I believe you can't dance

Wandering down the hallway of the school, music soon caught his ears from the dance room up ahead. Hands were stuffed into the pockets of his jeans, rolling one of the glass marbles between his thumb and forefinger. Today was the day the Morhan twins were going to pull one of their lengendary pranks on the dance instructor. Theo had trotted off to find the teacher and keep him busy while Nat set his office up for the major event. What neither twin expected though when devising the dastardly deed, was there to be someone currently occupying the dance room that was between him and the teacher's office.

According to a one Theodore Morhan, learning to dance was a must when setting out on the path to enlightenment...The enlightenment of oneself with women. Nat had taken the very same lessons with his older brother, but often felt quite embarrassed and could quite easily tie himself up in a knot, while Theo could sweep the young dance instructor off her feet, leaving her giggling like a school girl and blushing red in the face. Nat never really saw the point in it all, and decided that maybe dancing just wasn't for him. Plus, when it came to practicing, Theo had a much better partner than his twin brother, who was as awkward as moose.

Peering into the room, gaze caught sight of that very dance partner Theo would often twirl around their lounge back at home.

Juliet Morhan wore attire styled for dancing practice, but as her older brother, it was seen as a little too revealing. White cropped t-shirt that showed off a smooth midriff, a pair of black hot pants, short and tight, and to add that Morhan flare that each sibling managed to give off depending on which was encountered, a pair of bright pink leg warmers. Her hair that matched her brother's colour so well was pulled up into a high horse tail, and spun around and moved with her own dancing.

What no one knew, was just because he stopped, didn't mean he gave up.

Taken completely by surprise, one hand curled at her waist from behind, another drawing up her arm to hold her hand, spinning her in a much more modern dance movement. Eyes slipped open, and in the mirrors of the room, saw red hair and a tall male holding her. As identical as they were, Juliet knew the signs that separated the pair. Not to mention there was a yellow plastic straw held between her big brother's teeth - a dead give away.

"You've been a very naughty boy, Natty," she informed him as he swayed both bodies in time with the music. Theodore was perfect for ballroom, she had no idea when or where Nathanael had picked up dancing like this.

And he was good.

Smile formed on those lips, around the straw he was chewing upon. "Well, you know me, full of surprises," he told her, releasing her waist to send her out into a spin, then pulled her back flush against him, this time facing him, head looking down at her. "I didn't see it as fair that my baby sister got to dance with one of her brothers but not the other."

"But you danced like an elephant," she replied with a sweet smile, following her brother's lead. "Did T.K. teach you this?"

"I danced like that because I was embarrassed. I'm just not cut out for sneaking up on a girl and pulling her into a fancy twirl."

"You just did," she pointed out.

"No, what I did was come up behind you and pull you into an embrace - and then I spun you around," clarified Nat. "And no, T.K. hasn't been teaching me. I've been taking lessons form someone in New York. His name is Lucas."

"Cheating already?" she purred, pressing her free hand to her brother's chest.

"You have no idea how hard it is to explain to Evander that I'm wearing some other guys cologne. Lucas is a wonderful teacher, but not my type. His sister however...mmmmmhhhmmmm..."

Juliet laughed, smacking her big brother's shoulder lightly. "Sometimes, you two are too alike than I care to know."

"She's nice to look at was all I was saying. There's no chance in the whole world I could charm her," he smiled downa t the smaller female. "Besides, why do I need to go after her, when I have my Evander?"

"Does he know you can dance like this?"

"I'm planning on surprising him. Lucas and I are developing a routine that should be easily to use with him."

She arched a curious brow, tilting her head lightly to the left. "Care to show me, Natty-boy?"

Nat laughed softly, the drinking straw falling from his lips and landing upon the polished floor. "The music isn't right. Plus, it's simulated sex on the dance floor, as Lucas put it."

Another playful slap. "Nathanael Morhan, you dirty boy!"

Chuckling, he spun his sister around in a full circle, before lowering her down to the ground, her long hair almost brushing the floor. Pulling her back up, she was sent into another twirl, then pulled back to him, her back once more pressed to her brother's chest. "See, with his nature, Theo should have been the bi one - he loves flirting and charming people."

Juliet laughed along with her brother. "Oh come on, I don't think Theo would ever kiss another boy. He's a ladies man, and we both know that."

He allowed his chin to come to rest upon her head, cheek pressing against the soft silky strands of hair growing from his sister's head. Eyes slipped closed, and her merely slow danced with Juliet. "Have you seen him with Lila lately?"

She "Mmmhhmmm"ed her response, letting her own eyes close.

"I want to set them up. Get them to go on a date or something. She's been feeling so down lately, and he seems like the type of person who can bring her back up. Not to mention I actually think he really likes her, more than just his silly girl flirting ways," he explained. "Evander said she came to see him the other day. He's turning into the school's student counselor these days. Next thing I know, he'll be holding sessions in his dorm room where people talk about their problems. There'lll be some silly couch, and he'll be wanting me to 'share my feelings and experiences' with him."

"As his boyfriend, you should be doing that anyway," Juliet replied.

"I do, but snuggled up together watching Harry Potter, or whatever movie he's into watching, not with me on some couch and him sitting there like a posh git." He gave out a light chuckle. "You should see him in full blown fan boy mode, Jewel, it is the cutest thing I have ever seen."

She smiled. "You're jealous."

"Am not."

"You are. You're jealous because other people go to your boyfriend for guidance. You're worried that the next person who comes to see him will reveal a deep secret, and then he won't be your's anymore."

"Horseradish," scoffed Nat. "Evander doesn't know how to cheat. He'd get flustered, red faced and then pass out from over anxiety."

"Such high thinking of your boyfriend there, Natty."

He beamed down at her. "Alright, I admit, I'm a little jealous. He's just so easy to talk to, I should learn to share. Heck, I've been sharing my whole life, it's just..." he paused, letting out a heavy sigh. "It's just, for once in my life I have something that's mine. Not something that is mine and Theo's."

Smiling, Juliet patted the larger hand at her stomach. "You're learning how to dance for him, Theo said you went to the beach for him. You're doing so much for him, and I'm sure he's doing his all for you. Remember, he's an only child. Expressing things must be much harder for him to do. Don't worry about people coming to him for advice, because when all is said and done, he'll come to you for that help and reassurance he needs."

Eyes narrowed at his little sister in a playful manner. "Since when did you become so psycho-analysis-ie?"

She chuckled, spinning around in her brother's arm and standing on tip-toes to press a kiss to his cheek. "Since I've had to look out for you two. Which has been always. Now what I need to know is - why are you here, because I know it wasn't to come looking for me." She stopped their dancing and playfully poked Nat's chest. "What are you two up to?"

With that cheeky smile that was his very own, Nat beamed down at his little sister, and without saying a word, heel squeaked upon the floor as he bolted for the door. "Love you loads, Jewel!" he called out as he made a break for freedom.

If You Leave

His things sat in boxes, all ready to take the flight to France. They held no protests, no reason for them to need to stay here, since they were nothing more than inanimate objects, and therefore, lack the ability to whine and kick up a storm about leaving home. School was a boarding school, but his family were around him, and he lived none too far from the campus at any rate for it to feel like he was leaving home whenever he went to stay there. If he got homesick, he could easily spend the night under his parent's roof - and he had two roofs to choose from.

But this - this was unnerving. France was a completely different country. Being homesick meant something he had to deal with, and he couldn't just hop on a bus or wait around after hours for a ride home. The only family going was his sister, and as much as he loved his twin, Christian just didn't know how he was going to cope without everyone else.

Sitting on the floor in his darkened room, brown eyes wandering over silhouettes of the boxes, the still shapes of the things he were to leave behind, he noticed when the door opened and light streamed in through the crack in the door. There was a shape breaking the beam of light. A small shape, and lips curled into a small smile at the sight of the little girl.

"Hey there, Jellybean," he said, greeting his little half-sister, patting the floor beside him to let her know it was fine for her to come and join him.

Without a word, the girl slipped into her big brother's room, heading over and sitting beside him, little legs stretching out before her, mimicking the pose Christian sat in. Once she had settled beside him, Christian wrapped his arms around little Ainsley's shoulders, hugging the smaller body to his own. It was difficult to pin-point just where Ainsley had acquired her way of saying very little, since even though her father was a quiet man, he held his tongue only unless he felt comfortable talking, and with the right friends and conversation, and he could talk anyone under the table. And she certainly didn't get it from her mother, since Christian knew that their mother was a person who enjoyed healthy conversation.

Then again, when compared to both his own parents, even he was a little different. They may have had a different father, but Christian felt as close to little Ains as he did his own twin, and sometimes, there were only things he felt he could share with the younger female.

"I'm gonna miss you," he told her, looking down at her face, shadowed in the darkness of his room. "You're like my little personal diary - I know I can tell you things and you won't ever breathe a word of it to anyone else. But I'll also miss you just for you."

"I know," came her simply reply. The little girl had no need to elaborate, she got her point across with as few words as needed.

"You can come visit us as often as you can, and we'll try and come visit you too. We'll show you all around the French town, and show off all the French words we've learned." He was rambling, something he rarely ever did. Rambling was something Isobel did. Running a hand over his hair, the male let out a heavy sigh and leaned back against his bed, head flopping backwards onto the mattress. "I kind of don't want to leave," he admitted. "I know we need to go, and it's better for us there - especially Is - but I'll be leaving here. Leaving Mom behind, Dad and Tetsu. Even Jon and Jakie-cakes." There was just something about being around his baby sister that allowed it all to come out, even things he knew he should be able to share with his own twin. "I don't feel ready for leaving home."

Ainsley didn't say anything, but merely crawled up onto her brother's lap, her arms wrapping around his neck and her head resting upon his shoulder. His own arms came up and held the eight year old, hugging her tightly. That was the great thing about Ainsely, you didn't need words to feel better with her around. She may have had the creepiest eyes he had ever seen, but she had some of the warmest hugs. Fate's way of evening things out, Chris supposed.

Smile broke out onto his lips, and Chris swung lightly from to side to side, still holding his little sister. "I'm gonna smuggle you with me. You're little enough to fit in my luggage. I don't need clothes, I'll just bring you."

