Later

Cody watched as Evan slipped into bed while Randy was in the bathroom. That was another thing. He never got to sleep next to Randy anymore because Evan now slept to Randy's right side. Taking Cody's old position

"I am so tired." He said faking a yawn and stretching

"Did you have a hard day baby?"

"It was long. I felt like I was there for 18 hours instead of 9. We're just getting back into the swing of things since the hurricane."

"What about you Evan?" Evan laughed. Cody frowned

"There's not much to get back into with six-year olds. They like to talk about what happened during the storm and what they did on the days off but that's about it. Some of their stories are quite entertaining." Cody had had enough. He yawned again but this time it was accompanied by an absolutely unnecessary and forceful stretch that pushed Evan off the bed

"Cody!" John hollered

"Oops."

"What's going on?" Randy asked walking out of the bathroom

"I'll give you one guess." Evan said looking at Randy from the floor

"Did you push him?!" Randy yelled. Cody cowered near John. "Huh? Answer me!"

"I stretched and knocked him over because he's so little!"

"He pushed me." Evan said standing up

"Why did you do that Cody?" John asked nudging him away. Cody shrugged

"I don't know."

"Yes you do. What the hell did you do it for?"

"Because Ev is taking Ran from me!"

"Are you shittin me? What's changed between us?"

"Well nothing,"

"Evan!" John and Randy yelled after watching Evan reach over and backhand Cody

"Oh my God!" Cody screamed clutching his face

"Don't call me little or I'll do worse."

"Be easy there killer." Randy said grabbing Evan

"I'm fine. I feel a lot better after doing that."

"If nothing has changed between us then what's your problem?"

"Nothing has really changed except that now when I come home I have to share you with Evy and he gets to sleep next to you in bed now and I don't get to. It's not fair."

"Cody you could have asked me to sleep on the other side of Randy. I don't really give a shit as long as I get to sleep next to him."

"I didn't think of that."

"You told me that you were okay with them being together."

"I did tell you that and I am okay with it but I just want the same time I had with Ran back." Evan threw his arms in the air

"This is bullshit. I can't. I'm going to my room. Goodnight." They all watched as Evan left the room then heard a door slam down the hall

"I can't believe he hit me. That hurt."

"Forget that. What do you want me to do about you feeling neglected?" Cody shrugged

"I don't know."

"You're not being neglected Cody." John said speaking up. "I know first-hand what it's like to be with three people so I know that Randy is doing a perfectly fine job of it. The only thing that has changed is the fact that Evan sleeps between the two of you and if you weren't so caught up in being mad at Evan you could have been rational and just asked if you could sleep next to Randy a night or two a week."

"I didn't think he would let me."

"Did you think that I would say no or make a big fuss like you would if I asked to sleep next to John?" Cody looked up at Randy. "Oh, did you forget that I don't get to sleep next to John because you whine about it? You're being really selfish Codes and you probably made Ev feel like he was unwanted and that's just mean."

"I didn't mean to be mean and I do want him here." Randy shook his head

"I may or may not be back." He said leaving the room. He went down the hall and opened Evan's door not bothering to knock…he never did. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you coming back to the room tonight?"

"No and I'd prefer it if you didn't go back either." Without a word Randy pulled the blankets back and got into bed with Evan. "Well that was easy."

"I'm not going to argue with you about it and I don't have the best feelings toward Cody right now."

"What did he say after I left?"

"Nothing worth repeating." Randy said getting comfortable. Evan wrapped an arm around Randy as he rested his head on his chest. He was about to speak when there was a knock on the door. Evan looked up at Randy. "It's your room." He sighed

"Come in." The door opened slowly and Cody poked his head inside

"May I come in?"

"Sure." He stepped in the room and closed the door slightly. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry about earlier and having an attitude with you for the last few days. I just really love Ran and like our time together. Sometimes I don't think…a lot of the time I don't think and if I did I could have just asked you if I could sleep next to Ran."

"You can Cody. I don't have a problem with that."

"Well I know now. Ran?"

"What?"

"Are you okay with that?"

"That's fine with me."

"And you can even sleep next to John some nights. I didn't think about you not getting to sleep next to him."

"That's very nice of you." Cody nodded

"I'm gonna go back to bed now. I'll see you guys in the morning. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." They both said. After Cody shut the door behind him Randy looked down at Evan

"What?"

