May

"What are we having for dinner Codes?" Evan asked as Cody just sat there at the island

"I don't know. I always want pizza."

"We've had so much pizza since John and Randy have been gone."

"But we've both worked really hard at the gym so it's okay and we're still cute."

"So are we having pepperoni or white?"

"Both I say. Two mediums and French fries...the salt and pepper kind."

"Ooh," Evan said as he picked up the phone. He had the number to the pizza place memorized at this point. He called in their order then he and Cody went to the den to watch TV and wait. The food arrived and they scarfed it down like 23 year olds do and went back to the den to pass out from food exhaustion

...

"Codes." Evan said nudging the other man

"Hmm?"

"You were sleeping."

"I know. Let me sleep."

"Don't you want to sleep in a bed?"

"That would probably be better." Cody said finally opening his eyes and stretching. Cody grabbed the glasses off the table while Evan shut the TV off. They trudged upstairs after putting the glasses in the dishwasher and starting it

"Ran!" Cody yelled jumping on and knocking the other man over as he sat on the bed. "What are you doing here?!"

"I live still live here don't I?"

"I mean duh but I didn't know that you were coming back today. When did you get here? Did you know he was coming home?" Cody turned and asked Evan

"Nope."

"When did you get here Ran?"

"While the two of you were sleeping in the den. It's a good thing I'm not a burglar/killer because this house would be empty and the two of you would be dead. There was all types of snoring coming out of that room."

"That must have been Ev."

"It was both of you. Scoot over so I can get a hug and kiss from my Puppy." Cody moved off to the side allowing room for Evan but barely. "Hi baby." Randy said wrapping his arms around Evan

"Hi." He said quietly. "I missed you." He said even quieter

"I missed you too."

"When's John coming home?"

"He'll be back in two days."

"But graduation is tomorrow."

"I know. He said that he'll apologize to Ashleigh when he comes back and Tango him when she's going across the stage." Cody laughed

"Tango him. That's funny."

"That's awfully nice of him."

"He feels really bad. They sent the wrong tile or something for the hotel so he has to stay and make sure it's sorted out."

"How come the shield or whatever he calls them can't do it?"

"John sent them home to visit with their families four days ago. He was going to come back with me until the minor mishap."

"What does the house look like?"

"Oh my God. Do you remember how much I liked the kitchen after it was done?"

"How could we forget?"

"Well I like the entire house 10 times more than the kitchen."

"That makes me excited." Evan said. "Did you guys sleep there?"

"No. John was still in Hilo most of the time I was there but when he came to Honolulu he stayed with me in my hotel room. We didn't want to sleep in the house without the two of you."

"So our first night will be together?" Cody asked smiling

"Yes. John has a surprise for you when he gets home too."

"He does?! What is it Ran?!"

"I can't tell you or it won't be a surprise."

"But you know what it is?"

"I do know what it is."

"I don't like that you're not telling me but I am happy you're home." Cody said throwing his arms around Randy's neck

"Thank you."

"What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Lying in bed. I'm tired."

"Yea that's what you want to do. I mean what are you really going to do?" Randy laughed

"I seriously don't have any plans. I want to do nothing. Unpacking a house and flying so far is exhausting."

"Are you hungry? We have leftover pizza."

"Pizza again? Every time I talked to one of you you were having pizza for dinner."

"We like pizza." They said in unison

"Well you both look good so I'd say it's working for you."

"Ev and I went splitzies on a gym membership since the old gym stuff isn't here anymore."

"Oh that's right. The equipment is gone. That sucks."

"Are you going to get fluffy again?" Randy glared at Cody. "I didn't mean to say that."

"Yes you did."

"Codes is tired Randy. Let's just pretend that didn't happen and let's all go to bed. You and I have work in the morning."

"Did you talk with Ashleigh about coming to pick out what she wants from my apartment?"

"Uh-huh. I'm going to pick her up and her dad told her to pick what she wants and whatever she needs."

"What about moving it?"

"He has a few things to do in the morning but he'll be over with a U-Haul and his friends to move it all."

"That's perfect. Good job Cody my little information gatherer."

"Thanks! I'm going to brush my teeth." Cody said hopping off the bed. He passed Evan on his way out of the bathroom

"How've you been Cachorro?"

"Okay. I'm better now." Evan said crawling in bed with Randy

"Is mom ready for you to move?"

"She is coping a lot better with it now. No more tears when we see each other and there's more talk of utilizing the guest house." Randy laughed

"And she's always welcome. How do you feel about it?"

"You know that I'm okay with it." Evan said looking up at the older man. "I'm excited to go actually and to live in a house that is for all four of us and not J's getaway/bachelor pad/house of debauchery,"

"Okay Ev. He was here with Cody so I don't think any debaucherous things were happening here, not at least until I moved in."

"And that's the thing – this house is a house of additions and the new one is a collective effort. Everyone contributed an idea or two to it. Honestly I'd be comfortable anywhere with you." Randy looked down but could only see Evan's dark hair. "I know you're looking at me. We just had a moment but please don't say a word about it."

"It was sweet."

"I'm going to bed." The younger man said as he tried to turn over

"Aw Puppy no," Randy said pulling him close. "I wasn't going to tease you or anything. What you said was sweet and I totally agree. We'll be happy there."

"I believe so."

"John's letting you name the house."

"What?"

"For zoning and maps and shit houses need names and John wants you to name it. Cody gets to name the beach."

"Oh wow. It's going to be named that forever?" Randy laughed

"Yea so you better make it good."

"No pressure."

Next Day

Randy lay in bed eating popcorn and watching TV. He had managed to do nothing all day and he was loving it. He sighed when his phone rang. Randy slowly reached over and grabbed it

"Hello." He said gruffly

"Did I interrupt something?" Steven asked

"Yes. Me doing a bunch of nothing. What do you want?"

"I need to talk to you." Randy sat up knocking over the bowl of popcorn that was resting on his stomach

"What's wrong?"

"Relax sweetheart. I haven't fallen off the wagon and this isn't my one call from jail. I just need to talk some stuff over and you're level-headed and I trust you."

"Oh okay. Well come over because I don't feel like getting up and going anywhere. Just come in when you get here. I'm in my room...it's upstairs at the end of the hall."

"Okay. See you in a bit."

"Bye."

"Bye." Randy tossed his phone to the side, cleaned up the popcorn then went downstairs to unlock the door grabbing a drink from the refrigerator on the way back to his room. About thirty minutes later Steven walked into the room and slapped Randy on the butt jolting him awake

"God damn it Steven." Steven laughed

"What?"

"What do you need to talk to me about?" Randy asked sitting up

"I think I'm ready to take the next step."

"Well I'm sorry Steven but I just don't see you that way anymore."

"Be serious."

"What do you mean by next step?"

"I want Johnny to move in with me." Randy gasped

"You're serious aren't you?"

"Yes. I'm very serious. I'm even thinking about doing the long-term thing with him."

"And by the long-term thing you mean what?"

"Getting engaged and maybe getting married."

"Isn't marriage the part that comes after engagement?"

"Yea."

"So what's with the maybe?"

"I know what I want but I can't say it yet."

"What do you want me to say? If the two of you are in love then go for it. I think he's the yin to your yang. He's very accepting of your outlandish behavior and rolls with whatever mood you're in. Make it happen dude."

"I'm not crazy right?"

"Oh no you're crazy but this here is about the sanest thing you can do. Hawai'i may become the next state to legalize same-sex marriage and if they do I say you guys have the ceremony there. We own a beach so you can do it out there. It would be beautiful. I'll bake the cake or cupcakes or,"

"Randy shut up."

"I was just trying to be nice bitch."

"I understand that and I do thank you dear but pump the breaks. You're getting too far ahead but thank you. I'll take you up on that once you clear things with John."

"I'll handle John."

"Oh you gonna do that thing he likes?" Randy laughed

"Shut the hell up. John likes everything I do."

"Freaks. Anyway it sucks that you won't be here when I go ring shopping."

"It does and it doesn't. You should probably take Alexei or your mom not your ex."

"You're right. I've always been bad at these things."

"You mean being in a relationship? Yea you're terrible but with Johnny it's different. He's the one." Steven smiled

"I was hoping you'd say that. I feel a hell of a lot better now. Were you naked before I got here?" Randy laughed

"Yes."

"I feel some type of way that you put shorts on."

"You've seen my dick enough. You want to marry your boyfriend! Why are you trying to look at me?!"

"There's nothing wrong with looking and admiring."

"You have whore eyes." Steven started laughing. "And John would gouge them out if you knew you saw me naked."

"I've seen you naked. I saw you naked before he ever did."

"You haven't seen me recently."