The Act of Growing Up

Brown eyes stared at a pair of thick black boots; the fake-leather footwear had large heels and more metal than one could shake a stick at. The left was tapping up and down on the lounge floor. The boots were also upside-down, but it all deepened on which way they were being looked at. From Nat's point of view they were upside down. Gaze traveled up the leg, noticing just how many chains one person could hang from the belt loops of their jeans before the things fell down from the weight. Further up, and a pair of arms were folded at a lean chest, hiding beneath them what could only be some crude words printed on the front of the black t-shirt the man wore. Higher, past the spiked chocker at his neck, up beyond the decorated and pierced face, to the very top of that blond and black mess of hair that was once a well styled mohawk, currently more of a mess on his head.

Down again, to green eyes that narrowed at him. "As much as I like the view from up here, because your shirt is slipping down, and you have one very attractive stomach, I got turfed out of bed because your boyfriend called my best friend, and I was sent to play good Samaritan and cheer up the sad fucker who's bothering my friend."

"I didn't understand a word of that," Nat replied, feeling the blood rush to his head. He was dangling over the edge of his couch, long legs slung over the back, and head over the edge of the seat.

Jojo rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue, the metal in his tongue clinking against his teeth. "What I said was, Evvie is upset over something, and turned to T-chan for advice. T-chan then called me up to get my butt over here, because my new found wisdom is supposed to help you."

"Still didn't understand that,"

"Your boyfriend is being emo, because he thinks you're being emo." That was about as simply an explanation as he could get it.

"So why did they send you? Why didn't Tetsu come instead?"

Jojo scoffed, arms flopping to his sides. Leaning forwards, he poked at Nat's chest. "Because T-chan now has to cheer Evvie up. Morgan came up with the great idea that I: Jojo the Great, come see you, because we were in the same year at high school, and we both pulled some right pranks on the teachers. That, and I'm supposed to be doing more adult things, considering I'm a Godfather and all that junk,"

Nat chuckled, rolling over and sitting up. "Who in their right mind would make you a Godfather?"

"J.J. pushed out some squirt of Aidan's, and suggested me for some inane reason. I hear your bro's got Lila up the duff again."

Long fingers pushed through the strawberry strands that grew from his head. "Evander was so happy when Belle was born, I didn't have the heart to tell him then." The male sighed heavily, spinning around and swinging his legs over the couch and standing up. Even in his heels, Nat managed to remain a few inches higher than Jojo - and the Irish male was tall to say the least. "Now with this second baby, he's really starting to think about it more, and I just don't know how to tell him," another sigh, and he looked at the other male, confusion present on his face. "Evander wants to start a family of his own," he clarified for him.

Jojo scratched his nose, breaking out into a grin. "He does know that guys can't get pregnant, doesn't he?"

The younger Morhan twin rolled his eyes at his ex-classmate. "He wants to adopt a baby."

"Aaaahhhh....And you don't?"

Nat shook his head softly, turning away from Jojo and focusing on his tropical fish, trying to stop his mind from swirling. Evander was upset because he was avoiding the conversation, and the poor guy probably thought Nat had stopped loving him or something. He hadn't expected the cavalry to come in the form of Jojo, but more in the shape of his older brother. "Babies and I just don't go well together. Little kids I can handle, but not babies - and he wants to do the baby bit."

"Have you told him maybe adopting a kid rather than a babie?" Jojo suggested, slumping down on the vacated couch, spreading his arms out as if he owned the place.

A silent nod, eyes still trained on the fish.

"And he was insistent on the babie?"

Again, Nathanael nodded. "I used to think about having a family, nice house, maybe a dog. Then Evander came along, and that drifted away. That image was for Theo - once he found that girl to settle with, and Lila turned out to be the perfect thing."

"Sex with only one arm," Jojo purred.

"That's my sister-in-law you're perving on," Nat retorted, pointing an accusing finger at the other. "I want Evander to be happy, but would he be happy even if I'm not?"

Jojo pondered on what to say next, tilting his head back and allowing his eyes to close. "Get a surrogate. Father your own baby."

"I'm not going to cheat on my boyfriend."

Sitting upright, Jojo shook his head. "No, no, I mean, get a friend to offer up her womb, turkey baster, all that. If Abbie and I wanted kids, I'd either ask J.J. or Sid. Most possibly Sid, because then it would still be kind of Ab's in a way."

"But Evander doesn't have any siblings."

Bright grin spread across the male's face. "Ah, but he does have someone he sees as a sister. You just have to convince her to get her butt back to the 'states."

The penny dropped, and Nat stared at Jojo, part in shock, and part in admiration. "But it would still be a baby."

"Yeah, but it's your baby. Not some random girl who got drunk one night, slept with some guy she didn't even catch the name of, and is now giving you her baby, cus' she's too doped up to keep it. You'll be there, all through the months of pregnancy, and you'll be able to hold it. T-chan told me he hated Madeline, that she gave Morgan something he never could. But holding those twins, seeing how Morgan was with them, he stopped hating her. Izzytot and MiniMorgan are like his own children," he explained, remembering how Tetsu looked when Jojo saw him holding the babies on his first visit to their apartment. They weren't Tetsu's biological children, but by the look on his friend's face, Jojo could have sworn they were. "How are you with that niece of your's? It'll be like that, but a million times more."

Thinking about it, Nat agreed. He loved Belle to bits, and was fine holding her, and could happily take care of her while Theo and Lila were off out for an evening. Evander and himself had even looked after her for nearly a week when Lila went and did some acting thing out of New York and Theo went with her as support. "I'll call Nanami tonight."

The Art of Seduction

"Reuben Magnus Hughes!"

"Ho-shit"

Clear blue eyes fell onto the closed door way - the only barrier between him and the one calling out his name. What made it all the more interesting was the fact that dear old Dad wasn't due to be in the house for a few more hours. Obviously, fate felt like playing with him, and Reuben's father had come home early, and by the sounds of things, he had a bone to pick with his son.

"What's going on?" asked the male sitting on Roo's bed with him, his school tie loose around his neck and his shirt open down to the last button.

Reuben flashed the other male a cheeky grin and flew up from the bed, back colliding with the door. "Remember what I said about my Dad not being home for a while?"

The male nodded, elegantly arching a brow in curiosity. "You mean he's home early?" Swallowing the lump in his throat, the teen swung his legs over the edge of the bed, unsure of just what to do. "What's he doing here?"

"Well, he does live here," Roo replied sarcastically. "I guess he just dumped all that work he said he needed to do on Dave," the male assumed, leaning his ear against the door, trying to listen for the sound of his father's footsteps getting ever closer. "Don't know why I got the full name though, I am allowed to be at home for weekends."

There was a tap on the door from the outside, and the sound of someone clearing their throat. "What's this I hear about you breaking someone's son?"

Through the corner of his eye, Ben caught the male on his bed blush slightly and look down at the floor. "You didn't tell your parents?" he asked in a light whisper, hoping his father on the other side of the door couldn't hear him.

The teen shook his head. "I thought they didn't know," he replied, more mouthing the words rather than speaking them aloud.

"I haven't broken anyone," he called back to his father. "How do they know it was me anyway?"

"What are you doing in there?"

"Masturbating."

"Reuben..." Al growled, obviously irritated by his son's antics, and the fact that a woman came up to him on school campus and literally yelled at him for allowing his son to 'break' her son. According to her opinion, Alastar should have taken more care of his son, and not allowed the boy to spin out of control, and that as a teacher he was setting a horrible example to his students. Al had every reason to be angry right now. The woman hadn't specified how his son had 'broken' her's, but Al was assuming Roo had used that temper of his and punched the poor kid in the face or something. "Let me in."

Shooting a scared look to the boy on his bed, he made hand motions for the other seventeen year old to get and hide somewhere. Opting for the closet, Roo rushed from the bedroom door to standing before his closet. Eyes fell to the spot where he'd previously been, now filled with the form of his father. Sheepish grin spread onto his features, hoping that his father wouldn't be too mad at him for keeping him outside for so long. "Heh...Hi Dad!"

The older man shot his son a side long glance and looked around the room. "I can't believe you would use violence against someone, Reuben," Al began.

"But I haven't beaten anyone up since that incident in the mall where that guy decided he didn't like the sight of two guys holding hands, and I did that because he was insulting my Dad. I don't beat people up unless there's good reason to," he explained to his father, leaning back against the closet door. He could hear the teen's breathing on the other side, and felt horrible for putting the poor boy through all this.

Brows furrowed on his father's face. "So why did that woman claim you broke her son? Not to mention she said that it was my fault you turned out the way you did, and that I'm allowing you to do such things to her boy," he replied, explaining his side of the story. "I assumed it meant you were beating kids up."

The penny dropped for Roo, and he let out a long "Aaaahhh," before deciding to fill in the blanks for his father. "Remember the other week when I went to Caden's? Said I was staying over to do homework and stuff."

"You did not do what I think you did..."

Roo's sheepish grin grew wider and he nodded. "I guess she was eavesdropping or something, and now she thinks I 'broke' her son by making him gay."

Al let out a long, heavy sigh and shoulders slumped. Trust it be something like that. The woman wasn't blaming the fact that two men raising a boy meant the kid turned out aggressive - she was some homophobic bitch that needed a good slapping. Moving over to where his son stood, he patted him on the shoulder affectionately. "I guess I was wrong then, wasn't I?"

"My Dad, admitting he was wrong? Did you get laid last night?"

Al smiled down at his son, ruffling his brown hair. "For someone that claims I'm like a rock in the sex department, I'll take that comment as a compliment."

Blue eyes looked up at his father's face. "Ooooohh...David was extra kinky, wasn't he?!"

Instead of replying, Al shook his head and went to leave the room. Pausing at the door, he glanced over his shoulder at Ben, sly smirk curling his lips. "Tell Caden I said hi, and that he's welcome to join us for lunch if he likes."

Roo shot his Dad a confused look.

"He's in the closet, Roo. David said he saw you two leaving the school together. Next time you want to go hiding a boy in your bedroom, try under the bed."

Listen to the Singing

Parents had been invited to come and see the school, to meet the teachers, and to find out just what was so special about the school in France that made it the best place to send their gifted family members. many of the students were worrying over what their teachers would say to their parents - there were a select few of students that sadly didn't have parents that could visit. Christian sat on the stairs in the main stairwell, wondering just what to do when his own parents turned up. They were all flying in from New York, because not only did he and his sister attend the school, but his step-father was coming too, because his children had always been born just that little bit different from everyone else.

Morgan had joked that it was Madeline's genes that had done them in, and was punched in the arm from the mother for such a comment.

