The car was stopped and yet they weren’t moving. Sam stared out the passenger window, away from Ty’s family home. That didn’t mean that it wasn’t heavy upon his mind.

There was a hint of sadness to the smile Ty gave, “what are you afraid of?”

But Ty was worried too. Sam could hear it.

Slowly, he turned his head. The vulnerability upon his face before a word had been spoken seemed to have Ty waiting. Sam held his gaze, “my feelings for you.”

The look, the words, and the bald honesty brought up strong emotions in Ty. Gentle fingers moved into Sam’s hair. Ty must have seen the truth because he asked, “moving too fast?”

Slowly, he came around to nodding softly.

“Want to slow down?” Ty pulled their faces closer.

“No,” he muttered. The feelings could be articulated, but the fear of them kept him silent.

Ty’s forehead touched his, “I promised I’d protect you.”

Fear still shining in his eyes, Sam initiated the kiss. His hand held Ty’s arm. Long sleeves tried to hide the truth. Lips held no hesitation. Slow and tender, the kiss both offered and claimed reassurance.

Pausing for a breath, Sam asked, “are you sure you want to go in?”

Ty grinned. Their faces next to each other, he asked, “are you asking because you want to make out, or because you don’t want to meet my parents?”

Sam’s fingers played with Ty’s wrist, “would you be disappointed if it were both?”

He laughed without a sound, his eyes sparkling, “definitely not disappointed.”

They held each other, their lips embracing. Sam closed his eyes to surround them in the darkness that would keep them safe. Ty’s kiss was the same, but this time Sam noticed the fear buried beneath the need. Ty wasn’t introducing him to his family. He’d already done that. Ty was asking him for his support. To have someone that was on his side as he faced something difficult.

He pulled back, stopping Ty from going any further. With a smile at Ty’s frustrated pout, he gave them the push they needed, “let’s go get this over with. I have art I’d rather be doing.”

Reluctantly, they got out of Ty’s car. The house before them was expected, thanks to the warning the others had given him. His dress shirt and jeans stood out awkwardly. But Ty was dressed down even more. Ty had a hold of his hand as they approached the door. They didn’t even need to knock. Someone, dressed far better than they, opened it as they approached. That was new for Sam.

“Welcome home,” there was a slight bow.

“Not my home,” Ty muttered.

They didn’t even pause to take off their shoes. Runners made muted squeaks on polished marble. With a destination in mind, Ty led them into the house. Expensive baubles accented with overpriced art lined the hallway. Critically, he eyed up the artwork for it told a lot about the people who thought they could own it. Ty pushed open one of the two doors leading to a sitting room. Sam didn’t have to be told to know that’s what stood on the other side of the doors. All these houses were built the same. With a hand on Sam’s lower back, Ty directed him inside.

“Ty!”

Don, the kid from the park, jumped up from the couch he was slouched on. The phone he was playing games on fell forgotten to the cushion. Sweaty hands were pushed down khakis. Was the kid going in for a hug? Seeing Sam, the kid stopped short. Apparently, Ty hadn’t given his brother the heads up.

“What’s going on?” Ty was leading them to the couch.

Sam adjusted the bag over his shoulders so that he could comfortably take the seat next to Ty, “shouldn’t he be asking you that? Since you dragged a stranger into your house.”

“Told you,” Ty had the strap of his bag, “not my house.”

Don’s eyes were dancing.

To Sam’s annoyance, Ty removed his bag. “Keep it close.”

Ty’s cute smile, the one that said he wasn’t going to listen, emerged. Sam saw his bag set out of his reach. He wanted his art back.

Reading his mind, Ty teased, “you want your art back, keep being my good boy.”

He sneered a laugh, “I’m not yours, and I’m not good. Deny me, I deny you.”

Ty liked the challenge. Secretly, so did Sam.

“Uh, Ty?”

“Oh yah,” Ty put his arm around Sam, “this is Sam.”

“I’m his emotional support artist,” he added on before Ty could introduce him.

He got a laugh out of Ty for it.

Sam continued, “he wanted to see you, but said being here sucked.”

“That’s one way to say it,” Don nodded uncertainly. “You’re not going to fight with dad, are you?”

“Don’t worry about it,” was Ty’s answer.

Both Sam and Don gave him a look that called him on that load of BS.

The sharp click of dress shoes preceded Ty’s father coming down the hall. It made Sam pause uncomfortably. Cold tile, hard shoes. This sound from his past always bothered him. It would always bother him. But today there was something more. He clung to an elusive inkling, trying desperately to grab a hold to bring it to the light.

The delicate click of high heels warned them that Ty’s father was not alone. The boys looked up. Their light banter was gone to be replaced with tension and apprehension. And the inkling Sam had vanished. Silent was the curse he mouthed.

The doors opened and their parents entered. Suit and tie for the man, skirt and bow for the woman. They were immaculate in their appearance, down to the delicate hand upon a strong arm.

“Ty, you made it,” their mother’s bright, hopeful voice was reflected on her face! “And this must be your friend, Sam.”

“Sam is…”

He interrupted with a cool note, “don’t use me as an excuse to argue. Talk to your mother.”

Their father’s tone was gruff, “direct but accurate. Seems that for once, I approve of one of your friends. Welcome to the home Ty turns his back on.”

“Please hunny,” a tender hand touched his arm.

“If it weren’t for Don, I wouldn’t be here at all to disappoint you,” Ty stood up.

