Neo and Aiden made their way back to their dorm room after a long weekend at 'home.' Neo was sullen, having been made to spend the weekend alone without Aiden. He grinned privately to himself remembering Saturday night and the intense three-way he'd had with Adam and Jake.

"Here we go," Aiden said as he pulled out his key and opened their dorm room. The boys walked inside and put their respective things away. They sat down on the couch and snuggled together.

"I had a three-way with Adam and Jake," Neo bluntly said. Aiden was immediately pissed off, but stopped himself. He thought about it a minute and sighed.

"I hope you had a good time," he said to Neo softly.

"I had a fucking blast, but there was only one thing missing that would have put the icing on the cake."

"And what was that?" Aiden asked.

"You," Neo said flatly. "I missed you Aiden. I missed holding you in my arms," Neo said with a sob.

"Baby, you know I missed you too. This sharing thing is hard on all of us."

"Don't start, Aiden," Neo huffed. "We've already had this discussion." Aiden sighed. There was no fixing the situation he found himself in.

"I really did miss you, Neo," Aiden said softly. That was the right choice of words as Neo melted into his embrace.

"I'm hungry," Neo said out of the blue.

"Okay, lets head down to the cafeteria and see what's available," Aiden said with a smile. They got up and headed out the door. Neo looked up as they went out the room and saw Collier standing there talking with someone. Collier turned and his eyes bugged out.

"Neo? Neo!" Collier gushed.

"Hi Collier," Neo said softly. Aiden put his arm around Neo protectively. Collier glanced at Aiden and smiled a friendly smile.

"What are you doing here?"

"I go to school here, Collier." Collier stood up straight in disbelief.

"What?"

"I go to school here, Collier. I have millions in the bank. It might be new money as opposed to your old money, but I am a millionaire. How is your dear old dad? I checked in with mine. He has a black eye and a broken nose," Neo said with a smirk. Collier took a deep breath.

"We're you here the other day? I mean, did you happen to, ah …"

"Yes, we were and yes we did," Neo said matter of factly.

"So, it really was you?"

"Yes Collier. Aiden and I double fucked you." Collier felt faint and fell against the wall.

"Jesus, I thought I was dreaming." Collier gathered his wits. "I am so sorry things ended the way they did, Neo. I am truly sorry." Collier glanced at Aiden. "You have a true treasure under your wing. Treat him with love and respect or I'll kick your pretty blond ass." Aiden smiled.

"You've nothing to worry about. He's captured my heart and I his. We love each other with no questions asked. I understand you two had your time together. I accept that. Just understand that that time is securely in the past."

"Understood, but if you two ever wanted a third, I'd be honored," Collier said with a bow.

"Offer accepted. Thank you," Aiden said.

"What the fuck? You two assholes are negotiating for sex with me? Fuck you both!" Neo screamed and took off down the hallway.

"Oops," Collier said with a smile. Aiden looked at him with murderous eyes.

"Listen, asshole. Do not fuck with Neo and do not fuck with me. I will put your dick in the dirt before you can say 'please don't'! That boy, that man, that person, that wonderful loving boy … he means the world to me. I love him with all my heart. He is everything to me and I will fight tooth and nail to protect him. You do not want to fuck with me!" Collier smiled as he looked the beautiful blond boy over. Neo was a lucky boy to have found this blond haired blue eyed beauty. Collier was almost jealous, but remembered his choice.

"I am so happy he found you," Collier said softly. "It is obvious you love him. I had my chance and I blew it. Now, it's your chance." Collier looked Aiden in the eyes. "Don't do what I did. Please don't hurt him like I did. Love him. Cherish him. Keep him close to your heart. Neo is a boy that deserves to be loved, unconditionally. Bask in his love. Lavish him with your love. Neo is the one person to have ever broken my heart. No, he shattered it. I don't think I'll ever be able to love someone the way I loved Neo. He was my first love and you know, you never forget your first love." Collier paused. "Consider yourself blessed beyond imagination, Aiden. But just so you know, I will continue to love Neo with all my heart. He did that to me. They say to love someone, you must give them away. I give him to you, Aiden. Treasure him and give him your love. I am so happy he found you." Aiden tentatively reached out and hugged Collier.

