#rhss14

It was an early December morning when Jack walked into the small village near the northern border of the Kingdom. He pulled his scarf up over his nose and his coat tighter around him as he made his way through the village’s few narrow streets in search of food and an Inn. He reached what seemed to be the village market rather quickly, making his way over to the nearest food vendor.

“Good morning, Sir,” Said the kindly old woman who stood behind the stand, “Are you from out of town? I don’t recognize you.”

“Yes, I am Ma’am,” Jack said, giving her a warm smile as he picked out a few pieces of fruit and a loaf of bread and handed them to her to buy.

“Well, it’s always nice to have visitors. But if you’re looking for a place to stay - I’m afraid you’re out of luck. This village doesn’t have any Inns,” She told him as she counted how much money he owed her, “That will be two gold by the way, young man.”

“Really? None? Not even a boarding house?” Jack asked, a little shocked as he handed over his items and the money to the woman.

“No, nothing at all. Not many outsiders come this way,” The old woman told him, taking his money and putting his items in a paper sack. “What will you do then, young man? Try and make it to the next village?” She asked as she handed the sack to him.

“I guess I’ll have to,” Jack said, taking the items, “It’s too cold to try and camp out in the forest.”

“Well, then I must caution you, to get to the next village you’ll have to travel through the Birch Forest. There are a lot of dangerous creatures in that forest, young man, so be careful,” She warned him in a serious and hushed tone, as if she were afraid that the creatures of the forest might hear her.

“I will be, thank you for the warning,” Jack said, offering the obviously worried old woman a reassuring smile, “And thank you for the food.”

With one last bright smile to the woman at the stand, Jack set off in the direction of the next village. He would have to move quickly if he wanted to make it there before night fall. It was midday before he reached the Birch Forest that the woman at the market had told him about. The sun shining through the leafless branches of the white-barked trees was such a beautiful sight it made Jack wonder about the trustworthiness of the old ladies words.

But still, Jack kept his guard up as he continued on his journey, just in case there really were dangerous monsters in this forest. He continued on walking for another couple of hours and just as the sun set behind the horizon, snow began to fall from the sky.

“Wonderful,” Jack said sarcastically to himself, pulling his coat tighter around his body, “It’s dark, snowing and I have no idea how far I am from the next village. So, this is how I die.”

It didn’t take long at all for the night sky to become too dark for Jack to see anything, and so he attempted to find a somewhat secluded space to bunker down in for the night, but the darkness made it difficult. After searching unsuccessfully for some time, Jack became frustrated, deciding that a tight cluster of trees would have to be enough.

Jack settled down with his back against the trees, hoping that they would serve as some sort of insulation. Snuggling down into his scarf and coat, he slowly drifted off to sleep as the snow continued to fall slowly from the dark sky.

Jack didn’t know how long he had been asleep when footsteps woke him. The foot-falls crunching the layer of ice that had formed over the snow drew closer, and Jack’s heartbeat began to race. He did his best to pretend to be sleeping, fearing that this might be at least one of the creatures that the old woman from the village had talked about.

“Well, what do we have here?” Came the voice of a man that Jack could only imagine was standing a few feet in front of him, “A lost little puppy left out in the cold?”

Curious, Jack slowly opened his eyes to see who it was that had found him sleeping out in the snow. Standing in front of him was a tall man with shaggy brown hair, a handlebar mustache, and the most piercing blue eyes Jack had possibly ever seen. The man’s eyes weren’t the only feature that Jack took notice off. Sticking out from under his coat were several fluffy brown fox tails.

“What are you doing sleeping out here in the cold, Pup?” The man asked, offering the other a hand to help him up from the snow covered ground.

“I w-was…I was t-trying to m-make it to the n-next village, b-but it got too d-dark,” Jack said through his shivers as he took the hand and hoisted himself up.

“Well, if you stay out here any longer you’ll freeze,” The man said seriously, not letting go of Jack’s hand as he started to lead him through the forest.

They walked for a little while before Jack caught sight of a well lit cabin with smoke rising from the chimney. The two of them approached the building, and only when they reached the front door of the cabin did the other male let go of Jack’s hand, only to usher him inside.

Once inside the brunet led Jack over the the fire, where he gladly began to warm his hands. The tailed man walked back over to the door and took off his coat, hanging it on a peg next to the door frame. “By the way,” The stranger said, turning and making his way back towards the fire, “I’m Geoff.”

“Jack,” The other replied, reaching his slightly warmer hand to shake the others. Geoff took the hand and flashed him a friendly smile.

“Please, sit down,” Geoff began as he made his way into what seemed to be a kitchen, “Are you hungry? I’ve got some soup left if you like?”

“Yes please, if you don’t mind,” Jack accepted the offer, going and sitting down at the table that was in front of the fireplace. Geoff quickly fixed up the pot of soup into a bowl and handed it to Jack before sitting down across from him.

“So, why were you headed to the village?” Geoff asked curiously as Jack began to eat.

“Just passing through. I was hoping they would have a place for me to stay for the night,” Jack responded. The soup was delicious and warm, just what Jack needed.

“Where are you headed too then?” Geoff inquired, folding his hands and resting his chin atop them.

“Not sure,” Jack replied as he finished his soup, “Some where that I’m needed I guess.”

“Is that so,” Geoff said with a hum, “Well you won’t be going any where for a while. By morning the snow will be too thick to travel very far in.”

Geoff stood and went over to a closet, pulling out blankets and a cot, before setting them up near the fire. “But, don’t worry, Pup. You can stay here with me for a while,” Geoff said once he was finished, flashing the other a smile, “You said you wanted to be needed right? Well there are a few projects around this place I could use a hand with, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Jack responded with a smile, pleased to be needed, “I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Great - then we’ll get started in the morning,” Geoff replied, grinning at the other. It wasn’t long before the two of them were settling into bed for the night, falling asleep to the sound of the crackling fire.

~ Page Break ~

Jack had been staying with Geoff, the kitsune man that had found him half frozen in the forest, for a few days now; helping with repairs to the cabin and other odd jobs. Jack was currently cutting firewood as Geoff took it and stacked it up near the front door.

“Hey, Geoff?” Jack began as he swung his axe down onto a log, splitting it in two.

“Yes, Pup?” Geoff responded, as he picked up some more wood to go and stack.

Jack set the head of the axe down on the ground and leaned on it, watching as the other man stacked up the wood. “Well, you’re a kitsune right? Don’t they normally have nine tails? I’ve only counted eight on you.”

“Well. for kitsune,” Geoff began as he finished stacking the wood and straightened up to regard the other, “When you’re born you have one tail. As you grow up and different events in your life happen, you grow more tails. You only get your last tail though, when you and your soulmate find your happiness.”

Jack gave a hum of understanding, picking the axe up and going back to his work.

~ Page Break ~

Jack had stayed with Geoff for nearly a month and a half before the snow cleared enough for Jack to start back on his journey. During the time of Jack’s stay though, he and Geoff had grown close. The two of them would work closely during the day, and in the evenings - sat by the fire and talked.

Geoff had grown quite attached to the younger man, immensely enjoying having his company and, gradually, he could feel himself becoming attracted to him. It nearly broke his heart to tell Jack that the snow would soon be melted enough for him to start back on his travel.

The morning was calm and peaceful as Jack stood on the front steps of the cabin, looking out towards the forest. Geoff came out to join him a moment later, handing him a sack filled with food.

“There should be enough food in there to last you a good while,” Geoff said with a sad smile, “And remember, head towards the sun and you should make it to the village before midday.”

“Right,” Jack responded taking the sack and smiling at the older man, “Thank you for everything, Geoff.” With those last few parting words, Jack started down the stairs and into the woods.

It didn’t take Geoff long to make up his mind as he sprinted down the stairs and caught Jack by the arm just as he was about to disappear into the forest.

“Pup…Jack I...I don’t want you to go,” Geoff confessed with a lowered head, “I want you to stay here, and live with me. I can keep giving you jobs to make you feel needed, but please, just don’t leave me. This is the happiest I’ve been in years.”

Jack turned to look at the older male with wide shocked eyes, before a grin broke out over his face as he pulled the other into a warm hug. “I had been hoping you would ask me to stay,” Jack whispered into the others neck as he held him just a little bit tighter.

“Does that mean you’ll stay?” Geoff asked, slowly wrapping his arms around the other, almost not believing that this was really happening.

“Yes, I’ll stay,” Jack answered, pulling back from the hug to flash the other a bright smile, “After all, this is the first place I’ve truly felt needed.”

Title: Torn Jeans and The Crystal Mask

Freewood

“We got an invitation!” the older step-brother shouted as the mail arrived that morning. His brother came to the door and read the letter out loud, declaring a masquerade party at the Haywood Mansion.

  “This is incredible,” Ray shouted. His brother, Michael, agreed. Gavin, the son of the deceased parents that once owned the house had come out of the kitchen with a book in his hands. His mother had passed first, leaving his father in a continuous loop of trying to find someone to replace her and eventually got married to an American man who became the devil himself when his father died.

“What’s the shouting about?” Gavin asked, he had to keep pushing up the sleeves to his button up shirt. It was two sizes too big and once belonged to Michael.

“We’ve all been invited to a masquerade party at the Haywood Mansion,” Ray replied.

“All, but, not you!” Michael shouted at him. Gavin expected the outburst from Michael.

“It says all! I can at least come to this one!” Gavin countered.

“No Gavin,” a deep voice behind him said.

“I-I-I understand Mr. Burns,” Gavin gave in and went away. He walked the house made of marble. It was his fathers and now he felt like a stranger to the rooms and hallways. His room, once the second largest in the house had become a  reading room and his room was moved to the attic. Not that he minded very much, it was quiet, except when Michael decided to use a  broom to hit the ceiling. Gavin fell upon his bed, sad that he wouldn’t be able to go to another event.

He wanted to sleep, or take a nap, but Michael screaming for him to go out for groceries . Gavin sighed as he went to the front door, collected his money and picked up his bike and headed to the grocery store.

“Hey Dan,” Gavin greeted to the cashier at the store. Dan has been his friend since they were children and now they worked at the same grocery store together.

“Hey Gavin, not too bad at home?” he always asked. Making sure his friend never came to him with bruises.

“Have you heard about the big party at the Haywood Mansion?” Gavin asked as he counted the bills as he saw the total on the screen.

“Everyone has. My parents were invited. Parties aren’t really my forte,” Dan replied as he took the money from Gavin’s hand. “See you at your shift tomorrow then?”

“Yeah, see ya Dan!” Gavin picked up the bags and put them in the basket attached to the back of his bike.  He didn’t match the neighbourhood he grew up in anymore. From where he rode, he could see the mansion on top of the hill. He sighed, he would never get the chance to get there.

“Gavin! Dust the dining room before your shift!”

“Gavin! My laundry has to be done!”

He was exhausted before his own shift. He put products on the shelf to his own pace. At least his step-relatives couldn’t bother him here.  Dan would look at him from afar, watching his tired body put cans on the shelf. There was nothing he could do, at least, he thought there was nothing.

He dialed the number on his cellphone to Gavin’s favourite relative.

“I’m on my way,” the voice said on the other end.

“Thank you,” Dan replied before hanging up.

The date was coming closer and closer, and Gavin had gone through his wardrobe ten times to see if he could manage something decent to wear. He found the old suit he wore at his father’s funeral. It saddened him as he pulled it on. It fit him pretty decently. The arms were a little too short and the pants didn’t fit right. He didn’t have much a shirt left.  He tried putting his messy hair into something manageable but it was no use. He heard a knock at his floor and he quickly changed out of the outfit and into his jeans and t-shirt.

“Do I look good?” Ray asked Gavin as they prepared themselves for the party.

“You always look good,” Gavin replied with fake enthusiasm. He was fixing up his bowtie to the best he could. It was a new one, the silk wasn’t something he owned before. He flattened out his jacket and removed any lingering hairs.

“I’ll get the eyes of Mr. Haywood,” Michael boasted as he fixed up his collar.

“No way, I will,” Ray countered.

“You both will get his eyes,” Mr. Burns announced as he came into the dressing room in his best attire.  “Now, hurry, our ride will be here soon. Gavin, I hope you aren’t going in those rags.”

“Excuse me sir?” he asked.

“Well, I can’t take you anywhere if you think you can get away with wearing that.”

Gavin took his cue to rush up to his room to put on the outfit he put together and rush back down. He was glowing with hope until they all started laughing and he felt his heart fall into his stomach.

“Oh c’mon Gavin, did you really think we would let you come with us to the party?” Michael asked as he walked up to Gavin and ripped off his bowtie from his neck.

“Why do you have to be so sentimental?” Ray knowing very well  the suit he was wearing was precious.

