I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. To the best of my knowledge they are owned by Disney.

I do not own the character Saiorse "Irish" Callan. She is owned by her creator Lady of Tir Na Nog, who has graciously offered the use of "Irish" as a character in this story.

I am making no money from this story. I seriously doubt the sanity of anyone who would pay money to read anything I have written.

Beta Credit goes to SakiSaki for her exceptional patience and editing skills.

Rated M for Slash, Sexual Situations, and Language.

CHAPTER 12 - Spider Man v/s The Incredible Hulk

Spot could hear his friends laughing from inside the gym as they caught up on lost time.

It was almost an hour since Mush had fallen asleep. The sudden realization that he'd separated himself from his friends over a misunderstanding was physically and emotionally draining.

Now he was sleeping soundly as Spot gently stroked his hair.

When Mush opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Spot, who seemed to be lost in thought and staring off into space.

Mush watched for a moment studying the familiar and not so familiar lines of his face. His steely blue eyes were as sharp and clear as ever. There were, however, a few tiny lines surrounding them that started in the corners and disappeared outward. The contour of Spot's jaw was longer and a bit more angled, and his cheekbones were slightly more defined. There were two tiny scars that had been added over the years. One was on his chin, and the other was on his left cheek. Knowing Spot as he did, Mush speculated that the scars had been earned in a fight or two. His mouth, however, was exactly the same. The ends still turned up the slightest bit, making him look like he was smirking even when he was very serious. The biggest change seemed to be the hair on Spot's face. The soft boyish whiskers that had shown only once or twice a week, were now replaced by darker and more coarse hair. The shadow on his chin and upper lip was evidence that he now had to shave every day. All in all it was a handsome face. It was the same face, but now stronger and more mature.

Spot was pulled back to reality when Mush reached up to feel the bristling whiskers.

"How ya feelin', Mushie?" he asked.

"I feel good, Spot. I don't remember how long it's been since I felt this good, but it's been years I can tell you that."

Spot put his arm around Mush and drew him to his shoulder.

"What were you thinking about just now?" Mush asked as he snuggled against Spot's chest.

"Nothing," he replied with a guilty smile.

"Come on, Conlon. Spill it!"

"The park," Spot answered plainly. "I was thinking about the park."

"Were you thinking about the time I kicked your ass, or the time we snuck into the park after dark?"

"First of all, you never kicked my ass!" Spot grinned. "Second . . . Well, what do you suppose that I was thinking about?"

Mush ran into the park and jumped onto a swing. "Hey, Spot. Do ya remember the first time we came to this place? It was right after ya moved here, remember?"

"I sure do, Mushie-boy." Spot said as he leaned on the metal frame of the swings. "We had a fight over who was the greatest super hero, Spider Man or The Incredible Hunk."

"Yeah," Mush laughed. "You said that Spider man was better 'cause he could shoot those webs out of his wrists and swing from building to building."

"Well, the only reason you said that The Hulk was better was 'cause you liked his muscles," Spot chuckled. "I remember ya saying that ya wanted ta look like him when ya grew up."

"And now I do!" Mush bellowed as he pulled off his shirt and flexed his muscles in the classic Hulk stance.

Spot looked at Mush's toned body and quickly averted his eyes. He instinctively reached into his pocket and pulled out a flask. He unscrewed the cap and swallowed a generous portion.

"Whatcha got there, Spot?"

"Whiskey," he replied, wiping the remainder from his lips with the back of his hand.

"Whiskey? I never tried whiskey before. Give me some, Okay?"

"You know you ain't used to drinkin'," Spot warned. "And besides, you won't like the taste."

"Oh, come on," Mush said as he wrestled for the flask. "Hand it over, Conlon!"

The feel of Mush's bare chest and arms rubbing against him made Spot feel very uncomfortable. He wasn't sure if the warm surge flashing through his body was due to the large swallow of whiskey, or the finely developed body pressed against him.

"Okay, okay," Spot hissed as he pushed Mush away. "You can have some, just back off'a me! And put your shirt on before you catch cold or somethin'."

"What's the matter, Spider Man? Are you afraid of the Hulk?" Mush grinned as he flexed his muscles.

Spot was grateful it was too dark for Mush to see that he was blushing. "Just put the damn shirt on, Super Hero. I don't wanna hear ya complainin' that you're sick tomorrow."