"What's changed? Do you have a super-secret tattoo on your ass or something?"

"I do have a tattoo that you haven't seen but it's not a secret and it's not on my ass."

"Ooh, where is it?" Steven asked smiling

"Right here." Randy said pointing to where he had Cody's name inked into his skin. Before Randy could stop him Steven lifted the elastic band of his shorts and took a peek. "God damn you."

"He already has and does that say what I think it says?"

"I don't know what you think it says."

"It's my precious baby Cody's name."

"Then it says what you think it says."

"Wow," Steven said. "You guys are really in love around this place. Where's Ev's tattoo?"

"I don't have one for him."

"Why not?"

"I just never got one."

"You should get one for him."

"Oh should I? Where should I put it Steven?"

"Ask him. If you managed to work John into those skulls then surely you can get Ev on you some place...hell, put him next to Cody." Randy snapped his fingers

"I know where it could go if I get one."

"Perfect. I'm glad I was of service to you...now it's not the type of service I'd like to provide you,"

"I have had just about enough of you for the day." The other man laughed

"That was quick."

"You didn't pull any punches." Steven leaned forward and kissed Randy

"I have to go anyway. I'm going to swing by my parents' place and talk with my mom."

"You do that and tell her I said hello."

"She asks about you all the time so you might want to see her before you move."

"I can do that." Steven stood up and adjusted himself. "Still not wearing any underwear I see."

"They don't make any big enough."

"John's bigger than you and he wears underwear so I don't want to hear it."

"John's bigger than me?"

"Yes...length and girth."

"Holy shit. I can see why you only bottom to him. He's the fucking king around this jungle." Randy laughed

"Bye Steven."

"Bye sexy." The older man said leaving the room. When Randy was sure he'd gone he got up to rinse and wash his mouth. He removed his shorts before getting back on the bed. Downstairs, Steven had opened the front door and was walking to his car in the driveway when a black SUV pulled up and John got out. A man walked his bags up to the front door then placed them inside the house

"What are you doing coming out of my house Steven?"

"I really needed to talk to Randy and he said that he wasn't leaving the house today so I had to come over."

"Oh, okay then."

"You're not going to kill me?"

"Do I need to?"

"No way. I was on my best behavior."

"Which I'm sure is still pretty bad."

"Naturally."

"Anyway," John said. "There's a lot of traffic due to an accident so be careful on your way out."

"Thanks." Steven said getting into his car. He backed out of the driveway but paused briefly to take a look at John's butt. He shook his head. "Damn shame." In the house John moved past his bags in the foyer and walked up to the bedroom

"John?" Randy said sitting back on his elbows

"Yes?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Where are your clothes? So help me if you were naked while Steven was here. Randy I'll fucking kill you."

"I had shorts on John. They should be right there on the floor." John looked on the side of the bed and did indeed see a pair of gray basketball shorts

"Oh."

"Geez John."

"He still rubs me the wrong way."

"That's fine but you have no reason not to trust me." Randy said softly. "Come here." Now John felt bad. Randy sounded hurt. He crossed the room and lay down beside the younger man on the bed. "He was only here for about,"

"It's okay. I'm sorry."

"What are you doing here?"

"I left as soon as the right tile came in. I didn't know how long Cody would last before he really started to get on your nerves about me not being home and I didn't want to miss Ashleigh's graduation. It starts at 7 right?"

"Yes."

"Then I made excellent time. I have a few hours before Cody gets home and I'm smothered and I have a few hours after that to re-inflate." Randy smirked as he reached up to caress John's cheek. He pulled him in for a kiss that deepened once he had a taste. It hadn't been that long since he'd seen the older man but there was something about John that made Randy always crave him. "Mmm." John hummed

"You're not too tired are you?"

"No." John said with a shake of his head so Randy rolled over and started to undress the man. With the shirt off, Randy moved down John's body and got rid of the pants and underwear that he was wearing. He made his way back up and looked into John's eyes, smiling a bit, and then kissed him. Their tongues rolled around each other's mouths unable to get enough. In that moment John was very happy to be home. Even happier when Randy climbed on top of him and gently rocked his hips causing their cocks to rub together. John groaned as the younger man kissed from his lips and down his neck where he sucked hard all while still rubbing their cocks together. The men kissed and kissed and when they thought that they weren't able to kiss anymore they went on. John ran his hands over any and all parts of Randy that he was able to touch. Randy focused on kissing and exploring John's mouth as if he had never had a taste before. "Randy quit it."

"What?"

"If you put that thing in me I swear to god." Randy laughed

"Damn it."

"Get off me."

"You don't want to try it at least once? I swear I won't tell anyone."

"No." John said pushing Randy to the side. "You already rim me, isn't that enough?"

"No because I want to fuck you."

"Well you're not going to now let it go before you piss me off."

"I don't want to piss you off babe." Randy said cuddling up to John. The older man knew he was only doing it to smooth things over but didn't care. He was a sucker for Randy and Cody's cuddling

"Then drop it."

"Consider it dropped. Can we still do it though?"

"How do you want it?"

"Any way you give it."

"Bend over across the bed, arch your back and shut the fuck up." Randy quickly did what John said and was rewarded with a hard smack on his ass. He groaned just a little before he bit down on his bottom lip to quiet himself. "Good boy." John said spreading the man's cheeks. He spat down into the hole then slowly eased inside. Randy closed his eyes tight. "You okay?" He nodded still adhering to John's command of shutting up. John pulled out until he could see the tip of his dick then slid back in. He repeated the move until he slipped into a steady and rhythmic thrusting of his hips. When Randy wanted him to move faster he pushed back and John got the hint. He grabbed Randy by the waist and let him have it. With each thrust both men grunted and groaned

"Oh fuck John." Randy whimpered. John pushed down on the tall man's back and leaned forward pressing harder on his prostate. He could feel the muscles of the other man starting to tighten and pulled out. Before Randy could say anything John flipped him to his back and was inside of him again hammering away. He pulled the younger man close and held his thighs as the relentless pounding continued. "Fuck!" Randy shouted as he looked down. Both men watched as the cum spurted from Randy's cock. John was pleased with himself and although he could have held out and kept going he allowed himself to let go and have an orgasm. For a few minutes the only sound in the room was the men panting before John looked over at Randy

"Are you okay?"

"John,"

"Hmm?"

"That was in the top ten; no top five, of the best sex we've ever had."

"Oh really?"

"Yes."

"That was good but I've had so much sex I don't know where that falls."

"Rude." John chuckled

"I wasn't being rude, I'm just saying. You're always great so I don't even have a list."

"Whatever John. Don't try and redeem yourself now."

"I'm not trying to redeem myself. There's nothing to redeem. You're great in bed and you've always been...from the first time we had sex until ten minutes ago." Randy reached over and wrapped an arm around John pulling him in for a one armed hug. John smiled and in return wrapped an arm around Randy. "I love you babe."

"I love you too." Randy's voice rumbled from the crook of John's shoulder

"Do you want to go get lunch?"

"Okay." The men showered and dressed casually for a lunch date

Dry Dock Waterfront Grille

"Are we eating inside or out?"

"Let's eat outside." John went up and asked for an outside table for two and the men were escorted to a nice table under a palm tree close to the dock

"It's really nice out here."

"I know. How could you even ask if I wanted to eat indoors?"

"I was being fair."

"Ah, I see." Randy said looking at his menu

"They have oysters." Randy shook his head. "What?"

"I'm not eating any oysters. Did I tell you about what happened when I took the boys to Palm Beach?"

"No but I can't wait to hear it."

"Those little shits were in cahoots and wanted to get oysters because they heard about them being an aphrodisiac."

"Let me guess – they put the theory to test?"

"Yes."

"Are they?"

"Yes so let's get the calamari." John laughed

Later

Cody and Evan came home to find Randy and John cuddled on the couch in the den sleeping

"They look so cute." Cody whispered and Evan nodded his head. "I almost don't want to wake them up but I am." Evan grabbed Cody's arm before the man walked over and shook the other two awake. "What?"

"One: I think we should get pictures of this."

"I think you're right." Cody said getting his phone ready

"And two: why don't you get your clothes for tonight ready before you wake them up? Let them sleep a little longer."

"You're right." Cody admitted snapping pictures

"Send some of those to me."

"Okay." Evan and Cody went upstairs to change and get their clothes ready

"What time do you have to be there?" Evan asked Cody when he walked into the kitchen

"I can't be there any later than 6 but I'm going to be there a little earlier because Ashleigh asked me to. She's nervous for some reason and her parents aren't allowed backstage."

"That's nice of you."

"I can't not be nice to her."

"You can't not be nice to anyone."

