TLR Chapter 42a

Jaxon’s Birthday Party

Friday June 27^th

Mutt thought Friday would never get there but the day of Jaxon's birthday party seemed to have sprung up suddenly.  Even though Mutt knew he'd made a detailed list, but he still felt as though he'd missed something.

Jeff found his husband at the kitchen table at 5 AM, poring over the list.  Mutt was so intent on what he was doing that he didn't notice Jeff at all, and he jumped when Jeff gave him a good morning kiss on the top of his head.

"Jeez, Jeff!  You scared the cr-crud out of me!"  Mutt said crossly.

Jeff smiled and planted a real kiss on Mutt's mouth.  The finally broke apart, slightly out of breath.

"Better?"  Jeff asked with a grin.

Mutt narrowed his eyes in thought.  "I don't know. You scared me pretty badly."

Jeff pulled Mutt into a hug and kissed him again.  He could feel Mutt's hardness against his own.

Nearly an hour later Mutt was in a much better mood, relaxed and happy in Jeff's arms.  The sheet a tangle at the foot of their bed.

"Better now?  Jeff teased, rubbing Mutt's arm with gentle, almost tickling strokes.

"Balloons!" Mutt cried, sitting up abruptly.

"Not quite the response I was hoping for." Jeff replied with raised eyebrows.

"I didn't get balloons and the party starts at four!  What time is it?"  Mutt asked, panicking.

"Six thirty in the morning, hon,” Jeff said, after looking at his watch.  "And Adam picked up the balloons, a helium tank, and curling ribbons in Stonemill yesterday.  Relax, we've been planning this for a while and you've covered every possible detail."  He tried to pull Mutt back down onto the bed but Mutt pulled away, refusing to be mollified.

"What if people forget?  What if no one comes?  What if they do come and forget the side dishes they promised?  What if..."

Jeff finally succeeded in pulling Mutt back down onto the bed and kissed him soundly.

"But..."  Mutt began after they'd broken the kiss.

Jeff pulled Mutt into his arms and kissed him again.  A long, deep kiss that cut any more talk, as well as the oxygen to Mutt's brain.  He melted into the embrace, all doubts forgotten as Jeff's tongue and hands consumed Mutt's every thought.  Another hour later, Mutt, panting and pleasantly exhausted, laid still in Jeff's arms, all doubts and fears gone.

"Feeling better now?"  Jeff asked quietly.

"Mmmmm."

"That sounded like a yes to me."  Jeff joked, rubbing Mutt's back.  "Are you ready to go to James's house and start setting up?"

"Mmmm mmmm.  Wanna sleep."  Mutt murmured.

Jeff huffed a laugh and began to move to go make breakfast.

"Don' go."  Mutt protested sleepily.

"Breakfast." Jeff replied.

"I've had breakfast, twice."  Mutt smiled, eyes still closed as he snuggled further into Jeff's embrace.

"Up."  Jeff smiled back, giving Mutt a playful swat on his rear.

"Uuuuhhhgh."  Mutt protested, frowning.

"Ok, stay in bed.  I'll call you when everything is ready."  Jeff replied, disentangling himself from Mutt's arms. He pulled the blanket back up over Mutt, put on his boxers and padded downstairs to the kitchen.

"Bacon?"  Mutt's sleepy voice wafted down after him.

"Considering how much unhealthy food we're going to be eating in a few of hours, we're better off with oatmeal."

Mutt groaned in response but said nothing more.

Twenty minutes later Jeff called Mutt down for breakfast, as always the sight of his husband, rumpled and sleepy, brought a smile of happiness to his lips.  Jeff placed a cup of coffee next to Mutt's bowl.  Mutt picked up the large Jack Skellington mug that Adam had given him for Christmas and promptly drained half of the hot brew in one go.

Jeff shook his head.  He had no idea how his husband could drink hot liquids like that.  "One of these days you're going to scald the inside of your mouth."  Jeff warned.

"No I won't.  You'll never allow the coffee to be so hot that that ever happens."  Mutt smiled, taking a spoonful of the berries and cream oatmeal that Jeff had made.  Mutt had no idea why but food always tasted better when Jeff made it, even if it was just a bowl of prepackaged oatmeal.

"Shower, change and head over to James's.  Jacob and Jarrod are going to meet you there at nine thirty to help you set up tables and chairs."

"What about you, lazy bones?  Are you going to hide until the hard work is done?"  Mutt teased.

"I still have to shower and change as well, in case you hadn't noticed,” Jeff replied, arching an eyebrow.

"I think you smell absolutely delicious, and those boxers are sexy as hell on you,” Mutt said, leering at Jeff.

