Author's Note * Here it is. Sorry it took so long and thanx for the groovy reviews. This chapter is dedicated to you 'lycanthrope.'

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"Crash Shiggadda Boom Woom Boom!!" was the noise that made Kevin Chiu-Wu somersault down the stairs and land in Ninja Tiger Attack Mode. Kevin Chiu-Wu eyed two buff-looking old men lying on top of a shattered display case.

"Whatchyoutinkyoudoink?!" scolded Kevin Chiu-Wu through pursed lips.

"Um - Uh - Well - Like - Dude," were the responses of the two senior delinquents.

"Buy lots of weed or get out!" ordered Kevin Chiu-Wu.

Just then, Ken Wu sauntered in from the shadows of the basement, followed by a cloud of smoke. "What's the commotion, my love?" he inquired.

Just as Kevin Chiu-Wu was about to speak, a squeal was heard from the senior delinquent with the washboard abs and the black bandana. The two mystery men looked at each other and their eyes lit up. "Little Bash Brother!" they exclaimed in unison.

"Dean Portman and Fulton Reed! It's been so long! Come down to the basement and join me for an eighth or so. There is somebody down there that I think you'd like to see."

As the threesome descended the staircase into the dark, Kevin Chiu-Wu headed for the closet to get the dustpan. He sighed with the realization that this was not going to be the last reunion to take place today.

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After the initial "Hey's" and "How have you been's" they all sat down in the über-comfy couches and started the rotation.

Ken turned to Fulton, "What have you been up to lately? Are you and Portman still running that mechanics business?"

"Yeah. It's grown a lot and is now a multi-million dollar company."

"If you guys are so rich why aren't you shopping on Rodeo Drive?" inquired Charlie with a Texas twang as he paused before taking a hit.

"For one, we don't live in L.A. and, two, there aren't many places on Rodèo Drive where we can buy what we came to buy. This place was kind of secluded, and we like to keep our 'purchases' low-key."

Ken passed the bong and then directed his attention to Portman, "What are you guys doing in China Town anyway?"

Portman reached for Fulton's hand as he began to speak. "Well," he said, "Fulton and I renewed our marriage vow's today and now we are on our second honeymoon." Fulton leaned over and kissed Portman softly on the lips.

As Charlie stared at them he couldn't fight the bittersweet twinge of pain he felt in his heart. His mind wandered back to his days at Eden Hall. One day after hockey practice he and Adam were sitting in their room, watching a movie, just hanging out. Charlie didn't remember how it had happened but he could practically feel Adam's lips against his own as he remembered that amazing kiss. The only kiss that ever meant anything real to him. Adam was the only person Charlie had ever loved. A feeling of longing swelled through Charlie's body and - "Charlie, snap out of it!" Portman punched Charlie in the arm and held out the bong.

"Oh, sorry. Congratulations guys. I'm really happy for you two."

The small talk began again and Charlie's thoughts drifted from the confusion of his adolescence and to the here and now.