“Ty,” Don’s soft plea was heard only by Sam.

Tension locked Ty’s jaw. Apprehension had Don clutching the couch he sat upon.

It wasn’t his place to get involved. Family fights were best avoided because they were dangerous. But then, like Ty had pointed out before, Sam had a propensity for protecting those that needed it. He just had his own way of doing it. Drawing attention to the individual needing help would put that person in danger. Standing up to the bully was clearing the path to another beating. But Ty was fair game. And he was safe.

“I thought you said you missed your mom,” he spoke up from the safety of the couch.

“What?” Ty forgot about the fight, making Sam’s attempt successful. He arched a brow and tilted his head subtly towards Ty’s brother.

“Oh wow,” their mom was taking the bait not meant for her. She rushed forward to take Ty’s hands, “you’ve never said that you missed me.”

“Because I…”

“Just admit it,” he pushed the button harder. “               You’re a softie as much as Geo is.”

Ty turned to him with a laugh, “you think Geo’s soft?”

“For his mom, or Jaz, yah. Total pushover,” he taunted. “But in every other sense he’s stubborn and reckless. Probably why we annoy each other so much. We’re alike.”

“You can actually admit that?” Ty was enjoying this.

He shrugged, “repeat one word and we’ll see how that goes for you.”

“Oh,” Ty’s grin showed teeth, “using my words against me.”

He turned his smile away.

“Will you boys be staying the night?” Ty’s mother was hopeful. “I’ve had your room prepared Ty, in case you would.”

Mr. Darling’s words were meant to cut, “don’t get your hopes up that he’ll stay more than a free meal.”

Sam glanced from the corner of his eye at Ty. Just one comment had the power to steal that smile. He was miserable, and he was tired in just moments of being around his father. It would be a lot worse for someone that couldn’t leave. Sam glanced at Don and the decision was made, “we’ve both got late classes tomorrow. He’d be delighted to stay.”

Ty shot him a questioning look.

She beamed, “it’s been so long since you’ve been home. And of course, we’ll prepare a guest room for you, Sam.”

Ty’s look shifted, “my room is good.”

It stumped Ty’s mom and brought questioning anger to his father’s eyes. More interested in that anger, Sam watched with a cautious edge.

Ty’s grin was merciless, “yah, I’m hitting this now.”

A suffering sigh escaped from Sam’s lips as he rolled his head back. His hand was in Ty’s because Ty had taken it. That suffering sigh was now a suffering look turned upon his boyfriend as Ty got him to stand. Next to them, Ty’s little brother had forgotten how to breathe.

“I deserved that,” he had to admit.

“You did,” pleasure oozed from Ty’s voice. He leaned close to whisper into Sam’s ear, “just wait till you get your punishment later.”

Sam gripped Ty’s shirt at the waist. His expression was a warning that Ty’s laughing smile ignored.

“S-supper is ready,” their mom waved them out of the living room and out of the, apparently, uncomfortable topic.

Don followed his parents out of the room.

Before they followed, Ty picked up Sam’s bag, “what the hell are you thinking?”

He shrugged the bag over his shoulders, “I want to see for myself.”

It took a moment, but Ty got it. He was pleased, “you’re cute when you’re curious about me.”

“Curiosity killed the cat. I’m just wary.”

A kiss touched his jaw just below his ear, “you’re mine to protect.”

The thought was kept silent, I’m not the one that needs to be protected.

The table was impeccably set. Charger plates, the appropriate cutlery, fine China and crystal. All the normal pomp that Ty clearly hated. He held the chair, allowing Sam to sit first. Underutilized elegance had him flowing into the seat. He sat up just the correct amount to allow Ty to push the chair in. Politely folded hands rested in his lap as he waited for the others to claim their seats. Ty stared in mute angry question. The smallest smile touched the corner of Sam’s mouth.

“It’s delightful to have the family together again,” Mrs. Darling was making polite comments.

It was pissing Ty off, “we’re still short two for that.”

The look Ty’s younger brother shot held fearful concern that Sam could identify with.

Their mother attempted to play peacemaker when she said, “I’ve had our chef prepare your favorites, Ty. Sam, I hope that you enjoy them as well.”

“Being welcomed at your table is a gift. I am quite certain that the meal will be well received,” he spoke courteously. Pleased, she touched a hand to her neck as a blush kissed her cheeks.

“Your manners are impeccable,” she had meant it as a compliment.

Ty’s father noted with a bitter edge, “certainly unexpected in our son’s friend.”

His meaning and the insult weren’t missed.

Sam kept his smile placid, “my mother insisted upon the manners of high society.”

Ty’s mother nodded approval.

“She too found solace in pretending to be above her station.”

Ty muttered under his breath, “who the hell are you?”

Sam fought to maintain composure.

The first of the meal arrived. Servants moved about setting plates before each of them. As though accustomed to such treatment, Sam made no move until the servant had set the dish and stepped away. Once everyone had their starter, it was time to partake. Without any direction from Ty, Sam made the right selection of cutlery.

“You’re explaining this to me later,” Ty warned him.

“A little mystery is good,” he spoke softly. A polite volume for polite society.

Ty didn’t come off as someone that had grown up with money. His clothing, his house, even his car didn’t speak to the wealth so evident here. After a polite bite of food that he didn’t care for, Sam delicately set down his fork. Looking to the head of the table, he asked, “your home speaks a modern tongue. Are the Darling’s young money?”