Mush pulled his shirt back over his head, then grabbed the flask. He took a large swallow and began to choke. The whiskey burned as it went down causing him to gasp for air.

"What's the matter, Hulk? Too strong for ya?" Spot laughed as he slapped Mush on the back.

"No. I just didn't expect it to taste that bad."

Spot took another drink then slipped the bottle back into his pocket.

"I really kicked your ass that first day we were here," Mush chuckled.

"Whadda you talkin' about, moron? You never kicked my ass!"

"I sure as hell kicked it that day! I had you pinned to the ground and you were beggin' me to get off of you!"

"I was beggin' ya to get off'a me because ya kept stickin' your armpits in my face, and the smell was makin' me sick!"

"So how long have we been friends now, Spot? What were we, ten or something when we met?"

"Somethin' like that," Spot replied.

Mush ran over and started swinging from the monkey bars. "I kept trying to make friends with you but you kept telling me to go away."

"That's' cause you were a pain in the ass," Spot smiled.

"I could tell that you wanted to be friends," Mush said as he flipped off of the bars and onto his feet. "Now how about sharing some more of that whiskey?"

"Okay, Mush. But be careful. This stuff is a little strong for you."

"Too strong for the Hulk? Never!" Mush declared as he took another swig.

Spot pulled the bottle away from his friend's mouth. "That's enough, Hulk. You're gonna make y'self sick."

"That stuff goes down a lot easier the second time," Mush giggled. "It doesn't taste half as bad now."

Spot rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Yeah. I knew that you wanted to be friends when you moved here," Mush continued. "But you were too much of a jerk to admit it."

"You were a pain in the ass and you know it, Mushie. You were waitin' outside da house for me every mornin' before school. You pushed in line next ta me in the cafeteria every lunch period, and you were waitin' for me every day after school so you could walk me home. Every time I went ta take a piss I had to look over my shoulder 'cause I was afraid you was watchin' me!"

"Well, it worked, didn't it? You finally admitted that you wanted to be friends, didn't you?"

"I had to," Spot grinned. "You were following me around like a lost puppy. I felt sorry for ya!"

"Bite me," Mush grumbled as he climbed back onto the monkey bars.

"You wish!" Spot laughed.

Mush was now swinging upside down by his knees. His shirt was hanging freely around his shoulders leaving his entire mid section exposed. Spot could see the line of hair that ran from Mush's navel and disappeared into his pants.

Again, Spot averted his eyes. "I wouldn't do that if I was you, Mushie. Swingin' upside down and drinkin' whiskey don't mix. You're gonna make y'self sick."

"Never!" Mush shouted as he swung his body back and forth. "The Hulk never gets sick!"

Spot could feel his face getting red, so he turned away and lit a cigarette.

Mush flipped off the bar and landed in front of him.

"Admit it!" Mush shouted as he shook Spot by the shoulders.

"Admit what?" Spot stammered, trying to pull away. He was sure that Mush knew he'd been checking him out.

"Admit it! The Hulk kicks Spider Man's ass!"

Spot breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that his friend hadn't noticed the attraction.

"Come on, Spottie," Mush said as he poked at the smaller boy. "Admit it! The Hulk rules!"

"Get da fuck of'a me you jack-ass," Spot demanded. "I ain't in da mood for your shit right now!"

"What's the matter?" Mush giggled as he continued to shove and poke at Spot. "Are you afraid of the Hulk? Hah, Spottie? Are you afraid, little girl?"

"I'm warnin' ya, Mush! I ain't in da mood for dis. Get da hell away from me or I'll--"

"Or what? Or you'll cry?"

Spot lunged forward and threw his shoulder into Mush knocking him to the ground.

The two were now wrestling in the dirt. Spot's temper grew as Mush continued to laugh.

"What's the matter, Spottie? Ya can't take it?"

Spot was soon overpowered by his friend's size and strength. Once again he was pinned to the ground with his arms pressed firmly in the dirt. Mush was sitting on top of him and laughing.

"What's the matter ya girl? Can't you take a little teasing?"

Spot was in an absolute rage. He was kicking and struggling wildly to get free. "Get off'a me you fucker of so help me I'll . . . I'll . . ."

Suddenly Spot stopped fighting and Mush stopped laughing. Neither moved nor made a sound.

They both realized it at the same time.

Mush had an erection.

He was mortified. Mush jumped up and turned away. "I've gotta go" he mumbled as he started to run.