"You're not going to apologize to him?"

"For what?"

"Slapping him like you're his pimp and he was late with a payment."

"No I'm not apologizing for that because I am not sorry."

"Okay then."

Next Afternoon

John had just gotten home early from work and stopped in the kitchen to see if Randy was there. Everyone always checked the kitchen first when looking for Randy. Not finding him there John decided to go upstairs and check for him in the bedroom. He didn't find him there either so he changed his clothes and was on his way back down the hall

"Are you looking for me John?" John stopped in his tracks, turned around and went to the office

"Yes I am." He said leaning down and giving Randy a kiss. "What are you doing in here?" John asked already taking a look at the computer screen

"Just looking at some stuff. Are you home for the day?"

"Yea."

"Do you want lunch?"

"Maybe in a little while. Just looking at some stuff…says here," Randy closed the webpage and John looked at him

"I know what it says."

"Do you want to start a business babe?" Randy shrugged

"I don't know. First Steven said that I should do something better with my time then Ev suggested I do something with my desserts…it got me thinking."

"Do you feel like you're wasting your time?"

"No but I do like to bake and I have the time so why not? You don't really eat the stuff I make and Cody eats too much of it. I figure maybe I can start small just to see how people take to it then who knows?"

"Well I for one think that people will love your desserts and you know that I'm behind you 100% in whatever it is that you want to do. If you need any help, whatever it may be, you know that I will bend over backwards to help you." Randy stood up from the chair and wrapped his arms around John in a warm hug

"Let's get you some lunch." He said pulling away. John smiled to himself as he followed Randy down to the kitchen

"Did you make Cody apologize last night?"

"No. He just got out of the bed and said that he had something to do then left the room. I didn't ask him anything when he came back. He wasn't crying so I figured things went well." Randy nodded as he whipped up a quick and easy lunch for the two of them. "So?"

"So what?"

"What happened?"

"He apologized like I said and we agreed that some nights he gets to sleep next to me and some nights I get to sleep next to you."

"What about Evan slapping the shit out of him?" Randy laughed

"Cody didn't mention it but when I asked him Ev said that he wouldn't say sorry because he's not."

"Oh that's real gangster."

"Ev's my down ass bitch John." The men looked at each other and laughed

Codes: I won't be home after work. Me and Ev are going out

RandyCandy: okay

Codes: tell John if he comes home before me?

RandyCandy: he's home now. I'll tell him

Codes: thanks Ran! Love you

RandyCandy: you're welcome. Love you too

"Codes is going out with Ev after work so he won't be home…wanted me to tell you." John nodded

"Okay."

Ev: going out with Cody after work

Randy: I know. Have a good time

Ev: damn Cody has fast fingers

Randy: I don't know about them being fast but

Ev: gross. I'll see you later

Randy: okay

"Doorbell?"

"Yea."

"What time will they be home?"

"I don't know, why?"

"I want to know how long I have you all to myself."

"I'm all yours for at least three hours."

"Three hours is plenty of time for me to make sweet love to you." Randy laughed

"John."

"What?"

"Don't ever say that again." John laughed

"Wanna go for a swim?"

"Sure but can I finish eating first?"

"Of course since I don't want to be the only one out there getting a cramp from swimming after eating."

"I think that's a myth babe and we're not doing any Olympic trial swimming."

"Speak for yourself," John said standing. "2016 is right around the corner." Randy rolled his eyes as John left the kitchen

….

"Baby?" John called turning his head slightly toward Randy as they floated on their double raft

"Hmm?"

"Have you had sex with Evan?" Randy turned his head and lowered his sunglasses with a finger

"What are you talking about? Of course I've had sex with Evan. You've seen me have sex with him on numerous occasions."

"That's not what I mean. Have you bottomed to him?"

"Yes but only once. It was during the storm and I'd had wine…you know how I get. Why?"

"I was just curious."

"Do you have a problem with it?"

"…I don't know. I was just laying here thinking about it and it's bothering me a little."

"But you weren't bothered by Cody? What makes them any different?"

"How many times did you and Cody do it?"

"I don't know, like two or three times."

"Exactly. I know that Cody only needed to get it out of his system or know that he has that option. On the other hand you have Evan who likes to top and if my calculations are correct he's just a top who has the ability and is willing to bottom."

