel Dragon’s sweatshirt.

“What do we have to eat?”  Tyler asked. “I’m starving!”  Cody narrowed his eyes and stared at Danny who grinned back at him.

“We have everything Italian that your heart would desire!”  Danny said as he and Cody dug out tinfoil containers from the fridge.  Everyone filled their plates with a selection of Ciccone’s Trattoria’ s finest and heated their plates in the microwave oven.

They all ate in silence at the table.  Tyler looked over at Danny and started thinking about him.  Tyler thought about having sex with Danny and what it would be like.  All the while Danny was focused on devouring his lasagne and ravioli.  Danny froze and dropped his fork on his plate.  Derek and Cody looked over at Danny.

“Everything okay?” Cody asked.

Danny slowly raised his eyes and looked over at Tyler.  Tyler winked as he chewed on a mouthful of food.  He played dumb to what was happening.

“Ummm… yeah.  It was just a piece of uncooked pasta.  I thought I was eating something else for a moment.”  Danny said casually and then looked back at Tyler. 

Tyler looked down at his plate and grinned.

<One minute passed>

“I’m done!”  Danny said with a half plate of food still to eat.

“Huh?”  Cody asked.  “Are you feeling alright?” 

“Ah… yeah…” Danny said as he got up and took his plate back to the kitchen.  Tyler was the only one that noticed Danny’s erection in his pants.  Danny walked over to the stairs and then ran up them as fast as he could.

“That was weird…” Cody observed.

“A lot going on in the last 24 hours Cody.  He’s probably got a lot on his mind!”  Derek said and Tyler stifled his laugh.

“I better go check on him!” Cody said.  Tyler was about to offer to go himself but decided he better not.

“Leave him be Cody.”  Derek said.  “He call us if he needs us.” 

“Derek, why don’t you go check on him?  I need to talk to Cody about Dakota.”  Tyler said. 

Derek looked over at Tyler and asked, “Can I finish my lunch first?”  Tyler stared at him. “Fine.” Derek said and got up and went upstairs.

Tyler quickly filled Cody in on Dakota and why he needed his and Ryan’s help.  Derek pushed Danny’s bedroom door open.

“AH!” Danny yelled standing naked in his room holding a clean pair of boxers in his hand. “Don’t you ever knock?” 

“I was just worried about you.”  Derek said looking at the ‘wet’ navy blue boxers lying on the floor and Danny’s state of erection.  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to walk in on you.” 

Danny looked away in embarrassment.  Derek walked over behind him and hugged him.  “It’s okay Danny.  I’m your brother and I love you.  Nothing leaves this room.  Just know that I am here for you if you need me.”  Derek said.

“No, I’m sorry.  You just startled me.”  Danny said turning around in Derek’s arms.

“Danny you saved our Tyler’s life.  You and you alone did it all!” Derek said holding him close.

“I didn’t do anything that anyone else wouldn’t have done.” Danny said savouring the warmth of Derek’s body.

“You’ve raised the bar and set a new standard as to what it means to be a brother.”  Derek said.

Derek returned downstairs and as he approached Cody from behind and Tyler asked, “Derek?  Would you get me some coffee please?”

“Are your legs broken?”  Derek teased.

“Get me some fucking coffee right now!”  Tyler ordered and Derek went straight into the kitchen.

“That’s the short version Cody.  Would you go and call Ryan and see if he would meet with us please.”  Tyler asked holding Cody’s left hand.  Cody picked up his phone and Tyler went into the kitchen.

“Derek, I need a few things picked up if you wouldn’t mind?”  Tyler said as he wrote on a piece of scrap paper.

“Now I’m your gopher as well…” Derek said as he poured the water into the coffee machine.  He turned around to see Tyler holding up a piece of paper.  Derek took the piece of paper and read it silently.

“Dear Stud Muffin, I thought you might like to know that you have cum running down your right leg and didn’t think you wanted Cody to know about it?  I love you too!”  Derek stared wide-eyed at Tyler and then they both look down at his leg.

“Ummm… I’ll get on this right away!”  Derek said squirming and Tyler grinned.

“I’d say you already did.”  Tyler grinned as he told Derek .

Tyler picked up his almost empty glass of orange juice and poured it down Derek’s leg.

“Oh, shit!  Sorry Derek!”  Tyler said winking.

Derek turned the hot water tap on and frantically wiped everything down while Tyler smiled.

“Ryan, will come over whenever you want?”  Cody said walking into the kitchen holding the cell phone to his ear. 

“Tell him I love him and to come for dinner!  Bring Ben as well!” Tyler added.

“Did ya get some on ya?” Cody asked teasing Derek.

Derek stared at Tyler wondering what to say.

“I spilled my orange juice!”  Tyler said and Cody nodded and walked out of the kitchen.

“When do you want to go get your haircut?”  Derek asked as he worked at drying his jeans with a dishtowel.

“Right now if you want but I am fine to go on my own.” Tyler said.

“NO!” Derek spun around from the sink. “You’re not going out alone!” 

“Yes Mom…” Tyler said smirking.  “I need to get a new cell phone as well.  Be right back, I’m just going to grab my SIM card.”

As Tyler ran up the stairs to the second floor he met Danny just about to go down.

“Feeling better?”  Tyler asked and then winked.

Danny stared at him with narrowed eyes.    Tyler climbed the last three steps and grabbed Danny’s head and kissed him on the lips.  “I love you!” Tyler said and then released Danny to continue up to the third floor. 

Tyler dug through his jeans pockets until he found his cell phone memory card.

“Ah hah!”  Tyler said as he pulled out the card.  He turned around and almost walked into Danny.  Danny was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed blocking the door.

“Hi.” Tyler said stifling a laugh.

“How did you figure it out?”  Danny said coldly.

“Figure what out?”  Tyler asked.

“You know what I’m talking about.”  Danny said.

“Like you… I listen!”  Tyler said.

“That’s not funny!  You’ve never thought about me that way ever so why now?” Danny asked getting angry.

“C’mere and sit down for a moment.”  Tyler said pulling on Danny’s arm.  “I always wondered how you knew someone was talking about you.  I never clued in until just now that it was something more than just good hearing.  Derek explained to me that I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for you.  He is right and I am for indebted to you for not only saving my life but Dakota’s life as well.” Tyler said.

“Derek made a joke but he was also sincere when he said that I owed you a good fucking or vice versa for saving my life.  I didn’t even go down that road with him.  The truth is that I’ve always been afraid to even think about anything happening between the two of us.  It’s nothing to do with Derek!  It’s to do with our friendship and relationship.  I’ve always been afraid of it changing us… and not for the good.  You really don’t know how much I truly love you and how important you are to me and the reason is that I am afraid to go there myself.”

“I think I do… now.” Danny said with his hands clasped together.

“What hurt and shocked me about what happened in Iowa wasn’t as much Derek’s involvement but rather yours.”  Tyler said and Danny turned to his left to look at Tyler and then away.

“I’ve always known that Derek doesn’t love me as much as I love him but with you I knew how deep and real the love is.”  Tyler said.

“I’m confused… why are you with Derek if he doesn’t love you as much as you love him?”  Danny asked.

“I never said Derek doesn’t love me!  I said my love for him is much deeper than his love is for me.  In time I hope that he feels as strongly towards me as I already feel about him but it may also go the other way and he will grow out of love with me.”  Tyler said.

“So….” Danny began.

“So why did I never get together with you when I knew how real your love is for me?”  Tyler asked.

“Yeah…” Danny said smiling. “You said it better!” 

“I told you before that lovers seem to come and go but real friends are there for life.  I never want to lose you Danny and it’s important that you know if something goes wrong between you and Cody that I am not an option and you are not an option for me if Derek decides he no longer loves me.”  Tyler said.

“Okay… I understand but I don’t!  This sounds like some cheesy movie of the week where the guy and girl decide to…” Danny began saying with his arms flying everywhere as he tried to explain his point.

“Casablanca?”  Tyler said interrupting him.

“Yeah!” Danny said and then started laughing.

“I’m Rick!” Tyler said and kissed Danny.  Danny blushed and laughed. 

“Call me Ilsa and you will need another bandage!”  Danny laughed.  “You still haven’t told me how you knew?”

“I didn’t know anything for sure until we were eating today.  I looked down the table at you in your open plaid shirt and I could see your nipple.  You have the best nipples Danny!”  Tyler said and Danny blushed again.  “I looked at you steadfastly focused on your food and then I thought about what Derek said.  I wasn’t thinking about me making love to you but you making love to me!”  Tyler began.

“Thanks for calling it love and not sex.”  Danny said and leaned against Tyler’s shoulder on the bed.

“It could never be something as simplistic as just sex with you Danny.”  Tyler said.

“Stop avoiding the question and get to the point!  How did you know?”  Danny asked.

“I’ve been trying to tell you…” Tyler said.

“Sorry, continue!  I’ll shut up now…” Danny said and rolled his eyes.  Tyler laughed!

“I had never allowed myself before this moment to think about making love with you.  I sort of had this mini dream about you on top of me…” Tyler began.

“On the floor, in front of the fireplace, in the basement!”  Danny said finishing Tyler’s sentence.

“Now you’re just freaking me out!”  Tyler said.

“I had the same dream.” Danny said turning to look at Tyler.

“I know!  When you dropped your fork and looked at me I knew!  Holy Fuck did I know!”  Tyler said.  “And when you got up I had confirmation.”  Tyler said winking.

“Yeah, I had to get out of there.”  Danny said.

“How long have you had this ability?” Tyler asked.

“No one really knows anything about it Ty.  Please don’t ever say a word.”  Danny said.

“I promise.”  Tyler said while crossing his heart and pressing two fingers to his lips.

“When my Grandfather died I started hearing things from him.  I told Mom and Dad and they all thought I was making it up.  They decided that I was just imagining I was talking to Grandpa because I was so small and figured that I had created an imaginary friend.”  Danny said.

“That is so cool Danny!”  Tyler said.

“No it wasn’t!  I was scared shitless!  I yelled at my Grandfather, in my mind, to go away and he did.  In fact he never came back.”  Danny said blinking his eyes a few times.  Tyler wrapped his arm around Danny’s shoulders.

“Does it happen often?”  Tyler asked.

“From what I can figure out it only happens when I am not focused on anything really important and the other person is focusing on me.  Hence today’s experience.” Danny said.

“Is that how you found me last night?”  Tyler asked.

“No, not at all.  That was just common sense and a lot of luck.”  Danny moaned.  “I actually tried to concentrate on you in an attempt to find you, but it seems I can only hear someone calling me or rather hear them when they are thinking about me.  I’ve learned that when I tune something out to often I lose it completely.   Mom was the second to go…” Danny said and Tyler burst out laughing.

“That’s a gift Danny.  A really special gift and I will save a lot on cell phone bills!” Tyler teased.

“Fuck off!” Danny said as he lightly punched Tyler’s stomach.

Tyler kissed Danny cheek and said, “I was only teasing ya Ilsa!”  Danny turned to Tyler and made a face.

Tyler took hold of Danny’s chin and ever so softly sang, “You must remember this… a kiss is just a kiss…” and kissed Danny softly on the lips.

“Thanks Ty for the vision.  That meant a lot to me!”  Danny said.

“So I gathered after seeing Derek’s pants.”  Tyler joked.

“I wasn’t being funny Ty!”  Danny said crossly.

“I’m sorry Danny.  I was just being an ass!  You mean a lot to me as well.”  Tyler said and Danny laughed.

“Actually, that is what I referring too.  Your vision wasn’t about you doing me but me doing you.  That’s what really made it so wonderful.”  Danny said and he kissed Tyler.

“We don’t need to have sex to have the relationship you and I share Danny!”  Tyler said holding Danny’s hand.

“I know it’s just that sometimes I wish I could just escape the real world and be alone with you, having you hold me.”  Danny said.

“Not me.” Tyler said grinning.

“Huh?”  Danny asked.

“I’ve never been happier than I am right now living in my real world because I have you and all of my brothers!”  Tyler said.

“Do you always have to one up me?” Danny asked with a smile.

“I think I’m about one and half up on you but who’s really counting?”  Tyler asked.

“I could measure you just be sure?”  Danny asked and Tyler shook his head and smiled.

“I have to go and get a haircut.”  Tyler said standing up and Danny followed.  Tyler put his arms around Danny and held him.  “Thank you for saving my life Daniel.  You are a better friend to me than I could ever be to you.” Tyler said as they embraced.

“When you two are done having sex could we get going?”  Derek yelled up the stairs and Tyler and Danny came running down the stairs to the main floor.

“Fine!  We were about to invite you to join us but it’s too late now!”  Tyler said.

“Where are we going to get your hair cut?”  Derek asked as he drove.

“Just as you enter the downtown core you will see the place on your right.  It’s called Signature’s Hair Salon.  You’re going to love Andrew or rather Andrew is going to love you!”  Tyler teased.

“That gay huh?”  Derek asked as he pulled into a parking lot next to Signature’s building.

“Over the top would be a better description!”  Tyler said.

“Is this why you wore sweat pants?”  Derek asked and Tyler grinned.

“You’re a fucking tease!”  Derek yelled and laughed.

When they entered Signature’s Hair Salon the girl at the front counter stared at Tyler, more specifically his bandage.

“Ma’am?” Tyler called and she refocused her attention on Tyler.

“Hi, sorry, do you have an appointment?”  She asked.

“No, sorry.  I had a little accident last night and Andrew told me just to drop by.  Is he working today?”  Tyler asked as her focus had moved to Derek.

“Sorry?”  She said again.

“OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!”  Andrew screamed from halfway down the salon where he was giving some young boy a haircut. 

“Nice lisp!”  Derek whispered into Tyler’s ear.

“In a hair salon Derek?  Really now…” Tyler whispered back and grinned.

“What on earth happened to you????”  Andrew asked taking Tyler by the hand. 

Before Tyler could answer Andrew asked, “Who is this piece of eye-candy?”  Tyler laughed and Derek blushed and looked down to the floor.

When Derek raised his head again he noticed that almost every stylist was gathered behind Andrew staring at the two of them.

“This is my boyfriend Derek!”  Tyler said taking a step to his right so everyone could gawk at Derek.

“The one who beat you up?”  Andrew asked and Derek’s head dropped down again.

“You’re the guy that was kidnapped!!!!”  One of the stylists stated.

“Andrew, it was a misunderstanding!  I told you that last time.”  Tyler said.

“Well… as long as you two are all better now!” Andrew said as he parted Tyler and Derek and gave them a group hug.  Derek froze still from the experience. 

“He seems a little tense!” Andrew said to Tyler in a whisper that everyone could hear.

“You seem a little intense!” Derek shot back.

“Oh honey… don’t you know it!”  Andrew said winking.

“What did this big… sexy… hunk of a brute do to you this time?”  Andrew asked.

“Nothing Andrew, I fell down and the emergency room doctor had to shave some of my hair to put stitches in so I thought I might as well get the rest to match!”  Tyler said.

Andrew immediately hugged Tyler.  Derek grinned at Tyler.  “So you’re having a bad hair day? <Derek snorted> Well don’t you worry cause I will fix you right up as soon as I finish with my young client!  Why don’t you take your coat off and have a seat!  I’ll be done in a jiffy!”  Andrew said still holding on to Tyler.