Spot got to his feet and ran after him. "Come on, Mushie, don't go. You don't gotta be embarrassed in front'a me."

Mush kept on running.

"Come on, Mush. Stuff like that happens. It don't mean nothin'," Spot said as he caught up with his friend.

When Spot put a hand on his shoulder, Mush spun around and punched him in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Mush ran a few more feet and then stopped. He turned around to see his friend lying dazed on the ground.

"Shit! Are you all right, Spot? I didn't mean to hit ya like that. I'm really sorry"

Spot moved his jaw from side to side making sure that it still worked properly. There was a slight taste of blood coming from his bottom lip. He got to his knees and spat the mix of fresh blood, saliva, and dirt from his mouth and wiped his lip along his shirt sleeve.

"I'm okay," Spot said as he struggled to his feet. "What about you? Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I just . . . I mean I was . . ."

"It's okay Mushie. Stuff like that happens ta guys all da time. It happened ta me in health studies last year. Miss Glass called me up ta her desk ta show me what I did wrong on some test we had. Before I knew it, I was standing at attention. You wanna talk about embarrassing? I know she saw it too. I saw her lookin' at it!"

"Well, it's one thing to have it happen to you with Glass the Ass," he said timidly. "But this was different."

"It's da same thing, Mushie. It happens when it happens." Then gesturing toward his own crotch he laughed, "These things have a mind all their own sometimes."

"But I ain't like Race, and Cowboy, and the others."

"I know ya ain't, Mushie," Spot said as he handed Mush the flask. "Sit down and quit worryin' about it."

Mush took the whiskey and swallowed a Hulk-sized swig. The liquid felt warm as it moved down his throat. He shuddered slightly then passed the bottle back.

"Really, Spot. I ain't like the other guys. I like girls."

"So do I," Spot grinned. "Girls have a lot of nice things about them. For one, they don't try to stick their armpits in your face all the time."

"Hey! I haven't done that since we were kids."

"Good thing, 'cause I've smelled ya after gym class and ya stink even more now!"

Mush looked down at the ground and became quite again.

"Look, Mushie. There's no reason ta be embarrassed. We ain't got no secrets from each other. We could always tell each other anything, right?"

"I guess so."

"Whadda ya mean ya guess so? Ya told me about da first time ya went all da way, didn't ya? Ya said that ya did it when you were stayin' at your grandma's house. I still remember your exact words too. 'My grandma was out at a church meeting, and this girl from down the street came over and made a man out of me . . . Twice!"

Mush managed a slight grin and a quick look at his friend. "Yup. She sure did," he chuckled.

"And I told you twice as much as you told me," Spot laughed. "'Cause I told you about my first time with a girl, and my first time with a guy."

"Yeah. But you wouldn't tell me everything."

"The only thing that I didn't tell ya was who I was with," Spot said defiantly. "That's because it was nobody's business but mine and theirs. Besides, if I did tell ya who I was with then I would be tellin' ya their secrets and not mine. And I don't go around talkin' about other people's business. It just ain't right. It's like I always say, Spot Conlon don't kiss and tell!"

"You really mean that don't you, Spot?"

"A'corse I do. You should know that by now. I tell ya all my secret stuff and I ain't never told ya anyone's name, have I?"

Mush didn't answer. He just shook his head and stared at the ground.

"Mushie. Ya don't have to be afraid that I'm gonna tell anyone what happened cause I won't. It ain't anybody's business. And besides, it didn't mean anything anyway."

"But what if it did mean something, Spot?"

"Don't talk crazy!" Spot said as he went to stand up.

Mush took hold of the other boy's hand and pulled him back down. "Really, Spot. What if it did mean something?"

Spot was painfully aware that Mush hadn't let go of his hand.

"Don't tease me, Mushie," Spot hissed. "Ya know I can't stand being teased!"

"I'm not teasing you, Spot. I just don't think that what happened tonight was an accident."

"That's crazy, Mushie. This ain't you talkin it's the whiskey. Tomorrow when ya head is clear you'll forget all about what happened."

"But suppose I don't want to forget it?"

Spot stared into Mush's eyes. "Please, Mushie. Don't do this. You don't know what your sayin'."

"I'm not stupid!" Mush spat. "I'm not drunk and I do know what I'm saying!"

Before Spot could say another word, Mush leaned forward and kissed him. The kiss was soft, and sweet and gentle. Spot gasped in a breath as Mush's soft lips touched the cut on his mouth.