Ears listened to the sounds of people milling around. some parents of other students had already arrived. It was quite an event, held at the beginning of the year, where Bourgade de Quétoune was still beautifully blanketed with fresh snow, and there was just enough life an excitement for the family members to enjoy themselves. Elbow rested upon his knees, and chin fell into his hand. His own family was possibly only an hour away. Isobel was so excited, and it was impossible to calm the girl down. Christian had decided to find sanctuary for just a little while before the chaos and drama could ensue when the adults finally arrived.

Behind him, there were soft steps of someone coming down the stairs. tilting his head back, brown gaze fell upon bright, wild red hair. There were only two people Christian knew could have hair like that, and judging by the school uniform the male was wearing, it certainly couldn't be Kazuki. Smile formed on Chris' lips, and he raised his hand, waving to the older male.

"Hello," came the slow spoken greeting, feet stopping upon the step where Christian sat. "Do you not have parents coming today?"

Christian nodded softly, unsure or not if he shoulder answer. The red haired teen was rather difficult to communicate with. Isobel managed to talk with him, until of course she got carried away and started talking so quickly that the poor boy couldn't keep up with her, and had to request that she slow down again. Angel was such a sweet person, and according to Ains, he had strange creatures that followed him around sometimes. When Christian finally plucked up the courage to ask, the boy had smiled, and said that they sometimes acted as his ears.

"Can I...?" and a hand motioned to his ear.

Angel smiled brightly, nodding. "There are so many pe-ople around today. I do not want to be a burden by not knowing what they are saying," he replied softly, leaning back against the banister of the stairs, resting most of his weight upon his arms.

Christian's own eyes searched the area around the older teen, wondering if he too could see those strange beings. Sadly, there was no such glimpse of them. "My Mom and Dad are coming, and my step-dad. My Dad is bringing his boyfriend with him too,"

It took a few moments, but soon Angel nodded to show he understood. "Isobel told me about your strange family."

It was almost weird, being able to have something so close to a normal conversation with a person who was medically deaf. Angel wasn't hard of hearing, he had been born without the necessary parts to hear sounds in one ear, and the other ear had damaged nerve tissue that the ear was completely useless.

"So why are your hiding out here? Should you not be with your sister?"

Giving a useless shrug in reply, Christian let his gaze wander out before him. "I'm not hiding from them, I'm hiding from the chaos they bring with them."

Again, there were a few moments before Angel registered what Christian said, listening to the younger male in his own unique way. A smile, bright and almost mischievous slipped across his features. Pushing away from his perch, friendly fingers brushed the young teen's shoulder, and the deaf male motioned for the other to come with him. Glancing to and fro to see if anyone was around, the male lead Christian through the hallways, heading off to the music room.

"But it's locked," Christian said, making motions of turning a key with his hands.

Angel beamed back at him, pulling out a key from his pocket. "This is my brother's classroom. Isobel said you play the piano."

A faint blush formed, but Chris shunned it away. "But nowhere near as good as you."

A click, and the door was unlocked. angel pushed the large doors open, motioning for Christian to go in first. "I play memories, it's not talent."

"Yeah, but you can play anything," Christian shot back, slipping through the room. Fingertips brushed over the cool, polished surface of the piano set up in the room. The baby grand was amazing, possibly a very old one too. he tried to imagine what it would be like to touch an instrument like this, and hear what Angel claimed to be the instrument singing. It was like the instruments passed their abilities onto the older male with just a simple touch. Sadly, for Christian, he had to learn how to play from scratch, without the instrument guiding him where to place his fingers.

"Play it," Angel said, appearing beside the other, that bright smile still on his face. He stood at a distance away from the piano, trying not to come in contact with it. For him, even if the instruments still shared memories, they flooded his mind with every song, and from the jumbled mass, Angel had to pick one out to play. "go on," he made little motions with his hand, urging the younger to sit and play.

Hesitantly, Christian took a seat on the stool, lifted up the cover and let his fingers brush over ebony and ivory. "I don't know what to play," he admitted sheepishly.

"Your heart."

Looking from the boy to the keys, Chris took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began. fingers danced over the keys, and after a while, he felt himself becoming lost in the song that his father had taught him. Glancing up to Angel, he could see the shorter male standing with just one hand upon the instrument and a serene smile on his lips. Well, not only could Angel hear music once played on an instrument, but it seemed he could hear what was also being played. "Angel...?"

"I can hear him singing. This piece must mean a lot to you."

She's Everything

The summer sun was shinning brightly in the sky. There was not a grey cloud in sight, infact the big blue sky barely had a white fluffy cloud dotted around anywhere. It was the most beautiful Saturday that anyone could have ever asked for. It was simply perfect, Infact, even the weatherman on the radio was delighted to tell the world just how wonderful today was, and sent out his congratulations to all those celebrating on this wonderful day they had been graced with.

"Oh do shut up," Jonathan told the cheerful weatherman, even if he was directing his words to a radio rather than the man himself. Why did he get to be so cheery, when all Jon could feel were nerves bubbling up in his stomach, making him feel ill. Not to mention his tie wouldn't do what he wanted. "Blasted thing!" And he threw the thing at the mirror.

At the shout, Morgan poked his head around the bedroom door, peering in to see what all the fuss was about. "Looks like someone has their panties in a twist," he commented, wearing that grin of his. Wandering into the room, he spun the Scotsman around to face him, and picked up the tie, ignoring the glare he got from the older man. "Let me do this for you," and with skilled hands, the drama professor fastened Jon's tie, using neat, sweeping motions. Once it was all done up, he brushed his hands over the other's chest, smoothing out any creases.

"I'm glad to see someone is keeping a cool head," Jon replied, turning to look at himself in the mirror. He never really wore ties, but since today was a very special day, the need called for him to look smart. Fingers drifted down the silky fabric. "What time is it?"

"We have plenty of time," assured Morgan, brushing invisible particles of dust from the man's shoulders. "Just take a few deep breaths and calm yourself down. Everything is going to be alright."

The brunet frowned at his reflection in the mirror. "I fail to see how you can be so calm, Morgan Hearst."

Morgan grinned at him in the mirror, then moved away, adjusting his own tie. "Just think how she's feeling right now. We both know Madeline, and she must be twice as nervous as you, if not more, and that woman can keep a cool head most of the time."

The Scot sighed heavily, turning around to face his fellow teacher who was pottering about his bedroom. It was rare to see the man so clean shaven, and Tetsu had even attacked him with a comb and gel, making his hair look presentable. "I guess you're right. So how long do we have left?"

Morgan let out a laugh, shaking his head at the soon-to-be-married man, handing him his waistcoat. "Long enough. Now quit fretting and let's get going."

"You mean we're going now?!"

Another laugh. "Tetsu has nearly finished getting ready, Melody has managed to get Christian back into his jacket, and the car is only five minutes away," he replied, listing off everything that was going on while Jon had been wrestling with his tie. "People are already arriving at the church."

At this information, Jon's eyes flew wide. "We're not even there yet!" he exclaimed.

Morgan just smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder. "Relax, Aidan and Sebastian have it covered. Glory-May and Andrew are driving your parents and your brother from the hotel to the church, so don't worry about them either."

Shoulders slumped as the man relaxed, glad to know that everything was being taken care of. So much had been planned, and every event had not been overlooked. Today would run perfectly - as perfect as the weather.

"Is everyone ready in here?" called a young woman, appearing at the bedroom doorway. Her red hair was tied up, with curls allowing to flow down and frame her face. She was wearing a beautiful dress that flowed over her curves in a light blue colour with hints of white and a darker blue. "The cars are here!"

"We're on our way, Phee," her big brother said, placing a hand on her bare shoulder as he walked up to her. "You and Mel make sure everyone gets in, and I'll bring Jon out with Tetsu and Chris."

The woman smiled, nodding to show she understood, then turned and headed into the lounge, her voice carrying into the room as she ordered everyone around, making sure everyone knew what they were doing. Jon's brown eyes looked to Morgan for reassurance, and the male just grinned back in reply.

"Everything will be fine," he said finally, switching off the radio. Soon things began to quieten outside the room, and poking his head out, all that were left was a stunningly dressed Tetsu with a two year old on his knee who seemed insistent on not wearing his black dress jacket.

"When your wedding day comes, and you're stomach has twisted itself into more knots than physically possible, I'm going to tell you not to worry and see how you feel," Jon replied, stepping out of the room, pulling on his own jacket and fastening up the buttons.

"Since when were we getting married?" the Asian male asked, looking up at the two adults with a delicately arched brow. Morgan merely grinned at him and blew him a kiss. "And don't you dare think giving me those cute eyes is going to make me drop that conversation."

"How about we leave it until the reception then, sweetheart?" Morgan suggested, scooping up his son after Tetsu managed to fasten up the little boy's jacket buttons.

The drive to the church didn't take long, but for Jonathan it felt like it had taken them an eternity. Climbing out of the car, brown eyes searched around for sight of the car Madeline was due to arrive in, but was unable to see it. Usually such a calm and collected man, the teacher couldn't understand why he was letting his nerves run him wild. Perhaps this was what every man felt on his wedding day?

Following the best man and his son into the large, almost cathedral-like building, Jon caught sight of David already snapping away with his camera. It was going to be a huge wedding, and already there was an ample gathering of people. He could even spot some of the students that had been invited. He could see Mitch Holster's wheelchair, and a small smile crept upon his face. Of course Madeline had wanted the Holster boys to come, and letting his gaze wander, there was their little sister, looking simply adorable in her dress.

Heading for what was his designated spot, Jon felt like he was being slowly suffocated by the tie around his neck. People were starting to fill up the seats, and he knew it wouldn't be long until she arrived. Breath hitched in his throat, and he tugged nervously on his tie, only to catch sight of his mother making hand motions at him for him to leave it alone. He was so glad that she had been able to make it, because he knew the day just wouldn't have felt right without her sitting there, looking up at him with that beaming, happy smile of her's, and telling his father not to fidget in his seat.

And then the music began to play, and everyone rose, looking to where Madeline would appear. Breath hitched in his throat, and Jon heard the encouraging words from Morgan who stood behind him, as well as a whispered "If you don't want to keep her, I will," that made him chuckle. Madeline and Morgan had so much history together - they even had children - but it seemed the pair just weren't destined to be. Which was great for him, because the woman wearing that stunning white dress was marrying him.

Nerves seemed to melt away at the sight of her, and Jon finally agreed with that weatherman. Today was a wonderful day.

Wish I May

Isobel couldn't sleep.