"What you've said has impressed me and I am humbled by your words. It is obvious that you truly care for Neo, as do I. Neo is the one person I want to spend the rest of my life with. He's the perfect match for me. I will love him, respect him, honor him, and cherish him for the rest of my life."

"Do you really mean that?" came the quiet question from just around the corner. Neo and Collier turned around. "Both of you. Did you both mean what you said to each other?" Neo asked with a tear in his eye. Both Aiden and Collier smiled back at Neo. Aiden rushed forward and wrapped him in a hug. Seconds later, Collier wrapped his arms around both of them.

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

The knock on the door surprised Benji. Usually, people just came in. He glanced at the clock. It was just after nine pm. He got up and opened the door.

"Hey, Benji. Can I come in for a bit?" Noah was standing in the door. His face badly bruised and some stitches were still holding together a small cut over his left eye. There were many more bruises unseen, hidden by his clothes. Benji and Collier had seen him naked before getting him dressed. He knew what was there, despite the clothes. The cops had taken him to the hospital.

"Sure, Noah. Come on in. Your face looks much better. The bruises will be gone before you know it." The boys went over and sat on the only couch in the room.

"I just wanted to thank you again. You guys have become good friends. We study together. We have scorching hot sex together. You are one lucky boy to have mister hot stuff as their roomie. Collier is just really hot," Noah gushed.

"He is that." Benji agreed.

"When he kicked the door in and tackled asshole Grayson, he looked so strong, even with all the pain, I wanted him to take me right then." Noah blushed at his admission.

"Collier won't be topping anytime soon. He's turned into a big old bottom," Benji said with a grin.

"Really?" Benji nodded. "Wow! He really does have a nice bubbly butt. I bet he won't take Andy up his ass," Noah said with a grin. Benji smirked. Noah's face went slack. "He took your eight inch cock up his ass?"

"And he swallowed the whole thing too," Benji smirked.

"We've got to change the subject. My dick's getting hard." Benji laughed and Collier walked in the door.

"Hey Noah, how's it hanging?" Noah groaned.

"Funny you should walk in just now. We were just talking about you," Benji said with a wink.

"Were you now?" Collier said with a grin as he sat down next to Noah and put his arm around Noah's shoulder. Collier looked at Noah and noticed the pink cheeks. Then he glanced down at the big lump in Noah's shorts. Collier smiled and winked at Noah.

"Seriously, how are you doing? Your face looks much, much better than the last time I saw you."

"Thanks, I actually feel pretty good. I'm still a little sore here and there. The doctor says that's to be expected." He sighed and continued. "My biggest problem right now is the nightmares. I … I keep seeing him … comming after me. In my dreams, I keep struggling to get away. I always wake up as I see his fist coming at my face," Noah said with a sob. Collier pulled him in close as Noah laid his head on Collier's shoulder.

"Stay with me tonight. I'll keep you safe," Collier said softly. Noah physically relaxed into Collier's side.

"I'm gonna get a soda. Can I bring you guys one?" Benji said as he got up.

"Sure, thanks roomie." Benji returned from the dorm fridge a moment later and handed cold sodas to Collier and Noah. Benji opened his and took a sip.

"The last time the three of us were together in this room, if I remember correctly, we were all naked," Benji said as he looked at the two boys on the couch and gave them a wink. Noah chuckled and Collier smiled.

"That was some time ago," Noah sighed. "A lot has happened since then and Collier, thank you again for saving me from Grayson."

"You're welcome. To be honest, I just finished beating the shit out of him and threw him out the door naked. That mother fucker." Noah sat up and looked at Collier.