Don dropped his fork in surprise. His eyes danced around the table.

Mr. Darling slowly lowered his fork, “the boy’s grandfather built this home, but our family legacy goes back further.”

He didn’t say much further, which told Sam plenty. “It is a charming home.”

The inflection and undertones to his words were not lost. But Geo’s warning had told him that they wouldn’t be.

Ty was staring at him, “I both want you, and want to know what the hell.”

“Oh Ty,” clearly hoping to divert the conversation, she spoke quickly, “did Don tell you the good news? He’s been accepted into the same school your father attended!”

“Mom,” Don looked scared.

Sam’s gaze moved to the guy at his left. Ty was looking from the top of his eyes across the table. Ty’s tone did not match the word spoken, “impressive.”

“It is,” their dad looked almost smug.

There was anger boiling under the surface. It had Ty’s hand clenching the utensil like a weapon. This response had Sam’s attention.

Ty glanced over, “I mean it’s impressive to get into a school he didn’t even apply for. How much did it cost you?”

“Ty,” Don was whispering his name in a barely audible plea. This poor kid was begging for someone to hear him.

Cutlery settled loudly upon the table, “never coming around, how would you even know what school your brother applied to?”

“Not being around you doesn’t mean I’ve cut him out of my life,” it was a direct challenge. “I know better than you what my brother does.”

“You sound like your sister,” his father scoffed.

Ty’s fist hit the table, “you don’t get to talk about her if you don’t talk about him.”

Sam’s gaze flickered across the table. Don was pale.

“We have a guest,” Mrs. Darling tried to reign in two strong personalities with a gentle touch.

“As my son, it would be nice if for once you’d try to understand the importance of this family name we carry. Don understands. A business degree, an active political career, social engagements…”

“Because they were forced upon you, doesn’t make it okay to do the same to us, dad,” there was a sneer to the tone.

“I shouldn’t have to force family values,” anger shot back. “Your grandfather built this home.”

Ty cut him off, “he bought non-union workers and then screwed them over. He didn’t build a damned thing in this house.”

“His sacrifice built the home you grew up in. My sacrifice keeps you all in expensive schools.”

“And that’s turned out so damned well,” Ty snarled!

“What happened to your brother…”

Ty snapped harder, “I’m more interested in what you’re doing right now to Don.”

“I’m looking out for his future. Something you should be doing.”

“Something I am doing.”

Don looked too afraid to say anything. Their mom was uncomfortable yet resigned.

“Consider your position carefully,” the warning was bit. The challenge was head on, “the luxuries you enjoy can be taken from you.”

“A threat, really?” Ty laughed. “Try and take them.”

He watched Ty knowing that he meant those words. But he hadn’t really thought them through. He couldn’t possibly know what it meant to be homeless, unless he had once been.

“Do you think your home and your education are owed to you?”

From his lap, Ty picked up Sam’s shaking hand, “I think you have an obligation to the children you wanted.”

“I never wanted children like you!”

The words were out before they could be stopped. Silence fell heavily.

“Don’t you think that’s a little much to put on one person?” Sam spoke gently, cutting through the tension as easily as he speared the stuffed mushroom caps upon his plate.

It seemed that Sam had just accomplished what no one in this family had ever done. All eyes turned on bated breath to him. And he absolutely hated it! Keep your head down, keep out of sight, hide; these principles had brought him to this point. He was an idiot to ignore everything that he’d learned. But a glance across the table at Don affirmed his actions.

“Either you want someone to carry on your legacy, or you want validation for how your life turned out.” Cool was the gaze he sent to the head of the table, “Ty knows who he is, and he’s not willing to sacrifice that. It sounds like your other children have similar personalities. Leaving only your youngest. But that’s an incredible burden to leave upon young shoulders. What does it prove if Don succeeds at either of those goals? And what is gained if breaking your son is the cost?”

“A real man won’t crumble,” the directive was firm.

Sam calmly challenged, “a wise person knows that the pot has a bottom. A clever person knows to refill it before it can be seen.”

Behind a hand, Ty gave a breath of a laugh with a ghost of a smile, “I get what that means.”

“Learned that from a homeless guy in a camp, Runner. He was making me tea in a broken coffee pot,” he conversationally told Ty.

His father’s hands slammed upon the tabletop sending water spilling out of glasses and cutlery to falling off plates. Standing over them all, his voice echoed in the room, “I will not be disrespected within my own home!”

Sam looked coolly at him. Yet, beneath the table he clung tightly to Ty’s hand.

Ty shielded him, “if you feel disrespected over a simple statement, then maybe you need to ask yourself why.”

“Please,” their mother beseeched, “let’s finish our meal peacefully and respectfully. For our guest’s sake if not our own.”

“Guest,” was the incredulous statement.

Ty stood up to match his father, “he goes where I go.”

Sam rolled his eyes, then he locked eyes with Don. Pinching his shirt at the chest he puffed it out in mocking imitation. Caught by the unexpected humor, there was almost a smile coming out as Don watched. Sam nodded his head. It was time to make their retreat. Although Don wanted to make an escape, he was clearly afraid. Maybe he’d never had before. Sam stood up and nodded at Don to follow.

He set a hand upon Ty’s bicep getting his attention. In a bold move, he kissed Ty. A silent communication to let him know that he would run away just far enough to avoid this confrontation. Ty kissed him back.

Stepping back, he nodded at Don. Amid the silence Sam’s actions had caused, he and Don walked away. The argument resumed before they were out the dining room doors.