This can't be happening, he thought. This can't be Mushie kissin' me. This ain't sweet innocent Mushie Meyers.

When Mush opened his eyes, he was surprised by Spot's expression. He actually looked afraid. He had never known Spot to be afraid of anything.

For a moment Spot thought that he was dreaming. He was sure that he was going to wake up any minute. He reached over and placed one hand on Mush's cheek half expecting to feel nothing. But it wasn't a dream. He could feel the soft hair on the other boys face as he moved his fingers along the jaw. Spot's chest tightened when Mush closed his eyes and leaned into Spot's hand.

Mush's breathing became rapid as he brushed his lips across the palm of Spot's hand. The skin was rough and chapped and smelled like cigarette smoke. The sensation sent a flood of warmth through his body that settled in his groin.

Again Mush leaned forward, but Spot pulled away.

"Mushie, please don't do this. It ain't funny."

"This isn't a joke!" Mush said boldly as he leaned in for another kiss. The taste of tobacco, whiskey, and blood thrilled him as his tongue passed through Spot's parted lips. He heard Spot whimper as they kissed with more fervor and conviction.

Spot's blood was racing as he pulled Mush against his body. Now it was Mush that was making a sound. But this was not a whimper; It was a deep guttural moan that took them both by surprise.

"Are ya sure that ya know what you're doin', Mushie?"

"No, Spot," Mush replied. "I don't know what I'm doing. But I want you to teach me. I want you to show me what to do."

Spot reached under Mush's shirt and ran his hands over the strong muscles that lay beneath, then pulled the shirt over Mush's head. This time Spot didn't look away. This time his eyes drank in every inch. Spot's hands and mouth traced each line and every muscle that shown through Mush's taught skin.

The feel and taste of Mush were exquisite and more exciting than Spot ever imagined. When he'd find an area that was particularly sensitive he would linger just a bit longer to intensify the sensation.

Mush's mind raced as Spot explored him. He writhed as strong hands moved softly over his skin while moist lips and scraping teeth followed behind.

Spot breathed in the scent of soap and sweat and JucyFruit as he traveled the length of this flawless body.

Finally he made his way to line of soft hair that just minutes before made him blush..

It wasn't long before Mush uttered some indistinguishable words, then heard himself groan his friends name.

Spot held him tight until the involuntary shudders of aftershock subsided and his breathing returned to normal

Then it was Mush's turn. His desire to explore Spot far outweighed any apprehension he was feeling. He soon discovered a neck that was exceptionally sensitive. When he ran his mouth down its length Spot shuddered and threw back his head. Mush stopped at the base and gently pressed his teeth into the tight muscle.

Spot arched his back as a deep moan escaped his throat. He ran one hand through Mush's tight coarse curls and pulled him closer with the other.

When Mush continued, he fought to suppress a giggle when he realized that Spot was ticklish. Then any urge to laugh was erased when he saw the many scars on Spot's body. He knew that Spot never took off his shirt. Even when they went swimming he remained covered. Mush didn't have to ask how he got the scars. He knew they were gifts from Spot's father.

Spot cringed when he felt smooth fingers examining his old wounds. He had only allowed Tony and Mr. Higgins to see his injuries. Even Jack had never seen him without his shirt. Spot covered himself and attempted to move away but Mush stopped him. He gently kissed Spot on the corner of the mouth then pushed the shirt aside and continued on his journey. Mush examined and caressed and kissed each imperfection, gaining Spot's trust with every movement.

Mush was unsure and a bit clumsy but did his best to mimic what Spot had done to him. Then with some gentle guidance it wasn't long before Spot was the one calling the other's name.

The two remained huddled together for the longest time.

Finally Spot broke the silence. "Now what, Mushie?" he asked. "What do we do now? Do we go back to being buddies? Do we pretend that this never happened?"

"Are you sorry we did this?" Mush asked sheepishly. "Didn't you like it?"

"Of course I liked it, you moron. I loved it! But that ain't the point. We've got us a real situation here, Mushie. What we just did ain't da kinda thing that friends usually do with each other."

Mush didn't answer. He wouldn't even look at Spot. He just stared at his sneakers as he tied the laces.

"Okay, Mush. If you want, we can make-believe that this never happened and I won't ever bring it up again."

