Forever

Disclaimer ----------

The story contained here is entirely in the (possibly unbalanced) mind of its author. As much as I might like to bear Kevin's children (which would be nothing short of a miracle), I have no idea if he or any of the other BSB is actually gay. Now that Kevin's engaged, I have a good idea that he's not. If any of the BSB read this story and are offended, they should certainly exercise their right to free speech and e-mail me to complain all about it. Readers should enjoy the fantasy, but remember that reality may be (and probably is) dramatically different.

Don't read this little tale of love if you're too young where you live. Don't read this little tale of love if it's illegal where you live. If either of those two things applies to where you live, I recommend that you MOVE!!! (I hear Florida's a pretty nice place!!)

Previously on 'Forever'...

I breathed a sigh of relief as the gun started to slowly lower. Then, the world shifted into slow motion. `God's assassin' turned his head back towards me, and started to raise the gun again. I spun around, hoping to move enough to throw off his aim.

The next thing I knew I heard gunshots, followed quickly by a lance of fire as everything went dark.

And now...'Forever'...

Chapter 68

Voices. I could hear voices. They were a low hum around me. As the moments passed, I was able to make out what they were saying. It seemed like they were talking about me.

"...he gonna be alright?" That was Kevin, sounding anxious.

"I believe he'll be fine," a strange voice said. "The bullet grazed his skull. But, I don't believe there's any permanent damage. I expect him to come around any time." I figured that was about time to make my entrance.

"Hey," I said. Or tried to say. My voice wasn't quite normal, so it came out a little more like a groan.

"Hey," I tried again, this time able to manage it.

"Hey, sweetie," Kev said, bringing my hand to his lips.

"What happened? D'you let Nick drive the bus, and he tried to run me over again?" I asked.

"Hey," a soft voice said from my other side. I hadn't bothered to open my eyes, yet, but I could tell it was Nick. He followed up the verbal protest with a light punch to my shoulder.

I cracked my eyes a bit, then, looking over at Nick. For some reason, I felt like touching him, so I reached up a hand and stroked the side of his face.

"Don't worry, Nick. I know what a bad driver you are. I forgive you," I said, trying to keep the moment light. He smiled that beautiful smile of his. I felt my man squeeze my hand on the other side.

"Could y'all give me and Kev a minute, please?" I continued to look at Nick, not looking around at anyone else. The room emptied of everyone before I turned to look at Kev.

I didn't say anything, just reached out an arm to grab his shoulder. I tried to lift myself up, but I was starting to shake. I had a hard time pulling myself towards him.

He figured out what I wanted. He leaned over and sat on the bed, then put his arms around me and lifted me into a hug. He just squeezed me, holding me tight while I got over the shakes.

"You ok?" he asked me when I'd managed to get control over myself again.

"Yeah, I'll be alright. Oh, baby, I was so scared, though," I replied. "When he was holding that gun on me, all I could think of was that I'd never get to hold you again, never get to say `I love you' again."

"I understand, sweetie," he said softly into my ear. "When they told us you'd been shot, they didn't know how bad. I was so scared, D."

For a moment, it was me giving him comfort instead of him to me. I guess that's how it should be...give and take from both. I leaned back from him a moment later to gaze into his green eyes.

"I love you, Kevin. And I wanna be with you for the rest of my life," I paused to smile a little. "And I hope the rest of my life is a lot longer." He cracked a smile, too.

"I love you, too, Dylan," he said before he leaned in for a kiss.

We were interrupted by a throat clearing. I started to pull away, but Kev kept a hand on the back of my neck. I'd forgotten for a moment that we didn't need to hide.

When we broke the kiss, I turned to see Nick standing there with what I assume was my doctor. He looked a little young, but then again, most doctors seemed too young to me.

"Well, Mr. Weston, it looks like you must be doing better," he said with a knowing glance at Kevin. I blushed.

"Yeah, I'm doing fine. Helluva headache, though. What happened?" I wondered.

"Well, the man after you managed to get a shot off before the officer wounded him. Fortunately, his aim was off, so the bullet only grazed the side of your skull. You were very lucky," he replied. I squeezed Kevin's hand and exchanged a glance with him.