"I guess you're right." Cody finished his milk then poured a whole pack of fruit snacks in his mouth. "I'm going to wake them up now. I haven't seen John in forever and I want lots of kisses and whatever the surprise is Randy said he has." Evan shrugged and followed Cody to the den listening to him smack on the ball of fruit snacks in his mouth. Cody climbed on top of the two men then bounced up and down. "Hey you guys."

"Codes." Randy groaned. "Get off of me."

"You have to scoot over Ran so I can get in here with John."

"There's not enough room."

"Let me in. I haven't seen him in so long and I'm supposed to be getting a surprise." John chortled

"Scoot over a bit Randy and let him in please."

"Ah fuck this. I'm getting up." Randy said rolling off the couch. "Hi baby." He said to Evan who was just standing there

"Oh hey Evan." John said raising his head

"Hi J. Welcome back."

"Thank you." Randy sat on the overstuffed chair and pulled Evan down into his lap

"I missed you baby." Cody said cuddling up with John

"Oh I missed you too." John responded giving Cody a squeeze

"You don't have to go back before we move do you? I miss you way too much when you leave because you leave for so long and it's not like when you were in New York or had to go away those other times...you leave for really long!" John had to take a deep breath after listening to that while Randy and Evan tried not to laugh

"Since we're moving next month I don't think I'll be going. I mean I have no intentions on doing so and Dean, Roman and Seth are going back in the next day or two so whatever goes wrong, if something goes wrong, they'll be there to handle it. The hotel is near completion anyway."

"Okay. What's my surprise?"

"We're going puppy shopping tomorrow."

"We are?!" Cody asked excitedly

"Yes."

"Oh my gosh! I can't wait! Can I bring Maxi? He needs to be there so he can decide too."

"It's the pet store so I'm sure he can come along." Cody took a deep breath

"I want to cry but I'm not going to. I will hold it in."

"I think everyone in this room appreciates that."

"You're welcome guys." Cody said seriously. "Oh! I'm also glad you're back because that means you can come to graduation tonight. You are coming right?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I have to leave earlier than the rest of you so I can keep Ashleigh calm." John laughed

"Alright. What do you want to do for dinner afterwards?"

"Can we go to Chart House? I really want seafood."

"Does anyone here object?"

"No."

"I don't," Randy started. "But I do want to know what time you're going puppy shopping. You have to pick Ashleigh up and bring her to my apartment so she can pick the stuff she wants."

"We're doing that in the morning right?"

"Yea."

"I just told the pet store that I wanted to come in and have a look like last time. I didn't set a specific time. What time do you think you'll be done?"

"I don't know how long it's going to take her to pick the stuff out but I guess with her dad and his friends it won't take long to get it out of there and onto the rental truck."

"I'll help if you want me to." Evan said still in Randy's lap

"What do you have left there Randy?"

"Just furniture and stuff...no clothes or anything I really want. I've saved all this for Ashleigh and whatever she doesn't want the building manager said that he would take it. I didn't realize how sought after my shit was until I told people I didn't want it. The girl across the hall said any of the living room stuff left over she would take which I see no problem with but Ashleigh gets first dibs."

"I love how nice to her you are Ran." Randy shrugged

"I'm nice to people I like most of the time." Evan laughed. "That includes you Puppy."

"I didn't say anything."

"I didn't like the way you laughed."

"Oh my God."

...

"Hey Ash."

"Hi Mr. Rhodes!" The girl said waving

"How do you feel?"

"There are a million and one butterflies in my stomach. What if I fall as I'm walking across the stage?"

"I suggest you get back up and keep walking."

"Mr. Rhodes." Ashleigh said putting a hand on her hip

"What? You can't just lay there. It doesn't matter anyway," Cody said waving his hand. "Because you're not going to fall or even trip or even stumble. You'll glide like you're on ice and walk as well as you've been for the last 17 years of your life...well 15 give or take." She took a deep breath

"Okay. What time are you picking me up tomorrow?"

"Eleven...will you be up by eleven?"

"I should but I'll set my alarm anyway." Cody nodded and checked his watch

"I have to go soon. Will you be alright?"

"Yea."

"John's here by the way. He got back this morning." Ashleigh smiled

"That's so awesome. Are Mr. Randy and Cutie out there?"

"Yes. We have seats in the middle so we can see everything."

"You guys are the best."

"Is everyone ready?!" Phil asked the students lining the wall. "Oh hey Cody. What are you doing back here?"

"I'm supporting Ashleigh. You didn't tell me that you were part of the ceremonies committee." Phil shrugged

"I wasn't until about two hours before school was out. Another teacher dropped out for reasons I can't go into right now. We'll talk later." He whispered and Cody nodded his head

"I have to go. I'll see you out there Ash. You and I will talk Phil." Ashleigh waved while Phil nodded his head

"I'm going to call your names to make sure you're in alphabetical order. When you hear your name raise your hand and get in the right place if you're not!" Cody smiled as he heard Phil giving out directions. He took the back steps off the stage and used the side set to get up the bleachers

"Where the hell did you come from?" Randy asked when Cody sat down

"The stairs." He said pointing behind him. "It's a perk of being a teacher Ran. We know all the secret ins and outs of the school building."

"Not enriching the lives of kids but the inner workings of a building?"

"It's like inner workings is here," Cody said holding his hand up horizontally "And enriching lives is here." He said holding his other hand up but below the first one. Randy laughed. Before the ceremony started Ashleigh's dad, his new wife and her little brother took a seat to the left of Cody and sometime after the ceremony started her mom came waltzing in taking a seat near the top

Next Morning

Randy laughed when Evan practically climbed on top of him as he tried to get away from John and Cody who had apparently woken up and decided to continue their escapades from the previous night

"Where are you going?" He asked running his fingers through the small man's bedhead

"As far away from them as I can." They both looked over when Cody let out what could only be described as a squeak that turned into a moan and him telling John that he needed to go harder

"You want to get up?"

"Not really but it sounds as if I'll have to. Nasties." Evan said as he glared at the other two men

"Are you jealous?"

"No. Believe it or not I'm not even horny right now...not even with the live-action porn over there."

"So if I wanted to you'd say no?"

"No. I'd never turn down the D but I'm not pursuing it at the moment."

"Is that what you do? Pursue the D."

"I've been known to prowl." Randy laughed as Evan crawled off him and headed to the bathroom. Finding himself not really in the mood either Randy also headed to the bathroom

Randy's Apartment

"I didn't know you had a tool box. This is kinda hot." Evan said. "Do you have a tool belt too?" Randy laughed

"No I don't have a tool belt and I'm not dressing like a construction worker for you either."

"What if I say please and say that the hardhat is optional?"

"I'll think about it...but I'm not going to wear cutoff jean shorts or tie my shirt."

"I'll see your cutoff jean shorts for a pair of ripped jeans and in lieu of tying the shirt I'll just oil your chest. Does that work?"

"Oil my chest?! No. No...absolutely not."

"Worst boyfriend ever."

"Pout all you want you little baby."

"Guys?!" They heard Cody call as he walked in

"This stuff is really nice." Ashleigh said impressed with the furniture

"Thank you. Whatever you want you can have."

"I have a list." Ashleigh said pulling her phone out and going to the notes section. "Couch, lamps, kitchen/dining table," Randy went around putting sticky-notes on the things Ashleigh rattled off. "How many bedrooms are there?"

"Two."

"So I'll need two beds. Do you have two beds here?"

"Yes. You can have the bed frames and I'll buy you new mattresses for them."

"How come I can't just have the ones on them now?"

"You just can't...for reasons."

"Oh! I get it. I don't really mind all that but if you want to buy the mattresses then go ahead."

"I'll get you new bedding too. I think the stuff I have is a little too masculine for you. I'll take you shopping once you get there okay?"

"Okay Mr. Randy. Thank you."

"You're welcome." By the time the girl finished with her list her dad and his friends had arrived and Randy and Evan were taking apart the beds while Cody was packing up the dishes. "Hey Ash!" Randy called

"Yes Mr. Randy!"

"Do you need towels?! Why am I yelling?" He muttered. "Where are you?"

"Bathroom." Randy stepped into the guest bathroom

"Do you need towels?"

"I guess so."

"You guess so? Do you use them or do you shake off?" They heard Ashleigh's dad laugh

"I need towels."

"I'll buy you those along with the bed linens unless you get something at your party or for your birthday."

"Okay." She said just standing there

"Am I overwhelming you with all of this?"

"A little bit."

"Okay then...just don't worry about a thing. I'll refer all questions I have from now on to your dad."

"I think that's better."