Rolling over didn't help. Laying on her side didn't work. If she lay on her back, she just stared up at the ceiling. Blue eyes drifted to her brother who had managed to find slumber so easily. Thinking that if Christian could do it, then so could she, the four year old attempted again to drift off. But she was unsuccessful. Jutting out her lower lip in a pout, the little girl sat up in bed, tossed the blankets away, and considered what to do next. Eyes fell on the doorway, the light from the other room seeping in. There were sounds too, so there were other people awake.

Hopping down from the bed, pausing to turn back to her bed, little hands grabbing the by now very old stuffed koala bear, Isobel held it close to her chest and made her way from the bedroom with little, almost hesitant steps.

Meanwhile, in the lounge, Jon pulled the blanket up over Madeline's shoulder. The woman had fallen asleep on the couch not long after putting her children to bed, and he just didn't have the heart to wake her and suggest she too go to bed. Tenderly brushing away strands strands of brown from her face, a small smile crept over his lips, watching her sleeping so peacefully. A soft kiss was placed to her temple before he moved away, settling down in the armchair to watch some television.

With his attention fixed on the television screen, his peripheral vision picked up movement near the door that lead to the twin's bedroom. Pulling brown eyes away from the show to focus more on the doorway, he shifted in his seat, then patted his lap. "Come on then," he said quietly, motioning with his head that it was alright for Isobel to come over.

With Beren clutched tightly to her chest, the four year old carefully made her way over to Jon, big blue eyes looking up at him. With a soft chuckle, the mean leaned down and picked her up, allowing the little girl to settle on his lap, snuggling up against his chest. "Is everything alright?" he asked, looking down at the little girl who still wore an expression that seemed like she was feeling unsure if she was allowed to be up or not.

"Can't sleep," she admitted honestly.

Hand smoothed over her hair before he planted a kiss to the top of her head. "Do you want to curl up with Mommy?"

Isobel shook her head.

Jon scratched his chin in thought, the stubble tickling against his fingers. "Well, do you want to watch some television with me?"

Isobel nodded.

It was rare that the little girl was so quiet, and the Scot couldn't help but chuckle at the drastic change. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, he settled down to continue watching his show, occasionally glancing down at the little girl who sat on his lap, her blue eyes fixed on the screen, expression of one of pure curiosity.

And then she spoke up after a few minutes of silence.

"What's wrong with that man's ears?" she asked, looking up at her step-father's face for answers. "They're all pointy."

"Well, his ears are like that because he's an alien."

At this, Isobel frowned. "He doesn't look much like an alien."

"Well, that's because he's a Vulcan," Jon replied with a chuckle. "He can read minds, and even share his with another person's. But he can't show his emotions. He doesn't laugh when he's happy, or cry when he's sad."

"That can't be fun, not laughing," commented the little girl.

"Well, he doesn't even have fun, because that's an emotion to - finding things fun."

"He must be really boring."

Jon laughed, ruffling Izzy's brown hair affectionately. Trust her to find flaws in something like Star Trek. "But he's really clever, and can do this special move where he holds your neck, and makes you faint. Like this," and Jon curled his fingers at Isobel's neck, but instead of hurting her, his other hand crept up and tickled her side, making the little girl squirm and giggle on his lap.

Somewhere in all her laughter, Isobel exclaimed "Tha's cheating!" and nearly dropped Beren on the floor.

Ending his tickle attack on the little girl, he caught the falling stuffed animal, and handed it back to her. "They also have this saying," He held his hand up, his index and middle finger pressed together, and his ring and little finger pressed together. "Live long and prosper"

Blue eyes watched her step-father's hand, attempting to mimic it with her own little stubby fingers. "What it mean?"

"It's like a goodbye, I suppose," he replied, curling his arm around her again. "So do we have anymore questions, or can I go back to watching Voyager?"

With a bright grin and a quick nod of her head, Isobel looked back at the television. She lasted another few more minutes, until another question bubbled up inside of her, poking Jonathan in the chest to get his attention. "What's wrong with that lady's head?"

"Well, that lady is named Belanna, and she's a half Klingon. Klingons are aliens too."

"There's lots of aliens in this."

"That's because it's Star Trek. It's set millions of years into our future, when the human race travels through space to explore whole new worlds."

"So are Klingons like the man with pointy ears?"

At this, Jon laughed again. "Oh no, not at all. Imagine Daddy in a very, very bad mood. Like that time when Uncle Jojo managed to loose his rat in Daddy's piano"

"Daddy was very angry when that happened, but it was funny. Jojo was all 'Oopsies!' and Uncle Tetsu couldn't stop laughing."

"Well, that's kind of like what Klingons are like, only if Daddy had been a Klingon, he would have pulled Jojo's head off," he explained, glad that Morgan was actually a very easy going man. When the rat had been rescued, the punishment for letting it loose was for Jojo to replace and repair all the broken parts.

With her questions answered, Isobel was content to go back to watching the people on the television. Some time passed before she felt the need to ask another question, and by that time, there was the sound of movement on the couch. Jon was the first to notice, looking over at the woman who was sitting up, rubbing at her tired and sleepy eyes.

"Mommy!" Isobel chirped happily.

Her mother smiled, swinging her legs over the side of the couch. "What are you doing up, hm?" she asked.

"We're watching aliens!" the little girl announced proudly. "Papa Jon is telling me all about it!"

"No Doctor Who?" Madeline asked, standing up and moving to the chair the two occupied.

Jon smiled up at her, tilting his head back to accept the kiss she gave to him as Madeline leaned down, lips pressing together. On his lap, Isobel let out a "Ewww, Mommy!", causing both adults to laugh.

"I didn't want to go answering questions as to why the man on the TV looks a lot like me," he replied to Madeline, sliding his fingers into her long brown hair. "Are you going to bed now?"

Madeline nodded. "Don't stay up too late," She waggled a finger at both of them. "Either of you," and with that she moved off to her own bedroom, pausing at the door when her daughter called out to her. Turning around to look at Isobel, lips broke out into a smile.

Isobel was leaning over the arm of the chair, her hand held up, her fingers set into the way Jon had showed her earlier. "Live long and prosper, Mommy!"

The Whisper in the Wind - pt 2

Christmas gifts had all been exchanged. Laughter stilled filled the home, the smell of the Christmas dinner still drifted in the air. The birthday cake sat on the kitchen counter, no one able to eat more than a small slice after David's simply wonderful cooking. The family had settled in the lounge, no one paying attention to the television that played in the background, everyone too busy sharing conversation. A second set of presents had appeared, this time to celebrate a birthday of one of the family rather than the birth of Christ. Tears had been shed - his father couldn't have asked for a birthday or Christmas.

Bailee and Jenny had then set off out, visiting friends from school who lived nearby - Jenny especially wanting to see her old friends Jason and Olivia, to be able to see their little baby boy. Reuben had decided on going to visit some friends too, leaving David and Alastar with the whole house to themselves.

There was the sign of snow in the air, and Reuben snuggled down in his winter coat, burying his face into the warmth of his scarf. He could see his breath in the air as he headed for the apartment building. When he was old enough to go to high school, an old student of his father's was interning there, and he and Roo had become good friends. Whenever he was in New York, Reuben came over to visit him and his boyfriend. He had called ahead to make sure it was okay for him to come over, and now all he had to do to get there without freezing to death.

It didn't take long for him to reach the building, glad to be inside the warmth. Wandering along the hallway, hands stuffed into the pockets of his coat to keep them warm, blue eyes glanced to and fro, looking for the door to the apartment. When he was about four feet away from the door, the one opposite flew open, and a toddler in nothing more than a large t-shirt and a Santa hat came running out, giggling like mad. He wasted no time in racing off down the hall. Shortly after came a young girl, chasing after the little boy. "Anthony! Come back here!" she called out.

Stopped in his tracks, watching everything unfold before him, Reuben had no clue what was going on. About to knock on the door opposite the chaotic home, an adult finally made their appearance at the door, pausing to flash a grin at Roo, before banging on the door Reuben was about to knock on, calling out "We have an escapee!" He turned and looked at Roo again, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Hey Roo. Which way did they go?"

"Ah...Uhm...Down the hall..." he replied, pointing to where the blond girl and the little boy had ran off to. "Having trouble with the kids?"

"Nah, he just doesn't want to go to bed. You know how it is; Christmas and all," the thirty five year old replied, looking back to the door. "Nath, hurry up and catch your nephew!"

The door opened, an almost identical looking male appearing. "Bedtime again?" he asked his twin, slipping past him, following the direction he been pointed to, heading after the two children.

There was laughter in the apartment Nat had come from. Appearing at the door way to see what was going on, the male smiled at the two standing in the hallway. Leaning casually against the door frame, arms folded at his chest, he grinned up at Theodore. "You should try locking your door,"

Theo scoffed at the smaller man. "And miss out on the fun at bedtime? You know that Nath enjoys it too."

"So this happens everyday?" Roo asked.

Evander nodded. "Yeah, near enough, unless you can catch Anthony before he makes it to the door."

"Lila doesn't want to throw her arm at him yet incase of traumatizing him," Theo replied, running his hand over his strawberry blond hair. "Belle was a little slow off the bat this time."

Reuben arched a brow at the father. "I hope Jenny's kid doesn't end up like that."

"Jenny is having a baby? Oh, that's so wonderful!" Evander exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "David must be so proud! When you see them, tell them Nat and I send our congratulations."

Roo smiled, wondering what kind of uncle he'd be. "They're visiting Jason and Olivia. Do you guys still see them?"

Brown eyes were rolled at him. "How can we not go and visit our Livvie?" Theodore asked, scoffing slightly. "I like to think of myself as being the reason those two are still together," he added, puffing out his chest, at which Evander chuckled at and then shook his head.

"Since you came over, do you want to come in, Roo?" the brunet asked, jutting his thumb over his shoulder into his apartment. "Nat will catch Anthony soon, and we can catch up on things." blue eyes focused on his brother-in-law. "You should go and help your brother."

Theo flashed him a grin, then saluted before turning and heading after his two children and twin brother. Ben watched the man go, then turned and followed Evander inside. The apartment was warm, and there was the faint smell of cinnamon in the air. Blue eyes fell on the large fish tank, watching the mutlicoloured fishes swim about. "So how come Nat has to go catch Anthony?" Roo asked, leaning forwards to observe the fishes, tapping lightly on the glass.

"He loves his uncle," Evander replied. "When he started walking, he walked straight up to Nat and demanded he pick him up. Nat's been the only person who's been able to settle the little boy for bed."

"You'd think a kid wouldn't notice, what with Nat looking so much like his dad," Roo commented.