"I'm gonna be ok, then?" I asked. The doctor nodded in reply, so I asked my next question. "When can I get outta here?"

"You can go any time. Just stay off your feet as much as possible. And, you'll need to have a doctor check you in a few days to make sure there aren't any problems. If you notice anything before that, chronic debilitating headaches, dizziness, anything like that, don't hesitate to give me a call."

"Cool, thanks, doc," I said, shifting to get off of the bed. Kev's hand on my shoulder stopped me.

"Off your feet, remember. It's either a wheelchair or I carry you," he said.

"Kev, come on, don't be ridiculous," I replied. I saw the serious look in his eyes and didn't even bother to argue again. "Fine, I'll take the chair."

"Boy, somebody's sure got you trained to obey," Nick decided to be funny. I just gave him a nasty look. If the doctor hadn't been there, I'd have been tempted to do more. But, manners won out.

"I'll send a nurse in with a wheelchair and your paperwork," the doc said, reaching out a hand to shake mine. I took it as he continued, "It's been a pleasure, Mr. Weston. Take care of yourself."

"Thanks, doc, for taking care of me," I replied. He smiled, nodded, and turned to walk out the door.

"Yo, DJ, you gotta get over this hospital thing you have, man," AJ spoke up.

"Gee, AJ, I'll try to remember that the next time someone pulls a gun on me," I said, just a small touch of sarcasm in my voice. He smiled when he realized I was joking, but I felt Kev squeeze my hand. I returned the grip on his.

We bantered back and forth a bit, the guys giving me a dose about my lack of ability to properly avoid psychos, me thanking them profoundly in words and gestures for their advice.

The nurse interrupted a bit later, thankfully. I was ready to get out of there. I signed all the necessary stuff, then let Kevin help me into the chair.

To my surprise, Brian stepped in behind and started pushing me out the door and down the hall. Kevin walked beside me, holding my hand the entire time.

I didn't expect the barrage of photo flashes and screams that we encountered when we walked out the front door. I guess word had leaked out that the guys were here. We all just smiled and waved and ignored all the questions being thrown at us.

Tom was holding open the back door of a limo at the end of the sidewalk. Kevin looked like he might try to lift me out of the wheelchair and into the car, but I quickly stood, holding off on that. I may have to be off my feet, but that didn't mean I had to show everyone how I was feeling.

I lay down on the bed, still feeling a little shaky. Kevin walked over and sat down beside me. I reached up a hand and pulled down on him until he lay down next to me.

I snuggled up to him, not saying anything. I just needed the comfort at the moment. He wrapped his arms around me and held me, giving me exactly what I needed.

"You sure you're ok, sweetie?" he whispered into the dark.

"Yeah, I'll be fine, Kev. Just never been shot before is all," I said, smiling a little against his chest.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there tonight, D," he said, sounding a little guilty.

"Kev, don't be ridiculous, baby. There was no way to know that the guy'd show up like that. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine," I replied.

"How d'ya figure that?"

"I didn't take Tom along. Granted, it probably wasn't a guarantee, but havin' him with me might've given me better odds of not gettin' shot at," I said.

We lay there for a while. I listened to the steady drum of his heart. It was calming, soothing to my nerves. I started to drift a little, but I remembered something I'd forgotten before.

"Kev," I whispered his name.

"Yeah?"

"What happened to the guy? Did he...did the policeman kill him?" I dreaded hearing his answer.

"No, D," he replied. Strangely enough, I was relieved. "He did shoot him, but he didn't die. I didn't hear many details, but I think it was basically a leg wound, just enough to drop him."

"Good," I replied. "I'd rather he lived, even if he was a whack job."

"I understand, sweetie," he said. I yawned. "Time for bed?"

"Oh, yeah," I sighed. "That sounds great."

He stood up from the bed. He turned to look at me, offering me his hand to help me up. I stared at it a minute, thinking back on the times he'd helped me stand since we'd met.

There was so much that we'd gone through together. The initial fights, the death of my father, his fake engagement, then the coming out. And now this. We'd lived a lifetime together in the six months since we'd met.

I reached out and took his hand, allowing him to help me stand. I slid my arms around his waist as I came up to him. I rested my head on his shoulder.