"Naked?" Collier blushed.

"Yeah, we were having a three way and asshole got way out of hand. I was sucking Benji's cock. I knew Grayson was getting ready to fuck me, but with no warning whatsoever, he just rammed his cock all the way in my ass. Then he slaps my ass so hard, I thought I got shot. So I whipped around on my back and kicked him hard in the chest. I can't quite remember what happened after that. I know I was in a rage I was so pissed off." Noah had his mouth open in disbelief. Collier reached out, closed it with his finger and gave Noah a million dollar smile.

"Holy shit. He was always rough and domineering, but he never did anything like that."

"He'll never do anything like that again," Collier said confidently. He glanced back down at Noah's lap. The lump had gotten bigger. Collier smiled. "So, Noah," Collier started as he reached out and gave Noah's lump a squeeze. "How'd you like a nice blow job to take things off your mind?" Noah's mouth fell back open in disbelief. Collier leaned over and shoved his tongue in Noah's open mouth and gave him a hot kiss. Benji dropped his shorts and started pumping on his cock. He was in for a good show.

"S - sure Collier. I'd like that. Are you sure you wouldn't like me to suck you?"

"No, no. I really want to suck you and make you feel good. I want you to cum down my throat because I'm going to deepthroat you. It makes me happy to do that."

"Okay." Collier moved to his knees. He carefully slipped Noah's shoes and socks off. Then he reached up and started undoing Noah's shorts. Noah lifted his butt off the couch and Collier slipped them down and off. Noah's thick six inches stood proudly straight up in the air. A pearl drop of precum resting on the piss slit. Collier's mouth watered.

Collier leaned up and wrapped his lips around the head and swiped the precum off with his tongue. He sucked the head and pulled off with a 'pop.' He pushed Noah's legs further apart. Noah got the message and scooted further out on the couch until his balls were hanging off the edge. Collier looked up at Noah, smiled and winked as he rested his forearms on Noah's thighs. Collier gave the cock a tongue bath. He moved to Noah's balls and sucked them in, rolling them around on his tongue. Noah's head fell back on the couch and he groaned at the wonderful feeling between his legs.

"Collier, oh Collier. That feels so good," he purred as he ran a hand through Collier's blond locks. Balls slipped out and a wet tongue made a hot slick slow swipe from balls to the head, where slick pink lips wrapped around the head. Collier teased the piss slit. He looked up and locked eyes with Noah as he slowly lowered his head until Collier's nose was in Noah's pubes. Collier flexed his lips and winked at Noah. It was the singularly most erotic moment Noah had ever experienced. Collier lifted back up about halfway and eased all the way back down again, eyes still locked on Noah's. Collier moved one of his arms and reached between Noah's legs gently wrapping his fingers around Noah's balls. As he gave them a gentle squeeze, he winked at Noah again. Noah groaned.

Benji got up and dropped to his knees behind Collier. He reached around and unfastened Collier's shorts. He pulled them down. Collier raised his butt and then one knee at a time as Benji took his shorts off. Benji was tempted to fuck Collier, very tempted, but decided not to. Noah was infatuated with Collier. He wanted Noah to experience Collier all to himself. Benji patted Collier's butt and returned to his chair to watch the erotic show unfolding in front of him. He grabbed the Swiss Navy lube and pumped a glob or two on his hand. He slicked up his hard eight inch cock and pumped it slowly while he watched Collier bob his mouth from Noah's cock head to Noah's pubes.

"Collier, oh God Collier," Noah moaned. He carded both of his hands through Collier's soft hair. Hot tight slick lips and tongue were working magic on Noah's cock. Collier sped up. Noah groaned.