"The fuck are you talking about? Your calculations?"

"Evan is a Dom Randy and I can tell because I am too."

"What is your point exactly? You don't want me to submit to Evan?"

"No I don't."

"I don't think you have the right to tell me whether I can or cannot submit to him."

"You may not think that I have the right and maybe I don't but if I say that I don't like it or I don't want you to then you won't. As easily as I said yes to the relationship between the two of you I can say no and it'll be over."

"John,"

"I don't like it Randy and I'm sorry but that's how I feel." Randy sighed and attempted to slide off the raft but John grabbed him. "Don't leave."

"What do you want me to do John? It's not right and you know that I like Evan and want him to be happy. If I don't have a problem with it then why should you?"

"Do you honestly want to have a relationship with him where the two of you are equal when it comes to that or do you want to be a Dom to him?"

"Well I'd rather be a Dom. It took a long time for me to break him."

"So what's the problem with just respecting my request?"

"This isn't your relationship to be making requests. I don't necessarily want to be equal with him but I sure as fuck don't want you telling me anything or making requests."

"I admit that it's out of line but I can't help it."

"I'll talk to Ev about it. I think he was just really trying to prove a point."

"Did he?" Randy laughed

"Oh yea…I was sore the next day. He's good John, very good."

"Is that what the music was all about?" Randy laughed again

"I should have known I was in for it when he turned that on."

"We still heard you."

"I had a lot of wine."

"Uh-huh. Little Evan owned you…maybe he should dominate you." Randy glared at John who laughed

"Anyway, I need to go to the store."

"Do you have to?"

"If you want to eat dinner tonight I have to. I only need a few things."

"I'll drive you." John said sliding off the raft

"Thanks. John!" Randy yelled as the other man flipped the floating device over sending Randy into the water

Publix

"I'm going to check and see if they have any Shandy's I can pick up."

"I'll meet you over there."

"Okay." John said giving Randy a quick peck on the lips. John went off in search of the section of the store where the alcohol was located while Randy picked up whatever the hell he needed to get. John had no clue. It took John some time to find the section since he never went to the grocery store. He was browsing their stock when someone called his name

"John?" He knew that voice and didn't want to turn around but had no choice. John turned around slowly

"Hey Teddy." Ted laughed

"I could tell it was you from behind." John laughed

"Yea…my ass is a dead giveaway."

"How have you been?"

"Good, good…um, re-modeled one of the hotels here and opened one in New York."

"I saw that in the paper. Congratulations…you've always wanted one there."

"Yea, thank you. How are you?"

"I'm good. I had to go back to work which kinda sucked but you have to do what you have to do I suppose." John felt really bad about that

"I'm sorry Teddy. Are you okay financially or,"

"Oh I'm fine now. It was hard at first but things are starting to come together."

"What about the house?" Ted laughed

"I got behind in the bills so my dad had to help me out."

"Why didn't you call me?"

"I'm not your job anymore John. You took care of me for a long time and I took it for granted. I couldn't call you."

"Yes you could." John shook his head. "I did a fucked up thing and I should have made sure you were taken care of before I just left."

"I did give you an ultimatum John so it's not like you just left in the middle of the night."

"Let me help you Teddy. I can at least pay off the mortgage on the house so you don't have to worry about that."

"John – did you find," Randy stopped in his tracks when he saw John standing there with Ted. "Well this is awkward."

"You guys are still together?" John scratched the back of his head

"Yea…they didn't make me choose so it was sort of an easy decision."

"So wait, you're still with," Ted snapped his fingers. "Kyle too?"

"Cody and yes. We all live together."

"Wow. You weren't kidding when you said you did a fucked up thing."

"Should I leave the two of you alone?"

"Could you?"

"No need. John and I are done here."

"Hold on Teddy," John turned to Randy handing him the six pack of shandy. "Can you go pay for this stuff please?"

"Okay." John handed over his ATM card

"Thank you." He turned back to Ted after Randy walked away. "I'm serious. Let me help."

"Can we back up for a second? How did you pull off being with both of them?"

"I have no idea. You told me to pack my stuff and leave but when you went to the bathroom Cody came back and handed me a note telling me that he and Randy wouldn't make me choose. He moved in a few months later and after some coaxing I got Randy to move in as well."

"I cannot believe this."