"Down boy!"  Jeff retorted, pointing a finger at Mutt who grabbed Jeff’s hand and playfully bit said finger.

"Get going, little boy."  Jeff smiled, gently poking the tip of Mutt's nose.

"What's the rush? We have plenty of time." Mutt said, suggestively.

Jeff laughed, considering that just a couple of hours ago Mutt had been worked up and nervous about the upcoming event.  "We have places to go and things to do.  As much as I'd like to we can't spend the day in bed.  So get moving. James and Heath can't keep Jaxon out all day."

Mutt finished up the last of his breakfast and went to do as he'd been told.  He loved taking showers, especially with Jeff.  Without his favorite bath toy, he finished up quickly, dried and dressed, kissed Jeff goodbye and headed out.  He knew he was going to be a little early, but he preferred to be early than late.

<<<<>>>> 

Sawyer and Jenson walked back to their bungalow hand in hand after breakfast and started to pack as they were leaving TLR in a few hours.

Jenson sat on the bed in tears, thinking how he had caused their vacation to fall to pieces.  First it was going exploring on the way back to the bungalow that earned him corner time and writing lines.  Then making a big fuss on seeing the resort doctor which almost earned him another spanking in the men's room at the infirmity for having a attitude.  Skipping classes when he thought they didn't need to go.  He felt bad that Sawyer had to discipline him while they were here on the resort.

“Jenson, sweetheart, come lets go on our last walk down to the lake and sit on the bench and talk,” Sawyer said. Getting a nod from Jenson, he took Sawyer's hand in his and they headed for the lake.

They sat on the bench and talked for a while when Sawyer took Jenson's hand and demanded that he look up with his eyes on him. When Jenson didn't look up Sawyer in a firm voice broke for no nonsense, ''I want your eyes on me.”

When Jenson's head came up the tears started to flow once again.

“Look, Jenson this was a good choice for us to come here and to get us both back where we were a few years ago when we first talked about DP.  Am I right Jenson?” Sawyer asked his young brat.

Jenson looked away from Sawyer. 

His husband’s hand came up and settled on Jenson’s cheek turn his face to look at him. “Am I right?” Sawyer demanded of his young brat.

“Yes sir. I guess I wasn't thinking.” 

“Thank you.” Sawyer thanked his lover.  “Sorry our vacation had to end with a few bumps in the road, but all has be taken care of. And all is forgiven. You ok?”

“Yes, I'm ok.” Jenson said quietly.

 “Good, now let's go home and finish packing.”

Friday morning Sawyer made one the last run through their bungalow then went to get Jenson who was standing by the front window that overlooks the lake. Coming up behind Jenson, he pulled his young brat into affectionate hug.

“Sawyer....”

“Yes Jenson.”

“I, um, sorry for everything.” Jenson said.

“It's alright we're good if not better. Now come on let's say goodbye to our new friends.” Sawyer said.  Then he took Jenson's hand and they both walked outside and up to the main building to say goodbye to their resort friends and put their reservations in for next year.

<<<<>>>> 

Mutt looked at the clear blue sky and smiled.  It was going to be a perfect day for a picnic.  He wondered how long it would be before the three men became bored with shopping and came back.  James had promised that they'd be back in time for the party but still worried that they would come early and spoil the surprise.

Jarrod and Jacob were already at James's house, lounging in deck chairs and drinking orange juice, drinking in the rays of the early morning sun.  Mutt was a little jealous of the two of them.  While he tanned dark bronze, they tanned golden, and natural gold highlights appeared in their blonde hair.  When they saw him they stood up, grinning, and called a greeting to him.

While they were not perfectly identical, to a casual observer it was hard to tell them apart, especially when they dressed alike, as they were today, but Mutt never had that problem and greeted them each by name.

"Adam and Torren are doing the rounds," Jacob began.

"Answering some emergency calls, or they'd have been here too." Jarrod completed.

"They said they'd be here,"

"After they finished up."

Mutt laughed.  "Do you guys rehearse that?"

"What?"

"No idea what you're talking about."

"Finishing each other's sentences."  Mutt replied, even though he knew by the other men's expressions that they knew exactly what he was talking about.

"Us?"

"Never!"

"Perish the thought."

With a grin and a shake of his head Mutt gestured to the other men and they began to set up tables and chairs beneath the awning that the twins had erected almost as soon as Heath, James and Jaxon had left.  Next came the lines where the Japanese lanterns were hung.  Adam and Torren arrived in time to help cover the tables and lay out all of the plates and utensils for the family style picnic.

Preparations went smoothly and all that was left to do was fill the balloons.