“You’ve done that before,” Don softly pointed out. That quietness spoke to who Sam was.

He shook his head, “not really.”

Surprise lit Don’s eyes.

He considered the young man and what he must face when Ty wasn’t here. “Don’t cause a fight you can’t win.”

“But…”

“I can hide behind Ty. I don’t live here,” he emphasized this critical difference.

“That’s why I gotta go to his school,” Don’s sorrow was easy to hear.

As they walked up the stairs, Sam decided, “Ty’s right. You can’t do what he wants because he wants it. This is your life.”

“What do I do?”

Partway up the stairs, Sam stopped. Turning his face to Don he said the first thing that came to mind, “run away.”

“But,” Don looked scared, “I can’t do that to Ty! He loses everyone!”

That fear oozing out of Don was palpable.

He ventured a guess, “your brother and sister.”

Don nodded softly, “not just them though. Dad chooses his reputation over us all the time. Mom chooses him. Our sister chose to go with our brother. If I choose the school I want, I’ll be doing the same thing. Everyone chooses something or someone else over Ty! That’s why I can’t run away. And why I have to go to dad’s school.”

He ran his hands under the curls at the back of his neck to massage the building tension. With closed eyes a sigh emerged, “that’s why he’s so insecure about Pey.”

“What?” Don hadn’t understood.

“Fuck it,” he opened his eyes. “There’s a difference between running away and letting him help you run away. But if Ty does it his way, there will be a family fight.”

“So,” Don stared hard at the ground, “I gotta figure it out alone? Dad got real mad when he found the acceptance letter. And Ty goes right to a fight when it’s about me.”

“Ty’s not that hard to figure out,” he shrugged as they walked up the final steps.

Don was looking expectantly at him. Maybe a part of life was figuring things out for yourself, but it would have been nice to have someone help him handle his family.

At the top of the stairs, he said, “let Ty figure out how to get you there and keep you in school. Then he won’t feel that he’s lost you. And it’ll keep him busy.”

“Isn’t that manipulating?” Clearly the kid had a problem with that.

It was kind of charming, and had notes of Ty in it. “Sometimes we could use a meddling hand even if we don’t want it.”

“I don’t get it,” Don shook his head.

“You just figure out your own way to deal with your dad. That’s something Ty can’t do for you.”

“But I don’t know how,” Don was lost.

“You’ll figure it out,” he wasn’t sure if that was reassuring.

Don looked over, but then saw that Sam’s attention had wandered. He then followed Sam’s gaze to the wall of family pictures. Hearing the raised voices of Ty and their dad, made up their minds. Taking Sam by the hand, Don pulled him into a room. The door shut softly as Don carefully closed it.

He looked around, not getting the sense that this was Don’s bedroom. The sports trophies sort of gave that away. Sam removed his bag as he looked around.

“This is Ty’s room,” Don gave him the answer. In a whisper he explained, “they’ll go to the library now.”

Sam looked over in silent question.

“It’s always been that way. Mom has enough of them fighting and sends them to the library where she can’t hear them.”

“Maybe your mom is choosing peace over you guys,” he speculated with a critical eye upon the closed door.

Don didn’t understand.

He looked back at the kid and shrugged, “or maybe she’s just choosing the easy way. Could be something you can capitalize on if your dad isn’t going to listen.”

“You mean, use her as a buffer,” a light went on inside Don’s head and the wheels began to turn. Don had another question, “who’s Pey?”

The fight was moving on past them now.

“Someone I came to university with,” he dismissed the question easily.

“A friend?” Don seemed afraid to ask.

Arms crossed over his chest, Sam relaxed his posture. A careless nod was the answer, “I guess.”

Don’s mouth opened to ask another question, but his personality kept him quiet. Thoughtful, inquisitive, quiet; so very unlike his older brother in that respect.

Sam watched, seeing similarities in himself that he didn’t like for Don. His arms fell, “we got in on a scholarship. If your dad isn’t going to pay and money is a problem, come to me and Pey.”

“Scholarship? For university?” Don was staring with wide eyes.

He nodded with pursed lips.

“But my grades aren’t that great,” Don was confused. “And I’m not going to university yet. It’s just a private school.”

He felt a smile come on, “don’t think too much about it. Pey will help if I tell him to.”

“Because you’re dating my brother?”

His lip curled, “I don’t date.”

In his mind he heard Ty’s voice; ‘I’m hitting this now’. He turned his head to try and hide his smile.

“Um, Sam?”

Removing the smile, he faced Don again.

Don’s eyes fell to the ground, “you don’t have to stand guard.”

Narrowed eyes questioned.

Don played with the bracelet on his right wrist, “they’ll fight it out for a while. But they won’t come in here.”

“I’ve never been protected, so I wouldn’t know how to offer it,” he knew his expression was closed off. And Don wasn’t Ty, he would back down fast. “How attached are you to the photos on the wall out there?”

“Huh?”

“They’re in the library now,” he had been listening at the door. His head nodded towards it, “get over here.”

There was a moment when opening the door would always require courage. He gathered that courage while Don slowly made his way over. Then they stood there at the threshold of Ty’s bedroom, with Don clutching the frame. Sam stood next to him. Down the hall, within the library, the argument was escalating.

“It’s his life, not yours.” On behalf of his little brother, Ty was fearlessly standing up to their dad.