"There are moments in my life when I don't have a clue how I ever survived this world without you. These last months, with everything that happened between us, and to us...I guess what I'm trying to say is `Thank you'. For always being there for me. For sharing the worst of the hard times, and for always being a reminder of all the good that life has to give."

I kept my head against his shoulder. I was a little embarrassed at the emotions I was feeling, I guess. It was easier to tell him when I didn't have to see him looking back at me. He apparently didn't agree as he lifted a hand to my cheek, lifting my face to look at his.

"Dylan, I feel the same way. My whole life has changed since I met you. So much has happened between us, both wonderful and awful. I wouldn't trade the last six months for anything, and I can't imagine havin' anyone else by my side."

"I love you, Kevin."

"I love you, too, D. Forever," he whispered.

Chapter 69

"Dylan, if you don't sit down and quit pacing, I'm gonna tie you to a chair," Kevin was smiling at me from his seat.

"Gee, Kevin, excuse me if I'm just incredibly nervous about meeting your mother. It's not like I meet the mother of my lover every day," I replied, sarcasm dripping from every word.

"Well, since I'm your only lover at the moment," he paused to look at me, "I AM your only lover, right?" I just gave him a look of death, so he continued. "Since I'm your only lover at the moment, I can personally guarantee that you can take next week off from meeting the mother of your lover."

I dropped into a seat next to him, slapping his strong bicep. He'd been teasing me all day, and it was starting to drive me nuts. But, I had to admit, it took my mind off of his mother.

I took a second to look around the gate area. We were at the airport in Orlando, waiting on his mother's flight. It was the Fourth of July weekend, and she was coming to spend the holiday with her son. And her son's boyfriend.

The press tour that the guys and I'd been on had ended a couple of weeks ago. Life was slowly returning to normal. Or as normal as it ever got for me anymore.

The guys were back in meetings and working out studio time. They were due to release their newest album in late September, and the weeks on the road doing publicity stops had shortened their available time considerably.

In the end, the fans had reacted favorably to Kevin's coming out. Actually, their popularity had gone up in the last few weeks. Personally, I figured Kevin's announcement had probably attracted a bigger gay following, and that had to've helped. But, whatever the reason, the fans still loved `em, and that put the guys on top of the world.

There was a lot of noise from the older generation, the conservative, family-values type groups out there. But, for the most part, it was ignored and had already started to lose steam. I was pretty happy for that. I didn't really want another meeting on a dark street.

Tom caught my eye, then. He'd practically become my shadow since Stan Reilly had shot me that night. Every time I made a public appearance of any kind, Tom was there. I think, deep down, he felt like he'd let me down by not being there that night, even if it'd been my fault that he wasn't there.

Mr. Reilly was now in prison. Sort of, anyway. He was actually locked in a maximum security hotel for the `sanity challenged'. His lawyers were appealing everything, of course, but, for now, he was off the streets and out of my life.

I wished it helped. I still got nervous walking down the street by myself. Every door and window in my house was always locked. If Kevin wasn't in bed with me, I was lucky to sleep the night all the way through. Unfortunately, Kevin's absence from my bed was a pretty common thing since we'd returned.

"United Airlines announces the arrival of flight 1408 from Atlanta. Arriving passengers will be debarking through gate number 48."

"Oh God, she's gonna hate me," I turned to Kevin. "What if she hates me? What if she doesn't wanna have anything to do with me? What if," I rambled on, panicked. Until Kevin stopped me with a kiss.

It wasn't deep or hot or passion-filled. But, it was enough to get me to shut up and calm down. And that was probably exactly what he'd been planning.

"Kevin?" a female voice interrupted us.

I turned to the owner of that voice. She was a stunning woman. I guessed she was in her fifties. Kev didn't look exactly like her, but there were enough similarities that you could tell she was his mother.

"Mom, it's good to see you," Kevin stood, giving her a hug. She returned it, squeezing him tightly. It was obvious from her reaction that she loved her son very much. He turned to me, then.

"Mom, I'd like you to meet my fiance, Dylan Weston," he held out a hand to me, which I took. "Dylan, this is my mother, Ann."

"Hello, Mrs. Richardson. It's very nice to meet you," I said, very politely. I was so nervous, I thought I might pass out.