“I-I-You liars!” he shouted as he stepped back.  Their laughs echoed in his ears until he fell back and laid on the ground in frustration and embarrassment that even trusted them for a minute.  He heard the door close and the laughs fade. He laid on the cold tiled ground what felt like hours when he heard a car brake outside and the rushing of feet. He thought he was delusional when he heard the door unlock and voices.

“Ah shit, I got here too late!” he heard an older voice say. There was the sounds of a bag moving in the background of the voices.

“He’s still breathing, calm down,” a familiar voice said. Gavin tried sitting up but the light was too bright.

“Hey! Gavin, buddy! It’s me, Uncle Geoff, your Godfather,” he felt his cheek being slapped a little as big arms lifted him up. He opened his eyes and Dan and his Godfather were over him. “I can’t believe you wanted to go to the party in this old thing. C’mon, wake up you English prince, we’re getting you to that party.”

Gavin was lifted to his feet and brought to his room. “Put this on. We’re already late.” Gavin quickly put on the suit.

“I bloody told you it’ll fit!” Dan told Geoff as Gavin fixed himself up in the mirror. Geoff fixed up his hair the best he could.

“The final touch, can’t go to a masquerade party without a mask,” Geoff pulled a mask with a long pointed nose, very traditional and pristine white with crystal detailing. “Stupid fucking thing actually fits your nose.”

It was as if the mask was made for him and especially his nose.

“C’mon, it’s already ten, the party already started. I couldn’t get a limo for your big entrance but this will have to do,” Geoff said as they walked outside to see his old beat up Mustang from the 60s. They all got in and Geoff stepped on the gas. “Dan made you a fake invitation if you need it.” Dan slipped into Gavin’s hands. They got to the front gates.

“Now remember, when the clock strikes midnight, I’ll be picking you up.” Geoff warned him.

“Why?” Gavin asked.

“Because… just do what I tell you! I am your Godfather,” Geoff argued. Gavin nodded before leaving the car and rushing up the steps.

There was no need for an invitation for the part had already begun. His heart was beating a million miles an hour as he looked around at the unfamiliar masked faces. He was alone, unlike everyone else there. He heard whispering.

“Sir, care for a drink?” a butler asked and he nodded and took one. He walked around awkwardly around the room, thinking perhaps it was a mistake coming to this event without knowing anybody.

Little did he know that he had caught eyes with the host from across the room.  The older man sipped the rest of his champagne and made his way through the crowd much to their stares to the young man who had entered late.

“Excuse me, but are you with anybody this evening?” he asked as he held out his hand. Gavin blushed like mad as he took it.

“No, but not anymore,” he replied.

There was something in how the younger man fascinated Mr. Haywood, he was always careful in his steps, in his words. He never spoke of family, or his daily life. He always turned the questions back on him. He left an air of mystery as his accent didn’t match the county he lived in.

“I think the music is too loud, we should get a place more private,” Mr. Haywood suggested. Gavin only followed him to the balcony. The air felt nice compared to the stuffy ballroom. “Tell me about yourself.”

“I am nothing special, Mr. Haywood,” Gavin said.

“Of course you know my identity, but behind that mask, you can be anyone.”

“I am merely someone trying to escape reality for one evening.”

Mr. Haywood heart was struck by the sincere words. Whatever this young man’s life was, he wanted take him out of it. Take him home. Take care of him. His green eyes held so much life.

“At least give me one dance,” Mr. Haywood asked. Gavin obliged and the man put his hand on his waist and his own on his shoulder. They danced to the music from inside.  Mr. Haywood pulled him closer to himself. Gavin’s heart couldn’t calm down and at the nonexistent space between them he was sure that he felt it.

Gavin felt like he was in a dream. A lucid dream about going to the fanciest party he could imagine. To be part of a fairy tale of meeting his saviour in a castle. He didn’t know how long it could last but he’ll absorb it all while he could still move his legs.

His cell phone vibrated in his pocket and he had to pause the dance to check that it was in fact midnight and he had to go.

“I am terribly sorry, please, we’ll meet again someday, good evening,” Gavin broke away and ran across the room. He could feel the ribbon from his mask loosen and it slipped off his face and fell. Mr. Haywood was calling behind him and he left the mask behind him and rushed into Geoff’s car and drove away.

“Did you lose your mask? You idiot!” Geoff yelled at him.

“I swear it wasn’t my fault,” Gavin defended as he pulled on his seatbelt.

“How did it go?” Geoff asked.

“I danced with Mr. Haywood himself,” he smiled sheepishly. It really felt like a dream and the words coming out of his mouth made it feel even more unrealistic.

“You lucky son-of-a-bitch. Anyways, your step-father called the house once for you and Dan managed to answer with his best impression of you and you’re on the clear, for now, but he’s going to be home any time now and you’re still in your suit, got that?” Geoff spoke quickly. Gavin could only nod in response. Geoff dropped him off at his house and he quickly unlocked the door and rushed to his  room, pulling off the jacket and shirt as fast as he could off his body and slipping on his pyjama pants over his pants. He heard the door open and his name being called. His quickly shoved the clothes in his closet and pulled on a t-shirt. He calmly walked down the steps to greet his relatives.

“Had a good evening?” he asked while yawning.

“Oh, you’re home. There was someone at the party that looked like you, but like a real prince,” Ray told him.

“That’s nice, but I’ve been at home all this time, I have a shift tomorrow,” Gavin countered. Mr. Burns looked at him carefully and didn’t say a word. He was excused to go back to bed. Gavin sat back in his bed, feeling the pants fit uncomfortably under his pyjamas, but it was a close call.

‘Did you make it home on time?’Dan texted him.

‘Yeah’, Gavin texted back. He slipped out of his pants and carefully hid the suit in a box.

Meanwhile, Mr. Haywood picked up the mask from the ground, running his fingers over the crystals. He was going to find him, no matter what it took. The rest of his guests stared at him as he held the mask tightly in his hands. He cursed himself for never getting his name.

“Have you heard? Mr. Haywood is looking for the mysterious young man with the mask from his party,” a woman mentioned as Gavin helped bagged groceries at the cash. Dan could barely contain his smile as he told them their price and give them their change.

“Look who’s making the news,” Dan whispered.

“Shut up,” Gavin blushed.

Gavin hadn’t stopped thinking about that evening and how much he could love Mr. Haywood if they could spend more time together. He would be more of an escape, he would be a dream. A week had passed and more rumours circled around the neighbourhood in search of the man whose nose could fit the mask. Many had tried, none had succeeded to date.

While Gavin was getting ready for work, with his apron around his body and his dirty jeans and his cleanest white shirt under his old plaid-shirt when there was a knock on the door. He slipped on his sneakers and opened the door. Surprised to see Mr. Haywood in front of him with the mask.

“Mr. Haywood! Don’t mind him, he’s going off to work, may I help you?” Mr. Burns greeted. Gavin let the man in. Mr. Haywood didn’t drop his eyes from him. Gavin felt embarrassed not being in his best to present himself to the man. “Gavin, you may leave.” Mr. Burns directed.

“No, let him stay. I have to make sure.” Mr. Haywood replied. Gavin, wide-eyed and and nervous, closed the door. Gavin didn’t dare speak a word.

Mr. Burns made Michael and Ray try on the mask first. Michael’s head was too large and it could barely sit on his face properly. Ray’s nose was very much too small and it slipped down. Gavin gulped as the mask was placed on his face as comfortably as that evening. The ribbon tied perfectly around his head.

“Those eyes, I can’t forget eyes that green in my life,” Mr. Haywood smiled. Gavin could hear the shock over his step-father’s face. “Talk to me, like you did that evening.”

“Now that you ask, I have many things to say,” Gavin replied. His accent was unforgettable. Mr. Haywood could dance again, to find the young man in the mask. As the older man stood up, Gavin slipped off the mask and rushed to the door. “But please, I’m already late for my shift.”

“Wait, before you go,” Mr. Haywood followed him out of the house. Gavin stopped in his steps.

“Gavin, my name is Gavin David Free, my shift ends in six hours, I work at the grocery store on the 6th avenue,” he teased before he took his bike and pedaled away. He hated himself for being such a tease but his heart was overworking and he didn’t think he would be able to last very long. He needed to see Dan.

“Why the hell are you here then?!” Dan shouted as Gavin took a box to put on the shelf.

“I couldn’t! I’ve met the guy once, and now we’re hopelessly in love. This isn’t a fairy tale, and I still have my own life to tend to,” Gavin argued, not caring about the customers around them.

“Should’ve stayed and bloody spoke to him! You have no excuse being here,” Dan argued.

There was no convincing him otherwise and Dan was frustrated, but as the clock struck eight pm for their shifts to end, Gavin was already out on the sidewalk when the car pulled over.

“Hey,” Mr. Haywood greeted as he sat next to him on the steps. “Call me Ryan, please, Gavin.”

“Okay, Ryan, listen, I’m sorry I broke the whole magical aspect of our meeting, but, there’s so much to tell you. You could be my escape, but I don’t want only that. I really like you, I could love you,” Gavin took a deep breath as he spoke too fast.

“It’s okay, one step at a time, but I want you out of that home,” Ryan explained. Gavin was first to place a kiss on Ryan’s lips. “Take your life into your own hands.” Ryan whispered through his lips. Gavin knew he was right.

That evening, he didn’t even bother taking off his shoes when he started to pack his boxes.

“What are you doing?!” Mr. Burns asked as he heard the boxes gather up.

“I am leaving this place, I’m moving in with Geoff, my Godfather,” he announced. With that, Geoff came through the door to help with his boxes.

“Yup, about time too,” Geoff said as he brought boxes to his car. Mr. Burns was quiet, watching Gavin leave his childhood home.  

“And Mr. Haywood?”

“Oh, we’re together, nice gentleman if you ask me. Though, still working out some flaws,” Gavin shrugged as he genuinely chuckled in years.

“No need to rush,” Ryan said as he pushed up his sleeves to help with the remaining boxes. He placed a kiss on Gavin cheek before heading out the door. When all was done he shut the door behind him and walked into the moonlight he never got to see.

‘Thank you Dan, see you tomorrow?’ Gavin texted his best friend.

‘3pm-8pm’ Dan texted back. Gavin chuckled at the usual response.

Gavin couldn’t leave Dan behind, never in a million years. Geoff couldn’t let him go once he was in his apartment with him. Geoff had told him he had tried for years to get him to leave, but he was caught in a loop of numbness that he couldn’t shake him out of.

A chilly breeze made it's way through Achievement City,biting the snow-covered ground with frost.People everywhere have begun to round up their animals and famiy and flee inside,where the fireplace was tended to constantly.Hot chocolate replaced tea and warm scarves covered the necks of young children.Light,happy music filled the air as lights were strategically strung around homes.It's that time of year again.

Christmastime.

_____

"WAKE UP,ASSHOLE!"

Ray's eyes flew open and his heart jolted at the muffled shout.A faint squawk sounded in the distnance,followed by obnoxious laughter.Ray rolled his eyes and sat up."Goddamnit,Michael," he muttered grumpily,fumbling for his glasses.He shoved them on his face with less than graceful movements before swinging his legs off the edge of his bed.He let out a loud groan as he stretched,hearing his back make a satistfying cracking noise.Suddenly,a chill went through his body,and he curled up instinctively."F-fuck,what the hell," he mumbled.He stood up and wrapped his blanket around his body tightly.He padded across the groung and peeked through the tiny windows of his door.When he saw the thin layer of white covering the ground and the tiny white specks falling from the sky,he gasped and jumped back in shock.

"S-snow?...was that snow?" He wouldn't know.He had never seen snow before in his life.

He was startled out of his thoughts when a loud BANG BANG BANG! sounded outside his door."Ray,open up,we're freezing our asses off here!"

Ray sighed."Hold on,Michael!" he called back.Grumbling softly,he unlocked his door and shoved it open."JESUS FUCK!" he yelped as a freezing cold wind hit him square in the face.Michael and Gavin,both clad in heavy layers of clothing,quickly shuffled into the house and slammed the door behind them.

Michael threw something soft and heavy at Ray,which landed on his head and obscured his vsion."What's this?" he asked,taking it in his hands and examining it carefully.

"It's a pelt i made out of wolf fur.Put it on,it'll keep you warm. Well,warmer, at least," Michael replied.

Ray slipped it on over his clothes and sighed as warmth began to spread through his body.He walked over to the redhead and placed a kiss on his cheek."Thanks,Michael." Michael returned the kiss and grinned at him.

"Oi,Ray," Gavin said suddenly, "Jack gave me some Heat Potions to give to you.Where do you want them?"

Ray blinked at the Lad."Uhhh...there,i guess?" he said,pointing at the chest in the corner of the room.

As Gavin shuffled over and opened the chest,Ray turned to Michael with a beweildered expression on his face."What the hell is going on?" he asked.Michael's grin grew wider.

"Snow,dude.It's fucking snowing."