Sam’s hand hesitated, but he felt compelled so that hesitating hand landed softly upon Don’s shoulder. Seeming to forget that he wasn’t alone, Don gave a startled jump.

Their father’s angry voice easily reached them, “I will do what is best for this family.”

Ty mocked, “since when has this family mattered more than your ego?”

There was a loud noise that had them both flinching. Almost every fiber in Sam’s body was telling him to run now! It wasn’t like he had to protect Ty. It wasn’t like he wanted to.

Don looked at him when his hand lightly squeezed his shoulder. Silently he directed Don across the hall.

“How do you feel about losing these?”

Sam and Don stood together before the wall of family photos.

Don shook his head, “the family pictures?”

“If you’re gone next year, he won’t have a reason to come here. And he’s a sentimental idiot about photos.”

Don had insight, “he’s scared about people disappearing. Photos lets us keep a piece of them so we don’t forget that they’re real.”

Sam stared at the wall, trying not to think about those words too much and trying not to hear the argument that continued on. His left hand ran tightly over his right bicep massaging it. He nodded at the wall, “pick which ones you think are best.”

There wasn’t any hesitation from Don. Pictures began coming off the wall leaving voids. “Do you love my brother?”

Sam watched the wall. The answer was slow to come, “I don’t know. I don’t know what love is.”

Holding several photos to his chest, Don turned to look at him in question touched by sorrow.

He should avoid this talk. Yet he held Don’s gaze, “I learned how to hide and figured out how to run away. That’s what my family taught me.”

Worry furrowed Don’s brow.

Sam took a photo of Ty off the wall, “but I’m trying it his way.”

It was an answer Don approved of. His bright smile reminded Sam more of Court and less of Ty. Maybe it was the innocence he saw in Don. Ty had too much life experience to look innocent now.

Shouting from down the hall had them both looking. Sam’s jaw twitched as his teeth clenched. Don’s hands wrung.

“Then disown me,” Ty challenged.

“You’d so easily choose him over us?” The rage in their father’s voice seemed to fill the hall. The argument had shifted veins.

“Then I can join the list of children you’ve turned your back on.”

A slap echoed down the hallways of the family home.

Don’s look of fear was all too familiar to Sam. That alone gave Sam the ability to act. He turned over the photo. When Don’s numb hands had it with the others, Sam gave him direction, “go put these in my bag.”

“But…”

“There’s nothing wrong with hiding when you can’t change what’s happening.” It was permission for Don to run.

Don held his gaze. The shouting continued from the other room.

“I’m not coming back if I leave now.”

“You leave now and you can forget about your inheritance and you can say goodbye to that joke of house you live in.”

At Sam’s instructive nod, Don moved inside Ty’s room. Sam let out a shaky breath. Hiding was a trained response that he wasn’t listening to, and he was getting angry that he wasn’t. He appreciated Ty’s direct approach to things, but that didn’t mean it always had to escalate to a fight.

The door to the library opened with a shudder. Only Ty emerged; furious and afraid. Was it the fear of being left alone that made him so furious? Or was it a fear that being left alone meant that he wasn’t enough? They made eye contact. Ty made his way over. It was clear that the argument was getting the better of him. No matter what he said in that room, Ty wasn’t ready to walk out. Glancing at the closed room door, Sam got it.

He looked when Ty stopped before him. Finding the words was proving to be a struggle for Ty. So this time, Sam made it easy for him. Holding Ty’s hands, he set them so that Ty was holding his neck. Once secure in their hold, Sam pulled his boyfriend close to him. Their lips embraced, eliminating the need for any words. The smallest coaxing was pulling both into a deeper kiss that grew into others. Ty’s hands were growing hot upon his neck. His fingers buried deeper into Ty’s clothing.

When they paused, Sam murmured, “I didn’t run, so…stop being insecure.”

Foreheads touching, Ty’s dancing eyes questioned him in silence.

“Just,” it was hard to get the words out, “be fast enough to catch me when I get scared.”

Ty’s hands upon his lower back pulled him close, “I’m not letting you go.”

There was a purposeful cough down the hall. From the peripheral of his vision, he saw it. A glance that direction had Ty following his eyes. At the end of the hall, Ty’s parents stood staring at them. Disgust and shock were easy to read.

Sam whispered because only Ty mattered, “is it that we’re both guys or that this is an open display of affection unsuitable for high society?”

“You seriously are going to explain this to me.”

Sam let a small grin emerge.

Ty then tossed a controlled comment his parents’ direction, “for the record, I’m choosing the family I’ve made which includes him and Don. So, think about whether you’re ready to have an empty home no one is coming back to.”

“Ty,” his mom called out!

The door clicked softly shut behind them as Ty pulled him into the safety of his bedroom. It wasn’t worth slamming. Or maybe, Ty was just thinking about him. Either way, it was good for Don who was sitting tensely on the foot of Ty’s bed.

“Don,” Ty was worried.

Sam moved past, reclaiming his indifferent façade, “talk to your brother. I’ve got work to do.”

He picked up his bag then claimed a seat on the bed. Don was glancing between them. The questions the kid had couldn’t seem to find a voice.

So, Sam caved a little for him too, “blame your brother. He said his room was good enough, and I’m staying where I’m comfortable. Talk.”

Ty was smiling, “you just admitted that you’re comfortable around me.”

“Mm,” he made a noncommittal sound. His sketchbook and pencil were out allowing him to pretend he wasn’t paying attention.