"Please, Dylan, call me Ann," she replied, pulling me in for a hug. I was surprised at her affection. I'd gotten the impression in the past that she didn't really care for Kevin's being with another man.

"Um...thank you, Mrs...er...Ann," I stuttered. She released me from the hug, pushing me out to arm's length and looking at me.

"Not what you expected, am I?" she said, a slight smile on her face that was reflected in her eyes.

"Well...no, ma'am. Actually, you're not," I told her the truth.

"Good," she said with a decisive nod, "I like to surprise people."

"Mom, would you not tease him, please?" Kev interrupted. "He's been so nervous all day I thought he was gonna pace a hole in the floor."

"And," she replied, looking at me, "if I know my dear son, he's been giving you a hard time about it all day, hasn't he?" I just nodded, a small smile on my face.

"Yeah, actually, he has," I told her. "But, in his defense, it did usually take my mind off of," I stopped, realizing I'd been about to tell her that he'd taken my mind off of her visit.

"It's ok, Dylan. It took your mind off of meeting the mother-in- law, right?" I blushed and nodded. She had a surprisingly direct manner. She turned a more serious look on me.

"Well, I hope that we can become friends. Kevin and I haven't always seen eye to eye over the years," she sighed, pausing. "I wasn't exactly supportive when he told me about his...orientation." She glanced at Kevin. There was a look in both of their eyes that told me that'd been a tough time for both of them.

"But, I know how happy you've made him. In the months since you met, he's been a changed man, more open and happy than I've ever seen him. So, I know that you're what's right for him, and I want us to be friends since I know how important you are to him."

"Thank you, Ann. I know it means a lot to Kevin to have your understanding," I said, pausing to stare back. "And it means a lot to me, too," my voice was nearly a whisper.

She hugged me again. I almost started crying. All I could think of at that moment was my own mother, and how she'd reacted to Kevin and I. And there was Dad, of course.

Kevin put an arm around each of us, turning us to walk out of the airport. We introduced Ann to Tom as we walked, letting her know that he was around a lot, although not really getting into the specifics of why.

The mood became less serious as Kev drove us back to his place. I'd insisted on Ann riding in front so she could be with her son. I could tell by their banter that they were very close. It was nice to see.

The ride was noisy and fun, all of us talking and joking. Ann and I were starting to bond already. After all, we both loved Kevin very much, so we already had a lot in common.

Chapter 70

"Kevin, I can't find a platter for the chicken!" I hollered.

"Try the cupboard next to the fridge," his voice drifted in from outside.

I walked over and opened the door, rummaging around until I found what I was looking for. I needed a platter to hold a bunch of chicken that we'd been marinating overnight.

Today was July 4th, and Kevin had decided that it would be cool to have a barbecue. He'd invited all the guys over. Some of them had brought guests along. Lindsay had also driven over from Tampa to hang out and enjoy the holiday.

I'd like to say that the day had been a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I'd somehow been elected `food boy' for Kevin's party and was in the kitchen for most of the day so far.

I stacked up the chicken on the platter and set it on the counter next to the rack of steaks that Kev was also gonna grill up. The rest of the food was basically ready to go. I'd made a few pasta salads, as well as a strawberry cheesecake. That was a first, so I was hoping that it'd turned out ok.

"Man, we got a beautiful day for this, D," Kevin said as he walked into the kitchen. I turned to look at him, my breath catching in a gasp when I noticed his shirtless form.

"Well," I said, a sarcastic little smile on my face, "I wouldn't know since I been slavin' in the kitchen for my man." He chuckled, as he knew I didn't mind that much. He walked over and wrapped his arms around me, pressing his chest to my back as I finished at the counter.

"Sorry, D. Can I help with anything?" he asked.

"As a matter of fact, ya can. Grab yourself a platter of meat and let's get this barbecue rolling," I replied, picking up the chicken and some cooking utensils. Kev grabbed the steaks, and we wandered outside.

"Nice of you to join us," Nick said to me as I stepped out onto the patio.

"Well, Nick, somebody had to cook for that bottomless pit of yours," I replied. "And I know you can't even boil water."