“Derek would also like to get something done with his hair!”  Tyler said.

“Dear Lord… he sure does need something done with it.” Andrew said as he tosselled Derek’s hair.  Derek glared at a grinning Tyler.  Andrew looked at Derek and said, “Take that frown and turn it upside down…”

“Andrew???”  Tyler said interrupting Andrew.  “We’re in a bit of a rush here!” 

“Right!  Let me just see if I can get someone to tackle Derek’s coif!”  Andrew said and then turned around to see every stylist in the room standing in front of him with their hands up in the air volunteering.

“I so hate you right now!”  Derek whispered and Tyler snorted.

Andrew spun back around to face Tyler and Derek. “Toddy, Scottie, and Caelen will take good care of you.  They might even fix your hair.”  Andrew said as he patted Derek’s chest.

“You’ll be just fine.” Tyler said as he planted a long passionate kiss on Derek in front of everyone.  There was a collective sigh in the room as everyone watched.

“You are so an assmite!”  Derek said laughing at Tyler.

As Andrew sat Tyler down in the chair he asked him, “Now what would you like me to do to you today?”  Tyler looked up at Andrew and grinned.

“You’re just too sharp today Tyler.” Andrew said winking.

“Why don’t we shave it down to about a ¼ on the sides to one inch on top so it will grow in close to the hair around the stitches?”  Tyler suggested.

“We can do that … now what about the hair around this head?”  Andrew asked with a straight face.  Tyler didn’t really hear what Andrew said as he was watching Derek get molested by Toddy, Scottie, and Caelen.

Andrew plugged in his electric shaver and began with the back of Tyler’s head.

“Say Andrew?”  Tyler asked.

“Yes honey?”  Andrew replied clicking the shaver off.

“How come stylists don’t use a straight razor anymore?”  Tyler asked.

“You mean beyond the fact that hardly any of us are straight?”  Andrew asked and Tyler laughed politely at his lame joke.

“Exactly!”  Tyler teased.

“Seriously Tyler, the second highest spread of AIDS with barbers and stylists is by using straight razors.  Little nicks in skin can spread the disease so any contemporary, well-informed stylist knows better.”

“I did not know that!”  Tyler said as he absorbed the concept.

Andrew leaned down and looked into Tyler’s face and asked, “Do you know the number one way is that we spread AIDS?”  Tyler shook his head no.

“We fuck you up the ass!”  Andrew said with a big grin and Tyler laughed so hard that most people in the salon looked over at him.

“Poor Derek.”  Tyler moaned.  “I’m not getting any for a week or more for this.”  Andrew laughed.

“Girls!”  Andrew called and all three looked over at Andrew. “Get the man a hair cut and stop arguing.  Derek?  What do you want done to you?”  Andrew asked and winked.

“A trim would be great but this is actually quite interesting.  We’re discussing all of my options.”  Derek said and Tyler dropped his head and laughed.

“I tried…”  Andrew said and returned to cutting Tyler’s hair.

Tyler was paying and tipping Andrew at the front counter for his and Derek’s cut while Derek was flexing his muscles for the ‘girls’.  Scottie was trying to bring both hands together around Derek’s flexed bicep but couldn’t.

“Oh God… he really is a hawtie!  A hunk o’ hawtie!”  Andrew said leaning on the front counter with Tyler watching the show.

“It reminds me a lot of trying to get my mouth around his cock!” Tyler joked and Andrew slapped Tyler’s back.

“Really?”  Andrew asked very seriously.

“Really, really!”  Tyler joked.

Derek came out front with his three-man entourage seeking compliments.

“Well?  What do you think?”  Derek asked as he turned around to model his new cut.

“Nick cock!  Tyler said and Andrew nodded his agreement.  Toddy, Scottie, and Caelen started laughing.

“I hate you both!  Come guys.”  Derek said and Toddy, Scottie, and Caelen followed Derek to the door.  Derek gave each of them a ten-dollar tip and in return he received hugs and kisses from all of them. 

“I do believe we have a new customer…” Andrew surmised and laughed.

“Thanks Andrew, appreciate the chop on short notice.”  Tyler said giving Andrew a kiss on the lips.

“Love you babe…” Andrew said waving them both off.

“Would you stop touching your hair Derek while you’re driving… you’re going to get gel all over my Jeep?”  Tyler said.

“This is the first time you’ve ever complained about gel!  So where are we off to now?”  Derek asked.

“Let’s get some cinnamon buns from Brewd Awakenings, drop by the mall so I can pick out a new cell phone and head home.  Ryan is going to be there in half an hour.”  Tyler said looking at his watch.

After the boys, along with Ryan and Ben, finished devouring more of Ciccone’s food, Tyler excused himself along with Cody and Ryan to the basement.

“For starters Ryan, you need to know that Cody and I have already discussed what I am about to ask of you.”  Tyler began.  “If you both are okay with this I am going to take you through step-by-step of what happened last night and when I am finished I am going to ask you a question… well a favour actually!” 

It took Tyler almost an hour to explain in detail what happened along with several interruptions for questions.

“You’re not serious are you?”  Ryan asked shaking his head.

“Dead serious Ry!  I can’t do it without you and I’m not going to ask you to do something you don’t feel right about in your heart but I need you to think this through and consider the end result.

“The end result is that he rots in jail for the rest of his life.”  Ryan said coldly and then stood up and paced the room.

“Did you ever see what was on the DVD Ryan?”  Tyler asked.

“No and I’m glad I didn’t.  I might have found to much pleasure in watching it!”  Ryan said.  “How the fuck can you possibly even consider asking me to do this?” 

“How is spending anywhere from 10 to 40 years in jail going to help him rehabilitate?”  Tyler asked.

“Who cares?  My Grandmother would have said he was born under a bad sign!  You won’t change him.” Ryan said.

“Ryan… he asked for help.  That is why he gave me the extra DVD he made.  He wanted us to watch it.”  Tyler said.

“He wanted you to watch it!  He never asked Cody or me for help.  He only asked for…” Ryan said not finishing his sentence.

“Okay Ryan, that is fine.  I respect your opinion and I certainly understand where you are coming from.  My only goal was to help Dakota get the therapy he needs.  He won’t get that sitting in a jail cell.”  Tyler said and got up and went back upstairs.

“Ry, sit down for a moment.”  Cody pleaded as he tapped the seat on the sofa next to him.

“NO!” Ryan yelled.  “I don’t want to hear about this.  I don’t want to think about this and I can’t even believe that Tyler of all people would be asking me to help keep him out of jail!”

“He’s not really asking you to keep him out of jail.  Tyler’s asking you to help Dakota get the help he needs.  I haven’t seen the video but from what Tyler says it is far more horrid than anything he did to us.  It’s almost a learned behaviour for Dakota and his Grandfather did the same thing to Dakota’s Dad with one exception.”  Cody said.

“What?”  Ryan asked.

“His Dad committed suicide over it.” Cody said.  “If you think about it Dakota’s life has already been worse than any of us could ever imagine.  I don’t like Dakota and I doubt I ever will but I think we need to forgive him to get on with our own lives.  I don’t want to do to anyone what Dakota did to me and I couldn’t live with myself if he goes to jail and gets out and starts doing it again.

Ryan sat on the sofa with watery eyes.

“Would you at least think about it?  That’s all I am asking of you Ry.”  Cody pleaded.

Ryan shrugged his shoulders.

“Hey Ryan?”  Cody asked.

“What?” Ryan said.

“Tyler only came back on the team to help you make it to the draft.  He did it because he believed in you and saw something within.  He gave up having Dakota charged over the tires on his Jeep to get the DVD’s back for us.  He’s the one who got us in to see Dr. Reynolds.”  Cody said.

“What’s your point?”  Ryan asked coldly.

“Do you really think he would be helping the guy who tried to kill him if he didn’t see something within Dakota that would make this all worthwhile?”  Cody asked and Ryan could only look away.

“I think Ben and I need to get going.”  Ryan said standing up.

“Okay.  Thanks for coming over and listening anyway.”  Cody said.  Ryan paused to glare at Cody.

“Maybe I should just say sorry for wasting your time?”  Cody asked.  Ryan walked off towards the stairs.

Ryan called for Ben, who was in the kitchen talking with Tyler about running.  While Ben thanked everyone for dinner and especially at being able to take a big piece of the penis cake home with him, Ryan never said a word or looked anyone straight in the eye.

“I guess we don’t need to ask how that went…” Derek said and Cody and Tyler looked at each other.

“I’m sorry Ty, I tried my best with him.”  Cody said putting his arms around Tyler.

“Derek!”  Danny called. “Your cell phone is ringing.” 

“Thanks Danny.”  Derek said and ran upstairs to where he kept his charger.

“Hullo?”  Derek said.

“Hi Derek.” Larry said. “How’s Tyler doing?” 

“Pretty good I think?  I took him out to get a haircut today.  They had to shave a part of his head to put the stitches in.  He’s going to look even stranger for a week or so but it will grow back looking better.”  Derek said.

“Has he had any blurred vision or dizziness?”  Larry asked.

“Nope.  All seems good.  He ate lunch and dinner.  Everything actually seems to be too good!”  Derek said.

“What do you mean?”  Larry asked.

“He’s acting completely normal like nothing ever happened.  I’m pretty sure I would need to be sedated after an experience like that.”  Derek said.

“Don’t be surprised if it is an act and Tyler himself doesn’t even realize it.  It’s a defense mechanism he invoked within himself when his parents died.  Getting back up on the saddle again is great but you have to allow the bruises to heal.”  Larry said.

“Gotcha Dad.”  Derek said.

“If there’s any problems you be sure and call me.  Day time or night time, I don’t care.” Larry said.

“I promise Dad.  He had a private talk with Cody and Ryan tonight and I don’t think it went well.”  Derek said.

“What was the talk about?”  Larry asked.

“He’s refusing to press charges against Dakota.  He wants Cody and Ryan to help him in getting Dakota committed for psychological treatment rather than jail time.”  Derek said.

“And what do you think of the idea?”  Larry asked.

“Well… at first I wanted to say what the hell are you talking about but then I remembered it was Tyler and thought about it from his point-of-view and ended up agreeing with him.  Going to jail isn’t going to speed Dakota getting any help and may in fact make him much worse from isolation.”  Derek said.

“I agree as well.  At least get him in for an evaluation before the Courts take over.  Let Tyler know that if he or his lawyer need any help I can make some phone calls and see if I can find someone to assist.”  Larry said.

“Thanks Dad.  We all appreciate it.  How are things going over there?”  Derek asked.

“All is better now.  Your mother had a rough night last night and I’m a little concerned for the baby over this but don’t say a word to Tyler about that.”  Larry said.

“Understood.” Derek said.

“The reason I actually called is to see if you knew what is going on with Kyle?”  Larry asked.

“What’s up?”  Derek asked.

“Derek?  That’s your line you use when you’re pretending to know nothing.”  Larry said.

“What’s up Dad?”  Derek repeated ignoring Larry.

“Well you already know that Chris rode back to Baltimore in the front seat with Kyle riding alone in the back.  Chris still hasn’t been around the house until he got word about Tyler’s kidnapping.  I don’t think they’ve really even spoken and Kyle just hides out in his room.  He had a mini nervous breakdown over Tyler and did secretly admit to me that he fucked up big time.”  Larry said.

“Dad!  The language!  Wash your mouth out with soap!”  Derek teased.

“Derek, this is serious.  The last time he was this upset and aloof was when he found out Tyler wasn’t going home for Christmas and learned about his parent’s death.  Your mother doesn’t need this and nor does anyone else… including Kyle so if you know something spit it out!”  Larry said.

“Dad, I do know some of what is going on but I really can’t say anything.  If it was really serious, and you know what I mean by serious, I would tell you.  It’s really a simple case of attitudes and egos.  Let me see if I can get Tyler to call Kyle.”  Derek said.

“Okay, you know what is best.”  Larry said.

“Really?  Thanks Dad.”  Derek said.

“I was lying Derek.”  Larry teased.

“Whatever…” Derek said and Larry laughed.

“You’re doing a great job Derek.  I’m very proud of you.”  Larry said.

“No, I’m not Dad.  I almost lost Tyler and I’m not referring to Dakota kidnapping him.”  Derek said.

“What are you talking about?”  Larry asked.

“I really don’t want to talk about it Dad.  I let my immaturity get in the way.  I really wonder what he even sees in me?”  Derek said.

“If you can see your immaturity Derek then you’re not as immature as you might think.  I can see all the things in you that Tyler sees and I can assure you he is also one very lucky boy although I think he’s getting the short end of the stick.” Larry joked.

“Thanks Dad… for nothing.” Derek said laughing.

“Life isn’t just about acquiring what you don’t have, it’s about appreciating what you do have.”  Larry said.

“Stop and smell the roses sort of thingy?”  Derek asked as Tyler walked into the bedroom.  “Hey Dad, here’s your favourite son, do you want to say hello?”  Derek asked.

“Absolutely!” Larry said.

“Dad doesn’t want to talk to you.  He says you’re a loser.” Derek teased and Tyler grinned.

“Derek!!!!!!!!!” Larry yelled so loudly that Tyler could hear him from several feet away.

“Hi Dad.”  Tyler said.

“Hi Son.  How are you doing?”  Larry asked.

“Pretty good.  I’ve got this funky new haircut and Derek had three flaming hair stylists all over him… I almost thought I had lost him!”  Tyler said grinning at Derek.

“I need a favour from you Tyler and I want you to only answer yes or no if Derek is still near you.”  Larry said.

“Okay…” Tyler said.

“I don’t know what is going on with Kyle but I am guessing you are involved or know about it?”  Larry said.

Tyler didn’t respond.

“Am I right?”  Larry asked.

“Yes Sir.” Tyler said and his answer made Derek turn and look at Tyler.

“Kyle is moping around the house.  He’s only been to school on Friday and has remained hidden away in his bedroom all weekend.  Chris and him haven’t spoken since they’ve been at your place.  I need this fixed because your mother is worried about him and that isn’t good for the baby.”  Larry said.

“Yes Sir!” Tyler said.

“Tyler, I’m not trying to be hard on you and I know you’ve had a weekend that can only compare with last July but if you’re involved in whatever happened I need you to try and help fix this from your end.  I was just telling Derek that Kyle is in the same emotional state of mind that he was the night he talked to you before Christmas at your dorm room.”  Larry said.

“Shit!” Tyler said. “I mean sorry Dad.” Tyler added.

“I’ll try and fix it up.”  Tyler said.

“I’m sorry to have to ask you to do this Tyler.  The boy is just heart broken over something he said and he told me he can never repair it.”  Larry said.

“Just give me a little time Dad.  I have to figure out how to solve a problem I have here first.”  Tyler said.

“I heard and I’m proud of you for what you are trying to do and so is your boyfriend.”  Larry teased and Tyler turned and smiled at Derek.

“I know Sir.  I’m the luckiest guy in the world.  I couldn’t live a hundred more years and be any happier or luckier than I am right now.”  Tyler said.

“I feel that way about all of my boys.” Larry said.  “I will let you go Tyler.  Call me if you need anything and please be honest with Derek if you are having any problems.” Larry said.

“I will Dad.  I love you and we both send our love to everyone there.”  Tyler said as he closed Derek’s cell phone.