Ray gaped at him."W-what?But Geoff told us that it hasn't snowed since before Achievement City was even built!" he exclaimed.

Michael nodded."It hasn't.Not until now,anyway.C'mon,grab your cape and your bag.Geoff wants us all to meet him at Jack's house,since he's the only one who has a fireplace."

Ray groaned."Jack's house?That's all the way across the logo!" he whined.

Michael rolled his eyes."Just hurry up.We don't want to keep him waiting for too long."

Ray rolled his eyes but complied.He emptied his leather bag and secured it on himself before grabbing his cape and wrapping it around himself tightly.He looked at Michael."Should we drink some of those Heat Potions before we go?"

Michael shook his head."It wouldn't do anything.They don't prevent the cold,just warm it up.We can drink some when we get to the house,but we have to endure the cold first,as shitty as it is."

Gavin slapped Ray's tophat on the lad's head before grabbing his wrappings tightly."You ready,boys?"

"As ready as we'll ever be," Michael replied.The trio collectively took a deep breath before opening the door and plunging into the cold.

Before,Ray had thought his boyfriends were just being overdramatic-it was just snow,how bad could it possibly be?But now that the frost was biting into his very soul,he took it back.He took it all back.

"F-fuck!" he gasped, beginning to shiver uncontrollably.The shock of the sudden cold forced his body to a stop,and he froze.

Suddenly,Gavin grabbed his arm."C'mon,Ray.I know it's c-cold,but we just have to make it t-to Jack's house,and we'll b-be fine.Now,c-c'mon." He gripped Ray's arm firmly and gently pulled,shaking the Lad out of his stupor.Ray gripped Gavin's hand tightly and they caught up to Michael quickly.Without saying a word,the three Lads formed a line with Ray in the middle and draped their arms across each others shoulders in an attempt to ward off at least some of the cold.

Geoff was shivering on Jack's porch,waiting for the Lads.Once they were in sight,he hurried over to them and gripped Gavin and Michael's hands,pulling them along at a faster speed.Once they were finally inside Jacks house,he shut and locked the door behind them.Jack and Ryan,who were sitting by the newly installed fireplace,immediately rushed over to the men.

"Jesus CHRIST it's cold out there," Michael muttered,rubbing his bare hands together.Ryan handed each of the Lads a Heat Potion while Jack guided them to the bed and sat them down.

Ray uncorked his potion with shaking,numb hands and downed it in one go.He sighed in relief as firey warmth spread through his entire body,warming him up from his head to the tips of his toes.As the comforting coziness seeped into his fingertips,he moaned in happiness and flopped backwards on the bed,covering his eyes with his arm."Fuck,man.You guys never told me snow was that bad." he mumbled.

Michael slapped him lightly,causing the young Lad to uncover his eyes and glare at the redhead."Gavin and I have only ever experienced it like twice.Plus,its pretty fucking hard to describe the cold,dude."

Ray opened his mouth to protest but couldn't think of a good argument."Yeah,yeah," he muttered,slowly sitting back up.He slipped his feet out of his wet shoes and sat cross legged on the bed,Michael and Gavin imitating him."So," Ray began, "Why did you call us all here,Geoff?It had better be a damn good reason."

Geoff grinned at him."Boys,we are experiencing the coldest winter Achievement City has ever seen." The others began to grumble,but Geoff put his hand up to silence them."Emphasis on the word winter.You know what's in winter?"

"More ice-play porn?"

"I-uh,well,in addition to that,Ryan,you creepy motherfucker,it's a very special holiday that we hold near and dear to our hearts.Boys,Christmas is almost upon us!"

Ray,along with his boyfrineds,let out a cheer."Holy shit,i actually forgot about that!" he exclaimed.

Geoff beamed."Yup.And since this is our snowiest Christmas yet,i was thinking that we should go all out on decorations this year."

"Even more than we already do?" Gavin asked in disbelief.

Geoff nodded."Even more than we already do."

Jack groaned."Christ,Geoff,decorating for Chrismas is hard enough already.What more could we possible do,esspecially in the snow?"

"Well,i do have one thing in mind so far...."

"Why did i even ask?"

"It's going to be a bit difficult,but this year,in addition to our giant tree that Gavin and I will be putting on the logo-"

"Aw,bollocks."

"-i also want everyone to have their own little mini-trees that they can put in their house and decorate as they like."

"In our houses?" Ray asked. "Geoff,i'm not sure if you're aware,but i live in a dirt square."

Geoff grinned at him."Well,I did say mini."Ray just flipped him off,to which Geoff responded to by blowing an air kiss at him."Love you too,Ray.

"Now,since Gavin and I are going to be busy with preparing the city tree,i'm going to need a couple volunteers to help out with the mini-trees."

There was a couple seconds of silence before Michael groaned and raised his hand."Fine.I guess i will.MIght as well,since Ryan and Gavin sure as hell won't."

Before the two accused men could protest,Ray surprised everyone by putting his hand in the air as well."Alright,i'll help,too.Might as well.Gotta get used ot this weather somehow,right?"

Geoff looked at him,concern in his eyes."You sure,Ray?Jack and I are much more experienced with the snow..." he trailed off,looking at Ray expectantly.

The Lad just shook his head."Nah,don't worry about it.That big tree is going to need all hands on deck.Michael and I have got it.Right,Mikey?"

Michael grinned cheekily at him and nodded."Right,Ray." The two high-fived while Geoff just rolled his eyes.

"Ah,come on Geoff,Team Better Friends," Ray joked.Geoff lightly slapped his boyfriend upside the head,the younger man childishly sticking his tongue out at him.

"Alright,fine.You guys decide on when you want to go.Just remember,we have to have all the trees by...lets say about 3 days from now.Good luck.And thank you,boys," he added,walking over to place a light kiss on both of their heads, "I really appreciate it."

Ray and Michael returned the kisses happily."S'not a problem,Geoffery," Michael drawled."We'll head out as soon as the fucking snow stops." He looked over to Ray,who nodded in agreement.

"Alright,sounds like a plan."

______

Two hours and countless layers of clothing later,Geoff sent Michael and Ray off with a hug and a good luck kiss."Be careful,boys," he told them. "Don't get lost."

Michael rolled his eyes but nodded."We won't.See ya soon."

The 6 exchanged 'i-love-you's before practically shoving Ray and Michael out the open door.Ray was just happy that the temperature had risen(only slightly,but still) since the snow stopped falling.

"Alright,Ray," Michael said,turning toward his boyfriend. "You head north,I'll head south,and we'll meet back here at sundown with one tree each.Sound good?"

Ray nodded."Sounds good.Love you,Michael.Stay safe."

"Same to you,Ray."

The two exchanged a quick kiss before heading their seperate ways.

Man,i hope it won't take me too long to find a good tree.It's still pretty fucking cold out here,Ray thought to himself.And with that,he hopped off a small ledge and began walking down the snow covered sand,eager to finish his job as quickly as possible.

_____

Geoff paced the inside of Jack's house worriedly."Maybe I shouldn't have let them go," he muttered to himself."I mean,it's already been a couple hours,they promised they wouldn't be long."

Gavin rolled his eyes and got up from his perch on the small bed,walking over to the older man briskly.He grasped Geoff's hands in his own,forcing the man to stop pacing."Geoff," he said sternly,looking into his eyes."Breathe.I'm sure they're fine.If they weren't,we would know by now.Look,sundown is nearly an hour away.They'll be back soon,ok?Quit your worrying,old man."

Geoff opened his mouth to protest,but was silenced as Gavin pushed their lips together.He gasped a little in surprise,but eventually relaxed into the kiss,closing his eyes and letting Gavin take over.

The younger man slowly led his boyfriend to the bed,never breaking the kiss.He gently sat down on the edge,taking Geoff with him.Geoff wrapped his arms around the younger man's back and slowly fell over until they were both laying down sideways on the bed.When they eventually broke the kiss to breathe,Gavin smiled and leaned his forehead against Geoff's."Better?" he asked softly.

Geoff nodded and grinned."Better.Thanks,Gav."

Gavin turned around and Geoff pulled the man closer to his body so that they were spooning.Geoff closed his eyes and sighed in contentment.

He was so relaxed that he forgot to worry about Michael and Ray.

He really shouldn't have. ______

Michael blew warm air on his hands in an attempt to get the blood flowing in them again.He slapped them together before gripping the base of his tree tightly and began dragging it across the forest floor.He only made it a few feet before his hands slipped and he collapsed on the ground."FUCK," he yelled in fustration,punching the ground.His hand was so numb that he didn't even feel the impact."Fuck,this is hard." He looked up at the sky,gulping when he saw how low the sun was.Nearly sundown.Better hurry up,he thought to himself.Mustering all the strength he had left,he pushed himself to his feet and grasped his tree again.Taking a deep breath,he began to pull on the tree,his muscles screaming in agony.

Grunting and groaning and cursing like a sailor,he somehow managed to drag the tree to the edge of the logo.He shamelessly fell onto the ground,too tired to give a fuck.He lay there for a few minutes,panting heavily,before pushing himself up onto his knees."Fuck this,that's good enough for now," he thought out loud.He looked up and laughed a little in relief.Just in time.The sun was just beginning it's descent behind the mountains.He smiled,admittedly a little proud of himself.He stood up and brushed the snow off his pants when a thought struck him,and he froze.

Oh,Jesus.If getting a tree was that hard for me,how hard was it for Ray?I mean,the guy's a fucking stick!

He scanned the city for the man,worry begginging to set in when he saw no signs of a tree or his boyfriend."Oh,fuck," he muttered.He broke off into a sprint in the direction of Jack's house,warding off panic.That motherfucker better have made it back.He better be okay.

When he wretched the front door open,he was greeted with the sight of Geoff and Gavin spooning peacfully on the bed with Jack and Ryan in the middle of a hardcore makeout session in the corner.

What he didn't see,however,was a stick-figured idiot in a cape and a tophat.

"Guys?Is Ray here?" he asked.Geoff's eyes flew open while Gavin squawked and nearly fell off the bed in surprise.Jack and Ryan jerked away from each other,their cheeks turning deep shades of red.

"U-uh,what?" Ryan asked sheepishly,rubbing his mouth.

Michael rolled his eyes."Ray.Is he back yet?"

The other four men exchanged worried glances."Uh,n-no." Geoff answered.

"We thought he was with you," Jack added.

Michael took a deep breath."It's fine,it's fine.He's probably just a little late.He'll be fine.I'm going to go outside to wait for him." He turned towards the door and was about to push the door open when Ryan put his hand on Michael's,halting his movements.

"Michael,you can't," he said seriously."It's freezing out there!"

"Imagine what it must be like for Ray,then!" Michael retorted angrily.He shook Ryan's hand off the door knob and took a step forward."Look.If i'm not back in ten minutes,then we can panic.Until then there's no use in all of us freezing our asses off." He pushed the door open and stepped outside without another word.

_______

Ryan bit his lip,brows furrowing as deep thoughts swirled around in his head.

Where's Ray?It's been long enough.He should be here by now.Is he lost?Is he dea-no.Bad Ryan.Can't think like that.

And what about Michael?The stubborn asshole is going to freeze to death if he doesn't get his ass back in here.But there's no way we'll be able to conivnce him to,not while Ray's still out there.And what if-

"RYAN!"

Ryan was abruptly pulled back to Earth and jumped a bit at Jack's shout."What the hell,Jack?"

"I've been trying to get your attention for the past couple minutes," Jack told him softly.He took the younger man's hands in his own and squeezed them comfortingly.He guided Ryan to the small couch in the back of the house and sat down,taking Ryan with him. Ryan immediately turned on his side and curled up in Jack's lap.The older man ran his hands through Ryan's hair soothingly,staying quiet and still and Ryan got a grip on his emotions.He never liked to show weakness in front of his boys,but with Gavin and Geoff outside trying to convince Michael to come inside,he felt a bit more comfortable voicing his thoughts to just Jack.

"What if he doesn't come back,Jack?" Ryan asked in a very small voice.Jack shushed him.

"He will,Ry.He will.I promise."

Ryan sat up abruptly and looked helplessly at his boyfriend."You don't know that.I don't know that.Michael doesn't know that.None of us do.So how can we be sure?"

"Because it's Ray," Jack scoffed."This is the kid that somehow managed to survive falling into a cactus patch,breaking through his wall to escape cake,and falling down the stairs leading into the mine,among many other things.I'm sure he can handle a little bit of cold weather."

Ryan visibly relaxed.He rubbed his eyes and let out a small laugh."Yeah.Yeah,i guess you're right.Tough kid.He'll be fine.He'll be fine." He looked at Jack with gratitude shining in his eyes."Thanks,Jack.Really.I love you."

Jack smiled at him."I love you t-" He was suddenly cut off when a mouth met his own.He grinned into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Ryan's back,pulling him closer.Ryan ran his head through his boyfrined's hair,closing his eyes.The world and all their problems fell away.The pair was lost in a sea of complete bliss.