"I'll have you know, I can boil water with the best of `em," was his answer.

"I've tasted your cooking before, Nick," Kevin interjected. "And I'd MUCH rather have D cookin' than you!"

"But," I said, "I'm done for the day. So, unless you boys wanna get back to your caveman roots and eat your meat raw, I'd recommend that someone volunteer to grill."

"Kev volunteers," AJ tossed out.

"Hey, why me?"

"It's your house. And no one can run a grill like you can, Kev," AJ replied, smiling. Kevin just gave in and nodded.

I walked over to a lounge chair next to the pool. I slipped off my t-shirt and sat down, taking a few moments to just enjoy the sun. It was what I loved about Florida. Well, one thing, anyway.

Howie came and sat next to me a moment later.

"Hey, Dylan. How've you been? I haven't had a chance to see you since we got back," he said.

"Yeah, I know. I've been really busy at work. Our deadline is this week, so I've been putting in a lot of extra hours to try to get done in time," I replied. "It makes it nice, though, since all the extra time at work helps take my mind off the fact that Kevin's not there. You boys've been keeping him so busy up here that we've barely seen each other."

"I know what you mean," Howie sympathized. "We've been putting in a lot of long hours, too. We didn't get as much time to relax as we thought we would since we did that publicity tour. Now, we're kind of gettin' down to the wire with a lot of stuff for the new album."

"Kev's been keeping me posted when we've actually been able to talk. He said you guys have been doing a lot of late nights to get caught up." Howie nodded at my comment.

"How have you and Ann been getting along?" he asked, changing subjects.

"Pretty well. I'm still a little nervous around her, but I'm getting over it." I turned to him, lowering my voice. "I never told Kev, but she's the first `in-law' I've ever had to meet. None of my other boyfriends ever introduced me."

"You're kidding."

"No. I'm not. I haven't been with that many guys in the past, Howie. My last serious boyfriend was in college, and that ended...badly." I turned away from him. I didn't really want to think about Michael at the moment.

We were both silent for a few minutes. I took a second to look around. Brian and Leighanne were talking to Ann at a patio table. They were looking pretty happy. Brian had proposed to Leighanne not long ago. I got the impression from Kevin that it'd been expected for a while.

Kevin and AJ had taken up residence at the grill. From the look on Kev's face, AJ was being his usual goofy self, telling jokes and being crazy. Nick was currently about three feet under water, held there by Lindsay.

"You feel like doing some shopping with me tomorrow?" Howie interrupted my wandering thoughts.

"I can't, bud. I have to get back to work tomorrow. I only have three days to get a TON of work done," I sighed.

"Well, how `bout Saturday, then? I could come down to Tampa. We could bum around."

"Actually, I'm coming back up on Friday night after work. How `bout we hook up here?" I offered.

"That sounds good." He stopped to smile. "Kev'd probably kick my ass for skipping out on all our meetings and stuff tomorrow, anyway. Especially if I skipped out to hang with HIS fiance." We both chuckled.

"What's so funny over here?" the man himself asked, sitting down on the end of my lounge chair. I moved my legs apart and patted the space between them. He got the hint, shifting up closer to me. He didn't lay against me cause it was pretty hot for snuggling. But, it gave me access to touch his bare back and chest, which I did.

"Howie was just making plans to steal me away from ya," I said, smiling at my man.

"Really?" He looked at me with a raised eyebrow. He turned to Howie. "You don't have to steal him, Howie. I'll be happy to loan him to you for a few days. He's a really great cook, and he can clean a bathroom like nobody's business." I slapped his arm for that one.

"I do NOT do bathrooms for just anyone, you!" I smiled at him. "Besides, don't you think you should get a little money for me? I mean, I'm supposed to be the love of your life. I should be worth a few bucks." We all chuckled. Kev leaned in and gave me a kiss.

"There's not enough money in the world, sweetie," he whispered against my lips. I felt a little thrill inside. I loved this guy.

"Kevin!" AJ intruded on our moment. We both turned over to see smoke rolling from the grill.

"Hell!" Kevin jumped up and ran over. AJ obviously wasn't the cook that Kevin was. Howie and I busted up laughing.

"Oh, it feels good to laugh. Things've been so crazy lately," Howie said.