“He told you about Kyle didn’t he?”  Derek asked.

“Uh huh.” Tyler said quietly.  “One more fuck up I made this week.”

“Ty, listen up for a second.  You use to give me hell for not speaking up so now I’m going speak my mind and I want you to listen.” Derek said and Tyler nodded and then sat down on their bed.  Derek sat beside Tyler and took Tyler’s hands into his.

“I’ll deal with Kyle.  Leave it to me.  If I have any problems I will seek your advice and I won’t do anything stupid to make it worse.”  Derek said and Tyler grinned.

“I know you won’t since you only make my life better.”  Tyler said.

“Shut up and listen!”  Derek warned and then winked.  “Give Ryan some time to think about things.  Cody is going to work on him through Ben.  Just let it rest and don’t let Ryan think anything has changed between the two of you.  What is concerning me about you is Dakota!  No one can be this ‘back to normal’ after what you went through last night.  If you think you can handle this on your own then I am simply going to guess that it will work out as well for you as you handled your family’s accident.” Derek said and Tyler gave him a strange look.

“Sorry Ty, that didn’t really come out the way I wanted it too.  I’m just worried that you are not dealing with what happened and if it should hit you that you will block me out.”  Derek said.  “Understand?”

Tyler nodded.

“Everything is as under control as it can be.  Cody needs to feel useful to you so let him help you.  I need to contribute more to our relationship so let me work on Kyle?”  Derek asked.

Tyler held up one hand.  “May I speak?”  Tyler said and grinned.  Derek nodded.

“I can fix up Kyle in one phone call or email I think?  I may have crossed the line with him but what he did was stupid and wrong.  I’m not against him hurting a little bit if he learns a lesson.”  Tyler said.

“Learning a lesson is great Ty, but Kyle is hurting over you and not what he did wrong!  Then there is the added problem that Chris and he are also having a problem.  Dad says Chris wanted to be dropped off at home when they got back into Baltimore.” Derek said.

“I’m not sure I understand?”  Tyler asked.

“Dad said that Chris rode home in the front seat and Kyle sat in the back.  When Kyle found out about you being kidnapped I think a rush of reality hit home and he realized that he is repeating a stupid mistake.”  Derek began.

“So you’re not the only tard in our family then?” Tyler joked and nudged Derek’s arm.

“Do you now understand how much you mean to me and our family?”  Derek asked.

“Not to you.  That is what our fight is about if you remember…” Tyler said.

“I remember!  Almost losing you last night didn’t change how much I love you Ty but it did make me realize what a large and important part of my life you are. As I told you I have no desire for anyone else.  I’ve had time to think about what you said and I can now honestly say to myself and to you as well that I feel complete and whole with you being a part of me.  More so, I am not complete without you.” Derek said.

“Thanks Derek.  I needed to hear that.  I needed to know that!”  Tyler said giving Derek a quick kiss.

“Now, about Kyle…” Derek began.

“And Chris as well.  How about a compromise?”  Tyler asked and Derek shrugged his shoulders.

“You could let me finish a thought first?”  Derek said smirking at Tyler. 

“Don’t forget I’m a control freak. <Tyler grinned> I could email Chris with a message for him to print out and give to Kyle.  This will give Chris a reason to go see Kyle, which might get them talking again and let Kyle know that I love him at the same time?”  Tyler suggested.

“Well… if you want to go straight to solving both problems at once that would work, but it takes all of the fun out of it.”  Derek joked.

Tyler and Derek went upstairs to the computer room and Tyler began typing an email.

“Hi Chris,
I’m home and safe now with a small bump to the head.” Tyler started typing

”Liar!” Derek said smiling.

“Should I mention that I know about the problem between him and Kyle?”  Tyler asked.

“No, of course not.  If you knew then you wouldn’t be emailing him unless you were trying to trick him.”  Derek said.

“Good point!”  Tyler said.

“Hi Chris,
I’m home and safe now with a small bump to the head, a few stitches and a really bad haircut.  I wanted to ask you a favour?  Would you mind printing out what is below here and giving it to Kyle because I think he might just erase any emails from me?  I don’t want to put you in the middle but I don’t think Kyle wants to speak to me right now and you’re the only one who can help me.”

”Nice touch with the only one huh?” Derek said laughing

“Kyle, I wanted to tell you that I am sorry for the words we had and the trick I played on you and Chris.  I hope you will forgive me and even if you don’t please know that I love you very much.  I always have loved you and I always will love you.  You will forever be my ‘not-so-little-dude’, my friend, my brother, and someone I love very deeply.  I wanted you to know that I am sorry I hurt you and that I miss you.  Love always, your Tyler.

Thank you Chris for passing this on to Kyle.  If Kyle is angry with this note then tell him to blame me and not you!  Please take care of yourself and Kyle.  I hope I will see you soon and know that you are always welcome here, love Tyler.”  Tyler typed and then got up and out of the chair for Derek to sit and read.

“Have a quick read Derek and tell me what you think?”  Tyler asked and Derek sat down to read it.

“It’s good!  Not how I would have worded it but it will do.” Derek said.

“Huh?”  Tyler asked.

“Nothing!  It’s fine… even good!”  Derek said.

“There’s just one problem though.”  Tyler said.

“What’s that?”  Derek asked.

“For the most part it is a load of crap!  I’m angry with him for being a dumbass and I shouldn’t have to apologize.”  Tyler moaned.

“Who’s the adult here?  To paraphrase your words.”  Derek said.

“It’s still wrong to send it.  Let me play with it for a bit.” Tyler said.

“I’m about ready for bed after everything that happened last night.”  Danny said to Cody.  Cody, lost in thought, didn’t acknowledge Danny’s voice.

“Cody?”  Danny asked.

“Huh?”  Cody asked.

“You keep spacing out on me.”  Danny said.  “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just trying to figure out how to change Ryan’s mind…” Cody said.

“Give Ryan some time and he will come to realize that the most important thing is getting Dakota proper help.”  Danny said as he sat down next to Cody.

“Maybe… I dunno…” Cody said.

“I’m tired Cody… let’s go to bed.”  Danny said.  Derek came downstairs with Echo and Chaos following. 

“We’re going to bed.”  Danny said as he and Cody got up from the sofa. 

“I think we are too.  Ty’s a little hyped up right now.  I don’t think he’s dealing with what happened last night.  He’s writing an email to Kyle as we speak.” Derek said.

“I’ll get it!”  Luke yelled as he grabbed a large knife from the kitchen and ran for the door.

Opening the door Luke held up the knife and said, “Could you come back later we’re not done sacrificing the virgin… oh… it’s you.”  Luke said to Chris as he curled his upper lip.

“Am I interrupting?”  Chris asked taking one step back from the door.

“LUCAS!”  Larry yelled walking out of his office.  “What are you doing with that knife in your hand?”

“Nothing now…” Luke moaned walking back to the kitchen.

“Hi Chris.”  Larry said smiling.  He was thrilled to see Chris come over.  “You know that you don’t need to ring the door bell?”

“Yes Sir.”  Chris said lowering his eyes.  Larry pulled Chris into a hug and then pushed the door shut behind them.

“Want to talk about it?”  Larry asked as Chris held him tight.

“No Sir, but thanks.  I’m just here to deliver an email to Kyle.”  Chris said and Larry started laughing.

“What?”  Chris asked.

“You’re delivering an email via snail mail?”  Larry asked grinning.  Chris smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

“Go on upstairs… he’s been in his room all day.”  Larry said.  Chris hung his coat up and walked upstairs with a folded piece of paper in hand.

Chris tapped on Kyle’s closed door.

“Sleeping!”  Kyle yelled.

“Fine.”  Chris said to the closed door and turned around.

“Chris!!!!!”  Kyle yelled.  Chris turned back towards the door and stood there silently.

The door flung open and Kyle almost knocked Chris down.

“Hi.” Kyle said containing his happiness at seeing Chris.

“Tyler asked me to hand you this.”  Chris said holding out the folded piece of paper.  Kyle grabbed it out of Chris’ hand and walked back to his bed.  Chris’ anger was returning at Kyle’s abruptness.  He turned and walked back down the hall without saying anything.

“Chris?”  Kyle yelled noticing Chris wasn’t there and he got up off of his bed and chased Chris down the hallway.  “Where are you going?”

“Home.” Chris said.

“Can we talk for a bit?” Kyle asked and Chris shrugged his shoulders.

“Please?”  Kyle asked and Chris walked towards him and they both returned to Kyle’s bedroom. 

Kyle sat down on his bed next to his nightstand and Chris sat on the opposite corner of the bed.  Kyle opened the email and scanned down to the part directed to him.

“Dear Kyle, I’ve written and rewritten this email several times.  I want to say I am sorry for what I did but I can’t.  I won’t lie to you.  I’m not angry with you but I am displeased with how irresponsibly you acted.  I have to assume that your feelings haven’t changed since I’ve heard you are still very angry.  I never wanted to hurt you and for that I am sorry.  I have never stopped loving you and never will.  I miss you more than you realize.  Love always, your Tyler!”  

Kyle scanned down the rest of the email and then folded the piece of paper back in half.  Kyle silently began to shake as tears streamed down his eyes.  He looked over at Chris who just stared at him without emotion. 

Chris got up to leave and Kyle asked, “You’re leaving me too?” 

Chris turned and said, “No one is leaving you Kyle.  Your message is pretty clear.  My way or the highway!  Tyler was right and we were wrong!” 

“How do I fix it?”  Kyle asked.

“Fix it?  What are you talking about?  Are you going to lie to Ty and tell him you’re sorry too but not really mean it?  You should be happy now that you’re done with him.  He won’t be telling Kyle Anderson what to do anymore!”  Chris said sarcastically. 

Kyle looked down at the floor.

“You really don’t see it do you?”  Chris asked.

“See what?”  Kyle asked.

“How much Ty loves you.  You’re the one and not Derek.”  Chris said and Kyle looked up at Chris and gave him a cold stare.  “I can see it in Tyler’s eyes.  He’s holding back.  You are the one he does everything for and you’re the one he loves the most and look what you did to him?”

Kyle stared at Chris.

“He almost died last night and all you can do is feel sorry for yourself?”  Chris said with disgust.

“You think I don’t hurt over what I did to him?  You think I don’t hurt even more over what is happening to us?”  Kyle asked.

“I honestly don’t know.  I’m not sure I know you.  This is a new side of you I’ve not seen before.  You’ve already have with Ty what the rest of us would kill for and you’re just going to throw it away because you got caught doing something wrong and won’t admit to it?”  Chris asked and Kyle held back his anger.

“If you loved me you would be supporting me!”  Kyle said.

“Nice cheap shot Kyle but it won’t work.  Not only are you refusing to accept responsibility but also now you want to put the blame on me?  No fucking way!  It’s hard enough for me to deal with you being the cute one.  You’re the sexiest guy on the planet.  The guy that every girl and most of the guys want to be with.” Chris said leaning against the bedroom door with his arms crossed.

“You’re the only guy I love.”  Kyle said as he stared at the floor.  Chris stared at the floor in front of him.  “When I first met Ty I was in love him but then you came into my life and everything changed.  It wasn’t because Tyler rejected me but because you won me over.  I really do love Ty but I am only in love with you.”  Kyle said looking up at Chris.  Chris met Kyle’s eyes and then looked away.

“Why do you love me?”  Chris asked.

“Because you aren’t impressed with me.  You love me for me… even when I’m a total fucktard!”  Kyle said and Chris snorted and laughed.

“Like now?”  Chris asked.

”Like now.”  Kyle said.

“So?”  Chris asked.

“So… I need to tell Ty… NO!  I want to tell Ty that I was wrong and that I am sorry.  I knew I was wrong from the moment he walked in on us but the truth is I’m now more upset at losing you than I am at losing Ty.”  Kyle said and a smile began to form on Chris’ face.

“I know I can be an asshole at times but you’re my other half that makes me whole!”  Kyle said.

“Thanks Kyle.” Chris said with his voice breaking up.  “You need to apologize to Ty.”

“I know.”  Kyle moaned.  “I don’t know what made me say what I did.”

Chris sat down on the bed next to Kyle and took hold of Kyle’s hand. 

They both sat in silence for a few minutes until Chris asked, “Are you jealous of Ty?”

“NO!” Kyle yelled turning to glare at Chris.  “Why would you even say something like that?”

“Because I know that in your heart you love Tyler as much as he loves you.  You’ve always been the chosen one in this family.  Derek sulks for attention and Luke just… demands it.”  Chris said laughing.  “The adopted kids will either get ignored or spoiled and you have definitely been spoiled.  Along comes Tyler and he is the focus of everyone’s attention.  You’re no longer in the limelight.”

“I don’t want to talk about this.”  Kyle yelled and stood up.  “I can’t undo what I did and I don’t know how to apologize for what I did?” 

“Just do as Tyler has taught us… tell him the truth.  Tell him everything you’re feeling inside.” Chris said.

“He doesn’t want to hear how I feel about…” Kyle said and stopped.  He turned around and looked down at Chris.

“Sorry… that’s not what I meant to…” Kyle began.

“DON’T KYLE!  Don’t lie to me Kyle.  It’s nothing I don’t already know.  I’m just glad to hear you be honest and admit it.  I know I can’t compete against your feelings for Tyler.  We both know that you can’t have him and he can’t have you.  Life’s just like that sometimes.”  Chris said and Kyle said sat back down as his eyes filled with water.

“You must hate me…” Kyle said as the tears began to flow. 

“Just the opposite.  I love you for being real.  I know you love me as well.”  Chris said putting his arm Kyle’s back.

“I’m sorry…” Kyle said as he hugged Chris and cried.

“The only thing you need to be sorry for is not listening to Ty.  He always told us to be true to ourselves; to be able to face the mirror every morning.”  Chris said.

“You should be angry with me.”  Kyle moaned as held on to Chris.

“Are you kidding?”  Chris laughed.  “The hottest guy I’ve ever seen in real life has a thing for my boyfriend.”  Chris said and fell back on the bed laughing.

“You really are weird sometimes.”  Kyle said as he wiped his eyes dry.

“No shit!  Look at what I chose for a boyfriend?”  Chris asked and started laughing again.

“You know that I love you right?” Kyle asked.

“Yeah… I see it in your eyes and I feel it up my butt!”  Chris said and howled with more laughter.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”  Kyle asked grinning.

“Way, way too much.”  Chris said and Kyle leaned down and kissed him.

“I love you Chris.”  Kyle said as he stared into Chris’ eyes.

“I love you more Kyle.”  Chris said kissing him back and getting up off of the bed.  “I better get going.” 

“Huh?  Why?”  Kyle asked.

“You’ve got a problem to work out.”  Chris said and leaned over Kyle to give him a quick peck on the lips.

“I don’t know how to fix it?”  Kyle moaned and rolled over on his stomach.  Chris looked down at Kyle’s butt and could feel his own member grow within his jeans.  He decided that now was not the time.

“You could start by saying those three little words to him that make everything better?”  Chris suggested as he closed the door behind him. 

Chris came down the curved staircase and saw Larry working away in his office.  He crept silently over to the door and peaked in.  Larry noticed movement outside of his office and said, “Luke… I’m busy!”

Chris turned to walk away and Larry looked up. 

“Chris?”  Larry called and Chris came back.