When they finally resurfaced for air,they leaned their foreheads against one another and grinned."God,i love you," Jack muttered.Ryan chuckled and opened his mouth to say something when the front door burst open and Gavin came hurrying in.

"You guys need to come quick," Gavin breathed,panting a little.

Ryan slowly began to rise."Why,what's-"

Gavin grabbed both of their hands and pulled them off the couch with surprising strength."It's Michael.He's talking like a damn lunatic,and-oh,just come on!" He rushed out the door with his boyfriends hot on his heels.

Ryan and Jack exchanged a look that showed exactly what they were thinking;

This can't be good.

_________________

When Jack and Ryan got outside,they were greeted by the sight of Michael and Geoff yelling at each other.

"Michael-"

"Come on,Geoff!It's better me than any of you!"

"MICHAEL.You aren't going out and that's that!"

"Geoff-"

"Michael-"

"No,fuck you,Geoff.We don't have another choice and you fucking know it!"

"We won't fucking let you!"

"Yeah?" Michael lowered his voice and shifted into a defensive stance."You gonna try to stop me?"

At this,Gavin ran forward with Jack and Ryan hot on his heels.The older men didn't know what was going on,but they knew they had to break this up before anyone got hurt.

Gavin and Ryan rushed over to Michael and physically pulled him away from Geoff while Jack ran and grabbed Geoff's arm."Geoff?" he asked quietly.

The older man looked at Jack with a mix of fear and anger in his eyes."Jack,i swear to god,Michael is going to kill me.One way or another,he is going to be the cause of my damn death."

Jack grimaced before pulling Geoff into a tight hug,which was greatfully returned."The-the fucking idiot-that goddamned idiot- wants to go out and look for Ray.In this weather,he wants to try to find Ray when he could literally be anywhere in this entire world,and he-he fucking wants to go alone,without us,without me.He's such a-a fucking moron,it's suicide and he knows it,he fucking knows it but he doesn't care,and goddamnit Jack,i just fucking-I can't..." Geoff trailed off,clearly trying to find words.

Jack was stunned speechless.Geoff was the leader,the one who always kept a cool head and never showed panic in times of distress.Seeing him crumble and lose his cool wasn't a pretty sight,and Jack could practically feel his own heart shattering.He pulled Geoff even closer to him and ran his hand through his hair soothingly,whispering calming words into his ears.They stayed like that for a while,ignoring the cold,ignoring the various shouts from Michael that could be heard over the wind.They disappeared into a calming limbo,one that had nothing but the soothing words and motions of Jack and the steadily slowing heartbeats of Geoff.

Eventually,Geoff pulled away.He straightened his back and put on a casual front.With red beginning to tint his cheeks,he cleared his throat."Um..thanks,Jack," he said awkwardly."I,uh....i appreciate it."

Jack just smiled and nodded,knowing that Geoff was mentally beating himself up for breaking down in front of him.Jack was going to have to resolve that later-right now,they had a bigger problem to deal with.

Geoff stalked over to where Ryan and Gavin were trying to calm a seething Michael down.When the trio caught sight of him,Gavin and Ryan physically backed away,not wanting to get in the middle of whatever was about to go down.They quietly walked over to Jack,standing on either side of him,ready to intervene if they needed to.

Geoff got kept walking until he got within an inch of Michael's face.Both men were clearly fuming and very terrifying at that moment,but neither stepped down.For the longest time,they just glared at each other,daring the other to make a move.Finally,Geoff did.

"You listen here," he said in a low,dangerous voice, "If you think i'm letting you go out there alone,you're fucking insane.Ray is my boyfriend,he's all of our boyfriends,and we love him more than anything,but you're our boyfriend,too.And if you think we would ever willingly let anything happen to either of you,you've got another thing coming." Michael's eyes began to soften as Geoff words sunk in.Geoff took a deep breath to steady himself for what he was about to say."We might lose Ray tonight-hell,we may have already lost him at this point." Michael flinched slightly. "But we aren't going to lose you,you can be damn sure of that.So now you're going to shut that big,stupid fucking mouth of yours,and you're going to listen to the plan-my plan.Understood?"

After a few seconds of hesitation,Michael lowered his gaze and clenched his fists."Fine," he muttered,turning away.Geoff backed up and motioned the others over.Once they had all gathered in a circle,Geoff began to tell them what their rescue mission was going to be.

"Ok,guys,so here's the plan..."

_____

Ray has officially decided that he fucking hates snow.

After unwillingly spending hours and hours in the snow and getting lost in it with his cape and warm clothing god knows where,yeah,he was bound to hate it.

He was currently tucked into the fetal position underneath a tree,shivering and unable to move.The wind was cold and unforgiving as it blew snowflakes onto him,making him even colder and wetter than he thought possible.He had lost the feeling in his hands a while ago and his legs were beginning to go numb as well.He wanted to cry,but was too cold and exhausted to even do that.His body cried in agony,screaming for relief as the pain grew worse and worse with each passing second.

He was so tired.He was so tired,and he couldn't think straight.He wondered why he was curled under this tree,how he had even ended up there.Did he expect anyone to find him?No.Did he expect to survive the night?Not really.So why, then,was he trying so hard to stay awake?Sleep seemed so much better,so much easier,so why wasn't he sleeping right now?

His eyes began to drift shut.Breathy whispers of his boyfriend's names on his lips,he mentally told them that he was sorry before allowing his eyes to shut fully,waiting for a peaceful death.

Suddenly,there was warmth,a hot firey warmth that hit him so hard and suddenly that his eyes snapped open.Through bleary vision he saw 2 figures rapidly approaching.He tried to call out,but his windpipe refused to work.He tried to move,but he was shaking too violently to be able to do much of anything else.All he could do now was wait for these mystery men to do to him what they would.

One of the figures,the taller one,suddeny froze before running towards Ray at full speed,sliding on his knees and landing right next to his head.The torch he was holding illuminated his face,and Ray would have sobbed in relief if he could have.Gavin,he thought.Gavin Gavin Gavin,it's Gavin,Gavin is here...Gav...

He couldn't tell,but it looked like Gavin was panicking.He was shouting things that were sounded muffled to Ray.He held the torch near Ray's head,for which he was extremely grateful.Warmth began to slowly,painfully spread through his body.It was just barely so,but it felt like the sun to Ray.It hurt,god it hurt so bad,but he didn't even care,because it felt so good.

Gavin held Ray's face in his hands and looked deeply into his eyes.Gavin seems so panicked...why does Gavin look so worried?He looked behind him and seemed to shout something that Ray couldn't discern before scooping the frozen man into his arms.He held him close to hs chest and bent his body over him,almost as if protecting him from something.Then suddenly he was being hurriedly carried theough the woods.As the familiar lights of Achievement City in the distance edged into his sight,Ray allowed himself a small smile.He found that his windpipe was working again,just barely,and he smiled up at Gavin."Thank....you...." he whispered in a breathy voice.

Then he let his eyes drift shut.

________

Ray hadn't expected to wake up.

He had let himself fall asleep with the knowledge that he probably was never going to wake up,and he accepted that.

So he really didn't expect to open his eyes again,especially not to the underside of a wooden roof.

He groaned softly,shutting his eyes again.Everything hurt.His arms,his legs,his ears-everything.Each limb felt like it weighed 100 pounds,and he couldn't even find the strength to lift his head up.Even though it was difficul to breathe,he still took a deep breath before forcing his eyes open again to observe his surroundings.

Suddenly,there was a hand on his forehead.He looked up into emerald green eyes and involuntarily smiled."Gav..." he whispered.Gavin broke out into a huge grin,happier and more relieved than Ray had ever seen him.He put his hands over Ray's ears before turning his head and shouting something in the direction of the door,for which Ray was greatful.He didn't think he could handle loud noises right now.

Gavin bent over and wrapped his arm around Ray,hugging him as best he could."You fucking moron," he whispered into his ear."You goddamned fucking idiot bastard head.I hate you," he added as he tightened his grip round Ray.Out of nowhere,Ray found the strength to hug Gavin back,trying not to sob out of relief.

He didn't know when it happened,but 4 other figures appeared around his bed,all trying to look past Gavin to get a look at Ray,to make sure that he was really awake.

Ray smiled and released the hug,Gavin hesitating a bit before pulling back.Immediately Jack bent down,embracing him as well.Then it was Ryan,and then Geoff.When Geoff pulled back,Ray had expected to be pulled into Michael's arms instantly.But instead,the redhead just sat there,sheepishly looking down at his feet.Ray wondered why Michael looked so guilty."M-...Michael?" he asked in a raspy voice.Michael looked up,regret clear in his eyes.

Michael cleared his throat before getting up."We-we should,um,probably move him...downstairs now,r-right?" he stuttered.This just confused Ray even further,and he looked at his other boyfriends for an explanation.They all just sighed,slight sadness in their eyes.

Geoff nodded."Yeah.You're probably right.Will you help Jack sort out the potions?We'll be right there."

Michael nodded and slipped down into a hole in the floor.Ray suddenly realized that he was on a small,barely raised bed in what apeared to be Jack's attic.He briefly wondered how he could be so dense to have not realized that sooner,not noticing his boyfriends standing up.

"Alright,Ray," Geoff ssaid suddenly,pulling Ray out of his thoughts."Ryan and I are going to carry you down the ladder,ok?It might hurt a bit,i'm warning you now,but i promise it won't be for long." Gavin backed away as the other men took their positions,Ryan at Ray's head and Geoff at his feet.Ryan gently placed his hands under Ray's shoulder's and braced himself."Ready?" Geoff asked.Ray took a deep breath and nodded.

Ryan lifted Ray until he was in a standing stance,and Gavin and Geoff quickly rushed to either side of the lad to help keep him steady.Ray's limbs screamed in agony but he forced the pain down,instead choosing to focus on taking one step at a time.Gavin and Geoff guided him to the ladder while Ryan rushed down the hole.When they reached the trapdoor,Gavin released Ray and hopped onto the ladder,climbing down about halfway.Geoff eased the Ray onto the edge of the hole,and Gavin instantly grabbed his feet.The trio slowly worked together to ease Ray down the ladder safely,and he ended up in Ryan's arms.

Ryan carried him to the big bed on the other side of the room and gently lay him down."You alright?" he whispered as the others hurried to the bedside.

Ray winced and groaned."Burns like a bitch,but i'll be fine." Ryan placed a small kiss on Ray's nose,pulling a smile out of the younger man.

He quickly moved aside and Jack took his place."Okay,Ray,i know your head must be feeling a little foggy and i know for a fact that you're hurting like hell,and i also know that you hate drinking potions,but these are going to help,i pormise." He held up 4 bottles with different color liquids inside,and Ray internally gornaed.

"Fine.Anything to get rid of this." He muttered.He knew he probably shouldn't have that,because it just showed how much pain he was really in if he was readily agreeing to this,but he couldn't find the will to care at that point."What's first?"

Jack uncorked a bottle with glowing orange liquid in it and held it up."This is a Heat Potion,more intense than the kind you drank earlier.It'll warm you right up and get rid of the numbness." Ray nodded,allowing Geoff to gently tilt his head back while Jack slowly poured the potion into his mouth.It tasted bitter sweet,and Ray did his best not to choke or gag.

As soon as the empty bottle left his lips,he began to feel the potion working.Heat spread through his body and the feeling in his body returned so quickly that it hurt,and Ray let out a shout of pain.The others cried out in surprise,but Ray shook his head furiously."It's okay!" He yelled,voice strained from the pain."It's okay,it's okay!" Then,before he knew it,the pain left as quickly as it had come,and he was left panting heavily.Geoff cradled his head."S-sorry," Ray sputtered,trying to get his breath back."Just..was too quick..." When he eventually got his breath back,he winced a little."Okay,so now i can feel,but it fucking hurts even more now.What's the next potion?" His voice was a little shaky but no one acknowledged it.

Jack held up a bottle filled with sparkling,deep purple liquid."This is a Reliever Potion," he explained."Basically a more intense,faster-acting painkiller.This one shouldn't hurt."

Ray nodded and took a deep breath."Alright," he said calmly.Geoff tilted his head back again as the potion was gently tipped down his throat.The liquid stung his tastebuds and made him want to gag,but he forced it down.The effects were immediate,and withtin 30 seconds he felt no more pain.

"Holy shit," he breathed."It actually worked." He blinked at Jack,trying to find the energy to smile.

Luckily,the other man seemed to be able to read his mind.He held up a bottle with a small amount of smooth red liquid in it."This is an energy potion.It won't clear that fog in your head,but at least you'll be able to move on your own." Again Ray felt his head being tipped back and felt the liquid sliding down his throat.This one didn't taste as bad,it almost tasted like liquid sugar,and he was almost disappointed when it was taken from his lips.Adrenaline smacked him in the face for a split second before slowly dissipating throughout his body.It was a weird feeling,but by the end of the process,Ray was able to sit up on his own.He still coulnd't speak,though,and looked at Jack helpelessly,wanting to thank him but unable to find the words.