"Yeah, they have," I agreed. I found myself staring at Nick and Lindsay in the pool. They seemed...unusually friendly. I wondered if I had missed something there.

"Dylan?" Howie asked. "You ok? You seemed a little distant for a minute."

"Yeah, I'm fine, Howie. Just relaxing is all."

"Have you heard from your brother lately?" He switched topics again.

"No," I replied. "We haven't talked in a couple of weeks, actually."

"What're they up to for the holiday?"

"Honestly? I'm not really sure," I answered. "I'd imagine they're probably spending the time at the lake at Kris' folks' cabin."

"What about your mother?" he wondered quietly.

"I don't know," I said, my tone letting him know I didn't want to talk about her.

"Sorry, Dylan. I didn't think..." he trailed off.

"It's ok, Howie. No harm done. It's just," I paused, staring off at the sky, "we never talked after Dad's funeral. I told her that it was up to her. And she never called. So, I guess she made her decision."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I know it's gotta be rough on you," he said, reaching over a hand to squeeze my arm.

"Thanks, Howie. Yeah, it's hard, especially at times like this," I said. I stopped to think a moment. "You realize that the last Fourth holiday was the last time that I was with my family? Happy with them, I mean?" I slid back into my memories.

"We had a big barbecue at my folks' place in Bismarck. Most of Mom's family was there. Dad's mom, my grandma that died in September, was there. Everyone I loved. That I thought loved me." I sighed.

"It was so much fun, being with everyone. Playing games, goofing around, spending time with family. It was what those types of holidays were made for. It's hard to believe how much that all changed. Jeremy's wedding was just a few weeks after that. And nothing's been the same since..." my voice died off.

"D, sweetie, you ok?" I heard Kevin's voice.

I shook my head, coming back from my memories. I realized that I had some tears dripping down my cheeks. I quickly reached up and wiped them away.

"Yeah," I said, standing. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...excuse me." I turned and ran into the house.

Chapter 71

"Dylan?" Kev's voice called softly through the door. He only waited a second before opening it. "What is it? What's wrong?"

He walked over to where I was curled up on the bed. I wasn't crying, I was just lying there with my eyes closed and my arms wrapped around a pillow.

"Nothin', Kev, I'll be fine," I replied.

"That's bullshit, D, and we both know it," he said firmly. His voice softened, "please, sweetie, don't shut me out. Let me help."

"I just...I miss my family, Kev. You and the guys have been so great, but...it's just not the same thing." I couldn't look at him. I felt the bed sag under his weight as he sat next to me. His hand reached up and started stroking my head.

"I understand, D. I wish I could do something to help."

"I know you do, Kev. But, you can't. No one can."

He shifted, then, laying down next to me. He pulled on the pillow in my arms, trying to get it away from me. I reluctantly let go. Fortunately, he slid into my arms where the pillow had been.

His bare chest touched mine as he pulled me tightly to him. His skin was still warm from the sun. It felt really good against mine.

"She never called, Kev," I said. He didn't say anything. "She never said anything, just abandoned me again." I sighed. "I'm so tired, baby." I took another deep breath

He still didn't say anything. He just held me, which is all I really needed anyway. As I'd said before, there wasn't anything that could be done.

We lay there for a while. Eventually, the sounds of Lindsay trying to drown Nick drew me out of my shell. I eased my hold on Kevin a bit, shifting away.

"Come on, Kev," I said, my voice still a little somber. "I don't wanna let her ruin another day. Let's go outside and hang with everyone."

"You sure you're ok?" he asked. The concern was evident in his tone.

"Yeah, I'm ok. I just let the holiday get to me a little. Sorry."

"Nothin' to be sorry `bout, sweetie. Holidays tend to do that," he said. "Especially when you can't be with those you love." I slid on top of him, cupping his face in my hands.

"Don't ever think that I'm not happy just being with you, Kev," I said. "I AM with those I love. You and the guys, you're like my family now. I just wish things had been different with my old family."

"I understand, D, and I know how you're feelin'. Let's go down and enjoy the rest of the day, ok?" I nodded, giving him a quick kiss.