“Everything okay or at least a little better?”  Larry asked.

Chris nodded and gave a shy smile.  Larry got up from behind his desk and as he approached Chris he opened his arms and hugged him.  Larry could feel Chris’ face pushing firmly into his chest.  Larry pressed his lips down on the top of Chris’ head and whispered, “I love you.”  Chris smiled and shook a little from side-to-side as he held Larry tight.

Larry pulled a chair close to him and sat down still holding on to Chris.  “Is everything okay?”  Larry asked again.

“It will be.” Chris said without moving his head or opening his eyes.  “Thanks for having Kyle.”

“Ummm… well…” Larry began.

“I know he’s adopted but if you hadn’t chosen him I wouldn’t be with him right now.”  Chris said.

“That goes both ways Chris!  If it weren’t for Kyle we wouldn’t have you.”  Larry said as he closed his eyes and held Chris firmly in his grasp.

Kyle sat up on his bed and looked at the piece of paper Chris had brought over.  Walking over to his computer he picked up Tyler’s email and turned his computer on.   Carefully rereading what Tyler had written, Kyle turned on his MSN messenger.  He logged into his hotmail account to check for new emails. 

“Spam, spam, and more spam…” Kyle moaned.  He clicked on ‘new message’ and stared at the blank page.  He picked up the printed email again and reread it.  Folding the piece of paper up he saw something written on the back of it.

“I love you – Chris” Kyle stapled the piece of paper so that it couldn’t be opened.  He drew a heart around Chris’ message and pinned it to the bulletin board beside his desk.

“Dear Ty, I’m sorry.  I love you. Please forgive me.  123 your not-so-little-dude.” Kyle typed and stopped.

Kyle reread what he wrote and pressed the ‘send’ icon on his screen.

Tyler was already in bed with Echo and Chaos when Derek, Danny, and Cody came into the room.

“Hey!” Danny said with a smile. “Sneaking off to bed without getting a good night kiss?”

“I was just waiting for the three of you to join me in bed.” Tyler joked.

“Coolies.”  Danny said and Cody rolled his eyes.  “We haven’t had a group sleepover since Christmas.”

“Danny?” Cody said.

“Wot?”  Danny asked with a grin.

“I don’t have a problem with it if it is alright with you Derek?”  Tyler asked.

“S’ok with me.” Derek said.

Danny ran back to his room and stripped naked.

“I love you.” Cody said as he sat down next to Tyler.

“I love you too Cody.  Go get changed and get back here.” Tyler said as Danny ran back in and dove on to the bed making Echo and Chaos jump off.

“Danny!”  Derek yelled.

“Sorry boys.  Ahem, I mean Echo and Chaos.”  Danny said and he got off of the bed and picked them both up.

“I need to grab some boxers.”  Tyler said and Danny stopped him.

“No you don’t.” Danny teased.

“Yes I do!”  Tyler said pushing Danny backwards.

“This is not getting off to a good start.”  Danny moaned.

“Exactly!”  Tyler said.

“Huh?” Danny asked and Derek laughed.  Tyler was forced into the middle of the bed and it was decided that Danny and Cody would be on each side of him since they don’t get to sleep with Tyler.  Tyler told them both that he didn’t care who slept beside him as long as Derek was one of them.  Derek grinned.

Tyler and Derek faced each other in the middle of the bed with Danny on Tyler’s side and Cody lying up against Derek’s back.

“I was thinking…” Danny said.

“Oh oh…” Derek moaned and Danny’s head popped up from the pillow and looked at Derek.  Derek grinned.

“Biooooooootch!”  Danny said laughing.  “I was thinking… why don’t we take the two beds upstairs and put them side-by-side.  Whenever we all want to sleep together we have two king size beds then.”

“You just want to be alone with Tyler in one bed huh?”  Derek teased.  Danny slid his arm around Tyler’s waist and Tyler took hold of his hand and squeezed it three times.

“It’s not a bad idea Derek.” Tyler added.

“Let’s move upstairs then.”  Derek said and they did along with Echo and Chaos.  They spun both beds around so that they could see the morning sunlight.

“This is kind of cool…” Derek said.

“I think we should sleep like this every night.” Danny declared.  Tyler, Derek, and Cody all stared at him.

“How about if we rotate positions every time we sleep here?”  Tyler suggested.

“Good idea.”  Danny said.

“Here it comes…” Cody said laughing.

“What?” Danny asked.

“Just say it.”  Derek said.

“Well… we could each sleep on top of or underneath each other was all I was going to say.” Danny suggested and all three boys and the dogs attacked Danny. 

“HEY!  HEY! No fair!  No pillow fights!”  Danny screamed with laughter.

“I better take the dogs out to pee.”  Tyler said as he crawled over Danny.

“What do you think guys?”  Derek asked after Tyler left the room.

“What do you mean?”  Danny asked.

“I don’t think he’s recovered.”  Derek said.

“I agree.”  Cody added. “I’m still not recovered and I was never taken hostage.”

“I think you guys need to relax.”  Danny said. “He’ll deal with it in his own time.  He’s had a lot more going on this week than just Dakota.  He’s not a little boy.  Ty will tell us when he needs us.”  Derek looked back at Cody but he didn’t know either.

Chaos led the chase back to the third floor bedroom followed by his sister and Tyler.

“I’ve been keeping your spot warm… and wet.”  Danny teased holding the comforter up.

“Trade ya places Derek?”  Tyler asked with a smile.

“Not for a million bucks.”   Derek said and Danny punched Derek’s arm.

Tyler crawled back into his spot between Danny and Derek and said, “Guys, I really want to thank you for saving my life.  It just… freaks me out thinking that I wouldn’t be around here and miss out on our little family of four.”  No one responded as they all considered life without Tyler.  Tyler reached over Derek and gave Cody a long kiss on the lips.  He then kissed Derek.  Turning over slightly he extended his hand to shake with Danny.  Derek and Cody roared with laughter.

Danny jumped on top of Tyler and started kissing him.  Tyler paused to catch his breath and say, “He’s not a bad kisser… for a boy from Iowa.” 

“That’s what his grandma says…” Cody started to say until he felt the punch in his shoulder.  Derek and Cody laughed.

Tyler closed his eyes and thought about Danny entering him.  Danny twitched and opened his eyes.  Tyler winked and smiled.

“Sweet dreams Danny.”  Tyler said.

“Sweet dreams Ty.”  Danny said.

At 2:35 a.m. Tyler began moaning and talking in his sleep.  Danny woke immediately and Derek was only a few seconds behind.  Tyler grabbed his own throat and began screaming and coughing only to wake himself up.  Echo and Chaos jumped down off of the bed.  Tyler was panting and covered in sweat.

“Ty?  Are you okay?” Derek asked as he touched his shoulder.  Tyler flinched.  Tyler kept gasping and touching his throat.

“You’re okay Ty.  We’re all here and you are safe at home.”  Danny said rubbing Tyler’s sweat soaked back. 

“I need some water…” Tyler said and jumped out of bed almost knocking Danny to the floor.

<20 minutes pass>

“Do you hear anything?”  Danny asked.

“Just Cody snoring.”  Derek whispered.  “I’m going to go check on him.”

“Want me to come?”  Danny asked.

“Thanks but I think this is one of those one-on-one things.  We don’t want to appear to be ganging up on him.” Derek said and gave Danny a quick kiss.

Derek almost headed down to the main floor when he spotted Tyler back in his own bed.  He quietly walked in and saw that Tyler was lying there motionless on his side staring at the wall.

Derek lifted the comforter open and crawled into the bed.  He slid over to Tyler and put his arm around his chest.  He tapped Tyler’s chest three times and Tyler tapped Derek’s hand back.  Derek exhaled and closed his eyes.

Derek woke up around 5 a.m. and pulled his arm back from around Tyler.  He got up and kneeled on the bed.  Looking down over Tyler, Derek discovered that he was still awake and staring aimlessly at the wall.  He got up and went looking for Echo and Chaos.  They weren’t upstairs with Cody and Danny wasn’t around.

Derek found a sleepy Danny sitting on the sofa with Chaos half on his lap and Echo lying on her side tucked in next to him.

“Hey.”  Derek said.

“How is he?”  Danny asked and Echo wagged her tail.

“C’mon… time for breakfast.”  Derek said to his puppies and they both jumped down off of the sofa with their tails wagging.  “I don’t think he’s slept at all.  He’s just staring at the wall.” Derek said walking off to the kitchen.

Cody woke up just after eight o’clock and came downstairs to find Derek and Danny dozing with the puppies on the sofa.

“Why’s Tyler back in his bed?”  Cody asked.  Derek and Danny looked at each other. 

When they finished explaining to Cody what had happened Danny asked, “Why don’t we just go up there and talk to him?”  Cody and Derek didn’t respond.

“Just ask him what is wrong and can we do anything to help him.”  Danny said.

“Let me do it.”  Derek said lifting Chaos off of his lap and getting up.  Danny and Cody got up as well and followed Derek upstairs.

Derek crept silently into the room while Cody and Danny stayed at the doorway.

“Hey sleepyhead?”  Derek called softly but Tyler didn’t respond.  Derek looked back at Danny and Cody.  Danny nodded to him to keep trying.

“Ty?” Derek began. “We’re all here to help and support you.  We love you and we would really like to help you through this?  Please talk to me?”  Derek pleaded but Tyler didn’t respond.

Danny approached Tyler’s side of the bed and bent down. “Hey Puckhead.  I love you.”  Danny said and kissed Tyler’s forehead.

“It would really help us out if you would tell us what we can do to help?”  Danny asked but Tyler still wouldn’t respond.

“Please Ty, just say something?  Anything?  Tell us what we can do for you?  Tell us what you would like?”  Danny pleaded and Tyler blinked.

Danny, Cody, and Derek all leaned in close to Tyler. 

“Just say something Ty?”  Cody asked.

“What can we do to help?”  Danny repeated.

“Home.” Tyler said and they all smiled over his speaking and then looked at each other in confusion.

“Home?”  Derek asked.

“He wants to go home!” Danny said grinning.  “Do you want to go home Tyler?”  He asked.

“Yeah…” Tyler said.

“Well then… let’s all go home… to Canada!”  Danny said grinning.

“Canada?”  Derek asked making a funny face.

“Everyone’s got their identification so it won’t be a problem!” Danny said beaming.  “We’re going to Canada!!!!!”  Danny yelled and Tyler rolled over.

“Danny?”  Tyler called.

“No arguments Ty!  We’re your family and we’re going to take you home.  Hey!  I just thought of something.  We can wear our cowboy hats.  Everyone wears them in Canada.”  Danny said jumping up off of the bed.

“Danny?”  Tyler called again but Danny shushed him. 

“Not a peep Mr. Peel.  We’ll pack and you go shower.” Danny said.

“I’ve never been to Canada before.” Cody added.

“I’ll do the driving.”  Derek said.  “We better get packed I guess.”

“Danny?”  Tyler called again.

“I told you no arguments.  Oh shit this is going to be so much fun!  I have to call Mom!”  Danny said running back to his room.

Danny dialled his Mom while Cody sat on Tyler and Derek’s bed and laughed. “Why couldn’t one of you have a vehicle with a trunk so we could store Danny away for the trip?” 

“I heard that!” Danny yelled as he listened to his parent’s phone ringing.

“Hello?”  Janet mumbled into the phone. 

“MOM!  It’s Danny.”  Danny said.

“Oh my God!  What’s wrong Danny?”  Janet asked becoming more alert.

“I just wanted to tell you that I am going to Canada.”  Danny said.

“Canada?”  Janet asked.

“Canada.”  Danny repeated.

“Did they reinstate the draft?”  Janet asked still confused.

“Hahahaha… No Mom.  No draft dodging here.” Danny said and Derek and Cody laughed.

“Why are you going to Canada?”  Janet asked.

“I will tell you when I get back.  I have to get packed.  Love you!  Tell Dad and Grandma I love them as well.”  Danny said and closed his cell phone.

Danny came back into Derek and Tyler’s bedroom and tossed his cell phone to Cody.  “Call your Dad and tell him what is happening.”  Danny ordered and then returned to his bedroom.

“What the fuck is going on?”  Cody asked.

“Look!” Derek said pointing across the hall to Cody’s bedroom.  Danny was dancing in his room wearing only boxers, white socks, and his cowboy hat.  They all started laughing.

“I think he’s line dancing?”  Tyler suggested.

“Cody, go get packed.”  Derek said and Cody leaned over and kissed Tyler and left the room.

Derek got up and closed the bedroom door. 

“Please talk to me Ty?”  Derek pleaded.

“I dreamt that I was still being held by Dakota and he was about to slit my throat.  That’s when I woke up.”  Tyler said and when he looked at Derek he could see the tears running down his cheek.

“I’m really okay Derek.  Whether you believe me or not, it isn’t the dream that is really bothering me.  I know that it is just a dream and that Dakota is going to be all right.  It’s just…  just…  I can’t explain it.”  Tyler said.

“Try.  Please?  For me.”  Derek said taking hold of Tyler’s hand.

“It seems like every time I get something that I love I lose it.  I don’t want to lose you or Cody or Danny or any of my family.  It just seems that time is too short.  I feel like I will wake up tomorrow morning and look in the mirror only to discover that I am 80 years old and alone.”  Tyler said.

“I think I understand.”  Derek said.

“Really?  And don’t say ‘really, really’.”  Tyler said.

“You know what is wrong and you know there is no solution.  There is nothing you can do to make it go away.  Like the monkey on your back thingy…” Derek said.

“Yeah! That’s it.”  Tyler said.

“Ty, it will never go away.  You were right, for the most part, about living for today.  The most important part is not to waste a day!”  Derek said.

“Exactly!” Tyler said.

“Rawwwwwwww Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide!!!!!!” Danny sang and Tyler and Derek laughed.

“Ow!” Danny yelled.

“We heard that!”  Derek and Tyler yelled in unison.

“Fuckers!!!!!!!!”  Danny yelled in from outside their door.  “Ow! Stop that Cody!”

“Ty, there’s no guarantees in life.  You’ve taught me to grab on to something if you want it.”  Derek said.

“As in not spending your life sitting on the side of the road watching it pass you by.”  Tyler said.

“Just look around you Ty.  You already have a lot more than most people have.  I’m just as lucky as you and probably more so because I have you where as you are stuck with me.”  Derek said. 

“That’s not true so don’t say that and I do love you Derek.” Tyler said leaning forward to kiss Derek.

“Is this were we sing ‘I got you Babe’?”  Derek asked.

“No, it definitely isn’t.” Tyler said and winked at Derek.

“You go shower and I will call Adam Fletcher and make sure it is okay.”  Derek said.

“Thanks Derek, I’m sorry that my little insecurities seem to take over my life.” Tyler said.

“There’s nothing little about your insecurities… like the rest of you.”  Derek said and winked.

“Are you sure about coming with me?”  Tyler asked.

“Whether it is cumming or coming I only want to do it with you.”  Derek said as he kissed Tyler.

Tyler got into the shower while Derek made Adam aware of what they had planned.

Tyler carried his backpack downstairs to find no one around.  Chaos barked and he headed downstairs to the family room.  As he walked into the garage he asked, “What are you guys doing?” 

“We’re packing Derek’s Cherokee for the trip.”  Danny said shaking his head.

