Disclaimer: I still own nothing associated with Glee. Sadly.

Beta Credit goes to the amazing jlbassmaster.

The Plan That Actually Worked
Chapter Five: Explanations

Sam's parents turned to face their son. Waves of apprehension and anxiety were rolling off him. His mother took his hand.

"What's wrong, sweetie?"

"Nothing's wrong, mom," Sam sighed and steeled himself. "It's about Rory."

Mr. and Mrs. Evans exchanged a knowing look, but let Sam continue. They knew the importance of him actually speaking the words. "Mom, dad, Rory isn't my friend."

His mother squeezed his hand and gave him a peaceful smile, but he kept his eyes locked on his father. When his father opened his mouth to speak, Sam let out a breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Does he make you happy, Sam?" he asked plainly.

"Yes, sir," Sam answered, smiling sheepishly. "I love him."

"That's all that matters, then, buddy. We just want you to be happy."

Mrs. Evans nodded her agreement. "We love you no matter what, baby. We always have."

"I love you, too." Sam's voice was thick with emotion.

His parents launched into the usual line of questioning.

How long have you been going out? When did you know that you loved each other?

Sam happily obliged, answering all of their questions, pouring his heart out to his parents about how much Rory meant to him and how he felt when they were together. His parents laughed as they listened to Sam list all of his favorite things about Rory, his hands gesturing animatedly as he ran through his mental list.

"You sound like you're fourteen again, Sammy," his mother laughed. Sam's face was lit up with pure joy. He had felt so guilty about not telling his parents sooner that all of the pent up excitement over being in love came pouring out. Sam laughed freely at his mother's words.

"I've just never felt this way about anyone before. I love him so much," Sam replied with a smile.

"He's a very, very nice boy, Sammy. I can see that he cares about you every bit as much as you care about him," his mother replied easily; his father nodded in agreement, smiling at his son.

"He's amazing," Sam stated plainly.

Sam's parents shared a smile at their son's enthusiasm. It had been too long since Sam had gotten to just be a teenager. They were grateful to see that their son was finally getting have the normal teenage experience. Rory made their son happier than they'd ever seen him, so they couldn't find any reason in the world to protest. Anything that put the heart-stopping smile they'd missed so much back on Sam's face was in their good graces. It had been so long since they'd gotten to see him truly smile.

After about twenty more minutes of animated chatter about Rory, Sam yawned widely. His parents laughed, because he'd been talking nonstop, that yawn being the first breath they'd seen him take in almost ten minutes. His words had been rushed and excited.

"Baby, I think you need to go to bed," Sam's mother offered, stroking her fingers along his cheek. Sam smiled and nodded, hugging his mother and starting toward his bedroom.

"Sam," his father said, standing up.

"Yes, sir?"

"I'm so proud of you."

Sam turned and walked toward his father. Mr. Evans pulled him in for a hug. "I love you, buddy."

"I love you, too," Sam said thickly.

"Be good to that boy, he loves you."

"Don't worry about that," Sam answered, laughing, "I love him, too, dad."

Sam got inside his bedroom and closed the door. The tranquility of the room washed over him as he watched Rory sleeping peacefully. He smiled and crossed the small room, easing himself into bed beside his boyfriend and gently pulling him into his arms. Rory unconsciously snuggled closer to Sam, his cheek nuzzling against the blonde's chest as he slept. Sam sighed contentedly and buried his nose in Rory's hair, listening to his soft snores and slow, even breathing. Rory's warmth so close and the peaceful sounds slipping past his lips was dragging Sam into unconsciousness quickly.

Before he fell asleep, Sam said a silent prayer of thanks. He was happy beyond his wildest dreams. He had found the love of his life and his parents couldn't have been more supportive. He'd never dreamed he could ever get so lucky. He slid impossibly closer to Rory and drifted peacefully to sleep.

"Sammy! Sammy, wake up!"