"It's hard to believe. I'm sorry about what I did." Ted nodded

"Me too. Don't worry about the house. I'm sure I can manage." He said looking at nothing on the ground

"If you say so."

"I do say so. Look, it was nice seeing you again. Take care John." John mentally rolled his eyes

"You too Teddy." He said before walking away. John left the store and walked to his car that Randy had running

"What was that all about?"

"I ran into him looking for that fucking drink."

"How is he?"

"Still manipulative." Randy looked sharply at John

"What are you talking about?"

"I asked him how the house was and he said that he'd gotten behind in the bills so his dad had to help. I offered to pay off the mortgage since I was the one who left. I'm sure he would have agreed until you came over. He went from pathetic to high and mighty and back to pathetic again. He said that he could manage paying for the house as he looked down at the ground."

"So he wants you to feel bad so you can do it?"

"He didn't have to make me feel bad because I was going to do it anyway."

"You're going to pay off that house?" John looked over at Randy

"Yes. It can't be that much."

"That's up to you John." Randy said looking out of the window

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Randy."

"Nothing is wrong John. I swear."

"I don't believe you."

"That's your problem. I told you that nothing is wrong."

"Don't get smart Randy."

"Well then listen to me. You asked and I said that nothing is wrong but you don't believe me. I have to defend what I said for no good reason."

"Okay, okay," John said holding a hand up. "You did say that and I should know by now that when you say nothing is wrong then nothing is wrong."

"Exactly."

"Sorry."

"Did seeing him bother you that much or do you need to get laid? It's one of the two."

"Can it be both?" Randy turned away from John, smirking

….

"Kiss me." Randy said staring up into John's eyes as the older man thrust his hips slowly. Without a word John leaned down and kissed the man thoroughly making Randy moan. The men had been in bed for almost forty-five minutes just kissing and exploring each other before John had actually penetrated the other man. He'd rocked slowly bringing them both pleasure but denying them both an orgasm. Sometimes Randy wondered how many people John had been with before they met because the man was versed in so many different types of sex. He could have you screaming and begging for a release or keep you on the verge and have you hoping that he'd never stop. "Harder."

"Whatever you want." John responded as he thrust harder. His obedience turned Randy on. He wrapped his legs around John urging him to go deeper and he did just that. Randy's back arched off the bed as he came coating both his stomach and John's. "Thank you Jesus." John said as he thrust once more then came. Randy laughed

"I'm sorry, did I take too long? Why didn't you just make me cum?"

"I wanted you to take as long as you needed."

"I'm exhausted."

"I know." Randy looked over at John

"You don't have to get up and make dinner."

"You're right. What are you making anyway?"

"I don't know." Randy said rolling out of the bed. "I'm just going to throw some shit in a pot and call you when it's ready." John laughed

"I'm sure it'll be delicious, dear."

By the time Evan and Cody came strolling through the door and into the kitchen John and Randy were already seated and eating. They both glared at the men when they walked in

"Are we in trouble?" Cody asked after he stopped laughing

"No. Why would you be in trouble? I mean it would have been nice if you'd updated us on when you'd be back but you didn't. Randy and I could have gone out instead of him making dinner."

"Sorry John." Cody said kissing him then kissing Randy twice

"Do you guys want to eat now?"

"No. We were out so late that we just ate before we came in. Thought it would be easier." Evan replied as he kissed Randy and Randy nodded

"So what are you going to do Ev?" Cody asked pouring them both a glass of Randy's raspberry iced tea

"Thank you. About what?"

"The new guy."

"Am I supposed to do something?" Cody shrugged

"You can be friends with him at least."

"What the hell?" Randy mumbled as he narrowed his eyes. John looked at him

"Come on." Cody said grabbing his bag. "We need to discuss this further." Randy and John watched as the two men left. John exhaled

"That was like a fucking tornado. They just came in here, went around the room and back out again."

"At least it was one of those fast moving tornadoes. I don't think I wanted to hear any more of that story."

"The one about Evan's new guy?" Randy cut his eyes at John and John laughed. They finished eating and while Randy put the leftovers away John loaded the dishwasher. On their way down the hall Randy saw that the light was on in Evan's room

"I'm going to talk to Ev for a second." Randy said

"Uh-huh." John grunted as he continued down the hall

"Hey." Evan said when he saw Randy standing there

"Do you like him?" He asked crossing his arms

"What?"