“I’m driving my Jeep.”  Tyler said as he opened up the back gate of Jeep.

“Ty, we can’t fit all of this stuff in your Jeep.”  Danny said.

“Then take less stuff or follow me in Derek’s Jeep.” Tyler said.  Before Danny could say another word Tyler added, “Cody, can you give me a hand to remove the hardtop off of the Jeep?”

“Yeah, sure, why?”  Cody asked.

“The radio said it’s going to be in low seventies today so I thought I would use the vinyl cover instead.  Using the vinyl cover we can remove it if it gets warm enough.” Tyler said.

“Sweet!  I’m so riding with you.” Cody said.

“What do I do with all this stuff then?”  Danny asked.

“Leave it here!  We’re just going home.  We have room for about one backpack each and the dog’s stuff.” Tyler said as he and Cody began unclasping the hardtop on the Jeep.

“But… but…” Danny began to say.

“No buts Danny.  Bring the cowboy hats though!”  Tyler said smiling.

“Hey Ty, do Canadians really wear cowboy hats?”  Cody asked.

“I’ve never seen anyone wear one but I think they do during the Calgary Stampede.”  Tyler said and Cody snorted.

“So it’s kind of like how Danny told us everyone wore them in Iowa?”  Cody asked.

“Pretty much but I think you and Derek look so hot wearing those hats.” Tyler said.  Cody grinned.

“Where do I pack the skis?”  Danny asked and Tyler grinned.

“You won’t need them Danny.”  Tyler said.

“Huh?” Danny asked.

“I said you won’t need them where we are going.”  Tyler repeated as he and Cody finished tying and snapping on the vinyl cover.

“We’re taking your Jeep?”  Derek asked as he appeared in the garage.

“Uh huh.”  Tyler said smiling.

The boys packed up what they could along with Echo and Chaos.  Tyler insisted on driving so Derek rode up in the front beside him. 

Kyle turned on his computer and checked his email only to find there was nothing there from Tyler.  He pulled up his MSN messenger menu and found that Tyler wasn’t online either.  Kyle pushed the power button without waiting to shut his computer down properly.  Grabbing his hoody and a denim vest from his closet he left his room.

He put on his shoes and tapped on Larry’s office door.  Larry was on the phone and waved Kyle off.  Kyle took his skateboard from behind the front door.

“Where are you going?”  Luke asked as he slid down the banister.

“LUCAS!”  Larry yelled from his office and Luke hopped off the railing half way down.

“Out!”  Kyle said.

“Where?”  Luke asked.

“I don’t have to answer to you Luke.”  Kyle said and slammed the door shut.

“Luke! Don’t slam the door.”  Larry yelled.

Luke sighed.

Kyle dropped his skateboard on the front sidewalk and jumped on it heading down the driveway.  At the end of the driveway he saw how wet and slushy it was from the melting snow and tossed his skateboard back on the front lawn and headed off on foot.

“We need to fuel up.”  Tyler said.

“There are a bunch of stations right around the entrance to I95.”  Cody said.

After fuelling up, adding windshield washer fluid, and checking the oil they headed out.  Tyler asked Danny to pull out the cowboy hats as they were leaving the station.  Danny and Cody couldn’t wear their hats because the back seats sat higher. 

“Why are you giggling like a school girl?”  Derek asked of Tyler.

“I’m just happy now or at least happier.”  Tyler said.

“Mr. Peel?”  Danny yelled.  “We need some hard rockin’ music in here!  Not the usual shit you listen to either.” 

“Danny you couldn’t handle the alternative hard music I listen to!”  Tyler said.

“Eeeeewwwww” Derek and Cody said and then laughed.

“Try me Puckhead!”  Danny challenged.

“Here goes…” Tyler said and he put in a CD with the song “Not Falling” by Mudvayne.

Derek turned and stared at Tyler and said, “There’s a lot of shit I don’t know about you.”

“You’ve got a lifetime to find it all out.”  Tyler said and then winked at Derek.

“I love this song.”  Cody said and looked over at Danny and saw he was holding his hands over his ears.  Tyler stuck his right thumb up in the air to acknowledge he had heard Cody.

Tyler looked in the rear view mirror at Danny and laughed.  “I have some Demons and Wizards on this CD as well if you would prefer?” 

“TURN THIS SHIT OFF!”  Danny yelled making Chaos bark.  Everyone laughed and Tyler changed CD’s.

<90 minutes later>

“How long till we need to put our winter coats on?”  Danny asked.

“Shut up Danny!”  Tyler said laughing.  Tyler focused on Danny in his mind and pictured him saying ‘are we there yet?  Are we there yet? …’ 

Danny grinned at Tyler in the mirror and said, “We should be at the border in another six hours.”  Tyler smiled and shook his head.

“I don’t think so!”  Derek yelled.  “Tyler!!!  We just passed the Maryland sign!   You’re going the wrong way!”  

“What?  You dumbass!”  Danny yelled sitting up and grabbing hold of the back of Derek’s seat.

Tyler looked over at Derek and a smile formed on his lips.

“Oh…B’Jesus… I should have known!”  Derek said laughing and leaned over and kissed Tyler’s cheek.  Derek looked back at Cody to see he was grinning from ear-to-ear. 

“What the fuck is going on here?  I want to go to Canada!”  Danny moaned.

“Canada doesn’t want you.”  Cody said.

“Why not?  I’m not a terrorist.”  Danny said.

“More like a terror…” Derek said and Danny cuffed the back of Derek’s head.

Derek pulled out his cell phone and dialled home. 

Luke picked up the phone and said, “Welcome to the Psychotic Hotline. If you’re obsessive-compulsive, please press 1 over and over again. If you are a co-dependent, please get someone to help you press 2. If you have multiple personalities, please press 3, 4, 5 and 6 all at once. If you are paranoid-delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line until we can trace the call. If you are schizophrenic…”

“Luke!”  Derek yelled.

“Derek?  Are you in Canaduh yet?  I guess I should speak slower.”  Luke said and Derek laughed.

“Nope, we’re about ten minutes from you.”  Derek said and Luke screamed out his excitement.

“THEY’RE COMING HOME!!!!!!!”  Luke yelled.

“LUCAS!  Stop yelling.”  Larry said.

“I thought they were going to Toronto?”  Linda asked.

“They’re coming home Mom.”  Luke repeated and hugged Linda.

“Get everyone and haul your ass outside!”  Derek said and closed his phone.

“I wanted to wear my cowboy hat and DON’T YOU DARE SAY THEY DON’T WEAR THEM IN CANADA.”  Danny yelled pointing at a laughing Tyler.

As they took their exit into Baltimore, Tyler pulled off to the side of the road and got out.  Cody and Danny took the dogs out to pee while Tyler and Derek removed the vinyl cover. 

“What are you doing?”  Danny asked as they returned.

“You wanted to wear your hat so here’s your chance.”  Tyler said as they all crawled back inside the Jeep. 

“Gentlemen?  Cowboy hats please.”  Tyler said and they all put their hats on.

Tyler flipped through his stack of CD’s and pulled out one and inserted it into the CD player.  He pushed the ‘repeat’ button on the player.

“This is country music!”  Derek said making a face.

“It’s called ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home?’ by Bon Jovi featuring Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland.”  Tyler said as he pulled back out into traffic.

Danny and Cody passed Echo and Chaos forward to Derek.  They both stood up on the back seats of Tyler’s Jeep and held on to the roll bars.

“Guys that is dangerous!”  Derek said looking up behind him.

“Don’t worry Babe, if I take a sharp left we might be able to lose Danny.”  Tyler said.

“I would shove that cowboy hat down over your face if you weren’t driving right now.”  Danny yelled as he used one hand to hold his hat on his head.

“Shut and sing Danny.” Cody said and they all joined in the chorus of the song.

“Who says you can't go home?  There's only one place that call me one of their own, just a hometown boy, born a rolling-stone. 

Who says you can't go home? Who says you can't go back, been around all around the world and that's a matter of fact there's only one place left I want to go, who says you can't go home.  It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright...”

As they turned to go up the driveway of the Anderson house they could see Luke and Casey jumping up and down.  Abbey started barking and Echo and Chaos had their paws up on the front dash with their tails wagging in Derek’s face.  Ian and Kathy were outsides holding hands and Larry had his arm around Linda.  Danny removed his hat giving several hoots and hollers.  He swung his cowboy hat around in the air as they climbed the driveway towards the house.

“How gay is that?”  Luke asked of Casey.  Casey giggled.

Before Tyler could put the Jeep in park Luke was already opening his door.  Tyler stepped out and removed his cowboy hat.  Luke took one look at the scare on Tyler’s forehead and started crying as he threw his arms around Tyler’s neck.

Casey almost climbed over Derek trying to get a hold of Cody.

“You could have been killed!”  Luke screamed.  Linda and Larry further encircled Tyler and wrapped their arms around Luke and Tyler.

“It’s okay Luke.  I’m fine.  Please don’t cry.”  Tyler said.

“We’re so glad to have our baby back home.”  Linda said with tears streaming down her face.

Tyler looked at Larry who winked at him and said, “Welcome home son.” 

“Can I have a second?”  Tyler whispered to Linda and Larry.

Linda and Larry moved back to give Tyler and Luke some room alone.

“Hush Luke, hush.” Tyler whispered as Luke cried and held Tyler tight.

“I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”  Luke said through his tears.

“Me neither Luke, me neither.” Tyler said.  “I’m alright thanks to your three brothers who rescued me.”

Luke lifted his head off of Tyler’s shoulders and gave him a strange look.  “Really?”

“I wouldn’t lie to you Luke.  You and all of my brothers gave me the strength to make it through this.”  Tyler said.

“I’m just happy you’re home.” Luke said as he hugged Tyler tight again.

“You have no idea how good it feels to have a home to go to Luke.”  Tyler said.

“This will always be you home big brother.”  Luke said quietly and kissed Tyler’s cheek.

“Thanks Luke, that is the single nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”  Tyler said as he closed his eyes and savoured the moment.  “So do you think a scar like this will help me pick up chicks?”  Tyler asked and Luke started laughing.

“Only if you take me with you!  I’ll give you my leftovers…” Luke said with a grin and Tyler roared with laughter.  Luke looked over Tyler’s shoulder to see Casey being held up in Cody’s arms and Danny and Derek all looking down on them as they sat on the ground.

“I think someone else wants to hug you.”  Luke said as he let go of Tyler.

Tyler took hold of Luke’s long sleeve shirt and asked, “Should I even ask why you are wearing a shirt with a bottle of whiskey on it?”  Tyler asked and Luke shifted his eyes around before opening his top shirt for Tyler to read.

‘I like my women like my whiskey!  12 years old and mixed with coke.’  Tyler read and then stared at Luke.  Luke started laughing as he pulled his top shirt closed.  “Everyday you push the limit.”  Tyler said and winked.  Luke grinned.

Casey came around from behind Tyler and wrapped his arms around him.  Luke hugged Derek and laid his side of his head flat against Derek’s chest.

“Thanks Derek.”  Luke said and Derek quietly kissed the top of Luke’s head.

Larry wrapped his arms around Danny and Cody into one group hug. “Thanks for saving our boy guys.”

Jeff and Chris came up the driveway riding their bicycles.  They both dropped them on the pavement and knocked Tyler down to the ground.

“I’m so glad you are safe!”  Jeff said.

“We were so worried about you.”  Chris added.

“I am fine guys.  You’re brothers rescued me just in time.”  Tyler said as he savoured the hug.  “I’m just glad to be home with all of my family.”

Everyone piled into the kitchen and Luke, Chris, Casey, and Jeff stayed glued to Tyler. 

“Where’s Kyle?” Tyler asked.

“Probably in his room.”  Linda said.

“No, he’s gone.” Luke said as he opened a jar of peanut butter to celebrate.

“Gone?”  Tyler and Larry asked together.

“Uh huh…” Luke said ignoring them.

“Where did he go Luke?”  Larry asked.

“Out.  He was in one of his moods again.”

“He’s not supposed to leave without telling us where he is going.” Linda said getting angry.

“Actually that would be my fault now that I think about it.  He did come into my office dressed to go outside and I was on the phone and waved him off.”  Larry admitted.

“Larry!  How could you do that?”  Linda asked.

“He does it all the time Mom.” Luke said and then paused at everyone staring at him.

“We should go look for him.”  Danny said.

“Yeah, we can pair up and try to find him.”  Cody added.

“He’ll be back.” Luke said as he handed the first peanut butter and raspberry sandwich to Casey.

“Do you know where he is?”  Tyler asked.

“Maybe.”  Luke said.

“LUCAS!” Larry yelled and Tyler raised his hand to stop Larry.

“C’mon Luke, I need to see you in private for a moment.”  Tyler asked and Luke followed him munching away on his sandwich.

Tyler sat on the third step up the staircase and he patted the step next to him for Luke to sit on.  Abbey, Echo, and Chaos followed Luke’s peanut butter sandwich.

Luke took a bite of his sandwich and Tyler asked, “What’s that crunching noise?” 

“Potato chips.  Want a bite?” Luke said casually.

“Ummm… maybe later.  Anyway, I need to find Kyle.  Can you give me a hint as to where I might find him?  Tyler asked.

Luke looked around to his right to make sure they were alone.  “I didn’t tell you this okay?”  Luke asked.

“Word!”  Tyler said.

“Sometimes he goes down by the old railway tracks.  There’s a bridge there and that’s where people go to make out and smoke cigarettes.”  Luke said.

“Thanks Luke.  I owe you one.”  Tyler said.

“Several actually but whose counting…” Luke said as he tore bits of crust off of his sandwich and fed it to the three dogs. 

“I’m going to take Abbey for a w-a-l-k.” Tyler said returning to the kitchen.

“Got your phone?”  Derek asked.

“Always.”  Tyler said as he kissed Derek.  “If Kyle shows up call my cell please.” 

“No longer than an hour Ty.  We don’t want to lose you twice in one weekend.”  Derek said seriously.  Tyler winked.

“Don’t worry because Danny can always find me.”  Tyler said.  Tyler walked back to the front door and put Abbey’s leash on her. 

“Where are the train tracks Luke?”  Tyler asked.

“About six blocks down that way.”  Luke said pointing towards the living room.

It took Tyler fifteen minutes to make it to the railroad track because Abbey had to pee on every telephone pole.  When he finally reached the railway tracks he wasn’t sure which way to go.

“Abbey?  Find Kyle.”  Tyler asked.  Abbey began sniffing at the ground around her.  Something caught her attention and they headed off in that direction.  Tyler removed her leash as they walked down the railway bed.  Abbey stayed off to the side while Tyler tried to walk on the wooden cross beams.  Frustrated by the mix of wood beams intermingled with a loose rock base, Tyler held his arms out for balance as he walked down the right side iron rail of the tracks.

The railroad tracks began to curve to the left and as they did Tyler saw the tunnel.  He called Abbey over and gave her a dog cookie to eat while he put the leash back on.  There were two ‘kids’ sitting atop the tunnel with their legs hanging over sharing a cigarette.  When Tyler got close enough to them he called out, “Hey guys?  Have you seen Kyle Anderson today?”

“Dude!  What happened to your head?”  One of the boys yelled down to Tyler.