"You're going to be moving far away Ash," Her dad said. "You need to start taking some responsibility honey."

"But daddy I am. You're making me get a job remember?"

"Ashleigh please." The group spent the better part of four hours breaking everything down and packing things away

"Thank you so much Mr. Randy for all your stuff. I'm glad it's not all ratty like a lot of free stuff is." Randy laughed

"No. I've always taken care of my things and you're very welcome."

"Yea thanks a lot. Anything I don't have to spend money on is great for me and this is really nice stuff."

"You're welcome. When are you flying out Ash?"

"Like the first week of August...or whenever daddy buys me a plane ticket."

"Plane ticket shmane ticket. I'll ask John if you can fly on the plane."

"You guys have a plane too?"

"John has a plane."

"I clearly took a wrong turn somewhere in life."

"Daddy." Ashleigh said. "It's okay that you don't have a plane. Where is Dimples by the way?"

"Home."

"Oh, well I guess he's tired from flying all the way here then coming to my graduation."

"He is and when Dimples is tired he gets a little cranky."

"I can't imagine."

"The truck's all packed up Brian." One of Ashleigh's dads' friends announced as he walked back into the apartment

"Thanks. We need to get going Ashleigh. I have to pick your brother up from his game on the way home."

"Okay. Thanks again guys! I'll see you next Saturday."

"See ya." Randy took one final walk around his apartment

"Are you going to get a place in Hawai'i to replace this one?"

"I might. I really hate leaving this place." Evan and Cody both walked over and tucked themselves under each of Randy's arms

"Why?" Cody asked

"I don't know...the memories I guess."

"Well those are in your head and if you miss the furniture at least you can visit it in Ashleigh's apartment." Randy laughed. Leave it to Cody to be so optimistic about things

"Your optimism is so refreshing Codes." He said kissing the top of the man's head. "You can just stand here and look cute." He said kissing Evan's

"Done."

"Let's go boys."

"It's puppy time!" Cody announced walking away with a swish in his hips. Randy chuckled when Evan did the same. He stepped out into the hallway of the apartment building and took one last look inside the empty apartment:

"Hey."

"Hi."

"I was missing an ingredient so I just ran to the store. You weren't waiting too long right?"

"Maybe ten minutes."

"…so not too long, right?" John laughed

"Not long at all."

"I meant to ask you if you had any allergies I should know about but I forgot so I hope you're not some freak who's allergic to chicken." Randy said walking toward the kitchen

"I'm not allergic to chicken or anything else for that matter."

"Oh wonderful. Come here." He called from the kitchen. John shut the TV off and followed the command. He took a seat on a bar stool where he could see Randy moving about the kitchen

"Do you cook often?"

"As often as I can. It's nice having someone else to do it for I guess."

"I find it hard to believe that no one would let you cook for them." Randy shrugged

"I don't have a problem finding people to cook for but I generally like to keep my one-night stands to one night. You're making me break my rules but there's just something about you."

"I'm going to take that as a compliment."

"Eh, do what you will with it." Randy said oiling his pan

"You're a photographer aren't you?"

"Aww, did you Google me?"

"You wish. I'd been trying to remember where I had seen the name Orton. I was going to a doctor for a while and I used to stare at the pictures on his wall because he was always late…it read R. Orton in the corner so I put two and two together."

"What's this doctor's name? I want to make sure I sold to him and that's not a knockoff print." John laughed. "I'm serious. That's my livelihood and I don't get paid for any of that shit."

"Um, Dr. Monroe, he's a,"

"Chiropractor. I know Dr. Monroe very well." John eyed him. "Not that well. Doesn't he have a wife and kids?"

"Since when does that mean anything?" Randy laughed

"You're right. Is something wrong with your back? Anything I should know about before I put you to work?" John chuckled

"I lift a lot so I just like to make sure I stay aligned."

"Is that where your ass comes from?"

"Oh you noticed that?"

"Of course I noticed that thing. It's amazing."

"It's been the topic of conversation a few times."

"I'd imagine. Can I touch it?"

"Of course. You didn't have to ask."

"Sometimes I'm polite." John smiled

Randy smiled when he thought back to the first night he'd ever cooked for John in the apartment. When he felt his emotions rising he cleared his throat and swallowed hard. His eyes scanned the dwelling once more before he closed the door for the last time

"Are you ready?" Evan asked quietly. Randy nodded

"Yea. I'm ready."

...

"The three of you look worn out. Did you stop on the side of the road for a quickie?" John asked when the other men came into the house

"John!" Cody yelped. "On the side of the road? Me?!"

"Well you did it in a fitting room so why not the side of the road?" Cody gasped

"Maybe we look worn out because we were moving stuff all morning John."

"That could be it." He turned to Evan and Cody. "You two,"

"I didn't do it!"

"Are we in trouble?!" Each man asked with their voices raised. John and Randy just looked at them

"Not that I'm aware of but I'll keep an eye out. I need you to come up with a name for the house and you need to come up with one for the beach...now."

"Oh I did." Evan said getting his phone out. "Pacata...it's Latin for peaceful."

"I dig it." John said

"I like it too Puppy."

"What's Latin for," Cody paused and took his phone out. They all watched him type quickly then look up from the device. "Serenissima."

"The fuck is that?"

"Serene...peaceful and serene." He said then smiled

"That's brilliant." John said

"It is Codes. I thought for sure you'd name it something dumb like cupcakes or something...unicorn city." John and Evan laughed while Cody glared

"Very funny Ran...although unicorn city,"

"No!" John interrupted. "Write down the names so I can turn those in to the city. We can't move in until that's done."

"But the house is already there."

"They would put it up for sale and with all the people that drove by asking about it I'm sure it would go fast. They'd name it anything."

"Yea...like Look at My Bomb Ass House." Everyone laughed at Randy who was serious

"I don't know where this hood part of you comes from but I must say that I like it."

"Like when your hood/West Newbury comes out?"

"That's more of a Boston-ish accent. You're from St. Louis...as a matter of fact, weren't you born in Tennessee?"

"Yes, Knoxville to be exact but that's beside the point."

"I think it's right on point."

"No. Let's go back to this Boston-ish accent...you're not even from Boston." John shook his head

"Are you coming with us to look at puppies?"

"I hadn't planned on it."

"Come on Ran! You have to."

"Why?"

"You were there when I got Max. It'll be like a tradition."

"Take Evan."

"Who said that I wanted to go?"

"Come on Evy. You come too...Maxi is going."

"Well Max likes riding in the car and I could take it or leave it."

"Randy." John said laughing. "Just come with us. Both of you. We'll pick up dinner on the way home."

"If I didn't know any better I'd think the two of you didn't want to get a new dog. Can I get a bunny when we move? One of those femmeish giants."

"That's Flemish Giant." Randy corrected. "Tell him no John. I don't want to live in a zoo."

"I wish the two of you would knock it off. Everyone go get ready so we can leave. Been home ten minutes and already getting on my damn nerves." John muttered walking away

"I'm gonna get that bunny you watch." Cody said walking by

"You probably will." Randy responded as he stuck his foot out and tripped the other man

"I'm going to tell John on you two if you don't quit."

"You little rat." Evan ran past Randy and up the stairs to his room slamming and locking the door behind him

...

"What are you going to name him Codes?" Randy asked scratching the small ears of the black toy Havanese puppy Cody held in his arms

"See the white strip on the top of his head?"

"Yea."

"I'm naming him Black Bolt...he's black and it's like a bolt of lightning."

"Can we call him Bolt for short?" John asked

"Of course."

"Is Black Bolt another Inhumans character?"

"Yep."

"So we have Maximus the Mad and Black Bolt."

"Mmhm."

"Make sure you get all of his shots before we leave okay Cody?"

"I will John. Maxi needs some boosters so I'll make an appointment for them both." John didn't mind getting Cody another dog because he had been so responsible with Max. He always picked up after him; the dog was properly groomed and never went without his shots or treats. Max had been trained well too. Randy wouldn't admit it but he didn't mind having another dog either although he would have chosen a bigger one. Evan really didn't give a shit but he did think the two dogs were cute

Next Saturday

"I can't believe you're leaving." Phil said to Cody

"I know. I'm really going to miss you guys but we have a guest house so you can visit on Christmas or Spring break."

"Visit? Randy hates me."

"That's why I said guest house not the main one. He can't be too bothered if you're not in the same house as him." Phil laughed

"Somehow I doubt that."

"You let me take care of him okay?"

"Okay. So who's coming to this thing?"

"Well you if you're staying, Ashleigh's friends and family, um, she asked Mrs. G if she would come so she'll be here too."