"This new guy."

"One of our regular teachers is going to be out for a while because she lost her roof or something in the hurricane. He's filling in until she comes back."

"But do you like him?"

"No. He's straight."

"Well so is a noodle until things get hot." Evan burst out laughing

"I really can't deal with you sometimes. Is this guy going to be an issue?"

"No, not as long as you don't like him."

"Well I don't so I guess he won't be a problem. Now get over here and kiss me properly." Randy smirked and stalked over to the bed. Evan immediately lay on his back letting Randy cover his small body with his much larger one

"Ev?" Randy said pulling away from the man's lips

"What?" He groaned

"How are we going to work?"

"Huh?"

"Sexually I mean." Evan looked into Randy's eyes

"Is this about me topping you?"

"Maybe." Evan shook his head

"I'm more dominant by nature but I don't want to with you…unless you get out of line and make me." Randy laughed. "What brought this on?" Randy didn't want to tell Evan about the conversation he'd had with John but he prided himself on being honest

"John."

"John?"

"We were talking today and he said that it bothered him."

"Me topping you bothered him?" Evan asked reaching up and running his hand over the other man's head

"Apparently. He doesn't want me to let you."

"That's not his decision."

"I know and I told him so."

"I'm irritated he had the gall to even bring that up but that's John for you. I'm not going to say anything to him about it but you can go back and tell him that he doesn't have anything to worry about because I don't have a desire to be with you that way. I was curious and really horny so I did it that one time. I'm perfectly fine letting you bend me over when you want." Randy growled as he dipped his head and nibbled Evan's neck. He pushed his hips up wanting contact with Randy. Randy slowly brought one of his hands up and slid it under Evan's shirt then rolled one nipple gently between his fingers making the small man squirm

"Hey Evy – oh, um I just wanted to know if I could borrow that hoodie from you." Evan pointed toward his closet. Cody slowly walked to the closet while watching the two men on the bed. He grabbed the hoodie he was looking for, or so he hoped since he wasn't paying attention, then walked just as slowly out of the room while still watching Evan and Randy. "Do you want me to shut the door?" Randy looked over at Cody, his eyes dark. "I'll take that as a yes. Have fun." He said closing the door

"Don't you own enough hoodies? Why did you have to borrow one of Evan's?"

"It's a long story John and you just wouldn't understand. Anyway, Evy's about to get it."

"What?" John asked looking over at Cody

"Ran has that dark crazy sex look in his eyes."

"Ah, he's about to get it. You mean sexually."

"Yes." Cody plopped down next to John and rested his head on his shoulder. "I love you John."

"I love you too." John said smiling

"John?"

"Yes?"

"How often does my whining bother you? I'm only asking because you're always so nice about everything and I need to know if I am bothering you and you're being nice or,"

"I understand. Only on rare occasions does it bother me…you've done it since I met you so I just take it in stride. Each of us has a quirk or quirks that the rest of us have to deal with." John shrugged. "Yours happens to be whining and pouting." John kissed Cody's forehead. "But I don't care because I find your pout very cute and I'll love you forever."

"And ever?" Cody asked looking up at John

"Forever ever." Cody smiled

"How do you know though?"

"I just do. When we're not together I miss you and that's never happened before, not even with Teddy and I did love him even if my actions said otherwise."

"Ran too?"

"Ran too what?"

"Do you feel the same way about him?" John looked down at the young man

"What are you getting at Cody?"

"Nothing…honest," Cody added when John just stared at him. "I just wanted to know."

"Oh, well, yea, I do feel the same way about him. Both of you are special to me and I know for a fact my life wouldn't be the same or as good as it is without you guys." Cody lifted John's arm and tucked himself underneath. "Not that I don't want to cuddle with you baby but don't you have some work to do?"

"Oh shoot!" Cody said jumping off the couch and scurrying out of the room. John laughed to himself as he turned his attention back to the show he had been watching. About twenty minutes later Cody came back into the room and sat in the middle of the bed with his papers

"Cody?"

"Yes?"

"How come you're not in the office doing that?"

"Ran and Ev are still, you know and Ev's pretty loud. I can't concentrate because I keep listening and I want to go watch." John laughed out loud

"How responsible of you."