We both got up and wandered back downstairs. Lindsay's screams were getting loud. Apparently, Nick had turned the tables on her and was now trying to drown her.

We walked out into the warmth of the Florida sun. No one made a big deal about my sudden exit, which I appreciated.

"Dylan, help!" Lindsay yelled when I walked outside. "Nick's tryin' to kill me!"

I looked over at the pool and laughed. Nick was stalking Lindsay around the edge of the pool. He was gaining on her, as she was heading for the deep end where his height gave him an advantage.

I dove into the pool, coming up just behind Nick as he turned around. He was momentarily blinded by the water splashing in his eyes. I, being such a good friend, took complete advantage of that fact and reached over to dunk him.

Lindsay, sensing victory, leaped into the fray, adding her weight to mine. Suddenly, I was grabbed from behind and pushed underwater myself. This left Nick free to kick away from Lindsay and get to the surface.

I grabbed the arms of my would-be drowner and pushed him off. I came to the surface and opened my eyes in time to see AJ diving at me again. This time, I was expecting him and could brace myself.

My height allowed me to keep my feet on the pool floor. I grabbed AJ as he leaped at me, twisting my body and turning to allow his own momentum to push him under the water. I held him there, laughing maniacally until I was again attacked from behind.

"I'm sorry, baby, but I can't let ya drown my band," Kev said, just before he pushed me under himself. I kicked a leg out, hooking it on his and yanking his out from underneath him.

I surged up out of the water, taking stock of the situation. Kev was quickly recovering in front of me and AJ was slowly stalking me from the side. I looked over towards Nick.

To my surprise, Lindsay had Nick held under the water. I wasn't sure how she'd managed that, but I cheered her on just before AJ jumped me again.

This time, I was able to keep my feet under me, so AJ was basically just clinging to my back. Kevin came to stand in front of me.

"Traitor," I called to him.

"Hey, just watchin' out for my boys," he smiled.

"Yeah, at the expense of your lover!" I said. "You're on the couch tonight, mister!" I chuckled at him. He seemed to stop and think.

"Ya know, you're right. What was I thinkin'?" he asked as he grabbed AJ's arms and pried them off of my chest and shoulders, pushing him off behind me.

"Kev..." AJ started to yell just before he went under. Kevin wrapped his arms around me for a minute.

"How `bout we find a quiet corner of the pool and neck?" he asked, a big goofy grin on his face. I slid my legs up around his waist and my arms around his shoulders. The water was deep enough to support my weight, so he easily moved us over to the side.

We started kissing and making out. It wasn't anything too deep, obviously, as we were in a crowd, but we just had a little fun with each other, touching and rubbing in the corner.

"Hey, get a room!" I heard Nick yell to us. I just lifted a hand and gave him the finger, which caused a round of laughs. Then I remembered Kevin's mother was one of our audience, and I quickly pulled my hand back down.

"Alright, you two, that's quite enough!" Lindsay joined in the ridicule next.

I pulled away from Kev, chuckling. I looked into his eyes, noticing the mix of lust and humor there. I decided to let humor win out for now.

"Well, it looks like our guests don't approve of our idea for a party game," I said softly to him. He chuckled.

"No, I guess not," he agreed.

"Later, then?" I asked, letting the lust fill my eyes.

"Mmmmm, absolutely!"

We broke apart, Kevin hopping out of the pool to relieve Brian at the grill and me heading over to help Lindsay in her quest to drown Nick. Everyone started settling down and just talking in groups. All in all, it was a great afternoon.

To be continued... ------------------

No, kiddies, the story didn't end with Dylan's death. That seems to be a common question that everyone asked after the recent near-car-accident and gunshot wounding. I'm not one to kill off my main character, so you'll have to suffer for a bit longer.

The move to Florida is still in progress for those who are wondering. I'm buying a house, actually. Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. But, it will be nice to have a place of my own, right? I'm not so sure anymore ;-)

And, on that same note, this will be the last posting I send for about a week. That's why there wasn't a cliffhanger (you can all thank me later!). I'm heading back to the Mile High to pack up my stuff to complete the move. So, I won't really have computer access for a bit. Sorry ;-)

Feel free to e-mail your latest opinions. I'm always interested in hearing from the readers. L8r, all!