"But if you like it," Mush stammered. "I mean . . . I could do it. If was something you wanted. I mean --"

"Quit the double talk, Mushie. This is your decision. Do ya want me to be your pal or do ya want me to be more?"

"You are more than a pal, Spot. You're a lot more. I mean the word boyfriend sounds kinda stupid, but that's what you feel like. But it's kinda creepy . . . I don't mean that what we did was creepy but . . . Well, the word boyfriend is creepy. It's kinda, girly . . . Damn it, Conlon. You know what I mean!"

Spot had to smile as he watched Mush struggling for the right words.

"The guys ain't gonna find out about this are they?"

"Not if you don't want them to," Spot grinned. "You know what I always say –"

"Yeah. Spot Conlon don't kiss and tell."

Spot nodded in agreement as he tousled Mush's hair.

"Spot? Does this mean that you're my boyfriend now?"

"Only if you want me to be," Spot smiled.

"Yeah, I guess I do," Mush said sheepishly. "So then it's okay with you that we don't tell anyone. And maybe we could, ya know, do this again sometime?"

"Sometime?" Spot laughed. "Mushie-boy you do have a lot to learn. We ain't waitin' for sometime to come along. We're going to do this again right now!"

"Please, Mush. Tell me I didn't use a line as cheesy as that on ya."

"You sure did, Spot. You said those exact words. And that cheesy line worked too. That first time with you was the greatest thing I'd ever experienced, but the second time was even better!"

Suddenly both Spot and Mush realized how bizarre their conversation had become. They hadn't spoken for more than a third of their lives, yet they were holding hands and talking as though they were together only yesterday.

"I'm sorry, Spot. I'm sorry for what I did to you . . . For what I did to us."

Mush looked so sad and lost that Spot instinctively reached up and put his hand against Mush's cheek. The soft facial hair that was once so familiar was gone. Mush's face felt foreign and rough to his touch.

Mush leaned against Spot's hand and closed his eyes just as he had done so many times before.

Spot's chest tightened in a combination of desire and pain for the loss of what they once had. A sadness spread over him when he realized that he finally had Mush back. But this wasn't his Mush. This was a grown man with a child and a past and who just hours before hated the very air he breathed.

Mush looked at Spot and saw the anguish in his face. He leaned forward and kissed Spot as though it were the most natural thing in the world. A painful moan escaped Spot's lips as he returned the kiss. This was something he missed. This was something he'd dreamed about. This was something that felt more beautiful and hurt more deeply then he thought possible.

When Mush opened his eyes, he was stunned. Spot's steel grey eyes looked tired and red. The strength he had always seen in them was gone.

"I can't do this," Spot said as he pulled himself away. "I can't let myself be hurt again. I can't fall in love with you and find out that this is just some left over feeling ya have that's gonna go away. I survived it the first time, Mushie, but I just can't do this again."

"Spottie, I can't give you any guarantees. I know that I have to talk to someone like Dutchy to help me sort all of this out, but for the first time in years I am really happy. You and Katie are the most important things in my life. It's obvious that we can't go back to when we were kids, but maybe if you are willing to go through this with me we can have a part of that and something new together. I understand that you have no reason to want to take all of this on. But . . . But I still love you, and I think that you still love me. So maybe if there's a chance--"

"Hey Guys," Dutchy said as he stuck his head out of the doorway. "You mind if I stick in my two cents? I was kind of listening in on your conversation."

"I figured that you would be," Spot smiled. "I've worked with you enough to know how you operate."

"I make it a policy not to give professional advice to friends," he said as he sat down with them. "That's something that should be handled by an impartial therapist. But I think that I'd like to make an exception just this once."

"Do your stuff, Doc." Spot said as he winked at Dutchy. "Just don't try ta hand me a bill when ya finish."

"Look, Mush. You're right about having to talk to someone," Dutchy explained. "The last fifteen years aren't going away just because you want them to. You may not feel it now, but the anger you had toward Spot and the rest of us has left its scars. These scars need to be treated before you can go making plans for the rest of your life . . . And that goes for you too, Spot. You have kept your feelings bottled-up for a long time. Now that they have started to come out you can't put the cork back into the bottle. You need to speak with someone as well."

"Do you think that I'm crazy, Dutchy?" Mush asked timidly. "How can I want to be with Spot after having hated him all this time? And if I really cared for him back then, how could I believe that he could have done that to me?"