"Ha ha ha! He he he!  I'm the laughing gnome and you can't catch me!"  Came a squeaky voice from behind Mutt.  He turned around and saw Jacob and Jarrod sipping helium from a couple of the balloons, singing and laughing, their voices distorted and abnormally high.  Laughing, Adam and Torren joined in the fun while Mutt looked on, amused and shaking his head.

"Guys, don't use up all the helium!"  He laughed.

"Hey, if we use enough maybe you can tie us to the poles and we can be life sized balloons."  Torren squeaked.

"I know what I'll tie you by if you don't stop messing around."  Came a deep voice from behind them.  They all turned to see Shorty striding toward them, trying his best not to look as amused as he was.

"Oh no! Not that!" Jacob squeaked in mock terror.

"You have nothing to worry about.  We'd need a blood hound to find yours."  Jarrod squeaked back.

"You two have real work to do before the picnic, so finish what you're doing and let's get going."  Shorty reminded them.

"You heard the man, Jare!"

"Yep, finish what we're doing."

"Which is playing with helium balloons."

"Which are only half empty,"

"So we still have half a balloon full of helium to finish,"

"Boys."  Shorty said in a warning tone.

"Nope, you said yourself,"

"We have to finish what we're doing,"

"And we're not finished with the balloons yet!"

"Ow!"  Squeaked Jacob as Shorty gave the young man a swat on the backside.  The helium induced falsetto combined with the pitch of the young man's surprised exhalation caused everyone, including Shorty, to laugh.

"Get a move on now."  Shorty commanded, schooling his face back into a stern expression as he pointed in the direction of the stables.

Taking one last hit from their balloons the twins said "Yes, Sir!" in unison before covering their backsides and running as Shorty pulled back a hand to deliver another swat to the closest behind.  They released their balloons which flew every which way, making rude sounds which made all of the younger men laugh.  They didn't see Shorty's lips turn up in a grin as he turned to follow the twins back toward the stables.

Torren, smiling slyly and completely unnoticed by Adam and Mutt who were still taking hits from their balloons and singing their rendition of David Bowie's Greatest Hits, reached into his pocket and began quietly tearing the wrappers off of, and inflating condoms, tying them off and placing them strategically in amongst the other balloons so that they wouldn't be immediately noticed.

"Tor?"  Squeaked Adam.  "What are you doing?"

Torren put on a superior expression and replied, “I'm decorating for the party, which is what we're supposed to be doing, not playing at being the Chipmunks singing Bowie."

Adam looked at Torren from the corners of his eyes.  His partner's demeanor was a sure sign that he was up to something but for the life of him he couldn't figure out what.

"Oh!  That's what we need!"  Mutt exclaimed, clicking his fingers.

"Chipmunks singing Bowie?"  Adam asked in a rare moment of absentmindedness.

"Music, you knucklehead."  Mutt laughed.  "I'm going to head home and get my stereo and some of my CDs.  You guys know what I have in my collection, any requests?"

"We like everything you like, so just bring it all."  Torren squeaked, “Just remember to bring some old folks music for the ancienos."

Mutt laughed again.  "I want to see you call them old men to their faces, but you're right.  I'll nab a handful of Jeff's favorite oldies collection while I'm there."

"Don't forget the Bowie!"  Adam yelled after him.

"And the Chipmunks!"  Torren added after taking another breath of helium.

Mutt turned back toward his two friends and frowned.  "Save some of that helium for the actual balloons, guys!  Or I'll let Shorty do what he threatened!"

The threat caused both Torren and Adam, who had both breathed in more helium, to laugh.  The sound made them laugh even harder.  

"Guys!"  Mutt said pleadingly.

"Don't worry Muttinsky!"  Adam squeaked back with a grin.  "I bought two tanks of helium, we'll run out of balloons before we run out of helium."

"Just finish the balloons, please?"

"Don't worry, Mutt, you can count on us."  Torren grinned.

"Why does that not comfort me?"  Mutt grinned back.  "Ok, guys.  I'll be back in a few minutes.  I'll check with Gary about the food too."

"Don't take too long!"  Adam called to Mutt's retreating back, “Everyone will be arriving in about an hour."

"Then finish those balloons and get the buffet table set up properly."  Mutt called back over his shoulder.

"Mutt!"  Adam called again.

"What?!"  He called back, becoming irritated.

"What are you waiting for?!  Get going!"

Mutt grinned, flipped a friendly bird at his best friend and headed back to his and Jeff's bungalow to pick up the stereo and CDs.

<<<<>>>> 

Heath and James, in on Mutt's secret, had decided to take Jaxon for a day out so that the other men could set up for the party.  At six that morning, they had a quick, small breakfast and were about to leave when Jaxon began to protest being expected to use the wheelchair during the trip to Stonemill.