"I know." Cody said offhandedly

Next Morning

Randy awoke earlier than he normally would and looked around the room realizing that he had fallen asleep next to Evan after their intense session the night before. He softly kissed the small man's forehead before slipping out of bed and going down the hall to his bedroom. When he opened the door he heard John and Cody's hushed whispers. Randy thought for sure they would still be asleep

"What are you guys doing up already?" Randy asked walking over to the bed

"This one fell asleep early therefore he woke up earlier hence me being awake."

"Oh. I'm sorry I went to bed without saying goodnight to you guys." Randy said kissing them both on the cheek

"It's alright babe."

"Yea, it's okay Ran."

"I'm going to get a shower then get started on breakfast."

"Okay." Cody waited for Randy to shut the bathroom door before looking at John. "What?"

"Ran's been really sweet lately."

"Has he?"

"Yea…I'm not sure how I feel about it." John laughed

"What do you mean?"

"He tells me he loves me when I tell him and he surprised me with lunch not too long ago."

"And you don't like that? You're so hard to please."

"It's not that I don't like it. I just think that it's going to take some getting used to…he says 'I love you' really cute to me sometimes but don't tell him I said that." John laughed again

"I won't. I know how he feels about him or his actions being called cute." Cody nodded and threw a leg over John's. "Mr. Rhodes you're trying to seduce me aren't you?"

"We do this every morning John so I don't need to seduce you. You're always ready." He said straddling John and grinding down on him. "Yep, you're ready." John chuckled as Cody slowly grinded on him as he removed his shirt. Randy finished up his shower and before he even opened the bathroom door he could hear Cody's breathy moans. After he'd thrown some clothes on Randy went down to the kitchen and started on breakfast

Later

Randy was in the kitchen polishing the stainless steel appliances when he heard his phone buzz on the counter. He planned on ignoring it until he remembered that John said he would text him later if he could get free for lunch. Randy wiped his hands and checked his phone

Alexei: have you been looking for Steven?

Randy: not really looking for him. I sent him a text to see how things were going with the house but he didn't respond. Is everything alright?

Alexei: he's been in the hospital for the last three days. I don't know why it happened but he went on a bender of sorts

Randy: what hospital is he in?

Alexei: he's home now. He needs help Randy

Randy: I can be there in half an hour

Alexei: thanks

Randy didn't notice Alexei's last message since he'd already put his phone down and headed upstairs for a pair of sneakers. He drove over to Steven's house faster than he should have but he needed to be there. Before he had a chance to knock on the door it opened and there stood Steven's brother Alexei

"You got here quick."

"Yea I did. What happened exactly?"

"Well he came back here after the hurricane then called me to tell me about some of his shit being messed up and when I got back, like a day later I came over and looked at it but by then it was already in the process,"

"I don't mean to sound rude but can you skip all the unnecessary shit and get on with it?"

"Sure, well that night I told him he could stay at my place since they were cleaning up here, he came over and we each had something to do. We left separately but when I came back he wasn't here. No big deal…only he didn't come back the next day either. I kept my cool figuring he was with one of his boys, you know, gettin it in,"

"Alexei."

"I'm getting to it. I get a call a few hours later from one of his boys. According to him he and Steven had been getting high for at least a day or so, Steven went to his car and when he didn't come back the kid got all worried so he went outside and that's where he found Steven – passed out in his car foaming at the mouth and whatnot." Randy massaged his temples. He wanted to find whomever this kid was Steven had been with but that would have to wait

"So then what happened?"

"The kid called me crying, I cussed him smooth out for calling me instead of 911 then I drove over there. He died twice; once on the way to the hospital and while he was there." Alexei took a breath. "That was three days ago. He can't keep doing this Rand and I don't know any other person who could talk to him."

"I'll try and do whatever I can to get him to go to rehab but I've been telling him for years now that he needs to go and he has yet to do it."

"Can you please try again? I don't want to lose my brother." Randy nodded

"I'll try 100 times before I let you lose him. Is he awake?"

"He should be. I was about to take this up to him." Alexei said handed Randy a glass of water. "Take it up for me." He said smiling. Randy grabbed the glass and headed up the stairs. He pushed open the ajar door of the master bedroom and stopped in his tracks when he saw Steven laying there

"I can't look that bad."