"No, I don't think that you are crazy," Dutchy assured him. "You suffered an intense trauma that caused your judgment to become clouded. I also don't think that you hated Spot. You may have hated what you thought he had done, but you didn't hate him. You weren't looking for revenge. You were trying to get his attention and to show him how he made you feel. I think that you loved each other back then and that you still love each other. If you didn't then you wouldn't be out here playing kissy-face."

"Kissy-face, Doc?" Spot asked sarcastically. "What is that, some kind of medical term you shrinks are using these days?"

"As a matter of fact it is!" Dutchy laughed as he slapped Spot in the side of the head. "Now, what I suggest is that you begin couples therapy as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more confused you'll both become."

"Couples?" Spot asked. "I haven't been with Mush since I was eighteen years old. I don't think that we qualify as a couple!"

"When you get your medical degree you can question my judgment," Dutchy warned. "Until then, let me do my job. I have a friend who is an expert in these cases. If you want, I'll call him first thing Monday morning and we can set up an appointment."

"Spot, I don't want you to agree to this because of me," Mush assured him. "Either way I'm going to let Dutchy connect me with someone I can talk to. Don't think that you have to carry me because you don't. I am going to be fine."

"Shut-up, moron" Spot laughed. "Make your call, Dutch. I wanna do this."

"It's as good as done," Dutchy said as he got to his feet.

"Thanks, Dutch," Spot whispered as they shook hands.

"Don't thank me," Dutchy replied. "This is what I do. I'm a super hero myself, you know. I'm Super Shrink! Champion of the oppressed and helper to those less fortunate and less adorable than myself!"

"Adorable?" Spot questioned. "You? . . . Adorable? . . . Hardly!"

"Bite me!" Dutchy laughed.

"Please!" Spot chuckled. "Not in front of the Misses!"

"Hey. Who are you calling Misses! I'm not--"

Mush's words were silenced by Spot's lips.

"Now tell me about this kid of yours," Spot grinned. "I think that she and I'd better get to know each other."

Mush pulled out his wallet and handed Spot a picture. "This is Kaitlin. I call her Katie for short."

The likeness was amazing. She was the spitting image of Mush. The only difference between the two was that the little girl had honey brown hair that fell in soft ringlets.

"Damn, Mushie. She looks just like you."

"It's a good thing she does," Mush said. "Her mother did a lot of catting around and I was pretty worried until I got my first look at her."

"Well you don't have to worry about that," Spot assured him. "There's no way this kid came from anybody but you!"

"I know," Mush grinned. "But the blood test they made me take when I applied for custody sealed the deal."

Mush ran his finger over his daughter's picture. Spot couldn't keep from smiling when he saw the pride on Mush's face.

"You and Katie have a lot in common," Mush giggled. "She's only three and a half and already she's got a fresh mouth."

I think I'm gonna like this kid," Spot grinned. "Now, whadda you say we go back inside and face the music?"

"Do you think that we should say anything about us getting together again?" Mush asked.

"Again? They don't know that we were ever together."

"You mean that after all this time you didn't tell anyone?"

"Why would I? You said that you didn't want anybody to know so I didn't tell them. You know what I always say?"

"Yeah," Mush said as he stole another kiss. "Spot Conlon don't kiss and tell. But I don't want to keep any more secrets if it's okay with you?"

Spot leaned Mush against the wall for a deeper kiss. Then they went back into the gym.

"Dear, me. What have we here?" Tony asked when he saw the two holding hands. "Has something new developed when we weren't looking?"

"Not something new," Spot replied. "This is old news."

"Well, this is quite a surprise!" Tony smirked. "But then you always were good at keeping secrets, weren't you, Spot?"

"Hey guys," Chris called. "Take a look at what Itey's got here. It's that picture that Mr. Denton took of us the day of the rally."

Everyone gathered around Itey to see the picture.

"I've always hated that picture," Tony grumbled.

"Why is that?" David asked.

"Take a look at Chris and Spot over on the end. Doesn't it look a little strange to you? It looks like they are doing something that the two of them better not have been doing!"

"You know that you've always been the only one for me," Chris smiled as he gave Tony a kiss.

"I remember this," Jack said. "It was in the paper the day of my party."

"That was some party," Tony said sarcastically.

Chris put his arms around Tony and gave him a supportive hug.

"Yeah, that's a party none of us will ever forget," Spot grumbled.

END Chapter 12