"I really don't need the wheelchair."  Jaxon had protested.  "You said yourself it's cumbersome, James, especially when we want to travel somewhere."

"You..."  James had begun until he saw Heath making a shushing gesture behind Jaxon.  Heath crooked a finger and pointed toward their bedroom before stealthily sidling into it.

"We'll discuss this further, Jaxon.  I, ah, I need to put on a different shirt.  It looks like it's going to be warm today."

Jaxon frowned and watched James disappear into the bedroom.  James had insisted that Jaxon wear a light Henley because it was supposed to be cool, and now here he was about to change into a short sleeved shirt.   He turned to find Heath in the hopes that the doctor would back him up about not needing the wheelchair but Heath had also seemed to have disappeared.  Jaxon grinned.  It wasn't the first time that the two of them had disappeared for a quick make out session, so he didn't worry.  

"What's up?" James asked the doctor, closing the door behind them and speaking softly so as not to be overheard.

"Let him walk."  Heath said just as quietly.  At first James was confused but nodded and asked Heath to continue.

"We need to take as much time as possible.  If he's walking, I have no doubt that he's going to want to take frequent breaks."

"We only need to keep him occupied until one o' clock when we have to head back."

"If he gets too tired we can always rent a wheelchair at the mall, and then you can tell him 'I told you so.”   Heath jibed good naturedly.  "Besides, most of the time is going to be spent in the car going to and from, he won't be on his feet long, and the exercise will be good for him."

James leveled a look at Heath but couldn't remain serious for long.  He smiled and agreed with Heath's reasoning, and they left the bedroom, smiling.  

Jaxon wasn't surprised to see the two of them come out of the bedroom several moments later looking quite satisfied.  He also noticed that James hadn't changed his shirt and bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.

"We've discussed it, Jaxon, and Heath agrees with you, and I agree with Heath, that you don't need the wheelchair for this trip.  We'll make do with your walking brace and crutches, but if you get tired I want you to tell us and we'll take a break."

"I won't get tired."  Jaxon assured them.  "I'm so psyched about this trip I feel like I could run if I wanted to." He wouldn't tell them for fear of hurting their feelings but he'd been feeling very cooped up lately.

"No running, young man, no matter how good you feel."  Heath said sternly.

"Yes, sir."  Jaxon grinned, pleased that he'd gotten his way.  He stood up, bracing himself on the crutches that Heath had been letting him practice with for a few minutes every day, and with James and Heath on either side of him to catch him if he lost his balance or needed support. He walked to the golf cart and slid into the back seat.  It wasn't the most comfortable place to be but once they were in the resident parking lot and they got to James's car, he sat in the spacious back seat and relaxed, not even complaining when Heath buckled him in.

<<<<>>>> 

Coral had cleared a weekend off for himself and Ryan with James and was heading out to the grocery store to pick up a few more items they'd need for the road trip that he had planned. It was early Friday morning and he planned to get all the errands done before Jaxon's party that afternoon.  He planned to stay for a couple of hours and then be on the road by six so that they'd reach their destination by nine that night.

"Ry! I'm headed to the grocery story. Do you want me to pick up anything special?  And don't say beer, or else." Ryan thought about it for a few minutes, "More raisins, ice cream, peanut brittle, gummy worms and bears and...hmm...a bag of bite sized snicker bars."

"How about real food, kiddo." Coral joked.

Ryan wrinkled his nose and then said, "'Kay, pizzas, my raisins, mac and cheese and spaghetti O's."

"Ok, rice cakes, fresh fruit and raisins it is." Coral grinned.

Ryan wrinkled his nose. "No! Not rice cakes!" He wrinkled his nose. "I might like some fruit, not sure what's there around now though. I do like apples." He told Coral.

"No problem, I'll pick up a few different kinds of apples. And Ry, while I'm out I need you to take the clothes out of the dryer. Iron whatever is wrinkled, hang them on hangers and put them away. The jeans and tee shirts just need to be folded neatly and put away in our cabinets and drawers. Got it?"

Ryan's green eyes widened. "Umm iron? Do you have some kind of an iron I have to put on top of them or somethin' and what do I have to do that with?" He asked, never having ironed in his life before. "I can fold the other things and put them away. I know where most of them go and what I can't figure out I'll leave on your bed."

Coral considered what Ryan had said and came to a decision. "Don't iron anything. Don't touch the iron. I'll show you how to do that when I get home." He dreaded the thought of what could happen if Ryan were to leave the iron on and get distracted.  "Just do what you mentioned for now."

Ryan looked at Coral puzzled. "Why do we have to do that iron thing?"

"We iron our clothes so that we don't walk around looking like we slept in them." Coral said, looking at Ryan's rumpled tee shirt and jeans.