"I'm getting close," Noah panted. Collier slammed his nose in Noah's pubes three times, finally burying the cock deep in his throat. He swallowed. "Oh fuck, yes, oh Collier," Noah said as his cock exploded. Collier felt it pulse in his throat. He withdrew to the head and let the last hot spurts splash across his tongue. Collier drove back down to Noah's pubes and sucked hard as he slowly came back up. He teased the piss slit and let the head go with a 'pop.' He leaned forward and gave Noah a long slow kiss. Collier brought his hand up and put it on Noah's cheek as he deepened the kiss. It wasn't a demanding kiss, but it was intensely erotic.

As the kiss ended, Collier leaned back and grabbed the Swiss Navy lube. He turned around so Noah could watch. He pumped a glob of lube on his middle finger, reached around and pressed it into his hole. Noah moaned as he watched, slowly stroking his still hard cock. Collier put another glob in his hole. Noah was mesmerized. His eyes were locked on Collier's slick pink hole.

Collier slowly stood up and turned to look at Noah. His look was full of lust, tempered with true desire. He took two steps up to the couch. Noah reached out and squeezed Collier's cock. He smiled as he looked up into blue eyes. Collier put one knee on the couch, then the other, straddling Noah's cock.

"Collier, what are you doing?"

"I'm going to put your beautiful cock into my hot slick ass and ride it until we both cum. That sound good to you?" Noah nodded in wonder as the boy he knew as a top, prepared to ride his cock. He glanced over at Benji, who grinned and nodded while stroking his big cock. "Okay, Noah, guide your cock in my hole." Collier lowered until he felt the head. He lowered just a bit more and felt the head pop in. Noah groaned. Collier lowered his ass slowly. Noah felt the hot wet velvet smooth heat surround his cock as he watched one of the most beautiful boys he knew, take his cock in until it was fully seated. Noah groaned again. Collier wiggled his butt a bit sliding the last half inch in. He grabbed the back of the couch and lifted halfway, then eased back down, grinding his ass down on Noah's delicious hot cock. Noah looked up into Collier's eyes. Collier started moving up and down, all the while keeping his eyes locked with Noah's.

Collier couldn't remember the last time he'd made love like this. Since the beginning of summer term, his life had been a blur of hot sex. Afterwards, it was always a relentless search for somebody new. What he was experiencing at the moment, didn't feel like that. It was something meaningful. Something to be cherished. Something that made his cold heart suddenly get warm again for the first time in a long time.

Noah met each of Collier's down strokes with up strokes. They sped up and skin slapped skin while eyes stayed locked. It was a hot scene to watch and Benji's strokes up and down his cock sped up. He knew this was coming to a very hot finish.

"I'm going to cum, Collier," Noah puffed. Collier sped up for a moment, then slammed his ass down hard three times in a row, burying Noah's cock in his ass. Collier came. Hot ribbons of cum blasted out hitting Noah in the face. Noah groaned, his eyes still locked with Colliers. Noah felt Collier's ass clamp down on his cock with each blast of cum. Noah's mouth fell open as he came, pumping a huge hot load of cum into Collier's tight ass.

Collier leaned down and kissed Noah. It was a gentle, almost loving kiss. They heard a groan and turned to watch as Benji's big cock spit eight, nine, ten hot ribbons of cum into the air. Benji groaned again.

"You boys put on one hell of a show," Benji panted. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you two were lovers. That was intensely erotic. Thank you for allowing me to watch." Collier turned back to Noah, whose cock was still buried in his ass. They kissed slowly again with arms wrapped around each other as Collier rocked gently on Noah's cock.

"I think I'm falling for you," Noah whispered into Collier's ear. Collier's heart sang. He tightened his arms around Noah. Yes, this was what he was looking for all along. He wanted love back in his life.

"I'm glad," Collier whispered into Noah's ear. "Because I think I've already fallen in love with you." He eased Noah's cock out of his butt and stood up. He held is hand out. Noah took it and Collier helped him stand up. Collier hugged Noah.

"Let's go over to my bed. I want you hold you in my arms while you make love to me," Collier whispered into Noah's ear.