"By family you mean her parents?" Cody looked at Phil

"Are you thinking it's going to turn into a shit show too?" Phil laughed mostly because Cody cursed and that was always hilarious

"I do think it'll be something alright. Is there going to be popcorn?"

"Popcorn is not on the menu but we have some around here if you want to pop that. Oh – there is popcorn chicken."

"Did Ashleigh ask for that?"

"Yes."

"You guys really like her. I mean, letting her stay here, taking her out...throwing her this party. Isn't John giving her a job?"

"Mmhm. She's a nice girl and even before her parents divorced she didn't seem to have a stable environment. I understand that four men live here but we all love each other and we don't fight so here is better than home for her...especially with that mom of hers. If she were a man Ran would have beat her up."

"I don't find that surprising at all." Cody laughed

"He's not that bad Phil."

"He tried to kill me."

"Oh that one time. Look at the bright side."

"Which is?"

"That he didn't actually kill you."

"Always a silver lining with you." Cody smiled

Later

Randy walked into the den, saw Phil then walked back out and went to the kitchen

"What's he doing in there?"

"Isn't he watching TV?" Cody asked hugging Randy

"No. No. Do not hug me. You're trying to cute your way out of this."

"I am." Cody said giving Randy a squeeze. "Is it working?" He asked looking up at the taller man. Randy sighed

"A little bit."

"Oh good."

"Is he staying for the party?"

"Yes."

"Then he needs to help get ready."

"Go ask him to help. I have poop to go clean up." Randy eyed the other man. "Dog poop Ran!" Randy started laughing. "You're so gross! Ew!"

"Answer the door first." Randy said after the bell rang

"But you're going in that direction."

"But I have to talk to Phil. Go answer." Cody growled and started walking toward the door. Randy followed but stopped at the den. "If you're staying for the party then you have to help get ready."

"Okay." Randy stood there

"That was easier than I thought it would be."

"I'm not a bad person Randy."

"Whatever. Follow me."

"Hey there Mr. Rhodes." Ashleigh said stepping inside the house

"Hey Ash."

"I have a few outfits with me and I need your help picking one. Kami was going to but her stylist was able to squeeze her in at the last minute. I think I'd rather have you help me since you dress better than she does anyway." Cody laughed

"Okay." They walked to the master bedroom adjacent to the den and Ashleigh laid her clothes out. "Hmm...I like the dress but I think it's too short to be honest."

"What if I wear it with these?" She asked holding up a pair of strappy flat sandals

"It's too short Ash but those sandals are cute. I like the red shorts but with the polka dot tube top."

"You know, I never thought of that. What shoes?" Cody saw Evan pass by the door

"Ev!" The small man backtracked and peeked in the room

"Yes? Hi Ashleigh." Ashleigh just stood there. "What?"

"You...you have muscles."

"Of course I have muscles."

"And they're so ripply." Evan laughed and Cody covered his face

"Thanks I guess. What's up Codes?"

"What shoes should she wear with this outfit?"

"The gold ones with the bow for sure. They tie in with the bow on the top."

"Ugh – you gays really know your stuff."

"Can I go now? I need to shower and change."

"Yea. Thanks Evy."

"Sure."

"I may have to rename him." Ashleigh said once Evan was gone

"What?"

"When did he get those muscles?"

"He's always had them...well not always but definitely since you've know him."

"He looks hot." She whispered and Cody laughed

"I hope you're not this boy crazy when you move. We'll all be keeping a close eye on you especially Ran."

"I don't know Mr. Rhodes. I have a weak spot for Samoan boys."

"Yea...we'll definitely be keeping all eyes on you."

Later

Ashleigh's graduation/birthday party was in full swing. John and Evan were milling about the yard while Cody talked with Phil and Mrs. G. Randy was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, naturally. In the middle of his obsessive checking Ashleigh's dad walked up and pulled him off to the side. Randy was about to check the man about touching him but remembered who he was and let it go

"Hey Randy,"

"Yes?"

"I know that there are a lot of kids here and it's a party for my daughter but some of us," He cleared his throat. "Adults would like more refreshing beverages if you catch my drift."

"Oh! We thought of that. Follow me." The two men went in the house via the back sliding glass door. "We've taken care of everything." Randy said opening the fridge. Ashleigh's dad smiled

"This is perfect."

"Yea we didn't want any alcohol outside with the kids so it's in here."

"Very responsible. Part of me doesn't want my little girl going all the way to Hawai'i for school but knowing that the four of you will be there puts my mind at ease. She really likes Mr. Rhodes." Randy laughed

"I think you can call him Cody."

"Yea, well I hear Ash call him Mr. Rhodes all the time."

"I understand."

"And Jesus Christ you guys can't be any worse than her mother. At least you don't have strange men coming in and out of your house." Randy nodded

"I don't think John would like that too much."

"How does that work? I mean you don't have to tell me but I've been curious."

"How does what work?" The other man made a general sweeping motion with his arms. Randy took note of the small droplet of beer that landed on the floor. "Oh, um, like how relationships work but there are more than two of us."

"Just that easy huh?"

"Just that easy."

"That's cool. Thanks for the beer. I'll let the rest of them know."

"Okay." Randy waited for the man to leave before grabbing a paper towel and wiping up the minute spill

...

About two hours into the party Randy and John went to the store to pick up some small items that they had run out of. John opened the garage door and chuckled as he walked through the entryway

When John walked in his house he could hear Cody and Randy bickering in the den. He walked in and cleared his throat

"John," Cody pouted. "Tell Randy that I'm not a bad driver."

"Randy, Cody is not a bad driver."

"See? I told you so."

"No, he's not bad he's terrible." Randy laughed

"John!"

"You are baby. Why do you think we gave you the entire right side of the driveway?"

"I thought it was because you liked me."

"We do but it was so you could stay away from our cars."

"Right and I know you bumped my car two weeks ago you little shit."

"Randy." John said sternly. "And I won't buy you a new car until you learn to drive better."

"But I passed drivers Ed." Cody mumbled

"What school did you go to? I'd like to have a talk with your instructor…show him some pictures of your car just so he knows he let a terror on the roads." John laughed

"You're not funny Randy."

"Yes I am."

"I'm going to the kitchen to get myself something to eat. The two of you can hash this out amongst yourselves…don't be so hard on him Ran." John left the den and headed toward the kitchen

"Cody knows I'm joking." He sat there pouting. "Don't give me that boy."

"Cody!"

"What?!"

"Did you unload the dishwasher?"

"Shoot."

"You're striking out Cody." He hit Randy and ran off to the kitchen. When he walked in he saw John sitting at the island with a sandwich and cuddled up to him

"I forgot." John kissed him

"I noticed so do it now please."

"What are you doing John? I like your ass and everything but I don't want to stand behind you all night in the garage."

"Sorry." John said moving along. "You ever pass a certain spot or just have a memory come flooding back to you so vividly?"

"Yes. What was the memory or do I not want to know?"

"You and Cody arguing about him being a bad driver."

"Which time? He and I fought about that on a few occasions."

"It was the day I'd gotten the last of my things from Teddy's."

"Oh! Wasn't that the night Cody got drunk on shots?" John laughed

"Yea it was."

"He's grown up a lot."

"I know." John said smiling fondly

"Still whinier than a mother fucker but he's toned it down."

"I've been with him since he was 19 so for the most part I can tune that out and when I can't I just remember he was that way when I met him. Cody hasn't tried changing me so I don't try and change him."

"That's a nice way of looking at it."

"And he's only becoming more handsome the older he gets so I'm weak. He can do what he wants." Randy laughed

"He is a handsome little bastard."

"I'm a sucker for nice faces which is why you get away with so much shit." Randy smirked. "I saw that."

"I don't know what you're talking about John." He said putting ice on the Haagen-Dazs and Ben and Jerry's mini cups of ice cream

"Sure you don't." John said leaning over the island. Randy met him half-way with a kiss

"Have you been in my chap stick?" He asked after licking his lips

"That's Evan's actually. He told me I looked like I'd just eaten a powered donut." Randy burst out laughing. "I laughed too."

"He's too much."

"I don't want you here anyway!" John and Randy looked over

"That's not Ashleigh's dad I hope." John said heading toward the door

"You know damn well it is." Randy replied following behind him

"You're a piece of shit Brian!" Ashleigh ran by Randy and John slamming the door behind her. If the moment weren't so serious Randy would have laughed when it bounced back open

"HEY!" He yelled before whistling loudly. John, Cody and Evan stood there stunned and completely unaware that Randy's voice could be so loud. "The two of you can do what you want on your own time but not here. This party is for Ashleigh and here you go making this about you which I'm sure you've done most of her life."