“Got in a fight last night.”  Tyler said as Abbey sat down waiting for Tyler to finish his conversation.

“How did you do?” The second boy asked.

“The other guy is still in the hospital.  Have you seen Kyle?”  Tyler asked again.

“Keep following through the tunnel.”  The first boy yelled.

Tyler headed on through the short tunnel and out the other side.  About ½ mile farther was a bridge over a ravine with large slabs of rocks on each side.  Tyler came to the edge of the ravine and knew that Abbey couldn’t cross the bridge.

“Bark Abbey, bark!”  Tyler said and Abbey barked.  Kyle’s head popped up recognizing Abbey’s bark. 

“Been looking for you.”  Tyler said.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”  Kyle asked with a look of shock on his face.

“I missed you.” Tyler said as he walked over to Kyle.

Tyler opened his arms and Kyle fell into them.

“I love you Kyle.  I’m sorry I hurt you.”  Tyler said.

Kyle didn’t say a word.  He started to tremble in Tyler’s arms.

“I didn’t think I would ever see you again.”  Kyle said softly.

“You can’t get rid of me that easily.”  Tyler teased.  “Let’s sit down.”

Tyler sat down on the slope of a flat rock and then directed Kyle to sit between his legs.

“Is that your capital over there?”  Tyler asked pointing off to the left.

“Yeah.” Kyle said as he held on to Tyler’s arms that were wrapped around him.

“I need to apologize Kyle and this is kind of complicated.”  Tyler began.

“You don’t need to apologize.  I’m the one that needs to apologize for what happened in Philly.”  Kyle said.

“This isn’t about Philly Kyle.  This is about you and me.”  Tyler said.  “When I first laid eyes on you I thought you were my brother David but with longer hair.  I couldn’t get that image out of my mind.  I sort of thought you were David reincarnated.  In the beginning I fell in love with you because of my pain over losing my brother.”

“You mean you don’t really love me?”  Kyle asked.

“No, not at all.  What I loved about you in the beginning was that you brought back memories of David.  In time, as I got to know you, I fell in love with the Kyle who sits in front of me.  I wouldn’t exchange you for my brother even if I could.  I love you that much.  I’m just sorry that I wasn’t honest with you about my feelings in the beginning.  I just figured you were too young to understand and if I said anything you would be hurt.”  Tyler said and paused.

“I can’t expect you to understand what is like to lose everything you love.”  Tyler began and Kyle interrupted.

“I know exactly what you mean.  Don’t forget that I’m adopted.”  Kyle said.

Tyler forcibly turned Kyle part way around to face him.  “What?” Tyler asked.

“I’m adopted.  Chris made me realize what an asshole I’ve been.  Mom and Dad have always done a little extra for me… given me a little more freedom.  As much as I love you, I saw you as taking my place as the chosen one.”  Kyle said and paused.  “I’m sorry Ty.  I know you would never do something to hurt me.  You proved that the weekend I stayed at your place in Philly.” 

“Hold on a minute.  I’m still stuck on you being adopted.  How come no one ever told me?”  Tyler asked.

“Because it doesn’t really matter.  Mom and Dad love me as much as they love Derek and Luke or even you.  I knew inside that when we had a private talk about adopting you that I wouldn’t be treated any differently but I also felt like I would no longer be the special one that I’ve always been.  It was stupid and immature.  I’m sorry Ty.  Even if you don’t believe me, I really do love you… some of that love is in ways that can never be.”  Kyle said and Tyler pulled Kyle back into his chest.

“I’m with ya there Kyle.”  Tyler said as he kissed the top of Kyle’s head.  “Do you know anything about your real parents?” 

“Mom and Dad are my real parents!” Kyle said defensively.

“Sorry not-so-little-dude, I didn’t mean it that way.”  Tyler said.

“No, I’m sorry.  All I know is that my Mom gave me up at birth.  For a little while I wanted to know who she was?  I got over it though.  I figure if she wanted to find me then she would have.”  Kyle said.

“That’s tough Kyle.  I can’t even imagine…” Tyler began but stopped.

“Being abandoned?”  Kyle asked.

“I didn’t want to say it like that but yes.” Tyler said.

“I wasn’t abandoned Ty.  Like you, I was chosen!”  Kyle said and Tyler smiled and messed Kyle’s hair.

“Inside, you have a good attitude about life Kyle.”  Tyler said.

“I got that from my older brother.”  Kyle said.

“Derek?  Really?” Tyler laughed but realized he shouldn’t have.

“I meant you.”  Kyle said and Tyler hugged him and kissed the top of his head.

“I couldn’t imagine my world now without my family.” Tyler said.

“Been there, done that!” Kyle said.  “Don’t worry cause I’ve already been through it.  I can show you the ropes.”  Kyle said as he winked at Tyler.

“One of the strangest things about Friday night was that I knew I was going to die.” Tyler began.

“Huh?” Kyle asked.

“Well, I didn’t know it was going to be my last night but it seems like everything I’ve ever touched or loved has left me.  After Friday night I feel like I beat the system.  I’m not invincible or anything but I think I can go forward now and enjoy what I have without the fear of losing everything overshadowing my enjoyment of life around me.”  Tyler said.

<Silence>

“We didn’t know if you were dead or alive.”  Kyle said with his voice breaking up.  “I couldn’t live without you being in my life…” He said and the tears started to flow.

Tyler turned Kyle around towards him and hugged him.  “That’s what Luke said and I couldn’t imagine my life without you Kyle.  I wouldn’t trade anything I’ve gone through including last night if it meant giving you up.”  Kyle squeezed Tyler as tight as he could.  “They say your life flashes before your eyes just before you are about to die.  Friday night I only had one vision in my head and that was Christmas Eve with my family.  I was sitting there with a large wrapped gift on my lap and everyone had gathered around to watch me open it.  I looked at everyone but there was something deeper inside of your eyes when I looked at you.  I knew nothing would ever come between us.”  Tyler said and Kyle pulled back and looked at Tyler as he tried to smile.

Kyle wiped his eyes and said, “Nice haircut.”  Tyler started laughing and Kyle joined in. 

“Why did I say something stupid like that?”  Kyle asked and laughed.

“All that matters Kyle is that you know deep down inside that I love you.  The three most difficult words to say in this world are so often used without any substance behind them.  I say those words a lot but understand that they come from deep within my heart.  I’m sorry for the times I’ve failed you Kyle and I hope you will let me stay in your life.”  Tyler said as tears filled his eyes.  Kyle looked away.

“Ty, I’m the fucktard here and I’m sorry.”  Kyle said not able to face Tyler.

“Do you believe me?”  Tyler asked.

Abbey barked and ran off.

“C’mere girl!”  Luke yelled.

Tyler and Kyle looked over to see Derek and Luke standing on the railroad tracks. 

“So much for our quiet time.” Tyler joked and Kyle laughed.  “Lets go home eh?” Tyler said and Kyle nodded and hugged him.

“One, two, three big brother.” Kyle said quietly into Tyler’s ear.

“One, two, three not-so-little-dude.” Tyler said and smiled.

The four brothers walked back home on the tracks.  Luke walked on one rail and Kyle on the other rail while they held a hand on Tyler’s shoulder for balance.  Derek walked on Luke’s side holding Abbey on the leash. 

“I believe you Ty.” Kyle said without taking his eyes off of the railroad beam.

“Believe what?”  Luke asked.

“Nothing.” Tyler and Kyle said in unison.

“Bet I can go farther than you Kyle without falling off!” Luke challenged.

“No way tard boy, I’m a skater.  I am in my zone.”  Kyle said laughing.

Tyler shoved Kyle off of the track to the crushed rock base on right.

“HA! I win!” Luke yelled.

“You pushed me assmite!” Kyle said laughing at Tyler.

“That was for being cocky.”  Tyler said.

“Don’t you even go there Kyle.” Derek said pointing at him.  Everyone laughed.

As they turned back on to their street Kyle asked, “The skinhead with the scar look works well for you.”  Kyle grinned.

“The institutional look is in these days.” Luke said and winked at Kyle.

“Word!”  Kyle said and then added, “but at least he doesn’t put gel in his hair.”

“Word!” Luke said grinning and then fisted Kyle.  Kyle grinned at Derek and ran off down the street with Derek chasing after him.

Luke, Tyler, and Abbey walked up the driveway alone and sat on the front steps.

“It’s these little moments I live for.”  Tyler said sighing.

“Get a life loser…” Luke said grinning at Tyler

“I thought you were going home?”  Luke asked.

“I did Luke, I did.”  Tyler said and winked.  Luke got up and sat on Tyler’s knee and hugged him. 

Danny came outside and sat beside them.

“Luke, meet the man who led the crusade to save my life.  If it weren’t for Danny I wouldn’t be here today.”  Tyler said.

Luke hopped into Danny’s lap and hugged him.  Tyler watched as Danny’s eyes closed while he held Luke.

Derek returned with Kyle giggling in a headlock. 

“Give me my brother back.” Tyler said grinning.  Derek released Kyle who ran over and sat on Tyler’s lap.

Linda stuck her head out the door and called everyone in for dinner.  “Blue Point crabs are finished and ready for eating!”

The boys all ran into the kitchen where Larry said, “I’ve got crabs!” as he held up two plates full.  Tyler grinned and Luke started laughing.

When bedtime came around Casey insisted on Cody sleeping with him and Luke insisted on Danny sleeping with him.  Kyle decided to spend the night with Chris and ‘make up’. 

Kyle hugged Jeff goodnight before going into Chris’ bedroom.  Kyle sat on the bed waiting for Chris to return from the washroom.  He saw Chris pass by his room and go directly into Jeff’s bedroom.  When Chris returned he closed his bedroom door behind him.

Chris leaned back against his closed door and smiled at Kyle.  He slowly pulled up his sweatshirt and t-shirt with his left hand to expose his belly button.  Kyle watched as Chris slid his right hand fingers just inside the top his jeans.  Kyle could see the imprint of his fingers scratching away at his pubes.  Chris’ building erection began to work its way slowly down the left side of his jeans.

Chris continued rubbing and scratching away at his pubes.  Each breath he took came heavier and each exhale became deeper than the one before.  He leaned back against the door and used his left hand to play with his right nipple.

Kyle watched Chris’ chest heave in and out while his own member began to swell within his jeans.  Kyle leaned back on the bed resting on his elbows and began to undo his button-fly jeans.  Kyle rolled backwards and slid off his jeans and boxers in one swoop. 

Chris focused on Kyle laying there naked wearing only a red ‘Quicksilver’ sweatshirt and his Damon Rhodes ball cap on backwards.  Chris pointed to the floor and snapped his fingers.  Kyle sat up wondering what he meant.  Kyle picked up his boxers and jeans in each hand and heard Chris snap his fingers again pointing to Kyle’s right hand.

Kyle grinned and threw his boxers at Chris.  Chris pulled his shirts off and inhaled a long, slow sniff on his boxers.  Chris put the crotch part of Kyle’s boxers in his mouth and Kyle’s cock twitched.   Chris inserted both of his hands inside of his jeans and began playing with himself. 

Kyle was stirred from watching this show by the feeling his own precum dripping down on to his ribs.  He ran two fingers through it and scooped it up.  As he was about to insert his fingers into his mouth Chris grabbed Kyle’s hand and sucked on his wet fingers.

Kyle sat back and leaned against the wall.  He pulled on Chris’ hand to follow.  Chris slowly slid his jeans and boxers down while never taking his eyes off of Kyle.  Stepping out of each leg he moved his hand over to his nightstand and grabbed his jar of KY jelly and two condoms.  Walking on his knees over to Kyle he sat down on Kyle’s legs with their erections touching.  Kyle immediately felt the heat of Chris’ member when it touched his own.

Chris leaned down and put his arms around Kyle’s neck.  Kyle was about to speak but Chris touched his lips with his own.  Chris released himself from Kyle’s lips and stood up on his knees.  Kyle’s lips engulfed Chris’ erection.  Kyle used his thumb to force any precum up Chris’ shaft and into his mouth. 

Kyle backed off of Chris’ cock for a moment to look at it.  Kyle lovingly kissed Chris’ member while he gently caressed it with his hands.  Kyle looked up at Chris to see a Trojan® condom dangling in front of his face.  While Kyle opened the condom, Chris opened the jar of jelly and slathered up Kyle’s cock, balls, and his own ass as well as just about anything else he touched.  Kyle’s mouth returned to Chris’ cock while he rolled the condom on.

Kyle held his erection still while Chris, with his hands on each side of Kyle’s face, began French kissing him as he impaled himself.  Making short small jerks downward he took all that Kyle had to offer him.

Kyle opened his eyes to see Chris staring at him.  Chris bit down on his lower lip and contorted his face slightly as he clenched his sphincter muscle.  Kyle was more aroused from watching Chris’ face than he was from the sensation he was receiving while inside of Chris.

Chris pulled Kyle’s face on to his right nipple and Kyle began flicking his tongue back and forth as Chris bobbed up and down on Kyle’s shaft.  Chris started moaning as he callously massaged Kyle’s head knocking his Damon Rhodes cap off.

“Oh, oh, oh…” Chris moaned as he walked the fine line between pleasure and pain.  Sweat began running down his face as Kyle made a semi-permanent mark on Chris’ nipple.  Chris leaned backwards, taking Kyle’s cock with him.  Kyle flexed his member and his head swelled inside of Chris. 

Wiping up Chris’ precum from his chest, Kyle used it to begin jerking Chris off.  Chris leaned so far back that Kyle could only see his nose and chin.  Kyle pulled Chris’ cock towards him and fisted him as fast as he could.  Chris’ orgasm hit Kyle’s throat and then continued down the rest of his chest until the last few drips landed on Kyle’s pubic hair.

Chris hopped off of Kyle and pushed him down on the bed so he was lying on his back. Kyle went to speak but Chris held a finger up to his lips and then smiled.

Chris began licking up all of his own orgasm off of Kyle’s body and depositing it into Kyle’s mouth.  Stealing several kisses from Kyle between each load.  Chris left a small pool of his orgasm on Kyle’s chest.  Chris removed the condom and turned it inside out so he could suck up all of Kyle’s precum. 

Chris held the condom in his cupped left hand as if he was holding an ice cream cone.  He then inserted his right index finger and scraped the condom clean.  Kyle could not help but laugh.

Chris pushed Kyle’s legs up and moved his feet as far back as they would go.  Inserting his two left fingers into the jelly he worked his way into Kyle.  Kneeling down close to Kyle he grabbed his slick erection and began sucking on him.

Chris started off by running his tongue around the head and then sliding his closed lips up and down the outside of Kyle’s shaft.  Kyle moaned and then bent his head backwards into the pillow as deep as it could go.  Chris was only a couple of inches inside of Kyle when he began finger fucking him rapidly.  Replacing his lips back on top of Kyle’s head he wrapped his tongue around as much of Kyle’s head as he could and started jerking his head up and down in rhythm to his left hand.

Kyle flipped the pillow over and placed it over his face to cover the noise he was making.  Chris could see Kyle’s toes curling up and feel Kyle’s legs thrashing around.  Kyle’s body thrust upward into Chris’ mouth was synchronized with his first orgasm.  Kyle’s cum was so hot that Chris pulled back off of Kyle’s cock to inhale one breath of cool air.  Swallowing the first two shots of cum, Chris collected the next three smaller shots inside of his mouth.