A small smile curled at Evander's lips, one that spoke a thousand words. "Oh, there's a big difference," he purred, lifting his mug of herbal tea to his lips and blowing softly over the hot liquid.

Roo chuckled lightly, leaving the fish and joining the older male on the couch. "I figured you'd say something like that."

"When you love someone, you can spot them in a crowd of people," he said softly, sipping at his tea. "Do you have anyone like that?"

Blue eyes lifted to the ceiling of the apartment. "I'd like to think that I do."

"What are they like?"

"Blue eyes, nice smile. The softest brown hair to run your fingers through. Your whole world seems just that much brighter whenever she's around. I just want to hold her, and make everything alright."

"She sounds wonderful," he commented, patting Roo lightly on the leg.

A soft sigh spilled forth over his lips. "Yeah, but I don't know how much she likes me. I mean, we're like brother and sister."

A curious look was thrown at the younger male. "Oh? Is she anyone we would know?"

Reuben nodded. "You guys know them really well. Infact, you've eve babysat her."

Bright blue eyes widened as the name hit home. Almost chocking on his drink, Evander leaned forwards, placing the mug down on the coffee table. "Isobel!?"

"What about Izzy?" asked Nat at the doorway. Closing the door behind himself, he hopped over the back of the couch to sit beside his lover, resting his head on the man's shoulder. "Aaaahhh...He's getting faster." An arm curled around his waist, pulling him closer. Lids slipped over his eyes as he nestled against Evander's warm body.

The trio sat and talked for some time about love, life and everything else. Just as Roo was getting ready to leave, the door opened, the young girl slipping inside, her blonde hair set into two braids. She smiled up at Reuben, then hopped over to her uncle. Nat leaned down, scooping the thirteen year old into a hug and placing a kiss on her cheek. Once she was released, Belle went to Evander, the male giving her a hug and a goodnight kiss. She turned to leave, looking curiously up at Roo with bright blue eyes.

Smiling down at her, the younger male lowered to her level, giving her a hug and a kiss to her forehead. "Sleep well, Little Lady," he said as he rose, following her out. She paused at the door to her own home, waving goodbye. Nat and Evander were at their door, waving too. "See you!" he called before preparing to head out into the cold night air.

Home, and unlocking the door, he could hear his father's Enya music playing. Tossing his keys onto the table near the door, he shrugged off his coat while heading for the lounge. What he saw there shocked and amazed him. "Shit Dad!" Turning his head away from the scene of his father and David in a very heated situation, a hand rose to cover his eyes. "What the fuck?!"

"Ben...We...Err...Uhm..."

Reuben scrunched up his face, turning his back completely on the scene. "You know what, I'll come back later," throwing up a hand, he waved over his shoulder at the two men, then went to leave. "I'll be over at Madder's. Call my cell when I can come home," and with that he left.

Once outside, he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed Isobel's number. "Hey, Izzy, can I come over?"

The Whisper in the Wind - pt 1

A.N. - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALI!!! I forgot which side you wanted this from, so this drabble is in two parts, featuring everything (:

Warning: This story contains yaoi. Not for innocent viewing. Basically, its all tumstumstumstums!

Christmas gifts had all been exchanged. Laughter stilled filled the home, the smell of the Christmas dinner still drifted in the air. The birthday cake sat on the kitchen counter, no one able to eat more than a small slice after David's simply wonderful cooking. The family had settled in the lounge, no one paying attention to the television that played in the background, everyone too busy sharing conversation. A second set of presents had appeared, this time to celebrate a birthday of one of the family rather than the birth of Christ. Tears had been shed - he couldn't have asked for a better Christmas or birthday.

Bailee and Jenny had then set off out, visiting friends from school who lived nearby - Jenny especially wanting to see her old friends Jason and Olivia, to be able to see their little baby boy. Reuben was out visiting friends too, leaving the house to themselves.

David was in the kitchen, cleaning up the rest of the dishes he had used to prepare lunch. No one knew when anyone would be home, and it meant making the most of what time they did have. He was humming a tune to himself, and from his spot in the lounge, Alastar could hear him. Lips curled into a smile, eyes watching the albino snake coil around his arm. Television had been replaced by music, Christmas tunes replaced by music Al preferred. It was calm, soothing and relaxing. Sinking back into the leather of his couch, Al could feel himself beginning to drift off.

Rising from his seat, not wanting Gopher to escape, the now forty-five year old returned to the serpent to her tank in the bedroom. As he returned to the lounge, brown eyes settled on the figure standing in the door between lounge and kitchen, and warm smile resting on his lips, even at his age managing to retain that boyish smirk Al had grown to know and love. Moving more into the room, the other male heading for him, Al stopped once the male was close, and felt strong arms wrap around him. Melting into the embrace, he snuggled happily into the other.

David placed a soft kiss to the top of his head, moving one hand in long, slow motions up and down his back. "Happy birthday," he said softly. Lids slipped down over blue eyes, and he softly began swaying on the spot with the one he loved.

Since meeting the man, Christmas had never been the same. David held such a passion within him, and showered Star with all the love within him. He always managed to buy both birthday gifts and Christmas presents, and around the summer, David gave his love one gift early, claiming that it was wrong to make Alastar wait so long before receiving any kind of gift. Al couldn't have met anyone better.

Lifting his head, looking into that handsome face, Al lifted a hand, placing it tenderly upon a cheek. Eyes opened to reveal bright blue eyes, the man's smile glittering within the ocean coloured depths. It was such an infectious smile, the one spread over Al's own lips, before they were pressed to David's in a soft, warm kiss.

Arms coiled around him tighter, pulling him closer to that warm body. Lips spread, the kiss heating in passion. A tongue slipped into his mouth, and Al hummed around it, his eyes closing, practically melting into the older male's amazing kissing ability. Hand dropped from that cheek, drifting down the strong chest, unfastening the buttons of his shirt as he went. Once the last came undone, hands with fingers splayed smoothed back up, encouraging the fabric to move away. The arms around him fell away to allow the shirt to be removed, tossed to the floor and sub sequentially forgotten, and the returned to him, fingers finding their way under a snug fitted woolen sweater to feel bare flesh.

Al was the first to break for air, head tilting back as he literally gulped it down into his lungs. Spotting his chance, David leaned in, lips grazing kisses over the exposed expanse of neck, causing a moan to bubble within Alastar, breaking free in a long, low and very pleased sound. Hands scrabbled at the warm flesh of David's back, nails running lightly down the flesh, bringing out a moan of mingled pain and pleasure to erupt from David.

"Be-bedroom..." Al whimpered out, feeling his sweater being pulled up, body obliging and allowing the other man to remove his clothing, exposing his bare skin.

David merely ignored, trailing kisses down his chest, smile curled at the corners of his lips. "No one's home," he purred, lowering himself down onto his knees. "No one will be home for hours," he added, fingers unfastening the belt at Al's waist, using such slow motions that it made Star shiver with anticipation.

Fingers wound into the soft brown hair, massaging against the scalp. Knees felt weak, and he was sure that if David kept this up, they were going to crumble. The belt came away and was tossed aside, and then those fingers went to unfasten his pants. Breath hitched momentarily in his throat, before coming out in a long, lower moan as the zip came down, and hands guided the garment down, smoothing over lean legs, the right wrapped in a support bandage.

"I hate how your bones are so weak," David said, pressing his lips to the top of the bandage just above Al's knee. "Makes me not want to let you out of the house so I can protect you,"

Al chuckled softly, running his hand tenderly over the other's head. He looked down at his lover, warm smile on his lips. "I can still break them at home," he replied, brushing the backs of his knuckles tenderly against David's cheek. "But it's nice to know how you feel about me."

David smiled up at him before kissing up the inside of Al's thigh. Another moan passed over Al's lips, almost shaking with anticipation at what was going to happen. Fingers curled at the waistband at his underwear, bringing them down, helping Al step out of them and then casting them aside. Warm breath washed over Al's erection, agile tongue running along the hardened shaft.

Fingers that were worked into David's hair pulled lightly at the soft locks, breath passing over Al's lips in heavy moans. Both men were so engrossed in what they were doing that neither heard the sound of the front door being unlocked. Nor did they notice just who had come home a few hours early until the male called out after witnessing what was going on.

"Shit! Dad!" Reuben gasped, hand rising to cover his face, turning away from the scene in the lounge. "What the fuck?!"

Somehow, David managed to find the whole thing funny. Resting his forehead against Al's thigh, shoulders shook as he laughed to himself.

"Just, eeewww...."

"Ben...We...Err...Uhm..." Star was unsure of what to say, and his love wasn't helping by laughing. Brown eyes fell to the man, poking him in the head. His laughter, much like his smile managed to spread, and Al found himself chuckling softly along with him.

Reuben scrunched up his face, turning his back completely on the scene. "You know what, I'll come back later," throwing up a hand, he waved over his shoulder at the two men, then went to leave. "I'll be over at Madder's. Call my cell when I can come home," and with that he left.

David lifted his arms, fingers taking hold of Al's hands, pulling him down to the floor with him. "Well, I think that disproves his theory of you being as sexually active as a rock," he told him.

Al merely grinned, leaning in to steal a kiss. "Let's disprove his theory even more," he whispered, urging David to lay down on the carpet, hovering over him and trailing kisses down his neck and over strong shoulders.

I Had a Bad Day Again

Eyes awoke to the sight of blood stained concrete. There was the reek of dried, stale blood in the air. What was surely to be a pounding headache was forming, and a shaky, weak hand lifted to press cold fingertips to his forehead. His whole body ached, even parts that he didn't even know could. Lifting his body up from the freezing stone floor, managing to get as far as propping himself up slightly upon his elbows before the sounds of the huge lock echoed in the huge room that was locked up tighter than a bank vault. Eyes squinted against the light that flooded in from the open hatch, only just making out the figure that stood at the entrance and exit to the dank, cell-like room that was called home for three nights of every month. Shielding his eyes, Vincent attempted to sit up, if only to hide his naked form from whomever had opened the door.

"Here, put this on," commanded the figure, tossing a warm blanket at Vincent. The figure then turned and left, leaving the door ajar so that Vince could escape.

But he was far from any ordinary prisoner.

Wrapping the clean white blanket around himself, Vincent slowly stood up, propping a weak, tired body up on shaky legs. Fingers dug into the fabric, holding it around his chest. It was so long that it trailed behind him, dragging in the dust and the dirt of the concrete floor that he had woken up on. Head bowed as he walked, eyes kept away from anyone who could make eye contact with him as he left the room. Skin prickled, goosebumps forming over his pale flesh as warm fresh air drifted over him, lungs finally able to breathe properly again instead of having them filled with stale, rank air. He could hear voices around him, the sounds of the world outside the window, and there was the smell of coffee coming from somewhere.