Later that night, Noah climbed back into Collier's bed. They kissed a nice slow kiss. Noah turned on his side while Collier spooned up behind him. Collier put his arm around Noah and laid his head on the pillow next to him. Noah smiled as he felt Collier rub his nose in his hair and kiss his neck.

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

The middle of the night phone call was unexpected. Neo glanced at the clock. 2:14 am. Calls this late never brought good news. Neo watched as Aiden's face fell and slowly turned to anguish. The phone slipped from Aiden's hand. Aiden suddenly found it hard to breathe as giant sobs tried to come out. Neo frowned.

"Aiden," Neo said softly. "Aiden, what is it?" Aiden's shoulders started shaking just before he fell over on the bed gasping. "Aiden, you're scaring me." Aiden took a deep breath and let out a scream.

"Noooooooo!" Neo wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and pulled him up against his chest as Aiden was consumed in grief.

"Aiden, please, what's happened?" Aiden's red eyes slowly looked at Neo.

"He … He … Henry …" Neo tightened his arms. Aiden didn't have to say any more. Neo immediately knew Henry had died. Aiden cried great big heart wrenching tears. Neo just held him tightly. For more than half an hour, Neo just held him until he finally cried himself to sleep.

Neo woke up as someone shook his shoulder. Neo blinked his eyes and looked up.

"What?" he mumbled sleepily.

"I've got to go home, Neo," Aiden said in a shaky voice. Neo sat up.

"Oh Aiden, I'm so sorry." Neo reached out and hugged Aiden. "Are you okay to drive?"

"I'll be fine."

"I'll get dressed and come straight home. Whatever you need, Aiden. I'm here for you." Aiden gave him a small smile.

"Thanks, Neo."

"I love you Aiden." Aiden nodded his head and headed for the dorm room door. He picked up his backpack and opened the door, disappearing as the door was pulled closed. Neo jumped out of bed and scrambled to gather his things and get dressed. He glanced at the clock. It was six forty-two in the morning. The sun was just coming up. Neo grabbed his phone and sent a quick text to Adam. Everything he needed was already at the apartment, so he just grabbed some essentials and put them in his backpack.

He crossed the hall and opened Benji and Collier's door. He glanced at Collier's bed and couldn't help but smile. Noah was wrapped in Collier's arms. They looked so happy together. Maybe Collier had found someone to love. He went over and shook Benji's shoulder.

"Wha … what?" Benji mumbled as he opened his sleepy eyes.

"Benji, Aiden and I are leaving. Aiden's, uh, well, Aiden has had a death in the family." Benji came fully away.

"Oh God."

"He's already left and I'm walking out the door. I just wanted you to know," Neo said sadly.

"You let me know if you need anything, okay? Anything at all."

"Thanks, Benji."

At seven oh three, Neo started his car and headed home. He figured that Aiden was driving to Henry's house. He would call him later in the morning.

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

Noah woke up disorientated. It startled him at first, but the arm holding him tightened. He sighed as he remembered who the warm body behind him belonged to as it scooted closer. A mouth started kissing his neck. Noah thought that he could get used to waking up like this every day.

"Morning Noah," Collier said quietly in his ear. Noah leaned back against Collier, luxuriating in the warmth and closeness. Everything was wonderful and even got better as his butt rubbed up against something hard.

"Someone's glad to see me," Noah said softly as he pushed back on the hardness a bit more. Collier groaned.

"Someone has to pee too," Collier said with a chuckle.

"I have someone that needs to pee too." Collier pulled the covers back and they got out of bed naked. Noah followed Collier to the ensuite and stood side by side as they both took their morning piss.

"Well, isn't this the perfect picture of domestic bliss," Benji said as he walked into the bathroom, also naked, yawning and scratching his ass.

"Good morning roomie. Sleep well," Collier asked with a huge smile on his face. Benji looked at him through hooded eyes.