"You do know how to fold neatly, don't you?"  He asked, worried that perhaps he should stay home.

Ryan bit his lip. "I can try."

Coral went to the dryer, put the clothes in a basket and took out a tee shirt and a pair of jeans. He patiently showed Ryan how the clothing should be folded. "Not wound into a ball, folded neatly. Got it?" Coral asked after watching Ryan's first few attempts to fold.

Ryan smiled and nodded. "I think so."

"Ok, great. Just do your best, Ry, and don't forget to put it all away neatly, don't just stuff them into the drawers." Coral smiled. He completely expected to come home and have to refold all of the clothes but he was going to let Ryan have a chance to prove himself.    "I'm off, then, Ry. I'll see you in a little while."

Ryan went over to Coral and hugged him. "'Kay...I'll get this task finished for us."

Coral leaned down and planted a pleased kiss on the younger man's lips. He ruffled Ryan's hair and said, "I know you will. I'll be back soon. Thanks Ry."

Ryan, a little surprised, but pleased returned the kiss and smiled. "Take your time. Don't rush on my account."

Coral had every intention of doing the shopping as quickly as possible. He still worried about leaving Ryan alone for too long. He considered taking the young man to the store with him but he knew from past experience that he would end up finding things he didn't put into the cart.

He smiled at the boy and turned away. "Don't forget, once you've done that, put the wet clothes in the dryer with a dryer sheet and put in another load of clothes." He said in an attempt to keep the boy busy.

Ryan said, "All right. I know how to do that." He watched Coral go and then began to work on folding the laundry the way Coral had showed him.

Coral worried about leaving Ryan to his own devices for too long and went just a little over the speed limit to get to the store, do the shopping and get back home.  He'd removed all of the alcohol and he knew that the waiters and bartenders knew not to serve Ryan anything stronger than soda, but he still worried.  Ryan was a charmer and could usually find a way to get what he wanted without people ever suspecting.

After Ryan finished folding everything he put the wet clothes in the dryer with a dryer sheet. He put the next load of clothing Coral had sorted before he left and started them dropping in one of the Tide pods grinning as he did so. Then he put away his clothes and brought Coral's pile of clothes into his room. He pulled open drawers and found where the Tee shirts went and then the jeans. Finished with that task he looked around the neat room and wondered if Coral's closet was as neat as everything else. He opened the door and when he did his green eyes widened in awe and surprise. There was shelf after shelf of angels. Some tall, some tiny, some glass, some crocheted and starched, there were ones carved from wood and others of porcelain...it was incredible. Some had wind up things and he carefully took one of them down and wound up the key and it began to play music and the wings moved as did the head. He watched enraptured.

<<<<>>> 

Jax had nearly fallen back to sleep when, three hours later, James announced that they'd arrived at Stonemill.  He found a parking space on the first level of the mall parking garage, and helped Jaxon out of the back seat.

"It's just nine now,” James said.  "What do you say we go clothes shopping first, then have an early lunch?"

Jaxon's eyes grew wide.  "James, you've already bought me more clothes than I know what to do with!"

"You'll need summer clothes.  A few pairs of shorts, some tee shirts, light weight socks, new sneakers, those will be too warm during the summer," James said, pointing to Jaxon's sneakers.

"Swim trunks, sandals,” Heath added.

"Kitchen sink."  Jaxon said with a grin.

"Don't be a smart alec, young man."  James replied with a smile.

"Please,” Heath agreed with a pained look, “we have enough of those at the resort already."

Jaxon sighed.  "I just don't know what to say, guys.  I don't know how to thank you.  I don't think I'll ever be able to repay you."

"We're not asking for thanks or repayment.  As long as you're happy, we're happy.  And it makes us happy to do things for you." Heath replied.

Jaxon blushed, a question at the tip of his tongue which he held back because even though James and Heath had already told him they loved him, he still worried that they were just saying it to be nice.  "All right, where do we start?"  He asked instead.

"Jeans and shirts first."  Heath said decisively.  "I know the perfect store.  All the young guys at the resort get their clothes there."

They walked into a high end store and began to look around.  Jaxon's eyes grew round and his mouth dropped open when he saw the prices on some of the items.  He was especially floored when he saw the jeans that looked as though they'd been worn to shreds already and put back on hangers.

"James,” He whispered, “can we go to a different store?  Please?"

"What's wrong?" James asked, concerned.

"I think the people who priced this stuff were on something when they did it.  Look at this stuff.  If I'd known that rags were in style I'd have made sure you kept the clothes I was wearing when Heath found me."  He whispered.