"Aw snap." Evan said

"Aw snap is right." Cody added

"Cut the shit before I make the both of you leave and if you don't think I will try me. I dare you." After Randy's dare the party slowly got back into full swing

"Should I go in there?" Colby asked walking up to the men

"Aren't you her boyfriend?"

"Not anymore."

"Well go in there anyway." Randy said turning the boy around and giving him a light shove. "This is reason 9,212 I don't want kids or to be married. What the hell was that?"

"I can't believe they did that here."

"They've been verbally jabbing at each other since the party started. It was only a matter of time."

"Do you know what's making me the craziest?"

"No. I've been wondering for years."

"Shut up John. Her mom was able to show up for the ceremony and party but not congratulate the girl or come home when she got those acceptance letters."

"Didn't we agree on her mom being shit?"

"Good point Puppy."

...

"How is she?" Randy asked walking up to Cody

"Okay. Colby was able to coax her out of the room so I think we're winning but she did eat three mini ice cream cups so we're losing in that regard." Randy laughed

"I actually came over here to direct your attention."

"To what?"

"Those two." He said pointing in the direction of John and Evan

"Well they look awfully cozy. Hey! I asked John if he wanted to share some ice cream with me and he told me no."

"He seems to be enjoying Ev's ice cream just fine."

"I should go over there and say something."

"No. Let it play out because I want to talk to Evan about it to see what he says."

"What if they try and you know?" Randy was intently watching the men from across the yard. "Ran!" Cody whispered harshly

"What?"

"You're taller than me are they doing something I can't see?"

"No. I'm sure you can see them flirting with each other from where you are."

"I can most definitely see that shit." Randy snapped his head around to look down at the younger man

"You seem upset."

"I'm not I just wish they wouldn't during this party."

"I'll be back." Randy said already halfway across the yard thanks to his long legs. "Can I borrow him for a minute?" He asked John but already wrapping a hand around Evan's arm

"But my ice cream."

"Forget the ice cream and get in the house." Evan went inside with Randy closely behind. "What did,"

"Upstairs." The small man walked up to his room and Randy slipped in behind him shutting the door. "What are you doing?"

"What?"

"You and John are over there fucking feeding each other ice cream and flirting like the horny teenagers in that yard Evan!"

"Did we look bad?!"

"Did we look – what?! Did you look bad?!" Evan rubbed his head

"I wasn't really trying to but I've had a few beers and J and I did shots,"

"Are you new? You don't do shots with John. That man can drink like a fish."

"I know but,"

"But what!?"

"Stop yelling at me!" Evan saw the look on Randy's face and shook his head. "I didn't mean to yell. I'm sorry but it's just that he's wearing a button down shirt and he looks hot." Randy laughed at the man's admission

"So you're flirting with him because he looks hot today?"

"He smells good too. Don't be mad at me."

"I'm not mad at you. I can't be after hearing that. You can go back to your ice cream but the two of you need to stop eye fucking each other in front of guests."

"Hey I gotta get it when I can right?"

"If you wanted it John would give it to you in a heartbeat."

"Yea he whispered that to me as he rubbed my leg." Evan said offhandedly as he opened the room door. Randy reached out and slammed it shut then heard the small man laughing

"That didn't happen did it?"

"Not the whispering and he didn't rub my leg."

"But he touched it?"

"Uh-huh. I'm not gonna lie, it made me feel tingly."

"You can fuck him if you want."

"I'll think about it."

"Cody won't mind."

"Of course he won't because he's a perv." Randy opened the door

"Did you get in trouble?" John asked when Evan sat down again

"No. Did you eat my ice cream?"

"Yes. It was melting. Are you sure you didn't get in trouble?"

"Yes but Randy did see the fuckery that was going on over here apparently."

"Oh us eating a frozen treat?" Evan eyed John. "Want another shot?"

"I'm already drunk and I shouldn't have shots with you because you drink like a fish and also because you look hot today and smell good." John guffawed and Evan groaned once he realized what he'd said. "No. No more shots for me."

"So I look hot today?"

"Oh God." John laughed again. "It's the button down." He stood up and ran his fingers through the other man's hair before walking away. Evan sighed and put his head down on the table

The doorbell rang and John jogged over to answer it

"Oh hey Doorbell." Evan stood there staring at the trail of sweat dripping down John's chest

Later

"Thanks so much for the party and gifts guys." Ashleigh said hugging John

"You're welcome." The three men answered

"Where's Hottie Boombalottie?"

"Who?" Randy asked

"She means Evy."

"Yea. I saw his muscles so he's been upgraded."

"Oh I see. He does hide those well. He wasn't feeling too good so he's upstairs lying down."

"Aww, well tell him I said thanks when he comes around and I'll see you guys...um, I don't know."

"We'll all have lunch before we leave okay?"

"Okay Dimples." They heard a car horn honk. "Colby's waiting."

"I'll text you Ash."

"Okay Mr. Rhodes. Thanks again!" She said running down the walkway. Randy turned around and noticed that John was gone

"Hey Codes," He said looking at the younger man. "Can you help me pick up a few things around here?"

"Okay."

John walked into the bedroom and could see Evan lying across the bed in the rooms dim light

"Evan." He said walking over

"Hmm?"

"Have a drink of this water so you don't get a hangover." John said handing the man a bottle of water

"I'm fine."

"You feel fine now. Drink the water."

"Randy brings Cody his favorite Gatorade and you bring me water." John laughed as Evan opened the bottle and sipped

"You're not going to throw up are you?"

"No. I don't even feel that bad I just had a headache." Evan said quietly

"What?" John asked leaning in. The small man reached out and pulled him close bringing their lips together. When they pulled apart John smiled

"I said that I just had a headache." John brought Evan close with one hand while the other wrapped around the back of the man's neck as they kissed. The kiss was hard and hungry. Evan moved John's hand away and sat up as he started to unbutton the man's shirt. John worked on the belt and zipper of the small man's shorts. He moaned when Evan dipped his head low then lapped at his nipples. John was impressed at Evan's ability to pay such close attention to his chest and work the button and zipper on his shorts. When the front of the garment was open Evan climbed off the man. "Off. Off...take them off." They both kicked off the rest of their clothes. While Evan was getting himself situated John reached into the drawer and grabbed the lube. He coated his fingers and slipped two inside. Evan gasped at the sting then moaned at the fluidity of which they moved. He and John made out as the older man fingered him in preparation

"Are you ready?" John asked wanting to be inside of the man already

"Mmhm...just go a little slow at first."

"Okay." John said pulling the fingers out and covering his cock with the lube

"You said we were picking up a few things Ran. We almost cleaned the whole house! Can we be done now?"

"We can be done. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Cody said opening the backdoor and letting the dogs in. He gave them each a treat then put Bolt inside his crate. Max spun around in a circle before lying down on his bed which was close to the crate where he had dragged it the first night Bolt was there

"Are they all settled?" Randy asked

"Mmhm. They're so cute together."

"That they are."

"What's that noise?" Cody asked grabbing Randy's arm as they reached the top of stairs

"Huh?" Randy knew what the noise was. Cody broke off into a sprint down the hall. Randy picked up his pace to catch up with the other man. Cody stood in the doorway watching John drill into the man he had pinned to the bed

"Are they allowed to do this?" He asked tearing his eyes away. "Because if they're not can you at least let them finish before you yell?"

"I'm not going to yell."

"You knew this was going on didn't you?"

"I knew they wanted to and probably would."

"Fucking hell John." They turned their attention back to the bed where John and Evan had switched positions with the smaller man now on top rolling his hips. Randy stepped behind Cody and wrapped his arms around him. Cody leaned back and they both watched the show

John closed his eyes and just enjoyed having Evan on top of him. Randy was tight, Cody was too but due to Evan's small size he was the tightest and felt incredible to John

"Fuck." He groaned as Evan rotated. "Goddamn that's so good." He said slowly thrusting upward

"Oh god!" Evan called out

"There?"

"Oh god John, right there." John's slow thrusting gradually sped up until he had the other man bouncing on top of him. "Fuck, oh fuck," Evan said putting his hands down to brace himself as he came. John thrust twice more before he came deep inside the small man. "Shit J." Evan said leaning down and sharing a kiss almost as hungry as their first with John

"How's the headache now?" John asked as they parted and Evan laughed

"What headache?" He asked with a raised brow. John's jaw dropped

"You little shit. Randy?"

"What?"

"Did you teach him that?"

"What? I have no idea what's going on." John explained what happened and Randy laughed. "I did not teach him that but you fell for the old "headache" bit hook, line and sinker."

"I'll always be little so I need to use being little and cute to my advantage."

"I feel some type of way right now."

"He got you John. You will deal."