Ty left him alone. He turned his attention to his little brother as he sat at the foot of his bed, “you’re going to the school that you want to.”

“But…”

“Don’t worry about what he said. Even if he kicks us out of both our homes, we aren’t without.”

Don wasn’t easily convinced, “but tuition’s expensive, Ty!”

“So what?” He leaned casually on his tense arm. “We’ll find the money.”

Busy with his sketch, Sam noted, “already told you I’d get you the scholarship.”

He pretended not to see Ty’s warm smile.

“But…”

“No buts,” Ty interrupted. “Do what makes you happy.”

“But Ty,” Don held Ty’s wrist, “the school is across the country. I’ll be far away.”

Sam glanced up without lifting his head. Ty did a shit job of masking his concern, “don’t worry about that. It’s not the same.”

Don held tight to Ty’s wrist. His worry sparkled in eyes welling with tears, “they went to England. It left you all alone!”

“I had my little brother,” Ty ruffled Don’s hair. “It’s late. We’re not going anywhere tonight. Go game with your friends. If you’re up before 9, Sam and I will take you for breakfast with us.”

His response was to grumble, “who says I’m going to be up?”

Ty looked at him with a smile, “who says I’m letting you sleep?”

Don slapped his hands to his ears, “I know what that means, Ty! I’m your brother. I don’t want to hear about that.”

Ty pulled Don’s hands off red ears, “remember when we had the birds and the bees talk?”

“Stop it, Ty! That was so embarrassing!” Don struggled to get away.

Sam forgot his picture for a moment as he watched. They were playful and goofy, and Ty was the tease that he was with Sam. The guy that others only saw moments of. The guy that took away fears and didn’t seem to carry any of his own. The person who Sam couldn’t help falling for. He looked back down at his work. Finally successful in his escape, Don ran from the room.

After Ty had shut the door, he turned back to Sam, “thank you for trying to protect my little brother.”

“Trying,” was the distracted response that hinted at a bitter note.

Ty crawled onto the bed next to him. A thumb ran under Sam’s dry eyes. He was searching for the fear he’d seen earlier, “what were you thinking prodding him like that?”

“Your dad pisses me off,” Sam shrugged, trying to feign indifference. He made no move to push Ty away.

“Because?”

“It’s late. Get changed,” Sam challenged with an arch expression he wouldn’t take off his drawing. There was no intent to give up the reason, and every intent to keep it hidden.

Ty kissed his cheek, then left him alone on the bed, “how much did he hear?”

“You weren’t quiet,” he pointed out.

The sigh that emerged held a note of pain, “the pressure is hardest on him. I just want him to be able to live his life without feeling guilty.”

Sam’s fingers stopped moving for a moment. He turned his face to Ty, “I don’t see it being easy on you.”

The shirt pulled tight across the shoulders. It caught Sam’s attention, and so he watched Ty’s back as he began to unbutton his shirt. Ty asked, “what do you mean?”

“You were a middle child who suddenly became the oldest. You had to figure it out with no help.”

Ty turned which revealed that sculpted body. The shirt was unbuttoned almost to the navel. Sam’s eyes moved slowly down that body as his head tilted.

He didn’t bother pulling his eyes off those abs, “you’re why body paint exists.”

With a pleased smile Ty toyed with the next button on his shirt. On knees he crawled over. Sam’s sketchbook was claimed. His hands landed upon strong thighs when Ty straddled him. Ty looked at his work, “you’re drawing Don and me?”

He nodded once, his focus remaining steady, “family photos are staged. This was a real moment between you two.”

Ty held the image in burdened eyes, “my dad throws away everything that’s inconvenient. I don’t get how he can do that to a person.”

Family wasn’t something Ty was able to walk away from. It was killing him to think that Don might be left alone. It was probably terrifying Ty that he might be the one left all alone.

“I’ve done that.” Was it a warning for Ty?

Eyes moved from the sketch, “it’s something different for you, isn’t it?”

Fingers toyed with the material of Ty’s pants. Silently, he nodded. A tear hitting his hand had him looking back up. Ty was staring hard at the picture. Sam pulled at Ty’s shirt, encouraging him to lean in, “such a crybaby, who would’ve thought.”

“Really?” Ty laughed softly as he adjusted his position so that he could lay on Sam’s chest. The sketchbook was still in hand, and from the safety of his boyfriend’s chest Ty was staring at the rough image.

Sam shrugged, “I don’t know how to comfort someone. Take it or leave it.”

Amusement lifted the voice, “definitely taking it. But I also want to know something.”

He said nothing.

So Ty did, “tell me where you learned to eat like that.”

Sam’s look shifted to amused. Soft laughter came on a breath.

“Smartass,” Ty chided. “You know exactly what I mean.”

The fingers of his right hand toyed with Ty’s hair as he considered the request, “you really want to ask questions right now?”

“Who’s asking?” Soft fingers moved to lace through his left hand. The sketchbook lay open next to their entwined hands.

“May not have any now, but I came from money,” he admitted. “Tell me something now. How afraid does being alone make you?”

“My brother was kidnapped from school.” The memory darkened eyes Ty was hiding, “no one was here when I came home. Later, they didn’t tell me anything, but lots was happening. Police, lawyers, a bunch of people I didn’t know. No one had time to talk to me. Being alone when there’s lots of people around feels awful. Then he sent them away, and everything got worse.”

Sam had a hand on Ty’s head, “I prefer being alone. So just…be alone with me.”