There was a loud bang, and he jumped, glancing over his shoulder as the giant of a door was closed and locked, the wheel spinning around and the locks ground into place, snapping shut. Drawing in a shaky breath, he began to return his gaze forwards, not wanting to stare at that thing any longer, when cold flesh touched his bare shoulder. Head instantly jerked around, grey-brown eyes fixing instantly upon whomever it was that had touched him.

What he saw was creamy pale skin, short cropped black hair, and warm chocolate eyes. Thin lips had curved into a smile, offering friendship and warmth. Vincent had been swept up by that smile so many times, but now he was beginning to see what it really was; a complete lie. Yet he did not let on that he knew that this man was being fake, and instead smiled back, as if glad to finally be out of that rotten hole and back into the world of friends. That hand slipped down from his shoulder, curling around his body and pulling him closer until the two were pressed together. Chin was rested upon the top of his head, and even Vince couldn't deny that it felt good, melting into the embrace. Another arm looped around him, stroking the hand in long, slow, soothing motions up and down his back. The man was cold, like the living dead, but his embrace felt warm and comforting.

Eyes closed, and there was a kiss pressed to the top of his head. "Welcome home, Vincent," the man purred, even though Vincent had never actually even left. The vault was part of the building that he lived in, making it part of his home. But this place was slowly becoming less and less of a home the more Vincent thought about it and figured things out. This place was no more of a home than his childhood home had been, and he didn't even have one of those anymore.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Vincent asked, lifting his head to look at the face of the man holding him.

"You had such a rough night last night, I thought maybe you could do with someone being here for you when you woke up." In other words, Vincent had won, this man was lying to him, and was actually just praising him for a job well good, even though Vincent had little memory of the event. "Are you bleeding anywhere?"

Vince shook his head. "I don't think so," he replied, still not pulling away. Even if it was all fake, it still felt good to be held like this. He had trusted this man - given so much to him - that somewhere deep inside it hurt to know that none of it was true. He didn't want to let go, even though he knew he should.

The man smiled again, pulling away until the contact left between them were his hands upon Vincent's shoulders. Brown eyes took a few moments to look the teenager over, making certain for himself that there were no wounds that needed seeing to. "You're a little dirty though," he teased, smudging a thumb over the dirt at his cheek, like an old woman wiping away the dirt from her grandson's face. "How about we wash you down, hm? A nice, hot shower will make you feel wonderful!"

It felt so good to have someone want to look after him, even if it wasn't for the same reasons that the man gave. He made it seem like he cared deeply for Vincent, that he meant something to him. In truth; the truth Vincent had come to find out on his own, the man saw him as nothing more than fast cash. Despite his outward appearance, Vincent was strong and able, making him the perfect prizewinner. It was a horrible existence, and Vince knew that sooner or later, he was going to have to get out of it. He just didn't know how to yet.

Like She'll Always Be

There was the fresh scent of cookies in the air, and rolling over in bed, Roo nuzzled into the warmth of his pillow, reaching up with both arms to cuddle his pillow and snuggle down in it. Trying to cling to his slowly slipping away dreams, the male finally relinquished hold on the realm of dreams and allowed himself to wake up. There were the sounds of movement outside his door, and sitting up, he scratched at his temple, wondering just what was going on. Swinging legs out of the bed, the duvet slipping away, the still sleepy male moved from his bedroom, intent on finding out what was going on.

He'd come home for the Christmas season, always happy to spend the merry season with his family. Plus, it was his father's birthday, and he didn't want to miss that.

Bare feet trudged down the hallway, passing his parent's bedroom and the door that lead down to Bailee's now rarely ever used room. The wooden flooring was cold beneath his feet, but soon they hit the warm rug on the lounge floor. Blue eyes wandered around the room, finding his father seated on the leather couch reading a book. "Why can I smell cookies?" he asked the man.

"David is baking," Al replied simply, not looking up from his book. There was a clatter in the kitchen and the sound of two distinct voices. "Annual bake-off" was added once the noises quietened down in the kitchen.

"Sebastian's here?"

"They thought it best to use my kitchen this year, since last year they used his. They usually do it around summertime, but thought that they'd leave it until Christmas to bake," Reuben's father explained casually.

Roo idly scratched at his bare stomach. "Is Julie here yet? She used to play judge, right?"

"We're taking them to the party tonight instead,"

Grin spread upon sleepy features as Ben remembered the party at the Stewart's that was becoming something of a regular event every year. Jon usually cooked most of the food, and guests sometimes brought things along. It seemed that this year there'd be a little more choice than Jonathan's dessert selection.

Alastar closed the book, keeping his thumb in place so that he didn't loose where he was in the book, and looked up at his son. "Are we going to be putting some clothes on since we have guests?"

His son just beamed a lazy smile at him, ran fingers through his long brown hair and shrugged. "Nah, not like I've got anything Sebastian hasn't seen before." His grin faded, and Roo moved closer to his father, sitting down beside him on the couch. "You like Morgan, right?"

Brow arched carefully, Al unsure what sort of direction his son was planning on taking the conversation, but decided to answer him nonetheless. "He's a good friend of mine, why?"

Reuben pressed on. "You've known his kids for a long time, and they're like family, aren't they?"

"I find it hard to see where this conversation is leading, Reuben."

Roo sighed softly, leaning back into the soft leather cushions of his father's couch. "You know that for a while now, I've flirted with them both. Christian is about as sexually active as a rock, but lately, it feels different with Isobel."

"Maybe that's because she's a girl, and now that she's much older the thought of casual flirting with her just doesn't feel the same?" suggested Al. "You may get your tips from David, but it's me you take after, and there's more to us than meets the eye."

"Dad, you have the sexual energy of a dead hedgehog."

Al tsked at his son, shaking his head lightly. "Just because I don't try to get my leg over every ten seconds does not mean I have a lesser sex drive than a hormonal teenager."

"Like I said; dead hedgehog," Roo replied, giving his father a lopsided smirk. "But, anyway, back to the important thing. I think that maybe there might be something going on between Izzy and I, something different. Like, maybe, just joking around with her isn't enough. I actually want to go out with her."

The Sound of Pulling Heaven Down

"So have you had sex in every room yet?"

"I fail to see how that question is relevant, Jojo."

"So that's a 'no' then?"

Tetsu tsked, shaking his head at the other male that sat on the couch, a three year old Isobel seated on his lap, completely fascinated by the twenty one year old's hair style. Tetsu was probably the closest thing she came to when it concerned someone putting large amounts of effort into their hair; styling and dying it. But this was something completely new to her. Part of his head was shaved, the short strands of hair bleached blond, and a portion down the middle of his head was left, dyed a deep, rich blue and styled in an upright way, fanning out over his head. This was perhaps Isobel's first encounter with a mohawk.

And it was "babysitting" her.

Technically he wasn't doing it alone, since the lover of the little girl's father was also present. Morgan had to head off attend some teachers meeting, and since the twin's parents were also teachers, it was up to Tetsu to look after the little ones. He was going to be left alone with them, his only tasks being making sure they were bathed, dressed then sent to bed. However, a surprise visit from his best friend had left the Asian male with an aid to help him deal with the children, although his biggest concern was the adult rather than the little toddlers.

"I think she likes me," Jojo commented, bouncing the little girl up and down on his knee. He flashed her a bright toothy grin, to which the little girl began giggling at.

"He has metal in his mouth!" she exclaimed, pointing at the man's face with her tiny hand.

"That's because Uncle Jojo is an idiot, Izzy," explained Tetsu while attempting to wrestle Christian out of his t-shirt so that he could put him in the bath.

"Hey, that's cruel, T-chan!" the older male replied with a slight whine to his voice. "I think my piercings are sexy, and a sense of self expressionism." Green eyes fell to the girl in his lap. "Self expressionism is all about telling your parents to go fu-"

"Play in the park," Tetsu cut in quickly before his friend could destroy her little mind with his foul tongue.

Jojo stuck out a pierced tongue at his friend. "Well that's not just grand at all," he replied, annoyed that he'd been cut off so harshly. The Irish male had yet seemed to grasp the fact that he was in a room with two very impressionable minds, and that Tetsu didn't want Madeline to come and pick her children up tomorrow only to find out that they knew some very offensive words.

"Why does he talk funny?" Christian asked, now free of his shirt, looking to Tetsu for answers. "Is that 'cus he's an idiot too?"

"That's because I'm Irish!" came Jojo's gleeful reply. "Don't I sound cool?"

"I think you sound funny," Isobel informed him. "Papa Jon's is better."

"Had I known that I was going to be insulted by a three year old, I wouldn't have come,"

"No one asked you to visit, Jojo," Tetsu replied curtly, grabbing Christian and lifting him up. "Come on, it's bath time."

"No bath! No bath!" protested the child, wriggling in the male's arms. But Tetsu wasn't relinquishing hold, and marched off to the bathroom. "You've barely been here half an hour, and already you're infecting them, Jojo," he grumbled, loud enough for his friend to hear him.

There was a sneer at the younger male's back, watching him head off into the bathroom. Once he vanished from view, he returned his attention to the little girl. "So, you come here often?" he asked in a flirtatious tone.

"I come here all the times! This is Daddy and Uncle Tetsu's house!" Obviously, the pick-up line had been a complete failure with the little girl. Isobel was perhaps a bit too young to grasp the concept.

Jojo chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "You'll understand one day kid. T-chan and I will teach you about all the lines guys use, and the best replies to make them leave you alone. I know some really smooth pick up lines too."

Isobel had no idea what this new person in her life was talking about, but he did have an interesting sounding voice. however, his hair was much more interesting than anything he had to say. "What's with your hair?" she finally asked.

One hand ran over the tips of the gelled hair, drifting over the full length of the mohawk. "It's called a mohawk."

"Can I have one?"

At this, Jojo laughed. "I don't think your Daddy would like that very much, Izzy," he told her, ruffling her brown hair affectionately. "Not forgetting that it doesn't make your hair very nice to touch, and it's really hard to get it to stay like this. Maybe when you're older, you come see me, and I'll give you a really cool one. How's that sound?"

"I don't have to get metal in my face do I?" she asked, looking up at him with big blue eyes.

"No, you don't have to get metal in your face. Don't forget, it's all about self expressionism and - "

"Telling people to go play in the park!"