Rory was the first to open his eyes; Stacy was jumping excitedly on their bed. He lifted his head from Sam's chest and shook him slightly. He was a heavy sleeper. A groan escaped Sam's lips, his arm came up to rest over his eyes. He was still half-asleep. Rory laughed quietly.

"Sam, I think your sister wants you out of bed."

"Seems that way," he mumbled.

Rory tried to slide away, but Sam held him close. "Sam..." Rory warned nervously.

"Don't worry about it. We're not hiding anything."

Rory beamed and cuddled back into Sam's side.

"Sammy, mommy wanted me to wake you up for breakfast. You too, Rory," she blushed as she looked toward Rory.

"Thank you, Stacy," Rory said happily. "We'll be right out." He sat up and kissed the little girl on the cheek. Her face flushed crimson and her eyes flew open wide. She flashed her hand to her cheek and started giggling. Sam had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing, and Stacy tore out of the bedroom.

Sam sat up and rested his chin against Rory's shoulder. "Good morning, baby."

"Good morning, Sammy."

The blonde turned his head slightly and pressed a kiss to Rory's neck before sighing contentedly. "I told my parents about us." His voice was breezy.

"You did?" Rory's voice was anxious. "What did they say?"

"They told me be good to you," he laughed. "They adore you, Rory."

Sam kissed his boyfriend on the head quickly before climbing out of bed and heading toward the adjoining bathroom. When he came back, Rory was rifling through his duffel bag.

"Damn," he swore quietly.

"What's the matter?"

"I forgot to pack my pajama pants."

Sam quickly dug through his own bag and tossed a pair of cotton pants toward Rory. "Here ya go. Can't have my family seeing you in your undies."

The blonde watched his boyfriend slip on the pants and readjust his shirt, twisted from sleeping. Sam smiled at the untidiness of Rory's hair. It was sticking up in odd places and was mostly free of the gel that normally held it in order, allowing some of his brown hair to fall across his forehead. Sam loved how Rory looked all the time, but he preferred his "fresh out of bed" look. It was natural, beautiful.

Sam walked over to Rory and wrapped his arms around him, kissing the boy sweetly on the lips. "Ya know," Sam said easily. "I could get used to waking up next to you." He brought their lips back together, feeling the way Rory's turned up in a smile against his own. Rory pulled away slightly.

"I love you, Sam," he said quietly.

"I love you, too, Rory," Sam replied happily. "Come on, let's go get some breakfast."

Rory nodded, his heart fluttering as Sam laced their fingers together and led them toward the door. He was a little nervous. This was the first time he'd be introduced to Sam's family as his boyfriend. His fears were instantly erased as the pair stepped into the kitchen. Sam's mother took in the boy's contact and a bright smile broke across her face.

"Good morning, boys," she beamed. "Food's on the stove."

Sam gestured for Rory to take a seat at the table. "I'll make your plate. Go sit."

They ate slowly, spending more time talking than actually eating. Mr. Evans was intensely curious about what made soccer so popular in Ireland. Rory had laughed before launching into a very animated explanation for why football, Rory had corrected Mr. Evans, was the greatest sport in history, sparking a very spirited debate over whether or not the game should be called football or soccer. The blonde couldn't help but laugh at the bond that had already been forged between Rory and his father. Sam sipped at a cup of coffee slowly, listening to their banter.

There was a comfortable lull in the conversation, when Stacy piped up.

"Rory, are you Sammy's boyfriend?" she asked innocently.

The Irish boy shot a look at Sam, who appeared to be choking on his coffee. The blonde recomposed himself and looked toward his father. He knew that his parents were fine with the relationship, but he wasn't sure how much his father wanted Stacy and Stevie to know. Mr. Evans' face was amused.

"Well," he said, gesturing toward Stacy. "Answer the girl."

Rory smiled, and replied, "Yes, Stacy. I am Sammy's boyfriend."

"But," her face was puzzled, her small features screwed up in a look of adorable confusion. "I thought that boys had girlfriends."