Warmth returned to eyes as Ty shifted so that he could look up at Sam. Ty dropped Sam’s hand as he rose, only to claim both his wrists.

Ty’s grip was gentle, “answer me one question?”

He looked at their hands, “that is a question.”

“Not a good enough try,” Ty was lifting Sam’s hands so that he could kiss the backs of his fingers.

It was not so bad that Ty knew how to manipulate him. With a muted grin, he shrugged compliance.

Ty’s lips hadn’t left his fingers yet, “how bad was it being homeless?”

There could be a number of reasons Ty had asked that. Dissecting them would only be an excuse to avoid the question. He succumbed to the seduction of Ty’s lips, “it was still better than being there.”

Worry clouded those dark eyes.

“How did you know I was homeless?” Sam dropped his gaze.

“I’m putting it together from what you aren’t telling me,” was the confession. “How long?”

“A couple of years.” He shook his head, “it’s not like there was ever a home to miss. It was no big deal.”

“It is to me.”

His fingers again found Ty’s pants when his hand had been released, “I don’t like you figuring shit out.”

Playful was the reply, “I wouldn’t infer if you’d use your big boy words.”

He wanted to hide the pleasure those words brought him. Not having to tell Ty was easier than telling him. It was also a little bit nice that Ty knew.

“I won’t ask you to come here again,” Ty promised him.

He looked up pointedly, his hands moving smoothly and slowly up Ty’s legs, “do better than that.”

The sketchbook found a safe home when Ty moved it to the nightstand. Coming back in, the last button of his shirt came undone, “then, should I get us body paint?”

When his fingers touched the waistline of Ty’s pants, he looked up, “would be interesting to see what art we create.”

