Justin was on his second plate by now. He loved the way that Emmett cooked. “Hi,” Alicia said and raised her cup. “Water, p’ease.” Justin smiled at her. He took the cup and went to the fridge. He poured her a little bit of water and then gave it to her. She smiled and then walked away with her mouth firmly latched to the cup to drink her water. Justin smiled and started serving himself more food. Ted and Emmett had hosted a family get together and everyone came, kids included. “You eat so much,” Chris said as he placed his empty plate in the sink. “That’s good for my ego and my cooking,” Emmett told them. Justin smiled and stood standing in the kitchen island while he watched the kids. “He’s going to turn fat someday,” Chris joked. “Shut up,” Justin said smirking. The rest of them were all over the apartment. Martha and Christopher hadn’t come because they had a previous engagement. Denise and Jack had stayed home because her husband needed to rest. Jennifer and Craig were sitting on the sofa talking and playing with Sheridan and Fiona. Brian was in a corner talking to Tobias, whom Emmett had made sure to invite. Debbie and Arthur were at the table talking with Vicky sitting in Debbie’s lap. All the kids were scattered around. Ted was talking to Melanie while they stood in front of the stereo. “What’s wrong with you?” Justin asked noticing that Emmett hadn’t laughed at Chris joke. “What?” Emmett asked. “Oh, I have a lot of things on my mind.” Chris frowned not believing his friend. “What’s wrong, really?” Justin asked. “I might not remember you from before but the Emmett I met is always happy and you’re looking gloomy.” Emmett sighed. “Yeah,” Chris added. “You have been very quiet.” Emmett frowned as he looked at them. He directed his line of vision towards Ted and frowned. “Are you two having problems?” Chris asked in a low voice. Emmett shrugged. “I’m going to take that as a yes,” Justin told him. “It’s just...I think that,” Emmett started talking but stopped himself. “That what?” Chris asked getting inpatient. “I think he’s seeing someone else,” Emmett said to Chris and Justin. “What?” Justin asked. “No way.” “Oh my god,” Chris looked towards Ted who was laughing at something that Melanie had said. “Are you sure?” “How can you be sure?” Justin asked. “For two weeks now he hasn’t laid a finger on me,” Emmett said. “And when I kiss him I feel like he’s pulling away.” Justin didn’t know what to say. If Brian ever pulled away from his touch he would die. “Are you sure about this?” Chris asked. “Maybe he’s been busy and gets tired and...” “Chris,” Justin said. “Stop it.” Chris sighed. “Okay, so have you looked into it?” Emmett shook his head. “I’m afraid of what I might find.” Ted walked over to them and asked Em, “can you take the wine out of the fridge?” Emmett nodded and did. He put it on the island. Emmett tried to kiss Ted but the man changed the angle of his face so Emmett ended up kissing Ted’s cheek. “Thanks babe,” Ted told him as he took the bottle and moved away. “See,” Emmett told them almost in tears. Chris and Justin looked at each other unable to say anything or offer anything, not even hope. They couldn’t do anything either except to be there for their friend. *** Justin opened the door and went inside with his two friends, Casey and Ashley. “This house is big, man,” Casey informed him. “We have to move soon,” Justin said. “Jill?” Jill came into view holding Sinead. “Justin, today they did it.” “Did what?” Justin asked. “It was wild,” Jill told him. “Brian came home with Liam not even an hour after you guys had left because apparently Liam hit or bit someone. I’m still not too sure what happened there and neither is Brian. Liam isn’t talking.” Justin sighed. “Then he left again because Sheridan jumped down the stairs with Keefe and Keefe broke his arm,” Jill told him. “He’s sleeping now.” “Oh my god,” Justin shrieked. “Guys this is Jill. Jill, these are my friends Casey and Ashley,” he said before he ran away. “Okay,” Jill said. “I didn’t even finish telling him what the girls did.” Justin opened the door to the boys’ room and found Brian in it with Tiernan in his arms. Justin looked at Keefe who was sleeping; his little arm was in a small cast. Sheridan was next to his brother running his hand over Keefe’s good arm over and over again. “Shhh,” Sheridan said putting his finger over his lips as he looked at Justin. Justin smiled and kissed both boys on the forehead. “Is he going to be okay?” Brian nodded and they walked out of the room. Justin kissed Brian on the lips. “My friends are downstairs. What happened with Liam?” “The teacher wants to see one of us on Monday,” Brian told him. “Illona and Fiona were fighting. Jill founded them grabbing on to each others’ hairs.” “Wow,” Justin said then frowned once he noted Brian’s appearance. “You look like hell.” “It was that fucking bitch,” Brian hissed calming his anger due to his youngest son’s presence. “A nurse at the hospital kept asking me if I had hit Keefe. I could have killed her.” Justin rubbed Brian’s arm. “Come on. I think you need a shot of beam and to sit down for a few seconds.” Brian bounced Tiernan who started fussing. He looked at the boy’s face and smiled when he saw the green eyes