"Well, that's one way of putting it." He knew that it would one day come back and bite him in the ass. Hopefully, he wouldn't be around when it happened. He didn't want his old history teacher, Chemistry teacher and drama teacher on the war path.

You Belong To Me

It was cold outside, but the way the sun filtered through the gap in the curtains was warmed by the glass. Little particles of dust danced in the light, and it all seemed so peaceful, so calm. It had been snowing during the night, but it was so warm curled up under the blankets that neither seemed bothered by the weather outside. One of the pair moved, slowly waking up from the world of sleep. Warm blankets drifted down over bare shoulders as the half-asleep body moved, rolling over onto his side. Eyes slowly opened, revealing deep dark brown rises, gaze searching for the happy little digital numbers that greeted the world with the current date and time. It was not singing this morning, no need for an alarm to rouse them from slumber. He had all the time in the world to wake himself up, and after acknowledging the time, a hand worked it's way up through the blankets to run long fingers through his long ginger hair.

Eyes fell to the body slumbering beside him, and a soft smile curled at his lips. Leaning down, light kisses were dusted over the other's shoulders, working up a neck line. Slowly, the other started to wake, letting out a soft moan as he was treated to such a wonderful way of waking up. Rolling over onto his back, a warm smile pulled at the corners of his lips. Fingers of his left hand found themselves winding into those soft strawberry blond locks, fingertips brushing tenderly over the scalp.

"Well good morning to you too," he purred, tilting his head to allow those lips to continue pleasing his body.

Nat hummed his response, lips more busy with another task than to form words. His eyes had slipped closed, and with careful movements, the male positioned himself over the other, teasing at the base of an earlobe with his teeth. Hands wander fingers up the bare torso, drifting over the soft, smooth flesh, sliding upwards and encouraging sleepy-limp arms to lift and wrap around his shoulders.

"So what did I do to deserve this?" Evander asked, although he wasn't complaining. Waking up like this was simply wonderful. By now, Nat had mapped his entire body, and over the years had learned of nearly everything that could get his toes to curl and his pulse to race. Just waking up in his arms was pure bliss.

"You were born," came the husky reply from the lips currently buried into the crook of the brunet's neck. "Then you agreed to go out with me," he added, lifting his head up to look at that beautiful face. Strands of hair fell from their spot behind his ear, falling forwards and framing his face. He often considered allowing it to grow much longer, but always seemed to just settle on keeping it shoulder length. Evander held no complaints and was happy to run his fingers through the soft strands, pushing them away from the smiling face to allow the light to catch his features.

Evander let out a soft chuckle, leaning up to capture those smiling lips in a delicate kiss, only for Nat to take over, tongue slipping into his mouth and using gentle persuasion had him laying back down again.

Things were starting to heat up, when outside the room, there were sounds of a door being unlocked, opened, then slammed shut again. Both males froze in position, listening intently to what was going on beyond the bedroom. "Do you think it's Theo?" Evander asked in a hushed whisper.

"Whoever it is, if we pretend we're not here, maybe they'll leave," Nat suggested, keeping his own voice hushed so that whomever it was moving around in their apartment would think the place to be empty and leave.

There was the sound of keys being tossed onto a counter, followed by what could possibly be a bag being set down. "Uncle?" called out a feminine voice. Nat cringed, dropping his head onto the pillow beside Evander's. "Is anyone home?"

"Just when it was getting to the good bit too..."

A soft laugh erupted from the smaller male, gently patting his lover's back. "We should go see what she wants," he said. "It might be important"

"I should write her a list of all the ways I know to twist Theo around," he replied, rolling over and falling onto his back. "I'm not getting out of bed."

"You're not going to subjugate your niece to seeing you almost naked," the brunet said, poking the red head's side affectionately.

A cheeky grin spread across his features, one Nat had perfected years ago. Arms folded at his chest, hands linked together. He wasn't getting up anytime soon, even if what he had planned had been rudely interrupted. She took after her father way too much, inheriting his knack for appearing at the most opportune moment for ruining the perfect moment. "I can always take my boxers off."

Evander gave a light smack to a bare shoulder before untangling himself from the sheets and finding something to pull on to go and see what Belle wanted. Pausing at the door, he looked back at his love still remaining in the bed. Chuckling softly to himself, he turned and headed out of the room, calling out for the young girl to find out what was the reason behind her unannounced visit.

Through These Times

It was snowing outside. Actual snowfall. snowflakes were drifting down from the clouds above so fast that it was building up to be quite the snowstorm outside. The whole world was coated in white, like icing upon a cake, making it seem so much brighter. It was probably freezing cold outside, but inside the home, it was snug and warm. It was like the scene from a Christmas card, with the tree in the corner, all decorated and lit up. Cards from friends and family were all neatly placed around the large mantle, the fire burning away. It was nights like these that would be remembered forever.

In the Stewart household it certainly would be.

It was a week away from Christmas Day, and tonight there was a planned gathering of friends and family. Madeline and Jonathan were in the kitchen, preparing the large buffet that was probably going to be devoured in a matter of moments once everyone arrived. There had been a few cancellations, and some people had been unable to make it, but they were still expecting a full house. Even with the weather, and the possibility of it become worse as the night drew on, people were still likely going to turn up. Roxie and Zephyr had turned up yesterday with a bag filled with presents, saying that they'd love to come and join, but they had a flight to catch, and wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Christmas carols were currently playing on the radio system in the lounge. When Madeline became pregnant with Jake, they moved into a house in the suburbs. It was a little farther away from the school than the adults would have liked, but the house was much larger than the apartment Madeline had before the twins were born. not to mention there was a huge garden out back, and the neighborhood was very friendly. Christian was sitting Indian-style on the couch, watching the flames dancing in the fireplace. His sister was around, and Ainsley was sitting on a beanbag that looked big enough to eat her, combing the hair on her toy horse. There were sounds of someone knocking on the door, and voices in the hall. It seemed that more people were arriving.

"Well, don't we look like a wet weekend?" chimed a voice, breaking his thoughts. Then a weight landed on the space beside him. There was snow in his brown hair, and his nose was red from the cold. Blue eyes that seemed almost clear looked at him, and a grin spread over pierced lips. "So what's got your underwear in a knot?"

Christian chuckled softly, tilting his head to look at the older male sitting beside him, ruffling his fingers through his long hair and shedding snow, and now droplets of water all over the couch, and him. "Hello to you too, Roo."

Reuben kept the lazy smirk on his lips, leaning back against the cushions, stretching out long legs before him. "So there's this thing, right, and you totally have to dance naked to get in, but you totally have to do it, otherwise you'll never get laid for the rest of your natural life," He nudged Christian in the arm with his elbow. "My Dad's done it, we should totally do it too."

Eyebrows furrowed, unsure of what exactly it was that Reuben was talking about. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Lazy smirk turned into a toothy grin. "Why Christian, I thought you'd never offer!"

"Ben, be good," came the voice of the young man's father, dropping a bag onto his son's lap. "He's talking bull again. Just ignore him, Chris, it's what I do." And there was the briefest glimpse of a sly smirk on the older man's lips.

"But Daaaaaaad!"

"No buts. Now go ask Maddie where she wants you to put the gifts."

Roo stuck his tongue out at his father, but did as he was told, slipping off the couch and taking the bag with him, heading off to find Christian's mother.

Christian looked up at the mathematician. "Hello Alastar. I didn't think you guys would be able to make it."

"Morgan would kill me if I didn't show," he said to the teenager, sitting down beside him. "David's here too. Hopefully Jon can keep him from flirting with your mother too much."

Chris let out a soft chuckle. Al and David had been together for as long as he could remember - apparently they had gotten together long before he was even talking. Al was a very reserved man, while David was almost like his direct opposite. Well, they did say that opposites attract. "My Dad's not here yet. I hope he isn't riding his bike in this weather." Brown eyes glanced to the window, watching the snow falling down from the sky. "Is it cold out there?"

"Freezing. We were going to detour and pick Bailee and Jenny up, but the snow was just too bad where they live. I'm surprised if they can even get out their house."

Resting his elbow on his knee, chin slipped into his hand. "Maybe Dad won't be able to make it..."

There was a friendly pat to his shoulder, and he looked up to see Al offering him a kind, friendly smile. "He'll come. You're his family, he'll go anywhere and brave anything for you."

Christian found himself smiling back. He was going to thank the older man, when Ainsley climbed off her beanbag and wandered over to them, wanting to show Al her new horse. Al looked a little bemused, having very little experience when dealing with girls, but he tried his best, asking those questions adults asked children, such as "What's it's name?" and other such things. Leaving Al to keep his little sister company, Christian stood up from the couch, stretching to work the muscles in his back. Taking another glance to the world outside, he headed off to find the source of all the voices, which lead him to the kitchen.

"Christian!" exclaimed a blue eyed brunet, wrapping strong arms affectionately around the teen. "Wow, you're getting bigger."

"You saw me on Friday. You teach me photography,"

David grinned. "I know, but this is the time when people tell you how long it's been since they last saw you, and bring you ample amounts of socks and underwear."

"If you've bought my son either of those, I hope that Alastar picked them out. I don't want to have some sort of kinky, edible underwear in my son's stocking," warned Madeline, waving a spoon in the older man's face, her other hand propped upon her hip, giving her a very threatening and menacing look.

"Damn, I knew I should have bought some edible underwear now!" the man teased.

"Morgan bought him some last year. It was quite a fiasco explaining it to Ainsley," Jon commented from his spot by the stove.

Madeline let out a heavy sigh, wandering back to what she was doing. "He buys his son kinky underwear, but keeps telling his daughter that she should never have sex."

"Oh, so, I'm allowed to buy him kinky underwear?"

"No!" came both the voices of Jon and Madeline. "Sometimes I worry if you're not worse than his father, David," Madeline added.

"David's my hero in the sex department," added Reuben from his perch on the only available space on the kitchen counter. "I get all my good pick up lines from him."

Madeline narrowed her eyes skeptically. "See, worse than his father."

Adults were crazy sometimes. Especially the adults that came visiting his house. Why his mother insisted on playing hostess was beyond him. Jonathan said that that was just who she was, and that he found that side of her endearing. It had been a staff gathering that had resulted in the twin's conception. They were memorable events, and usually something they all talked about for a long time to come.

"So where's Izzy?" Ben asked the room, since there were three members in the room that may have an idea of where Christian's twin may be.

"I think she's upstairs with Jake," the Scotsman replied. "He wanted help with his homework or something."