Jack held up a bottle filled with glistening blue liquid and handed it to him."That's to clear your mind.Bottoms up." Ray eagerly downed the bottle,ready to have his mind back.Once it was empitied,he swore he could feel the fog literally clearing from his brain,and he shook his head furiously,as if making sure it was all gone.He wiggled his fingers and toes and squirmed a little bit,bjiust trying to make sure he was back to normal.Aside form feeling a little weak,though,he felt fine.

He was so happy that he was jumping into Jack's arms before he knew it,burying his head into the man's shoulder.After getting over his inital shock,Jack wrapped his arms around Ray,embracing him back."Thank you,Jack," Ray whispered.

Jack chuckled."Of course,Ray.I love you."

"I love you,too."

Jack released him and gently pushed him back into the bed,wrapping a blanket around his shoulders."Alright,alright.Just because you can't feel any pain doesn't mean you're all better now.You still need some time to rest," he told him sternly.

"Yeah.And you can use that time to tell us what the hell happened," Ryan piped up."

Ray sighed,but nodded."Alright.But only if you promise to tell me everything that happened while I was gone.And i mean everything," he said,pointedly gesturing to Michael.The redhead had stayed silent and barely looked up the entire time.

His other boyfriends exchanged looks before sighing.Geoff nodded."I guess that's fair.Alright,you first."

Ray took a deep breath."This is kind of a long story,so hold all commentary until the end,please.

"Alot of the trees in the forest I found were either dead or too big to carry all way back to town,so I was just wandring around like an asshole for like,an hour.Then it started to snow and it started to get dark so i couldn't see shit.I decided to try to head back to town,but like i said,i couldn't see anything,and ended up slipping on an ice bank.I fell down the side of the world's biggest fucking hill for roughly 5 years before falling into a snow filled hole at the bottom and passing out.When i woke up,it was starting to really snow,and i was still in that damn hole.I couldn't feel it,but judging by the blood that was covering the rock under my head,i guess i hit my head on the rock and that's why i passed out.I lost my wrappings and bag on the way down the hill,and my cape had snagged on a tree branch just above me.I would have tried to get it,but i was just too cold,and i couldn't even find the energy to move.

By some goddamn miracle i managed to climb out of the hole,but it was still snowing pretty heavily,and it was really dark.I tried finding an exit,

but i was moving really slowly,and eventually my legs just gave out.I crawled to a tree and curled up in a ball,too freezing and shaking too badly to really do anything.I tried staying awake for a while,and was about to

just give up and fall asleep when you guys found me.And you know the rest."

By the time Ray had fnished his story,Gavin had crawled onto the bed and curled up against him while his other 4 boyfriends looked at him in horror."Jesus...fucking Christ Ray,i-i'm so sorry...that-holy shit that's bad." Geoff stuttered.He placed a hand on the lad's forehead,horror plain on his face.Jack and Ryan moved closer to the bedside,grabbing each of ray's hands and rubbing them comfortingly.Michael looked the most horrified,though he didn't come any closer to the bed.It looked like he wanted to,but he didn't.

Ray shook his head."It's okay guys,seriously.You took me in and you patched me up and i'm fine now.Sure,it sucked,but now i'm okay,and now it's your turn to tell your story."

No one missed the glance he threw in Michael's direction.

______

Michael felt guilty.

Michael felt really guilty.

After all,it was his fault that Ray went through all that.It was his fault for letting him go out on his own.If they had just stayed together then Ray would have never sliped on that snow bank,never would have rolled down a mountain and landed unconscious in a hole,never would have nearly died from frostbite,none of this would have fucking happened.He could punch himself,that's how fucking pissed at himself and guilty he felt.He culdn't find the will to look up from his lap while the other's lamented what had hapened after the duo had left.

"Once Geoff got everyone huddled together," Jack was saying, "We came up with a plan.Instead of going off by ourselves like idiots,we would go out in pairs;Michael and Gavin together,Ryan with me.Geoff wanted to go out on his own,but we made him stay downtown to keep an eye out for you.And you know those fireworks that Geoff and Gavin made a while back?Well,Geoff had the idea to use them as a signal if any of us found you."

"Bloody top idea;can't believe I didn't think of it myself," Gavin mumbled,still curled up with Ray.

"So," Ryan began, "We stocked up,geared up,and head off in our seperate ways."We must have been searching for hours.But we never stopped,not once.And then,out of nowhere,we heard a boom and saw red fireworks exploding out of the forest just a couple miles down from us.So we hauled ass and met Gavin and Michael.Then we brought you up here and...here we are."

Ray looked at Gavin with a confused expression and cocked his head."How in the hell did you guys find me?"

Gavin opened his mouth to respond,but Michael cut him off."It was your pendant," he said softly,still not able to look up.The others turned to look at him,surprised."You know,the rose pendant around your neck.I was holding the torch,and,by some goddamn miracle,your pendant caught the light of my torch.So we headed over to it,and then...we saw you."

Gavin shook his head."Stop being so modest,Micool." He turned to Ray."I didn't see shit.It was all him.So i tended to you while he blasted the fireworks off,and we ran back here.Jack mixed the potions together,and...here we are."

The room was silent for a few mometns until Michael couldn't take it anymore.He lowered his head and turned away from the others."I-i'm sorry,Ray," he said softly.

Ray's eyebrows furrowed."For what?You didn't do anything."

"Yes I did," Michael said harshly,clenching his fists."I let you go out alone.I split us up,it was me.If i hadn't done that,if i hadn't let you go off on you own,none of this would have fucking happened.I'm sorry,Ray.I'm so fucking sorry,i just..." he trailed off,fighting back tears.

Ray's eyes widened at the confession."Gavin,move," he ordered quietly.Gavin seemed to understand and obeyed immediately.He walked over to Michael and gently took his hand,leading him to the bed.When he was close enough,Ray slowly pulled the redhead into the bed and embraced him tightly.Michael seemed confused at first,but eventually,hesitantly,he trurned the hug.

After a short while,Ray broke the embrace and held Michael's shoulders at arms length,looking him sternly in the eye."Now,Michael,listen to me very carefully.This is not your fault.None of it is." He held up a hand when Michael began to protest."No.No buts.Listen.I know for a fact that if you had even the tiniest feeling that i wouldn't come back home 100% ok and completely unscathed,you wouldn't have left me alone.Ok?I know that for a fact.There was absolutely no way you could have known what was going to happen to me.If you want to blame anyone,blame me for not seeing that snow bank.But whatever you do,do not blame youself.You understand?"

After a few seconds of hesitation,Michael slowly nodded.Ray smiled at him."Good.Now,uh,Jack,I think that energy potion of yours may be wearing because i am suddenly tired as shit." His eyelieds began fluttering and his hold on Michael loosened.

Jack grimaced."Yeah,it does that.But you need your rest anyway.In fact,i think we could all use some sleep right now." This was met with a chorus of agreement from the others.Ray and Michael laid down on the bed and entangled their limbs together,whsipering words of assurance into each others' ears.Geoff and Gavin decided to lay a mat out on the floor at the foot of the bed,promptly collapsing on it together.They arranged theselves into a proper sleeping position and pulled each other close murmuring quiet words of comfort to each other.Jack and Ryan took to cuddling in the corner,exchanging soft 'good-night' kisses.

Michael looked deeply into Ray's tired eyes before planting a quick kiss on his forhead."Good night,Ray.I love you."

It got boring, after a while.

For those old of age, or with relatives awaiting on the other side, it would have been a final bit of peace from the trials and tests of life. But for him - he'd been so young, and there wasn't anyone he'd been close to waiting for him. For the first few years, he'd been happy to simply watch over the rest of his living relatives.

He watched them grieve, watched them attempt to get on with their lives, and eventually, watched as smiles began to adorn their faces once again.

But then it got so dull.

Everyone was relatively happy, and he had nothing to watch over anymore, and so he couldn't help but wander out of the domain of his old house, and instead watched the world carry on around him - like he hadn't even left at all.

But then a feeling started to overcome him, a restless, almost familiar feeling, and the agitation of being 'gone' to the world took over. He began to move things around the house. Small things at first, keys, phones - anything that could be deemed as easily misplaced. But soon he grew bored, moving cups, plates of food, cushions - anything to capture someone's attention. He only stopped when his family began to seem distressed, in which he ventured outside and carried on watching the world from a different realm once again.

When he noticed someone moving into a previously empty house just a street away, he began to feel that prickle of irritation once again, itching to speak and be heard, to touch and to provoke - but he'd stopped talking long ago, once he realised the pleas to his family were never heard.

He hovered across the street, watching as the older man unloaded box after box from his car - finding himself unusually drawn to him. The restless feeling was bubbling up inside of him, and he simply could not place it. It was only when the man turned around and seemed to stare straight at him that the feeling was replaced with an odd, panicked surge in the pit of his stomach.

For a moment, they were both still, and if Gavin hadn't known better he could have sworn that the man had seen him - but soon enough the other slowly turned away, back to unloading his car.

He didn't return until a week later, just as the man was sitting down to breakfast.

Even though the laws of human etiquette, and the laws of the living world didn't apply to Gavin anymore, he couldn't help but feel intrusive, but something was drawing him to this newcomers home. Gavin didn't even do anything but watch while he ate, wishing he could still feel the pangs of hunger in his stomach.

But then something strange happened.

The man's eyebrows furrowed slightly, as though concerned, and he looked up from his meal into the doorway where Gavin was hovering.

It was like he could see him.

But rather than acknowledge him, the man cleared his throat slightly, and quietly - as though feeling stupid to do such a thing - called out.

   "Is...someone there?" He asked slowly, and Gavin swore he could feel his no longer beating heart pound against his chest, panic rising up in an incredible wave. Gavin opened his mouth as though to reply, but closed it again slowly, a wave of sadness and longing overcoming him.

When there was no reply, Ryan went back to his meal, looking a tad more uncomfortable than before, and seeing so - Gavin left, but not for long.

He still checked in on his family, wanting to know each day that they were well, and if anything had changed. It was the same old routine - the grief was still evident, and it would never leave, but it had almost become a comfortable part of his family's lives. Though he felt guilty, it felt nice that they still remembered him, still felt pain for him - and Gavin would pledge to tell them that when they finally passed over. Hoping beyond anything it was of old age, rather than his own violent ascend.

The guilt Gavin had felt, watching over a complete stranger, led him to stay away for a fortnight or more, and he stayed at home, watching lazily over his family. It wasn't until there was a knock at his old home's door that the feeling shifted.

It was the man.

It was a brief visit, in which the man simply asked if they knew any furniture outlets in the area, but Gavin did find out something interesting - and that was the man's name. He was called Ryan.

When Ryan had gone to leave, Gavin had followed, keeping a good way back despite his invisible form. But it was so odd...it was like Ryan knew. He kept looking behind him - right at Gavin - before shrugging the feeling off and continuing his pace. And Gavin was so, so curious. He'd gone almost ten years with people walking straight through him, never hearing his anguished cries, and never even looking in his direction. And yet Ryan seemed to manage to look him directly in the eyes every time, like he could sense he was there but not quite see.

After a short walk, Ryan rounded off to walk inside his home where Gavin followed suit, ignoring the door slamming through his body. He stayed there for the rest of the afternoon, finding himself almost enjoying the new company. Almost. He missed being able to speak. He hadn't uttered a word after the first year of his passing. There was simply no point. But now the urge was rising up - just to try it again. He ignored it, for the most part.

Ryan was lounging on the sofa when Gavin got the shock of his afterlife.

The man had looked near enough to falling asleep whilst Gavin sat on the floor near the doorway, watching idly. But as though something had spooked him, his eyes opened wide, and his face grew concerned. He looked to the doorway and back, and seemed to argue with himself internally. He sighed, running a hand across his face and mumbling something Gavin didn't catch.

And just as he did earlier on that week, he cleared his throat, and called out again.

   "I know someone's there."

Gavin's eyes widened, and he straightened his back, mouth opening instinctively but no noise escaping.

   "I know it's probably...unlikely you can, ugh, manifest-" He sounded almost uncomfortable, speaking the way he did, as though he knew what he was doing but felt ridiculous all the same, a sceptic to his own skill. "But, if you could make a noise or anything, that'd be great. I just want to know I'm not cracking up. This hasn't happened in years."

For a moment, Gavin stalled like a rabbit trapped in the headlights, but in a sudden rush of energy he stood up, looking around the room for something to move or to knock. He opted for a side table, just next to Ryan, and used all his energy to tap against it, four times.