"Well, somebody's cheery this morning," Benji mumbled. Noah turned and grinned. "Fuck, two cheerys this morning. I think I'm going to throw up." Collier wrapped his arms around Benji and gave him a big hug.

"I have not had time to piss in your Cornflakes, oops, your Fruit Loops yet, so you have to be cheery too." Collier let him out of the hug and Noah stepped in and gave him one as well.

"Shower Collier? I heard there's a water shortage, so I think it'd be best to share," Noah said with a grin.

"Excellent idea." Benji just shook his head at the love birds. At least Collier was happy now.

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

Adam came racing out of his house the minute Neo pulled in his parking space. Neo got out and was greeted with a huge hug.

"God, Neo, how's Aiden? Where's Aiden? Oh yeah, he probably went to Henry's house. Do you even know where it is? Neo, talk to me."

"I would, Adam, but you've been talking non-stop. You need to calm down. I've thought about this the whole drive home. Listen, can you grab my backpack? I've gotta piss bad."

"Sure."

"Meet me inside."

"Okay." Neo took off like a shot. He punched in the security code on the newly installed alarm system and unlocked the door. By the time he finished with the toilet, Adam was sitting the backpack on the bed.

"I need something to eat, let's go to the kitchen," Adam nodded. "All any of us can do right now is just be here for Aiden. I'm going to call him a little before lunch and see what's up. Right now, I'm giving him space. He and Henry were together for almost five years. God, Adam, when he got the news … it was horrible. I literally felt like my heart was breaking. All I could do was hold him as he screamed 'no' over and over." Neo sobbed. Adam hugged him tight.

"Sit down at the bar and I'll fix you some breakfast. Go ahead. I got this," Adam said. Neo nodded and sat at the kitchen bar. Adam opened the refrigerator. "Let's see, eggs, bacon, oooh, sliced tomato, cut up cantaloupe, some cottage cheese …"

"Adam, stop it. I can't eat a whole lot right now. How about an egg and cheese sandwich?"

"Okay, but it's going to have a slice of tomato on it, and a couple of slices of bacon and the bread will be properly toasted and buttered. Okay, I'll get started on that, but first, juice, coffee or both?"

"You know you can spoil me anytime," Neo said with a small smile.

"Gotcha! First smile I've seen on your face today. You're getting both by the way." Adam got busy and tried to keep up a conversation. He didn't want Neo to have time to worry about Aiden.

Later in the morning as Adam kept up the banter, Neo started glancing at the clock on the wall. It was the clock he bought with Aiden at that funky store called Black Lion. Neo had seen it and fell in love with it. He had to have it. It was two hundred dollars and Aiden objected. Neo wore him down and finally they rode home with the clock in the back seat. Aiden had hung it on the wall.

"Neo. Neo!" Neo turned to look at Adam. "You didn't hear the question, did you? No need to answer. I'm about tired out of keeping you talking so you won't think about …" Neo sighed.

"I was watching the clock because I'm calling Aiden at eleven, which is seven minutes from now. I remember buying the clock with Aiden. I have so many memories in this apartment in the short time we've lived here. Look, over there we had our first three way. And over there you and Jake watched me ride a dildo." Neo looked at the bed. "And over there is the bed. It was the first place Aiden and I made love," Neo sobbed.

"Fuck," Adam thought to himself. "This is exactly what I've been trying to avoid all morning."

"Neo, Neo, pull yourself together. You have a phone call to make and you do not want to be crying when you call Aiden. You need to sound supportive," Adam said. That did the trick as Neo calmed quickly. He grabbed a tissue and blew his nose and wiped his eyes.

"Thank you, Adam," Neo said calmly. He pulled out his phone and hit call.