Sam leaned closer to Rory and took his hand, fielding that particular question. "Some boys have girlfriends, and some boys have boyfriends." He held up his and Rory's linked hands as evidence. Stacy nodded, her curiosity evidently satisfied. Stevie had watched the scene with a look of innocent curiosity, deciding to listen instead of question.

Sam's mother came into the room and shooed the children out, telling them it was time to get dressed and do their Christmas shopping.

"Are you boys going to be okay alone here all day?" Sam's mother asked, concerned.

"We're not little kids, mom," Sam replied, amused. "We can handle it."

Rory turned his head and nodded from where he stood over the sink. He'd insisted on washing the dishes.

"Alright," her voice was hesitant. "Are you sure you boys don't want to come to the mall with us?"

"I'm absolutely positive that I don't want to be anywhere near the mall this close to Christmas," Sam laughed. He leaned forward and kissed his mother on the cheek as she sighed in defeat and turned for the door. "Goodbye, Rory," she called.

"Goodbye, Mrs. Evans," he answered.

The front door had barely closed all the way before Sam crossed the kitchen and snaked his arms around Rory's waist

Rory jumped, dropping the plate he was cleaning and sending a wave of warm, soapy water across the front of his shirt.

Sam laughed quietly in his ear, kissing along his neck as he said a quick apology. "So, what do you want to do today?" the blonde whispered seductively.

Rory dipped his head down as his body shook with laughter. "That is, without a doubt, the worst line I've ever heard." He turned himself around in Sam's arms, his blue eyes bright. Sam smiled and leaned forward so that his forehead was touching Rory's.

The younger boy pressed his lips to Sam's, wrapping his arms around the blonde's neck, and kissed him sweetly. After a moment, Sam took control of the kiss, flicking his tongue over Rory's bottom lip before slipping it past his parted lips. A soft moan slipped from Rory, and he rocked forward so that he was pressed flush against Sam's body.

The Irish boy broke the kiss, turning his head so that his lips were barely away from Sam's. "Let's go back to bed," Rory whispered, cocking an alluring eyebrow.

Sam wasted no time bending down and lifting Rory off his feet, carrying the giggling boy, wedding-style, toward his bedroom, kicking the door closed behind them, before dropping Rory down on the bed, playfully rough, and pouncing on him. Rory laughed and quickly shucked off his boyfriend's shirt, trailing his fingers along Sam's strong arms. He loved the way he could feel the muscles working underneath his hands. "You're so strong, Sammy," Rory said in a rough whisper. He could feel Sam flexing his bicep in response.

The blonde's mouth trailed along Rory's jawline before dropping to his neck, kissing and nipping softly. Rory moaned quietly. Sam reached down and hooked his fingers under the hem of Rory's shirt, lifting it off his body, kissing the newly exposed skin of his stomach. Rory threaded his fingers through Sam's hair, stroking lightly as the boy's lips peppered soft kisses to his bare skin, guitar calloused fingers trailing along his sides before settling on the waistband of his pajama pants.

Their first time, it had been dark, and they'd undressed so quickly that Sam had never really gotten the chance to savor the little moments. He pressed soft kisses and little love bites to Rory's hipbone as he slowly slid his pajama bottoms and boxers down his long, slender legs, his hand trailing back up to Rory's thighs to massage gently.

Sam glanced up to Rory's face. The brunette's eyes were bright and eager, sparkling like sapphires in the sun. He hoped he'd never get used to the way Rory took his breath away. When he looked into Rory's eyes, a wave of warmth always washed over him, and he couldn't help but smile.

The blonde pulled himself up so that he was lying over top of Rory again, bringing their lips together in a kiss that started off as sweet but soon became urgent when Sam slid his tongue across Rory's full bottom lip before pulling it between his own lips and sucking lightly. A low moan escaped Rory and his hips bucked off the mattress, colliding with Sam's, creating friction. Another moan escaped soon after. Sam brought his hips down roughly, and Rory began to squirm beneath him.