Kyle forcibly pushed Chris’ face off of his cock with both hands.  Chris stifled his laughter so he could hold Kyle’s cum in his mouth.  Chris looked off into space as he swirled his tongue around inside his mouth.

“Something wrong?”  Kyle asked sitting up on his elbows.  Chris grinned and pushed Kyle back down.  Chris placed his lips over his small pool of cum he left on Kyle’s chest and slowly released some of Kyle’s own orgasm to mix with it. 

Chris sat up for a second and swirled what was left in his mouth and decided, ‘screw him… this is mine’ and swallow the remnants he had left.  Chris dropped back down and used his tongue to mix both orgasms together.  He slurped part of it up and leaned forward to press his closed lips against Kyle’s open mouth.  Depositing his delivery, Chris returned to slurp up the rest for himself.  When Chris had finished and sat up Kyle sat up to meet him, both with their mouths full.  They shared a kiss as they both swallowed.

Chris rolled Kyle on to his back and began planting wet kisses all over his naked body.  He reached over and turned out his bedroom light on his nightstand.  Chris sat up on Kyle’s butt with his cock laying gently in between the crack of Kyle’s ass and shrinking slowly back to it’s flaccid state. 

Taking his finger he began to spell out the letters ‘I Love U’ on Kyle’s back over and over.

Derek came into his bedroom carrying a blank CD in his hand only to find Tyler typing away on his laptop at Derek’s desk.

“Whatcha doin?”  Derek asked.

“Answering a million emails… well, about 17 to be exact.”  Tyler said and Derek massaged his shoulders.

“Oh yeah… mmmmmm, that feels good.”  Tyler said.

Derek hit the power button on his CD player and found it was dead.

“What the fuck is wrong with my CD player?”  Derek asked.

“Never touched it before so don’t blame me.”  Tyler said as Derek pulled it out from his cabinet.

“There’s no power to it.”  Derek said and then hit the power button on his graphic equalizer.  “There’s no power to anything…” Derek mumbled as he looked behind the wall unit.  “My extension cord is gone!” 

Derek opened his bedroom door and yelled, “LUCAS!!!!!!”  Luke came running down the hallway and into his room wearing his pyjama bottoms and carrying Mango under his arm.

“Where the hell is my extension cord for my stereo?”  Derek demanded.

“I dunno…” Luke said and then grinned.

“You do know!  You have one minute to return it or find me another one.  If you don’t return with an extension chord I will tear your room apart until I find it.”  Derek growled.

“Well… ummm… Casey and I were building this wall of peanut butter jars and… umm… we put a light underneath it and…” Luke began.

“Looks really cool Luke.”  Tyler said and Luke stuck his head out beyond Derek’s body to grin at him.

Derek turned to Tyler and gave him the evil eye.

“But you shouldn’t steal things from your brother!”  Tyler added and then rolled his eyes at Luke when Derek wasn’t looking.  Luke laughed.

“You’re not helping the situation Ty.”  Derek said.

“You don’t pay me enough to help the situation.” Tyler said as he typed away on the computer.  Luke held his hand to his mouth to cover up his grin.

“Get me an extension cord now.” Derek growled.  Luke and Mango ran out of the room and he returned in less than two minutes with a blue extension cord.  He held it out for Derek to take.

“Is that from Dad’s office?”  Derek asked and Luke grinned while Tyler snorted.

“Let’s never speak of this again.”  Derek said to Luke and kissed the top of his head.

“What are you and Danny doing?”  Tyler asked.

“Danny is telling Mango and me a bedtime story.”  Luke said.

“Sounds cool?  What’s it about?”  Tyler asked.

“The Romans!”  Luke said.

“And?” Tyler asked.

“It’s about the Roman emperor Caesar Salad and his wife, Bigius Tittius.” Luke said and Derek snorted as he attempted to reconnect the wiring behind his CD player.

“Sounds pretty cool.  Can I come in and listen to?”  Tyler asked.

“NO!” Derek said and Tyler and Luke stared at him.

“Looks like you’re being forced to have sex with Derek again.”  Luke surmised aloud and Tyler burst into laughter.

“Get out Luke... now!” Derek said without looking over at them.

“C’mere and give me a hug and a kiss good night Pookster.”  Tyler said holding his arms open.

“There’s mouthwash under the sink in the bathroom.”  Luke whispered as he hugged Tyler.

“GET OUT NOW!”  Derek yelled.

“Derek!  Stop yelling!  You’ll wake everyone up.” Larry yelled from his bedroom.

“Our family is retarded.”  Luke said rolling his eyes. 

“Yes we are.  Night Pookster and sweet dreams, I love you.”  Tyler said.

“Love you too Ty!  I’m happy you are safe at home now.”  Luke went over and kissed the back of Derek’s head and then left the room. 

“Love you to Luke…” Derek said without distracting himself from reconnecting his stereo. 

Tyler closed his eyes for a moment and made a mental vision of Danny groaning as he lay naked in bed with Mango riding his ass.  Tyler laughed out loud.

“What’s so funny?”  Derek asked.

“Oh… nothing.  Just an email.”  Tyler lied.

Derek went to close the door to their bedroom and Luke came running and whispered in Tyler’s ear, “Danny says to tell you that you are sick, really sick.” 

Tyler laughed and Luke shrugged his shoulders.

“Yeah, yeah, I know… I’m leaving.”  Luke said to Derek as he ran back to his room.

“Should I ask?”  Derek said as he closed his bedroom door.

“Probably not.”  Tyler said as he returned to responding to emails.

Casey peeked into Kyle’s open bedroom door and saw Cody on his back with his right arm over his eyes lying underneath the covers.  Casey quietly closed the bedroom door and tiptoed up to the bed.

“Hey Casey.”  Cody said without moving his arm.

“How did you know it was me?”  Casey asked.

“Whom else would I be sleeping with?”  Cody asked with a grin as he peeked out from underneath his arm.  Casey hopped up on to the bed and crawled underneath the covers.  He slid over to next to Cody who in turn wrapped his arm around Casey. 

“Casey?”  Cody asked.

“What?”  Casey said.

“You know what!” Cody said patting Casey’s butt.  Casey sighed and reached down to the floor and grabbed his boxers. 

“Remember when you use to be fun?”  Casey asked giving Cody the evil eye followed by a cheesy grin while he pulled his boxers back on.

“Nope.”  Cody said and winked at Casey.

“Wanna measure?  See who is bigger.”  Casey asked.

“You’re a little perv tonight aren’t you?”  Cody asked shaking his head with a laugh.

“Tyler says I’m gonna be as big as him.”  Casey proudly announced.

“WHAT?”  Cody asked sitting up.

“Never mind… what’s a matter tonight?”  Casey asked.

“Nothing… I’m fine.”  Cody said.

“No you’re not.” Casey said. “You’re like all depressed or sumptin.”

“I’m really happy Casey.  I get to be with you for a few days and nothing could make me happier.” Cody said and then kissed Casey’s forehead.

“So then why are you so sad?”  Casey asked.

Cody pondered Casey’s question for a moment.

“Between you and me only?”  Cody asked.

“Always!”  Casey said sitting up as Cody lay back down on the bed.

“Derek and Tyler were having a fight and I was afraid that if they broke up that I would never see you again.  I was so upset about the possibility of not seeing you that I got angry with Tyler.”  Cody said and then covered his eyes with his arm from embarrassment.

“Are they going to break up?” Casey worried.

“No, they are fine.”  Cody said.

“No one will ever come between you and me.”  Casey said and he leaned forward and kissed Cody on the lips.  “I wouldn’t let them.” He added.

Cody wrapped his arms around Casey and held him tightly.  He pulled the comforter up over to two of them.

“I love you so much Casey.  I never knew I was capable of loving someone like I love you.  I have a lot of brothers now but you are my one real true brother.”  Cody said as one tear ran down his cheek.

“You smell good.” Casey said as he sniffed at Cody’s chest.

“Thanks.  It was time for my monthly shower.” Cody teased and Casey dug three fingers into Cody’s side and made him squeal.

“I’ll always love you Cody.”  Casey mumbled into Cody’s chest, as his eyes grew heavy.

“You are the greatest gift I’ve ever been given Casey.”  Cody said as he kissed the top of Casey’s head.

Cody rolled Casey over to his right side.  He turned out the bedside lamp and spooned into Casey’s backside.  Putting his arm under Casey’s neck, he pulled him in tight to his body.  Cody tapped Casey three times and Casey kissed Cody’s arm three times.

“Brothers…” Casey said softly as he drifted off to sleep.

“…Forever.” Cody said finishing Casey’s thought.

Derek pulled the covers back on the bed and turned on the lamp on his nightstand.  He turned off the overhead light and stood behind Tyler and again started massaging his shoulders.

“I love you Babe.”  Derek said.

“Love you too Derek.”  Tyler said as he reached back to take hold of Derek’s hands on his shoulders.

“Are you almost done?” Derek asked.

“Nowhere near but I didn’t plan on finishing it tonight anyway.”  Tyler said.

“Good.” Derek said as he reached over Tyler’s shoulder and pushed the power button on the monitor.

“Okay I’m done now… I guess?” Tyler joked.

“I have a song for you.”  Derek said.

“I don’t think you’ve ever had a song for me before?”  Tyler asked.

“I’m beginning to realize that there are a lot of messages in lyrics.”  Derek said and Tyler smiled.

“Stand up please?”  Derek asked and Tyler stood up.  Derek and Tyler began undressing each other.  “You know how they say that the wrapping on the gift is usually nicer than the gift itself?”  Derek asked and Tyler nodded. 

“Not in this case!”  Derek said with a wink.  Derek pushed the play button on his CD player’s remote control and then hit the repeat button.

“What’s the song?”  Tyler asked.

“It’s called ‘Happy Baby’ by Shaye.”  Derek said.

“Never heard of it…” Tyler pondered aloud.

“It’s Canadian so I imagine it would take you a little while to hear it.”  Derek said and Tyler narrowed his eyebrows at Derek.

“It’s my dedication of my love to you.” Derek said with a grin starting to form on his lips.  Tyler smiled as the song began.

“Standing in line at the grocery store reading magazines that say i should want more.  There's an old boyfriend, he looks my way I can't help but smile, I feel great today!  Last night's clothes, no make-up, drinking my coffee from a paper cup.

<Derek took Tyler’s hands in his and walked Tyler backwards down on to the bed while kissing him>

If this is it, for me baby, that's just fine I'm not looking anymore.  For what will make me happy baby, that's just fine, I'm not looking anymore.  Anymore.

So many places I'll never see but here and now is where I'd rather be.   Too many people searching so hard but they never look right in their backyard.  I've made mistakes, that's for sure, ain't that what your life is for?

<Derek sat up and undid his necklace and removed the pair of rings from them and then reconnected his necklace.  Derek kissed one ring and then he took Tyler’s left hand and put one ring on his fourth finger.  Derek took the second ring and placed it in Tyler’s open palm and the gently closed Tyler’s hand.  Tyler took the ring and kissed it and then placed it on Derek’s fourth finger on his left hand. >

If this is it for me baby, that's just fine, I'm not looking anymore.  For what will make me happy baby, that's just fine, I'm not looking anymore.

(More clothes, more cash, more things, more rings)  These lines upon my face, I'd be a fool to erase cause they show my place in this world.

<Derek leaned down and began kissing Tyler passionately.  Nibbling on each lip and then Tyler’s tongue.  Tyler wrapped his legs up around Derek’s back and pulled him down upon him as they continued kissing.  Tyler reached over and turned the lamp on the nightstand off. >

If this is it for me baby, that's just fine, I'm not looking anymore
For what will make me happy baby, that's just fine, I'm not looking anymore
If this is it for me baby, that's just fine, I'm not looking anymore
For what will make me happy baby, that's just fine, I'm not looking anymore.



<March 20th, 2006.  10:03 a.m. in the private chambers of Judge Harrison Wilkins. >

“Where’s Ty?”  Ryan asked as he pulled his legs under the bench in the hallway.

“He’ll be along.  He’s meeting with Adam.”  Cody said sitting beside him with his arms crossed.

Two police officers walked by them escorting a man wearing handcuffs.

“This place gives me the creeps.”  Ryan said as he spun his bracelet around on his wrist.

“Can I ask you a question?”  Cody said turning to face Ryan.

“Sure.” Ryan said as he continued to fidget uncontrollably.

“What changed your mind?”  Cody asked.

“What do you mean?” Ryan asked as he turned on the bench to face Cody.

“What made you decide to support Dakota?  It couldn’t be the bracelet because we didn’t give you that until after you decided to help.”  Cody said.

“You’re saying this is a thank you present?”  Ryan asked.

“No, not at all.  Think of it this way, you showed that you put the welfare of someone else ahead of your own personal feelings for the good of everyone.  That makes you someone we want in our family.”  Cody said as he took hold of Ryan’s hand.

“This really means a lot to me Cody.”  Ryan said as he rubbed the bracelet.

“You mean a lot to us as well Ryan.”  Cody said.

<Three minutes pass in silence. >

“I had two private meetings with Dr. Reynolds before accepting a meeting with Dr. Hutchinson and then with Dakota and Dr. Hutchinson.  Dr. Reynolds said in his own obscure way that forgiving Dakota for the sake of pleasing Ty was not only pointless but would increase the anger within me.  He said the only way I could do it was if I made it unconditional. 

Dr. Reynolds told me that repaying abuse with an act of kindness would do more to heal me within than anything he could do to help me.  Funny thing is that he was right!”  Ryan said with a smile as he stared at the wall across the hallway.

“Its been strangely liberating.  I actually breathed a sigh for relief when I decided this was the right thing to do.  I guess I did it for me as much as I did it for Dakota.  When I finally did meet with Dakota and Dr. Hutchinson I saw a shadow were a giant formerly stood.”  Ryan said sadly.

“No one wants to see anyone else suffer.  I think we can help Dakota get back on his feet.”  Cody said.

“Did you ever read the story ‘King Rat’?”  Ryan asked.

“Nope.  Never heard of it.”  Cody said.

“It’s set in a prison camp.  The King rat is a guy who makes a fortune swindling and selling stuff in prison during the war.  When the war is over and the prisoners are freed he finds himself alone and broken.  No one needs him and no one wants him.”  Ryan said softly.  “That is what Dakota has become and when you add that video and the years of abuse he has had, all the pieces seem to fit into place.”  Ryan contemplated.

“It’s not easy to watch a master be turned into a servant even if he was an evil master.”  Cody said.

“Do you think Dakota’s evil?”  Ryan asked.

“I have to give credit to Ty here because these are his words and not mine but I fully agree with him.  When you look deep inside Dakota’s eyes, beyond that powerfully intense stare he has you can see a scared little boy.  He’s like the bully of the schoolyard who is abused at home and takes his frustration out on those who can’t hurt him.”  Cody said.

“Can the bully be tamed?”  Ryan asked.

“Apparently love conquers all and Dakota will some day get out of jail and find that he has a family that really does love him.”  Cody said smiling at Ryan. 

Adam Fletcher and Tyler came down the hall.

“Are you boys all ready?”  Adam asked.

“Yes Sir.”  Cody and Ryan responded.

“Any questions?”  Adam asked.