staring back at him. “Hey you,” Brian said as he held Tiernan. He was his spitting imagine. Not that the others didn’t look like him but Tiernan had most of his physical traits just like Liam was an exact copy of Justin. “Hi,” Casey said when Brian and Justin were back in the living room. “Hello,” Brian said and extended his hand to the guy. “It’s nice to meet you,” Casey said. “Yeah,” Ashley announced as she came out of the kitchen followed by Jill. “Justin talks about you all the time.” “Brian,” Justin said. “These are Casey and Ashley. They’re in my creative writing class.” “Nice to meet you,” Brian said looking at Ashley and then at Casey. “So, Sunshine, you talk about me all the time?” “Not all the time,” Justin said blushing before he went to get the drink for Brian. “Well it’s time for me to go,” Jill said. “I’ll call you.” Ashley smiled at Jill and nodded. Brian walked over to the living room and put Tiernan in his crib. Jill did the same with Sinead and walked away to get his things. “We came here to work on our homework,” Justin said to Brian. “Are you going back to work?” Brian shook his head. “I’ll stay around,” he answered as he took the drink that Justin was offering him. Justin walked away with his friends. He went by the girls’ room first before he tackled his work. They were now sitting in their bed playing together. “You have a big family man,” case told him. Justin smiled and nodded. “I wouldn’t change it for anything,” he said. No matter what had happened he was thankful for everything in his life. Justin had realized in the hospital how lucky he was to have such a wonderful family even if he couldn’t remember them. But his relationship with Brian and his children were his greatest blessings and what he was most thankful for. *** Chris was smiling as he and Tobias came out of the movies. He had barely paid attention to what was on the screen. He had a million thoughts running through his mind. “Do you want to go eat something?” Tobias asked. “Unless you have to pick up the kids.” “No,” Chris told him quickly. “They’re with their grandmother.” “So?” Tobias asked teasing. “Uh, sure,” Chris said smiling. “Come on,” Tobias said grabbing Chris’ hand. Chris felt like he was back in high school. He tried to calm his breathing and as much as he tried for them not to be, his palms were sweaty. “This looks as good as any,” Tobias said once they reached a nearby restaurant. They were still pretty much in the gay populated area. Tobias didn’t want to have any problems on his first date with Chris. “Yeah,” Chris told him. They went inside and were seated immediately. Chris and Tobias ordered and waited. They talked about trivial stuff for a while. Chris managed to calm his nerves. “Is it good?” Tobias asked after the food had arrived and they started eating. “Very,” Chris assured him. Tobias nodded and they continued eating and talking. Chris talked a bit about himself and his family then Tobias reciprocated. Tobias shared the reasons why he became a teacher and a few of his future goals. Chris also opened up about his aspirations but wasn’t as forthcoming about his future dreams prior to the accident his dreams had all included Michael. Chris wasn’t ready yet to imagine his future life, so he tried to concentrate on the present. But right now his current situation had promise and Chris was happier than he had been in a long while. “It’s been a nice night,” Tobias whispered as they walked to where they had left the car. “It certainly has,” Chris admitted. As they stood alone Chris fears rushed back. He didn’t know what to do or say. He crossed his arms and kept on walking. “Do you need help with the kids?” Tobias asked. “I wouldn’t mind.” “That would be great,” Chris told him. When they arrived at the Hobbs’ house Chris went inside as silently as possible. He came back with Vicky and handed her to Tobias and then went back for Andrew. They put the kids in Chris’ car where the car seats were. Then Chris drove home and Tobias followed. “Good morning, Mr. Hammond,” Vicky said as her ex teacher picked her up. She was still more in the sleep world than in the conscious one. Chris and Tobias looked at each other and chuckled. Tobias went inside and helped Chris put the kids to bed. “They’re adorable,” Tobias said as they walked back outside. “Thank you,” Chris answered. Tobias turned around as they stood at the front door. “I had a really good time with you.” “Right,” Chris whispered as he looked at the floor. Tobias grabbed Chris’ chin and made him look at him. “I would like to see you again.” “I guess we could,” Chris said very slowly. “I’ll call you,” Tobias told him. Chris nodded and swallowed hard when the man came closer. Tobias kissed him on the cheek. “Goodnight Chris,” Tobias muttered Chris caressed the man’s cheek and then leaned closer. “Goodnight,” he whispered before his lips ascended to kiss the taller man. It was a quick kiss but a definite invitation for the next time. Tobias was smiling widely. “Okay, I’ll see you.” Chris nodded as he went inside the house. When he closed the door he closed his eyes. He hadn’t felt so happy in such a long time. *** “I’m beat,” Brian declared as Justin got in the bed. “Poor baby,” Justin said smiling. “It’s