"S-Sam," he stuttered, pushing against his shoulders, hinting for him to roll over. "Can I...?"

"Can you what? I'm sure, whatever it is, the answer will be yes," Sam laughed.

Rory's cheeks flushed. "Can I undress you?"

Sam smiled at the almost innocent request. "Of course," he said adoringly, carding his fingers gently through Rory's messy hair. Rory's answering smile was heart stopping. He quickly pressed a kiss to Sam's lips before kissing down the blonde's neck, sucking lightly at the spot that he knew made Sam squirm. Rory's hands gripped Sam's biceps, kneading the large muscles that were tensed just beneath the surface, before releasing them in favor of trailing his fingers across Sam's abs, the skin was contrastingly soft compared the hard muscle underneath. Rory couldn't resist pressing his lips to the skin and sucking until he left a mark. He smiled smugly as he heard the sound that escaped from Sam's lips at the action.

Rory slid his hands across the bare skin before prompting Sam to lift his hips and sliding off Sam's pants. His breath hitched as he took in the sight of Sam lying on the bed waiting, and quite obviously ready, for him. He couldn't believe that this beautiful man was really his. His hands roamed of their own accord over Sam's body as he stared. Sam watched Rory appraising him with a smile.

"Whatcha lookin' at?" he asked, amused.

"You. You're so beautiful, Sammy," Rory's voice was just shy of breathless.

"I love you, Rory."

"I love you, too, Sam. So much," Rory stretched himself out on top of Sam to connect their lips again.

Sam wrapped his arms around Rory's waist and rolled him over, reaching up to grab a pillow. Rory smiled and lifted his head allowing the pillow to slide under.

The blonde rolled his hips, creating friction between their naked skin. Rory moaned and dug his fingers into Sam's shoulder. Sam repeated the motion until Rory's face was flushed a deep pink with arousal and his moans vibrated against Sam's lips.

Sam broke their kiss and Rory took the opportunity to speak.

"Please, stop teasing, Sam," he said, his silky voice rough with need. "I need you."

A shudder rippled through Sam's body, and he nodded, unable to find his voice. He rolled to the side and stretched his arm out to reach where his duffel bag was on the floor, rifling around inside to grab the necessary supplies before pulling his arm back and dropping them on the bed. The blonde pressed his lips lovingly against his boyfriend's. Their lips slid together, warm and yielding.

Sam's hands busied themselves with the little bottle of clear liquid before Rory heard the sharp sound of a cap being snapped closed. Still kissing Rory, Sam reached down and began getting him ready, little sounds escaping the younger boy's lips as Sam's fingers twisted just the right way. It didn't take as long as the first time before Rory was ready for more. Sam kissed him once more before breaking away to get himself ready.

Soon, their lips reconnected, Sam easing himself in between Rory's legs, pressing insistently against his opening.

"Remember, breathe," Sam said quietly, lips at Rory's ear.

"I remember," Rory replied just as quietly despite the fact that they were alone. The sparkling blue of his eyes was set in stunning contrast to the red that colored his cheeks. His eyelids fluttered closed, and Sam couldn't resist kissing them.

Sam rolled his hips, slowly beginning to enter Rory. Despite the burn, Rory moaned quietly. He reveled in the way he felt his body accommodate Sam. The comforting feeling of fullness washing over him again. Rory wrapped his arms around Sam's neck, pulling him closer, and kissing him urgently as he felt Sam become fully sheathed inside him.

Sam stroked his thumb across the apple of Rory's cheek as he waited for him to adjust. Finally, Rory nodded and Sam carefully pulled back and rolled his hips, pushing inside slowly. Rory moaned loudly as Sam brushed the sensitive spot inside him. Sam began to fall into a rhythm, spurred on by the unashamed sounds that spilled from Rory's mouth. Rory's body writhed beneath him as he did his best to push back against Sam's thrusts, whimpering. Sam knew his boyfriend was close.