James laughed and put an arm around Jax.  "You don't have to pick everything from this store, hon." He replied confidentially, "Just find a few pieces you like and we'll go to the next one."

"Here," Heath said, bringing up several pairs of jeans draped over his arm.  "Try these on for size, and we'll go from there.  I'll help you..."

"No, that's all right, Heath, I'm sure I can get dressed by myself."  Jaxon said hastily. He didn't mind the two men helping him when he was at home but he knew he'd be embarrassed to have them in the dressing room with him in public.

James and Heath understood immediately and without another word, Heath draped the jeans over Jaxon's shoulder and they gestured him into the changing area.  

Jaxon went into the largest dressing room, which was thankfully available, sat on the bench provided and proceeded to take the brace and his jeans off.  It was difficult to bend his knee properly to get the new ones on and he was sweaty and out of breath by the time he got the first pair on.

"Jaxon?"  Heath asked worriedly when he heard the heavy breathing, “Are you all right?"

"Just harder to get 'em on than I thought." he huffed as he changed shirts.

"Do you want help?"  James asked, expecting and receiving the answer he'd suspected he'd get.

"No, I can do it.  I have to start doing things for myself.  Now is as good a time as any."

"Then once you're together, come out so we can see you."  James replied.

Jaxon leaned forward and stood up using his crutch.  He finished fastening the jeans and opened the door so that James and Heath could see how he looked.

"Marvelous!"  James praised.

"You look like a new man."  Heath smiled.

"Thanks.  Let's just get a couple of pairs of these jeans, and some of these shirts in different colors and we're all set." Jaxon said, wiping sweat from his face.

James smiled and laughed.  "Good try, hon. Take those off, we'll buy them and the shirt you're wearing and head to the next store."

Jaxon sighed, rolled his eyes and said, "Yes, sir."  He went back into the dressing room, changed back into his street clothes and handed Heath the ones he'd just tried on.

"Heath, would you take care of these while I bring him next door for sneakers?"

"No problem."  Heath smiled back.  "See you next door."

"James," Jaxon said quietly.  "I really don't need new sneakers.  You haven't let me walk around enough to wear these out properly."

"You need lighter weight footwear for the summer months, hon.  Here, have a seat, we'll have your feet measured."

"My feet haven't grown since I was sixteen,” Jaxon laughed. 

"Humor me."  James said wryly as the woman on duty came to measure his feet.  James explained what they were looking for and she went into the back room to pick out a few styles she thought would fit their needs.

James's features softened when he saw Heath walk in carrying a large bag.  "What did you do?  Buy the store?"  He quipped.

"No, I just picked out a few more jeans and shirts while I was there." He said, looking at his watch.

James glanced at his watch and frowned. He hadn't realized how long they'd taken already.  

The woman came back with five boxes of sneakers.  Jaxon finally decided on a pair of red canvas Nikes. They bought summer weight socks and spare laces before heading to the next store to buy summer shorts, tee shirts and underthings, as well as sunglasses and a couple of baseball hats that Jaxon admired.

"Are you hungry, Jax?  I thought we could stop for an early lunch.  There are a couple of other things Heath and I want to pick up before we leave."

Jaxon sighed.  "More clothes?"  He asked, a defeated tone in his voice.

James and Heath exchanged a glance.  "Nope, something a lot more fun." James answered.

"Ok then, I could go for something."  He smiled.

"All right. Food court, here we come.  What are you in the mood for, Heath?"  James asked as they made their way through the crowds.

"Sushi." Heath said promptly.

Jaxon wrinkled his nose but said nothing as long as they didn't expect him to eat it.

"Jax?"  

"I'd like a grinder, if that's ok?"

"Just get a half one for now, all right hon?  We still have some shopping to do before we head back. And it will be close to dinner time by the time we get home."

Jaxon's stomach had been rumbling a little bit but he agreed to a half grinder and a soda.

James went to the Japanese restaurant and ordered sushi, and a teriyaki beef combo for himself while Heath took Jaxon to the deli style restaurant next door for his grinder.  They went to the closest empty table and sat down. Jaxon would have rather bitten his tongue off than admit that it felt good to sit for a while.

After they finished they headed for an electronics store.

"Look around, hon, and pick out a laptop and a phone."

Jaxon's eyes grew round again and he gaped at the two smiling men who stood before him.  "You can't!  It's too much!"

"We'll decide what's too much young man." James said with a sparkle in his eyes.  "Now go take a look at what they have and pick whatever you like."

"James..."

"Now." 

"Heath?"

"You heard the man, now get going."  Heath said, turning Jaxon gently in the direction of the laptops. While Jaxon began to look over the laptops, Heath leaned forward a little and whispered into James's ear.  James listened intently and then smiled, and nodded his head.