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

Aiden sat in the living room at home, well, Henry's home and the only home Aiden had known for almost five years. All of Henry's friends were there. Ninety percent knew about Aiden and the love Henry had for him. They offered their condolences, quietly giving him warm hugs, which Aiden welcomed. He was still in shock. Sure, Henry had been eighty years old. They had talked about this day and Aiden knew what he was supposed to do. The ten percent that didn't know about the love shared between Henry and him, quietly talked amongst themselves, some even having the audacity to point at Aiden with looks of disgust on their faces. Aiden decided he needed to pull a Neo. He stood up abruptly and took a deep breath.

"I love Henry … I loved Henry with all my heart. He meant the world to me. He saved me almost five years ago. He welcomed me into his home, into his life and yes, into his bed." Many in attendance nodded their heads, but the few in the corner frowned. "We shared common interests. We shared our love of music and the arts. We shared our love of gardening and mostly, we shared our love of food. Henry taught me the skills he learned. He was a culinary expert and now, thanks to Henry, I am too. So, you fuckers in the corner over there, who keep pointing at me in disgust, you can just fucking leave. Get the hell out. You may have known Henry, but you didn't know him like I did." The assembled people looked toward the corner. "Get the fuck out of my house!" Aiden screamed. Several of Aiden and Henry's closets friends came and hugged Aiden. The people in the corner finally left. Aiden looked at everyone else. "Thank you for loving Henry. Thank you for being here today. God, I miss him!" Aiden said as he dissolved into tears.

Aiden sat on the couch, greeting each of his and Henry's friends and sharing fond memories. Aiden found himself laughing at times and crying at others. He got something to drink and disappeared into his bedroom, his and Henry's bedroom. His cell phone hummed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw the call was from Neo. He sat down on the edge of the bed and answered.

"Aiden, it's Neo. Is this a good time?"

"God yes," Aiden said with a sob. "It's good to hear your voice."

"Are you okay, shit, of course you're not okay, but do you need anything? What can I do?"

"Can you come over? I really need a hug right now."

"Give me the address and I will be right there." Aiden gave him the address and hung up. He fell back on the bed, grabbed a pillow and inhaled Henry's scent. Aiden dissolved into tears. He wrapped the pillow to his chest and cried himself to sleep.

Aiden woke up to someone shaking his shoulder. He rolled over and looked through tear stained eyes and saw Neo. He threw his arms out and Neo fell into them, wrapping Aiden in love.

"Thank you for coming. I really need you right now," Aiden sobbed.

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

Collier's phone rang on the way to class. He looked at the caller ID and saw it was from the family lawyer. Collier thought that strange but answered it anyway. The more he listened, the more he drifted into shock. He slid down the wall, ending up on the floor, and listened to the lawyer speak. He looked up into Noah's frowning face as he hung up from the call.

"What's wrong?" Noah asked.

"My parents have been killed in a plane crash," Collier said matter of factly. He actually grinned.

"Jesus, Collier, I'm so sorry," Noah said as he dropped to the floor and wrapped Collier in a hug.

"It's fine, Noah. It's perfectly fine," Collier said with a smile. "That mother fucking son of a bitch is finally out of my life and I just inherited over a billion dollars!" Noah looked at Collier with wide eyes. He looked really close.

"Your mom and dad just died and you're happy?"

"I hated them both. My father was just like Grayson and my mother never gave me the time of day. So, yes, I'm happy. Good riddance to them both. I have the houses, the cars, the cash and most importantly," Collier paused and looked Noah in the eyes. "I have you."

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

The attorney met with Aiden, who insisted that Neo attend the meeting. They met in the formal living room. Aiden sat on the couch with Neo by his side.

"Aiden, I am so sorry for your loss. It was Henry's final wish that I read this to you and to Neo as well." Neo tightened his arm around Aiden. The lawyer pulled a sheet of paper from a file and read it.