Rory reached down and took his length into his hand and began pumping it quickly, but Sam batted his hand away, replacing it with his own and matching the rhythm of his hips with his hand. Begging pleas poured over Rory's lips.

"S-Sam, I'm s-so close," he whined in a broken whimper. "Please, d-don't stop..."

Sam experimentally picked up the pace and began thrusting into Rory faster. The result had caught Sam off-guard. Rory began moaning louder than Sam had ever heard. The begging intensified until it became incoherent babble. He continued to pump Rory quickly, but Sam wasn't sure if he could last much longer, himself.

"Oh my God, Sam...don't stop...more...p-please..." Rory cried, totally wrecked. His hips arched off the mattress and the sight and sound of Rory totally falling apart was too much for Sam. His release crashed over him like a tidal wave, hard and fast. He barely heard Rory cry out his own release before he felt the warm seed spill over his hand as he continued to pump him.

Sam collapsed on top of Rory, kissing him furiously and dragging his fingers through the brunette's hair as he rolled to the side and pulled him into his arms. He quickly removed the condom and tossed it in the bedside waste basket. Rory curled into his side, his legs still trembling from the effects of his orgasm.

The older boy grabbed a blanket and threw it over Rory and himself. He felt Rory's cheek nuzzling against the space between his neck and shoulder, his arm thrown across Sam's chest. Sam smiled sleepily and pulled him closer.

"I love you so much, Rory."

"Mmm...love you, too, Sammy," he mumbled sleepily against Sam's skin.

Sam pressed a soft kiss to the top of Rory's head and the two fell asleep almost immediately.

The pair slept for over an hour, Rory waking up first. He didn't wake Sam, he just reveled in the strong, vital sound of the boy's heart beating beneath his ear until he felt him begin to stir.

When the blonde finally woke up, they'd playfully chased each other to the shower to wash away the evidence of the afternoon's activities, and by the time Sam's family returned, Stevie and Stacy running in to accost their brother, Sam and Rory were curled up together on the couch watching a movie. The twin siblings joined the boyfriends until their bedtime. Sam came into his room after tucking Stevie in to find Rory talking excitedly into his cell phone.

"No, really, I'm having such a good time with Sam and his family. They treat me like family," Rory said brightly. Sam could hear chattering on the other end, but couldn't make out any words.

"Yes, mammy, I'm cleaning up after myself," Rory rolled his eyes, and the chattering continued. His face became puzzled. "Sam? He's right here. Did you want to talk to him?" Rory nodded in response to whatever it was his mother said. "No, I understand. I know what Skype is," he laughed. "I didn't know that you did though." More chattering. Rory laughed cheerfully. "Okay, I will call you on it tomorrow, mammy. I love you." Rory listened, his eyes flashing to Sam as another smile spread across his face. "I'll tell him you said hello."

"Hello, Mrs. Flanagan," Sam called toward the phone.

Rory rolled his eyes and a quick peal of laughter slipped past his lips. "Yes, mammy, he does sound cute."

Sam winked at Rory and smiled. "Yes, I'll talk to you tomorrow. I'm going to go to bed. I'm so tired. Goodnight."

Rory waited for a moment as his mother said goodnight but soon pulled the phone away from his ear and sighed deeply. Sam walked over and snaked his arms around Rory's waist.

"I know how much you miss them, babe."

Rory turned around in Sam's arms so they were facing. "Seamus got Skype so that we could talk face to face. He saved all of his chore money to buy a webcam."

Sam smiled and kissed Rory softly on the lips. "I can't wait to see your mom and Seamus."

Rory beamed. "They'll love you just as much as I do."

"Let's go to bed, baby. I'm exhausted," Sam said, yawning. He laced his fingers with Rory's and led them to bed.

They cuddled close under the warmth of the blankets and succumbed quickly to the calmness and security of the moment, falling into a peaceful sleep wrapped up in each other's arms.

A/N: Reviews are always appreciated. :) Just a warning, there will be mucho angst in the next chapter.