Jaxon did as he was told.  He immediately saw one that appealed to him, but when he saw the price he took his hands away as though they'd been burned and went down the line, looking for something less expensive.  In his opinion they were all too expensive and he didn't deserve any of them.

James and Heath saw Jaxon's reaction to the first computer and while James looked on patiently, Heath took a quick look at the computer that Jaxon had shied away from.  He walked back over to James and once again whispered in his ear. James briefly squeezed his hand, and Heath went to the counter to tell the salesperson what they wanted, but to keep it out of sight until they paid.  The man, whose name tag identified him as Dan, smiled and went to get it.

"James, this is the one I'll take, if that's all right."  Jaxon said, pointing to the least expensive computer he could find.

James went to look at it and saw that it was little better than a word processor.  He patted Jaxon on the shoulder and led him to the case where the phones were displayed.  "Pick one."  Was all he said.

"James..."  Jaxon began to protest.

James leaned in with an understanding smile and a humorous glimmer in his eyes.  "This is a need, hon, so don't feel guilty.  Just pick the one you like the best."

A little stunned, Jaxon turned toward the case and looked closely at each phone.  Some were so complex he didn't think he'd ever learn to use them so he kept going down the line.  He found one in the mid-priced range that didn't look as though he'd need a degree to work it, and looked hopefully at James.

"This one looks good... is it too much?"

"It's perfect, hon.” James smiled.  He gestured toward Dan, who had been waiting nearby in case he was needed and James showed him what they wanted.  The man smiled and went into the back room to find the make and model they'd chosen.  He came out moments later and put the phone down next to the register.

"Would you like a case for the phone?"  He asked politely.

"Pick out a case." James directed.

Jaxon was overwhelmed by the selection but finally chose a rubberized, red phone case.  "In case I drop it." He explained.

"Great choice." Dan agreed.

"I'd like a Bluetooth device as well." James requested.

"Blue...!"

"You'll need it, hon.  If someone calls while you're up and about you won't be able to safely take your hand off the crutches to use it.  It just makes sense to have it."

"James..."

"Dan?" James said, ignoring Jaxon's protest.

"Ear device or headset?" Dan asked, smiling.  It was obvious that the boy wasn't one of those spoiled, entitled little beasts he so frequently waited on. It was refreshing.

"Headset, I think."  James replied.

Dan disappeared once again into the back room and brought out three headsets, one in red, one in black and one in white.

"We'll take the red one, to match the phone. And an SD card, just in case."

"I don't need..."

"Hush." James smiled as Dan reached under the counter and brought out the desired item.

"There's one more thing I need to do," Heath said to Jaxon, leading him away and out of the store, “And I can't do it without you."

"Please don't buy me anything else."  Jaxon said, quietly.  "You've already done too much for me."

"It's our pleasure, and I think you'll enjoy this more than clothes shopping."  Heath smiled.

He led Jaxon a few stores down and once again, Jaxon's jaw dropped.  They'd just walked into a candy store.  The walls were covered with bins containing just about every kind of candy Jaxon could think of, and some he hadn't.  His mouth watered not only at the scent of candy in the air but at the sight of so many delicious things in one room.

Heath took several bags and instructed Jaxon to pick out his favorites.

Once again, Jaxon, feeling overwhelmed by the men's generosity, took a half scoop of jelly beans and put them in the bag. Heath grinned, took the scoop and filled the bag the rest of the way.

"I can't eat all of those."  Jaxon protested.

"Who says they're all for you?" Heath grinned.  "Now pick out a few more and we'll find James and head home."

Jaxon smiled and headed toward a bin that contained hunks of chocolate covered nuts, then another one full of gummy worms.  He turned to Heath, a worried expression on his face and asked tentatively, “Is... is it all right if I... if I buy some stuff for Mutt, Torren and Adam?"

"That's very generous of you, Jax.  Sure."  Heath smiled, the pride he felt for this young man evident on his features.

Jaxon picked out a few more things and then pronounced himself done.  Heath had just finished paying for the candy when they saw James at the door with the purchases from the electronics store and also carrying a plain white bag.  He'd also called ahead to let Mutt and the others know that they were on their way and they had less than three hours to finish up.

Gathering up the heavy bag containing the candy, Heath said, "Looks like we're all done, Jax.  Ready to head home?"

Jaxon smiled gratefully and nodded.  He was getting a little tired and his leg was aching a bit.  They made their way back to the car, put their purchases in the trunk and headed back toward the resort. Jaxon relaxed in the back seat and was soon fast asleep.

<<<<>>>> 

"Do you like them?" A deep voice asked quietly.

