Epilogue

The last day of classes had finally arrived and every student had their eye on the clock, except for Declan. He had let his mind wander once again leading his eyes to unintentionally linger on the empty desk beside him. The desk that would have been Riley, if he hadn't left. It had been almost six months, still it was a fact Declan had yet to come terms with. Sure, they still talked, emailed, even video chatted on occasion, but most of it was about Kyle to avoid talking about them, particularly their long distance relationship. To make matters tougher, they hadn't really communicated at all in the last two weeks because both of them had final to focus on. The bell finally rang and Declan could finally get out of the building that constantly reminded him of what, or rather who was missing. Grabbing the last of his things out of his locker he made his way out of the front doors of the school. As he neared the bottom of the step his eyes caught site of Anya, Clare, and a couple others standing around a picnic table. From behind the small group Declan saw none other than Riley Stavros peer out, calling across the way, "Miss me?" The slightest of grins across his face.

The group dissipated as Declan approached leaving the two guys and the baby alone. Riley's face grew slightly serious as he held his hands up next to his face confusing his boyfriend.

"Uh...What are you doing?"

"I talked to your sister." Riley explained, "Apparently you told her that when you saw me again, first you were going to hit me, then you would kiss me."

"I did say that." Declan set his bag down to grab ahold of Riley's, pulling them apart to give him a clear path to Riley's lips. "But I think we should skip the empty threat."

"I was hoping you would say that." Riley said just before Declan's lips got to his. It was simple, and didn't last very long. A loud string of noises interuppted them as Kyle decided it was time he got a little attention as well. The nine month old was picked up carefully, and Declan whispered to the boy just loud enough for Riley to bare hear it, "I've missed you so much, squirt." His voice returned to normal as he held on, "He's gotten so big, the picture you sent doesn't do him justice. He really looks like you."

Riley shrugged off the compliment and shrugged again when he was asked how they were doing, "He's doing fine, we've going to a play group for other teen parents...so he's making friends. Needs to work on his sharing. Oh..." Riley reached to pull a picture out of his pocket, "Picture from his first Easter as promised."

He didn't have much time to look at it before Kyle's tiny hand grabbed at his ear in attempt to taste it. There was a shared laughed before Declan dared to ask the question his mind kept pestering him, "How long do I have you two?"

Riley's eyes immediately went down ward, "Until Tuesday morning, it was all I could get off from work."

"Four days?"

"Which is why..." Riley slowly got up, taking Kyle and putting back into the carrier, "We need to head to the Dot?"

"We only get four days and you want to start it at the Dot?"

Riley rolled his eyes, "No, Jane got back last week, so her and Spinner have volunteered to watch Kyle for the night. Just you and me tonight, then the three of us for the rest of the weekend." His grin spread across his face and Declan found his face mirroring the look.

Hours later Declan found himself starring at the sleeping form of Riley laying beside him, and hand playing with hair he wasn't familiar with the Greek boy having. Four days wasn't much, but Declan didn't care. For once it felt like normal again, like the distance hadn't taken its toll. He smiled as he slipped his arm around the other sleeping man, closing his eyes knowing that for now nothing else mattered.

Author's Note:

So, there you have it the final chapter of 'Connection'. I hoped you guys like it. Some notes from me.

1. Yeah, I've kept Jane and Spin together b/c in this fic Jane never cheated w/ Declan and I thought the whole Emma/Spinner married thing was just a tad ridiculous and unrealistic (Coming from the girl whose written the Declan/Riley Mpreg fic, I know…but even I have my boundaries). And I also realized the last line was a bit cheesy...I had a little more planned but it was too long and didn't flow very well. I hope you enjoyed this none the less.

2. As with the last note of every story I write I ask that EVERYONE who reads, whether on not they've reviewed in the past, REVIEW. It's your last chance to say something and my last chance to hear from you for THIS story.

3. IF I get enough reviews (like 20 or 30, and I have strong evidence to suggest that there are at least 42 of you reading this story, just saying ) I will post the SEQUEL. But I want to make sure enough people care about it to invest the time.

4. If there is a sequel I have decided to work in Zane and Adam, and possibly Anya for those interested. If there is anything/ anyone else you would like to see in the sequel (if I post it) let me know via review. Also I need ideas for professions for Riley, Declan, Zane, Adam, and Anya...and Peter.

5. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has read, your continued interest and patience has made this all possible. So, hats off to you. Couldn't have done it without all of you.

6. Put this last because not everyone cares but to the couple of you who have asked in review or message. Yes, 8 languages…8 is my favorite number and to be multi-lingual is on my bucket list: So I'm fluent in English (obviously) and German, relearning Polish (I stopped speaking it at age 6, before I knew I would even make a bucket list), intermediate in Hebrew and ASL, beginning in Japanese, Welsh, and French. My roommate and his boyfriend like to tease me that I'm only using two useful languages (they won't tell me which ones)….before they go off in the random words they know from their high school Latin.