Ryan jumped, and looked into the direction of the noise, and let out an uneasy laugh.

   "Well, now I know, at least."

Gavin was beyond overjoyed. He could hardly contain his smile, knowing that he was being heard - that he was communicating. He waited, anticipating Ryan's voice, but it never came. Instead, unusually leisurely, Ryan simply nodded, turning off the television and heading upstairs to bed. Gavin stood at the bottom, watching as Ryan went, his joy turning to indescribable sadness.

The next morning, however, managed to lift his spirits.

In an attempt to gain Ryan's attention, he decided to act as though he was in the room like any normal person. Whilst Ryan sat down to breakfast, Gavin did the same, struggling to gain purchase on the dining room chair but pulling it out all the same, and sitting on it. Ryan looked up and raised an eyebrow, still seeming hesitant.

There was a long silence, Ryan seemingly ignoring Gavin's presence, and Gavin found himself getting irrationally mad. After a while, he decided to act, pushing one of the spoons settled down on the table from the night before. Ryan paused for a moment, before scoffing lightly.

   "I'm not ignoring you, this is just...weird. People are gunna think I'm crazy. They did last time, at least."

Gavin nudged the spoon again.

Ryan pulled a face, thinking about something, before straightening up and leaning back on his chair.

   "Well, let's try this, then at least I'll know if I'm crazy or not. Are you a girl? One knock yes, two knocks no."

Gavin tapped twice, and Ryan's eyebrows raised.

   "Well, it's nice to meet you, I guess."

Gavin, out of a mix of joy and amusement, laughed for the first time since he had manifested as a spirit, and Ryan jumped.

   "Why are you laughing? This is so fucking weird..." Ryan stood up from his chair, suddenly feeling threatened, and Gavin opened and closed his mouth, trying to find the words. Ryan was about to leave the kitchen when he spoke out.

   "You can hear me?"

Gavin's voice was croaky and quiet, a mixture of his voice being unused, a mixture of his spirit not quite being strong enough.

   "Yeah, and it's fucking creepy..." Ryan blurted out, heading into the living room and praying he was dreaming. He'd known that he had an apparent...sixth sense, so to speak, but the nearest he got to communicating were noises and moving objects, not downright having a conversation. He could feel the hairs on his body prickling.

   "Why? How can you-" Gavin simply couldn't form a coherent sentence. He felt like crying. Partly out of relief, partly because Ryan seemed to be disturbed by him. He wanted company more than anything, and this was his chance - probably the only one he would ever get.

   "I don't know." Ryan answered distractedly, trying to ignore the voice but feeling obliged to reply all the same. It was far too surreal. "Fuck..."

Gavin didn't speak for a long time, simply watched with wide eyes, getting the horrible sense that this was too good to be true, and that his joy would end abruptly. Ryan's leg was jittering up and down, trying to distract himself but feeling - he could feel the other person in the room.

   "Please...I'm not...I'm not trying to scare you or anything. I just can't believe you can hear me..."

   "You and me both, apparently." Ryan mumbled, feeling ridiculous and worried that he was talking to a seemingly empty room.

   "Why can you hear me and not them?"

   "Them?"

   "My family."

Ryan's eyes suddenly saddened, and he pushed aside his slowly ebbing shock and anxiety, remembering the few times this had happened before, remembering that this had once been a person, someone who had been loved.

   "I don't know, just, some people can sense you, you know? Some can't."

Gavin's heart sunk at that. So they never would hear him...never would see him again.

Almost as though feeling the sadness himself, Ryan sighed slowly.

   "I'm sorry."

   "It's okay."

They didn't speak another word to each other that day. Ryan acted as though he'd never even heard Gavin at all, but regardless - Gavin stayed around. It felt almost peaceful, simply knowing that if he spoke out, Ryan would hear. With that alone he'd made a connection to the man, and over the coming months, it would grow.

Gavin went from spending most of his time at home watching over his family to following Ryan around the house. At first, he'd been given the cold shoulder, and more often than not Ryan gave the distinct impression he didn't want Gavin there at all.

But Ryan had appeared to warm up to him.

Gavin began moving things around so Ryan couldn't find them, or conveniently finding things for him, depending on whether Ryan appeared to be in the mood for a joke. Eventually the awkwardness between them ebbed away, the older man seemingly getting used to his company and the concept of having an otherworldly being in his home.

He shouldn't have been surprised. He'd always been susceptible to it, just never this strongly before.

But it was strange how neither started to notice the changes in Gavin's form.

As time went on, Gavin's voice grew louder. Less like a breeze, but almost his normal self - as though he had come back to the mortal world. His grip on the grounded things around him grew stronger. He could pull a chair out from under the table as easily as anyone, and on more than one occasion when nudging something to get Ryan's attention, he ended up knocking it off the table or counter completely.

But when Gavin started to truly manifest, it was hard to miss.

Ryan had noticed that whenever Gavin was around, the room around them grew strangely cold to the point where his breath came out in rivulets of condensation. He didn't dwell on it too much, but merely assumed Gavin was taking his energy from the warmth around them, feeding off of it, almost, so he could speak louder and clearer.

   "I swear you literally suck the heat out of every room you're in." Ryan said, shivering.

Gavin chuckled. "I can't bloody help it."

   "Jesus." Ryan snapped as a violent shiver ran through him, grabbing a coat from over one of the dining room chairs. He was about to sit down when he stopped dead in his tracks, staring right at Gavin.

   "What's wrong? It's not that cold, right?"

Ryan was looking straight into a pair of glazed over, translucent eyes. He was stunned. Positively flawed, and couldn't even speak even as Gavin was panicking, asking him what was wrong. He looked the other up and down, feeling just as he had when Gavin spoke. Both amazed, and frightened.

   "I can see you."

Gavin scoffed, and Ryan watched the other's lips quirk into a confused smile.

   "What are you talking about."

Ryan shook his head, as though clearing his mine, and looked back to Gavin's pale and smoke-like form, squinting his eyes slightly.

   "I can see you." He repeated, stepping forward slightly.

Gavin's reflex to move away from solid objects was long gone, and it wouldn't have mattered anyway, because as Ryan slowly reached forward, his hand went straight through Gavin's shoulder. It was only then that Gavin looked down, and saw himself, truly, not just a point of view with no body - but now a reincarnation of what had once been his soul.

And Gavin laughed, so heartily and so excited that Ryan almost told him to be quiet for the neighbour's sake, but soon began to laugh with him - pushing aside every single thought that had been niggling away at him for months. How truly odd this all way, how it couldn't be real, that he might be going insane.

Because someone who had grown to be his friend was finally standing in front of him, as though he'd never been gone from this world at all.

And if Ryan would've had someone to tell about the whole ordeal, he would have described it simply as though he had acquired a roommate. Gavin's presence, that at first had been disconcerting, was now a comfort more than anything. Ryan hadn't met many people after moving into his new home, and being able to come home to Gavin - who understandably craved attention after ten years of simply watching people behind an otherworldly barrier - felt wonderful.

And somehow, over that coming year, their friendship grew deeper than they'd ever imagined.

Ryan opened up to Gavin about everything, knowing it would be spoken to no one else, and in return Gavin revealed everything from his old, short life, to how he had died.

Ryan had always wondered about the strange, birth-mark type pattern across the left side of his forehead, like a white tattoo. Apparently Gavin had been walking home drunk one night, and was involved in a hit and run. It only took Ryan once to ask, and that was the only time it was brought up again, though he couldn't help looking at the mark now again, as though Gavin's skin was broken glass.

It made Ryan wonder, however, what it was going to be like when he passed over.

He thought about death and passing over a lot more than he cared to admit, and Gavin's presence made it all the more tangible to mull over. He stayed awake many a night, watch absently as the sun set and left him in pitch darkness, before it rose again, smothering him in twilight tones as his mind ran over the wonders and fears that Gavin's spirit brought with him.

They were close, and Ryan was beginning to cherish him more than anything in his life, but that wasn't without consequences.

Just as Gavin had longed to speak, then longed to be heard, they were both beginning to crave more than what their separated forms could give. There was no warmth between them, and in some ways their company felt artificial and cold - robotic in a way, as though Gavin could express sentiments but his physicality and his mentality couldn't commit to the actual things that left his mouth.

It was another sleepless night, with Ryan's mind leaving him wide awake in the darkness of his room, that the barrier became ever more evident. He didn't hear, near see, Gavin lay down next to him, but rather felt the cold as his pale form fed off the heat of Ryan's own body.

The older glanced to his side, seeing that Gavin was on his stomach and staring at him intently. He'd been wondering for a while what was wrong - even if deep down he knew - but he still wished Ryan would articulate it to him. But the problem was, he simply couldn't begin to describe it.

Ryan averted his gaze back to the ceiling, sighing deeply, feeling horrible pangs of pure, raw feeling in his chest and wishing they'd subside.

He was growing very fond of Gavin, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was the barrier that still separated the regardless of Gavin's ability to feed off Earth's natural energy in order to manifest himself to the eye and ears.

Ryan jumped as a condensed section of cool air settled across the top of his hand, and he looked at Gavin, who appeared to be avoiding his gaze at all costs, instead staring down at his own ghostly hand settled gently across Ryan's - not really touching, or feeling, but the manipulation of temperature was enough to give the impression. It was a gesture at best.

And Ryan smiled.

It got boring, after a while.

For those young, or with relatives beside them every day of the year, it would have been a devastating blow for not only for them, but for their family. But for him - he'd been so fed up, and there wasn't anyone he'd been close to beside him, at least in some physical form. For the last few years, he'd been happy to simply spend his days with the ghostly visage of a man he'd grown to love.

He watched them laugh, watched them attempt to accept their form, and eventually, watched as his smile began to fade out of longing.

But then Ryan faded away in a pristine, white hospital bed, smiling as the light died in his vision.

Title: Your First Raywood

There wasn’t anything more melancholic than a sunny sky with a light breeze, as he wore his favourite pair of red Chuck Taylor’s and his glasses were settled perfectly on his nose. His friend, his best friend, his childhood friend, was declaring that he’ll be starting senior high in 3 months.

  Oh. He kept forgetting about that age difference. An age difference big enough to keep them from attending the same school for a few years before they were off to their own devices.  This year was great, having him by his side in between classes and seeing his face at their lunch break. Having him over after school to help him with homework he had already done.

“Don’t be like that, you’ll catch up with me, like always,” he said with a smile on his face. Ray wasn’t feeling it this time around. This was high school, and Ryan was already growing into looking like a handsome young man. and he still looked like he was twelve. It wasn’t fair but, nothing was going to be fair anymore.

That fall, Ray walked out of his mathematics class, looking up and down the hall to meet up with Ryan, but he wasn’t there, and he should’ve known better.  His day felt empty, and he would say hi to his classmates like they were his friends, and he tried so hard to let him into his life but they just couldn’t get through and became distractions for when Ryan wasn’t there.

“You can’t just have me Ray, I know it’s hard to make new friends but we’ve done it before,” Ryan told him as he laid on Ray’s bed with a copy of Shakespeare in his hands. Ryan was studying in the theatre club, and there were evenings he didn’t show up, leaving the hole in Ray’s heart a little deeper.

“Why do I need new friends if I have you?” Ray argued as he tried to work on his algebra homework. He had Ryan’s old notes in front of him, but sometimes the writing got so bad that he could barely decode numbers.  

“Don’t think like that,” Ryan said as he turned the page and mumbled the lines .

Theatre club took most of his time by November and Ray was left with nothing to do after school.  It would be two years of torturous times of dancing around in circles around each other. Weekends were the truest days. as he heard the doorbell ring at 11am on the dot and Ryan would walk in to spend time with his best friend.

He had to give Ryan that much credit for coming over whenever he had free time. He didn’t abandon him and probably knew how much he was hurting from not having him around during the week. Ryan would bring his weekend homework there, and even though they could spend hours not talking to the other, it was the comforting presence of the other.

A new thing had started, Ryan’s cell-phone would not stop buzzing.

“Who keeps messaging you?” Ray asked as his phone had vibrated for the tenth time in half an hour.

“People.”

“People?”

“People.” Ryan repeated and it was let go as he put it on silent. Ryan tried to ignore them but he took his phone, texted away for about five minutes and then put the phone away. He had never Ryan respond so vaguely before.

“Tell me I’m still your first,” Ray pleaded one Friday evening after Ryan was on the phone with someone. Ryan looked at him with big blue eyes. as if he broke a mirror.

“You’re still my first,” Ryan assured.  “Look.” He brought up his phone, and there was Ray’s name and number under his favourites.  Ray’s heart skipped a beat as Ryan smiled.

What was the point of being so paranoid about this?