“Do we have to speak?”  Ryan asked nervously.

“Not likely unless the Judge has a question for clarification.”  Adam said.

“Where do we sit in the court room?”  Cody asked.

“We’re not in a court room Cody.  We will be in the Judge’s chambers.  It’s like a boardroom.  You three will sit down on one of the sofas and the D.A. will be on one side and Dakota and myself will be on the other side with the Judge at one end.  There will likely be a court stenographer and a bailiff in the room as well.”  Adam said.

“Are we being sworn in?”  Ryan asked.

“No.  Think of this as meeting with a mediator.  It’s one of those ways the courts save the time of a lengthy trial.”  Adam said.

A man dressed like a security guard came over and whispered in Adam’s ear.

“Okay boys, they are ready for us.  I wonder where Dakota is?”  Adam asked looking at his watch.

All four of them entered the room and Cody, Ryan, and Tyler sat down on a leather sofa where Adam instructed them.

A gentleman in a flashy suit walked in carrying a large rectangular black briefcase in one hand and a grey overcoat hung over his other arm.

“Adam!”  The man said.

“Thomas.”  Adam said as he reached across and shook his hand.

“I’m not happy with the terms you discussed with my assistant.”  Thomas said.

“When was the last time you were happy Tom?”  Adam asked grinning.  Thomas didn’t smile.

“I’m willing to compromise with three years…” Thomas began but was interrupted.

“All rise please for the honourable Judge Wilkins!”  The Bailiff ordered and everyone stood up.  A heavy set grey haired man with silver half spectacle glasses walked into a large room covered in wood panelling and sat at one end of a long table. 

“Stick a sock in it Reggie.”  Judge Wilkins said.  “I’ve got a headache today.”

“Yes your Honour.”  Reggie said.

“Now… lets see here…  I’ve got statements from District Attorney Hopkins and Counsellor Fletcher…” Judge Wilkins said and then looked over against the wall to see three boys sitting together on a leather sofa.

“Which one of you is Dakota Thompson?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“Your honour?  My client hasn’t arrived yet.”  Adam Fletcher told the judge.

“Why not?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“I’m not sure Your Honour?  I called the Bethanna Institute and they said he had left.”  Adam said.

“Is there any reason why we can’t proceed D.A. Hopkins?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“No Your Honour.”  D.A. Hopkins replied.

“Counsellor Fletcher?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“We are prepared to proceed Your Honour.”  Adam said.  “I’m sure Mr. Thompson will be here momentarily.”

“Then you three young men must be…” Judge Wilkins began as he flipped through some papers. “Tyler?”

“Yes Your Honour.”  Tyler said.

“Cody?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“Yes Sir.” Cody answered.

“And that would make you Ryan?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“Yes Your Honour.”  Ryan said.

“Now I read the statements of… Doctors Steinman and Hutchinson.”  Judge Wilkins said.  “Where’s Carla?”

“Your Honour, this is a closed session so we don’t need a stenographer.”  Reggie said.

“Fine! Right.  Some days I’m surprised I can remember where I work.”  Judge Wilkins said to no one in particular.  D.A. Hopkins rolled his eyes.

“Got something in your eye Hopkins?”  Judge Wilkins yelled.

“Not now Your Honour.”  D.A. Hopkins said with a smile.

“So it seems we have all come to an agreement here?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“No Your Honour.”  D.A. Hopkins said.  “Counsel for Mr. Thompson and myself are at odds regarding his atonement.”

Judge Wilkins shook his head and then removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“And what would the D.A.’s office like?”  Judge Wilkins asked as he lowered his reading glasses.

“Five years in a maximum security facility but I’m willing to compromise with three years.”  D.A. Hopkins said and then added a smile.

“JUDGE!!!!!”  Adam yelled jumping up out of his chair.

“Down boy!”  Judge Wilkins said pointing at Adam.  “Don’t yell in my chambers, especially when I have a headache!”  A phone rang and Reggie answered it and left the room.

“Sorry Your Honour.”  Adam said and sat back down.

The door to Judge Wilkins chamber opened and Dakota appeared in an olive green suit with handcuffs on.  He smiled in surprise at seeing Tyler, Cody, and Ryan there.

“Take those damn cuffs off!”  Judge Wilkins yelled and then held his head.  “Christ, I need to start taking my own advice about yelling.  Reggie, you know better than to ever bring anyone in here with handcuffs on.”

“Sorry Your Honour.”  Reggie said as he freed Dakota.  Tyler immediately got up and hugged Dakota and tapped his back three times.  He could feel Dakota exhale a sigh of relief.

Adam got up and brought Dakota forward and sat him on the Judge’s left side in his own chair.  Adam moved back one seat.

“Mr. Thompson?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“Yes, Your Honour.”  Dakota said and stood up.

“There’s no need to stand son.”  Judge Wilkins said with a smile and Dakota sat back down.

“Thank you Sir… I mean, Your Honour.”  Dakota said.

“I’ve read the reports of Doctors Steinman and Hutchinson.  I’ve watched the DVD.  I read the statements of your three victims Mr. Thompson.  Now I want to hear what you have to say.”  Judge Wilkins asked.

“Judge!”  Adam protested.

“Counsellor Fletcher.  We’re in MY chambers and I call the shots.”  Judge Wilkins said and Adam nodded.

“Now son, in a courtroom you will be taught how to answer and what to say.  That is how our system works.  What I want is for you to tell me about what you have gone through.  The good, the bad, the ugly but most importantly the truth.” 

“Yes Your Honour.”  Dakota said.

Dakota recanted a forty-minute story of life with his father and grandfather.  He openly admitted to all he had done to Cody, Ryan, and Tyler.

“…Your Honour, I’ve made great progress in therapy.  I’ve been given the opportunity to apologize for my actions to Cody, Ryan, and Tyler.  Everyone keeps telling me that in time I will get over this and be able to move on but I don’t see how?”  Dakota said and the Judge gave him a strange look.

“I know what I did was wrong.  I accept full responsibility for it.  I know I will never do anything like that again but I can never forget what I did.  If I said anything other than that I would be lying.  I’m not even sure I ever want to forget how much I hurt them.  I don’t even understand how they can forgive me and… even love me?  If you want to lock the door and throw away the key I wouldn’t argue with you.”  Dakota said with tears streaming down his face.  Tyler, Ryan, and Cody were also wiping their eyes.  Adam simply shook his head.

“Thank you Mr. Thompson.”  Judge Wilkins said giving Dakota a nod.  “Mr. Thompson, did you know that your three friends have offered to post a bond for your release?”

“No, Your Honour.”  Dakota said still wiping his eyes.

“It’s not necessary.  We don’t do that sort of thing here in Pennsylvania.  You’re a young man, Mr. Thompson, and you’ve suffered a great deal.  You’ve also inflicted serious amounts of pain on those around you.  Your remorse and honesty is commendable.  I am recommending to your counsel and the District Attorney’s office that you remain in daily therapy until Doctor’s Steinman or Hutchinson say your are able to continue on your own.  I am also recommending three years probation.  You will be assigned a parole officer that you have to report to bi-weekly and he will fill you in on the do’s and don’ts.”  Judge Wilkins said.

“Your Honour, I must protest this complete lack of consideration for the crimes committed…” D.A. Hopkins began.

“Is this an election year Hopkins?”  Judge Wilkins asked.

D.A. Hopkins didn’t respond.

“Would you prefer no parole Mr. Hopkins?”  Judge Wilkins interrupted to ask.

“No Your Honour.”  D.A. Hopkins said.

“The jails are full and I believe based on these reports that Mr. Thompson can be rehabilitated.  I am also taking into consideration that Mr. Thompson won’t receive the help he needs behind bars and with the lack of support from his victims I suggest you think about what exactly you could achieve in a courtroom.  Mr. Thompson seems to have a great support team behind him and that is paramount to his rehabilitation.”  Judge Wilkins said.  “Is this matter considered closed now Mr. D.A.?”

“Send me the paperwork this afternoon Adam.”  D.A. Hopkins said coldly and Adam smiled.

“Thank you Your Honour.” Adam said.

“Son?”  Judge Wilkins called.

“Yes Your Honour.”  Dakota said.

“Don’t prove me wrong or I will bust your ass behind bars for an eternity or at least what seems like it.  <Tyler grinned and the Judge looked over at Tyler, lowered his glasses and returned the smile. > You have a strong support team that seems to want to help you.  I suggest that you use that support and don’t abuse it.  I want you to prove to yourself and the rest of us that you are better than your ancestors.  Very few get a second chance and since I don’t know you I have to go on the requests and recommendations I’ve received.”  Judge Wilkins said.

Tyler pulled out his cell phone and text messaged Derek ‘p-a-r-t-y’.  Tyler stood up and went over to the Judge.

“Thank you Your Honour for having faith in us.  We won’t let Dakota down.” Tyler said shaking the Judge’s hand.

“I’m sure you won’t.  I hear this all the time from family members but rarely from the victims themselves.  I hold you boys equally accountable here.  Without support, love, and direction, Mr. Thompson’s recovery will become a bigger challenge than it is right now.”  Judge Wilkins said and all three boys nodded.

“Can we take him home with us today?  We’ll return him tomorrow morning.  I promise!”  Tyler said laughing at his own words.

“It will take a few hours to do the paperwork Tyler.”  Adam said.  “He should be able to go to your place in time for dinner.”

“Just tell Lisa I said to put a rush on it Counsellor.”  Judge Wilkins said.

Tyler, Ryan, and Cody gave Dakota a group hug.  Dakota cried his eyes out.

“I told you that you would always have a home.”  Tyler said to Dakota.

“I don’t deserve this guys.”  Dakota said through his tears.

“Everyone deserves to be loved.”  Ryan said.  Cody and Tyler smiled at Ryan.

“Nuff said!”  Cody added.

“You want to do the honours Ryan?”  Tyler asked.

Ryan smiled and Hopkins, Adam, Reggie and Judge Wilkins leaned in to watch what was happening.

“Dakota, do you see this bracelet?”  Ryan asked.

“Yeah.”  Dakota said still wiping his eyes.  Hopkins, Adam, Reggie, and the Judge all moved in closer to take a look at Ryan’s wrist.

“We all have them, the three of us along with Derek and Danny.  It has inscribed on it ‘Fratres in Aeternum’.”  Ryan said.

“Brother’s forever.”  Judge Wilkins said and smiled.

“Yes Your Honour.  Brother’s forever.” Ryan said and pulled out a box and handed it to Dakota.  Tears began to flow down all four boys eyes as he opened the box.

“If you’re going to have to wear a handcuff then this is the best kind!”  Tyler said smiling at Dakota.

Cody undid the clasp and Ryan took Dakota’s hand and turned it over. 

As Cody put the bracelet on Dakota, Tyler said, “This represents our commitment to you as one of our brothers and a member of our family for life.”  Dakota put his arms around Tyler and smiled as his eyes welled up with tears.

“I have a family now!”  Dakota said breathing a sigh of relief as he looked at his bracelet.  Tears began to run down his face.  Judge Wilkins came up from behind and patted Dakota on the back.

“And a home.” Tyler added as all four boys shared a group hug.

***THE END*** 

(Yes!  Really!  It is the end!  Okay… there is still the epilogue to come)


Author’s note:  March 15th, 2007.

Congratulations!  You’ve just completed a multi-chaptered fictional story that is in the range of 800,000 words that took 18 months to complete.  Go ahead and pat yourself on the back for sticking it out.  If this were a published novel it would rank in the top twenty ever written according to wikpedia.  Putting the size of this story in perspective it can be noted that “War and Peace” by Tolstoy when translated into the English language was about 560,000 words.

“The Road Home” is a multi-chaptered, fictional story and nothing more.  I am not in any way, shape, or form comparing it with any of the classics but simply complementing and thanking you readers for having the perseverance to keep with this story.  There are no plans to continue the story or write anything further that would be connected with these characters.  If someone wants to recommend it to a publisher or HBO or whomever then please feel free to forward the link.  

For those of you who are reading this at a much later date the rest of this note may not mean anything to you and you are now excused...  ;)
 
I would like to extend my thanks to the members of the TRH Yahoo Group family for their encouragement and support.  Like all families, there have been good and bad times between us and with a family of over 2000 brothers and sisters simple disagreements can turn into world wars.  We all need to think and listen before we speak.  Sometimes I will read comments posted that say, ‘Can’t we all just get along?’ and start to laugh and say to myself… ‘Oh B’Jesus another tree-huggin hippie’ but then I think that we are already a minority and we can’t even debate amongst ourselves without getting into heated arguments.  How will we earn respect and equality from the rest of the world when we don’t show it to our own family members?  I’m just as guilty as many other members but I am actively working to improve on this weakness. 

If our own foundation is weak then there is no way for us to build upon what we have here and now.  While it is always healthy to debate issues and world events, we must be open-minded to hearing other viewpoints from within our family.  Respect and trust are earned by words chosen and not the amount of letters after your name.  There is a jpg (picture) out on the net that shows a physically and mentally challenged boy crossing the finish line in a race.  The caption reads, “Winning an argument on the internet is a lot like winning a race in the Special Olympics.   Even if you win you’re still retarded.”  This is NOT a comment on anyone with special needs though the picture is in very bad taste. Without wanting to start a debate on the political correctness of the choice of words or picture used, the spirit of the message is true.  Listen, learn, and educate others in that order.

The Road Home is a story of one boy’s search for love, family, redemption, finding his place in the world and nothing more.  If you readers haven’t picked up on the basic concepts of listening more, talking less, and extending a helping hand rather than feeling the world owes you something then you have missed the main themes of this story.  Or… I am a much worse first time writer than I thought? 

Each and every one of us can make a difference.  We can all give a little bit to make the world a better place.  The positive actions that each one of us contributes to the world every day really do make a difference.  Shovelling your elderly neighbours sidewalk, bringing something edible into your office to share with co-workers, and holding the door for someone else are a great start and you will fill better for having done it.  Little things do mean a lot and as a family, we need to reach out and show others by our actions and compassion that love will conquer all.  If you found this story to be inspirational then take that feeling and build upon it today!

TRH is very much a group project.  There are over 20 people who have been actively involved in helping this come to fruition and hopefully I have remembered to acknowledge them at the end of most chapters?  If not, please accept my apologies and thanks. 

I had a very easy job in writing this story.  I sat down in front of a keyboard and monitor and transcribed what ‘Tyler’, ‘Derek’, ‘Danny’, ‘Cody’, and all the other characters told me.  The tough job went to proofers who had to decipher the story that the characters were telling us.  This small core group who proofed (or have proofed) over the life of this story deserve recognition beyond anyone else.

These people make my writing legible and enable you to have a place to go and read the story.  TRH is nothing without the help I’ve had from Peter (Aus.), Paul (Aus.), Chris (U.S.), Pablo (Spain), Peter (U.S.), David (U.S.), TJay (U.S.), Nifty.org, Steve (U.S.), Greg (U.S.), Treb (U.S.), and Bret (U.S.) who has suffered me more than anyone else.  Only good and even great things will come from a dedicated group of individuals who share the same goal.  My love, thanks, and respect go out to these persons for their selfless and tireless patience and dedication.  These are the people whom you should thank!

~Tyler Peel~ 

tylerpeel@tickiestories.us

Posted: 02/05/09