"You look like shit." Randy said his voice barely above a whisper

"You always knew how to make me feel pretty. Thank you." Steven said taking the glass from Randy. Randy was never one to get emotional but looking at Steven laying there made him want to cry. The beautiful man who had left his house was not the man lying in that bed. This man looked about 20 pounds lighter, his hair was matted to his head and his once stunning hazel eyes now looked dull and lifeless and were decorated with dark circles. "Say something."

"I can't. I don't know what to say to you. I don't really want to say anything."

"Then what are you going to do?"

"Relish in the fact that you're still alive." Randy said climbing on the bed. "You can't keep doing this Steven."

"Randy,"

"No, I mean it. Your brother had to watch you foam at the mouth and you died twice. You don't get a third time." He heard Steven take a shaky breath then felt him run a hand over his head

"I know. I'll go. I'll go to rehab…I'm hurting the people around me and you're right, I know that I won't get a third chance." He said still stroking Randy's head. He found it comforting although he was sure it should be the other way around. Randy maneuvered his body so that his head was in Steven's lap giving him better access to his head

"Who were you with?"

"What?"

"Alexei said you were with some kid. Who was it?"

"I'm not telling you."

"Why not?"

"I know what you're going to do and I don't want you to. Don't worry about it."

"You don't know what I'm going to do. Why would I do anything?" Steven laughed

"Because I know you. You're going to find said person and scare the shit out of them. You're going to tell him he's a piece of shit for letting me get so high and you more than likely will beat him up. I don't want you to." Randy huffed. Steven was right. "Even when you were getting high with me you always knew when to say when."

"You live in excess."

"Of course I do and you were the one to always bring me back. I'll always regret not being able to make it work with you."

"Don't start that please. You and are just aren't meant to be. We tried…so many times and it just never worked."

"I think that's because we were addicts. We never tried when we were both sober."

"Even after you come back from treatment I won't leave John for you." Steven shook his head

"No. I don't want you to leave John for me. I lost you fair and square. Besides, I know that John is good for you…each one of them is for different reasons but John especially. I have him to thank for you being here and being well today. I'd love to have you back but you're with a good man and if it's not me then I'd rather it be him." Randy wiped his eyes as did Steven. "Do you have stuff to do today?"

"I was in the middle of cleaning my appliances." That made Steven laugh

"I should have known. Are you going to finish?"

"Eventually but right now it can wait."

"Then you'll stay with me for a while?"

"Mmhm." Steven reached over and grabbed his controller for the television and turned it on. The two men lay there watching whatever show came on the TV for hours never changing the channel. At some point Alexei brought them lunch but neither of them ate. After the third episode of a CSI marathon Randy sat up and looked at Steven. "I have to go." He nodded

"Okay."

"I'll come back tomorrow."

"You don't have to."

"I know that I don't have to but I want to."

"Thank you. You should bring me food tomorrow. I don't think I can take anymore of Alexei's cooking." Randy laughed

"I'll bring you food then." Randy said leaning down and kissing Steven's gaunt cheek

"Is that what I needed to do? Overdose in order to get some action?" Randy sighed as he lightly slapped the other man's cheek. "Ooh, you know I like it rough baby."

"I'll see you tomorrow jackass."

"See ya…Randy?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you for doing this and sticking by me through everything…and just because you're you."

"I love you too." Randy said leaving the room. When he got to the bottom of the stairs Alexei was coming out of the powder room near the foyer

"Leaving?"

"Yes. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Okay. While you're here I can go out and run some errands." Randy nodded

"Do you know who," Alexei pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket with a name and address on it. Randy quickly memorized the information and handed the paper back to Alexei

"Only if you want to Randy because I can handle this."

"No. I got it. See you tomorrow." Randy said opening the front door and leaving the house

….

"Hey." John said walking into the den

"Hi there." Randy replied as he sat up to kiss the older man

"Sorry I wasn't free for lunch. Antonio packed my day with meetings." Randy had forgotten all about that

"It's okay. Go change your clothes."

"Yes dad." John said leaving. He went up to the bedroom and changed out of his suit into much more comfortable clothes which was always a pair of basketball shorts and nothing else then returned to the den. Randy sat up again so that John could take a seat and he could rest his head in John's lap. "How was your day?" Randy sighed. "What's the matter? You feel incredibly tense right now."

"Well as you know Steven's house had some water damage…his brother offered him a place to stay and he went missing for two days. He overdosed."