Two Weeks Later

Cody lay in bed staring up at the ceiling waiting for John to wake up. He could hear Evan and Randy in the bathroom engaged in other activities. He smiled thinking back on when he first started staying the night with John and how he'd always wake up before the older man. He thought back to the nights he and John would lay in bed watching TV or talking about nonsensical things

"Baby?"

"Yes?" John answered absently as he flipped through the TV guide

"Do you think my teeth are ugly?"

"What?!" John looked down at the man lying beside him. "Do I think your teeth are ugly? What kind of question is that?"

"Well haven't you looked at them?"

"Yes."

"And you don't think they're ugly?"

"Why would I think they're ugly? Because there are spaces between them? So what?"

"That's exactly why." Cody said quietly. "I should have known that you would notice. Everyone always does."

"I'm not with you for your teeth and I certainly don't love you because of them."

"Okay." John went back to flipping through the guide before looking at Cody again

"Do they really bother you that much?"

"Sometimes...I've learned to smile with my mouth closed so people can't see them."

"I love you the way you are but if you want to get something done to your teeth then we can get them done."

"Really?"

"Yea. I don't want you to be unhappy about anything in your life."

"Thank you John." John laughed

"We haven't done anything so don't go thanking me yet."

"Well you know it's nice of you to offer to do it. You're so nice." Cody said rolling over and throwing his leg over John's

"I'm an alright guy."

"How much do they cost? I don't want them if they're really expensive."

"I have no idea." Cody grabbed his phone and looked up Lumineers then gasped. "What?"

"John! They're $800-2000 per tooth!"

"So I'll pay for the front two. That should be enough right?"

"That's going to look ridiculous. I don't want them."

"Don't be that way. I don't care how much they cost and it says up to $2000 that doesn't mean it will cost that much and you only need, what," John started counting his teeth. "Eight teeth done or do you want the bottom done too?"

"I'd like the bottom done."

"So," John counted again. "A total of like, 18. That's what?" Cody watched John do the math in his head. "It could be $14,400 up to $36,000, no big deal. Let me know when you're ready." Cody lay there looking at John. "What?"

"What's it like being able to just blow that much money?" John shrugged

"I never think about that but I guess it's nice."

"I hope I can do that one day."

"Not being a teacher you won't."

"John!"

"I don't mean that in a bad way. Your job will be more important than mine and better for society so in that aspect you'll be wealthy."

"Just not when it comes to money."

"No, not when it comes to money." Cody laughed and pulled at John's arm. "What's up?"

"Cuddle with me please."

"You're such a little cuddle-bug." John said lying down

"I really just like your muscles."

"Oh I see. You like my muscles."

"Yea, they're so big but your skin's really soft so it's a nice contrast." John started laughing

"No one's ever said that before...nice contrast – interesting."

"Can I have a kiss too?"

"A kiss too?! I'm already cuddling you."

"But you kiss so well and your lips are so nice too."

"Is it my birthday? All these compliments." John joked lifting Cody's leg and placing it around his waist. Cody blushed at the position. To him it was very intimate and it made him think of sex. Something he'd never done. He thought about sex a lot actually. "You ready?" Cody nodded so John leaned in and kissed him softly before inserting his tongue into the man's mouth. He wrapped a hand around the back of Cody's neck to pull him close but felt the other man pulling away. "What's the matter?"

"I love you John."

"I love you too."

"I think...I think I want to do it."

"Do what?"

"It...I want you to be my first." John was flattered but he should have said no. He had two other boyfriends and knew being Cody's first wasn't fair...but John just couldn't pass up the opportunity

"Are you sure? This is a big deal baby."

"I know. I love you and I trust you and I want to...with you." Trust. Such an important part to a relationship. Again John should have declined but he'd wanted Cody from the moment he saw those piercing blue eyes

"Okay." John said kissing him

"Is it going to hurt?"

"Um,"

"Be honest with me."

"...yea but I'll be as gentle as I can. I don't want to hurt you." Cody swallowed hard

"Okay."

"We don't have to."

"I want to. I'm sure about this John but can we do it with the lights and TV off?"

"We can do whatever you want or don't want. This is all up to you." John said shutting his bedside lamp off then the TV. "Do you want me to get undressed first?"

"Yes please." John unhurriedly undressed when what he really wanted to do was rip his clothes off like they were made of paper and throw them across the room. Once he was naked John got back on the bed and nearly kissed the life out of Cody. As he was kissing him, John felt the smaller man gently rutting against him and had to stop himself from tearing at Cody's clothes

...

"Are you ready?" John asked pulling his fingers out. He'd prepared Cody as much as he could using his fingers since Cody wouldn't allow John to rim him. He thought it was gross and told John he wouldn't kiss him if he did

"Yea, I think so." He said quietly. "Can you use more of the lube?"

"Sure." John said coating his erection until the lubricant dripped onto the sheets. He lined up with the tight virgin hole then pressed the tip of his cock against it. Cody tensed. "Baby you have to relax or it's going to be worse." Cody took a deep breath

"Okay. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry." John pushed harder and Cody tensed again but relaxed before John told him to. In an effort to put him at ease, John leaned down and made love to the man's mouth. He was able to slip past the ring of muscle before Cody pulled away

"OH MY GOD!" John froze but didn't pull out. "This hurts so bad John."

"I know baby." John had no clue. He'd never been on the bottom. "I'm sorry."

"I don't know if I can do it. I didn't think it would be this bad."

"The worst part is over." So he'd been told

"...I, I don't know." John wiped the tears from Cody's cheeks. "You're too big."

"We can stop." He could see Cody shake his head from side to side

"I want to, I really do John."

"I know but we don't have to."

"No, do it. Use more of that stuff." John grabbed the bottle and added more of its contents to Cody and to him. Cody held on to John's arms as the older man pushed deeper. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god." He repeated over and over. When John had most of his cock inside he lifted Cody's hips slightly thus changing their angle and started to thrust his hips. The more he moved the looser Cody's grasp on his arms

"You okay baby?"

"Uh-huh. This feels weird."

"Weird bad or,"

"No, no...it's different." With him relaxed John was able to go even deeper inside. "Oh my...do that again." He repeated the action and heard what he thought was a moan. The sound came again. Yep, he's definitely moaning John thought to himself. "You can move faster I think."

"We're doing whatever you want."

"Then I want it faster. I'm sure of it. Is that okay?" John smiled in the dark to himself as he moved his hips faster

"That's perfectly fine. I'll do whatever you say."

"Okay. Move your hips slightly," Before Cody had a chance to finish John moved and heard him whimper

"There?"

"Oh yes, right there." Cody breathed. "Kiss me John." John obliged pulling Cody closer with one hand while the other wrapped around the man's cock and pumped it at the same pace of his hips

"You feel so good Cody."

"I do?" He asked incredulously

"Fuck yea." John moved his hand faster. He needed Cody to cum before he did and he knew that he was close. When Cody started moving his hips with John's, John almost came

"John." Cody panted

"Go ahead baby."

"I'm gonna, oh John." He moaned as John's hand milked him. John released the young man's flaccid cock from his hand and thrust using smooth fluid motions until he grunted and experienced an orgasm of his own. In the process his throbbing dick pressed against Cody's nerves making him shudder. "What was that?!" John laughed as he pulled the condom off and tossed it in the trash

"You had another orgasm." He said kissing him. "It doesn't happen all the time so don't get used to it."

"Oh, okay."

"Are you alright?" Cody nodded

"But that really hurt."

"I tried not to hurt you."

"I know. I appreciate it." John smiled

"I love you Codes."

"I love you too."

John hadn't always been the most honest but if Cody had to go back and do it over he'd definitely relive everything with John

...

"Ev and I are leaving now." Randy said peeking his head outside at the naked men in the pool

"Okay."

"Have fun!" Cody yelled. Randy hopped in his car where Evan was waiting

"You ready?"

"I'm in the car aren't I?"

"I really have to do something about that smart mouth of yours." Randy said backing out of the garage. He had planned a nice day for him and the other man at the beach. There were already chairs set up for them to watch the sunset. They made the short drive in silence and walked up and over the dunes to where the chairs sat

"This is nice." Evan said taking a seat. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Randy said extending his arm and reaching his hand out to the other man. Evan put his hand in Randy's. "Ow!" Randy yelped when the small but strong man roughly pulled his arm toward him

"What is that?!"

"What is what?" He asked rubbing his shoulder that was almost dislocated

"You have another tattoo!"

"Oh! Yea...I do." Randy then saw Evan do something that he'd only seen a time before. He started to cry. "What's the matter?"

"You got my name...you're an idiot." Evan said laughing. Randy laughed at his reaction

"I certainly didn't think you'd cry."