The smile lighting up Ty’s handsome face coaxed the same out of his lover. Ty’s body moved close as Sam eagerly pulled him in. Hands slid beneath the fabric of his shirt. His head rolled back so that Ty’s lips could claim his neck. There was the breath of a moan from Sam that Ty greedily fed upon. His lips moved down. Sam’s fingers moved to his hair.

~~~

Songbirds serenaded him awake. He could feel Ty in his arms. The way Ty’s thumb ran over the skin of his arm let him know that Ty too was awake. By the gloom fighting to penetrate the flowing curtains, it was either very early or it was overcast. The fingers of his left hand moved to softly play with Ty’s hair.

“Can I tell you something?” Ty’s breath moved warmly over his skin.

“Mm,” he made a noise something like agreement.

Ty’s hand ran over his bare chest as he snuggled in tighter, “last night I hit Sam, and it was awesome!”

A breath of a laugh slipped out, “we’ve done stuff before.”

“Yah, but you’re starting to heal, so what we did a lot of last night was awesome!”

“Idiot,” he softly laughed.

Ty looked up, innocence all over his face, “what? I wanna brag! Isn’t it better that I brag to you?”

“You weren’t disappointed then,” he tried to cover up that he wanted to know.

Ty’s lustful smile assured, “definitely not disappointed.”

He shook his head with a smile, choosing not to say anything in reply. Ty rolled away, letting the cool morning air hit their exposed upper bodies. From the nightstand Ty retrieved his phone. He was bringing up his contact list.

Suspicion was heavy, “what are you doing?”

Ty grinned, “calling Tanner since you don’t mind if I do.”

“The hell I don’t,” he took the phone holding it out of Ty’s reach. As Ty moved back into his side trying to grab the phone, many things raced through Sam’s mind. Conversations that could be happening. Questions that could be avoided. Diversions he could initiate. But one prevailing thought won out. When he brought up the camera on Ty’s phone it stopped Ty from trying to take it back. He’d intended for the look he passed Ty now to be stern. Holding that silent look, he took a hold of Ty’s right hand. Ty’s fingers laced through his as he set their entwined hands to the covers on the bed. Their positioning kept Sam’s hand mostly hidden. It remained clear who’s hands were in the photo he now took. Ty stared at him in question.

The image was sent to one recipient with the simple message of, you win.

Sam muttered an explanation, “if she doesn’t find out first, we’re going to hear about it.”

Ty had his phone back. Hope lit up his face, “are we official now?”

Grudgingly, with their hands still clasped, he muttered to Ty, “I took that picture for Jaz, not for your ego.”

Ty’s lips found his jawline. His words were husky, “you enjoyed last night too.”

Sam shrugged, “wouldn’t know.”

“How can you not know? Either you enjoyed yourself or you didn’t.”

Sam considered this in silence. He supposed it could be that simple.

“Sam?” All playfulness was lost.

“Scared?” He couldn’t help but taunt.

“I want to know,” Ty shifted to pin Sam beneath him. His strong body pressed down. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. “Start talking.”

“Are you really that insecure?” Again, his curiosity hid behind a taunt.

“I want to know,” Ty held his arms to the bed as he pressed close, “was I the best you ever had?”

Though his head rolled back at the feel of Ty’s lips upon his neck, Sam managed to point out, “that’s not what you asked.”

“Start talking, or I go have a shower alone.”

That was an unfair standoff! To admit how he felt or to be left silently wanting what he was too afraid to ask for. Ty was a dirty competitor.

“Fine,” he relented, turning his head towards Ty, “definitely the best.”

Ty’s arrogant grin emerged, and Sam was rewarded with a kiss.

When their lips parted, Sam let him know, “I wouldn’t be so arrogant. It’s not like you have competition. But I guess future boyfriends will have a higher bar now.”

Ty’s grin was replaced with a stern look, “walk yourself through that.”

Sam only stared up at him. Ty could walk through that. He knew what he was saying.

“Am I your first?” Shock radiated off Ty.

Sam gave a slight grimace as he looked meaningfully off to the side. There really had been no need for him to be honest.

Ty was mortified, “your first can’t be furious like that! There needs to be more to it.”

“There was a lot last night,” he reminded Ty with a laugh.

“Why the hell didn’t you say something last night?”

“Hmm,” Sam cocked a brow, “you’re telling me that you didn’t give me your best, but you still want the title of best?”

Ty was stunned, “I’m gonna make sure you regret those words.”

Sam pursed his lips in mock challenge.

Ty pushed up, pinning Sam’s arms to the pillows. His lips claimed Sam’s body. And between kisses, he let him know, “I won’t have you tarnishing my perfect reputation.”

“Your bad boy rep?”

“Yah, there’s a lot of expectation that bad boy’s performance is everything. I will live up to every rumor you read.”

Sam found himself chuckling, “don’t use those inane articles as a bragging right.”

“You’ve read them?”

He stopped breathing for a moment, “let’s go back to my lack of experience up until now.”

“Oh, hell no,” Ty had a predatory grin, “it’s flattering that you’re so interested in me.”

He turned his head away just slightly. There was a smile he was trying to hold back, “it was self-preservation not interest.”

“I’m gonna eat you either way,” Ty’s voice was seductive.

That smile came out.

“And just so you know,” Ty was now holding his face, “I’m going to be your only. No one else is allowed to even look at you.”

“That’s what I want,” he brought their lips together once more.

He pushed the broad shoulders as he tried to sit up, but Ty was already pushing him back down to the bed. Lips claiming ownership over his kept him busy. Hot hands on his neck were all it took to have him submitting. Ty adjusted his position. Their bodies touched. Sam pulled them closer.

Framed images came out of Sam’s bag. In stunned silence he looked upon them. The one he held up had been taken at the summer home of him and his siblings when they were young. That picture had been the last time they’d all been together.

Arms moved around his waist from the back. Sam’s chin touched his shoulder, “Don picked them out. Figured these belonged to you. Especially if you’re not going back there when he goes to school.”

He stood there holding the frame, and being held by Sam. Their heads rested together at the temple. Ty pulled out the next, “why do I want a picture of me when I was young?”

Sam took the frame, “that one’s for me.”

Ty’s brow lifted in question.

“You’re not the only one going to benefit from this picture deal,” he explained on a pout.

Ty kissed his cheek, getting a reluctant grin out of him. Still holding Sam with one arm, he pulled out the other photos.

“Do you want to know about them?” Ty asked as he held a picture of four kids. The youngest was just a baby in a very young Ty’s arms.

He considered this question carefully before saying, “I’m only interested in you.”

Ty’s lips had his. It was chaste and mild. The hand on his side was warm. That hand directed him to the bed where they took a seat together. Within Ty’s embrace, he looked at the photo.

“This is Christian, he’s the oldest,” Ty’s finger touched the kid in the photo tenderly. “This is Mags, next to him. Then me, and Don.”

Sam had fingers in Ty’s hair. He liked when Ty comforted him this way. Ty seemed to like it now.

“When I was in junior high, Christian was kidnapped from his school. Maybe because of who our family is or maybe because the press didn’t have any leads on who did it, they dragged our family through the mud.”

Sad eyes were looking down at their last family photo.

“They said they would kill him. Dad was sure that they already had, and he wouldn’t give in to their demands.” Ty’s thumb moved over the picture. “We got him back, but no one would talk about it. The press got worse, and dad’s solution was to send away the person of interest so that the press would back off. My sister and I made our own decision; she’d go with our brother, and I’d stay with Don. Because of him, I lost both of them.”

Sam nodded acceptance, not understanding. What would it be like to have family that loved you? And how much would it hurt to lose them?

Ty’s voice broke, “I still don’t fully understand what happened. I just wish that I did.”

Breathing slowly, Sam stroked Ty’s hair. He wanted to cry for the man Ty was letting him see. And he wanted to tell him that it was better if he never knew the truth.

“Aren’t you going to ask what happened? How he got out? Who took him?” Only softness was in Ty’s voice.

Getting his emotions under control, Sam shifted so that he could look at Ty, “that’s your brother’s story, and it’s none of my business.”

Ty nodded, his fingers ran through the curls by Sam’s ear, “your story is my business. Just so you know.”

He turned his cheek into Ty’s hand and glared from the corner of his eyes, “I can’t tell you everything yet.”

The familiar feel of Ty’s hands upon his neck warmed him. He hated that it broke his walls!

“You’re everything to Don… that he wasn’t to me,” Sam couldn’t look Ty in the eyes. His fingers toyed with Ty’s sleeve.

Ty ran his fingers over Sam’s ear, tucking the errant curls back.

Afraid of having to say more, he evaded, “don’t read into that. Just saying it, is all.”

Ty’s touch lifted his face so that their lips could touch. The touch was slow. Sam’s eyes were closed. He leaned closer to Ty. When their lips parted, their foreheads touched.

“What was that for?” He didn’t sound as gruff as he’d intended.

Ty let him know, “good behavior should be rewarded.”

The smile came out before he could stop it. His fingers wound deeper into Ty’s sleeve, “idiot.”