"Aiden, if you are hearing this, something bad must have happened. I have asked Charles to read this letter to you if I died." Aiden tightened his arm around Neo's shoulder. "Aiden, you have made my life worth living. When I found you that day in the park, I fell in love. You were perfect and the love you gave me was wonderful. It filled my heart. You have meant so much to this old man. You gave me hope. You gave me security, but most of all, you gave me your love. For that, I am eternally grateful. I have instructed our attorney Charles to transfer the house, the cars and my entire financial portfolio into your name. He will take care of the legalities of it all." Charles paused.

"Any questions so far?" he asked. Aiden, with tears streaming down his face, shook his head no. Neo could feel the love in the words and finally began to understand the relationship Aiden had with Henry. Charles nodded and continued reading.

"Neo," Charles started. Neo sat up, not expecting to be addressed. "You came into Aiden's life and captured his heart. He told me all about you. We would sit in the den by the fireplace and he would talk about you until the embers had burnt out. It was obvious that he had fallen head over heels for you and, I was okay with that. I'm an old man and I knew Aiden needed someone to love him when I was gone. The way he talked about you, lit up his eyes. It made me remember the first love of my life, Chandler. We had many, many years together before I lost him to cancer. I was devastated. I was left with a giant hole in my heart. I remained a recluse for many years until Aiden came into my life. He brought me back to life, and he filled that hole in my heart, but I knew he would only be part of my life for a few short, cherished years. I am so thankful that he found you, Neo. Aiden is special, as I'm sure you would agree. Keep him close, Neo. Love him and cherish him. Grow old with him and enjoy all the riches he brings to your life. I know I've left everything I have to Aiden, but I want you to be a part of that, so I have instructed Charles to include you as well."

"So that's it," Charles continued to read. "You two are set for life, so don't fuck it up. Aiden, I love you. You made my life complete. I only wish for you and Neo to have at least half the joy you brought me. If you do, you will celebrate each day as a gift to cherish. Enjoy your life, Aiden. I will love your forever."

*** Neo *** Neo *** Neo ***

A red sports car pulled up to the curb. The driver got out and walked a short distance to a bench and had a seat. He only had to wait a few moments. A yellow sportscar pulled up to the curb. The driver got out and walked over to the same bench and sat down.

"The funeral was sad, Aiden, but at the same time it left me with hope." Neo reached out and covered Aiden's hand with his own. Aiden smiled a small smile. "I understand now. I finally understand and I apologize for it taking this long." Aiden turned to Neo. "I finally understand the love you and Henry shared. To me, it would be like putting on a favorite pair of jeans. They would be comfortable. They fit perfectly and they have a happy history. At first, I was jealous of Henry. I wanted you to stay and sleep with me, but you went home to Henry. I understand that now. The love that grew between us grew like a weed, fast above ground, but the roots were growing slowly. Does that make any sense at all?" Aiden turned his hand over and intertwined his fingers with Neo's.

"Of course, I understand, Neo. I fought with myself. You were like a big fat juicy steak in front of a hungry tiger. You were, and are for that matter, practically irresistible." Aiden grinned and continued. "I wanted to spend two hundred percent of my time with you, but then I would come home to Henry." Neo tightened his hand hold on Aiden. "There were times when I would come home with tears in my eyes. He would hug me and hold me and tell me that things would work out. He said I needed patience," Aiden said with a chuckle.

"I remember the day you told me this bench was our bench," Neo said as a tear rolled down his cheek. "It is one of my happiest memories."


Click the picture for a larger view

"Let's buy it and take it home," Aiden said with a grin. Neo turned to him with a frown.

"Can we do that?" Aiden laughed.

"Yes, Neo, we can buy the bench. We'll buy a new one or two or even a dozen for the park. They will be happy to give us this bench." Neo squealed with happiness and clapped his hands.

"Let's do it! And let's put a plaque on one in honor of Henry," Neo suggested.

"Consider it done," Aiden said with a smile. The boys embraced at the exact same spot and on the exact same bench where they met.

"I love you, Aiden."

"I love you too, Neo."

The End


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"Grayson"

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