Ryan jumped at the unexpected voice and almost dropped the angel he was holding. "You scared me Coral!"

Coral gently relieved the boy of the angel he'd been holding and smiled. "Sorry about that." He said, blushing beneath his dark skin. "So now you know my dirty little secret." He grinned shyly.

Ryan shook his head. "It's amazin' all these angels...they're beautiful." Ryan said softly. "I never imagined you'd have anythin' like this.

When I was a kid I was fascinated by angels, what they were, what they looked like, if they really existed. Christmas was always a miracle for me." Coral admitted quietly. "I used to listen to the story about the angel leading the shepherds to the manger and dream. When I turned five, people began to give me angels, for Christmas, my birthday, just because they saw one they thought I'd like. Eventually I began to pick one up here and there that caught my eye. So... here they are. I'm glad you like them."

Ryan smiled. "I do. I never saw so many in one place, not even at the store at Christmas time."

I add to them now and again, when I find one that strikes me as particularly beautiful. I recently acquired a beautiful one, sandy colored hair, green eyes," Coral said, his own brown eyes twinkling.

Ryan looked at the collection, then turned to Coral puzzled. "I don't see one like that, but there are so many...did I miss it? Where is it?"

Coral grinned broadly, took Ryan by the shoulders and steered him toward the large mirror that was attached to the back of his door. "There he is. One beautiful, sandy haired, green eyed angel."

Ryan blushed and looked up at Coral standing behind him. "A angel with a tarnished halo I'd guess." He told the older man.

"Best one in the collection in my opinion. Angels have a habit of being portrayed as perfect. I like the ones that are unusual. A little tarnish gives him an air of beauty the others don't have."

Ryan blushed and hugged Coral tight. "I'm glad to be one of your angels Coral." He said softly. "I'm glad I found them."

"I'm glad you like them, Ry. They're a well-kept secret. You and my folks are the only ones who know about them. People tend to be... a little judgmental of us to begin with. And someone like me collecting angels would make tongues wag." He laughed.

Ryan nodded. "Your secret is safe with me Coral...at least if I'm not drinkin', then I'm not responsible for what comes out of my mouth."

"I hope you were joking about drinking, Ry." Coral said a little sadly.  "It's not a good idea, especially for you. You know this, and you know why."

Ryan bit his lip. "I know Coral and you know I'm workin' at not drinkin'."

Coral drew the young man into a reassuring hug. "I know, hon, and you're doing a great job so far. But it's a hard road ahead. Just remember that I'm here for you, and we can beat the cravings. I'll tell you another secret if you'll promise to keep it."

Ryan nodded. "I promise...cross my heart." He did so as he said it.

"I used to smoke. Cigarettes." He assured the boy, "And I found myself unable to breathe properly, coughing, waking up in the middle of the night gasping for breath. I knew I had to quit. I used every quit smoking aid I could think of and eventually I found one that helped. But to this day, I still crave a cigarette, even now, especially when I get stressed. We can fight our cravings together."

Ryan listened to Coral wide eyed and then nodded. "'Kay, we can work on it together...you still get cravings?"

"Yes, especially when I'm stressed out. That's the time that it's important to do something else, think about other things. You can do it too."

Ryan considered Coral's words and nodded. "'Kay I'll see if I can do that."

"You can, and you will. I have faith in you." Coral responded solemnly.

Ryan hugged Coral again, then went on tiptoe and kissed him gently. "I'm glad you do."

Coral took Ryan in his arms and picked him up off his feet. He kissed him back, a strong, possessive kiss, and smiled down at the gasping young man.

Ryan's green eyes widened as he was picked up and he instinctively wrapped his legs around Coral's waist to hang on like a little monkey.

"My Angel." Coral grinned down at him.

Ryan smiled up into Coral's face and laid his sandy head on the bigger man's shoulder.

Coral reluctantly put Ryan down. "There's still something we have to do, but..." he said, watching Ryan's face, "It's our weekend, and I have something special planned for us when we leave Jaxon's party. So let's get the ironing board and iron out and we'll have a quick lesson on how to iron clothes without burning them." He joked.

Ryan nodded, "'Kay."

The lesson went quickly. Ryan was a fast learner although he complained constantly about the heat. Eventually they finished the load of clothes, and Ryan had to admit that he felt a sense of pride and achievement in doing the job well.

Ryan smiled up at Coral. "I'm glad that's finished. It's not somethin' I'd want to do a whole lot of though." He told Coral.

"Once we're caught up it'll be a lot easier. Now we should get ready for Jaxon's birthday party.  James called me and told me what make and model computer they bought for Jax, so I asked him to pick up the right ink jet printer." Coral said.  "I promised him I'd pay him back as soon as he got home."