This caught Ben's interest. "What sort of homework?"

"Not maths," Chris replied quickly, attempting to steal one of the mini sausage rolls, only to have his hand swatted away by his mother. "I think it was French or something."

Roo pouted, crossing his arms at his chest. "I suck at French."

David chuckled softly, ruffling his adopted son's hair in a fatherly manner, causing him to whine and try to bat the larger hand away, only for David to switch hands and continue messing his hair up anyway. "Looks like you lost your chance to score with Izzy," he teased.

"I've still got Christian to try my chances with," Roo replied, grinning up at his father.

Chris threw the older male a look that screamed 'don't you dare even think that', which made both Reuben and David laugh. Even Madeline chuckled to herself, standing on tiptoes to whisper something into her husband's ear, which caused Jon to laugh too.

"I don't see why you guys think I can't get either Izzy or Chris to go out with me," Roo said, still pouting, thrusting out his chest as if he'd been offended by something they all had said. "Come on, Madeline, you know I'd be a really good boyfriend; to either of them."

Madeline deflected her son's hand away from the sausage rolls once more. "I'm not saying you'd be a bad boyfriend, I just think that they're still too young to be dating."

"We're seventeen," Christian shot in quickly.

"I was in my twenties when I started dating your father. That's how old you're going to be,"

"Don't you think that's a little strict, Maddie?" David asked, leaning against the kitchen counter beside Reuben, the pair of them having managed to expertly steal a plate of sandwiches from under the woman's nose and were now happily eating their way through it. "I think they should be allowed to spread their wings. I mean, Bailee were only young when they met, and now look where they are," he beamed happily. "I'm gonna be a grandfather soon."

"I got all my dating advice from David," Roo added, munching on a mouthful of cheese and ham sandwich.

"And somehow, I don't think that thought comforts her," Jon said, chuckling softly, pouring the mixture he'd been stirring over the top of a cake that sat on the counter nearby. Desserts were never his strong point, but he was getting much better.

"Oh come on, Madeline. Let me date one of your kids!"

Christian was trying not to laugh at the older male's persistence. He didn't know whether he was joking or not, Roo was a little hard to figure out sometimes, even if he did display his emotions for the whole world to see. "I think I'll pass on the dating Reuben thing," he informed them, trying his best to hold in his laughter.

"So that just leaves Izzy!" the twenty two year old exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Come on, I'll treat her real nice."

Slowly, a smirk spread across madeline's features. Wandering up to the young man, she lightly tapped him on the nose, standing so close she would seem threatening - if Reuben wasn't taller than her. "You can date Izzy. If, you get both Morgan's and Tetsu's permission"

Clear blue eyes widened at her, mouth falling open. "Oh shit, I'm doomed...."

Pull out some hope for me

Christmas. Christmas held mixed feelings in the household. Firstly, there was one member that seemed to go a little bonkers around Christmas, putting up decorations and generally making the house very festive. The other adult held mixed feelings, because even if it was a joyous time, it was also his birthday. While many people claimed that a birthday on December 25th was "cool", people actually got away with giving less gifts because he received presents that were both fir Christmas and his birthday. People could be so lame. Not to mention, he was also another year older. This year, he was turning forty. The current forty-something was currently acting like a big kid, popping up from behind the couch with a can of snow spray and coating his son with the stuff.

Brown eyes watched the adult and his adopted son. The twenty four year old narrowed eyes at him, glaring daggers at his father through the thick rimmed glasses he wore. Even now, he still wore the childish style of glasses. David claimed it kept him looking "cute". Bailee wore them because they were familiar. Despite all efforts to get him to wear a pair, Reuben was adamant that he was not going to wear a pair of "milk bottle bottom glasses", which made his father chuckle.

"Aren't you supposed to spend Christmas with your mom this year?" Bailee asked, catching the towel Al had tossed to him and cleaning the fake snow from his glasses.

Ben looked up from the book he was reading to what was his older "brother". David had adopted him when he was seven, barely a year after his mother had given custody of him to his father, which meant that Bailee was now legally his brother. There was a lot of fuss, since there were still a lot of controversy with two men adopting a child, but they had succeeded, and were now one big happy family. "She's going on holiday to some tropical country this year," he replied. "She said that she didn't want me to miss out Christmas with my Dad, so I shouldn't go with her."

"In other words, Harmony would rather play with her new boy toy than spend time with her son," came a voice from the kitchen.

"You're just jealous she has a younger model," Bailee called out, stealing the can from his father's hand and dancing nimbly behind him and coating him in the remainder of the snow. They had made quite a mess of the living room. Luckily, they hadn't managed to get any on Al's new leather corner group. David had moved into Al's bungalow about a year into their relationship, bringing Bailee with him. The basement had then been converted into a bedroom for the older boy so that he and Reuben no longer had to share. Bailee had moved out, but the room was still kept the same as however he left it. His girlfriend had gone on a family holiday, leaving Bailee to spend Christmas with his weird family. Whenever he was around, David turned into a kid - even more so than normal. Since it was Christmas, he was acting even worse than normal. Reuben wondered just how he managed to stay sane.

"Hey, I'm more than enough for him," David called out, tackling his son to the ground. "Quality improves with age," he added, pinning Bails to the ground, a grin spreading across his features.

"Dad, David's beating his son again," Ben called out, uncurling his legs and stretching the out before him, resting them on the older man's back, as the two lay on the ground, wrestling for the now empty can of spray. The floor was coated, and were it not for the fact that Al had informed them both that were they to make a mess they were going to be cleaning it, Ben was certain his father would throw a fit for the state of his living room.

"If he kills him, that's one less mouth to feed," called the same voice from the kitchen.

Bailee let out a soft chuckle, wriggling beneath his father's stronger and larger frame. "Monster! How dare you be so heartless!"

"I have him wrapped around my little finger, don't I sweetheart?"

"Don't call me sweetheart!"

Reuben chuckled, listening to the chaos ensuing around him. He had no reason to be surprised, because Bailee's visits usually involved chaos of some sort. He was here for a whole week; if David didn't render the house to the ground by the end of it, Ben would be sure a higher power had some involvement.

"It looks like no one is coming to your rescue." David let out a a fake evil laugh and began tickling the brunet.

Wriggling, laughing and attempting to break free, eyes looked up to the figure of his younger brother, pleading for rescue. Pushing the thin rimmed, square framed glasses further up the bridge of his nose, Ben set his book onto the table beside him and slipped off the chair. Stepping over the father son pair, he left them to wrestle, seeking out his own father, hands slipping into the pockets of his baggy jeans as he went. He had picked up his father's dark dress sense, and it was mixed with an alternative style. David often joked that a man named Jojo had kidnapped Reuben and influenced his dress sense. Reuben had no idea who this person was, but apparently he had a mohawk. Bailee said he'd been a student at the school their father's had met at.

"You're evil incarnate!" Bailee called from the living room as Ben slipped into the kitchen to find his father removing the dishes from the dishwasher and putting them away. Hopping up onto the counter, legs swung out before him, watching the older man intently. Somehow, David had convinced him to wear a Santa hat, making the man look rather comical.

"Do you think Mom is mad at me for wanting to come and live with you?" he asked, chewing on his lower lip as he watched his father pause his actions. tongue slipped over the ring piercing the middle of his lower lip, running over the cool pink metal.

Star slipped the plates into the cupboard with a soft sigh. After closing the door, he turned to look at his son. "I don't think she's mad at you, Ben," he replied softly. "She's just...She always found it hard to be mother material. She loves you, and she's certainly not mad at you. Harmony just never really took to being a mother very well."

"But this is the third year she's gone off somewhere and left me here when I was supposed to spend Christmas with her."

Another soft sigh from his father. turning around, the man placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder, deep, chocolate brown eyes looking into his son's almost clear blue pair. "She just feels that perhaps you'd enjoy it more if you were to spend it at home, with us rather than in some random country with her. You've got friends and family here, where ever she's gone, you'll just be lonely. She's thinking about you, even if it doesn't seem that way."

Ben looked down at his hands folded upon his lap. "But what you said..."

"I was joking," Al replied quickly, leaning forwards to place a soft kiss to his son's forehead. "Now cheer up, and go and hand those two a mop. you have my permission to kick David in the shins if he's got even a speck of that stuff on my new lounge furniture. Leather doesn't come cheap."

A grin spread on Reuben's lips, and he nodded hastily, hopping down from his perch on the kitchen counter. Skidding across the tiled floor on his socks, he stopped at the door, flashing a big grin at his father. "Oh, Christian asked me if we were coming over for a Christmas party at his Mom's place."

"I didn't know you hung out with the Hearst twins," Al said, looking over at his son. "I know you guys played together when you were younger, and went to the same school, but I never thought you guys would meet up much."

Ben smirked. "Oh, we don't, Christian just came up and asked at lunch the other day. Do you know how annoying it is to know all the teachers? I loose so many cool point because you're a maths teacher."

Al pointed a knife at him, waving it in the air as he spoke, but the smile curled at his lips said he was only playing. "I'll have you know mathematics is a very important subject."

"Oh by the way, Isobel; totally hot"

"She's twelve!" came a shout from the lounge, soon followed by Bailee skidding into the kitchen, shortly followed by his father who had shouted out. "You're a bad, bad boy, Reuben Hughes."

Ben grinned, wrinkling his nose at the older man. "Hey, I'm biding my time"

Folding his arms at his chest, Star shot a glare at David. "He gets it from you."

David scoffed, feigning a look of hurt. "Alastar, I am ashamed that you would say such a thing about me."

"Well, he didn't get his perverted, flirting streak from me. Which means it's all your fault. Since it's your fault, you get the wonderful task of calling Madeline and warning her that your son is going to be dating her daughter."

Bailee was laughing, and Ben was trying his best to stop himself from bursting out. David's mouth had fallen open, hanging agape as Al gave him a task that would involve death, even if he was just the messenger boy. Even Al had a slight smirk curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Why me?"

"Because if you don't warn her, I'll go and try and woo her without her mother warning her just what a pervert I'm taking after," Ben replied.

"I'm not a pervert! I'm...flirtatious!"

"Pffft...Pervert," Bailee added.

"You're all against me," David admitted, a childish pout forming on his lips. It was highly amusing, since he was still coated in fake snow.

"Yeah, but you're my pervert," came the soft voice of Al, now moving beside David, arms wrapping around the older man and stealing a soft kiss, to which both Reuben and Bailee let out a simultaneous "Get a room."