"Oh my God. Is he – like,"

"He's fine now. Alexei sent me a text today to tell me that he'd been in the hospital for three days but he's home now. He looks like complete shit but he's going to rehab…he died twice."

"Were you angry with him because I noticed that your knuckles are very red and look swollen? Did you hit him?"

"I didn't hit him."

"So who did you hit?"

"I'd rather not talk about it if that's okay."

"I'm only asking in case I need to call my lawyer."

"You don't need to call your lawyer. It's fine."

"Randy,"

"I'm telling you that it's fine John, really."

"Okay." John said rubbing Randy's back soothingly. "Are you going to be okay?"

"I think so. I just want him to be okay."

"I know you do. As much as you're a hardass you're also a caring person and you do want the best for people. The same goes for Steven even if he's the one causing harm to himself." Randy sighed

"I don't know how people could be so stupid."

"I don't either but just be there for him…before he goes and when he comes back. He'll need the support." Randy laughed

"I was on drugs at one point John so I know."

"Well I had to go through it with you so in a way it made me sick too. All I could do was support you."

"And you did."

"Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?"

"Not really."

"Do you want to order something?"

"Yea."

"Do you want to sleep next to me tonight?"

"Yes."

"And do you love me?"

"Of course. You're giving me a night off from making dinner." John laughed

"I never make you do anything."

"But you want me to do things."

"Yes, that is true." John said pulling the blanket that was folded on the back of the couch down and draping it over Randy. "Get some rest babe." A few hours later Cody came bounding in the room

"Hey," John put a finger up to his lips to shush the young man. "Ran's sleeping? He never sleeps."

"He does sleep."

"Yea but he doesn't usually take naps and stuff. Is he sick or something?" John shook his head

"He's not sick he just had a long day. What do you want for dinner?"

"Whatever Ran makes is fine."

"Randy is not making dinner tonight so what would you like to eat?"

"Oh, um…are you sure he's not sick John? You should just tell me if he is."

"He's not. I promise you."

"Oh, okay. I would like food from Grille 54 if that's okay."

"That's fine with me but let's check with Evan when he gets home, okay?"

"Okay. I'm going to change my clothes." John nodded

Later

"Scoot over Codes. Randy's sleeping next to me tonight." Cody huffed and crossed his arms. "Don't even start that shit."

"No John, something is wrong with Ran and neither of you is saying anything. He barely talked during dinner and now he's sleeping next to you? No. No. No…what is going on?" Cody looked at Evan. "Did you break up with him because he barely talked to you either?"

"I did nothing of the sort nor do I know what's wrong with him."

"If you're that concerned then you need to speak with Randy about it." Cody looked at Evan again

"Oh you want me to talk to him?"

"Yes. He won't yell at you."

"I'll talk to him but not tonight. Just let him get some rest." Evan said fluffing his pillow

"I think we should hit this head on." Cody said punching his hand with his fist

"I think you need to lie down and go to sleep." John said eyeing Cody who slipped so far down between the sheets that only his eyes were visible. Randy walked out of the bathroom and was making his way toward the bed when he noticed Cody's piercing eyes watching him. He laughed

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Nothing Ran…just getting comfortable."

"If you say so." Randy said leaning down and kissing Evan. "Goodnight." He said in between kisses

"Goodnight." Evan said reaching up and caressing the other man's cheek. Randy ran his fingers through Evan's hair and kissed him again. He stood to his full height and just looked at Cody

"I don't even know what to do with you."

"I'm still accepting kisses so hand them over." He walked to John's side of the bed and slipped between the sheets with John sliding in after him. Randy peeled the blanket down just enough to reveal Cody's mouth and kissed him twice then pulled the blanket back up

"Goodnight Codes."

"'Night Ran." John wrapped an arm protectively around Randy as he snuggled closer to the big man. John was silently flipping through channels on the TV when Cody spoke up. "Who do I cuddle with now? Ran and John, you guys are all wrapped up over there and I'm just hanging out here."

"You can't just sleep?" John asked

"Probably but I don't wanna." Suddenly they heard loud and obviously fake snoring coming from Evan. John and Randy laughed. "Evy?" He snorted then the snoring stopped. "Can't you cuddle me?" Cody asked turning over and throwing a leg over Evan

"You haven't really left me with a choice." Evan responded as he slipped an arm around Cody

"I usually don't." Cody said cuddling up to him

TBC

#PrayForBoston