not the same in your old age, is it?” Brian grabbed Justin by the waist and pulled him back while his body covered the blond. Justin laughed. “Oh, so you still have a few moves, old man.” Brian narrowed his eyes. “You’re so trying to make me fuck you, aren’t you?” “Is it working?” Justin asked as he thrust his hips up. “Well, me in my old age,” Brian whispered as he lowered his mouth to kiss Justin’s neck. “I might not be able to get it up.” Justin grinned. “I’ll still love you.” “Liar,” Brian told him. “I will, your ass would still work and there is also Viagra,” Justin commented. Brian arched a brow. “You have it all planned out.” “I’m your husband and father to seven,” Justin pointed out. “I have to have everything on a list.” The two of them laughed. “Do you think the kids are okay?” Justin asked. Brian and Justin had started to put the twins in the spare room. Justin had been asking the same question for over a week now. “Yes,” Brian assured him as his fingers found one of Justin’s nipples. “Mmm,” Justin closed his eyes. “That’s good.” “Yeah,” Brian hissed and then kissed Justin’s neck again. Justin sighed and trembled with the sensation. He smiled when he felt Brian’s half erect cock coming fully to life. “I want you so much right now,” Brian informed him. Justin nodded and said, “I’ll try to be quiet.” Brian scoffed. “Yeah, right,” he said and pulled back. He got on his knees and started taking off his sweats. Justin followed suit and took of his shorts. They both threw them to the side of the bed. Justin quickly reached for the lube and the condoms. Their movements were slow since they were in no rush. Brian devoured Justin’s lips as he prepared the smaller man. The blond tried to be as quiet as possible. He kept biting his lower lip as Brian played his body like an instrument, with precision and knowledge. Justin held on to Brian’s damp back as the brunet entered him. He would never tire of how well Brian possessed his body and soul. “Love you,” Brian grunted as he made love to Justin. The younger man moaned in response. He latched on to Brian’s neck as his hands pulled on Brian’s hair. Brian gripped Justin’s shoulders as their movements started to accelerate. Justin bit Brian’s shoulder when he felt his orgasm exploding. He closed his eyes and held on to the brunet tightly as he spilled his cum in between them. Brian hissed Justin’s name as he filled the condom to capacity. He held on to Justin’s trembling body never wanting the sweet sensations to end. He always wanted to be in the blond’s heart. “What you doing?” Liam asked. Brian groaned as he pulled out of Justin. “This isn’t happening,” he said. “I closed the door.” “Did you lock it?” Justin asked as he reached for the duvet. “Honey, what’s wrong?” Liam walked closer to Justin. “I want to sleep here.” Brian got up from the bed and quickly got into his sweats. He walked to the bathroom and came back as quickly as he had cleaned himself up and gotten rid of the condom. When he came back Liam was explaining to Justin that he had a stomachache. “Sonny boy,” Brian said as he picked Liam up. “I don’t feel good, daddy,” Liam said holding his tummy. He put his head on Brian’s shoulder. Brian disappeared with Liam. Justin quickly got up and changed the sheets. Then he went to take a shower. He figured that Liam would sleep with them since he wasn’t feeling well. He would stay with Liam in their bed while Brian went to take a shower. When he came out the room was still empty. He was sure that Brian was giving something to Liam to settle their kid’s stomach. Justin sat down and waited in bed. He frowned when Brian didn’t come back and went in search of them. The blond looked first in the kitchen but there wasn’t anybody there. So he moved to look for them in Liam’s room. He found Brian in Liam’s bed with the boy next to him. Liam was still awake while Brian was snoring. “Papa,” Liam whispered as he lifted his arms. Justin picked him up. “Are you feeling better?” “Daddy gave me a yucky medicine,” Liam informed him. Justin smiled. “Brian,” he said. “Mmm,” Brian answered with his eyes closed. “Come on to bed,” Justin said as he walked away with his son. He got in bed with Liam. He was in the middle of the bed with Liam tightly in his arms. He caressed the boy’s tummy until he fell asleep. The blond finally closed his eyes when he felt a pair of strong arms behind him. “I was quiet,” Justin muttered. Brian snorted. “Do you think he saw us?” Justin asked. “It’s dark,” Brian told him. “It wouldn’t be the first time we sleep one on top of another.” “So, do you think he heard us?” Justin asked. Brian shrugged. “I don’t know.” “Do you think he will ask?” Justin wondered. “He didn’t say anything,” Brian told him. “He asked what we were doing,” Justin replied. “We choose to ignore the question.” “I’ll talk to him later,” Brian assured him. Justin nodded and asked, “What are you going to say to him?” “I don’t know,” Brian answered. He kissed Justin quickly. “Go to sleep Jus, we’ll deal with it tomorrow.” Justin nodded and fell asleep as Brian hugged him from behind and he kept one arm around Liam’s waist to secure him in place. Brian wondered briefly what he was going to say to his son and then let sleep claim him.