“You’ll always be my first,” Ryan said as he leaned on Ray’s shoulder. The older man was heavy and bigger but Ray didn’t care when his shoulder started to ache to keep him up. It was getting late and Ryan should be on his way home, but he showed no signs of moving from his side and Ray couldn’t complain. They have stayed up late some nights before, and this was nothing new. Hell, Ryan sometimes left clothes behind so Ray could put them away, giving him a promise that he’ll stay the night.

They would share Ray’s bed, and while they weren’t romantically involved, there was nothing nicer than the feeling of Ryan’s gentle snore next to him. Ray would fall asleep after him and Ryan would be up first.

Ray thought that perhaps they were getting too old for sharing a bed. They were no longer children when it was adorable. Ryan’s legs were longer than the bed, leaving him to curl his ankles near Ray’s.  He always wondered if Ryan was aware what he was still doing. He rather not ask.

The months went on and Ryan was still committed to seeing him, through all the rehearsals and memorizing lines. Ray felt like he was nothing special compared to hearing Ryan recite poetry to him.

“You’re growing out your hair,” Ryan mentioned. Ray had stopped caring about his hair a while ago, probably his teenager rebellion kicking in.

“So’re you.” Ray replied, seeing the curls that could make anyone jealous around his face.

Ryan chuckled as he continued his math homework. Ray pulled his hat more over his ears and pushing his hair out of his face.

“You coming to my play?” Ryan asked.

“No shit I am, wouldn’t want to not see you recite Shakespeare,” Ray replied sarcastically.

Ray hadn’t been to the high school yet, and walking through the doors felt weird. He would be attending soon, but he never thought of walking through the doors before.  He found a place and sat down. Many parents were there along with other students.

And then it happened, as the spotlights turned on and the curtains opened. There were awes and squeals from female classmates as Ryan stepped on stage in appropriate costume as he acted out Hamlet lines. His voice, deep and full of emotion left Ray with a big smile on his face as he caught his eyes many times. Ryan’s movement in his acting was flawless.

“What did you think?” Ryan asked as he rushed offstage with his make up still on but in his usual t-shirt and jeans. There was a group of Ryan’s friends trying to get him to follow them.

Ray understood now all the friends that Ryan had made, and he couldn’t complete a sentence without a girl giving him a flower or telling him congratulations on his performance.

It was only when he entered the high school that he saw how popular Ryan was. Ryan would rush to see him at lunch, and excuse himself for being so late to have the bell ring only as he sat down.

Ray began to avoid Ryan. For the selfish reason that he thought he wasn’t cool enough to hang with Ryan anymore. He saw his friends, he learned who they were, who Ryan was then. He had become the most popular guy in the high school, and Ray was the one to have max 3 classmates who hung out with him when Ryan wasn’t around. They were on different poles of the social status.

“Stop avoiding me. I haven’t changed,” Ryan begged as he caught him in between classes.  Ray tried to slip under his arm but Ryan was quick to block him.

“Oh, sorry Mr. Popular,” he snaked through and ran off to his next class.

“Ray, please,” Ryan continued to chase after him. It had become this pulling and pushing. Freshman versus Junior, and no one was winning. “Why can’t you understand that I still want to hang out with you?”

“You’re better off without me,” Ray began to say as everyone walked passed them on their way to lunch.

“That’s not true.”

“You’re too cool.”

“And you’re cool too. You’ll always be my first.”

“You’re lying.”

“Can you stop and listen to me for a second?” Ryan raised his voice. Ray wanted to open his mouth but stopped. “These friends, these things, are nothing compared to having you as my friend. Now, come to lunch with me, and it’ll be only me, I promise.”

Ray tried to look like he wasn’t about to cry as Ryan put his arms around his shoulder and shushed everyone who asked if they wanted to hang out for lunch.

Ray was in his apartment staring intently at a screen. He was watching a woman go through her daily routine. He didn't know this woman, at least not personally. Weeks of watching her had changed that, although she still has no knowledge of it. He was what you'd normally call a stalker, albeit one who kills their victims afterwards.

He hadn't always been this way. It all started when he broke up with his first girlfriend. He had been so torn up, calling and messaging her endlessly, hoping she would change her mind. He always followed her home, watched her from her window. She never knew about it, and he never felt that what he was doing was wrong.

Weeks crawled by, and he knew more about her than he did when they were dating. He finally realized that they weren't right together, and that was when he snapped. He sneaked inside her room one night, and he let her know. He told her while she was tied up, her whimpers muffled by the gag tied around her mouth. He liked the fear in her eyes, as he told her about her deepest, darkest secrets. Secrets he found out from days, weeks, months, of observing.

He watched the life go out from her eyes as he slit her throat. He then climbed out of the window, swallowed by the darkness. The rose on her chest contrasted brightly with the blood surrounding it.

He was shook from his reminiscing by the sound of the woman giggling. She was reading a card from a bouquet of flowers. It read, "Let's watch a movie and eat afterwards. My treat, you deserve it. Let's go to my place after. Lotus Hotel, Room 92. Just in case I forget to tell. See you later." She pocketed the card and went out the door, leaving Ray to stare at the now empty room. He decided to get ready to go to the place the card said. Maybe he could check the place out in advance while the occupants were out.

________

If there was one thing Ryan was bad at, it was being patient. He watched the couple walking in the empty parking lot. They were laughing quietly, their arms interlocked. He was itching to run towards them, but he restrained himself and continued walking towards them. A few moments later, he stood in front of them.

"Can I help y-" The male's question petered off to a gurgle as Ryan sliced his neck. The woman screamed, staring in horror at Ryan as spoke to her. "I'm giving you three minutes to run." The sound of clicking heels grew fainter as he counted. He watched her receding form go towards the woods. After three minutes, he started moving. This time he ran, smiling as he began to feel the thrill of the hunt.

A few hours later, the woman woke up in a dark room. She was tied to a chair, her mouth stuffed with a bunch of cloth. She strained against her bindings, flinching suddenly at the sound of the door opening. "About time you woke up. I was thinking of starting without you."

He flipped the light switch, watching her eyes squint at the sudden brightness. She looked around nervously, finally noticing the tools on the table beside her. She noticed that it was mostly scalpels of varying sizes, and some tools for operating. She stared at him, pleading with her eyes to let her free.

He merely grinned at her, picking up a scalpel. Her eyes darted nervously from his eyes to the door, hoping for someone to come in. She was beginning to cry, sobbing against the cloth. "I'm afraid no one's going to save you, so you better give up now." Ryan said softly as he slid the scalpel down her cheek. She whimpered and tried to shy away, screaming suddenly as Ryan pulled her hair.

She tried to speak through her gag, to plead for mercy. She was cut off with a stab in her arm, and she shrieked. "Shut up. Make any more noise and I will slit your throat. Keep quiet and I might let you get out of here." She nodded, crying softly. She kept herself from screaming as he sliced her skin to ribbons. He made her watch as he tore the skin away, exposing the muscle underneath. She finally screamed as he ripped her muscle and sinew next, until she could finally see her bones. "Just kidding." She last heard him say as her vision faded to black.

He searched the woman's pockets, checking to see if she had anything of value. He also wanted to see if there was anyone else related to her. His mind drifted as he continued searching.

Ryan guesses that what started him on this path was an experience from his childhood days. He clearly remembers holding a dying bird, watching it breathe raggedly until it's chest stopped moving. He stared at it as the warmth from its skin faded. He wanted to see it again, wanted to see the life from something fade away.

So he went bigger, and bigger. From birds, to squirrels, to cats, dogs, until finally, people. He was careful not to get caught. Killing became an outlet for his stress, a way to relax. Like hunting.

He finally found a card in the back pocket. "Let's watch a movie and eat afterwards. My treat, you deserve it. Let's go to my place after. Lotus Hotel, Room 92. Just in case I forget to tell. See you later." Interesting. The Lotus Hotel was a few blocks away.

He admired his handiwork, and made sure that the woman was dead. He cleaned up the scalpel and put the body in a bag. He then took a quick shower and got ready to go. He would definitely check if anyone was home.

________

Ray crouched in the corner of the hotel room, hidden by the shadows. He was waiting for the owner to arrive. Finally, the door opened, revealing a man with a skull mask. He watched the man peek inside the rooms, seemingly looking for something, or someone. He thought that this man was a trespasser too. One thing he had to admire was that despite the man's bulk, his footsteps were light against the carpeted floor.

He saw a familiar looking card in the back pocket of the man. It was the card the woman got earlier that day. Ray decided that the man will be his next target, as he assumed that the woman was dead, killed by this man. He'd make his move when the man would leave.

________

Ryan didn't find anything, or anyone. He felt disappointed as he made to leave. He'll just find another person sometime this week. As he moved to the door, he felt the slightest touch on his back. He turned quickly and saw a small dark haired man with glasses jump back, eyes alert and observant. There was a hint of agileness on his body. He also looked cute. Not now. Killing comes first. Ryan chastised himself. Ryan was surprised he didn't hear the man's footsteps. He doesn't seem scared of Ryan.

They circled the room slowly, checking each other for weak points. Ryan spoke first, his voice muffled by the mask. "I'm Ryan. Who are you?" He grinned as Ray calmly said, "Why the fuck would you tell a stranger your name?" "Eh, you end up dead anyway, so why not get to know you." Ray snorted at that. "You wish. I'm Ray." Ryan moved backward, still looking at Ray, and sat down on a chair. "Hey Ray, what are you doing here?" Ray contemplated his question, while sitting down on the floor. "Was stalking a girl. She had a card leading to this place."

Ryan remembered the woman he had recently killed. He chuckled, prompting a look of inquisition from Ray. "I'm afraid she won't be stopping by any time soon." Ray looked slightly surprised, but then nodded, annoyed. "I had a feeling you killed her. Saw the card in your back pocket."

"Why were you stalking her anyway?" Ray shrugged nonchalantly in reply. "Was following her for a month or so. Shame I didn't get to kill her." It was Ryan's turn to be surprised. "A month? If I were you, I wouldn't wait that long. Also, sorry for stealing your kill." Ray made a noncommittal noise. "S'fine. I can always get new targets. Besides, I like the finding out stuff part more."

They went silent for a while, both getting lost in their own thoughts. They were surprised at how easily they got along, despite the strange circumstances. They were both killers, although with different methods. They realized that maybe they could learn something from each other. "I was thinking-" "So maybe-" They both stopped talking, insisting the other say theirs first.

Ray scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Maybe it'd be nice if we got together sometime. I mean, outside the killing stuff." Ryan nodded, looking thoughtful. "Sure. I'd also like to give your method a try, if you don't mind." "Sooo, do you wanna have my number?" Ryan nodded again, grabbing a piece of paper and pen from a desk. "Yeah, I'll give you mine too."

They both handed each other their numbers and made to leave. Ryan stopped Ray for a moment. "Oh yeah, just in case we see each other, I guess I should show you my face." "Yeah, sure. You better be handsome or-" Ray stuttered to a halt as he saw blue eyes and blonde hair. Holy fuck. He is handsome. Ryan grinned as Ray blushed and looked down. He also handed Ray a small device and winked. "Here's your tracker. Since we already have each other's numbers, no sense in me keeping this."

----

  Jack absolutely could not believe his luck as he stared up at the beautiful house before him, hardly believing that it was now his. Beside him, dropping a heavy box onto the slightly overgrown grass of their front lawn, Geoff stretched and shot him a lopsided grin, clapping him on the back as he did so.

  “Why are you so happy?” He asked, digging his hand into the pocket of Jack’s jeans. “Not that I’ve got a problem with that stupid grin.”

  Jack rolled his eyes. “This stupid grin is showing appreciation for the house we’ve just bought,” he replied smugly, his eyes scanning the wooden panels, clearly in need of a good paint job if the chipped flecks of green were anything to go by, the dirty bay windows and the clogged drains. “Even if it does need a bit of work.”

  Behind them Ryan promptly tripped over a loose flagstone and flung a box marked ‘fragile’ across the pathway in his haste to protect himself from the fall. The sound of breaking china was barely heard over Geoff’s infectious laughter, and Jack could not help but watch his boys in amusement.

  The house they had bought was old, built in a faux-Victorian style and had clearly been unloved over the years. All the rooms were decked out in wallpaper that looked to be from the early 70s, the carpeting was orange and shag with the odd burn mark in places and areas had greyed to show paths where the previous occupants had often walked; the floorboards beneath them creaking horribly with every step. The three bathrooms were tiled in a hideous puce shade, the kitchen still had an old AGA cooker - complete with decades worth of grime - sat in the corner and Jack was almost certain that they had a family of birds living in the attic; their scratching filling the silence of the night.

  But it was theirs. Theirs to renovate, to love and to, hopefully some day, raise a family in.

  Immediately they rose to the challenge of making the place more habitable for them and their two cats. Egg and Uday, Geoff and Jack’s cats respectively, seemed to enjoy the large open spaces and took full advantage of them to hunt, often disappearing into the tall grass of the backyard only to return hours later with a mouse or a frog.