"I don't know where these stupid things are coming from." He said wiping his face. "Let's watch the sunset."

"Okay." Randy said offering his hand again. This time Evan took it nicely. "Hey Ev." Randy said some time later disrupting the beautiful silence

"Yes babe?"

"You know I love you right?"

"That's what I tell myself." Randy took a deep breath feeling nervous all of a sudden. He turned toward Evan and held out a closed hand

"Do I pick a hand?"

"I'm only holding out one but go ahead." Evan tapped the fist so the older man turned it over and opened it for Evan to see the black matte finish tungsten ring. "You mean so much to me and I'm not sure if I've always expressed that. This is my way of showing how much I do love and appreciate you. I love that you're so easy to talk to and I love your smartass mouth but hate it at the same time," Evan laughed. "I fucking love that you're moving. That's major."

"Well we're major right?"

"Absolutely."

"Can I?" Evan asked his fingers hovering over the ring

"Please." He picked it up and slid the ring on his finger. "It looks good."

"Yes it does." Evan said getting up and climbing on Randy who was still seated in his chair

"Are we doing this here?"

"Mmhm," He said nodding. "It's goin down."

A Week And A Half Later

"Are you sure Steven is going to pick this stuff up Randy?"

"Yes John. I ask him to do things and he does them."

"Because the cleaning company is coming tomorrow afternoon and the new owners are moving in the day after."

"I understand that John. I understood it the three times you told me before you told me just now."

"It was,"

"John!" Evan and Cody stirred and woke up. "Sorry guys. John please...we have to get up in a matter of hours for our flight and I'd like to get some sleep."

"I'm too pumped to sleep...and I don't like that we're on the floor."

"We don't have a bed here because this isn't our house anymore."

"Aren't you going to miss it here?"

"Yes but I'm ready to make memories in our new home with the three of you...well five if I count those two rascals over there." Randy said referring to Max and Bolt

"And the bunny I want." Cody added. "Don't forget about my femmish giant."

"It's Flemish!" Randy took a deep breath. "Just an hour...just let me get an hour of sleep please."

"Wait!" Evan called sitting up then getting on his knees. Randy turned around. "Come here."

"Are you sure?"

"Get your ass over here." Randy smirked at Evan's aggressiveness. When he got to the bed Evan moved closer to the edge and pulled Randy down by the back of his neck giving Randy one of the hottest kisses he'd ever received

"What do you have against being called 'puppy'?"

"Don't call me puppy Randy." Randy kissed him

"Why not puppy?" In a move that shocked the older man Evan ripped his shirt almost completely off in one pull. "Holy shit."

"I said don't call me puppy." He retorted as he stood and pushed the taller man to the bed. He pulled at Randy's shorts and Randy lifted his hips letting him pull them off

"You don't have, shit." He cursed as he felt the heat of Evan's mouth. Cody had the best mouth he'd ever felt on his cock…and then there was Evan. "Ev, fuck, you're going to make me cum." Evan stopped his slurping and looked up

"My god Randy, already? That's so very disappointing." Randy's eyes widened as he shook his head

"You're a sarcastic little fuck. Get undressed."

"Your dirty talk is also underwhelming." Evan replied pulling his shirt over his head. As he reached down for his belt Randy smacked his hands away and ripped the belt from its loops

"Since I've disappointed and underwhelmed you I'll have to make sure my performance is one of my best yet." He said almost tearing the button from Evan's jeans

"Yea, yea yea…enough talk already." Evan said kicking his jeans off. "How do you want me?" Randy groaned

"You don't know how long I've imagined you saying that to me." He said roughly bending the small man over the bed. Evan reached back and handed Randy a condom that he'd discreetly pulled from the pocket of the shorts. After ripping it open with his teeth and rolling it on Randy forcefully pushed himself inside the tight ass before him

"Fuck Randy!"

"Shut up." He said through his teeth as he grabbed the unfamiliar set of hips. He started off slowly finding a comfortable and pleasurable rhythm for the two men. Evan pulled in a deep breath through his nose

"Shit that's good." He said biting his lip. "Harder." Randy smiled. He could definitely give harder. Changing his stance to one more suited for instant prostate stimulation, Randy hammered Evan relentlessly. "Oh fuck me!" Evan screamed as Randy grabbed a handful of his thick dark hair

"Are you still disappointed?" Evan shook his head as much as he could with Randy's hand firmly in place. "What? I can't seem to hear you Ev."

"God no! You're not disappointing…not anymore anyway." He said smirking. Randy moved faster. "Shit…oh god, fuck!" Evan yelled as he came. Randy was delighted since he was mere seconds away himself

"Holy fuck." He said panting. "Ev…oh my god." Randy pulled out and tossed the condom in the trash. Evan crawled on the bed and pulled the sheets over his sweaty body. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

"No. I like it rough like that."

"Ah, that's right. I'd forgotten that you like it dirty."

"Stay." Evan said pulling the sheets back. "Let me rest for a while then I can show you how dirty I get." Fuck yes Randy thought slipping into bed

Evan grunted

"What's all the yelling about? I was having a good dream."

"What was it about?" John asked

"Nothing." Evan answered quickly

"Odd." John commented

Eighteen Hours Later

"Who wants to be the first to open the door to our new house?"

"You do it John." The three men said

"You're the one who really made all of this possible." John keyed in his code then placed his thumb on the pad. They heard the door beep and John turned the handle. Randy stepped to the side letting Evan and Cody in before him since he'd seen the house already

"We live here?!" Both men asked excitedly

"We live here."

"It's so open. Oh my God. I don't know where I want to go first."

"Maybe this will help." Randy said walking toward the back of the house and hitting the button that retracts the walls

"Oh my goodness!"

"The backyard is amazing! I can't wait to get in the pool!" John and Randy smiled as the enthusiasm oozing from Cody and Evan

"Let the dogs out Cody so Randy and I can take you two on a quick tour." Cody put the crate down and let the small dogs out. They ran out the back and did circles in the yard. "I think they approve."

"Let's go! Let's go!" He said tugging at John's hand. Randy held his hand out for Evan and the four men walked around the lower level of the house checking out the kitchen and living areas before heading upstairs

"This is your room Ev." Randy said pointing to the right

"Oh this is way bigger than my other room and it's so nice." The small man said looking all around. "A rolling ladder!" Randy laughed

"I know I tease you about your height and I've seen you struggle one too many times trying to get things out of your closet so now you have one of these."

"Thanks babe. I might just play on it...sliding back and forth."

"Just don't break it." They left Evan's room and walked into an open area then down a hall passing more bedrooms before coming to a set of double doors

"Oh can I?!"

"Go ahead Cody." Cody opened the doors and gasped along with Evan

"I thought our room in Tampa was cool."

"This is cooler than cool."

"It's ice cold." Randy said

"Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright." John added and they laughed

"The closet is set up pretty much the same it's just bigger. We needed room for Evan's clothes that had somehow made it in there." Evan smiled up at Randy who leaned down and kissed him

"This shower is huge! What kind of tile is this?"

"Expensive." John said

"Oh, this retracts too." Randy told them pointing to one side of the room

"I feel so overwhelmed." Cody said covering his cheeks

"Why don't we change and head down to the beach?"

"Good idea." The men changed quickly and walked out to the backyard. "Is that a hot tub?"

"Yes."

"We fancy."

"Do you want the dogs down on the beach Cody? If they shit you have to clean it up."

"Okay. Come on guys...Maxi come." Max trotted over and Bolt followed. All of them went through the custom wrought iron gate and down the steps to their beach

"I can't believe that this is part of my backyard." Evan commented as he wrapped an arm around Randy's waist

"That makes two of us." Randy said putting an arm around Evan and one around Cody

"Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined my life being like this...and on my birthday!" They chuckled at Cody's added bit of excitement. "Who lives like this?" He asked no one in particular as he leaned slightly against John

"The four of us do now." John said wrapping his arm around Cody and finding Randy's hand which he held. "I remember," He said with a laugh. "Thinking that three might just be a crowd and now there are four of us."

"Three is most definitely not a crowd John."

"And apparently not enough."

"We make it work."

"We'll always make it work."

"Guys?" John said clearing his throat

"Yes?"

"Welcome home."

...The End...

A/N: Well, there you have it. The end of Three Is Not A Crowd. I hope all of you liked it, if not, that stinks but here it is. As I stated before the weekly updates are over but I will be doing one-shots so there's that. I actually have ideas already. Thanks again for tuning in each week. I wish that I could convey how much I do truly appreciate it but all I have is this .virtual hug. Hopefully it will suffice

XO – N.d.P