  Jack suspected that, underneath all of the foliage, they had a pond and he could not help but slip into daydreams of hearing childish laughter on warm summer days and teaching curious minds about tadpoles.

  “Have you seen the scissors?”

  One day, as autumn made itself known, Ryan’s deep voice brought him back to the present, the paint from his paintbrush having dripped down the handle to settle on his skin. With a frown, Jack wiped his hand on his overalls and turned to him.

  “I thought you had them?”

  “Hmmm,” Ryan’s clear blue eyes narrowed and he began to carefully look through the small mound of brushes and paint pots that Jack had grouped into the middle of their kitchen in contemplation, shifting through the piles of old wallpaper to see if anything lurked beneath. “I thought I did too, maybe Geoff has them?”

  Ryan shook his head as he thought to himself, abandoning his search through the items on the kitchen floor, and folded his arms. Jack could see the flecks of green paint adorning the sleeves of his shirt and smirked, Ryan’s claim over breakfast at being able to remain paint-free having been foiled. “He’s outside.”

  The cheery sound of the lawnmower accompanied his words and Jack frowned. “Are you sure you didn’t leave them upstairs?”

  “Maybe,” Ryan sounded doubtful, but he shrugged and headed towards the stairs regardless. “I’ll manage.”

  Jack returned to his painting, thinking nothing more of the missing scissors as he neatly drew fresh white paint across the kitchen’s window frames.

  But as the weeks went by the scissors were not the only things that went missing.

  A freshly opened packet of dusting clothes ended up half empty less than a day after they were opened. All of the thimbles in Jack’s sewing kit mysteriously vanished. Socks that went into the airing cupboard disappeared. Even food was not safe, and Jack vividly remembered one afternoon where Geoff had accused him and Ryan of eating his tomatoes when neither had been anywhere near them.

  Each time Geoff, Jack and Ryan denied all responsibility for the missing items. But Jack was left with the constant feeling that something was happening.

  But what, exactly?

  At first he was fairly certain that the cats were the culprits. Even though, logically speaking, cats were not proficient in opening sewing kits and cupboards. But he was sure that there was no other explanation for it, even as Geoff joked about ghosts and Ryan joked about burglars hiding under their floorboards. He never dreamt that maybe one of them was perhaps closer to the truth than they had thought.

  It was the middle of November when that truth became startlingly clear. It was early, well before sunrise, and Jack was asleep beside Ryan on the edge of the bed he shared with his boyfriends when he woke to the sound of Uday yowling furiously downstairs. For a moment he lay there, hoping that he could prolong his time under the combined warmth of bodies and blankets before he realised that waiting was futile and slipped out towards the cat’s cries.

  “C’mon Uday,” he groaned, pulling his dressing gown on as he entered the living room and flipped the lightswitch.The room was immediately bathed in a dim yellow light and Jack’s eyes scanned the room for the source of the noise. “What’s wrong?”

  His cat was crouched by the bookshelf, hissing and clawing at something that Jack could not see. Uday ignored his entrance, transfixed on his prize, and Jack frowned; unused to seeing this behaviour in his usually docile pet.

  He crouched down and gently pushed the cat away from the bookshelf, bending down further to remove the arch of fallen books that seemed to be hiding the source of the animal’s ire. Something small rushed out before he had finished, and in his astonishment he was not fast enough to stop Uday from lunging after it as it rushed towards the sofa.

  If he was not mistaken, he was absolutely sure that the small something he had seen was a little person.

  The same little person who was now trapped between the paws of an angry cat.

  “Uday, no!” Jack cried, pulling the cat towards him. Shocked at the sudden movement, Uday yowled and dropped his prey in a flurry of terrified cries, which spurned Jack into scooping up the animal and moving it into the hallway, shutting the living room door tightly behind him.

  He turned his attention back to the problem at hand. The problem that was stood in the middle of the living room floor, shaking in fear.

  Jack stared in fascination. The person was about the size of his hand although Jack wagered that he was - in fact - smaller; wearing what looked like a sock that had been altered and now had holes for arms and legs. He was male and was looking at Jack with impossibly wide, hazel eyes underneath a mop of messy brown hair.

  Jack had never considered himself to be a heartless person. In fact, he knew that Ryan and Geoff loved him for, among other things, his kind and generous nature, and how accepting he was even when faced with the unknown. The little person’s trembling did not sit right with him - how something could be so terrified by his very presence? - and he vowed to do the right thing.

  “I’m sorry,” he began kindly, lowering himself to the ground where he sat cross legged. He carefully schooled his expression into one of politeness. “I think Uday got a bit excited, he doesn’t usually do something like this. He didn’t mean any harm.” The little person did not reply, although his trembles lessened even if his eyes stayed wide. Jack smiled encouragingly. “My name is Jack, what’s yours?”

  “I know,” the little voice squeaked, the person shifting on his tiny feet. “Well, I know your name is Jack… you’re the one who likes to build things and keeps things clean.”

  Jack shook his head with a fond smile. “Somebody in this house has to,” he chuckled to himself. “One day I’ll train Geoff into picking up his wet towels, but for now… you didn’t answer my question.”

  The little person pouted, his trembles ceasing, before he replied in an accent that Jack could only describe as being British. “My name’s Gavin.”

  “Nice to meet you Gavin,” Jack greeted, holding out his hand. Gavin giggled and tentatively stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Jack’s index finger to shake. “So, do you live here too?”

  Gavin paused, releasing his grip on Jack’s finger, and shrugged. “Yeah…” he began reluctantly. “We’ve always lived here, but we keep out of the way.”

  “We? There are more of you?” Gavin’s eyes widened and, sensing the reappearance of panic, Jack continued. “You don’t need to worry, we’re not going to hurt you.”

  “Big People have a funny reaction to us sometimes,” Gavin told him sadly. “We’ve lost brothers and sisters to vacuums, mops… and even cats.” Gavin shot a worried glance at the closed living room door and shivered. “It’s better if we hide away.”

  “How do you live? Don’t you need to eat and...” Jack began curiously, then something clicked. “That’s why things have been disappearing, you guys have been taking them!”

  “We’re really sorry!” Gavin squeaked. “It’s been ages since we’ve been able to make clothes, and it’s been really cold this winter so we’ve needed blankets. We’re only borrowing them, really!”

  Jack did not reply straight away, information and ideas whirring around his mind faster than he could collect them. Gavin was looking at him in trepidation, no doubt preparing himself for what Jack’s reaction could be, before the bespeckled man spoke. “Why don’t you come out and meet Ryan and Geoff? I don’t have a problem with you living here, and I’m sure they won’t. You wouldn’t have to hide anymore.

  “My brothers aren’t very trusting of Big People,” Gavin replied quietly with a shrug. With a start, Jack recognised the sock he was wearing as being one of Geoff’s, and was glad that Gavin had had the sense to plunder clean laundry from the airing cupboard. “But, you’re the first one who has ever spoken to us nicely, and you saved me. I’ll ask my brothers and see what they think.”

  “Will we see you tomorrow?”

  Gavin shook his head slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I think it will take longer to convince them. But we’ll come to you when we’re ready.”

  Explaining to Ryan and Geoff, in the dim light of morning around steaming mugs of coffee, about their little housemates was surprisingly easy. Both men accepted their existence without too many questions, and they were both equally curious about meeting them.

  In an effort to show Gavin and his brothers that they could be trusted, the three tried their best to be more accommodating than they had been before. Every dinner included an extra, smaller portion that was left out on the counter when the three boyfriends went to bed and was, to Jack’s relief, reduced to an empty plate by morning. Geoff went to Walmart after work one evening and returned with a few boxes of dolls’ clothes and, when the temperature dropped, Ryan left Gavin-sized washcloths on the radiator in the hallway that slowly disappeared as the nights went by.

  On the first day of knowing about their new housemates Jack made sure to drive Uday and Egg to Geoff’s sister’s house. At least until he could properly introduce them he figured it was safer than having one of them hunt their defenceless prey during the night.

  Their meeting finally came one Saturday afternoon about two weeks after he had first met Gavin. Geoff and Ryan were eagerly trying to murder each other in Halo 4 whilst Jack watched them from his place on the sofa. Out of the corner of his eye, during a particularly vicious match that had reduced Geoff and Ryan to indignantly yelling at each other, Jack saw something climb up onto the armrest beside him.

  “Hello Gavin,” he greeted quietly, his words almost inaudible amongst Geoff and Ryan’s yells. Gavin smiled at him. “I wondered when I would see you next.”

  Behind Gavin, pulling themselves up after their brother, came two new little people.

  Both of them were around the same height as Gavin; one of them, sporting a mass of auburn curls, looked slightly taller and wore a dissatisfied scowl on his face, his arms tightly crossed around a miniature leather jacket, whilst the other one seemed smaller and was staring at Jack in barely disguised excitement.

  “Hello Jack,” The smallest one began, waving to him. “I’m Ray, thank you for giving us clothes.” Ray’s red and white jumper had obviously been pulled from a holiday bear and was slightly too big for him, but he looked happy nonetheless.

  “You should thank Geoff for them,” Jack replied, nodding his head in Geoff’s direction. “He got them.”

  Ray nodded enthusiastically. “We will, won’t we Michael?”

  The auburn-haired one narrowed his eyes, the scowl still on his lips. Gavin rolled his eyes. “Sorry about Michael, he’s not very trusting of Big People.”

  “That’s alright, we’ll just have to show Michael that he can trust us then.”

  “Jack?”

  It took Jack a second to realise that Geoff and Ryan’s yells had died down, and he turned to face his boyfriends’ curious stares. Ryan smiled warmly, placing his controller onto the floor next to him and spoke.

  “One of you must be Gavin?” He started, his full attention on the newcomers; a sparkle in his eyes. Gavin raised a hand, suddenly looking very shy, and Jack chuckled.

  “Yep, this is Gavin and his brothers Ray and Michael.”

  “Thanks for the clothes Geoff,” Ray chimed with a wave, pulling the sleeves of his jumper up. Geoff laughed, a light sound with the edge of a squeak to it, and shook his head. “They’re a lot better than socks.”

  “No problem buddy,” he replied with a grin, raising the glass of beer in his hand. “Next time I’ll try to get something more your size.”

  “Jack told me that we wouldn’t have to hide anymore,” Gavin edged carefully, shifting on the balls of his feet as he shared a fleeting look with his brothers. “Is that true?”

  Jack looked over to his boyfriends and, in unison, they nodded. Gavin replied with a toothy grin, one that showed his happiness even as Ray bounced slightly beside him, and turned towards Michael.

  “Did y’hear that Michael?”

  “Yeah,” Michael huffed unhappily. “How do we know it’s true? Big People lie.”

  “Well, I’m a Big Person and I try my best not to lie,” Jack replied with a shrug. “I promise you, we won’t change our minds.”

  Geoff took a swig of his beer and ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair. “Jack’s stubborn, he wouldn’t let anything happen to you guys.”

  “Scout’s honour,” Ryan added as he pulled himself up into the armchair. “We’d have to introduce you properly to the cats though and teach them that you’re friends and not food.”

  All three little people shivered at the mention of the cats and, not wanting to see any form of fear in them, Jack gestured towards the television. “Do you want to play a game with us?” He asked, ignoring the incredulous looks sent his way by his boyfriends.

  “How?” Geoff asked, eyebrow raised and a confused look in his steel blue eyes.

  “We’ll give them a controller to use and they can share the buttons?” Ryan suggested, already getting to his feet and moving towards the shelf that held all of their games. He pulled two controllers down and handed them both to Jack before returning to the shelf. “We should probably play something easier than Halo though…”

  “Mario Kart?” Geoff suggested, taking another sip of his beer. “We can work up from there.”

  And so, late one night in the dead of winter, Jack found himself playing Mario Kart with his boyfriends and their little housemates; their little Borrowers. After a bit of practice Gavin, Michael and Ray worked like a well-oiled machine as they changed buttons and controls, even managing to win a few races by themselves. Although, Ray and Michael did end up screaming at Gavin quite a few times.

  As the weeks went by Michael eventually lightened up to them, coming out of his angry shell to show somebody who was quite caring and compassionate, Geoff bought Ray some better fitting clothes and it wasn’t uncommon to see a little shadow dart across the floor as Gavin played with Uday and Egg - the former now far less hostile towards him.

  Christmas came quickly, and Jack watched with pride as the Borrowers unwrapped the large dollhouse he had made for them; a miniature version of their current house complete with little lights and smelling of fresh paint. The dusting clothes had been neatly folded onto each bed and Jack’s thimbles were sat on the tiny kitchen table.

  He smiled to himself as he sat between Ryan and Geoff, watching their little friends explore their new home within a home. Gavin, Michael and Ray may have lived together before Jack, Ryan and Geoff bought their house, but it was a place that belonged to them all now.